Inside Bramhall Issue 64

inside august - september 2017

magazines

Issue 64

bramhall

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

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inside b r a m h a l l

Well, here we are again at the height of summer and what a fabulous one it’s turning out to be. Working in publishing it can feel as though time is running away as we’re always working to deadlines months in advance of publication dates. Before we’ve sent the summer issues to print, people are already contacting us with information about Christmas! So, I’m always mindful of making the most of the lovely, bright early mornings and long, light evenings.

Following my comments last time about what makes INSIDE Magazines a bit different I should take a moment to say a big thank you to all the people who contribute editorial features. One of the most popular is The Walk and, thanks to Marple Ramblers and Poynton Ramblers, there’s always a new walk to try.

Special thanks also to Graham Beech who has kept us up to date with the NGS Charity Garden Openings for many years.

Finally – please keep the ‘Reader’s photos’ coming.

I love the collection of photos on page 61, making the word BRAMHALL, created by David Pechey.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 7 10 12 15 19 22 25 29 32 37 41 42 45 46 50 53 58 61 62

Inside People anything’s possible with an e-bike couture by Tusneem heleniums NGS Gardens photo competition In Touch 12 Diary of a Geeky Knitter simply books book club choice notes from the orient express the walk Sudoku Just 4 Kids 46 Children’s Activities Crossword running & fitness magic of the moss Inside Guide Puzzle Solutions Useful Numbers 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 Ann & Liz with their E-bikes by Garth Aspinall.

Copy deadline for the next issue: tue 12 sept

Inside Bramhall 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 2017. 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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inside people

janet brandreth

Janet Brandreth was born in Stockport attending Banks Lane Primary schools until the family moved to live at Marsh farm in Spalding, Lincolnshire. An only daughter with three brothers, Janet helped to look after the goats, chickens and a horse, acquiring a lifelong love of animals.

After a few years in Spalding and Wem, the family returned to Stockport where Janet attended a secretarial course. On qualifying she worked as a secretary at Cole’s later moving to Greens and Gill where she met her husband Harry.

When Janet was 21, Harry bought her a Great Dane for her birthday which rekindled her love of animals, even though the dog was a fridge raider and a vandal, once even eating the rubber seal of the washing machine!

Janet and Harry had four children, two boys and two girls. As the children grew and left home, Janet gradually acquired more animals. She now has two Bull Mastiffs and a Staffordshire Bull terrier. Over the years she has regularly fostered rescue dogs for the RSPCA. She took dogs that had been abandoned or abused preparing them for adoption in more welcoming homes.

Her task was to house train the dog and teach it to come when called. Her training technique was based on caring, rewards for good behaviour and long walks so the dog was too tired to misbehave.

As well as dogs, Janet has nine tortoises; three of them are giant Sulcata tortoises which don’t hibernate and in the winter live in a heated playhouse. She also has three rescue rabbits which had been returned to pet shops by reluctant owners and with the rabbits are 24 guinea pigs.

To complete her menagerie, Janet has two African Grey parrots, talented talkers, who give instructions to the

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dogs - lie down, come here, sit - and copy the sounds of laughter and even the telephone. Also in the aviary are 40 zebra finches, 30 budgerigars and ten cockatiels.

The cockatiels can also speak, calling ‘hello’ and wolf whistling so Janet pegs her washing out to a chorus of hellos and wolf whistles from the birds!

After the birth of her third child, thinking that she was putting on weight, Janet began to attend a gym. This inspired her to train as a keep fit instructor so she could teach exercise to music and step classes.

Several years later, the local NHS selected Janet to train as a specialist teacher of fitness techniques for people with heart problems. She studied a course organised by the British Association for Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation and for 12 years she has organised two fitness classes for ex heart patients called Take Heart which are affiliated to the British Heart Foundation.

Janet also runs a keep fit group for the visually impaired at Walthew House and a group offering armchair exercise for mobility impaired people as well as aerobic and Zumba classes.

Favourite food after all that exercise is bacon and eggs or medium steak. Her favourite read is one of the Stieg Larsson trilogy. Her pet hate, after shopping, is hunting and any form of cruelty to animals. Janet’s hero is her husband Harry who, while not sharing her passion for animals to the same degree, gallantly takes on the chores of feeding and cleaning out the animals and walking the dogs when needed.

Last word from Janet I love all animals and derive great pleasure from them. I would urge parents to think carefully about the responsibilities of owning an animal before they decide to buy one and perhaps to consider adopting a rescue animal.

by Ed Blundell

anything’s possible...

with an e-bike

A few years ago, electric bikes (or e-bikes) were almost unheard of on English soil, but today it’s a different story. There are now numerous e-bike models on the market and more and more people are enjoying the benefits of this 21st century phenomenon. E-bikes are almost undistinguishable from a traditional bike and chances are you have seen quite a few such bikes in your own locality without actually realising it. Liz Hatherall and Ann Aspinall (pictured on our front cover) have now been riding e-bikes for about six years and haven’t regretted their purchases for one moment. In this article, they give us the benefit of their knowledge and considerable experience.

So what is an e-bike? Put simply, it’s a pedal cycle that also has a small electric motor and battery fitted to

help propel it. These latter two components are almost always involved in one form or another and largely account for the additional weight of this type of bike.

A simple switch enables you to choose at any time (depending on the terrain) just how much support you require. Assistance is typically provided in three or four increments – no support, eco (low) support, standard support and high support. More sophisticated e-bikes also have a ‘walk’ mode that means you don’t need to push the bike along yourself, which is especially useful if you need to get it up a ramp.

Key to the practicality of the e-bike is the battery. The battery is typically charged overnight and can give you a range of up to sixty miles, but in practice its range will ultimately depend on the level of assistance you routinely require. For a long journey, a second battery, carried in your pannier is definitely a good idea.

E-bikes come in all shapes and sizes to suit different kinds of terrain and a myriad of personal needs, and can be enjoyed by all ages. They come with differing technical characteristics and can cost between £500 and £4,000. As a rough guide, avoid the low-end Chinese products and be prepared to pay £2,000 min. for a quality product. With so many manufacturers, models, technical specifications and schools of thought around, it’s very important that you do your research and that you consult with a specialist dealer before Continued over

by Garth Aspinall

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you make your purchase. The ideal bike will feel comfortable for you and will enable you to do all the things that you have been dreaming about.

Once you have decided that the investment is worthwhile, the quest for your ideal bike can be great fun and it’s likely that you will become as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about e-bikes as others are about their camera, car, caravan or mobile home.

But most important of all, when you have finally made your purchase you will discover a whole new lifestyle and perhaps, a new and exciting world.

Liz and Ann (both the ‘wrong side of 70’) have provided some really interesting insights into the benefits of owning an e-bike. In the last five years, they have pottered about the local area, completed many a shopping trip, enjoyed numerous day trips and, just for the record, have cycled over 5000 kilometres with five ‘Grand Tours’ across six European countries.

Ann bought her bike initially to keep up with her husband (yours truly), I still have an ordinary bike and now play ‘catch-up’ - especially on the hills! The Scottish Highlands for her are a possibility. For me?

Well. I’m not so sure.

An e-bike is a great way to do your local shopping.

Panniers or specifically designed bags can accommodate a reasonable amount of shopping.

Whether you are visiting your local supermarket or a European city, you will encounter no parking problems.

Perhaps you could dispense with your costly second car!

A good bike-rack towed behind your car can carry two or more bikes and makes it possible to reach all manner of destinations for the start of your ride. This could be a parking spot in Alderley Edge close to the quieter Cheshire lanes or the car park at the start of the Tissington Trail.

With a little experience, you could plan an adventure trip, in the UK or abroad. There are wonderful routes, all very well sign-posted, in France, Germany and Austria. And if you are fortunate enough to own a campervan or mobile home, take your bikes with you and you will enjoy even greater flexibility.

Hiring an e-bike is an important first step in your decision-making process. It will help you decide whether you enjoy the activity. Surf the internet to find out where you can hire. You can, for example hire at Parsley Hay or Ashbourne, the beginning and end points of the Tissington Trail.

Liz and Ann have provided some useful hints and observations – in no particular order of importance – to think about if you are considering the purchase of an e-bike.

Cycling is not only pleasurable, but is recognised as a generally safe, low impact form of exercise that is kind to knees, hips and feet. An e-bike enables you to continue cycling when you are older. In fact, if walking is a problem, an e-bike could become your preferred way of getting out and about.

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However, whilst hiring a bike is helpful, you should also take the opportunity to test a range of bikes to find the best one for you. Visiting one of the major cycle exhibitions would be an interesting and time-saving way to explore and test all options.

Don’t forget the Cycle to Work scheme which provides for subsidised purchase. We have a friend who cycles to the station, takes a train to Congleton and cycles at the other end to work, without once breaking into a sweat.

If you feel inspired to find out more, google ‘e-bike’ and you will discover a wealth of information on the internet. Alternatively, you can email anaspinall@hotmail.com - Ann & Liz will try to answer any queries you might have.

Introducing

Couture

by Tusneem

A famed National Television Awards fashion designer based in Bramhall has launched a new couture label and is giving ladies the opportunity to wear their very own uniquely designed outfit.

Tusneem Jabbar, 40, owns Boutique Alterations on Bramhall Lane South which specialises in altering high end wedding dresses and evening gowns and creating couture dresses. Following the huge success of the bespoke side of the business, the new label ‘Couture by Tusneem’, also based at the Bramhall studio, has been launched.

Tusneem, who previously had a bridal label working with Donna Karan, Jenny Packham and Vera Wang Bridal said: “I am so proud of this new launch. I have had a love of fashion from a very young age and have been professionally designing now for more than 19 years. I pride myself on making the perfect dress for every woman, whether that be for her wedding or an event she is attending. There is no greater feeling than when I see how happy and confident the client feels when she collects her finished gown.”

Couture by Tusneem specialises in creating couture wedding dresses, mother of the bride and groom outfits and evening wear. Women travel from across the UK and as far as Switzerland, Spain and Sweden to have their dresses designed by Tusneem, who has won three best dress accolades at the National Television Awards.

She said: “I pride myself on designing and creating beautiful dresses to suit every woman’s individual style; it has to suit their personality and work for them. We make dresses for all different people, whether it be a bride who can’t find her perfect dress or a Mother of the Bride or Groom who wants more of a catwalk look, rather than the traditional outfit. That feeling of wearing something that no-one else will have and knowing it fits and suits you perfectly is magical.”

All dresses are designed by Tusneem and created in-house by a small team of highly skilled seamstresses. Consultations are by appointment only and available by telephoning 0161 440 7000 www.tusneem.co.uk

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Heleniums - My Favourite Plant The great garden writer Christopher Lloyd, when asked what his favourite flower was, replied: “the one I’m looking at now”. It’s that way with me with Heleniums; all are beautiful, all are equally easy to grow and all do a great job in the border, be it a 15-inch edger to a 6-footer at the back.

Heleniums come in all shades and variations of yellow, orange and red. The only thing to remember is that Heleniums need good sunlight to obtain the best colours.

The short varieties are usually earlier to flower and with dead heading will go on longest. Probably the best is the 2ft tall Mardi Gras with its jolly masses of flower and a strong constitution. Also, highly recommended is the bright red Red Army and Fata Morgana.

Mid height Heleniums (3ft tall) are great for the middle or back of borders (depending on the size of border).

The most popular is Sahin’s Early Flowerer but a better choice is the magnificent El Dorado with very large golden yellow flowers. Hot Lava is a brand new one that is later to flower but very bushy.

Tall varieties (4-6ft) might need a stake in an exposed site but I rarely need to resort to this as the stems are very thick and strong. Amber is the best of newer varieties with masses of flower on upright plants.

Heleniums mix well with lots of garden plants. I particularly like them with grasses in late summer – short moor grasses (Molinia) or taller Silver Grass (Miscanthus) and Feather Grass (Pennisetum). Monarda (Bergamot) and Phlox make great companions as all require similar growing conditions.

The common name, Sneezeweed, comes from the use of dried and powdered leaves as medicinal snuff to cure colds and bronchitis. Don’t try this at home! Heleniums are toxic and harmful if ingested. In Germany, they are called Sonnenbraut –or Sun Brides; far more romantic!

All Heleniums are a great source of nectar for bees and butterflies which will flock to the flowers with glee.

Gardeners often think of Heleniums as late-flowering, adding colour to the August and September garden, but with careful selection of varieties and regular dead heading and watering, you can have Heleniums in bloom from mid-June until the beginning of November without having to resort to forcing plants in a greenhouse.

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by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

There are a few simple rules to follow to get the best out of heleniums: water whenever dry even in spring or autumn; deadhead short varieties regularly; cut down the stems to just above the ground in winter and only divide or move them in spring not autumn. Follow these and Heleniums should come back each year to brighten up your summer and autumn garden.

Janet and I run Special Perennials, website www.specialperennials.com We attend Plant Hunters’ Fairs and will be at the wonderful Henbury Hall Garden, Macclesfield on Sunday 17 September with entry to this lovely rarely open 12-acre garden and plant fair only £2.50; For full details of these and other Plant Hunters’ Fairs please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

EARLY AUTUMN GARDENS TO VISIT, PHOTOS TO TAKE... AND PRIZES TO WIN! This year marks the 90th anniversary of the National Garden Scheme and this is being celebrated with a photography competition. The competition runs until the1st September 2017 and the winners will be announced in mid-September, so there’s no time to lose.

To enter, just take a photo in a National Garden Scheme garden. To find out which gardens are open near you, use the Garden Finder section on the NGS web site: www.ngs.org.uk.

All entries must be submitted through the National Garden Scheme email address ngscomp@ngs.org.uk or via the relevant section of the website, ngs.org.uk/ photo which also includes full terms and conditions and further information.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND PRIZES Best Overall: Amateur Category – A tour of Mary Berry’s garden with four friends Best Overall: Professional Category – Signed copy of a Mary Berry cookbook Celebrating National Garden Scheme gardens: A book bundle from the National Garden Scheme, including a signed copy of Mary Berry’s latest cook book.

BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine ‘Fantastic Flowers’: £500-worth of STIHL cordless garden tools or accessories of the winner’s choice.

Best Gardens for Health photo: A Spa day – details later.

What happens to the winning photos?

Winners of the competition will also have their images displayed at an event for the National Garden Scheme in October at the Garden Museum.

PHOTOGENIC GARDENS IN EARLY AUTUMN There’s a good choice of gardens to visit in August and September, many in the area covered by this magazine.

Don’t forget your camera, take some great photos and send us your best shots!

Arley Hall - Northwich CW9 6NA. Opening for NGS: Sunday 6 August (11am - 5pm).

Admission £8, child £3.50. Refreshments available.

One of Britain’s finest gardens, Arley has been lovingly created by the same family over 550yrs and is famous for its double herbaceous border, thought to be the oldest in Europe, avenue of ilex columns, walled garden, pleached lime avenue and Victorian Rootree.

A garden of great atmosphere, interest and vitality throughout the seasons.

Clover Bank Organic Farm - North Rode, Congleton, CW12 2NX. Open: Saturday 5 August, Sunday 6 August (11am - 4pm).

Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas.

This garden, with spectacular views to the Pennines, is complemented by a stunning modern house above a large pond with bridge and surrounding plantings of roses and dahlias. Herbaceous borders, raised vegetable beds, marginal and wetland planting and woodland. Wild rose, soft fruit hedging and fruit trees, and a large wild flower area. Shady area with new water feature and underplanting.

Dunham Massey – Altrincham, WA14 4SJ. Opening for National Garden Scheme: Sunday 17 September (11am - 5.30pm).

Admission £8.60, child £4.30.

Richly planted borders packed with colour and texture, sweeping lawns, majestic trees and shady woodland all await your discovery. Colourful, scent-filled Rose Continued over

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Garden. Water features, C18 Orangery, rare Victorian Bark House. National Trust.

73 Hill Top Avenue – Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, SK8 7HZ Open: Sunday 6 August (2 - 6pm). Admission £3.50, children free.

Tea. Well-stocked plantswoman’s garden with a wide range of sun-loving herbaceous plants, shrub and climbing roses, many clematis varieties, pond and damp area, shade-loving woodland plants and some unusual trees and shrubs, in an originally designed, long and narrow garden.

Well House

crammed with dahlias of all shapes, sizes and colours, and complemented by climbers, soft perennials and bedding plants. An absolute riot of early autumn colour.

21 Scafell Close - High Lane, Stockport SK6 8JA. Open: Saturday 5 August, Sunday 6 August (1 - 4.30pm). Admission £3, children free. Light refreshments.

A third acre landscaped suburban garden with colour-themed annuals bordering the lawn. A statue of the Kinder Ram is set in a heather garden, passing into vegetables, soft fruits and fruit trees. Returning perennial pathway leads to the fishpond and terraced garden with modern water feature and patio planting.

Finally. visit the blue front garden.

Hill Top Avenue

39 Osborne Street - Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2DA. Open: Saturday 9 September, Sunday 10 September (1 - 5pm). Admission £4, children free. Light refreshments.

This dahliaholic’s garden contains over 350 dahlias in 150+ varieties, mostly of exhibition standard. Shapely lawns are surrounded by deep flower beds that are

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? Readers of this magazine will be familiar with the National Garden Scheme and the ways it generates income from admissions at the garden gate, plant sales, tea and cakes – and an increasing number of other activities that supporting charities in the caring and nursing sectors. And if you have been inspired by your visits, how about opening your own garden as part of the National Garden Scheme? Contact John Hinde, County Organiser on 0151 353 0032 or john.hinde@maylands.com for further information.

IT’S GOODBYE FROM ME! This is my last article for this excellent magazine. I’ve enjoyed publicising the splendid charitable work of The National Garden Scheme and, at the same time, introducing readers to the pleasurable occupation of garden visiting, but it’s now time for somebody else to have a go. The search is on!

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Osbourne Street

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

in touch your local community noticeboard august - september 2017

SCARECROW HAPPY FAMILIES Following the enormous success of previous Scarecrow events, which raised over £2,500 for Rotary supported charities, the Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club are holding a Scarecrow Happy Families Reunion in September Billy Bow and Bella are inviting all their friends to come to Bramhall Village for the reunion; this year the theme is the letter ‘B.’ Create your own scarecrow - it could be a boxer, builder or banker - any occupation that starts with a ‘B’. Judging will take place in the village on Saturday 16 September at three venues.

Place your scarecrow outside Barclays Bank (entries from local shops and offices); in the Village Square (schools, clubs and children’s organisations such as brownies, scouts) or on the forecourt of the Methodist church (family and individual entries).

Tableaux for groups of scarecrows will be judged separately.

If you wish you can get a creation kit for just £20 or re-enter last year’s model for £10.

Tableaux costs are £35 for two kits, £45 for three kits and just £50 four kits. They can be obtained by contacting Maggie at angularelbows@gmail.com or through the website www.bwrotary.org or Facebook.

You have free rein to dress your scarecrow however you like but with the ‘B’ theme.

Props are allowed. Or you can make your own scarecrow and enter the competition for just £10.

Shops and businesses are being encouraged to display their scarecrows outside their premises for two weeks from 2 September for shoppers to enjoy and attract people to our lovely village centre. Who will be first to spot Billy Bow with Bella and the Bobby and Belinda, out and about every day?

There will be music and dance throughout the village from 1pm on the final Saturday with horse - drawn carriage rides, a trail for the kids to follow to collect stickers and a scarecrow fancy dress party in Mercato.

All profits will go to the Rotary Purple4Polio campaign, an initiative to continue to raise money to eradicate polio throughout the world.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

THE NORTH WEST’S LEADING ENSEMBLE St George’s Singers ended their Diamond Anniversary season with another sell-out concert at Gorton Monastery and a review of their performance of Verdi requiem that described them as able to “stand at least alongside the Hallé Choir as the north west’s leading ensemble”. That is quite a journey for a self-funded choir that started 60 years ago as a local choir of 23 singers based at St George’s Church, Poynton.

As this magazine goes to press the choir will be completing its anniversary celebrations with a tour to Costa Rica, renewing old friendships with choirs and introducing audiences there to concerts of English music ranging from madrigals to jazz (and taking full advantage of the tourist attractions such a beautiful country has to offer!)

The choir is already preparing for the new 2017-18 season which is going to be their busiest ever, beginning with four concerts before Christmas. Even before the season starts they will be performing by invitation at Chetham’s new venue, The Stoller Hall on 20 August, with Stockport Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven Choral Fantasy.

On 21 October they will be back at The Stoller Hall performing Rachmaninov Vespers in a concert for Chetham’s Russian October 1917-2017 season. This concert also includes John Tavener’s hauntingly beautiful ‘Song for Athene’ which readers may remember from the funeral of Princess Diana.

In December there will of course be the ever popular traditional family friendly Carols and Brass by Candlelight, and just two days later the choir will be at The Bridgewater Hall performing in John Rutter’s Christmas Festival with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The King’s Singers.

Full details of these and all the other events in the new season can be found in the season’s brochure which is now available at Poynton Civic Hall. St George’s Singers always welcomes enquiries from singers who are interested in joining them to perform great music in great venues. If that’s you, please ring the secretary Jacqui on 01625 875437 to arrange a few visits to rehearsals and to hear more about how to join the choir.

KNIT AND NATTER We meet at Bramhall United Reformed church every first and third Tuesday from 9.30am until 12 noon. We have been busy knitting poppies for the Poppy Pageant on Saturday 28 October where we will remember anyone close to us or those killed in the war by decorating the outside fence with the poppies. If you would like to attend, just come along and we will give you a poppy to remember someone. After the pageant refreshments will be served in the hall.

If you would like any more details, please contact Jean James on 0161 439 824.

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HOLIDAY CLUBS IN BRAMHALL Ocean World, a holiday club for children between the ages of 5 and 11, will take place at Bramhall Methodist Church from 10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 2nd, Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th August. With an underwater theme, based around clips from a well-known Hollywood blockbuster, the mornings will be filled with craft, songs, Bible stories, dance routines, games, drama, film clips and of course lots of fun! The cost is £15 per child for the three mornings, or £5 per morning.

For further details please contact the Church Office on 0161 439 1204 or email office@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

BRAMHALL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The club’s schedule for this season includes presentations on topics as varied as ‘How to get the best (photographs) from a smart phone’ and ‘African Adventures’. We will be holding a Photograph Surgery where experienced members will offer advice on improving problem photographs and the early weeks encompass two of our Monthly Member Competitions for colour prints, black and white prints and projected images. You don’t have to be a member to attend, visitors paying £3 and you will be assured of a friendly welcome. We meet on a Monday night at Bramhall Village Club, meetings start at 7.45pm.

For additional details visit our website http://bramhallphoto.weebly.com/ where you can easily find the information you need.

DEFIB DONATION TO BRAMHALL CRICKET CLUB Bramhall Cricket Club on Church Lane, Woodford has been the lucky recipient of a defibrillator, donated by Heaton-Moor based manufacturers Cardiac Science. This is part of an ongoing campaign by the company to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by placing free automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the community via donation or sponsorship.

Kevin Webb, Club President, took receipt of the device and was given a briefing – together with other club officials - on how to use it in the event of an SCA. Training will be rolled out to a key group of individuals at the club.

Andrea Airey, from Cardiac Science, said “It is important to get people familiar with the device, but it is designed to be picked up by anyone in a stressful emergency situation and be good to go.”

The Powerheart G3 AED from Cardiac Science is one of the most intuitive on the market. It literally talks a rescuer through the process step by step. It will only give a shock if required and will scale up the intensity if necessary.

Kevin, who also happens to be a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Wythenshawe hospital, said “We can have over 200 youngsters and their families here on a Friday night during the season and regular matches and events. In fact the footfall over a year can total well over 10,000 people. We now have the means to better protect that community. We are very grateful to Cardiac Science for such a generous and potentially life-saving donation.”

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Diary of a geeky knitter Knitting in public On 10 June this year, the (knitting and crochet) world picked up their needles (and hooks) and went outside to knit, on what is the annual celebration of the best hobby in the world – Worldwide Knit in Public Day. For me, every day is knit-in-public-day, but it’s always wonderful to see so many people get giddy with the new-found ‘permission’ to whip their needles out on the bus and in coffee shops.

I actually did my bit for the celebration the day before, when I visited Alderley Edge School for Girls to do a lunchtime masterclass on knitting! A student at the school emailed me to ask if I would come in to do a talk on why knitting is great, in the hopes that it would drum-up interest amongst the students as she wanted to promote her knitting club – good on her! I hosted a short presentation on why I think knitting is brilliant – creative, fun, good for mental health, charity and political activism– and then we had a go at learning casting on and knitting. At least half of the girls who turned up were full of questions and eager to learn the stitches, which I felt (hope) means the talk went well.

I certainly got a cracking lunch out of the day, so I’d say it was a job well done! If anyone reading is keen to learn to knit themselves, I’m sorry to write that I’m

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not actually available to do regular talks, however I did tell the girls that YouTube is a MARVEL for learning new hobbies (I 100% learned how to crochet through YouTube alone) so fire up that smartphone and get cracking, and as always whizz me an email if you want a starting point.

Wedding bells In other news, I’ve had my sewing machine running just as fast as my knitting needles in anticipation of two of my best friends’ weddings this summer. I always seem to set myself crafting challenges and I wanted to sew a dress for the wedding, and ideally wear a matching knitted cardigan. The dress was finalised two days before, and the cardigan was finished in the taxi on the way to the ceremony (I kid not), fuelled by a breakfast Bucks Fizz. I was delighted with the result, and smugly told any stranger who said I had a nice dress on exactly where I got it – ‘Cher Tricoteuse Geeky’ (thanks Google Translate). I’m not saying I am in a rush to repeat this, but it was a great feeling – that, and seeing two people I love be married, of course.

jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

simply books

book club choice

Mend The Living by Maylis de Kerangal is an extraordinary book. In the depths of a winter’s night Simon Limbeau is at rest. In a few hours’ time, just before six, his alarm will go off and he will venture into the freezing dawn, drive down to the beach, and go surfing (his great passion) with friends. It’s a trip he has made a hundred times before but today events will take a different (more tragic) course as the drama of a catastrophic accident unfolds – and we are drawn into the compelling story of how one person’s death can in turn hold out the hope of ‘mending the living’. Far from being the simple tale of a heart transplant, however, this is a novel which succeeds on so many levels. Meticulous in its medical detail - sensitive and compassionate in its handling of the moral and emotional dilemmas which all those touched by Simon’s sudden death face. Breathless writing combined with tragic subject matter make this a searing and unforgettable read – and a life affirming one too. It’s unlike anything I have ever read before.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien is a fascinating novel set in China in the years following Mao’s Communist Revolution. In 1990 ten-year-old Marie and her mother take in a young woman fleeing the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests. She brings with her stories of her family under Chairman Mao – stories which span the course of China’s recent turbulent history. Thien takes these stories and weaves them into a vivid and powerful novel that reaches back into China’s civil war and up to the present day. Epic in scope it’s also delicate and subtle in the detail of the characters’ lives – shedding light on a dark period of Chinese history through wit, humour and wonderful storytelling. I’ve always enjoyed books which blur history and fiction – introducing you to subjects of which you may have no more than a half-formed understanding. This is one of the best.

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

And for the children… take a look at Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World by Kate Pankhurst (descendant of Emmeline) - a wildly wonderful and accessible book about women who really changed the world. Bursting full with beautiful illustrations and astounding facts – everyone from Jane Austen to Mary Seacole, from Marie Curie to Rosa Parks…and many more besides. The perfect introduction to just a few of the incredible women who helped shape the world we live in.

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time for a change We know that many of our readers have visited the lovely Park House B & B on more than one occasion.

With this in mind Howard and Mary would like to offer something a little different for your next visit.

Their new offer gives you the chance to choose your room (on a first come first served basis) and includes complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival with a superb Full Breakfast all at the discounted rate of ÂŁ70 for two people. Breakfast at Park House is an experience in itself - choose from delights such as compote of apricot & cinnamon, locally sourced James Alpe Clitheroe pork sausage and smoked bacon, or Omelette Arnold Bennett - a light and creamy omelette, filled with smoked haddock and Lancashire cheese.

There are several great places to eat nearby including the fabulous La Locanda where hosts Cinzia and Maurizio are happy to offer Park House guests a discount of 20% on any food from the full a la Carte menu (minimum 2 courses) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

This offer is available Monday to Friday until the end of November 2017.

by Howard & Mary

NOTES FROM THE ORIENT EXPRESS iconic Belmond Hotel Cipriani plus tickets to the Grand Ball.

A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers one of the most celebrated and romantic journeys in the world. Adventure and style are all intimately bound in journeys that crisscross Europe, rolling through sublime scenery to some of the continent’s most alluring cities.

Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively onboard entertainment make a journey on this luxury train one of the world’s finest travel experiences.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can be experienced many ways, from one-way train journeys between great European cities to inclusive tours with luxurious accommodation included. Our Belmond British Pullman carriages, which have day car seating, will carry you in style between London and the channel (and vice versa), where you will be escorted by our hostesses on to luxury coaches for your shuttle service before boarding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in France.

Lavish costumes, stunning entertainment, worldclass cuisine - a grand masquerade ball in Venice is a sensational experience. Make it unforgettable with this one-off journey. Combine your trip aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with a two-night stay at the

Passengers will be able to travel from London or Paris to Berlin, and vice versa, boarding the train at any of those stops to either enjoy the whole journey or a section of it.

LIFE ON BOARD The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express cars are the original 1920s models. Each cabin has a washbasin, hot and cold water, towels, bathrobes and slippers. Many cabins have adjoining doors and can be converted to ‘Cabin Suites’.

WC’s are located at either or both ends of each sleeping car.

DINING The three restaurant cars offer a truly magical dining experience, from scenic lunches to romantic dinners. The Etoile du Nord restaurant car is resplendent with its wonderful floral marquetry, the Côte d’Azur features stunning Lalique glass panels and the black lacquer decoration in L’Oriental strikes an exotic note.

BOUTIQUE Commemorate your journey with a wonderful memento from our collection of specially created monogrammed gifts.

CHAMPAGNE BAR Sample the finest Champagne in our exclusive bar. Art Deco interiors and Lalique glassware conjure the romance and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

Continued over

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THE BAR CAR A glamorous setting for pre-dinner drinks and cocktails with your fellow guests, or a nightcap before retiring to your cabin. Enjoy the evocative sound of the baby grand piano, played by our resident pianist.

NEW SUITES FOR 2018 Experience new levels of luxury aboard the world’s most famous train. Three new ‘Grand Suite’ cabins will be launching in 2018. Step aboard, and be the first to experience these indulgent hideaways.

ISTANBUL SUITE Opulence and romance abound, with hand-carved timber, embossed leather and exaggerated metal details. Embroidered pillows and rugs echo of the Grand Bazaar.

VENICE SUITE Silk, woven fabrics, glass lamps and Venetian furniture reflect grand Italian Baroque and renaissance design.

PARIS SUITE Light and classic, this chic suite draws on the French capital’s grand architecture with flourishes of haute couture.

INCLUDES ■■ Exclusive car or boat transfers between station and city centre accommodation (or vice versa) at the start and end of your train journey

■■ Check-in at your hotel/kerbside meet and greet as appropriate ■■ Guaranteed table of two at guest’s preferred sitting time and dining car, or the choice to dine privately in the suite ■■ Complimentary alternative “A la Carte” menu during lunch or dinner ■■ Private dining for lunch or dinner in guests suite if preferred ■■ Complimentary “A la Carte” celebration breakfast in the suite (to be pre-ordered the day before) ■■ Complimentary caviar on arrival and free-flow champagne served throughout in the suite ■■ Bespoke amenities and complimentary designer bathrobes ■■ Those travelling on Belmond British Pullman will enjoy a private coupe.

I can personally recommend this fantastic way of travelling through Europe and would love to share my experiences with you.

I take appointments here at Travel by Design of Alderley Edge and would love to help you to organise the trip of a lifetime.

Hope to see you soon, call 01625 584195.

PS. Look out for the new film due out in 2017 with Kenneth Branagh!

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by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

Walk from Over Haddon

through Lathkill and Bradford Dales Distance: 8 miles Walk description: Starting in Over Haddon, this circular walk goes along both Lathkill and Bradford Dales, two picturesque short river valleys that eventually join the River Wye near Rowsley. It goes through Alport, stays below Youlgreave and then follows the Limestone Way as far as Cales Dale, when it veers away down into Lathkill Dale and back to Over Haddon. It has two fairly steep ascents out of each Dale, and one steep descent down steps.

Starting point: A6 to Buxton, on towards Bakewell. Shortly after Ashford in the Water, turn right up Crowhill Lane. At the T junction, turn left as far as the B5055. Turn right and follow the signs to Over Haddon, turning left off the B5055. The walk starts from the main car park in Over Haddon where there are toilets. (SK203664) Map: OS Explorer Map for the White Peak, OL24.

Follow Main Street, across from the car park, and walk through this small former lead mining village with magnificent views south over Lathkill Dale. Its most famous son is Maurice Oldfield, former head of MI6, and believed to be the inspiration for John le Carre’s George Smiley, is buried in the churchyard here. Water provision for all limestone villages is a big problem and the wells are blessed each June by the traditional well

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dressing, located down a side road at the east of the village, just before the Lathkill Hotel.

Take the squeeze stile and small gate past the Hotel, and veer right diagonally across a few fields until you reach a stretch along the edge of the Dale. At the far end of this section, look back and enjoy the views down into Lathkill Dale, with its trout fishing pools dammed up by low weirs. As you reach the next field, take the path down along the right edge, not straight on; it ends in a short sloping section which can be tricky when wet, goes through a new gate, and reaches the Conksbury Road bridge. This ancient bridge lies below Conksbury, the site of a medieval village.

Turn right down over the bridge and up the “Quiet Lane” as far as the path to Alport, in about 100 yards on the left. This path stays along the foot of the sloping fields and woodland, with a fence/hedgerow to your left separating you from the now wide Dale bottom, with its marshland and wildlife. Cross a small track and continue below the sloping fields, beneath Raper Lodge (SK214651) on your right. The path reaches the quiet hamlet of Alport where the Lathkill and the Bradford rivers join, affording power for a village mill at one time. The old sandstone houses, with their climbing roses and honeysuckle covered garden walls are a picture in summer.

Cross the road by the bridge and head right past the former red telephone kiosk, now housing a defibrillator.

Follow the footpath sign on the left here and head

into Bradford Dale. (SK221645) The clear pathway interchanges between stone track and grassy paths alongside a very small Bradford river. Keep straight on where a little stone footbridge leads up to the hamlet of Bradford. Go past the seat nestling under the limestone crag before reaching a sharp right turn towards the cluster of houses next to the road heading for Youlgreave. Cross the road and take the path, now the Limestone Way, along the right hand edge of the River Bradford (SK213640) This lovely grassy section below Youlgreave has a series of seats on its banks, providing good picnic stops. In a dammed pool along here, is the village “outdoor swimming pool!” Youlgreave, another former lead mining village, apparently is the most mis-spelt place name in the UK. The local council spells it as Youlgrave on its signs, and the OS maps insert the “e”. Look online to see the array of names it has been called.

The Walk On the next sharp right bend, cross to a short grassy path up to a minor road. (SK198642) The stone stile lifts you to road level where you go left for a short distance, then right, joining a field path diagonally upwards. Beyond a short wooded section, look to veer right away from the walled woodland on your left and the path leads gently up to a gate. Here the Limestone way follows a short narrow section to a road by Moor Lane car park. Go left along the road and where it meets Back Lane, cross over into a field path. Crossing two stone stiles, this clear but long section reaches Low Moor Wood, skirts to the right of Calling Low farm and downhill toward Cales Dale, giving magnificent views north.

Take care on the steep flight of limestone steps, full of fossils, down into Cales Dale. Leave the Limestone Way and head right down to Sheepwash Bridge. Turn right back down a long stretch of Lathkill Dale, passing an abandoned mill, old millstone wheels, and enjoy this Nature Reserve with its busy bird life and abundant variety of plants. On reaching the road, turn left for the final pull up to Over Haddon (SK203662) with a welcome tea room on the left, before getting back to the car park.

At the end of this section, go through a wall, cross over the river and then take a right turn on to a good wide pathway. The Dale is narrow at first but widens where there are ponds behind a series of dams and weirs.

Eventually a stone bridge crosses the river pools at the site of a former mill, and the Limestone Way heads up a steady climb, zig-zagging through the woodland before straightening out towards a road from Middleton to Youlgreave. Go right round the sharp right bend and follow the road past Lomberdale Hall for almost half a mile.

Presented on behalf of Marple District Rambling Club; with over 350 members, the Club organises up to five graded walks every Thursday and three every Sunday.

For further information contact the Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or the Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 4838596, or visit www.marple-uk/ community/rambling to see the walks programme.

By Barry Wilson > Marple District Rambling Club

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Tackling Bogus Doorstep Callers Unfortunately, criminals often target the elderly and vulnerable in our communities. To tackle these scams Cheshire East Council has developed a scheme to help protect vulnerable people from bogus callers and workmen.

The scheme hopes to protect people by directing the ‘caller’ to the address of a nominated neighbour, relative or friend. The scheme works by the vulnerable person being given a specially developed card that they hold up to a window or door which advises any unidentified or unexpected caller to go to the address of the nominated person who will check the callers’ identity and if they are genuine return with them and supervise the visit to make sure that nothing untoward takes place; they will remain there until the caller has left. There is also the option to use a ‘nominated telephone number’ of a trusted person.

The card removes the need for the occupant to enter into conversation with the caller, with the idea being that a genuine person will understand the reasons for following the instructions. The scheme will help limit the opportunity for doorstep callers to con their way into homes or persuade residents to have unnecessary home improvements.

The nominated neighbour is chosen freely by the householder, they will be given simple and clear guidance on what action they should take with different kinds of callers and who to contact to report any incidents.

It’s a common sense (and importantly cost effective) approach to tackling an increasing type of crime and certainly worth all councils considering, to help keep the most vulnerable in our communities safer. Call 03454 040506 for more information.

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

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 58

sudoku

Science and maths tuition Who we are?

We are a team of experienced and highly skilled teaching experts in biology, chemistry, maths and physics for GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A2. Most lessons are to be in small groups but there is some availability for one to one as well.

Who needs tuition?

What our students say: All our students say that they notice an improvement in grades and confidence after a few weeks. They particularly value having easy to learn notes, question practice and regular testing opportunities. Here are two examples of comments, more can be found on the website: ‘I could see improvements in my knowledge and confidence straight away. Groups allow us to cover a large amount of content and highlight problem areas.

In 1:1 lessons we can bring our own specific questions.

Essays and tests done when not in lessons have much improved my exam technique – much more than could be done in school lessons.’ (C. A2)

Anyone who wants to improve their grade or enhance their understanding and confidence.

Benefits of small group tuition: ■■ Intensive coverage of key aspects of the subject specification ■■ Small group tuition optimises learning ■■ Extensive exposure to past questions and practice ■■ Students learn how to revise and enjoy learning ■■ On average our students have gained 1.5 grades through tuition

‘My knowledge and understanding has vastly increased and I have loved my lessons. My grades in science and maths dramatically improved within two months of the beginning of Year 10. Group lessons were great because we covered harder topics and did question practice in just one lesson rather than taking multiple lessons to cover the same amount. It was great for focused learning and preparation and consolidation prior to exams where everybody gets plenty of time. I have developed a very keen interest and I am hoping to take sciences at A level.’ (A. IGCSE) Group lessons can cover specification content in the most cost effective format. One to one lessons are tailored to match the needs of the individual. Most students enrol for groups or a mixture of both.

More information can be found on the website. www.sciencetuitionmanchester.co.uk

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Answers: caravan awning, folding table, bunk beds, water barrel, parasol, gas cylinder.

Extra letter answer: towbar

just 4 kids

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

Monday Story Time 11-11.30am Bramhall Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009

Tuesday Active Angels 10-11.30am - Term time only Free play and songs including puppets and musical instruments and parachute fun also. Healthy snacks and refreshments for children and hot and cold beverages for adults. St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Karina: 07969633654 or Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Tiny Thinkers 1.30pm (term time only) Tiny Thinkers provides stimulating and fun activities to help your child learn the basic skills required for starting school. Bramley Centre, Bramley Close, Bramhall, SK7 2DT. 2½ -4years, adaptable activities. £6.50 per class or term booking £32.50 (trial session free). Contact Karina Lemmon: Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Tel: 07969633654 Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Tinythink/ Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

2½ -4years, adaptable activities. £6.50 per class or term booking £32.50 (trial session free). Contact Karina Lemmon: Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Tel: 07969633654 Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Tinythink/

friday Baby Massage & Yoga – morning Bramhall Library Children’s Centre. Combined class run by The Baby Massage Company & Honeychild Baby Yoga. Email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk or call Kate on 07866 468245 for class times and to book (necessary).

Toddler Group 10-11.30am Cheadle Hulme United Reformed Church, Swann Lane. £1 per child including refreshments. Contact Alison Stevens 01625 877180.

Little Fishes Toddler Group for under 5’s - 10-11.30am Term-time only, Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

For more information contact Angela Fixter on 01614391204 or email angelafixter@hotmail.co.uk

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, SK7 3AB. £6 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382.

NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 10-11.30am St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Tracy Howe on 0161 477 3252

Wednesday

Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, (Not during August), Bramhall Methodist Church. A play session for dads, grandads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. Messy play, games, a room full of toys, followed by bacon butties, tea and coffee for dads, and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details and dates please contact Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

BMC Baby Chat 10.30-11.45am Term-time only – September – 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.

Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. Come and join us every Wednesday morning for a chat, tea/coffee and biscuits and the opportunity to meet other mums, grandparents and carers with young babies in the Bramhall area. There’s a small charge of £1 per adult. For further details please call 0161 439 1204.

thursday Little Lambs Baby & Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only, Bramhall Baptist Church, Woodford Road.

Toys, refreshments and song time. Suggested donation of £1.50 per family. Just turn up or for more information email bramhallbaptistchurch@gmail.com

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Tiny Thinkers 2pm (term time only) Tiny Thinkers provides stimulating and fun activities to help your child learn the basic skills required for starting school. Bramley Centre, Bramley Close, Bramhall, SK7 2DT

saturday

Sunday Messy Church. Second Sunday of every month 4-6pm (Not during August), Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

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

quick crossword

Across

down

7. Lingerie (13) 8. Stirrer (8) 9. Jaw (4) 10. Room for Two? (4,3) 12. Normal (5) 14. Put On (5) 16. North Sea Rig (3,4) 19. Amir ____ (4) 20. Detail (8) 22. Dictatorial (13)

1. Stake (4) 2. Enzyme (6) 3. Child’s Wheels! (7) 4. Discovered (5) 5. Paper Screen (6) 6. White Flakes (8) 11. Energy Measurement (4-4) 13. Hairy (7) 15. Blasé (4,2) 17. Battle Shout (3,3) 18. Worship (5) 21. Tolerate (4)

Solutions on page 58 45

Running & Fitness Coach

How to Breathe Properly

One of the first questions new runners ask is how to breathe properly whilst running. If you are one of the many people who have this problem, don’t worry it can be fixed quite easily. The most common cause of being out of breath when running, which in some cases can lead to serious pain and/or panic, is that you could be running too fast too soon.

out for 20 mins with walk breaks giving your body the chance to recover and then go again. This will give you confidence and hopefully make your run more enjoyable so that you want to do it again. And if you see anyone you know whilst you are on your walking break, and to be honest this is when we usually see people, then just think to yourself, well they don’t know that I haven’t just finished a 20-mile training run!

Top tips to control your breathing ■■ Warm up properly by walking briskly for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows your breathing to increase slowly and your diaphragm to adjust to a more vigorous breath, it also allows the nerves to calm down.

Why you should walk If you are just starting out on your running journey then walk, allow yourself to be a beginner, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time. Try and get into the regular habit of exercising, slowly develop your fitness, giving your bones, muscles and tendons the foundations they will need to become a runner without injury. This can be easily achieved by putting walk breaks into your running; don’t worry, walking is not cheating or quitting, it is vital as doing too much too soon could result in you not being able to run at all or you may become demotivated and frustrated. Don’t get stuck in a vicious cycle of going for a run, running too fast, feeling out of breath and out of control even after a short amount of running time then turning back home feeling rubbish and deflated.

Walking puts the body through the same range of motion as running, but with less stress impact on the body and lungs, you may not be moving as fast but walking builds a good base for running, a good solid foundation to build the miles upon. Adding walking breaks into your run can make the difference between you going out for five minutes and giving up or going

46

■■ Start out slowly, even if you think you could walk faster, running slowly is still running; it’s better to start slowly and finish strong.

■■ Do your walk breaks before you become too breathless so that you are in control.

■■ Once you’ve slowed your pace, breathing can become quite rhythmic so listen to your breath and body ■■ When running your oxygen consumption increases, so breathe through your mouth to get enough air in; your mouth opening is almost ten times larger than your nose opening, so more oxygen in.

■■ Like any muscle, it will take time to strengthen your breathing muscles so be patient.

■■ Avoid fatty foods or large meals right before your run and give yourself two hours to digest a meal, as food can play havoc on your stomach and diaphragm as you begin to breathe and bounce.

■■ Try not to tense up as this can cause you to hyperventilate and breathe in shallow, quick breaths; relax and slow it down.

by Verity Wright > www.runverity.com

magic of the moss A walk on Lindow Moss conjures up mystery and imagination You’re often just yards away from roads and settlements, from shops and folk – yet out on Lindow Moss, you’re a million miles and a thousand years from the modern world; you’re traversing a small nation under big skies, a quiet universe in which the loudest noise is often total silence; where mud, black water and pungent peat define your end-of-the-world surroundings. Bordered by the outlying flanks of Wilmslow, by Row of Trees and by the eastern edge of Mobberley, Lindow is a low-lying landscape of peat bog, sewn with a fabric of bridleways and tracks that run past vast open areas of peat extraction that have chewed the landscape into a skeletal wasteland of churned-up ground that lay bare the bones of ancient trees.

But, there is much beauty in this landscape, too; a myriad of paths and byways take you past long, narrow fields known locally as moss rooms; trees arch over ancient trackways to create long emerald-green tunnels; from tangled undergrowth, venerable buildings rise up without warning (built from Alderley sandstone, Saltersley Hall is over 500 years old); and nature has seen to it that miraculous clusters of bog-land plants and flowers carpet your way in spring and summer.

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by John Wallace

The Moss – intent on confusing your internal gyroscope The Memsahib and I started our walk from Row of Trees, that busy ribbon of road connecting Alderley to Mobberley, and within moments, the present day had given way to the quiet and birdsong of another time and place . At every turn, there was a fresh choice of paths, and a large-scale Ordnance Survey map is essential if you want to navigate your way with certainty here; like The Edge at Alderley, Lindow Moss has a cunning capacity to shape-shift distance and perspective, messing up your internal gyroscope so that you’re never quite where you think you ought to be. Festooned with stern warning notices, a tiny deserted house forbade us to enter on pain of nameless punishment; a Shetland pony and donkey (in the same small field for companionship) offered up their soft muzzles and velvety ears for patting and scratching; llamas grazed contentedly in another pasture; old purposeless buildings stood forlornly up to their ankles in mud. The Moss was working its magic. We briefly passed through civilisation at that clustered corner of homes known, mysteriously as Stormy Point (where you’ll find Dan’s DIY and other champions of independent retail enterprise) and turned left along the muddy ribbon of Rotherwood Road. We walked its ramrod-straight length, passed a fishing lake, walked across Mobberley Golf Course, and all without seeing a single soul, even though it was a Sunday afternoon and the world was at its leisure.

A graveyard without a church The first people we met were enjoying an afternoon cuppa outside their cottage at the top of the lane leading to the ominously-named Graveyard Farm.

They cheerily agreed that this was, indeed, a magical landscape – and observed that the seemingly abandoned cottage we’d just passed (with one bare lightbulb burning in an upstairs room) was occupied by a 94 year-old gentleman who still enjoyed riding his motorbike. Heartened by their warmth and conversation, we now approached Graveyard Farm with more curiosity than dread, and found not only a lovely, peaceful modern woodland burial site but a neighbouring graveyard without a church, confined by an ancient sandstone wall and containing gravestones of the 17th and 18th centuries.

As if by magic, The Moss provided us with a passing scholar of local history out for a walk; he confided that it was a Quaker burial ground for those of that persuasion who had lived at nearby Morley, and whose descendants later built the Quaker Meeting House, now on Altrincham Road in Wilmslow.

The Moss – serving up one last trick By now, refreshment was a priority, and Lindow Moss kindly furnished us with the Plough & Flail, where good food, fine wine and strong beer rather delayed the planned time of departure for the final part of our walk. It was grey-blue twilight when we left the pub, rain was threatening and the light was ebbing from the sky faster than we could walk. The Moss had one last trick up its sleeve; our can’t-go-wrong arrow-straight way back to Row of Trees was now a confusion of criss-crossed paths and unfamiliar features. We went wrong, went back, went this way and that – and finally emerged onto Row of Trees in completely the wrong place but none the worse for wear. Nice trick, but it won’t put us off – we’ll be back, time and again, for more magic and mystery out there on The Moss.

inside guide

august - september 2017

selected events in your area

Wednesday 2 August

Wednesday 9 August

Coffee and Conversation Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few good reads! Price: £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!) We’ll also be meeting on 6 September. Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Craft and Chatter. A get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

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

Wednesday 2 August Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group evening walk at Etherow Country Park The walk will be around 3 to 4 miles long and the ground may be muddy after rain.

Meet at Etherow Country Park Car Park at 7.30pm

Thursday 3 August Baby Book Club Perfect for 0 - 3 year olds, our Baby Book Club is a 20 minute session of stories and rhymes. Meet new people, have a browse in the shop and enjoy a drink in the cafe and a slice of delicious homemade cake! £5 per family (up to 2 children) which includes a drink and £2 towards a children’s book.

Baby Book Club will also meet on 7 September) Simply Books, Bramhall 2pm

Thursday 3 August Would you like to meet new friends?

Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, 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 Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month at 8-30 pm, where you will be met by group members at The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW.

Friday 4 August Oscar’s Extravorganza Screen Classics with organist Philip Underwood FRCO. Admission free – retiring collection. Each recital will last approximately 30 - 40 minutes. For future local and national organ concerts see www.organrecitals.com St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow 1.15pm

Wednesday 9 August Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group evening walk at High Lane 3 to 4 miles, ground may be muddy after rain. Further details of all of the groups events including Wednesday evening walks, day walks and weekends can be found at www.stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Meet at High Lane Medical Centre Car Park 7.30pm

Thursday 10 August Bramhall Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire World War 1 Conscientious Objectors with Pat Baker and Celia Davies. Admission £2 inc refreshments. Further info from 0161 439 5021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall Lane South, SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Thursday 17 August Knit & Natter An afternoon of knitting, chatter, drinks and cake…whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter everyone is welcome! Knit & Natter is held upstairs round the big table – usually on the third Thursday of the month (next meeting Thursday 21 September).

Simply Books, Bramhall 3pm

Friday 25 August Simply Cinema presents…LA LA LAND (12A) Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as Mia and Sebastian, an aspiring actress and a jazz musician pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Songs, dancing, romance…the perfect way to round off the summer at Simply Cinema! Tickets £7 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Doors open 6.30pm Screening at 7pm

Compiled by Claire Hawker > email: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

Continued over

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Saturday 26 August

Monday 4 September

Poynton Show The popular annual horticultural and agricultural show!

Poynton Park, Poynton SK12 1BS 8am to 5pm

Bramhall Photographic Society Talk and images from George Steel entitled California and the Golden West. Non-members £3 - you will be assured of a friendly welcome. http://bramhallphoto.weebly.com/ Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane, Bramhall 7.45pm

Tuesday 29 August Caffe e Conversazione at Simply Books Join us for informal Italian conversation over coffee and cake with local Italian teacher Giulia Shepherd. £5 includes refreshments) (Caffe e Conversazione takes place on the last Tuesday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Thursday 31 August LINK Women’s Fellowship begins our ‘New Year’ with a Garden Party Commencing 2.30pm at the home of Chris and Michael Hartley - all (including men) are welcome.

Proceeds are in aid of Methodist International House where accommodation is provided for overseas students.

Friday 1 September Café y Conversacion A NEW conversation group for anyone interested in improving their Spanish! Join us for informal Spanish conversation over coffee and cake with local Spanish teacher Liz Wilson. £5 (includes refreshments) We meet at 11am on the first Friday of each month.

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Friday 1 September Oscar’s Extravorganza Love and Marriage with organist Philip Underwood FRCO Admission free – retiring collection. Each recital will last approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

For future local and national organ concerts see www.organrecitals.com St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow 1.15pm

Sunday 3 September

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Hazel Grove Allotments open their gates to welcome visitors Come in and dig a root of potatoes, then stroll around the plots hunting for giant bugs. Buy lovely fresh produce, preserves and home baking, then sit back and relax whilst you enjoy a cuppa and a cake and all in the middle of Hazel Grove! Access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters is via the School Street entrance. If you are interested in keeping an allotment, why not put your name on our short waiting list whilst you are visiting. Admission 50p, children free.

Entrances on School Street and Chester Road, Hazel Grove 1pm to 4pm

Tuesday 5 September Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Flower Club Tony Brown, It’s a Gardener’s Joy. We offer a warm welcome to visitors. Entrance fee for visitors £6, enquiries call 07908 264225 The Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme 7 for 7.30pm

Thursday 7 September Would you like to meet new friends?

Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, 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 Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month at 8-30 pm, where you will be met by group members at The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW

Sunday 10 September Brookdale Club Open Day Everybody welcome to visit and see all the facilities and activities on offer.

Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall 10am to 2pm

Tuesday 12 September East Cheshire National Trust Association Shakespeare and Being Human - David Seddon.

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

Thursday 14 September Bramhall Group of the Family History of Cheshire AGM, followed by Physick, Pothecary or Chirurgeon?

Uncovering Cheshire’s medical men and their works with Claire Moores. Admission £2 inc refreshments. Further info from 0161 439 5021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall Lane South 7.30pm

Thursday 14 September

Tuesday 26 September

LINK Women’s Fellowship welcome back an old friend Mrs Chandra Law who will be widening our knowledge of her beloved Malaysia when she relates The Story of the Wedding Basket. As usual Chandra will be bringing craft items made by the charity she supports. PLEASE NOTE: We are beginning to hold our meetings in the afternoon. All ladies will be made very welcome - only £2 for the afternoon.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

E Cheshire National Trust Association A Penny’s Worth’ with Penny Dean OBE. Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Stockport 2pm

Sunday 17 September Plant Hunters’ Fair Autumn is the perfect time to plant, ready for next year’s bloom. The nursery folk will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience in planting and caring for the plants you buy so you can get the best from them. With entry at just £2.50 (half the normal entry price) for the Gardens and Plant Fair it is a great chance to enjoy the changing season at the wonderful Henbury Hall Garden. For full details of the venue and the nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Henbury Hall Gardens, Henbury, Macclesfield, SK11 9PJ 10am to 5pm

17 September to 10 November Threadmill textile and embroidery group exhibition “The Silk Route and Beyond” The exhibits are based on the incredible journey taken in medieval times by merchants from Europe. Goods such as coal, glass and wool were taken through many countries across Asia to the eastern edge of China from where the merchants brought back to Europe the rare and luxurious treasure, silk. Silk Mill, Park Street, Macclesfield

Wednesday 20 September Craft and Chatter A get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road 2pm

Thursday 21 September Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening Gerry Sullivan will talk on Treasures in Darkest Places. Gerry has pioneered many local projects, such as Stockport Christian Counselling, The Olive ROC cafe in Edgeley and she is a volunteer counsellor at HMP Styal. Further afield she has supported refugees in the Middle East and Greece. To book a place please call Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794. (£12 including supper). Deanwater Hotel, Woodford 7.45pm

Tuesday 26 September BAKE-OFF WINNER AND TV CHEF JOHN WHAITE with his new collection of enticing recipes COMFORT Food To Soothe The Soul. An evening of ‘behindthe-scenes’ gossip, great food tips and some mouthwatering dishes which John will be preparing especially for us to sample! Tickets: £15 (includes refreshments and £10 redeemable against a signed copy of COMFORT). To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thurs 28 to Sat 30 September NK Theatre Arts presents Sweet Charity With a score full of big numbers (Big Spender, Rhythm of Life, If My Friends Could See Me Now) this Broadway classic will be brought roaring into Romiley this Autumn as SWEET CHARITY plays The Forum Theatre in Stockport for three nights. Ticket Price: £10 - £12* *booking fee applies Box Office: 0333 666 3366 The Forum Theatre, Romiley 7.30pm

Friday 29 September Simply Cinema presents…DENIAL (12) Rachel Weisz Tom Wilkinson and Timothy Spall star in this gripping courtroom drama which follows the legal battle involving British scholar David Irving after he sued for libel against accusations that was a Holocaust denier.

Tickets £7 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@ simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Doors open 6.30pm Screening at 7pm

Friday 29 September Wilmslow Guild Bird Watching Group We welcome new members. Little or no knowledge of birding is required as our established members will be more than happy to help you. Our next field trip by coach will be on Sunday 15 October to Spurn Point Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire.

Find out more at www.wgbwcopy.wikidot.com/wgbg Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD 7.30pm

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

puzzle solutions

58

useful numbers Churches Baptist Church Christ Church, Woodford Bramhall Christian Fellowship Evangelical Church Methodist Church Roman Catholic Church of St Vincent de Paul St Michael & All Angels United Reformed Church

Police (non-emergency) 0161 317 2702 0161 439 2286 0161 440 9132 0161 439 3103 0161 439 1204 0161 440 0889 0161 439 6532 0161 439 4807

0161 426 5850 0161 426 9700 07548 098 258 0161 439 3322

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon CALL Listening Line Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Crimestoppers Directory Enquiries National Dementia Helpline RSPCA Samaritans The Wellspring, Stockport

0800 917 7650 02074 030888 0800 132 2737 0800 1111 03444 111 444 0800 555111 118 500 0300 222 1122 0300 1234999 116 123 0161 477 6344

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

0161 856 9973 0161 856 9770 101

Post Offices Bramhall Sorting Office Maple Road Post Office Parkside Post Office Hazel Grove Post Office

0843 903 3213 0161 439 4100 0161 439 4006 0161 483 2332

Schools

Doctors Bramhall Health Centre Bramhall Park Medical Centre Bramhall Park Cancellation Line The Village Surgery

Bramhall & Woodford Police Cheadle Heath Police Station (non-emergency)

0161 483 1010 111

Bramhall High School Ladybrook Primary School Moss Hey Primary School Nevill Road Infants Nevill Road Juniors Infants Juniors Pownall Green Primary School Queensgate Primary School

0161 439 8045 0161 439 8444 0161 439 5114 0161 439 4817 0161 439 4598 0161 439 4817 0161 439 4598 0161 439 1105 0161 439 3330

Travel Traveline Bus & Train Information National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

0871 200 2233 0345 748 4950 0800 0420213

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Mains Environment Agency Floodline

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999 0845 746 2200 0845 988 1188

Leisure Centre Bramhall

0161 439 8128

Libraries Bramhall Library Stockport Central Library

0161 217 6009 0161 474 4530

Local Government Stockport MBC Mary Robinson MP

0161 480 4949 0161 672 6855

61

classified index ADULT EDUCATION

EDUCATION & TUITION 52

Science & Maths Tuition

38

Spanish Classes

36

Greenbank Preparatory School

43

The Cheadle College

39

WEA Daytime Courses

36

Wilmslow Guild

9

Simply Books

25

BRIDAL & EVENING WEAR Couture by Tusneem

10

BUILDING SERVICES JS Services

60

Whitehall Builders

57

5

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care

34

Hillbrook Grange

35

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

28

40

CLEANING SERVICES Diamond Home Support

51

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club

6

DECORATORS

58

SCZ Electrical Services

51

ESTATE AGENTS Inside Back Cover

FINANCIAL SERVICES Stratagem Wealth

Carrington Doors

40

58

58

PEST CONTROL 14

PLASTERERS 24

PLUMBING & HEATING

AVRO Golf Club

17

Bramall Park Golf Club

47

36

23

Individual Restaurants

49

City Lock & Safe Ltd

31

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES Slater & Gordon

24

Inside Front Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS

HAIR & BEAUTY Francesco Group

Copper Lounge

Mounteney Solicitors

GUITAR & UKULELE CLASSES Poynton Music School

18

SECURITY

GOLF

ICAN Handyman Services

27

The Stair Shop

44

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 14 31

TRAVEL Travel by Design

HOTELS & HOLIDAY RENTALS

14

31

Ovenclean

PJ McEvoy

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

24

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

Eco Dazzle

Pest in Peace 13

18

OVEN CLEANING

RESTAURANTS

Philip Unsworth

DRAINAGE

LOFT LADDERS

BPF Plumbing & Heating

61

48

31

Creative Gardens & Driveways

Back Cover

Gary O Reilly

The Cheshire Smokehouse

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

DELICATESSENS

28

More Than Loft Ladders

Maddocks

Mosley Jarman

Matt Finish

City Lock & Safe Ltd 44

Robinsons Garden Maintenance

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

Taylor Electrical

GARAGE DOORS

CAR DEALERSHIP Halliwell Jones

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES ELECTRICIANS

BOOK SHOPS

62

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

Practical Philosophy

29

Magpie Cottages

37

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

Park House B&B

26

The Window Repair Centre

59

Window Geeks

36

KITCHENS Byles

57