Inside Poynton Issue 56

Issue 56 April - May 2015

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

Welcome to the latest issue of magazines

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Issue 56 - April/May 2015

p o y n t o n

There is something very fresh and uplifting about springtime. Everywhere, people are more optimistic, more active and more outgoing. We are essentially social animals and with just a hint of better weather, we are ready to break free. Well, in this issue, there is no shortage of things to do with family or friends.

Cover photo: Inside the Farmers Arms

by Garth Aspinall.

Contents The Farmers Arms

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Poynton People

7

Michael Fox Opticians

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Cheshire Smokehouse

12

In Touch

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Plan another trip to Gisburn and enjoy an overnight stay at our favourite B & B. Visit one or more NGS gardens. Take a trip to nearby Cheshire Smokehouse for great food shopping and a sociable coffee or meal. Take advantage of a ‘special offer’ meal at The Farmers Arms in Poynton. Enjoy a day out at Saltaire. Or challenge yourself and friends to our eight-mile Etherow Walk.

A Day in Saltaire

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African Pride

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Legal Advice

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The Walk

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Spring into NGS Gardens

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We hope you enjoy this springtime issue, packed full of places to go and things to do. We also have lots of new advertisers. If you enjoy this magazine you really can help us to make it better and better.

All you have to do is to support our advertisers as often as you can. Keep them happy and we’ll look after the rest!

Sudoku 40

Co-Editors

Inside Guide

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Puzzle Solutions

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Useful Numbers

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Classified Index

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Garth Aspinall Claire Hawker

Inside Poynton 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 2014.

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

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

Crossword 39

Just 4 Kids

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Children’s Activities

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The Furniture Station

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The Book Group Recommends 51

Contact us

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

Tel: 01625 879611

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

Tuesday 12 May

The Farmers Arms - Surpassing all Expectations If you want to visit a place that is hospitable, serves great food and can bring a twinkle to your eye, the Farmers Arms in Poynton takes some beating. This wonderful pub typifies the spirit of change that has overtaken Poynton in recent years. Who could have imagined all of this just a few years ago? A new village landscape, superb shopping facilities and a pub that just oozes character and appeal.

The Farmers Arms has been with us in many guises over the years, but most would agree that this time it has truly reinvented itself and should give great pleasure for many years to come.

Certainly, it represents a landmark investment by Robinsons Brewery.

Neil Robinson-Stanier, Robinsons Director, said: “The last major refurbishment took place around 32 years ago and although we have carried out minor design changes over the years, the pub needed an overhaul to meet the retail design expectations of a pub in 2014. The plan was to design a scheme that was full of fun, theatre and interest.”

As you enter, you come face to face with Ermintrude – a life-sized fibre glass cow. Hand painted, her floral design gives a clue to the upholstery that adorns several new seating areas and is a taster of the general décor that awaits you.

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Miscellaneous agricultural artefacts are tastefully displayed throughout its space, butterflies adorn the ceiling and cascading flowers bring a vast sweep of colour to its walls. Such daring creativity has never before been seen in a Robinsons pub, or in any other pub I have visited.

Opening the new look Farmers Arms, William Robinson, Managing Director of Robinsons Brewery (Pubs Division), said: “This pub is not only a landmark pub for Poynton but for our brewery as a whole. We believe that pubs are all about stories and history. The entrance even incorporates a half crown coin which was originally stuck onto the old bar over 50 years ago by Martin’s father-in-law; it is part of the rich history of the pub and is a microcosm of our core beliefs – embracing heritage whilst looking towards the future.”

“The design has turned everything on its head” said licensee Martin Crank. “If you compared the pub to what it looked like at the start of 2014 you wouldn’t believe it’s the same place!”

The pub serves a menu that combines honest home cooked dishes with locally sourced produce. Grazing boards, 28 days matured steaks, freshly made salads, English sausages, leeks wrapped in bacon and mackerel pate are just a taste of what’s available on the menu.

If you enjoy doing things that surpass your expectations, visit the Farmers Arms. It’s as simple as that.

Poynton People

Brian Clarke Groundsman and caretaker at St George’s Parish Church “Early Spring’s beautiful in the churchyard. It’s full of birdsong and the trees are about to burst.

At one time there was a tame blackbird that sat on my shoulder. Now it’s a special robin hopping after me. The squirrels are a laugh too. I’ve spotted a jay and once, a fox. We’re on a badgerrun and I’ve seen the tracks. The crocuses, snowdrops and daffs have multiplied and look fantastic in the sunshine. My favourite spot is the Remembrance Garden and the War Memorial area.”

Brian Clarke has been groundsman, caretaker and verger at St George’s for nine years. He’s lived in Poynton since he and Chris got married nearly forty years ago. Mainly his work involves mowing the grass, strimming round the graves and tidying. He also oversees weekly volunteers, as well as regular volunteers from the uniformed organisations and the High School. The church has a ‘Tidy-Up Days’ when people come and help with weeding. It was on one such day ten years ago that Brian came along with his daughter, Amy, and found himself in the churchyard with a mower.

“People were so friendly that somehow we stayed and ended up joining the church,’ he says.

“Eventually I was offered the part-time post of groundsman. I’ve never looked back.

If it’s freezing cold in winter I do some caretaking indoors. Change the light bulbs, mend a leak in the loo.

“The churchyard is at the centre of the village.

I want it to look attractive, well cared for and welcoming, so people are drawn in. Cutting the grass in summer can get to me a bit when I’m pressed for time. I once cut back some weeds, only to discover they were bluebells! Fortunately they flowered anyway!

“You meet people wandering around, often visiting their graves. Sometimes if they’ve been a bit upset I’ll open up the church for them so they can be quiet. Sometimes they like to talk and then they approach me.”

“We try to be ‘Green’. There’s recycling bins and we compost the leaf mould. Early December we bag up clean pine cones, cut bunches of holly with berries and hand them out at the Fest. Last year we received over £90 in donations to give to the Ebola crisis.

“Sometimes I find myself meditating on life and death as I walk up and down the paths between the graves. If a young person has died, it makes you think. But often a wedding or a christening is coming up and that helps. You feel you can ‘give something back’ at a funeral or burial of ashes.

It’s like their ‘Goodbye Spot’.

“Sometimes I meditate on God. There’s so many questions; too many to get my head round! But I love working here and making it like a big garden for the people of Poynton to enjoy. We love coming to St George’s. I’ve never had so many friends in my life. Always someone to confide in…”

Welcome and thank you to Jenny Cooke, who responded to our advert for reporters with a lovely article about how Poynton is a great place to live with great people. We hope she will be providing regular articles on Poynton ‘characters’ and the things they do that make a difference to the community.

by Jenny Cooke

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It’s All Change At Michael Fox Opticians Many passers-by on Park Lane will have noticed the changes that have recently taken place at Michael Fox Opticians. Those that have not noticed might particularly benefit from an appointment at this impressive new facility! But seriously, anyone that cares about their eyesight would be appreciative of all that this modern practice has to offer.

A spacious new reception area, an additional examination room, a welcoming atmosphere and most importantly, a high level of expertise and customer care will enable Michael Fox Opticians to continue to offer an important and effective service to the Poynton community. Whilst offering all the key aspects of an optometry service, the practice offers particular expertise in diabetic investigation and also retinal photography and diagnostics. In offering such a professional service, the practice is particularly discerning in its choice of products and, as you might expect, specialises in top quality lenses. In fact, Rodenstock is the main supplier of optical lenses to Michael Fox Opticians.

The family has a long track record in optometry.

Gregory Fox operated a practice for many years in Handforth, until his death in 1967. Gregory’s son Michael who graduated from Manchester University in 1971, then took over the running of the Handforth clinic and later, in 1983 opened the Poynton practice that we are familiar with

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today. As well as serving the needs of local residents, Michael has also done a great deal of work over the years for local companies. From 1981 until 2014 he advised British Aerospace and Astra Zeneca and assisted in the provision of industrialised protection safety glasses for their staff.

However, 2015 will be a landmark year. Michael has decided to hand over the running of this newly refurbished practice to his sons Nicholas and Jonathan. Of course, they have been an integral part of the practice for some time.

Nicholas aged 31, qualified some ten years ago and Jonathan, aged 34 is a contact lens Optometrist. He has considerable experience in his specialised area. He is very knowledgable in this field and frequently attends lectures all over the North West.

Michael is not abandoning the practice but from April will work part-time. As he remarked ‘I have always enjoyed my work and would really like to maintain the relationships that I have built up with many patients over the last thirty years’.

To mark this new beginning, David Rutley MP has been invited to formally open the new practice in March.

Michael Fox Opticians 56 Park Lane, Poynton SK12 1RE Tel: 01625 877505

Keep on Running The bright mornings and light nights are nearly here and for many that brings the start of the running season. Whether you are signed up for the London marathon or the Manchester 10K, if you want to maximise your performance you need to provide your body with the correct fuel.

The Amaranth nutrition team are on hand to help.

Having trained for and run a marathon last year, I know that my performance could not have been achieved without my understanding of nutrition.

Your personal requirements will vary depending on your physique, goals and distance but here are a few ideas to get you started. You can read more at www.amaranth-wellbeing.com/newsletters ■■ A couple of hours before a long run, you need a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates and proteins. Fruit, natural yoghurt, almonds, some orange juice and a protein based bar (eg Pulsin) or smoothie would provide this.

Also in April Book a full 75 minute consultation with a BANT registered nutritional therapist for the special price of £60 (normally £75).

■■ An easily digested carbohydrate such as a banana or a multi-nutrient shake 30 minutes before will provide a top up. TerraNova Life Drink with ½ a banana was my pre-race favourite.

■■ A general guide is to top up your glucose and hydration after approximately one hour of running, then every 30 minutes after. A Performax Hydrate sachet mixed with water along with a few of our dried mulberries will provide natural sugars, fluid and minerals.

■■ Additional vitamins and minerals may be required during your training. A sports multi vitamin such as Lamberts MultiGuard Sport provides B vitamins and magnesium for energy.

To find out more, throughout April our nutrition team are offering free 20 minute consultations to include specific nutrient suggestions and meal plans for your individual training needs.

by Joanne Hill www.amaranth-wellbeing.com

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The Cheshire Smokehouse Many Poynton readers will have visited The Cheshire Smokehouse and others will be aware of its reputation. I visited this wonderful oasis of food just a few weeks ago and will go there again at the earliest opportunity. I loved the whole ambience, its amazing diversity of products and not least its café.

(Anyone that knows me knows I like a good café!).

Now that spring is here, take a short drive to Morley Green, with spouse or friend, and bring home a little quality fare. If you’re planning a special event or party, you will be truly spoiled for choice.

Not just a smokehouse Over the last 22 years in Morley Green, just outside Wilmslow, the Cheshire Smokehouse has developed and introduced: ■■ A bakery- making fantastic fresh breads, cakes, pies and pastries ■■ A butchery -sourcing great local beef, pork, lamb and poultry ■■ A wine section- with over 400 wines, spirits and beers ■■ A kitchen- making a vast array of ready meals, salads and dips ■■ A selection of superb British and continental cheese ■■ Fresh fruit and vegetables

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by Garth Aspinall

There is also the Smokehouse Café. This is open Tuesday-Saturday and serves contemporary dishes using the large variety of foods that have been made onsite. The ever-changing menu features morning coffee favourites, a full lunch menu and afternoon tea classics.

All this is complemented by a shop full of handpicked delicacies from local artisan producers, the UK and the rest of the world.

Food hall, Farm shop, Delicatessen - call it what you will! But what sets the Smokehouse apart from other outlets is that most of the products available are produced onsite by a team of nearly 40 dedicated foodies, bakers and chefs.

As owner and Managing Director Darren Ward remarked ‘ Four generations and over 100 years’ experience of smoking fine foods enables us to produce a range of smoked fish, meats, poultry,

charcuterie, cheeses and even nuts using the same techniques, cures and smoke stoves that our father, grandfather and great grandfather used’ If you are looking for something a little different from the “run of the mill farm shops” and you enjoy good food, you must call in.

It’s a lot more than just a Smokehouse.

We will certainly revisit The Cheshire Smokehouse in future issues of our magazine.

It’s always exciting to discover ‘a hidden gem’ and to bring it to the attention of our readers. Actually, this gem is really not all that hidden! It’s just on the fringe of Wilmslow as you head towards the airport. Follow the signs for Morley Green off the A538 Wilmslow - Altrincham road or leave the M56 Junction 6 near Manchester Airport.

Visit their superb website now if you are eager to find out more: www.cheshiresmokehouse.co.uk Opening Times Smokehouse Shop: Monday 9am - 5pm, Tuesday – Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm.

Smokehouse Café: Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 4pm.

Cheshire Smokehouse Limited, Vost Farm, Morley Green, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5NU. Tel. 01625 548 499.

Your Favourite Gourmet Break The Ribble Valley village of Gisburn just gets better and better.

Book a luxury night or two away in the beautiful Ribble Valley village of Gisburn, only 30 minutes from the M6 and 15 minutes from the M65.

Reserve your room at Park House Boutique Georgian B & B, enjoy dinner at the award winning La Locanda Italian Restaurant and try Gisburn’s newly refurbished Country Pub. Yes, the White Bull is now open. Chef, Simon Salt, a finalist of Masterchef The Professionals is hoping to make his mark in this beautiful corner of The Ribble Valley.

inside magazines We are looking for Local Reporters Are you a keen writer? Do you love where you live? Is there a lot going on in your village/town?

It can be tricky for us at ‘head office’ to keep up with what’s going on in each area. That’s where you come in.

Email your article to claire@insidemagazines.co.uk and we will be in touch.

We need reporters to send us articles about what’s going on where you live. This is a voluntary role but it’s a great opportunity to keep people informed about what’s coming up in your area.

To become an INSIDE reporter, send us a brief article (max 200 words) about your area and what kind of articles you would like to submit.

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard LIVE MUSIC LOVERS WILL LOVE POYNTON LIVE! Now anyone who wants to promote a musical event in Poynton – or to find out what’s on in Poynton – can simply visit poyntonlive.uk The brainchild of three Poynton music lovers, this new website covers all musical genres from classical to rock to folk, jazz and beyond; the only proviso being that the event must be staged in Poynton.

Poynton Live, which also enables local musicians to place their profile on the site, is already building an enthusiastic following and will surely become the ‘must go to’ resource for Poynton.

Cllr Geoff King; one of the key organisers, said: “I must stress that this is not a council initiative. The service is free to local musicians and promoters, and is entirely a non-profit making venture”

conclude a long, but rewarding (and hopefully successful) season. Emphasis is based on working with local people and companies such as Canalside Radio and Bollington Brewing Company.

POYNTON 10K A cold and very wet Sunday morning in early March saw 300 runners take part in the first ever Poynton 10k, organised by Tom Birtles of Town 10k, an enterprise that specialises in promoting such events in smaller towns and villages.

Poynton’s Town Mayor was on hand to start the run, outside the Civic Hall, and entrants ran a very ‘green’ route, taking in both Inclines, a section of the Middlewood Way and a lap of Poynton Park.

A number of local companies kindly sponsored the drinks station, goodie bags and the race T shirt. Plans are already in discussion for a 2016 event, which will build on the undoubted success of this inaugural run.

www.poyntonlive.uk

BEER FESTIVAL Poynton’s premier beer fest returns to Poynton Sports Club on 24 and 25 May and there is a lot more to the festivities than simply drinking some of Cheshire’s finest ales!

It is an all-round fun day with football, cricket, bowls, tennis, all to the backdrop of music pumping out of the clubhouse, whilst children are entertained with fun games, face painting and a bouncy castle.

The event is organised by volunteers of the football section of Poynton Sports Club to

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in touch

CROWN GREEN BOWLS AT POYNTON WORKMENS CLUB Based behind the Workmens Club on Park Lane we enter 12 teams; two gents, two ladies, four mixed and four veterans teams in the Alderley Edge, Macclesfield and Cheadle & Gatley leagues.

We currently have 65 players registered, 40 gents and 25 ladies. 2014 was a successful year seeing three of our teams gain promotion. There were also several internal fun days held through the season where club members competed for trophies and raised £220 which was donated to East Cheshire Hospice.

We are a friendly group of people and our large green behind the club is a pleasant, quiet area.

We are looking to attract new players, both young and old, for the 2015 season. Membership of the bowling section is very competitively priced.

Anyone wishing to join or know more about us should contact the secretary: Keith on 01625 402393 or strollerj@tiscali.co.uk

CALLING ALL EX-LOWER PARK PUPILS Did you attend Lower Park School? If you were a pupil at any time between 1965 and 2015 we would love to see you at two very special birthday events during April.

In addition, a party will be held on Friday 24 April.

Plans for this memory-fuelled evening are well under way.

The school opened on 29 April 1965 and we are looking for photographs and stories that we can share. Why not contact your classmates, dress in the clothes of your school era and come back to see Lower Park in 2015? We are hoping that anyone who comes along to our celebrations or open afternoon, as a former pupil, might bring a photo of themselves or classmates to place on our giant timeline.

Further information will be available on our school website from 31 March and on our Facebook page. www.lowerpark.cheshire.sch.uk

POYNTON & DISTRICT ROTARY The Poynton Youth and Community Centre has received a very generous donation of £700 from Poynton Rotary Club to help with the redecoration of the Clifford Hall which is in the oldest part of the 19th century building. With help from MATES DIY store, the work should be finished by the end of May. The hall is currently used by the Worth Probus Club, baby sensory class and others.

The Centre continues to implement improvements and is now home to over 17 groups whose activities include art, craft, keep fit, TaiChi, dance and yoga. Bridge and philately clubs.

Poynton Jemmers and ceilidh evenings are also an integral part of the Centre’s function.

People attending guitar and pottery classes and the new Men-in-Sheds (Poynton Council initiative) group now have a better environment to learn due to the Centre’s recently renovated roof. For further information please see the website at www.poyntoncommunitycentre.org.uk

To celebrate our 50th birthday, we are holding an Open Afternoon for ex pupils on Wednesday 22 April where you are invited to wander the corridors and classrooms. Why not visit us to see how the school looks now and remember your schooldays with fond memories?

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Poynton & District Rotary Club meets fortnightly at The Deanwater Hotel. The format of the evening varies; sometimes it’s a business meeting to discuss and plan our local and international projects and how to distribute the funds to charities and deserving causes.

Other times we have visiting guest speakers.

The Rotary Club welcomes new members both male and female. If you would like to help and put something back into the community then please contact Gerald Scriven Tel: 01625 875261.

Further information is available at www.poyntonrotary.co.uk

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME Davenport Golf Club has been based in Poynton, off Middlewood Road, since 1984.

In January 2014, the incoming Captain and Lady Captain of the club, Dave Pettit and Christine Thwaites, nominated as their chosen charity the Lady Warren Bulkeley Charities; Poynton’s oldest charity, set up under the will of Viscountess Warren Bulkeley, in 1826. She was born Elizabeth Harriet Warren the daughter of Sir George Warren. He was the prominent figure in Poynton’s coalmining history when the village had the largest coalfield in Cheshire. He was descended from Sir George de Warren, a knight, who died in 1369. Over the centuries which followed, the Warrens, through marriage, became the Warren Bulkeleys, who later became the Vernons, all of whom made a major contribution to the people of Poynton.

The charity, which includes the Vicar of Poynton (currently Rev’d Rob Mclaren) as ex officio trustee, has two strands - helping the sick, poor and needy of Poynton with Worth and the advancement of education. Twelve months on, the money raised by the members of the club and donated to the charity amounted to the magnificent sum of almost £5,000.

in touch

Air Training Corps, Kath Atherton, Civilian Committee member, who told them that the group were looking to purchase a flight simulator in order to provide each cadet with excellent training and experience before they go into the cockpit of a plane. The group currently has 37 cadets, both boys and girls, ranging from the ages of 12 to 20. They meet twice weekly at Lawrence Place in Poynton. The trustees quickly agreed to make a major contribution of £2,200 towards the project as it fell within the ambit of one of the trust’s strands, the advancement of education, and will benefit a large number of Poynton youngsters over a long period of time.

The secretary of the trustees, Charles Gorst, attended one of the meetings and presented a cheque to the youngest member of the group, Cadet Luke Johnson, who joined just seven weeks ago, aged 12. The photograph shows (left to right) Sgt Charlotte Bailey, Dave Pettit, Cadet Luke Johnson, Charles Gorst, Christine Thwaites and Flight Lieutenant Phil Hadfield against the background of a very smart band of cadets.

The trustees are continually looking out for individuals to support who are in genuine need and to support groups and organisations in the village. Over the years the scope of the charity has been and still is very varied. Current trustees David Bowers and Katherine Presswood recall Christmas gifts being made in the 1960’s in the form of many hundredweights of coal to Poynton residents, mainly residing in Park Lane, which was much more residential in those days.

The trustees were recently approached by the secretary of 2448 (Poynton) Squadron,

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in touch

CHESHIRE TORTOISE DAY Now in its 14th year Cheshire Tortoise Day, organised by the Cheshire Group of the British Chelonia Group, will again be held at Woodford Community Centre on Saturday 16 May. The Cheshire group plans the event to include educational and natural history aspects of chelonia and also fun activities for younger visitors.

Siuna Reid and her nursing staff from The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd, Lytham St Annes, will be in attendance throughout the day, offering micro chipping, worming, health checks and advice on husbandry. Various stalls will be displaying their wares, including plants, books and crafts. Refreshments are available including the now famous hot bacon barmcakes.

Entry fee £2, children free. For more information email annetortuga@btinternet.com or julia.davenport@virgin.net

HAPPY PLANT HUNTING Plant Hunters’ Fairs return to Adlington Hall on Sunday 10 May for what has become one of the best loved garden events in the area with a winning line up of the best nurseries around, a most charming and beautiful garden and a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

For this special event Adlington Hall offers half price entry to the gardens and plant fair of just £3. With so much to see, why not take one of the free guided tours of the gardens with the Head Gardener Anthony O’Grady or simply relax, take in the beautiful gardens and enjoy traditional teas and home made cakes?

The nurseries will of course come loaded with a really great mix of plants and specialities to delight plant lovers of every level of experience and will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience in planting and caring for the plants you buy so you can get the best from them. The fair opens at 10.30am and closes at 4pm.

For further information please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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Our Day Out - Saltaire Now that spring is here, take a chance and start planning some great days out. Saltaire in West Yorkshire, some four miles from Bradford and about one hour and twenty minutes’ drive from home, is our first suggestion this year for a great individual or family experience. Enjoy your day according to the weather. There’s lots to see and do, indoors and outside – too much to describe in detail - but here is a flavour of what you can expect.

Saltaire takes its name from its founder, Sir Titus Salt (1803-1876) and the River Aire which runs through the village. Salt made his fortune in the Bradford textile industry, manufacturing fine woollen fabrics. Determined to escape the polluted and overcrowded town centre, he decided to relocate his business to greener pastures – to a place where his workforce would be healthier, happier and more productive.

Work began in 1851 and Salts Mill was the first building to be completed in 1853. Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its international influence on town planning and as one of the earliest, largest and best preserved

‘model villages’ anywhere in the world.

Salts Mill - World Class Art, Exhibitions and Shops Galore Admission is free. Salts Mill is home to one of the largest collections of David Hockney’s art. On the ground floor you will find the 1853 Gallery which houses a permanent exhibition of works by David Hockney, seven days a week.

On the third floor, two new permanent exhibitions have recently opened: The Arrival of Spring by David Hockney and People and Process, a History

by Garth Aspinall

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of Salts Mill. These latter two spaces, along with Café in the Opera (a specialist fish restaurant) are open only Wednesday – Sunday.

On the second floor, Gallery 2 is home to a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, whilst the Saltaire Exhibition, at the rear of the Gallery, depicts Saltaire’s history from 1853 to the present day.

There are many independent shops in the mill, including everything from bikes to handmade jewellery and antiques. Stroll around the Salts Book and Poster shop and browse in The Homea luxury homeware and furniture shop. A few of the mill shops are closed on Sundays (eg The Early Music shop and the bike shop) so check beforehand if you have a particular one in your sights - 01274 531163.

the family can enjoy an easy-going lunch. Café in the Opera - open Wed-Sun is -a very popular fish restaurant and perhaps advisable to book.

Whilst out and about, look out for Vicars Café Bistro, Massarella Fine Art & Tea Rooms, The Boat House Inn and the café in Roberts Park. In the evening you could dine at Don’t Tell Titus a popular bar and restaurant or La Rue on Bingley Road. Otherwise take a ten minute walk to nearby Shipley, during the day or evening where you will find even more enticing cafes and restaurants.

Other things to do

The Heritage Trail Call in at the Visitor Information Centre, obtain a map of the Heritage Trail and decide your own route and timescales. Alternatively, book a guided walk (you can book in advance 01274 437942) and travel back in time, with never a dull moment!

At least, that was my experience. However you proceed, here are a few of the places you should not miss – Saltaire United Reformed Church, Victoria Hall, The Factory School, The Almshouses around Alexander Square, cobbled Albert Terrace and the characterful streets that branch off in a purposeful grid formation, The Boat House Inn and Roberts Park.

Eating Out Salts Mill itself offers two great value restaurants.

Salts Diner is a large and friendly space where all

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There are some lovely self-guided walks around Saltaire: The Aire Sculpture Trail, Aire Valley Woodland and Water, Shipley Glen and Hirst Lock and Tong Park Dam. During one weekend In May, local artists welcome you into their houses, showcasing a range of art and crafts. September is the time to chill out at the ten-day Saltaire festival. There is so much going on throughout the year, you are best advised to visit the Saltaire Visitor information Centre or the following websites to find out what is current at the time of your visit. www.visitsaltaire.com and www.saltsmill.org.uk Getting there by car: Sat Nav BD18 3TT for the car park.

Trains and bus services are also available.

In summary Saltaire offers something for everyone and has a very different feel from the leafy lanes of Cheshire. Personally speaking, I experienced a wonderfully warm day in Roberts Park and felt totally uplifted by the works of David Hockney.

Everything else was just a bonus.

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African Pride There is an old African proverb “Let him speak who has seen with his eyes” and reading these few wise words it could easily be extended to add… “heard with his ears, smelt with his nose, touched with his hands and felt with his heart” for anyone visiting Africa will have their senses stimulated more than anywhere else on earth.

Is it because we all can trace our roots to this ancient land and each of us therefore retains a piece of it deep within us? Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that once experienced, Africa will call you back again and again.

But where to start? Africa is a huge continent and the area we are looking at here only covers eastern and southern Africa, commonly referred to as the ‘safari region’ for that is usually the main reason that visitors travel here. The choice of holiday ideas is vast but most incorporate a safari at some point of the holiday. To experience the Great Migration in full force in east Africa; see gorillas in the mist of the Mountains of the Moon in Rwanda; be in awe at the grace and elegance of a leopard; the gentleness and strength of a herd of elephants; the sheer range of birdlife that appears almost round every corner or the skittishness of the antelope species as they

constantly stay on the lookout for danger from the masters of the African bush and plains, a pride of majestic lions.

In general terms, southern Africa has seasons that are the opposite of ours but as it is bordered by two very different oceans – the cool Atlantic and the warm Indian – and with a lot of its area in the sub-tropical or equatorial regions, choosing the best time to travel is essential and this is where expert advice can help.

Continued over...

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

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Travel Each holiday to Africa is different and there is more on offer than just safaris. Amazing scenery, world-class wineries, ancient rock art, beautiful coasts, whales and dolphins, stunning accommodation and most of all the people who are so proud of their heritage and are always keen to impart a little flavour of Africa to all their visitors.

Choosing an African holiday requires careful planning and expert advice and using our many years of knowledge and experience we work with you to ensure that each one is tailored to meet your own individual requirements. So choose Travel by Design and African Pride for your holiday to Africa and as the old African proverb says...�see with your own eyes�.

To book your next Africa holiday phone us on 01625 584195, email to info@travelbydesigngroup.com or call in to see us at Travel by Design in Alderley Edge. For an in depth chat why not make an appointment with one of our expert team.

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30

Parental separation: breaking the cycle of conflict Most parents realise how harmful it is for their children to watch them arguing with one another.

Many will have seen their children upset and confused by even the most mild of disagreements between their parents. Indeed the desire to prevent children from being exposed to parental conflict is a reason I hear often for couples deciding to separate.

Yet sadly, while parents are aware of the damage their behaviour can cause, our recent research shows that even after they have separated many couples are simply not able to break the cycle of conflict. The study surveyed more than 1,000 separated parents in order to understand the challenges they face once they start living apart.

Although nearly all the couples we talked to said they try, for the sake of their children, to remain amicable with their former partner almost half admitted that they regularly argue in front of them. In fact our research indicated that on average separated parents spend three months of their lives arguing over arrangements for their children.

For children, the impact of seeing the animosity between their parents can be damaging to their emotional well-being not only in the short-term but in the longer term. Being locked in constant conflict is also stressful and exhausting for

Legal Advice parents. It is important therefore to take advice from a specialist family solicitor at an early stage.

They can talk to you about the different processes available to help you resolve the issues.

I often advise parents to recognise that there will be aspects of the other parent’s care which they may not like but which are not harmful to the children. I encourage them to look also on the positive experiences the other parent provides and the benefits that a diversity of experiences can bring to a child.

Agreeing a parenting plan can be an invaluable tool after separation. This will set out the agreements reached in respect of the children. It doesn’t just have to deal with where the children should be every day but can address other practical matters such as birthday presents and parents’ evening.

Sometimes it may not be possible to reach an agreement on your own. Mediation can then be a useful means of resolving those outstanding issues. Collaborative law is another option, when you and your partner meet together with your solicitors to discuss the options available and agree on a solution. The benefit of both mediation and collaborative law is that it helps to keep communication open between you and the other parent which is important for your children.

In some cases it may be necessary to ask the court to determine what is in the best interests of your children. At Slater and Gordon we have a team of solicitors who specialise in cases involving children. We always work to avoid conflict and to reach an amicable solution through negotiation.

If it is necessary to go through court proceedings we will provide you with the best legal advice and support at every stage to achieve the very best solution for you and your children.

Vicki specialises in all aspects of family law in particular resolving disputes over arrangements for children and resolution of financial matters on divorce. For further advice on contact arrangements please don’t hesitate to contact us.

by Vicki Mclynn - 0808 175 7765 www.slatergordon.co.uk/family

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The Walk - Etherow 8 Mile Circular Map: Dark Peak 1-25,000 Start: Marple Bridge SK965 895 Car Park: In Brabyns Park Leave the car park and walk back to the main road, Brabyns Brow. Turn left and walk up Lower Fold. Cross the road at the old Compstall Co-op (with the large clock) and take the first footpath on the right, signed St. Mary’s School. Emerge on to Lowry Drive, walk up to the road junction and climb the hill ahead, Constable Drive. Follow the hill round to the right to the junction with Hollins Lane. Turn left and after leaving the houses on the left (just beyond No.89), take the narrow footpath on the left leading to Ley Lane.

On reaching the lane, take the path diagonally left towards Broadstone which was once a farm; go between the old farm buildings to climb a stile. At this point the way ahead is unclear but proceed on a bearing of approx. 20 degrees or, if no compass is available, look up directly ahead away from the stile to find a gap between the trees on the horizon. Walk towards the gap and the edge of some farm buildings will appear and another stile. Go over the stile, keeping the hedge on the right, towards a curving stone wall (this

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by Frank Nolan www.marple-uk.com/rambling

section can be muddy). Continue to follow the wall around the back of Sunhill Farm to pick up the farm drive, curving round to the left where it joins Sandhill Lane.

Higher Chisworth.

Turn right and walk along the tarmac, (the views ahead open up to reveal the Kinder Plateau and to the right Glossop and Bleaklow), to the junction of Ernocroft Lane and Gird Lane. Go straight ahead for 20 yards and take the footpath on the left climbing up past Brown Low (an ancient burial site). Go straight ahead keeping the wall on the left through approx. 6 stiles, gradually descending to an old farm ‘Sandlane’.

Go past the farm on the left down to the minor road, turn left and descend to cross Glossop Road to the unmade road in front; continue to the

end, Far Woodseats (again, another old farm).

Take the path ahead and to the left keeping the fence on your right; follow this path winding through trees and dropping down to a narrow footbridge across the river Etherow. Turn left on to the track towards Bothams Hall, turn left and immediately left again, through a picket gate in front of a greenhouse/summer house (made from an assortment of windows). Five yards past this drop down on the left, cross a plank bridge over a minor stream. Go up to follow a winding path through trees to eventually climb a narrow rocky gully, which will bring you up to the side of a cottage to Apple Street.

Turn left and look for a large metal sign on the left saying Lumn Farm, partly obscured by a small conifer. Go past this and follow the road uphill to the right, looking now for a 5-bar metal gate on the left, about 30 feet after the bend in the road.

At the side of the gate go through the stone stile and through two fields, climbing the stile at the end of the second field to emerge into a field containing an electricity pylon. Go diagonally up the field, passing the pylon on your left, and looking out for a metal 5-bar gate ahead. Go through the gate and join a lane (Become Lane).

Turn left towards Become House, go through the yard and turn left downhill. Follow the road for approx. 100 yards to find a signpost on the

left pointing down towards trees. Go over the stile and drop down to cross another stile, follow the path down Mortin Clough to emerge at the side of a wooden shelter. You are now in Etherow Country Park.

Turn right and follow the path down, passing toilets on the right. At the bottom, turn right following the sign for the car park. When you reach the car park, go diagonally left to a short path leading down to Compstall Road.Turn left and keep on the left hand side, crossing the bridge and cross the road opposite the old George Hotel. Keep walking up the road and look for a sign on the right to Brabyns park. Take the path into the park, crossing the recently refurbished footbridge, turning immediately left on to a path following the river Goyt along its banks to return to the car park and starting point.

This walk was contributed by Marple District Rambling Club. They organise over 30 walks of all levels and distances every month, going out on Thursdays and Sundays. To see copies of their programme, visit www. marple-uk.com/rambling To join the Club, contact either Barry Wilson, 0161 948 0566, or Deirdre Nolan, 0161 427 7794.

Cottage in Simmondley

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Spring into an NGS Garden This edition of your Inside magazine covers April to May with, we hope, the return of drier and warmer weather so that we can get into our gardens and start work for the season ahead.

There’s plenty to do, from tidying the borders to preparing beds for outdoor crops and plants.

You’ll find some useful tips in “Barry’s Gardening Tips” at the end of this article. Remember that gardening should be fun, so be sure to make time to visit some NGS gardens for inspiration ... and relaxing with afternoon tea!

Nursery rhyme theme at Poulton Hall.

NGS Garden Finder website.

All Fours Farm, Colliers Lane, Aston by Budworth, Northwich New! A traditional and well-established country garden with a small vegetable garden, pond and greenhouse. Also, vintage machinery and original features from its days as a working farm. Open: Friday 3 April (10-4pm) Racefield, St. Margaret’s Road, Bowdon New! The front garden is semi-formal, with tree peonies and herbaceous peonies edged with lavender. Central beds are surrounded by rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and acers.

The side garden has a large rockery with conifers and climbers. Open: Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Saturday 25, Sunday 26 April (12-4.30pm).

Shaded patio at Racefield.

About the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) The NGS is the biggest garden-based charity fundraiser in England and Wales with nearly 4000 gardens due to open this year. In Cheshire and Wirral, there are 83 NGS gardens, including 11 that are new for 2015. You can plan your NGS visits with the famous Yellow Book or the free county booklets. There’s also a free mobile app for Apple and Android and social media fans can find us on Facebook /Cheshire NGS or follow us on Twitter /CheshireWirrNGS. NGS Gardens to visit in April and May The following Cheshire and Wirral gardens are open to the public on the dates listed; admission to each garden is £4, children free. Note that many also welcome group visits on other dates – just select the “By arrangement” option on the

Briarfield, The Rake, Burton, Neston Tucked under the south-facing side of Burton Wood, the garden is home to many specialist and unusual plants, some available in a plant sale.

Shrubs, bulbs, alpines and several water features compete for attention as you wander through four distinctly different gardens. Open: Sun 19 Apr (2-5). Visitors also welcome by arrangement, April to October.

Bank House, Goldford Lane, Bickerton 1¾-acre garden at the foot of Bickerton Hill, an area of outstanding beauty, with extensive views to the east and south. Sheltered, terraced borders with a wide range of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants; established wild garden, Millennium garden with water features and productive vegetable garden. Open: Saturday 25, Continued over...

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

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Sunday 26 April (1.30-5). Visitors also welcome by arrangement, April to July Poulton Hall, Poulton Lancelyn, Bebington 3 acres of gardens with lawns fronting the house and many other features:. wildflower meadow; walled garden with reminders of Roger Lancelyn Green’s retellings of Excalibur, Robin Hood and Jabberwocky; scented sundial garden for the visually impaired; rose, nursery rhyme, witch, herb and oriental gardens. Open: Saturday 25, Sunday 26 April (2-5.30). Visitors also welcome by arrangement, April to August.

Long Acre, Wyche Lane, Bunbury Plantswoman’s garden of approx 1 acre with unusual plants and trees, pool, gardens, exotic conservatory specialising in proteas, S African bulbs and clivia. Spring garden with camellias, magnolias, bulbs. Open: Sunday 26 April (2-5).

Visitors also welcome by arrangement April to June groups of 10+

Barry’s Gardening Tips How will you get the best out of your garden this year? There’s plenty of gardening advice in newspapers and magazines, but it’s always good to have a local perspective. Barry Davy, NGS garden owner and designer from Handforth, gives us his top tips for April and May: Ferns come in a huge variety of forms and colours besides the ubiquitous British native Dryopteris filix-mas. If you’re a fan of ferns, as I am, then make sure all old foliage has been removed, as the new fronds will be on their way.

One of the best is Dryopteris affinis cristata ‘The King’: elegant, evergreen during a mild winter and will cope with dry shade, once established.

If you’re in the market for azaleas and rhododendrons, now is the time to go shopping.

They’re in flower so you can see exactly what you’re buying, rather than rely on labels and pictures in books. Bodnant Garden, near Colwyn Bay in North Wales, is a great place to see these plants at their best. Their famous laburnum arch will be in full flower towards the end of May so that’s a great time to visit. Be sure to phone first

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A colourful corner at Long Acre.

(01492 650460, just to check the laburnum is sticking to the timetable.

This is tulip time. See which you like and make a note in that garden diary you meticulously keep (or take photos), so you remember which to buy in the autumn. Many modern tulips are relatively short-lived and rarely flower well after their second or third year, but there are exceptions.

‘Princess Irene’ and ‘Ballerina’ (scented) have returned year after year in my garden. These are shades of orange which look particularly wonderful growing through Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ or ‘Dixter’ (a Christopher Lloyd selection), with its orange shoots. Alliums such as ‘Purple Sensation’ or the larger, and slightly later flowering, ‘Giganteum’ and ‘Globemaster’, provide a great contrast. It’s worth remembering that tulips should be planted fairly deeply. I bury mine at least 6 inches underground.

A plant that should feature in every garden is Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’. It produces its pretty forgetme-not flowers in April but as they fade the silverand-green variegated leaves expand to form an eye-catching clump. Best kept away from full sun, which will cause it to go crispy around the edges, it will brighten a shady corner for several months.

It forms a good combination when grown around the base of white-flowering hydrangeas.

Early flowering shrubs can be cut back around now (when their flowers have finished of course), such as the flowering currant Ribes. Look out for white ‘Icicle’, which makes a welcome change from the usual pink variety. The nursery at Arley Hall has a particularly fine example and I’m sure they will be happy to sell you one.

If you’re looking for inspiration or need help with planting your garden, you can contact Barry by email: barry.davy@ntlworld.com. Or meet Barry and his wife Melanie at their NGS open garden days at Brooke Cottage, Handforth on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July from 12 – 5pm. Homemade teas available!

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Broadband setup, Wireless Networking, Virus and Spyware removal, Software reinstalls, Upgrades and Custom builds Free friendly advice NO CALL OUT CHARGE

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Mike Knibb 01625 267422

07956 134900

Quick Crossword

Across

Down

1 5 9 10 12 13 14 16 19 21 23 25 26 27 28 29

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 11 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 25

Authorisation (8) Fading (6) Plunged (8) Motto (6) Acquires deservedly (5) A white gypsum used for carving (9) A rolled up document (6) Diary (7) Badmouths (7) A parakeet or cockatoo (6) Extremity (9) Different (5) Short sleep (6) Read aloud for recording (8) Wife or husband (6) Used (8)

Anagram of “Milers� (6) Dealing with numbers (9) ____ and Caicos Islands (5) Including everything (7) Besiege (9) Metal bar (5) Army officers (8) A pilgrimage to Mecca (4) Coordinates (9) Beginners (9) Stalemates (8) Smack (4) Forecast (7) Marked (6) Prefix indicating the first or original (5) Base 8 number system (5)

Solution on page 68.

39

Sudoku

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

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 68.

inside magazines

Have you used any of the advertisers in INSIDE Poynton and received a particularly good service?

If so, we want to hear about it!

All we need is your name, contact details and the area where you live, along with a brief description of why you were so impressed.

Please email to claire@insidemagazines.co.uk or post to Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. A selection of these will be printed in future issues of our magazines.

43

Answers: sea captain, seven seas, cannons, treasure, jolly roger flag, ship Extra letter answer: parrot

S D I K 4 JUST

Poynton Children’s Activities

Things to do with pre-school kids

Monday St. Paul’s Catholic Pre-School 9-3pm Open Monday – Friday Term Time only. Marley Road, Poynton. A caring and stimulating environment, open to all. Please call ahead from more information – 01625 858222 Playaway 9.30-11.30am Poynton Baptist Church. Contact 01625 859036

Tuesday Wacky Woods 10am-12pm Styperson Quarry Wood, Brookledge Lane, Adlington.

Stay & Play 1.15-2.45pm Term time only, Poynton Children’s Centre, Clumber Road.

Contact 01625 383090 or email poyntonchildrenscentreadmin@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Friday Baby Sensory 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm The Woodford Scout and Guide Headquarters, Moor Lane, Woodford. A learning and development program for parents and babies.

To book, call Becky on 07503547083 or email eastcheshire@babysensory.co.uk

Come and have fun in the woods with your preschooler; even young babies can appreciate the joys of nature. Lots of sensory play activities to enjoy with your children in guided sessions.

Worth Parent & Toddler Group 1.30-3pm Term time only. Worth Primary School, Birch Road.

Toddler group for all pre-school age children and their parents/carers.

£5 per child and that includes pancakes or crumpets on the campfire.

Contact us on 01625 875900 or admin@worth.cheshire.sch.uk for more information.

Contact 01625 573086.

Story Time 11am Term time only. Hazel Grove Library. Stories, rhymes and songs followed by some colouring.

Contact 0161 217 6009.

Wednesday Pre-School Dance 2-2.30pm Term time only. St Martin’s Church Hall, Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton. All children welcome from age 18 months. Contact 07903 727763 or email missstephanie1@hotmail.co.uk

Thursday Parent & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Term time only, Poynton Methodist Church.

Saturday Baby Ballet & Tap 9-10am The Hockley Centre, Park Lane. Step Ahead School of Dance, contact Natalie on 07799 614260 for further details.

Who Let the Dads Out? Between 9am & 11am Second Saturday of the month during term time, St. Martin’s Church Hall, Higher Poynton (near the Boars Head Pub).

A dads and toddler group for dads, granddads or male carers and their pre-school children. £2.50 per family which includes a bacon butty & coffee for the dads, and toast & juice for the children.

Contacts Julie Briggs on 07769 938269, or email julie@briggs.me.uk

For more information contact the church office on 01625 871592 Rhyme Time 10.30am Poynton Library. No booking necessary and no charge.

All babies and toddlers welcome with parents/carers.

Contact 01625 374818.

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Compiled by Jenny Riley e: jenny@insidemagazines.co.uk

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

The Furniture Station Don’t throw it away, please give us a call & allow us to re-use your items.

The Furniture Station relies heavily on local donations of unwanted, good-quality furniture and electrical goods in order to help the families and individuals in Stockport who are in need of such basic items.

We require a healthy stock of furniture and electrical items in order to help people who do not have the household basics for their home.

We are appealing for your re-usable items to be donated to The Furniture Station by simply giving us a call on 0161 456 0717 to help us maintain this stock.

We collect free of charge from Stockport, certain East Cheshire and Greater Manchester areas including Poynton.

There is heavy competition locally for your items and this is very challenging to compete with.

By choosing The Furniture Station you are not only re-using your items and preventing landfill waste, but you are supporting families with an urgent need for such household basics to turn a house into a home. Together, we can continue to relieve poverty and distress to people in need living in Stockport through the provision of these essential furniture and household items and better support them to maintain their tenancy and establish a more independent lifestyle.

The Furniture Station is not a shop open to the public, but a local charity which specifically helps those referred to our services via the council,

housing officers, Age UK, Citizens Advice, social services etc. Operating with the support of 28 volunteers and just six members of staff we deliver these items each week day for only a nominal charge, and continue to do so as the demand for our service continues.

Celebrating 20 years in operation, it is these collections that help our organisation continue the delivery of around 4,000 essential furniture and white good items to some 1,000 homes in the Borough of Stockport each year.

For a list of items we can collect please visit our website www.furniturestation.org.uk/ freecollections Unfortunately gas appliances are not accepted and certain safety criteria apply. All items are accepted at the driver’s discretion; please do not be offended if your items are refused.

Call us on 0161 456 0717 to book your collection today. Please leave a message if you get through to voice mail and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Joanne Watson Twitter: @fsstockport Facebook.com/furniturestation

The Furniture Station, Hazel Grove Baptist Church, Station Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4EX.

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The Book Group Recommends Lots of us have a box of photographs going back many years. Could you pick out 20 of these that show a life story and then talk about this selection into a tape recorder? This is the device that Jonathan Coe uses in his novel The Rain Before it Falls. However, photographs are often not what they seem; “everybody smiles for photographs” Coe tells us “that’s one of the reasons you should never trust them”.

Gill’s 73-year-old Aunt Rosamund has died.

Predeceased by her long-time companion Ruth, and leaving no children, Rosamund has made Gill her executor. To her surprise her Aunt has left her estate to Imogen, a blind relative who Gill met only once 20 years previously. She has also left a pack of cassette tapes recorded up to the day she died. Unable to find Imogen, Gill and her daughters listen to the tapes themselves with their descriptions of the selected photographs.

Rosamund wants Imogen to know “the forces that made you” and ultimately the awful truth.

The tapes reveal a sad, sometimes moving story of mothers and daughters, of deep and abiding loneliness, and of pain passed through three generations.

Some of us felt that the characters in this novel did not really come to life, perhaps due to Rosamund’s relentless voice. Those of us familiar with Coe’s previous work felt that the move from his usual genre had not been a great success but we leave you to judge.

Katherine Boo won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2012 with Behind the Beautiful Forevers. This is a brilliantly written, fast paced book based on three years of uncompromising reporting. Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near Mumbai airport, hidden from those driving past by a concrete wall displaying ads for Italian tiles that will remain BEAUTIFUL FOREVER. Boo focuses on the lives of three families. Young Abdul is an excellent sifter of garbage, transforming his family’s fortunes while earning the envy of their neighbour Fatima ‘One-Leg’ with whom they share a dividing wall. The third family is that of Asha, a woman of formidable wit who has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. Her daughter Manju is perhaps the most idealistic person in Annawadi often disapproving of her mother’s ways. When a domestic issue escalates and Abdul is falsely accused in a shocking tragedy, supressed tensions over religion, caste, sex, power and economic envy turn brutal. With intelligence, humour and deep insight into what connects human beings to one another, Boo has produced a searing investigation of the ways in which the striving of slum dwellers is stymied by infighting, corruption, and economic fluctuations.

We cannot recommend this deeply revealing and unforgettable true story highly enough and It should be compulsory reading for all our ministers and policy makers.

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Inside Guide Wednesday 1 April Poynton National Women’s Register (Poynton NWR 3) Eggstravagant Easter Evening with craft, traditions and food. Call Margaret Wrigley 01625 879853 for details. New members welcome.

Wednesday 1 April Poynton Philatelic Society meet with our guest speaker John Birkett Alan, who will be displaying British Stamps used in Malta, ranging from the Queen Victoria period with special cancels depicting their usage out of Malta.

For further information please call Ron Phelps on 01625 877643.

North Room, Poynton Community Centre 7.30pm

Thursday 2 April Join us at Poynton Wine Circle for a relaxing social wine tasting presented by one of our members.

Circle meetings are the first Thursday of every month when we enjoy a variety of wines and a pleasant chat.

For details contact Pete Garrett on 01625 871171 or Anthony Fairhurst on 01625 871731.

Poynton British Legion 8pm

Sunday 5 April Cemetery Heritage Trail. This fascinating tour of some of Macclesfield’s 68 acres of Cemetery and Gardens of Remembrance will reveal curious histories and graveyard symbolism. Booking in advance is essential.

Booking: cemeteryheritageapril2015.eventbrite.co.uk or for information call 01625 383948 The Cemetery Lodge, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield 1pm to 3pm

WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL Poynton In Business evening meeting to discuss local business issues, share information and generally network. The meeting is open to all Poynton business owners and managers, as well as anyone interested in setting up a business in Poynton. All will be made very welcome. For more details please visit the website at www.poyntoninbusiness.co.uk or contact: admin@poyntoninbusiness.co.uk Local venue TBC 5.30pm

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during April & May THURSDAY 9 APRIL Poynton Home Gardeners Club. Dr. Irene Ridge from the North West Fungi Group will give a talk entitled,”Fungi: Friend or Foe?” For more information ring 01625 877865 between 10am and 7pm or visit www.poyntongardenclub.co.uk Royal British Legion Club, St. George’s Road West, Poynton. 7.30pm

Thursday 9 April Poynton & District Rotary Club this week will be a business meeting to plan our local and international projects. We also raise funds for charities and deserving causes. New members welcome, if you are interested then please contact Gerald Scriven in advance on 01625 875261. For more information visit www.poyntonrotary.co.uk The Deanwater Hotel 7.30pm

Saturday 11 April The Commonwealth Resounds! An enjoyable evening of musical entertainment in aid of this registered charity dedicated to promoting musicians in all countries across the Commonwealth. More information from 0161 440 7303 www.commonwealthresounds.com Tickets £5 (£2.50 under 18/concessions) St Michael and All Angels Church, St Michael’s Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 April NT Lecture – Quarry Bank: at the Edge of Revolution, speaker Eleanor Underhill St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Wednesday 15 April Poynton Philatelic Society meet with our guest speaker Peter Kirk, from Macclesfield Philatelic Society, who will be displaying ‘The Three Kings’, which will see Commonwealth stamps from the reigns of Edward VII, George V and George VI. For further information call Ron Phelps on 01625 877643.

North Room, Poynton Community Centre 7.30pm

THURSDAY 9 APRIL Worth Probus Club. David McMullan and Jane Jackson will hold a ‘Gardeners Question Time’ Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

Community Centre, Park Lane, 2pm

Continued over...

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

53

inside guide

Wednesday 15 April

Tuesday 21 April

Alderley Edge Lunchtime Concert: Elizabeth Lawton / flute, Russell Lomas / piano. Light lunch from 12 noon, performance 1pm. Alderley Edge Methodist Church

Poynton U3A General Meeting. Hugh Beggs will give a talk on Delamere, A Wooded Ridge.

Wednesday 15 April Drop-in children’s craft activities – discover Tudor Remedies and meet Tudor healers, Suitable for children of all ages, parents must accompany. £2 The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 1.30-3.30pm

Thursday 16 April Poynton Morning Townswomen’s Guild, Mrs Jean Walton will be speaking on the topic ‘For Your Convenience’. Contact Kath on 0161 456 5299 Civic Hall Poynton 10am – 12 noon

Thurs 16 & Fri 17 April Children’s Craft Clubs – make giant spring flowers from a variety of materials. £6.50 for children aged 6-11. 01625 613210. The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield 10am-12pm

Main Hall, Poynton Civic Centre 2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 21 April Poynton National Women’s Register (Poynton NWR 3) Summer Flower Pots and Plant Swop. Demonstration of making summer planters and an opportunity to swop or acquire plants and cuttings. New members welcome.

Call Margaret Wrigley 01625 879853 for details.

Wednesday 22 April Fundraising quiz night – pit your wits at our quiz night to help raise money for the Macclesfield Museums. £4 per person, refreshments provided. 01625 613210 The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 7.30pm

Thursday 23 April

Thursday 16 April

Worth Probus Club. Annual General Meeting. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz.

Community Centre, Park Lane, 2pm

Poynton British Legion, Georges Road West 2pm

Thursday 16 April Teenage art class- get inspired by music and create different pieces of art based on different types of music. £6-50 for children aged 11-16. 01625 613210 The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield 12.30-3.30pm

Thursday 23 April NT Lecture – The Romance of the Barrel Piano. Speaker Roland Antonelli.

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

Thursday 23 April

The Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra will perform a challenging programme of Beethoven symphony No. 1 and Strauss ‘Ein Heldenleben’, with maestro Ken Woods.

Tickets £12, Conc £10, Under 18’s £2

Poynton & District Rotary Club this week will have a presentation by Helen Ashburn from ‘The Richard 111 Society’, promising to be a truly fascinating talk. New members welcome, if you are interested then please contact Gerald Scriven in advance on 01625 875261.

For more information visit www.poyntonrotary.co.uk

Wilmslow Leisure Centre, 7:45pm

The Deanwater Hotel 7.30pm

Saturday 18 April

Fri 24 & Sat 25 April

Northern Chamber Orchestra- Ian Fountain, piano: Mozart Piano Concerto in C minor K491 7.30pm, are available from the NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220, Macclesfield Visitor Information Centre: 01625 378123; Congleton Tourist Information Centre: 01260 271095; the Silk Museum Shop, Heritage Centre and ON THE DOOR. They are priced: £16 / £13, £7 students, 18s & under FREE. www.ncorch.co.uk

Spring into Song - Poynton Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s Spring Concert. The performances will include excerpts from the West End shows Guys & Dolls and Phantom of the Opera, plus a Beatles sing-along. Also included will be a medley from Mamma Mia, as well as a short selection from the annual G & S stage show which will be ‘’The Gondoliers ‘’ which will be staged in October.

Saturday 18 April

54

Entrance £1 including refreshments. For more information contact enquiries@poyntonu3a.org.uk

Macclesfield Heritage Centre 7.30pm

Poynton British Legion 7.30pm

inside guide

Saturday 25 April

Tuesday 5 May

The Merry Widow (Franz Lehar). Phoenix Opera Chorus & soloists present a concert performance of the ever popular operetta. Tickets: adults £8 under 12 £4

Walk with Nature – Dawn chorus at the Brickworks

Call for tickets 01565 733230 or email: phoenixartsgroup@yahoo.co.uk Trinity Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane, Davenport SK3 8TP 7.30pm

Saturday 25 April Poynton Ceilidhs: Albireo, caller Martyn Harvey.

Traditional dancing to live music, experience not necessary! Tickets £8 on the door, cash only, u16s £4.

Advance tickets from www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 8pm till 11.30pm. Doors open 7.45, bar till 11.

A leisurely early morning stroll listening to and learning about bird song with the Countryside Rangers and The RSPB, Macclesfield Local Group.

Time: 6.00am to 8.00am Meeting point: Jacksons’ Brickworks Car Park, Pool House Road, Higher Poynton, SK12 1TY (SJ945844) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Peter Dowse and The RSPB, Macclesfield Local Group Information: 01625 383700

Wednesday 6 May Poynton Philatelic Society meet with our guest speaker Graham Booth from Worthing, West Sussex, who will be displaying his award winning ‘Postal History of the Cayman Islands’. For further information call Ron Phelps on 01625 877643.

Sat 25 Apr – Sat 2 May

North Room, Poynton Community Centre 7.30pm

When We Are Married by JB Priestley. Tickets £9.50 (£8.00 concession) Vintage class-based comedy which pokes a snub at the British elite. To book online: www. stockportgarrick.co.uk Tickets £9.50 (£8 concession) Telephone orderline: 0161 477 7779. Tickets available in person from the Stockport Plaza box office. Monday 2 for 1 ticket offer: Cheapest ticket free (does not apply to studio performances)

Thursday 7 May

Garrick Theatre, Exchange Street, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EJ

Mon 27 April –Sat 2 May Brookdale Theatre presents Fiddler on the Roof by Jerry Bock (Music), Sheldon Harnick (Lyrics), Joseph Stein (Book).

Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall

Thursday 30 April ‘Newts in Your Pond’ by James Grundy, all you need to know about caring for wildlife in your garden pond, illustrated with some live specimens with the Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. Visitors welcome £3, further information from 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St. 7.45pm

Saturday 2 May Summer Print Fair. Browse and buy a slection of prints, illustrations, comics and zines by various artists and illustrators from across the North West. Free Entry The Old Sunday School, Roe Street, Macclesfield 10am-4pm

Poynton & District Rotary Club this week will be having an evening ramble on The Torrs, New Mills, led by a local guide. We are always looking for new members, if interested please contact Gerald Scriven on 01625 875261 or visit www.poyntonrotary.co.uk

Saturday 9 May Northern Chamber Orchestra - Soloists from the NCO: Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence Macclesfield Heritage Centre 7.30pm

Saturday 9 May Bollington Brass Band Charity Concert. Bollington Brass Band, who have recently made their home back at the Arts Centre, will perform a concert of favourites with all proceeds in aid of Bollington Arts Centre. Tickets £8 available on 01625 613851 Arts Centre 7.30pm

Sat 9 to Sat 16 May Wilmslow Green Room presents Entertaining Angels, a ‘very English comedy’ by Richard Everett. Tickets can be booked online or via the Green Room Box Office on 01625 540933. For further information, please visit www.wgrsoc.org.uk Wilmslow Green Room, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow

Sunday 10 May Plant Hunters’ Fair Half price entry to the Gardens and Plant Fair £3 Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4LF 10.30am – 4pm Continued over...

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inside guide

Monday 11 - Saturday 16 May

Saturday 16 May

Passing Strangers - by Eric Chappell - A comedy centered around a visit by two masquerading friends to a singles evening.

Stockport Symphony Orchestra, Conductors Adam Kornas and Thiago Santos. Beethoven Egmont Overture; Beethoven Symphony No 1; Brahms Serenade No 1 Tickets on the door priced £10 (£8 concessions).

Poynton Players, George’s Road West, Poynton

Wednesday 13 May

Stockport Town Hall at 7.30pm

Poynton In Business will be hosting a Business Breakfast to promote local trade and provide a great networking opportunity. Anyone with a local business interest will be most welcome. For more information please visit the website at www.poyntoninbusiness.co.uk or contact: admin@poyntoninbusiness.co.uk

Saturday 16 May

Local venue TBC 7.30am

THURSDAY 14 MAY Worth Probus Club. Ben Alexander will speak to us on ‘Stockport Hydro -a community Hydroelectric scheme? ‘. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

Woodford Community Centre, Chester Road, Woodford 10am-4pm

Sunday 17 May

Community Centre, Park Lane, 2pm

Bramhall and Woodford Rotary Club Duck Race and Family Fun Day.

THURSDAY 14 MAY

Bramhall Park

Poynton Home Gardeners Club. Jeff Hutchings, from the Laneside Hardy Orchid Nursery, near Garstang, will be the guest speaker, giving advice on the growing of these attractive plants. For more information ring 01625 877865 between 10am and 7pm or visit www.poyntongardenclub.co.uk

Tuesday 19 May

Royal British Legion Club, St. George’s Road West, Poynton. 7.30pm

Main Hall, Poynton Civic Centre 2pm to 4pm

Thursday 14 May Poynton & District Rotary Club this week will celebrate our 34th Charter Evening with a special guest speaker.

New members welcome, if you are interested then please contact Gerald Scriven in advance on 01625 875261. For more information visit www.poyntonrotary.co.uk The Deanwater Hotel 7.30pm

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Tuesday 12 May Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk 56

Cheshire Tortoise Day. In its 14th year, the event will include educational and natural history aspects of chelonian and fun activities for younger visitors.

Micro chipping, worming, health checks, and advice on husbandry will also be available throughout the day, as well as various stalls including plants, books and crafts.

Refreshments are available. Entry £2, children free.

Secure your advertising space now!

Poynton U3A. Ken Byrne will give a presentation about Underwater Photography, Little and Large. Entrance £1 including refreshments. For more information contact enquiries@poyntonu3a.org.uk

Wednesday 20 May Poynton Philatelic Society meeting with our guest speaker Alan Green who will be displaying Stamps and Postal History from World Wars 1 and 2. For further information call Ron Phelps on 01625 877643.

North Room, Poynton Community Centre 7.30pm

Wednesday 20 May A Spring evening walk exploring the footpaths of Kerridge, finding out about the history of the area and taking in the views from Kerridge Ridge. Booking in advance is essential.

Booking: springeveninginkerridge2015.eventbrite.co.uk Information: 01625 383700 Time: 7:30pm to 9:30pm Meeting point: Jackson Lane, Kerridge, Bollington, SK10 5BE (SJ935772) Leader: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington

Wednesday 20 May Alderley Edge Lunchtime Concert by kind permission of the Royal Northern College of Music www.rncm.ac.uk. Light lunch from 12 noon, performance 1pm Alderley Edge Methodist Church

Weds 20 – Sat 23 May (studio double-bill) The Birdwatcher and Spoofing for Gordon by Duncan Battman. Tickets £7.50 (£6.50 concession)Darkly comic modern drama with a biting edge from a local author. To book online: www.stockportgarrick.co.uk Tickets £9.50 (£8 concession) Telephone orderline: 0161 477 7779.

Garrick Theatre, Exchange Street, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EJ

Thursday 21 May Poynton Morning Townswomen’s Guild. Speaker: Jack Morris on The Black Beauty. Contact Kath on 0161 456 5299. Civic Hall Poynton 10am – 12 noon

Thursday 21 May Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz.

Poynton British Legion, Georges Road West 2pm

Tuesday 26 May

Wednesday 27 May

Exploring Fabrics at Paradise Mill. Learn about the production of silk, examine fabrics and weave patterns on loom cards. Costs £5 per person which includes a tour of the mill.

Drop-in Experiments – be amazed by science and have a go at different experiments. Suitable for ages 5+ costs £2.

Paradise Mill, Park Lane, Macclesfield 10-11.30am

Tuesday 26 May Drop-in Crafts, learn to write your name like an Ancient Egyptian and create your own bookmark to take home. £2 per child. West Park Museum, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield. 2-4pm

Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield 10am-12noon

THURSDAY 28 MAY Worth Probus Club. Peter Slater will speak to us on ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

Community Centre, Park Lane 2pm

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution

58

Useful Numbers Churches

Leisure Centre

Lostock Christian Fellowship

01625 871644

Poynton

Poynton Baptist Church

01625 859036

Poynton Christian Fellowship

01625 859170

Library

St Paul’s RC Church

01625 872606

Poynton Methodist Church

01625 871592

Poynton Parish Church

01625 850524

(St Georges with St Martin’s)

Poynton Library MP’s Constituency Office E. Cheshire Council Info Services

01625 850828

Park Lane Dental Practice

01625 874667

Chester Rd Dental Care

01625 876900

Phoenix Dental Practice

01625 875 074

Police Station

Priorslegh Medical Centre

01625 872299

Post Offices

McIlvride Medical Practice

01625 872134

Poynton Post Office

Poynton Clinic

01625 875618

Schools

Alcoholics Anonymous Childline Crimestoppers

0845 7697555 0800 1111 0800 555111

RSPCA

0300 1234999

Samaritans

0845 7909090

Citizens Advice Bureau Directory Enquiries

08444 111444 118 500

01625 872214

L Rowland & Co

01625 873955

(non-emergency)

01625 383838 01625 872560

St Paul’s RC Primary School

01625 383040

Vernon Primary School

01625 872556

Worth Primary School

01625 875900

Poynton High School

01625 871811

Travel Bus Information

General Hospital

01625 421000

Electricity – Power Loss

Stepping Hill Hospital

0161 483 1010

Gas – Emergency

Open Hands Transport

01625 850262

0161 228 7811 0845 748 4950

Utilities

Macclesfield District

NHS Direct

101

Lower Park Primary School

Train Information

Hospitals

01625 872238

Co-op Pharmacy

Lostock Hall Primary School

Helplines

01625 422848 0300 123 5500

Pharmacists

London Road Dental Surgery

Doctors

01625 374818

Local Government

Poynton Town Council

Dentists

01625 876442

0845 4647 01625 878589

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999

Water Mains

0845 746 2200

Environment Agency Floodline

0845 988 1188

61

Classified Index ACCOUNTANTS

Nolan James Chartered Accountants

AUDIO VISUAL F Maddocks

BATHROOMS

Hazel Grove Bathroom Centre Splash Bathrooms

BOOKSHOPS

Simply Books

BUILDING SERVICES S.P. Lee & Co

CARE SERVICES

Alice Chilton In-Home Care

CARPETS

Carpet Creations

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean Zap-Clean

CHILDCARE

Brook House Farm Kidszone

CHIROPRACTORS

The Back Pain Centre

CHURCHES

Poynton Christian Fellowship

CLEANING

Queeny Cleaners

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES British Legion

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY Amaranth

COMPUTER & INTERNET Mike Knibb PC Doctor

CREATIVE ARTS CLASSES Pottery Classes Poynton Music School

DELICATESSEN

15

Serenity Serisa Belle The Cut

38

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

House Matters UK J S Services K&J Home & Garden Maintenance Trevor Garner

50

HOTELS

57

JOINERY

21, 52 6 42 49 37 45 50 Inside Front 19 59 11 38 48 20 50 13

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

48

DRIVEWAY CLEANING

Jet Clean Drives Poynton

ELECTRICIANS F Maddocks

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING Creative Gardens & Driveways

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Greenside Gardens NRG Garden Services Robinson Garden Maintenance

GARDEN ROOMS

Swift Organisation

21 40 42

59 29

The Cheshire Smokehouse

DRAINAGE

62

HAIR & BEAUTY

29 28 49 20 49 58 25

Park House B & B

14

Ken Wood & Son Trevor Garner

58 58

KITCHENS

Matt Finish Poynton Pine Simplicity Granite

16 34 30

LAWN CARE

Green Thumb Jigsaw Lawn Care

46 41

LOCKSMITHS

Crimeguard Security

LOFT LADDERS

More Than Loft Ladders

OPTICIANS

Michael Fox Opticians

OVEN CLEANING Ecodazzle

52 45 9 29

PAINTING & DECORATING Deano Kathy Shaw Steve White

PIANO TUITION

Garth Aspinall Piano Tuition

PLUMBING & HEATING David Hanson

PUBS & RESTAURANTS The Farmers Arms Tom Yam

ROOFING

Poynton Roofing

38 58 38 57 28 5 10 22

SECURITY

Crimeguard Security

SOFT FURNISHINGS Kathy Shaw

SOLICITORS/LEGAL SERVICES Manners Pimblett Slater & Gordon

20 52 20 58

TREE SERVICES

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre Window Geeks

52 58 Back cover 60 49 Inside Back 26