Rare Roman bracelet
is treasure trove
by Gary Skentelbery
A RARE solid silver Roman bracelet unearthed in a local farmer’s field has been declared treasure trove at an inquest.
The snake shaped treasure could be the only one of its kind, making it priceless.
Archaeologist James Balme didn’t even need his trusty metal detector to make the discovery, which was gleaming in the soil in the field at Lymm, Warrington.
The ancient item of jewellery will now be valued by a panel of experts at the British Museum in London.
Warrington Museum has already expressed an interest in displaying the item and James will now consider selling it – if the price is right.
He will share the proceeds with farmer Tony Cookson, who owns the land where James made his important find. James, who says it is impossible to put a value on the find, has previously discovered an unknown Roman fortlet and numerous prehistoric sites in the area where he recovered large quantities of prehistoric flint tools and weapons.
All his finds have been recorded by the portable antiquities scheme who are the official body working in conjunction with the British Museum. His discovery has provided new and exciting information about the wealth and social standing of the Roman citizens who lived and farmed in the area almost two thousand years ago.
James said: “This is a very rare Roman solid silver snake bracelet dating from the 1st – 2nd centuries known as a Zoomorphic bracelet. But what is really amazing is that it has been reworked in ancient times, possibly by the Saxons, who straightened the bracelet and pierced holes in it to use as a form of decoration or ornamentation. The actual bracelet is unique in its design and the attention to detail especially the creature’s head is stunning.
“The head represents either a snake or possibly a sea serpent. There is little doubt that the bracelet would have been worn by a wealthy Roman citizen who lived in the area and could possibly be someone who was regarded as being of importance in the region.”
Stockport Coroner John Pollard, who declared the find as treasure trove recommended that the British Museum, where the find is in safe keeping, should now contact Warrington Museum after it has been valued, so they can acquire it.
James added: “It is going to be hard to place an exact value because it is so rare. It could be the only one of its kind in the world which would make it a lot more valuable. The experts will also have to take into account the metal content which appears to be solid silver.
“While the discovery of the bracelet is in itself very exciting, it has a far more important part to play in my ongoing research and investigations into the previously unknown Roman activity in the area. It could indicate that I am very close to what was once possibly the site of a wealthy Roman villa or similar.
“Roman villas are a very rare occurrence this far north but the finding of the bracelet could be the first indication that this may no longer be the case. I will be investigating the site in much further detail over the next twelve months including the use of new aerial photography of the area. For very obvious reasons I will not at this time be revealing the location of the find. What I can say however is that the Roman occupation of the area may still have a few surprises waiting for us in the future!”
His discoveries are set to be featured on Channel 4’s Time Team in March.
More information about the research and discoveries can be found by visiting www.jamesbalme.co.uk
Fund-raising dinner
for hungry Wolves!
by staff reporter
THE Warrington Wolves Supporters Trust Annual Dinner is being held on Tuesday January 30 in the Prime Time Lounge at the Halliwell Jones stadium starting at 7.30pm.
Guests include Wolves’ coach Paul Cullen, many first team players including new signings, past players and other personalities from the world of Rugby League.
This will be an opportunity for fans and everyone at Warrington Wolves to look forward to the start of Super League XII.
With the high profile signings of internationals Adrian Morley, Paul Johnson and Vinnie Anderson, expectations for the coming season are high and this is an ideal opportunity to discuss the team?s hopes and aspirations for the new season with others who are passionate about Warrington Wolves. The event is open to all.
Tickets are ?25 on sale from Wolfware or ring Roy on 01925 818064. Dress code smart casual.
All proceeds from this event will go to Squadbuilder and will be used for the development of local young players.
Planners to decide
fate of old school
by David Skentelbery
WARRINGTON planners will decide the fate of Stockton Heath Primary School at a special meeting on February 1.
The borough council’s development control committee will hold a special meeting to ensure there is time for the contentious scheme to be debated in full.
Opponents of the proposal to demolish the school are expected to attend in force.
Meanwhile, the School Organisation Committee has approved proposals to increase the size of the school to cater for 420 pupils, compared with the present 333.
The decision has disappointed campaigners fighting to preserve the old buildings because they believe demolition of the old school could not go ahead if the capacity of the school was kept at its present level.
They also claim there is no need to increase the capacity as only 34 per cent of existing pupils come from the Stockton Heath area.
More than 5, 100 people have signed a petition opposing the demolition of the 100-year-old school buildings. Of these, 2,162 live within a mile of the school.
Campaigners claim the School Organisation Committee was not in full possession of the facts when it made its decision. They are considering a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Planning chiefs have refused permission for the demolition once but will be considering new, slightly amended, proposals on February 1.
University lecturer to
fight for Lib Dems
by David Skentelbery
A 33-year-old university lecturer has been selected to fight the Warrington South seat for the Liberal Democrats at the next General Election.
Dr Jo Crotty has a PhD in environmental economics and speaks Russian.
She already has valuable campaigning experience having helped the successful Lib Dem group which has made recent gains on Warrington Borough Council and also campaigning in Chester, Manchester, North Wales and the Midlands.
Married to Chris, she lives in Staffordshire, lectures at Aston University, Birmingham and is a keen fell walker.
She fought the South Staffordshire seat for the Liberal Democrats in the 2005 General Election when she came third to Conservative and Labour but increased the Lib Dem share of the vote from 11.6 per cent to 13.8 per cent
Dr Crotty said: “I am very proud to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Warrington South. Warrington Liberal Democrats are one of the best campaigning teams in the North West.”
She added “The 2005 General Election saw a big swing of 7.4 per cent from Labour to the Liberal Democrats in Warrington South. A similar swing in Warrington South at the next General Election would see the seat come to the Lib Dems. Our campaign to achieve that win starts now.”
The Liberal Democrats polled 50 per cent of the votes cast in the council wards making up the Warrington South Parliamentary seat in the borough elections last May.
Liberal Democrat Councillors represent a majority of the council seats in the Warrington South Constituency and they control the council in partnership with the Conservatives.
Dr Crotty said: “I have been part of the Warrington Liberal Democrat team of campaigners for some time now. As Liberal Democrat Prosp
ective Parliamentary Candidate for Warrington South I will be leading the fight for more resources to tackle crime in our area and against health cuts in Warrington.
?As a university lecturer I am passionately committed to education and see the problems caused by the Labour Government’s introduction of Student Top-Up Fees. I will work flat out as Liberal Democrat PPC with local residents to secure their support and to get a better deal for Warrington South.”
Ellie’s uncle helps
carry her coffin
by staff reporter
THE coffin of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was killed by a pit bull terrior, was carried into church by her uncle – who owned the dog.
Ellie, from Great Sankey, Warrington, died when she was mauled by the dog while staying at her grandmother’s house at St Helens on New Year’s Day.
Her uncle, Kiel Simpson was a pall bearer at the funeral at Eccleston Christ Church, St Helens and her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, who was injured trying to drag the dog of the little girl, was also at the service.
The pink coffin, decorated with fairies and a picture of Ellie and a white wreath spelling out her name, arrived at the church on a white carriage pulled by two white horses. It was preceded by a hearse filled with flowers.
A procession of seven funeral cars took members of the family to the church, including Ellie’s parents Darren Lawrenson and Lyndsey Simpson.
Her father also helped carry the coffin.
Another 60 mourners went into the church.
Ellie died at about 4.30am on January l while her parents were out celebrating the New Year. She was being cared for by her grandmother.
The dog was subsequently shot by a police marksman.
Masked men rob
resident of car
by John Hendon
THREE masked men attack a man on the driveway of his home at Culcheth, Warrington ? and made off in his car.
The robbery took place in Common Lane at 4.15pm on Wednesday (January 10) as the resident was parking his black Vauxhall Vectra.
Three men wearing balaclavas approached him, pushed him into a hedge and grabbed his car keys before driving off in the direction of the East Lancs Road.
Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident, which left the resident badly shaken but not seriously hurt.
The three offenders are described as all being in their early 20s and of medium build.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call them on 01244 613936.
News in brief
Road death
A MOTORIST killed when his car left the M56 slip-road leading to the A50 at Lymm, near Warrington, was a 20-year-old from Macclesfield. Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident which occurred on Wednesday evening.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 1, 4, 10 and 14. There was no winner of the ?832 jackpot which will be rolled over to next week.
Grant request
STOCKTON Heath Parish Council’s finance and general purposes committee is to consider a request from St Thomas’s Parish Hall Management Committee for a grant towards the ?1,294 cost of new stage lighting in the hall.
Driving ban
A TEMPORARY ban on driving is to be imposed in Burford Lane, Lymm, between its junctions with Warrington Lane and Stage Lane/Bradshaw Lane from Monday, January 29 while drainage work is carried out. It is expected to last about three weeks.
Disabled parking
WARRINGTON Borough Council has made an order to introduce disabled person’s parking places in Windermere Avenue, Grasmere Avenue and Forshaw Street. Anyone objecting should apply to the High Court within six weeks of January 8.
Van fire
FIRE crews were called to Toll Bar Road, Orford, Warrington during the night when fire broke out involving a van. No one was hurt.
[ 17.01.2007, 14:04: Message edited by: DS ]
