Campaigners to advise
on cycling – in New York
by David Skentelbery
CYCLISTS from Warrington have been asked to advise on urban cycling problems ? in New York.
Deputy chairman of Warrington Cycling Campaign Jonathan Wood is being flown out on an all-expenses paid trip to the Big Apple for an event at New York Town Hall on West 43rd Street.
The evening will be devoted entirely to cycling and has been organised by musician and artist David Byrne, who co-founded the group Talking Heads.
David has used a bike for transport in New York for the last 25 years and is a regular visitor to Warrington Cycle Campaign?s world-famous website, www.warringtoncyclecampaign.co.uk He felt the site?s satirical ?Facility of the Month? feature, which highlights some of the more ridiculous cycle facilities around the world, would be an ideal part of the event, so sponsor New Yorker Magazine is flying Jonathan out for the weekend.
Since 2001, the website has been building up a library of bizarre cycle facilities such as one foot wide cycle lanes, six foot long cycling tracks, cycle paths with obstructions and some which are simply not rideable.
Each month, webmaster Pete Owens adds another ? together with a pithy comment.
Jonathan will be showing off a selection of items from the website but also reporting on how Warrington Borough Council ? influenced by the Cycle Campaign ? is considering a wide range of measures to encourage cycling.
These include:
On-road cycle training for all children.
Introduction of 20mph as the default speed limit in residential areas.
A Warrington Cycle Map.
Chairman of Warrington Cycle Campaign Chris Mayes said: ?We are delighted to have been chosen to present at this prestigious event. It is really encouraging to find that our views on promoting cycling are respected around the world.
?The idea that everyone should have the right to cycle on our roads without fear is a universal aspiration shared by communities in all countries. New Yorkers will be able to laugh at the most ridiculous examples of cycle facilities but also will recognise Warrington Council?s determination to make our roads and streets safer for all. This will most easily be achieved once we follow our German twin town Hilden in introducing properly enforced 20 mph speed limits on the streets where people live.?
A new book, ?Britain?s Worst Cycle Lanes?, produced by Warrington Cycle Campaign is to be published in November.
School meals firm is
in the UK’s top ten
by David Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON firm which was beating the drum for healthy school meals even before Jamie Oliver, has been crowned one of the 10 best new businesses in the UK.
Catering Academy, which which delivers food made from fresh, local produce to schools and colleges, has reached the finals of this year’s HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards – which puts the spotlight on the country’s most promising start-up businesses.
Now owners Allan Causey, Kevin Cannon, Louise Wymer and Stacey Rose must wait until October 24 to find out if they have gone all the way to win the top prize of ?25,000.
Allan, 52, Kevin, 49, Louise, 38 and Stacey, 36, set up Catering Academy less than three years ago – a good 12 months before Jamie Oliver started his campaign for healthy school meals.
But with more than a century’s contract catering experience between them, the quartet can certainly claim to give the TV chef a run for his money.
Allan said: “Like Jamie, we’re committed to delivering excellent food, using fresh, local ingredients, to schools and colleges.
“We pride ourselves on our independence and commitment to personal service.”
The company also works with commercial and industrial businesses and can provide a complete management solution, including manpower provision and purchasing services.
Catering Academy originally set out to target contracts with a minimum turnover of ?200,000 a year and have remained ahead of that goal.
Last year they won their first group contract, worth ?750,000 annually, and now they will be concentrating more on group business in a market dominated by multi-nationals.
The company now operates across 40 client sites from Edinburgh to Bournemouth and expects to report a turnover in excess of ?10 million this year. They have not lost a single contract and develop strong partnerships with clients through their continual enthusiasm and desire to improve on past performance.
Chief Operating Officer for HSBC Commercial Banking, Simon Wainwright said: “We hope the success of Catering Academy in this year’s awards will help it go from strength to strength, as well as prove to other budding entrepreneurs that business dreams really can be turned into reality.”
The final result of the competition will be announced at London’s Dorchester Hotel.
Runners-up will receive ?7,000 and there will be a special “Green” prize for the business with the best eco friendly credentials.
Mural’s message to
put an end to violence
by John Hendon
ACCLAIMED artist Mohammed Ali is to paint a giant mural at the Peace Centre in Warrington using his distinct and unique style of urban spiritual art.
The event, which takes place on October 24 and 25, has been organised with the help of officers from Cheshire Police.
They are now searching for youngsters to take part in the unique two-day project – and help create the special work of art.
Jackie May, who is Cheshire Police’s Diversity Sergeant for the Northern Area, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people who would not normally meet each other socially to work together on an exciting piece of art. I can’t wait to see the results.” The basis of the giant spray-painted peace mural is to address the message of anti-terror and violence in the world today.
Mohammed has created similar murals internationally – including a memorial mural for victims of a fire in The Bronx in New York, which took place earlier this year. He worked alongside surviving family members to create a special tribute for the victims.
There will be a special commemoration in the mural at the Peace Centre for the victims of the Warrington bombings – Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball.
Tim’s parents – Wendy and Colin Parry – who helped set up the Peace Centre in Warrington will be at the event.
Mohammed said: “This is a great project in bringing people together, to unite with the message that we need to stop violence in whatever form it comes.”
The artist is gaining an international reputation for his fusion of dynamic graffiti style with spiritual messages inspired by his Muslim faith.
Detective Constable Lesley Price, who has helped to organise the event, is now urging youngsters across Warrington to register an interest in the event by logging onto www.culturesplash2007.com
Village to stage its
first-ever arts festival
by staff reporter
THE first ever Stockton Heath Festival of Arts and Culture will take place from Thursday July 10 through to Sunday July 13 next year.
An enthusiastic group has been set up to organize the event, which will take place around Stockton Heath Walking Day, and has already launched a website, www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk to promote the festival.
Stockton Heath Parish Council has agreed to provide ?2,375 for a marquee providing seating for up to 200 which will provide a base for the festival in Alexandra Park.
The idea for the festival originated from the Parish Council and, in particular from Coun Tudor Pole, who is now the festival co-ordinator. But a festival group now exists in its own right and is busy planning the various events to take place.
Organisers hope that shops, cafes, pubs, etc will get
involved by offering to display art work, decorating shop windows, hosting events such as recitals, food and drink tasting, entertainment, etc.
Groups already confirmed to take part include Warrington Youth Orchestra, Somalian Dancers, Indian Dance Group, Thelwall Morris Men and the Phoenix Marching band.
Search to find the
super grandparents
by John Hendon
AGE CONCERN has joined forces with a Warrington optician in a search to find next year?s ?Grandparents of the Year.? Nominations can be made by anyone aged over seven to recognise the special qualities and achievements of an outstanding grandparent.
The UK is home to some 14 million grandparents who, if they were being paid to look after their grandchildren, would result in a childcare bill of ?3.8 million.
Warrington optician Peter Scott said: ?Grandparents are the nucleus of the family and play a pivotal role in influencing, developing and enriching the lives of all those around them.
?That?s why this is such a special campaign as it allows loved ones to recognise the achievements of grandparents and the unique place they have in the family. We would encourage as many people as possible to come into the store to tell their story and nominate their parents or grandparents for this very worthy award.?
The local winner could follow in the footsteps of George Birkett, who was nominated for last year?s awards, by Thomas and Sarah McNulty, both aged 13, and eventually won the national title.
Mr Birkett said: ?I never expected this. It really was an honour to win the title, but I?m only the best granddad because they are the best grandchildren.?
The competition, now in its 17th year, is looking for outstanding grandparents with a heartwarming story to tell. Nominations are also welcome from people who want to recognise someone who is not a grandparent but has played that role within their life.
