Marston

Murmurs

The Newsletter of Your Marston Parish Council March 2019

Marston Railway Heritage

Walking or driving along Ollershaw Lane today, seeing the swans, water birds and fishermen on the banks of the flashes, it is hard to imagine how the area once looked. An area crossed by rail lines and working barges lined up along the canal and the steam rising from the pans and gangs of men and women working. The rail connection between the salt districts of began in the 1860's, with a branch line from Lostock Gralam to the salt mines and works at and Northwich terminating at Marston Hall mine. A further line was opened to the Barons Quay works and this was known as the 'Northwich Salt Branches'. The salt branches connected the Marston Hall Mine, the Adelaide Works, the Ollershaw Lane Works and the Alliance Works which developed a series of sidings that ran into the centre of the works. From here the tramway snaked around and joined sidings in Northwich on the main Chester to line. Henry Ingram Thompson built a new track which served The Lion Salt Works; this was not designed for trains to run on but for the coal and salt wagons that brought their goods up to the works using the windlass housed in the pump house which is still visible there today. The windlass was powered by the steam engine in the pump house. Salt wagons used to wait in the sidings at the bottom of Cross Street and the house at the end of the street today is called 'The Sidings'. By the 1930's after the closure of the Adelaide Works due to subsidence, the Wincham and Marston Line served only The Lion Salt works until the lines were finally closed and removed in the late 1950's.

Page 1 March 2019 Main Story (continued) and Parish News The image on the front page is of a small steam engine used on the line running from the Marston Branch terminus towards the New Salt works at Wincham to cross the canal to the right. The train was called 'English Crown no 1' and was a Peckett 0-4-0 saddle tank engine built by Peckett & Sons Ltd of Bristol. Pecketts was a small, but well known builder of steam locomotives. The company took over the Fox, Walker & Co. Engine Works which began in 1864. By 1890 the two companies had built over 400 locomotives. They continued to produce steam engines until 1958 when the demand for steam engines all but died out. The map above shows a part of the rail network in Marston ======Demolition of the Coronation Building. This is the old salt warehouse on the left of the Ollershaw Lane canal bridge. We have started discussions with CWAC regarding the matter. Complications arise from the fact that it is a registered site of historic interest and also that it suffers from severe flooding. Our initial thoughts are that a community meeting area could be sympathetically built on the site, either an open roofed building with picnic tables or a more ambitious enclosed building. A small lock-up shop selling essential household items could also be included. There is much available advice on setting up and funding such a community asset and we would hope to attract funding from various sources. What any such project essentially depends on is support from the local community and crucially agreement from CWAC and Heritage England. We would like to hear from those of our residents who would support such a venture and would welcome fresh ideas. Please get in touch!

Page 2 March 2019 Parish News Acoustic Music Events at The Salt Barge Nick and Sara-Jayne are certainly stepping things up at The Salt Barge these days. The revised menu is a joy to sample (try one of their home-made pies!) and we have had a number of excellent bands playing on Friday night which include many local talents such as The Assets, Chris Taverner, Frank Quilty, and Danny Woods (Neil Young tribute) with more to come in the now regular Friday evening spot. Those of romantic bent will have enjoyed the special Valentine Day’s meal while being entertained by local resident Jayne Stead and her “Pastry Shoes” band. And Sunday’s regular acoustic evening with Iain, Terry and Mark has a growing following. Keep it up Nick and readers please come along and give your support and have a great time! And across the Road – The Salt Works Sessions Over the last few months we have been treated to some incredibly talented musicians as part of The Lion Salt Works Sessions organised by Ian Dutton. December saw the contemporary folk/acoustic duo Gilmore & Roberts combine award-winning song writing with astounding musicianship. Last month we had multi-award winning folk musicians Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis performing original folk and blues songs. There are a number of such events being held over the year:  Rod Clements (Lindisfarne) & Ian Thomson Saturday 11th May  Merry Hell (acoustic) – Friday 20TH September  Martin Simpson – Saturday 23rd November Tickets can be obtained from: [email protected] or ring 07796 175437. ======

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." Doug Larson

"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" Robin Williams

March brings breezes loud and shrill, Stirs the dancing daffodil. Sara Coleridge (1802–1852)

Page 3 March 2019 Parish News and Issues Here we summarise news and issues within our community. Please get in touch with feedback or comments about matters you feel strongly about or think we should include. ======The Marbury Park /Forge Brook Bridge. We are still assembling the petition and have gained over 200 signatures. If you haven’t signed one yet please do, contact one of your Parish Councillors. ======Update on Planning Application for the “Tour and Store” caravan storage site - 18/04713/FUL – Temporary change of use from scrap metal yard to caravan and general storage. We are waiting for this application to be called into the Planning Committee when residents will be able to attend to voice their opinions. ======Caravan Fire in Marston The risk of a fire being started in a tumble drier became reality for an unfortunate Marston resident last month. A tumble drier in an adjacent outbuilding caught fire which spread and destroyed the resident’s caravan. Luckily he was not hurt. Fires can occur if lint or other fine material passes through the filter and gathers near the heating elements or motors. Various safety notices have been published regarding driers and include:  Always register a new appliance with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted easily if a safety recall is required. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit www.registermyappliance.org.uk  Clean lint and fluff from the filter and round the door after every use.  Watch out for scorching or burn marks. Check for loose or worn wires.  Have your drier serviced annually by a qualified engineer.  Don't leave driers, dishwashers and washing machines on overnight. If possible, unplug or switch off appliances at the socket overnight and when going out to avoid the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire. For a fee, Marston resident, Peter Eliott (07766 764703) has offered to do a quick check to specifically examine any build-up of fine fibrous material around the heating element and motor but check first with any unexpired warranty that you may still have on your drier.

Page 4 March 2019 Summary Minutes of Marston Parish Council Meeting 20th February 2019

The council would like to apologise to those residents who attended on the evening of 13/2/19. This meeting had to be re-arranged for the 20/2/19. Due diligence was followed and notice of the change of date was published in the newsletter and also on the website (unfortunately this update was not successful). If any residents wish to discuss an issue they can attend the next meeting on 13/3/19 or one of the PC Surgeries (dates and times are on page 10 and can be found at The Salt Barge pub, in the Church Hall, or on a noticeboard), or have an informal chat with a councillor at our Tuesday coffee morning. Setting up of events diary & fundraising targets The council have created a plan of scheduled community and fundraising events throughout the rest of the year. Keep a look out for details in the newsletter. Development of Church Hall refurbishment project plan The Church Hall is still in need of further refurbishment including new heating, looking at the ceiling and roof, replacing internal doors and making the car park more user friendly. This will of course cost a considerable amount of money and so we will need to fundraise. Details will follow in future newsletters. Neighbourhood Plan The council are still in discussion with Wincham regarding the completion of a Neighbourhood Plan. The council would welcome input from residents, so please get in touch. A detailed article will appear in the next newsletter. Developments over planning applications on land behind Ollershaw Lane This is still ongoing and the council have no further news. Litter and fly tipping There have been numerous reports of fly tipping and excess litter along Ollershaw Lane. Our very own chair, Marion Potts, has removed some of this litter herself and contacted CW&C to arrange further removal. Please report any problems to CW&C (Street Scene - 0300 1237026) or get involved by tidying up your area.

Date of the next meeting: The date of the next Parish Council meeting is 13th March 2019.

Page 5 March 2019 Parish News The Salt Barge Walks Marston Parish residents and friends regularly walk from The Salt Barge on alternative Wednesdays. All non-residents and visitors to The Salt Barge Pub are cordially invited to come along and join our friendly group. We meet in the car park at 10.30am for varied gentle walks of between 3.5 and 5 miles around Neumann’s and Ashton’s flashes, the Northwich Woodlands, Marbury Park and the Trent and Mersey canal towpath. We always walk with lots of chat and laughter and afterwards we meet in the pub for tea, sandwiches (or beer) and more chats. Our Wednesday schedule for 2019 is below: March: 13th and 27th August :14th and 28th April 10th and 24th September: 11th and 25th May:8th an 22nd October: 9th and 23rd June: 5th and 19th November: 6th and 20th July: 3rd, 17th and 31st December: 4th and 18th Wizard Walks We are introducing longer walks for those more adventurous folk. These will be held on the first Thursday of the month. Meeting at 10am prompt on The Salt Barge car park; we will either set off from there or car share to another location. Details will be published in advance on the pub notice board. 2019 Thursday Schedule is as follows and starts in April: 4th April, 2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August, 5th September, 3rd October, 7th November, 5th December For more info contact any of the Parish Councillors or the bar staff ======Computer Skills Workshop - Free We will be holding ad hoc workshops for those of you in the community who want to sharpen up the use of your computer, smart phone or tablet. We have a number of names of those who would like to come along. It will be held The Salt Barge snug as there is currently no Wi-Fi at the Church Hall. The Wi-Fi at The Salt Barge is being modified so will be in touch as soon as this is working again. Contact any councillor if you want to join in. ======“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Charle Dickens, Great Expectations

Page 6 March 2019 Parish News

Mystery picture In MM’s last edition in January. We showed you this mystery photo (above)and asked, “Where would you find this in Marston?”. The picture is an engraving on the back window of The Salt Barge. These were done by the talented Mr. Bev Blain whose work can be seen on the back windows and in the front bar. This month’s mystery picture is on the left. What is it and where is it?

Mobile Library service. Did you know the the Mobile Library stops at Marston? Well actually not Marston but the main gates of the Tingdene Park /Ashwood Homes, in Chapel Street, Wincham. Whilst the vehicle is a little more refined than the one in this picture, CWAC’s mobile library service visits every 3 weeks on Tuesdays giving you plenty of time to finish those books! You can take out a book or return one with your library card. You don’t have to live on the park to use this service but you do need to be member of Northwich Library.

Next dates are: Tuesday 19th March and Tuesday 9th April, 30th April, 21st May, 11th June. Times are. 14.50 until 15.10 – a brief visit so be on time!

Page 7 March 2019 Parish Quiz (No.5) Here is Quiz no. 5. All the following questions are based on events or facts about last month, February, and this month, March. Answers to February’s quiz are at the bottom of the page. No. Question Answer What did the Roman Festival called Februa 1 celebrate? 2 What is the birthstone for February? If your birthday is on the fifth of March, what is 3 your zodiac sign? 4 The month of March is named after which god? Which historical figure was killed on the Ides of 5 March? In March 1986 a fire ripped through which 6 London Palace? The holiday of Nowruz is celebrated in March. What is this celebration? 7 a) New Year’s Day b). The End of World War One c) International Human Rights Day d) Russian Independence The March Hare is a character most famous for 8 appearing where? Which American heiress was kidnapped by the 9 Simbionese Liberation Army in February 1974? The Boeing 747 'Jumbo Jet' made its first test 10 flight in February of which year? a) 1959 b) 1969 c) 1979 Answers to February’s Quiz, no. 4: 1. Samuel Pepys 2. India And is the god of hence war and 3. Batista 4. 1999 beginnings, gates, peace). 5. Paul Revere transitions, time, duality, 10. Snowdrop and 6. Commonwealth of Australia doorways, passages, and carnation 7. Shakespeare 8. Pilot endings. Janus presided 9. Janus (Janus was a two- over the beginning and faced god of Roman mythology ending of conflict, and

Page 8 March 2019 Local Events

Insert Hot Pot lunch pdf attached with email

Page 9 March 2019 Local Events

We include here some of the main events that will be taking place this year. The Lion Salt Works  Live and Local 1 …………………….25th – 27th May  Transport Festival………………….8th – 9th June  Live and Local 2 …………………….17th – 18th August At The Salt Barge  Beer, Music & Pie Festival………..26th – 28th July  Live acoustic music most Friday nights – see board outside the pub Come and support your local pub! Nearby  Family Fun Weekend at The Stanley Arms…….. 20th – 22nd April  Acoustic Music & Ale Weekend in Marbury Park …23rd-26th August 2nd Year for this not to be missed weekend. Camping available. ======Tuesday Coffee Mornings are held at 10am until noon in the Church Hall every Tuesday. Not just coffee but tea, toast, cakes and crumpets and an informal, lively quiz! All for a modest donation in the Church Hall fund box. Come and join this ever growing group of friends. ======Marston Parish Council Surgeries At Marston Parish Council meetings, members of the public are invited to discuss or raise concerns with their Parish Councillors from 6.45pm immediately prior to the opening of each meeting. MPC meetings are held on the second Wednessday of each month. (next one 13th March) Alternatively you can come along to Councillors’ Surgeries. The monthly councillor surgery sessions are proving to be an effective way of communicating your issues to parish councillors and we have been involved in several areas, from concerns about planning to reporting of fly tipping. The following is an up to date schedule for 2019. Councillors’ surgeries are held after the coffee morning in the Church Hall (12noon -12.30pm) or in the snug of The Salt Barge 6.30 – 7pm. Dates for the year are as follows: Church Hall: 9 Apr, 7 May, 11 June, 9 July, 10 Sept, 8 Oct, 12 Nov, 10 Dec Salt Barge: 8 Apr, 6 May, 10 June, 8 July, 9 Sept, 7 Oct, 11 Nov, 9 Dec.

Page 10 March 2019 Reflections #12 Reflections “A flash of azure blue and copper orange . . .” February. The shortest and the last month of winter; a cold drab time when these last days of winter seem endless. But this February was remarkable! Taking advantage of the warm and very unseasonable weather, I exchanged my usual walk for a visit to the Weaver Way. I parked my car at the small carpark at the swing bridge and locks at Meadow Bank and walked over the bridge to the footpath that follows the River Weaver. On the river fishermen and women lined the banks, rods and bait and keep nets and all the other fishing paraphernalia strewn around them, their eyes locked on the brightly coloured float intent in their pursuit of the big catch. To my left the river ran peppered with Canadian geese, mallards, coots and swans and on my right a marshy, boggy wetland area lay. Catkins and pussy willow dripped from the starkly bare trees reflected silver in the low sun, and spires of bulrushes, their dark, velvety heads poking up high above the grasses and sedges that grew on the edge of the shallow water. Ahead of me two people, one stood motionless the other crouched to the ground, cameras poised. I stood discreetly back, looking in the direction of the pointed cameras. Nothing to see. They moved on. I stayed expectantly. And then an iridescent, electric flash of cobalt blue and copper orange across the water... That’s all one usually sees of this secretive fisher bird, but on a firm branch delicately poised over the shallow stream, sat a kingfisher and furthermore it was repeatedly striking a silver, wriggling minnow against its perch to kill it. Only then did it swallow the fish, head first, its fins or spines sufficiently relaxed for the bird to swallow it comfortably. The term “halcyon days”, meaning calm and peaceful times, comes from a more traditional name for the kingfisher - the Halcyon bird - derived from an ancient belief that the kingfisher could calm rough waters. More macabre was the legend that a kingfisher’s body (if tied on a string) would point in the same direction as the wind and, in the Middle Ages, killing a

Page 11 March 2019 Reflections #12 (continued) kingfisher to use as a weather vane was quite common. Thankfully we live in more enlightened times! The fisher king bird is fiercely territorial so I hope to revisit Weaver Way to enjoy that spectacle again. It was good fortune that I witnessed the bird catching its dinner which is fitting because the kingfisher stands for peace and prosperity and is a symbol of a fertile harvest and good fortune. It is said that seeing a kingfisher can change your fortune for the better. Seeing that kingfisher may not change my fortune but it will remain with me for many days to come. ======Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1st March, the date of his death in 589 AD. The feast has been regularly celebrated in Wales. Traditional festivities include wearing daffodils and leeks & eating traditional Welsh food including cawl and Welsh rarebit. On St. David’s Day at primary school I remember the girls turning up in traditional Welsh dress and the boys, not to be outdone, turning up in a mixture of outfits as characters from the Wild West or even as Zorro! ======Welsh Cake recipe This Welsh cake recipe following a classic recipe is cooked on a griddle and is hard to beat. They are incredibly easy to make and if you don’t have a traditional griddle, then a heavy cast iron frying pan can be used instead. Ingredients: 225g of self-raising flour, 1 pinch of salt, 100g of butter, plus extra for cooking, 50g of caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling, 50g of currants, 1 egg, beaten with 3 tbsp. milk. Method Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, rub in the butter. Add the sugar & currants, stir well. Pour the egg mixture in and mix until you have a stiff dough. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured board until 1/4 inch thickness and stamp out rounds with a pastry/biscuit cutter. Heat the griddle greased well with butter over a medium heat until a little water sprinkled on the surface skips about in balls, evaporating. Cook the cakes for about 3 to 4 minutes each side, until they are golden brown and have risen slightly.

Page 12 March 2019 Useful Contacts CWAC Councillors Lynn Gibbon 01606 784599 [email protected] Norman Wright 01606 74788 [email protected] Don Hammond 01606 891397 [email protected] Cheshire West and Chester Council Mon-Fri 81m-7pm and Sat 91m-12.30pm Online at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk General enquiries 0300 1238123 Highways 0300 1237036 Street Scene 0300 1237026 PCSO Diana Wiggine 20322 Diana [email protected] Dial 101 in a non-emergency and 999 in an emergency Ester McVey – your local MP Telephone: 01625 529922 Marston Parish Council cannot be held responsible for any errors, misprints or opinions stated in this publication. The views expressed by the contributors are their own and not necessarily the views of the editor . Your Contributions and ideas are welcomed! We are always grateful for ideas and articles from any of our readers . Just send them through to the editor or any one of the councillors or even give us a ring. Further information on Parish matters can be found on marstonparishcouncil.co.uk Back copies of the Marston Murmurs newsletters are also on this website. For Facebook users see: Facebook/Marstonparishcouncil. Also Facebook/All about Marston and surrounding areas Copies of this newsletter can be obtained from The Salt Barge, The Lion Salt Works or the Church Hall. Those who wish an electronic copy email or ring the editor. Need a bigger font??Just ring, text or email Warren (email address or contact number on page 19). We will then pop one round to your home or send it electronically.

Page 13 March 2019 Information and Adverts Advertising Why not support your community newsletter by advertising your business or services. Half page advert per edition is £12 and full page advert per edition is £19. Business card size is £6 per edition John A. Potts  Commercial Vehicles & Car repairs  Pre M.O.T. checks  Over 20 years experience  Your local service Daytime tel: 07834 540 589 NORCROSS GAS & PLUMBING LOCAL, RELIABLE & FRIENDLY SERVICE BASED IN YOUR VILLAGE OF MARSTON Boiler changes Central heating modifications Service & repairs Landlord safety checks Power flushing of systems & Gas fires, cookers, etc. fitted radiators Call Jeff on:

GAS TM 01606 46341 safe REGISTER 0776 142941

The Crusty Cob Café in Chapel St., Wincham now offers additional services to supplement our food menu. You can now pre-order your newspaper for collection and also buy essential household items such as bread, milk, eggs, biscuits, beans, etc. We hope to widen this selection in the future. Eat-in or take-away food on offer. We cater for functions or meetings with buffet food and sandwich platters also available. Our menu includes: breakfast, hot & cold sandwiches, omelettes, burgers, salad boxes , jacket potatoes and hot & cold drinks. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 8am – 2pm, Sat: 8.30am – 12noon Telephone orders welcomed Chapel Street, Wincham, CW9 6DA Tel. 07555 517659 See us on FaceBook – Crusty Cob

Page 14 March 2019 Adverts Nick and Sarah –Jayne Welcome you to The Salt Barge A local, community pub The Salt Barge is a traditional country pub located in rural Marston, opposite The Lion Salt Works Museum and the Trent and Mersey Canal. We have a new menu featuring a wide range of home-made pies along with traditional dishes like, sausages and mash and fish and chips; all freshly prepared in our kitchen.

A range of excellent local cask ales are available.

Watch Sky or BT TV across 5 screens or have a quiet meal in our dining areas.

Have a warming meal after enjoying a walk along the local Trent & Mersey Canal or the beautiful Ashton & Neumann’s Flashes or after your visit to the splendid Lion Salt Works Museum.

Our new opening hours are: Monday – Thursday: 12noon until 11pm Friday & Saturday: 12 noon until 12 midnight Sunday: 12 noon until 10.30pm

We are currently taking bookings for Mothers’ Day on 31st March Enquiries & Reservations: 01606 212525 Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich CW9 6ES www.thesaltbarge.com

Page 15 March 2019 What’s on at The Lion Salt Works

Museum Opening Times: Museum opens Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am-5pm. Play area & butterfly garden open daily 9am-5.20pm. Open all Bank Holiday Mondays. Ollershaw Lane Marston CW9 6ES T: 01606 275040 E: [email protected] W: www.lionsaltworks.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk  Lions Explorer Club Calling all Little Lions to discover, play and create. Come and join our Early Years Explorer Club, aimed at ages 2-4 (younger siblings welcome). Little Lions will be doing a range of seasonal activities plus there will be exciting stories and popular songs. Wear your old clothes – things might get messy! Donation - £3 Upcoming dates: 1 March, 8 March, All at 9.15am to 10.15am  “Joan and Jimmy” by Blaize Theatre - 2 March @ 7.30pm - 9.20pm Under-17 £6.50, family tickets available Book at Lion Salt Works in person or on 01606 275066 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheshireruraltouringarts. “Joan and Jimmy” tells the story of Joan Littlewood and her husband Ewan McColl . See website for more details.  Wartime Industry and Working Women in Cheshire, 1914-1950 5 March – 27 May Curated by Joseph Roberts, this exhibition explores Cheshire’s important contribution to the war effort, the stories of the valiant women who kept the county (and country) going during the conflicts, and their continued contribution to local industry in the aftermath of war and beyond.  ‘Stripey Honey is Very Yummy’ by Mashi Theatre - 10 March @ 11.00am - 11.50am Tickets | £6.50, U-17s £4.50 book at Lion Salt Works in person or on 01606 275066 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheshireruraltouringarts. Aimed at families with children aged 5-10, this touching and funny story tells how tigers, bees and honey collectors learn to live and play together.  Signs of Spring: Photography Walk & Workshop - 16 March @ 11.00am - 4.00pm £20.00 Pay on the day or online at www.derekrandallphotography/workshops. The walk and workshop are suitable for all levels of photographic ability and equipment, including your camera-phone. More Information on The Lion Salt Works website

Page 16 March 2019 Adverts ID Glass & Glazing Ltd. See the pdf file that you already have.

Page 17 March 2019 Adverts

Page 18 March 2019 Your Marston Parish Councillors

Chair: Marion Potts Iain Stead 07737 185215 [email protected] [email protected]

Chris Anthwal Phil Carter 07775 573089 07879 843900 [email protected] [email protected]

Warren Davies Rachel Bate 07879 458195 07960 456872 warrenjdavies59@ [email protected] gmail.com

Clerk: Caroline Constable Dave Collier 07901810558 [email protected] [email protected]

Website: www.marstonparishcouncil.co.uk Email us at: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/marstonparish Church Hall Bookings: only £8.50 per hour Please ring Ange on 0771 6565038

Please contact the editor, Warren Davies, or any of our councillors if you have suggestions, contributions, comments or enquiries for advertising in this newletter.

Page 19 March 2019 And the Snow came...... briey!