January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 1 2 www.culchethlife.com January 2019

Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Paul Walker Editor’s Comment Advertising James Balme IT is becoming more and more clear that the proposed HS2 rail network is going to have a major impact on the villages of Freephone and Croft if the proposed route goes ahead. 0800 955 5247 Mind you with all the uncertainty opposite page. other than disruption and heart- we are facing who knows what the Parish break. Editorial future will hold!!!? Council have made their views You can already travel from 01925 623633 The current plans for HS2 will known but the more opposition the to London in around Email apparently result in the closure of better. 1:50 - do we really need all this [email protected] Wigshaw Lane, thereby cutting off It has already been proven that devastation of the countryside and the main route between the villages Websites making a strong case can make a peoples homes and businesses to of Croft and Culcheth. difference. make the travelling times faster? www.culchethlife.com As many Croft residents depend www.frodshamlife.co.uk When Taylor Business Park was on Culcheth for their health care under threat, strongly worded www.lymmlife.co.uk and shopping services, this will www.warrington- protests resulted in a change of have a devastating impact on route and while it will still have a Deadline for the worldwide.co.uk peoples’ lives. www.warrington.tv major impact on the area, it will As a former Croft resident in not be as devastating to the local my schools days this was a well February issue Address economy as losing the business New Media Centre used route for me when attending Culcheth High School, so I know it park would be. of Culcheth Life is Old Road Warrington Personally I just don’t see any WA4 1AT well. It is vitally important that local advantage of HS2 to the local area January 22 people make their views on this as it brings nothing to Warrington proposal well known - and the ways to do so are reported on the Culcheth Life is published monthly by Orbit News Ltd. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. The publishers are not liable for any statement made or opinion expressed by third parties in this publication. Printed by TwentyFourSeven

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Are you looking to make your business life easier? Speak to one of our experts: 01925 761 600 or visit us at: stylesandco.co.uk January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 3 Parish council’s strongly worded protest over HS2 CULCHETH and Glazebury Parish infrastructure resulting from HS2 send in separate responses to the Council has written a strongly- should be designed to minimise proposed closure. If you represent worded letter to Transport Secretary additional damage to the area, not a business or organisation which Chris Grayling asking him to make things even worse. serves the community in any way, take action to stop the closure of “Recent consultations between please send in a response on their Wigshaw Lane to make way for the the parish council and local behalf. “ HS2 rail line. people have brought out strong Representations must be made in They say the permanent closure concerns about the effect of cutting one of the following ways: of the road would seriously Wigshaw Lane on the quality of life 1. By filling in the online forms: 3. By post: Freepost HS2 Phase affect the lives of local people and economy of the area. When https:Ipsos.uk/environment2b and 2B Environmental consultation and through effectively cutting off the Wigshaw Lane has been closed https:Ipsos.uk/equality2b Freepost HS2 Phase 2B Equality communities of Culcheth and Croft temporarily in the recent past, 2. By email: environment2b@ consultation. from each other. local businesses have noted a ipsos-mori.com and equality2b@ 4. By filling in a form available Parish council chairman sharp drop in income. Residents of ipsos-mori.com from Culcheth Library. Margaret Webber (pictured) said: Croft generally rely on Culcheth for “The recent consultations about the shops, the medical centre, dentists, impact of HS2 on the local area the high school, and other services. have revealed particularly strong The closure of Wigshaw Lane concerns about the negative effects would cause the loss of services of the planned permanent closure and business for both villages. of Wigshaw Lane and the re-routing “We call on the Minister for of traffic between Culcheth, Croft Transport to take action without and Winwick, onto the already delay to prevent the closure of • Professional, approachable, affordable overcrowded A574.” Wigshaw Lane.” The council says Wigshaw Lane The parish council is also urging • Accounts preparation & tax returns for individuals & is the only established practical local residents to make their own companies route between the villages of individual objections. Culcheth and Croft, and its closure Cllr Webber said: “Everyone • Bookkeeping, payroll & vat would mean the two communities who lives, works or has other • Capital Gains, Estate Planning & Probate Work would be effectively cut off from connections in the villages will be each other. deeply affected by the severing of • Business start up advice “The residents of Culcheth, Wigshaw Lane. It is now vitally • First meeting free of charge Glazebury and Croft remain deeply important that, as well as individual opposed to the route of HS2 through residents, representatives and the villages, which will seriously individual members of local Call Nigel Healey now on 01925 767222 affect their lives. We understand businesses, schools, churches, this route is the current plan, and health services, leisure Abacus House, 450 Warrington Road, Culcheth WA3 5QX we believe that the changes to the organisations, sports clubs, etc. www.hunterhealey.co.uk 4 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 Accountants announce successful merger CULCHETH-based chartered now and understanding what they * Save time and effort – by related salary costs. accountants, Styles and Co, have need to do to generate more profit knowing their numbers are right, Every SMI package is tailored to announced a merger with Consilium and cash. first time, every time give the business owner complete Accountants and Business “Our merger with Styles and Co * Increase their profits – all the peace of mind; in the knowledge Advisers. To mark the occasion, the has helped us to find a practical, SMI reports are designed with this that their finance function is running combined practice has launched workable and highly economical in mind. smoothly and providing them with its innovative, cloud based Styles solution for our fast growing SME * Have direct access to a virtual the information they desire to Management Information (SMI) clients”. FD – WITHOUT having to suffer the become even more successful. service - a package providing Business owners need useful small business owners with the data they can rely on to assist in management information needed to making the important decisions make effective business decisions. which will drive their profits Looking forward to Styles and Co partner Graeme upwards. They need a coherent, Hindley, says the biggest challenge yet effective management reporting for business owners in the UK is system to readily identify the areas “Culcheth Characters” wasting precious time and money of business that will impact the most MEMBERS of Newchurch WI are looking forward to their January meeting on areas of their businesses that on their results. when Marlene Nolan will speak about “Culcheth Characters - and the first will have no impact on their bottom The Styles Management competition of the year will be “A picture of Culcheth.” line. Information service gives business President Eileen Griffiths welcomed members and two guests from Paul McGerty, founder of owners 24/7 access to the Culcheth WI to the December meeting, which was also the Christmas Party. Consilium, said: “I’ve spoken to information that really matters to The Craft Group had decorated Newchurch Parish Hall beautifully as dozens of business owners and them, and provides assistance from usual. One wall design was completely new for 2018 - Santa and his the most common issue they all a team of professional, experienced reindeer descending by balloon and robins keeping cosy in Christmas faced was spending far too long accountants. stockings. trying to get to grips with how their In addition, by adopting the Eileen greeted the December “birthday girls” and announced that Lesley businesses are performing right service, entrepreneurs Lloyd had won the 2018 competition trophy. Warren Bibby and his team from the Village Club served a delicious Christmas dinner and music was provided throughout the meal by Roger Brown and his keyboard. After the meal members joined in a medley of songs and carols, www.amathusfs.co.uk accompanied by Roger and there were some raffle prizes to finish the evening.

Looking for a mortgage? Need insurance? Raiders break into supermarket at 3am Don’t look too far… POLICE were called to Sainsbury’s supermarket at Culcheth following we’re a local firm who will provide you with reports of a break-in at around 3am on December 5. impartial and professional advice The store had been broken into and a substantial amount of cigarettes T. 01925 399999 E. [email protected] and alcohol stolen. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information about the incident Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Amathus Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd which is authorised and regulated should call Police on 101, quoting IML 260011, or contact by the Financial Conduct Authority. For mortgages we can be paid by commission, or fee of usually £995 or a combination of both. Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 5 6 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 Trees mark 100 years of the WI

TWO Hornbeam trees have been It just so happened that two trees planted at Culcheth’s Millennium were needed at the Millennium Garden to commemorate 100 Garden – and the parish council years of the Cheshire Federation of agreed to pay for two brass Women’s Institutes. commemorative plaques. The two WIs in the village Cllr Hutchinson said: “All is – Culcheth and Newchurch – now in place and the trees can be Culcheth and Glazebury Parish enjoyed by everyone as they watch Council and Bents Garden and the hornbeams grow and flourish. Home, who donated the trees, Matthew Bent, managing were represented at the unveiling director of Bents, said it was great of the trees. It was a year ago that all WI to be involved with such a worthy branches in Cheshire were asked cause and that he is always happy to plant a tree to commemorate the to become involved in projects that centenary. help the local community. Cllr Ileyne Hutchinson, a parish Pictured (left to right) parish councillor and vice president of council chairman Margaret Culcheth WI, was asked to source Webber, Eileen Griffiths, president two trees – one for each WI – and of Newchurch WI, Joan Jarvis, approached Bents, who readily presidents of Culcheth WI, Cllr agreed to provide two Hornbeams. Hutchinson and Mr Bent.

“Walking Netball” at the WI

MEMBERS of Lowton WI are to hold their first meeting of the New Year on Thursday, February 7 – with a “keep fit” session of walking netball. The members enjoyed their Christmas party on December 5 when Santa Claus was the guest of honour, handing out gifts to members. After that there was a hot pot supper – followed by dancing to burn off the calories. The WI meet at Lowton Social Club on Newton Road and anyone interested in joining should call Lin Hayes on 01942 207764.

Still looking forward to Christmas meal! MEMBERS of Glazebrook WI are still looking forward to their Christmas meal which is delayed to January to give them something to look forward to “when things can be a little flat” after the festive period. But they did have a Christmas party at their December meeting, with a visit from Santa Claus and his little elf assistant, who handed out presents and kept members amused with little anecdotes about many of the members. There were also cakes and tea provided by the president, Doreen, who also made beautiful flower arrangements for each of the tables. Competition winners received their prizes, birthdays were celebrated and details of forthcoming events were given.

New council leader elected based Cllr Russ Bowden, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, has been elected the new leader. A meeting of the controlling Labour group on the council, voted him leader by 29 votes to seven in a straight fight with former deputy leader Cllr Graham Friend. He has taken over from current leader Cllr Terry O’Neill, who will continue on the council representing the area. His deputy will be Burtonwood and Winwick based councillor Cathy Mitchell, who is also Chair of Warrington’s Own Buses. She was also elected by the controlling Labour group.

Advertiser’s announcement Free consultations on teeth straightening HOB Hey Dental practice are running an open day on Thursday, January 24, offering free consultations and scans of patients teeth to see what can be achieved using Invisalign to straighten teeth in as little as three months. Anyone who signs up on the day will also receive a £500 discount on the treatment price and also complimentary tooth whitening. January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 7 8 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 Village unveils its blueprint for the future

A PARISH plan for the village of where they live and how they wish Croft, setting out a vision of how its to see the village improved. community is to be protected and It has been produced over a enhanced over the next few years, period of seven months. has been published. A questionnaire sent to all The document, prepared households gave residents an by a voluntary steering group opportunity to provide feedback on made of residents and some their views on Croft’s environment, members of Croft Parish Council, planning impacts, recreation, identifies how residents feel about leisure and other services and utilities. Steering group members also visited the two primary schools in the parish to seek the views of younger members of the community. Group chairman Roger Lamming said: “The information gathered allowed us to identify the key issues and generate an action plan. It is a plan generated by and owned by the community. By undertaking this process, Croft is in a better position to consider and influence future planning proposals and decision making at both parish and borough council levels. The outcome reflects the collective voice of the community. “ Another group member, Steve Grimshaw, added: “Residents demonstrated how they valued the rural nature, the countryside and in January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 9 Village unveils its blueprint for the future

particular the Green Belt, which before it consults on the next stage protects the parish from being over of it’s Local Plan, now expected to developed.These were the main be in March next year, when sites reasons for people choosing to live for future housing development in the parish.” across the borough are likely to be Parish councillor Norman proposed. It will also be distributed Partington, also a member of the to all households in the parish. steering group, said: “The Parish Mr Lamming added: “I must Council has given full support to thank the Parish Council for their the plan and with the aid of an support in helping us produce independent monitoring committee this Parish Plan and to all those comprised of Croft residents, we that seized the opportunity to take aim to ensure that the parish of part. I must also pay tribute to my Croft is protected and enhanced in fellow steering group members line with the needs and views of the for their hard work, support and community.” commitment allowing us to produce The plan will be presented a quality document in such a short to Warrington Borough Council time.” 10 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 Art Group Students “truly inspired” by showcases Baroness Tanni local talent Culcheth Art Group held its annual STUDENTS from Birchwood High exhibition to coincide with the School’s Youth Speaks Team picked Christmas Markets in the village. up some useful tips on how to This years Culcheth Art Groups succeed when they met Britain’s exhibition took the theme “All the most successful female Paralympian fun of the fair” and featured many – Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. and varied pieces of work from its The youngsters attended the members and featured a wonderful Sellafield Awards showcase event group work depicting a carousel. at Hinton House, Risley where Dame Tanni was guest speaker – and they found her “truly inspirational.” Adorn In her presentation, Dame Tanni talked about growing up with spina As well as many fine paintings bifida and her decision to become were superb examples of marquetry an athlete. with members of all ages and levels She described the commitment of skill providing work to adorn and hard work needed to succeed the walls of the Culcheth Centre in in her field and the sheer joy of Jackson Avenue. victory. Her message was simple: The Mayor of Warrington Cllr. to succeed in anything you need Karen Mundry visited the show planning, teamwork, determination and ambition. accompanied by her consort Jason Tanni Grey-Thompson’s career Mundry and the Chair of Culcheth began in the 100m at the Junior and Glazebury Parish Council Cllr. National Games for Wales in Margaret Webber. 1984. The Culcheth Art group are Her international career started a band of amateur artists who four years later at Seoul, where she meet every Thursday afternoon took bronze in the 400m at the Culcheth Centre, Jackson In her Paralympic career she Marathon six times between 1992 Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe, Avenue, Culcheth. New members won 16 medals, 11 gold, four are welcome, so whether you’re silver and one bronze. Her fifth and 2002. Durham. and last Paralymic Games was in She worked as a TV presenter a complete beginner or a budding Athens in 2004. and in many other fields and in The Birchwood youngsters were Michaelangelo, you are welcome In World Championships she 1992 was awarded the MBE and left in awe of her achievements and to call in to the Centre between won six gold, five silver and two in 2005 a DBE. 1pm and 4pm on Thursday for a bronze medals and she won the In 2016 she was created a Life came away with a renewed urge chat and a cup of tea and see if wheelchair section of the London Peer, taking the title Baroness Tanni to succeed. you’d like to join the group. January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 11 12 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 High school hosts Google education

The day was designed to inspire collaborative tools across multiple School values of Respect, Honesty event and help delegates get the most devices. and Excellence throughout; they all out of technology in education with All three-student speakers received a huge round of applause Google and Chromebooks. displayed the Culcheth High from the delegates. CULCHETH High School hosted There were two hands-on an event for Google’s “Education workshop sessions which enabled on Tour” initiative which allowed a users to see the tools available to number of other schools to visit and schools free of charge. Seven weeks of temporary see the education tools available. There was also a question and The Culcheth school is a Google answer sessions and Year 11 road closures Reference School, meaning it is an students gave presentations which exemplar for other schools wishing “stole the show.” TEMPORARY road closures will come into force in Croft village for up to to implement Google technology. James Davies showed how easy seven weeks from January 14 to enable carriageway re-surfacing to take The focus of the day was broken it was to use Google to complete place. up into three categories: homework on a tight deadline, The roads affected are the entire length of Smithy Brow, Southworth Lane 1. Reducing teacher workload Matthew Middlehurst gave his from Delph Lane to Smithy Brow, Dam Lane for 50 metres from Smithy Brow, 2. Leveraging efficiencies of the honest opinion on Google tools Smithy Lane for 50 metres from Smithy Brow and Lord Street from Smithy cloud and how they have enriched his Lane to Mustard Lane/Heath Lane. 3. Keeping students and data student experience in school. Adam Access will be under the control of the relevant contractor for the duration safe and secure Swift finished with how impressed of the works. he is with Google and using their January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 13 14 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 Village school celebrates conversion to Academy GLAZEBURY CE Primary School has converted to an Academy school and joined the Liverpool Diocesan School Trust. They celebrated the occasion with a special “party” day with a number of activities celebrating the theme of diversity. A number of trees, donated by the Woodland Trust, were planted in the school grounds and pupils designed, painted and placed pebbles in the school’s “Only One You” inspired cross in the school garden. Head teacher Mrs Karen Mowbray said: “It was a party, so there just had to be a celebration cake in our Collective Worship this morning.” Staff and governors were involved in the many activities at the school during the day.

WI president steps down after 21 years INSPIRATIONAL president of Glazebrook WI Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Marina, having been in that profession for many years. for more than 21 years, Margaret Hornby, has the Countess of Wessex, and the Duchess Many people have come and gone at stood down to take a well-earned rest. of Gloucester, to mark the WI 100 years Glazebrook WI during Margaret’s time, and Margaret has worked tirelessly to maintain celebration. many events have taken place. the branch and has been an enthusiastic leader. This was followed the next day by attending She was presented with flowers and a card at Her experience will continue to be available to the AGM of the WI , at the Royal Albert Hall, her final meeting as president. the branch as she continues as a member. attended by the Queen, Princess Anne and Members have all appreciated her dedication During her time as president Margaret has Sophie Wessex. and support over the years. certainly been involved in quite a lot. Margaret had spoken previously at the Royal She has been succeeded by another long- Her personal high-light was attending a Albert Hall; the year the WI debated the “More standing member of the branch, Doreen Buckingham Palace Garden Party hosted by Midwives” issue - a subject she knew intimately, Thomason. January 2019 www.culchethlife.com 15 Youngsters CLASSIFIED FREEPHONE 0800 955 5247 to advertise CARPET CLEANING COMPUTERS A1 STAINBUSTERS. A Warrington company AED COMPUTER SERVICES. 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Jack and Sam clean up the trophies BIG-hitting batsman Jack Warhurst and pace ace Sam Stanier cleaned up the 1st XI awards at the annual meeting of Glazebury Cricket Club. Warhurst picked up the 1st XI batting averages trophy with 446 runs while Stanier claimed the 1st bowling prize with 61 wickets. These performances were also enough to secure them the “run getters” and “wicket takers” awards for scoring the most runs and taking the most wickets for the club during the season. Warhurst also came second in the bowling averages while Stanier came second in the batting averages. Other awards went to Ian Black, for the 2nd XI batting averages and Jack Whitehead for the 2nd XI bowling. Whitehead also picked up the Young Players of the Year and the Most Improved Player of the Year awards while Stanier earned the coveted “Player’s Player of the Year” award. Officers elected or re-elected were: president: Malcolm Chapman; chairman: Iain Wilson; secretary: John Acton; treasurer: Jack Warhurst; 1st XI captain: Anthony Meulman; 2nd XI captain: Wayne Hargreaves; grounds maintenance manager: Simon Green; club welfare officer: Chris Lord; junor co-ordinator: Nirpal Bansel; social media manager: Frank Pedigrew; website administrator: Sean Caine. Still required: A volunteer groundsman, or groundsmen. 16 www.culchethlife.com January 2019 * Take advantage of 50% off our sales fees on all properties instructed in January

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