“Brain drain” crisis
for youth orchestra
by Terry Johnson
A “BRAIN drain” has forced a crisis for Warrington’s highly-successful youth orchestra.
Twenty-five teenage musicians will be leaving this summer to take up university places
The exodus drives a big hole in the orchestra’s string section, which leaders may be unable to repair
Chairman Roy Green said he was ‘concerned’ at the level of impending Uni-led departures
“Although no doubt new members will be joining us, the orchestra will be left short of players in certain areas – particularly strings”, he stated
The youth orchestra is pinning its hopes on attracting new players on Saturday mornings, term-time, at its Bridgewater High School venue, Stockton Heath
A large number of instruments are available to rent by young people who wish to try bassoons, oboes, cellos and horns
The orchestra also arranges beginner sessions in woodwind, brass and strings
For more details about the youth orchestra, contact Mr Green on 01925-490527 or Kath Whyte, 0161-941-2350.
Countdown to the first
Arley Horse Trial
by Gary Skentelbery
THE first Arley Horse Trial is set to take place on May 28 and 29, representing three years of planning and the realization of a dream for former Estate manager Eric Ransome.
Going back many years, key members of the Arley staff believed that the estate, set in rolling countryside with a mix of park, woods, pasture and arable fields, would be ideal for equestrian activities and sports.
Arley’s Victorian squire, Rowland Egerton Warburton, was an avid horseman and breeder and even had his own “racecourse” on the estate.
Once Viscount Ashbrook agreed to the idea, plans were put into place to create this exciting event and in the summer of 2002 Eric along with colleague, Judy Popley, visited many of the best countryside and equestrian events in the UK.
“I remember visiting the CLA Show at Harewood,” says Eric, “and as we parked up and saw the huge infrastructure and planning involved in this event, I felt the first pangs of apprehension. The road ahead looked very, very long with the Horse Trials still to come.”
The Country Fair was set to run a year in advance of the Horse Trial to give the event a strong foundation but it was always the thought of the Horse Trial that got the adrenalin pulsing.
After initial contact with Colin Furness, the regional director of British Eventing at the time and meetings with other local Horse Trial organisers, Eric was further encouraged to pursue a new British Equestrian event.
Visits to Bradwall, Skipton, Tatton and Chatsworth Horse Trials all followed with detailed discussions and much “walking the course” with experts, organisers, course designers and course builders.
“It has been a huge learning curve,” says Eric, “because at the time I had no equestrian background or experience, I can’t thank enough all these wonderful people who have been so helpful, professional and tremendously encouraging to me during the past two years.”
Two courses have now been constructed involving the building of 47 jumps, the removal of 200 Christmas trees, 50 tons of soil, the delivery of 6 tons of all weather material, several lorryloads of timber, hundreds of screw bolts and who knows how many man hours.
Following the retirement of Colin Furness, the new regional Northern Director, Richard Carruthers, was appointed as the Arley Course Designer. Richard has been involved in eventing for the past 20 years, first as a competitor then a trainer.
The construction team, headed by veteran fence expert Ken Davies, assisted by Arley staff, Barry Harden and Dave Begent, have had to contend with all sorts of problems.
“We have had one of the wettest autumns and winters I can remember,” says Eric, “and this has created its own headaches trying to keep heavy plant off sensitive areas of park.”
It is anticipated that upward of 400 horses will compete over the two days.
Sponsorship has been provided by CWTB, the Cheshire and Warrington Tourist Board, who will be organising the Best in Cheshire marquee as well as promoting the event with particular attention to the equestrian element.
Gang “battle”
in park averted
by staff reporter
A MAJOR disturbance in Alexandra Park, Stockton Heath, near Warrington was averted – thanks to prompt action by Community Support Officers.
CSO Peter Crellin told the monthly meeting of the Parish Council that word was received that youths from Latchford and Stockton Heath were planning a gang fight in the park.
Observations were kept at the park and in surrounding streets and five or six gangs of youths were seen wandering around the village.
“We managed to keep them apart and there was no trouble,” he said.
Four Community Service Officers are assisting police in South Warrington and a fifth is currently undergoing training.
First childrens
centre set to open
by Gary Skentelbery
Westy Sure Start Children’s Centre is set to open in May and will be the first children’s centre in Warrington.
The Centre will be based in Alderman Bolton Community Primary School and is a new build and refurbishment to part of the school.
The centre will have: Full ‘wrap around’ day care for children aged 0 to 5 years, Training Suite of 12 computers, all with internet access, Multi function room, Light and Sound room, Consulting Suite, Soft play area, Community Caf?, Taking Indoors Outdoors with external seating and outdoor play and Vegetable garden etc.
The building is scheduled to be completed by the end of April, followed by an official launch on Friday May 20 at 10am.
Chairman of Westy Sure Start, Coun Hans Mundry and his wife Karen have been invited to open the building, Scheduled to be his first official duty as the incoming Mayor of Warrington.
Coun Mundry has lived in Westy for many years and has always been actively involved in both the local community and Warrington. The official launch will take place at 10am.
Invitations are being extended to local residents, schools, shops, services, colleges, businesses etc. both in Westy and Warrington wide.
News in brief
Therapy clinic
PLANS for a complementary therapy clinic at the old Beehive bed and breakfast, adjoining the post office, in Tarporley Road, Stretton, Warrington have been approved by borough planners.
Road closure
TRAFFIC will be banned at night from Bold Street, Warrington, from Monday, May 16 to enable work to be carried out as part of the installation of traffic signals. It is expected the closure will last for about five days, between 8pm and 6am.
Extension refused
PLANS for a two-storey rear extension at a house in Nora Street, Warrington, have been rejected by borough planners.
Paddock plan
PROPOSALS to construct a sand paddock, for the riding and schooling of horses, on land next to Alder Lane and Old Alder Lane, Burtonwood, near Warrington have been given the go-ahead.
