Rare breed of cattle
help protect meadow
by David Skentelbery
A RARE breed of cattle which, only 50 years ago, was facing extinction, has found a new home – in the heart of industrial Warrington.
The small herd of English Longhorn cattle has been moved to Paddington Meadows in a project organised by Warrington Borough Council in partnership with Groundwork Mersey Valley and Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Eight cows are grazing off the rough grass on the meadows and are helping to improve the ecology and wildlife of the area.
Some footpaths across the meadows have been closed or diverted temporarily to protect the grazing stock.
English Longhorns are an ancient breed linked with livestock pioneer Robert Bakewell in the 1700s.
A Longhorn Cattle Society was founded in 1878 to promote and improve breeding techniques but little more than 50 years ago the breed was in danger of extinction. Now, however, it is making a comeback.
Groundwork has introduced the cows as part of a scheme to protect Paddington Meadows, Warrington’s only remaining riverside pastureland, by improving the biodiversity of the site.
Eamonn Ritchie, of Groundwork, said: “As the cattle are organic they will improve the meadows and encourage ground nesting birds and invertebrates.”
David Bell, principle ecologist for Warrington Borough Council said: “This is just the start of this unique project and as well as improving the site for wildlife we are also strengthening our partnerships with outside agencies, such as Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork Mersey Valley.”
Anyone wishing to get involved in the work at Paddington Meadows can contact Eamonn Ritchie at Groundwork on 0151 257 2720.
Having a “bit of a do”
by Mark Hemmings
THEY’RE having ?a bit of a do? at the Barrow Hall Theatre in Great Sankey this week, as Warrington Light Opera stage Franz Lehar’s classic operetta, The Merry Widow.
And ?do? certainly is the word for it! Not only, do the cast attend various “do’s” during the course of this three act production, but hairdressing students from Warrington Collegiate have also been creating 1900’s style “hair-do’s” for the women of the company.
Warrington Light Opera member Julia Kindon said: “We didn’t have a clue how to make our hair look totally authentic, so decided to recruit the help of some people who we knew would know.”
Keen to assist them, three students from the college are using the experience of working with the production and its hairstyles as a project to help toward the completion of their course.
Anyone wanting a ticket for the ?do? should call 01925 757298.
Major police operation
averts trouble after disco
by David Skentelbery
FEARS of vandal attacks on trains leaving Warrington following an under-18s disco prompted a major police operation in the town.
As a result, no serious problems occurred following the disco at Mr Smith?s nightclub.
British Transport Police mounted the operation in response to serious vandalism on a late night train from Warrington Central to Liverpool Lime Street after a similar disco earlier this month.
Chief Inspector Graham Bamford who co-ordinated the operation said: “The reason for the operation was two-fold. Firstly we were a highly-visible presence on the trains to prevent any repeat of disorder and to reassure members of the public and staff using the trains.
“Secondly we used the operation to speak to potential witnesses and gather further information following the earlier incident. A number of people were spoken to and enquiries continue into that incident.”
The operation saw a large number of officers escorting passengers onto trains from the Widnes and Earlestown areas and accompanying them to ensure the evening passed off without incident. The youths were then escorted from Warrington Central back to these areas.
A sniffers dog was also on hand at Warrington Central to search for drugs and a 24-year-old man was reported on suspicion of being in possession of a small amount of cannabis.
Chief Inspector Bamford added: “The operation was a success with no incidents of disorder reported on the railways throughout the evening. The operation highlights BTP’s commitment to ensuring that the railways are free from crime and that members of the public feel safe when using them.”
Police are still appealing for any witnesses to the original incident of vandalism on Wednesday April 12.
Anyone who can the police you should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Gangs cause problem
for shopkeepers
by staff reporter
GANGS of rowdy youths have been causing problems for shopkeepers in Bridge Lane, Appleton – with the result that traders say they must erect shutters to protect their windows.
Coun Brian Axcell told Appleton Parish Council: “It concerns me that traders feel shutters are necessary – this is Appleton, not Moss Side. When shutters start to go up it gives a poor image of an area.”
Coun Val Davies said: “A few years ago we were worried that these shops might be going to close. But new traders have moved in, things have improved and the future looks more hopeful. It would be a pity to see things go back to the bad old days.”
Church “missionaries”
to tell their story
by John Hendon
MEMBERS of Glazebury Methodist Church, near Warrington, who recently returned from a mercy mission to help orphans in South Africa, are to stage a event to tell supporters and others the story of their trip.
An evening entitled ?Pilgrims Journey to South Africa? will be held at the church on Friday, May 5.
Ten church members went out to Pinetown Methodist Church in Durban earlier this year to help distribute goods donated by local people to help the Phakamisa project which provides education, practical help and support to more than 14,000 orphans and more than 1,000 carers.
Among items sent to South Africa were 16 urgently needed wheelchairs.
The people who went on the trip will be sharing their stories and experiences in words, pictures and video.
Admission is free, refreshment will be provided and donations would be welcomed.
Parents urged to do
“school run” on foot
by staff reporter
PARENTS are being urged not to use their cars when they take children to a Warrington school during Walk to School Week in May.
Grappenhall Heys Primary School is encouraging people to join in Leave Your Car at Home Day on Wednesday May 24. Youngsters and their parents are being urged to walk or cycle to school to mark the day.
A series of events are being held at the school including a School Fair on Saturday May 20 in the school field, and a visit by the Harlequin Theatre on May 5.
Last month chairman of governors Sue Quinn Boaler and the school won awards for raising almost ?1,000 for WaterAid. Sue went to Malawi two years ago with WaterAid to help build fresh water wells and on her return inspired parents, staff and pupils to help raise funds for the charity.
The school has been awarded the WaterAid Chief Executive’s Award for outstanding and voluntary contribution to WaterAid. Sue received an award for individual fundraising.
The school is one of the first in the country to be awarded BETA ICT mark, which recognises excellence in both teaching and learning of ICT in schools.
