New YouTube Channel for Queens Park Crewe

Queens Park Crewe Youtube channel now live

When the Light Goes Out

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

A free outdoor family arts event commemorating the First World War took place in Crewe on Saturday 10th November 2018. The event included a parade through the town inspired by Crewe’s 1918 Tank Week to Memorial Square, a speech from Mayor of Cheshire East - Councillor Lesley Smetham and live music performances from Foden's Brass Band and TCTC Group Band. A second event took place took place the following day at Tatton Park.

When the Light Goes Out draws together the four-year Cheshire East Reflects programme of activities and events created by Cheshire East Council to commemorate the First World War. For further information visit: https://cheshireeastreflects.com/

'Ultra 90's'

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

'Ultra 90's' - http://www.ultra90s.com/ – returned by popular demand to the Crosville Club on Chester Street in Crewe on Friday 9th November 2018.

Ultra 90’s are the UK's first and only 90's dance tribute show. The band featured vocalists, a keyboardist, a guitarist, and a drummer. Musical genres covered during their two-hour set were dance anthems, club classics, old skool garage, house, happy hardcore, drum & bass and hip hop.

Their set recreated songs by artists including Rhythm Is a Dancer by Snap!, Technotronic's Pump Up the Jam, Beats International, Faithless, Robert Miles, Corona, 2 Unlimited, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, Daniel Bedingfield, Craig David, Livin' Joy, Robin S, Ultrabeat, Urban Cookie Collective, Baby D and The Prodigy. The concert reached a crescendo with N-Trance’s ‘Set You Free’.

The show was accompanied by video projections and a light & laser display.

There was also a DJ set preceding and following the show.

This is Ultra 90’s tenth year of touring and they have performed alongside Chesney Hawkes, D:Ream, Damage, 911, East 17, Kelly Llorena, Livin’ Joy, N-Trance, Snap! and So Solid Crew.

Ultra 90’s will return to the Crosville Club in 2019.

Simon Weston CBE

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Simon Weston CBE unveiled the new crest of the new national memorial engine at Crewe Heritage Centre on Saturday 10th November 2018.

Simon Weston CBE, the Welsh Guardsman who survived an attack on his ship the ‘Sir Galahad’ during the Falklands War and overcame his devastating burn injuries, has become a tireless charity worker, public speaker, author and businessman. Simon is a patron of The LMS-Patriot Project.

The new build Patriot class steam locomotive, numbered 5551 and named The Unknown Warrior, commemorates the lives of those lost in the two world wars and in more recent conflicts. On completion, it will be a lasting, moving memorial for the British public to see and cherish.

It is being built by The LMS-Patriot Project who have trial fitted the part-finished boiler to the chassis of the loco. The boiler is the first standard gauge boiler to be built in the UK since 1962.

It is hoped that the engine will be completed to re-enact the journey of the Cavell Van from Dover to London Victoria on its Centenary in November 2020. For further information visit: https://www.lms-patriot.org.uk/

There was also a ‘Rails and Remembrance’ exhibition telling the story of the role railways played during the Great War and how several Remembrance engines were built as a memorial to the employees of railway companies who gave their lives in the conflict.

The Remembrance Sunday

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Remembrance Sunday parade and service in Crewe took place on the morning of Sunday 11th November 2018 - the centenary of the end of World War 1.

There was a parade through the town to Memorial Square led by Cheshire Drums and Bugles along with Crewe Brass, dozens of local cadets from the RAF, Army, Police, Fire and Sea Cadets plus local Scout groups, the Red Cross and a contingent from The Royal British Legion.

The Parade Marshall was M. Kay QCBC COLDM GDS RBL, the service was led by the Reverend Ken Sambrook, with a Bible reading from Councillor Brian Roberts, Mayor of Crewe. There was the sounding of the Last Post, a two minute silence, and hymns. Deputy Mayor of Macon (one of Crewe's twin towns) Mr Herve’ Reynard and Mr Jean-Claude Bernardet, president of the French War Veterans Association both gave speeches in French at the service. The Union Flag and French Tricolour were flown either side of the Crewe War Memorial.

Several local organisations, groups and schools were also present and placed wreaths at Crewe War Memorial during the ceremony.

The event commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts such as the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and other conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Cheshire East Council spearheads key HS2 action plan

Cheshire East Council is spearheading an action plan to maximise the potential benefits of an enhanced HS2 hub station at Crewe.

The development framework, called the Crewe station hub area action plan, will support the growth and regeneration opportunities for the town and wider region.

As part of a consultation, the council will engage with residents, business and landowners to help develop this key planning document.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “The Crewe station hub area action plan builds on our previous work for the Crewe masterplan.

“This also continues to show government that the right hub at Crewe station will bring many opportunities to Crewe and the borough as a whole.

“As a council, we have not decided what the opportunities are going to be in the area when HS2 arrives. We want to work with the community and local businesses to identify them, so we have a plan that reflects the local area.

“This plan will then give us the framework we need to allow future growth when the station arrives.”

As part of the development of the area action plan, a HS2 issues paper has been published and the council will invite comments as to what the considerations should be, when planning for this nationally important infrastructure.

For local businesses with an interest in HS2, a business engagement breakfast session will be held on 16 November from 8am-9.30am at Crewe Alexander Football Club.

A community drop-in session will be held on 29 November 2018 between 4pm and 8pm at Crewe Alexander Football Club.

The council’s planning policy team will attend local meetings with a variety of other stakeholders.

The issues paper can be downloaded online and comments can be made in person at the events, or by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and clicking on current consultations. Comments can be submitted until 5pm on 5 December 2018.

If you have any additional questions about document or the sessions taking place please email localplan@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Building communities – £2m in grants up for grabs

Community groups from seven areas across Cheshire East are set to benefit from a £2m pot of funding over the next two years – thanks to the New Homes Bonus Community Fund.

The fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, including town and parish councils as well as voluntary, community and faith groups in Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Nantwich, Poynton and Wilmslow.

The scheme is designed to achieve positive benefits based on locally-identified needs. The priorities for each of the areas have been set by seven geographical award groups, made up of elected members and a representative from the town and parish councils.

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet approved a £2m New Homes Bonus (NHB) fund to assist communities where new housing developments have been built between 2011 and 2017. Each group can bid for a minimum of £10,000.

Councillor Paul Bates, portfolio holder for finance and communications, at Cheshire East Council, said: “This £2m fund is great news for the people of Cheshire East – seven areas are set to benefit considerably to the total tune of £2m over two years.

“The fund will make it possible for local councils and the voluntary, community and faith sectors to apply for projects that can make a lasting difference to their community.”

The Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) has been working in partnership with Cheshire East Council on the New Homes Bonus and is offering free funding support to all organisations wishing to bid to the first round of this fund.

For further information please visit the CVS website www.cvsce.org.uk. Application forms for the NHB are available on the council’s website: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/council_finance_and_governance/new-homes-bonus.aspx

Lollipop lady Pamela Pearson saluted for 40 years helping to keep children safe

Cheshire East lollipop lady Pam Pearson has collected her British Empire Medal – awarded in recognition of her 40 years helping children get to school safely.

She received the honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June and was presented with her medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire at an investiture ceremony at Tatton Park (on 7 November).

Now nearly 80, Mrs Pearson still continues her crossing patrol duties for young children attending Parkroyal Community School, Macclesfield. She has been their regular lollipop lady for nearly 35 years and says she loves every minute of it.

Even on bitterly cold mornings in winter, the grandmother of four is stopping traffic on Bond Street, a busy commuter route in the town, and is back there again in the afternoon.

Mrs Pearson said: “We have a lot of protective clothing to wear, which is good in the winter but in the summer it does get a bit hot. The drivers are usually very good but the boys on bikes sometimes ignore me.

“I was encouraged to take it up by a policeman neighbour of mine. That was more than 40 years ago.

“Receiving the medal from the Lord Lieutenant was wonderful. The whole thing was just out of this world.”

Mrs Pearson is employed by Transport Services Solutions (TSS), a Cheshire East Council wholly-owned company. Councillor Gail Wait, chair of TSS, said: “We are very honoured to have Pam at TSS. She takes such pride in her work and genuinely loves helping the children and community.

“We have some fantastic, long-serving and loyal crossing patrols but we always need more people for these fulfilling roles.”

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “I congratulate Mrs Pearson on her many years of loyal service. She is clearly well-deserving of this honour. 

“I echo Gail’s words – that we need more people like Mrs Pearson to come forward. The work of our school crossing patrols is extremely valuable to us and to the children and parents involved.”

Headteacher at Parkroyal Community School, Caroline Beaumont, said: “I would like to extend a huge Parkroyal thank you to Pam for the invaluable services she has provided to our families over the years.”

The British Empire Medal was introduced by King George V in 1917 and was awarded to people who had contributed outstanding services during the war effort.  It was reintroduced as part of the Queen’s birthday celebrations in 2012.

If you have the time to devote to being a school crossing patrol and road safety officer in Cheshire East then visit: http://www.transportservicesolutions.co.uk/jobs.aspx

Autumn Concert

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

An ‘Autumn Concert’ took place on the evening of Thursday 8th November 2018 at Wistaston Memorial Hall and Community Centre, Church Lane, Wistaston.

The concert featured Crewe Concert Band conducted by their new Musical Director, Adam Shilton, on his inaugural performance. Crewe Concert Band performed a variety of music including Royal Air Force March Past (Davies & Dayson, Arr: Harold R Gore), Songs of the Great War (a medley of popular songs 1914-1918, Arr: Rob Wiffin), and Nimrod (Edward Elgar, Arr: Alfred Reed). The audience was encouraged to wave their Union flags during Pomp and Circumstance (Edward Elgar). The evening finished with an encore of a medley of music from Queen. The band played in its usual enthusiastic, energetic and professional manner to the appreciative audience.

Welcome refreshments were provided during the interval by Audrey Astbury and her team.

There was also an information stall, staffed by George Edge-Robinson, for advice about the numerous groups and societies that use Wistaston Memorial Hall throughout the year.

A raffle was organised by Glenys White and Meurig Jones and raised £66.

This most memorable occasion was enjoyed by a responsive audience, who were able to participate with the well-known tunes.

Money raised will be shared between the Wistaston Memorial Hall and Crewe Concert Band.

A member of the hall’s management committee commented, “The concert showed what good, live music can do to inspire the players and audience to enjoy and appreciate popular tunes together.”

Crewe Concert Band rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at Wistaston Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Crewe, CW2 8EZ. For further information please visit: http://www.cwecb.co.uk/ or phone: 07933916212

Autumn Colour in Crewe Town Centre

Cheshire East Council takes tough stance on anti-Semitism

Cheshire East Council has taken a robust stance on the blight of anti-Semitism.

The authority’s cabinet today adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Anti-Semitism.

It follows a notice of motion proposing the adoption by Councillor Stewart Gardiner and seconded by Councillor Martin Deakin at a meeting of full council on 18 October.

The motion, adopted in full by cabinet, stated:

“We call upon this council to adopt formally the definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the IHRA in 2016 and to ensure that the equality and diversity policies clearly state that there will be no tolerance of anti-Semitism by its officers or elected members.

“Additionally, we call on the council to declare that it stands four-square behind all Jewish people living in Cheshire East; together with their family members, in these difficult times for their community.

“Furthermore, we request that the director of people be charged with putting in place community cohesion strategies that will help and support any victims of anti-Semitism or other religious intolerances that may manifest themselves within this borough.”

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The despicable attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue last week, in which defenceless members of the Jewish community were gunned down as they prayed, is a shocking reminder of the real threat posed to modern society by anti-Semitism, intolerance and hatred.

“Today, this council is sending out a clear message that anti-Semitism, or discrimination of any kind against any group or individual, is totally unacceptable, has no place in civilised society – and will not be tolerated by our officers and elected members.”

Unfortunately anti-Semitic incidents have reached a record level in the UK with 1,382 recorded nationwide in 2017.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for diversity and equality, said: “Adopting a clear and consistent definition of anti-Semitism supports the council’s equality objectives and equality and diversity strategy, providing our residents and visitors with assurance that hate crime of this nature will not be tolerated.

“There is no place for discrimination or hatred in our borough and we stand four square behind any individual or community that experiences prejudice, hatred and abuse of

any kind.”

The IHRA definition of anti-semitism states:

“Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish institutions and religious facilities.”

‘Everybody’ delivers healthy annual report showing big upturn in leisure use across the borough

The trust that delivers sports facilities for Cheshire East residents has once again returned a healthy annual report showing a big increase in take up of leisure centre use and membership.

Now in its fifth year, Everybody Sport and Recreation has streamlined its service and reduced its overheads, increasing leisure membership and footfall.

Cheshire East Council is to extend the existing contract with Everybody for a further five years, until April 2029, after a year of increased revenue, customer use and improved facilities.  This follows efficiencies worth £7m in its first four years of operation. The trust’s existing contract continues to 2024.

Everybody was set up in 2014 to run the borough’s leisure services and has now expanded its delivery offer to include other public and private sector organisations on a purely commercial basis.

Attendance and leisure use has improved again, with an increase of eight per cent in the number of visits during 2017/18 from 3.1million to 3.3 million. When attendance at the new Holmes Chapel Community Centre is taken into account, the increase is 13 per cent.

Membership of leisure centres rose from 14,872 to 17,938 in the same year.

Independent sports clubs and local groups can access support from Everybody and the trust has given more than 7,000 volunteer hours to independent clubs and schools, while the government-funded ‘Bikeability’ scheme saw 6,020 young people learn safe cycling skills – an increase of 23 per cent.

More than 8,000 customers are involved in the ‘learn to swim’ scheme, which also gives them access to free swim times. But most rewarding for the trust is the number of people – 5,000 – signed up to the new ‘One You’ healthy lifestyle programme, aimed at encouraging the inactive to get active.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health, said: “We are extremely pleased with the performance of Everybody.  The trust continues to improve on its targets, year on year, helping the council to achieve a key core objective – that people should live well and for longer.

“I am particularly pleased to see the take-up in the One You programme. This is about helping people to stay fit and healthy, reducing the risk of ill-health and serious illness later in life.

“The trust, through the Everybody Foundation, a registered grant-making charity, is also delivering very important work in our schools, with a healthy eating programme, moves to tackle childhood obesity, grants to attend international sports trials and purchases of equipment for sports clubs. 

“This is a great success story for the council and the trust but, more importantly, for our residents too. The report demonstrates that people in Cheshire East take their leisure time seriously and want to be fit, healthy and active.  It also shows that the services and facilities on offer through the trust are delivering what our local residents want.”

Although the trust delivers the borough’s leisure services, it is the council which is responsible for repairs and maintenance of buildings. The year 2017/18 saw significant improvements at facilities in Macclesfield, Sandbach, Nantwich, Wilmslow, Poynton and Knutsford, with Congleton and Alsager leisure centres next in line for fresh investment.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council executive director of place, said: “By extending this contract now, it will give the trust the confidence to invest further in the facilities and services being delivered.

“In turn, this will bring future benefits to both the council, in terms of value for money through a reduced cost for the service, and for our residents, who will have access to a high-quality leisure provision across Cheshire East.”

Councillor Andrew Kolker, chairman of the trust, which has a board of independent trustees, said: “Our purpose is to provide leisure for life – across all age groups. We want to help local people to take part in sport and recreation so they can enjoy a long and healthy life.

“I am delighted that we have a remarkable increase in the number and frequency of residents using our centres and services.”   

Read the 2017/18 annual report from Everybody Sport and Recreation

Council’s latest land supply figure a further boost to house building and home seekers in the borough

Cheshire East Council can now demonstrate a housing land supply figure of more than seven years – giving a further boost to the house building sector and home buyers.

It will mean greater opportunity for people wanting to get on the housing ladder, access affordable housing or move into a new home. It should also mean a smoother passage for planning applications and a ‘red line’ for unplanned, uncoordinated schemes in the wrong place.

The figure of 7.2 years supply of housing land places the council comfortably above the five-year threshold, which all councils are expected to demonstrate when contesting undesirable planning applications.

Under national planning policy, planning inspectors can approve controversial applications where a planning authority, such as Cheshire East, cannot prove that it

has a five-year housing land supply – an issue which has led to a number of unpopular housing schemes on green belt or in the green gap in previous years.

Assessments of housing supply normally take place annually and recent changes in national policy, together with a record number of housing completions in Cheshire East, have combined to create a far more favourable position for the council, when demonstrating its development land provision in 2018.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “This assessment means we can properly provide for the market and the affordable homes that local people need, as well as maintaining a sustainable workforce for our thriving economy. This gives us a sufficient margin to ensure we have full control over our planning decisions in future.

“I’m encouraged that many house builders are working positively with us and cracking on with getting new homes built in a prompt and planned manner. We can now focus on ensuring that the remaining sites in our local plan are implemented as soon as possible.”

As of 31 March 2018, the council had a requirement of 12,630 new dwellings over five years. It is now able to deliver 18,250 new homes – the equivalent of a 7.2-year housing land supply.

The annual Crewe and Nantwich Lions Bonfire & Fireworks Display

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The annual Crewe and Nantwich Lions Bonfire & Fireworks Display took place on Monday 5th November 2018 at Queens Park in Crewe.

The park gates were opened at 5pm, the bonfire was lit at 7pm and the fireworks started shortly after 8pm.

The weather was dry and clear and the crowd were treated to a twelve minute display involving over 1,000 fireworks. The fireworks were supplied and choreographed by the multi award-winning Crewe-based firework company Blitz Fireworks. Music played in sync with the fireworks during the display included the Thunderbirds TV theme tune, music from the movie Star Wars, Babylon Zoo’s Spaceman, Elton John’s Rocket Man, with the display reaching a crescendo with music from War of the Worlds – during which several aliens appeared! Blitz Fireworks also setup the fireworks display at the Nantwich Spooktacular at Nantwich Show Ground in late-October.

Local community radio station The Cat 107.9 FM kept visitors entertained throughout the event with a range of upbeat music.

The Friends of Queens Park sold sparklers to raise money for further projects and improvements within the park. 

Refreshments were available in the Park Life Cafe and numerous stalls and there was also a funfair.

The Bonfire and Fireworks Display was enjoyed by thousands of people.

The event was organised by Crewe and Nantwich Lions Club:  https://www.facebook.com/CreweAndNantwichLionsClub . All funds raised are distributed by Crewe and Nantwich Lions Club to the local community and worldwide.

The 41st annual Wistaston Fireworks Display

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 41st annual Wistaston Fireworks Display took place on Saturday 3rd November 2018 at the Eric Swan Sports Ground off Church Lane (behind Wistaston Church Lane Academy) in Wistaston.

It began with a parade - led by bagpiper Reg Flower and drummer Rob Richardson - from the Park Drive/Westfield Drive junction to the Eric Swan Sports Ground. The parade was supported by Dutton Contractors and Pochin Construction.

The judging of the children’s best pumpkin and best fancy dress competitions then took place and were followed by the fireworks display.

The results of the children's best fancy dress competition, judged by Dane Chaplow and RedShift Radio presenter Kelly-Ann Davies, were:

1st prize – Logan Siddall as a ‘Headless man’.

2nd prize – Poppy Tomkinson as a ‘Catherine wheel’.

3rd prize – Esme John as a ‘Zombie bride’.

Fancy dress costumes also included a pirate, cowgirl, unicorn, Honey Monster and a pumpkin.

The results of the children's best pumpkin competition, judged by and Eileen Bamber and Gwyneth Brown, were:

1st prize – Noah John who designed a wolf pumpkin.

2nd prize – Felicity Rolands with her pumpkin in a pram.

3rd prize – Annabel Johnston with her hedgehog design.

It was a double celebration for the John household as twins Esme and Noah, who are pupils at Wistaston Church Lane Academy, won prizes in both competitions.

Locally-based online community radio station RedShift Radio - https://www.redshiftonline.org/ - for the ninth year running generously provided, setup and staffed the PA system before the fireworks and played music during the display.

Professional fireworks display specialist Gekostar Fireworks - http://www.gekostarfireworks.co.uk/ - setup and operated the twelve minute fireworks display.

The 35th South West Cheshire, Wistaston Scout Group served hot and cold drinks and food, Coffee On Wheels served hot and cold drinks, Wistaston Community Council served candyfloss, and Glow’s North West sold children's flashing novelties.

Entry was by donation and several hundred people attended the event.

The event was organised by the Wistaston Community Council and supported by Wistaston Parish Council.

Dane Chaplow, Wistaston Community Council, said, "The whole Wistaston Community Council parade and fireworks display was spectacular – a fantastic evening. I would like to thank everyone from the Community Council and to myriad others who came to help and make it our most successful street parade and fireworks event to date – we could not do it without you. My thanks also to go Wistaston Sports and Leisure for the use of the Brittles Sports ground, Gekostar Fireworks for the fabulous fireworks display, RedShift Radio for providing the sound and commentary and Kelly-Ann Davies, our wicked witch. Finally, to the community of Wistaston who came in their many hundreds to watch.”

The Wistaston Community Council requires new members to help organise next year’s Fireworks Display, as well as other Wistaston-based events such as the Summer Fete, Flower and Produce Show and the Christmas concerts. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk/ or search Wistaston Community Council on Facebook for further information.

'Holly Fair'

Reporter Jonathan White

The annual 'Holly Fair' took place on Saturday 3rd November 2018 at Wells Green Methodist Church on Brookland Avenue in Wistaston.

In the entrance hall there was a Fairtrade goods stall with many food items, a hamper to be raffled, a book stall and Christmas cards for sale.

Santa Claus was kept very busy in his Grotto providing gifts to all the boys and girls with the help of his Elf helper.

The stalls in the church hall included toys, books, costume jewellery, a Christmas stall, cakes, a green & gold stall, crafts and preserves.

The cafe offered a wide variety of refreshments for sale, including soup, quiches, sandwiches, rolls, cakes, trifles and jellies.

Teresa Hoper and Myra Wood co-ordinated the refreshments and Pat Nott organised the publicity and the stalls.

The event raised £1,937.23 including donations, and over £280 was raised for Fairtrade from the sale of their goods.

Pat Nott, Wells Green Methodist Church, said, “Our annual Holly Fair is always held on the first Saturday in November. It's a very popular and traditional fair and people come back each year to find their Christmas bargains, sample our delicious refreshments and enjoy the fellowship. Setting up for the event is a team effort, whether it is arranging the stalls, making cakes and sandwiches, donating items for sale or coming along and enjoying the day. I am very grateful to everyone who helped or supported the event. Hope to see you next year!”

Future events at Wells Green Methodist Church include:

-Sunday 18th November (5pm) – a showing of the movie, ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’. Admission is free.

-Sunday 2nd December (10:30am) – Annual toy and gift service – donate toys and gifts to help ensure others are not without some joy at Christmas.

-Friday 7th December (7pm) – Wistaston Community Christmas concert with Wells Green Church Choir, the Shavington Academy Band and the Church Lane Academy Choir.

-Saturday 8th December (3pm) at Shavington – ‘A time to remember’ service recalling the love of those no longer with us. All welcome to come and place a named tag on a Christmas tree.

-Wednesday 12th December (7:30pm) – choir and young musicians present a concert in aid of Action for Children. Come and support them as they raise money to enable children in difficult circumstances to live a more fulfilling life.

-Sunday 23rd December (6pm) – Carol Service.

-Monday 24th December (4pm) – Nativity and Christingle Service – something for all the family.

-Monday 24th December (11:15pm) – Midnight Communion - at Shavington Methodist Church.

-Tuesday 25th December – Christmas Day family worship – join in to celebrate the birth of Christ. 9:15am at Shavington Methodist Church. 10:30am at Wells Green Methodist Church -

-Sunday 30th December (10:30am) – a united service with other churches in the area at St John’s Willaston Methodist Church followed by lunch and table games.

-Sunday 6th January 2019 (9:15am) – bacon butties followed at 9:30am by a lively Energise service. Annual covenant service at 10:30am.

For further information relating to Wells Green Methodist Church please visit: http://www.ropegreenmethodists.org , https://www.facebook.com/wellsgreenchurchwistaston or contact Rev'd Den Harding via phone 01270 666156 , revdenise@btinternet.com

Wells Green Methodist Church hall is available for hire for meetings, celebrations, displays etc. WiFi is installed. For further information please contact Doreen Jones on 01270 652458.

ZACK WINS GOLD IN NATIONAL GALA

Crewe swimmer Zack Beeston won a gold medal at the Halliwick National championship at Sevenoaks, Kent, recently as part of the North West team who competed against swimmers from all over the UK.

Zack was one of ten swimmers from Seahorse Swimming Club, with many making their debut at national level. Three members of the team came away with medals and Seahorse chairman, Rob Dutton, was more than pleased with the Crewe swimmers.

He said: “The overall winners from Wales set very high standards, but it was pleasing that Zack Beeston gave a fantastic performance to win a gold medal in the Boys 25m race. Tracy Jones was impressive in the Ladies 100m race to win a silver medal, while Ethan Carroll was pleased with his performance to win a bronze medal in the Boys 100m race.

All Seahorse swimmers, who made up the North West team, also deserve to be congratulated as they gave an excellent account of themselves. They competed with lots of effort and enjoyed the experience."

The other Seahorse representatives were: Dan Adcock, Carson Bruce, Shea Dutton, Charlotte Hassall, Annabelle Marriott, Amelia Pirzadeh and Sean Savage.

Seahorse, who are based at the Lifestyle Centre, are affiliated to the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy. The club encourages people with disabilities to gain confidence in the water, learn to swim and develop their skills.