No.27 Summer 2014

TheRavenThe quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow

l Village News l Social Events l Parish Council News l Clubs & Societies l School & Church

2Pari

sh C

oun

cil N

ews Your Update on Council Activities

Update on installation of Defibrillators

We have at last installed the cabinet (thanks to PeterNixon) for the second defibrillator and have placed themachine and its equipment (purchased by the ParishCouncil, including paediatric pads!) at the Church Gate.It is not yet connected to the electricity supply at theback of the gate but, that should not alter its effectiveness until cooler times.

In the meantime the Robin Hood is under new management and the new publican, Diane Thomson, is happy to continue hosting the defibrillator, which isstill behind the bar. We have identified a likely site forthe cabinet location, with power supply, for the defibrillator's external home in the near future. The newstaff at the pub and landlady would welcome furtherbriefing in defibrillator use and we have a growing number of people, who missed the initial event, whowould like another workshop on emergency responseprocedures (see the article later in this magazine).

Meanwhile BT has agreed in principle for the telephone box on Mount Pleasant to be used for the thirddefibrillator installation and will pay for its electricity supply for the first 7 years. We will move forward in the next few days to install the Cabinet and Defibrillator pack.

Community Pride Competition

We need lots of HELP! We would ask that everyoneplays their part by taking responsibility for the area outside their house. Please help by picking up litter onthe main road or strimming the verges. Where responsible can residents please cut back any overhanging hedges on footpaths and to give the full width of the footpaths to pedestrians. Can you HELP with: Co-ordinating, keeping public areas tidy, weeding, planting and litter picking etc?TIME Limited? Don't worry we will work around whatever you can offer.

Please contact the Clerk on Tel 01625 850532 or email: parishclerk@rainow.com.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on Tuesday 20th May this year forthe election of Chairman, Vice Chairman and WorkingGroups and Representatives. Councillors John Cantrelland Alan Brett were re-elected as Chairman and ViceChairman respectively for a second year in office.Membership of the Working Groups is shown on theCouncil Website.

KRIV Steering Group

Since July 2010 the steering group, originally chaired byGraham Barrow and now chaired by Ken Butler, continues to ensure the maintenance of the features thathave been restored through the management of a maintenance budget held by Groundwork Cheshire. Thework needed is done to very high standards by the KRIVvolunteers who have gone from strength to strength andwho are becoming more financially independent. Theplan for this maintenance budget was that it would lastuntil June 2015, so one year to go, and through carefulmanagement it is likely that the funds will stretch beyondthis period. Over the next year the steering group, theKRIV volunteers and Groundwork Cheshire will decidehow best to use the funding that remains, to allow the on-going maintenance of the works so that the community and visitors can continue to enjoy and discover this beautiful and historically significant area. For more information please go to www.kriv.org.uk

Co-opted Councillor

We are pleased to announce that Nathan Gabbott hasbeen elected as a Co-opted Councillor. We wish him allthe best.

Parking

The Council would ask all residents to show considerationwhen parking and ensure that they do not obstruct thefootpath or driveways. Please also leave sufficient accessfor wheelchairs, prams and parents with small children.The Council would also ask residents to be careful of theirspeed, driving on Round Meadow and Millers Meadow.Thank you for your continued help in this matter.

Civic Service

The Parish Council invites you to their Civic Service to be held at Holy Trinity Church, Rainow on Sunday 28thSeptember with the service commencing at 10.00 am.You are also welcome to join the Parish Councillors afterwards in a procession to the school hall and jointhem for light refreshments. We would also like to recognise the contributions of a resident to the community at this year's Civic Service. So if you haveany suggestions please contact the Clerk.

Parish Maps and Walks Booklet

The map is an excellent guide to all the footpaths andpublic rights of way in the area. The walks bookletincludes 9 varied walks for the area. The maps cost £1and walks booklet £2. If you would like a copy thenplease contact Cllr Richard Balment.Councillor Carole Harvey and her husband John play their part

Cover photo by Trevor Perry is taken from the path near the old Rising Sun looking towards the village

3

Your Parish Councillors

Rainow 2014/15 Precept

Every year the Parish Council gets its funds from CheshireEast Council who, in turn, get their funds from your Counciltax. This year we have asked for £10,000 which reflects the budgeted expenditure for the coming year.

Below is the un-audited financial statement for 1st April 2013 –31st March 2014.R

Explanation on the financial statement:

The total assets have decreased significantly due to the recommendation of the External Auditor that the value of allfixed assets recorded in the register are measured at costvalue or given a proxy cost if the purchase cost is unknown.Assets are therefore included in the accounts at their historicalcost or given a £1 value.Income – Map sales decreased by £111. Income from theRaven increased by £382.85. Expenses – there was an increase in map sales spend of£1826.78 for printing of the new Walks booklet. There was aslight decrease in the costs of producing Raven newsletter.

Editorial Team for this issue:

Ian Brammer Sheila BrammerJim Kennelly Bob Langstaff Louise Leigh Jane MellingsRaph Murray Rosie Daniels

Design by Mel Wilcox (01625 576182)

Welcome to

TheRavenAndrew Renshaw Memorial Walk

11.30 am - Sunday 12th October

Andrew made a substantial contribution to Rainowas a Parish Councillor, contributor to the Raven andas a sheep and poultry farmer. He was always veryinterested in Rainow and its history and on several

occasions made Big Low, the hill overlookingRainow, available for Cub and Scout group

adventures. As a Raven editor he once suggested acommunity walk over Big Low. Unfortunately he wasunable to complete this due to ill health. However,Claudine has kindly allowed access to Big Low for

the purpose of this Raven community walk. The 3.5mile walk starts and finishes on Smithy Lane at the

rear of the Robin Hood and takes in Big Low,Rainowlow and Kerridge side. The route will be

clearly marked and full details will be included in thenext Raven at the end of September.

There is no entry fee but the Raven editors suggestcontributions could be made on the day to the EastCheshire Hospice, Claudine's nominated charity.

Future Meetings and Dates for your diaryParish Council Meetings 8.00 pm15th July 16th September21st October 18th November 16th December Civic Service - Sunday 28th September 2014Tree Lighting and Carol Service - usually held on the first Sunday in December.

If you have any issues that need raising, contact the Clerk,any member of the Parish Council or just turn up at one ofour meetings.

John Cantrell (Chairman) 422107john.cantrell@rainow.comAlan Brett (Vice Chairman) 576108alan.brett@rainow.comRichard Balment 573625richard.balment@rainow.comKen Butler 433168ken.butler@rainow.comGeoff Cooper 574878geoff.cooper@rainow.comSue Frith 573802sue.frith@rainow.comNathan Gabbott 576655Carole Harvey 573576carole.harvey@rainow.comMary Marsh 573508mary.marsh@rainow.comPat Mellish 574523pat.mellish@rainow.comAlan Taylor 575544alan.taylor@rainow.comClerk: Sarah Giller 850532parishclerk@rainow.comCheshire East Councillor:Hilda Gaddum 01260 252456

Year EndingMarch 2013

Year EndingMarch 2014

Balance Brought Forward £9,623 £10,866

Annual Precept £10,000 £10,000

Total Other Income £5,212 £4,157

Staff Costs £3,789 £4,699

Loan interest/capital repayments - -

Total Other Payments £10,180 £9,899

Balances Carried Forward £10,866 £10,425

Total Cash £10,866 £10,425

Total Assets £98,812 £10,032

Total Borrowing - -

22 Millers Meadow, Rainow, Macclesfield 01625 573576 harveyrainow@yahoo.co.uk

Carole Harvey Telemarketing

New Business Development

Appointment Setting

Telephone Marketing

4

Rainow Broadband UpdateJune 2014

Lulu’s LusciousC O N F E C T I O N S

Celebration Cakes & Biscuits for all Occasions

Weddings Birthdays AnniversariesTe l e p h o n e : 0 1 6 2 5 5 7 2 3 7 7

u u

The organisers of this autumn's week-long Rainow First World WarCommemoration Exhibition would liketo thank those who have already givenus access to cuttings, anecdotes

photographs letter and possessions relatingto the men of Rainow and the surroundingarea who served in the Great War.

Personal items such as this add a very special dimension to an exhibition and if anyreaders of “The Raven” have any relativeswho served in the First World War or know of any such families who may have movedaway from the area we would be very grateful to hear from you.

If you would like to help please contact:Bob Langstaff (01625 573761): even-wood@talktalk.net) or any member of theRaven editorial team.

Remembering

the First World War

This year's Scarecrow Fortnight is almost upon us, and still no decision from TheDirector of Operations (her indoors) as to what we're going to do. Anyway, notime to lose, so I've started to gather together some of the things I'll need. I'msure many of you will have your own favourite materials and methods, buthere's what's on my list.

First the skeleton. I've used wood (19mm x 32mm battens at £8 for a pack of 8, code100807, from the Hulley Road DIY emporium), simply nailed together. A good alternative I've had some success with in the past is plastic waste pipe for sinks, withpush-on fittings. Makes a versatile skeleton that can be configured into almost anyshape, but remember to put a small screw into each joint once you're happy with theshape so that everything stays put. Quite inexpensive from the same supplier, andeasily re-shaped year after year. (Please note that I have no connection with theaforementioned W++++s).

Straw is the traditional scarecrow stuffing of course, but I prefer bubblewrap. It's lightin weight, fairly cheap, and non-absorbent - important since your scarecrow will bestanding outside for 2 weeks during a Rainow Summer.

Papier mache is good for the face, hands etc., but to stop it going soggy in the rain Ilike to give mine a few coats of cheap, oil-based gloss paint.

The Director of Operations has just appeared with a decision as to what I'm doing forthis year's effort. Can't possibly reveal what, but I'm off to the shed to make a start.

A Winning Scarecrow for 2014?

The good news….As many of you will have noticed, BT Openreach have recently been busy carrying out a major rewire of the telephone cabinet next to the Institute. This should enable BT to increase the number of Superfast Broadband connections to the cabinet next to the Robin Hood within the next few weeks.BT have also announced that Rainow residents connected to theMacclesfield exchange should also be able to get Superfast Broadband connections later this year.

And the bad newsUnfortunately, based on current levels of demand, BT have decided it is not commercially viable to extend Superfast Broadband to other Rainow residents in the more outlying parts of the village. To improve the likelihood of improved broadband access in these parts of the village it is important thatas many residents as possible register their interest with BThttp://www.productsandservices.bt.com/products/broadband/infinity Registering your interest with BT does not commit you to buy your broadband from BT, it simply provides BT with information on areas of unmetneed so that they can decide which areas should be upgraded next.

A few thoughts from a previous winner

Good luck

with your

scarecrow!

5

The Community Busby Ken Butler

Teas in Church Centre13th-27th July

ScarecrowFortnight

ˆ

Rainow ChurchFête

Saturday 19th July 2014at Hough Hole Farm,

Sugar LaneTheme: 'Down on the Farm'

Procession starting fromHawkins Lane at 1.00 pm

**More Floats Needed**Opening Ceremony

at 2.00 pm

u Samba Band u Scottish Piper u Kerridge Climb u Fancy Dress u Fun Dog Show u Teas & Refreshments u Grand Prize Draw u Tombola u BBQ u Home Produce u Coconut Shy u Granellis Ice Creams u Lucky Dip u Second Hand Toy Stall u Book Stall u Children’s Sand Area u Bouncy Castle u Tug of War and many other stalls and games.

Fete proceeds to:-u MacMillan Cancer Supportu Church Equipmentu Youth Organisations

of the Villageu Rainow Older

PeopleÕs Welfare

Any Questions ring:- John & Hazel Cantrell:01625 422107 Steve Rathbone:01625 572013

At last we have our bus!!

It’s a 10 seater plus driver with two wheel chair positions including all thenecessary safety fittings and rear wheel chair lift. Those that pass that way willsee that HX06BWK is parked in the corner of the Church Car Park in a speciallymarked out bay. We have to thank the Church Parochial Council for theirgenerosity in allowing us to use this space.

We have many things to organise and the Community Travel Group are meeting toresolve a whole series of issues concerning the organisation and operation of thescheme.

We have in mind a regular service into and out of Macclesfield on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday when the normal services aren’t running. We also want to make thebus available for the various community groups within the village and so will beseeking input from these on how they would want to use the bus. The bus willbecome a true servant of the community and as such a wonderful asset for us all.

To make this work we need a pool of volunteer drivers and people to help with therunning and administration of the scheme. Necessary training will be provided andprocedures will be put in place to enable safe and efficient usage of the vehicle.Our insurance and operating permits allow any driver over 25 and under 70 to driveproviding they have a full licence with a D1 category on it. Nearly all licencesobtained before 1997 will have this on. We need people to help with this schemeeither as drivers or with the administration so please put your name forward if youthink you can help.

We will be having an ‘open day’ to show the bus to the community on Saturday 5th July between 12 and 4pm

on the Robin Hood car park.

With enough volunteers we can keep individual efforts to a reasonable level andallow greater flexibility in the operation of the scheme.

If you think you can help please contact

Alan Brett (576108)Ian Brammer (426059) or Ken Butler (433168)

ˆ

by Mark Bertinshaw, HeadteacherOut of School – Summer Term

6

It seems barely last week that I was writing the piece for the spring copy of theRaven. The time in school really flies by in the summer term.

Sporting successThe finals of the girls' football took place recently. It was an excellent event. The girlshad already won through to the finals by virtue of their success at the Puss Banktournament. In the matches they were outstanding, winning through against Whirleyteam to the final match against Upton Priory. We could not have asked for any moreeffort as they narrowly lost 1 - 0 in the final. My congratulations go to the girls for amagnificent effort.

Other major successes this term have included the fantastic performance of theStreet dance club, coming third out of seventeen other schools, including a numberof high schools, in the recent competition at Fallibroome High School.

Not to be outdone, a team of year 3 pupils entered a gymnastics competition atWilmslow High School. They brought home a great trophy for us to keep, as well assweeping the board in the individual events.

Earlier this term the cricket team played in the local tournament at Macclesfield cricket club. Playing on a proper flat and well cut wicket is always a great experienceand, despite the mixed fortunes in terms of results, an excellent and very sportingoccasion was enjoyed by all.

Other non-sporting eventsThe Year 5 and 6 pupils walked over to Bollington recently to take part in theBollington Festival World War One workshop to find out more about the life of theservicemen and soldiers. This is part of the commemoration of the war at school andmany of the classes are exploring and remembering the events this term.A number of other children made it through to the finals of the UK schools chesschampionships at Cheadle Hulme School. There they faced some of the best playersin the area. You can see a photograph of the final attendees with their certificates onthe school website.

The junior pupils who play a musical instrument in school took part in a MusicalShowcase shortly before half term. Individual musicians, all the year 5 pupils and theschool orchestra gave an excellent and well received performance. The year 5 pupilsare looking forward to an amazing opportunity to play alongside the Halle Orchestraat the Bridgewater Hall shortly.

Year 5 and 6 residential visitThis year we went to the Nightingale Conference Centre at Great Hucklow inDerbyshire for our residential visit. The main activities were provided by a local outdoor pursuits company, Moorland Adventure and they created a superb, challenging, educational and fun outdoor activity week.

Throughout the week the children were able to canoe, kayak, climb, hike, potholeand work together to problem solve. I was quite looking forward to an opportunity toabseil, until I saw the distance of the drop from the Monsall Trail bridge…sadly backing out is not an option when most of the children have already successfullycompleted their abseil!

The rest of this term will be busy with sports' day, the year 5 and 6 plays, the schoolbarbecue as well as the final leavers' assembly. Hopefully the sun will shine on us forthese events.

7

Friendsof

Rainow School

ColourfulSpring for the

Logo competitionThe Friends of Rainow School are proudto be using their new logo this spring,designed by Anna Mellings. Anna won acompetition organised by the RainowSchool Council (elected class representatives from each year group) andClass 4 teacher Mr Gratton. All pupilswere invited to design a new logo whichwould be used on FRS newsletters,stationery, publicity and their webpage atwww.rainowpri.cheshire.sch.uk/page/friends-of-rainow/.

The competition attracted over one hundred entries, and after drawing up ashortlist of nine, the School Council handed the responsibility of judging overto former FRS chairman Andy Wild. 'I was delighted to be asked' said Andy,who judged the artwork anonymously(names and ages of the children wereremoved); 'all the entries were really goodbut I chose the winner because of thebright colours, the play on words withRainow/Rainbow and because it will lookgreat reproduced as a letterhead.'

The results were announced to the children during a whole school assemblyon May 12th. Six runners up - EllaChrimes, William Cooper, JonathanKelsall, Charlie Beswick, Ruben Rogersand Caleb Rogers - received aMacclesfied pen and sweets, whilst thehigher placed entrants (3rd Beatrix Haighand 2nd Elizabeth Batheram) and overallwinner Anna were also rewarded with aspecial discover Macclesfield TreasureHunt pack. At the same assembly SchoolCouncil members Edie Barstow, HannahCummings and William James demonstrated some new playgroundequipment, funded by the FRS, to the restof the school. The equipment, whichincludes space hoppers, french skippingropes and a new sort of pogo stick waschosen by the School Council membersthemselves.

iPadsThe FRS has supported Rainow School in the purchase of lots of new IT equipment thisyear, including Apple iPads. Deputy Headteacher and Computing and IT subject leaderJonathan Norris explains how technology is enhancing teaching and learning in school.

'We like to have a mix of technologies (desktop, laptop, tablet) to give the children abroad and balanced experience of what is, and will be, a way of life for them. Many ofour children now come to school with some experience of tablet technology, so when inSeptember I witnessed some of our youngest Reception children attempting to swipethe screens of our laptops, I decided it was definitely the right time to invest.

The ease, speed of use, reliability and accessibiltiy of the iPads has been very impressive. The teaching staff are making excellent use of the AV tools (camera etc.)and is able to project the iPad screen onto the Whiteboards in each classroom. And theiPads are not being used solely in IT teaching; they're permeating all areas of the curriculum. Here are some examples; u The reception children have used the Brushes APP to design beautiful artwork.

u Year 3's have used the PicCollage APP to enhance and present their knowledge and understanding of Plant Life in science.

u Year 4's have used the Aurasma APP to add some augmented reality to their topic work.

u Year 5's have used Morfo, an animation APP to bring to life historical figures duringtheir Victorian topic, as well as a rapping APP called Autorap to help them remember times tables. They've also used a brilliant APP called Coach My Video which lets you analyse performance (sports or otherwise) frame by frame; using it to breakdown and improve their dance and gymnastic performances.

This is really just the beginning of what this technology can bring to the educational setting. As teachers become more confident, we hope to invest more so that the children are able to use tablet technology with real purpose. I've already seen our children take this technology to the next level; making their own suggestions aboutwhich APP to use, and when and why! And that's the key - to empower our youngsterswith the resources to drive learning forward - they will add the creativity naturally.'

FRS Spring RaffleGrateful thanks to the twenty four local businesses that donated prizes to the raffle (listed below). Lucky winners now have opportunities for massages, meals out andmuch more. The raffle raised £520 and the FRS is extremely grateful to everyonedonating and to Michelle French who works so hard to organise and co-ordinate theactivity.

A Shufflebotham and Son u Cheshire Soaps u ColourServe Woodcare Ltdu Granelli's u Hair by Gary u John Brierley Builders u JWC Fitness u MaccDiving Club u Majestic Wine Macclesfield u Moorland Adventure u Nixons FarmShop u Partylite u Plush Valeting Rainow Primary School u Red Willow Breweryu Rustic Coffee co. u Sally and Andrew Stringer u Silk Town Fryer u Sue Grimesu Ticket Exchange u The Fine Bedding Company u Three Crowns Public Houseu Those Closest Designs u Viceroy Indian Restaurant

We started the term by following up our visit toMacclesfield Fire Station by being the first pack in theDistrict to gain the new Fire Safety Badge. The Cubsproduced some very impressive fire escape plans fortheir homes.

As usual in the Summer we try to be outside every week, however we were foiled quite early on and had to cancel our'cooking by the stream night' and instead got thoroughly wet atthe Swimming Pool. The Cubs worked very hard and all gotone of the various stages of the Swimming Badge. It rainedagain when we went to the Golf Driving Range at Adlington butwe were under cover and were able to hit hundreds of balls,though I don't think Tiger Woods need worry just yet!

The Cubs were very excited by the visit from the PoliceTactical Firearms Unit. The car they came in was amazing forthe quantity of assault rifles, pistols and pump action shot-guns, all loaded and ready for action, which it carried. Theyalso had stingers for stopping cars, stun grenades, batonrounds (rubber bullets) and Pepper spray. When they wear all

8

Fire and Firearms for the Cubs!by Akela Sue Grimes

The summer term has been very busy and lots of fun for theBeavers. Our first evening after the Easter break coincidedwith St. George's Day, which became the theme for thatweek, with the Beavers learning about what the day meant

and also making their own dragons. The following week, wehad a visit from Ann Lewis who talked to the colony about theQuakers; the Beavers took part in some role-playing activities,with the aim to encourage cooperation.

We have had a few adventurous weeks since then starting withour walk around Macclesfield Forest and Ridgegate reservoir.The Beavers enjoyed following the trail and searching for thethings on their 'I-Spy' sheets. There were a few tired legstowards the end but we finished the evening by investing Archieand Finlay B back at the rangers' hut.

Our next meeting was at the Buxton Mountain Rescue Stationat Dove Holes where Peter Parker talked to the group andshowed us some of the equipment. The Beavers learnt somebasic first aid with them placing one another in the recoveryposition. The highlight of the evening for many of us was whenour volunteer casualty (Finlay P) was carried out of the stationon a stretcher; the Beavers (aided by several adults) had to turnthe stretcher over with the casualty strapped to it to show howyou would deal with someone who was feeling sick. Our visitwas part of our Safety badge and so to complete the badge, thefollowing week we looked at various aspects of safety, includingwater, road and around the home.

After half term our plan was to make some sailing boats and float them down the stream,but bad weather led us to move the session inside. We had model boats of all shapes andsizes and floated them across our makeshift stream (a paddling pool) with the aid of some wind (an electric fan).

More recently we spent the evening makingcookies, which I'm told were very yummy. Ourplans for the rest of the term include a visit toPets at Home, as well as preparations for the village fete and scarecrow fortnight.

Beavers June 2014!by Karen Roberts

ˆ

During the winter/spring term, which was not only veryshort this year but also exceptionally rainy, the Guidesgenerally choose activities towards their 'Go For It!'challenges. Guides are expected to plan their four weekprogramme, choosing their activities from a range of

options, linked to their chosen 'Go For It!, making sure they areexperiencing a variety of activities - craft, food, art, challengesetc. over the four weeks. They then have to organise and deliverthe activity themselves. This year the Guides have done well,only needing us to help out on a few occasions. There havebeen, among others, decorated cakes, tie-dying, smoothies,popcorn and films, video making, mobile phone pouch makingand analysing where each taste is sensed on the tongue. Inbetween all of that, we celebrated Chinese New Year with, ofcourse, food and horoscopes, and a very tricky chopstickchallenge, the Winter Olympics (which included a newspapersnowball fight) and St. George's Day with an English tea with theGuides making cucumber sandwiches and baking their ownscones. The term ended with us rolling eggs down a hill… in thedark! We admit there is a slight (more than slight) weightingtowards food based activities at the moment…. I can't think why!From the Guiders point of view, it is the one time Guides arerelatively quiet…..

Also linked with food, once again the Guides were responsiblefor providing the teas for the Rainow 5 Run. A full turn out ofGuides to serve, bringing lots of delicious home-made cakesand biscuits, meant that the exhausted runners were more thansatisfied. A Guide taster evening led to two Brownies flying up toGuides the following week, with, hopefully, some more to joinlater in the year. On a (finally) dry Wednesday night, we alsowent out and set trails for the others to follow.

As a reward for all their hard work, last week we made Sambamusic! John and Sally brought their Samba band instrumentsand taught us how to play. John also told us a little about the history of Samba. We all had a go at a variety of samba instruments - drums of all sizes, tambors, gogo bells, shakersetc., with John teaching us the variousrhythms. The challenge was to keep to yourown. The concentration on everyone's faceswas amazing to see - apparently for some ithelps to hold your tongue between yourteeth. The big drums were VERY heavy andalso tricky to hook and unhook. By the end of the session, we were making a greatnoise, as some readers may have heard ifyou happened to be passing the Institute. We may not all have been completely in time with each other, but that didn't spoil theenjoyment …. or the sound.

9

s for the Cubs!by Akela Sue Grimes

From Soup to Samba– Guides Dec - JuneTheir body armour in dangerous situations it weighs 22 kilo-

grams! They also showed us how their Taser guns worked. Allvery impressive. The parents present were more amused byme getting into trouble by taking photos - I had to delete themall!

We went to Danebridge Fisheries at Wincle and had a lovelyevening catching Rainbow trout, then we barbecued them,they were delicious. Every Cub caught one and most ate themor took them home to eat later. Hopefully we will be able tocook outside by the stream later this term as there is a newBackwoods Cooking Badge to gain. As in other years we aregoing to split into smaller groups to try Abseiling, Orienteering,Sailing and Windsurfing, I will have to report how it went in thenext issue. With many thanks to Charlotte, Stacey, Barbara,Vicky, Helena and Young Leader Ellie whose help each weekis invaluable and makes running the meetings so much easier.

Our Duke of Edinburgh helpers are also very good at themoment.There are 32 Cubs, all keen and enthusiastic andmake the time given worthwhile and rewarding.

Rainow Pre-School (registered charity 1043182) continuesto provide excellent childcare for children aged 2-5 years atthe heart of our community. Our Pre-School is well organised, with excellent management of all childcareaspects by our professional, reliable staff. From September2014 we need a new Chairperson to join the committee oftrustees. The Chairperson does not need to be a parent of achild attending Pre-School, just someone with an interest inour activities who supports our aims. This is a lovely way tobe involved in supporting theyoungest members of our community and their families. If you would like to know moreplease contact us by email (rainowpreschool@hotmail.com) orphone (01625 574069, weekdays9.30am-12 noon). We look forwardto hearing from you

seeks ChairpersonRainow Pre-School

10

Harrop Fold FarmRainow

Tel: 01625 560085

www.harropfoldfarm.co.ukwww.michaelmooreart.co.uk

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Day & Residential Art Courses with our Resident Professional Artist.

Gift Vouchers available and Corporate andGroup Bookings welcome.

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The Parish Council and NorthWest Ambulance (NWAS)initiative to deploy 3 defibrillatorsin the village is progressing well.

One is already at the Robin Hood,another at the Church gate and soona third at the Mount Pleasant PhoneBox. All will be accessible 24h perday, every day and we are one ofonly a few communities in the NorthWest so well supported in this way.

To raise awareness of this facility andto increase the capacity of Rainowresidents to respond to emergency situations we held a very well attended workshop at the Institute inearly May. Nick Blair the NWASCommunity Resuscitation Officer andour local Paramedic, Hannah, combined audiovisual instruction andpractical hands on opportunity to trynewly acquired skills. We learnedabout how to respond to seriousbleeding, a choking event and a collapsed person. The importance ofhead and chin tilt to assist clear airways in a recovery position weredemonstrated and practiced with themanikins brought along for our use.In the absence of normal breathing or failure of any response to arousalattempts, for a collapsed person, itwas stressed that we should shoutfor help and ensure a 999 call. This isalso the important time to start CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - 30chest compressions followed by 2rescue breaths. We all had theopportunity to try these skills with themanikins and learned how at thisstage, if required, we would employthe defibrillator. The very clear spoken instructions from the deviceensure ease of use and that it willonly give a potentially life-savingshock to a person who will benefitfrom it.

More than 20 residents attended theevening and there was a follow up session with the pre-school group thenext day with the infant manikins thatwas equally well received. Increasingawareness in our community of howto respond in an emergencyimproves our resilience. As a result ofthe interest shown by many whocould not attend the first workshop,we will run another in the near future.

Simple skills save lives,anyone can do it!

1111

Rec

ipe

of t

he M

onthBacon &Avocado Kedgeree

Ingredients

6 oz (175g) Long grain rice3/4 Pint (450ml) Chicken stock1 Ripe but firm Avocado11/2 oz (40g) Butter4 Rashers lean smoked bacon, roughly chopped

(Serves 4)

3 Spring onions, chopped2 Hard-boiled eggs, chopped4 tbsp Single creamParsley - 1 - 2 tbsp.Salt & pepper

1. Put the rice into a pan with the stock and add salt if

necessary. Bring to the boil and stir once. Cover and

simmer for 15 mins until stock is absorbed and rice is

tender

2. Halve, stone and scoop out the avocado flesh and chop

roughly

3. Heat the butter in a large frying pan over moderate heat

and fry the bacon and spring onions for 3-5 minutes,

allowing the fat to run from the bacon

4. Reduce heat slightly and add the avocado. Fry for 1

minute.

5. Finally add the cooked rice to the pan with the eggs, cream,

parsley and salt & pepper. Stir gently over a low heat

until the kedgeree is piping hot; serve immediately with

triangles of toast

Contributed by Eilean Kilcoyne

Iwas commissioned by the Science group of Bollington Festivalto produce a small installation at Bollington Library. The remitwas 50 years of biomedical discoveries. I advertised forpeople's stories and received a diverse mix from hip

replacements to chemotherapy. I also held three workshops atthe library leading up to the festival where people could comealong and tell their story along with making an origami crane.

Whilst researching the different discoveries I found that althoughgene therapy is being developed, there is still a long way to goto find a cure for conditions such as cystic fibrosis. This links withthe orgami cranes in that in Japan there is a tradition that if 1000cranes are created, then a wish/dream may be realised. Thepublic made their cranes towards the wish that gene therapy willprogress to finding cures.

Whilst on display the installation evolved with more stories andcranes being added.

Hope that all makes sense.

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Rainow artist Claire de Ruiter explains her contribution to the Bollington Festival

Creating a Dream

There have been times when ticket sales havebeen slow, a year when the toilet almost blewaway, and another when we almost did not haveany chocolate, but the years have seen RainowPre-School’s Easter Bunny Hunt grow into a

beautiful, bouncing success. It was eight years ago thatI first donned the Chief Bunny suit (honest) but moreimportantly it was the year the event moved to SnipeHouse Farm. Suddenly, our children had a playgroundto match their imaginations. And room to run off allthat sugar. Since then we have raised £5,000, givenaway a lot of eggs and experienced every kind ofweather, but what I remember most of all are thesmiles. Selling tickets has not been a problem recently.

This year’s event was the last for me and Snipe HouseFarm. All good things must come to an end. Here aresome highs and lows.

2009:The sunniest Bunny Hunt;Éit was hot in that suit!

2012:A bumper year, raising enough money to refurbish the institute’s “Quiet Room”,quite a result when even Cadbury’s World had run out of eggs.We eventually had to settle for 160 bags of Mini Eggs. I don’t think the kids minded.

2013:The Mayor of Rainow hops by for the first time, which was good of him considering the weather — we almost lost the Portaloo at one point.

2014:A new record, £1,237 raised!

It has been a pleasure to have been Chief Bunny during this time, but the success of the event has beendown to all those families who came along every yearand supported it, so a huge thank you to you all. Anextra special thank you to Gill Armstrong and AndreaAsh for all their help over the years and for allowing usto use their farm.

The pre-school’s committee is already looking for anew venue and somebody else to wear the bunny suit,so if anybody fancies either role, just let us know. Youwill not regret it.

12

by Chief Bunny Michelle French

13

I would just like to add a postscript toMichelle French’s article.

I don’t think people fully appreciatethe work done by Michelle over thelast 8 years of the Bunny Hunt atSnipe House Farm. She has been thelynch pin behind the organising andrunning of the Bunny Hunt, regardlessof being pregnant at some of them.She needs to be given an enormousthank you from the Pre-school, andthis year the school, for all the moneyraised. She is leaving some very bigshoes to fill!

Host at Snipe House Farm, Gill Armstrong

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Harry was both surprised and delighted to win this prestigiousnational championship road cycling race but in view of the training required, more than six bike rides a week, this victory wasa well deserved reward for hard work and commitment combinedwith excellent tactical awareness. Harry is a member of the TeamWallis Cycle Racing Team. This is the same team as JackBowyer (featured in the Raven, No15, Summer 2011). AlthoughJack has decided to cut back on his cycling to concentrate on hisHND training and work as a pharmaceutical plant maintenanceengineer, he has been a very useful training partner for Harry overthe past few years as they have accompanied each other in training rides around Rainow. Harry has also eased back on hiscycling this year in order to focus on his A levels. In Harry's casethis means restricting himself to just three rather than six rides perweek. He still thinks nothing of a cycle trip to Buxton, Tideswell,Edale, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Goyt Valley, Cat & Fiddle and back toRainow. Harry's aim is to get the grades he needs for a university

course in mechanical engineering whilst maintaining a level of fitness that will allow him to regain his competitive form later in theseason once he gets back to full training. Having already built uphis own bike, Harry's choice of degree subject will also allow himto further develop his interest and expertise in the technology ofcycling. Based on some of the times Harry has posted on the fitness logging website Strava, regaining full competitive fitnessshouldn't take long. This site allows users to compare times overspecific sections of bike rides using GPS data and review of thisshows that Harry is the undoubted King of the Rainow Mountainsand fastest cyclist over some of the toughest climbs around.These include, Jenkin Chapel to Pym Chair, the Goyt Valley, theLeather's Smithy to the top of Macc Forest and the climb up CoalPit Lane. Although there may be fewer race victories for Harry in2014 his commitment to both cycle training and academic studiesshould lay the foundation for success in whichever route hechooses. We wish him well.

Rainow Cyclist wins National Race

Harry Shackleton is one Rainow cyclistwho will be following the Tour withparticular interest. In 2013 Harry wonfirst place in a number of junior roadraces but perhaps his best result was

in winning the National Junior TomSimpson Memorial Race.

Harry's own description of his performancegives a flavour of how this was achieved;

'For most of the race I stayed in the bunchand just focused on eating and drinking -I get cramps quite easily - and then on thelast lap, with about two miles to go I brokeaway with another rider and we stayedtogether until the final climb. I was just alittle stronger on the final climb - andafter 60 miles it hurts. Half way up theclimb I looked back and I knew theyweren't gaining on me fast enough, I knew I had enough in the bag.’

Harry in action

by Raph Murray

15

Hello All,

I am writing this issue's article in Macclesfield Library as I amkeeping a distance between myself and the landlady at thepresent time due to a misunderstanding. This is not my fault,altogether.

It began when I was looking at the books on the second shelf inthe Best Room. Imagine my surprise when, sandwichedbetween “Best Practices in Horse-hoeing” and “Mulready'sSeed Catalogue (1952)” I came across a book entitled “TheHusband's Secret”! I quickly realised that this was one of thebooks reviewed in the last issue of “The Raven”. Now, my opinion on the female-only book clubs of Rainow are well-documented but I swallowed my pride and gave the bookto the landlady (who is desperate to join the Rainow W.I.)telling her that she would be able to read it, discuss the reviewwith the ladies of the village and get what is called an 'in' tothe Womens' Institute.

I glanced through the book myself - a soppy tale about ayoung lady called Gwendoline Pennington-Finch who did a lotof riding around Buckinghamshire in a carriage, embroideringcushions and singing in a cathedral choir. Her husband, Rogerhad a terrible secret. He had joined a Morris Dancing troupewithout telling his wife and was deceiving Gwendoline intothinking that he was visiting several sick relatives when in facthe was dancing Green Garland and Stripping the Willow upthe High Streets of several South Bucks towns and villages.

The landlady loved the book and spent almost a whole day smiling. But that was as good as it got. When she returnedfrom the village the following evening she threw the book at me- literally - and told me she had never felt more ashamed in allher life. I re-read the review in “The Raven”. It promised 'anemotional and gripping read', 'explosive secrets' and 'psychological suspense'. Now I know that Morris Dancing canbe stirring at times but it made me think that somethingmight be wrong, especially as the novel in the review was set inSydney and not Aylesbury. When I checked the book from thebest room again I realised my mistake. It was written in 1897by Hildegard Denby. I suppose I should have guessed by themoth-eaten leather cover that it was the wrong book, but I'msure you will agree that it was an easy mistake to make.

If you ask me this is the trouble with all-women book clubsand modern writers - fancy picking such a stupid Victoriansounding title like “The Husband's Secret” for a book writtenin 2013! Suffice to say that the landlady and I had words -but I didn't get to use mine.

Even worse than this, though, was news that the Robin Hoodhas changed hands again! My nerves are shredded. The Robinregulars will be getting jittery again and as the light nights are

here they'll be planning yet another expedition to find the “Lamp & Candle”. Now Phil the (now former) landlord at the Robin Hood raised the bar (please note the clever pun, befitting a senior correspondent) by introducing some proper ales and gettingthe pub in the Good Beer Guide. Let's hope the standard continues to improve under the new management and that theRainow drinkers stay firmly wedged between Stocks Lane andSmithy Lane and don't come searching around here. I shall becalling in person and in cognito to see for myself!

And talking of decent drinking, you couldn't do better than read David Hasler’s forthcoming article which will appear inthe next issue of this august journal where he recounts thevirtues, the successes and the future of local beer drinking. Hehas it spot on - the message is USE YOUR PUB! The Lampand Candle is not a Free House, but fifteen shillings will getyou a pint of the best AND a pickled egg!

I don't know what's going on at the ex-Rising Sun. They'reeither working on it as if there's no tomorrow or there's no-one to be seen for days on end. They also seem to bebuilding a large observatory on the back.

I still have no information on its future use but the rumoursabout a UKIP headquarters still persist in the Snug. I may aswell make it plain now - UKIP won't be welcome here, butthen neither will anybody else. Riley across the field says weshould all be more tolerant so I reminded him in no uncertainterms that there is no bias in my establishment. MiserableBickerdike is from Yorkshire for a start, and from what I'veheard of these UKIP types they'd think anyone coming toRainow from a place with a name like Chapel-en-le-Frithwould be coming in from deepest France!

Things are definitely not what they used to be. I've been sitting in this library writing this article for the last hour anda half and it's like a madhouse! There's a man in the chairbehind me swearing something awful because he can't threadup some roll of film into a large machine that lets him see oldnewspapers. And as for the poor librarians! They spend yearslearning their trade and getting certificates only to be asked ifthey've got change for the photocopy machine or where thenearest sandwich shop is.

Anyway, that's all for now. Have a good summer, enjoy theFête and don't forget to SUPPORT YOUR PUB (but notmine).

The Landlord.

News from the Lamp and Candle

16

Contact Liam on:

07762 825537 or 01625 578070excelplumbing@yahoo.co.uk

Robin HoodThe

--

T e l : 0 1 6 2 5 5 7 4 0 6 0www.robinhoodrainow.co.uk

Traditional country pub on thecusp of the beautiful Peak District.Come and sample our selection ofreal ales.Homemade food, locally sourced,available Tuesday to Saturday 12 - 2.30 pm and 5.30 - 8.30 pm.

Sundays lunch served 12 - 4 pm.Bed and Breakfast in our 4 en suite bedrooms.Beer gardens to the side and rearwith views to Kerridge Ridge.Give us a call or see our website:

at Rainow

-If you would like to advertise in

The Ravenplease call Caroleon 01625 573576

The Raven is delighted to report that Seonaid Thompson (nee Murray) of Rainow hassecured a place on the Scottish Team for the Triathlon event at the CommonwealthGames in Glasgow this July. Seonaid will participate in the team relay event onSaturday 26th July in Strathclyde Park.The innovative team format of this event

consists of two men and two women, with each athlete completing a super-sprint triathlonevent comprising a 250m swim in open water, 6 kilometre cycle and 1600m run.

Seonaid, a former Scottish and Cheshire 800m champion on the track, took up triathlonafter some persuasion from husband Jamie and in her first year won the prestigious BritishTriathlon Super Series (2012). More recently Seonaid has moved up a level performing toa high standard in the European Triathlon Union series of events in Slovakia, Turkey andPortugal to impress the Scottish selectors. Coached by Jack Maitland in Leeds as part of asquad that includes the Olympic medallist Brownlee brothers, Seonaid said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be picked for the Scottish team. I have competed for Scotlandbefore at 800m on the track, but it is a dream come true to be able to compete in theCommonwealth Games." Seonaid started running with Rainow School cross country running club before joining Macclesfield Harriers. Also a former Satellite swimmer andRainow Kerridge Climb winner, Seonaid came to Rainow with mum Barbara and dadRaph as a baby and grew up in the village with her three younger brothers, all attendingRainow and Tytherington High Schools. Seonaid went on to complete her BSc at Durhamand PhD in Cancer Research in Liverpool, before taking time out of her career toconcentrate on triathlon. Seonaid's family are all keen athletes, her mum Barbara, a formerScottish international athlete, still coaches and competes with Macc Harriers. Seonaid'sbrothers are all very proud of their sister and the whole family will be there to support herin Glasgow.

CommonwealthGames Joy

for Seonaid

17

Tour de Rainow

After the start at the top of Round Meadow and the dip over theRiver Dean to Tower Hill there is a fairly level section alongHawkins Lane before the sharp right turn at Kerridge End on toLidgetts Lane. Although this first climb of the day is steep it isquite short and, once at the top, cyclists are rewarded withsuperb views over what seems like the whole of Cheshire andbeyond. After an exhilarating descent of Windmill Lane toKerridge there is a chance to recover on the road to PottShrigley before the second climb of the day. This is the 3 kmclimb known as 'the Brickworks' on Bakestonedale Road.Although it's a long climb the gradient does ease off at severalpoints and cyclists are rewarded with excellent views towardsEccles Pike and the Kinder plateau. After negotiating the hairpin bend on the descent of the B5470 the next climb is fromKettleshulme to Pym Chair. Another long climb but at least it'snot as steep as the climb to Pym Chair from Jenkin Chapel.From Pym Chair there is another chance to recover on thedescent to Errwood Reservoir and one of the few level sectionsof this tour along the banks of the reservoir. An added bonus isthat on Sundays and Bank Holidays from the start of May untilthe end of September this section of the route is closed tomotor vehicles between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm. Although thisis the longest climb of the day you will be so busy admiring thescenery that you won't notice the climb. In altitude terms thehigh point of the tour is the Cat & Fiddle. Unfortunately it alsoinvolves a 1 km section on the A537 before the descent to theStanley Arms and the climb to Standing Stone at the top ofMacclesfield Forest. As the next section involves a 16%descent on a narrow road some care will be requiredparticularlyin wet conditions. If you've followed the tour this far, you shouldbe familiar with the pattern, ie, a hard climb followed by a longdescent. This section is no different; there is a long descentthrough the forest and past Trentabank to Langley. This leadsyou to the final climb of the day, the narrow and twisting CoalPit Lane. The roadside signs announce Quiet Lane. Theyshould of course state Quite Steep Lane. However once you'vereached Calrofold Lane and rejoined the B5470 atCesterbridge it feels like you're just about finished your tour ofRainow. With just under 40 km in distance and about 900 m ofclimb it is of course much shorter, and for most of us, muchslower than the tour professionals, but challenging enough togive us an appreciation of what it might be like to ride four orfive times the distance at twice the speed. Our one consolationis that we get to appreciate the views.

by Raph Murray

On the 4th and 5th July the first two stages of the world'sbiggest cycle race, the Tour de France, will be contestedacross the Yorkshire moors and dales. Part of theattraction for starting the race in Yorkshire is of course the

challenging terrain and glorious scenery. For fans of the Tourthere is even an opportunity to see the race as it passes within20 miles of Rainow at the Woodhead Reservoir near Glossop.This should be quite a spectacle as around 150 cyclists streampast at more than 40 km/h on the descent from Holme Mossen route to Sheffield. We can't all be Tour de France cyclistsbut for those of you who would like to get a flavour of the Tourexperience in terrain that is just as challenging and scenic asthe hills of Yorkshire, here is a suggested Tour de Rainow.However, anyone thinking of doing the Tour de Rainow shouldbe aware there are more than a few climbs on this route.

18

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19

Book ReviewsA review by Laura RogersKate Atkinson

RavenLife After Life

What is 'Life After Life' about? That's one of the first questions I had to ask myself on settling down toread Kate Atkinson's 'dazzling' novel - the adjective borrowed from a review in The Guardian surely tells us something! After what seems an incongruous opening chapter in which there appears to be an attempted assassination of the Fuhrer himself, we move on to a seemingly more ordinary story chronicling the life and times of the Todd family. On the surface, it starts easily enough with the birth of Ursula Todd during a snowstorm in England in 1910. Unfortunately, we soon learn that baby Ursula dies before she takes her first breath. And then the novel re-starts; only this time baby Ursula lives to tell the tale. So, from the outset, it's clear that this author is playing with structure, pulling the rug from under her readers' feet, unsettling them and posing questions like the one that popped into my head at the start.Capturing a slice of English middle-class life from pre-World War I right up to the end of the last

century, Atkinson excels in the production of this parallel-universe/déjà-vu-ish concoction which still manages to perfectlyreflect twentieth century social mores and concerns. We laugh and cry along with her perfectly realised characters (I lovedIzzy ... and Teddy ... and Ursula!) all the while puzzling such existential questions as 'would I do it all again?' and 'would I dothings differently?' One thing was certain: Atkinson's latest novel was a clear hit with our book club. Whilst our views areoften split, we were almost unanimous in agreeing that this was one of our best reads of 2014 - so far. In keeping with thecircular theme of the novel, I know I'll certainly be re-reading it, full as it is of 'warmth and wit'. Read it - and read it again -you won't be disappointed.

Graeme Simsion The Rosie Project

This affectionate and humorous depiction of a middle-aged man's search for love is not a typical romantic comedy, as the protagonist of “The Rosie Project” has undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome. Despite being fit, attractive, wealthy and intelligent, Don Tillman, Professor of Genetics, has experienced substantial interpersonal difficulties, the reasons for which become clear through the style of his narrative, which although endearing and amusing, reveals an approach to the dating paradigm which is direct, logical, rigid and obsessive. As he discovers, this yields limited success in terms of coming across a suitable partner and he therefore develops the Wife Project, which involves the use of a rigorous, 16-page questionnaire designed to find the perfect woman by systematically eliminating all non-suitable partners (the vegans, the smokers, the mathematically illiterate, the religious, etc, etc).However, Don finds that life and love do not adhere to scientifically devised protocols, when Rosie

penetrates his previously highly organised life and although failing on every one of his criteria, nevertheless proves a compelling and ultimately illogical match. Thrown together in a series of adventures and comic set-pieces which demystifiessome facets of Autistic behaviour, including Don's superhuman ability to memorise correct procedures and the social fauxpas which reveal his approach to emotion is predicated on science and reason. Profound and potentially dark themes areworn lightly by this book, which combines sublime character precision and sentimental but gratifying genre fulfilment. Whilstsome readers may find the notion that embracing the emotional and irrational is the key to happiness simplistic and sentimental, “The Rosie Project” straddles the two spheres in what is fundamentally a warm-hearted and extremely funnydepiction of a character whose rigidly scheduled and dispassionate view of the social world is extremely engaging.

Diane Chamberlain Necessary Lies

This thought-provoking book provides a stimulating insight into the Eugenics Programme - a practiceinitiated in 1907 in the US, dedicated to 'weeding out' unfit members of society through the sterilisation of 'feeble-minded', unstable, promiscuous, epileptic and otherwise racially or socially inferior individuals. In “Necessary Lies”, a human face is applied to the implementation and aftermathof the programme and the controversy is analysed with naked simplicity.It is 1960 and newly-married Jane Forrester commences her new job as a social worker for the Department of Public Welfare with naive enthusiasm. Despite warnings from her colleagues about the importance of maintaining objectivity and distance from her clients, Jane finds this position increasingly difficult to adopt - becoming entangled with the lives of a particular family, who are targeted for sterilisation. The real power of this novel lies in its exposure of the bureaucracy and deception which was practiced, perhaps most sickeningly in cases where women were sterilised

without their consent or knowledge. Some of the narrative borders upon the contrived and over-played, however the authorsuccessfully illustrates the complexities of the issues and the frustrations experienced by those fighting against the dehumanising withdrawal of the ability to procreate. In its stomach-flipping climax, we see Jane's attempts to 'rescue' herclient being ultimately fulfilled in unexpected and satisfying ways.

More choices from some of Rainow’s book club members

20

Miss Rainow 1983Remembered by Louise Leigh

One of the highlights of the Youth Club's annual fundraising weekend was the Miss RainowYouth Club contest. There were two keenly contested events, one for the junior and onefor the senior club. The winning girls had the honour of representing the Youth Club for thefollowing year and had pride of place on the club's float in the village fête parade. In the

best pageant tradition, each Miss Rainow Youth Club was crowned with a tiara, adorned with asash and presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Each year a local dignitary would be enlisted to compère the event and in 1983 Vic Barlow didthe honours.

The Raven contacted Vic to remind him of this step on the road to fame and fortune and herecalled the times with affection:

(l-r) Brenda Beard, Sonja Baxter, Wendy Taylor, Susan Margerson

“Well, what can I say! Judging by my dodgy appearance I must have been selling Spearing's pies toMexico during that period.I spent most of the Eighties either in the institute or the Rising Sun and I don't remember much ofeither. I did love doing all those local events. We had a great community spirit and a lot of fun.This must be the only picture of any event I ever attended that didn't have Nick Winterton getting inthe frame. Great times and lovely girls.”

During the financial year 2013-2014 Rainow NSPCC raised £4226.23, so a BIGTHANKYOU to everyone who supported our fundraising events for this last year. Therecent Fashion show, supported by Delia Metcalfe Ladies Fashion and Clarins JohnLewis, raised £2021.00. This was too late to be included in this financial year, so it will

be carried forward to next year; if this amount had been included, a total of £6247.23 wouldhave been raised.

The next Fashion Show is on Wednesday 22nd at the Hunting Lodge. Tickets will be available at the end of July from Sue Frith or Lyn McCarthy.

New ideas and members to our committee always welcome, so if you feel you have sometime to spare or have some fundraising ideas please contact Sue Frith 573802, suefrithxx@aol.com or Lyn McCarthy 427896 lynmccarthy@live.co.uk.

Another Successful year for Rainow NSPCC

English TuitionIndividual support at KS2, KS3 and GCSE

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What’s On in Rainow and BollingtonJULY 20145 - 13 See website Bollington Well-dressing Festival Five sites in Bollington

– for details see www.bollingtonwelldressing.co.uk

5 & 6 Sat 11.00-4.30 pm Open Garden in aid of St. Michael's Church, Cesterbridge House, Sun 1.00-4.30 pm Macclesfield “Raising the Roof Fund” Rainow & 14 gardens

Contact Sheila Brammer 01625 426059 in Macclesfield

5 12 - 4.00 pm Rainow ‘Community Bus’ Open Day Robin Hood car park

12 - 27 Daily RAINOW SCARECROW FORTNIGHT Throughout Rainow (Theme – “Down on the Farm” – Refreshments at Church Centre 12 - 8 pmexcept Fete day

13 8.00 pm Second Sunday Folk Club Arts Centre, Bollington

14 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute“The Women Who Made Manchester” – Ann Beswick

15 7.30 pm Mothers Union Service Rainow Churchfollowed by Scarecrow Teas

16 7.30 pm Mothers Union Deanery Coffee Evening Henbury Church Hallfollowed by Scarecrow Teas

19 2.00 pm RAINOW CHURCH FETE Hough Hole Farm,Opening Theme “Down on the Farm” Sugar Lane, RainowCeremony Procession starts fron Hawkins Lane 1.20 pm

Contacts: John & Hazel Cantrell 01625 422107Steve Rathbone 01625 572013

19 7.30 pm Bonanza Evening Fete Festivities Fête Marquee,till late DJ, Food & Drink, Live Music from Cover Up Sugar Lane, Rainow

Tickets £7 (£8 on the night) children free.Tickets from Sue 01625 410735 or Stacey 07540 875804

AUGUST 201411 Rainow WI Trip to Chester Chester

18 7.30 pm Mothers Union Deanery Festival St James Church, & Mary Sumner Celebration Gawsworth

19 7.30 pm Mothers Union Coffee Evening Rainow Church Centre

SEPTEMBER 20146 2 - 4.00 pm Bollington Horticultural Society Annual Show Bollington Civic Hall

8 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow InstituteMacclesfields Street Angels

14 8.00 pm Second Sunday Folk Club Arts Centre, Bollington

16 7.30 pm Mothers Union Rainow Church Centre– Talk by Rev Gary Bowness

20 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Arts Centre, Bollington– The Cavaleri Quartet. Tickets £15 Contact 01625 576402

28 10.00 am Rainow Civic Service Rainow ChurchEveryone warmly invited

We have made this list as comprehensive as space permits & it is necessarily a selection of the events we know about.If you have anything planned that you would like us to list in the next issue, please call 01625 426059.Wha

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22

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(If completing the route in two sections,catch bus to Charleshead and rejoinwalk at Brink Farm on BakestonedaleLane).

Take the footpath (PS5) just beyondBrink Farm. Choose left at firstpath junction and then followGritstone marker posts below the

quarry, across open fields and throughderelict walls to meet a kissing gateand tarmac drive. Just a few metres further on, at the cattle grid, turn leftand follow the wall and signs (R28) toyet another kissing gate, skirting apond. Descend via two more gates to acute hump back stone bridge. Climb upthe hill to emerge onto Hedgerow. Turnright to the junction with Spuley Lane -remember the Cheshire Hunt andCountry Café?

Turn left onto Spuley Lane and rejoiceat reaching Rainow again. Currently noborder controls. Continue on SpuleyLane to Orme's Smithy. Cross the staggered cross-roads into OakenbankLane. As the lane turns sharp left,cross the wall stile to descend, thenascend, stone steps (R40) over thestream at Lima Clough and then followthe 'trod' footpath. At the impressivestiles alongside Savio House make a

right turn to descend a partly flaggedpath (R35) to three kissing gates andsteps down. Note the Victorian feature waterfall resurrected by KRIV on yourright. Cross an idyllic pack horse bridgeto join the tarmac lane (R39). Turn left.Before reaching the Millennium Stoneand Ingersley Waterfall - worth a detourafter heavy rain or when partiallyfrozen - take the steep ascending laneon the right to White Nancy (R41; R43;B58). (A shortcut 'home is possible viawaterfall, flagged path (R39), HoughHole and Sugar Lane).

Just after second cattle grid take thenew KRIV stepped path to WhiteNancy - sadly, not shown on OS orParish Paths map. Emerge on to thesummit ridge and turn right. Followridge paths (R90; B46) south to eventually arrive at a dual carriagefootpath and path junction - before andbelow the trig point and summit. Crossthe stone step stile and follow thewooden Gritstone Trail finger post halfleft and downhill (R48). The routecrosses path R43 to a metal 5 bargate. Join path R46 through a coppice,over stream and into Cow Lane pass-ing en route the 1789 mill ruin. Makeyour your way gently uphill to finish onthe B5470 near Tower Hill.

By Bowstones Gate

The paved path by Ingersley Hall

The Gritstone Trail is a 35 milelong distance footpath fromDisley to Kidsgrove. A previous Raven walk traced

the section from Rainow to Teggs Nose.This rather longer section can be doneas a single non-stop walk or as twoseparate walks by using theCharleshead bus stop at the mid point.There are also two short cuts that can significantly reduce the distance.Throughout the walk follow the yellowarrows incorporating a boot print.

Disley to Rainow on the Gritstone Trail

On this page the southern section of the walk is described; the start of thelonger walk and the northern section appears on the next page.

by Straggler

23

24

The Cage in Lyme Park

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Catch bus 60 and get off atFountains Square, Disley (toilets,shops, pub etc). Walk up RedLane to the left of Ram's Head,

then, 20m beyond the bend, turn leftinto Green Lane (at St. Mary's Churchsign). Continue on a tarmac, and thenhard core, lane until an unlikely redtelephone box is spotted. At thestile/gate, the lane narrows to a path(D28) with views to The Cage in LymePark (this is where Mary, Queen ofScots, was incarcerated in the sixteenth century). Cross two streams,turn right (D19) onto a lane and thenby-pass the fragile Bollinhurst Bridge(LH28). (*At the hill top, on the left,there is a possible short cut toBowstones (LH29; D51) cutting out allof the Lyme Park section, but youwould miss an interesting walk).

Enter Lyme Park via East Lodge andfollow the tarmac drive past The Cage,

Lyme Hall and its car park.Here there is a café (open11.00 am-4.00 pm), information kiosk and toilets behind Mr Darcy's Lake. Take the left fork beyond the car park at the finger post and walk uphill through gateway. Keep the dry-stone wall and trees to the left. EnterKnightslow Woods via a secondmetal gate, to walk gently uphill to aseven bar gate and thence onto the

open moorland, where deer herdsoften graze. Continue uphill on obvious track (LH44) to the ladder stileat Bowstones.

Turn right at P&NFS sign No 181 toCharleshead. Pass through three metalgates, with a bench on the left and trigpoint far to the right before reachingSponds Hill summit and viewpoint... At the panorama plate at the viewpoint,pause to work out the various scenicpoints shown and then descend gradually to Bakestonedale Lane (thecontinuation of the walk is on the previous page of this issue).

If you are completing the walk in twostages, turn left and walk down the tarmac, watching out for traffic and goto the main road (B5470) where thebus stop to Rainow is on the oppositeside of the road. Make sure you timeyour arrival at the bus stop to giveyourself plenty of time because thebuses are not very frequent!

FP* refers to footpath numbers on Parish Paths Maps

Walk 22 - Pastures New

Distance: 14km (8.7m)

Conditions: Well signed. 4 short but

steep climbs

Maps: Gritstone Trail Walkers Guide

(from www.cheshireeast.gov.uk)

Rainow, Bollington & Disley Parish

Paths (from Town Hall)

Visas: Not currently required

FP Nos: D:Disley. LH:Lyme

Handley. PS:Pott Shrigley.

B:Bollington. R:Rainow

Disley to Rainow on the Gritstone Trail

On this page the northern section of the walk is described; the southernsection appears on the previous page.

The Gritstone Trail is a 35 milelong distance footpath fromDisley to Kidsgrove. A previous Raven walk traced

the section from Rainow to Teggs Nose.This rather longer section can be doneas a single non-stop walk or as twoseparate walks by using theCharleshead bus stop at the mid point.There are also two short cuts that can significantly reduce the distance.Throughout the walk follow the yellowarrows incorporating a boot print.

by Straggler

Lyme Hall(National Trust)