Top science centre keeps
village in world spotlight
by Terry Johnson
A LEADING-edge science facility is keeping the once-sleepy hamlet of Daresbury, near Warrington in the world spotlight.
The village originally became globally famous for Lewis Carroll’s ?Alice in Wonderland? – penned by Victorian author Lewis Carroll, who was son of the local vicar.
Now a modern marvel – the Daresbury Innovation Centre – is attracting science and technology-based businesses to the North West.
Government chief scientific advisor Sir David King, opened the multi-million ? centre, which offers 24,000 sq ft of office, workshop and laboratory space, together with business support services.
The state-of-the-art facility has already lured leading companies, including IBM.
The new location for small to medium-sized enterprises with high-growth potential is at the heart of Daresbury’s Science and Innovation Campus.
This has attracted world-class research and commercial operations like the Cockcroft Institute, the UK’s National Centre for Accelerator Science and benefits from the major research tool, Daresbury Laboratory.
Said Bryan Gray, chairman of North West Development Agency: “Daresbury Innovation Centre forms part of a ?50.3m investment in Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, which is at the heart of the NWDA’s drive to build and sustain a knowledge economy.
“This new centre will play a key role in attracting science and technology-based businesses to the region. It will be a major source of wealth and job creation”.
Major cash boost for
community centre project
by Lesley Wilkinson
A ?1.2 million scheme to provide extensive community facilities in Oughtrington has received a major boost with a second ?25,000 cheque from Lymm Parish Council.
Oughtrington Community Association, working in partnership with neighbouring St Peters Church, is fundraising for major refurbishment of the community centre and the adjacent church hall site.
Plans include expanding the centre to double its size and refurbishing the building and linking the centre with the adjacent church hall site.
A new range of facilities will be provided including a community caf?, foyer and computer room. There will also be improvements to site access.
It is expected that redevelopment will take place in several phases with work starting initially with the west end of the centre.
Funds raised so far include ?50,000 from a local house builder, ?10,000 from charitable trust Garfield Weston and ?25,000 from Lymm Parish Council.
More than ?10,000 has been raised by local fundraising events and charitable donations. Future fundraising events include a Hog Roast on July 16 and Family Fun Run on September 17.
A spokesman for the community association said they were “delighted” to receive a second large sum from the parish council.
Rugby League legends
say farewell to “Nobby”
by Gary Skentelbery
A HOST of former Warrington legends paid their last respects to Derek ?Nobby? Clarke ? the former Warrington player who went on to become the club?s trainer and was chairman of the Past Players Association.
Stars from the club’s glittering past including Alex Murphy, Kevin Ashcroft, Mike Nicholas and Parry Gordon attended Nobby’s funeral following his death in hospital after suffering a stroke.
There was standing room only at Walton Lea Crematorium with an estimated 200 mourners attending the funeral with the club represented by chairman Lord Hoyle, chief executive Andy Gatcliffe and other members of staff.
Affectionately known as ?Nobby?, Derek, aged 70, had played an active role at Warrington RL Club for more than 40 years.
He played four games at scrum-half in 1957-58 and was reserve to Gerry Helme.
After his playing career he became the club?s trainer during the 60s and 70s and was part of the all conquering 70s set-up under Alex Murphy.
Three evenings of
open air theatre
by John Hendon
THREE evenings of open air theatre are to be staged at Warrington?s Walton Hall Gardens this summer.
Staff, in association with Heartbreak Productions, are putting on two evenings of Shakespeare and one of the Edith Nesbit children?s classic ?The Railway Children.?
Admission will be ?9 (concessions ?7) and people are being invited to bring a picnic, rug or low-backed chair. Seating will not be provided.
Romeo and Juliet will be staged on Thursday, June 22, Twelfth Night on Wednesday July 19 and The Railway Children on Thursday, August 10.
A bar and light refreshments will be available ? and the shows will go on whatever the weather.
Tickets are available from the Pyramid Box Office on 01925 442345 or in person at Walton Gardens Heritage Centre.
College’s “art for
everyone” event
by Terry Johnson
PACE-setting Warrington Collegiate opens its doors to the public from June 15-19 with an inspiring, free ?art for everyone? event.
Creative works from adult centres across Warrington will be displayed at the Museum Street campus.
They include soft furnishings, watercolour and silk paintings, drawings, dressmaking, embroidery, pottery, card making, floristry and calligraphy.
The showcase will be open from 10.00am-8.00pm on Thursday and from 10.00am-4.00pm on Friday, June 16 and June 19.
Exhibition organiser, Margaret Ford, head of creative and performing arts, said: “We hope that many people will visit this free exhibition.
“It raises awareness of the Collegiate’s provision for adult learning and the huge variety of courses on offer”.
Talent shows to find
new panto stars
by Lesley Wilkinson
TWO talent shows based on television’s “Stars in Your Eyes” are being held to find new players for the popular Lymm Rugby Club Christmas Pantomime.
Budding performers, whether singers, dancers or comedians, are invited to enter the competitions on Friday and Saturday July 7 and 8.
Simon Plumb, the panto impresario, said: “We are constantly seeking new talent to join our pantomime cast and this big summer event showcases new performers.
“We also have regular panto stars performing on both nights so I guarantee a superb and hilarious show. Last year we unearthed two fantastic performers, Steve Roe and Ria Kulik, who both went onto star at Christmas in The Wizard of Oz panto.?
Anyone, aged over 18, interested in taking part should contact Simon on 01925 755590 or by email [email protected]
Tickets for both evenings are ?12 and available from Colette Cartwright on 01925 752442 or Lymm Rugby Club. Money raised will go towards improved facilities at the club.
News in brief
Police meeting
POLICE are holding a Community Action Meeting (CAM) at St Helen’s CE Primary School, Hollins Green, Rixton, Warrington tonight (Wednesday). The meeting starts at 7.30pm and all residents are invited to discuss local issues with police officers.
Learning centre
PLANS have been approved for a two-storey learning resource centre, including a cafeteria at the Warrington Campus of the University of Chester in Crab Lane, Fearnhead.
Restaurant refused
A PROPOSAL to change the use a property in Padgate Lane, Padgate, Warrington to a restaurant has been thrown out by borough planners.
Footpath closure
WARRINGTON Borough Council has made an order to temporarily close the footpath in Winmarleigh Street and Museum Street from Friday (June 16) to allow safe construction of a new apartment building. The closure could last up to 18 months. An alternative route will be provided for pedestrians.
