Weston Christmas Light Display – The Big Switch On

Press Night – Monday 2^nd December, 6.30pm, Carters Green Farm, Weston, Crewe. Graham Witter (and Santa!) will be available for interviews and photographs.

While many people are just beginning to think about Christmas, for Graham Witter and his family their planning began back in the summer, as the family have already spent months preparing for this year’s Weston Christmas Light Display.

This December, the family will once again transform their family home into a magical Winter Wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations, to raise money for The Donna Louise Hospice for Children and Young People.

This is the seventh year that Graham has organised the display, in memory of his sister, Jessica, who had a great fascination for colour, light and sound and received respite care at The Donna Louise Hospice. 

Over the last six years, he has raised a breath-taking £92,310 for the families, like his, who rely on The Donna Louise for a range of care, support and respite services. And, thanks to Graham’s hard work, and months of planning, the Weston Christmas Light Display gets bigger, better and more animated every year with tens of thousands of bulbs across the display including almost two thousand on the Christmas tree alone!

Graham said, “Although it takes months of hard work to organise, plan and erect the display, as well as night after night standing outside throughout December, I can honestly say that I absolutely love doing this community event. It makes me really proud to know that the light display will support so many local families who use The Donna Louise and is something organised in December that sits in the heart of our local community.  

“I particularly enjoy all the planning and it’s always exciting to come up with new ideas to make the display better and more creative each year. I also enjoy working closely with many local businesses and building partnerships that will help ensure the continued success of the light display. This year I’m delighted that many local businesses are continuing to support the light display and I feel that this demonstrates they are very proud to be involved with my fundraising efforts.”

The event is now a festive favourite in the diaries of many local families, and last year more than 15,000 people visited the display throughout December, helping Graham to raise a phenomenal £26,760!

The opening evening for this year’s light display will be on Sunday 1^st December at 6.15pm. This year’s light spectacular is promised to be even bigger and better than ever before, as visitors will be able to have a #sleighselfie with Santa, enjoy the festive music, visit Santa’s Grotto and indulge on a #festiveicecream!

Simon Fuller, Chief Executive of The Donna Louise, added, “Over the last six years Graham’s support for The Donna Louise Hospice has been truly outstanding. He’s raised more than £92,000 through his hard work, time and dedication to the Weston Christmas Light Display, which has made a huge difference to hundreds of local families.

“I visited the Light Display myself for the first time last year and was totally blown away by just how much effort goes in to it by Graham and all his amazing volunteers. I’ll be attending again for this year’s lights switch on and I’m really looking forward to it. I hope the local community will once again support Graham to make this year’s event another huge success.”

The Weston Light Display will shine bright between 1^st – 28^th December (6.15pm-9pm) at Carters Green Farm, Jack Lane, Weston. For more information email info@westonlightdisplay.co.uk

Jayne Dono

Relationship Assistant

The Donna Louise Hospice for children & young people

1 Grace Road, Trentham, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8FN

Tel: 01782 654444   

01782 654440 (switch) | 01782 654444 (fundraising) | 01782 654441 (fax)

jayne.dono@thedonnalouise.org (email) | www.thedonnalouise.org (web) 

SEAHORSE SC SUPPORTS CHILDREN IN NEED

Members of Seahorse Swimming Club, which caters for people with disabilities, raised £166.60 for Children in Need during their swimming session. The swimmers were dressed in yellow T-shirts in the pool and after swimming they enjoyed some delicious Pudsey fairy cakes, which had been made by volunteer Elaine Evans and her daughter Helen, who swims at the Club. Swimmer Sam Foster made some yellow loom bands and a duck race raffle was also held.

“The Seahorse members look forward to supporting Children in Need, which they have done for the last few years, by having lots of fun in the pool while dressing up in yellow for the occasion. The after-swim cakes go down well with everyone and the duck race raffle rounds off a night of fun for a fantastic cause.” – Gareth Roberts (Secretary).

We’re ready for Christmas, down at the Farm

Meet Father Christmas

Meet Father Christmas and his helpful elves in a cosy grotto at Tatton Park’s Farm, a holiday tradition for lots of families. Entertainers, storytelling and face painting will keep little ones busy or they can run-off their excitement in our woodland play area and build a winter den.

Want to feel Christmassy?

If you’re after a full-on festive feeling, head to our animal nativity in the stable, where our rare breed farm animals are joined by our resident reindeer, Dancer and Prancer. Sing carols accompanied by brass bands and choirs, with a mulled wine in one hand and mince pie in the other.

Make magical reindeer food in the Mill

Back by popular demand…sprinkle some magic in our renovated Mill and make your own bag of reindeer treats to take home. Years ago the Mill was used to produce feed for the Farm animals…this year you can weigh out festive feed ready for your special Christmas Eve visitors!

Our rare breed regulars

The Farm is home to many Rare Breed animals not just at Christmas, but all year round. Come and meet our Clydesdale horses, Tamworth pigs and Leicester Longwool sheep. An animal adoption pack from the Farm can make a unique Christmas gift.

Christmas Farm opening times:

Saturdays and Sundays 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)

30 Nov – 1 Dec, 7 – 8 Dec, 14 – 15 Dec and 21 – 22 Dec 2019

Prices:

v £7 for adults and £6.50 for children (includes a gift from Father Christmas) No booking required.

v £7 vehicle park entry applies (walkers and cyclists enjoy free parkland entry)

v Prices apply for National Trust members to this special seasonal event

More information at www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas or call 01625 374416

Cheshire East Council announces new food waste recycling service starting in January

A new food waste recycling service for Cheshire East residents will start in January 2020.

From 6 January, people will start to receive a small green food caddy. This will enable food waste to be separated easily from the rest of everyday household waste.

Residents can start using their caddy as soon as they receive it. An initial supply of biodegradable liners will be provided with the caddy. However use of these is optional.

Once the caddy is full the food waste goes directly into the garden waste bin along with garden waste, with or without a liner.

Garden waste bins will be collected every two weeks. Residents should refer to the new collection calendars, that were sent to all households, for details of their collection schedule. Copies of these calendars can also be downloaded at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

The council is committed to making our community a greener, cleaner place and has acted on residents concerns about recycling and food waste. This recycling service will reduce the amount of food going to waste and make a difference to our environment.

Ralph Kemp, Cheshire East Council’s head of environmental services, said: “The council is committed to providing increased opportunities for recycling and to treat waste more sustainably. Recycling food waste rather than disposing of it in your black bin is the right thing to do, as it enables us to recycle it into high-quality compost and return the organic matter to the soil. 

“From January, collected mixed food and garden waste will be taken to a special processing plant in Crewe, where it will be recycled into compost, which is used in horticulture and agriculture.

“We are pleased to offer this new food waste recycling service but continue to encourage residents to explore ways of reducing food waste though our ‘Love Food, Hate Waste Campaign’. We encourage those with space to continue to compost at home with suitable garden and vegetable peelings.

“We also want to thank residents for all they are doing to reduce waste and reuse or recycle where possible.”

Rotting food waste produces methane, which contributes to climate change. It costs twice as much to dispose of food waste in a black bin – ­ as it does to recycle food waste.

Full details of the new service and what can and can’t be put into the food caddy are shown in the resident’s magazine  – The Voice. This magazine will start to arrive with households from 18 November and within this is an eight page, pull-out and keep, food waste booklet. 

A new ‘Waste Watchers’ app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores, which gives advice, collection day information and news about food waste and all waste collection services. Users can also sign up for alerts, such as notifications about a  missed collection due to bad weather.

The recent changes to bin collection days across Cheshire East were in preparation for this new food waste recycling service and to make improvements and efficiencies to the collection services.

Residents are urged not to place food waste in their garden bins until they receive the caddy in the new year.

Information and reminders about the collection changes and the new service, starting in January 2020, will feature on Cheshire East Council’s social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

Council’s building control team celebrates ‘excellence’ award for space research HQ

Cheshire East Council’s building control company, Civicance, is sharing in the celebrations following a national building excellence award for the new headquarters for the Square Kilometre Array at Jodrell Bank.

The wholly-owned arms-length company is responsible for overseeing compliance with building regulations and worked closely with the builders and architects throughout the process, creating the global HQ for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

Ian Bunn, managing director of Civicance, said: “I am extremely proud to have been involved in working with the architects, Hassell, and builders, Sir Robert McAlpine, in creating this exceptional building, which has such international and scientific significance on the world stage.

“There were a number of challenges for the architects in view of the special nature of the site, near Holmes Chapel, and we are pleased that the judges have recognised the quality of build and design, which will become another landmark feature for the borough.”

The SKA is a multi-national project involving 13 national members committed to building the world’s largest radio telescope in two countries – Australia and South Africa – with the nerve-centre located in Cheshire East, at the site of the famous Lovell Telescope.

The award for best large commercial project was given to the SKA at the Local Authority Building Excellence awards in London.  It beat several other major projects from around the country for technical innovation, sustainability, safety and design. The award was presented in front of 800 building industry professionals at an event in London.

Cheshire East Council has contributed to delivering the SKA global headquarters, alongside partners, including the University of Manchester and the UK government.

The judging panel of industry experts said the building was a ‘superb’ example of high-quality commercial design, exceeding building regulations, minimum requirements and providing an attractive, state-of-the-art working environment.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of place and acting deputy chief executive, said: “I congratulate the SKA team, builders, architects and Civicance on this remarkable achievement. It is a real feather in our cap to have such a prestigious and important research project with its headquarters here in Cheshire East.”

The SKA global HQ will host around 150 staff from around the world, who will oversee the construction and operations of what is considered one of the most ambitious science endeavours in modern times. Construction of the SKA begins in 2021 and promises to ‘revolutionise our understanding of the universe’.

Are you registered to vote? Don’t miss the deadline

Cheshire East Council is urging people to ensure they are registered to vote – so they don’t miss out on having their say in the General Election.

The deadline to register to vote – or to apply for a postal vote – is Tuesday 26 November.

And the message from Cheshire East is: If you’re not registered and you can’t vote – you haven’t got a voice.

Polling cards have been posted to registered electors. If you have not received your polling card by Monday 18 November, you should contact the council by ringing 0300 123 5016 to ensure you are registered to vote. 

Alternatively, if you are not already registered, you can register to vote via the government’s Gov.UK website at: www.gov.uk/registertovote

Cheshire East Council’s acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer, who is the Acting Returning Officer for elections in the borough, said: “There are just a handful of days left for people to register to vote or to apply for a postal vote in the General Election – so don’t leave it too late.

“A healthy democracy needs actively engaged voters – and you can’t vote if you aren’t registered.

“It is important that people cast their ballot and don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a voice on the local, national and international issues that affect the lives of all of us. So, I would urge everyone of voting age to take just a few minutes to ensure that they are registered to vote.”

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where a voter nominates a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf, is 5pm, Wednesday 4 December. Completed forms must be received by the Cheshire East Council elections team before this deadline.

Anyone looking for more information about voting should visit the website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote should apply now at: www.gov.uk/registertovote

Anyone who was registered to vote at the local council elections last May will not need to re-register in order to take part in the 2019 General Election – providing your details have remained the same.

Remember: registering to vote does not mean you have to – it just means you don’t lose out on the opportunity to do so.

On polling day, Thursday 12 December, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Information about voting at this election is available from the Electoral Commission at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Council urges all interested parties and communities to join in flood resilience planning

Cheshire East Council is urging communities, landowners and partners to come together to help tackle the scale and extent of future flooding incidents across the borough.

The recent spells of intense rainfall on already waterlogged ground, coupled with high river levels, has brought about unprecedented episodes of flooding across the borough.

The council is appealing to farmers and all landowners to clear ditches and culverts and improve land drainage. It is taking measures on its own land to improve drainage, where necessary, while the council’s highways and environmental services teams have stepped up gully cleaning and street sweeping.

Across Cheshire East, it is estimated that more than 35,000 homes and business premises are located in areas where there is a recognised risk of flooding and all property owners have a responsibility to carry out their own measures to protect their homes and property without causing any interference with neighbouring properties.

Emergency planning teams from the council and other agencies are already working with communities affected by recent flooding events. Many residents and communities, including parish and town councils, provide support and help to each other, to build resilience, and share knowledge and strategies for dealing with flood emergencies.

The joint Cheshire emergency planning team works with town and parish councils to develop a community emergency plan to provide advice and direction, build resilience in communities and enable residents and councils to coordinate their own actions and responses.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director for place, said: “It is important that we all work together to better prepare for the kind of flooding events we have experienced in the borough.

“We recognise that in some parts of the country, as well as in our borough, residents have experienced severe flooding incidents and have seen damage to their property and been forced to leave their homes or have been seriously inconvenienced by the closure of local roads.

“Naturally, we want to do all we can as a council and flood authority to try to minimise that risk here in Cheshire East but we would urge all home and property owners to check the flood risk map which shows the identified flood risk areas in the borough.

“We are working with a number of our partner agencies and organisations, including the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Canal and River Trust, farmers and landowners.

“We are asking all landowners to take whatever steps they feel appropriate to help minimise the risk of flooding to properties, to roads and footways. If necessary, the council does have the power under the Land Drainage Act 1991, to compel landowners to do this.”

Cheshire East Council continues to work within national planning policy guidelines regarding new development and flood risk to make sure that the risk of flooding is properly considered and reflected in planning decisions.

For all information relating to flooding, how to prepare for flooding and the risk of flooding visit: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/flooding/flooding.aspx

Or the government flood line: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

The national flood risk map can be viewed here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk/map

Cheshire East Council’s highways teams are geared up for winter

Cheshire East Council’s highways teams are fully prepared to keep the borough’s road open and safe ahead of winter.

A fleet of 21 new gritters will be on standby around the clock following a significant investment in vehicles. They contain innovative technology to make them safer, more efficient and produce lower emissions.

Salt stocks have been replenished ready to treat Cheshire East’s road network. Gritting routes are planned and include the high-level roads to the east of the borough, where snow and ice tend to have the most severe impact in extremely cold weather.

Weather conditions are monitored closely and the gritting team will treat up to 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) of road when wintry conditions are forecast, in order to keep key routes and services running as normal.

The gritters, which feature location trackers enabling members of the public to track them live online, will be on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week from October until the end of April.

Paul Traynor, head of highways at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our winter season can stretch over a six-month period, so it was vital that our gritters are ready and our salt stocks remain high.

“Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable, so we monitor the weather forecast closely to ensure that our gritting routes are treated at the right time. We also urge residents to take great care when driving or walking when it’s icy or snowing.

“Although we treat nearly half of Cheshire East’s road network, we cannot ensure that all roads will be completely clear of snow or ice, so please take care – especially on untreated roads.”

Residents can keep up to date with gritting decisions by following the @CECHighways twitter account. Cheshire East’s gritting vehicles can also be tracked as they treat the network at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Further information about Cheshire East Council’s winter service and guidance on travelling during winter can be found at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Cheshire East Highways can also be contacted on 0300 123 5020.

Once upon a Fairy-tale Christmas Mansion….

 

Tatton tradition and make-believe magic

If you’re looking for a fairy-tale Christmas this year, Tatton Park’s Mansion has been transformed into a magical celebration of ten much-loved fairy tales.

Experience the impressive state rooms and fascinating servant’s quarters as never before. Visitors will be immersed in a dazzling world of forest green, ruby red, golden thread and snow white. Marvel at fantastic fairy-tale themed rooms, beautiful Christmas decorations and festive floral displays from the end of November right through to 5^th January 2020.

Who is the fairest of them all?

Follow the Fairy Godmother’s trail through the Mansion to discover creative interpretations of legendary stories, entertaining costumed characters and the chance to make special wishes for your perfect Christmas.

Dare to join Little Red Riding Hood in the yellow Drawing Room or stroll through a sparkling wintry forest to find Snow White’s enchanted mirror to ask “Who is the fairest of them all?” Rapunzel, with her long blonde hair cascading down the Grand Staircase, might just be the answer!

A favourite for all ages is Beauty and the Beast in the atmospheric Library, exquisitely illuminated with glittering candelabra. Continue along the trail to Aladdin’s golden palace, richly decorated with Arabian rugs, and then find the password to uncover Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, veiled in mystery in the Music Room.

Calling all Prince and Princesses - will the slipper fit?

The story of Cinderella is a highlight of the visit. Children can wear a crown and have their photo taken beside the Pumpkin Carriage, before everyone tries on her slipper for size, just in case it fits!

The fascinating Servant’s Quarters pay homage to the timeless tales of Hansel and Gretel - with a magnificent Witch’s gingerbread house in the Kitchen alongside Goldilocks and the Three Bears making mischief in the Scullery! Don’t forget to conjure some spells with the Fairy Godmother in her magic pantry before you enjoy your homemade festive treat as you bid farewell.

Christmas Mansion opening times:

11am to 3pm

26 - 29 Nov and 3 - 5 Dec

11am to 8pm

Fri 6 Dec

12 to 4pm

Weekends from 30 Nov to 8 Dec

Fri, Sat, Sun from 13 – 29 Dec

31 Dec – 5 Jan 2020

Prices:

v £10 for adults and £7 for children (ages 4-15).

v Pre-booked friends and family groups of 15 or more can benefit from discounted rates of £9.50 per adult and £5.50 per child.

More information at www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas or call 01625 374416

Decarbonisation of the Northern Powerhouse

Covering a growing population of 15.3 million, home to over a million businesses and with an economy totalling £329bn, the Northern Powerhouse forms the very spine of the North of England.

As such, it is a region absolutely pivotal to the future of the UK, and for meeting central government’s ambitious objectives – particularly around environmental issues. Core cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle are vital in the strive towards a government target of net zero-carbon emissions by 2050.

Climate change has been a talking point for some time now, as we see our environment shift in this modern era, but until now there has been difficulty bringing all the necessary key voices together in one place to take note, and action.

To address this need for discussion, the EvoNorth conference has prioritised decarbonisation as one of its key agendas as it returns to Manchester for a second year.

Taking place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, EvoNorth is a two day exhibition, conference and evening dinner which will run between March 4 and 5.

The conference will look to unite leaders from the public and private sector to collaborate, share exciting innovation and collectively build a stronger Northern Powerhouse, improving the outlook and opportunities across the North of England.

Hundreds of delegates will be in attendance at the event, which features speeches from high-profile politicians, business leaders and academics, including notable names such as Joe Howe, executive director and professor at the Thornton Energy Institute and chairman at North West Hydrogen Alliance, and Dr Tom Knowland, head of sustainable energy and climate change at Leeds City Council.

The event will see contributions from major businesses and key decision-makers, as EvoNorth looks to support and drive forward the conversations and progress made towards key agendas, including decarbonisation and a wider commitment to protecting the environment.

EvoNorth also sees a black tie networking dinner in the evening of March 4, allowing decision makers and business leaders to meet and exchange details.

The evening dinner will also see an exciting panel discussion around small businesses, with speakers including Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Ken Cooper, managing director of the British Business Bank.

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “We want a Northern Powerhouse by and for the North. EvoNorth is an opportunity to unite and work together to achieve our shared goals and visions.”

Edna Robinson, chair of the Big Life Group, Trafford Housing Trust and The People’s Powerhouse, said: “EvoNorth is vital to the North, because it’s an opportunity to come together to look at how we create a really positive future.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Cognitive Publishing to the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme – our growing coalition of private and public sector organisations who proudly champion the strengths of our region.

“With exciting publications and events like EvoNorth bringing together leaders and academics from across our region, they are well placed to support us in turning our Northern Powerhouse vision into a reality.”

Home to 30% of the UK’s renewable energy, and half of the country’s nuclear projects, the North of England stands at the forefront of achieving these carbon reduction goals.

The region led the first industrial revolution and is now looking to again move the UK into the next era of significant industrial advancement. A low carbon future has the potential to provide the North of England with thousands of jobs.

But, such steps require investment. Local organisations and collaborations must ensure their supply chain is operating sustainably, while carbon-producing infrastructure needs updating, improving or even replacing.

All of this progress requires honest, face-to-face conversation which the EvoNorth conference looks to facilitate. Across the two days business leaders and policy makers across the region will be able to come together to ensure the North plays a leading role in our net zero carbon future.

For more information about attending, exhibiting and other profile enhancing opportunities contact the team on 0161 833 6320 or at www.publicsectorexecutive.com/EvoNorth

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge

Reporter Jonathan White

Local TV director David Parker is giving an illustrated talk entitled ‘Laurie Lee - The Lost Recordings’ at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich on Thursday 21st November 2019.

The talk will include reflections on love, landscape, writing, poetry, childhood, music and much more from the voice of Laurie Lee - one of the great English writers of the last century.

In 1994, the year of his 80th birthday, Laurie Lee shared his memories of an 'eventful' early life in a series of interviews with the film maker David Parker. It was quite a coup, as Laurie did not 'do' television!  In the recordings he talked with sublime eloquence about his life in the Slad Valley, and the influence of the landscapes and memories of his childhood on his subsequent writing.  In this session David, who grew up in Crewe, will introduce the recordings, and using extracts from them reveal what they tell us about one of England's finest chroniclers of our times.

‘Laurie Lee - The Lost Recordings’ is out now on DVD and audio CD. 'Laurie Lee - Down in the Valley - A Writer's Landscape' edited by David Parker is published by Penguin.

David Parker grew up in Crewe and knows Nantwich very well. He is an award-winning television programme maker whose credits include, ‘Mud, Sweat and Tractors’, ‘Shooting the War’, ‘The Golden Age of Steam’ and ‘The Golden Age of Canals’ for the BBC and ‘Flying Scotsman with Robson Green’ for ITV. He was the producer of Johnny Kingdom's programmes about Exmoor for the BBC and is author of ‘Johnny Kingdom's Wild Exmoor’ (Halsgrove 2016).

Tickets are £7.50 per person and include delicious snacks and a £2.50 discount against purchase of David's book on the night. There will also be a cash bar. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start.

Other author events in the near future at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge:

-Tuesday 12th November (new date) - Local author Anne Draper will come and talk about her book 'Audlem Remembers'.  This book is an attempt to tell the stories of the 41 men from Audlem who lost their lives in WWI, and the sacrifice they made. Tickets are £7.50 per person and include our delicious snacks and a £2.50 discount against book purchase on the night.  Doors open at 18:30 for a 19:00 start.

-Wednesday, 13 November – ‘A Cosy Storytime With Green Bean & Friends’ (10:30-11:30am) - Green Bean & friends, take children on an adventure of learning and understanding, highlighting key vocabulary and identifying areas of interest for children. Suitable for babies to children aged 5 years.  Free entry.

For further information please contact Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge via phone: 01270 611665, email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk , or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NantwichBookshopCoffeeshop/

End of Crewe's Historic Wall

Halloween

Reporter Jonathan White
I saw several ghoulishly good Halloween houses on 31st October in Crewe and Nantwich this year.
They were all a spooky sight, but I particularly liked the houses on Capenhurst Avenue (donations to St Luke’s Hospice) with its ‘Mellorgeddon’ of hanging corpses, monster maze and two real pigs heads!; Nevis Drive with pumpkin wall projector and inflatables; Barn Croft Road (donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities) with ghost rider, giant spider & web and projectors showing Sirens and amazing talking pumpkins; Selworthy Drive (donations to Cancer Research) with its numerous skeletons including two pushing a supermarket trolley!; Mossford Avenue with a huge inflatable Mummy; Prunus Road (donations to the British Heart Foundation) ‘Asylum’ with convincing actors playing different characters for screams including a creepy doorman, possessed girl, man in a cage, Hannibal Lecter and a surgeon sawing off a child’s leg without aesthetic!; two houses on Verdin Court (donations to RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich District) with their hanging heads and graveyard; and Fox Covert Way with an inflatable Frankenstein archway, graveyard and scary noises. A special mention also to the annual window displays at Blitz Fireworks on Hightown in Crewe - always terrifyingly good!
In Nantwich a house on Welsh Row featured pumpkins, skeletons, witches, and a spider; whilst the Police dressed the front of their station with plenty of pumpkins and treats donated by Sainsbury’s: https://twitter.com/PoliceNantwich/status/1189953418221309954
Dozens of families dressed up to trick or treat with costumes including ghosts, witches, headless men, skeletons, corpse brides, prisoners, zombies, Pennywise from horror novel It, and even an inflatable dinosaur!
Local events during the Halloween period included a Nantwich Spooktacular fireworks display at Nantwich Show Ground, ghost walks from Nantwich Museum and children’s Halloween parties at The Woodside (Wistaston).

Nantwich Mayor selects VIPs to turn on Nantwich Christmas Lights

Following his search for guests of honour to turn on Nantwich’s Christmas lights, the Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Arthur Moran has been inundated with nominations.
The Mayor received so many very worthy applications making it a very difficult decision to choose just a small selection, but after careful consideration he has selected five young VIPs to join him on the switch-on stage this year.
Those selected truly are inspirational having gone through more in their short lives than what many of us endure in a whole lifetime.
The Mayor commented: “I’m delighted that I have been able to offer a little joy to some of the town’s most deserving youngsters this year. I would like to thank all those who have nominated, it was such a difficult decision as each and every one was a worthy candidate.”
Preparations for the big night are now well under way. The Mayor and Christmas tree sponsor Applewood Independent’s Managing Director David Pritchard joined one of the VIPs, Cara Morris, in town for a test of some of the lights ahead of the event.
Cara will press the button with Lily-May Arden, Mason Taylor, Meghan Kewley and Georgy Capener.
Proceedings on Friday 15^th November will start at 12 noon when the mini-market sets up along Churchyardside with a selection of gifts and treats.
An array of entertainment will then follow on the stage in the town square from 4pm onwards, including a set from UK Bjorn.
A guest appearance will be made by Father Christmas, before the lights switch on and spectacular firework display from Blitz Fireworks around 7pm.

Local midwife to skydive for baby bereavement suite appeal

A midwife at a local hospital will skydive to raise money for a baby bereavement appeal.
Michelle McKay, Midwife at Crewe’s Leighton Hospital, will step out of her comfort zone on Friday 25 October to raise money for Mid Cheshire Hospital’s Charity’s ‘Lost Little Ones’ baby bereavement suite appeal.
Michelle is hoping to raise £1,250 for the appeal to aid those parents going through baby loss. She has chosen to skydive as it is ‘completely out of her comfort zone’, but admits it is nothing compared to what some parents go through.
The Lost Little Ones appeal will help MCH Charity provide the funds to create a dedicated suite and attached outside space on the labour ward at Leighton Hospital for people experiencing baby loss.
The suite will allow parents to stay together for a few hours or days with their baby in a comfortable, non-clinical environment to spend quiet time together away from the rest of the ward.
Michelle, from Haslington, Crewe said: “I am raising funds as I have witnessed the heartache of parents whose babies have been born sleeping. As a midwife the experience stays with us long after.
“I cannot imagine the pain experienced and want to help ease that in any way. My nephew was born sleeping in March this year. I can't explain how hard this has been for my brother and sister-in-law.”
Jenny Butters, Head of Midwifery at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital, said: “I am really proud that Michelle is doing something extraordinary to raise funds for this worthy cause. We know how important it is for parents to spend precious time with their babies and we want to make the environment as comfortable as possible for them at this difficult time.
“I am really grateful to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, together with our staff, for supporting this amazing appeal and look forward to the coming months of fundraising and the realisation of the new bereavement suite.”
If you have been inspired by Michelle’s story you can donate to her Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-mckay3?utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=Michelle-McKay3&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebook
The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is keen to share information about how local groups and organisations can be supported in their fundraising efforts by them. Contact Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser, on 01270 273248 / 07467 687998 / carole.salmon@mcht.nhs.uk for further information.

Cheshire East seeks views on governance of town and parish councils

Residents are being asked to share their views on the governance arrangements for all town and parish councils in Cheshire East.

This survey, which went live today (28 October), will inform a review being undertaken across the borough by Cheshire East Council.

The council is responsible for the governance and electoral arrangements for the 186 town and parish council wards in 135 town and parish councils, which cover the whole borough. This community governance review (CGR) will include:

● Town and parish boundaries;

● Numbers of town and parish councillors;

● Grouping of parishes; and

● Warding.

As part of this process, the council wants people’s initial views on how they feel current governance arrangements for town and parishes are faring and whether there is a need for change – and why?

People are being urged to take part in a pre-consultation survey on the council’s website. It seeks to gather information, which will support the development of community governance proposals for formal consultation in 2020.

The overarching purpose of this review, which is in accordance with the Department of Communities and Local Government and Local Government Boundary Commission for England guidance, is to ensure that community governance arrangements ‘continue to reflect local identities and facilitate effective and convenient local government’.

Councillor Joy Bratherton, chairman of Cheshire East Council’s community governance review sub-committee, said: “As part of this review we need to hear people’s views on how effective current town and parish arrangements are at meeting local needs and any suggestions as to how this could be improved.

“The present arrangements predate the formation of Cheshire East and we are mindful that there has since been considerable change to the population, its distribution and to the borough’s settlements.

“The survey will feed into the overarching review, which offers the opportunity to ensure that the tier of parish governance is fit for purpose for the future. I would urge people to take part in this pre-consultation survey and share their views via the council website    at: https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/CGRPartOne/”

Paper copies of the survey can also be obtained from local libraries or Cheshire East Council’s customer service offices at Macclesfield Town Hall, The Municipal Buildings in Crewe and Westfields in Sandbach. The survey runs until 31 January 2020.

Government guidance advises that it is good practice to hold a review of town and parish governance every 10-15 years. The last was done before Cheshire East Council was created in 2009.

Cllr Bratherton, added: “Nothing is changing yet, as the review is a complex task and any changes proposed under the CGR would follow extensive public consultation – including with town and parish councils and other stakeholders. The aim is to complete the process well before the scheduled local elections in May 2023 – and there certainly won’t be change for change’s sake.”

The Cheshire East community governance review does not include the electoral arrangements for borough council or parliamentary seats. These would be the responsibility of Whitehall (the Local Government Boundary Commission and the Boundary Commission for England, respectively) and are not currently proposed.

For more information about CGR visit the council webpage at:

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/community-governance/community-governance-reviews.aspx

Queens Park Crewe October 2019