Inside Marple Issue 42

inside m a r p l e march - april 2018

magazines

Issue 42

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

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inside m a r p l e

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

Screens of one kind or another are hard to avoid these days. There’s an app to do just about everything, and many of us spend hours glued to mobiles, tablets and other screens. This digital addiction, as well as taking up far too much of our precious time, could be ruining our concentration and ability to sustain long periods of reading.

So… forget spa weekends and yoga retreats – it seems the next big thing in relaxation could be the reading retreat! On one level it sounds ridiculous – why would you pay to go away and do something that you can, literally, do just about anywhere and anytime you choose? On another level, how wonderful – three days away in a cosy house, fully catered, where you don’t have to do anything except get lost in a book. According to someone I heard being interviewed, it’s about being given permission to prioritise reading over everything else.

If you’re out of the reading habit, do yourself a favour.

Switch off the screens, check out our book reviews and rediscover the simple pleasure that reading a good book can bring.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Helping Hedgehogs 7 Magic of the Musicals 8 simply books book club choice 11 think japan in 2018 15 In Touch

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22 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 24 The Walk 26 local author’s latest thriller 30 crossword & sudoku

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33 a flavour of geums 34 Children’s Activities 37 INSIDE Guide 42 Puzzle Solutions 45 Useful Numbers 46 Classified Index

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Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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

by Garth Aspinall.

Copy deadline for the next issue: wed 11 april

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Inside Marple 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 2018. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

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

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Helping Hedgehogs The hedgehog native to Britain is the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) usually found in hedgerows, farmland, woodland and urban environments. Usually around 250mm long with a long snout, an adult hedgehog can have up to 7000 spines that are hollow modified hairs; a single spine can support the total weight of the animal. If a hedgehog feels threatened, the spines become erect and if danger remains, the hedgehog will roll up into a ball.

During the year hedgehogs are active for approximately eight months between April and November, and they hibernate during the colder winter months. With global warming, this pattern of hibernation is changing a little, so it’s a good idea to leave food and water if you see any activity during the winter. If the temperature falls below 1°C, hedgehogs can get frostbite or even freeze solid it is thought that these periods of arousal may help to prevent them from freezing to death.

Hedgehogs will eat virtually anything in the wild but insects, particularly earthworms and beetles, make up most of their diet. They also eat slugs and snails, so are known as the ‘gardener’s friend.’ These nocturnal mammals can consume up to 20% of their body weight in a single night, covering anything up to a couple of miles, a long way for little legs!

The European hedgehog is now endangered in the United Kingdom and an increase in the publicity of their plight has led to an increase in complementary feeding by the general public. It’s great that people want to help, but feeding inappropriate foodstuffs can lead to serious problems. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), obesity with associated cardiovascular disorders, and fatty liver disease are nutritional disorders that have been reported in hedgehogs fed improper diets. It is therefore important

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not to feed them with high phosphorous foods such as mealworms, sunflower hearts and peanuts that can all contribute to crippling MBD with bone deformities and easily fractured bones. Added sugar and dried fruit should also be avoided too as these could lead to obesity, cardiovascular issues, and dental issues just as in humans! Foods with a high fat content can lead to fatty liver disease, which can quickly become fatal to the hedgehog. The safest way is to feed them a reputable commercial hedgehog food, such as Brambles Crunchy Hedgehog food and Brambles Meaty Hedgehog Food.

To help hedgehogs in the garden, encourage a safe passage to and from your garden and your neighbours by creating a small hole of around 13cm at the base of fences and borders. Leave a quiet area of your garden uncultivated so hedgehogs can have a safe haven and avoid using chemicals such as slug pellets and pesticides. Always check the borders of your garden before using a strimmer to ensure no hedgehogs are resting there and if you have a pond in your garden, make sure there is a way out for any hedgehogs that inadvertently fall in. A few partially submerged rocks around the edges of the pond will help.

If you find a sick, injured or orphaned hedgehog visit helpwildlife.co.uk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) for advice.

For further information see our Brambles Pet and Wildlife website bramblespaw.co.uk/ and Facebook page www.facebook.com/ BramblesPAW/

By Gail Tracey, Director of Brambles Pet and Wildlife. Email: gail@bramblespaw.co.uk

Magic of the Musicals NK Theatre Arts They’ve only gone and done it again.

I challenge you to find me an amateur dramatics/ musical theatre group stronger than NK Theatre Arts, based at Romiley Forum.

Having taken part in plenty of shows myself, and watched more than I can count, I like to think I’ve got a pretty keen critical eye when it comes to shows; NK Theatre Arts just hit the jackpot again and again.

At the end of January I went to watch ‘Magic of the Musicals’, an evening celebrating 30 years since the group began. I should probably start with a slight disclaimer: I’m usually a bit wary of performances like this. Often, showcase style performances can get a bit samey, or there’s such a huge range of ability that it’s potentially only enjoyable if you have a friend or family member in the cast.

Neither of those worries needed to be a concern when it came to this show! The evening was made up of songs taken from all of the musicals performed by NK Theatre Arts over the last 30 years, from Avenue Q to My Fair Lady, Rent to Annie and Footloose to Quadrophenia. There was a huge cast, and a great mix of solos, duets and huge group numbers.

I enjoyed the little announcements before each song, which nicely traced the thread of the group’s history and made it clear just how much success the group has enjoyed. The audience was seated cabaret-style, around about 10 to 12 long tables, which added a nice atmosphere, and I was lucky enough to be pretty much right in the centre, with a perfect view of the stage.

As there weren’t names attached to the list of songs in the programme, I’ll stick with song names in this little

round-up of my stand-outs of the night, rather than naming some people and not others. I’ve tried to select my top three group numbers and top three solos, but it was HARD!

Group Let’s Hear it For the Boy - the lead vocals were stunning, and the choreography was brilliant and so well executed by every single person. Comfortably Numb - unbelievable harmonies and four extremely strong vocalists. Seasons of Love - one of my all-time favourite songs so my standards are high, but it was beautiful.

Solo Anthem - absolutely stunning vocals, emotional and well-controlled. These Are My Children - the sound was outstanding, but the emotion sealed this one as a stand-out moment - my mum kept trying to sing it when we got home! Love Reign O’er Me - very impressive vocals and control when moving between the raspy, rock-style notes of the huge choruses and the smoother sound of the verses.

I think it goes to show just how brilliant the night was that it was so hard to choose only three from each of those categories. What amazes me at NK Theatre Arts is the fact that every time you think you’ve heard the best vocals, or seen the slickest dancer, yet another performer enters the stage who could equally take the same title!

It was a well-planned, well-rehearsed night of brilliant performances. I’m looking forward to seeing how their next 30 years will see the company grow more and more.

10% discount for INSIDE readers throughout 2018

By Sophie Hawker

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simply books

book club choice

My first pick this month is Cousins – a new novel by Salley Vickers. Her first novel, Miss Garnet’s Angel, became an international word-of-mouth bestseller and a favourite amongst book clubs – indeed it was one of the first books we read here at Simply Books with our original reading group (nearly 15 years ago!). In Cousins the author gives us a spellbinding account of a family in distress – exposing the inner workings of one family (possibly every family!) with disconcerting clarity. Will Tye and his cousin Cele are kindred spirits who have grown up together.

But their very closeness keeps them at a troubled distance until one night of reckless misadventure – the consequences of which engulf three generations, laying bare secrets that stretch as far back as the Second World War. A serious, mature book that is also compellingly enjoyable. Salley Vickers will be talking about Cousins – and her other writing – when she visits us at Simply Books on Thursday 1 March. If you would like to come and meet her, please get in touch – or you can book tickets online at www.simplybooks.info My other book this month is a debut novel by Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – a story about the worst and the very best that people are capable of, by turns funny, brave and thought-provoking. Eleanor leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend. Eleanor Oliphant is happy.

Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, perhaps, everything. But one single act of kindness is set to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself…

This is an unusual, quirky book – a book to make you laugh and cry; a life-affirming story about loneliness and the transformative power of even the smallest acts of kindness - and a worthy winner of this year’s COSTA First Novel of The Year Award.

And for the children…The Pirates of Scurvy Sands is a new pirate adventure from author/illustrator Jonny Duddle following the hilarious voyages of the Jolley-Rogers, the most intrepid pirates to sail the Seven Seas.

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

Think Japan… in 2018 Think Japan and images of Mount Fuji, The ‘Bullet Train’ sushi, sumo, beautiful gardens and geisha spring to mind. Whilst it is a modern country, embracing new technology, it embraces its history and culture and the two aspects make for an exciting holiday experience.

WHEN TO VISIT Early spring in Japan with the opportunity to see the cherry blossom is the most popular time to visit, which makes it very sought after (and expensive), so we recommend booking early if this appeals; later in the spring beautiful irises are in bloom. However, don’t overlook a visit in autumn; the acers are in fantastic colour at that time of year and just as stunning as the cherry blossom. The summer months are often the best time to see right to the top of Mount Fuji, when you can climb to the summit, or take an overnight ascent timed to see the sun rise over the distant horizon.

CITIES The two most popular cities on a first-time itinerary are of course Tokyo and Kyoto. Flying into Tokyo, two or three nights is essential here to see both the historic side of the city in Asakusa, and modern Shinjuku with its soaring skyscrapers and bright neon lights. From Toyko it is easy to include a day trip to Nikko, home of the vast Toshogu complex of temples and shrines, built in the 1600s and with magnificent carvings including iconic “see-no-evil, hear-no-evil” monkeys. Kyoto,

Japan’s capital of history and culture, is home to a number of World Heritage Sites. Take a tour with expert guides, enjoy the company of a Geisha, and see the beautiful gardens and traditional arts of the city. A day trip to nearby Nara with its giant statue of Buddha and friendly sacred deer is also not to be missed.

THE ‘BULLET TRAIN’ … or Shinkansen as it is more properly known, is another highlight of a tour to Japan, and takes you around the country in record time, with speeds of up to 200km/hour. Not just between these two cities, many places can be accessed by rail, and a rail pass can be included in your tour price.

THE FOOD It’s not just raw fish and sushi, though these are a delicacy very much worth trying, there are plenty of Continued over

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other options too. Noodles for instance, are very popular as is the delicious street food. Okonomiyaki is a kind of special omelette made with pan-fried cabbage, fried shrimp and different kinds of meats – and it’s absolutely wonderful. If you are still unsure, most of the major hotels will serve a western menu if you prefer.

SPECIAL PlaCES TO SEE AND STAY Most hotels are in the western style, but for a truly authentic experience, a stay in a ryokan is a must; experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality including futon beds, Japanese style baths and local cuisine. Beautiful gardens, almost an art form in Japan, walking, cycling and enjoying the ‘onsen’ – hot springs – are just a few of the delightful outdoor activities available, and sumo, geisha and contemporary arts unmissable attractions indoors. In Nagoya, it is even possible to arrange a visit to the Toyota factory, the biggest of Japan’s car factories – a must for all car fanatics.

JAPAN FOR FAMILIES Children will love the theme parks, from Universal Studios and Hello Kitty to the famous Japanese Anime creations as well as aquariums and monkey parks.

Away from the cities, samurai castles, boat rides, cycle tours and cable cars will delight the whole family.

Hands-on cultural activities such as taiko drumming, pottery and paper crafts, or dressing up in a kimono will see the children really getting under the skin of Japan.

Clearly, Japan has something for everyone, whether a tailor-made tour, an escorted group, or a family holiday, we can arrange the perfect trip for you. Phone us on 01625 584195, or call in to Travel by Design, in Alderley Edge.

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by Kristina Hulme travelbydesigngroup.com

in touch your local community noticeboard march - april 2018

SOCIETY OF MARPLE ARTISTS 50th ANNUAL EXHIBITION The Society of Marple Artists (aka SMA) is this year celebrating its Golden Anniversary and preparations are well underway for a special 50th exhibition.

From small beginnings, when a few enthusiastic amateur artists met at a member’s house, the Society has grown to a weekly meeting in Marple with a membership of around 100. The membership includes artists from all walks of life, united in their interest in art, varying from enthusiastic beginners to professionals.

The Society provides opportunities for artists in whatever medium and whatever their degree of skill to work together and exchange ideas. A stimulating programme includes a range of activities which include demonstrations, clothed and life models, still life sessions and own work nights as well as full day workshops and trips to art-based venues. In the summer members can be found sketching on the locks.

Last year’s public voter winner – Bruges Rooftops by Derek Williams

Photo of L.S. Lowry taken at Society Exhibition 1973

The Society still has founding members who can recall the days in the 1970s when L. S. Lowry visited the exhibitions. He even bought one of the exhibits and paid by cheque, what a shame we cashed it!

SMA’s exhibitions are always well attended and visitors can enjoy up to 400 exhibits ranging from 2D paintings in a wide variety of medium to 3D sculptures, not forgetting the home-made cakes on offer. Chair, Brian Ash, is confident that this, the 50th exhibition, will reflect the full range of artistic talent of the members.

Entry to the exhibition is free and there is disabled access. Members will be on hand to assist and discuss their work. For anyone interested in attending our exhibition preview on Thursday 19 April, which is by invitation only, please contact this year’s exhibition co-ordinator, Steve Abbott, on 0161 449 9963 for a ticket.

The exhibition will be held at the Methodist Church Hall, Church Lane, Marple, SK6 7AY on Friday 20 April from 10am until 9pm and Saturday 21 April from 10am until 5pm.

ST MARTIN’S OPEN CHURCH Open Church on Saturday mornings at St. Martin’s, Brabyns Brow, begin again on 31 March, Easter Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Do come along and see our beautiful Arts and Crafts Movement Church. We are situated next to Marple Station. You will receive a warm welcome, and we can offer tea or coffee and guides will be there if you require a guided tour.

More information from 0161 427 2542.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

PICTURE BOOK TO BRIDGE THE GENERATION GAP Marple-based debut author Helen Marshall is about to launch a nostalgically traditional children’s picture book, The Mole and The Flower. This tale, about the importance of intergenerational friendships and kindness in our close-knit communities, will be released on 22 March. The Mole and the Flower is a generation-defying story - one that asks children to not merely respect their elders but understand and admire them too. Just because someone has gotten older, doesn’t mean that they are useless.

Author Helen Marshall is delighted to be releasing the book: “It feels surreal and ridiculously exciting”, she says. “Being a drama practitioner, I often write for workshops and projects; this particular story was originally written for the stage, in response to creating work to raise awareness about issues relating to the elderly. It was only when I read it out loud to family that they encouraged me to think of it as a book.” Helen hopes readers will make connections between this story and the world around them, for it to promote discussion and for children to empathise with the feelings of their grandparents and their elderly neighbours.

Brought to life with illustrations by Chris A. Martin, The Mole and the Flower is a picture book for children to enjoy in the Illustration by Chris A. Martin. moment but cherish for years to come. “I’m so pleased to have a talent like Chris on board”, says Helen. “He captures the world so perfectly with his detailed drawings, his eye for detail brings another charm to the story and in my view enhances the reading experience. The illustrations offer a visual backdrop to what is happening, especially as I haven’t held back using more difficult words for younger readers to explore.”

The Mole and The Flower will be published by Tiny Tree Children’s Books and is available to pre-order now on Amazon and via the Tiny Tree website. It will be available from all good bookstores from 22 March.

Helen is offering a meet and greet as part of her launch at Cloudberry Café on 31 March. Families can come along to meet the author and receive a signed copy as well as taking advantage of Cloudberry’s wonderful coffee and cake selection.

MARPLE LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB The Marple Ladies’ Luncheon Club is a friendly group of ladies from Marple and the surrounding area. We meet four times a year at Marple Golf Club when we enjoy a delicious two course luncheon then a talk by a visiting speaker. If you are not a member but you would like to come and try one of our luncheons you would be made very welcome.

Our next luncheon is on Monday, 5 March at 12 noon for 12.30 lunch (please note that our AGM is held promptly at 12 noon before lunch is served). The cost is £17.50 for guests. The speaker is Brian Price who will be talking on the Laugh on the Ocean Waves.

To book a guest place, please ring Ann Haden on 0161 427 0242.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

Rainbow on Cobden Edge The appeal to replace the cross on Cobden Edge, above Mellor (featured in INSIDE Marple recently) is holding its first major fund-raising event called CrossFire. The evening will feature sketches from local actors and songs from praise and worship band Rainbow.

Rainbow have been playing together for over 23 years and their members are from local churches in Dukinfield, Marple, Romiley and Woodley. Over the years they have performed in venues as diverse as old warehouses and a women’s prison (as well as lots of churches). They have produced six CDs (with proceeds going to a range of charities) and are currently working on ideas for a seventh.

The evening is free, with donations to the cross appeal, and will take place at Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple, SK6 7AY at 7.15pm on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 March.

To donate to the appeal, visit My Donate https://mydonate.bt.com and type Cobden Cross appeal in the search box. Or send a cheque payable to The PCC of All Saints’ Marple - write Cobden Cross Appeal on the back and send it to Cobden Cross Appeal, All Saints’ Church Office, 155 Church Lane, Marple SK6 7LD.

WORK CLUB ON THE MOVE All Saints Church in Marple started a work club in September 2014, which has offered practical support and guidance, together with wifi and computer access, to many local people out of work or facing job loss. It is a free work club open to anyone of any, or no, faith. It is now moving to a more central location which should make it easier for people to benefit from this valuable service.

Known as WAY AHEAD, from 26 February onwards the Work Club will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (except Bank Holidays) at Connect (Connect Building, Queen Street, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 6BQ) between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Connect is easy to find at the top of Queen Street which is just opposite the Regent Cinema. It provides a comfortable and easily accessible space which people find relaxed, warm and friendly. Someone will always be on hand to discuss the many problems unemployment can bring.

Sessions will offer help on: setting up an email account, managing a Universal Job Match Account, interview skills, CV writing and making job applications. There will be an opportunity to share experiences/problems and make friends over a ‘cuppa’ and homemade cake. We are also hoping to expand the service we offer by helping more generally others who may be facing employment or other problems. As the Universal Credit system is introduced locally the work club may be particularly helpful to those who are out of work and need to access benefits.

People are invited to go along to any session to see if it suits them and can come to as many or as few sessions as they wish. There is no need to book ahead. Find out more by contacting Iain and Pam Kirkpatrick on 07971 209 463 or by email at wayahead-allsaints@outlook.com Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

MARPLE OPEN GARDENS Plans are coming together nicely for this event, with 17 gardens signed up so far. Friends of Marple Memorial Park will have a central stall in the park and Marple Allotments have recently agreed that they will get involved too. It’s starting to look like a great event is coming together.

So… save the dates, 7 and 8 July. There is still time to sign up to open your garden; and we need other volunteers to help too.

For up to date information visit The Marple Website www.marple.website/opengardens

MARPLE LUNCHEON CLUB – COULD YOU HELP? Marple Luncheon Club has been going for over 50 years, serving hot, homemade meals to the elderly residents of Marple. The food is prepared by volunteers and is run by the Royal Voluntary Service. It takes place in the Senior Citizen’s Hall every Tuesday and Thursday at 12pm and a 3 course meal costs only £4.

Unfortunately, there has been a drop recently in the numbers of both volunteers and diners. Sally Connor, who has just taken over the running of the Club said, “We are really short of help and desperately need some to keep the service going. Volunteers are in a rota and only cook once a month, so it isn’t such a big commitment and it is very rewarding to see how much our Senior Citizens enjoy a hot meal and companionship. We would also love to see more elderly people joining us for lunch. Volunteering for the RVS definitely helped me get my current job in a library and it’s a great way to gain experience or also to give something back to the community if you’ve more time on your hands after retiring.”

For details on volunteering or joining the lunch club, please contact Sally Connor on: 07904 206071.

GLOSSOP SAILING CLUB Now that spring is here why not get outdoors and try something new?

Glossop Sailing Club is situated on the shores of the beautiful Torside Reservoir on the outskirts of Glossop.

We welcome people of all ages and run a variety of beginner’s courses throughout the year. As well as sailing you can try windsurfing, canoe and kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.

For more information and how to contact us then please go to: www.sail-glossop.org.uk or look us up on Facebook

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

HARE AND HOUNDS CLASSIC VEHICLE CLUB The Club was formed in 1991 by a group of Classic Car enthusiasts who met at the Hare and Hounds Public House on Mill Brow Marple, which is how the club got its name! We now meet at the Conservative Club in High Lane on the third Wednesday of each month. We have 160 members now, many of whom have more than one vehicle; several of the founding members still belong.

Vehicles include cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks and even ambulances. We have a ‘modern classics’ section catering for not so well-known modern vehicles and we also welcome non-vehicle owning members who have an interest in classics.

At our monthly meetings we invariably have a guest speaker, a quiz night, BBQ night including a vehicle show or a ‘natter and noggin’ evening where members circulate and have a chat. We also attend local events such as Poynton Show and Stockport Market Show.

We organise road runs of around 35 miles on a Sunday or summers evening club night and every year we run a charity Peaks and Dales run from Marple to Buxton, which is attended by both club and non-club members with over 100 vehicles taking part. Last year we supported the Manchester Blood Bikers, this year the Kinder Mountain Rescue Group.

Membership costs just £20 a year and more details can be found at hhcvc.moonfruit.com, by calling our secretary on 0161 427 1363 or you’re welcome to just turn up at a club night. Steve Divall (Chairman)

UPDATE FROM THE LIONS 221 people took part in a brilliant Marple Santa Dash in December, enabling us to pay £2,210 into the Lions Club Charity Account. £2,100 was raised in the Dragon Miniature Railway’s Father Christmas Grotto and a further £880 hosting breakfast and teatime sessions with Father Christmas in the Marple Garden Centre (Wyevale) Restaurant.

The Santa Dash was a wonderful success and personal thanks go to Carol Bonham and Victoria Thomson, of Kidneys for Life, for all their help in keeping the event alive.

2017 was by far the best Lions Christmas I can remember. On the day of the Santa Dash, we had our usual “Dream Team” on duty. The local Air Training Corps performed marshalling duties along the route and Sarah Dalby, our expert trainer, made sure that everyone was fully prepared for the Dash.

Changing facilities were kindly provided by Marple Scouts in their hut in the Memorial Park and Lawrence Fernehough (Crabtrees of New Mills) had his flat back lorry ready for Sarah to use as her “stage”.

Marple Band provided the perfect musical welcome at the Garden Centre and Paul (Smiths of Marple) was on hand to transport the weary Dashers back to Marple. My thanks to everyone, including Sainsburys (Romiley) and Tina Bowker (M.C. Catering) who supplied the mince pies. If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me.

All the Dashers were wonderful, and I hope they will be joining us again for an even better Santa Dash on Sunday 2 December, 2018.

Terry Harding 0161 330 9494.

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Diary of a geeky knitter Brrr, is it spring yet?! Here at home in Hazel Grove it can’t decide if it wants to snow, wants to freeze, or wants to blow us all away! I’m writing this on a chilly Monday evening in February, and though my toes are cold and I’m wishing for the chance to (finally) build a snowman soon, I am delighted because I walked to and from work in the daylight, and successfully managed to not spend all my daylight hours in the office! After all, it’s the little things that help to carry us out of the post -Christmas ‘winter funk.’

© Practical Publishing

My good mood is also undoubtedly helped by the giant slab of chocolate cake I am currently tucking into.

Apologies to all you readers who are braver than me and have given up chocolate for Lent!

Acting the part Since I last spoke to you, it’s all been go in my working life, and it’s not just the walking home in the daylight novelty! I’ve gone and landed myself a new role – you are now reading the words of the Acting Editor of Crochet Now magazine! In fact, I will have put 2 or 3 issues to bed by now, and had one full issue on sale in the supermarkets for a full cycle. It’s exciting stuff if I do say so myself. Who’d have thought that within two years of leaving the capable and welcoming company of Claire and Garth here at INSIDE Magazines, that I would go on to edit my very own magazine?!

It’s undoubtedly the wonderful teachers I had, and I am very grateful for the knowledge and experience they gave me. The jump to editing a magazine myself is a big one, and the pressures of looming deadlines is quite keen, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I’ve already learned so much. It just goes to show that if you pursue your hobby with care, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can set yourself on the path to making your leisurely pursuits into a paying career.

Hats off You might recall last time I told you all about the socks that I had published in Knit Now magazine? Well, it seems I can’t get enough of designing and writing patterns now, so I’ve gone ahead and written a crochet hat pattern too! This is my crochet magazine debut (both as editor, and designer!) and this hat, which I named ‘Bohemian Bonbon’, featured in issue 25 of Crochet Now. It’s a design that should be both suitable for beginners, and for those of you who know how to crochet, but are looking for a quick project to make in no time.

But enough about me! Don’t forget you can get in touch with me at jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com if you have questions about knitting, crochet, or if you have a subject that you think I should write about here in the magazine. Until next time, enjoy the snow/wind/ sun – whatever the weather is today! jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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A STROLL AROUND RAINOW This walk is quite short, just under 5 miles, with no steep hills and quite well-defined paths.

Use the White Peak map, Ordnance Survey outdoor leisure 24, or Explorer 268. Map Ref. SJ 952762 The walk starts from Smithy Lane, adjacent to the Robin Hood Pub. Rainow is an old parish and straddles the road from Macclesfield for some distance. Originally in Anglo Saxon times it was called Ravenho (the hill of the Ravens.)

We walked down Hope Lane, just past the Robin Hood Inn, turning right into Sugar Lane, then passing a fairly new but small housing development and soon left the metalled road to go right past the footpath sign, along an ancient flagged path behind a row of terraced cottages. We passed through a narrow squeeze stile and crossed a small stream running through an area called Hayle’s Clough. On our left could be seen a garden, originally laid out by a wealthy mill owner called James Mellor, sometime in the mid nineteenth century beside his house, still called Hough Hole House. Not only was he a successful business man but also a devout follower of the popular but small Swedenborgian Christian sect, it flourished up to the early 1970’s. The gardens were laid out to follow the

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story of ‘A Pilgrim’s Progress,’ written by John Bunyan.

These gardens used to be opened to the public once a year, but this practice seems to have been unfortunately discontinued, at the time the gardens were a delight.

Parts of the garden can be seen on the left-hand side of the path, as well as a small reservoir with rowing boat visible through the bushes.

Passing through a metal gate the path then goes across fields laid with stone slabs where the mill workers from Rainow would pass to work at the Waulkmill cotton mill just past Waulkmill Wood. As one walks on the path, the distinctive cone of White Nancy can be seen, on the left at the top end of Kerridge Ridge. After emerging from the wood, a distinctive old mill road is reached and there is a plaque on the wall of a house on the right with the inscription ‘Waulkmill Farm.’ To the left is a man-made waterfall which presumably fed a waterwheel to power the mill. Nothing remains of the mill workings except the rather silted up ponds of the

water supply above the waterfall. The path then widens slightly and goes along Ingersley Vale, alongside a small stream. This area obviously was planned for redevelopment, there is a decaying stone mill building, was once Ingersley Mill, which covers a very extensive area. Work on this large, presumably housing, project had started but was abandoned for some reason a few years ago, this would have been what is known as a ‘brown site development,’ but it is still awaiting development.

After this the path swings to the right past a wooden single storey building, going slightly uphill and it can be rather muddy in places. When it levels out after a short distance a distinctive sign with the inscription ‘Savio House’ on it can be seen on the right. This is now a catholic religious retreat but originally was called Ingersley Hall, the home of the Gaskell Family from the late 1600s to 1933 when the estate was broken up.

It was the Gaskell family who built White Nancy as a summerhouse situated at the end of Kerridge Ridge.

The family members must have been either very fit, or had help from their servants to get there, as the summerhouse was some distance away and up a steep track. It is doubtful if the author Elisabeth Gaskell was related to this family. On the left can be found the Poachers Inn, a popular start point for walks around Bollington and the surrounding areas.

Ignoring murmurs of protest from some of the group who wished to visit it, we instead crossed the road and walked uphill along Smithy Brow. At the top we turned left and went downhill along Spuley lane until a narrow road appeared on the right, which we took.

The Walk

This is known as ‘the hedgerow,’ and is a pleasant path through woodland. Just after the turning we passed a building called ‘Cheshire Hunt Cottages.’ Originally this was a popular pub called ‘The Cheshire Hunt,’ but before then it was believed to have been called ‘The Cat and Fiddle.’ The pub closed some 12 years ago, and was converted to holiday cottages.

The narrow road was followed for about two miles until it ended in a group of cottages and the road obviously was only used for access to the houses. A clearly marked stile on the right was crossed into a field and a faint path over the grass bearing right was followed until another small stile was crossed into the next field.

Soon after a small gate was reached which we went through onto another farm track where we turned right and walked slightly uphill. This track passes Billinge Hill on the right and then the road known as Blaze Hill was reached which we crossed, after a short distance of about a mile, another rough farm track was reached by turning left then immediate right.

We walked for about another half mile along the stony narrow road until yet another junction was reached where a well-situated seat had been positioned with views over the valley. Some of the group immediately took advantage of the seat to rest and admire the view over the valley and the Blaze Hill road. Some of them can be seen resting although there had not been any hills to tire them. At this point we ignored the sign to Rainowlow, which was directly ahead, instead turning left along Jumper Lane, which eventually became Smithy Lane. The road improved with a tarmaced surface suitable for cars, but luckily this was little used, and we soon arrived back at the Robin Hood.

Details of the Rainow area from Rainow Parish Council are at www.rainowvillage.co.uk This gives footpath maps and local information.

Poynton Rambling Club has over 100 members with walks on Wednesdays and Sundays. It caters for walkers of all abilities and varies from easy to strenuous, with distances between 5 and 12 miles.

For further details visit the website at www.poynton ramblers.org.uk

By Peter Jaques > Poynton Rambling Club

25

Local author’s latest thriller Ever since breaking down and becoming stranded on the hard shoulder of the M6 in the early hours of the morning, ideas for dark, compelling crime thrillers have come thick and fast for Marple novelist, Chris Simms.

That lonely motorway experience occurred almost 20 years ago, and it quickly led to him writing Outside The White Lines, described by Lee Child as ‘one of the genre’s all-time great debuts.’ Later this summer, what will be the 17th novel by Chris Simms is set to launch.

With a title of Loose Tongues, it marks a return to the terrifying serial killer territory of that first novel.

‘The idea for Loose Tongues came to me when I read a report about how much personal information – including addresses – people unwittingly reveal while speaking on their phones in public,’ comments Chris.

‘Many of my novels spring from a ‘what if?’ moment, and Loose Tongues was no different. What if a perfectly normal-looking man, but with the voice of a killer in

his head, starts to roam our trains, buses and trams in search of potential victims?’

As with all Chris’ work, the setting is Greater Manchester, and, in Loose Tongues, we are introduced to a brand-new character: Detective Constable Sean Blake. Young and inexperienced, Sean is stunned when he wins a place in the prestigious Serious Crimes Unit (SCU). But his delight turns to horror when he realises the job offer only came about through the efforts of his mum, a senior ex-officer herself. Sean is left trying to track the mysterious killer while suffering the scorn of his fellow officers.

Loose Tongues is released on 30 June by Severn House Books. All Chris’ novels can be downloaded as ebooks via www.chrissimms.info and paperback versions of most are exclusively available in Inkbox, on Derby Way, Marple.

Park House Recommends

Enjoy a special day in Ilkley This picturesque former spa town is only a 30 minute drive from Park House. You could try Bettys Café and Tea Rooms and enjoy their amazing Swiss-inspired delicacies. Start with Bacon and Raclette Rostis, followed by Rhubarb Frangipane, Lemon Meringue Eclairs and little pots of China Rose Petal Tea – sublime.

Later in the afternoon you could wander along to Ilkley’s beautiful independent cinema which seats just 56 guests on lovely comfy sofas with little side tables if you want to order coffee or wine during the film.

Esse Factory Café In Barnoldswick – 5 miles from Park House Just recently opened, and perfectly situated by the scenic Leeds/Liverpool Canal, this lovely café created within the Esse Log Burner Showrooms, is a real winter treat (with invariably two or three roaring log burners to keep you cosy). Great coffee, excellent home-made cakes and lots of local savouries.

29

quick crossword Across 7. Medicine Man (6) 8. Let Go (6) 9. Rally (4) 10. Borrow (8) 11. Pursuit(7) 13. Explorer (5) 15. Brewing (5) 16. Honest (7) 18. Paltry (8) 19. Urban Area (4) 21. Brogue (6) 22. Dried Fruit (6)

down 1. Sneaker (4) 2. Eloquent (6-7) 3. Slope (7) 4. Anthropoid (5) 5. Bathroom Divider (6,7) 6. Perpetual (8) 12. Out Of Doors (8) 14. The Big Apple (3,4) 17. Effervescence (5) 20. Impulse (4)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

30

Solutions on page 42

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A Flavour of Geums The name Geum comes from ancient Greek meaning to add flavour; and long after we’ve ceased to add them to food or drinks they are still invaluable for adding flavour to our spring and early summer borders.

Geums are members of the rose family and a look at the centres of flowers with all those stamens confirms this – just like a dog rose. Not that Geum grow like roses!

There are low growing ones that spread to form a mat of leaves and there are taller ones creating an arching leafed clump about 30cm tall. And of course, as Geums are promiscuous, there are crosses between the two resulting in plants somewhere between the two!

Geums will set seed and some wild types can become a nuisance in damp gardens. On the whole the cultivated varieties are less plentiful of seed and seedlings. Their ability to cross and set seed means there is always the chance of spotting a good new form in your garden if you grow plenty of different types, but this also means that some won’t come true from seed.

It seems there is a never-ending supply of new types coming onto the market every year. Not every new variety in the catalogues is actual that different or that good so I have selected some of my favourite new and old varieties for you.

I’ll start with the bushier types and these are also some of the oldest varieties around. The best known and loved is the single or semi-double scarlet flowered “Mrs. J. Bradshaw” who grows to about 1ft tall with longer arching flower stems. The apricot yellow “Lady Stratheden” is almost as famous, as is the orange “Dolly North”. Also, worth trying is the semi- or fully double “Blazing Sunset” although the flowers are a little variable in fullness. This type flowers in late spring through to mid-summer and sometime beyond and the flowers are large and showy for a Geum.

The low growing varieties ideally these want a moist soil, but they seem to do fine in my dry sandy soil

By Martin Blow www.specialperennials.com

provided I water from time to time in summer. These plants tend to have flowers that are small nodding bells on short stems in spring and sometimes again in autumn. “Barbra Lawton” is an improved form of the wild plant with far more of the peachy-pink nodding flowers. “Lemon Drops” is a very pale yellow which popped up as a chance seedling in Beth Chatto’s famous garden. “Album” is wild variation with greenish-white bells, but better still is “Snowflake” with larger, pure white flowers. “Farmer John Cross” has larger, and sometimes semi-double, primrose yellow flowers.

Of the new varieties coming along the Cocktail Series has some intoxicating colours. “Mai Tai” is pale peach and large-flowered, “Cosmopolitan” is a slightly deeper shade, “Tequila Sunrise” is red and yellow and “Banana Daquiri” is a lovely pale yellow. If promptly dead headed these Geums will bloom again later in the season, provided they have not been left too dry through the summer.

Geums are pretty tough customers with very few problems, and none likely to be fatal. Mildew (white powder on the leaves) is possible if your soil is really dry. I just cut off all the old leaves and give them a feed and good watering. I hope this has given you a flavour of the variety of geums available and a taste for these lovely flowering is your garden.

Janet and I run Special Perennials, selling by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs only throughout the season. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 22 April and Adlington Hall on Sunday 13 May 2018 www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

33

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

Monday

Thursday

The Monday Make & Play at St. Sebastian’s 9.15-10.45am Term time only. St Sebastian’s Nursery, United Reformed Church, Hollins Lane. Games, toys, dressing up and singing time, plus a dedicated craft activity that is suitable for babies to children aged 5 and their parents. The cost is £2 per family, includes craft materials, coffee, tea and toast, children’s drinks and snacks.

Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only. Mellor Parish Centre, Church Rd. Toys, sing-song and refreshments. £2 per adult. Contact the Parish Centre 0161 484 5079.

St Paul’s Toddler Group 1.15-2.45pm Term time only. St Paul’s Church, Compstall Brow. £1.30 for one child and adult, £1.50 for two children or more, with tea, juice and biscuits included. Contact Lisa on 0161 427 7829 for more information.

Little Stars 9-10.30am Term time only. Brabyns Preparatory School, Arkwright Rd. Just turn up on the day for an engaging and friendly environment for children from new born to 3 ½ years and parents. £1.50 per session. Call the school office on 0161 427 2395 or email

Tuesday

littlestars@brabynsprepschool.co.uk for more info.

Playtime Toddler Group 9.45 – 11.30am Term time only. ‘Connect’, Queen St, Marple. Lots of toys, singing, ‘thought for the day’ and refreshments for children and adults. £1.50 per adult, text Laura 07843 616254

saturday

Toddler Group 9.30-11am Term time only. Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane. £2 per family, please contact Anne on 0161 449 9088.

Little Stars 9.45-10.45am Term time only. Brabyns Preparatory School, Arkwright Rd. Just turn up on the day for an engaging and friendly environment for children from new born to 3½ years and parents. £1.50 per session. Call the school office on 0161 427 2395 or email littlestars@brabynsprepschool.co.uk for more info.

Story Time 2-2.30pm Term time only. Marple Library, Memorial Park. Contact 0161 217 6009.

wednesday Parent & Toddler Group 1.15-3pm Term time only. All Saints Church, Church Lane Marple. Friendly, welcoming environment for children and adults. Toys, craft table, sing-song and refreshments. £1.50 per adult. For more info email the church office at office@allsaintsmarple.co.uk

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

34

Friday

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

Fun Sign Fun Time 9:30am (under 2’s) and 10:30am (all ages) Marple library. Drop in session, £4 main child, £1 for sibling. www.funsignfuntime.co.uk www.facebook.com/funsignfuntime

Sunday Little Fishes 9.30-10am Ridge Methodist Church, Marple. Usually 2nd Sunday of the month. Bible stories,activities and songs, with juice and cake afterwards. Please contact 0161 427 2509 or email revmcrawshaw@hotmail.com

inside guide

march - april 2018

selected events in your area

Thursday 1 march

Wednesday 7 March

Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. For more info, see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, or ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Marple Naturalists. AGM and Member’s Talks. More info from Derek Clifford 0161 427 4611 United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 8pm

THURSDAY 1 MARCH Ludworth and Mellor Women’s Institute Monthly Meeting Why not join us at our March meeting when we hark back to the time of our founding 100 years ago with a talk by Anne Beswick entitled “The Pankhursts: First Family of Feminism.”

New members and visitors are always welcome Women’s Institute Hall, Lower Fold, Marple Bridge, 2pm for 2.15pm start

Friday 2 March to Saturday 10 March Enlightenment, by Shelagh Stephenson. A psychological thriller with tense relationships exposed as parents unravel the mystery disappearance of their son. Tickets from www.carvertheatre. co.uk or from Hollins of Marple 0161 449 8363 (7 days) Carver Theatre, Chadwick Street, Marple, SK6 7AX Weekdays 7.45 pm, Saturday 3rd matinee 2.30pm

Saturday 3 March Marple Cancer Charities Committee. Fundraising evening featuring the fabulous vocalist Mr Dean Lovatt (Swing/Soul/Motown) and accompanying DJ. Tickets £8 including light refreshments (available behind the bar at Marple Conservative Club) Marple Conservative Club 7.30pm

Monday 5 March The Marple Ladies’ Luncheon Club. The speaker is Brian Price who will be talking on the Laugh on the Ocean Waves.

To book a guest place, please ring Ann Haden, our seating organiser on 0161 427 0242

Monday 5 March Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz. Entry £6, enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane SK6 8DR. 8pm

Thursday 8 March Marple Exploring The Arts Anne Beswick will present an illustrated lecture entitled ‘The Manchester Man’ written by Mrs Linnaeus Banks. The novel is set in Manchester during the early years of the 19th century through a turbulent period in the city’s history, including the Peterloo massacre. Anne will link the story to the present with references to local places.

Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Fri 9 and Sat 10 March CrossFire Songs and sketches in aid of the Cobden Cross Appeal featuring Rainbow. Admission FREE (donations welcome).

More info: www.churchestogethermarplearea.org.uk Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 7.15pm (both evenings)

Saturday 10 March Marple Choral Society Singing Day Mozart Coronation Mass, Lauridsen “Lux Aeterna” For full details and booking form e-mail songsinger@btopenworld.com Norbury Parish Church Hazel Grove

Saturday 10 March Disley & Lyme Horticultural Society Coffee Morning Coffee/Cakes/Plants High Lane Village Hall 10am to 12 noon

Tues 13 to Sat 17 March Annie Get Your Gun Performance by Romiley Operatic Society Tickets from ROS Hotline 0161 442 3669 or Plaza Box Office 0161 477 7779 www.romileyoperatic.co.uk The Plaza Theatre, Stockport

Continued over

37

Wednesday 14 March

Monday 19 March

Disley & District Flower Club A Floral Demonstration – Something Special by Don Billington.

Visitors welcome £5 High Lane Village Hall 7.30pm

Marple Local History Society Sue Bailey – Woodsmoor, The Story. Visitors are welcome to attend at a cost of £3. www.marplelocalhistorysociety.org.uk Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 7.15 for 7.45pm

Wednesday 14 March Stockport Walking and Outdoors Group A talk by award winning wildlife photographer Tom Way entitled ‘My Love of Africa’. Tickets £5, only available in advance from Chris on 0161 222 9895. No tickets will be available on the night. For details of all our events including Wednesday evening meetings, day walks and weekends please go to www.stockportwalkingoutdoors.org.uk Hazel Grove Civic Hall 8pm

Friday 16 March Stockport Historical Society “Coal Mining in East Cheshire: Aspects of Social and Landscape History”. Visitors very welcome. Admission £2.50.

Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570 Stockport Sunday School, Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm

Saturday 17 March Marple Cancer Charities Spring Fayre and Donation Presentation We have many stalls including- Bric-a-Brac, Easter gifts, Jewellery and Scarves, White Elephant, Books, Cakes and Preserves, Tombola and a Fantastic Raffle. William Wragg MP will be presenting cheques to representatives of our chosen charities during the coffee morning 50p admission including hot drink and refreshment Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, Marple 10am to 12 noon

Monday 19 March High Peak RSPB Meetings Mike Mckavett on The Sapphire of the Kakamega Mike will be talking about the remnants of the Kakamega forest in western Kenya close to the Ugandan border, which is home to several species of birds not found elsewhere in Kenya.

All welcome - group members free; non-members £2 donation (on the door). Children free. Further information regarding group and events from 0161-427-0881 www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/highpeak Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Marple Memorial Park, SK6 6BA. 7.30pm

38

Weds 21 to Friday 23 March North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Weds 21 March evening: North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Print Competition Thurs 22 March: Exhibition open and North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Digital Knock out Competition.

Fri 23 March: Exhibition open. Members only Exhibition Dinner and Awards Presentation in the evening. For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre, entry to the exhibition is free

Weds 21 to Sat 24 March NK Theatre Arts Presents The Who’s - ‘Quadrophenia’ *with special permission from Pete Townshend* WINNER of Best Actor, Best Musical Director & Best Musical at the 2013 Manchester Musical Awards NK Theatre Arts Rock Musical returns to The Forum Theatre!

Ticket prices £15 (10% discount for INSIDE readers) 24 hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 The Forum Theatre Romiley Stockport SK6 4EA www.theforumtheatre.co.uk

Thursday 22 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brockholes – the unreserved reserve by Brian Ashworth of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Visitors very welcome (£4) More information from David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 22 March Marple Exploring The Arts Emma Marigliano will present an illustrated lecture entitled ‘The Portico Library – Shifting Horizons’. In her lecture, Emma, will show us how The Portico Library, which opened in 1806, has skillfully adapted and developed to survive for more than 200 years. Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple at 7.30pm

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

Saturday 24 March

Thursday 5 april

Hazel Grove Orchestra Concert Smetana - Vltava. Mahler - Songs of a Wayfarer Soloist: Michelle Robinson (Mezzo Soprano) Dvorják - Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ Admission £8, accompanied Children under 12 are FREE. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the concert or from 0161 449 7347 www.hazelgroveorchestra.co.uk, hazelgroveorch@gmail.com Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

Would you like to meet new friends? Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits.

For more info, see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, or ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Saturday 24 March Stockport Symphony Orchestra plays Rachmaninov The Rock, Khachaturian Masquerade Suite and Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, featuring leader Helen Brackley-Jones as soloist.

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

Saturday 24 March The Fitzwilliam Quartet As one of the oldest-established and best-known British string quartets the Fitzwilliam needs no introduction. Programme: Purcell Fantazia no 7 Z738, Marcus Barcham Stevens Double on Purcell’s Fantazia no 7; Fantazia on one note, Praetorius/Brahms Chorale Prelude: Es ist ein Ros’ enstsprungen op 122 no 8, Beethoven Quartet in F minor op 95, Schubert Death and the Maiden D810 www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk Bollington Arts Centre 8pm

Friday 30 March Good Friday walk to Cross on Cobden Edge. Starting from Linnet Clough Scout Camp at 5.30pm

Sunday 1 April Easter Sunday sunrise service in Mellor church yard followed by breakfast together in the parish centre. 6.30am

Monday 2 April Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz £6 entry, enquiries 01663 763532.

High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane.

SK6 8DR. 8pm

Wednesday 4 April Marple Naturalists. Judith Lovelady on Penguins and Proteas More info from Derek Clifford 0161 427 4611.

United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple. 8pm

Sunday 8 April Hawk Green Art Group Annual Exhibition Admission free, refreshments Hawk Green Reading Room, Upper Hibbert Lane, SK6 7HX 2pm to 5pm

Tuesday 10 April East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘Building the Big Ditch’ – Judith Atkinson Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Wednesday 11 April Mellor Church Women’s Evening Fellowship David Tomlinson from Warburtons bakery giving us a talk called Bread of Life.

New members and visitors always welcome.

Mellor Parish Centre, Church Rd, Mellor, 8pm

Thursday 12 April Marple Exploring The Arts.

Anthony Burton will present an illustrated lecture entitled ‘Marple’s Architecture’. As Marple lacks castles and abbeys, Anthony’s talk looks at domestic architecture in the town.

From just a scattering of farmsteads (‘folds’) it was transformed into a mill village with the arrival of Samuel Oldknow. Anthony will look at its subsequent development as a small commuter town and then to its further growth during the 20th century and ask, ‘What now’?

Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm Continued over

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with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

39

Monday 16 April

Wednesday 25 April

High Peak RSPB Meetings. Tom Lawson on The Tibetan Plateau. Tom will take us to the Tibetan Plateau to cover his travels around this distant and remote place. Tea, coffee and Raffle. All welcome - group members free; non-members £2 donation (on the door). Children free. Further information regarding group and events from 0161-427-0881 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/highpeak Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Marple Memorial Park, SK6 6BA, 7.30pm

Stockport Walking and Outdoors Group. An illustrated talk about Polar Explorers by Hazel Griffiths. All are welcome, admission £1. For details of all our events including Wednesday evening meetings, day walks and weekends please go to www.stockportwalkingoutdoors.org.uk Hazel Grove Civic Hall 8pm

Monday 16 April Marple Local History Society. David Joy – Liverpool Cowkeepers – A Family History. Visitors are welcome to attend at a cost of £3. www.marplelocalhistorysociety.org.uk The meetings take place in Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 7.15 for 7.45pm

Wednesday 18 April Stockport Walking and Outdoors Group. An illustrated talk

by David Bell entitled ‘A crazy look into the history and the wonderful world of our wee!’. All are welcome, admission £1. www.stockportwalkingoutdoors.org.uk Hazel Grove Civic Hall 8pm

Friday 20 April Stockport Historical Society - “George Faulkner Armitage: Architect and Designer” Talk by Mrs Gillian Fitzpatrick. Visitors very welcome Admission £2.50. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161 440 0570 Stockport Sunday School, Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ 7.45pm (Next to Aquinas College).

Fri 20 and Sat 21 April Society of Marple Artists 50th Annual Exhibition. Free entry, disabled access. Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Methodist Church Hall, Church Lane, Marple SK6 7AY

Saturday 21 April The Doric Quartet 8pm. Founded in 1998 the Doric are now regarded as one of the leading British string quartets among many ensembles of exceptionally high quality. Their playing has been judged inventive, engaging, moving, and beautiful. Haydn Quartet op 35 no 5; Ades The Four Quarters; Beethoven Quartet op 130 www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk Bollington Arts Centre 8pm

Saturday 21 April Marple Choral Society Concert - Haydn’s “Creation” with soloists and Stockport Symphony Orchestra. Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove SK7 4RF Tickets £12, students/under 18 half price

40

Thursday 26 April Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society. AGM, then Beekeeping by Brian Corfield. Visitors very welcome (£4). More information from David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 26 April Marple Exploring The Arts. The Kell Wind Trio with Peter Collier on the harpsichord will present a lively concert of music of many different styles, periods and genres. Their performance will include music by Mozart and Bizet plus a selection of 20th century compositions. Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including wine and snacks.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

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From one local business to another - would you like more local customers?

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useful numbers Churches All Saints C of E , Marple Holy Spirit RC, Marple Jubilee Methodist Church Marple Methodist Church The Ridge Methodist Church St Pauls C of E, Strines St Mary’s RC Church, Marple Bridge Church of St Martin’s, Brabyns Brow St Pauls Church, Compstall St Thomas C of E, Mellor Marple, Marple Bridge & New Mills URC Marple Quaker Meeting

0161 427 2378 0161 427 4922 0161 427 5449 0161 427 2509 0161 427 2509 01663 746 523 0161 427 2408 0161 427 2736 0161 427 1259 0161 484 5079 0161 449 5370 0161 427 2509

COMMUNITY MEETING PLACE Marple Senior Citizen Association

0161 427 3632

Doctors Marple Bridge Surgery Marple Medical Practice Marple Cottage Surgery

Marple Post Office Marple Bridge Post Office Marple Sorting Office

0845 722 3344 0161 427 2046 0843 903 3213

Schools All Saints Primary School, Marple Brabyns Preparatory School Cheadle & Marple 6th Form College Ludworth Primary School, Marple Bridge Marple Hall School Mellor Primary School St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

0161 427 3008 0161 427 2395 0161 484 6600 0161 427 1446 0161 427 7966 0161 427 1052 0161 427 7498

Travel Bus & Train Times National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

0871 200 2233 0345 748 4950 0808 169 7030

Utilities 0161 427 2049 0161 426 5375 0161 426 0011

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

Post Offices

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

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0345 988 1188

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

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

0161 483 1010 111

Libraries Marple Library

0161 217 6009

local government Stockport MBC

0161 480 4949

pharmacies Well Pharmacy, The Hollins, Marple Boots Pharmacy, Market Street

0161 427 6668 0161 427 2033

45

classified index ADULT EDUCATION Aquinas College

14

BATHROOMS Bathroom Design

45

BOOKSHOPS Simply Books

8

32

23

12

13

42 12

DECORATORS Edmondson’s Decorators

Cheshire Hearing Centres

Park House

Thermal Homes

Matt Finish Pro Glass 4 Splashbacks

Sure Locks

LOFT LADDERS

32 Whites Dental & Implant Clinic 21

More Than Loft Ladders

DRAINAGE

MENSWEAR 32

ELECTRICIANS SCZ Electrical Services TBG Inspection Services

O’Briens Menswear

Roger Fisher

PHSYIOTHERAPISTS Inside Front Cover

ROOFING

28

40

SECURITY Sure Locks

36 9

18

SOLICITORS Whiting and Mason

Back Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 44

The Stair Shop

10

TRAVEL 18

Travel by Design

Pate & Lever Windows

18

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS 13

Cloudy2Clear The Window Repair Centre

44

ORGANIC FOOD Riverford

11

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES 36

27

6

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is Wednesday 11 April Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk 46

42

Abstract Roofing Services

OPTICIANS 28 45

ESTATE AGENTS Edward Mellor

29

43

PLUMBING & HEATING

Marple Physio

LOCKSMITHS 12

DENTISTS

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

41

LOCAL GOVERNMENT William Wragg MP

PATIOS

Martin Quinn

KITCHENS

COMPUTER & INTERNET SR Computers Stuart Henderson

23

INSULATION

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Hawk Green Cricket Club

Carrington Doors

23 28

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

HOTELS & B&B’S

CHIMNEY SERVICES Mr Soot

Eco Dazzle Ovenclean

HEARING SERVICES

CAR BODYWORK REPAIRS Chips Away

OVEN CLEANING

Adlington Memorial Park 5 Brian Sharples & Son

Inside Back Cover Malcom Shaw & Son 26

GARAGE DOORS

BUILDING SERVICES Whitehall Builders Ltd

FUNERAL SERVICES

Secure your space now!

31 35