Landlord threatened by
thug with baseball bat
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are investigating a raid on an isolated pub at Warrington in which the landlord was threatened with a baseball bat.
The aggravated burglary was at The Maltings pub, off Old Hall Road in the early hours of the morning.
A quantity of cash was stolen after a masked man threatened the licensee.
The landlord awoke around 2am on hearing the sound of breaking glass. He went to investigate and was confront by a man wearing a balaclava and brandishing a baseball bat on the landing in the private sleeping quarters of the pub.
The intruder demanded money and threatened the landlord and a quantity of money was placed in a navy blue duffle bag before the offender left.
No-one was hurt in the incident, but the landlord was left badly shaken.
Police are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone outside the pub, or noticed a vehicle on the long access drive – which is the entrance to Sankey Valley Park.
Anyone who can help is asked to call DC Mark McManus at Warrington CID on 01244 614893.
Arrested motorist
freed on bail
by David Skentelbery
A 25-year-old motorist arrested at Warrington following a tragic death crash on the A57, has been released on bail.
The man, who has not been named by police, was bailed until May 30 after being questioned at Warrington Police Station.
He was arrested after a crash in Manchester Road, Paddington, Warrington involving an MG saloon and a silver Ford Fusion.
The driver of the MG, a 35-year-old local man, was killed when he car was involved in a collision with the Ford. Two pensioners in the other car were taken to Warrington Hospital with serious injuries.
Police said a third car was involved but did not stop. They are investigating the theory that the MG was racing the third vehicle.
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.
Witnesses are asked to contact PC Philip Day on 01244 613813.
School to receive
Quality Mark award
by John Hendon
ST JOSEPH’S RC Primary School in Penketh, Warrington, has a lot to shout about as they prepare to celebrate in style after being awarded the Primary Quality Mark.
A special ceremony will take place, to officially hand over the accolade, hosted by Malcolm Roxburgh – the borough council’s education chief.
The nationally recognised award illustrates that a school is teaching, planning and acting to raise achievements and standards in the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. The school underwent an independent accreditation inspection last year.
Mr Roxburgh will spend time meeting and greeting staff and pupils and will present the awards to those behind the award.
Coun Colin Froggatt, the council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “Once again we have a reason to be proud of our schools in Warrington and of their continuous achievements.
“Congratulations to St Joseph’s Primary School and everyone who has made this all possible.”
Award winning
pianist in town
by staff reporter
A PIANIST whose playing has been described as “aesthetically incomparable” is to appeared in Warrington this week.
Sergei Salov, winner of the Montreal International Piano Competition last year, will play at St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall on Thursday (April 14) at 7.30pm as part of the “Live at St Wilfrid’s” series of concerts.
Born in the Ukraine in 1979, Sergei made his debut as a soloist at the age of 11, playing Greig’s Piano Concerto for his country’s National Symphony Orchestra.
Since then he has won numerous international piano competitions including the the Montreal contest when judges made comments such as: “It’s hard to believe Salov was even playing the same instrument as the others” and “aesthetically incomparable”.
His programme will include works by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Ravel played on a Steinway piano loaned by Arts Council England.
Police appeal after
driver disappears
by David Skentelbery
POLICE have issued an appeal for help in tracing a man who disappeared without trace after making a phone call home from Warrington.
Alan Petcher, 39, phoned home to say that his car had been clamped at the Lymm Service Area.
Mr Petcher, from Bradford, was reported missing on April 5 after his family never heard anything further from him following his phone call.
He was not with his car, a white Peugeot 205, when it was found at the service area.
Mr Petcher is described as stocky, clean shaven with shaven black/greying hair.
A police spokesman said: “We would like to speak to anyone who might at seen Mr Petcher, especially anyone who might have given him a lift from the service area.
“He called home to Bradford to say his car had been clamped – but was not heard from again.”
Top amateur orchestra
booked for Parr Hall
by staff reporter
THE renowned Liverpool Mozart Orchestra is to appear in Warrington.
It will perform as a guest orchestra as part of the North Cheshire Concert Bands 2005 concert programme at The Parr Hall on May 7.
One of the finest non-professional orchestras in the North West, LMO will present of popular programme of classical favourites including Beethoven’s 8th Symphony and the 5th Symphony by Schubert.
Chris Swann, formerly of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will be the soloist in Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto.
The Liverpool Mozart Orchestra has strong Warrington connections. Lead violinist will be well known Warrington GP Dr Andrew Winter.
He practises medicine in Westbrook and at Warrington Hospital and practises music whenever he has the time! The concert will be conducted by professional conductor, Mark Heron, who lives in Grappenhall.
Dr Winter said: “I have played with the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra for many years in their concerts in Liverpool and at our current base in Birkenhead. Living and working in Warrington as I do, it is great that the orchestra is coming to the Parr Hall with such a popular and exciting programme.”
[ 14.04.2005, 07:58: Message edited by: DS ]
