Raven the Quarterly Magazine for the Whole of Rainow

TheNo.10 Spring 2010Raven The quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow

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

Chairman’s Report March 2010

I was re-elected for my continue to give financial support to the publication although the third term of office at our editorial team are having a good deal of success in attracting AGM in May 2009 with advertising from local people and businesses and our Mary Marsh re-elected contribution has been reduced accordingly. Finance is a as Vice Chair. Viv Law continuing challenge and the future of the magazine does was appointed to the depend on us continuing to find advertising support. Council in April taking over the seat vacated by Grant Successes Justin Gutmann. Viv has We were successful in gaining another grant of £2000 from fitted in well to the Cheshire Community Action under the Parish Small Grants Council and is currently scheme for improving countryside access. A specially taking over from Ian Brammer the role of leading the designed laminated footpath map board has been erected by Footpath Group. The change in council membership has Trinity Garden. Councillors and helpers are now installing not affected our position in seeking Quality Council status, footpath number markers, and a series of descriptive walks in which requires a minimum of an 80% elected Council and the area is being featured in the Raven. The Council also we hope to pursue the achievement of that status. provided backing and advice to the Rainow WI, resulting in the award of a Grassroots Grant for removal of overgrown Highways & Traffic shrubs and replanting at Trinity Gardens. With the spring We continue to have close contact with the Highways arriving we should soon be able to see the results! Department of Cheshire East but with mixed success. We have shared our experience with Councillors in Bollington, New Local Government Action Higher Hurdsfield and Pott Shrigley where similar conditions The Parish Council has maintained a significant involvement exist. Councillors have met with Highways Engineers on in the new Cheshire East Unitary Council, which along with several occasions tackling them about gully emptying, road Cheshire West took over from Cheshire County Council, and signs, gritting, collapsed walls and recently a dangerous road the six district/borough councils from the 1st April 2009. We situation at Tower Hill. have attended budgetary and consultative workshops and Along with most parts of the country we had problems with other development meetings. We have also responded to the gritting of roads during the recent cold weather. We had consultation documents issued by the new authority. Through been given assurances that most roads in the village would our membership of ChALC (Cheshire Association of Local be gritted but unfortunately this has not been the case; we Councils) we have been pressing for representation on the two have also pressed for the grit bins to be refilled with little operational boards beneath the Unitary Council, that of the success. An area in which we have had some measure of Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and Local Area Partnerships success is in the cleaning of road gullies, but again we have (LAP’s). been told that some gullies in areas where water does not One of our Councillors now sits on the Macclesfield LAP and, accumulate will not be cleaned as often as we think along with Councillors from Bollington and Sutton, represents necessary. the views and interests of Town & Parish Councils in this area. We are concerned that the 30mph speed limit introduced four Another of our Councillors has been selected as a Trustee on years ago has not been extended to what we know as the the Cheshire Community Action board. This organisation still edge of the village along the B5470. We have pursued this covers all of Cheshire and has been instrumental in helping us with the Highways people and got nowhere. We have put in gaining grants and advice. forward a proposal to the Cheshire Association of Local The Boundary Committee (part of the Electoral Commission) Councils for this anomaly to be resolved and await the result has been considering changing the warding of the whole of of this. I have to say a positive resolution does not look Cheshire East (along with other areas) and we have been promising. involved in these consultations. The outcome is likely to be We have also tried out a SID (Speed Indication Device) on decided later this year. The view of our Council was that we Hawkins Lane, borrowed from the police, and this showed should be aligned with the rural community ward which would that over 30% of vehicles were exceeding the speed limit be known as the Sutton Ward. This would consist of us, Sutton, along this road. We are currently considering how we can get Wildboarclough & Macclesfield Forest, Kettleshulme, Bosley some action to control speeding along this section of road. and Wincle. This ward would have one Councillor Another issue which is a cause of much concern in the representation on the Cheshire East Council. It was felt that a community is that of dog fouling. The Parish Council is Councillor dedicated to rural issues would be to our advantage. considering another campaign similar to that carried out We nevertheless intend to maintain our friendly links with 2 years ago targeted at dog owners. We are currently waiting Bollington, Pott Shrigley and Higher Hurdsfield as we share a the reprinting of the leaflets, which are issued by Cheshire number of common interests. East, the old ones being out of date. Community Spirit Award Parish Plan Through the volunteer group ably led by Liz Lawson, we once The Parish Plan Implementation Group have started a review again competed in the Best Kept Village competition, now of the Parish Plan, which is now four years old, and expect to called Community Pride. This year we met with great success issue an update of the recommendations during the summer. as we won the Community Spirit Award for Cheshire and also It should be remembered that computer and projection went on to win the Communications Award for the Northern equipment was provided from grants received through the region in the Calor Village of the Year Competition. We Parish Plan process and these are available for use by any congratulate the team and all those that helped to establish bona fide village organisation. These are looked after by the our village as one of the best in the region. This was very Ravens Church Youth Group and any enquiries for loan of the much a community-wide effort with representatives of virtually equipment should be directed to them. every group in the village playing their part. We were awarded The Raven magazine continues to be a great success with an oak tree as part of the prize and this was planted at Mount issue number ten appearing now. A lot of this success is down Pleasant on the 1st December 2009. The cash prize of £175 arish Council News to the skill and efforts of the editorial team of Ian Brammer, Tony will be used to replace and improve the planting boxes Nicol and Bob Langstaff who, along with other contributors, give throughout the village. their efforts voluntarily. The Parish Council have decided to

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The Mount Pleasant Phone Box Following consultation with residents we have agreed to adopt the red telephone box at Mount Welcome to Pleasant. This was offered by BT as part of a nation wide scheme to shut down redundant boxes in the near future. It appears that the use of mobile phones has resulted in a lot of these becoming virtually unused.

Meetings and Events We held our third Joint Issue meeting at Pott Shrigley with The representatives from Bollington, aven Pott Shrigley and Higher Hurdsfield R Councils. pring is finally here and lambs are already cavorting We also held our third Civic Service Ceremony in September, in Rainow fields, but it has seemed a longer and which was again rated a great success by locals and visitors S colder wait than we have become used to. “Snow on alike. A big thank you to Judy Wilkinson, Jo Poyser and the many higher ground” featured in many weather forecasts in behind the scenes people who made this occasion another January and February and we soon realised that meant success and demonstrated how well the community can work us! Being cut off from the outside world, however, has together. given the editors of The Raven the chance to reflect on We are consulted on planning applications by Macc. Borough the magazine’s progress and think about its future. Council and Peak Park and make regular monthly visits to the various locations within the village. We are told that although we This is our tenth edition and another landmark for The don’t have the last word our views are taken account of. It is Raven. Over the past three years the magazine has perhaps a sign of the times that these applications have increased in size, with more features and stronger continued to reduce over the past year. advertising support. The Parish Council continues to Finally, Councillors carry out all of these activities on a voluntary back us and we like to think The Raven played its part basis and I would like to express my thanks for their efforts and in Rainow’s success in the Shell Community Pride support. Competition. The magazine was surely a positive factor in the village’s progress in the Calor Village of the Year Ken Butler 5th March 2010 Competition where success in the Northern Region Communications Award led on to our place in the Future Meetings National Final. And in March the magazine was one of the three success stories presented at Cheshire 20th April 2010 18th May 2010 Community Action’s Members Meeting. So far, so good. 15th June 2010 20th July 2010 But after three years it is time to look again at what we are doing and gauge what will be needed to maintain our success. What was fine in 2007 is quite possibly in the process of becoming obsolete and maybe we could have Your Parish Councillors done even better, anyway? Ken Butler (Chair) 433168 So, we are reviewing the contents, the style and the Mary Marsh (Deputy) 573508 presentation of the Raven. Can we find a way to afford more colour in the magazine? Do we need to expand Ian Brammer 426059 any particular part or drop something else? Can we offer Alan Brett 576108 advertisers something more? How can we enhance the John Cantrell 422107 financial performance to the point where we are Geoff Cooper 574878 completely self-financing? Most important of all, how Vivienne Law 575201 can we reinforce the editorial team with fresh ideas and some younger thinking? If you have thoughts or views John Leigh 574327 on these questions we want to hear from you. John Stagg 572816 Alan Taylor 575544 We’re looking for new talent; people who can contribute Wendy Vernon 572812 ideas and energy. Reporting or writing skills are desirable but not essential. We also need someone Judy Wilkinson 614650 interested in expanding our advertising base and Clerk: Sarah Giller 850532 developing contacts with our existing loyal supporters. [email protected] If you feel you could be one of the team we’d like to hear from you. Cheshire East Council Your Councillors for Bollington and Disley Editorial Team: Ian Brammer (01625 426059) Cllr Harold Davenport 01663 763986 Bob Langstaff (01625 573761) Cllr Matthew Davies 01625 426023 Tony Nicol (01625 421297) Cllr Diana Thompson 01663 763329 Design by Mel Wilcox (01625 576182)

Out of School by Mark Bertinshaw e have been delighted with some visits from the East Cheshire Rangers Finally we have booked the 10th July as Wexcellent inter school performances who helped us to work on shelter a school barbecue evening. We would in sport recently. As many of you building techniques and weather survival. like to continue to celebrate our school’s will know we take part in a variety of As you can see the children experienced 25th birthday year and it would be lovely different school sports competitions with a muddy but enjoyable day. to see anyone who has been involved some success. It is usually the junior with the school over the past years as a pupils who take part in these events, parent, PTA member or any other link, however I am delighted to report join us for the barbecue. accomplished performances from our Please put the date in your diary. younger pupils as they were awarded the Tickets will be available from the school Macclesfield gymnastics trophy. two weeks prior to the event.

We also take part in some higher level academic challenges. I am delighted to report that Joseph, one of our Year 6 pupils, received the much coveted The older children have been studying bronze award in the National Primary ‘Weather’ as a project this term. The Mathematics Challenge recently. The highlight of this topic allowed us to make final paper was extremely difficult but the most of our wonderful school Joseph performed brilliantly to achieve woodland area. We enjoyed a number of an extremely high level.

Meet the .com to Rainow Councillors For the last couple of years however, the Name: JOHN LEIGH site has fallen into a kind of limbo. It still has the odd hit from New Zealanders in Time on Council: 22 years, including search of long-lost granddads and 12 as Chairman Americans hunting for landowning forebears, but as far as residents are Born: in Rainow in November 1948 concerned it has become something of a and has lived here all his life no-no. Jim Crowther, our volunteer everal years ago the Parish Council Home: Hough Hole Close webmaster, does an excellent job in decided it was time for Rainow to join updating the content whenever he is Family: wife Jean, daughters Mandy Sthe world wide web and tell the rest advised of a change, but there is a and Alison, son-in-law Carl of the universe just how wonderful definite lack of any fresh and invigorating our village is. input from the village in general. Occupation: Plumber and Heating A site was duly designed (amateur job So, please can you help? Engineer only I’m afraid) and an appropriate address was found Should we, for example, try to integrate Hobbies: (www.rainowvillage.co.uk). The content the Parish Council site with other local Woodworking, was decidedly factual and unlikely to sites such as Richard Leigh’s excellent Mending induce too much excitement for the www.Rainow.org and that of the village things, virtual visitors, but, nonetheless, Rainow school? Or perhaps we need to Walking, was finally part of the outside world. generate more life through active forums Caravanning, or find an editor who has the time and Beekeeping For local consumption, there were bus energy to take a really proactive role. and timetables, lists of worthy organisations, Gardening doctors’ surgery phone numbers, names If you have any ideas as to how we can of plumbers and carpet sellers, and all the breathe a little extra excitement into our usual paraphernalia expected of a rural web presence, please leave a message community. Local news, such as there on the website. was, was duly posted.

New Attraction at Rainow’s Secret Garden!

he volunteers at the delightful One House Walled Garden have Tbeen working hard to finish the 'Victorian' greenhouse in time for this year's Sculpture Trail and National Garden Scheme charity opening. The greenhouse will form an important part of the Walled Garden behind the One House Nursery on Buxton New Road and has been built using as much of the original structure as practicable and with fittings from the period. Louise Baylis and her team scoured the land searching for Victorian cast iron components to replace missing items.

The glazing has been particularly of the greenhouse was glazed in autumn Liverpool artists Pete & Sue Jacques challenging and time consuming and has given the team the opportunity designed to fit over the door. following the decision to use traditional to over-winter colourful bulbs, nectarine, narrow panes of glass with a curved peach and fig trees. Everyone is looking The Sculpture Trail takes place from upper & lower edge. The theory is that forward to a good crop of chillies, Saturday May 8th to Sunday May 23rd, the water is channelled down the centre cucumbers, tomatoes and maybe even with May 9th the National Garden of the glass panels & away from the melons and kiwis during the summer. Scheme opening day. Entrance is £3 for glazing bars. Hundreds of individual adults & free for children. Refreshments pieces of glass have been measured, The final piece of glass should be in & car parking available at One House cut and fixed with buckets of linseed place on May 8th. This is a specially Nursery, Buxton New Road. putty and brass pins. The first section commissioned piece of stained glass by

Out & About with the Cubs Charity Group by Sue Grimes raises £5000+ nfortunately the Cubs voted not to do Uour annual Show this year, so we had an informal Campfire Evening with the Beavers and a few cubs entertained us with short skits. Our challenge this term is to get fitter and try new sports. We went Roller Blading where the boys impressed me by mastering their skates in an evening - The Charity Clothes Swap although most had never been before, by the end they were going round with- he Rainow NSPCC Committee out holding on. Our other new sport we had a great year in 2009 with are trying is Tai Kwondo. T the amount raised for the charity We celebrated Burns Night and every topping £5,000. Successful events Cub tried some haggis (without knowing included: a Strawberry Lunch, exactly what it was!!) and most liked it. a Hair and Beauty Lunch at the There were also some Highland games We had a very exciting evening Hunting Lodge, a Clothes Swap including tossing the Caber. when we were visited by evening and Punch and Mince Pies. We entered a team of six in the District an amazing array of Handicraft Competition, where the animals and The group also helped the Rainow theme was George and the Dragon. reptiles from Cubs at their Barn Dance and Gavin was second with his drawing of St ‘Corner Exotics’. Barbecue. Forthcoming events will George slaying the Dragon. They also The boys were able to be an Italian Supper Evening on built an impressive castle. For the first hold snakes, frogs, giant May 7th and a Salmon & time we were unable to make up a team millipedes, locusts, rats, giant Strawberry Lunch on 22nd June to enter the 5-a-side football competition. snails and more. It was very (see the What’s On list for details). interesting and entertaining.

Crashes into Rainow

Vicky Binns aka Molly Dobbs

The pub played grateful host to cast and there was double delight. The pub was t was drama all the way when the crew, with the Director even taking up really busy at what is normally the ICoronation Street stars and residence in the B&B accommodation. quietest period of the year, and she was production crews turned up in Much of the action was centred on the invited by the Director to be his guest on Rainow recently. There were staged derelict farmhouse at Withinlow (just location with all the excitement that car crashes in Saltersford, below the Highwayman) that was entailed as characters Molly, Tyrone, kidnappings in Harrop, and a very chosen as the scary prison for a kidnap Kevin, Norris went about their business. busy two weeks for the team at the victim. Robin Hood. The episode that was being filmed is For Robin Hood landlady Karen Farrow, due to be aired in mid-April.

Shake, Rattle & Road by Richard Leigh

The inevitable legacy of this natural and development of some rather good public man-made activity is potholes, raised iron applications, one of which is a useful site work and blocked drains, all dangerous developed by cycling enthusiasts at: obstacles to the pedestrian, cyclist, rider and driver. We don't need roads as level http://www.fillthathole.org.uk as billiard tables, nice though that might Here we can easily report hazards such be, just ones flat enough to be safe. as: ur poor roads Cheshire East Council is responsible for hardly get a the maintenance of highways and GG Potholes Omoment's peace; footpaths throughout the area, but unless GG Raised or sunken manholes or sometimes it they know a problem exists they cannot drains seems like the utility fix it. Unevenness due to rut or gully companies take it in GG turns to plough up the Anyway, help is at hand, courtesy of GG Debris on the road surface tarmac and the H. M. Government and their recent GG A surface poorly restored after situation is not helped initiative to publish non-personal official road works by all the melting snow data. This has been made available to and freezing water we us, the general public, via the Internet have enjoyed recently. (how else?) at: A pothole in Bollington was reported and fixed within three weeks. Allegedly! www.data.gov.uk. This initiative has facilitated the

Free Electricity from your Roof? by Graham and Pat Mellish

(10kw x £0.44 x 365 x 25 years). Once installation charges and grants are taken into the sum, the savings are estimated at £13,150 over twenty-five years or, roughly, a return on investment of 100%. However, while that may represent an excellent deal for the individual homeowner, thanks to the Government’s guaranteed cashback, there is a significant problem for the economy in general. Solar PV is great technology – provided you live in southern California. But the further you travel from the equator, the less sense it makes. It’s not just that the amount of power which PV panels produce at UK latitudes is risible in national olar panels have been around for twenty years or more and grid terms; they also produce it at the wrong time. the concept of generating your own electricity is perhaps In hot countries, where air conditioning guzzles vast quantities Seven more appealing today than it has been at any time in of electricity, peak demand coincides with peak solar radiation. the past couple of decades. In the UK, peak demand takes place between 5pm and 7pm on A further boost was given recently when the Government winter evenings – the wrong time of day and the wrong time of announced the Clean Energy Cashback scheme. This provides year for solar radiation. financial incentives for homeowners and businesses to install Another cause for concern is the fact that the UK scheme has energy-generating technologies. Not only does it allow you to been modelled on a ten-year-old German initiative, the success save on your own electricity bills but also encourages you to of which has been somewhat dubious. The real net cost of the export any spare electricity to the national grid. The authorities solar PV installed in Germany between 2000 and 2008 was have even promised that the amount you are paid will be linked 35bn and this investment made wonderful sense for the lucky to the Retail Price Index, ensuring that your payback rises with householders who could afford to install the panels because inflation. lucrative returns were guaranteed by taxing the rest of A recent study of the suggested return for one Rainow resident Germany’s electric users. living alone with a 2.1 kilowatt photovoltaic installation on the But what has this colossal level of spending achieved? roof showed the following results: the unit would theoretically By 2008, solar PV was generating a grand total of 0.6% of the generate 10 kilowatts per day which would give a guaranteed country’s electricity. 0.6% for 35bn. tariff return of £40,150 over a period of twenty five years Hands up those who think this is a good Government investment!

Watch Out There’s A Cop About! ast Cheshire police officers may well be visiting you soon! have been left unlocked But only if you are one of the people who forget to lock and the contents stolen. And Etheir doors. Officers in plain clothes are carrying out on farms the risks are at least patrols trying the door handles of houses between 4pm as high with the potential and 2am. Whenever they find one unlocked they will knock pickings for thieves even until someone answers, even if it means someone getting out greater through the theft of of bed. Then they get over their message – “if we had been farm machinery, trailers and burglars you would have lost cash, a laptop, sentimental items quad bikes. such as jewellery or possibly the car off your drive!” So lock up or lose it is the As well as “burglaries with good intent” officers are distributing message. At the same time door hanger cards which list the security checks to be carried keep your eyes open for suspicious people and vehicles. out before anyone leaves home. These can be hung on a door The police would rather deal with a call which turns out to handle as a permanent reminder. be a false alarm than set about solving a crime which need Police say nearly forty percent of burglaries in East Cheshire never have happened. You don’t have to dial 999 – and are carried out through unlocked doors or downstairs windows shouldn’t unless there is an emergency – you can contact which have been left open. Just because we live in a rural the police on a non-emergency number 0845 458 0000 to area, we are no less vulnerable to thieves than townies and, in report a crime which has already been committed (“returned fact, we may be even more of a target because we are used to home and found bike stolen”). Or you can use a voicemail quieter surroundings and maybe less security conscious. number (0845 458 6371) to speak to an officer about a Recently there have been a number of thefts within a couple of non-urgent matter and would like the police to call back. miles of the Rainow village centre where outbuildings or sheds Alternatively you can call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The heaviest and mo st persistent snows f years b rought a glo Photo:o Davidr twenty Catlow Smithy L rious white mantle to ane and to mo st of the vill age. The Raven’ s Eye View

g skills are. reviveernon Eager sho endy V erridge side a recent indooppers were keen to make the mo Ancient duellinon K Photo: W r marke the fund t that was held to hel s of R st of ainow I nstitute p boost . 8

Snow-cappe d Cesterb Colin P ridge House at K ickf shows its great picture-po erridge End a break in the snoword and to dfriend use stcard po down P tential. enny L Photo: Ian Brammer ane and clorive a flock ser to hom Photo: Brian Kilcoynee. n’ s Eye View

Thornse tt Farm in the snow

Photo: David Catlow

Quilting with the WI by Mary Meecham

YOUR LOCAL SERVICE

n the early 1980s a group of (quite members showed an interest in learning young) WI members, together with to quilt. Jackie Richardson, with around several friends, got together on twenty quilts behind her, offered to be the I demonstrator and eight new quilters were Thursday afternoons to explore new craft work. To start with they met at Ruth born. The group is very informal, with the Humphrey's house to learn to spin. When more experienced needlewomen helping the course came to an end, everyone the new girls. They meet once a month, wanted to continue to meet regularly so on the first Monday, in each others' the venue changed to the Institute, where houses. They work on many differing some carried on with spinning while projects, from cushion covers to full-size others followed their own interests. In bed quilts, with cot quilts for grand HarropRainow Fold Farm 1986 the village was fund-raising, and the children in between. Some were complete group decided to make a patch-work quilt beginners, and all have now made Tel: 01625 560085 to raffle. Everybody made a square, beautiful pieces. It is good that the WI is which were all sewed together, and one continuing to keep traditional crafts alive, Somewhere very special... villager was thrilled to win the resulting especially when it brings people together quilt - she still has it! for fun and friendship. A Quintessentially English Experience, Delightful Award Winning Since then, the members of the group Another craft project from years ago was 5 Star Guest Farmhouse and have together made well over a hundred the making of kneelers for Rainow increasingly beautiful quilts, most of them Church. These are in constant use in the Self-catering Cottage Accommodation in traditional designs, though more varied pews there. It seems that there still are set in 20 acres with breathtaking modern patterns have crept in, some unfinished ones lurking in closets views over the Cheshire Plain. particularly since grandchildren have and drawers round the village. Elizabeth started to appear. Brimelow would be glad to hear from you We offer ’Cupcakes Galore’ - if you have one, as she would like to get hands on cookery courses as well as a In 2006 a number of current WI them finished and the project wound up. ‘Cornucopia of Canapés’ - hands on Canapé courses along with Cookery Demonstrations with Lunch or Dinner using the finest local ingredients Computer & I.T. Solutions led by our own Cordon Bleu trained Chef. for home or office Day & Residential Art Courses Commonside Farm with our Resident Professional Artist. Ecton Avenue, Buxton Road, Macclesfield SK10 1RB Gift Vouchers available and Corporate and Group Bookings welcome. Contact STUART [email protected] www.harropfoldfarm.co.uk 01625 669750 or 07770315443 www.michaelmooreart.co.uk www.leahspantry.co.uk

Farming - weather or not. By Andrew Renshaw of the Rainow Countryside Group

The geese and ducks didn’t seem to mind the snow too much and were, indeed, in their element as the thaw set in, but the hens were much more circumspect, venturing timidly out into this confusing new environment. I was told that they could possibly suffer from snow blindness and be unable to find their way back to their shed, so they were kept in during the worst of the snow.

To my surprise, the hens did somehow communicate to me that they didn’t like to be kept in. Their general demeanour unmistakeably showed this and they can also draw my attention to an empty feeder or drinker. Perhaps they are more intelligent than one might suppose but nonetheless the resident cock attacks me about three times a week, despite some aversion therapy. Surprisingly hens seem to be above ducks in the pecking order but below geese. Laying performance for the prolific Warrens suffered only a little in the coldest weather but the other rare and less prolific breeds were more affected. I suppose rare breeds are rare for good reasons!

On a disappointing note, the warmer weather has meant the re-appearance of “doggy bags” thrown up the bank on Snow-shrouded Kiskhill Lane, or pushed into dry-stone walls or just dropped Kiskhill Lane on footpaths. It must be easier than taking them home or putting them into the bin specially provided near the Robin Hood. Shame upon the perpetrators! pring, late as it is, must be on the way soon, but even a cursory glance at the fields around Rainow Incidentally, Chinese lanterns with wire frames are Sshows that it hasn’t started yet, the fields still being something of a hazard to livestock, converting them very an insipid brownish-green colour. With lambing due occasionally to deadstock by peritonitis, pieces of the wire to start on most farms about mid April no new grass having punctured the intestines. Six of these have been growth has yet taken place, so pregnant ewes must be found on the farm recently. Apparently plastic framed ones given supplementary feed. However, “Dr. Green”, that are becoming available which should be less dangerous. pre-eminent vet, would prescribe luscious new grass for their diet. Unfortunately the wet summer of last year Now, with days lengthening and warming, farmers prepare made the production of good hay and haylage difficult for the cycle of tasks which have always been undertaken and the bagged feeds (which sheep find delicious!) are year by year. But as little as seventy years ago in Rainow expensive. Grass growth starts when the temperature- all these tasks were performed without motive power and sum (tsum) reaches about 200 and this, to say the least, with harsher winters than today, notably that of 1947. has yet to be achieved. This temperature sum is the daily mean temperature above +5ºC, summed during a How ever did they survive? growing season and is a measure of the warmth of that growing season. A buried lamb emerges

Compared with conditions half a century or so ago this winter may not have been so very exceptional, but nonetheless farmers and their sheep have had quite a hard time. Some of my own sheep, sheltering in the lee of walls, became buried in drifting snow and one local farmer had to retrieve about thirty buried sheep. This is very hard work indeed added to which is the labour of carrying feed to them in difficult conditions. Sheep, whilst they are quite hardy, do tend to lose condition in cold weather but can usually be put right by “Dr. Green”.

Water for my poultry would freeze night and day in the eight containers, these being difficult and time-consuming to unfreeze, despite hot temper and blistering oaths.

When Nancy was Young by Bob Langstaff

n my continuous delving for bits and pieces of Rainow history, I have come across yet Ianother explanation for the local phenomenon we know and love as White Nancy.

Histories, newspapers, letters and word-of-mouth stories The latest account unearthed is from a letter sent to the abound about how it came to be built and named. There are Macclesfield Courier in the mid-1950's at least three current ideas as to the origin of the name White Nancy. The 'white' is fairly easy to deal with, and probably 'My late grandmother told me that one of the members of came from either the lightness of the original stone against its the Gaskell family of Ingersley Hall was a ship's captain. surroundings, or from its being painted white, perhaps from its beginning. The 'Nancy' part is less easy to conjecture on. The He thought he could identify the ridge when his ship entered primary local tale is that the monument was named after one of the River Mersey. To make absolutely certain he built and the daughters of the Gaskell family, the local landowners who furnished the landmark now known as White Nancy on lived at Ingersley Hall. But the Gaskell's were not an ordinary the northern end of the ridge. All who had assisted him in village family, they were very powerful, and although philanthropic, were fully aware of their place in the local society, the erection partook of a feast served in the interior. A large as was the rest of the village. If, as the tale goes, they built the circular stone table, with stone benches around the wall, tower as a monument to Waterloo, it does not ring quite true completed the furnishings. Entry was by means of a that it would have acquired a tag with such easy familiarity as massive iron-studded wooden door, which faced the path the Christian name of one of their daughters. Why not the Gaskell monument? through the plantation leading to Ingersley Hall'.

The second story I have heard is that Nancy was the name of Whether the labours of the captain and the villagers proved the the horse that pulled the stone up to the ridge - possible, but point is unfortunately not recorded, but now we have another again just a tad remote. The most tortuous suggestion is that it story to add to the legend of White Nancy. Daughter of the 'Big was a diminution of the word 'ordnance' - I doubt it! House', a carthorse, a triangulation point with a nickname or an eagle-eyed sea dog? Take your pick. Some time ago I discovered an account of a hunt which harried through Rainow and across 'Northern Nancy'. This account In the meantime, perhaps any Rainovian who finds her or predates the monument by about five years, assuming that it was himself entering the River Mersey, will they keep their eyes built as a Waterloo memorial, and suggests the name Nancy peeled and let us know! may have been extant in the area before the folly was built.

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22 Millers Meadow, Rainow, Macclesfield 01625 573576 [email protected]

HEATING OIL BEST SERVICE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES Ingredients FARM & COMMERCIAL FUELS 500g aubergine, sliced 1cm thick LOGS & HEAT LOGS 200ml approx. Olive oil ÉWIRRAL FUELS 100g Flavoursome tomatoes, 01244 - 851200 chopped 3 medium Spring onions, DUNKIRK ESTATE, DUNKIRK, CHESTER. CHESHIRE CH1 6LZ finely chopped 1 Garlic clove, crushed with salt 2 tbsps Red wine vinegar 2 heaped tbsps coarsely chopped Mint plus sprigs to garnish Salt and black pepper Dave Wilcox Photography Method 1. Heat a large frying pan and add half the oil, add enough aubergine Beautiful slices to cover the base, cook on both Weddings sides until golden brown and soft. 01625 560500 2. Remove and drain on kitchen www.drwphoto.co.uk paper. Repeat until all the slices of aubergine are cooked. 3.Mix garlic and salt with tomatoes and spring onions. Add the vinegar and season to taste. 4. Cut the drained aubergine slices into quarters and combine with the tomato mixture.

5. Add chopped mint and leave to marinate for a couple of hours. 6. Serve with a garnish of mint leaves.

I like to serve this with hummus, tzatziki and pitta bread as a light lunch or starter.

Richard Buckley T/A Travelbreeze, Higher Fold Farm, Rainow Road, Macclesfield

Wellington Road, Bollington SK10 5JR The Yellow Teapot Café G For jazz G For comedy G For chamber music G For professional & amateur theatre productions G For talks Homemade scones Kerridge End Holiday Cottages G For art exhibitions Delicious sandwiches Rainow's Only 5 Star Self Catering Holiday Cottages G For poetry readings Homemade pies Cheshire's Only Green Tourism Silver Award winning Cottages G For rehearsal space Large selection of cakes N The Hayloft sleeps 6 N The Coach House sleeps 4 N The Stables sleeps 2 G For classes G For hire “Follow the yellow teapot signs!” For details of each cottage see: www.kerridgeendholidaycottages.co.uk Open 10am – 5pm Wed, Sat & Sun For more information visit our website: Email : [email protected] Tel : 01625 424220 www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk Common Barn Farm, Smith Lane, Rainow or ring 573863 Tel: 01625 574878 Winners of North West Tourism for All Award 2009 ROY McCARTHY Coaches for every occasion 35 - 70 Seaters Please call us for our 2009 brochure 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

Studio/Gallery@Kerridge End Cesterbridge Cottage Kerridge End Rainow Telephone: 01625 612478 www.janeosmond.net PRUNING FELLING PLANTING PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL SOIL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY LIGHTENING PROTECTION

For your FREE copy email us at: [email protected]

JOHN LEIGH (PLUMBING) Plumbing & Heating Engineer A personal and FAMILY BUTCHERS reliable Painting and Decorating service, Oil & Gas N Gas Safe Registered Palmerston Street, by a local, Bollington experienced 2 Hough Close, Rainow, Tel: 01625 572202 craftsman. Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5UN 114 Wellington Road, FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL Bollington 01625-821783 Telephone: Home (01625) 574327 Tel: 01625 573172 or 07954 326863 54 Sugar Lane, Rainow, Mobile: 07885 819031 5 Fountain Place, Poynton Macclesfield, Tel: 01625 872154 Cheshire. SK10 5UJ 14

What’s On in Rainow and Bollington APRIL 2010 7 10.00 am Bridge End Centre - Longer Walk Bridge End Centre, – Across the fields to Higher Hurdsfield Bollington Contact 01625 576311 12 7.30 pm Rainow W.I. Rainow Institute Talk on Newts by James Grundy 16 8.00 pm Bollington Festival Photography Group Bollington Arts Centre – learn about their activities and secrets of photography £5/£3 pay at door 17 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Bollington Arts Centre – Cropper, Welsh, Roscoe Trio Tickets £12/£6. 01625 560355 or 575287 18 April - 23 May In the Gallery – A place in Time Bollington Arts Centre Sundays 2–4 pm – paintings by Lynn and Ronald Daley and during events 19 7.30 pm Friends of Rainow School Meeting Robin Hood, Rainow – all welcome 19 8.00 pm Bollington Civic Society – “Bollington Matters” Oven House Lane An Open Discussion Community Centre 20 7.45 pm Mothers Union Rainow Church Centre – Talk by Fr. Michael Burgess – The Seven Deadly Sins 21 10.30 am Walking for Health with the Rangers Bridgend Centre, Bollington 24 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre Bollington Arts Centre – The Old Fashioned Love Band

Tickets £8. 01625 574410 s On 28 10.30 am Easy Walk in conjunction with Age Concern Bridgend Centre, - approx 2 miles Bollington 30 8.00 pm Bolly Comedy Club Bollington Arts Centre, Tickets - 01625 560774 MAY 2010 7 7.30 pm Rainow NSPCC – Italian Supper Evening Higher Fold Farm, Tickets £10. Contact Pat Buckley: 01625 438021 Higher Hurdsfield 8 - 23 Daily Sculpture Trail One House Nursery, 10 am - 5 pm Entry £3, children free Buxton New Road 9 10 am - 5 pm National Garden Scheme Open Garden One House Nursery, - One House Walled Garden. Buxton New Road Entry £3, children free (proceeds to charity) 9 2.30 and 5.30 pm Bollington Festival Music Theatre – Musical Bollington Arts Centre “Wall of Wishes” Tickets £6/£3. Contact 0161 427 2870 or www.fun.tobfmt 10 7.30 pm Rainow W.I. Rainow Institute Resolutions followed by Social Time 12 7.30 pm Friends of Rainow School - Fizz Fashion Show Rainow County Primary Tickets £5 to include glass of wine. School Contact Ali Woodburn 01625 502785 18 Mothers Union Outing 30 May - 27 June Bollington Festival Photography Group Bollington Arts Centre Sundays 2–4 pm – Festival 2009 and during events JUNE 2010 14 7.30 pm Rainow W.I. - Open Meeting, all welcome Rainow Institute Poetry, Piano & Derbyshire Dialect – Phillip Holland 15 7.45 pm Mothers Union Rainow Church Centre – Talk by Mrs Jennifer Jones – “30 Odd Years of being a Vet’s Wife” 22 12.30 pm Rainow NSPCC Salmon & Strawberry Lunch 24 Manchester Road, Tickets £10. Contact Carolyn Gittins 01625 420135 Tytherington

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.

15 What’

Walks for All; Rambles in Rainow by Plodder

The view to Kerridge End from Path 54 Turn left onto the lane and meander ahead. Follow the track down to a fence along, looking down into Calrow Fold, until on your left until reaching a stile. Turn right you reach the “main road” at Kerridge over the stile and walk uphill on a End. Turn right for 200 m and walk down concrete track to Walker Barn on the to the grassy triangle at Mount Pleasant. Buxton Road – Yes! You are still in Here, turn right towards Buxton on Penny Rainow, though only just. Lane and then, almost immediately, Turn right onto the main road and, taking through a metal gate on your left onto a extreme care of the traffic, walk about Walk 6: In and Out of the South broad track uphill (footpath 70). West Corner of Rainow 200m towards Rainow until you reach a path leaving the road on the left (97). Map: Rainow Parish Paths Map Contour around above the road past Brink and/or OS 1:25,000 Explorer OL 24 Farm and over the crossing track (this is About 3 miles the Gritstone Trail again) onto path 56 Distance: (here you have a choice between the Ascent: Up and down about 200m public path marked with a yellow arrow Going: Paths, Tracks and Lanes; and a permissive path through the some muddy bits, boots or wellies plantation, both emerge together), until advised you reach the main Buxton road again opposite Cliff Lane. March boldly down Time: about 2 hours this pretty lane and if weary carry on to Start and Finish: George & the bottom where it joins the main road Dragon pub Higher Hurdsfield Steps into and turn right to end back at the George & Dragon. But for a final flourish leave the Footpath numbers relate to the Rainow Chantcliff from Parish Paths map. Path 54 tarmac and take the path on your left towards the bottom of the lane (HH1) fter the high and wild walk of the last At the top of the hill look back over back to the road and then turn right. Aissue (some of you did it though, well Kerridge and round to the Cheshire plain, done!), this walk is gentler but moves from checking to see which direction Jodrell a partially built up area and then gets quite Bank radio telescope is pointing and remote very quickly before returning. whether you can see it moving. Here you reach a crossing track (63) where you turn We start outside our parish in the right. This is the Gritstone Trail that runs adjoining one of Higher Hurdsfield at the from Disley down to Staffordshire, a George & Dragon. This is a friendly pub wonderful walk of 36 miles. Follow the that you may have never been in but track (it may be a bit muddy) down and many of the young people of Rainow do then up across the field to a metal stile frequent. Refresh yourself before setting and onto a metalled track. Junction with the Gritstone Trail off and if you are driving there, park with permission. You can get there easily on Here turn right and follow down the hill to Hope you enjoy this meander...write in the bus from Rainow, too. a pretty cluster of houses and stables and let us know what you think of these Leave the pub and walk a short way back around the splendid three storey Hordern walks and any improvements you’d like to along the road towards Rainow before Farm. Where the track forks past the see in the way they are described. turning off right onto footpath HH2 and farm, pass through a kissing gate on the follow the path a short way until you reach left fork continuing on the Gritstone Trail Cliff Lane. on path 65. Across a steep gully (Gulshaw Hollow) you can see the Buxton road Walk up the lane a short way until you clutching the side of the opposite hill. reach a stile where you turn left off the road onto HH3. Follow this path as it After you leave the shade of trees and the contours the hill and enters Rainow Parish dry stone wall you emerge into a field becoming as it does so path 54 before where the track, though clear, is often wet dropping down a flight of stairs and emerg- underfoot. You can see Walker Barn and Leaving Hordern Farm ing onto Calrofold lane at Chantcliff Farm. the old Setter Dog (sadly no longer a pub)