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Pub couple held captive
as raiders grab cash
by David Skentelbery
A LICENSEE and a woman bar supervisor were locked in a bedroom by a gang of four men who raided their Lymm pub.
Money was stolen from the tills, a safe and a cash machine at The Crown Inn, in Booths Hill Road..
Neither the 22-year-old landlord nor his 21-year-old assistant were hurt in the raid but both were left badly shaken by the terrifying ordeal.
It was 2.30am when the pair were tidying up after the pub had closed. The woman went upstairs to the bathroom and was grabbed from behind by a man who placed his hand over her mouth and said: “Shut up and you won’t get hurt.”
Three other men then appeared from a rear bedroom – and the woman screamed.
The landlord ran upstairs but was met by two of the intruders on the stairs and was overpowered.
Both were then held prisoner while the gang ransacked the pub, stealing money from various places. Then they were locked in a rear bedroom while the offenders made their escape.
It is believed they left in a dark coloured car with no lights showing.
The four men were all wearing dark clothing and black ski-masks. All are said to have been of medium build, varying in height from 5ft 8 to 6ft. One was carrying a black crowbar.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can help is asked to call DC Gordon Wilson on 01244 613832.
Sooty- the
inside story!
by Terry Johnson
THE man who brought laughter to millions in a career spanning 25 years with children's tv favourite Sooty will be
stepping out of the shadows this summer as part of Lymm village's annual Festival.
Matthew (Peter) Corbett, who took over the hand-puppet, 'Sooty', from his father, Harry, to entertain families
for a second quarter-century, is to reveal how one of the most famous bears in the country took over their lives.
But his furry friend will not be making a guest appearance due to legal reasons - and the show is certainly
not suitable for children!
Matthew - real-life, Peter - (pictured outside his home) made his home in Lymm eight years ago, having helped make the 'Sooty Show' the
longest running children's tv show in the world.
He will recount anecdotes of his years in tv and theatre at the Lymm Festival in July - but warns
that many of the out-takes are unsuitable for children!
"The show, entitled '25 Years Sticking Your Hand Up a Teddy Bear's Bottom', is not for the faint-hearted",
said Peter.
Harry Corbett bought the original 'Sooty' bear for 7s. 6pence from a novelty shop on Blackpool Pier and
introduced him to millions of children in 1948, the year that Peter was born.
In 1957 'Sooty' was given a chum, 'Sweep', and Harry's performances continued until he suffered a heart attack.
The series went on and in 1993 'Matthew' signed a deal with Granada Tv for a new series, 'With Sooty and Co'.
The tv bear's celebrity status was closely followed by national newspapers who carried headlines like 'No Sex
for Sooty'.
Peter, who lives alongside the Bridgewater Canal, will be showing 'Sooty' memorabilia to festival-goers -
including a miniature copy of the OBE medal awarded to his father, who died in 1989, aged 71.
The show is at Lymm's Spread Eagle Hotel on July 6-7......but for legal reasons 'Sooty' will not be able to
attend.
Lymm Cruising Club will be presenting a fast-paced festival comedy, 'Out on a Lymm', written and directed by
Nick Johnson, from Oughtrington.
The festival also presents Peter Read's one-man show, Dylan Thomas in America, which received excellent reviews
at last year's Edinburgh Fringe.
Lymm has also invited back Oddsocks Theatre to present Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' in the garden of
Cotebrook House.
Festival programmes are available from mid-May.
Booking details on www.lymmfestival.org.uk
Tributes paid to
former council clerk
by Gary Skentelbery
TRIBUTES have been paid to Geoffrey Atkinson, the former Clerk of Lymm Parish Council, who has died aged 78.
Geoff became Parish Clerk in 1982 and served in this role for nearly 18 years. He was involved with the building
of the extension to the Village Hall and with the introduction of CCTV in the village centre.
Geoff was especially proud of the traditional streetlights installed in the centre and the re-gilding of
the weather vane on the Cross.
He was born in Warrington and educated at Stockton Heath Primary and Lymm Grammar Schools. After National
Service he joined the Rio Tinto Zinc Group and worked in various sales and marketing roles.
He leaves a widow, Mabel and a son and daughter.
Yvonne Cook, who took over from him as Clerk, said, “I couldn't have wished for a better predecessor
as he showed great patience in passing on his extensive knowledge about the workings of the Parish Council.
Nothing was too much trouble for Geoff and he never complained when I needed to ask for help many years
after he had retired."
Councillor Sheila Woodyatt said, “Geoff Atkinson was a lovely man and a gentleman in every sense of the
word. When he became our Parish Clerk it soon became obvious that he would do an excellent job for us.
He quickly became part of the Council, joining in everything that went on and giving full support to
the Chairman each year. We were very sad when he retired but he still kept in touch with us and came
to Parish events. He was a good friend and we will miss him."
Councillor Ian Marks added, “Geoff and I had a similar background in industry so we had a common bond.
I strongly valued his judgement and he had a way of getting to the point when we had problems to deal with.
The people of Lymm have much to thank him for and we will all miss him greatly.”
Geoff was also heavily involved with the Methodist Church acting as Treasurer at Stockton Heath and for
the Circuit. He was a JP and served as Vice-Chairman of Relate / Marriage Guidance.
Picture shows Geoff Atkinson with Town Crier, Peter Powell on Lymm Cross in 1999
Des res with
a difference
by Gary Skentelbery
IF you're looking for a "des res" with a difference Ken Thompson may have your dream home - complete with its
very own historic tunnel.
After years of legal wrangles 58-year-old Ken is now the proud owner of a tunnel beneath his Bridgewater
View property at Lymm - created by celebrated canal engineer James Brindley.
Overlooking the Bridgewater Canal, the tunnel is in fact a "covered canal dock" which Brindley designed
as part of his work, which dates from 1770.
Ken bought the original old cottage over the tunnel in 1987 and has redeveloped it with stunning views
across the famous canal.
For years ownership of the tunnel was in doubt and all trace of the tunnel vanished from records held by
the Manchester Ship Canal Company.
During his research Ken heard how older people in the village recalled it being used as a play area as well
as a storage facility for icebreakers.
"I think it is fair to say I have been through a very lengthy legal process with Her Majesty's Land Registry
and with their co-operation the issue of ownership has now been cleared up," said Ken who is now the proud owner
of title deeds for the tunnel under his house.
Ken paid just £17,500 for the dilapidated cottage which is now valued at over £200,000 in a village
described in a national survey last year, as one of the most desirable places to live in Britain.
When he bought the property Ken demolished the original cottage and transformed it into a three bedroomed
property, with the lounge and kitchen upstairs, affording views of the canal.
"It has been a long time sorting out ownership of the tunnel but I am now delighted to be the owner of a
little piece of history," added Ken.
History Beneath
our Feet exhibition
by Gary Skentelbery
AMAZING treasures recovered from the ancient settlement of Warburton and the surrounding area of Heatley and Lymm
by archaeologist and presenter James Balme are to go on public display in Lymm village at a special exhibition.
The exhibition entitled ' History Beneath our Feet' signals the start of a series of live exhibitions and presentations that James will be giving around the region throughout 2006.
The event at Lymm village hall on Saturday April 8 is the first of its kind to be held in the area.
James said: ' I give many live presentations of my work to groups and societies around the region on a regular basis
but I feel that it is now time to give members of the public the chance to come and see the history that surrounds
them. For this reason I have decided to put together a series of exhibitions which will allow people to come and
take a look at what has been uncovered during my research and investigations in the area."
People attending the exhibition will also be able to watch a series of film features about the discoveries
at the exhibition which is from 11am - 4pm. Admission is free.
As well as the exhibition itself visitors will be able to bring any artefacts along with them on the day for James and
his team to examine and identify.
He added: ' My work has produced many interesting and exciting finds of ancient artefacts over the years and these
will all be on display on the day but I also encourage anyone who thinks that they may have found something of
interest to bring them along and we will try our best to date and identify them.
Who knows what new information this could provide for future research into the activities of our ancient ancestors.'
Anyone who is interested in attending the exhibition but can't wait to see some of the artefacts that will be on display
on the day can visit the official UK website www.jamesbalme.co.uk where information about his finds can be found.
If you would like to contact James regarding something you may have found but are not sure what it is then he can be
reached by e-mail jamesbalme@hotmail.com.
All set for Easter!
HIGH Legh Pre-school Nursery is preparinf for a hectic schedule including an eggstra special
treasure hunt for Easter.
Activities include Spring Ball and Auction at High Legh Golf Club on March 25th to celebrate the Nursery’s 35th
Anniversary.
For more details and tickets contact the Nursery (01925 754327).
The Easter Treasure Hunt takes place Saturday April 8, from 2:00pm, starting at High Legh Village Hall.
Meanwhile there has been a change in hours – and the group is now registered to run sessions from 9:00 - 3:15pm.
Currently full days are available Monday and Friday, but this will be increased in the coming terms.
Shops plan thrown out in
historic village centre
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING chief have thrown out controversial proposals for shops and flats in a three-storey building overshadowing historic Lymm Cross.
Warrington's development control committee refused planning consent for the development which would have involved demolition of an existing detached house and the removal of an old, standstone wall.
The scheme, put forward by developers Majornet Ltd, had caused a storm of protest from local people.
There were objections from Lymm Parish Council, the Domville Close Residents Association and more than 35 villagers.
Parish council chairman Pam Marks said the proposed building would be too high, given its close proximity to Lymm Cross.
Historically the house to be demolished was constructed as a condition of the planning consent when Domville Close was built at the rear of the site. This condition was imposed because the cottage that originally stood on the site had been knocked down without permission.
"To allow the demolition of this house will nullify the spirit of that permission," Coun Marks said.
"This development needs rethinking and a two story sympathetic structure made of local brick and set back from the pavement could be considered.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: "It is an extremely sensitive site and the proposal has caused a great deal of local concern.
"Lymm Cross is a well known landmark and makes the village centre very precious. It attracts many visitors, including artists.
"I do not oppose the principle of development but the present proposal is over large, over dominant and damaging to views of the historic Cross."
Coun Ian Marks expressed concern at the speed with which the planning application had gone through, in view of its importance. Many local people did not know about it and there appeared to have been no notices on lamp posts as was usually the case.
He said the scheme represented over-development of the site which would have highly detrimental effect on the street scene and would dominate and dwarf the Grade 1 Listed historic Cross only few metres away.
Car parking was already a major problem in the village and the plan had no parking provision for the shops and, more importantly, no provision for delivery vehicles.
The development would change the centre of Lymm for ever more, he added.
Officers had recommended the scheme be approved - and claimed it would enhance the historic village centre.
But the committee disagreed and refused permission.
Pictured...a computer generated image of what the development would have looked like.
Woman, 82, dies
after road crash
by staff reporter
AN 82-year-old Lymm woman died in Warrington Hospital after being involved in a road collision
in Massey Brook Lane, Lymm.
The woman was in collision with a red Fiat car, apparently while crossing the road.
Police arrested the car driver, a 21-year-old man from Lymm and he was later questioned.
The identity of the woman, from Lymm, has not been revealed.
Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident and anyone who can help should call
Sgt Mike Jones on 01244 613813.
A police spokesman said: "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone
who noticed a red car being driven in the area."
The accident happened on Tuesday February 28 shortly after 3pm.
Spooky fund-raiser
by Mark Hemmings
THINGS that go 'bump' in the night caused a hair raising experience for Phillip Savage and Danny Newton as the two intrepid
adventurers slept rough in the graveyard of Lymm Baptist Church - all in the name of charity!
The two were keen to raise awareness of the plight of street children in Romania, who have no option, but to
sleep rough on the streets 365 days a year. This is alright in the summer time, but in February the temperature
can drop to minus 20 degrees!!
Phillip and Danny raised the all-important funds via sponsorship for the completion of a children's home in Cluj,
Romania, which when finished will be the home for up to 40 children.
Groups of people from other churches in the surrounding area took part in the same event in their church grounds,
again to increase the awareness of the homeless, and the street children in Romania.
All proceeds from the 'spooky sleepover' will go straight to Emanuel Children's Home in Cluj, Romania.
In addition, and very much awake this time - Lymm Baptist Church is hosting a special concert by Haydock
Male Voice Choir on March 9, which again will be in aid of the children in Romania.
For more information go to http://www.sleep4romania.org
Twin Town members
to take French leave
by staff reporter
MEMBERS of Lymm Twin Town Society are preparing for a visit to twin town Meung-sur-Loire at the end of May.
Now in its 38th year, the twinning arrangement began with a chance meeting in the Spread Eagle between a Lymm Francophile and a French Air Force officer attached to the US base at Burtonwood.
Last year, the Mayor of Meung, Christian Coute and his wife Monique joined the French party to visit Lymm, staying
with parish councillor James Ashington.
This year James will be in the Lymm party to visit Meung - by which time he will be chairman of Lymm Parish Council.
Two of Lymm's primary schools, Cherry Tree and Oughtrington, are establishing links with two similar schools in Meung
and the Twin Town Society believes links at primary school level are essential if the twinning is to survive.
Chairman Peter Birchall said: "In the biennial visits to Meung, Lymm members enjoy great hospitality from their French
hosts and have the chance to visit many parts of the beautiful and historic Loire Valley.
"In May, 50 'Lymmois' will be spending a minimum of five days in Meung."
The Twin Town Society holds several social events each year, between overseas visits, to keep in touch and raise
funds to entertain French visitors.
A year's membership costs a family £6.
Anyone interested in joining can call Mr Birchall on 01925 481783 or treasurer Iain Macfarlane on 01925 753227.
Cards aid
Amazon mission
by Lesley Wilkinson
THIRTY kilos of Christmas and birthday cards collected in Lymm have been sent to villages in the Amazon area
of Brazil to be used for Christian education.
Irene Rowley, of Tower Lane, Lymm, who worked for 36 years as a missionary in Brazil, alongside her husband
Joe and son Nigel, returned to Lymm in 2001 and was determined to continue helping the overseas communities.
She put a note in Statham Post Office saying she was collecting cards to send out to the community and was
overwhelmed by the response.
"I cut off the English words and send them to my ex students who are all now either teachers or pastors in
small communities along the Amazon or deep in poor jungle interior places, where card is beyond their budgets
to buy," she said.
"They are received with great joy and the feed back I've had is terrific," she added.
Irene was featured in Lymm Life magazine in November 2004, for her unusual hobby of collecting pieces of pottery
from a farmer's field near her home to transform into a mosaic.
For nearly 25 years she and her husband worked along the Amazon helping set up churches, and then worked at a
Bible College training others to do the work.
She collects then cards for workers to use to spread the Christian message. The English words are cut out
where possible, and may be replaced with Portuguese phrases by students.
Irene said: "The people are so poor there, that in some cases the cards are used to paper the walls."
She said that Lymm people had been generous in donating cards, and she has two-trunks full that need sorting,
so had stopped collecting for the time being.
She recently sent the 30 packs of cards at a cost of £5 per kilo, to Brazil. She raises money to cover postage
by making cards that she sells cards around the village, including at Lymm Baptist Church where she is a member.
"It was a great privilege for us to work in the communities and it took us a while to settle back in Lymm. But
we are determined to keep helping the people in Brazil," she said.
Half Term
Holiday Club
by Terry Johnson
LYMM Baptist Church is organizing a half term holiday club for all primary school aged children attending schools
in Lymm and surrounding areas of High Legh and Little Bollington.
During the half term break the holiday club members will be searching for treasure on a desert island with the help
of three friendly pirates, Redbeard, Bluebeard and Blackbeard. Following maps, solving puzzles and playing games
together with lots of singing and laughter - can you help find the treasure worth more than silver and gold?
The club has been run in many forms at many churches, including Lymm Baptist, by Ralph Chambers but this year he has
finally stepped down and handed over the reigns to younger members of the church. Organisers would like to say a
big "thank you" to Ralph for all his hard work.
The club starts each morning of the half term holiday at 10.00am the club takes the children on an exciting search
of a desert island. During the morning there will be time spent singing songs, listening to the story of the
three pirates and watching their adventures in live-action drama. All children get the opportunity to have fun
making things in the craft workshops and a chance to win prizes during the daily quiz.
At the end of the week the parents are also invited to an evening event to see the final installment of the drama
and find out what their children have been doing all week. This year there will be the added bonus of a real-life
treasure hunt around Lymm on Saturday for all the family followed by a BBQ at LBC - more details including cost
will be given to all the children attending the holiday club.
The holiday club takes place at the Lymm Baptist Church on Higher Lane
Monday through to Friday 20th - 24th February 2006
10.00am till 12.00pm
Cost £1.00 per day (or £4 for the week)
For more details call Chris Newton the pastor at the church on 752805.
Residents' association
faces "meltdown"
by Terry Johnson
CRISIS moves are under way to try and save the campaigning Statham Residents' Association at Lymm, following impending meltdown of its management.
The association has represented tenants and private residents in Lymm for almost 10 years, during which time it has achieved some notable community successes.
But its main officials will be stepping down at the April annual meeting and new blood is being urgently sought.
Former secretary Marie White, who has served as chairman for the past two years, said: "We are at a crossroads - it is time for new people to get involved in the running of the association".
Current secretary, Elaine Leytham and treasurer, Liz Cross, are also stepping down. So, too, is vice-chairman, Len Sorrell, in his 70's, who is retiring on health grounds.
Said Marie: "It would be a great shame if the association had to fold. Some 840 leaflets are to be delivered to area homes appealing for participation. People can nominate themselves for posts within the association".
The start-up initiative for Statham Residents' Association was taken by Warrington Borough Council in April, 1996.
Since then the association has improved the lives of people in the area. It provided the driving force for compensation grants of between £900 and £3,000 to people whose homes were affected by noise from the second Thelwall Viaduct. It was also involved in provision of a skateboard area for youngsters at Lymm's Ridgeway Grundy Park and the re-surfacing of local roads.
"There have been a number of new developments in Lymm and we are hoping the incoming residents will be supportive to the Statham Association, as well as long-standing residents", said Marie.
Golden Gates Housing – which manages many rented houses in Lymm - is also anxious that the association should continue.
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