Welwyn Hatfield Times review of the year – January

FLOWERS flooded a WGC school in memory of student Matt Pearson, following his sudden death on Boxing Day, 2008, aged 14.

Hundreds attended the funeral of the football-mad Sir Frederic Osborn pupil and Welwyn Pegasus’ Royals Under-14s captain.

Matt is survived by his mum Sherry, dad Stuart, sister Rachel and brother Mark.

* A BARACK Obama lookalike raked in the cash after he was inundated with offers to pose as the US President.

Knebworth Park cricketer Ryan Skeggs appeared on GMTV before hosting an inauguration party at the Hard Rock Caf� in London.

* LEWIS Hamilton was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List after becoming Formula 1 world champion.

The Tewin star had become the youngest-ever F1 winner in 2008 as he snatched the title on the last corner of the final lap.

The McLaren Mercedes driver said receiving the accolade “was a massive honour and an incredible privilege.”

* ICONIC retail-chain Woolworths served its last pic ‘n’ mix in January, as the company went into administration and closed all 807 of its stores across the country, including the one on Darkes Lane, Potters Bar.

* A TEAM of rowers had to abandon a 3,000-mile charity trek across the Atlantic Ocean – after their boat crashed into a whale.

Matt Craughwell, who was raising funds for WGC-based Isabel Hospice, was rescued by a cargo ship after the rudder on the crew’s boat tore off upon collision with the mammal.

Over �700 was still raised for the charity but attempts to break the east to west Atlantic Ocean rowing record had to be put on hold.

* TO continue the animal theme, cub snow leopards were able to thrive in their natural climate as wintry showers fell on Welwyn.

The adorable 17-week-old babies were treated to the snow outing by the Welwyn Cat Survival Trust.

* Come back at noon today (Christmas Day) to read our February review.