Tug of war over
ancient treasures
by Gary Skentelbery
A BREATHTAKING collection of ancient treasures dating back more than 4,000 years looks set to become involved in an international “tug of war.”
The unique collection of ceramic vessels and bronze artefacts found in a Warrington loft and believed to be “old holiday trinkets” from Cyprus are now wanted back by the Cypriot government.
But if it hadn’t been for the keen eye of Warrington based archaeologist James Balme, the ancient artefacts, which could be worth more than ?750,000 to private collectors, could have ended up at a car boot sale or on a tip!
The collection, now known as the “Lymm Hoard” had lain undisturbed in a loft for almost 40 years. James identified the collection of 45 ancient artefacts as being of Cypriot origin and almost certainly the contents of several ancient tombs from the island.
The items were a gift to the late Sir Ossie Davies, a builder contractor and inherited by his son Neville who lives in Lymm. It was Neville who invited fellow Rotarian James to examine the collection.
But now after hearing about the discovery via news items on the internet, Cypriot authorities have contacted Cheshire Police via Interpol and an investigation was launched into the origin and current location of the hoard. It concluded that a Cypriot had brought the artefacts to Britain as a gift back in the 1960s and therefore, according to current European laws nothing illegal had taken place.
James said: “I was contacted by Cheshire police and arranged for the collection to be examined by a specialist officer and he was happy that they were in expert hands and in a secure environment and that he had no reason to believe that the collection needed to be removed. A report is due to be sent back to the Cypriot authorities by Cheshire Police stating that enquiries have been concluded here in Britain and that no further action is necessary.”
But James believes the discovery could spark an international tug of war similar to the famous Elgin Marbles – a magnificent collection of ancient Greek statues removed from Athens during the early 19th century by the then British Ambassador Lord Elgin . He was looking for some Greek art to decorate a house he was building in Scotland. He obtained permission from the contemporary Turkish rulers of Greece and stripped the Parthenon as much as he could and, during 1801-1805, shipped the statues of the Parthenon frieze to England.
James has no problem with the Lymm based treasures being returned but only under the right circumstances. He has only been able to value one item – a small vessel which he has seen on sale on the internet for in excess of ?2,000. Other items in the collection are clearly much more valuable and could amass a small fortune if sold to private collectors.
But he is anxious for the collection to remain together. When it appeared on TV last June he was asked what would happen to the collection to which he replied: ” I am sure that the Cypriot authorities will be interested in this one and after all it is their heritage and it would be lovely to be able to return it to them one day.”
He attempted to display the items in Warrington museum but was unable to because of security and insurance issues due to the probable value of the collection.
“I find it surprising that it has taken the Cypriot authorities almost a year to enquire about the collection as it has been well publicised since the day it was discovered,” added James.
“A great deal of my time and effort has been given researching and identifying the collection and making sure it remains in the condition it was found in. As a responsible archaeologist I realise how important the collection is as it reflects life as it was in the ancient world and its value in cash terms is purely secondary.
” I expect to be contacted directly by the Cypriot authorities in the future to discuss the situation and hopefully an amicable solution can be reached.”
James can be contacted directly through his website www.jamesbalme.co.uk
PCT to consult on
new health centre
by David Skentelbery
HEALTH chiefs at Warrington have announced a major consultation exercise to find out what the public thinks about a plan to relocate two GP surgeries and a clinic to a new, modern health centre on the outskirts of the town.
Under the proposals, Stretton Medical Centre, in Hatton Lane and Appleton Primary Care, in Dudlow Green Road, would all move to a site on Stretton Road, Stretton ? near the Park Royal International Hotel.
The Stockton Heath Clinic, in Whitefield Road, also needs new premises but health chiefs feels the Stretton site would be too remove from the village centre.
Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT) stresses that the move is, at present, just an idea rather than a definitive proposals.
A spokeswoman said: ?The PCT is simply testing how people feel about services moving and whether this is practical for patients and their families.
?If patients feel this is a good idea, the PCT will then need to secure the building and apply for planning permission. This could take some time and, therefore, services would not move immediately.?
The proposal ? definitive or not ? will come as a surprise to many people in the area because talks have been going on for some time over a plan to build a new health centre in Bridge Lane on the former home of Warrington Rugby Union Club.
But the PCT has been looking for a suitable building or piece of land to develop a new health centre in south Warrington for several years ? and Appleton, in particular, is in desperate need for a new, modern facility.
The PCT says none of the existing premises are capable of being extended and made fit for today?s standards.
They also stress that the proposal does not affect Stockton Heath Medical Centre.
Anyone who wants to express an opinion can ring Val Harper, the PCT?s patient advice and liaison coordinator, on freephone 0800 389 6973 or call into Stockton Heath PCT Clinic and complete a questionnaire.
“Star on the rise”
to visit town
by staff reporter
SINGER and songwriter Julia Biel, heralded as “a star on the rise”, is to visit Warrington?s Pyramid centre on Friday, April 28 ? her only appearance in the North West as part of her first UK tour.
Julia Biel has been compared to Bjork, Tom Yorke, Billie Holiday, Alison Goldfrapp and Rickie Lee Jones.
While critics struggle to define her sound as clearly jazzy, nu-folk or soul, all agree she is a huge talent with her own style. Her music is full of delicate arrangements woven out of acoustic instrumentation that explores a variety of moods.
A former Perrier Vocalist of the Year Award winner, Julia is a skilful songwriter with and ability to deliver emotional content with depth and authenticity.
Last summer Biel released her debut album Not Alone which attracted a good deal of attention from fans, concert bookers and critics.
Meanwhile her work with London’s trail-blazing F-IRE Collective – a community of London-based experimental and dedicated musicians – caught the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson, who invited her to record a track for his prestigious ‘Worldwide’ radio show.
Tickets are ?8. The show starts at 7.30pm. To buy tickets call the Pyramid box office on 01925 442345.
A chance to quiz
local police
by John Hendon
THE next meeting of Warrington Police Forum will be held at Penketh Primary School, Coniston Avenue, Penketh on Tuesday April 25 7pm. Residents are invited to atend and raise issues about policing.
Police say the meeting will receive an update on the Government’s proposals for restructuring the police service, a briefing on the use of road safety cameras and an opportunity to discuss policing issues with the local officers.
Chairman of the Forum Peter Walker said: “T
his meeting will provide an opportunity for the people of Warrington to discuss policing issues with the Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Ingram and the Police Authority.
Anyone can come along and I would urge all of those who have concerns or an interest in policing to attend.”
Library stages
art exhibition
by staff reporter
AN exhibition entitled “Heads, House and Masters” is running at Grappenhall Library near Warrington until the end of April.
The exhibition is a mixture of 12 oils, watercolours and pastels by local artist Steve Woollacott.
For more information about the exhibition ring the library on 01925 262861 or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/entertainment/libraries
The library’s opening hours are Monday 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday 2pm to 8pm, Thursday 2pm to 5pm, and Saturday 9.30am – 1pm.
