Inside Marple Issue 36

inside m a r p l e march - April 2017

magazines

Issue 36

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

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

magazines

inside m a r p l e

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

Welcome to our March-April issue. This is such a wonderful time of year as we see the first signs of spring and begin to look forward to the longer, lighter days ahead.

A new year is the traditional time to plan a few changes and as publishers we have a few in store for 2017. To get the ball rolling we’ve refreshed the design of our magazines with the aim of doing real justice to the content and giving you the best possible experience.

Thanks as always to our contributors for their allimportant editorial pieces which make the magazines so readable and enjoyable. Thanks also to our advertisers, old and new, who bring such quality services and products to the local community; please support them whenever you can.

And finally, you know most about what’s going on in your area. Feel free to send information about anything that you think might interest our readers, including photos that we might be able to use on the cover or inside the magazine.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Co-Editors - Garth Aspinall

What’s INSIDE this month 4 simply books Book club choice 7 Local History Books 8 Inside People 11 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 12 the Long Weekend 14 Crossword 17 In Touch 21 photographers wanted 24 the walk 26 Sudoku 12 30 NGS Gardens 32 Children’s Activities 35 Just 4 Kids 39 Inside Guide 44 Puzzle Solutions 45 Useful Numbers 46 Classified Index 17 Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

21

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk The bell tower at All Saints Church by Garth Aspinall.

7

Copy deadline for the next issue: tue 11 april

14

24

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 2017. 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

35

simply books

book club choice

Following decades shrouded in secrecy the work of the wartime codebreakers at Bletchley Park – in particular the brilliant contribution Alan Turing made towards cracking the Enigma Code – has been very much in the public eye lately. The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch was an award-winning film and a recent revival of Hugh Whitemore’s play Breaking The Code at The Royal Exchange played to packed houses. Now we have a novel about Alan Turing - The Fall Of Man In Wilmslow by David Lagercrantz. The book opens with the discovery of Alan Turing’s body in June 1954 at his home on Adlington Road (on the outskirts of Wilmslow) and its investigation by a young detective Leonard Corell. We follow Corell as he digs deep into Turing’s life and tries to understand the circumstances which have led to his untimely death – was it an accident or a suicide (as recorded by the coroner)? Who was Turing and why was his work of such groundbreaking significance?

The book captures the febrile atmosphere of the Cold War and the open hostility towards homosexuals (such as Turing) - seen as potential blackmail targets for the Russians (the ‘Cambridge’ spies Burgess and Maclean had only recently defected). There are also some interesting digressions which take us into the world of Bletchley Park and Turing’s mathematical work. Although heavily biographical this is nevertheless a work of fiction (Leonard Corell was not a real person!) with a strong narrative and a storyline that holds your attention throughout. Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the book – not least because of an enduring fascination for one of the most influential figures of the last century whose contribution at Bletchley Park and to the development of computers was only acknowledged posthumously. Plus it’s a story set on our doorstep – I daresay many of you will be familiar with the Blue Plaque which marks Alan Turing’s house on Adlington Road.

My second choice is Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss set in the 1880s. Only weeks after their marriage a young couple embark on a six-month period of separation. Tom Cavendish travels to Japan to build lighthouses and his wife Ally (one of the first women to qualify as a doctor) takes work at the Truro asylum where she struggles against the terrible conditions imposed on the patients, the morals of Victorian society and her own demons. Tom and Ally’s twin narratives are told in alternate chapters and the comparisons and contrasts between their respective experience is a central theme of the book. There’s also an interlude when Ally returns to her childhood home in Manchester to work with some of the poorest families in the city’s hideous slums.

This is a beautifully written and engaging story which we all enjoyed – so much so that many of us are now reading the author’s prequel Bodies of Light which describes Ally’s early life and her medical training. We will be hosting an event with Sarah Moss on 17 May. You can find details (including how to book tickets) on our website www.simplybooks.info

4

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

6

local history books SECRET STOCKPORT

Past Times of Macclesfield Volume IV

By Ian Littlechilds & Phil Page £14.99

By Dorothy Bentley Smith £12.99

The latest title in Amberley’s ‘Secret’ series explores Stockport’s secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Local history buffs might also be interested in this fourth volume of a collection of local history newspaper columns by celebrated local historian Dorothy Bentley Smith.

No part of Stockport is recorded in the Domesday Book but there are records which show a castle was built in the area in the late 12th century and the first borough charter was granted around the year 1220. The town developed in size during the Industrial Revolution when its site at the confluence of the rivers, Tame, Goyt and Mersey provided the water sources needed for the development of a number of mills engaged in the manufacture of silk and hat making.

Today a walk around the narrow streets and passages of Hillgate provides evidence of Stockport’s rich history with the 15th century Staircase House and the quaint cobbled streets surrounding the market sitting in the shadow of the historic Church of St Mary. Venture out of the centre, however, and you will find Stockport is rich in myth and legend. From the witch of Reddish Vale and ghosts of Bramall Hall to the beautifully restored, Art Deco Plaza Theatre, there is always something to catch the imagination of those visitors who wish to uncover the hidden secrets of this fascinating town.

Ian Littlechilds is a professional photographer and author. Phil Page is a part-time English lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and a working professional photographer. He is a volunteer at Stockport Image Library and has participated in exhibitions at The Heaton’s Library. He has lived in Heaton Mersey for 30 years.

This particular volume consists of articles that were wholly or partially published when the author, local history expert Dorothy Bentley Smith, was a columnist for the Macclesfield Express from March 2010 to mid2012. In these articles, Dorothy covers a wide variety of topics on the theme of local history, from Victorian baths, railway outings and celebrations, to scandal, storms, and tragedy – this book dips into a multitude of topics. Each of the articles inside is accompanied by a selection of fascinating images, some of which are very rare and previously unseen.

Join Dorothy as she takes you on an insightful trip into Macclesfield’s past.

Dorothy is an author, tour guide, lecturer and accredited poet, with a passion for Macclesfield’s local history, the town which she and her late husband adopted in 1967. A former member of the Spode Society, Trustee of Christ Church and area representative for the Churches Conservation Trust (2006-2013), and now Trustee for the Stanley & Brocklehurst Almshouses and Chair of Macclesfield Heritage Forum, she continues her journey through the town’s 1,000 years of fascinating history.

Visit Simply Books to order your copy of either of these books. Both are also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.

7

inside people

ian roberts

Ian Roberts was born in Edgeley, Stockport, in February 1940. He attended Alexander Park primary school and at eleven won a scholarship to attend Mile End Grammar School, now Stockport school. Leaving at 16, Ian became a commercial apprentice, working for the Simon Carves Group. After eight and a half years working in business and studying professional and business qualifications, Ian joined ICI in 1965. He was employed there for the next 30 years becoming a corporate buyer, until his retirement aged 58.

On retiring, Ian decided he would like to pursue further study and he attended Manchester Metropolitan University where he gained a BA in Economics. His family recall that at his graduation, looking down from a balcony on the crowd of students below, they could not pick him out until he removed his mortar board. He was the only silver haired student there.

Always interested in politics, Ian joined the Young Conservatives in 1956, largely then for social reasons.

Later, as his commitment to politics developed, he sought election to Stockport Council, standing eight times before he was finally elected to the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath Ward in 1972. It was the start of 20 years distinguished service as a Stockport councillor.

Politics is a volatile business. Ian lost the Edgeley seat at the next election and later won the Adswood seat.

He subsequently served as councillor for Great Moor for four years and then Cheadle and Gatley for twelve.

During his years on the Council, Ian was always a member of the Education Committee, also sat on Housing and Finance Committees and became the leader of the Conservative Group. His only regret was that he never became Mayor.

His interest in the Council continued when he was no longer a councillor and he acted as the political adviser for the Conservative Group and regularly appeared in the public gallery to follow the debates of committees and Council.

8

by Ed Blundell

Ian has also played an active role in the work of the church in the region. As a regular attender at St George’s church he eventually became a member of the Parochial Church Council and later of the Stockport Deanery. Currently he serves on the Chester Diocesan Synod, is a member of Bishop’s Council as well as a member of the Board of Education.

Ian’s interest in education has led him to support the work of local schools and the Local Education Authority over many years. He has been an active member of GOVAS, the Stockport school governors association and chaired the local Schools’ Forum for four years. He was a governor of Kingsway High School for 20 years and for 13 Chair of Governors. Recently he became a governor of St George’s C E primary school.

Ian has two children, John and Hazel and two grandchildren, Tom and Daniel.

He is a keen gardener and for many years has been an allotment holder. His favourite food is steak and kidney pie and he admits to a passion for chocolate. He does not eat onions although he grows them and garlic on his allotment.

He relaxes watching sport on TV, is an avid Manchester United supporter, and also enjoys reading, especially Wilbur Smith novels.

Ian’s heroine is Margaret Thatcher who once visited Stockport during an election campaign and was photographed with him. Like Margaret Thatcher he also admires Winston Churchill.

He and his wife, Betty, are currently planning holidays in parts of the UK they haven’t visited before.

Last Word from Ian It has been a great privilege to serve the people of Stockport.

10

Diary of a geeky knitter Is spring here yet?

As we go into what ought to be the spring time, in the good old fashioned British weather we just can’t seem to shake that cold, wet, winter feeling. Normally around this time of year I start to feel a little down; nothing big to look forward to, like Christmas or summer holidays, and wondering just when oh when will the weather cheer up. But this year, I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to feel down, and I can’t believe we are already coming into spring!

The positives of being a serial yarn addict also means that the big bonus of long drawn out winters (or have they always lasted until May?) is that it gives me more time and excuses to stay inside, with tea and homemade cookies (yes, that’s what I have right now as I write this) and knit! Or, of course, crochet, which is how I made some new friends in the New Year.

Ok, ok, I write ‘friends’ when I actually mean giantimaginary-crochet-friends. I made two ‘creatures’ (for want of a better term) called Willow and Rowan; one for me and one for a friend’s birthday (who says those in their late 20’s can’t have toys still?) and I just love on a cold evening, to wrap up in my pjs and cuddle Willow (the blue one – she’s mine). Sad? Perhaps. But it works for me! If you are a crocheter and want to see where the pattern is from and how I made these, just head on over to the blog!

Feeding my addiction It’s not just the weather that is doing nothing for my yarny ways; have you visited Magnolia Tree in Poynton yet? I popped in in late January, to help beat those January blues I don’t seem to be suffering from yet, to say hello to Lucy and to have a look round. Funnily enough, I had spoken to Lucy through email a few weeks beforehand in my role as editorial assistant on a knitting and crochet magazine, but I wanted to say

hello in a knitting capacity and I am so glad I did. We had a lovely chat and just nattered which is always the great thing about popping into a yarn shop. I spotted some beautiful wool too, though I told myself I didn’t need it… and by the time I got home I changed my mind and promptly ordered it online from Lucy! No regrets had here – it will be knit into a scrumptious peppermint coloured (the name alone sold it for me) cable knit jumper. Can’t wait to wear that around, so if spring wouldn’t mind delaying for just a smidge longer, I would really appreciate it.

In final news, if you are a knitter, crocheter, sewer, or general crafter, I am organising a craft swap on my blog! Head on over to sign up and take part if that’s your thing, or simply keep track of everyone’s progress!

Ciao for now Insiders. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

11

The long Weekend As we face the winter days ahead and look forward to signs of Spring and warmer weather to come, there’s nothing better than having a long weekend to look forward to… a quick break to a European city for culture, food and a change of scenery. With direct flights from Manchester to make the most of the destination, we recommend…

Carcassonne, located in the South West of France, Carcassonne is the largest mediaeval fortified city in the world, and has a spectacular position on the crown of the hill, with views stretching across to the Pyrenees.

Wander the cobbled streets, browse the shops with basketware and local pottery, and stop for coffee in one of the tree lined squares. Cassoulet is the local regional speciality and is a hearty casserole of duck and sausage, perfect with crusty bread. For a special treat, book into the De La Cite Hotel, built into the city walls and next to the beautiful church. The Canal du Midi also passes through Carcassonne and a walk along its banks is not to be missed.

Reykjavik, capital city of Iceland, is on the wish list for many people, particularly to see the Northern Lights,

12

but there is so much more to see than this. The famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths are perfect for relaxation in the delightful warm waters and there are a great selection of tours from the city exploring the countryside of geysers, glaciers and volcanos.

Vienna has long enjoyed a reputation for a great short break destination. A visit to the great selection of museums and galleries to cover every taste is a must, as are the Habsburg palaces. We arranged concert tickets for recent clients and they thoroughly enjoyed the visit and their front row seats! We can also arrange tickets for the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys Choir.

by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

Lisbon is one of the friendliest, most charming and unspoilt capital cities in Europe. Whitewashed houses stretch down the sparkling River Tagus, watched over by the magnificent Castelo Sao Jorge and tree lined boulevards connect with steep winding cobbled streets.

Eating out is a treat with delicious fish and seafood dishes a speciality.

Copenhagen has been fascinating travellers from around the world since it was founded in 1167.

Many of the city’s most impressive buildings date from the golden age of the 17th Century when the extensive canal network was founded. Today you will discover excellent museums, top class restaurants, a sophisticated nightlife (with great jazz clubs), gabled houses, narrow streets, colourful markets, ancient harbours and the wonderful Tivoli Gardens.

Bologna is often regarded as Italy’s ‘richest ‘secret’, overshadowed as it is by the nearby ‘big hitters’ of Florence and Venice, yet it is a beautiful ancient and delightful city. It’s a university city – older than Oxford with some wonderful museums and piazzas and fabulous architecture. At the centre of the city is the mediaeval Asinelli Tower, and it’s worth climbing the 498 steps for fabulous panoramic views of the city.

The food of course, is fantastic, using the local Parma ham and parmigiano cheese, but you will also find that spaghetti bolognese is a Neapolitan dish and not local to the city! However, there are plenty of other pasta dishes to be had as a delicious alternative. ... and many more exciting destinations just a couple of hours direct flight from Manchester.

If you have been inspired to book a Long Weekend, contact Travel by Design on 01625 584195 for our extensive range of destinations and hotels.

13

quick crossword Across 1. Expressing Support (4) 3. Doomed (3-5) 9. Style of Desk (7) 10. Geometric Point (1,4) 11. Mentally With-It (12) 13. Plod (6) 15. Venera on (6) 17. A Sunny Autumn? (6,6) 20. A Showery Month? (5) 21. Tops of the Mountains (7) 22. Giving Way (8) 23. Stupefy (3)

down 1. Integrity (8) 2. Soft Palate (5) 4. Benign Tumour (6) 5. UFO (6,6) 6. Fabric (7) 7. Hurry (4) 8. Obdurate (6,6) 12. Incarcerate (8) 14. Intimidate (7) 16. Flag (6) 18. Intended (5) 19. Newborn (4)

14

word search Find the hidden words in the word search grid.

Gold Magnesium Silver Copper Mercury Sodium Platinum Iron Aluminium

S

G

U

F

P

S

J

Y

T

B

A

A

R

O

P

A

L

E

M

A

M

E

R

C

U

R

Y

P

L

A

T

I

N

U

M

M

P

U

G

G

N

E

E

E

E

Y

M

N

C

N

T

T

N

T

D

I

E

A

G

E

O

C

I

Z

N

S

C

O

P

P

E

R

I

I

I

O

L

O

N

D

O

T

U

U

T

D

L

L

E

N

G

M

M

I

O

I

N

S

Y

E

R

A

T

L

H

U

R

E

R

S

I

L

V

E

R

M

E

Solutions on page 44

15

16

in touch your local community noticeboard march - April 2017

PHOTO COMPETITION Friends of Marple and Rose Hill Stations are combining their resources to launch a Photograph Competition using the theme of Our Local Railways in this Area.

Rachel Singer and Peter Black, Chairs respectively of Friends of Rose Hill and Marple Stations, believe that the Marple and district area has much potential to show the talents of local people linked to the history and features around our stations and rail track. They urge all entrants to use their imagination as broadly as the inspiration takes them over the competition period which ends on Friday 21 July 2017.

The aim is to utilise 12 winning entries in their station displays, websites, publicity, year calendar etc.

With Adult and Junior (16 years or under) categories there is a top prize of £50 for each category and additional prizes awarded.

Both Friends Groups would like to thank their Sponsors, ACoRP – the Association of Community Rail Partnerships and SEMCRP – the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership for this opportunity to publicise local stations and develop their aims for increased community involvement.

Full details are on display at each station and on their websites www.forhs.org.uk and www.friendsofmarplestation.co.uk Watch out for their flyers around Marple.

MARPLE SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (MCSA) We’d love to meet you at one of the following sessions!

Every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon we have a KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and anyone (over 55) is welcome!

Just drop in and have a Knit n’ Natter with us. We would love to see you… drinks and biscuits available too at MCSA, Marple Memorial Park New in February we have started a SINGALONG every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 3.30pm Sing like a lark or croak like a frog we don’t mind! Everyone is welcome – come along and meet some new friends. Refreshments available. If you’re interested please ring 0161 427 1186.

ST MARTIN’S OPEN MORNINGS The Open Saturday mornings at St. Martin’s Church, Brabyns Brow, Lower Marple, begin again on 22 April 2017. The doors will be open from 10.30am to 12.30pm every Saturday until November.

Everyone is welcome to come see our beautiful Arts and Crafts building, windows and artefacts. Guides will be on hand to give any information required.

Continued over

17

in touch - your local community noticeboard

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 followed by a talk from 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, 8 May at 12 noon for 12.30 lunch when there will be a two course meal. The cost is £16 for guests. The speaker is Brian Green who will be talking on Andrew Lloyd Webber and his Amazing Technicolor Musicals.

To book a guest place, please ring Pam Taylor, our Booking Secretary on 0161 449 9996 before Monday 24 April.

MARPLE EXPLORING THE ARTS Marple Exploring the Arts ended its highly successful autumn 2016 season with a lively programme of music by the Amity Saxophone Quartet. The spring 2017 season promises to bring more music to Marple.

In March, members and visitors can look forward to an illustrated lecture entitled ‘The Good Old Days’. For lovers of the Big Band Sound, Ian Reed, archivist for all the BBC Big Bands in Manchester, will talk about their outstanding contribution to many music programmes and comedy shows from the Playhouse Theatre in Hulme.

This will be followed by a feast of music when the gifted young musicians from the celebrated Chetham’s School of Music will be performing their spring concert on 23 March.

In April, Curator Frances Pritchard from the Whitworth Art Gallery, will talk about Egyptian Textiles from the first millennium AD using examples from the collection. The season will be rounded off on a dramatic note when the acclaimed CHADS Theatre Company from Cheadle Hulme will give us an exciting performance, followed by wine and nibbles.

Meetings are held at fortnightly intervals between February and April on Thursdays at 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane, Marple SK6 7NN. There is disabled access and plenty of free parking close by.

For further details check the INSIDE Guide diary of INSIDE Marple or visit www.marple-uk.com/arts or contact Gwen Lowe (META Secretary) at gwen.lowe@btconnect.com

ROMILEY, MARPLE & DISTRICT LIONS Christmas 2016 was possibly our most successful ever, with over £4,000 being raised from the Santa Dash, the Dragon Miniature Railway’s Christmas Grotto and breakfast and teatime sessions with Father Christmas in Marple Garden Centre’s Restaurant. All the money raised will go into the Club’s Charity Account and help us to support many worthwhile causes - locally, nationally and internationally. We would like to thank the many people who helped us to organise these activities and all those who came along to support the events. It was great to raise so much money but helping people to enjoy themselves and putting smiles on their faces is also very important to us.

We hope that everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did and that we will see them again this year.

We are now settled in at our meeting place, Romiley Conservative Club, where we can be found at 8pm. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Guests are always welcome and we are much in need of new members. For more information call Terry on 0161 330 9494.

18

in touch - your local community noticeboard

POPULAR PLANT FAIR RETURNS TO BRAMALL HALL Spring is in the air and it’s time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at Bramall Hall’s popular Plant Hunters’ Fair which is back on Sunday 2 April?

The Plant Fair is a fund-raising event for special projects at the hall and has proved hugely popular in the past, rapidly gaining a reputation as the best specialist plant fair in the area. The plant fair will be in a new location in the revamped walled garden with more space available to have many more nurseries than in the past. There will be a great line-up of specialist nurseries and artisans from across the country attending. The plants are lovingly grown by these nurseries and these enthusiastic plants people are on hand to give honest, straightforward advice on choosing and growing the right plants for your garden.

The plant fair runs from 11am to 4pm and will cost just £2 in aid of special projects at the hall. For full details of nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

CHARITABLE WORK IN THE COMMUNITY The Furniture Station is a charity based in Hazel Grove that supports vulnerable families and individuals going into accommodation with the provision of re-used, good quality furniture.

Driven by four staff and 25 volunteers, it supports local people suffering crisis, families experiencing financial hardship, homeless people going into accommodation and those having to set up a new home for a reason beyond their control. Some 2,500 furniture items are delivered to around 700 homes each year, relieving poverty and allowing neighbours to establish and maintain their tenancy.

The Furniture Station was awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2015, followed by Community Spirited Organisation at The Proud of Stockport Awards 2015; both recognising the value in the work carried out to help those who are deprived.

Having a bed to sleep on or a table to eat food from are essential items that we often take for granted, yet they are needed to improve wellbeing, to maintain a family’s tenancy and allow that family to secure a more independent lifestyle.

The Furniture Station will collect your unwanted, re-usable furniture items FREE of charge to support families in need.

Stock is currently low. We need sofas, wardrobes, drawers, beds, tables and more. Please DONATE good-quality furniture by calling 0161 456 0717

The Furniture Station, Hazel Grove Baptist Church, Station Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4EX Continued on page 36

19

Play Bridge? Times they are a changing!

As we get older things change; this is equally applicable to the numbers attending the various Bridge sessions run by Bramhall Bridge Club at the Bramhall Village Club. Playing bridge regularly requires you to use maths, strategy and concentration. As a result it’s a great way to stimulate your brain and help keep your memory active and your brain alert. As the saying goes ‘use it or lose it.’

Playing bridge is a great way to ‘use it!’

Bramhall Bridge Club has hosted well supported sessions of a good standard for many years, both on Wednesday and Friday evenings, in addition to bi-monthly evening sessions on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

More recently there seemed to be a demand for daytime sessions at which point the club started Tuesday morning sessions for improvers; this has been phenomenally successful and as a result further changes are in the pipeline.

A new session marketed as “friendly and competitive” will be available on Monday afternoons (1.30pm – 4.30pm) starting on Monday 24 April. Come along – no partner is required and you will be guaranteed a game. Cost will be £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non-members, everyone will be very welcome and who knows it might not be too long before more day time sessions are available.

For further information please contact Howard Stubbings on 0161 432 3316.

20

ARE YOU A KEEN PHOTOGRAPHER?

Thanks to Matt Bevins from Stockport who sent us this atmospheric photo taken in Etherow Country Park in the afternoon of Saturday 7 January 2017.

We live in a lovely part of the country and we try to reflect this on the front cover of our magazines. Over many years we have sourced hundreds of quality images for the covers alone, but the task is never straightforward. The English weather is often against us and some seasonal photos or photos of annual events have to be taken a year in advance – we can’t wait for the spring flowers to come out before we print our spring magazines!

We love to receive contributions from our readers and would be delighted to look at any great pictures you have of your area! If you would like to submit a photo for consideration please do send it to us at any time and if we can use it in the magazine we will.

To make a front cover it must be a high resolution image, preferably in portrait format.

Please email claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

INSIDE E M A R P L E ISSUE 36

MARCH - APRIL 2017

INCLUDING COMPSTALL, MARPLE BRIDGE & MELLOR

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

21

22

Volunteers with wheels Imagine you’ve just come home from hospital. You might have broken your leg. Or maybe you’ve been ill and are still feeling quite weak. One thing is for sure, you’re thrilled to be home.

Except it’s not that easy to move around your home.

And going outside simply isn’t an option – you don’t have the strength. After an accident or illness, many people find themselves stranded at home.

While hospitals in the UK may provide crutches or a walking frame, many people struggle to use them.

What you need is a wheelchair. But getting hold of one isn’t straightforward. That’s because no official body has any responsibility to help if you need a wheelchair for less than six months. The Red Cross loans wheelchairs on a short-term basis through our mobility aids service. It is a much-appreciated service.

“I simply couldn’t have managed without the wheelchair,” said Julie Maxwell from Northern Ireland.

She borrowed a wheelchair from the Red Cross after breaking her leg on a trip to New York.

Carol Looby is a Red Cross volunteer for the service in Leeds. Her expenses are covered and she is fully trained and supported in her role. “People are so grateful for this service and never stop saying thank you,” said Carol. “We make sure we give people the right wheelchair, demonstrate how to use it – and how not to use it. A lot of the time people coming in to collect a wheelchair need a chat as well. They’re usually collecting it for a friend or family member who might have had a horrible time and it has affected them too.”

Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross and right now they’re looking for more volunteers to help provide wheelchairs to people locally.

To find out more about volunteering please contact Margaret Shakeshaft on 07740 841 997 or mshakeshaft@redcross.org.uk or visit redcross.org.uk/wheelchairvolunteers

23

a leap too far Allow 4 hours, this route has 1200ft (360 mts) of ascent.

Use OS Map OL 1 Dark Peak Area.

Grid Ref SK073994.

This walk generally has clearly defined footpaths but can be difficult on the moorland as the weather can change quite quickly. Adequate clothing and boots are essential.

The walk passes two reservoirs, starting from Crowden car park which has free parking, just off the busy A628 road.

To arrive at Crowden which has a busy youth hostel, we went through Glossop and took the B6105 until it joined the A628 where it is necessary to turn very sharp left, the sign for Crowden is a short distance on the right. We started the walk, crossing over the A628 and going through a kissing gate and then took another path on the left which goes parallel to the reservoir. Eventually the route reached the end of the reservoir with a steep short flight of steps taking us over the river Etherow. After a short distance through a wooded area we crossed over the B6105 up to the

24

Longdendale Trail which runs south east alongside the Torside Reservoir. This trail follows the line of the Great Central Railway Woodhead line, built in1847 to link Manchester and Sheffield. It claimed many lives, 32 for the Woodhead Tunnel alone, other workers died in the cholera epidemic of 1849. Some of the graves can be seen at Woodhead Chapel, above the Woodhead Reservoir dam.

After about a mile we passed the Longdendale trail car park, which can be an alternative start point for the walk, but it is a pay and display car park, with a fee of ÂŁ4.50, hence the Crowden start point! After another mile the B6105 was crossed again and we left the Longdendale trail to go down the metalled road and over the dam of Torside Reservoir. If this road is missed it is possible to continue alongside the Rhodeswood Reservoir by the trail and cross over the dam here. Our group made a short coffee break on a handy bench overlooking the water of Rhodeswood.

Later we continued through a picturesque area of scrub and woodland until we reached the road running over the dam. Turning right here we climbed upwards and soon reached the A628, turning left for a few yards before we crossed over and took the old quarry track which zigzags up the heather and grass slopes. We then crossed a stile at the side of a locked wooden gate

The Walk

presumably locked to stop off road vehicles going any further. The route then entered the woods of Didsbury intake, climbing steadily but quite easily, with the cliffs on our left and the valley on our right. Eventually we reached the disused Tintwhistle Knarr quarry where millstone grit rocks were quarried long ago, the scattered stones of which now made seats for a handy lunch stop.

Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below After some 20 minutes the two minute warning was given, and ignoring the moans and complaints of the lazier members (not the ones shown in the picture) we again set off along the narrow path which in parts had a rather forbidding drop on our right. This however only lasts for a fairly short distance, and soon we came to another stile, marking the edge of the moor by Rawkins Brook with a peaty path called ‘Black Gutter,’ on the other side of the stile. We then headed north east across the moor towards the edge of what is

known as Millstone Rocks. Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below.

There is probably no truth in the legend but it adds to the many mysteries of the Pennines. The picture shows the likely spot with the outcrops where the probably fictitious young men hurled themselves off. The moors of aptly named Bleaklow can be seen on the other side of the valley.

We carried on, the path becoming a bit indistinct, but keeping the Torside Reservoir on our right, and after Highstone Rocks, we descended quite steeply, taking care not to slip on the muddy patches, until we reached the Pennine Way, which we followed for a short distance and then we turned left towards Crowden Valley, crossing Crowden Brook past the youth hostel and back into the car park. Everyone felt a sense of achievement at having completed a varied and interesting walk.

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

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

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 44

26

27

28

uniquely

chic

Here at Uniquely Chic Furniture, we sell quality solid pine and oak furniture. We are experts at transforming our furniture, or yours, into hand-painted, individual, unique statement pieces.

Our paint finishes can be block colour, distressed, ‘in vogue’ shabby chic, or any finish you want. You pick your colour and finish and we complete a bespoke service which gives each piece a new lease of life. If you have an inherited piece, or furniture that fits your space, why not have it uplifted in our workroom?

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

We also sell shabby chic home accessories, such as lighting (including chandeliers), mirrors, cushions and gifts. New and returning visitors to our showroom here at Goyt Mill always use the same two phrases… .”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”.

You never know what you will find when you step through the door!

Official stockists of Frenchic ecofriendly chalk paint and accessories.

29

springtime celebration

for the National Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme celebrates its 90th birthday this year with a new look planned to reach an even wider audience for its charitable work. It will be using a new typeface for its communications – from posters to signage – and there will be an upgraded website www.ngs.org.uk and a revamped app for mobiles.

Since its foundation in 1927, The National Garden Scheme has donated over £50 million to its beneficiaries which include the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK and MS Society. Further donations are also made.

Well over 3000 gardens will open for the scheme this year, with about 80 in Cheshire and Wirral – many of which will be featured in future editions of this magazine. Most are privately owned and only open on specific dates, but some also open their garden gates “by arrangement” to suit group visits. So, if you organise visits for a gardening club, a WI, U3A or similar, you may like to think of the early openers as perfect opportunities to see which ones would suit your tastes. For reference purposes, the “Garden Visitor’s Handbook 2017” covers gardens in England and Wales and our county booklets can be picked up from libraries and larger garden centres; or, search online with the “Find a Garden” option on our website.

CHESHIRE AND THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME At this early time of the year, we have a fairly short list of gardens to offer you. On the other hand, the spring season is great for garden visits – nice and quiet for a peaceful saunter around some really interesting gardens. And you can be sure of a warm welcome wherever you choose to visit.

BANK HOUSE Goldford Lane, Bickerton SY14 8LL. Open: Sat 15, Sun 16 April. Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas served in enclosed courtyard.

Visits also by arrangement from April to July for groups of 10 to 40.

This 1¾ acre garden is at the foot of Bickerton Hill, an area of outstanding beauty with extensive views to the east and south. Sheltered, terraced borders are stocked with a wide range of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants; water features and productive vegetable garden.

Parts of the garden are too steep for wheelchairs.

ALL FOURS FARM Colliers Lane, Aston by Budworth, Northwich CW9 6NF. Open: Sun 16 April. Admission £5, children free. Homemade teas. Visits also by arrangement for parties of 16 or more.

Hazel Evans is opening her garden again this year. Her traditional and well-stocked country garden has a wide range of roses, hardy shrubs, spring bulbs, perennials and annuals.

There’s also a small vegetable garden, pond and greenhouse as well as vintage machinery and original features from its days as a working farm. The majority of the garden is accessible by wheelchair. Adjacent to Curbishley’s Nursery, specialists in rose propagation and with a wide range of plants on sale.

30

Bank House

BRIARFIELD The Rake, Burton, Neston CH64 5TL Open: Sun 23 April (1pm-5pm). Admission £4, children free. Home-made teas in St Nicholas’ Church, close to the garden. Visits also by arrangement March to October.

One of our most popular gardens and this is the first time it has opened to show off its snowdrop collection.

Tucked under the S-facing side of Burton Wood the garden is home to many specialist and unusual plants including trilliums and dog-toothed violets.

Shrubs, spring bulbs, alpines and water features compete for attention as you wander through four distinctly different gardens. Always changing, as Liz can’t resist a new plant! Plants sold (70% to NGS) in Neston Market each Friday morning.

All Fours Farm

POULTON HALL Poulton Lancelyn, Bebington CH63 9LN. Open: Sat 22, Sun 23 April (1.30pm- 4.30pm).

Admission £4.50, children free. Home-made teas.

Lots to interest children - I’m taking our grandchildren to this one! Covering three acres with lawns fronting house and a wild flower meadow. Surprise approach to walled garden, with reminders of Roger Lancelyn Green’s retellings of Excalibur, Robin Hood and The Jabberwocky. Scented sundial garden for the visually impaired. Rose, nursery rhyme, witch, herb and oriental gardens and also a Memories Reading room. There are often choirs or orchestral music in the garden. Level gravel paths. Separate wheelchair access (not across parking field).

Briarfield

LONG ACRE Wyche Lane, Bunbury CW6 9PS. Open: Sun 23 April, Admission £4.50, children free.

Home-made teas. Visits also by arrangement from April to June, groups of 10+.

Margaret & Michael Bourne’s one-acre garden has many unusual and rare plants and trees. There’s a pool garden, a conservatory with exotic plants, South African bulbs, disa orchids and clivia (kafir lily). Outside, there’s a spring garden with camellias, magnolias, and various bulbs.

Look out for the next issue of this magazine, with lots more gardens to visit, including ones that are closer to home.

For more info on visiting NGS gardens, go to www.ngs.org.uk, phone 01493 211535, buy the NGS publication “Gardens to Visit 2017” or, in the gardening season, pick up free local leaflets from libraries and larger garden centres.

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

31

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

Monday 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.

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.

Tuesday 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 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.

10am - Walking to 4yrs. 11am - 3 months to Walking Contact: Laura Davidson 07983 513 491 www.facebook.com/jojinglesnortheastcheshire www.jojingles.com/northeastcheshire

Thursday 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.

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 littlestars@brabynsprepschool.co.uk for more info.

Mucky Monster Club 10.30am to 11.30am Term time messy & sensory play for 6mths to 4yrs olds at Marple Senior Citizen Centre. Monthly booking required, normally 3 weeks for £19.50 or 4 weeks for £26.

Read more about our messy adventure and book online at muckymonsterclub.com or contact Leanne on 07716 960 338 / hello@muckymonsterclub.com for further info. FREE TRIAL available!

saturday

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 uk es.co. agazin nsidem c.blackie@i

32

Jo Jingles music and movement classes for babies age 3 months to children aged 4 At Rough n Tumble Playcentre in Goyt Mill

Fun Sign Fun Time 9:30am and 10:30am 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

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

33

34

35

Answers: towel, sponge, soap, bubble bath, shampoo, rubber duck. Extra letter answer: shower

just 4 kids

in touch - your local community noticeboard

PUBLIC DEBATE AROUND PLANS FOR LOCAL HOUSING AND GREENBELT In October, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority published a draft 20 year plan for housing across the region. This plan is known as the ‘Greater Manchester Spatial Framework’ – GMSF for short.

As part of the plan, greenbelt restrictions would be lifted in specific areas across Greater Manchester (around 25% of greenbelt land will possibly be developed). This includes greenbelt land near High Lane, Marple and Hazel Grove alongside greenbelt land near Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green and Woodford.

The GMSF have stirred public debate with the pressing need for more housing and jobs cited as the main reason ‘for’ the plan. Whereas those ‘against’ it question the affordability of any new housing, lack of infrastructure and the possible destruction of recreational, agriculture and wildlife-rich green spaces. The plans have resulted in cross-party protest groups forming such as the ‘Save Stockport’s Greenbelt’ campaign.

Part of the plans also include the use of former industrial land – otherwise known as ‘brownfield’ – and there are moves to try to establish a register of such sites. The stated approach of the GMSF vision is to use brownfield sites first.

The plans are currently in draft stage and are due to go through public consultation and review before being finalised. The first stage of consultation closed on 16 January 2017 and a report will be published in the coming months.

From there, the GMSF is likely to be reviewed and revised before further consultation takes place. More details are likely to be made known as the process continues.”

YOUNG RECORDER PLAYERS WANTED Stockport Recorder College is looking for young recorder players (10 to 18 years) to join us at Moorfield Primary School. Lyndhurst Ave, on Saturday mornings in term time from 9am to 12.30pm for excellent tuition at minimum cost. Come to make friends, socialise and enjoy making music together – any standard of player is welcome.

For younger players (7 to 9 years) there is SRC Junior Recorders from 9am to 10.15am also on Saturdays at Moorfield Primary School – have fun learning to play the recorder from the beginning.

For more details contact J Ormerod Tel: 0161 456 6157 or visit www.stockportrecordercollege.org.uk

North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society!

Our Exhibition of members’ images in Poynton Civic Centre will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March with free admission. We will also be hosting our major photographic competitions featuring the best images from clubs all over the North West and beyond, and all are welcome.

Wednesday 22 March: North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Print Competition in the evening Thursday 23 March: Exhibition open and North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Digital Knock out Competition in the evening.

Friday 24 March: Exhibition open. Members only Exhibition Dinner and Awards Presentation in the evening

For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk

36

in touch - your local community noticeboard

SHOWSTOPPER WEDDING CAKE! Since making an astonishing 10 tier wedding cake, Kate Tynan from Little Button Bakery in Marple has been snowed under with requests to feature in a number of Cake Decorating and Sugarcraft magazines and images of the cake have reached over 40,000 people on Facebook.

Kate was approached by the bride who wanted a showstopper cake to fit in the luxurious surroundings of Thornton Manor where the wedding took place. She set her heart on a 10 tier cake suggested by Kate even when they worked out the cake would be taller than the bride! The design was coordinated together taking elements of other cakes she liked and also adding personal touches, such as the monogram and the flavour choices. One tier was also gluten free for the bride.

The photo shows the bride standing on a stepladder to cut the cake which was 5’2” tall itself and was also on top of a table! Photo by Jon Bird Weddings.

www.littlebuttonbakery.co.uk

Dog lovers urgently needed in 2017 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national Charity that trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds, is scouring Cheshire East for dog-lovers willing to take care of their adorable puppies. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies on its extensive network of more than 1,900 volunteers across the country in order to continue its life-changing work. In particular, the Charity is looking for dedicated local dog-lovers to become ‘Puppy Socialisers’ in 2017.

Caroline and Terry Roeves, volunteer puppy socialisers from Wilmslow, say: “We have had our first puppy Daphne for just over a year. Now we have dozens of new friends from regular dog walks. We are so much fitter and enjoy opportunities to socialise Daphne in local libraries, schools, stores, cafes and restaurants. Daphne loves all of this and the fuss that is made of her. We love volunteering for Hearing Dogs. Being part of the Hearing Dogs family is an experience that far exceeds our expectations and puts a smile on our and others’ faces every day.

We would definitely recommend puppy socialising for Hearing Dogs, your life will change for the better from day one!”

Michelle Taylor, Puppy Training Instructor for Cheshire East adds: “If you live in the area and are looking for something new to do this year, then why not give something back and meet some loveable life-changing puppies along the way? As long as you have a car, a secure, private garden, and enough time to train a puppy daily, then we would absolutely love to hearing from you. You really can make such an enormous difference.”

To find out more about puppy socialising, contact the volunteering team on volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk, 01844 348122 or visit our website www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer

37

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

£99 per year

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Tuesday 11 April

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

Secure your space now!

✓ 24 hour support ✓ 99.9% server uptime ✓ We’ll move your existing website to our server for free ✓ We’ll set up your email for free For more information Call 07759 432526 email info@spring-creative.co.uk

Keep up to date Like us at www.facebook.com/insidemags Follow us on twitter @insidemagazines Read our magazines online at www.issuu.com/insidemagazines

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

With six titles to choose from you can select the areas that suit you best from: To find out more about our competitive advertising rates call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk

38

facebook.com/insidemags twitter.com/insidemagazines

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

inside guide

march - april 2017

selected events in your area

Wednesday 1 March

FR1 3 TO SAT 11 MARCH

Help us celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight!

Chocolate tasting, crepes (with Fairtrade fillings), freebies, films, and stall selling Fairtrade goods plus Fairtrade food on sale. Further information: 07821 359321 Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 10am

Agent by Phil Willmott Dick Barton – Special Agent is a hilarious homage to the daily radio serial from the 1940s.This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. Tickets from carvertheatre.co.uk, in person at Hollins of Marple, Hollins Lane SK6 6AW or call: 0161 449 8363 Prices: £9 full price £8 concessions.

Carver Theatre, Marple 7.45pm

Wednesday 1 March Marple Naturalists – AGM and Member’s Talks Annual adult subscription £30, visitors welcome £4 per meeting, children free. For further information call Derek Clifford 0161 427 4611 or on Marple Naturalists Community Page on www.marple-uk.com United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 8pm

Wednesday 1 March

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

Tues 7 to Sat 11 March

Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group The Millennium Walkway and other Bridges of New Mills, speaker Derek Broomhead. Talks are £1 entry and all are welcome. For further details including dates for walks visit stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Civic Hall, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 6DF 8pm

TEMPO presents FAME the Musical For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre.com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm

Thursday 2 March

Brookdale Theatre presents Salt of the Earth A comic drama by John Godber. Ticket info 0161 439 0505 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall 7.45pm

Ludworth and Mellor Women’s Institute Monthly Meeting We welcome Ruby Porter MBE to tell us about her work with the Sreepur Village in Bangladesh, a charity that helps destitute mothers and children. Cards and other small items made by the village residents will be on sale. New members and visitors are always welcome Women’s Institute Hall, Lower Fold, Marple Bridge, 2pm for a 2.15pm start

Thursday 2 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 member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along.

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

WED 8 to SAT 11 MARCH

Wednesday 8 March Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group Adventures in the Pakistan Karakoram, speaker Sue Banfield.

Talks are £1 entry and all are welcome. For further details including dates for walks visit stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Civic Hall, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 6DF 8pm

Thursday 9 March Hazel Grove and District Probus Club The Lost Years, speaker Barbara Foster. New members are welcome, more information can be obtained from Graham Weaver 01625 878228 Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall 2pm 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

Thursday 9 March

Tues 21 to Sat 25 March

Marple Exploring the Arts Presents an illustrated lecture ‘The Good Old Days’ by Ian Reed, archivist for all the BBC Big Bands in Manchester.

Ian will talk about their outstanding contribution to many music programmes and comedy shows from the Playhouse Theatre in Hulme, Manchester and how he and the rest of the NDO Project rescued the music and scores of the 3 bands, preventing them from being lost forever. Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Romiley Operatic Society presents 9 to 5, the Dolly Parton Musical.

ROS Ticket Hotline 0161 442 3669 (no booking fee) or Plaza box office 0161 477 7779 (booking fee applies). More info at www.romileyoperatic.co.uk The Plaza, Stockport

Tuesday 14 March E Cheshire National Trust Lecture The Vernons and the building of Sudbury Hall, speaker Dr Cherry Ann Knott.

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

Sunday 19 March Hawk Green Art Group Annual Exhibition Admission free, refreshments available.

Hawk Green Reading Room, Upper Hibbert Lane 2pm to 5pm

Monday 20 March High Peak RSPB - Keith Offord on the Tear Drop Island This is a new talk on the wildlife of Sri Lanka with some superb images from that island. 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

Monday 20 March THE ARLINGTON QUARTET (members of the Halle Orchestra) Tickets £12 (concessions £11) available from: Well Chemists Marple Bridge, Key Holidays Romiley, Harmony Decor Marple and Paddi Cunningham 0161 427 4088.

Mellor Parish Centre, Church Road, Mellor SK6 5LX 7.30pm

Monday 20 March MLHS – speaker Erin Beeson ‘Early Urban Manchester History.’ Subscriptions are £10 payable at the first meeting of the season, visitors £3 per meeting.

Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 7.45pm

40

Wednesday 22 March Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group Place names in Landscapes: Pleasures, pitfalls and puzzles, speaker Julie Smalley. Talks are £1 entry and all are welcome. For further details including dates for walks visit stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Civic Hall, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 6DF 8pm

Thursday 23 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM, followed by ‘Penguins and Proteas’ by Judith Lovelady. An exploration of S.Africa’s Garden Route. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thurs 23 & Fri 24 March North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society! Our exhibition of members images in Poynton will be open to the public on these two days with free admission. For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre 10am to 4pm

Thursday 23 March Marple Exploring the Arts Presents a Spring Concert given by the gifted young musicians from Chetham’s College of Music. They will be playing a varied programme to include a selection of chamber music featuring the string, wind and brass departments. Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Saturday 25 March Ceilidh and buffet supper Traditional Hoe Down with music by Ad Hoc; no previous experience required, welcoming atmosphere will guarantee fun for all the family. £10 per adult (accompanied children under 14 free) Pre-booking essential, tickets from Mellor Parish Centre (0161 484 5079) or Angela Stead (0161 427 1035) Mellor Parish Centre, Church Rd, Mellor SK6 5LX. 7.30pm

Wed 29 March to Sat 1 April

Wednesday 5 April

NK THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS: ‘MADE IN DAGENHAM’ Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting new West End musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right. Ticket prices: £12/£10 Box Office 0333-666-3366 *booking fees apply The Forum Theatre, Compstall Road, Romiley 7.30pm

Marple Naturalists Spring and Autumn in the Peloponnese with Jack Swan.

Annual adult subscription £30, visitors welcome £4 per meeting, children free. For further information call Derek Clifford 0161 427 4611 or on Marple Naturalists Community Page on www.marple-uk.com United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 8pm

Thursday 30 March

Thursday 6 April

E Cheshire National Trust Lecture – What the Papers Said, speaker Judith Atkinson St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Ludworth and Mellor Women’s Institute Monthly Meeting Why not join us at our April meeting for a talk about Quarry Bank Mill? New members and visitors are always welcome.

Women’s Institute Hall, Lower Fold, Marple Bridge, 2pm for a 2.15pm start

Thurs 30 & Fri 31 March The renowned Riding Lights Theatre Company Bringing its new passion play, Crosslight, to Marple, on behalf of Churches Together in Marple. Tickets £8 per person available from: Stationery Supplies, Stockport Road, Sew-in, Market Street, Marple. More information at www.ridinglights.org/crosslight All Saints Church, Church Lane, Marple, SK6 7LD 7.30pm

Saturday 1 April Hazel Grove Orchestra Concert Programme: Johann Strauss - Voices of Spring Brahms - Violin Concerto in D Soloist: Michael Vernon (Violin) Elgar - Wand of Youth Suite No. 2 Admission £7 (£6 Concession), accompanied Children under 12 FREE. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the concert. Tel: 0161 449 7347 www.hazelgroveorchestra.co.uk, hazelgroveorch@gmail.com Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

Saturday 1 April Marple Choral Society With Musical Director Ian Crawford presents, Faure: Requiem, Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb, Jonathan Dove: Missa Brevis with soloists, organ and harp. Tickets: £12 on the door.

Students/under 18 half price. To reserve call 01663 763509.

Norbury Parish Church, London Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4RF 7.30pm

Saturday 1 April Last Night of the Spring Proms Tickets £8, children £3.To book tickets please ring: 0161 427 3530 Marple Methodist Church 7.30pm

Thursday 6 April Marple Exploring the Arts A lecture by Frances Pritchard, who has worked as Curator (Textiles) at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester for over 20 years. The lecture will explore the development of clothing in Egypt during the first millennium AD using examples in the collection.

Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including refreshments.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Thursday 6 April 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 member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along.

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

Saturday 8 April Textile Journeys 2017 An illustrated talk for all by Georgina Chapman, then a choice of three workshops – Georgina will lead one on ‘Square Dance’ quilts.

Ruth Parker’s workshop is called ‘True Colours’ and will explore the use of colour in designing quilts and other textiles.

Margie Jenkins will lead one on colonial knots and beading. £40 includes lunch.

Contact Kitty Watt 0161 427 1724

Continued over

41

Monday 10 April

Monday 24 April

High Peak RSPB Geoff Trinder Wildlife Gardening. Geoff will be inspiring us to improve our gardens for attracting wildlife! 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

JAZZ NIGHT with The Dave Lynane Trio Dave Lynane (bass) Dave Hassell (drums) Chris Holmes (piano) Tickets £12 (concessions £11) available from: Well Chemist Marple Bridge,Harmony Decor Marple,International Key Holidays Romiley and Paddi Cunningham 0161 427 4088 Mellor Parish Centre, Church Road, Mellor SK6 5LX. 7.30pm

Monday 10 April

Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group The First Great Credit Crunch, speaker Jim Williams. Talks are £1 entry and all are welcome. For further details including dates for walks visit stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Civic Hall, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 6DF 8pm

MLHS – speaker Kevin Dranfield, on ‘Goyt Miner.’

Subscriptions are £10 payable at the first meeting of the season, visitors £3 per meeting.

Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple 7.45pm

Tuesday 11 April East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture. How we Communicate with speaker Helen Tenwolde. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Wednesday 12 April Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group Tenerife, speaker John Gregory. Talks are £1 entry and all are welcome. For further details including dates for walks visit stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Civic Hall, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 6DF. 8pm

Saturday 22 April POYNTON CEILIDHS: The Ironmasters, caller Baz Parkes Traditional dancing to live music. Experience not necessary!

Dances are all explained by the caller and walked through before the music starts playing. Tickets are £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s are half price. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance please follow the links on the website: www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 8pm to 11.30pm

MON 24 to SAT 29 APRIL Brookdale Theatre Guys and Dolls A musical Fable of Broadway based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon. Ticket info 0161 439 0505.

Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm Saturday matinee 2.15pm

MON 24 to SAT 29 APRIL Poynton Players present Neighbourhood Watch A dramatic comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. Tickets Mon £7.50, Tues to Sat £8.50. www.poyntonplayers.co. Booking line 0333 666 3366.

Poynton Players, George’s Road West, Poynton

42

Wednesday 26 April

Thursday 27 April Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Confessions of a Lunatic, by Kevin Briggs. Birding and other wildlife in the Lune Valley. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thursday 27 April East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture ‘Scientists, Engineers, Mathematicians and Medics associated with Didsbury.’ Speaker Diana Leitch.

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

Thursday 27 April Marple Exploring the Arts Presents an evening of live drama when the acclaimed CHADS amateur theatre company from Cheadle Hulme will be performing for us. Visitors welcome: £6 on the door including a glass of wine and nibbles.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

FRI 28 TO SAT 29 APRIL The Society of Marple Artists 49th Annual Exhibition At the Marple Methodist Church Hall. Free Admission, Disabled access and refreshments available. Over 300 pieces of original art works in a variety of different styles will be on display or available for sale.

Marple Methodist Church Hall, Church Lane, Marple SK6 7AY. Friday 10am to 9pm. Saturday 10am to 5pm.

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

43

puzzle solutions

44

S

G

U

F

P

S

J

Y

T

B

A

A

R

O

P

A

L

E

M

A

M

E

R

C

U

R

Y

P

L

A

T

I

N

U

M

M

P

U

G

G

N

E

E

E

E

Y

M

N

C

N

T

T

N

T

D

I

E

A

G

E

O

C

I

Z

N

S

C

O

P

P

E

R

I

I

I

O

L

O

N

D

O

T

U

U

T

D

L

L

E

N

G

M

M

I

O

I

N

S

Y

E

R

A

T

L

H

U

R

E

R

S

I

L

V

E

R

M

E

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

pharmacies 0161 427 2378 0161 427 4922 0161 427 2509 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 7782

COMMUNITY MEETING PLACE Marple Senior Citizen Association

0161 427 3632

Doctors Marple Bridge Surgery Marple Medical Practice Marple Cottage Surgery

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

0845 7697555 020 7403 0888 0800 1111 0800 555111 0300 1234999 116 123 03444 111 444 118 500 0161 477 6344

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

0161 427 3336 0161 427 2033

Post Offices Marple Post Office Marple Bridge Post Office Marple Sorting Office

0161 427 2012 0161 427 2046 0161 427 6264

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 0845 748 4950 0871 271 0711

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

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999 0845 746 2200 0345 988 1188

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

0161 483 1010 111

Libraries Marple Library Stockport Central Reference Library

0161 217 6009 0845 644 4307

local government Stockport MBC

0161 480 4949

45

classified index ADULT EDUCATION

ELECTRICIANS

Aquinas College

28

BATHROOMS

OVEN CLEANING 45

ESTATE AGENTS

Bathroom Design

34

BEAUTY

Edward Mellor

9

16

BOOKSHOPS

Malcom Shaw & Son Ltd

13

4

BUILDING SERVICES

Uniquely Chic

29

22 6

CARE HOMES & SERVICES CHARITieS 23 34

CLEANING Diamond Home Support

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Bramhall Village Club Hawk Green Cricket Club Romiley Operatic Society

15

22

More Than Loft Ladders

SECURITY SOLICITORS Back Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 15

LTS Treework Tree Station

43 22

TRAVEL

5

10

12

VOLUNTEERING British Red Cross Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

33

Pate & Lever Windows

Roger Fisher

27

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS 27

The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back Cover

OPTICIANS 33

23 34

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES

10

Don’t forget!

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

33

Travel by Design

LOFT LADDERS

EDUCATION Brabyns Preparatory School

6

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Sure Locks

44

TREE SERVICES 34

LAWNCARE

William Wragg MP

ROOFING

The Stair Shop

LOCKSMITHS

DRIVEWAY CLEANING Bluechip Cleaning Solutions

26

KITCHENS

Greensleeves 20 16 43

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

The Handyman of Marple

34

Whiting and Mason

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Matt Finish 34

44

HEALTH & FITNESS Systema Marple

Inside Front Cover

British Red Cross Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Carrington Doors

PLUMBING & HEATING

Sure Locks

GARAGE DOORS

T F Building Services Whitehall Builders Ltd

13 26

Abstract Roofing Services

FURNITURE

Simply Books

Oven Clean Eco Dazzle

Martin Quinn

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Cosmeticare

Fernlea

TBG Inspection Services

Secure your space now!