July 2019 July 2019

PB www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 1 July 2019 July 2019 28th Disability Awareness Day set to be a cracker at Walton Gardens! THE 28th annual Disability Tuesday 9th July one of the UK’s leading inclusive on 01925 248894. Awareness Day at Walton Hall 6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the drama groups will be performing Friday 12th July Gardens on Sunday, July 14, is set Park - Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: thrilling and entertaining songs from 7.30pm - 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz to be a cracker. Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists their recent productions. Adult tickets Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: More than 25,000 visitors are Swing’ plus special guests including from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds expected to attend this year’s DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic or Kate 01925 240064. of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great DAD, the world’s largest not-for- Club Night. Come and enjoy a great Thursday 11th July food, licensed bar and a charity profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability evening of Live Music, Dance Floor 6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s exhibition, which will once again and Licenced Bar, bring your own Party in the Park - Arts Marquee, auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call Walton Gardens: Wolves food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064. Organisers Warrington Disability 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok. Foundation & Warrington Disability For more details on exhibiting Partnership is proud to announce net/shop, £8 on the door. Partnership present a fun filled or attending #DAD2019 and ‘DAD their new joint principal sponsors, Wednesday 10th July evening for disabled children/young Week’ events, please contact Expanse Learning Group and Harry 7pm – 10pm - “Ella’s Summer people, their families and friends. Warrington Disability Partnership Fairclough Construction. Time Special” - Arts Marquee, Walton Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun on 01925 240064 or visit www. A huge tented village will house Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, areas. Free admission: Contact Craig disabilityawarenessday.org.uk over 220 exhibitors - including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services - is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have- a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment. Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans. The big day on Sunday, July 14, from 10am to 5pm - will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, including:

2 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 3 July 2019 July 2019

Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Editor’s comment Paul Walker

Account Executives THE deadline to comment on the approval for one such distribution James Balme Local Plan has now passed along centre on prime green belt which was Advertising with the two planning applications thankfully rejected by members. by Eddie Stobart and Langtree to But more applications are rolling in, 01925 631592 option 1 build huge logistics centres on fanned by the fact officers believe this Editorial Green Belt land in the south of the is acceptable in a polluted town often borough. gripped by gridlock. 01925 631592 option 2 Planning law, while often Email Hopefully thousands of you have complicated for the common man, info@warrington- made your voices heard - and even is quite straight forward regarding more importantly hopefully those in green belt - no development unless worldwide.co.uk charge at the town hall will listen - “exceptional circumstances”. Websites if they don’t I have serious fears not Well creating wealth while sacrificing www.culchethlife.com just for our green belt but our general health is far from exceptional health and well being, particularly circumstances. www.frodshamlife.co.uk at a time when we have been told Nothing in these planning www.lymmlife.co.uk we have just over a decade to save applications does anything to improve www.village-life.co.uk the planet from the impact of green our health and well being. www.warrington.tv house gases! We have far more important issues across the town centre and right out During the consultation period in our town, with an out dated to Culcheth & Glazebury in the North. www.warrington- I submitted my concerns in a letter hospital, lack of recreational facilities The whole town needs our green worldwide.co.uk to the leader of Warrington Borough and not even enough sport pitches to lungs - and the whole town needs Address Council (prior to knowing about the accommodate our existing teams and better health and leisure provision. forthcoming closure of Fiddlers Ferry clubs. New Media Centre There are some shining beacons at Power Station next year) which I have So what is the solution, particularly Orford Park and Great Sankey and Old Road, Warrington reproduced below. in times of austerity? Woolston Community hubs. WA4 1AT Hopefully common sense will Well how about borrowing some prevail - although the way the money with low cost interest rates like Let’s see one south of the ship canal political world is revolving at the you already have successfully done instead of lorry parks and warehousing. moment I am not holding my breath! to invest in business and commercial Come on Russ - you have the Distribution ventures and invest it in our green opportunity to leave a legacy we can Village Life is distributed freely Dear Russ Bowden belt, buying the land under threat all be proud of - or you can just allow to selected homes throughout During a run through some of our of development and then using it to the developers to continue ploughing the area as well as being beautiful countryside in Warrington it create health and leisure facilities and up our fields. available to pick up from various gave me the opportunity to clear my parklands. Thousands of new homes have head and do some blue sky thinking. This could be matched by some outlets, some of which are listed already been earmarked for green field As leader of Warrington Borough crowd funding, with those who can sites, with many more and employment below. Council the future of our town and our afford to, donating money to help fund green belt is within your hands and these projects. opportunities already planned in the town centre and brown field sites. Appleton: that of your controlling Labour Group Resident and parish council groups and the senior officers at the town have already demonstrated how they Let’s see how these go BEFORE we Village Hall, Co-op hall. can work together and raise funds to even think about building on Green Broomfields Leisure Centre Together you are tasked with challenge these plans to develop our Belt. ensuring our town provides for green belt - imagine having access to We have years ahead to meet Grappenhall: those in need of homes and good that money to preserve our green belt government guidelines and we have health together with employment and invest in health and well being. already seen the goal posts moved on Co-op, Community Centre opportunities. It could even be used to invest in Big Blue these - who is to say they won’t be As town’s go we are already doing solar energy and all weather sports moved again? better than many on various fronts. pitches, which help raise additional The birth rate is falling, the ageing Unemployment is relatively low and revenue and make it sustainable. High Legh: population is starting to level off, with Garden Centre, many of our jobs are filled by those Surely much more acceptable in our who live outside the borough. countryside than huge logistic centres the first signs of people dying sooner Village Hall So why exactly do we have to putting thousands of extra vehicles on than expected due to various health surrender our green belt land on which our roads and destroying our green issues brought on by obesity and Lower Walton: we depend for the very oxygen that fills belt for ever. general unhealthy living. One Stop Shop our lungs? I see in the local plan it states it Let’s put the foot on the brakes Over 40,000 people each year are is only 10 per cent of our green belt a little with all this proposed dying from pollution related illnesses being given up - but that is 10 per cent development, take a deep breath and Stockton Heath: and Warrington has been identified by too much. enjoy our precious countryside so we Library the World Health Organisation as one Thousands of people in our town can keep on running for years to come Stockton Fryer of the worst polluted town’s in the are suffering from asthma and other country. health issues which are made worse by without breathing in more toxic fumes. Panni’s So why are we even entertaining pollution. I am sure you will get the support St Rocco’s Shop the thoughts of huge logistics This is not a NIMBY issue in the of the vast majority of people in our developments on Green Belt land? I south - it is our whole town under town if you can look at and adopt this Stretton: say entertaining because your council threat, from through Appleton common sense policy. Beehive Stores officers have previously recommended and Grappenhall, across Latchford, Yours sincerely, Gary.

Thelwall: Post Office

Walton: Walton Gardens

Village Life is published monthly by Orbit News Ltd. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not 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 2 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 3 July 2019 July 2019 Grey skies and rain fail to deter community spirit at Bawming the Thorn

FOR the second year running grey skies and rain failed to deter the community spirit at Appleton Thorn for the historic Bawming the Thorn event. With this year’s event in doubt following the retirement of many of the organising committee last year, a call to arms by local resident Susan Plass, ensured it was a case of on with show despite the elements. Youngsters from Appleton Thorn Primary School braved heavy showers to carry out the traditional bawming dance around the Thorn tree in the heart of the village. Legend has it that the thorn tree, which stands beside the local church, is believed to be an offshoot from the Glastonbury thorn which grew from the staff of Joseph. Adam de Dutton, a knight of the crusades and local landowner brought it to Appleton Thorn in 1178, although the current tree is a relative newcomer. Bawming the Thorn involves decorating the tree with flowers and ribbons, with local school children from Appleton Thorn Primary School performing the bawming dance. Pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School re-enacted the bawming dance with youngsters William Griffiths taking the role of Knight and Chloe Bentham as Page.

4 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 5 July 2019 July 2019

Advertiser’s announcement Destination Expédition The Hays Family are very passionate about fundraising and each year all shops experience of developing and delivering in the regions set time aside to raise money for a charity of their choice. mobility and independent living services. As you may, or may not know, our small team of ladies are all local so when Their aim is to support disabled people choosing a charity for our annual fundraising efforts, keeping it local is key. and those living with long term health conditions in Warrington. They are For the last two years we have taken recycling donated furniture and bikes. supported by a team of nearly 50 staff part in the Starlight Ladies Walk in aid Their Walton Lea Tea Room grows or up- and 200 volunteers. of St Rocco’s Hospice. cycles everything they sell to support the Fortunate This year we have decided to support charity. In Spring 2019 as a result of a We are very fortunate to work closely two different local charities; The Walton successful collaboration in a bid to the with lots of fantastic Tour Operators,  Stockton Heath Hays Travel Team. Lea Partnership and Warrington Disability Heritage Lottery Fund, The Walton Lea two of which, have kindly come on Partnership. Partnership will join Warrington Borough board to support our fundraising event pro ts going to our chosen charities. The Walton Lea Partnership is a Council and Myerscough College in a this August. Welcome drink and canapés will be registered charity providing supported unique venture to deliver learning in the The Charity Evening will be held at provided and tickets will be on sale learning, development and support work repaired and transformed Conservatory Expedition (very apt partnership). Those in advance. activities for adults and young people and Shippon areas of the Walton Estate. attending will meet destination experts Secondly, we will undertake a ten with learning disabilities. They have a Warrington Disability Partnership from First Class Holidays and Holland mile sponsored walk through Stockton number of social enterprises including (WDP) is an internationally acclaimed & America Line for presentations on Heath, Grappenhall, Appleton Thorn and retail, horticulture, woodwork, oristry, user led charity with over 28 years’ travel to Canada. Hatton in September 2019. A very busy Tickets will be £5 per person with all and exciting couple of months ahead. We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm If you cannot make these times we are happy to arrange an appointment at your convenience. 80 London Road, Stockton Heath 01925 269400 The Starlight Ladies Walk, [email protected] our nominated charity for Follow us on Facebook the last two years

Keep the village alive support your local traders!

4 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 5 July 2019 July 2019 Has government thrown a spanner in the works of the Local Plan? HAVE new government proposals Plan is now out of date and needs to the borough council’s Local Plan? congestion, a decline in air quality to cut greenhouse gases to zero be re-thought. “They are going to destroy large and a danger to health. by 2050 “thrown a spanner in the They already thought council parts of our Green Belt so where are “It’s time to scrap the Local Plan works” of Warrington’s controversial planners had drawn up their proposals they going to plant trees? Only a very and go back to the drawing board.” Local Plan? based on out-dated thinking and limited number could be planted in The borough council says the draft now believe the new government urban areas. Local Plan aims to deliver 18,900 new Campaigners fighting the proposals commitment means the Local Plan “What about air quality? It will homes (945 per year) by 2037 and has again been overtaken by events. suffer from the increased number of make 362 hectares of employment – which involve thousands of new Outgoing prime minister Theresa vehicles, houses and logistics centres. homes and employment areas in land available – while protecting and May announced the 2050 target in “This government announcement preserving the Green Belt as much as Grappenhall, Lymm and Appleton and what was widely seen as a legacy just cannot be ignored by the Stretton - believe they may well have possible. statement. planners.” Meanwhile the Local Transport Plan done so and are suggesting the Local But in fact, the government’s Cllr Cliff Taylor, chairman of the (LTP4) aims to transform how people advisory committee on climate South Warrington Parish Councils travel around Warrington and make change recommended the “net zero” Local Plan Working Group, said: “The the borough a well-connected place target in May. planners are years out-of-date. They with high quality walking, cycling, Britain is the first major nation have come up with a Local Plan for Local Plan to propose this target – and it has the late 20th century, not the early and public transport networks. been widely praised by green groups. 21st century. The final decision on the Local Plan unsound and will The UK already has a 2050 target – “They are going in absolutely the and the development it proposes will to reduce emissions by 80 per cent wrong direction but the borough be made by the independent planning lead to severe under the 2008 Climate Change Act. council has still got time to change inspector, following an examination, But that will now be amended to the the plan.” likely to be held early next year. new, much tougher, goal. It will mean Liberal Democrat councillor Following feedback on the Draft environmental emissions from homes, transport, Ian Marks said: “This government LTP4, a revised final LTP4 will be put farming and industry will have to be announcement really throws a spanner before the council for approval either damage avoided completely or – where that is in the works. The Local Plan proposals later this year, or early next year. not possible – offset by planting trees involve loss of Green Belt, building The deadline for members of the WARRINGTON Borough Council’s or sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere. thousands of new homes and huge public to make representations on the proposed Local Plan is unsound Colin Daniels, chief executive of logistics centres which never produce Local Plan has now passed – but there and will result in severe Warrington Chamber of Commerce and the number of jobs they promise. is still time for the council to make environmental damage. Industry, said: “How does that fit with “They will result in more traffic amendments. That is the view of The South Warrington Parish Councils’ Local Plan Working Group. The Working Group represents Lymm, Grappenhall and Thelwall, Appleton, Stretton, Hatton and Walton Parish Councils. Chairman of the Group, Cllr Cliff Taylor said: “The consultation period is now over. We believe that what we have said in our submission is the overwhelming view of the people in South Warrington and we now await the Council’s response. “The Plan proposes to create growth by accepting vast new logistics facilities and allowing new housing on a very large scale. It proposes to take away Green Belt irreversibly to accommodate them. This is supposed to Green Belt under threat. regenerate the town centre but how this will happen is not explained. “There are no credible plans Adam branches out at Primrose Hill Nurseries for improving the road network or changing the way people travel. TWELVE years ago Adam Halford The environmental damage will be was embarking on a new career severe. after starting his own business as a “We do not think that the Local landscape gardener aged just 18. Plan will achieve the Council’s own objectives and instead it Now he has transformed the will keep the town in the grip business and employs a team of more of lorries and cars indefinitely. than 30 people after taking over the We cannot follow the reasoning Primrose Hill Nurseries near Lymm, in it. In short, the Local Plan is providing a wide variety of plants, fundamentally unsound. It should shrubs and trees, many of which are be withdrawn and overhauled from home grown. top to bottom to give the town Six months on from taking over a vision of the future fit for the the nursery Adam, who launched challenges of the 21st century.” Beechwood Industries 12 years ago, Thousands of people have has exciting plans for the future raised concerns about the Local as he branches out with his two Plan, with many also objecting to businesses, providing a one stop shop two huge logistics centres seeking for gardening needs, whether for the planning permission on Green Belt home or business. land in the South. Beechwood supply turf and top Local politicians from all three soil, undertake grounds maintenance, main parties, Labour’s Warrington landscaping and tree surgery at South MP Faisal Rashid, domestic & commercial properties, Conservative Parliamentary schools and sports facilities. candidate Andy Carter and Lib During his spare time Adam plays Dem candidate Ryan Bate, have all rugby at Lymm Rugby Union Club and voiced opposition. is also a regular in the “world famous” Lymm Panto and Vaudeville Show! 6 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 7 July 2019 July 2019

6 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 7 July 2019 July 2019 Brolly good show at Thelwall Rose Queen RAIN failed to dampen spirits at the annual Thelwall Rose Queen event as Pictures: John Hopkins villagers entered into the spirit of the occasion. It was a real family affair as 12-year-old Robin Broadhurst was crowned Thelwall Rose Queen with six-year-old sister Olivia as one of her attendants. They both followed something of a family tradition as their elder sister, Erin, 14, was Rose Queen in 2016. Robin, a pupil at Lymm High School, loves Morris dancing and is also a member of Ambitions Dance School in Lymm and is currently training towards taking her Grade 2 Ballet exam. Guests at the event included Town Crier Peter Powell and Mayor of Warrington Cllr Wendy Johnson. The rain, sometimes heavy, failed to dampen spirits as it was a case of on with the show with a Disney theme parade.

8 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 9 July 2019 July 2019

Advertiser’s announcement Who pays inheritence tax? Heather Lally, Associate Solicitor, to pay. above, this additional allowance can Estate and Trust Practitioner and If you leave all your assets to your be claimed against inheritance tax. Associate member of Solicitors for Spouse / Civil Partner, generally there If your residence was passed to you the Elderly at FDR Law looks at the is no inheritance tax to pay. by your late Spouse / Civil Partner, a question, who pays inheritance If you have survived your Spouse claim of up to £250,000 can currently tax? / Civil Partner and they left all of be made (using both persons’ their assets to you and had not gifted allowances). The Residence Nil Rate Most people are aware that if assets / set up trusts which used up Band allowance is due to increase to you leave substantial assets to your their entire inheritance tax (Nil Rate £175,000 by 6 April 2020. At that beneficiaries on your death, that Band) allowance, a claim can be made time, up to £350,000 additional there may be inheritance tax to to use their allowance also, so up to allowances can potentially be claimed pay. However, with recent changes £650,000 can be claimed. by the estate of the surviving Spouse regarding owning a residence on Now, if your assets comprise your / Civil Partner, if the property is your death and who it is left to, the residence and that residence is left valued at that amount or more at that inheritance tax position may not be to your direct descendants (including time. clear to all. adopted, fostered and step-children), Inheritance tax is normally charged The basics – Individuals with providing the property is valued at the at 40% over the Nil Rate Band and assets valued at less than £325,000, Residence Nil Rate Band (currently Residence Nil Rate Band allowances. generally there is no inheritance tax £125,000 for tax year 2018/2019) or Further reductions can be claimed for legacies and gifts to charity, if certain business assets or agricultural assets are held at death, along with gifts made from 3 years up to 7 years prior to death. However, estates valued at over £2 million, lose £1 of the Residence Nil Rate Band allowance for every £2 over £2 million. Inheritance tax can be complex and each person’s circumstances are different. If you are unsure as to whether your estate will pay inheritance tax, take advice and let us clarify matters for you and assist in inheritance tax planning options. For more information on Inheritance tax, Estates, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney or Court of Protection matters, contact Heather Lally on 01928 739300 or email [email protected]

8 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 9 July 2019 July 2019

Money Column Rare Lancaster By Margaret Black Bomber seen flying Something for nothing! over Walton Gardens It’s not often that you can get something for nothing, especially from the taxman. However, there is one exemption to income tax that may be useful. It is not huge, but applies to everyone who is employed and can be worth a tax saving of at least £60 per year for someone paying basic rate tax, and that exemption is for “Trivial Benefits”. Usually, if you receive a “Benefit-In-Kind” from your employer then he will need to report this at the end of the year on a David Watkinson and form P11d and you will pay income tax Margaret Black on it, usually by having your tax code restricted in the following year. However, this does not apply to any benefits which cost less than £50 provided that it is not part of a salary sacrifice scheme and that it meets the following three conditions: • It is not cash, or a voucher that can be converted to cash, or • It is not in your contract of employment that you will receive it, or THE UK’s only flying Lancaster bomber was seen flying over Walton gardens -• It is not in recognition for “particular services performed by the recently. employee as part of their employment duties” It was pictured flying over Walton Gardens by Latchford based photographer If you are a director then there is an additional condition in that the Darren Moston. total of the benefits must not exceed £300 in any tax year. This would The iconic plane was easily identified by its nose art featuring a kangaroo and apply, for instance, if you were the director/shareholder of your own bagpipes. company. However, for non-directors there is no overall annual limit. It is part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and is currently at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. The £50 limit is for each instance of the benefit. An example that was It had been taking part in an air display at RAF Cosford in Shropshire earlier given recently was that of a bacon roll given regularly to employees, in the day. the total cost of which exceeded the £50 limit during the tax year. The Lancaster, one of only two in the world permitted to fly, was previously Despite this, as each bacon roll was less than the limit the benefits grounded in 2015 after an engine fire. would still be exempt under the trivial benefits exemption. But after nine months of restoration by the The Aircraft Restoration Company, it was was able to take to the air once again and is now a popular attraction at The third condition, however, may easily be breached. For instance, air displays around the country. that bacon roll may be given to each employee who arrived early or who worked late. In this case, the benefit would be in recognition for a particular service and the exemption would not, therefore, apply. Compare this to the case where the weather is particularly hot because Wendy Johnson elected as 11th of which your employer treats you to a drink in the local pub. In this case the benefit is due to a non-work related reason and the benefit woman Mayor would apply, even if that hot spell continued for several months. LIB Dem Cllr Wendy Johnson has homelessness. One final warning. If the benefit is provided regularly then it may been elected as the 136th Mayor Born in Warrington at Great Sankey, become an expected reward, and this may be sufficient for it to of Warrington – and only the 11th she moved to Thelwall aged one. become an implied condition in the contract of employment. If this woman to hold the office, following She was first elected to the council in the footsteps of retiring Mayor Cllr in 1998 and had been inspired by the applies then the second condition would be breached and the benefit Karen Mundry. would become taxable. However, with care this exemption may be late Cllrs Ted Lafferty and Dr Barbara quite valuable. Mawer. But with Labour’s Maureen Cllr Johnson said, “I have been a If you have any queries in respect of this article please do not hesitate Creaghan elected as her deputy, long-serving council member since I the balance is gradually being re- to give WatkinsonBlack a ring first joined in 1998. To now succeed addressed at the town hall and when to the role of Mayor of Warrington is the deputy becomes Mayor next year With extensive experience in all areas of tax and business it will be the first time in Warrington’s an honour. services, including providing a very cost-effective payroll history that three women have served “I look forward to the year ahead bureau service and MTD reporting service. consecutively as Mayor. and being able to support the Contact 01925 41210 Cllr Johnson, who represents charities under the Mayor’s Appeal. Lymm North & Thelwall, has chosen I’m excited to get out and meet all the Warrington Disability Partnership, different residents of Warrington and Walton Lea Project, MacIntyre and to take on the new responsibilities of Contact the Elderly as her charities the mayoral role.” for the year. Her sister, Beverley Hallam, will be She will be focusing on two the Mayor’s consort and support her themes in particular, tolerance and throughout her mayoral year.

10 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 11 July 2019 July 2019 Fitting send off for 50th container of aid for refugees THE Care Uk Charity, based in who had spent the morning loading help those in need, wherever they portacabin prior to sending them on Warrington, , the container. are.” to the -based charity Syria and Manchester, which was the This was a perfect example of the The charity started in a portacabin Relief. brainchild of local business woman true spirit of communities working at Appleton Thorn after Nora had But within hours the response from Nora Carlin, gave a very fitting together. been moved to tears by photographs the public was overwhelming and she send off to their 50th container of Nora Carlin, Care UK Charity of a little Syrian boy found drowned realised much more was needed. practical aid for refugees in Lesbos. Founder said: “We couldn’t do any of on a Turkish beach. Volunteers came forward to help – this without our amazing volunteers Nora, owner of lifestyle and donations began to flood in. The truck left the premises led by and the fabulous people of the North management firm Arley’s Angels, felt Anyone wishing to get involved by the piper, the charity’s Patron, Faisal West, who donate their unwanted she just had to do something to help either volunteering or contributing to Rashid and a huge team of volunteers items to be reused, enabling us to the refugees pouring out of Syria and our work both locally and overseas, trying to reach safety via a perilous can do so by emailing info@ voyage across the Mediterranean. careukcharity.org.uk or by popping She started simply by setting into the shops in Northwich or up a Facebook page appealing Warrington, or can donate via PayPal for donations to store in her own [email protected]

Student gardener wins RHS gold medal A STUDENT gardener from Stockton Heath was awarded a coveted gold medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at the Chatsworth Flower Show for a long border design called “Chatsworth Lady”. Bev Williams works together with Toni Slater from Penley, North Wales as “Hortis Amici” and the pair designed and built the display as a tribute to Deborah Cavendish, the late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire. The display featured a willow and weathered steel sculpture of “Chatsworth Lady” as its focal point. The romantic border had a planting palette full of perennials arranged to show the contrast in their shape, form, scent, texture and colour. The plants chosen were naturally suited to the local area, providing a habitat for native wildlife to flourish in. Bev said: “We were thrilled that our design was selected for the RHS show and to see the finished result with the spectacular Chatsworth House as a back-drop is such an honour. But to also receive a gold medal has completely blown us away.” Toni and Bev, are both studying RHS Level 3 Practical Horticulture at Reaseheath College, Nantwich and were inspired to enter the RHS show by their tutor David Black. They both paid tribute to their fellow students and Toni said: “We have had so much support from a fantastic team that have helped us to cultivate the plants and flowers used in the display, plant the flower beds and construct the whole design onsite for the past week. We couldn’t have done it without them.” Any profits made from the sale of the “Chatsworth Lady” plants and sculptures will be donated to The Christie Charitable Fund. Donations can also be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BevandToni?utm_medium=email&utm_ source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20190606_114279

10 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 11 Julythe 2019 Pink July 2019

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12 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 13 July 2019 July 2019 Pensioner tackles Parkinson’s Disease in the gym PENSIONER Fred Hewitt received body strength to enable me to carry made.” available until 31st August 2019. if a major body blow when he was out my daily routines and enjoy a more STOP PRESS: And there is no better booked before August 31. diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease active lifestyle.” time to join by taking advantage of Call 01925 730 000 or email which left him suffering with Now Fred, who has joined the gym the special Summer Offer - Six weeks [email protected] for mobility problems and in pain. with wife Olwyn, is advising others full membership for just £75 which is further details. not to feel embarrassed or afraid But undeterred he joined his nearby when dealing with health issues gym The Park Royal Hotel Health and and progressive illness and to use a Leisure Club in Stretton and signed personal trainer to build up confidence. up with one of their personal trainers. He added: “Don’t be afraid to talk Anthony Martin. to other people and ask them for Fred, aged 74, has been delighted help. Me and my family have been with the results. overwhelmed at the level of support “Following the diagnosis I was we have received. struggling with general mobility, “We joined the gym as a couple standing and sitting positions, upper and in today’s society you are often body strength and lower back pain,” seen as just a number - however this said Fred. is definitely not the case at the Park “Anthony has worked on building Royal Leisure Club as we feel as we my upper body strength, given me have been treated as individuals and stamina to walk and helped me build our needs met on both a physical, up my confidence. personal and social level by all the “The exercise bike is my favourite team at The Park Royal Health and as my legs are my strongest part and I Leisure Club. find it easy to cope with. The support “Nothing is too much trouble for I have received has given me the the team and joining has proved to confidence and improved my over all be one of the best decisions we have Wedding guests invited to donate dog and cat food to happy couple NEWLY Weds Rod & Heather Scotney and especially dogs. I’ve had dogs had a twist in the tale when compiling from rescue centres before including their wedding gift list – by inviting our current dogs. Cheshire Dogs guests to donate dog and cat food! Home do a fantastic job of caring and Although it was a traditional rehoming dogs so we provided them wedding in most respects at Walton with the dog food. The cat food was Hall , it did have an unusual twist to donated to S.A.F.E Cats. it. Their guests were somewhat taken “Our wedding guests were delighted aback when the idea of a traditional to provide pet food and support our wedding gift list was abandoned in two charities. favour of requests for donations of dog “On behalf of all our wedding guests and cat food! and my new wife and I, we hope both Having two dogs of their own guests could have been forgiven for thinking charities continue their valuable the Higher Walton couple wanted to work”. lavish the gifts on their pets. However, The Cheshire Dogs Home commented Rod and Heather had other ideas. that “we are absolutely delighted to Rod said: “When planning our have received this very generous and wedding, Heather and I decided to ask thoughtful donation from the Mr and our wedding guests to provide dog or Mrs Scotney” cat food so we could donate it to local Another twist to the tale!: On return charities rather than asking for gifts from honeymoon the couple plan to for ourselves. adopt two spaniel crosses (brothers) “Heather and I both love animals from the dogs home!

EXTENSIONS • DRIVEWAYS FENCING • DRAINAGE 07925 633 790 email: [email protected] Picture: Andrew Gilbert. 12 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 13 July 2019 July 2019 Stockton Heath Festival Fever is coming! THE Stockton Heath Festival is High Flying Carpets – the Festival Stockton Heath Festival Festival news – Twitter and almost here and now in its 12th finale. information Facebook year the ever-popular community What’s on Where Discover more – www. The organisers would like to say stocktonheathfestival.co.uk thank you to supporters, sponsors event will take place from Thursday Make sure you check out the What’s 4th to Sunday 7th July 2019. Get involved – volunteers@ and volunteers – you are helping the On pages of the website to discover stocktonheathfestival.co.uk Festival go from strength to strength! what’s on where, so you don’t miss During the day the Festival has your favourite events. something for everyone in various venues in and around Stockton Heath Also, look out for the scarecrows such as fun learning for kids in science and window displays in Stockton (slime, anyone?) or French lessons, Heath; vote for the one you feel an art exhibition, and workshops or sports tasters. Many events are free most creatively describes the theme: and others require a ticket. Festivals! As day turns to night the Festival How to Get Tickets comes alive with sights and sounds Buy tickets from the What’s On as diverse as classical music from pages of the website, or the Box the Chameleon Wind Quintet, and Office at the Forge Shopping Centre in Shakespeare’s Tempest performed Stockton Heath. Book while you can in an open-air theatre, through to as some events were sold out in the Motown, choirs, and Noel Gallagher’s first week of tickets going on sale.

Supported by What’s on in the villages APPLETON PARISH To list your event call Village Life on 01925 631592 option 2 COUNCIL July 4-7 HIGH LEGH BRIDGE CLUB Every second Tuesday Every Thursday Stockton Heath Festival Village Hall, 7-10pm. Rubber, Duplicate STOCKTON HEATH LIONS CLUB THE SILVER QUAYS Senior Citizen’s Club Various venues in and around the village and Chicago played. Details: Audrey London Bridge Inn, 8pm The Quays Community Centre, Thelwall New Greaves 0161 904 0120 July 9 Contact: [email protected]. Road, Thelwall. STOCKTON HEATH PARISH COUNCIL Every second Monday Tel 01925 262669 Details: 01925 753474. Sandy Lane Centre, Stockton Heath, PARK (APPLETON) WI BOOK CLUB 7.30pm Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. BRIDGE CLUB 7.30pm Bizzie Beans Coffee House, Bridge Lane, Belong Warrington, Loushers Lane 7.20pm. July 13 Appleton Details 01925 262534 STOCKTON HEATH WALKING DAY PHILOSOPHY IN PUBS DISCUSSION GROUP 11am-12 noon Red Lion pub, Stockton Heath 7-9pm July 16 Contact Bill Cooke [email protected] Every Wednesday Every second Thursday APPLETON PARISH COUNCIL STRETTON WI APPLETON HALL BADMINTON CLUB Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road, Second and fourth Monday Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. April- February at Hall Drive, Appleton. 7.30pm WARRINGTON ART GROUP 2.30pm. Bellhouse Community Centre, Bellhouse 7.30-10pm. July 18 Lane, Grappenhall. Details: 01925 262356 GRAPPENHALL PROBUS CLUB GRAPPENHALL & THELWALL PARISH 7-9pm. COUNCIL THELWALL MORRIS MEN Grappenhall Community Centre, Bellhouse Council Offices, Bellhouse Lane. 7.30pm Every third Monday Thelwall Parish Hall, Bell Lane, Lane, 10aM. NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY 8.15pm. Details: 01925 767151 Details: 01925 264427. Every day except Monday Cheshire District meeting GRAPPENHALL HEYS WALLED GARDEN Grappenhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Every first Wednesday Every third Thursday Witherwin Avenue, Grappenhall Heys, Road, Grappenhall. WALTON WI WA4 3DS. APPLETON AFTERNOON FLOWER CLUB 8pm. Details: 01925 265773. St John’s Church Community Hall. 7.30pm Café open Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday and Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road Sunday, 10am-5pm. Garden open Tues/ Every fourth Monday Details: 01925 604384 2pm Wed/Thurs 1pm-4pm. Bank Holidays: MARLFIELD WI Details: 01925 740419 Grappenhall Community Library, Albert STOCKTON HEATH PROBUS CLUB Garden open but cafe closed. Warrington Sports Club, Walton Lea Road, Road, Grappenhall. 7.30pm GRAPPENHALL WI Higher Walton. Every Monday Grappenhall Community Centre, Bellhouse COUNTRY DANCING CLUB Every Tuesday Details: 01925 268540 Lane 2.15pm St Thomas’ Primary School, Parkgate Road, COFFEE MORNING Stockton Heath. St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn. All Every third Wednesday 8-10pm. Details: 01925 262356 welcome. 10am-12 noon HIGHER WALTON WI, Sandy Lane LYMM & THELWALL U3A Community Centre, Stockton Heath, Members’ meetings 10am (not August or BRIDGE CLUB PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 7.30pm. Details 01925 602486. February) Belong Warrington, Loushers Lane 7.20pm. Quays Community Centre, Thelwall Parish Hall Details 01925 262534 Thelwall New Road, Thelwall. 7.30pm. Every fourth Wednesday LADIES’ FRIENDSHIP CLUB Contact: 01925 757582. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY Every Friday The Quays Community Centre, Thelwall New COFFEE MORNING Support Group, Brampton Lodge Day APPLETOTS TODDLER GROUP Road, Thelwall. Appleton Independent Methodist Church Centre, Bridge Lane, Appleton. 6.30- Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. 8pm. Details: 01925 264099 Appleton Parish Hall, 10am-12 noon 8.30pm 9.45-11.30am. Details: 01925 268153.

14 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 15 July 2019 July 2019

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