Group News

Formby CC, with Support from WGS, are Champions

Witherslack Group of Schools sponsored Formby Cricket Club have secured their place in next years ECB Premier League

Steve Dutton admitted to a sense of pride in leading Formby into the ECB Premier League. A thrilling two run win at Highfield clinched their place and the skipper, enjoying a superb first season at the helm, wants to go up as champions.

"Everyone was delighted,' said Dutton. "We had a great win at Highfield and the team has shown a lot of spirit. We have been without Stephen O'Keefe, who was different class, but people have put their hands up to be counted. The win means we can enjoy the last couple of games because we only need three points."

"Everyone has worked very hard behind the scenes like Charles Mills (new Cricket Chairman), who has been very supportive. People look up to him and it has greatly helped to have him there with it being my first season as captain.

"Last season we hit rock bottom and the club needed a bit of a shake up. Charles and I took over and we got good vibes from the players.

"We touched lucky with Stephen, who was a gem and I am sure will make the Australian Test Team. Hopefully next season we can get another good Aussie over. Four defeats in the season says a lot about where we have come from last season when we finished bottom of the table. It's been good to be part of it.

"The champagne was put on ice because of Newton le Willows' win. But if we get those extra points we will let our hair down and enjoy it. It's been fantastic for the club who, I am told, have never won anything in their history since its foundation in 1865. To win the league would be unbelievable

"I'm very proud to take the boys into the ECB Premier League."

Dutton, who has had spells with Sefton Park, Liverpool and later Northern, before joining Formby, saluted one of his prolific batting stars.

"Dave Hadden has been magnificent all season and we hope he gets his 1000 runs." With two matches remaining, the opener currently has 984 (av 51.78).

Formby face a Sefton Park side tomorrow desperate for a win after defeat to nearest rivals Newton le Willows last week left them eight points adrift in the race for the second promotion spot.

Both Steve and Mr. Mills paid tribute to Formby’s main sponsor ‘The Witherslack Group of Schools’ and its owner Mr. Jim Bowers.

 ‘Jim has constantly supported Formby’s commitment to the development of schools cricket on Merseyside and particularly for those children with special needs. We have a major special needs cricket tournament each year and it is a delight to see the enjoyment gained by the children through their coaching by 1^st class and international cricketers’ said Mr. Mills. ‘

‘Moving into an ECB Premier League will give cricket for children with special needs an even higher profile and Jim’s support has been fantastic.’

 

September 8^th 2007 - Liverpool Daily Post and Echo

 

WGS/JBE Exhibit at the Scottish Learning Festival

The Scottish Learning Festival is about teaching and learning and offers a number of opportunities to enhance the education profession by providing:

• inspiration and new ideas

• an opportunity to network with peers

• a range of options to enhance the learning and teaching experience for all.       

WGS and JBE Training and Development were represented at the event by Directors Mike Barrow and Geoff Brady who were accompanied by Christina Bryant - Pupil Liaison Officer from Witherslack Hall School. 

The Festival provided the perfect opportunity to display slideshows of the fantastic photographs taken throughout all the schools and Witherslack Care over the Summer Term. 

Additionally, a 'fly-through' video of JBE Training and Development's innovative Virtual Training Centre sparked interest over the two days.

The conference provided an opportunity to celebrate the Witherslack Group of Schools and raise awareness about the services we offer.