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Poetry keeps the memory of Wythenshawe soldier Pte Lee Ellis alive

The sister of Wythenshawe soldier Lee Ellis who was killed in Iraq has told how her poetry and campaigning work to improve conditions for soldiers has kept her brother’s memory alive.

Karla Ellis is a founder member of the Bereaved Siblings Support Group, part of the armed forces support charity SSAFA and contributed part of her poetry to an exhibition at the charity’s London HQ at the weekend.

Private Ellis died aged 23 in Iraq in February 2006 after a  bomb exploded underneath his Army vehicle.

As well as performing and campaigning for change around the country she inspired a documentary by Minnow Films – The Legacy Of Iraq, raising awareness of the plight of families after the death of a loved one in conflict. Continue reading “Poetry keeps the memory of Wythenshawe soldier Pte Lee Ellis alive” →

Fire-hit Northenden school opens its doors to all pupils

Northenden Community School was set to reopen on Monday (Nov 10) to all its pupils just over a week after part of its roof was destroyed in a fire.

The school’s hall was damaged by a blaze which started at 9pm on the evening of Halloween. Classrooms were unaffected, but the school was closed while surveyors assessed the damage and for work to begin on the roof. Continue reading “Fire-hit Northenden school opens its doors to all pupils” →

First youngsters set to return to fire-hit Northenden Community School

Nursery and reception children will be allowed to return tomorrow (November 6) to Northenden Community School which was damaged by fire last weekend.

And it is hoped the school, on Bazley Road, Northenden, will be ready to open again to all its pupils on Monday. Until then, parents are asked to continue with their childcare arrangements.

Parents of nursery pupils returning tomorrow are asked to provide a packed lunch for their children (including all children entitled to a free meal at this stage) because kitchen facilities are still out of action.

Parents should access the grounds via the side gate and proceed to Early Years as normal on Thursday and are advised to take extra care while on site.  Additional supervision will be in place for the route.

The school’s efforts are focussed on getting everyone else back to school on Monday of next week, including the school being able to offer school meals in temporary accommodation.

Head teacher Ian Beard praised the support of parents, He said on the school’s website: “Once again, thank you for your support and understanding.  We are so grateful for the many lovely comments we have received (including an email from an ex-pupil now living in Australia and a donation from a child’s grandparents) and for your patience.”

Armed robbers strike at Tesco store in Baguley Wythenshawe

Customers at Tesco in Baguley were subjected to a terrifying ordeal when armed robbers struck.

Witnesses said men dressed in balaclavas stormed the store on Altrincham Road, Wythenshawe at 11am today (Nov 4).

One witness said the men demanded cash from the safe and from the foreign currency booth.

The men then sped away in a waiting car.

No-one was seriously hurt in the incident,  although one woman  is believed to have been taken to hospital as a precaution.

The store was closed this afternoon and cordoned off by police as they carried out their investigations.

Halloween fire at Northenden primary school was not deliberate say police

Police investigating the cause of the Halloween fire at Northenden Community School have  reassured residents it is not suspicious. 

The fire, which started at about 9pm on Friday October 31 destroyed the roof of Northenden Community School on Bazeley Road.

Officers attended and firefighters from Wythenshawe quickly brought the blaze under control. Head teacher Ian Beard has said the school will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. He hopes it will reopen later in the week but has advised parents to make childcare arrangements for the whole week just in case.

There will be further updates on the school’s website. Continue reading “Halloween fire at Northenden primary school was not deliberate say police” →