What's on in Rainow and Bollington

No.26The Spring 2014 aven RThe quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow

G Village News G Social Events G Parish Council News G Clubs & Societies G School & Church

YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS

CanYOU you Help? Community Pride Competition The SID (Speed Indicator Device)

The Parish Council has entered Report on the Current Situation the Community Pride Competition this year The Parish Council has contributed a one-off payment (Best Kept Village). But we need lots of HELP! into a plan being organised by the police. This involves With preliminary judging taking place from Mid 6 parishes and uses 3 SID's. These will rotated around April, volunteers are urgently needed. Litter is a each of the villages which are members of the scheme big problem and we would ask that everyone plays on a regular basis. The programme of rotation has yet their part by taking responsibility for the area outside to be agreed. Cheshire East Council has provided their house. We had some fantastic volunteers last £1500 to enable the Highways Dept. to erect support year whose help resulted in a Little Gem Award for the poles for these SID's but although some parishes have War Memorial Garden. had these poles installed, we are still waiting for ours Can you HELP with: Co-ordinating, keeping public and this means that the scheme cannot get underway areas tidy, weeding, planting and litter picking etc? in Rainow yet. The Parish Council continues to press TIME limited? Don't worry we will work around for the action to be completed. whatever you can offer. Please contact the Clerk on 01625 850532 or email: Responsible Dog Ownership [email protected]. The Parish Council frequently receives complaints Automated Defibrillators in Rainow about dog mess, this year predominately for the Round Meadow area but also the area around the For someone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, early Robin Hood. The situation has deteriorated, defibrillation using an Automated Defibrillator increases particularly on Round Meadow on the pavement their chance of survival. Having a defibrillator opposite to the primary school entrance! strategically placed and accessible to members of the public enables better treatment of a sudden cardiac The concern is for the health of the school children who arrest. The defibrillator should only be used on a patient inevitably walk in the mess and then continue to take it whose heart has stopped pumping and who is likely to on their shoes into the school. The infant children in be unconscious with breathing stopped or abnormal. particular spend much of their time sitting on the After a 999 call has been made for an ambulance, the classroom floors – a very unpleasant prospect. Rainow caller will be told of the location of the nearest pre-school children meet at the Institute every weekday defibrillator and advised to go and get it if required. morning. All these children are being put at risk by Ambulance control will give advice on its proper use. owners not taking their responsibilities seriously. Defibrillation is the delivery of an electric shock to the Councillors have become increasingly exasperated by heart to try to re-establish a normal heart rhythm. The the lack of concern from a small number of owners for Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will give voice the health and welfare for the rest of the community. prompts to guide the user. The AED will analyse the One of the risks is toxocariasis, an infection caused by patient's heart and decide if a shock is required and will roundworm parasites, spread from animals to humans not allow a shock to be delivered unless it is necessary. via faeces. The worms live in the digestive system of The Parish Council, in conjunction with the North West dogs, producing eggs, which when released Ambulance Service, is developing plans and has contaminate wherever dropped. Approximately 50% committed expenditure to deploy up to three of puppies and 20% of adult dogs are infected. defibrillators throughout Rainow. The first is located at Accidental ingestion of the eggs may cause the Robin Hood public house, with the support of the toxocariasis which can affect people of all ages but landlord and staff, who received initial awareness especially young children. Symptoms include fatigue, training at its installation in mid-March. Although loss of appetite, weight loss, high temperature, initially housed within the Robin Hood, the machine will coughing, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, ultimately be positioned on an external wall, enclosed headaches, skin rashes, swollen lymph glands, fits, in a cabinet with power supply to run a heater and light, blurred or cloudy vision, red and painful eye. enabling easy access by the public at all times. It is Those people who think it acceptable to leave dog intended that a further two machines will be located mess are likely to be the ones who do not take their near Rainow School and at Mount Pleasant. responsibilities seriously and whose dogs are likely to For this initiative to be useful, it is essential that every- be infected. On a happier note, the Council is trying to one is aware of the facility. To this end, representatives get two new dog bins, hopefully for Sugar Lane and of all the major groups and organisations within the the end of Smithy Lane, but please note you can use Parish were invited to the Annual Parish Meeting (18th any bin, not just dog waste bins. If you see any overflowing bins, please report it as soon as you can arish Council News March) where the main speaker was Nick Blair, Community Resuscitation Development Officer. A to Cheshire East Council. programme of further awareness sessions is envisaged.

2 P Cover Photo: Colin Serridge

Legal Duties and Responsibilities? Cheshire East Council will openly and discreetly carry out Welcome to surveillance of areas frequented by dog walkers during the usual dog walking times. Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of £50 will be served on dog walkers who allow their dog(s) to foul and don't clean up after them. Prosecutions can result in a fine of £1,000. As a resident you can notify the Council of a dog walker who persistently allows their dog to foul without cleaning up. You do not necessarily have to provide your name and address, although it helps the Council if you do. Legally, it is an offence for anyone in control of a dog to allow it to foul on any open space to which the public have access, The whether for payment or not, unless it is removed forthwith. This aven includes carriageways (highways), verges and public rights of ainow isR different things to different people. way or footpaths. Dog walkers who use bags to collect the dog We all live here in this superb setting and waste and then throw the bags in hedgerows etc. can be for many the village is also a workplace, prosecuted under The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. whether in agriculture and related activities You can report any incidents to Streetscene on Tel: 0300 R or in home based business. In addition, 1235011 (who will remove the mess). Alternatively you can phone the Cheshire East Dog Warden on Tel: 0300 1235521. many welcome visitors are enticed by our You can also email [email protected] or picturesque countryside. The interests of these alternatively email the Clerk on [email protected]. groups usually coincide but some events have a Please just pick up your dog's waste and keep our village a disproportionate impact on one group and can clean and healthy place to live in. give rise to disagreements. Sometimes these are Success for the Community Bus Project Team ventilated in readers' letters to the Raven. The Raven welcomes letters which illuminate Rainow Community Bus Group has been informed by Cheshire East that they were successful in being allocated one particular experience, so that the community as of Cheshire East's surplus buses. This was extremely good a whole is informed. Our last issue carried a news, and the team was congratulated by the Parish Council letter outlining farmers' concerns about road and on its efforts. Following the award the team was asked to make lane access to livestock, the ultimate perishable a selection from a list of vehicles. They have now heard that asset, during severe wintry weather. A response they have been allocated one of the 8 seater vehicles with in the current issue points out that the problem is wheelchair access. Although these vehicles are fairly old and the team has yet to see this particular vehicle, we have been the thoughtless actions of a few individuals, not assured that it is in good working order and should give us motorists in general. Both opinions are worth several years’ service. Meanwhile the Team will continue to recording. Here at The Raven we ask only that canvas for volunteers and support for the scheme and start to contributors, when crafting their arguments, play work on plans for implementing this. the ball not the man. This ensures valid points on an issue are not obscured by any perceived Your Parish Councillors personal slight. John Cantrell (Chairman) 422107 That being said, do please keep your letters [email protected] coming in - they add relevance to the Raven and Alan Brett (Vice Chairman) 576108 give everyone the chance to have their say. [email protected] Richard Balment 573625 [email protected] Ken Butler 433168 [email protected] Geoff Cooper 574878 Editorial Team for this issue: [email protected] Sue Frith 573802 Ian Brammer Sheila Brammer [email protected] Jim Kennelly Bob Langstaff Carole Harvey 573576 Louise Leigh Jane Mellings [email protected] Raph Murray Rosie Daniels Mary Marsh 573508 [email protected] Design by Mel Wilcox (01625 576182) Pat Mellish 574523 [email protected] Alan Taylor 575544 [email protected] Future Meetings and Dates for your diary Clerk: Sarah Giller 850532 15th April – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm [email protected] 20th May – AGM 8.00 pm Cheshire East Councillor: Hilda Gaddum 01260 252456 17th June – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm

Remembering Still looking for help with your the First World War computer skills? he organisers of this autumn's First ou probably have a desktop, laptop or tablet computer. You will probably also World War Commemorative Exhibition have an internet connection. However you may be a bit unsure whether are delighted that items and anecdotes Yyou're making the best use of all the options available to you. If so, booking Tare coming in concerning Rainow and an IT Buddy session with John Allen at The Robin Hood pub on a Tuesday World War One. It is particularly helpful afternoon may provide you with the guidance and advice you need. when an item, a newspaper cutting or just word of mouth deals with not only those of G To book a session simply phone John on 01625 572523 or 07879 831851 the village who were lost but those who served and survived, and any other aspect G The IT Buddy sessions are open to anyone of village life at that time. Their stories go to G Each session is on a "one-to-one" basis and lasts about an hour make a coherent picture of how the village coped with such a cataclysmic event. G Phil Moss, landlord at the Robin, provides FOC fast broadband Historical research can do a great deal to G John's time is FOC but he does request a small donation (suggested help paint a true picture but there is nothing £2 per hour) to Age UK quite like stories and pieces handed down the generations or retrieved from old letters, Several residents have already enjoyed and benefited from John's help and photographs and cuttings boxes. Please do advice. His fame has now spread and he reports that “a Mrs Trellis of North carry on with the good work and let any Wales wrote to me, saying Keep your IT Buddy sessions going. The Robin member of the Raven editorial team know of Hood is a great venue, as would be the Lamp & Candle but I don't think they anything that may help. Many thanks, are ready for this new-fangled t'interweb thingy” Harry Carlisle and Bob Langstaff

Bollington Well Dressing Festival 2014 As well as gaining grants from Bollington Town Council, Cheshire East Council and the Arts Council England, we raised funds ourselves by holding a Coffee Morning and Quiz. Also, proceeds from the Tea Stall held throughout the festival last year at Pool Bank Well were very kindly donated to us by the owners of the well. Local artist Debra Tracey has, once again, been engaged to assist with some of the designs. Our chosen theme is “ Bollington - Then and Now” and we, together with volunteers, will be decorating the display boards from Wednesday 2nd to Friday 4th July at the Cricket Pavilion on Adlington Road, Bollington. Visitors are, as in the past, welcome to come along to watch or to take part in the petalling of the panels at any time from 10.30 am to 8.00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday and until 2-00 pm on Friday. The evening sessions are being held for the first time this year, in response to many requests we have received. The decorated boards will then be on display at six separate sites: the Greg he Well Dressers will be starting their annual Fountain; the Memorial Gardens; Pool Bank Well; the lawn beside the Tfestival on Saturday 5th July – when the NatWest car park on Ashbrook Road; the water trough at the top of Lord Street opening ceremony will take place at the Greg and, new for this year, at the canal in front of Clarence Mill. A Trail Leaflet will Fountain, Flash Lane, (opposite the Cock and be available to guide visitors to all the sites. Pheasant) at 11.30 am – and the event will run until Sunday 13th July. Further details from Chris 01625 574208.

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Have you got an Arighi Barometer? Mary Meacham reports for Rainow WI

ainow WI started the year with a Commercial Road and eventually built presentation from an entertaining double the showroom which was inspired by act when Paul and Nick Bianchi Paxton's Crystal Palace from the Rexplained how Arighi Bianchi came to 1851 World Exhibition at the cost be established in Macclesfield. of £212! A hundred and sixty years ago Antonio Arighi Throughout their 160 years there left his home in the silk-working area near have been ups and downs. Lake Como when he became alarmed by the Building the showroom which threat of civil war. He packed his bags and set still impresses today was a high, off over the Alps, dragging a toboggan loaded with but later a down was losing the a number of barometers and clocks he had made. horses to the war effort during World War 1. His target was the North West of England which Britain's A more recent up was the opening of the Industrial Revolution had made the place for a young popular café-bar. entrepreneur to seek his fortune. Arriving in Macclesfield, he encountered the Broadhurst family who introduced him to local Today the customer base extends farmers who were interested in his wares. Working round the throughout Britain and beyond but many area he left samples at each farm, promising to return later. By Macclesfield families have continued to be the time he came back, the family had grown attached to the customers over the entire history of the goods he had left and duly bought them. Thus the famous business. Arighi Bianchi “try before you buy” principle came into being! Today the present generation of Bianchis is Other members of the Arighi and Bianchi families followed keen to preserve the history of the business Antonio to Macclesfield and started to make furniture in a whilst looking to the future and coping with the workshop near the 108 Steps, delivering throughout the area inevitable changes of the twenty first century. from a fleet of carts. In time, they moved to buildings in

Supporting the Rainow Institute Bollington Festival by Noreen Wood The programme is ready! Have you heard about the Rainow Institute '100' Club? he programme for the Bollington Festival is out! The programme features over 100 If you have and you have been or are a member of it, then a big THANK events and activities for all ages, taking place YOU to you for your quiet support to the Institute over the years; your help T in 17 Bollington venues over 17 days. It has been essential to its upkeep. includes comedy, science, dance, literature, To those of you who haven't heard of or joined the '100' Club, then read music, art, drama and more. Comedian Dave on to find out more about it. For a £12.00 full year's subscription you are Spikey, folk-rock group Oysterband, the world given a membership number which is entered into a monthly draw for a renowned scientist and broadcaster Professor £20.00 prize and two £10.00 prizes. At Christmas there are three extra Robert Winston and The Big Chris Barber Band draws, one for £50.00 and two for £25.00. You don't have to attend any are just a few of the attractions. Festival meetings. The winning numbers are drawn at the bi-monthly meetings of Chairman Jon Beck said “Getting the programme the Rainow Institute Management Committee and if you are lucky then finalised has been a huge effort and the team is your prize money is delivered to your door. incredibly proud of what we've achieved so far. The next job is to distribute 30,000 copies around See, it's a simple way of helping maintain the Institute for all users, Bollington, Rainow, Macclesfield and further especially our local organisations – Rainow PreSchool, Beavers, Cubs, afield. The Festival is taking place from 16th May Scouts, Brownies, Guides, WI. until 1st June so it'll be a great opportunity for If someone in your family uses the Institute how about joining now before families in East Cheshire to enjoy themselves you forget! Even if you only visit the Institute on rare occasions or not at all, over the half-term break.” More details about the Institute is for the whole community, your help is greatly valued. Festival events and how to purchase tickets can be found at www.bollingtonfestival.org.uk. We always need new members. All you have to do is send or give £12.00 in cash or by cheque made payable to Rainow Institute with your name and address to: Mrs Noreen Wood, 6 Millers Meadow, Rainow, SK10 5UE, preferably before the end of May. Numbers are allocated on payment and you will receive notice of your number or numbers. Thank you again to all our previous members. We hope you will join again. Your support over the years has been invaluable.

Rainow Church Fête 2014 Saturday 19th July Friends Rainow School Scarecrow Fortnight of (12th to 27th July) he Friends of Rainow School This year’s theme will be: have organised another TBags2School collection of “Down on the Farm” textiles to take place on Friday 2nd May. Keep a watchful eye out for flyers and notices for details of Any queries – where to leave any bagged-up telephone John Cantrell on 01625 422107 donations out for collection on the William Warrington on day. Last November's collection 01625 422579 yielded over a tonne of stuff and Pam Armitt on 01625 573433 raised £540 for school funds.

Out of School – Spring Term by Mark Bertinshaw, Headteacher

he Christmas festivities – plays, parties and the carol service – seem to be in the RAINOW SCARECROW distant past here at school. One of the great things about working with young FORTNIGHT children is that things change and move on so quickly and so as soon as they This year our Scarecrow theme is: T return to school, they are enthusiastic and ready for new challenges. Down on the Farm The children (and staff) had a great day during national storytelling week Firstly a big thank you to everyone recently. To complement the book fair who made a Scarecrow last year, that we held during that week everyone they were excellent and much dressed as one of their favourite book admired by the numerous visitors characters. There was a truly amazing to the village. range of outfits on display and my This year the Scarecrow fortnight begins thanks go to everyone for their brilliant at 12.00 noon on Saturday 12th July efforts on the day. and ends on Sunday 27th July Please contact: Liz Lawson on 01625 573632 to enter or for further information

If you would like your scarecrow number to appear on the Scarecrow map please register your scarecrow with Liz by 6.00 pm Thursday 10th July 2014. After that time map amendments will not be able to be made but you will still be eligible to enter your scarecrow.

The year 3 and 4 pupils enjoyed a fantastic residential visit to York last week. We were Rainow Mothers' Union able to stay at York Racecourse in the vacant jockeys' and stable hands' quarters. The highlight of the trip was an enjoyable ride through history at the Jorvik Viking Centre 90th Anniversary Celebration which supported the children's Viking topic. A brilliant time was had by all as you can see on Tuesday 29th April at 7.30 pm from the picture above. at Holy Trinity Church As always, you can find more information and news about the school on our website at An important date in the life of our www.rainowpri.cheshire.sch.uk Mothers' Union, Church and Village

Hunt that Easter Bunny! Readers’ Letters by Michelle French Please send any letters or correspondence to The Editor: [email protected]

Dear Editor, I really cannot believe you have published such a rude le tter about “snow tourists”. Does the writer really think that only farmers are allowe d to use the roads in Rainow when it snows? Who on earth does the writer think he is to be dictating who should use the road and who should not? I do not think that the Raven should be use to allow individuals to have a rant and d insult 4x4 drivers and other road users in general. The Raven is a far mo re precious tool than that. Unfortunately I feel the letter has lowered the tone of the usually high standar d of material printed in The Raven. I do hope that ainow Pre-School has held an annual sponsored Bunny Hunt for many you print my response in the next issue years but it has only been for the past seven years (I truly can not believe . that this year will be our 8th) that we have been fortunate enough to hold it Jackie Butler Rat the idyllic location of Snipe House Farm, Lamaload Road, Rainow. This event has become our pre-school's yearly biggest fundraiser. Over the past seven years the event has developed into a wonderful family event, with friends and grandparents happy to share in the fun! The walk is about 1 mile and gives you some of the best views of the lovely countryside surrounding our Macclesfield Barnaby village. There will be refreshments, a cake stall, BBQ, locally brewed beer on sale and many stalls for everyone to enjoy. Children will have lots of room to run Festival Events about and have fun and they will also have face-painting, a sweet stall and the golden carrot lucky dip! This year the event will take place on Easter Monday igger and better than ever, the famous 21st April 2.00-4.00 pm. Tickets cost £2.50 per person (every child taking part Barnaby Festival will take place from will receive a certificate and an Easter egg). I would like to encourage all local B14th to 29th June. This year, the theme families (with or without children) to come along and enjoy this event and help is “Industry”. A huge range of activities raise funds for our local pre-school. Tickets must be bought in advance from is planned for the event with the “Big Michelle French: [email protected] or 01625 575958. Weekend” at the centre of the fortnight's celebration and the Parade on Saturday 21st. The key dates are: Visual Arts Weekend - Saturday 14th to NSPCC Sunday 15th June Rainow Lunch Barnaby Big Weekend - Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June Rainow NSPCC’s next big event will be the annual Barnaby Music Fringe - Friday 27th to Salmon & Strawberry Sparkle Lunch on Tuesday 1st July Sunday 29th June at Lower House Farm Smithy Lane Rainow, SK10 5UP Commenting on the Visual Arts activities, Contact details: Lulu Holland 572377, Sue Frith 573802 Rainow resident Anna Riordan, Barnaby and Lyn McCarthy 427896. Art's Director, said: “This year the standard of entries has been exceptionally high, and Jewellery stall, Plant Stall, Bring & Buy Stall & Raffle for the first time we have received submissions from artists living outside of Macclesfield who have been inspired by the town's rich industrial heritage. Last year there were over 12,000 visits to art at Barnaby and we are confident that 2014 is set to be our best year yet!” All the details are on: www.barnabyfestival.org.uk where you can download a brochure.

Spring with the Cubs by Akela Sue Grimes ix Cubs went up to Scouts at Christmas so we were able to start the New Year by welcoming Ssome new members and again have 30 Cubs. We started the term with an evening testing our five senses which included them trusting me to put food in their mouths while blindfolded; it was very tempting!! For our Community Challenge Badge we visited the fire Station. Charlie dressed up in the full Firefighter uniform and we were shown all the equipment carried on a Fire engine and then all had a go They did really well and everyone enjoyed the evening. Other with the hoses. Then William meetings included a lady from Oxfam telling us about their and Finn were enrolled in the work and a very busy evening with 30 Cubs cooking pancakes cab of the Fire Engine. and making pizzas. They were ably helped by our Duke of Edinburgh Award helpers, without whom we would never have Local computer expert John finished. This was to go towards the Chefs badge and next we Allen gave up a lot of his time to are making desserts, cakes and biscuits. We are also planning present the Information an evening rollerblading at the Leisure Centre. Technology Badge and the Cubs then tackled various activities on their computers towards the different stages of A team of six Cubs entered the District Handicraft Competition this badge. For the Entertainer Badge we held a Campfire and won a large cup for the model they made. Evening and invited parents and guests to join us in singing I am pleased to welcome Helena (Rikki), Stacey (Baloo) and and watching short funny sketches which the Cubs performed. Vicky (Haithi) who have joined us as Assistant Leaders.

Beavers Spring 2014! by Karen Roberts he Spring term has been lots of fun at Beavers. We started the New Year by discussing good deeds and promises, Twhile the Beavers produced their own new Code of Conduct. We've also had a star spotting evening, where we learnt about the night sky and made our own constellation telescopes. Unfortunately, we had cloud cover throughout the evening, so didn't get to spot anything outside, but, thanks to modern technology, the Beavers were able to see what was above all the clouds with a night sky app. At the end of January, we celebrated Chinese New Year, complete with fortune cookies, and made our own 'dragon-style' horse, which the Beavers had fun making their own dance for. Our healthy eating evening was enjoyed by all; sandwiches, wraps, pitta breads and a fruit salad were prepared by the Beavers and they sat around the picnic blankets and enjoyed their snacks. We also celebrated Founders Day at the end of February, by 'travelling' around the world to some of the Penny Lane countries involved in Scouting and learning something about Holiday them or sampling food from those countries. We are also working Cottages towards our Faith badge this term and have already had an evening at the church led by Steve Rathbone and have more activities to follow. We will be completing this term with an IT N Two charming 18th-century stone cottages, Pets recently refurbished to a high standard. and children evening and a talent show. N Long and shorts breaks available all year round. welcome Next term, we’re looking forward to the lighter evenings and, with For more information call: 01625 410735 www.pennylaneholidaycottages.co.uk better weather, we’ll be able to make more use of the outside. 8

Catching up with the Brownies by Brown Owl, Susan Norman proper campfire evening at one of our Brownie's homes and we welcomed back Patricia Wilson from the Guide Campfire Circle. In November, we met at the Altrincham ice rink where the Brownies taught us leaders how to skate! We received the news that the wording of the Brownie promise had changed as feedback had been received by Girl Guiding that it needed to be more inclusive of all faiths and cultures; we challenged the Brownies to think about spirituality and learn the new promise. A number of new Brownies have joined us and nearly half the Brownie pack are new Brownies, leaving us with only one space. Our eldest Brownies are enjoying themselves so much they don't feel ready for Guides just yet but are learning about it through their Brownie Go For It challenges. We said goodbye to Monika, one of the training leaders and her daughter Ellie, as they had moved house. The last weeks of the year were filled with Christmas craft, and

he Brownies’ programme was packed with activities in 2013 Tbut not reported in the Raven so, whilst it's quiet, here is a summary of our activities. For the summer we tried to get out as much as we could and one evening the eldest Brownies set tracking signs for the others to follow. This generated a lot of excitement trying to find the signs! We completed the Science Investigator Badge with growing experiments carried out at Conquest Plants Nursery and others related to water, magnetism and explosive rockets in the Rainow School playground, courtesy of Kirsten's scientist husband, John. We had a sleepless sleepover to give the Brownies a taste of what a Pack Holiday would involve. They had a great time and told us they hadn't realised how much fun doing household chores together could be! Our last meeting in the summer was a social evening with parents joining us for a barbecue – unfortunately again held indoors... We then joined hundreds of other Brownies at the Division Brownie Splash Day at Tatton Park where the girls had a great time trying out canoeing, kayaking, coracles, sailing boats etc. The weather was fantastically sunny and there were lots of rehearsals for our Christmas concert. Parents joined us and gifts Brownie grins – we couldn't have asked for a better activity to were given out, with thanks for the support we had received lead into the summer school holiday. throughout the year. What a year of activity and lovely to see how much our Brownie unit has grown! In the autumn, we learned circus skills with Circusology and Shelter Box charity visited to explain how they supported people To get your name on our joining list and, for children and adults in other countries during disaster times. October saw our first interested in finding out more see www.girlguiding.org.uk

about the songs and calls of British wild birds. Each bird Gawsworth gets its own episode which Any begins with their song Rose Queens followed by a fascinating ornithology story. On 2nd Out There? January it was the turn of To celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Gawsworth Rose the Raven, narrated by Queen Féte, the organizers are seeking former Rose Queens. David Attenborough. They are hoping to find as many former Rose Queens as You can listen to this possible to join them on the day and also to create a display episode by going to: of photographs to celebrate the event. If you are a former Gawsworth Rose Queen or have BC Radio 4 is broadcasting http://www.bbc.co.uk/ photographs of previous Rose Queens, please contact BTweet of the Day, a series of programmes/b03mhyzf or Kerry Webb on 07990 541112 or by email at 90 second long programmes http://goo.gl/38vAV9 [email protected]

fer’t talk Rainer HarropRainow Fold Farm How By Raph Murray, Jim Kennelly and the People of Rainow Tel: 01625 560085

Somewhere very special... A Quintessentially English Experience, Delightful Award Winning 5 Star Guest Farmhouse and Self-catering Cottage Accommodation set in 20 acres with breathtaking views over the Cheshire Plain. We offer ’Cupcakes Galore’ - hands on cookery courses as well as a ‘Cornucopia of Canapés’ - hands on Canapé courses along with Cookery Demonstrations with Lunch or ainow is fortunate to have had do wi that, an thout it wur time fer't get a Dinner using the finest local ingredients its local speech recorded and new pair (He didn't care as long as his led by our own Cordon Bleu trained Chef. studied since the post war shoes only drank a cup of water, but when Day & Residential Art Courses Rperiod, incorporating items from they began eating stones he couldn't be with our Resident Professional Artist. people with memories of doing with that and thought it was about Victorian times (See Raph Murray's time that he got a new pair). Gift Vouchers available and Corporate and companion article in this issue). All that walking makes you fit, but could Group Bookings welcome. Florence Dwerryhouse in 1956 noted you pass the Rainer standard of physical that the contemporary Rainow dialect prowess? Cost u punta ba agin a wa yed www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk still retained forms and pronunciations www.michaelmooreart.co.uk it an bost it? (Can you kick a ball against a of Middle English (the speech of good wall, head it and burst it?). www.leahspantry.co.uk old Chaucer, rather than that modern scribbler, Shakespeare). Florence A Farmer might ask for help: Ee siree' set particularly noted Rainow's cavalier t'geit opan an tak kart thru it (Ah Sir, set attitude to the definite article, the gate open and take the cart through sometimes omitted, used in various it). Effort may be required: Put thee back forms t', th' or thi, and even doubled into it and a need for haste: thul haf get as in a gap in t' th'edge. doin or thul a done nowt afore bagin (You will have to get going or you will have done nothing before break time). So Pilgrim, if you visit our lovely village All this walking and farm working you might want to use a few choice generates a thirst, so a reviving cup of tea phrases in the Rainow dialect (“Rainer” to is deserved, ordered in the Rainer manner fortunates born here). As a service to the “A cud fair do wi a brew – an you got a many visitors, walkers and new residents brew on?” . of the village we present a set of phrases that might season conversations and Sometimes, however, even tea won't cut it social gatherings in Rainow.. so you call in at the Robin Hood and are welcomed by the regulars – Are you a' There is an old saying: “Macclesfield for reet? (Hello), how abaht you (how are silk gowns, Kerridge hills for stone and you?) Cum in an' sit thee sel down (come Rainow village for blockheads, the biggest in and take a seat). This is your that were ever known”. Word of warning; opportunity to order a pint in fluent Rainer; do not quote this aphorism unless you are I'll av a sup o'ale, ee that'll be grand. You Rainow born and bred. It is wise not to can recount your day's exploits in alienate an entire small close-knit response to your new friends' enquiries; community; you are familiar with the cult Wher'est thee bin? and Wats thee bin' horror film the Wicker Man? If you do hear doin today? As the conversation and ale the phrase from locals, just comment flows you might raise concern: An you 'ad approvingly on the native self-deprecating an oo? (Have you had enough?). wit of Rainovians. Of course if you become fully fluent you Walking abroad on our hilly footpaths, might raise concerns for another reason – taking in the glorious Pennine vistas, you “It's like talking to the ghost of my need a stout pair of walking boots. Rainer great-grandad!”. wisdom stresses the importance of being well shod: He didna care as lung as his We have accumulated a number of shoon only drunk a cup o' water, bur phrases to act as mini Rainer phrase when they began ateing stones he cudna book: YOUR LOCAL SERVICE 10

Standard English Rainow dialect

afraid feart

Are you going to Macclesfield today? Atgooin Maxalt t'day?

Are you? art?

been bin

bring fetch

can you canst

can you fix? Canst fettle?

cattle shed shippon Curried Savoury ecipe of the Month R confirming agreement ee that'll be grand Biscuits Could you? Cust? Ingredients (The recipe will make 40 biscuits Do you know? oust? with a small cutter (48mm) or 20 with a 68 mm cutter.) fence post stump 100g/3 1/2 oz plain flour Have you Ast or An-y 1tsp salt 2tsp curry powder have you got? Ast gettin'? 100g/3 1/2 oz Cheshire cheese grated 100g/3 1/2 oz Parmesan cheese grated hayfield meada 100g/3 1/2 oz softened butter hill brow 1. Lightly grease baking tray. horse tit 2. Sieve flour and salt into bowl. Is the wife in?/Shes gone out Who inner in?/oos gone out 3. Stir in curry powder and cheeses.

looks good all reat 4. Rub in butter with fingers to form soft dough. Macclesfield Macculsfield 5. On a lightly floured surface roll out name for a boy lad dough thinly and cut into shapes. name for a wife missus 6. Bake in pre-heated oven 180C/350F/ Gas Mark 4 for 10-15 minutes. old owd 7. Leave biscuits to cool slightly on the over there ore yonder baking tray and then remove to wire potatoes taters rack. by Ann Lewis Rainow is very hilly Rainer's all up bonk

really old horse (reet owd) nag repairing a gap in a dry stone wall gappin' Zach Wilcox stay at home stop a wom Gardening & Maintenance stream brook G Weekly Garden Maintenance take tek G Dry Stone Walling to scream or cry striking G Tree Felling will you wilt G Hedge Cutting you thee G Gutter Clearing & Replacement You are late, where have you been? that late, wierst bin? G Flag Laying You don’t look very well/I have been ill the looks bad/ have bin e bed G Fencing What has been the illness? whats bin up? You know thee knowest 01625 576182 Happy translating – Thee cud be keepin' an owd tongue alive! Many thanks to the people of Rainow for their recollections - Geoff Barlow, Arthur Mob : 07758 249587 Warrington, Geoff Cooper and Roy Downie 58 Sugar Lane, Rainow 11

Women, Why Weight? How to get the body beautiful, or maybe just lose a few pounds? The answer may be dumbbell shaped – many women assume that lifting weights will turn their physique muscular and unfeminine but if you lift right then weights are a great way to help you slim down. Not sure? Read on… First of all look up lean tissue on the web. You won’t have to look far to see that lean tissue means muscle without fat, that's right LEAN tissue, not bulky tissue but lean tissue – you want to increase your lean tissue? Pick up those weights, but why? 1. Working with weights creates tiny muscular tears through out the body and you use more calories to repair these tears, more calories used equals more fat burned, equals results. 2. Pound for pound lean tissue burns more calories on a daily basis that fatty tissue, so just by having more lean tissue you will use more calories. More calories are good, see point 1! 3. Lifting weights can lead to increased bone strength helping off set osteoporosis and increased core strength making multi- tasking easier. You can start out light and build to a weight you are comfortable with, the local gym can help or you can exercise at home, just check your posture and stay safe while lifting. Remember there has never been a better time to weight! Steven Hurst is Manager at Bollington Health & Leisure www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk

Following the success of the regular walks pages in the Raven,Following the Parish the Council success decided of the to regular walks pages in the Raven, the Parish Council decided to produceA Bollingtona booklet containing nine Landmark’s of the most popular walks. produceA companion aRaino booklet to the containing Rainoww nine of the most popular walks. A companion to the Rainow Parish Paths Map which the Council produced last year, the newParish full Pathscolour Map booklet which will the be Council produced last year, the new full colour booklet will be on sale inTransformation! local information centres and in the Robin Hood. LikeonWalks salethe map,in local a freeBooklet information copy is being centres and in the Robin Hood. Like the map, a free copy is being distributed to every Rainow household with the Raven. Recommenddistributedollowing it to the toyour success every walking Rainow of the household with the Raven. Recommend it to your walking friends! friends!regular walks pages in the FRaven, the Parish Council decided to produce a booklet containing nine of the most popular walks. A companion to the Rainow Parish Paths Map which the Council produced last year, the new full colour booklet will be on sale in local information centres and in the Robin Hood. Like the map, a free copy is being distributed to every Rainow household with the Raven.

urner's Lodge is today's upmarket name for what used to Recommend it be a toilet block on Shrigley Road in Bollington. Thanks to to your walking friends! Tthe efforts of Bollington Initiative Trust and the Go Lo community project, the building has been transformed into an information centre and permanent home for Go Lo. Soon, however, there will be another use for the building as Go Lo welcomes Macclesfield's Food4MaccDirect. The local food ordering scheme will be using the building as their Bollington Pick Up Point. The Lodge will be manned on Thursday evenings by their staff to serve Bollington area customers and to encourage more people to buy local food.

Kerridge End Holiday Cottages Rainow's Only 5 Star Gold Self Catering Holiday Cottages Cheshire's Only Green Tourism Gold Award Winning Cottages N The Hayloft sleeps 6 N The Coach House sleeps 4 N The Stables sleeps 2 For details of each cottage see: www.kerridgeendholidaycottages.co.uk Email : [email protected] Tel : 01625 424220

Winners of North West Tourism for All Award 2009

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Rainow Hydro

Water Power in the 21st Century by Richard Leigh

hen Gin Clough Mill was built in 1794 it incorporated a Water is supplied to the wheel via the original 6 inch cast iron waterwheel in the lower floor of the north side of the pipe and the rotation speed is regulated by two gate valves, one building to power the cotton spinning machinery. manual and the other operated by a compressed air system. WWater power was soon supplemented by steam Power take off is by means of a 4 inch Kevlar belt – Kevlar was power and gradually, as steam engines became more chosen as it has good traction in a wet environment – the belt efficient, the waterwheel fell into disuse. However, over the last runs round the circumference of the wheel to maximize the twelve months, owner Peter Leigh has constructed a new wheel gearing ratio. A further series of cogs and chains, pulleys and on the same scale as the original and hydropower has returned belts results in a final gear ratio of 200:1 at the 3kW generator. to Gin Clough. The electricity is stored in a pair of deep discharge batteries and Before construction could begin it was first necessary to clear then fed via an inverter to a dedicated circuit used to power heat the wheel pit of debris. This laborious task was achieved by and lighting in the Mill. Most of the specialist electricity means of a bucket, an electric winch and the experienced generation components were sourced from Hank and Crystal shovel of Roy Leigh. at The Mountain Wind Trading Co. of Missouri, USA. Waterwheels are not available to buy off the shelf and so every In day-to-day operation the main challenge is ensuring a good component was sourced or fabricated specifically for the project. supply of water. In the 19th century the mill pond was The wheel's steel axle is 3 inches in diameter and runs on substantially larger than now and so could better ensure a bronze bearings. The hubs were cast in a foundry in Derbyshire constant supply. Today the supply is far more dependent on and precision engineered with the kind assistance of Mike Hull the flow of water down the stream running down from Common of Lower Hazel Trees. The spokes and cross-braces are of Barn. galvanized steel and the buckets were handmade from So let the rain fall on Rainow...or at least upstream of Gin heat-formed 4 mm polythene sheet. The finished wheel is 14 Clough. feet in diameter with buckets 39 inches wide (4.25 x 1 metres). ELBeedesigns BLINDS G CURTAINS G INTERIORS Rainow Cattery G ROLLERS G VERTICALS G VENETIANS G WOODS G Established over 30 years G G G G G 07860 106901 ROMANS PLEATED SHUTTERS PERFECT FIT 01625 572654 ‘A home from home for cats’ G CURTAINS & ACCESSORIES Centrally heated accommodation TEL: MOB: Lynne Eardley 12 Charter Road, Bollington. SK10 5NU with a radiator in every pen Climate controlled environment LA BOBINE We can take cats on medication Savignac de Duras, France Open all year round Contact: Mary Marsh on N Sleeps 12 01625 573508 Tel: 01625 575129 N Swimming Pool Old Post Office Cottages, 1 [email protected] N 1 /2 hrs from Bordeaux Church Lane, Rainow, Macclesfield, The Old Hall, Sugar Lane, Rainow, SK10 5UJ [email protected] Cheshire SK10 5XE

News from the Lamp and Candle Hello all, exclusive use of the village. Well, winter seems to be turning away good and proper now, but It struck me that when it it's a wonder the old place didn't float away, we've had so much wasn't being used to take all rain. Mind you, the lanes hereabouts have been so bad it's been and sundry from the village hard to get out of here, never mind in, so it's kept the place nice into the fleshpots of and quiet and free from prying eyes. No offence of course, but I've Macclesfield, there would be spent many a long night this winter worrying about the wisdom an opportunity to make a bit of brass by using the bus of telling the world that the “Lamp” is still open for business. for Mystery Tours from Waters Green to the “Lamp & Candle”. The other Kevin was telling me about something called “Google Kevin, (who is still having big ideas since meeting the Mayor of Earth”, where you can get an aerial view of any place, anywhere, Rainow) volunteered to drive the bus in his best Salvation Army on your computer and it would only be a matter of time before uniform. We were just planning a possible route when, as often someone put two and two together and found us! Ginger Dave happens, Miserable Bickerdike put a damper on the proceedings said the only way we could stop this is throw a big green net by pointing out that it would be the first ever mystery tour and some tree limbs over the buildings to camouflage them. I've where the customers would have to wear a blindfold from the a feeling they might be winding me up a bit but it really is a minute they stepped on the bus to the minute they got off to worry to me. The roof wouldn't bear any extra weight – as the walk the last three quarters of a mile ankle deep in mud holding landlady is fond of telling me, the place is only kept together by a long rope to keep them together. I questioned Bickerdike's sense the death-watch beetles holding hands. Anyway, that's enough of adventure, pointing out to him that this would be a real of my problems. One of the things that did cheer me up on the Mystery Tour, but in the end I had to admit he was right. few occasions I splashed into the village this winter was the first Heaven knows if the passengers would get back at all after a production I've seen at the Institute in many a year – couple of glasses of Withinlow Amber! Another grand idea killed “Desperados”. I haven't laughed so much for ages and there was at birth - anyway there's lots of old bits of machinery in the a half-decent brew put on by the Robin Hood. Just the thing for bottom field could do with taking to the Chelford Auction, so a village and if whoever was responsible puts on another show that should keep the Parish Council and their bus busy for a there may be a bit of a contribution from the cellar of the “Lamp while. Maurice says that the farm stuff is vintage now – most & Candle”! of it dates from the 1920s and it could be sold for a small And speaking of the Robin, they have an exhibition of fortune on a website called e-baygum or something. I am photographs brightening the big room up. I took the landlady to currently looking into this. see them the other day and she gave her artistic judgement – The article in the “Raven” on dialect has been the subject of “a decent set of snaps”. Personally, I thought they were alright lively discussion in the Snug and the Best Room for some time in the main – some smiling faces and dogs and horses. It was now. Sadly, even in this last bastion of the old ways of Cheshire, only spoiled by a portrait of a girl looking like she'd lost a fiver the ancient words are dying, so it's good that this Jim Kennelly and found a pound note. I mentioned this to the lad behind the chap is drawing attention to this in his article, even if he does use bar who told me the landlord is only allowing it there to keep the words like superseded and dynastic. Even as I write this article kids away from the wood-burning stove. I felt kind enough to by the fire, I've asked the landlady, born within half a mile of warn him that such pictures could put punters off their beer. this place, if she'll pass me a new pen from out of the biscuit tin. What a miserable face (the picture, not the lad behind the bar). She has just shouted “Tintintin!” which I take to mean “it isn't She must have been reading something from one of these in the tin”. I asked Old Simon if he could make a contribution to exclusive women-only Rainow book clubs. the article but his only comment was 'Ah'm just a lommer yed Talking of brews, or the lack of them in the village, there's still a so ah'll say nowt and stay 'ere esshole hoonin', which I suppose lot of change going on at what used to be the Rising Sun. I is fair enough. There is a tale often related within these walls of noticed as I passed in December that there was a pleasant the old landlady Mrs Burden who was being pushed into Seasons Greeting board for the village and a bright little having electricity installed in the Inn. Wisely, she steadfastly Christmas tree fastened to the scaffolding. But beware! refused, preferring to keep to lamps for the Best Room and Rumours have surfaced that this kindly gesture is just a candles for the Snug. One day the Vicar of Rainow called on sweetener as the place is not going to be a common or garden Mrs B to speak to her about faith and the “New Light”. house after all but a Headquarters for something called U.K.I.P. Thinking this was another attempt to get her to switch to Now this is either an up-market name for a government electricity she quickly put the Reverend gentleman in his place. Quango dealing with sleep disorder or a reference to a certain “New Light! – hee mon, how dun yer expect an owd woman political party. This potential development needs careful fer 't lommer up ter 't ceiling every neet fer't put th' damned watching and I am appealing to everyone to keep their eyes and thing ite!” ears open and to keep the Editor of the “Raven” informed. Watch That's all for now, have a good spring, stay away from this space! Google Earth and don't make me 'ead a missock! There's also talk of the Parish Council buying a bus for the The Landlord. 15

The at Rainow

Ꮳ Robin Hood Traditional country pub on the Sundays lunch served 12 - 4 pm. cusp of the beautiful Peak District. Ꮳ Bed and Breakfast in our 4 Come and sample our selection of en suite bedrooms.

Ꮳ real ales. Homemade food, locally sourced, Beer gardens to the side and rear available Tuesday to Saturday with views to Kerridge Ridge. 12 - 2.30 pm and 5.30 - 8.30 pm. Give us a call or see our website: www.robinhoodrainow.co.uk Tel: 01625 574060

Survey of Rainow dialect by Raph Murray

See also “How fer't talk Contact Liam on: Rainer” 07762 825537 or 01625 578070 illers Meadow was still being master or vicar or in this issue [email protected] grazed by cattle, there were anyone else who only 1.5 million households might 'put us onto some old native Mwith TV licences, there were dialect-speaker willing to help'. only 4 million licensed vehicles Whatever the approach adopted by (compared with 35 million today), Peter Wright, the surveyor assigned to sweets were rationed, it was the early Rainow, one of his informants was 1950's and BBC newsreaders still John William Cooper, grandfather of spoke BBC English. All this was about Geoff Cooper of Common Barn Farm to change. Professor Harold Orton of and present day Rainow Parish the English Department of Leeds Councillor. John Cooper was born in University realised that the post-war Rainow in 1877 and had never been increase in movement of people across away from the district. He was a retired the county, the spread of mass media farmer having farmed all his life and his and other social changes were likely to ancestors had been farming his present result in increased standardisation of farm for centuries. Peter Wright’s the English language and loss of local conversations with John and other dialects. This resulted in a project to locals resulted in a written record of the carry out a survey of English dialects. Rainow dialect. This was later used by Priority was given to rural areas with a Florence Dwerryhouse as the basis for stable population and Rainow was a dissertation on the 'Phonology of the selected as one of the communities Dialect of Rainow' in 1956. Ten years that should be surveyed. Consistent later another project researcher, Rae with the attitudes of the time, and a Lee Siporin, visited Rainow to make an huge missed opportunity, the survey audio recording of the Rainow dialect. focused on older men and in particular Some of these recordings, though not those who worked in the main industry the one of Rainow speakers, are If you would like to of the area. One technique used by available on the British Library or BBC advertise in The Raven some field workers gathering material websites. So to hear Rainer speak was to dress in old clothes to gain the today, you'll have to get out and about please call Carole confidence of elderly villagers. Another and meet up with some of Rainow's on 01625 573576 approach was to contact the school- long standing residents.

Full Fathom Five! Ian Brammer by

After rapidly learning about the area and the underwater wildlife, Catie's main role in Nosy Be was to train the volunteers to carry out research work on the local coral reef system. She lived with the volunteers in a remote part of the island with only the most primitive of facilities and just a solar panel to provide electricity for one light. Food, says Catie “was not the best thing about being there!” The work was quite another thing. She was responsible for leading teams of six doing two dives a day carrying out underwater surveys and recording water conditions and fish populations. Data was recorded on underwater slates and Catie worked with the lead researcher to write up the results. She also carried out research projects of her own, looking at sponges and the local sea slug (Nudibranch) which can eat poisonous sponges and then themselves become poisonous! At the end of her one year contract, Catie took what sounds like something of a busman's holiday, with a tour of South Africa which included whale watching and meeting great white sharks from the safety (?) of a cage in the sea. Having decided she would like to focus more on research, Catie in her element! Catie accepted an invitation from Frontier to be a Senior Researcher on Mafia Island, smaller and less visited then Nosy he Gutmann family made their home in Rainow little Be. This gives her the chance to do more of her own research more than a decade ago but have established them- as well as giving her experience of managing budgets and selves firmly in the local scene. Justin, the father of schedules and training volunteers in diving. Working for a chari- the family, soon became a familiar figure running ty, the salary is modest but the island is a cheap place to live T and Catie is looking forward to taking a more involved over the hills and then had a spell as a Parish Councillor until a job move to London led to his reluctant approach to marine research and to making a contribution to resignation. His daughter Catie arrived too late to go to the local community. Catie left the UK for her new role in Rainow School and has spent time away at university in January and already she has sent the Raven her first report Liverpool and Swansea. Deciding against a career as a on island life. vet, she studied zoology and this has led to an exciting career which has taken her to places in the world most of us have never heard of! Do you know where Nosy Be is? Catie spent half a year there. Ever heard of Mafia Island? Catie is there now. To save you running for the atlas – Nosy Be is an island which is part of Madagascar and Mafia is nowhere near Italy, it's off the coast of Africa and is part of Tanzania.

What took her to these places is fish. During her time doing a master's degree at Swansea, Catie specialised in aquatic Porcupine fish at Nosy Be conservation and ecology and this in turn led to an internship in the Brecon Beacons with the Welsh Environment Agency as a researcher working on a project dealing with fish nutrition. Catie “I arrived in Mafia to our basic cam already had an interest in diving and her time at Swansea had minutes from a beautiful beach. Thep, Indian located Ocean just a bayfew led her to join the university diving club; during her work in near our camp in Utende is a Marine P Cardiff with the Wildlife Trust, Wales, she maintained her membership and achieved instructor level. After completion of so I have seen a huge diversity in the fish,rotected coral Areaand and her internship her interest in the possibility of tropical reef diving invertebrates in the area . The science p experience took her to Madagascar through her appointment well underway f rogramme is now or 2014 and in our free time we have as Assistant Research Officer with the Frontier organisation. been playin Frontier (www.frontier.ac.uk) is a world wide charity which g volleyball, painting and eating chip is dedicated to the conservation of the world's endangered mayai which is an omelette with chips in it! Our boatsi is wildlife and to community development in under-resourced currently being fix ed but we will soon be goin countries. It is well-known for its schemes to enable young traditional fishing vessel called a dhow which ghas out a on a people to travel to undeveloped countries and find out first motor and a sail to cruise around our local dive spo hand about the lives of people in these areas. Many gap year students have travelled the world at their own expense ts.” through Frontier as volunteers. Catie 17

Harrop Poet's Progress

by Ian Brammer and Raph Murray Harrop - did this view inspire Jackson's verses?

t is April 1810. As a comfortably settled member of local name everyone now knows – Robert Burns,” the ploughman society, you are settling down to read your new copy of the poet”. Burns was also the son of a poor farmer and also Gentleman's Magazine, the monthly publication which educated at his village school but his early life was a good deal Ianybody who is anybody reads. Every month, the magazine more colourful than Jackson's (his first illegitimate child was keeps you up to date with events, reports the debates in born when he was twenty four and he considered emigrating to Parliament, updates you on the course of the war against Jamaica to escape his problems). Like Jackson, Burns had Napoleon, and entertains you with letters from readers. In early success with a book of poems but although it took him April's “Abstract of Foreign Occurrences”, a letter from about ten years longer to achieve publication than Jackson, his Wellington describes his position in Portugal facing Marshall poems have stood the test of time. Thereafter their careers Ney of the French Grande Armee. Other “Foreign were very different as Burns went on to become a national Occurrences” include “Scotch News” so maybe independence figure, dying before he was forty, whilst Jackson followed a was already in the air! Unfortunately the news from Scotland is more staid and conventional life, dying aged seventy four as a that “a very malignant fever prevailed in Sutherland and man “honoured and esteemed by all who knew him”. A virtuous Caithness where numbers of people die daily, generally on the and upright poet rather than a rapscallion but today no-one fourth or fifth day after the attack of the distemper”. “Domestic celebrates “Jackson Night”! Occurrences” includes the story of a boy of seven who was His stanzas, written on a beautiful day in January 1807 in a killed playing near a windmill at Brigg when he was struck by valley at the bottom of Harrop Wood, promise imagery of what one of the sails and “his head was shattered to atoms”. such a scene might reveal some 200 years ago. The lines Turning to “Literary Intelligence” a review catches your eye however are disappointing; because it mentions “Harrop Wood near Macclesfield”. The review is of a slim volume of poetry entitled “An Address to Time” by John Jackson. Printed in Macclesfield, the book was How peaceful yon brown wood, how still, not only Rainow's nearest connection to a published poet but a That spreads its bare branches so wide; work by a very young man with an unusual and interesting story. Jackson was born at Harrop Wood Cottage in 1789, the How tranquilly murmurs the rill, son of a small farmer. After attending school in Pott Shrigley he That bubbles along by its side. set out to gain his own living as a weaver but clearly had a strong interest in reading. He would walk miles to look at books on market stalls, the only books to which he could gain access. Jackson appears to respect Robert Burns as a poet but seems As his obituary, fifty years later, put it, “he took great delight in to attribute his early death to the false pursuit of celebrity and the woods and streams of his native place and began to put his over indulgence in wine: thoughts into verse”. His early lines fell into the hands of a Mr Molineux of Macclesfield who showed them to a party dining at 'In fashion's circle seek not thou to shine,- his house, among whom was the headmaster of the Grammar School (now the King's School), Dr Davies. The upshot was 'T'was there my Burns received his fatal blow; that Dr. Davies agreed to educate Jackson and the party 'Shun thou the man whose only joy is wine, decided to pay to send him to Oxford. He entered Brasenose College and was ordained deacon in 1825 as curate of Christ 'Such venomed joys, ah! never seek to know: Church Macclesfield. He became “perpetual curate” of Pott 'But swift retiring from the madding throng, Shrigley before moving on to Bowdon. Whilst there “he toiled hard with pupils and had the great pleasure of returning to the 'Go seek the peaceful shade, and sing thy rural song. several gentlemen who advanced the money for his college career, the whole sum, with interest thereon”. Later, he was Burns' use of his native dialect was of course one of the appointed to the living of Over, a position with an income of reasons for the power of his poetry and raises the question of £120 a year. Jackson had eleven children, of whom four whether Jackson's poetry would have benefited from use of his followed in his footsteps to Oxford where they, too, were local dialect. We'll never know the answer to this but although ordained. He continued to produce more poetry and to have Jackson's poetry helped repay his benefactors, he never some of his work published but he never came close to achieved the fame of his contemporary Wordsworth and achieving the success of the other poet of similar origins whose Harrop Wood remains much as it was 200 years ago.

Raven Book Reviews More choices from some of Rainow’s book club members Liane Moriarty The Husband’s Secret

“Some secrets are meant to stay secret forever. Just ask Pandora”. However, in this emotional and gripping read, explosive secrets are indeed forthcoming, the repercussions rippling through the lives of all involved in intense and ultimately destructive ways. Although the 'secret' is revealed early on and is rather 'guessable', the allure of this novel is not in its psychological suspense, but in the richly crafted and interwoven lives of its characters, principally three women – Cecilia, Rachel and Tess. The setting is a tightly-knit community in Sydney Australia, revolving primarily around St Angela Primary School. Cecilia is a study in organised and practiced perfection – the perfect wife, mother, businesswoman, friend. Chaos and drama do not feature in her life until the fateful day when she discovers a hidden letter written by her husband – “to be opened in the event of my death”. Rachel hasn't stopped grieving for her daughter, murdered twenty-five years ago, her loss remaining consuming and unbearable. Tess has just been betrayed by her husband, returning to her home town to seek comfort and solace but confronting instead a nostalgic meeting which presents ethical dilemmas and difficult decisions. The characterisation in the book is convincing and vivid, developing as the richly demarcated plot further unravels, revealing the complex personal demons of all involved. Themes of loss, grief, betrayal, regret, revenge are integrated in a plausible, consistent and poignant style, the enmeshed and intricately entangled conflicts of the characters posing many deeply resonant predicaments and questions, leading to the reader asking 'What would I do?'. Ultimately, the destructive and insidious power of the secrets that underpin our lives, the concealed and forbid- ding desires, intentions, actions and instincts which exist under the surface, are explored in this honest, poignant and ultimately disquieting narrative. “Nobody tells Pandora not to open the jar”... would you open the jar?

Nathan Filer The Shock of the Fall

Worthy winner of the best first novel in the 2014 Costa book awards, this exhilarating and touching tale of Matt Homes, a young man suffering with Schizophrenia, is a powerful and haunting perspective on guilt, death and mental illness. Through Matt's distorted vision, the aftershocks of a tragic incident are related, an incident which involved the death of Matt's brother and leaves him wracked and tormented with anguish and guilt. “The Shock of the Fall” is what killed Matt's brother, Simon, however it is not until the closing pages that we learn the full circumstances of his death. The tragedy, when it is fully revealed, is stark. “It was the whole universe turning its back and walking away, incapable of caring”. Shackled to what he perceives as an unredeemable act, Matt wrestles with his past in a tortured way, introducing us to a range of memorable and deeply human characters in the process. His kind, but shattered parents, his redoubtable and compassionate grandmother and his best friend, Jacob, are all sharply delineated, illustrating candidly and perceptively the failings, flaws and weaknesses of human beings and their relationships, whilst equally conveying a heart warming and breathtaking clarity. With caustic and witty observations which take the sting out of what are at times, almost unbearably and poignantly sad experiences, Matt shares the results of his self-initiated 'writing therapy' – his attempt to make sense of the inexplicable and to urgently commit his thoughts and impressions to paper. He draws attention to the flaws in his narrative, frequently addressing the reader directly: "I can only describe reality as I know it. I'm doing my best, and promise to keep trying." Endeavouring to be honest, he orbits around painful memories, trying to grasp and process them. All the while, he is aware of the limitations of memory, and the professional suspicion surrounding all activities of the mentally ill. He mocks the excesses of psychiatric jargon: "Patient is engaging in writing behaviour.... what is writing behaviour?”, whilst portraying psychiatric inpatient services in a way that is uncannily and rather chillingly familiar to anyone who has ever worked in such settings. Although with the progression of his illness, Matt's experiences become imbued with a nightmarish tinge, such as when he believes his dead brother is hiding under his hospital bed and inciting him to 'come and play', losing the hallucinations means losing his brother all over again. Pain and joy are delivered in equal measure. Never sentimental, Filer has created a character in Matt who is heroic in his fortitude and resilience and whose journey becomes one of hope and endurance. However, there is no easy, happy ending; Matt isn't cured. We are told he will be back to hospital, that the illness will follow its cruel and relentless path. Nevertheless, what endures is the human spirit and the simple, poetic beauty of love for another person.

“Desperados”Brian Kilcoyne reviews the Quay Players production

Mariae Tucker as Arkensaw Annie

most were tuneful and those that weren't, were funny. The cast were all on top of their lines and, in some cases, had mastered the well placed ad lib, the scenery didn't fall over, and the props were inspired. I will never forget the sight of Paul Tunaley and Peter Nixon as the two cowboys hot in pursuit of cattle rustlers astride two very fine wooden hobby horses. The wagon in which Julia Smith and Judy Wilkinson, as the two “Injuns”, attempted to make their escape was another masterpiece of improvisation consisting of two Institute chairs and a piece of painted fabric brought to hilarious life by the antics of the two actors. The other cast members were all just as humorous and entertaining and would all be singled out for praise if I had more space. The back stage staff, production, Cathie Keely, sound, lighting, and props also deserve a Mariae Tucker mention for achieving such a slick and Val Taylor. production in a tiny rural village hall. amateur troupe which emerged from a I can't remember when I last laughed so rriving at the Rainow Institute at small group of volunteers who helped to much and neither could my two 7:20 pm on a cold and windy, restore the Salford Playhouse in 2002. companions. It was a very entertaining but strangely dry evening on the Local Rainovian Val Taylor was one of and enjoyable evening, not what I was first day of February we were A these, and had the idea of bringing the old expecting at all! If there is another anticipating an evening of team back together with the addition of production by the Quay Players (as I predictable pleasures. My group had some locals for this production. believe is entirely possible) I advise you all already fortified ourselves with a pint at to book early. the Robin Hood and were looking The night's production, written and forward to a top up at the interval, directed by Carl Bewley, who also played courtesy of Robin landlord, Phil Moss. the part of English Jack Irons, was a But it wasn't only the beer we were spoof western complete with 'Injuns', looking forward to. The particular joys cattle rustlers, the Cripple Creek of Am Dram, wobbly scenery and Cathouse, and a gold mine. It was a stumbling would-be Thespians musical comedy in the tradition of desperate for a sotto voce clue from “Oklahoma” and “Seven Brides for Seven the prompt corner, never fail to Brothers” but with the injection of a more entertain. However, we were about to British sense of humour and some be disappointed. apposite local references (“Blazing Saddles” with a Rainow accent). All the We had come to see a new production by singers acquitted themselves well and the Quay Players. The Players are an could be clearly heard and understood, On the warpath! Julia Smith and Judy Wilkinson 20

English Tuition Individual support at Wellington Road, Bollington SK10 5JR KS2, KS3 and GCSE G G For jazz For comedy including Year 6 SATs G For chamber music preparation. G For professional & amateur theatre productions I am an experienced G For talks English teacher with G For art exhibitions BA Hons. in English from G For poetry readings Durham Univ and PGCE. G For rehearsal space G For classes G For hire Contact Katy James on For more information visit our website: 01625 576390 www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk katy.davidjames@btinter or ring 573863 net.com

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J. Kirk & Co Studio/Gallery@Kerridge End Approved Diploma Coal Merchant Cesterbridge Cottage Kerridge End Rainow Established in 1933 Top quality British Coal Telephone: 01625 612478 G Smokeless Fuel G Logs G Kindling G Bunkers Call Oliver on 01625 573131 www.janeosmond.net Hedgerow, Rainow SK10 5DA Your local doorstep ROY McCARTHY Delivery Service Coaches for every occasion N Milk 35 - 70 Seaters N Organic Milk FAMILY BUTCHERS Please call us for our 2014 brochure N Free Range Eggs Palmerston Street, N Orange Juice Bollington with details of our holiday tours Tel: 01625 572202 N Cream and day excursions 114 Wellington Road, Bollington W B Moss & Son Tel: Macclesfield (01625) 425060 Tel: 01625 573172 Hough Hole Farm www.roymccarthycoaches.co.uk 5 Fountain Place, Poynton Rainow Tel: 01625 872154 THE COACH DEPOT N SNAPE ROAD N MACCLESFIELD Tel: 573320 21

Walk 21 To w n Country Maps: Rainow Parish Paths and & OS 1:25,000 OL 24 The White Peak Distance: about six and a half miles Going: two climbs; possibly some muddy patches. Time: about three and a half hours Start: Calrofold Lane

by Waywiser Tegg’s Nose from the reservoirs his varied walk takes you through village. Pass the St Dunstan's Inn the edge of Macclesfield before (if you can) and carry on to turn left Ttraversing the Hollins to take you into Holehouse Lane. The reservoirs through Tegg's Nose Country are ahead of you; Tegg's Nose Park. On Calrofold Lane, walk to the Reservoir on the left and Bottoms to al right turn at Chantcliff Farm and follow the right. Take the cart track between Bridge on the Macclesfield Can the public path (FP54) up the steps the two with Teggs Nose rising steeply between the two buildings to follow on your left. Continue along the track the contours round to Cliff Lane; here until you meet a stream with substantial the path becomes HH53. Once on stepping stones; cross, go ahead up a the tarmac, turn left uphill for about series of broad steps and walk on to 70 metres and then turn right to go the gate crossing the path above down the hill on path HH1 to the Clough House Farm. Go straight ahead B5470 Macclesfield to Whaley along the tarmac until you reach a path Bridge road. Go left down to the rising to the left (Saddler's Way). Take canal bridge and take the steps this path which soon develops into a down to the towpath. Follow the cobbled track. This part of the walk is towpath, going through a quite steep but there are benches succession of bridges and passing which you will pray are not already the Macclesfield Marina alongside occupied by weary travellers! At the the former Hovis Mill, now top, you emerge onto the Country Park converted into flats. Continue to car park and can pause to take in the The former Hovis Mill bridge 40 where you leave the magnificent sweep of countryside towpath and go up to Windmill before following the signs for the Street. Go uphill and take the right fork Gritstone Trail. Go up the road to the signposted for Macclesfield Golf Club. right for 50 metres, bear left opposite Continue uphill keeping the Golf Club Windyway House and then immediately car park on your left until you reach a right over a stone stile onto the marked stile on the left. Cross the stile Gritstone Trail. Very soon you are back and continue along the side of the golf in Rainow on FP55 with the ridge of course, looking down onto Macclesfield Kerridge appearing ahead. Two and Sutton and across the Cheshire hundred metres short of the Buxton plain. The public footpath continues Road take the path (FP56) to the left alongside the course until you reach a and go through a stile into the marked path forking right (and plantation continuing downhill to becoming very muddy in wet weather), Buxton New Road. Cross with care heading for Langley. The views open and go ahead down Cliff Lane for out with Bosley Cloud and Mow Cop to about 150 metres. Immediately after your right and, as the track swings to Knoll Nook farm take the signed path the left, Shutlingsloe and the hills of (FP53) and cross a stile to drop into Macclesfield Forest are ahead of you. the yard of Marsh Farm. Take the Descend to the road at Langley, tarmac track back to Calrofold Lane

Kerridge Ridge in sight (FP55) crossing the substantial foot bridge, and and turn right to regain your starting

turn left to follow the road into Langley point. ᒇ

What’s On in Rainow and Bollington APRIL 2014 5 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Arts Centre, Bollington - Pleyel Ensemble Tickets - 01625 576402 or 574435

6 to 27 Sundays In the Gallery Arts Centre, Bollington 2.00-4.00 pm and Bollington Festival Visual Arts Group during events

14 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute - A Career with Greater Manchester Police - Gina Brunnard

20 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre Arts Centre, Bollington - Wabash Jazz Men Tickets £9. To book 01625 574410

21 2.00-4.00 pm Bunny Hunt Snipe House Farm Tickets £2.50 must be bought in advance from Michelle French 01625 575958 or [email protected]

29 7.30 pm Mothers Union 90th Birthday Celebration Rainow Church

MAY 2014 2 Details later Friends of Rainow School Rainow School - Bags2School textile collection

2 8.00 pm James Pelham Arts Centre, Bollington - Piano Recital - Baroque Composers s On

7 7.30 pm Rainow 5 Mile Fell Race Rainow Institute - Entries at the Institute. Minimum age 16.

10 2.00 pm Bollington Festival Three Peaks Race Bollington Entries at Bollington Brewery

12 7.30 pm Rainow WI - Little Moreton Hall Rainow Institute - Tudors to the 21st Century

14 11.00 am Mothers Union Diocesan Festival Chester Cathedral

16 to 1 Daily BOLLINGTON FESTIVAL Throughout Bollington June See website for details - www.bollingtonfestival.org.uk

JUNE 2014 5 7.30 pm Mothers’ Union Deanery Fundraiser Henbury Church Hall - Talk by Janet Price

6 8.00 pm James Pelham Arts Centre, Bollington - Piano Recital - Russian Composers

9 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute - Bollington Community First Responder

14 to 29 Daily BARNABY FESTIVAL Throughout Macclesfield - see www.barnabyfestival.org.uk

17 7.30 pm Mothers Union Rainow Church Centre - Prayer Partners Outringham Members to visit Rainow

27 8.00 pm James Pelham Arts Centre, Bollington

- Piano Recital

- Debussy, Ravel, & Vaughan Williams ᒇ We have made this list as comprehensive as space permits & it is necessarily a selection of the events we know about. If you have anything planned that you would like us to list in the next issue, please call 01625 426059.

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