NORTHWICH’S carnival queen for 2010 has been chosen.

Hartford teenager Chloe Gibson will take this year’s lead role after being part of the carnival retinue since she was six years old.

The 15-year-old Hartford High School pupil was determined to win the crown this year.

Her mum Rebecca said: “She was made up – it’s always been her dream to be queen.

“She missed it by one point last year and this was her last chance, so she went all guns out for it.”

Read more at The Northwich Guardian.

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Brunner Mond has announced plans to build a sustainable energy plant on the site of a disused power station at Lostock near Northwich.

A joint venture with energy group E.ON, it will be powered by a non-hazardous, solid fuel made from pre-treated waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

The plant, which will also use some biomass material, is part of the soda ash producer's efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels such as gas.

John Kerrigan, managing director, said: “We hope to do this by building a highly efficient energy plant that will produce around a third of our business's heat energy from a renewable and sustainable fuel.

"The development of this proposed facility demonstrates Brunner Mond's commitment to maintaining the longer term competitiveness of our business and our ability to continue to contribute to the local economy.

Brunnder Mond, which is owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, said the plant will use approximately 600,000 tonnes of fuel per year to produce up to 60MW of electricity and around 100 tonnes per hour of steam. This is equivalent to the energy needs of 45,000 homes.

Read more at Crain's Manchester Business.

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NORTHWICH has been kicked in the teeth yet again as health bosses revealed they cannot afford a new super surgery or beds unit at the infirmary.

Residents expected to be consulted early this year on plans to develop the Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN) to include three town-centre GP surgeries and a new inpatient unit.

But the recession was blamed by representatives of Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), which is leading the project, at a public meeting on Thursday, Geoff Wood, of the PCT, said the project to merge Witton Street, Danebridge and Middlewich Road surgeries under one roof with the infirmary, had been the favoured option throughout 2009 until the economic downturn.

“Costs became a big issue from mid-2009 onwards,” he said.

“We are in a serious financial situation. The cost of the development to move the facilities to one site probably makes this a non-option from now on, it probably throws it out of the window.”

Read more at The Northwich Guardian.

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World Champions Jim Redman and Sammy Miller Lead All Star Classic Entry at the Thundersprint

Motorcycling icon Jim Redman leads a fantastic classic entry at this year’s Thundersprint which will be held over the weekend of May 8/9 in Northwich, Cheshire.

As six times World Champion Jim has seen a lot of motorcycle racing and is a huge Thundersprint fan. The super fit septuagenarian looks on the Thundersprint as very much his “own” meeting - having competed in the last 12 events.

Jim says: “I have ridden in every Thundersprint except the very first one and I think it would be illegal to organise a Thundersprint without me there.

“What makes the Thundersprint special for me is that it is simultaneously one of the most laid back events in the classic racing calendar - and also one of the most intense.

“When I roll up to the start, and see the thousands of cheering spectators, it’s just like a 1960s’ GP - and yet the whole weekend is completely relaxed with everything open to the general public.

“I enjoy every event that I attend but I must admit that the Thundersprint is my favourite.”

Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, is delighted to welcome Jim back for the 12th. time. Frank said: “Jim is a true professional and a real gentleman. Despite being a motorcycling superstar he remains modest, kind and courteous. Nothing is ever too much trouble for fans and this is why he is so popular with everyone from Grannies to teenagers.

Backing Jim up will be an all star entry headed by European Champion Sammy Miller. Sam will be showcasing his replica of the fabulous Honda RC181 as ridden by Mike Hailwood. This bike is a wonderful tribute to the machine on which Mike Hailwood battled Giacomo Agostini during the 1967 season. Thundersprint fans will be able to step back in time to the Golden Age of Grands Prix racing and see the Honda scream past just a few feet away. Truly, an unforgettable experience.

Sammy said: “I came to the Thundersprint last year and had an excellent day at what really is a unique event. Hammering down the start straight with the front end in the air, and the scream of the Honda engine bouncing off the spectator banking, was one of the highlights of my year. I was still learning the detail of riding the Honda last year so this year I will be having an even bigger go!”

And with a massive entry of 120 riders ranging from Dennis Price and his 1929 Velocette KNN to Jerry Ashton’s classic 350 MV Agusta and on to Barry Steels’ 750 Honda RC30 in the Post Classic class, there will definitely be something to excite anyone with a passion for motorcycle racing.

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