insideIssue 49 April - May 2016

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Welcome to the latest issue of

Cover photo: Margaret Turner at Turners Nursery by Garth Aspinall.

Issue 49 - April - May 2016

wilmslow & alderley edge

ContentsWilmslow Then & now 4

Simply Books Book Club Choice 7

NGS Springtime in the Garden 8

Wilmslow Food & drink Week 10

Alderley May Fair 13

Alderley Edge’s 100th Festival 14

In Touch 17

Crossword 20

discover Cuba 23

Sudoku 27

The Walk 28

Children’s Activities 30

Just 4 Kids 33

Bluebell Walk at Rode Hall 34

Barry’s Gardening Tips 38

Inside Guide 43

Puzzle Solutions 50

Useful Numbers 53

Classified Index 54

This page is always the last piece in our jigsaw, invariably written on the day we go to press. We have carried out all those final checks and are now hoping we’ve done everything possible to create another interesting magazine. But, as always, it’s you - our readers and our advertisers - who will decide!

At least, we can conclude from the numerous replies to our 2016 reader survey that you are generally delighted with our efforts and that people really do love and read this magazine. We are told this this constantly, but it’s good to have it in writing. Thank you for your feedback. This is just what we and our advertisers needed.

This issue contains all the optimism of spring. There’s just so much happening out there to plan for and enjoy. Congratulations to Wilmslow Business Group and all those who contributed to a superb and brilliantly supported Food and Drink week. Let’s hope the sun shines during April and May and that you are able to experience the many other events that are covered within this issue.

Have a lovely spring.

Co-Editors

Garth Aspinall

Claire Hawker

In 1902 Wilmslow welcomed a new purpose-built police station on Green Lane, replacing the previous premises on Swan Street. The town’s police force was expanding as the town grew. The old Swan Street station housed one inspector, a sergeant and four constables, but within a few years in the new larger premises a further sergeant and three more constables had been added, along with space for local justices of the peace to meet. Shops and cottages were demolished to make way. The development was not without controversy, with some contemporary commentators bemoaning, as now, that “the old Wilmslow is fast disappearing”. The station continued to grow, becoming the divisional headquarters in 1937 and the building undergoing extensions that were less than sympathetic to the original architecture. The police station was finally closed and converted into a public house in the early 1990s, fittingly called the “Blue Lamp”, before a brief spell trading as the “Victoria”. It was finally demolished

just before Christmas in 2002, a century after it was built. The building was replaced by a modern apartment block, once named Wilmslow’s worst building in a poll by a local newspaper.

Photographs: Wilmslow Historical Society Collection.

wilmslow Then & Now

by Jon Armstrongwilmslow Historical society4

Simply BooksBook Club ChoiceMy first book this month is The Green Road by the Booker Prize winning Irish author Anne Enright. Like many contemporary Irish novels there’s a focus on family and, in this particular story, the sadness of a family that often fails to connect. The book is made up of two parts, ‘Leaving’ - comprising a series of portraits of Rosaleen (the mother) and her four children Hanna, Dan, Constance and Emmet - and ‘Coming Home’ which sees the children (now adults) returning to the west coast of Ireland for a final family Christmas in the home their mother is about to sell. The earlier portraits are each set at different points on a timeline between 1980 and 2005 – each chosen to illustrate an aspect of a character’s personality and experience. The underlying storyline running through these earlier chapters is the children’s relationship with their mother – and their continuing need for maternal love and approval. Although there are comic moments this is a sad and poignant story – with lots of gaps and loose ends which are really left for us to fill in, or speculate upon ourselves as readers. All beautifully written with a great feel for the landscape of rural Ireland.

My second recommendation is The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge – the winner of this year’s COSTA Book of the Year Award. Although originally published as a ‘young adult’ novel it has since enjoyed success as a ‘crossover’ novel for

‘grown-ups’ – and its ‘book of the year’ accolade is the first time a children’s book has been awarded the prize since Philip Pullman’s The Amber Spyglass.

When Faith’s father – an Anglican priest with an interest in the ‘natural sciences’ – is found dead in mysterious circumstances, she sets out to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues Faith discovers tales of a strange tree which, when told a lie, will uncover a truth: the greater the lie, the greater the truth revealed to the liar – and so begins Faith’s dangerous journey to discover the ‘truth’ of what happened to her father. Set on a remote island in Victorian times this an intriguing story of science, evolution, and murder - all with a dash of early feminism.

And for the children…Fairytales for Mr Barker by Jessica Ahlberg is a delightful ‘peep-through’ book in the style of the children’s classic Peepo (written by the author’s

father Allan Ahlberg). Join Lucy as she goes on a fairy tale adventure meeting the characters from some of our best loved nursery stories – from Goldilocks to Sleeping Beauty – and creating her own story along the way. A lovely book to read together with a little one.

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

Andrew Cantwww.simplybooks.info 7

As I type these words on 4 March, the snow is falling steadily – the first proper fall we have seen in many parts of Cheshire East for the entire winter. Until the snow, our own garden was looking sorry for itself except for a few bright spots – patio pots of spring bulbs, with miniature daffodils providing a bright yellow splash of colour and some impressive groups of hellebores that are doing well in sheltered locations. Flowering cherries and ever-dependable snowdrops are right on schedule, and here’s the odd thing: after such a wet and mild winter, we might have expected that early spring varieties would have flowered early and that gardens offering snowdrop walks would have to issue new opening times. But that’s not really happened. Maybe many species are more dependent on light levels rather than temperature – perhaps someone will advise on that!

Garden Open Days for Spring 2016

During April and May, 20 NGS gardens will be open to the public on almost 30 days. There’s not enough space here to describe them all, but here are a few with special mentions:

Parm Place (Great Budworth)

Located in a stunningly attractive Cheshire village, Jane and Peter Fairclough’s half-acre, plant-packed garden is always an early opener for the NGS. Large collections of spring bulbs and plants. Open this year on 3 April.

Briarfield (Burton, nr Neston)

Liz Carter opens Briarfield, her two-acre garden at Burton near Neston, twice a year in support of the NGS. Liz also has a stall at Neston market featuring many of the rare and unusual plants in her garden. Over £10,000 from the stall has been donated to the NGS - a fantastic achievement. Briarfield first opening will be 24 April.

Framley (Willaston, nr Neston)

This 5-acre garden is new to the NGS and it holds many hidden gems. There are extensive mature wooded areas, underplanted with a variety of interesting and unusual woodland plants - all at their very best in spring. Open on 2 May.

Sycamore Cottage (Carrington)

A fifth of an acre cottage garden split into distinct areas, with woodland banking, natural spring, well and ponds. For the past 4 years, Christina and Mike Newton have opened their garden in support of the NGS and this year GE Power, a power station right on their doorstep, has donated £500 to the NGS. First opening this year on 22 May.

Springtime in the garden (with Snow)

From left, Christina & Mike Newton with Rainer Lueoend of GE Power.

Springtime at Briarfield.

Parm Place, Great Budworth.8

by Graham Beechwww.ngs.org.uk

More details of these and all other NGS gardens are on the ngs.org.uk website.

Weather footnote: I finished this article on 7 March and the sun is shining from a clear blue sky.

About the NGS

This year, around 3800 gardens will open for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) with over 80 in Cheshire and Wirral alone. Most are privately owned and only open on specific dates. Many also open “By arrangement” to suit group visits and some have evening openings, giving plenty of possibilities.

Where the money goes

Admission charges to NGS gardens, mostly about £4 a head, support the charitable aims of the organisation. In 2014, £2.5 million was given to Macmillan Cancer Support and this is likely to be exceeded for 2015. Since the start of a partnership with Parkinson’s UK in 2013, over £520,000 has been raised to help fund specialist Parkinson’s nurses. The new NGS guest charity for 2016 is The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Finding the gardens

Online information about all NGS gardens is available at www.ngs.org.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook (Cheshire NGS) and Twitter (@CheshireWirrNGS).

Smartphone users have a new version of the free NGS App available to download for both Android and iOS. (Don’t use the old App as it will no longer have accurate data.)

“Gardens to Visit 2016” (previously the “Yellow Book”) is a comprehensive guide to all NGS gardens. £12.99 from booksellers or direct from the NGS.

County Guides (including one for Cheshire & Wirral) are available free from various outlets, including libraries and larger garden centres.

Wilmslow hosted a superb second Food & Drink Week in March, to celebrate and showcase the abundance of food and drink suppliers in and around Wilmslow.

Wilmslow Business Group put together the packed programme of food-related events, discounts and special offers aimed to encourage residents and visitors alike to discover and enjoy the range of food and drink options available. Many restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels, cafes and sandwich shops participated in the event which was sponsored by Castletons Accountants.

The week kicked off with a spectacular taster banquet at Chilli Banana featuring a six-course tasting menu with matched wines and culminated in the Artisan Market on Saturday 19 March.

Catherine Mackenzie, Chairman of Wilmslow Business Group commented: “The first Wilmslow Food & Drink Week was a great success, creating a real buzz around the town. This year’s was even better. With wine and beer tastings, afternoon teas and gourmet dinners, it was definitely a week to forget the diet!”

Foodie heaven in wilmSlow

10

Turners Plant & Garden Nursery opened its doors to customers in 2013 and has since won the affection and acclaim of garden lovers everywhere. It’s not surprising. As soon as you wander into this horticultural haven, you can feel the pride, the passion and the dedication. Not here, the commercialised, impersonal format of the garden centre chain. Here you will encounter an idyllic space of generous proportions and character, spilling over with beautiful displays that echo the smiles and enthusiasm of its owner.

Margaret Turner, who had enjoyed many years as a keen allotment gardener, decided to pursue a career in horticulture. After her training at Reaseheath College she then accumulated nearly 10 years of experience in the horticultural

industry before deciding to ‘branch out’ and start her own business.

Turners specialise in creating traditional bespoke mossed seasonal hanging baskets and container plantings. Margaret’s creations not only include seasonal bedding plants for instant impact but many edibles and plants that can evoke the senses of everyone – not just of those who are young or old, but also of those with a visual or other sensory impairment.

As growers, Turners offer quality plants, shrubs and trees at highly competitive prices, as well as professional gardening advice. In a world that has become dominated by big corporations there is still a place for the smaller enterprise catering for individual tastes, styles and circumstances and providing that all important personal service. And that’s why Turners is so popular not only with local people but also with numerous household names and celebrities. You should visit this lovely, old-fashioned nursery. You’re unlikely to leave empty-handed and you’ll be certain to leave with a smile.

a haven oF horticulture and charm

A full week of fun events is lined up for this year’s May celebrations in Alderley Edge. The week will begin with the May Fair Dance which will take place in the newly refurbished Festival Hall on Saturday 14 May and end with a market on the park on Sunday 22.

On Sunday 15 May The Botanist is organising delicious food and a Quiz. This is always a great fun evening and this year will be no different. It will start at 7.30pm but feel free to arrive earlier for a meal and then stay on to take part in the May Fair Quiz.

On the evening of 19 May, Aldeli will be hosting a summer BBQ with live jazz performed by the very talented keyboard player and singer Jeremy Sassoon. The usual gourmet burgers and New York hot dogs will be on offer, along with a few other specialities, all cooked in the brick oven outside. They will also be hosting a frozen yoghurt-eating competition so kids (and kids at heart) be prepared!

Things get active on Friday 20 May with a 5K Fun Run organised by Angie Jackson of Physiofit, a Five a Side Football Competition where 20 teams will play through to a final and a Crown Green Bowling Competition sponsored by Travel by Design. With music in the marquee until 10pm this will be a really popular evening with something for everyone.

Saturday 21 May will be the World War 1 themed May Fair Day beginning with the parade through

the village, led by the Chester Giants. There will be Fancy Dress, a Fun Dog Competition, and entertainment in the two arenas all afternoon. Entry to the park is free and there will be fairground rides and lots of other entertainments on the park all day. Come along and picnic on the park or see what’s on offer at the food stalls and bars. On Sunday the fairground and entertainment will be on the park, and the Maker’s Market will join the day. It should be a lovely family day with something for everyone.

Fingers crossed for a beautiful sunny week! For more information, to register for some events and to find out about further midweek activities, keep an eye on the website at www.alderleyedgefair.com

alderley edge may Fair

The Alderley Edge Festival Society was formed in 1910, and the first Festival under its guidance was in 1911 with 17 classes and a total of 264 entries. There was a five year break during the First World War, thus the 100th Festival will be in May 2016. Who would have thought it would have lasted this long and grown to the 175 classes and 2740 entrants of last year?

The diligence of the previous Committees has meant that there is a copy of every programme except one – 1912. The only missing syllabuses are 1911, 1912 or 1964. If anyone out there has any of the missing syllabuses or programme, please contact the current committee through the Festival website below.

Celebration Concert

Alderley Edge Festival is the second oldest in the country and is an outstanding achievement on behalf of the people of the village. A special concert to celebrate the 100th Festival will be held in the newly refurbished Festival Hall, with previous winners taking part in an evening of music, speech and drama.

Actor Dan Parr, who recently starred in Hamlet alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, is just one of the previous winners set to return to the Festival, the scene of his first dramatic success. When he took part in the Festival as a teenager, Dan astonished the adjudicators with his “totally convincing” acting. His career is going from strength-to-strength and he is currently starring in ‘Weald’ at the Finborough Theatre, London.

Other exceptional former Festival winners include Laurence Jeffcoate, who won the BBC TV show “I’d Do Anything” in 2008, and went on to star as Oliver in the West End. Laurence’s voice has obviously matured since he stole our hearts at the Festival, but he now sings beautifully as a tenor and recently appeared as Raoul in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at Oxford University, where he is a choral scholar at The Queen’s College and is studying Psychology and Philosophy.

The concert, which will be held in the newly refurbished Festival Hall, will be an evening of music, speech and drama. Festival Chairman Keith Lowe said “This is a significant milestone in the Festival’s history and we are delighted to be welcoming back so many of our past winners, some of whom are now professional. It’s a tribute to the Alderley Edge Festival that these extremely busy young people have found time in their schedules to come back and celebrate with us”.

It will be a night to remember, a real celebration of the tremendous effort put in by all the committees, volunteers, sponsors and of course all the parents, teachers, supporters and performers.

Tickets, available in advance only, are priced £12.50 for adults and £6.50 for children under 18. For further information and to purchase tickets call Gabrielle Jeffcoate on 01625 582100

The Grand Celebratory Concert will be held on Saturday 23 April in the newly refurbished Festival Hall. Doors open at 6.15pm for a 7pm start.

www.alderleyedgefestival.com

alderley edge’S 100th FeStival

Laurence Jeffcoate

Dan Parr

14

deCORATiVe & Fine ARTs sOCieTY

Wilmslow Decorative and Fine Arts Society (Nadfas) has been established for over 25 years. We meet every second Tuesday at 7.30pm for an hour’s lecture and then a glass of wine and a chat. We meet at Wilmslow Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow SK9 4AA. Our next meeting, on 12 April will be “The Fascinating World of Playing Cards” given by Asha Breezier. All are welcome. Membership is just £41 per year which gives 10 lectures on all sorts of subjects and a glass of wine at the close when we have a social get together each month. About 120 people meet up for each meeting and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive group of local people getting together to hear fascinating talks on subjects as diverse as Thomas Chippendale to the Queen of Sheba.

We also go on day trips and visits to the Lake District, Tatton and Adlington Hall are all planned for the immediate future. We are also going on a study tour to Munich in October and this is very popular with solo and couples alike who wish to go abroad with like-minded people. Fun and facts all wrapped up in convivial company. Again we would love to see some new faces.

The group is not highbrow or at all exclusive. I really mean that all are welcome - men and women. It’s for those who would enjoy an informative lecture illustrated with slides followed by a tipple. What’s not to like!

To find out more feel free to call Caroline on 01477 571264 or 07800 739119 or contact her by email cmorgan505@aol.com

PLAnT HUnTeRs FAiR

Why not give your garden a treat and fill those gaps in your beds and borders with some new, unusual and beautiful plants? Sunday 8 May sees the popular Plant Hunters’ Fair return to Adlington Hall with a wide choice of quality, nursery-grown plants. This brilliant plant fair featuring some of the country’s most highly respected nurseries and growers has become a firm favourite with garden lovers.

For this special event Adlington Hall offers half price entry to the gardens and plant fair of just £3. With so much to see, why not take one of the free guided tours of the gardens with the Head Gardener Anthony O’Grady or simply relax, take in the beautiful gardens and enjoy traditional teas and homemade cakes. The fair opens at 10.30am and closes at 4pm.

For further information, please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

In Touchyour Community Noticeboard

Continued over...

17

iN TouCHqUARTeT

Three elderly former opera singers who have often worked together in the past - Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred - are now residents in a home for retired musicians. They are about to be joined by newcomer Jean, who herself was a major star back in the day and to whom Reginald was once unhappily married. The status quo is soon to be disrupted.

The annual gala concert is about to take place at the retirement home to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. Three of the four are keen to recreate the third act quartet from Rigoletto but one isn’t. Jean. She still acts like the diva she always has been and refuses to sing.

Is there any chance these four will sing together again? Surely the show must go on…?

Directed by Hamish Lawson, Quartet runs at the Wilmslow Green Room theatre from Saturday 7 May to Saturday 14 May. For further information, please visit www.wgrsoc.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01625 540933.

CHesHiRe FiRe CHOiR sinG AT GROUnd ZeRO

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Choir is back from singing at a world famous New York concert hall and fulfilling its dream to sing for fallen colleagues in the terrible events of 9/11.

Members of this unique choir made the trip to New York to perform Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising at Ground Zero Memorial Plaza in tribute to the 343 firefighters who died in the attacks on the Twin Towers. The song tells the story of a firefighter who was inside one of the towers on that fateful day and realises he isn’t going to survive.

Choir chair, retired Station Manager Steve Flanagan said: “Before we went to Ground Zero we spoke about our emotions and ways to keep them at bay. We wanted to do the fallen firefighters proud and we wanted it to be about them, not us. We’d waited so long to do this so it had to be right.”

They sang, surrounded by the New York skyline, with tears of sadness mixed with rain pouring down their faces, but they stood proud. They could not have sung it any better and afterwards people who had gathered in the crowd came and thanked them, congratulating them on their tribute.

“We were told by 9/11 Memorial that we are the only choir belonging to a Fire and Rescue service that has ever sung at Ground Zero, so when we heard this we sang our song on behalf of all our UK colleagues.”

The choir also sang along with choirs from all over the world at Carnegie Hall where they performed Welsh composer Paul Mealor’s piece ‘Stabat Mater’.

It is now raising money for The Firefighters Charity by releasing a CD to help fellow firefighters and their families.

OPeninG UP THe PATTeRn BOOKs

The Silk Museum cares for a significant collection of silk pattern books, deposited in Macclesfield as each silk mill went out of business. The archive contains some fabulous silk designs often pasted into large books which are difficult to display. The museum has been investigating a number of innovative ways for the public to have better access to them and to inspire artists of the future. The exhibition opens up the pattern books for you to find out more about this journey, until Saturday 14 May 2016.

The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield

MOVeMenT TO MUsiC

Every Thursday we meet for gentle exercise to music with excellent company followed by refreshments at Chapel Court, Hawthorn Street, Wilmslow. We meet at 2pm and have an hour’s exercise followed by refreshments and chat.

For further information please contact 01625 612958 or just come along. You will be sure of a warm welcome.

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LiFe LinKs

Life Links is a free Health and Wellbeing Support Service that covers Cheshire East providing one to one support to anyone over the age of 18. It can offer help and support with:

■ finding local activities and groups

■ learning about new technology

■ managing minor health conditions

■ staying independent in your own home.

For more information about outreach sessions, or to make a referral to the free service call 0808 281 1052 email info@lifelinksce.org or visit www.lifelinksce.org.uk

inneR WHeeL VisiTs CLinK ResTAURAnT

Inner Wheel Clubs of District 5 were delighted to hold a coffee morning at the Clink Restaurant in HMP Styal. Proceeds from the event went direct to the Clink Charity.

Wendy Unsworth, Manager of the Clink Restaurant, gave an informative talk on the work of the charity which aims to give women prisoners, in the final 6 to 18 months of their sentences, the opportunity to gain qualifications for employment in the hospitality industry on their release. This has been found to reduce reoffending by 85%.

Inner Wheel members thoroughly enjoyed the delicious scones, cakes and cookies baked and served to them by the prisoners. All those attending enjoyed a really interesting morning in

the lovely surroundings of the Clink Restaurant which is in the former chapel of Styal Prison. Many are keen to return with friends and family to sample lunch in the restaurant at a future date.

To learn more about the Clink charity and restaurants, visit www.theclinkcharity.org

For more information about Inner Wheel in this area visit www.innerwheeldistrict5.com

19

Quick Crossword

Across7. Funeral Carriage (6)8. Rosy Lee Container (6)9. Glass Panel (4)10. Iniquity (8)11. Notwithstanding (7)13. Singer Type (5)15. Compensate (5)16. Darling! (7)18. Infuse (8)19. Incise (4)21. Skiing event (6)22. Middle Eastern Ruler (6)

Down1. Greek Letter (4)2. Reckless (13)3. 3 Score Years and 10! (7) 4. Arose (5)5. Kindly (4-9)6. Convoluted (8)12. Innards (8)14. Let go (7)17. Follows 1 Down (5)20. A colour (4)

Solution on page 50.20

December 17 2014 marked an historic moment for Cuba as US President Barack Obama announced plans to resurrect diplomatic relations between the two countries. Speculation is rife about what this will mean for life on the streets of Havana and across the rest of Cuba, and we have noticed a big upsurge in interest with many clients wishing to visit and see the real Cuba before it changes.

The best time to visit Cuba is in our winter; the largest island in the Caribbean, it offers a colourful heritage, intriguing history, a lush interior and stunning white sand beaches – a perfect winter holiday combination.

However, the combination of a wonderful destination and the political interest has led to such interest that availability for this winter is now almost non-existent! We therefore recommend early booking for 2017.

Havana

The old city is a Unesco World Heritage Centre, currently being restored to its former glory with beautiful baroque churches, palaces and convents lining its cobbled streets and squares. Built on a sweeping bay, we suggest three days here to explore the old city, visit the Museo de la Revolucion to explore Cuba’s history, or find the Parque John Lennon or the Hemingway

Museum. No visit to Havana would be complete without a ride in a classic American car of the 40’s and 50’s along ‘The Malecon’, Havana’s oceanfront promenade. Admire the expert skills of a cigar roller at a tobacco factory or catch a performance of the Cabaret Parisien, the Buena Vista Social Club, or visit any of the local bars playing traditional music.

The Vinales Valley

Located to the west of Havana, the Vinales Valley is a fascinating landscape of fertile valleys, dotted with palm trees and rounded limestone outcrops. Las Terrazas in the western province is a sustainable environmental and development project which is an ideal introduction to Cuba’s

by Kristina Hulmewww.travelbydesigngroup.com

discover Cuba

23

countryside life and landscapes. From here you can visit the local community and a restored coffee plantation.

Trinidad and Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos is a small French influenced city on the south coast of the island, known as the ‘Pearl of the South’. Visit the Bay of Pigs museum and the crocodile farm en route, and the beautiful botanical gardens in the town itself. Trinidad, less than an hour away, is another stunning colonial city and a walking tour here is a must together with visits to the museums and the Casa de la Musica.

Santa Clara

Return to Havana via Santa Clara, the site of the turning point in the Cuban revolution. Santa Clara is the home of the Che Guevara museum and mausoleum, another unmissable stop on any itinerary.

Beautiful beaches

From Santa Clara, you can return to Havana and a flight back to the UK or, for some well deserved relaxation head to one of Cuba’s beautiful white sand beaches. Cayo Santa Maria or Esmeralda Beach both have a wonderful selection of hotels. Most are all inclusive and offer a fabulous range of facilities.

Cruise Cuba

For an alternative view, why not fly into Havana for a few days then transfer to the southern port of Cienfuegos where you can join a fully rigged tall ship and cruise around the island back to

Havana. Dates are available in January to March next year, but be warned - dates are already filling fast and early booking is strongly recommended.

Cuba is best discovered either as part of a group tour, or as a private journey with your own driver and guide. Adventure touring, cycle or walking tours are all options and an alternative way to explore this diverse island.

To book your Cuba holiday, please contact Kristina or Irene at Travel by Design on 01625 584195, pop in to the Alderley Edge office, or email info@travelbydesigngroup.com

Travel

24

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Sudoku 2

8 4 3

5 4 1 9

9 8 1

6

2 6 3

7

4 3 1

4 7 5 2 8

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

You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 50.

Distance: 7 miles moderate.

Directions: A6 from Hazel Grove; after far roundabout of Chapel by-pass bear left for Edale and Castleton. Head for Winnats Pass, at the bottom, turn right into Castleton. Park on right before Peak Cavern Car Park. Weekday parking is normally free, and only chargeable at weekends and bank holidays.

OS Map: OL1 Dark Peak Area.

Lying on the boundary between the White and Dark Peaks, Castleton is endowed with historic defence sites, constant spring water emerging from underground caverns and mineral veins supplying its early lead mining and its unique semi precious Blue John wealth. Later bulk quarrying of limestone provides for a prosperous modern cement industry and the stunning scenery, both under and over ground, endows Castleton with extensive and popular tourist attractions. To the north are the contrasting unstable shale ridges, and beyond, the unique Kinder Scout Gritstone plateau with its dark wind eroded edges and deep river valleys.

Castleton’s known history dates back over 3000 years from Bronze and early Iron Age settlements, a small Roman settlement at Navio to the east, and later Norman built Peveril Castle,

all designed to protect farming or its important early lead mining economies. Our walk enables you to observe so many of these natural and historic features en route.

Across from the Peak Cavern car park, a fingerpost leads through a gap in the stone wall (SK147829). Go through a narrow passage into a field path and head west with Mam Tor in view at all times. The path goes through stiles and gates, along a small river path before reaching Knowlegates Farm. A narrow path ahead skirts the left of the farm and climbs up steps and paths to the spoil heaps of Odin Mine. (SK135835) Beware of an abandoned mine shaft if stopping here for coffee. To see the Odin Mine workings, take a short detour to the left and look at the old crushing circle and upturned Gritstone wheel with iron tyre. A model in the Castleton Tourist Information Centre shows how this was operated by horses. In the spoil you may find galena, a shiny grey lead ore, but wash your hands before handling food!

Return over the little stream to the coffee spot and then follow the path to the right and through a gate before climbing up through a fern and marsh grass covered hummocky area; the path can be muddy but is usually passable and eventually opens out into a higher field leading up to Mam Farm. (SK133840) You will have

The walk - A Circular Walk from Castleton

by Barry Wilson marple district rambling Club28

The walk - A Circular Walk from Castleton

negotiated the rough ground of the Mam Tor land slips before reaching the abandoned road below Mam Tor.

At the farm, climb up through a small gate to the left of the outbuildings and turn left on the farm drive. This emerges on to the broken road, closed in 1979 after repeated landslides had forced the Council’s hand. The depths of tarmac layers, seen as you climb up the road, are up to 7 feet in places and the old cat’s eyes show where the road used to be. Take care up here as the drops are hazardous in places. On your right, you can pick out the alternate layers of shale and sandstone observing how fragile they look, especially in very wet spells. The scar below Mam Tor shows how the old hill fort ramparts have been cut away.

Go through the gate at the top and admire the view back to Castleton and the Hope Valley, picking out the castle, the cement works and the huge Peak Cavern entrance, known as the “Devil’s Arse” until Queen Victoria had the name changed for her visit there!

Follow the road past the Blue John Mine as far as an obvious gate on the right. Go up through this and climb over more lead mining spoils, with Mam Tor on your right, eventually reaching a gate on to Mam Nick and the steps finally up to the summit of Mam Tor. From here the panorama is stunning looking north to Edale and Kinder, east past Lose Hill, Winhill Pike and Stanage Edge, and south across the limestone plateau towards Buxton. In the foreground you can see Winnats Pass, thought to be a former coral reef, and Windy Knoll cave where ice age mammals’ bones have been found; they include bison, bear, cave hyenas and a cat related to the Sabre Toothed tiger, and now lie in Buxton Museum.

Mam Tor, “Mother Hill” is more commonly called the “Shivering Mountain” for obvious reasons below its summit of 517 metres (1696 feet). Bronze Age tumuli have been found here, foundations of early Iron Age houses and the obvious rampart ditches show the defences of a small village protecting itself from cattle thieves probably. After 3000 years it is still well trodden by walkers, and is also popular with para-gliding enthusiasts now. Again, in the Information

Centre, you can experience a simulated hang-glide around Mam Tor!

This can be a good picnic spot when the wind is not blowing. Or, more wisely perhaps, just follow the stone path down the ridge to the east and settle into the sheltered hollows near Hollins Cross (SK136845). From this meeting point of many pathways, take the east bound track by going through a gate just below the ridge path as this follows the contours at a high level for well over a mile. It goes through woodland just below Lose Hill, another fragile peak and keep heading east above and beyond Castleton over a series of walls until two paths veer south at SK155851. Stay on the right hand path before heading down a steep descent past a small clump of trees and keeping the cement works in your sights ahead. Follow the paths past Losehill Farm and Spring House Farm (SK156841). Turn right after the latter and follow a track west towards Losehill Hall YHA. Past the stone wall, take a left down the track and on to the main road from Hope into Castleton. The Caravan Club site is visible through trees on your left as you reach the road.

Turn right and head into Castleton for a well earned beverage of your choice in any of the coffee shops or hostelries! Ice creams or cream scones are everywhere! But, before heading out to your car on the road out, pause to enjoy the wonderful Information Centre which can further enhance the day’s experiences.

Marple District Rambling Club has over 370 members and organises 4/5 led walks every Thursday and 3 walks every Sunday. To find out more, see copies of our programme on www.marple-uk.com/rambling, or ring our Membership Secretary, Deirdre Nolan on 0161 427 7794 to join us. Annual fees are £8 plus a £2 joining charge for new members.

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Things to do with pre-school kids

Compiled by Jenny Rileye: jenny@insidemagazines.co.uk

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

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

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11amTerm time only. Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road. £5 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382

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

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

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

Under 5’s Rhyme Time 10-10.30amTerm time only. Alderley Edge Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374030.

WednesdayCoffee, cake and craft/Tiddlywinks 10am-12 noonWilmslow Methodist Church. Coffees, hot chocolates and cakes with play area for little ones. Prices from 50p to £1.50. Contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm)

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11amTerm time only. Alderley Edge Scout Hut, Talbot Road. £5 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382.

Mums, Dads and Tots 1.30 to 3pmTerm 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.

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

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

For information and to book in, please contact Susan on 07966 507898 or the church office, 01625 528892 (answer phone pm)

Thursday Tots 2-4pm Term time only, Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Alderley Road. For pre-school children and parents/carers. £1.50 per family. Contact thursdaytots@hotmail.co.uk, or phone Barbara on 01625 584267.

Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilmslow Children’s Activities

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Answers: icing sugar, plate, cream, sponge, tea pot, jamExtra letter answer: coffee

JUST 4 KIDS

33

Experience one of the finest Bluebell Walks in the North West at Rode Hall and Gardens. New for 2016, visitors can enjoy Rode’s carpets of ancient bluebells even more extensively due to the recent discovery and restoration of a path through the Old Wood, previously used by villagers walking to the House in the 1800s.

A magical stroll for all the family, this is one of the finest times to visit Rode’s Grade II listed park and gardens, designed by Humphry Repton, and soak up the incredible colours of bluebells and spring flowers at their best. Walk through the shimmering bluebell carpets covering the ground of the Old Wood; experience the stunning wildflowers in the Wild Garden and the blaze of colours from rare early Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Chilean Fire Bushes. Enjoy the tranquil views over Rode Pool and unrivalled vistas of the beautiful Cheshire and Staffordshire countryside.

Rode’s bluebells are predominantly the endangered and protected native ancient variety. They flower on one side of the stalk, are strongly perfumed and can also appear as a white or pinkish flower.

Highlights of a visit also include the two acre Walled Garden, resplendent in spring blossom from the many varieties of pear, apple and plum trees and with an abundance of vegetable seedlings. Visitors can also buy Rode Hall’s fragrant Lily of the Valley and bright primulas and pelargoniums to plant at home.

Round off your visit by calling in to Rode Hall’s Tea Room where everything possible, from soups, sandwiches and oatcakes to cakes, cream teas, biscuits and ice cream, is either grown in the Kitchen Garden, homemade at the Hall or sourced from the Rode Hall Farmers’ Market. At Rode Hall Shop you can buy Rode’s new range of jams, pickles and cordials made with produce from its organic Kitchen Garden as well as plants and dried flowers.

Rode Hall has been the family home of the Wilbraham family since 1669. A fine Georgian Country House with magnificent Humphry Repton landscaped gardens, it first opened to the public in 2002.

Families will love exploring and playing in the different enchanting landscapes. Children’s imagination can also be sparked by the willow animal sculpture trail, 200 year old Grotto hidden in the Wild Garden and the Waterfall. Hunt for the willow animal sculptures along the walk, spot butterflies amongst the flowers and heron and carp in the stews and lake.

Gardeners shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the emerging fruit and vegetables in the Walled Garden and snap up the rare opportunity to buy Rode Hall’s Lily of the Valley, primulas and pelargoniums to plant at home.

Bluebell Walks are at Rode Hall & Gardens from 30 April to 8 May open between 11am – 4pm. Entry £5 adults, £1 children (under 5s, RHS and HHA members free).

T: 01270 873 237 enquiries@rodehall.co.uk, www.rodehall.co.uk

Twitter: @Rode_Hall Facebook: www.facebook.com/rode.hall.3

BlueBell walkS at rode hall

34

It’s a great way to get a little exercise and earn some extra cash

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

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Help us to deliver iNside magazines

I have said it before. The Cheshire Smokehouse is one of those places you will eventually visit - not just once, but many times. If you spend a day travelling around Cheshire you are likely to encounter some excellent farm shops, some lovely delicatessens and not a few decent eateries. But those who visit the Smokehouse already know that you can enjoy all these things in just one amazing place.

Words can’t describe the warmth you will feel on entering this place, or the variety and quality of everything that surrounds you. A visit is essential to discover the unique character and contribution of all its various departments. The Smokery, which made the Cheshire Smokehouse famous, smokes and cures the produce in-house! It’s a skill that has been acquired by the business through over 100 years’ experience.

The Smokehouse Shop, arguably the heart of the business, where you will find a huge choice of quality Smokehouse fayre. The Butchery, where locally sourced fresh meat, poultry and game are prepared by butchers who really know their craft. Food Preparation, where in-house chefs prepare an endless supply of salads, dips, sauces and ready-to-cook-at-home dishes. The Bakehouse, where bread is baked every day – plus quiches, pastries, pies and fabulous cakes. Smokehouse Wines, where you will encounter a superb collection of fine wines, spirits and beers.

And finally, my favourite - Smokehouse Café. This café is always busy and is worth a visit in its own right. Chef Jayne Walker excels in delivering culinary masterpieces! The ever-changing menu features morning coffee favourites, a full lunch menu and afternoon tea classics, many of which feature Smokehouse products. Just make sure that you leave enough room for me.

cheShire SmokehouSe

by Garth Aspinall

This time of year is probably my favourite. There is so much happening out there that’s it’s difficult to know where to start. I could be predictable and mention tulips and wallflowers, a classic combination, especially orange tulips with mauve/purple wallflowers. ‘Ballerina’ with ‘Bowles Mauve’ is always a winner but make sure you plant them densely. They don’t cost a lot so there’s no excuse for parsimony.

Magnolias, rhododendrons and azaleas are all playing starring roles at the moment, which means this is the time to buy them because you don’t have to rely on a label to see their true colour. Don’t forget to prune after flowering if yours are getting too big. Some people hesitate to prune magnolias but I find sparingly and sympathetically works for me - I’ve not lost one yet.

Another star in my garden right now are the blue poppies, although they can be a bit tricky; Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’ is one of the more reliable. I grow mine in light shade, in fertile, moist soil that doesn’t dry out (I use a bark mulch). My soil must be slightly acid because the nearby rhododendrons flourish. Each plant produces up to half a dozen (or more) brilliant blue, tissue-paper flowers, that stand up to harsh weather surprisingly well. This will be their fourth year, so I must be doing something right.

I think the much-maligned bamboo should get a mention here because this is when their new shoots are beginning to appear and it’s a good time to sort them out. Some people are frightened of bamboo. Certain species can be rampant and shouldn’t be sold without a health warning! Last year I stopped a couple from buying Pseudosasa japonica because after a bit of earwigging I realised they had no idea what they were letting themselves in for. Instead, I directed them towards the better behaved Phyllostachys and Fargesia varieties.

P. aureasulcata aureocaulis ’Spectablis’, besides needing a long label, is a great all rounder. An upright growth habit, luxuriant evergreen foliage and golden canes, with a distinctive green stripe and sometimes a zig-zag kink lower down (and who can resist a low down zig-zag kink?). It can become tall, in which case cut out the tallest canes at their base (please don’t chop the top off, it looks ridiculous!) and allow the new shoots to come through.

Remove all the side branches to a height of about 4 or 5 feet so that the golden canes are on view. If it gets too dense, thin it out. I’ve recently planted three, several feet apart in a narrow border, to provide an evergreen screen and break up the line of the fence. Around the base of each is a low box hedge, which makes a neat contrast. If you’re simply put off by the fear of it rampaging across your garden then plant it in a large plastic pot and sink it into the ground or line the planting hole with double thickness pond liner. You can even snap off the new shoots and eat them while you work! I wouldn’t recommend doing that with tulips or wallflowers.

Finally, show time is upon us again. I love Chelsea but I’m going to give it a miss this year and instead head for the Malvern Spring Show. The last time I went I got caught in horrendous queues of traffic, so this year I’ll be on the road well before the sparrows and blackbirds have whet (or is it wet?) their whistles.

Barry’s Gardening Tips

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The countdown has begun for the Macclesfield Barnaby Festival, and we’re starting to reveal some of the stars set to sparkle this summer.

Calling aspiring astronauts! Get involved in free science-based events across the town, including the chance to seek out the moon in all its guises. Five spaces missions will be spanning the town during the festival, including a deep space and solar lab, a rocket ship challenge, and a science dome planetarium.

La Lune: The Astronomer’s Story - find out why the town is filled with stars, what has happened to put Macclesfield in such peril, and how you can help the astronomer with his quest. This is a 45 minute experience suitable for adults and

children, find out more at www.lalune.org.uk

A Cartoon History of Here, with Ian McMillan and Tony Husband – comedy, cartoonery, poetry and improv! A fast-flowing, interactive adventure with draws on local stories and legends set in Macclesfield’s hidden 17th century Unitarian Chapel, suitable for all ages. Tickets are available to purchase online.

More information, announcements, and tickets for individual events can be found at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk

maccleSField BarnaBy FeStival 17-26 June 2016

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during April & May

sATURdAY 9 APRiL Northern Chamber Orchestra: NCO Soloists. Winds of Change, including Mozart, Françaix and Schubert.Tickets: £16/£13; £7 students; 18s & under free (adjacent free parking) From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop Heritage Centre & on the door. www.ncorch.co.uk

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

sATURdAY 9 APRiL – sUndAY 3 JULYSomething Borrowed, Something Blue: Wonderful Wedding Outfits. Discover this fabulous selection of wedding dresses and trousseau from the museum collections illustrated with photographs of local couples on their big day.

Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield

TUesdAY 12 APRiLEast Cheshire NT Lecture - ‘North West Air Ambulance Service’ Speaker Victor Crawford

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

TUesdAY 12 APRiLWilmslow Decorative and Fine Arts Society (Nadfas. Fascinating World of Playing Cards by Yasha Beresiner. All are welcome.

Wilmslow Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow SK9 4AA 7.30pm

TUes 12 TO sAT 16 APRiL Heald Green Theatre Company presents ‘Do We Ever See Grace?’ by Noel Greig. A darkly comic circus show poses the question, have we simply forgotten how to care? This is no grim piece of realism, but an urgent and unflinching play of anger and ideas. Book your tickets at www.hgtc.org.uk or 0161 436 5000 (Tickets £8)

Heald Green Theatre (next to Gatley Golf Course), Motcombe Grove SK8 3TW

WednesdAY 13 APRiLCraft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

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

WednesdAY 13 APRiLFriends’ Quiz Night. Back by popular demand. Refreshments included. £4/£3 members, pay on the door. The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

WednesdAY 13 APRiLWilmslow Historical Society. John Hooley will give an illustrated presentation on “The Royal Train and its Passengers”. He will cover the history of the trains and the six monarchs who used it from 1842 to the present day. Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and biscuits included. Tel 01625 529178.

St Bartholomew’s Parish Hall, Chancel Lane, Cliff Road, Wilmslow SK9 4AA, from 7.15pm

THURsdAY 14 APRiLTap Tap Theatre at Macclesfield Library presents: Captain Morgan and The Sands of Time Two actors. Forty-four characters - all the monsters, sword fights and shivered timbers you would expect from a Hollywood blockbuster, delivered by two actors and one multi-instrumentalist. Tickets: £5 to £10 Family Ticket: £20 Discounts for Library Card Holders. (01625) 374000.

Macclesfield Library, Jordangate, Macclesfield SK10 1EE 7.30pm

sATURdAY 16 APRiLPrestbury Choral Society performs Handel’s Israel in Egypt, a highly entertaining tour de force produced for an opera audience in 1739. For more information please call our secretary on 01625 262249.

St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow 7.30pm

MOndAY 18 APRiLEast Cheshire Alpine Garden Society Local Group. AGM, Mini Show and Member’s Talk, visitors £4. Wilmslow Preparatory School 7.30pm for 7.45pm start

TUe 19 TO sAT 23 APRiLJoin Woodford Players for a hilarious ride on the Titfield Thunderbolt.Tickets are available via the Woodford Players website just click on the Ticket source icon (no booking fee) or by phone on 0333 666 3366 ( booking fee of £1.50 ). We look forward to making it a journey that you will never forget! Woodford Community Centre 7.30pm

Inside Guide

Compiled by Claire Hawkere: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

Continued over...

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WednesdAY 20 APRiLLunchtime Concert with Elliot Gresty/clarinet and Russell Lomas/piano. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12 noon. For further information telephone 01625 586713

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

sATURdAY 23 APRiL100th Alderley Edge Festival ‘Grand Celebratory Concert’ Tickets, available in advance only, are £12.50 for adults, £6.50 for children. For further information and to purchase tickets call Gabrielle on 01625 582 100.

Festival Hall. Doors 6.15 for 7pm start.

sATURdAY 23 APRiL Capriccio Vocal Ensemble, conductor David Walsh, presents a varied programme of popular choral music: All in the April Evening, with guest pianist Roderick Barrand from the Royal Northern College of Music. All proceeds will be donated to the Macclesfield Branch of Arthritis Research UK.

Tickets: £10 under 18s free. Tickets and further information from: 01625 873491, 01625 263558, Macclesfield Visitor Information Centre or on the door.

United Reformed Church, Park Green, Macclesfield 7.30pm to 9.30pm

sATURdAY 23 APRiLSt George’s Singers present Sounds and Sweet Airs, a programme of music and song spanning four centuries to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. With soprano Ella Taylor and lutenist James Akers. Tickets £12, £10 concession, £2 students and children.

Email tickets@st-georges-singers.org.uk or phone 01663 764012, or book and pay online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

St George’s Church, Poynton 7.30pm

sATURdAY 23 APRiLChristian Relief Uganda 20th Anniversary Celebrations! Come along and experience a taste of Africa, live music from singer songwriter Seiyéfa & African Band, and also Julie Parker. African crafts flown in from Uganda available to purchase on the night. Raising vital funds to ensure continuation of care and education of Uganda’s poorest children. Limited seating – please book asap. Tickets £10 each, free parking. Contact Rhona on 01625 618 319 or rhona_cru@talktalk.net

Tytherington Family Worship Church, doors open 7pm concert starts 7.30pm

sATURdAY 23 APRiLThe Laurence Singers present their annual spring concert - ‘GLORIOUS!’ Come and hear all your favourite sacred, choral pieces sung in a beautiful setting. Tickets £9 (£8 conc) available on the door or call 0161 439 4293 or 0161 928 2769, or email enquiries@thelaurencesingers.co.uk

Wilmslow United Reformed Church 7.30pm

sATURdAY 23 APRiL Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra ‘St George’s Day Concert’ Elgar : Cockaigne Overture, Vaughan Williams : Fantasia on Greensleeves, Elgar : Pomp and Circumstance March No.5, arr.Thomason : Rule, Britannia!, Elgar : Symphony No.1. Tickets £12, £10 Concessions, £2 Under 12’s.

Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm

WednesdAY 27 APRiLWilmslow Guild Flower Club ‘The Gift’ Jonathan Moseley, National Demonstrator/BBC Presenter

Visitors are most welcome but are limited to two visits per Guild year at £6 (special events extra). Contact, Linda Cocker on 0161 440 0704, see also our listing at NAFAS Cheshire www.nafascheshire.org.uk

Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow 1.45pm

WednesdAY 27 APRiLCraft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

WednesdAY 27 APRiLWilmslow U3A. Graeme & Naomi Simister – Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

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

THURsdAY 28 APRiLEast Cheshire NT Lecture - ‘Urban Wildlife’ Speaker Brian Hallworth. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

THURsdAY 28 APRiL Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society is holding an illustrated talk on ‘British Bats’, by Tony Parker. Come and learn about these fascinating, protected creatures. Visitors are welcome (£4).

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.45pm

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FRidAY 6 MAY Heald Green Theatre Company hold open bars on the first Friday of the month. To date we have done Beetle drive, Bingo and Dog racing game. All funds raised behind bar in aid of your local community theatre. Entry FREE. Check out our web site www.hgtc.org.uk or phone Jackie on 07896600710

Heald Green Theatre (next to Gatley Golf club, Motcombe Grove, SK8 3TW) 7.30pm

sATURdAY 7 MAYCraft Fair. Browse and buy a variety of locally made products. Free Entry. The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 10am to 4pm

sAT 7 TO sAT 14 MAYWilmslow Green Room Theatre presents ‘Quartet’ by Ronald Harwood, directed by Hamish Lawson.

For further information please visit www.wgrsoc.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01625 540 933

sUndAY 8 MAYPlant Hunters’ Fair. Half price entry to the Gardens & Plant Fair £3. Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4LF 10.30am to 4pm

WednesdAY 11 MAYCraft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested. Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

WednesdAY 11 MAYWilmslow Historical Society. Following a short AGM, George Eccleston will give a presentation on Mary Queen of Scots - the Captive Queen. This is the concluding part of the talk he gave at last year’s AGM. Visitors welcome £3, tea/coffee and cake included. Tel 01625 529178

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

sATURdAY 14 MAYAlderley Edge May Fair Dance with The Swing Commanders (Europe’s No. 1 Western Swing Band) with GI Jive as the Host DJ. Dancing is varied from ballroom, latin, jive, barn dance and other fun dances. Fun for all. Licensed Bar - Tickets £15 (to include light bites). Tel: 01625 585600 or 01625 585802.

The Festival Hall, Talbot Road, SK9 7HR from 7.30pm until midnight

sATURdAY 14 MAY Northern Chamber Orchestra with Craig Ogden, guitar. Season Finale - Springtime in Italy, including Corelli, Puccini, Vivaldi and more. Tickets: £16 / £13; £7 students; 18s & under free (adjacent free parking) From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop Heritage Centre & ON THE DOOR www.ncorch.co.uk

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

WednesdAY 18 MAYLunchtime Concert with Students from Chetham’s School of Music Manchester. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12 noon. For further information telephone 01625 586713

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

sATURdAY 21 MAYAlderley Edge May Fair - Parade through the village at 11am leading to the park where there will be food, drink, entertainment, stalls, etc. until 5pm. Admission free. Also free parking on the football field on Chorley Hall Lane. Alderley Edge Park 11am to 5pm

sATURdAY 21 MAYBarnby Choir Wilmslow, Elgar: The Music Makers, Borodin: Polovtsian Dances, Stanford: Songs of the Fleet Tickets £12, £10(Concessions), £5(Students) available in advance 07810 517464 or on the door.

For further information please visit the website: www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk

St Bartholomews Church Wilmslow 7.30pm

sATURdAY 21 MAYStitch and Craftsmanship in Cheshire – The Chelford & North Cheshire Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition & Textile Fair. Highlighting the exciting world of modern textiles and stitch plus traders’ stalls, workshops and refreshments. Admission £4. Enquiries 01625 858172 workshop bookings 01625 860484 www.chelfordstitchers.blogspot.co.uk

Chelford Village Hall, SK11 9AS from 10am to 4pm

WednesdAY 25 MAYWilmslow Guild Flower Club ‘Variations on a Theme’ with Patti Dawson. Visitors are most welcome but are limited to two visits per Guild year at £6 (special events extra). Contact Linda Cocker on 0161 440 0704, see also our listing at NAFAS Cheshire www.nafascheshire.org.uk

Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow 1.45pm

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WednesdAY 25 MAY Craft and Chatter. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

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

WednesdAY 25 MAYWilmslow U3A. Brian Daley - The Victoria Cross

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

iNside guide

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Thursday 12 MayTel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Don’t forget!

Giving You back the Time in Your Life.

Once upon a time, there was the corner shop, the rag and bone man, the horse-drawn milk cart, the occasional motor car, the Saturday night dance… and if you were lucky, a rather dull job on the days in between. Our daily lives progressed at a very leisurely pace and there was almost too much time to fill. But, golly, how things have changed!

The car, the plane, the computer, the internet and the wealth of social and leisure activities accessible to all ages have revolutionised the way we live. At the same time, medical advances and increased knowledge mean that we are also living longer. Whatever our age, our expectations are high. If we’re young, we are busy, busy… confronted with an infinite amount of choice in

every aspect of our lives. Manging our time, our health and our resources has become something of an art form as we try to keep all those balls in the air. If we are older, we have different priorities, but we still seek fulfilment and enjoyment. For everyone, spending time wisely is an important goal.

For these reasons, more and more people are delegating to others jobs that they used to do themselves. Cleaning, ironing, gardening and general support around the home are typical examples. But this delegation only works if the job is done well. So, at Diamond Home Support, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Amongst our customers you will find busy executives, the elderly, mothers-to-be and estate agents – all expecting the highest quality standards. And that’s why we’re looking for special people to carry out the roles we are advertising below.

If you have relevant experience, take pride in your work and can supply acceptable references we would love to hear from you. Even if you have just a few hours to spare!

diamond home Support

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ALdeRLeY edGe CHURCHes

Methodist Church 01625 873407/583337

Methodist Church Office 01625 586713

St Mary’s Church with Birtles 01625 585440

St Philip’s Church (Vicarage) 01625 583249

St Philip’s Parish Office 01625 581477

St Pius X Church 01625 582386

WiLMsLOW CHURCHes

Methodist Church, Wilmslow 01625 528892

St Ann’s C of E Church 01625 520309

St Bartholomew’s Parish Church 01625 520309

St Chad’s Handforth 01625 532145

St John’s Lindow 01625 583251

St Mary’s Methodist Handforth 01625 528892

St Teresa’s RC Church 01625 523384

St Benedict’s RC Church 01625 522776

Wilmslow United Reformed Church 01625 532600

Quaker Meeting House 07974 997798

Dean Row Unitarian Chapel 01625 403509

dOCTORs/MediCAL CenTRes

Alderley Edge Medical Practice 01625 584545

Wilmslow Health Centre 01625 548555

Handforth Health Centre 01625 529421

Kenmore Medical Centre 01625 532244

Hulme Hall Medical Group 0161 426 5844

FiRe seRViCe (nOn-eMeRGenCY)

Wilmslow Fire Station 01625 524066

HOsPiTALs

Macclesfield Hospital 01625 421000

NHS Non-Emergency 111

HeLPLines

Citizens Advice Bureau (Macclesfield) 01625 432847

LeisURe CenTRes

Wilmslow Leisure Centre 01625 533789

Macclesfield Leisure Centre 01625 615602

LiBRARies

Alderley Edge Library 01625 374030

Macclesfield Library 01625 615602

Wilmslow Library 01625 374060

LOCAL GOVeRnMenT

E. Cheshire Council Info Services 0300 1235500

Macclesfield Borough

Neighbourhood Wardens 01625 504791

POLiCe (nOn-eMeRGenCY)

(non-emergency) 101

POsT OFFiCes

Alderley Edge Post Office 01625 599655

Handforth Post Office 01625 522946

Wilmslow Post Office 01625 524036

ALdeRLeY edGe sCHOOLs

Alderley Edge Pre-School Playgroup 01625 599300

The Ryleys School 01625 583241

Alderley Edge Primary School 01625 383262

Nether Alderley Primary School 01625 583282

Mottram St Andrew Primary 01625 829035

Alderley Edge School for Girls 01625 583028

WiLMsLOW sCHOOLs

Ashdene Primary 01625 383232

Dean Oaks Primary 01625 383333

Gorsey Bank Primary 01625 383020

Lacey Green Primary 01625 525157

Lindow Primary 01625 582555

Pownall Hall School 01625 523141

St Anne’s Fulshaw 01625 523536

St Benedicts Catholic Primary 01625 520207

Styal Primary 01625 383253

Wilmslow Grange Primary 01625 526566

Wilmslow High School 01625 526191

Wilmslow Preparatory School 01625 524246

TRAVeL

Bus Information 0300 125 5020 option 4

Train Information 0845 748 4950

Manchester Airport 0161 489 3000

UTiLiTies

Electricity – Power Loss 0800 195 4141

Gas – Emergency 0800 111 999

Water Mains 0845 746 2200

Environment Agency Floodline 0845 988 1188

Useful Numbers

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Classified IndexAdULT edUCATiOnThe Cheadle & Marple Adult College Inside Back

BUiLdeRsJS Services 39S.P. Lee & Co 25Whitehall Builders Ltd 40

BUiLdinG sOCieTiesVernon Building Society 22

CAR RePAiRsScratches & Scrapes 25

CARds & GiFTsLozziwoo 26

CARe seRViCesAlice Chilton In-Home Care Services 46

CLeAninG Diamond Home Support 49Wild About Cleaning 9

deCORATORsSpring Decorating 46Steve White 40

deLiCATessensThe Cheshire Smokehouse 37

denTAL CLiniCsTrinity House Dental Care 6

dRAinAGePure Clean Drainage Solutions 52

dRiVeWAYsBluechip Cleaning Solutions 27

edUCATiOnGreenbank Preparatory School 31Ladybarn House Primary School 32

eLeCTRiCiAnsG.P.Green Ltd 16

esTATe & LeTTinG AGenTsMosley Jarman Back Cover

GARAGe dOORsCarrington Doors 36

GARden nURseRiesTurners Nursery 12

GUTTeRsBluechip Cleaning Solutions 27

HeALTH And FiTnessLindow Tennis Club 9Jules Hardman Pilates 21

HOMe iMPROVeMenT & PROPeRTY MAinTenAnCeF.T.W Services 40

HOMe seRViCesDiamond Home Support 49

inTeRiOR desiGnBrook Farm Interiors 15

JOineRYBrookeswood Architectural Joinery 25

KiTCHensMatt Finish 41Simplicity Granite 11

LAWn CAReGreensleeves 5Greenthumb Inside FrontJigsaw Lawn Care 21Lawnkeeper Limited 51

LOFT LAddeRsMore Than Loft Ladders 51

OVen CLeAninGEcodazzle 21Stockport Oven Cleaning 36

PHOTOGRAPHYRichard Jackson Photography 26

PLUMBinG & HeATinGASM Gas, Heating, Plumbing 50G.P.Green Ltd 16

PUBs & ResTAURAnTsThe Coach & Four 47Tom Yam 48

seCURiTYFalcon Security 50

sOFT FURnisHinGsThe Hemming Room 9

sOLiCiTORsSlater & Gordon 35

TRee seRViCes Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services Ltd 40

WeBsiTesBuzz Web Consultancy 26

WindOW CLeAninGCavendish Window Cleaning 21

WindOW & COnseRVATORY RePAiRsThe Window Repair Centre 42

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