TheNo.14 Spring 2011Raven The quarterly magazine for the whole of

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

Your Update on Council Activities Highways and Traffic government operates. It is the general view of most Town We continue to have close contact with the Highways and Parish Councils that some key parts of the bill will Department of East but with mixed success. require further thinking and modification. We have Councillors have met with Highways Engineers on a attended budgetary and consultative workshops and number of occasions tackling them about gully emptying, other development meetings and responded to road signs, gritting and potholes. Along with most parts of consultation documents issued by the the country we had problems with gritting of roads during and Peak Park authorities. We are represented on the the recent cold weather. This year we have had some LAP and the newly formed Area success and after a slow start we were able to get most roads gritted. We have also had the additional benefit of Management Group (said to be the policy forming group Grit Bags being deposited at strategic points which has within the LAP). allowed members of the community to take action where One of our Councillors continues to act as a Trustee on particularly needed. Another area in which we have had the Cheshire Community Action board. This organisation some measure of success is in the cleaning of road still covers all of Cheshire and has been instrumental in gullies but again we have been told that some gullies in helping us in gaining grants and advice. areas where water does not accumulate will not be cleaned. Council Elections Council elections are due to take place on 5th May and We are concerned about excessive speeding through the village. Following an earlier trial where it was found that a will be conducted on the new ward arrangements brought large proportion of drivers were exceeding the limit, we in late last year. The new Electoral Registers were have been successful in obtaining a grant of £3000 for published at the beginning of March and under these the purchase of a SID (Speed Indicator Device). This will changes Rainow will fall into a new Sutton Ward together be used to deter speeding and to help prosecute serious with the parishes of , offenders. We have had meetings with the police and and . The Government Referendum on the Cheshire East to agree on which device to purchase, ‘Alternative Vote System’ will also take place on that day how this may be used, its storage, deployment and along with elections of Town & Parish Councils including ongoing maintenance. It is intended that we share this our own. with other villages in the area with them paying a small charge to cover maintenance, depreciation and Parish Plan insurance. The SID should be in operation before the The Parish Plan Implementation Group have completed a summer so keep your eyes on your speedometer! review of the plan which is now five years old and have updated the recommendations. The SID grant is the result of help from Community Action based on the Parish Plan. It should be remembered that computer and projection equipment was provided from grants received through the Parish Plan process and these are available for use by any bona fide village organisation. These are looked after by the Ravens and any enquiries for loan of the equipment should be directed to them. The Raven magazine – another product of the Parish Plan - continues to be a great success and last autumn won the Award of Best Community Newsletter in Cheshire. A lot of this continuing success is down to the skill and efforts of the original editorial team of Ian Brammer, Tony Nicol and Bob Langstaff and now those of the newly extended editorial team. They and the many other contributors give their efforts voluntarily. Local Government Action The Parish Council has maintained its significant The Parish Council continues to give financial support to the involvement in the Cheshire East Unitary Council. With Raven although the editorial team are having a good deal of the drive by Local Councils to reduce their financial success in attracting advertising from local people and commitments we are faced with the prospect of most businesses and our contribution has been reduced non-statutory services being discontinued. This is accordingly. We have recently been successful in obtaining coupled with Cheshire East also offering the devolution of a grant supporting the Country Walks feature. Nevertheless some of the statutory services including the transfer of finance is a continuing challenge and the future of the council owned/run facilities. We have attended meetings magazine does depend on the team continuing to find hosted by Cheshire East in an attempt to better under- advertising support. stand this policy move and will be meeting them again The Jubilee Playground, Round Meadow shortly. There are pilot projects in progress, eg at Some serious problems have developed, making parts of , and we are watching these with keen interest. the playground potentially dangerous. The substantial It is likely that devolution of services will affect only larger cost of repairs will have to come from council funds; we towns and villages. With the possibility of the smaller are taking steps to make repairs very soon but meantime villages purchasing certain services from the larger or the we apologise for the disappointment caused to children grouping together of smaller villages, however, we have and parents. Please be patient. to remain alert to what is happening. Hedge Cutting This comes at a time when the Government’s Localism With spring here, can we please ask that you cut back any arish Council News Bill is making its way through the House of Commons. hedges and shrubs overhanging the footpaths which are This Bill aims to change the way in which local your responsibility? Thank you for your co-operation.

P 2 Cover Photo: Ian Brammer

Nominated Neighbour Scheme Trading Standards have launched this scheme across the area. It is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in our community and uses a specially developed card. The card is shown to the caller Welcome to by the vulnerable person without opening the door and advises any unidentified or unexpected caller to go to the address of a “Nominated Neighbour". This can be a friend or neighbour, who will check the caller’s identity and, if they are genuine, return with them whilst the visit takes place. Genuine callers will be happy to contact the "Nominated Neighbour" and bogus callers will fail to gain access. If anyone is interested in joining the scheme please forward details to the Clerk [email protected] and we can progress it from there.

The Mount Pleasant Phone Box The We are now the proud owners of the aven telephone box at Mount Pleasant. Following R he Raven is spreading its wings! Thanks to a generous suggestions from the community we are grant from the Big Lottery Fund we are able to increase considering how best to convert this into a T the size of the magazine for the rest of the year and we book exchange. A small team of volunteers will meet shortly to work out how best to get can now afford to have a centrespread in full colour. At the the project off the ground. If you would like to same time we are taking the opportunity to give more help with this work please contact the Clerk. coverage to events like Barnaby which are outside Rainow but which are of great interest to people in the village. Our Best Kept Village – we need your help! bid for the grant was originally made under the Community The Parish Council is entering the Community Pride Wildlife Grant scheme and rejoiced in the title “Rural Walks Competition (Best Kept Village) this year. But we need lots of with the Raven” so you will see more about wildlife in HELP! With preliminary judging taking place from mid April general and a stronger bias towards looking at the country- volunteers are urgently needed. Can you HELP with: side on the walks page. We are very grateful to the Big co-ordinating, keeping all public areas tidy, weeding, planting Lottery Fund for this support, which will mean not just a and litter picking etc? Please contact the Clerk on Tel: 01625 bigger magazine but a much better opportunity for local 850532 or email: [email protected] people to send in more articles, photos and letters about our wildlife. For the rest of 2011 you will see the centre Dog Fouling pages of the Raven carrying the “Lottery funded” logo. The An issue which continues to cause concern in the community, is success of our application has also attracted the interest of that of dog fouling. The Parish Council is considering another Macclesfield’s MP David Rutley and he will be dropping in campaign similar to that carried out 3 years ago targeted at dog with the Northwest head of the Lottery Fund in May to see owners. We are currently awaiting the reprinting of the leaflets, how we are making use of the funds. which are issued by Cheshire East, as the old ones are out of date. On a positive note we have been able to get a new Of course the Raven remains the magazine for the whole of rubbish bin provided for Sugar Lane, which can also be used Rainow and it is primarily funded by income from for dog waste. advertisements and support from the Rainow Parish Council. The new bigger size, the kudos of having won the “Best Community Newsletter” Award last year and the additional colour component are already helping attract more advertisers and you will see several new names as a Your Parish Councillors result. Others are in the pipeline. We are grateful to all our Ken Butler (Chair) 433168 local businesses for the support they give us. The growing income from advertisements will help us become more and Mary Marsh (Deputy) 573508 more self-financing. Ian Brammer 426059 This issue sees several letters from readers but we’d like to Alan Brett 576108 hear more from you. If you have a story or a picture, John Cantrell 422107 particularly about wildlife, we’d welcome a contribution. Geoff Cooper 574878 Just email the editors at [email protected] Vivienne Law 575201 Editorial Team for this issue: Pat Mellish 574523 Ian Brammer Sheila Brammer John Stagg 572816 Kate Kilpatrick Bob Langstaff Alan Taylor 575544 Louise Leigh Jane Mellings Wendy Vernon 572812 Raph Murray Judy Wilkinson 614650 Design by Mel Wilcox (01625 576182)

Clerk: Sarah Giller 850532 [email protected] Future Meetings - All members of the public are welcome Cheshire East Council Your Councillors for and 19th April 2011 – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm. Cllr Harold Davenport 01663 763986 17th May 2011 – Annual General Meeting 8.00 pm. Cllr Matthew Davies 01625 426023 21st June 2011 – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm. Cllr Diana Thompson 01663 763329 Civic Service Sunday - 25th September 2011

3

Future Olympic Sailing Champions? by Raph Murray it and it is fun. This, combined with the satisfaction of hard competition and winning, is key to Hannah and Izzi’s enjoyment of the sport. Unbelievably these two young sisters also have time to do horse-riding, ski-ing and rock climbing. It’s little wonder that Hannah’s All Hallows school friends are both impressed with her unusual choice of sport and her success. This success and Hannah and Izzi’s introduction to sailing is partly due to the family sailing pedigree. With Grandad, Mum and Dad all keen sailors their involvement in sailing isn’t surprising. What Hannah and Izzi have added is a level of dedication and a passion to improve that both delivers success today and the promise of continued success in the future. With younger sister Madeleine also showing promise, her older sisters cannot afford any complacency in the race for family honours. Their plans for the future are to continue to progress through the RYA’s development pathway. This means continuing to do well in regional and national competition so that they can maintain and improve their national ranking. Already this year both Hannah and Izzi have been successful in events such as the mid-winter regatta at their home club Leigh & Lowton SC near Manchester with Hannah winning the Optimist class after a close run race and Izzi winning the Endeavour prize. Somewhat surprisingly for a place like Rainow which is about as far from the sea as any other place on the mainland the Bristow family from Johns Close are just one of a number of sailing enthusiasts in the village. However, I think Hannah and Izzi are usting, shifting winds, crashing waves, soaking spray certainly the youngest and most successful. They certainly show and just one small boat, one sail and one person. Add a lot of promise and we wish them well for the future. Gthe need to allow for the tide, set the sail, adjust the tiller, keep an eye on the competition and all this when you’re suspended over the side of a boat, skimming across the waves in the open sea at an exhilarating speed. So many things to think about, so many decisions to make especially when even a slight miscalculation can result in capsizing the boat, a complete soaking in freezing cold water and a temporary end to your challenge for the day’s race. Competing in this sport is impressive at any age, competing successfully in this sport when you’re just 10 or 12 is even more impressive. This, however, is exactly what two of Rainow’s youngest sailors, sisters Hannah and Izzi Bristow at just 12 and 10 years of age respectively, already do with a high degree of success both in the open sea and in local lakes. Indeed their sailing achievements have resulted in their selection for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) West Zone development squad for their chosen type of boat, the Optimist. With four gold plus silver and bronze medals, sailing was one of Britain’s most successful sports at the Beijing Olympics and the RYA are committed to maintaining this success well into the future. This means identifying talent early and Hannah’s and Izzi’s performances in 2010, including Hannah’s national girls’ top twenty ranking, have earned them selection for the regional development squad. This means that they will have the top class coaching and support to enable them to fulfil their potential and give them the opportunity to progress through the RYA pathway for potential Olympic champions. Achievement of this level of success requires considerable time and commitment with many weekend trips to development squad training days and competitive regattas around the coast or more locally. It’s just as well then that the whole family are enthusiastic sailors. Practice, practice and more practice is the key to success but this can only be sustained if you enjoy doing

4

How about a Night at the Opera! by Ian Brammer ilk Opera is little more than a was a natural for the Stage Design name even to the select few role. Carole Mullineux also has an Swho have picked up the ideal background for the position message that Macclesfield has she holds. Another keen singer, a brand new opera company. In Carole is responsible for PR and Rainow, though, it is a lot more than Marketing. She has put her degree a name and for a quartet of local in Marketing to use in a wide range enthusiasts Silk Opera means a of industries in the past and now new challenge. The four are active helps run the family business with members of the new company and her partner. each has a key role in driving the First on stage for Silk Opera is new enterprise forward. Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” – Carole Mullineux, Claire Sutton and Anna Riordan The company emerged from the described as a miniature master- success of “Monkey Run” in the piece – which will be performed on revival of Barnaby celebrations last 14th and 15th April at the renovated year. Composer and conductor United Reformed Church on Park Nicholas Smith built on the Green, Macclesfield. This will rapidly momentum of his first opera to be followed by an original opera by encourage the formation of a team Nicholas Smith –“The Bate Hall to set up a new company. The aim Ghost” – as part of the 2011 is to “ignite your passion” for opera Barnaby Festival from 17th to 19th in our area by producing operas June. Soon afterwards Silk Opera which provide the opportunity for makes its debut in Hall rising stars and members of the ‘s outdoor summer season with local community to work alongside what is probably Gilbert and seasoned professionals. Sullivan’s most popular work – The skills needed for success are “The Mikado” from 8th to 10th July. not just musical. An opera company Ultimately the aim is to provide year has sets and costumes to design and make, publicity to arrange round performances in atmospheric and unusual venues but and a host of supporting tasks to manage. Silk Opera has found there are also ambitious plans for a state of the art theatre in a skilled team in all these fields within the boundaries of Rainow. Macclesfield. Silk Opera aims to take the mystique out of opera Claire Sutton has always enjoyed singing and formed a Women’s and encourage its appreciation throughout the local community. Choir in 2005; her daughter Eleanor is a singer well known to us Tickets for all Silk Opera performances can be bought online at in Rainow and Claire herself played an active part in Rainow’s www.silkopera.com or from Waterstones in Mill Street and first Jazz Festival. With a business background Claire was an Janhill Estates Ltd, Waters Green House (opposite the railway obvious choice as Company Manager where she looks after all station). Telephone enquiries: 07775 344 828. aspects of the administration of the venture. Former art and design teacher Anna Riordan moved from London to Rainow a couple of years ago. Anna has a degree in 3D Design and this, combined with her artistic leanings, led her into the role of Rainow NSPCC Production Designer where she is currently finalising the The local committee has had another very successful year costume design for the first productions. Ali Woodburn is raising a total of £5482, 10% more than last year. another girl with the ideal background for a role in Silk Opera. Open Wardrobe Day Ali has a degree in Theatre Design and whilst at university she Forthcoming events include an 10th May spent some time with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. She on – a repeat of the popular Clothes Swap event. Come and browse and enjoy coffee, tea and cakes. Contact Sheila Brammer on 01625 426059. Our annual Salmon and Strawberry Lunch will be at Unit 3 Carolyn Gittins’ on 28th June. Contact 01625 420135. Riverside Works Forge Road Whaley Bridge Derbyshire Creative Workshops Well-known local artist Claire de Ruiter will be SK23 7HY running a series of workshops based at One House Nursery. Using merino wool and felt, Claire will be taking participants through one-day courses suitable for all abilities. Cost is £48 per course including all materials and refreshments. Riverside Engineering Contact Claire on 01625 574389 or see her website: Classic Car Servicing and Repair www.clairederuiter.co.uk Tel/Fax: 01663 719641 Modern car servicing & diagnostics also available See What’s On for dates and topics.

5

Rainow to Rival Macclesfield Forest? e have a Robin Hood in Rainow but we don’t have a forest! There are trees but Sue Frith’s Wnot many by comparison with other places - in fact only 12% of the UK’s Roast Salmon land area is covered by trees compared with with the European average of 44% and in Rainow Watercress the figure must be below that national average. Well, members of the Rainow WI are active in ecipe of the Month & Pinenut Stuffing a UK wide venture which will result in more

R trees being planted here. The national project Ingredients is called Women Reaching Women and is designed to raise awareness of the 2 Fresh boned and scaled salmon halves consequences of climate change so it covers from the same fish more than just planting trees and more than For the Stuffing action in the UK alone. Recently, for example, 75g (3oz) Soft slightly salted butter Rainow members have raised money to help a Grated rind of 2 limes Ugandan village put solar panels on their 2 x 75g (3oz) watercress (remove a maternity clinic but they felt they should also be doing something which would have an large handful and finely chop the rest) impact closer to home. 4 x spring onions finely chopped The leaves of one basil plant shredded In many countries climate change is producing an appalling lack of water in some areas and 100g (4oz) pinenuts slightly toasted unpredictable flooding in others. That may not Pinch of black pepper be happening here but trees have a key role in For the Sauce helping to draw carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the 1 tsp oil air and leading to a reduction of CO2 in the 2 cloves garlic atmosphere – hence the Rainow WI approach to planting more trees, not only to replace Half pint (275 ml) fish stock those being felled but to promote an increase Juice of one lime (keep wedges of lime overall. By encouraging planting they will be for garnish) supporting the Woodland Trust’s campaign to 150g (5oz) butter double the planting of trees in the UK. Of course a lack of trees means a lack of every- Method thing that goes with them: woodland flowers, 1) Mix all the stuffing ingredients to butterflies, birds and mammals so the benefit make a rough paste, reserving a quarter to us and our children will be more immediate of the pinenuts. than the impact on the bigger world. 2) Place one side of the salmon halves The Woodland Trust offers 105 native species skin side down in the centre of a free to community groups. In Rainow a number of people with space for trees have greased sheet of baking parchment. taken up the offer and – if the application is Season and dot with the stuffing and successful - are to plant small stands of trees sprinkle with remaining pinenuts. Place or copses on their land. Trees will hopefully be the other half of the salmon on top and planted at Rainow School, too. In fifteen years tie in several places with cooking string. or so we should all see the benefits of this planting with more wildlife, even more varied Chill until ready to cook. scenery and hopefully a real contribution to the 3) Preheat oven to 220c. Roast salmon reduction of CO2 in our atmosphere. for 20-25 mins until cooked through Remove and cover and leave for 10 mins then remove the string and transfer to a Answers to Winter Quiz platter. 4) Prepare the sauce. Heat oil in a small Pour a little of the sauce over the in Raven 13 pan and add 2 cloves of garlic and cook salmon and garnish with lime No one sent in a correct answer to the competition! gently until browned. Pour in the fish wedges and watercress. Pour the rest The prize will be rolled over to another quiz in the stock and juice of 1 lime then boil of the sauce in a serving jug. Serve Summer issue.Try again then! 1. White Nancy (it is mis-spelled like rapidly until reduced by half. Take out the salmon with a tossed green 2. Forty Shillings that) the garlic and beat in 5oz butter, a knob salad. 3. Christ Church 7. 36 Oak Lane, at a time. Season to taste. 4. Cheshire lilac and 8. Wimberry Moss, grey/fawn Kestrel, Orme’s End 5. Swanscoe Hall 9. Two carved stone lions 6. Carion (sic) crow 10. There’s a “deep drop”

6

Out & About with the WI! by Mary Meecham

Friends of Rainow School he Friends Of Rainow School have followed the success of the TChristmas Fair, our final fundraising event of 2010, by beginning this year with two terrific social evenings.

Visit to the Both the Quiz & Chilli Night and the Threshing Barn Valentine’s Party Night were near Leek thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended them. ainow WI has always organised outings; in days gone by, when fewer people had The aim of the FRS is to raise cars, members relied on trips in Mr. Bullock's bus for the opportunity to visit stately money to support the school and Rhomes, other towns or even the seaside. Now, of course, most are mobile, so visits benefit the children, by providing concentrate on specific events or places. In recent months we have joined in the funds for extra curricula activities and bicentenary celebrations in of the writer, Elizabeth Gaskell. A member of the equipment that would generally be Elizabeth Gaskell Society gave an excellent talk on her life and works in the Unitarian beyond the normal education budget. Chapel, which is itself historically interesting. Afterwards, lunch was enjoyed at the Belle Époque, another historic building, in the company of about 150 Elizabeth Gaskell fans. Each year we organise events and social activities that we hope will In October the National Trust starts to put its houses to bed for the winter. After seven or attract support not just from the eight months of visiting, these buildings need a lot of care and attention. We joined a families of the school and its staff, group of about a dozen to see how the experts do this at Little Moreton Hall. One of the but also from the wider community. Trust's conservators talked about the endless job of cleaning and repairing the house and furniture, using methods and materials suitable for the ancient objects. Although most of We have the following events us don't have to work on such a scale it was fascinating to see the work being done, and planned already for this year and we get some tips from the experts. A delicious lunch was then taken in the restaurant. invite everyone to come along and support us even if you don’t have a The last of the autumn outings was a walk round Georgian Manchester. On a cool, crisp direct association with the school: day we set out from Piccadilly for a 2-mile walk, starting in Mosley St, named after the Mosley family, Lords of Manchester. Then to St Anne's Square, with the old church May – The annual Sponsored Walk, among other buildings, and across John Dalton St to Mulberry St. There can be found date to be confirmed. the tiny "Hidden Gem"; an 18th century church, the first purpose-built Catholic Church 9th July – End Of Term Barbeque. after the Reformation. The walk ended very pleasantly at a small pub, originally a 23rd November – Fizz Fashion Georgian worker's cottage, close to the site of Peterloo. Evening The planning and organising of the WI trips is in the capable hands of Eilean Kilcoyne More details will follow nearer the and Beryl Forrest, who are currently busy with the 2011 programme. Rainow WI is time, but put the dates in your diaries active in many ways; the aim is to provide "something for everyone", and come along. which is working well in our expanding Institute.

Calling All Golfers! Rainow Church Fete 2011 Saturday 16th July India Direct is a local charity which supports two children’s homes in India. Jenny Crawford is a trustee and the charity is well-known Scarecrow Fortnight to many people in Rainow. For the first time a fundraising (9th to 24th July) golf tournament is being organised at Tytherington Golf Club This year’s theme will be: on the afternoon of 10th June. For four players the cost is £200 and this includes a supper “Pub Names” and prize-giving. Local businesses can sponsor individual holes. It’s time to get your thinking caps on For more information contact Jenny Crawford on 01625 433557 and start saving anything that might or email [email protected]. come in handy for your scarecrow! Any queries – phone Pam Armitt on 01625 573433 or William on 01625 425579

7

Eventful Out and About Spring with the Cubs by Akela Sue Grimes and Summer for Pre-School by Jane Mellings

here are two important dates coming up on the e finished last term by hiring the Ice Skating Rink in Macclesfield Pre-School calendar; the annual sponsored Bunny Wand having a family night there, it was great fun, enjoyed by all. THunt on Sunday 17th April, plus an open afternoon The Leaders ran a stall at the Church Christmas Fair selling on Sunday 26th June , which this year will double decorations and were able to give the lady from the charity ‘Zane’ £50 up as Pre-Schools 40th birthday celebration. towards helping people in Zimbabwe that we had learnt about for our Bunny Hunt 17th April 2 – 4pm Global Challenge Badge. The Bunny Hunt will, by kind permission of G Armstrong, This term so far has been taken up with practising our Pantomime, take place once again at the beautiful Snipe House which we have now performed. This year it was Aladdin and thanks to Farm, Lamaload Road. The walk, a mile or so up hill some wonderful costumes kindly lent to us by Terra Nova School and back down to the farm, taking in stunning views looked very impressive. The Cubs worked hard learning their lines in a across to Manchester, is geared specially for the under- short time; Widow Twankey and Abanazer were particularly good. The 5s, but all families are welcome, whether or not they evening was compered by ‘Tigger’ from the District Scout Team who have children attending Pre-School. Tickets cost £1.50 introduced the audience to some traditional scout action songs; any- per person (adult or child), and for each child this body who didn’t join in ended up on stage performing! Two cubs did includes a fluffy numbered bunny tail which must be some impressive magic, we had our own version of Strictly Come stuck onto the cardboard bunny bearing the same Dancing and some cubs did various camp fire stunts and skits. As a number. This bunny is to found somewhere along the reward for their hard work we are going to Laser Quest and the trail, and families are encouraged to arrive ready to set Climbing Wall at the Trafford Centre. off walking for 2pm. While practising we did manage to have one night out in Macclesfield Forest – Deer stalking. I must admit I didn’t think we would see any- After the walk, back at the farm, there is plenty of space thing with 25 Cubs with us, but they were so good and quiet we did to run around, plus a BBQ, bar and tea and cake stall to see two hinds; it was wonderful, the night was very dark and a full reward weary legs, including delicious cake from the moon came out from behind the clouds, a memorable night. cafe at Arighi Bianchi. There'll be face-painting and competitions too, and all children will leave with a A team of six cubs entered the District Handicraft Competition, certificate and chocolate easter egg. We've deliberately the theme was making ‘Get well cards, toys and pictures’. kept ticket prices low for this favourite event, but if you Out of ten packs we were Runners up and got a large would like to donate more to Pre-School then why not shield. Marks were also gained for working closely sponsor your child to take part? Tickets, and sponsor- together and being tidy. ship forms, are available now from Michelle French on We have just spent an excellent weekend at Ilam Hall 01625 575958 or [email protected]. Youth Hostel where the Cubs gained their astronomer badges. Open Afternoon 26th June 2 - 4pm If you're interested to find out more about Rainow Pre-School then please come along to our open New Leader afternoon on Sunday 26th June at the Rainow Institute. Drop in any time between 2 and 4pm to meet staff and Rainow Scouts other families and see Pre-School's hands-on approach for in action! There'll also be the opportunity to visit our new teve Rathbone is happy to announce that a new leader has allotment and outdoor space. joined him to run the Rainow Scout group. Matt Payne recently moved to Hurdsfield from Birmingham where he led a local Pre-School is 40 years old this year, so we invite any- S Beaver pack. His ambition, though, was to be a Scout leader and one that has had a connection with Rainow Pre-School he was delighted to discover that Rainow Scouts were looking for just (and it's earlier incarnation Rainow Playgroup) to come such a person. However, there is always a waiting list to join the group along to the open day to help us celebrate. We'd like to and one more leader would help to ensure the future of scouting in create a display charting the history of Pre-School so if Rainow. you have any photos, pictures, stories etc. we'd really appreciate being able to use them for the day. Please If you would like to volunteer in a fun environment deliver them to Pre-School, in an envelope clearly with the opportunity to learn new skills and make marked 'Pre-School's 40th birthday' by Friday 17th June. a difference to young people in our community, then please contact: Steve on 01625 572013.

8

Out of School by Jonathan Norris

ince the last update about life in river flowing through its grounds. total of 19 different species of bird and Rainow School we have enjoyed We use the outside environment I’m sure that the squirrels enjoyed the Sone of the most exciting times in constantly, from the weekly welly walk food too! any primary school…the run up to in the reception class to detailed soil We are looking forward to a number of Christmas. This year was, as usual, survey investigations with the year six highlights over the rest of this term. wonderful. The Christmas fair, school pupils. In recent weeks we have The new library continues to grow and parties, talent show, Christmas dinner, developed an orienteering course develop. For Red Nose Day we came school plays, staff pantomime (don’t around school, made further progress close to achieving our target of ask!) and carol service in the Church with our recycled bottle greenhouse as climbing the height of Mount Everest all helped to make this a very special well as using the hill areas as training on a climbing wall in the school play- time for the children. slopes for our cross country running ground and are hoping to raise £1300. As many of you will know we are team. However, one of the most We are delighted to be entertaining a privileged to have such outstanding enjoyable recent activities was the number of Headteachers from Kenya grounds to support the teaching at school bird watch completed by Class as part of our links to Mutiume School Rainow School. There are very few 3 in conjunction with the RSPB. The in the Rift Valley. There is always schools that are fortunate enough to reward for regularly filling the bird table something exciting happening within have woodland footpaths and even a over the winter months was seeing a the school community.

Rainow Pre-School the perfect start

Based in the beautiful village of Rainow, our friendly creative pre-school provides 1 sessional daycare for up to 24 children aged 2 /2 - 5, most of whom go on to the acclaimed Rainow Primary School. We offer:

G qualified, well organised and supportive staff G free places for all 3-5 year olds G excellent resources for hands-on, imaginative play G a happy, safe environment, including a new outdoor space and allotment G opportunities for active parental involvement Open Afternoon and 40th birthday celebration: Saturday 26th June - 4pm, Rainow Institute

To talk about a place for your child, contact Rainow Pre-School on 01625 574069 or visit www.rainow-preschool.org.uk

9

"T his is my patch!" "Hoverfly" Photographer N igel Cam Photographer Nigel Campbell pbell

"Female Chaffinch“ Photographer Nigel Campbell "Who are you looking at?" - an alpaca visits Back Eddisbury Lane "Twitchers" on the look-out - Photographer Richard Brimelow Rainow School pupils learn the art!

Lamb Photographer Nigel Campbell

10

Wildlife in Rainow This full colour page has been created through a grant from the Big Lottery Fund

“Treat for a Waxwing“ Photographer Paul Flackett

“R edpoll spo Pho tted in R tographer P ainow aul Fl ” ackett

“Just visiting (Millers Meadow)” Photographer Sue Grimes

“Feast for a Fieldfare” Photographer Bob Langstaff

"K eeping a low p Photographer R rofile" ainow Schoo l “Easy pickings for a Chaffinch” Photographer Nigel Campbell

11

Zach Wilcox Are you paying too much for your Gardening & Maintenance Broadband Service? G Weekly Garden Maintenance by Raph Murray G Dry Stone Walling G Tree Felling ost Rainow residents will readily agree that their actual internet broadband G Hedge Cutting speed is a fraction of the prospective speeds that they are paying for. Research published by Ofcom in March this year revealed that 58 percent of G Gutter Clearing M customers on ‘up to’ 20 Mbps received 6 Mbps or less. As most internet & Replacement users in Rainow struggle to achieve even 2 Mbps the gap between prospective and G Flag Laying actual speeds is much worse for us than for customers in more densely populated G Fencing parts of the country. This discrepancy would be more acceptable if the charges were correspondingly lower or if there was a prospect of future improvement. The reality, however, is that just as the broadband infrastructure in many parts of the country is being upgraded to provide next generation broadband speeds of up to 40 Mbps using fibre optic technology and just as the need for faster broadband is increasing, 01625 576182 there are no plans to upgrade broadband access in Rainow. Mob : 07758 249587 As individuals there is very little that we can do about this. The cost of providing the infrastructure to improve the service means that BT or other providers consider it is 58 Sugar Lane, Rainow simply not economic to improve the broadband service in Rainow. However, if we as a community can show the educational, economic and residential benefits of upgrading broadband in Rainow we can present a strong case to East Cheshire Council and private network operators for extending next generation access to Rainow. To build this case, however, we need your help. Over the next few weeks a member of the Rainow Broadband Action Group: John Allen, David Hasler, Dominic Hughes, Andy Poole, Aubrey Ironmonger, Richard Stocker, Richard Brimelow or Trevor Perry, will be contacting you in person or by email to find out a bit more about your current use of the internet, eg cost, speed, provider, how it is limited by the current speed and your priorities for an improved service. This action group was formed as a result of previous articles about broadband in the Raven when a group of dissatisfied users met in the Robin Hood pub to share their OUR OCAL ERVICE experience and discuss what action could be taken to improve the level of service. Y L S This meeting reinforced the view that although the current broadband service was generally sufficient for low volume e-mail, file share and web browsing it started to become frustratingly slow or impossible for viewing i-Player, sending high resolution photographs or uploading larger files. This limited the usefulness of the HarropRainow Fold Farm internet for educational, business and residential use. Tel: 01625 560085 The difficulties of achieving next generation access in rural communities have been recognised and a recent BT white paper on this topic (see web address below) has reinforced the view that the most promising approach is likely to be via a partner- Somewhere very special... ship between the Local Authority and a private operator. However, rural A Quintessentially English Experience, communities need to take action to lessen the risk of not being included in the Delightful Award Winning roll-out of next generation broadband and if they want to seize the opportunity of 5 Star Guest Farmhouse and providing fast access infrastructure to their residents and local businesses they will need to seek proactive partnerships with appropriate network operators. Financial Self-catering Cottage Accommodation support for such initiatives was announced by the Government as part of the set in 20 acres with breathtaking Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010 when the Chancellor of the views over the Cheshire Plain. Exchequer announced that £530m will be provided for super-fast broadband to be We offer ’Cupcakes Galore’ - extended to rural areas (this includes part of the BBC licence fee). hands on cookery courses as well as a It has also been suggested that if East Cheshire allows its network connections in ‘Cornucopia of Canapés’ - schools to be part of the new initiative, a private sector operator, eg BT, Virgin, etc, hands on Canapé courses along with would be able to ‘piggy-back’ on the local authority network. This would require an Cookery Demonstrations with Lunch or assessment of the impact on the school’s network of widening access but it does Dinner using the finest local ingredients offer the prospect of a low cost means of improving community broadband service. led by our own Cordon Bleu trained Chef. If you have any suggestions or comments on how to improve broadband speed in Rainow, would like to become involved or simply just take part in the survey, please Day & Residential Art Courses contact a member of the action group (as listed above) or send an e-mail to: with our Resident Professional Artist. [email protected]. Web address BT White paper: Gift Vouchers available and Corporate and www.btplc.com/ngb/Rolloutprogress/Rollout/AcceleratingNGB.pdf Group Bookings welcome. www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk www.michaelmooreart.co.uk www.leahspantry.co.uk

12

The Perils of Poultry by Andrew Renshaw

ot everyone has a properly developed sense of quickly becoming thirty. Duck eggs seem to have a slightly proportion. Being the recipient of an incubator a more ‘creamy’ taste than hen eggs but are renowned for their Ncouple of Christmases ago led to something of a superiority when used for baking. case of poultry megalomania, a disease difficult to It became apparent that one of a batch of turkey poults cure. Starting with just four point-of-lay pullets and being obtained last year was actually a stag, although these are surprised and pleased with the quality of their eggs, the first usually reserved for the catering trade due to their size. Quite insidious symptoms appeared. Why not have a few more spectacular in appearance if somewhat ungainly in deportment, and maybe get some recognised breed rather than the he has been retained, along with a mate and a first egg has ubiquitous hybrid layers. Friends kindly offered fertile eggs, been laid. It remains to be seen if this and any subsequent Derbyshire Redcaps, Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Marans and ones are fertile. Sussex. The incubator takes twenty-four. Twenty hatched right on cue after three weeks, under close and interested Several predators relish poultry, which must be securely scrutiny. The disease took firmer hold. housed at least at night. As darkness falls hens which wander about the farmyard and on Kiskhill Lane will return and go to roost by themselves. Slightly annoyingly, ducks and geese will With all the equipment to hand; brooder box, heat lamps, chick congregate near their housing but actually need to be driven in. feeders and drinkers, it seemed a pity not to incubate another It is more or less impossible to drive hens. batch. A friend keeps geese and the eggs were in surfeit. What variety are they? ‘Farmyard’, but definitely worth trying in the The snowfalls earlier in the year showed a surprising number incubator. So six goslings joined the increasing flock, becoming of tracks of predators and other wildlife. It is easy to recognise quite vociferous as they matured. badger, fox, rat and even red deer which obviously find walls, hedges and fences no barrier at all. Badgers are very strong At hatching chicks show a preponderance of cocks, which and have broken into poultry houses on a couple of occasions when adult, can be very handsome but aggressive. They are but only seem to kill one, in contrast to the indiscriminate killing not much deterred by any sort of ‘aversion therapy’ unlike by foxes. A loss of nine hens found headless one morning was geese who seem to have a longer memory. The text-book discovered to be due to a mink which later that day was caught deterrent for ganders is to mimic their aggressive display by when it returned for a second sitting. crouching, using an outstretched arm, with the hand opening and shutting representing a beak, whilst hissing loudly. It is not widely known that eggs can appear to defy gravity. If a Intimidation can be increased by jumping up and down. hard-boiled egg placed on a flat surface is spun sufficiently Passers-by find this entertaining. quickly, it will stand on end. This is due to the ‘Coriolis effect’ which also influences the direction of rotation of the vortex in Being offered some Khaki Campbell and Aylesbury ducks, draining bathtubs. Supplies of eggs to conduct trials of this are (who could resist?) they proved flighty at first but soon available at the little stall at Back o’ th’ Crofts farm gate! settled down to more important matters, the initial ten

13

Changeover Time at the Brownies Young Ravens by Brown Owl, Susan Norman ou might not know it, but there's a thriving youth group in Rainow, and ince the autumn, the leadership of the 1st Rainow Brownies has gradually been Y it shares the name of this magazine. changing. Charlotte Grimes, who set up the Brownie unit four years ago from scratch, has found it increasingly difficult to be able to dedicate her time and “Come to Ravens for hilarious S moments” says one satisfied customer energy to the Brown Owl role. So, around the end of November last year Charlotte asked me to swap roles so that I became the leader in charge rather than assistant of the group which meets on the 2nd leader. More recently, Charlotte decided to give up her guiding role completely. What and 4th Monday of every month during Charlotte has achieved in the past four years is something she should be proud of and term times at the Church Centre. The she will be missed. focus is on having fun and sharing time with friends; there's usually table tennis, Her last meeting with us was held on 3rd March. That evening we had seven new pool, darts, a dance mat or volley ball Brownies becoming enrolled as well as being tested for their hostess badge and serving on offer, as well as a girly table set up refreshments and providing entertainment. Parents were present to see their daughters with nail varnish, temporary tattoos etc. make their commitment towards their Promise as a Brownie and also take part in the And there's a tuck shop too selling presentations of gifts and goodbyes to Charlotte. Throughout the changover I have sweets, chocolate bars and drinks. been supported by a well-organised parent help rota, which ensures we have our adult Subs are just 25p. to child ratios and I would like to thank all parents for the support they have given me. Ravens also put on a film night on the Another six Brownies flew up to Guides in February after completing their Go For It 1st Monday of each month; recent badges and I understand the Guide Unit is now almost full. New Sixers and Seconds screenings have included 'Toy Story 3' have been appointed and the girls are excited about their new leadership and 'Cloudy with a Chance of responsibilities. Meatballs'. The 3rd Monday in the In 2011 the older Brownies have helped the new members understand more about month it's the turn of Rainow's Christian Brownies with games and challenges. They have completed final challenges for their Youth Group, which, like Ravens, is Centenary Adventure 100 badge, celebrated Chinese New Year and produced open to all. Valentine’s Day crafts. During half term we were also able to visit Silk fm 106.9 radio Ravens is roughly divided into two age station where the Brownies were given a guided tour and shown how everything groups; so Ravens 1 (school years 7 worked. The Brownies and leaders were also taken by surprise as we and 8) are invited from 6.30pm until were all individually interviewed live on the radio station and the 8pm, whilst from 8pm onwards the Brownies had the opportunity to promote 1st Rainow Brownies with Ravens 2 (schools years 9 plus) take their very own Brownie radio jingle as part of their Adventure 100 over. With Rainow children now often Grow Guiding Centenary Challenge. The Guiding Centenary dispersing to several different high reminded us all that taking part in Guiding gives us many schools after year 6, Ravens 1 is a special memories to remember and also that we have so much great opportunity for them to meet out- more fun to have in the future! side school and stay in touch; “I enjoy Anyone who wants to know more about joining Brownies can seeing my old friends because I don't contact me on 01260 223793 (Work) or 01260 223695 (Home). see them as much anymore” says a Raven 1. Ravens often put on special events, and Carole Harvey Telemarketing get out and about. Last autumn they enjoyed a murder mystery night themed around the Oscars, as well as some New Business Development messy games at Halloween. There's also usually a moonlit December walk Appointment Setting across the hills to carol sing at Jenkin Chapel. The carrot is the promise of hot chocolate, served from a campervan, Telephone Marketing when they arrive! A trip to Alton Towers is planned for later this year, whilst for 22 Millers Meadow, Rainow, Macclesfield 01625 573576 [email protected] many a recent highlight has been an X Factor night, with members of local band Hot Vestry as the judges! In fact many a Hot Vestry rehearsal has taken Computer & I.T. Solutions place at Ravens, it was where the band for home or office really found its feet a few years ago. Commonside Farm If you're in year 7 or above, do just turn Ecton Avenue, Buxton Road, Macclesfield up and give Raven's a try. You'll be SK10 1RB made to feel very welcome. The first sessions in April will be on the 4th (film Contact STUART [email protected] night, starting at 7pm) and the 11th starting at 6.30pm. For more details call 01625 669750 or 07770315443 Jenny Crawford on 01625 433557 or Jackie Ward on 01625 610956.

14

Readers’ Letters Meet the Councillors letters sent after the last issue of the ost of the readers’ As a result Name: JUDY WILKINSON Raven were about broadband connection. Action Group MRaph Murray initiated the Rainow Broadband Time on Council: 5 years (see article in this issue) and more recent letters have been Born: Macclesfield, May 1951 referred to this group. Other letters relate to the wildlife article Autumn Raven: and to the Best kept Home: Tower Hill which appeared in the These are printed below: Village competition. Family: Husband Tony, sons Tim and David, not forgetting rescue Dear Editor dog Toby and four chickens. I particularly enjoyed the article by 'Birdbrain' in the recent Occupation: Retired teacher but edition of The Raven. As a very keen birdwatcher I thought I'd take still doing some supply teaching at up the invitation to share with you my Rainow birds. Rainow School, where I am also a For me THE avian spectacle is the twice-daily winter commute of Community Governor. more than 2,000 Jackdaws over the village, from and to their roost at Danes Moss on the outskirts of Macclesfield. On New Years Day Hobbies and interests: Travel, Theatre, Gardening, Reading, in 2006 I positioned myself near Tower Hill well before dusk and Birdwatching, and Natural History. I also love snorkelling but made a rough count of the returning birds in their successive only when the water is clear and relatively warm these days. waves. The figure I got was 2,450!! In the past I have scuba-dived in caves, quarry pools and However, as avian spectacles go, the mid-summer screaming rivers in Britain, in Winter, in a wet suit. With age comes parties of Swifts are hard to beat. As you will probably know they more common sense! nest under the eaves of the Robin Hood and have also nested in one of the cottages on Chapel Lane. Every year I pray that any building maintenance activity is completed before their arrival in May and takes their needs into account. I believe they sometimes also use the church to rear their young. In recent years I have been delighted by the number of species visiting our garden, mainly during the cooler months. In addition to the 20+ counts of both House Sparrow and Goldfinch, plus other common birds, we have managed to attract Bramblings (max count during winter 08/09 was 13), Redpolls (max 7), Bullfinches (max 6) and Siskins plus very occasional visits from Reed Bunting, Treecreeper and Blackcap. The Redpoll (or Lesser Redpoll to give its full name) is an unassuming little bird that is often overlooked. As I write this, they have just started to visit the niger-seed feeders again. (see photo) During May 2008 I opened the front door to let the cat out and was amazed to see an Osprey flying north over the village. Lucky or what?!! Another noteworthy raptor I have seen on a few occasions in the Garden Safari Rainow area is the Peregrine - twice in the Hedge Row area (where it was attacking Wood Pigeons) and once from the path to Visit gardens in Rainow open on 11th June in aid of Lamaload below Yearns Low. In this latter area I have also seen Rainow Church. Admission by programme £2.50. Teas, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel, Wheatear and Stonechat. This latter cakes and plant sales. Contact Jane Warren 01625 574918 species, hitherto fairly common, has not been evident at all in 2010. Being an insect-eating resident, it suffered very badly in the exceptional winter weather and may take many years to The Raven has just won a grant from The Big Lottery Fund to recolonise. devote more space to wildlife and we hope other readers will follow Other birds I see regularly in the parish are Green Woodpecker Paul’s lead and report on Rainow’s wildlife or even contribute articles and Redstart, especially on Kerridge Hill. At Hough Hole pond I on our wildlife. The grant will also help us to have more pages in have seen a group of Goosander in the winter and I recently saw a colour – and now we can show Paul’s magnificent photo in colour! Kingfisher there. I once saw a Dipper on the river below the pond (see centre pages) and have also seen them on a couple of occasions higher up the Best Kept Village? river nearer to Lamaload. The marshy area where Lower Brook reservoir used to be threw up Dear editor a surprise one year when two Snipe suddenly flew up. I've not Walkin g around the village I have no noticed any since, but then they can be quite secretive. It's a containers once so well kept by the nowtice disbanded that the floral promising area though and often produces Grey Wagtail and Pride team are becomin d Community g neglecte occasionally some sizeable post-breeding flocks of Pied Wagtails to initiate an “ado d eyesores.Would it be po pt a tub” schem ssible strung out along the wires. residents, livin e? Perhaps a f g near to one of the tub ew green fingered Best regards, maintenance of what was once an as s could take on the Replantin set to our village Paul Flackett. g should not cost too much and could po . funded by the P ssibly be arish Council. Anon (name and add ress supplied) 15

News HEATING OIL from the BEST SERVICE Lamp and Candle AT COMPETITIVE PRICES FARM & COMMERCIAL FUELS hese are calamitous times for Rainow hostelries. It is LOGS & HEAT LOGS perhaps this situation that WIRRAL FUELS Thas led to the proprietor É of Rainow’s least-known 01244 - 851200 pub – the “Lamp and Candle” contacting the Editor of the “Raven”. This contact from the DUNKIRK ESTATE, DUNKIRK, keeper of Rainow’s best-kept CHESHIRE CH1 6LZ secret, whilst very welcome, nevertheless speaks volumes on the seriousness of the social situation in the village. The editorial team are proud to include in this issue this first ever written report from “The Lamp” to the outside world.

“Hello to you all from the Lamp and Candle, I know you don’t hear much from this part of Rainow, but that’s just the way we like it and I’d like to open my first report for The Raven by No Pressure! thanking those from the village who visit us every now and again for keeping quiet and not letting people think that our doors are open to the No Preaching! 21st century any more than they were to the 20th. It’s not that we’re an No Annual Contract! unfriendly bunch here - copies of your magazine get passed across the bar from time to time and we keep a good eye on what’s going on in the village. Just friendly people on hand to help you achieve Anyway, the main point is that in the space of a few weeks the Rising Sun your health and fitness goals at your own pace. has set forever and the Highwayman has robbed his last shilling. The There is more to us than you think; come and try village has gone from having four pubs to just two – the Lamp & Candle a class, a swim, the sauna, the power plate or and the Robin Hood, and this is very worrying. Much as we like to keep one of our new exercise courses ... the choices ourselves to ourselves here I thought someone should ring the alarm bells. are endless! Remember that once upon a time Rainow had seven shops, and then there was one and the warnings went out, use it or lose it. Nobody listened and Bollington Health and Leisure, the home of ... before anyone could blink it was gone and the village has been trying to get it back ever since! It’s been the main talking point in the Snug here for weeks and my regulars are very worried that if the Robin Hood should go the way of the others people are going to be snooping around trying to find us in their desperation for a Brown Ale and a pickled egg. The other point my customers have been discussing is a worrying anti-men trend in Rainow. One of our regular visitors from the village has found out For more information or to start your journey that there are no less than FOUR Book Clubs in Rainow and all of them to a fitter, healthier you, call 01625 574774. have an exclusively female membership! I am sorry to put the cat amongst the literary pigeons in my first report but I believe that the men of Rainow deserve an explanation. I admit that there’s not much reading done in “The Lamp” but we do have a small bookshelf with such tasty items as “Know your Whippet” "Farrowing for Beginners" and the “Daily Mail Road Atlas of Great Britain (1954)", but the lads in the Bar feel the injustice. It’s a matter of principle. Well that’s about all for now. We still like to see those who know how to find us for a gill and a quiet chat but all this upset with the pubs has only gone to show that we were right to say nothing when the landslip cut us off from the village all those decades ago. What I say is - if they don’t know where you are they can’t close you down! Big Society? You can shove it! We want none of that at the "Lamp" – give us small society every time, even if one of the main players in the big version does live less than a mile from our sign. We never see him in here anyway! Bye for now” 16

Kerridge End Holiday Cottages Rainow's Only 5 Star Gold Self Catering Holiday Cottages Cheshire's Only Green Tourism Silver 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

The Yellow Teapot Café

FAMILY BUTCHERS Palmerston Street, Bollington Homemade scones Tel: 01625 572202 Delicious sandwiches Homemade pies 114 Wellington Road, Large selection of cakes Bollington “Follow the yellow teapot signs!” Tel: 01625 573172 Open 10am – 5pm Wed, Sat & Sun 5 Fountain Place, Common Barn Farm, Smith Lane, Rainow Tel: 01625 872154 Tel: 01625 574878

Wellington Road, Bollington SK10 5JR G For jazz G For comedy G For chamber music G For professional & amateur theatre productions G For talks G For art exhibitions G For poetry readings G For rehearsal space G For classes G For hire For more information visit our website: www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk or ring 573863

ROY McCARTHY Studio/Gallery@Kerridge End Coaches for every occasion Cesterbridge Cottage Kerridge End Rainow Telephone: 01625 612478 35 - 70 Seaters Please call us for our 2011 brochure www.janeosmond.net with details of our holiday tours and day excursions

Tel: Macclesfield (01625) 425060 www.roymccarthycoaches.co.uk THE COACH DEPOT N SNAPE ROAD N MACCLESFIELD 17

Barnaby Festival Returns Healthy Changes at Bollington ack by popular demand the Macclesfield Barnaby Festival will n 2010 when Bollington Leisure Centre became Bollington Btake place on 17-19 June 2011. Health & Leisure the move involved more than a lick of paint For one summer weekend the whole town will come to life with Iand a new name. The team wanted very much to move away arts events, music and performances in historic buildings and from preconceived ideas of what a leisure centre is - the big open spaces around the town centre. grey brick, foreboding building smelling of chlorine that we all probably recognise. The Barnaby Festival is Macclesfield’s modern revival of a tradition celebrating the feast day of St Barnabas that began Bollington Health & Leisure provides the best leisure and many centuries ago. There has been a Barnaby Fair since the exercise facilities for the community and promotes a healthy 13th century but in recent years this great tradition has all but lifestyle to all. The centre offers state of the art fitness facilities, a died out. In 2010 it was reinvented as a weekend festival of arts, relaxing sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, competition standard culture and fun. squash courts and high energy and toning exercise classes; additionally there is a warm swimming pool and children's soft “This Barnaby Festival is especially exciting as the town is play. Recognising there are different approaches to health & celebrating its 750th year as a Charter Borough,” says Festival wellbeing there are sports, remedial, holistic and beauty Chair, Lynne Jones. “We are using this milestone as inspiration therapists on site offering massage, reflexology, and facials. for the Barnaby Parade, representing 750 years of Macclesfield history, which we’re calling the Treacle Town Timeline.” The centre is a charitable, not for profit, organisation, managed As well as the parade, there will be plenty of other free activities by a board of trustees who have long-standing links with the for children to enjoy, including the Family Fete: ‘Barnaby on the area. Income comes from flexible memberships, pay as you go Beach’. There’ll be a seaside on the lawns of Christ Church in options and great value for money offers through the year. the town centre, as well as a Pirate Island with crafts, circus skills Many people comment on the 'tardis' like centre with more on and sports activities. “They’ll be something for everyone”, says offer than they realized. Go and have a look around and see Jane Munro, one of the Festival organisers. “As well as basking how you can achieve your health, leisure and exercise goals. on the beach by day, visitors will be able to saunter round the streets by night, enjoying a mix of poetry, music and live entertainment in café bars and restaurants which will stay open concert (including the world premier of a new piece of music by late into the evening.” composer Chris Swithinbank, to be recorded by BBC Radio 3), There will be a rich mix of visual arts as well as comedy, poetry, and on the opening night of the Festival, Barnaby plays host to open studios, a photography exhibition, and live music, including BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? programme, to be broadcast live a touring production of ‘Piaf – the songs’ and a new community from St Michael & All Angels church on Market Place. opera, ‘The Bate Hall Ghost’. For more information, and details about how to buy tickets for The King Edward Musical Society will play a special classical some of the events, please visit www.barnabyfestival.org.uk

The

Ꮳ Robin Hood One Food Served Wed - Sun Ꮳ And Then There Was … Sun Carvery Only (12 - 6pm) Ꮳ Real Cask Ales he Raven hasn’t said much about the village pubs in the Ꮳ 4 En Suite B&B Rooms Ꮳ past. That was because in the happy days when there were A Warm Welcome at least three it would have been unfair to single out any of Tel: 01625 574060 T www.robinhoodsteakhouse.com them. Now we are down to one, though, things are different. The Robin Hood has been in existence since the early years of the nineteenth century but today, like many country pubs, the Plans for a shop on site are in the pipeline and will be welcomed Robin has to cope with new challenges and a tough business by many villagers. This ambitious new venture should result in the environment. The new management team has plenty of ideas on opening of a general store selling dry goods, bread, fresh meat, how to survive the difficulties and prosper, though, and is already newspapers, vegetables and fish. Stephanie will run this, too. setting about making things happen. Andrea Marshall and her John explained that whilst any local shop will be unable to partner John Ward have lived in Rainow for over five years and compete with Tesco on price the team plan to focus on quality. think it a wonderful place to live and they have plans to make the When the Parish Plan was developed many Rainow residents Robin a village hub for locals and the first choice for visitors to the said they would like some kind of retail shop in the village and area. Using their backgrounds in the aviation business where expressed ideas on what goods such a shop should provide. The customer service was priority number one, they are aiming to detailed information gleaned in the questionnaires distributed at provide that service in Rainow by retaining the best of the the time has been passed on to the team. The three are currently business they took over and introducing new ideas. tackling the many practical issues of planning permission, supply, Traditional bar food will continue to be served during the day but equipment etc. so keep an eye open for developments in the near in the evenings (except Mondays and Tuesdays) the Robin Hood future! And to keep up to date on what is going on at our only opens as the Cheshire Steakhouse Bar and Grill serving what is village pub take a look at: www.robinhoodsteakhouse.com claimed will be exceptional food, prepared by their chef Nicol who has worked in many fine Manchester restaurants. Details of OPENING TIMES PUB FOOD SERVED menus will be on the pub’s website (see right). The present B&B Monday - Tuesday 16.00 - 24.00 CLOSED Wednesday - Thursday 12.00 - 24.00 12.00 - 14.30/18.00 - 22.00 rooms will continue to be available and will now be managed by Friday 12.00 - 01.00 12.00 - 14.30/18.00 - 22.00

Andrea’s sister Stephanie McAdam who is making a big change Saturday 12.00 - 01.00 12.00 - 22.00

Sunday 12.00 - 23.00 12.00 - 18.00 (Carvery only) in her life by giving up nursing and moving to Rainow. ᒇ

18

What’s On in Rainow and Bollington APRIL 2011 3 until Sundays 2 - 4 pm In the Gallery – Canvas, Thread & Steel Bollington Arts Centre 8 May and during events Paintings by Sabine Kussmal 9 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Bollington Arts Centre The Erringden Ensemble Tickets £14/£7 Tel: 01625 560355 or 575287 10 2.30 and 5.30 pm Bollington Festival Music Theatre Bollington Arts Centre Divine Pursuits £6.00/3.00 Tel: 07774 514517 10 10 am to 4 pm Spring Landscape – Workshop - painting with wool One House Nursery Contact Claire de Ruiter 01625 574389 11 7.30 pm Rainow WI - Rudyard Lake – Ray Perry Rainow Institute 16 8.00 pm (doors Silver Dogs Folk Rock Band Bollington Arts Centre open 7.30pm) Tickets £8/£7 Tel: 01625 573413 19 7.30 pm Mothers Union – Visit by our Prayer Partners Rainow Church Centre 22 10am Meditation Service Rainow Church 8.30 pm Kerridge Cross Service 24 10 am Family Communion Rainow Church 3 pm Holy Communion Jenkin & Forest Chapels 25 - 29 Daily Great Shakes – Acting Course for children 7 - 14 Bollington Arts Centre Tel: Fiona Penney 07930 653145 30 8.00 pm (doors Jazz at the Arts Centre Bollington Arts Centre open 7.30pm) The TJ Johnson Band. Tickets £9 01625 574410 MAY 2011 1 7.30 pm Felt Bags – Workshop by Claire de Ruiter One House Nursery Contact Claire de Ruiter 01625 574389

6 8.00 pm (doors Bolly Comedy Club Bollington Arts Centre s On open 7.30) Info from www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk Tickets £8 7 - 22 Daily Garden Sculpture Trail - Refreshments One House Nursery 10 am - 5 pm (8th May for National Garden Scheme Charities). 8 8.00 pm The Hermitage Ensemble Bollington Arts Centre a Quintet of Male Voices from St Petersburg Tickets £10 Tel:01625 560355 or 575287 9 7.30 pm Rainow WI - Resolutions & Social Time Rainow Institute 10 2 - 4.30 pm Rainow NSPCC Open Wardrobe Day Cesterbridge House, 6.30 - 9 pm Contact Sheila Brammer 01625 426059 Rainow 11 7.30 pm Rainow 5 Hill Race Rainow Institute Entries at the Institute from 6.30 pm. Minimum age 16 14 TBA Three Peaks Fell Race – Kerridge Ridge, Registration on the day, White Nancy & Nab Head. Minimum age 16 at Bollington Brewery Company (Vale Inn) 19 Mothers Union Outing 29 7.00 pm “Precious Nonsense” - Frank Walker assesses Bollington Arts Centre the career of W.S.Gilbert. Tickets £5/4 Pay at door Brownies at Tatton 29 11.30 am Joint Service with Sutton, Wincle, & Wildboarclough followed by Walk & Picnic JUNE 2011 10 Afternoon Charity Golf Tournament - information or to book Tytherington Golf Club a place phone Jenny Crawford 01625 433557 11 TBA Garden Safari in Aid of Rainow Church Throughout Rainow Visit open gardens in Rainow. Village Contact Jane Warren 01625 574918 13 7.30 pm Rainow WI - The Citizen’s Advice Bureau Rainow Institute 15 TBA Manchester & District Orienteering Club See MDOC Website Countryside Score Event - Rainow 19 10 am - 4 pm Felt Vessels - Workshop by Claire de Ruiter One House Nursery 21 17.30 pm Mothers Union - Were you evacuated in the War, Rainow Church Centre Grandma?

28 12.30 pm Rainow NSPCC Salmon & Strawberry Lunch 24 Manchester Road,

Contact Carolyn Gittins 01625 420135 Tytherington 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.

19 What’

Walk 9: Robin Hood to Tegg’s Nose Let’s Stop Going Round in Circles Map: Rainow Parish Paths and/or nlike all the other walks we have Council a year to get it replaced, during OS 1:25,000 OL 24 The White Peak Ufeatured in the Raven this one is a which time Plodder regularly swam the 2.5 – 3 miles (4km) linear walk so you’ll either need to river when making assignations. Distance: have two cars and leave one at Tegg’s (to Car Park) Now up to Lamaload Road. Bear to the Nose for when you have finished or walk left after the bridge and climb on path 69 200m Ascent: back the same route...or better still walk up towards Berristall Farm (keeping it on Going: Good paths and tracks back using your own route (there are your left) and through a narrow stile onto Time: Allow 2 hours but give your several). the farm entry track where you bear left. self another hour to wander round the Surely all readers of The Raven will have Follow the path up hill again through a Country Park and double if you want been to Tegg’s Nose Country Park. It is small gate looking out for two pigs here- to walk back only just outside the Parish but is within abouts. the old Macclesfield Borough so we can Start: Robin Hood, Church Lane At the road turn left over the cattle grid view it as ours. and cross to a stone stile a few metres Teggs Nose, car park Finish: Once you’ve sorted out the cars, set off before Horden Lane Ends Farm. Over the Footpath numbers relate to the Rainow up the road from the Robin Hood and stile and uphill through fields, over a small Parish Paths map. when you have passed Yearns Low footbridge and then after a complicated Cottage on your right carefully cross the set of wooden stiles traverse along with a road and double back along the driveway dry stone wall on your right until reaching into Yearns Low Cottage, next to the a large ladder stile to cross the wall. Chapel on footpath 73. Over the stile into Cut diagonally across the next field to a the pasture, keeping the wall and fence paved track where you turn left. Excellent on your right and head in a more or less views here back to the Saddle of Kerridge straight line for Thornsett Farm. This is and Rainow as well as across the sheep country so dogs on leads please. Cheshire Plain. Continue for a short way If the gate at the end of the pasture is along this track until meeting the Gritstone closed you’ll need to climb the magnificent Trail coming up from your right. Here stone stile over a high wall...not for the there is a fork. The track continues on to faint-hearted. Continue along the track Horden Farm but you should bear right with Rainow Parish Church on your right with the Gritstone Trail along a fieldside and an excellent view of our well-kept track (68) that crosses another field until graveyard. you reach a newly installed kissing gate At the end of the pasture as the track and descend steeply down to a stream. enters the farm there is a gate on your Cross the stream and rise steeply, bear- left, go through and follow in the same ing left and then right up through fields to direction looking down into Thornsett the corner of Bull Hill Lane and the main Farm yard and then over another stone road to Buxton. Cross with great care and stile at the end. Care is now required as on the other side pass through a stile onto you descend across the field to the track a gently rising path (55 becoming MT2) and double back to meet footpath 72. that now leads across several fields but is Turn back over the cattle grid and walk clearly marked to Windyway (on your left). along the track back towards Rainow with You’ll hear the dogs barking in the rescue the farm up above you on your right. and boarding kennels almost certainly! After about 150m leave the track by a stile At the end cross a stile onto a track where on the left and descend steeply and you turn left to meet the road almost diagonally down a field on footpath 74. immediately. Turn right onto the road and Footbridge over the River Dean At the bottom there is a high wooden the Tegg’s Nose car park is on your left. ladder stile followed by the recently Admire the views, inspect the old stone installed wooden bridge over the river machinery. Then return to the Robin for a Dean – the last one was blown away a well-earned pint. few years ago and it took the Parish by Plodder

Looking back to K erridge ᒇ

20