Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Issue 59 by INSIDE MAGAZINES

inside december 2017 - january 2018

magazines

Issue 59

wilmslow & alderley edge

The local magazine our readers love to keep One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

magazines

inside wilmslow & alderley edge

I was talking on the phone recently to a supplier, in South Wales, who mentioned how much she enjoys INSIDE Poynton! I was a bit puzzled until she explained that her brother lives locally so she reads the latest issue when she visits. She isn’t the only one - we’ve gathered anecdotal information over the years from readers who pass their copy of INSIDE to friends or family from other areas. Some copies even get sent overseas, to people who have moved away permanently, but like to keep in touch with their home town. If you’re reading this in another country (or another part of this one) send us a photo! I’m sure you don’t need reminding that it’s nearly Christmas! I’m looking forward to catching up with people we haven’t seen for ages, as well as getting in the Christmas spirit by going to lots of the events listed in the INSIDE Guide. Thank you to all the advertisers and contributors to INSIDE for your wonderful support in 2017. Whatever you’re doing over the festive season, I hope you have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Wilmslow Then & Now 7 the hall has a ball 8 The Magic of a Christmas Tree 10 introducing Margaret Dabbs 13 prosecco - a joy of life 14 courting favour 17 Recipe 18 simply books book club choice 22 perennial gardens in winter 25 side by side but miles apart 50 Children’s Activities 30 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 32 The Walk 37 In Touch 40 crossword & sudoku 43 wild alaska 53 Just 4 Kids 55 INSIDE Guide 58 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified Index

Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow by Garth Aspinall

Copy deadline for the next issue: wed 10 january

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, taken during the celebration of the coronation of George V in June 1911 shows the town band marching through Bank Square in front of Clegg’s department store, which for many years was probably the most celebrated shop in Wilmslow. Walter Shields Clegg was born in Oldham in around 1848, and no doubt seeing the potential in an expanding and increasingly affluent Wilmslow, opened his store at the corner of Church Street and Hawthorn Lane in January 1881. Clegg specialised as an outfitter and soft furnisher, but was prepared to turn his hand to almost anything fashionable and profitable. Perhaps incongruous to modern eyes, to the dresses and suits he soon added a thriving funeral service business to the store, and was remarked by customers to be “very impressive in his frock coat and black silk hat.” In 1881 a customer could purchase silk at £0/1/11 per yard, and a gentleman could select from a range of shirts with prices to almost £3 produced in-house by a team of their own seamstresses and tailors, some of whom lived above the shop with the Clegg family. By 1911 the business was changing, and, although there were still in-house seamstresses, Clegg’s were increasingly sourcing ready-made clothes mass-produced elsewhere.

Photographs: Wilmslow Historical Society Collection

by Jon Armstrong > Wilmslow Historical Society

THE HALL HAS A BALL! A new book about the history of Alderley Edge Festival Hall has been launched at a rockin’, rollin’ swing-dance ball! From the 1940s to the 1960s, Alderley Edge Festival Hall was one of the North West’s top dance venues, hosting everything from big band swing nights to live skiffle and rock ‘n’ roll dances, with plenty of record hops thrown in for good measure. And in late October 2017, the Festival Hall celebrated its illustrious musical past with a swing-dance ball to launch a brand-new book about the Hall’s history.

The Hall’s heyday was when it was in the hands of flamboyant owner Cyril Farmer, who operated it from 1948 to 1968 under the name of The Regal Ballroom. Cyril owned a series of American cars (thus the Chevrolet Belair of the book’s title) which made a huge and colourful impression in the village in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and his showman inventiveness ensured that the Regal Ballroom was always busy showcasing the latest swing bands and groups, including The Hollies, Freddie and the Dreamers – plus local combos like The Cestrian Skiffrocks, Cliff Bowes and the Arrows and Wee 4. The Regal Ballroom even hosted celebrated American pop groups such as Johnny and The Hurricanes to keep the punters rolling in! The book-launch dance in October 2017 was just like the old days of The Regal Ballroom; dancers turned up in period 1940s and ‘50s outfits, the interior of the Hall was turned into a themed American restaurant ‘Noffin’s Diner’ – for the evening, and even the round tables were dressed up to look like giant 45rpm singles. Swing, rock and big band music was played by vintagestyle DJ Dapper Dan, with live music from local rock and soul group, Yes Sir. As well as covering the history of the Festival Hall (which was originally built to accommodate Alderley Edge Music Festival in the 1920s), the book takes a light-hearted and humorous look at local history over the last 90 years, including the presence of American soldiers in Alderley Edge during World War 2, the life of a Hollywood film star who lived on Heyes Lane – and the local whereabouts of American rock ‘n’ roller Buddy Holly’s boots!

Called ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll, Wrestling and a Chevrolet Belair – an unexpected history of Alderley Edge Festival Hall’, the book takes its title from the many activities that have occurred at the Hall in the past – including pop concerts and wrestling matches, religious revival meetings and Alderley Edge Music Festival events – and even live TV shows!

The book ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll, Wrestling and a Chevrolet Belair – an unexpected history of Alderley Edge Festival Hall’ can be purchased directly from the author, John Wallace, for just £10 – and if you live locally, John will be happy to deliver the book by hand. Please contact him at: noffin@aol.com or call 07860 434271.

THE MAGIC OF A CHRISTMAS TREE If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas, why not visit one of the many Christmas Tree Festivals that take place during December – there’s bound to be one near you. Festivals have become increasingly popular as a way of bringing communities together, raising money for charity, helping the local economy and sharing the joy of Christmas. Many such events have between 12 and 40 trees, but regardless of numbers, every Festival is unique with its own menu of activities and its own particular charm. When the trees are lit and it’s dark outside, it’s a sight you won’t forget. Trees have been a focus for celebration for many centuries, our own tradition owing much to our European neighbours, and Germany in particular. The story goes that Martin Luther, a great 16th century German preacher, was walking home through a snowy wood on Christmas Eve in 1517, when he was inspired by the stars twinkling through the fir trees. Once home, he wanted to share the beauty of the scene with his family and so he dug up a small fir tree and brought it into the nursery where he covered it with lighted candles. Due to the fame and influence of Martin Luther, the practice became popular across Germany and much of Europe although it did not catch on in Britain until much later. And then there’s tinsel. Tinsel was invented in Nuremberg around 1610. It was originally made from extruded strands of silver, but because silver tarnishes quickly, other shiny metals were substituted. Before the 16th century, tinsel was used for adorning sculptures

rather than Christmas trees, but it was added later to Christmas trees to enhance the flickering of the candles on the tree. And what about all those baubles? Well, glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner (1550-1609) who produced garlands of glass beads and tin figures that could be hung on trees. The popularity of these decorations grew into the production of glass figures made by highly skilled artisans with clay moulds. Other glassblowers in Lauscha also recognised the growing popularity of Christmas baubles and began producing them in a wide range of designs. Soon, the whole of Germany began buying Christmas glassware from Lauscha. On Christmas Eve 1832, a young Victoria wrote about her delight at having a tree, hung with lights, ornaments, and presents placed round it. And then in the 1840s the Londoner showed a picture of Victoria’s Christmas tree bedecked with glass ornaments and baubles sourced from her husband Prince Albert’s native Germany. This publicity was not wasted on the little town of Lauscha which then began exporting its products throughout Europe on a pretty large scale. In many ways, we have Prince Albert to thank for popularising what has now become our traditional Christmas tree. Here are a few local festivals you might visit – it would be wise to check ahead before you go for up to date opening times. For more details on these, and other events visit: www.christmastreefestivals.org

St George’s Church, 28 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU 29 November to 3 December - check website for opening times. Adults £2, children free www.stgeorgestockport.org.uk

Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove SK7 4J Admission Charge £1 Tel: 0161 483 0150 or visit www.wesleystreet.org

St George’s Church New Mills, Church Road, New Mills, SK22 4PF 8, 9, 10 and 11 December. Tel: 01663 749323 www.newmillschurch.co.uk

Holy Trinity Church, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7HX Adults £1, children free www.whaleybridge.com

Church of St. Bartholomew, Church St, Wilmslow SK9 1AW Friday 1 to Sunday 3 December. Beautifully decorated trees on display and musical entertainment in the evening on Friday and Saturday. www.wilmslowparish.org.

Alderley Edge Methodist Church www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.co.uk

St Cross Church, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, WA16 8EL www.stcrossknutsford.org.uk

Chester Cathedral, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU Saturday 27 Nov to Sunday 7 Jan 2018 www.chestercathedral.com by Garth Aspinall

BRINGING THE LATEST LONDON TREATMENTS TO CHESHIRE Situated just opposite Costa on London Road in leafy Alderley Edge is the North West’s only clinic of the award winning global brand Margaret Dabbs London. With four clinics in the capital in Liberty Regent Street, Marylebone, Notting Hill and Westminster as well as in affluent areas around the UK such as Cheltenham, Guildford and Harrogate and in Dubai and Qatar in the Gulf, Margaret Dabbs London brings the full range of treatments to Cheshire which are available in its flagship London clinics. and are formulated to be long lasting and quick drying and to guarantee a professional finish.

The most well-known of these is the Medical Pedicure - the company’s signature treatment. This unique combination of medical and cosmetic is a thorough overhaul of the feet by a fully qualified podiatrist which addresses all aspects of foot health and improves both the look and feel of the feet, ensuring exceptionally long lasting results. The lavish Nail Spa in Alderley Edge hosts six hand and foot stations where manicures and pedicures are undertaken by professional nail technicians. Fusing both health and beauty, nails are treated and returned back to optimum condition with the use of the Margaret Dabbs London Hand Range. Our treatment enriched nail polish colours are exclusive to Margaret Dabbs London

To round off the feeling of pampering and luxury, the Alderley Edge clinic also boasts the full range of Margaret Dabbs London own brand products. These are also available at quality retailers such as Harrods, Liberty, John Lewis and many others as well as at some of the most prestigious hotels and resorts worldwide. Many Margaret Dabbs London products contain the key ingredient of emu oil, valued for thousands of years by Australia’s aborigines, and which contains many properties which help to make your skin feel soft, silky smooth and rejuvenated.

Come and pay us a visit: Margaret Dabbs London Foot Clinic and Nail Spa, 51 London Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7DY 01625 582944 email: alderleyedge@margaretdabbs.co.uk www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

Opening times Mon-Sat 9.00am - 6.30pm Sun 11.00am – 5.00pm

PROSECCO A JOY OF LIFE There are many producers of sparkling, aromatic, prosecco wine. For this quest I searched for a company that produces a range of high-quality prosecco wines, with impressive bottle presentations. Bottega has a very interesting history, both during the 20th century and into the 21st century. The eye-catching bottles and a great number of the wines are award-winning. The bottles are created by artisan crafts people and are really distinguishable. From their prosecco range I found the following to be very impressive. Bottega Poeti Prosecco (DOC) is fresh, fragrant and has a floral bouquet. This wine is a very popular, dry production and favoured by many. Bottega Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (DOCG) Extra Dry is another poets’ wine which is also very popular. Having a brilliant straw-yellow colour, too, this fresh and fragrant wine graces many dining occasions, regularly. Bottega Prosecco (DOC) Biologico Extra Dry is often chosen and has many devotees. This organic production is, again, a brilliant straw-yellow colour. Very fine, fresh, fruity and delicate is how I would describe this, much sought-after, prosecco. Bottega Prosecco (DOC) Fundum I found to be a splendid dry production, that has plenty of fruits, to please. The mouthfeel and palate sensation is fresh, with a good finish. Gold Poeti Prosecco (DOC) is a further very classy production from Bottega. Fresh, aromatic and very impressive, this wine comes in a magnificent gold-coloured bottle. Again, a fruity bouquet prevails, which leads, enticingly, to

the wonderful mouthfeel. The palate is treated to a sensation that is impressively pleasant and memorable. The glamour of the bottle presentation adds to the pleasures of this production, which is extremely popular for special occasions and also makes a really wonderful gift. Prosecco wines, having a persistent and fine perlage, are perfect for apéritifs and excellent to pair with starters, also fish, seafood and white meats. Prosecco and other wines, including grappa, plus liqueurs, along with a range of other products, are all made with much knowledge, love and devotion, so the finished Bottega productions are of the highest quality and quite exceptional. Visit bottegaspa.com As always, enjoy! Trevor Langley Following a life-long career in engineering, fast forward to today and I take much pleasure in locating places, restaurants and venues, plus finding various products, all of excellent quality, connected with cuisine and for imbibing, too. I hope you will enjoy reading about some of my ‘finds’.

Courting Favour Last week we took a trip to Barristers, a stylish new restaurant based in The Courthouse, a rather grand building that was formerly Knutsford Crown Court. This Grade II listed building, originally designed by renowned architect, George Moneypenny and built in 1818 has recently undergone a full renovation, restoring all the original architecture including the huge domed glass ceiling. Under the direction of Flat Cap Hotels, 10 individually designed luxury bedrooms are planned to complement the existing banqueting and private dining rooms. A word first on the service at Barristers, which was not only excellent but also suitably discreet and in keeping with the quirky yet elegant setting. The bar/dining room itself is quite something. The original court room features have been maintained but somehow the designers have made it feel cosy and welcoming too. There are legal reference points, like the pictures on the walls and the wigs near the entrance, but the atmosphere feels more homely than austere, more friendly than over-formal. And now to the food - my tomato soup starter was full-bodied and delicious, as was the accompanying freshly baked bread with madras infused butter. This curried theme continued through my main course, fish and chips. Here was a circle of lemon above a tomato dressing/ blush ketchup, above a lightly ale battered and

by Barrie Hawker

succulent cod fillet, above a roundel of curried chickpeas, above a ringlet of pea puree. It was fish and chips, Jim, but not as we know it. I could not resist the carrot cake with white chocolate and vanilla frosting with baby carrots and pouring cream which followed. And no, I was not about to share this particular dessert with the person with me. In fairness, she was perfectly happy and just as possessive with her own food selections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bloomer shroomsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which consisted of chestnut mushrooms, roasted garlic, chives and a toasted bloomer; steak frites, with comfit tomato, rocket and parmesan salad and aioli; orange and cinnamon pannacotta with spiced mulled berries and ginger shortbread. This was a truly exceptional lunch and with food and service of such high quality, this Knutsford restaurant is putting a brand-new positive spin on spending time in court. Lunch is served in Barristers Bar & Restaurant from 11.30am with sandwiches, small plates, salads and dishes showcasing local produce from the region. Or try the seasonal dinner menu, followed by a freshly prepared cocktail by the bar. www.thecourthousecheshire.com Tel: 01561 743 333

Granny’s Christmas Pudding The stout in this recipe will add the moisture to the pudding and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look lovely and dark. ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Ingredients 1oz mixed peel 1oz ground almonds 2 medium sized eggs ¼ teaspoon almond essence 2 teaspoons brandy 1 can of stout 2 teaspoons cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon mixed spice 4oz plain flour 4oz breadcrumbs 4oz beef suet 4oz brown sugar 4oz raisins 4oz sultanas 4oz glace cherries 1 grated lemon rind ½ apple grated ½ carrot grated

Equipment: 2 pint bowl, mixing bowl, clean tea towel or pudding cloth. Method: Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix. Grease your pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix. Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in. Place in a large boiling pan and fill with water ¾ of the way up the side of the bowl. Boil on a moderate heat for 6 hours keep topping up the water with boiled kettle water if the level starts to drop. When the pudding is ready turn it out and leave to cool. These puddings can be stored wrapped in foil from now until Christmas, to reheat just place the pudding back in the bowl and boil for another 2 hours on Christmas day. Can be served with a sprinkling of icing sugar on the top or pour on ¼ brandy and light for a flaming Christmas pudding.

simply books

book club choice

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is really a wonderful book. Drawn In simple, unfussy, prose this a warm and intimate portrait of both a marriage and a community. Olive Kitteridge is someone who might be best described as ‘a difficult woman’ – married to the personable and easy-going (if unambitious) owner of the local pharmacy. As the (now retired) teacher of maths at the local high school Olive knows (and is known by) generations of children in her small community on the shoreline of Maine, New England. The novel is written as a sequence of self-contained stories exploring the lives of the townspeople (young and old) – woven through these stories is a connection (sometimes slight, other times more significant) with Olive. There’s a deceptive simplicity to the language – but writing this good (and this compelling) is a rare thing and we should treasure it! With Christmas just around the corner I thought I’d highlight a couple of this year’s quirky stocking fillers! First off… The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young is a delightful book about cows and how they live. The author and her family have been running their farm for over 50 years – she knows every one of her cattle by name and carries their monkey puzzle of a family tree in her head! Turns out cows are as varied as people. They can be highly intelligent or slow to understand, vain, considerate, proud, shy or inventive – this is an affectionate look at a hitherto secret world. Intriguing…you’ll never feel the same about a herd of cows again! Becoming British has never been more complicated. Aside from meeting the various legal, financial and residential requirements, applicants for British citizenship have (since 2005) been required to pass an official UK citizenship test – and it’s not as easy as you think! The ‘Call Yourself British’ Quiz Book is a compilation of 500 multiple-choice questions based on the UK Citizenship test to help measure just how British you jolly well are. Perfect for post-Christmas dinner entertainment. So for starters…Who is/was Richard Arkwright, Sake Dean Mahomet, John Petts and David Weir? What are the contents of the 1689 Bill of Rights? And why do British people keep pets (according to the Home Office!)? And for the children…. Oliver Jeffers new book Here We Are – Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a stunning picture book exploring what makes our planet and how we live in it. A visual treat and a wonderful book to share with any child.

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

What’s so great about running, anyway? You may say you’re no runner or you’re not built to run. Actually you are. Humans are built to run. Our bodies are well equipped with long legs, short toes, springy ligaments and a distinct lack of fur. All of which gives us that edge to run further than our mammal friends. We are born to run. You don’t need expensive equipment, you don’t need an expensive gym membership. Running is one of the most effective ways of fending off weight gain and diseases which doesn’t break the bank. More importantly it’s enjoyable.

Studies have shown that running as little as three to seven miles a week can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. The more you run the more the risk decreases. It also helps fight Alzheimer’s, lowers risk of cancer, promote bone and joint health whilst burning those calories to regulate weight. We have not even mentioned the benefits for mental health. Get outdoors, breathe fresh air and go explore. Avoid pounding the gym treadmill in sweaty clammy conditions, being put off by people watching and judging you. Instead, hit those hidden trails in the woods, go wildlife spotting down country lanes filling your lungs with fresh air. Test your resilience against nature’s elements rather than being stuck going nowhere on a treadmill. Running outdoors strengthens your body, mind and spirit – plus it’s free! So, go for a run today and discover for yourself what’s so great about it anyway. Remember you are a runner. by Alex Cann > www.acrunningandfitness.com

Putting the Perennial Garden to Bed for Winter The depths of winter could be a dull and dreary time in the perennial garden with plants dormant and snuggled up below ground but there can still be plenty of interest for both gardeners and wildlife provided you are judicious in your cutting back of stems. I get lots of people asking about winter “pruning” of different perennials. It’s not something many books cover. The following methods work well for us but most important is getting to know your garden and its own micro climate. Getting the pruning right means a better looking winter garden, more food for wildlife and possibly, better growth next year. The first consideration is: does it need the extra protection given by the old growth? If you have a particularly cold garden or are growing tender perennials it is worth leaving the top growth on until late winter as this provides protection to the crown of the plant by trapping some warmer air around the plant. If you do leave old stems and leaves on over winter, take care to choose a period of frost-free weather in spring when you do cut them back – cutting them back is like taking away their coats all of a sudden – they need time to acclimatise. Some perennials have wonderfully architectural bones in winter: sea hollies, bergamot, bubble mint and many others have attractive flower stems and seed heads that last through the winter. I simply remove any dead leaves in early winter and then tidy up the stems in early spring. In all cases don’t prune the new, fresh plantlets at the base of the stems. Ornamental grasses always give a good show through the winter. For ones where the leaves go brown, cut back quite hard before new growth starts in spring. I cut tall ones down to 1ft/30cm high and shorter ones to about 6in/15cm. Another reason to leave old stems in place until March is to provide a home for ladybirds – plants with hollow

by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

stems are ideal hibernating places for them. Also seed heads are a welcome winter food for birds and small mammals. Some perennials seed to excess and removing the seed heads stops them from sprouting like mustard and cress all over the garden in the spring. On the other hand, I leave the stems and heads on Verbena to encourage self-seeding of this slightly tender, short-lived flower. With ground hugging or mound forming plants, remove dead or damaged leaves and flower stems in early winter– cutting them back saves damaging fresh leaves in spring. Trailing plants are also best cut back at this time. Some plants will keep leaf over winter, but this will become damaged and ugly by the spring so it’s best to cut these back hard (provided they’re hardy). I do this with the evergreen day lilies, whereas Heucheras look good through winter and are best tidied in spring. Once you’ve cut back plants some benefit from a bit of insulation over winter. Shallow rooted plants like Phlox and Heleniums can be mulched with old compost, bark or leaves but watch out for slugs in spring. There is no reason why the perennial garden needs to be bare and barren in winter. There’s plenty to interest the gardener and wildlife if you avoid the urge to cut back too early! Janet and I sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 22 April 2018 and Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 13 May 2018. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

SIDE BY SIDE BUT WORLDS APART There’s now even more to see and do at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank, with the opening of the Gregs’ family home, Quarry Bank House, and a permanent exhibition with a tour of a mill worker’s cottage in nearby Styal. Together these add to the picture of what life was like living and working in an industrial community, contrasting with the intellectual, social and domestic life of Hannah Greg, wife of Quarry Bank’s founder Samuel Greg. Amanda Lunt, general manager at Quarry Bank, said, ‘Quarry Bank is, and always has been, much more than a mill. By restoring these houses, and exploring the domestic lives of both owner and worker, we’re able to engage our visitors with a different side of the story. We hope that visitors will be charmed and challenged by these new experiences.’

Piecing history together Although the cotton mill, Apprentice House, Styal village and estate were gifted to the National Trust in 1939, it wasn’t until 2006 that the opportunity to acquire Quarry Bank House and part of the gardens presented itself. The house and gardens were a domestic idyll created by the Greg family in the early 19th century, providing them with a rural retreat from rapidly industrialising Manchester. This missing piece of the puzzle was crucial to the development of the ongoing Quarry Bank Project. by Claire Hawker

Hannah’s vision Hannah Greg created a sanctuary at Quarry Bank. A woman of education, she was concerned with the improvement of herself and her thirteen children through learning, debate and the host of well-informed friends and acquaintances who were invited to Quarry Bank House. Today, visitors can explore the family home through Hannah’s experiences. Facsimiles of her writings are on display, and a team of staff and volunteers will engage visitors with stories of Hannah and her family.

An elegant, well-read home To recreate the atmosphere of this genteel Georgian home, a dedicated team of conservation specialists, archivists, academics from the University of Manchester and volunteers set to work. Although the Gregs left a huge number of personal papers and letters, there’s almost no description of how they decorated their home, and none of their furniture is retained within Quarry Bank’s collection. The available evidence points to an elegant and tasteful style of living, with greater focus on intellectual pursuits than material ones. Contemporary visitors wrote of the ‘grave simplicity of the household, their intellectual ways, the absence of display, and even of knick-knacks, the pale blue walls, the unadorned furniture, the well-filled bookcases, the portrait of George Washington over the chimney piece…’ Katie Taylor, regional curator at the National Trust, said, ‘we had an unusual challenge with Quarry Bank House. With so little to go on for how the interior should look, we took inspiration from similar homes of the period. We used contemporary paintings to understand the colours and patterns that would have been used in the different rooms, and engaged a host of specialists to advise us on the look and feel of the soft furnishings.’

Wider community In the village of Styal, just ten minutes’ walk from the mill, the Gregs built rows of terraced cottages for their workers. The community that expanded so dramatically during the early Industrial Revolution continues to thrive today. To tell the story of the village, a permanent exhibition that explores the lives of the mill workers has been created in the village hub. Inside a worker’s cottage, layers of history were unraveled through an Continued over

CHRISTMAS AT QUARRY BANK This festive season, you and your family can indulge in traditions old and new as Quarry Bank steps back into a Georgian Christmas. You’re invited to celebrate with the child apprentice workers, and to travel back in time for Christmas in the home of the mill owning Greg family (until Sun 7 Jan 2018) extensive restoration process. Known locally as the ‘pickled cottage’, number 13 Oak Cottages has been left untouched since the 1970s and wasn’t modernised with the rest of the houses in Styal. It offers a unique window into the past. Ally Tsilika, Archive and Collections Manager at Quarry Bank, said, ‘unlike the Greg family, the majority of workers’ lives have been preserved only in the records that were kept about them, such as censuses, wage and rent books. What we’re missing is people’s personalities, but you can get a tantalising glimpse of that inside the cottage. The worker’s cottage is one of the few ways that we still have to explore the lives of those whose thoughts, feelings and hopes are now lost to us.’

The fabric of life During the conservation and restoration process, six layers of wallpaper were uncovered, tracing the tastes and decoration choices of the cottage’s tenants back through the generations. Much of the wallpaper was peeling from the wall when restoration work started, and has been painstakingly restored by a conservation specialist. The Quarry Bank team has also taken great care to look after the historic linoleum that covered the floor. Tours of the worker’s cottage are limited to a maximum of eight people per tour due to the house’s small size. On the tour, visitors are encouraged to consider how the home lives of Quarry Bank’s workers differed to their own. Up to 14 people would have lived in each two-up-two-down cottage, with the cellar beneath the house rented to a separate family altogether. Although living conditions in Styal were generally better than in the centre of Manchester at the time, they are surprising and at times shocking to modern eyes. Despite this, a community was built here that has lasted, and can now be enjoyed by Quarry Bank’s visitors.

Celebrations in the Apprentice House Step into the Apprentice House for a taste of Georgian life. The apprentices rarely had a treat or a day off, so a cup of tea at Christmas was a real luxury. In the kitchen you can try a piece of currant loaf that the apprentices may have had at Christmas, and help to make ‘stir up pudding’. You can gather round for festive stories and make dazzling natural decorations or a magnificent mask to take home with you.

Decking the halls of Quarry Bank House Christmas in Quarry Bank House, home to the wealthy mill owning Greg family, was very different to the simple celebrations of the apprentice children. Step back in time as you meet a cast of characters from the Greg family and their visitors. Are you clever enough to work out the Christmas riddles? Challenge your family to festive games and historic brainteasers, and head to the dining room to find out all about the impressive Christmas feast. The Estate (except for the Mill) and the new attractions are open over the holiday period, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Mill will be closing in late November for installation of a passenger lift. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank for details of all opening times and how to book on timed tours and visits.

advertorial

beautifully bespoke The Stair Shop offers exquisite workmanship, right on our doorstep Based locally on Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, The Stair Shop is a family run business specialising in the manufacture and installation of stunning, custom-built timber staircases. Mike Lomax and his dad Paul first opened the doors of their staircase business in early 1999. Following Paul’s retirement, Mike now runs the company with his wife Sam, who joined them in the business five years ago, keeping up the family tradition.

SKILLED CRAFTSMEN Mike & Sam have brought together a team of nine skilled craftsmen, to make even the most challenging projects come alive. Their uncompromising dedication to quality through design, selection of materials, construction and installation, is what makes them one of the UK’s top stair builders. All staircases, traditional and modern, are constructed from their own cad drawings. Their experienced staff consult with clients at each stage, right from the initial design through to the installation of the new, beautiful staircase.

We offer limitless variations on design and specialise in Pine, solid Oak and rich Walnut

SHOWROOM & FACTORY At their new showroom you’ll find a selection of staircase ideas on display. And whilst you’re there, feel free to take a look around their state of the art, computerised factory. You’re sure to be wowed! If you require any advice on refurbishing an existing staircase, or help choosing and designing a new one, please give Mike or Sam a call on 0161 477 8077 or email office@stairshop.co.uk. They will be more than happy to help.

The Stair Shop: Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Diary of a geeky knitter Is it really this time of year again, with Christmas looming on the horizon? As I write this, I’ve already had my first mince pie of the season. Do bear in mind that, in the magazine business, it’s been Christmas for months already – in fact, we’ve just started planning our summer knitting commissions at work. And I wonder where the time goes week by week. As my fellow knitters and crafters must also appreciate, we start taking Christmas seriously early if we are to have all of our handmade gifts finished in time. Not that I’ve even planned my presents yet.

Make time for your creative interests Perhaps selfishly (for want of a better word) I’ve put off my Christmas planning this year because I realised I was so caught up in work, and sorting personal finances and planning a wedding (yes, this time next year, I will be married, eek!) that I wasn’t making enough time for myself and my creative pursuits again, which really was an atrocious situation. I’ve written before about the benefits of crafting for mental health and stress relief, and sometimes you need to take a moment to force yourself to pause and enjoy something, no matter how small or ‘not-to-plan’ it might feel. Before you realise it, it’s almost Christmas and you are planning summer magazines and you wonder why you never know what day it is anymore. On the back of this, reading back through my previous articles, I promised some notes on how to get started writing your own blog, which I never delivered on!

To be fair to myself, I’ve only just started regularly blogging again following a hectic summer, and I’m so glad I did because it’s nice to write for pleasure again. You can write about your interests, no matter what they are; whether you knit, like me, or are a train-spotter, or perhaps you are a huge fan of Stockport County FC (I know there must be some of you out there), and you find you want to talk about the passion, I would really encourage starting your own blog. If you are honest and genuine, and clearly love your subject matter, your readers will pick up on that and will interact with you. It’s also a fantastic platform to meet like-minded people on. Before you say ‘oh, but I can’t write’ just wait: everyone can be a writer. As with anything, all it takes is practice and care, but you will find when you write about something that you are already passionate about, it is very easy to write in an approachable way. One of the best things about blogs as well is that they are usually free to have! I use www.blogger.com which is very easy to use, and there are plenty of platforms out there. If you do start a blog, make sure you tell your friends and also drop me an email, and maybe you will get a mention online or here! Until next time, Merry Christmas, and not long after this Happy Easter I bet!

jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

DALES OF THE DOVe

A circular walk from Hartington

Distance: 8½ miles Ascent/descent: 1,200ft Walk description: Starting in Hartington, this walk follows the river Dove through two contrasting dales before ascending through a “dry” valley to join the Tissington Trail with excellent views across White Peak. It then passes through the start of Biggin Dale before returning to Hartington along the very quiet Reynards Lane. A walk of contrasts. Starting point: Hartington Village Centre (SK127 604). There is street parking in the village and a small pay & display car park (SK17 0BE) on Mill Lane, just past the public toilets on the opposite side of the road. Map: OL24 White Peak Starting from the village pond, follow Mill Lane (B5054) past the Charles Cotton Hotel as far as the public toilets on the left. Our path starts on the left behind the toilets. Pass through a gate and follow the path behind buildings heading generally south. Cross a narrow track and continue south with good views and limestone outcrops to your left. The path eventually enters Morson Wood. You should start to see glimpses of the River Dove to your right. Follow the clear path still heading south. Cross a footbridge and you are now in Staffordshire

with the river now on your left. The pool just past the bridge is known as Pike Pool, named after the grey limestone monolith, or pike that rises out of the water. This is Beresford Dale, named after the now demolished Beresford Hall, once the home of Charles Cotton. Cotton and his close friend Izaac Walton wrote a remarkable book about 17th century rural England called “The Complete Angler”. No other English language book, other than The Bible and Book of Common Prayer, has been reprinted more times. Continue alongside the river to another footbridge and once again cross the river. You are now back in Derbyshire. Continue heading south crossing a water meadow (can be quite wet after heavy rains). Keep the river on your right as you leave the meadow. You are now entering Wolfscote Dale which is wider and with less vegetation than Beresford Dale. As you continue, it becomes progressively more spectacular with the sides of the dale rising almost vertically with patches of limestone scree sometimes across the path. The low weirs you will see in the river were created in the 19th century to encourage the breeding of fish.

After just over one mile, there is a dry valley ascending steeply to the left. This is Biggin Dale. We don’t take this turning and continue alongside the Dove. We will however walk through the top part of Biggin Dale on our return to Hartington. Continuing through Wolfscote Dale the scenery seems to change at every bend in the river. In spring orchids and cowslips can often be seen. Continue by the river for ¾ mile, ignoring a bridge at Gypsy Bank, until you reach Coldeaton Bridge. (SK145561) At this bridge we now leave the Dove and turn left to ascend through an unnamed dry valley heading east and then northeast. The signpost here directs you to the left of the ascending wall. Do not go this way. Instead take the path just through the wall keeping the wall

on your left as you ascend the valley. Continue on this grassy and sometimes stony path for just short of a mile until it reaches Liffs Road. (SK157567) Turn right onto the road and continue a short distance to a gate on the right just before a bridge. Go through the gate and follow a track onto the Tissington Trail. This was the railway line from Buxton to Ashbourne before it was closed in 1967. Turn left, (heading north) and follow the trail which gives good views before passing through a rocky cutting. The trail is well used by cyclists so keep checking behind you. Just after the cutting the trail crosses over Back Lane. (SK162581) Immediately before the bridge take the steps on the right down to the lane and then turn left and pass under the bridge (west). Continue on this very quiet lane to a T junction with Liffs Road. Turn right. There will be more traffic on this road so keep aware.

The Walk Follow the road north for ¼ mile. At the bottom of a slight dip take the gated stile on the left by a bridleway sign and follow a grassy, stony path west into Biggin Dale. The path starts to get a little steeper and after ½ mile starts to swing left. Look out for a gate on the right and go through it. There is an enclosed Dew Pond on your left just after the gate. The path crosses loose rocks and turns to the right. Follow this path uphill for a short distance thorough a shallow grassy valley. Take a left fork going more steeply uphill to reach a walled track which passes a refurbished barn on the right before becoming a tarmac road (Reynards Lane). Follow this very quiet road going north northwest for about 1 mile. When the road bends sharply right, take the stile on the left and follow the path which leads you to a grassy descent down towards Hartington. At the bottom of the field turn right and pass through a narrow alley behind houses to come out on Hall Bank. Turn left and continue downhill to a cross road. Turn left here to end back in the centre of Hartington. There are pubs and a tea room here and a well-stocked cheese shop which sells locally produced Stilton as well as a wide range of other cheeses, wines and beers. If you still have energy left after your walk there is a local town trail available at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/ village-trails. Marple District Rambling Club organises up to 30 walks each month, going out on Thursdays and Sundays. For further information, phone Sue Gilmore, 0161 427 1471, or Claude Prime, 0161 483 8596 or visit www.marple-uk/ community/rambling

By Brian Beardwood > Marple District Rambling Club

Live-In Care by The Good Care Group Rated “Outstanding” by CQC The Good Care Group is an award-winning provider of high quality, professional 24-hour live-in care that enables older individuals and couples to stay safely and happily at home for as long as possible. We are the only dedicated live-in care provider to be awarded “Outstanding” by the CQC during our most recent inspection. “The provider was exceptional in its responsiveness to people’s changing needs and prevented unnecessary hospital admissions through its flexible service delivery”

What is Live-In Care? Receiving 24- hour care at home is a popular alternative to care homes for individuals with long-term health needs. Given the choice, many of us would choose to remain within our homes whilst receiving support. However, when faced with the responsibility of choosing the type of care we would like our loved ones to receive, we tend to automatically assume care homes are the best or only option. This is not always the case. Receiving care at home makes it possible to get the professional support you require without leaving the comfort of your own home. We know that independence, choice and dignity are important for both happiness and health. Our care services enable you to continue to live your life the way you wish to in the comfort of your own home and familiar surroundings. Our team of professional live in carers are trained to provide you with the highest quality of compassionate care.

How does Live-In Care differ from other types of care? Unlike other care provisions such as care homes and hourly care, The Good Care Group provides a more holistic service. This is because: ■■ Your plan of care is uniquely developed to suit your needs without any rigid timetables or set routines ■■ Specialist care will be provided to you within the comfort of your home from carers who have a true understanding of the needs you may have ■■ You will avoid the disruption and upheaval of moving out of your home to receive 24 hour care ■■ It is proven to improve both health and well-being

■■ A more economical option compared to care homes especially for couples who are able to stay together ■■ You can continue living life surrounded by your communities and home comforts - including pets

Who Can The Good Care Group Help? There is no one size fits all approach to your support at The Good Care Group. Your service is built around your specific needs and wishes. Our professional carers are carefully matched to your loved ones based on their experience, skills, training and qualifications as well as personality, hobbies and interests. Our carers are employed by us and we never use agency staff. Live in carers at The Good Care Group are highly trained and experienced in caring for a range of conditions including Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Strokes and Multiple Sclerosis. Our home care services can be provided on a long-term basis as well as on a short-term, respite basis.

What do live in carers do? Working in teams of two our live-in carers provide round the clock assistance to your loved ones in the security of their own homes. Our service is nurse led, to ensure you’ll receive the highest standard of care. Your care assessment will ultimately determine the type and level of care that you require.

Your carers’ duties may consist of: ■■ Light household chores ■■ Assisting you with social activities ■■ Administration of the household including bills and appointments ■■ Health and Hygiene ■■ Cooking and Nutrition ■■ Promoting and administering medication ■■ Specialist Care for complex conditions At The Good Care Group we create unique care plans tailored to your specific needs, meaning the services we offer will vary with every individual. If you are searching for high quality live-in home care for your loved one or yourself, please contact one of our care advisors who are always on hand to answer your questions and to help you decide whether Live In care may be a suitable option.

For more information, please contact us: T: 0808 278 8579 E: nwenquiries@thegoodcaregroup.com W: www.thegoodcaregroup.com

in touch your local community noticeboard december 2017 - january 2018

MUSIC AMONGST THE CHRISTMAS TREES On 10 December, the Alderley Edge Orchestra is delighted to be joining with the Methodist church to help them celebrate their popular Christmas Tree Festival. The Festival runs from Friday 8 December until Sunday 10 December. On the Sunday afternoon, at 3.30pm, the orchestra will provide seasonal entertainment with Christmas music, poetry and carols for audience participation. Helen Hall, from the orchestra, says, “We are really looking forward to this event. On a dark winter afternoon, the church will have a magical atmosphere with scores of Christmas trees lit up and we hope to have a packed church to help us celebrate the occasion. The concert will include favourites such as Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and traditional carols, but also some less well-known and quirky items – come along and find out! And bring your good singing voices!” Judy Povey, from the church, says “Our Christmas Tree Festival is a really important part of our church calendar. It gets bigger and more ambitious every year and we like to bring in new ideas. It will be lovely to have our friends from the orchestra providing a rousing finale to a weekend of activities.” Seasonal refreshments will be served in the interval and there will be some stalls to buy unique Christmas presents for those difficult-to-buy-for friends and family. Proceeds from the concert will go to the church’s Christmas Tree charity, which this year is Together for Short Lives. This is a UK charity which provides help and support for families of children with life-limiting illnesses.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for under 18s, available on the door or in advance - visit www.aeorchestra.org.uk or call the ticket hotline 01625 581321.

Continued over

in touch - your local community noticeboard

ALDERLEY EDGE FESTIVAL SYLLABUS AVAILABLE From Monday, 1 January, the 2018 syllabus and online entry forms for the next festival will be available at www.alderleyedgefestival.com In 2018 the Alderley Edge Festival of Music, Speech and Drama will take place from 8 to 12 May in six different venues in Alderley Edge. This annual event attracts over 2,500 participants in its varied classes for music solo, choral, piano, woodwind and brass, strings and vocal for all age groups. There are also many classes in Speech and Drama for all age groups. The Alderley Edge Festival is over 100 years old – quite an achievement! We welcome all performers, their teachers, families and friends.

The closing date is 9 February for paper entries, 16 February for online entries. All details are in the syllabus.

LOCAL SETTING FOR NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER Last month saw the launch, at Waterstones Wilmslow, of Beneath the Skin, by Caroline England. A stunning debut psychological thriller about a life-changing lie, Beneath The Skin is a tense and compelling read, exploring truth, friendships and betrayal. The ‘domestic noir’ novel revolves around the interconnecting lives of four couples, all of whom have secrets which are ready to explode. The characters live in Didsbury, Chorlton, Hale and Alderley Edge, so it very much has a local feel. The main protagonist, who opens and closes the story, is Antonia. She isolates herself in her huge house near Alderley Edge and her self-harming is only one thing she tries to hide. There’s more to the beautiful and placid Antonia than she’s telling anyone! Caroline is a former divorce lawyer based in Manchester, whose fiction has appeared in various literary magazines. Her background lends this book about couples a real authenticity. Her next novel, My Husband’s Lies, is out next May. That is very much set in Wilmslow as a lot of the scenes are in a fictional estate agent/solicitor’s office and a penthouse flat somewhere on the outskirts!

Beneath The Skin is available online and from bookshops including Waterstones.

in touch - your local community noticeboard

DEAN ROW WI Our club is keeping active and busy - we meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm at the Village hall in Browns Lane, Wilmslow. At every meeting we have an interesting speaker, we hear about all the activities going on for the rest of the month, from our president and secretary and then have tea and biscuits and a chat with all our friends. Last month our speakers were two young RAF men who gave us a very interesting talk about their careers and the work they do. This month, instead of a speaker, we were entertained by the WI Woodford choir who are lovely singers and we even joined in a few songs. Next month it is our 94th birthday and so we are having a Titanic day! Everyone is dressing up in 1912 style, we will start with a glass of prosecco, then have a buffet lunch after which our speaker will talk about the Titanic. In December we have our Christmas party to look forward to, with food supplied by our catering committee and entertainment by our very own drama club, which is always hilarious. Our sub groups are keeping busy too, the bowls club has moved indoors, drama group is rehearsing for Christmas and our luncheon club, which visits a different restaurant every month, will finish off the year with a visit to Shrigley Hall for lunch. Our latest outing was to Bae at Broughton. near Chester, where they build the wings for the 380 airliner. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at the Chocks Away Diner in their grounds – what a great day out.

If you are interested in our club we’d love to hear from you - just come along or call secretary Sue on 0161 485 6694.

EAST CHESHIRE HOSPICE WILMSLOW SUPPORT GROUP East Cheshire Hospice needs £7,500 every day to keep operating! Just about 12 months ago a new group was set up to organise events in Wilmslow. Although there are only a few of us we have already organised a bridge drive, a sponsored walk and a concert. Coming up we have a lunch, Christmas Fayre, a recipe book and a street collection. We would welcome more help – why not come along and see what it’s all about?

Contact Ned Spencer on wsgech@gmail.com or phone 07867 802744 www.facebook.com/echsupporterswilmslowanddistrict

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow, Fri 1 to Sun 3 December Come and see the decorated trees between 10am and 4pm each day. There will be other entertainment as part of the festival, starting on Friday 1 December with a Lunchtime organ recital by Philip Underwood at 1.15pm On Friday evening local ladies chorus, Cheshire A Cappella, will be giving a concert at 7.45pm, performing a variety of numbers including a Christmas set. Saturday afternoon brings Carol Singing for All with the Chelford Handbell Ringers from 4pm to 5.30pm. Admission to see the festival: £2 (children under 10 free)

Friday Evening concert, with Cheshire A Cappella, admission £10 (includes mulled wine and mince pies). Saturday Carol Singing for all, no charge.

quick crossword Across 7. Bramleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, perhaps (7,6) 8. Collar bone (8) 9. Therefore (4) 10. Source of barium (7) 12. Southpaw (5) 14. Small holding (5) 16. Relating (7) 19. Russian royal (4) 20. Reserve (3,5) 22. Wall edging (8,5)

down 1. Aim (4) 2. Servant (6) 3. Sneer (7) 4. Sap (5) 5. For each (6) 6. Elevate (8) 11. Drinks after slopes? (5-3) 13. Reserves (4,3) 15. Uproar(6) 17. Abrasion (6) 18. Jelly (5) 21. Dreadful (4)

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.

Solutions on page 58

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you

need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, howeverCloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution… Just replace the glass! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it.

With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Richard and he services the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Richard a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

“

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE all customers that an average quote will take no longer than 20 mins!

”

Wild Alaska

Alaska is a unique destination; combining wildlife, glaciers and mountains, unique Native cultures, and the history of the Gold Rush days. Winters are long and cold, but the summers, whilst short, are a great time to visit and for many people a cruise is an ideal way to see this amazing State. Cruising on one of the larger ships is a great value-formoney way to see the stunning coastline and with the opportunity to get off the ship almost daily, and explore inland, makes it a great all-round experience. Visiting ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the State Capital and weighing anchor to experience the grandeur and silence of Glacier Bay.

The most northerly port for most cruise ships is Anchorage, and here it is possible to add on a pre-or post-stay to explore the area. However, if you prefer to explore further, then a land tour would be for you. It is possible to hire a car and tour independently, but why not consider a land tour, such as Tauck’s Wild Alaska where you can unleash your inner David Attenborough with this fantastic wildlife filming holiday! You will have seen it on TV, now experience it in real life with Earth Journeys created by Tauck, in collaboration with leading film-makers. During the course of the tour guests can expect first-hand involvement with the ingenious gadgets and equipment used by professional wildlife photographers and filmmakers.

For a more luxurious experience, some of the smaller 5-star luxury cruise lines also have a ship that spends the summer in these waters; both Silversea and Regent Seven Seas can be found here and from 2019, Cunard will have the Queen Elizabeth cruising out of Vancouver and along these waters. If you don’t do traditional cruising, there is still a ship for you – a cruise line called Uncruise. Small ships, and without the glamour of the bigger vessels, but delivering a fabulous experience, with kayaks and paddleboats, guided walks, and expert expedition and heritage guides. As small ships, they can access smaller coves and passages designed to get the passengers up close and personal to the wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Join like-minded adventurers as Tauck take you on a journey to discover what inspires the world’s greatest nature filmmakers, offering you a backstage pass to experience, in person, places, people, animals and stories relating to a major natural history series. This enhanced, touring experience will reveal nature’s most Continued over

incredible stories enhanced by professional content, including hands-on use of field equipment to see how these filmmakers reveal natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secrets, bespoke videos created for each destination, and educational touches. All to bring you a fresh perspective on our planet. Our wild Alaska tour operating between July and September 2018 is a small group tour of about 30 Tauck guests. This ten-day adventure takes you away from the well-travelled routes of the Inside Passage to less-visited places of spectacular beauty and one-of-a kind experiences. Take a flight over the vast glacier-clad landscapes and peaks of Denali (Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest mountain), cruise the Kenai Fjord, known for its resident sea lions, dolphins, whales, bald eagles and dramatic vistas. Watch brown bears on Crescent Lake in salmon season, where the brown bears are close and numerous. Visit a kennel that raises champion sled dogs and participate in a wilderness hike with an expert naturalist guide who will impart invaluable knowledge and insights, meeting wildlife (like bison, elk, bears, and caribou) up close at a refuge for displaced and orphaned animals. So, whether by land or sea, we can arrange the perfect Alaskan experience for you; phone Irene or Kristina at Travel by Design in Alderley Edge on 01625 584195 or call in to see us. We have Kathryn from Tauck Tours with us at our premises in Alderley Edge on 14 December. Why not call in and discuss your next holiday over a mince pie and a cup of coffee?

by Kristina Hulme travelbydesigngroup.com

From one local business to another Would you like more local customers?

Our magazines are so lovely people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bear to throw them away, making them the ideal place to promote your business. The local magazine our readers love to keep. INSIDE E POYNTON ISSUE 71

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2017

INSIDE E ISSUE 59

MAY - JUNE 2017

HA ZEL GROVE

H I G H

INSIDE E ISSUE 57

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

WILMSLOW & ALDERLEY EDGE

L A N E

INSIDE E ISSUE 65

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2017

BRAMHALL

INSIDE E ISSUE 55

MARCH - APRIL 2017

BOLLINGTON, PRESTBURY & TYTHERINGTON

INSIDE M A R P L E ISSUE 39

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017

INCLUDING COMPSTALL, MARPLE BRIDGE & MELLOR

The local magazine our readers love to keep

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

Delivering a quality read to 45,000 homes across Bollington, Prestbury, Tytherington, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Poynton, Wilmslow & Alderley Edge

To get your business noticed call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk facebook.com/insidemags

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

Monday

Thursday

Songs and Rhymes. 9.30am and 10.15am Term time only. 20-30 minutes of informal singing for 0-4s with their grown up. £1.50 per family. Refreshments and mini play area available afterwards. For more information please contact the church office on 01625 528892. Wilmslow Methodist Church

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

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road. £6 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. Under 5’s Story Time 2.30-3pm Term time only. Handforth Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 378272

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. Under 5’s Rhyme time 11-11.30am Term time only. Handforth Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 378272

Wednesday Tiddlywinks Mini Church 10am Term time only. Story, songs and craft for under 5’s. £1 donation appreciated. Refreshments and play area available. Please call the church office 01625 528892 for information. Wilmslow Methodist Church. WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Alderley Edge Scout Hut. Talbot Road. £6 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.

Baby Massage 1.30pm Term time only. At Wilmslow Methodist church for babies 8 weeks plus. £5 per session, including refreshments. Please call the church office 01625 528892 or make an enquiry online to book a place www.wilmslowmethodists.org.uk 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. TinyTalk baby sign classes 10.45am and midday. Our award winning classes support their language development and confidence in communicating. At Wilmslow Library. For more info contact Claire 07941 904033 www.tinytalk.co.uk/clairebar 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.

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. Gorsey Bank Primary School, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow SK9 5NQ (outdoors on grass) £6 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.

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

Answers: presents, baubles, turkey, cards, snow, holly and ivy. Extra letter answer: ribbon

just 4 kids

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget! Copy deadline for the next issue:

Wednesday 10 January Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

inside guide

december 2017 - january 2018

selected events in your area

Friday 1 December

Tuesday 5 December

Oscar’s Extravorganza The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi. Organist Philip Underwood FRCO. This concert will last for approximately 50 minutes. Admission free, retiring collection. For future local and national organ concerts see www. organrecitals.com St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow at 1.15pm

Handforth Gardening Society - Fifty Shades of Green Meeting at St Chad’s church hall, Handforth 7.30pm

Fri 1 to Sun 3 December Wilmslow Parish Christmas Tree Festival Cheshire A Cappella will be entertaining us on Fri 1 Dec at 7.45pm. On Sat 2 Dec come and sing Christmas Carols from 4pm to 5.30pm St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow 10am to 4pm daily

Friday 1 December Hallé Comes To Bramhall Hallé Brass - an evening of Brass Quintet music, with just a hint of Christmas! Tickets £11, £9 (concessions), under 18s free, refreshments included. Available from: Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. Bramhall Methodist Church at 7.30pm

Sat 2 to Sat 9 December Wilmslow Green Room Theatre Presenting one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays: The Winter’s Tale. Tickets for The Winter’s Tale on sale from Monday 6 November. To book tickets: Tel: 01625 540933 Enquiries: mail@wgrsoc.org.uk www.wgrsoc.org.uk

Saturday 2 December Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert We are playing some firm film music favourites including Star Wars, ET and Jurassic Park. All composed by John Williams. Also, Dances with Wolves, John Barry and Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson, together with some well-loved Christmas Carols for you to sing with us! Tickets cost £12, concessions £10 and under 18 £2. They are available from ticket secretary 01925 756144, Bang and Olufsen, Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Therapy, Bank Square, Wilmslow, via the website: www.wilmsloworchestra.co.uk or at the door. Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm

Tuesday 5 December The Arts Society Wilmslow Charles Dickens and the Imagery of Christmas. Lecturer Claire Walsh looks at the impact of Dickens on the way the 19th century understood and pictured Christmas. Guests of members £7 (students £1) contact Pat Mullineux in advance on 0161 427 6421 Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow SK9 4AA at 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 December Wilmslow Historical Society Christmas Social; following the meal, raffle and quiz, Rob Carroll, a classically trained guitarist, will entertain with Songs and their Stories. This is a pre-paid ticketed event for our members. St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA 7pm

Thursday 7 December Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Members’ Social Evening including Judith’s Natural History Quiz, members’ presentations and seasonal fare! Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 7 December 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 members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info, see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, or ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members. The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth SK9 3EW 8.30pm Continued over

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

Saturday 9 December

Sunday 10 December

Make a Needle Felted Robin with Jo Gardiner Create a beautiful felted robin tree hanging using the craft of 3D needle felting. All skills level welcome, but unsuitable for children. £30 per person, all equipment provided including a needle felting kit to take home. To book contact Jo, jo4gardiner@yahoo.co.uk The Old Sunday School 10.30am to 1.30pm

Barnby Choir Concert Handel - Zadok the Priest; Handel - Dettingen Te Deum plus carols for choir and audience Tickets £12, £10 (concessions), £5 (students) from Anne Macdonald 07810 517464 or on the door. Further information at www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane Wilmslow SK9 1PR 7.30pm

Saturday 9 December Christmas Cheer with The Robins Singers Tickets £10 (Call Alan on 0161 285 1192 – limited numbers available on the door) For more information visit www.therobinssingers.co.uk Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Saturday 16 December

Saturday 9 December

Saturday 16 December

The Lindow Singers and Poynton RBL Concert Band present a Christmas Concert. Tickets £12, Concession £10 Student £3 available on the door or ring 01625 611124. St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow SK9 1 AA 7.30pm

Poynton Male Voice Choir Christmas Charity Concert As well as the sound of seasonal male voice singing there will be a contribution from the children of St Peter’s Hazel Grove Junior Choir, solos, light hearted stories and light refreshments. Tickets £9 from choir members or on the door or reserve by calling 0161 439 6419. All profits will be donated to this year’s chosen charity ‘Wilmslow Wells for Africa’ who will briefly report on their work. Poynton Methodist Church 7.30pm

Sunday 10 December Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and Music The ladies of Wilmslow’s Cheshire A Cappella chorus will entertain you with an afternoon of singing, including seasonal songs. Tickets £8, conc. £7 to include festive drink and mince pie. Call 01625 429602 or 07801 103479 Festival Hall, Alderley Edge 3.30pm

Sunday 10 December Alderley Edge Orchestra We are delighted to join the Methodist church at their Christmas Tree Festival. On the Sunday afternoon the orchestra will provide seasonal entertainment with Christmas music, poetry and carols for audience participation. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the interval and there will be some stalls to buy unique Christmas presents. Tickets £10 for adults, £1 for under 18s, available on the door or in advance from www.aeorchestra.org.uk or the ticket hotline 01625 581321 Methodist Church, Chapel Rd, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DU 3.30pm

Sunday 10 December The VBS Poynton Band’s Christmas Concert Tickets are £8 including refreshments. Children under sixteen are free. Tickets enquiries please call 0161 487 2924. Tickets can also be bought from band members Poynton Civic Hall 7pm

Prestbury Choral Society Concert The choir will perform the popular ‘Manchester Carols’ by Sasha Johnson-Manning, and ‘O Magnum Magisterium’ by Lauridsen. St Peter’s Church, Prestbury. 7.30pm

Friday 22 December Epiphany presents Classics at Christmas Concert with a Celtic flavour! Featuring soloists Nigel Cameron (Irish Whistles) and Julie Cameron Hall (singer). Programme includes Vivaldi 4 violin concerto, Irish Celtic music, Riverdance theme tune and a Christmas Selection. Tickets £16, £12 (conc) Available at the door or in advance from 01625 858802 St George’s Church Poynton, 7.30pm

Weds 3 to Sat 6 January Prestbury Youth Pantomime This year’s pantomime is Sinbad and the Golden Monkey. Tickets are priced at £10 and £12, to book visit ticketsource. co.uk/prestbury-pantomime MADS Little Theatre, Lord Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm. Matinee 6 Jan 2.30pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings. Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

Thursday 4 january

Wednesday 10 January

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 members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info, see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, or ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members. The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Wilmslow Historical Society. Claire Moores, a local historian with a particular interest in the history of Great Warford. Her talk Reads and sings beautifully ... very defective focuses on Mary Dendy, the driving force behind establishing the Sandlebridge Colony for the mentally handicapped at Great Warford. 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 for 7.45pm

FRIDAY 5 January Oscar’s Extravorganza Celebrations - Star Wars Organist Philip Underwood FRCO. Admission Free – retiring collection. Each recital will last approximately 30-40 minutes St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow at 1.15pm

Monday 8 January Macclesfield & East Cheshire British Cactus and Succulent Society – Off to California Wilmslow Library 7.30pm

Tuesday 9 January Handforth Gardening Society - Gardening Quiz Meeting at St Chad’s church hall, Handforth 7.30pm

Tuesday 9 January The Arts Society Wilmslow Bernini and the Baroque. Working in the 17th century, Bernini’s sculptural masterpieces, architectural innovations and decorative works of great beauty transformed the city of Rome, and remain sources of wonder today. Lecture by Fenella Billington, who obtained a master’s degree in Art History from Manchester University, and is a Liverywoman of the Worshipful Company of Skinners in London. Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow SK9 4AA 7.30pm

Tuesday 9 January East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture Caxton to Copy shops – Tony Nightingale Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Wednesday 17 January Lunchtime Concert Kell Wind Trio. Alastair Roberts/flute, Geoffrey Smith/clarinet, Ian Harvey/bassoon Admission by programme £5. Light lunches available from 12 noon Alderley Edge Methodist Church 1pm

Thursday 18 January Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Inspiring Avians by Jeff Clarke. Charismatic birds that capture the imagination. Visitors very welcome (£4) More information from David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 18 January Transition Wilmslow Join us for a chilli supper and film showing of ‘Tomorrow’, the film that demonstrates how, working together, we can help provide the solutions that will make our planet a better, greener more sustainable place for our children and grandchildren to live in. Tickets £12 for chilli supper For further information and to book your place see www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/tomorrow-the-film-with-chilli-supper-tickets The Old Dancer, 16 Grove Street, Wilmslow, SK9 1DR 7pm-10pm

Sat 27 January to Sat 3 February Wilmslow Green Room Theatre Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington. Tickets go on sale Monday 1 January To book tickets Tel: 01625 540933 or www.wgrsoc.org.uk Enquiries: mail@wgrsoc.org.uk

Wednesday 31 January Wilmslow Guild Floral Design Club. A Day in the Life of... with Ann Gater. Visitors are most welcome but are limited to two visits per Guild year at £6 (special events extra). Contact Ros Heywood on 01625 529467 Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow 1.45pm

puzzle solutions

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

Keep up to date Like us at www.facebook.com/insidemags Follow us on twitter @insidemagazines Read our magazines online at www.issuu.com/insidemagazines

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

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

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

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

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

01625 533789 01625 383981

Libraries Alderley Edge Library Handforth Library Macclesfield Library Wilmslow Library

01625 374030 01625 378 272 01625 374000 01625 374060

E. Cheshire Council Info Services

0300 1235500

Police (non-emergency) (non-emergency)

101

Post Offices 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

01625 599300 01625 583241 01625 383262 01625 383060 01625 383000 01625 583028

Wilmslow Schools 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 383232 01625 383333 01625 383020 01625 525157 01625 384383 01625 523141 01625 523536 01625 520207 01625 383253 01625 526566 01625 526191 01625 524246

Travel Traveline Bus & Train Information National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

08712 002233 03457 484950 0161 489 3000

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

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

classified index ACCOUNTANTS TCG Chartered Accountants

DENTAL CLINICS 20

ADULT EDUCATION Wilmslow Guild

Britannia Car Finance

Alice Chilton In-Home Care Brookview

31 6

Prestbury Beaumont

The Good Care Group

CARPETS & FLOORING Linney Cooper

Living Floors

CHIROPODISTS Alderley Edge Foot Clinic

CLEANING SERVICES Wild About Cleaning

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Cheshire A Cappella

DECORATORS Steve White

ELECTRICIANS

FITNESS

PLUMBING & HEATING ASM Gas, Heating, Plumbing

Metro Plumb

The Coach & Four

Falcon Security

SOFT FURNISHINGS 21

FOOTCARE

The Hemming Room

SOLICITORS Inside Front Cover

Carrington Doors

GARDEN NURSERIES Turners Nursery

Thomas Ferns

Travel by Design

WILLS

WINDOW CLEANING Cavendish Window Cleaning

LOFT LADDERS More Than Loft Ladders

The Stair Shop

East Cheshire Wills

LOG STORES Posh Log Stores

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 20

KITCHENS Matt Finish

Inside Back Cover

TREE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE F.T.W Services

TRAVEL

HEALTHCARE Spire Regency

Mosshaselhurst Solicitors Slater & Gordon

GARAGE DOORS

Martin Cohen

PLASTERING

SECURITY Back Cover

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

PUBS & RESTAURANTS 58

ESTATE AGENTS

Margaret Dabbs

CARE HOMES & SERVICES

EDUCATION & TUTION

A C Running & Athletics

CAR LEASING & FINANCE

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

Dave Beal

DRAINAGE

Mosley Jarman

CAR DEALERSHIP Halliwell Jones

C J C Electrical

BUILDERS JS Services

Westgate Dental Practice

Greenbank Preparatory School

BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

BATHROOMS Dave Beal

PATIOS

Trinity House Dental Care

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS Cloudy2Clear

The Window Repair Centre