Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Issue 73 by INSIDE MAGAZINES

inside Issue 73

april - may 2020

w i l m s l o w &

a l d e r l e y

e d g e

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

inside wilmslow &

a l d e r l e y

e d g e

What’s INSIDE this month

The last couple of weeks have been difficult for everyone and the future is looking just as uncertain. We want to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have been following advice regarding the production of our magazines and the safety of our delivery team and readers. We’ve been advised that the virus will not live on printed matter, packages or letters for any length of time, so please don’t worry about handling this magazine!

Wilmslow Then & Now

A Grand Affair

As we go to print all event details are correct, but we assume that some will be postponed or cancelled, so please be sure to check before you go along to anything. And yes, I know travel is seriously off limits at the moment, but it won’t be forever, so we can use some of this enforced time at home to dream and plan!

24 Simply Books Book Club Choice

It’s at times like this that we become acutely aware of the importance of supporting small and local businesses, shops, services and tradespeople. Let’s buy local where we can, look out for our neighbours and all stick together as a community through this once-in-a-lifetime (we hope) situation.

8 Recipe 11 Is Birdwatching For You? 15 In Touch

20 Bring the Gym to You

27 Growing Granny’s Bonnets

31 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 32 The Walk 36 Wild Adventures 40 Mortgage Advice 44 Real Life Motoring

47 Travel - USA 49 Puzzles

Editor: Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611 Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk

Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge 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 2020. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

51 INSIDE Guide

57 Just 4 Kids 58 Children’s Activities 60 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified Index

Cover photo: Styal Country Park in May by Claire Hawker

Don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is

Friday 8 may

Wilmslow Then and Now Belinda Butterworth, recorded by the Wilmslow Historical Society in the 1980s, spoke of an experience every child remembers. “We all had our own shops. There was Sumner’s where we were taken when we were little to have our first shoes, and I always remember mother saying ‘Don’t put them on too tight – put a little sock in to allow for growing’. Mother always thrifty.” Her visit to the smart Grove Street store was just prior to the Great War, but Arthur Sumner started his business thirty years earlier in modest accommodation at his sister’s house in the Old Rectory on Chancel Lane. By 1891 he was married and living above his shop in Grove Street, and at the time the young Miss Butterworth was being fitted for shoes he was prosperous enough to have a second store in Cheadle Hulme. Sumner’s longevity in business was at least in part due to his adaptability, learning his trade in bespoke footwear and repairs before becoming a stockist for the massproduced brands such as “K” that came to dominate the market. Clark’s, who acquired the “K” brand in the 1970s, now trade from the premises next door to where Sumner once had his shop on Grove Street.

By Jon Armstrong Wilmslow Historical Society Photographs: Wilmslow Historical Society Collection

A Grand Affair If you’ve not yet visited The Wilmslow Green Room Theatre and enjoyed one of their award-winning productions, read on and find out more about one of Cheshire’s longest surviving local amateur theatres. Formed way back in 1924, the Wilmslow Green Room Society – to give it its full title – is now a successful amateur dramatic theatre that not only produces plays during the September to June theatre season but also provides its members with a local social outlet too. The Green Room is used by a weekly singing group, a tai chi class, a youth theatre group, monthly film shows and an annual brass band concert to name just a few of the facilities.

Scene from a recent production

Its own success and huge development since the last century however mean it is now in urgent need of additional storage space. After a wide consultation process with members, neighbours, the town council and the local authority, a planning application has been granted to build a single storey building at the rear of the theatre which will provide much needed storage space and an updated workshop facility. Rather than having to dispense with single-use props and so on, this will enable the theatre to store and then reuse and recycle existing props and sets – to bring it in line with its longer-term goals of being more environmentally sound. It will also help reduce the costs of productions and by having the additional storage available, the theatre will be able to encourage greater use of the building, allowing the community at large to use the building more extensively.

The costs for all the work required is estimated at £160,000 and the theatre aims to raise £50,000 by July 2021 with the remainder being raised by 2024. There are several fun and interesting fundraising initiatives scheduled starting with a Black-Tie Spring Garden Party in September, date TBC within the beautiful grounds of one of the Green Room member’s garden. A string quartet will play, food and drinks will be served, a plant sale and a Pledge Auction will take place. Tickets for this are £30 per person or £50 for a couple. This Garden Party Launch Event will be open to all and everyone will be encouraged to attend, numbers are however restricted to 150 because of the size of the garden. The activities proposed will be available to all and they will, in addition to the entertainment, be able to sign up to many fund-raising schemes such as ‘Buy a Brick’, ‘Buy a Roof Tile’, £1 and £2 coin pots and many others, all can be gift aided. The party is intended to be a community-based activity, encouraging everyone who attends to assist in the fundraising for the new build at the Green Room. If you would be interested in getting more involved with such a project, please contact Ian Cole at ian.ashton.cole@gmail.com If you’d just like more information on the Wilmslow Green Room Theatre and its local activities, go to www.wgrsoc.org.uk Thank you!

Is Birdwatching For You? How many species of birds can you identify in your garden or locality? The chances are that you can identify quite a few but sometimes you may look at a bird and momentarily wonder what it is. You may also have joined in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch which has helped our understanding and enjoyment of local birds. The celebrated sportswriter and nature lover Simon Barnes wrote a book a few years ago entitled ‘How to be a bad birdwatcher’. This is a light-hearted look at birdwatching, but the basic premise is that if you can identify a common bird such as a robin or swan, you are a birdwatcher without realising it! The likelihood is that most people are content to have a general interest in birds without owning a pair of binoculars. Some would like to take this interest a bit further but haven’t got around to it or are not sure what to do. Here are some ideas to share with you.

serious decline for a number of reasons. We need to maintain and improve the habitat we have left and try to prevent unnecessary destruction of ecosystems. The RSPB and other similar organisations can only survive by members’ subscriptions and with the current state of nature the case for choosing a conservation organisation as a charity of choice has grown stronger. You can join the RSPB online or, if you join at one of our nearest reserves such as Burton Mere Wetlands on the Wirral, your membership will contribute directly to the reserve. www.rspb.org.uk

Make your garden wildlife friendly There is plenty of information online and elsewhere to make your garden wildlife friendly. Suggestions include nest-boxes, bug homes, feeders, bird and insect-friendly plants, ponds, safe havens and good access for wildlife.

Join a conservation organisation The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will probably spring to mind. The RSPB has evolved into a conservation organisation with the strapline of ‘Give Nature a Home.’ For as little as £5 a month for two people (£6 for a family) you get free access and parking to around 170 RSPB reserves plus regular magazines, offers etc. There is also a Young Explorers section that educates children on environmental matters (note for grandparents- a good option for a present!) However, the real point here is the cause rather than the benefits. Far too many species including birds, butterflies and the rest of our fauna, are in

Attend local group meetings Whether you are a member of the RSPB or not, there is a choice of local groups that have regular meetings and outings. In our vicinity we have High Peak, Stockport and Macclesfield Groups. At High Peak we meet in Marple between September and May on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm. Details are published in this magazine and on our website. We usually have between 40 and 70 people attending; our speakers are drawn from around the country and are chosen for their high quality. Annual membership is currently £10pa.

Explore your local environment There is a surprising number of bird species in our local area, more easily seen and heard in springtime and early summer. In 2019, 220 species were recorded in Derbyshire alone! Continued over

Is Birdwatching For You? (continued)

Additional events for this spring A weekend walk will be held by High Peak RSPB as an introduction to finding birds by sight and sound on Sunday 26 April at 9.30am. We meet at Etherow Country Park and the walk lasts two to three hours. If there is sufficient demand, a car trip to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB reserve will be arranged on a suitable date. If you are interested in either of the above, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you! (contact details below)

High Peak RSPB group has an outing once a month on a Sunday, usually to a reserve or similar area where interesting birds may be found. Car-sharing is arranged on the day. Other groups do the same and Stockport Group also run coach trips. Not everyone who comes along has a good knowledge of birds, but friendly, experienced members are on hand to identify different species, and where possible show them through a telescope.

In conclusion it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if you are a good or a bad birdwatcher, but it has never been more important and beneficial for all of us to connect with nature. After all, what is good for birds is good for us! Email: highpeakgroup2@gmail.com Phone: (Secretary) 0161 427 0881 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/highpeak David Knass (Secretary, High Peak RSPB Group) Richard Stephenson (Leader, High Peak RSPB Group)

in touch

april - may 2020

your local community noticeboard

THE GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK The Great British Dog Walk, a popular charity dog walk run by national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, is back for a sixth year and is once more coming to beautiful Lyme Park, on Saturday 2 May 2020. Hundreds of walkers of all ages, and dogs of all shapes and sizes, will be taking part to have fun, meet like-minded people and support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds and help deaf people to leave loneliness behind. The walk is sponsored by Specsavers Audiologists, helping Hearing Dogs to raise more funds to transform the lives of deaf people. On the day there are two walk options – either 5km or 8km routes, making it ideal for dog owners, families, single walkers, organised walking groups and those who simply want to meet lots of dogs and get a bit of exercise for a good cause. There will also be fun additional activities at the walk, including a demonstration by local Hearing Dog partnerships and information from the NT Lyme Park ranger team. Walkers can get themselves or their dogs sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to raise money to fund hearing dog puppy Oscar’s training journey. Oscar is a cocker spaniel puppy who has just started his training to become a life-changing hearing dog. Over the next two years he will be trained to alert deaf people to important sounds, such as the smoke alarm, intruder alarm, alarm clock and cooker timer. It costs around £40,000 to fully train and support a hearing dog for the duration of its life and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People receives no government funding so every walker will be helping to transform the lives of deaf people. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. While sponsorship is encouraged to help Hearing Dogs train more life-changing dogs, it is not a requirement.

To sign-up to the Great British Dog Walk at Lyme Park, or for more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org Continued over

A NEW ERA FOR ALDERLEY PARK AS GLASSHOUSE OPENS Glasshouse, Alderley Park’s new hub for tech companies and forward thinking, innovative businesses has officially opened. It’s the ideal location for digital and tech businesses looking to work closely and collaboratively with some of the UK’s leading life science start-ups and scale-ups that are already located at the Park’s Mereside campus. The 150,000 sq ft building offers high quality, collaborative workspace providing the much in demand space for companies working in areas such as big data, data analytics and AI which are playing an increasingly key role in drug discovery. Glasshouse’s central atrium provides a range of coworking, networking and meeting spaces that are designed to inspire the exchange of knowledge and sharing of ideas. A range of other space options and flexible layouts are also available in the building allowing every business located there to flourish and expand easily as they grow. Set in idyllic surroundings in the heart of the 400-acre Park, Glasshouse is located next to the new gym and sports complex and is surrounded by a number of scenic walking, running and cycling routes. The Park also offers up to 100Gb connectivity, meaning businesses within Glasshouse can access nextgeneration, ultra-fast Wi-Fi and be instantly connected. A new pub and restaurant are set to open in the spring. Dr Kath Mackay, managing director of Alderley Park, said: “Historically renowned as being home to one of the UK’s pre-eminent life science campuses, the arrival of Glasshouse signifies Alderley Park as a leading destination for innovative tech businesses too. “Glasshouse offers everything from coworking to small and larger offices, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as fast-growing and larger businesses. “The convergence of digital technologies with drug discovery is one of the most radical trends in life science of recent years. This unique approach to locating life science and tech businesses in close proximity will help to drive the collaboration needed to inspire the developments and discoveries of the future.”

Continued over

Anson Engine Museum Re-opens after Winter Break “We’ve lived in the area for years, the museum’s just down the road and we’ve never been” is a comment frequently heard when new visitors arrive, so why not check out one of the largest collections of engines in Europe? The Anson Engine Museum in Poynton is now recognised as one of the country’s leading specialist museums, with over 250 gas and oil engines, many maintained in running order. The museum site also includes a working blacksmith’s smithy, a woodland craft area, café and a local history section with a giant scale model of Poynton (c1900). The museum reopens from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Mondays, starting on 12 and 13 April, until it closes again for winter on 25 October. There will be craft and steam demonstrations and special events each month see www.enginemuseum.org for more details. On Friday 8 May the museum is joining the international celebration of peace commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe. At 3pm Winston Churchill’s speech will be played, the “Battle’s Over” will be piped and the WW2 Heroes will be toasted. On Sunday 10 May at 10.30am the Last Post will be played. On both days there will be 1940s films showing in the museum’s cosy little cinema, there will be a WW2 display, particularly remembering the 35 Poynton folk who lost their lives, WW2 songs played over the tannoy system and the colliery bell will be rung, celebrating the peace and in memory of all WW2 Heroes.

NEW ECO CLASSROOM FOR TOP SCHOOL Former Independent School’s Association Eco School of the Year, Greenbank Preparatory School, is to start work on a new state of art eco-friendly £500,000 classroom block. The innovative school on Heathbank Road in Cheadle Hulme was originally opened in 1951 and since the Millennium has been taking on successive new build projects to enhance facilities. The latest is their new Year One Reception classroom block which has been designed by Manchester’s award-winning architects Walker Simpson. John Piercy Holroyd, Associate Director of Walker Simpson, said: “The new building is designed and will be built to be extremely energy efficient. The external envelope of the building is highly insulated with a striking pitched roof form that allows natural light and ventilation via high level opening lights, coupled with energy efficient underfloor heating via an air source heat pump, so that there is more room for classroom display to the walls. There will be a covered hangar space leading to the garden to allow for outdoor classes and play in most weathers.” The work will begin over the Easter holidays and is expected to be completed by the end of October, with the Year One class moving to free space in the school’s new media suite while work is completed. Greenbank Headmaster Malcolm Johnson said: “We have been discussing the project with Walker Simpson over the last year and are delighted with their proposals which meet our policies on sustainability. The development shows great faith in the future and is another signal of a strong, innovative school moving into the future with confidence and creativity.”

Plant Lovers’ Paradise at Bramall Hall & Adlington Hall Sunday 5 April sees the popular Plant Hunters’ Fair return to Bramall Hall with a huge choice of quality, nursery-grown plants. At this time of year, there will be a brilliant line-up of nurseries attending who will come laden with flowering bulbs, early flowering perennials, shrubs and trees to provide instant colour and also lots of later flowering plants to get planted for colour into the summer and beyond. Now’s the time to think ahead and plan that dream border for your garden. The Plant Fair is a fund-raising event for special projects at the hall and has proved hugely popular, rapidly gaining a reputation as the best specialist plant fair in the area offering a dazzling array of plants all for just £2 entry to the fair. The plant fair will open at the earlier time of 10am to 4pm on Sunday 5 April. For full details of nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk On Sunday 10 May, Adlington Hall, Macclesfield welcomes back Plant Hunters’ Fairs and this special event offers entry to the wonderful gardens and plant fair at the special rate of just £3 that’s half standard entry price! (children 15 years and under are free when accompanied by an adult). The plant fair has become a magnet for plant lovers from near and far and Plant Hunters’ Fairs have pulled out all the stops to get a great line-up of 20 brilliant independent plant nurseries including RHS award winners to create a plant lover’s paradise. At Adlington there are the beautiful gardens, woodland walks and parkland to explore. The bluebells should be at their best along with early flowering shrubs and trees. The 2,000-acre Estate contains parkland landscaped in the 18th century in the style of ‘Capability Brown’ complete with ha-ha. The Lime Avenue dating from 1688 is one of the oldest surviving in Britain and leads to a woodland wilderness with winding paths, temples, bridges and follies in a rococo manner. A path through the laburnum arcade leads into the formal rose garden, then on to the maze created in English Yew. The Father Tiber water garden provides a peaceful haven with its ponds, fountains and water cascade and the newly created parterre provides a colourful addition to the east wing. Other features include a large herbaceous border, rockeries, specimen trees, azaleas and rhododendrons.

The plant fair runs from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 10 May. There is lots of free parking and dogs on leads are very welcome. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk to find out which nurseries will be attending.

Bring the Gym to You! Every new health scare that doctors uncover seems to come with the standard, “…keep fit, lose weight and eat healthy foods to minimise the risk…” statement. We know it’s true but finding time to get to the gym is difficult when our lives are so busy. So why not bring the gym to your home? If you have an area that’s big enough for you to lie down in, with your arms stretched out to either side, with a few extra inches for good measure you’ve got enough space to do a workout at home. No matter what your initial fitness level, aims and budget are, you can start to exercise in the comfort of your own home.

Basic Fitness If you’re after basic fitness you can try a home HIIT session. All you need is a timer or smartphone app and a workout program - there are loads of videos on YouTube for every fitness level. HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training works on short bursts of exercise, up to about one minute, with rests of maybe 30 seconds in between. It gets your heart rate up and gives you a great workout in a very short space of time. Exercises range from simple marching on the spot, squats, and leg raises right through to advanced press-ups and handstands, but all doable in the space we mentioned earlier. An exercise mat might help for any lying-down exercises and a resistance band or small set of weights is a useful addition, but that’s about all you’ll need. Three, 20-minute sessions per week and you’ll really start to see some results. Do it in the morning before breakfast for maximum fat-burning efficiency, and to set you up for the day.

Strength Building your strength can also be done at home. Calisthenics is a form of training that uses your body weight instead of free weights. Each exercise has a series of progressions from easy to very hard. Take the simple press up as an example. Start doing them whilst standing and leaning against a wall. As you move your feet further from the wall it gets harder.

Eventually you’ll be able to do a full press up on the ground. Then try positioning your hands closer to your waistline so you are leaning forwards as you press up - it’s getting harder now. Then try leaning so far forwards your feet leave the floor - not for the faint hearted! Other calisthenics exercises need some basic equipment. Dips will need a set of dip bars. Pull ups will need some pull up bars. But all of these are relatively cheap to purchase and take up minimal space when not in use.

What about exercise machines? If you’re starting out, my advice is to avoid machines until you know what you like. You’ll probably only have enough space and cash for one, and they are not portable so once you’ve got something, you’re stuck with it. Build up your basic fitness and strength first and then decide what you want to do. Once your body starts to show some results you might even be tempted to venture down to the gym to take advantage of a wider range of equipment!

Be sensible Always be careful with your body. Seek professional advice before starting any exercise regime. Make sure you’re working safely and within your capabilities. Start easy and work up to the harder progressions. If you have any signs of pain or discomfort, STOP! Rest, recover and assess the situation. Above all have fun getting fit and staying healthy.

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Are you fed up with clutter? Have you ever wished you had more space in your home so you can tidy up without throwing everything out? Well, the answer could be to make more use of the space you’ve already got, literally under your own roof. For many homeowners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Macclesfield based loft ladder installer, Access4Lofts, whose slogan is ‘Creating Space The Easy Way’ can change all that, often in less than a day. Access4Lofts Macclesfield is owned by Barry Johnson. “I know how crucial storage space can be for large families” says Barry. “I also find that a large percentage of my clients are retired people looking for the safest access to their loft available.” “Installing a loft ladder is quick and affordable. It’s less expensive than a garden shed, and it means you don’t have to store everything out of the house.” Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with

your loft area. For the full works, customers can get a retractable 3-section ladder, a new hatch and a floating floor over the loft insulation and lighting. You might already have a ladder but it’s worth considering an upgrade: “The new ladders are springassisted and lighter so they’re much easier to use” he says. “They can also come with a safety handrail, there’s really no need for anyone to be struggling in and out of the loft anymore.” Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted trader which means they have been accessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, Access4Lofts has full public liability insurance and all ladders and work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. To find out how Barry can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote, visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/macclesfield or give Barry a call on 01625 839259

Simply Books

book club choice

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

Andrew Cant

My first choice is a gripping psychological thriller - The Party by Elizabeth Day. Martin Gilmour and Ben Fitzmaurice have been best friends for 25 years, since their days together at one of the country’s most exclusive public schools. They are an unlikely pair: the scholarship boy with the wrong accent and the dazzlingly popular and wealthy aristocrat. But Ben has a dangerous secret that only Martin shares. At Ben’s 40th birthday party, the cream of the British establishment gathers in a haze of champagne and glitz – old money and new. There’s something unsettling in the air: is Martin about to spill the beans and what will be the fall out? This is a stylish and suspenseful novel about class, privilege and power – think Brideshead Revisited meets The Talented Mr Ripley – with lots of twists and turns. It’s one of those books you just have to read at a gallop because you absolutely have to know how it’s all going to turn out. Confession With Blue Horses by Sophie Hardach is set in East Germany – in the years before and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Tobi and Ella’s childhood in East Berlin is shrouded in mystery. Now adults living in London their past is full of unanswered questions. Both remember their family’s daring attempt to escape to the West. But what happened next? Where did their parents disappear to and what happened to their little brother Heiko? When Ella finds a stash of her mother’s old notebooks, she and Tobi embark on a search that will take them back to Berlin as they try and piece together their past and find their long-lost brother. This is a fascinating portrayal of life under Communist East Germany – the physical hardship and material deprivation but also the menacing tyranny of living in a police state where you could never be sure who to trust and where the most innocent of conversations might attract the attention of the STASI (secret police). This early part of the story of Ella’s childhood is all the more remarkable for being set in the 1980s – you could be forgiven for thinking you’re reading about the 1950s!

And for the children… My Pet Star by Corrinne Averiss is a delightful new picture book. When a little girl discovers a star, who has fallen to Earth, she takes him home and nurses him back to health – a beautiful tale of friendship…perfect for any child who has ever longed for a pet of their own!

Growing Granny’s Bonnets “Granny’s Bonnets” or columbine are easy to grow, reliable and tough perennials that have popped up in cottage gardens from time immemorial. The proper name, aquilegia, comes from the Latin for “eagle” from the resemblance of the shape of the flower to an eagle’s claw. Most books will tell you to plant them in moist soil with a little shade. Most aquilegias will also sow themselves into the driest, hottest parts of your garden and be perfectly content although the flowers may not last so long. There are diminutive types for the alpine garden and large, long-stemmed types for the border. All are easy to grow from seed, although named varieties might not always come true. Aquilegia are notoriously promiscuous and if you grow more than one type, they will cross with gay abandon producing mixed seedlings in a range of shapes and colours. If buying seed, you can sow in April outdoors and have good sized plants to plant out in Autumn. If saving your own seed, sow in trays in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe and plant these out in March the following year.

by Martin Blow

“McKenna Hybrid” plants flowering away in my parents’ garden all my young life. The large flowers with their long backward facing spurs were an irresistible delight to me. These “long-spurred” types are the result of crossing two wild American types: chrysantha, with yellow flowers and caerulea with blue. Lots of colours including red, pink and purple, often in partnership with white are now available. Other species from America worth growing from seed are the red and yellow skinnerii and canadensis. I find these do appreciate a little more shade, more moisture in summer and better drainage in winter than some. The European native vulgaris are the more traditional granny’s bonnets usually in purple. Lots of colours Continued over

You can also divide plants with care, but these divisions do take a while to root. Remember, all parts of the plants including the seeds are poisonous. Aquilegias can be short-lived, going past their best after two or three years but I remember the same

A search of a good seed catalogue or a specialist at a plant fair should be able to provide you with lots of different sizes, shapes and colours of Granny’s Bonnets to fill your early summer garden with these jolly, bright flowers.

and shapes of these are also available now including the double, spiky-flowered Barlow hybrids. Nora Barlow in red, white and green was the first but lots more single colours have been added to the range including the near-black Black Barlow and the greenish-white Green Apples. For smaller plants Red Hobbit is a good choice as are the Winky Hybrids. The latter, unusually, has upward facing flowers. For the alpine garden there are many tiny ones. My favourite is the easy to grow but difficult to pronounce Aquilegia buergeriana Calimero with yellow and purple flowers on 10 to 15cm tall plants.

Janet and I run Special Perennials www.specialperennials.com We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2020. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Bramall Hall, Stockport on Sunday 5 April; The Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Sunday 12 & Monday 13 April; Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas SY14 8AH on Sunday 26 April; Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday 10 May; Carsington Water DE6 1ST on Monday 25 May. All gardens offer half price or better entry for these special events days. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for full details and last- minute updates.

www.specialperennials.com

Diary of a

Geeky Knitter

By now you should know that not much time passes before I simply have to have a go at the next thing which, more often than not, is craft related. Surprise, surprise eh? And so, it was early into the new decade (have I wished you lovely readers a Happy New Year yet?) that I stumbled across the world of quilting. ‘Stumbled across’ isn’t quite the right term actually. After all, in my office at work one of the magazine titles that my team work on is Quilt Now, so I am aware of quilting and how amazingly impressive those crafters are who partake in this exquisite craft. But it was on Instagram, that fount of crafty inspiration, that I came across a quilted Millennium Falcon, and instantly had to find out how I could make one myself! My fellow Star Wars fans out there will know of which legendary science fiction ship I am referring to (Kessel Run - 12 parsecs - iconic). Those of you who aren’t familiar with Star Wars, first I must insist you look up Star Wars: The Force Awakens or we can’t be friends any more, and second, just imagine a character or item from one of your favourite stories of all time, and put that into an impressive, intricate piece of sewing artwork. Amazing! Once I found this was a ‘thing’, I researched all that I needed to know to make my very own quilted Millennium Falcon. Foundation paper piecing was

the magical craft I needed to learn. Don’t worry, we won’t get technical now, but the best and fastest way I can think to describe this technique is colour-by-numbers with fabric and a sewing machine, and lots of satisfying paper ripping! Here you can see my finished creation - again, perhaps the non-Jedis reading this will be nonplussed by the grey blob in yellow, but I hope any Han Solo fans will be suitably impressed, as my husband is (a fellow Star Wars fan, of course) and so the Falcon hangs proudly on the wall in our home. Once I learnt one technique, I was eager to learn more and so now I am making a cushion cover out of small hexagons, hand sewn together (English Paper Piecing, if you must know) out of Mickey Mouse fabric. I am nothing if not devoted to my personal Disney-Star Wars-Nerd brand, after all. The fabric happened to be an Aldi purchase by the way! You crafters be sure to keep an eye out on those fabulous special buys. Ok, you’ve twisted my arm - we can all still be friends even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan. Until next time, may the force be with you. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

Padley Gorge,

Higger Tor and the Derwent Valley Walk description: This circular walk follows the Derwent Valley before climbing, steeply at times, up through the stunning Padley Gorge and out on to the moors. The climbing continues up to Owler Tor on good paths before crossing the higher moorland to Higger Tor where the final climb is quite steep. The return circuit is mostly downhill, steep in parts and eventually returns to the Derwent Valley by the outskirts of Hathersage. Starting point: Small lay-by on the left just before Leadmill Bridge on the B6001 half a mile SSE from Hathersage (SK 233806) Maps: Dark Peak Explorer OL1 and the White Peak Explorer OL24 1:25000 Walk a short way back from the lay-by and take the first track to the right, running alongside the left bank of the River Derwent and heading east. Stay on this track as far as the gate and footpath sign on the right. From here walk through the field and then along the river path, which can be muddy at times. Eventually, this path divides (SK 241795) at the sign up to Grindleford Station and the left path is often very muddy, so take the middle route. After a short distance, the two paths merge as you head up a gradual climb through the woods, and then a slightly steeper section up to a gate in a wall. Beyond the gate there is a good drinks stop with rocky seats to enjoy views down the scenic Derwent Valley south.

by Barry Wilson

Leave here passing over the railway bridge, and then bear right across a grassy pathway until you reach a wider track. Bear right along this route past houses and an old chapel. Before dropping down towards Grindleford Station, look out for sharp turn left up a wide and steep access road between some lovely houses. (SK 251788) At the top, go through the gate and begin a rocky ascent which stays above the gorge. Keep heading up and then along an undulating pathway of Gritstone slabs through this delightful conservation woodland section with the river deep in the gorge below; the rapids and small waterfalls are spectacular after a rainy spell. Ignore any signs to the left and after one mile you go through a gate at the top of the gorge and out into open countryside with views of our ultimate destination of Higger Tor to the north. This is a lovely resting point with rocks to sit on close to the stream by a wooden bridge; it is a very popular paddling and picnic spot for families on a busy holiday period. From here, keep to the left of the river along a level pathway for about 100 yards then take the obvious well walked path to the left and follow a narrow man-made gully which heads upwards towards Surprise View car park (SK 249801). This former packhorse trail reaches the busy A6187 through a gateway. Cross here with care and then turn left to the main car park on a pathway set back from the road. Sometimes there is an ice cream van in the car park! Ahead of you, the views westward are the

stunning surprises. If you also look east, you can pick out Longshaw Hall in woodland, once used as a First World War hospital, and now has a small cafe, shop and picnic area, with car parks for other walks from the Longshaw Estate. At the payment point, turn right and pass through the wooden gate. This leads up, over and between large Gritstone slabs which wind up to an amazing Gritstone tor. Follow the path round this prominent feature and head north to reach Over Owler Tor. Take care descending this high point on any one of the rocky paths down. From here you can see the higher rocky Higger Tor ahead and to the north east, the lower rocky Carl Wark, a site of an ancient settlement. Keep on this well trodden pathway towards the obvious climbing route on the left of Higger Tor; this is an easy ascent taking you round the left edge to reach the summit. On a windy day, there are plenty of rocks or gullies in which to take shelter and enjoy a well earned lunch break. There are stunning panoramic views towards Stanage Edge, Kinder and Mam Tor to the north and west, or east to Burbage Rocks and south to Froggatt Edge and the Derwent Valley cutting its wooded route towards Chatsworth. From Higger Tor, head off north along the summit path, then downhill to the minor road (SK 256823). Cross the road and beyond the fencing bear left and head across the moorland before going steeply downhill towards Hathersage. Take care on this descent before going through two wooden gates on to a wider track. As it bears right at the foot of this route, turn left at the fingerpost towards Mitchell Field (SK 247817). Keep to the left of this house and beyond it, and then look out for a signpost right, crossing a grassy area into a small wood, across a small stream and up to a stile into fields. Bear slightly right towards the next wall stile and then up the

gentle slope along the path to Scraperlow, a lovely house with large lawns and an interesting pub lamp over its side door. Follow their drive to the left of the lawns, through an automatic gate and eventually keep straight on where their drive bears left. (NB. The owners have been trying to alter this route around their land and it may now be completed, but it should still be easy to reach the next section) Keeping close to the wall on your right, the path soon drops down through a delightful wooded walk. In May, this woodland has a carpet of bluebells, punctuated by beds of white flowers. This path leads down to a wider track behind large houses before reaching the A6187 again. Cross over the main road, and then walk up the footpath to the left for 50 yards. Turn right by a tree and head down the steep signposted path, going down some steps at the bottom before following the narrow path behind houses and gardens. Turn left on to the minor road down to the B6001 near to Hathersage station road. Go straight across the road, walking under the railway bridge, until you reach a field gate in front of the grounds of Nether Hall. Turn left taking the signposted path as far as Leadmill Bridge and back to your starting point across the main road. Presented on behalf of Marple District Rambling Club; with over 350 members, the Club organises up to five graded walks every Thursday and up to four every Sunday, all led by volunteer members. For further information, contact the Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or the Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 483 8596 or visit www.marple-uk/community/ rambling to see the walks programme

Wild Adventures & Weekend Escapes Wild swim at a secret river beach dappled by willows, seek out a lost castle hidden within an enchanted forest, then watch the sun set from an ancient hillfort with a picnic of local cheese, sourdough and cider. Sounds perfect? A new compendium of adventures, from the best-selling, award-winning Wild Guide series will be published on 6 April, revealing the most exciting secret places in Central England, from forgotten pockets of the busy Midlands, to the iconic landscapes of the Peak District, Cotswolds, Welsh Borders and Lincolnshire Coast. This new Wild Guide points you to over 800 incredible secret places and wild adventures - idyllic swims, ancient forests, lost ruins, secret valleys, amazing wildlife, easy scrambles and sacred places. But it’s not just about adventure and doing wild things – the book also details slow food and drink venues, cosy pubs, artisanal producers and rustic places to stay. There’s a useful introduction to each area, detailing the natural history of the area as well as some suggestions for ‘a perfect weekend.’ As well as being packed with practical information including GPX co-ordinates and 23 maps this is a beautiful and inspiring book for the family seeking adventures in Britain’s hidden places. Featuring stunning photography and engaging travel writing, it’s the perfect guide for wild adventures and ultimate weekend escapes

The Authors Nikki Squires is an avid camper and photographer, and English teacher who runs her school’s bushcraft programme. Richard Clifford is a wild swimmer, triathlete, PE teacher and adventure leader. John Webster spent his formative years sea swimming and surfing in Pembrokeshire but now raises his two children, on a diet of wild adventures. They all live and work in the Midlands near Leicester and have wild camped, climbed, swum, and explored their way around the central areas of England. Other Wild Guides are available for Scotland, Wales, Lakes & Dales, South West and South East. Also available as premium apps for iPhone and Android. The Wild Guide is available at bookshops, online or at Wildthingspublishing.com www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/ wild-guide-central-england/

Top tips for getting your first mortgage For many people, buying their first home is a life event to be remembered forever. However, for those who are starting out, buying a first home can be a confusing minefield of legalistic and financial jargon, particularly if you are looking to apply for your first mortgage. So, to help guide you through the mortgage maze, here are a few crucial things to bear in mind….

Hold off on the job move Lenders tend to want to see a consistent financial pattern in your life. A crucial part of this is proof that you have been employed in the same job over a period of several months — usually 3 to 6. So, if you’ve just got a job offer, consider holding off on moving until everything has gone through. However, if you’re still in the probationary period of a new job, you’re not completely exempt from getting a mortgage – it just means that you’ll have to conduct some thorough research into which lenders are willing to lend before your probation is over.

Compare options It almost goes without saying, but as with any financial endeavor, knowledge is power. After ascertaining where you lie in the market, begin comparing different lenders and their rates and fees. It is definitely worth spending time comparing different providers before you even begin considering how much you need. Comparison sites are a great place to start, as they can gather information about numerous mortgage options, presenting them in an easy-to-read table, so all you need to do is choose the right option to suit your needs.

Apply for a mortgage in principle A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) is a great example of jargon that may make prospective new buyers confused and put off before they even get started.

by John Ellmore, Director of Know Your Money

The same document is also referred to by different lenders as Decision in Principle (DIP) and Agreement in Principle (AIP). It’s actually a straightforward concept: simply put, it is a statement, in principle, from a lender that declares they are prepared to lend you a certain amount based on the initial financial declaration you provide. However, it’s important to remember that a Mortgage in Principle is not a mortgage offer, nor is it a guarantee of one; it’s an indication that you could be eligible for one if you go on to pass the full mortgage application.

Check your credit score It is vital to understand your credit score when applying for your first mortgage; this can be obtained from credit reference agencies such as Experian or Equifax. Having a less than perfect score could hinder your application, as lenders will see it as an indication as to how you manage debt. That said, it’s not impossible to get a mortgage with a lower credit score, it will just mean you have to be prepared to be questioned about your financial history, or they may require you to provide a guarantor. Being prepared and understanding your credit score will give you a good idea of where your mortgage application is likely to be accepted, so don’t delay and find out your score ASAP.

Ask for advice If you’re unsure about your mortgage options, it’s worth speaking to a mortgage adviser. Whilst they charge for consultations, they offer guidance through the application process, a comprehensive explanation of costs and final recommendations as to which mortgage option best suits your needs. So, remember if you are struggling, you don’t have to muddle through alone.

Here at Uniquely Chic Furniture we source and sell quality pine, oak, vintage and shabby chic furniture. We have a vast range of stock which changes constantly. New pieces arriving almost daily. We also paint furniture. Our painting team are experts at transforming our furniture, or yours, into hand painted, individual, unique pieces. If you have a favourite or inherited piece that fits your space why not have it upcycled and uplifted in our workroom? We occasionally buy your furniture or sometimes we even do part exchanges, so why not pop in and see us, or email us. As well as furniture, we also sell lighting, mirrors, shabby chic home accessories and gifts. New and returning customers always use the same two phrases when they visit...”Aladdin’s Cave” and “Treasure Trove”! We are open 6 days a week, including weekends. Come and visit us, you never know what you will find when you step through the door. @shabbychicuk Official stockists of Frenchic eco-friendly chalk paint and accessories.

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

Real Life Motoring Ford Edge 2.0 TDCI ST-LINE: On A Carousel

With the Edge, Ford have come up with a design that allows this SUV to stand out from the crowd. In fact, one look at the 2.0 TDCI ST-Line on test confirms how successful Ford have been in giving this impressive SUV a link with the more sporting editions of the Focus, Puma et al, elsewhere in the range. The ST-Line, MotorMartin’s preferred option, gives you Ford’s distinctive, sporting front grille devoid of the chrome that adorns others in the range, 20” ST-Line alloy wheels matched up to the Edge’s excellent Intelligent All Wheel Drive, there’s unique front, rear and side sports body styling with dark exterior detailing, black roof rails and the best bit? Dual fascia pass through exhausts with chrome exhaust tips, after all, nothing says sporting like a pair of twin exhausts. Ford have done a truly stunning job here. Inside the Edge and the luxury/sporting theme continues with a cabin that offers up space, light, comfort and technology. There’s the de rigueur 10way power driver and passenger seat with memory in partial leather seats with perforated Dinamica inserts, variable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel (superb), ST-Line scuff plates and that rarest of commodities, space.

Ford have also been rather generous with the technology added as there’s Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation, Auto Stop/Start, an incredible B&O premium audio system with 360° sound system with 1,000 Watts of amplifier power, 12 high

by Martin Hall

performance speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Ford’s wonderful SYNC 3 system. Indeed, Ford have confirmed that SYNC 3 integrates seamlessly with your smartphone, letting you control everything from phone calls and text messaging to music and satellite navigation - via the 8” touchscreen or simple voice commands. This combination of both creature comfort and bang up to date driving and entertainment tech easily allows the Edge to look down upon its competitors from above. The mark of a good car though is a little harder to fathom when you begin to dig deep. Tech and comfort is, of course, important but the drive itself is where the money needs to have been spent, and fortunately Ford’s latest SUV can happily direct you towards the very place. Ford fans have always known about the sports handling and superior quality of road-holding that are part of the marque’s inbuilt DNA and will not be disappointed by the experience on offer by the Edge.

Excellent turn in is telegraphed through the steering and directly to the driver whilst the sporting, yet compliant, suspension copes superbly with the unfortunate state of the roads across this green and pleasant land of ours. From the typically high SUV driving position, the view that you get across the landscape allows you to make decisions far earlier than you might previously have been used to. Braking earlier for traffic or difficult conditions, smoothing out your throttle movements for economy and comfort and maintaining momentum become your mantra, the more miles you experience in the Ford.

Take advantage of the technology hidden deep with the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission allowing you to access up to 41.5 mpg and CO2 of 176 g/km whilst the 2.0 TDCI 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel power-plant offers up 238PS. This is not an engine that is going to be found wanting in any situation you might care to find. The Ford Edge is a seriously impressive piece of kit that is excellent to drive and live with whilst also being superb to look at. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it? 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.

USA If there’s a country you can visit that offers practically every kind of holiday ‘under one roof’, then the USA is it. In 2019, the USA was the fourth most popular country in the world visited by UK travellers and it’s easy to see why. You can visit on a short break or plan an exciting multi-centre trip, chase the sun, or hit the slopes. From mountains to deserts, gorgeous beaches to stunning National Parks, there is so much choice!

Live it up in the Big Apple No other city in the world is as iconic as New York and if you plan a city break here there will never be a dull moment! It’s a good idea to plan an itinerary in advance. Don’t be too strict about it, but as there’s so much to see and do, definitely have a list of highlights and priorities.

Family magic in Florida Another very popular tourist destination in the US is Florida, especially Orlando and the theme parks. There are several different ways to ‘do’ Disney, and it can be a bit confusing, so it’s worth being as organised as possible. This is where I would suggest always speaking to a personal travel consultant who will be able to pull together all the logistics - flights, car hire, a great choice of villas or hotels, plus all your Park tickets. For total Disney immersion, stay at one of their resorts. By doing this, you can pre-book restaurants and you can also get early entry to the parks and fast passes to skip the queues. Disney (and Universal) is a magical experience for the whole family and you can always combine it with a few days of ‘down time’ at the beach in Clearwater for example, making Florida the perfect choice for a family getaway.

If you’re an art lover be sure to visit MoMA and the Guggenheim, if you’re a foodie, grab some pizza in Little Italy or visit Brooklyn for a lazy brunch. Decide which monuments and tourist attractions you most want to visit. For most, like the Empire State Building, you can book tickets in advance. The same with Broadway shows. Another great thing about New York is it’s bustling all year round. You can go in November and December to soak up the Christmas buzz (not to mention the shopping) or in the spring to enjoy the river cruises and rooftop bars. Continued over

For music lovers The home of Country and birthplace of rock ‘n roll, you can join a fantastic array of organised tours through America’s heartland. Combine a trip to Nashville with a stop in Memphis and then head down to New Orleans to soak up the jazz music and party vibes. Be sure to visit the historic music studios that launched the careers of Elvis and Johnny Cash and the home of Country music, the Grand Ole Opry. You could always time your trip so that it fits in with the legendary festival, Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, and a lot of the tours include fantastic extras like cookery lessons and back-stage tours.

The great outdoors If you’re a wildlife and adventure lover then you’ll be in your element in the USA. America is renowned for its national parks and the wild landscapes of Utah, Arizona and California (to name a few) are seriously impressive!

I was lucky enough on a recent trip to visit both the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park and these stunning, imposing, landscapes certainly make you feel both little and lucky! If you enjoy active holidays then you can sign up for rock climbing, cycling and white-water rafting, or if you’re an adventure seeker splash out on a helicopter ride. This is an incredible way to see the sights of the Grand Canyon. If you’re a winter sports fan, then America has some brilliant ski resorts too. The American Rockies are home to some of the best skiing anywhere. Aspen in Colorado, for example, is a great choice as it caters well for everyone from beginners to pros, plus has a great range of shops and lively après-ski venues. Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant Notjusttravel/waitingworld lucyallen.notjusttravel.com e: lucy.allen@notjusttravel.com p: 07512 784700

quick crossword Across 1 Disguise, conceal (4) 3 Bewilder, stupefy (8) 8 Article of clothing (7) 9 Impression (5) 10 Board game (5) 11 Document, log (6) 13 Direction of this clue! (6) 15 Overpass (6) 18 Type of reptile (6) 20 Thick, impenetrable (5) 23 Nimble, lithe (5) 24 Scrutinise (7) 25 Won back (8) 26 Certificate, lease (4)

Down 1 Prestidigitator (8) 2 Tennis term (5) 4 Sixth planet from the sun (6) 5 Neglect, disregard (7) 6 Take to heart (4) 7 Population tally (6) 9 Membranous pouch (3) 12 Thwarted (8) 14 Pouring (7) 16 Peppery salad vegetable (6) 17 Laud, revere (6) 19 Imitate, caricature (3) 21 Siblingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter (5) 22 Bazaar, carnival (4)

Solutions on page 60

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

inside guide

april - may 2020

selected events in your area

Thursday 2 April 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

Sunday 5 April Plant Hunters’ Fair Huge choice of quality, nursery-grown plants. At this time of year, there will be a brilliant line-up of nurseries attending who will come laden with flowering bulbs, early flowering perennials, shrubs and trees to provide instant colour and also lots of later flowering plants to get planted for colour into the summer and beyond. Fund Raising Event for special projects at the Hall: £2 Entry to Plant Fair. Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Bramall Hall, Bramhall Park, off Hall Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3NX. 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 7 April David Carey from ‘I Love Hedgehogs’ will be giving a short presentation on how we can help hedgehogs. This event is free of charge. This will be followed by crafts (50p per craft) for children and the opportunity to ask David any questions. This event is suitable for all ages. Handforth Library, 11am

Tuesday 7 April Graham Brook presents Tuesday Jazz and Swing Alex Clarke (reeds) guests with The Lucy Lockwood Quartet. £8 on door. For more events in April see www.grahambrookjazz.co.uk or call 01625 528336 Upstairs at Wilmslow Conservative Club, 15, Grove Avenue, Wilmslow, SK9 5EG 8.30pm

Tuesday 7 April Handforth Gardening Society Spring Show - In House St Chad’s Church Hall, Handforth 7.30pm for 8pm start

WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL Wilmslow Historical Society Claire Moores from Great Warford, a well-known history writer and researcher with a particular interest in Cheshire local history, landscape and genealogy, will give an illustrated presentation on Unearthing Cheshire’s Quaker Community. Visitors are welcome £4, including tea/coffee and biscuits. Students admitted free. The Large Hall, United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR

Tuesday 14 April East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – Elizabeth Raffald – Suze Appleton Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 3AB 2pm

Wednesday 15 April Lunchtime Concerts Meraki Duo - Meera Maharaj, flute, James Girling, guitar. Light lunches available from 12 noon, concert at 1pm. Admission by programme £6 Tel. 01625 586713 Tel. 01625 584410 Tel. 01625 584367 www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DU

Thursday 16 April Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM followed by Hedgehogs – a talk by Jan Miller from Withington Hedgehog Hospital. Visitors very welcome (£5) Details from Steve Osborne 01625 879087 or www.wilmslowguild.org The Guild, 1 Bourne St, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 7.30pm

Saturday 18 April Bollington Chamber Concerts: The Carducci Quartet Beethoven - Op 18 no 4; Janacek - Kreutzer Sonata; Dvorak - Op 96 in F. ‘American’ Tickets £19 from www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk/ carducci or 01625 576402 or 574435 Bollington Arts Centre 7.30pm

Continued over

Inside Guide - March-April 2020 (continued)

Monday 20 to Saturday 25 April Anything Goes. A fabulous nautical musical by Cole Porter, featuring songs such as You’re the Top, It’s De-lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You and the show-stopping title song. Box office 0161 302 2302 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall. Curtain up 7.30pm, Saturday Matinee 2.15pm

Wednesday 22 April Wilmslow U3A. Tracey Earley (Cheshire Police Cyber Crime Team) “Cyber Crime” URC School rooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow 2.30pm

Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 April Woodford Players Comedy Play – “The Magnificent Seven” Tickets £10 www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodfordplayers www.woodfordplayers.co.uk Woodford Community Centre, SK7 1PS

Saturday 2 May Cheshire Sinfonia – BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IN BRAMHALL. Mozart: Symphony No. 31 K.297 (Paris). Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate K.165. Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major 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 2 May Bramhall Worker Bee Market Worker Bee Markets’ regular event is in Bramhall village with locally handmade crafts, gifts, fresh produce, jewellery, homeware, international street food and more. Find hand-picked quality artisan goods right on your doorstep. Workerbeemarkets.wordpress.com Bramhall Village Square SK7 1AW 10am to 3pm

Saturday 25 April

Tuesday 5 May

Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra concert. We are performing two works on this occasion, both by English composers. Edward Elgar’s concert overture, ‘In the South’ and Gustav Holst, ‘The Planets.’ A varied evening of music with something for everyone! Tickets £12, concessions £10 and under 18s £2. Available from: ticket secretary 01925 756144, ‘Bang and Olufsen,’ Alderley Road, Wilmslow, ‘Therapy,’ Bank Square, Wilmslow, at the door or via www.wilmsloworchestra.co.uk Evans Hall, Wilmslow Leisure Centre 7.45pm

Handforth Gardening Society AGM and Plant Exchange - In House St Chads Church Hall, Handforth 7.30pm for an 8pm start

Tuesday 28 April Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire. What did he die of? Talk by Sylvia Dillon. Exploring causes of death and where you might find death records. Admission £2 for members and £3 for non-members including refreshments. macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk. Salvation Army Hall, Roe Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Wednesday 29 April Wilmslow Guild Floral Design Club Derek Morgan, North West Area. Meetings are usually held on the last Wednesday of each month. Tel: 01625 523903. Visitors fee: £7 (special events as advertised) www.wilmslowguild.org www.nafascheshire.org.uk. Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 1.45pm

Tuesday 5 May Graham Brook presents Tuesday Jazz and Swing The Brian Pendleton Trio £8 on door. For more events in May see www.grahambrookjazz.co.uk or call 01625 528336 Upstairs at Wilmslow Conservative Club, 15 Grove Avenue, Wilmslow SK9 5EG 8.30pm

Wednesday 6 May Simply Books presents a ‘Meet the Author’ event with the Canadian writer Emily St John Mandel in conversation about her international best-seller Station Eleven and her captivating new novel The Glass Hotel - a story about money, beauty and moral compromise. Tickets: £8, to book call 0161 439 1436 or book online at www.simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Stand out from the crowd with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

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

Inside Guide - March-April 2020 (continued)

Thursday 7 May 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

Friday 8 May Halle Chamber Concert Eight cellists from the Halle Orchestra will perform an evening of Latin music, to include pieces by Villa-Lobos, Lindemann and Sollima. Tickets £11 and £9 (concession). Under 18s free. Available from Church Office (0161 439 1204), Thrift Shop, Simply Books (228 Moss Lane) and at the door. Refreshments included. Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm

Sunday 10 May Plant Hunters’ Fair. Half price entry to the Gardens & Plant Fair £3 (children under 15 Free) Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4LF. 10am to 4pm

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY Wilmslow Historical Society Following a brief AGM, and back by popular demand, one of our members, Jon Armstrong, will be presenting More from Our Archives. This time he will be including some oral histories describing life in mid-20th century Wilmslow. Visitors are welcome £4, including tea/coffee and biscuits. Students admitted free. The Large Hall, United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR TIME?

SATURDAY 16 MAY The Barnby Choir Summer Concert Mozart, Regina Coeli, Haydn, St Nicholas Mass Fauré, Requiem Advance booking advised or tickets at the door, £12, £10 concessions, £5 student. Phone 01625 520193 www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR 7.30pm

Wednesday 20 May Lunchtime Concerts Students from The Royal Northern College of Music Light lunches available from 12 noon, concert at 1pm. Admission by programme £6 Tel. 01625 586713 Tel. 01625 584410 Tel. 01625 584367 www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com aemcchurchoffice@gmail.com Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Chapel Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7DU

Wednesday 20 May Wilmslow Guild Floral Design Club “Pot Luck” Ann Houghton, Cheshire Area Meetings are usually held on the last Wednesday of each month. Tel: 01625 523903. Visitors fee: £7 (special events as advertised) www.wilmslowguild.org www.nafascheshire.org.uk Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow SK9 5HD 1.45pm

Saturday 23 May Cheshire Sinfonia and Chorale BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IN BRAMHALL. Haydn: The Creation 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

Saturday 16 May

Tuesday 26 May

Stockport Symphony Orchestra. Elgar: In the South, Bridge: The Sea, Vaughan Williams: Symphony no 2 “London” Conductors Robin Wallington and Omer Shteinhart. For more information visit 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

Macclesfield Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire. Women of Macclesfield - short talks. Some you may have heard of and others may be new to you. Open to the public, and admission is £2 for members and £3 for non-members including refreshments. For more details please contact macclesfield@fhsc.org.uk Salvation Army Hall, Roe Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6XD 7.30pm

Wednesday 27 May Wilmslow U3A David Bell - “The Plague Doctor” URC School Rooms, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow 2.30pm

Saturday 30 May The East Cheshire Alpine Garden Society Show A wide variety of beautiful alpine plants will be on show. Specialist nurseries will be present selling plants. Tea/ coffee and cake will be available and sandwiches at lunch time. Competition schedules and further details are available by contacting Bob on 07808 974753 Entry £3 The Village Club, 2 Melbourne Road, Bramhall, SK7 1LR 10.30am to 3.30pm

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Children’s Activities Monday

Things to do with pre-school kids

Songs and Rhymes. 9.30am and 10.15am Term time only. 20-30 minutes of informal singing for 0-4s with their grown up. £1.50 per family. Refreshments and mini play area available afterwards. For more information please contact the church office on 01625 528892. Wilmslow Methodist Church WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10-11am 18 months – 4 years Term time only. Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road. £6 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382 Under 5’s Story Time 11-11.30am Term time only. Wilmslow Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374060. Under 5’s Story Time 2.30-3pm Term time only. Handforth Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 378272

Tuesday Under 5’s Rhyme Time 10-10.30am Term time only. Alderley Edge Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374030. Under 5’s Rhyme time 11-11.30am Term time only. Handforth Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 378272

Wednesday Tiddlywinks Mini Church 10am Term time only. Story, songs and craft for under 5’s. £1 donation appreciated. Refreshments and play area available.Please call the church office 01625 528892 for information. Wilmslow Methodist Church. Mums, Dads and Tots 1.30 to 3pm Term time only. St Benedict’s Church Hall, Hall Road, Handforth. Lots of toys for under 5’s, come along for a cuppa. Contact Jo on 07762 494843. Baby Bounce 2.30pm-3.00pm Suitable for babies 12 months and younger. We sing rhymes with the parents/carers similar to our regular rhyme time but it is more relaxed and calmer session. It is also a wonderful opportunity for first time mums, dads or grandparents to meet other people in the area with similar aged babies. Free of charge. Wilmslow Library

Thursday Under 5’s Rhyme Time 11-11.30am Wilmslow Library. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact 01625 374060 Baby Massage 1.30pm Term time only. At Wilmslow Methodist church for babies 8 weeks plus. £5 per session, including refreshments. Please call the church office 01625 528892 or make an enquiry online to book a place www.wilmslowmethodists.org.uk Thursday Tots 2-4pm Term time only, Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Alderley Road. For pre-school children and parents/carers. £1.50 per family. Contact thursdaytots@hotmail.co.uk, or phone Barbara on 01625 584267.

Friday Friday Tots 10-11.30am Term time only, Alderley Edge Methodist Church, Church Hall, Chapel Road. Contact Susan Moran on 01625 585166. TinyTalk baby sign classes 10.45am and midday. Our award winning classes support their language development and confidence in communicating. At Wilmslow Library. For more info contact Claire 07941 904033 www.tinytalk.co.uk/clairebar Baby Rhyme Time 2.15-2.45pm, Alderley Edge Library. This is for babies aged under 1 who are not walking. Sessions run throughout the year. There is no requirement to book a place and the sessions are free.

Saturday WFA Little Strikers Pre-School Football 10.45-11.45am for 18 months to 4 years. All year round. Outdoors Ashdene Primary School, 11 Thoresway Road, Wilmslow, SK9 6LJ £6 per session, no pre-booking required. Contact Erik on 07792 791382

Sunday Messy Church 4pm onwards First Sunday of every month, Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Alderley Road. For more information please contact messychurchwilmslow@hotmail.com or phone Barbara on 01625 584267.

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

South Oak Lane Memories Local resident Philip Henshaw has put pen to paper with his memories of Wilmslow and district, during the period from the late 1930s to the end of the 1960s. With apologies in advance for any errors and omission, he suggested people might enjoy reading them and maybe joining in with their own reminiscences. I know of no previous name for that lane but there seems to be no lane there at all on the 1842 tithe map (map by Wilmslow Historical Society 1998) I did once see some Water Board maps which showed Oak Lane as North Oak Lane. Regarding the farm and fields worked by Mr Potts, his field has Regents Bank and Stoney Lane houses on it now. It contained a pond opposite South Oak Lane. That pond is also on the tithe map mentioned above. Once a year we would go and watch the thresher machine doing its work. I seem to remember that it was powered by a wheel on the tractor.

Mr Potts also worked the fields behind Gravel Lane where now stands Ashdene School. In that field was an ancient oak tree which we would climb. There were massive nails all the way up which might have been there since the 19th century. Entrances to the fields were at Thoresway Road (now the school entrance) and possibly at Croft Road. No added building at those roads. The entrance at Rostherne Road was added to by new houses, a few were there previously. The other entrance was started from scratch and became Capesthorne Road. Once, Mr Potts and his horse were ploughing on a hot summer’s day, possibly in the late 40s. He asked me for water, and I seem to remember him asking for it in a pitcher. When he got it, he had a long drink then poured the rest into his trilby and his horse drank from that. Like Mrs May, he did not catch us rolling in his cornfield…! Philip can be contacted, afternoons only, on 01625 408891 or by text only on 07898 608278

From one local business to another - we’re here to get you noticed INSIDE E POYNTON ISSUE 79

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WILMSLOW & ALDERLEY EDGE

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useful numbers Alderley Edge Churches

Local Government

Methodist Church Office

01625 586713

E. Cheshire Council Info Services

St Mary’s Church with Birtles

01625 585440

Police (non-emergency)

St Philip’s Church (Vicarage)

01625 583249

(non-emergency)

St Philip’s Parish Office

01625 581477

St Pius X Church

01625 582386

Wilmslow Churches Methodist Church, Wilmslow

01625 528892

St Ann’s C of E Church

01625 520309

St Bartholomew’s Parish Church

01625 520309

St Chad’s Handforth

01625 532145

St John’s Lindow

01625 583251

St Mary’s Methodist Handforth

01625 528892

St Teresa’s RC Church

01625 523384

St Benedict’s RC Church

01625 522776

Wilmslow United Reformed Church

01625 532600

Quaker Meeting House

07974 997798

Dean Row Unitarian Chapel

01625 402952

Doctors/Medical Centres Alderley Edge Medical Practice

01625 584545

Wilmslow Health Centre

01625 548555

Handforth Health Centre

01625 529421

Kenmore Medical Centre

01625 532244

Hulme Hall Medical Group

0161 426 5844

Fire Service (non-emergency) Wilmslow Fire Station

01625 524066

Hospitals Macclesfield Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

01625 421000 111

Leisure Centres Wilmslow Leisure Centre

01625 533789

Macclesfield Leisure Centre

01625 383981

Libraries Alderley Edge Library

01625 374030

Handforth Library

01625 378 272

Macclesfield Library

01625 374000

Wilmslow Library

01625 374060

0300 1235500 101

Post Offices Alderley Edge Post Office

01625 599655

Handforth Post Office

01625 522946

Wilmslow Post Office

01625 524036

Alderley Edge Schools Alderley Edge Pre-School Playgroup

01625 599300

The Ryleys School

01625 583241

Alderley Edge Primary School

01625 704510

Nether Alderley Primary School

01625 383060

Mottram St Andrew Primary

01625 383000

Alderley Edge School for Girls

01625 583028

Wilmslow Schools Ashdene Primary

01625 383232

The Wilmslow Academy

01625 383333

Gorsey Bank Primary

01625 383020

Lacey Green Primary

01625 525157

Lindow Primary

01625 384383

Pownall Hall School

01625 523141

St Anne’s Fulshaw

01625 523536

St Benedicts Catholic Primary

01625 520207

Styal Primary

01625 383253

Wilmslow Grange Primary

01625 526566

Wilmslow High School

01625 526191

Wilmslow Preparatory School

01625 524246

Travel Traveline Bus & Train Information

08712 002233

National Rail Enquiries

03457 484950

Manchester Airport

0808 169 7030

Utilities 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 BATHROOMS Dave Beal

BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

BUILDERS Lyme Design & Build

CARE HOMES & SERVICES

FUNERAL SERVICES

PLASTERING

Adlington Memorial Park Inside Front Cover

Dave Beal

FURNITURE Uniquely Chic

FURNITURE REMOVALS Robinsons Relocation

GARAGE DOORS

Alice Chilton In Home Care

Prestbury House

Carrington Doors

Garolla

GARDENING & LAWNCARE

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING Cherished Pieces

CHILDREN’S DIETITIAN Dietitian4children 46

CLEANING Alice Chilton Cleaning

CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES Target Windows

DECORATORS L & L Decorators

Steve White

DENTAL CLINICS Trinity House Dental Care

Westgate Dental Practice

DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS & FENCING Sunbright FFAB

EDUCATION & TUITION Greenbank Preparatory School

ELECTRICIANS C J C Electrical

ESTATE AGENTS Mosley Jarman

Back Cover

FIRES Brilliant Fires

Greenthumb 26

HEALTH & FITNESS Everybody Sport Alderley Park

HEARING CENTRES Amplifon

Cheshire Hearing Centres

Hear Pure

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE F.T.W Services

JOINERY Town & Country Carpentry and Joinery

KITCHENS L&L UPVC Window and Kitchen Sprayers

Matt Finish

Transform Your Kitchen

PLUMBING & HEATING ASM Gas, Heating, Plumbing

Local Plumbing

RESTAURANTS & CAFES Potato & Cake Adlington Retirement Living Falcon Security

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS The Stair Shop

TAXIS ASAPP Cars

TRAVEL Lucy Allen Personal Travel Consultant

Together Travel

TREE SERVICES Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services

UPVC SPRAYING L&L UPVC Window and Kitchen Sprayers

WILL WRITERS Harratts Legal Services

WINDOW CLEANING

LIGHTING

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS

LOFT LADDERS & IMPROVEMENTS

SECURITY SERVICES

Cavendish Window Cleaning

RETIREMENT PROPERTY

Queensgate Glass Splashbacks 29 LIT

Cloudy2Clear 56 The Window Repair Centre

Access4Lofts 23 Inside Back Cover

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Inside Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Issue 73

Articles inside

Useful Numbers

Puzzle Solutions

Puzzles

Children’s Activities

INSIDE Guide

Travel - USA

Mortgage Advice

Real Life Motoring

Wild Adventures

Is Birdwatching For You?

Growing Granny’s Bonnets

Bring the Gym to You

In Touch

Simply Books Book Club Choice

The Walk

A Grand Affair

Diary of a Geeky Knitter