Village Rose Queen
rushed into hospital
by Terry Johnson
LYMM village’s first May Festival Rose Queen was dramatically rushed to hospital for an emergency operation.
Nine-year-old Jacqueline Cooper was near collapse with pain when her mum, Linda, dialled 999.
The Statham Primary pupil was rushed by ambulance to Warrington Hospital, where her inflamed appendix was removed.
Jacqui spent four days in hospital and is now recovering at her Oldfield Road home.
Said Mrs Cooper: “Jacqueline had twinges of stomach pain for a few days. But instead of going away, the pain increased and quickly became an emergency. I called an ambulance and she was rushed into hospital”.
Jacqui is resting at home before her big day – a week today (Saturday, June 11) – when she is still expected to be crowned alongside 13-year-old May Queen, Holly Jones.
Until this year, Lymm May Queen was attended by a Rose Bud. But festival organisers decided to up-grade the Rose Bud to Rose Queen – and Jacqui was chosen to be the first.
64 motorists fall
victim to thieves
by John Hendon
DOZENS of mobile phones and car stereos are being stolen from vehicles in Warrington by opportunist thieves on the look out for “easy pickings”.
Motorists across the borough are still choosing to ignore simple, yet effective, crime reduction advice that could prevent then from becoming the next target- despite numerous warnings from police.
A total of 64 people became victims of car crooks during May by leaving their valuables on display in an unattended vehicle.
Crime Reduction Advisors are becoming increasingly dismayed because people can protect themselves against this type of crime by taking a few simple measures before leaving their vehicle unattended.
All doors, windows and sunroofs should be locked. No valuables should be left in cars.
It should be parked in a well lit and open place and the car stereo should be removed. Lap top computers and other valuables should not be left on display.
At home, keys should be kept in a safe place, out of sight and away from windows and doors.
To help get the message across, crime reduction leaflets are being delivered to householders in vehicle crime hotspot areas in a bid to prevent offences from occurring.
Warrington’s crime reduction advisor, Neil Jukes, said: “The biggest attraction for thieves is CD players and radios which they can then sell on for a profit whilst the owner is left out of pocket. But all kinds of valuables such as mobile phones and lap tops are appealing to the opportunist thief on the look out for easy pickings.”
Local schoolboy stars
in new hit film
by David Skentelbery
A 13-year-old Warrington boy has a starring role in the new hit film “Millions” which is currently showing at cinemas across the country.
Lewis McGibbon was chosen from more than 2,000 boys who auditioned for the part in the film, directed by Danny Boyle, whose previous credits include “The Beach” and “Trainspotting.” The film stars James Nesbitt, Alexander Etel and Daisy Donovan and tells the story of two young brothers who find a huge stash of money by a railway line.
They decide to keep it a secret and start spending it and giving it to the needy because Britain is about to adopt to Euro in just seven days’ time after which the money will have no value.
But what will dad – played by James Nesbitt – say when he finds out?
Lewis, from Woolston, a pupil at Cardinal Newman High School, Warrington, plays the elder brother, Anthony.
The “Millions” casting team found him through the Culcheth-based EuroKids and Adults International Casting and Model Agency.
EuroKids casting director Debbie Ikin, and her senior casting agent, Rebecca Keeley, knew instantly that he would be perfect for the part. The agency supplied more than 200 artists and extras for the film ranging from babies to pensioners. Filming took place in Manchester, Liverpool and Widnes.
Lewis started his acting career appearing in the background of “Coronation Street.” He later had a leading role in BBC’s “City Central” and has appeared in commercials.
He has a younger sister, Abbey, who has appeared in several episodes of BBC’s “Born and Bred” and Granada’s “Christmas Lights”.
Drugs worth ?200,000
seized by police
by staff reporter
THREE men alleged to have been caught in possession of heroin worth ?200,000 near Warrington are being questioned by police.
The three were arrested after police stopped a silver Audi car on the M6 near Lymm.
It is alleged the drugs were found in the car.
All three men – a 29-year-old and a 39-year-old from the London area and a 25-year-old from Merseyside – are being questioned by drug squad officers.
Hospice spring fair
marks 20th anniversary
by staff report
WARRINGTON’S favourite charity – St Rocco’s Hospice – celebrated its 20th anniversary with its annual Spring Fair in the Old Market Place at Golden Square.
The must-see fund-raising event ran all day, with a great range of stalls including white elephant, crafts, books and antiques.
Lesley Groom, from St Rocco’s said: “It was an event the whole community could enjoy and showed our appreciation of the tremendous support Warrington people have given us over the last 20 years. This support has in turn allowed us to provide valuable care and specialist support to local people in need.
“More than 75 per cent of our running costs come from fund raising activities and donations from the generous people of Warrington. The Spring Fayre was the perfect opportunity for the whole family to support a truly positive cause and enjoy a great day out.”
Motor cyclist injured
in collision with car
by John Hendon
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a two-vehicle road accident at Birchwood, Warrington.
A motor cyclist was seriously injured in the crash in Sharon Way, Birchwood, about 120 yards from its junction with the M62.
The 40-year-old man is now under intensive care in hospital.
Police said the collision occurred at about 8.37pm on Wednesday, June 1 and involved a Toyota Corolla car driven by a 31-year-old man and a Yamaha motor cycle ridden by the 40-year-old. Both were from the Bolton area.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Sgt Yvonne Williams or PC Ian Stephenson on 01244 613928.
News in brief
Subway closure
THE pedestrian subway on Wellfield Street, Warrington , from the northern footpath of Sankey Way is subject to closure over the next two weeks while graffiti is removed from the walls and anti-graffiti coatings are applied.
Extension refused
PLANS for a single storey rear extension at a house in St Mary’s Close, Appleton, Warrington have been thrown out by borough council planners.
Storage area
A PLAN to change the use of the firest floor at Hartley’s Bar in Bridge Street, Warrington for storage purposes has been approved by borough planners.
Pigeon protection
LEPPS jewellers in Bridge Street, Warrington, have been granted permission to install anti-pigeon netting on their Grade 2 listed building.
