Woman dies in
house fire tragedy
by staff reporter
POLICE and fire service experts are investigating a house fire at Warrington in which a woman died.
The blaze was at a property in Woolmer Close, Birchwood shortly after 7.30pm last night (Tuesday).
Fire crews from Birchwood and Warrington were called to the scene and dealt with the blaze.
A Fire Service spokesman would give no details of the incident other than to say it was under investigation.
It is understood the alarm was raised by neighbours.
Police were unable to reveal the identity of the dead woman.
Double death tragedy:
police probe continues
by David Skentelbery
POLICE investigations are continuing into the deaths of a Warrington couple just before Christmas.
They have now released pictures of murder victim Donella Lorraine Schofield, 45 and the man suspected of killing her, partner Steven Rankin, 47, whose body was found in Sankey Valley Park early on Christmas Day morning.
Donella’s body was found at the couple’s home in Wellfield Street, Warrington, on Boxing Day. She had been strangled.
News of the tragedy was first reported by Warrington-Worldwide during the Christmas period.
Police say they are treating Donella’s death as murder but they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.
It is believed Steven died of a drugs overdose, although a post mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.
Steven, a lorry driver and Donella, a solicitor’s secretary, have lived together for about 15 years.
They were not married but had lived together for at least 15 years. They had no children, although Mr Rankin is understood to have a 23-year-old daughter by a previous marriage. He is believed to originate from Scotland.
Neighbours say the couple were quiet and “kept themselves to themselves.”
Anyone who can help police with their investigation is asked to call 0845 4580000.
Soldier awarded MBE
in New Year Honours
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON-based soldier, who served the British Army until retirement last year, has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list.
Staff Sergeant Eric Taylor, 60, receives the honour for his devotion to military duty and for his outstanding contribution to charity fundraising.
From 1996 until retirement he was the senior armourer in charge of weapons used by the Territorial Army’s King’s and Cheshire Regiment (KCR), and was based at the KCR’s headquarters at Peninsula Barracks, Warrington.
The citation accompanying S/Sgt Taylor’s award said: “He has shown devotion to duty beyond the bounds of his employment in volunteering, day or night, for a range of unrewarded behind the scenes tasks in support of the regiment.
” It said that many activities undertaken by the regiment would not have been possible, “without his willingness to turn his hand to carpentry, cleaning, general labour, decorating, entertaining and myriad of other manifestations of his commitment.
” He has also offered support to the Army Cadet Force, the army’s youth organisation, as well as to local schools and youth associations. He took a lead role in organising a range of fund-raising activities, including for the Army Benevolent Fund and for St Rocco’s Hospice, Warrington.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Rafferty, commanding officer, King’s and Cheshire Regiment, said: “This award recognises the contribution of a man who made a significant difference to other people’s lives throughout his military service.
“Eric is a man who always puts other people first. He is a very popular and pivotal team member. The whole regiment is delighted that his actions have been recognised,” he added.
S/Sgt Taylor served in the British Army as a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), latterly attached to the KCR in a Non-Regular Permanent Staff role.
Snowball prank led
to a broken jaw
by David Skentelbery
A PRANK with a snowball led to a savage attack on an innocent boy at Culcheth, near Warrington.
Police have today appealed for help in tracking down the offenders who left a 16-year-old with his jaw broken in two places after beating him up in Wigshaw Lane, Culcheth late at night on December 29.
The boy was walking along Wigshaw Lane, near its junction with Jackson Avenue, with two friends.
It is believed one of his friends threw a snowball at a passing car. The car stopped and turned back and the boys two friends ran away, leaving him on his own.
Two men got out of the car and attacked the 16-year-old, breaking his jaw in two places.
Police say the two offenders were aged about 18-20 and their car was a Ford Focus ? possibly blue in colour.
Anyone who can help identify the offenders or who witnessed the incident is asked to call DC Ian Murray on 01244 613845.
School’s “outstanding”
inspection report
RAVENBANK Primary School, Lymm, is celebrating an “outstanding” verdict being awarded by OFSTED Inspectors.
It has been awarded the highest grade in each of five performance categories and staff say it represents a remarkable improvement on its last inspection five years ago.
Lead inspector Arthur Markham praised the school’s “warm and welcoming ethos” and its “exceptionally and consistently high standards.
” The OFSTED team found that teaching and learning were outstanding and that the curriculum “matches the needs of pupils extremely well” and meets the statutory requirements.
It was reported that pupils’ personal development, spiritual, moral, social and cultural education were all outstanding and that pupils were “extremely positive” about their school.
The inspectors praised the headteacher’s “excellent leadership” and the support she receives from staff and governors. And they noted that the governing body is actively involved in the school and “very effectively supports and challenges the school.”
To build on its strengths the inspectors advised that the school could “improve standards in writing by raising the level of challenge presented to pupils and ensuring that the marking of pupil’s work consistently makes clear what they need to do to improve.”
Headteacher Avril Topping said: “It’s been quite a year. We gained Investor in People status in the summer and now this superb report. Teamwork has been the key, and the determination not to become complacent about our achievements.
“We constantly strive to improve – at the moment, our goal is to enthuse our children even more about writing but the learning has to be exciting and enjoyable,” she added.
Chairman of governors Jan Halloran said: “The governors are thrilled with the outstanding OFSTED report and congratulate the whole school for a wonderful team effort. Special thanks to Avril Topping and the senior management team who have led and steered the school through many changes.
“We now have a school that puts the needs of all its children first to make sure that every child matters and develops their full potential through a wide-ranging curriculum, safeguarding our children and offering many extra curricular opportunities.?
Archaeologist’s television
show goes international
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON archaeologist Mark Olly had the surprise of his life on the New Year Bank Holiday – when he discovered his television series recorded for Granada is to be shown internationally. Mark, 42, was visiting friends and Sky’s History Channel was on the background. They were “stunned” to see a trailer for his television programme “Lost Treasures” to be shown on the channel this weekend. The six-part series, which features archaeological sites throughout the North West, was recorded for regional television – Granada. Mark is thrilled that it now be seen on international television. “We had the shock of our
lives when the trailer came on,” he said. “The trailer was shown every third advertising break, so it obviously one of the channels major programmes for the New Year,” said Mark. “It is quite a good trailer, there are clips of me and a voice over says that I will investigate the archaeology of the area,” he added. The programme is scheduled to go out on Sundays at 5pm and Mondays at 8pm. Mark expects it to be successful as it attracted 24 per cent of viewers when on Granada against a strong Eastenders episode on BBC1. Mark, of Cinamon Brow, said the series is based on his books and looks at local sites including Winwick, Daresbury and Halton. It was voted third best archaeological programme broadcast nationally, by the British Archaeological Magazine in August/September. “The programme goes from a small regional base to the international stage. It seems amazing that so many more people will see it,” said Mark.
Wolves say thanks to
non-smoking fans
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON Wolves say their first ?no smoking? match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ? the pre-season trial game against Bradford Bulls ? proved a great success.
The great majority of supporters from both sides abided by the new no smoking policy.
There were a number of incidents where individuals did ?light up? ? but they quickly stubbed out their cigarettes when approached by a steward.
Chief executive Andy Gatcliffe said: “It is recognized that for a lifelong smoker to refrain from ‘lighting up’ for a few hours can be extremely difficult, but their support for giving the stadium a healthier environment, really is appreciated.”
The club has issued a statement thanking its supporters.
