February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 1 2 www.culchethlife.com February 2019

Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Paul Walker Editor’s Comment Advertising THE shock news that someone We cannot answer that one, I’m James Balme wants to demolish the Raven afraid. We cannot believe that an Inn at Glazebury and replace application for Listing would have Freephone it with 10 houses has caused been turned down if it had been not proved possible in recent times 0800 955 5247 more anger in the village made at any time in the past. Now, to make the Raven pay and there is Editorial than any other issue in recent it would appear, it is a different always a danger that any building, 01925 623633 times. matter as Historic has no matter how historic and how Life has been inundated Email declined to List the building at the attractive, can be lost if it is not with ‘phone calls, emails and letters, present time. [email protected] viable. mostly with a common theme: How Hopefully, the phrase “at the “Use it or lose it” is an oft Websites is it that such a historic 16th century present time” is important. Perhaps repeated saying when old buildings www.culchethlife.com building, was not protected by a the furore created by local people are in peril and we have to wonder Grade 2 Listing many years ago? www.frodshamlife.co.uk will convince borough council how many of the people who are www.lymmlife.co.uk planners that the proposed now belatedly trying to save the www.- demolition should not be allowed worldwide.co.uk and this might persuade Historic Raven, were among its customers www.warrington.tv England to think again. If the Raven is to be saved, a Certainly the refusal to List viable use must be found for it, if Address not as a pub or restaurant, then as New Media Centre the building does not mean it is Old Road Warrington Male Voice doomed. There are surely plenty of something else appropriate for a WA4 1AT grounds for refusing the planning unique building steeped in history. Choir to visit application. Let us hope such a use can be village Unfortunately, it has apparently found.

Culcheth Life is published HAYDOCK Male Voice Choir is to monthly by Orbit News Ltd. perform at Croft for the first time in The contents of this magazine their 96-year history on Saturday, are fully protected by copyright March 9. and nothing may be reprinted The concert will be at Christ or reproduced without prior Church and will be in aid of church permission of the publishers. funds. Tickets at £10 include The publishers are not liable for refreshments and a raffle. They can any statement made or opinion be obtained from Barbara Laycock expressed by third parties in this on 01925 763142. publication. Formed in 1923, the choir is Printed by TwentyFourSeven renowned for the quality of its singing and will perform a wide variety of music.

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Are you looking to make your business life easier? Speak to one of our experts: 01925 761 600 or visit us at: stylesandco.co.uk February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 3 Culcheth Players to stage classic fairytale Snow White CULCHETH Players will be They have a new director in Dave staging the classic fairytale McManus who many of the regular pantomime Snow White at pantomime attendees will know as Culcheth Sports Club (The the actor who plays their “Dame” Daten) starting on Friday character. Dave has a wealth of February 15 at 7.30 pm. panto experience and has some On Saturday (Feb 16) there will fresh and funny comedy ideas. be two shows at 2pm and 7.30pm Come and see if Snow White while on Sunday (Feb 17) the show can survive the evil clutches of her will be at 2pm. wicked step mother. Will Danny This version of the classic and Dumpling win her heart or will she much loved fairytale has been be charmed by Prince Frederick. written by Ben Crocker. As well as Tickets as ever are available promising plenty of laughs the cast behind the bar at Culcheth Sports will be joined as ever by dancers Club. They can also be reserved on from the Rosemary Powell School the ticket line by phoning 07943 of Dance in Culcheth. 517710, or you can book online Last year’s pantomime Aladdin through www.culchethplayers. was a great success and Culcheth co.uk. You can also pay cash on • Professional, approachable, affordable Players are hoping to emulate that the door. Tickets are £7 for adults success with Snow White. and just £5 for children under 16. • Accounts preparation & tax returns for individuals & companies • Bookkeeping, payroll & vat Snowdrops on show • Capital Gains, Estate Planning & Probate Work RETIRED nurseryman John Bent will be opening his garden on Wednesday, February 13, to enable visitors to see his collection of rare and beautiful • Business start up advice snowdrops. • First meeting free of charge Mr Bent, formerly of Bents Garden and Home, Glazebury, leads tours of his garden at Weeping Ash every year. The event starts at 2pm and continues until 5pm and includes a cream Call Nigel Healey now on 01925 767222 tea. Tickets are £10, which includes a donation to Warrington’s St Rocco’s Hospice. The event will depend on the weather and because of the terrain is Abacus House, 450 Warrington Road, Culcheth WA3 5QX unsuitable for wheelchair or pushchair use. More details are available from www.bents.co.uk www.hunterhealey.co.uk 4 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 Glazebury WI to New strategic partnership celebrate 50th birthday

GLAZEBURY WI will be celebrating affecting marine wildlife. North West based Yellowbus Solutions Ltd and Telecom Ltd have its 50th “birthday” in October. The branch meetings on the joined forces in strategic partnership. Yellowbus have joined forces with Warrington based Cheshire Telecom In the meantime, the branch second Wednesday of each month launched the New Year with its to form a strategic alliance to improve managed telecoms, connectivity normal monthly meeting, chaired at 7.30pm, in the Methodist Hall, and associated technology services to local businesses in and around by president Barbara Worthington. Glazebury and new members are Cheshire. Yellowbus already have a track record in offering Managed Members and two visitors always welcome. IT, connectivity and hosted telecoms with a strong technical offering and skillset. were welcomed and birthday A coffee morning is due to With the introduction of Cheshire Telecom this bolsters the sales and anniversary greetings were be held at the Methodist hall on advisory and consultancy services around telecoms and mobile offerings announced. Saturday, February 23 from 10 am to complement existing services. The branch has about 35 “The team at Yellowbus are really excited about opportunities now members, aged 50ish to senior - 12 noon. Guest speaker was Graham available with this joint venture. Both Yellowbus and Cheshire Telecom member Mary Green, who is 97 have a strong background in providing connectivity and telecoms within and still attends all meetings. Stirrup who gave a talk and slide the commercial property space, and this is an area we are looking to Forthcoming events were show entitled "GeorgianTimes", expand.“ discussed, including the producing His portrayal of the royals in the Mike Douglass – Commercial Director at Yellowbus said: “Cheshire of a collage made from waste Hanoverian period of British history Telecom have been looking to partner with an IT provider that has the plastic brought back from beaches capacity to deal with both large and smaller companies for a good while visited on holiday. was not only factual,but also now and we were extremely happy to realise that the answer was right The finished product will amusing and an eye opener of the in front of us all this time! Yellowbus are a fantastic Warrington company highlight the problem of plastic 'Royal Georges' especially! and we’re expecting a productive year ahead of us as the extra capacity that they bring allows us to expand our reach and offer larger companies the level of support they expect and deserve.” www.amathusfs.co.uk Paul Taylor – Managing Director at Cheshire Telecom said: “Going into 2019 Yellowbus and Cheshire Telecom are already working on some impressive projects for clients and are looking at several joint sponsorship and marketing efforts throughout the year.

Looking for a mortgage? Need insurance? Don’t look too far… Double garage plan refused we’re a local firm who will provide you with impartial and professional advice A PLANNING application for a double garage in a paddock at the rear of T. 01925 399999 E. [email protected] two adjoining houses in Warrington Road, Culcheth, to link with a garage proposed at the adjacent property, has been refused by borough planning Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. chiefs. Amathus Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For mortgages we can be paid by commission, or fee of usually £995 or a The applications were a resubmission of similar earlier schemes combination of both. Officers refused the proposals under delegated authority. February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 5 6 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 Play area gets a £185,000 revamp WORK has been completed on a £185,000 scheme to revamp local families to get excited about, Richard Smith, WREN’s grant the play area at Culcheth’s Mee Brow Park. with further work currently taking manager for Warrington, says: The project – funded by the Culcheth and Glazebury Parish place to transform the play areas “It’s wonderful to see something borough council, along with a Council – has breathed new life at Enfield Park and Longbarn Park. we have funded open and ready £50,000 grant from WREN and into the play area. It’s all part of our plans to build to make such a difference to local inclusive play and activity into a £20,000 contribution from Improvements include the children. This project is one of replacement of all of the old play every part of the borough.” WREN’s grant funding of a number of play improvement apparatus with new equipment. projects being delivered with The play area – with a new £50,000 was awarded through “creatures that live in the park” their FCC Community Action Fund. Warrington Borough Council and I theme – has been completely The improvement works have been am looking forward to seeing the Village school resurfaced, and a new knee rail carried out by Kompan UK Ltd. other schemes completed soon.” has been put in place along Eden Avenue to limit vehicle access to the wins international park, which had caused problems historically. award Football enthusiasts will also be able to show off their skills, thanks CROFT Primary School’s work to to the installation of a new five-a- bring the world into the classroom has been recognised by the side pitch, which will be ready for award of the British Council’s action once it is re-seeded over the International School Award. Spring. The award celebrates the And as part of the project, works achievements of schools that do are getting under way on the full exceptional work in international refurbishment of the Mee Brow education. skate park, replacing all the current Croft Primary has forged links equipment with a new concrete with other schools overseas skate area. and staff have gone on visits The borough council’s lead to schools in Sweden and Italy. member for leisure and community, According to Sir Ciaran Cllr Tony Higgins, said at the Devane, chief executive of the opening ceremony: “This is a British Council, the school has fantastic project and yet another done fantastic international work. example of our ongoing investment He said: “Embedding an in our parks and open spaces. international dimension in “The new-look Mee Brow play children’s education ensures they area will be a fantastic asset for are truly global citizens and helps the local community, providing the prepare them for successful lives perfect environment for children and careers in an increasingly and their families to get active and global economy.” have fun. “And there’s plenty more for February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 7 8 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 Uproar over plan to demolish historic Raven Inn A PLAN to demolish the historic, 16th century Raven Inn, in Warrington Road, Glazebury and build 10 homes on the site, has infuriated local residents. At least two applications have been and used for the benefit of the local made to English Heritage to have community.” the black-and-white, half-timbered Local Businessman Paul Taylor said: building listed, a “Save the Raven” “It was a fantastic restaurant, – the campaign group has been formed and best in the area in fact for the last held a public meeting and numerous 10 years.” people have contacted Culcheth Life But he said traffic congestion on to voice their anger. Warrington Road had led to a decline But the campaign has suffered an in the passing trade on which The early setback because Secretary of Raven relied. State for Culture Jeremy Wright has “There’s no footfall in that area at decided not to list the building at the all. Until the end I used to have lunches present time. and occasional evening meals there A spokeswoman for the Save the but local pubs and restaurants are Raven group, said: “ The group will like public footpaths. You use them continue to oppose the plans. Whilst or lose them.” it’s disappointing Historic England “I must say I’m very surprised it aren’t in a position to list the building isn’t listed when you look at some of the group will continue to explore all the local properties that are. its options and would again urge the A packed meeting at Culcheth High public to contact Warrington Borough School heard was urged by members Council to oppose the proposed of the “Save the Raven” campaign development.” committee to send objections to the While the refusal to list the building proposals to Warrington Borough is a setback, the council can still Council. refuse permission for the scheme – particularly if there is major opposition from the public. Objections The inn – which more recently has operated as a high class restaurant, The committee - made up of former closed in September, much to the customers of the pub/restaurant and disappointment of many local people. concerned local residents - said the plans would rob the village of one of its most iconic and historic buildings. Outraged They stressed their objections were founded on the loss of the historic But the planning application from building and canvassed local opinion local developers Osborne and Co, for an alternative proposal should the still came as a bolt from the blue – planning application be unsuccessful. and locals were outraged by claims Many people suggested that the in the application that the building local community should take over was in a neglected, derelict and the building and develop it as a run-down state. community pub and meetings venue. There was also surprise that the A spokeswoman for the campaign building was not already Listed for group said: “We understand fully the its historic and architectural value. licencees’ reasons for moving on. Osborne and Co, in their Tthis is not about them - this is about application for permission to carry a building which is of significant out the scheme sais the building was historical interest. not Listed and was in a neglected, “Many of us have felt its loss and derelict and run-down state. we want to make people aware of They said: “The demolition of the our feelings and of our intention to neglected and run-down Raven Inn fight this proposal all the way. provides an opportunity to redesign the frontage to Warrington Road and provides the street-scene with a new United feature building. “The new development would bring “We are united as a community and the site back into active use.” will work as a community to breathe But nearby resident Neil Black new life into the building and create said: “We were surprised it wasn’t a social hub for the village. a Grade 2 listed building and I think History enthusiast Van Hostetler there was a plan to get it listed – contacted Culcheth Life to say he obviously too late. had applied to Historic England for “A word used in the planning the Raven to be Listed because of the application is derelict. It is old, but imminent threat of it being demolished certainly not that.” “with no regard to its heritage value.” Culcheth resident Mrs S.A Cooch Mr Hostetler claims to have saved a said: “This must not happen. This number of other threatened buildings historic building must be preserved through painstaking research into February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 9 Uproar over plan to demolish historic Raven Inn

their histories. the marriage of their daughter Maria He says the Raven was built by the to Colonel , an Irish powerful Holcroft family in 1562 and adventurer. is in good, solid condition. “Thomas Blood served with There are direct links to the Holcroft Cromwell in Ireland and when he family, Irish adventurer Colonel was stationed in south Thomas Blood, and King Henry VIII the wedding took place at nearby and Anne Boleyn via the Holcroft Newchurch Parish Church on the 21st family. June 1650. A turbulent life of political He says the heritage statement intrigue was marked by a failed included in the application to demolish attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, the pub contains no details of the when Thomas was imprisoned in the buildings long history, and that the White Tower before trial. Surprisingly application contains misleading he was pardoned and eventually statements. Mr Hostetler said The Raven is became a favourite of King Charles more important architecturally and II, dying at his Westminster home historically than either the nearby in 1680. Holcroft Hall and Hurst Hall, both of “ The old Inn sign showed the which have been extensively altered Holcroft Crest of a raven holding over the years, but which are Listed. a sword and there is folklore of a He added: “The Raven Inn is the secret passage leading from the Inn oldest surviving hostelry in the old to Holcroft Hall some distance away village of Glazebury once known as on the mysterious land of .” Bury Lane. The Inn owes its origins in Numerous other people have 1562 to the Holcroft family, who in protested at the plan to demolish the addition to being powerful manorial pub and a number of objections have lords existing as far back as the 13th been made to Warrington Borough century, achieved notoriety through Council. 10 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 Coming soon at The Glazebury - exciting a la carte and tasting menus NEW faces Ernst and Liz are very much looking forward to Etrop Grange, plus stages @ The 38 villas for a 5* hotel in Cornwall taking the reins at The Glazebury. The owners are equally as Fat Duck, Frantzen, Noma, Le and restaurant manager for an up- excited to have such a fantastic management team in place to Manior & Maaemo. He is also market establishment in Cheshire. run the business. the proud previous Head Chef / Follow the Pub on Facebook The The pub will offer something for wine list are very exciting. Patron of The Lord Clyde, where he Glazebury everyone whether that be a snack Ernst van Zyl, (Ernie) Chef gained 3AA Rosettes. Instagram @theglazeburypuband in the bar, a lovely meal from the Patron, moved over from his Elizabeth Kellett (Liz) has also restaurant new bar food menu or exciting native South Africa 20 years ago been in catering for over 20 years, Twitter @TheGlazebury dishes from the upcoming a la carte and has since worked at some of starting and growing up in Sutton and tasting menus. the best restaurants and hotels in before moving all over. Ever changing and seasonal the country including Radisson Liz’s impressive CV includes OP’s produce will always take centre Manchester Airport, Stanneylands, manager of big hotels, managing stage and the new wine wall and Hilton Manchester, London, Belfast, 17 ski chalets in France, running February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 11 the glazebury Book now for Valentine’s Day tasting menu 14th/15th/16th February £40 per person Our new bar menu launched on 2nd February

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01925 382056 207 Warrington Road, Glazebury, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 5LL www.theglazebury.co.uk 12 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 HS2: Have residents won a small victory? RESIDENTS of the Culcheth area may have won a small victory council would like to thank residents issues that this road alignment in the long-running “war” over the HS2 rail line and its impact for the way they had responded to presents and HS2 Ltd are currently on local villages. the HS2 public information event in working on alternatives and have The Department for Transport has closure of Wigshaw Lane and is November. already engaged with Warrington informed Culcheth and Glazebury working to try and resolve the issue. She said: “The parish council Borough Council on the issue of the Parish Council that it is aware of Cllr Margaret Webber, chairman and CADRAG (Culcheth and closure of Wigshaw Lane. local concern over the proposed of the parish council, said the District Rail Action Group) urged “We are very much aware of the the hundreds of people who strong response from the community attended the event to comment on in Culcheth, and the wider area, the proposals. to the current road realignments “They appear to have done so in proposed in the Working Draft droves.” Environmental Statement (WDES). Representatives of HS2 Ltd and We are keen to develop a design the Department for Transport were present at the information event for the railway and the associated and heard first hand the concerns mitigation measures that meets the of local people – particularly needs of both the local community about the controversial proposal to and HS2.” close Wigshaw Lane – effectively Cllr Webber said: “We want rupturing the direct road link to thank the very many people between Culcheth and Croft. who sent in responses, whether as The parish council wrote to Chris individuals, or as representatives Grayling, Secretary of State for of businesses, educational Transport and have received the organisations, health services, following reply from the Department churches or social and leisure for Transport groups, to the HS2 plans for the “We are acutely aware of the to Bamfurlong link.”

Niamh’s thank you to hospital that cared for her AN 11-year-old pupil at close to her heart. in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, keyrings, which she sold through a High School is the toast of the Niamh Lake was diagnosed at Liverpool since then. local shop. school after raising £170 to two years of age with a hole-in-the- She underwent three major After raising the money, Niamh support a charity which is literally heart and has spent a lot of time operations to help with the decided to donate half to the condition and always found the cardiology department who cared staff there brilliant. for her so well and the other half No one likes to be in hospital to the intensive care department as Work starts for Community Day but Niamh soon realised what an she was touched by the story of little amazing job the staff do and now WORK has already started on a great day out for locals Alfie Evans, aged 23 months, who she is feeling better wanted to show planning this year’s Culcheth Cllr Sue Bland said: “Each year sadly passed away at Alder Hey Community Day – the 31st to Community Day gets bigger and her thanks and appreciation for all their care and hard work. last year from a rare degenerative be organised by Culcheth and better. We only had about three brain disease. Glazebury Parish Council. stalls the first year and since then She raised money for the hospital in a number of ways, collecting She said, “It was hard work Two new attractions have it has grown each year. raising the money but Alder Hey already been signed up – a dog “We have already started unwanted books from family and display team and a steel band. sending out letters to charities and friends and with the help of her are brill and I’m really proud that A new clown has also been other organisations who might Nan held book sales. I could do a bit to help them after found to keep the youngsters want to set up stalls or stage other Niamh also made more than 60 they helped me.” entertained when the show starts fund raising ctivities. One thing at 12 noon on Bank Holiday you can be sure of – there will be Monday, May 6. a wide range of activities for all As usual the event will be on the family to enjoy.” Culcheth Village Green – and as Anyone wanting information usual its main aim is to benefit should call Cllr Bland on local charities and voluntary 01925 766641 or email her at organisations as well as provide [email protected] Home extension approved PLANS for a single-storey extension at the rear of a house in Fleming Drive, Winwick, have been approved by borough council planning chiefs. February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 13

Community Day Monday, May 6th, 2019 We are already planning this year’s Community Day, the opportunity for local charities and voluntary and community groups to fundraise and for everyone to enjoy themselves. We send out letters to those who came last year but of course any other charity, voluntary or community group can contact our clerk for an application form, preferably as soon as you can.

Culcheth Green Following on from the drainage scheme for the central area, the path from Lodge Drive has been rebuilt and another seat added at the side. We are looking to make further changes. The current suggestions are to improve the children’s play area and to add to the trees and shrubs in the non drained area. Several pieces of “ outside gym” equipment have been suggested, what do you think?

Mee Brow play area This is now finished and was officially opened on January 21st. There is work to be completed outside the playground.

HS2 Thanks again to those who attended the information event and responded to the consultation. We continue to oppose the Link.

Parking The Borough Council proposed a four hour limit to parking on the Jackson Avenue and the Common Lane (Millennium garden) car parks. We are arguing that there would be an unwanted impact on other parking areas and also on road parking within the village centre and beyond. Parking is a major issue with development, and we always argue against on road parking that will impact on neighbours and through traffic.

Holcroft Lane A temporary works area for the smart motorway work on the M62 is being created on Holcroft Lane. Please be aware of the increase in traffic and take care. Report any problems to us and the Borough Council.

Planning applications If you have concerns about any planning application, whether on content or procedure, contact the Borough Council at [email protected] and copy to the Parish Council, you can also contact councillors directly. We don’t decide planning applications, but comment on them, so it is important to comment on applications to the Borough Council, either through the application website, or by email, as above, or by post to Development Control. 3rd Floor, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington WA1 2NH.

Interactive mapping www.warrington.gov.uk has an interactive map where you can decide on map layers to find planning applications, green belt, tree protection orders, historical maps and other information.

Publication of information The Parish Council has adopted a publication of Information scheme. Details of who we are, what we do and how the public can access information is published on the main notice boards, Common Lane, Culcheth and Churchill Avenue, Mee Brow, Culcheth Library and on our website www.culchethandglazebury-pc.org.uk 14 www.culchethlife.com February 2019 Soccer fanatic Charlie has eyes on US coaching post

A FOOTBALL fanatic from Culcheth but was also very humble.” has become the first international During his internship, Charlie intern at Indy Premier Soccer Club was involved in all aspects of in Indianapolis. the club giving him a greater Charlie Hardern completed the understanding of the maintenance six-week internship last year and and upkeep of running a club. now the former Priestley College However, he spent most of the student is in discussion with the club time coaching all ages including regarding a permanent coaching the elite girls under 8s and under role. 13 teams. He said: “I think I was playing Charlie also spent a week with a soccer before I could walk. I group of Real Madrid coaching staff instantly knew this would be the as part of a coaching clinic. perfect opportunity for me.” “The experience has given me a Charlie achieved D*D*D* in Sport and Exercise Science at clear understanding that coaching Priestley College before going is what I want to do,” he said. on to study BSC Sport, Physical Now in his third year at university, Education and Coaching Science Charlie is planning to move to at Birmingham University. America later this year to take up a The opportunity to go to coaching post, hopefully at the Indy America arose through the Premier Soccer Club. university’s Global Challenge “I think the best advice I could Programme. give is to ‘just go for it’,” said Priestley Sports tutor Katie Charlie. Radford said: “Charlie was an “Be confident and believe that exceptional student who produced you have the skills to do whatever it great work and was hugely gifted, is you want to do.”

Students who want to make a difference Shared A FORMER Culcheth High School Martin who led the campaign for Chantal, a former pupil at pupil who wants to make a a law to ban the taking of pictures University Academy Warrington, reading difference in the world attended under a person’s clothes without currently studies English Literature a conference designed to inspire them knowing – colloquially known and Fine Art alongside Law at comes to young women. as ‘upskirting’. Priestley College. Gemma Kubiena is now a Gemma said: “It was inspiring She also hopes to go into the Culcheth law student at Priestley College to hear from people like Gina legal profession after completing a and attended the Westminster who I could relate to because they university degree. A NEW “Shared Reading” group conference with fellow student speak like me and they act like me “What stuck with me from the has been launched by the Friends Chantal Taylor, who is also studying because they are a bit younger. of Culcheth Library. law at the college. “They might have faced barriers, day was that Gina is in her early 20s, but she has been able to make It is to meet every Thursday The conference to to celebrate but they have made a difference afternoon from 12.45 until 2pm in 100 years of the Parliament and if I can achieve that myself in a change to the legislation so it (Qualification of Women) Act, future I would like to.” just shows what can be done,” she the library when members can drop which allowed women to become Gemma, who also studies said. in to listen to a great story or poem MPs for the first time. Sociology and Religious Studies, “It was so interesting to be in – without any pressure to read or During the event they heard from hopes to one day represent women a room with all these women and speak. MPs and other women like Gina in court or as a campaigner. share our views.” The Friends have come together with national charity The Reader to launch what is a new kind of reading group in the village. The sessions are free and tea and coffee are provided. Literature is specially chosen by The Reader’s volunteer leader, Laura Thomason, who is also a member of the Friends’ group She said: “I’m so excited to bring Shared Reading to Culcheth. It’s a fantastic initiative, which brings people together and brings literature to life. “You can just drop in, sit down and enjoy listening to a great story or poem – there’s no pressure to talk or read. There is no need to book, but if you wish to register interest you can contact Culcheth Library on 01925 763293.” The Reader (https://www. thereader.org.uk/) was launched in Birkenhead a decade ago and now has more than 500 groups supported by an army of 1,000 volunteers. February 2019 www.culchethlife.com 15 WI members on a CLASSIFIED FREEPHONE 0800 955 5247 to advertise

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Mike, a very keen and accomplished photographer took Affordable, professional, guaranteed service. full advantage of the light, sometimes out on deck in the very early hours Fully insured, xed prices - no surprises once on site! to capture the amazing scenery of the mountains and breathtaking sunrises Discrete vehicles, no embarrassing signs and sunsets. 07999 487 925 / 01925 445 222 www.atlas4u.co.uk Vardo was their first port of call and then Hammerfest, reputedly Norway’s (J6/19) most northerly city. CHIROPODY PAYROLL KATHRYN GRACE AND ASSOCIATES, From there they made their way south calling into many small ports to WHY TRY TO BE A PAYE EXPERT? drop off people and mail etc. D.Pod.M, M.Ch.S., HCPC registered. Chiropodists/ Podiatrists, 30 years experience, Watkinson Black can provide a cost effective Tromso was next, and after leaving they sailed down to Stokmarknes offering friendly and professional footcare, payroll service, releasing you to concentrate on where the first Hurtigruten ship is docked and is used as a museum. Leaving also Gait Analysis. Care home & commercial your business. For further details please contracts are welcome. Culcheth based. Tel phone: 01925 413210 or e-mail: there they sailed around the many Lofoten islands and even saw some sea (G*) 01925 762404 www.parkviewcentre. info@warrington accountants.co.uk eagles on the way. The advantage of a smaller ship was the ability to sail co.uk (J12/19) down the very narrow straits of Troll Fjord and at their next stop they enjoyed TREE SURGERY Bacalas, a salted fish, produced in Norway and now enjoyed all over the SAM WOOLSTENCROFT TREE SERVICES. CLEANING SERVICES Commercial and Domestic tree and world. Landscaping services. NPTC qualifi ed, Safe It was a very interesting presentation and members were fascinated by the Contractor approved and fully insured. Friendly and reliable, local family business. Contact journey and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful photographs taken by Mike. Sam 01942 673736 or 07565 534343 (J2/19) TUITION SPANISH LESSONS IN CULCHETH Daytime tuition in Spanish grammar for adults Committee served food at annual lunch – beginners or revision. Experienced retired tutor; friendly relaxed lessons for singles or MEMBERS of the committee served the food when Culcheth WI held its couples. Tel 01925 765 962 or Mob annual lunch at their January meeting. 07922 155 275 (J6/19) Mary and Sheila Thompson from Glazebury WI and Doreen WINDOWS & GLAZING Proctor and Cath Hanley from Newchurch WI were welcomed and LEIGH GLASS LTD. For all of your glass choirmaster Jo Busby, also attended and there was also one visitor. requirements please contact. Tel 01942 678440 Fax 01942 261728 email Members stood in silence in memory of former member Christine Adams leighglass@ hotmail.co.uk (J1/19) after her death was reported by vice president Ileyne Hutchinson. (G*) Speaker was Peter Mathot, on how to “Laugh at Life”. He entertained with clips of comedians from years ago, and miss-spellings painted on roads such as SOTP and CLAER. He told the story of a supposedly true conversation between a lawyer and a pathologist, with the lawyer asking if the deceased could possibly been alive when the autopsy began. “‘Did you check his breathing?” “No’” “Did you check his blood pressure?” “No”. “How then are you sure that he was dead?’‘ “His brain is in a jar on my desk. Of course, he could still be alive and practising Law!” There will be outings to the heritage centre at , on February 21 and 28. This is being subsidised by a bursary from Mossland Group. The next meeting is on February, 19 at 2pm in the Parish Hall. New members and guests are very welcome.

School hits a high note BIRCHWOOD High School’s Performing Arts department has been awarded Music Ambassador status by Accent Music Education Hub. The presentation was made by Mayoress of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry at the Town Hall. Music Ambassador status is awarded to schools in recognition of excellent music provision following a formal assessment of the school’s curriculum offer, extra-curricular programme and performance opportunities provided for pupils. 16 www.culchethlife.com February 2019

THE COURTYARD FOR SALE BOARD COMPETITION £100 Amazon Voucher Do you think you can up for grabs! take a good photo? Well now is the time to prove it!

This year our board competition is open to all budding photographers, if you think you can submit a photo worthy to be on our for sale boards, then this competition is for you!

You must supply images in black and white, horizontal only and preferably 300dpi 3300 pixels x 2300 pixels or any good smart phone quality image for any of the following categories: Landmarks and Buildings • Animals or Pets • Local Landscape or Scenery Closing date for entries is Wednesday 13th February 2019. Competition only open to amateur photographers aged 16+ Terms and conditions apply, for more details on how to enter go to our Facebook page @courtyardestateagents