HELSBY PARISH COUNCIL

HELSBY NEWS OUR NG TI A R B th E L ISSUE 80 • SPRING 2017 E

C www.helsbynews.net Helsby ISSUE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Submission Version Local Group’s2015 - 2030 Shale Gas GP Extended Hours Attitude Survey If you are having difficulty getting a routine GP, practice nurse or Throughout September 2016 a survey The survey is believed to highlight a blood appointment, due to other of residents’ attitudes towards Shale Gas growing concern of residents about commitments then the new Fracking was conducted in the Frodsham the prospect of ‘fracking’, in their area. extended times may be ideally and Helsby by a local residents group The survey follows seismic testing, suited to you. There are also some ‘Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby’. The undertaken in Helsby and parts of emergency appointments made process was guided a well known data Frodsham in 2016 by TESLA, acting on available on the day. analyst who ensured that the survey behalf of IGas to determine the viability was undertaken in a fair and transparent of ‘fracking’. Helsby Health Centre: way. The results were published in a report presented to Frodsham Town Frack Free Frodsham and Helsby gave Extended Hours: Council and Helsby Parish Council, by this statement. “Ascertaining public GP Clinics only: Michael Garvey, on behalf of the FFFH opinion through a survey, and insisting Monday & Tuesday Group. Both Councils have had copies of on democratic representation through 18.30 – 20.00 the full report. our local councillors and MP, is a critical step in opposing the development of Appointments for GP Clinics at 1200 Questionaires were distributed fracking in our area. Residents have Helsby Health Centre can be in Helsby, with just over half returned. voiced a range of concerns about the booked by telephoning Extended (56.3%) and were reported as impact on the local area.” The group Hours direct on 0300 123 7740, representing the views of 1227 believes that it is important to act now option 3. adult residents (Helsby has an adult to produce a long term energy strategy population of 4059). which would ban fracking. Or call Reception team on 01928 723676. The report states that in Helsby 79.7% Helsby Parish Council was pleased to of respondents believed fracking would receive the informative report and like Health Centre website: be a bad thing for the area, 9.0% the rest of us await the TESLA results on www.helsbyandeltonpractice.nhs. believed fracking would be a good the viability of fracking in Helsby with uk/ thing, and 11.3% did not know or had interest. no opinion. Marj Thoburn

As part of the Frodsham Festival of Walks, The Helsby Frodsham Footpath Society is hosting the walk on Saturday 29 April - Festival directions as follows: Historical Ince Leaders: Sue Lorimer, David George and Betty Grieve. of Walks Meet outside the Duke of Wellington Inn at 10am. Walk I is 1½ miles and takes approx. 2 hours, so a gentle walk round the ancient Manor of Ince with a visit to the graveyard and hopefully the Parish Church. Note that tracks may be muddy in places. Meals are available at the Inn afterwards (0151 356 0222)

FrodshamFestivalOfWalks

Helsby News is supported by Helsby Parish Council Parish Council News Easter Church Services Annual Parish Meeting of LENT LUNCHES ST PAUL’S CHURCH the Parish Electorate 7pm on Thursday, 20th April 2017 in A Joint Service followed by a simple Palm Sunday April 9th Helsby Community Centre. Residents lunch 11am Sung Holy Communion are invited to attend and ask questions. 29th March at Helsby Methodist Blessing of the Palms Church Monday April 10th and Tuesday April Allotment Vacancies 22nd March and 5th April at St Paul’s 11th Fancy Growing Your Own? Church Hall 7.30pm Compline The Parish Council owns and runs 48 Good Friday April 14th - Joint Service allotment plots and there are now some at Helsby Methodist Church at 10am. Wednesday April 12th vacancies so if you are interested in Walk of Witness and Hot Cross Buns 7.30pm Holy Communion becoming an allotmenteer, please phone at St Paul’s Church Hall the Parish Clerk for more information on Maundy Thursday April 13th 726433. HELSBY METHODIST CHURCH 7.30 pm Sung Holy Communion The Last Supper Parish Precept 2016/17 Palm Sunday April 9th Helsby Parish Council has issued a 10.30am – Sunday Worship Holy Saturday April 15th precept request to West and 8pm The Lighting of the New Fire Monday 10th April to Maundy Council for £87,260. A Band Renewal of Baptismal Vows Thursday April 13th D property will pay £45.24 (collected 6pm till 6.30pm “Place to Gather” Easter Day April 16th through your Council Tax payments) 8am Holy Communion which is a rise of 1% on 2016/17. Easter Day April 16th 11am Sung Holy Communion For the full explanation of the precept 9.45 am simple breakfast followed by amount and budget for 2017/18 go to 10.30 am Easter Day Worship www.helsbyparish.org.uk from Council Documents click on ‘Documents’ link and look for ‘Budget 1st April 2017 HELSBY GOLF CLUB – 31st March 2018’ in the left hand column or contact the Parish Clerk on POWERED WHEELCHAIR 726433 to request a copy. APPEAL PRESENTS THEIR Helsby Village Best-Kept 350TH CHAIR! Garden Competition 2017 During an evening of “Glitz and Love your garden? Think it’s a prize Glamour” recently, the Powered winner? Why not enter it into the Best- Wheelchair Appeal from Helsby Kept Garden competition? Ring Jeanette Golf Club recently celebrated the Hughes – Parish Clerk on 726433 or donation the 350th wheelchair to local email [email protected] youngsters. with your details. Judging takes place in supporters for being so generous with August so pick up that phone now! The celebration was held at Chester their time and money, a fantastic £7,000 Racecourse and was organised by was raised on the night . Claudia Dickens, Professional Event Organiser and Keith O’Neil, a longtime Back left to right – Claudia Dickens, supporter of the charity. Lucy Meacock, Emma Cunniffe, Daniel Brocklebank, Keith O’Neil. The highlight of the evening was the Front left to right – Jacob Cannell, presentation of 4 powered wheelchairs George Blakely, Laura Hunt and Hazel to local children by Lucy Meacock , TV Simpson. presenter, and actors Daniel Brocklebank Kathryn Hoather and Emma Cunniffe. Huge thanks Helsby Public Cemetery Old to Claudia, Keith, all sponsors and Photo: Martin Pawlett Photography Chester Road If you love Helsby and you want to stay here, did you realise that you can chose Helsby News Editorial Team Printed by NeuroMuscular Centre the public cemetery for your final resting Marj Thoburn, Barbara Ginty, Supported by Helsby Parish Council place? If you are interested in finding Betty Grieve, Vicky Mohring out more about the plots and fees, then Web: www.helsbynews.net Design kindly provided by contact Jeanette Hughes – Burial Email: [email protected] Clerk on 726433 or email Tel: 01928 724848 / 722304 [email protected]

2 Helsby Community Sports Birthday Celebrations Club to Host a Funraising Family Funday to help our On Thursday, 19th January, Helsby Age UK) in January 1998, we have Greenwood Opal Club members, guests several volunteers who attended the local scouts take a trip of and helpers celebrated the anniversary first meeting. Invited local guests, Dr. lifetime - Saturday 3rd June of the first meeting, nineteen years Richard Brook, Rev. Graham Green and ago. Opened by Age Concern (now Parish Councillor Mrs. Patricia Holder Mersey Weaver Scout District are joined the members to enjoy lunch pleased to announce that in July cooked by our volunteer cooks. Whilst 2017, we will send a contingent of they were digesting the gammon and around thirty Scouts, Explorers as well trifle, magician Pete Turner entertained. as five adults leaders to the world’s northernmost Jamboree in Artic Circle at The afternoon was rounded off with a Bodø, Norway. cup of tea and a slice of birthday cake (picture to the right), made by one of They need to raise over £38k through our talented volunteers, Jenny Lang. fundraising to get Further information about the Helsby there – further Opal Club can be obtained by calling at details of the Springfield any Thursday and speaking fun day coming to organiser Zoe Blocksidge. soon!!! Biddy Mason

THERE’S A VERY NEW SHOP ON THE BLOCK!

Ellen Thomas Bridal opened its doors in February, in time for Valentine’s Day!

This is a dream come true for owner Tracy Redican who lives in Runcorn with her husband Paul and two children Thomas and Holly.

A former beautician - Tracy just loves making people feel special and her shop – stocked with beautiful wedding gowns, is a delight. She is thrilled that a leading British designer, Donna Lee, has chosen her as exclusive stockist for the north west and Tracy also stocks gowns designed by House of Nicholas. But it’s not just wedding gowns - she has some very glamorous evening gowns to fit all shapes and ages – and that includes prom dresses too. Future plans include stocking head dresses and jewellery for the big occasion - bridesmaid’s dresses and mother of the Tracy has a keen eye for detail and Tracy will be delighted to show you bride outfits - and Tracy also has plans believes the personal touch is very her lovely dresses and discuss your to stock outfits for special events, like important, as is her desire to ensure particular needs, so pop in next time a day at the races or a special garden that her clients feel special when you are passing - her advice is free ! party perhaps! Because she wants visiting her shop. Appointments can be to offer a bespoke service, Tracy has arranged to suit clients and at the rear More information – ring 01928 linked up with seamstress Dawn from of the shop is a fitting room and very 890581 Elizabeth Arnold (Lady Hayes), which comfortable viewing room, with huge B Ginty means a perfect individual fit can be ornate mirrors, for family and friends to achieved. be involved in important decisions!

3 Helsby Health Centre Spring Report A New GP Partner at the Practice – Dr Simon Mills SAVE The Practice is pleased to inform all THE DATE! patients that Dr Simon Mills joined us as a new GP Partner on February 1st. Replacing Dr Sage, who left us in Back for 2017... December last year, Dr Mills has joined us from a GP practice in Liverpool and nd will be working 8 sessions at various Saturday 2 December 2017 times in both our surgeries. We are delighted to have Dr Mills join us and The Ho Ho Helsby volunteer group and around the village and in the we know he is looking forward to • Christmas Tree lights switch on • Family entertainment helping our patients with their health care. of Helsby residents have agreed to Tea Rooms for more details. go• again Procession with another through HoHoHelsby the village • Humbug the pony Christmas• Carol Festival singing on Saturdayand music 2 For anyone• Artisan who would stalls like to make December 2017. The date and format a donation or provide raffle/bingo have• Seasonalbeen agreed food with andthe CWAC drink prizes• towards Santa’s the Grotto event, please email Council, including an extended parade [email protected], or send a routePLUS and more NEW attractions ATTRACTIONSprovided message to the FORHoHoHelsby 2017! Facebook throughout the village. or Twitter pages, or just call into the Old Bank Tea Rooms. An on-line donation TheGet event involved will remain with a truly sponsorship inclusive, orpage donations will also be set- call up againin at shortly. community event, with as many local businesses,The Old community Bank Tea groups, Rooms, churches email So [email protected] a big thankyou to everyone for who andor local visit crafters www.hohohelsby.co.uk involved, as well as all supported and sent their thanks for of the local schools. All ages and abilities the very first HoHoHelsby event, we HELSBY HILLSIDE are welcome to participate. hope we can count on your continued WI HAS CONTINUED support this year. To kick off this year’s FUNd WITH A VARIED raising, Helsby Community Sports/ PS. Humbug the pony is resting up over PROGRAMME BI Club will host a band night at the spring and summer in preparation for his big day ....! 7pm on Saturday 22 April. Look Our meeting in February heard the Dianne Walker fascinating History of Harps given out for posters on-line at our Chair Ho Ho Helsby by Katy Williams. She brought two Keep updated by following us on POSTER DESIGN KINDLY PROVIDED BY website www.HoHoHelsby.co.uk Christmas Community Event of her harps and explained the Facebook and Twitter - HoHoHelsby workings and played some very Some people may not have heard about intricate pieces to the delight of the the recent opening of the Beer Heroes audience. Tap Room and Bottle Shop, in the newly refurbished waiting room down at our In March we will be getting Up Helsby Train Station. Close and Personal with Birds of Prey and in April, Mrs June Corner Featuring 8 craft beers on tap and over will be giving us ‘Snippets and 300 different bottles to drink in or take Stories from the 50s.’ home. With a new programme of events Open Thurs: 5-9pm for 2017, we would like to welcome new members to our Group. We Fri: 2-9pm, Sat: 1-9pm meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every and Sun: 2-8pm month in the Helsby Community Centre at 7.30pm. If you would like Weekend beer tasting to know more, or just come for a mornings have already visit, contact Pam Hinkley on 01928 sold out, new dates in the 722161. Autumn.

4 Do you want to what is going on in Helsby. It is a very POLICE NEWS useful modern tool to engage with make a difference? Almost six months the community. Helsby now has two now since I started members of community speed watch work as the Police group who are fully trained and ready Influence local Community Support to go out with the speed gun to help issues? Officer for Helsby and tackle the speeding issue. if anyone enjoying the work. else is interested in joining the speed Still continuing to watch group then please don’t hesitate Put something deal with the regular to contact me as you could be a great issues of speeding, addition to the group. We will also into your parking and youth Anti-Social be looking out for drivers committing Behaviour (ASB), and working closely driving offences such as not wearing Community? a seat belt or driving while using a with the Parish Council, schools, A casual vacancy has a risen for a and residents to help tackle some of mobile phone. new Parish Councillor for the North these issues. This has given me the Ward. You must be over 18 and have opportunity to build strong working If anybody has any issues they wish to discuss with me or suggestions to lived in the village for at least 12 relationships, and is something I would months, (ideally with internet access like to maintain and improve. make, please contact me via email [email protected] although not essential). I will be more than happy to help. With use of social media I now have If you are interested and would like access to the Chester Police Facebook to know more please contact the and Twitter pages, allowing me to post Parish Clerk on 726433 or email [email protected]

GUESS Helsby Community WHAT WE GOT! Centre Needs You! Helsby Community Centre is managed help with the running of the Centre. If At the Frodsham by Helsby Community Association, a you have a couple of hours to spare 6 Annual Awards Committee made up of representatives times a year, and would like to join us night in January, organised from organisations and volunteers. It in running the Centre, please contact by the Mayor of Frodsham - and is a well-used asset to the Village. We John Carter, General Secretary on Helsby where lots of local Awards were meet 6 times during the year, on the 723441 or email him on Hca@jacarter. given out, - Councillor Terry O’Neil fourth Wednesday of alternate months, com. He will be pleased to hear from was delighted to accept the Good beginning in January. you, and answer any questions you may Neighbour A ward - after the have about joining us. good people of Frodsham voted for We are now looking for some more John Carter HELSBY as their good neighbours. volunteers to join our Committee, and

Ellesmere Port & District Lions Club

Young Leaders In Service Certificates a Christmas Lunch for senior residents of were presented at an assembly at Helsby Springfields along with members of High School in mid-November. These OPAL and several carers. The Lions are given when 100 hours of service acted as waiters and the meal was much in the community has been achieved. enjoyed by all who attended. The picture These certificates are recognised, on shows several of the diners and Lion Jo CVs, by universities, colleges and future Bott as their waitress. employers. This is the 6th year that the The proceeds will go to the Lions’ Local school has participated in YLIS. The On Saturday April 8th the Lions are Community Charity Fund. Tickets are £5 photo shows YLIS co-ordinator Mrs hosting a Charity Concert in St Paul’s and are available from the Church, the Rob-inson and Lion, Margaret Marsh. Church, featuring the Farndon & District Post Office and Jingles Hair Salon or ring On the 8th December the Lions hosted Brass Band - back by popular demand. Margaret Marsh on 01928 722121.

5 Theatre comes to Hillside On 30th January, children in Reception, During the performances, everyone Years 1 and 2 at Helsby Hillside Primary was encouraged to get involved School enjoyed a performance from including the children and staff, who all ‘Just Soph’, a high-quality, professional thoroughly enjoyed the performance. piece of theatre for children aged 4-7. It This formed part of the schools explored stories in a playful, imaginative literacy development programme to way, helping the children to develop help develop the children’s literacy literacy skills and making a complex, skills through a creative and exciting classic text accessible. It featured live curriculum. music, songs and puppetry, using Fleur MacCready familiar household materials and objects.

Frodsham Roundtable Donate 10 Chromebooks Roundtable. Pupils are able to sit exam with and without the use of a their GCSE exams with the use of Chromebook and the difference in technology in certain situations where marks equated to 2 grades. Helsby a pupil’s condition meets the criteria High School are keen to ensure that of the JCQ. However, they can only any barriers in displaying knowledge, do this, if using technology has been ability and progress are removed for all their normal way of working inside the pupils. One student who is benefiting classroom. The SENDCo, Emily Tobin from Frodsham Roundtable’s kind The Frodsham Roundtable have very said, “we are not trying to replace pen donation said, “I feel like I can write kindly purchased 10 Chromebooks for and paper, and in most cases even what is in my head and I don’t feel the pupils of Helsby High School. The pupils with serious conditions will be as stupid, because I can now produce Chromebooks will be used by pupils, encouraged to write in some subjects. work at the same pace as my peers.” who for a variety of reasons, are However, in lessons where students unable to access their learning without are asked to produce longer passages If your child has a special education the opportunity to word process. of written work, we find that some need and you would like to know There are pupils with dyspraxia, pupils are better able to demonstrate more about the provision provided by arthritis, dyslexia and many other their ability when the pressure of Helsby High School, please telephone conditions who will greatly benefit writing with a pen is taken away from Mrs Tobin, SENDCo, on 01928 from the kind generosity of Frodsham them.” One pupil sat the same PPE 723551.

Local MP visits HELSBY LIBRARY’S Horns Mill School REGULAR EVENTS Horns Mill Year 6 pupils and members of All are free but donations are welcome the School Council were pleased to have a visit from local MP, Graham Evans. Mondays Mr Evans talked to them about British 11.00am - 11.30am Rhyme time for the under 5s Values and the role of a Member of “Smile for a Mile” at Horns Mill Parliament. Much to the enjoyment of Tuesdays the children as our photograph shows. 11.00am - 1.00pm January saw the official opening of the Jigsaw mindfulness for adults running loop at Horns Mill School. Our children walk or run a mile every Wednesdays day due to our “Smile for a Mile” 11.00am - 1.00pm initiative and this path now allows them Colouring mindfulness for adults to access our school field the whole year Fridays round. 11.00am-11.30am Storytime for the under 5s We were extremely grateful for funding support from CWAC Localities team, Saturdays Cllr Alan McKie, Active Cheshire, Tesco 11.00am-12.30pm Lego Club Bags of Help, Helsby Running Club, and Children must be supervised at all Heat Trace that enabled this project to times by a parent or guardian. go ahead. Sharon

6 HIGH VIZ AT A sad farewell…. On Dec 13th 2016 the Tuesday Club HELSBY HIGH held its last meeting. Year 7 students enjoying being part of It started with a wonderful Carol Service The Great British Spring Clean on March led by Rev Graham Green who was 4. presented with his favourite delicacy – chocolates – to show our appreciation. Singing carols would not be the same without the magic touch of Christine Chritchley playing the piano - and Christine also received a gift. Then we It was all very emotional and to lighten had tea, cakes, mince pies and a good up the afternoon, we held a Secret old natter about old times. Santa, where we all give and receive a prize then later, we said our last The members of the Club presented goodbyes with a glass of sherry, and a all 4 team leaders with a lovely basket lot of tears! of plants, and a voucher to spend as wished. All the Team wish all members the very best, take care and do please keep in Their appreciation was a very emotional touch. moment. Any funds left in the account will be Brian Griffiths the Caretaker also divided between our 3 charities - Halton received a gift, a ‘thank you’ for his hard Haven, Clare House and the Good work setting up the hall each week. Shepherd Hospice.

News from Helsby First Scouts Group In December, the Beavers, Cubs and them, they have given over 30 years of Scouts of 1st Helsby Scout Group and service to the Group and we recalled the Helsby Brownies, gathered at St many happy times at various camps and Paul’s Church for their annual carol activities. service. The service was led by the young people themselves and highlights 1st Helsby are now desperately this year included some beautiful singing searching for new Cub leaders and of Away In A Manger from the Brownies assistants and if nobody has stepped and the Beavers using their newly forward to run this section by Easter, one acquired skills in British Sign Language to of our two Cub packs will, unfortunately, sign “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. have to fold. If any readers would like to know more about getting involved, At the end of the service, the Group we would love to hear from you! Please bade a fond farewell to long serving email our Group Scout Leader, Richard, Cub leaders, Vanessa Mallalue and at [email protected] for Sue Pearson (known to many a Helsby further information. Cub as Akela and Bagheera). Between

7 HELSBY SPORTS

The area’s first ultra distance race to traverse Helsby Hill Saturday 25th March, keep an eye out for some green Helsby Running Club vests competing in the first Chester Ultra 50 Marathon race.

This new Ultra-Marathon covers 52 Miles of the best Trails in the region including the , River Dee, Old Dee Bridge, Chester Racecourse, Shropshire Canal, North Cheshire Way, Mid Cheshire Way, the , Helsby Hill, Frodsham Hill and Delamere HELSBY HALF 2017 Forest. Photo: Duncan Cowley A check point mid-way will be stationed at the Dunham Hill & Hapsford Village This year’s Essar Four for hosting the start, Horns Mill School Hall. for hosting the finish and Helsby High Villages Half Marathon was school for hosting the car park. http://cluster4.website-staging.uk/ a thankfully snow free but gbultras.com/chester-ultra-50/ There were three drinks stations soggy race with more than manned by Elton Guides, Helsby Scouts 1500 runners completing and Ashton Scouts. Others handled marshalling duties, directing runners and the course. traffic and included teams from Beacon Explorer Scouts, Dewa Explorer Scouts, www.helsbytennis.co.uk Our “Helsby Half”, a not for profit Mersey Weaver Jamboree Scouts and fundraising event with the Helsby Mersey Weaver Scout Active support Helsby Tennis Club is a great place to Running Club proudly making donations unit, Manley pre-school and Helsby enjoy tennis and meet local people! to our two local charities – Halton Tennis club. Quite an army! We are a small, friendly club with 3 Haven in Runcorn and Hospice of the floodlit all-weather tennis courts, with Good Shepherd in Chester as well as the At the start and finish the Runcorn Canal 2 mini courts for children. We provide Greenwood Club. Boat Project, Helsby & Frodsham Guides coaching for all ages, from beginners to and the local Marie Curie Fundraising the more advanced. Absolute beginners This race can only happen with the Group - helped with baggage and are always welcome to join us. fantastic support of a large number of goodie bags - Helsby WI again provided people and local community Try tennis for free this summer at the runners drinks and Frodsham and organisations. our Great British Tennis Weekend Helsby Rotary managed the car parking event on Sunday 14th May. Visit our and hot refreshments. An amazing local The Running Club would like to thank website for more information. fundraising event that our whole village the Helsby Community Sports Club should be proud of.

Helsby Parish Council North Ward Central Ward South Ward Clerk Sylvia Crossley-Jones 723115 Tim Thorne 726433 Peter Duffy 722908 Jeanette Hughes 726433 Alan Gardner 722360 Chris Ellams 724409 Stuart Hulse 724272 Parish Office: 200 Chester Road, John Kimpton 724236 Patricia Holder 727384 Andy MacPherson 722168 Helsby, WA6 0AP Sarah Temple 722181 Sam Johnson 722297 Alan McKie 724960 Vacancy Terry O’Neill (Chair) 723205 George Randles 724775

8 Helsby News is supported by Helsby Parish Council