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Prestigious award
for primary school
A prestigious national award for literacy and numeracy has been awarded to Statham Community Primary School in Lymm.
The Primary Quality Mark Award was presented to the School by Pat Collard, the National Executive Director of the Basic
Skills Agency.
Max Grunblat, Chair of Governors, welcomed Mrs Collard, parents and children to the award ceremony.
He said: “This is a culmination of two years of effort by staff and children. It shows strong dedication and has
established standards for English and Maths that have been recognised nationally. I would like to thank everyone
who has been involved.”
Headteacher, Sue Hall, added, “I am delighted that our standards of learning and teaching have been given this recognition.
The children have realised that the basic skills of literacy and numeracy can actually be fun! The wider school
community is very proud of this achievement.”
Picture shows from left to right, Pat Collard (Director of the Basic Skills Agency), Year 6 pupils Jack Frew
and Courtney Cavanagh (School Council Representatives) and Chris Moore (Deputy Head and Co-ordinator for achieving
the Award.
Dance school raises
£3,500 for charity
A LYMM dance school has raised £3,500 for charity following a Dance Spectacular held at Parr
Hall, Warrington.
More than 200 adult and child pupils from Ambitions Dance School, based at St Mary's Church
Hall, took part in the show.
They raised the money for the Genesis Appeal which is working to build the first ever breast
cancer prevention centre near Wythenshawe Hospital.
Dance school principal Joanne Worrall said: "My brother-in-law Lester Barr is a surgeon and
chairman of the Genesis Appeal He came to the show and gave a short talk on the work of the
charity."
The show featured a variety of dance styles including tap, ballet and modern.
"Everyone enjoyed the show and it is absolutely amazing that we raised such a lot of money
for the charity," said Joanne.
Picture shows centre left, school principal Joanne Worrall presents the cheque to appeal trustee Nicky Barr.
Churches work together
on history of village life
by Lesley Wilkinson
PARISHIONERS from churches throughout Lymm have been working together to create a giant embroidery depicting 2,000
years of village life.
It features a Roman Centurion, local churches, scenes of rural life including farms and tractors and popular spots such
as The Dingle and Lymm Dam.
Also included are craftspeople such as fustian workers (velvet cutters) and gold beaters, who produce gold leaf for books.
And bringing the piece up to date is a scene of the M6 with a lorry from a popular do-it-yourself store.
And their work, a six-feet square piece, was dedicated at a special ceremony by the Chairman of Liverpool District
Methodist Churches James Booth, at Lymm Methodist Church Hall.
Guests from churches throughout the village attended the event, and those who contributed to the piece wore rose
buttonholes so that they could be identified by visitors.
Marie Clowes, a founder member of Lymm Churches Together Embroidery Group, designed the mural and members worked on
it together. She said that about 16 people worked on it and it features 24 different scenes.
"It is incredible to think that we started with nothing. We watched the Lymm Video and decided what scenes we wanted.
We had a wonderful time working together," she said.
Celebrities launch
new wheelchair track
by Gary Skentelbery
LIGHT Welterweight World Boxing Champion Ricky Hatton and footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton
were special guests at the Children's Adventure Farm Trust, in Millington.
The pair officially opened the farm's new wheelchair track - The Adventure Farm Highway.
A £50,000 donation from Manchester Kids and F. Duerr & Sons enabled the farm to install a
two-metre wide track around the premises to improve access for disabled children.
Ricky was pleased to attend the launch and enjoyed meeting the children who were staying at
the farm on holiday. He was keen to test out the seven-speed wheelchair bikes, taking one for
a spin around the highway.
The converted farmhouse provides holidays, respite breaks, daytrips and Christmas Parties for
disabled, ill and disadvantaged children from all over the North West. A variety of activities
such as arts and crafts, sports and music therapy are provided.
Sir Bobby, president of the farm, joined Ricky in cutting the ribbon to officially open the
highway, and gave a moving speech about the many benefits of the centre offers to children each
year.
Anne Davies, farm chief executive, was grateful for the funding. She said: "We still can't
believe it actually. The highway really will make a huge difference. It has been one of
those projects we thought would always be a dream."
Students make their mark
on Eco Arts festival
by Gary Skentelbery
ART students from Lymm High School added their weight to the Inspired by Nature eco-arts Festival held at Arley Hall.
Staff and students from Lymm High School worked with festival organisers Education4Conservation on a variety of art and
drama projects over the weekend.
Under the supervision of the school's Head of Art Sophie Hardisty and Head of Performing Arts Sally Anne Clouston, students
made willow sculptures and designed and produced art murals; performed selected excerpts from Shakespeare's
'A Midsummer Night's Dream', scenes from 'Blue Remembered Hills' and 'My Mother Said', as well as presenting
a range of musical and poetry pieces.
Education4Conservation's artist Rob Parkin worked closely with the art students over the course of the festival and
was enthusiastic about their involvement: "Children's interest in art and the environment is vital for the development
of our future landscape and living space. The links between art, performance and the environment are fascinating to
explore and the students have been encouraged to work on projects inspired by their own particular experience of nature
and the environment. For me it was very exciting to be joined by co-creators who are so dynamic and switched on."
Head teacher Roger Lounds believes the festival experience will be a positive one for the participating students and the
school as a whole. A number of students were involved, mainly from the sixth form.
"The Inspired by Nature festival is one of the most original ideas we've ever got involved with," he commented. "It
brings a whole new dimension to the learning and teaching of art and the performing arts and involves so many other
disciplines - history, geography and science, for example - that I really believe the whole school can learn something
from it."
Pictured from left are Sinead Sheerins, Jake Boardman,
Laura Chambers, Ian Richens, Daryl Hobson, Josh Hunnyett, Charlotte Mather, Rosalind Jenkins and Kathryn Timmins
all aged 17.
Students relive
the swinging 60's
by staff reporter
Sixth form students at Lymm High School presented the 60s musical "A Slice of Saturday Night"
in the School Hall.
Pictured From left, are Kim Yates, Joe Allen, Sophie Hannam,
Chris O'Grady, Kathryn Cooper, Calum Moore, Kathryn Timmins, Rob Julian and Naomi Hamnett.
Viking treasure found
in farmer's field
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Skentelbery
RARE Viking treasure dating from the 9th and 10th centuries has been unearthed in a farmer's field by a metal
detecting enthusiast.
It is the latest discovery made by Warrington based archaeologist James Balme who has already discovered many ancient sites and artefacts in the Warburton and Lymm areas, ranging from the Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon periods of history.
His latest discovery is set to add yet another chapter to the already rich history of the area and more importantly
proves that Vikings were active in the Lymm area during the 9th and 10th centuries.
James has unearthed a "wonderful piece" of Viking HackSilver which he has registered as treasure trove.
He said: "HackSilver is a term used to describe silver objects purposely broken up in preparation for smelting to
make coinage and ornate objects such as brooches, pendants and various items of personal adornment.
"What is particularly exciting is that much of this HackSilver was obtained during the Viking raids and looting of
the monasteries in Ireland and the North of England such as the legendary Lindisfarne back in AD 793.
"Viking artefacts of silver are a rare occurrence especially in this area of the North West and to make such a
discovery so soon into my latest research project is very satisfying. What is really interesting is that hack silver
was normally stored in quite large quantities and an example of this was the Cuerdale hoard discovered in May 1840
comprising of 8,500 pieces of silver and weighing in at almost 40KG. The question now remains whether the piece
of Viking silver is part of a much larger hoard of such material, or a casual loss. I intend to put all of my efforts
into trying to locate further pieces of silver to back up this theory. But most importantly it proves that the Vikings
were here."
For obvious reasons James is keeping the location of his latest discoveries a closely guarded secret but
he has already informed the finds liaison officer for Merseyside and Greater Manchester of his recovery of the artefact.
As well as finding the Viking silver James also recovered a Bronze Age flint
blade and a scabbard hook from the middle ages used to suspend a sword from
the waist of its owner. This example is highly decorated with animal heads.
Meanwhile James is to be featured on the BBC1 Inside Out series on Monday (October 3) at 7.30pm.
For more information on his discoveries visit www.warburtonvillage.co.uk .
Pictures show James and the rare Viking treasure he has uncovered
Players seek
new blood
by staff reporter
THE Bridgewater Players are one of the oldest amateur dramatic societies in the country and are now on the lookout for
new members ot swell their ranks.
Formed in 1951 with just six members on the stage of Eagle Brow school room in Lymm, their first ever play was
"The Rotters", and no-one has heard of it since!!! The society grew from strength to strength,
with more members, both acting and non-acting, joining every year.
Unfortunately in 1968 their time at Eagle Brow came to an end and the society found themselves without a home.
The last play there was "The Captives", a very moving play which will not be forgotton by anyone who saw it.
So with nowhere to stage the plays, never mind store the costumes and scenery, it was thought that the society had come
to its natural end. But with offers of storage help
from various members and the Vicar of Thelwall allowing them to use the village hall to stage the plays, the players
were back treading the boards.
The rest, as they say, is history! The Players are still at Thelwall today. So if you are interested in being a
member, in whatever capacity, contact Alison on 0845 331 2958 and select option 2.
Meanwhile, rehearsals for the first play of the season, the thriller "Summer End", are well under way. The performance
dates are Thursday 24th until Saturday 26th November. All tickets are just £3.50 (where else can you you have a
fantastic night out for just £3.50?!!!) and are avaliable from Stephanie The Florist, Lymm, Statham Post Office and
Thelwall Post Office or call Avis Shaw on 01925 730390.
Day at the races!
by John King
Villagers enjoyed their "day at the races" during a charity donkey derby.
Lymm Town Crier Peter Powell is pictured announcing the opening of Lymm's Ascots Day at the
Races, Reddish Lane Lymm in aid of Kabuki Research and 1st Oughtrinton Beavers, Cubs and
Scouts.
With Peter from left, Ann Scales for Kabuki Research, Daisy Wrigley aged 7, Richard Hulme
aged 7, Lucy Stanhope aged 7 and Paul Gibson of the Scout Group.
Architects call for
station facelift
by Lesley Wilkinson
A GROUP of Lymm architects are backing a call to revamp a Warrington railway station dubbed a "demonic version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.”
Randle White, based in Lymm, say that Bank Quay Station is an "eyesore" and backs claims by the North West Development Agency that it should be rebuilt and redesigned to more modern specifications.
Director James Randle (pictured above)said an overhaul of the station should be a priority and is calling for better pedestrian access from the station to Palmyra Square.
"At the moment, in its setting alongside the Unilever factory, it looks like a demonic version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory," he said. "The design of the station has not aged well. It's a drab, depressing corner of the town and needs a massive overhaul."
He said Warrington should look for inspiration to Manchester's Piccadilly Station.
"They turned a dark dangerous station into a modern, bright breezy space. Warrington's architecture and public buildings should be something to be proud of and not eyesores," he added.
He said there has been substantial investment in Palmyra Square, and improved access to the station should follow.
In memory of Mark
by Lesley Wilkinson
MORE than 100 people visited a high-quality garage sale in Lymm and helped raise £300 for St Rocco's Hospice in memory
of Mark Loughridge, 41, who died in June.
His wife Lesley, who organised the sale at their home in Sandy Lane, said: "We were thrilled with the number of
visitors and fortunately the weather stayed dry. Pictures that had been donated were the most popular buy, but
there were also toys, kitchen equipment and household goods."
Mark, who suffered from Motor Neurone disease for two years, was treated at the Warrington hospice.
Donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral raised £400 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and
£600 for the hospice.
The couple have three children and Mark was well known in the village.
Cakes and refreshments were provided at the sale by friends of the family.
Pictures show Mark with his children and the garage sale.
Rugby club launches
Grass Roots Appeal
by Gary Skentelbery
LYMM Rugby Club is launching a major fund-raising campaign to buy additional land adjoining its Crouchley Lane base.
Following England's rugby and cricket stars' success on the world stage, the club believes there has never been a better
time to encourage grass roots involvement in sport for everyone.
Now the club is planning to purchase additional land for playing facilities near to the clubhouse in Crouchley Lane.
The Club, which has aspirations to be at the centre of Lymm's sports community for future generations, is launching the
'Grass Roots Sports Appeal', to create a fighting-fund for land acquisition and pitch development.
John Hopkinson, The Club Chairman, said. "If this country wants to continue to create world-class sportspeople we have
to invest in our sporting grass roots. Lymm RFC has been at the heart of our sports community since we started in 1960.
Now we have an opportunity to extend the Club's playing fields but need to generate significant funds to do so.
"The Grass Roots Sports Appeal is not just about rugby. Lymm Hockey Club is also based at the Club and if we buy enough
land we can develop pitches for hockey and, potentially, junior football as well. Along with our current squash
facilities, this would create a true sports club catering for a wide range of sporting interests.
"A number of fund-raising events are being planned with the objective of raising £90,000 by March 2006 and £500,000
over the next five years. We are asking for both individuals and corporate sponsors to get involved," added John.
"We have a thriving and hugely successful Mini and Junior rugby section catering for hundreds of children across all ages
every week. Unfortunately the teams play and train far from the Club due to our lack of playing fields. If we could buy
this nearby land it would have an immediate, positive effect and we could also run regional tournaments.
"This is not just about buying land. It is about building a legacy for Lymm's future generations and we want everyone
in the community to be part of it," concluded John.
For further information on Lymm RFC's Grass Roots Sports Appeal and sponsorship opportunities please contact
Danny McNicholl at danbo@3peaks.net or call 01925 752212.
Dickensian seeks
extra support
by Gary Skentelbery
ORGANISERS of the annual Dickensian Festival are looking for extra support due to increasing
costs. Although the accounts are healthy for the popular annual event which has been running for more
than 20 years, it now costs around £8,000 to stage. Most of the funds are raised through local business in addition to support from Lymm Parish Council
and Lymm Rotary Club.
Event organiser Peter Critchley said: "We are not a profit making organisation and provide a platform
for local charities to raise much needed funds.
"We are not facing any financial difficulties but any extra sponsorship we can get
will help ensure we can continue to put on a top event. In particular we are seeking a major contributor to replace
Somerfields who can no longer support the event. To help ensure it continues to be a great event and hopefully will continue for a long time to
come, we need as much support as possible from the local business community."
Any one wishing to pledge financial support can contact Peter on 07939 198865 or email
petercritchley@bluemotorfinance.co.uk
New venue chosen for
Grammar school reunion
by staff reporter
DUE to public demand organisers of a reunion for former pupils
of Lymm Grammar school from 1972-78 have had to switch venue.
The event is planned for November 19th is now taking place at the Lymm Hotel.Partners welcome.
Ticket costs have yet to be confirmed due to buffet and DJ requirements etc.
Anyone interested in attending can contact the following:
chenstock@stockportgrammar.co.uk (Christine Roe)
martin@calador.freeserve.co.uk
(Martin Bonner) ianmufcwardle@ntlworld.com (Ian Wardle)
lizsedge@aol.com (Liz Artingstall)
peterdyson2002@yahoo.com (Peter Dyson)
cliffmockett@hotmail.com (Cliff Mockett).
Alternatively ring 07855 652563 or 01925 570105.
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