THIS is one of THE best online places to find out what is going on in Cheshire and the surrounding areas the next 6 weeks!

Anything that comes to our attention that is of interest to our community will appear HERE.

If YOU know of any news or events that might fit that category PLEASE let us know. You can do this via the “contact us” page and we will welcome your contributions.

If you visit any of these events, please let us know if you enjoyed them.  If you have any photos, perhaps you could upload them for us all to see and enjoy!

The events are written with the earliest date first.

ONGOING >>>>>>>

Ongoing: Family Fun Days Out – Pottery Activities

Drop in for a play with clay, paint pottery or a go on the Potters Wheel! It’s great for mixed age range groups. You can play with clay for an hour or all ….. more. There is much more on offer at the Potter’s Barn: go to our Art and Craft Corner where all courses are listed!

The Potters Barn, Roughwood Lane, Hassall Green, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 4XX

CHESHIRE CRAFT WORKSHOPS – fused glass, silversmithing & silver art clay jewellery!

Deborah Moses, one of the UK’s most experimental and contemporary fused glass designers, holds really amazing workshops at : FIELDS FARM,  WIMBOLDSLEY, MIDDLEWICH, CHESHIRE Cheshire CW10 0LZ You will find workshops in Fused glass – sculptures, tiles, wall panels, bowls & jewellery. Silversmithing & silver artclay jewellery. Dates, prices & details can be found on the silver zebra website and are listed on our Craft Courses page. Prices start at £68. All prices are inclusive of materials and a 2 course lunch made using local organic produce. If you would like to book on a course or have any questions please do get in touch. Phone 01270 526014 Classes are small, max numbers of 8 so everyone has individual attention. Our classes are relaxed and fun but professional too, and our tutors are a mine of information. Students come from all over the UK, and even as far as Africa! Visit www.thesilverzebra.co.uk for further information

Ongoing to Saturday 25th February: Night Owl Soul Club @ Hyde Town Hall Soul Night

NIGHT OWL SOUL CLUB presents :- TAMESIDE’S BIGGEST SOUL NIGHT HYDE TOWN HALL SOUL NIGHT, SATURDAY 21st JANUARY 9pm – 1am Ballroom Playing : Tamla Motown, Disco, 70’s Chart Busters, Ska & Northern Soul Anthems. Dj’s : Gareth Butterworth & Duncan Davidson. HYDE TOWN HALL HAS A BRILLIANT ATMOSPHERE IN THE MOST LUXURIOUS AND PRESTIGIOUS SURROUNDINGS. “Night Owl’s Biggest & Best Soul Night, Because Your Worth It”

Everyone welcome, Friendly Atmosphere, Cheap, Fast Bar & Car Park at rear. Over 25yrs only. Doors Open @ 9pm-1am Only £5 Members / £7 Non Members * * (No entry after 11pm) 9.00pm – 1.00am £5 Members – £7 Non Members

Hyde Town Hall, Corporation Street,, Hyde, Tameside. SK14 1AL. United Kingdom Cheshire SK14 1AL

Ongoing to 25^th February :  Talking Objects at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery

Have you ever wondered where some of the objects in the museum came from and how they got here? What happened to them before they came to the museum? This new exhibition puts the spotlight on the objects and lets them do the talking as they recount their strange stories. Admission Free. Open Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:30pm, Sat 10:00am-4:00pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Street/Bold Street, Warrington Cheshire WA1 1JB

Ongoing Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Peppertown Band: Evenings of Traditional Jazz

The Peppertown Jazzmen are now resident at The Jolly Tar, Wardle, Cheshire on the second, fourth and sometimes fifth WEDNESDAYS of each month.

8.30 to 11.00 p.m. alternate Wednesdays. Free entry, collection taken.

The Jolly Tar, Chester Road, Wardle, Cheshire.

Ongoing from the end of February 2012 : Childrens Drama Club at the Centre Stage Academy – Every Saturday at Wrenbury Village Hall, Nantwich

10am – 11am : Ages: 6 – 12years ; 11am – 12pm: Ages: 13 – 18 years On-going sessions following the School Term Dates.

Sessions will include: Drama Games & Activities, Acting Skills, Improvisation, Working towards a production

What you will gain: New Friendships, Team-building, Confidence Building, Creativity skills, Communication Skills

Cost: £7.50 for 1st session. Then book block of 5 or block of 10 to receive a 5% discount. Get in touch to BOOK A PLACE or for more information. Contact Janet: 07779-744353

Website: www.thecentrestageacademy.com Email: janet@thecentrestageacademy.com

Tomorrow to Wednesday 28th March : Contemporary British Craft Shop at Warrington Museum

Treat yourself or a loved one to a unique piece of jewellery from the Contemporary British Craft Shop – open for a limited time only! Featuring unique jewellery, ceramics, prints, textiles and exquisite glass, all produced by locally and nationally renowned makers.

Admission Free. Open Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:30pm, Sat 10:00am-4:00pm. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Museum Street/Bold Street, Warrington  Cheshire WA1 1JB

Wednesday 8th February to Wednesday 14th March: The RagTag Band Porters Prince of Wales, Macclesfield

The RagTag band are playing the Porters Prince of Wales, come along and join in the fun, you could be playing the Washboard or Pugil stick or even the Clangers Whistle.

Songs, tunes and some audience participation.
Free 8pm – 11pm

Porters Prince of Wales, Roe Street, SK11 6UT, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6UT

Sunday 19th February  : Spudaganza! At Norton Priory, Runcorn  

It’s potato season at Norton Priory and to celebrate there will be a Spudaganza. It’s a day celebrating all things potato with plants and a wide choice of seed potatoes for sale including heritage varieties. The Head Gardener will be on hand with tips and advice for first time growers, and there will be plenty of fun and games for families. The Potato Games will keep children (and adults!) entertained and you can get creative making potato people. Baked potatoes will be available from the cob oven.
11am – 4pm Normal admission prices apply. Check the website for details www.nortonpriory.org or 01928 569895

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn Cheshire WA7 1SX

Sunday 19th February  to Sunday 15th April: Dunham Massey, Altrincham  - Open Garden for NGS  

Enjoy the elegance of this vibrant Edwardian garden. Richly planted borders packed with colour and texture, sweeping lawns, majestic trees and shady woodland all await your discovery. See the largest Winter Garden in Britain with over 250,000 bulbs, 50 types of camellia, striking stems, beautiful bark and luscious berries.

Open for NGS: Sundays 19 Feb (11-4); 15 Apr; 5 Aug; 14 Oct (11-5.30). 2013 17 Feb.
Admission £7, Children £3.50. Times:11-4 11-5.30. Telephone:0161 941 1025. For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. Open for charity.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Cheshire WA14 4SJ

Sunday 19th February : Snowdrops in Jane’s Garden at Abbeywood Gardens Cheshire.  

For the 1st time on Sunday 19th February come and see the Snowdrops in Jane’s Garden at Abbeywood. She started collecting in her woodland garden in 2004, and now has over 150 varieties planted along with Iris, Crocus and Hellebores. Explore our two areas of woodland which are being developed as a Snowdrop Walk, with over 40’000 bulbs planted in 2011. We hope that you will join us at the start of our Snowdrop history, and then visit us again ever year to see how we are progressing! Once you’ve enjoyed the Snowdrops, warm yourselves in our Garden Cafe. Visitors are welcome throughout January and February BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please contact us or visit website for more details.
11am to 4pm. Adults £3.50, Children Free. Telephone 01606 301374. Please use Postcode CW8 2HS to find us.

Abbeywood Gardens, Chester road, Delamere, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2HW

Tuesday 21^st February: Lord Binning Charity Pancake Race in aid of St Luke’s Hospice with Celebrity Chef David Mooney at The Lord Binning, Kelsall

The North West’s original celebrity chef, David Mooney of the Lord Binning, has teamed up with St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice in Winsford to host a Charity Pancake Race to help raise funds. Taking place on Shrove Tuesday, 21 February at 5pm, at the Lord Binning Pub and Kitchen in Kelsall, the St Luke’s Charity Pancake Race will see local residents, businesses, celebrities and sport stars come together to high-tail it around a tailor made ‘agility’ course in the Lord Binning’s scenic grounds with frying pan and lemons in hand! With an evening of fun and frolics anticipated, all proceeds will be going to St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice, an adult hospice that cares for people from Mid and South Cheshire suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses
5.00pm £5 per individual or £25 per team Call 01829 751441 or email stlukes@lordbinning.com

The Lord Binning Pub and Kitchen, Chester Road, Kelsall, Cheshire, CW6 0RS CW6 0RS

Tuesday 21st February to Saturday 25th February: The Centenary Theatre Company present: “Up N Under” at The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn

Up N Under is a play by John Godber. FEATURING SKY SPORTS PRESENTER EDDIE HEMMINGS. Up ’n’ Under is a Rugby League based comedy by English playwright John Godber and follows the story of Arthur, an ex-pro who takes on the challenging Wheatsheaf Arms Rugby team and attempts to lead them to success. A film made in 1998 was a huge hit and brought Rugby League into many British homes. Join us as they struggle through adversity to try to become a team. A must see.
Tickets: £13.00 full and £11.00 concessions Time: 7.30pm nightly Box Office on 0151 907 8360 or order online by visiting our website www.centenarytheatre.co.uk

The Brindley Theatre, High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1BG Cheshire WA7 1BG

Tuesday 21st February : Pancake Decorating at The Jungle, Winwick Quay, Warrington

Free Pancake decorating (and eating!) at The Jungle, Warrington’s award winning play centre. Enjoy multi level play areas and the Jungle Express Cafe. 11am, 1pm and 4pm. more

10-6 daily, normal entry fees apply The Jungle, Cheetham Court, Winwick Quay, Warrington. WA2 8RF Cheshire WA2 8RF 

Wednesday 22nd February: Bryan Faussett: a Pioneer of Anglo-Saxon Archaeology – Dr Georgina Muskett at Sir John Deanes, Northwich 

Between 1760 and 1773, Rev. Bryan Faussett excavated over 750 Anglo-Saxon burials, all close to his home in Kent. This evening’s talk explores how a clergyman from Kent succeeded in excavating one of the finest groups of Anglo-Saxon material ever discovered, now part of the collections of National Museums Liverpool. Day & Time: Wednesday 22/02/12 7.00 – 9.00pm Cost: £8.00 Tel Adult Education Team on 01606 810020

Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AF

Thursday 23rd February : Join the Manchester To Glossop Folk Train  

GEOFF HIGGINBOTTOM – our regular folk train favourite singing his blend of local and classic folk songs enjoyed by all fans of folk and popular music alike, performing on the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop leaving at 18.48 calling at all stations except Ardwick. Geoff will then play at Glossop Labour Club.  We return on the 21.39 train from Glossop, returning to Manchester at 22.12. COME AND JOIN US FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT.
This is a normal commuter train so normal rail fares apply. Everyone is asked to contribute by buying a £2 raffle ticket (for a bottle of wine) and any extra donations are gratefully accepted to pay for the act.

Manchester Piccadilly, Cheshire

Thursday 23rd February :Waterways Walk – starting from The Grosvenor Arms, Chester

The Grosvenor Arms is the starting point for this new walk which initially takes us upstream alongside the River Dee on The Marches Way, a long distance footpath which stretches from the railway station in Chester to Cardiff. The return half of the walk uses an attractive old carriageway called the Chester Approach. The walk is 4.2 miles long, mainly on the level10:15 am. Free entry. Contacts on 01928 788673 or 0151 608 6487 or e-mail chesteranddistrict@waterways.org.uk

The Grosvenor Arms, 32 Handbridge, Chester Cheshire CH4 7JE

Ongoing from 24th February: Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester

Discover Greater Manchester’s public road transport history in former bus garage approximately one mile north of Manchester City Centre, near Manchester Fort Shopping Park. Take a trip back in time with one of Britain’s biggest collections of restored buses, coaches and trams. From a Victorian horse drawn bus to the prototype Metrolink tram, see and sit in fascinating vehicles that took Greater Manchester folk to work, shops and outings to the coast and countryside.

17.30hrs Open every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday (and every day in August 2012) from 10am until 4.30pm. Adults £4.00, students / over 60s £2.00, accompanied children under 16 visit free.

Former Cream bassist Jack Bruce Featuring JJ Grey & Mofro as special guests at The Parr Hall, Warrington

“JACK BRUCE – PROBABLY THE MOST MUSICALLY GIFTED BASS PLAYER THERE’S EVER BEEN……… ” Roger Waters in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Bassist, singer, composer, musician. Jack has travelled the world and the decades playing diverse musical styles but has now come home to the blues. The blues has always been the driving force, the root of Jack’s art- whether his compositions made eternal by Cream- Sunshine of Your Love, White Room, I Feel Free or his new songs, Jack lives the blues.

His latest band featuring the very best of the young British blues scene “rocks like no other” says Jack – and he should know having performed with Alexis Korner, Graham Bond, Manfred Mann, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Tony Williams, Lou Reed, Burt Bacharach, Ringo Starr, Carlos Santana, Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa to name but a few. Now he wants to play for you.

When asked what audiences should expect from Jack Bruce and His Big Blues Band 2012 Jack said simply: “Blues ancient and modern and sweet and sour rock and roll”.

Friday 24th February : Warrington Disability Partnership’s Quiz at St Oswalds Social Club. Padgate. 

Come down to St Oswalds Social Club for a great night out, and help raise funds for Warrington Disability Partnership. Great quiz prizes + raffle + stand up bingo + more fun & games! Teams of 2 to 6 people – Admission £2 each Pie & Peas Supper £1.50 Starts at 7.30pm
7:30pm – 11:00pm, £2 per person, For more information contact the fundraising team on 01925 240064

St Oswalds Social Club, Padgate Lane, Padgate, Warrington Cheshire WA1 3LB

Friday 24th February : Ghost Hunt at The Lion and Swan, Congleton  

An Eerie Evening at The Lion and Swan Includes: ~ Welcome Drink of Traditional Mead ~ Two Course Evening Meal ~ History Talk and Ghostly Tales ~ Platform Readings by Spiritualist Mediums ~ Opportunity to use Ghost-Hunting Equipment ~ Late Night Ghost Hunt & Paranormal Investigation ~ Take Part in Séance and ’Contact Experiments’ ~ Optional Hotel Accommodation and Breakfast ~ Refreshments Throughout

Event only: £49.00 per person Event and accommodation: £99.00 per person 8pm – 2.30am Call Eerie Evenings on 0845 201 3994

The Lion & Swan Hotel, Swan Bank Congleton Cheshire CW12 1AH

Saturday 25th February : Dolls House and Miniatures Fair at The Memorial Hall, Northwich.

Specialist miniatures fair selling 1/12th scale dolls houses including miniature shops and churches, DIY components, lighting, accessories, food, furnishings, people and many unique handmade specialist items to enhance your house, garden, shop, market stall, pub, or other miniature project. * Free Prize Draws* *Refreshments* *Parking* * Special display by local Dolls House Club

Open 10.30 to 4.00. Admission for all adults £3.00, £2.50 for concessions and £1.00 for children seven or over, there is no charge for children under seven.

The Memorial Hall, Chester Way, NORTHWICH, Cheshire CW9 5QJ

Saturday 25th February : Small Business Set-Up at Sir John Deanes Northwich from 10 – 4pm

Thinking of starting a small business? This introductory course is designed to help you decide whether self-employment is for you. The rewards can be high, but the lifestyle change and risks are not for everyone. We will look at the qualities you’ll need to succeed and the practical aspects of setting up a business. This course does not cover everything you need to know for business set-up but will be a good starting point.

Cost: £35.00 with a complimentary lunch

Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AF

Saturday 25th February : The Alexander Technique at Sir John Deanes Northwich

A one-day introduction The Alexander Technique is a practical method of self-help in which we learn how to look after ourselves better in daily life. Back or neck pain, joint problems and stress are some common reasons why people want to learn the Technique. This one-day introduction will mix discussion and practical activities to give you some useful tips and tools, and allow you to decide if you want to take it further. The Alexander Technique is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. You will need to bring your own mat or blanket to lie on.
Day & Time: Saturday 25/02/12 10.00 – 4.00pm Cost: £30.00 with a complimentary lunch

Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AF

Viewing Friday 24th February 11.00am – 6.00pm and Saturday 25th February 9.00am – 11.00am;  Saturday 25th February: Auction from 11am Vinyl, Music & Film Memorabilia Auction

600+ lots including stacks of rare vinyl to include Beatles, Vertigo swirl LP’s, Blues/Folk (Dylan, Mayall etc), Rock (Led Zep, Stones, Alice Cooper), Indie (huge Joy Division/New Order collection and numerous ’Creation Records’ related rarities) and many more. Great collection of music autographs including numerous sets/part-sets of Beatles, Rolling Stones and more recent bands such as Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs etc. Music memorabilia to include numerous rare Elvis items including his hair and a porcelain crown, original Beatles posters (Revolver, Magical Mystery & Hard Day’s Night), Joy Division/New Order/Factory items along with many more interesting and one off items from the Alan McGee collection (including large Paul Cannell art collection and interesting correspondence.
Auction starts 11.00am on 25th February and will finish around 5.00pm Catalogue available on our website from 10th February. Telephone; 0161 865 0838 Email: office@omegaauctions.co.uk

Unit 3.5 Meadow Mill, Water St, Stockport, SK1 2BX Cheshire SK1 2BX

Saturday 25^th February : Quick Quilting in a day at Sir John Deanes Northwich  

A list of materials required will be provided on enrolment. Create a quilt in a day using strip quilting and other speed techniques. The innovative machine sewing and cutting methods are simple enough for a beginner yet precise enough for the most seasoned of quilters. Using fabric remnants you can make a quilt to be proud of without the frustration of the amount of time it traditionally takes to complete a quilt!

Saturday 25/02/12 10am – 4pm Cost: £35.00 with a complimentary lunch

Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AF

Saturday 25th February  to Sunday 4th March : Lambing Weekends at Reaseheath College, Nantwich 

Over two weekends (last in February and first in March) there will be 250 ewes giving birth with well over 500 lambs due to arrive – a very special time of year on the farm. There will also be opportunity to see other animals which are at the Animal Management Centre, competitions, mini tractors, face painting, refreshments and plant sales This is a unique opportunity to get out in the fresh air and educate all ages of the family- to learn where food comes from and how much work is involved by the farmer
Open 10 – 4 Adults £5 Children/OAP £4 Under 3 free of charge Family ticket £15 (2 adults and 2 children) 01270 613215

Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF CW5 6DF

Saturday 25th February  and Sunday 26th February : Going the Extra Mile Challenge Weekend  

A weekend full of sponsored challenges all in aid of Warrington Disability Partnership. Challenges include a sponsored Scuba Dive, Swim, Kayak, Run and many others. Are you up for the challenge? Give the fundraising team a call on 01925 240064. All Day, Sponsored Events, Contact the fundraising team on 01925 240064.

Various Locations Cheshire

Sunday 26th February TENORS UN LIMITED “THE RAT-PACK OF OPERA” at the Lyceum Theatre, Crewe

Their new album ‘Viva La Vita’ was released 6^th February 2012.  If you want a preview of their wonderful music  CLICK HERE

The amazing sound of Tenors Un Limited is set to fill theatres across the UK. In their current live shows the three singers strip back the scale of previous performances, and in certain segments play just alongside a piano – this less is more approach leads to concerts that are not only more personal but also more powerful, with the true majesty of their voices proving the unmistakeable focus.

“Fantastic… a unique and wonderfully entertaining act” – Lord Richard Attenborough; “They shivered the timbers” – Evening Standard;  “Bravi!” – Sting

Their new album, ‘Viva La Vita’ sees Tenors Un Limited recording greatly-requested numbers from their live shows, garnishing each song with fresh, unique arrangements. In addition, ‘Viva La Vita’ includes two original compositions penned by the band themselves –‘Fall In Love’ and the title track.

‘Viva La Vita’ is an expression of Tenors Un Limited at their finest, a distillation of the charm and wit they bring to their diverse live shows. When choosing the tracklist for this, their second album, Scott Ciscon, Jem Sharples and baritone Paul Martin decided to record what would be their definitive takes on some much-loved classics – many of which have long been a feature of their live performances, but which have never been available for fans to own until now. So ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ appears as the band confess “it’s part of who we are!”

Tickets £15.00/£16.00/£17.00 www.lyceumtheatre.net : 01270 686777 www.tenorsunlimited.com or hear their music on http://www.tenorsunlimitedav.com/Video.html

Sunday 26th February : Bucklow Farm, Plumley, Knutsford  - Open Garden for NGS

Country garden with shrubs, perennial borders, rambling roses, herb garden, vegetable patch, wildlife pond/water feature and alpines. Landscaped and planted over the last 20yrs with recorded changes. Free range hens. Carpet of snowdrops and spring bulbs. Leaf,stem and berries showing colour in the autumn and winter.

Open  Sunday 26th February (1-3); also Sunday 10th June (2-5)  for charity.
Admission £3 (Feb), £3.50 (June), Children free (share to Knutsford Methodist Church).

Bucklow Farm, Plumley Cheshire WA16 9RP

Sunday 26th February: Weeping Ash – Open Garden for NGS

Created by retired nurseryman and photographer John Bent, Weeping Ash is a garden of all-yr interest with beautiful display of early snowdrops. Broad sweeps of colour lend elegance to this beautiful garden, which is currently undergoing an extensive re-design (11-3.30)

Weeping Ash, Glazebury Lancashire WA3 5NS

 

Peter Clark: Shutterstock

Sunday 26th February : Morris Minor Rally at The Museum of Transport, Cheetham, Manchester

 

 

 

Come and see a selection of Morris Minors from the ‘40s to the ‘70s. At the Museum of Transport – approximately one mile north of Manchester City Centre near Manchester Fort Shopping Park.

From 10am until 4.30pm. Revised admission prices apply: Adults £4.00, students / over 60s £2.00, accompanied children under 16 visit free. All other concessions £2. Full details visit our website: www.gmts.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @MoTGM Facebook.com/motgm

Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham, Manchester Manchester M8 8UW

Monday 27th February to Wednesday 29th February :  Billy Connolly at the O2 Apollo Manchester

Despite spending most of his time in front of the camera these days Billy Connolly is frequently voted the best stand-up comic the UK has ever produced, so when you see the announcement of a Billy Connolly tour you know it is one not to be missed. The often controversial but always hilarious Connolly promises to deliver one of the funniest nights out of the years so when Billy Connolly tickets are up for grabs you would be mad to miss out. Dont wait, grab your Billy Connolly tickets 2012 now!Start time:19:00. See website for prices and details.

O2 Apollo Manchester, Stockport Road, Manchester. Manchester M12 6AP

Monday 27th February to Saturday 3rd March:  ‘Our House’ at The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Our House by John Godber tells the heart-warming story of May, a widowed grandmother who is preparing to pack up her possessions and head off for a life in sunny Spain. As the removal van is loaded, a sea of memories from the past 45 years come flooding back and we embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, sadness and sorrow. At its core, it is a compelling reflection of what life is like for Northern working-class people, but seamlessly weaves in a social and political commentary that encompasses Thatcherism, the miners’ strike and life in Blair’s Britain and gives the piece a relevance, preventing it from being overly-sentimental. Indeed, this is kitchen-sink drama at its best. The script is brilliant; every bit as funny as Last Of The Summer Wine, as gritty as Coronation Street in the sixties and as poignant as Blood Brothers. It is evident that Godber is an expert people-watcher who understands the human psyche perfectly.

Box Office open Monday to Friday 11.00am – 8.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 12 Noon Telephone 0161 928 1677 option 1 Ticket prices £9.00 – £12.00 Performance starts at 7.30pm

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Barrington Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1ZH

Tuesday 28th February: Friday 2nd March:  Opera North- Madama Butterfly at The Lowry, Salford Quays

Madama Butterfly is a touching story of innocent love crushed amidst two utterly different cultures, which resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world. Widely hailed as one of the world’s best-loved operas, it features some of the most popular, beautiful and recognisable opera music, such as the ‘Humming Chorus’ and ‘One Fine Day.’ With its exquisite set and costumes, this moving production received widespread praise when it was new in 2007. Anne Sophie Duprels returns in the lead role of Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San), a young Japanese woman who sacrifices everything for the love of a U.S. Naval Officer, Pinkerton, sung by Rafael Rojas. Madama Butterfly is directed by Tim Albery, conducted by Mikhail Tatarnikov, set designed by Hildegard Bechtler, costume designed by Ana Jebens, lighting designed by Peter Mumford and choreographed by Maxine Braham.

Box Office: 0843 208 6005 or online: www.thelowry.com Prices: £16 – £55

The Lowry, Salford Quays Manchester M50 3AZ

Tuesday 28th February  to Saturday 3rd March : Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn at Moulton Village Hall, Northwich
 

Alan Ayckbourn’s first, and some say funniest, comedy tells the story of Greg and Ginny who are in love and living together. But Greg is becoming somewhat suspicious that he is not the only man in Ginny’s life. He wonders about her plan “to visit her parents” and decides to follow her. In fact, Ginny is really going to see a considerably older lover – but only in order to break off her relationship with him once and for all. However, Greg arrives first and mistakes the ex-lover and his wife for Ginny’s parents.. then Ginny’s arrival further compounds an already wildly hilarious situation.
Doors open 7pm. Play starts 7.30pm. Tickets £7/£6 call 01606 594190

Moulton Village Hall, Main Road, Moulton, Northwich Cheshire CW9 8PB

Wednesday 29th February : Sandbach Concert Series February Concert MUST SEE!!

 

Craig Ogden - classical guitar.

One of the world’s greatest guitarists, and a Classic FM favourite!.

Includes 30 minute spotlight concert, featuring talented young musicians from Sandbach. Art Exhibition during interval and raffle in aid of good causes. Pre-concert menu available at La Casa Vecchia. Plenty of free parking nearby.
Doors open 6.30pm, concert start 7pm and finishes 9pm. Ticket prices – £8.50, Concessions £7.50, Family tickets £20 (2 adults & 2 children) & School Children £3

St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Sandbach Cheshire CW11 1HD

Wednesday 29th February : James Byrne Psychic Medium, Touring Again Tour at The Stockport Plaza

James Byrne back on the road again! UK’s most celebrated Psychic Medium is back with a brand new show

Show starts 8pm, tickets £15 from box office 0161-477-7779

Stockport Plaza Manchester SK1 1SP

From Thursday 1^st March – 7^th April: ‘The Collection’ contemporary photography exhibition. At The Marburae Gallery, Macclesfield

Gallery open evening: 7-9pm 1st March 2012Exhibition: 2nd March – 7th April.  9am – 4pm daily except Sundays: Free Admission

Marburae Gallery will be holding the most playful photography exhibitions in Cheshire to date, showcasing for the first time, site specific 3D photography by Sam Paechter.

Sam replaces objects with large 3D photographs which have been distorted to give a strong impression that the object is really there – creating a fascinating and powerful interplay between the real world and illusion. Visitors will have the chance to experience Sam’s work at its best, with playful 3D images situated around the gallery space.

The collection presents the work of 11 photographers, many of which have featured in magazines and are developing a cult following, one, Davide Maione, even being published in the Catlin Guide for emerging talent. All 11 examine the world around them and capture its beauty or tease their audience with obvious flair.

For more information please visit www.artinmacclesfield.co.uk

Marburae Gallery, Athey Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6QU.

Friday 2nd March to Sunday 4th March :  Northern Modelling Exhibition at Event City next to the Trafford Centre.

A showcase exhibition for the North covering all aspects of modelling with support from a wide range of specialist suppliers and national and regional clubs. New Show organised by Meridienne Exhibitions Ltd and the sister exhibition to the very popular London Model Engineering Exhibition. Meet the Clubs and Societies! See hundreds of superb scale models of all types: model engineering, model railways, marine modelling, aeromodelling, RC cars, trucks and tanks as well as military and plastic modelling. See the Specialist Suppliers!

Make sure you come along to buy everything you could need for your hobby and gain inspiration for your next project. Visit the Model Active Zone! The North’s new showcase of modelling…not to be missed! Make a note in your diary now!

Opening Times: Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm; Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm. Entry Prices: Adult Ticket: £7.00 Discount Price; £8.00 Full Price. Senior Citizen: £6.00 Discount Price; £7.00 Full Price. Child (5-14): £2.00 Discount Price; £3.00 Full Price.

EventCity, next to The Trafford Centre, Phoenix Way, Manchester Manchester M41 7TB

Friday 2nd March and Saturday 3rd March : Romeo, Don’t Shoot Me Yet at Salford Arts Theatre

Four notorious Shakespeare couples living in the 21st Century, coping with all that our modern society has to offer. When each couple encounters 3 mysterious creatures, they are informed that their futures are doomed – unless they find their creator and stop the ink before its too late! A journey of fate, love, intrigue and trust… some believe in God, Some believe in Science… and others believe in Shakespeare! Who is in control of your fate? And if you knew your future – would you try to change it?

8pm £7 FULL, £5 concession 0161 925 0111

Salford Arts Theatre, Kemsing Walk, Salford Lancashire M5 4BS

Friday and Saturday, 2nd and 3rd March: The 50+ Show Manchester 2012 Manchester Central (formerly The GMex!)

The 50+ Show – Britain’s biggest show for the active over-50s will take place at Olympia from Thurs-Sat 12-14 July. Tickets to The 50+ Show are free if you register online, call the ticket hotline or register on the door. The 50+ Show is set to be a fantastic day out for everyone who loves life and wants to make the most of it.. There’s a wide variety of activities and features to appeal to all visitors, including, among others, cookery demonstrations, crafts, health checks as well as free informative seminars and expert-panel sessions. COME AND MAKE THE MOST OUT OF LIFE!

Register online, call the ticket hotline on 01372 8409 63 or register on the door for free entry to The 50+ Show. (Normal ticket price is £10 without pre-registration) Opening Hours: Friday 2nd March 2012: 10am-5pm, Saturday 3rd March 2012: 9.30am-5pm

Manchester Central (formerly GMEX) Manchester M2 3GX

Saturday, 3rd March Stone Carving Courses. at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Peter Price produces original hand carved natural stone figures and sculptures. Some of his more famous pieces include Gargoyles and the Green Man’s head covered in moss, grown to a secret recipe, that makes the head look hundreds of years old. As well as having a range of stock items Peter works to commission, one of his better known clients being the Alton Towers Hotel for which he made Alice in Wonderland themed sculptures.
Have a look at the Stone Carving Course Photos to see what you could produce in just one day under the guidance of Peter Price.

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

Sunday 4th March : Joan Baez at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Secure the best tickets from our selection of Joan Baez tickets as well as other Country and Folk tickets and Concert Tickets on viagogo. Since all Joan Baez 2012 tickets on viagogo – including concert tickets, sports tickets and theatre tickets – are covered by the viagogo Ticket Guarantee, you can rest assured that your transaction will be 100% safe and secure. Get your Joan Baez tickets on viagogo today!

Start time:19:00. See BRIDGEWATER HALL website for prices and details.

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Manchester M2 3WS

Monday 5^th March 7.30 Hayley Westenra and The NSO Chamber Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall Plus Special Guests

Tickets: £25.50 – £29.50

Still at the tender age of 24, New Zealand born soprano Hayley Westenra celebrates 10 incredible years in the music industry with the release of her fifth studio album, Paradiso. The catalyst for her staggering development was working on this album in Rome with legendary film composer Ennio Morricone and his orchestra.

She says, ‘With this album I feel I’ve grown a lot musically and I had a lot more to put into it emotionally. But the bottom line is I was working with a musical genius whose arrangements are out of this world and I had the opportunity to put lyrics to his amazing melodies’.

Friday and Saturday 9^th and 10^th March : Anton & Erin-Let’s Do It at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Following a sold out UK tour in 2011 Anton du Beke and Erin Boag return with a sensational new show.

Britain’s favourite dance couple will be joined by singer Lance Ellington, superb guest dancers and a Live Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe.

With music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Kander & Ebb and Cole Porter, featuring classic hits such as An American in Paris, Fascinating Rhythm, The Blue Danube Waltz, Cavatina, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) and Don’t Rain on My Parade.

Tickets: £15.00 – £42.50; Phone 0161 907 9000 or online booking available

10^th March Longbow Making With Mark Cooper (Master Bowman) at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Mark will start with a “Bow Making Course”, where clients can spend a day learning how to make an English Longbow. By following his tuition you will end the day with a bow worth up to “£200″ to take home!

Later he will run a “Longbow Archery Tuition Course”, where clients can learn the craft and skills associated with shooting a real 6 foot Longbow.
All of the equipment, bows, arrows, gloves, safety, equipment and tuition using £200 English Longbows is supplied.

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

Saturday 10th March : North of England Orchid Show

Come and see the wonderful blooms and colours of the world of orchids, many many different types of orchids in the hundreds on display,usually there are orchid traders to buy an orchid or two you may not have seen before.

FREE SHOW – show opens 10.30 to 3.00pm

THE COMMUNITY HALL MANCHESTER RD RIXTON WITH GLAZEBROOK Lancashire WA3 6JZ

Saturday 10th March : Up Them Fields and What Was Found There- The Treasures Of Blackden at Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

An illustrated talk by the famous Cheshire writer and local historian Alan Garner about a site that has been occupied for 10,00 years. The Blackden Trust, set up in 2004 works to preserve this unique inheritance.

3PM START. £5 PER TICKET Contact Brian Rich 01538384713 or joyce@jevers.freeserve.co.uk

Methodist Church, Holmes Chapel Cheshire CW4 7DE

Saturday 10th March: Northern Chamber Orchestra at Heritage Centre, Macclesfield

Peter Moore, trombone. MOZART Divertimento K251; NINO ROTA Trombone Concerto; Film music by Shostakovich, John Williams, Henry Mancini and others. Two fabulously talented students from Chetham’s School of Music: the 2008 BBC Young Musician of the Year, trombonist Peter Moore and Mathis Picard appearing as jazz pianist and composer.

7.30pm Tickets: £16 main auditorium, £13 balcony, £7 students, under 18s free NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220 Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Macclesfield 01625 504114

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6UT

Saturday 10th March : McFly at the O2 Apollo Manchester

Responsible for a legion of hits including Five Colours in her Hair, All About You and One for the Radio, the punk-pop rockers are the youngest band ever to have their first album debut at number one, and during their five years making music together have released a top selling greatest hits album, won an array of awards, starred in a Hollywood film and developed a huge fanbase. These dedicated fans are sure to snap up McFly tickets, so be quick!

Start time:19:00. See website for prices and details.

O2 Apollo Manchester, Stockport Road, Manchester. Manchester M12 6AP

Sunday 11th March:  Eva Cassidy – Over The Rainbow at Manchester Opera House – (I saw this last year and for any Eva Cassidy fan this is a MUST SEE! – Ed)

Over The Rainbow, the Life Story of Eva Cassidy – Starring Sarah Jane Buckley (Hollyoaks), Pauline Fleming (Coronation Street) and Rob McVeigh (Joseph – Any Dream will do). This is a compelling award-winning Musical, telling the life story of this legendary artist, following Eva’s life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music including a haunting interpretation of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” A talented and world-class Cast of Actors and musicians recreate her original arrangements and recordings From its first performace in 2004, Over the rainbow, has moved people immensely with sell-out performance and standing ovations throughout the UK and Europe. This is more than the life story of Eva Cassidy which is an absolute must-see for all Eva Cassidy fans, it’s a show for anyone who’s lost someone they love. This show pays genuine and heartfelt tribute to a true artist who wanted nothing more than to create beautiful music. 0844 871 7660

Manchester Opera House Manchester M3 3HP

Monday 12th March to Saturday 17th March: ‘The Glee Club’ at The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

A feel-good comedy with songs by Richard Cameron. Meet the Glee Club – the acapella group who just happen to be Yorkshire miners! Brassed Off meets The Full Monty in this heart-warming comedy of close harmony. It’s the summer of 1962 and five hard-working, hard-drinking miners are collaborating with the church organist to cause a musical sensation at the local gala. One of them, however, has a secret. The result is a series of events which change the miners’ lives forever. Combining raucous humour and superb close-harmony song renditions, The Glee Club is a critically acclaimed comedy, originally produced at the Bush Theatre in 2002. Heartbreaking and heart-warming, with vivid characters and gorgeous music, it is the perfect play to cheer any audience. Contains male nudity and strong language.

Box Office open Monday to Friday 11.00am – 8.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 12. Noon. Telephone 0161 928 1677 option 1 Tickets £9.00 – £12.00 Performance starts at 7.30pm.

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse Barrington Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1HZ

Tuesday 13th March and Wednesday 14th March : Michael McIntyre at The Comedy Store Manchester.

Hilarious Brit comedian Michael McIntyre has been wowing crowds with his brilliant social satire comedy since winning the Perrier Best Newcomer Awards in 2003. He may be a popular fast on out screen of the last couple of years but it is live that he is at his best so why not look out for dates and get your Michael McIntyre tickets when he comes to town for one of the comedy events of the year.

Start time:20:00. See website for prices and details.

Comedy Store Manchester, 3 & 4 Deansgate Locks Whitworth ST, Manchester. Manchester M1 5LH

Tuesday 13th March to Thursday 15th March: All Our Yesterdays at The Brindley Theatre, High Street, Runcorn.

Nostalgia just doesn’t come any better! Another sensational show from the producers of ‘Memory Lane’, ‘Rolling back the Years’, and ‘A Timeless Collection’. One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, taking you on a breathtaking musical journey from the good old days of Music Hall, through the 40′s, 50′s, 60′s, and finally into the some of the beautiful harmonies of the 1970′s. Beautifully costumed and choreographed for each decade, performed by ‘West End’ and international vocalists, along with the stunning ‘Memory Lane’ dancers. Based on the original show from 2010, with a host of new songs and costumes.

Tues/Wed/Thurs, 13th/14th/15th March, 2.30pm. Wednesday 7.00pm. Telephone: 0151 907 8360 Tickets £9.00

The Brindley Theatre Runcorn Cheshire WA7 1BG

Wednesday 14th March  to Saturday 17th March: Ladies Day by Amanda Whittington at the Little Theatre Knutsford 7.30pm

Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda are a fish-filleting foursome from Hull who have a day at the races in the year that Royal Ascot was held in York. Swapping their hairnets for fancy hats they feel like fish out of water but as the champagne flows, bets are placed and secrets spill out. Add a bit of love interest from a number of menfolk and this raucous comedy will have you cheering the women all the way to the finishing post.

Knutsford Little Theatre Cheshire WA16 6HZ

Tuesday 13th March to Sunday 18th March: The Netherlands National Circus – all human circus! at Haydock Racecourse

Holland’s finest — an all-human circus for all the family. Here at the start of a major British Tour. Presented in the warm and comfy Theatre Big Top. Features flying trapeze, springboard acrobatics, juggling, solo trapeze, rola-rola, aerial silks, unique unicyclists, and a gentle, clever clown.

HAYDOCK PARK, NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS Merseyside WA12 0HQ

MOTHERS DAY!

Sunday 18th March : Mother’s Day at Norton Priory

Enjoy tours of the Walled Garden. Cafe and Garden Tea Room open. With gifts and plants for sale. FREE ENTRY! Check the website for details www.nortonpriory.org

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn Cheshire WA7 1SX

Sunday 18th March : Mothering Sunday Afternoon Treat at Tatton Park

Treat Mum this year to tea and cakes in Tatton’s Mansion and a visit to the estate’s beautiful 50 acre garden. A table will be reserved for you in Lord Egerton’s Apartment, with stunning views over the Italian terrace and parkland, where you’ll enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes with tea and coffee. You’ll be welcome to stroll around the award winning gardens during your visit. Pre-booking essential: 01625 374 45

£20.00 per person. Price includes car entry. Normal Opening Times apply

Tatton Park Cheshire WA16 6QN

Saturday 17th March:  Live at St Wilfrids, Grappenhall  DOLCE CINQUE – wind quintet.

Flute,Oboe,Bassoon,French horn, and Clarinet.. Mozart,Prokofiev with narration,Poulenc and Jim Parker. A loop system is fitted…Please park in designated areas and NOT on the main road in the village due parking restrictions, penalty tickets have been given.. 7.30 pm…..Tickets £13 Adult, £11.Seniors.. and £5 Children, are available from 01925 266208…..Mention this site please, for ref purposes only. Note £1 surcharge applied if bought at the door.

St Wilfrids Church, Church Lane, GRAPPENHALL. Cheshire WA4 3EP

Thursday 22nd March: Waterways Walk – Dutton

From The Tunnel Top the walk heads south over Preston Brook Tunnel before dropping down onto the towing path of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Leaving the canal the walk passes through Longacre Wood. Using footpaths, bridle paths and lanes, the walk returns to the pub after a distance of 3 miles

10:15 am. Free entry. Contacts on 01928 788673 or 0151 608 6487 or e-mail chesteranddistrict@waterways.org.uk

The Tunnel Top, Northwich Road, Dutton, Cheshire WA4 4JY

24th March Water Colour Painting with Chris Beesley at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Chris Beesley will show you how to paint. A weekend for beginner and intermediate abilities.

Chris is a well-established professional artist and art tutor of a number of years. He loves painting most subjects, but prefers Landscapes, Seascapes and wildlife. His loves working in Oils, Watercolours and Acrylics and enjoys the challenge that these mediums can throw at a artist. After being a Graphic artist for twenty years, he changed careers and now devotes all his time to painting and teaching. Chris runs several well attended Leisure painting classes and Watercolour workshops. ”I, live and breathe for art and take immense pleasure in passing my knowledge onto my students, I take great satisfaction in seeing my students improving their work and growing in self-confidence, with the realization that, yes they can paint”.

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

31st March: Be a Silversmith for a  Day With Angela Kennedy at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Exploring Textures:

Here students will learn how to produce different textures using various tools such as hammers, punches and stamps. You will learn reticulation and granulation techniques too to create at least two pieces of silver jewellery. You will also learn basic techniques such as soldering, filing, drilling, sawing and polishing.

Course includes an information pack, use of all tools and equipment, all materials, refreshments and a lunch!

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

April 1st 2012 at 11.00am : From the Workshop | Schulze Pollmann Piano recital series at Shackleford Pianos Cheshire, Marburae House, Athey Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6QU

Start spring in style with a world premier performance by Australian pianist Tristan Lee at the premier of From the Workshop a Schulze Pollmann piano recital series based in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

From the workshop’s opening recital provides a chance to see the first performance of compositions by Leslie Howard, an acclaimed Australian Pianist and composer and a captivating performance of Prokofiev’s 7th Sonata.

The series is set to have it all, outstanding musicians and oodles of atmosphere. The concert series will be held in the workshop area of Shackleford Pianos so you will be able to listen to world class music in the most appropriate of spaces: a piano restoration workshop!

Tristan Lee, the first Pianist to perform for From the workshop has been awarded a Master of Music Performance form the Royal Northern College of Music as well as being musician in residence and a music tutor at St Hilda’s College, Melbourne. Tristan has performed recitals for the Melba Festival and the Diamond Youth Series, appeared as concerto soloist with the Zelman Symphony Orchestra and the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra, and has been broadcast numerous times on television and radio.

The 1st performance from the recital series will take place on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 11.00am. Tickets cost £10.00 inclusive of a cup of tea or coffee. To book tickets or for more information, please visit www.sitespecificmusic.co.uk or call 0800 032 9919.

21st April : Digital Photography at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Digital Imaging

The course will cover techniques used in digital editing including Adobe Photoshop.
It would help if students were already familiar with the basic functions of their software and ideally bring their own laptop.

Learn how to enhance your image.
Learn how to manage your image
Learn how to remove what you don’t want and add what you do want.

Richard Tucker was a freelance professional photographer specialising in Audio Visual. He was resident lecturer at the Nikon School from 1971 to 1982 and presented an 8 projector multi-vision show – the Nikon Experience at halls and theatres around the UK.

As a member of the Royal Photographic Society he gained his Associateship in Pictorial Colour in 1969 and shortly after, his Fellowship in the Audio Visual section.

He now lectures and is a leading exponent of digital audio visual. His web site is www.rtfract.com

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX  Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

22nd April Felting – Felt Making Workshop with Alison Rose at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

Alison will show you how to make your own unique piece of felt from coloured wools and a wide range of decorative materials.

You will then have the choice of turning the felt you have made in to a wall hanging, a scarf or a handbag.

The felt covered shoe shows that you are limited only by your imagination!

All felting materials and lunch are included.

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

28th April : Be a Silversmith for a Day Rings and Things with Angela Kennedy at The Potter’s Barn nr Sandbach

This course teaches you how to make silver rings using traditional Silversmithing techniques. Basic skills on finger measuring and ring sizing will be taught. Students will study various designs using sterling silver in sheet and wire form and will produce at least 2 rings of their own design during the day.

Course includes an information pack, use of all tools and equipment, all  materials, refreshments and a lunch!

29th  April: Raku Day at The Potter’s Barn near Sanbach

Try Firing pots in a Japanese style Raku Kiln.

Great Fun, lots of Smoke, Flames and Steam! Plus B.B.Q. lunch.

The Potters Barn Roughwood Lane Hassall Green Sandbach Cheshire CW11 4XX

Phone Andrew on 01270 884080 or visit the website : www.thepottersbarn.co.uk a.pollard@thepottersbarn.co.uk or email for further details

5th May: Glass Fusing Day With Angela Thompson at the Potters Barn, nr Sandbach

You will create your own bespoke designs in glass.

Items that may be made include pendants, earrings, tea light holders, sun catchers and coasters.

Workshop sessions are kept to small groups in order to provide adequate tuition per person.

All  materials, tuition, refreshments and lunch are included in the  price.

If you have any events you would like included, please contact us a themeetingplacenorth@googlemail.com

The Children's Adventure Farm Trust

The Childrens’ Adventure Farm Trust is a truly magical and special place.

It offers a lifeline to children who are in desperate need. The children who visit the Adventure Farm are terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled or disadvantaged in many other ways.

The Adventure Farm at Millington, Cheshire, opened in 1992 in the extended 17th Century Farmhouse at Booth Bank Farm. The experiences they have here offers them a chance  to forget the troubles and difficulties in their lives and gives them the chance to gain confidence and explore their own potential. It opens up opportunities to have some exciting adventures in a beautiful space that can build happy memories ….. memories that can be re-lived time and time again to help lighten each following day.

I have seen at first hand that time spent at the Adventure Farm makes a huge impression on all who visit.  For the  3,000 or so children who visit annually, their experiences light up their faces, they make friends and can chat with other children in the same boat!  These are no ordinary children they are extraordinary!

The Children’s Adventure Trust provides holidays and fun for children who are:

• Chronically sick or Terminally ill
• Children who are Sensory impaired
• Young carers
• Many who have Behavioural difficulties
• Those who have Learning difficulties
• Children who are Physically disabled
• Bereaved children
• Children in families suffering from financial deprivation
• Childhood victims of crime or abuse

The children are full of joy and smiles. They can have fun the fun of experiencing, music, sport activities, amazingly messy art or explore the 10 acres of trails, play areas, farms, duckpond, and space to RUN ……….

This amazing place is totally dependent on voluntary contributions so every penny they raise counts. It takes in excess of £750,000 each year to continue their work.

You cannot come away from this magical place and not be moved; you cannot miss the dedication and hard work that the staff put in and the joy and smiles in the faces of the children …… you CANNOT just walk away ….

Changing a life of a child may not be possible, but making a difference certainly is!

That is why The Meeting Place North has selected The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust as one of our four charities to support. The money we will raise through the advertising on our site will, we know, be a drop in the ocean for this amazing farm but they need every penny to continue their work.

They work so hard themselves to fund-raise and do mad things like the Sahara Stomp they are undertaking in November this year but more about that later.

Firstly a bit more about the Farm itself:

The Adventure Farm itself is based at Booth Bank Farm – a beautiful 17th Century Farmhouse set in 10 acres of grounds. It lies peacefully in the Cheshire countryside, to the North West of Altrincham. It’s warm, homely, inviting atmosphere hits you immediately …… it takes you back to our own childhood delights ………….

Fun on the Nature Trail

Around the Courtyard lie two separate apartments which cater for respite care for families or carers and their children, a very special and fully equipped music rumpus room. One of the brightest Arts and Craft Workshops you’ll ever see.  There is also an amazing Multi-Sensory Suite, with soft play areas, tactile and visually stimulating play zones and a UV area which has to be seen to be believed. The very special sensory room with its heated water bed, calming lights and soothing sensations would be a room of everyone’s dreams. They even have their own mini-cinema!

The facilities available have developed out of all recognition in the last 15 years. On the 10 acres of land they have a Sports Hall with a 50ft Bouncy Castle and a specially adapted trampoline as well as provision for every other sport you can imagine; an exciting Junior Assault Course; a wonderful Adventure Playground, with swings even for wheelchair users, a Nature Activity Trail and even a relaxing Sensory Garden complete with duck pond! Every area is of course accessible for wheelchair users. They even have hens with their chicks, ducks and believe it or not 5 woolly Alpacas!

I haven’t even mentioned the wide open spaces to run and play ……..

It is PURE MAGIC.

What does the Children’s Adventure Farm Offer?

A Free Holiday Programme: 34 holidays of various lengths, offered to groups of up to 26 (including Care Staff)

Respite Care Programmes: Bespoke respite breaks for children with complex and severe disabilities, either for individuals or for up to 8 in a group.

Activity Days: Days trips to the Adventure Farm for groups of any size

Christmas Party Programmes with magical parties catering for over 500 children a year.

They also  cater for Family Fun Days.

The dedicated Team who run CAFT

Well, they are never short of energy and ideas but ALWAYS welcome any support with open arms.They never stop trying to improve and provide the care and facilities that Children need so much. But it all costs so much.

To pay for the childrens’ holidays costs a fortune never mind the upkeep of the huge areas. They are always looking to enhance the lives of the visiting children with extra specialised equipment or materials.

There are 1001 ways to raise or donate money to this Charity. Their fund-raising team can be contacted on 01565 830053 or email fundraisers@caft.co.uk.

IF YOU DO DONATE MONEY AS A RESULT OF SEEING THIS INFORMATION, PLEASE MENTION THE MEETING PLACE NORTH TO THEM.

Events CAFT are running to raise money in 2010:

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 16 May: BUPA Great Manchester 10k Run

Wednesday 16 June, Mere Golf & Country Club: CAFT Ladies Lunch

Saturday 19th June : CAFT Skydive: £395 minimum sponsorship

22 – 23 June, Tabley: CAFT at the Cheshire Show

21 – 25 July: CAFT at the RHS

4 – 5 September: Cheshire Ring Corporate Team Challenge

And the BIG ADVENTURE:

18 - 23 November: Sahara Stomp Desert Trek

£150 registration fee, £1775 minimum sponsorship
Team discounts available .

You MUST visit the website to see what this is all about ………… www.saharastomp.co.uk

“The Sahara Stomp is a charity walk into the heart of the Sahara desert where you will experience the beauty of this amazing landscape. After arriving in the region you will head out into the dunes (which move continually in the wind). You will trek by daylight and by moonlight on this life-changing expedition”……….

Saturday 4 December, Mere Golf & Country Club: CAFT Grand Ball

Sunday 19 December, Hale, Altrincham, Village Centre: CAFT Carol Concert

Ongoing challenge events to do any time of year…
White Water Rafting, Abseiling, Skydive and other Global Challenges!

For further details call 01565 830053 or email.

PLEASE HELP US TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITIES IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL

thmemeetingplaceNORTH@google.com

A garden gnome is described rather elegantly as “a figurine of a small humanoid creature, usually wearing a pointed hat, produced for the purpose of ornamentation, typically of of gardens or on lawns.”

Early statues and pictures show gnomes as gnarled old men with long white beards or as misshapen dwarfs, all characterized by their small size.

The first garden gnomes were made in Grafenroda,  a small town in Thuringia in Germany, known for ceramics.

German Gnome "Portier" c1900

This was back in the mid 19th Century.  Many of the gnomes produced at that time were portrayed as miners. There is a legend that miners of small stature, came from the Island of Crete around 1500BC to dig for silver and gold in South East Germany. They worked endlessly and it could well be that those early miner gnomes were thought to bring riches to their owners. Indeed the  familiar red pointed hat that we see on many garden gnomes today was originally represented the hat that was once worn by miners in the mountains of south-east Germany.

Gnomes first seemed to have appeared in European folklore as kindly creatures who rewarded the dilligence of farmers and merchants by helping them at night in their shops and fields!

When Ceramicist Philip Griebel created terracotta animals as decorations, and produced gnomes based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes’ willingness to help. However great superstition grew up around his gnome grottoes; his tiny statues were also thought by some to ward off thieves from stores of grains and vegetables in barns.

Replica of Lampy

The gnome’s introduction into England was for a different reason entirely!

In 1847, Sir Charles Isham brought back 21 terracotta gnomes from Germany to decorate his rockeries. Only one of those original gnomes survives: Lampy, as he is known, is on display at Lamport Hall, and is now valued at £2,000,000 sterling. Now you wouldn’t want to drop him, would you?

It wasn’t long before the presence of a gnome or two in your garden became a Victorian status symbol and certainly a talking point. Surprisingly, a more recent notable English manufacturer of Garden Gnomes was the father of former UK Prime Minister, John Major.

More “durable” materials such a plastics, concrete, cement, resin and ceramic and even stone have been used to create the variety of gnomes we see today in our local garden centres. 

Garden gnomes are traditionally smaller than 14″, they can now be found in nearly and shape and size lurking behind rocks and under hedges. Their image has also been “modernised” to reflect the changing interests of gnome owners.

Gnoming mischief ……..

Although our little garden chums have become a popular addition to many a garden, their appeal  has escalated over recent years with the practice of “Gnoming” or to put it more simply – stealing gnomes. In fact in 2008,  a 53 year old man from Brittany was arrested for the theft of over 170 garden gnomes. As if that wasn’t enough, the French Garden Gnome Liberation Front is an organisation dedicated to the practice of releasing gnomes back “into the wild”.

It’s hard to believe that some “kidnapped” garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world known as “roaming gnoming” ……..  Some people have nothing better to do???

Sir Edmund

Banned!

In the serious world of posh gardening “gnomes” have definitely become persona non grata. They  were banned from the Chelsea Flower show (along with children under 5) more than 10 years ago as they we seen to detract from the gardens design. However, the schools and children’s exhibits at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show 2010 and 2011 make abundant use of the little chaps which might suggest that us “Northeners”  have a more down to earth approach!

Today we have a multiplicity of art forms offered to us to decorate our gardens, from wind chimes to water features and statues.

Each to their own ……. as for me?

I’m into mushrooms for they shelter the fairies from rain …….

Under the toadstools sat a wee elf ......

I have had a few enquiries in respect of how to obtain a valuation on some older gnomes that are inhabiting our gardens. Auctioneer, Adam Partridge (of Cash in the Attic etc etc fame!) has his own auction rooms at Congleton, Cheshire and is very willing to help. Please contact him on:

Adam Partridge
Auctioneers & Valuers
01260 223675/07815 431158
info@adampartridge.co.uk
www.adampartridge.co.uk

Now those of us who were alert back in 2006 may well think this is “Old Hat” ……. OK I must have been on holiday when it was aired on an episode of Discovery Channel’s MythBusters (Episode 57, Season 4; “Mentos and Soda,” aired on August 9, 2006).

I’ve finally caught up and just tried it. And all I can say is that my 5 year old grandson wanted many repeated performances and failed to understand that the diet Coca cola that I was using COST MONEY!!! I certainly went up in his estimation though ….. Wizard status? well  … almost on par with Indiana Jones ….. nay! I exaggerate. Perhaps Sportacus?

Well what’s this all about?

We all know to our cost that if you shake up a bottle of fizzy drink and then release the pressure inside by taking the top off, it erupts and usually you get a soaking and lose half your drink! That’s due to the gas called Carbon Dioxide that is present in the liquid in solution. Shake it and the gas comes out of solution and the pressure builds up inside the bottle. When you remove the top ….. woooshhhh ! the liquid goes everwhere.

But if you think THAT”S GOOD??  Try this!

PLEASE FIRST NOTE THAT YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!! …………..

And do NOT let young children do this on their own …. they probably will of course behind your back, if they haven’t already done so!

For you own safety you are recommended to wear safety goggles and NEVER peer into the bottle of  fizzy drink!

Now then you need :

• 2 litre bottle of soda (diet is preferable) or coca cola … diet Coke works best!
• A Roll or box of Mentos
• Single piece of paper or card that you can roll up
• A Business Card or credit card ……….

Here Goes: This is what you do…….

>> Go outside to the middle of a field, a huge lawn, or your garden. Take a roll or box of Mentos (candy mints) and a 2litre bottle of soda/diet Coke. (Either diet or regular cola works for this experiment, but diet cola does give a higher eruption. Remember Sugary Soda/ Coke can get sticky when you’re cleaning it up!!

>>DO NOT SHAKE THE BOTTLE OF COKE as it will ruin your experiment!

>>Open the bottle of Coke carefully. Position the bottle on the ground making sure that it cannot tip over. Wedge it if necessary.

>>Unwrap a whole roll of Mentos mints.

The goal is to drop all of the Mentos into the soda bottle simultaneously (it’s trickier than it sounds!). One method for doing this is to roll a piece of paper into a tube (like a cardboard toilet paper roll but with a diameter of the bottle top!) just big enough to hold the Mentos.

Roll up your paper into a narrow tube and put your business card or credit card over the bottom of the tube. Place the  business card in contact with the open top of the Coke bottle. Pour all the Mentos into your tube. Then carefully but QUICKLY pull off the card and the candies will all drop into the bottle at once. Its quite often good to have a practice on the quiet with a bottle of water and 2 or 3 Mentos with the tube and and the card to get the knack of it!

>>Warn spectators to stand back.

>>Drop all Mentos into the bottle at the same time and then run as fast as you can…. but keep an eye on it!

>>Watch the soda eruption. It’s just like fireworks on the November 5th. The spectators will cheer in a chorus of oohs and ahhs! Now take a bow…….. Mmmmm

Of course with a bit of practice you COULD beat the Guiness book of Records which now stands for simultaneous explosion at 2,500 … that’s a lot of people and a lot of Diet Coke!

Have a look at this video clip of Eepy Bird’s experiments …. I hope you are impressed:

This a really funny and amazing video…… The guys from EepyBird erupted a sensational 251 bottles of Diet Coke using over 1,500 Mentos mints.  It’s one giant Coke & Mentos chain reaction that has to be seen to be believed.

How does this work?

Now this is really for the budding scientists amongst you!

• The science behind this experiment goes deeper than the surface.
• Water molecules are attracted to each other and at any water surface that creates a very HIGH SURFACE TENSION …… like a “skin” . This is what allows some insects to walk on water or even a paper clip to “float”.
  

  Water Striders can walk on water

• Each water molecule in the liquid is strongly attracted to other nearby water molecules. These water molecules will collect around a bubble of carbon dioxide gas that is found in the soda, forming a sort of coating.
• For more carbon dioxide bubbles to form, or for existing ones to grow larger, the surface tension of the water molecules surrounding each gas bubble must break .
• The theory with Mentos is that the GUM ARABIC in the sweet breaks the surface tension of these molecules, making the carbon dioxide bubbles form faster.
• Although breaking the water molecules’ surface tension contributes to the reaction, the success of the experiment also depends on another property found in Mentos.
• The second property is the masses of tiny, irregular cracks and crevices that can be found all over a Mentos sweet at a microscopic level, which are nucleation sites, or places where its easy for carbon dioxide bubbles to form. When you drop a Mentos mint into the Coke, and a large number of bubbles will form all over the surface of the mint at the nucleation sites. As the mint sinks, it passes through more Coke and creates more bubbles.

Surface of a Mento magnified x173. Each irregular mark provides a nucleation site.

• Because the top of the Coke bottle is very narrow, these bubbles rapidly create foam and the high pressure necessary to cause an eruption.
• You might wonder why this experiment does not work with ordinary soda. According to Eepybird’s scientists, dropping almost any object into any fizzy drink will create some fizzing, but usually less so than Mentos and Diet Coke.
• It’s all to do with the sugar present in ordinary Coke. In addition, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, the hosts of Mythbusters, suggested that the sugar molecules dissolved  in the water in the drink, due to their large size, prevent the fast formation of bubbles, and also that the increased viscosity of the liquid can better contain carbon dioxide bubbles.
• Other sites have suggested that diet soda is favoured because the mess it makes is far less sticky than regular soda!!! Not a scientific reason I may add!
• Mentos mints are also really convenient to use in the experiment because they are small and they sink. But anything with gum arabic should do the trick. Hyneman also said that table salt can create a similar eruption and actually works a bit better than Mentos.

High Flying Geysers!

• The ideal condition for achieving high-flying geysers is to get as many Mentos as possible into the diet soda at the same or nearly the same time. The scientists of EepyBird, for instance, drill a hole in each Mentos candy to make a string of Mentos that can be dropped into the soda. Of course, increasing the number of Mentos that are dropped will increase the spray.

Try this for size!

Of course there is loads of stuff in the internet about this cool experiment …. they even have the T Shirt for it in the States!   But then you’d expect that wouldn’t you!

We have reviewed many gardening websites and BLOGS and have created a very varied list of those we love!

We are always open to add others and would love you to tell us about any YOU have found!

I have to start with my favourite blog site: Flowergardengirl™

It belongs to Anna Tanglewood from North Carolina in the States. She updates it daily too. It may be in USA but her pictures and comments are inspiring! Visit it and you’ll see what I mean!

Special Perennials.com is a wonderful Cheshire based website for an amazing nursery. It is a MUST SEE site!

Janet & Martin Blow wrote “Our garden nursery is in Hankelow, Cheshire UK where we grow choice and unusual perennials All plants are grown at home and tried out here, so we can talk from experience on how to get the best from them. We promise great value and quality plus friendly and expert service and advice”.

www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk/ For The Willowbridge Garden Trust …. a beautiful garden in Willoughbridge, Market Drayton Shropshire, TF9 4EU

Intimacy and that quintessentially English gardening tradition of informality, epitomise the ‘essence’ of The Dorothy Clive Garden. This jewel of horticulture, nestling between the boundaries of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, is a garden that must be seen if you have a love of plants and a sense of romance.

www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk/ is again a region website telling you where all the Plant Hunter’s Fairs are in 2010 …… but it does LOTS more than that ….. have a look and see!

Garden advice - excellent tips on everything from building decking to lawncare. www.gardenadvice.co.uk

The BBC’s gardening website - simple, straightforward advice, plenty of inspirational stuff plus encouragement from the stars of Gardeners’ World. www.bbc.co.uk

Thrive – well-established charity helping anyone with a disability to carry on gardening. www.carryongardening.org.uk

Gardening Which? - useful and well-researched advice and month by month tips. www.which.co.uk

Greenfingers – a rather quirky site with a huge range ofgarden bits and pieces including a pack-away garden sink and a pink tool belt (no gardener should be without one). This is mostly an online shop although the site includes some gardening essays. www.greenfingers.com

Chiltern Seeds – One of my FAVOURITE catalogues! Their long, thin catalogue, thick enough to be used as a fly swatting for a year or more, has been in my life for as long as I can remember. Their range of rare and unusual seed continues to seduce generations of gardeners, on and off line. Their site is even more beautiful than their catalogue, thanks to plant pictures www.edirectory.co.uk/chilternseeds

Thomson and Morgan – One of the biggest and best professional, easy-to-use websites. Thompson and Morgan has been at it for years and they are still one of the most original plant and seed sellers. Their normal collection has been added to by Dutch bulbs. www.thompson-morgan.com

Nicky’s Nursery - Another of my real favourites!  Has a good selection of orientals which includes several unusual aubergines and MUCH MUCH more besides www.nickys-nursery.co.uk

National Society of Allotment and Leisure Garden – Useful tips from how to get an allotment in the first place to video clips to help you make the most of your allotted space. www.nsalg.demon.co.uk

Garden History Society - A lovely great way to enrich your knowledge of gardens and landscapes. www.gardenhistorysociety.org

The National Gardens Scheme – A first-class website, listing, county by county, of all the gardens, private or otherwise, that open for the NGS charity in any given year. Many of these gardens are never normally open to the public. Here you can always find a garden near you to visit throughout the year.  www.ngs.org.uk

The Wildflower Society – helps keep tabs on all natives. www.thewildflowersociety.com

Jungle Seeds – a relatively new kid on the block, it is superb both in content (masses of exotics to grow in this country) and ease of access. www.jungleseeds.co.uk

Garden Banter – where to let off steam and swap ideas/pictures and thoughts. www.gardenbanter.co.uk