Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington Issue 67

inside march - april 2019

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Issue 67

bollington, prestbury & t y t h e r i n g to n

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bollington, prestbury & t y t h e r i n g to n I’m writing this in the middle of February but it’s already a beautiful Spring day! Blue sky, a bit of warmth from the sun and people smiling as they walk around, instead of scurrying along, heads bowed against the cold. Last year we still had the ‘Beast from the East’ to come – let’s hope it stays away for 2019.

With Spring in the air, I hope you’ll get the chance to enjoy the great outdoors a bit more. There’s always a new walk to try in every issue of INSIDE, and often a suggestion for a day out or two, as well as all the events listed in the INSIDE Guide. Feel free to send anything you’d like to see featured – we can’t guarantee to use it, but we do our very best. Also, remember we’re always on the lookout for good local photos for the cover – please send any you think might be suitable.

It’s also the time of year when you might feel moved to get a few jobs done around the house and garden.

Where better to look for someone to help with your project than in your local magazine?

Happy reading.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books book club choice 7 bollington festival returns 11 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 12 perfect primulas 16 Recipe 19 RSPB Dee estuary 24 23 Puzzles 24 The Walk 26 In Touch 30 dogfest

33 Just 4 Kids 16 34 Children’s Activities 36 INSIDE Guide 41 carry on Peter Butterworth 43 do you need an activity tracker?

44 Puzzle Solutions 45 Useful Numbers 46 Classified Index

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Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Prestbury Village

Copy deadline for the next issue: Wed 10 april

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Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington is produced by Inside Magazines Ltd. We cannot be held responsible for views expressed by contributors or any advert content, including errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all local information given in this magazine is accurate, but we cannot always guarantee this. © Copyright Inside Magazines Ltd 2019. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

Design and artwork by Spring Creative | www.spring-creative.co.uk | 01925 714203

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simply books book club choice My first pick is A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline – a beautifully composed fictional memoir which draws together lives of one of America’s most famous painters of the twentieth century (Andrew Wyeth) and the woman who inspired some of his most memorable paintings. To Christina Olson, the entire world is encompassed by her family’s remote farm in the small coastal town of Cushing, Maine. Born in the home her family has lived in for generations, and tied to the farm by health and circumstances, Christina seems destined for a small life. Instead, by chance she and the landscape in which she lives become the inspiration for the artist Andrew Wyeth, and eventually the subject of one of the best-known paintings of the last century Christina’s World. Beautifully written – tender, compassionate and a moving study of the connection between two people from utterly different backgrounds who come to share so much.

The Death of the Fronsac is a debut novel by journalist and historian Neal Ascherson – completed at the age of 85 – drawing on the author’s own experience as a wartime child in Greenock on the banks of the Clyde. In 1940 a French ship blows up in the Firth of Clyde. The disaster is witnessed by Jackie, a young girl, who for a time thinks she has caused the explosion by running away that day from school; by her mother Helen, a spirited woman married to a dreary young officer; and by a Polish soldier whose country has just been overrun by Hitler. Their lives are changed forever by the death of the Fronsac. This is a thoughtful and affecting story - a vivid evocation of life in wartime and the way in which history intrudes on our lives.

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

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Andrew Cant

And for children…unicorns are definitely the thing of the moment! One of our favourite unicorn stories is Uni The Unicorn by Amy Krause Rosenthal – a magical story of friendship that proves that wishes really can come true!

BOLLINGTON FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS MAY Of course, any festival needs its attractions and over the years this wonderful spectacle has featured a huge range of entertainment, artists and celebrities, from a Victorian helter-skelter and the town’s own Calendar Boys to Professor Robert Winston and former Church of England envoy Terry Waite (a Bollingtonian by birth).

Bollington’s heritage is closely tied to the Industrial Revolution (its population quadrupled to over 4,500 between 1801 and 1851) and to this day its mills still play a vital role in the community. Dominating the skyline, their cotton-producing days may be long gone but they provide a livelihood for many thriving businesses and some stylish accommodation for hundreds of local residents.

We associate certain places with specific people: Bristol with Brunel, Stratford with Shakespeare. For Bollington, this beautiful Cheshire town of 8,000 inhabitants nestling on the edge of the Peak District, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who contributed more than Dr John Coope.

The estimable GP supported his community in many ways, not least through the creation of the Bollington Festival, which swings into action once again this year between 10th and 27th May. ‘Dr John’, who passed away on Christmas Day 2005, set out in the Swinging 60s to revitalise Bollington’s community spirit by promoting various social, music and arts projects. This led to the inaugural Festival in 1964, which featured the somewhat mechanicalsounding ‘Dance to two Beat Groups’, a bowls tournament and a horticultural show, with tickets priced at a very accessible four shillings.

Since then the event has resurfaced many times at irregular intervals, more recently every 4 to 7 years with the last Festival being held in 2014. Organised by a committee of volunteers, each event has tended to outstrip the last and invariably galvanises the entire community of what is affectionately known as ‘Happy Valley’.

Given the town’s history, it’s no surprise that science and industry have been represented at past festivals; this year sees the return of the popular SciBar, hosted by two visiting professors.

However, in accordance with Dr Coope’s original vision, the Festival remains a predominantly arts-focused event. Here’s a flavour of what’s on offer: Being just 20 miles from the city, there’s a Mancunian influence to the programme on 17th May with the bad brothers of BritPop being ably represented by Oasish, the UK’s official No.1 Oasis tribute band.

There’s light relief provided through a Comedy Extravaganza on 24th May, a rib-tickling session from four of the funniest folk on the comedy circuit – Justin Moorhouse (Live at the Apollo, 8 out of 10 Cats), Jo Caulfield (Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You), Will-E (P.Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy) and Kerry Leigh (Laughing Cows Comedy Night).

Mr Trump may or may not get “The Wall”, but Bollington’s festival-goers are guaranteed their own Pink Floyd version, courtesy of the outrageously talented Vesbim. For the Festival finale on 27th May, fans can re-live the Floyd’s famous album, together with 90 minutes of ‘bonus tracks’, including songs from Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon.

Continued over

by Andrew Thorp

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That’s just the merest snapshot of an incredibly packed and diverse programme, which also includes Classical Guitar, a Sports Panel, Magic Show, Folk Rock, Flamenco, Children’s Choir, Science Talks and Oral Storytelling. In addition, the town’s residents and community groups have planned a host of ‘halo events’ around the official programme, each somehow supporting the main show.

Festival Chairman Jon Beck heads an impressive team of volunteers who have made this year’s Festival possible.

“My first official involvement in the Festival was back in 2009 when I trod the boards in a production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Judging by my reviews I’m confident I’ll make a greater contribution this year!

But to be honest the stars of the show are the artists, committee members, volunteers and fund-raisers who put their heart and soul into this extraordinary event.”

Looking ahead to this year’s event, Jon cites a quote that Dr Coope included in his chairman’s message way back in 1964. “Perhaps we can hope that when our

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present itself becomes a page of history, it may also be worth remembering.”

Given the longevity of the Bollington Festival and the memories it invariably creates, it seems that the good doctor’s vision will be fulfilled once again in 2019.

Tickets for the Bollington Festival and further information on the programme are available at www.bollingtonfestival.org.uk

Diary of a geeky knitter Public Speaking When it came time to write up this little column again, the timing couldn’t really have been better as it coincided with a talk I had agreed to give to Ludworth & Mellor WI. I was approached by the secretary, Caroline, about half a year ago to arrange this event, and being so far in the future (this was back in my unmarried days after all!) I said yes without hesitation.

Fast forward to about a week ago, where the realisation really hit me that, wow, I needed to give a 45-minute talk about what I do for a living.

Something that may appear like normal dayto-day for some, but for the majority of us, it smacked heavily of public speaking.

You’ve read my words in past columns about stepping out of your comfort zone and taking that leap, but my goodness had I forgotten the fear that hits you before an interview for a new job in front of strangers, or even giving a dreaded PowerPoint presentation at school. I was very nervous, but I had a good feeling that the ladies in a WI (the friendliest afternoon group in the area, I have been assured) wouldn’t be quite so scary as an English literature teacher asking you your thoughts on The Merchant of Venice in front of a restless group of 20+ teenagers.

They didn’t disappoint!

Welcomed

by Caroline, Sheila, Elaine and the other members, I gave my talk to what I hope was an interested audience, and enough questions were asked about my job as editor of a crochet craft magazine and what it involves, that it filled me with confidence that perhaps it wasn’t so bad. In fact, the newest face in the group even managed not to cry the whole time I was speaking and given that he couldn’t have been older than 1 year old I took it to be a great compliment. Even his mum, whom he dragged along, was interested - who knew young children these days could be so interested in the inner workings of publishing, eh?

At the risk of saying it once, and saying it again, I do heartily encourage you to think of ways you can just step a little further out of your usual routine to do something a little different - maybe you’re not ready to give a long speech in an established group (I may delay my next one for some time…) but perhaps joining or sampling a new group could be the way to go? The Ludworth & Mellor WI meet to have a knitting, crochet and all handicrafts club every Tuesday morning from 10am to12 noon at the WI Hall on Lower Fold Road, and everyone is welcome to join in - members or not; a great way to do something a little different in the week. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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Perfect Primulas The name primula comes from the Latin for “first” and the native Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a herald of spring in many woodlands. There are many types of primrose, some common and easy and others rare and requiring special conditions. This month I’m going to focus on some I’ve found easy enough for most gardens provided you meet the general requirement for a moist soil and some shade from the hot sun.

Primulas can be easily raised from seed but do best from very fresh seed, collected as soon as (or even just before) the seed pods open and sown immediately. If you need to keep seed, then its best in a sealed jar in the fridge. The seed compost must not dry out and a humid atmosphere helps – cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass or a clear plastic bag. In the right conditions seed can germinate in three weeks or so.

after flowering. One of my favourite types is the Gold Lace Polyanthus with its yellow centre and gold-edged almost black petals.

Some of the most dramatic and easy to grow are the candelabra primulas with their multiple whorls of flowers along upright stems. There are many colours and hybrids to choose from including Bessiana (pink), Bulleyana (orange), pulverulenta (deep pink) and the dramatic Inverewe (burnt orange). These definitely need damp conditions and are traditionally grown next to streams and ponds or in woodland boggy areas. If allowed to seed, they will mix and produce plants in many colours.

Another favourite is the Drumstick Primula (P. denticulate) with its short flower stems topped with a ball of flowers in white, blue or pink. These tolerate slightly drier conditions but must not dry out completely if they are to do well.

Once the plants have clumped up it is best to divide them after flowering, or perhaps in early autumn in a cooler spell of weather. Dig up the clump and break it into individual rosettes. Shorten the leaves by about half to reduce water loss. Replant or pot up the small plants and keep moist and shaded while they get established.

There are lots of British native Primulas, including the woodland Primrose. The Cowslip (Primula veris) is one of the most accommodating, even growing on dry, sunny banks and seedling around to form large colonies naturalised in grass. Hybrids of these natives gave us the Polyanthas – well-loved bedding plants that are nonetheless perennial flowering every year if divided

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by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

Primulas can be subject to a few pests and by far the most devastating is vine weevil which seems to have a special liking for fleshy roots. Apart from that most gardeners will find primulas easy to grow and trouble free.

Janet and I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season.

Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Locally we will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Bramall Hall, on Sunday 7 April 2019 and at Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 12 May 2019. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

HOW PCDS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN It started out as a simple idea, but things never stay simple for very long – PCDS is a great example of this!

We started out as A1 Superkleen, mainly solving issues some customers had with flooded gardens. Our background was in drainage, both commercial and domestic, and we reinvented a little-used traditional practice, namely installing French drains in gardens.

Although popular in agriculture they seem rarely used in domestic gardens. However, when United Utilities began clearing drains for free, we were left with very little work and a bleak future.

contractors were getting the opportunity to do the fun part - installing patios, paving, flags and gravel and re-turfing or installing artificial turf.

So began a long and steep learning curve over a four-year period, which brings us to now when we are offering that final stage in your garden makeover!

We have three local teams, all experts and qualified in a variety of aspects of landscaping. All are dedicated to providing a first-class service from the vehicles they drive, to the support from our sales team and operations team.

At PCDS, we are all working together with a single aim - to provide you, the customer, with a quick and tidy completed job. The right way is not always the easy way, and this is always uppermost in our minds when we are advising you.

So, with the choice of giving up or trying something new, we rebranded ourselves as Pure Clean Drainage Solutions (PCDS) and arranged some advertising in INSIDE Magazines. At the time this was something of a shot in the dark, but thankfully the phone began to ring, and we quickly realised that there really was a future in drainage - land drainage.

The skills needed were simple, mainly involving hard work with a shovel and a wheelbarrow. The problem was, once we’d worked our magic and provided a well-drained garden ready for a makeover, different

If you are thinking of any landscaping work in the future please call 0161 430 5390 and speak to BEN OR REBECCA to arrange a free, absolutely no obligation, quote.

0161 430 1110 YouTube PCDSOL www.pcdsol.co.uk

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Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon & Chives

Method

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: 4 (or 2 really hungry people!)

Ingredients ■■ 4 eggs ■■ 2 tbsp white wine vinegar ■■ 2 English muffins or two bagels, halved ■■ Butter for spreading ■■ 8 slices smoked salmon ■■ Chopped chives, to serve For the Hollandaise sauce ■■ 2 tsp lemon juice ■■ 2 tsp white wine vinegar ■■ 3 egg yolks ■■ 125g unsalted butter, cubed

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1. Hollandaise Sauce: Pour the lemon juice and vinegar into a small bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk with a balloon whisk until light and frothy.

Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.

Add the butter a small amount at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is thick. If it looks like it might be splitting, remove from the heat and continue to whisk. Season with salt and pepper then and keep warm.

2. Poached eggs: bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the vinegar. Lower the heat so that the water simmers very gently. Stir the water a little so you create a gentle whirlpool effect, then slide in the eggs one by one. Cook each for about 4 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon. Handy hint - you will see the eggs begin to rise in the water as they reach completion.

3. Lightly toast and butter the muffins or bagels, then place a couple of slices of the smoked salmon on each half. Top each with an egg, then spoon over your Hollandaise and garnish with chopped chives.

RSPB Dee Estuary The RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019, and in that time has become one of the best places for wildlife in the region. From family-friendly walks, to photography, birdwatching and delicious refreshments in Burton Mere Wetlands’ visitor centre, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for everyone at one of the RSPB’s largest and most diverse nature reserves.

The well-known nature conservation charity first purchased an area of saltmarsh and mudflats the size of 2000 football pitches at Parkgate in 1979. Doing so created a protected area for the tens of thousands of water birds that flock to the estuary from Arctic regions, to spend the cold winter months in the UK. Their numbers had been falling there during the preceding years and were at further risk from proposed development and disturbance.

Since securing the initial part of the reserve on the estuary, originally known as Gayton Sands, the RSPB land holdings have expanded significantly, particularly around the village of Burton, four miles from Parkgate.

In 2011 visitor facilities were opened at Burton Mere Wetlands, and since then, the RSPB has welcomed almost a quarter of a million visits from people wanting to experience the nature that makes its home on the estuary. The welcoming attraction serves as the beating heart of the wide and wild expanse of tidal habitat

spanning the Cheshire-Flintshire border that is one of Europe’s most important wetlands for wildlife.

Various locations near Neston on the Wirral peninsula offer access to experience unrivalled wildlife spectacles, so if you are looking for something different this year, why not try one of these fantastic experiences and enjoy the fruits of 40 years of dedicated nature conservation on the Dee Estuary?

Enjoy a brew with a view The visitor centre boasts panoramic views across the vibrant reserve with a backdrop of the Clwydian Hills in Wales. As well as being a great spot to sit and watch wildlife, it also makes it one of the best places to enjoy a brew with a view – or more, given the RSPB sell delicious locally made sandwiches and a variety of Fairtrade snacks. It’s kept cosy with an eco-friendly wood pellet stove in the colder months, plus there’s always a warm welcome from the staff and volunteer team all year round. From here alone, it’s possible to see kingfishers, marsh harriers and in the spring glimpse the fluffy chicks of some of the most important breeding wading birds like avocets and lapwings from the minute they hatch.

Hear the egret orchestra The reserve is teeming with ever growing families in spring - with baby mallards, mute swans and blue Continued over

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tits everywhere, but something special Burton Mere Wetlands is renowned for is its thriving colony of little egrets in the treetops of Marsh Covert. Having first appeared in this area a little over two decades ago, numbers have swelled to a remarkable 84 breeding pairs, and peak numbers of almost 400 birds in late summer. The location of their nests makes them difficult to see once the trees have come into leaf, but their strange gargling chatter through April and May is what fascinates visitors the most. The best time to see the egrets is in early summer when the young birds gather in their dozens on pools close to their nests, learning how to catch fish and frogs to eat.

vast saltmarsh formed, leaving the water a distant sight on any normal day. Yet a handful of times a year, the tide can still flood the saltmarsh and reach Parkgate’s historic sea wall. In doing so, it causes a showcase of the 100,000 wetland birds making their winter home here, flushes small mammals from the saltmarsh grasses, and attracts the many birds of prey that the Dee’s marshes are renowned for. Early 2019 happens to have a number of favourable tides when the RSPB are running events at Parkgate to help you spot what’s going on amidst the frenzied activity around the marsh.

Bathe in bluebells

Encompassing the area of over 7300 football pitches, the Dee Estuary reserve is the fifth largest the RSPB manages, and the charity’s largest coastal wetland reserve. Whilst the Welsh shore is heavily industrialised in places, there is still plenty of places to surround yourself in nature, such as on a stroll at Point of Ayr, looking out across the epic expanse of the estuary.

The English side is a largely undeveloped wilderness stretching four miles from Burton to Parkgate. This entire length can be explored along a public right of way that borders the saltmarsh and takes in a tidal reedbed, with an abundance of wildlife to be spotted along the way, not least the numerous birds of prey and huge flocks of geese in winter. It’s hard to find a more perfect place to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature, whilst taking in some of the most pristine views of Cheshire’s wonderful coastline.

The reserve is not all about the wetland wildlife, also boasting areas of semi-natural ancient woodland and wildlife-friendly farmland. Part of the woodland springs into life in April with one of the best bluebell carpets in the local area, and a nature trail taking visitors into the heart of the hue. At this time of year, the trees are alive with the constant trill of birdsong, making it all the more tranquil to admire or photograph the flowers.

Connect your kids to nature As well as exciting walks of discovery, there’s plenty more for families to enjoy here. A rustic wild play area in Gorse Covert is great for den building, and there’s always a seasonal self-guided quiz trail to follow. Even better, you can hire an explorer backpack from the visitor centre, which contains everything needed to head out on a bug hunting mission, plus some mini binoculars and other intriguing equipment for kids to get closer to nature. Why not register your family for the RSPB Wild Challenge? With over 30 activities to do at home and out in your local wild space, there will always be something for you to explore.

Be wowed by the high tide phenomenon The oceans’ tides are an intriguing phenomenon, one of the most visible and reliable of Mother Nature’s routines. The Dee Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the country, which can make for some exciting birdwatching especially in autumn and winter. The quaint village of Parkgate was formerly a thriving port and seaside resort, before the shore silted up and the

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Take a walk on the wilder side

For further information on events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands Location and opening times: RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF. The reserve is open every day except Christmas Day, 9am to dusk (up to 9pm in summer).

Our visitor reception is open 9.30am to 5pm (4.30pm from November to January)

Photo by David Morris: Aerial image of Burton Mere Wetlands and the vast expanse of the Dee Estuary nature reserve behind it.

quick crossword Across 7 Gambling emporium (6) 8 Char, sear (6) 9 Wind instrument (4) 10 Backpackers, hikers (8) 11 Large houseplant (6,5) 14 Matching pants and jacket set (7,4) 18 Without penalty, got off ____ ____ (4-4) 19 Animal prized for its fur (4) 20 Tear-inducing vegetables (6) 21 Incorrect, false (6)

down 1 Sheltered place to moor boats (7) 2 Climb, ascend (4) 3 Medic (6) 4 In addition, also (2,4) 5 Props to keep paperbacks tidy (4-4) 6 Frightening (5) 12 Pub seating (3,5) 13 Junior king of beasts (4,3) 15 Civil disorder (6) 16 To make equal, balance (4,2) 17 Perfume, fragrance (5) 19 Nocturnal insect (4)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 44 23

CIRCULAR WALK FROM MELLOR CHURCH VIA HIGHER CHISWORTH Walk description: A 3 to 4 hour circular walk with some rewarding views. The route has only a few ascents, is largely off-road and, for the latter half, crosses open fields and farmland. For most of the walk conditions are firm and on a variety of surfaces, but there are some muddy sections. The route involves quite a number of stiles. Some of these are in poor condition, and care is needed when climbing over them.

Distance: 6 miles Starting point: Mellor Church car park (Grid Reference: SJ983889, Postcode: SK6 5LX). The large car park is free.

Map: OS Explorer OL1: Peak District: Dark Peak Area Leave Mellor Church car park and head towards the Church entrance where four paths meet. Take the lane signed “Old Vicarage�. After a short distance (before a white house on the left) go through a small wooden gate on the right, by a tree. Cross a (ramshackle) stile on the immediate left. Walk down the field, keeping close to the stone wall boundary on the left. Go through a metal gate into a second field and head towards the left-hand corner. Turn left on to a grassy lane for 70 yds and go through a metal farm gate. Head towards the farm buildings, but turn right before reaching them, climbing 100 yds uphill to the second of two telegraph poles.

Worth stopping at the top to admire the view.

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by Stephen Hyslop, Poynton Rambling Club

Descend the field half right to a stile (next to a metal gate) in the corner of the field. Follow a distinct path with barbed wire on both sides, and then with a wall on the left. On reaching the back of some farm buildings turn right at a sign post for Mill Brow. After 100 yds pass through a cobbled farm yard, then turn right and follow the lane uphill. After a short distance go through a wooden gate on the left, then follow the path heading right to another wooden gate. Follow the high narrow path to a further gate by a disfigured tree stump. Go through the gate and follow the path, with a pond on the left. Go over the stile next to a small gate, under some trees. Follow a narrow track and turn left down a tarmac road. Pass the entrance to Primrose Mill on the left - this is the last of four former cotton mills along Mill Brook - and follow the road over the bridge, before turning immediate right up the hill.

After passing a brown-gated drive reach Mill Brow, a conservation area, and the Hare and Hounds pub at the top. Turn right on the road and after 250 yds, fork left up Gird Lane, passing a large converted chapel on the left. Ignore a number of footpath signs, and continue as the road narrows to become a stony track with a steady climb. Pass a pair of gates on either side of the track, with views to the left of Stockport, and of a white house with a fully glazed gable to the right. Continue on the track to reach Sandhills Lane at its junction with Ernocroft Lane.

Turn right for 20 yds to reach a footpath sign and stile on the left. Climb over this stile into a field. Stay close to a wall/fence on the right and climb 500 yds to reach a stile in the corner of the field, then 150 yds to reach a

further stile in the field corner, having passed an enclosed woodland to the right (this is a sanctuary for Brown Low, a Round Barrow ancient burial tumulus).

Cross this stile into a field and head towards a further stile, keeping close to the wall/fence on your left. Cross this stile and go 300 yds diagonally across the field towards an eroded earth mound with a stone wall/ fence on top. This area is known as Ludworth Intake, a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Cross the stile to the right of the mound, passing a small pond to the right. Cross the next field diagonally, heading 200 yds towards a stile next to a telegraph pole. Pause here to admire the view. The next stile should be visible from here, with pylons beyond. Cross this and head for a second smaller, newer pylon. From here walk downhill towards Higher Chisworth, with a metal farm gate in view. Cross the stile to the right of the gate then turn right up the road and continue to reach Hilltop. At the T junction turn right to head uphill for 150 yds, then turn left on to a gravel lane, with a sign for the “Old Cowshed” on the right, and “Moorside Barn” painted on the left wall of the lane entrance. After 600 yds there is a left-hand bend leading to the Old Cowshed. Don’t follow this round, but instead turn right on the bend into a grassy lane. At the end go through a metal gate/stile, and then through a further metal gate straight ahead.

Cross the field diagonally, keeping a large barn to your left. Reach a small ladder stile in the wall. Climb over this and follow a distinct path through a marshy field towards two metal farm gates, side by side. Cross the stile by the gate on the right. Walk across the field, with a high wall some distance on the right. Head towards the end of the high wall where there is a stone wall stile in poor condition.

Cross this stile with care, and stay left, towards farm buildings. Before reaching the farm there’s a stile to the right of a metal farm gate. Cross this to reach a stone

The Walk

track. Turn right and arrive at Pistol Farm and a road junction. Bear left and continue 330 yds to reach the second footpath signpost on the left. Turn left on to a rocky dirt track bending round to Ringstone Farm. Go between the farm buildings on the left and a disused small stone barn on your right. Continue downhill along the tarmac road to reach Hollinsmoor Road.

At the T junction turn right uphill to a small row of terraced houses on the right. Opposite these is the entrance to a lane to Hollins Farm. Cross the stile to the right of this lane entrance. Go diagonally and uphill across the field, then down to a gate in the left corner of the field to Newbarn Farm. Note: This is a rickety and heavy wooden gate with an electrified wire strung across some 2yds above it - take care.

Once through, go beyond the farmyard, with the farmhouse on the right. Turn left to reach a wooden farm gate and stone wall stile with a small mesh gate.

Go through this, taking care when stepping over a small length of plastic pipe protecting an electrified wire. Head uphill towards a telegraph pole and continue to a fence on the right. Cross a very ramshackle stile into a field.

Cross the field diagonally uphill a little, to a stile in the corner. Go diagonally across the next field to a further stile in the corner and enter a narrow enclosed path to Shiloh Road. On reaching the road turn left until after some 75yds there is a metal gate on the right with a footpath sign - pass through the gap by the left gate post.

Go across the field diagonally to reach a stone stile, and cross this. Go diagonally across the next field to reach two wooden posts. Head diagonally across the next field towards farm buildings. Climb over a stone stile, then turn right onto the lane. After 50 yds continue straight on an unmade track, ignoring a private driveway to Hambleton Farm on your right. Follow the lane and path uphill for around half a mile through several gates and fields - the tower of Mellor Church (St Thomas’s - a Grade 2 listed building) then comes into view. Return to the church car park.

For further information about our friendly and welcoming Club please visit our website - www.poyntonramblingclub.co.uk and learn more about our programme of walks, social events and walking holidays.

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in touch your local community noticeboard march - april 2019

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING SHOW On Saturday, 9 March, Bollington Horticultural Society and Flower Club will be holding their 53rd Spring Show at Bollington Civic Hall.

It’s always good to see and smell all the beautiful spring flowers on display. The children’s entries are always interesting, along with bonsai, handicrafts, cookery, wine and art. If you would like to enter, you don’t need to be a member.

Contact Mrs Joyce Burton on 01625 572668 or email bollington.horticultural@hotmail.com

The Horticultural Society also has an interesting programme of talks, visits to local gardens and coach trips further afield.

ADLINGTON WI Meet like-minded enthusiastic women in the area and make a difference locally. Adlington WI meets on the first Tuesday of the month to hear an excellent speaker, as well as offering craft classes, table tennis, Mah Jong, lunch outings and more throughout the month.

Pop in to see us and be sure of a warm welcome, good company, a drink and a slice of homemade cake! We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, cost is £2. For details of upcoming speakers, take a look at the INSIDE Guide.

If you would like to know more about joining the Adlington branch of the WI please contact either the President, Rosemary Murray, on 0161 439 1632, rosemurray2001@aol.com or the Secretary, Jackie Shaw, on 01625 266251, adlingtonwi@gmail.com.

Adlington Village Hall, SK10 4LF 1.30 to 3.30pm

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CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION RAISES OVER £1 MILLION FOR EAST CHESHIRE HOSPICE 2019 got off to a record-breaking start for East Cheshire Hospice, with its annual Christmas tree collection raising over £1 million since its launch, to support the Hospice’s vital work in and around local communities.

Over one weekend in January, thanks to the generosity of local residents, more than £85,000 was raised from this year’s collection of nearly 7,000 trees, pushing the total raised since this much-loved initiative first took place 19 years ago to over the £1 million mark. As ever, all the funds raised from the collection will go towards enabling the Hospice to continue its vital work supporting local patients and their families across the East Cheshire area.

This impressive achievement would not be possible without the commitment and goodwill of East Cheshire Hospice’s 300-strong local volunteer team, who worked tirelessly over the weekend, covering over 2,000 miles of road in 40 vans, to complete the collections. Upon collection, the Christmas trees themselves are taken to local recycling facilities where they are ground into mulch before being mixed into compost for recycling back into the soil.

THE GREATEST MUSICAL WORK OF ALL TIMES AND NATIONS Few people today would disagree much with the view of Hans Georg Nägeli, the first publisher of Bach’s B minor Mass, despite the almost 200 years of musical history that have passed since he put it forward. Bach’s music is now so loved and revered, it seems incredible that 150 years ago it had fallen out of fashion and was known to only a few music specialists. It might have been lost to us altogether if it was not for the efforts of Felix Mendelssohn who recognised Bach’s genius and brought his works back to the attention of a wider public.

www.pbauerphotography.co.uk

There has been much discussion about why Bach wrote the B Minor Mass as it is unsuitable in content and far too long for any Lutheran or Catholic church service. It was composed just one year before he died in 1750 and incorporated shorter pieces Bach had composed in earlier years, so many experts now feel that he probably composed it for his own satisfaction and to be handed down to posterity as a summary of all his incredible musical achievement over 40 years. In fact, the Mass was never performed in its entirety during Bach’s lifetime, the first documented complete performance took place more than 100 years after his death.

The B minor Mass is widely recognised as presenting the Everest of challenges for choral performers. St George’s Singers are delighted to be climbing the mountain again under the guidance of Musical Director Neil Taylor after a break of ten years, and particularly thrilled they will be joined at the summit by a line-up of five fine soloists including former Assistant Musical Director Marcus Farnsworth who is now very much in demand at home and abroad as an operatic bass and recitalist. With the Northern Baroque Orchestra in the magnificent Gorton Monastery this is going to be a memorable concert.

The performance will be held on Sunday 31 March 2019 at Gorton Monastery, Manchester, 7.30pm Tickets £16/14 concessions/7 students and children/ group discounts from the ticket secretary on 01663 764012, email tickets@st-georges-singers.org.uk or online www.st-georges-singers.org.uk.

Coach transport is available from Poynton and Hazel Grove.

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where she’ll chat to people all around the course and she’ll also award prizes at the acclaimed Fun Dog Show.

The ultimate summer festival for dogs returns for 2019 with a bonanza of shows, displays and activities!

DogFest, the UK’s biggest and best day out for dogs, their families and animal lovers of all ages is back - with even more for next year! Now entering its sixth year, DogFest will take place in the grounds of Tatton Park on 15 to 16 June.

The events once again promise a packed schedule of celebrity appearances and expert talks, jaw-dropping dog displays, educational sessions and fun, have-a-go activities. Everything is geared towards celebrating the amazing bond between dogs and people and promoting animal welfare. All this plus great live music sets, cool street food and shopping galore for pooches and people alike.

National treasure and presenter of Crufts’ TV coverage, Clare Balding stars for the first time at DogFest. Famed for her love of dogs, she’ll headline on the main stage with anecdotes from her life – and those of her fourlegged friends. Clare will lead the Great Dog Walk

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TV’s Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, known globally for his ground-breaking work will front a special interactive feature for younger visitors. The world- leading orthopaedic-neuro veterinary surgeon will open The Great Dog Walk and deliver an insightful talk for fans purchasing VIP tickets.

A-listers of the furry variety will be in evidence at the Dogs of Instagram Hound Hangout, whilst on DogFest’s famous main stage, some well-known faces will host mass participation activities with hundreds of dogs and their owners all coming together.

The Activity Arena will show back-to-back canine entertainment with jaw-dropping stunts and routines from the UK’s most skilful dog display teams. These super-talented animals leap through rings of fire, hurtle down zip wires, sniff out contraband and much more.

Other Dogs with Jobs (such as rescue and assistance dogs) will showcase their extraordinary talents which transform people’s lives.

Then there’s fun all the way with dog dancing - where astonishing sequences to rival Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers can be seen.

Dog Diving is one of the biggest crowd pleasers at the festival: furry volunteers line up to leap into a massive aqua sports pool, while brand new this year is Fido’s Lido, a giant paddling pool for pups and people alike!

Also new for 2019 is the Big Dog Dig, where pups can catch the scent of buried goodies and scrabble away to their heart’s content to get to the loot!

A ‘just for fun’ dog show will crown the ‘happiest dog, ‘the one with the waggiest tail’ and so on through to the ‘Best in Show’.

DogFest’s guest experts are always a major draw and the weekend will be packed with talks, demonstrations and Q&A sessions on animal health and welfare, veterinary developments, dietary requirements, behavioural psychology and much more.

Visitors can soak up the festival vibe throughout the show, with artisan food and coffee vans, gin-tastic bars and other wonderful food and drink stalls. Finally, DogFest’s Shopping Village is a must-see destination for serious retail therapy with food, fashion and fripperies, for man and beast alike.

Further information on all shows can be found at www.dog-fest.co.uk Tickets are available from dogfest.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options and the hotline 0871 220 0260.

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

S D I K 4 JUST

Children’s Activities Things to do with pre-school kids

monday

Open The Door... to PlayTime 9.30-11.00am Tytherington Family Worship Church

Trinity Tots at Holy Trinity Hurdsfield 9.30-11.00am Free play, craft activities and song time. Refreshments include tea, coffee, juice and toast. 197a Hurdsfield Road, Macclesfield. Contact 01625 424587 melissa@hthmacc.com

More information www.openthedoor.org.uk Facebook Open The Door or Ruth 07553566070

Open The Door... to RhymesTime & Bubbles 10.30am at Macclesfield Gastown Cafe. More information www.openthedoor.org.uk Facebook Open The Door or Ruth 07553566070.

More information www.openthedoor.org.uk Facebook Open The Door or Ruth 07553566070

Tuesday Praise & Play 9.30-11am Term time only. St Oswald’s Church, Bollington. Contact Beverley on 01625 500970 or beverleynxn@aol.com Turtle Tots 10-11.30am Term time only. For babies and toddlers 3 months to 3 years. Learn how to swim with your baby above and below the water and teach your baby water confidence and key lifesaving skills, all in a friendly and sociable environment! Shrigley Hall, Pott Shrigley.

For more details contact judith.rucklidge@turtletots.com or www.turtletots.com/cheshireandsouthmanchester (Classes also at DW Fitness, Macclesfield on Monday & Sunday – please contact Judith for more details)

Wednesday Rhyme Time 10-10.30am Bollington Library. Free but children must be accompanied by an adult. Telephone 01625 378 266 NCT at Fun4all 10-12 noon Fun4all in Macclesfield. Under 1’s free, 1 and 2 year olds £1 and 3+ usual rates. Contact bumpsandbabies@eastcheshire-nct.org. uk, telephone 0844 243 6115, and see our Facebook page ‘Friends of East Cheshire NCT’ for more information and other events.

Tiny Talk baby signing classes 11.15am-12.15pm & 12.30-1.30pm United Reformed Church, Macclesfield. For more information or to book a place contact Claire 07941 904033 clairebar@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk/clairebar

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Compiled by Clare Blackie email: c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

Open The Door ... to BabyTime 11.00am Tytherington Family Worship Church

Turtle Tots 3-4.30pm Mottram Hall, Prestbury. For more details contact judith.rucklidge@ turtletots.com or www.turtletots.com/cheshireandsouthmanchester

thursday Jolly Bollys 10-11.30am Bollington Community Centre, Ovenhouse Lane. Please call 01625 378 081 or email hurdsfieldchildrenscentreadmin@cheshireeast. gov.uk for more information Stay & Play 1.30-3pm Hurdsfield Children’s Centre, Hulley Rd, Macc. For ages 0-5 with parents/carers. Please call 01625 378 081 or email hurdsfieldchildrenscentreadmin@cheshireeast.gov.uk for more information.

Turtle Tots 3-4pm Mottram Hall, Prestbury. For more details contact judith.rucklidge@ turtletots.com or www.turtletots.com/cheshireandsouthmanchester

Friday Rhyme Time 10-10.30am Bollington Library. Free but children must be accompanied by an adult. Tel 01625 378 266.

Saturday Turtle Tots 9-10am Mottram Hall, Prestbury. For more details contact judith.rucklidge@ turtletots.com or www.turtletots.com/cheshireandsouthmanchester Dad’s Group 10-12noon Hurdsfield Children’s Centre, Hulley Rd, Macc. Drop-in play session for dads and male carers. Monthly meeting so please call the centre 01625 378 081 for dates and more information.

If you run a local activity for young children and email would like to be included on this page please uk es.co. agazin nsidem c.blackie@i

inside guide

selected events in your area

Saturday 2 March

Saturday 9 March

Wilmslow Wells for Africa - Souperday A choice of homemade soup and bread with a hot drink for £4 (children £2). Also, an array of delicious cakes to buy. All monies raised, by this volunteer run charity, go to fund clean water, hygiene and sanitation projects in rural Africa. Lives have been changed because of your generosity - “You have put everlasting smiles on everyone’s faces especially the vulnerable mothers, children and elderly.” Pila Okello, Uganda.

Wilmslow Methodist Church, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AR 11am to 2pm

Bollington and District Horticultural Society and Flower Club 53rd Spring Show. For details of how to enter the adult or children’s classes contact Joyce Burton 572668 or email; bollington.horticultural@hotmail.co Bollington Civic Hall 2pm to 4pm

Sunday 3 to 24 March ‘Textures in the Countryside’- Watercolour paintings by Leri Kinder. Each Sunday and during other Bollington Arts Centre events through the week.

Bollington Arts Centre, Bollington, Sundays 2 to 4pm

Tuesday 5 March Adlington WI Voices in Harmony with speaker Brian Greene Pop in to see us and be sure of a warm welcome, good company, a drink and a slice of homemade cake!

More info from Jackie Shaw 01625 266251 or email adlingtonwi@gmail.com Adlington Village Hall, Mill Lane, Adlington, SK10 4LF 1.30pm to 3.30p

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 March The next production from award winning TEMPO will be 42nd Street. For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre.com or www.facebook.com/ tempoyouthmt, or call 07969 176148 Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm

Thursday 7 March Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

march - april 2019

Saturday 9 March Spring Ball Celebration in support of children’s charity Maria’s Care in Uganda. Tickets £40 from Rhona Marshall 01625 618319 or email rhona_cru@talktalk.net Hollin Hall Hotel, Jackson Lane, Bollington SK10 5BG 7pm

Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 March Artisan Route Open Day Featuring the brand-new Spring Collection Monday 11 March 10.30am to 4pm, Tueday 12 March 10am to 1pm The Alderley Edge Hotel, Macclesfield Rd, Alderley Edge

Tuesday 12 March East Cheshire Association of National Trust Lecture – They should have asked me husband!

Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Wednesday 20 March Lunchtime Concert A piano recital by Students from Chetham’s School of Music Admission by programme £5, available at the door.

Light lunches from 12 noon concert at 1pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Information available on www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com or email aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church 1pm

Thursday 21 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Life on the Seashore by Hugh Jones Visitors very welcome £4 Further information from Chairman, David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD 7.30pm Continued over

Thursday 21 March

Saturday 30 March

Bollington Horticultural Society ‘Heuchera, Heucherella and Tiarella’ A talk by Vicki and Richard Fox, Chelsea gold medal winners Members £1. 50, Non-members £3 Bollington Community Centre 7.30pm

Poynton Ceilidhs - Ledebek, caller Simon Loake Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary!

Dances are all explained by the caller and walked through before the music starts playing. Tickets are £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s are half price. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance please follow the links on the website: www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk. Reserved tickets will be held on the door until 8.15pm.

Poynton Civic Hall 8pm to 11pm, doors open 7.45pm

Friday 22 March The Zelkova Quartet will play a programme of music by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Dvorak. Winners of the 2017 St Martin’s Chamber Music Competition, this Manchester-based group has established a reputation as one of the UK’s up-and-coming string quartets. Tickets from the Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. £11 and £9 (concession), includes refreshments. Under 18s free.

Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm

Tuesday 26 March Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire What to do with 323 post cards a talk by Julie Bagnall.

The background to the story of the cards that were in an Edwardian album left by two sisters. Bella married a Macclesfield man and had close connections with his family after her marriage.

Meetings are open to the public and admission is £2 per meeting including refreshments For further details please contact; macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk The Salvation Army Hall, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Saturday 30 March

Hazel Grove Orchestra Concert Programme: Borodin - In the Steppes of Central Asia Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 with soloist Michael Vernon (Violin) Dvorak - Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op.70 Admission £8 accompanied children under 12 are FREE. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Tel: 0161 449 7347 www.hazelgroveorchestra.co.uk, email: hazelgroveorch@gmail.com Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

Saturday 30 March Barnby Choir Spring Concert Carmina Burana, Orff. A Little Jazz Mass, Chilcott Information and tickets from shan@shanbristow.co.uk or phone 01615 520193 Alderley Edge Festival Hall, Talbot Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7HH 7.30pm

Sunday 31 March

Prestbury Choral Society Concert In a performance of very approachable and tuneful music, the evergreen Mass in G by Franz Schubert will be contrasted with Andrew Carter’s vibrant setting of the Benedicite.

Tickets: £12 including refreshments, available in advance via www.prestburychoral.uk, by telephone on 01625 584337 or at the door. The concert is supported by the Evans Trust.

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow, SK9 4AA 7.30pm

St George’s Singers perform Bach Mass in B minor Tickets £16/14 concessions/7 students and children/ group discounts from the ticket secretary on 01663 764012, email tickets@st-georges-singers.org.uk or online www.st-georges-singers.org.uk.

Coach transport is available from Poynton and Hazel Grove.

Gorton Monastery, Manchester 7.30pm

Saturday 30 March

Adlington WI The Gaskells and Gardens with speaker Jackie Tucker Pop in to see us and be sure of a warm welcome, good company, a drink and a slice of homemade cake!

More info from Jackie Shaw 01625 266251 or email adlingtonwi@gmail.com Adlington Village Hall, Mill Lane, Adlington SK10 4LF 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Stockport International Young Musician Competition Stockport Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Philip Ellis We are looking forward to an evening of three well-known concertos played by three stunning young musicians in the final of our 2019 event. Details of the finalists will be available on the website after the semi-final in mid-February www.siymc.co.uk and www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Tickets available at box office, online or on the door. Free car parking available 4pm to midnight Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

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Saturday 30 March

Tuesday 2 April

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Butterflies of the Philippines by Peter Hardy Visitors very welcome £4 Further information from Chairman, David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD 7.30pm

East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – The Riverlands Project with Christopher O Widger Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Thursday 4 April Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Saturday 6 April The Lindow Singers present Vivaldi Gloria and Rutter Gloria Conductor Russell Medley and soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £10, Students/Young People £3 available from choir members or call 01625 611124 St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 April Wilmslow Green Room Theatre presents The Playboy of the Western World by J M Synge This classic Irish play from 1907 is a favourite to this day for its drama, wit and whimsy.

To book tickets Tel: 01625 540933 www.wgrsoc.org.uk Enquiries: mail@wgrsoc.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WilmslowGreenRoomTheatre

Sunday 7 April Plant Hunters’ Fair Fund Raising Event for special projects at the Hall: £2 Entry to Plant Fair Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Bramall Hall, Bramhall Park, off Hall Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3NX 11am to 4pm

Wednesday 10 April The Arts Society North East Cheshire Food and Art Through the Ages by Tasha Marks, food historian and artist. A whistle-stop tour of the history of food as artistic medium; starting with 16th century sugar sculpture and venturing all the way up to 3D dessert printing and beyond. This exploration into the realms of dessert as spectacle includes accompanying edible examples to illustrate and enhance the historic subject. Potential new members are welcome. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk The Brookdale, Bramhall 10:30am with coffee from 9:45am

Wednesday 17 April Lunchtime Concert with students from the RNCM. Admission by programme £5, available at the door. Light lunches from 12 noon and the concerts start at 1pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Information available on www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com or email aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church 1pm

Thursday 18 April Bollington Horticultural Society The New RHS ‘Bridgewater Garden’. Janice McGrath and Lynda Anderson will introduce the new local RHS garden Members £1.50. Non-members £3 Bollington Community Centre 7.30pm

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Wednesday 10 April Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk Continued over

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Tuesday 23 April Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire What did he die of? A talk by Sylvia Dillon.

Meetings are open to the public and admission is £2 per meeting including refreshments For further details please contact; macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk The Salvation Army Hall, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Saturday 27 April Poynton Ceilidhs - Maplewood, caller Rhodri Davies Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary!

Dances are all explained by the caller and walked through before the music starts playing.

Tickets are £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s are half price.

To reserve or purchase tickets in advance please follow the links on the website: www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk. Reserved tickets will be held on the door until 8.15pm Poynton Civic Hall 8pm-11pm, doors open 7.45pm

Saturday 27 April Alderley Edge May Fair Dance with the Swing Commanders and GI Jive. Jive, ballroom, Latin and fun dances to 30s, 40s and 50s music or just come along and enjoy the evening.

Licensed Bar. Admission by ticket only £12.50 - telephone 01625 585600 or 01625 582345 The Festival Hall, Talbot Road, SK9 7HR 7.30pm to 11.30pm

Saturday 27 April Cheshire Rural Touring Arts present Diyet and the Love Soldiers Diyet fuses Alternative Folk, Roots, Country and Traditional Aboriginal with melodies and stories deeply rooted in her Indigenous world view and northern life. She performs as a trio, Diyet and The Love Soldiers, with husband and collaborator, Robert van Lieshout on guitar, and foot percussion and multi-instrumentalist, Bob Hamilton. Suitable for children aged 10+ Tickets can be bought in person from the library or via Ticket Source, £12 Adults, £10 - Concessions (U18, 65+, student, unwaged) Macclesfield Library, show starts 7.30pm, doors 7pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

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Carry On Peter Butterworth Recently researching the Carry On films (don’t ask!) I was delighted to find that one of the team’s mainstay performers originally came from round these parts.

Okay, Peter Butterworth was not the sort of actor who was ever going to be top of the bill, but he was one of the Carry On team’s most enduring players – he appeared in 16 of their films, many of which were amongst the very best of the series.

Butterworth’s real name was William Shorrocks Butterworth and he was born on 4 February 1915 at a property called Bank House on Bramhall Lane (whether that was the Bramhall end of the lane or in Davenport I’ve not been able to ascertain). Nobody seems clear as to when he started to be addressed as Peter, but it is possible he simply acquired that moniker in his formative years to distinguish him from his namesake father.

Butterworth joined the Carry On team in 1965 when he played the slightly tipsy Doc in ‘Carry On Cowboy’.

In real life Butterworth was apparently a shy and gentle soul and this was reflected in his roles, which were rarely overbearing but often quietly eccentric and usually a bit potty. He was often cast as somebody else’s stooge and that suited Butterworth’s talents perfectly. As Detective-Constable Slowbotham in ‘Carry

On Screaming’ he was the bumbling fall-guy for his incompetent, thick-headed superior Detective-Sergeant Bung (surely one of the greatest character names in cinema history). Bung was memorably played by the son of Steptoe himself, the great Harry H. Corbett who (I feel compelled to add) was brought up in Ardwick and then on a Wythenshawe council estate.

Butterworth was also memorably cast as Citizen Bidet in ‘Carry On Don’t Lose Your Head’ (1966), set during the reign of terror following the French Revolution, where he has to stand by in helpless exasperation while his senior Secret Service officer, Citizen Camembert (Kenneth Williams) continually bungles his attempts to capture The Black Fingernail (Sid James), who is popping up all over Paris rescuing the French aristocracy from the dreaded guillotine. Perhaps Butterworth’s most memorable part in the Carry On series was in the 1969 classic ‘Carry On Camping’ where he plays Joshua Fiddler (the clue is in the name), the shifty manager of the Paradise (ha!) campsite who fleeces all his visiting campers by charging extra for just about everything.

He then played three small roles in ‘Carry On Again Doctor’ (1969), ‘Carry On Loving’ (1970) and ‘Carry On Henry’ (1971) but it wasn’t simply a case of Butterworth’s appearances diminishing in importance.

On the contrary, his performances were valued so highly by the producing and directing team of Peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas that they agreed to insert

by Stuart Bolton

Continued over

41

specially written roles to accommodate Butterworth’s restricted availability on those occasions when he had already signed-up to play a part elsewhere or on stage.

‘Carry On Abroad’ (1972) saw Butterworth return with a more substantial role – that of Pepe, the incompetent manager of an unfinished hotel who greets his unexpected guests in a variety of different guises: as builder, porter, receptionist and telephone operator.

He spends the first half of the film desperately trying to placate and accommodate his British guests, and the second half furiously trying to save the poorlyconstructed building from flooding whilst being nagged by his battle-axe of a wife, played by Hattie Jacques.

Butterworth remained with the series until the final (proper) film of the series, the rather disappointing ‘Carry On Emmanuelle’ (1978). All told, Butterworth turned out to be the sixth most prolific performer of the Carry On team, with only Kenneth Williams (25), Joan Sims (24), Charles Hawtrey (23), Sid James (19) and Kenneth Connor (17) appearing in more.

When the Carry On films finished in 1978, Butterworth began to concentrate on straight roles, taking a small part in the feature film, ‘The First Great Train Robbery’ starring Sean Connery. When the film went on general release in early 1979, Butterworth was starring as Widow Twankey in the pantomime ‘Aladdin’ at the Coventry Theatre. When the show finished, he went back to his hotel after the evening performance. His failure to return for the following day’s matinee caused alarm and he was found dead in his room from a heart attack, just a few days before his 64th birthday.

As I was researching this article I was surprised to find that Butterworth was married to the actress and impressionist Janet Brown (they’d married in 1946 in London). Brown later became famous for her television impersonations of Margaret Thatcher during the 1970s and ‘80s. Talking of television it is worth adding that Butterworth also appeared in some our greatest ever TV series: he starred opposite William Hartnell in the very first ‘Doctor Who’ series in 1965/66 playing a character called the Meddling Monk; he appeared in an episode of ‘Catweazle’ in 1970; and he also featured in the ‘Dad’s Army’ episode ‘The Face on the Poster’ in 1975.

That’s one heck of a CV for the Butterworth boy from Bramhall Lane.

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Do You Need an Activity Tracker?

Activity trackers have become very popular in recent years. Fitbits are the device that everyone has heard of but there are many others. If you’re thinking of buying one, ask yourself these questions.

Do you exercise regularly?

Lots of people buy a Fitbit or its equivalent because they think it will help them to exercise consistently. Hopefully it will, but these devices are not magic bullets. If you make any and every excuse NOT to exercise then a Fitbit won’t change that, you will simply make excuses to avoid exercise whilst wearing a gadget! Having said that, it does have useful features such as a ‘reminder to move,’ so, if you’ve been sedentary for 50 mins it will nudge you to get up and take a brief walk, aiming to achieve 250 steps an hour. This doesn’t feel like serious exercise, just a little prompt to do something small that has great benefits. For more serious exercisers, you can track running and other types of fitness activity, giving you a way of keeping yourself accountable.

such things fascinating! Clearly, if you don’t care about specifics and are happy with just eating a bit less and exercising a bit more, an activity tracker might be a waste of money for you. However, if you have a medical condition, are in training for an event, or just enjoy looking at data, then having organised and detailed information at your fingertips is a great resource.

Would you wear it, and use it?

Would my phone do the job instead?

For a fitness tracker to give you actionable data you need to wear it most of the time. Many even have an inbuilt sleep tracker if you don’t mind wearing it to bed, but you can just as easily ignore that function.

Some people can’t wear watches or jewellery at work, others hate the feeling of anything on their wrist, and others have sensitive skin which is irritated by straps.

Obviously, it’s only worth having one if you will wear it and take notice of it.

There are hundreds of fitness, pedometer and cycling apps on both Android and iOS. If you’re unsure about whether an activity tracker is the right purchase for you try using one or two of these apps for a month. You might find they give you all the data you need. Also, if you find you can’t be bothered to use the apps, then you are very unlikely to benefit from buying an activity tracker.

Will you use the app?

You’ll need to download the app to your phone and use it if you want to make use of the data your activity tracker collects. Interacting with your device and the app is the only way to make full use of the device.

Are you a data nerd?

The basics of losing weight and becoming healthier are simple, but the specifics for our own body can vary wildly. Some of us love to monitor our sleep, our heart rates, the number of steps we do each day. We find

Are you competitive?

Some activity trackers (particularly Fitbits) are social.

You can add friends, compare step counts and earn milestone badges. You can also create groups and engage in competitions and challenges; these are good features, but they aren’t for everyone.

Activity trackers are useful devices and many people enjoy them and benefit from using them. Whilst they are unlikely to turn a reluctant exerciser into a highly motivated one, they could just give you the nudge you need to get moving!

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puzzle solutions

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useful numbers Churches Bollington United Reformed Church Bollington Christian Life Church Prestbury Methodist Church Quakers St Oswald’s Church St Gregory’s RC Church St Peters Church Prestbury Tytherington Family Worship

Schools 01625 613029 01625 578100 01625 424361 01625 562109 01625 422849 01625 572108 01625 827625 01625 615195

pharmacies I Rowlands & Co The Village Pharmacy, Prestbury

01625 574401 01625 829216

Dentists Bollington Dental Practice Prestbury Road Dental Practice

01625 574609 01625 432300

Doctors Bollington Medical Centre Hope Cottage Surgery, Prestbury

01625 462593 01625 827319

01625 421000 0161 483 1010 111

Leisure Centre Bollington Leisure Centre Macclesfield Leisure Centre

01625 574774 01625 383981

Libraries Bollington Library Prestbury Library Macclesfield Library

01625 378266 01625 827501 01625 374000

Police Non Emergency

101

Post Offices West Bollington Post Office Tytherington Post Office

01625 572025 01625 572138 01625 572021 01625 572037 01625 572767 01625 422192 01625 422192 01625 383000 01625 383033 01625 384071 01625 466414 01625 610220 01625 426138 01625 827898

Travel Bus & Train Times National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

0871 200 2233 0345 748 4950 0808 169 7030

Utilities

Hospitals Macclesfield Hospital Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

St John’s Primary School Bollington Cross Primary Rainow Primary School St Gregorys’ Catholic Primary Dean Valley Community Primary Beech Hall School Little Griffins Nursery Mottram St Andrew Primary Prestbury C of E Primary Bollinbrook Cof E Primary Marlborough Primary School Tytherington High School All Hallows Catholic High School Fallibroome High School

01625 572378 01625 869042

Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water – Faults, United Utilities Environment Agency Floodline

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0345 988 1188

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Crimestoppers Directory Enquiries National Dementia Helpline RSPCA Samaritans

0800 917 7650 020 7403 0888 0800 1111 03444 111 444 0800 555111 118 500 0300 222 1122 0300 1234999 116 123

Other Bollington Town Hall Bridgend Centre Bollington Arts Centre Bollington Veterinary Centre

01625 572985 01625 576311 01625 573863 01625 572999

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classified index ART CLASSES The Seasons Art Class

DRIVEWAY CLEANING 9

BATHROOMS 44

Hazel Grove Bathroom Centre

28

C J C Electrical

4

BUILDING SOCIETIES 10

More Than Loft Ladders

32

PATIOS 44

FIRES Brilliant Fires

BOOKSHOPS

Vernon Building Society

LOFT LADDERS 35

ELECTRICIANS

Dave Beal

Simply Books

Wills Driveway Cleaning

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

14

PLASTERERS 18

Dave Beal

FUNERAL SERVICES

PODIATRISTS

Adlington Memorial Park Back Cover

KD Podiatry

FURNITURE

ROOFING 21

44

8

CAR SERVICES & SALES

All In Stone

Hulley Road MOT & Service Centre

Inside front cover

GARDEN MAINTENANCE & LAWNCARE

SOFT FURNISHINGS

Greenthumb

Kathy Shaw

13

Poynton Roofing

31

44

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Carmel Lodge

8

Happy Valley Homecare

42

Hope Green

28

6

The Stair Shop

32

DECORATORS Kathy Shaw

44

Philip Unsworth

40

22

27

VETERINARY SURGEONS Chris Beaden

Bollington Veterinary Centre

WINDOW CLEANING Matt Finish

Cavendish Window Cleaning

Pro Glass 4 Splashbacks

5

Transform Your Kitchen

17

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS Cloudy 2 Clear

27

The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back Cover

LADIESWEAR Artisan Route

37

14

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40

35

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

44

42

KITCHENS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

Mr Handyman Chris

STAIR RENOVATIONS

JOINERY

CARPETS & FLOORINGS Carpet Creations

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