Your Local Independent - Mid Cheshire, Hale, Sale & Altrincham

Nantwich Museum has announced two local history courses taking place in the autumn.
"The Civil Wars in Cheshire" re-runs last year's successful course, beginning 7:00pm Wednesday 16 October, and ending Wednesday 13 November. The programme covers:
Week1: The War arrives in Cheshire - 1642... Week2: The lead up to the Siege of Nantwich - the campaign of the "Irish Royalist Army - 1643. Week3: The Barthomley Massacre - a review - December 1643. Week4: The Siege and Battle of Nantwich - January 1643/1644. Week5: The Siege of Chester and Brereton's search for support.
The evening sessions run from 7:00-9:00pm. The cost is £50.00 which includes course materials and refreshments.
"Aspects of the History of Nantwich" is a new course beginning at 2:00pm Wednesday 6 November running over six weeks until Wednesday 11 December. The programme covers:
Week1: Roads and the development of Nantwich. Week2: Nantwich Railways. Week3: Story of Nantwich Brine and Salt. Week4: The Lost Churches & Chapels of Nantwich. Week5: The Canal at Nantwich. Week6: Agriculture and Cheshire Cheese.
The afternoon sessions run from 2:00-3:00pm. The cost for the course is £25.00 (Museum Members £20.00) or £5.00 (Museum Members £4.00) per talk.
Numbers for each course are limited so early booking is recommended.
For further information contact: Nantwich Museum on enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk or telephone 01270 627104; Website: www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk. https://www.facebook.com/nantwich.museumo ffical/ https://twitter.com/NantwichMuseum
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Music therapy, flower arranging and creative drawing were just some of the activities residents in Trafford care homes enjoyed as part of National Care Home Open Day last Friday.
Residents at De Brook Lodge, Flixton, were also treated to a special visit. Trafford Mayor Cllr Rob Chilton chatted with residents and care home staff - and even had a ride on a trio bike, This is an initiative, run by Cycling Without Age that enables residents to travel around the area in comfort.
T...he open day theme this year is Celebrating Art in Care. It's a great way for residents to get to know the local arts organisations, and groups in their community and establish meaningful friendships along the way.
De Brook Lodge hosted a mood board competition where each of its residents spent time with a member of staff to create a meaningful piece of art. There were also mini workshops including, flower arranging, creative drawing and decoupage, as well as a performance by Urmston Musical Theatre and an art exhibition from St. Monica's RC High School and Wellacre Boys school.
Cllr Chilton said: "It was wonderful to meet with residents and talk to them about their interests and how their care home helps them.
"It's so important that people feel at home where they live. How they are treated, feeling safe, and being able to keep on doing what you enjoy are all vital so it is great to see care homes go the extra mile to make their residents feel at home."
At Ferrol Lodge, Sale, residents enjoyed an interactive music therapy session in the morning with children from St Anne's primary school. Then in the afternoon Creative Mojo visited to do an arts and crafts session with the residents and the children from Springfield primary. This involved all of the residents taking part in creating a tree of celebration, and some of the arts they produced will be being displayed at a National Trust site in Devon.
Other Trafford care homes celebrating National Care Home Open Day included Manor Hey, Urmston and Woodend Care Home, Altrincham.
Woodend residents enjoyed a day of arts and crafts and live music, while popular singer Sam Jones entertained Manor Hey residents with Motown classics.
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The Gadbrook Park Business Improvement District (BID) will continue for another five years after businesses voted yes by an overwhelming majority in the ballot.
92% of businesses were in favour of another term for the Gadbrook Park BID, with BID3 getting underway on Friday 1st November 2019 straight after BID2 comes to an end.
The result means that over £1 million worth of projects and initiatives will now be delivered on Gadbrook Park to support businesses, allowing the BID ...to build upon he work they have carried out over the last 10 years.
Going forward, the Gadbrook Park BID will aim to retain Gadbrook's position as a flagship business park in Cheshire, ensure the park is safe and secure and make it greener, cleaner and more sustainable for firms and their employees.
Since its inception, Gadbrook Park BID has worked across three mains themes to make the park a great place for companies to operate in and thrive.
This has included the provision of numerous training courses and workshops for staff on the park, investments into CCTV and ANPR systems, the organisation of events for Gadbrook Park employees and the delivery of projects to maintain the physical and landscape assets that the BID has funded since 2009.
A yes vote ensures that all of this can now be built upon until at least 2024 and comes on the back of the positive result that the Northwich BID achieved in their own ballot at the end of June.
Jane Hough, Business Improvement Districts Programme Manager for Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, is delighted with the result and can't wait for BID3 to get going.
"This is a great outcome for Gadbrook Park and its businesses and means that all of the good work that's taken place over the last 10 years isn't undone.
"It's brilliant to know that 92% of businesses who voted are fully on-board with what we are trying to achieve too. The BID obviously wouldn't be possible without their support and the great work they do.
"Here's to another productive five years and a great working relationship with the park's businesses and the local community."
Chair of the Gadbrook Park BID, Mike Roberts, has echoed Jane's sentiments saying: "I am really pleased with the outcome of the BID3 ballot. To receive the backing of over 90% of businesses is a testament to what the BID team has delivered over the first two terms and we can't wait to get started on BID3."
To learn more about Gadbrook Park BID and what they're planning to deliver over the next five years, head to the official website: www.gadbrookparkbid.co.uk/.
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A hospital programme that has helped to identify more than 140 babies with a hearing impairment has celebrated its 15th anniversary.
Staff and families past and present were invited to a birthday party to mark Leighton Hospital's Newborn Hearing Screening Programme's recent milestone.
Dr Wendy Chandran, who helped to set up the service, was among those who attended the recent event at Minshull Vernon's Community Hall.
... She told guests it was "wonderful we can celebrate this 15th birthday" before giving a speech about the programme's developments and achievements since it was established in 2004.
Before the service was launched babies were up to three-years-old before they had a hearing impairment diagnosis.
This has now reduced to an average of 60-days-old, with babies as young as 90-days being fitted with hearing aids.
Jane Leggett, local anager for the team, said: "Early identification of a hearing impairment means that babies can make the most of social and emotional interactions from an early age.
"Since we introduced the programme in Crewe we've helped to identify more than 140 babies with a hearing impairment that could have potentially been diagnosed at a much older age.
"The birthday party was on opportunity to celebrate our service and just how many families have benefitted from it over the years. I'd like to thank everyone who has worked for or supported the team over this time for contributing towards its success.
"A number of our staff have been here for many years, some since the service launched, and it's thanks to their dedication that we are able to see and support so many families as quickly as we do."
At least one in every 900 babies born in the UK will have a permanent childhood hearing loss that can significantly affect language and development.
The figures increase to one in every 100 babies who have spent more than 48 hours in a neonatal unit.
The Newborn Hearing Screening service aims to identify babies born with deafness or a hearing impairment at an early age, which gives them a much better chance of developing speech and language skills.
Julie Tunney, Director of Nursing and Quality at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital, said: "We are very proud of our Newborn Hearing Screening programme, which has been recognised as one of the best in the country, and I would like to thank the team for the consistently high level of care that is offered to local families."
Following an investment to update screen equipment, in 2018/19 100% of all eligible babies born at Leighton Hospital were offered a hearing screen within the first month of life.
100% of babies who were the referred to the hospital's paediatric audiology department for further investigation were offered an appointment within 28 days.
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Food and music-lovers were in harmony for another hugely successful event dubbed Cheshire's 'Gastro Glastonbury.'
Thousands flocked to Tatton Park to savour a cacophony of delights at Foodies Festival over the weekend.
Th event combined celebrity chef demos, chart-topping bands, wine and champagne masterclasses, children's activities and masses of delicious food.
... There were whacky chilli-eating competitions and more than 100 of the country's finest artisan food and drink producers.
The Welsh dragon flag was flying high with a strong turn-out from over the border. Cheese, sausage, salami, quiche, salt and even gin from Wales went down well.
Highlights included BBC MasterChef 2019 winner Irini Tzortzoglou cooking up desserts from her homeland in Greece,
Also in action in the Chef's Theatre were MasterChef finalist David Crichton, Aiden Byrne of gastro pub The Church Green, Lymm and Mark Fletcher of The Mere, Knutsford.
On the music stage Scouting for Girls and 50 local bands and soloists had visitors bopping into the evening.
Festival director Sue Hitchen, who hails from Knutsford, said: "The food, the music the sunshine - everything was perfect.
"We stage our festivals up and down the country and love Cheshire so much we stage two events a year at Tatton.
"We'll be back again soon for a Christmas-themed festival."
Foodies Festival will offer another helping of entertainment over three days, November 15-17.
For ticket information and announcements on who will appear visit www.foodiesfestival.com
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Anthony Grainger aged 36 who was also a father of two and from Bolton was fatally shot by a GMP officer whilst behind the wheel of an Audi in Cheshire, 2012. The armed officer shot Anthony with his Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun by firing a single round through the windscreen and entered his chest hitting his heart and two lungs. This happened after a covert surveillance operation by GMP called Operation Shire which was conducted just a few days after Anthony was cleared a...fter he was arrested and questioned for the suspected theft from a police officer. It was claimed that Anthony had stolen an unencrypted USB stick containing the names of over 1,000 police informants from a police officer.
A GMP spokesperson said: "We fully understand the heart-breaking effect that Anthony Grainger's death has had on his family and loved ones. We also fully understand that the public inquiry will have been very difficult for them. On behalf of Greater Manchester Police, we offer our condolences to Anthony Grainger's family and to his loved ones.
"We have received the public inquiry report into the death of Anthony Grainger and we are considering the findings of the chairman, HHJ Teague QC.
"In his report, the chairman has made a number of findings which are critical of GMP. The criticisms are wide-ranging and include criticisms of aspects of the planning and preparation of the firearms operation during which Anthony Grainger lost his life on the 3rd March 2012.
"The force, our commanders, and our officers do not set out on any policing operation with the intention of firearms being discharged. This case was no different and the safety of the public, the subjects of police operations and our officers is, and remains, our absolute priority.
"That being said, we undertake to consider each and every one of the chairman's findings and criticisms with the utmost care, attention and reflection. It is what the public would expect GMP to do in circumstances where criticisms have been made of the planning and preparation of a police operation in which a young man lost his life. It is what GMP will do.
"Working alongside our regional and national partners, we will consider all of the chairman's recommendations to assess what more can be done now, and in the future, to further improve the safety of police firearms operations.
"Many changes have already been made locally, regionally and nationally since the death of Anthony Grainger in 2012, most recently following an independent review conducted by the College of Policing. We will continue to strive to maximise the safety of all policing operations.
"We will not comment any further until we have had an opportunity to read the chairman's report in more detail."
Greater Manchester Police
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Inspired by the near-death experience of a friend’s daughter, a kind-hearted group of Sale patients has been fund-raising to purchase a life-saving defibrillator for the outside of their GP practice building which will benefit the community.
Each year more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK, but fewer than one in 10 survive. However if defibrillation occurs within a minute of the victim collapsing, the survival rate increases to 90%. By siting a vital...
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Cllr Andrew Malloy, Mayor of Knutsford has today launched the first of his fundraising events a Summer BBQ which will take place in the evening of Friday 19th July. 2nd Knutsford Scouts will be running the BBQ which will be held in the library gardens, next door to the council offices next to the Council Offices on Toft Road.
Tickets are priced at just £10 per person (£5 for children aged 12 and under) and a cash bar will be available on the night. All proceeds raised will su...pport the Mayor's Charitable Fund and 2nd Knutsford Scouts. The Mayor's Charitable fund this year is raising money for a Skate Park for Knutsford and supporting local charitable community sports groups promoting youth activity.
Andrew said: "Please join me and my family for this family friendly event and help raise money for a skate park and local youth sports clubs. Come and chat to me about my activities during the year, and perhaps your kids can speak to me about mine and their hopes for the town too."
Knutsford Town Council
For more information visit: http://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/‚Ä ¶/town-m‚Ķ/fundraising or contact the Mayor's PA Annabel Irvine: 01565 653 929; Annabel.irvine@knutsfordtowncouncil. gov.uk.
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The Canis Major Newfoundland Water Rescue display team will be making a splash at Northwich River Festival next weekend. The web-footed canines will be put through their paces as part of the third annual festival that is set to attract thousands of visitors to the town on the 13th and 14th July.
As well as the dogs, visitors can expect to see the spectacular Dragon Boat racing on the first day, and the hilarious Raft Racing on the Sunday afternoon.
Mid Cheshire Scouts will al...so be competing in their River Races on Sunday morning and to finish the festival in style will be the famous Ducks on The Dane Charity Duck Race, when thousands of plastic ducks are released onto The Dane.
The whole event is being organised by volunteers Northwich Rotary Club, who aim to promote the use of the two rivers that flow through the town, as well as raising money for the festival's nominated charity: Cheshire Without Abuse, which cares for people affected by domestic abuse, plus other good causes.
Festival Chairman, Rotarian John Walton, said: "There really is everything at the festival to ensure a fun time for all the family. As well as the activities on the water - which also include stand-up paddle boarding and wheelchair-accessible boat trips - we are delighted to welcome back the Liverpool Pirate Brethren and Paperwork Street Theatre.
"All this, plus live music in Baron's Square, a climbing wall and a children's fun fair, is certain to keep people entertained. We are also well supported with charity and trade stalls on both days to complement the town's shops and Saturday's Artisan Market.
"We expect most people will want to make a day of it, so there is free, all-day parking at Verdin Park, which will be sign-posted from all major routes.
Visitors are also advised to buy a Lucky Programme which not only gives details of what's happening and when, but also offers some great prizes, including a week's Eurocamp holiday.
More information can be found at Northwich River Festival's website: northwichriverfestival.org.uk, where you can also buy tickets for the Duck Race
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Schools in the UK could be in with the chance of winning £1,000 by entering the annual Kellogg's UK & Ireland Breakfast Club Awards.
One club from each region of the England, as well as one club from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, could be crowned the best breakfast club of the year and bag a cash prize. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the prestigious Houses of Parliament.
From inspiring volunteers to themed breakfast days and creating kitc...hen gardens for the school canteen, each and every element of breakfast clubs will be celebrated at the awards.
Entries are open from Monday 4th July to Friday 4th October and will be judged by a panel of experts.
Last year’s winner from Northern Ireland, Edenderry Primary School, spent their money on different food options they couldn’t usually afford as well as new resources like games and books. Llantwit Major Comprehensive Primary School also bought new supplies including stationary and clothing for pupils who couldn’t afford them.
Molehill Primary Academy in the South East spent their winnings on sustaining the low cost provision and enabling the club to reinstate a cooked breakfast by supporting the training of existing staff members.
Kate Prince, corporate social responsibility manager for Kellogg’s, said “The Breakfast Club Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wonderful and inspiring work that goes on in schools up and down the country.
“Kellogg’s has supported breakfast clubs for 21 years because we believe that every child deserves the best start to their day. Clubs offer so many benefits for the school such as improved attendance and behaviour in the classroom. The children love them too as they get a chance to wake up in a fun way before lessons begin.”
The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards are just one part of Kellogg’s support for school breakfast clubs. This year the cereal company announced that in 2019 it is doubling the funding for breakfast clubs in communities that need it the most and will donate a minimum of £600,000 to schools across the UK.
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CHILDREN'S charity, CAFTcharity The Children's Adventure Farm Trust, was joined by 350 guests and their Patrons at their Mamma Mia themed Ladies Lunch event at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa.
A staggering £46,000 was raised at this year's event, which will help the charity to provide holidays for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over our region.
Guests were greeted by staff and volunteers from the charity and a glass of fizz before being given time to ...indulge in a spot of shopping at the many stalls offering everything from jewellery to handbags, natural skincare products to scented candles and everything in between!
Guests were transported to a Greek Taverna with the beautifully themed decor, including olive trees, pink blossom and rustic urns.
Each guest was treated to a fantastic Goodie Bag worth £70, thanks to donations from Next, L'Oreal and Transformulas, and discounts for Zero Gravity Float Spa and Transformulas.
Host Paul Sleem kept the ladies entertained throughout a lively day of fun, including fun games of Hit or Miss and Pass the Mic, prizes for which were donated by Pulse of Perfumery of Knutsford and Cottons Hotel & Spa.
There were many surprises in store throughout the day, but none more hilarious than the CAFT Boys who dazzled guests with their costumes, wigs and dance routine to the Abba favourite 'Does your Mother Know?' The troop consisted of the charity's new Head of Operations Ian Eccles with Trustees Nick Montague and Mike Bulcock, and staff members Tom Lockett and staff members Tom Lockett and Rob Bashforth.
Event organiser Pippa Watton said: "Just when we think our Ladies Lunch can't get any bigger, or better, we're proved wrong! This year's event was amazing, the theme brought a little sunshine to our otherwise disappointing summer."
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Cheshire East Council is to invest £1.55m in the refurbishment of the stableyard area of Tatton Park, a popular focal point for visitors.
The 1,000-acre park, in Knutsford, is the jewel in the crown of the borough's cultural heritage and leisure offer and the council's cabinet has now approved the next step in the 'Tatton Vision' investment programme - which is to implement a stableyard project.
The stableyard project is part of a wider investment programme to enhance the wel...come and visitor experience, which includes a new visitor arrival building - currently under construction. Benefits will include improved access and landscaping, new toilet facilities, additional events space and a facility for season activities such as theatre, outdoor markets and exhibitions.
The stableyard serves as a focal point for many of the 800,000 visitors the park receives each year.
The park is managed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust.
Cllr Nick Mannion, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "The borough is extremely fortunate to have an award-winning visitor destination such as Tatton Park and it is vitally important that we continue to invest in this facility and build on the current visitor offer.
"The park plays an important role in the life of Cheshire East, making an important contribution to the visitor economy, while offering conservation and environmental benefits alongside educational, cultural and commercial objectives."
Purcell Architects, one of the country's leading specialists in heritage restoration, have been commissioned to develop initial designs.
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CLASSMATES at a Nantwich school will see their work published in a new book after excelling in a creative writing contest.
Practically all Year 5 pupils at Highfields Academy are celebrating success in The Incredible Diary of... competition run by the Young Writers Publishing Portal to foster a love of reading and writing in schoolchildren countrywide.
The children, aged nine and 10, let their imaginations go wild to craft dairy entries, in no more than 200 words, about a day... in the life on inanimate objects around them.
They wrote about many things including being a pencil, whiteboard cloth, teddy and even a piece of broccoli!
Headteacher Simon Dyson said: "It's a phenomenal achievement for more than 20 of our Year 5 pupils to have their work selected for publication. Most schools have only one or two chosen.
"We're incredibly proud of this highly-imaginative year group. They have taken creative writing to a new level and have inspired younger pupils to put pen to paper."
The Incredible Diary of... will be published in August and five featured writers will win cash prizes.
Meanwhile competition organisers have written to Highfields praising its success and commitment to Albert Einstein who famously said: "Creativity is contagious, pass it on."
For more information on places at Highfields and its pre-school facility Little Crickets call 01270 371196.
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