Man stabbed – because he
didn’t have cigarettes
by David Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON man is seriously ill in hospital after being stabbed by a thug – just because he didn’t have any cigarettes.
Police are hunting a gang of four teenage boys and one teenage girl following the incident in Heath Road, Great Sankey – and have appealed for help from some members of the gang who tried to stop their friend from using the knife.
A police spokeswoman said: “If there is any member of this group who feels unhappy about what happened, now is the time to come forward and let us know.”
The 23-year-old victim was walking home with his girl friend, also 23, late on Friday night.
They were near the Royal British Legion Club in Heath Road when they were approached by the gang, who asked for a cigarette. They replied that they did not have any.
The tallest member of the group, a boy of about 16 and six feet tall, then produced a kitchen knife and stabbed the 23-year-old man twice, from behind. He suffered wounds to his neck and face.
The couple managed to escape and the man was taken to Warrington Hospital, from where he was later transferred to Whiston Hospital, on Merseyside where his condition was said to be “serious.” He was awaiting surgery.
His girl friend was unhurt but was badly shaken by the incident.
Police say the girl in the gang was about 15, 5ft 4 inches tall with shoulder length blonde hair.
Two of the youths in the gang had BMX-type bikes with them. Three were aged about 15 and all were wearing tracksuit type clothing and baseball caps.
The youth who used the knife was wearing dark colour tracksuit bottoms, a red and black or navy blue jacket tied around the waste and had dark hair. He was of medium build.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call Det Insp Mark Tasker on 01244 350000.
Police are searching for the knife, a large, kitchen-type knife with a silver blade and black handle.
Couple set for world’s
toughest “banger” race
by David Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON couple are set to take part in the world’s ultimate banger race – a gruelling 20-day 3,699 drive through nine countries and including hundreds of miles through the Sahara Desert.
Alan Jaques and Geraldine Murphy will set out on Boxing Day on the Plymouth to Dakar Challenge, a take-off of the famous Paris to Dakar Challenge.
They’ll be driving a 1973 Mercedes 280 which, until they bought it through the internet, had been standing unused in a Bristol garage for eight years.
The car does around 18 mpg and will be one of 200 cars taking part in the challenge, which will raise money for a number of Gambian charities.
Alan and Geraldine, from Stockton Heath, hope to forge links with a number of Warrington schools before they leave and to keep in touch with them by text and email during the journey.
“We hope perhaps the trip will be some help educationally, in terms of geography, etc. The pupils will be able to follow our progress on the map and learn something about the various countries we pass through,” said Alan.
While the Paris to Dakar Challenge is regarded the ultimate test of man and machine, the Plymouth to Dakar Challenge styles itself as the ultimate test of faith over the laws of mechanics.
The idea is to buy an old car for around ?100, spend about ?15 on getting it prepared – and then driving the 3,699 mile route.
In fact the “banger” challenge is a longer journey than the Paris event as it continues on through Dakar to Banjul where those cars which have survived the journey are auctioned off in aid of the charities.
Geraldine said: “This is the 4th time the Challenge has been run and in previous years people have managed to auction cars which they bought for ?100 for more than ?1,000. There seems to be a demand for them out there.
“Of course, once we’ve sold our car we are on our own and have to fly back at our own expense. All the money we raise goes to the charities.”
The couple, who run their own marketing company, bought a left-hand drive car because in Senegal – one of the countries they pass through – only left-hand driver vehicles are allowed.
They plan to carry a good supply of beer as, apparently, this can ease the way through several African border crossings!
After passing through France, Spain and Gibraltar , the couple take the ferry to Morocco and commence an itinerary of exotic sounding places such as Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Laayoune, Dakhla, Nouadhibou, Nouamghar, Nouakchott, Zebrabar, etc.
They will camp overnight in the Sahara.
Each two-person team in the event takes a title and Alan and Geraldine have chosen “4 Weldings and a Funnel” – a play on words not unconnected with repairs necessary to their car.
The couple, are seeking sponsorship for the trip and any firm or individual interested in taking part can contact them on 01925 861771.
Village walks!
VILLAGERS took to the streets for their annual Walk of Witness at Grappenhall, Warrington.
Church members from St Wilfrid’s and Grappenhall Independent Methodists joined forces for a joint service followed by their traditional walk through the village.
St Wilfrid’s Rose Queen Stephanie Roberts was crowned by Mrs Doris Allison.
Teenage artists bring
cheer to hospital wards
by Terry Johnson
TEEN-artists have brightened the lives of children in hospital at Warrington with vibrant pictures and wood sculptures of their favourite cartoon characters.
The Simpsons and fishy favourites, Nemo and Dorey and a dolphin have given instant impact to the children’s ward and play area at Warrington Hospital.
The art designs are by Year-11 pupils from the town’s Sir Thomas Boteler High School.
Jane Scott, senior nurse for children’s services, said: “This artwork greatly contributes to making young patients feel comfortable while in hospital.
“The pictures look fantastic. The high school children have made a selfless and generous donation – making us proud of our strong links with the community”.
The artwork evolved during student lessons in citizenship.
Caroline Teasdale, project co-ordinator for Warrington Youth Action, said: “We visit schools to encourage young people to play an active part in their community. The children decided to do artwork for the hospital, then got patients to complete a questionnaire about what they wanted to see.
“They have been working on their designs for six months”.
Gill Povey, a learning mentor at the school, added: “The children are proud of what they have achieved. They have worked hard and have enjoyed every aspect of their project”.
Residents want action
on “rat run” roads
by David Skentelbery
ANGRY residents are continuing to press for action to cut speeds on Lumb Brook Road and Wright’s Green, Appleton, near Warrington.
For the second month running, a large number of residents attended Appleton Parish Council’s meeting which was attended by Warrington Borough Council accident and investigation road safety officer Mark Tune and Insp Stuart Woodcock from Cheshire Police.
They stressed that a 40mph speed limit introduced last year had made no difference – and pointed to the front wall of Keeper’s Cottage which had been knocked down by speeding cars on three occasions.
The road was increasingly being used as a “rat run”, they claimed, and several residents warned that it was only a matter of time before a serious accident happened.
Mr Tune said a review had shown that 40mph was the correct speed limit, under the guidlines laid down.
Traffic calming was inappropriate because the road was used by emergency vehicles and the road did not have a bad accident record.
However, he fully understood residents’ concerns and was prepared to arrange for the road to be monitored twice over a period of seven days. He would also asked the council to consider closing Dingle Lane to
through traffic Insp Woodcock said police could only undertake short term solutions. Since the previous meeting, speed cameras had been placed on the road. But no speeders had been caught.
He undertook to carry out further speed enforcement during morning school runs and between 7pm and 9pm in the evening.
The parish council will receive a further report on action taken at a future meeting.
“Dream team” raises ?2,500
AN all female “dream team” of runners from Warrington’s Priestley College earned more than ?2,500 when they took part in the Race for Life at Birkenhead Park.
Their efforts on a sweltering hot day could not be underestimated, with all the money raised going directly to Cancer Research UK.
The event itself had 5,000 participants who all tried their best to tackle the 5K run.
Challenge veteran Bev Whittaker, curriculum manager for the Early Years, Education and Health and Social Care Department, said: “We enjoyed ourselves a great deal in 2004 and when preparations began for this race it wasn’t difficult to find even more members of staff who were willing to get involved.”
She added: “To raise ?2,500 is beyond our wildest dreams and I congratulate all of the ladies who gave up their time on a weekend to make this possible.”
Rugby club to re-build
“from the grassroots up”
by Terry Johnson
AMATEUR rugby enthusiasts at Warrington, left reeling from a devastating clubhouse fire have now pledged to re-build their youngest squad, “from the grass-roots up”.
Woolston Rovers RL Football Club is spearheading a drive for under-10’s players.
They plan to launch the 2005-06 season with renewed player strength, following the loss of many junior teams after fire swept the Bennetts Recreation Ground clubhouse, Padgate, in October, 2002.
A club spokesman said of the recruiting initiative: “Our ‘Try Rugby League’ campaign is aimed at children in year-5, with a view to increasing squad numbers.
“Boys and girls in Year 5 (under-10’s age group) are invited to join us at Bennett’s Rec on Sunday, August 7, for a fun and educational morning of RL coaching and a tour of the latest state-of-the-art facilities at the Padgate base.
“The scheme is free of charge. We want to encourage more children to participate in the sport at their local community club and to re-establish Woolston Rovers as the town’s top amateur RL club”.
Places are limited and should be booked with under-10’s coach, Paul Berry, on 07793-213329. Closing date for team places is July 31.
Police probe
flat fire
by staff reporter
POLICE are investigating a suspicious fire which caused extensive damage at a first floor flat in Bexhill Avenue, Orford, Warrington.
Two separate fires appear to have been started in the living room and the bedroom and there was evidence the property had been entered.
No-one was hurt in the incident but firecrews had to wear breathing apparatus to combat dense smoke during the operation.
The exact cause of the two outbreaks is being investigated.
