inside Issue 80
april - may 2020
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The local magazine our readers love to keep One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes
inside bramh all &
w o o d f o r d
The last couple of weeks have been difficult for everyone and the future is looking just as uncertain. We want to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have been following advice regarding the production of our magazines and the safety of our delivery team and readers. We’ve been advised that the virus will not live on printed matter, packages or letters for any length of time, so please don’t worry about handling this magazine! As we go to print all event details are correct, but we assume that some will be postponed or cancelled, so please be sure to check before you go along to anything. And yes, I know travel is seriously off limits at the moment, but it won’t be forever, so we can use some of this enforced time at home to dream and plan! It’s at times like this that we become acutely aware of the importance of supporting small and local businesses, shops, services and tradespeople. Let’s buy local where we can, look out for our neighbours and all stick together as a community through this once-in-a-lifetime (we hope) situation.
What’s INSIDE this month 4
Simply Books Book Club Choice
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Duck Race
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Diary of a Geeky Knitter
11 Growing Granny’s Bonnets
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16 Is Birdwatching For You? 19 In Touch 28 Mortgage Advice
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32 The Walk 35 Real Life Motoring 38 Wild Adventures 41 Recipe 42 Travel - USA 45 INSIDE Guide
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53 Puzzles 55 Just 4 Kids
Editor: Claire Hawker
Tel: 01625 879611 Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk
Inside Bramhall & Woodford is produced by Inside Magazines Ltd. We cannot be held responsible for views expressed by contributors or any advert content, including errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all local information given in this magazine is accurate, but we cannot always guarantee this. © Copyright Inside Magazines Ltd 2020. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.
56 Children’s Activities
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58 Bring the Gym to You 60 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified Index
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Don’t forget!
Copy deadline for the next issue is
Friday 8 May
Simply Books
book club choice
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
My first choice is a gripping psychological thriller - The Party by Elizabeth Day. Martin Gilmour and Ben Fitzmaurice have been best friends for 25 years, since their days together at one of the country’s most exclusive public schools. They are an unlikely pair: the scholarship boy with the wrong accent and the dazzlingly popular and wealthy aristocrat. But Ben has a dangerous secret that only Martin shares. At Ben’s 40th birthday party, the cream of the British establishment gathers in a haze of champagne and glitz – old money and new. There’s something unsettling in the air: is Martin about to spill the beans and what will be the fall out? This is a stylish and suspenseful novel about class, privilege and power – think Brideshead Revisited meets The Talented Mr Ripley – with lots of twists and turns. It’s one of those books you just have to read at a gallop because you absolutely have to know how it’s all going to turn out. Confession With Blue Horses by Sophie Hardach is set in East Germany – in the years before and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Tobi and Ella’s childhood in East Berlin is shrouded in mystery. Now adults living in London their past is full of unanswered questions. Both remember their family’s daring attempt to escape to the West. But what happened next? Where did their parents disappear to and what happened to their little brother Heiko? When Ella finds a stash of her mother’s old notebooks, she and Tobi embark on a search that will take them back to Berlin as they try and piece together their past and find their long-lost brother. This is a fascinating portrayal of life under Communist East Germany – the physical hardship and material deprivation but also the menacing tyranny of living in a police state where you could never be sure who to trust and where the most innocent of conversations might attract the attention of the STASI (secret police). This early part of the story of Ella’s childhood is all the more remarkable for being set in the 1980s – you could be forgiven for thinking you’re reading about the 1950s!
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And for the children… My Pet Star by Corrinne Averiss is a delightful new picture book. When a little girl discovers a star, who has fallen to Earth, she takes him home and nurses him back to health – a beautiful tale of friendship…perfect for any child who has ever longed for a pet of their own!
Duck Race & Family Fun Day Bramhall And Woodford Rotary Club is once again holding a Duck Race and Family Fun Day and this year it will be held at Bramhall Park on Sunday 17 May. The Club is very pleased to announce that Redrow Homes, currently creating the Woodford Garden Village, have once again agreed to sponsor this event along with Bramhall based businesses Prestbury Travel, Leighton Snow Estate Agents, Vernon Building Society and Robins and Day Peugeot, Stockport. Thanks are also due to Stockport MBC and Barclays Bank for giving us their support. Last year we had hundreds of families turn up on the day many of whom use the increasingly popular DUCK BUS Park & Ride service. Again, we will have THREE (yes, three!) free buses running throughout the day between Bramhall Village (Pizza Express) and the Park, Hazel Grove High School via Stockport Rugby Club and from Church Road, Cheadle Hulme with parking available at the two local schools.
We have decided that money raised will be for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Manchester which helps to provide local practical support for those living in Greater Manchester with Motor Neurone Disease, via a dedicated team of local volunteers, many of whom have had personal experience and feel driven to help others. The money will also be used for other charities supported by the Rotary Club. Entry is still free but please enter a duck in a race for just a pound. You could be a winner of ÂŁ100! More information can be found at www.bwrotary.org
Track them with the app on our website and at www.bwrotary.org and then look out for the yellow DUCK BUS. Extra parking will be available at Linney Road Scout Hut. Please use the bus if you can but, if you have to come in a vehicle, please park carefully and respectfully. Starting at 11am, there will be a variety of duck races to watch and there will be speciality races with local celebrities and businesses getting involved by decorating giant plastic ducks, who will go beak to beak in the river. As well as duck racing with some fabulous prizes for the winners there will be many sideshows, a bouncy castle, games, singers, dancing groups and craft stalls. The classic cars will be with us again in the walled garden and there will be much more including the popular ferret racing.
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Diary of a
Geeky Knitter
By now you should know that not much time passes before I simply have to have a go at the next thing which, more often than not, is craft related. Surprise, surprise eh? And so, it was early into the new decade (have I wished you lovely readers a Happy New Year yet?) that I stumbled across the world of quilting. ‘Stumbled across’ isn’t quite the right term actually. After all, in my office at work one of the magazine titles that my team work on is Quilt Now, so I am aware of quilting and how amazingly impressive those crafters are who partake in this exquisite craft. But it was on Instagram, that fount of crafty inspiration, that I came across a quilted Millennium Falcon, and instantly had to find out how I could make one myself! My fellow Star Wars fans out there will know of which legendary science fiction ship I am referring to (Kessel Run - 12 parsecs - iconic). Those of you who aren’t familiar with Star Wars, first I must insist you look up Star Wars: The Force Awakens or we can’t be friends any more, and second, just imagine a character or item from one of your favourite stories of all time, and put that into an impressive, intricate piece of sewing artwork. Amazing! Once I found this was a ‘thing’, I researched all that I needed to know to make my very own quilted Millennium Falcon. Foundation paper piecing was
the magical craft I needed to learn. Don’t worry, we won’t get technical now, but the best and fastest way I can think to describe this technique is colour-by-numbers with fabric and a sewing machine, and lots of satisfying paper ripping! Here you can see my finished creation - again, perhaps the non-Jedis reading this will be nonplussed by the grey blob in yellow, but I hope any Han Solo fans will be suitably impressed, as my husband is (a fellow Star Wars fan, of course) and so the Falcon hangs proudly on the wall in our home. Once I learnt one technique, I was eager to learn more and so now I am making a cushion cover out of small hexagons, hand sewn together (English Paper Piecing, if you must know) out of Mickey Mouse fabric. I am nothing if not devoted to my personal Disney-Star Wars-Nerd brand, after all. The fabric happened to be an Aldi purchase by the way! You crafters be sure to keep an eye out on those fabulous special buys. Ok, you’ve twisted my arm - we can all still be friends even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan. Until next time, may the force be with you. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk
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www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits
Growing Granny’s Bonnets “Granny’s Bonnets” or columbine are easy to grow, reliable and tough perennials that have popped up in cottage gardens from time immemorial. The proper name, aquilegia, comes from the Latin for “eagle” from the resemblance of the shape of the flower to an eagle’s claw. Most books will tell you to plant them in moist soil with a little shade. Most aquilegias will also sow themselves into the driest, hottest parts of your garden and be perfectly content although the flowers may not last so long. There are diminutive types for the alpine garden and large, long-stemmed types for the border. All are easy to grow from seed, although named varieties might not always come true. Aquilegia are notoriously promiscuous and if you grow more than one type, they will cross with gay abandon producing mixed seedlings in a range of shapes and colours. If buying seed, you can sow in April outdoors and have good sized plants to plant out in Autumn. If saving your own seed, sow in trays in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe and plant these out in March the following year.
by Martin Blow
“McKenna Hybrid” plants flowering away in my parents’ garden all my young life. The large flowers with their long backward facing spurs were an irresistible delight to me. These “long-spurred” types are the result of crossing two wild American types: chrysantha, with yellow flowers and caerulea with blue. Lots of colours including red, pink and purple, often in partnership with white are now available. Other species from America worth growing from seed are the red and yellow skinnerii and canadensis. I find these do appreciate a little more shade, more moisture in summer and better drainage in winter than some. The European native vulgaris are the more traditional granny’s bonnets usually in purple. Lots of colours
You can also divide plants with care, but these divisions do take a while to root. Remember, all parts of the plants including the seeds are poisonous. Aquilegias can be short-lived, going past their best after two or three years but I remember the same Continued over
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A search of a good seed catalogue or a specialist at a plant fair should be able to provide you with lots of different sizes, shapes and colours of Granny’s Bonnets to fill your early summer garden with these jolly, bright flowers.
and shapes of these are also available now including the double, spiky-flowered Barlow hybrids. Nora Barlow in red, white and green was the first but lots more single colours have been added to the range including the near-black Black Barlow and the greenish-white Green Apples. For smaller plants Red Hobbit is a good choice as are the Winky Hybrids. The latter, unusually, has upward facing flowers. For the alpine garden there are many tiny ones. My favourite is the easy to grow but difficult to pronounce Aquilegia buergeriana Calimero with yellow and purple flowers on 10 to 15cm tall plants.
Janet and I run Special Perennials www.specialperennials.com We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 5 April; The Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Sunday 12 & Monday 13 April; Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas SY14 8AH on Sunday 26 April; Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 10 May; Carsington Water DE6 1ST on Monday 25 May. All gardens offer half price or better entry for these special events days. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for full details and last- minute updates.
www.specialperennials.com
Are you fed up with clutter? Have you ever wished you had more space in your home so you can tidy up without throwing everything out? Well, the answer could be to make more use of the space you’ve already got, literally under your own roof. For many homeowners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Macclesfield based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is ‘Creating Space The Easy Way’ can change all that, often in less than a day. Access4Lofts Macclesfield is owned by Barry Johnson. “I know how crucial storage space can be for large families” says Barry. “I also find that a large percentage of my clients are retired people looking for the safest access to their loft available.” “Installing a loft ladder is quick and affordable. It’s less expensive than a garden shed, and it means you don’t have to store everything out of the house.” Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with
your loft area. For the full works, customers can get a retractable 3-section ladder, a new hatch and a floating floor over the loft insulation and lighting. You might already have a ladder but it’s worth considering an upgrade: “The new ladders are springassisted and lighter so they’re much easier to use” he says. “They can also come with a safety handrail, there’s really no need for anyone to be struggling in and out of the loft anymore.” Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted trader which means they have been accessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, Access4Lofts has full public liability insurance and all ladders and work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. To find out how Barry can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote, visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/macclesfield or give Barry a call on 01625 839259
Is Birdwatching For You? How many species of birds can you identify in your garden or locality? The chances are that you can identify quite a few but sometimes you may look at a bird and momentarily wonder what it is. You may also have joined in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch which has helped our understanding and enjoyment of local birds. The celebrated sportswriter and nature lover Simon Barnes wrote a book a few years ago entitled ‘How to be a bad birdwatcher’. This is a light-hearted look at birdwatching, but the basic premise is that if you can identify a common bird such as a robin or swan, you are a birdwatcher without realising it! The likelihood is that most people are content to have a general interest in birds without owning a pair of binoculars. Some would like to take this interest a bit further but haven’t got around to it or are not sure what to do. Here are some ideas to share with you.
serious decline for a number of reasons. We need to maintain and improve the habitat we have left and try to prevent unnecessary destruction of ecosystems. The RSPB and other similar organisations can only survive by members’ subscriptions and with the current state of nature the case for choosing a conservation organisation as a charity of choice has grown stronger. You can join the RSPB online or, if you join at one of our nearest reserves such as Burton Mere Wetlands on the Wirral, your membership will contribute directly to the reserve. www.rspb.org.uk
Make your garden wildlife friendly There is plenty of information online and elsewhere to make your garden wildlife friendly. Suggestions include nest-boxes, bug homes, feeders, bird and insect-friendly plants, ponds, safe havens and good access for wildlife.
Join a conservation organisation The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will probably spring to mind. The RSPB has evolved into a conservation organisation with the strapline of ‘Give Nature a Home.’ For as little as £5 a month for two people (£6 for a family) you get free access and parking to around 170 RSPB reserves plus regular magazines, offers etc. There is also a Young Explorers section that educates children on environmental matters (note for grandparents- a good option for a present!) However, the real point here is the cause rather than the benefits. Far too many species including birds, butterflies and the rest of our fauna, are in
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Attend local group meetings Whether you are a member of the RSPB or not, there is a choice of local groups that have regular meetings and outings. In our vicinity we have High Peak, Stockport and Macclesfield Groups. At High Peak we meet in Marple between September and May on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm. Details are published in this magazine and on our website. We usually have between 40 and 70 people attending; our speakers are drawn from around the country and are chosen for their high quality. Annual membership is currently £10pa.
Explore your local environment There is a surprising number of bird species in our local area, more easily seen and heard in springtime and early summer. In 2019, 220 species were recorded in Derbyshire alone!
Additional events for this spring A weekend walk will be held by High Peak RSPB as an introduction to finding birds by sight and sound on Sunday 26 April at 9.30am. We meet at Etherow Country Park and the walk lasts two to three hours. If there is sufficient demand, a car trip to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB reserve will be arranged on a suitable date. If you are interested in either of the above, we’d love to hear from you! (contact details below)
High Peak RSPB group has an outing once a month on a Sunday, usually to a reserve or similar area where interesting birds may be found. Car-sharing is arranged on the day. Other groups do the same and Stockport Group also run coach trips. Not everyone who comes along has a good knowledge of birds, but friendly, experienced members are on hand to identify different species, and where possible show them through a telescope.
In conclusion it doesn’t matter if you are a good or a bad birdwatcher, but it has never been more important and beneficial for all of us to connect with nature. After all, what is good for birds is good for us! Email: highpeakgroup2@gmail.com Phone: (Secretary) 0161 427 0881 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/highpeak David Knass (Secretary, High Peak RSPB Group) Richard Stephenson (Leader, High Peak RSPB Group)
in touch
april - may 2020
your local community noticeboard
Local Boy Launches Debut EP Jacob Rose, a former pupil of Bramhall High School, has launched an EP of his own classical piano composition. Jake started learning piano with a teacher in Bramhall when he was six years old. He progressed to Xavarian College for A-level music, followed by a music degree in London. Now back in his hometown he’s hoping to do an MA in music and would love to do a recital in Bramhall.
The album, In the Haze with You, has been released with blue spiral records and can be streamed via Apple Music, Amazon music, google play, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube. Every time his music is streamed, Jake will earn a small crust so why not tune in?
Anson Engine Museum Re-opens after Winter Break “We’ve lived in the area for years, the museum’s just down the road and we’ve never been” is a comment frequently heard when new visitors arrive, so why not check out one of the largest collections of engines in Europe? The Anson Engine Museum in Poynton is now recognised as one of the country’s leading specialist museums, with over 250 gas and oil engines, many maintained in running order. The museum site also includes a working blacksmith’s smithy, a woodland craft area, café and a local history section with a giant scale model of Poynton (c1900). The museum reopens from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Mondays, starting on 12 and 13 April, until it closes again for winter on 25 October. There will be craft and steam demonstrations and special events each month see www.enginemuseum.org for more details. On Friday 8 May the museum is joining the international celebration of peace commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe. At 3pm Winston Churchill’s speech will be played, the “Battle’s Over” will be piped and the WW2 Heroes will be toasted. On Sunday 10 May at 10.30am the Last Post will be played.
On both days there will be 1940s films showing in the museum’s cosy little cinema, there will be a WW2 display, particularly remembering the 35 Poynton folk who lost their lives, WW2 songs played over the tannoy system and the colliery bell will be rung, celebrating the peace and in memory of all WW2 Heroes. Continued over
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THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK The Great British Dog Walk, a popular charity dog walk run by national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, is back for a sixth year and is once more coming to beautiful Lyme Park, on Saturday 2 May 2020. Hundreds of walkers of all ages, and dogs of all shapes and sizes, will be taking part to have fun, meet like-minded people and support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds and help deaf people to leave loneliness behind. The walk is sponsored by Specsavers Audiologists, helping Hearing Dogs to raise more funds to transform the lives of deaf people. On the day there are two walk options – either 5km or 8km routes, making it ideal for dog owners, families, single walkers, organised walking groups and those who simply want to meet lots of dogs and get a bit of exercise for a good cause. There will also be fun additional activities at the walk, including a demonstration by local Hearing Dog partnerships and information from the NT Lyme Park ranger team. Walkers can get themselves or their dogs sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to raise money to fund hearing dog puppy Oscar’s training journey. Oscar is a cocker spaniel puppy who has just started his training to become a life-changing hearing dog. Over the next two years he will be trained to alert deaf people to important sounds, such as the smoke alarm, intruder alarm, alarm clock and cooker timer. It costs around £40,000 to fully train and support a hearing dog for the duration of its life and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People receives no government funding so every walker will be helping to transform the lives of deaf people. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. While sponsorship is encouraged to help Hearing Dogs train more life-changing dogs, it is not a requirement.
To sign-up to the Great British Dog Walk at Lyme Park, or for more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org 20
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WORKER BEE MARKETS LAUNCH ARTISAN AWARDS Stockport’s only multi-centre artisan market organiser is launching the Worker Bee Artisan Awards. Aimed at artisan micro-businesses who live, create and sell in SK postcodes, these awards offer cash prizes, handmade awards and mentorship to help them grow their businesses and develop their trade. The judges for the awards, which will be open for nominations on 1 May, are MP for Cheadle, Mary Robinson, sponsor and local estate agent Ric Pickford, Stockport business owner Dylan Moore, Greater Manchester food blogger Keeley Watts and community champion and artist Natalie Kaciubskyj. They have been hand-picked to judge the Awards by Worker Bee Markets’ owner and curator Clare Simpson, due to their connection with and support for these local markets which started in 2018 and have grown to now include six regular events and pop-ups (in Bramhall Village, Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Poynton, Marple Bridge and Reddish.) The awards, all named after the Worker Bee concept are as follows: Pollen Award offering marketing support for new businesses; Honeycomb Award offering up to £500 towards a piece of equipment to help a business grow; Beeswax Award to reward sustainability and green criteria; Beehive Award to reward the best stall layout. The Nectar Award celebrates the best-tasting produce or food. Traders and makers will vote for the best venue in the Beekeeper Award. The public can get involved too by voting for their favourite stall, who they think is the Bees’ Knees. Winners will receive an award commissioned and handmade by their peers and a cheque for £100 each to help their business grow. More information on who can apply and how to apply at www.workerbeemarkets. wordpress.com
NEW ECO CLASSROOM FOR TOP SCHOOL Former Independent School’s Association Eco School of the Year, Greenbank Preparatory School, is to start work on a new state of art eco-friendly £500,000 classroom block. The innovative school on Heathbank Road in Cheadle Hulme was originally opened in 1951 and since the Millennium has been taking on successive new build projects to enhance facilities. The latest is their new Year One Reception classroom block which has been designed by Manchester’s award-winning architects Walker Simpson. John Piercy Holroyd, Associate Director of Walker Simpson, said: “The new building is designed and will be built to be extremely energy efficient. The external envelope of the building is highly insulated with a striking pitched roof form that allows natural light and ventilation via high level opening lights, coupled with energy efficient underfloor heating via an air source heat pump, so that there is more room for classroom display to the walls. There will be a covered hangar space leading to the garden to allow for outdoor classes and play in most weathers.” The work will begin over the Easter holidays and is expected to be completed by the end of October, with the Year One class moving to free space in the school’s new media suite while work is completed. Greenbank Headmaster Malcolm Johnson said: “We have been discussing the project with Walker Simpson over the last year and are delighted with their proposals which meet our policies on sustainability. The development shows great faith in the future and is another signal of a strong, innovative school moving into the future with confidence and creativity.” Continued over
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Plant Lovers’ Paradise at Bramall Hall & Adlington Hall Sunday 5 April sees the popular Plant Hunters’ Fair return to Bramall Hall with a huge choice of quality, nursery-grown plants. At this time of year, there will be a brilliant line-up of nurseries attending who will come laden with flowering bulbs, early flowering perennials, shrubs and trees to provide instant colour and also lots of later flowering plants to get planted for colour into the summer and beyond. Now’s the time to think ahead and plan that dream border for your garden. The Plant Fair is a fund-raising event for special projects at the hall and has proved hugely popular, rapidly gaining a reputation as the best specialist plant fair in the area offering a dazzling array of plants all for just £2 entry to the fair. The plant fair will open at the earlier time of 10am to 4pm on Sunday 5 April. For full details of nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk On Sunday 10 May, Adlington Hall, Macclesfield welcomes back Plant Hunters’ Fairs and this special event offers entry to the wonderful gardens and plant fair at the special rate of just £3 that’s half standard entry price! (children 15 years and under are free when accompanied by an adult). The plant fair has become a magnet for plant lovers from near and far and Plant Hunters’ Fairs have pulled out all the stops to get a great line-up of 20 brilliant independent plant nurseries including RHS award winners to create a plant lover’s paradise. At Adlington there are the beautiful gardens, woodland walks and parkland to explore. The bluebells should be at their best along with early flowering shrubs and trees. The 2,000-acre Estate contains parkland landscaped in the 18th century in the style of ‘Capability Brown’ complete with ha-ha. The Lime Avenue dating from 1688 is one of the oldest surviving in Britain and leads to a woodland wilderness with winding paths, temples, bridges and follies in a rococo manner. A path through the laburnum arcade leads into the formal rose garden, then on to the maze created in English Yew. The Father Tiber water garden provides a peaceful haven with its ponds, fountains and water cascade and the newly created parterre provides a colourful addition to the east wing. Other features include a large herbaceous border, rockeries, specimen trees, azaleas and rhododendrons.
The plant fair runs from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 10 May. There is lots of free parking and dogs on leads are very welcome. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk to find out which nurseries will be attending.
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Top tips for getting your first mortgage For many people, buying their first home is a life event to be remembered forever. However, for those who are starting out, buying a first home can be a confusing minefield of legalistic and financial jargon, particularly if you are looking to apply for your first mortgage. So, to help guide you through the mortgage maze, here are a few crucial things to bear in mind….
Hold off on the job move Lenders tend to want to see a consistent financial pattern in your life. A crucial part of this is proof that you have been employed in the same job over a period of several months — usually 3 to 6. So, if you’ve just got a job offer, consider holding off on moving until everything has gone through. However, if you’re still in the probationary period of a new job, you’re not completely exempt from getting a mortgage – it just means that you’ll have to conduct some thorough research into which lenders are willing to lend before your probation is over.
Compare options It almost goes without saying, but as with any financial endeavor, knowledge is power. After ascertaining where you lie in the market, begin comparing different lenders and their rates and fees. It is definitely worth spending time comparing different providers before you even begin considering how much you need. Comparison sites are a great place to start, as they can gather information about numerous mortgage options, presenting them in an easy-to-read table, so all you need to do is choose the right option to suit your needs.
Apply for a mortgage in principle A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) is a great example of jargon that may make prospective new buyers confused and put off before they even get started.
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by John Ellmore, Director of Know Your Money
The same document is also referred to by different lenders as Decision in Principle (DIP) and Agreement in Principle (AIP). It’s actually a straightforward concept: simply put, it is a statement, in principle, from a lender that declares they are prepared to lend you a certain amount based on the initial financial declaration you provide. However, it’s important to remember that a Mortgage in Principle is not a mortgage offer, nor is it a guarantee of one; it’s an indication that you could be eligible for one if you go on to pass the full mortgage application.
Check your credit score It is vital to understand your credit score when applying for your first mortgage; this can be obtained from credit reference agencies such as Experian or Equifax. Having a less than perfect score could hinder your application, as lenders will see it as an indication as to how you manage debt. That said, it’s not impossible to get a mortgage with a lower credit score, it will just mean you have to be prepared to be questioned about your financial history, or they may require you to provide a guarantor. Being prepared and understanding your credit score will give you a good idea of where your mortgage application is likely to be accepted, so don’t delay and find out your score ASAP.
Ask for advice If you’re unsure about your mortgage options, it’s worth speaking to a mortgage adviser. Whilst they charge for consultations, they offer guidance through the application process, a comprehensive explanation of costs and final recommendations as to which mortgage option best suits your needs. So, remember if you are struggling, you don’t have to muddle through alone.
Padley Gorge,
Higger Tor and the Derwent Valley Walk description: This circular walk follows the Derwent Valley before climbing, steeply at times, up through the stunning Padley Gorge and out on to the moors. The climbing continues up to Owler Tor on good paths before crossing the higher moorland to Higger Tor where the final climb is quite steep. The return circuit is mostly downhill, steep in parts and eventually returns to the Derwent Valley by the outskirts of Hathersage. Starting point: Small lay-by on the left just before Leadmill Bridge on the B6001 half a mile SSE from Hathersage (SK 233806) Maps: Dark Peak Explorer OL1 and the White Peak Explorer OL24 1:25000 Walk a short way back from the lay-by and take the first track to the right, running alongside the left bank of the River Derwent and heading east. Stay on this track as far as the gate and footpath sign on the right. From here walk through the field and then along the river path, which can be muddy at times. Eventually, this path divides (SK 241795) at the sign up to Grindleford Station and the left path is often very muddy, so take the middle route. After a short distance, the two paths merge as you head up a gradual climb through the woods, and then a slightly steeper section up to a gate in a wall. Beyond the gate there is a good drinks stop with rocky seats to enjoy views down the scenic Derwent Valley south.
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by Barry Wilson
Leave here passing over the railway bridge, and then bear right across a grassy pathway until you reach a wider track. Bear right along this route past houses and an old chapel. Before dropping down towards Grindleford Station, look out for sharp turn left up a wide and steep access road between some lovely houses. (SK 251788) At the top, go through the gate and begin a rocky ascent which stays above the gorge. Keep heading up and then along an undulating pathway of Gritstone slabs through this delightful conservation woodland section with the river deep in the gorge below; the rapids and small waterfalls are spectacular after a rainy spell. Ignore any signs to the left and after one mile you go through a gate at the top of the gorge and out into open countryside with views of our ultimate destination of Higger Tor to the north. This is a lovely resting point with rocks to sit on close to the stream by a wooden bridge; it is a very popular paddling and picnic spot for families on a busy holiday period. From here, keep to the left of the river along a level pathway for about 100 yards then take the obvious well walked path to the left and follow a narrow man-made gully which heads upwards towards Surprise View car park (SK 249801). This former packhorse trail reaches the busy A6187 through a gateway. Cross here with care and then turn left to the main car park on a pathway set back from the road. Sometimes there is an ice cream van in the car park! Ahead of you, the views westward are the
stunning surprises. If you also look east, you can pick out Longshaw Hall in woodland, once used as a First World War hospital, and now has a small cafe, shop and picnic area, with car parks for other walks from the Longshaw Estate. At the payment point, turn right and pass through the wooden gate. This leads up, over and between large Gritstone slabs which wind up to an amazing Gritstone tor. Follow the path round this prominent feature and head north to reach Over Owler Tor. Take care descending this high point on any one of the rocky paths down. From here you can see the higher rocky Higger Tor ahead and to the north east, the lower rocky Carl Wark, a site of an ancient settlement. Keep on this well trodden pathway towards the obvious climbing route on the left of Higger Tor; this is an easy ascent taking you round the left edge to reach the summit. On a windy day, there are plenty of rocks or gullies in which to take shelter and enjoy a well earned lunch break. There are stunning panoramic views towards Stanage Edge, Kinder and Mam Tor to the north and west, or east to Burbage Rocks and south to Froggatt Edge and the Derwent Valley cutting its wooded route towards Chatsworth. From Higger Tor, head off north along the summit path, then downhill to the minor road (SK 256823). Cross the road and beyond the fencing bear left and head across the moorland before going steeply downhill towards Hathersage. Take care on this descent before going through two wooden gates on to a wider track. As it bears right at the foot of this route, turn left at the fingerpost towards Mitchell Field (SK 247817). Keep to the left of this house and beyond it, and then look out for a signpost right, crossing a grassy area into a small wood, across a small stream and up to a stile into fields. Bear slightly right towards the next wall stile and then up the
gentle slope along the path to Scraperlow, a lovely house with large lawns and an interesting pub lamp over its side door. Follow their drive to the left of the lawns, through an automatic gate and eventually keep straight on where their drive bears left. (NB. The owners have been trying to alter this route around their land and it may now be completed, but it should still be easy to reach the next section) Keeping close to the wall on your right, the path soon drops down through a delightful wooded walk. In May, this woodland has a carpet of bluebells, punctuated by beds of white flowers. This path leads down to a wider track behind large houses before reaching the A6187 again. Cross over the main road, and then walk up the footpath to the left for 50 yards. Turn right by a tree and head down the steep signposted path, going down some steps at the bottom before following the narrow path behind houses and gardens. Turn left on to the minor road down to the B6001 near to Hathersage station road. Go straight across the road, walking under the railway bridge, until you reach a field gate in front of the grounds of Nether Hall. Turn left taking the signposted path as far as Leadmill Bridge and back to your starting point across the main road. Presented on behalf of Marple District Rambling Club; with over 350 members, the Club organises up to five graded walks every Thursday and up to four every Sunday, all led by volunteer members. For further information, contact the Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or the Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 483 8596 or visit www.marple-uk/community/ rambling to see the walks programme
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Real Life Motoring Ford Edge 2.0 TDCI ST-LINE: On A Carousel
With the Edge, Ford have come up with a design that allows this SUV to stand out from the crowd. In fact, one look at the 2.0 TDCI ST-Line on test confirms how successful Ford have been in giving this impressive SUV a link with the more sporting editions of the Focus, Puma et al, elsewhere in the range. The ST-Line, MotorMartin’s preferred option, gives you Ford’s distinctive, sporting front grille devoid of the chrome that adorns others in the range, 20” ST-Line alloy wheels matched up to the Edge’s excellent Intelligent All Wheel Drive, there’s unique front, rear and side sports body styling with dark exterior detailing, black roof rails and the best bit? Dual fascia pass through exhausts with chrome exhaust tips, after all, nothing says sporting like a pair of twin exhausts. Ford have done a truly stunning job here. Inside the Edge and the luxury/sporting theme continues with a cabin that offers up space, light, comfort and technology. There’s the de rigueur 10way power driver and passenger seat with memory in partial leather seats with perforated Dinamica inserts, variable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel (superb), ST-Line scuff plates and that rarest of commodities, space. Ford have also been rather generous with the technology added as there’s Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation, Auto Stop/Start, an incredible B&O premium audio system with 360° sound system with 1,000 Watts of amplifier power, 12 high
by Martin Hall
performance speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Ford’s wonderful SYNC 3 system. Indeed, Ford have confirmed that SYNC 3 integrates seamlessly with your smartphone, letting you control everything from phone calls and text messaging to music and satellite navigation - via the 8” touchscreen or simple voice commands. This combination of both creature comfort and bang up to date driving and entertainment tech easily allows the Edge to look down upon its competitors from above. The mark of a good car though is a little harder to fathom when you begin to dig deep. Tech and comfort is, of course, important but the drive itself is where the money needs to have been spent, and fortunately Ford’s latest SUV can happily direct you towards the very place. Ford fans have always known about the sports handling and superior quality of road-holding that are part of the marque’s inbuilt DNA and will not be disappointed by the experience on offer by the Edge. Continued over
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Excellent turn in is telegraphed through the steering and directly to the driver whilst the sporting, yet compliant, suspension copes superbly with the unfortunate state of the roads across this green and pleasant land of ours. From the typically high SUV driving position, the view that you get across the landscape allows you to make decisions far earlier than you might previously have been used to. Braking earlier for traffic or difficult conditions, smoothing out your throttle movements for economy and comfort and maintaining momentum become your mantra, the more miles you experience in the Ford.
Take advantage of the technology hidden deep with the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission allowing you to access up to 41.5 mpg and CO2 of 176 g/km whilst the 2.0 TDCI 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel power-plant offers up 238PS. This is not an engine that is going to be found wanting in any situation you might care to find. The Ford Edge is a seriously impressive piece of kit that is excellent to drive and live with whilst also being superb to look at. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it? 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.
Wild Adventures & Weekend Escapes Wild swim at a secret river beach dappled by willows, seek out a lost castle hidden within an enchanted forest, then watch the sun set from an ancient hillfort with a picnic of local cheese, sourdough and cider. Sounds perfect? A new compendium of adventures, from the best-selling, award-winning Wild Guide series will be published on 6 April, revealing the most exciting secret places in Central England, from forgotten pockets of the busy Midlands, to the iconic landscapes of the Peak District, Cotswolds, Welsh Borders and Lincolnshire Coast. This new Wild Guide points you to over 800 incredible secret places and wild adventures - idyllic swims, ancient forests, lost ruins, secret valleys, amazing wildlife, easy scrambles and sacred places. But it’s not just about adventure and doing wild things – the book also details slow food and drink venues, cosy pubs, artisanal producers and rustic places to stay. There’s a useful introduction to each area, detailing the natural history of the area as well as some suggestions for ‘a perfect weekend.’ As well as being packed with practical information including GPX co-ordinates and 23 maps this is a beautiful and inspiring book for the family seeking adventures in Britain’s hidden places. Featuring stunning photography and engaging travel writing, it’s the perfect guide for wild adventures and ultimate weekend escapes
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The Authors Nikki Squires is an avid camper and photographer, and English teacher who runs her school’s bushcraft programme. Richard Clifford is a wild swimmer, triathlete, PE teacher and adventure leader. John Webster spent his formative years sea swimming and surfing in Pembrokeshire but now raises his two children, on a diet of wild adventures. They all live and work in the Midlands near Leicester and have wild camped, climbed, swum, and explored their way around the central areas of England. Other Wild Guides are available for Scotland, Wales, Lakes & Dales, South West and South East. Also available as premium apps for iPhone and Android. The Wild Guide is available at bookshops, online or at Wildthingspublishing.com www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/ wild-guide-central-england/
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USA If there’s a country you can visit that offers practically every kind of holiday ‘under one roof’, then the USA is it. In 2019, the USA was the fourth most popular country in the world visited by UK travellers and it’s easy to see why. You can visit on a short break or plan an exciting multi-centre trip, chase the sun, or hit the slopes. From mountains to deserts, gorgeous beaches to stunning National Parks, there is so much choice!
Live it up in the Big Apple No other city in the world is as iconic as New York and if you plan a city break here there will never be a dull moment! It’s a good idea to plan an itinerary in advance. Don’t be too strict about it, but as there’s so much to see and do, definitely have a list of highlights and priorities. If you’re an art lover be sure to visit MoMA and the Guggenheim, if you’re a foodie, grab some pizza in Little Italy or visit Brooklyn for a lazy brunch. Decide which monuments and tourist attractions you most want to visit. For most, like the Empire State Building, you can book tickets in advance. The same with Broadway shows. Another great thing about New York is it’s bustling all year round. You can go in November and December to soak up the Christmas buzz (not to mention the shopping) or in the spring to enjoy the river cruises and rooftop bars.
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Family magic in Florida Another very popular tourist destination in the US is Florida, especially Orlando and the theme parks. There are several different ways to ‘do’ Disney, and it can be a bit confusing, so it’s worth being as organised as possible. This is where I would suggest always speaking to a personal travel consultant who will be able to pull together all the logistics - flights, car hire, a great choice of villas or hotels, plus all your Park tickets. For total Disney immersion, stay at one of their resorts. By doing this, you can pre-book restaurants and you can also get early entry to the parks and fast passes to skip the queues. Disney (and Universal) is a magical experience for the whole family and you can always combine it with a few days of ‘down time’ at the beach in Clearwater for example, making Florida the perfect choice for a family getaway.
For music lovers The home of Country and birthplace of rock ‘n roll, you can join a fantastic array of organised tours through America’s heartland. Combine a trip to Nashville with a stop in Memphis and then head down to New Orleans to soak up the jazz music and party vibes. Be sure to visit the historic music studios that launched the careers of Elvis and Johnny Cash and the home of Country music, the Grand Ole Opry. You could always time your trip so that it fits in with the legendary festival, Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, and a lot of the tours include fantastic extras like cookery lessons and back-stage tours.
The great outdoors If you’re a wildlife and adventure lover then you’ll be in your element in the USA. America is renowned for its national parks and the wild landscapes of Utah, Arizona and California (to name a few) are seriously impressive!
I was lucky enough on a recent trip to visit both the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park and these stunning, imposing, landscapes certainly make you feel both little and lucky! If you enjoy active holidays then you can sign up for rock climbing, cycling and white-water rafting, or if you’re an adventure seeker splash out on a helicopter ride. This is an incredible way to see the sights of the Grand Canyon. If you’re a winter sports fan, then America has some brilliant ski resorts too. The American Rockies are home to some of the best skiing anywhere. Aspen in Colorado, for example, is a great choice as it caters well for everyone from beginners to pros, plus has a great range of shops and lively après-ski venues. Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700
inside guide
april - may 2020
selected events in your area
Wednesday 1 April
Saturday 4 April
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: £3.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!) (Coffee and Conversation usually takes place on the FIRST Wednesday of each month at 11am) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am
Marple Choral Society Brahms Requiem Advance tickets £12 or two for £20, £13 on the door, students £6 To reserve at advance price email: marplechoralsocietytickets@gmail.com Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove 7.30pm
Thursday 2 April Friends of Bramall Hall & Park A talk on ‘A Prospect of Arley’ by Ms Judy Popley £1.50 refreshments included carolinefurious@gmail.com Bramall Hall, Bramhall 7.45pm
Thursday 2 April Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members. The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3EW 8.30pm
Friday 3 April Café y Conversacion A conversation group for anyone interested in improving their Spanish! Join us for informal Spanish conversation over coffee and cake with local Spanish teacher Liz Wilson. £5 (includes refreshments) (Cafe y Conversacion meets at 11am on the first Friday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am
Friday 3 April (and every Friday) Woodford Bridge Club We are a small friendly bridge club meeting every Friday evening between 7.30 and 10.15pm at Woodford Community Centre. You do not need a partner to join us as we alternate between Singles and Partners nights. If you enjoy playing rubber bridge and Chicago, you are welcome to come along as a guest to try us out. For more details, please contact Judith Fletcher on 0161 439 5310.
Sunday 5 April Plant Hunters’ Fair Huge choice of quality, nursery-grown plants. At this time of year, there will be a brilliant line-up of nurseries attending who will come laden with flowering bulbs, early flowering perennials, shrubs and trees to provide instant colour and also lots of later flowering plants to get planted for colour into the summer and beyond. Fund Raising Event for special projects at the Hall: £2 Entry to Plant Fair. Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Bramall Hall, Bramhall Park, off Hall Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3NX. 10am to 4pm
WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL The Art Society North East Cheshire Stitching a casket was one of the ways that middle-class girls In the 17th century prepared for marriage. This lecture by Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework, will examine some of these wonderful objects including how and when they were made, and the stories they depict. Potential new members welcome. To attend as a visitor (£8) please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am with coffee from 9.45am
Thursday 9 April The Family History Society of Cheshire, Bramhall Group A round trip with the seed man from Sale by Liz de Mercado. Samuel Ryder, the seed man, led an extraordinary life of success and engagement with his business ventures, community, family and pastimes. Visitors very welcome, admission £2. For more information email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk United Reformed Church Hall, Bramhall SK7 2PE, 7.30pm
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Inside Guide - March-April 2020 (continued)
Tuesday 14 April East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Elizabeth Raffald – Suze Appleton Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm
Thursday 16 April Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM followed by Hedgehogs – a talk by Jan Miller from Withington Hedgehog Hospital. Visitors very welcome (£5) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm
FRIDAY 17 APRIL Stockport Historical Society “Women’s Suffrage and the 1911 census in Ashton” by Alice Lock Visitors very welcome Admission £3. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161-440 0570. Stockport Sunday School, 96 Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm
FRIDAY 17, SATURDAY 18 & SUNDAY 19 APRIL Bramhall Art Society will be holding its 53rd Annual Exhibition. There is an open invitation to come along to view the work of the Society, with original paintings both framed and unframed available for purchase. Entrance is free and there is adjacent free parking. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Tea, coffee and cakes will be served each day from 10 to 4pm, with all proceeds being donated to Beechwood Cancer Care. For regular updates go to www.Facebook.com/ bramhallartsociety Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane, Bramhall, SK7 1LR
Saturday 18 April Bollington Chamber Concerts: The Carducci Quartet Beethoven - Op 18 no 4; Janacek - Kreutzer Sonata; Dvorak - Op 96 in F. ‘American’ Tickets £19 from www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk/ carducci or 01625 576402 or 574435 Bollington Arts Centre 7.30pm
Monday 20 to Saturday 25 April Anything Goes A fabulous nautical musical by Cole Porter, featuring songs such as You’re the Top, It’s De-lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You and the show-stopping title song. Box office 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall. Curtain up 7.30pm, Saturday Matinee 2.15pm
Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 April Woodford Players Comedy Play – “The Magnificent Seven” Tickets £10 www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodfordplayers www.woodfordplayers.co.uk Woodford Community Centre, SK7 1PS
Friday 24 April Simply Cinema presents Military Wives (12A) The feel-good film of the year! With their soldier partners serving in Afghanistan, a group of women come together to form the first military wives choir. Helping each other through some of life’s most difficult moments they become a media sensation and the start of a global movement. 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 25 April Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra concert. We are performing two works on this occasion, both by English composers. Edward Elgar’s concert overture, ‘In the South’ and Gustav Holst, ‘The Planets.’ A varied evening of music with something for everyone! Tickets £12, concessions £10 and under 18s £2. Available from: ticket secretary 01925 756144, ‘Bang and Olufsen,’ Alderley Road, Wilmslow, ‘Therapy,’ Bank Square, Wilmslow, at the door or via www.wilmsloworchestra.co.uk Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm
Monday 27 April Bramhall and District Trefoil Guild The Trefoil Guild is a non-uniform branch of girl guiding that gives fun, friendship, opportunities and new challenges to adults. We meet on the fourth Monday of each month, but please call our secretary to check whether we are at home or out and about. Further details are available from Secretary.BramhallTG@gmail.com or 0161 440 8482 Parish Lounge of St. Michael’s Church, Bramhall 2pm
Continued over
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Inside Guide - March-April 2020 (continued)
Tuesday 28 April Caffe e Conversazione at Simply Books. Join us for informal Italian conversation over coffee and cake with local Italian teacher Giulia Shepherd. £5 (includes refreshments) (Caffe e Conversazione takes place on the last Tuesday of each month) Simply Books, Bramhall 11am
Saturday 2 May Cheshire Sinfonia – BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IN BRAMHALL. Mozart: Symphony No. 31 K.297 (Paris). Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate K.165. Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major 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 2 May Bramhall Worker Bee Market Worker Bee Markets’ regular event is in Bramhall village with locally handmade crafts, gifts, fresh produce, jewellery, homeware, international street food and more. Find hand-picked quality artisan goods right on your doorstep. Workerbeemarkets.wordpress.com Bramhall Village Square SK7 1AW 10am-3pm
Saturday 2 May The Great British Dog Walk, a fun-filled dog walk supporting national assistance dog charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The event raises funds to help the charity train more dogs to alert deaf children and adults to important and lifesaving sounds and help them to leave loneliness behind. Lyme Park, Disley SK12 2NR
Wednesday 6 May Simply Books presents a ‘Meet the Author’ event with the Canadian writer Emily St John Mandel in conversation about her international best-seller Station Eleven and her captivating new novel The Glass Hotel - a story about money, beauty and moral compromise. Tickets: £8, to book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm
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Thursday 7 May Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members. The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3EW 8.30pm
Friday 8 May Halle Chamber Concert Eight cellists from the Halle Orchestra will perform an evening of Latin music, to include pieces by Villa-Lobos, Lindemann and Sollima. Tickets £11 and £9 (concession). Under 18s free. Available from Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. Refreshments included. Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm
Sunday 10 May Plant Hunters’ Fair. Half price entry to the Gardens & Plant Fair £3 (children under 15 Free). Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4LF 10am to 4pm
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY Arts Society North Cheshire John Francis talks about the 1930s where, against a backdrop of the Wall Street crash and a questioning of the success of the American dream, the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and the New Deal was created. The government initiatives meant employment for over eight million largely unskilled Americans and importantly 5,300 artists. Murals, painting, photography, graphic design all flourished. In this lecture we will explore some of the key artists at this time. Potential new members are welcome. To attend as a visitor (£8) please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk. Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am, coffee from 9.45am
Thursday 14 May Family History Society of Cheshire, Bramhall Group What I learned from Great Uncle John by Hazel Rugman A talk about the Reformatory System in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors very welcome, admission £2 For more information email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk United Reformed Church Hall, Bramhall SK7 2PE, 7.30pm Continued over
Inside Guide - March-April 2020 (continued)
FRIDAY 15 MAY Stockport Historical Society “A Short History of Stockport Sunday School” By Judith Higgins. (Followed by the AGM) 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 16 May Stockport Symphony Orchestra Elgar: In the South, Bridge: The Sea, Vaughan Williams: Symphony no 2 “London” Conductors Robin Wallington and Omer Shteinhart For more information visit 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
SATURDAY 16 MAY The Barnby Choir Summer Concert. Mozart, Regina Coeli, Haydn, St Nicholas Mass Fauré, Requiem Advance booking advised or tickets at the door, £12, £10 concessions, £5 student. Phone 01625 520193 www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR 7.30pm
Saturday 16 May The Marple Band and Robins Singers Joint concert to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day Tickets £10. Available on the door, email sec.robinssingers@gmail.com or tel 0161 285 1192 St Andrews Church Cheadle Hulme SK8 5ET
Saturday 23 May Cheshire Sinfonia and Chorale BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IN BRAMHALL Haydn: The Creation 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
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Monday 25 May Bramhall and District Trefoil Guild The Trefoil Guild is a non-uniform branch of girl guiding that gives fun, friendship, opportunities and new challenges to adults. We meet on the fourth Monday of each month, but please call our secretary to check whether we are at home or out and about. Further details are available from Secretary.BramhallTG@gmail.com or 0161 440 8482 Parish Lounge of St. Michael’s Church, Bramhall 2pm
Thursday 28 May Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening Andrew and Mari Shepherd will be coming to talk to us about their work with Fountain of Peace Children’s Foundation which they have been involved with since it was first registered as a UK charity in 2006. Located in Western Uganda in a rural, poverty-stricken area, the core purpose is to rescue orphaned and abandoned babies, giving them a loving Christian home with a surrogate mum to care for them until adulthood. To book a place (£14 including supper) phone Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 The Deanwater Hotel, Woodford (Balmoral Suite) 7pm for 7.30pm
Saturday 30 May The East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society Show A wide variety of beautiful alpine plants will be on show. Specialist nurseries will be present selling plants. Tea/ coffee and cake will be available and sandwiches at lunch time. Competition schedules and further details are available by contacting Bob on 07808 974753 Entry £3 The Village Club, 2 Melbourne Road, Bramhall, SK7 1LR 10.30am to 3.30pm
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quick crossword Across 1 Disguise, conceal (4) 3 Bewilder, stupefy (8) 8 Article of clothing (7) 9 Impression (5) 10 Board game (5) 11 Document, log (6) 13 Direction of this clue! (6) 15 Overpass (6) 18 Type of reptile (6) 20 Thick, impenetrable (5) 23 Nimble, lithe (5) 24 Scrutinise (7) 25 Won back (8) 26 Certificate, lease (4)
Down 1 Prestidigitator (8) 2 Tennis term (5) 4 Sixth planet from the sun (6) 5 Neglect, disregard (7) 6 Take to heart (4) 7 Population tally (6) 9 Membranous pouch (3) 12 Thwarted (8) 14 Pouring (7) 16 Peppery salad vegetable (6) 17 Laud, revere (6) 19 Imitate, caricature (3) 21 Sibling’s daughter (5) 22 Bazaar, carnival (4)
Solutions on page 60
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.
53
Children’s Activities
Things to do with pre-school kids
Monday
thursday
Story Time 11-11.30am Bramhall Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.
Little Lambs Baby & Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only, Bramhall Baptist Church, Woodford Road. Toys, refreshments and song time. Suggested donation of £1.50 per family. Just turn up or for more information email bramhallbaptistchurch@gmail.com
Kickstarters – Age 2-3 9.30-10.15am Age 3-4 10.30-11.15am A universe of pre-school football. Join the miniature recruits, enter the goaliverse, and earn the super power stickers. Centrepoint, Bramhall, SK7 1AL Register on first day of attendance, all sessions drop in and pay as you go £6 Website: www.8-by8.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578
Tuesday 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 Kickstarters – Age 2-3 10-10.45am Age 3-4 11-11.45am A universe of pre-school football. Join the miniature recruits, enter the goaliverse, and earn the super power stickers. RamillIes, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7JA
friday Baby Massage & Yoga – morning Bramhall Library Children’s Centre. Combined class run by The Baby Massage Company & Honeychild Baby Yoga. Email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk or call Kate on 07866 468245 for class times and to book (necessary). Toddler Group 10-11.30am Cheadle Hulme United Reformed Church, Swann Lane. £1 per child including refreshments. Contact Alison Stevens 01625 877180. Little Fishes Toddler Group for under 5’s - 10-11.30am Term-time only, Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. For more information contact 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
Register on first day of attendance, all sessions drop in and pay as you go £6
saturday
Website: www.8-by8.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578
Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Bramhall Methodist Church. A play session for dads, grandads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. Messy play, games, a room full of toys, followed by bacon butties, tea and coffee for dads, and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details and dates please contact Richard@bramhallmethodists.org.uk
Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.
Wednesday BMC Baby Chat 10.00-11.15am Term-time only. Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. Come and join us every Wednesday morning for a chat, tea/coffee and biscuits and the opportunity to meet other mums, grandparents and carers with young babies in the Bramhall area. There’s a small charge of £1 per adult. For further details please call 0161 439 1204. Kickstarters – Age 2-3 10-10.45am Age 3-4 11-11.45am A universe of pre-school football. See Tuesday for details Nixons Farm, Heald Green, SK8 3PS
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Sunday Messy Church. Second Sunday of every month 4-6pm Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.
and If you run a local activity for young children e would like to be included on this page pleas email c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk
Compiled by Clare Blackie > email: c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk
Bring the Gym to You! Every new health scare that doctors uncover seems to come with the standard, “…keep fit, lose weight and eat healthy foods to minimise the risk…” statement. We know it’s true but finding time to get to the gym is difficult when our lives are so busy. So why not bring the gym to your home? If you have an area that’s big enough for you to lie down in, with your arms stretched out to either side, with a few extra inches for good measure you’ve got enough space to do a workout at home. No matter what your initial fitness level, aims and budget are, you can start to exercise in the comfort of your own home.
Basic Fitness If you’re after basic fitness you can try a home HIIT session. All you need is a timer or smartphone app and a workout program - there are loads of videos on YouTube for every fitness level. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training works on short bursts of exercise, up to about one minute, with rests of maybe 30 seconds in between. It gets your heart rate up and gives you a great workout in a very short space of time. Exercises range from simple marching on the spot, squats, and leg raises right through to advanced press-ups and handstands, but all doable in the space we mentioned earlier. An exercise mat might help for any lying-down exercises and a resistance band or small set of weights is a useful addition, but that’s about all you’ll need. Three, 20-minute sessions per week and you’ll really start to see some results. Do it in the morning before breakfast for maximum fat-burning efficiency, and to set you up for the day.
Strength Building your strength can also be done at home. Calisthenics is a form of training that uses your body weight instead of free weights. Each exercise has a series of progressions from easy to very hard. Take the simple press up as an example. Start doing them whilst standing and leaning against a wall. As you move your feet further from the wall it gets harder.
Eventually you’ll be able to do a full press up on the ground. Then try positioning your hands closer to your waistline so you are leaning forwards as you press up - it’s getting harder now. Then try leaning so far forwards your feet leave the floor - not for the faint hearted! Other calisthenics exercises need some basic equipment. Dips will need a set of dip bars. Pull ups will need some pull up bars. But all of these are relatively cheap to purchase and take up minimal space when not in use.
What about exercise machines? If you’re starting out, my advice is to avoid machines until you know what you like. You’ll probably only have enough space and cash for one, and they are not portable so once you’ve got something, you’re stuck with it. Build up your basic fitness and strength first and then decide what you want to do. Once your body starts to show some results you might even be tempted to venture down to the gym to take advantage of a wider range of equipment!
Be sensible Always be careful with your body. Seek professional advice before starting any exercise regime. Make sure you’re working safely and within your capabilities. Start easy and work up to the harder progressions. If you have any signs of pain or discomfort, STOP! Rest, recover and assess the situation. Above all have fun getting fit and staying healthy.
puzzle solutions
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useful numbers Churches Baptist Church Christ Church, Woodford Bramhall Christian Fellowship Evangelical Church Methodist Church Roman Catholic Church of St Vincent de Paul St Michael & All Angels United Reformed Church
Leisure Centre 0161 317 2702 0161 439 2286 0161 440 9132 0161 439 3103 0161 439 1204
Bramhall
0161 440 0889 0161 439 3989 0161 439 4807
Bramhall & Woodford Police Cheadle Heath Police Station (non-emergency)
Doctors Bramhall Health Centre Bramhall Park Medical Centre Bramhall Park Cancellation Line The Village Surgery
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
Libraries Bramhall Library Stockport Central Library
0161 217 6009 0161 474 4530
0161 439 8128
Local Government Stockport MBC Mary Robinson MP
0161 480 4949 0161 672 6855
Police (non-emergency) 0161 856 9973 0161 856 9770 101
Post Offices Bramhall Sorting Office Maple Road Post Office Parkside Post Office Hazel Grove Post Office
0843 903 3213 0161 439 4100 0161 439 4006 0161 483 2332
Schools 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
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classified index ADULT EDUCATION Practical Philosophy
BOOK SHOPS Simply Books
BUILDING SERVICES Whitehall Builders
CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton Fernlea Hillbrook Grange Newlands
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Cleaning Wizard Safeclean
CHIROPODY
Suzanne Gaskell
17 4 25 13 6 14 40
57 44 49
Alice Chilton Cleaning Services 21 Bramhall Art Society Bramhall Village Club Woodford Players
DECORATORS
Gary O Reilly Philip Unsworth Stuart Ennis
46 21 18 57 51 39
DRIVEWAY CLEANING Bramhall Driveway and Patio Cleaning
39
EDUCATION & TUITION
Greenbank Preparatory School 54 Nigel Burin 57
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES Taylor Electrical
ELECTRICIANS
SCZ Electrical Services
62
Mosley Jarman Inside Back Cover
FIRES
Brilliant Fires
39
29
FUNERAL SERVICES
Adlington Memorial Park 5 Brian Sharples & Son Inside Front Cover
FURNITURE REMOVAL Robinsons Relocation
GARAGE DOORS Carrington Doors Garolla
CLEANING SERVICES
CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT
ESTATE AGENTS
51 49 57
GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING
Creative Gardens & Driveways Back Cover
GARDEN MAINTENANCE & LAWN TREATMENT
Cheshire Hearing Centres Optique Opticians
HOME IMPROVEMENT & MAINTENANCE ICAN Handyman Standing Property Services
26 37
KITCHENS
40 39
LOFT LADDERS & IMPROVEMENTS
Access4Lofts 15
PLASTERERS PJ McEvoy
PLUMBING
Local Plumbing
RETIREMENT PROPERTY Adlington Retirement Living
SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES Mounteney Solicitors
STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS The Stair Shop ASAPP Cars
51 44 30
13 9 21
TRAVEL
Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant
42
TREE SERVICES
Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services
39
UPVC SPRAYING 22 12
JOINERY
Town & Country Carpentry and Joinery
LIT Taylor Electrical
TAXIS
Greenthumb 10 Robinsons Garden Maintenance 57 Standing Property Services 12
HEARING SERVICES
LIGHTING
L&L UPVC Window and Kitchen Sprayers 60
VALUER & AUCTIONEER Caroline Lane
22
L&L UPVC Window and Kitchen Sprayers 60 Matt Finish 25 Queensgate Glass 40
WILLS
Harratts Legal Services
20 43
WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS
Cloudy2Clear 22 The Window Repair Centre 59
44
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