Pupils bring court to order

THE next generation of talented legal minds stole the show during the local heat of a mock trial competition.

Year nine pupils from St Gregory’s High School in Westbrook were handed first place following the competition at Warrington Magistrates Court on March 21. 

Using only witness statements students had to construct a case for and against the defendant.

This was then judged my legal advisors and magistrates.

Teacher Wendy Dolphin said she – along with her colleagues Lindsey Evans and Lucy McKenna – were proud of the students’ achievements.

She said: “Our pupils conducted themselves superbly both in the courtroom and around the building.

“They were respectful of each other and of pupils from other schools and supportive of their comments, whilst never losing determination to be successful.

“Walking home gave time to reflect on what had been a tense but thoroughly enjoyable day spent with fantastic colleagues and delightful young people who had responded magnificently to a tough challenge.”

Pupils are now in preparation for the regional heats.

 

Cash boost awarded to care home project

THE Friends of St Oswald’s has been awarded a cash boost of almost £10,000 by The Big Lottery Fund.

The group had been given £9,579 for its reaching out project which aims to forge closer links between St Oswald’s Care Home in Winwick and the community.

The project will take place at the care home on Golborne Road by giving the garden a much-needed make-over.

This includes installing a summerhouse, flower beds, birdbaths and feeders.

The money will also be used to buy activity equipment.

Avonia Haquani said: “We will be approaching senior citizens in the community and inviting them to come to St Oswald’s in the day to join the residents in enjoying the garden and activities.

“We will also be encouraging local community members of all ages to volunteer a little time each week or each month to come and make a cup of tea, chat to residents, play a game, read the newspaper or help with craft activities.”

The group is also looking for keen gardeners to get involved.

To be a part of the project call 822282.

 

Youth club launches mentoring scheme

A THREE year mentoring programme has been launched by bosses at Warrington Youth Club (WYC).

The project, which is being funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, will provide 150 vulnerable children and young people with a volunteer mentor who provide vital support when needed.

The programme is aimed at children and young people aged seven to 15.

Dave McNicholl, chief executive of WYC at the Peace Centre, said it will support those who are most in need in the town.

The programme will be based in WYC’s new town centre base on Buttermarket Street.

WYC is also on the hunt for staff to work on the project.

For more information visit warringtonyouthclub.co.uk.

 

Mystery surrounds Winwick cup

AN appeal has been launched to find out the tale behind an inherited family heirloom.

Ian Pollit is now the rightful owner of a silver cup which has been passed down from generation to generation.

But mystery surrounds the origins of the cup and the family are keen to find out more.

The inscription on the cup reads: “Presented to Mr John Pollit of Winwick by a few friends as an acknowledgement of the benefit he has rendered his neighbourhood from raising from seed the potatoes known as Pollit’s Seedlings. April 1858.”

Anyone with information is urged to e-mail johnmarshall278@btinternet.com.

 

Tickets on sale for annual dance

IT may be months away but tickets have gone on sale for the Burtonwood RAF Association’s annual autumn event.

The Burtonwood jump, jive and swing dance night will kick off on Saturday, September 12, at Gulliver’s World in Old Hall.

Guests are encouraged to dress to impress for a night of live music and dancing.

Tickets start from £11.

For more details visit rafburtonwoodbase.org.

 

Decision behind increase to Winwick Parish Council precept revealed

A SPOKESMAN for Winwick Parish Council has outlined the reasons behind the decision to increase the parish precept from £71,500 in 2014 to 2015 to £111,000 in 2015 to 2016.

The increase means those in band D, who were paying £39.72, will have to dig a little deeper into their pocket to pay out £60.69 for 2015 to 2016.

The plans were given the green light to allow the parish council to fund repair work and community events in the area.

This includes a contribution to the creation of a monument in Winwick to celebrate the Battle of Winwick Pass on August 19, 1648, to the tune of £2,000.

It will also cover the renovation of park benches, a community event to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and repairs to Winwick Leisure Centre including the car park, heating system, roof and decor.

The spokesman added: "A reserve of £20,000 is to be created as part of prudent financial planning and risk management to avoid future operating difficulties due the budget being underfunded."

The precept, which was set at an annual budget meeting earlier this year, states the money that will be handed to the parish council from the borough council.

This will be the first time the precept has been increased in five years.