Woman, 61, goes missing
after leaving hospital
by staff reporter
POLICE at Warrington have appealed to the public for help in a search for a 61-year-old woman who vanished after leaving a local hospital.
Sara Kershaw, of Culcheth, has not been seen since leaving the hospital on the afternoon of Friday, August 26.
A police spokesman said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for her safety.”
Mrs Kershaw was wearing black trousers and a cream coloured jacket when she was last seen.
She is 5ft 1 inch tall and is described as being of petite build. She has greying brown hair of shoulder length.
Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mrs Kershaw is asked to call Warrington Police on 01925 652222.
Artist Bryan’s picture
raises cash for hospice
by David Skentelbery
WARRINGTON artist Bryan Edmondson raised ?200 for the Kirsty Howard Francis House appeal – by raffling off one of his paintings.
Bryan, from Glazebury, raffled the picture during an exhibition of his work at Bent’s Garden Centre who have made the Kirsty Appeal their nominated charity this year.
Born in the Lake District, Bryan now divides his time between Glazebury and South Lakeland and, when he is not painting, works as an art adviser at local schools.
He is well known to many local young people through his art projects at schools, which can range from lifesize figure sculptures to huge outdoor murals.
They always involve the children developing their own ideas and designs with Bryan helping them to make it all possible.
He said: “I enjoy working in schools. The energy and creativity of the children can be very inspiring. It is the perfect antidote to the soliture of working in my studio, or outside in the landscape. The two activities go together superbly.”
Although Bryan loves to paint in the Lake District, he also enjoys the industrial landscapes around the Leigh and Wigan areas.
He said: “I have sketchbooks of drawings which go back over thirty years. This means I can still make pictures of places which were pulled down years ago – often places which gave the area its distinctive feel.”
Bryan recently exhibited some of his work at a special charity night at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Time travelling back
into town’s history
by Terry Johnson
PEOPLE can “time travel” to an era when Warrington was a third of its present size and almost congestion free….thanks to a new, Heritage Lottery-funded town exhibition.
Warrington in Close Up, which opens September 7, turns the spotlight on the hidden corners of the town.
The museum and art gallery exhibition – free until November 12 – explores photographs, paintings, historic documents and museum objects with a special area focus and flavour.
Time Project officer, Heather McAlpine, said: “We want people to see these displays and be inspired to explore the history of their own areas with fresh eyes.
“There is fascinating material to explore”.
Volunteers and community groups have put together displays which spotlight village life in Grappenhall, memories of Loushers Lane, Latchford, and Penketh.
Heather added: “Many people involved in this project have contributed their memories. These personal stories give a real insight into how the different areas around Warrington have changed over the years”.
More people are to be encouraged to tell their life stories for a “Warrington People” exhibition in the Bold Street art gallery next spring.
Tasty offer for
budding chefs
by John Hendon
BUDDING chefs in Warrington are being served up a tasty top training opportunity.
Fifteen talented trainees are to be recruited by the Cheshire and Warrington Tourism Board.
Chefs-in-the-making will get ?500-a-month pay, elite college training….and a guaranteed job.
Their 18-months enhanced apprenticeship at one of the UK’s leading colleges is part of the CWTB’s drive for quality and choice in the sub-region’s tourism industry.
The enhanced apprenticeship is open to 16-23 year-olds who can demonstrate commitment to quality and achievement.
Successful applicants will receive on-the-job training in the kitchens of top hotels and restaurants.
They will also enjoy a culinary fact-finding visit to Italy and qualify for an ‘achievement bonus’ at the end of their apprenticeship.
CWTB chairman and hotelier, Mike Cooksley, said: “Eating out in Cheshire has a deserved reputation among visitors of all nationalities for its high standards of cuisine, choice, service and ingredients.
“This campaign will help identify and develop the talented young people who can build on that success”.
Further details from training co-ordinator Wendy Kelly, 01244-670661.
Showing children how
to be “chatterboxes”
by Terry Johnson
“CHATTERBOX” sessions for kids and a free child video for parents are offered by Warrington-based Sure Start Children’s Centre.
The Beaches project at Orford also aims to develop babies’ language and communication skills.
Speech therapist, Leanne Daley, who helps provide free training courses at the Sandy Lane centre, said: “Most parents don’t realise just how important play is as a tool for developing communication and listening skills.
“These course are fun and will help mums and dads give their children skills for life. This reduces the chance of needing speech therapy intervention when they start school.”
The Beaches has a new programme of events every weekday to support children’s development. Many of the courses come with free child-care.
Details from 01925-425580.
A qualification
in community work
by staff reporter
A 14-week course is to open in Warrington on Wednesday, October 19 which will give people the chance of getting a national qualification for working in the community.
It is the first time the Community Development Work Award course has been held in the town.
The three hour sessions, starting at 10am, will be held at The Gateway in Sankey Street.
The course is free and it may be possible to provide travel expenses for volunteers. There will be breaks for half-term and the Christmas school holidays to enable parents to attend.
A spokesperson for Warrington Council for Voluntary Service said: “To do the course, you need to have current or previous experience of working in the community, or with a community or voluntary group, either as a volunteer or a paid worker.”
Details are available from the CVS at FREEPOST NW5424.
