Congleton Chronicle - 19 November 2009
Page 12
12 The Chronicle, Thursday, 19th November, 2009. www.chronicleseries.co.uk
Glancing Back
Extracts from the “Chronicle” fi les
100 years ago The new skating rink in Cross Street continues to be well patronised daily. The popularity of the pastime owing to the excellent maple fl oor and ball-bearing skates, is rapidly increasing and the Congleton Rink is enjoying increasing and continuous support. The room, which is centrally situated, has a new American maple fl oor laid by a new process, which takes and excellent polish and is ideal for skating. Music is provided y a powerful Pathaphone. The uilding contains every convenience, including skating area, refreshment, cloak and skate rooms, etc, and comfortable accommodation is
rovided for non-skaters. Roller skating, which is so popular throughout the country, provides healthy exercise and recreation, and many of the local skaters are getting quite profi cient and clever on the
all-bearing wheels.
* * * At a meeting of the executive of the Macclesfi eld Boy Scouts’ Committee last week, a member of the Congleton troop was warmly
commended for conspicuous bravery in a recent fi re. The secretary read an extract from a letter he had received from Mr I Clennell, Scout master of the fi rst Congleton Troop as follows: “I wish to report that on November fourth one of our Scouts did a deed worthy of notice. A little girl was playing round a fi re on the Fair Ground when her dress caught fi re. Scout Gibson was passing at the time and rushed up and put it out, receiving burns on his hands and arms in doing so. Needless to say, we are proud to know that he was prepared.” The committee decided to send a letter to Scout Gibson commending him for his bravery, and the following has been received:
Dear Gibson, The committee have heard with great pleasure of your smart act of bravery on November 4th, and wish to commend you very heartily for the prompt way in which you rendered assistance even in spite of personal danger. You are the fi rst Scout in our area who has been reported for such an act of bravery, and we hope that you will always be prepared for future emergencies. Yours sincerely, Philip L Brocklehurst.
50 years ago Northwich Division police raced
Congleton Chronicle Established 1893 Founded by Robert Head
Published by Heads (Congleton), 11 High Street,
Congleton CW12 1BW. Tel 01260 273737 Fax 01260 280687 Email chronicleseries@aol.com or chronads@aol.com
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Editor / managing director: Jeremy Condliffe. Deputy editor: James Jackson. Advertising manager: Pam Austen. Sub editors: Vanessa Todd (general manager), Angela Anderson. Reporters: Chris
Young and Steph Barnett (Congleton), Claire O’Neill (Biddulph), Chinwe Akomah (Sandbach). Sales staff: Jennifer Banks (offi ce manager),
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to Congleton on Tuesday when three escaped prisoners abandoned a stolen car in Macclesfi eld and caught a bus to Crewe. Road blocks were set up at the Grove Inn, the roundabout, and Astbury, and as an added precaution, six patrol cars were standing by. The prisoners were caught however, before the bus reached the borough boundary. Macclesfi eld police chasing it in a shooting brake, swung in front of the bus as it was about to leave the Harrington Arms stop, and arrested the prisoners, who were travelling on the top deck. None of the men resisted. The men had escaped from the Isle of Sheppey open prison in Kent.
* * * Women and children dashed to safety in Sandbach yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, when an excited cow, which had escaped from the slaughterhouse, galloped through the centre of the town. The cow ran up Union Street, chased by Kenneth Bailey, (17), of Union Street, who works at the slaughterhouse. It nosed its way into the council offi ce yard, eluded many wood-be cowboys, including the public health inspector (Mr N A Rogers). Then into town it ran still pursued by Ken Bailey. Finally it entered an opening by Wakefi eld’s butchers shop in Hightown, and found it could go no further. Kenneth seized his opportunity and slipped a noose round its neck. The cow then returned quietly to the slaughterhouse, apparently resigned to its fate.
* * * Finance committee minutes approved by Congleton Town Council on Monday disclosed a proposal that the capital cost of the maintenance of land on The Cloud, which is being transferred from the estate of the late Lord Egerton of Tatton to the ownership of the National Trust, should be apportioned on the basis of £750 to Cheshire County Council, £750 to Staffordshire County Council, £250 to Leek Rural District Council and £250 to Congleton Borough Council. The committee resolved that subject the proposed appointment being agreed by the other authorities concerned, a sum of £250 be contributed by the borough council.
* * * “There’s nowt so queer as folk,” is a saying which never fails to prove true. The other day at the Crosses Cafe, owned by Coun Jim Haighton, when a customer was asked if he would like boiled potatoes, he replied: “What kind of boiled potatoes?”
* * * Congleton RD Council has made further progress towards the purchase of “Westfi elds,” the large house opposite the present council offi ces in Middlewich Road, Sandbach, which it is proposed should be used as council offi ces because present accommodation is inadequate.
25 years ago Kidsgrove artist Mr Owen Worrall has a commission which Leonardo de Vinci may well have envied. He has been engaged to paint a mural about 17ft long and 8ft high on a wall of what was the great hall at Great Moreton Hall, now a hotel. The room is about to be opened as an a la carte restaurant, following the opening of the Carvery some months ago, and is to be known as The Baron’s Table.
* * * Staffordshire has a new county publication, “Staffordshire History”. The fi rst article in the fi rst issue, by Peter Hayden, chairman of the Garden History Society, is devoted to Biddulph’s John Bateman. The article points out that, in fact, he had developed an interest in landscaping while still at Knypersley Hall, developing the grounds to the extent that visiting experts were highly impressed, particularly by the
rock-work which can still be seen. But, says Staffordshire History, the Grange Gardens are seen as the “greatest achievement, and are widely recognised as one of the most innovative and important British gardens of the 19th Century” featured in national magazines, specialised journals, and three television programmes as well as on the postage stamp. Mr Hayden says that during its later spell as a hospital, the staff of Biddulph Grange “always made a commendable effort to maintain the gardens on a small budget”, and until 10 years ago, their state was “surprisingly good”, although there were signs of deterioration. His article ends with this warning: “No adequate measures have been taken to protect the unique garden buildings, and their condition has consequently deteriorated at an alarming rate. The Chinese temple, which was in excellent condition 10 years ago, is a ruin; the tunnel which leads to it from the glen is in a dangerous state; and the extensive rock-work in various parts of the garden suffers regularly from unchecked vandalism. With every month that passes the task of restoration is made more diffi cult, while the costs, which would once have been modest, grows all the time. Biddulph Grange is an outstanding national monument. If it is allowed to deteriorate to a point where restoration ceases to be possible, the health authority will bear a heavy responsibility.”
* * * Congleton’s strong man Mr John Decker has bench-pressed his way into the attentions of the Guiness Book of Records listings. Earlier this year Mr Decker, (33), of Dale Crescent, achieved the remarkable feat of bench-pressing a 56lb barbell 1,000 times in less than one hour, in sets of 10 repetitions reaching a total weight of 25 tons.
* * * Details of the unique discovery of an Iron Age bog man have been reported to Cheshire County Council’s Planning Sub-committee by the county archaeologist Mr Richard Turner. The body was discovered at Lindow Moss, Wilmslow, and the well-preserved remains are now in the hands of the British Museum undergoing further study and preservation work.
* * * A plaque describing the accepted origin of Sandbach’s Saxon Crosses was approved by members of Sandbach Chamber of Trade and Commerce on Monday. The plaque formed part of the project to protect the crosses and explained their origins to the public, and the Chamber agreed to meet the cost of £525, although members said that it was more than they had expected.
This pictorial section of our “Glancing Back” feature looks back in history using old photographs of the area. We would welcome any photographs from readers, particularly unwanted pictures (from single photos to boxes full), which can be added to our archives rather than be lost to future historians. Treasured photographs will of course be returned. We welcome photographs from any part of
our circulation area.
This week’s old photos are more from Colin McLean’s collection of postcards. Does anyone have information about any of these images?
10 years ago Sandbach teenager Sarah Pidoux has scooped a major technology award. Sarah (16), who studies at Sandbach High School, was presented with a framed diploma and inscribed silver medal after beating 350,000 students to gain the top technology results at GCSE. Sarah’s top notch GCSE performance did not stop at technology. She gained nine “A”* and one “A” overall and is currently studying for A-levels in English literature, History, and Sociology.
* * * Only 34% of drivers interviewed in a recent survey admit to not knowing the latest Highway Code well.
* * * The in-patient waiting list at North Staffordshire Hospital shows “cause for concern”, as they estimate 183 behind the target for the end of October, the area’s health authority was told this week.
Page 13
The Chronicle, Thursday, 19th November, 2009. www.chronicleseries.co.uk 13
What are they on? Publicans seek info on designer drugs
By Chris Young Youngsters and adults who get their kicks through so-called “legal highs” are worrying some
ub owners, teachers and councillors.
They met police at a meeting in the town hall last Wednesday after the matter was raised at a Congleton Pubwatch group meeting.
Pubwatch had wanted more information about designer drugs that has recently emerged,
including MCAT (methylmethcathinone), which is classed as a legal high.
Police say that although the drug was not yet criminalised, it still posed a health danger, and could lead to arrests for possession and distribution.
It has already been criminalised in the US.
Around 19 people attended the meeting. They were given information about the various drugs in circulation and about the common types taken by different age groups.
Police showed examples of what different drugs, including
Dogs on the loose not big problem, says park ranger
Park rangers have reassured visitors to Brereton Heath Park that it is a safe place to visit after a mother raised concerns about dangerous dogs.
It was reported in last week’s “Chronicle” that Natalie Scott and her two children were scared when two large dogs that had
een fi ghting suddenly raced over and snatched the picnic food she had laid out.
The council allows owners to let dogs off the leash at the park, which is situated between Holmes Chapel and Congleton, but Mrs Scott said that too many people were letting the dogs run out of control.
Park ranger Mark Arnold said there had never been a serious
incident in the park involving outof-control dogs, and there had not been an increase in reported incidents in recent months.
Cheshire East Council is responsible for clearing away dog mess in the park but dangerous dog incidents are the responsibility of the police.
The council can deal with dog fouling through on the spot fi xed penalty notices.
A council spokesman said that the dog issue fell under the Government’s Cleaner Neighbourhoods Act, which allowed councils to implement by-laws, such as dog-free areas. If any new legislation were proposed, it would take time to implement.
legal highs, looked like, as well as highlighting some of their dangerous side effects.
MCAT, also known as Mieow or 4MMC, causes euphoria, talkativeness and “feelings of empathy”. Side effects include anxiety, paranoia, nosebleeds and over-stimulation of the heart.
PC Carol Rayner, police liaison with Pubwatch, said of the meeting: “Knowledge about drugs and their effects is something that can only benefi t the community as a whole, both in terms of prevention and detection.
“The fact that the Pubwatch members requested this presentation is testimony to their determination to address all kinds of unacceptable behaviour in our community.
“Hopefully all the persons who attended benefi ted from the input and the feedback received has been very positive.”
A500 closed after man’s bridge fall
A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries on Monday, after falling from a bridge near the Alsager junction of the A500.
It happened at around 4.05pm, when police closed the A500, north and southbound for three hours.
Ambulance crews were also sent to the Alsager/Audley junction, and the man was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
Police are urging anyone who has any information to call Sgt Mark Hale on 0200 123 4455 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
She said that because MCAT was a relatively new drug, it had the potential to be dangerous because little was known about its long-term effects.
She added: “There is not a particular problem in Congleton with new, emergent drugs, but MCAT is a drug that is being talked about at the moment.
“Although this drug has not yet been classifi ed, anyone found in possession of it is going to be arrested so we can test the drug.
“Any drug like this is cut up and mixed with other substances, so people have no idea of what they are taking, or the possible side effects.”
The most common form of MCAT is a white powder.
PC Raynor said that similar meetings with members of the pub trade could take place throughout the Cheshire East area.
The top charity
Macmillan Cancer Support has been ranked the number one charity by the public in the fi rst charity brand index.
The charity, the UK’s seventh largest charity by voluntary income, pushed Cancer Research UK into second place. They were closely followed by the NSPCC, the RSPCA and BBC Children in Need.
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Christmas 2009 at
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Enjoy modern or traditional food in style this Christmas
Restaurant and Bar
&
18/20 Rood Hill, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1LQ. Tel: 01260 270243 for bookings
www.cafesymph.co.uk for information
Christmas Eve - £19.95Thursday, 24th December - D.J. in The Bar
StartersBeef and Vegetable Broth with chilii croutons Black and White Pudding and Sausage Skewers
in a sweet and sour sauce Christmas Salad of baby prawns tossed in coriander, lime, mango and sweet pepper dressing
wrapped in a slice of smoked salmon Salmon and Crab Fish Cakes with a warm
parsley butter
Roast Mushrooms and Feta Cheese with cherry tomato and pasta served chilled in a
pesto dressing
Seasonal Melon Balls soaked in port with
a lemon sorbet
Main CoursesSeasonal Fish of the Day with prawns in a
cheese sauce
Open Fillet Burger topped with smoked cheddar,
onion jam and crispy bacon Coq au vin - Pieces of braised chicken in a mushroom, onion, tomato, garlic, herb and red
wine sauce
Pork Shoulder Joint - Slowly cooked with apples and cider, served on a mustard mash with a light
fruit gravy
New Year’s Eve - £26.95Thursday, 31st December - D.J. in The Bar
StartersButternut Squash & Sweet Chilli Soup Chilled Seafood Platter of smoked fi sh, shell
prawns and poached salmon with a lime mayonnaise and roast vine tomatoes Game, Apple and Cranberry Pate fl avoured with whisky and orange, served with a fruit and red
onion marmalade
Salad 2010 - sliced duck breast marinated in Calvados and cherries, served chilled with a salad of oyster mushrooms, almonds, red peppers
and asparagus, drizzled with a fruit vinaigrette Seasonal melon balls soaked in port with a
lemon sorbet
Main CoursesVenison and Pork Duo - medallions of venison grilled to pink and served with a blue cheese mash
and port reduction and roasted pork loin served
with a mustard cream Roast Sirloin of Prime Beef with a sausage and mushroom casserole, served in a Yorkshire
pudding with a red wine gravy Lobster, Salmon and Crab Fishcakes served with a leek and cheddar cream and
stuffed mushrooms
The bar at Cafe Symphony. (“Chronicle” photo. 4733/09).
Celebrate Christmas in style this year, with the ever-popular Café Symphony.
Situated on Rood Hill, the modern restaurant and bar has
een serving up great food in Congleton for over 16 years.
Choosing only the best locally sourced ingredients, Café Symphony provides freshly
repared, culinary delights. Whether it’s a plate of Italian
asta, modern French cuisine or a hearty British classic, all the dishes are made to the highest
standards.
Catering for all tastes, the restaurant has a lunchtime menu, an a la carte menu and a party menu for 10 or more people.
Changed and updated regularly, dishes are sure to give freshness and quality, and are all served by the friendly staff, who can help any customer spoilt for choice.
With the festive season fast approaching, Café Symphony is now offering traditional favourites for both Christmas
and the New Year, but places are fi lling up fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
And look out for the new menu and New Year offers in January.
There is a carefully chosen wine selection to accompany the premier dishes and Café Symphony’s stylish Bar next door, offers a wide range of fantastic wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails.
To make a reservation please call 01260 270243.
Three Cheese and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Dessert or Coffee
Three Cheese and Roast Pepper Pasta Bake
Dessert or Coffee
Christmas Party Menu begins Friday, 4th December (earlier by arrangement). £17.95 for starter, main course, dessert or coffee. Our Christmas Blackboard Menu is available 5.30 p.m. - 7 p.m. and lunchtimes at £9.95 starter, main course and coffee (a printed copy is available for pre-orders and large parties). Tables of eight or more require a pre-order for all food and a £5 per person non-refundable deposit at the time the
booking is made. Also a 10% optional service charge will be added to your bill. Christmas Eve Thursday, 24th - 6 p.m. - late £19.95 menu + DJ in The Bar.
Boxing Day Saturday, 26th - 6 p.m. - late, normal menu. New Year’s Eve Thursday, 31st - 6 p.m. - late £26.95 menu + DJ in The Bar.
In December we are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. Other nights by arrangement or available for private hire. Non diners welcome, cocktail menu, complimentary nibbles, relaxed atmosphere. Smart casual dress to impress. Strictly over 21s.