Inside Bramhall Issue 77

inside October - november 2019

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Issue 77

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inside b r a m h a l l It’s mid-September as a write this and there was a definite nip in the air when I headed out to the gym this morning, just as it was getting light.

Autumn is a new beginning in many ways, as the school and university year gets into full swing; it’s also a good time to reflect on the year so far.

I might have mentioned before that my younger daughter graduated in June, after an extended period of studying and travelling, so that was a fabulous milestone for all of us. Then, this last weekend, my other daughter got married and we had simply the best day ever!

The sky was dull on Friday, and Sunday was wet and miserable. But on the Saturday the sun shone all day long, we were so fortunate! A wedding is a great chance to get all your favourite people, family and friends, old and new and from far and wide, in one place for a whole day and we made the most of every minute.

So, that’s another major life event ticked off! Now it’s time to turn my attention to our upcoming house move…

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books book club choice 7 this charming man 8 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 11 the man who saved man united 15 In Touch 21 Puzzles

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22 Recipe 25 prairie planting 28 The Walk 31 inside people 32 Travel - winter breaks 35 Real Life Motoring 39 Just 4 Kids

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40 Children’s Activities 43 INSIDE Guide

52 Puzzle Solutions 53 Useful Numbers 54 Classified Index

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Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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

Copy deadline for the next issue: tue 12 november

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Inside Bramhall is produced by Inside Magazines Ltd. We cannot be held responsible for views expressed by contributors or any advert content, including errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all local information given in this magazine is accurate, but we cannot always guarantee this. © Copyright Inside Magazines Ltd 2019. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

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

simply books book club choice One of my favourite books since we opened the shop (in 2002!) is The Poisonwood Bible by American author Barbara Kingsolver so I have been excited to pick up her new novel Unsheltered.

Willa Knox lives in unforgiving circumstances – having moved into to an old, crumbling house with her two grown-up children, a new-born grandchild, and her ailing father-in-law, life seems to be falling apart around her (both literally and metaphorically). But when Willa discovers that a pioneering female scientist (with a connection to Charles Darwin) lived on the same street in the 1800s, could this historical connection be enough to save their home from ruin? And can Willa, despite the odds, keep her family together? A compelling story with alternate chapters set in the present and the 1880s – a remarkable read which gives centre stage to two incredible heroines.

Unusually, my second choice this month is a work of non-fiction.

The Boy Who Followed His Father Into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield is the inspiring true story of a father and son’s fight to stay together and survive the Holocaust.

Vienna, 1939. Nazi police seize Gustav Kleinmann, a Jewish upholsterer and his son, Fritz, and send the pair to Buchenwald in Germany. There begins an unimaginable ordeal that sees the pair beaten, starved and forced to build the very concentration camp they are held in.

When Gustav is set to be transferred to Auschwitz, a certain death sentence, his son refuses to leave his side. Throughout the horrors they witness and the suffering they endure, there is one constant that keeps them alive: the love between father and son.

Simply Books

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

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Based on Gustav’s secret diary and meticulous archive research, The Boy Who Followed His Father Into Auschwitz is a story of courage and survival unparalleled in the history of the Holocaust. Author Jeremy Dronfield will be with us for an what promises to be an unforgettable evening on Tuesday 29 October presenting this extraordinary story of survival. Please contact Simply Books for details.

And for the children…we love the picture book from author/illustrator Kristina Stephenson, the creator of the Sir Charlie Stinky Socks series.

In Kristina’s new book the most brilliant minds in the animal kingdom come together to discuss the Impossible Question…Why Are There So Many Books About Bears? An hilarious, inventive and colourful romp of a story.

This Charming Man This month I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of one Richard Cragg, a stalwart of Bramhall Cricket Club, recently honoured by the club through having the ground named after him. An unusual gesture, some might say, but not once you’ve met the man himself and heard about his strong affinity with the club which stretches back as far as 1958.

At this point, Richard was living in the Bramhall area and travelling to school at King’s, Macclesfield. During his time there, his mode of transport switched from steam train to diesel train to electric train, all in the space of ten years, as he rose to the top of the school, becoming head boy and captaining the school cricket first eleven.

Cricket has always been in the ‘Craggie’ blood and his talent was recognised when he captained English Schools, then the English Universities cricket team and an MCC Schools side which was the last to tour South Africa before Apartheid. In wistful mood, Richard wonders whether he might have been able to take his cricketing career a little further, as he would have welcomed the life of a professional cricketer.

Instead, having graduated from Leeds University, he studied Teacher Training at Cambridge University and then began his teaching career, which included a couple of years at Sale Boys Grammar and over 30 years at Marple College, where he became Head of English.

Richard captained the first eleven at Bramhall at the young age of 24, and his connection with the club could not have been closer since then. The troubled times came in the mid ‘90s, when the club looked like it might fold. It was forced to seek a new ground,

following the purchase of the old Queensgate ground where cricket had been played for over a hundred years. It was in 1996 that the ground at Church Lane was founded and Richard was fundamental in helping to ensure that the foundations were laid for a top Cheshire club.

Now ‘Chairman of Grounds’, Richard has been involved with preparing pitches since the 1970s. It’s a major hobby, keeping him busy from March to October every year, as he continues his ‘love affair’ with the cricket club. Considering that he feels the club has given him so much, Richard admits that the naming of the ground after him still feels somewhat surreal, though lovely at the same time.

Away from cricket, Richard has plenty to keep himself occupied. Reading is still a passion and he plans to spend some of this winter copying out some of his favourite poems and Shakespeare quotations in long hand. This against the backdrop of his cottage with a stream in the garden, which happens to stand right next door to his (very) local pub.

‘Had we but world enough and time’, I’d tell you more of this charming man, as well as his love of the metaphysical poets. But I think I might suggest meeting him for a pint in Bollington, where he claims the air is fresher and the stars shine more brightly in the sky.

Great to meet you, star man.

by Barrie Hawker

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Diary of a geeky knitter It’s been quite a busy few months for me since I last wrote to you, and not all craft related for once - which I am in two minds about if I am honest. I miss the winter hours knitting and avoiding the cold, but alas with this lovely (albeit intermittent) sunshine we’ve been having, summer plans, and buying my first house, I’ve really not had the time I would have liked to have with a pair of knitting needles in my hand.

At the beginning of July, my husband (it still feels a little strange to call him that, even after almost a year married) and I completed the purchase on our first house together. I can’t quite believe it, that we found a house that we fell in love with and were able to get within only a couple of months of putting our offer in - we are so delighted! It needs some TLC before we can move in, but it is a lot of fun to have a big project to be working on together outside of our careers. To be completely honest though, I rather hope it’s the last house I ever buy! As exciting as everything was with the prospect of our own space, towards the end of it all, solicitors, estate agents, vendors, and countless forms really started to take their toll on my sanity. Of course, as soon as we opened the door with our own keys that first night, the feeling of accomplishment was all worth it, but one I am happy not to repeat. I am by no means qualified to offer advice on buying a house, but if I could pass three things on to first time buyers that I wish I knew myself, they would be: do not let the estate agent know how much you have to spend on a house, only allude to a vague sum; if you like (love) a house, try not to show the vendor or estate agent how much you want this house and ask someone you know to recommend a conveyancer to you.

Since then, I headed up to Newcastle in early August to attend three, yes THREE, weddings in the space of three days! Admittedly, they were for the same couple, and incorporated the three cultures they and their families share. First, we had a Hindu ceremony

on a Thursday which included a lot of food, drink, dancing, and breath-taking clothes and ceremonies.

Following this on the Saturday, the morning was taken up with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and lion dance, with the afternoon devoted to an English civil ceremony, wedding breakfast, and reception. I was honoured to be one of the bridesmaids in the party, and seeing my best friend marry her now-husband was such a magical, wonderful way to spend a weekend, and so much fun to have three outfits myself (the bride had six in all). Weddings are really one of the most wonderful events I think you can attend, and it all made me long to repeat my own from last year - how soon after a wedding can you excuse a weddingvow-renewal-party?

Before you worry that I got no crafting done in this time, as I know you are, the nerdier crafters out there will be pleased to know that I did finally finish crocheting a blanket in the shape of a Star Wars X-Wing fighter. Because what else would a working woman in her late twenties want more in her new home? jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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The Man Who Saved Manchester United Residents of Poynton who have lived in the village for over 30 years may remember an affable, portly figure who used to be seen out shopping along Park Lane with his wife – a man who was unarguably one of the most important figures in the history of Manchester United. I am of course referring to the late great Jimmy Murphy.

Murphy is the man who is credited more than anyone else for keeping the red flag flying high over Old Trafford following the Munich air disaster in 1958.

A twist of fate meant that Murphy wasn’t aboard the Airspeed Ambassador aircraft that tragically lost control on the snow-covered runway on that biting cold February afternoon 61 years ago. As well as being Matt Busby’s assistant, Murphy was also the head coach of the Welsh national team at the time, and this role meant that he missed United’s trip to Belgrade for their European Cup quarter-final against the famous Red Star outfit, as he was overseeing an important World Cup qualifying play-off against Israel in Cardiff, played on the same evening as United’s 3-3 draw in Yugoslavia (a result that saw the Reds qualify for that season’s Champions Cup semi-finals).

After the horrendous crash at Munich’s Riem airport, in which United ultimately lost eight of their celebrated Busby Babes, there was some speculation that the club may have to fold, so decimated were the club’s coaching and playing resources (along with the eight

players who lost their lives, two other first-teamers never played again). But Murphy stepped in and took over temporarily while Busby recovered from his injuries and, having assembled a substitute team, managed to steer United to the 1958 FA Cup Final, where they lost out heartbreakingly to Bolton Wanderers.

Barely a month later, Murphy headed off to Sweden to manage Wales at the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals. The Welsh dragons, with proud Welshman Murphy at the helm and with fire in his belly, managed to reach the quarter-finals where they lost out to eventual winners Brazil, whose goal was scored by a scrawny 17-year-old called Pelé (I wonder whatever happened to him?)

Despite being approached to manage Arsenal, Juventus of Turin and even Brazil, Murphy remained as assistant manager at United until 1971. Murphy, a humble man devoted to his family (Murphy and his wife had six children), chose not to go into club management.

From 1973 Murphy did scouting work for United, most notably during the managerial role of Tommy Docherty, whom he urged to sign two young wingers, Steve Coppell and Gordon Hill, from Tranmere Rovers and Millwall respectively. Both players went on to play for England.

Even in retirement, Murphy was to play a role in Manchester United’s re-emergence as one of the most successful football clubs in the country.

Continued over

by Stuart Bolton

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Indeed, the house where Murphy and his family lived in Brookfield Avenue, was to be the place where one of the most important meetings in the history of the club took place.

Soon after becoming United’s manager in 1986, Alex Ferguson visited Murphy at his home, and it was there that he was given what he considered to be one of the best pieces of advice ever to come his way. The new boss wanted to know how to revive a great but ailing club and he had the good sense to visit the man who had played such a key role in helping to rebuild United after the tragedy in Munich.

Years later, Murphy’s son Jimmy Jnr recalled, ‘Alex went to see Dad and I know they talked about the importance of youth football and finding good young players and developing them.’ Ferguson concurred in 2011, ‘It’s quite true. Jimmy Murphy was still scouting for the club, I went and had lunch with him, and he expressed this great desire to see youth coming back into the club. He was a very emotional man, a great servant to the club, and I would have liked to have listened to him more over the years.’

The rest, as they say, is history. Ferguson went on to revive the club’s fortunes for a 20-year period of sustained success, with players such Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham coming through the ranks and playing key roles in United’s return to the pinnacle of European football.

James Patrick Murphy, who died at the age of 79 in November 1989, is buried at St George’s Churchyard with his beloved wife Winifred Ellen (who passed away nine years later). As a tribute, Manchester United commissioned the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award to be given to the club’s outstanding young player from the previous season. The first winner of the trophy was Lee Martin, who happened to score the winning goal in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay – Alex Ferguson’s first trophy (of many) at the club.

On 23 March 2009, a blue plaque was unveiled at Murphy’s former family home on Treharne Street, Pentre in Wales. This fact leads us to wonder why Murphy’s old house on Brookfield Avenue hasn’t got its own heritage plaque, in honour of the man who must surely rate as the village’s most famous adopted son. I like to think the people of Poynton will be happy to lend their support to the idea.

in touch your local community noticeboard

october - november 2019

FORMER OLYMPIC CANOEIST JOINS GREENBANK Greenbank Preparatory School has appointed former Olympic flat-water canoeist Malcolm Johnson as its new Headteacher. Malcolm takes over from Janet Lowe, who in her 12 years at the independent co-educational primary school on Heathbank Road in Cheadle Hulme, has helped Greenbank win a series of national awards for academic success, ecology, parental engagement and value for money, with the school roll rising year on year.

Malcolm isn’t moving far, coming from Cheadle Hulme Junior School where he has been Deputy Head since 2015, where as well as teaching across the full curriculum to all age groups he had responsibility for budgets, marketing and parent relations.

His calling as a world class flat water canoeist saw him take a three-year career break from 2001 to 2004, competing for team GB in the European and World Championships, as well as being a member of the wider squad for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Having worked in two of Cheshire’s largest independent schools, he is now relishing the opportunity to work in a smaller more familial environment on which Greenbank has forged its reputation since opening in 1951.

Chair of Greenbank Trustees Philip Enstone said: “Replacing Janet, who has been a truly outstanding Head, was never going to be an easy task and after an exhaustive recruitment process with some outstanding applicants drawn from the length and breadth of the country, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Malcolm who was working virtually within a stone’s throw.

Philip added: “We have many exciting plans to continue our ground-breaking traditions and we know Malcolm is the person to lead that vision during the next part of our journey.”

EVERY MONDAY AFTERNOON An Art and Craft group meets at Bramhall Methodist Church every Monday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. The Art group has been established for several years but is always ready and willing to welcome newcomers. If you want to give your artistic hand a try why not come along? Materials can be provided.

On the other hand, the Crafters have only been meeting a few months - you can bring the craft you do to work on amongst other similar-minded folk. This September we are, however, learning how to make jewellery again all materials will be provided, although if you have a small pair of pliers these might help. The jewellery made will be sold In November with proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion. We would be happy to welcome you.

Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

THE SHOW MUST GO ON AT THTE BROOKDALE CLUB! At the end of July, the Brookdale Club and Theatre was flooded for the second time in three years. Following the initial shock and cries of ‘not again’ many willing volunteers donned their wellington boots and set about clearing up the extensive mess. Drains were cleaned, walls and skirting boards were washed, costumes covered in thick mud were taken away by more volunteers to wash and dry. Many local washing lines contained everything from nun’s outfits to ball gowns! De-humidifiers arrived the next day and the task to remove the unwanted soiled water had begun. During the weeks that followed, many volunteers worked alongside the professionals, to restore the club back to its former glory. Within five days the Upper rooms were in use and club sections were able to meet. Rehearsals for the next play never stopped and we are proud to reassure the public that “the show will go on”.

The next play “Strangers on a Train” by Craig Warner will be performed as planned from Wednesday 2 October until Saturday 5 October, so do not miss this psychological thriller, followed by the Youth theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” which runs from Monday 8 November until Saturday 23 November.

Come and support the Club that will not let a second flood stop them! Phone the box office 0161 302 2302 for your tickets.

INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY? Are you interested in the countryside, flowers, birds, butterflies, mammals, amphibians or any aspect of natural history? If the answer is yes, then Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society is for you.

Come and join a friendly group of enthusiasts who enjoy monthly meetings from September to April. This is a programme of talks by expert speakers covering interesting and varied natural history topics of both national and international relevance. Throughout spring and summer there is also a programme of excursions, both local and further afield, to locations providing a good range of specialist and general interest for everyone.

No expert knowledge is needed, so come along and learn, contribute and enjoy the company! For more information please contact Steve Osborne on 01625 879087.

Meetings are monthly on Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

St George’s Singers sing for St Ann’s Hospice St George’s Singers completed their 2018-19 season by joining forces with Chetham’s School of Music in their triumphant performance of Mahler’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ at The Bridgewater Hall. It certainly was a night to remember and to see the whole audience of two thousand (including Prince Edward) rise to their feet at the end was almost overwhelming.

The choir are very honoured to have been invited by the European Doctors Orchestra to return to the Bridgewater Hall on 20 October to perform in their “Concert Celebrating the Human Spirit” with a programme of uplifting and life-affirming music from Copland. Brahms and Shostakovitch. This wonderful orchestra, as the name suggests, is made up of doctors from across Europe who get together a few times each year to present a concert in support of a local medical charity. They have given concerts in Berlin, Budapest, Verona, Rotterdam, Oslo, Bern, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Belfast, Edinburgh and London. This time it is the turn of the UK and Manchester to host the concert and the chosen charity is St Ann’s Hospice. Tickets are available from the Bridgewater Hall box office. Later in the autumn the Choir will present two concerts; Mozart Requiem on 23 November at the Royal Northern College of Music, and their traditional family Christmas celebration on 7 December at St George’s Church, Stockport.

Tickets for these concerts can be obtained from the Ticket Secretary on 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

St George’s Christmas Tree Festival 2019 This year, St George’s Church in Heaviley, Stockport hosts its 13th Christmas Tree Festival. The event seems to go from strength to strength each year, becoming more and more popular. It always takes place just before the festival of Advent and many people feel it heralds the start of the Christmas season for them and their families.

There are usually over 80 trees on display and the atmosphere with all the illuminated trees in the majestic listed heritage church is truly memorable - well worth a visit.

This year’s event will take place on the following dates and times: Wednesday 27 November 12-6pm Thursday 28 November 12-7pm Friday 29 November 12-8pm Saturday 30 November 10am-6pm Sunday 1 December 12-4pm Refreshments are served at the event for a small charge and there are some free craft activities to interest children. Father Christmas always welcomes young visitors on Saturday afternoon for a small charge to cover the cost of a little gift. There is an entrance charge of £2.50 for everyone 16 and over. Location: St George’s Church, Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU. (Junction of Buxton Road and Bramhall Lane.)

For further information please contact: hazel.jenkins@stgeorgestockport.org.uk

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quick crossword Across 1 Ripped (4) 4 Commenced, began (8) 8 The ______ Night, painting by Van Gogh (6) 9 Gifted, high intellect (6) 10 Type of bean (4) 11 Worn to shreds (8) 13 Autonomously (13) 16 Breaking out (8) 19 Exhaust, drain (4) 20 Decline (6) 22 Inception, genesis (6) 23 Mimics (8) 24 Lady ____, singer and actor (4)

down 2 Expenses (9) 3 Commentate (7) 4 Home of the Pyramids (5) 5 Small-minded, prejudiced (7) 6 Wash out in clear water (5) 7 Flightless bird (3) 12 Making bigger (9) 14 Obvious (7) 15 Zero (7) 17 Grown-up (5) 18 Paint with a shiny finish (5) 21 Type of deciduous tree (3)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 52 21

tomato chutney

If you’re new to making chutney, try this simple recipe.

Preparation time: 40 to 50 mins Cooking time: 50 mins Makes about 1.5 litres / 2¾ pints

Ingredients ■■ 1kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped ■■ 750g cooking apple, peeled, cored and chopped ■■ 375g light muscovado sugar ■■ 250g onion, finely chopped ■■ 250g raisins ■■ 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped ■■ 2 tsp salt ■■ ½ tsp ground ginger ■■ 350ml cider vinegar

Fill the jars not quite to the top, leave a 1/2cm gap at the top between the preserve and the lid.

While everything is still hot, cover the jars with their lids or top with wax paper and a piece of cellophane secured tightly with an elastic band.

Method

Your chutney should keep for about 6 months in a cool, dark place, though different recipes vary slightly.

1. Place all the ingredients into a large pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

How to sterilise jars

2. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Simmer the mixture gently, uncovered, for about 45-50 mins or until everything is tender and thickened.

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The trick to jams and chutneys is that the jars and the chutney (or jam) should be hot. Ladle the hot preserve into a heatproof jug to make it easier to transfer the mixture into the hot jars. Be very careful not to touch or get any of the mixture onto the rim of the jars as this could introduce bacteria.

4. Cool, then transfer the mixture to a sterilised jar and seal.

Wash the jars and the lids in hot soapy water. Rinse but do not dry them. Instead, leave them to stand upside down on a roasting tray with a raised wire stand (to allow air to circulate) while they’re still wet.

Place the tray of clean, wet jars and lids into a preheated oven at 160-180ºC for about 15 mins.

Prairie Planting As the days shorten with the turn to Autumn and the sunlight mellows and softens, I love the effect of flowering perennials, those gone to seed and the swish of ornamental grasses in a prairie style garden.

Prairie gardens are a fairly recent trend in garden design, using perennials and grasses that might be found in the US east of the Rockies. The trend has since developed to embrace a wider range of plants and soil conditions whilst retaining the naturalistic look.

the dead stems in winter. However, unless your ground is completely weed free before planting there will be some perennial weeds to tackle each spring. Also, in a smaller garden, plants will outgrow their space and need to be curtailed in autumn or spring (late flowering types are generally only divided in spring).

Whilst naturalistic plantings are often seen in large gardens, they can be easily adapted to smaller gardens by converting the large drifts or blocks to ribbons of the same plant meandering through small clumps of others.

In this article I’ll take a look at a few of my favourite naturalistic gardens and next month I’ll go through some of my favourite plants for this type of planting.

I first saw this style of planting a decade or so ago in a large, privately owned garden open for charity. A large bank was planted in drifts of Helenium, Achillea (Yarrow) and Cirsium (River thistle) with ribbons of Continued over

The idea is to plant closely in irregularly shaped blocks of the same plant and to encourage these to intermingle with neighbouring plants over time. The result looks natural, smothers weeds and close planting also reduces the need for staking, as plants are held upright by their neighbours.

Plants will need to be fairly tough and able to compete with their neighbours – there’s no place for shrinking violets!

The end result should be a low maintenance garden where all that is needed is to cut down and clear away

by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

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Molinia (moor grass) and clumps of Salvia between.

The Heleniums and Cirsiums made ideal partners liking moist soils and likewise Achillea and Salvia in a drier spot. The moor grass grew happily in either!

The star of Trentham Gardens in Stoke on Trent is the prairie garden designed and planted by Piet Ouldof, one of the originators of the style and always at the cutting edge. When we visited in 2008 the planting had just been completed and had yet to knit together. When we returned a few years later, the borders had matured and large drifts of Persicaria, Veronicastrum, Phlox and Achillea filled the beds and borders and buzzed with insects.

Prairie plantings are quick to mature – you don’t have to be too patient – as we saw at Abbeywood Gardens in Cheshire. The interlocking teardrop-shaped beds were planted in 2014 and 2015 and within a year looked full and mature. Here traditional prairie plants like Echinacea (coneflower) and Molinia sit perfectly beside African Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers) and Agapanthus (African Lily) and European Sedums.

At Dove Cottage in Yorkshire, this more eclectic mix of plants works perfectly on a smaller scale and on

north-facing Yorkshire clay. Here the prairie style is adapted to include meadow plants like the Himalayan Wallich’s Parsley and the cottage garden favourite Astrantia, all looking totally at home with Coneflowers, perennial Sunflower and Bergamots.

Next issue I’ll take a look at some of the best plants for a naturalistic or prairie garden.

Janet and I run Special Perennials - our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. Plant Hunters’ Fairs have the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs with 41 events between March and September, including events at Bramall Hall, Stockport; Adlington Hall, Macclesfield; Carsington Water, Ashbourne; the Dorothy Clive Garden, Nr Market Drayton; Cholmondeley Castle and new event for 2020 Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for the full 2020 calendar of dates and venues.

Ridgegate Reservoir via Tegg’s Nose and Langley Walk description: A circular walk from Ridgegate Reservoir on the edge of Macclesfield Forest, with a gradual ascent up to the car park serving the popular Tegg’s Nose Tea Room. From there the route follows the Gritstone Trail across fields, before crossing Buxton New Road and heading down to Langley village via generally quiet lanes, skirting around Bottoms Reservoir and back to Ridgegate.

Distance: 6.25 miles, 10kms. Walking time: 2 to 3 hours.

Map: OS Explorer 268, South Sheet.

Start/Parking: On-road parking on Clarke Lane, overlooking Ridgegate Reservoir, beyond the Leather’s Smithy pub (SK11 0NE, Grid Reference SJ949714) Refreshments nearby: Leather’s Smithy pub (T. 01260 252313) and Tegg’s Nose Tea Room (M. 07854 566895).

Walk back along Clarke Lane and cross over the Ridgegate Reservoir dam by the stony track on the left, immediately opposite the Leather’s Smithy pub.

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At the end of the dam leave the track, cross the grass verge half right and look for a narrow path on the right. Follow this between trees to the left and a low stone wall to the right. This leads to a fairly steep path with steps down. At the bottom pass through a small wooden gate and cross the stream. At the top of the small slope go right through a second wooden gate.

Go half right on a narrow grassy path then right onto a partly grassed lane, picking up the familiar ‘footprint’ waymarks for the Gritstone Trail. Cross over two cattle grids and continue up the lane to reach the junction with Clarke Lane. Cross over and follow that road to the left, walking along a narrow pavement, with Bottoms Reservoir on the right. Turn right off the road at the Gritstone Trail fingerpost and follow the path to the left, around the reservoir and then over the dam wall to reach steps up to a lane.

Ignore signs for the Gritstone Trail. Instead turn right, keeping Tegg’s Nose Reservoir on the left, and pass a sign “Public Bridleway Only”. Follow this track, eventually crossing over a stream via stepping-stones, then walk up some wide steps straight ahead. The path continues uphill, going through a large wooden gate, with farm buildings down to the right. Shortly, at the

The Walk

crossroads, go left up a tarmac lane, and continue uphill to the fingerpost marked ‘Saddlers Way’ and follow that part-cobbled track uphill. Look back to enjoy views of Shutlingsloe and Macclesfield Forest.

The path continues steeply through a wooden gate and becomes rocky for a short section before reaching the top, the car park serving the Tegg’s Nose Information Centre and Tea Room. An ideal place for a breather!

Take the main vehicle exit from the Tea Room and turn right onto Buxton Old Road. After 100 yards turn left opposite Windyway House and go immediately over a stone stile on the right, picking up waymarks again for the Gritstone Trail. Cross the field diagonally left, and pass through three metal gates, with views at the top of Macclesfield town, with Manchester Airport and Manchester in the distance. Continue across the fields, through a kissing gate, and then after 60 yards over a rickety wooden stile. Follow the trail to the right, with views down to the right of two yellow road signs on the Buxton New Road. After 200 yards,

leave the Gritstone Trail and turn sharp left through a small wooden gate, taking a path that winds through a mainly conifer woodland, keeping to the right. At the end this joins a wider path that leads down to a metal gate, with a wooden gate at the side. Go through this and straight on to reach the busy Buxton New Road.

Take care crossing this, and go straight over into Cliff Lane, with views on the right towards Manchester. Take the first left off Cliff Lane, walking uphill for a short while, then pass Clough House on the right - this dates from 1697. On reaching Buxton New Road again, cross straight over onto Back Eddisbury Road, taking care of traffic on the bend.

Follow that road uphill for around half a mile, passing first Eddisbury House Farm and then Bonny Catty Farm on the right, before reaching Buxton Old Road. Turn left here and then immediate right uphill on Broadcar Road.

At the top Croker Hill and the BT communications mast come into view. After Broadcar Farm, the road name changes to Coalpit Lane. Go downhill, keeping left of the drive to Pyegreave Farm on the right. Continue downhill under the canopy of trees then uphill following the road round to the right, shortly reaching a T junction at Langley. Turn left here and with Langley Methodist Church opposite, follow the road round to the left, signposted “Macclesfield Forest”. Continue along Main Road, then Clarke Lane through Langley village, reaching Bottoms Reservoir on your left. At the end of the reservoir take the lane off to the right, bearing the Gritstone Trail waymark, (retracing the route taken at the outset of the walk) and cross two cattle grids. Take the narrow footpath half left over the grass, through a small wooden gate and down to a stream. Pass through a second wooden gate and follow some steep steps up through the trees. At the top of the path go straight on, crossing the Ridgegate Reservoir dam, and back to the Leather’s Smithy and the on-road parking.

Poynton Rambling Club organises and leads walks during the day on Sundays and Wednesdays, with evening walks during the summer months, as well as social events. 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

By Stephen Hyslop

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Inside people Mark Whittaker was born in January 1958 in Stafford. His family moved when he was four to Essex where he attended school in Rainham. A keen swimmer, by age eleven he could swim five miles. At High School in Barking he was a friend of Billy Bragg and is proud to be mentioned in his autobiography.

Leaving school in 1974, Mark began a five-year apprenticeship, the last two years of which were spent as a field engineer in Hartlepool where he met Gill, his wife of 40 years. From then until retirement in 2013, Mark worked as a Planning Engineer at home and abroad, relocating to Marple in 1989.

In 1998 he founded the Marple Website, www.marple-uk.com which aims to provide information about the locality and to interact with the local community. It includes pictures and information on local canals, railways, walks, historic sites, a Community Directory and details of many community projects. As he began the site when he was still working, and keeping it updated is almost a full-time job, Mark had to work on it most evenings and early mornings.

Acting as webmaster for the site made Mark aware of the wide range of activity in the local community and he became personally involved in many of the initiatives.

He was actively involved in the campaign to resist the building of a supermarket and in the project to restore the historic 1813 Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park.

Since 2006 the website has generated an income that has allowed the donation of an average of £1,000 a year to local activities and charities. This year Mark will invest a further £1,000 in the Wharf Marple Community Project.

by Ed Blundell

Mark and Gill are key members of the Friends of Marple Memorial Park www.marplememorialpark.org.uk, a volunteer community group established in 2003 to make the park a better place for everyone in the local area. As well as maintaining the flower and shrub beds, the group also undertakes large and small projects to improve the park which involves fund raising, grant applications and close liaison with Stockport Council. The group has successfully developed a number of projects such as the WWI timeline, installing new swings, creating a French boules court, a major refurbishment of the infant play area and, between 2011 and 2017, a huge project to upgrade and extend skatepark facilities.

This £111,750 initiative was completed and opened on Easter Monday 2017 and they are now working on phase II, to improve the top section and refurbish the dilapidated basketball court. The group has been extremely successful in raising funds and the total money raised since it began is now £119,000, with a further £280,000 being gained from grants and matched funding.

Mark’s other interests, when he has time, are photography, walking and cycling with wife Gill. They are also keen canoeists and since his retirement have purchased a campervan in which they travel frequently, having made 18 trips already this year including Northumberland, York, Newcastle, Devon and the Malvern Hills.

An engineer by training, Mark dislikes any lack of planning. He confesses that when he is involved in a project, he cannot rest until a clear plan has been formulated. Because of his involvement in the park he also detests vandalism, dog mess, graffiti and litter.

Mark’s favourite music is the Eagles and Bruce Springstein and his chosen food is steak or a decent ploughman’s, washed down with real ale.

If he hadn’t been an engineer, he would like to have been a musician but sadly has no musical talent whatsoever.

Last word from Mark: Community spirit is very important, and I would urge everyone to get involved in their community in a practical way. It can be very rewarding. There are parks with Friends groups all across Stockport that need more support, so please find out how you can help your park too.

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Winter breaks

I must admit, when it comes to winter holidays I always think ‘where can I go to get some sun?’ But it’s good to remind yourself that there are actual winter destinations to enjoy too, of course, not too far away. It’s also hard for me to think ‘winter’ whilst sitting on the roof terrace in Ibiza on a beautiful, sunny September evening (just had to get that in there) but I have to admit I can see the charm in getting wrapped up in a smart winter coat and gloves and walking through the pretty Prague Christmas markets, or the thrill of whizzing down the slopes in one of Europe’s brilliant ski resorts. Equally you could go and experience something completely different, the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights or be part of your own real-life Christmas movie in New York City!

Winter is coming, that’s the truth so let’s embrace it and discover somewhere new:

CHRISTMAS MARKETS The popularity of Christmas markets in Europe has exploded in recent years and let’s face it, we all love a mug of mulled wine and a tasty Bratwurst. We’re spoiled for choice really with beautiful markets to visit in pretty cities like Munich, Vienna and Prague.

The Munich market has over 160 stalls and the Vienna market is great for families offering cookie and candle making workshops.

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Prague is the ultimate winter wonderland city.

Not only can you enjoy the markets, but you can visit Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world and one of the prettiest. There’s no shortage of things to do here; there are several beer tours you could sign up for or, if you’re keen to escape the cold, visit a few of Prague’s 280 museums!

ICELAND A land of myth and legends, Iceland offers a different holiday experience. Iceland’s location, at the top of the world makes it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. You can book on various tours where locals will take you away from the city lights in search of the incredible display. You can also choose to stay in a hotel where they sound a siren (even in the middle of the night) should the lights appear.

In addition to this, Iceland has loads to offer; thermal springs, volcanoes, evocative black beaches and did you know, 11% of the country is covered in glaciers?

At Not Just Travel, we can help you organise self-drive tours, tailored to your request and we also work with excellent suppliers who do escorted tours if you’d rather have the ease and peace of mind of a guide.

NEW YORK There’s massive appeal to visiting New York in the run up to Christmas but don’t forget you’ll get some fantastic prices if you choose to go in January or February. Not only will flights and hotel rates be lower, but you can seriously indulge your shopping habits in the January sales. Also, as it is seriously cold, (full disclosure) it’s less crowded, so that means fewer people in the museums, theatres and restaurants. Also, lots of the restaurants drop their prices and offer set menus at reduced rates towards the end of January and you can get some great prices for the Broadway shows.

Also, in January you can enjoy Chinese New Year which is a massive event in New York and there’s always the wonderful ice-rink in Central Park and at the Rockefeller Centre.

I love beach holidays and sunshine, but I realise there are lots of wonderful, interesting, ‘cold’ places to visit too. We are lucky in the UK to have so much rich culture and diversity only a few hours away. Of course, at Not Just Travel, we do winter sun too like Mexico, Thailand, Tenerife so wherever you want to go, please get in touch.

All holidays are important to me and I would love to help with your next trip.

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

real life motoring

suzuki swift: made to love

Styling wise there is no doubt as to Suzuki’s true intentions behind the Sport with aggressive and unique styling touches making themselves known across nearly every one of the Swift’s panels. Exclusive design details give the all-new Swift Sport a far more distinctive style over the rest of the range and help it to stand out from the increasingly generic crowd. The Swift’s striking front grille and bumper, impressive 17” alloy wheels and carbon effect aerodynamic under spoilers deliver what Suzuki say is, ‘the ultimate style statement’ and create a first impression that lingers long in the memory. And that’s before you take into account the bright Champion Yellow paintwork and dual exhaust pipes.

Step inside the Sport and the sporting (ahem) theme continues with distinctive red accents throughout and supportive sport seats that conspire to hold you securely in place when the drive demands it and yet offer comfort aplenty for a trip down to the shops or further afield. The 3-spoke leather covered steering wheel feels great and combines well with the fully adjustable seats to give you a real connection to the Swift. A connection that improves every time you go out for a drive in the Suzuki. There’s even room in the back for three adults.

You have all the technology you’d expect from a modern hot hatch and more, there’s Suzuki easy to use and clear satellite navigation system, a useful rear parking camera and adaptive cruise control.

For additional ease of use, the Swift includes an excellent keyless entry/start system which helps to create a sporting feel the moment you press the button to awaken the Sport’s 138bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. To keep you and your passengers entertained there’s also a DAB digital radio and smartphone linkage display which allows you to take control of the entertainment as you drive.

Useful and impressive tech is everywhere, and it all works without taking away from the Swift’s raison d’être, that of going very fast and being lots of fun.

But what you’re really interested in is the drive, this is after all a hot hatch. It needs to offer the young and excitable the promise of excitement and practicality that the Swift Sport has always been well known for. The 1.4 Boosterjet turbocharged engine under the bonnet arrives with 4 cylinders and 1373cc delivering an exciting and impressive 138bhp @5500rpm, a figure that combines extremely well with the Swift’s kerb weight, including all options, of just 975kg.

Continued over

by Martin Hall

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Peak power arriving at 5500rpm and 170 lb/ft torque produced between 2500-3500rpm means that this is a car in which to make excellent progress along the highways and byways. Indeed, in just such an experiment the B6451 Farnley Lane, a MotorMartin favourite with corners and elevation changes aplenty, was dispatched by the Suzuki quite effortlessly, the engine remaining in just second and third gear whilst using all the revs available. And in this manner, you get a real sense of what the Swift Sport is truly capable of whilst keeping the speeds appropriate for the road and conditions.

This is a car that will cut it in the real world as well as demolishing your favourite ribbon of tarmac. Shopping, the school run, and daily commute are all completed comfortably and economically with the Swift achieving up to 50.4mpg when driven sensibly and with a light right foot whilst there’s also a decent boot. Best of both worlds and then some.

The price? The Swift Sport starts at £17,499 and I want one. Where will you go?

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

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Children’s Activities

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

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

Tuesday Active Angels 10-11.30am - Term time only Free play and songs including puppets and musical instruments and parachute fun also. Healthy snacks and refreshments for children and hot and cold beverages for adults. St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Karina: 07969633654 or Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

Wednesday BMC Baby Chat 10.00-11.15am Term-time only. Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

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

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

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

saturday Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Bramhall Methodist Church.

A play session for dads, grandads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. Messy play, games, a room full of toys, followed by bacon butties, tea and coffee for dads, and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details and dates please contact Richard@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

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

See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

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

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

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

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

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

inside guide

october - november 2019

selected events in your area

Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October

Thursday 3 October

Poynton Gilbert & Sullivan Society are presenting their fully costumed annual stage performance, which this year is ‘The Sorcerer’ Tickets £12 for adults and £7 for 16 and under, and are available at Mates DIY shop on Park Lane, The Civic Hall or by telephone (01625 876 394) & e-mail tickets@poyntongands.co.uk. They are also available on the door each evening.

Poynton Civic Hall (off Park Lane, behind Waitrose), SK12 1RB 7.30pm

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

Wednesday 2 October ‘Coffee and Conversation’ at Simply Books Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few good reads! Price: £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!) (Coffee and Conversation usually takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 11am so we’ll be meeting again on 6 November) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Wednesday 2 October 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 cake, lots of friendly chatter and the opportunity to learn from each other.

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

Also meeting on 16 & 30 October Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 October Strangers on a train - a psychological thriller 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre, Bramhall. Curtain up 7.45pm

Tuesday 3 October Simply Books presents… best-selling crime writer Elly Griffiths, creator of the Dr Ruth Galloway series and a string of other hugely successful crime novels. Tickets £10 (admission only) or £20 (includes a signed copy of Elly’s new book) To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7pm

Friday 4 October Café y Conversacion.

A conversation group for anyone interested in improving their Spanish!!Join us for informal Spanish conversation over coffee and cake with local Spanish teacher Liz Wilson. £5 (includes refreshments) (Cafe y Conversacion meets at 11am on the first Friday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Saturday 5 October Bramhall Photographic Society Return of our Annual Exhibition showcasing the very best of colour and monochrome prints and digital images, from our club members. For more information see our website bramhallphoto.weebly.com Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane, Bramhall

Saturday 5 October Bramhall Village Worker Bee Market Popping up in the heart of Bramhall Village, come and support local, talented artisan makers and traders, showcasing fresh produce, street food, crafts, art, gifts, jewellery and a bar. Family fun, face-painting (for Cancer Research) and live music from BBC radio presenter Claire Mooney.

Bramhall Village Square, SK7 1AW 10am to 3pm

Tuesday 8 October East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – AGM with Deborah Maxwell, National Trust as Guest Speaker Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm Continued over

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Wednesday 9 October

Saturday 12 October

The Arts Society North East Cheshire This lecture by Dr Susan Whitfield will tell the story of the diffusion of cultivated silk from China across Afro-Eurasia, discussing examples of silks surviving from this period and how we can identify their origins from their weaves and designs. Potential new members are welcome. 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

Stockport Symphony Orchestra invite you to the first concert of the season Arnold: Peterloo Overture. Brahms: Double Concerto, soloists Charles Mutter violin, Nicholas Holland cello. Prokofiev: Symphony no 5. Conductor Rob Guy More information at 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 9 October Simply Books presents Joanna Cannon, author of the bestselling ‘The Trouble With Goats and Sheep’ talking about her powerful new memoir Breaking & Mending - the heartfelt and heart-rending story of her life as a junior doctor. Tickets: £10 Venue: To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 10 October Link Women’s Fellowship begin their New Year learning about the Rowley Project when Angela and Steve Rowley come and speak to our group. All ladies are welcome to come and join us for a companionable afternoon with tea and biscuits following the speakers’ talk. All for only £2. Why not give us a try?

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Friday 11 October Poynton Male Voice Choir and The Gallery Choir, Stockport in concert Tickets, including refreshments, £8 adults, £5 children/ students (on door or phone 0161 456 4266) Trinity Methodist Church, Massie Street, Cheadle 7.30pm

Saturday 12 October Sing! The Robins Singers Autumn Concert We will be joined by some of the members of Pitch Perfect, this year’s BBC Songs of Praise Junior Choir of the Year.

Tickets from £10 and further details may be obtained from sec.robins.singers@gmail.com Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Saturday 12 October Ladybrook Singers Autumn Concert with young guest soloists Tickets - £8 Adults, £3 Children. Refreshments available Ticket enquiries 0161 485 6642 www.ladybrooksingers.co.uk Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

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Monday 14 October East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society meets with speaker Frazer Henderson whose title is: It’s not all sand-the mountain flora of Yemen We have a book stall, plant quiz, plant raffle and plants for sale.

Tea and coffee is served in the interval. £4 admission for visitors. A warm welcome awaits.

For more information contact Bob Worsley 07808 974753 Wilmslow Preparatory School, Grove Avenue SK9 5EG 7.30pm prompt

Thursday 17 October Open Whist Drive Admission £2 including refreshments. Just turn up and enjoy the evening.

Brookdale Club and Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall SK7 3AB. 7pm

Friday 18 October Simply Books presents… Dame Jacqueline Wilson We are delighted and honoured to welcome one of Britain’s most beloved of children’s authors to Simply Books! Jacqueline does very few signings and this is a ticket-only event. Book now and don’t miss out! Tickets: £13 (includes a signed copy of Jacqueline’s new book We are the Beaker Girls) To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 4pm

Fri 18 October to Sat 19 October Studio 2 Halloween Showcase Join the Studio 2 and Musical Theatre members from NK Theatre Arts for a spooktacular evening of Halloween themed dance and singing! With cabaret tables and open bar, join us for a scary evening at The Forum Theatre.

Ticket Prices: £10/£8. 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm Continued over

Friday 18 October

Saturday 26 October

Stockport Historical Society “The heretic Pharaoh” by Gordon Longworth 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

Cheshire Chorale and Cheshire Sinfonia – Beautiful music in Bramhall Berlioz: Overture Les Francs Juges Op.3 Chabrier: A la Musique Poulenc: Gloria Fauré: Requiem Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (students) Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Sunday 20 October St George’s Singers and the European Doctors Orchestra Concert Celebrating the Human Spirit with a programme of uplifting and life-affirming music from Copland, Brahms and Shostakovitch. In support of St Ann’s Hospice.

Tickets are available for the Bridgewater Hall box office.

Thursday 24 October Link Women’s Fellowship Annual General Meeting chaired by our minister Rev. Philip Berry. The meeting shouldn’t take too long and will be followed by words of wisdom from Philip.

A lovely afternoon chatting with old friends and new over a cup of tea. You will be most welcome.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30 pm

Thursday 24 October Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Shetland illustrated talk by David Tolliday. Visitors very welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Saturday 26 October Gifts, Crafts & Fashion Fair by “Mélange Markets” All enquiries to 07759883391 email: angela@ pinkparrotonline.co.uk or fb.me/melangemarkets United Reformed Church Hall, Robins Lane, Bramhall SK7 2EF 11am to 4pm

Sat 26 October Fright Night at The Forum. With live band and open bar, join us for the Ultimate Halloween Party!

This is the perfect night out for friends or work colleagues looking for a place to party this Halloween! It’s a Halloween Party that is sure to fright, so put on your best fancy dress and prepare for a spooky night. Come dance to Thriller and the Monster Mash.

Crawl on over to our Halloween bash. Ghosts and witches and monsters too. They’re all invited and so are you! Please note this show is not suitable for children. Tickets £10 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 8pm doors open at 7pm

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 October Model Railway exhibition The Hazel Grove and District Model Railway Society exhibition, with 20 layouts and demonstration stands. Free parking at the school. A courtesy bus is available from Hazel Grove Station.

For more details see www.hgdmrs.org.uk Hazel Grove Sports centre/High School, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm

Monday 28 October PAAS (Prestbury Art Appreciation Society) is starting its 15th season of lectures with the talk ‘Late Byzantine Icons’ by Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann. Visitors are welcome (£9 includes entry and tea/coffee). To book, or for further info, email artinprestbury@gmail.com or call Caroline Morgan on Tel. 1477571264 The annex of the St. Peter’s Parish Church, Prestbury 10am to 12noon

Tuesday 29 October 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 usually takes place on the last Tuesday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Tuesday 29 October Simply Books presents… an unforgettable evening with Jeremy Dronfield Author of The Boy Who Followed his Father into Auschwitz, the inspiring true story of a father and son’s fight to stay together and survive the Holocaust. Tickets: £10 To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Fords Lane Church, Fords Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Continued over

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Thursday 31 October

Wednesday 13 November

Wilmslow Wells for Africa - Souperday A choice of homemade soup and bread with a hot drink for £4 (children £2). Also, an array of delicious cakes to buy.

All monies raised go to provide clean water, hygiene and sanitation. With the cost per person helped being less than 30p per year, everyone who comes to Souperday will help to transform many lives.

St John’s Church Rooms, Knutsford Road, Wilmslow 11am to 2pm

The Arts Society North East Cheshire This lecture by Dr John Stevens provides an overview of the arts (poetry, theatre, literature, song) and architecture of Calcutta, which was India’s capital until 1911. At the epicentre of the ‘Bengal renaissance’, Calcutta played a central role in shaping the arts and culture of modern India, as a huge variety of artists sought to interpret India’s classical heritage in new ways, and to combine this heritage with Western cultural forms. 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

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 November Woodsmoor Artist Art Exhibition Offering original art by local artists. Free entrance Raffles, refreshments, and a contribution from proceeds to a local charity.

Trinity Methodist Church, 337 Bramhall Lane, Davenport, SK3 8TP Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 1pm to 4pm

Saturday 2 November Charity Christmas Sale Various charities selling their cards and gifts – all proceeds go to their charity. The Link Women’s Fellowship also put on a cake and pantry stall and refreshments are served all morning.

There is a lovely atmosphere as the community in general join us to begin to get organised for this special time of year.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 10am to 12.30pm

Thursday 7 November 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

Saturday 9 November Stockport Symphony Orchestra Bloch: Schelomo soloist Jonathan Aasgard cello, Mahler: Symphony no 5. Conductor Mark Heron.

More info at 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

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Wednesday 13 November 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 cake, lots of friendly chatter and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Also meeting on 27 Nov & 11 December Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Thursday 14 November Link Women’s Fellowship Law can be quite a dismal, daunting topic but I don’t think this will be the case when Sue Holden gives her talk: “Bringing the Law to Life with Laughter.” All ladies will be made most welcome. With a cup of tea and biscuits and time for a chat what more can you want?

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Thursday 14 November Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Cruising in the Wild Side – illustrated talk by Alan Jones. Visitors very welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

Continued over

Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 November

Monday 18 November

Once Upon A Time In Wigan written by Mick Martin.

Wigan Casino from 1973 to 1981 the heart of Northern Soul, unlike anywhere else in the world. Once Upon a Time in Wigan is a celebration of the rise and fall of one of the most unique of musical times, before raves, and club culture, as Eugene, a butcher’s assistant from Bolton and his mate Danny find a reason to live in an otherwise dismal existence.

Contains strong language and adult themes Ticket prices: £11/£10 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm

East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society meets with speakers Bob and Rannveig Wallace who are speaking about the maintenance of a bulb collection.

Tea and coffee is served in the interval. £4 admission for visitors, a warm welcome awaits. For more information contact Bob Worsley 07808 974753 Wilmslow Preparatory School, Grove Avenue SK9 5EG 7.30pm prompt

Friday 15 November Halle Comes To Bramhall Rosa Campos-Fernandez (clarinet) and Roberto Carrillo-Garcia (Double Bass) have both been a vital part of the Hallé over the last decade and a half. In this concert they foreground both their Latin heritage and their skills on many instruments.

Programme includes music by Villalobos and Piazolla.

Tickets available (from mid-October) from Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. £11 and £9 concession Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm

Saturday 16 November St Andrew’s Model Railway Extravaganza Hosted by St Andrew’s Railway Modelers Various gauge layouts, trade support, limited free parking, refreshments, and disabled access. Free Entry (Donation to church) Contact 07736 609462 St Andrew’s Church, Cheadle Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5ET 10am to 3pm

Saturday 16 November Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra concert Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, Bizet L’Arlesienne, Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo theme. Tickets £10 for adults and £1 for under 18s available on the door or in advance from www.aeso.org.uk or on the ticket hotline 01625 581321 Festival Hall Alderley Edge SK9 7HR 7.30pm

Sunday 17 November North Bramhall Christmas Worker Bee Market With perfect gifts, unique Christmas decorations and wreaths, as well as lunch, coffee and fresh produce, this hidden gem of an artisan market will have live music and 40 indoor and outdoor stalls featuring quality, handmade gifts from local artisan crafters and producers. Free on street parking.

3rd Bramhall Scout Hut, Linney Road, SK7 3JW 11am-3pm

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 November Brookdale Youth Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz Join Dorothy down the yellow brick road 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre Bramhall. Curtain up 7.30pm and Saturday Matinee at 2.15pm

Thursday 21 November Bramhall Christian Viewpoint A Concert by Living Waters Ministries, an international group from Lighthouse Christian Centre in Eccles. Their ministry includes singing, life stories and short gospel messages to encourage and inspire people whatever their circumstances.

This promises to be a popular evening, so to book your place please ring Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 (Price £10 ) There is no meal at this event but we will be providing mince pies in the interval.

Deanwater Hotel (Balmoral Suite) Woodford SK7 1RJ 7pm for 7.30pm

Friday 22 November Stockport Historical Society “H G Stephenson in Buxton Road: 150 years of a Local China and Glass Business” by Sue Parkinson-Bailey.

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

Saturday 23 November Cheshire Sinfonia - Beautiful music in Bramhall Schubert: Symphony No 4 in C minor D.417, Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Wind K.297b Mozart: Symphony No. 38 K.504 ‘Prague’ Tickets: £12 (Full) £10 (concessions), £3 (students) Reserved tickets available in advance from 07967 852986 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Saturday 23 November

Thursday 28 November

St George’s Singers - Mozart Requiem Tickets from the Ticket Secretary on 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk Royal Northern College of Music

Link Women’s Fellowship “Tales of the Artful Dodgers” by David Seddon. I thought it was something to do with Oliver Twist but I think I’m wrong so we shall see. All ladies will be welcome to join us.

We’re a friendly lot so you won’t feel out of place. We look forward to meeting up with you.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Saturday 23 November Gifts, Crafts & Fashion Fair by “Mélange Markets” All enquiries to 07759883391 email: angela@pinkparrotonline.co.uk or fb.me/melangemarkets United Reformed Church Hall, Robins Lane, Bramhall SK7 2EF 11am to 4pm

Saturday 23 November Hazel Grove Orchestra Concert Dvorak - Overture ‘In Nature’s Realm’, Sibelius - Karelia Suite, Brahms - Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op.90 Admission £8, under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the concert. Contact details: telephone 0161 449 7347, website: www.hazelgroveorchestra.co.uk, email: hazelgroveorch@gmail.com Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 1 December St George’s Christmas Tree Festival Now in its 13th year. Over 80 trees on display in this majestic heritage church.

St George’s Church, Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU. (Junction of Buxton Road and Bramhall Lane) From 12 noon daily (10am Saturday)

stand out from the crowd

Friday 29 November Simply Cinema presents…DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) The hugely popular upstairs-downstairs drama returns for its big screen bow! It’s 1927 and the Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives – a royal visit.

Tickets £8 To book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@ simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church 7pm

Saturday 30 November Coffee, Cake & Knitting The Knit and Knatter group from Bramhall United Church are hold a coffee morning with homemade cakes and lots of knitted garments in aid of the charity Newlife for disabled and terminally sick children in Cheshire.

Help us to give them a “newlife.” More information from Jean James 0161 439 8241.

United Reformed Church, Bramhall 10am to 12 noon.

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

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

puzzle solutions

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Tuesday 12 November Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

52

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

Police (non-emergency) 0161 317 2702 0161 439 2286 0161 440 9132 0161 439 3103 0161 439 1204 0161 440 0889 0161 439 3989 0161 439 4807

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

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

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

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

0161 483 1010 111

Leisure Centre Bramhall

0161 439 8128

Libraries Bramhall Library Stockport Central Library

0161 217 6009 0161 474 4530

Local Government Stockport MBC Mary Robinson MP

0161 856 9973 0161 856 9770 101

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

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

Schools

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

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

0161 480 4949 0161 672 6855

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

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

Travel Traveline Bus & Train Information National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

0871 200 2233 0345 748 4950 0808 169 7030

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

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

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

Email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

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classified index BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

DRAINAGE 4

BUILDING SERVICES

27

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS 37

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

27

Whitehall Builders

38

Techni-Pave

51

Vernon Building Society

BUILDING SUPPLIES & RENTALS Pure Clean Rental Solutions

46

17 42 20 18

41

33

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club

41

DECORATORS Gary O Reilly Philip Unsworth Spring Decorating Stuart Ennis

52

Inside Back Cover

Brilliant Fires

Adlington Memorial Park

12 36 9 12

6

42

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 45

TAXIS ASAPP Cars

5

36

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES

The Stair Shop 30

46

RETIREMENT PROPERTY

Mounteney Solicitors

ESTATE AGENTS

Brian Sharples & Son Inside Front Cover

CLEANING SERVICES Alice Chilton Cleaning Services

SCZ Electrical Services

23

PLASTERERS

Adlington Retirement Living

FUNERAL SERVICES 13

CHRISTMAS CARDS The Christmas Card Shops

34

FIRES 34

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

Taylor Electrical

Mosley Jarman

13

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

PJ McEvoy

ELECTRICIANS

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

14

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Abney Court Alice Chilton Fernlea Hillbrook Grange

Greenbank Preparatory School

Queensgate Glass

Matt Finish

EDUCATION & TUITION 10

Cheshire Hearing Centres

KITCHENS

JS Services

BUILDING SOCIETIES

54

HEARING SERVICES

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

33

TRAVEL Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant

32

GARAGE DOORS Carrington Doors

27

TREE SERVICES

Garolla

38

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 52

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

Creative Gardens & Driveways

Back Cover

Cloudy 2 Clear

26

The Window Repair Centre

49

GARDEN MAINTENANCE Robinsons Garden Maintenance

12