Inside Poynton Issue 58

Issue 58 August - September 2015

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Welcome to the latest issue of magazines

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Issue 58 - August/September 2015

p o y n t o n

How lucky we are to live in a country where community values are allowed to flourish in relative peace and harmony, where we are free to publish and report on so much local good.

There is something quite special about the word ‘community’ and its varied connotations – identity, togetherness, joy, support, kindness, solidarity, heritage, purpose – and so many others that give meaning to our lives.

From our perspective, it’s a privilege to witness so much community energy and pride – the determination to re-build a Community Centre, the years of dedication to a Toddler Group, the togetherness of a choir, Poynton Dippers’ ‘channel swim’ and Poynton Rotary’s latest community project to assist the hard of hearing, Let’s Loop.

Just lately, we have been working hard to build up our community presence online – using social networking to share information about what’s happening in your area. Keep up to date by liking us at www.facebook.com/insidemags, follow us on twitter @insidemagazines and read our magazines online at www.issuu.com/insidemagazines.

Co-Editors 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 2015.

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

Cover photo: Some members of the volunteer management committee outside PYCC by Garth Aspinall.

Contents Poynton People

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Community Music Groups

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New Look Civic Centre

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NGS Gardens for Autumn

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Help Save a Local Treasure 10 Crossword 14 In Touch

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The Book Group Recommends 23 River Cruising

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The Walk

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Sudoku 30 Just 4 Kids

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Children’s Activities

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Martin Lewis Column

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New Season for NCO

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Finding a Project

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Inside Guide

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Puzzle Solutions

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Useful Numbers

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Classified index

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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:

Monday 14 September

Poynton People Making a Difference Margaret and Russ Pattinson

Margaret and Russ Pattinson have lived in Poynton for many years. Margaret was Head Teacher of a Primary School until she retired.

‘Our school had a link with Francis House, the Children’s Hospice, and I had the idea of volunteering to work with the brothers and sisters of poorly children once I’d left work,’ she said.

In the event Margaret responded to a throwaway request to help at the St George’s Church Baby and Toddler Group. Fairly soon afterwards she agreed to volunteer as co-ordinator, and so a 15 year link between the Pattinsons and the group was born. One morning Margaret discovered that the wet play area in the Pine room of the new hall was being designed.

‘I dashed up the stairs and discovered a tiny space planned for wet play! I found some chalk and drew out a much bigger area on the floor. It was only what any Infants teacher would have done! There’s a tiny loo up there, sink and baby change area. The rest of the room is carpeted, with child-sized shelves for books. We call it

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by Jenny Cooke

the Creative Room. Children paint and love the process of loading the brush, mixing the colours and making marks on paper. Today they did butterflies which are now on the display board.’

Russ is modest about his contribution and says, ‘The highlight for me is seeing the children enjoying themselves.’ Nevertheless he gets to the hall every Wednesday in term-time by 8 o’clock to set up all the toys. Afterwards he puts them all away again. There’s the Baby Gym upstairs with its play-tunnel. Downstairs the Quiet room has a tea-table set with plastic cups and plates to encourage language exploration. The main hall is set up with tables for Mums to enjoy a coffee and a chat. There’s a carpeted baby area with baby chairs and a big, plastic boat filled with cushions.

Mobile toys are everywhere. There’s always someone on the door so that children can’t escape and no one can intrude.

‘I like to hear a nice happy hum in the building,’ says Margaret, ‘then I know everything is alright.

Our main success is because of our wonderful teams. We’ve got a coffee team, creative activities team, general helpers and Russ. Without them all I simply couldn’t do it. At 11 o’clock everybody collects together downstairs and we have Music and Movement. At the end I close with a short prayer saying, “Thank you,” for our happy morning.

‘In a world where there’s so much pressure on children, where they get homework even in Reception, I want there to be a place where they can come and be safe, happy and relaxed.

At Toddlers we aim to give the children the full benefit of developing through quality play. And it’s such a lovely environment in the church hall.

That’s why Russ and I have led this group all these years. We’ve loved it.’

Margaret and Russ retire from Toddlers in July.

They plan to spend more time on their hobby of classical music.

If you have a baby or a toddler and would like more information about the Baby and Toddler Group ring the Parish Office, open every morning: 01625 879277

Friendly Community Music Groups If you’ve been thinking about joining a choir, why not come along to MAPSingers on a Monday afternoon for 90 minutes of fun and singing followed by a cup of tea and a chat?

Maybe you’ve just moved to the area, retired, been bereaved, or simply want to have a go at something different? MAPSingers (Monday Afternoon Poynton Singers) is a community choir established in Poynton over 6 years ago, becoming well-known for its wide repertoire and excellent concerts. There are no auditions and there is no need for previous experience. Music, folders and refreshments are all provided and we sing everything from traditional music through to 20th century pop and musicals. The choir meets at the heart of the village in St George’s Church Hall on Mondays from 2pm – 3.30pm. As with all our groups, the emphasis is on musical fun and friendship.

If you’re a female, and would prefer to join an evening choir, the ladies of CounterPoynt are always glad to welcome new members. This is a 3-part choir which meets on a Monday evening at St Martin’s Church hall, Higher Poynton from 7.30pm – 9pm. Like MAPS, the repertoire is very wide-ranging from the close harmonies of the Andrew Sisters to show tunes and traditional songs.

MAPSingers and CounterPoynt are part of Cheshire’s ‘Cantata Choirs’ who provide a wide range of musical experiences for their members, including singing days tailored for those new to

singing; musical events with Chester’s Theatre in the Quarter such as Silent Night and the successful Over By Christmas World War I project, which saw our singers performing at railway stations all over Cheshire and Greater Manchester; Christmas entertainment at venues such as Tatton Park and Handforth Dean; joint concerts with other Cantata Choirs.

And if singing isn’t your ‘thing’ we also have an alternative – Poynton Community Orchestra, an adult orchestra for players who have returned to an instrument they studied as a child or taken up a new instrument later in life. The orchestra generally meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at St Martin’s Church hall, Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton, under the patient baton of conductor Nigel Jay from the BBC Philharmonic.

Our Cantata choir anthem is ‘Family in Song’, because that is exactly how we see ourselves – as a family. You too can be part of the family – all for a very modest charge compared with other community choirs! You would be most welcome to come and join us, and don’t forget - singing and making music in a group is great for your general health and well-being.

Why not take the opportunity to join us at the start of a new term, and experience the fun?

If you’d like to know more about the choirs or orchestra contact us on cme08@live.co.uk or 01625 878916/269721 or check out our website www.cantatamusic.org Both choirs resume on Monday 7 September.

The orchestra dates for the term are still to be confirmed.

Catherine Silman and Anne Mitchell Cantata Music Education

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New Look Civic Centre After several months of re-building and refurbishment, our Library and Civic Hall have emerged with a radically new look. Many projects are a ‘mess in the middle’ but have a happy outcome. This joint venture between Cheshire East Council and Poynton Town Council is no exception.

We won’t give you a commentary on the new building. We’ll simply say that it’s very impressive and looks every bit the 21st century hi-tech resource that the Poynton community deserves.

At the time we took these photos, Poynton in Bloom volunteers were busily planting a riot of colour in the forecourt. It’s as if Poynton just continues to blossom!

We provide a few pictures, encourage you to pay a visit and hope that you all feel, as we do, that it was well worth the wait.

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Help Save One of Poynton’s Treasures Charity, they say, begins at home and one of Poynton’s oldest and best-loved buildings is in desperate need of your help. Poynton Youth and Community Centre is an important part of Poynton’s heritage and one that belongs to all of us, the people of Poynton.

Regularly used by more than 20 local groups it’s a precious resource we can ill-afford to lose yet years of under-investment mean its future is now at a crossroads. A recent Health and Safety inspection and Fire Risk analysis highlighted serious problems in the electrical circuits and fire alarm systems plus water ingress through the roof so the Community Centre has been forced to close temporarily. The last remaining public building from our mining heritage, the Centre started life as the village school in 1838 and was gifted to the people of Poynton in 1947. Close to the heart of our community, it holds many happy memories of music, ceilidhs and even wedding receptions.

A revised volunteer management committee had recently embarked on a plan to restore this valuable community asset as the social and artistic centre of the village. Roof repairs were carried out to the education block and, with donations from Poynton & District Rotary Club,

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plans were underway to decorate Clifford Hall (also known as the Red Room) and the entrance hall and to refurbish the bar area. PCSOs and the pupils of the High School have already done a great job of clearing the garden and car park area around the Centre and local outreach projects, supported by, for example Barclays, mean that improvements to the exterior are being carried out whilst the inside is awaiting repair.

The improvements to the electrical circuits are already under way thanks to a generous donation from prominent local residents Sandra and John Horsman, plus a grant from the Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust, but thousands of pounds more are needed. The Centre will re-open when it has been made safe for residents to enjoy the large number of activities that have traditionally taken place there. Hopefully new users will be attracted too, safeguarding the future of the building and preserving it for posterity.

So please support the efforts of your Committee to save this wonderful community asset and ensure that it enables our vibrant social scene to continue in the future. Please give generously and help stop the last public building from our mining heritage disappearing forever. Remember the Centre is not a private enterprise but a charity held in trust for you, the people of Poynton.

WAYS TO SAVE YOUR CENTRE Join the 100 Club Membership is £50 and entitles you to enter the monthly prize draw for 12 months. 1st prize each month will be £100 with a runner up prize of £25.

Email save.your.centre@gmail.com to register your interest.

Make a Direct Donation Text to give: To donate £10 send “PYCC10 £10” to 70070 Donate online by visiting www.justgiving.com/ poynton-youthcc All debit/credit cards and PayPal accepted.

Donate by cheque or cash: Collection boxes can be found in shops around the village or

at the Civic Hall reception. Cheques may also be posted to Poynton Centre Appeal, 107 Park Lane, Poynton, SK12 1RB. Please make cheques payable to “Poynton Youth & Community Centre”. Donations will also be gratefully accepted at the Centre’s stand at Poynton Show.

Benefit Concert Local musicians are holding a fundraising concert on Saturday 12 September at the British Legion. It will feature Desert Wind led

by Poynton’s Andy Liddie plus The Radnor Band led by Poynton’s Joe Beard. Further details plus online ticket purchase at www. poyntonlive.uk/save-your-centre.htm For updates on progress see www. facebook.com/poyntoncommunity.centre

Early Autumn Colour The National Gardens Scheme is unique in having such a lengthy programme of garden openings, from late February to early October.

As we get towards the end of the season, some gardens may be past their peak but many more are still a riot of colour, thanks to skilful planning and plant selection by the garden owners. If you’d like some ideas about how to extend the flowering season in your garden, be sure to visit as many NGS gardens as you can and see how the experts do it. The ones listed below have been selected as being just a short drive away – and they all offer home-made teas as an extra incentive!

Sunday 2 August (11-4.30pm) 218 Marple Road, Stockport NEW TO NGS! This south-facing garden of approximately an acre has herbaceous plants, a vegetable plot, plant growing area, topiary, ponds and water features. It has been developed from paddock to garden over 20 years by the current owners. Admission: £4, children free. Homemade teas.

Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August (1-4.30pm) 21 Scafell Close, High Lane, Stockport A landscaped suburban garden in a third of an acre. Colour themed annuals border the lawn featuring the Kinder Ram statue in a heather garden, passing into vegetables, soft fruits and fruit trees. Returning perennial pathway leads to the fishpond and terraced garden with a modern water feature and patio planting. Admission: £3, children free. Cream teas. Visitors also welcome by arrangement.

Somerford, 19 Leycester Road, Knutsford

Sunday 2 August (1-6pm) Somerford, 19 Leycester Road, Knutsford Majestic trees surround this 1½ acre garden which has been completely re-designed and planted. Hard landscaping and sculptures complement lush herbaceous and perennial borders. Croquet and pond lawns are separated by a magnificent oak pergola. Cube-headed hornbeams lead into the snail-trail walk and an informal lawn and fernery. The Stable courtyard has box parterres. Admission: £4, children free.

Home-made teas. Visitors also welcome by arrangement June to August in groups of 10+.

Saturday 5 September and Sunday 6 September (1-5pm) 39 Osborne Street, Bredbury, Stockport

218 Marple Road, Stockport

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by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

For early autumn colours, this dahliaholic’s garden is unbeatable! It contains over 350 dahlias in excess of 150 varieties. Shapely lawns are surrounded by deep flower beds that are

crammed with dahlias of all shapes, sizes and colours, and are complemented by climbers, soft perennials and bedding plants. Admission: £3.50, children free. Home-made teas. Visitors also welcome by arrangement in September.

CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY THE NGS Visitors to these lovely gardens will also have the benefit of knowing that their entrance fee is supporting wonderful causes; since its foundation in 1927, the NGS has donated over £45 million to nursing and caring charities, including Marie Curie and Carers Trust.

GARDENS OPEN BY ARRANGEMENT Do you organise visits for a group or society?

Have you thought about visiting an NGS garden on a date and time to suit your members? Many of our gardens are open for private visits in addition to public openings. And some gardens are only open by arrangement – so you can get to see those not normally visited at all. Details are in NGS booklets and online at ngs.org.uk.

BARRY’S GARDENING TIPS At this time of year my shady front garden has lost the vibrant colours of previous months but it is by no means dull. Green comes in many shades and this area of my garden has most of them. Through late summer and into early autumn it relies largely on contrasting shapes and textures; frothy ferns always look good against clipped box (which will later form points of interest into winter). The shiny Hart’s Tongue fern and leaves of Asarum europaeum catch what sun gets through and variegated plants such as Brunnera and Astrantia ‘Sunningdale’ add splashes of light. Although the hydrangea heads are beginning to fade they still make a valuable contribution.

Hostas are still looking respectable. One of my (many) garden theories is that hosta leaves stay looking fresher for longer if their flowers are removed. Their insipid lilacs and mauves clash horribly with the fiery reds, oranges and yellows of the Hemerocallis with which they are paired in

my garden. So it’s “off with their heads!” as soon as the buds begin to show.

Now is the moment when Dahlias grab our attention. They are firmly back in fashion, although I know for some of you they never went out. I must admit that my liking for these flamboyant plants is a fairly recent development, which began when a friend donated half a dozen, including ‘Television’, with its huge, spiky heads of yellow/orange (another reason to behead the hostas). Mine spend their lives in large pots.

I can’t be doing with the digging-up/drying/ sulphur powder/storage regime. The pots are stacked on top of each other against a wall and protected with slates to keep the rain off. That’s it. If they don’t come through the winter I’m sure my friend will donate some more (thanks, Brian).

Elsewhere, the herbaceous borders stand tall and are bursting with colour. Brilliant red Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ may have been and gone but its cousin ‘Late Lucifer’ (from the Great Dixter nursery) is just getting into its stride, as is ‘Emily McKenzie’.

The leaves of Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ make a great contrast to vertical crocosmia, with its magenta flowers that go on for weeks.

Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ provides long-lasting, clear lavender-blue daisies but is dwarfed by Aster ‘Harrington’s Pink’, which reaches 5 feet in my garden. That in turn is overshadowed by dusky pink Eupatorium and bright yellow Rudbeckia ‘Herbstsonne’, which often pass 6 feet. Many of the heleniums are still going strong and the taller varieties, such as ‘Chelsey’ (from the Arley nursery) make a brilliant team-mate for the rudbeckia. Lower down the height scale the various sedums give shades of pink , while making a neat edge to the border, especially if you gave them the ‘Chelsea chop’, which reduces their tendency to flop outwards. The grasses, particularly the Miscanthus varieties and Calamagrostis, provide punctuation amongst what would otherwise be a Smartie box riot of late summer colour. Sit back and enjoy it.

If you’re looking for inspiration or need help with planning and planting your garden, you can contact Barry by email at barry.davy@ntlworld.com

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Quick Crossword

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Across

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Leave the scene (2 words) Augur Tip Off Socialist (hyphenated) Died out Tempo Lees A martial art Spokesman A fossil fuel False Snuggle up

Catalepsy Test bed Sloping style of writing Larceny Royal Heiress (2 words) Eye shields Photocopying Flags Drain Old (scots)

Solution on page 52.

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard LET’S LOOP POYNTON ‘Let’s Loop Poynton’ is the local Rotary Club’s latest community project helping people who have hearing loss and is supported by Poynton Town Council, Cheshire East Community Partnership Team, East Cheshire NHS Audiology Dept. Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for RNID) and Hearing Link. A recently formed group of volunteers is planning to help shops, reception areas, churches, public buildings and meeting halls to improve their services for those with hearing loss by surveying Induction Loops already installed in the area.

Ten million people in the UK have hearing loss, that’s 1 in 6 of the population. Two million wear hearing aids. So it’s likely that at least a thousand people, living in and around Poynton, have hearing loss.

Hearing (Induction) Loops make a huge difference to many hearing aid wearers by enabling them to hear the speaker’s voice over the background noise. Common problems include the loop not being switched on, equipment broken, parts missing, poor placement of the microphone, bad signage and staff having little knowledge of the system or the benefits to hearing aid wearers.

We are holding an Awareness Day on Friday 4 September at Poynton Civic Hall from 10.30am to 2pm. This will give us the opportunity to explain to those wearing hearing aids, as well as those coming into regular contact with wearers,

how improvements can be made. Volunteers are wanted to help check if the loops in Poynton are working. Following this research there will be discussions with the organisations to help them to improve their systems and there will be a three hour Awareness Training Session run by Action on Hearing Loss.

Under the Equality Act 2010, all shops and services in Great Britain are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments where needed to improve and make their service accessible for customers with disabilities’ including those with hearing loss.

Email: lets.loop.poynton@poyntonrotary.com Tel: 01625 872987

COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY To fundraise for the restoration of the community centre building, there will be an open day in the annex of the building on Saturday 8 August, from 12-4pm, showcasing the various weekly classes that take place at the centre.

Poynton Music School will be running a ‘try a musical instrument afternoon’ for complete beginners, Poynton Pottery will run clay workshops to make a ceramic bird, the art and textiles groups will put on a small exhibition and host artists in residence, and the marionette group will run an exciting string puppet workshop, with a variety of scenes and performances.

The event is free of charge – donations will be invited from each group. All ages most welcome.

As you may be aware, the Community Centre Building has rich historical significance in Poynton, and we are trying to raise funds to get the main building up and running again, and then fund longer-term restoration of the roof.

This will be a fun and informative afternoon and you are warmly invited to come and see the exciting activities that take place at the centre.

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in touch

TOP MARKS FOR ANSON MUSEUM Anson Museum has once again received a 5/5 rating, Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

These are given for consistently achieving outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. Everyone at the museum is thrilled and sends their thanks to everyone who has taken the time to leave comments on the website about their visit.

Please like our page on Facebook and keep up to date with all our news.

MAKING MUSIC IN BOLLINGTON Bollington Festival Music Theatre, described as ‘Cheshire’s unique performance group for adventurous 7-13s’, and Bollington Festival Choir, praised by a reviewer as ‘happy, confident singers, alert to the music’ are always keen to welcome new members from a wide area. There are no auditions, so anyone can come along and see whether choral singing or treading the boards is ‘for them’.

A few days later, on 13 September, the Music Theatre holds the first of its Sunday afternoon rehearsals, a free taster session for anyone aged 7-13 to come along and find out about the group’s latest show One Thousand and One Nights, to be performed on Sunday 29 November. These timeless tales were told by Shahrazad after her marriage to the Sultan who demanded a new wife every day and executed her the following morning. But Shahrazad’s first bedtime story was so riveting he couldn’t bear to miss the next thrilling instalment. After 1001 nights he’d heard, and the Music Theatre will act out, the tales of Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and Aladdin and the Magic Lamp – enough to spare Shahrazad’s life and live happily ever after. A witty script, catchy songs and colourful costumes will make this a show to remember.

Music Theatre shows always have plenty of solo parts, some large, some smaller, and lots of group action to keep everyone engaged.

Full details of both groups are on a single website at www.fun.to/bfmt or anyone interested can ring 01625 261933

On 8 September, the Choir embarks on its regular Tuesday evening rehearsals for a concert on Sunday 6 December which features Carols and music by Jan Dismas Zelenka. He is not as well-known here as his contemporaries Bach and Handel, but the ‘Czech Bach’ spent his working life producing glorious choral music for the court of Dresden. A fine Mass, a Miserere and a Magnificat are among the jewels which singers and the audience can experience with the Festival Choir.

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FLU CLINICS AND HEALTH FORUM Following the great success of last year’s event another Health Forum has been arranged for Saturday 19 September from 9am – 1pm at Poynton Methodist Church. The Forum has been organised by patients and staff of Priorslegh and McIlvride Medical Practices and has the support of the Local Authority offering advice on health and fitness issues. There will be representation from many local organisations to suit everyone in the community and you will have the opportunity

to learn about the wide range of services that are available locally.

The practices will also be holding their first Annual Flu Clinics on the same day for all patients aged 65 or over and those in an ‘at risk’ category eg patients with diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, immunosuppressed, pregnant etc.

Further information regarding the flu vaccination can be obtained via the NHS Choices website.

Flu Clinic dates for your diary Priorslegh Medical Centre No appointment needed for these clinics Saturday 19 September 9am – 12pm Saturday 26 September 9am – 12pm Saturday 10 October 9am – 12pm McIlvride Medical Practice Please contact the surgery after 10am during September for an appointment Saturday 19 September Saturday 26 September Saturday 10 October

POYNTON DIPPERS SWIM THE CHANNEL When Poynton Dippers decided to support Ollie’s Army they set themselves the target of raising £2,500 by swimming the distance of the English Channel, not individually, but as a collective. At 10am on Sunday 12 July, Dippers, their family and friends took to the water at Poynton Leisure Centre and the challenge was underway. There was an incredible turnout with 60 Swimmers taking part, and by lunchtime the target of reaching France had been achieved. So what else could they do other than swim back to England!

In doing so, Poynton Dippers have so far raised £1582, and are confident they will be close to their target once all the sponsorship is collected. They would like to thank everyone who supported the event by donating or giving up their time to ensure it all went to plan.

in touch

Andy Martin, Head Coach said “What an outstanding effort by each and every swimmer, some of the distances covered were truly amazing. We easily reached our target of 33km and eventually completed 92 km in the time allocated. What a fantastic achievement from the community club for this really important cause. I am very proud to be a Dipper today”.

Charlotte James, a 15yr old member of Dippers told us: “I took part in the event and swam for 30 minutes, in this time I managed 56 lengths of the 20m swimming pool. The day was very enjoyable as people of all ages took part; were cheered on by parents and other fellow swimmers and some people who are not members of Dippers helped out by selling refreshments and ‘Ollie’s Army’ wrist bands. Also, on the pool side there were balloons with ribbons and music was playing from the speakers, this helped to make people more enthusiastic and enjoy themselves whilst raising money for an excellent and worthwhile cause.”

Anyone who would still like to make a donation can do so by visiting: www.justgiving.com/ PoyntonDippers-OlliesArmy. Poynton Dippers are now taking a well-earned rest for the summer but will be back swimming at Poynton Leisure Centre in September.

Anyone interested in joining please visit www.poyntondippers.com or email membership@poyntondippers.com for more information.

OPEN REHEARSALS The ladies of Cheshire A Cappella are opening up their regular Wednesday rehearsal on the evenings of 5 August and 12 August. They are looking for new members so this is an opportunity to go along, listen, observe and even join in if you wish to see what they are all about.

Rehearsals are at Morley Green Social Club from 7.30pm every Wednesday.

Feel free to just turn up or call Hilary Pinnock in advance on 07975 927423 to find out more.

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in touch

PIB backs Save Your Centre appeal Local business group, Poynton In Business, is adding its support to the “Save Your Centre” campaign in aid of the Poynton Youth and Community Centre on Park Lane. Local architect and PIB Steering Group member, John Albutt said, “The Community Centre is part of Poynton’s heritage and provides an essential hub for many residents. The plight of the Centre has really struck a real chord with Poynton In Business members, many of whom have happy memories of attending events there. We feel that this community asset can’t be allowed to disappear and we want to help in any way we can.”

The business group held one of their monthly meetings at the Community Centre recently to raise awareness amongst its members. The group is also joining forces with Poynton Live at the Poynton Show on 29 August to raise funds and get more people involved with the campaign.

Members of PIB are also pledging practical help by making their services available to the Community Centre from designing leaflets to drawing plans.

BOLLINGTON CHAMBER CONCERTS The next Bollington Chamber Concert season starts on Saturday 19 September. The first concert will be The Piatti Quartet which has just won second prize in the Wigmore Hall International Chamber Music Competition, an astonishing achievement! They will be opening the Bollington Chamber Concert season with a concert of Haydn, Ravel and Dvorak. Here is the Times review of their competition performance of the Dvorak quartet: “The British Piatti Quartet - who seemed to be enjoying their music making more than anyone else - showed a lyrical understanding of Dvorak’s string quartet in G “ If you book a five-concert season ticket, you pay for four so you can come to the Piatti concert essentially free: www.bollingtonartscentre.org. uk/chamberconcerts.

Or if you just want to book tickets for the Piatti, www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk/piatti or phone 01625 576402 or 57443

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The Book Group Recommends Diane Setterfield’s first novel The Thirteenth Tale quickly became top of the American best sellers list. The novelist, who has lived in Harrogate for the last eight years, is portrayed as “from England’s wild north” and “from Yorkshire” in ways that implied that electricity and plumbedin toilets might be a rarity there. However the description does suit the author of a story set in isolated houses, on fog shrouded moors; twins who have their own private language, an incestuously close brother and sister and a scheming governess.

Vida Winter is a famous novelist who has evaded journalists’ questions about her past, refusing to answer or laying trails that subsequently proved false. With her health fading, Winter writes to Margaret Lea, a bookish amateur biographer who lives with her parents and works with her father - the owner of an antiquarian bookshop. In his stock, Margaret finds a rare copy of Winter’s “Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation” and is confused when she finds there are only twelve stories. Subsequent editions had had the title changed. Margaret is intrigued enough to meet the aging author and reluctantly agrees to listen to her story. As meetings progress both women have to confront their pasts and the weight of family secrets as well as the ghosts that haunt them both. If you are looking for a well written gothic tale to occupy a sunny afternoon then this may well be it.

Our second review this time is by Charlotte James, a student from Poynton High School who joined us for work experience in July.

Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper is a thrilling novel that some readers may relate to, as it highlights some of the medical obstacles that some families face. Even though it has a sad storyline, it is still a really good read and there are some happy and funny times that the family go through.

My Sister’s Keeper is about a family whose young daughter has a rare form of leukaemia; because the daughter, Kate, needs bone marrow and a kidney from a specific blood match her parents take the drastic action to have another baby…

However this baby will be modified to have exactly the same genetic structure as Kate, so not only do Kate’s parents get to save Kate’s life, but they also get a beautiful new daughter, Anna, too. Until one day when Anna brings home some paperwork for her parents as she is suing them for the rights of her own body. The book takes a legal turn as Anna battles her parents in court for medical emancipation; she has decided that she does not want to help Kate live anymore, because when going in for operations, nobody has ever asked her if she wants to give bone marrow. For Kate’s parents this is heart breaking as Kate is in and out of hospital, Anna is turning against them by speaking to lawyers and their son, Jesse, is getting into trouble with the police. Will Anna gain medical emancipation? Or will she let Kate die?

The structure of My Sister’s Keeper is interesting as each chapter comes from one of the characters’ perspective. At first this can be quite confusing although once you become used to it also, this is a good idea of Picoult’s as it makes you aware of what each character is feeling, what they have to go through and how they cope with the situation. Sometimes the book ‘flicks’ back to the past by explaining how they got to where they are now and how much their lives have changed since; personally I really liked this.

My Sister’s Keeper is a really good, easy read and even though it is heart breaking there are parts of the book that are light hearted and funny. I would highly recommend the novel.

23

River Cruising with Riviera Travel Travel by Design has been working with Riviera Travel who have an exceptional range of tours and holidays around the world. Feedback from clients has been particularly good on their river cruises, with clients having a wonderful time and being happy to recommend a river cruise with Riviera to friends and family.

Fine dining will be a highlight of your river cruise experience, with the highest five star levels of superb cuisine prepared by dedicated, professional chefs. All in all, our river cruises are quite simply a wonderfully relaxing and comfortable way to explore the beautiful waterways of Europe and beyond.

Riviera are incredibly passionate about their holidays, river cruises and service, and their entire staff both in the UK and overseas is dedicated to ensuring that they meet, indeed exceed, the expectations of their discerning and loyal customers. They have also been awarded Which? Magazines coveted ‘Recommended Provider’ for the fourth year in a row.

So where will your river holiday take you in 2015?

There are so many Riviera Travel river cruises to choose from that you’ll be truly spoilt for choice – whether you want an eight day break or a longer holiday.

So why take a River Cruise?

25

Stunning scenery, waterfront life, enchanting riverside ports, elegant towns and grand cities – there’s so much to enjoy on a four and five star river cruise. Everything comes effortlessly to you as you glide serenely by with no risk of seasickness or rough water. Whatever part of Europe or the wider world you want to discover and explore on your river cruise, our superb ships amongst the very finest in the world - are waiting to take you there.

Where will our river cruises take you?

The delights of Vienna, Bratislava, Salzburg, Esztergom and Budapest are all yours on our incomparable Danube river cruise. Our choice of river cruises along the Rhine and Moselle showcases picturesque German wine towns, iconic cities like Cologne, astonishing Heidelberg and half-timbered Strasbourg, the outstanding natural beauty of the Black Forest and jawdropping Swiss Alpine scenery.

Continued over...

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

25

Travel If you love France, our river cruise through the spectacular Rhone Valley takes in the world renowned Burgundy vineyards, the sun-kissed hills of Provence and the enchanting wildness of the Ardèche gorges. Or choose the Seine - from romantic Paris through timeless impressionist countryside to medieval Rouen, historic Bayeux and the D-Day Normandy beaches. Germany’s Elbe river cruise takes you to historic Berlin, baroque Dresden and stunning Prague. Then in Portugal there’s the photogenic, dramatic Douro, with Oporto and Salamanca just waiting to be discovered. Our two river cruises to Amsterdam and the Dutch bulbfields combine a step back into mediaeval history with worldclass art and breathtaking floral displays.

For a completely different experience, a river cruise along the mighty Mekong River will take you through the gorges, lakes and fertile floodplains of Southeast Asia – to Saigon, Phnom Penh and the magnificent temples of Angkor.

You can see, visit and learn as much as you want on a Riviera Travel river cruise. Or you can just soak in the sunshine and the atmosphere, and watch the world glide by; it’s always your choice.

Prices for an eight-day five-star cruise start at £999pp or fourteen days from £1399pp with selected departures up to November 2015 and April – November 2016.

If you would like to book a river cruise, why not call into Travel by Design in Alderley Edge, or call us on 01625 584195.

26

The Walk

Bosley Cloud and the Bridestones Distance: 7.8 miles.

OS Map: 268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton The ascent of The Cloud is gradual with the reward of all-round views from the top so try to pick a nice clear day. Bridestones is a Neolithic burial ground (full details found on Google).

The walk start is at Rushton Spencer which is south of Macclesfield on the A523. Turn right on to Station Lane, opposite the Land Rover garage, then left immediately after the Knot Inn on to an unmade road to a car park.(935625) Start the walk by going back to the road with the pub on the right, cross the road to a gate continuing along a wide path (old railway) for just over half a mile to the end, then going left over 2 stiles. Turn right and go to the far diagonal corner of the field where there is a stile; (the walk eventually follows the Staffordshire Way as far as the Cloud summit).

After the stile, climb the steps to a road and go left and round a right hand bend and then, after

28

by Bill Johnston Marple District Rambling Club

a left hand curve, cross over a stile on the left. Go up diagonally right to reach a path which you join, going right, to reach a road. Turn left and in about 200 yards turn very sharply right to begin the ascent. (907835) After the hairpin bend, take the steps on the right to reach the trig point at the summit. It is important that you look left (south) to see a path with a wall on its left as this is the descent after your picnic/coffee break. This leads to a woodland pathway on descent.

When descending, always take the left-hand option and at the bottom cross a stile on the left and turn right to a ladder stile where you cross from Staffordshire into Cheshire. (right angle turn to right at 905628)

After the ladder stile, continue in the same direction (left of the field) on a path which was disputed and was only re-opened recently. On reaching a red clay farm road go diagonally right to a metal gate, and then to another gate down to the left of the field. When the path reaches a culde-sac, Bridestones is on the left. You can enter the area by following the wall round.

The return journey begins by going down a short track to a main road, turning left at the road. (This is a quiet road but with some fast moving traffic.)

Take Long Edge Lane which is the first road on the right at 910619.

In half a mile take the stile at a finger post on the left 100 yards before Long Edge farm. In 50 yards go right over the stile and follow the path over a footbridge (on Staffs CC repair list) and straight up to a farm road.

Turn left and keep left through the farm yard and through two gates turning left when the path goes to a stile. Turn right to reach another farm road to the right of a house.

Turn left for ¼ mile and then right through a metal pedestrian gate beside a cattle grid. The path goes behind the building ahead and left to a large rusty gate. Follow the path to a stile and over a footbridge going straight ahead to a stile on the left. After crossing, it is better not to follow the path straight ahead but to keep to the right of it to a stile to reach a road. (919618)

Turn right and go downhill then uphill to a set of steps on the left before some houses. Cross three stiles then go right through an open gate with a stile beside it. The path follows the edge of the field on the left which leads to an awkward stile.

However 100 yards to its right is an open gate. Go through the gateway and go ahead to the right of the tree in the middle of the field to reach a stile in the hedgerow. Go slightly right to another open gate then slightly left to a stile in the far hedgerow.

Cross straight over the road and go down the paved road and through the church yard to a gate in the bottom left-hand corner. Turning right the path ahead is clearly seen going through two gates and over the railway bridge. At the far end of the bridge, cross over a stile on the right to reach the old railway line where you turn right to reach the car park.

The Knot Inn is a good place to quench your thirst and /or have a nice meal!

The walk was contributed by Marple District Rambling Club which has over 350 members and organises at least four graded walks on Thursdays and three walks on Sundays. To find our programme, go on to our website: www.marple-uk.com/rambling To join the Club, either ring Barry Wilson, 0161 948 0566 or Deirdre Nolan, 0161 427 7794.

29

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 52.

What do you know about Sun Creams?

We all know the importance of using sun protection, but there is huge confusion around labelling on sun creams, with a significant percentage of the public unaware how much protection their sun creams offer.

Organic sun lotion by brands such as Green People are a favourite here at Amaranth. Their award winning formulations contain a synergistic blend of antioxidants, skin vitamins and antiinflammatory actives to help support the skin’s immune system, prevent premature ageing and protect against irritation. These lotions are suited to sensitive skin and prickly heat sufferers as they are free from parabens and potential irritants like pore blocking silicones. For many people, simply switching to a non-waterproof, chemical-free sunscreen could significantly reduce the irritating effects of prickly heat.

How high is enough?

The SPF of a sun lotion only indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation (B for burning).

It does not tell you anything about the protection it offers against dangerous UVA light (A for ageing). Products offering very high SPF levels often give you excellent protection against UVB radiation but it is unlikely that they will offer the same levels of protection against UVA radiation.

This means that whilst the skin will not go red and burn, the UVA radiation can still be getting through. This causes long term damage to the living cells in the deeper underlying layers of the skin and accounts for approximately 90% of the signs of premature ageing.

An SPF30 sun lotion, when applied properly protects you against 97% of UVB rays; an SPF50 protects you against 98% of UVB, a marginal 1% difference.

Amaranth Offers Call in to Amaranth to collect a free sample of Green People suncream or shop online and we will pop one in with your order* Summer FitFlops still available in store: £5 towards your new pair (August only)

by Joanne Hill www.amaranth-wellbeing.com

33

Adlington Hall & Gardens Adlington Hall and Gardens is in no doubt one of the most spectacular stately homes in the UK. Owned by the local Legh family for over 700 years, the most popular areas are The Great Hall and The Hunting Lodge. The Courtyard is bathed in sunlight on a fine day and the Rose Garden areas are a beautiful place to enjoy a quiet moment.

Our catering partners Barretts Event Caterers are able to create menus based upon your exact requirements, or you can select from their more popular choices, they can cater for all options.

If you’re looking to hold any special event, we can be flexible and make the space work for you. Contact us on 01625 827595 or enquiries@adlingtonhall.com for further information.

37

Answers: goggles, floats, armbands, whistle, instructor, costume Extra letter answer: diving

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

38

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

Changing face of retirement There is a new phrase in town “working retirees” it represents the growing number of individuals, of retirement age, who are still working which is very different to previous generations who retired and gave up work completely. There are many reasons for this shift, we’re living longer, and we are fitter and more physically active in our 50’s and 60’s than our parents. There are also financial reasons, not everyone has made sufficient provision for retirement and may need to supplement their state pension.

Whilst there are many older individuals out there ready and willing to work they are coming up against barriers from employers. A recent survey by the Age and Employment Network (TAEN) found that more than two-thirds of older job seekers believed their difficulties stemmed from being “too old” and nearly half believed they were

viewed as “too experienced” and rejected for a variety of reasons, including because “they are too big for this job” or “you would be bored by this.”

It’s a real shame that so many older people have had negative experiences in their search for employment. Employers need to change their attitude towards an older workforce, we have an ageing population and it is short sighted to turn our backs on a flexible and highly skilled workforce, who have so much to offer.

My personal experience of employing older people is quite the opposite, we welcome older workers with over half our workforce aged 50 and over.

Older people are great role models and mentors, have a good work ethic and their life experiences are extremely valuable in the working world.

As retirement changes we should embrace all that it brings, a fantastic opportunity.

Contact Karen Perry, Founder alice chilton Limited. www.alicechilton.com

inside magazines East Cheshire’s leading independent publisher of community magazines Connecting local people to local businesses and delivering a quality read to 45,000 Cheshire homes.

With six titles to choose from you can select the areas that suit you best from:

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■■ Inside Bollington, Prestbury & Tytherington ■■ Inside Bramhall ■■ Inside Hazel Grove & High Lane ■■ Inside Marple ■■ Inside Poynton ■■ Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge

Childcare This is an important warning for anyone who pays for childcare. There are major changes due to take place to the system this year – and you need to decide rather soon how they affect you. If you leave it too late, you could miss out on thousands of pounds.

The most important start point is to check if you’re entitled to what’s technically called the ‘Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit’ – this is NOT the same as Child Tax Credit. You can usually claim it for children up to age 15, provided you pay for approved (Ofsted or equivalent) childcare.

Sadly the eligibility criteria are very complex. So I’ve tried to distil it in a simple rule of thumb: ‘if you’re a single parent working 16+ hours a week, or a couple BOTH working 16+ hours a week, and your total household income is under £46,000, you should definitely check out if you’re entitled.’

Please read this carefully – I’m not saying you are entitled, just that it is worth checking, as this is big money. The average pay out is around £60/week.

That’s over £3,000/year.

If you’re not entitled to tax credits, decide now which other scheme works for you. This is where everything is changing. If you’re eligible for tax credits, you’re likely to be better off getting that.

If not, there are other schemes to look at. This autumn, the new ‘tax-free childcare’ scheme launches and the current childcare vouchers scheme that lets many pay for childcare from their pre-tax income will close for new applicants.

So if you’re eligible for vouchers, but won’t be for the new scheme, get in quick.

New tax-free childcare scheme: If you’re a single parent who works, or a couple who BOTH work, and you each earn under £150,000, for every 80p you put in a new childcare account, the government will add 20p on top which can be used to pay for Ofsted approved (or equivalent) childcare for under-12s. The maximum the Government will contribute is £2,000 per child per year. Most childminders, after-school clubs are Ofsted approved, as are many nannies.

42

by Martin Lewis twitter: @MoneySavingExpert

Martin Lewis Column Current childcare voucher scheme. Here you usually trade in your pre-tax salary for vouchers.

For example, a basic-rate taxpayer can swap £1,000 of salary, which after tax and National Insurance is only £700ish in your pay packet, for £1,000 in childcare vouchers. So you’re up £300 per £1,000. The maximum you can get is £55/ week per year per parent, which would be a gain of £930 for a basic-rate taxpayer. Any parent can do this, even if their partner doesn’t work, provided your employer offers it (many do, but many don’t). If you’re not signed up to this by the time the new scheme starts, you can’t do it after.

So if it’s right for you – sort it soon.

Tax-free childcare vs childcare vouchers. If you’re a couple where only one works, the vouchers win hands down, as you won’t be eligible for the new scheme. Plus, if your childcare costs are low, it’s likely vouchers win due to the tax and National Insurance savings. For the self-employed, those whose firms don’t offer the vouchers, or those with more than one child and high childcare costs, the new scheme wins. This is just the tip of the iceberg – full analysis of which wins at mse.me/ childcare.

The Government has announced plans to give working parents with three and four-year-olds 30 hours of free childcare per week. If made law, pilot schemes will start in Sep 2016, though there’s scepticism about whether it’s deliverable. Yet already for at least 38 weeks a year (each week of the school year), if you’ve a three or four-yearold, you’re entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare. Families with a low income may also get free early education for two-year-olds. Contact your local council to check if your child qualifies (a good place to start is gov.uk/find-free-earlyeducation).

If you’ve got older children and work, check whether there are any summer schools in your area that they can go to. Some schools, community centres and youth groups have their own schemes. Most are Ofsted (or equivalent) registered, so if you pay for them, you qualify for childcare tax credit or you can use childcare vouchers to pay for them.

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Monday 14 September Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

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New Season for NCO Following its most successful Macclesfield season ever in 2014/15 the Northern Chamber Orchestra is back at the Heritage Centre for a new series featuring the crème de la crème of international soloists - violinist, Jennifer Pike; pianist, Martin Roscoe; guitarist, Craig Ogden, and cellist Raphael Wallfisch. Stockport-born violinist, Jennifer Pike, ‘gets the party started’ by performing the legendary Mendelssohn Violin Concerto at the opening concert on Saturday 26 September. She performed this great work, aged 12, to win the BBC Young Musician competition back in 2002 and Jennifer is now recognised as one of today’s most dazzling violinists, acclaimed for both her technique and her interpretative flair.

Cello Concerto no 1 and, as an additional treat, Dvorják’s romantic Silent Woods for cello and orchestra. This concert also features one of the all-time most popular pieces of music, Handel’s quintessentially English Water Music. Classic FM recording artist, Craig Ogden, is the soloist for the season finale on 14 May, performing one of the first works ever recorded by the NCO Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Guitar Concerto no 1 in D in a concert full of sparkling pieces, including Bach’s third Brandenburg Concerto and two stunning pieces by operatic masters, Verdi’s Prelude from Aida and Puccini’s I Crisantemi.

NCO’s Macclesfield concert season is sponsored

by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Education, one of the UK’s leading, internationally recognised centres for teacher training and professional development. The Northern Chamber Orchestra is the ‘Orchestra in Residence’ at MMU. This sponsorship has helped the orchestra to continue to develop exciting and engaging concert programmes for its Cheshire audiences and to work with soloists of genuinely international repute.

Tickets for all NCO’s concerts at Macclesfield Heritage Centre are available from the NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; from Macclesfield Visitor Information Centre 01625 378123 or Silk Museum Shop at the Heritage Centre. Price £16 Auditorium, £13 Balcony, £7 students, 18s & under FREE. Buying Part or Full Season Tickets saves you money: book upfront for all 8 concerts and get one FREE; book for 4 or more concerts upfront and get £1 off each concert. Visit NCO’s new website at www.ncorch.co.uk

Win Tickets worth £96 Other big names featuring in the Macclesfield series are Martin Roscoe, Raphael Wallfisch and Craig Ogden. Martin Roscoe, one of the most regularly featured pianists on BBC Radio 3, will be performing Beethoven’s majestic ‘Emperor’ Piano Concerto no 5 on Saturday 16 January.

The February concert will see cellist, Raphael Wallfisch, play Shostakovich’s spellbinding

We are giving away a pair of Part Season Tickets for NCO’s new season. The winner may select 4 out of the 8 Macclesfield concerts and the seats would be unreserved Balcony seats. To enter our prize draw simply email your contact details to competition@insidemagazines.co.uk by 1 September.

45

Finding a Project Depending upon your outlook, the last week of the summer holidays can conjure up sadness or relief. If you, like me, have spent the six weeks multi-tasking as you try to be a good enough mum and business woman, then the end of the holidays signals a clearer demarcation in roles and the return of dreaded mornings with their rushed routines. For some this is a time of burgeoning costs as the price of childcare, activity clubs, fun (and expensive) days out, new schools and uniforms take their toll.

And so, picture the scene, it’s the last day of the holidays – with one child back at school and the other on a non- pupil day - don’t get me started.

You’re wondering what to do to keep your child happily occupied so that you can end the holidays on a positive note without costing the earth. Well the answer for me and my nine year old son was finding the perfect project. With a passion for all things engineering and discovering how things work and a desire to create a go-kart, the decision was easy. My task was to facilitate a child-led project, a bit like a dedicated gardener, tending a tender young plant in the hope that given the right environment, it will yield flowers and fruit.

With this in mind I set about providing optimal conditions for go-kart building – an extra pair of hands, muscle and brains, only if needed, plus possible construction parts to be used.

This was his project and his design so crucial to my role was only supporting when needed, without taking over the process. It was important, therefore, to get the right balance between me being available and ‘on call’ for encouragement and support, but not being ‘on top’. With a shed bursting with rubbish and crying out to be sorted, this was the perfect way of being present without being in the way. It also created our very own mini scrapheap challenge, providing a wonderful

46 by Sue Gascoyne

source of go-kart parts, from reinforcing bars to brackets and wheels!

While some things can seem hard work for children, like brushing teeth and tidying-up, others like computer games and TV come easy.

With children typically spending too much time indoors, projects like these guarantee fresh air and focus, and this was definitely the case with my son’s go-karting construction. Up and out bright and early before 8am and working through a quick sandwich lunch until tea, he knuckled down with determination to create a base – made from a pallet he’d cut down, wheelbarrow wheels and reinforcing bars, seat and prop – to avoid crushing in the event of the kart flipping.

Steering took the form of a series of ropes and pulleys as he drew upon his knowledge of sailing and ideas gleaned from the scrapheap challenge!

Problem solving, mastery, focus and a growing confidence were plain to see as he hammered, sawed, prised wheelbarrow wheels off, applied WD40, attached ropes and his go-kart design took shape. Although blessed with the weather I can’t help feeling that my son would still have been as determined and focused on turning his vision into a reality in the rain, cold or snow.

As for me and the shed, which looks amazing (fingers crossed it stays that way), I’m ashamed to say that this was a fair weather relationship.

With different weather clearing through piles of rubbish, dust and spiders would have definitely lost their appeal, reminding us of course that just like children, us adults like a self-chosen project to get our teeth into. With the go-kart ready for its debut launch, my thoughts turn to the next holiday and project and what part of the house or garden I can clear out?

For fun sensory play activities, Sue’s latest research, resources and training go to www.playtoz.co.uk. sue@playtoz.co.uk 01206 796722.

Inside Guide Friday 31 July Simply Cinema presents...The Second Most Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG). To book please call in at Simply Books, Bramhall, phone 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Screening at 7pm (doors open for refreshments at 6.30pm

Saturday 1 August Tegg’s Nose Butterfly Walk. A FREE wildlife walk around the top of Tegg’s Nose Country Park to look for and learn more about some of the park’s resident butterfly species and, if we are lucky, seeing the scarce local speciality, namely, the Wall butterfly.

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during August & September Tuesday 18 August Poynton U3A General Meeting: George Eccleston will give a talk entitled Mary Queen of Scots – The Young Queen. Entrance £1 including refreshments. For more information contact enquiries@poyntonu3a.org.uk Main Hall, Poynton Civic Centre 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 20 August Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz Poynton British Legion, Georges Rd. West, Poynton 2pm

Thursday 27 August

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton 11am to 1pm

Worth Probus Club. Jo Peters will speak to us on ‘The Artisan Baker’. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details. St. Martin’s Church Hall, Higher Poynton 2pm (venue for this meeting only)

Weds 5 & Weds 12 August

Friday 28 August

Open Rehearsal at Cheshire A Cappella. An opportunity to go along, listen, observe and even join in to see if you would like to become part of this exciting ladies chorus.

Feel free to just turn up or call Hilary Pinnock in advance on 07975 927423 to find out more.

Simply Cinema presents... Woman in Gold (PG). To book please call in at Simply Books, Bramhall, phone 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info

Booking in advance essential at teggsnosebutterflywalk2015.eventbrite.co.uk Information: 01625 374833

Morley Green Social Club 7.30pm

Saturday 8 August Community Centre Open Day to fundraise for the restoration of the building. See In Touch for details.

Education annex, Poynton Community Centre 12 noon to 4pm

Thursday 13 August Worth Probus Club. Peter de Bourcier will speak to us on ‘Flying for Life’. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St. George’s Church Hall, 2pm (new venue until further notice)

Thursday 13 August ‘The Rescue Chair’ at Simply Books...storytelling and creative activities for children. Two sessions: 3-5years 10.00-10.45am; 6-8/9Years 11.30AM-12.15pm.

To book please call in at Simply Books, Bramhall, phone 0161 439 1436 or email events@simplybooks.info

Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Screening at 7pm (doors open for refreshments at 6.30pm)

Saturday 29 August Poynton Show. A great day out for all the family.

Poynton Pool, Poynton Park from 8am

Wednesday 2 September Poynton Philatelic Society. We commence our new 2015/2016 season with a display of Romanian stamps and Postal History by Gordon Hardy. Contact Ron Phelps 01625 877643. The Education Block, Poynton Community Centre, 107 Park Lane 7.30pm

Friday 4 September The Wellspring Stockport Ltd will be holding a Ladies Fashion Show & Charity Shopping Event – high street fashion at 50% or more off! Clothing available to try on and buy, cash and cards accepted. Tickets £6 including tea, coffee, cake and biscuits. For tickets and more information please contact Pauline Cooke on 0161 427 2763, 07944 549154 or pauline@cooke1937.wanadoo.co.uk Woodley Civic Hall, Hyde Road, Woodley 7pm Continued over...

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

49

inside guide

Saturday 5 September

Saturday 12 September

Jazz at the Arts Centre - Jeff Barnhart and the new Fats Waller Band

Special fund raising concert for the Poynton Youth & Community Centre (registered Charity 520098) September 12th 2015.

Probably the foremost exponent of the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller, Jeff crosses the Atlantic and returns to Bollington with his group of hand-picked British musicians to present his tribute to the legendary Mr. Waller. Booking recommended on 01625 574410 Tickets £9 Bollington Arts Centre 8pm

Sat 5 to Sat 12 September Chads Theatre presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. Wilde’s classic comedy of elegant manners opens the season in an intriguing new approach, presenting the well-known characters in a 1920’s setting.

Sunday 13 September Navigation for Beginners. Come and learn basic navigation skills with Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Ed Pilkington on an easy going day. All maps and compasses provided; bring your own compass if you wish to practise with it. Suitable for anyone over 16.

Booking and payment in advance is essential.

Cost £11.50. navigationforbeginners2015.eventbrite.co.uk Information: 01625 383700

Tickets can be booked on 0161 428 8712.

Chads Theatre @ChadsTheatre

Nelson Pit Visitor Centre, Lyme Road, Higher Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1TH (SJ945833) 9am to 4pm

For any other information visit Chads website www.chads.co.uk

Tuesday 15 September

Sunday 6 September

Poynton U3A General Meeting: Howard Green will give a talk on `The Hatting Industry`.

Hazel Grove Allotment Association Open Day. Home Baking, refreshments, jams and chutneys, children’s activities, plant stall, fruit and veg, gifts, bees, “Ask the Expert”, garden supplies, tombola. Entry 50p including free tombola ticket, children free. Wheelchair and mobility scooter access. Entrances at School Street and Chester Road.

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

From 1pm to 4pm

Our second meeting of the season is a members night with members displaying their Recent Acquisitions followed by an Auction, where members can bring along their unwanted items to sell. Contact Ron Phelps 01625 877643.

Tuesday 8 September East Cheshire NT Lecture – ‘Behind the doors of Sizergh’, speaker Matthew Brown.

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Wednesday 9 September Stockport Ladies Speakers Club resumes after the summer break. We meet fortnightly, visitors and new members always welcome.

7.30 for a 7.45 start at The Deanwater, Wilmslow Road, Woodford 7.30 for a 7.45pm start.

Thursday 10 September Worth Probus Club. Philip Austin will speak to us on ‘Building the Monton Lighthouse ‘. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St. George’s Church Hall 2pm

50

Please help Save Your Centre, information and tickets at www.poyntonlive.uk/save-your-centre.htm

Main Hall, Poynton Civic Centre 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday 16 September Poynton Philatelic Society.

The Education Block, Poynton Community Centre, 107 Park Lane 7.30pm

Thursday 24 September East Cheshire NT Lecture - ‘Pharmacy and the Pharaohs’, speaker Jackie Campbell St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 24 September Worth Probus Club. Peter Turner will speak to us on ‘Through the Eyes of a Magician’. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St. George’s Church Hall 2pm

Thurs 24 – Sat 26 September NK Theatre Arts Presents ‘Fame.’ Advanced Tickets £10/£8.50 (Door price £12) (Recommended for ages 12+. Contains adult themes and strong Language) Forum Theatre Ticketline – Call 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk Forum Theatre, Romiley 7.30pm

Saturday 26 September Northern Chamber Orchestra with Jennifer Pike, violin Dazzling Diversions, including Mozart. Mendelssohn, Beethoven and David Ellis. Tickets: £16/ £13; £7 students; 18s & under free from NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220; Macclesfield VIC, Town Hall 01625 378123; Silk Museum Shop Heritage Centre & on the door www.ncorch.co.uk Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield, 7.30pm - 9.40pm

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Monday 14 September Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Secure your advertising space now!

inside guide

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution

52

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

Classified Index

GARDEN ROOMS

ADULT EDUCATION Focus on Speaking

51

AUDIO VISUAL F Maddocks

31

BOOKSHOPS Simply Books

22

BUILDING SERVICES Ken Wood & Son S.P. Lee & Co

52 26

CARE SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care Home Instead Senior Care

40 30

CARPETS Carpet Creations

47

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean Zap-Clean

48 26

CHILDCARE Brook House Farm Pre- School Kidszone

9 39

CHIROPRACTORS The Back Pain Centre

11

CHURCHES Poynton Christian Fellowship

Inside Front

CLEANING SERVICES Classy Cleans

44

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Adlington Hall & Gardens British Legion Poynton Show

34 34 5

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY Amaranth

33

COMPUTER & INTERNET Mike Knibb

44

CREATIVE ARTS CLASSES Poynton Music School Poynton Pottery

6 16

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage

54

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Jet Clean Drives Poynton K&J Home & Garden Maintenance Trevor Garner

21 21 52

JOINERY Ken Wood & Son Trevor Garner

52 52

KITCHENS Byles Matt Finish Simplicity Granite

44 36 15

LAWN CARE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

24

LOCKSMITHS Crimeguard Security

48

LOFT LADDERS More Than Loft Ladders

39

OVEN CLEANING Ecodazzle

22

PAINTING & DECORATING Deano Kathy Shaw Steve White

51 52 51

PLUMBING & HEATING David Hanson

36

PUBS & RESTAURANTS The Farmers Arms

35

ROOFING Poynton Roofing

24

SECURITY Crimeguard Security

SOLICITORS/LEGAL SERVICES

Kathy Shaw Manners Pimblett Slater & Gordon

48 52

Back cover 32

The Cinnamon Bear

43

11

TEA ROOMS

31

TREE SERVICES

21 36 52

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

GARDEN MAINTENANCE Greenside Gardens NRG Garden Services Robinson Garden Maintenance

16 43 22 22

44 48

FURNITURE Total Wood Finishing

Serenity Serisa Belle Ted’s Barber Shop The Cut

SOFT FURNISHINGS

ELECTRICIANS F Maddocks

27

HAIR & BEAUTY

24

DRIVEWAY CLEANING Classy Cleans Will’s Driveway Cleaning

Swift Organisation

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services The Window Repair Centre Window Geeks

21 Inside Back 20