Ancient well unearthed
at historic school site
Exclusive by James Balme and Gary Skentelbery
EXCAVATION work at Stockton Heath Primary School near Warrington has unearthed an ancient Roman well.
The latest discovery on the site has proved beyond all doubt that the area was once a hive of Roman activity.
But now following the archaeological dig the site is being refilled to allow work to start on the new school facility.
Weeks of excavations have uncovered a site rich in archaeological remains from the 1st and 2nd century providing valuable evidence and information of Roman activity in the village almost 2000 years ago.
The discovery of a Roman stone-lined well at the site has excited the archaeologists and created a unique feature which has left experts with a decision as to whether the well should be buried once again or saved and incorporated into the new building for the children and visitors to see.
A decision will be made following more detailed consideration as to the viability of such a scheme.
The well was created nearly 2,000 years ago and has had core samples taken providing environmental samples for research purposes. This has provided insect remains, pollens and organic material that can be analysed to give a clearer picture of conditions during the Roman period at Stockton Heath.
Archaeologist David Vaughan, who helped excavate the well, said: ?This well is a very important and exciting discovery. We have taken core samples from a depth of over five metres and we even uncovered Roman pottery known as Black Burnished Ware. But because of the depth of the well it would be unsafe to excavate it further as it could become unstable and may collapse.
?It would be nice if the well could remain on display but I don?t know whether this is logistically possible.”
Other features uncovered include evidence of more ancient timber builds with beam slots and post holes. An ancient drainage system has also been exposed at the site.
The decision to demolish the school angered local residents, with more than 5,000 signing a petition opposing demolition of the Victorian school. It is thought even more Roman finds may be found under the main school building.
Hooded thugs get away
with cash and cigarettes
by David Skentelbery
TWO youths burst into a convenience store at Penketh, near Warrington shortly before 10pm and threatened staff with a screwdriver.
They escaped with a quantity of cash and cigarettes and left leaving two 19-year-old girl assistants unhurt but badly shaken.
The pair were both wearing hooded tops and dark clothing.
Police say the pair went into The Local shop in Warrington Road and threatened the girl assistants with a large screwdriver.
After grabbing cash and cigarettes they left and were last seen heading in the direction of Warrington.
One was aged about 19-20, about 5ft 8 inches tall and of medium build. He wore a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms with white stripes on the legs.
The second thug was aged 15-18, about 5ft 6 inches tall and of slim build. He also wore black trousers with a black hooded top. He was wearing black trainers.
Anyone who saw the incident on July 5 or who knows anything about the circumstances is asked to call DC Darren Wright or DC Jackie Daniels on 01244 613833.
College offers tips on
choosing a career
by Lesley Wilkinson
JOB-seeking tips were offered to students at Priestley College, Warrington, at a Choices Week event offering guidance on work and further education.
The event was to help youngsters decide what to do after leaving the college. Representatives from a range of organisations, including neighbouring universities, were on hand to offer advice.
Students also took part in workshops on compiling a good CV and heard presentations by industry professionals from areas such as banking and telecommunications.
Several former students were invited to talk about their work or studies, including Samantha Kaputalamba who has just completed her first year as an undergraduate at Bournemouth University studying TV Production.
She said: “It was nice to return to Priestley and speak with the media students. It was while studying at college that I firmly decided to pursue TV production as a career, so hopefully my story and insight was of help to others who wish to follow a similar pathway.”
Senior tutor Mel Jackson said: “It is particularly useful for our students to engage with representatives from universities and the world of business at this early stage in order that they are aware of the full range of choices following the end of their college studies.”
High school puts
on a variety show
by Lesley Wilkinson
TICKETS are still available for The Variety Show at Warrington?s Birchwood High School tomorrow (Thursday) from 7.30pm.
Students and members of the Birchwood community will star in the show. Tickets, adults ?2.50, concessions ?1.50, are available by telephoning 01925 853500.
The school has also been successful in the world of arts.
Kevin Wilson, 16, who studied GCSE Fine Art at the school and gained an A* grade in July last year is earning a reputation as an artist.
In May his work was selected by the Royal Society of British Artists from entries all over England to be exhibited at the National Student’s Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London.
A school spokesperson said: “Staff and governors at the school are absolutely delighted that Kevin’s talent, which we saw developing here over his five years at Birchwood, has now been externally recognised and rewarded. We are all very proud of him.”
The school has further cause to celebrate recently when it received the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award at the Guild Hall Preston from the Arts Council England.
It was in recognition of the school’s commitment to the arts and for its achievement in art, music, drama and dance both within the curriculum and through extra curricular activities.
Pictures show Richard Caddick and Lucy Evans receiving the Artsmark from author Sherry Ashworth and, below, Kevin Wilson.
It’s not cricket – it’s
a family fun day
by staff reporter
GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club – which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year – is celebrating 125+1 on Sunday with a family fun day and “cricket bonanza” at the Broad Lane ground.
There will be an inter-club cricket tournament from 12 noon until 6pm, with matches for Under 9s, Under 11s, Under 13s and Under 15s, a Past v the Present match and a Guests XI v Grappenhall Cricket Club.
Off the field there will be tombola stalls, a bouncy castle, coconut shy, tug-of-war, face painting, balloon race, treasure hunt, barbecue and licensed bar. There will also be live entertainment from folk and country groups.
The whole event is in aid of club funds.
African dancers highlight
town’s “fair trade” status
by Lesley Wilkinson
AFRICAN dancers in traditional dress will be one of the attractions at a Fairtrade event being held at Golden Square’s Old Fish Market on Saturday at 11am.
Warrington Borough Council is staging the event to thank local churches for their contribution to the town’s Fairtrade status.
The “Come to the Fair” event aims to celebrate the efforts of each congregation that has supported the campaign to gain and maintain the accolade.
The Deputy Mayor, Coun Graham Welborn will present a candle to a representative of each church.
African dancers will perform at the event, organised in conjunction with the borough’s chaplains. Visitors can enjoy Fairtrade food and a variety of stalls.
Candidate flags up
health service worries
by staff reporter
PEOPLE are worried about the Government’s impact on the NHS according to Warrington South Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate Dr J
o Crotty.
She said: “All the time you hear about local people worrying about the future of the NHS. Blair and Brown had 10 years to fix it and it is still the biggest issue facing the country.
“That is a failure that hits home in Warrington, where people have faced losing their local GP surgeries and now face cuts to our hospital.”
She also criticised the current Warrington South MP Helen Southworth and the Labour Party for taking the constituency for granted.
Dr Crotty said: “The Lib Dem-Tory council have been making excellent progress in trying to clean up the mess that Labour left. It is a big job to get Warrington back on track, but our local Lib Dems are the team to do it.”
