Mayor’s link
with the Mafia!
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON’s Mayor Linda Dirir has discovered her family home at Penketh may have links with the Mafia.
While researching the history of “The Cottage” on Heath Road, she discovered the property, which dates back to 1876, was once a bakery run by “well known local character” Harry Davies.
Harry arrived in Warrington in 1936 as 38-year-old Harry Scholeznick but quickly changed his name by deed poll and was believed to be on the run from Al Capone’s Mafia, although nothing was ever proved.
He dad a damaged indented shoulder and could not use his left arm but never revealed how he suffered the injury, which locals believed had been caused by a gun shot wound.
Intrigued by Harry’s “credentials” Linda discovered he was the only person to own a car in Penketh and drove around in an American Dodge with a special steering column on the wheel which enabled him to drive.
He opened the Red Rose Milk Bar on Barbauld Street in 1942 and the Continental Bar opposite Central Station shortly afterwards, serving his fellow countrymen who were based at the nearby Burtonwood airbase. He had also converted The Cottage into a bakery making cakes for the Jewish communities in Manchester and Liverpool.
“I am told Harry was one of the nicest characters you could wish to meet and during the war years he was always able to get nylons and chocolates. Almost anything that was rationed or unavailable he could get it,” added Linda.
When famous people appeared at Warrington venues like the Ritz, Odeon, Palace and Empire including the likes of Bob Hope, Harry would pull up in his big American car and be shown to the front row circle seats by the management in return for the cases of eggs, butter, sugar and tea he had been able to provide for them previously.
Linda added: “He did store a lot of his ‘goods’ under a local coal heap and this was eventually discovered by the authorities….I understand his family told everyone he had gone away for three months!”
Harry eventually returned to America with his family in 1968 and died in 1989 at the age of 91.
“He certainly had a fascinating life and people still talk about him in the area. We had no idea of our possible links with the Mafia until we started to research the history of our property,” added Linda.
The former bakery is now used as a joinery workshop by Linda’s husband Allin who restores antique furniture.
Josh is an international
– after just six months
by John Hendon
A 16-year-old Warrington student has been chosen to represent his country ? at Dragon Boat racing.
Josh Edwards, a first year student at Priestley College will take his place in the British Under-18s team to compete in the world championships in Australia in September.
It is a remarkable achievement as he only took up the sport six months ago.
Josh is studying public services and geography at Priestley.
Josh is currently in his first year at Priestley studying Public Services and has been taken completely by surprise by his selection.
He said: “It hasn’t sunk in for sure yet and I can only begin to imagine what the experience will be like once I get over there.”
Josh represents the Amathus Dragon Jockeys who use the facilities at the Albert Dock in Liverpool. He will now take his place in the boat alongside 20 other youngsters deemed to be the best at Under 18s level from across the UK.
The adventure will come completely naturally to Josh who for a young man has already achieved much. “I’m usually quite busy most of the time as I do a lot of work in the local community, like volunteering at youth clubs and in outdoor education schemes. This has been good for me though as it has allowed me the chance to get further qualifications in things like Life Guarding and First Aid.”
Ahead of the trip, Josh has to raise ?2,400 and admits he is thankful for the support he has received already.
“My coach has secured ?1,300 of the money for each of us, which has had an impact on the bill and other than that I have a very understanding mum.”
Josh is considering pursuing a career in the Royal Air Force at the end of his studies.
Hotel evacuated
after fire breaks out
by David Skentelbery
THE Village Hotel, at Warrington was evacuated after fire broke out in the toilets.
Scores of guests and staff fled the building after dense, acrid smoke filled the foyer around 9pm last night (Sunday).
Fire crews were called to the scene and wore breathing apparatus to enter the male toilets in the foyer. They extinguished a fire involving a plastic toilet-roll holder.
There was heavy smoke damage in the toilet and also smoke damage in the foyer.
A Fire Service spokesman said the fire appeared to have been started deliberately.
It is understood a suspect was picked up on the hotel’s CCTV system and police are investigating.
Community group
goes on the road
by staff reporter
STRONGER Together in Warrington is promising ?fun for all? as it invites residents to join in its latest road show.
Adults and children can enjoy a wide range of activities including face painting, mobile phone marking and badge making.
Residents will also be given the chance have their say on how to make a difference to their community.
Timetable for the road show will be as follows: St Marks Church Hall, Dallam, Saturday May 19, 10am – 1pm; Bewsey Park, Bewsey, Saturday May 19, 2 – 5pm; Fearnhead Cross Community Centre, Sunday May 20, 10am – 1pm; Longford Neighbourhood Services Centre, Saturday June 2, 10am – 1pm; Greenwood Community Centre, Saturday June 2, 2 – 5pm.
Neighbourhood Wardens will also be on hand to give out free information and advice, and respond to any concerns raised by residents.
Stronger Together in Warrington is a community partnership involving a range of groups, including the council, police and health services. It aims to improve the quality of life for people living in Grasmere/Greenwood, Longford, Bewsey, Dallam and Blackbrook.
Design students
stage exhibition
by staff reporter
GRAPHIC design students from Warrington?s Priestley College are to stage an exhibition at The Gateway, in Sankey Street, on Monday, May 21.
Work carried as part of their BTEC National Diploma will feature in the exhibition.
As one of their first live projects, the students undertook the difficult task of reviewing the branding of local charity Talk..Don’t Walk ? the group which aims to prevent young people from running away from home.
Vistors will be able to view the work, meet the students and also see how Talk?Don?t Walk aims to get its message across with the help of young people.
Anyone interested in attending the exhibition is asked to call Talk?Don?t Walk on 01925 246910.
Disco legends to
appear in town
by staff reporter
THE Best Disco in Town Live – a nationwide tour by chart topping artists – is to call in at Warrington next week.
Featuring Rose Royce, The Three Degrees, Odyssey and George McCrae, the show will be at the Parr Hall next Saturday, May 19.
Disco fans will be able to hear hits from yesterday, including Rose Royce’s Car Wash and Wishing on a Star, the Three Degrees’ When will I see you Again and Odyssey’s Going Back to My Roots and George McCray’s Rock Your Baby.
The Warrington date has been added to the tour as a late extra because of the demand for tickets.
Four days later, the package will be appearing at The Apollo in Manchester.
More details about the Parr Hall show are available from 01925 442345.
Getting fit
the easy way
by staff reporter
HEALTH chiefs are encouraging local people to get fit the easy way ? by joining them in walks around Warrington?s parks and green areas.
Warrington Primary Care Trust?s Reach for Health exerci
se referral scheme has organised many such walks ? the latest in Sankey Valley Park.
Participants took a leisurely stroll around Bewsey Old Hall and, despite torrential downpours at the start, managed to complete the walk through the woods and pathways in lovely spring sunshine.
More walks are planned in a variety of area ? usually lasting between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on who is taking part.
Bargain books
BARGAIN books, CDs and videos will be on offer at Warrington Central Library and Museum soon.
Baskets of popular titles by famous authors will be on offer ? with prices starting as low as 10p.
The sale will start on Thursday May 31 and continue until Saturday June 2 with doors open from 9am to 3.30pm.
