Village prepares to
bid a fond farewell
by Gary Skentelbery
A MOTHER of three from Lymm who campaigned tirelessly to raise tens of thousands of pounds to help fund medical research after discovering her daughter suffered from a life-threatening disease, has tragically died.
Shirley Skett, aged 49, who helped raise funds to try and help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis had been battling an aggressive brain tumour since last Christmas.
Now family and friends are preparing to bid a fond farewell to the popular character at her funeral next Wednesday, September 26. For many years she helped organise an annual bike ride in her home village of Lymm, which attracted hundreds of cyclists from across the region, raising in excess of ?250,000 towards research.
The ride was spearheaded by her daughter Emma, now aged 19, who helps run the family dancing wear business based in the village. Emma was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a baby but continues to live life to the full, thanks to the dedicated care she received as a child.
Shirley’s husband Andrew, who had been caring for her at the family home, said: “Shirley was a very determined person and knew what she wanted in life. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”
The couple also have two sons, Adam, aged 17 and Oliver aged six.
The family arranged more than 10 sponsored bikes rides in the village averaging around ?20,000 in sponsorship each time. The event proved hugely popular with families with many stopping off in Tatton Park for a picnic.
It had been planned to resurrect the bike ride this year after an absence of a couple of years while the family established their business. But when Shirley became ill plans were put on hold.
Shirley first started to become aware of symptoms just before last Christmas when she struggled with her handwriting, although she continued to be a regular at the Enid Wrigley School of Dancing where she was a popular member of the team.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumour early in the New Year and her condition deteriorated rapidly over recent months.
In May of this year she received the Rotary Club of Lymm’s highest honour when she was awarded the “Cyril Bell Award” in recognition of her outstanding charity work in the local community.
Her funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church, Oughtrington next Wednesday (Sept 26).
Residents fight plans
for shops and offices
by David Skentelbery
WORRIED residents are fighting plans for a new shops and office development because of fears of traffic hazards – particularly for bus users and school children.
Developers Briden Homes have put forward proposals for the scheme at Cronton Cottages, in Warrington Road, Penketh.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved but more than 30 residents, backed by local councillors, have lodged objections.
The plan involves a two-storey development on a site currently used as a builders’ yard and hardware shop adjoining the Penketh Local Centre, which already has a clothing store, petrol station, newsagents and hot food takeaway.
Offices are planned on the first floor above the new shops.
Local councillors George Warburton and Linda Dirir say they have no problems with the principle of the development and say a good convenience store would benefit the community. But they are concerned about a proposal to move an existing bus stop to a position where it would be opposite the busy junction with Heath Road, used by 1,800 pupils and staff at Penketh High School.
At present, the bus stop is next to a central reservation which they can use while crossing the road. The new position will be right opposite the junction, say the councillors.
Over the years there have been many accidents at the junction ? including one involving a schoolgirl who was nearly killed.
Residents? objections relate to increased traffic and congestion, highway safety, reduced security for a parking area, loss of privacy, loss of trees, etc.
Planning officers say the scale of the proposal would not cause any significant increase in traffic or congestion and the relocated bus stop would not cause any problems.
Running for fun – and for
community centre cash
by James Parr
MORE than 100 young runners raced around Lymm?s Spud Wood in Oughtrington Community Association’s second annual fun run.
The one-mile circuit around the wood was sprinted by youngsters ranging from two and-a-half to 11-years-old.
The event, which also featured renditions from the Warrington Junior Brass Band, food stalls and a guest appearance from Warrington Wolves? mascot Wolfie, was set up to support the fund that will provide funds for the re-generation of Oughtrington Community Centre.
Caroline Thomas, joint chairman of Oughtrington Community Association said, “We had such a great turn out again. It’s wonderful to know that the community has really got behind our campaign to not only raise much needed funds, but also to raise awareness of our ambitious plans.”
Event organiser Mary Lorton was keen to thank local sponsors who supported the event. She said, “Through the generosity of local companies, the fun run really looked the part and the spirit of the event which created a great atmosphere.”
A repeat of the fun run has been promised for next year and the latest effort is believed to have raised more than ?1,000 for the re-development fund.
Police seek witnesses
after racist attack
by James Parr
POLICE are appealing for information after an incident involving several men resulted in criminal damage in what is believed to be a racially motivated attack.
Victims of the attack are of Eastern European origin residing in the Warrington area.
The incident took place on Marsh House Lane on the corner of Godfrey Street A black Honda Civic parked in Marsh House Lane was also damaged after the attack by a gang of youths.
The scuffle and damage to property resulted in two men, both from Warrington, aged 20 and 21, being arrested.
The 21-year-old male has been released without charge, while the 20-year-old male was bailed pending further investigation.
Any witnesses to the attack are being urged to contact PC Simon Akrill at Warrington Central on 0845 458 6379.
Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll
at young offenders’ centre
by staff reporter
INMATES at Warrington?s Thorn Cross Young Offenders? Institution are raising awareness of important health topics by putting their drama skills to the test.
The group performed a twenty-minute play about the dangers of smoking, drinking and alcohol.
Titled ?Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll? the play was written and produced by eight inmates under the guidance of Julie Parton from the Theatre Bus Company.
The play focuses on eight men who chose to indulge in drink, drugs and smoking in order to fit in, but all end up wishing they had chosen another route.
Katie Roberts, health improvement specialist with Warrington Primary Care Trust, based within prison services said, ?There are many young men within our communities who feel pressurised into looking and acting a particular way. Unfortunately some of those men go on to use drugs, smoke or drink alcohol, to fit in. Using drama to address this difficult issue was a very effective way to engage the young men at Thorn Cross.?
The play was performed across a number of schools and colleges in the area and was followed by an open discussion about issues to do with health that provided an opportunity to promote positive health messages.
Rugby club to
convert farmland
by James Parr
A RUGBY club has won the right to convert farmland into additional sports pitches to enable it to expand.
Lymm Rugby Club will be able to use land adjoining its Crouchley Lane ground additional pitches for rugby and hockey.
The club appealed after Warri
ngton Borough Council rejected its application to change the use of the land and an independent inspector ruled that the scheme can go ahead.
Lymm Parish Council had expressed safety concerns because an underground gas pipeline crosses the site but the inspector came to the conclusion this did not post any significant risk.
Lymm Parish Councillor Neville Woodyatt commented: “We are actually pleased the club has won this appeal. We were a little concerned about the pipeline, but the inspector has obviously gone into this carefully and is satisfied there is no significant risk.”
