Inside Bramhall Issue 66

inside december 2017 - january 2018

magazines

Issue 66

bramhall

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

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inside b r a m h a l l

I was talking on the phone recently to a supplier, in South Wales, who mentioned how much she enjoys INSIDE Poynton! I was a bit puzzled until she explained that her brother lives locally so she reads the latest issue when she visits. She isn’t the only one - we’ve gathered anecdotal information over the years from readers who pass their copy of INSIDE to friends or family from other areas. Some copies even get sent overseas, to people who have moved away permanently, but like to keep in touch with their home town. If you’re reading this in another country (or another part of this one) send us a photo!

What’s INSIDE this month 4 INSIDE People 6 The Magic of a Christmas Tree 9 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 10 simply books book club choice 13 wild alaska 16 perennial gardens in winter

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19 side by side but worlds apart 22 courting favour

I’m sure you don’t need reminding that it’s nearly Christmas! I’m looking forward to catching up with people we haven’t seen for ages, as well as getting in the Christmas spirit by going to lots of the events listed in the INSIDE Guide.

25 crossword & sudoku

Thank you to all the advertisers and contributors to INSIDE for your wonderful support in 2017. Whatever you’re doing over the festive season, I hope you have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

47 Just 4 Kids

26 Recipe 29 30 years of NK Theatre arts 32 The Walk

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41 In Touch 48 Children’s Activities 51 INSIDE Guide 58 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified Index

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Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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

by Garth Aspinall.

Copy deadline for the next issue: wed 10 january

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 2017. 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

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inside people

bishop of stockport She loves all kinds of music, Prokofiev’s ballet music, Lyle Lovett’s country music and the drum and bass/techno her son composes.

The Right Reverend Elizabeth Jane Holden Lane, known as Bishop Libby was born in 1966 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire but brought up in Glossop where she attended St Luke’s Primary before going to Manchester High School for Girls. She began going to church when eleven and “made the choice to follow Jesus soon after that.”

As a teenager she felt strongly that she wanted all her life and work to reflect her faith. Beginning A levels with plans to be an engineer and build roads and bridges in the developing world, eventually she decided to study theology because it was what she most enjoyed.

Libby became interested in being ordained when she was studying at Oxford. She then started to train for ordination at St John’s College in Durham, although at that point she would not have been allowed to become a priest. During her training the church agreed to permit female priests.

Libby says “Although I have been a first in many of the appointments I have held, and, there are those who have struggled with, and opposed, women doing what I have done, I feel grateful for my ministry. It is a gift to feel called by God to do that which I find such satisfaction in, and a privilege to have that recognised and used by the church.”

Libby’s husband is also a priest in the Church of England.

He is Coordinating Chaplain at Manchester Airport. Her daughter is studying for a Masters in Public Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University and her son for a Masters in Physics and Philosophy at Bristol University.

When she was growing up, Libby did dance training and still enjoys dance and theatre. She loves reading and crossword puzzles and is a lifelong Manchester United supporter. When she has the time she enjoys cooking and having people round for meals.

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Libby reads the Bible every day as that shapes encourages and challenges her faith and life but also often reads a number of books at the same time. She is currently reading a Donna Leon murder mystery, a Michael Banner book on Ethics, a book of war poems and Homer’s Odyssey.

A good day for Libby would be filled with Jesus. It might include time to pray with other people, meetings at which decisions were made that changed people’s lives for the better, space to give time to an individual conversation, public speaking or writing on things she is passionate about, contact with people of all ages and different backgrounds, a couple of hours to herself, a glass of wine and some tasty food with her family and a book to read before bed.

When asked about her ambitions Libby says she wishes “to continue to serve God through service in His church until retirement, wherever that takes me. To visit Madagascar with my son, Japan with my daughter and take a train across Canada with my husband.”

Libby’s heroine is Florence Li Tim Oi, the first woman to be ordained as a priest in the worldwide Anglican church in Hong Kong during World War 2. Her ordination wasn’t regularised and recognised by the wider church until 30 years after the war. Libby is patron of a Foundation set up in memory of Florence, which gives grants to women who would not otherwise access education and training so they may be agents for change in their communities.

Libby says “Florence Li Tim Oi inspires me to do what I can where I can and be thankful. We read in the Bible God saying “Do not be afraid” Not because things aren’t scary, difficult or painful, they often are, but because He promises to be with us come what may, and so anything can be faced.”

by Ed Blundell

THE MAGIC OF A CHRISTMAS TREE If you want to get into the spirit of Christmas, why not visit one of the many Christmas Tree Festivals that take place during December – there’s bound to be one near you. Festivals have become increasingly popular as a way of bringing communities together, raising money for charity, helping the local economy and sharing the joy of Christmas. Many such events have between 12 and 40 trees, but regardless of numbers, every Festival is unique with its own menu of activities and its own particular charm. When the trees are lit and it’s dark outside, it’s a sight you won’t forget.

Trees have been a focus for celebration for many centuries, our own tradition owing much to our European neighbours, and Germany in particular.

The story goes that Martin Luther, a great 16th century German preacher, was walking home through a snowy wood on Christmas Eve in 1517, when he was inspired by the stars twinkling through the fir trees. Once home, he wanted to share the beauty of the scene with his family and so he dug up a small fir tree and brought it into the nursery where he covered it with lighted candles. Due to the fame and influence of Martin Luther, the practice became popular across Germany and much of Europe although it did not catch on in Britain until much later.

And then there’s tinsel. Tinsel was invented in Nuremberg around 1610. It was originally made from extruded strands of silver, but because silver tarnishes quickly, other shiny metals were substituted. Before the 16th century, tinsel was used for adorning sculptures

rather than Christmas trees, but it was added later to Christmas trees to enhance the flickering of the candles on the tree.

And what about all those baubles? Well, glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner (1550-1609) who produced garlands of glass beads and tin figures that could be hung on trees. The popularity of these decorations grew into the production of glass figures made by highly skilled artisans with clay moulds. Other glassblowers in Lauscha also recognised the growing popularity of Christmas baubles and began producing them in a wide range of designs. Soon, the whole of Germany began buying Christmas glassware from Lauscha.

On Christmas Eve 1832, a young Victoria wrote about her delight at having a tree, hung with lights, ornaments, and presents placed round it. And then in the 1840s the Londoner showed a picture of Victoria’s Christmas tree bedecked with glass ornaments and baubles sourced from her husband Prince Albert’s native Germany. This publicity was not wasted on the little town of Lauscha which then began exporting its products throughout Europe on a pretty large scale.

In many ways, we have Prince Albert to thank for popularising what has now become our traditional Christmas tree.

Here are a few local festivals you might visit – it would be wise to check ahead before you go for up to date opening times.

For more details on these, and other events visit: www.christmastreefestivals.org

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St George’s Church, 28 Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU 29 November to 3 December - check website for opening times.

Adults £2, children free www.stgeorgestockport.org.uk

Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove SK7 4J Admission Charge £1 Tel: 0161 483 0150 or visit www.wesleystreet.org

St George’s Church New Mills, Church Road, New Mills, SK22 4PF 8, 9, 10 and 11 December.

Tel: 01663 749323 www.newmillschurch.co.uk

Holy Trinity Church, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7HX Adults £1, children free www.whaleybridge.com

Church of St. Bartholomew, Church St, Wilmslow SK9 1AW Friday 1 to Sunday 3 December. Beautifully decorated trees on display and musical entertainment in the evening on Friday and Saturday. www.wilmslowparish.org.

Alderley Edge Methodist Church www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.co.uk

St Cross Church, Mobberley Road, Knutsford, WA16 8EL www.stcrossknutsford.org.uk

Chester Cathedral, 12 Abbey Square, Chester, CH1 2HU Saturday 27 Nov to Sunday 7 Jan 2018 www.chestercathedral.com

by Garth Aspinall

Diary of a geeky knitter Is it really this time of year again, with Christmas looming on the horizon? As I write this, I’ve already had my first mince pie of the season. Do bear in mind that, in the magazine business, it’s been Christmas for months already – in fact, we’ve just started planning our summer knitting commissions at work. And I wonder where the time goes week by week. As my fellow knitters and crafters must also appreciate, we start taking Christmas seriously early if we are to have all of our handmade gifts finished in time. Not that I’ve even planned my presents yet.

Make time for your creative interests Perhaps selfishly (for want of a better word) I’ve put off my Christmas planning this year because I realised I was so caught up in work, and sorting personal finances and planning a wedding (yes, this time next year, I will be married, eek!) that I wasn’t making enough time for myself and my creative pursuits again, which really was an atrocious situation. I’ve written before about the benefits of crafting for mental health and stress relief, and sometimes you need to take a moment to force yourself to pause and enjoy something, no matter how small or ‘not-to-plan’ it might feel. Before you realise it, it’s almost Christmas and you are planning summer magazines and you wonder why you never know what day it is anymore.

On the back of this, reading back through my previous articles, I promised some notes on how to get started writing your own blog, which I never delivered on!

To be fair to myself, I’ve only just started regularly blogging again following a hectic summer, and I’m so glad I did because it’s nice to write for pleasure again.

You can write about your interests, no matter what they are; whether you knit, like me, or are a train-spotter, or perhaps you are a huge fan of Stockport County FC (I know there must be some of you out there), and you find you want to talk about the passion, I would really encourage starting your own blog. If you are honest and genuine, and clearly love your subject matter, your readers will pick up on that and will interact with you. It’s also a fantastic platform to meet like-minded people on. Before you say ‘oh, but I can’t write’ just wait: everyone can be a writer. As with anything, all it takes is practice and care, but you will find when you write about something that you are already passionate about, it is very easy to write in an approachable way.

One of the best things about blogs as well is that they are usually free to have! I use www.blogger.com which is very easy to use, and there are plenty of platforms out there.

If you do start a blog, make sure you tell your friends and also drop me an email, and maybe you will get a mention online or here! Until next time, Merry Christmas, and not long after this Happy Easter I bet!

jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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simply books

book club choice

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is really a wonderful book. Drawn In simple, unfussy, prose this a warm and intimate portrait of both a marriage and a community. Olive Kitteridge is someone who might be best described as ‘a difficult woman’ – married to the personable and easy-going (if unambitious) owner of the local pharmacy.

As the (now retired) teacher of maths at the local high school Olive knows (and is known by) generations of children in her small community on the shoreline of Maine, New England. The novel is written as a sequence of self-contained stories exploring the lives of the townspeople (young and old) – woven through these stories is a connection (sometimes slight, other times more significant) with Olive. There’s a deceptive simplicity to the language – but writing this good (and this compelling) is a rare thing and we should treasure it!

With Christmas just around the corner I thought I’d highlight a couple of this year’s quirky stocking fillers! First off… The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young is a delightful book about cows and how they live. The author and her family have been running their farm for over 50 years – she knows every one of her cattle by name and carries their monkey puzzle of a family tree in her head! Turns out cows are as varied as people. They can be highly intelligent or slow to understand, vain, considerate, proud, shy or inventive – this is an affectionate look at a hitherto secret world. Intriguing…you’ll never feel the same about a herd of cows again!

Becoming British has never been more complicated. Aside from meeting the various legal, financial and residential requirements, applicants for British citizenship have (since 2005) been required to pass an official UK citizenship test – and it’s not as easy as you think! The ‘Call Yourself British’ Quiz Book is a compilation of 500 multiple-choice questions based on the UK Citizenship test to help measure just how British you jolly well are. Perfect for post-Christmas dinner entertainment. So for starters…Who is/was Richard Arkwright, Sake Dean Mahomet, John Petts and David Weir?

What are the contents of the 1689 Bill of Rights? And why do British people keep pets (according to the Home Office!)?

And for the children…. Oliver Jeffers new book Here We Are – Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a stunning picture book exploring what makes our planet and how we live in it. A visual treat and a wonderful book to share with any child.

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

Wild Alaska

Alaska is a unique destination; combining wildlife, glaciers and mountains, unique Native cultures, and the history of the Gold Rush days. Winters are long and cold, but the summers, whilst short, are a great time to visit and for many people a cruise is an ideal way to see this amazing State.

Cruising on one of the larger ships is a great value-formoney way to see the stunning coastline and with the opportunity to get off the ship almost daily, and explore inland, makes it a great all-round experience. Visiting ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the State Capital and weighing anchor to experience the grandeur and silence of Glacier Bay.

The most northerly port for most cruise ships is Anchorage, and here it is possible to add on a pre-or post-stay to explore the area. However, if you prefer to explore further, then a land tour would be for you. It is possible to hire a car and tour independently, but why not consider a land tour, such as Tauck’s Wild Alaska where you can unleash your inner David Attenborough with this fantastic wildlife filming holiday! You will have seen it on TV, now experience it in real life with Earth Journeys created by Tauck, in collaboration with leading film-makers. During the course of the tour guests can expect first-hand involvement with the ingenious gadgets and equipment used by professional wildlife photographers and filmmakers.

For a more luxurious experience, some of the smaller 5-star luxury cruise lines also have a ship that spends the summer in these waters; both Silversea and Regent Seven Seas can be found here and from 2019, Cunard will have the Queen Elizabeth cruising out of Vancouver and along these waters.

If you don’t do traditional cruising, there is still a ship for you – a cruise line called Uncruise. Small ships, and without the glamour of the bigger vessels, but delivering a fabulous experience, with kayaks and paddleboats, guided walks, and expert expedition and heritage guides. As small ships, they can access smaller coves and passages designed to get the passengers up close and personal to the wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Join like-minded adventurers as Tauck take you on a journey to discover what inspires the world’s greatest nature filmmakers, offering you a backstage pass to experience, in person, places, people, animals and stories relating to a major natural history series. This enhanced, touring experience will reveal nature’s most Continued over

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incredible stories enhanced by professional content, including hands-on use of field equipment to see how these filmmakers reveal nature’s secrets, bespoke videos created for each destination, and educational touches.

All to bring you a fresh perspective on our planet.

Our wild Alaska tour operating between July and September 2018 is a small group tour of about 30 Tauck guests. This ten-day adventure takes you away from the well-travelled routes of the Inside Passage to less-visited places of spectacular beauty and one-of-a kind experiences.

Take a flight over the vast glacier-clad landscapes and peaks of Denali (America’s highest mountain), cruise the Kenai Fjord, known for its resident sea lions, dolphins, whales, bald eagles and dramatic vistas.

Watch brown bears on Crescent Lake in salmon season, where the brown bears are close and numerous. Visit a kennel that raises champion sled dogs and participate in a wilderness hike with an expert naturalist guide who will impart invaluable knowledge and insights, meeting wildlife (like bison, elk, bears, and caribou) up close at a refuge for displaced and orphaned animals.

So, whether by land or sea, we can arrange the perfect Alaskan experience for you; phone Irene or Kristina at Travel by Design in Alderley Edge on 01625 584195 or call in to see us. We have Kathryn from Tauck Tours with us at our premises in Alderley Edge on 14 December. Why not call in and discuss your next holiday over a mince pie and a cup of coffee?

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by Kristina Hulme travelbydesigngroup.com

Putting the Perennial Garden to Bed for Winter The depths of winter could be a dull and dreary time in the perennial garden with plants dormant and snuggled up below ground but there can still be plenty of interest for both gardeners and wildlife provided you are judicious in your cutting back of stems.

I get lots of people asking about winter “pruning” of different perennials. It’s not something many books cover. The following methods work well for us but most important is getting to know your garden and its own micro climate. Getting the pruning right means a better looking winter garden, more food for wildlife and possibly, better growth next year.

The first consideration is: does it need the extra protection given by the old growth? If you have a particularly cold garden or are growing tender perennials it is worth leaving the top growth on until late winter as this provides protection to the crown of the plant by trapping some warmer air around the plant.

If you do leave old stems and leaves on over winter, take care to choose a period of frost-free weather in spring when you do cut them back – cutting them back is like taking away their coats all of a sudden – they need time to acclimatise.

Some perennials have wonderfully architectural bones in winter: sea hollies, bergamot, bubble mint and many others have attractive flower stems and seed heads that last through the winter. I simply remove any dead leaves in early winter and then tidy up the stems in early spring. In all cases don’t prune the new, fresh plantlets at the base of the stems.

Ornamental grasses always give a good show through the winter. For ones where the leaves go brown, cut back quite hard before new growth starts in spring. I cut tall ones down to 1ft/30cm high and shorter ones to about 6in/15cm.

Another reason to leave old stems in place until March is to provide a home for ladybirds – plants with hollow

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by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

stems are ideal hibernating places for them. Also seed heads are a welcome winter food for birds and small mammals. Some perennials seed to excess and removing the seed heads stops them from sprouting like mustard and cress all over the garden in the spring.

On the other hand, I leave the stems and heads on Verbena to encourage self-seeding of this slightly tender, short-lived flower.

With ground hugging or mound forming plants, remove dead or damaged leaves and flower stems in early winter– cutting them back saves damaging fresh leaves in spring. Trailing plants are also best cut back at this time. Some plants will keep leaf over winter, but this will become damaged and ugly by the spring so it’s best to cut these back hard (provided they’re hardy). I do this with the evergreen day lilies, whereas Heucheras look good through winter and are best tidied in spring.

Once you’ve cut back plants some benefit from a bit of insulation over winter. Shallow rooted plants like Phlox and Heleniums can be mulched with old compost, bark or leaves but watch out for slugs in spring.

There is no reason why the perennial garden needs to be bare and barren in winter. There’s plenty to interest the gardener and wildlife if you avoid the urge to cut back too early!

Janet and I sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 22 April 2018 and Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 13 May 2018. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

SIDE BY SIDE BUT WORLDS APART There’s now even more to see and do at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank, with the opening of the Gregs’ family home, Quarry Bank House, and a permanent exhibition with a tour of a mill worker’s cottage in nearby Styal. Together these add to the picture of what life was like living and working in an industrial community, contrasting with the intellectual, social and domestic life of Hannah Greg, wife of Quarry Bank’s founder Samuel Greg.

Amanda Lunt, general manager at Quarry Bank, said, ‘Quarry Bank is, and always has been, much more than a mill. By restoring these houses, and exploring the domestic lives of both owner and worker, we’re able to engage our visitors with a different side of the story. We hope that visitors will be charmed and challenged by these new experiences.’

Piecing history together Although the cotton mill, Apprentice House, Styal village and estate were gifted to the National Trust in 1939, it wasn’t until 2006 that the opportunity to acquire Quarry Bank House and part of the gardens presented itself. The house and gardens were a

by Claire Hawker

domestic idyll created by the Greg family in the early 19th century, providing them with a rural retreat from rapidly industrialising Manchester. This missing piece of the puzzle was crucial to the development of the ongoing Quarry Bank Project.

Hannah’s vision Hannah Greg created a sanctuary at Quarry Bank. A woman of education, she was concerned with the improvement of herself and her thirteen children through learning, debate and the host of well-informed friends and acquaintances who were invited to Quarry Bank House. Today, visitors can explore the family home through Hannah’s experiences. Facsimiles of her writings are on display, and a team of staff and volunteers will engage visitors with stories of Hannah and her family.

An elegant, well-read home To recreate the atmosphere of this genteel Georgian home, a dedicated team of conservation specialists, archivists, academics from the University of Manchester and volunteers set to work. Although the Gregs left a huge number of personal papers and letters, Continued over

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there’s almost no description of how they decorated their home, and none of their furniture is retained within Quarry Bank’s collection. The available evidence points to an elegant and tasteful style of living, with greater focus on intellectual pursuits than material ones.

Contemporary visitors wrote of the ‘grave simplicity of the household, their intellectual ways, the absence of display, and even of knick-knacks, the pale blue walls, the unadorned furniture, the well-filled bookcases, the portrait of George Washington over the chimney piece…’

Katie Taylor, regional curator at the National Trust, said, ‘we had an unusual challenge with Quarry Bank House.

With so little to go on for how the interior should look, we took inspiration from similar homes of the period.

We used contemporary paintings to understand the colours and patterns that would have been used in the different rooms, and engaged a host of specialists to advise us on the look and feel of the soft furnishings.’

Ally Tsilika, Archive and Collections Manager at Quarry Bank, said, ‘unlike the Greg family, the majority of workers’ lives have been preserved only in the records that were kept about them, such as censuses, wage and rent books. What we’re missing is people’s personalities, but you can get a tantalising glimpse of that inside the cottage. The worker’s cottage is one of the few ways that we still have to explore the lives of those whose thoughts, feelings and hopes are now lost to us.’

The fabric of life

Wider community In the village of Styal, just ten minutes’ walk from the mill, the Gregs built rows of terraced cottages for their workers. The community that expanded so dramatically during the early Industrial Revolution continues to thrive today. To tell the story of the village, a permanent exhibition that explores the lives of the mill workers has been created in the village hub. Inside a worker’s cottage, layers of history were unraveled through an extensive restoration process. Known locally as the ‘pickled cottage’, number 13 Oak Cottages has been left untouched since the 1970s and wasn’t modernised with the rest of the houses in Styal. It offers a unique window into the past.

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During the conservation and restoration process, six layers of wallpaper were uncovered, tracing the tastes and decoration choices of the cottage’s tenants back through the generations. Much of the wallpaper was peeling from the wall when restoration work started, and has been painstakingly restored by a conservation specialist. The Quarry Bank team has also taken great care to look after the historic linoleum that covered the floor.

Tours of the worker’s cottage are limited to a maximum of eight people per tour due to the house’s small size.

On the tour, visitors are encouraged to consider how the home lives of Quarry Bank’s workers differed to their own. Up to 14 people would have lived in each two-up-two-down cottage, with the cellar beneath the house rented to a separate family altogether. Although living conditions in Styal were generally better than in the centre of Manchester at the time, they are surprising and at times shocking to modern eyes. Despite this, a community was built here that has lasted, and can now be enjoyed by Quarry Bank’s visitors.

CHRISTMAS AT QUARRY BANK This festive season, you and your family can indulge in traditions old and new as Quarry Bank steps back into a Georgian Christmas. You’re invited to celebrate with the child apprentice workers, and to travel back in time for Christmas in the home of the mill owning Greg family (until Sun 7 Jan 2018)

Celebrations in the Apprentice House Step into the Apprentice House for a taste of Georgian life. The apprentices rarely had a treat or a day off, so a cup of tea at Christmas was a real luxury. In the kitchen you can try a piece of currant loaf that the apprentices may have had at Christmas, and help to make ‘stir up pudding’. You can gather round for festive stories and make dazzling natural decorations or a magnificent mask to take home with you.

Decking the halls of Quarry Bank House Christmas in Quarry Bank House, home to the wealthy mill owning Greg family, was very different to the simple celebrations of the apprentice children. Step back in time as you meet a cast of characters from the Greg family and their visitors. Are you clever enough to work out the Christmas riddles? Challenge your family to festive games and historic brainteasers, and head to the dining room to find out all about the impressive Christmas feast.

The Estate (except for the Mill) and the new attractions are open over the holiday period, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Mill will be closing in late November for installation of a passenger lift.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank for details of all opening times and how to book on timed tours and visits.

LAST POSTING DATES - UK

Tuesday, 19 December 2nd class post and Royal Mail signed for 2nd class post, also Royal Mail 48® Wednesday, 20 December 1st class post and Royal Mail signed for 1st class post, also Royal Mail Tracked 48® and 24® Thursday, 21 December Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, and Tracked 24® Friday, 22 December Royal Mail Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed INTERNATIONAL STANDARD Saturday, 2 December Africa and the Middle East.

Wednesday, 6 December Cyprus, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia).

Thursday, 7 December Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Saturday, 9 December Greece, Australia and New Zealand.

Wednesday, 13 December Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Poland.

Thursday, 14 December Canada, Finland, Sweden and the USA. Friday, 15 December Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland.

Saturday, 16 December Belgium, France, Ireland and Luxembourg.

HM Forces mail – (BFPO) Monday, 27 November - Airmail to Operational BFPOs Monday, 11 December - Airmail to Static BFPOs

Courting Favour Last week we took a trip to Barristers, a stylish new restaurant based in The Courthouse, a rather grand building that was formerly Knutsford Crown Court.

This Grade II listed building, originally designed by renowned architect, George Moneypenny and built in 1818 has recently undergone a full renovation, restoring all the original architecture including the huge domed glass ceiling. Under the direction of Flat Cap Hotels, 10 individually designed luxury bedrooms are planned to complement the existing banqueting and private dining rooms.

A word first on the service at Barristers, which was not only excellent but also suitably discreet and in keeping with the quirky yet elegant setting.

The bar/dining room itself is quite something. The original court room features have been maintained but somehow the designers have made it feel cosy and welcoming too. There are legal reference points, like the pictures on the walls and the wigs near the entrance, but the atmosphere feels more homely than austere, more friendly than over-formal.

And now to the food - my tomato soup starter was full-bodied and delicious, as was the accompanying freshly baked bread with madras infused butter. This curried theme continued through my main course, fish and chips.

Here was a circle of lemon above a tomato dressing/ blush ketchup, above a lightly ale battered and

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by Barrie Hawker

succulent cod fillet, above a roundel of curried chickpeas, above a ringlet of pea puree. It was fish and chips, Jim, but not as we know it.

I could not resist the carrot cake with white chocolate and vanilla frosting with baby carrots and pouring cream which followed. And no, I was not about to share this particular dessert with the person with me.

In fairness, she was perfectly happy and just as possessive with her own food selections – ‘bloomer shrooms’, which consisted of chestnut mushrooms, roasted garlic, chives and a toasted bloomer; steak frites, with comfit tomato, rocket and parmesan salad and aioli; orange and cinnamon pannacotta with spiced mulled berries and ginger shortbread.

This was a truly exceptional lunch and with food and service of such high quality, this Knutsford restaurant is putting a brand-new positive spin on spending time in court.

Lunch is served in Barristers Bar & Restaurant from 11.30am with sandwiches, small plates, salads and dishes showcasing local produce from the region. Or try the seasonal dinner menu, followed by a freshly prepared cocktail by the bar. www.thecourthousecheshire.com Tel: 01561 743 333

quick crossword Across 7. Bramley’s, perhaps (7,6) 8. Collar bone (8) 9. Therefore (4) 10. Source of barium (7) 12. Southpaw (5) 14. Small holding (5) 16. Relating (7) 19. Russian royal (4) 20. Reserve (3,5) 22. Wall edging (8,5)

down 1. Aim (4) 2. Servant (6) 3. Sneer (7) 4. Sap (5) 5. For each (6) 6. Elevate (8) 11. Drinks after slopes? (5-3) 13. Reserves (4,3) 15. Uproar(6) 17. Abrasion (6) 18. Jelly (5) 21. Dreadful (4)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 58 25

Granny’s Christmas Pudding The stout in this recipe will add the moisture to the pudding and the cocoa powder makes the pudding look lovely and dark.

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

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Ingredients 1oz mixed peel 1oz ground almonds 2 medium sized eggs ¼ teaspoon almond essence 2 teaspoons brandy 1 can of stout 2 teaspoons cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon mixed spice 4oz plain flour 4oz breadcrumbs 4oz beef suet 4oz brown sugar 4oz raisins 4oz sultanas 4oz glace cherries 1 grated lemon rind ½ apple grated ½ carrot grated

Equipment: 2 pint bowl, mixing bowl, clean tea towel or pudding cloth.

Method: Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add the eggs and the brandy and mix then pour in the stout gradually and keep stirring until your mixture is the consistency of a loose cake mix. Grease your pudding bowl with a little butter and pour in the pudding mix. Cover with foil and then a tea towel or pudding cloth and tie it to the top of the bowl, this is to prevent any water getting in. Place in a large boiling pan and fill with water ¾ of the way up the side of the bowl. Boil on a moderate heat for 6 hours keep topping up the water with boiled kettle water if the level starts to drop.

When the pudding is ready turn it out and leave to cool. These puddings can be stored wrapped in foil from now until Christmas, to reheat just place the pudding back in the bowl and boil for another 2 hours on Christmas day. Can be served with a sprinkling of icing sugar on the top or pour on ¼ brandy and light for a flaming Christmas pudding.

FANTASTIC LINE-UP FOR NK’S 30th YEAR 2018 sees the 30th Anniversary of the region’s leading all-inclusive theatre company for children, young people and adults. Founded in 1988 “Northern Kids’ Theatre Company” spent its first 15 years in Tameside where it gained an enviable reputation for providing wellstructured workshops in drama, dance and singing as well as excellent public performances.

Becoming a Registered Charity in 1995 and looking for a permanent home, the Company staged outstanding productions at various prestigious venues throughout the north west such as The Tameside Hippodrome, The Palace Theatre and The Lowry to name but a few.

In 2003 we were delighted to reach an agreement with Stockport Council which saw us move our entire operation to Stockport at The Forum Theatre and with an ever-growing adult membership, a new beginning brought with it a new name; NK Theatre Arts was born!

Our Patrons list boasts many former NK members, including Andy Moss who starred in Hollyoaks and Ghost the Musical, comedian Brennan Reece, actress Kerry Bennett, School of Rock MD Matt Smith and Will Mellor, who undertook his very first performance at The Forum Theatre!

We have a very exciting year planned for 2018, beginning with an 80s night (the decade we began) followed by Magic of the Musicals - a tribute to the many productions performed over our history and the perfect night out for theatre lovers!

We are delighted to be bringing back to the stage the award-winning Rock Opera Quadrophenia. We will also dare to bare this summer when The Full Monty is staged whilst there will also be the brilliant Teechers, Romeo and Juliet and our popular Murder Mystery and Comedy Nights.

We truly have something for everyone at The Forum Theatre this year, so if you have never been to a production in Romiley then come on down and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

The Youth Theatre is as popular as ever providing the opportunity for all young people, irrespective of ability, disability, status or culture, to realise their full potential in the exploration of Performing Arts and enjoy the concept of arts for all. Each of our members is valued equally and encouraged to strive for excellence in all that they do in a well-structured and monitored training process! Membership is open to all from 5yrs to 18yrs and details can be found on the website at www.nkta.co.uk

We are also offering a 10% Discount to all INSIDE Magazine Readers, simply use the Discount Code INSIDE when booking your tickets online!

Get your tickets from www.theforumtheatre.co.uk or call our booking line on 0333 666 3366 and to get the very latest information, make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook @nktheatrearts

10% discount for INSIDE readers throughout 2018

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DALES OF THE DOVe

A circular walk from Hartington

Distance: 8½ miles Ascent/descent: 1,200ft Walk description: Starting in Hartington, this walk follows the river Dove through two contrasting dales before ascending through a “dry” valley to join the Tissington Trail with excellent views across White Peak. It then passes through the start of Biggin Dale before returning to Hartington along the very quiet Reynards Lane. A walk of contrasts.

Starting point: Hartington Village Centre (SK127 604). There is street parking in the village and a small pay & display car park (SK17 0BE) on Mill Lane, just past the public toilets on the opposite side of the road.

Map: OL24 White Peak Starting from the village pond, follow Mill Lane (B5054) past the Charles Cotton Hotel as far as the public toilets on the left. Our path starts on the left behind the toilets. Pass through a gate and follow the path behind buildings heading generally south. Cross a narrow track and continue south with good views and limestone outcrops to your left. The path eventually enters Morson Wood.

You should start to see glimpses of the River Dove to your right. Follow the clear path still heading south.

Cross a footbridge and you are now in Staffordshire

32

with the river now on your left. The pool just past the bridge is known as Pike Pool, named after the grey limestone monolith, or pike that rises out of the water.

This is Beresford Dale, named after the now demolished Beresford Hall, once the home of Charles Cotton. Cotton and his close friend Izaac Walton wrote a remarkable book about 17th century rural England called “The Complete Angler”. No other English language book, other than The Bible and Book of Common Prayer, has been reprinted more times.

Continue alongside the river to another footbridge and once again cross the river. You are now back in Derbyshire. Continue heading south crossing a water meadow (can be quite wet after heavy rains). Keep the river on your right as you leave the meadow. You are now entering Wolfscote Dale which is wider and with less vegetation than Beresford Dale. As you continue, it becomes progressively more spectacular with the sides of the dale rising almost vertically with patches of limestone scree sometimes across the path. The low weirs you will see in the river were created in the 19th century to encourage the breeding of fish.

After just over one mile, there is a dry valley ascending steeply to the left. This is Biggin Dale. We don’t take this turning and continue alongside the Dove. We will however walk through the top part of Biggin Dale on our return to Hartington. Continuing through Wolfscote Dale the scenery seems to change at every bend in the river. In spring orchids and cowslips can often be seen. Continue by the river for ¾ mile, ignoring a bridge at Gypsy Bank, until you reach Coldeaton Bridge.

(SK145561) At this bridge we now leave the Dove and turn left to ascend through an unnamed dry valley heading east and then northeast. The signpost here directs you to the left of the ascending wall. Do not go this way. Instead take the path just through the wall keeping the wall

on your left as you ascend the valley. Continue on this grassy and sometimes stony path for just short of a mile until it reaches Liffs Road. (SK157567) Turn right onto the road and continue a short distance to a gate on the right just before a bridge. Go through the gate and follow a track onto the Tissington Trail.

This was the railway line from Buxton to Ashbourne before it was closed in 1967. Turn left, (heading north) and follow the trail which gives good views before passing through a rocky cutting. The trail is well used by cyclists so keep checking behind you. Just after the cutting the trail crosses over Back Lane. (SK162581) Immediately before the bridge take the steps on the right down to the lane and then turn left and pass under the bridge (west). Continue on this very quiet lane to a T junction with Liffs Road. Turn right. There will be more traffic on this road so keep aware. Follow

The Walk the road north for ¼ mile. At the bottom of a slight dip take the gated stile on the left by a bridleway sign and follow a grassy, stony path west into Biggin Dale. The path starts to get a little steeper and after ½ mile starts to swing left. Look out for a gate on the right and go through it.

There is an enclosed Dew Pond on your left just after the gate. The path crosses loose rocks and turns to the right. Follow this path uphill for a short distance thorough a shallow grassy valley. Take a left fork going more steeply uphill to reach a walled track which passes a refurbished barn on the right before becoming a tarmac road (Reynards Lane). Follow this very quiet road going north northwest for about 1 mile. When the road bends sharply right, take the stile on the left and follow the path which leads you to a grassy descent down towards Hartington. At the bottom of the field turn right and pass through a narrow alley behind houses to come out on Hall Bank. Turn left and continue downhill to a cross road. Turn left here to end back in the centre of Hartington.

There are pubs and a tea room here and a well-stocked cheese shop which sells locally produced Stilton as well as a wide range of other cheeses, wines and beers. If you still have energy left after your walk there is a local town trail available at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/ village-trails.

Marple District Rambling Club organises up to 30 walks each month, going out on Thursdays and Sundays. For further information, phone Sue Gilmore, 0161 427 1471, or Claude Prime, 0161 483 8596 or visit www.marple-uk/ community/rambling

By Brian Beardwood > Marple District Rambling Club

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TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? Based in Cheadle, Thermal Homes Ltd is a family run business that offers FREE cavity wall insulation to any property that requires it. Green Deal, BBA and CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) approved, the company has already helped hundreds of residents save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Sounds too good to be true surely?

According to the business owner, who has over 10 years of industry knowledge, the fact that it is actually free is possibly the hardest selling point. ‘Initially people just don’t believe you or they think that there must be some catch - only once we have completed the install do customers realise that it is indeed free.’

So what’s involved?

‘We initially need to inspect the property to ensure that it would benefit from cavity wall insulation. At that point and before the install, we have to pass the survey over to the BBA or CIGA and they audit the property just to ensure that the property is in fact suitable’ he says.

‘Once we have the green light we then simply inform the customer of possible install dates that they can choose from - it really is as simple as that. For peace of mind all our customers receive a 25 year CIGA guarantee which covers defects in materials or workmanship’.

‘Through the same scheme we also offer loft insulation with up to 80% funding levels. This, combined with FREE cavity wall insulation, could make a saving of up to £400 a year on fuel bills according to the Energy Saving Trust!’

What’s the next step?

Give us a ring – you have nothing to lose!

0161 425 1916 Or visit www.thermalhomes.co.uk Email: info@thermalhomes.co.uk

advertorial

beautifully bespoke The Stair Shop offers exquisite workmanship, right on our doorstep Based locally on Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, The Stair Shop is a family run business specialising in the manufacture and installation of stunning, custom-built timber staircases. Mike Lomax and his dad Paul first opened the doors of their staircase business in early 1999. Following Paul’s retirement, Mike now runs the company with his wife Sam, who joined them in the business five years ago, keeping up the family tradition.

SKILLED CRAFTSMEN Mike & Sam have brought together a team of nine skilled craftsmen, to make even the most challenging projects come alive. Their uncompromising dedication to quality through design, selection of materials, construction and installation, is what makes them one of the UK’s top stair builders. All staircases, traditional and modern, are constructed from their own cad drawings. Their experienced staff consult with clients at each stage, right from the initial design through to the installation of the new, beautiful staircase.

We offer limitless variations on design and specialise in Pine, solid Oak and rich Walnut

SHOWROOM & FACTORY At their new showroom you’ll find a selection of staircase ideas on display. And whilst you’re there, feel free to take a look around their state of the art, computerised factory. You’re sure to be wowed!

If you require any advice on refurbishing an existing staircase, or help choosing and designing a new one, please give Mike or Sam a call on 0161 477 8077 or email office@stairshop.co.uk.

They will be more than happy to help.

The Stair Shop: Chamart House, Haigh Avenue, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Reddish, SK4 1NU

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you

need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, howeverCloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution… Just replace the glass!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it.

With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Richard and he services the Bramhall areas.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Richard a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

“

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE all customers that an average quote will take no longer than 20 mins!

”

in touch your local community noticeboard december 2017 - january 2018

LIGHT UP BRAMHALL Christmas comes to Bramhall Village on Sunday 3 December with Light Up Bramhall 2017.

The event starts at 12 noon in the Village Square with Christmas stalls, entertainment, food and drink sellers, children’s games and Santa’s Grotto, and continues throughout the afternoon on Bramhall Lane South until around 5.30pm. The popular lantern making workshop is back and lanterns can be made in the hall at Bramhall Methodist Church from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Light Up Bramhall is one of the three main events in the village organised by Bramhall Together Trust, a small team of volunteers hoping to bring the community together with family events through the year. “It’s a great way to start the Christmas celebrations – there was a real party atmosphere last year with thousands of people gathering in the village to join in with the entertainment and watch the laser show. This year’s will be better than ever”, said Chairman of Bramhall Together Trust, Roger Prydderch.

Light Up Bramhall is supported by Vernon Building Society and Bramhall Village Square.

IMPORTANT – Bramhall Lane South will be closed from Lumb Lane to the roundabout in the centre of the village between 12noon and 6pm.

COULD YOU HELP OUT AT THURSDAY CLUB? An opportunity has occurred for volunteers to help with The Thursday Club! Volunteers come in, typically one morning or afternoon a month (this can be flexible to accommodate the unexpected).

The Club does not meet during the main school holidays.

We need people who can chatter, make tea, wash up, smile, entertain, drive, or provide cakes.

If you have only limited time, perhaps you could help with driving members to and from the club, or providing cake.

No application form required! if you would like to know more contact Carol Sargent by emailing g.davidsargent@btopenworld.com, call 0161 439 1779, or just call in one Thursday to the Fellowship Room in the Methodist Church, Bramhall.

Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

Rebekah Schawsmidth wins Bramhall’s Got Talent 2017 The fifth Bramhall’s Got Talent competition was won this year by Rebekah Schawsmidth from Reddish.

She wowed the crowd with her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’, from the musical Hairspray, and took the top prize of £500 which she plans to spend on driving lessons.

The popular annual competition took place this year on 7 October in Bramhall village and was judged by a number of people including Mayor of Stockport Linda Holt, Conservative MP for Stockport Mary Robinson and Emmerdale actor Liam Fox. The competition was sponsored by local restaurant Piccolino Bramhall and is organised by a group of local volunteers at the Bramhall Together Trust.

Rebekah Schawsmidth picking up her prize from event sponsor Piccolino…

Chairman, Roger Prydderch says, “It’s amazing how much talent we have in and around Stockport and great to see a wide range of acts on stage this year – it takes a lot of courage to stand up and perform in front of a big crowd, and all the performances were fantastic.”

...and one of her singing.

Second prize went to singer Elise Campbell from Bramhall, 3rd prize to singer Alice Robinson from Sale and this year’s special recognition prize went to brother and sister act Rocke and Tiger McLaren.

CELEBRATING 85 GLORIOUS YEARS The story of saving The Plaza continues In 2012 The Friends of the Plaza published their first booklet, The Plaza’s Millennium Re-Birth. This told the incredible story, pre restoration, of how a team of enthusiastic volunteers had saved the much loved Art-Deco Stockport Plaza from possible demolition, after it closed as a bingo hall in 1998.

Ian Hodgkiss, Chairman of the Friends group, has recently published a second book - The Plaza’s Millennium Re-Birth…The Work Continues.

This fully illustrated book continues the story from the time when the Plaza closed, in February 2009, for the first phase of the £3.2m restoration, through to the Plaza’s re-opening with a Gala Performance on Friday 11 December 2009.

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The publication illustrates in detail the work painstakingly carried out to restore the building back into its original 1932 Art Deco glory, whilst at the same time ensuring all facilities meet with the requirements of present day audiences. It gives an insight into the Plaza’s film and stage facilities and lists various building awards bestowed on the project, as well as the many works carried out inhouse including alterations to the circle, restoration of the stage, the re-seating of the auditorium, cleaning and restoration of the Compton organ and much more.

As the work continues, 17 years into the project, Stockport Plaza Trust still has great plans and aspirations for the Plaza. The book is a fitting tribute to all the volunteers past and present.

The book is available now from the Plaza Box Office - Price ÂŁ4. The first book (ÂŁ3) is also still available while stocks last.

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From one local business to another Would you like more local customers?

Our magazines are so lovely people can’t bear to throw them away, making them the ideal place to promote your business.

The local magazine our readers love to keep.

INSIDE E POYNTON ISSUE 71

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2017

INSIDE E ISSUE 59

MAY - JUNE 2017

HA ZEL GROVE

&

H I G H

INSIDE E ISSUE 57

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The local magazine our readers love to keep

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One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

Delivering a quality read to 45,000 homes across Bollington, Prestbury, Tytherington, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, High Lane, Marple, Poynton, Wilmslow & Alderley Edge

To get your business noticed call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk facebook.com/insidemags

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Answers: presents, baubles, turkey, cards, snow, holly and ivy. Extra letter answer: ribbon

just 4 kids

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

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 Tiny Thinkers 1.30pm (term time only) Tiny Thinkers provides stimulating and fun activities to help your child learn the basic skills required for starting school. Bramley Centre, Bramley Close, Bramhall, SK7 2DT. 2½ -4years, adaptable activities. £6.50 per class or term booking £32.50 (trial session free). Contact Karina Lemmon: Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Tel: 07969633654 Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/Tinythink/ Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

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

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 Angela Fixter on 01614391204 or email angelafixter@hotmail.co.uk

WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, SK7 3AB. £6 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382.

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

Wednesday

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 Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

BMC Baby Chat 10.30-11.45am Term-time only. Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

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

Tiny Thinkers 11.30am-12.15pm Term time only. Tiny Thinkers provides stimulating and fun activities to help your child learn the basic skills required for starting school.

Just Giggle play centre in Cheadle SK8 2PN. 2½-4years, adaptable activities. £6.50 per class (trial session free). Contact Karina Lemmon: Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Tel: 07969633654. Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Tinythink/

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friday

saturday

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

See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

If you run a local activity for young children and 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

december 2017 - january 2018

selected events in your area

Friday 1 December

Tuesday 5 December

Hallé Comes To Bramhall. Hallé Brass - an evening of Brass Quintet music, with just a hint of Christmas!

Tickets £11, £9 (concessions), under 18s free, refreshments included. Available from: Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door.

Bramhall Methodist Church at 7.30pm

Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Flower Club. Mark Entwistle, The Colours of Christmas. We offer a warm welcome to visitors. Entrance fee for visitors £6, enquiries call 07908 264225 The Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme 7 for 7.30pm

Saturday 2 December

Weds 6 to Thurs 7 December

NK Christmas Comedy Night. Three brilliant acts plus a wonderful compere to have you laughing the night away.

Late bar and music, not suitable for children. VIP Seating available which includes priority seating and a brilliant drinks package too, so grab your tickets before they all go and enjoy a fantastic night out! Ticket prices £10* for one seat or £18* for two seats.

Box Office: 0333 666 3366 *Booking fee applies The Forum Theatre, Romiley, Stockport 8.15

Saturday 2 December

Christmas at the Forum Join NK Theatre Arts members for a fantastic way to see in the festive period. A festive mix of both drama and dance from all the workshop classes.

Drama Showcase - Wednesday at 7.30pm (Drama Showcase) Musical Theatre Showcase Thursday at 7.30pm For further details from the box office on 0161 430 6570 The Forum Theatre, Romiley, Stockport

Thursday 7 December

Poynton Ceilidhs Shropshire Heroes, caller Dave Ball. Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary! Tickets £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s half price. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance at www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk.

Poynton Community Centre 8pm to 11.30pm

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Members’ Social Evening including Judith’s Natural History Quiz, members’ presentations and seasonal fare!

Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Saturday 2 December

Thursday 7 December

Christmas Fair – A variety of stalls and games, including gifts, cakes, plants and many more. Grand Christmas Draw, Tombola, Art Display and Coffee Lounge. All welcome.

Brookdale Club and Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall SK7 3AB. 10am to 12 noon, free entry.

Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, 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 Mike on 07860 396286, 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

Sunday 3 December Light up Bramhall The event starts at 12 noon in the Village Square with Christmas stalls, entertainment, food and drink sellers, children’s games and Santa’s Grotto, and continues throughout the afternoon on Bramhall Lane South until around 5.30pm.

Monday 4 December Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz £6 entry, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane SK6 8DR 8pm

Friday 8 December The Downfall Band (as seen at Higher Poynton Summerfest) liven up the weekend with a great evening of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Feel free to bring your supper! Tickets £8, available from the Legion Club, Ted’s Barber shop, Mates DIY or email friendsofeastcheshire@outlook.com. Proceeds to East Cheshire Hospice.

Poynton Legion Club, 8pm Continued over

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Friday 8 December

Sunday 10 December

Open Afternoon We invite you to join us for the afternoon, meet the staff and enjoy a festive tea, bring a friend! The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Walter Brett and Mrs Maureen Brett will make the Wellspring Christmas Draw at 3.30pm. Tickets are already on sale and available on the day. Come and join in the festivities and perhaps take a prize home!

The Wellspring, Stockport from 2.30pm

The VBS Poynton Band’s Christmas Concert Tickets are £8 including refreshments. Children under sixteen are free. Tickets enquiries please call 0161 487 2924. Tickets can also be bought from band members Poynton Civic Hall 7pm

Sat 9 & Sun 10 December The Model Show 2017. 15+ working model railways, 2nd hand sales, trade support, society & club stands, Plastic kit, sci-fi, war gaming, miniatures, card modelling, dioramas, miniature engineering, radio control aircraft and boats and submarines in the swimming pool twice daily. Full disabled access, hot and cold refreshments, ample free parking. Full details at themodelshow.co.uk Adults £6 Uniform ID UK forces and Service personnel £5. £3.50 after 3.30pm Sat only.

U/16’s free (max 2 per adult) Poynton Leisure Centre, Yew Tree Lane, Poynton, Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 4.30pm

Saturday 9 December Christmas Cheer with The Robins Singers Tickets £10 (Call Alan on 0161 285 1192 – limited numbers available on the door) For more information visit www.therobinssingers.co.uk Bramhall United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Saturday 9 December Stockport Symphony Orchestra plays Broadway Including hits from the shows all wrapped up for Christmas!

Conductor Robert Chasey, Soloists Eleanor Garside and Richard Pollock For more information please see www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

Sunday 10 December Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and Music The ladies of Wilmslow’s Cheshire A Cappella chorus will entertain you with an afternoon of singing, including seasonal songs. Tickets £8, conc. £7 to include festive drink and mince pie.

Call 01625 429602 or 07801 103479 Festival Hall, Alderley Edge 3.30pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

Wednesday 13 December The Arts Society North East Cheshire Christmas Lunch and The Art of the Joke – Lecture with Susie Harries on how artists have always used jokes to make serious statements - about themselves, about the world and about the nature of art. Please contact the Membership Secretary, Maggie Schofield on: 0161 427 9451 or maglet6@gmail.com The Hallmark (Belfry) Hotel.

Thursday 14 December Bramhall Group of the Family History of Cheshire The Tudor Cinema, Bramhall, by our own Janet McMurray, followed by Christmas Party. Admission £2 inc refreshments.

Further info from 0161 439 5021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall Lane South, SK7 2PE 7.30pm

THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER LINK Women’s Fellowship Candlelit Carol Service.

Everyone - male and female - is invited to come and join us for a welcome beginning to the Christmas Season. You will be made most welcome and have time for a bit of a natter over seasonal refreshments. No charge - just a retiring collection for charity.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 7.30pm

Saturday 16 December Poynton Male Voice Choir Christmas Charity Concert As well as the sound of seasonal male voice singing there will be a contribution from the children of St Peter’s Hazel Grove Junior Choir, solos, light hearted stories and light refreshments.

Tickets £9 from choir members or on the door or reserve by calling 0161 439 6419. All profits will be donated to this year’s chosen charity ‘Wilmslow Wells for Africa’ who will briefly report on their work.

Poynton Methodist Church 7.30pm

Tuesday 19 December Christmas Carol Service. Each year the church holds a carol service for Wellspring. The service is open to all and we welcome all who join us for the occasion. Rev David Briggs will conduct a simple service of carols and readings. Tea coffee and mince pies will be available after the service.

St Mary’s Church in the Marketplace, Stockport 1.30pm

Friday 22 December

Wednesday 10 January

Epiphany presents Classics at Christmas. Concert with a Celtic flavour! Featuring soloists Nigel Cameron (Irish Whistles) and Julie Cameron Hall (singer). Programme includes Vivaldi 4 violin concerto, Irish Celtic music, Riverdance theme tune and a Christmas Selection. Tickets £16, £12 (conc). Available at the door or in advance from 01625 858802 St George’s Church Poynton, 7.30pm

The Arts Society North East Cheshire The Art and Architecture of Travel. A lecture by Dr Sarah Pearson, architectural historian and writer on how the infrastructure of travel has provided many architectural treasures from bus and rail stations to airports.

New members are always welcome - if you would like to attend a lecture as a visitor, please contact the Membership Secretary, Maggie Schofield 0161 427 9451 or maglet6@gmail.com.

Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3AB 10.30am, coffee from 9.30am

Saturday 23 December Werneth Concert Band Christmas Concert Tickets £10, concessions £8 may be obtained from ‘Interiors

by Gainsborough’ (0161 494 0914) or through the band website at www.wernethconcertband.org.uk.

The Forum Theatre, Romiley 7.30pm

Friday 29 December Simply Cinema presents…

Victoria and Abdul (PG) Judi Dench stars in a period drama about the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and a young Indian clerk. Tickets £7, To book call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www. simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Doors open 6.30pm Screening 7pm

Thursday 4 january Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, 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 Mike on 07860 396286, 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

Monday 8 January Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz. £6 entry, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane.

SK6 8DR 8pm

Tuesday 9 January East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture Caxton to Copy shops – Tony Nightingale Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

THURSDAY 11 January LINK Women’s Fellowship Our afternoon meeting welcomes Mary Langton who will talk about Hospital Chaplaincy. Mary has worked as a nurse for many years at Stepping Hill Hospital and now in semi retirement has taken on the voluntary role as a Hospital Chaplain. She is always well worth listening to - both entertaining and reflective and we welcome any ladies who would like to come and join us for the afternoon. The charge is £2, and this includes light refreshments.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Thursday 11 January Family History Society Bramhall Group Archaeology in Cheshire. Leigh Dodd, archaeologist tells us about recent excavations around Cheshire, from prehistoric to WW2. Admission £2 with refreshments, visitors always welcome.

More information 0161 439 5021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Thursday 18 January Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Inspiring Avians by Jeff Clarke. Charismatic birds that capture the imagination. Visitors very welcome (£4) More information from David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Friday 19 January Stockport Historical Society The Gilt and the Gingerbread: Highlights of Medieval life at Tatton Old Hall. Talk by Janet Bradshaw. Visitors very welcome, admission £2.50. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570.

Stockport Sunday School, Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm Continued over

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Saturday 20 January

Saturday 27 January

Puppet Mayhem II The Marionette Theatre Co. perform their annual variety show.

Tickets Adults £4, Children and OAPs £3 – to reserve contact Sandra or John Horsman on 01625 872368, email Horsman_Jf@msn.com or pay on the door.

Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 2pm

Poynton Ceilidhs. Vertical Expression, caller Andrew Swaine, traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary!

Dances are all explained by the caller and walked through before the music starts playing. Tickets £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s half price. To reserve or purchase tickets see www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk Bar ‘til 11pm Poynton Civic Hall 8pm till 11.30pm

Friday 19 January

Saturday 27 January

Absolute 80s Join NK Theatre Arts elite vocalists and musicians plus very special guests as we kick off our anniversary year with the ultimate 80’s tribute night. You’ll be sure to be on the floor all night bopping to these all-time classics! Fancy dress is encouraged and the bar will be open all night. VIP tables available. Ticket prices £12 Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Romiley Stockport SK6 4EA 7.30pm

Stockport Symphony Orchestra with the mighty Wurlitzer.

Dvorak Carnival Overture, Martinu Symphony no. 3 and Saint-Seans symphony no 3, his famous organ symphony.

Conductor Wyn Davies, organist Richard Brocklehurst.

For more information please see www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is

THURSDAY 25 January LINK Women’s Fellowship Marion Bray joins us to talk about ‘A little bit of china in your garden’. I’m not sure whether the china is with a small or capital C so it will be intriguing to find out. All ladies are welcome to come and find the answer to the mystery. You don’t have to belong to our church, or any church for that matter. We are quite friendly ... we don’t bite .... except on the biscuit (along with a cup of tea) which rounds off our afternoon event. Only £2 Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 2.30pm

Wednesday 10 January Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk to secure your space.

THURSDAY 25 JANUARY Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening Dr Philip Lewis – Driven by Dreams. Philip has worked as a Consultant Cardiologist and Hypertension Specialist at Stepping Hill Hospital since 1984 We look forward to hearing him and welcome menfolk too. To book (£12 including supper) ring Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 The Deanwater Hotel, Woodford 7.30pm

Fri 26 to Sat 27 January Magic of the Musicals NK Theatre Arts presents a wonderful night of musical entertainment. Various singers will take to the stage in a relaxed cabaret setting. With NK Theatre Arts entering its 30th Anniversary year, all performances will be from shows since our inception in 1988. VIP tables available. Ticket prices £12.

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

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

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

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

0161 426 5850 0161 426 9700 07548 098 258 0161 439 3322

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 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 483 1010 111

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 0800 0420213

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Mains Environment Agency Floodline

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999 0845 746 2200 0845 988 1188

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 480 4949 0161 672 6855

61

classified index ADULT EDUCATION Practical Philosophy

DRAINAGE 45

BUILDING SOCIETIES Vernon Building Society

Greenbank Preparatory School

Taylor Electrical

ELECTRICIANS Maddocks

Whitehall Builders

55

SCZ Electrical Services

CARE HOMES & SERVICES 43

Creative Support

11

Hillbrook Grange

57

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING 8

CHIMNEY SERVICES Mr Soot

58

18

Diamond Home Support

Inside Back Cover

Stratagem Wealth

54

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club

12

Cheshire A Cappella

44

The Forum Theatre

28

The Maia Singers

31

Carrington Doors

17

Creative Gardens & Driveways

Back Cover

HAIR & BEAUTY 23

HEARING SERVICES 50

ICAN Handyman Services

38

HOTELS & HOLIDAY RENTALS Holiday rentals in Barbados

31

INSULATION

Gary O Reilly

61

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

Philip Unsworth

14

Matt Finish

34

56

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

62

7

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

38

12

PLASTERERS 14

PLUMBING & HEATING BPF Plumbing & Heating

18

Jack Francis

55

Metro Plumb

40

RESTAURANTS 35

SECURITY City Lock & Safe Ltd

38

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES Mounteney Solicitors Slater & Gordon

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

City Lock & Safe Ltd

Eco Dazzle

Copper Lounge

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

Thermal Homes

DECORATORS

15

GARAGE DOORS

Cheshire Hearing Centres

CLEANING SERVICES

8

PJ McEvoy

Francesco Group

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

38

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Alice Chilton In-Home Care

Safeclean

7

ESTATE AGENTS Mosley Jarman

O’Briens Menswear

PATIOS

60

5

56

OVEN CLEANING 40

JS Services

CAR DEALERSHIP

More Than Loft Ladders

MENSWEAR 49

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 10

BUILDING SERVICES

Halliwell Jones

17

EDUCATION & TUITION 30

BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

LOFT LADDERS

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

45

Inside Front Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS The Stair Shop

36

Thomas Ferns

24

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 58

TRAVEL Travel by Design

13

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS Cloudy2Clear

39

The Window Repair Centre

59