Posted by Neil on Thursday, 13 June 2013 at 09:17:46
Filed under: Announcements, Awards, Charity
Royal Recognition
A Probation Officer from Lymm has won royal recognition for his work to support veterans.
Alan Lilly, aged 55, received a commendation from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace for helping to ensure veterans are given necessary support after being arrested.
The Lymm resident, who was watched by 16-year-old son Thomas at the ceremony, said: “It was an amazing experience.
“We were made to feel special from the start. When I went up to the stage I was very conscious to not trip up.”
The former soldier of 16 years suggested a system that means anyone arrested is asked if they, or immediate family, have served in the Armed Forces.
If their time in service has contributed towards committing crimes, they are given advice on where to get help, or referred to other services such as the NHS or housing agencies. That system is now used across the country.
The father-of-two said deciding if support is needed as veterans can be a wide range of ages with different issues that need addressing.
“The term veterans is misleading,” said Alan. “We aren't just talking about the old man walking past the Cenotaph - research shows that 75 per cent of veterans are aged 26 or under. Anyone who has served for one day is a veteran. For some to go from military culture to civilian culture is very challenging. That can mean ending up in the criminal justice system. Some do not have family, or a home, or have a lot of debt. There are also issues around anger management and alcohol misuse.”
After leaving the army in 1992, Alan found finding work in Warrington difficult as "there wasn’t much around for a tank commander".
He worked as a prison officer at Thorn Cross YOI, before moving to Cheshire Probation Trust.
Alan has now joined Live At Ease, a charity commissioned by the NHS to provide support to veterans on housing, employment, debt, relationships and welfare.
He added: “It was lovely to get recognition but this is about the process continuing to make sure this group of individuals who are often quite vulnerable are recognised and given support.”
If you are a veteran, or know someone who needs help, call Live At Ease on 0808 1231123 or visit liveat-ease.org.uk.
Story courtesy of the Warrington Guardian.
Tags: Probation Officer, Lymm, royal, veterans
Posted by Neil on Monday, 03 June 2013 at 13:39:04
Filed under: Announcements, Sports, Lymm Festival
Don't miss the Races!
Well, summer has finally arrived - more or less - and its now just four weeks to go the Lymm Festival 5km and 10km Trail Races on Sunday 30th June. Don't miss out - sign up now here, and get your friends and family to take part too, or come along and watch!
The events are on Sunday 30th June 2013 at Lymm High School playing fields, and the course is all off road on grass tracks and paths around Helsdale and Spud Woods. The fun starts at 10.30am with the childrens’ fun run over a distance of about 2km. It’s open to children up to 10 years old. Then the 5km run is at 11am and is open to adults and children aged 11 or over. The 10km run is at 12 noon and is open to adults (16 and over).
There are prizes for first male/female finishers in the 5km and 10km runs, and a great goody bag for all entrants. Finishing times for all entrants will be posted on Lymm Runners’ website along with loads of pictures taken by our photographers for you to download. The PTA will be there, providing refreshments for runner and spectators alike and it promises to be a great day, so do come along!
Entry for the 5km run is £8.00 for adults (age 16+) and £6 for children (aged 11-15).
Entry for the 10km run is £10 for adults (age 16+). There is a £2 supplement for non-members of UK Athletics affiliated running clubs. You can find more details on the Lymm Runners website here including a route map. Enter on-line here for the 5km and 10km runs but don't delay - places are limited to 300 people so register early! Entry for the childrens’ fun run is £2.00 and is done on the day – no advance booking required. All proceeds from the childrens' fun run will be going to the Woodland Trust - the wonderful charity which looks after Spud Wood.
More information available here.
Kieran and Lee
Lymm Festival Race Directors
Tags: trail races, lymm festival, running
Posted by Neil on Thursday, 30 May 2013 at 09:27:56
Filed under: Announcements, Lymm, General
Half a Million
There was an extra special birthday surprise for a great granddad from the town after scooping £500,000 weeks before his 80th.
Denis Wheat, from Lymm, won the top Thunderball prize and now plans to buy a new car as well as treats for wife Barbara, aged 76 and their three children, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
The couple, who previously worked on Warburton Toll Bridge in Lymm and a fish and chip shop and have been married for 57 years, said they always keep the same numbers including birth dates of family members.
Article courtesy of the Warrington Guardian.
Tags: lottery, granddad