Inside Marple Issue 28

inside m a r p l e magazines

Issue 28 November - December 2015

including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

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

Welcome to the latest issue of magazines

inside

Issue 28 - November-December 2015

m a r p l e including compstall, marple bridge & mellor

It’s always a pleasure to feature quality businesses in our magazines, particularly those that have received an industry award for excellence. It means that our readers have access to the best that Cheshire has to offer.

So we are especially pleased - dare we say proud - to announce that INSIDE Magazines has just received an industry accolade of its own. At the recent annual conference of Independent Magazine Publishers we were outright winners in the category Best News Editorial. This was awarded for Claire’s very readable account of her interview with Luis Troyano of Great British Bake Off fame.

We have always tried to deliver an interesting read it’s what we’re about. So it’s great to receive ‘official’ confirmation that we are amongst the best, not just in Cheshire, but nationwide.

Co-Editors Garth Aspinall Claire Hawker

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 2015.

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

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

Cover photo: Paul & Matthew of Dutsons

by Garth Aspinall.

Contents Marple Lions

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Cover Story - Dutsons

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Inside People

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In Touch

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St George’s Singers

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Crossword 18 The Walk

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Simply Books Book Club Choice

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All Things Floral

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Sudoku 25 Travel - Living Danishly

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Just 4 Kids

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Children’s Activities

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Puzzle Solutions

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Inside Guide

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Useful Numbers

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Classified Index

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Contact us

Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL.

Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for the next issue:

Wednesday 9 December

Marple Lions Update Father Christmas will arrive at the Dragon Miniature Railway (Marple/Wyevale Garden Centre) at 11am on Saturday 21 November, having been conveyed there from Marple with a bus load of his adoring young fans - the bus very kindly provided by Smiths of Marple. As usual, the Man in the Red Suit will then be in the Railway’s Christmas Grotto every weekend up to Christmas, maybe even during the week.

He will also be hosting Breakfast and Tea Time sessions in the Marple/Wyevale Garden Centre Restaurant during December. Please contact the Garden Centre (0161 427 7211) for full details.

And now’s the time to register your interest for this year’s Santa Dash, to be held on 6 December.

As well as the Christmas activities, Marple & District Lions are actively fundraising all year round. They have recently sponsored a local football team, Marple & Mellor Conservative FC, playing their Sunday morning home matches in Brabyns Park.

The Lions have supported the Wooden Canal Boat Society and the Hazel Project for many years and in September presented their annual sponsorship cheque to the Society. John Perkins (Lions Club President and Canal Boat Society Reserve Skipper) is seen presenting the cheque to Chris Leah (Hazel’s Skipper and the man who has masterminded the project from the word go).

If anyone is interested in joining the local Lions club. Please contact Terry Harding on 0161 303 0011. www.romiley-marple-lions.org.uk

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CAFé • BAR • delicatessen Having dreamt of going in to business together for as long as they could remember, brothers Paul and Matthew Dutson jumped at the opportunity to start up in their home village of Marple Bridge. In March 2012 they took the plunge and Dutsons was born. Three and a half years later, the business is thriving and is yet another good reason for people to pass a little time in Marple Bridge.

Having seen a few transformations along the way, their café menus are now well-established and prove popular with customers every day of the week. To keep things interesting they change the menu seasonally although some favourites stay on. Current favourites include Smoked Haddock Kedgeree for breakfast and Chicken and Charred Corn Orzo for lunch.

exciting ideas. As a result, they have created a diverse range of products, with a clear focus on quality. With a range of over 120 different wines, 40 or so cheeses and a large selection of tasty cupboard items, there is plenty for any foodie to choose from! Having recently entered the National Farm Shop and Deli Awards they have their sights set on winning the Delicatessen category.

With Christmas looming on the horizon, it’s going to be a busy few months at Dutsons! Specially made to order, their individual gourmet hampers are popular gifts for friends, family and corporate customers throughout the year. But they really do come into their own at Christmas. If you are looking to send a hamper across the UK, don’t delay. Visit their recently launched website www.hampersbydutsons.co.uk. Here you will find a carefully selected range of hampers for next day delivery.

Breakfast is served until 12 noon, followed

by Lunch which is served until 5pm (4pm on Sunday). They also serve platters of cheeses and cured meats from 5pm until closing time.

This goes down really well with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and has proved to be a great way for people to unwind on their way home. And for those who are not especially hungry, coffees, loose leaf tea and cakes are served all day.

On the deli front, Paul and Matthew are working with the best local, national and international suppliers and are continually looking for new and

So next time you’re in the village, why not pay Dutsons a visit and sample a little of their fine fayre?

Monday to Friday 7.30am – 7pm Saturday 8.30am – 7pm Sunday 9am – 5pm.

22-24 Town Street, Marple Bridge, SK6 5AA Tel: 0161 484 5380 Email enquiries@dutsons.co.uk www.dutsons.co.uk and www.hampersbydutsons.co.uk Twitter @dutsonsdeli @dutsonshampers

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Inside People Chris Simms Chris Simms was born near Horsham, West Sussex. He moved north to Newcastle University to read Social Studies where he met his wife, Christine. After university they travelled in South East Asia, then lived in London for four years before the urge to globetrot returned and they set off on a world tour. Now they live in Marple with their four children. Chris is an advertising copywriter and Christine teaches Pilates.

One night in 1990 while driving on the M40, their car broke down and as they sat on the hard shoulder a vehicle pulled up behind them. It was only a motorway maintenance vehicle but this slightly scary incident fired Chris’s imagination and he went on to write his first book, the darkly compelling Outside the White Lines.

Chris used to scribble short stories at school to amuse friends but he now turned to serious and sustained fiction writing. A second novel, Pecking Order followed, then his third which introduced a series based around DI Spicer, a member of the Greater Manchester Police major incident team.

The novels are set in Manchester and detailed descriptions mean the city itself becomes a character in each novel. Police procedures are also described in careful, accurate detail. Chris has now published seven stories in the DI Spicer series and currently twelve of his novels are available.

Chris writes in a shed in his garden when not at his copywriting job and a typical working day sees him writing all morning then returning after a brief lunch break to edit what the morning produced and draft the next steps. Very few writers can live wholly on the earnings of their

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by Ed Blundell

creations and for Chris, like many others, writing is part time. He has though enjoyed considerable success and is followed by fans locally and in Canada, Australia and the US, many of whom were originally from Manchester. Chris has been nominated twice for the Theakstone’s Crime Writing prize and shortlisted several times for the Crime Writers’ Association Daggers awards including the Dagger in the Library, voted for by librarians across the country. He was also named as a Waterstones’ Author for the Future, a list of just 25 writers predicted by industry insiders to have the biggest long term impact on Britain’s literary scene.

As well as the DI Spicer series, Chris has written two books with a female police heroine, DC Iona Khan. His ambition is to produce a novel that has the emotional punch of Silence of the Lambs. His current novel, just released, is a new venture, a ghost story. Set in Marple and an isolated village in the Peak District where strange happenings take place, Sing Me to Sleep is now available, as are his other books via his website www.chrissimms.info. If you want a signed and dedicated copy, Chris will have a bookstall at Marple Christmas Cracker in early December.

Chris is also happy to give talks about his work to local groups.

If he hadn’t been a writer, Chris would like to have presented Wildlife TV for children, as long as it didn’t include spiders which he hates! Christine, Chris and their children holiday in France, and enjoy camping. His favourite novel is Heart of Darkness by Conrad. Plans for the immediate future are to return to work in his garden shed on a second ghost story set in Manchester and the eighth DI Spicer novel. Having just read Sleeping Dogs over two compulsive days, I eagerly await it.

Last word from Chris Good writing doesn’t just flow from the end of your pen: it has to be worked at. As Robert Cromier said, “The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon.”

In Touch Your Community Noticeboard WORK CLUB IN MARPLE If you are unemployed or are facing job loss or redundancy we invite you along to get some practical support updating your CV, finding jobs, making applications, preparing for interviews and accessing key websites on the internet.

Sessions include discussions on topics such as interview, presentation skills and job search. There will be an opportunity to share experiences and problems as each individual explores opportunities to secure their future in a rapidly-changing, and sometimes confusing, employment market. Wi-Fi and computer access is available and refreshments are provided.

If you would like to have a chat first to find out more please give Iain and Pam Kirkpatrick a call on 07971 209463. Otherwise feel free to just come along to a session and see if it is for you.

Known as WAY AHEAD, the Work Club meets fortnightly at All Saints’ Church (155 Church Lane, Marple, SK6 7LD) between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on alternate Mondays from 14 September 2015.

MARPLE TAKES THE ARTS TO ITS HEART A brand new arts appreciation group called Marple Exploring The Arts (META) is attracting Arts Lovers this autumn with an exciting programme of music, film, literature, theatre and art events.

in touch

Forthcoming ‘explorations’ include a fascinating lecture by Grevel Lindop on the novelist, poet, theologian, guru and magician, Charles Williams, who was a central member of the ‘Inklings’ group of Oxford writers that included CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. One evening will be dedicated to showing the 2002 classic film version of Graham Greene’s novel The Quiet American and Desmond Winterbone will present a visual arts lecture which will explore the ancestry of a 15th Century painting, revealing the hidden messages enclosed in it by the artist.

META Secretary, Gwen Lowe, says, “We’d like to invite anyone who loves the arts to come along, sample one of the events on offer and find out more about the group. Our autumn to spring programme is entertaining, intriguing and inspiring – a real tonic as the nights get longer and winter draws in.”

Events are held fortnightly on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm at The United Reformed Church on Hibbert Lane, Marple. Visitors are very welcome at any of the evenings. There is disabled access and plenty of free parking close by. For the full programme and membership enquiries visit www.marple-uk.com/arts or contact Gwen Lowe (Secretary) at gwen.lowe@btconnect.com

NEW CYCLING CLUB FOR MARPLE A new inclusive and social cycling club for Marple has been set up. The SK6 Spinners meet at 7.30am every second Sunday, and aim to bring together road cycling enthusiasts for rides of around 20 miles. The emphasis is on making sure everyone has a good ride, no matter what level of fitness. For more information search for SK6 Spinners on Facebook or email Alex Waddington on jaw@jawaddington.co.uk.

Aiming to create a social hub for like-minded people and bringing distinguished speakers, classic film and live music to the heart of Marple, META’s events are sparking interest and debate.

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in touch

DOUBLE ‘B’ JAZZ ORCHESTRA

by Bryan Hegarty Do you remember the time before karaoke, disco and ‘musak’ in pubs and clubs, incessant pop music and all the other paraphernalia of modern living? Do you also remember when ‘going to a dance’ meant just that – no flashing lights and DJ but music provided by real, live musicians rather than via cd or a laptop?

The period I’m referring to is, of course, the halcyon days of the 1930s, 40s and 50s when swing was king and the great 20-piece jazz and dance orchestras fronted by the likes of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington held sway.

If you thought those days were gone forever, take heart for here in Stockport the Big Band sound is back in the form of the Double ‘B’ Jazz Orchestra.

This group of musicians were brought together

by Mr Ernie Eyes in 1975 in New Mills. In 1976 the band, then known as Boulders Big Brass Band, transferred to the FiveWays Hotel in Hazel Grove where they presented a weekly concert of Big Band Jazz and Swing until December 2012 when they moved to Stockport Masonic Guildhall.

The orchestra comprises the classic Big Band line-up of four/five trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones together with keyboards, double bass, guitar and drums. The line-up is completed by male vocalist Les Thomas who also acts as compere, together with two female vocalists Simone MacGregor and Marilyn Royle.

The orchestra purveys the kind of music that set feet tapping in that bygone era when swing was king. Should you be tempted into thinking that the arrangements are dated you would be completely wrong. Included in the orchestra’s extensive library are many new arrangements of Big Band standards specially written by former Musical Director David Ellis who was Head of Music (North) at the BBC in Manchester.

The orchestra, which has been featured in jazz programmes on radio and TV, has a policy of encouraging young musicians, many of whom have gone on to play with outfits such as the

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National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Syd Lawrence Big Band.

So, if your musical taste extends to our kind of music you will find a very warm welcome each Wednesday at the Stockport Masonic Guildhall.

For a very modest charge the Double ‘B’ Jazz Orchestra will prove that Big Band Jazz and Swing is very much alive and well in Stockport!

We look forward to seeing you soon.

LEARN TO SING IN HARMONY Revered local barbershop group Harmony Revival is offering local lads aged 9-90 the opportunity to learn to sing and be part of their chorus. The Hazel Grove-based organisation is one of the best of its kind in the North West, frequently competing in local and national singing events.

Harmony Revival’s free learn to sing course (aptly titled Learn to Sing in Harmony) is open to men of all ages and all abilities – from budding baritones who have performed in a professional capacity - to those who are more used to belting out the hits in the confines of their shower at home. The course, which starts on 21 October, aims to encourage and attract more local men to take up singing as a hobby, with a view to some staying on and joining Harmony Revival as permanent fixtures of the team.

in touch Experience is useful, but not essential – as the course has been cleverly designed to enable budding singers of all abilities to join and enjoy without pressure or prejudice. Sheet music, CDs, tuition, demonstrations and course notes are all provided. Throughout the duration of the programme, participants will learn two new songs. The course will finish just before Christmas, when the group stages a number of sing outs and fundraising singing events for charity as they do each year. Anyone taking part in the course will be able to attend these events and sing the two songs they have learnt along with the chorus.

The course will run on Wednesday evenings from 21 October to 25 November and takes place at Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Stockport. Classes start at 7.30pm and finish with tea and a chat at 9pm.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Roger Wilkson on 01663 765653 or email harmonising@harmonyrevival.co.uk Alternatively visit www.harmonyrevival.co.uk for more information.

MARPLE NATURALISTS We are fortunate in Marple to live in a very varied environment, ranging from high moorland to relatively lush river valleys and containing many different species of plant and animal life. What better place, then, to develop an interest in natural history?

The Naturalists were founded more than 40 years ago to cater for people with such an A small tortoiseshell butterfly feeds in a Marple garden

interest. According to the group’s Constitution, it has the aim of encouraging “the study of natural history by fieldwork and trips, talks, films and exhibitions, compilation of records, liaison with other bodies and other appropriate means”. The core activity remains our monthly meeting with varied speakers and other activities, this year covering topics ranging from climatic change to Lyme Park’s deer.

Not surprisingly, Marple has experienced many changes over the last half century, not merely in its urban development but also in its wildlife. As far as the wildlife is concerned, our records show that many changes have been for the better.

The huge improvement in the water quality in the River Goyt has allowed birds like the dipper, kingfisher, goosander and cormorant to enjoy the clear water, together with fish such as trout, grayling and even salmon. Invasive species like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, harlequin ladybird and signal crayfish have become common, although some once familiar resident species like the water vole are rarely seen. What next, with global warming and rising local population bringing further changes?

All with interests in nature will be warmly welcomed at our monthly meetings in the United Reformed church, Hibbert Lane, Marple on the first Wednesday evening in the month.

MARPLE CHORAL VACANCIES Marple Choral Society will have vacancies for tenors and basses starting in January 2016.

Rehearsals will lead up to a concert, with orchestra, on 19 March at Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove.

Potential singers will be joining a lively choir with a first rate conductor. Auditions are not needed, but anyone interested should apply to the secretary at songsinger@btopenworld.com. Rehearsals take place at 8pm on Monday evenings at Marple Methodist Church. For more information about the choir and its recent concerts, please visit www.marplechoralsociety.org.uk.

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in touch

MARPLE CHRISTMAS CRACKER Christmas really gets under way in Marple on Saturday 5 December. Father Christmas will arrive at the Marple Social and Forces Club on Friday evening where there will be carol singing and free sweets for children! From 10am to 3pm on the Saturday, Father Christmas will be in his grotto giving out gifts to children with Barrington Powell providing entertainment. A wide variety of craft and local business stalls will be on Derby Way during the day with carol singing and local brass bands playing. Keep up to date with Marple Christmas Cracker on Facebook and Twitter.

SUPPORT SECOND WORLD WAR VETERAN’S EPETITION 92 year old Theo Eaves from Poynton has started an Epetition: RAF Aircrews who flew from Italy should be awarded the Bomber Command Clasp.

Theo, together with other members of the British armed forces, flew 35 sorties with 142 Squadron from bases in Southern Italy during the Second World War. But because they flew from Italy and not from the UK, they have been refused the Bomber Command Clasp. This is insultingly unfair as they took the same high risks with the highest combat casualty rate of all the armed services in the war and attacked similar targets to crews from the UK. Theo has created an epetition in an attempt to right this wrong for those veterans who are still alive and the relatives of those men who were killed. 10,000 signatures are needed before the government will respond. Please visit this link, sign and share this on social media. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/107432

HAZEL GROVE MUSIC FESTIVAL The 89th Musical Festival will be held from 19 to 27 February 2016, with the winners concert on Saturday 5 March. The syllabus for the 2016 Festival is now available to download at www. hazelgrovemusicalfestival.org.uk. Closing date for entries is 30 November 2015.

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

Mozart Great Mass in C minor St George’s Singers of Poynton is one of the most highly regarded large choirs in the North West with a reputation for versatility, enterprise and choral excellence. In this first concert of their 60th season they are joined by the talented young musicians of Chetham’s Chamber Orchestra in a programme of choral and orchestral music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to be performed at The Royal Northern College of Music on Saturday 21 November.

The 26 year old Mozart began work on the Mass in C minor (K427) in 1782 soon after his marriage to Constanze on 4 August. The marriage was against the wishes of his father Leopold and Mozart made a promise that if he was forgiven he would compose a thanksgiving mass. In October the partly completed work was given its first performance in Saltzburg, possibly with Constanze performing one of the solo soprano parts. Although Mozart never completed the Mass it remains his most ambitious and elaborate church work, planned on a scale comparable to that of Bach’s Mass in B minor, coloured by the Italian operatic style, and full of Mozart’s tenderness and compassion. The soloists in this performance include two of the country’s rising stars, the BBC New Generation Artist and 2011 Kathleen Ferrier prize winner soprano Kitty Whately, and winner of the prestigious 2015 Maggie Teyte prize mezzo soprano Alison Rose.

concerto from the previous year and as a result, De Jean refused to pay for it.

Tickets are £16, £14 concession, £5 students/ children, (special rates for group bookings can also be arranged). Coach transport is available from Poynton and Hazel Grove. For more details and to book tickets please contact the ticket secretary on the Ticket Hotline 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

Chetham’s Chamber Orchestra will perform two earlier orchestral works, Concerto for flute no 2 in D major (K314) with flautist Lucy Driver, who at a young age is already establishing herself internationally as an accomplished and versatile musician, and Serenade for orchestra No 6 in D major (K239). The concerto is one of three commissioned in 1778 by Dutch flautist Ferdinand De Jean. Rather than creating a new second concerto Mozart adapted an oboe

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Quick Crossword

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Settle up (3,3) Rouse (6) Epoch (4) Plummet (4,4) Doorman (7) Board (5) Express disapproval (5) Pommel horse user (7) Embassy (8) Dregs (4) Take on (6) Standard (6)

Walk through water (4) Early Worship (7/6) Amazed (7) Light wood (5) Crane fly (5/8) Scraps (8) Luxury (8) Singing of religious songs (7) Fund (5) Always (4)

Solution on page 32.

Christmas Cheer ‘Tis the season to be jolly, as we will be repeatedly told in the run up to Christmas. The build up to the big day for many is what makes the season so special. The diary becomes filled with dates for carol concerts, work parties, festive markets and so on.

But for many of our older people Christmas time won’t be so jolly as this time of year just heightens their loneliness. According to Age UK nearly one million over 65 year olds only see close friends or family once a month or less and over half a million older people spent Christmas Day alone last year.

We know that in England, 51% of all people over 75 live alone and research tells us that five million older people say the television is their main form of company. Given that the number of over 75’s is expected to double in the next 30 years and funding for services for older people is under increasing pressure, these sad facts are not going to change anytime soon.

Now I don’t want to take the shine off Christmas and make people feel guilty about enjoying themselves, as I enjoy the festive period as much as anyone. But it is impossible for me not to think about the impact of loneliness in general as I see the impact of it on a regular basis through my role and also having worked as a volunteer companion.

The benefits of social interaction on our health and wellbeing are well documented, especially for older people and it doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference. So while we’re all busy planning our social diaries over Christmas maybe we could build in a bit of time to call in on an elderly neighbour or relative? Perhaps take a mince pie, stay for a cup of tea a chat and spread a little more Christmas cheer.

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

A Walk Into History Distance: 8 miles taking about 4 hours.

Map Explorer: SK 012 815 Our walk started at the canal basin car park in Whaley Bridge.

We had a local historian with us who pointed out some of the features that owed their origins to historical events that happened in the surrounding area. We started up the incline built by the Cromford and High Peak Railway which originally was intended to be a canal.

This incline is fairly short, and at the top of the stone remains of the turning circle can still be seen. At the side of this is a sad memorial carved into a rock to a young man who vanished from the village in the 1980’s. A pity that Whaley Bridge is misspelt! After this the track is blocked and it requires a short stretch of road-walking, along the A6, until just after the Cock Inn a narrow path on the left leads up a short hill and re-joins the site of the track. After about ½ mile the Shallcross Incline is reached which is longer and steeper.

This incline was powered by a stationary steam engine situated at the top of the hill; this part of the track was recently renovated and opened to walkers some years ago. In total nine inclined plains were built, covering the whole length of the railway track.

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by Peter Jaques & Bob Wade Poynton District Rambling Club

The route then passes the nearby Shallcross Hall Farm, before turning into a rough track and crossing the A5004 to Buxton before dipping down and crossing the river Goyt. There followed a steep but thankfully short climb up to Taxal Church where the group was able to rest for a while before continuing left along the farm track for about two miles, giving superb views of the hills on our left. At Crowhill Farm we turned right and crossed a minor road at the base of Taxal Edge.

We stopped here for a welcome coffee break and admired the views towards Ladder Hill with its distinctive radio mast. We then started the steepish climb up to Taxal Edge, before reaching Windgather Rocks where the group turned right along the ridge, passing Wright’s Farm. Just after this there is a ladder stile on the right which we crossed, then began the slow descent into Kettleshulme, passing the well-tended gardens of the White Swan Pub. The group then crossed a minor but busy road and went towards the small hamlet of Kettleshulme, before turning left passing Lumb Mill, originally called Lumb Hole which seemed to be in a good state of repair, most of the mill workers cottages nearby are still occupied.

We crossed a small bridge over the pretty and picturesque brook, admiring the series of waterfalls that had powered the mill. At this point we stopped on a grassy embankment for

lunch and relaxed in the sun. Again were able to enjoy the views, this time towards Taxal Edge.

After some time we reluctantly set off again and crossed a double stile over Todd Brook, before climbing up the minor road which leads into Kettleshulme.

We crossed the road and passed the New Cornfield Farm following a rough track and keeping the farm buildings on our right. On a small hill some 300 metres to the west of the farm can be found ‘The Murder Stone,’ this is believed to be a Neolithic relic and it now a grade 2 listed ancient monument. How it got its name is unknown but it has been suggested that it might have some connection with the ‘Bow Stones,’ on the other side of the valley. However the ‘Bow Stones’ are of the Saxon period whereas the Murder Stone is much earlier. It seems to date from Stone Age or Bronze Age periods which overlapped; the period dates from 4000 to 2500 BC. The stone is situated some 200 metres on the left hand side of the track, it is made of gritstone and must have been a monumental task to haul it up the hill and position it.

After a short pause to admire it we continued on the track with the minor road to Kettleshulme from Disley visible below us on the left. We were soon in sight of what had been until recently the Moorside Hotel and we turned right before reaching it, walking on the well-defined and pleasant path alongside Whaley Moor. A larger ladder stile was negotiated and we then walked on the level skirting a hill on our left with views over Taxal on the right. Crossing a small bridge over a tiny stream we climbed up a short distance to a small stile which we crossed.

In the field is another ancient monument call ‘The Dipping Stones.’ One legend is that this is a relic from the plague of the 1600’s. The villagers put money to pay for food into the hollows in the stone filled with water or vinegar to prevent the plague spreading. In fact the stones are the base of a cross, probably denoting a boundary point. It seems that much of the stone work was removed over time to build the stone walls around the fields. It is probably Neolithic, so the plague story could not be true.

It is at this point that another deviation can be made down to the old Buxton road from Disley to Whaley Bridge. Just by the road sign denoting the boundary of Derbyshire is another ‘Murder Stone.’

We then crossed a tricky ramshackle stile over the stone wall, at the bottom corner of the field, turning right over a rough pasture towards Todbrook Reservoir. It is believe that this large field was used as a firing range in the First World War, we took care not to step on any exploded bombs! The group then followed the wall, looking down at Todbrook Reservoir until we reached a narrow road at which point we turned left, and after a short distance then turned right down a signposted path through the wood until we reached the road running alongside Todbrook Reservoir. After about half a mile we went under the railway bridge at Whaley Bridge, and back to the car park.

We had seen some history of the area, much of it lost in the mists of time. Maybe some of the answers will be uncovered in years to come. A refreshing drink at the Goyt Inn concluded what had been an interesting and informative walk.

Poynton Rambling Club walks are mainly on Wednesdays and Sunday. The club caters for walkers of all abilities and the walks vary from easy to fairly strenuous, with the distance between 5 and 12 miles. For further details contact the secretary, Brian Brough 01625 877463 or for more information at www.poynton-ramblers.org.uk.

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Simply Books Book Club Choice Linda Grant’s new novel Upstairs at the Party is set in the 1970s at one of the ‘new universities’– for all practical purposes the University of York.

A place of brutal concrete architecture where (in the words of the founders) the ‘arts and sciences would speak to each other’. The novel’s narrator Adele Ginsberg more or less blags herself a place in the English Department on the strength of a postcard she has been sent by her namesake the (at the time) cult American poet Allen Ginsberg.

Hard to credit but such things really did happen – long before the strict regime of entry by 3As took hold!

Once there Adele falls into a loose and shifting set of friendships – against the backdrop of the new sexual and revolutionary politics. Looking back from a vantage point 40 years later Adele sees the whole experience as something of an experiment – the university as a ‘playpen’ in which students were set free to explore ideas, passions and intellectual interests with little supervision from the university itself – and all funded by generous student grants at the taxpayers’ expense. They were indeed different times! The story moves along at a pace and there’s some brilliant and perceptive period detail which I really enjoyed. The second half of the novel turns on a tragic incident at Adele’s 20th birthday party – the fallout from which binds the friends together in curious and unforeseen ways for the rest of their lives. When the friends return for a reunion at York some 41 years later the unresolved details of that party still haunt them and provide the novel’s denouement.

This is a very entertaining read - a convincing portrait of the (often discredited) Seventies.

Above all Linda Grant is a storyteller who holds our attention and will keep you turning the page!

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(ps I should probably declare a personal interest– although our paths never crossed it turns out Linda Grant and I were contemporaries at York, indeed we may well have sat on the floor at the same New York Dolls concert that she references in her novel!)

By way of contrast Fascinating Footnotes from History by Giles Milton is an amazing collection of a hundred of the quirkiest historical nuggets and eye-stretching stories that read like fiction but are a hundred per cent fact. There’s a bit of everything here... from Hitler’s cocaine habit and his English girlfriend, to Stalin’s stint as a bank robber, and Hiroo Onoda, the lone Japanese soldier still fighting the Second World War in 1974! Giles launched his book with us at Simply Books on Thursday 1 October. This was a brilliant evening of intriguing anecdote – all told in Giles’ characteristically engaging style!!

And for the children... A new Charlie and Lola book is something of an event so we are thrilled that Lauren Child came to launch One Thing with us in October. One Thing sees Charlie and Lola take on the world of numbers and counting – all in their own inimitable way and with Lauren’s trademark illustrations. This is a ‘must have’ book for any Charlie and Lola fan. More details at www.simplybooks.info

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

All Things Floral There are few things in life that are as simple, and yet so powerful, as a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They have a timeless and universal quality that transcends language, cultural, age and geographical boundaries. They pay tribute, they celebrate, they say sorry, they congratulate, they commemorate, they express love and affection and quite often they are just a simple gift. Flowers can say so much.

It is perhaps for this reason that florists like Jenni-fleurs in Marple Bridge, derive so much satisfaction from what they do.

Jennifer, daughter Jessica and her niece Vibe are the proud team that run this important local business. As Jennifer remarked “We are privileged to be party to other people’s celebrations and sadly, at times, to their tributes”.

Jennifer has lived in a few places in recent years - Nottingham, Cornwall and Cheltenham – and enjoyed a variety of occupations, but returned to her native Mellor some five years ago and just two years ago, established Jenni-fleurs.

Being a florist, she says, is something very special. It’s an art form, an uplifting pastime and a worthwhile service to the community.

The shop has recently been extended to include an attractive rear garden. Jenni-fleurs also offers a range of gifts – an expanding part of the business. Jennifer looks forward to your visit and the opportunity to help you choose.

Jenni-fleurs, 20 Town Street, Marple Bridge, SK6 5AA. Tel. 0161 258 9429 www.jenni-fleurs.co.uk

24

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 32.

Living Danishly July is such a quiet month to visit Denmark.

Starting in Copenhagen and picking up my Opel Zafira was easy. Brand new and only 19 miles on the clock and the SatNav directed us with ease out of the parking lot on to the main highway north to Zealand. Only 45 mins driving north from the centre and you can be in the most idyllic unspoilt Danish countryside.

Our beautiful thatched 18th century cottage in between Gilleleje and Hornbaek fronted directly onto a beach which was deserted apart from a few seagulls and two paddle boarders one of which was my son. It didn’t take him long to blow up his inflatable board and go where the wind takes you. Beautiful but quite cold clear water stretches right over to Sweden where in the distance we could see the silhouettes of the major cruise lines as they emerged from the Baltic into the North Sea. Visiting the Flea Market in Tisvilde, another quaint little village on the same stretch of coast on a Saturday was fun. The Danes are so patriotic with flags flying everywhere; there was even a flagpole in the garden of our cottage with what looked like some strict instructions regarding flag flying protocols.

Lots of bags of Lego to engross our 8 month old grandchild were for sale at the Flea Market together with much Danish retro furniture but no

26

by Kristina Hulme www.travelbydesigngroup.com

Eames bargains I’m afraid. Visitors arrived from up and down the coast on a two-carriage train linking lots of little seaside villages. I also saw stall holders selling second-hand Royal Copenhagen crockery and lots of effortlessly well designed second hand Danish chairs.

The stereotype is true, the Danes are indeed so very stylish, and on previous visits to Denmark it has been mostly during the winter where I have been used to seeing uniforms of black and grey quilted coats and wonderful hats and scarves... it was so wonderful to see the locals in their summer garb of bright greens, yellows and pinks parading up and down the high streets. Denmark is definitely quite vibrant in the summertime.

Everybody forgets Hygge (a concept that doesn’t directly translate, but think cosy, content, and indoors) and embraces the sunshine!

Hornbaek could be described as the Danish equivalent of Salcombe or Dartmouth - similar outfits too - regatta sailing gear with white trousers and deck shoes and red, white and blue stripy sailing shirts. Lots of wonderful fish restaurants and a fair few retailers selling famous brand outdoor Danish Brands of clothing at sale prices. The Danes seem to be enthusiastic consumers of coffee and there are so many bespoke coffee establishments in Hornbaek.

The excitement of the day for my fanatical sailing husband was to travel by steam ship into the Kattegat Sea during an episode of 40mph

Travel winds. This is one of only five steamships still to exist in Denmark. The guide informed us rather enviously that Britain has hundreds, but that’s neither here nor there. It was explained that she, the ship, had previously seen service in the Arctic so there was no problem with today’s ‘mild’ atmospheric conditions. A group of enthusiasts explained they had restored the ship over a 30-year period and she had been put back on the water just last year.

Driving back to the cottage, in what should have been peak holiday time, we were astounded that the roads were so quiet. A visit to the Supermarket en route for provisions for supper was interesting where we had a very Aldi type experience, with lots of wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables and produce from all over Denmark.

All the villages on the coast have access to the sea and are accessible on foot. I did notice in parts they too are fighting a losing battle against erosion. Now back to the thatched cottage for some hygge time. This is surprisingly aided by the absence of features. No wifi, no TV, no mobile phone access, just peace and quiet, a fish diet, and the book “How to live Danishly in a Year”. Bliss. Same time again next year I think.

Only four hours door to door but a world away from our busy Cheshire Village.

At Travel by Design we have arranged many holidays to Denmark and also some special 24 and 48 hour breaks in Copenhagen with very reasonably priced direct flights from Manchester. Also we have an ideas book of suggested bike rides around the towns and countryside. Why don’t you take some time out and visit Travel by Design in Alderley Edge 01625 584195 and speak to Kristina who is a regular visitor to Denmark. She can recommend many different and interesting ways of exploring this wonderful country and you may like to join her for a coffee and Danish pastry while you’re there. Come and find out why this country is consistently rated the happiest in world, and why Copenhagen always tops the best city rankings.

29

Answers: alien, mercury, the moon, mars, jupiter, space ship Extra letter answer: saturn

S D I K 4 JUST

’s Activities Marple ChildrenThings to do with pre-school kids Monday

Wednesday

High Lane Baby & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Term time only. High Lane Village Hall.

Baby & Toddler Group 9.15-11am Term time only. Brookside Primary School, High Lane. £2 for one adult and child, £1 per extra child, price includes a snack. Contact 01663 308 008 for more information.

Contact Sarah on 01625 268301 for more information.

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 Parents & Tots 9 - 11.15am Term time only. St Thomas’ Church, High Lane. A chance for all parents/carers to meet other carers in a safe environment – lots to do and refreshments provided. £1 per adult and up to two children.

Contact Rev. Janet Parker on 01663 764519 Coffee Break Toddler Group 9.15-11.15am Term time only. Marple Independent Evangelical Church, Queen St. Lots of toys, sing-songs and ‘Thought for the Day’, followed by refreshments for children and adults. £1.50 per adult. Text Alexandra on 07521094282 or email aehall@hotmail.co.uk Little Monkeys Club 9.30-10.30am & 10.30-11.30am Term time only. Brabyns Recreation Centre, Marple Bridge. Increase your child’s confidence, co-ordination and fitness through a fun variety of climbing equipment, soft play, shapes, music & movement for children age walking to 5 years. £4.50 per session.

Call Karen 07986 182884 or visit www.karenbrook.co.uk/little-monkeys Toddler Group 9.30-11am Term time only. Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane. £2 per family, please contact Anne on 0161 449 9088.

30

St. Sebastian’s Toddler Group 1-2.30pm St. Sebastian’s nursery, United Reformed Church, Hollins Lane, Marple Bridge. We welcome babies and children aged 0-5 and their parents/cares for play, music, crafts and snacks, £2 per adult. For more information please contact Kate Zijlstra on 0161 4278208 or email stsebastiannursery@aol.com Playaway Mum & 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 Sarah at office@allsaintsmarple.co.uk

Thursday Craft Table Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only. Mellor Parish Centre, Church Rd. Supervised craft table, 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.

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.

Marple & District Twins/Multiples Club 10-11.30am Mellor Parish Centre. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month all year. Siblings are welcome not just multiples, £2 per family. Contact marpletwins@yahoo.com

Story Time 2-2.30pm Term time only. Marple Library, Memorial Park.

Contact 0161 217 6009.

Little Fishes 9.30-10am Ridge Methodist Church, Marple. Every 2nd Sunday of the month all year. Bible stories, activities and songs, with juice and cake afterwards.

Compiled by Jenny Riley e: jenny@insidemagazines.co.uk

sunday

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solution

32

Inside Guide Saturday 31 October Hazel Grove Music Festival presents a concert by The Smithey Belles Choir, and guest artiste Erin Alexander (soprano). £10 adults £7 children/students, including refreshments. All proceeds in aid of the Festival. For tickets please phone 0161 355 0617 or 0161 483 6414 Hazel Grove Methodist Church 7.30pm

Sunday 1 November Lime Kilns: The Tramway Open Day. Have you ever wondered how much of Marple’s 200 year old tramway survives? Book onto a free guided tour to see the discoveries from the latest excavation, and get a glimpse into the lives of those who worked at the Kilns.

Tours every half hour starting at 12 noon, last tour starts at 3.30pm, plus lots more activities for the whole family throughout the afternoon. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. To book visit www.oldknows.com or call 07825 044 379 Meet at Marple Social and Forces Club, SK6 6BX for tours. 12noon until 4pm

Monday 2 November Peter Cunningham Memorial Concert, performed by Halle players and friends for Halle Education.

A guide to selected events in East Cheshire during November & December Thursday 5 November Marple Exploring The Arts will be showing the 2002 film version of Graham Greene’s novel ‘The Quiet American’ set in 1952 in Saigon, Vietnam. On one level it is a love story about the triangle that develops between Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine), a British journalist, a young American idealist named Alden Pyle, a CIA agent and Phuong, a young Vietnamese woman. On another level it is about the growing American involvement that eventually led to the full scale war in Vietnam. Visitors very welcome.

The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Fri 6 – Sat 14 November Carver Theatre presents ‘Entertaining Angels’ by Richard Everett. As a clergy wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour. Following the death of her husband Bardolph, she is enjoying the newfound freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases.

This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Tickets £9 (£8 concessions) available online www.carvertheatre.co.uk, by phone 0161 449 8363 or from Hollins of Marple.

Season tickets also available.

Nick Trygstad and string quartet. Programme to include: Mozart Quintet no6 in E flat; Bach Suite no2 for solo cello; Honegger Sonatina for violin and cello.

Tickets £11 (concessions £10) available from Key Holidays, Romiley. Harmony Decor, Marple. Chemist, Marple Bridge or Paddi Cunningham 0161 427 4088.

In support of HALLE EDUCATION

Carver Theatre, Chadwick Street, Marple 7.45pm (Sat 7th 2.30pm)

Mellor Parish Centre 7.30pm

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

Wednesday 4 November Marple Naturalists: Deer at Lyme Park with Chris Dunkerly. Membership fees are £30 per annum, or £4 per visit (free for children under 16). For further information contact Lynne Shuttleworth (0161 427 2346) or Derek Clifford (0161 427 4611).

United Reformed Church (left side entrance), Hibbert Lane 8pm

Tuesday 10 November East Cheshire NT Lecture – ‘Planting a few Ideas’, speaker Katie Perry

Tuesday 10 November Simply Books presents Sarah Ward. Join us for an evening with Sarah Ward talking about her debut crime novel In Bitter Chill. Tickets £5.To book: call in, email events@simplybooks.info, book online at www.simplybooks.info or phone 0161 439 1436.

Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Don’t forget!

Saturday 14 November

Wednesday 9 December

Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane 10am - 12noon

Copy deadline for the next issue: Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

Charity Christmas Card & Gift Sale. 20 stalls, broad spectrum of charities. For further details call Polly Vernon 0161 427 2325.

Continued over...

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

33

inside guide

Monday 16 November

Thursday 19 November

High Peak RSPB group meeting - “Emperors and Kings” Brian Anderson will be showing images of penguin species well as the landscape of Antarctica. Brian is a photographer, lecturer, adventurer and architect. Tea coffee and Raffle. All welcome - group members free; non-members £2 donation (on the door) www.rspb.org.uk/groups/highpeak Further information regarding group and events from 0161 427 0881

Mellor Country House annual Christmas Delights Evening with variety of stalls including handbags, jewellery and accessories, luxury cosmetics, gifts and Christmas produce. Orders being taken on the night for Nordman non-drop Christmas Trees with free delivery.

Festive entertainment by Compstall Chorus.

Marple Senior Citizens Hall, Marple Memorial Park 7.30pm

Monday 16 November Marple Local History Society: Ian Morrison on The Story of Jodrell Bank. Meetings take place on the 3rd Monday of a month (unless otherwise stated), subscriptions £10 payable at the first meeting of the season. Visitors £3 per meeting. Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane 7.45pm

Tue 17 to Sat 21 November Bollington Light Opera Group presents SHOWTIME. With musical numbers from Chicago, Les Miserables, Grease and Moulin Rouge. A warming hot pot will be served by the cast direct to your table. Tickets from blogbookings@aol.com or call 01625 431038 Bollington Civic Hall 7.30pm

Wed 18 to Fri 20 November NK Theatre Arts ‘Performance Class’ Presents: William Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Advanced Tickets £10/£8.50 (Door Price £12) Forum Theatre Ticketline – Call 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Romiley 7.30pm

Wed 18 – Sat 21 November Woodford Players invite you to spend Christmas with the Bunker family this year, it’s one you will never forget in this comedy with a twist by Alan Ayckbourn. Tickets can be ordered through the website at www.woodfordplayers.co.uk Woodford Community Centre 7.30pm

Thursday 19 November

34

Marple Exploring The Arts presents a lecture by Grevel Lindop entitled ‘Charles Williams: Unveiling a Hidden Life’. Lindop’s biography draws on a wealth of documents, many never before opened to researchers, to reveal the first full account of the life of the novelist, poet, theologian, magician, and guru. Williams was a central member of the ‘Inklings’ – the group of Oxford writers that included C S Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Visitors very welcome. The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple at 7.30pm

Tickets £4 (includes mulled wine and mince pies) from Sharon on 0161 427 1893. Please come along and help raise much needed funds for this local charity, your support is very much appreciated.

Mellor Country House, Longhurst Lane, Mellor 7.30pm

Saturday 21 November Marple and Goyt Valley Inner Wheel, Fund Raising Craft Fair. A variety of stalls, including handmade jewellery, hand crafted cards, handmade crafts including purses, phone cases, bags and hair accessories. Also bric a brac and raffle run by Inner Wheel. Entrance £1 to include free tea, coffee or soft drink. Proceeds from our stall and raffle go to Cancer Research. Please come along to the library and support us!

High Lane Library, Buxton Road, High Lane 10am to 1pm

Saturday 21 November St George’s Singers present Mozart Great Mass in C Minor. Tickets £16, £14 concession, £5 students/ children. Coach transport available from Poynton and Hazel Grove. More details and tickets from the Ticket Hotline 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk Royal Northern College of Music 7.30pm

Saturday 21 November Marple Choral Society (Musical Director Ian Crawford).

Handel’s Messiah with soloists and Stockport Symphony Orchestra. Tickets £12/students and under 18s half price, available from any choir member or on the door if any left. To reserve ring 01663 763509.

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove 7.30pm

Saturday 21 November Friends of Mellor Parish Centre continue their popular annual series of events based on food and culture from around the world. French Evening with 3-course meal and entertainment. Licensed bar. Tickets £17.50 from Angela Stead 0161 427 3571 or Mellor Parish Centre 0161 484 5079 (mornings only). Public booking opens Mon 19 Oct. Mellor Parish Centre 7pm for 7.30pm

inside guide

Wed 25 to Sun 29 November

Wed 2 – Fri 4 December

Christmas Tree Festival with nativity scenes and performances. More details at stgeorgestockport.co.uk or call Kim Regan 0161 440 0408

NK Theatre Arts The Company Presents: ‘Christmas at the Forum’ - A Festive Show that’s fun for all the family.

Advanced Tickets £9/£7.50 (Door Price £10) (Family of 4 £30) Forum Theatre Ticketline – Call 0333 666 3366

St George’s Church, Heavily, Stockport

Thursday 26 November East Cheshire NT Lecture – ‘The Origin of Surnames’, speaker David Greatorex.

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

Saturday 28 November Oldknow’s Roadshow and Film show. Have you got any stories, photographs, or items related to Samuel Oldknow, Mellor Mill estate, Marple Aqueduct or the Lime Kilns? Please bring them along to Marple Library to be scanned into our archive. While you’re there catch a special screening of ‘The New Navvies’, a campaign film created by the Peak Forest Canal Society in Marple in 1965. Come and reminisce with us, meet our volunteers, and find out more about ways you could get involved. Free. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To book visit www.oldknows.com or call 07825 044 379 Marple Library 11am to 3pm

Saturday 28 November

www.theforumtheatre.co.uk

Thursday 3 December Marple Exploring The Arts presents an illustrated lecture entitled ‘An Unusual Announcement’ by Desmond Winterbone who will explore the ancestry of a 15th Century painting of the Annunciation and reveal the hidden messages enclosed in it by the artist. Visitors very welcome. The United Reformed Church, Hibbert Lane, Marple 7.30pm

Saturday 5 December The Dovedale Singers, based in Marple, along with The Salford Royal Choir, and guests The Chapel-en-le-Frith Male Voice Choir, presents ‘Do you Hear What I Hear?’ a concert of seasonal music, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and hosted by Soroptimist International Ashton-under-Lyne. Tickets £8 including refreshments.

For tickets please contact 0161 429 6236 or 07866 723965 or email soroptimistashton@gmail.com Albion United Reformed Church, Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne 7.30pm

Monthly Tea Dance raising funds for Friends of Our Valley – this month ‘Leeds City Stompers’. Tickets £15 include evening meal. Bring your own alcohol. These events are very popular so booking is essential by ringing Rachel on 0161 427 2039.

Saturday 5 December

Roman Lakes Tea Rooms, Marple 5.30 to 8.30pm

Peter Cunningham Memorial Concert, performed by Halle players and friends for Halle Education.

Saturday 28 November Bollington Chamber Concerts presents The Zelkova Quartet. The award winning RNCM born quartet of dynamic young musicians welcome return to Bollington.

Tickets £15 from www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk Season Passes now available!

Marple Christmas Cracker. Stalls and Entertainment.

Monday 7 December

Janet Simpson and friends. Programme to include: Webern Bassoon Concerto; Mozart Flute Concerto; Martinu Trio for flute, cello and piano. Tickets £11 (concessions £10) available from Paddi Cunningham 0161 427 4088. In support of HALLE EDUCATION. Mellor Parish Centre 7.30pm

Bollington Arts Centre 8pm

Monday 7 December

Wednesday 2 December

Marple Ladies’ Luncheon Club Christmas Lunch. Talk from Fatima - “An Afternoon of Oriental Delights.”

If you are interested in joining us (or just in getting more information) please contact Pam Hesketh (01663 743887) or Pam Taylor (0161 449 9996) by 23 November

Marple Naturalists Members Evening, Quiz & Christmas Party. Membership fees are £30 per annum, or £4 per visit (free for under children under 16). For further information contact Lynne Shuttleworth (0161 427 2346) or Derek Clifford (0161 427 4611) United Reformed Church (left side entrance), Hibbert Lane, Marple 8pm

Tuesday 8 December East Cheshire NT Lecture –‘Alderley Edge Copper Mines’, speaker Stephen Mills. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm Continued over...

35

inside guide

Thursday 10 December Northern Chamber Orchestra: Christmas Classics at Tatton. Traditional Christmas Classics Includes a warming winter drink or fruit juice (and parking).Tickets: £20; 18s & under £12 (ring for Group Discounts) From NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220 / Tatton: 01625 374435 www.ncorch.co.uk Tenants’ Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford. Tour 7pm, concert 8pm

Sunday 13 December A Christmas Concert with Carols at, conducted by Juan Ortuno. An afternoon of festive music and carols for the audience to sing. Mulled wine, mince pies and festive refreshments available. Tickets £15 available online at www.gortonphil.co.uk, at the Monastery or from Gorton Philharmonic Society (0161 483 1699) 117 Woodsmoor Lane, Davenport, Stockport SK3 8TJ Gorton Monastery, 2pm (doors open 1pm)

Sunday 13 December An evening of musical entertainment with the ladies of Cheshire A Cappella. Featuring guest male barbershop quartet HUSTLE. Tickets £10 (under 12s, £6) from Jane on 07767 253935 or email den.jane@gmail.com Alderley Edge Festival Hall. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start.

Monday 14 December Marple Local History Society: Norman Redhead on Lime Kilns. Subscriptions £10 payable at the first meeting of the season. Visitors £3 per meeting Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane 7.45pm

Saturday 19 December Friends of Mellor Parish Centre present “Figgy Pudding,” an evening of readings and music for Christmas, with mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £16 from Angela Stead 0161 427 3571 or Mellor Parish Centre 0161 484 5079 (mornings only). Public booking opens Mon 16 November.

Mellor Parish Centre 7.30pm

Sunday 27 December Monthly Tea Dance raising funds for Friends of Our Valley – this month ‘Serious Sam Barrett & Friends Christmas Special’. Tickets £15 include evening meal.

Bring your own alcohol. These events are very popular so booking is essential by ringing Rachel on 0161 427 2039.

Roman Lakes Tea Rooms, Marple 5.30pm to 8.30pm

36

Useful Numbers Churches

local government

All Saints C of E , Marple

0161 427 2378

Stockport MBC

Holy Spirit RC, Marple

0161 427 4922

Schools

Jubilee Methodist Church

0161 427 2509

All Saints Primary School, Marple

0161 427 3008

Marple Methodist Church

0161 427 2509

Brabyns Preparatory School

0161 427 2395

The Ridge Methodist Church

0161 427 2509

Cheadle & Marple 6th Form College

0161 484 6600

Marple Independent Evangelical Church 0161 427 1770

0161 480 4949

0161 427 2408

Ludworth Primary School, Marple Bridge

0161 427 1446

Church of St Martin’s, Brabyns Brow

0161 427 2736

Marple Hall School

0161 427 7966

St Pauls Church, Compstall

0161 427 1259

Mellor Primary School

0161 427 1052

0161 484 5079

Rose Hill Primary School

0161 427 9168

Marple, Marple Bridge & New Mills URC 0161 449 5370

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

0161 427 7498

Marple Quaker Meeting

Utilities

St Mary’s RC Church, Marple Bridge

St Thomas C of E, Mellor

0161 427 7782

Electricity – Power Loss

Doctors

0800 195 4141

0161 427 2049

Gas – Emergency

Marple Medical Practice

0161 426 5375

Water – Faults, United Utilities

0845 746 2200

Marple Cottage Surgery

0161 426 0011

Environment Agency Floodline

0845 988 1188

Marple Bridge Surgery

Travel

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital

0161 483 1010

NHS Non-Emergency

111

Libraries Marple Library Stockport Central Reference Library

0161 217 6009 0845 644 4307

Bus Information

Marple Post Office

0161 427 2012

Marple Bridge Post Office

0161 427 2046 0161 427 6264

0161 228 7811

Train Information

0845 748 4950

Manchester Airport

0161 489 3000

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Childline

Post Offices

Marple Sorting Office

0800 111 999

Crimestoppers

0845 7697555 0800 1111 0800 555111

RSPCA

0300 1234999

Samaritans

0845 7909090

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 826 9800

Directory Enquiries The Wellspring, Stockport

118 500 0161 477 6344

pharmacies The Co-Operative Pharmacy, Stockport Road

0161 427 6668

Boots Pharmacy, Market Street

0161 427 2033

37

Classified Index ADULT EDUCATION Aquinas College Free Philosophy Courses

JOINERY 5

Evolve Joinery

27

10

Provart Joinery

15

BATHROOMS Bathroom Design

KITCHENS 14

BUILDERS Whitehall Builders Ltd

32

16

Total Wood Finishing

28

LOCKSMITHS Surelocks

CARE SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care

19

LOFT LADDERS

Home Instead

14

More Than Loft Ladders

CHILDCARE 15

Roger Fisher Opticians

Nurture Nursery

31

OVEN CLEANING

Archways Podiatry & Chiropody

The Cheshire Smokehouse

7 10

25

PLUMBING & HEATING PUBS, RESTAURANTS & TAKE AWAYS The Norfolk Arms

9

Town Street Fryer

27

ROOFING

14

SOLICITORS

TBG Inspection Services

38

Whiting & Mason

ESTATE AGENTS

Inside Front

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 32

FURNITURE Total Wood Finishing

28

GARAGE DOORS Carrington Doors

6

Back Cover

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS 23

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Malcolm Shaw & Son Ltd

36

SECURITY

Emma Frain – Jigsaw Electrical Care

Principle Investment Management

37

Surelocks

ELECTRICIANS

Edward Mellor

24

Abstract Roofing Services

DRAINAGE Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

6

Martin Quinn 24

DELICATESSENS Dutsons

28

Ecodazzle 15

COMPUTER & INTERNET PC Pal

6

OPTICIANS

Brabyns Preparatory School Nursery

CHIROPODY

38

Matt Finish

36

The Window Repair Centre

Inside Back