Harry Cohen
BIRCHWOOD IN 2003
The fact that winter is setting in and Christmas is on the horizon is always brought home to me when my family and I attend the annual ‘bonfire night’ celebrations at Risley Moss. This year was no exception. From the survey I conducted earlier in the year I know that many of you agree with me that the general sale of fireworks is something that should be severely restricted, if not banned, but that controlled displays such as the one in Birchwood should continue. The firework display was truly spectacular and the large crowd that turned out to see the spectacle emphasized the popularity of this annual event. I for one hope that the health and safety issues can be resolved and the traditional bonfire can be part of the 2004 event. Well done to all those who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.
It has been a good year for Birchwood and I particularly enjoyed the annual ‘Birchwood in Bloom’ presentation evening which I very much look forward to each year. It was a pleasure to congratulate all those whose blooms brightened Birchwood up so much in the summer months.
This is the time of year when many of us look back over the year as well as to the New Year ahead. Birchwood, in 2003, has continued as a ‘boomtown’ and has maintained its economic strength. Much work has to be done to maintain this position and I am pleased to learn that our businesses and community organization are to meet to discuss a mini strategic partnership to look at ways of doing just this. The Birchwood Forum and the Community Neighborhood Network are meeting to examine many issues including jobs and training opportunities and environmental projects. This initiative is most commendable and I wish it well. Prospects for those living and working in Birchwood remain good for the coming year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to praise the work that Cllr Pauline Nelson has done so far in her office as Mayor of Warrington. Birchwood’s first Borough Mayor is doing the town proud.
In conclusion I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
