Winwick church receives cash boost

A CASH boost of almost £50,000 had been awarded to St Oswald’s Church in Winwick.

The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will help fund renovations to the south aisle roof which is badly infested with death watch beetle.

This latest funding will also allow the creation of a stage and the creation of a museum for the community, which will become a centre for educational talks and workshops.

The project, which is expected to cost around £80,000, will help to restore the medieval church to its former glory.

With the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, it is hoped the current building, which was built more than 700 years, will be converted into the focal point of the community.

Mike Matthews a member of Winwick Parish Council says he is overjoyed at the award.

He said: "The fact that we as a wider community now have the prospect of a fully equipped performance space and museum is a major enhancement to the community."

 

Charity fundraiser date set

VOLUNTEERS at Chernobyl Children's Lifeline will be holding a table top sale on Saturday at St Michael’s Parish Hall in Burtonwood.

All proceeds will be donated to the charity which raises vital funds to help the children affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl Disaster.

The sale will take place from 11am to 4pm.

Pitches are £10 per table or £8 if you bring your own.

 

Take part in community clean up

TAKE part in a spring clean up this Saturday and help keep where you live today.

The first community litter event of 2015 will start at the entrance to Asda Westbrook on the Westbrook Crescent at 10am on Saturday.

Litter pickers, waste bags and tabards will be provided.

Those taking part are urged to dress for the weather.

Organiser David Parr said: "We are now entering the fifth year of our campaign to reduce litter in the local community and although, sometimes, it seems to be a fruitless task, there is strong evidence that we are making progress to raise community awareness about the problem of litter in Warrington.

"As the results of the community's efforts, in the last four years we have collected nearly 1,000 bags of litter - estimated 4.7 tonnes - from the Westbrook, Great Sankey, Whittle Hall areas.

"This is an enormous contribution to the local community."

 

Sports star named as apprentice of the month

A TALENTED football player has scored his way to the top after being named as apprentice of the month in a national competition.

George Cooper was chosen over entrants from clubs nationwide for the outstanding progress he made in both his sport and academic studies while he has been an apprentice at the famous Crewe Alex Football Academy.

The former St Gregory's High School pupil, who lives in Warrington, will be one of 11 football apprentices to go head to head in a national final at the end of the season.

The 18-year-old, who is due to finish his studies at Reaseheath College in May, said he was shocked to find out her had been put forward for the competition The 11, which is run by the League Football Education.

He said: “I was surprised and very pleased to be put forward for this award.

"Although I enjoy playing football, being a member of the Academy and coming to college has given me the chance to study subjects like nutrition and coaching.

"This will help widen my career choices after I’ve retired from professional playing.”

His lecturer Lauren Goff added: "We put George forward because he has worked hard at his academic studies.

"He has also shown maturity by the way he has coped with the demands of continuing his education alongside his blossoming career as a professional footballer.

"He will be an asset in any sporting career.”

 

Valentine's Day celebrations at Callands care home

LOVE was in the air at HC-One Callands Care Home when its residents celebrated Valentine's Day.

Staff at the care home sported tuxedos and dresses and went around the home delivering roses and chocolates to the residents.

The dining area was decorated for the occasion with hearts and flowers as well as the cards that residents received from their relatives.

A romance-themed quiz and an afternoon tea dance also kept residents and their loved ones entertained.

Manager Suzanna Pearson said: “Valentine’s Day party at the care home was great fun.

"Residents and staff did a lot of preparation, from making decorations and cards to the delicious food and it really paid off. The atmosphere was great.”