Viking treasure found
in farmer’s field
by Gary Skentelbery
RARE Viking treasure dating from the 9th and 10th centuries has been unearthed in a farmer’s field by a metal detecting enthusiast.
It is the latest discovery made by Warrington based archaeologist James Balme who has already discovered many ancient sites and artefacts in the Warburton and Lymm areas, ranging from the Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon periods of history.
His latest discovery is set to add yet another chapter to the already rich history of the area and more importantly proves that Vikings were active in the Lymm area during the 9th and 10th centuries.
James has unearthed a “wonderful piece” of Viking HackSilver which he has registered as treasure trove.
He said: “HackSilver is a term used to describe silver objects purposely broken up in preparation for smelting to make coinage and ornate objects such as brooches, pendants and various items of personal adornment.
“What is particularly exciting is that much of this HackSilver was obtained during the Viking raids and looting of the monasteries in Ireland and the North of England such as the legendary Lindisfarne back in AD 793.
“Viking artefacts of silver are a rare occurrence especially in this area of the North West and to make such a discovery so soon into my latest research project is very satisfying. What is really interesting is that hack silver was normally stored in quite large quantities and an example of this was the Cuerdale hoard discovered in May 1840 comprising of 8,500 pieces of silver and weighing in at almost 40KG. The question now remains whether the piece of Viking silver is part of a much larger hoard of such material, or a casual loss. I intend to put all of my efforts into trying to locate further pieces of silver to back up this theory. But most importantly it proves that the Vikings were here.”
For obvious reasons James is keeping the location of his latest discoveries a closely guarded secret but he has already informed the finds liaison officer for Merseyside and Greater Manchester of his recovery of the artefact.
As well as finding the Viking silver James also recovered a Bronze Age flint blade and a scabbard hook from the middle ages used to suspend a sword from the waist of its owner. This example is highly decorated with animal heads.
Meanwhile James is to be featured on the BBC1 Inside Out series on Monday (October 3) at 7.30pm. For more information on his discoveries visit www.warburtonvillage.co.uk .
Police smash
drugs ring
by Terry Johnson
DRUGS officers have smashed a cocaine supply ring after a series of raids across Warrington.
Seven people were arrested in the swoop on homes and industrial premises.
Officers from Cheshire’s Central Drug Unit, the Northern Policing Team and Organised Crime Unit carried out the raids, assisted by the Area Support Group.
Detective Inspector Darren Hebden, who led the operation, said: “Seven men are in police custody, assisting us with our enquiries”.
He added; “We are committed to cracking down on drugs supply in the Warrington area and Cheshire.
“Drug dealing can have a devastating effect on local communities. Breaking up the network of suppliers improves the quality of life of people in the area.
“Our work to stifle the supply of drugs is ongoing. We will continue to gather intelligence and carry out raids. The public have a large part to play in this by providing information”.
Anyone with information on drug supply should contact the police – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555111.
Three men have been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and will appear before Warrington magistrates today.(Saturday) They are two men aged 23 and 49 from Warrington and a 23-year-old man from Widnes. The other four men were still be questioned.
Rugby club launches
Grass Roots Appeal
by Gary Skentelbery
LYMM Rugby Club is launching a major fund-raising campaign to buy additional land adjoining its Crouchley Lane base.
Following England’s rugby and cricket stars’ success on the world stage, the club believes there has never been a better time to encourage grass roots involvement in sport for everyone.
Now the club is planning to purchase additional land for playing facilities near to the clubhouse in Crouchley Lane.
The Club, which has aspirations to be at the centre of Lymm’s sports community for future generations, is launching the ‘Grass Roots Sports Appeal’, to create a fighting-fund for land acquisition and pitch development.
John Hopkinson, The Club Chairman,(Pictured right) said. “If this country wants to continue to create world-class sportspeople we have to invest in our sporting grass roots. Lymm RFC has been at the heart of our sports community since we started in 1960. Now we have an opportunity to extend the Club’s playing fields but need to generate significant funds to do so.
“The Grass Roots Sports Appeal is not just about rugby. Lymm Hockey Club is also based at the Club and if we buy enough land we can develop pitches for hockey and, potentially, junior football as well. Along with our current squash facilities, this would create a true sports club catering for a wide range of sporting interests.
“A number of fund-raising events are being planned with the objective of raising ?90,000 by March 2006 and ?500,000 over the next five years. We are asking for both individuals and corporate sponsors to get involved,” added John.
“We have a thriving and hugely successful Mini and Junior rugby section catering for hundreds of children across all ages every week. Unfortunately the teams play and train far from the Club due to our lack of playing fields. If we could buy this nearby land it would have an immediate, positive effect and we could also run regional tournaments.
“This is not just about buying land. It is about building a legacy for Lymm’s future generations and we want everyone in the community to be part of it,” concluded John.
For further information on Lymm RFC’s Grass Roots Sports Appeal and sponsorship opportunities please contact Danny McNicholl at [email protected] or call 01925 752212.
New film liaison
officer appointed
by Terry Johnson
A NEW film liaison officer for Cheshire and Warrington to promote tourism and inward investment.
Based at the Borough’s International Business Centre, Samantha Hall will spotlight the county’s best film locations and its professionals to advise on film-making.
Samantha has spent more than 10 years in tv production, working with major broadcasters.
“I am excited about taking over in a county which has seen a number of high-profile productions”, she said.
“My aim is to build on the solid foundation by attracting film-makers to a place with much to offer.”
Alice Morrison, of North West Vision, the region’s film and tv development agency, said: “This post will augment filming in the region, which in turn will boost tourism and inward investment.
“This has been proved by other film offices across the North-West”.
Film production in 2004 generated ?45m into the North West economy.
Town’s achievements hailed
at national conference
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON councillor, Yvonne Fovargue, hailed the town’s achievements at a national conference.
The Fairfield and Howley ward member spoke at the Citizen Advice Bureau event in York about the changing relationship between the voluntary sector and local authorities.
She told conference delegates at York University that the Government agenda provides ‘new and exciting opportunities’ for CAB’s across the country.
“The conference gave me the chance to tell of the good things we are doing in Warrington”, said Coun Fovargue, who is also Chief Executive of a St. Helens-based charity.
Nearly new
sale
for parents
by staff reporter
THE Cheshire branch of the National Childbirth Trust is holding a nearly-new sale at St John?s United Reform Church, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington tomorrow (Saturday).
Clothing, toys, videos and other items such as buggies, high chairs, safety equipment etc. will be on sale at a fraction of normal retail prices.
Mums-to-be can even find inexpensive maternity clothes.
The sales are intended to ease the strain on the childcare budget of the average family by offering parents a more economical alternative to buying brand new.
Charity AGM
by staff reporter
LOCAL charity The Relationships Centre (formerly known as ARC) holds its Annual Meeting at The Gateway, Sankey Street, Warrington, on Friday October 14.
The Relationships Centre offers support to people affected by unhealthy relationships, by offering information and advice, emotional support, counselling and mediation.
The meeting starts at 2.30pm, and anyone interested in attending should contact the charity on 01925 246910.
