ANTROBUS VILLAGE NEWS

January/February 2018 Daisy Hayes Old Chloe Patelaros B Sam Dunkley James Ng i Presley Dobson H Olivia Grainger r Stuart Malkin A Eleanor Ng t Sienna Gilmour

Harry Antrobus P Franklin Jones h Felix Wilkinson P Frankie Coveney d Megan Morrell-Tickle Y Finlay Bowring a Thain Mackintosh Rosie Cropper y Max Bailey 2 - DATES FOR THE DIARY -

26th - 28th Antrobus Pantomime - Alice & JAN Friends in Wonderland

WED 7th Friendship Club Meeting FEB FRI 14TH TUES 13th Mobile Library FEB

SAT 3rd Grand Jumble Sale - Antrobus Village Hall MAR

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS AND ARTICLES FOR THE MARCH EDITION OF THE VILLAGE NEWS IS TUESDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2018 - CONTENTS -

PARISH COUNCIL 4 COMMUNITY LIFE 8 ANTROBUS EVENTS 11 CAROL SINGING 12 VILLAGE JUNIORS 13 ANNOUNCEMENTS 15 THE GREAT OUTDOORS 16 COMMUNITY HUB 17 LOCAL BUSINESSES 20 ANTROBUS DIRECTORY 24

3 - PARISH COUNCIL - Minutes of The Antrobus Parish Council Meeting on Monday 20 Nov 2017 at 7:30pm at Antrobus Village Hall

Present Mr S Barker (Vice-Chairman and acting Chairman) Mrs C Bunn Mr S Batey Mr P Harrison Miss J Graty Mr P Pugh Mr C Wright Mrs H Metcalfe Mr S Palmer (Clerk)

Open forum. No villagers attended. The meeting started at 7: 28pm The meeting was adjourned immediately for a minute’s silence in memory of the Chairman who sadly died on 14 Nov.

1. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from P Pugh. 2. Members’ Declarations of Interest - none 3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 16 Oct 2017 - (17/61) RESOLVED to accept the minutes as a correct record of the meeting.

4. Matters Arising Fingerpost painting – project completed. Councillors will investigate painting the railings outside the post office. Tree Trimming over the noticeboard – permission granted. Cutting to be arranged. Ragwort – information about responsibilities is now on the noticeboard. Lease renewal – a solicitor is being sourced and words will be drafted. 17/01666/FUL 15 Dwellings status – no change - will chase Ward Councillors.

5. Planning 5.1. (17/62) RESOLVED to note Decisions by CW&C and comment on new planning applications as appendix 3. 5.2. Enforcement – no issues 5.3. New Housing – it was suggested that we don’t at present have a clear view of housing requirements for the village. (17/63) RESOLVED to set up a Housing Working Group to investigate the options available to meet any identified future housing need in the village. Members: C Bunn, S Batey, P Harrison, S Barker, the Clerk and members of the village.

6. Highways 6.1. Abandoned trailer - Barbers Lane – Burleyman to enquire 6.2. Tarmac damage to car after road repairs – no further action 6.3. Dirty & slippery road opposite farm, Road – no action 6.4. 10k – no issues 6.5. New Highways concerns: Fly tipping, Lodge Lane – reported.

7. Playground 7.1. Inspection, repairs & insurance – More quotes will be sought for the treatment of moss growth. 8. Accounts & Finance 8.1. The accounts in Appendix 1 were noted. 8.2. (17/64) RESOLVED to approve the payments list Appendix 2. 8.3. Previous Budget 17/18 – The Clerk reported the discovery of an error in an opening balance. This will be reported to the auditor. 8.4. Budget 18/19 – A report from the Finance Working Party was received. (17/65) RESOLVED to approve a budget of £23,147 and an unchanged precept of £11,128.

9. Land Drainage – A letter is being prepared including information about the legal options for the lead authority if watercourses fall into disrepair. Mapping options to record blockages, re-routing etc will be investigated. The budget includes funds for this. 10. Consultations 10.1. Transport – a response will be given 10.2. Active Cheshire Blueprint – no action 11. Dates of meetings 2.1. (17/66) RESOLVED to cancel the 11 December meeting. 2.2. (17/67) RESOLVED to set the dates for 2018

4 - PARISH COUNCIL -

12. Open Forum, Working Groups & Representatives 3.1. Issues from the open forum - none 3.2. Reports from Committees and Working Groups - none 3.3. To receive reports from representatives: Village Hall – Tesco grant awaited for bench and hard standing. 13. Notable Correspondence Northwich Transport consultation Diversity Commission survey – to respond Annual CW&C Planning update: 30 Jan 2018 Auditors appointed for 2017/18

The Meeting ended at 9:30pm

Appendix 3 Recent planning decisions by CW&C 17/04729/FUL Park Moss Farm Arley Road CW9 6NS - Conversion of steel framed barn into a function room and single storey extensions – object as use seems unsuitable and the case has not been made. Not a permanent building. For full response see appendix 4 (Nov) on website 17/04198/LDC The Den Fox Farm Northwich Road CW9 6JD - Construction of a detached three car garage and gym room - no objection (Nov) 17/04600/HHE & 17/04379/LDC Whitley Reed, Reedgate Lane CW9 6NT - Single storey side extension and single storey rear extension - Approved 20 Nov 17/04338/FUL Chestnut Farm Barbers Lane CW9 6JP - Log cabin for dog grooming (Retrospective) Approved 20 Nov 17/03659/FUL - Reedside Cottage Reedgate Lane CW9 6NT - Construction of two storey side extension together with detached garage and store. - No objection Sep Approved 17 Oct 17/03413/FUL 3 Knutsford Road CW9 6NH - … two storey side extension ... see Aug Approved 15 Nov 17/02067/LDC … | The White House Hollins Lane CW9 6NL – see June 17/01666/FUL Land At Knutsford Road - Erection of 15 Dwellings – See May 16/05270/S73 - Fairbank Farm Sandy Lane CW9 6NU - … to allow the building to be used for agricultural storage – see Dec 2016 - Refused 18 May

A vacancy exists for Parish Councillor Becoming a parish councillor is a great way to serve the community in an important role - the primary duty being to make decisions in monthly meetings. Full training is available. No particular skills or experience is required. Contact the clerk or any councillor to find out more. The position will be filled by vote at the 19 Feb meeting. Anyone resident in or near the parish is welcome to apply to the clerk before 12 Feb. Litterpick Sat 24 March 2018 Please note volunteers are sought to take part in the village litterpick over this weekend above. Routes will be advertised on the website and in the Village Shop the week before. Antrobus Parish Council contact details The next meeting of the Parish Council is on Mon 19th Feb 2018. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30pm at Antrobus Village Hall. All villagers are welcome to raise any issue at 7:15pm. Agendas and minutes are on the website antrobus.info.

Chairman Vacant Vice: Stephen Barker 01565 777687 Councillors Phil Pugh 01565 777454 Simon Batey 01565 777206 Paul Harrison 01606 892151 Jackie Graty 01606 892958 Carol Bunn 01606 891692 Helen Metcalfe 07740 862902 Chris Wright 07779 722661 Simon Palmer (Clerk)

Contact 01606 891462. [email protected]. 1 Merryfall Cottages, Goosebrook Lane, WA4 4PT. Agendas and draft minutes can be found on Antrobus.info.

5 - PARISH COUNCIL - Minutes of The Antrobus Parish Council Meeting on Monday 11 Dec 2017 at 7:30pm at Antrobus Village Hall

Present Mr S Barker (Acting Chairman) Mrs C Bunn Mr S Batey Mr P Harrison Miss J Graty Mr C Wright Mrs H Metcalfe Cllr N Wright (Ward) (Advisory* only) Mr S Palmer (Clerk)

Open forum. 9 villagers attended. Comments were made about lack of transparency in the 15 Dwellings Planning Application. Some points made have not been addressed. No justification has been seen of the number of market value houses. There is concern about the allocation process. Thanks were given for the Parish Council’s representation.

The meeting started at 7:46 pm 1. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from P Pugh, L Gibbon (Ward), D Hammond (Ward). 2. Members’ Declarations of Interest – C Bunn (covered by previous dispensation). 3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20 Nov 2017 - (17/68) RESOLVED to accept the minutes as a correct record of the meeting. 4. Matters Arising Fingerpost painting – Gibb Hill post is outstanding. Payment is held back. Land Drainage – map facility found via ‘magic’ Traffic – school initiative is ongoing BT Broadband in unserved areas - cost revealed as £2,000 per household.

5. Planning 5.1. Planning applications up to the date of the meeting were reviewed as in appendix 2. 5.2. Enforcement – no issues 6. Highways 6.1. No new Highways concerns 7. Accounts & Finance 7.1. (17/69) RESOLVED to approve the payments list Appendix 1. 8. Councillors and working groups – Composition added to as follows: Planning (StB,J Graty, Clerk), Finance (PP,P Harrison, StB,Clerk), ChALC rep H Metcalfe. 9. Consultations will be responded to - Local Plan Land Allocations - Clerk. Post Offices survey – C Bunn. 10. Open Forum, Working Groups & Representatives 10.1. Issues from the open forum – see item 5.1 11. Notable Correspondence Cheshire West Local Plan Land Allocations by 29/1 Citizens Advice research - community-run organisations and Post Offices

The Meeting ended at 9:13 pm The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 15 Jan 2018 at 7.30 pm at Antrobus Village Hall. Open Forum at 7:15 pm.

‘* Footnote: ‘Advisory’ means to inform the Council of procedures and decisions of Cheshire West and as they may affect the Parish of Antrobus.

Appendix 2 Recent planning decisions by CW&C 17/04729/FUL Park Moss Farm Arley Road CW9 6NS - Conversion of steel framed barn into a function room and single storey extensions – N Wright (Ward) has already decided to call this to Planning Committee if the Planning Officer is minded to approve the application. A Parish Councillor will attend in Feb. (Dec 2017) 17/05056/FUL Brow Farm Brow Lane CW9 6JP - Change of use from agricultural barn to lavender processing and retail unit – CW&C will be consulted and item referred to the Planning Working Group. (Dec 2017) 17/01666/FUL Land At Knutsford Road - Erection of 15 Dwellings – (Amended plans) Object. Request Ward councillors to call it to Planning Committee if the Officer is minded to approve the application. See appendix 3.

6 - PARISH COUNCIL - Appendix 3 17/01666/FUL 15 Dwellings Antrobus (amended application) – consultee response The Parish Council objects to the amended application for the following reasons and requests Ward Councillors to

TOPIC ARGUMENT AGAINST THE APPLICATION AS IT STANDS

LEGAL • The application was incomplete at the validation stage. An application for outline consent would be a focus on the greenbelt. #1 Is new housing within • The arguments tipping the balance to allow a development in the Green Belt are not greenbelt permissible? scrutinized by elected members if the decision is delegated to Officers. There is no record of a pre-application meeting. • Infill is permissible inside the LSC not outside. The special circumstances to override the presumption against development in the Green Belt are not explained. No special circumstance to make an exception is made.

#2 Viability of the LSC • Key elements of the criteria of services necessary to define a Local Service Centre questions whether such (LSC) are under threat, this should not be ignored and is a material consideration to housing is permittable deciding the application on the basis of its close proximity to a LSC. #3 The continued lack of • The lack of due process is a material consideration. Only with full information can the full and necessary public can make observation & give comment. information in the public • The application was validated when it was incomplete. Unless it goes to Planning Committee the decision making process will not be record. • transparent. With Planning Committee, a Planning Officer report will go to Ward Councillors which will help reveal more information before a decision is made. The decision is a for full consent so the application should be complete in all respects. NEED • The Housing Officers report to justify the housing need is not public. #4 Is there a housing need? • Barton Wilmore, the Applicants Agent, say the CW&C local plan land supply and trajectory of delivery exceeds the Local Plan by 200 units/yr. CW&C can demonstrate a land supply of 7.82 years (i.e. exceeds the 5 year minimum). • The Strategic Housing Market Need Assessment covers a different area to the survey area submitted by the applicant. Whilst argued to be local to Antrobus it was not a survey instigated by the Parish Council. The survey submitted is considered too narrow to be statically valid. Perhaps that is why the suggestion of the survey to have 1 bed homes in the development has been ignored by the Applicant • The survey submitted does not support a Special case exception to development in the Green Belt. #5 How will it be affordable • No defined review process is part of this application, so how can the public judge if it initially and how will it be is sustainable? A rented/shared ownership tenure is proven to be viable over the maint-ained as affordable long term, but this purchase approach is not proven. • We need the housing officers report on affordability. in perpetuity?

#6 How can it be affordable • The proposal is flawed. Rent and shared ownership is the right model. in practise unless it is • Without the housing officers report we don’t know if it will be affordable to people on based on median earnings? median earnings. • The Secretary of State in Jul 2017 has said the current approach is inadequate and should be linked by a new formula to median earnings

#7 Does it fit the definition • Categories are social (<80% of market value) and intermediate (80-100%). It needs of social housing? to be clarified which category this ‘affordable housing’ application is in as intermediate would not be acceptable. DESIGN etc • Design of the built environment impacts greatly on the greenbelt. #8 Is the design • An application for 2 houses on well lane was rejected as suburban architecture and appropriate? the proposed form of development is similarly suburban in form and style. A lower density (less units) scheme would afford a different layout more in character with the rural location of Antrobus. • The layout provides for direct expansion into neighbouring field and is a concern #9 Protection from • Concern because of drainage difficulties in Old Orchard flooding, • Concern about increased risk of repeat of flash floods adjacent to the site in 2012. biodiversity • Potential increased wear on infrastructure. Not clear if community is getting any reasonable funding contribution. damage, and • A pond in a garden adjacent to land connected to the site in Barbers Lane has not further degrading been assessed in the submitted ecology report with reference to great crested of infrastructure newts. etc • The revised plan does not show a continuous footpath from the application site to the Barbers Lane junction to give safe pedestrian access to the community shop and post office. 7 - COMMUNITY LIFE - ST MARK’S ANTROBUS - Knutsford Road, CW9 6JW SERVICES FOR JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 21 Jan 10.30am Service of Holy Communion Celebrant Revd. Alec Brown 28 Jan 10.30am Service of the word 4 Feb 10.30am United Service of Holy Communion Celebrant The Archdeacon of Chester 11 Feb 10.30 am All Age Worship 18 Feb 10.30am Holy Communion Celebrant Revd. Keith Hine 25 Feb 10.30am Service of the Word 4 Mar 6.30 pm United service at Chapel

Everybody is welcome to all services

ANTROBUS METHODIST CHAPEL – Barbers Lane, CW9 6JP SERVICES FOR JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 28th Jan 6:30 pm Rev David Easton 4th Feb 10:30 am United Service At St Marks 11th Feb 6:30 pm Local Arrangements 18th Feb 6:30 pm Rev David Easton with Holy Communion 25th Feb 6:30 pm Mr Wayne Hudson 4th Mar 6:30 pm United Service 11th Mar 10:30 am Mothering Sunday Service - All welcome Flower Rota: 21st Jan: Mrs J Bolshaw; 28th Jan: Mrs H Faloona; 4th Feb: No Flowers; 11th Feb: Mrs M Craddock 18th Feb: Mrs A Chapman; 25th Feb: Mrs J Pitchfork 4th Mar: Mrs J Benne 11th Mar: Mr P Wilkinson

FRANDLEY QUAKER MEETING Everyone is very welcome to come and try a quiet Quaker Meeting. Meetings for Worship start at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings and usually last for an hour, although you can stay for less if you prefer. We have a Children and Young People’s activity-based Meeting at the same time. The Meeting House is on Sandiway Lane, Frandley, Antrobus.

For further details contact Gill Alcock 01925 730153 or eastcheshirequakers.org.uk

8 - COMMUNITY LIFE - ANTROBUS FRIENDSHIP CLUB

It seems an age ago but on Thursday 7th Dec 2017 we had our Christmas Lunch at the Moorings, Anderton. We had a lovely relaxed meal together to mark the season and our members shared a lucky dip for Secret Santa presents.

Wednesday 3rd Jan 2018 – We decided to meet up as usual in January. This was just an informal get-together to meet up for a catch-up and natter. Not everyone could make it due to either feeling a bit ‘under the weather’ or family commitments but even so we still had about a dozen of us which was great. As the tea flowed and cakes consumed the chatter got even more lively and informative – it’s surprising what you can learn from this very wise and experienced group of people!

Our next meeting is Wednesday 7th February when Alex Taylor is coming to talk to us about some of his adventures.

After that in Wednesday 7th March when we will welcome Clare Olver, a new visitor to us, is coming to talk to us.

There will be usual meeting on the first Wednesday of April but advance notice that in May we are hoping to go on canal boat day trip from Stockton Heath, have some lunch and then come back. This will be a change of day and will be on Thursday 3rd May – more details nearer the time. And thanks to Chris Taylor for making this option available to us.

9 - COMMUNITY LIFE - Antrobus Village Hall The heart of our community WELCOME TO 2018 WHAT HAPPENED TO 2017?

CHRISTMAS MARKET A lovely christmas event with as many visitors as last year. Funds were marginally down on last year but that was due to us not having a Village Hall stand !! maybe next year. We also took note that there wasn’t enough interesting things for younger children, again we’ll take this on board for next year. Well done Karen Peploe for your sterling efforts pulling it all together

CHRISTMAS SUPPER CLUB A full house and a brilliant night was had by all. We raised money for the village hall and also for the “Kids for Kids” charity in honour of our dear friend Roger Sutton. We ended with traditional carol singing, the real spirt of Christmas A big thank you to all our volunteers, the cooks, the waitresses, the pot washers the tidy uppers, to everyone involved ,without who’s support these events would not take place.

PLAY GROUND FURNITURE The furniture has now been selected and arrangements to set the concrete bases have been made. Look forward to a new look play area.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Jumble Sale SATURDAY MARCH 3RD

Supper Club FRIDAY APRIL 13th - “CURRY NIGHT” FRIDAY JUNE 22nd FRIDAY OCTOBER 12th FRIDAY DECEMBER 7th

LOST PROPERTY Several items of clothing and bags have been found, so if anybody has lost anything please contact Karen Peploe Or alternatively call in to the village hall, weekdays between 8am & 9am when Pete is always there

10 - ANTROBUS EVENTS -

If you’ve already got your ckets then don’t forget the date of the Pantomime 26th to 28th January 2018. Have a wonderful me, come along ready to join in the fun! If you haven’t got ckets and suddenly realise that you are free and would like to come then it’s sll worth asking Janet Featonby. At the me of wring we are Sold Out but Janet it keeping a Waing List in case of any Returns.

11 - CAROL SINGING 2017 -

Kath and Dave Hankey would like to thank all those who turned out to sing carols with us this year !

Once again we had good support with even more singers than ever. the weather was good and so encouraged young and older to sing for their first time! The hospitality we received was exceptional which made our six nights very enjoyable. What was more important we were able to promote our chosen charity "The Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes" The voluntary work that they do is amazing, delivering emergency medical supplies to hospitals and hospices . Blood, donor breast milk, drugs, and human tissue to name but a few!! The total raised was £3,350. £400 to St Marks Church. £400 to the Methodist chapel. £2,550. to the Blood Bikes ! Many thanks to this fantastic village for your support .

Letter from Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes On behalf of the group I would like to thank yourself, and everyone who contributed towards your incredible donation. All of us within our group were overwhelmed by the staggering amount that was raised. It means everything to us to have support from people like yourselves. Fundraising whilst providing a service is challenging at times to say the least. Your donation will cover all of our fuel bills for approximately 4 months. During 2017 we completed over 6500 jobs saving an estimated £175000 for the NHS. Divide that by 4 and it works out at £40625. So by wrapping up and singing your hearts out you and your wonderful friends have in reality the savings made may have created a salary to pay a nurse, an intensive care bed or an incubator for a baby. The list is endless.

So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It will make a difference.

Best wishes

Simon Dennett Vice Chairman Merseyside and Cheshire Blood bikes.

12 - VILLAGE JUNIORS - Nursery News

The Christmas holidays seem to have flown by and all the children have been busy telling us what they have been doing (and about a special visitor they had). New childcare funding became available in September and despite a few teething problems we are ready and all the children whose parents are able to claim the funding are now registered with the local authority. This term we are planning an exciting trip to the Fire Station – the children are really looking forward to this. We are also hoping to start weekly visits to the woods which the children also really enjoy! We welcome mums and toddlers to join us on Mondays from 9.30-11 for a stay and play session. These sessions have proved very popular and are quite busy now. We are hoping to develop this group and will keep you updated with our ideas and plans. This is an open session so please come if you want your child to meet other children. We take children from 6 months old up to school age on a sessional or full time basis and provide holiday cover if needed. We are registered for government grants for all children aged 3 and over and for children aged 2 who meet the criteria - please ask for further details. We will be open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and during the school holidays. We will also take younger school children during the holidays phone us 01606 892323 Email - [email protected] Sandiway Lane CW9 6LD Or message us on Facebook for more details

13 - VILLAGE JUNIORS - 1st Antrobus and Comberbach Sea Scouts

The Scouts have spent several evenings rampaging about in the dark. We had a troop Orienteering session in Marbury Park. You might have noced numbered metal poles scaered about Marbury. These make for a good orienteering course, where Scouts split into teams, armed with a list of grid references (one for each pole), a compass, a map and a torch. They must collect the numbers on the poles, in the right order, to prove they’ve found them. On a moonless but dry, night our girl scouts were winners, despite (or because?) they pretended to the boys not to know how a compass worked. Sneaky! Well done Lucy and Kae.

This proved good pracce for the District Wide Game the following week – a massive game of ‘g’ at a very wet Forest Camp. Emma discovered the hard way that the boggy bit was 3 feet deep… Sadly, it was too dark and wet for photography.

We have also completed a Troop Night Hike from Anderton to Barnton and back. Well, “completed” is a slight exaggeraon – it’s easy to get lost over a 3 mile course, but Barnton is familiar territory so nobody stayed lost for long.

We’ve also done some indoor acvies: Fencing (with real swords!) was a parcular highlight – a great me was had by all. As you might expect, Kae (the Fencing Coach) runs a prey disciplined session and we finished with the same number of Scouts (12), in the same number of pieces, as we started with. A great evening, definitely worth repeang.

And, to finish the year, we used Anderton Village Hall for an evening of proper cooking (as opposed to burning burgers and sausages on an open fire). Fruit smoothies (with mango - yum), potato and sweet potato mash-up (brilliant, especially with cheese grated on top!) and doughnut sandwiches with pineapple and marsh mellow fillings. Many thanks to Susan E and Sandra F for organising this.

So, if you are aged between 10 and 14 and want to join in (or if you are over 14, and would like to try Explorer Scouts), contact either: Paul Underwood (Scout Leader) 07725 150 928 Robert Doel (Assistant SL) 01606 89 17 89 or 07526 723 516

And “be prepared”…

14 - ANNOUNCEMENTS -

GRAND JUMBLE SALE SATURDAY 3RD MARCH Antrobus Village Hall at 1.30pm

Jumble, bric a brac, nearly new and small items of furniture. Famous Cake Stall and refreshments.

Anyone wishing to donate items please contact Kath on 07925689578 or 01565 777229.

100+ CLUB DECEMBER PRIZE DRAW

We are pleased to announce the Winners for December 2017 were Deborah Phillips £5.00, Mark Riley £10.00 & Sasha Morrell Tickle £25.00. The lucky £100.00 winner was Sally Crowson

The draw took place on the school premises and was drawn by Mrs Finney.

100+ CLUB JANUARY 2018 PRIZE DRAW

We are pleased to announce the Winners for January 2018 were Mahew Hankey £5.00, Barbara Wright £10.00 & Angela Darby £25.00. The draw took place at the Hollies, Streon and was drawn by Sally Waterfield, we would all like to wish Sally and her family a safe journey to Texas. For a small yearly contribuons of £10.40 this will help us make a BIG change to Antrobus St Mark’s School As they say: ‘You’ve got to be in it to WIN it’ – and if you’re ‘in it’ the school will benefit from regular giving and you have a chance to win a cash prize.

If you wish to join the 100 Club “everyone is welcome” please contact Sue Lawless on 01606 288800

Have an announcement or event you would like in the village news? Email us: [email protected]

15 - THE GREAT OUTDOORS - Garden Club The new year started with a party to celebrate 2018, the snowdrops and daffodils are appearing daily, and before long it will be Spring. The seasons are wonderful, and we gardeners look forward to it all.

The Christmas party had a fabulous buffet table, groaning with gourmet food, all prepared by our members, thank you. Marilyn had organised a lot of new member servers who delightedly filled our plates, whilst Peter served two full salmon. Jane had kept count of party numbers and their contributions, which changed often ! Sylvia had arranged plants for the table, which were given later as a free raffle, thank you to you all. June and Lillian prepared two quizzes which kept everyone amused, special thanks to both of them. All in all a good social evening for members to mix and enjoy each other's company.

The AGM is on Tuesday 13th February, at the Parish Hall, when subscriptions for the year will be taken, and new events cards given out. If you are not able to attend this meeting, please send your subs to Peter Davies, or send them with another member. There will be a cut off day for paying your money, which is after the March meeting, so if you have not paid by then, it will be assumed you just want to attend some meetings as a guest in future.

We do have a speaker also in February after the AGM, and it is Stella Exley, who will be talking about Setting up a Garden Nursery, guests are welcome to attend this talk.

Thank you for all your support over the last year, and I look forward to great gardening and friendship this next year.

Jean Davies 01606 892383 0789 993 7683

16 - COMMUNITY HUB - Hi Speed Broadband for the Arley community in Antrobus – We have a proposal from BT!

Its taken some me but we now have a proposal from BT to implement a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network - which would give download speeds of up to 330Mbps - to the Antrobus/Arley community. Its not cheap and it’s a preliminary proposal. Quong from BT…”

• It covers 91 addresses (71 from the original lisng) • 14 x addresses from the original lisng will be covered by Connecng Cheshire (we are checking this informaon to make sure that they are in fact being covered – but assuming coverage will come to them, they are not covered in the price provided ) • We have another possible 11 x premises that the network would pass on route, these could be pulled into the soluon at an addional cost • There is approximately 2.6km of the soluon that we know has no duct this could be looked at as self-dig – which would bring the cost down considerably –this can be looked at on the progression to survey.

Pricing and plans all subject to survey”

The price quoted is £191,000 for 91 homes. We met BT on the 20th December to understand their proposal and how we might be able to reduce costs in order to make it more affordable for everyone. Basically, the next steps are to see if we can join forces with Connecng Cheshire (to opmise the soluon and reduce cost) and to get BT to do a full survey and provide a cost that can be contracted against. To make this work will depend on a high take up rate amongst the community. So, its probably an all or nothing scenario. We sll hope to get the costs down but essenally, we should all ask are we prepared to pay a one-off charge of up to about £2,000 each for this service and then normal broadband rates. A grant of £350 per household may be obtainable and if we can manage some arrangement with Connecng Cheshire the cost may come down further. It is my strong opinion that the need for more data and communicaon services will connue to mushroom in the years ahead as we increasingly interact with the internet. So, I believe that these services are vital for the health of the village. I expect a plan would be something like…

1 Get BT to do a detailed survey - Q1 2018 2 Community to consult and agree amongst ourselves that we ALL want to do this - Q1/Q2 2018 3 Sign contract with BT - Q2 2018 4 9-12 months for implementaon 5 Up and running - Q2 2019. Watch out in future Village News edions for further updates. Happy New Year Richard Bes rabes@bnternet.com

17 - COMMUNITY HUB - It’s Wifi Jim, but not as you know it!

This arcle comes with a GEEK alert and if you already have fibre broadband, you may as well stop reading now. BUT, if you are sll frustrated by the speed of your broadband – keep reading. We were missed in the OpenReach roll out of fibre broadband to Antrobus. Yes, we wrote to our MP, berated the nice people at Connect Cheshire, but to no avail. My broadband over plain old copper wires wasn’t slow enough to qualify for subsidised satellite broadband. My ISP is sympathec and tries to keep my line as stable as possible, so at least I have some broadband. But by comparison to super-fast fibre, it’s not very fast. I also checked out my broadband usage. We are on an unlimited package and even though our download speed isn’t great, last month we used more than 100GB of data, mostly used by my kids!!!! Typically I get 11Mbps download speed and 0.3Mbps upload (more of this later). Mobile Broadband. I wondered about using the 4G masts which are doed around to provide broadband – we do it for phones all the me. You can check 4G coverage on the internet and according to EE, at my house in Goosebrook Lane we should have good 4G coverage outside, and patchy coverage inside. I invested in a Huawei B315 factory unlocked 4G router from a famous aucon site and a SIM card from EE with 10G of data on it. The results. Not good for me. GREAT in Arley. I plugged in the router, put the SIM card in and waited for it to connect. With the EE SIM card, I was geng about 11Mbps download speed and 9Mbps upload. Not dramacally faster and probably means 4G broadband is not the way forward for me at the moment. It might be the hill at Frandley blocking the transmission from the mast near Antrobus. I’m looking forward to the building of the new mast in Comberbach!!! Next, I went over to friend who lives in Reed Lane. Their broadband speed is really terrible and explains why the Arley Broadband group has been lobbying BT for fibre. Using the same system, I plugged in my router and EE SIM card. I couldn’t believe my eyes, we were measuring download speeds greater than 50Mbps and uploads faster than 30Mbps! Amazing speeds, as fast as fibre! What have I learnt since? Not all routers are equally good – either at picking up the signal, nor pushing a wi-fi signal around a house. Not all SIM providers are equal either. BT, even though they use the EE mobile network, cap the speed you can get. We found that with a different router and a BT SIM, my friends in Reed Lane are geng lower speeds than I had measured, though sll faster than they had previously with wired broadband. The conclusions. Yes it works, it can be blisteringly fast, it isn’t without limitaons, and it won’t work everywhere in the village. Should you go for it? How much data you use will influence the cost of the SIM card, since you pay per GB of data. Watching films, box sets etc. over the internet will require lots of data. A few emails and some internet surfing less so. Data isn’t cheap, but prices connue to fall and there are always offers available. To offset the cost of the card, you could get rid of both your wired broadband and your landline, and move to being a mobile-only household. That would be a poke in the eye for BT! If you want more informaon – or a chat. I’m on [email protected]. Cheers – Julia Young

18 - COMMUNITY HUB -

Job Advert Budworth Sailing Club is seeking an enthusiastic and friendly person to help run the Galley (kitchen)on a Sunday throughout the sailing season. Experience in catering would be beneficial but not essential.

The successful person would be expected to prepare lunchtime snacks and serve drinks throughout the day. He/she must have or be prepared to take Level 2 Food & Hygiene Certificate.

For the right person the scope of this position could be expanded in time to include help to cater for additional sailing /social events at the Club. The core hours are between 11.30 and 4.00 . This may vary according to the activities at the club and will be by mutual agreement.

If you are interested to find out more please contact Alison Hubbard : 07778545262 / [email protected]

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Mobile Library Tuesday 13th February 10:10 - 10:30am Antrobus Village Hall (School Lane Car Park)

The mobile library has a range of books for adults and children (both fact and fiction) and the helpful friendly staff are always happy to assist if you are looking for something particular. There is a lift for those who find the steps difficult.

19 - LOCAL BUSINESSES -

ANTROBUS COMMUNITY SHOP

PLEASE SUPPORT 'YOUR' VILLAGE SHOP If you’ve never been in the Village Shop, then please call in and see what a wide variety of goods we have. If you are housebound, then give us a ring on 01606 891551 and we will deliver to you. Our opening hours are:

Monday – Friday 8.30am – 1.00pm & 2.30pm – 5.30pm (except school holidays when opening hours are 3.30pm – 5.30pm)

Wednesday 8.30am – 1.00pm Closed Afternoon

Saturday 8.30am – 12.00 noon

Sunday 9.30am – 12.00 noon

POST OFFICE OPEN Monday – Thursday Inc. 8.30am – 12.30pm

‘Paws For Walks’ - Starting January 2018

Local dog walking based in Whitley covering surrounding villages.

Group & solo walks around fields, roads and local pathways. Puppy visits and holiday help also available .

Fully insured

‘Peace of mind whilst at work or away’

Please call Sophie

07753932026 or [email protected]

Would you like to advertise in the Village News? The village news has 10 editions & 385 copies per edition. All money raised from the adverts goes towards the continuation of the village news.

Please email us for more details: [email protected]

20 - LOCAL BUSINESSES -

ANTROBUS EXECUTIVE TRAVEL MJ WINDOWS LTD Private Hire Taxi www.mj-windows.co.uk Over 30 years’ experience Local or Distance Windows, Doors, Conservatories & Glazing 4 Seater Vehicle Fascias, Soffits & guttering Call for a free quotation Bookings Only TEL: 01606 891875 Mobile: 07725 819953 Telephone: Mobile 07710 211364

CARTERS - PLATINUM STEVE CARTER Automated Entries ● Specialists in gate & garage door automation ● Wrought iron gates, all sorts of PAINTER & Fabrication undertaken ● Wooden gates ● Garage doors DECORATOR ● Intercom systems Lawn Crest, Brow Lane, Antrobus, CW9 6JY Local References Available www. automatedentries.co.uk TEL: Dave on 07816 909045 or TEL: 07952 082577 or 01606 871774

DOUGLAS HOGG POPLARS FARM PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICES Antrobus, Cheshire FREE RANGE EGGS Pruning Reducing Felling Lion eggs from local contracted farms Fully Qualified and Insured Packed and distributed to supermarkets, restaurants, wholesalers, farm shops etc. TEL: 07808 172249 Tel: 01565 777543 www.free-range-eggs.co.uk

ESSENDENE COLLINS PLASTERING RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME, Plastering BARNTON Venetian plaster Providing 24 hour care to the elderly Rendering By trained, caring staff Also day care, part time For details and brochure contact 07721 757378 Carol Brocklehurst [email protected] TEL: 01606 781182 www.facebook.com/JCollinsplastering Reg. CCC Social Services

THE GLAZIER Want to keep your garden or Replacement Double Glazed Units Fed up of trying to see though those Misty/failed double land mole free? glazed units? Domestic glazing, mirrors fitted All types of glazing work undertaken Free Quotes given Call Kevin or Sue on Tom Antrobus 01606 354498 07527 292854

21 - LOCAL BUSINESSES -

THE ANTROBUS ARMS BLADES Mowers

Your "local" Sales of all types of new & reconditioned machinery Experienced in servicing all types of garden machinery Food served all day Sharpening of bowling green & domestic cylinder mowers Monday – Saturday 12.00 noon – 9.00pm For all your Garden Machinery needs, contact us at Sunday 12.00 noon – 8.00pm FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR MEETINGS, www.bladesmowers.co.uk [email protected] CHRISTENINGS, FUNERALS ETC. TEL: BOB 01925 470323/01565 777057 TEL: 01606 891333 Mobile: 07803 936405

ANTROBUS NEW LOOK Plumbing / Bathrooms / Handyman Antrobus based time served plumber / handyman on hand to fix that dripping tap, dodgy loo or any other domestic plumbing requirement. Bathroom utilities fitted, BED & BREAKFAST - WEDDING VENUE small tiling jobs, kitchen units assembled and fitted as Foxley Brow House, School Lane, Antrobus, well as all types of handyman work considered. No job Cheshire CW9 6LB too small. Prompt, reliable, professional service at Telephone: 01606 892262 competitive prices. Free estimates. No call out charges. References available. www.foxleybrowhouse.com Call Ian on 07707 995 404 / 01606 892606 Read about us on TripAdvisor, like us on Facebook follow us on Twitter

ANTROBUS GOLF CLUB GPG PROPERTY SERVICES FOGGS LANE, ANTROBUS Domestic & Retail Property Services Open to Visitors Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting, Wall & Floor Memberships Available Tiling, Wood & Laminate Flooring, Patio Driving Range - Open to the Public Flagging & Garden Paving, Painting & 7 days a week 8.00am to dusk Decorating TELEPHONE: 01925 730890 General Property Maintenance (Secretary) TEL: Graham Gregory 01606 891400 01925 730900 (Professional) Mobile: 078751 95931

KEVIN BARNETT GARDENING SERVICES BY PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES ANDREW LAWLESS High quality professional tradesman Experienced in all aspects of gardening. Antrobus based Mowing, Hedge Cutting, Lawn Care/Scarifying, Weeding & Feeding, Strimming, Pruning, Small Established over 19 years tree work. Free Estimates Chainsaw license/spraying license Own Equipment Provided TEL: 01606 891811 MOBILE: 07764 684685 Tel: 07759 083977

JOHN BARBER HOME LOVING CATS AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR CAT SITTING by a CARING CAT SITTER Paddock and Field Maintenance, I visit your cat in its home & replenish food/water, service Combined Grass Seeding with Aerator & Harrows litter trays, fuss & play with your cat, & check that it is 3M Grass Flail Shredder, Ploughing, Rotivating, well. With years of cat experience and a love of animals Power Harrowing, Fertilizer Spreading, you can be sure that you are entrusting your cat and home to totally reliable, trustworthy and caring Muckspreading, Mowing, Tractor & Man professionals who truly adores cats. Hedge cutting with Debris Blower Sian Chandler Telephone 07770 863170 DUMP TRAILER FOR HIRE www.HomeLovingCats.com where you can post an TEL: 07831 296955 enquiry

22 - LOCAL BUSINESSES -

LANDTECH SOLUTIONS SO DESIGN INTERIORS – Groundworks & Fencing Contractor Fiona Spittle & Lesley Owen www.landtechsolutions.co.uk Traditional & Contemporary Interior Design ● Post & Rail Fencing ● Ménage Construction & Stable Preparation Fabrics, Wallpaper, Zoffany Paint, Carpet, ● Pond Creation Furniture, Lighting, Accessories, Kitchens & ● All types of groundwork undertaken to the Bathrooms highest standards TEL: 01925 730110 Based in Higher Whitley Mobile: 07980 214330 sodesigninteriors.co.uk

TREVOR NICHOLLS SURE HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICES Expert treatment of muscle, nerve and joint problems Your local, friendly and professional “I'd struggled with lower back pain for years, cleaning service. Industrial machines. but after a few sessions and following some Car Valeting also available. simple tips, my back feels great” Fully insured. Reasonable rates. 07988 631099 TEL: 01925 483249 FREEPHONE: 0800 542256 [email protected] www.sure-health.co.uk

THE PEMBERTON PARTNERSHIP LTD ROBIN YEOMAN CHARTERED SURVEYORS & EPCS Cabinet Maker Antique Restoration & Re-Polishing Nigel Pemberton 07795 965037 for Bespoke Joinery Surveys and Valuations Jenni Pemberton 07740 696694 for EPCs Sevenoaks Sawmill Warrington Road, Antrobus Member practice of Allied Surveyors and Valuers MOBILE: 07866 262226

PERCY'S AUTOS LTD VICTORIAN BRICKLAYING MOT CENTRE 199 – 203 Witton Street, Brick, Block, Stone, All Sizes Northwich CW9 5LP All types of pointing Renovations – Chimney Specialist E-Mail: [email protected] New Build & Underpinning Local Web site: www.percysautos.co.uk References Available

TEL: 01606 352461 CONTACT: Steve 07788 723175

PRISTINE CLEANING STOVE EXPERT LTD A Royal Service in your home or business. Locally established. Honest & friendly home transformation. Log Burners, Multifuel Stoves, Open Fires, A shining example with 100% satisfaction. Flue Liners & Cowls, Installed & CONTACT YVONNE : 07989 433249 References: Kate, "Don't know what I would Maintained For a free quote from a fully do without Pristine Cleaning. Jackie – Moore "Love it Qualified HETAS registered installer when Pristine Cleaning have been – my house is immaculate. Anne – "A reliable trustworthy Call – 01606 241000 company which I would highly recommend" e-mail: [email protected]

23 - ANTROBUS DIRECTORY - ANTROBUS TRUSTEES Judith Edwards 01565 777415

ANTROBUS COMMUNITY GARDEN Jane Meakin ([email protected]) 07711 761115

CHURCHES Antrobus St Mark’s Rev. Alec Brown 01606 891324 e-mail [email protected] Church Wardens: Meryl Phillips 01606 891550 Jane Schofield: 01565 777227 Reader: Chris Taylor: 01925 263600 Curate: Christina Westwell 01606 782743

Methodist Chapel Rev. David Easton 01925 263612 Church Secretary Ann Bolshaw 01565 777454

Friends Meeting House Gill Alcock 01925 730153

DANCING Sutton School of Dance Debbie Sutton 01606 891089

Sequence Dancing Ken & Carol Millington 01606 79926

FRIENDSHIP CLUB Janet Mounfield 01606 892987

FETE COMMITTEE Christina Millachip 01606 892686

GOLF CLUB Club House 01925 730002

HOMEWATCH Co-ordinator – Paul Harrison 01606 892151

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Esther McVey ([email protected]) 01565 632181

PRE-SCHOOL NURSERY & 01606 892323 TODDLERS GROUP

PARISH COUNCIL Simon Palmer (Clerk) [email protected] 01606 891462

POLICE Emergencies Only 999 Non Emergencies 101 Crimestoppers 0800 555111

PUB Antrobus Arms Mrs Sandra Collins 01606 891333

SCHOOL Antrobus St Mark’s Mrs Sandra Finney – Head 01606 288800 School Governors Mark Roberts Friends of School Sarah Williams ([email protected]) 07894 314773

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Jean Wilkinson (Secretary) 01606 891402

VILLAGE HALL Secretary – Agnes Bentley 01565 777286 Bookings – Karen Peploe 07544 567708 Supper Club – Annie Dugdale (Gordon) 07768 868647 www.antrobusvillagehall.com

VILLAGE NEWS Lindsey Dobson 07966277113 Kelvin Dobson, Sues Williams, Jon Storey and Christina Millachip e-mail: [email protected]

VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE 01606 891551

VILLAGE WEB SITE www.antrobus.info

USEFUL NUMBERS Scottish Power (Electricity) 0800 0015400 United Utilities (Water) 0345 672 3723 To report highways issues to Cheshire West 0300 123 7036 24