SK Bramhall & Woodford September 2023

INTERIOR SERVICES

Full & part home renovations

Project management

Joinery

Plastering

Heating/plumbing & electrical

Kitchens & bathrooms

Painting & decorating

Wallpaper hanging

Venetian plastering

Tiling

Hand painted kitchens

EXCEPTIONAL FROM START TO FINISH

“Incredibly pleased with the renovation work by Spring Decorating. The work involved the replastering of several rooms, replacing internal doors, bannisters, spindles, radiators and then redecorating. All finished to a very high standard, which I am delighted with. The team was professional, efficient and friendly. I wouldn’t hesitate to have them back in the future.”

Review verified by Which? Trusted Traders

0161 439 9195

info@springdecorating.co.uk

www.springdecorating.co.uk

17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE

Fully insured and highly accredited

Superb attention to detail

EXTERIOR SERVICES

Exterior painting & decorating

Rendering & K Rend Joinery

uPVC window spraying

Scaffolding

PROMPT AND EFFICIENT

“We are delighted with the work by Spring Decorating. The response to our query was quick and a quote followed promptly. Work started a couple of weeks later on the outside of our house. The team always arrived exactly when they said they would and were totally reliable, pleasant and courteous. The work was thorough, with excellent preparation and looks very good. We will certainly use them again for more work.”

Review verified by Which? Trusted Traders

0161 439 9195

info@springdecorating.co.uk

www.springdecorating.co.uk

17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Fully insured and highly accredited Superb attention to detail

SKBramhall

Welcome to SK Bramhall & Woodford

Welcome to the September / October issue of SK Bramhall & Woodford. I find it hard to believe that I am writing this, and the summer is almost gone! Being a golfer, it seems like I’ve spent more time under an umbrella than applying sunscreen. Let’s hope the next month at least stays warm enough to keep the heating off.

There are plenty of events left to get you out and about. You can still catch the scarecrows around the village with the final event on Saturday 2nd September, or maybe you fancy learning to sing, play bridge or catch a concert or see a play? Checkout the events pages for more details.

With renting out rooms, properties or holiday homes becoming more and more popular, local accountant, Peter Bevan looks at some of the reliefs available for renting your home or a part of it. Financial Matters Page 28.

Enjoy the read.

All the best,

This month

Food & Drink page 20

Autumn Recipe

Simon Hemsley SK Magazines

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

W: www.skmagazines.co.uk

Contents

Welcome - Page 5

Events - Pages 6, 8, 10 & 12

Under the Hammer – Page 14

Mind Matters – Page 16

Events Highlight – Page 18

Food & Drink – Page 20

Children’s Activities = Page 23,24

Club News – Page 26

Financial Matters – Page 28

Interior Design – Page 30

Charity News – Page 32

Health & Wellbeing – Page 34

Community Care – 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: October / November issues is 10th September

SKBramhall & Woodford and SKWimslow & Alderley Edge November / December issues is 3rd October (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

EVERY 3RD MONDAY OF THE MONTH: THE CURRY CLUB

Contact Hazel Hiley, 0161 439 1281 Email hazelhiley@gmail.com

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 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 The Deanwater Hotel. Interesting speaker and friendly company. Contact Lesley Cox 079534 471782

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 2.00 pm. Details J ean 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 COMMUNITY CHOIR

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC

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

EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY: ROTARY CHEADLE & DISTRICT DEMENTIA GROUP

Contact Rita Kumar 07899951600.

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.

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:

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

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.

SK Podiatry is a home visiting Podiatry/ Chiropody service covering South Manchester and surrounding areas.

DBS checked, qualifi ed and experienced in treating patients with: Diabetes, Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis, PAD, Gout

Dementia/Alzheimerʼs Parkinsonʼs/MS and other nerve disorders

Hearing/sight and learning difficulties

In palliative care or medications such as “blood thinners” and steroids

If you or a family member have: Trouble with nails (thick, fungal, ingrowing)

Painful corns

Callus/cracked heels

Heel pain

Verrucas, Athletes foot

Suffering from sore, ageing feet or toe deformities

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 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

Contact Mary: 07777 646828 if you want to find out more. You’ll find us on Facebook too. www.ladybrooksingers.co.uk

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: 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

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH: BRAMHALL GOLF SOCIETY

We have male and female members. We play the last Friday each month at local courses.  We are based at the Victorian in Bramhall. Email: bramhallgolfsociety.com It contains all the fixtures for this year or contacted 07563512555.

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.

SATURDAY 2ND. SEPTEMBER: CHEADLE HULME 62ND. ANNUAL SHOW

Official opening at 2.30 by the Rev. Sarah Hancock (2 – 4.30pm) at the Parish Rooms, Church Rd, Cheadle Hulme. Flowers, Vegetables, Fruit, Art, Handicrafts, Cookery and Preserves, Photography and Junior classes. If you are interested in exhibiting in a category, please contact Gill on 0161 485 2269 or Kate 0161 485 4322 for a schedule. REFRESHMENTS AND RAFFLE. Admission £1 adults, accompanied children free.

www.cheadlehulmegardenandshowsoc.org.uk

MONDAY 4TH AND MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER: ROBINS SINGERS

We are holding Open Singing Sessions at 7.30 pm. There’s no obligation to join, no auditions, no solos, just come along, have fun and see for yourself. We are a friendly choir - all voices and ages are most welcome. Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, SK7 2PE. For more information contact Michelle Hiley-Parr 07765238877 or email

Sec.RobinsSingers@gmail.com

CHESTER'S CROFT

Surrounded by mature trees and the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Chester's Croft

Residential Park is a private development with an emphasis on a luxury lifestyle

Over 45's

4 plots available

1 show home available

Gated and secure community

Well connected with excellent transport links

Wonderful countryside walking routes nearby

Council Tax Band A

SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER:

FRIENDS OF LADYBROOK VALLEY

Happy Valley local nature reserve (entrance off Bridge Lane, SK7 3AL). Meet at dipping platform by ponds (field below High School) at 10am. Also on 8th Oct & 19th Nov

WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER: ARE YOU A ‘DOT FOLLOWER’?

TDo you sing in a choir but find it difficult to read your music? If you would like to learn how to improve your music reading skills, Cheshire Community Choirs is holding a 6 week, basic music theory course. Starting Weds, Sept.13th

7-8pm at Bramhall URC. Each session costs £8 which includes all materials, tea and coffee. For this and other courses contact Kate on 07794 050591 or cheshirecommunitychoirs@gmail.comwww.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com

SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER:

FRIENDS OF CARRWOOD   will be holding a Bioblitz on 10-15.00.Meet near Carrwood Road entrance to woodland, at first bench. All welcome - come & find out what wildlife is found in this ancient woodland. help us find & identify it.

SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER:

CHESHIRE SINFONIA

Debussy - Prélude à L’après-midi d’un faune and Bizet - Symphony in C7.30pm - St Michael’s Parish Church, Bramhall SK7 2PG. Tickets available on the door, or by phoning 07967 852986

WED 4TH - SAT 7TH OCTOBER: BROOKDALE

THEATRE PRESENTS ‘THE VICAR OF DIBLEY‘

Based on the much-loved BBC sitcom, this stage adaption brings a selection of the best episodes to the Brookdale. Curtain up 7:30pm (Sat matinee 2pm) book online www.thebrookdaleclub.com

THE BROOKDALE CLUB, Bridge Lane, Bramhall SK7 3AB.

SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER: RHAPSODY IN BLUE Stockport Symphony Orchestra’s season opens with an exciting programme:

Shostakovich Festive Overture - Gershwin

Rhapsody in Blue - Rachmaninov Symphony No 2 Conductor Philip Ellis, piano soloist Martin James Bartlett 7.30pm Stockport Town Hall. Tickets £15, Concessions £13, Full time students up to 21 £5, accompanied children under 16 free of charge www.ticketsource.co.uk/sso For more details see www.stockportsymphony.co.uk

SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER: ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION

10am to 4pm, Admission Free at THE BROOKDALE CLUB, Bridge Lane, Bramhall SK7 3AB

Large Free Car Park (behind the Club) Refreshments.

SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER: COOL CLASSICS WITH THE MAIA SINGERS AND THE KEMS MACCLESFIELD CONCERT BAND

The concert will take place at St Michael and All Angels Church at 7.30pm. It will feature the Maia Singers and the KEMS Macclesfield Concert Band. The theme of the evening is “Cool Classics” and will include music by Gershwin, Offenbach and Handel as well as light choral classics by the Maia Singers. The concert is in support of Just Ice – Poynton (THERE WILL BE A FREE ICE CREAM FOR ALL IN THE INTERVAL) Just Ice Poynton is a charity operating a not for profit cafe in Park Lane and selling wonderful ice cream there. The proceeds and operation of the cafe support victims of modern slavery who have been freed, but need to learn to operate in their new world. See just-icepoynton.org for more information. Tickets are available from Greetings Card Shop in the Village Square and cost £12 (just £3 for children under 14) and will also be available at the door on the night. See also bwrotary.org

HARMONY REVIVAL

Men can Learn to Sing.

Marvel at Ming treasure found far from its Chinese home

Chinese treasures never cease to amaze me and another example has taken my breath away thanks to its grace, symmetry - and the fact that it dates back to Tudor times.

The remarkable circa 1560 find is so important it could achieve £100,000 at auction. I rarely see oriental items from the Tudor period so to come across a piece of furniture made by a Chinese craftsman during the Ming Dynasty period of 1368-1644 is breathtaking.

The Banzhuo side table, which is more than 400 years old, is made of huanghuali wood. It measures 94cm wide, 79cm high and 47cm deep and has a floating-panel construction supported by three dovetail transverse stretchers. This is an example of the finest Ming furniture, the pinnacle of table design. Items like this are mentioned in

16th Century

Chinese novels about life in grand houses. It’s regarded as an all-time classic by furniture historians and would have been owned by a highranking member of society, perhaps a government official or magistrate.

Banzhuo literally means ‘half table’ and is so-called for its size, which is half that of an ‘eight immortals table’. The banzhuo was mainly used for serving wine and food.

There is a similar table in London’s Victorian and Albert Museum and in the Central Academy of Arts

and Crafts in Beijing, China.

Despite its age, it displays minimal lines to suit modern interiors. The simplicity of the construction is breathtaking. It has mortise and tenon joints, which have been used by woodworkers for thousands of years.

The industrial revolution of the early Ming Dynasty led to a golden age in furniture design. Emperor Long Quing (15671572) lifted a ban on maritime trade which allowed huanghuali, a tropical hardwood, to be imported from South-east Asia.

Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) translates to ‘yellow flower pear’. It is a slow-growing, smallto-medium-sized tree. With little supply of wood, the availability of furniture made from it is limited, adding to the table’s rarity

The wood itself is a thing of beauty. Its dense, beautifully-figured grain displays a broad range of colours from pale honey to rich mahogany. The finest huanghuali has a translucent shimmering surface with abstract figural patterns, including markings known as ‘ghost faces’.

The table will be offered in Hansons’ October 5-6 Fine Art Auction. Free antique valuations are available at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, WA16 6DH on September 29 and October 27, 11am-1pm. For further dates email Janet Rawnsley: jrawnsley@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

Twitter: HansonsUK

Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK

Instagram: hansons_auctioneers

Hansons’ associate director Helen Smith with the Ming table.

The Ming dynasty table was made in a golden era of Chinese furniture production.

The unassuming table among other items in Hansons’ saleroom.

LET YOUR BAD HABITS FALL THIS AUTUMN

The seasons mean different things to different people, and everyone probably has a favourite for their own reasons.

They all have positives and negatives, however you view them.

Winter has the unfair advantage of including Christmas, which probably makes it quite a few people’s favourite season. It was also given a popularity boost by Game of Thrones in recent times, as the whole programme was kind of about a really bad winter. It can be breathtakingly beautiful in the snow or heavy frost, and January is a great time for a reset, although no one actually sticks to New Year’s Resolutions. A major drawback is, it’s cold, really, really cold… and illness is rife; flu season is an annual joy we must endure. Fuel for heating is expensive too, so a fair few downers there.

Spring is for new beginnings and new life. Beautiful flowers and green shoots appear, whilst lambs and calves fill the fields. The weather starts to warm up too. People often piggyback on the new beginnings theme to start a new regime of health or fitness (again!), especially with summer just around the corner. I can’t think of anything particularly negative about spring other than the fact it’s often still cold and wet in Britain!

Summer is fairly simple. It’s hotter… (although not reliably so in Britain!). The days are long, meaning mornings and evenings are bright and it contains most of our holidays. I think, for these reasons, it probably has to to be most people’s favourite season. People find it easier to exercise and eat better when it’s warm too and the only real drawbacks are that it can be “too hot” from time to time, and also, if you have kids and a job - those 6-9 weeks are like spinning plates!

My personal favourite season is Autumn, somewhat of an underdog really. It isn’t boosted by containing a major holiday period like Summer, Christmas or Easter, and it has the drawback of the “back to school” blues, but the kids will feel this more than the adults most often (see above!).

I love the beauty and mystery of autumn, and the changes we see everywhere. Fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready for harvest and leaves on trees turn from a mere few shades of green to infinite shades of yellow, red and brown as the season progresses, before the leaves ultimately fall.

I have written a hypnosis called the “Tree of Life” in which the seasons accelerate, and the falling of the leaves represents letting go of unhelpful past memories, pain, hurt, upset and bad habits. It is one of the most popular ones I have ever created.

People seem to resonate with the metaphor of letting go, releasing and changing, just like the trees.  So, whatever your favourite season, your homework is to embrace the sentiment of autumn.

Imagine, in your mind, a tree full of leaves and then imagine that these leaves represent everything you want to let go of. Then, allow the seasons to accelerate and the leaves to fall, taking your bad habits with them.

You will then find yourself with a clean slate, and be ready to embrace whatever the future holds for you. Planning and preparing effectively will enable you to grow stronger and bolder than ever before, just like the trees.

MAPPING BRAMHALL

For 13 years the Mapping Bramhall U3A Group has researched Bramhall’s past, present and future to create a unique archive.

Val Murray, the group’s leader said, “We have walked, searched the records, talked to people, revisited our own memories, sat and observed . . . had cups of tea . . . to create this original research. A huge amount of work over the last year has been put in by the group and it’s now ready for everyone to enjoy.”

No stone was left unturned by the U3A group members. This archive reflects the diverse interests of the group, with a range of fascinating and unusual topics. Manhole covers, gravestones, local heroes and villains, tree roots in Happy Valley, abandoned gateposts, which flowers grow in the car parks and the shenanigans of the old Bramhall Festival - it’s all recorded, photographed and written about here.

On April 26th the archive was donated to the Stockport Heritage Library for all to enjoy. But it won’t be leaving Bramhall entirely. Work is in progress to put a digitised copy on the U3A website.

Bramhall U3A brings people together to continue their interests in a friendly, informal

environment, drawing on their knowledge and experience to learn from each other. This achievement really reflects the wonderful work done by our U3A members and we are so proud of everyone who contributed to this. It will form an important part of Bramhall’s history for many years to come.

BEST LOCAL PRICES ON PLUMBING, HEATING AND BATHROOMS

Trade and Retail clients welcome

Staffed by experienced local people

Bathroom Design service available

Underfloor Heating Design service available

Specialist supplier of Designer Radiators

Large range of Boilers & Radiators in stock

COME ANDVISIT OURBATHROOM

SH OW RO OM ANDPLUMBING TRADE COUNTER

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Autumn Recipe

When autumn arrives I look forward to making some really warming recipes to share with friends. The following is a long slow cook perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It isn’t complicated but does require a little bit of attention through the long simmer.

Rib ragout with pappardelle

–serves 6

1 large onion

3 sticks of celery

3 large carrots

50g butter

1 kg of baby back ribs

250g mushrooms

800ml beef stock

250g pappardelle

A little olive oil

Peel and chop the onion, celery and carrots. Melt the butter in a large deep casserole then add the ribs to brown slightly. Add the vegetables and cook over a medium heat for about 15 mins stirring from time to time til they are slightly softened. Finely chop the mushrooms and add to the pan. Cook for another 5 mins before adding the stock.

Bring it to the boil and then turn down to a simmer and cook covered at a low bubble for 3 hours stirring every now and then. Take the lid off for the last half an hour to allow it to thicken slightly. Cook the pappardelle in a large pan of salted boiling water until al dente then drain. Season with a little olive oil and black pepper. While the pasta cooks take the meat off the ribs and discard the bones. It should all slide off really easily. Stir the meat through the sauce and serve with the pappardelle.

A nice robust red wine will go down nicely with this.

ENJOYING PANORAMIC VIEWS ACROSS THE CHESHIRE COUNTRYSIDE AVRO GOLF CLUB IS SET IN THE HEART OF WOODFORD.

Pay and play offers for September and October:

v 9 holes any day £10.

v 18 holes Monday to Friday £15.

v Weekends and Bank Holidays £15.

Please book via the Avro website www.avrogolf.co.uk or call the Avro mobile on 07949 323397

www.avrogolf.co.uk

ARE YOU A ‘DOT FOLLOWER’?

Do you sing in a choir but find it difficult to read your music?

If you would like to learn how to improve your music reading skills, Cheshire Community Choirs is holding a 6 week, basic music theory course.

Starting Weds, Sept.13th 7-8pm at Bramhall URC. Each session costs £8 which includes all materials, tea and coffee.

For this and other courses contact Kate on 07794 050591 or cheshirecommunitychoirs@gmail.com www.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com

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Guaranteed peace of mind

Avro Golf Club Old Hall Lane, Woodford, Cheshire, SK7 1RN

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

Michael’s Munchkins Baby and Toddler Group

Friday 10– 11.30am (term time only) drop in. £2.50 per family – coffee, tea, juice, cakes and biscuits included. For all pre-school children and babies with their parents and carers. St Michael & All Angels Church, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall, SK7 2PG.

Mini Movers

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

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.

Praise & Play

Thursday 10 – 12 noon (term time only) drop in. All pre-school children, babies and their carers. They play, have stories and make music. Healthy snacks and drinks available St Michael & All Angels Church, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall, SK7 2PG.

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. Phone Frances Donkin: 01270 884583 The Bramley Centre, Scout Hut, Bramley Close, SK7 2DT.

Seedlings

Hazel Grove Baptist Church, Station Street, Hazel Grove. Tuesdays 10-11.3oam and 1.152.45pm. Call first on 0161 487 3708.

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.

FUNCTIONS AND MEETING ROOMS FOR HIRE

Are you looking for a venue for an upcoming celebration or perhaps a cosy intermit space for a small meeting. Bramhall Golf Club can offer that perfect space. Our Rowbotham suite, with outdoor balcony looking out over the course, can cater for up to 120 guests. With our small meeting room able to cater for up to 12 delegates in comfort (fully air conditioned). With modern facilities and a friendly modern feel to the bar this could be your perfect venue. We offer various packages and menu options with the option to custom your choices to your preference. We would love to help make your occasion one to remember. For further information or booking enquiries please call us on 0161 4396092 or email Officeadmin@bramhallgolfclub.com

Committee Room

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

Wills and Probate

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.

Pepper House

1 Pepper Road

Hazel Grove

SK7 5DP

Next to Let Loose!

RENTING YOUR HOME, A ROOM IN YOUR HOME, OR RENTING YOUR HOME TO HOLIDAY MAKERS

With summer upon us, everyone will be thinking about their annual holidays, so running an Airbnb business or guesthouse can be a great way to earn some extra money. In this article I will look at some of the reliefs available for renting your home or a part of it.

If you are letting your entire home to guests, then you are running a property business and will have to declare your rental income to HMRC on an annual personal tax return. You are allowed to deduct expenses from your rental income to arrive at the amount you will be taxed on. The most common expenses which you can deduct from your rental income will be any mortgage interest and a portion of your household bills such as gas and electricity, Council Tax, and insurance. You will also be able to claim relief for the costs of replacing domestic items (such as beds and microwaves) used in your property business.

If you are only letting part of your home to guests (a spare bedroom say), then Rent-a-Room relief will apply. This allows you to earn up to £7,500 in rental income tax free each year where the accommodation is provided in a person’s only or main home. If your rental income is more than £7,500, you can choose to either deduct your actual expenses from your rental income, or alternatively, simply be taxed on the amount of rental income over £7,500. So, for example, if you earn £10,000 in rental income in the tax year, you can deduct your actual expenses to arrive at your taxable profits, or simply deduct £7,500 and only pay tax on £2,500.

If your property business counts as a furnished holiday let, then there are some other useful reliefs to be claimed. There are several requirements related to the occupation and availability of the property which have be satisfied to meet the furnished holiday let conditions. Once these conditions are met,

then you can claim tax relief for the initial cost of domestic items (rather than just claiming tax relief as and when they are replaced). Another benefit of meeting the furnished holiday let conditions is that when you come to sell the property, if there is any capital gains tax due on the property from the rental business, the rate of tax is only 10%, (broadly 10% on the difference between original cost plus purchase expenses: and selling price less selling expenses).

As mentioned above, one thing to be aware of if you are thinking of renting out part of your home is capital gains tax. If someone sells their main residence, they usually don’t have to pay any tax at all as it is covered by the principal private residence (PPR) relief. However, if they are running a rental business in their home, the gain on the part of the home that relates to the rental business will not qualify for principal private residence relief. The gain on the part of the home that relates to the rental business may be covered by other exemptions and reliefs, but if not, it will be subject to Capital Gains Tax at 18% or even 28%.

Renting out your entire home, a room in your home, or renting out your home to holiday makers can each be a useful source of income, but it is important that you speak to an accountant first to consider your specific circumstances and what reliefs you can claim and if there are could be any unintended consequences when you come to sell the property.

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

BE INSPIRED!

For this editorial, I’m sat in Girona airport waiting for a delayed flight home. One week of Catalonian highlights has inspired me to tile my own hallway back in Blighty. Also on the list is to learn how to perfect Patatas Bravas, make Sangria like a local and ride an electric scooter (they’re everywhere).

I know Cheshire isn’t bathed in heat, in fact, as we move into the cooler months, we’re ensuring zero heat can escape from our homes, but those tiles! They’re so practical for a hall where we rush in from the rain and cold, plus I can stop worrying that the carpet is getting ruined. It’s also a transient area, nobody is cosying down at the bottom of the stairs so it doesn’t need to be soft underfoot.

I’m not going full on Catalan Moorish patterns and hues, it wouldn’t suit my house or colour palette, but I’ve had a little search already (of course I have) and found some contenders. I’ll add wood panelling on the walls to about half way, paint that a darker colour to tie in and add a warm lamp. To finish off, I’ll paint the skirting boards, hand rail and door frames with the same darker but soft tone. I’m hoping for a dark blush pink, this is gorgeous in an enclosed space like a hallway, it makes a stylish statement, inviting you in to a warm and happy home.

These colours, patterned hall tiles, painted panelling might not be your core style at all, but if you’re in another country, a hotel, a restaurant, or you see something you like on the TV, take inspiration and incorporate it into your own home.

If it feels overwhelming, remember what attracted you most and work from there. Was it the colour palette, the lighting, the furniture? Was it minimalist layered with gorgeous fabrics, a relaxed style? Hone in on that and create your dream space.

Please let me know if I can help create this for you, Sharon.

Facebook: Tigermoth Home

www.tigermothhome.co.uk

Sharon@tigermothhome.co.uk

Instagram: @tigermothhomeinteriors

SCARECROW’S HALL OF FAME:

19TH AUGUST – 2ND SEPTEMBER

Following the enormous success of previous Scarecrow events, Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club are hosting a SCARECROW HALL of FAME themed event centring on Bramhall village and it will run from 19th August until 2nd September – just before the Scarecrows have their winter break.

Because Billy Bow has got to know loads of famous people over the years, he has invited them all to come to Bramhall Village for a bit of a party. They include stars of stage, screen, sports and TV.

You can create your own Scarecrow with ‘Hall of Fame’ as the theme and bring it to the village for judging. For the judging on 2nd Sept, the judges will be looking for the most authentic scarecrow, the best craftsmanship, the funniest scarecrow and the overall festival winner.

You can get a scarecrow starter kit for just £20 or re-enter last time’s model for £15. To create a Tableaux the costs are £35 for two kits, £45 for three kits and £50 for four kits. They are obtained by contacting Maggie at angularelbows@gmail.

com or through the Club website

www.bwrotary.org or the Facebook

page Bramhall and Woodford Rotary. After that you have free rein to dress your scarecrow however you like but with the Hall of Fame theme. Props are allowed. Alternatively, you can make your own scarecrow and enter the competition for just £15.

The festival will raise funds for SPARC (Stockport Progress and Recovery Centre) a charity providing support to adults in the Stockport area who experience mental health problems.

Shops and businesses are being encouraged to display their scarecrows outside their premises for two weeks from 19th August for shoppers to enjoy and attract people to our lovely village centre.

Who will be first to spot Billy Bow? Out and about every day!

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

textile cleaning business

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

textile cleaning business

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Life Back into Your Carpets

Beautifully Clean Carpets for your Beautiful Home Mob: 07769 687 462

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

www.bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Ring Jason Pagnam (formally of Bramhall Dry Cleaners)

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

textile cleaning business

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Free & honest appraisals

enquiries@bramhallcarpetcleaners.co.uk

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets

All carpets deodorized

Free & honest appraisals

7955 Mob: 07769 687 462 appraisals times time that weekends available)

Free & honest appraisals

Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

Superfast drying times

All carpets deodorized

Free & honest appraisals

All carpets deodorized

Superfast drying times

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

Superfast drying times

All carpets deodorized

Free & honest appraisals

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

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

Breathe Life Back into Your Carpets Tel: 0161 440 7955 Mob: 07769 687 462

All carpets deodorized

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

Superfast drying times

Free & honest appraisals

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

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

Superfast drying times

All carpets deodorized

Superfast drying times

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

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

Ring Jason Pagnam (formerly of Bramhall Dry Cleaners) 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

t: 0161 612 5782

07740 396358

local SK decorator

ARE YOU OFF ON HOLIDAY? DON’T FORGET YOUR PRICKLE BALL!

The holiday season is now with us, we all disappear off to lovely locations and away from our normal routines. Lots of new and exciting things to do and hopefully, time to stop still and chill. However, these changes in routine can create a few unexpected aches and pains. The humble prickle ball can come in very handy to help manage these. It also fits easily into a bag or suitcase!

Some examples of its use are:-

1. Wearing flip-flops or no shoes for longer periods can create pains in the arches of the feet. The prickle ball can be gently rolled up and down or across the arch of the feet to help ease this. Simply stand with the ball under each foot and press into it and roll it. You can also fill a small water bottle with water and put it in the freezer. When this has frozen it can also be rolled under the feet. Very soothing.

2. Suddenly, doing lots of impact sports, football on the beach, tennis, golf, volleyball to name a few, can leave hips and lower backs a bit stiff afterwards. You can sit on the floor and roll the prickle ball deep into your hip muscles. Also lie on your back with your knees bent up and place it under your sacrum/base of your spine and gently rock your pelvis to ease it.

3. As well as the above mentioned activities, lying on sunbeds on our stomachs reading, or on your back with your head propped up, can aggravate your neck and shoulders. To help this, you can stand against a wall and place the

ball at the base of your neck and roll it up and down your spine. Similarly, you can lie on the floor with your knees bent up, place the prickle ball under your upper back and a small cushion under your head, reach your arms up and over your head and this lovely stretch opens up your upper back and helps relax the muscles up into your neck.

There are so many uses of the prickle ball, and in our picture, Conor is showing us one of his techniques.

The prickle ball can also be really useful for business trips, with lots of travel, change of beds/pillows, different work stations and stress, sometimes playing havoc with our spines.

We tend to recommend the 9/10cm option with medium prickles. You can get them from many sources, including, support@fitsupplies.co.uk www.fitphysical.co.uk the www.physic.co.uk or Amazon.

Enjoy your holidays and hopefully, the prickle ball helps!

Happy Prickling!!

Jo Cheaney Bramhall Osteopathic Practice

My favourite and most transportable piece of fitness equipment has to be the prickle ball!

FRIEND OR FOE

Increasingly individuals across the UK are meeting people online and building relationships with people they’ve never met in person. Whilst there are genuine friendships made this way and romances started, inevitably there are scammers who are looking to take advantage of online friendships, pretending to be interested in you so you will give them money. Age UK have included Befriending Fraud in their latest scam bulletin, to raise awareness of this subject and provide advice for those who are concerned about a loved one and what to do if you think you’ve been a victim of this type of fraud.

So, what should we look out for when striking up a friendship or romance?

Is it too good to be true? Your new friend’s online profile has very attractive photos. They are extremely attentive at the beginning of the friendship and seem to say all the right things. They may seem very keen to do anything for you, even more than your family. They don’t want you to tell others about your friendship and may persuade you not to talk to relatives or friends, telling you that others may be jealous or not understand.

Online, fraudsters will try to move your conversations away from reputable websites as soon as possible, so they can’t be monitored. They may suggest messaging through WhatsApp, text, email or other services, such as Google hangouts.

A trick fraudsters use is to promise they’ll video call you or come over to visit, but it never happens. They may claim they’re working abroad where there’s poor internet, or something has happened last minute so they can no longer

meet up. If they do arrange a video call, just because you see a face, it doesn’t mean it’s theirs.

It is only a matter of time before a befriending fraudster asks for money or gifts. It may not even seem a large amount. The reasons could be anything from not having enough money for food and medicine, to travel costs or taxes they need to pay to claim an inheritance. They may even offer you an investment opportunity. They could even persuade you to have your benefits paid into their account.

There is a stigma around befriending and romance fraud, especially with older people. We can remove this by embracing the fact that older people are still looking for love, friendship and company. Talking openly about new friendships with others removes the secrecy which often plays into fraudsters hands. Having awareness and knowledge will empower us all to make safe decisions online, whatever our age.

If you would like more information about scams and how to keep yourself or a loved one safe visit www.ageuk.org.uk or www.gov.uk

Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services www.alicechilton.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.

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

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 Tel 07729 905953

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 AVAILABLE

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:

IT’S ME TIME, SO MAKE TIME TO JOIN A PILATES CLASS!

The children are back at school so whether you are a parent or grandparent grab yourself some ME time. With more time on your hands now is the time to join a Pilates class. It’s well known that physically active can lead to a healthier and happier life.

Pilates is a great form of exercise and after a few sessions you will start to feel the benefits of regular exercise.

Pilates is a refreshing mind-body workout…

In Pilates the quality of movement is more important than the quantity of repetitions. Correct breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

It’s gentle…

Many of the exercises are performed lying on a mat, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe; it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries. But it’s also challenging…

Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Pilates will help you develop a strong “core”. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine.

Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty from beginners to advanced.

Improves your posture…

Poor posture forms as a result of bad habit such as slouching at your desk and chair, which can eventually cause backache, neck ache, headache, etc. The bad habits will result in asymmetrical muscle development, where some muscles are weaker than others. Pilates can help to strengthen those underdeveloped muscles and get rid of bad posture.

Places no pressure on your knees and joints… Since Pilates consists of slow and controlled movement, there is minimal impact on your joints, so it’s ideal for those who cannot (or do not want to) take part in high-impact sports and exercises.

Pilates is for everyone…

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, fit or out of shape, flexible or not, Pilates is one of a handful of exercises which can benefit everyone.

Pilates creates long, lean muscles and flexibility…

More conventional or traditional workouts are weight bearing and tend to build short, bulky musclesthe type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured. Flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed.

So rather than saying you can’t do Pilates because you are not flexible enough, you should actually participate in Pilates exercises to improve your flexibility.

Pilates is for life and can be life changing, so take some me-time and join a Pilates class now!

To find a qualified teacher, visit the Body Control Pilates website Jules Hardman Body Control Pilates Teacher

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.

issue: November / December 2023

Composite veneers create the most incredible smile makeovers

Get a Quick, Affordable, Pain-Free Smile Makeover Using Composite Veneers.

Composite veneers are a minimally-invasive type of tooth covering made using composite resin. The composite sits on top of your existing teeth, helping to shape the teeth into a more desirable appearance. They can be used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that have damage, discolouration, irregularly shaped, improperly aligned and can also fix minor chips or cracks in the teeth.

It doesn’t take very long for a dentist to prepare your teeth for application of the veneers, and the veneers are applied there and then, meaning you can get your dream smile in just one visit (following consultations).

Here are two examples of composite veneer cases we have completed recently, where the patients have been unhappy with their chipped, worn, uneven teeth, and the gaps between them. In each case, we placed six composite veneers to get rid of those imperfections and give each patient beautifully straight and even smiles.

Composite veneers create the most amazing smile makeovers at a fraction of the cost of porcelain ones, with NO damage to the natural teeth. And, as they can be done in one visit you can walk away the same day with a brand new, beautiful smile.

To discuss composite veneers, or any other treatment you may be interested in, call us on 0161-486-0743 and book your FREE consultation with one of our smile advisors.

Start creating YOUR dream smile TODAY.