theraven - raino · year with cllr alan taylor agreeing to stand as vice ... raph murray and...
TRANSCRIPT
No.15 Summer 2011
l Village News l Social Events l Parish Council News l Clubs & Societies l School & Church
TheRavenThe quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow
Local ElectionsFor the recent local elections the Parish Councilreceived 11 nominations and subsequently three newCouncillors joined to act on your behalf. We arepleased to welcome Richard Balment, Sue Frith andAndrew Renshaw as the new Parish Councillors.
Councillors Ian Brammer, John Stagg, Wendy Vernon,and Judy Wilkinson had decided to stand down andwe would like to thank them wholeheartedly for alltheir hard work over the years.
Therefore, there is one vacancy for a co-opted ParishCouncillor and advertisements were placed on thenotice boards and website for candidates to come forward. Hopefully by the time this is printed we willhave a full complement of Councillors.
Annual General MeetingThe AGM was held on Tuesday 17th May this year forthe election of Chairman, Vice Chairman and WorkingGroups and Representatives.
With no other nominations for Chairman, Cllr KenButler agreed to continue as Chairman for one moreyear with Cllr Alan Taylor agreeing to stand as ViceChairman.
The following Working Groups were agreed by the meeting:
Planning Group - All Council MembersTransport Group - All Council MembersProject Group - To be agreed when neededFootpath Group - Cllrs Ken Butler, John Cantrell, Vivienne Law (Chairman), Andrew Renshaw and Alan TaylorJubilee Playground Inspection Group - Cllrs Sue Frith, Mary Marsh and Alan TaylorParish Plan Implementation Group - Cllrs Richard Balment, Alan Brett (Chairman), Geoff Cooper, Vivienne Law and Pat MellishRaven Editing Group - Ian Brammer, Sheila Brammer, Kate Kilpatrick, Bob Langstaff, Louise Leigh, Jane Mellings, Raph Murray and Andrew RenshawCheshire Association ChALC - Area Meeting Representative - Cllr Ken ButlerWebsite Editors - Cllrs Ken Butler and Pat MellishKRIV Representative - Cllr Ken ButlerTelephone Kiosk Group - Ian Brammer, Cllr John Cantrell, Cllr Sue Frith and Judy Wilkinson Broadband Group - John Allen, Graham Mellish, Cllr Pat Mellish, Raph Murray and Richard StockerSpeed Indicator Device - Cllrs Ken Butler and Andrew RenshawBest Kept Village Group - Cllrs John Cantrell and Sue FrithCivic Service Group - All Council MembersMap Sales - Richard Balment
Parish MapsThis is an excellent guide to all the footpaths and other public rights of way in the area. There are six circularwalks for you to enjoy. If you would like a copy thenplease contact Cllr Richard Balment. Copies cost £1.
The Pleasance and Trinity GardensThe gardens are looking fantastic at the moment. Wewould like to thank all the unseen heroes of the WI fortheir hard work in Trinity Gardens and David Hinkes forhis work in the Pleasance. Many thanks.
Civic Service The Parish Council invites you to their Civic Service tobe held at Holy Trinity Church, Rainow on Sunday 25thSeptember with the service commencing at 10.00 am.You are also welcome to join the Parish Councillorsafterwards in a procession to the school hall and jointhem for light refreshments. We look forward to seeingyou.
Advertisers, request for….The Council are seeking advertisers to help ensurethe continuation of the Raven. If you are interested inadvertising then please contact Cllr Andrew Renshawfor more details.
Rainow 2011/12 Precept Every year the Parish Council gets funds from CheshireEast Council derived from your Council tax. Last yearwe requested £11000 from Cheshire East. This year wehave asked for £10000 which reflects the budgeted expenditure for the coming year.
Below is the un-audited financial statement for 1stApril 2010 - 31st March 2011.
2 Cover Photo: Ian Brammer
Your Update on Council ActivitiesPa
rish
Cou
nci
l New
s
Year EndingMarch 2010
£
Year EndingMarch 2011
£
Balance Brought Forward 4727 7825
Annual Precept 11000 10000
Total Other Income 4116 7463
Staff Costs 3631 3789
Total Other Payments 8386 7530
Balances Carried Forward
7826 13969
Total Cash 7826 13969
Total Assets 77092 83821
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Welcome to
Editorial Team for this issue:
Ian Brammer Sheila BrammerKate Kilpatrick Bob Langstaff Louise Leigh Jane MellingsRaph Murray
Design by Mel Wilcox (01625 576182)
Your Parish CouncillorsKen Butler (Chair) [email protected]
Mary Marsh (Deputy) [email protected]
Richard Balment [email protected]
Alan Brett [email protected]
John Cantrell [email protected]
Geoff Cooper [email protected]
Sue Frith [email protected]
Vivienne Law [email protected]
Pat Mellish [email protected]
Andrew Renshaw [email protected]
Alan Taylor [email protected]
Clerk: Sarah Giller [email protected]
TheRavenT
his is the biggest Raven yet! We had so many contributions we felt justified in adding four morepages in addition to the extra colour pages
generously provided by the Big Lottery Fund. Theextra space has meant we have been able toincrease the number of articles relating to wildlife andthe enjoyment of the countryside. From the originalParish Plan questionnaire results we knew that an appreciation of the countryside was key to enjoyinglife in Rainow and it is very pleasing that we can nowput more emphasis on anything to do with countrymatters. People from outside the village have offeredarticles on bird life and on encouraging children tomake more use of woodland, whilst from local business Moorland Adventure we have a piece onoutdoor pursuits for both children and adults. Makinguse of the land through working an allotment is featured in this issue and we continue to look forwardto more walk descriptions from our regular walkers.BUT we need more from the people who have still tocontribute!
If you can put pen to paper or press the shutterrelease on a camera you can share your appreciationof Rainow's countryside with other local people. Wild flowers, animals or landscape can all be suitable topics to write about or photograph and we especiallywant to hear from you if these are your interests.Contributions needn't stop there, though. We'd likemore pieces about anything related to Rainow - history, architecture, social activities, humour, comments on what is happening or on what needs tohappen in the village. Letters to the magazine dohave a result - improvements to some of the plantingboxes are now to be seen and the broadband ques-tion has been well aired by a group brought into beingvia the columns of the Raven.
Everyone who contributes to the Raven is a volunteer- now is the time to add yourself to the list of peoplewho want to do something for the village. Just contactthe editorial team through [email protected]
Future Meetings - All members of the public are welcome
21st June 18th October19th July 15th November16th August 20th December20th September
All Parish Meetings commence at 8.00 pm at Rainow Institute
Hedge CuttingPLEASE!!!! Would those responsible cut back hedges overhanging footpaths to allow the full width of the footpathsto pedestrians.
Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers, particularly students, who can helpwith small garden maintenance projects throughout the year. If you have a little time spare and want to help keep our village'tip-top' then call Sue Frith on 01625 573802.
If you have any issues you wish to raise then you can eithercontact the Clerk, any member of the Parish Council or justturn up at one of our meetings.
Dates to note in your diary:
25th September 2011 - Civic Service20th March 2012 - Annual Parish Meeting (Open to public participation)15th May 2012 - AGM
Chocolate BeerCake
This year's recipe for the“Men only”
cookery competition at the Church Fete
Ingredients4oz butter or margarine10 oz dark soft brown sugar 2 eggs 6 oz plain flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 7 fl oz stout 2 oz cocoaFor the Icing4 oz plain chocolate 2 tablespoons stout 2 oz butter 4 oz icing sugar
Rec
ipe o
f th
e Mon
th
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Method1) Cream butter and sugar togetheruntil pale and fluffy.2) Gradually add the beaten eggs a little at a time. 3) Sift the flour, baking powder andbicarbonate of soda together. 4) Stir the stout into the cocoa in a separate bowl. When combined, fold intothe mixture alternating with the siftedflour a little at a time.5) Divide the cake mixture equallybetween two 8 ins/20cms greased andlined sandwich tins. 6) Bake in the centre of the oven(180C/gas mark 4) for approximately30-35 minutes or until firm to touch. 7) ICING:- Melt the chocolate with thestout in a bowl set over a pan of hotwater. 8) When melted, remove from water andbeat in the butter and leave to cool a little before beating in the icing sugar. 9) When cooled to a spreadable consistency, use half of the mixture tosandwich the cakes together and half tospread over the top of the cake.
RainowBroadband Update
by Raph Murray
The good news is that superfast broadband will be available in Rainow in Julythis year. At the moment it's not clear whether everyone in the village willhave the opportunity to upgrade or whether some people will still be limitedto much slower broadband speeds. What is clear, however, is that there will
be a premium if you choose to upgrade and there will be continuing uncertaintyover the broadband speed that will be available. For example, the additional costfor superfast broadband is likely to be around £8-10 per month for broadbandspeeds of 'up to' 30 Mb. Residents who would like to upgrade should check withtheir broadband provider on availability, speed and cost. Access to superfastbroadband at reasonable cost continues to be a key requirement for rural areassuch as Rainow and we will continue to monitor the provision of broadband services for Rainow. So please let us know your experience concerning availability, speed and cost of upgrade. We can't promise to make a differencebut if you let us know your experience, good or bad, we can provide a more representative village view in discussions with broadband providers. Meanwhilethe prospect of superfast broadband and substantial improvement in downloadspeeds for applications such as BBC i-Player is certainly very welcome.
Raph Murray on behalf of Rainow Broadband Action Group (John Allen, DavidHasler, Dominic Hughes, Aubrey Ironmonger, Graham Mellish, Trevor Perry,Andy Poole and Richard Stocker) June 2011
This year the Rainow Five mile hill race was run on Wednesday 11th May asa fund raising event for the Macclesfield RUFC under 10's team. With anascent of White Nancy and a traverse of Kerridge ridge this must be one ofthe most scenic routes in Cheshire. As well as being a superb route it is
also famous for the cakes on sale in the Institute at the end of the race, courtesyof Rainow Guides. Neil Pettie was the first Rainow runner (12th overall) in atime of 35 min 50 sec and Dominic Sutton was the first local junior in a time of47 min 34 sec. Other local and near local runners were: Dale Unwin (11th over-all) Martin Mallett, Jon Falkner, Andrew Hubert, Paul Mellings, BarbaraMurray, Lisa Cox, Chris Warham, Christine Haigh, Sarah Clayton and NicolaFallon. The next event in the Rainow race calendar is the Kerridge Climb onSaturday 16th July. Run as part of the fete it is just as steep a climb but amuch shorter distance than the Rainow Five.
Rainow Five Hill Race
Meet the CouncillorsName: PAT MELLISH
Time on Council: Just over 1 year
Born: Cheadle Hulme some time before the dinosaursroamed the earth (according to our admin assistant!)
Family: Husband Graham and 3 cats.
Have lived in Rainow: over 30 years
Occupation: Medical market research analyst, retiringlater this year.
Hobbies and interests: walking, gardening, badminton, volunteering at ECH, travel, good food and wine (see photo for confirmation)
5
Jack's Breakaway Success
Most followers of theTour de France cyclerace admire the bravery of the cyclists
who break away from themain group of cyclists, thepeleton, and attempt to win astage of the Tour from thefront. They also admire theruthless efficiency of the peleton in reducing the gapand then overtaking thebreakaway riders just beforethe finish. Jack Bowyer, however, a young 17 year oldcyclist who lives on MillersMeadow, manages to bothemploy the breakaway tacticand stay ahead of the pack.Known as 'the team attacker'to his fellow riders in thePreston-based Team Wallis Cycle Racing Team, Jack usedthis tactic in the Isle of Man Youth Tour in May 2011. Jack waspart of a five-man group which went clear with four laps to goon the 102km second stage of the race on the Island's hillywest coast. Bowyer and his fellow breakaways established alead of which they managed to maintain to the finish andalthough Jack lost out in the sprint for the finish he still managed to win the green points jersey and gain 7th placeoverall in the three stage race.
Already in his cycling career Jack has competed in track cycling,cyclo-cross and road racing, however his favoured discipline isroad racing. This requires a combination of endurance, hillclimbing, sprinting and time trialling ability plus a high degree oftechnical skill and a fearless attitude to cycling at speed in agroup while negotiating tight corners and fast descents. Sincethe start of his cycle racing career at age 12, Jack has progressed steadily and as an under 16 he achieved a numberof good performances such as winner of the Darley Moor Series,Liverpool Century Circuit Series and 2nd place in the Port ofPollensa race, Mallorca. He has now made a successful transition to the Junior age group where he is often competing inthe same race as much more experienced senior age groupcyclists.
Jack's success is, of course, mainly due to his innate ability toturn the pedals faster and for longer than most others. However,this inherent ability can only be fully realised when it is combinedwith dedicated training and race practice. With a typical week comprising a 50 - 70 mile road race on Sunday, a 30 mile 'recovery' run on Monday, a race or a two hour cycle ride onTuesday, a 10 mile time trial on Wednesday, a rest day onThursday, a 2 hour cycle ride on Friday and an 'easy' 2 hour rideon Saturday in preparation for a race on Sunday, it's a wonderJack has the time, or energy, to fit this around his aerospaceengineering studies at Macclesfield College and a part-time jobat Sainsbury's. Living in Rainow means that Jack has a goodchoice of training rides available to him ranging from hill climb circuits of Pym Chair, Goyt Valley and the Cat & Fiddle in theeast to the relatively flat Cheshire lanes around Chelford andSiddington in the west. It is not surprising, therefore, that he hasdeveloped a particular expertise in hill climbs and the ability tocomplete the 10 mile time trial circuit around Chelford at an average speed of 25 mph. Even if it's too wet or cold, Jack uses
a stationary cycle to simulate hillclimbs or sprints indoors.
Another factor in Jack's successis, of course, the bike. Jack's current road racing bike isbased on a feather-light weightScott Addict R3 carbon fibreframe which is recognised asthe lightest production roadframe in the world and is literallyso light you can pick it up withone finger. Not surprisingly thisbike is reserved for races withother bikes being used for training, time trials or cyclo-cross.
The fitness and cycling bugclearly runs in the family. Jack'smum, Lorna, led ladies fitnessclasses in the Institute for many
years and his grandad, Frank Weaire, who was also a success-ful racing cyclist and bought Jack his first racing bike at age 12,still takes part in the Abbotsford Park cycle club Sunday ride.Every successful cyclist has a good support team and Jack is noexception. In addition to keeping Jack supplied with water bottlesand snacks during a race his dad, Nigel, helps out with transportto and from events and the cycle maintenance required toensure the bike is working at optimum efficiency. His mum,Lorna, also has an important role, however she does admit tocovering her eyes with her hands when Jack is involved in abunch sprint approaching the finish.
In the longer term, Jack's dream is to become a professionalcyclist perhaps even emulating Sylvain Chavanel who won stagetwo of the 2010 Tour with a solo breakaway. However, as the reality is that only a small number of cyclists achieve this dreamhe is also aiming for a career in aerospace engineering by completing his BTech in aerospace engineering at MacclesfieldCollege and hoping to gain an engineering apprenticeship with acompany such as Monarch Airlines in Manchester, Bentley atCrewe or AstraZeneca in Macclesfield.
Meanwhile this year Jack hopes to continue the good formshown in the Isle of Man tour in the other events in the juniorrace series. A win or a good performance in this series wouldimprove Jack's 6th place ranking in the North West and enablehim to achieve a British Cycling Category 1 status. The juniorrace series culminates in the Five day Junior Tour of Wales atthe end of August. Before then, however, there is the camaraderie of fellow cyclists, the exhilarating adrenaline rush of65 kph descents, the satisfaction of working with other team members to achieve a good team result and even, on occasion,the pleasure of pushing yourself to the limit and overcoming all challengers to win an intermediate climb, a stage sprint or even,on occasion, the overall race.
Sadly, one of Jack's good friends and team mates, LewisBalycki, was killed in a cycling accident earlier this year. Lewiswas and continues to be an inspiration to Jack and his teammates as they strive to achieve their goals.
Although you have probably seen Jack on one of his local training rides, you may not have recognised him as one of theleading British Junior cyclists. If you do see him please give himplenty of space on the road. He could be leading a breakawayon the Tour before too long.
by Raph Murray
6
From the Michelin Tyre Company's former headquarters inStoke-on-Trent to the hills of the Peak District is only ashort distance but for Peter Parker the journey reflects thebiggest step in his life. Twenty years ago he gave up work
as a design engineer and built a completely new way of lifethrough the conversion of an all-consuming hobby to a totallydifferent career by setting up an independent outdoor pursuitsbusiness - Moorland Adventure Limited. Born in Staffordshire,Peter had always had an affinity with outdoor activities from hisschooldays when as a Venture Scout he was first introduced toclimbing and he continued to spend most of his leisure time inthe hills and mountains. Now he sees his day-to-day activitiesas “if you enjoy the job this much it's not really work!”. AndRainow, where he has now lived for eighteen years, provideshim with a base which is ideal for his business, centred as it ison the edge of the Peak District. Peter's canoe laden trailer hasbecome a common sight in the village.
Nowadays, Peter's company Moorland Adventure developsand runs courses in most kinds of outdoor activities. Theseinclude watersports like canoeing and kayaking, caving,archery and mountain biking as well as climbing and mountaineering but many of the skills taught have a widerapplication; navigation and orientation, problem-solving, team-building and learning to lead. Moorland Adventure worksextensively with a wide range of clients ranging from individualsto major businesses and even sets up more light-heartedevents for stag or hen parties - using abseiling and archery asnew experiences, for example! Some of the company's work iswith schools where special skills and specific licences arerequired of the trainers and the emphasis here is providing anintroduction to important skills but making sure the childrenhave fun in the process. The mobile climbing wall and the necessary guidance and safety mentioned in the RainowSchool “Out of School” feature in this issue of the Raven wasprovided by Peter and his colleagues. Moorland Adventureworks with organisations outside the local area thanks to thecompany's growing national reputation; sometimes geographydemands it eg running winter mountaineering skills courses inScottish mountains, sometimes the customer demands it. Forthe last five years the company has provided an Oxfordshireschool with a course in Broadhaven because “we don't carewhere it is provided as long as Moorland Adventure do it”!Many outdoor activities depend on the weather and take placefrom March to October but Moorland Adventure has built up itsrange of courses to include winter activities - ice-climbing, useof crampons and ice-axes plus survival training where participants learn how to create shelters and how to avoid avalanches. You can see what the company does on:www.moorlandadventure.co.ukMoorland Adventure also works with a recently inaugurated sister company, Peak Bushcraft, teaching general outdoorbushcraft, survival and environmental sustainability skills to individuals and groups. What this company does is explainedon: www.peakbushcraft.co.ukPeter is also well-known for the active part he has long playedas a member of Buxton and Mountain Rescue Team. Mannedby over sixty volunteers who are “putting something back intotheir sport” the team was called out over 80 times last year andPeter was involved in 15 of the rescues including bringing out asick patient from a snow-bound Rainow farm. Peter's wife,Ruth, is also well-known in the village as a teacher at RainowSchool and was one of the organisers of the Rainow JazzFestival. They and their two children live on Millers Meadow.
Adventure starts in Rainow! by Ian Brammer
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I was born at Brookhouse Rainow on the 6th July 1864 in
a house that my mother greatly disliked, owing to its
former history. My earliest recollections were attending
the Wesleyan Sunday School along with my eldest sister.
My father and mother always insisted on our attending
the Sunday School and Chapel and I am now proud of
the prizes we merited at the Sunday School. In those
days we were taught reading, writing and spelling.
I well remember the Superintendent, Mr Peter Barber,
and how he used to walk about the schoolroom during
school hours which were from 9 to 12 morning and 1 to 2.15
afternoon when we were marched up to the Chapel. The
Superintendent always carried a stick under his arm to
chastise any offenders. Elementary education was not
compulsory at that time although my eldest sister and
myself attended the day school at Walker Barn for a
short time, the School Mistress being Miss Phoebe-Ann
Pownall to whom I shall always owe a great debt of
gratitude for the sound, sensible teaching of those
things essential throughout life. She was a stickler for
stern discipline of manners which are woefully neglected
in the present method of tomfoolery called modern
education. Away with it.
As early as I possibly
could earn anything for my
parents I was sent half a day along with a companion,
William Broadbent, to be the motive power by turning a
large wheel for a small silk industry at a cottage in
Caula Fold Lane, Rainow, the proprietor being a Mr Aaron
Jones. For this work which was a laborious work for a small
boy I was paid the handsome sum of 1/6 per week, which
was a beneficient income for our home in those days.
I also earned a few pence by taking letters to Bent
Farm, Mr John Cooper's, as no postman went round the
farmhouses at that time.
Eventually I was sent to a silk mill which is now in a
dilapidated condition at Cow Lane, Rainow, the proprietor
being Mr Edward Thorp and the manager Mr James Albinson.
Here I earned the sum of five shillings per week, my sister
being employed at the same mill but earning much more,
my tenure here being cut short by contracting scarlet
fever. In those days patients were not drafted off to
isolation hospitals but were isolated at home, my sister
during that period being sent to an aunt's until my
recovery. Thus ended my career at a silk mill.
Memoirs of a Rainow Man
Joseph Mottram hand wrote his memoir in 1935 when he was 71 years old and followed it up with a “short history of the village and some of its worthies”. Both ofthese works are well known to the Rainow History Group and Joseph is described intheir book “Rainow caught in time”. He became a well-known character in the villageas a shop-keeper at Kerridge End but he was also a tailor, corn dealer and coal
merchant and was the Registrar for Births and Deaths for Rainow.
This extract from his memoir describes his earliest days.
The Joseph Mottram Memoir - life in Rainow in the 1870’s
In the next issue of the Raven we follow Joseph Mottram as he starts a new life learning a trade which he “abominably detested”!
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R i ve r s i de Eng i nee r i n g
After the last issue of the Raven we went to Ilam Hall Youth Hostel for the weekend to do the Astronomer and Navigator Badges. It is a beautiful placein a wonderful setting with lots of space. By chance (or did I plan it?!) wewere there when the moon was at its closest to the earth; we went out in
the dark to look at it and all the stars - amazing. We learnt about the solar system and made rockets to carry eggs into space. On the Sunday we did somemap work and followed an orienteering course round the grounds and along theriver. We were complimented on the Cubs' behaviour and it was a pleasure taking them away.
Two weeks running were spent at Macclesfield Leisure Centre; we practised forthe District 5-a-side football competition and then had a night in the swimmingpool where the Cubs chose to work hard for their Swimmer Badges (this is astaged badge from 1 to 5 levels) rather than just play. We did well at the 5-a-side just being knocked out by goal difference with the only team to beat us eventually winning the Tournament.
On Sunday 1st May we filled a coach and went to the BMX track in Platt PlayingFields, Manchester. McCarthy Coaches very kindly let the Cubs all take theirbikes, quite a challenge for the driver! After two hours of cycling and a picnic inthe park we went to the Museum of Science and Industry to a Lego Exhibitionthat was being held and a quick go in the 'hands on section'. Again, their behaviour was complimented.
District Camp was cancelled this year so we decided to go ourselves toBarnswood, near Leek. 24 Cubs came for all or part of the weekend; theykayaked, canoed, made bivouacs, learnt some knots and whipping to make missile firers, tried branding, did a low rope course and a wide game (and) thatwas just Saturday. On Sunday they did various challenges and then made theirown dinner (backwoods cooking) of stew in foil parcels, dampers, etc. Again theywere very good and were asleep in record time on Saturday night. For some ofthe new Cubs it was their first time away from home and they did very very wellas it was extremely cold at night (well I thought it was). A big thank you to theparents that helped and made it possible.
As it is Summer with light evenings we try and be outside every week. So far wehave been to the trout farm at Wincle and all caught a fish, some even had time to barbecue and then eat theirs. The last meeting before half term was spent at Eddisbury Hall on their assault course, zip wires and astro turf, finishing off with cooking marshmallows over a fire.
We have quite a lot planned for the rest of the term including scuba diving, Canadian canoeing, cooking our tea by the stream, learning golf strokes at the driving range at Adlington Golf Club and Go Karting. At the end of term 20 Cubs are going on a PGL Activity Holiday in Shropshire. It's a shame that it is such a short term this year with so many things to do.
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Beaver Scoutsmakechickens for Kenya!
The Beaver Scouts had a sale afterthe Mothering Sunday service atRainow Church, to raise money for
Kenya Water Aid. This was for part ofthe Faith Badge and Global ChallengeBadge. We chose this very deservingcause to support our Young Leader,Elin, who is going to Kenya as a volunteer this summer. The Beaverssold Easter chickens which they hadmade, decorated and filled withchocolate eggs. The sale raised£91.10 thanks to the generosity of thecongregation. Many thanks to BarbaraKilpatrick for organising this event andto the Beavers who used their craftskills to create very desirable Eastergifts and assisted with the sale.
by Angela Barlow
Out and About with the Cubsby Akela Sue Grimes
Institute News
Support your village Institute by buying one of the last remaining ticket’s for it's annual 100 club;
you might win one of the monthlyprizes of £10 or £20. Tickets are £12and can be bought from NoreenWood, 6 Millers Meadow. The club isa valuable fundraiser for the buildingwhich continues to be in need of arevamp.
This summer the volunteer InstituteManagement Committee intends toconsult all users of the building to garner their opinion, interest and support on how to get the best out ofthis quirky old space. New Chair-person, Katherine Beswick, is at thehelm of the process which hopefullyin time will lead on to an applicationfor major funds for a refurb. Katherinetakes over the role of Chairpersonfrom Noreen Wood, who put in manyyears hard work on the Committee.
Meanwhile the current Treasurer,Allyson Lynch, would like to step downfrom her role at next year’s AGM. If you'd be interested in taking on thisjob, and helping to support Rainow's valuable community space, pleaseget in touch with Katherine at:[email protected].
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Out of School by Mark Bertinshaw
At Rainow School we are constantlylooking at how we can make ourcurriculum more exciting andinspiring for our children. We find
that one of the best ways to achievethis is to provide numerous opportuni-ties for practical learning experiences.For example, recently the children in theinfants have enjoyed looking at life inVictorian schools and taking part in aliving history day at MacclesfieldHeritage Centre. The highlight of theirproject was some extremely strictVictorian style teaching!
The junior children have been workingtogether studying World War 2 as atopic. An inspirational start to the project was a full day spent in theschool woods designing and
constructing ten full size Anderson shelters from a variety of materials. Thistested their construction and teamworkskills to the limit. The unexpected emergency air raid siren certainly addedto their learning experience.
I was particularly pleased to welcome agroup of Headteachers from Kenya whovisited our school as part of our international link. The children enjoyedmeeting Mr Moses Ndirangu who isHeadteacher of Mutiume Primary schoolin the Rift Valley. We are hoping to havea long and fruitful educational partner-ship with Mutiume and Moses wasdelighted to be able to spend some timewith us in school.
A major highlight of the term was theRed Nose fundraising day. There are
very few schools which would erect a large climbing wall in the school playground and then challenge the community to climb a joint total height ofEverest. My thanks go to all the peoplewho helped organise and construct thisand also to the parents and childrenwho, as usual, supported this eventmagnificently. An astonishing total of£2100 was raised for this very worthycause.
Many of you will know or remember Mrs Daley, our Reception class teacher.Mrs Daley recently began a period ofmaternity leave from school and I amdelighted to report that in May she hada little boy she has named Jack. MrDaley says that he is very handsome!
Rainow Pre-Schoolthe perfect start
To talk about a place for your child, contactRainow Pre-School on 01625 574069or visit www.rainow-preschool.org.uk
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qualified, well organised and supportive staff
free places for all 3-5 year olds
excellent resources for hands-on, imaginative play
a happy, safe environment, including a new outdoor space and allotment
opportunities for active parental involvement
Based in the beautiful village of Rainow, our friendly creative pre-school providessessional daycare for up to 24 children aged 21/2 - 5,most of whom go on to the acclaimedRainow Primary School. We offer:
Strictly for the Birds! by Tina Hanak
As a volunteer with Macclesfield RSPB WildlifeExplorers, I have been fortunate enough to visitRainow Primary School on a number of occasions to help with the RSPB's Big School's Birdwatch and
other environmental projects. I have always been reallyimpressed with the great affection the children have for thebird that graces their school emblem, after which the villageitself was named, the raven.
But with so many different large black birds in the crow family how do you know if you have really spotted a raven?Could it be a crow, a rook or even a jackdaw?
Here are a few quick spotting tips:
As the largest of the world's crows this bird is huge, even bigger than a buzzard,but it can be difficult to judge when you are watching from a distance without anysize reference. All black with a massive
thick, tapering bill you should be able to discern shaggy throat feathering and the broad and distinctively diamond-shapedtail. In flight the raven often performs aerobatics, rolling overin mid air, calling as it does so.
Raven
The smallest of the crows, the jackdaw, is a familiar sight.Large, noisy flocks gather at dusk in the winter to roost andcan often be seen flying to communal roosts. A bright, paleblue-grey eye and grey neck make this neat bird easier to identify. On the ground jackdaws alternate between walkingand hopping.
So next time a large black bird catches your eye in the skiesover Rainow - reach for your binoculars and take a closer look!
For more information on brilliant RSPB wildlife events for children and families in this area check out the Wildlife Explorerwebsite: www.macclesfieldrspb.org.uk.
Carrion Crow
Rook
An intelligent and adaptable bird the carrion crow is a black,broad-shouldered bird with a heavy beak. Often seen alone orin pairs, they will come to gardens for food and often developingenious strategies to take advantage of the food we put outfor our smaller garden birds.
Despite being a similar size, the greyish-white face, steeplypointed forehead, peaked head and thinner beak make therook distinguishable from the carrion crow. Beware though asconfusingly juveniles only develop the patch of bare pale skinat the base of the bill in their second year! Rooks are very sociable birds, and you're unlikely to see onealone. They feed and roost in flocks in winter, sometimes withjackdaws. Rooks prefer to feed in open fields and althoughthey will come into town parks and villages they tend to bewary of big towns and cities.
Jackdaw
10
Photograph by David Tolliday
Weddings
Dave WilcoxPhotography
Beautiful
0 1 6 2 5 5 6 0 5 0 0www.drwphoto.co.uk
Down in the Woods….
Fun, fresh air and laughter....and a bit of risky play:This is what keeps bringing children back to “WackyWoods” time and time again. For the past year, WackyWoods has been offering fun, inspirational outdoor
woodland activities during every school holiday; at its regularSaturday morning club and also through its increasingly popular birthday parties for children of all ages. Indeed, a growing number of Rainow school children regularly enjoy theWacky Woods experience in the school holidays.
Wacky Woods is part of Schola Foris which is primarily a forestschool provider, offering forest school programmes for childrenand young people of all ages, either in their own educationalsetting, a local woodland, or our own beautiful wood inAdlington.
Wacky Woods is based on our forest school ethos in that children take the lead in their outdoor play. Trained leadersoffer children the chance to get outside, have fun, let off steam,make new friends and engage with the natural environment. It's a perfect antidote to what is commonly being referred to as“Nature Deficit Disorder”. At Wacky Woods, we build dens, whittle, follow nature trails, cook on campfires, climb trees andlaugh a lot. The “risky play” element of what Wacky Woodsdoes allows children to judge and manage the risks involved inplaying in the woods, much in the same way many parents didas youngsters - before the distractions of computer games and other media enticed children away from outdoor play, andbefore parental fears for child safety limited that freedomenjoyed by earlier generations.
This year our Wacky Woods Summer programme will run forfour weeks from 25 July primarily for children from 6-12 years.Children can opt for single morning or afternoon sessions, or stay all day with a campfire lunch.......and thenthey'll ask you if they “can come back tomorrow, please”.
Contact details:Alexandra [email protected]
01625 572 94407931 415126
Twitter: @scholaforis
11
Royal Wedding street parties weren't confined
to the big cities - the residents of Johns Close
had a good knees up too!
Photographer : Sue Grimes
This stunning exhibit was one of the highlights
of this year's Sculpture Trail at the
One House Nursery in May
Photographer : Jules Cox
"What is it?”
Rainow Pre-school children visiting the One
House Nursery Sculpture Trail exchange ideas!
Photographer : Louise Leigh
A Rainow bird - but which one? See the article "Strictly for the Birds" on Page 10 for the answer Photographer : David Tolliday RSPB
12
The Raven’s Eye View
This full colour page has been created through a grant from the Big Lottery Fund12
13
Macclesfield's MP David Rutley paid a visit to the Raven together
with Helen Bullough, Head of Region for the Big Lottery Fund, to see
how we are using the recent lottery grant. Alongside David (left)
and Helen (centre) are editors Louise leigh, Sheila Brammer,
Ian Brammer and Raph Murray
Photographer : Hazel Cantrell
South Cheshire Vintage Tractor Club (not all bearded males!)chose Rainow for a trip in May; over forty machines travelledthrough Calrofold Lane to the village centre Photographer : Ian Brammer
Rainow NSPCC raised £980 with the Open Wardrobe day at Cesterbridge House Photographer : Ian Brammer
Being transformed into an Easter Bunny in anticipation of a good walk
and plenty of treats at Rainow Pre-School'sannual 'Bunny Hunt' which this year
broke all previous records in raising almost £900 for Pre-School funds
Photographer : Ian Brammer
n’ s Eye View
14
Tales from the Allotment
We are now well into our third year working our small allotment which is by the side of Tower Hill/set back offHawkins Lane. This year we have added the last tworaised beds to make full use of the plot we have
available. We are trying to be as organic as possible; we nowuse netting to protect the crops from the main predators,weedkiller is only used along the edges of the bed to holdback weeds.
There have been a few setbacks on the way like in Octoberlast year when the polytunnel got shredded in the high winds,but we were able to resurrect it, recovering the original frame.
Recently we have been frantically planting seeds - we usuallydo this in our garage with the help of a few G&T's whichseems to make the night go quickly - we then bring them onon window sills and Mark's conservatory. After a few months -and nagging from his missus to have the room back - wemove them up to the allotment. Right now we are up to thestage where we have been picking the seedlings out and re-planting into larger pots.
At the beginning of April we planted out all our potatoes. We ordered these before Christmas, ready to plant, all wehad to do was put them into egg-box type trays and leave
them in the dry in Mark’s garage. This is called pre-chitting - the shoots begin to grow and as soon as they sprout we thenplant them out.
We also ordered heat-prepared onion sets and these weresown as soon as they were delivered. They have now been ina few weeks and are just starting to sprout.
Our strawberries and rhubarb are looking good. These havebeen left in since last year. We have also just planted courgettes and asparagus, unfortunately we didn't look at theinstructions for the asparagus and have planted them incorrectly so we might have to exhume them after a whileand re-plant for next year. Learning by your mistakes is allpart of the fun of working an allotment.
Most of the produce is used by our family, but last year wehad an excess of beans and courgettes so we managed toswap these at the Robin Hood for a few beers. A few of thelocals also took some and gave us a donation towards seedsfor the following year. This year we hope to have quite anexcess again, so if anybody is interested in having any for asmall donation to the allotment fund, please email Mark Ewer;[email protected] and we can update them as itbecomes available.
Summer ReadsWhat book will you be packing in your suitcase this summer? As Rainow is fortunate to have a number of book clubs meeting regularly, we have asked four ofthem to come up with their favourite reads for summer (in no particular order):
l The Book Thief
- Markus Zusak
l The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Stieg Larsson
l Beauty - Raphael Sebourne
l The Help - Kathryn Stockett
l The Reluctant Fundamentalist
- Mohsin Hamid
l The Guernsey Literary & Potato
Peel Pie Society
- Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie
Barrows
l A Place of Execution -
Val McDermid
l The Angel’s Game -
Carlos Ruiz Zafon
l Half of a Yellow Sun -
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
l The Stories of Eva Luna -
Isabel Allende
l The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
l All Quiet on the Orient Express
- Magnus MillsIf you have a favourite to recommend let the Raven know ([email protected])
Life and Times of a Peak District Allotmentby Mark Ewer and John Worth
Nearing Midsummer's day thefields around the farm are looking just a little past theirbest. This year, as last, the dry
spring, followed by the present wetter spell, will probably mean thatfodder is again scarce (and thereforeexpensive) and the panic-strickenhaymaking of last year may well berepeated. By this time of year a goodcrop of weeds may disfigure thelandscape as they become more visible above the grass. Also, insome fields a stalky grass has'grown past the sheep' and the newcrop of lambs. It could be observedthat your apprentice farmer/writermight have got the agricultural balance slightly wrong, under- estimating the rapid flight of thearrow of time, despite the accumulation of an ample amount ofthat particular quantity. Others however have been similarly troubled by weeds….
Doubtless everyone is familiar withthe world-renowned Lakeland poets, especially for their evocative writingson bucolic themes. Of lesserrenown, the Peakland poets, onesuch featured right, wrote similarly, if rather more prosaically.
One can sense the anguish of poorold Wordsworse in these lines, confronted as he was by this plethora of weed, without the benefit
15
The Thistles
I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o'er vales and scarpWhen all at once I saw a crowdA host of thistles, razor-sharpBeside the midden, neath the treesFluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shineAnd twinkle on the Milky WayThey stretched in never-ending lineAmid the fields and in the hayTen thousand saw I at a glanceTossing their heads in sprightly dance.
For oft, when on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive moodThey flash upon my inward eyeWhich is the bliss of solitudeAnd then my heart with anger bristlesAnd curses all those blasted thistles.
Andrew Wordsworse
Cloudsby Andrew Renshaw
of modern technology. Even todaythistles, nettles and docks posesomething of a problem in grassland,requiring considerable labour andexpensive selective products to control them. The saying 'One year'sseed seven years weed' is indeedtrue.
Another truism, that 'every cloud hasa silver lining' has been demonstrated in the considerablybetter prices obtained recently forlambs and sheep at markets such asChelford. The fall of the Poundagainst the euro (sentiment indicatedby the capitalisation) has resulted inhigher demand, particularly it seemsfrom France. As sheep are, ofcourse, the mainstay of Rainowfarmers, this is very welcome;however there is the downside thatvarious farming inputs are moreexpensive. Should this improvingprice trend continue, sheep farmingwill have to be reclassified from'calamitous' to 'precarious'. However,auction prices are very dynamic andoracles, runes, incantations and anyother method of divination whateverseem useless to predict week-by-week auction prices.
On a different note, in the recent'Garden Safari' in aid of churchfunds, the gardens of Clarke Houseand Back o' th' Crofts Farm wereincluded and this provided the impetus for some necessary maintenance. Even though it isstrongly suspected that the otheropen gardens have owners far morebotanically well-informed, neverthe-less a good number of visitorsattended, braving the ascent ofKiskhill in rather uncertain weather.In addition to the gardens, lambs,ducks, ducklings, hens, chicks andgeese were on show which visitorsseemed to find of interest. The homemade 'duck-egg' sponge cakes andthe drinks on offer sold quickly andquite a little tea-party ensued.Endeavouring to speak to all who attended, there were many interesting conversations with oldand new acquaintances.
Thanks for coming folks, it was trulypleasing to meet and greet you!
by Brown Owl, Susan NormanBrownies Royal Occasion
St Patrick's Day saw the Brownies being creative with food as well aspaper; decorating cakes with the Irish flag as well as making origami
elves.
We also learnt the importance of supporting others in the Guiding community whilst having fun as we took part in the Royal WeddingChallenge Badge set up by 1st Ness Guides, Wirral, to help raise fundstowards their trip to California Dreamin' in 2012. As part of the activities theBrownies learnt a new game on a royal theme, made England flags andtable place cards for their families to use on the actual Royal WeddingDay. We also had a fancy dress princess party and made glitzy hair decorations, with hair and make-up done by the girls themselves as wellas buffet food on a royal theme - a challenge for the parents as much asthe girls and well met. The Brownies were extremely pleased to receivetheir “special” badges which “they will keep forever” to remember theRoyal Occasion.
For Mothers' Day the Brownies made lovely gifts with wrapped candles,painted plates and 3-D floral cards.
Since the clocks went forward the lighter evenings have given theBrownies an opportunity for a more extended programme and it's wonderful for them to exert their energy outside. On Local Electionevening despite the lack of a hall as a meeting place and showery weatherwe decided to meet and carried out a village trail where the Browniesworked vigilantly in teams. We all learnt a little more about the local com-munity as well as some historical features in Rainow. The Sixers andSeconds also had a great opportunity to test out their leadership skills.
Two new Brownies have joined us and started their Becoming a Brownie programme and our eldest Brownie is well on her way to achieving her“Brownie Go For it” Badge before she “flies up” to Guides.
At the end of term the Brownies spent two evenings working on theirAgility Badge; myself and the Brownies applaud the two mums involved fortheir active commitment in demonstrating exercises to the girls. I would like
to thank all the parents who help and in particular the two fathers who got in touch with their “feminine” sides in our Brownie Programme and came out unscathed.
Our last meeting of the term was spent learning and playing old and new games.
Anyone who wants to know more about joining Brownies or going on the waiting list can contact me on 01260 223793 (Work) or 01260 223695 (Home).
Brown Owl, Susan Norman
16
Picnic and feast your eyes and ears atGawsworth Hall this July 8th, 9th and10th by coming along to SilK Opera'sexciting outdoor production of 'The
Mikado'. Gilbert and Sullivan's most successful opera includes well-known songssuch as 'Three Little Maids’, contains lots ofcomedy and satire and this production willfeature experience soloists who have previously worked with Companies includingEnglish National Opera, Opera North andScottish Opera.
Lots of Rainow folk are involved in the production too, not least 18 year old EleanorSutton. Back in April, Eleanor successfullyauditioned for a place at the MountviewAcademy of Theatre Arts in North London,and her performance in The Mikado will beamong her last local performances before sheembarks on the three year BA Hons degree inPerformance (singing, dance and drama).She's juggled rehearsals with A-level swot-ting; indeed the decision to apply to theatreschool came at the last minute after securinga place to study English Literature at YorkUniversity. Eleanor will sing and danceamongst the Kimono-clad chorus of ladies atGawsworth; but watch out for some cleverand quirky disguises and choreography...
For tickets and more information visitwww.gawsworthhall.com, call the Box Office on 01260 223456, or visit www.silkopera.com
'Yum-Yum'at Gawsworth!
by Jane Mellings
"Know what this is? If not consult a youngperson with an advanced mobile phone and ask them to scan it. Still in doubt? See the next issue of the Raven!"
by Jill Hasler & Helen ArchibaldGuides follow their Centenary
Although we were unable to help at the Rainow Christmas Markets this year, we did manage our trip to Manchester, although due to the weather causing aschool trip to be rescheduled, we ended up with 3 girls and 5 adults! We havealso helped at the Pre-School's Rainow 5 Run as usual, where we were told thatsome runners regularly book to run here - specifically for the cakes.
A favourite adventure is to Awesome Walls in Stockport. This time several parents joined us, and the evening closed with four girls making their promiseclinging by ropes to the top of the walls - which makes the Guide salute a littletricky!
Closer to home, we were visited by the Body Shop, and by Trisha, who showedus how to decorate cakes for Easter. The cakes looked very impressive, and theadults were also quite impressed by how far icing sugar can spread…
We are also working on a Ruby Challenge, so our final excursion before halfterm was 'to count the steps to a local landmark and admire the view'. Webegan in Bollington and can (fairly confidently) confirm that there is a total of 297steps up to White Nancy, where 7 girls then made their Guide Promise, in frontof an interested, but rather startled, audience of bullocks.
Next, we are having a go at making mini rafts, as well as looking at variousruby/40/red-linked challenges. With 23 members now, our meetings are rarelyquiet!
Since our Centenary celebrations, Guides have continued to be out and about aswell as trying different activities
during our meetings.
17
Harrop Fold FarmRainow
Tel: 01625 560085
www.harropfoldfarm.co.ukwww.michaelmooreart.co.uk
www.leahspantry.co.uk
Somewhere very special...A Quintessentially English Experience,
Delightful Award Winning 5 Star Guest Farmhouse and
Self-catering Cottage Accommodationset in 20 acres with breathtaking
views over the Cheshire Plain.
We offer ’Cupcakes Galore’ - hands on cookery courses as well as a
‘Cornucopia of Canapés’ - hands on Canapé courses along with
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Day & Residential Art Courses with our Resident Professional Artist.
Gift Vouchers available and Corporate andGroup Bookings welcome.
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18
Hear the tale of an old Rainownian incautious enough toventure far from the Village. After much wandering helanded in Tokyo, where he fell under a curse that heshould teach English as a Foreign Language for all
eternity. It was further decreed that he should talk endlessly but that no one would understand a word he said.In March he was sent out to teach a course at TohokuUniversity in Sendai, where he fell under yet another curse - to live in interesting times.
Our Man in Japan
11th March 2011Friday afternoon was here at last, and the class was in itsfinal 10 minutes. I was surreptitiously getting my stuff together to rush for the next bullet train to Tokyo. Then theswaying began, gently at first. This had happened a fewdays previously, and I had reacted by fleeing the building,only to return shamefaced two minutes later when it came toa big fat stop. So this time I determined to do the correctthing. I dived under my desk in an authoritative, teacherlyway, and waited for the movement to stop.
But it didn’t stop. The rattling turned into a roar, and thedesk began to dance in all directions. Rushing out of theroom might have been the right thing to do after all. Booksfell off tables, the CD player crashed to the floor, the TV felloff its stand and I had time to reflect on a conversation I’dhad with a staff member after a tremor two days previously.“This building seems pretty robust,” I’d said, “No, we werejust lucky. If a big one comes, it’ll collapse like a pack ofcards,” came the reply.
Luckily it didn’t. After a few minutes there was a lull, and weall managed to get out to the car park before it started upagain, the ground moving under us like we were on a ferry.The university was out in the mountains, so once we wereout of the building we had plenty of open space. Severalaftershocks followed, each a major quake in its own rightthat would have terrified us if we hadn’t just stepped off thebiggest roller coaster of them all. After half an hour, we gingerly stepped into the car. “Don’t forget the drinks partyon Monday!” one student shouted after us. I thought I wouldgo - it seemed to be over.
In the short time it took us to reach Sendai the blue skyturned white, and the snow came down, not the sleet thathad been toying with us all week but a sudden heavy fall.Traffic slowed, and we came to a stop on a bridge swaying
from aftershocks, now coming every ten minutes or so.Returning to our hotel, we found the electricity off and thechef burning wood in a steel bucket.
We explored the streets. All the lights were out, and carswere crawling past the blank traffic signals. In the shoppingarcade an emergency tent had been set up with braziers. It was dispensing hot tea but no food. Darkness was closingin, so we headed for one of the few buildings still lit up - theWestlin Hotel, a 35-storey megalith with its own generator.Subway was handing out free sandwiches. We took thecombination we were given and, true to cliché, it tasted better than any sandwich I’ve ever tasted.
The hotel was superbly organised. The unflappable staff welcomed us scruffy teacher types as if we wererespectable guests. We took a set of chairs laid out in thebanquet hall and some blankets, and settled ourselves. The widescreen TV was on constantly as news of the tsunami came in. A bowl of soup was handed out in theevening, and again, it tasted superb. Nighttime was cold. I slept on the floor in my shoes and trousers, two sweaters,a winter jacket, hat, and a blanket. Every few hours analarm chimed, not unlike a mobile phone alert - Jishin gakimasu! An earthquake is coming! At the first alert peoplestood up and looked nervously, but by the end of the nightno one stirred.
In the evening, I managed to get through to the family inTokyo, which had been hit by a smaller, but still huge,quake. My wife, Yoshie, had just filled the car up with petrol(we were to be thankful for that later), and was driving backwhen she noticed the cars around her blinking their hazardlights. She hit the brakes, but the car kept inching forwardregardless from the quake’s momentum. Hannah was atschool, and had dived under the desk in a well-drilled routine as the children sang (presumably less rehearsed)“We are all going to die!” Leo was on his way back homeand had been taken in by a Canadian neighbour. He was so spooked that he booked a flight on the next plane toOkinawa (the neighbour, not my eight-year-old).
Back in Sendai, the rails were buckled and all trains wereout of operation (one of the wonders of the quake was that a network of sensors had succeeded in giving advance warning, and the trains had all came to a stop, with no casualties). Luckily one of our group had arrived in a car,and had filled up with petrol before the quake, whichenabled us to bypass the half-mile queues forming at thepetrol stations. As we entered Fukushima along the mainnorth-south road we noticed that some buildings had wholewalls missing. I saw a road sheared off into the valley.Another aftershock hit us while we were waiting at the lightsin Fukushima. After 12 hours we finally entered the outskirtsof Tokyo, where the shops glowed with neon and the restaurants flaunted indecent displays of food.
I’d intended to take some snaps in Sendai but the apparentnormality of the scene meant that I only took one - the traditional one of a clock stopped at the time of disaster.This from a Sendai shopping arcade. Could it have been a couple of minutes fast at the time of the quake?
Adapted from Geoff’s blog athttp://wildsoftokyo.blogspot.com/
by Geoff Tozer
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01625 669750 or 07770315443
Carole Harvey Telemarketing
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Telephone Marketing
22 Millers Meadow, Rainow, Macclesfield 01625 573576 [email protected]
Studio/Gallery@Kerridge EndCesterbridge Cottage Kerridge End Rainow
Telephone: 01625 612478
www.janeosmond.net
20
Hello again.
Lots going on since I last wrote.
I notice that none of the ladies of Rainow responded to my report in your last issue about excluding men from the many reading groups in the village. I think the silence says it all!
There was some talk about forming one at the Lamp & Candle but one of our older residents reminded us that it wasdone in the 1950s! Unfortunately it didn't last long. Its leadinglight was a Mrs. Bentley, a Rainow lady who is rememberedfor having 'airs and graces' and a henpecked husband. Mrs.Bentley was an avid reader of “The Barchester Chronicles” and declared at a meeting of the reading group that “everyoneshould go to bed with a Trollope”. It seems that Mr. Bentleytook her advice and was never seen again. The group foldedshortly afterwards.
Lots of things have happened since I last wrote, in particularthe budget. As there is no television at the “Lamp”, I had towatch my brother's TV to see George from down the roadtelling us all what a mess the last government made and whathe was going to do about it. If you ask me it's all very wellspouting on about banking and deficits but not a mention ofhis local! Never mind about the price of petrol - what aboutthe price of paraffin! and does he know how hard it is to gethold of gas mantles these days? I didn't hear any mention oftax breaks and rates relief for companies who make gas mantles or paraffin lamps in his new Enterprise Zones!Everything goes up every year and we just have to take it onthe chin. Even the sawdust I put on the Tap Room floor everyday is going up in price. Last time I went to get some the mancharged me £6 for a bag! Six pounds! I told him that at leastDick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask but he just lookedme straight in the eye and took my money. So what's Georgegoing to do about the price of sawdust? Does he think it growson trees? And he keeps putting up the prices of beer and fags.Not here anyway, not at the Lamp & Candle. The price of a pint hasn't changed since 1983 and if someone wants to have a comforting fag by the fire of a cold winter's night they're welcome, regulations or no regulations. I can tell you that if theChancellor of the Exchequer does eventually decide to visit hisown local he'll have some questions to answer before he gets hislaughing tackle around his first pint of Harrop Dark. Good tosee that he's getting tough on scroungers though - people whorob the tax payers and don't pay their dues. Big John in theTap Room said I should write a strong letter to our MP once Ifind out who he is. So I got out the old Basildon Bond and biro,then I remembered that the licence for the “Lamp” hasn't been renewed since 1907 so I thought I wouldn't put the complaintin writing, but just settle for having a word with him aboutcheats when he drops by.
There has also been another Royal Wedding. Thankfully it passed off more peacefully than the last one in 1981. I remember I'd just gone for some coal for the Snug fire and walked back inside to an almighty row. Some of the regulars reckoned that we should spend money decorating the “Lamp” for the occasion with big Union Jacks outside, pictures on thewalls, and red, white and blue bunting all over the place. I hada red, white and blue fit! “Do you want everyone to knowwhere we are?” I said. Some of them argued that we could keepquiet and still celebrate the occasion. I did agree that it was aspecial occasion - we still have the picture of King George Vand Queen Mary on the Tap Room wall, though I can't say I'mfond of it.
A big miserable face with a moustache and a beard - and theKing doesn't look too good either. But “Loyalty means Royalty”is my motto and there the picture will stay. Anyway, when Icalmly explained my reasons (and refused to serve them anymore drinks), they came around to my point of view and abandoned the idea.
It's not that we're not loyal here. A few of us turned up on thebig day to toast the happy couple and we played “Land ofHope and Glory” and “Soldiers of the Queen” on the gramophone in the Best Room.
Still no movement on the pub closure front, but rest assuredthat we are watching.
Needless to say the Lamp & Candle will not be entering aScarecrow in this year's competition. Even if we wanted to advertise ourselves I doubt that anyone would go to the troubleafter what happened to one of our irregulars from the villagelast year. It seems that a passing press photographer snappeda picture outside his house and printed it in the MacclesfieldTimes as one of the prize winning scarecrows. It turned outthat it was just a picture of his wife putting the bins out, sothere's a lesson to be learned about offending people and I hopeit is properly discussed by the Scarecrow Committee.
That's all for now.
News from the Lamp and Candle
Robin HoodTheFood Served Wed - SunSun Carvery Only (12 - 6pm)Real Cask Ales4 En Suite B&B RoomsA Warm Welcome
- - --
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More
21
The Yellow Teapot Café
Wellington Road, Bollington SK10 5JR
l For jazz l For comedy l For chamber music
l For professional & amateur theatre productions
l For talks l For art exhibitions
l For poetry readingsl For rehearsal space
l For classes l For hire
For more information visit our website:www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk
or ring 573863
ROY McCARTHYCoaches for every occasion
35 - 70 Seaters
Tel: Macclesfield (01625) 425060www.roymccarthycoaches.co.uk
THE COACH DEPOT u SNAPE ROAD u MACCLESFIELD
Please call us for our 2011 brochure with details of our holiday tours
and day excursions
FAMILY BUTCHERSPalmerston Street,
BollingtonTel: 01625 572202
114 Wellington Road, Bollington
Tel: 01625 573172
5 Fountain Place, PoyntonTel: 01625 872154
Homemade sconesDelicious sandwichesHomemade piesLarge selection of cakes
“Follow the yellow teapot signs!”Open 10am – 5pm Wed, Sat & SunCommon Barn Farm, Smith Lane, Rainow
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FARM & COMMERCIAL FUELSLOGS & HEAT LOGS
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D U N K I R K E S TAT E , D U N K I R K , C H E S T E R ,
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;
RAINOW SCARECROW FORTNIGHTSaturday 9th July - Sunday 24th July 2011
Theme : Pub Names
PRIZES ! PRIZES ! PRIZES !
1st Prize: £50 2nd Prize: £30 3rd Prize: £2010 Highly Commended Prizes: £10Winning Youth Organisation: £25
Cost of Entry: £1
Please contact: Liz Lawson on 573632 to enter or for further information.
If you would like your scarecrow number to appear on theScarecrow map please register your scarecrow with Liz by 6.00pm
Thursday 7th July 2011. Unfortunately after that date map amendments will not be able to be made but you will still be
eligible to enter your scarecrow.
Rainow Church FêteSaturday 16th July 2011at Hough Hole Farm, Sugar LaneTheme: 'Pub Names'
Procession starting from Hawkins Lane at 1.20 pm
**More Floats Needed**Opening Ceremony at 2.00 pm
Scarecrow CompetitionNew Class for Village Youth Groups
u Davyhulme Scout Band u Kerridge Climb u Fancy Dress u Fun Dog Show u Teas and Refreshments u Grand Prize Draw u Tombola u BBQ u Plant Stall u White Elephant u Home Produce u Coconut Shy u Ice Creams u Lucky Dip u Second Hand Toy Stall u Book Stall u ChildrenÕs Train u Bouncy Castle u Tug of War and many other stalls and games.
F�te proceeds to:- u MacMillan Fund u Church Equipmentu Youth Organisations of the Villageu Rainow Older PeopleÕs Welfare
Any Questions ring:- John Cantrell: 01625 422107 William Warrington: 01625 425579 Pam Armitt: 01625 573433
Ladies who Lunch!
Every month WI members explore a different venue andenjoy a sociable lunch together. In May they chose theBuxton Dome and sampled the delights of the food provided by the cookery students learning their business
at the University of Derby's campus there.
Rainow WI is flourishing with a membership of over fifty. Whynot come along and have a “taster” on the second Monday ofthe month? July's event will be an Open Meeting with AndrewBonehill speaking about the work of the Woodland Trust. Nextyear's programme is nearly complete and already we knowthere are exciting events to look forward to!
Garden Safari
Rainow's first Garden Safari, organised by Jane Warren,turned out to be a definite hit, raising £670 for RainowChurch. The mid-June weather wasn't exactly what wasexpected and the garb of the garden hunters reflected the
British climate rather than the kind of dress usually associatedwith a safari! Nevertheless the rain held off for the day and
visitors from a wide area toured the five gardens open for the occasion. Every garden had something differentto offer but all reflected the hard work of the garden owners in preparing for this special event. Perhaps this could become an annual event!
22
FOREST CHAPEL
RushbearingSunday 14th August at 3.00 pm
Preacher - Mrs Beryl StewThis service carries on a tradition going back many hundreds of years,when rushes were laid on the floor for people to sit on. Rushbearingwas the time when the old rushes were thrown away and new ones
were cut and brought in. It was a time for the congregation to renewtheir lives and their faith, but as years went by the religious
significance became overshadowed by festivities, and most churchesbegan to hold Rose Queen fêtes and Village Fairs on Saturdays. Forest Chapel has kept a simple Sunday service with the churchbeautifully decorated with rushes and flowers. Part of the service
is held outside and everyone is welcome to come.
Brownies at Tatton
We have made this list as comprehensive as space permits & it is necessarily a selection of the events we know about.If you have anything planned that you would like us to list in the next issue, please call 01625 426059.
What’s On in Rainow and BollingtonJULY 20112 to 10 Daily Bollington Well-dressing Opening Ceremony at
at Greg Fountain 11.30 am on 2nd
9 -24 Daily RAINOW SCARECROW FORTNIGHT Throughout Rainow(Theme - “Pub Names”) Contact Liz Lawson 01625 573632 Refreshments at Church Centre
10 TBA July Fair Bollington Recreation Ground
10 11 am Bollington Nostalgia Hill Race Check with contactDetails from Bridgend Centre 01625 576311
11 7.30 pm Rainow WI - Open Meeting Rainow Institute- all welcome“The Woodland Trust” talk by Andrew Bonehill
16 2.00 pm RAINOW CHURCH FETE Hough Hole Farm, Opening Theme - “Pub Names” Sugar Lane, RainowCeremony Procession starts near Rising Sun 1.20 p.m.
Contacts: William Warrington 01625 425579, Pam Armitt 01625 573433
19 7.30 pm Mothers Union Service Rainow Church Centre
25 For Four Weeks Wacky Woods - Outdoor Play for Children See: Contact Alexandra Douglas-Kane 01625 572944 www.wackywoods.co.uk(see article on p.11 of this issue)
AUGUST 20118 7.30 pm Rainow WI - No Meeting Rainow Institute
16 7.30 pm Mothers Union Coffee Evening Rainow Church Centre
SEPTEMBER 20113 2 - 4 pm Bollington Horticultural Society Annual Show Bollington Civic Hall
3 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre - the Stuart Riley Octet Bollington Arts CentreContact 01625 574410
11 To 9th October In the Gallery2 - 4 pm. Sundays - Paintings by Deborah Graham Bollington Arts Centreand during events
12 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow InstituteThe Yorkshire Dales - talk by Ron Scholes
20 7.30 pm Mothers Union Rainow Church Centre- Lyme Hall - my weekend home. Talk by Elaine Baker
25 10.00 am Civic Service Rainow ChurchEveryone warmly invited
25 pm Friends of Rainow School TBASponsored Walk
29 8.00 pm Beer Street - Mikron Theatre Bollington Arts CentreDrama documentary Tickets £10 & £8 Details from 01625 574687
23 Wha
t’s O
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24
Walk 10: A View from the Ridge
Map: Rainow Parish Paths (buy at
Robin Hood) and/or OS 1:25,000
OL 24 The White Peak
Distance: 3.5 - 4 miles (6-7 km)
Ascent: about 180m
Going: Good paths and tracks
after a somewhat indistinct start.
One steep climb and one small
muddy area
Start: Path 15, Charles Head Farm
Finish: Robin Hood
Footpath numbers relate to the Rainow Parish Paths map.
Walks for All; Rambles in Rainow
Path 9 descending to Summer Close
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Hasta la Blista and Waywiser buried the hatchet and gottogether to write this description!
The start of the walk by Charles Head Farm
This is a delightful walk which includesups and downs, varied landscapes,and historic landmarks and it's a
green walk in more senses than one! Theviews over the Rainow countryside areexceptional and the start point is bestreached by bus (no. 60 from Macclesfieldto Whaley Bridge and beyond). If the bustimes don't suit then you will need to beless green and get dropped off by car asthere is no public parking at the startingpoint (Charles Head ref 974790 on MapOL24) and it is an A-B walk (i.e. finishingat a different place from the start).
Alighting from either bus or car walk upthe stony track (Path 15) that begins byleading north-eastwards towards CharlesHead Farm. Almost from the outset terrific views open up to the northtowards the north Peak District andKinder. On descending to the farm thefield path (Path 9) starts by the gate witha “No Cycling” sign and continuesstraight ahead through a small wood to anew metal kissing gate, heading for aruined barn. Past the barn is a muddypatch before a stile which leads slightlydownhill by a copse across some roughground. Here the route becomes harderto follow but soon a more obvious grasspath appears leading slowly and steadilydownhill towards Summer Close. A largeand startled hare may leap out heremouthing a gentle curse as he scarpers.
Lovely views across the valley acrossTodd Brook towards Dunge Farm develop, and in the late spring the hillsare full of May blossom and bouncylambs. By the time this walk is publishedthe blossom will doubtless be past andthe lambs de-bounced, but what willremain will be the impressive crags ofWindgather, Oldgate Nick and Cats Torover to the east.
At Summer Close continue on Path 9 (a clear cart-track) to Jenkin Chapelkeeping an ear cocked for the sound ofthe curlews circling above. This might bejust the place to open a flask of tea andeat a healthy biscuit and if it's windy thesheltered graveyard might have its attractions!
There seems to be doubt as to who theeponymous Jenkin was, but according toOsborne's “Sketch of the Parish ofPrestbury” the Chapel was built in 1733at John Slack's expense and was consecrated in 1793. What was going onthere in the intervening sixty years is anyone's guess! The Stopford family, inthe nearby Saltersford Hall could haveprobably told us if only they were alive.
Across the road from Jenkin Chapel andgoing south-westerly, Path 7 leads downto a footbridge that you cross beforeclimbing up the other side on Path 6 rising steeply through the corner of awooded plantation, and then on to agrassy meadow full of wild flowers beforereaching Ewrin Lane. Here is a grandplace to look round at the panorama.
Turn left (south) along the lane for twohundred yards, and then follow the footpath sign to the right (Path 77) thatgoes along Waggonshaw Brow. As youapproach a row of cottages, further striking views develop over LamaloadReservoir to Shutlingsloe, and the paththen meanders pleasantly via CommonBarn - a good place for further refreshments during tea-room openhours - down to the B5470. Cross theroad with care and turn left past the converted Wesleyan Chapel. In the littlegraveyard on the footpath side note theimpressive gravestone of John Mellor,late of Rainow, with the inscription “in himwere happily blended gentleness andunobtrusiveness with inflexible firmnessand integrity.” Taking this as a greatexample to follow in life, repair to theRobin Hood for well-earned refreshment!
Looking from Path 77 towards Lamaload
Jenkin Chapel and graveyard