Inside Bramhall Issue 60

Issue 60 December 2016 - January 2017

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Welcome to the latest issue of magazines

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Issue 60 - December 2016 - January 2017

b r a m h a l l

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

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

Cover photo: Light up Bramhall 2016

by Garth Aspinall.

Contents Local History in Pictures

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Local Buzz

7

Diary of a Geeky Knitter

8

In Touch

15

Inside People

18

Simply Books Book Club Choice

22

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

Mulled Wine Recipe

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The Walk

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Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Maldives by Design

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Inside Guide

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Puzzle Solutions

52

Useful Numbers

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Classified index

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Co-Editors Garth Aspinall Claire Hawker

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 2016.

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

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

Crossword 33 A Visit to Cheshire

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Just 4 Kids

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Children’s Activities

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Sudoku 42

Contact us

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

Tel: 01625 879611

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

Thursday 12 January

Local History in Pictures Two new books, ideal for anyone with an interest in local history, have been published just in time for Christmas! Bramhall Through Time is the latest in Amberley Publishing’s extensive and highly evocative Through Time series. Battersby Hats of Stockport is an illustrated history of this world-famous firm and the family who ran it.

Bramhall Through Time Bramhall has been voted the least ‘lonely place’ in Britain and has a rich history stretching back to Anglo- Saxon days, the envy of communities twice the size. All of this is captured in Bramhall Through Time, in nearly 200 evocative pictures illuminating the fascinating past and new images showing how things have changed. An incisive and informative text guides the reader through the history of Bramhall and its immediate area.

Bramhall Through Time, by Simon Crossley and Paul Chrystal takes the reader back to the very early days to meet Saxon Brun and Hacun, whose lands were given over by William the Conqueror to Hamon de Massey, who eventually became the first Baron of Dunham Massey. It also visits the elegant Bramham Hall with its park, the estates that are Parkside, New House Farm, Dairyground and Little Australia, the trendy shops and bars clustered around the historic village square and follows the beautiful Ladybrook Valley through the area. The book also takes in neighbouring Cheadle, Hazel Grove, Manchester airport, Styal and Wythenshawe where old and new pictures are juxtaposed to show how things have changed

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in these communities over the past hundred years and more.

Battersby Hats of Stockport This is an illustrated history by Rupert Battersby, the great grandson of the founder of Battersby Hats, and son of the last Managing Director.

In 1863, Stockport warehouseman William John Battersby refused to change the date of his wedding, a decision which ultimately cost him his job. He could never have guessed that this would be a pivotal moment not just in his life, but ultimately in the history of the British hat industry. Starting his own business in a rented building with just 21 employees, within 21 years he had a purpose-built factory bearing his name that was to endure for over a century and export to every continent. A proud and industrious workforce helped the business prosper over generations and through two world wars until the latter half of the 20th century saw the once-great industry decline and finally fade away.

Using a wonderful collection of contemporary, largely unseen photographs, accounts and documents, Battersby Hats: An Illustrated History shows the progress of the firm and also the private triumphs and tragedies of the family who ran it. A fascinating celebration of the efforts and dreams of the founder, his descendants, and the employees who sustained this world-famous firm throughout its existence.

Both books will either be in stock or can be ordered at Simply Books or are available in other good bookshops and in Kindle and iBook formats.

Bridge

Indoor Bowls

Art

Photography

Badminton

Local Buzz FAYE WINS BRAMHALL’S GOT TALENT The winner of this year’s Bramhall’s Got Talent competition in October was fantastic 10-year-old singer Faye Gregory-Lambert who wowed the crowd with her version of ‘A Million Voices’.

She walked away with first prize of £500 donated by event sponsor Talent HR and Recruitment, £50 to spend at Chilli Banana, Bramhall, a twohour recording session offered by The Mill Official and a winner’s bouquet from Bramhall Flowers.

Second prize went to singer Lola Gorrod and third prize to Lucy Bower and Izzy Preece who sang and played guitar.

Faye, who plans to save her prize money until she’s old enough to buy a car, told us, “I love singing and when I saw the advert for the competition, I decided to enter. There were so many great acts that I was really surprised to win the first prize. It was a great day and I met some lovely people and want to say thanks to all the people who organised it. I’m looking forward to enjoying my prizes and still can’t believe I won!”

This year’s event in Bramhall Village Square attracted 30 contestants including singers, bands, dancers, gymnasts and school choirs.

Bramhall’s Got Talent is one of three events organised each year by Bramhall Together Trust – local volunteers committed to bringing the community together in Bramhall.

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE TOUR Santa is already secretly touring the area to make sure that all the girls and boys are being especially good, before beginning his rounds on Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club’s Float on Saturday 3 December!

The Christmas Float is a well-known fund raiser which has been in existence for over 40 years raising thousands of pounds for many deserving causes in that time. This year 15 local organisations and charities will be visiting most of the streets of Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme 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. This year the Float is being organised by Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club and is brilliantly supported by BizSpace and Express Solicitors. Samuel from BizSpace says “For many of us Christmas is a fun and exciting time. We all look forward to the endless mince pies, the family games, the Christmas pudding and of course opening some awesome presents.

What is often overlooked is the amazing work that is done within the community to help give hope to those less fortunate. That is why we jumped at the opportunity to help our local Rotary club. The work they do is truly inspiring.”

This year SANTA STOPS are being introduced to some of the routes. These will happen early on certain (mainly) weekend days when Santa will stop at clearly signed designated points to talk with the children so no one misses out.

For further information, check out the timetable which should drop through your letterbox soon.

Don’t forget to track him with the SantaTracker on our website www.bwrotary.org

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Diary of a geeky knitter New challenges You will have read by now that I’ve moved on from INSIDE Magazines, to new and exciting challenges.

It was of course difficult saying goodbye to Claire and Garth, but I’m not really saying goodbye as I’m delighted to be able to continue with my regular column!

I am now editorial assistant for a craft magazine publishing company, working on sewing, quilting and – you guessed it – knitting magazines! I would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect fit. It’s a big change and lots of new responsibilities, but I’ve been in my new role for just over a month now and I’m finding my feet. Already I’ve been out on a knitting outing with work which was fantastic. I visited a show in Skipton called Yarndale, a convention celebrating all things yarn, including knitting, crochet and spinning.

Unfortunately there was no cosplay at this convention, a little disappointing if you ask me.

Speaking of cosplay, Stockport is getting its very own comic con! Taking place on 13 November at Stockport County FC it’s already generated lots of interest online and I am planning to go. I just need to give some thought to who I will be dressing up as.

I’m sure the day will be great and I will let you know how it goes! If you want to find out more, visit www.unleashedtickets.co.uk

Getting ready for Christmas Now that I’m feeling more settled in my job, I’m looking towards Christmas and planning all my Christmas knits. I’ve recently taken to knitting socks, something that I’ve avoided for a long time for two reasons. One, the needles and yarn are on such a small scale it takes longer than you think to knit, and I prefer larger, quicker knits. And two, it is such a stereotypical thing to knit I wanted to break the mould!

I’ve since come round to sock knitting however, and I will grudgingly admit that I am really enjoying it. So much so that I’ve already planned three hand-knitted pairs of socks as Christmas presents, because let’s face it, who doesn’t want socks for Christmas? I’ve almost finished the first pair, which may sound like I have a head start, but I guarantee come Christmas Eve I will be up until 2am finishing my presents … I always am.

I really love knitting presents for Christmas, but every year I have the tendency to try and make too many. Hand-made presents are a great way to really show someone that you care. Coupled with the fact that I really love to knit and crochet and you can see how easy it is to get carried away. I plan to focus on quality over quantity this year, but my planning is pretty haphazard at the moment so who knows how successful that will be? Luckily, when it’s something you love to do anyway it’s not very upsetting to end up with lots to do. And in my new job I should never be short of inspiration as to what to knit next!

Until next time then, Merry Christmas! jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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Natural Beauty Winner 2016 Amaranth are delighted to share the news that we have been awarded Natural Beauty Retailer of the Year 2016.

This national award puts us right at the top of the Natural Beauty Industry in the UK. But what is Natural Beauty and why does it matter?

Natural Beauty is the use of skincare and cosmetic products that do not contain synthetic ingredients and harsh, or even potentially unsafe chemicals.

Surprisingly, there are no regulations covering the marketing of cosmetic products in the UK. Many of your everyday products give the perception of being natural, organic or hypoallergenic even if they contain just 1% of natural or organic ingredients. This may be of concern because we are increasingly seeing customers with skin sensitives, eczema and allergies and certain chemical ingredients have been associated with these skin conditions. Some ingredients have also shown adverse effects in research, causing the EU to limit their use to safe permitted levels. The problem with this is that we often use multiple products at one time (think serum, moisturiser, foundation, powder) which may mean that we are adding levels of products that take us above those safe permitted levels.

Christmas Offer Spend ÂŁ45 on our Christmas gift selection in store or online and receive a ÂŁ5 voucher to spend in January (quote InsideDec)

As a consumer it can be hard to know what to choose. Our advice is to study the packaging.

Look for certifications from the Soil Association, BDIH, Natrue or COSMOS. Ingredients that we suggest you avoid are parabens, mineral oils, methylisothiazolinone (MI), triclosan, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and phalates.

If you are looking for beautiful natural gifts we recommend Dr Hauschka, Nourish, Weleda, Green People, NEOM Organics and Pai Skincare.

View our Christmas selection instore or online at www.amaranth-wellbeing.com. As you will discover natural skincare can look, feel and perform just as well (we think better) as synthetic based brands.

by Joanne Hill www.amaranth-wellbeing.com

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A ‘Cheshire Smokehouse’ Hamper Perfect as a Christmas gift -great at any time!

Christmas is a time when many of us feel entitled to purchase something special – a little bit of luxury, for a family member, for a friend… or even for ourselves! We always enjoy a visit to The Cheshire Smokehouse and have no hesitation in recommending our readers to have a browse around this paradise of food and drink. There’s something for everyone and every size of budget.

Take a short trip to Morley Green and you will discover what we mean!

We love their selection of pre-made hampers.

If you visit the website, you will find a mouthwatering selection and you can place your order online. There are many to choose from, ranging from £27.50 to £160 (their Premium Hickory Hamper). The Applewood, Smokehouse Taster Box, Gastronaut Box Selection and The

North West Box are just a few of the varied selections available.

A seasonal choice would be the Smokehouse Christmas Gift Box. This costs £47 and includes: Bottle of Villa Domiziano Prosecco (750ml), their own Hickory Smoked Nuts (100g), Cowmire Hall Damson Christmas Pudding (454g), Tracklements Cranberry & Orange Sauce with Port (250g), In Truffle we Trust – Handmade Truffles x 5, Fine Cheese Co English Oatcakes (125g), and ArteMonte Jar of Pate (Brindisa) (100g). All packed in a Smokehouse Brown Box and tied with ribbon.

If you would like a bespoke hamper, contact Cheshire Smokehouse directly to discuss your needs - 01625 548499. Alternatively, you can email hampers@cheshiresmokehouse.co.uk with your details, and they will quickly respond.

The last order date for Christmas despatch is Tuesday 20 December.

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard CHRISTMAS POST Did you know that there is a new way to get your Christmas cards delivered around Bramhall and Woodford? Three local scout groups are once again running Scout Post, a Christmas card delivery service which will deliver cards to any address with an SK7 or SK8 postcode. The service is being run by the 1st Bramhall, 3rd Bramhall and 1st Woodford scout groups, with collection boxes distributed around Bramhall and Woodford as follows: ■■ Bramhall Village Centre: Amaranth, Greetings Cards and 1st Bramhall Scouts HQ behind the health centre ■■ North Bramhall: Scorah Chemist (North Park Road) and 3rd Bramhall Scouts HQ on Linney Road ■■ Hursthead estate: Fountains Road Bakery ■■ Dairyground: Karisma ■■ Woodford: 1st Woodford Scouts HQ on Moor Lane We hope that some other locations will also be announced soon. The scout groups are grateful to all the local shops who are taking part.

delivering the post on Saturday 17 December.

Please email scoutpost@1stbramhallscouts.org.uk for further information.

We want to thank you for your support, and wish you a very merry Christmas!

CAROLS & BRASS BY CANDLELIGHT St George’s Singers annual family Christmas concert has a new venue this year but the recipe is the usual deliciously warming blend of carols, brass, and candlelight all laced with mince pies and mulled wine. This year’s concert will take place at Norbury Church, Hazel Grove, where St George’s Singers will be joined by the choir of Bradshaw Hall Primary School and SSBB the Youth Brass Band for Stockport and we hope, the audience, in a programme of Christmas music and carols old and new. Please note the early start time of the concert which we hope will mean that younger audience members will be able to enjoy it too.

Tickets are £12, £10 concession, £3 students/ children, (special rates for group bookings can also be arranged). For more details and to book tickets please contact the ticket secretary on the Ticket Hotline 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk Continued over...

Stamps cost 30p, with all the money raised being split between the local scout groups and Retrak.

Retrak is a local charity based in Cheadle Hulme which works to help street children around the world to get their lives back on track.

Post boxes open on 1 December, with the last posting day being Friday 16 December at 1pm.

Members of the scout groups will be sorting and

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in touch SINGING DAY Coming up on Saturday 21 January is St George’s Singers Singing Day when we invite singers of all levels of experience to St George’s Church, Poynton for a great day of choral singing along with the Choir and professional soloists under the baton of our inspirational musical director Neil Taylor and accompanied by our brilliant accompanist Peter Durrant. This year we will be blowing away the January blues with the choral favourite Vivaldi’s Gloria and his less well known but equally exciting Magnificat.

For more information about the Singing day please contact Gillian Banks, tel 01925 213949, email gillian.m.banks@gmail.com, or visit our website www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

WEA CLASSES FOR JANUARY Disley and Marple WEA hopes you will join them at the Ring O’Bells Quaker Meeting House and Macclesfield Salvation Army for classes and day schools in January 2017.

Art history tutor, Ian Irvine, will be starting his 10 week class on 26 January, 1-45 to 3-45pm, in Disley on ‘Portraits through the ages from the Renaissance to the early 20th Century.’

There will be a Music day school on Saturday 25 February at the Ring O’ Bells from 11pm to 3pm and a further day school in March or April.

The Archaeology class in Macclesfield at the Salvation Army, with Mike Nevell, will start on 12 January for 10 weeks, 10am to 12 midday. The topic will be ‘From Bog Bodies to Roundhouses: The Iron Age in Cheshire and Britain.’

For further up to date information please look for our branch leaflet in libraries, ring the branch secretary, Rosemary Broadhurst on 01625 877 255 or check nw.wea.org.uk where you can book for classes online. Please note day schools can only be booked through the WEA branch.

CHYPS PRESENTS CINDERELLA With a cast and live band made up of some of the most talented 11 to 19 year olds in Cheshire, Cinderella, presented by CHYPS (Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society) promises to be an exciting and magical show for all the family.

Last year’s performance of Peter Pan was a huge success and received much praise for the professional standard of the production, scenery and costumes. From this success we have added an extra matinee to cope with greater ticket demands. Cinderella promises the same high quality production with a wonderful story, great songs and lots of fun delivered in a smaller theatre where you can get closer to the action and feel part of the show!

Tickets are on sale now by calling our Ticket Line on 07910 187 583, via ticket source or visit www.chypspanto.co.uk Performances will be held at the Woodford Centre, Woodford each evening from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 January with two matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday. Ticket prices start at £8 with family and group bookings available.

CHEADLE HULME FITNESS Low-cost, fun and friendly fitness for all ages and abilities. Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in term time from 1.30pm until 2.30pm (£3.50 per session – first class free) at Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramillies Avenue, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, SK8 6AL. See website for 2016-17 programme. SST registered crèche available – free of charge – pre-booking advisable.

Contact Penny Sparrow on 0161 440 8059 for further details. www.cheadlehulmefitness.og.uk

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LADIES SPEAKERS CLUB Do you feel nervous during a presentation or during a meeting? Do you want your point of view to be heard and to learn how to influence others?

Stockport Ladies Speakers Club is part of the Association of Speakers Clubs, a national organisation of around 100 clubs throughout the United Kingdom. Our aim is to help you to gain more confidence and to improve the art of speaking in public. You are welcome to join us for interesting and entertaining evenings, improving your speaking skills for business or pleasure.

We meet every alternate Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford, SK7 1RJ Visit our website or Facebook page @ StockportLadiesSpeakers to find out more about us.

Alternatively contact Susan on 01625 535455 or susan.allan6@btinternet.com

Inside People Lesley Carson Lesley always loved flowers and music. Born in Brinnington, she attended Brindale Primary and later Brinnington Secondary School. At ten, she won a scholarship to sing in the Maia choir.

After leaving school, Lesley trained as a florist, opening her own floristry business in 1979.

Meeting love of her life, Alan, she married, had three children and now has five grandchildren.

Lesley gave up singing as the pressures of running a business and a family kept her fully occupied.

One day she saw a recruitment poster for the Liberty Belles Chorus and her love of music was rekindled. Under the tutelage of Wally Sanders, the Belles was a popular and successful group and in 1990 became the Ladies Association of British Barbershop champions. During this time Lesley also sang with friends in the quartet, Montage. They too won that year and were the first British ladies quartet to be invited to sing on the international stage in Louisville.

Some years later, Lesley and eleven singing colleagues formed champion chorus, the Cheshire Chord Company in Lymm with director Madeleine Jeury. Lesley, aspiring to start an A Cappella group in the High Peak area, created the Heartbeat Chorus which she directed for 14 years, gaining many awards. Now based in Marple under Nancy Kelsall, the chorus is 70 strong and is the 2015 Sweet Adeline Region 31 Gold Champion. Lesley also spent time coaching other vocal groups, in particular the highly successful quartet, Toneacity, who in 2010 represented the UK on the international stage in Nashville.

In 2011 came the birth of the Affinity Show Choir at Hazel Grove Methodist Church. Affinity is a

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by Ed Blundell

club, an A Cappella choir, which has successfully established itself, winning the Barbershop class at the North Wales choral festival when only six months old, then shortly after, the Barbershop class at the world renowned Llangollen International Eisteddfod against competition from long standing choirs. They were selected to sing with the top five choirs of the Eisteddfod in the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti trophy.

Lesley’s motivation for working with choirs, as well as her love of music, is to see people develop.

Singing in a choir, she believes, helps people overcome shyness and timidity and discover their full potential. As if organising and conducting Affinity were not enough, Lesley also organises a choir for patients, friends and supporters at Beechwood.

Lesley enjoys reading Science Fiction and likes to meet interesting people. As well as choral music, opera and sixties music are favourites and she especially admires the Barbershop quartet, Gashouse Gang. She regrets never learning to read music and although regularly attending courses, describes herself as a motivator rather than a music specialist.

Relaxation for Lesley is listening to others singing and caravan touring with her husband or foreign holidays in search of sun, sangria and, of course, singing. Having recently retired from the floristry business, her ambition now is to take the choir on to even greater success.

Affinity performs in many local venues like the Plaza and at Hazel Grove Carnival and recently competed in classes in the Buxton and Alderley Edge music festivals successfully winning both.

Anyone interested in joining the choir would be very welcome and should contact Lesley on 0161 487 3425 or e mail affinitylovetoharmonise@ hotmail.co.uk Last Word from Lesley Music is inspirational. It builds confidence and helps people develop their true potential. It has been a major influence in my life and I love to share its pleasures with others.

Stay Warm & Well This Winter There’s a well-known saying “prevention is better than cure” and at this time of year it is even more relevant. When winter arrives it is always worth reminding ourselves of how we can keep well during the cold snaps. For older people and vulnerable adults taking notice of the advice given by the NHS and Age UK is particularly important.

Sadly each year there are excess deaths attributed to winter, 27% more compared to the rest of the year, as reported by the Office for National Statistics 2014/15.

So what can be done to remain healthy during winter? Here are a few ideas that are easy to implement that could have a positive contribution to keeping well during the colder months 1. Keep the living room temperature at 70F (21c) and the bedroom at 65F (18c).

2. Wrap up warm and layer clothing – choose clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics if possible.

3. If sitting down a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth and try to keep feet up because the air is cooler at ground level.

4. Wear a hat and scarf indoors, sounds silly but we lose a lot of heat through the head and neck.

5. Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast 6. Have a flu vaccination – these are free for older people and vulnerable adults.

7. Claim financial support, it is available to help with heating bills.

8. If possible keep active in the home.

For further information go to www.nhs.uk and www.ageuk.org.uk Karen Perry, Founder alice chilton In-Home Care Services Limited www.alicechilton.com

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

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

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

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

And as we move towards Christmas here are a few stocking-filler suggestions… following the success of last year’s Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups it comes as no surprise that a few other publishers have launched their own adult re-brands of treasured classics. New titles include: Mr Mid-Life Crisis and Friends and Little Miss Wine O’Clock and Friends; the Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual for Pensioners (and for Teenagers!) and our favourite, a new series of ‘Famous Five’ books for adults. Top seller to date is the highly topical Five On Brexit Island (along with Five Go On A Strategy Away Day and Five Go Gluten Free!)

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

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Andrew Cant www.simplybooks.info

Top tips for separated couples on arranging time with children over

Christmas

Christmas is a time for families to come together, however for families who have separated it can be a challenging time. It is always difficult to decide who should spend time with children and when. In anticipation of the Christmas break here at Slater and Gordon we have already seen an increase in the number of enquiries about how to divide time over Christmas.

Think about alternating years

Here are some top tips to help separated couples manage the festive period:

If you are not the parent who is having the children this Christmas then try and recreate Christmas day on another day such as Boxing day so the children have the benefit of two Christmases.

Compromise Separated couples must be prepared to compromise. Christmas is a magical time when your children should be at the heart of any plans.

Think about how they would like to spend their Christmas day.

If just one parent is going to spend Christmas day with the children, then this should be alternated the next year with the other parent so both parents have an opportunity to enjoy Christmas day with the children in alternate years.

Have two Christmases

Enjoy your time with the children Most importantly try and relax and enjoy the time you have with the children on whatever day is it.

Do not leave plans to the last minute

Take time to reflect

Plan your arrangements as early as possible. If there are then any disagreements there will be time to discuss these amicably and potentially look into other options. This could include attending mediation, seeking advice from a family lawyer or ultimately if an agreement really cannot be reached an application to the court can be made.

After the Christmas period is over it is important to reflect on what has and has not worked for the children. Parents should then discuss this and work together to ensure any of the same issues are not encountered again.

Consider sharing the day Some separating parents agree to split Christmas day. This tends to work best when parents live close together. If you do not live nearby then splitting Christmas day may not be in your children’s best interests and it is often considered unfair to expect children to have to travel on Christmas day.

If you cannot reach agreement seek legal advice If you feel you have exhausted all other options and need to make an application to the court, then this application should be made as soon as possible.

The courts are very busy and December is one of the busiest months for the courts. Depending on how busy your local court is applications generally take anything from one to four months to be heard.

Before making an application seek specialist advice from a family lawyer.

If you do need specialist advice from a family lawyer contact Slater and Gordon 0808 175 7909 Slatergordon.co.uk

Mulled Wine - Eat, Drink and be Merry!

An easy mulled wine recipe for the festive season, brimming with Christmassy spice.

Don’t bother with expensive wine - a cheap red will work beautifully and no one will ever know the difference!

Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: less than 10 mins Ingredients for 4- 6 servings ■■ 1 bottle dry red wine ■■ 2 (5cm) cinnamon sticks ■■ 1 dessertspoon whole cloves ■■ 1 dessertspoon whole allspice ■■ 1 large piece orange rind (avoid the pith) ■■ 1 large piece lemon rind (avoid the pith) ■■ 2-4 tablespoons demerara sugar, (or to taste)

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Method Pour the wine into a heavy saucepan over medium heat, and add the cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon rind and orange rind.

Heat gently, but don’t bring to the boil.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and once dissolved, taste to see if you’d like the wine sweeter and add more if so (take care not to burn your mouth as this will be hot!).

Keep hot on medium to low heat for 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse the wine.

Strain your mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs and serve at once, perhaps accompanied by mince pies or just enjoy by the fireside.

The Walk

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

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

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

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by Mike Bradbury Marple District Rambling Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Memorial Park With most of the local church graveyards now full, Adlington Memorial Park can offer an alternative option. Local businessman Mark Simpkin and his actress wife Tricia Penrose have officially opened their private burial ground within the Adlington Hall Estate.

“About 5 years ago we bought a redundant church in Bollington and during the planning process to convert it into apartments it became very apparent to us that there was a major lack of burial and ash interment spaces in our area. With many of our local graveyards full, we wanted to create a beautiful alternative environment – so people now have a choice” says Mark.

Trish adds “As a child, I found traditional Victorian graveyards to be scary and unpleasant; we wanted ours to feel like a natural open park, a place to sit, walk and reflect. I’m really pleased that we’ve managed to achieve this”.

Adlington Memorial Park is a private burial ground, which welcomes all faiths and beliefs and clients can choose to be buried in a normal wooden or wicker coffin although everything must be biodegradable (no metal or varnish).

Both the Burial and Ash interment plots will have a memorial plaque made from locally sourced stone. It is also possible to purchase “A Tree for Life” as part of your memorial package; this is a special way of commemorating a loved one and a way of further celebrating the natural ethos behind a burial or ash interment.

One of our local funeral directors, Elaine Sharples, from Brian Sharples & Son Ltd, recently conducted a burial at Adlington Memorial Park and said “this is a very private, peaceful and natural burial ground where families and loved ones can choose where they would like to be buried or their ashes scattered. I really like the privacy this site offers”.

Adlington Memorial Park is located on Mill Lane, Adlington, Cheshire SK10 4LX – next to Adlington Hall and opposite the Legh Arms.

Quick Crossword

Across

Down

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

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

Solution on page 52.

33

A Visit to Cheshire It wasn’t easy to locate the Marton oak. We asked directions from a couple of locals and eventually tracked down this ancient tree which is reputedly the oldest oak in Cheshire and one of the oldest in England.

We were visiting Marton as part of a four-day programme for Davenport family members interested in their ancestry. Three years ago a similar event took place in North Carolina where many American Davenports expressed an interest in visiting Cheshire to see the area from which the family originated. Some 35 people made up the party, the majority being from the US, with others from Tasmania, Australia and UK. The present Capesthorne Hall, built in 1719, with later Victorian enhancements and still the home of the Bromley-Davenport family provided an appropriate starting point. The Capesthorne estate became a Davenport home in the 18th century.

Later the excellent lunch at the Davenport pub at Marton fuelled the party for its afternoon visit to St Peter’s church, Prestbury. This delightful church now includes a newly built extension offering excellent reception facilities. Our party was warmly welcomed and provided with refreshments by the good people of Prestbury St Peter’s. Vivian de Davenport (referred to later) was buried at St Peter’s church in AD 1260, indicating Davenport family association with St Peter’s over 500 years.

The following day we visited Astbury and Marton churches and also discovered the Marton Oak! Of particular interest to our party were the stone effigies of 14th century knights whose heads rested on the Davenport crest suggesting that they were Sir John and son Vivian Davenport of Marton, founders of Marton Church.

Bramall Hall

a fascinating conducted tour as stories and anecdotes of our forebears were narrated by the Bramall guides.

13th century Cheshire was lawless, and criminal activity was brought under control by a reorganised group of ‘Sergeants of the Peace` under orders from Ranulf de Blundberg III, the Norman Earl of Chester. Vivian de Davenport was appointed `Master Sergeant`, and used his vested authority for crimes warranting the death penalty, to execute criminals on the spot.

Our group travelled to the highest point in Cheshire to observe the terrain over which the sergeants would have operated. We visited the beautiful little `Forest Chapel` within Macclesfield Forest where the chapel`s isolated position and plain interior give it a very special atmosphere. Later we walked along the river Dane to the hamlet of Davenport from where the family is said to originate.

On the following day, the visit concluded with a conducted tour of Nantwich given by a member of Nantwich museum staff and a buffet lunch at the Manor House hotel Alsager, where further UK Davenport family members had assembled.

Members were able to reminisce and compare notes about family connections, and our overseas visitors went home with a much clearer understanding of the terrain and conditions in which their Davenport family ancestors evolved over the centuries.

Bramall Hall, now in the care of Stockport City Council, is a Tudor Manor House built by and owned by the Davenport family for some 500 years until it was sold in 1877. We enjoyed

34

by Marjorie Davenport

Capesthorne Hall

37

Answers: decorations, presents, tinsel, snow, elves, reindeer Extra letter answer: sleigh

S D I K 4 JUST

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

Monday

friday

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

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).

Baby Massage & Yoga – afternoon 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).

Tuesday Active Angels 10-11.30am St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Carer and baby/toddler group. Contact Melissa Davis for details on 07764744637 Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

Wednesday BMC Baby Chat 10.30-11.45am 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.

Mucky Monster Club Term time messy & sensory play at Bramhall Park Lawn Tennis Club. 9.30am-10.30am 6 months to 4 years. 11.30am-12.30pm Babies 6 months to 18 months. Monthly booking required, normally 3 weeks for £19.50 or 4 weeks for £26. Contact Leanne on 07716 960 338 hello@muckymonsterclub.com for further info.

FREE TRIAL available!

thursday Little Lambs Baby & Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only, Bramhall Baptist Church, Woodford Road. Toys, refreshments and song time. Suggested donation of £1.50 per family. Just turn up or for more information email bramhallbaptistchurch@gmail.com

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

Toddler Group 10-11.30am Cheadle Hulme United Reformed Church, Swann Lane. £1 per child including refreshments. Contact Louise Everett on 07535 450041 or outreach@churc.org.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 Angela Fixter on 01614391204 or email angelafixter@hotmail.co.uk NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 10-11.30am St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall.

Contact Tracy Howe on 0161 477 3252 Toddler Group 3-4.30pm Term time only. Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane. Toys & activities for all ages. £1 per family including refreshments, drop in at any time. Contact Louise on 07535450041 or outreach@churc.org.uk

saturday Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Bramhall Methodist Church. A play session for dads, granddads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. Messy play, games, a room full of toys, followed by bacon butties, tea and coffee for dads, and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details and dates please contact Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

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

See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

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

M

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Electrical Contracting

Call

01625 872824

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

41

Sudoku

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

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 52.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives for watersports Without doubt the Maldives are a mecca for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. It is an ideal location for both ‘learners’ and experienced divers alike with many properties having their own accredited PADI Dive centre and experienced staff on hand to guide their visitors.

Go snorkelling too which is superb in the most amazing clear water, seeing the world through a rose coloured lens.

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

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

45

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

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

For more details call 01625 879611

or email c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

46

Inside Guide Thursday 1 December Perfect for 0-3 year olds, our Baby Book Club is a 20 minute session of stories and rhymes. Meet new people, have a browse in the shop and enjoy a drink in the cafe alongside a slice of delicious homemade cake! £5 per family (up to 2 children) which includes a complimentary drink and £2 towards a children’s book.

Simply Books, Bramhall 2pm

Thursday 1 December Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with activities run by the members.

For more info, see: www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, or ring Mike on 07860 396286. The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Saturday 3 December Northern Chamber Orchestra with King’s School Foundation Choir, and Alison Langer (soprano) ‘Winter Wonders’ Tickets £18/£14; £7 students; 18s and under free. From NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre; On the door. www.ncorch.co.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Tuesday 6 December E Cheshire National Trust Lecture – ‘Through the eyes of a Magician’ Speaker Pete Turner St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Tuesday 6 December Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Flower Club. Nigel Whyles a National Demonstrator from Telford with the title “Tis the Season. “ A warm welcome to visitors (£6 charge) Enquiries 0161 439 3628 All Saints’ Parish Room, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme 7 for 7.30pm

Wednesday 7 December Coffee and Conversation. Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few ‘good reads’! Price: £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!)

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during December & January Wednesday 7 December Craft and Chatter. A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other.

Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road 2pm

Wednesday 7 December Poynton Philatelic Society meeting sees our Guest Speaker, Mr Stephen Parkin, displaying 20th Century Edinburgh postal history. Sure to be an interesting subject. For more information contact Ron Phelps on 01625 877643. Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane, Poynton 7.30pm

Wed 7 to Thurs 8 December NK THEATRE ARTS presents ’CHRISTMAS AT THE FORUM’ Join the NK Theatre Arts Members for a fantastic way to see in the festive period. With music, dance and drama, we tell of some of the world’s favourite stories and fables. Ticket prices: £9/£7.50 – Family of 4 £30 24Hr Box Office 0333-666-3366 *booking fees apply The Forum Theatre, Compstall Road, Romiley 7.30pm

THURSDAY 8 DECEMBER LINK Women’s Fellowship will begin Christmas celebrations with our annual Carol Service. We invite anyone, male or female, to come and join us for the beginning of this joyous festive season.

The service will be followed by a collection for a children’s charity and then a gathering in the rear hall for ‘seasonal’ refreshments when there will be plenty of time to have a chat… possibly with new friends.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 7.30pm for 7.45 start

Thursday 8 December Cheadle Hulme & Bramhall Natural History Society.

This evening, Alex Hyde a Natural History photographer based in the Peak District National Park, will give his talk on “Close Encounters” (Macro-photography) which includes pictures from his travels in Madagascar and Borneo. Visitors (£3) welcome.

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

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

Continued over...

47

inside guide

Thursday 8 December

Tuesday 13 December

The Bramhall Group of Family History Society. A selection of members’ short talks and Christmas party.

Admission £2 including refreshments. Visitors are very welcome, but we trust regular attendees will join the FHSC. More info call 0161 4395021 or email bramhall@fhsc.rog.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall, SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Free Morris Dancing taster session for beginners with Adlington Morris Men – more information at www.adlingtonmorrismen.com 8.30pm to 10pm

Thursday 8 December

Knit & Natter… an afternoon of knitting, chatter, drinks and cake…whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter everyone is welcome! Knit & Natter is held upstairs round the big table – usually on the third Thursday of the month. Simply Books, Bramhall 3pm

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. Member’s Social Evening including our famous Natural History Quiz, members’ presentation and seasonal fare.

Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Friday 9 December Join St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir and their guests Corus Brass Ensemble and Bowden Preparatory School for Girls Choir. A great way to start your Christmas with an exciting selection of seasonal music and readings. Tickets £22. Children (under 16) £12 Family ticket £62 (any 4 people, to include at least one child) Group discount – 10 or more tickets 10% discount (to be arranged through the box office) All tickets include £2 booking fee.

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester 7.30pm

Saturday 10 December Carols and Brass by Candlelight with St George’s Singers, the choir of Bradshaw Hall Primary School and SSBB the Youth Brass Band for Stockport. Tickets are £12, £10 concession, £3 students/children, (special rates for group bookings can also be arranged). For more details and to book tickets please contact the ticket secretary on the Ticket Hotline 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk Norbury Church, Hazel Grove 7pm

Sunday 11 December Mince Pies, Mulled Wine & Music with Cheshire A Cappella and guest quartet SK4. Tickets £8, £6 concessions email den.jane@gmail.com or call 07801 103479. Festival Hall, Alderley Edge 3pm

48

1st Woodford Scout Hut, off Moor Lane, Woodford, SK7 1PW

Thursday 15 December

Friday 16 December Harmony Revival, the long established male Barbershop choir from Hazel Grove is pleased to announce a Christmas ‘Sing out.’ Our nominated charity this year is Stockport Cerebral Palsy.

Handforth Dean Shopping Centre 3pm to 5pm

Friday 16 December Simply Cinema presents EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Our Christmas film this year…a delightfully feel good British comedy: the story of Eddie Edwards the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed us all at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Tickets £7 to book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church.

Doors open 6.30pm screening at 7pm

Sunday 18 December The Lindow Singers and Sale Brass Band present “A Christmas Concert” with all your favourite carols and Christmas music. Conductor Russell Medley.

Accompanist Roderick Barrand. Come along and enjoy the evening with us. You will be warmed by mince pies and mulled wine in the interval. Tickets £10 (Full) £9 (Concessions) £2 (Students) from choir members or call 01625 611124 Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Sunday 11 December

Tues 3 to Sat 7 January

The Barnby Choir Christmas Concert. Christmas Music Through the Ages (including music by Palestrina, Bach, Sibelius and Lauridsen). Also carols for the audience.

Tickets available in advance from Anne Macdonald on 07810 517464 or on the door. £12, £10 (Concessions), £5 (Students) For more information please visit www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk Wilmslow United Reformed Church Chapel Lane Wilmslow SK9 1PR at 7.30pm

CHYPS presents Cinderella, an exciting and magical show for all the family. Performances nightly with two matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday.

Ticket prices start at £8 with family and group bookings available. Tickets are on sale now by calling our Ticket Line on 07910 187 583, via ticket source or visit www.chypspanto.co.uk Woodford Centre, Woodford

inside guide

Wednesday 4 January

Thursday 12 January

Coffee and Conversation. Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few ‘good reads!’ Price: £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!)

Bramhall Group of The Family History Society of Cheshire. Grave Matters – the ins and outs of burials and monumental inscriptions with Liz de Mercado.

Admission £2 including refreshments. Visitors welcome but we trust that those who attend regularly will join the FHSC. For further information Please ring 0161 439 5021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Wednesday 4 January Poynton Philatelic Society has its member’s night, where as many of our members display their collecting interests, always interesting to see the eclectic mix of collections. For more information contact Ron Phelps on 01625 877643.

Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane, Poynton 7.30pm

Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

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

Thursday 5 January

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

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

Saturday 14 January

Simply Books, Bramhall 2pm

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

Tuesday 10 January

Poynton Community Centre Park Lane, Poynton 2pm

Free Morris Dancing taster session for beginners with Adlington Morris Men – more information at www.adlingtonmorrismen.com 8.30pm to 10pm

Wednesday 18 January

1st Woodford Scout Hut, off Moor Lane, Woodford, SK7 1PW

Wednesday 11 January Craft and Chatter. A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have.

Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road 2pm

Poynton Philatelic Society has a guest speaker, Mr G. Hardy, who will be displaying his interest in Romania part 2. For more information contact Ron Phelps on 01625 877643. Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane, Poynton 7.30pm

Thursday 19 January Knit & Natter. An afternoon of knitting, chatter, drinks and cake… whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter everyone is welcome! Knit & Natter is held upstairs round the big table – usually on the third Thursday of the month.

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY

Simply Books, Bramhall 3pm

January may be slippy, it may be cold but LINK Women’s Fellowship extend a warm welcome to ladies to join us in what we know will be a scintillating presentation by Mr Brian Greene when he tells us “I Got Gershwin”. Why not make a new start in the New Year and come and join us? You will be most welcome. Only £2 for the evening which includes light refreshments.

Thursday 19 January

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 7.30pm for 7.45 start

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

Cheadle Hulme & Bramhall Natural History Society .Our lecture this evening is At the Tip of Africa by Keith Offord. Keith trained as a Zoologist and has a lifetime interest in birds, wildlife and photography. He leads tours to most continents and runs workshops in the UK on different bird groups. Visitors (£3) welcome.

Continued over...

49

inside guide

Thursday 19 January

Tuesday 31 January

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. A Ranger’s Work at Tegg’s Nose, by James Martin. An East Cheshire Ranger’s work at our local county park. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387

Caffe e Conversazione at Simply Books. If you speak Italian, are interested in learning it, or simply love all things Italian, join us for informal conversation, coffee and cake with local Italian teacher Giulia Shepherd. £5 including coffee and cake.

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Thursday 19 January Bramhall Christian Viewpoint. Supper and talk by Bryan Corke entitled Finding True Peace. To book your place (Price £12 including Supper) please ring Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 The Deanwater Hotel, Woodford. 7.45pm

Saturday 21 January Singing Day with St George’s Singers. Singers of all levels of experience are invited for a great day of choral singing under the baton of our inspirational musical director Neil Taylor. This year we will be blowing away the January blues with the choral favourite Vivaldi’s Gloria and his less well known but equally exciting Magnificat. More information from Gillian Banks, tel 01925 213949, email gillian.m.banks@gmail.com, or visit our website www.st-georges-singers.org.uk St George’s Church, Poynton

Wednesday 25 January Craft and Chatter. A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other.

Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road 2pm

WED 25 to SAT 28 JANUARY Brookdale Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s murder mystery A Murder is Announced. Ticket info 0161 439 0505 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, 7.45pm

Fri 27 to sat 28 January THE FORUM THEATRE presents ‘MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS’ A wonderful night of musical entertainment as various singers take to the stage in a relaxed cabaret setting. Includes comprehensive extracts from the 2016 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also Sister Act. Ticket prices: £11/£10 Box Office 0333-666-3366 *booking fees apply The Forum Theatre, Compstall Road, Romiley 7.30pm

50

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Thursday 12 January Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

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52

Useful Numbers Churches Baptist Church

0161 440 9091

Christ Church, Woodford

0161 439 2286

Bramhall Christian Fellowship

0161 440 9132

Evangelical Church

0161 439 3103

Methodist Church

0161 439 1204

Roman Catholic Church of St Vincent de Paul

0161 440 0889

St Michael & All Angels

0161 439 6532

United Reformed Church

0161 439 4807

Doctors Bramhall Health Centre

Post Offices Bramhall Sorting Office

0161 255 3371

Maple Road Post Office

0161 439 4100

Parkside Post Office

0161 439 4006

Hazel Grove Post Office

0161 483 2332

Schools Bramhall High School

0161 439 8045

Ladybrook Primary School

0161 439 8444

Moss Hey Primary School

0161 439 5114

Nevill Road Primary School Infants

0161 439 4817

Juniors

0161 439 4598

Pownall Green Primary School 0161 426 5850

Queensgate Primary School

Bramhall Park Medical Centre

0161 426 9700

Bramhall Park Cancellation Line

07548 098 258

Travel

The Village Surgery

0161 439 3322

Helplines

Bus Information

0845 748 4950

Manchester Airport

0161 489 3000

0845 7697555

Utilities

Al-Anon

02074 030888

Electricity – Power Loss

CALL Listening Line

0845 123 2329

Gas – Emergency

Citizens Advice Bureau Crimestoppers Directory Enquiries National Dementia Helpline RSPCA Samaritans The Wellspring, Stockport

0800 1111 03444 111 444 0800 555111 118 500 0845 300 0336 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 Reference Library

0161 217 6009 0845 644 4307

Local Government Stockport MBC Mary Robinson MP

0161 480 4949 0161 672 6855

Police (non-emergency) Bramhall Police Post

0161 439 2189

Cheadle Heath Police Station

0161 856 9770

(non-emergency)

101

0161 228 7811

Train Information

Alcoholics Anonymous

Childline

0161 439 1105 0161 439 3330

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999

Water Mains

0845 746 2200

Environment Agency Floodline

0845 988 1188

Classified Index ESTATE AGENTS

ADULT EDUCATION Practical Philosophy

10

Maddocks

40 13 39 42 46

BURIAL GROUNDS Adlington Memorial

31 43

32

City Lock & Safe 36

6 27 14

46 17 50

DELICATESSENS 12 32

17

BPF Plumbing & Heating

20

Copper Lounge Tom Yam

35 5

SECURITY City Lock & Safe

44

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES Mounteney Solicitors Slater & Gordon

30 Inside Front Cover & 24

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services

14

TRAVEL

EDUCATION 9

Travel by Design

45

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 43

The Window Repair Centre

51

WINTER CARE

ELECTRICIANS

54

PJ McEvoy

TREE SERVICES

DRAINAGE

Maddocks SCZ Electrical Services

43

RESTAURANTS 11

DECORATORS

Taylor Electrical

40

OVEN CLEANING

PLUMBING & HEATING

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Cheadle Hulme High School

44

LOFT LADDERS More Than Loft Ladders

14

COMPUTER & INTERNET

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

23

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

Bramhall Village Club Cheshire A Cappella

The Cheshire Smokehouse

53 44

Fresh Move Lettings

PLASTERERS

Gary O Reilly Philip Unsworth Stuart Ennis

20

Kitchen Refinishing Matt Finish

Eco Dazzle

Amaranth

42

KITCHENS

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT

Tech Teacher

Back Cover

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

LETTING AGENTS

CLEANING SERVICES Diamond Home Support

Creative Gardens & Driveways

10

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

36

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

41

Carrington Doors

21 19

CARPETS & FLOORING Linney Cooper

Uniquely Chic Furniture

Byles

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care Hillbrook Grange

23

ICAN Handyman Service

CAR REPAIRS Scratches & Scrapes

Maestro Financial Services

GARAGE DOORS

BUILDING SERVICES JS Services S P Lee & Co Whitehall Builders

Inside Back Cover

FURNITURE

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Southern Advertising & Marketing

Mosley Jarman

FINANCIAL SERVICES

AUDIO VISUAL

52 17

Jigsaw Winter Care

14