Inside Marple Issue 37

inside m a r p l e may - june 2017

magazines

Issue 37

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

Spring 2017 brought a new beginning for INSIDE Magazines. In February, after 11 years running the business together, my former co-editor and business partner, Garth, has left to pursue other interests. Garth reveals all on page 7! Rest assured he will still be contributing his lovely cover photos and the occasional article along the way.

As spring turns to early summer I’m loving the arrival of longer days and lighter evenings; hopefully by the time you read this the temperature will have warmed up a bit too! Spring and early summer bring two lovely outdoor events to our area. Make a date to join in with some dancing at Hawk Green’s Maypole Event in May; then of course there’s the marvellous annual Marple Carnival in June to look forward to. Read about it on page 4 and see how you can get involved.

As always this issue also features plenty of other places to go and things to do. I hope you enjoy it and continue to support the local businesses which make this magazine possible.

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Marple carnival 7 Magazines, Music & Me 11 Inside People 12 Made in Dagenham 15 a celebration of flowers 7 16 Crossword 19 In Touch 24 Walks in Cheshire 26 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 29 Riverford competition 30 Summertime NGS Gardens 32 simply books book club choice 36 Sudoku 38 Children’s Activities 41 Inside Guide 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 Maypole event at Hawk Green by Arthur Procter.

Copy deadline for the next issue: mon 12 June

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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 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

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MARPLE CARNIVAL

MOVIE MAGIC!

Keep the day free on Saturday 17 June for the 2017 Marple Carnival. This annual event, that has been staged since 1962, is run by a group of volunteers who spend the first half of the year raising funds to put on the event; all the proceeds are then given back to local groups and charities.

This year the fun kicks off from 10am in Marple’s Memorial park with a car boot sale, market stalls and funfair. The theme for 2017 is Marple’s Movie Magic - a celebration of the iconic stars and movie moments that we all love! Throughout the day there will be lookalike artists and famous movie cars so why not come and have your photo taken with your favourite?

The parade through the town starts at 1pm (see map for road closures). We are still accepting applications from schools, community groups, sports teams, local businesses, dancers, musicians and performers to come and join the carnival fun by taking part in the parade.

It’s a great way to publicise your group (for free). Please contact us via www.marplecarnival.org.uk or our social media accounts. And, of course, we will be crowning our Carnival royalty after the parade.

The popular dog show, which is run by Otterspool Animal Sanctuary, returns this year - please note that the timings of this have changed with registration from 2pm and the dog show judging from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Why not dress your dog as a movie mutt? The big tidy up starts late in the afternoon - please get in touch if you can help out with this.

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We will be building up to this year’s main feature with the Carnival car boot sales. Why not turn your trash into cash and help add to the Carnival funds in the process?

The place to be is on Rose Hill Station Car Park on the last Sunday of the month from 8am to 1pm so come and join us on 28 May whether you are buying or selling.

The anticipation will continue building when you see the much-loved bunting appearing on Market Street from early June - then you know that summer has arrived!

Last year’s Rio-themed carnival saw samba dancers and steel bands parading through the streets of Marple, getting us all in the mood for the summer of sport in Brazil. Hundreds of pounds were raised from the street parade and donated back into the community.

Our 2016 Carnival Queen, Mia Blease, chose St Ann’s hospice as her charity, which received a donation. Mia will be passing her crown over to our new Carnival Queen after this year’s parade, who will choose a charity of her own to receive a donation.

There are lots of new attractions for 2017 which we will be revealing over the coming weeks. Follow us on social media to hear the latest updates, including one just for all of you adrenaline junkies and beer lovers.

And please everyone, whenever you see a Carnival donation tin in the local shop or if you are watching the parade and a bucket passes you by, please drop in your loose change so that we can continue to keep the Carnival running for years to come.

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Magazines, Music and Me Garth Aspinall reflects on eleven years at INSIDE. Forgive me for striking a rather philosophical tone, but that’s how I feel today, as I reflect upon the end of an era – eleven years of publishing INSIDE Magazines. On 1st February I handed control of this publishing venture to Claire Hawker, my longstanding business partner, with a view to enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. It’s a moment to celebrate and I wish her every success.

Claire has a great work ethic, has played a huge part in our success and will continue to deliver a magazine you can enjoy.

From my own perspective, the last eleven years have been a joyful privilege – an experience that I could not have envisaged at any previous stage of my life.

Looking back, I can scarcely remember a day that I haven’t relished. There have been so many things to enjoy. The pleasure of meeting so many people fired up by the challenges of their everyday lives.

The appreciation so often expressed by contributors, advertisers and readers. The joys of writing copy, especially those advertorial pieces that showcase the qualities of a deserving local business. The day trips and cultural visits that I might never have undertaken, if there were not the need for an editorial piece. The innumerable sorties, in all kinds of weather, to source an acceptable front cover image. The luxury of an office base, less than a mile from home. Discovering local roads, villages and towns that had been unfamiliar to me. The focus and the adrenalin rush dictated by 132 monthly deadlines. And last, but not least, the camaraderie and shared ideals I experienced as part of the INSIDE Magazines team.

I don’t believe in retirement; it’s a word that has no place in my vocabulary. I have discovered what I enjoy and hope to write and contribute for a while longer, to these much-loved magazines. But something intrigues

me – the length of time that it took me to find myself, to discover the two jobs that I have truly enjoyed in my life - teaching the piano and publishing a magazine.

I believe that we are all unique, with passions and abilities that are deeply rooted in our souls and that these should be given every opportunity to blossom.

In my case, they became quite apparent at a relatively early age.

My working-class childhood in Birmingham was a mixed experience. On the minus side, I suffered rather at the hands of a Victorian and somewhat tyrannical father, felt the burden of our financial hardship and ultimately, couldn’t wait to leave home. On the plus side, I enjoyed playing the piano, thanks (almost grudgingly) to my father who had a real love of classical music and to my nearby uncle Albert who was a very competent pianist. I passed my Grade 2 piano exam and then the money for lessons ran out. At school I discovered that the arts were my forte and that all things scientific or technical were best left to others.

On a September morning, in 1961, I got on my bike and cycled to Manchester to start my French Studies course.

by Garth Aspinall

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practice had reached its zenith (some 42 pupils) and for the sake of having a little variety and to get out of the house, I took on a part-time job, working a few hours a week selling advertising space at MacMillan Scott, a publications management company in Macclesfield.

This part-time job was my first big stroke of luck. It was here that I had my ‘light bulb’ moment and chanced upon the idea of publishing a local magazine. I googled ‘local magazines’ on the internet and noted that most publications in existence were little more than advertising directories. I felt that there was a niche for a more aesthetic and readable publication.

There followed three halcyon years, socially rewarding and subject to few personal regrets, other than the class of my degree! I evolved, uninterrupted, into a carefree Francophile until September 1964 when I was rudely confronted by the need to face the inevitable world of work.

It was at this point, in retrospect, that things might have gone better! For family reasons, instead of accepting a perfect media-related Public Relations job in the southwest, I opted for a Management Trainee scheme with BSA Group in Birmingham. If I’m honest, I was not in the least excited by this world of engineering. Neither was I particularly excited by an introduction to Hollerith punched card equipment! And yet, two years later, on the back of this experience, I allowed myself to be seduced by the new and glamorous world of computers, securing the position of Systems/Programmer with a Manchester based computer bureau. Newly married, I was very relieved to be able to bring home a salary that paid the mortgage on our new home! This superficially attractive career starting in 1966 gave rise to 33 long years in the corporate computing world and although the numerous business proposals and sales presentations provided some outlet for my natural talents, these were clearly of secondary importance. Only redundancy saved me.

In 1999, a Poynton High School evening class in Music Theory, followed by success in piano exams and a teaching course at The Royal Northern College of Music catapulted me at the start of the millennium into a rewarding piano teaching practice which I still enjoy immensely to this day. By 2005, my piano teaching

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My second huge stroke of luck was a chance conversation with Claire - one of my piano pupils at the time. I discovered that she had an editorial background and more importantly, an enthusiasm for my idea. We pooled our individual skills and within a few weeks INSIDE Magazines was born.

When I now reflect on my journey, I feel those ‘inbetween’ years were certainly not a complete waste of time, but rather a period of preparation for the golden days to come. I was not ecstatic about the jobs that I held down and at times felt a little doom and gloom. But I kept my chin up, enjoyed holidays and leisure time and thankfully, the mortgage always got paid!

Certainly, I would like to have found my feet a little earlier; but none of us have total control and we just have to adjust to the unexpected events that can take over our lives and sometimes thwart our dreams. What is important is our level of self-awareness and the nature of our response to all that life throws at us. In my case I recognised the opportunity when it presented itself and, at the age of 64, found the courage to take the plunge!

It’s on this latter note that I would urge young and old alike to be patient and optimistic. Be careful not to undervalue the worth of your current position or to exaggerate any discontent you feel. You might be accumulating some valuable experience. However, don’t let present circumstances blind you to the possibility of a different and brighter future, whatever your age. Stay aware of your own unique gifts and desires and afford them every possible outlet. Be proactive, maintain a healthy attitude, try new things and with a little good fortune, you will get the timing right and you could well fulfil your dreams.

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inside people

kate firth

Kate Firth was born in Altrincham. Her parents were keen singers and her mother was a leading lady in the East Cheshire Operatic Society. It was no surprise therefore that, from the age of eight, she too performed in operatics.

After initial schooling at Manchester High, as the family had moved to Bramhall, Kate took A levels in Art, English, Sociology and Environmental Studies at Stockport College. After leaving college, she worked as an au pair in Switzerland, then as an air hostess with Dan Air. The foreign adventures continued when she and her then husband went to live in the Cayman Islands. The disaster that was hurricane Gilbert drove them back to England.

Kate, who had never lost her love of singing, was persuaded by the wife of a colleague to join the Cheshire Chord Company, a chorus that won regional championships on many occasions. Kate sang with them for ten years until she joined Heartbeat Chorus in Marple.

In 2000 Kate and her friends formed a quartet, EU-4-IA, which the next year won the national championship for the Ladies Association of Barbershop Singers.

In 2004 her daughter Olivia was born and travelled with Kate on many occasions to the US before the pressures of becoming a single mum limited the time Kate could devote to singing. In 2012 she gave up singing but continued coaching others during which time she worked as Finance Director for a Psychological Research Company. In 2014 she left the company to spend more time with her family and to concentrate on coaching and singing.

She coached a highly successful quartet, Toneacity; following their success in the Sweet Adeline championships in 2015 Kate herself began to sing in the quartet. Tone-acity has since won the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers gold medal and they will also compete in another competition in May, the winner of which competes in international competition in Las Vegas.

Kate now organises community choirs in Bramhall, Heald Green Alderley and Wilmslow. The groups are totally inclusive and some people attend several of them each week. There is no audition to join and no need to read music. The emphasis of the choirs is singing for enjoyment so they don’t enter competitions but occasionally perform in retirement homes or local festivals.

To find out more about the choirs, Kate’s website is www.cheshirecommunitychoirs.com. All the choirs are daytime groups and new members are always welcome.

Apart from singing, Kate’s other interest is baking. She is a passionate cake maker and two years ago she was in the final regional heat of the Great British Bake Off. Sadly she didn’t reach the televised sessions.

Italian food is her favourite and she and her partner, Craig, regularly escape to their chalet in Porthmadog where they experiment with producing a variety of homemade pasta dishes.

An avid reader, Kate is a committed Jack Reacher fan.

Her hero as a child was, perhaps rather surprisingly, Fred Astaire and she was addicted to watching his movies. Her heroine now is her mother who has always been a great support and encouragement to her.

Kate doesn’t admit to any phobias, in fact she actually confesses to liking snakes and frogs and many of the creatures that make others shudder. There are few animals she dislikes, a love she has passed on to her daughter who dotes on their French bulldog, Betty.

Last Word from Kate I have always loved singing and derived a great deal of pleasure from it. Now I want to help others share the sense of community and wellbeing that it brings.

by Ed Blundell

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Made in Dagenham I had been told before seeing last week’s production of Made in Dagenham that NK Theatre Arts is not just another amateur theatre group. I was told ‘the production is professional in every respect apart from the fact the actors are unpaid’.

This was absolutely one of the best ‘amateur’ productions I’ve ever seen. The Forum Theatre in Romiley is a great venue with a roomy auditorium, tiered seating and a large raised stage.

Made in Dagenham is a group show. Yes, there are named parts and fantastic solos, but without a strong cast overall the show would fall apart.

Numbers like ‘Everybody Out’ and ‘This is What We Want’ demand feisty characters, strong vocals and slick choreography. The women in this production delivered these confidently and to great effect, with those rousing numbers creating that same sense of excitement and solidarity among the audience as was achieved in a professional production I saw.

One of the things that often separates amateur and professional performances is the chorus. In a professional production, you can choose to focus in on any chorus member, whether or not they have a named part, and they will be completely absorbed in the scene and the role being created. In some amateur shows, you can pick out the ones who are there to make up the numbers, who are acting half-heartedly, or who aren’t quite sure what they’re doing.

At Made in Dagenham every single chorus member was completely lost in the moment. They all had a character, they all had a purpose, and they were all giving the

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NK Theatre Arts show everything they could. By the end of ‘Busy Woman,’ the opening number, I knew for sure we were in for an evening of great entertainment.

I also want to mention the strength of the male cast members. Another recurring issue for amateur productions is not having enough men who want to be involved, or certainly enough men with the confidence and ability needed to pull off some of the roles required. This show didn’t face that issue. Yes, there weren’t as many men as women, but the men who were there were strong. Most played multiple roles with seeming ease and brought plenty of laughs. A particular mention has to go to Jay Dodd, who pulled off each of his roles brilliantly and Michael Granby’s Harold Wilson prompted a lot of laughter due to his confident delivery and excellent characterisation.

There were so many great female performances too but my special mentions go to Gemma Glenncross who was a perfect Beryl in a role that requires superb timing; her delivery was always spot on. Louise Shufflebotham as Barbara Castle, a larger than life character and a tough role to deliver all the comedy value without turning her into a caricature. And finally, of course, Dawn Wrigley’s Rita O’Grady. While it’s a big ensemble show, the woman at the centre of it has to be believable. She’s real, she’s strong, she doubts herself and she dusts herself off to become the mouthpiece for all of the other women. Her accent was spot on, her timing never failed, and she confidently led an incredibly strong cast throughout the entirety of the show.

NK Theatre Arts deserves every bit of the praise I’ve heard about them. It was a superb production; if you’ve never been to see one of their performances make a note of the upcoming dates - I’ll definitely be back to see more.

by Sophie Hawker

what-sophie-said.blogspot.com

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A Celebration with Flowers

2017 marks 150 years since worship began at St. Martin’s and the church has chosen to celebrate this prominent occasion by holding a Flower Festival. Father Ed, vicar of St. Martin’s says: “The church is a place of faith and in the midst of tragedy, flowers can lift our spirits. In the midst of love and fellowship, flowers celebrate love and warmth. To fill St Martin’s with flowers seems to fulfil the very essence of its 150 years of worshipping God in the beauty of holiness.”

Romiley Floral Art Guild has been invited to take on the challenge of designing the floral works of art to be displayed in St. Martin’s Church amongst the artistic furnishings of the church interior. They readily accepted and their Chair, David Mason, and past President, Pat Selkirk, have put together a team of talented flower arrangers from their own group, St. Martin’s Church and various other local flower clubs and art groups; they are all currently working together to transform the idea into reality.

David and Pat are very much aware of the Arts and Craft features in St. Martin’s and are aiming “to enhance the existing artistic designs and interpret some of the stories from around the church”. St. Martin’s is extremely appreciative of all the time and effort that David, Pat and their team are contributing to what promises to be a memorable event to mark this milestone anniversary.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to visit St. Martin’s Church and reflect on the many years of Christian worship which have taken place there, whilst admiring the style and craftsmanship of the church’s artistic heritage, enhanced and complemented by the natural beauty and scents of the floral displays.

Flower Festival tickets cost £2 and include a drink from the church hall where refreshments will be available over the weekend. Organ recital tickets cost £10 and include refreshments.

St. Martin’s Church is hoping that businesses and organisations from the local community in and around Marple would like to sponsor one of the floral displays included in the Flower Festival.

For further information, please phone Gillian on 0161 430 4567 or Helen on 07709 544535

FLOWER FESTIVAL Thursday 15 June Corpus Christi service in church 7.30pm Friday 16 June Daytime viewing of flowers in church 10.30am to 4.30pm Evening organ recital by Dr Gordon Stewart 7.30pm Saturday 17 June Daytime viewing of flowers in church 10.30am to 4.30pm Craft fair in the church hall Sunday 18 June Parish Mass at 8am and 10am Daytime viewing of flowers in church 12 noon to 4pm Evensong at 6.30pm when the festival will close.

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quick crossword Across 7. Party Game (7,6) 8. Words of Appreciation (5,3) 9. Rooster (4) 10. Chocolate Cake (7) 12. Fish (5) 14. Small Glass Bottle (5) 16. Graze (7) 19. Huge (4) 20. Edict (8) 22. Islands off Cornwall (5,2,6)

down 1. Of the same kind (4) 2. Sift (6) 3. Insect (7) 4. Transpire (5) 5. Soldier (6) 6. Prevent (8) 11. Practise (8) 13. Comprise (7) 15. Song of praise (6) 17. Bulb of Onion family (6) 18. Flag (5) 21. Attract (4)

word search Find the hidden cycling related words in the word search grid. wheel pedal chainset frame helmet mountain tyre

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Solutions on page 44

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in touch your local community noticeboard may - june 2017

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CARVER THEATRE Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Marple’s very own Carver Theatre? Well, now is your chance to find out. On Saturday, 1 July, they will be holding a Carver Theatre Open Day when you are invited along to have a look behind the scenes.

A visit to the Open Day will be like a visit to Tatton Hall - in that people will be split into small groups of ten with a tour guide. You will be given a potted history of the theatre before touring the various areas including: the wardrobe department; the rehearsal room where you will watch part of a rehearsal; the Green Room to see a make-up demonstration; the stage and back-stage area to see how sets are built, including the dressing rooms; and then into the theatre auditorium to see a lighting and sound demonstration. Finally you will be invited into the bar area for refreshments and an opportunity to ask any questions that you perhaps did not get the opportunity to ask during the tour. You will be given a souvenir brochure to take away with you. The tours should take approximately one hour.

Tickets are free of charge and are bookable online at www.carvertheatre.co.uk .

Alternatively you can book tickets at Hollins of Marple or by phone on 0161 449 8363.

PHONE BOX GETS NEW CALLING Marple Bridge Association (MBA), in conjunction with the Community Heartbeat Trust, has adopted and refurbished the disused and dilapidated phone box on Lowerfold in Marple Bridge. Over £2,500 was raised by the MBA through the community and from local businesses to undertake the refurbishment and purchase and install the defibrillator which is now installed and registered with the North West Ambulance Service.

Following a cardiac arrest the chances of survival drop dramatically every minute. The UK Resuscitation Council recommends that a defibrillator should be available when medical treatment is more than five minutes away, which would include most rural locations in the UK. Inside the phone box, in place of the telephone unit, the defibrillator is housed in a lockable steel box. When someone calls 999 they will be told there is a defibrillator in the phone box, and will be given the code to open the box. Once the electrode pads are attached to a casualty, the defibrillator will identify if a ‘shock’ is needed and will instruct the rescuer using step-by-step voice instructions.

Fifty locals have also been trained how to use the equipment at a recent training session held at the nearby Women’s Institute. Mark Johnson, Head of the Street Payphone Business at BT said: “We launched the Adopt a Kiosk scheme because the red telephone box is a significant part of our national heritage. We’re pleased to support this worthwhile project that will not only help to continue the legacy of the red kiosk, but crucially will provide local communities with such a beneficial and lifesaving function.”

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

CHARITY CONCERT FOR LITTLE HEARTS MATTER

by Richard Barley

Little Hearts Matter (LHM) is a small charity helping parents and families of children with Single Ventricular Heart Conditions including the one that our grandson Max has - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. HLHS is a rare congenital condition that affects two or three births in every 10,000 and results in such children being born with only half a working heart - as recently as 20 years ago they would be lucky to survive birth, let alone the complications as they grow.

Thankfully, due to advances in surgical understanding and pioneering techniques, survival rates are now far higher - HLHS sufferers have at least three open heart procedures within the first few years of their lives and most then progress quite well; Max had his first, 13 hour surgery at five days old and the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Paediatric cardiac team has completed the reconstruction of his heart so now prognosis is pretty good (although he still has further hurdles to clear).

As you might imagine the pressure that such an event imposes on parents and families is immense and whilst the medical and surgical teams look after the child’s physical wellbeing what do the parents do? The cardiac professionals can provide specific medical and technological information but what about all the general, day to day stuff that parents and families need to know in order to help them through?

Little Hearts Matter provides help, guidance, information and support to often shell-shocked families. LHM undertakes research into all aspects of HLHS and produces publications, factsheets and information for parents, families, schools etc. and also lobbies for improved social support (guidelines are constantly changing and such disabilities are often reassessed, adding further strain on stressed parents).

LHM is a charity that relies on donations and fund raising events to finance its work - it has no celebrity endorsement or high profile presence to help bring in funds and we are staging a concert in support of them and the work that they do.

On Friday 19 May a fundraising concert of songs, poems and miscellaneous nonsense will be held at Marple Conservative Club to raise money for Little Hearts Matter (see INSIDE Guide for details). Please, please come along and support this worthy cause.

ZEST FOR LIFE There is a great move to encourage older people to exercise and keep themselves fit and healthy. It can be daunting to join any new organisation but Marple Movers, a group of people aged between 50 and 70+ will welcome you.

Non dancers in our previous lives, we feel this is our moment and firmly believe that anyone can be a dancer! We hold weekly sessions that provide a creative outlet as well as keeping us fit and along the way we have found fun, friendship and laughter.

A warm welcome awaits you when you come for a first free taster session. No need for lycra here, no standing at the back trying to keep up with a super fit leader, everyone works at their own pace. You can even do it seated if you need to. Our trained leader is in our age bracket. We meet in the Hawk Green Reading Room on Thursday evenings from 6.45pm until 8.15pm. The cost is £6 per session.

If you would like more information please contact Moira on 01663 732582 or Sylvia on 0161 427 6383

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

MARPLE COMMUNITY ORCHARD One Saturday morning in March the sun shone brightly when Marple, Mellor and Marple Bridge Energy Saving Strategy (MESS) planted 75 trees on the green between Oldknow and Arkwright Road. The Orchard is planted on land which is a Community Asset and with apple, pear, cherry, plum and nut trees, all will be welcome to enjoy the fruit.

75 people sponsored a tree with many there in person to plant their tree. Some of the trees were planted in the memory of a loved one or to welcome a new member of the family or to celebrate an anniversary. It was a memorable day, bringing people together, many who had never met before in the shared interest of taking care of the environment.

To make the day extra special, his Worshipful Mayor of Stockport, Chris Gordon and his wife, Mayoress of Stockport, Dr. Margaret Gordon were in attendance. Chris said, “Having been involved recently in creating a Community Orchard in my own church and the success we have had, I am delighted to see another group setting up an orchard for the benefit of all.”

MESS was created seven years ago with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and to take good care of the environment. MESS members meet at 7pm on the second Monday of each month at Marple Fire Station. Anyone interested in ECO issues and how to make Marple an even better place to live can find out more from info@marplemess.org.uk Come along to a meeting - you would be made very welcome. Maureen Matthews, Chair of MESS said, “When the blossom comes out, we will all marvel at our achievement and share the joy with all who live in Marple and who visit this lovely place”.

NEW FOOTPATH CELEBRATIONS Peak & Northern Footpaths Society (PNFS), with the support of other Hayfield-based groups are holding an event to celebrate the permanent opening of the Snake Path from Hayfield to the Snake Pass Inn. The ceremony and celebrations will be held throughout the day on Saturday 27 May at the Royal Hotel in Hayfield. The purpose of these celebrations is to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Society’s first success after its founding in 1894, to ensure that the Snake Path would remain open for future generations of walkers. 2017 is also the 85th anniversary of the 1932 Mass Trespass, making this a particularly significant anniversary for Hayfield and its role in the long history of campaigning for access to our countryside.

On Sunday 28 May, there will be a choice of two walks along the Snake Path, one short and with no significant ups or downs, the other the full length of the path. We plan to arrange return transport from both of these.

For more information about the event contact Peak and Northern Footpaths Society publicity@pnfs.org.uk PNFS Office Telephone (please leave message on answerphone if no reply) 0161 480 3565 PNFS, Taylor House, 23 Turncroft Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK1 4AB. Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

STOCKPORT HOME LIBRARY SERVICE Do you or someone you know struggle to visit the library due to health issues or caring commitments?

Stockport Council’s Home Library Service can deliver your choice of books, talking books and DVDs direct to your door completely FREE of charge in the Stockport area.

For more information call 0161 474 5600 or email homelibraryservice@stockport.gov.uk

DO YOU NEED HELP TO GET OUT AND ABOUT? Stockport Car Scheme is a registered charity funded from the Stockport Council wellbeing and independence network fund. Our service is for Stockport residents who find it difficult to use public transport due to illness, age or disability. Our service also provides support to unpaid carers to enable them to attend appointments and social activities.

We have volunteer drivers, who use their own cars, to help people to get to appointments including social groups, day centres, visiting friends and family, the hairdressers and personal shopping. We also take people to doctors, hospitals, dentists and opticians. We collect from home, take to their appointment, wait with them if necessary, and then take home afterwards. We ask for a contribution towards the drivers expenses.

We have been in Stockport for almost 30 years in specific areas, but we now cover the whole of the borough which includes Marple, Bredbury, Romiley, Hazel Grove, High Lane and Woodley. If you would like to use our service or know someone who you feel would benefit from using us, please ring and register.

We are also looking for drivers. Volunteers can commit to as little as one day a week; some help us more days each week. We are grateful for any time that can be given to us.

Please ring us on 0161 476 2812 for more information.

GB FIRST FOR POYNTON CHOIR Poynton’s St George’s Singers annual tour is going to be very special in this their Diamond Anniversary year.

In July the choir will be flying off to beautiful Costa Rica to renew their friendship with El Café Chorale, the distinguished choir of the Costa Rican Choral Institute who came to Poynton ten years ago in SGS’s Golden Anniversary season.

St George’s Singers will be the first British choir ever to visit Costa Rica and several works in their concert programmes will be premier performances there, including Will Todd’s ‘Mass in Blue’ and his ‘Footprints’ composed for the choir in 2013. As well as carrying out concert engagements the choir will be taking full advantage of the opportunity to experience the many tourist attractions of Costa Rica: the rainforest, the volcanoes and hot springs, the beaches and the rich variety of wildlife.

SGS have a lot of singing to do before July, with their showcase Diamond Anniversary concert “Six Centuries of Song” at the Royal Northern College of Music on 22 July and the dramatic Verdi Requiem at glorious Gorton Monastery on 25 June. Coach transport is provided from Poynton and Hazel Grove for both concerts and tickets are available from the ticket hotline on 01663 764012

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Visit the website www.st-georges-singers.org.uk for more details.

Froggatt, Padley Chapel and the Edges Distance: 7½ miles Ascent/descent: 1,200ft Walk description: This delightful circular walk starts from Curbar Gap car park and passes through woods on the way down to the village of Froggatt. It then follows the Derwent Valley Heritage Way before visiting Padley Chapel and then continuing uphill through Hay Wood. The final part of the walk is a Peak District classic along Froggatt and Curbar Edges, giving spectacular views, especially on a clear day.

Starting point: Curbar Gap car park (SK 261746) is a National Trust car park, free for members. There is also some parking alongside the road that leads up from Curbar to Curbar Gap. Map: OL24 White Peak From the car park walk downhill on the road in the direction of Curbar. After a short distance the road bends sharply to the left. About half way along before the road bends again (to the right) there is a path to the right (West, SK 257747). Follow this path through a field and into a wooded area. Continue on obvious path through trees until reaching a gate on the right,

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signed Froggatt (SK 255747). Take the path to the right (NNE) Follow this broad path through bracken and woods. The path runs parallel to the edges above you.

Ignore all paths to right and left. Pass through two walls with metal gates and on reaching a clear cross path (SK 248760) which comes down from the edges, turn left and immediately through a gate. There is now a steep descent on variable surfaces with loose stones, so care is needed.

On reaching a road (A625) cross with care to a stile beside a gate opposite. Go over stile and take clear path as it descends to a minor road in Froggatt. Turn right and continue on road. Shortly a road joins from the left. By taking a few steps along the road to the left onto the bridge there is a good view of the River Derwent. Retrace your steps to the junction and continue in your original direction on the road (Hollowgate). Continue through the attractive village of Froggatt. Part way along the road there is an elevated footpath on the right. At the end of this footpath take a lane going left ignoring a no through road sign (Spooner Lane).

Keep on Spooner Lane until it ends and becomes a narrow track. Continue along this track to a very narrow squeezer stile. Continue keeping wall on right. At the end of the wall (SK242768) the path goes diagonally left (NNE) to a gap in a wall. Now keep wall on left to gap in next wall. Continue through the wall in the same direction as before (the wall on your left now turns away from the path. You are aiming for a stile across the field giving access into Horse Hay Coppice (SK 244770).

The path through the coppice is very clear and undulating with some delightful spots where it crosses streams. On leaving the coppice keep heading north with a wall and trees on the left until reaching a flat bridge and an opening on the left. Go through the opening (SK 245776) and then NNE across a field to a stile at the road (B6521) near Grindleford Bridge (SK 245778). Cross this busy road and continue on pavement away from the bridge, past houses on left until reaching a stile by a gate. Go through stile and continue on path going north until gap on left takes the path to the left of the line of trees ahead of you.

Keep to the left of the line of trees and follow them until reaching a concrete footbridge. Bear right (mag bearing 26˚) following right hand side of wall. This area can get quite muddy. After crossing through a broken wall (SK243788) bear right (NE) to eventually meet a track (SK244789). Turn right along track and cross railway bridge to minor road. Turn right. Around 100m on the left is a gate leading to the rear of Padley Chapel, where there are the remains of Padley Hall. This makes an excellent spot for a lunch break. Information about the Chapel and The Padley Martyrs can be found at www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/padleychapel

When you are suitably refreshed re-join the minor road and continue along it until reaching a right hand bend which will take you back over the railway line at Grindleford Station. On the left, just over the bridge, is the Station Café which is very popular. Immediately after the café a waypoint points left. Follow this steep concreted path up to the road (B56521). Turn right and walk a short distance along this road. There is a footpath after a few yards. On reaching a small road turning left (Tedgness Road), cross the road with great care and go up this side road. After just under ¼ mile take a waymarked path going left (SSE) behind houses.

The Walk Remain on this clear path through Hay Wood ignoring paths on either side. The path gradually ascends until reaching a short steep descent to a stream and then ascending to meet a road (A625). Turn right onto this busy road for a very short distance, crossing over to a path that goes off to the left through a gate (next to padlocked white gate, (SK 254775). Take this clear path which slowly ascends through woods before reaching more open areas. There is a small stone circle off to the left (SK 249767) which is worth a short diversion although it can be difficult to find when the bracken is at its tallest! Continue on the clear path after the diversion. You are now walking along Froggatt Edge. As you progress the path gets closer to the edge and good panoramic views will be seen to the West as well as good moorland views to the East. This area is popular with climbers and you may see them as they ascend from below.

The walk continues on the clear path and regular diversions towards the edge are recommended to see the views. In a couple of places the path goes around large rock outcrops. There are optional paths that will take you over these if you prefer. As the path starts to descend towards Curbar Gap the car park can be seen, in trees, to the left. On reaching a gate take the left fork which swings further to the left to return you to your starting point. There is often an ice cream van parked here in the summer and in recent years this has been joined by a van selling drinks and cakes. Neither of these can be guaranteed!

Marple District Rambling Club organises up to 30 walks at all levels each month, going out on Thursdays and Sundays. For further information, phone Sue Gilmore, 0161 427 1471 or Deirdre Nolan, 0161 427 7794.

Alternatively, view the web site, www.marple-uk/community/rambling

By Brian Beardwood > Marple District Rambling Club

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Diary of a geeky knitter As I sit down to write this, I’m just mourning the end of a terrific weekend down in London attending the theatre. Just under two years ago I, like many other people across the country, eagerly waited with bated breath in a digital queue for tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – don’t worry, I won’t be sharing any spoilers today – and one weekend in early April the day finally came where I went to see the show.

My, my, my, it was a magical and spellbinding day (all puns intended) and I can’t recommend going to see the play enough to fans of Harry Potter. A big group of us made a weekend of it and it was such a lot of fun.

But if you don’t fancy travelling as far as me to catch a play, why not check the INSIDE Guide for some local performances, or travel a little further into Manchester where there is plenty on all year round.

Back in the ‘real world’ I’ve been knitting and crocheting just as much as ever. Blogging has slowed down somewhat, but that’s ok – work is incredibly busy, and with the sun finally poking her head around the clouds these days we have to go outside and enjoy it! I’ve had my typing fingers working hard elsewhere in the meantime, and I’ve had a couple of articles

published in the new magazines; if you managed to see a copy of Knit Now in February you might have seen my article on the Pussyhat Project, the pink-knittedhat-phenomenon that swept the world early this year in line with the Women’s Marches across the world. And if you grabbed April’s Love Sewing you will read a threepage feature by me all about sewing for cosplay – you know that costuming that I like to do – in the hopes that more people will be drawn into my geeky web of niche interests. It’s a lot of fun to write about the things I love, which really explains why I do like to blog and write this wee little article.

Next time, I will give you some hints on how you can start writing for yourself and your passions. Don’t worry, you won’t need to be a manic-knitter who is obsessed with Harry Potter and Pokemon Go to do this (though if you are, make sure you email me to say hello – jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com). Until then make sure to enjoy the sunshine, see a play, and happy knitting! jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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Win an Organic Recipe Box Founded by farmer Guy Watson, Riverford has been growing and selling organic veg for 30 years and through a national vegbox scheme delivers to 47,000 customers a week.

Dave Hanlon, who delivers Riverford produce in our area, asked if I would like to try their new Quick & Light recipe box. The box contains fresh organic produce, stepby-step recipe cards, and all the ingredients required. Each meal has fewer than 500 calories per portion using leaner cuts of meat, less fat, and lots of seasonal veg.

I’m already a fan of Riverford Organic produce although I often just pick and choose the items I want instead of one of the regular veg boxes. The idea of a recipe box isn’t something I’ve ever considered so I approached it with interest and a little trepidation.

I’m not very good at following recipes – I’m more of a guess the quantity and chuck it all in together kind of cook. So imagine my delight at receiving a box all labelled up with the separate ingredients for three individual meals for two people, right down to the herbs and spices all measured out into the exact quantities required.

The pre-measured ingredients more than made up for the extra time it takes to read and follow a new recipe and I made both meals comfortably in less than 30 mins. They were fresh, tasty and, importantly for me, there’s no waste. The portion sizes were surprisingly generous for ‘light’ meals – in fact the Mushroom & Leek Dahl made plenty for two with a small portion left over for my lunchbox the next day – perfect!

In my box the other meals were Chicken, Spinach & Chickpea Tagine and Herby Pork Escalopes with Roast Tomatoes & Courgettes. The recipes change every week with the seasons, so you’ll always have something new to try. If you’re short of time to plan and prepare but want to eat fresh, healthy, organic food rather than ready meals, then these recipe boxes are an ideal solution – I will definitely be going back for more!

Other recipe boxes available are original, featuring much loved Riverford recipes; quick, speedy seasonal recipes on the table in under 30 minutes; and the vegetarian packed with tasty, fresh and nourishing recipes. Starting from £24.95 and delivered free they are available to order online at www.riverford.co.uk/recipeboxes or by calling the farm on 01803 227227.

To win a Riverford recipe box email competition@insidemagazines.co.uk with the word RIVERFORD as the subject. Please also tell us which issue of INSIDE Magazine you receive. Two names will be picked at random after the closing date of 20 May; Riverford will contact the winners to arrange delivery of your box.

T and C’s: Winner must live in an existing Riverford delivery area (most of England and South Wales including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and High Peak). Prize consists of one, two person, two meal recipe box. There are two recipe boxes to be won.

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summertime gardens

and the National Garden Scheme

Readers of this magazine will be familiar with the National Garden Scheme and the way it works by admissions at the garden gate, plant sales, tea and cakes – and an increasing number of other activities aimed at supporting charities in the caring and nursing sectors. Last year was a record with donations to our beneficiary charities totalling more than £3.6million. Of this, £500,000 went to Macmillan Cancer Support and the same amount to both Marie Curie and Hospice UK. Carers Trust received £400,000 and £375,000 was donated to the Queen’s Nursing Institute. Smaller amounts went to seven other charities.

Looking forward, this year marks our 90th anniversary and we are planning for another excellent year of garden visits and special events. Highlights include our 90th anniversary weekend from 27 to 29 May and a photographic competition - details to be announced.

And be sure to sign up for My NGS via the website so that you’ll be the first to know about garden openings in your area. And if you really want to make a difference, how about opening your own garden as part of the National Garden Scheme? Contact John Hinde, County Organiser on 0151 353 0032 or john.hinde@ maylands.com for further information.

Where to go and what to see During May and June, there are around 50 NGS gardens to visit in the Cheshire and Wirral area alone – far too many to list in this article, but here are half a dozen suggestions for visits to gardens both large and small, without having to drive too far:

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A mid-sized south-west facing Cheshire garden of approximately a third of an acre, laid out in two parts.

Large lawn area surrounded by mature, colourful perennial borders. Rose arbour, small pond with koi, patio, raised fruit- and cut-flower beds. Small mature wooded area with winding paths on a lower level.

Front is laid to lawn with two main borders separated by a small grass area.

Hathaway

Sun House garden - 66 Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 3AW. Open: Saturday 3 June, Sunday 4 June (1.30 - 5.30pm).

Admission £4, children free. Home-made teas.

This quirky and romantic garden is full of interest and with plenty of colour all year round. Surrounded by mature trees with a dry, shady, acid soil complemented by numerous ponds and bog areas. It has a wide range of herbaceous plants, some mosaic and ceramic decorations, a gravel garden and a vegetable plot, plus chickens and two life-sized terracotta warriors.

NEW! 61 Birtles Road – Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3JG.

Hathaway – Tytherington, nr Macclesfield, 1 Pool End Road, Tytherington SK10 2LB.

Open: Saturday 17 June, Sunday 18 June (1 - 5pm).

Admission £3, children free. Light refreshments.

Open: Saturday 6 May, Sunday 7 May (10am - 5pm).

Admission £4, children free. Home-made teas.

The rear garden of this south-facing semi has been developed over the past five years to give mixed herbaceous borders and island beds packed with a

box, topiary, roses, a lily pond, a walled garden. Also, a Romanesque loggia, 19th century dell, rhododendrons and pleached limes. The richly carved and Grade I listed Carolean Stables are of significant architectural importance.

Well House - Dean Row Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 2BU. Kennedy Avenue

Open: Sunday 25 June (10.30am - 4.30pm). Admission £4.50, children free. Home-made teas.

wide variety of planting to give year-round interest.

New last year was a fragrant Rose Garden. A rockery has a waterfall which falls to the wildlife pond. There is seating around the garden. Regret no wheelchair access.

NEW! 60 Kennedy Avenue – Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3DE. Open: Sunday 18 June (1 - 5pm). Admission £3.50 (includes glass of wine), children free. Home-made teas.

Small suburban garden designed to provide al fresco dining and relaxed entertaining, as well as a relaxed cottage garden tranquillity. There is a display of 60 hanging baskets, two working beehives and a bee keeper’s garden. Unusually, the front garden is set out in cottage garden style. Not suitable for disabled access.

Well House

Familiar to many gardening friends this happily maturing 3 acre garden, tended with a gentle hand, offers a shady woodland, formal borders and imaginative landscaping. Featuring lush herbaceous planting, wild flowers are a particular passion. Both naturalised and planted they are managed, cultivated and encouraged wherever possible - especially within the meadow which now boasts many wild orchids.

Need a wider choice?

Peover Hall Gardens

Peover Hall Garden – Over Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 9HW. Opening for NGS: Saturday 3 June, Sunday 4 June (2 5pm). Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas in Park House Tea Room & Paddock.

The gardens to Peover Hall are set in 15 acres and feature a number of ‘garden rooms’ filled with clipped

For information on all 3,700 gardens in the scheme throughout England and Wales, visit www.ngs.org. uk and select the Visit a Garden option or check the Cheshire & Wirral Gardens to Visit booklet (free from libraries or larger garden centres). The website and booklet provide full details of the gardens, visiting dates and times and other information such as how to find the gardens, where to park and notes on accessibility.

The average admission price is £4, children usually free; home-made teas are almost always available.

Group visits to many gardens can often be arranged, usually subject to a minimum group size. Contact details via the NGS website or the county booklet.

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

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simply books

book club choice

His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet is an astonishing piece of writing. The year is 1869. A brutal triple murder in a remote community in the Scottish Highlands leads to the arrest of a young man by the name of Roderick Macrae. The centrepiece of the novel is Roderick’s memoir in which he sets out the circumstances which led to such merciless acts of violence - and for which he makes a very frank confession of guilt. It falls to his lawyer and an ‘expert’ in the emergent field of forensic psychiatry to try and save Roderick from the gallows.

Was he mad? What credence should be set by Roderick’s account of events?

This is a spellbinding literary thriller. The description of the impoverished life of highland crofters is vivid and compelling and our sympathies for the accused and his persecution by the Laird’s Constable puts us in the curious position of willing a guilty man to be set free. But is Roderick’s version of events the only ‘truth’? Fascinating and gripping.

Rose Tremain is one of our favourite authors. Her new novel The Gustav Sonata is as beautifully written as any of her previous books.

Gustav grows up in a small Swiss town, where the horrors of the Second World War now seem a distant echo. But Gustav’s father has mysteriously died, and his adored mother Emelie is strangely cold and indifferent towards him. He is a lonely child until one day at Kindergarten he meets Anton. The two boys develop an intense and lifelong friendship but Anton has yet to grasp how deeply his life and Gustav’s are entwined and will only do so when it is almost too late…

A compassionate, elegant and spare piece of writing with a very rare and persuasive understanding of human emotion. One of Rose Tremain’s very best!

And for the children…One Hundred Sausages by Yuval Zommer is a delight. Scruff just loves sausages…so imagine his horror when ONE HUNDRED top-notch sausages are stolen from the butcher’s shop.

And imagine his shock when he gets the blame! It’s time for Scruff and Wonder Dog to take action and sniff out the real culprit.

And finally…Rupert Battersby will be talking at the shop on Wednesday 3 May about the fascinating history of his forebear’s family firm Battersby Hats – its rise and fall over more than a century, and the private triumphs and tragedies of the family who ran it.

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

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Room with a view on a Rhine river cruise More than any other type of holiday, river cruising really steps up to the plate when views to die for are on your list of travel ‘must haves.’

Koblenz and Mannheim in some style. UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its unique combination of geological, historical and cultural gems, a journey along this fabled waterway is something to remember for a very long time.

Heidelburg again has a beautiful riverside setting and is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous university towns. Visited by many 18th and early 19th century romantics, most notably the poet Goethe, it also inspired JMW Turner and appears in some of his greatest landscapes.

Steeped in folklore and charm, the Rhine’s ripe banks burst with story-book castles and verdant vineyards, all waiting to be enjoyed from the comfort of your floating five-star hotel.

Whether soaked in from the comfort of your luxurious balcony suite or admired with new friends over cocktails through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Panorama Lounge, something new waits round every bend of the river.

An array of endlessly-changing scenery from rolling valleys to dramatic cliffs mark your journey, punctuated by picturesque ports and the beating heart of vibrant cities. A cruise on the mighty Rhine delivers like no other.

Take the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, for example. This awesome 65km stretch marks your route between

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River cruising is ideal for single passengers too; one of our favourite operators, Scenic, together with their sister company Emerald, currently have some great departures with no single supplement.

With a river cruise it is easy to get off the ship each day, and explore either with the group, or independently.

The ships generally dock centrally, just a short walk

by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

from the centre of town, and always with plenty of places of interest within easy reach.

Amazing vistas abound ashore too where you’ll enjoy a flexible choice of excursions in every destination ensuring you spend your holiday exactly the way you want to. From Strasbourg, why not journey to the awe-inspiring Black Forest and take in the spectacular scenery on a guided hike?

And in Mannheim, views come no more five-star than on an unforgettable Enrich event at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt.

Surrounded by spectacular gardens, this formidable venue could be the backdrop to a private classical music concert, exclusively for you and fellow guests.

As the sun sets on another day of discovery, so it does on that day’s port. So step out onto your Scenic sun lounge, have your butler deliver you a tipple of your choice, and raise a toast to a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Contact Travel By Design on 01625 584195 to book your river cruise.

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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.

Solution on page 44

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ahead of the curve A rare example of a 19th century curvilinear glasshouse has been restored at the National Trust’s Quarry Bank after a year-long restoration project.

The 1820s glasshouse was built to supply the owners of Quarry Bank mill, the Greg family, with tender fruit of the time, such as grapes and peaches. Its innovative design and use of modern technology sent a clear message to guests about the Gregs’ financial success and position in society.

Although the conservation charity acquired the 18th century cotton mill in 1939, it was only in 2010 that the kitchen garden was acquired by the Trust. The jewel in the crown of this walled garden was the severely damaged curvilinear glasshouse, a name given to the structure because of its unique curved roof.

Eleanor Underhill, Quarry Bank’s general manager, said: “We knew that we had something special here and that hidden under years of decay and old corrugated sheeting was a remarkable glasshouse which had stood derelict for many years. We carried out archaeological, structural and historic research into the building which revealed that it is one of the earliest curvilinear hot houses in the country. We knew then that we had to save it.”

Results from the survey along with photographs, letters, diaries, maps and garden plant orders from Quarry Bank’s extensive archives, provided the team with an opportunity to accurately restore the glasshouse to its former glory and understand more about the purpose of its design.

Sarah Witts, Quarry Bank’s head gardener, said: “Seeing the glasshouse restored to its former glory is a real delight. It is such a unique structure and tells us a lot about the lives of the Greg family and the luxuries they would have enjoyed compared with the mill workers.

“With our newly installed biomass boiler, we’ll be able to heat sections of the glasshouse so that exotic plants such as orchids and palms along with fruits including grapes and peaches that the Gregs would have enjoyed, can once again be grown here.”

As well as the glasshouse, the adjoining back sheds that were once the potting area for the estate’s gardeners and the location of the boilers, have been restored. Archive material revealed that two of the Greg family children also used the space to create a small museum where they would display the treasures that they had found across the estate. Now, the National Trust has used these stories as the inspiration for its interpretation of the space.

These ‘interactive potting sheds’ will allow visitors to discover the story of the people who cared for the garden. With displays telling the stories of Quarry Bank’s gardeners and a mini museum filled with curious finds, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The restoration of the glasshouse is part of a major four year, £9.4 million project to transform Quarry Bank and reflect its position as a rare survival of a complete industrial community, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Wolfson Foundation and other generous organisations and individuals. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank

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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

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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

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Answers: thread, pin cushion, sewing machine, thimble, scissors, tape measure Extra letter answer: needle

just 4 kids

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

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

inside guide

may - june 2017

selected events in your area

Monday 1 May

Wednesday 10 May

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

SK6 8DR 8pm

Birdsong identification and dawn chorus walk Join us for a peaceful towpath walk towards Marple Aqueduct, where wildlife expert Russ Hedley will teach you ways to identify birdsong, while you revel in the dawn chorus.

Free, suitable for young people and adults.

More information & booking www.oldknows.com/ community or 07825 044 379 6am to 8am

Wednesday 3 May Marple Naturalists Flowers and Gardens of Barbados, with Hilary Hutson.

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 4 May 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, holidays and restaurant visits.

More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk If you are interested please ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW at 8.30pm on the first Thursday of each month when there will be somebody there to meet you and explain the workings of the group and introduce you to members.

FRI 12 to SAT 20 MAY Straight and Narrow by Jimmie Chinn Lovers Bob and Jeff’s cosy domesticity is threatened by Jeff’s crisis. He is considering leaving Bob... for a woman, so that he can become a father. Amateur production 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 (Sat 13 May matinee 2.30pm)

Sunday 14 May Maypole Event organised by Hawk Green Residents Association Hawk Green Brass Band and other entertainment. Stallholders £10, charities free, bring your own table. Call Pauline on 0161 427 1218 to book a stall. For more details contact Pauline Harrison 0161 427 1218 or email paulineharrison301@virginmedia.com 12 noon to 5pm

Sunday 14 May

Friday 5 May The Nepalese Children’s Trust invites you to meet Indira Ranamagar of The Prisoners Assistance Nepal for a Taste of Nepal Tickets £20 Please purchase tickets in advance. Contact Gwenda Culkin on 07780435116/gwendaculkin@yahoo.co.uk to arrange payment and delivery of tickets.

Providence URC, Mellor Road, New Mills, SK22 4DP 7pm

WEDNESDAY 10 May Disley & District Flower Club A flower demonstration by Jackie Walker, Area Demonstrator entitled Here Comes the Sun. Visitors welcome £5 High Lane Village Hall 7.30pm

Disley & Lyme Horticultural Society coach trip to Gresgarth Hall, Nr Lancaster Non members welcome. For further information please visit www.dlhs.weebly.com

Monday 15 May High Peak RSPB Jeff Blincow speaks In Search of Wildlife in Chile. His photographs are spectacular and this is a new lecture covering the fauna and flora of this fascinating country. Tea, coffee and raffle. All welcome - group members free; non-members £2 donation (on the door). Children free. Further information regarding group and events from 0161 427 0881 Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Marple SK6 6BA 7.30pm Continued over

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

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FRIDAY 19 MAY

Thursday 1 June

Tameside A Cappella presents an evening of songs, poems and miscellaneous nonsense Featuring the fabulous Monday Mondays, Tameside’s premier mixed a cappella choir Tickets £8—(£5 Children under 10) from Marple Conservative Club (07749 743118) or contact Richard 07975 988489 ALL IN AID OF LITTLE HEARTS MATTER Marple Conservative Club, Church Lane 7.45pm

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, holidays and restaurant visits.

More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk If you are interested please ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along to The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW at 8.30pm on the first Thursday of each month when there will be somebody there to meet you and explain the workings of the group and introduce you to members.

Saturday 20 May Mothers’ Union Coffee Morning All are most welcome to come to it. At the same time our beautiful Arts and Crafts Church Building will be open, with opportunities to see our stained glass windows and artefacts.

St. Martin’s, Brabyns Brow, Marple 10.30am to 12.30pm

Wed 24 to Sat 27 May The Forum Theatre Presents: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ The classic tale of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream brought to life by NK Theatre Arts. The comedy portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, The Duke of Athens to Hippolita. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

Ticket prices: £12/£10 Box Office 0333-666-3366 *booking fees apply The Forum Theatre, Compstall Road, Romiley 7.30pm

Thursday 1 June Ludworth and Mellor Women’s Institute Monthly Meeting Judith Becket from “The Wonder of Woollies” will talk about and demonstrate spinning and dyeing her own yarn. She specialises in spinning unusual fibres including camel, llama, dog and cat hair! Her handspun yarn will be available to buy.

New members and visitors are always welcome.

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

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

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Tuesday 6 June Family Nature Walks Calling all bug spotters, butterfly lovers and bird detectors!

Our exciting, interactive, pushchair friendly nature walks will help your family to explore wildflowers, birds and insects that have made their homes in what remains of our Industrial past. Do some canal myth busting or explore water birds and creatures. More information and booking www.oldknows. com/community or 07825 044 379 Suitable for all ages.

9.45am, 11am, 2pm & 3.15pm

Wednesday 7 June Marple Naturalists Aquatic and Terrestrial Insects in the north west with Rachel Hacking. 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 14 June Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group evening walk at Werneth Low The walk will be around 3 to 4 miles long and the ground may be muddy after rain. Further details of all of the group’s events including Wednesday evening walks, day walks and weekends at stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Meet at The Grapes in Gee Cross 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY 14 June Disley & District Flower Club A flower demonstration by Anne Houghton, an Area Demonstrator, entitled Pot Luck. Visitors welcome £5 High Lane Village Hall 7.30pm

Saturday 17 June Disley & Lyme Horticultural Society coffee morning Coffee, cakes, plants and much more!

Disley Community Centre 10am to 12 noon

Saturday 17 June Marple Carnival see page 4 for details.

Saturday 17 June The Laurence Singers with Musical Director Cliff Crewe A concert of light and popular music. Fund raising event for Stockport Deanery Mothers’ Union for projects at home and worldwide. Tickets £7.50 inc refreshments. To reserve call 0161 285 1283 Norbury Parish Church, London Road, Hazel Grove, SK7 4RF 7.30pm

Wednesday 21 June Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group Evening walk at Higher Poynton. The walk will be around 3 to 4 miles long and the ground may be muddy after rain. Further details of all of the group’s events including Wednesday evening walks, day walks and weekends can be found at www.stockportwalkingoutdoor.org.uk Meet at Nelson Pit Car Park 7.30pm

Fri 23 & Sat 24 June Carver Youth present...Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits Open sesame and discover a treasure trove of fun and laughter as witty writer Craig Hawes gives the timeless tale a twist in this mystical musical comedy. 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 Friday 7.30pm; Saturday 2.30pm and 6.30pm

Thursday 29 June Disley & Lyme Horticultural Society evening talk For further information please visit our website www.dlhs.weebly.com Disley Community Centre

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

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

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classified index BATHROOMS

ESTATE AGENTS

Bathroom Design

43

BOOKSHOPS

ORGANIC FOOD 9

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Simply Books

32

BUILDING SERVICES

Malcom Shaw & Son Ltd

28 6

CARE HOMES & SERVICES CHARITIES 28

cleaning Diamond Home Support

44

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT Hawk Green Cricket Club The Forum Theatre

18 13

DECORATORS Edmondson’s Decorators

18

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

17

DRIVEWAY CLEANING Bluechip Cleaning Solutions

28

ELECTRICIANS SCZ Electrical Services TBG Inspection Services

18 45

Sure Locks

14

Whiting and Mason

Back Cover

The Stair Shop

17

Travel by Design

British Red Cross

Pate & Lever Windows

34

28

33

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS 10

The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back Cover

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is Monday 12 June Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk 46

35

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES 40

OPTICIANS Roger Fisher

Abstract Roofing Services

VOLUNTEERING 33

MUSEUMS Avro Heritage Museum

43

TRAVEL 14

LOFT LADDERS More Than Loft Ladders

Martin Quinn

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 5

LOCKSMITHS Sure Locks

27

SOLICITORS 36

LAWNCARE Greensleeves

Michelle Reynolds

SECURITY 6

LANDSCAPING Cheshire Decking & Patios

14

ROOFING 43

KITCHENS Matt Finish

Eco Dazzle

PLUMBING & HEATING 23

JOINERY Evolve

29

PODIATRIST 35

HEARING SERVICES Hear Pure

Inside Front Cover

British Red Cross

Carrington Doors

Riverford Home Delivery

OVEN CLEANING 14

GARAGE DOORS

T F Building Services Whitehall Builders Ltd

Fernlea

Edward Mellor

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