Wincham Word Winter 2013/14

Winter 2014

Starlings over Neumann’s Flash photographed by Joanne Redley of the Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM).

Chairman’s Words by Councillor Pete O’Halloran, Chairman of Wincham Parish Council

Gosh February 2014 already, it seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas. By the looks of things we’re going to have a busy year this year with some interesting opportunities, challenges and plans coming through.

Firstly I have to say a big thank you to one of our Ward Councillors Don Hammond who has secured us substantial funding for the planned toddler area on the Linnards Lane Playing Fields. This and the large grant from the QEII fund along with a contribution from Thor Chemicals which Naomi our Parish Clerk obtained means that work can commence. Running in parallel to this we are also looking at obtaining funding for a permanent War Memorial for the village to coincide with the commemorative events of the Great War.

Speeding through the village is an issue raised by a lot of people, and some of you may have noticed villagers out and about with interactive speed equipment. The purpose for this was to collect evidence to obtain a permanent interactive sign. We would be required to part fund this but I feel this could be worthwhile as our observations show that when people see the sign they slow down.

Also starting this year will be “Village Strolls”, where Wincham Parish Councillors walk through sections of Wincham with CWaC representatives. This will give us an opportunity to highlight issues directly with the relevant CWaC officials.

After the recent bus survey (results not very surprising) we’ll be meeting with the relevant officials to see if we can get some improvements.

By far the single item we get most mail and comments on is HS2 (an update from Ian Parr is in this issue). We have been in touch with our MP George Osborne to find out why we were not invited to a meeting he held of Parishes affected by HS2. I find it hard to believe that his office was un-aware that HS2 came through Wincham. Indeed within half an hour of the route being announced last year I was contacted by Sky News. If you have strong views on the proposal I urge you to write to Mr Osborne; the more noise we make the better the influence we’ll have.

We’ve also agreed in conjunction with Lostock Gralam to continue to fund our PCSO for a further 3 years. Having a dedicated PCSO in the village is a great benefit not least the extra work that Phil puts in outside his Police duties.

As ever please feel free to raise any issues with us and we’ll try our best to help. However, there’s not a lot we can do about the amount of rain we’re getting but we are working on it......

Peter O’Halloran

The Prize Winners of the Wincham Christmas Lights Competition 2013 The prizes were donated by Cllrs Dee and Brian Cooke. The competition was judged by Wincham Parish Council and the prizes awarded by Chairman Peter O’Halloran at the January meeting of Wincham Parish Council.

1st prize – Derek Fortune from The Woodlands

2nd Prize – Lee and Nathan Steen Shores Green Drive

3rd Prize – Peter Heath (Wincham man & boy) Pickmere Lane

Update on proposed Lostock incinerator by Sue Statham

The Environment Agency has now granted a permit to the proposed Lostock incinerator.

When planning consent was given to Tata/E-On to build and operate the incinerator, Elizabeth Hill, Government inspector at the Public Inquiry, gave justification for the plant in that it would enable Tata to avoid relying on scarce fossil fuel through the gas powered combined heat and energy plant at Winnington that they currently use. Tata also insisted that the incinerator was needed to keep running costs down and to keep the company competitive within the chemical industry.

Tata is now in the process of closing down its soda ash plant at Winnington and remodelling its CHP (combined heat and power) plant to provide the necessary heat and power to both Winnington and Lostock sites. The bottom line is that Tata no longer requires the output from the Lostock incinerator.

So now E-On would simply build a waste fuelled power station at Lostock.

CHAIN has made representation to DECC, pointing out that the incinerator, currently classified by the E.A. as a stand alone incinerator, does not resemble in any way, shape or form, the incinerator which was granted planning permission by DECC. There is no link to Tata and it cannot be classed as “of National strategic importance.” This incinerator does not comply with its own planning specifications. A reply is expected from DECC very soon.

If all this is too complicated, my justification for opposing the incinerator is something I read on a House of Commons website 4 or 5 years ago.

“The new generation of incinerators are much safer than the older generation of incinerators, but just how safe we do not know.”

Well, that’s not a good enough guarantee for the health and safety of my family, and it shouldn’t be good enough for the health and safety of your family.

If anyone would like to help in any way in the campaign to oppose the Lostock incinerator, please email me at [email protected] or telephone me on 01565 733101. Your help would be much appreciated. WINCHAM PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY UPDATE by Brenda Yates

New waymarkers for Wincham's footpaths Thanks to a grant obtained by Wincham Parish Council, and with help from Cheshire West and Chester Council, each of Wincham's public footpaths now has an oak waymarker at the roadside to indicate the direction and the distance involved.

Public footpath from Hall Lane to Trent and Mersey Canal bank cleared A stretch of overgrown Public Right of Way on Wincham Footpath 9 has been cleared and a new gate put up. The footpath starts on Hall Lane alongside the houses roughly opposite the junction with Green Lane. Follow the field track past the back of Wincham Hall; the track curves to the right, then passes through a gap in a strip of woodland. Head for the poles in the middle of the field and continue to the gate leading into a copse. A wide track now follows the line of the hedge down to the canal bank.

This re-opens for us a walk down to the canal. You cannot cross the canal at this point to access the towpath, so it is a there-and- back walk, but a valuable part of our network of Public Rights of Way nonetheless. (Maybe someday someone will build us a bridge to open up circular walks!) Boots are recommended, as the route can be very muddy in parts.

I'm told that at one time the path led to canal-side factories. The Woodside, Sunbeam and Wincham Hall Works, all long gone, can be seen on the 1910 Ordnance Survey map. (Select 'Wincham' from the Township list at http://maps.cheshire.gov.uk/tithemaps , then drag one of the twinned maps until you locate the route. The works are not present on the 1875 OS map, but the aerial photograph from the 1970s clearly shows traces of the buildings.) It would be good to hear more about these works from anyone who would like to pass on their local knowledge!

Proposed diversion on section of Marston Footpath 5 This footpath starts at the junction of Earles Lane and Moss Lane and leads to Pickmere lakeside. In April 2012, Chester West and Chester Council recommended, in response to an application, that an order be made to divert a short section which passes through the garden of a bungalow. The diversion would by-pass the garden, passing to the field side of the garden fence. Stock fencing and the re- location of a kissing gate are necessary before the diversion can be confirmed; until that time, the existing Right of Way remains unchanged.

Boardwalk by Pickmere Lake Cheshire West and Chester Council have made welcome improvements to Wincham's lakeside boardwalk.

Thor / Northwich Victoria footpath diversion Wincham Footpath 3 starts at Wincham Lane, crosses the Trent and Mersey Canal and leads to Lostock. Developments at Thor include a footpath diversion around the old Northwich Victoria ground. David Hewitt of Thor gave a lot of time and thought to concerns about this diversion and has constructed a wide path, with landscaping along the canal embankment.

Interested in Wincham's Public Rights of Way network? There's still a lot to do to improve the many rights of way within our parish. If you're interested in footpaths, or have any problems, please ring me 01565 733197 or via: [email protected] What have the Romans ever done for us?

As some of you may know your Parish is funded by the Parish Precept which forms part of you Council Tax. Prior to last year we managed to lower the amount however, this year you’ll notice when the Council Tax envelopes drop on to your hall mats we’ve put our precept up.

A Band D house will now pay 63p a week, a yearly charge of £32.38 increased from £31.03 last year which is about average when compared to neighbouring Parishes. We thought long and hard before we did this and I thought it only fair to explain the rationale behind our decision.

All the money we raise is spent for the benefit of the village, but we are now finding in these uncertain economic times more and more services which have in the past been provided by Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) now require matched, or part funding from us. Also items such as maintenance for the playing fields and insurance have all gone up.

We always strive to get best value for money and our accounts are independently audited.

The following list gives a small flavour of what the Parish Council has achieved over the last year or so:

. Reduced the speed limit in the village to 30mph, obtained agreement to reduce the speed limit on Linnards Lane near Home Farm to 40mph and obtained traffic lights at the end of Church Street  Funded a PCSO to be shared between Wincham and Lostock Gralam.  Supported theatrical and musical events in the village, a New Year’s Eve Party and a Carol Service.  Opposed (sadly, unsuccessfully) the Wincham Urban Village.  Obtained Fields in Trust status for the Linnards Lane Playing Field to protect it for the future.  Secured funding to install in the next 12 months significant new play equipment in the Linnards Lane Playing Field.  Successfully prevented building on the green belt of the field near Keats Lane.  Represented the village in opposing the proposed HS2 rail route.  Supported local clubs for older residents of the village and the PTA of the school for younger residents.  Obtained an oak way marker for each of Wincham’s public footpaths and renovation of the boardwalk around the Wincham section of Pickmere Lake.  Supported local volunteers to organise litterpicks and speed checks within the village.  Provided regular free newsletters, distributed to every house and business in Wincham.  Provided a forum for all residents to discuss issues of concern to them and their village.

You’ll also have received a questionnaire from CWaC as part of a Community Governance Survey, we’ll be meeting with CWaC to make sure regardless of outcome they will share the results with us. I hope you feel we are doing a good job and if as a result of the consultation Wincham Parish continues any other issues raised can only help us to improve.

Pete O’Halloran Chairman of Wincham Parish Council

The HS2 Project by Cllr Ian Parr

What is it? A proposed new high speed rail line from London to Birmingham and Manchester.

Where will it go? Detailed route maps can be viewed on the HS2 web site (see web links below). The Parish Council also has some printed copies of these maps.

Locally the route proposed runs north from Crewe, passing just east of Lostock Green to cross over the A556 and A559 at Lostock Triangle, then crosses above Linnards Lane about a half mile from the edge of Wincham village, through Leonards Wood, passing close to the Radio Telescope dish and on to cross Pickmere Lane close to the entrance to the Cheshire Show Ground.

There are stations proposed for Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport (station cost not included in the proposed budget), Birmingham City, Birmingham Airport and London Euston.

Timeline:

 The Dept for Transport/HS2 consultation closed on 31 January 2014. CWAC made their consultation document public on 3 February.  The views and information submitted as part of this consultation will be summarised in an independent report that will be taken into consideration by the Secretary of State in taking his decision on the route.  The decision by the Secretary of State on the route for Phase Two is due to be announced by the end of 2014.

What does it mean for Wincham? There will be disruption during construction and changes to the landscape across the fields and woods to the east of the village around Linnards Lane. The line will be raised on embankments and viaducts for most of this stretch which has raised concerns about noise and visual disturbance. Some properties will be lost to the development and there are concerns that property prices and sales will be affected by this project for many years.

What are the arguments for and against? Arguments about the scheme are in the areas of:

- Economic development, national, regional and local. Will it create economic growth in these areas or cause economic shrinkage?

- The need (or not) for additional rail capacity to meet future demand for rail travel. Is this plan the best and most cost-effective way to meet our future rail travel needs?

- The environment. Is this a more environmentally sound way to travel than travelling by car, plane or existing rail network?

- The cost. Is this the best way to invest 50+ billion pounds in the future? Exact costings are not available but the number quoted by HS2 has gone up over the few years since the project launched and the quoted costs often don't include the cost of the actual trains to run on the track.

To put the costs into perspective, the UK government spent £106.7 billion on health in 2011-12 (all HS2 costs are quoted in 2011 pounds). £56.3 billion on education and £48.2 billion on debt interest (quoted in the Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/dec/04/government-spending-department- 2011-12) What can I do about it? The future of this project will be decided by central government and parliament, not by local councils. If you decide that you are against HS2, write to your MP and join an action group. If you want support HS2, write to your MP.

Links to Route Maps: https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profile- mapshttps://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69063/hs2- msg-mr0-zz-dr-rt-61005.pdf

Links for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/high-speed-two-limited http://www.hs2.org.uk http://www.networkrail.co.uk/newlinesprogramme/ http://stophs2.org http://mid-cheshire-against-hs2.co.uk http://www.hs2actionalliance.org http://www.nao.org.uk/report/high-speed-2-a-review-of-early-programme-preparation/

Dog Fouling

The vast majority of dog owners continue to clear up after their dogs and dispose of the waste responsibly. There has perhaps been some reduction of the problem of dog fouling in and around the village recently, and there seem to be fewer poop bags abandoned in hedges or along the way.

However, some areas, such as the Linnards Lane playing field, grassed areas and the top footpath across the fields from Earles Lane to Pickmere, are fouled regularly. The fouling in each area often appears to be caused by one dog using the area as a toilet on a daily basis. Please make sure that your dog is always supervised and in sight so that you know where and when it is fouling, and clear up the waste immediately, whether on pavement, footpath, field or grass. Dog Foul Bins Cheshire West and Chester have started to replace all open-topped bins with 110 litre hooded bins to give some protection from the rain, to prevent litter from blowing around and to deter inappropriate dumping of carrier bags of rubbish. As dog foul and general waste all end up in the same place, wherever there is a dog bin alongside a normal waste bin, the council now intends to replace both with one hooded bin. This has been done on the verges around the school, where four large bins remain in place. We understand that bins are emptied weekly. If there is any problem relating to bins near you, or if there is an open-topped or damaged bin that you would like to see replaced, please contact Paul Davies at CWaC's Streetscene office (0300 1238123 is the number for all CWaC enquiries.) Free Defibrillator Training

Did you know Wincham now has a defibrillator? Do you know how easy it is to use? If you saw someone having a heart attack, would you know what to do?

Please come to Parish Council’s free training session with a qualified instructor on Wednesday, 26 March, 7.15-9.15pm in the Community Centre.

We need at least 10 people to confirm that they can come, otherwise our funding to make this session free may be lost.

Please check your diary now and then e mail [email protected] with your name and confirmation you can come.

Your attendance could mean the difference between life and death for someone you love.

The Friends of Anderton and Marbury (FoAM)

Saturday 19th April Spring Time in Marbury Country Park A guided walk at this wonderful time in the park to see the early woodland flowers. Meet: 10.00 am Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge (Mary Jeeves 01606 77688 ) Saturday 3rd May Dawn Chorus Walk, Marbury Country Park Join FoAM’s birding experts. Meet: 5.00 am Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge (Vernon Lundy 01606 782627 ) Saturday 3rd May Spring Bird Walk, Marbury Country Park A new mid morning walk for those who would like to see the birds of Spring. Meet :10.30 am Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge (Vernon Lundy 01606 782627 ) Monday 19th May FoAM AGM, Quiz and Supper Meet: 7.30pm at Comberbach Memorial Hall. (Anna Cooper 01606 891683 ) Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May Bring and Buy Plant Sale FoAM’s amazing plant sale. 10.00 am – 4.00 pm at the Rangers’ Cabin.(Jim Jeeves 01606 77688 ) Saturday 28th June Wildflower Walk in Anderton Nature Park A guided walk to view the many summer wildflowers. Meet: 10.00 am Anderton Nature Park car park (Mary Jeeves 01606 77688) Saturday 5th July Breakfast with Moths Join FoAM’s regular moth trappers. Croissants & orange juice available for breakfast. Donations welcome. Meet: 9.30 am Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge ( Brenda Yates 01565 733197 ) Saturday 19th July FoAM Picnic in the Park Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue. Meet: 5.00 pm Marbury Country Park (Joanne Redley 01606 44728) Friday 22nd August Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Marbury Country Park Bring a picnic to enjoy before the story-telling session at 1.00 pm then join in the afternoon’s activities. Meet: 1.00 pm Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge (Brenda Yates 01565 733197) Saturday 27th September Fungal Hunt, Marbury Country Park No charge, but booking essential. Sessions from 10 am – 12 (Suitable for families, children 8 years and over) and 1 – 3 pm (Adults) Meet: At the Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge ( Brenda Yates 01565 733197) Sunday 12th October Autumn Bird Walks, Northwich Woodlands See Migrating and Wintering Birds at Haydn’s Pool. Ashton’s and Neumann’s Flashes. From 10 am – 12 and 2 – 4 pm. Meet: Cumberland Car Park, Northwich (Vernon Lundy 01606 782627 ) Saturday 1st November Autumn in Marbury Country Park Discover the shapes and colours of autumn in the park at one of its most beautiful times of the year. Meet: 10.00 am Rangers’ Cabin/Marbury Lodge (Mary Jeeves 01606 77688) Sunday 14th December Christmas Decorations Come to our annual workshop to create some stunning decorations. From: 10 am – 12 pm by the Rangers’ Cabin/ Marbury Lodge (Joanne Redley 01606 44728)

Competition We are inviting you to use any of the natural materials you can find to create a sculpture in Marbury Park. Then take a photo of it, and leave a print at the Rangers’ Cabin at Marbury with your name, address and telephone number on the back of it. An email address would be fine too. Closing date to leave photos: 31 March.

Here is an example – a crocodile! You can find lots more ideas and charts and booklets to download on the nature detectives website: www.naturedetectives.org.uk

Shipbrook Road, Rudheath, Northwich CW9 7DT 01606 42515 [email protected] www.UCANorthwich.org Principal: Matthew Wood

University of Chester Academy Northwich (UCAN) is on the site of the former Rudheath Community High School. Whilst its name has changed its core beliefs and values have not. It remains focused on providing an excellent education for its local community (including Wincham) and in preparing each of its students for the next stage in their learning journey.

The academy motto of ‘Aspire, Achieve, Excel’ drives everything we do. We expect all of our students to grow and flourish and become the best that they can be. As the smallest of the local secondary education providers we maintain a true sense of community with every student being known as an individual by all staff – this allows the young people with us to have a sense of belonging within a larger learning family.

Every academic year we aim to develop our students not only academically but in other ways – all of which are important for leading successful lives in the future. This year has been particularly focused on ‘Putting others before ourselves – UCAN make a difference’. Students have raised thousands of pounds for various charity organisations including Children in Need, local health charities and various national cancer charities. Students were encouraged to donate food products to support the Salvation Army in providing food parcels over the Christmas period. Every challenge we set our students they rise to and excel in.

This year our Young Enterprise Group is raising money to fund a visit by a student from our partner school in Cape Town, South Africa, The Alexander Sinton High School. This partnership allows our students to understand the importance of learning and enables them to compare the education they receive with that of the children less fortunate than themselves. This partnership is flourishing with many joint activities being completed and has now extended to include a school in Zimbabwe.

UCAN always works closely with its partner primary schools offering a range of activities throughout the year including Junior Academy and our staff delivering learning sessions within each of the partner schools. Primary pupils are frequent visitors to the academy with the aim being that they can see that they are part of the UCAN learning community and to help them to prepare for the transition to their secondary education.

PRIMARY SCHOOL VISIT AFRICAN TWIN Contributions sent in by readers Down Our Way by Mrs Clare Dockney, Chapel Street Resident

Like all villages, Wincham changes with the seasons and each season brings its own colours to enjoy.

Spring arrives with the first flowers of the year: crocus, snowdrops and the wonderful gold of the daffodil. Most of the little gardens, as well as the hedgerows, are ablaze with the golden heads of the daffs. The birds are gathering all sorts to build their nests. The dead trees are beginning to show signs of new growth. It is as if the village is waking up to a new beginning.

As nature casts its magic, the village starts to make plans for the warm summer days to come. Some villages mark the spring by choosing a Rose Queen (a little girl is picked to be the Queen, with others as her attendants). In days gone by, the children sat on a lorry, pulled by shire horses with lovely brasses adorning them. Today the lorry is pulled by a tractor, but the fun of the day remains.

Wincham village has a summer fayre which is a fun day all round. After the dark days of winter, it is good to see neighbours meeting up, chatting away and enjoying the entertainment. It brings Higher and Lower Wincham together as a united village.

Words Words matter. Yes they really do. They make all the difference to me Also to you. Words are the conduit between mind and soul. Throughout the world they play A most important role.

There are words we long to hear, Those that bring us cheer. Words that gladden and also sadden That is plainly clear.

Spiteful words can cause much pain. Speak with consideration and there Is much to gain. We employ words every day. Do we think enough About what we really say? Careless words can cause much mental abuse. Hearts are parted and wars started Through their wanton use. by Ian Walker Forthcoming events in our Village Wincham VILLAGE PEOPLE present:

QUIZ/COMPETITION NIGHT 8 March, 7.30pm, Wincham Community Centre

£5 each person, including supper, Bring your own booze. Teams of 6 people maximum. The subjects? Some serious, some silly, some unexpected. Extra points for the team with the daftest March Hair.

Phone for tickets. 01565 734226 No tickets after March 4th to allow for catering.

SOUL NIGHT 11 April, doors open 8.00pm with disco: the band plays at 9pm, Witton Albion

Soul and Motown band "SOULvation" will be playing at Witton Albion. You can hear classics from the 60s right up to today, Abba and Adele to Wild Cherry and Wilson Pickett, from a 6-piece band of talented local musicians, fronted by singer Angela Macfoy.

SOULvation have known each other for many years. Kevin Gee, with whom Cllr Ian Parr has played in a rock band, was aware of the variety of entertainment Wincham has had, but that we have never hosted a live Soul band evening so we worked together to put one on for the Village. SOULvation are a Soul, Motown and Disco function band based in Manchester, playing classic songs from across the last 6 decades. Guaranteed to have people singing, dancing and having a good time from the first song to the last. From Soul and Motown by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and Marvin Gaye, through to Disco by Sister Sledge, Labelle, Chic, and The Jackson 5 plus more recent hits by Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Beyonce and Daft Punk, they perform a set that appeals to a wide audience.

Made up of 6 very experienced musicians who have played throughout the UK in original, tribute and function bands. Comprising of a female lead singer, guitarist and singer, keyboard player and singer, sax player, drummer and bass player.

Their Promo Video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZeIcA8xXsE

Live recordings can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/soulvation-band

Tickets £4 in advance, £5 at the door, from 01565 734226 There will be a BAR for this event. Please do not bring bottles and cans. NEWS FROM ST JOHN’S CHURCH, LOSTOCK GRALAM (covering Wincham, Lostock and Lach Dennis)

Lostock Gralam parish includes Wincham and we are always seeking to build up links across the whole parish, serving its needs and proclaiming God’s love in practical ways. St John’s Church and All Saints’ Church in Lach Dennis (also part of the parish) both offer a warm welcome to everyone.

We would like to invite you to any and all of the events and services happening over the next few weeks.

Regular Services: Every Sunday: 9.00 am All Saints’ Church, Lach Dennis Holy Communion or Morning Prayer 10.30am St John’s Church, Lostock Gralam Holy Communion – except the 3rd Sunday in each month, which is usually a more informal ‘Café Church’ style service

Special Services 30th March: Mothering Sunday service, 10.30am at St John’s 17th April: Maundy Thursday , Special ‘Agape’ Eucharist, 7.00pm at St John’s 18th April: Good Friday, 10.30am and 2.00pm services at St John’s 19th April: Easter Sunday, Holy Communion, 9.00am All Saints, 10.30am St John’s 18th May: Confirmation Service led by Bishop Keith (Bishop of Birkenhead), 10.30am at St John’s

Confirmation is a once-in-lifetime service where people confirm for themselves their faith and the promises made for them at their baptism, often as an adult or older child. Please contact Brian (the vicar) if you would like to know more.

Social events etc CAMEO Every Monday, 2.00pm in St John’s Church Hall – a chance to ‘Come and Meet Each Other’ for tea, biscuits and a chat. Once a month we have CAMEO+ with something a little bit extra: - 24th Feb: ‘The Life and Times of a Vicar’, with Brian Harris - 17th March: ‘Favourite Music’ – bring a CD to share - 14th April: Easter quiz (and bonnet competition)

Pancakes and Quiz Night, Tues. 4th March, 7.00pm, in St John’s Church Hall. Adults £3.50, children free. Contact Graham Sheen (Tel. 01606 42940) to book tickets.

Men’s Breakfast, Sat. 15th March, 8.30am in St John’s Church Hall. Enjoy a very generous ‘full English breakfast’ with (illustrated) talk by Brian Harris on ‘Trekking to Everest’. Free (but donations welcome).

Prize Bingo First Friday in each month, 7.30pm in St John’s Church Hall: 7th Feb., 7th March, 4th April etc.

Thanks to the Parish Council – Every year Wincham Parish Council makes a grant to St John’s Church to help with the maintenance of the churchyard, which serves the Wincham area and where many people from Wincham are buried. In 2013 the grant was used to help with the cost of resurfacing one of the paths that had become badly broken up. This has helped to make access to the Memorial Garden much safer. We are very grateful to the Parish Council for their continued support.

Contact details Vicar: Rev. Brian Harris, Tel. 01606 43477, email: [email protected] Wardens: Jane Hague, Tel. 01565 734217 Roger Kenrick, Tel. 01606 891765 Readers: Graham Sheen, Tel. 01606 42940 Joyce Kenrick, Tel. 01606 891765

LOVE GOD SERVE OTHERS

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW by Alison Armstrong Senior Manager - Partnerships & Development, Cheshire West and Chester Council

Do you feel able to influence the decisions made about public services in your community? Do you feel that you can direct and shape how those services are delivered? What do you think of your local Parish Council?

Cheshire West and Chester Council are asking these and other questions as part of an ongoing review of the community governance arrangements that are in place across the borough and your responses will be valuable in identifying where and how improvements can be made.

Between now and the end of April, each household will receive a short questionnaire designed to capture residents’ views about current local arrangements for community influence and control, as well as ideas for the future. This could result in the creation of new parishes (and parish councils) where they don’t exist; the abolition of parishes where they are no longer working or relevant to local people; or the grouping of parishes under a single parish council to create more effective, efficient and viable arrangements. The review will also re-examine parish boundaries to ensure that they still reflect the identity and interests of the local community.

Please look out for the questionnaires and be sure to have your say.

Wincham’s War Memorial by Naomi Morris

Wincham Parish Council wants to create a new, public war memorial set in a memorial garden in the Linnards Lane Playing Field.

Below are the names we have for the war dead from the village. If you have any memories or information about any of these victims, please let me know. We want to be able to tell the village about their stories. Also, we think there may be other names we do not yet know. Please tell us if you know any.

We also want to collect stories of what it was like for those in Wincham who did not go away to fight. Do you have stories or memories of Wincham between 1914-1918 or 1939- 1945?

The deadline for information is 31 March.

If you would like to be involved in this project, in researching the history or in creating the garden, again please contact me at [email protected].

Grave / Service Date of Regiment / Service Cemetery / Name Rank Age Memorial Number Death Service Country Memorial Name Reference PORTSMOUTH DEAN, Sub- United Panel 37, 20/10/1940 28 Royal Navy NAVAL

HERBERT Lieutenant Kingdom Column 1. MEMORIAL BANNISTER, Stoker 1st United CHATHAM NAVAL ARTHUR SS/109475 01/05/1915 23 Royal Navy 11. Class Kingdom MEMORIAL

HENRY King's BANCOURT United

SPENCER, J Private 34579 25/03/1918 29 Shropshire III. A. 9. BRITISH Kingdom Light Infantry CEMETERY BONE WAR BUCKLEY, Royal Army United Driver T/10661749 04/12/1943 32 I. A. 15. CEMETERY,

JAMES Service Corps Kingdom ANNABA GATLEY, Manchester United Panel 53 YPRES (MENIN Private 43213 31/07/1917 21

JAMES Regiment Kingdom and 55. GATE) MEMORIAL ST. MANVIEU LITTLER, Royal United Sapper 2124777 01/07/1944 33 V. E. 13. WAR CEMETERY,

ABRAHAM Engineers Kingdom CHEUX

WINCHAM COMPETITION 50p per entry

SPRINGTIME

1. Mad long-eared rabbit type animal (5,4) 2. A host of golden ------(9) 3. Daft bird (6) 4. Having two per year, does she age twice as fast (3,6,8) 5. Seasonal wash and brush-up (6,5) 6. Woolly youngsters (5) 7. Good French mesh after strange teaser of a hat (6,6) 8. Bad day predicted by Julius Caesar (3,4,2,5) 9. Month of wet, wet, wet (5,7) 10. 24 hour possibility (3,3) 11. Lose an hour when you do this (3,3,6,7) 12. Fruity bake of kine and camels (6,4)

Using the clues above (the figures on the right refer to the number of letters in each word of the answer), work out the word or phrase described. Some clues are more cryptic than others, but all the answers are linked to the theme of spring time.

Write your answers on a sheet of paper, along with your name, address and telephone number or e-mail address and return it with your 50p entry fee in an envelope marked “WW Competition” to any of the addresses below: 14, Hewitt Grove 19, Kingfisher Grove Greenways, 7, Linnards Lane

The closing date for entries is 31 March 2014 and the winner will be chosen at random from all those with the most correct answers. The prize will be 50% of the total cash raised so the more entries the greater the prize! The other 50% will go towards funding entertainment for the village so if you have any ideas for what you would like to see, please write them at the bottom of your answer sheet.

The winner’s name and answers to the quiz will be published in the next issue of the Wincham Word. Good luck!

Sue Statham

W I N C H A M C O M M U N I T Y C E N T R E

Registered Charity No: 510439 Tel: 07547 539 310

The centre is a venue for all ages to meet and socialise. Why not come along to one of the many events, you will be made very welcome. Or why not book your child’s party here to avoid the mess and limited space at home.

For hiring details and rates - Contact Suzanne James: 07547 539 310