Tabitha Wilson


I am a reporter for Newsquest and I was previously an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University, also earning my NCTJ here. I have also worked as a maritime journalist, and studied politics at Durham University.

I am open to commissions - please contact me using the form on this page. 

Leigh Journal •

Meet the volunteers helping wildlife thrive at Pennington Flash

From clearing overgrown ponds and tackling invasive plants to maintaining habitats and repairing infrastructure, the Pennington Flash Volunteers carry out practical conservation work across the reserve throughout the year.

When I joined the group for one of its weekly sessions, volunteers were clearing vegetation from around a pond ahead of further work to dredge sections of it.

Kevin Forde, publicity officer for Leigh Ornithological Society, explained that without regular maintenance, t...
Warrington Guardian •

We tried the autumn menu at a popular Warrington farm café

Kenyon Hall Farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival is drawing visitors from across the north west, and their on-site café is the perfect place for a bite to eat after you’ve explored the patch.

When we visited on a wet Friday afternoon, it was incredibly busy – as to be expected.

The Pumpkin Festival at Kenyon Hall Farm is well underway (Image: NQ)

Luckily, we only had to wait around five minutes for a table, and we ordered our meal at the till from the friendly and attentive staff.

Want...
Leigh Journal •

Meet the birdwatcher inspiring thousands to discover nature

The 41-year-old from Golborne has turned a lifelong passion for wildlife into both a career and a growing social media following, sharing birdwatching tips, wildlife sightings and identification guides with people across the UK.

Austin works as a senior ornithologist for a large ecological consultancy, carrying out bird and protected species surveys while helping to train the next generation of ecological consultants.

Before that, he worked for organisations including the RSPB and the Wi...
Warrington Guardian •

Award-winning Warrington pie shop impresses reviewer with standout flavours

Here's his full review.

I'd been meaning to call at To Pie For for quite some time.

The shop felt warm and friendly from the moment I walked in.

The Welsh Dragon pie (Image: Supplied)

It's not a big shop, but I felt comfortable from the start, and not just because I love my pies!

I learned about the dozens of awards they'd received, along with which pies were their best sellers.

I also enjoyed a hot sausage roll and a minced lamb pie, both made in-house.

However, they...
Warrington Guardian •

Meet the Warrington woman turning landmarks into colourful art

A Warrington artist is showcasing her creative flair through beautiful illustrations and striking travel posters.

For Business of the Week, Hannah spoke to us about her small business, Hannah Kirkland Prints.

If you would like your business to feature as Business or Trader of the Week, email tabitha.wilson@newsquest.co.uk

What's your full name?

Hannah Kirkland

What's the name of the business?

Hannah Kirkland Prints

What's the address?

N/A because I sell everything...
Knutsford Guardian •

We tried a Sunday roast at the pub named best in the northwest

So, with cooler weather arriving and darker evenings drawing in, we paid a visit to The Church Inn in Mobberley, recently named the northwest’s best pub at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

Earlier this year, this pub hosted football legend Wayne Rooney, with the former England captain choosing his local pub as the setting for two special editions of his football talk show.

The Church Inn has welcomed a number of famous faces (Image: NQ)

We visited on a Sunday evening and were instantly...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

Runcorn man bit and threatened binman who refused to empty his bin

Levi Fumu, 26, of Fenwick Lane, Runcorn, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault by beating, and racially aggravated harassment.

Warrington Magistrates' Court heard Fumu grabbed his victim by the neck before threatening him, saying: "I will stab your family" and "next time you see me you will die."

The incident happened at around 8.30 am on August 27 while the victim was carrying out refuse collections on Fenwick Lane.

The victim, who works for Halton Borough Council, sa...
Leigh Journal •

Inside Pennington Flash, one of Leigh's most loved beauty spots

Nestled on the edge of Leigh, the beauty spot offers something for everyone.

Pennington Flash forms part of The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, a collection of eight wetland sites that became Greater Manchester's first and only National Nature Reserve in 2022.

The country park is popular with locals (Image: NQ)

The designation was awarded by Natural England in recognition of the area's natural beauty and ecological importance.

Originally created through the flooding of former coal mi...
Warrington Guardian •

I visited the viral Warrington shop drawing crowds from across the UK

Gonk World officially opened at The Hive on Sankey Street earlier this year and has already built up a dedicated following, thanks in part to its huge social media presence and a series of viral TikTok videos.

One of those videos, showing the owner's car, racked up nearly 700,000 views and more than 95,000 likes, putting the business in front of thousands of people across the country.

Gonk World has a dedicated following online (Image: NQ)

When I visited the shop, it quickly became c...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington youngster completes 50km ride for Women’s Aid

12-year-old Poppy Jones, who attends Great Sankey High School, took on the challenge on September 13.

Women’s Aid helps women and children affected by domestic abuse, and helps survivors to find safety and support.

“I think it’s really important to raise awareness of support like this for people, especially for kids my age,” Poppy said.

Despite never cycling anywhere close to 50km before, Poppy completed the challenge using the determination she has developed through competitive netb...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the Warrington rescue centre where dogs get a second chance

Despite the attention and care he receives from staff at the charity's Thelwall base, Bruce remains the longest-serving resident at the home and one of dozens of dogs who rely on the team for everything from food and shelter to specialist veterinary treatment.

While many people know Cheshire Dogs Home for its rescue work, fewer see the daily efforts that go into rehabilitating nervous animals, funding their care and helping them find permanent homes.

Dozens of dogs are cared for at the c...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the award-winning Warrington farm shop named the UK’s best

Their farm shop was recognised as the Best Farm Shop in the UK in Muddy Stiletto’s national awards last September, and we decided to pop down and see if the shop lives up to expectations.

The shop is open seven days a week, all year round, from 9 am to 5 pm.

The shop is open all year round (Image: NQ)

At the shop, you can pick up fruit and vegetables grown on the farm, home-made jams, chutneys, and cakes, and freshly baked bread.

They also sell honey from beehives on the farm, an...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the Warrington farm shop with ice cream and Highland cows

We headed to the Haybarn Farm Shop, which offers ice cream, coffee, and plenty of friendly farmyard animals.

They have recently welcomed a precious new arrival – a baby highland cow, Clover.

The Haybarn Farm Shop is a great place to visit with the kids (Image: NQ)

When we visited, we decided to try some of the delicious ice cream flavours on offer.

My friends went for cookies and cream and a Mr Whippy-inspired flavour.

I opted for the pistachio, and it was definitely the righ...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside Hilden - why Warrington's twin town is worth a visit

Situated on the outskirts of Düsseldorf, Hilden is a town of around 60,000 people, known for its peaceful streets, thriving town centre, and annual jazz festival.

The friendship between Warrington and Hilden stretches back to the 1960s, when a British Army regiment with links to Warrington was stationed in the German town.

Friendships formed between soldiers and local families, leading to a youth exchange in 1965 and, three years later, the signing of an official partnership between the...
St Helens Star •

Why these St Helens twins will never share the same birthday

Oaklan was born at 11.58 pm on July 25, with his younger twin brother Rowan following at 12.55 am the next day - an extraordinary ending to what had already been a high-risk pregnancy for parents Jade and Matt Smith.

For Jade, who had endured multiple pregnancy complications and a traumatic first birth, welcoming the twins safely into the world was "an amazing experience" she had fought hard to have.

Doctors decided to induce Jade when, at 36 weeks pregnant, Oaklan was measuring below th...
Wirral Globe •

‘You don’t have to face it alone’ - tributes to Wirral’s 'superwoman'

But behind the scenes, she was battling severe mental health struggles during perimenopause - struggles her husband, Dale Jones, hopes other families might be spared by sharing her story.

Angie sought help from Wirral Menopause Well Woman Hub, where volunteers say she finally felt listened to after months of feeling unheard.

Following her death two months ago, the group is sharing her story to raise awareness of the support available to women while warning that, without more funding, the...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

We tried a new riverside café in Widnes and this is what we thought

We paid a visit to the newly opened Esposito’s at Pickering’s Pasture to try some of its popular sweet treats.

The café, which welcomed its first customers last month, is the fourth site for the well-loved deli chain, joining its existing locations in Victoria Park, Runcorn Hill Park, and Court Hey Park.

The new café opened in June (Image: NQ)

Esposito’s has built a strong reputation for its homemade ice cream, alongside a menu featuring freshly baked cakes, artisan sandwiches, and a...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

Grandad’s vintage scooter sidecar gives Runcorn teen a prom to remember

Now, just weeks later, the 16-year-old from Runcorn has another reason to celebrate after being scouted straight through to the finals of Miss Teen Galaxy UK.

Hollie, who attends Sandymoor Ormiston Academy, was taken to prom by her grandad Dave Smith, 78, in one of his vintage scooters.

Hollie arrived at her prom in style (Image: Supplied)

Dave, who lives in Talacre in North Wales, is part of Denbighshire Scooter Club and always wanted to take one of his grandchildren to prom in one...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

Inside the butterfly haven transforming a much‑loved park in Widnes

We paid a visit to the Butterfly House at Victoria Park in Widnes to see what visitors can expect.

Open from May to September, the attraction welcomes visitors every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10.30 am to 1 pm.

The Butterfly House can be found in Victoria Park (Image: NQ)

It is closed on the first Saturday of each month, and admission is free.

The butterfly house is staffed by friendly, engaging volunteers who are passionate about conservation and wildlife.

 We visi...
Warrington Guardian •

How a Warrington prison garden is helping inmates rebuild their lives

But at HMP Thorn Cross, an open prison in Warrington, the gardens are doing far more than providing a pleasant landscape - they are helping to change lives.

Opened to the public through the National Garden Scheme, the award-winning grounds showcase how horticulture, wildlife conservation, and practical training are equipping prisoners with confidence, qualifications, and a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare to re-enter society.

The gardens equip prisoners with a sense of purpose (I...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the hidden Cheshire church drawing visitors from across the globe

Yet almost every week, visitors from across the globe step through the doors of All Saints' Church in Daresbury in search of the same thing - a closer connection to Lewis Carroll.

Here, where Charles Dodgson was born in 1832 while his father served as curate, the creator of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is remembered not only as a literary giant but as a local boy whose story continues to captivate people nearly two centuries later.

The church is set in the beautiful Cheshire countrys...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington riders celebrate 35 years of inclusive cycling charity

But as the inclusive cycling charity celebrates the milestone anniversary, volunteers fear the future of the much-loved sessions is in jeopardy as rising venue hire costs threaten to make them financially unsustainable.

Wheels for All is a national charity that delivers inclusive cycling opportunities across England, helping everyone to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.

L to R: Sue Couplands, Malcolm Angus, and Phill Lodge (Image: NQ)

Adapted bikes give disabled people the...
Warrington Guardian •

How one Warrington man's fascination with tills became a TikTok hit

But for Teddy Taylor, every colourful button, menu layout, and point-of-sale system tells a different story.

The 28-year-old from Warrington has spent years photographing retail and hospitality tills, building a collection of more than 6,000 pictures and videos.

Teddy has a large collection of retail and hospitality till photographs (Image: Supplied)

His unusual passion has even attracted more than 26,000 followers on TikTok, where he reviews the technology most customers never get t...
Knutsford Guardian •

Meet ‘the man in the woods’ who became Cheshire's wildlife whisperer

Known affectionately as “the man in the woods”, Ray estimates he has taught around 60,000 children during his nearly 40 years at the reserve.

Alongside more than 30 volunteers, the wildlife hospital now cares for around 3,000 injured and orphaned animals every year.

The hospital cares for a variety of animals (Image: NQ)

But when Ray first arrived in the late 1980s, he never imagined any of it.

“I don't have any qualifications in natural history,” he said.

“I just learned stu...
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