Inside Bramhall Issue 79 by INSIDE MAGAZINES

inside february - march 2020

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Issue 79

b r a m h a l l & w o o d f o r d

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

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2020 – not just a new year but the start of a new decade. With everything that’s going on in the world right now you could be forgiven for viewing the coming years with a feeling of trepidation. Alternatively, you could look forward with optimism – after all a lot of what’s happening is completely out of our control so, arguably, there’s little point spending time and energy worrying about it.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books book club choice 7 margaret holbrook, playwright 8 Snowdrops at rode hall 12 In Touch 15 your 2020 vision 16 Recipe

Instead, you could focus on putting that energy into your own community, where you can make a difference. Make 2020 the year to support everything local, whether that’s joining clubs and societies, supporting charity events or volunteering, or making a determined effort to shop locally, visit local restaurants and entertainment venues. Think before you automatically go online to plan a holiday, call your local travel agent or drop by and have a face-to- face chat – you might save yourself a lot of time and hassle! If you’re able, leave the car at home and get out on foot as much as you can. It’s good for you, it’s better for the environment and you bump into lots of friendly people!

19 a cruise for everyone

Until next time…

62 Classified Index

23 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 26 daffodils 31 Right to the Core 32 The Walk 34 Heaven Scent 37 Real Life Motoring

41 INSIDE Guide 55 Just 4 Kids 53 Puzzles 56 Children’s Activities

60 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers

Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Bramhall Park by Claire Hawker

Copy deadline for the next issue: Tuesday 10 March

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 2020. 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 We’re often asked in the shop if we can recommend any funny/comic novels. It’s a tricky question – sense of humour is a very individual thing – but for me Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny is laughout-loud funny and the best ‘feel good’ novel I’ve read in a long time. Graham’s second wife, Audra, is an unrestrained force of good nature. She talks non-stop through childbirth, invites the doorman to move in and the eccentric members of their son’s Origami Club to Thanksgiving. When she decides to make friends with Elspeth – Graham’s first wife and Audra’s polar opposite – Graham starts to wonder: how can anyone love two such different women? An hilarious and spot-on portrayal of a marriage – told with warmth and intelligence; there are some heart-wrenching moments too which linger in the memory. Meet Me At The Museum by Anne Youngson is a delightful debut novel told through an exchange of letters. When Tina Hopgood, housewife and mother, writes a letter of regret to a man she has never met, she doesn’t expect a reply. When Anders Larsen, a lonely museum curator, answers it, neither does he. So starts a correspondence of self-discovery, second chances and late love. Funny, poignant and truthful. And for the children… The Day The Banana Went Bad is an hilarious new picture book by Michelle Robinson. When Banana is thrown into the ‘REJECT’ bin with other mis-shapen fruit and veg he decides ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – he may be a little bit bruised but that doesn’t mean he’s any less brilliant! A fantastically funny book about loving what makes you YOU! Michelle will be with us on Saturday 29 February to launch her book – details on our website www.simplybooks.info – she may even be disguised as a banana!

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

Jenny Cooke talks to

Margaret Holbrook, playwright ‘When I was a child, I remember making up stories and writing little books. I was seven when I said, “I’m going to be a writer!” Then ten years ago I began writing seriously.’ Margaret has always written poetry which she now realises ‘is the most difficult thing to edit and get right’. There were rejections at first and then ORBIS magazine accepted her poem about Bury.

‘I put an advert in The Stage magazine online as I searched for actors. Andrew Mallinson played the character, Keith, and Lucy Savin played Jacki.’ The setting is the Bolton Interchange, the two characters are waiting for a bus and begin to chat. Gradually it emerges that Keith has a disability, though this is never mentioned out loud. Eventually we discover that Keith has coped with tragedy. The audience are on tenterhooks all night, just in case Keith might harm Jacki. He never does. Instead he simply enjoys talking to the beautiful and sympathetic girl, while she listens so carefully. It’s important to Margaret to empower women playwrights. ‘Only 17% of productions worldwide are written by women and only 4% are directed by women,’ she says. ‘It’s still a bit like it was for the Bronte sisters who had to use male names to get a hearing in the 19th century.’

In 2012 she entered a competition at the Ovation Theatre in Glossop for a seven-minute play. She decided on a dinner party setting and called her play, Soup for Starters. There was only one speaking part, but she needed six other actors to play the guests. ‘It was a learning curve,’ says Margaret, who produced and directed the play as well. She bought a dinner service from a charity shop and hired props from the theatre. She knew a local actor, David Wilkinson, sent him the script, he agreed to take part and rehearsals began. First the play made it to the final ten; on the night it was in the final three and Margaret got an honourable mention. ‘David received an award for best actor. So, I felt that my words in the script had won something. It was a great encouragement.’ Recently Margaret’s powerful play, The Bus Stop, had a brief tour locally including the Civic Hall in Poynton. by Jenny Cooke

How does Margaret get her ideas? ‘I was in Wakefield about three years ago when I overheard two young lads as they walked past. One was saying, “I’m shoppin’ for shoes.” It stuck in my mind. So that’s why Keith is carrying a box of shoes at the Bolton Interchange! Keith says these words, which leads on to him telling Lucy his story. A play usually starts with such an incident which develops into a setting. The characters will be ‘trapped’ in a place and they’ve then got to resolve the idea through conversation, and we see what happens.’ Margaret, who is a member of The Society of Authors, has written over 30 plays: Talk to Me a winner in Halifax 2013; Our Brian, longlisted for BBC R4’s Opening Lines 2014; Not for Want of Trying performed at Wirral’s Festival of Firsts 2015 and Ruthless, longlisted at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre 2017. Margaret also writes poetry, novellas, short stories and novels, available at Waterstones [Empress Publishing]. She runs a bi-monthly group called ‘Poetry and Prose at Petersgate.’ Find out about these and more at www.margaretholbrookwrites.weebly.com

SNOWDROP WALK AT RODE HALL

Snowdrops are treasured as nature’s first sign of the end of winter and as a national symbol of spring cheer. Experience one of the UK’s most popular Snowdrop Walks by visiting Rode Hall & Gardens to mark the start of spring. A beautiful end-of-winter walk for all the family with a wonderfully diverse landscape and over 70 varieties of snowdrops. Walk along paths amidst carpets of white flowers on an enchanting mile-long route (with options for longer or shorter walks). Take in the wild beauty of cascading snowdrops in the Old Wood and Wild Garden, the scenic path down to the Lake and drifts of snowdrops in the borders of the formal Nesfield garden in front of the Hall. Highlights are also the two-acre walled kitchen garden and an unmissable vista down the Colonel’s Walk where some of the rarest varieties can be viewed. A labour of love, the snowdrops have multiplied over six generations of the Wilbraham family; they were first planted by Sibella Wilbraham in 1833 who came from a family of gifted gardeners. This passion and care continues to the present day, having been further developed by Anne Baker Wilbraham over the last 30 years. Gardeners shouldn’t miss the opportunity to snap up some snowdrops to plant at home (including a limited

number of rare varieties). Rare snowdrops to view on the walk include the Yellow Cheshire Snowdrop (Lady Elphinstone), the giant Comet, the Viridapicis with green marks on the outer petals rather than the inside and Merlin with all green inner segment. There is also the opportunity to view the snowdrops through strategically placed mirrors under some of the plants. Daphnes, Cyclamen and Hellebores are also in bloom. Randle Baker Wilbraham, owner of Rode Hall says “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to come and experience the beautiful snowdrop walks in the enchanting gardens here at Rode. We hope that everyone will have a special day out, take in the walks and enjoy our Tea Room. We love sharing this unforgettable start to spring with our visitors – those who make an annual pilgrimage from across the UK, along with those closer to home and our new visitors too.” Snowdrop Walks are at Rode Hall & Gardens, Cheshire ST7 3QP 1 February to 1 March 11am to 4pm (closed Mondays). £5 adults, £2 children (under 5s free).T: 01270 873237 enquiries@rodehall.co.uk www.rodehall.co.uk

in touch your local community noticeboard

february - march 2020

WONDERLAND 2020 Remember Narnia in 2018? Well, in February 2020 St Michael and All Angels is holding a Wonderland Festival. When Alice followed the White Rabbit and fell down the rabbit hole, she discovered a world beyond her imagination. A world full of confusion, questions and strange realities. A world where Alice began to question what truth really was… We invite you to come along, join us and jump into the rabbit hole and experience the story of Alice in Wonderland come to life, meet the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Duchess and the Dormouse and join in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Wonderland will be open to explore for free at the following times: ■■ Friday 7 February 9.30am to 9pm ■■ Saturday 8 February 9.30am to 5pm ■■ Sunday 9 February 10.30am to 3pm There will also be some special events. Join us at a Wonderland Gala Event on the Friday evening, anytime between 7pm and 9.30pm for fizz and nibbles and a change to explore Wonderland at night. A Wonderland Celebration Service will be held on Sunday 9 February at 4pm, when we will be celebrating the Wonderland Festival with a special service followed by fireworks and refreshments. There will be fun for all with this engaging family service.

We look forward to welcoming you at St Michael and All Angels Church, Bramhall in February.

THANK YOU The Woodford & Bramhall branch of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2019 raised £12,519.99 so a big thank you to everyone who donated.

This money provides lifetime support for the Armed Forces Community.

PHOTOS OF BRAMHALL We’re always on the look out for images to use on the front cover of INSIDE Bramhall and we like to keep them as local and seasonal as possible. If you’re out and about on a fine day, walking the dog in the park, on your way to work or meeting friends in the village, please bear us in mind and take a quick snap! You might already have ones lurking in the photos on your phone. Mobile phone photos are usually fine as long as you send the best quality (largest) version possible. Buildings, including shop fronts, people, events, flowers, anything at all we’d love to see them.

Please email claire@insidemagazines.co.uk with anything you think might be suitable and we’ll get back to you.

your 2020 vision Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We often reflect on the past year and mourn chances we didn’t take or connections we didn’t make. So why not try turning things round? Instead of looking backwards, make 2020 the year to develop your vision for the future. This is about so much more than new-year resolutions you’ll be moving into the new decade with 2020 vision!

Request a planning meeting It could be with your boss, or your partner! When you think about the next year — do you see yourself staying at the same job? If so, do you want to be considered for promotion or a transfer? Would you like to plan a big trip with your partner, or start a family?

Review your goals - short and long-term

With your boss you might mention projects you’d like to lead, qualifications you’d like to study for. With your partner you might want to talk about joining a gym together, planning a safari, or taking up ballroom dancing.

Are your everyday activities helping you to accomplish your short-term goals? Are you working on meaningful projects? Make sure at least some of your daily activities help you to accomplish your short-term goals, and that those short-term goals can build to let you accomplish larger goals and objectives.

These discussions are useful in both your work and your private life. They can help you understand points of dissatisfaction in your work or relationship and give you the clarity you need to explore a change. By sitting down with your partner to discuss your hopes and dreams, you can understand and support each other better day to day.

But don’t be a slave to your goals. It’s okay to change directions and shift deadlines. A new year is a great time to re-evaluate and check whether your long-term goals from six months ago are still relevant to you today.

Invest in yourself

It can be helpful to write down your goals using pen and paper, and then hang them in a place where you can see them. This acts as a visual prompt to remind you and inspire you day-to-day.

Nurture relationships Sometimes friendships and family relationships get placed on the backburner when we’re busy. Are there friends and relatives in your contacts list who you haven’t spoken with lately? Use this season to catch-up, reconnect, and nurture the relationships that matter.

There’s a difference between being comfortable and being complacent. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and take an online course, sign up with the Open University or night classes at college. Try out a yoga class or a massage, or simply go away with a friend or a partner to a spa for a few days.

Reflect on lessons learned Don’t dwell too much on what you didn’t achieve in 2019, but it’s good to think about what you did accomplish. What did you learn? What did you achieve? A lot probably happened in the past 12 months, but life moves so fast that too often we don’t take time to reflect on all we’ve learned. Take note of your discoveries and think about ways you can apply those lessons with intention as you move into the new year.

Bacon and Mushroom Risotto

A tasty and simple New Year supper Preparation: 10 mins Cooking time: 30 mins

Method

Serves: 4

1. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and fry the onion and bacon gently for 5 mins to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook gently for a further 5 minutes until they start to release their juices. Stir in the rice and cook until the rice begins to look translucent.

Ingredients ■■ 1 tbsp olive oil ■■ 1 onion ■■ 8 rashers streaky bacon, chopped ■■ 250g chestnut mushrooms, sliced ■■ 300g risotto rice ■■ 1 litre hot chicken stock ■■ Grated parmesan to serve

2. Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring well and waiting for most of the stock to be absorbed before adding the next ladleful – it will take about 20 mins for all the stock to be absorbed. 3. Once the rice is cooked, season and serve with the grated Parmesan.

A CRUISE FOR EVERYONE

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to cruise holidays, but I’m convinced there is a cruise for everyone. Whether you want a mega ship or a small, intimate ship, each company has its own offerings and character. One thing that is undeniably true of cruises is that they present fantastic value for money and give you the opportunity to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time. Once you’re on the ship you don’t have to worry about accommodation, catering or entertainment and, you wake up in a new, beautiful destination every day! Here is a little guide, depending on your dynamics and preferences, to help you figure out who to sail with.

FOR FAMILIES One of the great benefits to booking a cruise holiday is that many of the ships offer something for everyone, with so many facilities you’re spoiled for choice! From dance classes, casinos and spa treatments for mum (and dad), to amazing kid’s activities for the youngsters. Companies like Norwegian and Princess offer brilliant cruises for families in popular destinations like the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Designed with families in mind, the ships offer family suites and interconnecting cabins so can cater for large groups.

FOR DISCOVERY ‘Expedition’ cruising refers to those trips that take you somewhere a bit more off the beaten track. A chance to get truly immersed in the local nature and culture. More emphasis is placed on the experiences onshore, and the educational aspects, than on the ship itself. If you’re interested in places like Alaska and the Galapagos that offer a ‘holiday of a lifetime’, consider sailing with Hurtigruten or Celebrity. Their expert expedition teams become your invaluable hosts and offer something really unique.

FOR LUXURY Dare I say, if you want to push the boat out (ahem), then look to the 6* cruise liners like Silversea and Seabourn. This is where all-inclusive really means, all-inclusive! Flights, transfers, all dining (including in the speciality restaurants), fine wines, shore excursions, everything is taken care of. Almost every cabin on the ship will be a suite too and some of them even come with your own butler! The luxury cruise ships are often smaller too, meaning a more relaxed, intimate feel. Not only that, but their smaller size means they can reach ports with shallower harbours, that the ‘mega’ ships can’t, such as Nevis in the Caribbean or Chania in Crete. Continued over

RIVER CRUISES With Spring comes the start of river cruise season (at least in Europe). Offering you a chance to visit places ocean liners simply can’t go, you can really get into the heart of a country. The ships are obviously smaller than the ocean vessels and as such don’t offer the same range of facilities and entertainment, but booking a river cruise is more about the destinations you can experience, rather than the ship itself. Consider a cruise along the Douro in Portugal, the highlights of which include the Port warehouses of Porto, scenic vineyards, pretty villages and the chance to visit the trendy city of Lisbon. Of course, for those who want a real change of culture, tropical river cruises are available too along the Nile or Mekong for example. The popularity of cruise holidays is continuing to grow but choosing the right cruise can be a bit overwhelming. There are many different packages on offer, and you could get caught out by hidden costs so it’s always advisable to speak to an agent and book with them. At Not Just Travel we work with all the major cruise suppliers, for ocean and river cruises, and we can take care of your holiday from start to finish. Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld

lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700

Diary of a geeky knitter Seeing more in your craft Recently, I pulled together an issue of Crochet Now in which the pattern collection theme was called ‘Music in Stitches’. Everything inside the magazine was somehow inspired by music. Some were literal interpretations of the theme, such as a favourite song that inspired a blanket design. Others though were a little more creative and played instead with how music and crochet are more alike than you realise. Where musical notes flow into one another to create a finished piece of music that can invoke emotions like happiness, sadness, or passion, crochet can have a similar effect. Individual stitches can flow and play over one-another to create stunning textures that inspire you, or colours can be used to create warmth, coolness, or even emotional response depending on the story or intent behind that design. Now if you aren’t as big a crocheter or knitter as I am, this might be a very strange idea to process. But many of you reading this might find that two or more of your interests that, on the surface appear very different, might in fact have more in common than you realise. Perhaps that explains why you like those things after all! This isn’t supposed to reveal any huge philosophical revelation (as I clearly love to attempt in this column about knitting and geeky things…) but it was just something that occurred to me as I was deciding what to write about this month. Now that we are in a new year following the bustle of one of the more fun (and sometimes stressful) periods of time, self-care and me-time is at the forefront of my mind. Connecting two of my interests in this way is somehow a comforting thought that plays into this self-care mindset. I’m not entirely sure how, or if this would even work for everyone, but seeing the links and connections in things I enjoy, like music and

crochet, enhances the enjoyment of both pastimes, particularly when enjoyed together in a meditative way. Perhaps this isn’t the same for you, and I’ve not quite worked out how to connect knitting to my enjoyment of video games, but sometimes it’s nice to just stop and let your thoughts wander to little realisations that give you pleasure. And then of course share those inane thoughts with your friends who patiently read your article, wondering what on earth is she on about… jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

SHREK AT THE NEW-LOOK FORUM The very first Stockport performance of SHREK THE MUSICAL takes place this March when The Forum Theatre hosts what will be a spectacular performance and fun for the whole family. Based on the Dreamworks film, the musical follows Shrek, Donkey and Fiona and all the fairy-tale characters as they battle the villainous Lord Farquad. Director Hannah Gorst told INSIDE Magazine what the audience can expect: “This is going to be a wonderful show with a terrific hard-working cast and crew, an amazing set, fantastic costumes and of course a dragon that is likely to steal the show. We are all so excited and extremely proud that we are involved in the very first performance of Shrek in Stockport. The kids will love it, the adults will laugh out loud, don’t miss this wonderful show! Tickets for Shrek which runs from 25 to 28 March including a Saturday matinee are on sale from www.theforumtheatre.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.

The Forum Theatre has recently seen the installation of brand-new auditorium seating and air conditioning so if you haven’t paid a visit to the theatre recently, there is no better time! With a wide and varied performance schedule, there is something that everyone can enjoy, from major musicals to tribute bands, comedy nights to Shakespeare. Help support local theatre and secure your seat for the biggest shows in town!

Daffodils: Spring’s Golden Trumpets

“Daffodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty” – Shakespeare is not the only poet to be inspired by the sight and scent of daffodils in early spring and likewise gardeners are beguiled by their beauty. As well as the old favourites like the giant “King Alfred” there are miniature types for alpine gardens and all sizes in between, so every garden can find space for Narcissus, be it a large drift or just a few miniatures growing in pots. Most are very accommodating, growing in most conditions in sun or a little shade, however some species require good drainage. Most benefit from being kept watered during flowering. The bulbs are usually planted at a depth of roughly twice their height eg a 5cm bulb would be planted with its top about 10cm below the soil. Plant large bulbs around 15cm apart and miniatures 10cm apart. If you are naturalising the bulbs in grass don’t be too precise with spacing – toss the bulbs onto the soil at the approximate distance, moving apart any that fall too close together. The best time to plant bulbs is August to October or November, although later planting can sometimes

by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

succeed. Don’t panic this spring if you’ve forgotten to plant in autumn as you will find a wonderful selection of pot grown plants at Plant Hunters’ Fairs in March and April and these can be planted out straight away. Once the flowers fade, they should be deadheaded as producing seed weakens the bulbs and lessens next year’s flowering. A good way to deadhead a large drift is with a thin whippy stick to behead them with a deft flick of the wrist as you walk along. Don’t be tempted to remove the leaves before they die off naturally as this weakens the plant as well. Some growers recommend allowing the dead leaves to remain to feed the soil as well. Clumps can be divided in summer: store the bulbs dry if necessary, before replanting from late August. It is also possible to grow Narcissus from seed although you will have to be patient for them to flower.

diarrhoea. They can also cause irritation and burning sensations on the lips and mouth and skin irritation. These symptoms can persist for up to three hours. Daffodils are always the heralds of spring, as AA Milne so aptly put it: “She turned to the sunlight and shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: ‘Winter is dead.’” People ask what the difference is between Daffodils and Narcissus? Narcissus is the scientific name for all flowers of this type; Daffodil is the common name for Narcissus pseudonarcissus, or Trumpet Narcissus. Narcissus enthusiasts classify the plants by their colour and shape and length of the trumpet. Another common question is why do plants go “blind” – producing all leaf and no flower? Usually this is due to planting too shallowly but may be due to removing the leaves too soon after flowering; lack of fertiliser or failing to deadhead. All parts of Narcissus are toxic if eaten, the bulbs most so, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and

Janet and I run Special Perennials - we sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 5 April; 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 events days. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for full details of these and other fairs.

Here at Uniquely Chic Furniture we source and sell quality pine, oak, vintage and shabby chic furniture. We have a vast range of stock which changes constantly. New pieces arriving almost daily. We also paint furniture. Our painting team are experts at transforming our furniture, or yours, into hand painted, individual, unique pieces. If you have a favourite or inherited piece that fits your space why not have it upcycled and uplifted in our workroom? We occasionally buy your furniture or sometimes we even do part exchanges, so why not pop in and see us, or email us. As well as furniture, we also sell lighting, mirrors, shabby chic home accessories and gifts. New and returning customers always use the same two phrases when they visit...”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”! We are open 6 days a week, including weekends. Come and visit us, you never know what you will find when you step through the door.

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

@shabbychicuk Official stockists of Frenchic ecofriendly chalk paint and accessories.

RIGHT TO THE CORE Why core exercises are important

What are the benefits of core strength?

We know that getting fit is important for a healthy life. Often, we equate fitness with running, cycling, walking or some other form of exercise. But there’s one aspect of fitness that is often overlooked; our core muscles.

Building a strong core provides a firm and flexible support for every activity your body performs. The stability provided gives you better balance and better posture which in turn helps prevent falls and injuries in your day-to-day life. The support from your core muscles takes the strain away from your skeleton and helps hold it in place alleviating some forms of back pain, stiffness and soreness when you move your body.

Whenever I talk about building muscle everyone pictures someone at a weight bench pumping iron until their biceps bulge out of their shirts. But strengthening and toning your muscles can be much more subtle. And even a small amount of work on your core strength can dramatically improve your overall fitness and well-being.

What are your core muscles? Your core muscles form a ring around the middle of your body. Most people think of the six pack muscles in the abdomen, but the core includes a range of muscles in your sides and back as well. Their job is to keep the top and bottom halves of your body connected together, whilst allowing them to move independently. They form a strong foundation that the majority of your other muscles depend upon when you move your body.

When do I use my core muscles? Practically every movement you make and every position you put your body into involves your core muscles. They are really important. Bending over to pick something up, twisting to look behind you and sitting up in bed are more obvious moments your core is activated. But running, walking, sitting in a chair and even standing still all rely on core strength. Without it the top half of your body would simply flop over. by Robert Grant

Any time you move, whether it’s for exercise or doing the housework or gardening, a strong core will help you perform better and reduce muscle fatigue in the other parts of your body, by giving them a firm base to attach to.

How can I build my core strength? One of the best things about core strength is that you don’t need a gym or expensive equipment to improve it. There are lots of exercises you can do at home. Make sure you seek medical advice before attempting any new exercise regime. Most people think of sit ups as the prime core exercise. I advise people not to do sit ups as they are not particularly effective and the continual flexing of the base of your spine can lead to lower back injuries. My top tips are planks, leg raises and mountain climbers. If you’re not sure what these are have a chat with your local personal trainer or gym instructor, or search on YouTube for easy-to-follow tutorials. Take your core strength seriously and it will improve every aspect of your fitness as well as provide the central support essential for your body.

Miller’s Dale

via Monsal Trail, Topley Pike, Chelmorton and Priestcliffe Walk description: A circular walk that starts at Miller’s Dale Station, and follows the popular and flat Monsal Trail, a disused railway line, until just beyond Blackwell Mill Bike Hire. The route then continues to the Wyedale Car Park, from where it crosses the A6 to ascend a steep winding path to the side of Topley Pike quarry. Farm tracks then lead to the village of Chelmorton and from there to the small settlement of Priestcliffe. A series of stiles across fields lead to Miller’s Dale Nature Reserve and back to Miller’s Dale. Distance: 9 miles, 14.5kms. Walking time: 3 to 4.5 hours. Map: OS Explorer OL24, West Sheet. Start/Parking: Pay and Display at Miller’s Dale Car Park/Station, where there is a cafe (check Winter opening hours) and toilets. T. 01298 871869. (Grid Reference SK138733, Postcode SK17 8SN). Refreshments: Miller’s Dale Station (see above), Church Inn, Chelmorton (T. 01298 85319) and the Waterloo Inn on the A6. From the car park turn westwards along the Monsal Trail towards Wyedale for around 3 miles, passing through the Chee Tor Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel No. 2 and the Rasher Cutting Tunnel. After these tunnels there is a

By Francis Aynsley-Smith

viaduct on the right and the view then opens up on the right to show Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire and Tuck Shop (T. 01298 70838, closed in the winter), with a terrace of white cottages on the opposite bank of the river. After a further 200 metres the Monsal Trail comes to an end. Follow a footpath on the left and a flight of steps going down to the River Wye below. At the river turn left and follow the broad track to Wyevale Car Park. From the car park cross the busy A6 with care. The gate to Topley Pike Quarry is directly in front. Take the public footpath to the left of the gate, leading gently uphill between fences for about 300 metres. On the right there is a gate signposted to Deepdale, and an information board. Go through the gate and begin the steep climb up a twisting path to the top of the hill, with the quarry over to the right. Near the top, look to the left to find the stile across the wall. Go over the stile into a field, and head half right for 200 metres. Aim for the next stile that leads into a grassy lane. Turn left and continue southwards. The grassy lane merges with a farm track called Caxter Way Lane on the OS map. After 200 metres take the farm track that goes off to the right; it is way-marked. The lane curves to the left and comes to a metal gate. Go straight on past the gate into another grassy lane with stone walls on either side. This is easy walking with fine views. Continue for 1km until you arrive at the A5270. Cross

the road, and the grassy lane continues for 300 metres to a gate in front signed “Private Land”. The path turns left here. After 75 metres there is a small stile on the right beside a rusty metal gate. Go over this and cross the fields (with 2 more stiles) in a straight line to Chelmorton, visible in front. Once in the village main street, turn left on the pavement. Note the two interesting water troughs on the left, the last of seven, fed by “Illy Willy Water”, formerly Chelmorton’s main water supply. Keep straight ahead with the church on your right and the Church Inn to your left. The church has an interesting weathervane of a locust and is dedicated to St John the Baptist. Go uphill past the pub and the Illy Willy Water Spring, to find the bridleway and turn right, climbing steeply past the trees to where it opens out at the top. There are excellent views all round. The path is tussocky and runs over former lead mine workings. Where the path splits keep to the right. After passing through a gate into Pillwell Lane (the Pennine Bridleway), turn right and immediately left to keep in the same direction. Cross the stile into a field. This path runs straight across three more stiles to arrive at the Limestone Way, also called Sough Lane on the OS map. It is broad - turn left along it through an iron gate. The track is easy to follow and soon goes downhill, twisting as it does so. It leads down to the Waterloo Inn on the A6. Cross the A6 with care and

The Walk

continue opposite on the tarmac lane. This runs gently downhill bearing to the right and crossing another tarmac road before reaching Priestcliffe. There is little traffic on the lane. From the small green in the centre of Priestcliffe follow the signpost leftwards towards Millerdale. T he track bears half left past a farm. After 50 metres, there is a finger post and stile to the right that takes you into a field. Cross the left-hand corner of the field at 45 degrees to reach the next stile. The path here then runs pretty straight in a north easterly direction over a succession of stiles. These have been painted yellow on either side making the sequence easy to follow. This is easy walking over fields, first descending then rising to the ridge and the Miller’s Dale Nature Reserve. Cross the stile here and the path turns right and descends alongside a series of old iron posts (the descent can be steep in places). Keep going to reach the Monsal Trail at the bottom. Turn left here and after 300 metres return to Miller’s Dale Car Park/Station. Poynton Rambling Club organises and leads walks during the day on Sundays and Wednesdays, with popular evening pub walks in the summer months, as well as social events and walking weeks elsewhere in the UK. All are welcome, and membership costs just £5 a year. For a full schedule of walks and further information about our friendly Club please visit www.poyntonramblingclub.co.uk

Heaven Scent Home fragrance What’s the first thing a guest notices when they walk into your home? Your antique coat stand? The ornate mirror? The pristine hardwood flooring? No, it’s actually the smell. Smell is our most powerful sense and will override the other four senses if something foul wafts our way. So, if your house smells like musty wet dog, stinky shoes, or last night’s fish supper, none of the other details will matter. How your home smells leaves an impression on visitors so it’s nice to make that impression a good one, and of course it’s nicer for you too; after all you live there!

Grow an indoor herb garden Fresh herbs such as basil and mint give off a lovely aroma in the kitchen. If you’re feeling ambitious try planting a herb box overflowing with marjoram, lemon balm and rosemary. Sweep your hand across them to agitate the foliage and spread the fragrance around the room.

Chop up a few lemons and limes For a quick and easy fresh smell, you can’t beat citrus. Slice a few lemons, limes and oranges into thin wheels and bake them at a very low temperature for several hours until they are dry to the touch. You can pretty much forget about them while they are in the oven except for the fact your house will smell incredible. When they are done you can make potpourri. Thread some on a string with a cinnamon stick and some star anise and hang in your kitchen or pop them in a pretty glass bowl. You don’t just have to use these to fragrance the atmosphere – you can make the most of the flavour too. Make citrus salt by grinding the baked citrus wheels to a powder in a spice grinder and mix with flaked sea salt or make citrus sugar in the same way but grind and mix with sugar instead. You can even make them into healthy sweets by dipping them in dark chocolate and sprinkling with flaky sea salt.

Buy quality scented candles

There’s a whole industry devoted to home fragrance, so you have lots of choice. But the secret to a nose-friendly atmosphere isn’t synthetic scents. Aside from being overly perfumed, they often contain chemicals that can irritate some sensitive people, particularly asthma and migraine sufferers.

Organic beeswax scented candles are very different to synthetic chemically fragranced varieties. Try them and you won’t look back. If you are wondering which scents to try, fresh citrus scents have universal appeal; incense and patchouli are lovely at this time of year. Vanilla has long been named as the most popular choice among air-freshener companies and in candle form it takes on an even warmer, more mellow quality.

Let the outside in

Make your own air freshener

The simplest, most effective way to freshen up your home is to open doors and windows, yet very few of us do it on a daily basis. Stale air is a health hazard and a mood zapper. I’m not suggesting that you leave the windows open all day in November, but just five minutes will give you an instant, and totally free, air refresh.

For a quick-fix, all-natural air freshener, fill a pan with water, add fresh rosemary or lavender and bring to the boil, then simmer for an hour and let the vapours drift around the house, scenting the air. Later, you can let the mixture cool and decant the liquid into a spray bottle. Store in the fridge and spritz a little as needed.

Recycle more and waste less in 2020 Are you having a clear out? Did you know there are 20 Recycling Centres across Greater Manchester you can use for getting rid of your waste and recycling from your home? You can recycle all sorts of things from your home, including dead batteries, old clothes and any broken electrical items. Before you visit a Recycling Centre please make sure you sort your waste and recycling first. Research shows that 43% of the waste that people put in the general waste container could have been recycled. Carrying out home improvements? If you are hiring traders to do up your home, whether it’s updating your kitchen, refurbishing your bathroom or sprucing up your garden – it’s the traders’ responsibility to remove all the waste for you. Make sure they include waste removal in their quote. You can’t take this waste yourself to any of the Recycling Centres as this is classed as business waste. Paying someone to get rid of your waste? If you pay someone to get rid of waste for you, it’s your duty of care to make sure they have a waste carrier’s licence. If your waste is fly tipped, you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice or an unlimited fine. Follow the S.C.R.A.P code before you hire someone to remove your waste:

For more information, visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com

*Recycle for Greater Manchester is a partnership between the GMCA and nine councils in Greater Manchester (Bolton, Bury, Manchester City, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford City, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford).

real life motoring

2018 Ford Fiesta ST200: Jack The Lad

Looking at the ST200 from any angle confirms the intent which Ford’s engineers and designers have bestowed upon their extremely rapid small family car. The Fiesta ST200 fulfils Ford’s desire to create a range of distinctively individual series design options, meaning that there is a Ford Fiesta to suit everyone. And with the ST200, Ford have made sure that both historic and new Fast Ford fans have been extremely well catered for. The ST200 is a looker, with its unique Fiesta ST features include 18” 5x2-spoke ST alloy wheels with red brake callipers, unique ultra-aggressive black ST upper grille, different bumpers, muscular front and rear wheel arches and spoilers. Ford have pulled out all the stops to create a car that still has that essential Fiesta DNA that purchasers want, yet improved and enhanced with seriously sporting additions, such as the raucous twin exhaust. Stepping over the Ford Performance ST Front door threshold plates to settle into the sumptuously sculptured Recaro leather sports seats gives you the feeling of being properly plugged into the Fiesta, that the Ford is part of you, ready to respond to any and all input in as direct a fashion as possible. It feels like a

by Martin Hall

proper ST from the very first moment, as well it should. Reach forward to the unique, (and heated) ST flat bottomed steering wheel and revel in its quality and feel. You just know that there’s fun to be had with such a direct fusion between driver and front wheels.

Ford have a long tradition of producing hot hatches based around their more family orientated architecture and have perfected tailoring the Fiesta to both the needs of the family and the needs of the one. A decent boot, plenty of interior space front and back, family friendly tech and an abundance of driving aids all contribute to the everyday usability of the Ford, a car that is just as happy battling through town centre traffic as it is sitting at 70 for mile after mile on the motorway. What more could you want? Continued over

Squeezing 197.3bhp into a car with a kerb weight of 1283kg is always going to make people sit up and take notice and a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph, even more so. Keeping the ST in third and using the upper reaches of the rev range allow for, shall we say swift, progress to be made through the bends. This is a car that can happily slay the A and B roads of this green and pleasant land of ours, with an addictive growl from the exhaust reverberating seductively throughout the cabin and beyond. It sounds absolutely superb when you give it some! The steering is beautifully weighted and creates a connection with the car that increases in intensity every time you go for a drive. The Fiesta’s suspension allows for precise control in sport and yet in normal mode, the Ford’s stress free and comfortable just as a hot hatch should be.

On the road the ST200 delivers up to and beyond your wildest expectations in a manner reminiscent of Fast Fords from days gone by, giving you a connection to the car, model and brand that other manufacturer’s can only dream of. Price? The ST200 starts at £20,700 and performance per pound, that’s the bargain of the century. Ford know how good their Fiesta ST200 is and they want you to experience it. After all, a fast Ford fan is a fan for life. 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.

inside guide

february - march 2020

selected events in your area

Saturday 1 February

Wednesday 5 February

Halle Afternoon Chamber Concert - The Halle’s youngest principal player, Sergio Castello Lopez is joined by the Liang string quartet to perform one of the masterpieces of the chamber repertoire, the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. Also included in the programme is Schubert’s Quartettsatz and Haydn’s string quartet op 20 no 2. Tickets £11 and £9 (concession) Under 18s free. Includes refreshments.Tickets available from, Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. Bramhall Methodist Church 2pm

Craft and Chatter. Fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery etc. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and cake, lots of friendly chatter 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

Saturday 1 February History Wardrobe presents: Bad Girls in Bonnets. Jane Austen’s guide to being brazen; a bold, brash and beautiful celebration of Austen’s wicked women, and a truly revelatory look at clothes and crime in the18th century – an era when stocking-theft or silk smuggling carried serious consequences. With fabulous original costume items, criminal history and readings from the outrageous Miss Austen herself. Tickets £10, reserve over the phone 01625 374000 or pick up in person from Macclesfield Library Macclesfield Library, Jordangate, Macclesfield, SK10 1EE 11am

SATURDAY 1 & SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY Mind Body Spirit Event 50+ Exhibitors including 30+ workshops, talks and demonstrations of mediumship – all included in the entrance fee of £4 or £3.50 concessions, full/weekend pass £6/£7 in advance or £1 more on the door. FREE PARKING, FREE MAGAZINE, FREE RAFFLE ENTRY www.rosemarydouglas.com Masonic Guildhall, Stockport, SK1 3UA

Wednesday 5 February 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: £3.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!) (Coffee and Conversation usually takes place on the FIRST Wednesday of each month.) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

stand out from the crowd

Thursday 6 February 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

Thursday 6 February Friends of Bramall Hall & Park. A talk on ‘Adlington Hall & Gardens’ by Mrs Anne Wood £1.50 refreshments included carolinefurious@gmail.com Bramall Hall 7.45pm

Friday 7 February Café y Conversacion at Simply Books 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 Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB.

Tuesday 11 February East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Doorstep Crime Awareness – Paul Unwin Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm Continued over

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

Wednesday 12 February

Saturday 15 February

Stockport Walking and Outdoors Group An illustrated talk entitled ‘Machu Picchu-The hard way, A trek through the High Andes’ by Norman Harris. All are welcome, admission £1. For details of all our events including Wednesday evening meetings, day walks and weekends at www.stockportwalkingoutdoors.org.uk Hazel Grove Civic Hall 8pm

Prestbury Choral Society’s Annual Singing Day Simon Mercer will guide us through the ever popular classic, the Haydn Nelson Mass, concluding with an informal performance. Simon’s passion, sympathetic and empathetic teaching style, great patience and experience, as well as a lively sense of humour, continue to ensure great success and satisfaction among the members of his choirs. So, whether you sing in a choir already or would just like to give it a go, do come and join us. You won’t be disappointed and it will be such fun! Musical scores will be provided and the fee for the day is £20. Register online at www.prestburychoral.uk or telephone Cynthia for more information on 01625 828875. United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY The Arts Society North East Cheshire Pat Clark provides a comprehensive survey of the life of Charles H. Mackie and the development of his art, from his early struggles as an artist up to his final recognition. The people he met - Gauguin, Vuillard, Hornel - and the places he painted - Kirkcudbright, Normandy, Venice - form the core of the talk. A journey with this ‘forgotten man’ of Scottish art will provide evidence of his skill as a colourist and reclaim his place in art’s pantheon. Free to members, £8 for visitors. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am with coffee from 9.45am

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY Link Women’s Fellowship ‘Christmas’ party. Contact June if you haven’t got your ticket.

Thursday 13 February Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Wild Britain- part 2 – illustrated talk by Brian White. Visitors very welcome (£5) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Saturday 15 February Barnby Choir Singing Day led by Keith Orrell Programme: George Shearing, Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare To book contact Ann Elphick on: a.elphick@virginmedia.com or call 01625 583752 Venue Wilmslow Methodist Church, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AR 10am to 4.30pm

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

Saturday 15 February Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra Works include Bruch’s violin concerto no 1 played by the popular soloist, Sophie Rosa and Rachmaninov’s symphony no. 2. The concert opens with Nielson’s Maskarade overture. Once again a very varied evening of music with something for everyone! Tickets cost £12, concessions £10 and under 18 £2. Available from: ticket secretary 01925 756144, ‘Bang and Olufsen,’ Alderley Road, Wilmslow, ‘Therapy,’ Bank Square, Wilmslow, at the door from www.wilmsloworchestra.co.uk. Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm

Wednesday 19 February Craft and Chatter Fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery etc. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and cake, lots of friendly chatter 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 19 February Lunchtime Concerts Charlotte Hoather / soprano and George Todica / piano Light lunches available from 12 noon. Admission by Programme £6 Further Information: Tel. 01625 586713 Tel. 01625 584410 Tel. 01625 584367 www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DU 1pm

Continued over

Thursday 20 February

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Bramhall U3A Talk - Chester uncovered Contact www.bramhallu3a.org.uk or phone Edward Haynes on 439 4115 United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 1.30pm for 2pm

Interested in Turner and Constable? Nicola Moorby, author and art historian examines the epic rivalry between these two giants of British art. As unlike in background and temperament as their paintings were in style, these two geniuses transformed the art of landscape. This study day sets them head to head and examines their differences, their similarities, battles and shared triumphs in a set of three one hour lectures The total cost is £30 (non-refundable). Non-members who want to attend should go to www.theartssocietynorthwestcheshire.org.uk where there is a booking form in the Special Interest Days section. The Brookdale, Bramhall 10.30am to 3.30pm

Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 February Hazel Grove Musical Festival 93rd Season www.hazelgrovemusicalfestival.org.uk

Saturday 22 February Come and Sing Day Hosted by the Lindow Singers with their new conductor Charlie Perry The music for the day will consist of movements from Dvorak Mass in D and selections from Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs. The day will finish with an informal performance. Music and light refreshments are included in the price of £10. For more information visit www.lindowsingers.org.uk/ or call 01625 611124 St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow

Saturday 22 February Bollington Chamber Concerts: The Victoria Quartet Haydn Op 76 no 4 Sunrise; Kodaly no2; Brahms Op 51 no 2 in A minor Tickets £19 Book online at www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk/victoria Phone 01625 576402 or 574435 Bollington Arts Centre 7.30pm

Monday 24 February 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 25 February 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

Continued over

Wednesday 26 February Meet the Author Join us to meet Beth Morrey in conversation about her muchacclaimed debut novel Saving Missy, a tender story about love, loss and the transformative power of friendship and community. Tickets: £8 Venue: Simply Books To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY If you want to hear about owls come and listen to ‘The Owl Man’. All ladies welcome to our LINK Women’s Group. You don’t have to belong to our church - or any church for that matter. You will be welcomed to a very friendly, and pleasant afternoon which rounds off with a cup of tea and biscuit. Bramhall Methodist Church, (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY Stockport Historical Society “Old Crocs and Dodgy Car Salesmen: Interpreting Cheshire’s Vehicle Registrations 1904-1907” by Dr Craig Horner. 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 28 to Saturday 29 February Magic of the Musicals Junior. Join the NK Theatre Arts youth theatre members as they take us on an evening of West End entertainment to the heart of theatre-land with extracts and songs from some of the biggest musicals of all time. Ticket Prices £12/£8 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport SK6 4EA

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

Friday 28 February

Saturday 7 March

Simply Cinema presents LITTLE WOMEN (U)… a beautifully acted and sensitive adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic. Tickets £8 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church 7pm

Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra Concert Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 3, Soloist Slava Sidorenko; Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Tchaikovsky: Suite: Sleeping Beauty. Tickets: Adult £10, under 18 £1 Phone 01625 581321 or online at www.aeso.org.uk Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Rd, SK9 7DU 7.30pm

Saturday 29 February Stockport Symphony Orchestra Mendelsohn: Overture A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Mozart: Piano Concerto no 25; Stravinsky: Rite of Spring. Conductor and soloist Peter Donohoe 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

wednesday 4 march Craft and Chatter Fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery etc. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and cake, lots of friendly chatter 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 4 to Saturday 7 March Quartet - An extremely witty comedy. 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre Bramhall. Curtain up 7.45pm

Thursday 5 March Friends of Bramall Hall & Park A talk on ‘The Story of Herbert Schmaltz’ by Mr Richard Fletcher. £1.50 refreshments included carolinefurious@gmail.com Bramall Hall 7.45pm

Saturday 7 March Hazel Grove Festival Winners’ Concert. Pay on the door £5 Hazel Grove Methodist Church 7pm

Saturday 7 March Wilmslow Wells for Africa - Souperday A choice of homemade soup and bread with a hot drink for £5 (children £2). Also an array of delicious cakes to buy. All monies raised, by this volunteer run charity, go to fund clean water, hygiene and sanitation projects in rural Africa. Many lives have been changed because of your generosity. Wilmslow Methodist Church, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AR 11am to 2pm

Saturday 7 March Bramhall Worker Bee Market Following the success of last Autumn’s event, Worker Bee Markets return to Bramhall village with locally handmade crafts, gifts, fresh produce, jewellery, homeware, International Street food and more. Find hand-picked quality artisan goods right on your doorstep. Workerbeemarkets.wordpress.com Bramhall Village Square SK7 1AW 10am to 3pm

Tuesday 10 March East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Adlington Hall with Anne Woods Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH Together with art historian Sian Walters we explore how Raphael moved from humble initial commissions in and around his home town of Urbino to a covetous position at the court of the most important patron in Italy, Pope Julius II, for whom he created some of the most sublime and influential frescoes of the early 16th century. The talk is at the Brookdale in Bramhall at 10.30 am with coffee from 9.45am. Free to members, £8 for visitors. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk

Wednesday 18 March Craft and Chatter. Fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery etc. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and cake, lots of friendly chatter 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 Continued over

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

Wednesday 18 March

Friday 20 March

Lunchtime Concerts Kell Wind Trio - Alastair Roberts/flute, Geoffrey Smith/clarinet, Ian Harvey/bassoon Light lunches available from 12 noon. Admission by Programme £6 Further Information: Tel. 01625 586713 Tel. 01625 584410 Tel. 01625 584367 www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DU 1pm

Ladies Fashion Show and Pop-up Shop in aid of Stopford Cat Rescue. Shop your favourite High Street brands at 50% off or more! Tickets £5 obtained in advance from 07900415674 or stopford.cats@gmail.com Trinity Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane Stockport SK3 8TL 7pm

Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 March North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society! Our Exhibition will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March with free admission. In the evenings of 18th and 19th we will be hosting our major photographic competitions featuring the best images from clubs all over the North West and beyond, and all are welcome. For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk

Thursday 19 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Gardening for Butterflies – illustrated talk by Jan Miller. Visitors very welcome (£5) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 19 March Bramhall U3A. Talk - A year in the life of a U3A Regional Trustee. Contact www.bramhallu3a.org.uk or phone Edward Haynes on 439 4115 URC, Robins Lane, Bramhall 1.30pm for 2pm

FRIDAY 20 MARCH Stockport Historical Society. “Radio Caroline-North” By Brian Cullen. 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 March

A fun evening with songs from the Shows, music from the world of Opera, Light Opera and Musical Theatre performed by Supertonic, who are four wonderful singers with piano accompaniment. Drinks in the bar at 7pm. Tickets £10 from Jean James 0161 439 8241. All proceeds will to be going to the Club’s flood fund. The Brookdale Club Bridge Lane Bramhall SK7 3AB 8pm

Saturday 21 March Bollington Chamber Concerts: Craig Ogden and Helen Thatcher Burgmueller - 3 Nocturnes; Piazolla - Adios Nonino, Cafe 1930, Oblivion, Libertango, Nin Suite Espagnole; Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras no 5; Napoleon Coste - Le Depart; Gnattali - Sonata; Zenamon - Reflexes no 6; Granados Danza Espanola no 5. Tickets £19 Book online at www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk/ogden Phone 01625 576402 or 574435 Bollington Arts Centre 7.30pm

Monday 23 March 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

Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 March Shrek The Musical Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Performed by the award-winning team from NK Theatre Arts, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. Ticket Prices: £18/£15 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport SK6 4EA at 7.30pm with Matinee on Saturday at 2pm

THURSDAY 26 MARCH LINK Women’s fellowship. Our favourite speaker, Brian Hallworth, will be illustrating and talking about “Still leaning on a Lamp Post”. Always a most pleasant afternoon. Ladies, why not come and join us? You will be most welcome Bramhall Methodist Church, (Bramhall Village Centre) to start at 2.30pm Continued over

Thursday 26 March

Saturday 28 March

Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening Dr Alex Walter will be coming to speak to us about his experience working with Mercy Ships. As a Christian GP, Alex had the opportunity to travel to Guinea in West Africa with his family, to serve on board the Africa Mercy hospital ship. We look forward to hearing about his experiences and the international Christian charity which began in 1978 with the purchase of a retired ocean liner. All are welcome - to book a place (£14 including supper) phone Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 The Deanwater Hotel (Balmoral Suite) Woodford, SK7 1RJ 7 for 7.30pm

Hazel Grove Worker Bee Market Locally sourced fresh produce and handmade gifts, crafts and homeware will join tasty International street food vendors at this popular event run by local artisan market organiser. Easy parking next door at the Park&Ride. Find hand-picked quality artisan goods right on your doorstep. Workerbeemarkets.wordpress.com Rising Sun Pub, 2 Buxton Road SK7 6AD 10am to 3pm

Saturday 28 March Stockport Symphony Orchestra Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet; Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty; Sibelius: Symphony no 5. Conductor Matthew Wood. Tickets available at the box office, online or on the door £15 full price/£13 concessions/students £5/accompanied children under 16 free www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

Sunday 29 March The Lindow Singers are presenting Dvorak’s Mass in D and Copland’s Old American Songs. Tickets: £12 adults and £6 for young people, from choir members or call 01625 611124. Price includes tea, coffee or soft drink St Bartholomew’s Church Wilmslow 3pm

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

Do you have a waste carrier’s licence? If you are a trader, own a business or offer a waste removal service, under the Duty of Care legislation, you will need a waste carrier’s licence to get rid of any waste from your business. This could include anything such as hardcore and rubble, electrical items or wood. It could be as small as a single bag to an entire truckload of waste. You must pay for the disposal of your waste using a licenced waste facility. If you carry out repair or renovation works on any building, it is your responsibility to remove all the waste produced. Make sure you include waste removal in your quote. Do I need a waste carrier’s licence? You must register for a waste carrier’s licence with the Environment Agency if you do any of these things as part of your business: transport waste

buy, sell or dispose of waste

arrange for someone else to buy, sell or dispose of waste

To register for a licence, visit www.gov.uk and search ‘waste carrier licence’

You can be fined up to £5,000 if you don’t register. Can I take business waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre? No, it is illegal to use any of the Household Waste Recycling Centres for business waste. To ensure traders and businesses are not using them illegally, the following measures have been put in place: Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to monitor the number of vehicle visits CCTV Vehicle load checks

For more information about how you can dispose of your waste responsibly, please visit: www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com/business-waste

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Solutions on page 60 53

Children’s Activities

Things to do with pre-school kids Kickstarters – Age 2-3 10-10.45am Age 3-4 11-11.45am A universe of pre-school football. See Tuesday for details Nixons Farm, Heald Green, SK8 3PS

Monday

thursday

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

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

Kickstarters – Age 2-3 9.30-10.15am Age 3-4 10.30-11.15am A universe of pre-school football. Join the miniature recruits, enter the goaliverse, and earn the super power stickers. Centrepoint, Bramhall, SK7 1AL Register on first day of attendance, all sessions drop in and pay as you go £6 Website: www.8-by8.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578

Tuesday

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.

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

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

Kickstarters – Age 2-3 10-10.45am Age 3-4 11-11.45am A universe of pre-school football. Join the miniature recruits, enter the goaliverse, and earn the super power stickers.

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

RamillIes, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7JA Register on first day of attendance, all sessions drop in and pay as you go £6

saturday

Website: www.8-by8.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578

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

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.

Sunday Messy Church. Second Sunday of every month 4-6pm Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

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

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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

classified index BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

DRIVEWAY CLEANING 4

BUILDING SERVICES JS Building Services Whitehall Builders

46 50

BUILDING SUPPLIES & RENTALS Pure Clean Rental Solutions

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton Fernlea Hillbrook Grange Newlands

42 14 6 21

CARPETS Carpet Creations

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Cleaning Wizard Safeclean

57 40

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

CLEANING SERVICES Alice Chilton Cleaning Services

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club Hits On The Pitch The Forum Theatre

35 25 24

DECORATORS Gary O Reilly Philip Unsworth Stuart Ennis

57 38 39

DIETITIAN Dietitian4children

Greenbank Preparatory School Nigel Burin

Taylor Electrical

ELECTRICIANS SCZ Electrical Services

ESTATE AGENTS Mosley Jarman

Inside Back Cover

FIRES Brilliant Fires

FUNERAL SERVICES Adlington Memorial Park 5 Brian Sharples & Son Inside Front Cover

FURNITURE Uniquely Chic

Carrington Doors Garolla

Queensgate Glass Transform Your Kitchen

KITCHEN RESPRAYING Matt Finish

LIGHTING LIT Taylor Electrical

21 28

PATIOS Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

PLASTERERS PJ McEvoy

PLUMBING Local Plumbing

RECYCLING Greater Manchester Combined Authority 22,36, 52

Adlington Retirement Living

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES 45 57

Mounteney Solicitors

The Stair Shop

Creative Gardens & Driveways Back Cover Standing Property Services 27

TAXIS

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

TRAVEL 60

HEARING SERVICES 35

HOME IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE 27

JOINERY

ASAPP Cars

Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Prestbury Travel

19 9

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 39

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

Robinsons Garden Maintenance

30 17

RETIREMENT PROPERTY 29

GARAGE DOORS

Town & Country Carpentry and Joinery

54 57

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

Standing Property Services 28

EDUCATION & TUITION

Cheshire Hearing Centres 57

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

KITCHENS

Bramhall Driveway and Patio Cleaning