Queens Park Crewe September 2019

Queen tribute band ‘QE2’

Reporter Jonathan White
Queen tribute band ‘QE2’ will perform a fund-raising concert at Studio Nantwich on Castle Street in Nantwich on Friday 11th October 2019 (doors open 8:30pm). Over 18s only event. Admission is FREE with donations to Macmillan Cancer Support.
‘QE2’ have over 20 years’ experience and aim to accurately recreate the style and excitement of a Queen concert.
There will also be an after-party downstairs in the Retro room until 3am.
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich, said, “QE2 were a huge success when they appeared on The Bank Stage at The Nantwich Jazz Blues & Music Festival at Easter earlier this year. We were inundated with requests to get them back at next year’s Festival, so we have already booked them for Good Friday 2020. The band have also managed to squeeze us another date and will play onstage at Studio Nantwich on Friday 11th October. The show in April blew everyone away, as the sheer energy and enthusiasm of the band is incredible. It’s a FREE show yet again with donations on the door welcome to Macmillan Cancer Support - a charity close to us all.”
For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/StudioLiveNantwich/

'The Pride of the Lionesses:

Reporter Jonathan White
Carrie Dunn will launch her new book 'The Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England’ at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich on Friday 11th October 2019 (doors open 6:30pm, talk starts at 7pm).
Carrie is also author of ‘The Roar of the Lionesses: Women's Football in England’ - named one of The Guardian's best sports books of 2016 - and ‘Pride’ continues to look at the progress of women's football in England. It asks the question if England women's football is actually growing from top to bottom, or is it just another slick PR campaign?
Carrie is a freelance journalist, who writes primarily about sport. She has covered the last two Women's World Cups (football) for The Times, Goal.com, Eurosport.com, and regularly features on BBC radio discussing and commentating on women’s football. She has also covered events from the Olympics to the Ashes.
Tickets are £7.50pp and include our delicious snacks and £2.50 discount upon book purchase on the night.
Denise Lawson from the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge said, “As a mum to cricketing and rugby playing girls we are really excited to meet Carrie. Do please get your tickets early to avoid missing out.”
Other author events in the near future at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge:
-Friday 18th October, local author Noel K Hannan will be at the bookshop. He is best known as a graphic novelist, who cut his teeth on Night Of the Living Dead, Air Warriors and Weird West.
-Friday 1st November, Co-Authors Eduardo Albert and Paul Gething will be visiting Nantwich to talk about their excellent book 'Warrior'. It is a classic book of British History, a landmark of popular archaeology, and a must read for anyone interested in the story of where we have come from.
-Friday 8th November, we are delighted to welcome Cheese Monger, Ned Palmer, (who was at the Nantwich Cheese Show recently) to the Bookshop.  He will be telling us about his book 'A Cheese Monger's History of the British Isles'.
-Friday 15th November, Local author Anne Draper will come and talk about her book 'Audlem Remembers'.  This book is an attempt to tell the stories of the 41 men from Audlem who lost their lives in WWI, and the sacrifice they made.
For further information please contact Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge via phone: 01270 611665, email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk , or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NantwichBookshopCoffeeshop/

Popular skate ramp is reinstalled at King George V playing fields in Crewe

Cheshire East Council has reinstalled a popular skate ramp at King George V Playing Fields in Crewe.
The previous skate ramp was part of a larger facility on the site and was a heavily- used piece of equipment. This was reluctantly removed in May this year, due to being in a state beyond repair, which gave safety concerns.
The much-missed equipment was replaced with a new ramp which was installed on 19 September. Funding was secured from a government grant.
Councillor Brian Roberts, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for green spaces, said: “This is fantastic news for the younger residents in Crewe, who have missed this popular facility. The skate park encourages a healthy lifestyle and allows children to let off some steam with their skateboards or scooters in a safe environment away from road users.”
The skate park is part of a larger outdoor complex on the edge of Crewe, which includes the King George V Playing Fields, Queens Park and the Tipkinder BMX facilities.

Seahorse remembers Volunteer Mick

Seahorse Swimming Club, for people with disabilities, recently held a fun swimming session followed with a disco at the Lifestyle Centre to remember Michael Roberts (Mick), one of Club's long serving volunteers, who passed away in December 2018 aged 74 years. Mick started volunteering at the Club in 1965 as a helper in the pool. He took on various roles within the Club, including as Chairman and as a poolside supervisor.
Mick spent most of his working life as a railwayman, starting as an engine cleaner, and then becoming a fireman, before advancing to become an engine driver. As well as volunteering at Seahorse, Mick gave up his time to support the railway charity to help railway veterans. He'd also helped out in a voluntary capacity at the Emmie Dixon Centre, a residential home for people with learning and physical disabilities, and was also a member of the Crewe Male Voice Choir. In 1996, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community and during 2003/03 he served as the Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich.
“Mick loved spending his time at Seahorse, where he always encouraged the swimmers to try their best, while having fun at the same time. He would have been over the moon knowing that everyone was having a great time as a way of remembering him. It was also pleasing that Mick’s wife Ann and his daughter Diane joined Seahorse members at the Lifestyle Centre to remember him.” – Gareth Roberts, Secretary.

Wheels of War: Past & Present

Reporter Jonathan White
The annual 'Wheels of War: Past & Present' military vehicle show took place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2019 at Crewe Heritage Centre on Vernon Way in Crewe.
The show featured military vehicle displays including a replica V-1 flying bomb, trade stalls, model displays, and a tombola.
There was musical entertainment on Saturday daytime from vintage vocalist Ruth Washington and on Sunday daytime from the South Cheshire George Formby Ukulele Society.
On the Saturday night a 1940's themed big band dance party took place in the Centre’s Exhibition Hall with live music from the 22-piece Wychcraft Big Band.
Numerous people wore 1940’s clothing over the weekend with this year being the 75th of anniversary of D-Day.
Crewe Heritage Centre was open to visitors including its three signal boxes, the Advanced Passenger Train, model railway displays and layouts, static locomotive displays and miniature railway rides http://creweheritagecentre.org/ .
The event was organised by Crewe & District Military Vehicle Club in support of Help for Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ .
Crewe & District Military Vehicle Club meet on the last Tuesday evening of each month at Hops Belgium Bar in Crewe. New members are always welcome. For further information please visit http://www.cdmvc.co.uk/

Community Duck Race

Reporter Jonathan White
The 24th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’ took place on Saturday 7th September 2019, at the Joey the Swan Recreation ground in Wistaston.
The event was organised by members of the Wistaston Community Council.
The event was officially opened by guest of honour Wistaston Rose Queen (Charlotte Shaw).
A record 74 model boats were entered into the Children's Model Boat Race and 825 plastic duck race tickets (£1 each) were sold and entered into the Duck Race.
Proceeds will go to the funds of Wistaston Community Council, Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, and several local charities.
There were also 12 stalls featuring local charities and organisations, selling an assortment of goods or advertising their activities. Wistaston Rose Queen, Charlotte Shaw, also setup and staffed a stall to raise money and awareness of her chosen charity this year which is Parkinson’s UK and the local Crewe & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Refreshments were available from the 26th South West Cheshire (1st Willaston) Scout Group and other outlets.
Several hundred people attended the event, which took place in warm sunshine.
Here are the results in full:
Children's Model Boat Race (74 model boats entered):
a) Best designed children's model boat (judged by Wistaston Rose Queen, Charlotte Shaw):
1st – ‘The Bubbler’ by Abigail Poulter who won £10 and a trophy.
2nd place – ‘Lest we forget’.
3rd place – ‘Rainbow Blaze’ by Poppy Edge.
b) Children's Model Boat Race:
1st - ‘Smokey Jones’ by Louis Phipps who won £10, plus a trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE.
2nd place - ‘Theo’s Boat’ by Theo Jones who won £8.
3rd place – ‘Rainbow Blaze’ by Poppy Edge who won £6.
Poppy Edge, aged 5 from Wistaston, won prizes in both events.
Duck Race (825 tickets sold):
1st – No.143 – Anne & Nick Garner who won £100, plus a trophy donated by Les Fothergill, a past Wistonian of the Year.
2nd – No.613 – Star Rowlands - £50.
3rd – No.533 – Stephanie Burley - £25.
There was an enthusiastic commentary on both races by Dane Chaplow (Chairman, Wistaston Community Council) with ongoing excitement and incident around every corner as ducks and boats bobbed and weaved along the obstacle course.
A representative from Wistaston Community Council said, “We thank all the visitors and volunteers for making the event such a quacking success.”

Wheels of War: Past & Present

Reporter Jonathan White
The annual classic military vehicle show - ‘Wheels of War: Past & Present’ - rolls back into town on the Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September 2019 at Crewe Heritage Centre on Vernon Way in Crewe.
Saturday and Sunday (10am and 5pm) will see the Crewe Heritage Centre filled with vintage, classic & modern day military vehicles, WWII period model displays and dioramas along with mini working steam engines, rail carriages and working shunt engines.  There will also be local trade and memorabilia stands and even a George Formby ukulele band and vintage singer over the weekend.  On top of all this, there will be the usual onsite attractions that are waiting to be discovered at the Heritage Centre.  The weekend is being held to raise funds for the clubs nominated charity, Help for Heroes.
Due to the great success of last year’s event with thousands of visitors coming to the show, Crewe & District Military Vehicle Club (CDMVC) along with Crewe Heritage Centre will once again hold the event over two days and hold the annual 1940’s Big Band Dance on Saturday evening.  The Dance will replicate a 1940’s wartime atmosphere and guests are encouraged to dig out the vintage clothing to complete the theme.  Entertainment will be provided thanks to the Wychcraft Big Band, a 20 piece orchestra who emulate traditional big bands, and locally based Toms Tap and Brewhouse will be assisting with the Bar Service for what promises to be a memorable evening. The themed evening will also include a meal as part of this year’s ticket price.
Phillip Podmore, one of the founder members of CDMVC, said, “Since the first Wheels of War Show in 2009, thanks to the volunteers and vehicle enthusiasts, the event has attracted more and more people each year.  We are thrilled to continue our support to the Help for Heroes charity and hold a great event in Crewe.”
Tickets for the daytime Wheels of War Show can be bought on the gate at the Crewe Heritage Centre at £3.50 Adults, Children and Concessions £2 and a Family Ticket is £10.00. For further information please search CDMVC on Facebook, or visit https://www.cdmvc.co.uk/ .
If you would like to head back to the 1940s and take part in the Dance on Saturday 14th, tickets are still available at £15 per seat (inc meal) and can be purchased on the clubs website https://www.cdmvc.co.uk/ .

A green light on HS2

A green light on HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail is ‘critical to the long term success of the UK and all its parts’, says new campaign backed by business and political leaders

Business and political leaders from the North have today joined together to launch Connecting Britain, a campaign to speak with one, united voice and underline the importance of the full delivery of both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) for communities throughout the North of England. This follows the Government announcement of an independent review of HS2.

Coinciding with the HS2 Economic Growth Conference taking place today and tomorrow in Leeds, the campaign says that the North is overdue major investment into transport infrastructure – and a lack of investment is holding productivity back.

Connecting Britain argues that transforming connectivity from the Midlands to the North, will help support economic growth, improve productivity, boost jobs and skills, increase prosperity and support a transition to a low-carbon economy.

Launching the campaign, Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council and campaign partner of Connecting Britain said:

“A green light on HS2 and NPR in full would be a clear signal from the government that it recognises that historic underinvestment in strategic transport infrastructure outside London is a trend that must be reversed if all communities are to be levelled-up and regions rebalanced.

“We will work with the government and the Oakervee Review into HS2, to demonstrate the strength of the economic case for the full and timely delivery of HS2 fully integrated with NPR and other complementary infrastructure schemes in the North and Midlands.

“For the North, it’s not either HS2 or NPR, it’s both.”

Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said:

“Through Connecting Britain we are coming together to demonstrate our united support for the delivery of HS2 in full and integrated with Northern Powerhouse Rail as essential to achieving our growth ambitions for the North and the UK as a whole.

“Both HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail are vital to address the poor transport links between cities in the North and Midlands which have acted as a significant break on our economies.”

Chambers of Commerce from across the North, who are backing the campaign, have reiterated the importance of how HS2 and NPR could be for the transformation of the North and its businesses.

In support of the campaign, Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“HS2 and NPR combined will bring huge opportunities to business across the North and indeed the whole of the UK. Together they will free-up labour markets, grow jobs and play a fundamental role in helping deliver our economic potential. If HS2, NPR, or their integration, is scrapped or de-scoped, this opportunity would be put under threat. The UK’s growth potential as well as real investment being made now by businesses in skills and infrastructure to prepare for and make the most of a transformation in connectivity, would be lost.”

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council said:

“We very much recognise the incredible opportunity a confirmed HS2 arrival will have in Cheshire East and across the wider region.  Crewe is at the very heart of this campaign and is a key link between Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 and the West Coast Mainline. HS2 is vital to help unlock the transformational regeneration opportunities and the significant economic benefits to the north, Wales and midlands.

“Local residents across the region will benefit from the increased rail capacity that HS2 provides; taking heavy traffic off our local road network and enabling new improved local rail passenger services.”

Notes to editors

Connecting Britain is a campaign comprising of political and business leaders from across the North.

Key messages

· With a new government in place and a new review of HS2 in progress, political, business and industry leaders are coming together to speak with one, powerful and united voice to ensure there is no doubt about the importance of HS2 and NPR for UK.

· Strategic rail infrastructure is critical to the long-term success of the UK and all of its parts. It is a crucial provider of connectivity, and an enabler of economic growth, productivity, job creation, prosperity and a low-carbon economy.

· HS2 is an essential enabler to complementary rail infrastructure projects throughout the country, including Northern Powerhouse Rail. Without HS2, these projects will not be as effective. With HS2, these projects can be truly transformational.

· Any move to cancel or significantly downgrade HS2, or to reduce its level of integration with NPR, would undermine business confidence and growth, and run directly counter to national policy objectives around skills, infrastructure investment and industrial strategy.

The campaign’s social media information is as follows:

- www.connectingbritain.co.uk

- #ConnectingBritain

- @ConnectBritain

To arrange an interview with a campaign spokesperson, please contact:

Lexington Communications for national interviews: Caitlin De Jode, 07740 359736

Cheshire East Council for local/ Cheshire East based interviews: Lauren Kelly 02170 685733 or lauren.kelly@cheshireeast.gov.uk

For further information on the campaign, please contact Caitlin.deJode@lexcomm.co.uk

The UK’s premier 1980's Electronica tribute band

Reporter Jonathan White
The UK’s premier 1980's Electronica tribute band - 'Electro 80s' - http://www.electro80s.com/ - will perform a fund-raising concert at Studio Nantwich on Castle Street in Nantwich this Friday 13th September 2019 (doors open 8:30pm). Admission is FREE with donations to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Electro 80s will recreate songs from a decade of 80’s music by artists such as Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Soft Cell, The Human League, Ultravox, and Yazoo.
There will also be an after-party downstairs in the Retro room until 3am.
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich, said, "It is always a pleasure to have the Electro 80s boys back - they are undoubtedly the best tribute in the UK to the electronica era, which was also the fantastic decade that I grew up in. ‘80s music is not just enjoyed by people of my age though - it appears to have passed down a generation as their gigs are attended and enjoyed by all ages who sing along and clearly know all the tracks. Admission is completely free but donations are welcomed and every penny donated goes to Macmillan, a great cause as Cancer has affected most of us.”
For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/StudioLiveNantwich/

Council project to help unlock young people’s creative talents

A project has been launched to help unlock the creative talents of Crewe’s young people and inspire them to take up careers in digital and creative industries.

MakoCreate has been commissioned by Cheshire East Council to deliver a three-year project offering young people, who are facing challenging circumstances, opportunities to learn new skills, get hands-on experience and find out about the different routes into creative careers and the roles available.

The programme will cover a whole host of subjects including animation, computer game design, coding, photography, film making, graphic design, drones and audio engineering.

A range of taster sessions will be available as well as longer-term projects, which will allow participants of all abilities to be involved.

The programme is part of the council’s commitment to supporting the Crewe Cultural Strategy, which seeks to support regeneration and put culture and heritage at the heart of a newly invigorated town centre. The strategy prioritises both opportunities for young people and the development of the digital and creative industries.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “The creative digital sector is one of the fastest growing nationally and is a major contributor to the economy in Cheshire East, with Crewe among the top places in the UK for this industry*.

“We know that there are many young people in Crewe who have the talent and potential that this sector is looking for but are also facing challenges in accessing the creative opportunities found within mainstream education.

“Through this programme, we want to help bridge that gap and provide these young people with pathways into work and support them to gain qualifications – helping to unlock their talent and meet the industry demand that’s there.”

The programme is open to young people aged 11 to 25 and builds on the work of Cheshire East Council’s Shift programme, which promotes digital arts and creative technology across the borough and has been running since 2016.

Sean O'Hare, partner at Cheshire-based MakoCreate – an organisation providing engaging and creative training in digital art, multimedia and technology – said: “We are extremely happy to have been commissioned by Cheshire East Council to deliver this programme.

“From our previous work as part of Shift, we have seen that there is a huge appetite for digital-themed programming in Crewe, especially among young people, and we can’t wait to get started.

“We believe that this programme has real potential to increase the number of residents working in creative industries.”

For more information about the project, or if you know someone who would like to be involved, visit: www.makocreate.co.uk email: info@makocreate.co.uk or call: 0151 3451419.

Pride in the Park 2020 event confirmed!

Pride in the Park will be returning to Cheshire East in 2020!

It follows a successful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Crewe in June 2019.

Next year’s event will take place at the gardens of Tatton Park, Knutsford, on Saturday 20 June 2020.

As the third event since its inception, this will be the second time Tatton Park will host this popular and vibrant event.

Once again, Pride in the Park will welcome people from Cheshire East and beyond, offering a whole host of family-friendly entertainment and activities, a vibrant parade and a dedicated marketplace of LGBTQ+ organisations to help offer advice and information for guests.

Ahead of the event, Cheshire East Council is calling on local businesses to rejoice in this opportunity to celebrate our diverse community in Cheshire East - by becoming a sponsor.

As Pride in the Park grows in popularity, and following the thousands of visitors that came to Crewe’s event this summer, sponsoring this event will offer businesses the chance to showcase their support of LGBTQ+ people.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting chief executive at Cheshire East Council, said: “I am delighted that Tatton Park will once again play host to our popular Pride in the Park, it really is a fantastic and beautiful venue for such a large-scale event.

“I have no doubt that visitors will return again for a fantastic day out to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Cheshire East, and I have already saved the date in my diary.”

In future, Pride in the Park will alternate between the set locations of Tatton Park, Knutsford, and Queens Park, Crewe, following previous positive feedback from the event’s locations.

A variety of sponsorship packages are yet to be announced but any interested businesses can email pride@cheshireeast.gov.uk for additional information.

Further updates can also be found at: www.prideinthepark.com

Air Quality Management Area drop-in session at Middlewich

Cheshire East Council is holding a drop-in session in Middlewich tomorrow to enable residents to get further information and share comments about air quality in the Lewin Street area.

The council has undertaken air pollution monitoring at various sites along Lewin Street, in Middlewich, to better understand the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) due to traffic in the area. 

This monitoring data highlights that the levels of NO₂ in the last few years have been above the UK air quality standard. The council has, therefore, to declare an air quality management area (AQMA). 

The drop-in session enables the council to provide information to local residents and listen to any ideas that may help to improve the air quality – and suitable actions may be included in the Cheshire East air quality action plan (AQAP). 

The council would like to receive local residents’ views, comments and any actions considered relevant for the AQAP. These comments can be sent to airquality@cheshireeast.gov.uk before 1 October.

As part of this engagement, a  public drop-in session is being held on Tuesday 10 September 2019 between 3.30pm and 6.30pm at Middlewich Town Hall, where views and comments can be discussed.

To view the Cheshire East AQAP visit:

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/pdf/environment/air-quality/air-quality-action-plan-2018-2023.pdf

Pick a pumpkin or two!

Pick a pumpkin or two at the Farm this Autumn!

It’s possible that the tradition of carving faces into vegetables dates back as far as the Celts, who wanted to light the way for good spirits to visit their homes as part of their autumn celebrations - so they carved vegetables such as turnips and pumpkins and placed a light inside.

The same tradition forms part of the Autumn festivities at Tatton Park this October, as we celebrate pumpkin growing, carving and eating at the Farm!

We have a series of events dedicated to the most famous of autumn squashes, so whether you’re looking to attract good spirits with your pumpkin lanterns or simply find delicious ways to eat them, there’s sure to be something for you!

On Saturday 19 October we’re holding a Pumpkin Supper – a chance to dig in and tuck in! You’ll choose your own pumpkin fresh from the field, then it’s off to our Clydesdale Barn for a delicious three course pumpkin themed menu – and we’ll provide the recipes so that you can recreate the delicious dishes back home.

The cost is £25 per person, including a three course meal, entry to the Farm and Tatton Park. The supper starts at 5pm, and there’s access to the Farm from noon.

We’re also holding a series of ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’ days on 19/20 and 27/28 October, when you can come down to the Farm to choose your perfect pumpkin! Once you’ve picked your favourite, join us for a refreshing pumpkin juice and a yummy pumpkin muffin and learn how to create a warming pumpkin soup – and we’ll provide you with the recipes too so you can make them at home. And of course you’re welcome to take your pumpkin with you ready to carve for Halloween – don’t forget to share your pictures with us!

The events start at 10.45 and cost £12 – children attending must be aged five and above owing to the nature of the cooking activities.

For more information on either event and to book places please call 01625 374 428.

Or for another chance to find the perfect pumpkin, join us on 28-31 October at ‘The Pumpkin Patch’. You can meet all your Farmyard favourites then choose a pumpkin, fresh from the field - so prepare to get your hands dirty! Once you’ve picked your perfect pumpkin, you’re welcome to take it home to carve for Halloween – and we’d love to see your lanterns, so don’t forget to share your pictures with us, and be entered our pumpkin competition!

Numbers are limited, so please visit tattonpark.org.uk to book your place. Pumpkin picking times are 11.30 and 1.30 daily, and prices are £10 per person (includes pumpkin, Farm entry and park entry).

These activities are outdoors, and areas of the farm are cobbled so good footwear is essential!

The Farm at Tatton Park is open from 12pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm).

Find more information at tattonpark.org.uk/autumnadventures

Cheshire East Countryside Rangers Service shortlisted as an Everyday Superhero

Cheshire East Council’s countryside ranger service has been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s everyday superhero awards in the category of active neighbourhood.

The awards, run by Active Cheshire, celebrate the achievements of those who help and inspire their community to develop regular active lifestyle habits. The ranger service has been shortlisted in recognition of their work in encouraging active lifestyles. 

The ranger service aims to develop, enhance and protect countryside sites within Cheshire East, while encouraging and promoting the use of the council’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Rangers manage and care for the many areas countryside including, woodlands, country parks, nature reserves and protected green spaces across the borough, along with many miles of trails.

These include the Gritstone Trail, Tegg’s Nose Country Park above Macclesfield, the Middlewood Way, visitor centres, such as Nelson Pit in Higher Poynton, local nature reserves, including Brereton Heath LNR and sites of special scientific interest, including Dane-in Shaw Pastures, Congleton and Lindow Common, Wilmslow.

The rangers also run a comprehensive programme of special events, country walks and even climbing experiences and outdoor fitness class including pram fit, in addition to an action packed schedule of activities to keep children active and exploring during the school holidays.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that the ranger service has been shortlisted for this prestigious award, giving the opportunity to recognise the outstanding work carried out everyday to keep residents of Cheshire East active and outside, enjoying the beautiful open spaces that we have throughout the borough.

“The rangers are supported by volunteers, who deliver the equivalent of 1,200 days per year and we get around 1.8 million visitors to our sites, including Tatton Park.”

CEO of Active Cheshire, Anne Boyd said “Huge congratulations to all our finalists for this years’ Everyday Superheroes Awards, we have been overwhelmed with volume of incredible nominations from Cheshire and Warrington. The shortlisting process has been extremely difficult and challenging for our judges, filtering through hundreds of applications.”

The Active Cheshire awards take place on 25 September where winners will be announced on the night. For more information visit www.activecheshire.org/events-training/everydaysuperheroesawards/

The rangers run a large number of varied and interesting events throughout the year. For information and to sign up for a monthly email update containing all upcoming Ranger events visits https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/ranger_service/ranger_events/ranger_events.aspx

Plaque unveiled as Sydney Road Bridge officially reopened

Sydney Road Bridge in Crewe has been officially reopened following an £11m project to remove a major traffic ‘pinch point’.

Work to replace the previous arched bridge with a new, wider structure capable of taking two-way traffic began in May last year, as part of Cheshire East Council’s commitment to easing congestion in the town.

The improvement scheme – delivered by Network Rail on behalf of Cheshire East Council – includes a shared cycleway and footway over the bridge, a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing and improved cycle provision along Sydney Road.

Today, Cheshire East councillors, members of the council’s project team and representatives from Network Rail and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership met to unveil a commemorative plaque at the new bridge – marking the official completion of the scheme. 

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The replacement of Sydney Road Bridge has been a hugely important scheme in helping to unlock the northern corridor of Crewe and providing the infrastructure needed to support the delivery of the council’s Local Plan. 

“It is great news that this scheme has been completed and that people and businesses can now feel the benefits.”

Sydney Road Bridge was reopened to traffic at the end of June, with the final minor works completed over the past few weeks.

Cllr Brian Roberts, cabinet member for highways and waste at Cheshire East Council, said: “The removal of the old bridge and installation of the new structure has been an impressive feat of engineering.

“The scheme is not only of huge benefit to motorists but important in helping to promote sustainable travel and enhancing access to key destinations, such as the Bentley factory and Leighton Hospital.”

As part of the demolition process, two circular saws – the blades of which measured around 160cms in diameter – were used to cut the old bridge’s arches into sections.

These were then lifted out by one of the largest cranes in the UK, capable of lifting up to 600 tonnes. Each of the crane’s 14 counterweights weighed 10 tonnes – the equivalent of the average weight of five large cars.

Cllr Roberts added: “We recognise that the works at Sydney Road Bridge have caused disruption to residents and to motorists and we would like to reiterate our thanks to them for their patience and understanding while the scheme has been completed.”

The bridge scheme is part of a package of works in the north of Crewe, which also includes the Crewe Green Roundabout upgrade – completed in November last year.

It was largely financed through the Department for Transport and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) with a £5.85m grant from the Local Growth Fund. A further £4.15m came from developer contributions.

Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: “We’re committed to supporting economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse and rebalancing the economy so that it works for everyone.

“That is why I welcome the £5.85m investment from the Government’s Local Growth Fund to complete this much needed improvement to the road network in Crewe, reducing congestion and providing extra capacity on a key route that will help drive further growth across Cheshire’s thriving economy.”

In building the new bridge, 1,800 tonnes of concrete was used – enough to fill around four three-bedroom houses.

The piling, which provides the stability and strength for the ends of the bridge, goes 24m below ground. This is roughly the same depth as the height of the council’s Delamere House building, in Crewe.

Christine Gaskell CBE, DL, chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The completion of the Sydney Road Bridge upgrade is a major milestone in improving the infrastructure of Crewe as one of the region’s primary economic hubs. 

“This £5.85m from the Local Growth Fund comes on top of three other significant investments the LEP has made in Crewe – including £10m towards the redevelopment of Crewe town centre and the Market Hall – demonstrating our commitment to consistently improving communities for both residents and businesses.”

Thomas Coon, project manager for Network Rail, added: “Our work to rebuild Sydney Road Bridge will provide a reliable and safe crossing of the West Coast Main Line for road users and passengers for many years to come.

“We have worked closely with Cheshire East Council during the project and we are delighted to see the new, wider bridge open to traffic. We’d like to thank passengers, residents and road users for their patience while we carried out this essential work.”

Cheshire East Council offers free blood pressure tests to help residents keep their hearts happy and healthy

Cheshire East Council is offering free blood pressure checks to help residents find out if their heart is happy and healthy.

The move is part of Know Your Numbers! Week - a national campaign running from 9-15 September. During this period the UK’s biggest free blood pressure testing event is held at ‘Pressure Stations’ around the country. The council is working collaboratively for Know Your Numbers! Week with Cheshire Health and Care Partners.

An estimated 21,000 people in Cheshire East unknowingly have high blood pressure. High blood pressure has no obvious symptoms but it is linked to strokes and heart attacks and increases the risk of kidney disease and dementia.

Many key risk factors for developing high blood pressure are largely lifestyle-related, such as eating too much salt, not enough fruit and vegetables, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol and not taking enough exercise. High blood pressure is also more likely as you get older, if it runs in your family and if you are of African, Caribbean or South-Asian descent.

During the awareness week, local residents have the opportunity to access a state-of-the-art, touch-screen health kiosk. This kiosk calculates blood pressure as well as body mass index, body fat, heart rate and heart age. The health kiosk has been secured by the public health team at Cheshire East Council as part of a successful bid to the British Heart Foundation to enable further detection of high blood pressure in the community.

Funding has been secured to keep the kiosk in the borough for 12 months and it will start its journey at Crewe Lifestyle Centre during Know Your Numbers! Week. As part of the bid, staff and volunteers from local connected community centres have also been trained to take blood pressure checks and these will be offered at a local centre near you soon.

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “The message to residents is to get your blood pressure checked and help to keep your heart happy and healthy. High blood pressure is a largely preventable and treatable condition but contributes to the leading causes of death.

Having your blood pressure checked is an important step to knowing and reducing your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.”

Hemini Bharadia, Know Your Numbers! Week campaign manager at Blood Pressure UK, said: “Know Your Numbers! Week is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure taken for free and put you in control of your health.

Make sure to spread the message to the rest of your family too, as high blood pressure does not discriminate by age or gender.”

To find your nearest pressure station online visit www.happy-hearts.co.uk

Many pharmacies across Cheshire East will also be able provide information and advice on simple steps to keep blood pressure under control and will measure your blood pressure accurately. A blood pressure check is quick, free, painless and could save your life. You can also have a free blood pressure check in your GP surgery or use a home testing kit.

You can lower your blood pressure and help to keep your heart happy with lifestyle changes and if necessary by taking medication as directed by your doctor.

Blood Pressure UK’s top five tips for a healthy blood pressure are:

● Cut down on salt. Reducing your salt intake is the quickest way to lower your blood pressure. Don’t add it when cooking or at the table, avoid using stock cubes, gravy and soy sauce. Check food labels and avoid processed foods high in salt – aim to eat less than 6g a day;

● Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. At least five different portions every day;

● Watch your weight. Try to reach the right weight for your height;

● Exercise regularly. That doesn’t have to mean the gym, how about a regular lunchtime walk? 30 minutes five times a week is ideal. If you are unsure about taking up exercise, ask your GP; and

● Drink alcohol in moderation. Up to 14 units a week for both men and women – a glass of wine or a pint of beer is 2-3 units.

Know your numbers! Week is part of a bigger, annual awareness campaign from Blood Pressure UK. This year’s theme is living well for longer. For more information visit http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/Home