Stockport Source Issue 11

issue eleven

WELCOME ...to issue eleven It’s probably fair to say that December is the acceptable face of Winter. We tend to think that it snows rather than rains. We have log fires to gather round, mulled wine to warm us from the inside and Christmas to round it off.

By contrast, January and February are the Monday and Tuesday of the calendar. December is illuminated by festive bulbs, the rest of Winter is bathed in a melancholy wan light. And from what we’ve seen recently, our love affair with December seems to be getting even stronger. The Merseyway light switch-on was amazingly well attended once again and this year the Market Place will really come into its own as a destination. December is the month for getting out and about so when you do, try and do it in this area. Buy a present from a shop you’ve never been in before, have a coffee in a cafe you’ve never seen before and, with a bit of luck, these shops will all still be there next December.

4-5

News

Turning on the lights

6-7

Fashion

A collection of festive knits

8-9

Exhibition

Keeping The Homes Fires Burning

10-11

Danny O’Donoghue

We listen to the man from The Voice

12-13

Old Town Christmas

Stockport’s hidden gems

15-18

Light Up Bramhall

More local festivities

19

Christmas Classics

The musical mainstays of Christmas Day

20-21

Travel

Landmark Trust properties abroad

29

What’s On

Days out in December

31

Music

The best of the new releases

Stockport Office 0161 244 9896

Publishing Director Paul Taylor Editor Paul Day Photographer Matt McNulty

07901 557788 07981 086684 07757 287285

paul@shoutmediauk.com paul.day@shoutmediauk.com signol1000@ntlworld.com

Wilmslow Office 01625 541106 www.stockportsource.com @StockportSource Stockport Source

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news

The Merseyway Christmas Festival continues every Saturday until Christmas with highlights as follows:

Saturday 6th December Elfin Around Christmas Kitty On the Imagine Stage: Debut Dance Academy Henry Gallagher Blank Cheque Ever Young

Saturday 13th December Elfin Around Christmas Kitty Roller skating, stilt walking Ice Pixies Vernon Brass Band Jason Baird Black Belt Academy Saturday 20th December Fairground on Mersey Square Elfin Around

Christmas Kitty On the Imagine Stage Debut Dance Academy 11am - Unique Star Talent Present FROZEN 11.30am - Merseyway Princess Parade Bailey Mc Connell Harry Mondryk Exposure

A MARVELLOUS MEDIEVAL EVENT S

tockport’s first Viking Festival is being hailed as a huge success following the Market Square’s transformation into a Medieval market for a weekend. Enthusiasts poured into the town to set up stalls, fight, pose and play music. Indeed, the two concerts at St Mary’s Church ,which bookended the event, were a particular triumph.

Organiser Derek Morgan was understandably deighted with the event, “at times in St Mary’s Churchyard you could have believed that you had gone back in time 800 years. The music groups and all the re-enactors were incredibly popular.

“People are already asking if we are going to run it again next year and hopefully with the right support and sponsorship we would love to.”

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SURPRISE GEST TURNS ON STOCKPORT W

news

ednesday 12th November saw the Big Christmas Light switch on in Stockport Merseyway, an event that is rapidly gaining notoriety as one of the biggest switch on’s in the region rivalling Manchester and the Trafford Centre.

Previous years have seen Steps and Rylan Clark taking the stage so this year’s expectation was high.

The huge Stockport crowd were treated to a 3 hour show that included local school Stella Maris, dance and Theatre Schools ‘Debut Dance Academy’, NK Theatre arts, Local Band ‘Blank Cheque’, Stockport’s own voice contestant Bob Blakely, Ever Young, Henry Gallagher, Tiger Heart, Harry Mondryk, the popular Bailey McConnell from BGT and winner of this years ‘The Voice’ Jermaine Jackman.

This year’s headline act was scheduled to be Collabro, the all-male band that won Britain’s Got Talent 2014, sadly the band got stuck in traffic on the way from London and never actually made it.

Fortunately Hollywood legend Mr David Gest was on hand and after been treated to one of his many stories he saved the day and switched on the Town’s lights in Merseyway.

POYNTON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL T

he Poynton Christmas Festival is among the most spectacular of all the local events that are being hed at this time of year. Now in its eighth year. Sponsored by the Town Council, this year’s Festival takes place on Tuesday 2nd December, when Park Lane, the main shopping street, will be closed to traffic from 7pm to 9pm, for a packed programme of music, singing, fireworks and street entertainers. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and more spectacular than the last and Luis Troyano, Poynton resident and runner up in the Great British Bake Off will be performing the official opening.

Many local shops, cafes and restaurants will take the opportunity to open for the evening, adding to the festive atmosphere in Poynton’s open and attractive shared space zone.

Free parking is offered at the Civic Centre Car Park, off Park Lane Of course, Santa will be making an appearance and we are given to understand that he might be planning on parking his sleigh outside Boots.

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YULE LOOK GREAT, HONEST

THIS PAGE. Clockwide from top left: Angry Birds Christmas Jumper from £18 at Marks & Spencer Baby girl reindeer jumper from £15 at M&Co Deer Crew Neck Jumper £48.00 from Fat Face Light grey penguin Christmas jumper by Red Herring. £25 at Debenhams Brave Soul Men’s Comet Christmas Knit. £19.99 from Get The Label Baby boy Santa jumper from £15 at M&Co Rosewood Dog Pixie Hat £2.99 at John Lewis

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fashion

THIS PAGE. Clockwide from top left: Cream Reindeer Jumper £10.00 by Tu at Sainsburys 3D Snowman Christmas Jumper £20 at BHS Deer Santa Jumper £22.99 at New Look Reindeer Fine Knit Sweater £14.00 by George at ASDA 3D elf Christmas jumper £12 ar Primark Christmas Tree jumper £59 at Monsoon Ladybird boys snowman jumper £17.00 at Littlewoods

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exhibition

KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING STORIES FROM WORLD WAR I

“On the morning of this day I am to report at Stockport to join the army. I leave Reddish at 7am and report at the recruiting office Stockport at 7.30am. At 8am I along with umpteen more are marched to Edgeley Station to proceed to Chester.”

Diary of Private Charles Brown, 316766, 23rd Battalion of Royal Welsh Fusiliers

An of

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exhibition

O

n Armistice Day Stockport Museum opened its latest exhibition. This is a significant event because these flagships exhibitions run for a year and take a huge amount of effort in curating. For the best part of 2014 the Museum (formerly known as Stockport Story) offered us Saints & Sinners which fascinated with a back story celebrating the arrival of these Italian paintings in Stockport 150 years ago.

A year on and the new exhibition doesn’t so much raid the Stockport archives as the local memory banks and dusty boxes in attics. A series of Open Days at the Museum encouraged visitors to come along and share their stories and objects with a team of curators while volunteers have also formed a research group to explore the stories collected and the World War I collections held at the Museum and Council’s Local Heritage Library.

Annie Droege photograph courtesy of John Drummond Rigg

As one might expect, the exhibition explores the impact of the war on the town and its people and it tells the story of World War I through the eyes of the people of Stockport.

Diaries, letters and personal objects collected and displayed for the first time reveal remarkable stories of courage, bravery and sacrifice.

World War I had a devastating impact on Stockport. It is estimated that by 1918, 30,000 Stockport men had either volunteered or been conscripted for military service. Over 2,300 never came home and an estimated 6000 returned wounded, physically and mentally, from their experiences at the front. For those who stayed at home, life changed dramatically. Thousands of women worked in the town’s munitions factories or filled jobs left vacant by men; many joining the workforce for the first time. This exhibition tells the story of all those people.

Some remarkable objects have been donated for the exhibition, which includes a diary kept by a local lady who moved to Germany just before the war, an autograph book kept by a Red Cross Nurse, an embroidery made by a convalescing soldier, mourning jewellery made to commemorate a local fallen soldier and a message written on a biscuit sent from a soldier to his sweetheart back in Stockport. To be honest, it’s worth taking the kids along just to point at the latter and say “that’s what biscuits used to look like”.

One of the most captivating objects in the exhibition is the Diary of Stockport woman, Annie Droege (pictured left), it has been loaned to the museum by its owner Mr Mark Drummond Rigg, a relative of Annie’s. The Diary gives a fascinating and detailed account of life in a Germany garrison town during the war penned by an English woman whilst at times in virtual house arrest.

Councillor Patrick McAulay, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “This is an important exhibition which commemorates the courage, bravery and sacrifice of local people during WW1. It has been put together in partnership with the local community who have researched and shared amazing stories. I would encourage people to visit the exhibition to learn more about this significant period in our history.”

Entry to Stockport Museum is completely free and Keep The Home Fires Burning is perfectly suitable for kids. Don’t forget that there are other exhibits on other floors that you can take a look at while you’re there. Strawberry Studios, Stockport County and Stockport Grammar all have displays on the floor above, for example.

The exhibition will run until 15th November 2015 Stockport Museum, Market Place SK1 1ES

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talking point

DANNY OʼDONOGHUE Danny O’Donoghue is best known for his role as a coach on BBC1’s The Voice, but he earned the right to pass on advice with his success as the singer/song-writer of Irish sensations The Script. As the band’s fourth album is released, Danny turns up in Stockport where Imagine FM’s Chellce AJ has a word...

Hello! How are you?

A bit tired. When you’re doing the promo side of things you spend a lot of time in cars, so it’s nice to get out and stretch your legs.

And we’ve just found out that you are exactly the same height as this room.

Yes, I entered the room as though I was on Lord of The Rings, going into Bilbo Baggins’’ house. For those who don’t know, I’m 6’4”.

Mark and Glen - your sidekicks - aren’t with you today where are they?

Mark is at home in London, looking after his family. Literally every single day in our year is taken up and sometimes before the shows I’m not able to talk or do interviews so the guys really look after me then and do the interviews for me so when it came around to the regional radio promo tour I said “you guys have been so kind to me, go home and spend some time with your families”. I don’t have a family or girlfriend right now so...

You’ve sold 20 million records worldwide, when you hear that, do you switch off slightly?

Yes. Because it’s so not me. We’ve fought really hard to get the point where we can sell that amount of albums but when someone tells you you’ve sold that amount, you’re like “no we haven’t”. Those kind of numbers are reserved for the bigger stars and I guess we never really believed that we were after getting here.

All three of your albums went multi-platinum, it’s one thing to have a couple of hit singles but for three albums to sell that well shows there’s some very consistent song-writing.

Yes, the song-writing is what brought us here in the first place. It’s very important.

Of course album number four is now out - No Sound Without Silence -and that’s also doing well...

Yes, on iTunes alone it went Number One in 26 countries. Which is a lot better than it going to Number 26 in one country. We’ve been blessed and I can’t thank our fans enough, They’re really nice, nice people.

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Could you explain the title?

Well we always felt that in order to have something worthwhile to say, you need time to reflect.

The contemplation time is just as important as what you say.

The new single is No Good In Goodbye in which you sing “you can’t take the ache from heartbreak” are we talking about someone specific there?

The song came about because I was just thinking about the word ‘goodbye’ and thinking “why is there a ‘good’ in there?” and then there’s no ‘fair’ in farewell. Phonetically they’re words that have other words in them and with us being wordsmiths...

You’ve been touring in America recently...

Yes we went on tour with One Republic for about two months. It’s funny because we’ve been friends with them for eight or nine years now and we’ve always been threatening to go on tour with them but out schedules never allowed it. American Authors were with us as well so we toured the length and breadth of America in a sort of festival style.

There’s four in their band, five in ours and five in One Republic so it was crazy.

Was it nice to have more lads around, different people to feed off?

Yes, although we box a lot, it’s something we took up to get the aggression out of us, so about an hour and half before we went on stage we used to get the mitts out and box but all the other bands started getting a bit scared of us “those Irish guys are crazy, they’re fighting before they go on stage and drinking when they come off it, they’re the real deal” I’ve read that you hate Diva-ish behaviour so if you had to tour with Beyonce, would you tell her to calm down?

I don’t know if I’d be able to, with Jay Z giving me a smack in the mouth.

So what would you do?

I think if I had a problem with Beyonce I’d get Solange to deal with her. She’d sort it out. Seriously though, I had to deal with it a little bit on

the show, people who are on telly for the first time and it goes to their head but what you learn in this industry is that it’s a very long road and if you behave like that you’re making life hard for everybody, not just yourself. Imagine if I came in here, you’re all having a nice morning and start making life hell for everybody, you’re not going to play my next record.

I’ve be asking Twitter what they’d like me to ask you and literally everyone want’s to know “Does have a girlfriend? Does he want a girlfriend?” So what’s going on?

There’s nothing going on, I’m free and single. I’ve been in relationships for a lot of my life so it’s nice to get to know me now. God know where I’m going to end up.

What sayings do you live by?

Find out what you love to do then do it till you die. I can’t say it any simpler, I think that’s a beautiful way to sum up life.

A quick game, We like games. Would you rather: get with Cheryl Cole or Michelle Keegan?

Who’s Michelle Keegan?

I’ll show you a picture afterwards.

I don’t care, Cheryl Cole all day long.

Would you rather: wear a hoodie or a blazer?

A Blazer. Although I do rock a hoodie under a blazer.

Would you rather: be best mates with Jessie J or Will I Am? If it’s just best friends, Will.

Would you rather: collaborate with Annie Lennox or Elton John?

Annie Lennox. I love Annie Lennox..

Would you rather: have to whisper everything you say or shout it?

Shout. I’m a shouter.

The Script’s new album No Sound Without Silience is out now

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S

even miles out of Manchester, Stockport Old Town with its iconic architecture, quirky cobbled streets, specialist shops, craft ale pubs, coffee houses, eateries and vintage emporiums, has become Stockport’s answer to the Northern Quarter.

The once empty buildings in and around the Market Place are starting to fill up with new and exciting creative businesses. Regular events such as the award-winning Vintage Village (every second Sunday of the month) and the popular Foodie Friday (every last Friday of the month) are bringing thousands of people seeking culture and culinary delights from all around the borough into the historic heart of the town.

The popular Fringe Festival in the summer and the Medieval Viking Fair created special family days out with quality food and drink and live entertainment, while the creation of a community arts centre Seven Miles Out, formerly an empty building society, has brought new audiences into the town centre to enjoy comedy, independent film, spoken word and live music.

The financial support of Stockport’s Portas Pilot has funded events and activity which have helped to create a buzz in the area and get people talking about the town in a positive light.

There’s even a website to tell you what’s going on: www.stockportoldtown.co.uk

DISCOVER THE SECRET SIDE OF S STOCKPORT MARKET If you live in Stockport and are of a certain age, you will probably have fond memories of coming to the Market as a child, hanging on to a parental hand for dear life as you were guided through the hustle and bustle with the sights and smells of over-laden stalls stretching high up past St Mary’s on Churchgate.

Times have changed but Stockport Market can still be relied upon to offer all your essential shopping needs, in fact it’s the only traditional street market in the North West that still occupies its original position over 750 years on!

The Victorian Market Hall is the jewel in the crown of the Old Town. Once know as ‘The Glass Umbrella’ as it was open at the sides, it is an aweinspiring piece of architecture and the hub of market life.

Together with the outdoor traders in the Market Place and inside the Produce Hall, Stockport

ENTERTAINMENT If you love live music, there is a venue in The Old Town that caters for every taste. The newly opened Live Stockport in Market Place is continuing the tradition of supporting local bands with live music featuring many nights throughout the week.

Bakers Vaults favours jazz, blues and acoustic performances, The CockedHat has a regular music offer as do The Arden Arms with a court

Market is home to an eclectic range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to unique and inspiring gifts.

Throughout December, Stockport Market traders are running the Big Christmas Gift promotion that rewards your loyalty for shopping at the market.

There are weekly vouchers of £50 on offer and a prize draw where you can win up to £500 in cash.

Grab a loyalty card and a leaflet from any of the participating market traders and get shopping and supporting our local market traders.

Stockport Market Opening Times Tuesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9.30am - 3pm (Covered Market Hall & Produce Hall only) Friday 9am - 4.30pm Saturday 9am - 4.30pm

yard stage tailor made for live events.

There is a monthly Mojo Bravo Comedy Night and Screen Stockport Film Night at Seven Miles Out in Market Place while The Plaza has something for everyone from variety entertainment to classic cinema screenings.

If you fancy something a little out of the ordinary check out The Isis Centre for fascinating speakers and discussions.

WHAT’S ON IN STOCKPORT OLD TOWN THIS CHRISTMAS Thursday 27th November • Screen Stockport Film Night You’ve Been Trumped. Seven Miles Out. 7.30pm. £4.00 Friday 28th November • Foodie Friday at Stockport Market Place 6-9pm • Christmas tree lights switch on with the Plaza Panto stars 7pm • Stockport Ukulele Players and Traditional Irish Music evening with Angela Durcan & Friends Seven Miles Out. 7.15pm. Free • Leaf Live Showcase. LIVE Stockport. 7.30pm. Free

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Saturday 29th November • Vernon Building Society Brass Band Free minced pies and mulled wine for market shoppers. Stockport Market. Noon • Crafty Christmas Free Art Workshops Seven Miles Out. 12-4pm • Robin Sunflower & John Ellis Seven Miles Out. 1pm-4pm • Mojo Bravo Comedy Night with Alfie Moore Seven Miles Out. 8.00pm Tickets £6 Sunday 30th November • Festival of Markets with Stockport

indoor market traders, Vintage Village, The Handmade Market and The Teenage Market, Circus House Theatrical Circus and free circus skills workshops, live music. Stockport Market Hall.

11am-4pm. Free • Tea & Cake & Rock & Roll with Invisiblegirl Records - live acoustic music from Spider Mike King, Lisa-Marie Glover and Tom Ramsbottom. Seven Miles Out. 12-4pm. Free

Tuesday 2nd December • Latin Fusion, Flamenco/Salsa classes, DJs and live band. LIVE Stockport.

7.30pm

Mon 1st December • Open Mic Night. LIVE Stockport.

7.30pm. Free

Sunday 7th December • Stockport Book and Record Fair.

Stockport Market Hall, 10am-4pm.

Saturday 6th December • Stockport Schools Brass Band.

Stockport Market. Noon • Crafty Christmas Free Art Workshops. Seven Miles Out. 12-4pm

events

OF STOCKPORT THIS CHRISTMAS FOOD AND DRINK

INDEPENDENT SHOPS

VINTAGE AND RETRO

There’s no shortage of excellent places to eat and drink in the Old Town area whether its a light snack or an evening meal, all manner of tastes are well catered for.

Pop into Brew on High Street for a wide selection of sandwiches and paninis and choose from a range of delicious homemade cake from Wonderland Cakes.

The award-winning Lord of the Pies on St Petersgate sells gourmet pies to eat in or takeaway with Da Vincis Coffee House and Eatery opposite offering a comprehensive daytime or evening menu perfect if you’re off to see a show at The Plaza.

The newly opened Hunga Busta on Vernon Street offers an authentic diner experience with chargrilled food, Barista offers a fresh food menu up the steps from Little Underbank while the recently refurbished Bakers Vaults serves a selection of real hot dogs with tasty toppings.

Great coffee and cake can be sampled at Tandem Coffee House on Lower Hillgate and Blackshaw’s Cafe in the Market place while Little Underbank Tea Rooms offer delicious afternoon tea for two with homemade cake and a range of speciality teas.

For a taste of real Italy try Tiamo’s on Great Underbank or if it’s an evening glass of wine you’re after visit Huffy’s wine bar.

For quality homemade pub grub at great prices there’s The Cocked Hat in Market Place or for a more comprehensive fine-dining menu visit The Arden Arms on Millgate.

A walk around The Old Town will introduce you to a wealth of independent shops that offer so much more in terms of specialist knowledge and customer service.

Male and female shopping tastes are equally well catered for especially on Bridge Street Brow with A Gentleman’s Relish selling gadgets, gizmos and retro gaming while next door the glamorous and girly boutique Eternal Envy has everything for that essential party outfit.

Jewel on the Hill is firmly established itself as the coolest gift shop in Stockport with an extensive range of quirky cult memorabilia while Discgotech specialises in collectable toys, comic book figures and vinyl records. Chambers is a new store selling skateboard hardware and urban clothing, which also actively promotes local music and art.

The Old Town has retail outlets who are real experts in their field such as Fab Music Store on Little Underbank who stock a wide range of new and used musical instruments and equipment and Alpenstock the outdoor specialist on St Petersgate who pride themselves on expert advice and excellent products.

Isabella Bridal on Little Underbank offer a calming spacious environment for choosing that one of the most important garments in your life - your wedding dress - while Stage Door Fancy Dress and Dancewear store has been the prime suppliers of an extensive range of quality costumes, party products & dancewear for over 30 years.

The success of the award-winning Vintage Village Fair which attracts vintage-lovers from all over the country to Stockport every month has been instrumental in an upsurge of new businesses specialising in vintage furniture, clothing and collectables.

The popular Room at the Top upstairs in the Produce Hall overlooking the Market Place is a treasure trove of quality books, vinyl records, magazines, posters, clothing, homewares, works of art, collectables and curiosities.

Mealhouse Brow has become a haven for vintage enthusiasts with Unlimited Vintage and Vintage Emporium, perfect for those who love to browse and unearth a fascinating item from the past.

An exciting new store Loyal Retro has just opened over the top of the dungeon and stocks a great range of classic clothing names such as Levi’s jackets, Carhartt, Harris tweed and Parka coats.

The area has become a destination for retro furniture with The Curiosity Shop and Cheshire Used Furniture both in the Market Place attracting many shoppers looking for something different.

Agapanthus Interiors on Wellington Street is a Stockport based interior design and antique restoration shop specialising in antique chandeliers, furniture and home-wares. Their philosophy is to look for unique, eclectic, lovely old pieces and sell them just as they are, or renovate with some creative up-cycling.

Building on the incredible success and popularity of the monthly Vintage Village, a permanent vintage market called 20th Century Stores will open soon in the former Sam’s Bar in the Market Place creating an exciting destination for shoppers with a dozen specialist vintage stalls curated by the Vintage Village team plus a quality cafe offer.

Free • Spoken Word with Margaret Holbrook. Seven Miles Out. From noon.

Wednesday 10th December • Elmfield Brass Band Christmas Concert. Seven Miles Out. 7pm. Free Thursday 11th December • Screen Stockport Film Night, A Dangerous Game. Seven Miles Out. 7.30pm. Tickets £4

Saturday 13th December • Crafty Christmas Free Art Workshops, 12-4pm Seven Miles Out • Chris Helme, former lead singer of The Seahorses, LIVE Stockport. 7.30pm.

Advance tickets £5. On door £7 Sunday 14th December • Vintage Village. Stockport Market Hall. 10am-4pm. £2.00 • Tea & Cake & Rock & Roll with live music from Taylor & The Mason and Liam McClair Seven Miles Out. 11-4pm. Free

Thursday 18th December • Leaf Presents ‘The Sip Tap’, all acoustic showcase. Bakers Vaults.

7.30pm. Free

STOMP Music Project Christmas Concert. Seven Miles Out. 2-4pm. Free • Mojo Bravo Comedy Night. Seven Miles Out. 8pm. £6.00

Friday 19th Decvember • Foodie Friday in Stockport Market Place, 6pm-9.30pm • Traditional Irish Music Evening. Seven Miles Out. 7pm11pm. Free

Sunday 21st December • Christmas Market, Stockport Market Hall • Strange Train Company present The Search For Minerva, a Winter Fireside event with fireside music, masks and mystery. The courtyard at Seven Miles Out. 4pm. Free Suitable for aged four plus.

Saturday 20th December • Crafty Christmas Free Art Workshops. Seven Miles Out. 12-4pm •

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E BE LIGHTS There are activities happening all over Bramhall, beginning on Thursdsay night with lantern making at Ford’s Lane Church Saturday’s events start at 11am, leading up to the big Switch On at 5pm. No need to leave then though, there will be a carol service following that and, of course,

LIGHT SWITCH ON Saturday 5pm Once Santa’s sleigh has arrived at the Methodist Church, he will help the Mayor turn the lights on! A carol service will follow

Bramhall isn’t short of bars and restaurants if you need to warm yourself up.

The event has been organised by the recently formed Bramhall Together Trust - a collection of business and community groups who are putting a huge amount of effort into making Bramhall one of the liveliest villages in the borough.

CHRISTMAS MARKET The Christmas Market will be held in the Village Square. over Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm. The parents might like to know that the Bramhall Together Trust will be running a bar, while the kids will doubtless be delighted to see that Santa’s taken up residence in Unit 4

OTHER VILLAGE SQUARE EVENTS There will still be plenty going on in the village after the Swtch On: Saturday 13th: Face painting and balloon modelling, plus the Pownall Green Choir at 11am. And Santa will be back in his grotto! (Unit 4) Saturday 20th: Santa’s back with Hula Hooping Elves! Bring the Kids for a FREE Elf Makeover!

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS!

O

nce again Bramhall with be hosting a fantastic weekend to celebrate the Christmas Light Switch on and this year it will be bigger and better than ever.

LIGHT UP BRAMHALL SATURDAY 6TH and SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER

Sunday

7th

CAROL SERVICE 4pm at Bramhall High School

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND ENTERTAINMENT The Village Square will again host to the Christmas Market as well as live entertainment on the Imagine FM Stage - including a performance from the Bramhall Community Choir. Santa will be in his grotto between again, 11am and 4pm

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christmas

IMAGINEʼS CHRISTMAS DAY CLASSICS

BY PAUL TAYLOR

For the last five years I have had the pleasure of presenting the Christmas Day morning show on Imagine, although it’s an early start and never that popular with Mrs taylor, it’s always a surprisingly interactive show and interesting to see what your favourite Christmas songs are.

It’s always good fun to put together and I can normally bag a couple of good interviews, plus I get to play my favourite songs as well, (some you may not have always heard of or agree with).

So this Top 10 is a mixture of the most requested Christmas songs by you and my personal favourites, see if you agree (oh, and there is also not 10 as that was really hard)?

Wombling Merry Christmas I only get to play this once a year so I make the most of it, although NEVER requested it was from 1974 ‘the golden era of Christmas songs. (See Mud, Slade, Wizzard etc)

Lonely This Christmas – Mud This was off the radar for many years but seems to have made a popular return. Another one penned in 1974, I believe.

Purple Snowflakes – Marvin Gaye One of my personal favourites, I unearthed this beauty a couple of years ago when I did the Christmas day show based around Motown. After interviews with Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Four Tops and Mary Wilson from the Supremes I thought the show was a winner, until I put the music together. It seems there were not actually any really good Motown Christmas songs so that’s why this one is even more special.

Note to self; maybe more research next time. Second note; Never play Martha Reeves and ‘Silver bells’ again.

Step Into Christmas – Elton John You really seem to like this one, (also combine with McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime.)

Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea Something quite happy and chilled and always popular, especially if you are driving......and on your way home.....for Christmas.

Stop The Cavalry – Jonah Lewie Now there is always some debate about this one, it’s logged on the play out system as ‘Not a Christmas song’ ...but is only played at Christmas....you decide?

Power Of Love – Frankie Goes to Hollywood Another Christmas interview from a few years ago Mr Holly Johnson explained how this one came about while the band were away in America, which is why they were never on the ‘Band Aid’ single. (Another useless fact) Michael Buble No Specific track, just him, as he now has about 20 Christmas songs you can play in any order and he is rapidly becoming Mr Christmas. You can normally stick any of his Christmas albums on over the Turkey dinner and everyone seems happy. Family friendly and Canadian.

A Winter’s Tale- David Essex Your choice not mine. I would have also gone for 1974 but it was actually 1982

Last Christmas – Wham This one is from the other golden era that is 1984. Another tough year to get a Christmas hit as you would have been up against Frankie’s ‘Power of Love’, Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas, Mc Cartney’s Frog Chorus, Queen’s Thank God It’s Christmas and Glitters ‘Another Rock and Roll Christmas’. Thankyou George and Andrew for those lovely Christmas jumpers. It takes me back to the ‘Bamboo Christmas Party’ and come to think of it I wonder what happened to those ‘Tucka boots’?

Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade I interviewed Noddy a few years ago and he told me this was originally penned as a rock song. I bet he’s quite glad it became the ‘Christmas Anthem’ and not a glam rock number..................kerching!

Christmas (baby please come home) – Darlene Love This became really popular again after the Phil Spector Christmas Wishes album came out a few years ago, the album is only about 25 minutes but worth getting for all the greats like ‘frosty the snowman’, ‘Sleigh Ride’ ‘White Christmas’ Santa Claus is coming to Town’ all of which I now realise should be in this list.

So now they are. I think Phil should maybe do another one but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard Open the show with this one as it’s always a great ‘party starter’.....even if it’s 9am. Wakes me up anyway.

All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey Everyone loves this little chirpy number and now there is an extended version with a special ‘twiddly’ instrumental but at the beginning, we use it at the Christmas lights switch on’s every year. A guaranteed winner.

And your number one is...........

Fairytale Of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty McCall It always seems to be the most requested, although it’s a bit dark everyone seems to love it.......except me.

Personally I think it’s a bit miserable and was spoilt beyond redemption for me a few years ago when Terry Christian ‘murdered’ the song on Karaoke at the Christmas party. I will be back on Christmas day from 9am with all the usual’s plus some surprise guests or ‘gest’s’!

Maybe an interview with Phil Sector this year? Now that’s an idea.

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homes

NEW HEY FARM MACCLESFIELD ROAD, RAINOW

T

his impressive farmhouse, of stone construction under a stone flagged roof, offers incredibly flexible accommodation within the main house, along with a separate stable building which has planning permission to create an ancillary residential dwelling. The farmhouse is arranged over two floors and was extended into the adjoining barn creating very generous rooms taking full advantage of the far reaching views.

The outbuildings include a substantial barn, an adjoining hay store and workshop/garage, fuel stores and a yard area leading through to the fields. The farmhouse kitchen, very much the heart of the property, extends into the informal dining area with a Jetmaster fireplace and twin French doors leading to a wide conservatory which overlooks the gardens to the rear.

Beautifully appointed with a David Lisle kitchen in a painted finish with integrated appliances, granite and hardwood surfaces and 4 oven AGA, all set upon limestone floors. A utility/ boot room lies off the kitchen with a door to the front. The reception hall lies beyond the main entrance with an enclosed porch and there is a fitted study which also accesses the conservatory with a door then leading to the rear gardens. The first floor of the original farmhouse section has 3 fitted double bedrooms and a house bathroom with a separate shower.

There are a few steps up from the reception hall to the magnificent vaulted living room

• • • • • •

5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 4 receptions farmhouse kitchen large conservatory utility room

Guide Price £1,650,000

with exposed roof trusses and a large fireplace with a Jetmaster fire. There are super views to the rear and double French doors with steps beyond leading to the rear gardens. The master bedroom suite lies off this room and has a range of fitted furniture to the bedroom area and a well appointed en-suite bathroom with a contemporary suite and twin wash hand basins.

The guest suite lies off a lower landing area with a wine store and includes a fitted double bedroom and an adjoining contemporary bathroom with a shower and limestone tiling.

As well as a door from the main hall, a door off the front porch leads through to the further two reception rooms and a cloakroom with a w.c. This area could be utilised as an integral self contained suite and is currently arranged as a sitting room and a second, larger study with a corner fireplace. An internal door leads through to a double garage with a workshop to the rear with a roller door to the garden and a hobby room. There is a further garage within the main property with a gym to the rear. The land extends to about 35 acres of ring fenced fields and will be attractive to equestrians and hobby farmers alike. The building to the rear is arranged as stables presently and has a shippon to the rear with planning permission in place for conversion of the outbuilding to tourist accommodation and/or residential accommodation ancillary to adjacent farmhouse.

• • • • • •

garages hobby room gym workshop range of barns/stables about 35 acres

Contact: Jean Pilkington at Savills Wilmslow 01625 417454

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DECEMBER EXHIBITIONS 11th Nov 2014 - 15th Nov 2015 Keep the Home Fires Burning Stories from World War I See feature on pages 8 and 9 Stockport Museum, SK1 1ES Suitable for all ages. Free admission Contact: 0161 474 4444 Until May 2015 Making Headway - The Exhibition Amazing exhibition of a brand new collection of couture hats created with inspiration from Stockport museum collections by the best up and coming millinery talents in the country.

From the end of November a brand new collection of hats is on display, again created by the 13 Making Headway Milliners Hat Works, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EU Admission free 10:00 - 17:00

EVENTS Until 31st December Children’s Christmas Trail The Twelve Days of Christmas 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree......hunt for clues and see the house beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Staircase House, 30 Market Place £4.75 Adults, Children under 16 free Tuesday - Friday: 1pm - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm Until 4th January Christmas Hat Trail Visit the Hat Works and take part in the seasonal Hat trail. You never know, you might just win a prize.

Contact: 0161 474 2399 Hat Works, Wellington Mill, SK3 0EU Free

Tue - Sat 10am - 4pm Sun & Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm Saturday 29th November The Spirit of Christmas The annual Wellspring ‘Spirit of Christmas’ show at The Plaza is arranged and co-ordinated by Peter Bramall and introduced by Gordon Burns, patron of The Wellspring. Entertainment will be provided by Flute Salad, The Carollers, George Hulbert (baritone), The Northern Ballet School and the Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Brass Band.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be the Spirit of Christmas without Ian Gough at the Plaza’s Compton Organ.

Proceeds from the show will help The Wellspring to look after disadvantaged people in the Stockport area at a time of year when it is particularly difficult for too many people in our community.

Tickets: £12 (concessions £10) Call: Pauline on 0161 427 2763 or the Plaza box office on 0161 477 7779.

7.30pm.

Saturday 6th December Romiley Village Christmas Market.

Local traders selling a variety of goods, including cakes, skincare products, cheese, pate, jams, clothes, scarves and lots more.

Romiley Precinct, Compstall Road SK6 4EA. Free 10am-4pm Saturday 6th December Christmas concert by Offerton Methodist Choir.

Proceeds to the Salvation Army. Tickets available from Lynda Huston telephone 0161 494 1211.

Where: Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, SK7 4JQ. £7-00 7.30pm-10pm

Sunday 7th December Christmas in the Park Listen to Elmfield Brass Band, have a slice of cake, and much more.

Cale Green Park, Heath Road. SK2 6JN Free 12pm - 3.30pm Sunday 7th December Christmas Carol Service Traditional carol service for all the family Contact: 0161 474 4444 Chadkirk Chapel, Vale Road, Romiley, SK6 3LD Free 3pm-4.30pm Saturday 13th December Merseyway Christmas festival Elfin around, Christmas Kitty, roller skating, stilt walking, Ice Pixies Vernon Brass Band, Jason Baird and the Black Belt Academy Saturday 13th December Charity Christmas Fayre Rodeo, bouncy castle, face painting, hook-a-duck, Christmas pud, Father Christmas in his grotto, food Aquinas College Sports Hall, Nangreave Rd, Stockport, SK2 6TH 10am - 3pm Monday 15th December Wartime Christmas Sing Along Take a tour of the Air Raid Shelters with George Formby.... as he tells of his war time experiences, shares a few anecdotes and sings some of his songs.

This is followed by carol singing with John and Rob from the Accordian Club who perfom a festive feast of wartime favourites.

Booking Essential Contact: 0161 474 1940 Stockport Air Raid Shelters, SK1 1NE £6.50, Concessions etc £5.50 7pm - 9pm

what’s on Saturday 20th December Fairground on Mersey Square Elfin Around and Christmas Kitty plus the Imagine FM Stage: Debut Dance academy 11am - Unique Star Talent present Frozen 11.30am - Merseyway Princess Parade, Bailey Mc Connell, Harry Mondryk, Exposure Saturday 20th December Blitz Christmas Party Stockport’s Jive Club celebrate Christmas.

Bar open • No partner required Secure car parking at 50p per car For tickets and information call Marc Almond on 079 6318 4578.

Stockport Town Hall, SK1 3XE. £15.00 8pm - 00.45am Sunday 21st Dec Art in the Park - Christmas themed Join in the fun and get involved in the Christmas Themed Art Session at Reddish Vale Country Park.

No need to book just turn up.

For further information contact the Friends of the Vale at Reddish Vale Visitors Centre or call 0161 477 5637.

Reddish Vale Country Park, Mill Lane, Reddish, Stockport. SK5 7HE 1pm - 3pm Wednesday 24th December Christmas Eve Social Dance Sequence Dancing with resident MC Evelyn Kennedy and organist Charles Brown. The bar is open and a charity raffle has also been organised.

The ticket price includes a drink from the bar and a mince pie.

Stockport Town Hall, SK1 3XE. £11.75 7.30pm-11.30pm

Until 4th January Fabulous Designer Craft Show at Staircase House In the run up to Christmas Staircase House, Stockport’s Oldest Merchant’s House will be hosting its second Designer Craft Show. the show has been guest curated by prolific North west Jewellery designer, Jo Lavelle and features a stunning selection of ceramics, jewellery and textiles created by 23 of the best designers in the North West ! This is where you will find those extra special gifts this Christmas - affordable, handmade collectibles.

Prices range from £5 - £70! The show opens on Tuesday 25th November and will run until Sunday 4th January.

Staircase House, Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES T: 0161 474 4444 www.stockport..gov.uk/museums

29

Imagine FM’s breakfast show host Paul Willett looks at the big new releases for December.

Nicole Scherzinger – Run (Single) – 15th December Every once in a while a song comes along that just stops you still in your tracks. ‘Run’ is that song and Nicole Scherzinger is the voice. ‘Run’ is three and a half minutes of pure, raw emotion with Nicole giving relationship advice. The power ballad displays Nicole’s full vocal range and shows why she has been called one of the finest singers of her generation. ‘Run’ follows up Nicole’s singles, Your Love and On The Rocks.

Both singles are taken from the recently released hit album, ‘Big Fat Lie.’ This album is Nicole’s first release since she signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music.

She is also keeping busy starring in the musical ‘Cats’.

Calvin Harris Ft. Ellie Goulding – Outside (Single) – 1st December Calvin Harris unleashes another track from his album, the hotly anticipated ‘Motion’. ‘Outside feat. Ellie Goulding’, the second track the pair have released together, it shows off Ellie’s dusky vocal and Calvin’s

NEW RELEASES deft ability at writing the perfect pop song, producing another world-beating collaboration. The album ‘Motion was released 3rd November and features a myriad of remarkable chart-topping artists including Gwen Stefani, Haim, Tinashe, Big Sean, Hurts, John Newman, R3hab and Firebeatz. The album follows Calvin’s already stellar year where he has broken a number of Spotify world records, achieved two number one hit singles and stormed live dates across the globe.

Idris Elba Presents – You Give Me Love (Single) – 8th December Inspired by his recent role as Nelson Mandela in ‘Long Walk To Freedom’, Emmy nominated, Golden Globe winning actor and DJ Idris Elba has curated, written and produced ‘mi Mandela’, an album of songs which

music uncovers some of South Africa’s most gifted yet largely undiscovered world music talents. The first single, ‘You Give Me Love’, features vocals from Maverick Sabre. ‘mi Mandela’ seamlessly blends exuberant South African talent alongside established British artists.

Paloma Faith – Leave While I’m Not Looking (Single) – 22nd December Leave While I’m Not Looking is the brand new single to be taken from the special edition of the platinum selling album ‘A Perfect Contradiction’, written by Diane Warren. The deluxe edition also includes a recording of Paloma’s headline performance at the BBC Proms. She has also just announced a UK arena tour for March 2015. Paloma’s current album ‘A Perfect Contradiction’ has been one of the huge success stories of the year, recently being certified platinum.

Listen to your local radio station on 104.9FM, online at www.imaginefm.net or on your mobile

The Best of the Rest 1st December George Ezra – Listen To The Man Royal Blood – Ten Tonne Skeleton

8th December Train – Cadillac, Cadillac Sheppard – Geronimo Tulisa – Living Without You

15th December Ella Henderson - Yours Neon Jungle – Can’t Stop The Love Johnny Marr - Dynamo

22nd December Peter Andre – Christmas Times For The Family

waitrose.com/poynton