Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Issue 54 by INSIDE MAGAZINES

inside February - march 2017

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Issue 54

wilmslow & alderley edge

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inside wilmslow & alderley edge Welcome to this bumper February-March issue! It’s a real pleasure to bring you such a varied and chunky publication at this normally quieter time. There’s so much to digest. Huge thanks go to our contributors for your allimportant editorial pieces. The ‘great outdoors’ features as strongly as ever and spring is yet to come! Huge thanks also go to our advertisers, old and new, who bring such quality services and products to our community. We would like to extend a very special welcome to Halliwell Jones who will be looking forward to meeting your motoring needs during 2017.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Wilmslow Then & Now 7 Simply books book club choice 8 the long weekend 12 INSIDE People 15 Sudoku

19 local buzz 23 Snowdrops 27 Barry’s Gardening Tips 28 Crossword

New Year, as we all know, is the traditional time to plan a few changes and as publishers we have a few in store for 2017. In this issue, we have started the ball rolling with some design and layout changes, some subtle, some a little more obvious, but all with the aim of doing real justice to the content and to giving you all the best possible experience.

32 the walk

What a great way to start the year! Thank you and enjoy!

58 Puzzle Solutions

34 Diary of a Geeky Knitter

41 Just 4 Kids 42 Children’s Activities 45 In Touch 53 Inside Guide 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified Index

Co-Editors - Garth Aspinall

Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Cover photo: Alderley Edge in Winter by Garth Aspinall.

Copy deadline for the next issue: mon 13 march

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 2017. 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

wilmslow then... ...and now This photograph, probably dating from between the wars, is taken on Wycliffe Avenue looking towards Water Lane, then primarily residential and lacking the commercial properties that dominate today. In the early years of the 20th century this area of Wilmslow become increasingly developed, with Wycliffe Avenue and the new school (behind the photographer) appearing in the years just before the Great War, and a great number of houses in other cul-de-sacs off Water Lane and in the streets around Hawthorn Walk over a slightly longer period. The parish hall on Water Lane is just out of shot to the left. Later, as horse transport like that pictured was replaced with cars, the Jubilee Garage was established on the left corner to take advantage of the new market, and is now the site of the recently refurbished Aston Martin dealership. Opposite, on Water Lane, only the three rightmost of the terraced homes remain, and are now a hairdresser, soft furnisher and takeaway pizza shop. The building at the end of Wycliffe Avenue on the right is still easily recognisable by the upstairs timbering and windows, and is now the office of an engineering contractor.

Photographs: Wilmslow Historical Society Collection

by Jon Armstrong > Wilmslow Historical Society

simply books

book club choice

Following decades shrouded in secrecy the work of the wartime codebreakers at Bletchley Park – in particular the brilliant contribution Alan Turing made towards cracking the Enigma Code – has been very much in the public eye lately. The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch was an award-winning film and a recent revival of Hugh Whitemore’s play Breaking The Code at The Royal Exchange played to packed houses. Now we have a novel about Alan Turing - The Fall Of Man In Wilmslow by David Lagercrantz. The book opens with the discovery of Alan Turing’s body in June 1954 at his home on Adlington Road (on the outskirts of Wilmslow) and its investigation by a young detective Leonard Corell. We follow Corell as he digs deep into Turing’s life and tries to understand the circumstances which have led to his untimely death – was it an accident or a suicide (as recorded by the coroner)? Who was Turing and why was his work of such ground-breaking significance? The book captures the febrile atmosphere of the Cold War and the open hostility towards homosexuals (such as Turing) - seen as potential blackmail targets for the Russians (the ‘Cambridge’ spies Burgess and Maclean had only recently defected). There are also some interesting digressions which take us into the world of Bletchley Park and Turing’s mathematical work. Although heavily biographical this is nevertheless a work of fiction (Leonard Corell was not a real person!) with a strong narrative and a storyline that holds your attention throughout. Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the book – not least because of an enduring fascination for one of the most influential figures of the last century whose contribution at Bletchley Park and to the development of computers was only acknowledged posthumously. Plus it’s a story set on our doorstep – I daresay many of you will be familiar with the Blue Plaque which marks Alan Turing’s house on Adlington Road. My second choice is Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss set in the 1880s. Only weeks after their marriage a young couple embark on a six-month period of separation. Tom Cavendish travels to Japan to build lighthouses and his wife Ally (one of the first women to qualify as a doctor) takes work at the Truro asylum where she struggles against the terrible conditions imposed on the patients, the morals of Victorian society and her own demons. Tom and Ally’s twin narratives are told in alternate chapters and the comparisons and contrasts between their respective experience is a central theme of the book. There’s also an interlude when Ally returns to her childhood home in Manchester to work with some of the poorest families in the city’s hideous slums. This is a beautifully written and engaging story which we all enjoyed – so much so that many of us are now reading the author’s prequel Bodies of Light which describes Ally’s early life and her medical training. We will be hosting an event with Sarah Moss on 17 May. Lastly…I wanted to mention our upcoming evening with one of the country’s most distinguished and popular authors: JOANNA TROLLOPE OBE will be with us on Tuesday 22 February. You can find details (including how to book tickets) on our website www.simplybooks.info

Simply Books 228 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 1BD 0161 439 1436 Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm Andrew Cant www.simplybooks.info

The long Weekend As we face the winter days ahead and look forward to signs of Spring and warmer weather to come, there’s nothing better than having a long weekend to look forward to… a quick break to a European city for culture, food and a change of scenery. With direct flights from Manchester to make the most of the destination, we recommend… Carcassonne, located in the South West of France, Carcassonne is the largest mediaeval fortified city in the world, and has a spectacular position on the crown of the hill, with views stretching across to the Pyrenees. Wander the cobbled streets, browse the shops with basketware and local pottery, and stop for coffee in one of the tree lined squares. Cassoulet is the local regional speciality and is a hearty casserole of duck and sausage, perfect with crusty bread. For a special treat, book into the De La Cite Hotel, built into the city walls and next to the beautiful church. The Canal du Midi also passes through Carcassonne and a walk along its banks is not to be missed. Reykjavik, capital city of Iceland, is on the wish list for many people, particularly to see the Northern Lights,

but there is so much more to see than this. The famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths are perfect for relaxation in the delightful warm waters and there are a great selection of tours from the city exploring the countryside of geysers, glaciers and volcanos.

Vienna has long enjoyed a reputation for a great short break destination. A visit to the great selection of museums and galleries to cover every taste is a must, as are the Habsburg palaces. We arranged concert tickets for recent clients and they thoroughly enjoyed the visit and their front row seats! We can also arrange tickets for the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys Choir.

by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

Lisbon is one of the friendliest, most charming and unspoilt capital cities in Europe. Whitewashed houses stretch down the sparkling River Tagus, watched over by the magnificent Castelo Sao Jorge and tree lined boulevards connect with steep winding cobbled streets. Eating out is a treat with delicious fish and seafood dishes a speciality. Copenhagen has been fascinating travellers from around the world since it was founded in 1167. Many of the city’s most impressive buildings date from the golden age of the 17th Century when the extensive canal network was founded. Today you will discover excellent museums, top class restaurants, a sophisticated nightlife (with great jazz clubs), gabled houses, narrow streets, colourful markets, ancient harbours and the wonderful Tivoli Gardens.

Bologna is often regarded as Italy’s ‘richest ‘secret’, overshadowed as it is by the nearby ‘big hitters’ of Florence and Venice, yet it is a beautiful ancient and delightful city. It’s a university city – older than Oxford with some wonderful museums and piazzas and fabulous architecture. At the centre of the city is the mediaeval Asinelli Tower, and it’s worth climbing the 498 steps for fabulous panoramic views of the city. The food of course, is fantastic, using the local Parma ham and parmigiano cheese, but you will also find that spaghetti bolognese is a Neapolitan dish and not local to the city! However, there are plenty of other pasta dishes to be had as a delicious alternative. ... and many more exciting destinations just a couple of hours direct flight from Manchester. If you have been inspired to book a Long Weekend, contact Travel by Design on 01625 584195 for our extensive range of destinations and hotels.

c0-housing communities Back in 1998 a group of six older women got together in the hope of changing the way they would live in their later years. The group had a clear vision, to be in a community of like-minded women, to maintain their independence and privacy but to be able to call upon the community for support and social contact when needed. The women founded the “Older Women’s Co-Housing” (OWCH) group and were inspired by the success of senior housing projects developed in The Netherlands. Having seen that such communities did exist, they embarked on an 18 year journey to realise their dream. The dream has indeed become a reality. In the summer of 2016 a purpose-built block of flats in North London was completed and ready for the members of the

OWCH group to move into. The development offers 17 flats for sale and 8 for social rent to women over 50 who are members of the OWCH. The journey to get to this point has been long and sometimes painful, not least because this is an unfamiliar housing model and has required the input of so many different parties. There is so much more to this story and I can’t really do it justice in just a few words but it is a very important story that needs to be heard. How we choose to reside in our later lives is a concern for us all but there is little choice, especially for those without financial means. What these women have achieved is inspiring, what we need now is for co-housing to be adopted and developed to provide older people with the lifestyle they choose for themselves. www.owch.org.uk

Karen Perry, Founder alice chilton In-Home Care Services Limited www.alicechilton.com

inside people

christine webb

Chris Webb, nee Jennings, was born in Liverpool although her family home was Clacton on Sea, Essex. The family moved from Clacton to London, then on to Worcester and eventually further north to Wakefield. Apart from working a summer season in Torquay (where traumatically her landlady died one night!) she has never returned to live in the South. Leaving school at sixteen, Chris worked in local government and subsequently as a secretary in several industrial contexts. In 1974 she married Peter and moved to Stockport working for the Local Authority in the Teachers’ Centre, Adswood Family Advice Centre and the Town Hall. Always interested in writing, Chris, as a child wrote stories, poems and complicated jokes to inflict on her family. She recalls vividly being accused of cheating by the Headteacher who felt one of her stories was too good to have been written by a child. Chris became seriously interested to writing when she was at home looking after her two sons, Stephen and David. Watching Widows, she recalls, a TV series about women written by a woman, made a significant impression on her. So she began to write, using an old typewriter, entering competitions, which led to some success. Success followed success and she won an Acorn computer in a women’s magazine short story competition. More acceptances followed when three of her short stories were broadcast on the radio and encouraged by this she agreed to write a pantomime, words and music, for St Peter’s church musical group. The Rat’s Revenge was a triumph and raised £3000 for charity. In 1993, Chris was commissioned to write a series of monologues with seven other writers called a Month of Sundays which was performed at Dukes 92 in Castlefield. Inspired by this Chris wrote a play and forming a company called The Company with a Director

by Ed Blundell

friend, staged the play for six nights in Bury, Liverpool and Manchester. The play was seen by a writer for the television series Brookside who suggested the producer, Mal Young, should audition Chris as a potential future member of the script writing team. In 1995 after drafting a trial script, Chris joined the team, one of two women in a team of twelve. The work was very demanding and high quality scripts with realistic dialogue were required to extremely tight deadlines. In those pre-email days she had to drive to Liverpool on Sunday evenings to hand deliver a script on time. Chris enjoyed the writing and pressure and created an office at home where she worked, writing on the Acorn computer she had won in the earlier competition. Once every six months there was a writers’ residential plot meeting in a hotel with Phil Redmond who owned Mersey Television and every four weeks a two- day story conference. The rest was solitary working with often only a few days to complete episodes. In 1999, when her producer left to join the BBC, she followed him and wrote the first televised episode of Doctors and subsequently the 500th episode as well as many in between. She also contributed episodes to Eastenders, Holby City, The Bill and Casualty. Family circumstances, the tragic early death of her husband and her mother’s illness, meant that the pressures of writing became too much and in 2010 Chris retired. She now relaxes walking her dog, reading crime stories and thrillers, pursues her interest in travel, theatre, drawing, art and history and listens to 60s music.

Last Word from Chris It’s never too late to start doing what you want to do. You need to seek opportunities out and keep an open mind.

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 58

Ramblers’

‘Superlative’ Walks Programme

East Cheshire Ramblers clocked up an astonishing 3,186 miles on a total of 361 walks during the last 12 months, Chairman John Edwards told the group’s recent Annual General Meeting. Although there was a slight decline in the number of long and short walks, there were over 8% more medium walks. “These are superlative figures which outsiders can hardly comprehend”, he said.

Norman Ridley (left) and Harry Hadfield (right) receiving the Ramblers Association’s Certificates of Commendation from ECR Chairman, John Edwards.

A list of the group’s Top 10 Leaders was headed by Colin Park who led 11 walks in 2015-16 covering a combined distance of 121 miles, followed by Steve Hull with 111 miles and Brian Griffiths, 100.5-miles. Mr Edwards also congratulated Colin on his “extraordinary work” tracing long lost Cheshire paths as part of a national Ramblers initiative to ensure that any historic paths not yet defined as public rights of way are “claimed back” by 2026, after which no new claims can be submitted to the Highways Authority. This has involved him in hours of research poring over old maps coupled with fieldwork and has yielded a possible 43 lost ways in the ECR area. Members heard that the annual survey, which covered 1,276 footpaths and bridleways, revealed that during the last year 1,246 paths were examined by its team of 38 footpath inspectors in 33 parishes. These were in better condition than ever before with the number of

serious faults down from 10.6% to 8.8%. Of these, just 42 (3%) were found to be ‘obstructed’ and 1,137 (91%) were classified as ‘good’ or ‘acceptable’. “Our first thanks must be to our dedicated Committee, footpath inspectors and maintenance team for all the care and actions they have taken to preserve and improve our local footpaths,” he added. Contrary to national trends, the number of ECR members has remained remarkably stable over the last three years and now stands at 624. Two long-serving members, with nearly 100 years’ service between them, received national recognition for their outstanding contributions to walking. Mr Ridley helped to found the group in 1973 and went on to become Chairman in 1995, serving throughout this time as a footpaths inspector. For more than 30 years he and his wife, Brenda, also ran a programme of weekends away and twice-yearly coach outings which enabled members to enjoy walks in distant parts of Britain. “Lots of members looked forward to these excursions finding them hugely enjoyable and refreshing. Indeed, Norman introduced many of us to places we had never seen before,” said Mr Edwards. Paying tribute to Mr Hadfield, he said that after helping to form the Footpaths Committee he was a driving force for over 40 years, “combining the research disciplines and rigour of a veteran academic and the advocacy of a learned QC to become an expert on Rights of Way legislation.” During this time he had successfully campaigned to get numerous paths preserved or re-instated and had represented the group before government inspectors, including the public enquiry into the building of the second runway at Manchester Airport. Further information about East Cheshire Ramblers can be found at ramblerseastcheshire.org.uk

Local buzz

February - march 2017

WILMSLOW FASHION WEEK It’s official: Wilmslow is set to celebrate the town’s style and fashion culture during a four-day celebration organised by Wilmslow Business Group and supported by Wilmslow Town Council. Wilmslow Fashion Week, taking place between Wednesday 1 and Saturday 4 March, will showcase clothing from the town’s national brands and independent retailers, giving health and beauty, hairdressing, and design businesses an opportunity to display their talents. It will be a celebration of the many businesses based in Wilmslow that can help make its residents look and feel great. The event includes special offers from all over Wilmslow, including the small and large companies, with something on offer for everybody. Wilmslow Fashion Week will kick off with a glamorous ticketed fashion show at Wilmslow High School on Wednesday 1 March starting at 7pm, featuring a spectacular showcase of Wilmslow fashion.

Visit www.getintowilmslow.co.uk for a full listing of all events taking place and for further details of how to purchase tickets for the fashion show.

ADVENTURES ON THE HIGH SEAS As the New Year begins the Alderley Edge Orchestra, under the baton of Richard Howarth, takes to the high seas for some romance and adventure. At their concert on Saturday 4 March, they will be hoping for “Calm Sea and a Prosperous Voyage” with a Mendelssohn concert overture of that name, based on two poems by Goethe and an earlier piece by Beethoven. Richard comments “We will hope for a safe arrival in port, announced by a trumpet fanfare at the end of the piece!” The excitement then mounts as sails are set for the Orient with RimskyKorsakov’s momentous work, Scheherazade. Loosely based on tales from The Arabian Nights, the solo violin, played by orchestra leader Shahla Armitage evokes the beautiful concubine weaving stories nightly to beguile the Sultan and delay her untimely demise. But as Richard says, “The listener can conjure up their own narrative with the music suggesting all manner of situations such as Sinbad’s ship at sea, evil jiins and menacing forces at work!” The orchestra then puts in to port, but perhaps not exactly terra firma, as the brilliant fifteen year old pianist, Elias Ackerley, plays the romantic 2nd Piano Concerto, written by Chopin when he was twenty. Richard tells us “Of course there was a lady involved! Chopin idolised her from afar and without doubt this must have inspired the musical outpouring.”

The concert takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 4 March at the Alderley Edge Methodist Church, SK9 7DU. So to book your passage – 1st Class seats £10 and steerage at only £1 (for the under 18s) phone 01625 581321, online at www.aeorchestra.org.uk or at the door. Continued over

local buzz

TEMPO PERFORMS FAME Fame the Musical will be the next production, from local youth musical theatre group TEMPO (The Edge Musical Performing Organisation). Last year’s show, Starlight Express won a total of five awards from ACT UK (the Association for Community Theatre) including, Most Original Character Actress in a musical for Annabell Haastrup and her portrayal of Pearl, the Most Accomplished Actor in a Musical for Sam Ashell who played Rusty, with the show’s success rounded off with TEMPO winning The Most Original Youth Production 2016 - Musical. “We were delighted to have won in so many categories and proud of all our cast and crew who put on such a fantastic show” commented Chairman Alison Bisset. “We are now busy rehearsing hard for our next production which will be FAME the Musical, and once again our young company are thoroughly enjoying getting to grips with a new and very different show set in the 1980’s. FAME has some great characters and memorable songs and everyone is really looking forward to performing it in March.“ The show tells of life at the New York City’s famous High School of Performing Arts, and follows a group of students across the acting, dancing and music faculties where sweat and hard work are the key factors to a successful life as a performer. The students learn to master their craft and grow up alongside each other, rising to the various challenges that face them along the way. FAME the Musical is based on the 1980 film and had its world premiere in Florida, USA in 1988, arriving in London in 1995. FAME is an international success that continues to inspire new generations.

FAME the Musical will be at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow between Tuesday 7 and Saturday 11 March 2017. Performances are at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre.com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

BIG LIFE FIX Studio Lambert, makers of BAFTA-winning Gogglebox and Tattoo Fixers are currently producing the second series of the hit BBC Two show The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve, an exciting and innovative science series that sees a skilled team of scientists, engineers and designers create bespoke technology for individuals and groups to transform their lives for the better. In the first series, the team came up with solutions for a range of issues affecting individuals and communities, including creating a device to counter the effects of Parkinson’s disease for a young graphic designer, building a bicycle for a boy born with no hands or feet, and connecting a remote village in Wales up to the internet for the first time. Studio Lambert is now planning a second series and looking for more people who feel they could benefit from a tailor-made invention. Perhaps it’s a daily task, a hobby or a lifelong dream that’s proving to be a challenge. Or maybe you have a disability you need help managing, or a problem that you and your family, or even your whole community face. We’d love to chat to anyone who would like to apply. If selected, our team will work with them to tackle their problem or challenge using ingenious design and technology.

If anyone is interested in applying, they can call the casting team on 0203 040 6809 or email us at biglifefix@studiolambert.com. All calls are treated in the strictest of confidence.

National Gardens Scheme

Snowdrop Festival

During February the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) stages its second Snowdrop Festival to show that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that there are no gardens to visit. The festival marks the imminent change of season with special openings of gardens renowned for their snowdrop displays. Galanthophiles (snowdrop lovers) will be in their element whilst those with more eclectic tastes have a mix of hellebores, aconites and other early spring flowers to admire, all of which makes a visit to an NGS garden well worth the effort of being outdoors on a cold day. George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the NGS, says: “During our first Snowdrop Festival in 2016 many of our garden owners were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors that attended their openings. Many remarked that visitors were perfectly happy to wrap up warm and brave the elements to see the stunning view of hundreds of snowdrops on display in a garden.” “Whether you want to admire the different varieties of snowdrops or just have a walk in lovely surroundings, visiting a National Gardens Scheme garden in February will be the perfect escape.” Visitors to Snowdrop Festival gardens will also have the benefit of knowing that their entrance fee is supporting wonderful causes; the NGS currently donates over £2.6 million annually to its nursing and caring beneficiary charities, which include Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK.

and spring bulbs. See how Dawn and Peter Freeman have brightened up their winter garden with carefully selected plants providing colour from leaves, stems and berries to brighten the dullest winter day. Light refreshments available and, as a very welcome treat, mulled wine for inner warmth!

WEST DRIVE GARDENS Open 19 February, 11am to 2pm, £3 children free. With displays of hellebores and snowdrops, here are two gardens of very different character, reflecting their owners’ gardening styles. Although suburban, they are surrounded by mature trees and have a secluded feel. There is a wild life pond at and other water features, though some inhabitants may be hiding if the weather is too chilly. Ceramics and containers with alpines complete the picture. Homemade teas.

DUNHAM MASSEY - Altrincham WA14 4SJ National Trust, Open for the NGS on 26 February, 11am to 5.30pm. £8.60 children £4.30 Explore the largest Winter Garden in the UK. There are over 1600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens chosen for their scent, colour and texture, all complemented by snowdrops, winter irises, and cyclamen. Continued over

Participating Gardens Nationwide, over 80 gardens are involved in the NGS Festival. Local participants include:

BUCKLOW FARM Pinfold Lane, Plumley, nr Knutsford WA16 9RP Open 26 February 1pm to 3pm, £3.50, children free. It’s just a short drive through the country lanes to this quirky English country garden, complete with the sight of free-range hens set against carpets of snowdrops

Dunham Massey by Carol Drake

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

RODE HALL - Church Lane, Scholar Green, ST7 3QP) Snowdrop Walks: 4 Feb - 5 March 11am to 4 pm Tues - Sat (Closed Mon) For opening times and information, please phone 01270 873237, email enquiries@ rodehall.co.uk or visit www.rodehall.co.uk Adults £5/ Children £2/Under 5’s free. Enjoy a beautiful end-of-winter walk for all the family in a wonderfully diverse landscape with over 70 varieties of Snowdrops – one of the largest displays in the country. The terraced rock garden and grotto area are carpeted in snowdrops in February followed by daffodils and bluebells. The tearooms are open serving homemade cakes, light lunches and refreshments. A roaring log-burner in the winter sets the scene.

Further afield If distance is no object, venture out towards the Wirral peninsula to visit Liz Carter’s NGS garden.

Briarfield

BRIARFIELD - The Rake, Burton, Neston, CH64 5TL Sat 25 & Sun 26 February 1pm to 4pm. Admission £3, children free. Liz’s garden is part of this year’s snowdrop festival. You can also meet Liz in Neston Market each Friday morning, selling her rare and unusual plants (70% to NGS).

For more info on visiting NGS gardens, go to www.ngs.org.uk, phone 01493 211535, buy the NGS publication “Gardens to Visit 2017” or, in the gardening season, pick up free local leaflets from libraries and larger garden centres.

barry’s

gardening tips

I’m writing this in January and the weather is not very conducive to spending much time in the garden. There will be some of you who say that January is a time to avoid the garden altogether. But I think it would be a shame to miss what’s going on out there entirely. So why do I venture into my garden at this time of year? The mahonias are at their best right now. I have eight of various types, and their racemes of bright yellow flowers give off a wonderful scent whenever the temperature climbs a few degrees above freezing. They are much appreciated by the occasional bumble bee that has been disturbed from its winter slumber. Below them a row of sarcococca add their vanilla perfume to the mix. Clumps of Cyclamen coum, with their delicate pink and white flowers, are reason enough to venture outside… after all that’s why I grow them and when else am I going to see them? And of course snowdrops are beginning to push their noses above the ground, although according to a couple of dedicated galanthophiles I overheard this week ‘Jack Mead’ and ‘Mrs Macnamara’ have been up and about for a while; clearly something going on between those two!

I overheard this week ‘Jack Mead’ and ‘Mrs Macnamara’ have been up and about for a while; clearly something going on between those two! But besides appreciating individual plants this is the time to take in the bare bones of the garden, its structure and shape. This is when I assess the mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs for example. Is there a balance? Do things need to be moved? I spend time wandering around, ignoring the cold drizzle, and make mental notes of what I’m going to change. Obviously this doesn’t mean I will actually get around to making all those changes but it’s nice to have plans.

This time last year I embarked on some drastic alterations to my woodland garden. I decided the balance between light and shade had tilted too much towards the latter and certain plants were suffering. Basically it had become over-mature and needed rejuvenating. The canopy of an oak tree was lifted, a 30’ conifer was rather dramatically ‘reshaped’ (still not sure about that one), a huge rhododendron (ponticum, the thuggish one) was dug out (cheaper than joining a gym) and most importantly a series of ivy-covered arches, which had been a focal point for over 20 years, were ripped out. This led to the repositioning of azaleas, daphnes and other smaller shrubs. I couldn’t have done all this without being able to study the garden in winter. A year later I can see I made the right decision. If your garden looks right at this time of year then it will almost certainly look right come spring and summer. Finally a very belated Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2017 is an improvement over the last one… and I don’t mean horticulturally! by Barry Davy email: barry.davy@ntlworld.com

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down 1. Integrity (8) 2. Soft Palate (5) 4. Benign Tumour (6) 5. UFO (6,6) 6. Fabric (7) 7. Hurry (4) 8. Obdurate (6,6) 12. Incarcerate (8) 14. Intimidate (7) 16. Flag (6) 18. Intended (5) 19. Newborn (4)

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Solutions on page 58

park house b&B recommends We would like to recommend a very exciting new place to visit in Clitheroe - Bowland Brewery at Holmes Mill where you can sample a selection of local Craft Ales. Home to Bowland Beer Hall and possibly the longest bar in Britain, this former textile mill has been brought back to life as a food, drink and leisure hub. At the heart of the whole complex is the Brewery and Beer Hall, a showcase for Bowland Beers alongside

many others from respected suppliers both nationally and internationally. You will find at least 24 cask ales on the bar and an extensive menu reflecting the best world beer food served daily. The Boilerhouse with its cafe, patisserie, bakery and gelateria serves a delightful selection of our Holmes Made breads and cakes, and offers an all-day dining menu featuring sandwiches, salads, soups and daily specials. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more there are lots of exciting developments to unveil in summer 2017 including the Bowland Food Hall, a spectacular showcase for fabulous local produce and the best of beyond. Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB. (Near Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

a leap too far Allow 4 hours, this route has 1200ft (360 mts) of ascent. Use OS Map OL 1 Dark Peak Area. Grid Ref SK073994. This walk generally has clearly defined footpaths but can be difficult on the moorland as the weather can change quite quickly. Adequate clothing and boots are essential. The walk passes two reservoirs, starting from Crowden car park which has free parking, just off the busy A628 road. To arrive at Crowden which has a busy youth hostel, we went through Glossop and took the B6105 until it joined the A628 where it is necessary to turn very sharp left, the sign for Crowden is a short distance on the right. We started the walk, crossing over the A628 and going through a kissing gate and then took another path on the left which goes parallel to the reservoir. Eventually the route reached the end of the reservoir with a steep short flight of steps taking us over the river Etherow. After a short distance through a wooded area we crossed over the B6105 up to the

Longdendale Trail which runs south east alongside the Torside Reservoir. This trail follows the line of the Great Central Railway Woodhead line, built in1847 to link Manchester and Sheffield. It claimed many lives, 32 for the Woodhead Tunnel alone, other workers died in the cholera epidemic of 1849. Some of the graves can be seen at Woodhead Chapel, above the Woodhead Reservoir dam. After about a mile we passed the Longdendale trail car park, which can be an alternative start point for the walk, but it is a pay and display car park, with a fee of ÂŁ4.50, hence the Crowden start point! After another mile the B6105 was crossed again and we left the Longdendale trail to go down the metalled road and over the dam of Torside Reservoir. If this road is missed it is possible to continue alongside the Rhodeswood Reservoir by the trail and cross over the dam here. Our group made a short coffee break on a handy bench overlooking the water of Rhodeswood. Later we continued through a picturesque area of scrub and woodland until we reached the road running over the dam. Turning right here we climbed upwards and soon reached the A628, turning left for a few yards before we crossed over and took the old quarry track which zigzags up the heather and grass slopes. We then crossed a stile at the side of a locked wooden gate

The Walk

presumably locked to stop off road vehicles going any further. The route then entered the woods of Didsbury intake, climbing steadily but quite easily, with the cliffs on our left and the valley on our right. Eventually we reached the disused Tintwhistle Knarr quarry where millstone grit rocks were quarried long ago, the scattered stones of which now made seats for a handy lunch stop.

Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below After some 20 minutes the two minute warning was given, and ignoring the moans and complaints of the lazier members (not the ones shown in the picture) we again set off along the narrow path which in parts had a rather forbidding drop on our right. This however only lasts for a fairly short distance, and soon we came to another stile, marking the edge of the moor by Rawkins Brook with a peaty path called ‘Black Gutter,’ on the other side of the stile. We then headed north east across the moor towards the edge of what is

known as Millstone Rocks. Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below. There is probably no truth in the legend but it adds to the many mysteries of the Pennines. The picture shows the likely spot with the outcrops where the probably fictitious young men hurled themselves off. The moors of aptly named Bleaklow can be seen on the other side of the valley. We carried on, the path becoming a bit indistinct, but keeping the Torside Reservoir on our right, and after Highstone Rocks, we descended quite steeply, taking care not to slip on the muddy patches, until we reached the Pennine Way, which we followed for a short distance and then we turned left towards Crowden Valley, crossing Crowden Brook past the youth hostel and back into the car park. Everyone felt a sense of achievement at having completed a varied and interesting walk. Poynton Rambling Club has over 100 members with walks on Wednesdays and Sundays. It caters for walkers of all abilities and varies from easy to strenuous, with distances between 5 and 12 miles. For further details visit the website at www.poynton ramblers.org.uk

by Peter Jaques > Poynton Rambling Club

Diary of a geeky knitter A German Adventure As I write this month’s thoughts, I’ve just come back from a pre-Christmas trip to Cologne, Germany, to visit the most amazing Christmas markets I have ever attended! We actually went to see a concert, but this timed so happily in December we had to make a little holiday out of it. If you ever get the chance to visit some true German Christmas markets, I can’t recommend Cologne highly enough. Not only are the markets vast and magnificent, but the city is steeped in rich history (get to the Cathedral as soon as you can, you won’t be disappointed) and if this wasn’t enough, Cologne has a chocolate museum: heaven. It’s not all been German chocolate and gluwein for me recently, no matter how desperately I wish that were the case. I’ve been busy designing knitting and crochet patterns to share online, and it’s a part of my hobby that’s been developing over the last few years which I have come to love a great deal. It’s a challenge but a lot of fun. Not only am I designing my own accessories and toys, but to be able to write instructions in such a way that others can make their own versions as well is splendid. My most popular pattern to date is a knitted owl hat, which you can find for free on my blog. I’ve also designed many toys and a few accessories as well which are all free. Just recently I’ve shared my first paid-for pattern; an aptly designed space invader’s hat, perfect for the geeky knitter (how nicely that’s worked out) and a great gift for anyone who is a fan of video games or geeky things like me, it being such an iconic game.

If you want to find out more, be sure to visit the blog. You will find the link at the foot of this page as usual and thank you for bearing with me and my personal plug!

Try something new! It’s the New Year, and I am sure everyone will join me in hoping that 2017 will be an improvement on the year just gone (regardless of your political leaning – it’s been a tough year). What better way to get the year off to a great start than trying something new? If, like me, the prospect of more exercise or joining a gym is a less than appealing one, why not try some crafting? There are some great classes in your area, from the Wilmslow Guild to Aquinas College in Stockport. Last year I took part in the dressmaking course that took me from sewing skirts all the way to crafting my own cosplay costumes (think back to last issue’s article). I can’t recommend this course enough, and if dressmaking isn’t your thing you are sure to find something you will love to learn! To find out more about classes near you, visit www.aquinas.ac.uk or www.wilmslowguild.org and be sure to keep an eye out in your copy of INSIDE Wilmslow & Alderley Edge. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

you are not a robot It is at this time of year that we often turn our thoughts to improving our general health and wellbeing and doing something about the aches and pains that we accumulate, which are often put down to getting older and something we just have to put up with. But what if it isn’t an aging matter but one of just being unaware of how our muscles move - or don’t move, of how we and our bodies react to mental emotional stress and tension, of how they are being “held” due to habituated poor postural habits, or what we do – to ourselves, subconsciously, that causes them? Every thought, feeling and all our daily actions are reflected in and through our physical bodies. We seem to forget that in the world of achieve, achieve, achieve that we are not robots. We may be mechanical in action but we are also thinking, sensing, feeling human beings. So my suggestion to you is to look at “your” bigger picture. Is your energy depleted because you have physically over done things and not had enough rest or sleep to be able to better recharge your physical being?

that SMA(Sensory Motor Amnesia) has set in and you can’t feel a thing? Are your muscles tense and painful because they have become habituated into a contracted state through repetitive action, poor postural habits, or compensatory patterns that the body has set up in its striving to keep going? And what you really need is to teach your body how to release your muscles back to their natural neutral length, so your body is able to move freely again? By looking at the bigger picture of what is truly going on in our lives, by being self-aware, by self-monitoring, we stand a greater chance of giving our bodies what it is we really need and want to sustain an ever busy lifestyle. We are generally way too hard on ourselves, expect so much of ourselves, when after all... we are not Robots!

Susan Roberts Body Therapy

Is a mental emotional stressor causing both you and your muscles to react and subconsciously tighten up? (shoulders providing a ledge for your ears, feeling like you have the weight of the world on your back, feeling miffed or cross at something or somebody etc) So is it more about needing to feel calm, clearheaded and balanced?

Advanced Massage Therapist (MNHMA); Somatic Exercise Coach (SEC2); Clinical Aromatherapist;

Do you feel like you are all over the place, on a treadmill; being pulled in different directions, have so many things to do? That perhaps what you really need is to have some moments of still, to hit the pause button, to stop the world, unwind and switch off for a while to enable you to feel replete and recharged?

Working with you to help you to release your daily stress and tensions; whether they are from mental emotional issues or from physical aches & pains. From today, yesterday, last week, last month or from 10 years ago! Helping you to maintain (or re-gain) Freedom of Movement & Quality of Life.

Are your muscles moving freely or do they subconsciously react and tense up as you brace yourself at a “call to action”, react to a stressor, or has your movement become so restricted and muscles so tight

Intuitive Bodyworker (33+ years’ experience of working with the body)

TEL: 07766 058 783 37

Answers: towel, sponge, soap, bubble bath, shampoo, rubber duck. Extra letter answer: shower

just 4 kids

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 Contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm) WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road. £5.50 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 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

Wednesday Coffee, Cake & Craft/Tiddlywinks 10am-12noon 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 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Alderley Edge Scout Hut. Talbot Road. £5.50 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

Thursday 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

Baby Massage 1.30 pm Wilmslow Methodist church. For babies 8 weeks+ and their careers. £5 per session, including refreshments. 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 Friday Tots 10-11.30am Term time only, Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Church Hall, Chapel Road. Contact Susan Moran on 01625 585166. Baby Rhyme Time 2.15-2.45pm, Alderley Edge Library. This is for babies aged under 1 who are not walking. Sessions run throughout the year. There is no requirement to book a place and the sessions are free. WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 11.30-12.30pm Term time only. St Johns Church Hall, Knutsford Road, Wilmslow SK9 6EL £5.50 per session , no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382

Saturday WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 9.30-10.30 for 18 months to 2 ½ years. 10.45 - 11.45 for 2 ½ to 4 year olds All year round. Pownall Hall School, Carrwood Road, Wilmslow. £5.50 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382

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.

If you run a local activity for young children and email would like to be included on this page please c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

Compiled by Clare Blackie > email: c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

in touch your local community noticeboard February - march 2017

INHABIT New exhibition at The Silk Museum Macclesfield’s Silk Museum will be hosting an exciting new exhibition by artist Yvette Hawkins using silk woven by a colony of 10,000 silkworms she has reared specifically for the display. Yvette Hawkins’ INHABIT is a bio structural installation woven by silkworms and developed through residencies at The Silk Museum and The Comfrey Project. The Comfrey Project provides asylum seekers and refugees across Tyneside with a safe, welcoming environment, which promotes personal wellbeing through a sense of place and belonging. INHABIT has been made possible by Grants for the Arts funding from Arts Council England. Yvette’s work revolves around her mixed race heritage and nomadic upbringing, residing in 45 homes across two nations. It “explores hybridity, tradition, migration and preservation which relate to ‘the cultural other’. Silk is the main medium in this work; it provides a crucial bridge between my UK and South Korean heritage… drawing upon its rich tradition in both countries.” Yvette is making a series of sculptures woven by 10,000 silk worms. This will develop into an immersive installation inviting meditations on migration, home making, shelter and cultural identity. Macclesfield’s heritage is built on silk; the town’s population almost trebled between 1810 and 1830 as people flocked here to work in the industry. NB Silkworms will not be harmed in the making of the work.

The exhibition, at The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield SK11 6TJ, is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm (until 31 March), 10am-4pm (from 3 April) 12-4pm on Bank Holidays, until 2 June. Museum Admission, including special exhibitions: £4.50, £4 concessions, children free Admission to Special Exhibition only: £2 (adults) www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society! Our Exhibition of members images in Poynton Civic Centre will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March with free admission. We will also be hosting our major photographic competitions featuring the best images from clubs all over the North West and beyond, and all are welcome. Wednesday 22 March: North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Print Competition in the evening Thursday 23 March: Exhibition open and North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Digital Knockout Competition in the evening Friday 24 March: Exhibition open. Members only Exhibition Dinner and Awards Presentation in the evening

For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Continued over

in touch - your local community noticeboard

Dog lovers urgently needed in 2017 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national Charity that trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds, is scouring Cheshire East for dog-lovers willing to take care of their adorable puppies. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies on its extensive network of more than 1,900 volunteers across the country in order to continue its life-changing work. In particular, the Charity is looking for dedicated local dog-lovers to become ‘Puppy Socialisers’ in 2017. Caroline and Terry Roeves, volunteer puppy socialisers from Wilmslow, say: “We have had our first puppy Daphne for just over a year. Now we have dozens of new friends from regular dog walks. We are so much fitter and enjoy opportunities to socialise Daphne in local libraries, schools, stores, cafes and restaurants. Daphne loves all of this and the fuss that is made of her. We love volunteering for Hearing Dogs. Being part of the Hearing Dogs family is an experience that far exceeds our expectations and puts a smile on our and others’ faces every day. We would definitely recommend puppy socialising for Hearing Dogs, your life will change for the better from day one!” Michelle Taylor, Puppy Training Instructor for Cheshire East adds: “If you live in the area and are looking for something new to do this year, then why not give something back and meet some loveable life-changing puppies along the way? As long as you have a car, a secure, private garden, and enough time to train a puppy daily, then we would absolutely love to hear from you. You really can make such an enormous difference.”

To find out more about puppy socialising, contact the volunteering team on volunteer@ hearingdogs.org.uk, 01844 348122 or visit our website www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer

MOVEMENT TO MUSIC Extend Movement to Music Class is for people over 60 or people under 60 with mobility problems. Seated and standing exercises to music, including strength and balance. One hour’s exercise followed by refreshments and chat. Cost £3.50 per session. Class established over 10 years - new members very welcome. Every Thursday, Chapel Court, Hawthorn Street, Wilmslow SK9 5HX.

Contact Angela (07790 291648) for further details.

ENGLISH FOLK DANCING Do you fancy trying English Country dancing? Maybe you remember doing some when you were at school? Dancing is good for you physically, mentally and socially! We are a friendly group that meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at Oakmere Centre, Spath Lane, Handforth SK9 3NS. We meet at 1.30pm, stop for a cup of tea and finish at 3.30pm. You don’t need a partner, just turn up and wear comfortable shoes. We start with some familiar dances in longways sets, squares or a circle, then after the break we often do dances from the 1800s (think Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy!) Do give it a try – no previous experience needed. Every session is free, providing you join Wilmslow U3A (or any of the network of NE Cheshire U3As) £12 per year for all activities.

For details of the Spring Term dates contact Shan Bristow on 01625 520193 or email shan@shanbristow.co.uk

We are looking for friendly, responsible people to deliver Inside Magazines

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to get a little exercise and earn some extra cash 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.

For more details call 01625 879611

or email c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

revision plus RevisionPlus was established by a small group of passionate teachers and examiners with the aim of meeting the ever-growing demand for GCSE and A-level revision support during the pre-exam period. The founders’ combined experience of over 50 years teaching and achieving excellent examination results in state and independent high schools and sixth form colleges is the organisation’s driving force. Similar courses have proved to be very popular in the Home Counties, but until now we have not seen this opportunity for students in the North West. GCSEs are a huge milestone. With the government-led changes and new specifications, these exams are now even more challenging and gaining a place in sixth form is becoming increasingly competitive. The introduction of new linear A Levels too means that university admissions tutors are focusing more on students’ GCSE grades. What’s more, as students who fail to get a Grade C or above in GCSE Maths and English now

have to continue studying these subjects, sensible and planned revision has never been more important. A GCSE revision course provides content, structure, exam skills and support, all in one. What better way to kick start exam preparation? The fierce competition for places at good universities means A-level revision courses too have become an increasingly popular choice for students who want to improve their grades. When university offers are competitive, a thorough, well-planned and targeted revision course can help achieve those grades. RevisionPlus days offer a fresh look at the key topics in a chosen subject. They provide an intensive overview of the specified core material and teach students how best to tackle exam questions, providing them with a frequently needed confidence boost. What’s more, RevisionPlus teachers can focus on the areas of a subject that are of most concern to students, based on a prior assessment of their requirements. Bookings are now open for February, Easter and May courses.

inside guide

January - February 2017

selected events in your area

Thursday 2 February

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along. The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Wilmslow Historical Society This month’s lecture on Elizabeth Gaskell is being given by Anthony Burton. Mr Burton is a trustee of Mrs Gaskell’s house in Manchester where she lived from 1850 to her death in 1865 and where she wrote her novels. Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and biscuits included. Tel: 01625 529178. St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA 7.15pm

FRIDAY 3 February Oscar’s Extravorganza Strictly Come Dancing themed organ recital. Admission free – retiring collection. Organist Philip Underwood FRCO. www.organrecitals.com St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow 1.15pm

Saturday 4 February Cheshire Chorale with Cheshire Sinfonia Beautiful Music in Bramhall. Bach - Suite No. 3 in D major; Lauridsen - Lux Aeterna; Bach - Magnificat. Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (under 18). Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door. St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

MON 6 to SAT 11 FEBRUARY Poynton Players present Ladies in Lavender by Shaun McKenna A stage adaptation of the 2004 film. Tickets Mon £7.50, Tues to Sat £8.50. www.poyntonplayers.co. Booking line 0333 666 3366 Poynton Players, George’s Road West, Poynton

Wednesday 8 February 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

Friday 10 February Wilmslow Guild Specialist Lecture Across the Equator to Zanzibar, with Andrew Wright. Tickets £8, last date for purchase is 7 days before the event. More information at www.wilmslowguild.org Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street 7.30 to 9.30pm

Saturday 11 February Barnby Choir Singing Day led by Keith Orrell Music for the Resurrection. Rachmaninov-All Night Vigil (Vespers Nos. 13,14,15) and Keith Orrell -Exsultet. Singing ticket price of £20 includes music hire, morning coffee, afternoon tea. Please call Ann Elphick on 01625 583752 for further information or visit www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk Wilmslow Methodist Church, Kings Close, Wilmslow SK9 5AR 9.30am to 4.30pm

Tuesday 14 February East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘Amazing Women Pilots’ Speaker Victor Crawford. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Wednesday 15 February Lunchtime Concert – A recital by students from the Royal Northern College of Music. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12noon, concert commences at 1pm. Further information from 01625 586713 Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road

Wednesday 15 February Wilmslow Civic Trust Lindow (Workhouse) Trust - a talk by Richard Briggs, chairman, and Jacqueline Bilsborough, former clerk, showing how the Trust continues its work in Wilmslow today. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for questions. Members free; non-members very welcome, £2 at the door. Any queries Tel: 01625 526547 Wilmslow Library 7.45pm Continued over

Thursday 16 February

Thursday 23 February

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Switzerland – Landscape and Flora, by Roy Beacham. A look at this beautiful and interesting country from a naturalist’s point of view. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture ‘The Caledonian Canal and the Invergarry to Fort Augustus Railway. Speaker Andy Holmes. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Saturday 18 February Prestbury Choral Society Singing Day Come and Sing Mozart’s Requiem. Visit our website www.prestburychoral.org or call our secretary on 01625 262249 for details.Wilmslow United Reformed Church

Saturday 18 February Northern Chamber Orchestra ‘Thrill of the Chase’ with Naomi Atherton, horn. Tickets £18/£14; £7 students; 18s and under free. From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre or on the door. www.ncorch.o.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Wednesday 22 February Wilmslow U3A. Quarry Bank Mill with Shan Bristow A charge of £1 is made for each meeting which includes a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. URC schoolrooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow 2.30pm

Wednesday 22 February Craft and Chatter Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. We look forward to seeing you Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Wednesday 22 February Simply Books presents JOANNA TROLLOPE OBE launching her new novel City of Friends Join us for a very special event with one of the country’s most popular and distinguished authors. Tickets: £10, to book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info St Michael’s Church, Bramhall 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

Saturday 25 February Hallé Chamber Concert Hallé Woodwind Quintet, playing pieces by Verdi, Gounod, Ibert and Malcolm Arnold. Tickets £11 and £9 (concession) available from Church Office (0161 439 1204), Simply Books (228 Moss Lane), Thrift Shop and at the door. Under 18s free. Refreshments included. Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm

Tuesday 28 February Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire Did work make your ancestor ill? A talk by Alan Jones. Please park in the Churchill Way car park (free in the evening). Limited parking in front of the building for the less mobile. Meetings open to all admission £2 per meeting including refreshments. For further details please contact macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk The Salvation Army Church, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Wednesday 1 March Wilmslow Guild Flower Club ‘Springtime Sensations’ with Midlands Master Florist and Chelsea Gold medal winner Laura Leong. Contact Ros Heywood on 01625 529467 or visit www.nafascheshire.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street 1.45pm

Wednesday 1 March Simply Books presents HANNA SILLITOE introducing her new book RADIANT Recipes to heal your skin from within. Hanna shares her secret – and the uplifting story of her personal journey to good health. An inspiring evening for anyone interested in living a healthier lifestyle. Hanna will be bringing along a few samples from her book us to taste! To book tickets call in at Simply Books, phone 0161 439 1436, or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 2 February Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along. The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Friday 3 March

Wednesday 8 March

Wilmslow Guild Audio Visual Group A Fiesta Evening to show members’ work to the public. Using music and sound, photographs and video, members tell a story or ‘sequence’, lasting up to 12 minutes. You may be transported to a familiar place or somewhere you have never been: some sequences are funny or quirky, others moving, inspiring or informative. Above all our aim is to entertain. Please join us, all welcome, tickets £5 at the door. For further enquiries email committee@wilmslowguildav.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7pm for 7.30 start

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

Saturday 4 March Concert with Alderley Edge Orchestra Adventures on the High Seas. Book your passage – 1st Class seats £10 and steerage at only £1 (for the under 18s) phone 01625 581321, online at www. aeorchestra.org.uk or at the door. Alderley Edge Methodist Church, SK9 7DU 7.30pm

Saturday 4 March Northern Chamber Orchestra ‘Echoes of Vienna’ with Steven Osborne, piano. Tickets £18/£14; £7 students; 18s and under free. From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre and on the door. www.ncorch.o.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Saturday 4 March Wilmslow Wells for Africa Souperday A choice of four delicious soups served with bread, all homemade, plus a hot drink are included in the entry price. You can also choose to buy from a wonderful array of cakes. Preserves, textiles etc. can also be bought. All the money taken goes to our charity to help provide clean, more reliable sources of water in rural Africa, enabling lives to be transformed. Admission £4 (children half price) Wilmslow Methodist Church, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AR 11am to 2pm

Tues 7 to Sat 11 March TEMPO presents FAME the Musical For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre. com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148. Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH Wilmslow Historical Society The well-respected Cheshire local historian, Tony Bostock is presenting on “Early Sources for the Family Historian”. He will be looking at using the internet to take you back to 1800 and other sources to go back even further. Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and biscuits included. Tel: 01625 529178 St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA 7.15pm

Friday 10 March Oscar’s Extravorganza Saints and Sinners themed organ recital Admission Free – retiring collection. Organist Philip Underwood FRCO. www.organrecitals.com St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow 1.15pm

Friday 10 March Wilmslow Guild Specialist Lecture A Laugh on the Ocean Wave: A Humorous view of Cruising, with Brian Price. Tickets £8, last date for purchase is 7 days before the event. For more information visit www. wilmslowguild.org Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street 7.30 to 9.30pm

Saturday 11 March Barnby Choir Concert Homilius Ein Hoher Tag Kommt, Mozart Exsultate, Haydn Missa Cellensis. Accompanied by Cheshire Sinfonia. Conducted by Lloyd Buck. Tickets £12, £10 (Concessions) £5 (Students) available on the door or in advance from Anne Macdonald on 07810 517464 Further details on www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk St Michael and All Angels Church, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall SK7 2PG 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 March E Cheshire National Trust Lecture The Vernons and the building of Sudbury Hall, speaker Dr Cherry Ann Knott St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm Continued over

Wednesday 15 March

Saturday 25 March

Lunchtime Concert with Students from Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12 noon, concert commences at 1pm Further information from 01625 586713 Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road

Cheshire Sinfonia – Beautiful Music in Bramhall Elgar - Introduction and Allegro Op.47; Elgar - Cello Concerto in E minor Op 85. Soloist: Simon Turner; Brahms - Symphony No.1 in C minor Op.68. Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (under 18) Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door. St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Wednesday 15 March Wilmslow Civic Trust AGM Followed by a talk given by Brendan Flanagan on developments and future plans for the Tatton Park Estate. Following the talk there will be a question and answer session, and refreshments will be served. Members free, non-members very welcome £2 at the door. Any queries call 01625 526547 Wilmslow Library 7.45pm

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

POYNTON CEILIDHS Discussion Topic, caller Patrick Rose. Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary! Dances are all explained by the caller and walked through before the music starts playing. Tickets £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s half price. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance visit www. poyntonceilidh.co.uk. Reserved tickets held on the door til 8.15pm Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 8pm to 11.30pm

Wednesday 22 March

Tuesday 28 March

Wilmslow U3A Dialects with Derek Poulson. A charge of £1 is made for each meeting which includes a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit, URC schoolrooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow 2.30pm

Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire The 7th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment a talk by David Hill. The part the 7th Battalion (many recruited in Macclesfield) played in WWI. Meetings are open to the public and admission is £2 per meeting including refreshments For further details please contact macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk The Salvation Army Church, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Wednesday 22 March

Thursday 23 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM, followed by ‘Penguins and Proteas’ by Judith Lovelady. An exploration of S.Africa’s Garden Route. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Saturday 25 March

Wednesday 29 March Wilmslow Guild Flower Club ‘From Dogs to Dogwood’ with Ann Russell. Contact Ros Heywood on 01625 529467 or visit www.nafascheshire.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street 1.45pm

Thurs 23 & Fri 24 March

Thursday 30 March

North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society! Our exhibition of members images in Poynton will be open to the public on these two days with free admission. For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre 10am to 4pm

E Cheshire National Trust Lecture What the papers said, speaker Judith Atkinson St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Compiled by Claire Hawker > email: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

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useful numbers Alderley Edge Churches Methodist Church Methodist Church Office St Mary’s Church with Birtles St Philip’s Church (Vicarage) St Philip’s Parish Office St Pius X Church

Local Government 01625 873407/583337 01625 586713 01625 585440 01625 583249 01625 581477 01625 582386

01625 528892 01625 520309 01625 520309 01625 532145 01625 583251 01625 528892 01625 523384 01625 522776 01625 532600 07974 997798 01625 403509

01625 584545 01625 548555 01625 529421 01625 532244 0161 426 5844

Fire Service (non-emergency) Wilmslow Fire Station

01625 524066

Hospitals Macclesfield Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

01625 421000 111

Leisure Centres Wilmslow Leisure Centre Macclesfield Leisure Centre

Police (non-emergency) (non-emergency)

101

Alderley Edge Post Office Handforth Post Office Wilmslow Post Office

01625 599655 01625 522946 01625 524036

Alderley Edge Schools Alderley Edge Pre-School Playgroup The Ryleys School Alderley Edge Primary School Nether Alderley Primary School Mottram St Andrew Primary Alderley Edge School for Girls

Ashdene Primary Dean Oaks Primary Gorsey Bank Primary Lacey Green Primary Lindow Primary Pownall Hall School St Anne’s Fulshaw St Benedicts Catholic Primary Styal Primary Wilmslow Grange Primary Wilmslow High School Wilmslow Preparatory School

01625 599300 01625 583241 01625 383262 01625 583282 01625 829035 01625 583028

01625 383232 01625 383333 01625 383020 01625 525157 01625 582555 01625 523141 01625 523536 01625 520207 01625 383253 01625 526566 01625 526191 01625 524246

Travel 01625 533789 01625 615602

Bus Information Train Information Manchester Airport

01625 374030 01625 378 272 01625 615602 01625 374060

Utilities

Libraries Alderley Edge Library Handforth Library Macclesfield Library Wilmslow Library

01625 504791

Wilmslow Schools

Doctors/Medical Centres Alderley Edge Medical Practice Wilmslow Health Centre Handforth Health Centre Kenmore Medical Centre Hulme Hall Medical Group

0300 1235500

Post Offices

Wilmslow Churches Methodist Church, Wilmslow St Ann’s C of E Church St Bartholomew’s Parish Church St Chad’s Handforth St John’s Lindow St Mary’s Methodist Handforth St Teresa’s RC Church St Benedict’s RC Church Wilmslow United Reformed Church Quaker Meeting House Dean Row Unitarian Chapel

E. Cheshire Council Info Services Macclesfield Borough Neighbourhood Wardens

Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Mains Environment Agency Floodline

0300 125 5020 option 4 0845 748 4950 0161 489 3000

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999 0845 746 2200 0845 988 1188

classified index ACCOUNTANTS

DRAINAGE

Nolan James Chartered Accountants 6

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

BATHROOMS

DRESS AGENCY

Dave Beal

BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

44 35

CAR DEALERSHIP Halliwell Jones

Britannia Car Finance

11 21 36 22

CARPETS & FLOORING Linney Cooper

Adlington Hall & Gardens

Co-op Food

Carrington Doors

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE HOTELS & B&Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

DENTAL CLINICS

Matt Finish 17 35

Park House B&B

PLUMBING & HEATING ASM Gas, Heating, Plumbing G.P.Green Ltd

59 57

PUBS & RESTAURANTS The Carters Arms The Coach & Four Tom Yam

40 52 47

Falcon Security

The Hemming Room

Slater & Gordon

39 & 51

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 25

The Stair Shop

TRAVEL 30 9 37

Binky & Co Travel by Design

15 8

TREE SERVICES LTS Treeworks 26 Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 24

WINDOWS CLEANING Cavendish Window Cleaning

KITCHENS 40

LAWNCARE Greensleeves

Dave Beal

SOLICITORS 59

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Phillip Unsworth 6 Spring Decorating Inside Front Cover Steve White 59

SOFT FURNISHINGS 14

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

F.T.W Services

Riverford Home Delivery

SECURITY 29

GARAGE DOORS

58 48

DECORATORS

Trinity House Dental Care Westgate Dental Practice

Back Cover

Lycoplus Jules Hardman Pilates Susan Roberts Body Therapy

COUNSELLORS Eyre Therapy

59 57 35

Turners Landscaping

CLEANING SERVICES Diamond Home Support Wild About Cleaning

C J C Electrical G. P. Green Ltd Maddocks

FOOD RETAILER

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care Cavendish Court Home Instead Inspired Retirement Village

43 49

ELECTRICIANS

Mosley Jarman

PLASTERING

Greenbank Preparatory School Revision Plus

EVENTS & VENUES

CAR REPAIRS Scratches & Scrapes

ESTATE AGENTS

CAR LEASING & FINANCE

More Than Loft Ladders

ORGANIC FOOD

The Cheshire Wardrobe

EDUCATION 7

BUILDERS JS Services S.P. Lee & Co

LOFT LADDERS 26

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back Cover