6 The Chronicle, Thursday, 22nd July, 2010. www.chronicleseries.co.uk

Glancing Back Extracts from the “Chronicle” files

100 years ago A tabular statement read y the borough surveyor at the meeting of the Congleton Sanitary Committee, shows that there are 650 fustian cutters employed in Congleton at the present t ime.

* * * We understand that Messrs A J and G Worrall, builders and contractors, Congleton, have secured the contract for the improvements to be carried out at the Town Hall Hotel, which has been purchased by Mr George Green, of High Street. It is intended to pull down the whole of the building and upon the site of this will be erected new and extensive premises for usiness purposes. It is somewhat remarkable to note that the Red Lion, the property of the Corporation, has only just recently been converted into usiness premises by Messrs A J and G Worrall.

* * * Application was made at the Congleton Borough Police Court on Thursday, for the temporary transfer of the New Inn, Mill Green, from Allen Stanhope, to J Sheard. In answer to the clerk, Mr Sheard said he had been in the l icensing business in Bolton for four years. The police offered no objection and the application was granted.

* * * The heavy rains during the ast week have seriously interfered with the local social engagements which had been announced to take place in the open air. On Tuesday the down-

our commenced and cont inued throughout the night, the rain falling in torrents ust before midnight. On Wednesday this continued until late in the day. The River Dane rose to a great height, and the floods brought down in i ts volme trees and other growth which had been rooted up by i ts swift passage. The high water was watched by large numbers of people on Mill Bridge, for here the footpath on the riverside was completely submerged.

50 years ago Congleton RD Council on Friday approved a tender of £12,502 by Messrs Charlesworth, of Congleton, for alterations to Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, the large house which the council has purchased for conversion to new offices to replace the present overcrowded accommodation. Also accepted was a tender by Hopol Ltd, Sandbach, for £1,863 for the installation of an oil heating system.

* * * During the course of restoration at Congleton Parish Church i t has been found that the frames surrounding the royal coat of arms fixed to the north wall is completely riddled with woodworm. Mr Sam Frodsham and Mr Raymond Richards have examined the ainting and pronounced i t to e of William III’s reign. In his parish magazine the vicar, the Rev J P Martin, states that a member of the congregation is defraying the cost of restoration of this historic painting, plus a new frame, in memory of his parents.

* * * Two years ago when a number of men were thrown together from all parts of the country into a Sandbach office rigged up at the temporary headquarters for the building of the new motorway, they went for a stroll in the park, and one of them, Sam Ronan, assistant engineer from Tarporley, coaxed them onto the Marriott House bowling green for a game. From that moment on they were bitten by the bowls bug. They cut lunch break a l i tt le and the practice grew until i t is now the finest of fine arts. It’s down to a split second t imetable and this is how i t goes: 12.45 check weather; if fine, ‘phone Crosses Cafe and order lunch for one course only; for two minutes past one. One o’clock leave office in The Square, walk into the Crown public house at the front door, pick up waiting glass of mild, drink i t , pay for i t (money ready) and walk out of the back door. 1.02 waitresses put four meals on the table (reserved until the boys walk in) 1.08 the meal finished, they all drink a cold drink at the counter as they pay for the meal and buy a bar of chocolate. All move across The Common eating the bar of chocolate en route for the green. 1.09 each gets his woods; the same ones each day; and play until 1.58 when the winner is the pair with the most points.

* * * Seventy Brownies of Holmes Chapel and Sandbach district attended the annual Brownie Revels at the Prism Ball Bank, Sandbach Heath, by invitation of Miss V Royds (district president) After the games, the Brownies had tea in the orchard with sandwiches and cakes provided by Brownies’ mothers and served by them. Afterwards there was a sing song to finish with “A great big Brownie smile,” and a special Brownie thank you to all the grown ups.

* * * The weather couldn’t have been better for Sifta Sam’s annual outing to Blackpool on Saturday. The sun shone throughout, and Blackpool was “done” as well as ever i t had been in the past. 16 luxury coaches with over 500 employees of Palmer Mann and Co, and friends assembled at eight o’clock on Sandbach Common and moved off one after the other with a minimum of fuss. The first stop was Wigan. The party took a l iking to the town and i ts market, the scheduled halt of 30 minutes being stretched somewhat. The party, after the Wigan break, moved on to Blackpool and arrived shortly before mid-day. Lunch was waiting as the coaches dropped their passengers at the entrance to the Winter Gardens. A civic welcome was given by the deputy Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Ashworth, and presentations were made by the deputy Mayoress to members of the staff.

* * * Biddulph Moor is to have a public clock. It is to go on the new building of Mr H Bailey, general dealer. This was decided at a meeting of the Urban Council General Purposes

Committee on Tuesday, and Coun T Nixon and Mr Bailey thought the old clock would be undesirable for a new building now in course of erection. If the council provided a clock, Mr Bailey was prepared to install i t and even i l luminate i t .

25 years ago Good news for Congleton this week is that the old establ ished local textile firm of Robert H Lowe, of Roldane Mills, is back in profit at last. An interim report for the half year ended 3rd May, released this week, shows that trading profit in the six months was £171,000 compared with only £8,000 last year, with the result that, after deducting finance charges, last year ’s net loss of £39,000 at the same stage had been turned into a £120,000 profit.

* * * Basic, bytes, basket ball and badminton feature in a unique new computer camp aimed at taking youngsters into the 21st Century which is being launched by Cheshire County Council’s North Cheshire College this summer. The course from Monday, 19th August to Friday, 23rd August, will run between 9am and 5pm daily and will provide youngsters aged eight to 14 with a wide range of computing and recreational activities, together with lunch and refreshments at a cost of less than £67 for the week. “We shall have places for about 40 children who would l ike to take part in a wide range of computing and recreational activities,” half of each day will be spent on the college computer laboratories, while the other half will use the first class recreational sports facilities which are available on the campus.

* * * The uncertainty surrounding the future of Biddulph Grange Hospital was l ifted this week with the news that the National Trust has expressed interest in preserving the unique gardens. Coun the Rev Dr Bill Parkes told members of Biddulph Town Council on Tuesday that the Trust regarded the surroundings as “the greatest 19th century garden and a national asset”. He told members that he attended a meeting recently at The Grange to discuss the future of the gardens. “It was a very high-powered meeting and people were there from London, Birmingham and Manchester. However, the National Trust are not interested in the building,” he said. The Town Council decided to look into and support the National Trust’s inquiry.

10 years ago World famous rock band Reef spent an afternoon at Alsager School last week. The band, which has three top-selling albums to i ts name the most recent, “Glow” which achieved double platinum status and included top 10 singles such as “Place your hands” spent the first part of the afternoon in a workshop session with pupils. They taught lead and bass guitar and drum skills to enthusiastic pupils.

* * * This year, the emblem depicted at the entrance to Congleton Park is that of Lions Clubs International. The local club is celebrating i ts 25th year since the granting of its charter way back in 1975. The club is a service organisation raising funds for many good causes both in Congleton and abroad. Many will remember the club for its work with the local talking newspaper and supplying numerous special types of wheelchairs to local needy people.

* * * Congleton’s W H Smith cast a spell over children recently when the new Harry Potter book hit the shelves. Of the 280 copies of “Harry Potter and the goblet of fire” that the branch has received in the last two weeks, there is now only one left. And on the opening Saturday of the novel’s release, the 200 copies that the Congleton branch received were all sold by 3pm that afternoon. The following week the store received 80 books and just one remains on the shelf.

* * * One of the best known companies in the borough, Hepworths Minerals and Chemicals, has been bought out by SCR Sibelco SA (Sibelco) a privately owned Belgium group. HMC, whose head office is in Sandbach, also has operations in Congleton, with a total of 30 sites across seven countries.

* * * ERF has this week announced two new truck models and a string of improvements to its customer services that together form the first phase of a £44m investment programme to confirm the Cheshire-based manufacturer as a major supplier to operators both at home and abroad.

* * * There is no imminent plan for the closure of the world-famous Jodrell Bank observatory. Referring to a story in the “Sunday Times” this week, Jodrell Bank press officer Ian Morison told the “Chronicle”: “Rumours of our demise have been somewhat exaggerated. I think we are been used as pawns in a political game between the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), which is the government funding body, and the Treasury.” Jodrell Bank currently employs 100 staff and Mr Morison continued: “The message is for people not to get worried. What is annoying is that we had no prior warning of what was going to happen.”

Shopping centre Facebook page

The Potteries Shopping Centre has launched its own Facebook page.

It lists all the upcoming events, latest news and special offers at the Hanley centre.

Currently on the page are photographs of the centre, past events, new stores, upcoming events including a SpongeBob SquarePants character appearance and a competition to win a £200 Potteries Shopping Centre gift card.

The new page is called The Potteries Shopping Centre (Official).

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Astbury

It was another wonderful summer evening for Astbury WI’s seventh meeting of the year.

The table flowers were done by Brenda Lightfoot, a beautiful bowl of apricot-coloured roses and spray carnations, which matched the night well. The birthday buttonholes were done by Shelagh Steele, lemon carnations, that made the birthday girls want to hold them between their teeth and dance the flamenco.

The speaker’s talk was “Beauty redefined”. The demonstration was every good. A vote of tanks was given by Enid Farmer.

The competition for a powder compact was won by Enid Farmer.

There is a shopping trip to Chester on 30th October; 10th November is the 90th birthday celebrations at Chester Cathedral; the annual council meeting is on 12th October. The speaker is Edwina Currie and the cost £10. If anyone would like to go, they should let the WI know, because it has to send for tickets. The annual meeting is a pie and pea supper, on 3rd November, the cost £5.

There is no meeting in the church hall next month, as it’s the trip to York. All new members welcome.

Lower Withington

Vice-president Karen Taylor opened the latest meeting of Lower Withington WI. She sadly told the women about the deaths of two members Mary Hastings and Pat Higginbotham. During the singing of “Jerusalem” members remembered the happy times they had spent with them both at meetings. They will be sadly missed.

Congratulations were the order of the day for the Cheshire Show entries. Sheila Gallimore’s teddy gained full marks (20) in the combined. Dorothy Monks came third with the floral art forward thinking. Wendy Edmunds received a highly commended in the floral art section. In the craft with a patchwork quilt section, Jennifer Taylor gained a first with full marks of 20. Ann Hornby came second. Maria Palmer Hoyes received a highly commended. Tracy Warrington received a highly commended with her lace. Dot Holding came third with her knitting. Doreen Taylor-Brown gained 16 marks for her painting. The group congratulated everyone who entered.

Members were reminded of the mystery trip on 25th August and told to invite friends.

Ann Hornby informed the women of the group meeting on 14th October at Goostrey when the competition is for sunflowers.

Judith Adshead, who attended the annual meeting of all WIs, gave a very full report on the resolution of clearly labelling food with its country of origin. It was carried unanimously.

The WI is planning a birthday meal in October at the Red Lion Hotel on a date to be arranged.

Pauline Kennerley was then introduced as demonstrator/speaker. She had stepped in at the last moment to take the place of Ray Jackson who had unfortunately forgotten that he was at the Cheshire Show that day. Members were treated to a super demonstration and Mrs Kennerley shared some of her funnier moments about when she was a lecturer at Wythenshawe College.

She expertly explained and demonstrated how to make a hand-tied arrangement. She also showed how to do quick and effective small table arrangements — which were very quick and very pretty. These were raffled off afterwards much to the members’ delight.

Ann Hornby thanked Mrs Kennerley

Peat up in flames

Five fire crews extinguished a peat fire in woods near Congleton at 5pm last Friday afternoon.

Appliances from Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Poynton tackled the blaze at Back Lane, North Rode, which Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service described as “six deep-seated peat fires”.

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Chronicle for stepping in at the last moment and for entertaining so well.

Refreshments were served by Beryl Mabon, Elsie Slater and Gina Fox.

The next meeting, the mystery tour evening, takes place on 25th August. Members should be at Lowe Withington Parish Hall at 5.45pm. The coach leaves at 6pm prompt.

Smallwood

The latest meeting of Smallwood WI was a special one as it was organised by members.

The president for the evening was Jean Batey, secretary Pat Shorten and treasurer Jean Cuniffe. The flowers on the table looked very summery and were arranged by D Moss.

Speaker Mr Hague told the group the history of wines. He talked about all the countries that produce wines and the type of grape that they use. Of course, there was a small amount o sniffing and sampling to get the bouquet but as unfortunately most members had driven to the meeting, small was the word. Mr Hague also went on to explain what to look for when buying wine, the labels, the shape of the bottle and the volume.

Edith Riches gave the vote o thanks.

Pat Hearsay gave a report on the annual meeting in Cardiff. They were entertained at the end by Only Men Aloud. The mid time refreshments were of the best WI standard.

Swettenham

At Swettenham WI’s July meeting, members said how much they had enjoyed the June members’ night at the English Dining Room in Kermincham, where Bettie Riddell had put on a delicious supper followed by entertainment and a quiz.

Returning to the Swettenham Club for the July meeting, members listened to a report from the Cardif annual meeting which included, among other items, a live video lin up with the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, and the Only Men Aloud! choir.

The resolution regarding the labelling of products with the true country of origin was passed overwhelmingly.

Susan Ord, a qualified graphologist from Chester, spoke on the secrets of handwriting and gave a fascinating introduction to graphology — the analysis of handwriting.

It was amazing to discover just how much information could be gleaned about people’s personality from their handwriting.

Factors such as size, shape and slanting of letters could all give clues as to personality traits, the women learned.

Following refreshments and the raffle, the business was dealt with and members were reminded about Dane Valley Group news and events.

Timbersbrook

There was no speaker arranged fo the July summer social meeting o Timbersbrook WI, instead members entertained themselves.

A rousing start to the evening was assured with the singing o “Jerusalem” accompanied by Viviene Evans on piano.

The business matters followed and were quickly dealt with. Dates announced were 29th July, a trip to Nottingham; 1st September, Cloud group meeting and 19th Decembe Christmas meal at Astbury Golf Club.

Then onto the socialising; glasses of Buck’s Fizz and then delicious strawberries and cream were enjoyed by all. A couple of quizzes, hilarious monologues and a welcome opportunity for members to chat among themselves made for a very pleasant summer evening.

The competition for a garden rose was deservedly won by Sue Adinall with a beautifully scented pink rose. Second was Joan Hough and third Carol Nicholls.

Meetings are held at the church hall, Buglawton, on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome. Cyclists call for speed limit cut on village’s main road

The Chronicle, Thursday, 22nd July, 2010. www.chronicleseries.co.uk

We buy old gold and silver

7

By Chris Young A speed limit reduction from 60 to 40mph on a village road could help make it less “menacing” for cycle users.

This was just one suggestion made during a consultation with residents to shape the Smallwood Parish Plan.

The document was produced to manage any future changes in the village, including the conversion of old uildings and the development of new housing estates. It includes details about the area’s layout, history and wildlife.

The plan will be used to prevent any inappropriate developments in Smallwood.

In April, Cheshire East Council held a public consultation on the plan which included an open afternoon on 27th April.

The responses from Smallwood residents and businesses have now been revealed in a consultation statement available to view on the council’s website.

Those who commented were asked what they felt was the most important feature of Smallwood, with the most popular answer being St John the Baptist Church. Other responses included open countryside, the sense of community and the serenity of the village.

When asked about the most disappointing feature of the village, the majority of people cited traffic, with others pointing out the lack of a village centre and village shop and fly tipping.

Peter Hall, from Congleton Cycling Campaign, was one of the people who responded to the consultation. He said: “The report correctly identifies the lane known as Church Lane/Congleton Road as being a road which receives a lot of traffic at rush hour both morning and night.

“The speed of traffic and the space given to cyclists when overtaking on this lane is particularly menacing. This is not just at times when people are travelling to work or travelling to the school to drop off or collect the children.

“In keeping with Government guidance on reducing speed on

CHRONICLEFEATURE

Summer raffle winners rural roads and lanes, the Congleton Cycling Campaign would like Cheshire East Council to consider reducing the speed limit on the lane to 40mph.

“We feel that this would go a long way to making Smallwood a more attractive place to live and travel through than it currently is.”

In response to the comments, the council has said this was “beyond the scope” of the design statement, but the concerns would be passed onto the area highways team.

Stephen Goodwin, representing local business Smallwood Storage, based at Little Moss End House, said it was happy the document was produced, but felt it should have gone further to identify future development sites. He said: “We welcome the production of a design statement and believe this will greatly assist in the preparation and determination of planning applications.

“We believe the document has missed an opportunity to identify existing problem sites which would potentially benefit from re-development.

“It would benefit from the identification of potential redevelopment sites, one of which should be the Smallwood Storage site. This is a brownfield site with substantial existing commercial buildings.

“We believe the area covered by the design statement would benefit substantially from the redevelopment of the site for a mixed use scheme which would provide a limited level of additional employment together with a range of housing.”

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Silk Road to shut for two weeks

The Silk Road in Macclesfield will be closed for two weeks from Sunday to allow overhead electricity lines to be replaced.

The closure will run from the Hibel Road roundabout to the Bollington Road roundabout.

In order to assist traffic flow, a gyratory system will be introduced on Hibel Road, connecting the roundabouts at The Silk Road and Churchill Way.

People will be directed to use the footbridge between Pownall Street and Cumberland Street instead.

It is expected that on the first few days of the diversion, delays and disruption will be significant, so people are being asked to avoid the area if possible.

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This will mean the suspension of the traffic lights and pedestrian facilities at Jordangate.

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Centre, Mr Berg makes the presentation to Mr Chandler and Mr Galbraith. (“Chronicle” photo. 2836/10).

Peter Chandler and John Galbraith, winners of Congleton Hearing Centre’s summer raffle, are pictured receiving £20 Marks and Spencer vouchers from centre roprietor Anthony Berg.

Both men said they were very happy with the hearing aids they had recently purchased through the Duke Street hearing centre and they praised the fantastic after care support they received.

Three runners up also scooped £10 M&S vouchers.

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