Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington Issue 54

inside magazines

Issue 54 January - February 2017

bollington, prestbury & t ytherington

The local magazine our readers love to keep One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

Welcome to the latest issue of magazines

inside

Issue 54 - January - February 2017

bollington, prestbury & t ytherington

As we enter a new year, we might pause to reflect on the events of 2016. Values and beliefs that have been unchanged for years are now being challenged, new muscles are being flexed and there is much uncertainty about the year ahead.

We have limited influence on world events, but we do have the power, individually and as a community, to raise the quality of our everyday lives. Glance at the pages of this magazine and you will see how people come together and support one another, in a myriad of different ways.

The festive season gives us the opportunity to stand back and assess our priorities. Do we care enough about others or are we just too sensitive and protective of ourselves? Do we have an exaggerated view of our own importance or do we go out of our way to give praise and make others feel good about themselves? As we move on into 2017 let’s resolve to smile more, support one another and show gratitude where it’s due.

Have a peaceful New Year.

Co-Editors Garth Aspinall Claire Hawker

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 2016.

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

Cover photo: Winter in Bollington by Garth Aspinall.

Contents East Cheshire Ramblers

4

Inside People

7

Simply Books Book Club Choice

8

Diary of a Geeky Knitter

11

Crossword 12 In Touch

15

The Walk

20

Sudoku 24 Maldives by Design

26

Just 4 Kids

28

Children’s Activities

29

Vegetable Lasagne Recipe 30 Inside Guide

31

Puzzle Solutions

34

Martin’s Money

35

Useful Numbers

37

Classified Index

38

Contact us

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL.

Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for the next issue:

Friday 10 February

Ramblers’ ‘Superlative’ Walks Programme East Cheshire Ramblers clocked up an astonishing 3,186 miles on a total of 361 walks during the last 12 months, Chairman John Edwards told the group’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Although there was a slight decline in the number of long and short walks, there were over 8% more medium walks. “These are superlative figures which outsiders can hardly comprehend”, he said.

A list of the group’s Top 10 Leaders was headed

by Colin Park who led 11 walks in 2015-16 covering a combined distance of 121 miles, followed by Steve Hull with 111 miles and Brian Griffiths, 100.5-miles. Mr Edwards also congratulated Colin on his “extraordinary work” tracing long lost Cheshire paths as part of a national Ramblers initiative to ensure that any historic paths not yet defined as public rights of way are “claimed back” by 2026, after which no new claims can be submitted to the Highways Authority. This has involved him in hours of research poring over old maps coupled with fieldwork and has yielded a possible 43 lost ways in the ECR area.

Members heard that the annual survey, which covered 1,276 footpaths and bridleways, revealed that during the last year 1,246 paths were examined by its team of 38 footpath inspectors in 33 parishes. These were in better condition than ever before with the number of serious faults down from 10.6% to 8.8%. Of these, just 42 (3%) were found to be ‘obstructed’ and 1,137 (91%) were classified as ‘good’ or ‘acceptable’.

“Our first thanks must be to our dedicated Committee, footpath inspectors and maintenance team for all the care and actions they have taken to preserve and improve our local footpaths,” he added.

Contrary to national trends, the number of ECR members has remained remarkably stable over the last three years and now stands at 624.

4

Norman Ridley (left) and Harry Hadfield (right) receiving the Ramblers Association’s Certificates of Commendation from ECR Chairman, John Edwards.

Two long-serving members, with nearly 100 years’ service between them, received national recognition for their outstanding contributions to walking.

Mr Ridley helped to found the group in 1973 and went on to become Chairman in 1995, serving throughout this time as a footpaths inspector. For more than 30 years he and his wife, Brenda, also ran a programme of weekends away and twiceyearly coach outings which enabled members to enjoy walks in distant parts of Britain. “Lots of members looked forward to these excursions finding them hugely enjoyable and refreshing.

Indeed, Norman introduced many of us to places we had never seen before,” said Mr Edwards.

Paying tribute to Mr Hadfield, he said that after helping to form the Footpaths Committee he was a driving force for over 40 years, “combining the research disciplines and rigour of a veteran academic and the advocacy of a learned QC to become an expert on Rights of Way legislation.”

During this time he had successfully campaigned to get numerous paths preserved or reinstated and had represented the group before government inspectors, including the public enquiry into the building of the second runway at Manchester Airport.

Further information about East Cheshire Ramblers can be found at ramblerseastcheshire.org.uk

Inside People Christine Webb Chris Webb, nee Jennings, was born in Liverpool although her family home was Clacton on Sea, Essex. The family moved from Clacton to London, then on to Worcester and eventually further north to Wakefield. Apart from working a summer season in Torquay (where traumatically her landlady died one night!) she has never returned to live in the South.

Leaving school at sixteen, Chris worked in local government and subsequently as a secretary in several industrial contexts. In 1974 she married Peter and moved to Stockport working for the Local Authority in the Teachers’ Centre, Adswood Family Advice Centre and the Town Hall.

Always interested in writing, Chris, as a child wrote stories, poems and complicated jokes to inflict on her family. She recalls vividly being accused of cheating by the Headteacher who felt one of her stories was too good to have been written by a child.

Chris became seriously interested to writing when she was at home looking after her two sons, Stephen and David. Watching Widows, she recalls, a TV series about women written by a woman, made a significant impression on her.

So she began to write, using an old typewriter, entering competitions, which led to some success. Success followed success and she won an Acorn computer in a women’s magazine short story competition. More acceptances followed when three of her short stories were broadcast on the radio and encouraged by this she agreed to write a pantomime, words and music, for St Peter’s church musical group. The Rat’s Revenge was a triumph and raised £3000 for charity.

In 1993, Chris was commissioned to write a series of monologues with seven other writers

called a Month of Sundays which was performed at Dukes 92 in Castlefield. Inspired by this Chris wrote a play and forming a company called The Company with a Director friend, staged the play for six nights in Bury, Liverpool and Manchester.

The play was seen by a writer for the television series Brookside who suggested the producer, Mal Young, should audition Chris as a potential future member of the script writing team. In 1995 after drafting a trial script, Chris joined the team, one of two women in a team of twelve.

The work was very demanding and high quality scripts with realistic dialogue were required to extremely tight deadlines. In those pre-email days she had to drive to Liverpool on Sunday evenings to hand deliver a script on time. Chris enjoyed the writing and pressure and created an office at home where she worked, writing on the Acorn computer she had won in the earlier competition.

Once every six months there was a writers’ residential plot meeting in a hotel with Phil Redmond who owned Mersey Television and every four weeks a two- day story conference.

The rest was solitary working with often only a few days to complete episodes.

In 1999, when her producer left to join the BBC, she followed him and wrote the first televised episode of Doctors and subsequently the 500th episode as well as many in between. She also contributed episodes to Eastenders, Holby City, The Bill and Casualty.

Family circumstances, the tragic early death of her husband and her mother’s illness, meant that the pressures of writing became too much and in 2010 Chris retired. She now relaxes walking her dog, reading crime stories and thrillers, pursues her interest in travel, theatre, drawing, art and history and listens to 60s music.

Last Word from Chris It’s never too late to start doing what you want to do. You need to seek opportunities out and keep an open mind.

by Ed Blundell

7

Simply Books Book Club Choice As part of Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary celebrations Vintage Publishing has commissioned a number of contemporary novelists to write a new novel inspired by a Shakespeare play of their choice. Titles include The Hag-seed by Margaret Atwood (inspired

by The Tempest) and Shylock Is My Name by Howard Jacobson (inspired by The Merchant of Venice). One of our book clubs at the shop has just been reading Jeanette Winterson’s The Gap of Time – a book its author describes as her ‘cover version’ of The Winter’s Tale. Transplanted to a version of contemporary London the novel’s story of a lost child (Perdita) and her eventual reconciliation with the father (Leo/Leontes) who abandons her (and her mother) in a fit of jealous rage nevertheless stays faithful to Shakespeare’s original both in terms of plot detail and the play’s spirit of magic. This is a well worked and intriguing read – lots of light touches: a story retold with verve and energy.

John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things is an extraordinary book (unlike anything I have ever read before). Best known as the author of a series of dark crime thrillers (often with a supernatural twist) this book stands alone. High in his attic bedroom twelve-year-old David mourns the loss of his mother. He is angry and alone – with only books for company. But the books begin to whisper to him and taking refuge in the myths

and fairytales they tell he finds the real world and the fantasy world begin to meld. As war rages across Europe David is propelled into a land which is both a figment of his imagination and yet frighteningly real – he embarks on a heroic journey in which he encounters wolves, knights and a host of characters from Grimms and Hans Christian Andersen and which in turn brings him some consolation in his bereavement. For me this is a remarkable book – a story weaves in stories which we are all familiar with from our childhood, and brings them to bear on the underlying themes of loss and recovery. It’s a bit of a ‘Marmite’ book – but for my part I loved it!

Anf finally, look out for these if you didn’t get one as a stocking filler! Following the success of last year’s Ladybird Books for GrownUps it comes as no surprise that a few other publishers have launched their own adult re-brands of treasured classics. New titles include: Mr Mid-Life Crisis and Friends and Little Miss Wine O’Clock and Friends; the Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual for Pensioners (and for Teenagers!) and our favourite, a new series of ‘Famous Five’ books for adults. Top seller to date is the highly topical Five On Brexit Island (along with Five Go On A Strategy Away Day and Five Go Gluten Free!)

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

8

Andrew Cant www.simplybooks.info

Diary of a geeky knitter A German Adventure As I write this month’s thoughts, I’ve just come back from a pre-Christmas trip to Cologne, Germany, to visit the most amazing Christmas markets I have ever attended! We actually went to see a concert, but this timed so happily in December we had to make a little holiday out of it. If you ever get the chance to visit some true German Christmas markets, I can’t recommend Cologne highly enough. Not only are the markets vast and magnificent, but the city is steeped in rich history (get to the Cathedral as soon as you can, you won’t be disappointed) and if this wasn’t enough, Cologne has a chocolate museum: heaven.

It’s not all been German chocolate and gluwein for me recently, no matter how desperately I wish that were the case. I’ve been busy designing knitting and crochet patterns to share online, and it’s a part of my hobby that’s been developing over the last few years which I have come to love a great deal. It’s a challenge but a lot of fun. Not only am I designing my own accessories and toys, but to be able to write instructions in such a way that others can make their own versions as well is splendid. My most popular pattern to date is a knitted owl hat, which you can find for free on my blog. I’ve also designed many toys and a few accessories as well which are all free. Just recently I’ve shared my first paid-for pattern; an aptly designed space invader’s hat, perfect for the geeky knitter (how nicely that’s worked out) and a great gift for anyone who is a fan of video games or geeky things like me, it being such an iconic game.

If you want to find out more, be sure to visit the blog.

You will find the link at the foot of this page as usual and thank you for bearing with me and my personal plug!

Try something new!

It’s the New Year, and I am sure everyone will join me in hoping that 2017 will be an improvement on the year just gone (regardless of your political leaning – it’s been a tough year). What better way to get the year off to a great start than trying something new? If, like me, the prospect of more exercise or joining a gym is a less than appealing one, why not try some crafting? There are some great classes in your area, from the Wilmslow Guild to Aquinas College in Stockport. Last year I took part in the dressmaking course that took me from sewing skirts all the way to crafting my own cosplay costumes (think back to last issue’s article). I can’t recommend this course enough, and if dressmaking isn’t your thing you are sure to find something you will love to learn!

To find out more about classes near you, visit www.aquinas.ac.uk or www.wilmslowguild.org and be sure to keep an eye out in your copy of INSIDE Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

11

Quick Crossword

12

Across

Down

7. Decanter (6) 8. Trip (6) 9. Cutting Tool (4) 10. Spiders Web (8) 11. Solemnity (7) 13. Flight (Geese?) (5) 15. Following (5) 17. Coffee Substitute (7) 20. Against the Grain (8) 21. Abundant (4) 23. Rip (4,2) 24. German Accent (6)

1. Spoke (4) 2. Ingest (4-2) 3. Substantial (7) 4. Assurance (5) 5. Assail (6) 6. Mediocre (8) 12. Grass (8) 14. Field Sport (4,3) 16. Guarantee (6) 18. Brusquely (6) 19. Range (5) 22. Quartet (4)

Solution on page 34.

inside magazines East Cheshire’s leading independent publisher of community magazines Connecting local people to local businesses and delivering a quality read to 45,000 Cheshire homes.

With six titles to choose from you can select the areas that suit you best from:

To find out more about our competitive advertising rates call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk facebook.com/insidemags twitter.com/insidemagazines

■■ Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington ■■ Inside Bramhall ■■ Inside Hazel Grove & High Lane ■■ Inside Marple ■■ Inside Poynton ■■ Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard IT’S PANTO TIME The Bollington Festival Players pantomimes have been winning awards for costumes, cast and production for many years including Best Pantomime with the Cheshire Theatre Guild for six years running. Let’s hope their success continues this year!

The cast is a mixture of both children from 9 years upwards and adults from Bollington and the surrounding areas. This year’s production is directed by Helen Valentine and Steph Evans, with Rebekah Keen as musical director and choreographer Steph Evans.

PUSS IN BOOTS Pantomimes at Christmas are as traditional as turkey, mince pies and terrible jokes in crackers and Prestbury Youth Pantomime Association have been keeping this great British tradition well and truly alive for over 30 years. No sooner will the Christmas wrapping paper have been tidied away and the decorations taken down than dozens of local youngsters will take to the stage to entertain hundreds of theatre goers, keen to enjoy the singing, dancing and comedy of a pantomime production.

This year the cast will be presenting Puss in Boots written by TLC creative. Another traditional family pantomime delivering a classic struggle between good and evil with an ambitious hero, a beautiful princess, hapless henchmen lots of jokes and… a talking cat!

Chairman Iain MacLeod commented “This production brings the local community together.

We have a cast of 30 talented youngsters, aged between 11 and 17, an experienced production team, and parents and committee members, who have been working for months to bring the show to the stage. We just hope the audience enjoys the show as much as we have enjoyed working on it.”

The Pantomime will be running during the school holidays providing a fantastic opportunity for primary school age children to have an exciting evening out at a lovely traditional theatre.

Puss in Boots runs from 4 to 7 January at MADS Little Theatre, Lord Street Macclesfield.

Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ prestbury-pantomime For more information about Prestbury Youth Pantomime visit www.prestburypanto.org Continued over...

15

NEW MAP ON CANAL TOWPATH The second of three new maps along the canal towpath has been unveiled by David Rutley, local MP for Macclesfield and co-vice president of the Macclesfield Canal Society. David was joined for the unveiling by Steve O’Sullivan, representing The Canal & River Trust, and Ian Edgar, President of Macclesfield Canal Society.

The idea for the maps came initially from the donation from Tom Lees, via his brother Willie Lees, but Macclesfield Canal Society decided to expand this concept to three new signs and maps in the Macclesfield area. The first map and sign was installed at Bridge 37 near Buxton Road, and the third map and sign has been installed on the Gurnett Aqueduct.

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted to care for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. It provides an unfenced, ‘no turnstiles’ opportunity to interact with history and nature next to soothing water. Many people don’t realise that our waterways are only here thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers and the generous donations previously given to The Canal & River Trust.

Following the unveiling David said: “I am keen to help more visitors benefit from Macclesfield’s local shops and services, and appreciate our proud heritage. I would like to thank all those who worked hard to bring about the installation of this map and sign, and the other two installed elsewhere along the canal. Information boards, like these, are vital in signposting all that Macclesfield has to offer.”

ART ON TUESDAYS We invite you to join our tutored group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet on Tuesday mornings. For further details call in and meet our members or phone Lesley Sutton 01625 615619 or Penny Johnson 01625 404174.

We meet at Bollington Arts Centre from 10am to 12.30pm.

SCHUBERT’S WINTERREISE The maps follow the template used on the signs on the towpath in Bollington and are specifically for canal and towpath users visiting Macclesfield.

The canal is some distance from Macclesfield town centre, which is confusing to some boaters and other visitors as most canals pass through the town centres or major industrial areas. The maps show bus routes, restaurants, pubs and of course marinas to help and inform towpath visitors to Macclesfield.

The Macclesfield Canal Society was formed in the early 1980’s. It holds monthly meetings at the Silk Trader pub (second Thursday of the month at 7.45pm) and exists to safeguard our local canal heritage and develop the amenity value to the public of this beautiful waterway.

16

The winter journey of a broken heart Bollington amateur singer Mike Bell is to perform one of classical music’s greatest challenges – a cycle of 24 songs of love and loss.

Schubert’s Winterreise describes the winter journey of a man whose love for a young woman is unrequited. Leaving at night he embarks on a physical and emotional journey through the winter landscape.

Mike will sing the complete cycle from memory and, appropriately, in the depths of winter at Bollington Arts Centre on 21 January. His professional accompanist is Martyn Parkes

from Chetham’s School of Music and also from Bollington.

the location of an important social experiment by Samuel Greg junior.

“Winterreise is one of Schubert’s great masterpieces,” said Mike. “Lasting over an hour, it charts the journey of the man through both a real and allegorical winter. “The songs are full of despair, confusion and sadness but Schubert’s inventive genius brings great beauty to these emotions. Maintaining the emotional intensity throughout the cycle is one of its many challenges.”

Samuel Greg pioneered a form of industrial development that included provision for the improvement of his workers’ everyday life outside the mill. The inclusion of Lowerhouse in the conservation area would preserve the architectural heritage of Philip Antrobus and the historical legacy of the Greg family. A group of volunteers from the Neighbourhood Plan has been working on an appraisal of this area which will be considered by Cheshire East Council for designation as a Conservation Area after consultation with the residents.

Mike first sang Winterreise in 2012 but the 2017 performance will be different. This time he has worked with the Bollington Art Group whose members have painted winter scenes which will be projected during the recital along with a simultaneous translation of the German text.

“Such a work is difficult to digest on first hearing,” said Mike. “What Schubert wrote in a few weeks took me well over a year to learn. Hopefully the artworks will make it more accessible to mere mortals like myself and enhance the performance. What the artists have produced makes me really excited about the recital. It’s also great to be working again with such an accomplished musician as Martyn.”

Mike is a member of Bollington Festival Choir and has been a soloist at several concerts and the choir’s annual pre-Christmas Messiah for All. Winterreise, Saturday 21 January 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 from www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk

NEW EXHIBITION AT DISCOVERY CENTRE Next time you’re walking along the canal towpath near Clarence Mill call in to the Discovery Centre to visit the new exhibition, ‘Urban Conservation Areas in Bollington and the case for Lowerhouse’.

The exhibition includes an informative display of photographs showing the distinctive features of our conservation areas. Bollington currently has four conservation areas, the ‘historic triangle,’ Kerridge, a small area of Bollington Cross plus the canal. The exhibition also shows the proposed extension of the Bollington Cross Conservation Area to include Lowerhouse area,

In addition to temporary exhibitions the Discovery Centre houses permanent displays on the story of Bollington, from its beginnings as an agricultural backwater in the Macclesfield Forest, to the realisation of the use of its streams and rivers to power the cotton mills that made the town what it is today. It is also the home of a unique collection of historic photographs of Bollington and the surrounding area.

The Discovery Centre is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 4pm. We would welcome more volunteers to meet and greet visitors. If you can spare a couple of hours each month please contact Chris Kettlety on 01625 573953 or via the Discovery Centre Facebook page.

Continued over...

17

MACCLESFIELD LIONS UPDATE Macclesfield & District Lions Club held its 30th Annual Charity Swimarathon on Remembrance Sunday, the weekend before welcoming the Mayor of Macclesfield and other delegates, friends and supporters to join them in celebrating 44 years of service.

This event - one of the Club’s big fundraisers has raised over £140,000, with £56,000 going to BBC Children In Need. Teams were made up of experienced swimming clubs, primary schools and parents, the local ATC and even a team made up of Lions and their partners!

Last year, Macclesfield & District Lions made over 60 grants for a total of more than £20,000, the largest being to BBC Children in Need, Middlewood Riding for the Disabled, CRE8, East Cheshire Hospice, their International Disaster Relief Fund, Mary Sunley Canal Boat Charity, Lions Youth Brass, two Bollington schools enabling them to help purchase defibrillators and a substantial donation to Prestbury Park Playground. Very recently £1,000 was donated to the Bosley Disaster Appeal.

They are always looking for new members to join them in service and encourage anyone interested to contact Lion Chris on 07873 485265.

18

Lion President Christopher Oatway and Vice President Tony Norton hosted Mayor of Macclesfield Alift Harewood-Jones and her consort Peter at their 44th Charter Anniversary at Lyme Breeze.

The Cost of Long Term Care How 100,000 families are paying massive care home bills that they don’t need to.

You can forget the long standing Government promise that those who save will see their wealth ‘cascade down the generations.’ Today it is estimated that three out of four people whose parents go into a care home lose all or most of their inheritance.

As part of the assessment process councils have the power to investigate the way in which any capital or assets have been disposed of before going into care. What they are looking for is ‘deliberate deprivation of assets’ whether it be signing over a property to a relative or giving away large sums of money. So what can be done to assist you in making sure that your family do not lose out?

Act Early Assets should never be given away at the last minute but can be protected as part of long term estate planning. So act early, when you are fit and well and unlikely to require imminent residential care.

Rely on a Family Trust A person could transfer the ownership of a property into a lifetime discretionary trust.

Again this has to be done early and as part of your long term estate planning. There are many important benefits of setting up a trust such as helping mitigate and reduce probate fees, generational inheritance tax planning and sideways disinheritance. This will enable you to keep on living in the property and retain control with the ownership of the property going to the beneficiaries of the trust on your death. For more information on Estate Planning please contact East Cheshire Wills on 01625 410688

The Walk

Holmfirth Circular in Last of the Summer Wine Country This circular walk around Holmfirth takes in many of the locations used to shoot the long running series – The Last of the Summer Wine. From the centre of Holmfirth it passes through several villages and hamlets starting with Upperthong, crosses Hart Holes Clough and then climbs up to Hogley Green before dropping through Carr Green and Lower Stubbings to the River Holme. From the river the route climbs up to New Dunsley before descending back into Holmfirth.

At one time or another all these locations have been featured in episodes of the popular series that ran for more than 37 years.

Full details of shoot locations for Last of the Summer Wine can be found on a number of web pages. www.summerwine.net provides a detailed map of many locations. www.kirklees.gov.uk/ visitors/documents/summerWine.pdf focuses on locations in the centre of Holmfirth. If you have time why not visit the permanent exhibition www.summerwine-holmfirth.co.uk/summerwine-exhibition The Walk Distance: 4.6 miles - An undulating route with several short steep climbs. Allow 3 hours to complete the walk. Grade: Moderate

20

by Mike Bradbury Marple District Rambling Club

Map: Outdoor Leisure Map OL 1 The Peak District The Dark Peak Area. Grid References are provided at key route finding locations along the route.

Car Park: Crown Bottom Short Stay pay and display Grid Reference SE 143083. The car park is signed from A 6024 Huddersfield Road in Holmfirth.

Exit the car park onto the A6024 (Huddersfield Road) crossing in front of the Civic Hall. Turn right and then opposite the Fire Station turn left into Wood Lane and climb the steep incline. Continue ahead at the junction with Hightown Lane and onto a gate. Here the metalled road gives way to a track that continues to climb up to a bench at a “T” junction (SE 140086). To the right is a radio mast. Take time to catch your breath and take in the views over Holmfirth and the river valley. Turn right along the metalled track and pass the radio mast. The metalled track gives way to a path that contours and bears left around the hillside.

Ignore a path to the right that descends to a stream. Continue ahead on the stony path that becomes Back Lane, a walled track that gradually climbs to the north of Upperthong. Ignore the path that enters from the right and the stile on the left. Climb on to another stile on the left (SE 127086). Cross the stile and head across the field

and cross another stile. Follow the way-markers that take you through a garden to a road and Uperthong village (SE 127084).

Turn left and follow the road to a junction. Take the right fork of the road. Ignore footpath sign and after a further 100 yards take the track to the right. Take in the views of the Holme Valley on the approach to Newlands Farm.

Pass the farm to reach the road (A635 SE 124080). Cross the road and descend very steeply on a minor road to the bridge over Hart Holes Clough. Immediately climb steeply up the road to a junction. At the junction turn right into Hogley Green. Just past the first cottage turn left along a signed footpath, Continue between the cottages and follow the footpath sign to the right of Lower Hogley Farm to a gate and stile. Cross this stile and continue with the wall to the left and in line with the radio mast on the distant hillside to reach and cross another stile. Bear slightly left and go diagonally down the field to step stile in the wall below a gate. Cross the stile and drop down to a stile. Leave the field by the stile and cross a stream by the stepping stones to reach a road. Turn right and walk to the building on the left. This is the Car Green schoolhouse and has been converted into a desirable residence (SE 120073). A few yards past the schoolhouse take the walled footpath on the left that leads behind the house to a gate. Continue through the gate into a square grassy area. Before the wall bear left and pick your way because this path can be very muddy. On reaching a gate and stile, cross the stile into another walled path which, on crossing another stile, emerges onto a road. Turn right and then sharp left in front of a garden hedge to gate that leads to steps down the hill to another gate and onto a track at Upper Stubbing. Follow the track to the road (A6024 SE 125071).

Cross the busy road with care and bear left into Old Road and pass in front of a row of small cottages. Continue ahead into Water Street.

Pass a row of mill cottages and cross an iron footbridge over the river (SE 128071). Follow the path to the south of the river. Ignore way-markers painted on a wall. Keep by the riverside until the river bends to the left (SE 129072). Follow

the path as it rises diagonally up the hillside taking the right fork at a junction up towards the wood. Cross a stile into Makin House Wood (SE 131073). At a junction of paths turn right and then immediately left up a narrow partially overgrown path through the wood to a gate. Take the path across the field. Pass by the cottages and take on the final short climb up to Brow Lane (SE 136079).

It is now a gentle amble down Brow Lane and Cemetery Road Back to Holmfirth. Take time out to take in the iconic views over Holmfirth which have been used in the opening titles of the famous TV programme. Beyond Holmfirth in the distance is Castle Hill, another popular spot with walkers. Continue down Cemetery Road to the junction with Cartworth Road. Cross into Rotcher Road and return to the main road (A635) in the centre of Holmfirth (SE141079). Cross using the pedestrian crossing and follow the signs for The Old Bridge Inn. Before reaching The Old Bridge Inn’s car park take a right over the iron footbridge that crossed the river (SE 142072) Walk through the bus station past the supermarket entrance and follow the signed riverside path. Pass the main Post Office sorting office and a small park on the right and onto the car park (SE 143083) and the prospect of taking refreshment in one of the many local hostelries. Apparently Sid’s Cafe comes highly recommended.

Marple District Rambling Club organises up to 30 walks at all levels each month, going out on Thursdays and Sundays. For further information, phone Sue Gilmore, 0161 427 1471 or Deirdre Nolan, 0161 427 7794. To see copies of the walks programme, visit www.marple-uk/community/rambling

21

Plant of the month Jasmine A welcome sight in the depths of winter and early spring, the bright green stems display masses of cheerful star-shaped golden-yellow flowers, they can also be white or pink.

As an evergreen climber or loose shrub, this jasmine will happily grow by twining stems against a wall or fence in sun or partial shade, and it makes a wonderful addition to a winter flowerbed, leaves are small but the bright flowers can be up to 2.5cm in width.

Easy to grow in well-drained, fertile soil with minimal maintenance. Needs some form of support. Will grow up to a height of 1.5-2-5 metres within 5-10 years.

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.

Solution on page 34.

Uniquely Chic Here at Uniquely Chic Furniture, we sell quality solid pine and oak furniture. We are experts at transforming our furniture, or yours, into handpainted, individual, unique statement pieces.

Our paint finishes can be block colour, distressed, ‘in vogue’ shabby chic, or any finish you want.

You pick your colour and finish and we complete a bespoke service which gives each piece a new lease of life. If you have an inherited piece, or furniture that fits your space, why not have it uplifted in our workroom?

We can offer a quality painting service to update your kitchen cupboards.

We also sell shabby chic home accessories, such as lighting (including chandeliers), mirrors, cushions and gifts. New and returning visitors to our showroom here at Goyt Mill always use the same two phrases….”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”.

Canalside, Goyt Mill, Upper Hibbert Lane, Marple SK6 7HX Tel: 0161 484 5116 or 07785 794308 Email: uniquelychicfurniture@hotmail.co.uk www.uniquelychicfurniture.co.uk Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10-5.30pm Sunday 11-4.30pm Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays) @be_uniquelychic

You never know what you will find when you step through the door!

Official stockists of Frenchic eco-friendly chalk paint and accessories.

25

Island Hopping in the Maldives It is very difficult to imagine that you can be taken back to nature in half a day; kicking off your shoes and feeling that amazing white sand between your toes. The North and South Atolls of the Maldives are just such a place.

Travelling to these exotic tropical islands is nearer than you think; you can fly directly to Male from London Gatwick or via a European point.

Alternatively, travel via Abu Dhabi, Oman or Dubai for a two centre holiday of great contrasts, the low lying Maldivian Islands and stunning architecture of the Middle East.

Even your arrival on your chosen Maldivian Island is exciting whether you choose to fly in a seaplane or sail in by yacht, or even by motor launch. This is slow living and you can be transferred from your busy frenetic life to arrive in style.

With over 200 inhabited islands of which 85 are resort islands there is a great choice and it takes great care to match you to the right island; flagship properties, for example the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Per Acquum Niyana and Huvafenfushi. Family friendly islands, small intimate properties, or islands that are great for diving and snorkelling… the list goes on.

Maldives for honeymoons Travel by Design have had many years of designing honeymoons to the Maldives and their ‘Travel by Appointment’ booking process means that the different islands can be reviewed and matched exactly to your budget, time of year, location on the island and, most importantly, your expectations.

With stunning beach front or over water villas, honeymooners can have their own private slice of paradise, and we can arrange those special touches such as pier dining and private yacht excursions. We also offer ‘honeymoney’ for

26

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

couples who wish to have contributions from their wedding guests.

Maldives for families The Maldives have been shortlisted in five categories of the Family Travel Awards 2016; such is the appeal and superb facilities that can be found here. Larger islands that perhaps have more facilities such as tennis and bike hire are great for families, and several properties have wonderful children’s clubs offering arts and crafts, sports, eco-adventures and cooking classes. The Constance Halaveli offers a children’s A La Carte dedicated menu and the Six Senses Laamu is now offering its own Wellness Centre for children, so every need can be catered for.

We are looking for friendly, responsible people to deliver Inside Magazines

Maldives for spa lovers Without doubt the Maldives comes into its own for spa lovers. Almost every property has a superb spa with every conceivable type of treatment. After dark treatments, natural healing, Ayurvedic and holistic treatments – you are transferred from your busy, frenetic lifestyle to slow living and total relaxation.

Maldives for watersports Without doubt the Maldives are a mecca for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. It is an ideal location for both ‘learners’ and experienced divers alike with many properties having their own accredited PADI Dive centre and experienced staff on hand to guide their visitors. Go snorkelling too which is superb in the most amazing clear water, seeing the world through a rose coloured lens.

Kristina says… don’t wait until you are 65 years of age to enjoy the Maldives as I did… go now!

It’s a great way to get a little exercise and earn some extra cash Altogether, about forty people currently help us to deliver our magazines. Many are retired or semi-retired and they really enjoy the experience. Our magazines are enthusiastically received in most homes, so there is always the chance of a smile or friendly word, en route.

For more details call 01625 879611

or email c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

Answers: slopes, boots, ski lift, gloves, snowboard, goggles Extra letter answer: helmet

28

S D I K 4 JUST

Bollington Children’s Activities

Things to do with pre-school kids

monday

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

Tuesday Praise & Play 9.30-11am Term time only. St Oswald’s Church, Bollington.

Contact Beverley on 01625 500970 or beverleynxn@aol.com Wacky Woods 10am -12pm Styperson Quarry Wood, Brookledge Lane, Adlington.

Come and have fun in the woods with your preschooler in a guided session; even young babies can appreciate the joys of nature. £5 per child includes pancakes or crumpets on the campfire. Contact 01625 573086

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

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

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

Saturday Footloose Dance Academy 9-9.55am Civic Hall, Bollington. Introduction to dance for 3-4 year olds, including Ballet, Tap, and Freestyle dance.

Children will use their imagination, practise simple steps and learn co-ordination – whilst having fun!

For more information visit www. footloosedanceacademy.co.uk and to register please contact Sarah on 07951 054 547 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.

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.

Allsorts Toddler Group 1.30-3pm Term time only. Allsorts Pre-School, Bollington St John’s Primary School. £1.50 per family includes refreshments.

Contact the pre-school supervisor Kathryn Cox on 07913628115 or allsorts3@virginmedia.com

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

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

29

Vegetable Lasagne ■■ Salt & pepper

Serves 4

Oven: Pre-heat to 180C/350f/Gas 4

■■ 1 onion, chopped

1. Finely chop the onion and carrot and dice the courgette and aubergine. Thinly slice the mushrooms. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the vegetables until softened. Add the garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and sweetcorn and bring to the boil. Then cover and simmer for about five minutes.

■■ 75g carrots, sliced ■■ 75g courgette ■■ 3 tbsp vegetable oil ■■ 75g aubergine ■■ 50g button mushrooms ■■ 50g sweetcorn ■■ 1 small garlic clove, crushed ■■ 225g can chopped tomatoes ■■ pinch of mixed herbs ■■ 8 tbsp grated cheese ■■ 3 tbsp butter ■■ 3 tbsp plain flour

30

■■ ½ pint milk

A variant on the usual meat based lasagne, packed with healthy vegetables for a filling and satisfying meal at lunch or dinner time. Serve with a fresh green salad and bread of your choice.

■■ 4-5 sheets pre-cooked lasagne pasta

2. Melt the butter in a pan and then stir in the flour, add the milk slowly, stirring until the mixture thickens and boils. Stir in half of the grated cheese and some salt and pepper for taste.

3. Spoon about a third of the vegetable mix into a shallow oven proof dish, add a little white sauce, then add a lasagne sheet and continue to layer in this way until the last layer is white sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cook for around 50 minutes until browned on top.

Serve with fresh herbs on top.

Inside Guide WEDNESDAY 4 January FLIX in the STIX – Pott Shrigley Community Cinema presents Miracle on the Hudson cert 12A. Tickets £4 in advance or £5 on the door. Call Anthea 01625 573538, Sue 01625 573210 or Peter 01625 876646 for tickets.

Email pottflix@gmail.com Website tiny.cc/pottflix Pott Shrigley Village Hall, bar opens 6.30pm, screening 7.30pm

Weds 4 to Sat 7 January Prestbury Youth Pantomime performs Puss in Boots with a matinee on the 7th at 2.30pm. Tickets £8 and £10, to book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during January & February Wednesday 18 January Lunchtime Concert – a piano recital by the McLachlan Family. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12noon, concert commences at 1pm.

Further information from 01625 586713 Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road

Thursday 19 January

MADS Little Theatre, Lord Street, Macclesfield

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. A Ranger’s Work at Tegg’s Nose, by James Martin. An East Cheshire Ranger’s work at our local country park.

Fri 6 to Sat 14 January

Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387

Bollington Festival Players present The Pied Piper

by Alan P Frayn. Tickets £10, Conc. £9, family tickets available. To book email bfptickets@hotmail.com or telephone: 07933 745926. Bollington Arts Centre

Tuesday 10 January East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘The Peoples’ Parks, Speaker Geoff Scargill St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Tuesday 10 January Free Morris Dancing taster session for beginners with Adlington Morris Men – more information at www.adlingtonmorrismen.com 1st Woodford Scout Hut, off Moor Lane, Woodford, SK7 1PW 8.30pm to 10pm

Saturday 14 January Northern Chamber Orchestra ‘Showcase’ with Matthew Trusler, violin. Tickets £18/£14; £7 students; 18s and under free. From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre or on the door. www.ncorch.o.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Saturday 14 January The Marionette Theatre Company presents their Winter String Puppet Variety Show. A family variety performance to suit all ages. A raffle, refreshments and, at the end, a chance to try your hand at puppet operating yourself. Adults £4.50, children and OAPs £3.50. Contact for all details 01625 872368 Poynton Community Centre Park Lane, Poynton 2pm

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thursday 19 January Bollington and District Horticultural Society. Annette and John Christophers will talk about the history of pottery and give a demonstration. Members £1.50 Non-members £3 Bollington Community Centre 7.30pm

Saturday 21 January Singing Day with St George’s Singers. Singers of all levels of experience are invited for a great day of choral singing under the baton of our inspirational musical director Neil Taylor.

This year we will be blowing away the January blues with the choral favourite Vivaldi’s Gloria and his less well known but equally exciting Magnificat.

More information from Gillian Banks, tel 01925 213949, email gillian.m.banks@gmail.com, or visit our website www.st-georges-singers.org.uk St George’s Church, Poynton

Saturday 21 January Bollington amateur singer Mike Bell will perform one of classical music’s greatest - Schubert’s Winterreise.

See In Touch (p17) for details Tickets £10 from www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk Bollington Arts Centre 7.30pm

Continued over...

Compiled by Claire Hawker e: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

31

inside guide

Tuesday 24 January

Tuesday 14 February

Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire. The Maiden and the Diplomat – a Georgian Scandal by Eric Millward. The elopement of Edward Gibbon Wakefield and Ellen, the heiress of William Turner, a wealthy merchant of Shrigley Hall. Meetings are open to the public admission £2 per meeting including refreshments. For further details please contact; macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk

East Cheshire Association of the National Trust. Lecture – ‘Amazing Women Pilots’ Speaker Victor Crawford.

Wednesday 15 February

The Salvation Army Church, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Lunchtime Concert – A recital by Students from the Royal Northern College of Music. Admission by programme £5, light lunches available from 12noon, concert commences at 1pm

Thursday 26 January

Further information from 01625 586713

East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘Mystery Shopper’ Speaker Keith Vigurs

Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall. 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 1 February FLIX in the STIX – Pott Shrigley Community Cinema presents Bridget Jones’s Baby cert 15. Tickets £4 in advance or £5 on the door. Call Anthea 01625 573538, Sue 01625 573210 or Peter 01625 876646 for tickets.

Email pottflix@gmail.com Website tiny.cc/pottflix Pott Shrigley Village Hall, bar opens 6.30pm, screening 7.30pm

Sat 4 February – Sun 5 March Snowdrop Walks – an unmissable start to spring. £5 adults/£2 children/under 5s free. www.rodehall.co.uk Rode Hall & Gardens, Cheshire ST7 3QP www.rodehall.co.uk 11am – 4pm (closed Mondays)

MON 6 – SAT 11 FEBRUARY Poynton Players present Ladies in Lavender by Shaun McKenna – a stage adaptation of the 2004 film. Tickets Mon £7.50, Tues to Sat £8.50. www.poyntonplayers.co.uk Booking line 0333 666 3366 Poynton Players, George’s Road West, Poynton

Saturday 11 February The Barnby Choir Singing Day led by Keith Orrell.

Music for the Resurrection by Rachmaninov (All-Night Vigil Vespers nos.13, 14 15)and Exsultet by Keith Orrell.

Accompanist Tim Walker. Singing ticket price £20 includes music hire, morning coffee and afternoon tea.

To book your place please call Ann Elphick on 01625 583752 or visit www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk Wilmslow Methodist Church, King’s Close, Wilmslow SK9 5AR 10am to 4.30pm

32

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

Thursday 16 February Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. Switzerland – Landscape and Flora, by Roy Beacham. A look at this beautiful and interesting country from a naturalist’s point of view. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thursday 16 February Bollington and District Horticultural Society AGM Bollington Community Centre 7.30pm

Saturday 18 February Prestbury Choral Society Singing Day. Come and Sing Mozart’s Requiem. Visit our website www.prestburychoral.org or call our secretary on 01625 262249 for details.

Wilmslow United Reformed Church

Saturday 18 February Northern Chamber Orchestra ‘Thrill of the Chase’ with Naomi Atherton, horn. Tickets £18/£14; £7 students; 18s and under free. From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre or on the door. www.ncorch.o.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Thursday 23 February East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘The Caledonian Canal and the Invergarry to Fort Augustus Railway Speaker Andy Holmes St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Saturday 25 February POYNTON CEILIDHS: Albireo, caller Dave Ball.

Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary! Tickets ÂŁ9 on the door, cash only, under 16s half price. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance visit www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk. Reserved tickets will be held on the door. Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 8pm till 11.30pm. Doors open 7.45, bar til 11

Tuesday 28 February Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire. Did work make you ancestor ill? A talk by Alan Jones. Please park in the Churchill Way car park (free in the evening). Limited parking in front of the building for the less mobile. Meetings open to all admission ÂŁ2 per meeting including refreshments. For further details please contact macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk The Salvation Army Church, Roe Street, Macclesfield SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Friday 10 February Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Secure your space now!

inside guide

Crossword Solution

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR WEB HOSTING COMPANY? Move your website and emails to our server for just...

£99 per year

✓ 24 hour support ✓ 99.9% server uptime ✓ We’ll move your existing website to our server for free ✓ We’ll set up your email for free For more information Call 07759 432526 email info@spring-creative.co.uk

Sudoku Solution

34

Money Sins Are you a sinner? Financially that is. There are a host of everyday money misdemeanours that millions of people do, costing them thousands, without being aware of it. These aren’t horrors like grabbing a payday loan, but the result of simple misunderstandings, bad habits or inaction.

So having recently toured around the UK doing roadshows for the sixth series of my ITV show, I’ve collated five of the most common.

1. Saving while you’ve expensive debts Savings rates are depressingly low – the top easy-access rate is 1%. Credit card and other interest rates are depressingly high. So, £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs you £180 a year, the same amount saved in top paying savings account at 1% interest only earns you £10. If you had both, pay the debt off with your savings and you’d be £170 a year better off.

Many of you will be thinking, “but I want to keep my savings, what if the boiler packs up or the roof falls in?” However, that’s a sentimental strategy, not a logical one. Let’s carry on the £1,000 debt and £1,000 savings scenario to show you why.

- If you don’t pay the debt off with the savings and an emergency happens that costs you £1,000 to fix, you’d use all your savings and still have £1,000 of credit card debt.

- If you do pay off the debt with the savings, and a £1,000 emergency happens, you’d need to pay for it on your credit card, meaning you still have no savings and £1,000 of credit card debt.

The end result of them both is the same, yet by paying off the debt with the savings, you save in the meantime.

The only exception is if the debt is at 0%. Then the financially savvy and disciplined can do what’s called stoozing, where you deliberately build up 0% debt only to save it and earn interest.

Though with current saving rates so low, it’s not as easy as it used to be. Full help on that at www.mse.me/stoozing

Martin Lewis Column 2. Not at least asking your energy firm are you on its cheapest deal Most people in the UK are on their energy firm’s standard tariff, which typically means they’re overpaying by £300 a year. I’ve talked about switching until I’m blue in the face, and, of course, the best plan is take five minutes to do a full market comparison via my www.CheapEnergyClub.com or any www.Ofgem. gov.uk approved comparison site.

Yet for some that doesn’t hit home. So, let me be plain. Even if you won’t do that, just pick up the phone and ask your current provider “Am I on your cheapest tariff?” and, if not, switch to that as there’s no change but the price!

For example, as I write (it can change daily), on EDF’s standard tariff someone with typical usage pays £1,070/year. It also has a 12-month fix at £880/year - £190/year less.

British Gas’s standard tariff with typical use is £1,044/year, but it also runs Sainsbury Energy (i.e., it’s the same company but a different name), and its cheapest fix is £804/year – saving £240/ year. This don’t ask don’t get saving works at all the big firms, so if you won’t do a comparison, at least do this.

3. Only making the minimum repayments on credit cards Credit card minimum payments are based mostly on a percentage of the balance, which only just covers the interest. So, you hardly clear any off.

A 30-year-old with £3,000 debt on a credit card at 17.9% interest, who made only typical minimum repayments, would take 27 years to clear it. By then, they’d be 57 and have paid a total cost £4,000 in interest (see my minimum repayment calc at www.mse.me/minrepay to work out how long it’ll take you).

Now you may be thinking ‘easy to say, but I can’t afford more than the minimum.’ Well, I have a solution. On £3,000 debt, the current minimum is around £70 a month. If instead of opting to pay the minimum, fix your repayment at £70.

Continued over...

by Martin Lewis twitter: @MoneySavingExpert

35

The debt will clear in five years at a total cost of £1,500 in interest, saving £2,400.

If you’ve debt on more than one credit card, focus all spare cash on repaying the most expensive, making only the minimums on the others. That way you get rid of the most expensive debts first.

4. Don’t cover your home’s value on buildings insurance Your house price is the wrong figure; you only need to insure the usually much lower rebuild cost – literally how much it would cost to rebuild your home should it get knocked down.

This is often far less than the market value.

There’s information and a calculator on this at http://abi.bcis.co.uk.

5. Saving or borrowing to pay your children’s tuition fees I’m often freaked out by parents telling me they’ve saved up so their child won’t have to pay tuition fees at uni. Worse, some even extend their mortgage. My problem isn’t just that it’s actually students’, not parents’ responsibility to repay this…

All new English full-time students can get a tuition fee loan and a living loan to help pay for uni costs. You’re eligible to start repaying in the April after leaving, but only if you earn over £21,000, and you repay 9% above that.

Repayments stop after 30 years. In many ways, it acts far more like a tax than a loan, and how many would save “in case my child earns enough to be a higher rate taxpayer”?

An extreme example provides clarity. Imagine your child goes to uni and becomes a brilliant poet, who never earns above the £21,000 threshold. They would never repay a penny. So, if you paid the fees for them, you’d throw £27,000 away.

Most of course will earn over the threshold.

However only high earners will earn enough to repay in real terms what they borrowed within the 30 years. If not, again it means pay their tuition fees and you’re paying more than they’d need to repay. For most parents if you want to help them, a better thing to prioritise is building up a mortgage deposit. For far more on this see my mse.me/dontpayupfront guide.

Useful Numbers Churches

Rainow Primary School

01625 572021

Bollington Methodist Church

01625 572037

01625 426051

St Gregorys’ Catholic Primary

Bollington United Reformed Church

01625 572817

Dean Valley Community Primary

01625 572767

Bollington Christian Life Church

01625 578100

Beech Hall School

01625 422192

Prestbury Methodist Church

01625 424361

Little Griffins Nursery

01625 422192

Quakers

01625 562109

Mottram St Andrew Primary

01625 829035

St Oswald’s Church

01625 573162

Prestbury C of E Primary

01625 383033

St Gregory’s RC Church

01625 572108

Bollinbrook Cof E Primary

01625 384071

St Peters Church Prestbury

01625 827625

The Marlborough Primary School

01625 383050

Tytherington Family Worship

01625 615195

Tytherington High School

01625 610220

pharmacies I Rowlands & Co

01625 574401

The Village Pharmacy, Prestbury

01625 829216

Dentists Bollington Dental Practice

01625 574609

Prestbury Road Dental Practice

01625 432300

Bollington Medical Centre

08443 878481

Hope Cottage Surgery, Prestbury

01625 827319

Hospitals Macclesfield Hospital

01625 421000

Prestbury Medical Centre

01625 827319 111

Leisure Centre Bollington Leisure Centre

01625 574774

Macclesfield Leisure Centre

01625 615602

Libraries Bollington Library

01625 426138

Fallibroome High School

01625 827898

Travel Bus & Train Times

0871 200 2233

National Rail Enquiries

0845 748 4950

Manchester Airport

0871 271 0711

Utilities

Doctors

NHS Non-Emergency

All Hallows Catholic High School

Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999

Water Mains

0845 746 2200

Environment Agency Floodline

0345 988 1188

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Crimestoppers Directory Enquiries

0845 7697555 020 7403 0888 0800 1111 03444 111 444 0800 555111 118 500

01625 378266

National Dementia Helpline

0300 222 1122

Prestbury Library

01625 827501

RSPCA

0300 1234999

Macclesfield Library

01625 374000

Samaritans

Police Non Emergency

Other 101

Tytherington Post Office

Bollington Town Hall Bridgend Centre

Post Offices West Bollington Post Office

116 123

01625 572378 01625 869042

Schools St John’s Primary School

01625 572025

Bollington Cross Primary

01625 572138

Bollington Arts Centre

01625 572985 01625 576311 01625 573863

CCC Highways

0845 111 0315

Bollington Veterinary Centre

01625 572999

37

Classified Index BOOKSHOPS Simply Books

INTERIOR DESIGN 8

Building Services Nab Construction

18

Matt Finish

CAR SERVICES & SALES

LOFT LADDERS

Hulley Road MOT & Service Centre Inside front cover

More Than Loft Ladders

CARPETS

PAINTING & DECORATING

Carpet Creations

5

Kathy Shaw

Linney Cooper

9

PLASTERERS

14

Zap-Clean

33

Cleaning Diamond Home Support

27

Wild About Cleaning

38

DENTISTS Trinity Dental Care

13

Westgate Dental Practice

24

DRAINAGE 10

ELECTRICIANS C J C Electrical

18

Maddocks

33 6 25

18

PLUMBING Simon Bannister

33

PRINT SERVICES Bollington Printshop

6

ROOFING Poynton Roofing

36

SOFT FURNISHINGS Kathy Shaw

33

TRAVEL Travel by Design

26

VETERINARY SURGEONS Bollington Veterinary Centre

38

East Cheshire Wills

19

Cavendish Window Cleaning

34

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

HEALTH & FITNESS Fitness for All

33

WINDOW CLEANING

FURNITURE Uniquely Chic

22

WILLS

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mulberry Financial Ltd

10

Dave Beal

Safeclean

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

23

KITCHENS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

38

Brook Farm Interiors

Back Cover

The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back Cover