August 2016 August 2016

PB www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 1 August 2016 August 2016

The EU Referendum Result & Financial Markets Will leaving the EU mean more risks for Britain than opportunities? Well we are about to find out. One thing is for certain is that risks will be priced into assets very quickly, but the opportunities will remain well into the future. The UK economy will probably struggle for a while, and will possibly need all the help that it can get. Which is why the Bank of England have already said that it will do whatever it takes. George Osborne too has said he is considering lowering corporation tax to 15%, and he needs to, in an effort to help the smaller businesses get through this period. The Global markets have done rather well in the wake of the referendum, as has the FTSE 100 index. But it is not the FTSE 100 that you should trust to measure real performance for the UK. The FTSE 100 index is a benchmark of global companies exporting all over the world and indeed largely unaffected by the UK as a whole. It is the FTSE 250, FTSE 350 and the AIM listed market that is likely to be the better barometer in times like these. And these indices have suffered significant falls in the aftermath of the EU referendum result. And it is these markets where the Chancellor will be trying to help the most. The global economy is still the best place to provide the opportunities for growth. Ironically the weakening of the pound will provide opportunities for foreign companies and there could be a lot of mergers and acquisitions as a result, and this could further drive the UK markets higher. As always though, it is all about investment funds. And more to the point having the right ones in your portfolio. The commentators can comment all they like about a particular market or asset class. But, if you have a good fund in that market, with a great stock picking manager then you will more likely succeed. In our own model portfolios, I am really excited at the potential opportunities in certain asset classes that the BREXIT decision has opened up, and I really believe that these will materialise over the next few years. Regarding the UK, I also think the future is bright as a result of this decision. It may just take a while longer for the UK to realise its full potential. Don Wernham, Financial Planner Disclaimer - Please note views are my own and do not constitute advice

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Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Editor’s comment Paul Walker Account Executives THE prospect of some 180 houses 1970s/1980s – and including a large James Balme being built on open land at Stretton site at Appleton Cross. is causing concern not only within Add to this proposals for 80-90 Advertising the village but also in neighbouring houses in the centre of Appleton Freephone Appleton. Thorn village and a picture begins 0800 955 5247 to emerge of future traffic gridlock – Houses mean traffic – and the although this is not a HCA site. Editorial proposed new homes would be As yet, planning applications 01925 623632 accessed not only from Stretton Road, have not been submitted for any of proposed at Appleton Cross? Email in Stretton, but also from Pewterspear the proposals, which means that In an ideal world, the pleasant Green Road, Appleton. Residents of objections cannot yet be lodged. green landscapes of Appleton and info@- both villages believe, and not without Frustrating for residents and local Stretton, which do so much to worldwide.co.uk good reason, that they already have councillors. enhance the character of the area, more than enough traffic. The worrying thing is that Websites could remain in perpetuity. The land is owned by the Homes consultation is being carried out in We have known for 40 years that www.culchethlife.com and Communities Agency (HCA), who a piecemeal manner, denying local this was unlikely to happen but we www.frodshamlife.co.uk have been consulting with residents people the opportunity of studying would have much greater confidence www.lymmlife.co.uk and parish councils. the whole development picture. that development might take place Biggest worry for residents is that Surely one’s views on the Stretton www.village-life.co.uk in a sympathetic manner if all the HCA own a great deal of land in the proposals, for instance, could be pieces of the jigsaw could be looked www.warrington.tv area – inherited from the days of the fundamentally altered if one had at before work started. www.warrington- Warrington New Town project of the some knowledge of what might be worldwide.co.uk Address New Media Centre Old Road, Warrington Cheshire WA4 1AT Open garden in memory of business partner Distribution Village Life is distributed freely couple Wendy and Howard Pond, home to 32 Terrapins. Laskey Farm has been featured as This year a feature treehouse to selected homes throughout Platt opened Laskey Farm garden to Garden of the Week in Garden News the area as well as being the public in honour of Howard’s has been constructed as part of the business partner Bill Spencer who continuous garden project and co- Magazine. available to pick up from various ordinates with the existing flower passed away in January. The event raised £2,500 for St outlets, some of which are listed beds, lawned areas, greenhouse and below. Bill was managing director of extensive planted borders. Rocco’s. Locker Group in Warrington and the Appleton: event was organised by his widow Village Hall, Co-op Marguerite in Bill’s memory and in aid : of St Rocco’s Hospice. Co-op, Community Centre Wendy is the driving force and High Legh: opens the gardens each year for the National Garden Scheme in August Garden Centre, and over the past four years has Village Hall raised £20,000 through that scheme Knutsford: for charity. Fryers Garden Centre, The spectacular garden includes Library, Heritage Centre, fascinating water features consisting of five interconnected ponds Shaw Heath Social Club, containing about 50,000 gallons. A Mr Chips highlight for children is the Turtle Lower Walton: One Stop Shop Mere: Parish Club Mobberley: Rajar Building Wellies were order of the day at the steam fair The Victory Hall DUE to the heavy rain this year’s thrilled the crowds. Fairground Organs, Miniature Steam : Cheshire Steam Fair resembled a Performing over the two days live Engines, Stationary Engines and Library Glastonbury festival and wellies were on stage were the Crazy Bears, Smarty, Vintage Commercials. certainly the order of the day. Rocky, Candy, Honey, Popsy, Sweet The event also included trade Stretton: Tooth and Mr Keiron, a fun-packed stands, Autojumble, Craft and Beehive Stores extravaganza for the whole family. Several cars and steam engines Fine Food Marquee, Old Time and Stretton Newsagents became bogged down but help was There was a full programme of top Modern Funfair, Non-stop Arena Thelwall: on hand with tractors coming to the steam fair attractions including, Wall Entertainment, Catering and Licensed Post Office assistance of the stranded motorists. of Death, Steam Engines, Classic Cars, This didn’t deter the crowds though. Vintage Tractors, Classic Motorcycles, Bar. Established for over 30 years the event at Daresbury is a popular Village Life is published monthly by attraction for steam enthusiasts from Orbit News Ltd. across the county and further afield. Performing in the Main Arena The contents of this magazine are were Flyin Ryan’s Stunt Show – an fully protected by copyright and amazing show of motorcycle tricks may not be reprinted or reproduced and freestyle jumps. Attempts were without prior permission of the made to jump steam engines, plus a publishers. show stopping fire stunt which kept The publishers are not liable for any the whole family on the edge of their statement made or opinion expressed seats. Also performing in the main arena by third parties in this publication. were Birds of Prey Displays. The free Printed by TwentyFourSeven flying magnificent eagles and vultures 2 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 3 August 2016 August 2016 Prayers answered at Grappenhall Walking Day Report and pictures: Paul Jackson UMBRELLAS were the order of the The Queens and their attendants day at the start of Grappenhall were joined on the walk by the Walking Day as Reverend Jane Dobcross Youth Band, Church Proudfoot from St. Wilfrids Church members, The Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, was on hand to conduct the service Grappenhall Rainbows, Grappenhall – and to ask for better weather. pre school, St. Wilfred’s School, and many local residents. Local people This year’s Rose Queen Gabrielle came out to show their support for Groves, and Rose Bud Natalie Finegan the walkers. After parading through were joined by their predecessors, the village it was back to the school Izzy Collins and Mia Gilby at the field for the crowning of the new village hall to prepare for the day. Queen and Rosebud. Also joining them was their Once the formalities were retinue of attendants Katie Lowe, complete it was time for some good Lucia Marshall, Tilly Trimble, Lilly old fashioned family fun and well- Weall, Annie Axon Hazel, Imogen earned refreshments. With tombolas, Fitzpatrick, Emily Davis, Claudia a coconut shy, hook a duck, cake Rudkin, Rose Derbyshire and Crown sales, BBQ, beer tent, face painting, bearer Brian Swindell. a demolition zone, The great As Rev. Proudfoot led a rousing Grappenhall bakeoff, Dragon Martial rendition of “all things bright and Arts, School choir, dance stars, beautiful” it seemed that the prayers budding gymnasts and many more had been answered, the rain stopped, stalls, activities and entertainments sunglasses replaced brollies and the there really was something for procession through the village streets everyone and the sunshine was a got off to a bright and sunny start. Godsend! Rev Jane Proudfoot.

Rose Bud Natalie Finegan and her retinue.

Rose Queen Gabrielle Groves and her retinue.

Rainbows enjoying the walk.

Selfie time for the new Grappenhall Rose Queen. Crowning glory for Rose Queen Gabrielle Groves. 4 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 5 August 2016 August 2016 ‘Always a Bobby at Market Gate’ IT is more than 30 years since Harry getting to know so many officers by Hayes, of Grappenhall, retired from first name and earning their trust. the police so his fascinating book And places too, many of which “Always a bobby at Market Gate” have fallen to the demolition man’s could be said to be overdue. hammer. It has pictures of Warrington’s first But it has been worth waiting for police car – a Sunbeam loaned by a because it provides a picture of a local dealer – and of police football Warrington that few now remember and cricket teams – a Warrington which, for Harry, is a Today, police have radios, mobile place of ghosts. ‘phones and communicate on He writes: “Almost every street Facebook and Twitter. When Harry brings back a memory of accident started it was a pillar in the street or incident. I can still see the Co-op with its flashing light to summon the milk horses who knew their round; the nearest officer. knocker-up; the Crown and Sceptre; He reluctantly admits Warrington noises, creaks and wild life from the is, in many ways, better today. But old market at night, fish and potato he regrets the diminished role of market, fire station, et al.” “service” in a bobby’s job. But he concludes his story with a Harry Hayes started his police forecast that the “village shop” will career with the old Warrington return. In 50 years’ time he says, Borough Force. He served briefly with someone will earn a knighthood for Lancashire Police when they “took proposing that we have smaller police over” Warrington and ended as an forces, where everyone knows each Inspector with Cheshire Police. other, and efficiency abounds. When he retired, the Chief “People will wonder why no-one Inspector said: “Inspector Hayes is every thought of that before.” one of nature’s gentlemen.” Harry’s He dedicates his book to the comment was: “So was Tarzan.” bobbies of Warrington Borough His book is peppered with names Police, who gave 30 years of their which are well remembered by a lives to patrol the streets of this once reporter who, in those days, was free small town. Excellent loyal servants to wander around the police station, to the police service as a whole. Mayor’s record-breaking charity fundraising OUTGOING Mayor of Knutsford Tony their time to sell raffle tickets and Dean raised a record-breaking amount to the numerous businesses who so of £12,155.28 for his chosen charities generously provided sponsorship and – Knutsford District Scouts and The prizes to ensure the success of each Salvation Army. event.” The Mayor’s final event was “An Over a period of 12 months he Evening of Song” with the Mancunian raised money with a treasure hunt, a Singers at Knutsford Methodist golf tournament, competitions at the Church. town’s Christmas Market, a pub quiz and the highlight of the year, the Mayor’s Charity Ball. Cllr Dean said: “I’m astounded by the wealth of support and generosity of the businesses and people of Knutsford and beyond. “My thanks and appreciation go Cllr Dean with Captain Becky Ward, of out to all those who joined me at the Salvation Army, and District Scout my events, to those who gave up Commissioner Martin Belton. A competition for budding authors STOCKTON Heath Writers Group is words, family-friendly in terms of offering any budding J K Rowling, language and can be on any subject. Stephen King or Catherine Cookson They should not have been published the chance to kick-start their writing before. Anyone aged 18 or over can career with prizes worth £150. enter and there is no entry fee. Writers should be working, or The main cash prize, of £100 for the living, within 25 miles of Warrington. best short story, is being sponsored There is a special Young Writer of by local company Knight Corporate The Year Prize, which is a £25 book Finance, of Warrington. token, and this is open to any writer Company director Paul Billingham aged under 18, who submits a poem said: “As a company, we are always or story. Poems must be under 40 keen to support local projects that lines, short stories under 500 words. bring people together. It’s also exciting to think that there could be Mike Jackson, from Stockton a best-selling author of the future, Heath Writers said: “It’s great to right here in the North-West, which is launch our 2016 anthology with full of talented people. Good luck to this competition. We welcome all everyone who enters!” writers, of any age, background and Another local business, Fifth Day, ability and meet once a month to which provides project management encourage new talent, share tips and consultancy is putting up £50 for ideas and have a refreshing cuppa! We the best poem, submitted by a writer are looking forward to seeing some aged 18 or older, maximum length is excellent stories and poems.” 40 lines. Entries should be emailed to Entries for the short story [email protected] and the competition must be under 1,200 closing date is 1st September 2016. 4 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 5 August 2016 August 2016 Village festival celebrates another success ORGANISERS of the Stockton Heath – which had an Alice in Wonderland Grangeside Joinery. Entertainment on the field Festival are celebrating yet another theme this year – was judged by the Meanwhile special guest on the included “mad scientist” Professor huge success which, over the three public who decided the winner was festival field was Mayor of Warrington Seltsam, while local bands provided days of the events drew thousands Maddocks Funeral Directors. Faisal Rashid and his Mayoress wife musical entertainment, with Abba’s of people. Runners up was the Red Lion Aleeza, who both had a go at bell Angel’s bringing the curtain down Hotel and third, Smart’s Carpets. ringing with the team from St Thomas’ on activities with a sell out show The popular scarecrow competition The competition was sponsored by Church. sponsored by FDR Law.

Local youngsters with the scarecrows on the festival field.

Rev. Michael Ridley greets the Mayor and Mayoress. St Thomas’ bell ringers who are looking for more recruits.

Professor Seltsam entertains the crowds. A local band entertains the crowds. More pictures online at www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk 6 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 7 August 2016 August 2016

Advertiser’s announcement To all our clients I would like to say a huge thank you everyone especially those who have intimate that the larger cruise liners. to all of you who voted for me in an interest in culture and history or If you want to take part in brilliant Retailer of the Year Awards recently. just an opportunity to visit various cooking demonstrations, cultural It was a fantastic achievement to win cities and want a relaxing time on a discussions etc or just totally relax a this and now sits in pride of place in small ship with like minded people. river cruise would be for you. Various the shop. Cruising down the Rhine and the River cruise destinations to choose I would like to let you know that Danube visiting cities like Koblenzz, from ie Amsterdam-a canal tour of as from 1st July 2016 we were taken Vienna etc You will see astonishing Amsterdam for 5 days visiting the  Linda Crowder – Stockton Heath Travel over by Hays Travel who are the ‘fairytale’ castles and learn about bulb fields experience or cruise from largest Independent Travel Agent in the mystical legends, historic strife Amsterdam via Cologne etc through Blue Danube from Vienna, Budapest the UK. Hays Travel offers the widest and triumph. Or the Moselle with its Strasbourg, Breisach final destination & Salzburg. The Douro, Oporto & choice of holidays, including package impossibly steep, riverside vineyards would be Basel in Switzerland. Most Salamanca, Burgundy- The River holidays, all inclusive holidays, cruise and lesser known, yet equally tours include return flights from your Rhone & Provence, The Seine, Paris holidays and long haul holidays. We beautiful River Main, twisting through regional airport, 6 guided tours, all & Normandy, Portugal’s River of are sure that this is going to benefit Germany’s rural heart. In France the meals on board, specially selected Gold- Lisbon to Porto, Elegant Elbe all our clients. To assure you that Rhone flows majestically from almost house wine, beer and soft drinks with - Berlin to Prague, Chateaux, Rivers nothing will be changing, the name the Burgundy vineyards to Avignon lunch and dinner on board, free Wi-Fi & Wine this is a Bordeaux round trip, above the shop will still be Stockton and Van Gogh’s Arles, in the heart on board with certain ships. Passage to Eastern Europe - Budapest Heath Travel and the staff will remain of Provence, whilst the Seine from Other cruises take in Rhine to Bucharest. the same ie Jacqueline will still Paris runs through the countryside to & Moselle or Rhine, Strasbourg Further afield why not take in be Manager and I will be working medieval Rouen and historic Bayeaux. & Heidelberg, Rhine Cruise to the delights of China - taking in the part time. We look forward to your There is also the Douro with its Switzerland, Medieval Germany from delights from Shanghai to Beijing or continuing support and remember the dramatic terraced vineyards etc the Main to the Danube, Cruise the 17 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City if kettle is always on! The River Cruise Ships are a Heart of Europe from the Rhine to any of these appeal please contact us lot smaller than the Ocean going the Danube, Vienna & Budapest, The for further details. River Cruises cruise ships ie a ship’s crew of 44 A fantastic way to explore more serve just 169 guests so are more We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9am to of Europe with its history and 4pm. If you cannot make these times we are happy to arrange an enchanting scenery ie travel through appointment at your convenience. Russia and discover its jaw-dropping treasures and stunning rural 80 London Road, Stockton Heath landscapes or take the opportunity to visit a kommunalka to experience a living part of Soviet past and Russian culture. River cruising is perfect for 01925 269400 [email protected] Keep the village alive support your local traders! Follow us on twitter @stocktonhthtvl, facebook and linkedin

6 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 7 August 2016 August 2016 Stockton Heath Walking Day dodges the showers DESPITE overcast skies and Church. torrential rain earlier in the day The walk was slightly delayed by Stockton Heath Walking Day some technical issues with a sound managed to dodge the showers for system but eventually got under way. the annual Walk of Witness through Hundreds of villagers lined the village. the streets along with the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Faisal Rashid, Following a service on Alexandra Warrington South MP David Mowat Park with a theme of Journeys, this and Parish Council Chairman Cllr Peter year’s walk was led by Bethesda Walker.

St Thomas’ Sunday Rose Queen Amelia St Monica’s Church Joshua Oates, enjoys his first walking day with dad Carl, sister Harriet and mum Rachael. Smith aged 9, with attendants Bella Thornton (8) and Alice Emery (4).

Cadishead Public Band.

The tradition of handing money to youngsters taking part in the walk.

Mayor Faisal Rashid, David Mowat MP and Parish Chairman Peter Walker. Bethesda Church had the honour of leading the walk. 8 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 9 August 2016 August 2016

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Money Column Parish to consider By Margaret Black taking over grass Keeping tax and cutting accounting records APPLETON Parish Council is to “We have agreed to fund an extra Question: How long must you consider the possibility of taking cut by the borough this year but we keep tax and accounting records. on grass cutting operations in are also looking into options for next Answer is as follows: the village next year following year – possibly paying the borough to Individuals complaints from residents about carry out more cuts or possibly taking People carrying out a trade profession the state of grass verges this on the work ourselves.” or business must keep records until the summer. later of the following: a) Where the return is for a tax year, the In the short term, the parish has 5th anniversary of the 31st January agreed to pay Warrington Borough next following the year of assessment. Council to carry out an extra cut this For instance, records for the year to 5th April 2015 must be kept for 5 year. years from 31st January 2016, ie 31st But they are also to investigate David Watkinson and various costing options for the parish January 2021. Margaret Black b) Where the return is for a period that is council next year. not a tax year, the 6th anniversary of either: Chairman Cllr Brian Axcell said: i. The completion of an enquiry into the return; or “Residents have expressed outrage ii. The day on which the enquiry window into the return closes without an at the state of grass verges in the enquiry being opened parish this year. The problem is that People not carrying out a trade, profession or business must keep records the borough has reduced the cutting until the later of the following: cycle and we have had a lot of rain a. The first anniversary of the 31st January next following the year of and relatively warm weather which assessment; has caused the grass to grow more b. The completion of an enquiry into the return; or rapidly. c. The end of the day on which the enquiry window closes “The borough says it will cut the PAYE & NIC records should be kept for 3 years from the date that they verges once every 6-8 weeks, but this were created is not enough. Hedges have also Companies Tax and Accounting records should be kept for a minimum of 6 years from been growing more quickly, resulting the date that the records were made. These records include: in many footpaths become narrower. - VAT invoices sent & received - Documents relating to supplies to & acquisitions from both other EU states and non-EU states including all import & export documentation - Documents supporting special VAT treatment - Bank statements, cheque books, paying-in books, cashbooks, & other Area board rejects funding bid accounting records Documents relating to SDLT should be kept until the latest of: AN application for funding for two business location maps to be located on - The 6th anniversary of the effective date of the transaction Stockton Heath’s Forge car park has been turned down by Warrington Borough - The date on which an enquiry is completed, or Council’s South Area Board. - The date on which the window for opening an enquiry closes Records concerning the purchase of own shares, copy Board minutes & The board rejected the application on the grounds that traders and the parish resolutions, and copies of shareholders meetings should all be kept for 10 council should exclusively pay for the signs, which would be in the form of maps years. showing the location of businesses. Directors service contracts should be retained for 1 year from the Parish councillors say they would like to see the design of the signs before termination of the contract. reaching a decision on whether to make a financial commitment. All other records should generally be kept for 6 years from the date of creation. PAYE Maternity pay records and sickness pay records should be kept for a minimum of 3 years from the end of the tax year in which the payments were made. With a few other small exceptions, all other records should be kept Birthday celebrations at fertility clinic for a minimum of 6 years from the end of the tax year to which they relate. General A FERTILITY clinic which helps “The value of the daily work we do Remember, paper makes an excellent loft insulation, though care should patients across Warrington has lies not in the treatment we offer but be taken to keep away from sources of ignition. celebrated its second anniversary in the outcome our patients achieve. We are pleased to assist with these and other relevant matters where with a special birthday party. “Meeting so many children whose possible. life started in our laboratory was truly WatkinsonBlack – Accountants Who Care For Clients Who Matter Reproductive Health Group held sensational. Today was a very special We have considerable experience in all areas of taxation and businesss the event at their Daresbury Park moment for my team and I together services, including providing a very cost-effective payroll bureau service. centre and held a prize draw for three with the families and their children lucky couples who won free cycles of to remember for many years to come.” IVF treatment. Among the guests at the party were many couples who have been helped by the group who now have babies following IVF treatment. Kelly, whose daughter was born in March this year, said: “What better way to celebrate my husband’s first Father’s Day than helping celebrate Reproductive Health Group’s second anniversary. “Without their help, it simply would not have been possible. What an amazing day and a great opportunity to meet and speak to other patients and see all the success that RHG are enjoying. “It was great to finally introduce our daughter to the team that created her.” Clinical director Luciano Nardo said: “It was a hugely rewarding experience seeing many happy families who attended the celebration for the second anniversary of our centre. 10 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 11 August 2016 August 2016 Alice leads search for malaria cure A FORMER Appleton woman who The Open Source Malaria project now lives in Australia is playing a shares all data and welcomes leading role in the world’s search to contributions from anyone, no matter find a cure for malaria. what their expertise. It promises not to patent any of Alice Williamson, who discovered its research—making it the world’s her passion for science while studying first completely open drug discovery at Priestley College, was recently project. named one of Australia’s most Alice is the lead experimental promising young scientists due to her chemist for Open Source Malaria and work with the Open Source Malaria was recently named one of Australia’s project. Top Five scientists Under 40. On a recent visit home Alice, Jan Costello, director of Science, aged 30, said: “We are designing Technology, Engineering and Maths new medicines to tackle malaria and at Priestley, said it was obvious rather than writing down our findings that Alice was destined for high in a secret notebook we publish it all achievements. online. “Alice was an exceptional “Anyone can see our findings and student who studied a wide-ranging not just those who pay for it as curriculum. happens in some laboratories when “I’ve enjoyed watching her progress big companies are involved. It means and being able to see the difference other scientists around the world she is making in worldwide research can learn from our discoveries and leaves me bursting with pride.” hopefully it will lead to a cure being Malaria kills as many as half a found sooner.” million people every year.

Benches to be refurbished SEVEN benches in Victoria Square, Stockton Heath, are to be refurbished at a cost of £2,450. The work will involve stripping off existing wood, replacing it with hard wood and staining the wood and re-painting the metal frames. Parish council chairman Cllr Peter Walker said: “This is specialist work – they are not just ordinary benches but were made specially for Stockton Heath and bear the council’s coat of arms.”

10 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 11 Augustthe Pink 2016 August 2016

Hazeldine Home & Garden celebrate 1st anniversary LOCALLY based Hazeldine Home Another one of HH&G’s customers & Garden is celebrating its 1st said “I cant believe it, I’ve got a Year in Business. brand new garden, thank you so much.” “It’s been a steady start” said “Many of our customers Paul. “I am learning all the time apologise for the state of their and I’ve made a few mistakes but garden, but people have busy lives we pride ourselves on our finished which means they are starved of work. free time; that’s where we come “We have had some great in, we are there to help. We can projects to work on as well as the transform a neglected garden and traditional ‘mow and go’ garden help the customer fall back in love maintenance. We work very fast; the investment in the essential with it. Once we have done our job tools and equipment makes our the home owner can enjoy their operation more efficient.” garden once again” said Paul. Paul said the customer feedback Hazeldine Home and Garden has they receive is so positive and a variety of customers, from large makes the hardest projects very gardens, Churches, Community rewarding. Centres to small gardens that need “We made one customer cry a bit of TLC. when she saw the transformation, You can see more of not because we’d made a mess of their work by visiting www. it, but simply she couldn’t believe hazeldinehomeandgarden.co.uk or how different her garden was.” their Facebook page.

BEFORE AFTER

12 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 13 August 2016 August 2016 History in the making at Stretton Walking Day

HISTORY was in the making at with its origins lost somewhere in May Queen. It is to be found in the girls: it’s not just political correctness Stretton Walking Day, as for the the mists of time… Steve Roud, medieval tradition of ‘Church Ales’. to have a Rose King, alongside first time the new Rose Queen was however, in his book “The English The Church Ale, often held around the Rose Queen. It has historical joined by a Rose King! Year[1]”, tells the story of a vicar in Whitsun (the feast of Pentecost), precedent! Bury who, in 1989, announced that and therefore sometimes called the As local school girl Grace Edwards he was banning his church’s Rose ‘Whitsun Ale’, was a fundraising event was crowned the new Rose Queen, Queen ceremony, because, he said, for the upkeep of the parish church, local school boy Kai Jamson became it was rooted in pagan rites and not which involved food, drink, dancing the first ever Rose King in the parish appropriate to a Christian community. and games. Not that different from of St Matthew’s Church, Stretton. Roud pointed out that the hapless our current Walking Day, in fact. Rev Alan Jewell explained: “When vicar: “had fallen rather publicly King James I listed Whitsun Ales as children ask questions, I believe that into the trap of believing that all suitable entertainment for Sundays, it is right to give them the best answer traditional customs must be extremely but, with a change in the religious you can. So, when a child recently old and are therefore linked to pagan climate, they were banned by asked why, if we had a Rose Queen, activities. parliament in 1644. we didn’t also have a Rose King, I “The Rose Queen was in fact a late “Now, this is where it gets decided I would give the matter some Victorian invention encouraged, and interesting! The ‘ale’ festivities were thought. It’s a good question! perhaps even created, by clergy and ruled over, not by a May Queen, but “When I was newly-arrived in this respectable churchgoers as a piece of by a ‘Lord’ and ‘Lady’. So, if our Rose parish, never having had much to do safe and controlled pageantry.” Queen has a precedent in the Lady with Rose Queens in the past, I did a Rev Jewell added: “There is, who presided over the parish ‘ale’, she bit of research. Some people imagine however, a possible precedent to should be accompanied by a Lord! that it’s an ancient pagan tradition, the Victorian notion of a Rose or “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and

12 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 13 August 2016 August 2016 What’s on MP honoured by in the villages August 8 GRAPPENHALL & THELWALL PARISH COUNCIL Recess Committee government appointment Council Offices, Bellhouse Lane. 7.30pm Every Sunday GRAPPENHALL HEYS WALLED GARDEN Witherwin Avenue, Grappenhall Heys, WA4 3DS. AFTER believing he was destined for Education Mark Carlisle. Café open from 12 noon-4pm serving teas, coffee, to be on the back benches in In his new role which has formally home-made cakes and savouries. government Warrington South been approved by the Queen, Mr Every Monday COFFEE TIME, St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Appleton, MP David Mowat says he is Mowat will be responsible for social 9-11am. “honoured” to be a Parliamentary care and older people. COUNTRY DANCING CLUB Under Secretary of State at the St Thomas’ Primary School, Parkgate Road, Stockton Mr Mowat said: “I’m delighted and Heath. Department of Health. 8-10pm. Details: 01925 262356 honoured to have been asked to join BRIDGE CLUB the Government and the new team at Belong Warrington, Loushers Lane 7.20pm. Details Mr Mowat is the first Warrington 01925 262534 MP to hold his own ministerial the Department of Health. LADIES’ FRIENDSHIP CLUB portfolio, although some parts of “There are huge challenges ahead, The Quays Community Centre, Thelwall New Road, both for the NHS and our care Thelwall. south Warrington formed part of the 8pm. Details: 01925 264099 Runcorn constituency when it was services, as we deal with the effect of HIGH LEGH BRIDGE CLUB held by the then Secretary of State a population which is growing older.” Village Hall, 7-10pm. Rubber, Duplicate and Chicago played. Details: Audrey Greaves 0161 904 0120 Every second Monday Church volunteer PARK (APPLETON) WI Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. 7.30pm Second and fourth Monday issued with WARRINGTON ART GROUP Bellhouse Community Centre, Bellhouse Lane, Grappenhall. parking ticket 7-9pm. Every third Monday A VOLUNTEER unloading equipment NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Cheshire District meeting for an event at St Thomas’ Church, Grappenhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Chester Road, Stockton Heath was issued with a Grappenhall. parking ticket – just six minutes 8pm. Details: 01925 265773. Every fourth Monday before parking would have been free MARLFIELD WI anyway. Grappenhall Community Library, Albert Road, Grappenhall. 7.30pm Every Tuesday The incident took place on The COFFEE MORNING Forge car park and it angered parish St Cross Church, . All welcome. 10am-12 noon councillor Celia Jordan when she PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY heard about it. Quays Community Centre, She told a meeting of the parish Thelwall New Road, Thelwall. 7.30pm. Contact: 01925 757582. council that the individual had been COFFEE MORNING issued with the ticket at 17.54 – just Appleton Independent Methodist Church Appleton Parish Hall, 10am-12 noon six minutes before it would have no Every second Tuesday longer necessary for the motorist to STOCKTON HEATH LIONS CLUB pay to park or even obtain a free one- London Bridge Inn, 8pm Contact: [email protected]. Tel 01925 hour pass. 262669 The council agreed to write to BOOK CLUB Warrington Borough Council, who Bizzie Beans Coffee House, Bridge Lane, Appleton 11am-12 noon control the car park, highlighting Every Wednesday the issue and requesting that APPLETON HALL BADMINTON CLUB parking attendants adopt a “sensible September - July at Hall Drive, Appleton. 7.30- 10pm. approach” in such circumstances. Details: 01925 262356 Cllr Helen Dutton pointed out that Every first Wednesday WALTON WI individual parking attendants had St John’s Church Community Hall. 7.30pm Thelwall Upholstery different attitudes. She had recently Details: 01925 604384 Thelwall Upholstery witnessed one waiting for the owner STOCKTON HEATH PROBUS CLUB Warrington Sports Club, Walton Lea Road, Higher FOR THE MOST COMPETITIVE RATES IN THE AREA of a car to return as the window had Walton. 49 Knutsford Road, Grappenhall WA4 2NR been left open and items were on Details: 01925 268540 display. Every third Wednesday Call Sean on: 01925 604770 or mobile: 07799 228080 HIGHER WALTON WI, St John’s Community Hall, www.upholsterywarrington.co.uk 7.45pm. Details 01925 262001. Every fourth Wednesday ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY For all your upholstery needs Support Group, Brampton Lodge Day Centre, Bridge Lane, Appleton. 6.30-8.30pm SPECIALISTS IN: Every Thursday • Re-filling Cushions • Re-springing • Full Re-upholster Community THE SILVER QUAYS Senior Citizen’s Club The Quays Community Centre, Thelwall New Road, • Dining Furniture • Headboards Thelwall. stalwarts to be Details: 01925 753474. A wide range of sample books to choose from BRIDGE CLUB All at competitive rates Belong Warrington, Loushers Lane 7.20pm. Details offered freedom 01925 262534 Every second Thursday PHONE FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATES STRETTON WI of the village Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. 2.30pm. GRAPPENHALL PROBUS CLUB Grappenhall Community Centre, Bellhouse Lane, TWO community stalwarts at Stockton 10am. Heath are to be offered the freedom Details: 01925 264427. of the village. Every third Thursday NORTH EAST CHESHIRE FLOWER CLUB Warrington Golf Club, London Road, Appleton. WA4 Members of the parish council 5HR 2pm Details: 01925 740419 agreed to offer the honour to former GRAPPENHALL WI councillor Tudor Pole – founder of Grappenhall Community Centre, Bellhouse Lane the popular Stockton Heath Festival 2.15pm Every Friday – and local community worker Helen APPLETOTS TODDLER GROUP Curwen. Appleton Parish Hall, Dudlow Green Road. Chairman Cllr Peter Walker said: “I 9.45-11.30am. Details: 01925 268153. can’t think of anyone more deserving Note: Stockton Heath and Appleton parish councils of the honour. do not meet during August “Without Tudor we would not have To list your event call Village Life on had the festival, which is now one of the most popular events in the village 01925 623632 calendar and Helen could almost be regarded as an unofficial member of the parish council. “She attends nearly all our meetings APPLETON and helps the community in so many PARISH ways, taking on so much work simply COUNCIL because she loves Stockton Heath.” 14 www.village-life.co.uk www.village-life.co.uk 15 August 2016 August 2016

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