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Teenager returns
from arctic adventure
by Gary Skentelbery
A FRODSHAM teenager has returned from the "adventure of a lifetime" after a 5-week expedition to Disko Island,
just off the west coast of Greenland.
Iain Bennett, 17, said: " Five weeks flew by but what a wealth of experience I gained from such a short space
of time. The few weeks before I left were hectic with the frantic buying of kit, frenetic fitness programme and
the frenzied packing, un-packing and re-packing of the rucksack several times.
"I arrived on the island and spent 4 days undergoing arctic survival training before setting off into the wilderness
to encounter the most amazing things I have ever seen, including rolling icebergs and breeching Whales.
"The first night spent in the barren expanse of Greenland was spectacular. I was as remote as could be and spent
hours looking around at the unspoilt landscape. Twenty-four hour daylight was slightly surreal but I soon adapted
and we began walking at all times, even through the night."
Iain added: "During the five weeks trekking, perhaps the most memorable experience was being camping on the glacier
for 5 days, during which I was lowered down a crevasse and then ice climbed back out. Other experiences that I will
remember are swimming in the Arctic Ocean, metres away from icebergs (which was naturally freezing!) and
undertaking a 24-hour solo survival bivvy. Oh, and the northern lights were brilliant!
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who aided my in my quest to achieve this ambition
and to experience the expedition of a lifetime. Thank you!!"
The expedition was organised by the BSES Expeditions charity and Iain had to fund his own travelling costs in
excess of £3,400.
Wedding ceremony - where
love first blossomed
by Gary Skentelbery
FRODSHAM'S Castle Park House hosted its first wedding ceremony - with the marriage of a local couple who
had their very first kiss under one of the park's majestic trees.
Lesley Probert and Geoff Brown had their first date in the grounds of Castle Park and when they heard the stately
manor house had been granted a wedding license they decided they couldn't miss the opportunity to pronounce
their love for each other in the place where it first blossomed.
Despite forecasts of rain, the sun broke broke through in time for the ceremony and Lesley, who works at the Original
Barber Shop in High Street, Frodsham, and Geoff, a prison warder, were able to enjoy a Champagne toast and
canapés after the ceremony and pose for photographs in the park.
Castle Park is now receiving numerous enquiries from brides-to-be and looks set to become a popular wedding venue.
Coun Les Ford, leader of Vale Royal Borough Council and chairman of Castle Park Trust Executive, said: "Providing the
wedding service at Castle Park House seems a natural progression following its renovation last year.
"Hopefully this will be the first of many. I'm extremely happy that we could offer this opportunity to Lesley and
Geoff and that everything went well for them on their special day. On behalf of myself, and everyone at Castle
Park, I'd like to wish the happy couple many happy years together."
Castle Park House underwent extensive renovation in 2005/6 thanks to funding from the North West Development Agency
and the European Union.
The house now provides office accommodation for small to medium enterprises, a VRBC lifelong learning centre,
a one-stop-shop for public sector agencies and conference facilities.
Woodland is open -
but is dangerous
by David Skentelbery
THE battle to save Helsby's Harmers Wood for the local community has finally been won.
But charity group The Friends of Harmers Wood Trust has issued a warning.
Although the 8.8 acre wood is now officially open for the public to visit, it contains four old quarries and
is dangerous. People who visit the wood are being urged to stick to the footpaths and keep away from the quarries.
It is now almost a year since the Heritage Lottery agreed to make a grant of up to £39,600 to help the Friends take
over the picturesque woodland which was up for sale and in danger of falling into the hands of paintball operators or
motor bike scramblers.
Other grants came from Vale Royal Council, £15,000, Cheshire County Council, £5,000, Helsby Parish Council,
£1,000 and Helsby Village Society, £250. There were also donations from local people adding up to around £1,700.
But The Friends - a charity group led by two local women, Maureen Parker and Audrey Davies - still faced lengthy
legal negotiations before they could officially lay claim to the wood on behalf of the public.
They still face a mountain of work making the quarries safe, erecting warning signs, interpretive boards and
generally maintaining the woodland. But the Mersey Forest has come to their assistance in preparing a 20-year
management plan.
Two archaeologists are to help drawing up a history of the quarries and where the stone which was quarried went to.
Although it is known that some went to build St Paul's Church, Helsby, the eventually destination of most remains
a mystery.
Mrs Parker said: "We hope the wood will become not just a pleasant place for local people to go for walks
but also a valued educational resource for local schools. There is so much it can teach us about history,
wildlife, archaeology and so on."
But until safety work has been completed, the wood presents problems.
Mrs Parker said: "There are four large potentially dangerous quarries and we will be introducing fencing, safety
signs and designated footpaths. In the meantime we would ask the public to keep to the right hand footpath
approaching from Hill Road North, or left footpath if you come from the top of the hill, thus avoiding the quarries."
Mrs Parker and Mrs Davies say they would like to thank all the local people who have supported them with donations
and other help and especially Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall for his assistance.
MP serves up an ace
At new tennis courts
by Gary Skentelbery
MORE than 1,000 people enjoyed the Helsby Community Sports Club Open and Family Fun Day when local MP Mike Hall
served up an ace officially opening the new tennis courts.
The event was staged to showcase the club's sporting facilities, and to raise funds for the redevelopment of the
clubhouse project.
The Weaver Vale MP was joined by Tennis Club President Freda Parry, to perform the official opening of the courts.
It was a very proud moment for Mike, who like former PM Tony Blair, enjoys a good game of tennis.
Meanwhile local residents may not have had ring side seats at Wimbledon for the Men's final, but there was certainly
enough action on the courts, with mini coaching sessions on offer, a fastest serve competition and strawberries and
champagne.
It was an action packed day with prize raffles, bouncy castles, face painting, a barbeque, beer tent, lots of side
shows and attractions, mini coaching sessions for rugby, tennis and target bowls and beat the keeper football
competitions. The Police from Western Rural Community Action Team joined in the fun, competing in a Tug Of War
game against members of Helsby Rugby Club, and joining the field for Helsby Running Club's family relay event.
The club's Development Manager, Michelle Pickstock said: "It was a fantastic day, with lots of new faces around. Many
people don't realise the extent of the facilities on offer here.
"We currently offer Rugby, Football, Tennis, Bowls, Running and Fishing sections. We have excellent junior
sections in all of our sports, except running, which is an adult only section."
More information about the club and sporting sections can be found at www.helsbysports.com or by contacting
Michelle on 07856 177571.
New book reveals
Helsby Heritage
by staff reporter
A book revealing the history and heritage of Helsby has been produced by the Helsby Hillside Women's Institute.
The book aptly entitled ' Helsby Heritage ' has been compiled from five scrapbooks put together in 1951 to
celebrate the Festival of Britain. The first one was produced for a competition run by the Cheshire Federation
of Womens Institutes. The information collected included history, geography, geology, flora and fauna and much
more about the village of Helsby.
For many years the book was loaned out extensively to villagers, scholars and students. Many local historians
have also made extensive use of the publication. A victim of its own success the book became very fragile
and almost beyond repair. Rather than loose the book forever it was decided that as much information as
possible was extracted to be put into a new publication available to the public to purchase.
A small committee was formed and members volunteered to do typing, scanning and reproducing of photographs and drawings in a format to be reproduced ready for printing as a book. The front and back cover photos were taken by Margaret Wright and George Randles.
Pippa Randles of Helsby Hillside W.I said: "We are thrilled with the result which we think is a really good read and of great interest to all of those living in the area both past and present. It is a great tribute to the original ladies whose hard work in the research and production of the original will now be passed to future generations.'
For more information on how to obtain a copy of ' Helsby Heritage' please call Pippa Randles on 01928 724775.
Councillors put their
political lives on the web
by staff reporter
COUNCILLORS from Frodsham and Helsby took part in an innovative project which puts their political lives on the web.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during March, Coun Brian Lloyd, from Frodsham, leader of the Labour group on Vale Royal Council and Coun Les Ford, from Helsby, the council's executive member for business management, are updating their own "blogs"
A blog, for the benefit of those who don't know, is a web log. It's the latest craze among internet enthusiasts who want to give the world a personal insight into their lives.
The two councillors' blogs can be viewed at www.valeroyal.gov.uk
Idea behind the blogs is to draw attention to the differing, sometimes competing, roles involved in being a councillor and encourage those interested to find out more about standing for election.
The council is also looking to raise the public's awareness of the forthcoming borough-wide election on Thursday, May 3.
Coun Lloyd said:" Councillors are often asked 'what do you do?' and on many occasions during my time on the council I have attempted to describe the work involved.
"With the forthcoming local elections in mind, I hope this information from a variety of councillors with differing life styles, will help in getting the message across and encourage others to consider this very worthwhile and rewarding commitment to public life.
"
Coun Ford, "I am delighted to be following in the footsteps of David Cameron and taking part in this pilot initiative.
"In an age where transparency and accountability are expected by the electorate we need to embrace every opportunity to show people exactly what work we do on their behalf. If public interest in our blogs is high enough the council will consider making this a permanent feature after the forthcoming elections".
For information on the forthcoming election and how to stand for election log on to the council's website at www.valeroyal.gov.uk
Images of the past
to go on the Internet
by David Skentelbery
HUNDREDS of old photographs of historic Frodsham, some dating back to 1850, are to be displayed on the Internet.
Frodsham and District Local History Group has won a £29,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to digitise its unique collection of about 8,000 images.
The entire catalogue and a selection of 300 images will be accessible through the National Archives A2A website.
Originally, the group simply wanted to conserve and store the collection for future generations. But the project has grown considerably and will involve local teachers, school children and finally an exhibition.
All the original images will eventually be stored at the Cheshire Record Office where appropriate security and environmental conditions will ensure their long term preservation.
The extensive archive began when hundreds of images collected by local historian Joe Barker came into the possession of the Frodsham group. Since then a vast number of historic photographs, prints, postcards and negatives have been given to the group by local residents.
A comprehensive photographic record of the area over time, the collection has recently been used by Vale Royal Borough Council in the creation of the popular interpretation boards in the village, and also to help with accuracy in the successful restoration of Castle Park House.
Some of the grant will be used to second a teacher to develop learning materials linked to the National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 using the digitised images. This will enable local children to learn about the history and heritage of Frodsham through the photographic collection. The children's work will be part of the final exhibition.
The grant also allows the purchase of a digital camera so that volunteers can capture the constantly changing environment of the area, the images to form part of the final exhibition which will interpret a selection of the photographs, setting them in a historical context.
Mrs Maggie Jones, chairman of Frodsham and District Local History Group said: "At last with the Heritage Lottery grant we can go ahead with the long term preservation and conservation of our wonderful images and ensure that they will be available to a much wider audience."
President of the group, Sir Alan Waterworth, added: "I would like to congratulate all those who have worked so hard to secure this Heritage Lottery funding which is going to make 'Old Frodsham', our vast and unique collection of photographs, available to people all over the world”.
Teenager prepares for
Arctic adventure
by Gary Skentelbery
A TEENAGER from Frodsham has been selected to take part in a special expedition to the Arctic.
Iain Bennett (16) a student at Helsby High, will help out with a number of scientific projects - including monitoring
climate change.
He has been chosen as one of 60 students out of more than 1,000 applicants from across the UK to participate in an
expedition to Disko Island, Greenland.
Iain will be swapping Frodsham for a summer on an island 800 miles north of the Arctic Circle, half way up the west
coast of Greenland.
The expedition is organised by the youth development charity, BSES Expeditions. Their aim is "to bring together students
from different backgrounds from across the UK with the aim of working together to carry out valuable environmental
fieldwork and contributing to the body of knowledge on climate change."
Iain and the other Young Explorers will spend six challenging weeks in the remote wilderness. Following arctic survival
training, the youngsters will be participating in a range of scientific projects, including monitoring climate change,
as well as adventurous activities, such as climbing un-named peaks and entering valleys that humans have not visited
for many years.
Those taking part have had to prove their physical and mental fitness as well as their enthusiasm and resourcefulness
in order to cope with living under canvas for the duration of the expedition. For each expedition, the members are
required to make a substantial contribution towards the cost of travel, logistics, food, equipment and insurance.
Iain is currently making every effort to ensure that he reaches his goal. He wishes to thank all the people that
are supporting him in achieving his goal.
He has to fund his expedition costs, which will be approximately £3400. So far he have worked since my GCSE's and
completed jobs for neighbours raising £1500.
If you would like to know more about the expedition, please do not hesitate to contact Iain on
Iain_Bennett_1@hotmail.com
Picture shows Iain on a previous expedition to the summit of Mount Titlis in Switzerland.
Royal seal of approval
for historic house
by James Balme
THE newly refurbished Castle Park House in Frodsham was given the Royal Seal of approval by The Duke of Kent
who performed the official opening of the historic building.
An extravaganza of events took place at the picturesque 18th Century manor house managed by Vale Royal Borough Council.
The celebrations marked the unveiling of a £2.2 million refurbishment to turn the historic building into a first class
community facility.
The deputy Mayor of Vale Royal Council Coun Douglas Shingler was delighted to welcome the Royal visitor who was
given a guided tour of the house and unveiled a plaque. Coun Shingler said “ This is a very special occasion for
Castle Park and we are proud to have this opportunity to show the Duke of Kent all the hard work that has gone into
turning this beautiful house into a thriving community facility.”
Leader of Vale Royal Borough Council Cllr Keith Musgrave added: “ The Duke of Kent was very keen to visit Frodsham
and has shown a real interest in the work at Castle Park. It has taken 15 months to carefully restore and renovate
the building and we are extremely pleased with the results.”
A range of events took place in the house and its expansive grounds to mark the occasion. Caricaturists and
silhouettists entertained guests in the main marquee and side saddled riders met people as they arrived. Vale
Royal Borough Council employees dressed in Victorian costume to welcome visitors and a vintage open top bus
transported guests from Helsby Sports and Social Club to the event.
Funding for the refurbishment has been joint between Vale Royal Borough Council and Frodsham Forward which
received funding from the European Rural Development Fund and the North West Development Agency. Castle Park
now provides a range of facilities for the local community. A one-stop shop is located on the ground floor
offering services from partners and public sector organisations including VRBC, Weaver Vale Housing Trust,
Vale Royal Disability Service, Frodsham Forward, Job Centre plus and the county Registrar.
The two upper floors are let to businesses and the basement has a new Cyber Café. Vale Royal Borough Council is
acting as landlord of the property on behalf of the Castle Park trust and will manage the house and the grounds
which include a bowls pavilion, tennis courts, ornamental gardens and a play area.
Pictures show the Victorian riders, the Duke arriving and signing the visitors book.
School wins
top award
by Gary Skentelbery
FRODSHAM C E Primary school has been awarded the prestigious DfES International School Award at a high profile awards
ceremony in London.
Presented by the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, the winning school was also be addressed by Bill Rammell MP,
Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education and Professor Mary Stiasny, Director of
Education and Training Group at the British Council.
Frodsham C E Primary has been given the award for its fantastic range of international activity and links with
Bulgaria, Greece, France, Germany, Zambia and DR Congo. Established in 2003 the schools have worked together
to produce excellent results across a range of projects including shared celebrations of festivals from each
of the countries involved.
In November a group of 5 children from Greece visited Frodsham to share in our Bonfire Night celebrations.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Headteacher Gail Fullbrook said:
“ We are thrilled to be recognised in this way. Links with schools in Europe and Africa have enriched our
curriculum and given the children – and teachers! - a truly international perspective."
The International School Award scheme is managed by the British Council and supported and funded by the DfES.
It provides recognition for teachers and their schools working to instill an international dimension into
the learning experience of all children and young people.
Nearly 1000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools since the scheme began in 1999.
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