The Villages Mag - Edition 10 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Remember to tell our advertisers you found them in The Villages Mag!Helping our Hedgehogs 10A Bollington hidden gem, The Bridgend Centre 1420 Years of Service 18Holmes Chapel Partnership 22Walks... Tegg's Nose Country Park 26Autumn gardening tips 30A brief history of Goostrey Parish Archive 34Holmes Chapel Parish Council news 40From the bar, with Rich... Drinks & Pride 44Days Out & Meals Out reviews 48Social media for business 52A new Boules Club opening at Bidlea Dairy 56Celebrate the beauty of Autumn 60Let's talk legal 64Patient Participation Group 68Microsuction ear wax removal 72Property tips... 76Quick Reference 74Welcome & ContentsContact The Villages MagKaty O’Regankaty@archpublications.comDavid Crawforddavid@archpublications.comFor all enquires & bookingsCall or Whatsapp 01477 518 252Visit archpublications.comArch Publications Charity Partner 2024, visit www.BTG-mindmatters.orgWelcome to the October edition of Villages Mag! We’re excited to bring you another issue lled with content that celebrates and supports our wonderful community. Every month, we aim to oer valuable information, stories, and resources that reect the vibrant life of our local area.As a small family-run business, we work hard to balance the costs of printing and delivering the magazine with our desire to support local initiatives. Each year, we’re proud to donate approximately £20,000 worth of advertising space to promote community events, groups, and activities that make a real dierence. We do our best to highlight as many initiatives as possible, but we rely on your input to keep us informed about what’s happening. If you’re involved in something that benets the community—whether it’s a fundraiser, social event, or special project—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If we can, we’ll gladly feature it in an upcoming issue.We’re committed to helping local causes thrive, but we also acknowledge that we’re not perfect. We might not always get everything right, but we always try our best to serve the community in the way we know how. Your feedback and contributions are what help us improve and keep moving forward.In addition to our support for local initiatives, each edition of Villages Mag features a dedicated charity. For the past two years, we’ve proudly supported Bridging the Gap, but we’re excited to announce that we’ll be choosing a new charity soon. If you know of a charity that would be a good t, please let us know—we’d love to consider them as our next charity partner.Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to support this incredible community together.Katy x

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8Dcover the Power ofBowen TherapyNow Available at Brows & BeautyFeeling stressed, in pain, or in need of a natural healing solution? Experience the Bowen Technique, a gentle, holistic therapy that promotes deep relaxation & addresses a wide range of physical conditions.• Relieves muscle tension & joint pain• Improves posture & mobility• Helps with migraines, stress, and anxiety• Balances hormonal issuesBrows and BeautyDe Vere Cranage Estate, CheshireCall Now: 07429068408Bk your appointment,with Jodie, today.Scan to bkOPENING HOURS MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 9-6THURSDAY 9-8 FRIDAY 9-7 SAT 730-3BOOKINGSESSENTIALCard payments acceptedPlease call for out of hours appointmentsBookings can be made via the websiteTRADITIONAL BARBERING FUSED WITHMODERN PRECISION TECHNIQUES.HAIRCUTS £15HAIRCUT & BEARD £20SKINFADE £18SKIN FADE & BEARD £22CHURCH WALK, HOLMES CHAPEL07845 999673WWW.TRYMBARBERS.CO.UKKIDS CUT £13OAP £12BEARD TRIM £8DELUXE BEARD £15MONDAY - THURSDAYOAP RATES £10Click & Collect orders can be placed by calling Brian 01477 500455Open 7 days a week, 10am til 4pm | Congleton Road, Arclid, Sandbach CW11 2UJRose & Bluebellsilk flowersVisit us for an extensive selection of homegrown herbaceous perennials, patio and bedding plants, hanging baskets, a wide range of fruit and vegetables, seed potatoes, garden sundries, fertilisers, Bathgate composts, bird seeds, and Mrs. Darlington’s Award-Winning Jams, Curds, Pickles, Chutneys, and more!New Cheshire potatoesnow in stock!

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10Once a far more common sight, the hedgehog population has declined alarmingly over the past decade. Enabling hedgehogs to move freely through gardens and green spaces is one of the most important things you can do to help reverse the declineHedgehogs will travel up to a mile a night in search of food, shelter and to nd a mate. By fencing and walling gardens, we prevent them from roaming naturally and force them onto roads and pavements. However, a 13cm x 13cm hole with no sharp edges in fences and walls makes the perfect hedgehog highwayHedgehogs can have up to two litters a year, with hoglets born from September onwards being known as Autumn Juveniles. These Juveniles need to pack on weight rapidly ready for hibernation, and all hedgehogs start to take on as much food as they can to gain sucient weight before hibernating. Hedgehogs will happily forage for food in your garden, seeking out beetles, caterpillars, earthworms and Helping our Hedgehogs Find out more, search facebook ‘Northwich Hedgehog Rescue’other insects. They also benet from supplementary feeding, so you can help by leaving a shallow dish with either specialist hedgehog kibble, dry cat biscuits (not dog biscuits as hedgehogs may choke) or wet meat-based dog or cat food (not sh) and clean water.Never leave out bread, milk or mealworms as all can cause serious consequences for their health. Providing food and water throughout the year will support those that don’t hibernate. Here are some signs that show a hedgehog needs help –• Active during the day (Hedgehogs are nocturnal)• Lethargy (Hedgehogs don’t sunbathe)• Surrounded by ies • Wobbly as they walk• Wounded or in distress• Attacked by a dog or predators• Circling constantly• Trapped in netting, a pond, drain etc• Being out in the day alone and squawking (hoglet)If you see a hedgehog showing any of these signs, then please get in touch with your local rescue and if possible, place the animal into a high sided box with a towel and something for warmth (a hot water bottle or a plastic bottle lled with warm water).Northwich Hedgehog Rescue was established in 2020 by Helen Gill having worked with wild Hedgehogs since 2007. We are a small self/donation funded wild hedgehog rescue. We oer rst aid, treatment and rehabilitation to poorly, injured or abandoned hedgehogs to enable release back to their natural habitat. So far this year we have taken in 61 hoglets and 44 adults with over 75% successfully being released back in the wild. The main rescue is in Northwich and our satellite site is in Cranage near Holmes Chapel.Please check out our facebook page for more information and updates on the hedgehogs currently in the rescue.

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14If you’re on the lookout for something a bit dierent - a place where you can indulge in fabulous shopping, relax in a cozy café, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local community - then look no further than The Bridgend Centre in Bollington, Cheshire. This independent charity is not just a shopping experience but a vital hub at the heart of the community, oering a wide range of activities and resources designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.Nestled in the picturesque village of Bollington, The Bridgend Centre is a haven of warmth and inclusivity. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is treated like family. Whether you’re looking for a friendly chat, some companionship, or simply a place to unwind, this Centre oers it all.A Bollington hidden gem, The Bridgend CentreFind out more atbridgendcentre.org.ukOne of the standout features of The Bridgend Centre is its fabulous charity shop. Far from your typical second hand store, this shop is a treasure trove of hidden gems. With an ever-changing selection of adult and children’s clothing, bric-a-brac, books, shoes, toys, and gifts, you never know what you might stumble upon. From vintage nds to nearly-new bargains, the shop is a delight for anyone who loves a good look around. But be warned: if you spot something you like, don’t hesitate - items here are known to y o the shelves quickly!The Bridgend Centre is a social hub, oering a variety of activities that bring the community together, including shopping transport services, a befriending service. guided walks, social groups and health and educational activities. There are also community workers available during opening hours to provide support and a listening ear to those who need it. On a sunny day, there’s no better spot to relax than the Centre’s veranda by the river - an idyllic place to watch the world go by.If you happen to be free on Saturday, 28th September, you’re in for a treat. The Centre is hosting its much-anticipated fundraising event: The Bridgend Bake-O. For just £12.50, you can sample an array of delicious cakes, sip on some zz, and enjoy a delightful afternoon in the company of friends and fellow community members. For those who want to support The Bridgend Centre but can’t visit in person, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. The Centre runs an online eBay shop, oering a selection of unique items for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of home. Additionally, you can try your luck in the Centre’s weekly lottery, a fun and easy way to contribute to a great cause.The Bridgend Centre is more than just a charity shop or a café - It’s a true gem in the heart of Bollington. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this Centre oers friendship, company, and a supportive environment in an accessible and disability-friendly space. So, why not pay a visit and discover the warmth and community spirit that make The Bridgend Centre so special?

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18It was a year which saw the Spice Girls split up, the start of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings lms franchises, where iPods and music streaming became a ‘thing’ and our beloved, talented and worldwide super star Harry Styles was just 7 years of age.It was in this same year on the 1st September that Holmes Chapel Fire Station welcomed their newest arrival, a local resident by the name of Jon Dooley who joined as an on-call reghter, where to this day he continues to serve and protect the residents of Holmes Chapel and surrounding areas.Jon, who is married to wife Catherine and a loving father to Hannah, Josh, and Sophia, is an aircraft engineer by day, having worked with some of the top airlines over the years. But after securing the safety of the aircrafts, supporting his family back at home, possibly going to the gym and walking the dog, Jon will then turn his pager on and make himself available for the next emergency that comes his way.Jon moved to Holmes Chapel back in 1987, the same village where his 20 Years of ServiceByCheshire Fire & Rescue Serviceparents, sister and in-laws continue to live in, making it a special place that Jon loves calling his home. This is evident by so many residents that know Jon as that well-respected and established member of Holmes Chapel, who puts his family, friends, and his community rst.In honouring his services and commitment to the community, this October will see Jon being awarded his 20-year service medal. This medal was established back in 1954 and renamed in 2022 as the ‘Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal’, honouring those reghters for their 20 years of good and ecient service.This year will also see Jon being awarded with his King’s Coronation medal, which will join his other honours from previous years with both the Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals which he’s obtained over the last 23 years.Jon comments “I’m so humbled and would like to thank everyone for their kind massages and well wishes I’ve received so far. Of course, I need to thank my whole family for their continued support and of course for putting up with me; they have all made sacrices along the way for me to follow my passion in protecting others. It’s a unique job, to say the least, however, it’s an amazing one where I would recommend it to anyone.“It’s a job that I signed up for knowing I can help and support those aected by any emergency at any given time. I could be called out day or night, with no warning, but the pride and sense of achievement in helping others in their hour of need outweighs any inconvenience it might have on myself”.If you would like to know how you too could make a dierence like Jon and would like more information about the role as an on-call reghter, please visit cheshirere.gov.uk.

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20Shanty Farm, Byley CW10 9NG01606 832874www.lowesfarmshop.comEverything you would expect from our farm shop.Also on the farm...FIELD SMITHS Premium country clothingFOUR OAKS DIRECT Quality plants at great pricesFRAME Picture framing studioGIFTED Beautiful gifts for all occasionsCHESHIRE WARDROBE BOUTIQUE Aﬀordable fashion for women of all agesTASCHE KEYS NAILS & BEAUTY Beauty Salon and Training Academy INGLEDEW THERAPY Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Practical CoachingH, DAVIDSON BUTCHERS Quality meatBREAKFASTS, BRUNCHES, LUNCHES, TEAS,COFFEE, CAKES & AFTERNOON TEASPlus, a wide range of home-grown seasonal veg and local suppliers such as Chatwins pies & cakes; & Jo’s cakes.Freshly picked just for youProudly supplying, repairing & servicing every typeof hearing aid since 2007 in Congleton,Alsager, Holmes Chapel,Sandbach & all surrounding areas3 Duke Street,Congleton, Cheshire,CW12 1AP (Next to Greggs) The CongletonHearing CentreAPPOINTMENTS IN OUR TOWNCENTRE SHOP OR IN YOUR HOME Pensioner DiscountsFree lifetime after-care on all hearing aidsWax Removal £30 per ear, no charge for hearing aid customers (in shop only)MON-SAT 9AM - 5PM“We are the only approved Audibel Hearing company in the area”We oer a xed “no-move no-fee” serviceDedicated fee earnerContact us outside of normal working hours via our AppReduced le loads means more time spent on youEcient, modern, safe and eective processesClose working relationships with all parties All our advice will be comprehensive yet coherentAll aspects of modern technology embracedServing Cheshire atWheelock Business Hub50-52 Wheelock StreetMiddlewich CW10 9AB

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22As we move into Autumn the Partnership gets very busy with the Christmas Market and Fair, which is now the biggest social event in the village calendar. This year, on the 1st December 2024, it will be the fourth time that we will close the road and allow around 50 market stalls to set-up in the centre of the village. In addition to the stalls, we have a food and drink zone, and Joe White’s funfair. The event now attracts over 2,000 visitors and provides a signicant boost to our businesses in the centre of our village, together with an opportunity for dozens of local businesses to sell their wares.But it is also the time that locals see friends and acquaintances which perhaps they have not seen since the previous Christmas Market. For me, it’s also a time that I see many new faces, often with three generations of their families in tow. And it is this aspect that I would like to ponder and reect on here. Indeed, I often think, if only we could get 1% of those visiting the market to help the Partnership throughout the year, we could do so much more to support our village and community.Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with your community, and the Partnership oers a wealth of opportunities for residents to engage Holmes Chapel Partnershipby Peter Whiers, ChairmanFind out more: hcpartnership.org.ukand make a dierence. Whether you are looking to contribute your skills, meet new people, or gain experience, volunteering has numerous benets. The village is known for its close-knit community spirit. By joining the Partnership, you can build relationships with residents and foster a sense of belonging. Engaging in community projects, from organizing events like the market to supporting causes, helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.One person who knows all about putting something back into our local community is David Savage, and I am pleased to say that David has agreed to join the Partnership and become our new Treasurer from January 2025. In the meantime, he is getting his feet under the table and liaising with Richard Garton our current Treasurer to enable a smooth transition over the Christmas break.So, if you are reading this and thinking,* yes I should get more involved in my village community then go to our website now and put your name down to be a volunteer at our Christmas Market, www.hcpartnership.org.uk/jobs/christmas-market-stewards . All we need is a couple of hours of your time, as we work with a rota allowing people to oer time before, during or after the market depending on what time you can spare.And nally, by the time you read this article we will have moved to our Autumn operating schedule for the Harry’s Home Village Tours (#HHVT) and have completed over 60 Guided tours around our village. Whilst the global media interest has been quite phenomenal the resulting visitor count has been equally impressive. I am told that the number of train tickets sold with Holmes Chapel as the destination has increased fourfold over the last two years, but that’s only part of the story. Our local hotels and B&B’s have also seen increased bed-night revenue due to #HHVT, many of which have come to us via Manchester Airport from all points on the globe.We said that when we started the Tours that we would use any prots made to support the Partnership and fund projects to enhance the village. On this topic all I can say is that Harry will be making an appearance at our local Station very soon.

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The forge Maccleseld Rd,Kat Sweeney Opens Doors to Her Dream Reformer Pilates Studio in CheshireAfter years of building a reputation as one of Cheshire’s most sought-after Pilates instructors, Kat Sweeney is realizing her dream of opening her very own Reformer Pilates and wellbeing studio. The doors to Kat’s Studio officially open this October, bringing together her loyal community of clients under one roof for the first time.Located at Lowes Farm Shop in Byley, the new studio is the ideal spot for anyone looking to incorporate Pilates into their fitness routine. The picturesque location offers more than just fitness—after your class, you can enjoy a coffee at the charming Ginger and Pickles Café, or explore the on-site fashion boutiques and garden centre. With plenty of parking, the studio provides convenience and relaxation all in one visit.Kat’s new studio will focus primarily on Reformer Pilates, which is known for its versatility and adaptability. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner, the Reformer machine offers a low-im-pact, full-body workout that can be tailored to your individual needs. “Reformer Pilates is perfect for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or injury,” says Kat. “The beauty of the Reformer is its adjustability, making it accessible to all.”For those unfamiliar with the Reformer, Kat encourages new clients to book a taster session. This allows you to get comfortable with the equipment and experience the benefits of a Reformer workout firsthand. “It’s a fantastic way to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body awareness,” Kat adds.But Kat’s Studio isn’t just about Pilates—it will also offer Mat Pilates, Yoga, and wellbeing retreats, providing a holistic approach to health and fitness. “I’ve always dreamed of creating a space where people can focus on their wellbeing, both physically and mentally,” says Kat. “Bringing all of my clients together under one roof feels like a natural next step.”To celebrate the studio’s grand opening, Kat invites everyone to join her on Sunday, October 6th, from 10 AM to 2 PM for an open house event. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the studio, learn about the different classes on offer, and meet Kat herself.Whether you’re looking to deepen your Pilates practice or try something new, Kat’s Studio is set to become Cheshire’s newest hub for fitness and wellbeing. Check out the class timetable on the website and be part of Kat’s exciting new journey!kats_studio_cheshireDiscover Kat's StudioYour New Pilates & Wellbeing Sanctuary at Lowes Farm, Byley.Reformer PilatesMat pilatesYogaSignature Wellbeing Workshops www.katstudio.co.ukKat’s Studio, Lowes Farm, Moss Lane, CW10 9NG. 07510 921341Check out our full class timetable and bookyour session today on our website.

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26Following our country park theme from last month, I’m hoping to inspire you to visit (or revisit) Tegg’s Nose Country Park. Nestled near Maccleseld, this beautiful park is part of the Cheshire East Countryside Ranger Service, which does a fantastic job of maintaining its upkeep, conservation, and accessibility for everyone.Spanning around 252 acres, Tegg’s Nose Country Park boasts a stunning variety of landscapes. You’ll nd everything from moorland and woodland to rocky outcrops, each providing unique habitats for wildlife. And, of course, the views are just amazing! Look one way, out over the Cheshire Plain; turn the other and you’ll see the rolling hills of the Peak District. It’s worth a visit just for the views from the top of the park.There is ample parking (with a charge, helping to maintain the upkeep of the park), toilet facilities and best of all, the café is back open after being shut for a while. “The Nose” is great. If you’re a cake lover, you’re in for a real treat and the park and café are dog friendly.I’ve been coming to Tegg’s Nose since I moved to Cheshire in my Walks...Tegg’s Nose Country ParkByHilary Mines, Founder of Trundlteens, and it never fails to make me happy. The park is also home to some fascinating old mining machinery, complete with informative boards. These have always been a hit with adults and children alike, oering a glimpse into the park’s history.For the more adventurous souls, Tegg’s Nose oers opportunities for rock climbing, catering to various skill levels. I haven’t tried it myself, so I can’t comment too much, but if climbing is your thing, this is denitely worth looking into! It also features a range of walking trails. You can take on longer, more challenging routes or opt for shorter, less hilly paths. Even if you don’t venture far from the car park, you can still enjoy those amazing views, making the park accessible for everyone, including those with mobility issues.And lastly there are plenty of picnic tables near the car park, perfect for enjoying a packed lunch with family and friends. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice of cake from the café - after all, you’ve earned it!Hilary is local to Holmes Chapel and has been an avid Walker all her life. She is the founder of the award-winning UK charity walking up trundl.Photo Paul Cooper Photography

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30According to Brian Lowe of Sparks Lane Nurseries, autumn is the ideal time to plant spring-owering bulbs such as tulips, daodils, crocuses, snowdrops, and alliums. “These bulbs establish themselves during the colder months and bloom beautifully in spring,” he explains.To maintain a vibrant garden throughout winter, Brian recommends hardy shrubs and owering plants that can withstand the cold. “Shrubs like Skimmia, Heuchera, Euonymus, and Lavender oer excellent winter color and structure,” he advises. For added winter interest, Brian suggests incorporating Autumn gardening tipsByBrian Lowe, Spark Lane Nurserieswinter-owering plants such as heathers, pansies, cyclamen, and primroses, which provide splashes of color in colder months.Foliage plants also add visual appeal. Brian highlights Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ and Heuchera varieties for their striking leaves. “Angel Wings, with its silvery foliage, looks stunning against frosty backdrops,” he adds.When planting bulbs and hardy plants, Brian emphasises proper placement. “Make sure to plant bulbs at a depth two to three times their height and space them out for healthy growth. It’s also important to choose sheltered spots for more delicate winter plants.”By following these tips, your garden can thrive even during the coldest months.

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34archive’s value, the parish council came to the rescue and provided accommodation in the Village Hall in a room serving the dual purpose of a retiring room for the new Queen at Rose Day and during theatrical events, including Goosfest.Historically, the archive has its roots in the Goostrey History Society formed in the 1960s with members and contributors including Jean Smallwood and her husband, Colin, Miss Mary Hooley, Margaret Kettle, Arthur Burgess, William (Bill) Lester, Tom McCartney and Frank Carter, the legendary Gooseberry grower. Through enthusiasm and academic zeal, the team studiously recorded personal recollections, collected donations and, before the internet became a valuable research tool, made many outings to search archives. The Cheshire Record Oce, the British Library in London, and public libraries in Chester, Manchester, Wilmslow and Northwich were among their research areas They also gleaned information from the bound les of the Congleton and Sandbach Chronicles, Jodrell Bank and many past and present Goostrey councillors. It was from this invaluable material inherited by the present archive that the collection has grown to the extent that more storage space has been allocated in the Village Hall.The archive is open most Tuesdays (or by appointment to residents and visitors} between 2 pm and 4 pm. Most recently it was contacted by a family from California whose ancestry included the name Barnshaw. Roger Burgess, who chairs the team, arranged to meet the Americans in Goostrey where they were given a tour of the parish, including Barnshaw Hall, the site of an ancient chapel and links with King Edward 1, They departed to continue their tour of Britain well-satised with the experience and a copy of the church burial register showing the only Barnshaw recorded since the 16th century. The archive’s role is not only preserving the past and present of Goostrey (and Twemlow) but also meeting demand to stage displays with items from the collection, It holds locally-themed exhibitions, including at Goosfest every autumn and on Rose Day this year it reintroduced a Victorian-style Hoopla stall to raise funds for its website to be launched this month. During COVID, Roger Burgess took on the task of writing the history of Goostrey from its early The death of a villager more than ten years ago and the demise of the local history society provided the impetus for a group of volunteers to establish the Goostrey Parish Archive as it is today. Now housed with the help of the parish council in a room at the Village Hall, the archive within a decade has amassed a collection of photographs and documents recording life and its many changes in the village over several centuries to the present. However, it would not have existed and much valuable material lost to the skip if a resourceful resident had not spotted a bereaved family preparing to dispose of the unwanted eects of their loved one and salvaged them for posterity, It was this together with the work of Jean Smallwood, who tenaciously recorded local life and took and gathered photographs from many sources and formed with like-minded residents Goostrey History Society, that provided the archive’s foundations.Originally it was homed through the kindness of author Alan Garner and his wife, Griselda, in the Old Medicine House at Blackden. This was the most appropriate setting as it was Alan who saved the historic building from demolition in Staordshire. He moved the 16th-century timbers to rebuild and restore as an extension to his home in the parish of Goostrey. There, early sorting and cataloguing of the collection began, but rapidly it outgrew the available space. Appreciating the A brief history of Goostrey Parish Archiveby Roger Burgess, ChairGoostrey Parish ArchiveSouth Manchester and further aeld. The in good hospitality enjoyed tted the bill The archive always needs volunteers and a friendly welcome is guaranteed for newcomers with an interest and passion for preserving Goostrey and Twemlow’s past and the present for future generations. Roger Burgess, who chairs the archive will be happy to hear from them on 01477 535443 or email roger.burgess67@icloud.com The archive meets most Tuesdays in the Village Hall between 2 pm and 4 pm

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The Cheshire Record Oce, the British Library in London, gleaned information from the bound les of the Congleton well-satised with the experience and a copy of the unwanted eects of their loved demolition in Staordshire. He moved beginnings and plans are afoot to publish it later this year, The website project led by Stewart Smallwood is well underway with the help of archivists Roger Burgess, Jenny Walker, Derek Hardacre, Roger Bennett and John Williams. The volunteers were saddened to lose one of their number recently with the death of Michael Burt. Michael was born and raised in Goostrey and is much missed. His enthusiasm and love of the village and memory of people and places in photographs, some barely legible because of age, was an asset of incalculable value.They constantly watch for new materials including documents, photographs, verbal memories, artefacts or anything else that may be of interest. Items are accepted on loan or donated or can be scanned and returned immediately. Recent photos and other artefacts are just as valuable as older contributions. Of particular interest are things like images of property developments; current and recent clubs and societies’ information and family pictures. Meanwhile, the volunteers are assembling this year’s contribution to Goosfest on Saturday, September 28 between 10 am - 4 pm at the Crown Inn featuring cycling and two-wheeled power in and around Goostrey. Sadly, Miss Bates Cafe, once the popular centre of cycling in the village, was demolished to make way for more mobile park homes. Now only cyclists wearing plus-fours between the wars and modern lycra-clad wheelers and the great racing hero, the late Reg Harris who lived locally, exist among the memories in the archive of Bates Cafe and its famous feeding station hut.It was cycling clubs and associations that developed a relationship with Bates Cafe, including Manchester and District Ladies Cycling Association, when in the 40s, 50s and 60s Goostrey became the centre of choice - and continued - for those interested in cycle racing from South Manchester and further aeld. The village is a convenient 25 miles from the centre of Manchester in the countryside with relatively quiet lanes, but perhaps more importantly because of the key role in good hospitality enjoyed tted the bill for their activities.

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394 7 01477 537785December. Plus, we’re oering a Festive Sundays Menu, December À La Carte, and a Join us on New Year’s Eve for an unforgettable night with our Specials Menu, À La Carte ashpm.comYOUR DREAM HOMEIS OUR EXPERTISETransform your home with Ash Project Management!Whether it’s large extensions, renovations, redevelopments, loft conversions, or creating beautiful bathrooms and kitchens, we have the experience, qualiﬁcations, and knowledge to turn your dream home into a reality.Our in-house team handles everything, including Electrical, Plumbing, Plastering, Joinery, Tiling, Painting & Decorating, Damp Coursing, Landscaping, Bricklaying & General Building, and UPVC Windows & Doors. This comprehensive service ensures seamless planning and timing, reducing stress and ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to ﬁnish.Call to discuss your project and receive a free, no-obligation quoteTel: 01270 619999 | Mob: 07958 179179 | Email: info@ashpm.com

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40Holmes Chapel Parish Council newsContacting the Parish CouncilOur oce is generally open 9am to 12 noon, Tuesday to Friday mornings.Clerk of the Council, Holmes Chapel Parish Council, 1 Church Walk, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. CW4 7AZ01477 533 934 | 07484 904 899clerk@holmeschapelparishcouncil.gov.ukwww.holmeschapelparishcouncil.gov.ukReclaim the PavementsLast year, the Parish Council launched a campaign to ‘Reclaim the Pavements’ in Holmes Chapel. This involved walking the pavements of the village and looking for hedges, trees etc…. that are overgrown and impeding the footpaths. We wrote letters to households and contacted Cheshire East and other bodies, where vegetation was overtaking the pavements We had some good results with many hedges and vegetation being cut back. A huge thank you to all those households who listened and acted on our concerns. Now the bird nesting season is over, it’s a great time to cut back your hedges and trees! Representatives from the Parish Council are once more going to be walking the streets and we will send letters to households where simply cutting back vegetation would make the pavements much more accessible to all residents. Why not make a head start and cut back your hedge today! Thank you!Public Meeting – an update The Parish Council were delighted to meet with residents and hear your views about the proposed housing development on London Road. We took these views on board and have responded to the Developers sharing these concerns. A report of what we have submitted can be found on our website under the ‘news’ section.www.holmeschapelparishcouncil.gov.uk/newsOlympian Tribute In honour of the fantastic achievements of our two Olympians Tom and Emily Ford, the Parish Council has agreed to paint the telephone box outside Mandevilles gold and place a plaque acknowledging their achievements. We also plan to host a short ceremony to “open” the phone box followed by a drinks reception at a suitable location, for the Olympians and some invited guests.

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44I’m writing this in the last 2 weeks before Holmes Chapel’s rst ever Pride event. What stemmed from a random question 3 months ago, has seen us ll in countless forms, hold numerous conversations, gone grey, bald and back to grey again, argue and debate on countless occasions and be moved to tears because of people’s generosity and experiences.At times I’ve felt like I’ve bitten o way more than I could cope with, that I’ve asked too much of my team and friends, that I’m a fraud because I don’t know enough about what it’s like to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community... but each time I’ve felt that way, I’ve reminded myself that I’m in a very privileged position to be able to feel that way. I don’t have to worry about who I’m with or how I’m dressed, and I’m certainly not faced with public calls to protect my kids and bloodline from homosexuality. To be honest, it’s been that anger that has kept me going.Because despite how much progress has been made over the past few decades, despite however many laws have been repealed and more and more countries allow legalise homosexuality and gay marriages, there is still much more work to be done. And our Pride event, however big or little it may end up being, is one small step to helping bring a message of awareness, of support, of education to those who may still need help in getting there.None of this could have been made possible without the support and money from so many of the businesses and people in this village. To that point I’d love to give the below businesses and organisations the biggest of heartfelt thanks:Bespak, Bridge the Gap, Phil Davies From the bar, with Rich... Drinks & PrideRich, The Beer Emporium Bottle BankQuality Butchers, Congleton Vets, Sam Dale & Son, Latham Estates, Holmes Sweet Home, The Village Kitchen, Celeste, Jerico, Law Trucks, both Congleton & Sandbach Pride’s, The Red Lion, The George & Dragon, House of White, Nelco, Holmes Gifts & Interiors, Holmes Chapel Parish Council, and if I’ve missed anyone out I’m so so sorry, apology beers are on me!You lot are amazing, and your generosity has made a huge dierence. So whether 5 people or 500 people turned up, I couldn’t tell you just yet, but to the amazing team of volunteers and donors who’ve made this happen, Alison, Mandie, Diane, Coral, Hope and I would like to say thank you so very much for all your support. Now to the drinks! The weather’s most denitely turned and if we’re not already wrapped in a warm blanket, we’re in Autumns brisk embrace! It’s getting towards the time when we think about all things warming and cosy, so this issue I’m going to have a little chat with you about something hot and spicy! That’s right, we’re going to talk about what’s delicious and warming on these cooler days, so put the kettle on and join me as we delve into the world of chai spiced tea’s and apple & cinnamon spiced latte’s.It was just over 20 years ago in 2003 that the espresso product development team at Starbucks came up with a new combination of avours to add to their standard latte. After many many variations on the pumpkin theme, they nally came up with a blend of spices and sugar that had absolutely no pumpkin in it at all! This changed in 2015 when they tweaked the formula again to include pumpkin puree and to appease the pedants and purists who wanted pumpkin in their pumpkin spice latte!Since then we’ve built on that blend of spices to become more adventurous in what we add to our coee, and now we have drinks such as apple and cinnamon, hazelnut and vanilla, chai spice, and toasted almond, all of which go so well with our own blend of single origin beans at the bar. The current base bean at the Bottle Bank is a Guatemalan Finca Medina and with its dark chocolate, apple and melon notes is proving to be a particularly wonderful backdrop to these rich warming avours, so why not spin by the bar and try one of them.If you’re not passing, then feel free to make your own warming Autumnal spiced coee at home. For that, you’ll need some of your favourite coee, brewed strong and short. and add to that some homemade American style coee creamer shaken well with a teaspoon of mixed spice. A quick ping in the microwave to warm it up, and pour in your coee. Snuggle up with a good book, and you’ll be in heaven. To make your own creamer, take equal amounts of sweetened condensed milk and whole milk, and shake together in a jar with some vanilla extract. If you want an even more luxurious version, swap the whole milk for Bailey’s!! This will last in the fridge as long as you’d keep your milk.Until next time, see you at the bar!

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48Castaway Play has got to be one of the best indoor play centres in Cheshire. With lots of dierent zones for children to play in which is varied and great for encouraging imaginative play. We have been visiting Castaway Play for a number of years and even though my children are now the top age range for visited they still really enjoy spending hours and hours here. I visited on an inset day on the last day of the summer holidays with my 9 year old daughter and her 10 year old cousin. They spent 4 hours non stop playing and we only left as has to get back so they would have stayed longer!The dierent areas and equipment make it a really varied play centre. It isn’t just your normal indoor soft play, it has a massive Tropical beach with sand and water play, adventure play where you need your shoes on, games and activities and then plenty of wooden climbing frames and slides. Castaway Play is an inclusive play centre with a Space themed Sensory room which can be booked for both children and adults. They also host special SEN sessions each month and these include their special seasonal events too. Every wall is decorated, with either brightly colours walls, pictures of lms and characters or painted murals. It is such a fun and brightly decorated play centre and everything was clean and tidy. It was a pleasure to visit and the girls really enjoyed their day playing Days Out & Meals Out reviewsJenny,Days Out and Meals Out Reviewstogether and even I joined in. We had a good game of hide and seek where I struggled to nd them as there are so many good places to hide. Explore some of the dierent areas here:Tropical Beach - There is an “outside” beach area which is covered so even though can be a bit cold in there, even if it rains you wont get wet. There is a massive sandy area with 60 tonnes of sand to dig and play in. Castaway Cove - This is the perfect place for little pirates to explore the HMS Castaway Pirate Ship and have a go at panning for gold in the Castaway Creek. Put on a high vis jacket and hard hat and have a go in the construction play area with lots of building bricks.The Lost Jungle - Head into the world of the jungle and dinosaurs. Explore the huge jungle slide, where you can climb up the steps, run across the bridge and down the other side.Magical Kingdom - Castaway’s world for imaginative play which is perfect for younger children. With a circus themed small soft play, tunnels and things to climb on. Slides and even a disco room. Sensory Room - Nestled within the heart of Castaway Play is the Space Sensory Room. Oering an enchanting retreat for both adults with additional needs and children who have physical disabilities or autism. This environment is tailored to stimulate and calm sensory experiences in a magical setting that transports its occupants into the cosmos. Food & Drink - The cafe serves hot and cold food, a full range of drinks and has a fridge full of yummy cakes. Children can get a lunch box, jacket potatoes or something on toast. While adults can get toasties, ciabattas and wraps. There are loads of tables to sit out to enjoy your food and to watch your children play. Please note no picnics allowed• Open 10am - 5pm daily. Prebook your tickets• Suitable for 6months - 10 years • Lots of seasonal events. 5 Dierent areas to play in. Take spare socks • Cafe serving lunches, kids meals, cakes & drinks . No picnics from home. Loads of tables and chairs in all area • Toilets & Baby changing facilities. Party packages . Free parking• 71 Moss Rd, Astbury, Congleton CW12 3BP• www.castawayplay.co.ukYou can nd more reviews at daysoutandmealsout.com, Facebook page & Instagram, search ‘Days Out and Meals

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510345 222 8 2224 The Clock Tower,Manor, Lane,Holmes Chapel,Cheshire,CW4 8DJinfo@evolvefamilylaw.co.ukwww.evolvefamilylaw.co.ukEvolve Family Law is a law firm like no other.See our five star reviews on Trustpilot & Google ReviewsWhat we can help you with:• Divorce• Matrimonial finances• Arrangements regarding your children• Mediation support• Pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, and cohabitation agreements• Wills• Probate• Lasting powers of attorneyWhy we are different• We provide city center expertise at a fraction of the price.• We offer fixed fees for many of the services we provide. You can find our prices on our website.• We consistently provide sensible and practical guidance.• While we are based in the North West, we serve clients throughout the county.Who we are:Our founders, Louise and Robin, are former partners with leading family law firms in the North West and are nationally recognised experts.All of our solicitors are highly experienced specialists in their respective fields.

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52Social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, it oers a unique opportunity to reach a wide audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. How best should you use it. I’ve touched on this before, but it is worth looking a little further into to give a better understanding on how to maximise its potential.The rst step is to understand your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests? What social media platforms do they use? Once you have this information, you can tailor your content to resonate with them. Sounds easy right? It sometimes isn’t as it may not always be entirely obvious who your audience is, as many people’s interests diverge and intertwine, especially in today’s world. But try not to get too bogged down with this. The important thing is to ensure you know what social media platforms they are using. Most social media platforms have analytic tools that can help you here, giving you a better understanding.Not all social media platforms are created equal. Some are better suited for certain types of businesses. For example, Instagram is great for visual content and creating a viral buzz if used Social media for small businessByRich Wilcockcorrectly. But you must have variety. Instagram uses imagery to leverage interest, and its algorithms will be looking at how diverse your prole is. LinkedIn is ideal for professional networking. Consider your audience and the type of content you’ll be sharing to determine which platforms are best for your business. A content calendar helps you plan and schedule your posts in advance. This ensures you have a consistent posting schedule and prevents you from scrambling to come up with content at the last minute. Include a variety of content types, such as blog posts, images, videos, and anything which could pique interest. Remember you don’t need to be selling every time, sometimes it’s just about adding personality to your brand or business.While it’s important to be consistent, quality should always take precedence over quantity. Focus on creating engaging and valuable content that your audience will nd interesting and informative. With every post, take a step-back and think “Would I be interested”, and whether it is communicating the message.Social media is also a two-way street. Don’t just broadcast your content; engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. This helps build relationships and shows that you value your customers. Hashtags are a great way to increase your reach and get discovered by new followers and it improves your relevance. But use hashtags sparingly. Not every post need 15 hashtags that nobody is using. Instagram and X (Twitter) are now punishing posts that use this tactic however some social media platforms can suggest relevant and popular hashtags which improves the post’s relevance and quality. Remember, social media platforms are battling with each other for relevance. They want people to spend as much time as possible using its platform. So, all algorithms are tuned to improve the quality of its feed. Work with it as much as possible in this instance.While organic reach on social media has declined in recent years, paid advertising can be a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience. Consider using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to target your ads to specic demographics and interests. However, start small, to avoid chasing good money after bad. Paid advertising can be bewildering to start with, but some platforms (especially LinkedIn) can hyper-target possible audiences.If there is anything to learn from using social media is that they are constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices so you can adapt your strategy as needed.You won’t always get it right but don’t get too discouraged if it doesn’t click right away. Social media is a great tool for businesses, but remember, consistency, engagement, and quality content are key to success.

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56You may have been on holiday abroad and seen a group of villagers enjoying a game of boules in the village square. Perhaps you had a try yourself? Many of us have come back with a boules set in the back of the car! Now a group of local residents have got together to enjoy this easy, fun and sociable game. It can be played individually or in small teams, with a mix of skill, tactics and luck being helpful! Fortunately, it’s also very easy to learn and to play.The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans played with stone balls and in the middle ages the Europeans played with wooden balls studded with nails. King Henry 3rd banned the game because his archers were spending too much time playing boules rather than practicing archery! It’s now played in over 100 countries across the world with 700 clubs in the UK A new Boules Club opening at Bidlea DairyFind out more from Martinmartin@dunkerley.org.ukand narrowly missed becoming an Olympic sport in Paris.Bidlea Dairy near Goostrey have kindly oered a space, which will be prepared over the next 2 weeks, allowing players to enjoy playing the game in open countryside within a few steps of the welcoming café! The plan is for Bidlea Boules Club to play from 10-11.30am every Monday, with the opportunity for coee and a chat afterwards! It is suggested players could pay £2 per session, with club prots being donated to charity.The game is suitable for all ages and abilities and can be played in inclement weather! Everyone is welcome, no equipment is needed, and all games will be played in a relaxed, easy-going style. You can turn up at the rst session, which will be on Monday 30th September, or for more information, email martin@dunkerley.org.uk or you can phone Martin on 07976 914054.

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60This is my favourite season as a Florist with the breathtaking choice of rich colours and warm palettes helping to create all the fuzzy feels in the run up to Christmas. Now is the time to start cutting back and drying orals from your garden to help decorate your home. Hydrangeas, Thistles, Grasses, Rosehips and seed heads such as Poppies can all be displayed in a vase and left to dry out, lasting for many months to come (hopefully those of you with Lavender bushes are already well under way with this process!)Try making a simple egg shape with some chicken wire and placing this in your vase, threading your orals through the wire to give them some stability for a maintenance free arrangement. Alternatively, use clear sticky tape to create a criss cross pattern on the opening of your vase, adding the stems in at staggered heights for a more professional look.Celebrate the beauty of AutumnBy AndieBloom Florist Holmes ChapelYou could also make yourself an Autumnal door wreath using a wicker base (widely available) and tying on your orals using wire or twine in any design that suits you, adding a vintage and welcoming feel to your front door. TIP - make the wreath before your orals have entirely dried, allowing owers such as Hydrangeas to dehydrate in situ. A simple spritz of clear hairspray on your dried orals will keep them in place once they have become delicate allowing you to enjoy them for even longer! If you want to elevate your arrangement even further, mix freshly grown seasonal Dahlias and Chrysanthemums into your dried arrangement for a bright pop of Autumnal colour. Happy pruning & foraging!For any advice or tips, please don’t hesitate to contact me on at: i n f o @ b l o o m  o r i s t . c o . u k

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62NEED A VAN? BETTER CALL DAN!Manor Farm, Holmes Chapel Road,Sproston CW4 7LP by appointment Contactless cardpayments exceptedDan the Van Ltd T/A Practical Car & Van Rental Holmes Chapel & Middlewich01477 549444Dan the Van has been helping the people of Holmes Chapel with Man & Van services for 16 years - and now working with Practical to offer you self-drive hire as well.Self-drive Hire Van Rentalin Holmes ChapelMercury Roof Conversions Ltd.www.conservatoryroofconversions.com01477 500977 / 07519 891394email: mercurywarmroof@gmail.comConservatory too COLD in WINTER?(and too HOT in SUMMER?)We can replace your old conservatory roof with an attractive new fully insulated, tiled and plastered roof, pre-fabricated in our production facility to enable speedy on-site installation.An improvement that reallycan add value to your home!• Building regulations compliant• Vaulted roof shape retained• Improves U-value to 0.15 wmk• Reduces noise and glareWe are a family-run company with 30+ years combined experience inconservatories & roof conversions. Contact us today for your free, no obligation quotation:1212www.unlimitedcarpetsandooring.co.uk

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64Families are helping the younger generation with nancial assistance to buy their rst home or to rehouse after a relationship breakdown or divorce.At Evolve Family Law we have seen an increase in inquiries for prenuptial agreements to protect family gifts. Often the initial enquiry is from the person contemplating gifting all or part of a house deposit to a family member.The surge in requests for prenuptial and relationship agreements led to our family solicitors’ interest in understanding the statistics behind the rise in popularity of prenuptial agreements for engaged couples and cohabitation agreements for unmarried families.Legal & General has carried out the latest research on family gifting. Their statistics are both revealing and eyewatering. The stats also help explain the interest in prenuptial and relationship agreements to protect gifts from family members.The bottom-line gures are:• 57% of mortgaged buyers buying a rst home in 2020 received nancial help Let’s talk legal...ByEvolve Family Lawfrom their parents or family members. This percentage is likely to have risen with the end of the Help to Buy Scheme• Family nancial assistance with home buying is expected to rise to over 9bn in 2024, a rise of over 1bn from the 2023 gure of 8.1bn and a doubling of the gures from ve years ago• 335,000 property purchases went ahead with the help of a family loan• Of those 335,000 properties, 61% were partially funded by the bank of Mum and Dad, 12.5% by grandparents and over 26% by family members and friends• The average contribution to home buying is expected to increase to nearly £30,000 by 2026 With those statistics, it isn’t surprising that 20 to 30 year olds and their families are asking for a prenuptial agreement or cohabitation agreement alongside a property purchase to protect generously provided family money from being shared with an ex-partner if the relationship breaks down.Without the safeguard of an agreement, you could lose half the family gift (or more if you are married) if you split from your partner.You may question whether it is worth protecting a family gift of say £5,000 to £20,000 because of the cost and hassle of signing an agreement. However, the time involved and the costs are modest compared to the expense of a court dispute if there is no paperwork and only a verbal agreement about what will happen to the deposit contribution if the relationship breaks down. Also, your agreement can ringfence the percentage of the deposit provided by the family so if house prices continue to increase your agreement could protect a sizeable chunk of the equity in the property.Our friendly family solicitors are here to provide you with a relatively simple solution that meets the need for nancial help with a property purchase but provides you and gifting family members with the reassurance that family money is protected.

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66HassallLandscapesComplete Design & Build ServiceDriveways, Patios & WallingPorcelain and Indian stone specialists Fencing & TurfingGardening LightingBespoke outside structuresPergolas & outside kitchensCall for a free, noobligation quoteMobile07791 554429Carpets, Vinyl, Laminate, Solid Wood & Tiles Free Door TrimmingMIDDLEWICHCARPETS & FLOORINGMIDDLEWICHCARPETS & FLOORINGWe have you coveredHightown, Middlewich | T: 01606 834627Find us on Facebook• One of Cheshire’s longest-established independent carpet and ﬂooring retailers.• Straightforward, all-inclusive pricing.• Flooring installed by the owner, who has over 25 years of experience.• We supply ﬂooring directly from leading manufacturers.• Free measuring service included.• Home selection service available if you can’t come to us.• Guaranteed to be cheaper than all national and independent outlets (on like-for-like products, terms and conditions apply).DID YOU KNOW?OUR COUNTER IS OPEN TO TRADE & PUBLICLocal & trusted advice for all plumbing supplies, with 1000’s of products available for same day and next day collection.01606 212 232rokplumbingsupplies.co.ukFind us at Unit 4, Midbrook Way, Middlewich CW10 0GROpen Monday to Saturday

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68Right, let’s get the simple thing out of the way rst. There are still far too many car parking problems at the Health Centre. Yet again doctors have been stopped from leaving when they need to, and other NHS vehicles have been unable to get unfettered access to the surgery. If it doesn’t improve, one of the solutions is to stop patient parking in its entirety. Please please please only park in designated patient bays. Just because another vehicle is parked randomly does not mean you can.Now, readers of the Villagers Mag may or may not be aware that following a national ballot of GP’s last month, the BMA (British Medical Association) Patient Participation Group Rich JepsonHolmes Chapel Health Centre PPGadvised GP’s that they should push back on current proposals in funding reductions from central government. This advice has been handed down in several forms, but the most signicant direct eect is that the BMA are advising GPs to limit patient contacts (ie appointments in all forms, face to face, telephone etc) to no more than 25 per day per G P.As you would expect, our Health Centre here in Holmes Chapel operates at a signicantly higher level than this gure of 25 contacts per day per GP. Having to make what is an immensely tough decision for the surgery, Dr Tate and the team have decided to take on board the BMA advice to reduce the number of same day appointments, but have only done so by 3 per day per GP working that day. There is still a signicant amount of admin that means realistically our GP’s are working above this gure of 25 per day but it does show that whilst they take the advice, they believe our patient care is still the most important issue.What this means in reality, is that the triage system will reach capacity a little earlier each day than previously. Normally, and under typical circumstances Accurx rarely reaches capacity each day and so we shouldn’t see much change at the moment. As always, once capacity is reached then patients will be referred to NHS 111 for onward care. The GPs have also acted on the advice of the BMA to not use a number of templates and processes introduced by hospitals (to save them time but generates work in General Practice!), such as not following the Advice and Guidance process and referral templates. Please be assured that all referrals will still be completed but will be in the form of a letter.Both the PPG and the Health Centre are in full agreement that this is a situation where we and you, as patients, need to channel our frustrations into contacting our new MP and make our opinions count in an attempt to change the current way that central government is thinking regarding these funding cuts to primary care.Why? As it stands currently, 90% of patient contact is with Primary Care, (GP’s etc), yet a miniscule 8% of NHS budget goes into this part of the NHS whilst 92% of the budget goes to Secondary Care (Hospitals). By slightly reducing the number of same day appointments available each day it is a collective action by GP’s aimed at encouraging central government to re-think the current funding strategy. We can help by channelling our frustration and contacting our new MP to help focus her mind on this key matter. She can be contacted by email on: sarah.russell.mp@parliament.uk Below is a link to the fuller documentation regarding the BMA advice etc to this email should anyone wish to read a bit more about why these decisions have been made. www.bma.org.uk/our-campaigns/gp-campaigns/patients/gps-are-on-your-side

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This will have a negative impacton their secondary education andfuture life chances.One in four children leaveprimary school unable to readto the expected standard. VolunteersNeeded!To find out more about Schoolreaders please visitwww.schoolreaders.orgIf you can spare just an hour a week to listen to childrenread, you can help to changetheir life-story.Schoolreaders CIO Registered Charity Number: 1159157. Registered in England and WalesVolunteers are asked to listen tochildren read once a week in termtime and to commit to a fullacademic year, though of courseholidays and weeks off on occasionare no issue. If you have some time to spare, agood grasp of written English, and ifyou enjoy spending time withchildren, you could become aSchoolreader.Children’s literacy charitySchoolreaders is recruiting volunteersacross England to listen to childrenread in primary schools.We are currently looking for volunteersin Holmes Chapel, so do get in touch tolearn more. We hope you will join us.

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70Twemlow Lane, Twemlow CW4 8GJTEL: 01477 531594 / 07836 768306www.theoldfueldepot.comModern Offices in a Rural SettingMeeting Room HireHigh Speed Internet at 1GbpsCar Parking & EV ChargingThe Old Fuel Depot has been part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.OfferOfferSUMMER BOILER£1999supplied& ﬁttedSupplied by local trusted ﬁrm Gas SurePlumbing & HeatingBoiler supplied Worcester Greenstar1000 Combi BoilerCall Sean on07766 566 442Subject toT’s & C’sIncludin surveyProudly serving the residents of for over 30 yearsFully insured · 30 years experience · Natural Gas and LPGWe can do all types of plumbing work including RepairsGas cookers · Bathroom’s ﬁtted · Landlord safety checkswww.gassure.ukYour Local Independent Funeral Directors who have been establishedfor over 50 years.Providing Traditional and Modern Services with all Faiths being cared for.Experienced, helpful and caring sta and services benecial in your time of need.As well as the Funeral Service, we provide Memorial Stone Services for new headstones, name additions and refurbishment of existing memorials.Peter Forshaw Funeral Service, 4 The Square, London Road,Holmes Chapel, CW4 7ABTelephone: 01477 532000E-mail: enquiries@peterforshawfuneralservices.co.ukwww. peterforshawfuneralservices.co.uk

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72Have you ever felt the frustrating sensation of a clogged ear, where sounds seem distant and mued? This could be due to excessive ear wax build-up. While ear wax, or cerumen, is vital for protecting your ears from dirt and debris, too much of it can lead to discomfort and hearing issues. Thankfully, microsuction ear wax removal oers a quick, safe, and painless solution. Here’s a concise guide to what this procedure involves, its benets, and tips for maintaining optimal ear health.Ear wax serves as a natural defence, trapping dirt, dust, and small insects to prevent them from reaching the eardrum. It also has antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of infections. However, certain factors can cause an excess of ear wax, leading it to harden and block the ear canal. Common causes include overproduction of wax, frequent use of earplugs or hearing aids, and using cotton buds, which is not recommended.Symptoms of ear wax build-up include a sense of fullness in the ear, reduced hearing, ear pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and even dizziness. To prevent these issues, avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into the ear canal, as they can push wax deeper. Instead, maintain good ear hygiene by letting your ears clean themselves naturally or using ear drops to soften the wax when necessary. Microsuction is a preferred method for removing excess ear wax due to its non-invasive, pain-free nature. This procedure uses a gentle suction device to remove wax without introducing water into the ear canal, unlike traditional ear syringing. This makes it a safer and more comfortable option, particularly for Microsuction Ear Wax Removal byCheshire Earsthose with sensitive ears or a history of ear problems such as infections or perforated eardrums.A key advantage of microsuction is its precision. The procedure is performed under direct visualisation using an otoscope or a microscope, allowing the healthcare professional to navigate the ear canal carefully and remove the wax without disturbing delicate structures. This precision makes microsuction ideal for anyone prone to ear issues or those who prefer a controlled approach to ear care.Here’s a brief overview of the microsuction procedure:1. Before your appointment, you may be advised to soften the ear wax, making it easier to remove.2. The healthcare professional will examine your ear with an otoscope or microscope to assess the wax buildup and determine the best approach.3. A small, sterile tube connected to a suction device is carefully inserted into the ear canal. The professional gently removes the wax while viewing the area through the microscope, ensuring no damage to the ear’s delicate structures.4. After the wax is removed, the professional re-examines the ear to ensure the canal is clear.5. You’ll receive aftercare instructions, such as keeping the ear dry and clean, to ensure a smooth recovery.If you’re experiencing symptoms like ear pain, hearing loss, or persistent discomfort, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before attempting any treatment. While microsuction is a safe and eective method for wax removal, your doctor can determine whether it’s the right option for you or if another underlying condition might be contributing to your symptoms. Early consultation ensures that you receive the appropriate care and avoid potential complications.Maintaining healthy ears is straightforward with a few mindful practices. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears—they often do more harm than good. Let your ears naturally expel wax, or use ear drops to soften it. Protect your ears from loud noises, and if you swim regularly, dry your ears thoroughly afterwards to prevent infections. Lastly, consider regular check-ups with a healthcare professional to keep your ear health in check.Microsuction ear wax removal oers a safe, eective, and comfortable solution to ear wax build-up, allowing you to enjoy clear hearing and optimal ear health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of ear wax blockage, don’t hesitate to seek out this modern procedure—it could make all the dierence.

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Open฀Monday฀to฀Friday฀9.00฀–฀5.00฀and฀Saturday฀9.00฀–฀4.00฀฀www.thestoveyard.com฀There’s฀nothing฀like฀living฀ﬂame฀from฀a฀wood฀burning฀stove฀for฀฀warming฀the฀bones฀when฀it’s฀cold฀and฀there’s฀nothing฀like฀cooking฀฀outdoors฀with฀wood฀for฀that฀unique฀wood฀ﬁred฀ﬂavour,฀especially฀when฀the฀sun฀is฀shining.฀Even฀better฀when฀you’ve฀made฀a฀big฀saving฀at฀Cheshire’s฀biggest฀stove฀dealer.฀Check฀us฀out฀for฀great฀deals฀and฀a฀huge฀choice฀of฀the฀very฀best฀in฀stoves฀and฀outdoor฀cooking.BIG฀GREEN฀EGGS฀AND฀MOREGOZNEY฀OUTDOOR฀PIZZA฀OVENSHUGE฀DISPLAY฀OF฀DESIGNER฀STOVESUNIT฀5฀฀HOLMES฀CHAPEL฀BUSINESS฀PARK฀฀MANOR฀LANE฀฀HOLMES฀CHAPEL฀฀CHESHIRE฀CW4฀8AFWOOD฀BURNING฀STOVES฀•฀BARBECUES฀•฀PIZZA฀OVENS฀•฀GRILLS฀The Stove YardEstablished฀2005Winter Warmers and Summer Sizzlers DUNSLEY฀ALL-BRITISH฀STOVES

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74THE MILK SHACK@ HALTON FARMSMade with Le at Halt Fms xscan meto find usfresh raw & pasteurised milk, buer, milkshakes, cheeses, local produce, coffee, merchandise & much more...chance ha farm, chance ha lane, cw1212 44tl. open every day from 4.304.30am until 99pm DOMESTIC · COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL REWIRES · NEW INSTALLSINSPECTION & TESTINGCCTV · SMART HOME INTEGRATIONFULLY INSUREDLocal family business oering consultation for indoor & outdoor electrical projects. Working with you every step of the process until completion.FULLY APPROVED ELECTRICIANFullyWiredCheshire07989 174875info@fully-wired.co.ukApprovedVeg boxes delivered to youFresh, local produceAll produce sourced from Cheshireand surrounding counties. Fruit, veg, bread, juice, eggs, jamsand honey all available. Tailor your order weekly to choosethe fruit and veg you love. Starting from £15 per box includingdelivery. 25%off your first veg box with code ‘FIRST25’www.theveground.co.uk

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76How to create the perfect home for potential buyers.When it comes to selling your home, rst impressions truly do matter. The little things can make a huge dierence, turning your home into a space that captures the imagination of prospective buyers. Here’s ten tips to ensure your home shines during viewings.1. Enhance the Kerb AppealThe exterior of your home is the rst thing a buyer will notice. Clean windows and a fresh doormat can create a welcoming entrance. A neat, well-maintained exterior can set the tone, making buyers feel positive even before stepping inside.2. Cleanliness is KeyA deep clean is essential. Buyers tend to notice every detail, including areas you might typically overlook, like ceiling corners or behind doors. To leave a lasting positive impression, make sure every surface gleams. No one wants to walk into a room and be distracted by dust or cobwebs.3. Handle Minor RepairsSmall maintenance issues can make a buyer think there are bigger problems lurking. Take time to go through your home and x those minor annoyances—replace burnt-out light bulbs, tighten any loose handles, and check for any other small repairs that may be needed. A home that looks well cared for is far more appealing.4. Pet-Proof Your SpaceAs much as we love our pets, not all buyers share that aection. Before any viewing, it’s a good idea to groom your pet and wash their bedding. A fresh, neutral scent in your home will be much Property tips...By Debbie,Latham Estatesmore inviting and help avoid any distractions related to lingering pet odours.5. Declutter and Simplify A cluttered space can make a home feel smaller and less inviting. Make an eort to declutter each room, especially storage spaces like wardrobes and cupboards. It’s important to create an atmosphere where potential buyers can envision their belongings tting perfectly. Consider storing away bulky or personal items temporarily to open up your space.6. Preserve the Character While decluttering, be mindful not to strip away your home’s character. A few well-chosen items, such as colourful cushions or unique art pieces, can help add personality. It’s important to maintain a balance between stylishness and simplicity, allowing the home’s charm to shine through.7. Set the StageHelp buyers imagine themselves living in your home by creating a welcoming atmosphere. Simple touches, like fresh owers, can make a signicant impact. Fresh air also adds to the ambiance, so consider opening windows before a viewing to refresh the space.8. Bathroom Touches The bathroom should be spotless and inviting. Pay particular attention to removing any lime scale from the shower, as buyers often test the water pressure. This small detail can make a big impression.9. Showcase Potential If your home oers the possibility of creating extra space, such as through an attic conversion or extending a room, be sure to highlight those options. Buyers often appreciate knowing how they can grow into a space over time.10. A Well-Maintained Garden A tidy garden can be a major selling point. Mow the lawn, trim back any overgrown plants, and add some bright owers. Simple outdoor touches can transform your garden into a desirable extension of your home, giving buyers the impression of extra living space.By paying attention to these details, you’ll be able to present your home in the best possible light and help potential buyers see its full potential.At Latham Estates our team provides advice and support throughout the buying and selling process, to help your move go as smoothly as possible. Call to book your Free No Obligation Market Appraisal 01477 533111

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78Call Alan Lewis for your FREE no obligation quotation:01477 533 667 or 07970 806 451safeclean32@aol.comBased inHOLMESCHAPELYOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST CLEANING & RESTORATION SERVICEwww.tileandstonemedic.co.ukWe use safe, natural & eﬀective products to clean your soft furnishings & hard surfaces in your home & commercial premisesCarpet, upholstery, leather, curtains & rugs. Stain protection treatments. Spot, stain & odour removal.TILE, STONE & GROUT CLEANING & RE-SEALING Marble • Limestone • Travertine • PorcelainKarndean • Amtico • Quarry • Slate • VictorianPatio and Driveway cleaningTarmac Renovation Your Local, Professional Printing Service in Holmes Chapel ● Business & Retail Service ● Leaflets, Posters, Banners ● Booklets, Cards & more... ● Photocopying & Binding 5 Church Walk, Holmes Chapel CW4 7AZ Tel: 01477 549682 www.theprintroomcw4.co.uk THE PRINT ROOM We bring expertise & workto NHBC standards, locally servingthe Holmes Chapel area.PROFESSIONALBUILDING SERVICESNEW BUILDEXTENSIONSCOMPLETE HOMERENOVATIONSBATHROOMSKITCHENSPLASTERINGJOINERYELECTRICALPLUMBINGTILINGROOFINGGUTTERINGAll your building needs in one placeCall Andy on: 07539 959606andymacker@mail.com

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We use safe, natural & eﬀective products to in your home & commercial premisesCarpet, upholstery, leather, curtains & rugs. Stain protection treatments. Spot, stain & odour removal. Marble • Limestone • Travertine • PorcelainPatio and Driveway cleaningTarmac Renovation ● ●●● THE PRINT ROOM Plumley Moor Road, Plumley, Cheshire, WA16 9SD | Tel: 01565 722315 www.visitplumleys.co.uk | info@visitplumleys.co.uk Garden | Gi | Coee Shop @Plumleys @plumleyscafe visit.plumleys Situated just outside the market town of Knutsford, Plumleys is a family owned and run plant and garden centre. We oer plenty of ideas and inspiraon to help you get the most from your garden, whatever me of year. We have a well stocked garden shop oering all you need to keep your garden in p top condion from the brand leaders in garden products. In our lovely new gi shop we have plenty of gi ideas for family and friends, be they gardeners or not. Our Cafe is parcularly popular, serving hearty homemade food in relaxed comfortable surroundings. Enjoy brunch, lunch or our homemade cakes and bakes in front of wood burning stoves on inclement days or outside on our lovely sun terrace when the weather is a lile kinder.

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AccountingBruce Marshall & Co 19TCS Management 78Aerials, Satellite, TV & InternetH&D Satellite & Aerial Services 36Blinds, Curtains & Soft FurnishingsBlinds 2000 57Buildings, Maintenance & DevelopmentAdvanced Rooine Cheshire 46Alcou 12ASH PM 39Brereton Driveways 32Cheshire Roong Contractors 33Holmes Chapel Roong Services 6Mercury Roof Conversions 62MS Construction & Landscaping 28Prestige Roong Cheshire 16, 17Under One Roof 78Carpentry & Handyman ServicesCedar & Oak 62Handy Andy 38SB Carpentry and Framing 81Carpets & Flooring FittersHolmes Chapel Carpets & Flooring 7Middlewich Carpets & Flooring 66Unlimited Carpets & Flooring 63CleaningClear Gutter Cleaning Cheshire 9Cranmer's of Cheshire 12Safeclean 78Community, Education, Classes & ClubsHolmes Chapel Comprehensive 67Holmes Chapel Parish Council 40Crafts, Gifts & RetailLowes Farm 20Plumley Garden Centre 79Sam Dale & Son 24Spark Lane Nurseries 8The Shoptting Shop 81Decorators & Interior DesignInside and out 36Electrical Retailers & RepairBryan's Domestic Appliance Services 81ElectriciansFully Wired 74Estate Agents & PropertyHolly House Estate 46Latham Estates 61McCarthy Stone 71The Old Fuel Depot 70EventsClonter 31Holmes Chapel Scouts Group 15Middlewich Round Table 47Vic Club 75Fireplaces, Stoves & Chimney SweepStove Yard UK 73FloristBloom Florist 50Food & DrinkBeer Emporium Bottle Bank 58, 59Bidlea Dairy 80George & Dragon 38Halton Farms The Milk Shack 74The Veg Round 74Funeral ServicesPeter Forshaw Funeral Service 70Furniture & Home DecorationsTop Secret Furniture 5Webb House 11Garages, Sheds & Garden BuildingsGarolla 50GardeningAlan Bethell 2Andy Garden Maintenance 80Andy Garden Maintenance 24Anything for the garden 28Carbutts Turf 38Hassall Landscapes 66OJT Tree Services 29RSC 12Sandbach Mowers & Repairs 6Hair & BeautyAmie Faith Aesthetics 1TRYM 8Health & FitnessCheshire Ears 84Jodie McLean - Bowen Therapy 8JWC Health & Fitness 65Kats Studio 25Love Light Healing 54Revolve 41 Slimming World Cranage 24Jewellery DesignerBespoke by Baskerville 55Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsHowdens Holmes Chapel 49M6 Bed Warehouse 23ROK Plumbing Supplies 66Legal & Financial ServicesDane Valley Financial services 27Evolve Family Law 51HWIFM 53JP Goldman 21PK Finance 83Thorneycroft Solicitors 37LocksmithsLockforce Mid & South Cheshire 50Motoring, MOT & Vehicle SalesAutoLink Motor Repair Services 28Dan The Van 62HC MOT & Services 3Hopley Tyres 13Newtons MOT & Service Centre 42, 43Opticians & Hearing AidsCongleton Hearing Centre 20PetsGoostrey Lane Vets 54Plumbing, Heating & Boiler ServicesGas Sure 70Plumbing Plus 32Rightio 80PrintersThe Print Room 78Removal Services & Household ClearanceMonster Junk 77Residential Accommodation & CareDaski 77Sewing, Dressmaking & AlterationsSew Something 54Windows, Doors & ConservatoriesCloudy2Clear 36Holmes Chapel Windows & Rooine 77All adverts are printed in good faith. Whilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, the publishers also accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements and opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers, for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisements for the contents of the advert the services provided by the advertisers or for any errors or omissions in either the editorials or the advertisement published.01477 518 252 | thevillagesmag.com | Remember to tell our advertisers you found them in The Villages MagQuick ReferenceRemember to tell our advertisers you found them in The Villages Mag!