Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Issue 48

Issue 48 February - March 2016

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inside wilmslow & alderley edge

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Issue 48 - February - March 2016

wilmslow & alderley edge

Cover photo: The Team at Energi Trampoline Park

by Garth Aspinall.

We’re feeling really buoyed up this issue and have to say that ‘Blue Monday’ went by almost unnoticed.

Perhaps it’s because it’s our tenth birthday and we feel a sense of achievement in having published more than 280 magazines. Or is it that we can’t wait to get bouncing at Energi Trampoline Park?

Contents

The simple truth is that we are really looking forward to 2016 and the opportunity to bring something even more special to your doorstep.

Please return our Reader Survey and let us have your thoughts about this magazine. Help us to be the best that we can be!

Recipe 11

We have tried to offer you plenty of choice in this February issue and urge you to get out your diaries and make a note of what appeals. There’s lots of music and theatre to consider, clubs and societies you can join, books to read and some ideas for your holiday plans, courtesy of Headwater Travel and of course Travel by Design whose regular editorial we always greatly appreciate.

So get moving and have a wonderful 2016!

Simply Books Book Club Choice

4

Wilmslow Then & Now

7

High Energi

8

Made in Piccolino

12

In Touch

15

Beautiful Bespoke Interiors 19 Avro Heritage Museum

20

Crossword 24 Cycling - Gourmet Style

27

The Walk

28

India by Design

32

Children’s Activities

34

Just 4 Kids

37

Barry’s Gardening Tips

38

Sudoku 43

Inside Gu ide

WEDNESD AY 3 FEBR UARY

Co-Editors Garth Aspinall

Inside Guide

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Puzzle Solutions

50

Useful Numbers

53

Craft and Chatter.

Bring your enjoy good own project crafting compa opportunity and ny with a cuppa and 0161 439 to learn from each the 8262 for other. Contac further details requested. t Chrissie Dean Row .

SK9 2BX Chapel Hall,£2 donation 2pm Adlington Road,

SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY Framew

ork with variousWeaving for Childre n. strips and hand weaving techniqExperimentatio n manipulation ues, yarns, encouraged of taught structures fabric own beautif throughout the session will be . Leave the worksh ully woven sample (s) created with your op. £6.50 materials.

–covers during the full session The 12.30-3.30pm Silk Museum, and all Park Lane, Macclesfield

SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY Northe

rn Chamb er Orches cello, includi tra with Rapha ng Hande Tickets: el l, Shosta £16 kovich, and Wallfisch, (adjacent / £13; £7 studen Dvorják. ts; free 2220; Maccle parking). From 18s & under free NCO Box Office 0161 Silk Museu sfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 m Shop 247 Heritage Heritage Centre or 378123; Centre, Roe on the door Street, Maccle sfield 7.30pm TUES

DAY 9 FEBR UARY

Claire Hawker

Classified Index

54

East Chesh ire Headmaster’ NT Lecture - ‘My experie Speaker George Nolan nces as a St Micha el’s Churc Bramhall h Hall, St 2pm Michaels Avenue,

WEDNESD AY 10 FEBR UARY

WEDNESD AY 10 FEBR

Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge is produced by Inside Magazines Ltd. We cannot be held responsible for views expressed by contributors or any advert content, including errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all local information given in this magazine is accurate, but we cannot always guarantee this. © Copyright Inside Magazines Ltd 2015.

Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

Design and artwork by Spring Creative www.spring-creative.co.uk | 01925 714203

Contact us

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL.

Tel: 01625 879611

email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for the next issue:

Friday 11 March

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Wilmslow Trust meetin Services ‘. Jerry Hawke g, the topic will East Comm r, Chief Execut be ‘Our H issioning ive of Ches services Group, will are opportunity planned and purchatalk about how h for questio sed. There free. Non will b - members ns following the talk. Mem are very Wilmslow Library 7.45pm welcome, £2 at the

SATURDAY 13

FEBR

UARY Wilmslow Symphony Ludmila Orchestra.

Overture, Glinka : Ruslan Delibes : : Coppélia Coppélia an Prélude and Suite No.1, Juliet Suites Mazurka, Del Nos. 1 and Prokofiev : Romeo 2 Tickets £12, a £10 Conce ssions, £2 Evans Hall, Under 12’s.

Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7:45pm SATU RDAY 13

Rescue, Installa tion and Machinery.

Maintenance Museum of Histori insights volunteer c into Ian Richar Silk Machin life as a museum dson shares volunte ery he cares Friends. for. £4/£3 er focusing on the for memb ers of the The Old Sunday School, 7.30pm Roe Street , Maccle sfield

UARY Simply Books present CLEEVES, author of best-selling crime the Vera Stanhope two hugely succes writer ANN sful crime novels set Shetland series: novels – in Northu both mbria TV. Tickets £7 (includ of which have been and the the purcha es refresh se of one ments and adapted for of Ann’s £2 toward To book: books). s call www.simplyb0161 439 1436 or book ooks.info online at 7.30pm

A guide to selected events in Cheshire during Febr uary &

WEDNESD AY 10 FEBR

UARY Wilmslow Histori accomplished cal Society.

Geoff Scargil speake of peace, the first weekr is giving a talk on l, Visitors welcom “Th of war e £3, tea/co – September Tel 01625 ffee and 529178 biscuits St Bartho lomew’s Road, Wilms Parish Hall, Chancel low SK9 Lan 4AA, 7.45pm

FEBRUARY

Prestbury Choral Society invited to Annual Singing come and Creation. sing the Day. All are ever For www.prestbu more information popular Haydn ’s go 01625 26224rychoral.org or call to our secreta 9 – book early ry on Wilmslow United Reform to avoid disappointme nt. ed Churc h, Chape l Lane

MONDAY 15 FEBR

UARY East Chesh ire Hoyle - Cultiva Alpine Garden Society ting and Killing Cushio Local Group. Frank Wilmslow ns. Visitor Preparatory s £4.

School, 7.30pm for 7.45 WEDNESD start.

AY 17 FEBR UARY

Lunchtime Concert Admission with Philip Underwood/or by from 12 noon. programme £5, gan. light 01625 586713 For further inform lunches availab le ation telepho ne Alderley Edge Metho 12 noon, performancedist Church, lunch from 1pm Continued over...

Compiled

by Claire Hawker e: claire@ insidemaga zines.co.uk

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Simply Books Book Club Choice My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is the first of a quartet of novels about a friendship that lasts a lifetime. The story of Elena and Lila begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples. Life is tough on the streets of post-war Naples and the girls are forced to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else. This is a generous and warm-hearted story – told in brilliant detail and creating a vivid portrait of two young girls on the verge of womanhood. It is also a portrait of a neighbourhood, a city and a nation on the cusp of massive social and economic change. Elena Ferrante is a compelling storyteller – once you’re hooked you’ll find yourself wanting to read on and find out what happens to Elena and Lila as they move into marriage and their lives unfold through the remaining three novels in this Neapolitan tour de force.

Kate Atkinson’s new book, A God In Ruins, is a companion piece to her previous and awardwinning novel Life After Life. If you have read Life After Life you’ll recognise the central character of this book - Teddy Todd – as Ursula’s adored younger brother but this new book stands

entirely on its own. A God In Ruins tells the story of Teddy’s life – would be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father and grandfather – as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. This is a novel about war and the shadow it casts even over later generations who have never known it. As ever Kate Atkinson writes with an energy and fizz that dazzles and the whole book hangs together as an amazing accomplishment. There’s a tremendous twist at the end too! At the time of writing A God In Ruins has just been (very deservedly) named C OSTA novel of the year – and I wouldn’t be surprised if it garnered a few more prizes before the year is out.

And for children…Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat by Emily McKenzie is a brand new story of a cat who gets carried away with his dream of winning the Woolly Wonders Competition.

It’s fabulously funny with lots of colourful characters…and of course lots of knitting too!

Simply Books, 228 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 1BD 0161 439 1436 Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm

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Andrew Cant www.simplybooks.info

Wilmslow Then & Now Many of our ancestors feared ending their days in the workhouse. Rate payers in each parish were responsible for the cost of providing relief to its poor, and conditions in the workhouses they built to deliver were deliberately harsh to discourage all but the most completely destitute from seeking assistance. Wilmslow’s Workhouse opened in 1773 and was built on Altrincham Road on the edge of Lindow Common near Green Lake. It was relatively modest in size, with 34 occupants listed on the census of 1801. Residents would be uniformed and given physically demanding and tedious work such as breaking rocks or grinding animal bones to produce fertiliser. After the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, the Altrincham Poor Law Union came into existence and included Wilmslow’s parishes. Its Guardians chose to centralise delivery of “indoor relief” to a more convenient and cost-effective location, opening a new workhouse at Knutsford in 1839 that could house 300 inmates. As a result, in the early 1840s the workhouse at Wilmslow closed, and

its buildings were leased to local farmers. Gorsey Bank Primary School now occupies the former site of the workhouse.

Photographs: Wilmslow Historical Society Collection.

by Jon Armstrong Wilmslow Historical Society

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High Energi A state of the art trampoline park is now open at Handforth Dean.

Founders Gary Digby and John Warnock have always had an interest in health and leisure and with children ranging in age between eight and 25 years old they have spent many a weekend and school holiday sitting in bowling alleys and by swimming pools, watching their kids while drinking bad coffee from vending machines in less than desirable surroundings.

So when they decided to open Energi Trampoline Park in Handforth Dean there was no doubt in their minds that they wanted to make the park attractive not only to children but their parents too. ‘Too many leisure attractions take the view that they need to operate in a way that is just about “good enough,”’ says founder Gary Digby.

‘That goes 100% against what we are trying to achieve in the park,’ he continues. ‘We hope that everyone who visits Energi Handforth Dean will feel that the whole family can have a fun time here; we know that kids love trampoline parks but family time is precious and we want the parents to enjoy the experience as well.’

This customer/parent focussed ethos is reflected in the design of the park. The café is positioned on a mezzanine floor overlooking the trampolines, so that parents can relax in the café whilst being able to watch their children. ‘We have a very clear vision for our Parks,’ explains Gary.

‘From my own experience as a parent, I know that when you take your child to such a place, regardless of their age, from tot to teen, you need to know that they are in as safe and controlled an environment as possible. For us, health and safety are top of our list when recruiting and training; all our staff will have been through a rigorous training programme before they can

work on the shop floor. Customer service-wise we are aiming high and aspiring to a ‘Disney standard’ experience. ‘From checking-in to booking parties, from safety briefings to general queries and throughout their entire time in the Park we want all our customers to feel valued.

The reason that John and I decided to enter into this venture together was that we both firmly believe that it is possible to have a successful business whilst also providing excellent customer service.’ With an emphasis on health and fitness, Gary and his partner John have set about creating a health conscious, family orientated experience. ‘Cafes are notoriously bad in leisure parks; that won’t be the case at Energi,’ says John. ‘The food and drink we serve is of a very high standard and it’s our aim to work in partnership with local suppliers, from cakemakers to butchers, to ensure that we offer a menu that parents know is fresh and healthy for them and their children.’

Trampolining offers a fun, low impact way to get some serious cardio-vascular exercise. As well as the expected bouncy stuff, Energi offers a variety of ways to increase the fun-factor, from refereed games of dodge-ball to interactive games; from basketball hoops to a specially designed running wall. There’s also a Toddler Zone and a Clip ‘n’ Climb Wall for those who love a little height. There are also plans to run Fitness Classes for adults and special toddler only sessions. Gary and John may have spotted an opportunity to launch a business, but they have done it with a clear ethos of the highest standards in health and safety, customer care, fairness and family values.

Just how it should be.

Energi Trampoline Park, 4 Brooke Place, Epsom Avenue, Handforth Dean, SK9 3RL. energileisureparks.com

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Smokey Bacon and Tomato Pasta This recipe is perfect if you want something quick, easy and warming that also tastes really good. Serve it with salad or garlic bread.

spaghetti following any instructions on the packet. Keep checking throughout and turn down the heat when cooked.

Ingredients (serves 4)

While you leave that to boil, heat the oil in the frying pan and cook the bacon. Do this for just under 4 minutes until the bacon is crisp. Then add the onion and cook until crisp again for 3-4 minutes before adding the garlic and the smoked paprika. Stir together well.

■■ 400g of spaghetti ■■ 120g of smoked bacon (cut into cubes) ■■ 1 onion, finely chopped ■■ 1 garlic clove, finely chopped ■■ 1 400g can of chopped tomatoes ■■ 500g of passata ■■ 1 tbsp. olive oil ■■ 2 tsp smoked paprika ■■ Grated cheese or Parmesan (optional) Fill the large pan with water (adding a pinch of salt) and bring to the boil. Then cook the

Then pour in the chopped tomatoes and passata, bring to the boil for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Make sure to stir often to avoid anything sticking to the bottom of the frying pan.

Then drain the pasta before putting it back in the large pan and adding the tomato and bacon mixture. Stir the mixture and the spaghetti together. Finally, serve by adding either grated parmesan or cheese on top depending on your preference.

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Inspired By Italy, Made In Piccolino This strapline on the menu neatly sums up the Piccolino experience. Italy’s diverse cooking is at the heart and soul of Piccolino. The best quality seasonal ingredients are sourced by visiting the different regions and meeting the producers; this results in an array of amazing classic Italian dishes.

We visited Piccolino in the middle of December, when it had been open for a couple of weeks. As I consult my notes I can honestly say I feel really excited at the prospect of returning. Looking at the food photos brings those amazing flavours and textures flooding back.

The newest in the Piccolino chain, the flagship Alderley Edge venue is splendid. The cool, modern, restaurant, with its island cocktail bar, belies the bustling, friendly, authentically Italian atmosphere. The space is large yet somehow intimate, the multi-textured interior oozes quality adding yet another fabulous venue to the Alderley Edge scene.

Everything is produced fresh, before your eyes in an amazing 20 metre open kitchen: there’s a huge antipasti selection, fresh fish to choose from, pizzas cooking, bread baking, patisserie chefs working their magic. A ‘wine boutique’ showcases an amazing all Italian wine list with a vast selection of champagnes.

The exceptional menu seemed never ending and it took us a while to choose! We went for a sharing appetiser of Bruschette Miste, toasted ciabatta with three toppings - classic tomato, handpicked crab and wild mushroom. All three were absolutely delicious, fresh, warm and packed with flavour. The marinated giant Apulian Cerignola olives were to die for. The fish of the day was monkfish with baby tomatoes and olives which was also a triumph in terms of freshness, presentation and flavour. My partner was similarly impressed with his choice of Misto di Pesce al Forne, comprising oven roasted swordfish, salmon, sea bass and langoustine, lemon, garlic and parsley.

I don’t often have room for dessert but when my sizeable portion of Crostato di Mele (baked apple and almond tart) arrived I polished it off with ease; it was sublime, buttery, melt in the mouth and simply too good to leave! The tiramisu was similarly impressive and a far cry from the ‘manufactured’ version often served up in Italian restaurants.

This was easily one of the best meals out I’ve had in ages. The friendly and attentive staff were the icing on the cake; Piccolino might be part of a chain of restaurants but the experience is as personal as it gets.

Number 50, London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7QD T: 01625 599 995 www.individualrestaurants.com/piccolino/ alderley-edge

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by Claire Hawker

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard

styles from rock n roll through to country and western, it’s a fast paced and entertaining show which is perfect for all the family to enjoy.

ALL ABOARD THE STARLIGHT EXPRESS

FINE ARTS GROUP’S SPRING PROGRAMME

Following on from last year’s successful ‘sell out’ production of Les Miserables, award- winning youth musical theatre group TEMPO (The Edge Musical Performing Organisation) are very excited about their 2016 production which will be Starlight Express (Youth Group Production), at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow in March.

“We are all so pleased that this year’s show will be Starlight Express” said Chairman Alison Bisset.

“Starlight Express is a very different style of show from last year’s production and the cast have all been hard at work in rehearsals getting to grips with roller-skating. They have really risen to the challenge of learning to sing and dance whilst on roller skates.”

The show tells the tale of a child’s train set which magically comes to life as the various engines compete to become the Fastest Engine in the world whilst also competing for the affections of the glamorous coaches. With a mix of musical

Starlight Express – Youth Group Production will be at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow from 8 to 12 March.

For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre.com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

Visits to notable museums and gardens, plus lectures on topics as diverse as the 17th century jewellery trade and Middle Eastern sculpture, are part of our innovative spring programme.

North East Cheshire Decorative and Fine Arts Society (Necdfas) attracts top quality lecturers to its monthly meetings, usually the second Wednesday morning, at Bramhall Social Club.

Other subjects in coming months include the work of acclaimed British artist Paula Rego, Bulgarian monasteries and a study of Edwardian intellectual connoisseurs ‘The Coterie’.

Necdfas draws its 300 members from Bramhall, Poynton, Stockport, Cheadle, Marple, Wilmslow, Prestbury, Alderley Edge and surrounding areas.

A study day at St Michael’s Church Hall, Bramhall, on February 3 will examine religious and secular Islamic art, including the Taj Mahal and the pleasure palaces of Persia. March sees a visit to Tate Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum, then in April and May there will be outings to museums and gardens in Wolverhampton and the Staffordshire Potteries.

Necdfas voluntary work covers church recording – making a complete record of the artefacts and fabric of local churches – sponsoring arts activities in schools/youth groups and heritage conservation work.

For more information see www.necdfas.org.uk: for membership enquiries email info@necdfas.org.uk

Jacob Beresford, Tommy Seymour and Jude Smith.

by Tony Ionnides

Continued over...

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in touch TOMMY BOY

Tommy Boy tells the story of a small group of people whose lives are dramatically changed by the outbreak of World War I. Despite the inevitable undertones of war, playwright Ted Willis captures the magical humour in adversity and he includes many of the old war-time songs which so vividly reflect those traumatic days.

children helped by Beanstalk made meaningful improvement in their reading ability and so our volunteers make a positive and long lasting impact on the lives of the children they help.

The play is mostly set in a Salford pub but also in a dug-out just behind the front lines in France and follows the fortunes of Tommy Barnes and his girlfriend, Rosie Carr, the barmaid at the pub.

In the summer of 1914 their lives and the lives of their friends are full of hope and promise. But when the war comes they are caught up in a chain of events which blights that promise and changes the world around them.

The Green Room is pleased to say this is the first time ever that this play has been performed in the amateur theatre. It was first staged as part of the 1988 Malvern Literary Festival to coincide with 70 years after the end of WW1 and then toured professionally to eight regional theatres.

Directed by Helen Bingle and Ian Cole, Tommy Boy runs at the Wilmslow Green Room theatre from Saturday 12 March to Saturday 19 March. For further information, please visit www.wgrsoc.org or call the Box Office on 01625 540933.

CHILDREN’S LITERACY Beanstalk is a children’s literacy charity that supports over 1400 children in the North West through recruiting and training reading helpers.

We have nearly 400 individuals supporting children in local primary schools, making a real difference to the confidence and wellbeing of the children.

Each Beanstalk reading helper supports three children, on a one-to-one basis, for two afternoons a week and therefore provides much needed consistency and support to the children.

Sessions are child-led, with a mixture of reading, conversation and play to engage the children.

In the academic year 2013-14, 98% of those

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Training and a DBS check is provided as well as ongoing support from Beanstalk. You can call 0161 8149515 for more information or apply directly at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk

OPEN NOW Energi’s brand new state of the art trampoline park is now open in Handforth Dean, Wilmslow.

If you require family fun Energi has it all. Climb the boulder wall, jump into a huge air bag. Play dodgeball, basketball hoops, test your Ninja Warrior skills, toddler area, foam pits and loads of room to bounce to your heart’s content. Fitness classes, toddler sessions and brilliant birthday parties as well as Energi cafe with our freshly produced food.

See our ad on page 9 for more information.

Tel 0161 672 6799.

FLYING START FOR NEW SHOP Wilmslow’s brand-new Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation shop has enjoyed a hugely successful launch, raising more than £2,000 on the day it opened. The new outlet in Church Street opened in December, and has proved such a success that already the charity is seeking to recruit more volunteer staff to cope with the influx of shoppers.

CAN YOU IDENTIFY ANYONE IN THIS PHOTO? Angela Mills, who was born in Nether Alderley, sent us this photo of the Nether Alderley United Methodist Church Christmas Band in 1915. So far she has been able to identify five people but her leads have now gone cold. These men, sporting their wonderful moustaches and so proudly holding their brass instruments, would have been the local farmers helping to feed the nation.

Maybe someone will recognise a man or maybe just see a family resemblance? The details will be given for the archives at Alderley St. Mary in Nether Alderley.

The following men have been identified so far.

Back Row, from the left: B1 possibly the local Minister? B2 Possibly a Jennings – he has a strong likeness to a family member. B4 Albert Henry Dawson- farmed Soss Moss Hall Front Row, from the left: F1 John Henry Jennings, Engineer F3 Ernest Webb, farmed Sandle Heath Farm/ Chandlers Farm F4 Jesse Baskerville, farmed Corbishley Farm F5 Adam Dawson

If you feel you could give some of your time to help while gaining valuable experience working in a busy retail environment, visit www.roycastle.org/volunteer or contact lorraine.scanlon@roycastle.org

If you can help in any way please contact Angela Mills 01905 779167 or email angelamills@talktalk.net

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Beautiful Bespoke Interiors Tucked away in a beautiful studio at Alcumlow Hall Farm in Astbury you will find Brook Farm Interiors. The business is run by husband and wife team, John & Karen Smith.

Karen Smith is a talented Interior Designer with a flair for creating interior schemes which reflect the style and taste of each individual client. Brook Farm can create the design for one room or can undertake an entire house design and undertake full project management of all the trades, so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the process.

Brook Farm boasts an unrivalled focus on bespoke interiors. Curtains, blinds and furniture are all made individually. The bespoke furniture consisting of Sofas, Chairs, Chaise Longues and Pouffes are handmade in Britain to the very highest of standards. You can choose the fabric of your choice, the size to suit your room and the style you would like - even down to selecting the style and finish of the feet. The studio boasts a selection of bespoke sofas designed and commissioned by Karen Smith, so call in to see for yourself the stunning attention to detail.

A visit to the studio provides all the inspiration you need, with a Fabric room full of all designer fabric books for you to choose from. The wallpaper room is simply bursting at the seams with the latest coverings, paired beautifully with a full Farrow & Ball paint collection. The studio also boasts a fantastic range of Home Accessories to include Lighting, Wall Art, Ornaments, Tables, Kitchen Items, Rugs and the glorious smelling Neom Candles and Diffusers. Please feel free to call into the studio for a browse.

Full interior design consultation available by appointment only.

Brook Farm Interiors. Alcumlow Hall Farm, Chance Hall Lane, Astbury, Cheshire, CW12 4TL. Telephone. 01260 290 100 Email. enquiries@brookfarminteriors.co.uk www.brookfarminteriors.co.uk

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Avro Heritage Museum A unique exhibition, celebrating Woodford’s contribution to the world of aviation, is now open and receiving visitors. Simply driving across the former airfield to reach the museum is quite an experience; the scale of the former BAE site now everything has been flattened has to be seen to be believed!

exhibits, the Museum maintains an extensive archive; a Vulcan XM603 can be explored close up alongside the main Exhibition Hall. Inside you can climb right into the cockpit of a Vulcan XM602 and feel what it was like to sit in the pilot’s and navigators’ seats.

Become a Friend of the Museum The museum is a self-funding Registered Charity and the cost of maintaining and developing it cannot be covered by entry fees and shop/café sales alone. It is therefore reliant on generous donations and the contributions of Friends of Avro Heritage Museum through annual subscriptions. Friends enjoy unlimited free entry to the Museum, 10% discount on purchases, a newsletter and advance notice of special events www.avroheritagemuseum.co.uk

AVRO Heritage Museum is situated in BAE’s former fire station, the walls adorned with colourful artworks that used to hang in the canteen at the Woodford site. A comprehensive exhibition, celebrating the proud history of aircraft manufacture at the Woodford factory, follows a timeline starting with the life of pioneer and aviator Alliott Verdon Roe and his first success the Roe 1 Triplane. In addition to the

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Current opening times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Group and school visits can be scheduled at other times by arrangement.

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by Friday 26 February

Quick Crossword

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Across

Down

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5.

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21.

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Ghandi (7) Sleeve ends (5) Use to balance up (13) Tiny (3) Eager Beavers? (9) Sung by a choir (6) Home for piglets (6) Person addressed (9) Some (3) Appeaser (5,8) Steward (5) Gives up (7)

Parrot (5) Family identifier (9,4) Tantalise (9) Reach destination (6) Indication (3) Action on ice (6,7) Please (7) Colourlessness (9) Applauder (7) Request (3,3) Yoga practitioners (5) First lady? (3)

Solution on page 50.

Cycling

Gourmet Style

A scenic cycle ride, combined with the delights of fine wine and food, is a holiday format that is really difficult to beat. If you have pedalled on the continent at any time, you will know what I mean.

And if you are going to say that you kicked the biking habit several years ago and are terribly unfit and couldn’t cut the mustard – think again!

You don’t need to be super-fit to enjoy a cycling holiday. You just need an appetite for delicious wine and food and the foresight to choose your terrain and your distances with a little realism and care. There are just so many reasons to get on the saddle and to enjoy a truly idyllic holiday.

I guess I’m what you might call ‘a fair-weather cyclist’ – someone who, just a few times during the summer, takes off on a gentle ride along the leafy and traffic-free lanes of Cheshire. But even in the last couple of years, I have also been able to join my wife and a few friends cycling along the Loire and more recently along the Danube trail, visiting fascinating places like Vienna, Durnstein and Passau, savouring delicious lunches en route,

and relaxing in the evenings over a well-earned dinner and wine.

There’s just something very special about cycling – it’s about the independence and freedom you feel, the places you see, the characters you meet, the spontaneous stop as something catches your eye, the aerobic exercise and the inches you shed. Then there’s the conversation en route, the photos you capture, the anticipation as you approach your destination, the evening shower, the change of clothes and then the opportunity to just chill, laugh and reminisce at the end of a satisfying day.

There are many ways of planning your trip, one of the main criteria being the kind of accommodation you choose. Camping, B & B and boutique hotels are just a few of the many choices available. Your baggage is also an important issue and there are many options depending on the nature of your journey. If you are concerned about your level of fitness or your ability to keep pace with your companions, you could also consider trying an E-bike. Electric bikes have advanced considerably over recent years and are widely used in Europe, but they are an expensive purchase and you should research the market carefully. Hiring an E-bike is perhaps the sensible way to start.

When all is said and done, if you book your holiday with an experienced and knowledgeable company like Headwater Travel, you should receive plenty of good advice and have a truly wonderful experience. As a family, we have had numerous exciting cycling holidays and will be planning another this year. Do let us know if you decide to do the same. We would love to hear about your experiences.

by Garth Aspinall

27

The Walk - The Mysteries of the Roaches Distance 7 miles: The walk is fairly moderate, allow 4 hours, although you may wish to stop and look at some of the unique features.

OS Map: SK 004 621.

Start point: at minor road off A53 after Upper Hulme. A word of warning to car drivers, always make sure you park in the designated parking areas. There is a mobile traffic warden who will book any unwary motorist if their car is only inches past the parking signs.

The word Roaches comes from the Norman French word ‘Roches’, meaning rocks; these rocks consist mainly of millstone grit. In geological terms they are known as a ‘syncline’ or downfold in the Staffordshire plain. The Roaches lie in the western area of the dark peak, in Staffordshire,

28

by Peter Jaques Poynton Rambling Club

just north of Tittesworth reservoir and the village of Upper Hulme. They dominate this part of the dark peak together with two other nearby features, Hen Cloud to the south and Ramshaw Rocks to the east. The Roaches are very popular with climbers, especially one route known as ‘the sloth,’ which is an impressive overhang where climbers have to hang upside down to complete it, using hands and feet. This climb was achieved originally by a well-known climber called Don Whillans.

Our walk commenced from one of the parking areas on the minor road above Upper Hulme.

From the parking place a track goes towards the cliff, passing a building called Rockall, built into the rock face. Originally believed to be a gamekeeper’s cottage, unfortunately, because of its position, it was dark and damp. It was later occupied by a rather eccentric gentleman call Doug Moller who called himself ‘Lord of the Roaches.’ The house was later bought by The British Mountaineering Council after Mr Millar was housed to more suitable accommodation.

Climbing up the well-worn steps of the path we soon reached the top of the ridge where a stone seat and plaque commemorates the visit of the Prince and Princess of Teck, mother of Queen Mary in 1838. It then goes roughly north along the crest of the Roaches for about a mile, until a

large pool of water is reached on the right. This is Doxey Pool. Legend has it that this is the home of a seductive mermaid who attracts young men into a watery grave. Another story is that it is named after the daughter of Bess Bowyer who lived nearby at Rock Hall. One night she was abducted by strange men and then Bess died of grief. Her daughter returned to haunt the pool.

Doxey Pool is actually recorded in the Domesday Book at ‘Dochesig’, which is believed to mean a watercourse. There are many stories like this in the Peak District such as ‘The Mermaid’s Pool’ just below Kinder Scout where another seductive mermaid lures unwary men into its depths.

After passing Doxey Pool the summit with a trig point is reached in about a mile. At this point the Staffordshire moors can be seen to the east, with Tittesworth reservoir behind us.

The moors were once the home of a group of wallabies, marsupials which are a little larger than mountain hares, they occupied the moors for some years until they died out. How they got here is well-known, as just prior to the Second World War there was a private zoo at Swithley Hall. They escaped or were released, together with some yaks, which soon died out, but the wallabies survived and bred for many years until it is believed a series of harsh winters made them extinct. There are often reports of recent sightings, but these are probably mountain hares which they resemble in colour.

After the summit we dropped down to a minor road where we turned right and then first left over a stile leading to the trees of Back Forest and Forest Wood. After a short distance a signpost was reached for Lud’s Church. This is a spectacular rift into a chasm some 60ft. deep. Several stories attach to this unique cleft, the name comes from Walter de Lud Auk, sometimes spelt Walter de Ludauk, the leader of a group of religious dissidents called Lollards, nonconformists who worshipped here in the 14th Century. In those days dissidents of the established church risked being burnt at the stake if caught. The chasm is dark, damp, and muddy, the opening is difficult to spot (as the picture of it shows). It is difficult to avoid a sense of foreboding as you go through it. It is also reported to be the home of a rare type of plant, believed to be a fern, found nowhere else. After emerging from the cleft we turned left past the signpost to Roach End, taking the concessionary path to the minor road leading to the cars. These unique landforms and the overpowering atmosphere of Lud’s Church make it an unmissable walk.

Poynton rambling club has over 100 members with walks on Wednesday and Sunday for walkers of all abilities and vary from easy to fairly strenuous, distances of between 5 and 12 miles. For further details contact the secretary Brian Brough 01625 877463 or for more information and programme visit www. poynton-ramblers.org.uk

29

Is an amicable

divorce possible?

Open the newspaper and chances are that you’ll read about yet another celebrity couple who are getting divorced… and then going on holiday together. While these stories can sound farfetched, especially if you’re going through your own break up, we have recently noticed growing numbers of clients who are prioritising a more amicable approach to divorce.

These observations prompted us to commission some research into attitudes towards divorce.

We found that nearly two-thirds of divorced Brits said they wanted to remain friends with their ex-partner after splitting up. Instead of lengthy and aggressive court battles, our poll of 1,603 recently divorced people found 68 per cent said they would be happy to spend time with their ex and more than a third said they would even feel comfortable going on a family holiday together.

When high profile couples split, as happened in 2014 with Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, it’s common for us to see more people looking to replicate a celebrity-inspired separation.

This was indeed backed up by our own research, as a third of people admitted that they had been inspired by amicable celebrity break-ups. More than half of those surveyed said they made an effort to stay friends with their ex and a similar number said they found it easy to stay friends.

Why divorce amicably?

There are many good reasons for staying friends after divorcing; our survey found that the top one was, unsurprisingly, for the children. Getting along for the sake of the kids is the ideal outcome that most of our clients talk about and strive for.

Divorce is hard enough for children at any time but if they see their parents getting along it can make a difficult process easier.

Another reason many people wanted an amicable separation was the amount of history

30

by Slater and Gordon Head of Family Law Amanda McAlister

they had with their partner. They didn’t want to split on bad terms and completely destroy the relationship. The desire to maintain friendships forged during their relationship was illustrated by the fact that more than half of the divorcees questioned still have contact with their ex’s family.

Practical advice It can be difficult to maintain a civil relationship during a divorce but there are some steps that can potentially make a divorce less complicated and traumatic for all parties.

My number one tip is to ensure that you get the correct advice. This means seeking out a lawyer who is committed to the amicable divorce process, suggesting initial informal roundtable meetings or a collaborative process, for example. The latter means that you both attend meetings with your lawyers, deciding what will be discussed at each meeting – in effect establishing a project plan for the entire separation process.

It’s also about having an attitude that generally takes away the need for conflict and battle lines.

Mediation is another option for couples to explore and can help progress discussions when things seem insurmountable. Twenty nine per cent of those questioned said they had tried mediation in their own divorce and 37 per cent said they did not use it, but wished they had.

Every situation is different While it’s always preferable if a couple can remain friends, we also know that’s not always realistic.

Couples are often hurt and angry and don’t want to compromise, however divorce proceedings provide an important opportunity to secure a future for both partners and their children.

For more information about points raised in this article or any other legal matters, please contact Slater and Gordon. Amanda McAlister is the head of the Family Law team at Slater and Gordon in Manchester.

India by Design - An insider’s guide to Kerala An insider’s guide to Kerala

Live the coffee planter’s life in Wayanad

Hidden away in the south west corner of India lies Kerala. Mention the word ‘Kerala’ and people tend to just think of languid backwaters and sandy beaches. But this intensely tropical state in the far southwest of India offers far more than a standard sun ‘n’ sand break. From jungle safaris with ex-poachers to stays on tea estates roamed by wild elephants, we have devised a collection of signature experiences guaranteed to tempt you beyond the surf and serve up some vivid memories of this fascinating part of the world.

Homestays are booming in India, and one of our long-standing favourites is the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway, in the Wayanad region of north-central Kerala. Set amid 400-acres of lush coffee and vanilla groves, this stately bungalow is the residence of Victor, Ranjini, Ajay and Nisha, who will make you feel like a member of the family from the moment you arrive. Between sumptuous meals, you can explore the many footpaths that interlace the estate, before a cooling spell in the pool or relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Raft with ex-poachers in Periyar Encompassing a tract of primal jungle in Kerala’s mountainous interior, Periyar National Park is an eco-tourism success story. Locals who once made a living from poaching animals in the forests here are now responsible for their protection. Join them on ranger-led trips deep into wooded valleys of the buffer zone. The adventure starts at dawn, hiking through some of Periyar’s richest woodland, with hornbills, giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur monkeys crashing through the canopy overhead. Later, transfer to bamboo rafts to watch sambar deer and elephants drinking water at the muddy fringes of Periyar Lake.

32

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

Bliss out on empty beaches While most visitors head for Kerala’s congested south, the far north boasts the state’s most

Travel idyllic beaches, foremost among them Bekkal.

Overlooked by the red-laterite ramparts of an old fort, the palm-backed sand here is wonderfully empty, save for a handful of fishermen fixing their nets. Hidden among the coconut trees are a few carefully sited resorts. Our favourite, thanks to its exotic Kerala architecture, is the Neeleshwar Hermitage – a boutique eco-retreat arranged around a shimmering pool. On an altogether larger scale is the Lalit, an option guaranteed to thrill if you like your spa resorts sleek, glamorous and grand.

Cook up a Keralan Storm in Tellicherry Learn how to make your own flavour-packed Keralan delicacies at this very special homestay.

Owners of a sprawling 19th-century mansion, Faiza and Moosa are famed for their Mopalah food – cuisine with a distinctly Arabian influence.

Under their guidance, you’ll select ingredients from the local fish, spice and fresh produce markets, then return to the kitchen to rustle up delicious local dishes, served for supper on the veranda.

plantations in a restored, Raj-era bungalow, where liveried butlers will serve you the finest Orange Pekoe on a flower-filled veranda.

Thus refreshed, head off on a factory tour to pick and make your own tea.

Cruise the backwaters No visit to Kerala is complete without a cruise around the famous backwaters – a timeless landscape of lush, palm-edged lagoons and canals. You can go for daytrips in small launches, but for a more vivid experience of local life, it’s worth opting for an overnight trip in a converted rice barge, or kettu vallam. Attended by a uniformed crew, recline on the cushioned observation deck of the barge as a non-stop parade of local canoes, floating duck farms, ferries and farm boats chug past. At night, you’ll moor at a remote river bank where, after an exclusive supper on deck, you’ll be able to savour the sounds of the tropical night miles from the nearest road.

Kerala is just one of the many destinations within India that is covered in our ‘India by Design’ portfolio, so if you would like to visit The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, take a trip aboard the Maharajah Express train, take the Himalayan Tea Walk or enjoy an Ayurverdic Spa experience at a luxury hotel, then contact Kristina or Irene at Travel by Design for more details on 01625 584195 or email info@travelbydesigngroup.com

Pick your own tea at Kollukkumamai Temperatures fall as you climb into Kerala’s interior, where vast tea and coffee estates cloak the lower slopes of South India’s highest mountains. They were laid out in the 19th century

by British planters and, as well as producing some of the subcontinent’s finest brews, these days provide a wonderfully refreshing counterpoint for visitors to the heat and humidity of the coastal belt. The best way to enjoy the gorgeous valley views is to stay on one of the

33

Wilmslow Children’s Activities Things to do with pre-school kids

Monday Songs and Rhymes. 9.30am and 10.15am Wilmslow Methodist Church. Share all the favourite songs with the child in your care, refreshments and play area available. Drop in sessions, £1 per session

Under 5’s Rhyme Time 11-11.30am Term time only. Wilmslow Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374060.

Contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm)

Baby Massage 1.30pm Wilmslow Methodist church. For babies 8 weeks+ and their carers. £5 per session, including refreshments.

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am Term time only. Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road. £5 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382 Under 5’s Story Time 11-11.30am Term time only. Wilmslow Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374060

Tuesday

For information and to book in, please contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm) Thursday Tots 2-4pm Term time only, Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Alderley Road. For pre-school children and parents/ carers. £1.50 per family. Contact thursdaytots@ hotmail.co.uk, or phone Barbara on 01625 584267.

Friday

The Creation Station – various morning sessions Dean Row Village Hall. Art and craft classes for babies and pre-schoolers with none of the mess at home! £6 per session, contact jannthorpe@thecreationstation.co.uk

Friday Tots 10-11.30am Term time only, Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Church Hall, Chapel Road. Contact Susan Moran on 01625 585166.

Baby Sensory 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm St Johns Church Hall, Knutsford Rd. To book, call Becky on 07503547083 or email eastcheshire@babysensory.co.uk

Jabberjacks various times Wilmslow Methodist Church, Water Lane. 9.30am for 15 months to 2 years old. 10.15am for 2 to 4 years old.

Under 5’s Rhyme Time 10-10.30am Term time only. Alderley Edge Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Contact 01625 374030.

See more at www.jabberjacks.co.uk/ locations/jabberjacks-wilmslow, or call Sue on 01625540999/07763190341

Wednesday Coffee, cake and craft/Tiddlywinks 10am-12 noon Wilmslow Methodist Church. Coffees, hot chocolates and cakes with play area for little ones. Prices from 50p to £1.50. Contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm) WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am Term time only. Alderley Edge Scout Hut, Talbot Road. £5 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382.

Mums, Dads and Tots 1.30 to 3pm Term time only. St Benedict’s Church Hall, Hall Road, Handforth. Lots of toys for under 5’s, come along for a cuppa. Contact Jo on 07762 494843.

34

thursday

Compiled by Jenny Riley e: jenny@insidemagazines.co.uk

Saturday

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10.30-11.30am All year round. Pownall Hall School, Carrwood. £5 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382.

Moo Music 10-10.40am Wilmslow Library. Great fun for children and parents/ carers. For more information and to book your place, call 07837345253 or email lucy@moo-music.co.uk

Sunday

Messy Church 4pm onwards First Sunday of every month, Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Alderley Road. For more information please contact messychurchwilmslow@hotmail.com or phone Barbara on 01625 584267.

37

Answers: lap time, pit stop, tyres, chequered flag, trophy, helmet Extra letter answer: podium

S D I K 4 JUST

Barry’s Gardening Tips A belated Happy New Year to you all. I know that many of you will have spent much of the first few weeks of 2016 in the garden because this mild weather has kick-started it into life a little early this year. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to get out there sooner rather than later, if you want to keep ahead of the game. Snowdrops are blooming ahead of schedule and Cyclamen coum seem more unpredictable than usual, along with a whole host of perennials that are bursting forth in my woodland garden. Even alliums and crocosmia are well on their way in the herbaceous borders. However, for me, the stars of the show are the hellebores.

Some were in flower before Christmas, when usually it’s late January or even February before they open their drooping flowerheads. Their appearance signals the annual expedition to Ashwood Nurseries in Kingswinsford, to the west of Birmingham, because this is the time to buy them, when they are in flower.

If you’re a lover of hellebores and have never been, you really should make the effort.

Although they have some of the garden centre paraphernalia (do people really go to garden centres for candles and cardigans?) as well as a very popular cafe, it’s really a proper nursery… yes, they breed and grow their own plants, and not just hellebores. Cyclamen and Hepaticas are

38

by Barry Davy barry.davy@ntlworld.com

also a speciality, and their shrub section is always worth a look. But it’s the myriad of hellebores that take centre stage and fill the glasshouses.

No matter how many you already have, and I have many, you will need amazing willpower if you are to resist the temptation of adding at least one more to the garden. In fact I would be impressed if you can stop at just one. With the range of colours, patterns and shapes there is always a new one to catch your eye and prise open your wallet. In 2014 I went ‘yellow’ and last year it was the turn of ‘Penny’s Pink’ and ‘Anna’s Red’, with their marbled leaves. Yes, they can be a little pricey but think how long they last and what a great show they make. I have had some of mine for 20 years and they are as vigorous as ever.

For me their only drawback is their promiscuity.

Each spring I seem to spend hours ripping out their tiny, two-leaved offspring, which pop up in droves around the parent plant. Now some of you may be thinking all those free plants are a good thing. In which case lift them carefully and pot them up. In three or four years they will flower, almost invariably a muddy purple colour. Ok, you may be lucky and get one worth keeping but bear in mind that Ashwood carry out 1000’s of crosses and most end up on the compost heap.

Another reason for culling the little blighters is that some will spring up very close to their parent or even amongst its crown. They compete with your prized Ashwood Hybrid and can eventually overwhelm it. So beware!

Now, which one(s) will I choose this year and how can I avoid a bootload and an overdraft?

NE W

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Snowdrop Festival Rode Hall in Scholar Green, south of Congleton, has supported the charitable work of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) for many years. Rode is famous for its mid-winter season of snowdrop walks, enabling visitors to enjoy a gentle mile-long stroll in very pleasant surroundings. Open from 30 January to 6 March (closed on Mondays). Admission is £5, children £1, and afternoon teas are available. Keen gardeners can purchase speciality snowdrops as a souvenir of their visit – there are over 50 varieties in the gardens at Rode!

Elsewhere in Cheshire, these two gardens will both be open on Sunday 28 February as part of the NGS Snowdrop Festival: Bucklow Farm (Pinfold Lane, Plumley, nr Knutsford WA16 9RP opens 1-3pm, £3, children free) and Dunham Massey (nr Altrincham WA14 5SJ, Open 115.30pm, £8.80, children £4.40)

The snowdrop festival is a national event running from 11 January to 6 March; details of all the participating gardens are on the NGS website: www.ngs.org.uk

Help us to deliver INSIDE magazines It’s a great way to get a little exercise and earn some extra cash We are looking for friendly, responsible people to deliver in all areas: Altogether, about forty people currently help us to deliver our magazines. Many are retired or semi-retired and they really enjoy the experience. Our magazines are enthusiastically received in most homes, so there is always the chance of a smile or friendly word, en route.

Give Jenny a call, or send an email, and we’ll be pleased to give you more details.

Call Jenny on 01625 879611 Email: jenny@insidemagazines.co.uk

It’s good exercise. It’s also very therapeutic, we’re told!

Delivery rounds of varying sizes available.

Good rates of pay.

Sudoku

How to play Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 50.

advertising feature

New and regular visitors to Uniquely Chic Furniture showrooms in Goyt Mill always use the same two comments …”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”. Furniture shopping here is a unique experience as you go from one room to another and marvel at the huge range of furniture and shabby chic home accessories on sale.

can really add to the piece, and these finishes can give a really great magazine look.

Not only will you find a superb range of quality furniture on show, but a fascinating collection of mirrors, lamps, cushions, crystal chandeliers, and home accessories. We have also opened a fantastic art gallery in conjunction with Artstop Studio and Gallery.

We are now official stockists of Frenchic eco-friendly chalk paint and all Frenchic products.

Founded in 2012 by Mick Bennett and Sue Scully, Uniquely Chic Furniture transforms ‘preloved’ items of furniture, mainly quality pine and oak, into wonderful hand-painted statement pieces. We can paint furniture purchased from us, or indeed your own pieces. This service also includes painting and transforming your kitchen cupboards for a completely new look.

If you select a piece of furniture for painting, you pick the colour and finish, for example block colour, distressed, or shabby chic (which is very much in vogue). A change of knobs or handles

44

A collection/delivery service is available. We can arrange delivery anywhere in the country. And if you can’t visit the showroom you can buy online.

Canalside, Goyt Mill, Upper Hibbert Lane, Marple SK6 7HX Tel. 0161 484 5116 or 07785 794308 www.uniquelychicfurniture.co.uk Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am -5.30pm Sunday 11am- 4.30pm Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays)

@be_uniquelychic

Inside Guide Wednesday 3 February

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during February & March

Craft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Wednesday 10 February

Saturday 6 February

St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AA, 7.45pm

Framework Weaving for Children. Experimentation with various hand weaving techniques, yarns, fabric strips and manipulation of taut structures will be encouraged throughout the session. Leave with your own beautifully woven sample(s) created during the workshop. £6.50 –covers the full session and all materials.

The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield 12.30-3.30pm

Saturday 6 February Northern Chamber Orchestra with Raphael Wallfisch, cello, including Handel, Shostakovich, and Dvorják.

Tickets: £16 / £13; £7 students; 18s & under free (adjacent free parking). From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop Heritage Centre or on the door

Wilmslow Historical Society. Geoff Scargill, an accomplished speaker is giving a talk on “The last week of peace, the first week of war – September 1939”.

Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and biscuits included.

Tel 01625 529178

Friday 12 February Wilmslow Trust meeting, the topic will be ‘Our Health Services ‘. Jerry Hawker, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Commissioning Group, will talk about how health services are planned and purchased. There will be an opportunity for questions following the talk. Members free. Non - members are very welcome, £2 at the door.

Wilmslow Library 7.45pm

Saturday 13 February Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra. Glinka : Ruslan and Ludmila Overture, Delibes : Coppélia Suite No.1, Delibes : Coppélia Prélude and Mazurka, Prokofiev : Romeo and Juliet Suites Nos. 1 and 2

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Tickets £12, £10 Concessions, £2 Under 12’s.

Tuesday 9 February

Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm

East Cheshire NT Lecture - ‘My experiences as a Headmaster’ Speaker George Nolan

Saturday 13 February

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Wednesday 10 February Rescue, Installation and Maintenance of Historic Machinery. Museum volunteer Ian Richardson shares insights into life as a museum volunteer focusing on the Silk Machinery he cares for. £4/£3 for members of the Friends.

The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Prestbury Choral Society Annual Singing Day. All are invited to come and sing the ever popular Haydn’s Creation. For more information go to www.prestburychoral.org or call our secretary on 01625 262249 – book early to avoid disappointment.

Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane

Monday 15 February East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society Local Group. Frank Hoyle - Cultivating and Killing Cushions. Visitors £4.

Wilmslow Preparatory School, 7.30pm for 7.45 start.

Wednesday 10 February

Wednesday 17 February

Simply Books present best-selling crime writer ANN CLEEVES, author of two hugely successful crime series: the Vera Stanhope novels set in Northumbria and the Shetland novels – both of which have been adapted for TV. Tickets £7 (includes refreshments and £2 towards the purchase of one of Ann’s books).

Lunchtime Concert with Philip Underwood/organ.

Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12 noon. For further information telephone 01625 586713

To book: call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info 7.30pm

Alderley Edge Methodist Church, lunch from 12 noon, performance 1pm

Continued over...

Compiled by Claire Hawker e: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

47

inside guide

Wednesday 17 February

Thursday 25 February

Drop in crafts for children of all ages – create Valentineinspired mobiles using paper and stitch. £2 per child. Adults must accompany.

East Cheshire NT Lecture: The Caledonian Canal and the Invergarry to Fort Augustus Railway with speaker Andy Holmes.

The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6UT 1.30pm to 3.30pm

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Wednesday 17 February

Wednesday 2 March

Craft and Chatter. A get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Craft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested

Thursday 18 February Teen Holiday Art Workshop: Material Paintings. Children aged 11+ will design and make material paintings- using collage techniques. £6.50 –covers the full session and all materials.

The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 6TJ 12.30-3.30pm

Thursday 18 February

Saturday 5 March Northern Chamber Orchestra with Martin James Bartlett, piano. Youthful Mastery, including Mendelssohn, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Haydn. Tickets: £16 / £13; £7 students; 18s & under free. (adjacent free parking) From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop Heritage Centre & ON THE DOOR www.ncorch.co.uk

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. Illustrated talk - Summer & Autumn at Pikelow Farm, a farm at Marton, managed with wildlife at the top of its priority list, by David Taylor. Visitors are welcome (£4).

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.45pm

East Cheshire NT Lecture - From Muck and Music to Stones and Roses with speaker Raymond Smith

Mon 22 – Sat 27 February

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Poynton Players presents ‘Veronica’s Room’, a mystery thriller by Irva Levin. Ticket prices Monday only £7.50, Tues-Sat £8.50

Tuesday 8 March

Tues 8 to Sat 12 March

Tickets can be booked online, full details www.poyntonplayers.co.uk, or by phone 0333 666 3366

Awarding winning youth musical theatre group TEMPO (The Edge Musical Performing Organisation) presents STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Youth Group Production).

Wednesday 24 February

For more information and tickets go to www. tempotheatre.com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

Wilmslow Guild Flower Club: Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Kathleen Williams. Visitors are most welcome but are limited to two visits per Guild year at £6 (special events extra). Contact Linda Cocker on 0161 440 0704, see also our listing at NAFAS Cheshire www.nafascheshire.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow 1.45pm

Wednesday 24 February Wilmslow U3A. Geoff Scargill - The last laugh of the railway king with Edward Watkin.

United Reformed Church Schoolrooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow SK9 1PR 2.30pm

48

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow.

Wednesday 9 March Wilmslow Historical Society. Martin Gaffney will be talking about The Manchester Bomb and Euro ‘96. This should prove an illuminating presentation as Martin was professionally involved in dealing with the situation at the time. Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and biscuits included. Tel 01625 529178 St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AA 7.45pm

inside guide

Wed 9 to Sat 12 March

Monday 21 March

Natural Causes – A Black Comedy. A blend of farce, suspense, blackmail, revenge and – ultimately – poetic justice. Call the box office for tickets and more information 0161 439 0505

East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society Local Group: Sue Beesley - Planning for Gold. Visitors £4

Brookdale Club & Theatre, Bramhall 7.45pm

Wednesday 23 March

Saturday 12 March

Wilmslow U3A. Louis Lince - Size Doesn’t Matter.

Jazz bands over the years.

Do join us for Souperday in aid of Wilmslow Wells for Africa. We provide homemade soups and bread for your lunch plus there is cake, home produce and good as new stalls. Wilmslow Methodist Church Hall, Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AR 11am to 2pm

United Reformed Church Schoolrooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR 2.30pm

Sat 12 to Sat 19 March Wilmslow Green Room presents Tommy Boy by Ted Willis - the first time ever that this play has been performed in the amateur theatre.

For further information, please visit www.wgrsoc.org or call the Box Office on 01625 540933.

Wednesday 16 March Lunchtime Concert with kind permission of the Royal Northern College of Music, cello and piano to be confirmed. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12 noon. For further information telephone 01625 586713 Alderley Edge Methodist Church, lunch from 12 noon, performance 1pm

Wednesday 16 March Craft and Chatter. A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road SK9 2BX 2pm

Wednesday 16 March The Wilmslow Trust AGM followed by a talk from a representative of The Wilmslow Business Group, who will describe their activities and objectives for the future of Wilmslow. Members free, non-members very welcome £2 at the door. All enquiries 01625 526547 Wilmslow Library 7.45pm

Thursday 17 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society is holding an illustrated talk on The Wildlife of Ardnamurchan, almost an island with the westernmost point of the UK mainland, by Mike Roberts. Visitors are welcome (£4).

Wilmslow Preparatory School 7.30pm for 7.45 start.

Thursday 24 March East Cheshire NT Lecture - ‘Heart Stopping Moments’ Speaker Bernard Loveday St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 March Wilmslow Guild Flower Club ‘All Kinds of Everything’ Lorrain Simcox. Visitors are most welcome but are limited to two visits per Guild year at £6 (special events extra). Contact, Linda Cocker on 0161 440 0704, see also our listing at NAFAS Cheshire www.nafascheshire.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow 1.45pm

Wednesday 30 March Craft and Chatter. A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Friday 11 March Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Secure your advertising space now!

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.45pm

49

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution

50

Consumer Champion Nuisance calls This week I received an email from a chap who has had to stop answering his home phone. He is receiving endless cold calls and has simply had enough of trying to get rid of the pesky salespeople trying to sell their services ranging from PPI claims to the installation of solar panels and how much they can save. It is very frustrating when you cannot answer you own phone without the fear of being bombarded about unwanted goods and services!

Unwanted phone calls What would you do if you were faced with the same situation? It is simply not acceptable that you have to avoid answering your own phone.

The first thing you should do is contact the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), run by the Direct Marketing Association. The service is free and allows you to opt out of receiving marketing communications and includes preventing marketing calls from business development firms, charities, voluntary organisations and political parties. You can register your home and mobile numbers with the scheme.

According to Ofcom research, your unwanted phone calls will reduce by one third. Once you are registered, organisations are not allowed to call you unless you have given prior consent. 45% of those registered on the list receive no more cold calls.

Prior Consent When you sign up with new websites there are often two tick boxes, one for their terms and conditions and the other to receive communications from select partners. Do not tick this box, ever! If you do, you are consenting that data can be sold legitimately to third-party companies and this is considered prior consent.

Even though you may have opted out via the Telephone Preference Service you will still receive

communications from companies that have your data via this process. This loophole is extremely unfair and the Government is now considering if this law should be changed. Personally, I find it unbelievable that this law still exists and it certainly ought to be amended!

Silent phone calls If you are receiving silent calls this is usually from an automated system in a Contact Centre. The system automatically dials phone numbers and if you answer, you are then connected to a member of staff in the Contact Centre. However, if no one in the Contact Centre is available then you receive the silent call.

If the company is using this system, they must publish their phone number. Once you get off of the call, ring 1471 to find out the number or call your phone provider and request the caller’s phone number and then make a complaint.

Automated sales calls These are known as lead generation calls, looking to capture your details or leads to sell onto a firm.

Companies making these calls must have your permission to make these calls to you. If you have not given permission then you should contact the Information Commissioners Office with as much information as possible. Call them on 0303 123 1113.

Making a complaint If you are still receiving unwanted phone calls, you should make a complaint to the Telephone Preference Service.

■■ When you receive the phone call ask the person what company they work for and their telephone number. Be sure to make a note of the number. Top tip: sometimes you can also obtain the phone number after finishing the call but prior to the next call by dialling 1471 on your home phone.

■■ Contact the Telephone Preference Service and make an official complaint and it will be investigated.

by James Walker www.resolver.co.uk

51

inside magazines East Cheshire’s leading independent publisher of community magazines Connecting local people to local businesses and delivering a quality read to 45,000 Cheshire homes.

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■■ Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington ■■ Inside Bramhall ■■ Inside Hazel Grove & High Lane ■■ Inside Marple ■■ Inside Poynton ■■ Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge

Useful Numbers Alderley Edge Churches Methodist Church

Local Government 01625 873407/583337

Methodist Church Office

01625 586713

E. Cheshire Council Info Services

St Mary’s Church with Birtles

01625 585440

Neighbourhood Wardens

St Philip’s Church (Vicarage)

01625 583249

Police (non-emergency)

St Philip’s Parish Office St Pius X Church

01625 581477 01625 582386

Wilmslow Churches

0300 1235500

Macclesfield Borough 01625 504791

(non-emergency)

101

Post Offices Alderley Edge Post Office

01625 599655

Methodist Church, Wilmslow

01625 528892

Handforth Post Office

01625 522946

St Ann’s C of E Church

01625 520309

Wilmslow Post Office

01625 524036

St Bartholomew’s Parish Church

01625 520309

St Chad’s Handforth

01625 532145

St John’s Lindow

01625 583251

St Mary’s Methodist Handforth

01625 528892

St Teresa’s RC Church

01625 523384

St Benedict’s RC Church

01625 522776

Wilmslow United Reformed Church

01625 532600

Quaker Meeting House

07974 997798

Dean Row Unitarian Chapel

01625 403509

Doctors/Medical Centres Alderley Edge Medical Practice

01625 584545

Wilmslow Health Centre

01625 548555

Handforth Health Centre

01625 529421

Kenmore Medical Centre

01625 532244

Hulme Hall Medical Group

0161 426 5844

Fire Service (non-emergency) Wilmslow Fire Station

01625 524066

Hospitals Macclesfield Hospital

01625 421000

NHS Non-Emergency

111

Alderley Edge Schools Alderley Edge Pre-School Playgroup

01625 599300

The Ryleys School

01625 583241

Alderley Edge Primary School

01625 383262

Nether Alderley Primary School

01625 583282

Mottram St Andrew Primary

01625 829035

Alderley Edge School for Girls

01625 583028

Wilmslow Schools Ashdene Primary

01625 383232

Dean Oaks Primary

01625 383333

Gorsey Bank Primary

01625 383020

Lacey Green Primary

01625 525157

Lindow Primary

01625 582555

Pownall Hall School

01625 523141

St Anne’s Fulshaw

01625 523536

St Benedicts Catholic Primary

01625 520207

Styal Primary

01625 383253

Wilmslow Grange Primary

01625 526566

Wilmslow High School

01625 526191

Wilmslow Preparatory School

01625 524246

helplines

Travel

Citizens Advice Bureau (Macclesfield) 01625 432847

Bus Information

Leisure Centres

Train Information

0845 748 4950 0161 489 3000

Wilmslow Leisure Centre

01625 533789

Manchester Airport

Macclesfield Leisure Centre

01625 615602

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss

Libraries

0300 125 5020 option 4

0800 195 4141

Alderley Edge Library

01625 374030

Gas – Emergency

Macclesfield Library

01625 615602

Water Mains

0845 746 2200

0800 111 999

Wilmslow Library

01625 374060

Environment Agency Floodline

0845 988 1188

53

Classified Index ACCOUNTANTS Nolan James Chartered Accountants

42

F.T.W Services

BEDROOMS Monarch Bedrooms

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

21

INTERIOR DESIGN Brook Farm Interiors

BUILDERS S.P. Lee & Co

40

JOINERY

Whitehall Builders Ltd

45

Brookeswood Architectural Joinery

40

CARE SERVICES

45

Simplicity Granite

13

Alice Chilton In-Home Care Services

36

My Life Living Assistance

14

Greensleeves Lawnkeeper Limited

CLEANING 36

Inside Back

Trinity House Dental Care

6

DOMESTIC & HOME HELP Let Me Lighten Your Load

21

39

EDUCATION Dyslexia Action Literacy Club

42

Greenbank Preparatory School

35

10

Back Cover

25

36

Stockport Oven Cleaning

21

ASM Gas, Heating, Plumbing

50

G.P. Green Ltd

10

PUBS & RESTAURANTS The Farmers Arms

44

Falcon Security

50

Slater & Gordon

31

Headwater

26

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services Ltd

45

WINDOW CLEANING

HEALTH AND FITNESS Healthwatch Cheshire East

43

Jules Hardman Pilates

42

Cavendish Window Cleaning

21

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre

54

Inside Front

TREE SERVICES

FURNITURE Uniquely Chic Furniture

Ecodazzle

TRAVEL

EVENTS & VENUES Adlington Hall and Gardens

OVEN CLEANING

SOLICITORS

ESTATE & LETTING AGENTS Mosley Jarman

52

SECURITY

ELECTRICIANS G.P.Green Ltd

9

PLUMBING & HEATING

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

39

LOFT LADDERS More Than Loft Ladders

DENTAL CLINICS

5

LEISURE PARKS Energi Trampoline Park

DECORATORS Spring Decorating

40

Matt Finish

LAWN CARE

Wild About Cleaning

18

KITCHENS

CAR REPAIRS Scratches & Scrapes

36

46