WILLINGTON

CIVIL PARISH

Information – 2016

This drawing is reproduced with the kind permission of KADRAS. The artist was Anne Saul and the drawing was first printed in the book 'The Story of ' by Elspeth Thomas

This booklet is produced by Willington Parish Council for delivery to all households in the Parish. If you leave the Parish please leave this booklet in your premises for the next occupier. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the facts are accurate the Parish Council cannot be held responsible for any errors.

Brief History The name Willington is derived from Wynflaeda's farm. This female name is of Anglo- Saxon origin and she must have been an important person for her name to be enshrined in the name of Willington. In the Doomsday Enquiry, the settlement is noted as “1 hide paying tax, Land for 2 ploughs, 2 villagers have 1 plough; woodland half a league long and 1 acre wide, wasted, value before 1066 8 shillings now 10 shillings.” Wynflaeda choose a good spot to settle, the area was secluded and sheltered by the ridge to the north, the soil fertile and with a good supply of spring water. In particular water was obtained from a spring below Rough Low known as Pearl Hole. For many years this was the main water supply for the village.

Later, during Norman times, the land was given to the Abbot of Stanlow Abbey on the banks of the . The Abbot had to pay 10 shillings rent annually in . Eventually the monks abandoned Stanlow due to flooding and were granted a site at Whalley in the Ribble Valley where they built an Abbey. The ruins of the Abbey are still there. After the dissolution of the Religious Houses in 1542 the land was annexed by the Leghs of Booth. In 1593 it came into the ownership of the Master Forester, Sir John Done. The property remained with the Done family until 1828 when it was bought by Major William Tomkinson, for £24,000, who transformed the farms and woods into a family estate. William Tomkinson built Willington Hall in 1829. The architect was George Latham of whose design was neo-Elizabethan, a style in fashion at the time. The total cost was £5,000. It is now a Grade 2 listed building housing a Hotel and Restaurant.

The other large property of note is Tirley Garth built at the instruction of Bruno Mond in 1906. Building stopped abruptly due to financial problems and was leased to a Mr R.A.Prestwich, a Manchester textile business man, (who later became the chairman of Burberry's). He completed the house in 1912. The property is also of neo-Elizabethen design and the architect was C.E. Mallows. The lease was inherited by his daughter, Miss Irene Prestwich, who, in 1949, bought the house from ICI. She established it as a base for Moral Re-Armament. It is now owned by a film company. The very beautiful gardens are open to the public for certain days and the village of Utkinton holds its annual village fete at the property.

In the past Willington had far more facilities than it has today. William Tomkinson founded Willington School for the local children in 1848; it was free and non-denominational. At one time there were more than 70 children on the roll. The school closed in 1934 when Kelsall School was opened. Although Willington has never had a Church there were 2 Chapels. The Methodist Chapel on Chapel Lane, previously known as Rough Low, was built in 1823. The Presbyterian (Calvinistic) Chapel on Willington Road was built in 1817. Both Chapels are now private residences. The village shop and Post Office was located in various cottages, finally finishing up at Corner House before its closure in the 1990s. A Reading Room was built near Willington Corner by James Tomkinson in 1897 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The ground floor was used for games and reading. It contained a small library and billiards room. The upper floor was occupied by the District Nurse. It was converted into 2 dwellings around 1950. There was a bowling green in the grounds which later became a children's playground.

Also of note are the Memorial Cottages on Chapel Lane. These were built in 1912 in memory of James Tomkinson who was killed in the House of Commons Point to Point in 1910. These cottages were made available to widows or deserving elderly couples in Willington. They were severely damaged by fire in the 1990s and remained empty for several years. In 1996, Family Housing, Manchester became the trustees of the Charity and the land in front of the cottages was given planning permission and four cottages, Brunswick Cottages, were built, these are available, at affordable rents, to people who have a connection with Willington. The original Memorial Cottages were restored and made into two properties, they were sold to fund the development of Brunswick Cottages. The plaque to James Tomkinson can still be seen on the gable end of the end property.

In 1946 it is believed that the County Council steam roller engine toppled overboard taking a section of the road and bank into the dell below Rough Low. Due to the War labour was very short at this time so German prisoners of war were recruited to repair the damage and build a wall. The wall is still there with an inscription relating to the prisoners of war who made an excellent job of repair.

Local Government In 2014 West and Chester Council undertook a Community Governance Review of all the Parish Councils in West Cheshire. There was extensive public consultation and, as far as possible, decisions were based on the preferences of the public. As a result of the review, the whole of Willington became a with its own Parish Council. Prior to that the majority of the populated part of Willington lay within the Parish of Delamere, a few properties were in the Parish of and the remainder of Willington was not represented by a Parish Council. Willington lies in the Parliamentary Constituency of Eddisbury and in the Ward of Tarvin and Kelsall. In March 2015 there were 214 registered electors. It is represented by 5 Parish Councillors who were elected in May 2015.

Willington Parish Council The Parish Councillors for Willington, with their contact phone numbers (all dial code 01829), are as follows:-

Chairman John Grimshaw 752177 Vice Chairman Pat Tyson-Jones 751757 Councillors Roy Penk 751866 Jane Lowthion 751454 Andrew Nicholas 752029

Parish Clerk Mike Hassall 01829 741075 (email [email protected])

The Parish Council meetings are held at Willington Hall Hotel, normally on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm. Members of the public are very welcome to attend meetings.

Ward Councillors Hugo Deynem 01829 751830 07825 656750 email [email protected]

John Leather 01829 752558 email [email protected] Member of Parliament (Eddisbury Constituency) Antoinette House of Commons Westminster LONDON SW1A 0AA

Churches Church of St. Phillips Church, Kelsall – Willington lies in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Kelsall The Vicar is the Rev Peter Mackriell (01829 752639) The Churchwardens are Andrew Macauley and Irene Skinner Website: www.kelsallparishchurch.org.uk

St. Peters Church, Delamere The Rector is the Rev Elaine Ollman (01606 882184) The Churchwardens are Glyn Roberts (01606 889188) and Pat Wheeler (01606 883631) Website: www.delamerechurch.blogspot.com

Catholic The nearest Catholic Churches are in (St Cuthberts) and (St Thomas Beckett). The Parish Priest is the Rev Joseph Carney (01829 732511)

Methodist Kelsall Methodist Church The Minister is the Rev Sue Levitt (01829 741022)

Education Primary School Kelsall Primary School, Flat Lane, Kelsall, CW6 0PU Telephone: 01829 751343 Email: [email protected]

Secondary School Tarporley High School & Sixth Form College, Eaton Road, Tarporley, CW6 0B Tel: 01829 732558 or 01829 732830 | Fax: 01829 733945 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tarporleyhigh.co.uk

Health Cheshire Health Agency (01244 650414/548/415) will offer advice and a list of doctors and dentists.

Doctors Tarporley Health Centre, Park Road, Tarporley has two Group Practices; Doctors Griffin, Adey & Dancy (01829 732401) Doctor Campbell, Chapell, Kent & Oliver (01829 733456) Kelsall Medical Centre, Church Street, Kelsall (01829 751252)

The War Memorial Cottage Hospital in Tarporley (01829 732436) has a range of facilities including physiotherapy, a dressings clinic, day care and in-patient wards. tarporleyhospital.co.uk

Dentists Tarporley Dental Centre, Denelea, 13 Nantwich Road, Tarporley, (01829 732213) Oaklands Dental Practice, 5 Nantwich Road, Tarporley, (01829 732979) Tudor House Dental Surgery, 62 High Street, Tarvin (01829 741284

Chemists Holmes Pharmacy, Kelsall (on the main road) Opening hours are 09.00-13.00 and 14.15-18.00 Monday to Friday and 09.00-12.30 on Saturday.

Transport Willington is not served by public transport.

Information and Timetables Cheshire Traveline provides timetable information for any bus, rail or coach service serving Cheshire and . Telephone: 0871 200 22 33 (08.00 – 20.00) Mobile Website: Nextbuses.mobi

Buses The nearest bus stop is in Kelsall and is served by the number 82 bus between Chester and . A half-hourly service is provided for most of the day, hourly for earlier and later buses. The Rural Rider transport scheme, operated by Cheshire Community Development Trust, is available to anyone living in Willington. For a timetable and further information ring 01606 784100. The booking line is open from 10.00- 14.00.

Trains The Chester to Manchester branch line can be accessed at Delamere Station, Cuddington Station or Mouldsworth Station, all have parking areas. The service is hourly in both directions, two hourly on Sunday. Main line stations are located in Chester, , Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport, and Warrington. Some main line routes can also be accessed at and Hartford.

Taxis Beanies, Kelsall (01829 751861) Busy B, Tirley Lane (07768 051770) Tarvin Cars, Kelsall (07890 454207)

Police and Associated Numbers Police Emergency – 999 only in case of emergency, that is;-  Danger to life  Violence used or threatened  Serious crime in progress (e.g. burglary)  A suspect for a serious crime is nearby  Road Traffic collision – serious injury, danger to road users

Police Non-emergency – 101 Your call will be assessed and may result in Police attendance.  You may be offered Crime Prevention advice  The incident may be passed to you neighbourhood Police team  The information may be referred to the intelligence unit, who monitor developing problems for targeted Police action

Neighbourhood Police Team Cheshire Police have recently restructured and Willington is now covered by the Chester Local Policing Unit. PC Trow has the responsibility for the beat management for three rural Wards consisting of seventeen Parish Councils, including Willington. He has the support of three Police Constable Support Officers (PCSO'S) and Willington will be covered by PCSO Ryan Reid. He is anxious to work with the public and be a presence in the Parish. He will, on occasions, attend the open forum of Council meetings.

Cheshire Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 Call anonymously if you have information about any type of crime. You will not be asked for your name and your call will not be traced.

Citizens Advice, Consumer Help Line (Trading Standards) – 08454 04 05 06  Doorstep Traders  Unlawful Alcohol Sales

Cheshire West and Chester (Report Anti-Social Behaviour) – 0300 123 7033  Licensing Street Collections  Noise Nuisance  Dog Fouling  Fly Tipping  Unauthorised building work to listed buildings

Pubs and Restaurants

Willington Hall Hotel and Restaurant stands in 17 acres of formal gardens and Parkland. It offers both table d'hote and full a la carte menus in one of several dining rooms, the lounge or study bar. It is open to both residents and non-residents seven days a week. It also caters for weddings and other functions in the Hamilton Suite. Telephone 01829 752321

The Boot Inn, situated in Boothsdale, Willington, is a picturesque country pub popular with walkers and cyclists, that offers food in a traditional setting. Telephone 01829 757375

The Farmers Arms in Kelsall serves home cooked pub food, at reasonable prices, featuring locally sourced free range produce. Sunday lunches are a special feature. Telephone 01829 751480

The Lord Binning in Kelsall offers an extensive home cooked menu, and carefully sourced wines, in an informal setting. They have frequent special events. The separate pub also does bar meals. Tel 01829 751441website:[email protected]

The Royal Oak in Kelsall specialises in Pizzas cooked in a Pizza oven imported from Italy. It also has a restaurant which features dishes made with ingredients from local suppliers. It has a number of special events throughout the year.

Shopping

Willington Fruit Farm at the top of Chapel Lane stocks a wide variety of fruit and and vegetables, much of it locally sourced. They specialise in soft fruit and apples grown on their own farm, they do 'pick your own' in season and produce home pressed apple juice. They also stock quality preserves, dairy food, eggs, baked goods, bedding out plants and herbs. They are open daily for most of the year. In addition they host a 'book swop' and stock quality greeting cards. Telephone 01829 751216, www.willingtonfruitfarm.co.uk

The CO-OP in Kelsall is the nearest grocers and also contains the Post Office. It is well stocked with grocery and also sells fruit and vegetables, some meat and freshly baked bread, it is licensed and stocks a good variety of wine, beer and spirits. It is open from 08.00 until 22.00 daily.

Duttons Butchers in Church Street Kelsall is a family butchers who stock an excellent range of meat, including their own award winning sausages. They also sell green grocery and bread. They are open all day Monday until Saturday.

Rose Farm in Utkinton is a well-stocked farm shop and Post Office selling their own meat, delicatessen products a wide range of grocery and wine and spirits. It is open 08.00-18.00 Mon to Fri, 08.00-17.00 Sat and 09.00-15.00 Sun.

Local Business

Vehicle Repairs John Jackson & Son, located at Willington Hall, Telephone 01829 752517 Body work specialists, accident repairs, classic car restoration, welding. Motor Cycles, cars, vans, tractors and more.

Phil West, located at Willington Hall, telephone 01829 752517 MOTs and Services, Pre MOT Checks

Joinery Andrew Markert is located at the former premises of Fred Chadwick on Willington Road, telephone 07938170844 He is a bespoke joiner who will undertake any job involving wood.

Adam Nicholas, is a high quality bespoke joinery manufacturer based at the Cottage Workshop, Willington Road. Telephone 01829 752029, Mobile 07808 503482

Electrical Services For all your new electrical installations and repairs. 101 Electrical, 17 The Crescent, Utkinton, Tarporley, CW6 0LT. Phone 01829 733101

Horse Riding Willington Hall Riding Centre is located at Willington Hall, CW6 0NA. Telephone 01829 751920, www.willingtonriding.co.uk They offer lessons for adults and children, hacks, livery and a pony club Opening hours Tues 9.00 – 6.00, Wed & Thurs 9.00 – 9.00, Fri 9.00-5.00, Sat and Sun 9.00- 4.00., closed Monday.

Clubs and Societies

Kelsall and District Probus meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at Cheshire View, Waverton for lunch and a speaker. The current secretary is Harry Tonge, Telephone 01829752090

Tarporley & District University of the Third Age (U3A) meet on the 4th Thursday of every month for a social session and speaker at Tarporley Community Centre. Doors open at 10.00, meetings start at 10.30. There are over 30 different interest groups ranging from Bridge to Walking. There are monthly coach trips to a variety of locations and holidays abroad. Annual subscription is £15 [email protected]

The Rotary Club of Tarporley meet at the Rising Sun pub in Tarporley most Tuesday evenings for a meal and speaker. The club raises money for local and international charities. tarporleyrotary.org.uk

Woman's Institute (WI) of Kelsall meets on the 1st Wednesday, of every month at 7.30 in the Methodist Hall in Kelsall. The meeting includes a speaker and welcomes visitors. www.kelsallwi.org.uk

Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Kelsall & District Branch, exists to raise money for the charity that saves lives at sea. All funding for the RNLI is raised by voluntary contributions. The branch organises a wide range of fundraising activities including flag days, Christmas card sales, Barn Dances and many other such occasions. The branch welcomes new members, for further information contact Edward Baskerville (Branch Chairman) on 01829 751967.

Pryors Hayes Golf Club, Willington Road, Tarvin, CH3 8NL, Telephone 01829 741250, is an 18 hole golf course who welcome visiting players. There is a restaurant, licensed bar and they cater for functions, including weddings.

Kelsall Flower Club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7.30 in the Kelsall Methodist Hall. They have demonstrations and various social and educational events. For further information contact Jackie Mortimore (Co-chairman) on 01829 752548, Angela Harrop (Co-chairman) on 01829 752566 or Helen Stubbs on 01829 752379

Kelsall & District Gardening Club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 in Kelsall Methodist Hall. They aim to extend their horticltural knowledge with talks, visits and exchanges of information. For further information contact Jane Beattie (Chairman) on 01829 751032 or David Shakesperare on 01829 751637.

Kelsall OPAL Club (Older People Active Lives) cares for up to 12 older people from Kelsall & surrounding villages. OPAL happens every Monday in Kelsall Methodist Hall with various activities in both the morning and afternoon and a cooked lunch prepared by volunteers. For further information contact Jane Colville (Chair of Kelsall Local Management Comittee) 01829 752607 or Mary Diggle (Volunteers Co- ordinator) 01829 752608.

Kelsall Bowling Club offers free membership for the first year. For people new to competitive bowling the Club will provide bowls and tuition free of charge, all you need is flat shoes/trainers. The club has 7 teams, one ladies only, the others are mixed playing in both afternoon and evening leagues. Contact the Secretary, Andrew Nicholson on 01829 752029 or the Treasurer, Fred Spruce, on 01829 752488.

Kelsall Community Centre is a venue for many activities from Pilates to Scottish Country Dancing. For information look at the Notice Board just inside the entrance door.

Willington Parish Council Updates

In December 2015 the British Heart Foundation provided the Parish with a Defibrillator it was installed in the ex-BT Telephone Kiosk on Willington Corner in January 2016 The defibrillator is a portable device that can be used by any member of the public to help start the heart when someone has a cardiac arrest. This is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body and they lose conscious almost at once. For every minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR chances of survival decrease by ten per cent. So it's important that the people of Willington know both of these vital steps to help someone in an emergency. The charity is campaigning for defibrillators to be more accessible and recognisable to the public and now Willington have joined BHF's Nation of Lifesavers campaign. 8 out of 10 out of hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home, so it is most likely to be to a friend or loved one who needs emergency assistance and your help to survive. Contact any member of your Parish Council to find out more information and to enrol for a free training session in CPR and defibrillator use. Willington Parish Council website is in the last stages of its development and will shortly go on-line. In addition to general information about the Parish the Agenda and Minutes of the Parish Council meetings be available on-line each month. The website will be found at www.willington.org.uk.