Archive News
Welcome to the archive news section of our website. Here you will find news stories that have initially been on the home page, but then they are moved here so you can still read them at a later date. If you can`t find what you are looking for email info@helsbysports.com for assistance.
SHELL FOUR VILLAGES HALF MARATHON (JAN 2010)
The world famous Shell Four Villages Half Marathon took place on Sunday at the club. The weather was kind and a great day was had by all. Check out the results and see pictures at http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/#
Helsby Day Fun
Saturday 11th of July saw around 2000 people enjoy the Helsby Village Fun Day, jointly organised by the club and the HVAG. The fun day proved to be an excellent success, opened by the Lord Mayor of Chester, John Ebo and Chair of Helsby Parish Council, Alan Gardener. A massive thanks to all of the people who turned out to enjoy the event and also to all of those who took part. Once again many local businesses kindly donated prizes, including the local tesco Store in Helsby who donated £300 to spend in store. Here`s to next year, even bigger and better!
Helsby Tennis Club
New contact details 07754 484220
New Steward at the Club
The club would like to offer a warm welcome to Allen Brady-Williams who has joined as the new Steward, replacing Sandra and John Clements. The husband and wife team retired in the spring of 2008, but kindly returned in the summer until a permanent appointment was made. A massive thanks to Sandra and John from all at the club for all of their hard work and dedication over the many years they have been involved. “We hope you enjoy your well deserved retirement.”
 Allen, who has lived in the village for 17 years, joins with many years experience in the pub trade both as a licensee and as a brewery trouble shooter. Married to Siobhan, his youngest children attend Hillside Primary School, Alan is looking forward to the challenges this new job will present. He has many ideas that he is keen to try out and wants to see more events taking place, including introducing a karaoke night, quizzes and setting up a golf society,
Exciting Redevelopment News - Consultations
 The club recently held two Pre Planning Community Consultations. The December event saw 97% of the people who attended in favour of the proposed redevelopment. The January consultation saw 100% vote in favour. The club and Brookhouse shared the plans for the new sports centre and facilities. The plans propose the club moving to the land adjacent the club`s rugby pitches resulting in all the facilities being housed in one area. The new facilities will include an indoor sportshall, fitness suite, community cafe, creche, meeting rooms, large function room and a Parish Clerk`s office. The Club are extremely proud of the plans and want as many people as possible to see them. Pic (left to right), George Randles, Gary Bubb, Rob Griffin, Michelle Pickstock, Mike Hall MP, Terry O`Neill
New Website for Rugby
The new Rugby section website has now gone live - check out the link www.helsbyrugby.com The website will be updated regularly, contain team news and events and lots more.
Another fabulous Gala Night
Saturday 4th October saw another fantastic gala night dinner at the club`s annual fundraising marquee event. The crowds were treated to two fantastic singers Lissa Oldham and Pete Valentine, and comedian, Johnny Wager, who at two hours notice stool in for Zack Stevens, who found himself in hospital. As well as raising money for the development fund, the evening helped to raise the profile of the club and provide everyone with a great night out. A special thanks to all who helped, from the flower ladies, bar staff, Les and Tony, the snooker Juniors who were our drinks waiters for the evening, the artistes, and everyone who attended. A date will shortly be announced for next year`s event. If you have any pictures from the night and want them uploading here or to the club`s facebook pages send them to michelle.pickstock@helsbysports.com. Loads more photos are available at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7253491158&ref=share and pictures will also be in this week`s Chester Chronicle.
BUY A BR ICK UPDATE
Our recently launched BUY A BRICK appeal has now reached over 5100 bricks - this is a great start to the campaign. If you want to BUY A BRICK to support the building of a new clubhouse with indoor sports facilities give Michelle a call on 07856 177571 or email michelle.pickstock@helsbysports.com
Helsby Day Success
 The first `Helsby Day` event jointly organised by the club and the Helsby Village Action Group was a great success with almost 2000 people visiting during the course of the day on July 12th. Despite rain being forcast the sun came out mid morning and remained all day much to the relief of the event organisers. `There really was something for everyone,` commented one local resident, `It was lovely to see the whole community young and old out together enjoying the day.`  The rounders tournament sponsored by Frodsham based solictors Rowlinsons was an overwhelming success, with many people who tried to register on the day being turned away. Helsby Tennis Club went on to lift the Rowlinsons Rounders Cup after a thrilling final against the sponsors team, Rowlinsons.
Crowds were treated to the delights of the Helsby High School Folk Band and Maypole Dancing from Save the Family. Helsby Puppy School hosted a successful dog show, while the children`s rides and inflatables provided by Sharlands Amusements were enjoyed by many, as was the face painting from Making Faces. Crowds of all ages enjoyed the minature steam train rides offered by Warrington and District Engineering Society. Helsby U7/U8s hosted a display tag game to visitors from Ellesemere Port, Helsby FC offered free coaching sessions while Helsby Running Club organised a fun race. Helsby Bowls hosted a target bowls sessions during the day and a successful hit the jack competion. Helsby tennis club proudly showed off their floodlit courts, organising a fastest se rve competition and providing taster sessions. There were many other attractions including pancakes, cakes and a prize tombola from Helsby and Elton Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, craft, plant and book sales, stalls from the Women`s Institute, Cheshire Footpaths Society, Vale Royal Leisure Services and many more. The Helsby Community Sports Club stand was busy all day, as the club chose `Helsby Day` as the day to share their innovative and exciting new plans with the public (more news on this soon). Club Development Officer, Michelle Pickstock said, `As well as raising some much needed funds the club the event has succeeded in raising the profile of the Helsby Community Sports Club and the Helby Village Action Group. Already people are talking about next year!`
Sport Relief - A massive thanks to all who took part and helped
The club would like to thank everyone who took part in the Sport Relief event at Helsby Community Sports Club on Sun day. Over 400 runners took part in either the one, three or six mile events to raise money for the worthy causes of Sport Relief, a Comic Relief initiative. It was a great day out with a mass warm up, barbeque, bouncy castle, pre run massages and face painting all adding to the fun. (Photos, left, Terry O`Neill and Stuart Hulse man the barby, right, three legged runners returning home) A massive thanks to all of the volunteers who helped and made the event such a success. In particular the organisers would like to thanks Helsby running club, volunteers from the Parish Council and Helsby Village Action Group and the 10 Bridge Clinic for making the event such a success.
`It was great to see so many people turning up in fancy dress costumes`, Club Development Officer, Michelle Pickstock, said,  `It`s the first time we have ever participated in an event for Sport Relief but it certainly won`t be the  last. We`ll be back in 2010 with a bigger and better event.`
Photos, left, Natasha Tudor with Richie Partridge and right Joe Wainwright - Joe was the first male runner home and Natsha the first female runner in the mile event. Liam Renton was the first three miler male home, but as yet we don`t have details from the other events, if you can help please contact us. A selection of photographs are featured below, but if you have any photos you want to share send them to mich_pickstock@yahoo.co.uk Nationally, Sunday saw over 130,000 people take part in successful Mile events and so far an amazing total of £20.7 Million has been raised by Sport Relief supporters....the money and the miler numbers are still coming in so these figures will keep on increasing.
Message from sport Relief - Just remember to pay in the money you`ve raised as soon as you can so we can start spending it to change lives! Until next time...thank you, thank you, thank you! 
Photos, left, Chester Romans American Footballers pictured before the race with others in fancy dress, right, Chester Goddesses Cheerleaders host the warm up session with Terry Samuels of the 10 Bridge Clinic
Photos, left, Helsby Junior Rugby Club join in the pre run warm up, left, St Chad`s RC High School len d their support to Sport Relief, and below Anne Bonner who won a signed Michael Owen shirt, kindly donated by the 10 Bridge Clinic, in the prize raffle.
Minister Visits Club
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sports, Jermey Hunt, visited the club on Tuesday 25th Match. He met with members of the Development Team and the Executive Committee. Development Manager, Michelle Pickstock, made a well received short presentation to Jeremy and his collegaues, which outlined our ambitious plans to redevelop the site and build a new clubhouse and indoor sports facilities. A copy of the club`s promotional DVD, which features Michael Owen`s endorsement for the project, was given to Jeremy, who has promised to endorse the project himself.
Community Consultations - The Future of Sport, leisure and recreation in Helsby and surrounding villages.
A massive thanks to everyone who attended one of the recent Community Consultation  meetings at the club. The purpose of the sessions was two fold. Firstly to discuss the club`s redevelopment plans as we aim to become a centre of sporting and recreational excellence is the local area. Secondly to discuss the possibility of the Parish Council supporting the project with a £200,000 grant, which will be financed by a low interest 20 year loan and repaid via the parish precept (at an annual cost of aproximately £8 per household). The feedback was extremely positive on the whole, with the vast majority of people supporting the initiative. More details about the cost implications will now be considered by the Parish Council`s Finance Committee.
How the village voted
| To date 345 votes have been received. |
| Total eligible votes (Helsby residents) 265 |
| Total non eligible votes (non Helsby residents) 80 (not counted in vote but very welcome and will be used to register support for the club). |
1. Would you like to see this proposed development in your village?
| Yes - 259 |
| No- 3 |
| Don`t know / Maybe - 3 |
2. Would you support the Parish Council if they were to provide a grant of £200k towards this project, recouping the costs through the precept?
| Yes - 249 |
| No - 13 |
| Don`t know / Maybe - 3 |
HELSBY COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB ENLIST THE HELP OF MICHAEL OWEN AND THE 10 BRIDGE CLINIC
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MICHAEL OWEN DVD!!!
In our quest to secure funding for a new multi sport and leisure facility, Helsby Community Sports Club, have successfully enlisted the help of 10 Bridge Clinic. 10 Bridge Clinic is a local sports injury and fitness centre at Bridge Trafford, near Chester, in which Michael Owen has a business interest along with ex Liverpool Physio Mark Browes and ex reds player, Richie Partridge..  10 Bridge have agreed to support the project which now features Michael Owen, on the DVD produced by the club. 10 Bridge`s involvement will help the club to promote this exciting proposal and secure the necessary funding for the venture. On the DVD  Michael outlines how Sport played a big part in his childhood and talks about how he firmly believes that fitness and exercise is a key to solving obesity in the young and provides a key role in getting children off the streets and involved in the community. This is a major coup for the us and may well be the final piece in the jigsaw that enables the project to progress. The exciting redevelopment of the site and clubhouse will serve as a fantastic opportunity to address the concerns about; lack of leisure and sporting facilities in the West of Vale Royal, and as a result will help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. At a time when there is great national concern about both and adult and childhood obesity it will assist in providing greater opportunities and access to improve health and well being. The new Eco friendly clubhouse design (Photo shows artist impression) will include, a sports hall suitable for a wide range of activities including Badminton and 5-a-side football. Re-development of the outdoor facilities will include additional sports grounds and an outdoor Multi Utility Games Area (MUGA). A separate project to renew the club`s tennis courts and install flood lights has already successfully completed. With sustainability and climate change being high on the national agenda, an eco friendly club house goes a long way to address any environmental concerns. As Mark Browes suggests on the DVD, a centre of sporting excellence of this nature in Helsby could be the template for similar projects right across the Country. Cllr. Alan McKie supports this view 100% as a positive move to bring neighbourhoods together in an attempt to reduce the anti social behavioural problems that blight the Country. Club representatives, made a presentation to Vale Royal Borough Council in an attempt to secure £165,000 funding from the Rural Delivery Programme (RDP). At this presentation members of the RDP Steering Group had the opportunity to view the DVD, which was extremely well received. The Rural Delivery Committee have been quick to respond with some follow up questions allowing them to pass the application to the next Executive meeting in November. The DVD will be available to view exclusively on this website from Monday 22nd October before being sent to potential funders over the coming weeks. To view Michael`s support for Helsby Community Sports Club and learn more about our objectives for the communities of Helsby, Frodsham, Kingsley, Alvanley, Manley and the surrounding areas, check out the club`s new website at www.helsbysports.com. It`s your village...your club and we want your opinions so have your say!
Borough Nominates Freda
Helsby Tennis Club`s very own Freda Parry is the Vale Royal Borough nominee, at the Cheshire and Warrington Sports Partnership 2007 awards. The awards evening will be held on Friday 19th October at Cranage Hall, Holmes Chapel. Freda has been nominated in the category of ‘Special Recognition’ for ‘outstanding contribution` and following this notable achievement will now be competing against nominees from across Cheshire.
Freda was nominated by the club with the nomination was being endorsed by the Cheshire Lawn Tennis Association. Michelle Pickstock, of the Development Team said, “The club are highly delighted that Freda has been nominated to represent Vale Royal. Freda has dedicated most of her life to tennis in the local community and it is a notable achievement for both Freda and the club.”
Tennis Club president, Freda, was nominated because of the unrelenting commitment and dedication she has demonstrated working within grass roots tennis for almost thirty years.
One of her greatest achievements came in June of this year when she cut the ribbon to open the new floodlit tennis courts at the club, having led the campaign to keep the tennis club in existence and secure funding for many years for the new courts.
 No Nonsense at the Helsby Bowls Open, sponsored by John Smiths
Local bowler, John W Evans was narrowly defeated 21-20 by Damian Morrison of Warrington, in the final of the Helsby Open on Sunday 2nd September. Check out the bowls page for more info and results.
RAIN - Fight the Incinerator at Ince Marshes
Fight the planned incinerator on your village`s doorstep...... Make your voice count. Click here then Print off and sign the letter and send to Ms Hazel Honeysett, Cheshire County Council, Waste and Planning Service, Backford Hall, Backford, Chester, CH1 6PZ. Letters must be received by the County Council by 12th October. Anybody over 18 can print and send a copy of this letter.
Introduction to Snooker- Starts 29th September
The club are delighted to annouce that from Saturday 29th September, we will be offering Saturday morning snooker for anyone aged 12 and above (or slightly younger if you can reach the tables safely and comfortably). There is no need to book in advance but call Pete with any queries on 01928 722752.  It is hoped that as early as next season we will be able to get a team into the Frodsham and District League, but friendlies against other local clubs will commence as soon as a team is together. Helsby Community Sports Club already have several adult Snooker teams and will also be looking to bring players through for these teams too.
Calling boys and girls for Junior Registration Day - Sunday 2nd Sept 11am - 2pm
 Junior registration day will take place in the club lounge on Sunday 2nd September. This is for all new and exisiting players. For those who have no t played before the club will need two passport photos for registration cards. It is a drop in session taking aprox 10 minutes. Coaches and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions from both parents and children.
Training will then take place each Sunday in Sept until the competative season starts in October. All welcome.
Summer Holiday Activities
This summer Helsby Community Sports Club is offering the following activities for children:-
a Bobby Charlton Soccer and Sports Academy (6-8th Aug), Tennis Camp (6-8th Aug) and the Vale Royal Play Scheme (20-24th Aug). Check out our Events section on the web for details on how to sign up.
In future years we`d like to be able to offer a lot more choice and over a longer period of time. Any local organisations who feel that they can offer holiday activities at the club are urged to contact info@helsbysports.com or to ring Michelle on 07856 177571
 Open Day Success - 2007Despite the intermittent showers on Sunday 8th July, over 1000 people enjoyed the Helsby Community Sports Club Open and Family Fun Day. The purpose of the day was to showcase the club`s sporting facilities, and to raise funds for the redevelopment of the clubhouse project. The event began with the civic opening of the new tennis courts. Weaver Vale MP, Mike Hall, opened the courts and cut the ribbon with Tennis Club President, Freda Parry. 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 would like to thank all of the local businesses who helped support the event by advertising in our event programme and donating raffle prizes. Pictured (right) is Gabriella Burke who won a signed Michael Owen England shirt, kindly donated by 10 Bridge Clinic.
More photographs can be found in the photo gallery at http://www.helsbysports.com/page.php?ref=26
Open Day Success
Our Open day was a fantastic success with around 1000 people coming through the gates during the course of the day. See our home page for details. Pictured are a selection of photographs taken from the day-
(Above) - Mike Hall officially opens the tennis courts
(Right) On your marks - Under starters orders in one of the heats in the Family Fun Relay Race.
What`s all that Racquet?
Helsby Tennis Club`s brand new, all weather, floodlit courts reopened with a member`s open day on Sunday 3rd June. The £150,000 transformation of the courts was made possible by a grant and loan from the Lawn Tennis Association and a  grant from Helsby Parish council. After toasting the opening of the new courts with Champagne and strawberries, members had the opportunity to meet with Gary Ward. Gary, an ex Wimbledon Junior, has recently been appointed as the head Tennis Coach for the Chester Road Club. Regular Tuesday night club nights have resumed, and coaching is available for all age groups. Contact John Burke with any membership enquiries on 07970 267550 or Gary Ward (pictured left) with any coaching enquiries on 07836 273271
Race Night Success
A fantastic race evening was held at the club on Friday 27th April, to raise funds for the redevelopment fund. Helsby Community Sports Club would like to say a sincere thanks to all who attended, and helped to raise £850.
A mention must go to our race night sponsors who each sponsored a race, they were Fearns Pharmacy, Perfect Floors, Helsby Dental Surgery, Kemira GrowHow, Read Law, Watts & Smith, Utility Warehouse and Ian Tickle Estate Agency.
Raffle prizes were kindly donated by Helsby Golf Club, Ironing Maidens, Helsby Fastfood, District Garage, Champagne Express, Marjorie`s Hairdressers, Smart Barbers, Amore Restaurant and Cheshire Police. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the night a great success.
Six Year Wait for Silverware
 Helsby FC ended a six year wait for silverware in April, by winning the Runcorn District FA Challenge Cup, beating fellow West Cheshire Division 2 side Halton FC 3-0 at Pavilions.
Helsby came into the game in good form, having lost just one of their previous eight league games. Playing downhill in the first half, Helsby started sharply and nearly went ahead with their first attack, but Nick Askey`s shot was well saved by the Halton keeper.
Helsby`s bright opening was rewarded after five minutes, man of the match Gaz Gerrard rising majestically to head home Richard Keen`s right wing corner. Right on half time, a sweeping Helsby move down the right saw Askey exchange a one-two with Cottiga, and although his first effort was blocked, he followed up emphatically to give Helsby a two-goal interval lead.
Ten minutes into the second half, Helsby struck a decisive third, Askey`s snapshot finding the bottom corner for his second of the match. Skipper Carl Meharry raised the trophy amidst jubilant scenes at the end, with the celebrations continuing long into the night back at the clubhouse.
Helsby F.C go from strength to strength
It was a successful campaign all round for the club. Helsby FC Reserves reached the final of the Tom Gerraghty Memorial Trophy in the Chester & District League, while both existing junior teams made strong debuts in the Eastham & District Junior League.
The Under 13`s won their division and also contested a cup final, while the Under 15`s finished runners-up in what is a very competitive age group.
The football club is going from strength to strength, and will operate Under 7`s and Under 9`s sides in the Chester Junior League next season. They are keen to recruit players for both these two age groups; if you are interested contact Paul Nicholls on 01928 725077.
Torrential Tag Taster
On Sunday 22nd April, Helsby RUFC held a Children`s `Tag Taster Day`. Despite the torrential down pours on the day, almost 100 children joined kids from the club. It was a fantastic event and a great introduction to non contact rugby in a fun, friendly, safe environment with qualified coaches on hand.
The club`s appreciation goes to the staff of Helsby Hillside, Hornsmill and Alvanley Schools for arranging te ams, local primary schools for supporting the event and parents for bringing their children along. Mark Horridge, Junior Rugby secretary at the club, said, `All the volunteers at the club really enjoyed hosting the event, we find it is the best way of recruiting new players and it helps to strengthen our links in the community`.
Anybody who is interested in finding out more can phone Mark on 07875436767. The club`s playing season has now ended, but the new season will start again in August with training sessions and a similar tournament. If you can`t wait that long, however, pop down and meet Mark and some of the juniors at the club`s open day on Sunday 8th July.
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