SK Local - Spring 2023

SKLOCAL

FOR THE BEST IN BUSINESS, LEISURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE

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Helping you to enjoy life ... Our

home is YOUR HOME

House Care Home you enjoy life

BANKFIELD HOUSE is an independent, privately owned care home. Situated in a quiet corner of Woodley in the tranquillity of its own attractive landscape gardens consisting of a pond, barbecue and pergola.

Offering High Dependency Residential Care and Permanent, Short Term, Respite and Day Care.

● Organised activities by our experienced full time Activities Coordinator

● Outings to the Theatre, Canal Boat Trips, Museums & Garden Centres etc.

● Links to the local community through Churches

● CCTV within the home and grounds

● Accommodates 30 residents

● Located in private grounds with landscape gardens, pergola, stone barbecue and pond

• Up to 30 residents, 24 single and 3 Twin Rooms

• 3 Lounges / 2 Dining Rooms / Large Conservatory

We offer dedicated care, providing each individual resident with security, dignity and peace of mind in a homely family environment.

• Permanent / Short Term / Respite Stay

• Day Care Service

• Home Made Cooked Food

● Hairdresser, Chiropodist, Ophthalmic and Dental Services, Church Services

● Six Weekly Resident Relative Meetings

• Social Activities on a Daily Basis

• Beautifully Appointed Formal Gardens

Our ethos is to assist our Residents in continuing to live their lives as independently as their specific needs determine by providing holistic care and support conductive to those needs.

• Visiting Practitioners

• Regular Outings

Our extensive person-centred activities itinerary is coordinated by our experienced full-time dedicated member of staff five days per week.

• Weekly Hairdressing

• CCTV/ 24hr Security

Activities take place within the care home and in the community through local Churches and Nursery Schools.

During the summer months Bankfield House Residents are able to enjoy our gardens, planting herbs and tomatoes etc, in the raised garden beds.

You will also find us on our Facebook page ‘Bankfield Bellbows’ which has been invaluable during COVID-19 for families and friends to connect with their loved ones and interact remotely in their activities and 6 weekly resident/relative meetings.

We also hold our annual barbecue, (weather permitting) together with bring & buys and raffles to raise money for our resident’s fund, to help purchase theatre tickets and entrance fees on their outings.

10% OFF Quote Code 2023

where needed inspection, including valleys carried out, provided with quotation for required year emergency call out any payable work

Beddard Roofing Ltd

• Per hour

• Materials

‘Quality Comes As Standard’ roof maintenance packages

“prevention is better than cure”

Bronze from £125 per annum

solar care

• Cleaning

individual

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, outlets and down pipes

• Clean guttering externally

• Seal gutter joints if required and check/ re-attach fixing where needed

• Full roof report inspection, including chimneys and valleys carried out, photographs provided with quotation for any work required

• 1 call out per year

• Priority emergency call out

• 5% discount off any payable work

silver from £245 per annum

£245 per annum in Bronze Package replace slipped tiles and slates. re-pointing or remedial repair work includes labour for up to scaffolding costs) emergency call out off any payable work

solar panel cleaning & mot* only £199

• All of the items in Bronze Package twice a year

• Fascia cleaning

• Basic repairs, replace slipped tiles and slates. Basic re-pointing or remedial repair work

• The above includes labour for up to 2 hours (minus scaffolding costs)

• Priority emergency call out

• 7.5% discount off any payable work

gold from £540 per annum

• All of the items in Bronze & Silver Packages

• The above includes labour for up to 5 hours

•

complete peace of mind

• Includes inspection of invertor, connections and modules

solar pV Breakdown** call out - £100

• Per hour (or part of) - £75

34from p per day

• Materials - £ extra

• Cleaning whilst on site - £1.50 per panel

individual packages

All our packages are to adhere to Health & Safety regulations, so if scaffolding is required this will be at an additional cost.

If your property maintenance requirement does not fall into any of our packages we are able to make a package unique for your property.

£540 per annum in Bronze & Silver Packages includes labour for up to 5 hours scaffolding costs) any payable work

All our packages Safety regulations, is required If your property does not are able property. Please note reasonable conditions to guttering (18 feet).

A full report work is required. Easy payment the cost.

Please note all or packages will require reasonable access, this is firm ground conditions and the distance from the floor to guttering does not exceed 5.5 meters (18 feet).

A full report will be provided if any major work is required.

Easy payment terms available to spread the cost.

Welcome to the Spring 2023 edition of your SK Local magazine.

As the summer approaches let us hope for lots more warm weather to enjoy the outdoors.

A good place to have fun in good weather is this year’s Irlam Live festival. As with last year’s event, and as in previous years, SK Local have tickets to give away. The festival is not only about music, there are some fun sounding family activities to enjoy. Irlam Live is on from 2nd - 4th June. See page 8 to read about the festival and how to enter the competition to win tickets.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have something interesting to share.

RIGHTSIZE DON’T DOWNSIZE

Discover an award-winning retirement community

We’re firm believers in rightsizing, not downsizing. When you move to an apartment at The Folds you don’t have to compromise. Instead you can feel excited that the outcome will be uplifting, liberating and life-enhancing. Discover a place where you can enjoy your own private apartment, and gain a host of on-site facilities, plus our friendly team are on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year with tailored personal care packages available should you need some extra support*.

IRLAM LIVE RETURNS FOR ITS SEVENTH YEAR IN 2023. IT’S ON FRIDAY 2ND, SATURDAY 3RD & SUNDAY 4TH JUNE AT PRINCE’S PARK, IRLAM!

Friday ‘Totally Tributes’: We have the UK’s leading Oasis tribute band NOASIS headlining the main stage. Also making a return from last year is the fantastic Queen tribute ‘Now I’m Here’, plus the fab Gerry Cinnamon Experience. Gates open 4pm.

Irlam Live Saturday: We are so pleased to have Blue as our Saturday headliner. Plus, Martin Kemp and his fantastic ‘Back To The 80s’ DJ set. Also, the fab Mark Shaw and Then Jerico playing live. Irlam Live regulars Abz Love from 5ive and Ben from Phats & Small. We have the amazing Northern Soul Train playing a 60-minute live set and Sabrina Washington the singer from Mis-Teeq, plus more names to come. Gates open 12pm.

Irlam Live Sunday: Headlining is the one and only Heather Small. All the hits, nonstop dancing, WOW!! Also, we have The Lottery Winners, who have just completed their first UK sell-out. Then there’s Tom Hindley (the voice of Inspiral Carpets). Toyah is playing for the first time since 2018 and Brutus Gold’s Love Train, plus others to be announced. Gates open 12pm

Plus, a whole host of new and older talent playing, bands, singers, DJs, a theatre group, kids entertainment and speciality performers.

As well as the two stages, there is lots going on off-stage too. There is a funfair, Princesses and Superhero walkabouts together with lots of fun and games. You’ll find plenty of hand picked food and drink choices.

Three great days. Once again, it’s a festival you don’t want to miss! Tickets are available at www.universe.com search for Irlam Live 2023. Keep up with the very latest news, following Irlam Live 2023 on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Also watch the trailer on YouTube.

WIN TICKETS

At The Stair Shop, we believe that well-designed stairs can change the look of your house, giving it a totally new dimension. And because we offer a range of styles and material options, you will definitely find the right combination for your home.

At The Stair Shop, we believe that well-designed stairs can change the look of your house, giving it a totally new dimension. And because we offer a range of styles and material options, you will definitely find the right combination for your home.

...with a beautiful new staircase

STAIRCASE RENOVATION

STAIRCASES

staircase renovation

to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

stock of stair parts and components to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

your existing staircase. We have a vast stock of spare parts and components to transform your old, tired stairs into the staircase of your dreams.

staircase renovation

We offer a full renovation service for your existing staircase and have a vast stock of stair parts and components to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

custom-built staircases

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

We offer a full renovation service for your existing staircase and have a vast stock of stair parts and components to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

staircases to individually crafted grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

custom-built staircases

We offer a full renovation service for your existing staircase and have a vast stock of stair parts and components to transform your old, tired staircase into the stairs of your dreams.

We can create any feature wooden staircase. Anything, from a simple and straight staircase to individually crafted, grand, feature staircases – in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles.

grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair Shop can create something very special, just for you.

0161 477 8077 or 0161 477 8067

0161 477 8077 or 0161 477 8067

We can create any feature wooden staircase, from simple straight staircases to individually crafted grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

We can create any feature wooden staircase, from simple straight staircases to individually crafted grand staircases - in traditional or contemporary wood and glass styles

0161 477 8077 or 0161 477 8067

If it’s a staircase you’re looking for, The Stair can create something very special, just

office@stairshop.co.uk

office@stairshop.co.uk

office@stairshop.co.uk

office@stairshop.co.uk

Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Many wildlife habitats are in decline due to changes in farming methods. Gardeners can help wildlife by changing a few of your habits to make them more wildlife friendly. You can encourage beneficial insects, birds, reptiles and mammals, including lots that prey on garden pests, and others which pollinate flowers, to all make use of your garden.

In this first part we look at changes you can make that require little more than adapting your habits.

INVEST IN A WATER FEATURE

Water is the key to life for every living thing. It makes sense, therefore, that providing a reliable source of water will attract a wide range of visitors. Even just a small bird bath is a wonderful way to start attracting animals into your garden.

CUT OUT CUTTING BACK – JUST FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS

It’s normal and typical to start cutting back perennials early in the year, but waiting until at least the spring will be doing the wildlife a big favour. The seed heads provide valuable food to birds and the additional foliage can also provide useful shelter for insects, especially those that hibernate.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN WILDLIFE FRIENDLY - Part 1

KEEP DEAD WOOD

It is quite likely that if you have a larger garden, you will have deadwood at some point, which can be a really invaluable habitat for a whole host of different insects and invertebrates. Set aside a decent pile and you’ll always have plenty of visitors to the garden.

LEAVE SOME LAWN UNCUT

Long grass can be a great habitat for animals such as grasshoppers, beetles and even young amphibians (especially true if you’ve got a water feature installed as well). Therefore, if you can bear it, leave a part of your lawn uncut. Longer grass is also a great food source for caterpillars.

KEEP IT NATURAL

Where possible, you should try to ensure that your garden is as natural as possible. Use disease resistant varieties of plants where you can and whenever you need pesticides or insecticides, use organic versions. Remember that mulch is an effective and natural way to control weeds. The more organic and natural your garden, the more attractive it will be to animals.

COMPOST HEAPS

Compost heaps are an important home for many species, from tiny invertebrates to worms. Once your compost is ready to be used, spread it onto your borders as mulch to help condition the soil and retain moisture. Earthworms will gradually take the mulch down into the soil and many of the insects that were in the compost will find new homes around the garden or become food for birds. Many small invertebrates are voracious predators of garden pests and their eggs so they’re a valuable addition.

In the next part, which will appear in the summer issue of SK Local, we will look at ideas that require more investment and planning.

J ust for Ki d s

What am I?:

Find one letter from each line of our poem to discover what I am.

My first is in fish and also in chips

My second is in mouth but not in lips

My third is in ache but not in pain

My fourth is my third all over again

My fifth is in pupil, but not in class

My whole is a beast that feeds on grass

What Am I?

Did yo u kn ow?

Identical twins DON’T have identical fingerprints. This is because fingerprints are partly determined by your position in the womb before you are born.

The names of these pets will only fit into the grid one waycan you find what it is?

Sarah wanted a modern picture for her house so went to an art gallery. After handling and examining each of the different pictures in turn she randomly replaced them after she had made her choice. Here is the display before and after Sarah’s visit. Which picture did she buy?

BUDGIE CAT DOG

GERBIL GOLDFISH HAMSTER

PARROT RABBIT TORTOISE

• 1 ½ lamb shoulder joints, bone in

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lemon juice, plus zest

• 2 tbsp warm honey

• 1 cup vegetable stock

• Brioche buns

• Slaw and chipotle mayo, to serve

ROAST LAMB WITH LEMON AND HONEY SANDWICHES

Prep: 15 mins Cooking: 120mins

Serves: 6

1. Place lamb shoulders in a roasting tray, season, and cover with honey and lemon juice and zest, add a cup of stock. Cover tightly with foil and roast at 160ºC for 3 hours.

2. Remove the foil, baste the lamb and turn the heat up to 190ºC degrees for 30 mins or until lamb is brown and crispy and falling off the bone.

3. Serve shredded lamb in the middle of a table with brioche buns, slaw and chipotle mayo and let everyone make their own sandwiches.

NIXONS F A R M S H O P ESTABLISHED 1930

The best beef, lamb and pork since 1930! Nixons has everything you need, from a single chop to a banquet for guests. Why not visit our tea room? With 3 play areas there’s lots for the little ones! Keep checking our website for regular special offers.

• Beef

• Lamb

• Poultry

• Burgers

• Sausages

• Fish

JOINERY PROJECTS

Our team will provide a seamless process to ensure your project is delivered to the highest of standards with the minimum of stress.

We are often so busy with our own lives that we forget to share the positive things, and our problems, with others. Take a few minutes to phone a friend and chat about what’s been good, and bad, about your day.

“If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African proverb

If you, or somebody you know, is feeling upset they can ring Samaritans and a highly-trained listening volunteer will talk with them about how they feel.

Just talking with someone neutral can lighten the load.

Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. The service is open 24/7/365. This number won’t show up on the phone bill.

you’re facing listen

You can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org. There is a self-help app https://selfhelp.samaritans.org if you prefer.

you’re facing We’re here to listen

CANAL DU MIDI, FRANCE

The Canal du Midi is one of the best-known waterways in the world. Cruises are on offer from luxury travel to self catering, self cruising budget holidays, from historic and busy ports to hidden villages. The canal, a UNESCO world heritage site, connects the Atlantic in the west to the Mediterranean in the east. It starts in Toulouse, joining the Canal Latéral à la Garonne flowing from Bordeaux and the Atlantic. It then moves on towards Carcassonne, Béziers and Agde, as well as travelling through tiny and picturesque villages, many of which have barely changed since the canal’s construction.

Cruising is all about relaxing and slowing down, with the journey being more important than the destination. Whether you’re in a self-hire cruiser, or being pampered on a luxury hotel boat, you can’t help but go slow.

There are so many wonderful places to see that deciding which part to visit can be hard, but listed below are some of the highlights not to be missed.

CARCASSONNE

Carcassonne is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a spectacular medieval city. A 13th century Cathar stronghold which is often the most-visited site in France, outside the major cities. Between Carcassonne and the Mediterranean, the canal traverses the wine country of Minervois and Corbières. You’ll find the opportunity to visit famous vineyards irresistible.

CASTELNAUDARY

Castelnaudary is a 14th century town situated at the canal’s highest point and, not surprisingly, is one of the most popular starting points for barge trips. Other places to start or finish a cruise include St Gilles, the pretty wine port of Homps and Port Cassafières.

BÉZIERS

Just outside Béziers is one of the canal’s most spectacular features, the Ecluses de Fonséranes. The series of eight staircase locks, each 25 meters (82 ft) high, makes Béziers worthy of a visit for this alone.

AGDE

Not far from Agde the canal passes through the Etang de Bagnas. This massive wetland is home to an incredible variety of waterfowl, nearly 250 species, including the greater flamingo.

NARBONNE

The Roman town of Narbonne, with its wonderful Merchant’s Bridge, is also home to Port la Nouvelle offering fabulous beaches and seafood restaurants.

Why not go with the flow and enjoy one of France’s tourist gems? You can get much more information at www.french-waterways.com.

Carcassone

Just a Perfect Day - My Self-Care Day

Tatton Park, Knutsford: Summer 2022...

I took a swig of ginger beer, helped myself to a handful of pretzels, and settled back in the grass.

Lana Del Rey’s ‘Ride’ played softly through my headphones.

My notepad, pen and reading book lay next to me, ready to assist in the wiling away of this sublime afternoon.

The gentle embrace of the sun covered me like a blanket.

In that moment, there was absolutely nothing for me to do other than marvel at the intricacy of the canopy of blooming oak trees overhead; the vibrancy of their rich leaves breaking up the dazzling hue of the cloudless sky.

There wasn’t a soul in sight.

All of the week’s worries and stresses simply evaporated on the surface of the lake.

I lay there well into the early evening, yet the hours felt suspended in a haze of inner contentment. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was in the midst of what would become one of my most treasured memories.

To the outside world, I probably looked a bit odd, sprawled in the grass on my own, guzzling vegan scotch eggs and writing novels about pixies... And let me

add that absolutely nothing spectacular happened that day... But it was a day that I needed after a testing week: a day spent wandering around Tatton Park, totally alone, apart from the beautiful company of my writing, a great book, my favourite foods, and wonderful music.

Whenever I look back on that summer’s noon, I dub it my best ever ‘Self -Care Saturday.’

I’m a huge believer in the benefit of self-care days. The working week is fullon, and weekends have the tendency to be even busier, what with monotonous tasks such as cleaning, laundry and food shopping. We visit friends and family, we drive from A to B, we rush around. It’s no wonder most of us feel totally exhausted by Sunday evening.

In the unrelenting whirlwind of life, it’s very easy to feel the wrath of regular burn out. We often find ourselves at rock bottom before we act on these feelings of mental fatigue and do something about it. Self-care days shouldn’t be a last resort, but a necessity.

I believe that everyone should set aside one day a week to pay particular attention to their mental wellbeing and prioritise self-care. In-between such days, we should make it our personal mission to incorporate self-care into our everyday.

Remember, regularly checking in with yourself and putting yourself first does not make you selfish in any way.

For me, self-care usually coincides with some time alone - the importance of which I have blogged about before. I find temporarily tuning out the world to be hugely cathartic, whether I’m out running, travelling overseas for a solo adventure, or simply enjoying a half hour train journey in peace. Combine this glorious breathing space with some writing and music and I’m practically a new woman!

Your self-care, however, needn’t be sought via time alone. Instead, it might come in the form of cocktails with friends, a good natter with your beautician while having your nails done, or a day out at the footy with the family. It’s about

wholeheartedly embracing what fills you with joy and brings you back to the present.

When life throws its punches, I always try to remember that afternoon in Tatton Park - the most perfect day - and I strive to reclaim the overwhelming sense of happiness that I felt at the time. I owe it to myself to recreate that feeling as often as I can. Only I have the power to do so. Random little acts of kindness donated to ourselves, from ourselves are some of the most valuable gifts we could ever wish to receive.

Read more of Cara’s writing at: carajasminebradley.com

Cara Jasmine Bradley is a creative writer, published author and active blogger.

We are a friendly, independent, family run Funeral Director with over 15 years experience serving all areas of Stockport and Greater Manchester. We believe that saying goodbye to a loved one should not be a financial burden, but we also believe that the quality and dignity of service should not be compromised.

We are a friendly, independent, family run Funeral Director with over 15 years experience serving all areas of Stockport and Greater Manchester. We believe that saying goodbye to a loved one should not be a financial burden, but we also believe that the quality and dignity of service should not be compromised.

24 Hour Service

24 Hour Service

All areas of Stockport and Wider Area

All areas of Stockport and Wider Area

Bereavement Support and Advice

Bereavement Support and Advice

Home Visits

Home Visits

Private Chapel of Rest

Private Chapel of Rest

Floral Tributes

Floral Tributes

Traditional and Alternative Funerals

Traditional and Alternative Funerals

Affordable Funerals

Affordable Funerals

Dedicated Funeral Director and Team

Dedicated Funeral Director and Team

Family Owned & Run

Family Owned & Run Offerton

Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted by SK Local for any loss incurred or complaint arising from the use of a business or service appearing in this publication. Any claim of legitimacy or award declared by any individual or business has been accepted in good faith and has not been substantiated. Users of any service appearing in this publication are advised to completely satisfy themselves as to the authenticity and abilities of the service provider.

SPRING 2023

LOCAL Information

Emergency - 999

From any mobile phone: 112 Police non emergency 101

Electricity Power Cut: 105 Web Site: enwl.co.uk

Gas Leaks ................................................. 0800-111-999

Water Leaks (United Utilities) 0800-330-033 unitedutilities.com

Samritans: 116 123, samaritans.org/branches/stockport Medical - NHS - 111, nhs.co.uk

Stepping Hill Hospital ............................ 0161-483-1010

Hazel Grove, SK2 7JE stockport.nhs.uk Doctors

Chadsfield 0161-426-9388 chadsfieldmedicalpractice.co.uk

Guywood ................................................ 0161-426-5242

Both at Romiley Health Centre, SK6 4QR

Marple Bridge 0161-427-2049

marplebridgesurgery.nhs.uk

Marple Cottage ...................................... 0161-426-0011 marplecottage.co.uk

Marple Medical 0161-983-5375

marplemedicalpractice.nhs.uk

Late Opening Pharmacy Medichem, Woodley ............................. 0161-406-6060

Woodley Precinct, SK6 1RJ Mon - Sat:

Form ............................... 0161-483-3237

aquinas.ac.uk

Brabyns Preparatory School .............. 0161-427-2395

brabynsprepschool.co.uk

Marple 6th Form ................................. 0161-484-6600

marple.cmcnet.ac.uk Greave, Primary ................................... 0161-430-6318

greave.stockport.sch.uk

Harrytown Catholic High ................... 0161-420-5277

harrytownschool.org

Ludworth Primary, M Bridge ............ 0161-427-1446

ludworth.org.uk

Marple Hall Secondary ....................... 0161-427-7966

marplehall.stockport.sch.uk

Mellor Primary .................................... 0161-427-1052

mellor.stockport.sch.uk

Romiley Primary ................................. 0161-430-3101

romileyprimary.com

Rose Hill Primary, Marple ................. 0161-427-9168

rosehill.stockport.sch.uk

St. Christopher’s Primary, Romiley ... 0161-430-4473

St. Mary’s

st-christophers.stockport.sch.uk