Inside Poynton Issue 83

inside poynton october - november 2019

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Issue 83

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What’s INSIDE this month

p o y n t o n It’s mid-September as a write this and there was a definite nip in the air when I headed out to the gym this morning, just as it was getting light.

Autumn is a new beginning in many ways, as the school and university year gets into full swing; it’s also a good time to reflect on the year so far.

I might have mentioned before that my younger daughter graduated in June, after an extended period of studying and travelling, so that was a fabulous milestone for all of us. Then, this last weekend, my other daughter got married and we had simply the best day ever!

The sky was dull on Friday, and Sunday was wet and miserable. But on the Saturday the sun shone all day long, we were so fortunate! A wedding is a great chance to get all your favourite people, family and friends, old and new and from far and wide, in one place for a whole day and we made the most of every minute.

So, that’s another major life event ticked off! Now it’s time to turn my attention to our upcoming house move…

4 poynton people 7 the beer and book club 8 poynton live 11 the man who saved man united 15 Puzzles 16 prairie planting

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19 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 20 Recipe 23 In Touch 28 The Walk 30 Travel - winter breaks 31 inside people

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33 Real Life Motoring 36 INSIDE Guide 48 Children’s Activities

50 Puzzle Solutions 53 Useful Numbers 54 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 St George’s Church

by Claire Hawker

Copy deadline for the next issue: tue 12 november

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Inside Poynton 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 2019. 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

poynton people the message Best Not-For-Profit company to work for in 2018 according to The Sunday Times.

Poynton’s Brian Harwood was thrilled when the charity he works for won first place last year. ‘It was brilliant!

We were all delighted when The Message won and even more pleased when Andy Hawthorne, our founder and CEO, collected a special award for Best Leader. We celebrated with an Italian meal!’

Brian comes from a village in Kent by the sea. ‘As kids we used to play out all day. When the farmers cut the corn at harvest we used to build two barricades and make missiles with mud and corn roots. Then we pelted each other in pretend battles.’

He grew up and became a contractor for ICI Runcorn, then specialised in putting in computer systems, later working for Ferranti on their submarine sonar systems, nuclear power stations, London Underground and motorway systems. ‘I met Anne when I was at Salford University, we got married, had a family, settled in Poynton and joined St George’s church.’

About four years ago Brian had a career change and started working for the Message Enterprise Centre, MEC, a sister charity to The Message, in Sharston.

‘The MEC’s a brilliant place. The building’s done up

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by Jenny Cooke

like a shopping mall, and we call it The Street. There’s the Mess Café, a hair and beauty salon, a wedding dress shop, Good Seeds a gardening business, training rooms and a building business. At the end of the street is another charity, Barnabus, which works with the homeless in Manchester. We’re also linked to the local Wythenshawe Business Network.’

So, what’s the purpose of all this enterprise?

‘Individuals join our two-year programme as apprentices and prepare themselves for employment outside the MEC. They get the support they need to transform their lives. There’s a link to the local college,’ says Brian, ‘so everyone who completes the programme gets an NVQ qualification.’

But how did this work with the Message Trust begin?

‘For years,’ explains Brian, ‘The Message was working in prisons sharing the Christian message, but soon realised that once an ex-prisoner leaves prison, with just £45 in their pocket and nowhere to stay, many inevitably drift back to their old lives.’ Government statistics currently put 12-month re-offending rates at 28.6%. ‘They need work, support and somewhere to live. Even that’s not enough. People need purpose in life and our faith-based businesses can help there. In recent years we’ve established The Oaks, a house in Wythenshawe providing ex-offenders with the home and support they need. Consequently, at the MEC our 12 month re-offending rate is just 2%.’

‘This is just part of our work. We go into schools with bands like Amongst Wolves, where our message is often welcomed with open arms. Our Eden teams live on housing estates with the people they hope to get alongside. The Message Academy trains up young adults and Enable works with people with disabilities.’

‘Sadly, sometimes people don’t want to stay with us, and we have to say goodbye, but usually it’s great to see folk turning their lives around. It’s such a joy to work at the MEC and see how our faith in God and constant prayer enables people to find skills, hope and new opportunities. It’s demanding work but I’ve loved every minute of it.’

You can find out more about the MEC and watch the stories of some of those we’ve worked with at info@themec.org.uk

And there was no doubting the amount of research and effort which must have gone into the novel.

The Beer & Book Club recommends Summer reading at The BBC involved a pair of books which could not have been more different from one another. The first was a fictional tale told by multiple voices across time, a story of murder, mystery and thievery, of art, love and loss. And flowing through its pages like a river, is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter.

The other book was non-fiction and written by James O’Brien, a writer and broadcaster whose articles have appeared in the Times Literary Supplement and whose daily current affairs phonein show on LBC radio has over a million weekly listeners. In this bestselling book, James provides a hilarious and invigorating guide to talking to people with unchallenged opinions.

He shows how people have been fooled into thinking the way they do, and in each case outlines the key questions to ask that reveal potential inconsistencies and double standards.

When discussing The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton, we felt that some of the descriptions were good, and some individual elements were quite well received. One might argue that it must have been readable because many of us did manage to finish it.

On the other hand, though, we felt there were too many over-explanations, too many complications and too many ideas jostling for position. The book, we felt, was overcomplicated in its structure and the number of timelines it contained led to too much confusion. We thought the author had perhaps tried too hard, to the point that she lost us all as we tried to make sense of what was a complex plot.

It’s fair to say that the book did not go down a storm on what was a night of storms and flooding in Poynton. Not all of us persevered with this book, and some who had persevered were not convinced that the time used was time well spent.

How to be Right in a World Gone Wrong by James O’Brien was received much more positively.

The book includes transcripts from James’ radio show of people blaming benefits scroungers, the EU, Muslims, feminists and immigrants. We witness the careful way he punctures their assumptions and dismantles their arguments live on air.

This book was highly topical and generated a large amount of what was often quite heated discussion. It was a good read and a relatively worthy read too, leading many to claim it was a learning experience, not just entertainment. The main negative was the structure of the book, with some clearly getting a little bored and a bit ‘antsy’ about how it was laid out!

Overall, the book received positive reviews, and when the lowest score is six out of ten, this is generally a sign that a book has gone down very well with our group.

The author’s voice may have irritated one or two, but for others it was a voice of reason in what are hugely uncertain times.

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n to n y o P in ic s u m e v li f o e m o h e Th What’s on at The legion October and November

PHOENIX PHOLK CLUB at The Legion

Poynton Legion Club on George’s Rd West hosts a wide range of musical events to satisfy every taste. With a fully stocked bar, comfortable seating and excellent parking you’re sure of a relaxing and entertaining evening. Why not come along and see for yourself?

Regular monthly folk music nights where you can enjoy a wide range of top-class folk musicians in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Shep Woolley Fri 4 Oct 8pm

The Everly Brothers show Fri 18 Oct 18 at 8pm A first for the Legion, a new live music show highlighting the fabulous songs and glorious harmonies of the greatest ever brothers in song! Plus support.

Great songs, great humour and great parodies from a man who’s at home in the pub or the concert stage. Supported by Grace Notes. Doors 7.30pm £10 at door.

Chris Cleverley

Tickets £12.50 at MATES or www.poyntonlive.uk

Fri 1 Nov 8pm

Jester B The Art of Simon

As folk as they come with traditional unaccompanied songs and self-penned works of beauty. Supported by Grace Notes.

Doors 7.30pm £10 at door.

Fri 15 Nov 15 8pm Club favourites Jester B return with an updated show to repeat their spectacular and widely acclaimed sell out performance last year. Plus, support.

Tickets £12.50 at MATES or www.poymtonlive.uk

Other Events in Poynton October and November Poynton Ceilidhs at Poynton Civic Hall Sat 19 Oct 8pm Joyful and energetic dancing to Cock & Bull with caller Lynn Swain. All welcome from beginner to expert! Tickets £9 (£4.50 -under 16) pay at door.

Play the Pipes & Drums at Poynton Legion Sun 27 Oct Come along and have a go at playing the pipes and drums with a real Scottish band guided by musicians from great Scottish regiments. Tickets £5 or £7.50 for Legion Club member and partner from the Legion or Mates DIY.

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See www.poyntonlive.uk for more details

The Man Who Saved Manchester United Residents of Poynton who have lived in the village for over 30 years may remember an affable, portly figure who used to be seen out shopping along Park Lane with his wife – a man who was unarguably one of the most important figures in the history of Manchester United. I am of course referring to the late great Jimmy Murphy.

Murphy is the man who is credited more than anyone else for keeping the red flag flying high over Old Trafford following the Munich air disaster in 1958.

A twist of fate meant that Murphy wasn’t aboard the Airspeed Ambassador aircraft that tragically lost control on the snow-covered runway on that biting cold February afternoon 61 years ago. As well as being Matt Busby’s assistant, Murphy was also the head coach of the Welsh national team at the time, and this role meant that he missed United’s trip to Belgrade for their European Cup quarter-final against the famous Red Star outfit, as he was overseeing an important World Cup qualifying play-off against Israel in Cardiff, played on the same evening as United’s 3-3 draw in Yugoslavia (a result that saw the Reds qualify for that season’s Champions Cup semi-finals).

After the horrendous crash at Munich’s Riem airport, in which United ultimately lost eight of their celebrated Busby Babes, there was some speculation that the club may have to fold, so decimated were the club’s coaching and playing resources (along with the eight

players who lost their lives, two other first-teamers never played again). But Murphy stepped in and took over temporarily while Busby recovered from his injuries and, having assembled a substitute team, managed to steer United to the 1958 FA Cup Final, where they lost out heartbreakingly to Bolton Wanderers.

Barely a month later, Murphy headed off to Sweden to manage Wales at the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals. The Welsh dragons, with proud Welshman Murphy at the helm and with fire in his belly, managed to reach the quarter-finals where they lost out to eventual winners Brazil, whose goal was scored by a scrawny 17-year-old called Pelé (I wonder whatever happened to him?)

Despite being approached to manage Arsenal, Juventus of Turin and even Brazil, Murphy remained as assistant manager at United until 1971. Murphy, a humble man devoted to his family (Murphy and his wife had six children), chose not to go into club management.

From 1973 Murphy did scouting work for United, most notably during the managerial role of Tommy Docherty, whom he urged to sign two young wingers, Steve Coppell and Gordon Hill, from Tranmere Rovers and Millwall respectively. Both players went on to play for England.

Even in retirement, Murphy was to play a role in Manchester United’s re-emergence as one of the most successful football clubs in the country.

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by Stuart Bolton

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Indeed, the house where Murphy and his family lived in Brookfield Avenue, was to be the place where one of the most important meetings in the history of the club took place.

Soon after becoming United’s manager in 1986, Alex Ferguson visited Murphy at his home, and it was there that he was given what he considered to be one of the best pieces of advice ever to come his way. The new boss wanted to know how to revive a great but ailing club and he had the good sense to visit the man who had played such a key role in helping to rebuild United after the tragedy in Munich.

Years later, Murphy’s son Jimmy Jnr recalled, ‘Alex went to see Dad and I know they talked about the importance of youth football and finding good young players and developing them.’ Ferguson concurred in 2011, ‘It’s quite true. Jimmy Murphy was still scouting for the club, I went and had lunch with him, and he expressed this great desire to see youth coming back into the club. He was a very emotional man, a great servant to the club, and I would have liked to have listened to him more over the years.’

The rest, as they say, is history. Ferguson went on to revive the club’s fortunes for a 20-year period of sustained success, with players such Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham coming through the ranks and playing key roles in United’s return to the pinnacle of European football.

James Patrick Murphy, who died at the age of 79 in November 1989, is buried at St George’s Churchyard with his beloved wife Winifred Ellen (who passed away nine years later). As a tribute, Manchester United commissioned the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award to be given to the club’s outstanding young player from the previous season. The first winner of the trophy was Lee Martin, who happened to score the winning goal in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay – Alex Ferguson’s first trophy (of many) at the club.

On 23 March 2009, a blue plaque was unveiled at Murphy’s former family home on Treharne Street, Pentre in Wales. This fact leads us to wonder why Murphy’s old house on Brookfield Avenue hasn’t got its own heritage plaque, in honour of the man who must surely rate as the village’s most famous adopted son. I like to think the people of Poynton will be happy to lend their support to the idea.

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quick crossword Across 1 Ripped (4) 4 Commenced, began (8) 8 The ______ Night, painting by Van Gogh (6) 9 Gifted, high intellect (6) 10 Type of bean (4) 11 Worn to shreds (8) 13 Autonomously (13) 16 Breaking out (8) 19 Exhaust, drain (4) 20 Decline (6) 22 Inception, genesis (6) 23 Mimics (8) 24 Lady ____, singer and actor (4)

down 2 Expenses (9) 3 Commentate (7) 4 Home of the Pyramids (5) 5 Small-minded, prejudiced (7) 6 Wash out in clear water (5) 7 Flightless bird (3) 12 Making bigger (9) 14 Obvious (7) 15 Zero (7) 17 Grown-up (5) 18 Paint with a shiny finish (5) 21 Type of deciduous tree (3)

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

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

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solutions on page 50 15

Prairie Planting As the days shorten with the turn to Autumn and the sunlight mellows and softens, I love the effect of flowering perennials, those gone to seed and the swish of ornamental grasses in a prairie style garden.

Prairie gardens are a fairly recent trend in garden design, using perennials and grasses that might be found in the US east of the Rockies. The trend has since developed to embrace a wider range of plants and soil conditions whilst retaining the naturalistic look.

the dead stems in winter. However, unless your ground is completely weed free before planting there will be some perennial weeds to tackle each spring. Also, in a smaller garden, plants will outgrow their space and need to be curtailed in autumn or spring (late flowering types are generally only divided in spring).

Whilst naturalistic plantings are often seen in large gardens, they can be easily adapted to smaller gardens by converting the large drifts or blocks to ribbons of the same plant meandering through small clumps of others.

In this article I’ll take a look at a few of my favourite naturalistic gardens and next month I’ll go through some of my favourite plants for this type of planting.

I first saw this style of planting a decade or so ago in a large, privately owned garden open for charity. A large bank was planted in drifts of Helenium, Achillea (Yarrow) and Cirsium (River thistle) with ribbons of

The idea is to plant closely in irregularly shaped blocks of the same plant and to encourage these to intermingle with neighbouring plants over time. The result looks natural, smothers weeds and close planting also reduces the need for staking, as plants are held upright by their neighbours.

Plants will need to be fairly tough and able to compete with their neighbours – there’s no place for shrinking violets!

The end result should be a low maintenance garden where all that is needed is to cut down and clear away

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by Martin Blow > www.specialperennials.com

Molinia (moor grass) and clumps of Salvia between.

The Heleniums and Cirsiums made ideal partners liking moist soils and likewise Achillea and Salvia in a drier spot. The moor grass grew happily in either!

The star of Trentham Gardens in Stoke on Trent is the prairie garden designed and planted by Piet Ouldof, one of the originators of the style and always at the cutting edge. When we visited in 2008 the planting had just been completed and had yet to knit together. When we returned a few years later, the borders had matured and large drifts of Persicaria, Veronicastrum, Phlox and Achillea filled the beds and borders and buzzed with insects.

Prairie plantings are quick to mature – you don’t have to be too patient – as we saw at Abbeywood Gardens in Cheshire. The interlocking teardrop-shaped beds were planted in 2014 and 2015 and within a year looked full and mature. Here traditional prairie plants like Echinacea (coneflower) and Molinia sit perfectly beside African Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers) and Agapanthus (African Lily) and European Sedums.

At Dove Cottage in Yorkshire, this more eclectic mix of plants works perfectly on a smaller scale and on

north-facing Yorkshire clay. Here the prairie style is adapted to include meadow plants like the Himalayan Wallich’s Parsley and the cottage garden favourite Astrantia, all looking totally at home with Coneflowers, perennial Sunflower and Bergamots.

Next issue I’ll take a look at some of the best plants for a naturalistic or prairie garden.

Janet and I run Special Perennials - our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. Plant Hunters’ Fairs have the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs with 41 events between March and September, including events at Bramall Hall, Stockport; Adlington Hall, Macclesfield; Carsington Water, Ashbourne; the Dorothy Clive Garden, Nr Market Drayton; Cholmondeley Castle and new event for 2020 Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for the full 2020 calendar of dates and venues.

Diary of a geeky knitter It’s been quite a busy few months for me since I last wrote to you, and not all craft related for once - which I am in two minds about if I am honest. I miss the winter hours knitting and avoiding the cold, but alas with this lovely (albeit intermittent) sunshine we’ve been having, summer plans, and buying my first house, I’ve really not had the time I would have liked to have with a pair of knitting needles in my hand.

At the beginning of July, my husband (it still feels a little strange to call him that, even after almost a year married) and I completed the purchase on our first house together. I can’t quite believe it, that we found a house that we fell in love with and were able to get within only a couple of months of putting our offer in - we are so delighted! It needs some TLC before we can move in, but it is a lot of fun to have a big project to be working on together outside of our careers. To be completely honest though, I rather hope it’s the last house I ever buy! As exciting as everything was with the prospect of our own space, towards the end of it all, solicitors, estate agents, vendors, and countless forms really started to take their toll on my sanity. Of course, as soon as we opened the door with our own keys that first night, the feeling of accomplishment was all worth it, but one I am happy not to repeat. I am by no means qualified to offer advice on buying a house, but if I could pass three things on to first time buyers that I wish I knew myself, they would be: do not let the estate agent know how much you have to spend on a house, only allude to a vague sum; if you like (love) a house, try not to show the vendor or estate agent how much you want this house and ask someone you know to recommend a conveyancer to you.

Since then, I headed up to Newcastle in early August to attend three, yes THREE, weddings in the space of three days! Admittedly, they were for the same couple, and incorporated the three cultures they and their families share. First, we had a Hindu ceremony

on a Thursday which included a lot of food, drink, dancing, and breath-taking clothes and ceremonies.

Following this on the Saturday, the morning was taken up with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and lion dance, with the afternoon devoted to an English civil ceremony, wedding breakfast, and reception. I was honoured to be one of the bridesmaids in the party, and seeing my best friend marry her now-husband was such a magical, wonderful way to spend a weekend, and so much fun to have three outfits myself (the bride had six in all). Weddings are really one of the most wonderful events I think you can attend, and it all made me long to repeat my own from last year - how soon after a wedding can you excuse a weddingvow-renewal-party?

Before you worry that I got no crafting done in this time, as I know you are, the nerdier crafters out there will be pleased to know that I did finally finish crocheting a blanket in the shape of a Star Wars X-Wing fighter. Because what else would a working woman in her late twenties want more in her new home? jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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tomato chutney

If you’re new to making chutney, try this simple recipe.

Preparation time: 40 to 50 mins Cooking time: 50 mins Makes about 1.5 litres / 2¾ pints

Ingredients ■■ 1kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped ■■ 750g cooking apple, peeled, cored and chopped ■■ 375g light muscovado sugar ■■ 250g onion, finely chopped ■■ 250g raisins ■■ 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped ■■ 2 tsp salt ■■ ½ tsp ground ginger ■■ 350ml cider vinegar

Fill the jars not quite to the top, leave a 1/2cm gap at the top between the preserve and the lid.

While everything is still hot, cover the jars with their lids or top with wax paper and a piece of cellophane secured tightly with an elastic band.

Method

Your chutney should keep for about 6 months in a cool, dark place, though different recipes vary slightly.

1. Place all the ingredients into a large pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

How to sterilise jars

2. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Simmer the mixture gently, uncovered, for about 45-50 mins or until everything is tender and thickened.

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The trick to jams and chutneys is that the jars and the chutney (or jam) should be hot. Ladle the hot preserve into a heatproof jug to make it easier to transfer the mixture into the hot jars. Be very careful not to touch or get any of the mixture onto the rim of the jars as this could introduce bacteria.

4. Cool, then transfer the mixture to a sterilised jar and seal.

Wash the jars and the lids in hot soapy water. Rinse but do not dry them. Instead, leave them to stand upside down on a roasting tray with a raised wire stand (to allow air to circulate) while they’re still wet.

Place the tray of clean, wet jars and lids into a preheated oven at 160-180ºC for about 15 mins.

in touch your local community noticeboard

october - november 2019

St George’s Singers sing for St Ann’s Hospice St George’s Singers completed their 2018-19 season by joining forces with Chetham’s School of Music in their triumphant performance of Mahler’s ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ at The Bridgewater Hall. It certainly was a night to remember and to see the whole audience of two thousand (including Prince Edward) rise to their feet at the end was almost overwhelming.

The choir are very honoured to have been invited by the European Doctors Orchestra to return to the Bridgewater Hall on 20 October to perform in their “Concert Celebrating the Human Spirit” with a programme of uplifting and life-affirming music from Copland.

Brahms and Shostakovitch. This wonderful orchestra, as the name suggests, is made up of doctors from across Europe who get together a few times each year to present a concert in support of a local medical charity. They have given concerts in Berlin, Budapest, Verona, Rotterdam, Oslo, Bern, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Belfast, Edinburgh and London. This time it is the turn of the UK and Manchester to host the concert and the chosen charity is St Ann’s Hospice. Tickets are available from the Bridgewater Hall box office. Later in the autumn the Choir will present two concerts; Mozart Requiem on 23 November at the Royal Northern College of Music, and their traditional family Christmas celebration on 7 December at St George’s Church, Stockport.

Tickets for these concerts can be obtained from the Ticket Secretary on 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk

INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY? Are you interested in the countryside, flowers, birds, butterflies, mammals, amphibians or any aspect of natural history? If the answer is yes, then Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society is for you.

Come and join a friendly group of enthusiasts who enjoy monthly meetings from September to April. This is a programme of talks by expert speakers covering interesting and varied natural history topics of both national and international relevance. Throughout spring and summer there is also a programme of excursions, both local and further afield, to locations providing a good range of specialist and general interest for everyone.

No expert knowledge is needed, so come along and learn, contribute and enjoy the company! For more information please contact Steve Osborne on 01625 879087. Meetings are monthly on Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

St George’s Christmas Tree Festival 2019 This year, St George’s Church in Heaviley, Stockport hosts its 13th Christmas Tree Festival. The event seems to go from strength to strength each year, becoming more and more popular. It always takes place just before the festival of Advent and many people feel it heralds the start of the Christmas season for them and their families.

There are usually over 80 trees on display and the atmosphere with all the illuminated trees in the majestic listed heritage church is truly memorable - well worth a visit. Event will take place on the following dates: Wednesday 27 November 12-6pm Thursday 28 November 12-7pm Friday 29 November 12-8pm Saturday 30 November 10am-6pm Sunday 1 December 12-4pm Refreshments are served at the event for a small charge and there are some free craft activities to interest children. Father Christmas always welcomes young visitors on Saturday afternoon for a small charge to cover the cost of a little gift. There is an entrance charge of £2.50 for everyone 16 and over. For further information please contact: hazel.jenkins@stgeorgestockport.org.uk Location: St George’s Church, Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU. (Junction of Buxton Road and Bramhall Lane.)

THE SORCERER Poynton Gilbert & Sullivan Society is presenting its fully costumed annual stage performance at the beginning of October. First performed in 1877, The Sorcerer set the pattern for subsequent Gilbert and Sullivan operettas: patter songs, love songs, chorus numbers, sharp satire. In The Sorcerer, Gilbert’s target for satire is the English obsession with class differences.

The show begins with the villagers and gentry of Ploverleigh celebrating the betrothal of Alexis, son and heir of Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, to the only maiden of suitable rank in the village, Aline, daughter of Lady Sangazure. Although Alexis loves Aline wholeheartedly, he disagrees with his father’s outmoded notions that men and women of rank should marry their equals, so he hires a sorcerer, John Wellington Wells, to test his theories. Mr Wells makes a love potion and adds it to the tea drunk by the villagers and gentry at the betrothal banquet, who then all fall asleep. When they awake twelve hours later, they fall in love with the first person they see (married couples are conveniently immune). Chaos ensues with the most unlikely of pairings. Come and see the show to find out how order is restored.

The show takes place from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October at 7.30pm each evening in Poynton Civic Hall (off Park Lane, behind Waitrose), SK12 1RB. Tickets are £12 for adults and £7 for 16 and under, and are available at MATES DIY shop on Park Lane, The Civic Hall or by telephone (01625 876 394) or email tickets@poyntongands.co.uk. They are also available on the door each evening.

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

NORTHERN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA NEW SEASON The Northern Chamber Orchestra has announced details of its stunning 2019-20 season, including concerts celebrating the 250th birthday of Beethoven as well as the UK premiere of Weinberg’s Cello Concertino, played by Raphael Wallfisch.

The season features a host of international classical music stars, including pianist and 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year winner Martin James Bartlett, percussionist Colin Currie, and superb violinist Anthony Marwood, who plays Beethoven’s Olympian Violin Concerto in the year of Beethoven’s 250th birthday.

Sara Porter Photography

A further celebration of Beethoven’s birthday takes place in April, with the NCO Soloists performing his String Quartet op 130, played in the original version with the massive and imposing Grosse Fuge as finale, alongside the Septet, one of his most popular works.

In November, the NCO’s President, cellist Raphael Wallfisch, gives the UK premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s Cello Concertino. Another premiere comes in May, this time a newly commissioned piece by the NCO’s composer in residence, James Manson. Percussionist Colin Currie plays a work by contemporary Austrian composer Kurt Schwertsik, and as an exclusive in Manchester he also performs a piece composed by Stephen Barlow, former Artistic Director of Buxton International Festival; his Nocturne for solo clarinet, marimba and strings, with the NCO’s principal clarinet Elizabeth Jordan.

Tickets for the new season are now sale from www.ncorch.co.uk or 0161 247 2220.

Ridgegate Reservoir via Tegg’s Nose and Langley Walk description: A circular walk from Ridgegate Reservoir on the edge of Macclesfield Forest, with a gradual ascent up to the car park serving the popular Tegg’s Nose Tea Room. From there the route follows the Gritstone Trail across fields, before crossing Buxton New Road and heading down to Langley village via generally quiet lanes, skirting around Bottoms Reservoir and back to Ridgegate.

Distance: 6.25 miles, 10kms. Walking time: 2 to 3 hours.

Map: OS Explorer 268, South Sheet.

Start/Parking: On-road parking on Clarke Lane, overlooking Ridgegate Reservoir, beyond the Leather’s Smithy pub (SK11 0NE, Grid Reference SJ949714) Refreshments nearby: Leather’s Smithy pub (T. 01260 252313) and Tegg’s Nose Tea Room (M. 07854 566895).

Walk back along Clarke Lane and cross over the Ridgegate Reservoir dam by the stony track on the left, immediately opposite the Leather’s Smithy pub.

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At the end of the dam leave the track, cross the grass verge half right and look for a narrow path on the right. Follow this between trees to the left and a low stone wall to the right. This leads to a fairly steep path with steps down. At the bottom pass through a small wooden gate and cross the stream. At the top of the small slope go right through a second wooden gate.

Go half right on a narrow grassy path then right onto a partly grassed lane, picking up the familiar ‘footprint’ waymarks for the Gritstone Trail. Cross over two cattle grids and continue up the lane to reach the junction with Clarke Lane. Cross over and follow that road to the left, walking along a narrow pavement, with Bottoms Reservoir on the right. Turn right off the road at the Gritstone Trail fingerpost and follow the path to the left, around the reservoir and then over the dam wall to reach steps up to a lane.

Ignore signs for the Gritstone Trail. Instead turn right, keeping Tegg’s Nose Reservoir on the left, and pass a sign “Public Bridleway Only”. Follow this track, eventually crossing over a stream via stepping-stones, then walk up some wide steps straight ahead. The path continues uphill, going through a large wooden gate, with farm buildings down to the right. Shortly, at the

The Walk

crossroads, go left up a tarmac lane, and continue uphill to the fingerpost marked ‘Saddlers Way’ and follow that part-cobbled track uphill. Look back to enjoy views of Shutlingsloe and Macclesfield Forest.

The path continues steeply through a wooden gate and becomes rocky for a short section before reaching the top, the car park serving the Tegg’s Nose Information Centre and Tea Room. An ideal place for a breather!

Take the main vehicle exit from the Tea Room and turn right onto Buxton Old Road. After 100 yards turn left opposite Windyway House and go immediately over a stone stile on the right, picking up waymarks again for the Gritstone Trail. Cross the field diagonally left, and pass through three metal gates, with views at the top of Macclesfield town, with Manchester Airport and Manchester in the distance. Continue across the fields, through a kissing gate, and then after 60 yards over a rickety wooden stile. Follow the trail to the right, with views down to the right of two yellow road signs on the Buxton New Road. After 200 yards,

leave the Gritstone Trail and turn sharp left through a small wooden gate, taking a path that winds through a mainly conifer woodland, keeping to the right. At the end this joins a wider path that leads down to a metal gate, with a wooden gate at the side. Go through this and straight on to reach the busy Buxton New Road.

Take care crossing this, and go straight over into Cliff Lane, with views on the right towards Manchester. Take the first left off Cliff Lane, walking uphill for a short while, then pass Clough House on the right - this dates from 1697. On reaching Buxton New Road again, cross straight over onto Back Eddisbury Road, taking care of traffic on the bend.

Follow that road uphill for around half a mile, passing first Eddisbury House Farm and then Bonny Catty Farm on the right, before reaching Buxton Old Road. Turn left here and then immediate right uphill on Broadcar Road.

At the top Croker Hill and the BT communications mast come into view. After Broadcar Farm, the road name changes to Coalpit Lane. Go downhill, keeping left of the drive to Pyegreave Farm on the right. Continue downhill under the canopy of trees then uphill following the road round to the right, shortly reaching a T junction at Langley. Turn left here and with Langley Methodist Church opposite, follow the road round to the left, signposted “Macclesfield Forest”. Continue along Main Road, then Clarke Lane through Langley village, reaching Bottoms Reservoir on your left. At the end of the reservoir take the lane off to the right, bearing the Gritstone Trail waymark, (retracing the route taken at the outset of the walk) and cross two cattle grids. Take the narrow footpath half left over the grass, through a small wooden gate and down to a stream. Pass through a second wooden gate and follow some steep steps up through the trees. At the top of the path go straight on, crossing the Ridgegate Reservoir dam, and back to the Leather’s Smithy and the on-road parking.

Poynton Rambling Club organises and leads walks during the day on Sundays and Wednesdays, with evening walks during the summer months, as well as social events. All are welcome, and membership costs just £5 a year. For a full schedule of walks and further information about our friendly Club please visit www.poyntonramblingclub.co.uk

By Stephen Hyslop

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Winter breaks

I must admit, when it comes to winter holidays I always think ‘where can I go to get some sun?’ But it’s good to remind yourself that there are actual winter destinations to enjoy too, of course, not too far away. It’s also hard for me to think ‘winter’ whilst sitting on the roof terrace in Ibiza on a beautiful, sunny September evening (just had to get that in there) but I have to admit I can see the charm in getting wrapped up in a smart winter coat and gloves and walking through the pretty Prague Christmas markets, or the thrill of whizzing down the slopes in one of Europe’s brilliant ski resorts. Equally you could go and experience something completely different, the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights or be part of your own real-life Christmas movie in New York City!

Winter is coming, that’s the truth so let’s embrace it and discover somewhere new:

CHRISTMAS MARKETS The popularity of Christmas markets in Europe has exploded in recent years and let’s face it, we all love a mug of mulled wine and a tasty Bratwurst. We’re spoiled for choice really with beautiful markets to visit in pretty cities like Munich, Vienna and Prague.

The Munich market has over 160 stalls and the Vienna market is great for families offering cookie and candle making workshops.

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Prague is the ultimate winter wonderland city.

Not only can you enjoy the markets, but you can visit Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world and one of the prettiest. There’s no shortage of things to do here; there are several beer tours you could sign up for or, if you’re keen to escape the cold, visit a few of Prague’s 280 museums!

ICELAND A land of myth and legends, Iceland offers a different holiday experience. Iceland’s location, at the top of the world makes it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. You can book on various tours where locals will take you away from the city lights in search of the incredible display. You can also choose to stay in a hotel where they sound a siren (even in the middle of the night) should the lights appear.

In addition to this, Iceland has loads to offer; thermal springs, volcanoes, evocative black beaches and did you know, 11% of the country is covered in glaciers?

At Not Just Travel, we can help you organise self-drive tours, tailored to your request and we also work with excellent suppliers who do escorted tours if you’d rather have the ease and peace of mind of a guide.

NEW YORK There’s massive appeal to visiting New York in the run up to Christmas but don’t forget you’ll get some fantastic prices if you choose to go in January or February. Not only will flights and hotel rates be lower, but you can seriously indulge your shopping habits in the January sales. Also, as it is seriously cold, (full disclosure) it’s less crowded, so that means fewer people in the museums, theatres and restaurants. Also, lots of the restaurants drop their prices and offer set menus at reduced rates towards the end of January and you can get some great prices for the Broadway shows.

Also, in January you can enjoy Chinese New Year which is a massive event in New York and there’s always the wonderful ice-rink in Central Park and at the Rockefeller Centre.

I love beach holidays and sunshine, but I realise there are lots of wonderful, interesting, ‘cold’ places to visit too. We are lucky in the UK to have so much rich culture and diversity only a few hours away. Of course, at Not Just Travel, we do winter sun too like Mexico, Thailand, Tenerife so wherever you want to go, please get in touch.

All holidays are important to me and I would love to help with your next trip.

Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700

real life motoring

suzuki swift: made to love

Styling wise there is no doubt as to Suzuki’s true intentions behind the Sport with aggressive and unique styling touches making themselves known across nearly every one of the Swift’s panels. Exclusive design details give the all-new Swift Sport a far more distinctive style over the rest of the range and help it to stand out from the increasingly generic crowd. The Swift’s striking front grille and bumper, impressive 17” alloy wheels and carbon effect aerodynamic under spoilers deliver what Suzuki say is, ‘the ultimate style statement’ and create a first impression that lingers long in the memory. And that’s before you take into account the bright Champion Yellow paintwork and dual exhaust pipes.

Step inside the Sport and the sporting (ahem) theme continues with distinctive red accents throughout and supportive sport seats that conspire to hold you securely in place when the drive demands it and yet offer comfort aplenty for a trip down to the shops or further afield. The 3-spoke leather covered steering wheel feels great and combines well with the fully adjustable seats to give you a real connection to the Swift. A connection that improves every time you go out for a drive in the Suzuki. There’s even room in the back for three adults.

by Martin Hall

You have all the technology you’d expect from a modern hot hatch and more, there’s Suzuki easy to use and clear satellite navigation system, a useful rear parking camera and adaptive cruise control.

For additional ease of use, the Swift includes an excellent keyless entry/start system which helps to create a sporting feel the moment you press the button to awaken the Sport’s 138bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. To keep you and your passengers entertained there’s also a DAB digital radio and smartphone linkage display which allows you to take control of the entertainment as you drive.

Useful and impressive tech is everywhere, and it all works without taking away from the Swift’s raison d’être, that of going very fast and being lots of fun.

But what you’re really interested in is the drive, this is after all a hot hatch. It needs to offer the young and excitable the promise of excitement and practicality that the Swift Sport has always been well known for. The 1.4 Boosterjet turbocharged engine under the bonnet arrives with 4 cylinders and 1373cc delivering an exciting and impressive 138bhp @5500rpm, a figure that combines extremely well with the Swift’s kerb weight, including all options, of just 975kg.

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Peak power arriving at 5500rpm and 170 lb/ft torque produced between 2500-3500rpm means that this is a car in which to make excellent progress along the highways and byways. Indeed, in just such an experiment the B6451 Farnley Lane, a MotorMartin favourite with corners and elevation changes aplenty, was dispatched by the Suzuki quite effortlessly, the engine remaining in just second and third gear whilst using all the revs available. And in this manner, you get a real sense of what the Swift Sport is truly capable of whilst keeping the speeds appropriate for the road and conditions.

This is a car that will cut it in the real world as well as demolishing your favourite ribbon of tarmac. Shopping, the school run, and daily commute are all completed comfortably and economically with the Swift achieving up to 50.4mpg when driven sensibly and with a light right foot whilst there’s also a decent boot. Best of both worlds and then some.

The price? The Swift Sport starts at £17,499 and I want one. Where will you go?

Martin Hall writes www.motormartin.com a ‘real life’ motoring blog that focusses on the car itself rather than lap times, a blog to see if the car you want is good for shopping or commuting, a blog that recognises that ‘real life’ motoring should also be fun on the bends.

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inside guide

selected events in your area

Tuesday 1 October

Wednesday 2 October

Adlington WI The Best of Nepal with speaker Marian Bray. Pop in to see us and be sure of a warm welcome, good company, a drink and a slice of homemade cake! More info from Jackie Shaw 01625 266251 or email adlingtonwi@gmail.com Adlington Village Hall, Mill Lane, Adlington SK10 4LF 1.30 to 3.30pm

Poynton Local History Society: ‘Peterloo’ is the subject of a presentation to be given by John Alkar. Annual Membership of the Society is £12, guests are always welcome at £3 per visit. Tel: 01625 872068 St Pauls Community Room, Marley Road, Poynton, SK12 1LY 7.30pm

Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October Poynton Gilbert & Sullivan Society are presenting their fully costumed annual stage performance, which this year is ‘The Sorcerer’ Tickets £12 for adults and £7 for 16 and under, and are available at Mates DIY shop on Park Lane, The Civic Hall or by telephone (01625 876 394) & e-mail tickets@poyntongands.co.uk. They are also available on the door each evening.

Poynton Civic Hall (off Park Lane, behind Waitrose), SK12 1RB 7.30pm

Tuesday 1 October Macro Photography North Cheshire Photographic Society welcomes Justin Garner to talk to us about taking photos of very small creatures and plants. He’ll cover the technical details while showing us some stunning images. Justin was the Winner of the Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2017 Small World Category. £5 visitors, £2 members Poynton Civic Centre 8pm

Tuesday 3 October Simply Books presents… best-selling crime writer Elly Griffiths, creator of the Dr Ruth Galloway series and a string of other hugely successful crime novels. Tickets £10 (admission only) or £20 (includes a signed copy of Elly’s new book) To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7pm

Thursday 3 October Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits.

For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Wednesday 2 October

Saturday 5 October

Poynton Philatelic Society We welcome guest speaker Mr Eric Coulton, who will be displaying his interest entitled ‘Aspects of Tanganyika. Eric has an in-depth knowledge of this subject and his explanation of this area is always fascinating. Ron Phelps 01625 877643 Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 7.30pm

Northern Chamber Orchestra. Elizabeth Jordan, clarinet Tickets from www.ncorch.co.uk or 0161 247 2220 The Heritage Centre, Macclesfield

Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 October Strangers on a train - a psychological thriller 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre, Bramhall. Curtain up 7.45pm

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october - november 2019

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

Tuesday 8 October East Cheshire Association of the National Trust. Lecture – AGM with Deborah Maxwell, National Trust as Guest Speaker Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Tuesday 8 October A Life in Photography. Peter Aitchison joins North Cheshire Photographic Society to talk about his 30 years taking photos.

He will show images covering his life as a journalist and his extensive travel. It should prove to be an entertaining evening. £5 visitors, £2 members Poynton Civic Centre 8pm Continued over

Wednesday 9 October

Saturday 12 October

The Arts Society North East Cheshire This lecture by Dr Susan Whitfield will tell the story of the diffusion of cultivated silk from China across Afro-Eurasia, discussing examples of silks surviving from this period and how we can identify their origins from their weaves and designs. Potential new members are welcome. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am with coffee from 9.45am

Stockport Symphony Orchestra invite you to the first concert of the season Arnold: Peterloo Overture. Brahms: Double Concerto, soloists Charles Mutter violin, Nicholas Holland cello. Prokofiev: Symphony no 5. Conductor Rob Guy More information at www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Tickets available at the box office, online or on the door. £15 full price/£13 concessions/students £5/accompanied children under 16 free Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

Wednesday 9 October

Tuesday 15 October

Simply Books presents Joanna Cannon, author of the bestselling ‘The Trouble With Goats and Sheep’ talking about her powerful new memoir Breaking & Mending - the heartfelt and heart-rending story of her life as a junior doctor. Tickets: £10 Venue: To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 10 October

Wednesday 16 to Friday 19 October

Worth Probus Club Sheila Dale will speak to us on ‘The Eddie Stobart Story.’ Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St George’s Church Hall, Poynton 2pm

Bollington Festival Players present “Breaking the Code” Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk Bollington Arts Centre Wellington Road, Bollington SK10 5JR

Friday 11 October

Wednesday 16 October

Poynton Male Voice Choir and The Gallery Choir, Stockport in concert Tickets, including refreshments, £8 adults, £5 children/ students (on door or phone 0161 456 4266) Trinity Methodist Church, Massie Street, Cheadle 7.30pm

Poynton Luncheon Club Why not join us at our first luncheon as we start our new programme?

A delicious lunch at the Deanwater Hotel then sit back and listen to Mr Brian Hallworth - “Pills, Potions and Poison” For more Information contact membership secretary Pam Orton 0161 483 4557

Saturday 12 October

Wednesday 16 October

Marie Curie Autumn Charity and Craft Fair Plenty to do, early Christmas handmade gifts, bric-a-brac, tombola, plants, books and many other craft stalls. Tea, coffee, homemade cakes and biscuits. Fun for all the family, children’s games and much more. Free entry. Contact Ken on 01625 874345 or ken.hillier@yahoo.co.uk Main Hall, Poynton Civic Centre, 10am to 2pm

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Poynton U3A John Stirling will give a talk entitled ‘From Toytown to Buckingham Palace’ Entrance £1 including refreshments. For more information contact enquiries@poyntonu3a.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre, 2pm to 4pm

Poynton Philatelic Society Guest speaker Mr Jack Lindley, who will be showing his collection of ‘New Zealand Chalon Heads.’ This is a superb collection and well worth seeing. The quality of his Victorian material is superb.

Ron Phelps 01625 877643 Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 7.30pm

Thursday 17 October Poynton Townswomen’s Guild Amazing Women Pilots with speaker Victor Crawford.

Visitors welcome - £2 contact: 01625 879087 Poynton Civic Hall 10am to 12 noon

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Friday 18 October

Saturday 19 October

Simply Books presents… Dame Jacqueline Wilson We are delighted and honoured to welcome one of Britain’s most beloved of children’s authors to Simply Books! Jacqueline does very few signings and this is a ticket-only event. Book now and don’t miss out! Tickets: £13 (includes a signed copy of Jacqueline’s new book We are the Beaker Girls) To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 4pm

Poynton Ceilidhs Cock and Bull, caller Lynn Swain.

Tickets £9 on the door, cash only, under 16s are half price.

To reserve or purchase tickets in advance visit www.poyntonceilidh.co.uk Poynton Civic Hall 8pm till 11pm, Doors open 7.45pm

Friday 18 October

St George’s Singers and the European Doctors Orchestra Concert Celebrating the Human Spirit with a programme of uplifting and life-affirming music from Copland, Brahms and Shostakovitch. In support of St Ann’s Hospice.

Tickets are available for the Bridgewater Hall box office.

An evening of big-band jazz The excellent Fish Lip Soup Big Band and superb vocalist Jules Scott return to Poynton with classic big-band charts from Count Basie and others, along with Latin numbers and familiar tunes given the big-band treatment.

Tickets £10 from Mates DIY, Ted’s Barber Shop and friendsofeastcheshire@outlook.com. Proceeds to East Cheshire Hospice.

Poynton Workmen’s Club Doors open 7.30pm

Fri 18 October to Sat 19 October Studio 2 Halloween Showcase Join the Studio 2 and Musical Theatre members from NK Theatre Arts for a spooktacular evening of Halloween themed dance and singing! With cabaret tables and open bar, join us for a scary evening at The Forum Theatre. Ticket Prices: £10/£8. 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm

Friday 18 October Stockport Historical Society “The heretic Pharaoh” by Gordon Longworth Visitors very welcome Admission £3. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161-440 0570.

Stockport Sunday School, 96 Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm

Saturday 19 October Poynton Community Art Group Annual Art Exhibition Join us to invest in original art and handmade cards all produced by talented local artists. Win one of the lovely hampers on the raffle and enjoy refreshments at the pop-up cafe. Be tempted by the many books on sale, watch artists at work and try your luck at the Tombola stall run by the East Cheshire Hospice. We look forward to seeing you. We are happy to welcome and support East Cheshire Hospice. Free entry and parking St George’s Church Hall, Fountains Place Poynton SK12 1NH 10am to 4pm

Sunday 20 October

Tuesday 22 October Don’t Pass Me By Martin Mallis talks to North Cheshire Photographic Society about taking a closer look at our landscape, where a world of abstract images becomes possible. £5 visitors, £2 members Poynton Civic Centre 8pm

Thursday 24 October Worth Probus Club Elaine Bates will speak to us on ‘Lyme Hall-My Weekend Home’. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St George’s Church Hall, Poynton 2pm

Thursday 24 October Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Shetland illustrated talk by David Tolliday. Visitors very welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Friday 25 October Autumn Tea – in support of East Cheshire Hospice East Cheshire Hospice Poynton Support Group invite you to an Autumn Tea which includes a selection of delicious sandwiches and savouries; scones and cakes; a glass of prosecco; and coffee or tea.

Tickets (advance purchase only) £20 from friendsofeastcheshire@outlook.com, Mates DIY, and Ted’s Barber shop. Proceeds to East Cheshire Hospice.

Davenport Golf Club, Middlewood Road, Poynton 2.30pm for 3.00pm

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Saturday 26 October

Tuesday 5 November

Fright Night at The Forum. With live band and open bar, join us for the Ultimate Halloween Party!

This is the perfect night out for friends or work colleagues looking for a place to party this Halloween! It’s a Halloween Party that is sure to fright, so put on your best fancy dress and prepare for a spooky night. Come dance to Thriller and the Monster Mash. Crawl on over to our Halloween bash. Ghosts and witches and monsters too. They’re all invited and so are you! Please note this show is not suitable for children.

Tickets £10 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 8pm doors open at 7pm

Adlington WI Annual General Meeting with cheese and wine. Pop in to see us and be sure of a warm welcome, good company, a drink and a slice of homemade cake! More info from Jackie Shaw 01625 266251 or email adlingtonwi@gmail.com Adlington Village Hall, Mill Lane, Adlington SK10 4LF 1.30 to 3.30pm

Saturday 26 October Cheshire Chorale and Cheshire Sinfonia Beautiful music in Bramhall Berlioz: Overture Les Francs Juges Op.3 Chabrier: A la Musique Poulenc: Gloria Fauré: Requiem Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (students) Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Monday 28 October PAAS (Prestbury Art Appreciation Society) is starting its 15th season of lectures with the talk ‘Late Byzantine Icons’ by Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann. Visitors are welcome (£9 includes entry and tea/coffee). To book, or for further info, email artinprestbury@gmail.com or call Caroline Morgan on Tel. 1477571264 The annex of the St. Peter’s Parish Church, Prestbury 10am to 12noon

Tuesday 29 October Simply Books presents… an unforgettable evening with Jeremy Dronfield Author of The Boy Who Followed his Father into Auschwitz, the inspiring true story of a father and son’s fight to stay together and survive the Holocaust. Tickets: £10 To book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Fords Lane Church, Fords Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 November Poynton Philatelic Society Guest speaker Philip Wharmby will be showing his interest in ‘Cinderella Issues.’ These are stamp labels issued for specific fundraising events throughout the World. This is a fascinating subject and an opportunity to see a very varied collection of unusual items. Ron Phelps 01625 877643 Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 November Poynton Local History Society. ‘Aspects of Local Collieries’ is the title of a presentation to be given by David Kitching. Annual Membership of the Society is £12, guests are always welcome at £3 per visit. Tel: 01625 872068 St Pauls Community Room, Marley Road, Poynton, SK12 1LY 7.30pm

Thursday 7 November Would you like to meet new friends? Thursday Group is a social group for unattached people of mature years, with several activities run by the members every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits.

For more info see www.thursdaygroup.co.uk or ring Bill on 07505 076838, or just come along to new members night on the first Thursday in each month where you will be met by group members.

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

Saturday 9 November Stockport Symphony Orchestra Bloch: Schelomo soloist Jonathan Aasgard cello, Mahler: Symphony no 5. Conductor Mark Heron more info at www.stockportsymphony.co.uk Tickets available at the box office, online or on the door £15 full price/£13 concessions/students £5/accompanied children under 16 free Stockport Town Hall 7.30pm

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Saturday 9 November

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 November

Charity Christmas Market Please come and support your favourite charities as you buy your Christmas cards, gifts and alternative gifts. Tea/coffee and delicious bacon butties will be on sale.

Poynton Methodist Church (next to Waitrose) 10am to 12.30pm

Brookdale Youth Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz Join Dorothy down the yellow brick road 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre Bramhall. Curtain up 7.30pm and Saturday Matinee at 2.15pm

Tuesday 12 November The Dragon’s Journey North Cheshire Photographic Society welcomes Margaret Salisbury to our club night. Known as ‘the Welsh Dragon’, Margaret will use prints and images to take us through the fashions, styles and subjects that have given her most enjoyment. Most of Margaret’s work is in monochrome, and she teaches City & Guilds Photography. £5 visitors, £2 members Poynton Civic Centre 8pm

Wednesday 13 November The Arts Society North East Cheshire This lecture by Dr John Stevens provides an overview of the arts (poetry, theatre, literature, song) and architecture of Calcutta, which was India’s capital until 1911. At the epicentre of the ‘Bengal renaissance’, Calcutta played a central role in shaping the arts and culture of modern India, as a huge variety of artists sought to interpret India’s classical heritage in new ways, and to combine this heritage with Western cultural forms. To attend as a visitor please contact Maggie Schofield on 0161 427 9451 or email info@theartssocietynortheastcheshire.org.uk Brookdale Club, Bramhall 10.30am with coffee from 9.45am

Thursday 14 November Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Cruising in the Wild Side – illustrated talk by Alan Jones. Visitors very welcome (£4) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 November Once Upon A Time In Wigan written by Mick Martin.

Wigan Casino from 1973 to 1981 the heart of Northern Soul, unlike anywhere else in the world. Once Upon a Time in Wigan is a celebration of the rise and fall of one of the most unique of musical times, before raves, and club culture, as Eugene, a butcher’s assistant from Bolton and his mate Danny find a reason to live in an otherwise dismal existence.

Contains strong language and adult themes Ticket prices: £11/£10 24hr Box Office 0333 666 3366 www.theforumtheatre.co.uk The Forum Theatre, Stockport, SK6 4EA 7.30pm

Tuesday 19 November Poynton U3A Dr Diana Leitch will give a talk on ‘The Science of Chocolate: Food of the Gods.’ Including tasting experiences! Entrance £1 including refreshments. For more information contact enquiries@poyntonu3a.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre, 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday 20 November Poynton Luncheon Club After we have enjoyed a delightful, hear Matthew Martin’s talk on ‘Tax, Care and Toys’ For more Information, contact membership secretary Pam Orton 0161 483 4557 Deanwater Hotel

Wednesday 20 November Poynton Philatelic Society Our Guest Speaker is Howard Hughes, who will show his excellent collection entitled ‘The Story of the Maltese Cross.’

This is a well-researched history of one of the Victorian postal cancels which occurred in various colours and became very collectable. This display is not to be missed.

Ron Phelps 01625 877643 Poynton Community Centre, Park Lane 7.30pm

Thursday 21 Nov Poynton Townswomen’s Guild Christmas Coffee Morning raising funds for McMillan Nurses Everyone welcome to join us. £1 entrance including coffee and biscuits Contact: 01625 879087 Poynton Civic Hall 10am to 12noon

Friday 22 November Stockport Historical Society “H G Stephenson in Buxton Road: 150 years of a Local China and Glass Business” by Sue Parkinson-Bailey.

Visitors very welcome Admission £3. Further information from Tony Nightingale 0161-440 0570.

Stockport Sunday School, 96 Nangreave Road, SK2 6DQ (Next to Aquinas College) 7.45pm

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Saturday 23 November Cheshire Sinfonia - Beautiful music in Bramhall Schubert: Symphony No 4 in C minor D.417, Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Wind K.297b Mozart: Symphony No. 38 K.504 ‘Prague’ Tickets: £12 (Full) £10 (concessions), £3 (students) Reserved tickets available in advance from 07967 852986 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Saturday 23 November St George’s Singers Mozart Requiem Tickets from the Ticket Secretary on 01663 764012 or online at www.st-georges-singers.org.uk Royal Northern College of Music

Saturday 23 November Hazel Grove Orchestra Concert Dvorak - Overture ‘In Nature’s Realm’, Sibelius - Karelia Suite, Brahms - Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op.90 Admission £8, under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the concert. Contact details: telephone 0161 449 7347, website: www.hazelgroveorchestra.co.uk, email: hazelgroveorch@gmail.com Hazel Grove Methodist Church, Wesley Street, Hazel Grove, SK7 4JQ 7.30pm

Thursday 26 November Worth Probus Club James Elison will speak to us on ‘I Ate My Last Herefordshire Russet this Morning. An Introduction To Growing Apple Trees’. Please contact Peter Owen on 01625 871574 or peterowen49@btinternet.com for further details.

St George’s Hall, 2pm

Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 1 December St George’s Christmas Tree Festival Now in its 13th year. Over 80 trees on display in this majestic heritage church.

St George’s Church, Buxton Road, Heaviley, Stockport SK2 6NU. (Junction of Buxton Road and Bramhall Lane) From 12 noon daily (10am Saturday)

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

46

Children’s Activities

Things to do with pre-school kids

Monday

Playaway 9.30-11.30am Poynton Baptist Church. Contact 01625 859036

tuesday Rhyme Time 10-11am Term time only, open to all preschool aged children and babies.

Come and join in the fun of rhyme, music and song.

Expand your social network and meet new parents.

Pay per week, no termly commitment. Please call 01625 87115, email pmcpreschool@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.poyntonmethodistpreschool.co.uk Poynton Methodist Church Room 3, off Park Lane, opposite Poynton Civic Hall, next to Waitrose

friday Rugbytots (For Boys & Girls 2 to 5yrs old) The World’s favourite Rugby Play programme, Coached by an award winning coach.

Building confidence, Social Skills, Coordination, Teamwork, Colours, Numbers, Shapes and much, much more!

Sessions: 2-3 ½ yrs (10:15am, 10.55am & 12.30pm) 3 ½ -5 yrs (9:20am & 11:35am) at the Civic Hall, Off Park Lane, Poynton, SK12 1RB. Term time only. Find out more at www.rugbytots.co.uk or contact Alick on 0345 313 6720 or Email alick@rugbytots.co.uk Free tasters subject to availability.

Saturday

Wednesday Bright Stars Toddler Group 9.30-11.00am Term time only, St Georges Church, Poynton. For more information contact Joe Hadfield 01625 879277 or email youth@poyntonparishchurch.org Pre-School Dance 2-2.30pm Term time only. St Martin’s Church Hall, Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton. All children welcome from age 18 months.

Contact 07903 727763 or email missstephanie1@hotmail.co.uk Rhymetime 2-2.30pm Poynton Library. No booking and no charge. All babies/preschoolers welcome with parents/carers

Thursday Parent & Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am Term time only, Poynton Methodist Church. For more information contact the church office on 01625 871592 Rhyme Time 10.30am Poynton Library. No booking necessary and no charge. All babies and toddlers welcome with parents/carers. Contact 01625 374818 Kickstarters – Age 2-3 9.30-10.15am Age 3-4 10.30-11.15am A world of pre-school football with a superhero twist. Join the miniature recruits, enter the goaliverse, and earn the super power stickers.

Civic Hall, off Park Lane, Poynton, SK12 1RB. Register on first day of attendance, all sessions pay as you go £5.

Baby Ballet & Tap 9-10am The Hockley Centre, Park Lane. Step Ahead School of Dance, contact Natalie on 07799 614260 for further details.

Methodist Who Let The Dads Out? 9.30-11am 4th Saturday each month for dads and grandads with their children aged 0-7. £2 per family which includes toast for Dad and healthy snacks and juice for children. Just turn up.

Contact church office 871592.

Who Let the Dads Out? 9.30-11am Second Saturday of the month during term time, St Georges Church Hall, Poynton. For dads, grandads and other male carers and their children aged 0-7 years. £2.50 per family which includes bacon butty and coffee for the dads and toast & juice for the children. For more information contact Joe Hadfield 01625 879277 or email youth@poyntonparishchurch.org Kickstarters – Age 2-3yrs 9.30-10.15am Age 3-4yrs 10.30-11.15am See Thursday. Poynton Sports Club, London Road, Poynton Website: www.kickstartersfootball.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578.

sunday Richmond Rovers JFC Young Ballerz 18 months - 5 years. For more information email youngballerz@richmondroversjfc.co.uk Or ring 07411 632114.

Website: www.kickstartersfootball.co.uk Contact: 07853 273578

48

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

puzzle solutions

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue:

Tuesday 12 November Tel: 01625 879611 email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk

50

useful numbers

Leisure Centre

Churches

Library

Lostock Christian Fellowship Poynton Baptist Church Poynton Christian Fellowship St Paul’s RC Church Poynton Methodist Church Poynton Parish Church (St Georges with St Martin’s)

01625 260341 01625 859036 01625 859170 01625 872606 01625 871592 01625 879277

01625 850828 01625 874667 01625 876900 01625 875 074

01625 872299 01625 872134 01625 875618

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Childline Crimestoppers RSPCA Samaritans Citizens Advice Bureau Directory Enquiries You & Yours Counselling

0800 9177650 02074 030888 0800 1111 0800 555111 0300 1234999 116 123 03444 111 444 118 500 01625 874225

Local Government MP’s Constituency Office E. Cheshire Council Info Services Poynton Town Council

01625 422848 0300 123 5500 01625 872238

Well Pharmacy L Rowland & Co

01625 872214 01625 873955

Police Station (non-emergency)

101

Poynton Post Office

01625 850262

Schools Lostock Hall Primary School Lower Park Primary School St Paul’s RC Primary School Vernon Primary School Worth Primary School Poynton High School

01625 383838 01625 872560 01625 877688 01625 872556 01625 875900 01625 871811

transport Open Hands Transport Traveline Bus & Train Information National Rail Enquiries Manchester Airport

01625 878589 0871 2002233 0345 748 4950 0808 169 7030

Utilities

Hospitals Macclesfield District General Hospital Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

01625 374818

Post Offices

Doctors Priorslegh Medical Centre McIlvride Medical Practice Poynton Clinic

Poynton Library

01625 876442

Pharmacists

Dentists Poynton Dental Surgery Wish Dental Practice Chester Rd Dental Care Mydentist

Poynton

01625 421000 0161 483 1010 111

Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Floods Water Leaks Environment Agency Floodline

105 0800 111 999 0345 672 3723 0800 330 033 0345 988 1188

classified index ACCOUNTANTS Lloyd Piggott

DRAINAGE 27

BATHROOMS Hazel Grove Bathroom Centre

6 6

39

PLUMBING & HEATING

46

RESTAURANTS & PUBS

25

RETIREMENT

10

ROOFING

22

SECURITY

ELECTRICIANS FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Whitehall Builders

51

Stratagem Wealth

BUILDING SOCIETIES

FIRES 13

BUILDING SUPPLIES & RENTALS Pure Clean Rental Solutions

CARE HOMES & SERVICES 37

Alice Chilton

52

CARPETS & FLOORING 9 47

CHILDCARE Kids Zone

49

CHIROPRACTORS The Back Clinic

50

CLEANING SERVICES Alice Chilton Cleaning

50

COMPUTER & INTERNET

GARDEN MAINTENANCE NRG Garden Services

22

Robinsons Garden Maintenance

12

HAIR & BEAUTY Carl Howard

34

Cheshire Hearing Centres

Trevor Garner

51

Crimeguard Security

53

Keoghs Nicholls Lindsell & Harris

6

Back Cover

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 35

TAXIS ASAPP Cars

31

TRAVEL Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant

30

TREE SERVICES 12

Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 22

WEIGHT LOSS Slimming World 39

JOINERY Trevor Garner

26 47

Harness Tree Care

HEARING SERVICES

34

5

Poynton Roofing

The Stair Shop

SR Computers

Spring Decorating

Adlington Retirement Living

GARAGE DOORS

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

39

18

Manners Pimblett

12

Dean Wilson

Farmers Arms

Brian Sharples & Son

Inside Back Cover 32

17 46

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES

Mike Knibb

DECORATORS

David Hanson

Adlington Memorial Park

Inside Front Cover

Garolla

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

Teddy Oliver

FUNERAL SERVICES

Abney Court

Carpet Creations

Brilliant Fires

FITTED FURNITURE 32

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

Techni-Pave

40

14 49 21

PATIOS 17

JS Services

Vernon Building Society

39

Kitchens of Poynton Matt Finish Transform Your Kitchen

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

SCZ Electrical Services

BUILDING SERVICES

54

Wills Driveway Cleaning

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

BOOKSHOPS Simply Books

KITCHENS 17

DRIVEWAY CLEANING 43

BOOKKEEPING JC Bookkeeping Services

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES Pate & Lever Windows

39

31 43

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS Cloudy 2 Clear

52

The Window Repair Centre

44