Inside Marple Issue 44

inside m a r p l e july - august 2018

magazines

Issue 44

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

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inside m a r p l e

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

I’m off on an adventure soon, visiting my daughter in South America. She’s working in Colombia during her year abroad from university, so, although it’s not somewhere I’ve ever considered going to before, what better reason to step outside my comfort zone and see a different part of the world?

She went in February, so we haven’t seen her for a few months but, in this digitally-connected world we live in, we’re probably as much in contact with her thousands of miles away as when she’s at university in Durham!

It’s very reassuring for us but how times have changed.

When I did the obligatory few weeks hopping on and off trains in Europe in my student days, I never gave a thought to my poor parents wondering where I was, or whether I was ok.

Talking of stepping outside comfort zones, be sure to have a read of Jenny’s page – she’s the Geeky Knitter who used to work here at INSIDE – it’s a thought provoking and entertaining article as usual, with some pearls of wisdom that apply to everyone, not just knitters!

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Frank Bradshaw Isherwood 7 Marple Open Gardens 11 summer at the forum 12 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 15 Eureka 20 Puzzles 24 The Walk 26 travel the world by train 28 INSIDE People 31 summer garden visits 34 dreaming spires 26 37 Children’s Activities 39 INSIDE Guide 42 simply books book club choice 44 Puzzle Solutions 45 Useful Numbers 46 Classified Index

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Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Photo courtesy of Open Gardens in Marple.

Copy deadline for the next issue: thur 9 august

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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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Remembering Frank Bradshaw-Isherwood

describes how the Volunteer sergeants felt that, as an officer, he was ‘likely to be (the) most popular’ amongst the men, and who the recruits often felt ‘said something (after drill) which made their bosoms swell.’ A modest man, he wrote: ‘I can’t imagine myself doing this at all!’

Those folks interested in local history will be aware that the writer Christopher Isherwood came from round these parts. He was born at Wyberslegh Hall in High Lane in 1904 and was christened at St Mary’s Church in Disley. Christopher William Bradshaw Isherwood’s parents were called Kathleen and Frank, and that is the title of what I, being interested in local history, consider to be his most interesting book (though, admittedly, I’ve not read them all). Francis Edmund BradshawIsherwood was born in 1869 and his family lived at Marple Hall. Frank was a military man and 9 May sees the 103rd anniversary of his death, which allows us the perfect opportunity for a timely look back at his career in the army.

A decade later, in the summer of 1914, Frank was serving with the Regiment’s 2nd Battalion on garrison duty in Limerick in Ireland. When war broke out the Battalion was ordered to return to England to assemble with other units and was sent across the Channel to the front-line in mid-September. He took command of the 1st Battalion on 29 April 1915.

I’m no military historian but Frank Bradshaw-Isherwood must surely go down as one of the area’s most decorated soldiers. He was educated at Sandhurst and joined his father’s old regiment, the York and Lancaster Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1892, aged 23. He left for the Boer War in December 1899, caught typhoid, recovered and served on a second tour. He was mentioned in despatches for his service and promoted to Captain in 1901. He was also a recipient of the Queen’s and King’s medals with seven clasps.

In 1902, Frank got engaged to Kathleen Machell-Smith, of Stow in Suffolk. In order to set up home locally, he left his regiment and became adjutant to the Fourth Volunteer Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment, based at the Armoury building in Stockport, where Greek Street meets Shaw Heath.

The couple were married in March 1903 and the following year their son Christopher was born. During this period, Frank often used to ride his bike into work in Stockport and then back home to High Lane in the evening – quite an achievement in those days, I would say, when roads were cobbled, and bicycles were heavy-duty. Frank may well have been officer class, but that’s not to say he was aloof from his men. On the contrary, in a letter to his wife dated 19 October, Frank

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The 1st Battalion was involved in heavy fighting at the second Battle of Ypres; shockingly, the Battalion was reduced from over 700 men to just 83.

For weeks after the attack there was confusion about Frank’s whereabouts.

The first reports stated that he had been shot in the arm by a sniper and was recovering in a hospital in France. By 11 June, however, it was clear that Frank was missing, and by the end of June, conclusive proof of Frank’s death was reported. Although his body was never found, Frank’s identification discs were returned to his wife Kathleen after being found on a German prisoner-of-war. Thanks to Kathleen’s efforts, Frank is remembered on the Menin Gate at Ypres, as well as on a smaller memorial at Ploegsteert. He is listed as being killed in action on 9 May 1915.

Frank’s and Kathleen’s relationship is chronicled superbly in Christopher’s fascinating book about his parents, ‘Kathleen and Frank’ (published in 1971).

Isherwood relates their story through the couple’s extensive correspondence, which his mother had archived. For anyone interested in Frank’s story, or indeed that of the Bradshaw-Isherwood family history, I strongly recommend it. The moment when Frank’s letters to his wife from the frontline suddenly cease, is genuinely chilling, so wrapped up are we in their story.

by Stuart Bolton

Open Gardens in Marple 7 and 8 July 2018

Back in 2017, a group of Marple gardening enthusiasts got together to discuss organising an Open Gardens in Marple event, to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. After many months of preparations, those discussions will come to fruition over the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July, when 21 Marple Gardens will open their gates to the public for the very first time.

As well as opening their gardens, many owners will be carrying out additional activities to raise extra funds, such as selling plants, serving refreshments and running games and competitions.

There is an overall map that allows people to navigate between gardens, which are grouped into four smaller zones. Use the zone maps to get a brief description of each garden together with details of what’s available nearby.

The four zones are: Rose Hill Zone; Marple Centre Zone; Allotment Zone and Marple Ridge Zone.

Tickets can be bought in advance from the Cancer Research Shop on Market Street and Littlewoods Butchers on Church Lane. Also available on the day from Marple Memorial Park, information points and individual gardens. For £6 you can buy a ticket for either day or you can make the most of both days for just £10. Accompanied Under-16s go FREE! Gardens are open from 11am each day until 5pm.

Friends of Marple Memorial Park will also be welcoming visitors to the glorious town centre park and Marple Allotment Association will do the same at Seven Stiles Allotments.

FLOWER POWER Local people are showing their support for Cancer Research UK by displaying a pot, tub or hanging basket planted with flowers in any combination of the charity’s distinctive colours - bright pink, dark blue, light blue, purple and white. Look out for these all over Marple.

PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND All the information you need to plan your garden visits is available at www.marple.website/opengardens where you will find detailed maps and information about parking, refreshments and so on.

This is shaping up to be a fabulous event, all on your doorstep in Marple! INSIDE Marple hopes it is a huge success, raising lots of money for CRUK. If you have any queries in advance call 0161 427 5712 On the weekend itself call 07753 311652 www.marple.website/opengardens

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Stone Love…day Times an incredible out Two! There is nothing quite like the beauty of stone surfaces to add that extra quality to your kitchen, bathroom or indeed any other room of your house... and at The Granite & Marble Shop they offer an amazing array of literally hundreds of colours and styles to suit all tastes.

Additionally, should you fancy a beautiful stone dining table, coffee table or any other kind of table, then their ‘sister company’ All In Stone have a fantastic selection of all sizes and types to choose from.

The two companies are owned and run by Gary Rogers and his wife Rita, supported ably by their sons Craig & Scott, together with their very loyal local employees. The Granite & Marble Shop has been established over 10 years and has grown steadily, built on recommendations and focus on giving excellent customer service.

Until now the business has operated from one site in Reddish, Stockport. At 33,000sq foot it can showcase a large display of stone (many of them full slabs) and has a large factory where all kitchens and tables are manufactured. The business has been described many times by customers as ‘the best kept secret in Stockport’ due to it being tucked away off the main road.

However, the Rogers family are now delighted to have opened a

1500sq foot showroom on the A6 in Great Moor, Stockport. This further showcases both the beautiful stone worktops and the large selection of tables at very low prices; and if you don’t see the table you like, they will make it to your specification!

So, if you are looking to add some WOW factor to your new kitchen or looking to buy a stunning new table of any kind, then this local business would be delighted to help. Just call in to either site and see for yourself how beautiful stone can be. Opening hours are: 8am - 6pm Mon to Fri and 10am - 4pm on Saturdays.

Visit either of our showrooms

Factory Showroom (Reddish) 0161 480 4676 Reddish Factory/Showroom Roland Road, Reddish, Stockport SK5 6TJ

Showroom (Great Moor) 0161 960 0098 319 Buxton Road, Great Moor, Stockport SK2 7NL

SUMMER AT THE FORUM This summer it’s all about the kids at The Forum Theatre with two fantastic family shows being staged in Stockport. Firstly, we unveil Joseph’s coat of many colours as JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT takes to the stage.

Featuring some amazing young performers, we celebrate one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest productions which contains some memorable songs such as Any Dream Will Do, One More Angel in Heaven and Go-Go Joseph. Tickets are now on sale priced from £8 with fantastic Family Tickets available.

There are 7.30pm performances from 11 to 13 July and then a 2pm Matinee performance on Saturday 14 July.

MICKEY’S BIG DAY OUT is our Disney extravaganza as we follow Mickey Mouse as he visits a host of Disney heroes and villains and tries to locate everything that blew away out of his suitcase! Will Aladdin and the Genie be able to help? How about Ariel from Under the Sea or maybe Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother? This is the perfect live show for any Disney fan old or young!

Dress as your favourite character and have a photo with the cast after the show. 28-29 July. Tickets are priced from £8 with family tickets also available!

INSIDE readers 10% off. If booking online enter INSIDE as your discount code.

SUMMER WORKSHOPS Finally, if you have a young one who just can’t get enough of performing, then why not enrol them into our Summer Workshops Week which is taking place from 6 to 10 August, from 10am to 3pm each day at The Forum Theatre. Themed this year on the fantastic film Trolls, join us for as much singing, dancing and acting as you can cope with! Make new friends, have fun and keep busy this summer, with a special performance for friends and family on the Friday night.

Download an application form via our website or contact the admin office on 0161 430 6570 for more details. www.theforumtheatre.co.uk 24 Hr Box Office 0333 666 3366

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Diary of a geeky knitter Step out of your comfort zone Now, before you get worried that this is a motivational speech from any one of your old secondary school teachers, bear with me. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t need to be a chore or in relation to something that isn’t your idea of fun. Every time you set yourself a new personal goal or challenge, you are working to step out of your zone, and this, more often than not, can be a lot of fun!

In my case, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and into the digital realm with ‘starring’ in YouTube videos at work! Ok, so I said it doesn’t need to be a chore to step out of your comfort zone, but I am lucky enough to be working in the industry about my passion so the challenges I am set at work are often linked with my interest anyway. So, in this case I am finding a lot of fun in pushing myself further, though admittedly when I was told at work I need to start working on videos I was originally firmly against the idea.

If you are interested, search for Crochet Now TV at www.youtube.com and you will see my nervous face giving you a sneak peek inside current and past issues, and I am also starting to increase our tutorial video base (ever wanted to learn to crochet?

Watch this space for videos from yours truly!)

Of course, it doesn’t just have to be in knitting, crochet or crafts – how about simply challenging yourself to do a little more in something you love already? You just managed to nail the Couch to 5K run, why not try for 10K? But, I hear you ask, why should I step out of my comfort zone? If you are told to do so at work, or if you think your hobbies aren’t the goal-setting kind,

why bother? Particularly as, by definition, it is the very zone that you want to stay in and be comfortable. But, just think back to when you were at school, or when you were at work, and you achieved that goal that you were working towards. In order to reach that goal, you reached out of your zone, and when you managed it I bet you anything that you felt great – even for a second.

And, it shouldn’t have to be something you have to do, but something that you WANT and LOVE to do, which will only make that feeling of pleasure all the greater!

Another way I’m going to stretch the limits of my ‘zone’ is to speak at the Wives Club in High Lane in July, and also the WI in Mellor next year, about my crocheting and the work I do (I’m sure I’ll let you know how it goes!) – not because I have to but because I want to.

I really want to encourage you all to keep reaching, not just to ‘better yourself’ (though of course that’s great too), but to keep life exciting and fun, even in small ways, and you can make yourself proud to be you so easily.

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

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an incredible day out Eureka – The National Children’s Museum Amazing, fantastic, fun-packed, educational and inspirational are just a few of the superlatives that I find myself uttering after a day at this great family destination. Two grandparents, one mum and two young lads descended on Eureka in early April and had a fabulous time. As day trips go, Eureka, in Halifax, has got to be one of the best days out that I have experienced for a very long time.

An educational charity, Eureka is the only hands-on museum just for children and has brought smiles to the faces of more than 7.5 million visitors since 1992.

We’re not talking here about your average museum, where you gaze at numerous objects in glass cabinets, and a mass of accompanying information that you’re almost certain to forget.

Eureka is a million miles away from that kind of experience. It’s a fun-packed, tactile, interactive and totally absorbing experience and is especially intriguing for children aged 0-11. But believe me, there’s something for all the family. Whatever your age, it will unlock the child within you and teach you something that you didn’t know before.

There are six unique zones to discover, filled with hundreds of interactive exhibits, designed to inspire enquiring minds to find out about themselves and the world around them.

All About Me In this zone, you can meet a friendly robot, test what the body can do and enjoy role-plays in the health centre. You will learn what’s inside the human body, how intricate and fascinating the brain is and how the digestive system breaks down food.

SoundSpace Here you can create a cacophony of noises, mix your own music, direct a stage show, or visit Orby’s

by Garth Aspinall

spaceship. You will learn about the properties of sound, about music and celebrations from around the world and discover how sound can affect our emotions.

SoundGarden (Under 5s) This zone provides a colourful multi-sensory experience.

Here you can paint a butterfly’s wings then watch it fly away, listen to lullabies from around the world, or dress up like a woodland creature. You will learn about cause and effect, all about the life of bees and the differences between night and day.

Living and Working Together Here you can explore a child-sized town, tell Baku all about your dreams, withdraw (and spend) your own Eureka currency, take over a garage and visit M&S. You will learn about the world of work, what lies under our roads and pavements and where our food comes from.

Desert Discovery (Under 5s) Here you can make friends with a coyote, share a story in the story-time tent, plan and build a construction.

You will learn that what goes up must come down, learn about simple fossils and yet again, the differences between day and night.

Spark Gallery The Spark Gallery hosts exciting new temporary exhibitions that change regularly and features pop-up activities and workshops. From May to November 2018, the theme is Adventures in Digital Art. Experience some of the most exciting interactive digital tech from around the world. Navigate your way through 14 mind-blowing exhibits from The Lumen prize for digital art. Explore virtual worlds, code your own animated creature and interact with a huge digital waterfall.

Adventures in Digital Art uses large scale multi-media, motion-capture sensors and projections of light and colour to change the way you think about technology.

Continued over

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In addition to the above main zones, there is also Creative Space for under-fives, a Theatre that features special events during school holidays and an Imagination Space. Ask at the information desk to find out what activities are planned in the Theatre and in Imagination Space! If you need guidance at any time during your visit, there is a talented team of Enablers that are on hand throughout the museum to help you get the most out of your visit.

Come Rain or Shine – Eureka is a great place to visit It takes about an hour and a half to reach Halifax, so it’s good to know that whatever the weather there is pretty much guaranteed enjoyment when you get there.

All the above activities are indoors, not to mention the creative gift shop and the café which offers a wide-ranging menu at very reasonable prices. If the weather is fine, so much the better. You can picnic in the grounds of the museum, or even in Eureka’s own railway carriage.

The Essential Details For opening times visit www.eureka.org.uk The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE Tel 01422 330069 Admission/Annual Pass: Under 1s free 1 to 2 years £5.25 3+ years £12.95 You pay for your first visit and get a free Annual Pass, giving you unlimited free visits for 12 months.

Parking: 4 hours: £4 12 hours: £6 Nearby attraction (10 minutes’ walk) Piece Hall – well worth a visit if you have time and your children have patience.

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Travel - By car or by train (Manchester Victoria to Halifax station which is located right next to Eureka)

Get connected with your teens and children!

Do you worry about the relationship you have with your children or teenager? Do you feel the connection is fading between you? Is your relationship with them becoming stressful? You are not alone. All relationships have challenges and that between a parent/carer and their child is no different, both for the youngsters and for the whole family.

Caroline Peacock, who runs Heart-to-Heart programmes and works with children and teens and their parents or carers, offers her help in strengthening relationships and improving communication skills in families. Caroline is an accredited Heart-to-Heart Practitioner and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her years in evidence-based family support and specialist therapeutic roles within the local authority sector.

She explains, “Heart-to-Heart is fun, flexible and based on the latest research from University College London and

The Tavistock Centre. The research shows that support for the parent-child relationship helps with setting the scene for the best outcomes for children right into adulthood.

This is why I have a passion for working with those who want to reconnect and re-ignite their special bond.”

Heart-to-Heart provides: ■■ Local sessions designed specifically for parents/carers and their children/teens ■■ Enjoyable, interactive and low-key activities and resources to help strengthen relationships either oneto-one or in a contained and nurturing group ■■ An opportunity to explore all aspects of late childhood and teen development. Why do teens turn nocturnal?

What changes are happening in the teenage brain?

What emotional, neurological and psychological developments are our tweens and teens going through?

■■ The latest science of attachment including multimedia clips, Lego® models and the occasional junk sculpture made of sellotape and paper straws ■■ Evidence-based tools and techniques to help members manage stress and develop resilience ■■ Opportunities to develop a supportive network with other families and carers that may continue after the programme ends.

Heart-to-Heart sessions are starting in September and will be running in your area.

Caroline offers group sessions or bespoke 1:1 programmes; home-visits or sessions at her rooms. To find out about either, visit Facebook page: Heart to Heart Cheshire for the dates and times and location of the taster events at the end of August, which are FREE if booked by the end of July. Alternatively, please contact Caroline at carolinejanepeacock@ gmail.com or on 07930 904 772

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quick crossword Across 1 Attractiveness (6) 4 Surgeon’s protective clothing (6) 8 Paperwork (abbr) (5) 9 Afghan militia (7) 10 North African country (7) 11 Bamboo-loving bear (5) 12 Defamatory (9) 17 44th President of the United States (5) 19 Serving dish (7) 21 Adult (5,2) 22 Financial resources, income (5) 23 Beer and lemonade mix (6) 24 Fastened, supported (6)

down 1 German Romantic composer (6) 2 Most senior commander in the Navy (7) 3 Loose fitting long top (5) 5 Syncopated West Indian music (7) 6 Metropolitan (5) 7 Strappy summer shoe (6) 9 Jocular British way of saying goodbye (6,3) 13 Hit hard on the head (slang) (7) 14 Misfortune, hindrance (7) 15 Evades, eludes (6) 16 Levered (6) 18 Hawaiian greeting (5) 20 Confess (5)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 44

Here at Uniquely Chic Furniture we source and sell quality pine, oak, vintage and shabby chic furniture.

We have a vast range of stock which changes constantly. New pieces arriving almost daily.

We also paint furniture. Our painting team are experts at transforming our furniture, or yours, into hand painted, individual, unique pieces. If you have a favourite or inherited piece that fits your space why not have it upcycled and uplifted in our workroom? We occasionally buy your furniture or sometimes we even do part exchanges, so why not pop in and see us, or email us.

As well as furniture, we also sell lighting, mirrors, shabby chic home accessories and gifts. New and returning customers always use the same two phrases when they visit...”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”! We are open 6 days a week, including weekends. Come and visit us, you never know what you will find when you step through the door.

Canalside, Goyt Mill, Upper Hibbert Lane, Marple SK6 7HX Tel: 0161 484 5116 or 07785 794308 Email: uniquelychicfurniture@hotmail.co.uk www.uniquelychicfurniture.co.uk Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10-5.30pm Sunday 11-4.30pm Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays) @be_uniquelychic

@shabbychicuk Official stockists of Frenchic ecofriendly chalk paint and accessories.

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IN MEMORY OF RACHEL Use the Dark Peak Explorer map OL1 Ref SK 002 871 Allow about 3 hours This is a short walk, about 5 miles, with one fairly short and undemanding hill and some delightful views towards the Kinder area. It’s well within the capabilities of those who prefer a less strenuous walk. As the reader will see, some of it is rather poignant too.

The walk starts from the Packhorse Inn, on the left of the minor road from New Mills to Marple. It is advisable to park on the higher car parks so as to allow room for other visitors to the pub. It makes for an excellent start point for walking, and the Inn is geared for walkers as well as having overnight accommodation. It also has an extensive and appetising lunch menu.

Walk a short distance back down the road towards New Mills until a footpath sign is reached on the right-hand side of the road. This footpath goes up the hill towards some houses visible in the distance. Make sure you turn around for a brief rest on the climb and admire the views on the other side of the valley. In the distance you can see the heather-covered hills with the streams running off the peaks and the distinct downfall of Kinder can be seen by those with keen eyesight. When we were there, traces of snow could be seen in the many gullies of the high peaks, probably trapped by the prevailing wind.

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by Peter Jaques www.poynton-ramblers.org.uk

Carrying on to the top of the hill, the footpath skirts a large house called Woodhouse Home and a narrow road is then reached, called Castle Edge Road where you turn right. A short distance on the left is a set of stables which also seem to be used for dog walking.

Just after this we took an old quarry road on the left, this is just before a wooded area is reached on the right, which is marked on the Ordnance Survey as a bird sanctuary.

Follow this track for about a mile until another farm track is reached on the left which is the route to take.

This has many potholes which in wet weather soon fill up with water. The track rises slowly for about a mile until a small metal gate is reached on the left which is passed through. This is a footpath regularly used by cyclists as the tyres leave deep ruts in the path needing care; it was also very muddy when we were there.

Soon a trig point was reached and the path veers right through a disused quarry. It is believed that this area was a burial ground in prehistoric times, although no sign of it exists today.

After following the path, there appears a large wooden cross which dominates the area being on top of the hill, this is known as Mellor Cross. Unfortunately the top has collapsed, possibly through vandalism, and we were told that there is no money for its repair.

There is a narrow, rather rough road beneath the cross and we turned left along it, passing Higher Copston Farm and then Three Chimneys Cattery, until soon the

road ended, and it became a footpath again. A short distance along this path we passed another footpath sign on the right pointing downwards, which we ignored and carried straight on.

A few yards after this, a stone ‘squeeze stile’ appears, on the top of the right-hand stone is carved the shape of a cat, whilst on the inside of the other gritstone pillar there is a metal plaque with a poem inscribed on it, the words of the poet, Rachel Lowe, aged ten.

On the other side of the stile is a stone bench with the inscription ‘In loving memory of Rachel Jane Lowe 1987 – 2003. We all felt that if someone could pen this poem at the tender age of ten, she must have had a lot of talent; so sad that she succumbed to her fatal illness, believed to have been a blood disorder. Her stone bench was in a very muddy area, so we decided to have a coffee break on a concrete bench against a stone wall, slightly higher up on the left. This one was in memory of a lady farmer who presumably farmed the area for most of her life.

After our break we set off again, but this time the path becomes very indistinct and it was difficult to see the right direction to take. Although not essential, a compass is useful - we took the direction downhill, south west moving away from the stone wall and passed through a wooden gate in a wire fence (possibly electrified.) Ahead of us we could see a small coppice of trees, and we headed for the bottom right hand side of the trees and climbed over a rather decaying wooden stile. The route turns left here over rather another muddy field and across to yet another stile.

The field here is rather overgrown and the route goes

The Walk

left to the last stile. After this, we followed the fence on the left until we passed a gate through into what appears to be a track leading to another small road.

Here we turned right, back to Castle Edge Road and then left to the wooded bird sanctuary where the route turns right down a farm track to the New Mills/Marple road. This is a minor road, but it can be busy with fast moving traffic, turning right you pass Broadhurst Farm and finally arrive back at the Packhorse Inn, where most of the group enjoyed a well-cooked lunch.

This walk was organised by Poynton Rambling Club. www.poynton-ramblers.org.uk

THE MAGIC BOX I will put it in my box The trickling of the rain in the middle of a violent storm The winds of the almighty God The fiery sun of the summer day The magical silence of the darkest ocean I will put it in my box All the creatures of the Coral Sea The scary cackle of the mountain witch The sound of the moonlit wolf And the galaxies around the earth I will put it in my box An underwater roller coaster A giant candy tree And a castle of chocolate just for me I will put it in my box All the Caribbean islands on the earth The exciting future ahead of us And in my room a bed made of fluffy pink marshmallow My box is made of all the moons and glowing stars of the galaxy The hinges will be made of flowers and the inside will be a glowing whirlwind of colours In my box I will catch all the wonderful things that are created And live in a castle high in the clouds And I won’t rest until I have been everywhere and seen everyone.

By Rachel Lowe, Age 10

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Travel the World… by train What better way to travel across continents than by rail? Air travel has of course brought the big wide world closer and we can get to our destinations, however far flung, in a remarkably short space of time, but for many people, nothing beats travelling by rail.

A slower journey, with an ever-changing view from the window with all the romantic notions of times past, travel by rail has great appeal. Enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, thanks chiefly to Michael Portillo and his TV programmes exploring the UK, Europe, America and most recently, India.

mountain ranges and glacier fed lakes.

Rail to Shimla: The Shivalik Express, known as the ‘toy train’ being on a 2ft 6” gauge railway in the foothills of the Himalayas also has UNESCO World Heritage. Stunning scenery and Shimla was the jewel in the crown of the British Raj, using it as their summer headquarters due to the lovely temperate climate.

Rail holidays can be booked as part of an organised escorted tour, with all details taken care of by your guide, or you can travel independently, where we can design a personal itinerary, with private car transfers between points – when not on a train of course!

Our top ten rail journeys: Switzerland: The Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the Jungfrau Railway – Switzerland is known for its very efficient rail service; these three trains are famous for their scenery, and the Bernina Express has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

The Rocky Mountaineer: experience the stunning scenery of British Columbia and Alberta, following historic train routes constructed over 100 years ago.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of forests, deep canyons, winding rivers, majestic

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The Orient Express: what better way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary than with a trip on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. From the moment you board, you take a step back in time to the bygone, golden age of rail travel, with the highest levels of personal service, with outstanding cuisine served in a stylish dining car and a civilised bar carriage.

The Blue Train and Rovos Rail: South Africa is blessed with outstanding natural beauty and the most comfortable way to discover the scenery is aboard two

by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

sumptuous trains that traverse the country. Again, we can build a wider itinerary taking in Cape Town, the Garden Route and a safari to encompass this amazing destination.

The Indian Pacific and the Ghan: From North to South or East to West, you can cross Australia by train.

The Indian Pacific is a three-day journey between Perth and Sydney and the Ghan travels between Darwin and Adelaide, stopping at Alice Springs – gateway to the ‘Red Centre’ of Australia and Uluru.

The Tranzalpine in New Zealand: Another supremely scenic journey through the Southern Alps of South Island New Zealand from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast. From here you can explore the Glaciers, Queenstown, and the other highlights of New Zealand.

Amtrak – anywhere in the States! If you have followed Michael Portillo on his recent trips around America, you will know that the rail system in the USA gives a vast choice of options and itineraries.

The Hiram Bingham in Peru: what better way to arrive at Machu Picchu than on this beautiful deluxe train? Sink into an armchair in the 1920s-style carriages, where polished wood and brass catch the light. Make your way to the Observation Car to watch the sun rise or give way to starry skies. Your Peruvian adventure has begun.

The Polar Express: When travelling in Norway, the Polar Express will take you from Oslo to Trondheim and Bodo, great for viewing the Northern Lights. In summer, travel from Oslo to Bergen and on to Balestand and the beautiful Sognofjord, taking a trip on the tiny Flam Railway too! …and many more, so if you would like to travel the world by train, phone us on 01625 584195 or make an appointment and visit us at Travel by Design in Alderley Edge.

inside people A new career at 78 for Eileen Kinsey!

Eileen Kinsey was born in Stockport in April 1936.

She attended St Mary’s Primary School Reddish, later becoming a boarder at Cheadle Hulme School.

Initially very unhappy there - she cried every night for the first three weeks – she eventually enjoyed her time at the school and the firstclass education it provided.

Leaving at 17, she intended to become a nurse, but as she suffered from allergies, was unable to do so. Eileen trained to be a teacher at Edge Hill College, then all female, where students had to be in their rooms before ten o’clock and where male visitors were only permitted at weekends, with parental approval and had to leave by six pm.

Eileen left college in 1957 and, after being interviewed by a Town Hall panel of 13 people, she began teaching at Bridge Hall primary. In 1958 she married Arthur and they had two children, a son in 1965 and a daughter in 1971. After a brief spell doing home tuition and supply work, in 1973 Eileen helped establish a peripatetic support service for children with reading difficulties.

Four years later she returned to classroom teaching at Queensgate.

Eileen retired at 53 and retrained on an IT secretarial course, following which she assisted her son in his IT recruitment business. This she combined with grandmotherly duties for her six grandchildren.

When she was 78, Eileen began a new career. Her daughter-in-law drew her attention to an advert for parts in a tv advertisement featuring elderly ladies knitting breakfast cereal. The required age band for applicants was 65 to 73. Eileen was too old. To her surprise however, she received an invitation to meet

28

Mark Potts, the head of the recruitment agency, who after an interview, arranged a photo shoot.

Since then the work has never stopped. Eileen has featured as an extra and with walk-on parts in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, in advertisements for Iceland with Peter Andre, and was taken by taxi to Liverpool to take part in an advertisement for Nivea with a famous footballer which has been shown in Denmark, Holland and Ireland as well as the UK. In Coronation Street she was one of the four women who regularly attended funerals to steal food from the buffets. She was the lady in Emmerdale who assisted Ashley when he left hospital in his pyjamas.

Eileen has also featured in Crimewatch, as the victim of a card theft and in a harrowing episode of a violent burglary. She is currently in car adverts as a nosy neighbour and the grandma getaway driver and appeared in eight episodes of 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown with Jimmy Carr.

Eileen is a member of the Lindow singers who perform four concerts a year - their next production will be Pirates of Penzance. The choir combines with others to form a Festival Choir which has performed in Cyprus, Holland, Vienna, Bratislava and the Isle of Man. Eileen enjoys scampi and chips and her favourite music is Mozart and traditional jazz, especially Mart Rogers of Manchester Jazz. Her reading interests include Jeffrey Archer, Alan Bennett, Catherine Cookson, sci-fi and detective novels. Her pet hates are queue jumpers and injustice.

Widely travelled, Eileen loves the US which she visited frequently. Her recent trips abroad to Dublin, Slovakia, Hungary and Italy have been to karate competitions with her grandchildren, two of whom are European champions in their age group.

If she hadn’t been a teacher, Eileen would have liked to be a child psychologist or, after her recent new career experiences, an actress.

Last word from Eileen There is always time to take up new opportunities.

Keep busy and do things. It’s never too late to start something different.

by Ed Blundell

Enjoy the summer with a garden visit!

The NGS has more great gardens ready to open in the next two months. Here are brief details of a few of them. Don’t forget that as well as the characteristic yellow booklets and the larger national ‘Gardens to Visit’ handbook, there is also an NGS app and the NGS website (www.ngs.org,uk) which all have fuller description, directions, prices and everything you need to know.

drifting into large areas of wildflower meadows, natural ponds, with plantings of unusual tree varieties.

On 8 July only, the wonderful gardens at Cogshall Grange, Antrobus, (CW9 6BJ) designed by one of the world’s top designers, Tom Stuart Smith, opens once again. But be warned: as the estate is up for sale, if it was bought, it may disappear from public view. Grab the chance this year!

On Sunday 1 July, Bollin House (SK9 2BW) and Well House (SK9 2BU) at Wilmslow both open on one ticket.

The former hasn’t opened before to the general public, but only to private groups so it’s a chance to enjoy their wonderful wild flower meadows. Parking is difficult at the former garden especially but see the NGS booklet/book/ website/app under ‘Bollin House’ entry for helpful tips.

10 Statham Ave, Lymm, (WA19 9NH) is a beautifully structured and planted suburban garden, whilst 218 Marple Road, Offerton (SK2 5HE) is large and densely planted with lots of innovative features guaranteed to amuse the visitor.

On both 7 and 8 July, the garden at Brooke Cottage, Handforth (SK9 3LT) of sometime contributor to this magazine, Barry Davy and his wife will be opening, after a major revamp: exciting! On the same two days Rowley House (CW4 8DX) at Kermincham (near Jodrell Bank) opens, with its modern, formal areas around the cottage,

Cobbs Lane

If you are free midweek, 5 Cobbs Lane, Hough (CW2 5JN) opens on Wednesday 1 July (also again on Saturday 14). David and his wife Linda, have lots of unusual perennials growing really well. Also, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15, 8a Warwick Drive, Hale (WA15 9EA) returns to the NGS after a year off: small but beautifully formed, with a stunning herbaceous border. The two gardens at West Drive, Gateley (SK8 4JJ) are rightly famed for their February snowdrop display, but also put on a great summer show on Sunday 15 July.

Returning to the scheme after a break, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22, is 17 Poplar Grove, Sale, (M33 3AX) the innovative garden of potter Gordon Cooke.

Also returning after a break from the scheme of some years is the stunning garden of wedding venue Hilltop, Prestbury (SK10 4ED)

Cogshall Grange

by John Hinde www.ngs.org.uk

To finish off the July openings, Winterbottom House, Mere (WA16 0QQ) opens on Sunday 29, to show off its classic charms.

Continued over

31

On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August, another new garden makes an appearance. Field House, Lymm (WA13 0TQ) is garden designer Emma Aspinall’s own garden so you can expect something special. This garden opened for us many years ago, so will no doubt show significant changes.

In contrast, regular opener 21 Scafell Close, Stockport (SK6 8JA) is planted with perennials and annuals in riotous but co-ordinated designs.

On Sunday 5 August only, 73 Hill Top Ave, Cheadle, (SK8 7HZ) the garden of expert plants woman Elaine Land, will be open as it has for so many years, in aid of the NGS. On the weekend of 11/12 August, Laskey Farm, Thelwall (WA4 2TF) opens to, no doubt, the usual queues of visitors. Great planting, terrific water engineering (I refuse to call such great work ‘water features!) Enjoy! You often get to enjoy live music, too.

Finally, in August, Beechwood Cottage, Lymm, (WA13 0AT) returns to the NGS after a few years’ break.

There is lots more topiary, you’d think you were at Levens Hall in Cumbria!

Remember that many gardens also offer private visits to groups from clubs. The booklet, website etc will give you details of how to arrange those.

Finally, the NGS is always interested to hear from people who might wish to open for us and raise money for our mainly nursing charities. In the first instance, contact john.hinde@maylands.com or 0151 353 0032, or any member of our volunteer team listed in the booklet or on the website.

Laskey Farm

32

Dreaming Spires There’s something wildly romantic about spires of flowers thrusting up through the other plants. Their shapes add drama to a border by contrasting with lower growing plants without looking out of scale.

Stems clothed in flower fill the gaps between bushier plants, take the eye away from fences and walls behind and create movement as they wave in the breeze. They are well worth the extra effort when staking is required.

These are some of my favourites.

The classic spireshaped flower is the delphinium with large flowers clothing the tall stems up to 3ft/90cm tall. They traditionally came in every shade of blue, although now you can get white, pink and cream varieties.

Delphiniums love a sunny spot and a freedraining soil enriched with lots of well-rotted muck or compost. They will need staking as the flower stems are heavy and they also need protecting from slugs and snails when they start growing in spring.

On a smaller scale are veronicas which range in height from 3ft/90cm down to less than 9in/22cm. One of my favourites is the glossy-leaved Veronica gentianoides which is palest blue. This lovely 1ft/30cm tall plant will grow in good soil in sun or shade. Even lovelier is variety Tissington White. Slightly taller is Veronica Pink Damask with lovely rose-pink flowers in mid-summer.

The taller cousins of veronica are veronicastrums that

34

by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

reach up to 5ft tall and have airy, often branching spires. These rarely need staking in my garden and I love their silhouettes against the sky. They come in shades of white, pink and blue and are easy to grow in most soil types in a spot that gets some sun. My favourite is the delicately shaped Lavender Tower.

Verbascums (Mullein) come in a big range of pastel colours. There are many good seed mixes you can buy like Southern Charm which is a mix of pastel shades.

Chaxii Album (white) is also easy from seed. Watch out for the caterpillars of the Mullein Moth in late May that can quickly devour the leaves and flowers if left to their own devices.

There are many other wonderful spire-shaped flowers to discover – I haven’t even had time to mention lupins - but I hope this “in-spires” you to add some dream spires to your borders.

Janet and I run Special Perennials. We attend Plant Hunters’ Fairs and will be at the wonderful Henbury Hall Garden, Macclesfield (SK11 9PJ) on Sunday 16 September with entry to this lovely rarely open 12-acre garden and plant fair only £2.50. For full details of these and other Plant Hunters’ Fairs please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

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.

Friday 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.

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

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

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

37

inside guide

july - august 2018

selected events in your area

Sunday 1 July

Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 July

Butty Church Bacon Butties (vegetarian option available) and fun for all the family. First Sunday of every month.

Marple United Reformed Church, Hollins Hill, Marple Bridge 9am

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

NK Theatre Arts proudly presents a Youth Group performance of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical will be presented by the NK Youth Theatre members who will be retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and the coat of many colours. This magical musical, the UK’s longest running, is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Ticket prices £10/£8 / Group ticket £30 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Romiley, Stockport SK6 4EA Matinee Wednesday-Friday 7.30pm Saturday 2pm

Thursday 5 July

Wednesday 11 July

Ludworth and Mellor Women’s Institute Monthly Meeting Why not join us at our July meeting for “A Penny’s Worth”

by Penny Dean OBE. Penny will inspire us as she talks about being born with dwarfism and coping with childhood, marriage, children and society. New members and visitors are always welcome Women’s Institute Hall, Lower Fold, Marple Bridge, 2pm for 2.15pm

Marple & District Probus Club Paddle Steamer Preservation, an illustrated talk by David Haddleton The talk lasts an hour, with a break part way through for coffee/tea and then questions and any discussion at the end. We usually finish by 11.45amVisitors and prospective members are always welcome. No charge for visitors.

For further details call 0161 427 1348 Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, SK6 6BE 10.15am

Monday 2 July

Thursday 5 July 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 Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 July Open Gardens in Marple Fundraising for Cancer Research UK See page 7 for details

Tuesday 10 July East Cheshire National Trust Association Lecture – Bringing the Law to Life with Laughter with Sue Holden Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Tuesday 17 July Marple Bridge and Mellor U3A Geoff Scargill - Miracle in Manchester (John Barbirolli and the Manchester Halle Orchestra.)

St Paul’s Church, Compstall 10am

Tuesday 17 July Simply Books presents Dan Toombs aka ‘The Curry Guy’ Join us for a brilliant evening as ‘The Curry Guy’ shares the secrets of fuss-free curries and cooks a couple of delicious dishes from his mouth-watering new book ‘The Curry Guy EASY’ for us to sample! Tickets £8 (includes food tasting and £3 towards purchase of the book). To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7pm Continued over

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

39

Sunday 22 July

Sunday 5 August

Secret Garden Concert with Hazel Grove Brass Band A picnic concert to raise funds for the Friends of Torkington Park and Hazel Grove Brass Band.

Tickets £3.50- available from 1.30pm. Bring own food, drinks and chairs. Gazebos will be set up in case of wet weather! For further info contact: 0161 483 2206 or torkingtonpark@yahoo.co.uk.

Torkington Park 2pm to 4pm

Butty Church Bacon Butties (vegetarian option available) and fun for all the family. First Sunday of every month.

Marple United Reformed Church, Hollins Hill, Marple Bridge 9am

Wednesday 25 July Marple & District Probus Club The Author J B Priestley, a talk by Derek Slater The talk lasts an hour, with a break part way through for coffee/tea and then questions and any discussion at the end.

We usually finish by 11.45am Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

No charge for visitors.

For further details call 0161 427 1348 Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, SK6 6BE 10.15am

Tuesday 31 July Marple Civic Society Planning Workshops – TOOLS TO ACHIEVE THE VISION Get your own back: be a thorn in the side of the planners!

Speakers: Peter Black - Land-use Planner & Simon Temple Transport Planner.

The sessions will be a mixture of discussions, case studies, talks and Q&A sessions. If you let us know you are coming it will help us with refreshments and seating arrangements - but if you can’t just come along anyway. To book a place on the workshop email: mail@marplecivicsociety.org.uk or Ring 427 1379 or Txt: 07793 214 591 Registration and refreshments 2pm - Workshop 2.20 to 4.30pm

Thursday 2 August 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 Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

40

Monday 6 August Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz £7 entry enquiries 01663 763532 High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane.

SK6 8DR 8pm

Wednesday 8 August Marple & District Probus Club White Sails and Blue Sea, an illustrated talk by Gordon Langworth The talk lasts an hour, with a break part way through for coffee/tea and then questions and any discussion at the end.

We usually finish by 11.45am Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

No charge for visitors.

For further details call 0161 427 1348 Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, SK6 6BE 10.15am

Tuesday 14 August East Cheshire National Trust Association Lecture – London Guilds’ with Ray Hoerty Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Wednesday 22 August Marple & District Probus Club Marple in the 17th Century, an illustrated talk by Anthony Burton The talk lasts an hour, with a break part way through for coffee/tea and then questions and any discussion at the end.

We usually finish by 11.45am Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

No charge for visitors.

For further details call 0161 427 1348 Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Memorial Park, SK6 6BE 10.15am

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

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

Now, you may think you

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

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

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

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Richard and he services Marple and surrounding areas.

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

“

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

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simply books

book club choice

Colm Toibin is one of my favourite Irish authors. I particularly enjoyed two of his earlier novels Brooklyn and Nora Webster which caught the feel of life in a small Irish town in the late fifties and early sixties – Brooklyn went on to be a successful film (which we also enjoyed showing at Simply Cinema!). His new book House of Names is a very different venture – a re-telling of the classical Greek story of the Oresteia. On the eve of a great battle a father (Agamemnon) sacrifices his own daughter (Iphigenia) to save his army. Three years later, he returns home victorious in battle and his murderous action has set the entire family – mother, brother, sister – on a path of intimate and barbarous revenge. This is a story told in plain and compelling language, the moments of unthinkable violence expressed with brutal simplicity. And it’s a page-turner too. These classic taIes retain such power – it’s quite remarkable that a family drama, first recounted over 2000 years, ago can be re-worked to jump off the page and feel so fresh.

Stay With Me is a debut novel by Nigerian author, Ayobami Adebayo. The novel’s central character Yejide is hoping for a miracle – for a child. It’s all her husband wants of her, all her mother-in-law expects, and she has tried everything. But when the family insist on installing a ‘second’ wife to provide a child it’s all too much for Yejide to bear. Told against the backdrop of the social and political turbulence of 1980’s Nigeria, this is a moving story about the nature of married love and the all-consuming bonds of motherhood. There are some truly heart-breaking moments, but it is also a story about hope and redemption.

And for the children…Judith Kerr is most famous for her classic picture books The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog The Forgetful Cat – firm favourites with generations of children. Now, at the age of 95, Judith has a new book Katinka’s Tail, a delightful story about an ordinary cat with an extraordinary (and rather magical!) tail. Katinka’s Tail has been shortlisted for this year’s Simply Books Book Factor Competition and recently Sue had the privilege to visit Judith in her London home, accompanied by two of our Junior Book Reviewers, to film an interview for our Book Factor Presentation.

They even met Katinka – who is every bit as mischievous in real life as she is in the book!

42

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

puzzle solutions

don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is Thursday 9 August Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk to secure your space.

44

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 0161 427 2378 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

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

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

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

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0345 988 1188

cook needed Marple United Reformed Church hosts a Luncheon Club for elderly people who live in Marple and district.

Please call Joan Brown if you think you can help in any way.

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

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 480 4949

local government Stockport MBC

Schools

0161 217 6009

0161 483 1010 111

Libraries Marple Library

0845 722 3344 0161 427 2046 0843 903 3213

We’re looking for a volunteer who is available, for a couple of hours in the morning, to cook a two-course meal on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

Marple Post Office Marple Bridge Post Office Marple Sorting Office

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

0161 427 3336 0161 427 2033

Call: 07717 033219

classified index ADULT EDUCATION Aquinas College

ELECTRICIANS 13

SCZ Electrical Services TBG Inspection Services

33

ESTATE AGENTS

BATHROOMS Bathroom Design

Edward Mellor

BEAUTY Cosmeticare

42

FURNITURE

RELATIONSHIPS

33

Uniquely Chic 10

32

27 36 11

SR Computers Stuart Henderson

44 16

DECORATORS Edmondson’s Decorators

36

LOCKSMITHS Sure Locks

43

More Than Loft Ladders

37

35

NEUROLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY 30

Joseph Deighton

16

OPTICIANS Roger Fisher

PHySiOTHERAPISTS Marple Physio

Heart to Heart

19

Abstract Roofing Services

27

Sure Locks

37

Whiting and Mason

Back Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS The Stair Shop

21

TAXIS Lynx Taxis

14

TRAVEL Travel by Design

26

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES Pate & Lever Windows

35

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS Cloudy2Clear The Window Repair Centre

18

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is Thursday 9 August Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk 46

Inside Front Cover

SOLICITORS 37 17 8

LOFT LADDERS

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

22

LOCAL GOVERNMENT William Wragg MP

COMPUTER & INTERNET

16

SECURITY

KITCHENS Matt Finish Pro Glass 4 Splashbacks The Granite & Marble Shop

30

ROOFING 43

HEARING SERVICES Cheshire Hearing Centres

16

23

GARAGE DOORS Carrington Doors

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Hawk Green Cricket Club Romiley Operatic Society The Forum Theatre

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

Martin Quinn

CHIMNEY SERVICES Mr Soot

PATIOS 6

PLUMBING & HEATING

CAR BODYWORK REPAIRS Chips Away

33 43

Adlington Memorial Park 5 Brian Sharples & Son

Inside Back Cover Malcom Shaw & Son 44

BUILDING SOCIETIES Vernon Building Society

Eco Dazzle Oven Clean

FUNERAL SERVICES

BUILDING SERVICES Whitehall Builders Ltd

43 33

18

BOOKSHOPS Simply Books

OVEN CLEANING

Secure your space now!

41 29