Haircuts, long grass and skydives: 7 things we learned in Orford, Padgate, Woolston, Fearnhead this week

A BARBER has added ex-United star Bryan Robson to his long list of celebrity clients.

Ilham Begde was recommended to the footballer for his old-fashioned way of cutting hair just with scissors and a comb that has gone down well with the likes of boxers Nigel Benn and Martin Murray.

Ilham said: “He came in and asked me not to use any technology, just scissors and a comb."

He absolutely loved it.”

And just a few days after visiting Ilham’s Barbers on Marsh House Lane, Padgate, Mr Robson had the chance to show off his new hairdo at a presentation evening for Fife Rangers football club.

‘Robbo’ presented trophies to the clubs budding stars at the event at Alford Hall which was hosted by Charlie Hale and included a sports memorabilia auction that helped raise much needed funds.

Fife junior secretary Richard Potts said: “The presence of Bryan Robson made it a special night for our club and we are extremely grateful to him.”

Need job advice?

ADVICE on getting a job and managing a budget is being offered by Warrington Council.

The neighbourhoods teams are holding clubs to offer advice on how to get job ready, including help with writing a CV, registering with job agencies and accessing job sites.

A family income and employment officer will also be on hand to advise on how to make the most of a household income by reviewing current circumstances and recommending some positive steps to help generate additional funds.

This includes helping to check if people are entitled to any benefits, changing to a lower cost energy provider, joining a credit union and providing tips on different ways of shopping and cooking.

The clubs are free and offer both group, family or one-to-one sessions to people aged 18 and over.

The weekly two hour sessions are being held at Orford Community Hub on Tuesdays, Fearnhead Community Centre on Wednesdays and Whitecross Community Centre on Thursdays, all from 10am until noon.

Sessions at Westy Community Centre are from 1pm until 3pm on Wednesdays.

Executive board member for leisure, community and culture, Cllr Kate Hannon, said: “When you are living on a tight budget it can seem like a constant struggle. Not only does it cause considerable stress but it can be difficult to see a way out.

“Our budget boosting clubs offer constructive and practical support to help you examine the way you live, review your living costs and help you take some positive steps towards gaining control.”

• For further information call 231720 or e-mail twilliams1@warrington.gov.uk.

Park is a meadow

GRASS in areas of Longbarn Park is no longer being cut by the council because they have classed it as a meadow, according to a disgruntled resident.

Jean Shepherd who lives nearby on Capenhurst Avenue, says the grass is now around five-foot tall and when she has complained to Warrington Borough Council they told her it had designated parts of the park as a meadow.

She says up until recently the council was cutting the grass but it has now been left to residents to clear up the site.

“The grass is nearly as tall as me now. I am doing my best to go on and clear the dog mess and litter but it is in a terrible state,” she said.

But a spokesman for the council said that it was not possible to cut the grass in some areas of the park.

He said: “In some areas of Longbarn Park the grass has been left to grow as long as meadow grass. This is due to the fact that the site has a high water table in some areas and therefore it can’t have a regular cut as the mowing equipment would sink.

“We appreciate residents’ concerns and as part of Warrington’s parks improvement programme, we are looking to work with the public to develop an improvement plan for the park.”

Longbarn Park

Skydive fundraiser

A MAN has raised more than £1,000 for charity by completing a skydive.

Dale Roe has raised £1,019 for Guide Dogs after he saw first hand the difference they can make to a blind or partially sighted persons’ life after his wife Sue was given Barney.

He planned to complete the 15,000ft dive earlier in June but it was delayed due to bad weather.

Dale, of Ulverston Avenue, Orford, said: “I have seen first hand the difference these dogs can make to peoples’ lives, as my wife Sue received her first guide dog Barney just before Christmas last year.

“Prior to this after finding out she had the condition Retinitis Pigmentosa she would not venture out unless with myself or another family member. Guide Dogs have given back my wife’s confidence and independence.

“My skydive was originally to be done from 10,000 ft but once they gave me the opportunity to go from 15,000 ft I upped it. It was amazing and I would like to thank everyone for their donations.”

Dale with wife Sue and guide dog Barney

Jump into fun day

GYMNASTICS and trampolining classes will be available for children this summer.

Gym and Jumpstarz are holding two summer schools throughout the holidays in order to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to children.

The summer schools, which are being held at University Academy Warrington, Padgate, will be a mixture of gymnastics and trampolining skills and are open to any child aged over five.

The two-day courses are being held on August 6 and 7 and August 13 and 14 from 10am until 1pm and will cost £18 for the two days.

• To book call the Recreation Centre on 815069 or email dwalker@uawarrington.org for more details.

Charity journey

A SEVEN-year-old boy has taken on a six and a half hour walk to raise money for Guide Dogs.

Tylor Bradshaw walked from Southport to Formby after deciding that he wanted to do something for charity and has raised £250 for the Liverpool branch.

Tylor, of Small Avenue, Orford, will present a cheque to Liverpool Guide Dogs accompanied by his mum Debbie.

Players needed

A RUGBY league club is appealing for more players for its under 11s and 13s teams.

Woolston Rovers is looking for new players to become a part of their mighty green and gold family.

To find out more, call 07468 523110.