Inside Hazel Grove & High Lane Issue 69

inside january - february 2019

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Issue 69

ha zel grove

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

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If all goes to plan you will receive this magazine in the lull between Christmas and New Year. Lots of people will be working, but if you’re lucky enough to be on holiday it’s good to set aside some time for yourself, to read, walk, do whatever you enjoy and plan for 2019. When you take down the Christmas decorations, why not leave some of the pretty outside lights for a bit longer? I do love how they brighten up the short days and long, dark evenings!

Talking of which, I’ve taken up a new hobby which finds me pounding the pavements of Poynton on a couple of those dark evenings every week! When I saw that a friendly group of local runners were offering a C25K programme in September, I decided to give it a go. For those who don’t know, C25K is a way of building up from doing little or no running, to comfortably running 5K, in about 8 weeks.

Not only can I easily run 5K now, I enjoy it and I’ve also met a lovely group of very supportive people.

Next stop parkrun, fun, free, weekly timed 5K runs held all over the country! www.parkrun.org.uk Happy New Year!

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books book club choice 7 beat the january blues 8 Recipe 10 Agatha Christie in the north 13 Charles Hawtrey at romiley forum 17 In Touch 20 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 24 The Walk 26 great gardening books 29 Puzzles 30 ciao willy 20 33 INSIDE Guide 39 eating out

40 Children’s Activities 42 Just 4 Kids

44 Puzzle Solutions 45 Useful Numbers 46 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

Copy deadline for the next issue: Friday 8 Feb

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

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

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simply books book club choice I don’t know when I last enjoyed a book as much as A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. In June 1922 Count Alexander Rostov is taken from the Kremlin across Red Square and through the elegant revolving doors of the Hotel Metropol. Having been judged an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the Count has been sentenced to indefinite house arrest within the confines of the hotel. Moreover, evicted from his usual suite the Count must now live in an attic room while outside the grandeur, Russia suffers decades of tumultuous upheaval.

This is such an elegantly written novel. Witty, intelligent and a pleasure to read. Far from being constrained by his circumstances the Count rises above the petty degradations imposed by his captors and creates a life rich with incident and enhanced by the charm and delight of friendship. Tracking the Count’s life over a span of 30 years there’s also the fascinating backcloth of postrevolutionary Russian history.

I was daunted initially by the length of the book (nearly 500 pages) but there’s something about the style of the writing and the story you are being told which is quite captivating – a delight from beginning to end!

This time of year always brings a crop of ‘stocking fillers’ – books that will hopefully entertain and raise a laugh or two. With this in mind you might like to have a peek at some of the following: Must I Repeat Myself…? is a further collection of unpublished letters to The Daily Telegraph; The GCHQ Puzzle Book II invites you to pit your wits against puzzles set by some of the toughest codebreakers around; and just in case you feel you haven’t heard enough about BREXIT (!) there’s a new Ladybird Book for Grown-Ups on The Story of BREXIT. Finally, this will have been something of a ‘Mary Poppins’ Christmas with a new film out at the cinema.

And by magical coincidence Children’s Laureate Lauren Child has created an exquisite reimagining of PL Travers’ much classic – illustrated in Lauren’s very own inimitable style. A ‘practically perfect’ gift at Christmas, or anytime.

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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

Beat the January Blues It’s hard not to feel a little deflated after all the festive fun, but New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to stick to, particularly in January when it’s often cold, dark and generally miserable!

Instead of tackling a list of challenges that involve deprivation of some kind (no chocolate, no alcohol, no meat, going on ‘a diet’ – you get the idea!) here are a few positive changes you can make during 2019. Be kind to yourself – if you set out to achieve everything during January, you might well end up beating yourself up for failing. So, take baby steps - gradual, small changes that, over time, become healthy habits.

EAT WELL We often eat rather too well over Christmas, so now is the time to sort out your nutrition. In a post-festive slump, we are far more likely to continue the cycle of eating junk food for a quick high – only to spiral downwards into feelings of guilt and self-loathing as the sugar rush subsides. Try to eat the rainbow - see how many colours of fruit and vegetables you can get on your plate to get the best range of vitamins and minerals. Stock up on fruit and veg, nuts, grains and pulses and watch your energy levels rise.

SLEEP MORE Most of us don’t sleep enough over Christmas, and sleep-deprivation is known to contribute to feeling blue.

Over the Christmas period our sleep patterns tend to be more irregular, due to late nights, sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings at relatives’ houses, and the consumption of more than usual quantities of alcohol.

Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and ensure you get at least eight-hours sleep for a couple of weeks. See how much your mood and performance increases.

comewalkwithus.co.uk

MOVE MORE You don’t have to join a gym (you can if you want to) but there are so many other ways to keep active.

Walking is one of the best ways to move, with the added bonus of meaning you spend time in the great outdoors. Whatever the weather, it’s so invigorating and good for the soul to be in the fresh air and surrounded by nature! A brisk walk in the open air is guaranteed to get your endorphins racing. No one to walk with? Combine business and pleasure with some netwalking or just meet new friends in a healthy environment on a social walk. See www.comewalkwithus.co.uk

SWITCH OFF The dreaded phones, tablets and all manner of devices seem to be gradually taking over our lives. In restaurants and coffee shops, out shopping, walking, even in large groups of friends supposedly socialising, it’s all too common these days to see people distracted by their screens. It might be social media – a wonderful thing in so many ways but all too tempting to idle away minutes or more often hours idly scrolling. Emails are a nuisance too – unless your business depends on an immediate response to an enquiry, try checking in on them less often – they aren’t going to go anywhere but by always looking you’re always on alert.

Give yourself a break now and again and when you’re out with friends, spend time interacting with them, not your phone!

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

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Tray-bak e d with Roo Chicken t Vegeta bles Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour Serves: 4 Method

Ingredients ■■ 1 small celeriac, peeled and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks ■■ 1 small swede, peeled and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks ■■ 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2½ cm/1in chunks ■■ 2 medium parsnips, scrubbed and quartered lengthways ■■ 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced ■■ 2 tbsp olive oil ■■ olive oil ■■ ½ tsp cumin seeds ■■ a few sprigs of sage ■■ 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin on)

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1. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C. Put the chunks of celeriac, swede, sweet potato, parsnips and garlic in a large roasting tin. Sprinkle liberally with the olive oil and cumin, and season well with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables together so they are lightly coated in oil. Put in the oven towards the top and roast for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, lightly oil then season the chicken skins, and lay a couple of sage leaves over each thigh or drumstick.

3. Remove the roasting pan from the oven and turn the vegetables over. Lay the chicken pieces on top. Roast for 30- 35 minutes more, until the vegetables are tender, and the chicken skin is nice and crispy. Serve with creamy mash and lightly cooked Savoy cabbage.

AGATHA CHRISTIE IN THE NORTH When the community group, Friends of Marple Station, formed in May 2014 it was the association with Agatha Christie that intrigued everyone. Was Miss Marple really named after a visit by the author to Marple station?

Many thought it to be folklore so the co-founder of the group, Chris Taylor, made it his mission to try and find out the real story behind this famous link to the town of Marple.

In July 2015, Mathew Prichard, grandson and closest living relative of the author, came to Marple as part of the 125th anniversary year of Agatha Christie’s birth and to celebrate the station’s 150th birthday. Mathew talked about his family’s links to the area and unveiled a blue plaque that Agatha Christie Ltd had kindly commissioned. This was done against the backdrop of artwork in the form of numerous Miss Marple book covers that had been specially produced

by HarperCollins Publishers. He read aloud a fan letter of response written by Agatha Christie that had found its way back to their archives. She wrote:

Dear Mrs McMurphy, I expect you will be interested to learn that at the time I was writing The Thirteen Problems (starting with a series of six short stories for a magazine) I was staying with a sister of mine in Cheshire and we went to a sale at Marple Hall - the house alone, she said, was worth seeing, a beautiful old manor, belonging to the Bradshaws descended from Judge Bradshaw who sentenced Charles I. It was a very good sale with fine old Elizabethan and Jacobean furniture and at it I bought two Jacobean oak chairs which I still have. Wanting a name for my “old maid” character I called her Jane Marple.

So now you know the answer to your question!

Yours sincerely, Agatha Christie

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by Chris Taylor

Investigating matters further, Chris found that Agatha Christie’s father had died in 1901, leaving her mother to raise their youngest child alone. Agatha was 11 at the time and less than a year later her older sister Madge married James Watts of Abney Hall, Cheadle. Agatha would often travel north by train on her own to stay with her sister and family at Abney Hall, thus where much of the inspiration for her stories begins. Agatha frequently used the nearest main line railway station at Stockport when arriving from London. Her relatives would send a welcoming party to greet her and bring her the short journey back to Abney Hall.

grandson Mathew. Such was the proximity to Abney Hall they would often visit Hayfield by train, then served by a branch line from New Mills, which passed through Marple. Hence it is this railway journey, via Marple station, that most people associate with Agatha Christie’s famous detective.

The Watts family were wealthy aristocrats and cotton magnates who moved in high circles. Amongst other things they built a warehouse in Manchester which is now the Britannia Hotel, Portland Street, formerly the Watts Warehouse. The Watts were well aware of the industry in Marple and its surroundings that had stemmed from the town’s canal heritage, and included a richness of mill buildings and good transport links by rail, especially from Marple station. They visited the town frequently in which Agatha’s nephew, Jack Watts who was very theatrical once dressed up in disguise and called himself Lady Cheadle. Such was his talent he was able to open a fete in Marple without anyone recognizing him! Jimmy and his brother Humphrey loved acting and they owned Fitups later known as Watts & Corey, which supplied stage scenery.

Abney Hall is a Grade II listed building set within substantial grounds and had been in the Watts family for generations, descending from Sir James Watts who was Mayor of Manchester and High Sheriff of Lancashire. In time Agatha Christie would write many titles based in the north, using Abney Hall as the setting to some of her mansion house murders.

The Watts family also owned the Kinder estate and property in Hayfield, including Farlands and the stunning Upper House. They farmed the difficult moorlands, used it as their countryside retreat for shooting and outdoor pursuits and as a place of entertaining away from the spotlight of Manchester.

Agatha Christie would spend regular family gatherings at Upper House along with her daughter Rosalind and

As mentioned in Agatha Christie’s letter the defining association to the town is that she took the name from the old mansion house, Marple Hall, which is now the site of a school bearing the same name. This building played an important part in the town’s history and although the stately home has long since been demolished, a date stone from the building can be found at the rear of the site which was unveiled by the Marple Civic Society in 1983.

When Agatha Christie was thinking up the name of her female detective, Henry Bradshaw-Isherwood lived in Marple Hall. Henry inherited the estate after his father’s passing in 1926 when Henry was 55. Henry had very little interest in Marple Hall and lived there for a short period before returning to his own main home in London. The hall and estate were left to decay and at the turn of the 1930s, the new owner put the majority of the hall’s furniture and contents up for sale at auction.

As said, Agatha Christie bought a pair of Jacobean chairs from the Marple Hall auction which she kept at her own house, Greenway near Torquay, now a National Trust property. According to the Manchester Guardian, the Marple Hall auction involved amongst other things the sale of a bed that Oliver Cromwell had slept in. The two Jacobean chairs were 17 and 12 guineas and transportation home with her new wares would have probably been by rail. Marple station was a mere mile away from the hall and a place that distributed everything and anything, so Christie would have probably thought this the natural route home with her chairs.

Agatha Christie has numerous other links to the north including, when she was becoming a household name, she went missing. She left her home in Berkshire only to be found hundreds of miles away in Harrogate. Also, in later life she married her second husband Max at St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh. www.friendsofmarplestation.co.uk friendsofmarplestation@gmail.com Also on Facebook and Twitter

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Charles Hawtrey at Romiley Forum Oh, hello! As the festive season approaches, now seems as good a time as any to look back to when one of our greatest screen comedians, ‘Carry On’ star Charles Hawtrey, appeared in Christmas panto in Romiley, back in 1972. But it is not a particularly joyful nor triumphant winter’s tale.

Charles Hawtrey was one of the mainstays of the ‘Carry On’ film series. He starred in 23 altogether, with only Kenneth Williams (25) and Joan Sims (24) appearing in more. He copped a role in the first of the series, ‘Carry On Sergeant’ in 1958, and was told to pack his bags after ‘Carry On Abroad’ in 1972. Thanks to his increasingly bizarre behaviour on set and general unreliability, Hawtrey had by this time grown out of favour with the series’ producers.

1972 also saw the official opening of the Forum theatre in Romiley, a task carried out by no less a dignitary than HRH Princess Margaret. To attract audiences to the newly built theatre, the Forum’s management decided to engage a household name to appear in their first Christmas pantomime and the name of the much-loved but now former ‘Carry On’ star Charles Hawtrey fitted the bill.

Dick Whittington was to be the Forum’s inaugural panto and it opened on Boxing Day for a six-week run.

by Stuart Bolton

By this time, however, Hawtrey cut a fairly bitter and tragic figure. He had spent most of his life living with his mother, Alice Hartree (Hawtrey’s real surname), and after her death in 1965, Hawtrey started to lead a kind of Norman Bates-like existence – though presumably without the shower-stalking and serial killing – as he was often seen or heard talking to his dearly departed mum. This was the case while performing in Romiley, where members of the production team who shared his accommodation used to hear him arguing with his dead mother in the next room.

By now also a heavy drinker, Hawtrey’s appearances in Romiley became so dishevelled and incoherent that audiences would lose patience and begin talking amongst themselves; thereby distracting his co-stars, who included the Patricia Comish Pantomime Babes (anyone remember them?)

Hawtrey’s final appearance on stage in Dick Whittington was not, as it happens, the last time that he visited the Forum. His theatrical manager Aubrey Phillips told this strange tale to Hawtrey’s (second) biographer Wes Butters: “I was doing Alice in Wonderland at the Romiley Forum in Stockport one year and Charles wasn’t in it. We were just unloading the set and costumes when a taxi pulled up and Charles, Continued over

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completely drunk, clutching a bottle of champagne, got out and said, ‘I thought I’d come and see you on the off-chance, dear boy!’ He came inside, and we had a drink. After about an hour I said, ‘Should we get your taxi driver in? He’s been waiting outside all this time.’

So, the driver comes in too and, after a while, I said to him, ‘Where are you a driver from?’ thinking he’d say somewhere local to Stockport. He said, ‘Deal (in Kent).

Charles flagged me down on the street and asked me to bring him, so I went and told the wife that I’d be away for a few hours.’ They stayed a bit longer, then set off back to Deal, stopping for Charles to buy some carrots because, he reckoned, they were cheaper up north.”

Hawtrey’s boozing was by now, it almost goes without saying, getting the better of him. In October 1988, a completely sozzled Hawtrey staggered towards the Royal Hotel on the seafront at Deal and collapsed in the doorway. As he fell, he shattered his femur and was rushed to Buckland Hospital in Dover. The doctors found that Hawtrey was suffering from peripheral vascular disease, a condition of the arteries brought on by a lifetime of heavy smoking. He was told that to save his life his legs would have to be amputated. “No, I want to die with my boots on!” he declared, refusing the operation. It was also claimed that on his deathbed he chucked a vase at a member of staff who had asked for his autograph. Fair play to him, I say.

For the final word on Hawtrey’s unique appeal, here’s what The Smiths’ frontman Morrissey had to say about Hawtrey in 1989: “Hawtrey is the very last comic genius. He was sixty per cent of the ‘Carry On’s appeal. By never giving press interviews and, by all accounts being unfriendly and friendless, Hawtrey’s mystique surpasses Garbo. I personally loved him.” It’s worth adding that Hawtrey was the cover star on The Smith’s 2001 retrospective compilation album ‘The Very Best of The Smiths’.

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in touch your local community noticeboard january - february 2019

IMPROVE YOUR SOIL AND YOUR CUISINE! Ask anyone why they grow their own spuds and “because they taste better” is what you’d expect in reply. No doubt about it, homegrown veg does taste great; the satisfaction of lifting a spade full of homegrown potatoes and the joy of dishing them up on the same day is hard to beat.

However, savvy gardeners also know the potential of growing potatoes to improve soil condition. It’s a well-kept secret amongst allotment holders that when you have a compacted or neglected plot of ground to cultivate, the best crop to start off there will be potatoes. This is because healthy seed potatoes from a good supplier will be full of vim and vigour to spread their roots deep into the ground, thus separating the soil particles, introducing air and breaking up lumps.

Potatoes flourish in new ground and it’s important to move them around as part of a crop rotation to avoid pests and disease. You still need to prepare a trench and line it with good compost or well-rotted farmyard manure, but the roots will travel deep and wide to access the moisture and nourishment they need.

Any planting is a leap of faith, but if you start with good quality seed potatoes and chit them well before planting, you’ll be in with a chance of harvesting some wonderfully tasty potatoes later in the year from a much-improved friable soil.

As well as friendly advice from experienced allotment holders, more than 90 varieties of seed potatoes will be on sale at Marple Senior Citizens’ Hall on Sunday 10 February, at Marple and District Allotments Association annual Potato Day between 10am and 2pm.

There will also be onion sets, garlic, shallots, soft fruit trees, bulbs, seeds and herbs on sale.

Please bring your own bags to reduce the amount of packaging needed. Further details at www.marpleallotments.org.uk Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR KIDS Vernon Building Society has delivered its first Financial Education Programme workshops at Norbury Hall Primary School in Hazel Grove.

120 children aged 6 and 7 took part in the programme over the course of a full school day, with two styles of workshop taking place. One workshop consisted of a short play where the children watched the main character ‘Little Croc’ venture through the forest to return a lost purse. The story explored the concept of spending, sharing and saving your money, with the children receiving their very own Vernon Bear money box to start their saving journeys at the end of the class. The second carousel workshop, focussed on needs and wants, where money comes from, using money to pay for things and what career they aspire to.

Holly Beasley, Customer Service Adviser at the Vernon said ‘The children all enjoyed the variety of activities that we had on offer. They really engaged with all of the different areas and made great links between everything that they had been doing which showed the real benefits of us delivering the lessons in this format.’

Parents of the children messaged the Vernon after the children returned home. One parent said: “We really think that this is a great idea, it is so important to teach them that money doesn’t grow on trees and they don’t want to listen to us at home, my son has come home telling us all about being a scientist when he grows up.”

The Vernon Building Society is currently focussing on year 1 and 2 classes in the Key Stage 1 learning period. The Society is inviting other primary schools in the Stockport area to take part in the scheme. If you are interested, email the Vernon marketing team at Marketing@thevernon.co.uk or call them on 0161 429 6262.

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE … with Tolkien, Shakespeare, others and you!

As supporters of NKTA at Romiley Forum, we were delighted to receive this message from Ian McKellan: I’m celebrating my 80th birthday by touring a new solo show to theatres I know well and a few that I don’t.

The show starts with Gandalf and will probably end with an invitation to act with me on stage. In-between there will be anecdotes and acting. I open at my local arts centre in January and end up by August in Orkney.

Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience. Growing up in Lancashire, I was grateful to those companies who toured beyond London and I’ve always enjoyed repaying that debt by touring up and down the country myself, with the RSC, the National Theatre, Prospect Theatre, the Actors’ Company, as well as with commercial productions.

My tour of the country is mostly to theatres I have visited in the past but being at The Forum is different. It’s my first appearance in Romiley and I wanted to be here because my parents lived here as children. They married in Hatherlow Church where I was christened by my grandfather who was its minister. In those days there was no theatre in Romiley, though, fortunately, nearby was Manchester where as a boy I saw many touring productions.

This new solo show is in gratitude to the actors of my youth who brought drama and entertainment to the regions. All profits will go towards the costs of new auditorium seating. See you there, I hope!

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Diary of a geeky knitter No doubt you’ve seen that’s it’s been a busy couple of months (well, last year) for me - planning and executing a wedding was amazing, and something that I say I only wish to ever do once in my life (I’m sure Mr. Geeky Knitter won’t let me down!), but at the same time, if I could do it all again I absolutely would.

Perhaps without the unavoidable stresses and expense... but really, to have the whole amazing day again would be fantastic,

frozen coke and rum in your hand, with a hot dog in the other. One of the best, and most unusual things, you get to do at Disney though is wear a badge to say why you are there for that trip, be it a birthday, your first visit, or of course a honeymoon! So many strangers took a few seconds to smile at us and wish us congratulations, without us even needing to say why we were there, and it just made us feel so special on what will be, I imagine, the most special holiday we ever take together. Indeed, it spoiled us a little so that when we spent one day out of the parks shopping and didn’t take our badges, we were quite deflated to not receive the smiles and congratulations again. We put the badges right back on as soon as we were back on the resort.

The thing that almost, just about, nearly topped the day however was the honeymoon! We went to that traditional newlyweds’ destination, Disney World in Florida, in keeping with our usual style. Unsurprisingly, we had so much fun - being the land of fun and magic of course. Not just for families with kids, being just the two of us we could do every ride, sample every meal, and of course have some drinks. There’s something special about Hollywood Studios on a hot day, with a

I heartily recommend that if you are planning a honeymoon soon you wear badges to tell the world why you are there. What the heck, make your birthday last two weeks if you want to! Though it might work a little differently in a Spanish resort or a walking holiday in the Lakes than it does in the most magical place on earth.

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

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From one local business to another We’re here to get you noticed

FIXED FEE SERVICE FOR PRIVATE LANDLORDS Keoghs Nicholls Lindsell & Harris LLP have launched a fixed fee service for private landlords who need to issue Court proceedings against their tenants. The landlord and tenant team is headed by housing law specialists Joshua Stolberg and Natalie Kidd.

New legislation passed by Parliament since 2015 has imposed more obligations on landlords both during tenancies and even before they have begun. If a landlord fails to comply with those obligations, then this means they may be unable to evict their tenant in certain circumstances.

With six titles published every two months, our trusty delivery people have walked hundreds of miles to deliver thousands of magazines to local homes for nearly 12 years.

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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

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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

Natalie explains “There are a variety of reasons that landlords may seek to bring a tenancy to an end.

However, if ending this agreement is not done properly and legally, it can become time-consuming, costly and a landlord may even find themselves having to defend legal proceedings.”

Possession proceedings can often be defended on technical grounds such as a mistake or omission within the notice the landlord sends to the tenant before the proceedings are issued.

Joshua added “It is so important that landlords seek expert advice before trying to evict a tenant. Obtaining early advice means future problems and delays can be avoided which is so important to private landlords, especially when a tenant is in rent arrears.”

The firm has recently celebrated its 285th anniversary – a significant milestone in the current economic climate when many law firms and solicitors are closing their doors. They have offices on Commercial Road in Hazel Grove and on Market Street in Altrincham.

spotted on the right hand side. Further along, there is a Viewpoint by the left side of the track identifiable by a square 2 ft high stone wall supporting a flat top where directions to local landmarks are shown. At some points on the latter half of the ridge track, the Trail is banked on each side offering partial wind shelter for a coffee stop. The Trail descends onto Bakestonedale Road where you need to turn right and walk about 400 yds along the road to reach buildings and Brinks Farm on the left, immediately after which there is a gate/stile and finger post for the Gritstone Trail (SJ966793).

Bakestonedale Moor from Lyme Park via Sponds Hill Walk description: A circular walk which follows the Gritstone Trail climbing up through Lyme Park to Bow Stones then across the ridge of Sponds Hill, looping round Andrew’s Knob and down, before the steep climb up and over Bakestonedale Moor. The final section involves a steady descent across fields to tracks leading to the West Parkgate where the walk re-enters Lyme Park and then follows established tracks/ roads back to the car park. For most of the walk, conditions underfoot are firm but there are some muddy sections across Sponds Hill and care is needed on some of the steep slopes.

Distance: 7 miles Starting point: Main car park in Lyme Park (SJ963824), accessible via the main entrance on the A6 west of Disley. Car park charges apply except for NT members (free).

Maps: OS Explorer 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton, or sections of OS Explorer OL1 Dark Peak and OS Explorer OL24 White Peak.

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by Claude Prime, Marple District Rambling Club

Lyme Hall was formerly the home of the Legh family but is now a National Trust property. Much of the parkland is open access land criss-crossed by many paths. The Hall has featured in TV dramas such as “Pride and Prejudice” and, more recently, “The Village”. It has also hosted “The Antiques Road Show” and “The Big Painting Challenge”.

To pick up the Gritstone Trail, proceed to the back of the car park following the road away from the buildings and, where the road turns right; carry straight on through the gate where a finger post indicates the Trail (SJ962824).

Follow this rocky track up the hill and enter Knightslow Wood via the gate. Continue on the track and exit the wood via another gate. The Trail continues curving to the left and upwards, eventually leading to a stile at the park boundary, with the familiar white building of Bowstones Farm on the left. Proceed onwards to the next stile onto a track where the Trail turns right heading south across the ridge.

Before starting across the ridge you may wish to visit the Bow Stones by backtracking a few yards along the surfaced road and looking for a stile on the left into a small enclosure. The track across the ridge is mainly firm but vehicle tyres have created some deep muddy patches. There are spectacular views to both sides of the ridge and part way along a distant Trig point can be

Follow this track with the fence on the left and as the track descends look for a waymarker post in the field to the left and veer off left across the grass in a straight line past the marker and on towards a stile in the wall ahead. Cross the stile and continue in a straight line past further markers towards the hillock ahead. Do not climb the hill - instead contour round to its left keeping the low wall to your left. Look out for a further waymarker post after which the path leads down to a stile and a surfaced track. Go through the gate ahead following the track to the right (at this point you are leaving the Gritstone Trail) and as the track descends across an open field bear left off the track and head towards the corner of the field where there is a gap between the walls allowing you to turn right into the next field (SJ955793). Cross this next field keeping the wall on your left and you are eventually forced to bear right and down a short steep hill to a stile back onto Bakestonedale Road.

The Walk

the Cheshire plain and one can see the planes landing/ taking off at Manchester Airport.

The path descends further to meet Moorside Lane (going left to right) where you need to turn right and walk along past Keeper’s Cottage on the right then shortly afterwards take the stile/pathway signposted to the left.

Follow the clear path diagonally across the field passing through a reed bed on the way where there may well be some wet patches. There is drier ground thereafter and the path descends through some hawthorn shrubbery down to a stream, which is easily crossed, then rises on the other side before descending alongside the walled boundary of Lyme Park. Pass through a gate and then onwards (left of the hollow) through another gate and down a surfaced track to a Methodist Church on your right. Turn right in front of the church then immediately bear right on a narrower track which takes you down to the West Parkgate. Enter the Park via the gate and follow the established track through the wooded area to a gate which leads onto the Park road system. Follow the road forwards and this leads you back to the main car park.

For further information, contact our Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or our Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 483 8596. Alternatively, you could visit our website www.marpleramblers.org to learn more about our Club’s programme of walks, socials and walking holidays.

Turn left and after about 100 yds there is a recessed area on the right leading to a gate. Bear left beyond the gate then immediately take the narrow path on the right leading up the steep hill towards Bakestonedale Moor.

Coal was mined for many years under the moor and the last of the shafts were capped by the NCB as recently as the second half of the last century. The path up the hill passes closely to one of the capped shafts as evidenced by the concrete obelisk structure on the right. The path meets and follows a fence/wall combination to the top where there is a small monument to the miners. This has three sides with black and white decoration, the fourth side being transparent revealing a model of a pit shaft/ cage on the inside. The path continues along the fence, through a gate and descends down a grassy bank and, weather permitting, halfway down the hill is a good spot for a lunch stop since there is a wonderful view across

25

Great Gardening Books If you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas now is the perfect time to curl up in front of the fire with a gardening book you’ve bought for yourself. We have a few to recommend.

RSPB Gardening for Wildlife by Adrian Thomas If you long to have butterflies and bees in your flowerbeds, birds singing in your trees, and hedgehogs bustling about under your bushes, then look no further than this wonderful guide to wildlife gardening. Adrian Thomas explains the intricacies of attracting wildlife to your garden whether you have a small plot or more than an acre. His style is accessible, but rich in detail. He draws on the latest wildlife research to explain the ecological principles, and to dispel some of the myths which have traditionally prevented gardeners from pursuing a wildlife-friendly approach. There are practical projects to help you create entire habitats, and long lists of suitable plants and trees, and it’s packed to the brim with helpful photographs. If you love wildlife and want to encourage more to visit your garden, this inspirational book will help you sow the seeds and reap the rewards.

One Magic Square by Lolo Hubein Have you ever wanted to have a go at growing your own vegetables and fruit but feel completely clueless? We’re always hearing that the best and cheapest food is the food you grow in your own garden, but it all seems rather complicated to a total novice. In One Magic Square, Lolo Hubein shows how you can start your own productive food garden in ten minutes a day on a single square metre. She provides simple plot designs starting with salads, and gradually expanding to include beans, tomatoes, corn, roots and much more.

She also stresses the benefits of companion planting and provides ideas. The bite-sized designs (pun totally intended!) allow you to extend by one square metre each season, or to pick your favourites. The magic of square-metre gardening is in allowing your project to grow in a manageable way, from simple to more complex. There are even designs catering for different tastes and specific diets.

RHS Great British Village Show by Matthew Biggs and Thane Prince The village show is a quintessential British tradition, and for many gardeners it represents the pinnacle of their sowing and growing year. This charming and informative book takes you behind the scenes of this very British institution, offering insights into the worlds of judges and contestants. It’s beautifully illustrated with photographs, and offers wonderful gems of insider information, including how to stage your produce, and what the judges are really looking for. There are even recipes for prize-worthy jams and preserves. If you’ve never attended a village show this book will make you yearn for a summer of tents and teas; you might even be tempted to become a competitor.

26

quick crossword Across 1 Bough (6) 5 Desert plant (6) 8 Cute, charming (8) 9 ‘Windows to the soul’ (4) 10 Largest continent (4) 11 Glass vessel used in science (4,4) 12 Clergyman (6) 13 Make certain (6) 15 Spectator (8) 18 Test, assessment (4) 19 Charismatic celebrity (4) 20 Songwriter (8) 21 Most strange (6) 22 Tune, song (6)

down 2 Shared out, apportioned again (13) 3 Recount, chronicle (7) 4 Natural environment of an animal (7) 5 Strategy-based board game (5) 6 Swindle, con (5) 7 Without shame (13) 13 Tympanic membrane (body part) (7) 14 Cut out design, motif (7) 16 Mysterious, spooky (5) 17 Manservant, butler (5)

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 44 29

at S.S.C. Napoli. It was a legendary time for the club with them finishing third in both 193233 and 1933-34 seasons of the Serie A championship.

Napoli would not achieve this again until the 1960s.

Ciao Willy!

Hands up who knew that one of the first professional football managers in the Italian football league was born in Hazel Grove?

Well, in case you didn’t know, his name was William Garbutt, born in 1883 and manager of Genoa from 1912 to 1927. Willy, as he was better known, achieved such notoriety that when he died in 1964 (decent innings, must have been the Italian, and then Spanish diet) Vittorio Pozzo (managed Italy to two World Cup wins in 1934 and 1938) said he was ‘the most important man in the history of Italian football’. And from ‘the Grove’, no less.

Like many, Willy was a player before he went on to manage. Between 1903 and 1912, he played for Reading, Woolwich Arsenal, and Blackburn Rovers. He played on the right wing and featured in two FA Cup semi-finals for Arsenal before he turned his back on England, his career having been thwarted by injuries.

To support his family, he headed to the docks of Genoa and found employment there. No-one’s quite sure how he came to manage Genoa but at the age of 29, that

30

by Barrie Hawker

is just what happened. Word has it that he became known for putting a heavy emphasis on players’ physical fitness and tactics; a latter-day Arsene Wenger, some might say.

Whatever his methods, they seem to have worked well, Genoa going on to win the Italian Football Championship three different times in 1915, 1923 and 1924. The most recent of these years is the last time Genoa won the Serie A championship.

As well as achieving success for Genoa on the field, Willy conducted Italy’s first ever paid player transfers, where he signed two players from Andrea Doria and one from A.C. Milan. In addition, Genoa became the first Italian football club to play outside of Italy, thanks to connections back home in England where Willy was able to set up a game between Genoa and his old club Reading.

Garbutt later became the first ever manager of A.S. Roma, where he stayed for two years, helping them reach third in group A of the Italian Football Championship. He then moved to Naples, taking over

Having been described as ‘the father of Italian football’, Garbutt moved to Spain in 1935 and became manager of Athletic Bilbao, leading them to the Spanish Championship which they won over Real Madrid by two points. He returned to Italy in 1937, taking over briefly at A.C. Milan.

It’s fascinating to read the story of William Garbutt, he certainly appears to have been a man who was ahead of his time in the world of football.

When he eventually died in Leamington Spa in 1964, all the Italian newspapers carried lavish tributes and he was deeply mourned there. Here, he was apparently living in reduced circumstances, following a couple more sorties into Italy, before which he had been exiled under Benito Mussolini’s fascists and returned home to England.

So, there you have it, the right winger from Hazel Grove who found fame in Genoa and was heralded by the ‘greatest manager of Italy’ as the most important man in the history of Italian football.

Ciao Willy!

inside guide

january - february 2019

selected events in your area

Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 January

Thursday 10 January

Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS) pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tickets: £8 to £15 Book online: www.chypspanto.com Or tickets@chypspanto.com Or 07910 187583 Woodford Community Centre, Chester Road, Woodford, SK7 1PS 7pm (also 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday)

St Thomas’ High Lane Men’s Forum – Professor David Tomlinson “Birds of East Africa.”

St Thomas’ Church Hall, Buxton Road, High Lane 2.15pm

Thursday 3 January 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

Monday 7 January Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz £7 entry, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane.

SK6 8DR 8pm

Tuesday 8 January East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Sanctuary from the Trenches Dunham’s part 1917-1919 - Barbara Foster Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, SK7 3AB 2pm

WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY The Arts Society North East Cheshire Historic Graffiti - the Hidden Story of the Hopes, Fears and Desires of a Nation by James Wright, archaeologist, lecturer and author. The study of historic graffiti enables us to hear the lost voices of ordinary individuals through their images.

Potential new members are welcome. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk The Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am, coffee from 9.45am

Friday 11 & Saturday 12 January Woodley Players – Variety Concert Dispel those New Year blues with this musical evening featuring a wide range of memorable songs. A selection from traditional musicals; excerpts from ‘Les Misérables’, popular Gilbert & Sullivan numbers; songs from the ‘30s and rounding off with an Old Time Music Hall. Something for everyone!

Tickets £8 (on door, or phone 0161 428 0329) Woodley Civic Hall, Hyde Road, SK6 1QG 7.30pm

Fri 11 to Sat 19 January Rapunzel at the Carver Theatre Weekday performances start at 7.30 pm, 6.30pm on Saturday with extra matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30 pm.

Ticket prices, £9 and £8 for concessions (over 60’s and children) make a night at the theatre reasonably affordable.

Tickets are available via carvertheatre.co.uk and from Hollins of Marple (open 7 days) tel 0161 449 8363 Chadwick Street, Marple, SK6 7AX

Saturday 12 January Messy Church. A time of welcome, crafts, celebration and a meal together. For further information call Revd Canon Janet Parker on 01663 764519.

St Thomas’ Church, High Lane 3.30pm to 5pm

Thursday 17 January Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Wild Britain by Brian White. Visitors very welcome £4. Further information from Chairman, David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

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

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

Continued over

33

Friday 18 January

Monday 4 February

Stockport Historical Society “Recent archaeological investigations in the Stockport area”

by Norman Redhead.

Visitors very welcome Admission £3.

Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570.

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

Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz £7 entry, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane SK6 8DR 8pm

Saturday 19 January The Hallé come to Bramhall An afternoon concert to banish the winter blues! The charismatic young newly-appointed Principal 2nd violinist Helena Buckie and friends will play Tchaikovsky’s gloriously melodic Souvenir de Florence and the concert will begin with Haydn’s Sunrise quartet. In between there will be some virtuoso fiddling from Norway and the Shetland Islands.

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

Bramhall Methodist Church 2pm

Monday 21 January Hazel Grove Townswomen’s Guild Hot pot lunch, ticket only. Secretary 0161 483 9559 Hazel Grove Civic Hall 1.30pm

Monday 21 January Hazel Grove & District Gardening Club ‘Land, Outdoors and Nature at Lyme’ Chris Dunkerley, Head Ranger at Lyme Park, talks about his work in the National Trust Park. Further information 0161 483 6051 or www.hazelgrovegardeningclub.com St Peter’s Church (Parish Centre) 16 Green Lane, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA 7.30pm

Saturday 26 January Stockport Symphony Orchestra Ever wanted to know what all the fuss about The Ring was about but couldn’t face the flight to Bayreuth and 15 hours on hard seats? This is for you! Conductor Matthew Wood brings you all the essential bits from Wagner’s Ring in a little over an hour so there is still time for a magic flute or two! Flautist Hannah Foster missed the final of our last young musicians’ competition by a whisker, so we are thrilled to have the chance to perform with her Dove’s delightful piece based on Mozart’s Magic Flute. www.stockportsymphony.co.uk, tickets available at box office, online or on the door.

Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

34

Thursday 7 February Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits.

For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

The Bulls Head Pub, 30 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Saturday 9 February Messy Church A time of welcome, crafts, celebration and a meal together.

For further information call Revd Canon Janet Parker on 01663 764519 St Thomas’ Church, High Lane 3.30pm to 5pm

Sunday 10 February Seed Potato Day. Free admission Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6AB 10am to 2pm

Tuesday 12 February East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – How a cotton weaving mill worked – Judith Atkinson Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, SK7 3AB 2pm

WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY The Arts Society North East Cheshire The Smiling Painter - Élisabeth Vigée le Brun by Dr Angela Smith, lecturer and historian. In an exhibition in Paris in 1787, was a self-portrait by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun that caused consternation. This lecture presents an overview of Lebrun’s career and explains why she portrayed herself smiling.

Potential new members are welcome. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk The Brookdale, Bramhall 10.30 am, coffee from 9.45am

Thursday 14 February

Friday 22 February

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM followed by An Orchid Odyssey by Judith Lovelady Visitors very welcome £4 Further information from Chairman, David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Hazel Grove Musical Festival Classes for 5 to 18-year olds in Speech and Drama, Instrumental including Piano, Strings and Woodwind and Vocal Solo.

Saturday 23 February Adult classes in Piano Solo and Duet and Vocal Solo and Duet

Thursday 14 February St Thomas’ High Lane Men’s Forum – Peter de Bourcier “MAF - Flying for Life.”

St Thomas’ Church Hall, Buxton Road, High Lane 2.15pm

Friday 15 February Stockport Historical Society “Grim Manchester: terrifying true tales of riot, murder and crime from nineteenth century Manchester” by Dr Michala Hulme. Visitors very welcome Admission £3. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570.

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

Monday 18 February Hazel Grove & District Gardening Club ‘A Country Walk’ Looking at the wild flowers of canal sides, rural gardens, meadows, woodland and coastal walks with Jane Allison from Mayfield Nursery. Further information 0161 483 6051 or www.hazelgrovegardeningclub.com St Peter’s Church (Parish Centre) 16 Green Lane, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA 7.30pm

Monday 18 February

Saturday 23 February Stockport Symphony Orchestra Brahms Hungarian Dance no 5, Korngold Violin concerto, Rachmaninov 2nd Symphony.

Jennifer Pike is back with another romantic masterpiece for violin, this time by Korngold. Famous for his film music, Korngold’s violin concerto has also quickly become a firm favourite with audiences and performers. Conductor Matthew Wood. www.stockportsymphony.co.uk, tickets available at box office, online or on the door.

Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Friday 8 February Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Hazel Grove Townswomen’s Guild A talk about bees. Secretary 0161 483 9559 Hazel Grove Civic Hall 1.30pm

35

THE STRESS SOLUTION Dr Rangan Chatterjee, who grew up and still lives in Wilmslow, is one of the most influential doctors in the UK in changing the way that we look at illness. He’s known for taking a 360-degree approach to health, as highlighted in his ground-breaking BBC TV show, Doctor in the House, and in his first book The 4 Pillar Plan. He is the resident doctor on BBC One’s Breakfast, a regular commentator on BBC Radio and hosts his own chart-topping podcast, Feel Better Live More.

On 29 December he’ll be launching his new book, The Stress Solution, with a book signing at Waterstones in Wilmslow. What a great way to start 2019, by learning how to slow down, chill out and become stress free!

life. Introducing a new way of thinking about health, The Stress Solution will help you to live a happier, more fulfilling and stress-free life.

PURPOSE People who have a strong sense of purpose enjoy significantly better health compared to those who don’t, including less likelihood of developing heart disease, strokes and depression. Discover how to design your morning routine effectively and how to live with love, intention, vision, and engagement.

RELATIONSHIPS Major sources of 21st century stress are a lack of human touch, the insidious erosion of intimacy and the deprioritisation of friendship. Learn how to nurture your friendships and combat loneliness.

BODY We feel stress in the body, experiencing it as physical sensations. But the body can also be a cause of stress. Learn to combat this by eating the alphabet and creating more diversity in your diet; also, how to prioritise your sleep and adjust your circadian rhythm.

It’s thought that between 70 and 90% of GP consultations are related to stress. Dr Chatterjee knows this better than anyone. As a practising GP he’s seen first-hand how stress affects his patients and has found simple but effective methods to help them. Now he’s on a mission to show that combatting stress is easier than you think. For Dr Chatterjee, the key to solving the problem of stress is about addressing the underlying causes of our anxieties in four main areas: Body, Mind, Relationships, and Purpose.

Pairing the science of what happens in our brains and our bodies when we become stressed, with personal accounts and patient cases, Dr Chatterjee offers simple and achievable interventions to help you re-set your life, offering simple tools for how to cope with modern-

MIND Just as your body needs fuel, your mind needs stillness.

Everybody needs relaxation as much as they need vitamins, fat and fibre. This section examines the benefits of avoiding technology overload, spending time surrounded by nature and using breathing methods or meditation to reduce stress.

The Stress Solution: The 4 Steps to Reset Your Body, Mind, Relationships and Purpose by Dr Rangan Chatterjee is published by Penguin Life at £16.99.

Also available at Simply Books Bramhall.

37

inside people richard bates

Richard Bates was born on an RAF base in Horsham St Faith, near Norwich, in 1951. After his father was demobbed, the family moved to Great Yarmouth where he attended the Technical High School. He did not enjoy school, with its emphasis on vocational subjects, until he entered the sixth form to study English and Drama.

Richard’s earliest job, at the age of ten, was as a weekend “barrow boy” ferrying luggage for holidaymakers from the railway station to their hotels.

Once, he earned the then princely sum of ten shillings, half of which he was required to donate to the family income!

After school, Richard attended Birmingham University to read English and then gained an MA at Leicester.

Later he gained an M Ed in Education Management at Sheffield University.

Richard taught in London and subsequently Hampshire and Bristol. He was seconded to the National Curriculum Council to head a project for developing children’s writing. In 1988, he was appointed as English and Humanities adviser in Stockport. During his 24 years in the Borough he was promoted to Senior, then Chief Adviser, Assistant Director and finally became the Director of Education. It was, he recalls “A brilliant and enjoyable time. I’m pleased now to be a school governor and put something back into the system.”

Richard was the local authority governor at Stockport Academy, a governor of Reddish Vale High school and at the Stockport free school and is currently Chair of Governors at St Thomas’ Church of England school, Heaton Chapel which is about to become one of the

largest primary schools in the area, with almost 700 pupils.

Richard says, “I enjoy working as a governor which entails being the voice of the community in the school’s management system, supporting and challenging the headteacher and staff in their work.”

He enthusiastically describes how, with the encouragement of the governors, the school has developed strong links with France.

Richard has three children and four grandchildren with a fifth due in January. He is a keen gardener and allotment holder and throughout spring and summer is self-sufficient in organic vegetables. He is also a cinema buff and has “a list of a thousand and one films to see before I die.”

Richard plays walking football and supports the canaries, Norwich City football club. As a member of their “yellow army” he attends most of their away matches and enjoys exploring the towns they visit.

His holidays are also mainly in the UK. He is an avid traveller, especially in the North of England and loves to visit Northumberland and Scotland. He also enjoys frequent day trips to London to visit art exhibitions there. Richards loves Thai and Indian food, his favourite dish being chicken biryani. Although he has a wide interest in music, his favourite artist is Bob Dylan and he is the proud owner of several Dylan lithographs.

Richard’s ambition is to improve his guitar playing and to learn to play his recently acquired keyboard.

If he hadn’t been a senior local authority officer, Richard would have chosen to work outdoors, perhaps as a forester. His regret is that, although he enjoyed his career, it was very time consuming and the demands of the job in many ways intruded into his personal life, taking time from his family.

Last word from Richard Life is to be lived, not endured. Think about what you want to do with your time and ask, “what can I do to make myself and others happy?”

If you are interested in being a governor contact the headteacher at your local school or governor.services@stockport.gov.uk 0161 474 3914.

by Ed Blundell

39

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

Monday High Lane Baby & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Term time only. High Lane Village Hall. Contact Sarah on 01625 268 301 for more information.

Story Time 11-11.30am High Lane Library. Contact 0161 217 6009 for more information.

St. Thomas’ Children’s Choir 5.45-6.30pm St. Thomas’ Church, High Lane. The choir is completely free and will help children to learn to sing and how to read music. We will sing a wide variety of music and songs; children’s music, pop songs, show songs and some sacred music.

Tuesday

For more information please contact marc.hall@me.com

Parents & Tots 9 - 11.15am Term time only. St Thomas’ Church, High Lane. A chance for all parents/carers to meet other carers in a safe environment – lots to do and refreshments provided. £1 per adult and up to two children. Contact Rev. Janet Parker on 01663 764519

thursday

Story Time 11am Hazel Grove Library. Stories, rhymes and songs followed by some colouring. Contact 0161 217 6009.

Playtime Toddler Group 1-2.30pm Term time only. Offerton Community Centre, Mallowdale Rd, Offerton. Lots of toys and room to play, song and snack time plus craft activities. Free of charge but donations welcome. Contact Sharon 07843094039.

Wednesday Baby & Toddler Group 9.15-11am Term time only. Brookside Primary School, High Lane. £2 for one adult and child, £1 per extra child, price includes a snack.

Contact 01663 308 008 for more information.

Sing & Sign Opportunity Group 9.30-11.30am Independent Options, 67 Chester Road. Especially for children with additional needs/learning disabilities, this session encourages children to start to use speech, or gives them signs if difficult. £4 per child. Book into the session on 0161 482 7933.

Norbury Toddler Group 10 - 11.30am Term time only. Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove. Cost £2 (includes a drink and biscuits). Please phone before to ensure there are spaces. Contact Cath on 0161 487 2390 or email cath.downs@norburychurch.org.uk www. norburychurch.org.uk

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

40

Story Time 2pm Great Moor Library, Gladstone Street. Stories, rhymes and songs followed by some colouring. Contact 0161 217 6009.

Norbury Toddler Group 10 - 11.30am Term time only. Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove. Cost £2 (includes a drink and biscuits). Please phone before to ensure there are spaces. Contact Cath on 0161 487 2390 or email cath. downs@norburychurch.org.uk www. norburychurch.org.uk Sensory Stories 9.30-11.30am Preschool group offering interactive story time for children with additional needs and their siblings.Independent Options, 67 Chester Road. £4 per session.To book on the session email Sam on swalsh@independentoptions.org.uk or ring 0161 4566502.

Friday Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Independent Options, 67 Chester Road. £2 for one child, £1 per additional child. Book into the session on 0161 482 7933.

Wesley Street Stay & Play 9.45-11.30am Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street.

Contact Kelly Heath on 07530 460 087

saturday Messy Church 3.30pm-5pm, 2nd Saturday of every month A time of welcome, crafts, celebration and meal together.

St Thomas’ Church, High Lane. For further information call: Canon Janet Parker 01663 764519 or Ann Lambert 01663 764521.

Weekly Baby Splash Life Leisure Hazel Grove. Call 0161 439 5221 for lesson details.

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

Answers: slopes, boots, ski lift, gloves, snowboard, goggles Extra letter answer: helmet

42

just 4 kids

useful numbers

puzzle solutions

Churches Norbury Parish Church Hazel Grove Methodist Church St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church Hazel Grove Baptist Church St George’s Parish Church, Stockport Short Street United Reformed Church Parish Church of St Thomas, High Lane Windlehurst Methodist Church

Schools 0161 483 6325 0161 483 0150 0161 483 3476 0161 487 3708 0161 480 2453 0161 285 5229 01663 764519 0161 483 3706

Hazel Grove High School Hazel Grove Primary & Infant School Norbury Hall Primary School Moorfield Junior & Infant School St Peters R.C Primary School Torkington Primary School St Simons Catholic Primary Brookside Primary School High Lane Primary School

0161 483 6222 0161 426 5250 0161 426 9292 0161 426 9777 01663 762222

Police

Doctors Beech House Medical Practice Springfield Surgery Haider Medical Centre Dean Lane Medical High Lane Medical Centre

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR WEB HOSTING COMPANY? Move your website and emails to our server for just...

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Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

44

£99

For more information Call 07759 432526 email info@spring-creative.co.uk

0161 483 1010 111

Leisure Centre Hazel Grove Leisure Centre Life Leisure Hazel Grove

0161 456 3467 0161 439 5221

Libraries Hazel Grove Library High Lane Library

0161 217 6009 0161 217 6009

Local Government Stockport MBC

0161 480 4949

Non Emergency

0161 456 4888 0161 483 3699 0161 483 1786 0161 483 4521 0161 483 2431 0161 483 2188 0161 483 9696 01663 763943 01663 762378

101

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water- Faults, United Utilities Environment Agency Floodline

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0345 988 1188

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

0800 917 7650 020 7403 0888 03444 111 444 0800 1111 0800 555111 118 500 0300 222 1122 0300 1234999 116 123 0161 477 6344

Travel Bus & Train Times National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

0871 200 2233 0345 748 4950 0808 169 7030

Post Offices Hazel Grove Post Office Fiveways Parade Post Office High Lane Post Office

0161 483 2332 0345 611 2970 01663 766877

pharmacies Peak Pharmacy, High Lane Scorah Chemists, Hazel Grove

01663 762235 01625 872267

45

classified index BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

FUNERAL SERVICES 4

Whitehall Builders Ltd

38 32

6

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

All In Stone

Robinsons Garden Maintenance

35

HEARING SERVICES

Carrington Doors

Cheshire Hearing Centre

Matt Finish

The Forum Theatre

12

The Granite & Marble Shop

14

28

ROOFING

27

44

William Wragg MP

15

38 9

SECURITY City Lock & Safe

36

LockRite

31

Keoghs Nicholls Lindsell & Harris

STAIR RENOVATIONS The Stair Shop

28

16

Posh Nosh

41

TAXIS 36

LockRite

31

Lynx

Back Cover

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree Services

28

LOFT LADDERS

19

36

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre

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23

Manners Pimblett Inside Front Cover

TAKEAWAYS

City Lock & Safe

More Than Loft Ladders

FIRES

31

SOLICITORS

LOCKSMITHS

ELECTRICIANS

Brilliant Fires

45

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

DRAINAGE

SCZ Electrical Services

21

KITCHENS 14

DECORATORS

27

GARDEN MAINTENANCE & LAWN CARE

Fron Male Voice Choir Charity Concert

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

PATIOS Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

32

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT

Spring Decorating

12

FURNITURE

GARAGE DOORS

CHURCHES Hazel Grove Baptist Church

Hazel Grove Osteopaths

Abstract Roofing Services

BUILDING SOCIETIES Vernon Building Society

OSTEOPATHS 5

Brian Sharples & Son

Inside Back Cover

BUILDERS Coppice Joinery & Building

Adlington Memorial Park

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