in lsager THE FREE LOCAL JOURNAL focus APRIL/MAY 2018 No.149 AStation parking pay by phone Consultation on bin changes East Midlands Trains have introduced a new payment system at Cheshire East are consulting on the introduction of charges for Alsager Station where customers can simply use a phone to pay new and replacement bins to save £360,000 a year. for their parking. The council say this is because they Called ‘RingGo’ the system means customers won’t have been experiencing a high level need to make sure they have the cash or change to of bin supply requests with over pay for their parking – making it even easier to trav- 20,000 new or replacement bins sup- el by train, and time-pressed commuters will benefit plied in the last two years, and this of not having to buy a pay and display ticket and level of demand is placing an unsus- return to their vehicle when they’re in a rush. tainable pressure on the budget and To use the app customers will need to create an ac- needs to be addressed as they can no count with RingGo. Customers can then download the app, visit www.myringgo. longer afford to provide all of the re- co.uk, or call 0203 046 300 to purchase car park tickets. The customer inputs the placement containers free of charge. unique location code as shown on the machine and then pays for their parking. The proposed charges will be agreed Customers will have the choice of daily, multiple days or weekly via the app or on an annual basis and is likely to be visit the RingGo website to purchase long term parking season tickets. in the order of: £35 for a standard A consultation on charges for bin A transaction fee of 20p applies to all parking purchased via RingGo. black residual bin (240 litre), £30 replacement could see losing or each for recycling and garden waste damaging your bins becoming costly Petition for Linley junction safety bins (240 litre), or £25 for a smaller residual bin (140 litre). Another serious accident at the dangerous Linley Road/Linley The charge will be for the supply of household waste and recycling bins to new properties and replacement containers, where they have been lost, stolen or dam- Lane junction has prompted concerned residents to set up a peti- aged by a party other than the refuse collectors. Please note for stolen bins: the tion to get traffic lights installed as a matter of urgency. replacement is free but if further requests are made within 3 years, a charge will Following numerous crashes and a fatality 17 years apply. A 25% concession will be made for households in receipt of eligible wel- ago residents have been campaigning for safety mea- fare support. Any charges made will contribute to the cost of the supply of new sures such as a speed limit reduction or traffic lights and replacement bins. at this accident hot spot. The Highway Authority The Council claim continuing with a free replacement and new bin supply would, had scheduled the installation of signals for March based on current estimates, require over £300,000 per year going forwards. This A petition for safety measures at last year (2017) but deferred the date to March this Linley junction has been set up would mean other services would have to make extra savings on top of ones they year blaming sub contractors for the delay. As yet no already may need to make. work has been done and is believed to be scheduled to start this summer. The survey can be found at https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/Bins18/ Now residents are putting further pressure on the authorities to get safety mea- st sures introduced as soon as possible with an online petition which can be found at: All consultation responses must be received by 21 May 2018, the proposal is to you.38degrees.org.uk/ search Linley Lane. introduce charges during 2018/2019.

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Dementia Awareness Week looking for funding towards the purchase of a Bat Foundation again, when ‘budgets’ are discussed Finding Your Feet is a romantic comedy-drama and released and we are feeling staring Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Im- Monday 21 May - Sunday 27 May is Dementia Awareness Week Table Tennis Therapy Table. proud and excited! rie and Joanna Lumley. This is the week when everyone is asked to do something, The table would be the focal point around which they would set up an activity session for ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of Over recent years the Alsager Civic has gone however small, to help make a difference to people living people affected by dementia and their carers. from strength to strength with a steady balance forty years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, with dementia. Alsager Lions new President Geoff Rimmer of community and private events to support its was made aware of this requirement by Kath existence. The Civic is funded by Alsager Town Council and the level of funding older sister Bif. Sandra is a fish out of water next Alsager Partnership will be launching a new activity session for people expe- riencing dementia and their carers during this week. We are all grateful to the and the Club were delighted that £100 was to has reduced considerably each year for the past 3 years. In fact it is now not the to her outspoken, serial dating, free spirited sibling organisations in the town, who have generously donated to our Therapy Table be made available towards the purchase of the Geoff Rimmer presenting most significantly funded initiative and we as a venue are so proud to be offering who lives on an inner-city council estate. Tennis Table fund including Alsager School, Lions, U3A, Rotary, Ladies Circle therapy table. cheque to Kath Reader so much to the community. But difference is just what Sandra needs and she and others. This will enable people with early stage dementia to enjoy a popular Alsager Lions are sure that Kath Reader would be pleased to hear from any other reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community This past month we have felt privileged to offer the venue to some extraordinary activity, using equipment specially designed by the BAT (Bounce Alzheimer’s organisation that could help out financially. Email: [email protected] community events including the Senior Citizens Annual Show, Alsager Commu- dance class where she meets her sister’s friends, Therapy) Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society to help overcome the visual dif- nity Theatre production and Little Bug Children’s Theatre production, and we are Charlie, Jackie and Ted. This colorful group of de- ficulties that they may encounter when playing with standard equipment. New President fiant and energetic third-agers start to show Sandra that retirement is a beginning, so proud to support these events and have them at our disposal locally! BAT is a national charity that has investigated the benefits table tennis can have Due to the sudden and sad loss of Alsager Li- and that divorce could be her new lease of life and love. ons President Sam Alcock, who will be sadly Since its recent refurbishment the venues versatility has stood it in good stead physically, mentally and emotionally on those living with Alzheimer’s. Repre- Coco sentatives from the foundation will be on hand to demonstrate the advantages of missed by the club and many many people in to continue with it’s progression and we are also so grateful to the support we Alsager, the club had to find a new President this drug free therapy. The BAT Foundation representatives are currently engaged receive from everyone within the community for our events and endeavors too. 10am Friday 13th April - Family Week pretty quickly. In short a massive thank you from us, to all our hirers, supporters and customers in delivering a number of tables across the country and promoting a wider under- Lion Treasurer Geoff Rimmer persuaded Lion past present and future. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named standing of the positive impact that the therapy tables can have. From left Secretary Mel North, Doug Byrne to take on the roll of Treasurer and center President Geoff Rim- Miguel Rivera who is accidentally transported to We will also be showcasing our Project to help the schools in Alsager become Geoff was unanimously welcome as the new mer, Treasurer Doug Byrne. Family Week - An exciting week of events to keep the the land of the dead. Dementia Friendly. Alsager School and all five Primary Schools are taking part President. President Geoffs main aim, as President, is to increase Alsager Lions Despite his family’s generations-old ban on mu- in the project. children entertained over the Easter Holiday break! membership. sic, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accom- Lots of fun things to get involved in... Family Week runs from Monday April 9th The Memory Café continues to meet on the last Friday of the month 10.30 am to plished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Lions Youth Brass to Friday 13th and includes workshops and events run by local businesses and 12.30 pm and Chance to Dance takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. organisations to kick boredom into touch during the Easter holidays. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds him- If you are a business, organisation, community group or individual that would Alsager Lions present Lions Youth self in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. Brass with musical director Nigel Birch All sessions, excluding the Civic cinema are FREE and places are given on a first like to make a financial contribution toward the Dementia Friendly Town work of After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, featuring Virginia Meir accompanied by come first served basis, subject to availability, and booking is essential . Alsager Partnership, then please contact us by telephone: 07825776921 or email: the two new friends embark on an extraordinary [email protected] Karen Shutt at Alsager Civic on Friday, th For full details of activities see page 8 or the Facebook page - Alsager Civic journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s 27 April at 7.30pm. Free admission re- TOGETHER WE CAN HELP PEOPLE LIVING tiring collection for lions charities. Family Week. family history. WITH DEMENTIA TO LIVE WELL IN OUR TOWN. 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2 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 3 Alsager Arts Alsager Family Alsager Youth Theatre History group Alsager Youth Theatre is for ages 7-16s Association with groups led by creative practitioners Our joint exhibition with Anne Roach and Alsager Family History Group welcomes from Cheshire East on Wednesdays @ Al- Sandbach Art Groups was held at Rode visitors to their meetings which are held sager Community Church. Hall during February. on the third month of each month at Sessions are 5pm-6:30pm for 7-11 years, and 6:45- Despite appalling weather conditions many stalwart Wesley Place Methodist Church Hall at 8:45pm for 11-16 years. ‘Snowdrop Walkers’ viewed our displays and we re- 7.30pm. Sessions comprise of in- ceived many compliments on the variety and skill of clusive drama for those our exhibits. After the talks there is an opportunity to discuss fam- ily history with other members over a cup of tea or who wish to be inspired On 7th March Les Dar- coffee. and perform on the Ly- low, a professional ceum stage. artist from Blackpool, At the meeting on 16th April, gave us an inspiring given by Alan Eastwood, the For more information see demonstration on Pan topic will be “The Origins of their facebook page. Pastels. This was a Pub Signs”. Alan will take medium which none us on a journey, starting in of our group had ever Roman times, through ale- tried but Les instilled wives and early pub signs to in us a determination the present day. He will also to make an attempt at make reference to some Al- emulating his artistic sager pub signs. Alsager Rotary example. In May, Rina Tillinger will look at five centuries of Club received Apart from our nor- Brits who have shaped American history. “Getting a thank you mal Wednesday meet- Rid of the Stink” is the title of Mike Haynes’s talk ings we look forward to Val Brett’s workshop on 25th in June. Throughout history millions of people, es- certificate from April, which I mistakenly said was in March in the pecially children, have been killed by water-borne The Wheelchair last issue of the Focus. diseases. Mike investigates the people who created a Foundation. healthier environment. We were pleased to welcome several new members The club collected to our group recently and if anyone requires further The entrance fee for the meetings - which includes Yorkshire Tea bar information please see our website. www.alsagerar- tea/coffee and biscuits - is £1 for members of the codes in vast num- tsassociation.co.uk Family History Society of Cheshire and £2 for Non- bers to provide a members. For further information visit www.fhsc. wheelchair to a org.uk email [email protected] or have a look at needy African. facebook or Streetlife

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4 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 5 Alsager School Christian Aid Week 2018 ALSAGER TOWN COUNCIL TOPICS Alsager School’s annual school production has yet again May 13 – 19 been a huge success. “Together we are stronger than the April/May 2018 ‘Hot Mikado’ was performed storms and stronger than poverty” Alsager Town Council set The survey is available online at www.alsagerneighbourhoodplan.org,uk over three nights for audienc- and respondents can enter a free prize draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher. es to enjoy, plus two matinee Christian Aid has more than 70 years experience of working in partnership to to help future generations Two prizes are available. The deadline for completion is 31st March. performances for local pri- support communities to thrive, tackling the root causes of poverty. Women, men of local hedgehogs mary schools. The show is a and children all over the world are strengthened against future crises. When di- ‘We are keen to hear the views of young people in the town so we can best th colourful, lively version of the saster strikes, Christian Aid gets people the help they need straight away. On 13 March Alsager Town Council represent their interests when formulating the Neighbourhood Plan,’ said classic Gilbert and Sullivan House-to-house collecting is how Christian Aid Week began more than 60 years secured a ‘UK first’ by unanimously Christine Marsh, Chair of the Alsager Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, agreeing Cllr Jane Smith’s motion that tale that takes the original mu- ago. In Christian Aid Week, thousands of volunteers throughout the UK will take ‘We had an excellent response to our Household Survey late last year for every new planning application sical and jazzes it up to 1940s to the streets, going into their local communities to deliver the red Christian Aid and are developing policies and recommendations from the feedback we ‘swing-style’. coming before the council we should Week envelope and to collect donations. Last year seven million envelopes were received. This latest survey is specifically aimed at young people and covers stipulate native hedging for boundaries, and that if native hedging isn’t It was a colourful extrava- delivered. Local volunteers go from door-to-door in Alsager and Church Lawton areas like youth activities and facilities, transport and accessibility. We want to collect for Christian Aid. The house-to-house collection in Alsager and Church possible, then any solid walls or fences must incorporate ‘wildlife tunnels’ ganza which celebrated the to make sure that the views of young people are clearly represented in the Lawton last year raised £3,845-55. Thanks to all in our local community who to allow hedgehogs and other animals through access. collaboration between the Music and Drama departments, as well as incorporat- Neighbourhood Plan.’ ing pupils from Cranberry Academy, Excalibur, Alsager Highfields and Weston supported the work of Christian Aid. It’s estimated that the UK has lost a third of its hedgehog population in the The survey is short and can be completed within a few minutes. primary schools. Alex Taylor, choreography and PE teacher, said: “The perfor- Christian Aid works to help the past decade alone, largely due to the practice of placing solid boundaries Marcelin’s story The survey can be found from a button on the ANSPG home-page mance was absolutely fantastic; all our students gave 100% throughout the re- poorest people according to their around gardens. Hedgehogs travel up to two miles a night between March Marcelin lost his home, www.alsagerneighbourhoodplan.org.uk hearsal process and performances. Many thanks go to all the primary school needs in some of the world’s livestock and possessions and September in their search for food, mates and nesting sites, and they pupils and staff involved, as they were great and we look forward to working with most difficult places, regardless when Hurricane Matthew need to be able to access multiple gardens. Insisting on wildlife tunnels in Once completed, the Neighbour- them again in the future.” of culture, race or religion. struck. He’s fighting hard hood Plan will be presented to local to care for his daughters. new applications is a small measure that’s inexpensive to implement but Vince Galley, Subject Leader of Music, said: “Over 150 students and staff from Based in countries affected by Christian Aid builds di- which will have enormous benefits for generations of hedgehogs and other people who can then vote on whether within the Alsager community worked together as a team to produce a brilliant disasters, Christian Aid can be saster resistant homes to wild animals. to adopt it at a special Referendum. show and it was just great to be part of that team”. there before, during and after an give people safe, secure If 50% of those who vote support the emergency to save lives and sup- places to live. Hedging and wildlife tunnels have long been promoted as key to local Headteacher Richard Middlebrook said: “I am extremely proud of all the students Neighbourhood Plan then it will have port people long term. Through hedgehog populations by the dynamic Alsager Urban Wildlife Initiative and staff involved in creating such a wonderful show. It was a real school produc- statutory powers within the frame- its work with local organisations in these countries, Christian Aid can talk di- group. The introduction and preservation of wider ‘wildlife corridors’ across tion, a huge cast with ages ranging from 7 to 18 and involving five schools. I am work of the Cheshire East Local Plan. rectly to the people affected to provide the most useful emergency response. the town also forms an important part of Alsager’s draft Neighbourhood sure everyone enjoyed the performances as much as I did and it is always a real Plan, with concerns for wildlife having come out strongly from residents The Neighbourhood Plan is non- Margaret Snowdon, representing our local group, says, “ Christian Aid Week has pleasure to see young people enjoying themselves so much, whether that was on in the recent household survey, and this decision will support that concept party political and will aim to reflect the stage singing and dancing, playing in the band, working on the set, lighting, the power to transform and improve lives of people in need, living in disaster the views of all residents who take areas or fleeing from poverty or violence”. significantly. costumes or behind the stage. The staff also did a great job, so many colleagues part in the Survey and the working Since the meeting, Alsager Town Council has received messages of were involved but I would especially like to thank Mr Galley, Miss Edwards, Miss The work of Christian Aid will be the focus of a display in Alsager Library from groups established to gather evidence on a range of issues. Taylor and Miss Waterhouse for all the hours of work they put into the show”. 4th to 19th May. Find out more at caweek.org congratulations from RSPCA Stapeley Grange and Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital locally plus countless individuals and wildlife charities For more information contact: Christine Marsh on 01270 486010 or email around the UK - as well as requests for further information from eight other [email protected]. councils who would now like to implement something similar following See: www.alsagerneighbourhoodplan.org.uk Alsager’s important precedent! Annual Parish Meeting For more information on how you can incorporate hedgehog tunnels in Come along to hear first-hand what your Town Council and local your own garden, visit www.hedgehogstreet.org or contact Alsager Urban Councillors have been involved in over the past year. The Annual Parish Wildlife Initiative via Facebook. Meeting is where you can raise any issues of importance or concern with Alsager Youth invited to share views the aim of putting them on the agenda for the coming year. The meeting is chaired by the Chairman of the Town Council. Young people aged between 10 and 18 are being asked to share their views on ac- Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting on Tuesday 22nd May 2018 at tivities and facilities available for this 7.15pm in Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager. age group within Alsager. Future Meeting Dates April/May 2018 The survey has been devised by the Alsager Neighbourhood Plan Steer- Planning, Environment & Community Committee Tuesday 3rd April 7.15pm ing Group and responses will help Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager shape policies presented for approval Planning, Environment & Community Committee Tuesday 24th April 7.15pm through the Neighbourhood Plan. Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager HOW TO CONTACT ALSAGER TOWN COUNCIL Alsager Civic and Services Monday 30th April 4.30pm Alsager Civic Call in: The Town Council offices are open between Institute Committee Wednesday 9th May 10.00am 10am and 1pm Monday to Friday. Alsager Civic Phone: 01270 876440 Planning, Environment & Community Committee Tuesday 15th May 7.15pm Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager Email: [email protected] Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 22nd May 7.15pm [email protected] Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager Town Council Annual Meeting Tuesday 22nd May 7.30pm Write to: Alsager Town Council, 3 Lawton Road, Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager Alsager, ST7 2AE. Finance, Policy and Governance Committee Tuesday 29th May 7.15pm Website: www.alsagertowncouncil.org.uk Alsager Institute, Green Drive, Alsager

HOW TO CONTACT ALSAGER CIVIC Agendas for all Town Council and committee meetings will be displayed prior to Phone: 01270 879711 each meeting and will be available for inspection at the offices of the Town Council buildings and are being made available on the Town Council website alsagertown- Email: [email protected] council.org.uk 3 days prior to each Town Council or Committee meeting. Write to: Alsager Civic Centre, Lawton Road, Members of the general public are most welcome to attend the meetings and there Alsager, ST7 2AE. will be a public participation period at the beginning of each meeting. 6 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 7 Alsager Community Theatre Alsager Ladies Lifeboat Guild Theatre group withers for want of Saving Lives All Year Round Company Stage Manager We hope that you’ve been enjoy- Alsager Community Theatre is a well regard- ing Saving Lives at Sea, and if ed, award-winning amateur theatre group you’ve not already seen it, why but it currently has a major problem: its lack haven’t you! of a company stage manager is threatening its It’s still on BBC iPlayer! Watching this pro- very existence. gramme cements in the mind just what a brave and invaluable job our lifeboat crew do. ACT is in the unusual position of having no perma- The Alsager Ladies Lifeboat Guild continues to fundraise to ensure these brave nent theatre or performing space: it puts on outdoor crews have the right equipment and technology to keep themselves safe and to performances at Little Moreton Hall and indoor per- save lives. formances at Alsager Civic Centre and elsewhere. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far this year, particularly this Its equipment is stored in a storage unit at a local braving the cold at Rode Hall Farmer’s Market in March! Why not come and sup- farm and at members’ homes. Members perform in port the cause at one of our upcoming events? We have a number of fundraising the round and build their auditorium out of rostra. and awareness events coming up, not least of which is the concert on 21st April They transport sound and lighting equipment to the by the wonderful local Winterley Methodist Brass Band and our annual Plants, performance space, store it at the venue, and set it Cakes and Coffee Morning in May where you are browse a beautiful selection up each evening. Because the group performs in the of plants, purchase handmade crafts, cakes and chutneys and sit down for a quiet round, or on three sides, there is usually no require- cup of tea and a biscuit. Whatever interests you, we’d love to see you! ment for a traditional stage set. However, there are often items to be built and Our upcoming events are: someone with wood-working skills would be especially welcome! Also, stage th th furniture has to be acquired; either borrowed or hired. Street collection in Alsager, 6 and 7 April - If you see a yellow RNLI tabard, say hello! There is currently no-one in the group willing or able to take on the task of co- On Wednesday 11th April, ladies from the Guild will be at the Alsager Library ordinating and organising these tasks, and this is placing an unsustainable strain Coffee Morning to answer any queries you may have. on active members of the group who are already overstretched. Winterley Methodist Brass Band Concert at Wesley Place Methodist Church, If you are interested in spending time with a friendly group of people who love Saturday 21st April 2018, 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 and include interval re- the theatre and enjoy producing plays, and if you think you could be ACT’s com- freshments and can be bought by calling 01270 872690 or on the door if avail- pany stage manager, please come along to one of our rehearsals, which run on able. Mondays and Wednesday from 9th April at Alsager Library. Plants Cakes and Coffee Morning, St Marys Church, Alsager, Saturday 12th Or you can contact Diana Lane on 01260 281544. May 2018, 10am to 12noon. Tickets are £1, include Tea/Coffee and Biscuits, You can find out more about ACT at www.alsagercom- and can be bought on the door. munitytheatre.org.uk Stall at Alsager Carnival, Saturday 9th June, Milton Gardens.

8 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 9 Alsager Alsager Library News & Events nd th The University of the Third Age, U3A, is continuing to Library will be closed Monday 2 April and Monday 7 May Saturdays 10 - 12noon Meet the PCSO Have you any problems or is- who help maintain and improve the Station recruit new members both locally and nationally. sues which you need to resolve? Please contact the Library for dates 2 May 10.00-12.00 Kath knight Come and meet Kath, our local St lukes Community Ad- when the PCSO will be available. Here in Alsager we have had sizable increase in new members this year and visor for Older People,who can offer information, support, and guidance on a range of now have 1096. Many new members are interested in the walking groups, Wednesdays 10 - 12noon Coffee Mornings are held regularly on issues and signpost to specialist help when necessary. Wednesdays, where tea, coffee and biscuits are served by “Friends of Alsager Tennis Club - a hidden gem 16 May 10.00-12.00 Alsager Community Support Come and meet Pia ,who can offer table tennis and bowls. We have advertised for leaders to run two more table Alsager Library”. For visits from specific groups please see below for information, support, and guidance on a range of issues and signpost to specialist help details on separate dates. tennis groups. If you are interested in helping, the work is not heavy and Even some people who have lived in Alsager all their lives when necessary. Wednesdays 10 - 12noon Alsager Chess Club Want to have a game you can let us know via a member of the committee or a leader of one of 16 May 9.30-10.30 Alsager Tree Walk Come along and meet Alistair, our local Countyside do not know Alsager Tennis Club because it is hidden away of chess? Drop-in & challenge members of Alsager Chess Club. You the other T.T. groups. We have been lucky to get a new Pilates group started Ranger. He will be leading a walk around Alsager looking at the different kinds of trees that may even consider joining this Club. and this is popular. off Sandbach Road North at the end of School Lane. can be found. Free event but booking essential as places limited. Tickets available from Mondays 2.00pm-4.00pm Adult colouring Come along to colour, relax and chat. Pencils It is only fifty yards or so from the main town carpark. To have a look at the ten- Alsager Library. Our writing group has finished due to a lack of a leader. We are grateful to and sheets provided or bring your own. Refreshments included nis club, follow the footpath between Highfields School and the School annexe. 27 April 25 May 10.30-12.30 Alsager Memory Café A new drop-in session for carers, Rita Crumpton and Pam Freeman for the enthusiasm they had for running Mondays 5 - 6pm and 6-7pm Little Bug Theatre Drama Class Little Bug Theatre present families and people living with Dementia. A friendly,safe,social group run be trained vol- The tennis club is on the other side of the Donkey Path, sheltered by the Mere a drama class for ages 6 - 11. £4 per class. Contact 07890435066 or littlebugtheatre@ unteers. this clever group of writers over the past years. Unfortunately, Keith Wilkes yahoo.com to book a place. Court flats and the high privet hedge at the end of Alsager Cricket Club ground. 17 April 15 May 3.30 - 4.30pm LEGO Club Come along and make a LEGO model. has been struggling to recruit people to join his Memory Walks. This is due 3 April 1 May 2 - 4pm Alsager Creative Stitchers meet on the first Tuesday of the month There is coaching every Saturday morning 9.00am-12.00. For further informa- 23 May 10 - 12noon Dougie Mac Come and meet Nicola from the Dougie Mac. Discover to the nature of the problem of memory loss sufferers and their carers. The for talks, workshops etc. Fee charged. Visitors welcome. tion just come along or ring the club Coach, Phil Ingram on 01782 514184. how they can help you or you can help them! carers are enthusiastic and benefit from the company but some of the people 3 April 1 May 11.00-12.00 Adult Story Group Come along and join our Adult Story Group. 31 May 2.30-3.30 Childrens Crafts “In my Garden” Childrens craft session. Tickets £2.00. All welcome. Listen to a story,have a cup of tea and relax. with memory loss are not so keen. If anyone is interested restarting these in Tennis was recommended recently even by a member of the House of Lords Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 11 April 25 April 10.00-12.00 Nat West Community Banker Come and meet Jane, the the future please contact Keith. because it exercises a wide range of muscles and can be played at varying levels. 5 May-18 May Display Christian Aid Come and look at the display of the work undertaken Nat West Community Banker who can offer help and support with online banking and offer Tennis is an ideal sport for former football and rugby players who no longer have by Christian Aid. Find out more about this organisation It is our 21st year celebration this year and we are producing one edition of alternative ways to bank the legs to run for one and a half hours on a hundred yards long pitch. - for pre-school children Mondays am & Baby Rhymetime Fridays pm free. our magazine. If you have an article to contribute please get in touch with 11 April 10.00-12.00 Alsager Ladies Lifeboat Guild Come and find out more about Al- Rhymetime However, one member, Michael Rice, is dis- sager Ladies Lifeboat Guild. We are always delighted to greet new members and can Little Bookworms - for pre-school children - Fridays 10 - 10.30am, free Eleanor Somerset our editor at [email protected]. Particularly we assure you of a warm and friendly welcome. would like quirky memories or how being a member of the U3A has ben- proving this notion by running in the London Saturday Childrens Activities - Saturdays 10.00am. Lego Club on first Sat of the month Marathon on 22nd April. He is raising funds for 16 April 10.00-12.00 Motherwell Come and find out more about Motherwell CIC, a service 10-12noon. Storytime second & third Sat of the month 10:30. Family Crafts on fourth Sat efited you both socially or health-wise. For example playing table tennis has provided for women promoting positive health and well being the Parkinson Society and the Christie Hospi- of the month 10-12noon - children to be accompanied by responsible adult. helped me exercise my back due to having to pick up the ball a LOT. 18 April 10.00-12.00 Alsager Voluntary Care & Alsager Luncheon Club Come along to Yoga sessions - Tuesdays & Thursdays 10.30- 11.30am with Paul tal (for lymphoma). He is also giving a small find out more about Alsager Voluntary Care and Alsager Luncheon Club, a much appreci- st th Thursdays 7.30 - 9.30pm with Gill To mark this 21 year we are having an afternoon tea on the 30 September. donation to Stoke Athletic Club, which got him ated local service. Volunteers are always welcome Tai-Chi sessions - Thursday afternoons. Application forms to enter a draw to attend into running. In the past he has done the Paris, London and Potteries marathons, 18 April 10.00-12.00 Alsager Community Support Centre. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People this event can be picked up on a Mon- the latter eight times. We wish him the best of luck. and Deafness Support Network. Come along to meet representatives of therse three or- Alsager Library has free for Library members. ganisations. day morning at our help desk in the Alsager Tennis Club would like to end with a short tribute to Derek Heathcote Do you know anyone in the Alsager area who is Housebound and would like Library books Civic Centre. Again if you have any 24 April 2.30pm Stephen Booth Back by popular demand. Come along delivering? You do? Please contact Alsager Library for more information. who died recently aged 84. He played in the South & Mid Cheshire League for and Meet Stephen Booth, best selling author of the Fry and Cooper memorabilia or stories please let us forty years or more for Crewe LMR, Rolls Royce, Nantwich and finally Wistas- thriller series Booking Essential, tickets £2.00 Your Library needs you…. Are you interested in helping out at an event, can you spare an hour to garden, tell a story make tea or help in any way? Contact the library to find out more. know and we can include these in the ton. He was a good competitor and loved regaling us with his sporting achieve- 25 April 10.00-12.00 Friends of Alsager Station Did you know this year event. Christine Stewart. ments. He brightened local tennis. is the 170th anniverary of Alsager Station? Come and chat to the friends For more information about events at the Library please phone 01270 375325

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10 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 11 News from Alsager Prize Crossword Competition Alsager Pikemere Community Support Centre Across Down Townswomen’s Guild 6. Resist temptation to sing the chorus? (7) 1. Find diluted rum in endless GORGE (4) Alsager Pikemere Townswomen’s Guild kicked Our Annual Report for 2017 records that during the last year 8. Consume TEA (3) 2. I’M CAST in filler (6) 3. CONE has a single use (4) off its 2018 programme with an excellent presentation our volunteers gave an amazing 3,000 hours of their time to 9. Enormous person who’s been AT GIN (5) 10. Have some ARTEX left over (5) 4. Allowed to use until Easter Sunday? (4) about bees and bee-keeping by Graham Royle. help at our centre, and we had a record 1154 visits from local 11. A little bit of DATA? (3) 5. Leave behind on a strip of sand (6) Graham, a leading expert on the subject of bees, gave Guild members a fascinat- people. 12. Short CAPE used as headwear (3) 7. FUR AD is fake (5) Battle’s Over – a nations tribute 11. TOOT AT indelible mark on skin (6) ing insight into the world of these clever and hard-working creatures who play Some of these were calling in for leaflets 14. Craze that will FADE shortly (3) 13. Satisfaction may ELAPSE (6) such a critical role in our food chain. or information, or donating food for the 15. Fling for all it’s WORTH (5) 14. Short story doesn’t quiet BAFFLE (5) Kath Reynolds took Guild members on a trip down memory lane in February foodbank, school uniform or other items to 100 Years of Remembrance 18. Nudge in the BOWEL (5) th 20. LOW flying bird (3) 16. LURE into governance (4) with her highly entertaining talk entitled Food, glorious Food. She reminded for people in need. Some came to make On the 11 November 2018, the United Kingdom and its 21. SCEPTRE commands deference (7) 17. Distort a short PRAWN (4) members that food rationing after the Second World War did not end until 1954 use of our free phone and internet service friends overseas will mark the day 100 years ago when the 19. Sounds like a request for a unit of power (4) since when our diets, and tastes, have changed out of all recognition. to contact various agencies, or to enquire guns fell silent at the end of the of the First World War. Many thanks to all about lost property. Many other people There were sighs of happiness and shudders of revulsion in equal measure as who entered our last 1 2 3 4 5 were needing more in depth help from The Royal British Legion – Alsager Branch, supported by Alsager Town Council Crossword Competi- Kath recalled the delights of tripe, offal and faggots in thick, juicy gravy and our excellent team of volunteers or from are proud to be taking part in the nations tribute ‘A Battles Over’. This is set to be tion. The correct answer 6 7 8 much laughter as members recalled the days when a Dream Topping, Angel De- professionals from local organisations a moving and truly unique day with a series of events delivered in Alsager to en- was ‘EASTER EGG’. light or a Bird’s Trifle graced the Sunday tea table. The power of advertising was who work alongside us. able the community to pay their respects those who gave their lives during the war. First correct reply to reinforced when Guild members cheerfully joined in the jingles that accompa- nied the ads for products such as Cadbury’s Smash and Coke’s ‘I’d like to teach Our very popular School Uniform Recycling Project which includes all Alsager Stuart Waring, Chairman of the Royal British Legion – Alsager Branch, ably be picked from the bag 9 10 the world to sing’. Happy days! schools continues to be available throughout the year from our centre. On Thursday assisted by the Town Council and Alsager Civic are planning the event which was from Mrs Cooper 5th April we are holding a sale of both new and pre-owned uniform, shoes, football will take place on Sunday 11 November 2018. of Alsager who wins a The dreadful weather in early March proved too much even for the intrepid mem- £10 gift voucher which bers of TWG so the visit to Little Harts Pottery Studio was postponed until mid- boots, coats etc in Alsager Community Church from 2-4 pm. Please see our posters Events will include a lone piper at dawn playing ‘Battles O’er’ in front of Alsager 11 12 13 14 or Facebook page for more information. Civic, a Remembrance parade and reception for all voluntary groups who support she has chosen to spend April. The annual Townswomen’s Guilds Federation afternoon tea will take place at Wharf Plumbing con- the annual Remembrance parade. The climax will be at 7.00pm when a lone bugler on 28 March. We are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life of our community, gratulations! This issue will play ‘The Last Post’ and a beacon will be lit on the Civic Green. The April meeting will see a departure from the usual and to this end we have been supporting the development of two new groups. we are again offering a 15 16 17 18 19 Crafts for Wellbeing meets on Thursday afternoons from 2 – 4 pm in Alsager Alsager is one of only 13 towns in Cheshire offering a public tribute by way of £10 voucher to be spent format when the Guild will host a performance of Al- Community Church Coffee Shop. Come along to this group and you will be shown a unique community project. Stuart Waring who has helped to raise over £16,000 in a shop or business sager Community Theatre’s play Good’s own Country. how to make a different piece of craft work each week, whilst making new friends throughout Alsager & Barthomley over the years for the Royal British Legion char- advertising in Alsager Whilst its subject matter, the murder of Jo Cox MP, and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. All materials are provided for a small voluntary ities and local veterans. He said “I am extremely grateful for the offer of support in Focus (please state 20 21 may sound rather dark it is sure to be a thought-pro- donation. from the Town Council in providing a host venue. The Royal British Legion are on your reply). The first voking and fascinating evening. Tickets will be on sale at the door at £3 per person with tea or coffee included The second new project is a Community Allotment group, where people of all thankful that residents understand the importance of remembering the centenary correct answer drawn on th so please do come along on 12 April. Doors open at ages and abilities are welcome to meet together to share skills or learn how to grow and I expect a good turn out on the day to watch the events.” May 4 2018 is the win- 19.10 for a 19.30 start. vegetables and fruit, and enjoy the benefits of working together and gaining fresh The organisers have made a plea for the local community to join in with the tribute ner. Just complete the crossword and re-arrange the letters found in the shaded air and exercise. If you are interested, or would like to know more, contact Lisa by creating a field of poppies decorating the town to mark this honourable occa- squares to make a new word, send your answer on a postcard with your name, Future trips include a visit to Middleport to seeing the Alcock, Community Development Officer on 07817 958202 or call in to the Com- sion. “We are asking schools, groups and business to knit, crochet or fashion poppies address and telephone number to:- Good News, 128 High Street, beautiful and moving Poppy display, part of the won- munity Support Centre on a Friday and have a chat with Liz Pinkney. to decorate buildings, the green outside the Civic and churches. Hopefully this will Harriseahead, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4JX. derful tribute to the fallen that was originally shown at the Tower of London and in October Guild members will visit the National Arboretum. We welcome visitors to our centre, based on Fairview car park, next to the rear of encourage all ages to think about the consequences of the war on communities.” Answers to last crossword: Across: 1. Tooth 4. About 9. Loaned 10. Supple 12. Cage 13. Bed 14. Bell 17. Teatime 22. Heel 23. Amp 24. the Community Church. Many people comment that it is like entering Dr Who’s Regular updates on the event will be posted over the next few months. For more Alsager’s Townswomen meet on the second Thursday of every month starting Veer 27. Teller 28. Collie 29. Sword 30. Crown Down: 2. Orange 3. Teem at 19.30 at the United Reformed Church in Alsager. Do come along, meet us all tardis, as it is much bigger inside than you’d expect. Do pop in for a chat when information or to offer support, please contact Andrea Taylor or Nolana Fielding at 5. Blue 6. Un peel 7. Black 8. Peals 11. Bedtime 15. Yen 16. Emu 18. you’re next passing, and see what we have to offer! Alsager Civic on 01270 879711. White 19. Yellow 20. Mellow 21. Greed 25. Rear 26. Boar and join in the fun. Call Denise Lennox on 07767 672114 for more information. Spring is sprung, the grass Annual Carol Singing POWERHOUSE GYM is riz, I wonder where BRAMMER’S Amazing Glazing the sunlight is? 13 Station Road, Biddulph Firestone rubber roofing Spring is just Take the sen- 01782 513347 around the corner. sible and easy op- Est over 80 years Building work But how much of that tion – a full internal/ undertaken badly needed light external conserva- OPEN is piercing winter’s tory valet can cost PHG 6.00am gloom – in the form a lot less than you Specialist in: of winter’s bloom – think. on your glazing sys- Give Chris a UPVC Windows, Doors, Porches, Conservatories, tems? call now on 01260 BODYBUILDING & And have you 281155 for a no Fascias, Soffits, Guttering, Canopies seen the ravages obligation quote – Proprietors Hilda & David Sheldon FITNESS CENTRE that the damp winter accept it – then sit Est 1984 - over 30 years experience in the gym business ü No Salesman has taken on your conserva- back and enjoy! 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Call us on: 01782 775840 / 788088 hanging off a ladder, 12 feet in Estate, Sandyford the air, balancing a bucket of 01260 281 155 High Quality Accessories hot soapy water in one hand Scarves, Umbrellas, Leather bags, Purses and Wallets. 01782 824354 07493 073021 and a sponge in the other? 07769 835 060 Always happy to help email: [email protected] Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm www.powerhousegym.co.uk 12 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 13 The life affirming habit of helping others Alsager School Last year Alsager charity Keystone Support Centre undertook a ing at Keystone “highlights the distressing circumstances that individuals and An Achieving School A Caring Community confidential patient survey which showed very high user satisfac- their partners/families have to endure through illness and post-surgical care”. “It Hassall Road, Alsager, ST7 2HR gives me the awareness of how brave, stoic and undemanding individuals can be tion on every level, so last month we also surveyed our volunteers when they are at a low ebb; restores my faith in humanity”. Another wrote “I love to see how they feel about giving their time to this great cause. being able to help people and this gives me a lot of pleasure”. Required as soon as possible If you follow this column regularly you may know that nobody works for Key- As you might gather from the previous paragraph, most of our volunteers are stone; everyone involved in providing the service is an unpaid volunteer, even directly involved in helping our patients and other service users. We always need CASUAL SCHOOL CLEANERS Joyce the manager. It is important that the Trustees charged with overseeing more volunteers to help with patients but if you are looking for an opportunity to Hours as required – 44 weeks per year Keystone and ensuring its viability and continuity know whether the volunteers help Keystone without necessarily being in the front line with service users we are happy or not; without them Keystone could not carry on. Understanding how also need help with areas like fundraising and administration and Joyce would Monday – Friday volunteers feel about the organisation, their training, their contribution, their over- love to hear from anyone who wants to help in any way that they can. Morning shift: 6.00 – 8.00 am. sight, their contribution etc. is also important in demonstrating compliance with We operate our services at Lawton Memorial Hall, they consist of: Afternoon/Evening shift: 3.00 – 7.00 pm (6.30 pm on Fridays) the Charity Commission’s Code of Governance. · Monday morning group for people who have recently lost a loved one as a 8.00 am – 4.00 pm during school holidays So we went ahead with a survey and, as result of an illness; with the patient survey, questionnaires were · Monday afternoon group for people with a long term, life changing illness; Salary: £7.83 per hour (From 1st April 2018) issued and returned anonymously in order this group is also for carers of such people; that all the volunteers taking part would feel Previous cleaning experience would be an advantage but is not essential. able to express themselves openly. · Complementary therapy services delivered all day on Mondays by appoint- ment. Therapies include Reflexology, Reiki, Massage and Aromatherapy. Full details and an application form can be downloaded from our website: Of 15 questionnaires issued 14 were re- · A Thursday morning Tripudio exercise class for people with a long term, life turned and these were analysed by Trustee www.alsagerschool.org or contract us on 01270 871100 changing illness. Tripudio is gentle exercise led by a qualified instructor and it Mike Sproston. This analysis showed that is designed to improve breathing, lymphatic flow, blood pressure and muscle NB: CVs will not be accepted. the average length of service is 3.5 years, tone. Movements are derived from other exercise disciplines including Pilates, The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS disclosure. Keystone’s happy band of volunteers which reflects to a large degree the lifespan Yoga, Tai chi, dance and somatics. Tripudio is suitable for all ages and fitness of Keystone to date. It showed also that everyone had received an induction; that Alsager School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare levels including wheelchair users. they had settled in well; that they felt supported when they first started; they are of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. confident about their role(s) and they feel valued. Keystone meets every Monday (except bank holidays) and Thursday and all ser- vice users must be registered with one of the GP practices in Alsager or Scholar The part of the questionnaire which elicited the most eloquent and expressive Green. If you qualify and would like to join Keystone either as a service user or a answers was the section asking what personal benefits the volunteers get from volunteer please contact Joyce Key on 01270 872157 or 07936 185328. Alsager School, Hassall Road, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2HR helping at Keystone. Volunteers wrote of their sense of pride and happiness in Tel: 01270 871 100 - Fax: 01270 871 139 - Email: [email protected] - Web: www.alsagerschool.org putting something back into the community, of how they feel valued, appreciated, Please note that these numbers are only manned when Keystone Support Centre is open for business, so please leave a message and Joyce will get back to you. Headteacher: Richard Middlebrook fulfilled and satisfied. They wrote of their feeling of purpose and companionship Alsager Multi Academy Trust is a charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 8597784 and and how they love being able to help people. One volunteer wrote that volunteer- Alternatively email [email protected] having its registered office at Hassall Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2HR

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14 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 15 Alsager Girl Guides Christ Church Children & Youth 1st Alsager Scout Group Alsager Animal Safari In 1926, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from There is lots going on at Christ Church for Children and Do you want to make a difference? Alsager Rotary, Inner Wheel and Tangent Clubs are running around the globe agreed that there should be a special day each Youth. Everyone welcome! Do you want to challenge yourself? the much-loved Alsager Animal Safari and need local busi- year when they would all think of each other and express their Join us on Easter Sunday 1st April 11am-12:30pm for our fun family Easter Cel- nesses and residents to help make the event a success. ebration & mEGGa Hunt in Church. Do you want to join the adventure? thanks and appreciation for their international Movement. The event will run from the 26th May-17th June to coincide with the run up to During the Easter Holidays we have They called it World Thinking Day and chose 22 Why not try something different this year carnival. Individuals, families and local businesses can enter by collecting a form an Outdoor Adventure Day at Brereton February as the date for it - the birthday of both Lord with a minimum donation of £4, from local businesses displaying an Animal Sa- Heath on Saturday 7th April 10:45am and consider volunteering in Scouting? Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement, fari poster. The same businesses will also have forms available for those hunting to 3.30pm. It will be a fun-filled out- The 1st Alsager Scout Group are a thriving, popular and Olave Baden-Powell who was World Chief Guide. for displays. door activity adventure day with the and expanding Group who currently have over 170 Rainbows and Guides in Alsager joined together to Oakhanger Project which will include: boys and girls in their Beaver, Cub, Scout & Explorer The Safari is made up of 2 compe- celebrate World Thinking Day 2018 with a fun-packed canoeing, kayaking, orienteering and day of activities including crafts, dancing and baking. sections ranging from 6 years through to 18 years. titions, 1 for those entering a titled outdoor games at the lovely Brereton On arrival they were each issued with a passport which Due to its popularity and increasing numbers in all animal display, these can include The deadline for Heath Nature Reserve. The action packed day will begin at 11am and finish at enabled them to record their progress round the world of their sections the Group Executive Committee are pictures, models or soft toys. The registering your display 3:30pm, please arrive by 10:45pm for a briefing. Please wear appropriate cloth- st during the day. The global reach of Girlguiding was appealing for adults to come forward and join them other prize is for whoever finds the is 21 May. ing for the day and bring with you a packed lunch and a change of clothes in case reflected in the activities which represented each of its to help out at their meeting nights. most displays. However this year you get wet! The cost of the day is £10 per person or £20 per family (up to seven rd World regions - Europe, Africa, Arabia, Asia and the Americas. They currently need Assistant Leaders to help in all we are offering a 3 prize (drawn people in the same family). If interested please book via Rachel or Debbie on Crafts included making a huge herd of colourful elephants whilst the ancient of the sections, especially Beavers and Cubs. Are you over 18 years of age and from a hat) for display entries in be- 01270 872291 or email [email protected]. th Egyptian scarab bracelet was given a modern twist by the creative Rainbows and interested in volunteering your time on either a regular or occasional basis? They fore 28 April. Brownies. The Great British Bake Off will never be short of Star Bakers as the Each month we have Messy Church – this is an opportunity to appreciate that not everyone can commit on a regular basis and even if you can girls showed off their skills when making batches of American cookies. The spirit explore faith together as a family in lots of creative and interac- help on an occasional basis they would be pleased to hear from you. Within to- of international friendship was depicted in a map of the world created by the girls tive ways, including craft, games, songs and lunch. Upcoming day’s busy lifestyle the Group are flexible to fit with whatever commitment you Council crackdown on dog nd th created which was surrounded by friendship dolls holding hands all round it. dates are Sunday 22 April and Sunday 20 May 11am – 1pm can offer. in Church Hall. After a creative and constructive morning, the girls showed their flair for the per- No previous experience is needed as full training will be given and there is always fouling and anti-social owners forming arts after lunch by learning a Bollywood dance routine. They were bril- Our regular groups which meet in the church hall include our popular Cherubs lots of help and support available from existing leaders. They are a very active liant and absolutely loved the routine. Toddler Group on Mondays (term-time) 1:30-3pm. A friendly and welcoming group and take part & organise many exciting events & activities throughout the Signs are going up to remind people of group of parents, grandparents and carers with their babies, toddlers and pre- The International Day took on a more sophisticated and thoughtful tone in the eve- year including: Activity Weekends, a Family Firework Night, Swimming Gala, Cheshire East Council’s new beefed-up pow- schoolers. We have free play, creative activities, songs, story time and snack. £1 ning as the Guides got together to share their experiences of Guide trips abroad and Hikes, Survival Camps, Archery Competitions and a Family Camp to name just per child. You are very welcome to join us. Our Radiate Children’s Club (School ers to crack down on dog fouling and dog tried foods from around the world. Between them the girls have travelled to many a few. Years 3-6) on Fridays (term-time) 6-7pm. This is a fun-filled time exploring faith control – to help keep parks, nature reserves different cities across Europe and as far afield as India and Africa. There were en- Scouting offers you the chance to experience something different, the opportunity through a range of activities including craft, games, cooking, drama, singing songs tertaining stories of how to survive when you don’t speak a word of the language to challenge yourself and the chance to make new friends. Today is your opportu- and open spaces pleasant for all. and prayer activities. FREE to attend. Downtime After School Café (School Years and your host Guides don’t speak a word of English but it was clear - there are nity to make a difference to the young lives of many. It follows overwhelming public support for tougher con- 7-13) Thursdays 3:15-4:30pm – chance to drop in & chill out on your way home no barriers in Girlguiding. Memories of a trip to Switzerland were evoked when They would be very pleased to hear from anyone who may be interested in join- trols put forward by the council during its recent borough- the girls tried a cheese fondue and a visit to India was brought to life as the girls from school. And Revive Youth Club (School Years 7-13) on Fridays 7:30-9:30pm – an awesome place to start your weekend! ing their team and are happy to have a chat with you about the role and what it wide consultation. The council introduced the new Public grappled with the complexities of draping themselves in colourful saris. It was the involves, without any obligation. Spaces Protection Order in November 2017, specifically to tackle dog fouling perfect end to a day of fun and friendship. Christ Church is also the local centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, if you are They can be contacted on: 01270 884461 or via their web- and dog control across the borough. Girlguiding offers girls the opportunity to try new things, grow in confidence and interested in doing this or want to find out more please contact us for further de- site: www.alsagerscoutgroup.btck.co.uk Why not see what New signs are now being installed across parks, nature reserves and open spaces develop their independence. If your daughter is interested in joining Girlguiding, tails. For more information on any of these activities please contact admin@christ- you can do for Scouting and see what Scouting can do for to remind everyone of the new rules and to warn dog owners they could be fined or you would like to explore volunteering, log on to www.girlguiding.org.uk/inter- churchalsager.uk or 01270 872291. And do check out our website www.christ- you ? Come and join the adventure. for failing to pick up after their dog or keep their dog under control. ested, email [email protected] or telephone 01270 884461. churchalsager.uk to find out more about what’s going on at Christ Church Alsager. KIDSGROVE TROPICALS & WATER GARDEN CENTRE STEPHEN ORGILL Cartlidge Family run business, Curtains & qualified staff, established 35 years Painter & Decorator 12 WOODSIDE AVENUE, ALSAGER Blinds Ltd Tropical fish, marine fish, 01270 882850 Soft Furnishing corals, invertebrates, 50% OFF ALEC ROSS CARPETS selected vertical blinds tropical plants & aquariums Domestic : Commercial : Industrial 30% OFF Home Selection Service selected wooden venetian blinds * Free Local Deliveries * Free Estimates * Free Fitting NEW RANGE of faux * 48 hour Fitting from Stock * Laminate & Wood Flooring wooden venetian blinds 7 Lawton Rd, Alsager 01270 877083 now available HEATHER NIEWDACH Huge selection of fabrics Problem Chiropodist/Podiatrist See our showroom displays BSc (Hons) MChS HPC Registered for ideas or we offer a home POND SECTION NOW OPEN Feet? sampling and measure service Mondays at: Unit 2, Hollins Crescent, Kidsgrove, ST7 1JX 46 Lawton Road, Alsager, ST7 4AF Fitting service available Tuesday to Thursday - Home Visits Free parking www.kidsgrovetropicals.co.uk OPEN Tel: 01270 879643Mob: 07852 204335 Tel: 01782 219266 Tel: 01782 775947 7 DAYS Email: [email protected] 16 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 17 Chris Shemilt’s Money Corner Alsager Animals in Need The sun shines down like a smile of spring Another feral kitten, Angel, came in from Did you know - it’s that time of year again? The flutter of change and the butterflies wing Astbury Garden Centre, and was given heal- The whisper of wind signals a new day It may have passed you by Self-employed workers tend to miss this often and end ing, love and care and had responded well. The dark demon winter is far away completely, but on 5 April up giving their cash to the taxman now rather than quite Dog News 2018 one tax year ends legitimately stashing it away in a pension account I think we are all glad now that spring days are here, having for themselves. A new dog in kennels is Zena, a lovely cream cross breed and a new one starts on 6 a good walk with the dog (watching out for livestock in the It just makes good financial sense to take advantage of bitch, and now approximately 1 months, sadly not micro- April 2018. This happens year after year fields) and the cats venturing forth from cosy homes by the chipped. A lovely even tempered dog, it should not be long every break you can when it comes to reducing your tax fire (have you had yours neutered yet? and microchipped? without much attention from the media. bill. And make no mistake, this is not just for the ‘rich’ Angel a feral kit- before she finds a home. Nor should it be long for Monty – we can all take advantage of it! ten from Astbury and Mitzi, two gorgeous little white dogs, MUST GO TO- So, “What does that have to do with me” I hear you Cat News Garden Center GETHER, have spent 7 years together, and are with us now not so feral ! ask. “Well, quite a lot if you know how to use the tax Another counter starts again on each April 6, and that We always thought that after November, we would have some respite from as their owner is ter- year to your advantage” is my reply. For most people is for contributions into an individual savings account kittens until March, but no, not this year, with many Rescue Centres having minally ill and cannot look after them (those who pay basic rate tax at 20%), from April 6 2018 you can (ISA). In 2017/18, the ISA allowance increased by almost 25% to £20,000 kittens through winter. any longer. Monty is a Westie cross earn an additional £350 before any income tax is due at all. It means that per individual, but did you know that you can save up to £4,260 this year and Mitzi is a Maltese Shih Tzu. They In come Fern, a beautiful tabby female, heavily preg- many thousands of people will fall out of tax completely and for the many into a junior ISA too? That’s a great way of saving for your child’s future, need a quiet home with older people. nant and within five days produced three stunning tab- earning around £46,350, they will be able to earn an additional £1,000 perhaps for university fees, their first car or for a house deposit. by kittens, then, following a call that a cat had kittens in We still have the lovely Thor, Lurcher before they begin to pay tax at 40%. In October last year The Telegraph calculated that a family of four could a garden on the worst day imaginable, snowing, wind cross now 12 months old, an ener- blowing, arctic conditions, in came Emma (named af- getic lad ready for Monty and mitzi malteese cross aged However, did you know that if one partner in a marriage or civil partner- have acquired a tax-free hoard of over £2,000,000 – just by using their ISA 7 must go to a quite home together. ship is a 20% tax payer and the other has unused personal allowance, the allowance each year. ter the storm) with five cross 1 day old kittens, black those lovely long and black and white. It is a miracle they survived, but spring walks; Millie the 5 year old German Shepherd earner can use up to 10% of their partner’s allowance? There are often-overlooked (and very valuable) tax breaks for those wishing Emma the mother of 5 kittens found cats are little survivors aren’t they? All doing well. Re- cross (very much1:1); and our lovely Coco Bear, with Did you also know that pension contributions have the effect of reduc- to reduce or eliminate their liability to inheritance tax which also reset on in the snow member Vixen in last months Pawprint, who had us all us since last June with a badly broken leg, now fully re- ing your income before tax is calculated? In practice, if you pay £100 April 6 each year (watch out for more on inheritance tax in the next edition thinking she was pregnant? She wasn’t, only fat! She is still with us, such a covered. Coco must go to an experienced home with no per month into a pension (£1,200 per year), it effectively nudges up the of Money Corner). lovely, affectionate unassuming little cat. other pets. Ring 01270 875260 for cats/dogs. threshold for 20% and 40% tax by the same amount. Admittedly, some of these breaks are small, but taking advantage of even Major changes ahead as one cat shelter is now not fit for use, letting in rain Millie German Our next fund raising event is the Auction, in the Civic The pension contribution calculation starts again each year on April 6 and parts of them in a systematic, structured way over a sustained period of years it has been moved 3 times! It will be pulled down and a new bespoke cattery Shepherd cross Centre Alsager on April 14th, viewing 6pm, auction 7pm, even if you don’t pay tax you can enjoy tax relief and tax-free growth within can make a massive difference to your wealth in future years. built in its place. This will of course drain our finances, so anyone wanting when we will be greatly entertained by Auctioneer Tom Andrew and family. a pension. You and/or your employer can pay in up to as much as your annual Call us today on 01270 882086 to find out more about how pensions and to fund raise towards this project, please get in touch. Many thanks to Four A good night, not to be missed. Every pound raised will go towards our new salary each year but did you know that if you have any unused allowances ISA’s can change your financial future, or just to find out more about your Seasons Soul Club who held a charity night at the 13 Club, and donated cattery, so please make an effort to come! Items for this gladly taken. from the last three tax years you can go back and mop up anything unused – existing plans. FREE initial meeting now available to all Money Corner £250 to us, thank you Karl and Little George who arranged this, you have Enjoy the lovely spring days ahead with your dogs and cats and let the whis- and claim tax relief at your highest tax rate on the whole lot? readers – just quote ‘Money Corner Offer’. started the ball rolling for the cattery, thank you. per of spring signal a new day, Hilary. EQUITY RELEASE …is it right for you? Age 55 or over and own your own home? Unlock the value in your home now – TAX FREE! Equity release is a modern and safe alternative to downsizing, and you can use your cash for any purpose whatsoever Tel: 01782 787887

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Please call licensed, YOU remain charged on the total loan amount plus any interest already charged. The amount you owe grows quickly and reduces the equity left in the property. The loan is for friendly, helpful advice. responsible for your waste repaid in full, along with the interest built up, from the sale of the property when you die or move into long-term care. Repaying a loan early could mean high repayment charges. There may be cheaper ways of borrowing money so taking advice is very important. The tax treatment of products and their benefits are based upon our understanding of current tax law and HMRC practices both of which are subject to change in the future and are dependent on your individual and if the temperature circumstances. There is no guarantee future house prices will rise and this could affect the equity left in your home. takes a GAS IS US FIND OUT MORE – BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION tumble... Lyon & Co LLP INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS 01270 882086 Lyon & Co LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 469399 Monday ­ Friday 10am ­ 5:00pm Saturday ­ 10am ­ 3:00pm Registered office 14 Crewe Road, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST7 2ES davidsmithson.co.uk Fees apply. Equity release can affect any State benefits you may receive. Equity release can leave less in your estate for your beneficiaries The Caravan Storage Centre. Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove. ST7 1EA 18 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 19 Alsager Past, Present and Future by Jim Sutton The Shape of Alsager In my last article I wrote about field names and areas of cleared wood or heath land, Fallings Croft or as it is known what might be learned from them, these provide today Fannys Croft signifying fallow land and next to it Innage, land useful information not just as to the meaning of a enclosed from fallow. There are many examples of adjoining fields particular piece of land and thus its origin but also or a group of fields having similar names for example Big Ferney Hayes and Little Ferney Hayes; Cockshead and Cockshutt and Spar help to provide some clues as to how a village or Meadow, Big Spar, Little spar and Spar and Lane; suggesting that at township developed from its earliest origins. In one time they formed single plots. some cases this can be very clear, in others it has Elsewhere in the township it would appear from the rather scant to be speculative. information in a series of medieval documents that the land of the As most of us know Alsager gets a mention in Domesday Book, lords of the manor was a consolidated area around the hall, today CALL US NOW FOR DETAILS it is a very casual mention as are those relating to so many Alsager Hall Farm, running along the boundary with Barthomley places in Cheshire, a county that had been ravaged by the Normans and punished for and Audley as far as Audley road and very likely following the stream back to the rebellion as well as suffering attacks and devastating raids from the Welsh both before mill and Hall Farm. It is clear from early deeds of this period that the land of Cress- OF OUR SPECIAL OFFErS and after the Norman Conquest. The entry merely tells us that the manor, or place, wellshawe was granted by the Alsager family to the Mowles of Rode in about 1300 but was held by Wulfric, a freeman, before the conquest with land for one plough and was whether at this time it was a farmstead or formed part of the waste or heath which ex- valued at three shillings but in 1086 when Domesday was compiled it formed part of tended from roughly the line of Crewe Road to Pikemere Road and The Fairway when the extensive holdings of the Norman Earl of Chester and was waste. The term waste it was enclosed in 1834 is not known. Bank House Farm stands apart; it is a consoli- Ask about our air conditioning,diagnostics presents some difficulties, had everything here been raised to the ground and the settle- dated single unit lying between the Alsager family land and the early farms cited above. ment abandoned or does it imply that it generated no income for the earl though he may This suggests that it may have been assarted or cleared for cultivation as a complete unit th th have still had estate workers of some description managing the manor for him. What- at a later date, perhaps in the 13 or 14 centuries. This applies also to Brunds Farm, a services and computerised wheel alignment ever meaning is given to the term waste it is clear that there was no conventional village name suggesting the clearing of land by burning. The farmstead lay roughly where the here with a nuclear centre. It was and remained a scattered community until the coming entrance to the Twyfords factory was and fields bearing the name First Brund, Second of the railway in 1848 when a village centre began to develop around the station and Brund etc. up to Seventh Brund extended as far as Fields Road and Linley Road. what became Bank Corner. Prior to that the centre, as shown on the map accompanying The ability to reconstruct some of the boundaries of these early farms comes in part the Tithe Award of 1839 was considered to be between Fannys Croft and Town House. from plotting ownerships and field names from the Tithe Award onto the Tithe map and This is where the early farms are likely to have been positioned on the sites of Town in part from an earlier map of Brookhouse Farm dated 1763 which provides the names House, Town End, now the Manor Hotel, Bank Farm, next to the Golf Club, Ash Bank, of the owners of adjoining lands also. This map, much reduced in size is shown here. by the first bend in Audley Road and Oak Farm at the second bend in that road. This The central trackway shown is Brookhouse Road with what became Station Road at the area then may reflect the area of the early settlement. The land of each of these farms, bottom and Sandbach and Audley Roads can be made out running to the left. The map is reaching as far as the Lawton boundary to the east of Linley Lane on one side; to the crude but effective, the cartographer was better at drawing mermaids and dragons than Audley boundary on another and the stream running down to the mill and the hall; inter- he was at spelling. He miss spelt the owners name. locked with its neighbours rather than being in single ring fenced areas. This suggests All this is speculative and is based on the very sparse information that there is regarding that there may have been common fields cultivated on a community basis which were early settlement here. The name Alsager itself first appears as Eleacier in Domesday later enclosed and the land apportioned to individual farmsteads. Evidence from field Book and is likely to have been formed sometime between 800 and 900 AD. It means names taken from the tithe award support this view. These include Ox Pasture 428 on Ælle’s plot of arable land suggesting the area was first colonised and in part cultivated the tithe map on part of Hole House later Home Farm; Plough Butts 623 at Long Stile, about this time perhaps as no more that a single farm somewhere on the spring line to numerous ‘Hays’ signifying an enclosure hedged or fenced, and Riddings which were the south of the railway. Chris Lambert Call in for free alignment, battery, tyre Chiropody MANOR pressure and tread depth checks ELECTRICAL STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODISTS/PODIATRISTS SERVICES AVAILABLE AT MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS OUR TALKE BRANCH 42 Crewe Road, Alsager All Your Electrical SAFE FOR THE holidays with l Mobile tyre fitting at your convenience 01270 873888 l Collection and delivery service available a free safety check l Nitrogen inflation available (increases mpg) Daytime, evening & Requirements weekend appointments Home visits available Re-Wires MOT & INTERIM SERVICE Also available for Treatment/Consultation - Extra Lights INCLUDES FILTERS, OIL, ALL LEVELS CHECKED AND ADJUSTED, PRE MOT CHECK - MOT CLASS IV Well Being Therapies, Extra Sockets Physiotherapy, Acupuncture ALL FOR £99 inc VAT Counsellor Caroline Midmore MBACP MSC (Excludes Platinum Plugs and Specialist Oils) www.wbtherapies.co.uk 01782 511119 Consultations by appointment www.manorelectrical.com remote key repairs

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20 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 21 Alsager Bowling Club Barthomley WI What’s on @ All Saint’s’ Church, Alsager Satellite Club Our crown green bowling club is tucked away in a corner Hurrah! The snow had disappeared Church Lane, Scholar Green Satellite Beer and Gin Festival Returns! of Fields Road, it was first established in1904. for Barthomley’ s March Meeting. It On 14th April at 7.30pm the Kids- Following the success of the recent St Patrick’s night fund- Dedicated management and supportive members have kept the Club go- was lovely to see so many members grove Community Choir will be raiser, Alsager Satellite Club are now turning their attention ing through two World Wars and many lifestyle changes over the de- attending. coming to entertain us. cades. to the summer and the second Alsager Beer and Gin Festival. Unfortunately our speaker had to cancel at the last minute due to ill This is something to look forward to, they are The inaugural event in summer It is located in a lovely setting in which to enjoy a sunny summer’s day health so we were left in a flat spin. So what do you do in a predicament? a very local talent of musical vocals and solo- 2017 was a resounding success playing outdoor bowls on the crown green which, during the season, is well we rang the emergency services and received instant support in the ists. You will be well entertained and light re- with fantastic attendance and mag- available to members 7 days a week. guise of Lizzie and Stephanie, two Community Police Officers! freshments included during the interval.Tickets available from our 3 parish Churches, or Joyce nificent weather! The proceeds were Although we do not play league bowls, we do play friendly matches They engaged immediately Brown 01270 882167 or Grace Lowe 01782 785451, cost £5, children free. used to support Alsager Music Fes- with other local bowling clubs and we have our own Cup Competitions with members by handing tival, Alsager Advice and Informa- throughout the season. out uniforms which had the tion Centre, Alsager Cricket Club Church Lawton Memorial Hall youth team and also kick started our During the winter months an enjoyable few hours may be spent inside effect of turning everyone campaign towards a local screening our warm club house playing a game of indoor bowls. into Cagney and Lacey! Ap- Would you like an afternoon out parently they take uniforms with speakers, tea and cakes, and event for Cardiac Risk in the Young We are looking for new members to join us during 2018. Please do (CRY) in memory of Tom Lovatt. into schools to encourage friendship? Join us at :- Lawton not worry if you have children to see beyond the This event is scheduled for February Memorial Hall every other Thurs- 2019 and will offer free screening never played bowls uniform recognising that of young adults aged 14-35 years to before. Our members they are people to turn to if day (fortnightly). detect undiagnosed heart problems. are very happy to in- you need help. We have trips out and lunches also on the troduce new members programme throughout the year. For details The Alsager Beer and Gin Festival to the ‘ins and outs’ Members asked lots if ques- The emergency services came to please ring: Joyce Fletcher secretary on 01270 874219, Christine Richardson will return to Alsager Cricket Club our rescue at our March meeting! of the game. We are tions about their work. Both 01270 875538 or Joyce Brown 01270 882167. You will be made very welcome. on the weekend of 22/23/24th June having an open day Lizzie and Stephanie seem to love their very diverse job. In one day 2018. There will be a range of cask beers and ciders plus a new selection of on Sunday 15th April they can be visiting community groups, mediating in neighbour disputes Alsager Station Award gins and a welcome return of the ‘Satellite Special’, our gin based cocktail! and at the other end of the spectrum dealing with threatening anti social starting at 11.00am. Volunteers at Alsager Station With live music on both Friday and Saturday nights and food available on behaviour - all in a 12 hour day! Very interesting, we thank them. Please come along for have again been announced as the Saturday afternoon it looks set to be another cracking event. some free coaching. rd Our next meeting will be at 7pm in Barthomley Village Hall on 3 April. the winners of the Cheshire East We are currently looking for barrel sponsorship from local businesses and The annual fee for the Our speaker will be Keith Vigurs telling us about his involvement with Best Kept Station award. supporters - if you would be able to help us with this or would like to get Canal Restoration. Please think about paying us a visit - I can’t promise first year is only £30. If you are interested in joining us please contact A representative of the Friends of Alsager Station said: “It is wonderful to be involved with Satellite please get in touch on 01270 874206 or via satellite@ Janet on 01270 872876 or Mal on 01782 784808. that you would be dressing up on every visit however... appreciated and a privilege to have won this award.” alsagerrotary.co.uk Architectural Drafting Services

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22 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Alsager in Focus April/May 2018 Tel: 01782 513663 Email: [email protected] 23 WOW! HURRY... available 27th March – 9th April

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Prices correct at time of going to print. Offers available until 23.04.18 unless otherwise stated, whilst stocks last, E&OE. Maximum purchase may apply on certain products, see in store for details. Please note that not all varieties/packs are stocked in all stores. Promotional prices available at participating stores only. We operate a challenge 25 policy. Enjoy Responsibly.

24 Alsager in Focus www.goodnewspublishing.co.uk April/May 2018 Advertising/Editorial Tel: 01782 513663 Published by: Good News, 128 High Street, Harriseahead, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4JX Disclaimer : The publishers of Alsager in Focus do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised, or agree with the views or opinions expressed by contributors. Responsibility cannot be accepted for factual errors, omissions, or spelling mistakes.