SK Bramhall & Woodford July 2024

Welcome to SK Bramhall & Woodford

Welcome to the July/August issue of SKBramhall & Woodford. I am delighted to be introducing the magazine this month as your new editor. As Simon mentioned in the last issue I have recently moved back to the area and am enjoying seeing how things have changed. One thing I am really impressed with is how many wonderful local events there are to keep you busy! If you are planning an event and would like us to spread the word, please do not hesitate to drop me an e-mail with the details. I have now got a handy form you can complete.

If you receive the magazines in time, remember it is the Bramhall Festival on Saturday 29 June, we have details on page 16.

This month we would like to introduce you to Oliver the Incredible! Find out more about Oliver’s story and how you can help him fundraise on page 18.

If you are considering buying an electric car (I have got one!), then Financial Matters on page 20 is a must.

Whilst we do our best to print all the local events, we sometimes receive them too late to print. So why not follow us on Instagram @skmagazines and keep up to date after the magazines are out.

See you next time.

Angela

Editorial: Angela Burgess E: angela@skmagazines.co.uk

Simon Hemsley SK Magazines

T: 07952 005518 E: simon@skmagazines.co.uk W: www.skmagazines.co.uk

This month

Under the Hammer page 28

Contents

Welcome - Page 3

Events - Pages 5, 6, 8 ,10, & 16

Garden Talk – Page 12

Food & Drink – Page 14

Charity News – Page 18

Financial Matters – Page 20

Children’s Activities = Page 23,24

Interior Design – Page 26

Under the Hammer – Page 28

Community News – Page 30

Mind Matters – Page 32

Community Care – Page 34

Health & Wellbeing – Page 36

Community Index – Page 38

Wellbeing Pilates – Page 40

Ad Index - Page 42

To advertise in SKBramhall & Woodford please contact Simon Hemsley on 07952 005518 or e-mail simon@skmagazines.co.uk for further information.

SKCheadle Hulme & Cheadle: September Deadline: August / September 2024 issues is 10th July

SKBramhall & Woodford and SKWimslow & Alderley Edge September / October 2024 issues is 10th August

(please allow two extra days for ad design). Printed by Stephens & George ©SK Magazines. All rights reserved. No reproduction can be made without permission.

EVERY MONDAY: THE LINDOW SINGERS

Wilmslow Academy Primary School, Handforth Road, Handforth 7:30pm. For more information contact Ann Epton, on 0161 485 2231 or Email Harry.Epton@ntlworld.com or visit https://www. lindowsingers.org.uk/

EVERY MONDAY:

BRAMHALL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

75th Anniversary Season. Presentations, Workshop’s, Competitions. 7.15pm. Bramhall Village Centre, Lumb Lane. New members welcome. Email: info.bramhallps@gmail.com www.bramhallps.org

EVERY MONDAY: THE ROBINS SINGERS

All welcome, we are a sociable mixed voice choir and sing all genres of music. 7.30pm - 9pm Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, SK7 2PE Contact sec.robinssingers@gmail.com Or Michelle on 07765238877

EVERY MONDAY AFTERNOON AT 2 PM:  ART AND CRAFT GROUP AT BRAMHALL METHODIST CHURCH

Call the Church Office for information 0161 439 1204

LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH: GATLEY & CHEADLE DIABETES GROUP

Contact Jean 0161 485 1628.

EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY OVER 60’S MEN’S KEEP FIT

Contact John on 01625 877549 or Graham on 0161 483 7631

EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY: CHEADLE HULME FITNESS

Contact Penny on 0161 440 8059 or Email mail@cheadlehulmefitness.org.uk

EVERY FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH: THE TREFOIL GUILD

Further details from Secretary.BramhallTG@gmail. com or 07887 950298.

EVERY TUESDAY (TERM TIME ONLY): BROOKDALE YOUTH THEATRE

Email BrookdaleYT@outlook.com

EVERY TUESDAY: HEALD GREEN COMMUNITY CHOIR

For fun and friendship at 10-11:30 am, term time St Catherine’s church, Outwood Road. contact Kate 07794 050591www.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com

EVERY TUESDAY: DEAN ROW SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB

We are a small, friendly club playing duplicate bridge. Come and make new friends. 1st 3 sessions are free including refreshments. Meeting at Dean Row Village Hall 1.30pm -4.30pm. Contact, Carolyn at deanrowsocialbridgeclub@gmail.com or 0161 941 3686

EVERY TUESDAY: THE BARNBY CHOIR 8PM TIL 9.45PM AT WILMSLOW METHODIST

CHURCH, WATER LAND, WILMSLOW SK9 5AR

Contact Shan Bristow 01625 520194 or email shan@shanbristow.co.uk www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk

EVERY TUESDAY: MACCLESFIELD LIGHT ORCHESTRA

Do you play a musical instrument? We always keen to attract new members, especially string and brass players. If you enjoy playing music and would like to join a friendly orchestra, please contact: Rosemary Jones 01625 529313 or Lawrence Beard 01625 572324. 7.45 pm in the Salvation Army Rooms, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6UT. www.macclesfieldlightorchestra.co.uk

EVERY TUESDAY: MAGIC VOICES CHEADLE

Meet at 7.45pm Trinity Church Hall, Massie Street, Cheadle SK8 1DU We are a non-audition, open choir. Contact Mike at mike@magicvoices.co.uk

EVERY FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: BRAMHALL & WOODFORD SEWING & CRAFT CIRCLE

Contact Karen on 07860 458260.

EVERY TUESDAY:

BRAMHALL WORLD CIRCLE DANCE GROUP

Contact us through web site www.bramhallcircledance.wordpress.com or ring 07713 681439. First session free with SK booklet.

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: JAZZ AND SWING

The Morley Green Club, Mobberley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 5NT Details (01625) 528336 www.grahambrookjazz.co.uk

EVERY TUESDAY:

DEAN ROW SOCIAL BRIDGE CLUB

We are a small, friendly club playing duplicate bridge. Come and make new friends. 1st 3 sessions are free including refreshments. Meeting at Dean Row Village Hall 1.30pm -4.30pm. Contact, Carolyn at deanrowsocialbridgeclub@gmail.com or 0161 941 3686

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY: THE DAY CENTRE - FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Provides activities and a freshly cooked 2 course lunch.  Transport could  be provided.  Contact Jane on  07706796471. Grove Lane Baptist Church from 10.30 -2.30pm

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: CHESHIRE LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB, Delicious lunch at Bramhall Golf Club , Ladythorn Rd. Interesting speaker and friendly company. Contact Lesley Cox 07534471782

EVERY SECOND & FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: STOCKPORT SYMPHONIC SOUNDS

Contact Liz Pennington on 0161 439 7484

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY EVERY MONTH: KNIT AND KNATTER GROUP

Contact Jean on 0161 439 8241.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: TODDLERS

Contact 0161 485 1605 for details.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: POWNALL PROBEX CLUB Email pownallprobexclub.org.uk

EVERY WEDNESDAYS: (DURING TERM TIME) COMMUNITY CAFÉ open 9am-2pm serving breakfast and lunches. All Hallows Church, allhallows.cheadle@gmail.com Tel: 0161 428 9121   Mon, Wed, Fri 9.00-1.00 www.allhallows-church.org.uk

EVERY WEDNESDAY: LINE DANCING AT BROOKDALE CLUB

Bridge Lane, Bramhall at 1.45pm. Details contact Jean 0161 439 8241

EVERY WEDNESDAY: STOCKPORT BARBERSHOP CHORUS

We sing as Harmony Revival and rehearse at 7.30 each Wednesday evening at Wesley Street Methodist Church in Hazel Grove and can be contacted via our website - harmonyrevival.co.uk, or by email to info@harmonyrevival.co.uk.

EVERY WEDNESDAY: THE LAURENCE SINGERS

Email: enquiries@thelaurencesingers.org.uk or call Cliff on 01625 527204 or visit www.thelaurencesingers.org.uk

EVERY WEDNESDAY: STOCKPORT ART GUILD

Art Session (varied) Stockport Quaker Meeting House 7pm www.stockportartguild.com - contact @stockportartguild.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC

Email info@stockportcommunitychoir.org.uk or ring Phil on 07771 730 810.

EVERY WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH –PARKINSON’S UK – STOCKPORT BRANCH

Check out our web page www.parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups/ regions/stockport-branch for a full list of our programme.

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY: STOCKPORT SPEAKERS CLUB

Do you have a fear of speaking in front of a crowd? Can’t put your point across in a group? Or maybe you’re already a confident speaker? Stockport Speakers Club can offer you an environment to practice and improve your speaking skills. We meet every fortnight at Hazel Grove Bowling and Tennis Club. Contact Tony Johnston 07809471402

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH: OPEN MIC NIGHT

Instrumentalists/vocalists it’s your time to shine! Hazel Grove Bowling and Tennis Club  Douglas Road Hazel Grove SK7 4JG. To book a slot contact Tony Johnston 07809471402 Email tjohnston218@gmail.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING, POWNALL PROBEX, CHEADLE

We meet at 9.30 am for coffee and biscuits before beginning the meeting at 10.00 am at the Cheshire Line Tavern, Cheadle, SK8 2NZ for a convivial gathering involving a different, lively speaker each week - plus excellent hospitality in the bar afterwards and a lunch at the end of every month. Please see pownallprobexclub.org. uk for further details and contacts.

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH: THE ART SOCIETY NORTH EAST CHESHIRE

Talks start at 10.30am at Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall. Contact Maggie on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY: STOCKPORT LADIES SPEAKERS

For more information go to www.stockportladiesspeakers.co.uk or email sixdennett@aol.com

EVERY THURSDAY (TERM TIME)

Aspire Ballet introducing RAD Silver Swans® Adult Ballet Classes Starting Thursday 2nd May, 11am, St. Michael and All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall, SK7 2PG. Contact Helen 07800 721124 or email info@aspireballet.co.uk

EVERY THURSDAY: BRAMHALL THURSDAY CLUB

Contact Carol Sargent

g.davidsargent@btinternet.com, 0161 439 1779 or Facebook page, Bramhall Thursday Club.

EVERY THURSDAY: BRAMHALL COMMUNITY CHOIR+

An advanced a cappella group. Thursday 11am12pm term time, Bramhall URC. contact Kate 07794 050591www.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com

Bankswood Treecare is a friendly run business based in the SK area.

We have £5 million public liability insurance and all our work is carried in accordance with guidelines set out in the British Standards for tree works (BS3998).

We follow strict guidelines in relation to birds nesting and roosting or hibernating bats as well as other wildlife, we will liaise with the appropriate authorities if the need arises.

You can be sure that we will not harm or damage the surroundings as we work with complete respect for the environment and the trees themselves. Contact an experienced tree surgeon if you want a quotation, consultation or even advice.

Email: gareth.treecare@yahoo.com • www.bankswood-treecare.co.uk

Office Hours: Mon-Sun 7:00AM - 19:00PM

We have the expertise you need. We have extensive knowledge about how to care for trees. If you want a reliable tree surgeon we are ready to help you. We have excellent service at affordable prices.

For a free quote or consultation, or even if you are just looking for some advice on any aspect of our tree surgery services:

n Tree Felling - Free Estimates

n Small & Large Conifers

n Crown Reduction & Thinning

n Stump Grinding

n Hedge Trimming & Shaping

n All Waste Removed

n Tree Assessments and Reports Rhodeswood Cottage, Tintwistle, Glossop Derbyshire, SK13 1HT Call us on 01457 863 587 or 07823

EVERY THURSDAY: QUIZ NIGHT AT THE JOLLY SAILOR

Free entry and prizes to be won from 9pm. 218 Bramhall Lane, Stockport. SK3 8TE.

EVERY THIRD THURSDAY: BRAMHALL U3A MONTHLY MEETING. Sharing Knowledge. Developing Interests. Making Friends.

We have around 50 stimulating groups for people no longer in full time employment. From arts and crafts, languages, music, walking, history, card and board games to social activities, discussions, theatre visits and more – there’s something for everyone. www.bramhallu3a.org. uk or email enquiries@bramhallu3a.org.uk  for more information. Come and join us.

EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY: PROBUS CLUB OF STOCKPORT SOUTH contact Chris Ward 0161 483 5174 or email: chrisward@vistech.plus.com. Contact Elaine Noden 0161 355 1459.

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: WOODFORD WI

Contact Cheshire Federation of WIs at www.cheshirewi.org.uk or call 01244 347462

EVERY THURSDAY: MODERN LINE DANCE CLASS 1.30 to 3pm at Bramhall Methodist Church, £4 each, Everyone welcome, contact Ann Robinson 07855015365

EVERY THURSDAY: STOCKPORT ART GUILD

Life Drawing. Stockport Art Gallery 7pm www.stockportartguild.comcontact@stockportartguild.com

EVERY THURSDAY: CRYSTAL CHORDS

We are an award winning women’s 4-part Capella chorus based in Stockport. We rehearse at 7.30-10pm at the Stockport Guildhall, 169-171 Wellington Road South, Stockport. New members are always welcome. Contact Laura at enquiries@ crystalchords.org.uk for more details or see us on Facebook or Instagram - Crystal_Chords

EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS

EACH MONTH LINK WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP AT BRAMHALL METHODIST CHURCH AT 2.30 PM

Call the Church Office for information 0161 439 1204

THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH (EX SEPTEMBER):

Contact Jean Tudge 0161 487 1324

EVERY THURSDAY: LADYBROOK SINGERS

A friendly choir singing a varied upper voice repertoire. Thursday 7.30-9.45 Norbury Parish Church, Narthex SK7 4RF www.ladybrooksingers.com email: ladybrooksingers@gmail.com

EVERY 1/2/3/4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH (EXCEPT DECEMBER): PHD PATCHERS

PATCHWORK AND QUILTING CLUB

Contact: 07761 447063.

EVERY 4TH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER): RETIRED TEACHERS CLUB

Contacted on 0161 4398794. SK8 7AA. Call 0161 486 9226.

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH: SOCIAL NIGHT AT ALL HALLOWS

Play pool, table tennis or just call in for a chat from 7.30pm until 9pm. All Hallows Church, Cheadle. www.allhollows-church.org.uk

EVERY FRIDAY:  WOODFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE BRIDGE CLUB

Contact Judith Fletcher on 0161 439 5310.

EVERY FRIDAY: ST ANN’S HOSPICE FESTIVAL CHOIR

We are looking for new members. We rehearse on Fridays 7.15 – 9.30pm at Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church. We rehearse for 8 weeks prior to each concert. If you’d like to sing with our choir, send a message to hospicechoir@aol.co.uk

FIRST AND 3RD FRIDAY EACH MONTH:

STOCKPORT AND DISTRICT SOCIETY OF MODEL ENGINEERS

Meet at 7:30pm, at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Outwood Road, Heald Green. SK8 3QJ, for talks and discussions. If you are interested in model engineering whether experienced or a beginner contact us at info@stockportmodelengineers.co.uk

SHOWROOM: Hor ton Street, Higher Hillgate, Stockpor t SK 3LR

Open: Monday-Friday 9am - 4.30pm Saturday by appointment

SPRING IS HERE! Garden Talk

At last - Spring is here with flowers on every corner. Now is a great time to look at the health of our plants and to begin feeding them. We all need feeding to keep in good health and that goes for our plants too. It doesn’t make the most stimulating article, when I talk about numbers and letters on the back of chemical bottles, but if you can bear to read on, you will learn possibly the most important lesson in gardening! Promise. All plants will be improved during the growing season with some stimulating plant food but with such a huge range of products available, which one do you choose? If you take a look at the back of any fertiliser packaging, there will be three numbers, usually written as 4-3-8 or 6-6-6. The first number is the sequence is food for leaves, plants such as Hosta and a boost to the leaves of shrubs. The second number is food for roots, if you have poor soil or a boost to newly established plants and the third number is food for flowers, summer roses, hanging baskets, any plant where you want more flowers. It is always written this way and every fertiliser product will have these numbers on the back of the packet . All you need to decide is, are you feeding green leafy plants or do you want to feed flowers. 4-3-8 will feed flowers because

the highest number is eight. 6-6-6 is a balanced feed and 10-4-8 will feed the leaves. If you randomly buy fertiliser without looking at the numbers, you could be feeding the leaves when you want to feed the flowers. So don’t worry about the company that produces the feed, look at the numbers on the back and you decide the strength and what you want to feed.

My second tip is to use rainwater when possible. Rainwater contains many essential nutrients and most are beneficial to plant growth, unlike tap water which has had these nutrients removed for human consumption nothing desirable to plants in tap water. When it rains, catch some rainwater and give it to your house plants, you will soon see a difference. And if you have space for a water butt, go for it - your plants will thank you.

If you have made it this far, great, you have learnt a valuable gardening lesson. Next month, I’ll go back to flowers!

Happy Gardening!

Kevin Pratt Home Garden Consultation. With 40 years’ experience, Kevin advises on planting, design and pruning with a visit to your garden. www.gardenconsultation.co.uk info@kevinpratt.co.uk

Financial news and guidance from our Chartered Financial Planner Shaz Khan.

Contact: 01530 567020 or 07890 554146

WHAT COULD THIS ELECTION YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR INVESTORS?

Some 64 countries are due to hold elections this year representing over half of the global population and, in economic terms, half of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

Depending on the outcomes, some of these elections carry significant global implications, influencing not only the geopolitical landscape but also impacting global and regional investment markets.

What are the investment implications?

Election years typically increase uncertainty and speculation. A change in a country's leadership or policy direction can affect everything from its stock market to commodity prices, influencing investor sentiment worldwide.

For the UK, elections in countries such as India, Brazil, and even the European Union, could have wide-reaching implications, and the results will be important in terms of supply chains, access to commodities and trade policies. With 70% of revenues earned by FTSE 100 listed companies derived overseas, domestic shareholders will be keeping a close eye on global election results.

A rematch?

As the world's largest economy, the US sets the tone for global economic policies regarding trade, regulation, and fiscal stimulus.

Democratic presidents are usually better for the US economy, and investment returns in general, but given his low approval rating, the re-election of President Joe Biden is far from certain. The race is unlikely to be a straight line, and an election victory for Trump, despite numerous legal issues, could cause ripples worldwide as investors work out the likely implications for the US and the rest of the world.

What should investors be thinking about?

Uncertainty about election outcomes and the potential for policy changes often lead to short-term fluctuations in asset prices but there's no reason to be overly concerned about how an election year could affect your investment over the longer term. It's important not to be distracted by short-term 'noise! The best way to prepare for potential market volatility is to have a well-diversified investment portfolio that is aligned with your long-term financial objectives and managed to meet your personal financial goals. For a free review of your current financial situation please contact Shaz Khan on 01530 567020 or 07890 554146.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

Summer 2024 Recipe

This is something I made the other day and it really went down well. As I write this summer has just begun but it’s ffffreezing! I hope you can make the lamb on the BBQ when you do it but I pan fried it – I’m nesh!

Lamb steaks with preserved lemon – for 6

12 thin lamb steaks (from the leg)

6 garlic cloves

50g coriander (stalks too)

8 preserved lemons deseeded

1 tablespoon black pepper coarsely ground

5 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt flakes – a good pinch

Put everything apart from the lamb into a processor and blitz then pour this over the lamb steaks and marinade for at least an hour. Bring them up to room temperature before either grilling on the bbq or frying for about 6 mins each side. Leave them to rest for a few mins before serving.

Green rice

50g coriander (stalks too)

6 cloves garlic

6 lime leaves cut up roughly Zest and juice of 1 lime

750ml cold water

2 heaped tsp coriander seeds

2 heaped tsp mustard seeds

Olive oil

500g basmati rice

75g unsalted butter

Sea salt

Put the first 4 ingredients into a processor and blitz then add some of the water to make a paste before adding the rest and mixing. In a large saute pan with a lid dry fry the spices until aromatic and browning a little. Drizzle in some olive oil and stir in the rice coating it in all the oil and spice mixture. Add the butter and when its melted pour in the herby liquid, season with the salt, stir and them cover and simmer for 20 – 25 mins until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked. Fluff the rice before serving.

These go really well with some hummus and a lovely salad or fried aubergines.

Enjoy.

EVERY FRIDAY: BRAMHALL COMMUNITY CHOIR

For fun and friendship 2pm-3.30pm term time at Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist, also Fridays 12pm-1pm term time at Bramhall URC. Bramhall Beginners’ Choir.  Learn how to sing and build your confidence. contact Kate 07794 050591www.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com

EVERY FRIDAY: MINDFULNESS FOR WELLBEING

All Saints Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme. 12 - 1pm.More info from Katie Sheen www.soulnutrition.org, katie@soulnutrition.org  Tel: 07703 342 781

EVERY SATURDAY: STOCKPORT ART GUILD

Portraiture. Stockport Art Gallery 10.30am www.stockportartguild.comcontact@stockportartguild.com

EVERY SUNDAY: BRAMHALL BAPTIST CHURCH MORNING SERVICE

For more details www.bramhallbaptist.co.uk or call 0161 440 9091

EVERY SUNDAY: “HUNGRY FOR HELP”

Contact Suzi: 07876 152 630. www.oagb.org.uk

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: THE BROOKDALE CLUB QUIZ NIGHT

Contact Roger Salt on 0161 439 0371.

PLEASE CHECK MEETING IS ON BEFORE ATTENDING

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE: BRAMHALL FESTIVAL

As we are going to print the Bramhall Together Trust were just putting the final bits together for this year’s festival. For more information check out their website www.bramhalltogethertrust.com or the “We Love Bramhall” Facebook page.

SUNDAY 30TH JUNE: CHARITY MATCH AT MOUNTFIELD ROVERS

Full details can be found on page 18.

FRIDAY 26TH JULY:

CHEADLE HULME GARDEN SOCIETY

An afternoon of light choral music, with refreshments incl. tea/coffee and cake.From 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church, Short Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4AD           Tickets £10 incl. refreshments.

Contact: 0161 485 6642

SATURDAY 25TH MAYCHEADLE HULME GARDENING SOCIETY

We are holding a ‘Social Evening and Plant Swop’ night. There will also be a Best Vase competition and a Teacup arrangement competition. Raffle and Refreshments. Why not come along and meet our members, no need to bring plants or flowers, just enjoy the evening. 7.30pm at the Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7JB. If you do wish to enter a competition, please contact Gill on 0161 485 2269 or Kate on 0161 485 4322 for the details. Admission £3 members, £4 non members www.cheadlehulmegardensoc.org.uk

ALICE CHILTON HOME CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

10 years ago, Karen Perry and her husband Simon decided to invest in setting up their own independent home care business. Karen was driven by personal experiences after caring for her grandmother, who had dementia and then as a volunteer for Age Concern. Karen understood the importance of trust and could identify with the frustrations and concerns that people often experience at such a sensitive and emotional time. A week-long celebration will take place at their office in The Paddock, Handforth and culminate on Friday 26th July with an afternoon tea party at The Pinewood Hotel for clients, carers and other local businesses who have worked alongside the business over the years.

Alice Chilton In Home Care Services now employs 40 people who provide Companionship, Home Help and Personal Care and Support to people living in East Cheshire and Stockport. For more information visit www.alicechilton.com

Pictured; L to R; Freya Twigg, Care Supervisor & Caroline Howard, Care Manager

Beautifully

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

textile cleaning business

bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Life Back into Your Carpets

bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Bramhall

Breathe

Life Back into Your Carpets

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Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Free & honest appraisals

All carpets deodorized

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Free & honest appraisals

Superfast drying times

All carpets deodorized

Free & honest appraisals

Free & honest appraisals

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

All carpets deodorized

Superfast drying times

Pagnam (formally of Bramhall Dry Cleaners)

Superfast drying times

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available)

Free & honest appraisals

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

All carpets deodorized

Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available)

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Superfast drying times

Free & honest appraisals

All carpets deodorized

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available)

All carpets deodorized

Superfast drying times

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available)

Superfast drying times

Ring Jason Pagnam (formerly of Bramhall Dry Cleaners) Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner www.bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Clean carpets at a time that suits you (evenings & weekends available)

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Bramhall Dry Cleaners) Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Bramhall Dry Cleaners) Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Bramhall Dry Cleaners) Your Local & Reliable Carpet Cleaner

Home support and care

Charity News

WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OLIVER THE INCREDIBLE!

Oliver is just 8 years old. His life – and his family’s – was turned upside down, just last November. Oliver returned home from school complaining of a ‘sore leg.’ Less than 24 hours later, Doctors delivered a devastating diagnosis – Oliver had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). He was rushed to Manchester Oncology to have a Platelet transfusion and start Chemotherapy.

He has been receiving high-dose Chemotherapy at Ward 86 Oncology of the Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital for six months now.

Everyone who has the privilege to know Oliver says he’s “amazing.” It’s true, he really is. He has met every considerable challenge head-on. General anaesthetics, lumbar punctures, bone marrow scrapes, cannulas, tablets, internal lines, chemotherapy, the effects of steroids, and losing his hair – all taken in his stride.

Oliver’s dad Andy says, “He has been an inspiration to us all. The care on Ward 86 has been outstanding; almost beyond words. They are loving, professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. They have made us feel welcome, reassured, and incredibly grateful. They are downright amazing, and we are all so lucky to have such a world-class facility close to us.

Oliver has asked if we could raise some money for the Ward to say thank you for their care to date. So here we are...”

Oliver faces his illness and those gruelling treatments with bravery and a big smile – so much so, that he now wants to show his appreciation for Ward 86 at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Oliver is part of Mountfield Rovers JFC, Bramhall’s longest-standing junior football club, and the

whole club has stepped up to help. On Sunday, 30th June, every age group will take part in a continuous football match from 8 am – 6 pm (8-6 in recognition of Ward 86, as well as a suitably challenging tenhour shift). This is where you come in. Every little bit of sponsorship, support, or practical help will make all the difference. Just as important, it will show Oliver how much he means and how everyone wants to help. Just a few pounds, some promotion, maybe donate some bacon or burgers – and come along on the day ready to clap and cheer.

Mountfield’s Mr Chairman, Tom BuxtonCope has arranged for all of the teams to play at specific times throughout the day, and Oliver’s school, Pownall Green are loaning their barbecue and fridge for Oliver’s dad Andy to provide much needed sustenance. Those burgers and sausages are bound to be a big hit – and a powerful help towards the fundraising efforts, so treat yourselves to lunch.

We’re also expecting some high-profile support from footy players and some of our other local celebrities…

The target is £10,000 to support the Charities of Ward 86 Oncology at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. We think we can smash that. Let’s do Oliver and his family proud and in doing so, help every other patient and parent facing the same devastating news and ongoing reality, too: Please donate to Oliver’s JustGiving Crowdfunding Page and help make it happen.

Advance Skincae Advice & Treatments

Nails and Toes Treatments

CND Gel polish

CND Gel toes

OPI Manicure

OPI Luxury manicure

OPI Pedicure

OPI Luixury pedicure

Eye Treatments

Eyebrow shape

Eyebrow tint

Eyelash tint

All 3 eye treatments

Neal’s Yard Organic Facials

NYO Relax facial: all skin types (1hr)

NYO Frankincense intense age well facial. For mature skin types (1hr 30mins)

NYO Wild rose facial, for brightening the complexion and making you look radiant (1hr 30mins)

NYO Express facial (30mins)

Neal’s Yard Aromatherapy Massage Treatments

NYO Back, neck and shoulder massage (30mins)

NYO Back, neck, face & scalp massage (1hr)

NYO Full body massage (1hr 15mins)

NYO Back relax treatment, cleanse, ex-foliation, mask & massage (1hr)

Makeup

Makeup application for wedding or celebration

Makeup trial Makeup consultation

lessons

THE TAX BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

As electric vehicle technology continues to improve and become more widespread, electric cars are increasingly becoming a viable and more attractive option for drivers throughout the UK. Choosing an electric car can offer numerous benefits, including environmental sustainability, cost savings and superior performance. For instance, electric vehicles typically have lower operating costs compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. Electricity is often cheaper resulting in savings on fuel costs. Additionally, electric cars have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance, leading to potential savings on repairs and servicing over the vehicle’s lifetime. In this article we are going to look at the tax savings of electric vehicles.

to electric vehicle charge points. If the electric vehicle is leased rather than purchased, there are still savings as 100% of the monthly lease costs can be deducted from the taxable profits of the business. This compares favourably with cars with emissions over 50g/km, where only 85% of the monthly lease costs can be deducted.

Electric cars benefit from lower company car tax rates compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts. Currently, electric vehicles attract a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate of 2% for the 2024/2025 tax year. This means that employees who use electric cars as company vehicles enjoy significant tax savings. As an example, an employee who is a basic rate taxpayer would have to pay tax of just £200 on an electric vehicle costing £50,000. If the employee were instead given a petrol car costing £30,000 with CO2 emissions of 125g/km, they would have to pay tax of £1,800 a year. The employee enjoys a tax savings of 89% by using a more expensive electric car compared to a petrol car.

There are savings for the business as well. Businesses can claim capital allowances on new electric cars, which allows them to deduct the cost of the vehicle from their profits before calculating tax. New electric cars currently benefit from a 100% First-Year Allowance (FYA) until April 2025, meaning businesses can deduct the full cost of the vehicle from their taxable profits in the year of purchase. These savings also apply

Fully electric vehicles are currently exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty, also known as road tax. However, from 1 April 2025, drivers of electric vehicles will pay for road tax for the first time in the UK. There will also be an expensive car tax supplement for electric cars exceeding £40,000. The government has introduced this measure to try to ensure that all drivers pay their fair share. Road tax and fuel duty account for £35 billion of tax revenue and continuing to exempt electric cars would have meant this shortfall needed to be clawed back from somewhere else.

With advancements in battery technology, many electric cars now offer competitive driving ranges that meet the needs of everyday driving. Additionally, the growing network of charging infrastructure, including home charging stations, public charging points, and fast chargers, makes it easier and more convenient to recharge electric vehicles while on the go.

But before you race out to order one, please speak to your accountant to better understand the specific impact of any electric car on you or your business.

Peter Bevan Bevan & Co, Chartered Accountants peter@bevan.co.uk

Aqua Babies

Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Valley School, Whitehaven Road, SK7 1EN. 0161 973 1931.

Active Angels

Tuesday 10 – 11.30am (term time only) – drop in; 0 – 5 years old. Babies 50p, 1-2yrs £1 & 2+ £1.50. Provide a variety of toys and activities to suit all ages, along with healthy snacks and drinks. St Michael & All Angels Church, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall, SK7 2PG..

Babyballet Bramhall

Our magical classes run throughout the week for ages 6months - 5years. Babyballet is a fun and engaging way to help children of all abilities develop, co-ordination, musicality, posture and rhythm. Please email Miss Betty on bramhall@ babyballet.co.uk or call 07399 472449.

Baby Loves Massage

Tuesday mornings. Harper Studios, Newby Road, SK7 5DA (near Stepping Hill Hospital). Call Kate 07866 468245. Email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk. www.thebabymassagecompany.co.uk.

Bramhall Library Storytime

Mondays 11 – 11:30am. Sharing stories, sharing books. Age - Under 5’s Cost - Free Bramhall Library Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall. T: 0845 644 4307. E: bramhall.library@stockport.gov.uk.

Bumps and Bashes First Aid classes:

Classes take place in and around the Stockport area and can also be conducted in your own home. Please contact Jaime on 07909 005129 or email stockport@bumpsandbashes.com.

Baby Sensory Development Classes

The award winning baby development classes run Monday – Friday at various times from their dedicated and bespoke centre in Cheadle Hulme precinct. For more information please contact Natalie on stockport@babysensory.co.uk or visit their website www.babysensory.com/ stockport for class availability and times.

Drama (5-7’s)

Saturdays 1.15pm-2pm.Starlight Performing Arts Academy CIC, Bramhall Moor Lane, (opp Stepping Hill Maternity Hospital) SK7 5AA. T 0161 439 8009 or 07515 397715. www.starlightperformingarts.t83.net

Enjoy A Ball

Tuesdays at Bramhall Scout Hut, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall. Call Sam to pre book on 07973 886783. 1.45pm: 2 5-3.5 years & 2.45pm: 3.5- school age & 3.45pm: Reception & 4.45pm: Years 1 & 2.

Fun in French

For 4-11 year olds, on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm (term time only) at the United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall. A “La Jolie Ronde” licensed teacher, who uses songs, stories, role plays & games to teach French to children. Call Claire 07866 852859.

Jabberjacks

Wednesday mornings @ United Reform Church, Robins Lane, off Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall SK7 2PE. Call Sue on 01625 540999

Jo Jingles

Jo Jingles classes are carefully structured. Each week different educational themes are introduced using well-known nursery rhymes and action songs. Mondays 9.30am - Under 2s and 10.30 - Over 2s. Wednesdays 9.25am - Over 2s and 10.20 - Under 2s at Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall. Call Laura on 0161 431 0674/07983513491 to book

Little Lambs Baby & Toddler Group 10-11.30am. Thursdays (term time only) at Bramhall Baptist Church, Woodford Road. SK7 1PB. Toys, refreshments and song time. Suggested donation of £2 per adult, pre-booking is now required.  Check bramhallbaptist.org or email bramhallbaptist.church@gmail.com  for more details.

Little Superstars Sports Club

Trinity Gardens, Davenport. Mornings & afternoons. Call Louise 07904 311552.

The Mill Youth Centre

Free Admission for 10-18 year olds. please visit our website for opening times and further information about session. www.themillbramhall.com. 0161 440 8022

My Sen Den

Inclusive Sensory Stay & Play – on the 1st Tuesday of the month 10.30-12 at Benja Fold, Bramhall. Different sensory toys each session for fine and gross motor fun. Email for more information and to book. E: infomysenden.co.uk W: www.mysenden.co.uk

Messy Play Classes

at Fir Road Scout Hut in Bramhall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The classes are for children from 5 months to 5 years and are messy play and mark making classes with an emphasis on early writing skills. I can be contacted via this email address:katie@littlelearnersuk.com.

Mucky Pups Arts & Crafts

St Michael’s Scout Hut, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall. Mornings. Call Nikki on 07511 622445.

Mini Movers

Tuesday 9am- 12pm at Bramhall Lawn Tennis Club. Call Abi on 0161 474 4471

Pre-School Ballet

Mondays and Saturdays. Bramhall School of Dancing. 0161 440 8093.

Pre-School Swimming

Monday 1.15-1.45pm and Friday 11.30-12pm. Hazel Grove Baths, Jackson Lane, Hazel Grove. Call 0161 439 5221.

Pre-School Tap Dancing

RJL Dance Studios, St Peter’s Parish Centre, Hazel Grove. Tuesdays at 3.454.15pm. Call 07739 695603 for places.

Pyjama Drama

Tuesday mornings 2- 5 year olds. United Reformed Church, Bramhall. Call Alison 0844 504 5119 or alison@pyjamadrama.com.

Rhythm & Rhyme

We offer multi-sensory, exciting, structured classes with Makaton signing. Join the fun! For babies & preschool children. Thursday mornings, Bramhall 4th Scout Hut, 67 St Michael’s Avenue SK7 2PG. Call Laura  07795 484494 or visit rhythmandrhyme.co.uk

Rhythm Time

Friday mornings. chantelle.s@rhythmtime. org 07563 388111 The Bramley Centre, Scout Hut, Bramley Close, SK7 2DT.

Tiny Talk Baby Singing

Friday mornings at Benjafold Guide Hut, Ack Lane East, Bramhall. Call Julie on 07914 088845.

Tumble Tots, Gym Babes & Gym Bobs

Mondays, first class at 9.45am, last one at 3.50pm (7 classes). Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane. Wednesdays, first class at 9.30am, last class at 3.55pm. Fridays, first class at 9.30am, last class at 2.25pm. Saturdays between 12.15pm-3pm. Bramhall Lane Lawn Tennis Club, Ramsdale Road, Bramhall SK7 2PZ. Classes last approx 45 minutes. Please pre-book with Sue on 0161 456 6166 or tumbletots.bramhall@ntlworld.com.

YSBD Performing Arts Classes for 2-18 year olds taught by industry professionals. Contact Principle Hannah 07738 16423.

If you are interested in attending any of these activities please phone first to check the details.

HOW TO BECOME RICH

Becoming rich is a peculiarity, wanted by so many but at the same time, ultimately, vacuous. That’s enough of the big words and gloomy philosophy, where’s the money, how do I become rich? I have delved into the finances of many people and these are the ways people do it. Having rich parents is an effective strategy, but it you don’t, that avenue to wealth is closed.

It only takes one idea. I have seen people’s finances transformed by one good idea. This sounds like just good luck but it’s not that simple. In order to have the idea takes skill, understanding and creative thought within a market. The idea then has to be worked on, courage gathered to act on it, procrastination dispelled and implementation to be effective. Not easy but I’ve seen it done.

Regular saving and re-invested profits over long periods of time can also make you rich. It is by far the most reliable method. Most fortunes are made in this way. It’s not easy particularly in the beginning. To start saving sacrifices need to be made in the form of reduced consumption

now, not easy. In the early days of this strategy the wealth you accumulate is modest; it is only in the long run with re-invested interest dividends and profits does substantial wealth arise.

Tax is important to the accumulation of wealth. If the dividends and profits are being taxed as high rates the compounding and accumulation of wealth diminished. This is why I’m a fan of pensions where they money entering your pension scheme arrives tax free and the income within the scheme is tax free. ISAs also are useful, although you invest out of taxed income, once the money is in the ISA returns are tax free.

Was it all worth it. Although of course money does not make you happy there are definitely situations where money can solve a problem for you or those you care about.

If you or your friends and family need help with tax and accounting issues we are here to help. We don’t charge for initial meetings and often that is all you need. If you need ongoing help we offer transparent, agreed in advance, fees.

SHELF STYLING THIS SUMMER

Some tips for styling your bookcases and alcoves this summer. Here I’ve put together some neutrals, whites and natural materials to bring a scheme together. Cool, Summer, relaxing vibes for high street prices. Shop the look.

Mori Vase, The Luxe Company £48

Mori Vase, The Luxe Company £48

Mori Vase, The Luxe Company £48

Mori Vase, The Luxe Company £48

Wood Knot, Habitat £12

Wood Knot, Habitat £12

Wood Knot, Habitat £12

Wood Knot, Habitat £12

Patterned Mini Vase, H&M Home £3.99

Patterned Mini Vase, H&M Home £3.99

Patterned Mini Vase, H&M Home £3.99

Patterned Mini Vase, H&M Home £3.99

Rattan Charger, Rebecca Audall £16

Rattan Charger, Rebecca Audall £16

Rattan Charger, Rebecca Audall £16

Rattan Charger, Rebecca Audall £16

Wood frame, Etsy £12

Wood frame, Etsy £12

Wood frame, Etsy £12

Wood frame, Etsy £12 Basket, Zara Home

stoneware vase, H&M Home £29.99

Basket, Zara Home £15.99 Tall stoneware vase, H&M Home £29.99

Basket, Zara Home £15.99

Basket, Zara Home £15.99

For tips and tricks, follow me on Instagram. For more practical help, please do get in touch. Sharon.

Facebook: Tigermoth Home

www.tigermothhome.co.uk

Sharon@tigermothhome.co.uk

Instagram: @tigermothhomeinteriors

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Pottery goat made by King Charles made global headlines -and has a Cheshire link!

A pottery goat made by King Charles sparked an auction bidding battle, made global headlines and boasted a Cheshire link.

For many years the important royal work of art, possibly the only known piece of sculpture by King Charles, was owned by a Cheshire woman. In June it hammered at £8,500 at Hansons Auctioneers. The premium-inclusive total paid by a private American buyer was £11,407. So many people have items tucked away at home potentially worth a small fortune. The goat belonged to former university cook Nellie Patten. She passed away at the age of 87 in 1993 in Cheshire.

Having no children of her own, she gave the goat to her great nephew Raymond Patten on his 21st birthday in 1969. She told him Prince Charles had made it. She was proud of the fact the future king attended Cambridge University in the late 1960s. At the time she worked as a cook for the president of Queen’s College. Raymond understood that his great aunt knew the prince personally. She must have cooked up some delights and, perhaps, received a gift for her efforts.

Raymond, who now lives in Canada, flew to the UK to deliver the ornament in person, such was its importance. The ceramic highland goat with its yellow horns and yellow, pink and brown stripes was beautifully enamelled and modelled. It captured the relaxed vibrancy and charm of the late 1960s/early 70s. Perhaps King Charles was inspired by the goat mascot of The Royal Regiment of Wales. As the regiment’s first colonel-in-chief, he wore its uniform at his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Raymond decided to part with it due to its historical significance. He is in his retirement years and wanted to find it a new home where it would be treasured for decades to come.

Royal memorabilia always sparks strong interest. In 2023 Hansons sold childhood drawings by King Charles of his mother and father, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Inscribed ‘Mummy’ and ‘Papa’, they were produced by Charles when he was five or six, circa 195355. They were guided at £5,000-£10,000 but achieved a premium inclusive total of £59,800 (£46,000 hammer).

Inspired to have an item assessed? Hansons hosts valuation and consignment events at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, WA16 6DH. Upcoming dates include 28 June and 26 July, 11am-1pm. To find out more, or to book a free home visit, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988

Twitter: HansonsUK

Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK

Instagram: hansons_auctioneers

Aunt Nellie, Helen Patten, was a chef at Cambridge UIniversity in the late 1960s.

Canadian Raymond Patten flew to England to deliver the goat to Charles Hanson at Bishton Hall, Staffs.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, with the pottery goat made by King Charles.

Pottery goat made by King Charles.

Community news

15TH CENTURY PUB IN THE NORTH WEST’S ‘BEST PLACE TO LIVE’ SET TO REOPEN AFTER 10 YEAR HIATUS

One of Greater Manchester’s most historic pubs, set in the heart of Stockport town centre, will open next month after being vacant for more than 10 years. Dating back to the 15th century, the White Lion is Stockport’s oldest pub that has sat abandoned for many years. The Grade II listed building was acquired by Stockport Council as part of the £7m investment into the regeneration of the Market Place and Underbanks, which in turn is part of the wider £1billion investment in the town centre. The upper floors of The White Lion, in Stockport town centre, were transformed into luxury apartments in 2020, breathing new life into the Grade II listed building.

The council partnered with Trafford Housing Trust (now London & Quadrant) to deliver 11 apartments on the upper floors, which have all been fully let.

Now the pub - thought to be the town’s longest continually licensed public house – has been refurbished by a team with a vast amount of experience in the hospitality sector. The team behind The White Lion Coaching House are Jon Dootson and Paul Astill – who both have extensive experience within the licensed trade in Greater Manchester with their portfolio of venues including nearby Alfredos, and Tib Street Tavern and were behind some of the first bars in the Northern Quarter, where they ran Cord, Centro and Thomas Restaurant.

Their aim is to bring this community pub back to its original glory with an emphasis on family, great food and local ales. There will also be the ‘Lion’s Den’ sporting club in the pub’s three-room bar basement, plus an events space called the ‘Board Room’ and an outside seating area.

Cllr Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see an integral part

of our town centre brought back to life. “The Underbanks is thriving and it is great to see the White Lion Coaching House be the latest to join the success story. “We’ve had some great success with the renovation of our heritage buildings and it shows that they are at the heart of our town centre’s regeneration.”

Jon Dootson, from Stockport Leisure Limited, said: “All of our team are very excited to open the doors and welcome old and hopefully new customers and show off this amazing project.

“The focus always was to bring back a traditional pub serving amazing food with a great welcome. “It really is the most amazing space and a great location. “It’s fantastic to be part of something that helps the Underbanks continue to grow.”

Mindset Advice

WHY CAN’T WE CONCENTRATE ANYMORE - PART 2

I hope that in the last couple of months you managed to contemplate the things I wrote about in Part 1 of this article.

The following guide has now been designed to make some suggestions as to how we can start to regain control of our attention, before it is too late.

1. Turn off all notifications on your devices. You simply do not need to know about it the moment someone texts you, emails you, or posts the latest conspiracy theory on instagram.

2. Schedule strict times to check your messages and social accounts. Some can be limited to once per day others may need to be more frequent. Critically though, YOU decide when you check, not the social platforms.

3. Go through your emails and unsubscribe from everything that isn’t critical to have. Less is more when it comes to inbox management.

4. Plan your work and free time. Each night, write a clear plan for what you will do the next day. This quick task will save you hours in procrastination time.

5. Meditate daily. Meditation and mindfulness build neural density in the areas of the brain responsible for focus, concentration, creativity and working memory, so you must try to do it.

6. Sleep! You NEED at least 7 hours each night, and this is critical for our attention span. Sleep is boosted by meditation, consistent bedtimes, limiting caffeine after 12pm, supplementing zinc and magnesium and exercising daily.

7. Move more! Humans evolved doing 12-14 hours of exercise daily; so we must not be sedentary. After exercise, our brains are more capable of learning and remembering too, boosting our focus. With the sleep enhancing benefits already mentioned, exercise is crucial in the battle for our attention.

8. Check your past. Research shows that children and adults who have experienced trauma are more likely to have attention problems. If you have had any trauma in your life then it is time to take responsibility and work through it with a coach or therapist.

9. Eat clean, natural, unprocessed foods, steering clear of long ingredients lists containing chemicals you have never heard of. Research now clearly links ultra processed foods with attention problems, so clean up the diet where you can.

10.Practice single-tasking. Multitasking has now been shown to decrease productivity and impair concentration. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention before moving on.

11. Too much information! Unsubscribe from news updates and bulletins. Instead check the news once per day (if you must!). In today’s world, there is far more information bombarding us than our brains can process along side our own lives, so cut the input to post your output.

12. Try the 10 minute rule. If you want to check your socials, give it 10 minutes, and see if the desire fades. If it does then don’t check, and this builds the neural pathways supporting having control over our impulses.

Give these ideas a try and notice your attention returning. You can integrate some with your children too should you have them.

Regaining our attention is an uphill battle due to the nature of today’s society and the huge financial incentives that big tech companies have to keep us glued to our devices.

But, all is not lost.

We are becoming increasingly aware of this looming catastrophe, and through more research, hard work and discipline we have every chance of wrestling back control of our attention spans and creating a better future for us all.

Good luck!

THERAPEUTIC FIBBING

If a loved one has dementia, they may ask questions that are difficult to answer truthfully, without causing distress. In these situations, the dilemma is how to respond, is it acceptable to lie – ever? Or should we tell the truth –always? The response could affect how the person feels and behaves and there’s the impact on you, the person providing the answers, potentially worried your response may damage a relationship that is already strained.

In these circumstances dementia experts often recommend a technique called Therapeutic Fibbing. This is when you tell a fib or bend truth to fit the reality of a person who has dementia, because their brain may experience a different version of reality. This technique helps step into the persons current reality and spare them unnecessary upset and distress.

Person with dementia – I need to go to work now, I am already late.

The truth – You don’t have a job, you retired 20 years ago. Remember you have Alzheimer’s now, stop trying to go out.

Therapeutic fibbing – That’s right, I almost forgot. We can’t have you going off without a good breakfast. Don’t worry you have plenty of time, I forget to change the clock after the time change.

Although every case needs taking individually, there are some guiding principles that can be applied, they include:

n Respond with compassion.

n Try to understand and acknowledge the person’s feelings.

n Seek to reduce distress and promote wellbeing or happiness.

This approach can take some getting used to as it feels like you are lying to someone you love. Try to focus on the outcome you want from your response, for your loved one to feel safe and comforted. Using white lies tin this way to validate their feelings and provide reassurance is very different from lying for a malicious reason. It may help to think about this approach similar to telling a friend that you love the thoughtful gift they gave you, even if you don’t actually like it. Telling the absolute truth in that case doesn’t change the situation and would only hurt your friends’ feelings.

Here is a scenario to illustrate the difference between being completely truthful and using the therapeutic fibbing technique.

If you spend time with someone who has dementia and find yourself being asked difficult questions you can find further guidance and information from Alzheimer’s Society.

Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services

Your Local Solicitors

Out of Hours Appointments

Lockdowns have really proven how flexible we can be Whilst our staff are working from home and juggling responsibilities, we recognise that you may be doing this too and the usual 9-5 does not work for you. If you would prefer an out of hours telephone or video appointment, please do get in touch with us.

Face to Face Appointments

As restrictions begin to be lifted, we are now able to welcome you back to our offices for face to face appointments. These appointments do need to be pre-booked so that we can manage numbers within the office and keep everyone safe.

What we do

We provide advice and assistance in the following areas:

Residential Property

Commercial Property

Corporate & Commercial

Dispute Resolution

Family Law

Personal Injury

Medical Negligence

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10% Discount for Keyworkers

We are offering a 10% discount on all legal fees for keyworkers. This offer is open to new and existing clients on all new instructions.

EMOTIONS IN CHINESE MEDICINE

“My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break.”

(William Shakespeare - The Taming of the Shrew)

Shakespeare’s plays are full of passion, fury, doom, dread –all the most extreme of emotions; their dramatic intensity makes them riveting to watch from the safety of the stalls but what a relief to see that curtain close and return to the peace of our homes. And it’s the same with soap operas, action films, social media, you name it; they provide us our ‘fix’ of high-intensity human drama, which we can enjoy because these events are happening at a remove; often they provide us with an outlet for our own emotional needs.

According to Chinese medicine, all emotions are considered healthy as long as they are not excessive, prolonged or unresolved. As one ancient Chinese sage said: “Emotions should pass through our hearts like wind passes through a flute”. In other words, we should express our emotions and let them go. Of course, life often isn’t that simple and we often find ourselves dealing with difficult emotions that just won’t go away.

Disordered emotions are considered the primary cause of disease in Chinese medicine, whether they are caused by childhood traumas, difficult relationships or the loss of someone we love. In Western medicine, stress is considered a risk factor for disease; whilst in Chinese medicine,

we talk about different emotions and their more specific effects on the body and the mind. Anger, for instance, has an effect on the liver and can cause migraines, eczema and asthma. There are many ways in which we can process these emotions for ourselves but when more help is needed, acupuncture has a unique gift of helping many people to improve both the health problems themselves and to calm the original emotional state.

Just to leave you with another image from Chinese medicine – unresolved emotions are said to be like winds that shake the branches of a tree and prevent birds from settling. The birds represent our spirit, which cannot find peace in the midst of tumultuous feelings. Once the winds die down, the birds can return to the tree and serenity is restored.

Fiona Bullock MBAcC Lic Ac works at the Bramhall Osteopathic Practice.

Contact details: info@stockportacupuncture.org.uk. www.stockportacupuncture.org.uk

Rightio Plumbers

Boiler

Boiler

Radiators

Tanks

Toilets

Leaks

Showers

Dear

I run a local company called Green – Bank Tree care. I have over 30 years’ experience within tree surgery, including tree pruning, tree removal and hedge trimming.

If you are looking to have your trees, shrubs or hedges maintained then please call me. I can visit your property and provide you with a FREE QUOTATION without obligation.

n

n

n

n

n

n

n IVY TRIMMED OR REMOVED

n STUMPS REMOVED

n FRUIT TREE PRUNING

If a neighbouring tree is overhanging your property, we can help by pruning it back to your boundary.

Useful Contacts

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Stepping Hill

Tel 0161 483 1010 www.stockport.nhs.uk

Stepping Hill Hospital, Poplar Grove, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK2 7JE. Stockport Council

Tel 0161 480 4949 www.stockport.gov.uk

Stockport Council, Town Hall, Edward Street, Stockport, SK1 3XE

Greater Manchester Police For non-emergency calls please contact Stockport West on 0161 856 9770 stockport.westnpt@gmp. police.uk.

Community Groups

Bramhall Rotary www.bwrotary.org

Woodford & Bramhall Branch Royal British Legion WoodfordBramhall.Chairman@RBL.Community

Bramhall Golf Club www.bramhallgolfclub.co.uk 0161 439 6092

Bramhall University of the Third Age (U3A) www.bramhallu3a.org.uk 0161 440 0447

Community Website www.bramhallweb.co.uk www.ilovebramhall.com

Local MP

Mary Robinson MP www.mary-robinson.org.uk

Local Councillors

Bramhall North

Mark Jones (Lib. Dem) 07917 022349

cllr.mark.jones@stockport.gov.uk

Suzanne Wyatt 0161 485 5313

cllr.suzanne.wyatt@stockport.gov.uk

Alex Wynne (Lib. Dem) 07467 627648 cllr.alex.wynne@stockport.gov.uk

Bramhall South & Woodford Dallas Jones (Lib. Dem) 07840 470838

cllr.dallas.jones@stockport.gov.uk

Jeremy Meal (Lib. Dem) 07503 580767

cllr.jeremy.meal@stockport.gov.uk

Ian Powney (Lib. Dem) 07715 278202

cllr.ian.powney@stockport.gov.uk

Around Bramhall

Bramhall Library

Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall SK7 2DU Tel: 0845 644 4307

email: mailto: Bram.library@stockport.gov.uk

Opening Hours

Monday - 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - 9am - 6pm

Wednesday - CLOSED, Thursday - 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday - 9am - 4pm

Bramhall Post Office Maple Road, Bramhall T: 016 439 4100

Opening Hours

Monday - 9.00-5.30pm, Tuesday - 9.00-5.30pm Wednesday - 9.00-5.30pm, Thursday - 9.00-5.30pm Friday - 9.00-5.30pm, Saturday - 9.00-12.00pm

Bramhall Health Centre 66 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, SK7 2DY Telephone: 0161 983 5850

Surgery Opening Hours

The surgery is open during the following times (except Bank Holidays): Monday-Friday 8.30am - 6pm

Making our home your home

Situated close to the village centre and benefiting from excellent public transport links, Hillbrook Grange

Residential Care Home is a place where you can enjoy full and independent living with the benefit of care and companionship all around you. Our ethos is about creating a compassionate caring and supportive environment, and a fresh lively atmosphere.

ROOMS

We have recently refurbished 5 rooms for respite care which we offer on a weekly basis.

Founded in 1952, Hillbrook Grange is run as a not-for-profit registered charity and is managed by a small team. The team has two key objectives: delivering high quality, long stay, holiday, and respite care in a friendly and homely environment, and provision of this care at cost effective, competitive rates.

To discuss your care needs with a senior member of the Hillbrook team please contact us:

PILATES BODY VS GYM BODY

A Pilates body and a gym body are two very different types of bodies. A Pilates body is lean and elongated, while a gym body is often muscular and even bulkier.

Pilates builds strength and flexibility through controlled movements targeting specific muscle groups. This creates a toned and elongated appearance. In contrast, Gym workouts often focus on building larger muscle groups through heavy lifting and high-intensity cardio training. This can lead to a bulkier, more muscular appearance.

Pilates exercises focus on correct alignment and posture, improving overall movement and reducing the risk of injury. Gym workouts often focus on lifting heavy weights and reps, which can increase the risk of injury if not properly managed.

Pilates is a great method worth considering if you want to enhance and sculpt your body shape. It’s a low-impact exercise that can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and create a lean, toned physique. If you desire a more muscular physique, the gym is an ideal environment for you.

The movements in Pilates are designed to activate and strengthen these core muscles through a series of controlled and precise exercises. The focus is on quality of movement and maintaining proper form rather than just doing a lot of reps. Pilates builds strength across the whole body. If you’re in the gym pumping weights you are only working isolates muscles. This doesn’t translate in to whole body functional strength. Quite likely, it will leave you lopsided and imbalanced. Pilates is designed to build a balanced functional strength that can generate real power throughout the whole body.

One way that Pilates gives you a more muscular figure is by incorporating resistance training. When you engage in Pilates exercises, you use your own body weight as resistance to challenge your muscles and make them work harder. Incorporating resistance bands will help build strength as well as muscle density.

Weightlifting, strength training and cardiovascular exercises in the gym can have an impact on your joints. Pilates is non-impact so does not stress your joints. This is beneficial if you have arthritis or you already do a lot of impact training as it gives you that variety without doing even more impact work.

Pilates very much focuses on creating a strong core. With dedication and commitment, Pilates transforms many areas of your body, including your abdomen. Unlike other gym exercises and weight training forms, Pilates doesn’t rely on hefty weights or high-impact movements. Alternatively, Pilates focuses on core strength and control. It uses your body weight and resistance to build strength and muscle.

By practicing Pilates exercises regularly, you increase your muscular endurance, which allows you to increase the number of reps and sets of exercises before you get tired. As a result, Pilates is a great way to build a stronger, more muscular appearance.

Pilates is for life and can be life changing, so join a Body Control Pilates class now!

To find a qualified teacher, visit the Body Control Pilates website Jules Hardman Body Control Pilates Teacher www.jules-pilatesalderleyedge.co.uk

SKBramhall & Woodford enjoys fantastic support from local businesses. If you do contact someone as result of reading about them in SKBramhall & Woodford, please mention this. Thank you.

If you would like to advertise your business in SKBramhall & Woodford, please contact Simon Hemsley on 07952 005518 or e-mail simon@skmagazines.co.uk.

Wedding Radiance Package

Make your special day truly picture-per fect with our designed exclusively for the happy couple.

Complimentary Joint Consultation:

Meet with ourexperienced dentistsfor a personalised consultation to discuss your unique dental needsand goals foryour wedding day.

Experience the refreshing of our treatment, ensuringyour smiles are as radiant as your love on your wedding day

Boutique Teeth Whitening for Both:

Achieve that dazzling, camera-ready smile you’ve always dreamedof with our premium Boutique teeth whitening treatment, available for both.