Inside Bramhall Issue 78

inside december 2019 - january 2020

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Issue 78

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

2019 has been quite a year for us with a graduation, a wedding and finally a house move! The idea to ‘downsize’ swept over us when we rented a small cottage in Anglesey for new year and loved it! When we came back to a house with rooms that weren’t used, full of ‘stuff’ not people, we started taking more interest in For Sale boards! Funnily enough we stumbled across exactly what we wanted very quickly, so the process of selling ours was soon under way. Not something I’d repeat in a hurry!

Sorting and getting rid of stuff we’d acquired over 20 years was a challenge (but a very satisfying one) and everything went remarkably smoothly until the last few days. I can’t recommend having two vans, with all your worldly goods packed in them, when there is still every possibility the chain might collapse completely – but we hung on in there and all was well.

So… goodbye 2019 and hello 2020, a new decade!

Goodness knows what’s in store – in the meantime Season’s Greetings from Claire and Clare and see you next year!

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books book club choice 7 santa’s village tour 8 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 12 panettone Recipe 15 Scott’s journey 20 In Touch 27 Travel - Costa Rica

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32 The Walk 35 prairie planting 39 Real Life Motoring 41 INSIDE Guide 49 Puzzles 51 Christmas at quarry bank 53 Just 4 Kids

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54 Children’s Activities 57 Stockport Icy White Christmas 58 running & mental health 60 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 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 Christmas by Claire Hawker

Copy deadline for the next issue: Mon 13 january

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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 2019. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

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

simply books book club choice I’m starting this time with a work of non-fiction. The Salt Path

by Raynor Winn is part-travelogue and part-memoir. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, they lose their home and livelihood. Scammed by a close friend they are left with not much more than the clothes they are standing in and no source of income. Impulsively they decide to walk the 630-mile South West Coastal Path – from Somerset via Lands End to Dorset. Living wild and free – but penniless and at the mercy of the sea and sky – they discover a new, liberating way of living. This is an astonishing (and inspirational) story of two people dragging themselves from the depths of despair along some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, looking for a solution to their problems and along the way finding themselves. Met with kindness and hostility – often in equal measure – it’s a remarkable journey, underpinned by the love and care that Raynor and Moth share for each other.

Simply Books

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

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Station Eleven by Canadian author Emily St John Mandel is one of the most intriguing and compelling post-apocalyptic novels you will ever read. One snowy night in Toronto famous actor Arthur Leander dies on stage whilst performing King Lear. That same evening a deadly virus touches down in North America. The world will never be same again. Twenty years later Kirsten, an actress in the Travelling Symphony, performs Shakespeare in the settlements that have grown up since ‘the collapse’. The story hops back and forth between the days immediately preceding ‘the collapse’ and its aftermath two decades later – painting a mesmerising picture of a world disoriented by devastating loss but where beauty and culture still strive to find a place. This is one of most unsettling and thought-provoking books I have ever read – in the end not so much about the apocalypse itself as about memory and loss and the power of art to bring a broken society together.

And for the children…two highlights this Christmas are Meerkat Christmas by Emily Gravett - follow Sunny the meerkat as he travels the world in the search of the perfect Christmas – and The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers – an hilarious interactive book with letters, games, ornaments, a poster and even a pop-up Christmas tree - perfect for the festive season!

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE TOUR Santa’s elves have been very busy lately. Not only have they been preparing the float to take Santa on his annual tour, but they have also been planning the routes around the villages.

street to hear your Christmas wish list and bring you some early Christmas goodies. He will also be at Church Road, Cheadle Hulme on 5 December and Fir Road Christmas Market on the 8 December - both at 3.30pm.

Santa will begin his tour on Saturday 30 November, on Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club’s Float, and will then be out and about for 16 nights in Bramhall, Woodford and Cheadle Hulme meeting the children and finding out just what they would really like for Christmas! Once again, he will be visiting the Woodford Garden Village to see the boys and girls there.

Don’t forget to track him with the SantaTracker on our website www.bwrotary.org with daily information on the Facebook page (Bramhall and Woodford Rotary).

The Christmas Float has been a well-known fund raiser for over 40 years, raising thousands of pounds for many deserving causes in that time. Sixteen local organisations and charities will be visiting most of the streets in the area with Santa and undertaking a door to door collection. When you hear or see the float please encourage your young ones to go and see Santa, also please give generously. The float is once again organised by Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club and is being pulled by a van kindly loaned by Express Solicitors and supported by The Deanwater Hotel in Woodford and Silk Rd in Bramhall.

Leaflets will be delivered to your door during November to let you know which night he will be coming to your

FOLLOW THE STAR – NEW FOR 2019 Over 40 shops and restaurants are planning their Christmas windows for our Rotary Best Dressed Window Competition. All shops entering the competition will have a lit-up star as part of the display.

They will be competing in four different categories: Snow and Ice, Traditional Greenery, Light and Santa.

Pop into Bramhall Village and look for the stars, then vote for your favourite window at bwrotary.org or via Facebook during December. The winner will be declared on 21 December.

For more information on Bramhall and Woodford Rotary events in the run up to Christmas and all year round, please visit www.bwrotary.org

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Diary of a geeky knitter Many crafters are probably starting to think about the same thing at this time of year, whether you be sewists, knitters, crocheters, or everything in between.

It’s that time where we plan beautiful projects and homemade gifts for everyone we know, from loved ones to office colleagues, and even the mum of a friend we happened to hear mention that they liked a particular style of hat you know you like to knit. I can’t speak for everyone, but I always start off with the best intentions in the world, then I decide I need to be a little more selective with what I’m making and for who, and then I reach 11.30pm on Christmas Eve when I am furiously finishing a scarf for someone, battling through the red wine and port from that evening. Last year was no different, except I was finishing the hems on dresses for each of my sister and sister-in-law. As I mention, with the best intentions, I’m trying very hard to rein in my present making this year, particularly with a new house to decorate, but

the draw of the crochet and knitting (and sewing) is too great, and the draw to show someone how much I love them through my craft is something other crafters reading this will know all too well.

I’ve not just © Practical Publishing Ltd been up to gift planning this year in the run up to Christmas though. I’ve been busy designing for one of the other magazines that I help work on from time to time. Your Crochet & Knitting is a fun magazine that comes with 6-8 balls of yarn every issue, enough to make at least one of the projects you’ll find inside. A few months ago, I designed a pretty hexagon motif cowl in pastel colours that I love, and in an issue coming out before Christmas I’ve knitted a gun sampler scarf with lots of interesting stitch patterns to keep you interested. The colours were a joy to play with, and I’m very proud of these projects. Make sure to keep an eye out for the magazine in your local supermarket, and maybe one or two loved ones this year may find themselves opening these accessories as gifts come 25 December...

Merry Christmas everyone!

© Practical Publishing Ltd jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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Mini Panettone Little festive treats Method 1. Soak the fruit overnight in the orange juice.

2. Mix the flour and salt, the yeast and the milk in a mixer with a dough hook. You can do it by hand, it just takes longer. Gradually mix in two beaten eggs and the vanilla. Knead until the dough is smooth and springy. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth and allow to rise until doubled in size.

Preparation time: 45 minutes (allow 4-5 hours for proving time) Cooking time: 20 minutes Makes: 6

Ingredients ■■ 250g good quality plain flour ■■ 1 tsp dried yeast ■■ Pinch of salt ■■ 100ml whole milk, warmed (not hot) ■■ 3 eggs (Two beaten together, one extra) ■■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■■ 50g golden caster sugar, plus extra for dusting ■■ 100g softened butter ■■ Zest and juice of one orange ■■ 100g raisins ■■ 100g sultanas

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■■ 100g mixed peel (for non-peel-lovers you can substitute cranberries)

3. Add the sugar, butter and the yolk from the remaining egg. Mix again, either with the machine, or by hand, until the dough is smooth again. Add the fruit and zest and knead quickly until it’s all incorporated into the dough. Leave in a bowl, covered with a damp cloth, in a cool place for at least two hours until doubled in size again. You can leave it in the fridge overnight if you prefer.

4. Line a large, six-holed muffin tray with paper cases. Divide the dough into six portions and roll into balls. Place one ball into each muffin case, cover with a damp cloth and leave for 20 minutes.

5. Heat the oven to 180C / 160 fan or Gas mark 4. Brush the tops of the panettones with the remaining egg whites and dust with caster sugar.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the muffins have risen and are golden in colour. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

6. Variation - Add some brandy to the overnight soak in orange juice for a little extra kick.

Scott’s journey Jenny Cooke talks to local resident and family man Scott Surtees - Michelin starred chef and Head of Catering and Hospitality at Warrington and Vale Royal College.

‘I’ve always wanted to be a chef ever since I was seven or eight years old,’ says Scott. ‘I used to bake a lot with my Mum, and she had an old Bero Flour cookbook complete with brown photos. I loved pulling up a chair, standing up on it at the counter and baking. I got filthy with flour, but I loved it. Cooking was just in me and I’ve never changed my mind.’

Photo by WVR College

Scott went to Tytherington High School in Macclesfield and in Year 10 was the only boy who did Food Technology. Aged 15 Scott did work experience at the Tytherington Golf and Country Club and after two weeks in the restaurant and kitchen they offered him a weekend job! ‘I loved Sundays in the kitchens with the chefs. It was amazing and my best time ever.’

Scott left school at 16, did catering at Macclesfield College including butchery, fish preparation, chocolate qualifications, even food hygiene. It all fascinated him.

Then came a big moment: his lecturer, Keith Birch, suggested he try for the Francis Coulson Scholarship sponsored by Relais & Chateaux, the prestigious worldwide hotel and gourmet restaurant company. ‘Imagine

by Jenny Cooke

what it felt like to hear I’d won it, the first person in GB to do so.’

‘It was the start of me working in some of the finest restaurants in the UK - Middlethorpe Hall in York, The Sharrow Bay in the Lake District and Hambleton Hall on Rutland Water with its four rosettes. It was there that Aaron Patterson the head chef, taught me everything I know about seasonality in British food. Later I became the head pastry chef at The Alderley Edge Hotel and during my time there, alongside head chef Chris Holland, it was awarded three rosettes and a mention in the Michelin Guide as one of the top restaurants.

More recently, Scott moved into education, gaining qualifications at Macclesfield College. ‘When I’d done my training as a Pastry chef, I qualified to become a chocolatier,’ says Scott, with a twinkle in his eye, ‘even though I don’t eat it a great deal. I haven’t got a sweet tooth – perhaps as well!’ He and the students at Macclesfield made a three feet high chocolate chef as the centrepiece for a signature dinner at the college.

They sculpted and moulded the chocolate, solid at the base and hollow higher up. ‘It certainly brought in the wow factor!’

Scott is now head of Catering and Hospitality at Warrington and Vale Royal College. He and his ‘fantastic team’ have worked hard to bring the catering department there to its present status: it’s won one rosette for the second year running from the AA College Restaurant Guide, each time Highly Commended. He and some of his students brought back a gold medal from the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Llandudno this year. ‘The department is run as a restaurant called Buckleys,’ he explains. The restaurant is popular in the town and one of the highest rated (see www.wvr.ac.uk/our-campuses/buckleys-restaurant/ for details and opening times.)

‘Students come at 16 and immediately it’s like the world of work. They must be on time, work industry hours and shifts, be clean and tidy. If things go wrong, we remain calm and they learn how to put it right. If a melting chocolate fondant bursts on the plate, the whole table has to be held back for 15 minutes whilst another one goes in the oven for 8 minutes and then rests before being served. Yet the students rise to the challenge.’

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Scott never knows who he’s going to cook for, ‘I was working in the kitchen at The Sharrow Bay hotel one day when we heard that Sir Paul McCartney and his new wife Heather Mills were staying. For dinner they chose the vegetarian menu. Well of course, that was me. I cooked it and it was served in the restaurant to them. Next morning the kitchen door burst open and in walked Sir Paul McCartney and he said, “Who cooked the food last night?” Very cautiously I said, “Me, Sir.” He shook my hand and said, “That was an amazing meal last night.” He autographed the menu for me, and it’s now framed on the wall in my house. I’d met my ultimate hero and he’s a really, really nice man.’

Scott laughs. ‘Food is my life… but food isn’t worth my life. The most important thing in my life is my family, my wife Emma and son Ethan. After all,’ he says, ‘I just cook people’s dinner!’

Scott’s TOP TIPS for stress free Christmas catering ■■ Don’t give yourself too much to do on the big day.

You need to enjoy it too.

■■ Be realistic, even have a smaller menu. And don’t apologise.

■■ Be organised. Get things ready in advance ■■ Understand your own limitations and your kitchen’s limitations eg size of oven ■■ The freezer is your friend - straight from freezer to oven wows unexpected visitors ■■ Finally, clean kitchen and clean food

Scott’s Lemon Pavlova Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: ■■ 3 egg whites ■■ 185g caster sugar ■■ 1¼ teaspoons cornflour ■■ 1 unwaxed lemon ■■ 25g flaked almonds ■■ 150mls double cream ■■ 160g homemade lemon curd Method: 1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Beat egg whites until peaks form, then beat in the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny.

2. Sprinkle the cornflour over the meringue, then grate in the zest – a fine microplane is best for this – of ½ lemon and add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.

3. Gently fold until everything is thoroughly mixed in.

Mound onto the lined baking tray in a circle approx 24cm in diameter, smoothing the sides and the top with a knife or spatula.

4. Place in oven. Immediately turn the temperature down to 140°C and cook for 45mins.

5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool, but don’t leave it anywhere cold as this will make it crack too quickly. If your kitchen is too cool, leave the Pavlova inside the oven with the door completely open. When you’re ready to eat, turn the Pavlova upside down onto a large flat plate or board.

6. Toast the flaked almonds, by placing them on a baking tray. Bake in a 170ºc oven for approx 8 mins.

When they’re done, remove to a cold plate so they don’t carry on cooking.

7. Whip the cream until thick.

8. Put lemon curd into a bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen. Taste the lemon curd (if it’s shop-bought) and add some lemon zest and juice if it’s too sweet.

Photo by WVR College

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9. With a spatula, spread the lemon curd on top of the meringue base. Top with the whipped cream, peaking it as if it were a meringue topping. Sprinkle with the zest of the remaining lemon followed by the flaked almonds.

NEW LIGHTING STORE

LIT held a successful opening day event on Saturday 16 November. Lots of people came to the heart of Stanley Green retail park to enjoy Prosecco, cake, coffee, pastries and orange juice; and people loved the diverse collection of lamps, outside and indoor lighting, and smart bulbs that were on display.

Ongoing offers include free delivery, free bulbs and free installation, all on selected products. If you can’t see something you like, ask to see their catalogue or enquire about bespoke lighting.

Well done, LIT

in touch your local community noticeboard

december 2019 - january 2020

LIGHT UP BRAMHALL Join the Bramhall Together Trust for Light Up Bramhall to get the festive season off to a great start.

On Sunday, 1 December, Bramhall Lane South and the Village Square will host a Christmas market with live music, Santa’s Grotto, and a nativity scene. Bramhall Lane South will be closed from Lumb Lane to the roundabout in the centre of the village from 12 noon to 6pm.

This event is arranged by the Bramhall Together Trust, a very small voluntary group who work tirelessly to put on three events throughout the year – Light Up Bramhall, Bramhall Festival and Bramhall’s Got Talent. They rely totally on donations and sponsorship to run the events, so please help out in any way you can; they put so much time and effort into ensuring the events are a complete success, which benefits the community residents and businesses.

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM ST GEORGE’S SINGERS Christmas is approaching fast and St George’s Singers are stocking up on candles, mulled wine and mince pies for their traditional family Carols and Brass by Candlelight concert on 7 December at St George’s Church, Stockport. As well as carols from the choir there will be Christmas songs from the delightful children of Bradshaw Hall Primary School, dazzling brass from the supremely talented Chetham’s Brass Ensemble and of course plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in the celebrations.

Tickets are £13, £11 concessions, £4 students and children and refreshments are free. This year SGS are delighted to announce that, with the help of Poynton Round Table they are able to provide a coach to the church with pick-up points in Macclesfield, Poynton and Hazel Grove. Contact the ticket secretary on 01663 764012 or email tickets@st-georges-singers.org.uk for tickets and coach booking.

There’s another chance to sing with St George’s Singers on 18 January when they hold their annual Singing Day at St George’s Church, Poynton, led by their outstanding musical director Neil Taylor and accompanied by one-man orchestra-at -the-keyboard, Pete Durrant. This year the chosen work is John Rutter’s Requiem.

The Singing Day is a great musical event but it’s also a great social event, renowned for the friendly atmosphere and wonderful home cooked food. Contact Gillian Banks on 01925 213949 or email stgeorgessingingday@gmail.com but don’t delay as this event will sell out.

Both events can be also booked at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

NEW HOMES FOR STOCKPORT’S GIANT FROGS 18 of the giant frogs from Totally Stockport’s Giant Leap Frog Art Trail went under the auctioneer’s hammer, raising a fantastic 31,000 for the Tree House Ward at Stepping Hill hospital. Running concurrently online and live in the showroom at Mercedes Benz, Stockport, a frenzied evening of bidding found new foreverhomes for the frogs.

Deputy Matron at Stepping Hill Hospital’s Tree House children’s ward, Claire Gibson, was ecstatic after the auction: What a fantastic night. I’m thrilled and just keep smiling! We are so very grateful and excited about what this means for the children and young people who use the Treehouse Children’s Unit. The proceeds far exceeded any of our expectations and we are awestruck at the possibilities that such a large donation opens up to us.

“Our Treehouse building celebrated its 20th birthday this year and how wonderful it will be to give it a much-needed new lease of life. The ground floor of the building serves all of our outpatient facilities and outside garden area, while the first floor is home to our inpatient ward and assessment area.

“We would love to create a spectacular experience, right from the front entrance to our building, where children and young people will feel comfortable and even excited about coming to; the frog auction will enable this to happen.”

Totally Stockport’s BID manager, Paul Taylor said: “When we first conceived the idea of the frog project, we never imagined just how successful it would be; over the summer thousands came to Stockport to follow the trail and discover all the frogs.

“To end the project with such a fantastic auction is truly amazing. A small dedicated team made all this happen and, on behalf of everyone involved, I would like to say a huge thank you to the sponsors, artists and local businesses who have supported us.

“LSH Mercedes-Benz Stockport have been fantastic and hosted a great evening and the team from Simon Charles Auctioneers gave their time for free, I really can’t thank them all enough. I would also like to say a BIG thank you to the people of Stockport who have loved and respected the frogs; that has given us the confidence and the drive to do it all again, watch this space!”

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

NATIONAL CHAMPION AT FIRST ATTEMPT Stockport pensioner Peter McWhirter, 71, has become a national champion in his very first tournament. Peter took up playing the growing sport of pickleball just 11 months ago and won gold at the English Open Championships in Nottingham.

Peter, who lives in Woodford, took up playing pickleball just last autumn and quickly became an expert. He plays twice a week at his club run by Bramhall’s University of the Third Age (U3A).

Peter’s gold medal came in the Men’s Singles for Over 60s. He also came home with two more medals: silver in the Mixed Doubles for Over 65s and bronze in the Men’s Doubles for Over 60s. Peter was up against many players much younger than he and almost all of them more experienced. The tournament attracted over 300 competitors from 17 countries and lasted for three days.

“It was a gruelling weekend, especially for someone of “advanced years” like me,” said Peter. “With games in the three categories coming along relentlessly from Friday morning right through to Sunday night there was no time to rest and recover”.

Pickleball is played on a court similar to badminton but with a lowered, tennis style net. The players use paddles about twice the size of table tennis bats and the ball is plastic and slightly smaller than a tennis ball.

A relatively new sport in the UK, it was invented in North America in the 1960s where there are now 3 million regular players. Although still in its infancy here, there are still some 3,000 players and it’s growing rapidly growing in popularity with 15 pickleball clubs in the north west. Bramhall’s U3A club now has over 30 regular playing members who play twice a week at Ladybridge Park Residents’ Sports and Social Club in Cheadle.

“Having done so well first time out will make it difficult to repeat next year”, said Peter, “but I’ve got the tournament bug now and will definitely be giving it a go!”

TREFOIL GUILD The Trefoil Guild is a national charitable organisation of people who wish to support Girlguiding. The Bramhall branch, which consists mainly of retirement aged women, meets monthly for social activities and does modest fund raising to support local Guiding projects.

From 2020 they will change to an afternoon meeting commencing on Monday 24 February in the lounge at St. Michael’s Church, Bramhall from 2pm to 4pm. The activities for the year include speakers, a visit to an alpaca farm, afternoon tea on a barge, and lunches and coffee morning get togethers.

New members are always welcome. All that is necessary is a willingness to support the aims of Girlguiding.

Previous membership of that organisation is not required.

For further details contact secretary.bramhalltg@gmail.com or Christine Brierley on 0161 439 1803.

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costa rica

I have been to some amazing places on my travels, but it’s been a few years since my last ‘tropical’, long haul adventure. I’m excited to share with you an inside view from a recent trip I took to a real emerging hot spot, Costa Rica, and I’m convinced I can tempt everyone to go!

In early October I was lucky enough to be invited to experience the highlights of Costa Rica. It’s amazing how diverse the country is, and in only eight days we saw everything from volcanoes and thermal hot springs to sloths, monkeys, cloud forests and the Pacific Ocean.

Here’s a quick guide to the places you should visit:

Arenal & La Fortuna One of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica and with good reason. This area is stunning and is, of course, home to the impressive (active) volcano. Arenal is a real adrenalin junkie playground with numerous companies offering action packed (and in my opinion, slightly mental) zip lining parks, bungee jumping sights and white-water rafting. To be fair, we went zip

lining (very impressed with myself) and the adventure parks are very well organised and totally focused on health and safety. If adrenalin sports are your thing, you will love it! And after all that action, the area is full of beautiful luxury hotels, many with their own thermal hot springs where you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous, tranquil surroundings.

Monteverde After Arenal you should head down to Monteverde, the Cloud Forest, a ‘must’ on your Costa Rica tour. Only 60 miles from Arenal, Monteverde is in the Cloud Forest and the best word for it is, magical. This ecosystem is something you can only experience in a few spots on Earth and I felt very privileged to be there. If there’s one thing you will quickly discover in Costa Rica it’s that the locals are so proud and respectful of the world around them. Costa Rica is one of the greenest and more biodiverse countries in the world and the people are dedicated to preserving the environment. It’s almost as if the plants and animals come first and the people come second; it’s heart-warming and refreshing to discover this mentality.

Manuel Antonio Further south on the Pacific Coast, you see another side to Costa Rica, the beach! Costa Rica has many gorgeous beaches and offers great variety as not only can you visit the Pacific Coast, but you can also go north to the Caribbean.

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Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go to the Caribbean, but our trip to Manuel Antonio did not disappoint. Manuel Antonio is becoming a real backpacker paradise, though it’s worth pointing out there are some wonderful, luxury hotels here too.

You can visit the national park; lush rainforest, brimming with wildlife and lots of naughty white-faced monkeys (they’re thieves, beware!) The best part of this park is where two worlds meet; you follow the trails through the rainforest and emerge on to absolute paradise beaches! As we were there in low season, we practically had the beach to ourselves which was amazing.

Costa Rica has something for everyone. If you want to go and relax on the beach, you can. If you are a nature lover, it’s absolutely one of the best places on earth to visit and if you are an adventure seeker then there is plenty to keep you occupied.

At Not Just Travel, we can organise tailormade trips for all ages and all budgets and now I’ve been I can share with you my first-hand knowledge.

Thinking of going somewhere different in 2020?

I would highly recommend Costa Rica.

Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700

BOLLIN VALLEY AND QUARRY BANK MILL Walk description: This is a circular walk out through Styal Village, across fields to the edge of Manchester Airport and returning along the Bollin valley through Quarry Bank Mill. It is mainly easy with 3 short steep climbs along the Bollin Valley pathway.

Distance: 4.25 miles circular from Quarry Bank Mill (SJ835830), or 6 miles starting from the Twinnies Bridge Car Park at SJ840821 – the western end of The Carrs.

Map: OS Explorer 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton Start: Quarry Bank Mill National Trust Car Park.

Alternatively, the walk can be extended by 1.75 miles by starting from the Twinnies Bridge Car Park* see note at the end.

Leave the car park along the adjacent path and exit through the Main Entrance building. Because you are heading away from chargeable areas, explain that you are going out through the Village. Cross the road and take the pathway diagonally opposite leading towards Styal Village, keeping to the left of the fence alongside the Apprentice’s House kitchen gardens. The young apprentices, both boys and girls, employed in the Mill, came from poor houses or work houses in Liverpool and some as far from home as Hackney and Chelsea.

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By Annie Durham

After a day’s work, they had to attend school and help in the kitchen garden, a hard life.

The path remains straight crossing over one track separating two fields, until you reach Styal Cross by Norcliffe Chapel. This medieval cross remained a stub until it was relocated and then restored in 2010. Keep straight on to the row of cottages ahead and turn right between these and their neat front gardens. All the cottages in the village were built by Samuel Greg for his workers, offering a scullery kitchen and two bedrooms.

The path reaches the road where you go straight across to the stile into a field. Keep to the right of the wall and follow the path up to a gateway ahead. Keep straight on across the next field heading for a gate next to a white cottage. This leads on to a track for about 100 yards where you turn left through a small gate and walk out alongside new fencing. At the end of the fencing, keep in a straight line to a main gate leading out from the field. Here, a short path heads over a stile and on to Holly Lane.

Turn left and follow the winding road to a T-junction.

Turn right as far as the sharp bend to the right, cross before the bend and head for the private road to the left, signposted as the Orbital Cycleway and Laureen’s Ride. Keep on this road, formerly Moss Lane, until you reach the perimeter security fence of Manchester Airport. Follow this track round to the left, and walk to the endless sounds of aeroplanes taxiing, landing

or taking off. After the path eventually follows a ‘dog leg’ bend, take the gap in the fence in the left, turn left up a small pathway and arrive at a flat grassy area where you could enjoy a lively and very different but memorable lunchtime picnic watching the planes.

From here you can see both runways, the main terminals and servicing hangars as well as the hospitality building housing the Royal Concorde. The airport was first known as Ringway from 1935 until 1938 when it became known as RAF Ringway during World War 2, and after the war expanded rapidly.

Terminal 1 opened in 1962, the first wide bodied Boeing 747 appeared in 1970, and in 1982, the main runway was extended by passing over a new tunnel route for Altrincham Road from Wilmslow. In 2001, a second runway was built and in 2010 Emirates landed their first “big one”, the A380.

Returning to the track, turn left and walk 100 yards before going left down towards the Bollin Valley. After the second gate, take a path down to the left and go through a wooden gate on to the river trail. Go left and head along this delightful woodland route all the way back to Quarry Bank Mill. When you reach the first river bridge, ignore it and head on past open fields where rare cattle breeds are grazed in the summer. This path is a little uneven and can be muddy in places so take care along it. Eventually you reach the woodland on a good path, leading up to Giant’s Castle, and a steep flight of steps up and down but with rest benches part way.

After the descent, cross over the Giant’s Castle Bridge and head up to a further climb over another river cliff.

The Walk

As the path flattens out down by the river, you reach Oxbow bridge. Cross here and turn left until leaving the river meander on the left. Bear right until you join the river closer to the Mill grounds. Cross over the small Kingfisher Bridge and then bear left up the wide path which has a flight of steps up the middle. Where it levels out at the top, take a pathway to the right which leads you past the expanded and developing garden area.

The path bends left past this area and leads to the road going down to the Mill. This magnificent 18th Century Mill was first built in 1784 using water power from the Bollin and became a busy cotton factory close to the cotton capital of Manchester. As the Industrial Revolution gathered pace, the Mill was expanded in 1860. Before then, it had acquired a Boulton and Watt steam engine to power the machinery when river levels fell. This NT owned working museum is well worth a visit or alternatively return another time but stay and enjoy the cafe and the shop, before returning up to the car park by the steps and winding accessibility pathways. *If you prefer to extend your walk, you can begin from the Twinnies Bridge Car Park at SJ840821 – the western end of The Carrs. From there take the path past the toilet block (now closed), over a river bridge next to the road, and stay inside the road before taking the second turning to the left. The path goes straight up to a gateway and continues in a straight line as far as Quarry Bank main car park where you pick up the earlier guided route. To return from the Mill, head up the path from the courtyard where small tables and chairs are set out. Keep above the fencing and follow the good path along the River Bollin. Where it divides go right along the river bank and join the outward pathway by the bridge, and return to the car park.

Marple District Rambling Club organises up to nine walks each week on Thursdays and Sundays. For more information, either ring our Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or our Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 483 8596.

Alternatively, you could visit our website on www.marpleramblers.org to learn more about our Club’s programme of walks, socials and walking holidays.

Prairie Planting - part 2 Prairie gardens are a recent trend in garden design and mark a shift towards more natural looking, low maintenance perennial beds and borders. Part 1 of this article covered how to plant a prairie garden. This time I’m going to take a closer look at some of my favourite plants for this style of garden.

Possibly the most iconic prairie flowers are the Coneflowers – Echinacea and Rudbeckia. These are closely related plants with large daisy flowers with prominent central cones. Echinaceas come in a large range of colours but particularly pinks and whites.

“Rubinstern” (“Ruby Star”) and “White Swan” are old favourites but there are so many new varieties available as well. Echinaceas need good drainage in winter to do well. Most Rudbeckias are hardier but come in shades of yellow mostly (except the tender, and usually biennial “Hirta” types which are also red and bronze). Rudbeckias will tolerate colder, damper conditions. Best for the prairie are “Goldsturm”, “Deamii” and “Little Henry”.

tops of the stems off in late spring to encourage them to bush out rather than up. Old varieties like Autumn Joy and Brilliant have large heads or pink flowers. One of the brightest coloured is Red Cauli. There are lots of new varieties coming out with bronze or chocolate coloured leaves. The only pest to watch for is vine weevil grubs eating the roots in winter – check the plants are well rooted in late winter.

Bergamot (Monarda) have aromatic leaves smelling of Earl Grey tea and unusual and striking flowers on top of stems between 2 to 4ft (60-120cm) tall depending on variety. They are ideal for a prairie planting because they spread to form large mats of leaves quickly covering the soil. I add lots of compost at planting time and give a really good feed each spring. Their one drawback is the tendency to get powdery mildew (white powder on the leaves) in late summer. This doesn’t kill the plants but can cause leaves to drop off. Chemical fungicides can be used to prevent this, but I find improving the plant vigour and soil moisture is usually enough. Don’t mulch Monardas! There are lots of varieties and colours including Gardenview Scarlet, Pink Supreme (short) and Violet Queen.

Ice Plants (Sedums) make ideal plants for the natural garden: they are tough, drought tolerant and form good sized clumps. They come in a range of heights from ground hugging mats to knee-high with large cauliflower-like heads. The taller ones can become topheavy if grown in rich soils so it may be best to take the

by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum) is another easy plant for the prairie with mid-high stems clothed in bee-friendly flowers. The variety Dropmore Purple has a really natural look and is ideal. Beware that Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia) is a different plant and some of these can be invasive.

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Talking of invasive plants, be very careful if planting Cirsiums in the garden – these are the thistle family, and some are really pernicious weeds. However, the Purple River Thistle (Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum) doesn’t invade and doesn’t seed and the tall rich flowers look great in the prairie garden.

No prairie planting is complete without grasses and among the best and toughest is Moor Grass (Molinia).

These come in a range of heights from 2ft (60cm) up to 6ft (180cm) and will grow in dry or very moist soils and are really hardy. The shorter ones are ideal for windy places. My favourite short one is Moorhexe and for a tall one I love the see-through stems of Transparent. Some like Windspiel take on brilliant colours in autumn.

Other grasses for this style of garden are Panic Grass (Panicum) which never ceases to move in the breeze and Feather Grass (Calamagrostis) with large flower heads in late summer. These are some of my favourites, but you can include all sorts of plants in a prairie planting. You might want to try Mullein (Verbascum), Veronicastrum, Gay Feather (Liatris), Masterwort (Astrantia), the list is endless!

Janet and I run Special Perennials, website www.specialperennials.com We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 5 April 2020; The Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU (4 miles south of Bridgemere) on Sunday 12 & Monday 13 April; Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas SY14 8AH on Sunday 26 April and at Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 10 May. All gardens offer half price or better entry for these special event days. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for full details of these and other fairs.

Electric Vehicles

The very clever Kia e-Niro is pointing the way towards the immediate future of personal and private transportation. But let us not get ahead of ourselves here as this is not a review of the e-Niro just yet, rather a rumination regarding the practicality of electric vehicle travel right here and right now.

range for the time spent charging. Turns out they’re not all the same... Checkout the What Car? EV charging guide online and look for rapid chargers rather than just fast on Zap Map.

TIP 1 - download Zap-Map

Take a good look next time you see an EV charge point at the services. They all look the same, don’t they?

Now look closely at the charging cables available and you’ll notice that some have a Type 2 charger (capable of charging from 7 kW to 22 kW, fully charging an EV in 3-4 hours) on one side and a Chademo on the other and yet others have a CCS (rapid DC units which are at least 50 kW and will charge the majority of EVs to 80% in around 30-60 minutes) and Chademo charger. Which to choose? It’s different for some EVs (Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi and Tesla) but generally and from my own experience with the Kia, it’s the CCS type charger that you need when looking to maximise recharging.

Before going anywhere, you absolutely must download the fantastic Zap-Map app which is compatible with both Android and IOS and is packed full of invaluable features. Without going into detail, you input your own EV information and then have access to a UK-wide charging point map (constantly updated) currently showing over 6,000 charging locations and 19,000 connectors. There’s also a superb route planning feature that you can customise to your own required specifications. Believe me when I say that this superb app helps extinguish any doubts regarding range anxiety.

Tip 2 - know your charger Familiarise yourself with the type of charger you need to find on the journey so that you can access maximum

by Martin Hall

Tip 3 - maximise recharging

Tip 4 - don’t charge to 100% Don’t waste time charging twice at a charge point (one 45 min charge followed straight away by another) trying to get the battery up to 100%, as it takes longer than just finding another charge point as and when you need it. Most, if not all, EV manufacturers recommend Continued over

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that charging to 80% rather than 100% will help extend the real-world lifespan of the EV’s battery pack. Indeed, Tesla themselves recommend charging to 100% only if a longer journey is to be undertaken. And then there’s the time it takes to fill the final 20%, which takes longer to complete relative to the first 80%. So, charge to 80% and off you go.

Tip 5 - use more than one app Download and register with several of the most popular EV charging apps available on either IOS or Android, allowing yourself the luxury of choice when it comes to charging your chosen EV. You really don’t want to be wasting time trying to set up the correct app and payment card on the journey itself. Try out Zap Map, ChargePoint, PlugShare, Polar Plus, Pod-Point and Electric Highway.

Whether we like it or not the electric vehicle revolution is here to stay. Prices will come down, range will increase and charging times will reduce, but until they do, take on board the advice given and carry on enjoying the drive. It’s going to be an electrifying journey.

Where will you go?

Martin Hall writes www.motormartin.com a ‘real life’ motoring blog that focusses on the car itself rather than lap times, a blog to see if the car you want is good for shopping or commuting, a blog that recognises that ‘real life’ motoring should also be fun on the bends.

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inside guide

December 2019 - january 2020

selected events in your area

Monday 2 December

Thursday 5 December

Manchester Jazz £7 entry, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane SK6 8DR 8pm

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Social Evening including Judith’s ‘fiendish’ Natural History Quiz (with prizes!) members’ presentations and seasonal fare. Visitors very welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Monday 2 December Art and Craft group meet every Monday.

Everybody, including beginners, made very welcome. If you want to be introduced to a new craft, or take up painting again, give us a try.

Bramhall Methodist Church 2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 3 December Knit and Natter group Every first and third Tuesday. Come and enjoy the company of others and produce much wanted items for charity. It only costs £1 for endless coffee and biscuits. We can provide the wool, needles and patterns. For more details ring Jean on 0161 439 8241 Bramhall United Reformed Church 9.30am to 12 noon

Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 December Peter Pan Join the members of the NKTA Youth Theatre as they present a very special version of the classic tale of Peter Pan and The Lost Boys in a fantastic show full of songs, laughter and Christmas spirit for the whole family. Ticket Prices: £12/£8 Family of 4 £35 Quote INSIDE10 for 10% discount 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre Stockport, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm

Wednesday 4 December ‘Coffee and Conversation’ at Simply Books. 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) (Coffee and Conversation usually takes place on the FIRST Wednesday of each month at 11am but in January we’ll be meeting on 8 January) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

stand out from the crowd

Thursday 5 December Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits.

For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Friday 6 December Café y Conversacion...a 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) (Cafe y Conversacion meets at 11am on the first Friday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 December Hazel Grove Methodist Church Christmas Tree and Crib Festival, Theme - Peace Programmes £1 Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday 1.30pm to 3.30pm Closing Service 4pm Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 4JQ

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

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Saturday 7 December

Sunday 8 December

Mickey’s Frozen Christmas Join Mickey & Minnie Mouse as they join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and a host of your favourite Disney characters in a colourful Christmas treat for the whole family.

Dress as your favourite Disney princess or hero and sing along to those wonderful Disney songs we know and love in a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of the magical time of Christmas!

Ticket Price £9/£8 Family of 4 £30 Quote INSIDE10 for 10% discount 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA performances at 10am and 1pm

Stockport Symphony Orchestra Christmas Matinee for all the family. A festive flight of fancy including music from Star Wars, Star Trek, The Snowman and much more presented and narrated by Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell, conductor Rob Guy. More information at www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Tickets available at the box office, online or on the door. £15/£13 concessions/full-time students and children £5 Stockport Town Hall 3pm

Saturday 7 December Christmas Fair Lots of stalls, tombola, grand draw, games, refreshments and Santa is also paying a visit. Admission free.

Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane SK7 3AB 10am to 1pm

Saturday 7 December Carols & Brass by Candlelight Family Christmas Celebration with St George’s Singers Tickets £13, £11 concessions, £4 students & children, from the Ticket Secretary on 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk St George’s Church, Stockport

Saturday 7 December Christmas Comedy Night Join the fun with a night of comedy at The Forum Theatre.

Three amazing acts and a brilliant compere, the very best from the comedy circuit to keep you entertained. With open bar throughout the evening and cabaret seating this is the ultimate night out for friends, family or work colleagues alike!

Tickets £10 or two for £18! Quote INSIDE10 for 10% discount.

24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport SK6 4EA 8.15pm Doors open at 7.30pm

Sunday 8 December Cheshire A Cappella and guests Join us for an afternoon of festive entertainment! Tickets £8, concessions £7 (includes a festive drink and mince pie) Email: den.jane@gmail.com or Tel: 01625 429602 or 07801 103479 Morley Green Club, Mobberley Rd, Wilmslow SK9 5NT 2.30pm

Sunday 8 December Barnby Choir. Handel Messiah - Conductor Lloyd Buck, accompanied by Musica Nova Tickets £12 or £10 concessions, £5 students. Available on the door on in advance (recommended) from 01625 520193 Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR 7.30pm

Tuesday 10 December Simply Books presents … much loved radio broadcaster and TV presenter Mark Radcliffe takes us on a personal journey through some of the iconic tracks which have changed music history and reflects on his own experiences going in search of the stories behind them as told in his new book Crossroads.

Tickets: £10 To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Fords Lane Church, Fords Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 December Simply Books presents… an exclusive ‘in conversation’ event with award-winning comedian Russel Kane talking about Son of a Silverback, his hilarious and deeply moving memoir of life lived under the rule of a Silverback (Alpha Male) Dad! Tickets: £20 (includes a signed copy of Russell’s book) To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 12 December Link Women’s Fellowship begins the Christmas season proper with our Carol Service. Everyone is welcome to come and join us to sing our favourites, hear again the Christmas story and then enjoy festive refreshments. You don’t have to belong to our church or any church for that matter. You will be most welcome.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm Continued over

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

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Saturday 14 December

Monday 23 December

Christmas Cheer! The Robins Singers Christmas Concert Tickets are available from members of the choir and on the door. Further details may be obtained from sec.robins.singers@gmail.com Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Bramhall and District Trefoil Guild The Trefoil Guild is a non-uniform branch of Girl guiding that gives fun, friendship, opportunities and new challenges to adults. We meet on the fourth Monday of each month, but please call our secretary to check whether we are at home or out and about. Further details are available from Secretary.

BramhallTG@gmail.com or 0161 440 8482 Parish Lounge of St. Michael’s Church, Bramhall 2pm

Friday 20 December Stockport Historical Society. “Worsley and the Romans”

by Michael Corless plus Christmas coffee evening. Visitors very welcome Admission £3. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570 Stockport Sunday School, 96 Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm

Friday 20 and Sat 21 December ‘Classics at Christmas’ concert with Epiphany Join Epiphany for their annual ‘Classics at Christmas’ concerts.

Programme to include beautiful classics, theme tunes from ‘The Deerhunter’ & ‘The Godfather’, Troika and other Christmas favourites.

Tickets £16, £12 (concs) Advance booking advisable from 01625 858802 (or available on the door) St George’s Church Poynton, 7.30pm on 20 Dec and 4pm on 21 Dec

Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 January Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS) pantomime Aladdin. Tickets: £10 - £15 Book online: www.chypspanto.com or tickets@chypspanto.com or 07910 187583 Woodford Community Centre, Chester Road, Woodford, SK7 1PS 1.30pm and 7pm

Friday 3 January Simply Cinema presents…The White Crow (12) …the true story of Rudolf Nureyev’s extraordinary journey from his poverty-stricken Soviet childhood to his defection to the West at the height of the Cold War – emerging as a dancer who transformed the world of ballet forever. Tickets £8 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church 7pm

Monday 6 January Art and Craft group meet every Monday.

Everybody, including beginners, made very welcome. If you want to be introduced to a new craft or take up painting again give us a try.

Bramhall Methodist Church 2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 7 January Knit and Natter group. Every first and third Tuesday. Come and enjoy the company of others and produce much wanted items for charity. It only costs £ for endless coffee and biscuits. We can provide the wool, needles and patterns. For more details ring Jean on 0161 439 8241 Bramhall United Reformed Church 9.30am to 12 noon

Wednesday 8 January The Arts Society North East Cheshire Captain Scott and his four companions died in the Antarctic in 1912. In this lecture Dr Max Jones will examine the different ways in which artists represented death in the polar wasteland and portrayed failure as heroic sacrifice. Free to members. To attend as a visitor (£8) contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk The Brookdale, Bramhall 10.30am with coffee from 9.45am Continued over

Thursday 9 January

Friday 17 January

Link Women’s Fellowship invite you to come and enjoy a pleasant afternoon of music when Ann Durnford relates and plays “Music for Life”. All ladies welcome. You may never have been before but… new year…new beginnings.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Stockport Historical Society. “Given with Cheerfulness and not Grudgingly” (Almshouses and charitable giving in Cheshire)

by Claire Moores. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570. Visitors very welcome Admission £3.

Stockport Sunday School, 96 Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ 7.45pm

Thursday 9 January

Saturday 18 January

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

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

St George’s Singers annual Singing Day Led by musical director Neil Taylor and accompanied by one-man orchestra-at-the-keyboard, Pete Durrant. This year the chosen work is John Rutter’s Requiem. The Singing Day is a great musical event but it’s also a great social event, renowned for the friendly atmosphere and wonderful home cooked food. Contact Gillian Banks on 01925 213949 or email stgeorgessingingday@gmail.com St George’s Church, Poynton

Saturday 11 January Open Day with Cheshire A Cappella We’re looking for new singers (ladies only!) and would love you to come along and sing with us for a day. We’ll assess your vocal range, then we’ll all learn a song together. Free of charge, lunch provided!Email: cheshireacappell@gmail.com or call Elspeth on 07521 101409 to reserve your place.

Morley Green Club, Mobberley Rd, Wilmslow SK9 5NT 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 14 January East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Mick Jagger slept here – Barbara Foster Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Thursday 16 January Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society The Flowers of the Drakensberg Mountains – illustrated talk by Judith Lovelady. Visitors welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 January Steel Magnolias - A hilarious and touching comedy drama 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall Curtain up 7.45pm

Thursday 23 January Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening Olivia Nightingale is coming to speak to us and share the work she does as an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate at Hope for Justice – an international organisation that exists to change lives and end slavery. Olivia works with survivors of human trafficking in the UK to advocate for their rights and ensure they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives after their experiences of exploitation.

All are welcome so to avoid disappointment ring Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 (Price £14 to include supper) The Deanwater Hotel, Balmoral Suite, Woodford SK7 1RJ, 7 for 7.30pm

Thursday 23 January Link Women’s Fellowship invite you to come and hear about “The Man who built Manchester Town Hall” - presentation

by Joanna Williams. All ladies are welcome - you don’t have to belong to our church or any church. We’d just love to meet up with you. We round off the afternoon with light refreshments and time for a chat.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

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Friday 24 January & Saturday 25 January A Night in the West End Join us for an evening of West End entertainment as we take you to the heart of theatreland with extracts from some of the biggest musicals of all time.

Ticket prices £15/£10 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm

Saturday 25 January Stockport Symphony Orchestra Bruch Violin Concerto soloist Martyn Jackson Shostakovich Symphony No 7 “Leningrad” Conductor Rob Guy www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Tickets available at the box office, online or on the door £15 full price/£13 concessions/students £5/accompanied children under 16 free Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

Monday 27 January Bramhall and District Trefoil Guild The Trefoil Guild is a non-uniform branch of Girl guiding that gives fun, friendship, opportunities and new challenges to adults.

We meet on the fourth Monday of each month, but please call our secretary to check whether we are at home or out and about. Further details are available from Secretary.

BramhallTG@gmail.com or 0161 440 8482 Parish Lounge of St. Michael’s Church, Bramhall 2pm

Tuesday 28 January 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) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Friday 31 January Simply Cinema presents…JUDY (12A) Renee Zellweger gives an outstanding performance in this moving biopic of Judy Garland, one of the greatest and most tragically flawed of Hollywood superstars. Venue Tickets £8 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church 7pm

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

quick crossword Across 1 Outskirts of a city (7) 5 Follow orders (4) 10 In good physical shape (3) 11 Rotor blades that power a plane (9) 12 Ogle (3,2) 13 Clothes-maker (6) 15 Rounded paving stone (6) 17 Gentle bell-like sound (6) 18 Castle tower (6) 20 Ceremony, celebration (5) 23 Skittish, highly-strung (9) 24 Admiration (3) 25 Celtic stringed instrument (4) 26 Spotty infectious disease (7)

down 2 Disentangle, release (5) 3 Abhorrence, disapprobation (12) 4 Increase, improve (5) 6 Sandra _______, Speed actress (7) 7 Woollen thread (4) 8 Crime, infraction (7) 9 Unhesitating, resolve (12) 14 Small falcon (7) 16 Nightclub doorman (7) 19 Chart, diagram (5) 21 Delete, abolish (5) 22 Netting, tracery (4)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 60 49

Christmas at Quarry Bank Quarry Bank in Wilmslow is set to host Christmas celebrations this winter that will give visitors a fascinating, first-hand glimpse into the festive traditions of the past from two differing perspectives.

Families can step back in time to experience the mill owners’ Georgian home decked with Christmas decorations, while over in the Apprentice House, they can discover the more modest festivities which the child workers at Quarry Bank would have had.

A cup of tea and a slice of current loaf were one of the few festive treats enjoyed by the children who worked at Quarry Bank. “The apprentices rarely had a treat, or even a day off, so a cup of tea at Christmas was a real luxury,” said Quarry Bank Programming Manager, Suzanne Kellett.

‘While people are starting to think about what’ll be on their Christmas menu for the big day, we’ve already started getting into the festive spirit in the kitchens at Quarry Bank. New festive recipes we have for visitors to enjoy this year include mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cakes. Plus, we have classic favourites including hot chocolates and gingerbread men, all freshly made in the kitchens at Quarry Bank.’

Out in the gardens, families can experience a more modern twist to Christmas as they follow the winter reindeer walk through the grounds, seeking out as many as they can find to win a festive reindeer prize.

The historic glasshouses in the gardens at Quarry Bank will also be decorated with handmade, natural Christmas decorations, and after a frosty walk, visitors can warm up with hot chocolates, refuel with mince pies, or rest little legs with a sit on Father Christmas’s sleigh parked on the mill meadow outside the mill.

And no Christmas is complete without a tree which will be taking pride of place in the mill yard at Quarry Bank.

The shop at Quarry Bank will also be decked out with Christmas gift ideas for all the family, including locally made artisan collections, unique homewares, garden essentials and tasty treats. For a really unique present for crafty friends or a homemade Christmas present, visitors can also buy from Quarry Bank’s range of fabrics, woven inside the mill on the heritage looms and printed locally in a variety of patterns, including - for the first time ever – a special Christmas print.

For more details about Christmas at Quarry Bank, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

© National Trust/John Millar

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Children’s Activities

Things to do with pre-school kids Toddler Group 10-11.30am Cheadle Hulme United Reformed Church, Swann Lane. £1 per child including refreshments. Contact Alison Stevens 01625 877180.

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 Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

Wednesday BMC Baby Chat 10.00-11.15am Term-time only. 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.

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

For more information contact the church office on 0161 439 1204 or email office@bramhallmethodists.org.uk NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 10-11.30am St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Tracy Howe on 0161 477 3252

saturday Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 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 Richard@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

Sunday Messy Church. Second Sunday of every month 4-6pm Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

See Inside Guide or 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

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).

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

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

STOCKPORT SET FOR ICY WHITE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Stockport is guaranteed an Icy White Christmas as the town centre transforms to become an enchanting Winter Wonderland.

An exciting calendar of events is set to entertain families of all ages in the run-up to Christmas in Merseyway, Market Place, Underbank and across the town, including a return of the popular ice trail, Christmas markets, free entertainment and a free ride on the Polar Express!

Christmas Light Switch On On Saturday 16 November, this year’s Christmas Light switch on in Merseyway Shopping Centre will light up children’s faces and enchant everyone with a Winter Wonderland programme from 4.15pm until 7.30pm, full of spectacular shows and performances, ready for the big countdown to Christmas Day. And it’s all free!

Visitors can enjoy exclusive shows in the snow with performances from aerial acrobats, stilt walkers, giant swans, choirs, ice people, luminas and a white dragon. An animatronic reindeer will be interacting with families and Merseyway’s very own Snow Fairy will also be making an appearance, ready to turn on Stockport’s Christmas lights with a swish of her wand.

Local musicians and dancers will also be performing throughout the day.

The Christmas Markets will be open from 16 November for great Christmas gifts, festive grub and sweet treats in Merseyway and in the Market Place.

Visit Santa Claus during the weekends of 7 & 8 December and 14 & 15 December. Santa Claus will be in his giant bauble at Merseyway; from 11am to 3pm. Children of all ages can visit Father Christmas, share their Christmas list and receive a gift, ready for Christmas. Visits to Santa are free and he may be popping in on selected late-night shopping dates too.

Explore the Ice Sculpture Trail With a different ice trail on Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 December, visitors can explore the town centre to seek out all 16 ice sculptures over both Sundays; watch a ‘live’ ice carving on Sunday and post your selfies on Instagram and Facebook!

PE Take a ride on the Polar Express

Take a free ride on Stockport’s own Polar Express.

The land train will run on Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 December. Tran rides last approximately 10 minutes and will leave Chestergate every 15 minutes between 10am and 4pm.

STOP H

ERE Late Night shopping in Merseyway Saturday 16 November until 7.30pm

Thursday 12 and 19 December until 7.30pm; Christmas Grotto open 4pm to 7pm Friday 20 December until 7.30pm; Christmas Grotto open 4pm to 7pm Monday 23 December until 7.30pm; Christmas Grotto open 4pm to 7pm

Merseyway Giving Tree Shoppers can donate a gift to a child in need this Christmas as Merseyway hosts its first ever Giving Tree.

Visitors are encouraged to select a gift tag from the tree which will feature the name, age and interests of a child and then purchase a gift, ready for them to open on Christmas Day. The Giving Tree, visit www.merseyway.com For more details on Christmas in Stockport visit www.totallystockport.co.uk

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Running and Mental Health There are many barriers as to why people do not exercise and I spend a huge proportion of my job as a running coach trying to break down these barriers.

We know that taking up a sport like running has a huge amount of physical and psychological benefits, as is widely reported, but what happens if you just can’t get out of the front door due to anxiety and depression?

Starting something new, especially later on in life is a big deal and anxiety levels can go off the scale just at the thought of doing something that you may already think you are not very good at. People can even experience feelings of low self-worth for not trying something that is deemed to make them feel better.

can run. And these thoughts aren’t gender specific to women, I have the same emails from men as well.

A lot of people run to lose weight so that they can start leading the life that they want to; “when I’ve lost that weight, I will be happier, look like someone else, live a different life.”

A great deal of time can be wasted comparing ourselves to others, when in fact we should be looking at what we have achieved already. Comparison to others can lead people to experience even more anxiety and it can be a very lonely and destructive road to go down.

Learning to run and sticking to running is hard, we live in a world of instant gratification, where we get results quickly, lose weight quickly, smash our 5k time quickly.

Sometimes we need to just slow down, breathe and work with the body we’ve got right now. A small shift in attitude towards starting something new, like running, is so beneficial as you’ll appreciate not only the physical benefits, but also the impact on your mental health.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as physical health, learning to self-care and be kind to yourself can only be a good thing.

Join a supportive running group - find a group that says it’s ok to be slow and it’s ok to walk when you need to. A group like this where you will always be supported, no matter what your speed is, may be the difference between failure and success.

I receive a lot of emails from people saying they won’t start running until they’ve lost some weight or can run 5k already. The perception is that we need to be really good at exercise before we even start or we just shouldn’t do it.

In my experience there seems to be a message that until you have the body of someone who exercises then you can’t exercise. A common theme in my email communication from prospective clients is “I’ll be the obese one!” I’ve never met that person, they don’t actually exist, only in the head of the nervous wouldbe runner who just wants to give it a go to see if they

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by Verity Wright > www.runverity.com

Confidence - taking up running later on in life can give you confidence that you never knew you had. You may even achieve goals that you never thought were possible.

I will to I can - running enables you to go from I will to I can, starting at one point, in most cases zero, and becoming adept at that goal, gives you the belief that you can meet new challenges. This enables you to build up a healthy relationship with running so it becomes less of a chore to get out of the front door.

puzzle solutions

60

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 3989 0161 439 4807

0161 426 5850 0161 426 9700 07548 098 258 0161 925 6630

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 483 1010 111

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 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 480 4949 0161 672 6855

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 0808 169 7030

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Floods Water Leaks Environment Agency Floodline

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0800 330 033 0345 988 1188

keep in touch We’re only a very small team at INSIDE so we rely on you, the reader, to let us know what’s coming up in your area. We can’t guarantee to include everything we’re sent but if it’s local and community-based there’s every chance we will.

Email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

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classified index ADULT EDUCATION

DRAINAGE

Practical Philosophy Wilmslow Guild

6 45

JOINERY

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

24

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

4

BUILDING SERVICES

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions Techni-Pave

24 26

30 55

BUILDING SOCIETIES

Greenbank Preparatory School Nigel Burin

52 26

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

Vernon Building Society

18

BUILDING SUPPLIES & RENTALS Pure Clean Rental Solutions

Taylor Electrical

6

CARE HOMES & SERVICES

SCZ Electrical Services

60

22 37 14 21

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Cleaning Wizard Safeclean

Inside Back Cover

CHIROPODY 26

Brilliant Fires

38

17 6

40

Adlington Retirement Living

Mounteney Solicitors

GARAGE DOORS

ASAPP

Carrington Doors Garolla

10

29

37 55

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

HEARING SERVICES 29

42

TAXIS 28

TOY SHOP 47

TRAVEL Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant 27

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 44

DECORATORS

62

PJ McEvoy

The Stair Shop

Cheshire Hearing Centres Gary O Reilly Philip Unsworth Spring Decorating Stuart Ennis

LIT Taylor Electrical

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS

Creative Gardens & Driveways

Back Cover 24 31 & 50

48

LIGHTING

Crookilley Toy Emporium 28

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club Cheshire A Cappella

Matt Finish

Adlington Memorial Park 5 Brian Sharples & Son Inside Front Cover

CLEANING SERVICES Alice Chilton Cleaning Services

13

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES

FIRES

FUNERAL SERVICES 26 36

Suzanne Gaskell

Mosley Jarman

Queensgate Glass

RETIREMENT PROPERTY

ESTATE AGENTS

Abney Court Alice Chilton Fernlea Hillbrook Grange

KITCHENS

PLASTERERS

ELECTRICIANS 48

17

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

EDUCATION & TUITION

JS Services Whitehall Builders

Town & Country Carpentry & Joinery

60 40 9 47

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ICAN Handyman

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS 60

The Window Repair Centre

59