Quest for lost ring
leads to grave discovery
by Gary Skentelbery
A QUEST for a missing wedding ring at Warrington has helped uncover a breathtaking collection of ancient treasures dating back up to 4,000 years.
Believed to be from tombs on the holiday island of Cyprus the stunning collection had been collecting dust in an attic for nearly 40 years with the belief they were old holiday trinkets.
Their historic value was discovered when Lymm resident Neville Davies enlisted the help of fellow Rotarain and local archaeologist and metal detecting enthusiast James Balme, to help him track down his son-in-laws missing wedding ring.
The ?500 gold ring had been lost on his land during snowy weather.
James and his colleague Brian Lomas soon found the ring that had lain in undergrowth for many weeks.
James said:”After we had recovered the ring Neville asked me if I knew anything about identifying pottery as he had a box of pots in his loft that had been there for many years. He thought that they were tourist souvenirs and probably fairly modern. I agreed to take a look at what was in the box and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw ancient artefacts, some dating back up to 4000 years.”
The collection consisted of 13 items, including wine flagons, a small bowl, a wine cup and an unusual clay effigy of a face, bedlieved to be a Roman character, as well as several painted Greek vases.
Many of them still contained traces of soil indicating they may have come from a tomb or several tombs.
“It is highly likely that these vessels were deposited at the time of burial. There was a belief some 4000 years ago that they served the deceased on his or her journey to the afterlife,” added James.
After discovering their historic interest Neville remembered that another box was stored away in the attic. He recovered the box containing a further twenty four artefacts and took it to James who immediately identified many of the objects as being Cypriot vessels from the Bronze age with a date range of approximately 2500 – 1650BC. James said: “To say that I was amazed at what I was seeing would be an understatement to say the least. As well as the ancient pottery, most of which is in pristine condition, I also identified a Bronze Age spear some 14 inches in length and a unique Bronze oil lamp that I believe to be very ancient dating back to the late Bronze Age or early Roman period occupation of the island.”
Another stunning artefact is a huge painted flagon with the head of a bull cast into the neck of the vessel. With Egypt being only a short boat trip away there is the possibility that some of the material could have be influenced by the ancient Egyptians.
The age of the finds has been verified by Professor John Prag of Manchester Museum.
The items ended up in Neville’s loft after they were given to him by his late father, Sir Ossie Davies.
Back in 1958 a Cypriot gave them as a gift to someone who brought them back to Britain, shortly afterwards they were given to Neville’s father who in turn passed them on to Neville.
James added: “Neville and his wife Kath have very kindly given me permission to retain the artefacts and it is my intention to make them available for public viewing in the future starting with my 1st exhibition of these treasures throughout April at Warrington Central Library.
“Visitors will be able to see for themselves these remarkable vessels last used by the Bronze Age people, ancient Greeks and Romans many thousands of years ago. The clay Roman effigy is particularly magnificent if not a little scary!!! This really is a journey back in time to witness this remarkable piece of ancient history that has remained lost until now!!”
For more information regarding the archaeological discoveries made by James why not visit his website www.warburtonvillage.co.uk or you can e-mail him directly at [email protected].
Two die in separate
A57 crash tragies
by David Skentelbery
TWO people were killed in separate accidents on the A57 near Warrington over the weekend.
In one crash, a 35-year-old local man, died when his MG saloon was in collision with a silver Ford Fusion on the wrong side of a dual carriageway in Manchester Road, Paddington.
A third car was involved but did not stop and police are investigating the theory that the MG was racing the third vehicle.
The driver of the third vehicle, a 25-year-old local man was arrested later and questioned by police.
A police spokesman said the MG was travelling towards the M6 when it moved into the Warrington bound carriageway and there was a collision with the Ford, which contained a man and woman both in their 70s.
The couple are said to be in a serious condition in Warrington Hospital.
A police spokesman said: “This was a very serious crash. At this stage it is unclear exactly what happened.”
Witnesses are asked to contact PC Philip Day on 01244 613813.
Two hours earlier, a man from Bury, Manchester, was killed when his car was in collision with another on the A57 in Manchester Road, Rixton.
The man was the driver of a Toyota which collided with a Fiat travelling in the opposition.
The front seat passenger from the Toyota was airlifted to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. Another man and a four-year-old girl were also taken to hospital.
Householders warned
about “free offers”
by Terry Johnson
TRADING watchdogs at Warrington are warning householders not to be tricked by ‘free offers’ from doorstep salespeople who may have sinister motives.
The borough’s trading standards team has been deluged by calls from worried residents who feel they may have been duped into revealing their valuables and possessions to a stranger.
A ‘security firm’ is reported to be working door-to-door, offering to post-code people’s valuable possessions free of charge.
Consumer spokeswoman, Kathy Lyon, said: “People should not be tricked by ‘freebies’. At best they risk being talked into purchasing a pricey security system without shopping around – at worst they may be giving vital information about their valuables to someone who might have a more sinister motive”.
Anyone with concerns about security should contact Warrington Police Community Safety on 01244-613862. People worried about selling techniques should ring Warrington Trading Standards on 01925-442678.
Said Kathy: “Contact Trading Standards now and ask for a free door hanger or bookmark, which give advice on dealing with doorstep traders. You can also stop many unwanted ‘phone calls by registering with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845-0700707”.
Celebrating a
diamond jubilee
by staff reporter
SOROPTIMISTS across the world gather on April 22 to join glitter-filled celebrations of the Warrington club’s diamond birthday.
Friendship links have been forged in the US, Malta, Norway (Fredrikstaad) and Kenya (Nakura) who are to send representatives to the 60th milestone event at Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm.
Best wishes to the Warrington organisation for business women come from Soroptimist International clubs in Finland, Australia and Iceland.
A civic reception is to be held and there will be a service of re-dedication at Warrington Parish Church.
Among top guests expected in the town are Mrs Janet Garnons-Williams, president of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, Mrs Lyn Dunning, International President Elect, and South Lancashire President, Mrs Pat Wooward.
Ex-teacher is new
Honorary Colonel
by Terry Johnson
FORMER high school teacher Brigadier John Thomson has been appointed new Honorary Colonel of Warrington-based King’s and Cheshire Regiment.
The Territorial Army unit – one of two in the North-West – has its HQ in Warrington and companies that train in Manchester, Stockport, Northwich,
Crewe, Widnes and Liverpool.
Brig Thomson joined 42(North West) Brigade in 1997 and served as Deputy Commander. In July, 2002, he was made ADC(TA) to the Queen and has served as North West Regional Director of the Army Benevolent Fund.
Brig Thomson,52, takes up his new role following the retirement of joint-Colonels Ian Paterson and William Bromley-Davenport, with a combined century of Army service.
Col Bromley-Davenport, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, was KCR’s Cheshire’s Colonel. Col Paterson, a former Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, was Honorary Colonel(King’s).
Lt Colonel Peter Rafferty, KCR’s commanding officer, said: “These men have made a significant contribution to our evolution. They have given tremendous support to the KCR and its forebears for many years”.
Nursing home
extension
by staff reporter
ROSEGARTH Investments have applied to town hall planners to build a two-storey, 25 bedrooms extension to Heathercroft Nursing Home in Longbarn Lane, Woolston.
Latest plans also include a proposal by store giant, Asda, to extend the Westbrook Centre to provide areas for extra sales and staff facilities.
Civil engineer becomes
divisional director
by John Hendon
CIVIL engineer Jeremy Mitchinson has been promoted divisional director of consulting engineers, Pell Frischmann, to run its new Warrington office.
He replaces Roger McKenning, Warrington-based regional director, who is leaving the group.
Jeremy has 16 years experience in civil engineering, especially water and environment management, infrastructure development and design.
Pell Frishmann has operated a Warrington branch for eight years. The firm has grown from a structural design practice in 1926 to a company offering engineering services to airports, buildings, highways and bridges, transportation, water, power and rail.
It has 17 UK offices and premises worldwide.
