February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 1 2 www.culchethlife.com February 2020

Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Editor’s Comment Paul Walker TO be or not to be - that is the question? Of course I am talking Advertising about the proposals for HS2 - and most importantly the impact was the busiest time for local police James Balme on Culcheth and surrounding areas. in more than a year with incidents 01925 631592 opt 1 In this month’s issue HS2 is getting off the ground I doubt it will of anti-social behaviour involving certainly a hot topic, especially with impact on my business life but we mainly younger people, especially Editorial the Wildlife Trust’s impact report have to think of the future. around the times of Halloween and 01925 631592 opt 2 highlighting the devastating impact it Our planet is already suffering bonfire night, including increased would have on our countryside. and the more we destroy the green incidents of “egging.” Email From day one, like many others I belt and countryside the more I think it is time again to appeal [email protected] have questioned the need for HS2, damage we will do. to all parents and guardians to keep especially in the modern world Pollution, in particular from small a check on the whereabouts of your Websites where many of us can complete our particulates is getting worse and children and make sure they are not www.culchethlife.com daily work tasks almost anywhere in literally killing people. misbehaving. www.frodshamlife.co.uk the world on our computers, laptops The way HS2 is stacking up it www.lymmlife.co.uk or mobile phones. is becoming too costly and too For example I managed to damaging to our environment. Deadline for the www.warrington- report on the Challenge Cup final So let’s all keep our fingers worldwide.co.uk at Wembley last summer from my crossed and keep on lobbying those March issue www.warrington.tv family holiday in Menorca. in power to put the brakes on and I even managed to enjoy the protect our green fields for future of Culcheth Life is Address homecoming thanks a colleague generations to enjoy. New Media Centre streaming it live on social media. Meanwhile it was disappointing to February 18 Old Road Warrington Yes face to face meetings are still hear that the period before Christmas WA4 1AT important but we can already get to London in under two hours from Warrington, so why the need for Culcheth Life is published even faster trains? monthly by Orbit News Ltd. The current journey time is an The contents of this magazine ideal amount to catch up on emails are fully protected by copyright and social media. and nothing may be reprinted A lot of work needs to be done or reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. to bring our existing rail networks up to speed, let alone a brand new The publishers are not liable for one which will rip up our precious any statement made or opinion countryside and smash through expressed by third parties in this publication. homes and businesses. Warrington and in particular Printed by TwentyFourSeven Culcheth, would suffer all the pain with little gain. The project is still so far away from

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Jack is back! MEMBERS of Culcheth Players are currently rehearsing for their annual pantomime. – which this year is “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The story is the familiar one which has been entertaining children – and adults – for generations. Jack is living in great poverty with his mother and brothers. His mother owes • Professional, approachable, affordable rent money to the evil squire, so Jack is sent off to market to sell their last cow for a good price so his mother can pay her debts. • Accounts preparation & tax returns for individuals & On the way he is tricked into selling the cow for a bag of worthless beans. companies His mother is deeply disappointed and throws the beans into the garden. The next day the beans have grown into a huge beanstalk. Jack climbs the beanstalk • Bookkeeping, payroll & vat where his adventures begin. • Capital Gains, Estate Planning & Probate Work Can Jack manage to escape the clutches of the giant at the top of the beanstalk and return home safely with riches for his family. • Business start up advice The pantomime will be staged at Culcheth Sports Club (The Daten) on Friday • First meeting free of charge and Saturday, February 7-8 at 7.30pm and on Sunday February 9 at 2pm. The cast will be joined by dancers from the Rosemary Powell School of Dance. Call Nigel Healey now on 01925 767222 Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 for children under 16. They can be purchased from the venue or reserved by telephoning 07943 517710. They can also be Abacus House, 450 Warrington Road, Culcheth WA3 5QX purchased on line at www.culchethplayers.co.uk or you can pay cash on the www.hunterhealey.co.uk door at the performance. 4 www.culchethlife.com February 2020 Culcheth Hall Drive – before and after the axe fell

IT was a sad day for many residents when, in October last year, the rhododendron shrubs along both sides of the bottom part of Culcheth Hall Drive were severely cut back. They had been there for decades in such a radical manner. and had lined the avenue leading It will take a long time before up to the old Culcheth Hall – they recover and flower again as providing ground cover and they did each spring. habitats for wildlife, including But residents are hopeful that hedgehogs and many species of they will grow back more strongly bird. – as the borough council say they In Spring they were a sight to will. behold when in bloom. Meanwhile they are left looking It had long been realised that at some sorry looking stumps and some pruning was needed – but not quite a few gaps. February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 5 Ultrafast broadband arriving in Culcheth and Croft OPENREACH has outlined plans to make ultrafast, ultra-reliable and future proof broadband available at 19 sites in market towns and villages across Cheshire, which include locations at Culcheth and Croft. It’s part of a bigger announcement a full fibre network that is not only involving 227 “harder to reach” faster, but also more reliable and areas across the UK, with building future-proof for generations to to start in the next 14 months and come.” a target of reaching four million There are clear economic homes and business with full-fibre benefits to building full fibre in technology by the end of March rural areas. In a report by the next year. Centre for Economics & Business The work builds on successful Research (Cebr) – “Full fibre cost busting village trials broadband: A platform for growth” launched at the tail end of last - commissioned by Openreach last year - including Tarporley and year, revealed that connecting Mickle Trafford - which have seen everyone in the North West to ‘full Selley, said: “Our full fibre build Openreach recently reached engineers developing a range of fibre’ broadband by 2025 would programme is going great guns over two million homes and new tools, skills and techniques to create a £5.5 billion boost to the - having passed over two million businesses with full fibre technology help Openreach build full fibre in region’s economy. premises already on the way to our and a quarter of its existing areas previously considered too The report also revealed that 4m target by March 2021. We’re footprint already falls within complex or expensive to upgrade. 54,000 people in the region could now building at around 26,000 rural areas. More than 120,000 Robert Thorburn, Openreach’s be brought back into the workforce premises a week in over 100 homes and businesses – including Partnership Director in the North of through enhanced connectivity. locations – reaching a new home around 7,000 in North West - have England, said: “This is great news This could include roles within or business every 23 seconds. for people living and working here small businesses and entrepreneurs also signed up to Openreach’s That’s up from 13,000 premises a Community Fibre Partnership (CFP) and builds on Openreach’s strong – as well as allowing thousands week this time last year. track record of working in rural more people to work remotely., scheme. The CFP programme “Openreach has always been enables the company to work areas, for years playing a key role by unlocking smarter ways of committed to doing our bit in with a local community to build a alongside local councils to upgrade working, better public services rural Britain - delivering network more than 97 per cent of the North and greater opportunities for the upgrades in communities that are customised co-funded solution and West to superfast broadband. next-generation of home-grown harder to reach and less densely bring fibre broadband to areas not Today’s announcement is about businesses. populated. included in any existing private taking that next step and building Openreach’s CEO, Clive “Our ambition is to reach 15 or publicly subsidised upgrade million premises by mid-2020s schemes. if right investment conditions are To view the full list of market in place. Currently, the biggest towns and villages included in Christmas Market review and re-think missing piece of this puzzle is this phase of build, please visit - MEMBERS of Culcheth & Glazebury Parish have decided to have a re-think getting an exemption from business https://opnr.ch/200locationsp on the objectives of the annual Christmas Market. rates on building fibre cables which More than 3,500 Openreach Members noted another good turnout and a successful first Santa Hunt. is critical for any fibre builder’s people live and work in the North However, the installation of gazebos was delayed and the wrong sizes long-term investment case.” West. of gazebos delivered. Also, there were too many of the same type of stall i.e. beauty products. It was agreed that a total re-think of the objectives of the Market should take place including liaison and possible integration with the indoor events taking place on the same day and more emphasis on entertainments i.e. fairground and Carols and festive food/drink stalls, and less on beauty and jewellery etc. 6 www.culchethlife.com February 2020 Half term happiness at Bents Garden & Home It doesn’t seem long since they went back to school after the Bents’ popular pottery painting be on throughout the break with Christmas break, but believe it or not half term is almost upon workshops return where children face painting also planned for the us. will be able to decorate their very Tuesday 18th, Thursday 20th and And if you’re wondering what Creation Station which will be own ceramic coin bank (Tuesday) Saturday 22nd February. Add to to do to keep the little ones happy located between the Children’s or watering can (Thursday). this a choice of dining destinations, during the holidays, then look no Boutique and C-Crafts. And the Workshop places can be pre- outdoor play area, indoor beach further than Bents Garden & Home, team from C-Crafts will ensure the booked online between 10.00 – and Bents’ Jurassic Cove Adventure where there are some very special Station is re-stocked with new crafts 10.45 and 11.00 – 11.45 (bents. Golf there’s every opportunity to craft based events planned to keep on a daily basis all of which are co.uk) or drop in sessions will also treat yourself whilst the little ones them entertained. completely free to use. be taking place between 2 – 4pm play. Little ones can roll up their Whilst Creation Station is a when there’s no need to book. Workshops are £6 per child sleeves and let their creative juices place where children can create A rose themed treasure hunt will which includes all materials. flow at Bents’ Creation Station. and improvise, a number of They can make, stick, colour and organised workshop sessions have paint their very own masterpieces also been planned. On Tuesday every day during half term at the 18th and Thursday 20th February

Rhiannon is knocking on TV’s door FORMER Birchwood High School class Honours. pupil Rhiannon Lawrence has She has been working on been knocking on TV’s door for Crackerjack as a production some time. management assistant for some A couple of years ago, she time, a role which deals with the won a prestigious place with many and varied administration BBC Children – home of the tasks involved in producing popular channels CBeebies and a popular TV show. She was CBBC - while studying television excited to make the big time as production management at Edge her name appeared in the credits Hill University. Now she was credited on for the show. screen with her first big television Staff at Birchwod High have job as production management kept on Rhiannon’s progress ever assistant on the BBC children’s since she left school and always programme Crackerjack. knew she would do well. She Rhiannon’s love of editing, was talented, always worked production and the world of hard and was motivated. media started while studying A school spokesperson said: “I GCSE media at Birchwood High felt so pleased and proud to see and led to her achieving a first- her work credited on TV.” February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 7 8 www.culchethlife.com February 2020 New report reveals devastating impact of HS2 on nature

THE construction of the controversial HS2 rail network will have a devastating impact on nature according to a new report published by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The report, which claims to be including: Randilow and Bunker the most complete assessment of Hill, a Local Wildlife Site near the environmental damage that Crewe and Erlam’s meadow, a HS2 will cause. reveals, the vast Local Wildlife Site near Knutsford. scale of the destruction and impact Dr Giles comments: ‘’HS2 is the it will cause to nature across the biggest infrastructure project this county, including Warrington. country has ever seen and will cut One of the areas under threat is a swathe through the landscape Holcroft Moss. This wetland reserve up to half a mile wide in certain near Glazeboork is the only known particularly sensitive locations in area of lowland bog in Cheshire the North West. Although sold as that hasn’t been cut for peat. a sustainable transport system, Combining data from 14 the truth is the environmental Wildlife Trusts, other charities and impacts will be truly devastating landowners along the route, the and the measures put forward to report shows that HS2 will destroy mitigate the impacts to wildlife are huge areas of irreplaceable natural hopelessly inadequate.’’ habitat and protected wildlife sites Cheshire Wildlife Trust are across the country. This will cause saying that the Government must permanent loss of nature, the stop and rethink HS2. separation of natural spaces, and CEO Charlotte Harris remarks, the local extinction of endangered “Cheshire Willdife Trust are species. supportive of sustainable transport Cheshire will be impacted by but, if HS2 is to go ahead, a new both phases 2a and 2b of the greener approach must be taken. controversial railway project. Phase Under the present plans, the 2a will see the destruction of wild scheme is simply too damaging spaces from the West Midlands to local and national wildlife to to Crewe. The important habitats allow it to continue. We must affected include woodlands, see dramatic changes in order to wildflower meadows, important bring it in line with Government wetlands and peatlands. One local policy. Our local wildlife deserves species particularly affected is the and so desperately needs better water vole which is already facing consideration than what is being possible extinction in Cheshire. given. HS2 should be creating Phase 2b will then run from green corridors that feed into a Crewe, past Northwich before nature recovery network, instead it splitting to the north-west of stands to fragment our wild spaces Knutsford. The west branch will and isolate them further.” head past Lymm and Warrington Cheshire Wildlife Trust is urging while the east branch will people to add their name to the pass Altrincham, cut through Stop and Rethink HS2 campaign Wythenshawe before finishing in (wtru.st/ReThink-HS2). Members Manchester. The east branch will of the public will be able to send result in significant losses of ancient a message to the Prime Minister woodland. which will be presented to him in Dr Rachel Giles, Cheshire the coming weeks. Wildlife Trust’s Evidence and For more information, visit: www. Planning Manager, has been a cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/HS2 leading figure in the creation of The report finds that HS2’s the report. Her team’s work has current proposals will risk the loss identified a number of key sites of, or significantly impact: that will be severely impacted, • 5 Wildlife refuges of international

Minister’s “gut feeling” that HS2 will go ahead but campaigners remain hopeful A CABINET minister says he ahead. has a “gut feeling” that the HS2 He also said he believed the rail project will go ahead – but project was vital to for “levelling campaigners in Culcheth remain up” the UK’s transport network. optimistic that it could be scrapped. But his comments came against a Cllr Frank Allen, chairman of background of a growing row over CADRAG – the Culcheth and the spiralling cost of HS2 – now put District Rail Action Group – said: at £106 billion. “We are hopeful that at least Cllr Allen said: “It would cost a the Golborne Link – the part that lot of money to cancel the scheme, would affect us locally – could be although not as much as to continue dropped. with it. We have, in the past, had “I don’t think anyone has made other hugely costly projects that up their mind yet – the decision have been cancelled. could be on a knife edge.” “But the Golborne Link could be Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay dropped and save a lot of the cost. gave what was described as “the The line is not needed and it is not clearest indication yet” that HS2 cost effective. For every £1 spent would go ahead when he told the on it, you would only get 15p back. BBC he had a “gut feeling” that the “Another problem is that the review into the controversial project line would be built to a really high would result in the scheme going standard, capable of carrying 20 February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 9

New report reveals devastating The Gardening Guide impact of HS2 on nature Try something new and plant a summer bulb border. importance, protected by UK law and wildlife”. • 33 Sites of Special Scientific In response Cortes called for the Explore your creative side and Interest which are protected by project to go all the way to Scottish think about colours and heights UK law cities, citing both environmental for a stunning display. • 693 Classified Local Wildlife and economic reasons for pressing Sites ahead. • 21 Designated Local Nature Cortes said: “The time for debate Simon Bax, Reserves on HS2 is well and truly over. It Plant Area Specialist • 26 Large landscape-scale should be given the green light and initiatives, including: should go all the way to Scotland Start providing nest boxes in anticipation • 4 Nature Improvement Areas awarded £1.7 million of public so that we are able to shift people of the new season money and freight from road to rail. • 22 Living Landscapes – “HS2 not only builds much partnership schemes to restore needed rail capacity and puts This is an ideal time to plant bulbs nature rocket boosters under regional • 18 Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves economies – but crucially will also – many are also designated make a very significant contribution Rake off any moss or debris from your lawn wildlife sites towards cutting our carbon that has accumulated over the winter • 108 Ancient woodlands, an emissions. irreplaceable habitat “These are a major cause of • Other irreplaceable habitats climate change which is itself the Sterilise pots and seed trays before using this such as veteran trees, wood greatest threat to our plants and pasture, old meadows wildlife. year to stop the spread of fungal disease • Extensive further areas of wider “Of course, we expect HS2 to natural habitat do whatever possible to protect • Barn owls and endangered wildlife along its route. Also, Houseplants will benefit from the first feed wildlife such white-clawed we know from the Olympic Park of the season now crayfish, willow tit and lizard in London – which teems with orchid. Rarities like dingy skipper plants, animals and insects – that may become locally extinct. much can be done to protect and But Transport Salaried enhance wildlife when building Staffs’ Association (TSSA major infrastructure projects. Bents Garden & Home, Warrington Road, Glazebury, Cheshire WA3 5NT. General) Secretary, Manuel “I’d say to the Wildlife Trusts – 01942 266300. Check online for seasonal opening times. Cortes,challenged the findings of the bigger picture on HS2 can’t For the latest events and online shopping visit bents.co.uk the study saying the high-speed be ignored. There is not a moment rail project would make a “very to lose in pushing ahead, the significant contribution towards evidence shows this high-speed rail cutting our carbon emissions” while project is vital for our country in so actually “safeguarding our plants many ways.”

Gardening Tips Feb 2020.indd 1 27/01/2020 15:21:47

Minister’s “gut feeling” that HS2 will go ahead but campaigners remain hopeful trains a day in each direction. But Glazebrook and Lowton would the design of the full GHS2 network also be affected. Meet the Makers is an would not allow more than three Origially, the Golborne link trains a day in each direction. It just was intended to avoid congestion event bringing together the would not make sense.” Cllr Allen said CADRAG was at Crewe, provide a depot at finest and often award winning continuing to work behind the Golborne and a link to the West scenes to oppose HS2 and was Coast Main Line for trains to food and drink producers pleased that, since the General Scotland. in the area. Election, all the local MPs were But in 2014 plans were opposing the rail project. announced for an HS2 station and These included the MPs for Leigh, FREE James Grundy, Warrington South, a depot at Crew, along with a EVENT Andy Carter and Altrincham and direct connection to the West Coast Sale, Sir Graham Brady. Main Line. Campaigners say this If the Golborne Link is built it will removes the need for the Golborne slice through Culcheth, devasting Link. Bents Garden & Home, Warrington Road, Glazebury, Cheshire WA3 5NT. the village, blighting many 01942 266300. Check online for seasonal opening times. In the past, Prime Minister Boris properties. A wider area including For the latest events and online shopping visit bents.co.uk High Legh, Agden, Broomedge, Johnson has indicated that he did Lymm , Heatley, Warburton, not support HS2, but more recently Dunham, Partington, Rixton-with- he has been more ambivalent.

Main Advert Feb 2020.indd 1 27/01/2020 15:21:35 10 www.culchethlife.com February 2020

Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council Christmas Market November the 30th was cold, but happily there was no rain. The decision was made four years ago to create the Christmas Market and link with the other events in the village. The other aim was to bring more people into the village to see and use all the shops and services. Young people were also involved and it was good to see their excellent competition entries displayed in the library. We have also invested in new LED Christmas lighting in Culcheth and Glazebury, an environmental as well as a financial improvement. The local plan As reported in December the next stage, publication of the Plan for examination, with the decisions made by an independent planning Inspector, was delayed until this year. Note that the Plan has to comply with national planning policies and any green belt changes are decided by the Inspector. Play areas We are very pleased with the Mee Brow play area and our next work is the improvement of the play area on Culcheth’s green. Traffic We have opposed the Parkside Link Road and the plans to put a weight restriction on Winwick Lane because of the impact on traffic through our villages. Since the trial weight restriction there have been more large vehicles on our local roads with a large increase on roads in Glazebury. Glazebury community speedwatch is working with the Borough Council and Councillors to assess the situation and work to a solution. We have objected to the proposals for a motorway service area at J11 of the M62. Although this is in Croft there would be changes to Culcheth through diversion of the Silver Lane Brook and the impact on groundwater, as well as traffic and noise issues. Reporting To report a pot hole, go to www.warrington.gov.uk go to Traffic and Travel or ring 01925 443322. To report a crime that isn’t an emergency dial 101 Culcheth Police Surgery times are in Culcheth Library and on the Cheshire Police website.

Note Culcheth Library opening times now include Fridays 11am to 5pm.

Best wishes to all for the New Year

Publication of Information

The Parish Council has adopted a publication of information scheme. Details of who we are, what we do and how the public can access information is published on the main notice boards, Common Lane, Culcheth and Culcheth Library and on our website: www.culchethandglazebury-pc.org.uk February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 11 Charity expands with new Birchwood Mobility & Independent Living Solutions LOCAL charity ‘Warrington Disability Partnership’ will open Warrington Hospital and the Smart verses high pressure selling, their latest Mobility & Independent Living Solutions store in Flat, which focuses on assistive • Free impartial home and work Birchwood Shopping Centre on Monday, February 10. technology. assessments are based on the It is their latest expansion British Health Trades Association, as So what makes WDP’s MILS philosophy of information, advice following the launch of a social their services values are aligned to unique? and guidance, not just sales, enterprise ‘the Disability Trading the BHTA’s “Buy with Confidence” • DTC has no private shareholders, • DTC is a user led social Company’ in April 2011. scheme that is accredited to Trading 100% of its profits go to support enterprise; most of their staff Their first retail service was Standards. WDP’s charitable services which and nearly all of their volunteers launched from the Warrington WDP offers customers “0% include subsidising weekly use their experience of living Centre for Independent Living interest free finance” and they Lunch Clubs for older and young with a disability or long-term off Evelyn Street and in October have gained ‘approved dealer’ disabled people, accessible health condition to ensure they 2011 they opened the Mobility & accreditation to the national narrow-boat offering daytrips recommend the right products, Independent Living Store (MILS) in Motability Scheme, which allows on the Bridgewater Canal and not just any product the Golden Square Shopping Mall people to use their enhance mobility an accessible caravan in North • Hundreds of volunteer hours in Warrington Town Centre, recently component of DLA or PIP to lease Wales, contribute to reducing WDP’s moving to a larger store in Sankey a powerchair or mobility scooter. • DTC staff do not receive any overheads, which result in Street. During the past two years WDP incentive bonuses, which results savings that are passed on to the Since then WDP have added opened a retail store at the rear of in their staff providing advice customers. a full-scale Mobility Workshop & Service Centre, next they launched a recycling scheme, focussing on mobility equipment, scooters, wheelchairs and power-chairs, which are sold from WDP’s Shopmobility service located in Warrington Town Centre. In October 2016 WDP partnered with St Mark Universal Care, to launch ‘the Phoenix Project’, refurbishing and shipping wheelchairs and other mobility aids to countries including Egypt, Thailand and Syria. So far over £750,000 worth of equipment has been salvaged and donated. More recently, WDP’s retail services were accredited to the 12the Pink www.culchethlife.com February 2020 Library now open on Fridays CULCHETH Library is now open on Fridays – offering greater accessibility to the library for local residents. Historically the Warrington benefit from the library being open Road library has been closed on Fridays – which we feel is a on Fridays, but from now on the really exciting development for the library will be open from 11am site. to 5pm every Friday – including “The extended opening hours is the lunch hour testament to the great work being This is additional to the done by the staff at the library library’s current hours and is to deliver the services on offer aimed at creating opportunities there – as well as the dedicated for residents to access the library contribution to the promotion of services on a day when it is the library by the Friends group. usually closed. As such I’d like to thank the Friends The decision to open on a for their sterling work promoting Friday was taken by LiveWire – Culcheth Library and supporting the community interest company library staff.” that manages the library service Janet Evans, a member of the for Warrington Borough Council Friends of Culcheth Library, said: To get your – in conjunction with the Friends “This is really good news for the of Culcheth Library group. library. We feel Friday opening The “Friends” is a volunteer will be better for families, for older group set up 18 months ago people, for anyone who would business to support Culcheth Library, like to get books out ahead of working alongside LiveWire the weekend. But libraries are not library staff and Warrington just about books – we offer lego, on track and in the Borough Council on the long- crafts, jigsaws – so much more. The term sustainability of the library. Friends have worked really hard to Since then the library has help grow the library, and we look hosted a number of popular forward to the future, and Friday ‘Pink’ contact clubs that have encouraged opening.” people to use the library The new opening hours for including games and jigsaw Culcheth Library are as follows: James Bryan on clubs, murder mystery events, Monday: 2.00pm to 5.00pm; children’s reading challenges Tuesday: 10.00am to 1.00pm and and much more. 2.00pm to 6.00pm; Wednesday: LiveWire managing director Closed; Thursday 10.00am to 01925 631592 Emma Hutchinson said: “We 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm; hope Culcheth Library users will Friday: 11.00am to 5.00pm welcome the extension of the Saturday: 9.30am to 13.00pm; opening hours and really see a Sunday: Closed.

Anti-social behaviour back on the agenda THE back end of last year was the busiest for police in more than 12 months involving incidents of anti-social behaviour. Many of the calls made were in relation to seasonal events with the hangover from Halloween and several jobs being reported involving fireworks. In all, 10 reports were made to the Police during November. Nine in Culcheth and one in Glazebury. Members of the Parish Council heard that these included egg throwing, fireworks being set off, groups of youths congregating and a nuisance male reported in a retail premises. February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 13 Great time to start your new fitness journey We’re now well into 2020 – and a new decade is a great opportunity to either kick-start or freshen up your exercise routine. LiveWire’s gym at Culcheth be more likely to test your own Community Campus is a well- limits. equipped boutique gym that offers Try new exercises Hitting the everything you need to get back on gym with a friend is the perfect that path to fitness, right on your time to try a new exercise or class doorstep. as you can support and encourage There’s the latest Techogym each other. equipment including treadmills, Work out longer Time flies when stationary bikes and cross trainers, you’re having fun…or at least a free weights area and a fitness when you are distracted. Having studio hosting a variety group someone to chat with between sets exercise classes throughout the lets you focus on something other week. than just your workout making the And if you’re struggling to fit time go by faster. exercise into a busy life, or finding Recover together. Keep on track your current workout a bit stale with your nutrition post-workout. A and need a bit of extra motivation, friend who’s worked up a sweat why not try getting yourself a gym with you is likely to want to join you buddy? There are lots of benefits to for a healthy post-exercise meal or working out with a friend: snack. Fewer skipped workouts Helps keep you on track Scheduling a gym session with a If you and a friend are doing it friend helps hold you accountable together, it can help you maintain for getting your workout in. your goals and you’re more likely Meeting someone at the gym not to encourage each other to keep in only motivates you to show up, but your positive routines. to work harder. Exercising with So why not make the most of another person pushes you to do the free day pass to LiveWire’s your workout and do it to the best Community Campus that is in this of your ability. Another bonus – if month’s Culcheth Life on the back you work out with a friend who is page – and come along and stronger or faster than you, you’ll kickstart your 2020 exercise kick.

Business park raises record £11,000 for charity BIRCHWOOD Park raised more Park occupier that got involved in sudden cardiac arrest in children lonely and vulnerable over the than £11,000 for charity last year any way during our fundraising and provide essential funding for festive period. – and is aiming to raise more this and those who donated their hard- in-school defibrillators.’ Fundraising efforts will continue year. earned cash for their contributions. In addition to monetary totals into 2020, as Birchwood Park is The total of £11,578 was its To be able to give back to those raised throughout the year, pleased to announce its newly largest fundraising total to date organisations within our local Birchwood Park also held special chosen park charities St Rocco’s and will be distributed between the community in need of help and festive appeals for local causes, Hospice, Warrington and Dogs for RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St funding is crucial and something including collecting food, warm Good, a charity which explores Helens and Hand on Heart. we always strive to do at Birchwood clothing, blankets and toiletry the ways in which dogs can In order to achieve their grand Park. items for Warrington Open Door help people overcome specific total, the team at Birchwood Park Catherine McGee, operations at Christmas (WODAC), a local challenges and enrich and improve put on a series of events throughout manager at the RSPCA Warrington, charity supporting the homeless, lives and communities. the year, including summer fairs, Halton and St Helens, said: ‘We’re bake sales, sponsored challenges over the moon to have been one and the park’s now infamous of the chosen Birchwood Park annual Duck Race, all open to charities over the past year, and companies on the Park and local can’t thank the team there enough residents alike. for everything they’ve done to raise Martin O’Rourke, commercial money for our branch and the director at Birchwood Park, said: animals we care for.’ ‘It’s fantastic to see that we’ve Lesley Appleton, fundraising once again broken our previous co-ordinator at Hand on Heart, fundraising records, and the money said: ‘It’s fantastic to have such a raised couldn’t be going to two boost and support from businesses better local charities. in our own community, and the ‘I’d like to thank each and every money raised will go a long way member of staff, local resident and in helping us to raise awareness for 14 www.culchethlife.com February 2020 Girl’s rugby team wins its first game A VERY inexperienced girl’s rugby team from Birchwood High one. The team was very School entered their first Under-13s tournament – and won Then they played King’s inexperienced compared with their first game. Academy and, after a tough some of the other teams and They defeated the hosts – Sir comfortable 30-10 victory. battle, lost narrowly 12-10. It was there were some great, standout Thomas Boteler High School – in Shiloh Lee scored five tries, a massive team effort and the performances which will be built the opening game at Latchford, a Amy Groves two, and Eva Lowe, girls worked well together. on to create a winning team.

Former high school girl now a familiar face on TV A FORMER Birchwood High After leaving college, Yemisi on TV and watch how well her We are proud that her acting School pupil has been something followed the normal route of an career is progressing. She has roots were laid at Birchwood. She of a regular on our TV screens in aspiring actor, taking run-of-the- already been in to speak to our deserves every success as she is recent times – fulfilling the promise mill jobs to pay the rent while next rising performers at school. a talented and determined young her former teachers always knew pursuing her dreams of stardom. They can learn so much from her. woman.” she had. In 2013, she moved to London Yemisi Oyinloye appeared in the to take part in a 12 months theatre second series of ITV’s “Bancroft” course during which time she playing a young police officer to appeared in shows in London and Sarah Parish’s title role and then the Edinburgh Fringe. starred in the new series of the When she landed her first TV Bafta-winning comedy drama role she said: “All I did was cry as “Cold Feet” – also on ITV. things were becoming real.” Add to that appearances in Yemisi literally beat thousands BBC’s “Casualty” and the daytime of other hopefuls to get the job show “Doctors” and you can see of playing DC Sally Read in why she is becoming a familiar “Bancroft”. face on television. Asked about her first day of Yemisi, 26, is from Locking filming, she said: “I was terrified, Stumps and attended Birchwood but I soon found out that there was High and Birchwood College no reason to be worried as the between 2005 and 2012 cast and crew were amazing, so Teaching staff soon marked her kind and supportive”. out as a hard worker and high As for working with Sarah Parish, achiever. She always wanted to she said: “It was a real honour. be an actor and she learned much Sarah was lovely and a real pro. from appearing in a number of Working with such a good actor school shows, working her way makes your performance better. up from bit parts to main character She really gave me something to roles. aspire to. Even when not acting She was still at college when she myself if was fabulous to watch landed her first professional part, and learn from such a great cast.” performing in a two-month stage Kelly Forster, Yemisi’s former production at the Leeds Playhouse drama teacher, said “It is and then returning to Birchwood to wonderful to see Yemisi doing so pick up her studies. well and very exciting to see her February 2020 www.culchethlife.com 15

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Cricket club gears up for summer classifi ed for just £72 GLAZEBURY Cricket Club is As usual, new players – gearing up for the coming season particularly juniors – will be plus VAT for six months. with indoor net practice due to start welcome. on February 9 for 10 weeks. Anyone interest in joining the The Hurst Lane club will again club and attending the winter nets be fielding two teams in division should contact Jack Warhurst on For more details call four of the Cheshire Cricket League 07780 460500 (for Over 17s) or after finishing in a respectable sixth Nirpal Bansel on 07761 824698 01925 631592 position in the division last summer. (for juniors). 16 www.culchethlife.com February 2020