Good morning, Warrington. Mike here. This is The Warrington Scoop.

“Warrington is boring” or “There’s nothing going on in Warrington”. That’s what I see a lot on social media, but hopefully, all the things listed in this email will change some people’s minds (forward this email to your friends). There are also other snippets of goodness happening around town, included in this email that I thought you might want to know about.

Grab your favourite brew (mine’s an Americano), and let's start. ☕

Here are some positive stories from around the town over the past few days.

🌸 Hundreds turned out in glorious sunshine for Grappenhall Walking Day, with the streets filled with a brass band, a procession and the crowning of two new Rose Queens, Sophie and Aoife. A brilliant example of community spirit keeping a much-loved local tradition alive. (Warrington Worldwide)

🚶 A new digital map has been launched showing the location of every bench and seating spot along the Trans Pennine Trail, helping older people, disabled users and families plan their walks with more confidence. (Warrington Worldwide)

🎻 Great Sankey High School orchestra performed at the Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of a long-term project with the English National Ballet, performing original compositions inspired by six virtues. Year 8 student Jessie also performed a viola solo in front of an audience of over 2,000 people. (Warrington Guardian)

💙 In just one week, 196 men across Warrington reached out for peer support through the town's men's mental health network, including 22 men attending for the very first time. Behind every one of those numbers is a real conversation and a positive step forward. Reach out to Andy’s Man Club or one of the other groups across town.

📸 Warrington Photographic Society is celebrating 140 years and has a free print exhibition running from Tuesday 23rd June until 11th July at The Gateway on Sankey Street, opposite the Town Hall, open Monday to Friday. If you're interested in joining the club, visitors are welcome at their Tuesday evening meetings at St Thomas Church Hall on Wilderspool Causeway, with the next one on 7th July.

🎲 Did you know Warrington has its own Backgammon Club? They meet every second and fourth Tuesday evening at 6:30pm at The Kings Club on St Marys Street in Latchford. All levels and newcomers are welcome, so if you fancy giving it a go.

A new Pokémon card shop is opening on Cairo Street on 27th June. TK's Hideout will stock sealed products and singles, with the option to buy, sell or trade. They've also got a giveaway running with a Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box up for grabs.

🥪 A new sandwich shop is opening on Padgate Lane next week. Between Bread opens its doors on Wednesday 25th June, so if you're passing through Padgate Station or just fancy a decent butty, it looks like there's a new option on the way

🎪 Stockton Heath Festival is one of the best community events in the area and the good news is this year's event is already going ahead. But the committee need help securing its future for 2027 and beyond, with rising costs putting the festival under financial pressure. They've launched a Crowdfunder with a target of £5,000 and every bit helps.