DESCRIPTION:
In memory of Cecilia and Frank Wells

Willaston is a village on the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire, England. Centred on a village green, it is located in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester between Neston and Ellesmere Port, just south of the boundary with the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral.

Hadlow Road railway station, which served the village until its closure in 1955, became part of Wirral Country Park in 1973. The station building, signal box and eastbound platform have been renovated to their former 1950's condition. The former trackbed has become a public pathway, known as the 'Wirral Way'.

Willaston Windmill, built in 1800, was the largest windmill in Wirral. During the early 20th century it was used for the production of flour and to grind cattle food. It remained working until about 1930, when its sails were destroyed in a storm. The windmill has also since been converted into a private dwelling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willaston,_Cheshire_West

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willaston,_Cheshire_East

One of the major events in Willaston is the World Worm Charming Championships. It was started in 1980 by John Bailey. The event attracts many competitors from around the world, from the U.S.A. to Australia. The original event in 1980 was won with a total of 511 worms by Tom Shufflebotham - a record that stood until 2009. Celebrities that have taken part in the championships include Ben Fogle and Bob Carolgees. In 2008 celebrity contestants were Paddy McGuinness and Rory McGrath who were filming a slot for their series "Rory & Paddy's Great British Adventure".

The 2008 championship was won by Mr Mike and Claire Gaukroger with a total of 125 worms, the trophy for the heaviest worm went to Ray O'Grady and Steve Plant. (4.6g)

In 2009, due to particularly good conditions, 3 teams broke the previous world record of 511, with Sophie Smith and Matt Smith of Willaston claiming the title with a total of 567 worms in 30 minutes.

.......C8th Irish Hymn


Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.