No.25 Winter 2013

TheRavenThe quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow

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

25thissue

The Parish Council would like to wish everyone a very....

Happy and Peaceful Christmas and NewYearAll the Best for 2014

2 Cover Photos: Ian BrammerPari

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oun

cil N

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Christmas Tree

Please take a look at our fantastic Christmas Tree this year in Trinity Gardens, supplied by MacclesfieldForest. For the second year running the Vicar heldthe tree lighting and Christmas Carol ceremony on1st December. Tea and cake were generously provided by the church.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped withthe installation and decoration of the tree.

Winter Gritting

Highways will be filling grit bins and when the weatheris particularly wintery depositing 1 tonne sacks of saltmix at strategic locations in the parish to assisthouseholds. The sacks will be dropped on the vergeas they are and the salt can then be spread from thesack. We have asked for the usual distribution at thetop of Sugar Lane, top of Round Meadow near telephone kiosk, Berristal Lane (should the bin not befilled), Tower Hill and mid-point of Kiskill Lane.Hopefully we will be well covered for this winter but,should you have an emergency then the contactnumber for highways is Tel: 0300 123 5020. This ismanned 08.30 until 17.00 Monday to Friday and outside these hours a message gives the option to beput through to contact the duty officers for emergencies.

Please note that the salt from the bins and sacksare for use on the road and pathways ONLY. Wewould reiterate that “IT IS STEALING IF YOU USEIT ON YOUR OWN DRIVE”. If you need to saltyour own drive then please, please get in yourown supply.

Advertisers, request for….

The Council are seeking advertisers to ensure thecontinuation of the newsletter. If you are interested inadvertising then please contact Cllr Carole Harvey formore details.

Missing Minutes

We know this is a long shot but, we are missing the Parish Council Minutes between the years 1894 – 1919.

Has anyone seen these? It would be lovely to findthem so please check your loft spaces..

Community Pride Competition 2013

Rainow has done well again this year receiving the“Little Gem” award for the war memorial garden.Many thanks to Mr John Pickford for all his hard workin keeping the memorial in good order.

Civic Service

The Civic Service was once again a great successwith Lay Reader Michael Strutt leading the serviceand Over Alderley Brass Band accompanied thehymn singing.

Among the guests were David Rutley MP, Mayor ofMacclesfield Cllr Lloyd Roberts, Cheshire East CllrHilda Gaddum, Cheshire East Deputy Mayor CllrWesley Fitzgerald, Deputy Mayoress Mrs JoanMcCance, Alderman Mrs Sylvia Roberts, Mayor ofBollington Town Council Cllr David Laffan.Representatives also attended from the ParishCouncils of Higher Hurdsfield and Pott Shrigley.

The Mayor of Rainow, Mr David Wood, and theChairman of Rainow Parish Council Cllr, JohnCantrell, presented Mrs Sue Grimes with flowersthanking her for her contribution over the years to thecommunity of Rainow.

The boys and girls from Beavers, Cubs and Scoutsattended along with Rose Queen, Rachel Warringtonand her Rosebuds to make the morning even morespecial.

Once again the Council would like to say a big thankyou to all villagers who joined in to help make the Civic Service such a successful event – we could not make this possible without your help.

Particularly thank you to all members of the Women’s Institute, Mothers Union and church members who provided cakes and to all members of the Parish Council who made the sandwiches.

Editorial Team for this issue:Ian Brammer Sheila Brammer Bob Langstaff Louise Leigh Jane Mellings Raph MurrayRosie Daniels Design by Mel Wilcox (576182)

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Your Parish CouncillorsJohn Cantrell (Chairman) 422107john.cantrell@rainow.com

Alan Brett (Vice Chairman) 576108alan.brett@rainow.com

Richard Balment 573625richard.balment@rainow.com

Ken Butler 433168ken.butler@rainow.com

Geoff Cooper 574878geoff.cooper@rainow.com

Sue Frith 573802sue.frith@rainow.com

Carole Harvey 573576carole.harvey@rainow.com

Mary Marsh 573508mary.marsh@rainow.com

Pat Mellish 574523pat.mellish@rainow.com

Alan Taylor 575544alan.taylor@rainow.com

Clerk: Sarah Giller 850532parishclerk@rainow.com

Cheshire East Councillor:Hilda Gaddum 01260 252456

Future Meetings and Dates for your diary17th December – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm21st January 2014 – Parish Council Meeting 8.00 pm18th February – Annual Parish Meeting20th May – AGM

Annual Parish Meeting - 8.30 p.m. 18th March 2014This may seem a little in advance but, before we know itwe will be working on our Spring issue and it will be toolate. Every year the Parish Council holds an Annual ParishMeeting where all Rainow Residents are welcome to comeand raise any points they wish concerning life in the villageand bring up any suggestions they may have which couldenhance the village. It is important that we know yourviews so that we can act on your behalf so please docome along.

Vandalism

The Parish Council would ask everyone in the community tokeep vigilant. Please do notify the Police of any acts of vandalism to your property as well as keeping the ParishCouncil involved by notifying the Clerk. Please note the contact numbers are listed below.Police non-emergency contact number Tel: 101Homewatch contact number Tel: 01606 362725Parish Council contact number: 01625 850532

We sadly report the untimely death of Andrew Renshawat the age of 64. He was a very well known figure in thevillage and held in high regard for his service to the

community as parish councillor, contributor to the Raven andlatterly a sheep and poultry farmer. He was born and spent hisearly years in Marple Bridge. There he discovered his first motor-bike and the thrill of off-road riding, thus starting a lifelong passion for motorcycles. Andrew was a natural engineer, enjoyingthe challenge of working with all things mechanical, and was particularly proud of becoming a chartered Mechanical Engineer.Following an apprenticeship at Reynolds, which gave him vitalexperience, he set up a very successful engineering company(Renthal) with his friend and business partner of over 40 years,Henry Rosenthal. He continued to share his expertise with colleagues at Renthal until the last few weeks before his death.

Andrew married Claudine in 1976 and moved to Rainow fromBollington in 1982. He was fascinated by our local history anddelighted in his involvement with the Rainow history group andparticularly the production of the book, "Rainow Caught inTime". He loved living at Clarke House and really savoured thepleasure and good fortune that enabled him to move there in1999 and later acquire Back 'o the Crofts. He relished the duty oflooking after the land, and learning all that was necessary to raisesheep, repair walls and drains, and of course make hay. His engineering skills were regularly put to the test maintainingmachinery and producing solutions to the plethora of problemsthat reared their head around the farm. He loved standing ontop of Big Low appreciating the details of the remarkable vista itaffords. He took great pleasure from farming and improving theland and was proud for the last few years to describe his profession as farmer.

Andrew was a good conversationalist, ideally over good food andwine and could converse on many themes with expertise andsense of humour, enjoying engaging in vigorous debate. He hadvaried and eclectic interests: shooting, astronomy, jam-making,land surveying, geology and church organ music are just a few. He had a real keenness to understand and learn and was extremely well read. He passed this passion on to his 3 sons andtook great pleasure in observing their own developing careers.

In many ways Andrew was a larger than life character and will begreatly missed. He faced his illness stoically, even making time totake part in a radio programme to raise awareness of lung cancer.Our heartfelt condolences go to Claudine and all his family, echoing the sentiments of many who were touched in their livesby this remarkable man.

Richard Balment

Andrew Charles Renshaw6th June 1949 - 27th October 2013

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

Carole Harvey Telemarketing

New Business Development

Appointment Setting

Telephone Marketing

4

You probably have a desktop, laptop or tablet computer. You will probablyalso have an internet connection. However, you may be a bit unsurewhether you're making the best use of all the options available to you. If so,booking an IT Buddy session with John Allen at The Robin Hood pub on a

Tuesday afternoon may provide you with the guidance and advice you need.To book a session simply phone John on 01625 572523 or 07879 831851.The IT Buddy sessions are open to anyone.

l Each session is on a "one-to-one" basis and lasts about an hour.

l Phil Moss, landlord at the Robin, provides FOC fast broadband.

l John's time is FOC but he does request a small donation (suggested £2 per hour) to Age UK).

l Several residents have already enjoyed and benefited from John's help and advice.

John will also be working with Akela (aka Sue Grimes) to help the RainowCubs gain their Scout IT badges on Tuesday 28th January 2014.Due to increasing demand, he’s thinking of asking the Landlord of the Lamp &Candle if he can conduct additional IT buddy sessions in the Snug at theLamp....but the Snug will have to have free WiFi!

Need help with your computer skills?

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

YOU!OPEN

EVENINGWednesday

12th February 2014 8 pmTHE ROBIN HOOD

Come and meet the Fete Committee. We need people who can devote a fewdays or even a few hours each year to continue making the fete a success.

RAINOWY O U R C H U RC H F E T E C O M M I T E E N E E D S

Plans are moving apace for next year'sweek-long commemorative exhibition,honouring the thirty-seven men of thevillage who were killed in World War 1.Information is coming in and the idea is

obviously popular, with the School, the WI,the Institute Committee, the PCC and theParish Council showing a good deal of interest. At November's Parish CouncilMeeting Harry Carlisle and Bob Langstaffpresented detailed plans to the Council andreceived unanimous support and backingfrom the Councillors.

Each of the 37 men will have his own display within the core exhibition, and whilstextensive research is under way on piecingtogether each man's story, we are very keento hear from anyone who has informationabout any of the soldiers who returned,where they served and how they were affected. This will help us to build a good picture of the village before, during and after, the war. If you can help in any way pleasecontact Bob Langstaff (01625 573761 - evenwood@talktalk.net) or any member of the Raven Editorial team via the Ravenemail address: - theraven@rainow.com

The Great War

Anniversary 2014

Rainow old boy, Stephen Leigh, recently returned to the area to marry CindySchaechterle Webster from Little Rock, Arkansas, USA on Saturday 19th October.Cindy writes;

"Stephen & I had a perfect day with our friends & family. Many of our guests came fromfar away places & were very impressed with the beauty of Rainow. It already feels like my new home away from home!

The couple will make their home in Guildford, Surrey.

A Special Relationship

The autumn term is always a busy term here which culminates in the most excitingtime of the year in any primary school…the run up to Christmas!Children in Need DayThe Children in Need day this year wasextremely memorable. As usual the pupilsand staff threw themselves wholeheartedlyinto the event; wearing pyjamas in assemblyis the stuff of nightmares for Headteachers!This year, due to the dreadful events in thePhilippines caused by Typhoo Haiyan, wedecided to split the proceeds evenlybetween the Disaster EmergencyCommittee and Children in Need. I amdelighted to report that the amount raisedwas well over £300 for these extremelyworthwhile causes.Girls' football teamWe have had two particularly successful boys' footballteams so far this year. Both the first and second boys'teams have won all of their games this season to dateagainst other local schools. I am pleased to say that wehave also re-established our girls' football team. Theyrecently took part in a tournament against other localteams and put in an excellent performance, especiallyas this was their first event, narrowly losing to the eventual winners on goal difference. We are hoping foreven more success at their next tournament.Our Kenyan PartnershipMiss Gerrity and Mr Gratton were able to visit our partner school in Kenya during the half term break. They took part in the trip to the Rift Valley, along with anumber of other Cheshire schools who have partnerschools in Kenya. The staff and pupils of Mutiume School were delighted to have ourteachers working in their school and Mr Gratton and Miss Gerrity have brought ideas,gifts and messages back from Kenya. Moses, the headteacher at Mutiume, hopes tohave electricity in school in February and the rapid technological advances taking placein Kenya will certainly make school to school communication easier and quicker. Anti-bullying dayWe recently held a whole school anti-bullying day as part of anti-bullying week. MrGratton and Mrs Daley organised a range of fun, exciting and informative activities whichhighlighted the effects of bullying and gave children strategies to deal with potential bullies. You will have heard and read of some of the stories in the news regarding thedevastating effects of such intimidation, both in children and adults and we were pleasedto raise everyone's awareness of this.Rainow UniversityEvery term we try to provide a different learning experience for the children. In key stage2 we have introduced 'Rainow University' to enrich the school curriculum. We offered thechoice of some superb and memorable learning experiences and we greatly appreciatedthe parents and other volunteers who give up their time to support these projects.Amongst other activities, Mr Norris developed the children's computing skills by designing their own amazing computer adventure games. Mrs Worth, helping out as aparent volunteer, made delicious treats in 'Cake and Bake'. Miss Gerrity and Mrs Ewerdesigned and made working models with the pupils to develop their technology skills.We also particularly enjoyed some wonderful fashion designing from children workingwith Mrs de Ruiter. My group, the outdoor explorers, dug the school vegetable beds, builtdens, made miniature boats and tested them in the river as well as making bows andarrows in the school woods. Mr Gratton's theme was drama, particularly improvisation.All the groups and activities focused on developing pupils' abilities to co-operate andwork as a team.

If you would like to find out more about our lovely school, please take a look at our excellent website at www.rainowpri.cheshire.sch.uk

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by Mark Bertinshaw, Headteacher

Out of School

Fundraising by the Friends ofRainow School has got off to ahealthy start this autumn. 15thNovember offered parents (and

teachers) of the competitive variety the chance to pit their witsagainst each other in the annualschool quiz night, whilst the opportunity for a good clear-out ofthe cupboards came with the termlyBag 2 School collection on 8thNovember.

The quiz night was a great success,with Craig Roberts once again presenting an excellent and challenging variety of questions toseven teams of wannabee brainboxes. Beer (from Red WillowBrewery) and wine flowed freely, loosening up a few braincells, whilstappetites were stoked by a heartybowl of homemade chilli-con-carneat the midway point. Largest team,'No Apologies', made up of seven parents were triumphant in the end,proving that both quantity and qualitycan be a good thing sometimes. Thehighlight for many was the musicround – a carefully mixed selection of12 TV themes, old and new, whilst a question about the various States ofCanada was deemed void after toomany sneaky peaks at the worldmap on the school hall wall whilstqueuing for Chilli!

The quiz evening raised many alaugh, as well as £370, and there areplans to repeat this successful formatnext term too. Even more lucrativewas the November Bag 2 Schoolcollection of textiles. This timeRainow managed to clear out, quiteliterally, a tonne of stuff, raising a brilliant £540. The Friends ofRainow School are especially grateful to those Rainow residentsnow donating to the collections whodon't have children at the School.Keep a watchful eye on villagenoticeboards next year, as future collection dates will be publicised.

NewsWinter 2013

Friendsof Rainow School

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For

the

Turk

ey

Apricot &PecanStuffing Balls

Ingredients (serves 8)

25g Butter1tbsp Olive oil2 Onions, finely chopped4 Cloves Garlic, crushed400g White breadcrumbs100g Pecan nuts, choppedGrated rind and juice of an orange50g Soft apricots, chopped20g Fresh Thyme leaves, chopped2 Medium eggs

1. Melt butter and cook onions and garlic

until soft; put aside in bowl to cool

2. Stir in all remaining ingredients and

season well

3. Form into 20 golf ball sized balls and

place on baking sheet lined with

non-stick baking parchment; cook for

20 minutes @ 180C/gas mark 4 until

golden and crisp

Zach Wi l coxGardening & Maintenancel Weekly Garden Maintenancel Dry Stone Wallingl Tree Fellingl Hedge Cuttingl Gutter Clearing

& Replacementl Flag Layingl Fencing

01625 576182Mob : 0 7 7 5 8 2 4 9 5 8 75 8 S u g a r L a n e , R a i n o w

In the last Raven we reported on progress with the community bus project andthe success of the trials held over the Barnaby holiday. The trials proved that aservice could be run effectively but would not be financially viable in the longterm because of the the high cost of hiring a vehicle. The project team felt areally successful service would be possible only if a vehicle could be found at

a much lower cost. At the time of the trial there was a possibility that CheshireEast might have a minibus available as a result of changes in their transport poli-cy. Subsequently Cheshire East have finalised their policy and are about tomake available a small number of minibuses suitable for our needs. These arebeing offered to community groups across our region and a formal applicationscheme was set up in November. We hired a small mpv to serve as the commu-nity bus. Unfortunately, we only had 5 volunteer drivers but it worked out very wellin the end. Many thanks to them.

The project team kept up their efforts and are now pursuing an application for avehicle. Whilst well used, the vehicles are in sound condition, are equipped toaccept a wheel-chair and will be supplied free so are attractive to a large number of potential users. There will inevitably be a lot of competition for them but theteam believe Rainow has a real chance and feel they can present a strong case.They have been able to draw on support from most of the community groups inthe village who see the potential use for everyone - elderly, young, sports groupsand disabled. If we do get a minibus, the success of the whole scheme will depend on the support of everyone - so be ready to put yourself forward to help!

We should get a decision in the middle of January. Fingers crossed!

Wheels for All?Ken Butler reports on the Barnaby Trial

Bollington Festival will be celebrating 50 years at the next event in May 2014.In the 2009 Festival, science events topped the bill and with this in mind thescience group have applied and received a large grant to bring scienceactivities to the festival. These will include the parade, pop-up labs and ascarecrow trail. They will all be based on 50 years of bio-medical

discoveries. As part of this I will be making a small installation at Bollington Library.

As I requested wishes for my felt wall, I would again like to have community contributions and so would like feedback from people whose lives have been positively affected by a variety of discoveries. I would like to know what procedure/medication and how it has changed their life. I would also like to knowthe dates if poss.

Examples include: laser surgery, hip/knee replacement, keyhole surgery, betablockers, taxol chemotherapy drugs, heart transplant, CT/MRI/PET scanner, IVF,contraceptive pill, and gene therapy. This is not the definitive list and I would alsobe interested in any others that have made an impact.

I'm happy for people to e-mail me or to send to my address. clairederuiter@btinternet.com. 10 Hough Close, Rainow, SK10 5UN. I would also be interested in any photos of the people.

Making a Differenceby Claire de Ruiter

Snow Tourists Block RoadsWinter can be a tough time for sheep farmers - and for sheep - but it can be made tougher by unthinking “snow tourists”. Colin Pickford, well-known as a sheep farmer and sheep dog trainer, wrote to the Raven to describe the problem hill farmers face and make a plea to drivers to think of others.

“The snow at the end of March was the worst at that time ofyear for a long time. On the farm it was particularly bad asthe sheep were heavily in lamb and some had already startedlambing. We really struggled getting to the sheep to feedthem, to rescue the new born lambs before they were frozen or to dig them out of the snow before they got worse buried or the vermin (badgers, foxes and crows) started to eat themalive. Snow is an act of nature and we are used to dealingwith that. What is a nuisance are the vehicles that get stuckin the snow when the drivers should have known better. If the snow ploughs have cleared an eight foot track through the drifts there can soon be two feet of snow blown back inagain. Last winter the ploughs, blowers and diggers strug-gled to keep up with the extreme weather. When you wenthigher than Church Row, the road was what could only bedescribed as miles of 8 feet wide trenches with no passing places .

7

Once again Rainow features very strongly in thisyear’s Walking Festival. KRIV, operating fromSavio House, hosted a very informative walk ledby your Mayor, Dave Wood, who revealed to thegroup the history of Savio House and its

surrounding Industrial landscape. As you would expect,he captured their imagination and shared his knowledgeof this area’s illustrious past.

The walk High Tea to Common Barn Farm was againvery enjoyable and a big thank you Rona for makingtheir ‘Tea’ destination such a memorable experience.

As one of the group who organise this festival, I wouldlike to thank KRIV for their support and also to the widerRainow Community. Your countryside is the envy ofmany a walker and we often hear them comment, ’aren’tyou lucky to have this on your doorstep’.

Finally, KRIV used their extensive skills to tidy upTinkers Clough earlier in the year and this is also verymuch appreciated by the Bollington Community.

Happy New Year

Cllr Malcolm – Bollington Town Council

2 0 1 3

Readers’ LettersPlease send any letters or correspondence to The Editor: theraven@rainow.com

Vehicles were getting stuck time after time, blocking the road

so that the snow ploughs couldn't do their job. It's no use wait-

ing for a friendly farmer to come along on his tractor to pull

you out; you might be the tenth vehicle that he's pulled out so

that he can get past to save the lives of his stock; he won't be

very friendly if you shouldn't have been there.

One day, there were five Pratters (middle aged adolescents that

have bought a 4 by 4) with their vehicles all rammed into a

snow drift over at Hooleyhey, all happily digging each other

out. They couldn't get through the snow as the drifts were far

too deep but the snow blower can't do its job with people like that

in the way. Where the sheep were lambing on Hooleyhey the

only way to get the hypothermic lambs back home to warm

them up was to go with the tractor with the transport box on the

back, catch the ewes (the poor lambs were flat out in the snow on

death's door), put the lambs in the cab, tie the sheep's feet

together and lie them in the transport box with one of us sitting

with them.

It would be better in the future if people didn't go up-hill

out of the village on the B5740 unless they live there.

And definitely stay off the back roads. If vehicles

are stuck in the snow the plough, and

gritters can't do their job and farmers

can't get past to look after their animals.”

Autumn term was another busy one as this is always a funtime, full of festivals to prepare for and celebrate. TheBeavers have been busy with their badge work and beforehalf term they were involved in working towards their Air

Activity badge and learnt about different aeroplanes and what itis like to fly in one. They also made paper aeroplanes and moreimportantly tested them to see how far they would fly. They alsocompleted their Friendship challenge, which included learningabout people in other cultures; Italy was the theme and theColony had lots of fun completing all the activites, including making some very yummy pizzas. Another week saw theBeavers have the opportunity to investigate and try some experiments for themselves. Not surprisingly, making volcanoesand setting off (mini) rockets were the most popular and, thankfully, we managed not to make any holes in the ceiling ofthe Institute!

As we approached half term, we also approached the end of anera and a big change. Angela had been the Beaver Leader for11 years and so on her last week, we presented gifts from theBeavers to show our gratitude for what she has done. Angelastarted the group and so without her the children would not havehad a colony to attend in the village. Suzanne Tobin has nowtaken over as the Leader and I have joined her as the assistant.We would both like to thank Angela for all her help and encouragement during our training and preparation to run thegroup, and also for her continued support.

As we moved into the second half term, we had aRemembrance night in preparation for the parade and theBeavers worked very hard to produce their own poppy wreath,which looked lovely. The Beavers looked very smart at theparade and the Assistant Commissioner, who accompanied us,was very complimentary. This weekend was very busy for someof the older Beavers, who had the opportunity on the Fridaynight to attend a District Sleepover in Alderley Edge, completewith some very entertaining camp fire songs, followed by a walk to the Edge on the Saturday morning. Those who attended (including Suzanne and I) had a great time, although a little tiring.

Back at the weekly meetings, we started work towards ourHealth and Fitness badge, as we learnt about the benefits ofstaying fit and of eating healthy foods. The Beavers were theninvited to do a presentation on an activity that they enjoy. Thepresentations were amazing and the Beavers had put so muchthought and effort into them that we had to run this over twoweeks to fit everyone in.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Suzanne and me inour new roles, and especially to Angela. We are both looking forward to the next term and to some more fun activities.

8

Beavers Autumn 2013!by Karen Roberts

For more information call: 01625 410735 www.pennylaneholidaycottages.co.uk

Penny Lane Holiday Cottages

u Two charming 18th-century stone cottages,recently refurbished to a high standard.

u Long and shorts breaks available all year round.

Petsand children

welcome

by Helen Bennett

We have 18 Scouts on roll and 3 or 4 new members staring with us in Jan who are moving up from Cubs.We have now outgrown the church centre and themeetings from Jan 2014 will be held at Rainow Institute

on a MONDAY night 7.30 - 9.00 pm.Welcome back to Shaun Burdock and John Worth who havejoined Phil and myself as leaders. Sadly, Steve Rathbone hasdecided to step down as leader due to work commitments. Ipersonally would like to thank him on behalf of the scouts for allthe support and commitment he has given to us over the years.

Scouts have had a very busy time since returning in Sept. Theyhave been Dry Slope Ski ing, Kayaking, climbing, hiking andmarching.They had a weekend expedition where they had to cycle toBarnswood, camp overnight, cook their own food and thencycle back to Rainow. This was to complete their ExpeditionChallenge badge. They showed fabulous teamwork and reallysupported each other when legs got tired especialy as it didntstop raining all weekend.6 of our scouts only needed this challenge badge to acheivetheir Gold Chief Scout Award which is the highest award inscouts. To achieve this they had to complete 8 of the 9 challenge badges which is no easy task and takes a lot of efforton their part. The picture above is at their awards ceremony inWarrington, left to right, Samuel Torr, Harry James, DanRenshaw, Gavin Bunyan, and Tom Gregory. Louis Kay alsogained the award but couldn’t make the awards ceremony. We are very proud of them all and plan for all our scouts tohave gained the Gold Chief Scout Award before they leave us.

New Venue for Scoutsby Mick Renshaw, Scout Leader

We have been working on our Challenge Badges this term,the Cubs need to complete six of them to gain their SilverAward. The cubs were very imaginative when making anassortment of vegetables and fruit into model animalstowards the Creativity Challenge; we find they are muchbetter than us at thinking of things to make. Another

creative evening was spent making some amazing marble runs usingrecyclable materials. Working towards the Fitness Challenge had themtesting their general fitness, hand/eye co-ordination and stamina, whichoften seems boundless!! For the Global Challenge we made variousIndian dishes, splitting into small groups and making some very tastycurries. Unfortunately, this turned into a very eventful evening as someCubs accidentally tried adding bits of their fingers to the dishes andchose the night the Assistant District Commissioner came to assessCharlotte for her role as an assistant leader. In the end only one endedup in Casualty for stitches! We usually cook and prepare food at leastonce a term and have never had this happen before, I just hopeCharlotte doesn't take it as a bad omen and carries on coming!!

The rest of the term, fortunately, went much better. We went to RopeRace at Marple where the Cubs impressed me with the heights theyclimbed. I had the idea that our new Cub Toby might like to be enrolledhigh on the wall, and volunteered Charlotte to carry it out – it really issurprising that she is still coming! She then led a hike in the dark toLima Farm where we had a huge bonfire, fireworks and burgers withthe Scouts, luckily the rain stopped for just the right length of time.Many thanks to the Coopers in allowing us to use their farm.

We again had a very good turnout at the Remembrance Parade, justover 90% with the Cubs looking very smart and behaving well, theLeaders were very proud of them.

Several of the Cubs said our most recent meeting was the best ever;we went Tubing and Luging at the Chill Factor by the Trafford Centre.The parents who went to help seemed to enjoy it as much as the Cubs!

On a personal note, I was very proud to receive an Award at the CivicService from the Parish Council for outstanding contribution to theVillage. I am carrying on as Akela as unfortunately there were no offersof help. Charlotte will be an Assistant Leader (Bagherra), but to be able to continue we need more help, two Leaders are not enough. I would be very sad to see the Pack close or to have to start cancelling meetings. A big thank you to Michelle Renshaw for her years of help, we have had some great times, especially on the Camps and Activity Holidays. Also thank you to Steve Rathbone for his help with the Scouts; he is also finishing due to work commitments.

9

Cubs Scale the Heights!by Akela Sue Grimes

In the summer, Fabfest, our County Guide music festival on the Cheshire Show ground, was able togo ahead. The Guides had a wonderful evening,

listening and dancing to a selection of local bands,and queuing for a variety of foods. Unfortunately, theweather again turned rainy and we spent a very blustery and wet night under canvas! We are verygrateful to those who lent tents – and ended up with avery wet tent hanging in their garage! However, oncewe had thawed out and dried off, we knew we'd had agood time.

Instead of our usual end of term challenge, this yearwe followed the festival idea. One week we tie-dyed T shirts and then wore them for our last meeting,when we had a mini festival outside. The Guidesbrought their favourite music – they weren't particularly impressed with their leaders' choices –then designed their own flags, decorated gingerbreadmen and finished with ice creams.

This autumn term has been relatively uneventful. Wewelcomed four new Guides, some of whom flew upfrom Brownies. Food themes are always popular, andthis term, to celebrate that, with the arrival of autumnthere are more varieties of apples in the supermarkets, we had an apple tasting and namingchallenge. They tasted a variety of apples – the challenge to identify the different varieties, as well aschoose their favourites and least favourites. Therewere a few surprises – the Guides' faces as they tasted Bramley were interesting! Quite a few wenthome saying they were going to ask their parents forspecific varieties- and there were very few who likedthe ubiquitous Golden Delicious best. It was a goodopportunity too to point out that most of the chosenapples were British, and to remind them about theimportance of checking 'food miles'. Other food experiences were tortilla chips and salsa on ourHallowe'en linked Mexican Day of the Dead festival-the decorated skulls were impressive, as wasthe speed with which the tortilla chips and salsa disappeared – and home-made pizzas. We have alsospent an evening peeling and chopping leeks andpotatoes to make soup for our stall at the RainowChristmas market – please come and try some!

This term the Guide Association adopted a new wording for the Guide Promise, to make it more relevant for today's girls. Guides now promise to 'staytrue to myself' and 'develop my beliefs', and 'to servethe Queen and my community'. We had severalmeetings thinking about the changes and the reasonswhy – to our surprise, many of the girls preferred theold wording. However, the new promise stands, so, atour ten pin bowling evening out, four girls made theirPromise, using the new words.

Festivals and Food- Rainow Guidesthrough Summer

and Autumnby Jill Hasler

Robin HoodThe

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

10

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

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Open 12 - 2 pmChristmas Day

The 6th Rainow Art Exhibition

May I first of all thank everyonefor their enthusiasm, generosityand help.It really was a teameffort, with people setting upand taking down the displays,

baking cakes, donating wine and nibbles, sorting out the raffle, manningthe door or the kitchen and staggeringup the Church path with heavy paintings!

On the sales side, I think we're feelingthe credit squeeze of the country as awhole. However, five paintings weresold, each one by a different Rainowartist. Cards and prints sold very well

and we sold ten paintings from ournewly-introduced 'sales room' - nonecosting more than £25. Once again, five different artists were involved. We certainly did have a lot of visitorsand many lovely comments, which iswhat it is all about, with twenty six different artists represented at the exhibition.

We were hoping to equal the last exhibitions profit for the Church of £550. In the event - we exceeded it! - £624!

My grateful thanks to all

Adèle Langstaff

Rainow Photographic Group members staged their first informalexhibition at the Robin Hood inNovember and December, thanksto landlord Phil Moss's generous

offer of wall space. One of the Raven'seditors visited to review the pictures andcollect a snapshot of opinions from members of the public, asking them which

picture they would choose as best. Hecommented: “the main outcome is thateveryone was very impressed with thequality of photos on display and mostfound it difficult to select just one as bestphotograph. The wide range of individual'sselected photo shows that there waswidespread appreciation of the range ofdifferent photos on display. The two

photos that gained the most votes were'watching the world go by' and 'the quarryworker'. I would hesitate to highlight onephoto as a 'winner' as a result of such aninformal survey but the display definitelyshowcases the photographic talents of theRainow Photo group.”

Robert LangstaffJules CoxTessa Heyworth

Mirror, mirror on the wall…

1111

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'The hilly character of the estate, and the position and climate, unfits it for anymode of cultivation or occupation but dairying and raising of young cattle' hewrote, adding that the tenants 'must be contented to work hard and live frugally'.He then described the condition of the sixteen farms on the estate and reportedon the way they were managed. Some tenants worked the land well, others werefound wanting. Among the former was the occupant of Ollers Knowle, who had followed his father as tenant and, although a man 'deficient both in education andability' had repaired the house and farmed the land fairly. Among the latter was the middle-aged spinster who had succeeded her father as occupant of Close Bottom;he had been blind for many years before his death and she struggled to cope withthe badly neglected farm. The agent noted that many tenants were from old families and, exaggerating slightly, that the tenancy of one family stretched back300 years.

There was a relatively new tenant at the Bank, however, who had found the farm'very much out of condition' and the walls of the house not upright. Consideringthis, not much fault could be found although the agent considered that 'a little stirring up will do good rather than harm'. Redmoor also had a new tenant and the agent noted that this farm changed hands more frequently than any other farmon the estate, partly because of the wet state of the land. Until this was remediedby effectual drainage and the land improved by liming or bone manure, no permanent or profitable occupation was possible. The house was currently insufficient for a family.

No fault was found with the management of the Hall and principal farm; the housewas 'comfortable', the farm 'very creditably occupied'. The tenant, althoughadvanced in years, was hard-working and industrious but a man of strong anddecided opinions. These had led him, 'probably in the first instance out of somefeeling of resentment against clergymen, to refuse his sons the advantage of education and they are now the chief labourers on the farm and do the chief partof the necessary work'. The tenant of Summer Close received a less favourablereport. Although respectable and possessed of some means, he was not 'a manof energy and consequently the land and fences suffer from neglect'. He pleadedas an excuse the scarcity of labour and promised amendment, failing which herisked being reported to his lordship. The agent ended by stating that substantialrepairs and drainage schemes were required on most farms, all to be paid for bythe earl.

At the beginning of his report he had suggested that the value of the estate couldbe improved by an ambitious programme of road improvement. This proposal wasevidently given serious consideration, in spite of the costs involved. A survey wasimmediately made of one projected route, crossing land owned by the earl and bythe earl of Derby and running fom Kettleshulme to the Buxton road. An undatedplan of the proposed route linking Hooley Hey in Saltersford with Bollington wasperhaps also drawn up in 1860. This was to follow the Lamaload valley, cross themain road through Rainow, skirt Round Meadow and then head along IngersleyVale to the Bollington boundary. The amount of traffic it would have generated willnever be known but today's villagers must be relieved that it was never built.

Jane Laughton delves into the history of SaltersfordNew Road for Rainow!

In 1762, a century or so afterJames Stopford left Saltersford to settle inIreland, a descendant waselevated to the Irish peerage

as the first Earl Courtown ofCourtown, a coastal settlementsome sixty miles south ofDublin. Almost 100 years later,in 1860, the fifth earl received asurvey and valuation of hisSaltersford estate from hisagent. The report made gloomyreading.

In 1968 we had a football team - I won't tell you our best scores! We are now just starting again. Roy Millin collected a crowd of lads together and an approach was made to the Club. Club camp is now an annual event. About 35 of us go camping. This year we got rather wet when it pelted down with rain one night. It took all day at the washeteria and hundreds of 10p's to dry us outagain. Provided you don't need much sleep and you don't mind roughing it, Club camp shouldn't be missed. Anyone like to go instead of me next year?!

Tug-o-war has been one of the great achievements of Senior Club. NAYC champions for five years out of six can't be a bad record. The Nottingham weekends have been an experience for us all, and we are meeting old friends when we go there.

We've entered table tennis competitions (we have several awards to our name); It's a Knockout, quizzes, 5-a-side football and many others. Win or lose, it has all been fun!

12

Rainow Youth Club is remembered fondly by manywho were young in the sixties, seventies and eightiesand photo albums have recently come to light illustrating the club's diverse range of activities.

Next year we hope to publish articles highlighting theimportant role the Club played in the village community.

Pepita Walker wrote the article below (shortened here)looking back on the first ten years of the club.

In the spring we have a Charity Disco, the monies from which have gone to organisations like Rainow Older Peoples Welfare Committee and St Ann's Hospice In the autumn we hold our Club weekend - money from this goes to buy new equipment and finance our teams.

Club weekend has changed over the years - originally we incorporated Junior Club with their talent competition. And I seem to recall the Young Wives being the Brains of Rainow. We are only a week away from this year's Club weekend and preparations are in full swing. The preliminary round for Miss Rainow Youth Club has been held and the three entrants will go forward to the final judging at the Disco on Friday night. This year, for the first time, we are having an individual dancing competition. It is open to anyone if you would like to enter!

Saturday sees a coffee morning when we enjoy seeing all our friends and in the afternoon there are the mixed football competitions. Those of you who have played won't wish to know any more about that!

On the Sunday we have a tea party followed by a Service in Church at which the members are very involved. We have our own very enthusiastic singing group.

We've seen many changes through the years. There are members who started in Junior Club who are now married with families. Where do we go from here? Who knows? Maybe we shall be able to meet again when the Club reaches its Silver Jubilee and then I'll be able to tell you”.

The Past is Another Country

Were you a member? Share your memories through

theraven@rainow.com

Rainow Youth Club – 10 years on” (first published in 1978)

“It hardly seems possible that the Club is ten years old; yet on 14th October 1968 the Club started.

In those days we met on Mondays - that was before the Institute's renovation. The boiler was like a prehistoric monster - no caretakerlooking after the building for you in those days! Ten o'clock in the morning it was down to the Institute to start stoking the boiler.When it was hot it spat and hissed at you - in fact we used to escort Junior Club members to the 'loo' in case they got burnt squeezingpast the 'puffing Billy'. There wasn't even a door on the boys' 'loo'!

Well, what have we done in 10 years? Let's start with Junior Club - probably best remembered by the Club Shows - first a Review - thenOklahoma - Annie Get Your Gun - and lastly Oliver. I remember doing make-up for Annie Get Your Gun - little Red Indian boys withsnakes on their chests. They all wanted theirs to be bigger and better than everyone else! The talent in those youngsters was amazing. It seems a pity that when the 'teens' come round one becomes self-conscious.

13

Another year nearly over? Never dounderstand the 2Legs when they saythis. I've clocked up 7 years sincethey last brought that fancy tree into

the house, the one I'm NOT allowed towater – oops – or rummage underneath. In fact, only last week I trundled into my91st year in Rainow. So where's my invite,Steve, to your get-together for the WiseCitizens of the village? Heard there's greatcake to be had.

Have to confess, at 91 the back legs ain'twhat they used to be. Never used to bother with the steps on stiles in the past – run, jump and I was pretty much there.Except for the occasional wipe out when I got a bit too carried away, but only me,my 2L and a couple of Charlie Pickford'ssheep would ever be there to see. I'd liketo see them leap straight onto the top of astone stile – 2Legs or the sheep – tho thelambs always seeming to manage it. It's a Muppetful Life

What was I talking about? Oh yes, memory getting a bit like the back legs.Getting a whole new perspective on thevillage these days. 80+ years of KerridgeRidge each day and never bored of it,always new smells and new Scoobysnacks to hunt out. But now my 2L isseeking out flatter routes, gates not stiles,that sort of thing. They claim it's for mybenefit – whatever. Regularly trot downpast Billy's farm these days, catching upwith Silver and Co – though the speedthey run at, catching is something I ain'tgoing to be doing; been there, done allthat rushing about. Loving the new stonepath down to Ingersley Vale and WaulkmillWaterfall too. A stroke of genius; means Iget away without having to have the legsand belly washed. The 2L seems quitepleased about it too.

They say its standing room only in theRobin at the moment. Which my 2L says

is great news. Thing is, I don't get to gomuch now ‘cos there's no space to sprawlout. And a veteran like me needs, somemight say deserves, a place to take a nap- interrupted only by the occasional fuss orfrazzle. Little do they know I have anarrangement with the landlord of the Lamp& Candle who comes to fetch me as theywalk straight past his fine establishment –my 2L is in ignorant bliss about it. BonfireNight was the best ever this year. Didn'thear a thing, hee hee. This meant that my2L could take me out as much as theyliked without worrying. Saw a few startledyounger pups whilst out those few weeks,but maybe just startled at the spring in myveteran steps. It's the cold you see, bringsus alive - after a summer sprawled in thesunshine watching the 2Ls garden.

Next stop is White Nancy on WrappingPaper Shredding Day. The 2L call it something like Turkey Day. Get to see all

my mates I do, though the climb will betough for me (and a few 2Ls, hee hee) thisyear. Weaving in and out amongst all the2Ls up there is great fun, new faces ontheir first time up there. Which is great onthe one paw, but on the other, it meansmore competition for all the crumbs andmince pies the 2L seem to drop. Got awhole one last year - result. They neverseem to share their water bottles that daythough – not sure what they are drinkingbut it seems to put everyone in good spirits.

So, see you up there hounds – theBollington band will guide you in the rightdirection – bright and early. But no comments about that tinsel collar I'll bemade to wear again.

As the 2L says, Merry Christmas and aWoofterful New Year. And keep away from that tree.

by Muppet

Ayear ago the new, fully up-to-date Parish Paths Map waspublished and every Rainow household received a copy.The wording on the map mentioned that a booklet of local walks would be produced as a companion to themap. The Parish Council has now given the go-ahead for

the booklet to be printed and it will become available in Marchnext year; once again each Rainow household will receive a free copy.

The booklet has nine walks which are entirely in Rainow or which start in the parish andall relate to the Parish Paths Map. The walks described have appeared in the Raven inthe last five years but have been updated to incorporate changes such as the closureof pubs.

The maps are already available to the general public at £1 each and the walks booklet will be published at a price of £2. Both map and booklet will be available to buyfrom the Macclesfield and Bollington Information Centres and from the Robin Hood.

New Rainow Walks Booklet

14

Despite the concerns outlined in his letter to theChurch authorities, the new Curate of Rainow,William Parks, persevered in his efforts to getmoney and land to build a National School. Heproposed to build two schoolrooms, both 25 footby 18 foot for 75 boys and 75 girls, allowing 6

square feet per child. This was the minimum acceptableto the National Society – the body which existed to co-found and promote the building of Anglican schools.

Bob Langstaff continues a series of articles on the turbulent development of education and religion in Rainow

Reading,Writing, Religion – and Ructions

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Taking the Wesleyans on: The Anglicans in Rainow attempt to wresteducational supremacy from the Methodists.(Note the mix of academic and practical subjects).

NATIONAL EDUCATIONRAINOW SCHOOLS

The Trustees of RAINOW NATIONAL SCHOOLS, deeplyimpressed by the importance of sound Education to the risinggeneration, and painfully aware of the vast amount ofignorance in this district feel themselves urged to make anEXTRAORDINARY effort for the spread of useful knowledge in connexion with 'the truth as it is on Jesus”.

In carrying out this intention, they are promised the able andgenerous support of the National Society which will enable themto REDUCE the Rate of CHARGES at present in the DaySchool, and to give far more liberal Education than hitherto, toall who are anxious for improvement. The INHABITANTS ofRAINOW are entreated to consider the great advantages and unprecedented privileges which the following low rate of SchoolCharges offered to them and their children.

Spelling and Reading...............................................2d per week.Together with Writing, Ciphering, English Grammar, History,Geography, Sewing, Knitting, Working in Worsted Working inWorsted or Wool......................................................3d per week.THERE WILL BE NO HIGHER CHARGE THAN 3d PER WEEK.William Parks, B.A. Incumbent and Secretary. November 22, 1843

Having recovered from his state of extreme anxiety over thebuilding of a School, Parks remained steadfast in his aim andbattled against mounting costs to weaken the sway that theWesleyans held in the village. Throughout the winter of 1842builders laboured at the side of the turnpike to build the Schoolwhich still stands by the church gates and which bears Parks'sname on its memorial stone. On Wednesday 19th April 1843 theDay School opened its doors to its first pupils following a servicein the old, crumbling Anglican Chapel of Ease. On the followingday the Sunday School began. Parks, still with a shortfall ofmoney, enlisted the help of two prominent players in theMacclesfield Anglican Community, William Cruttenden-Cruttenden (so powerful they named him twice?!), and WilliamOsborne, Headmaster of the Macclesfield Grammar School.Expectations must have been high as these two heavyweightMacclesfield ministers stood in the doomed chapel, addressingand appealing to the meagre congregation – an assortment offarmers and labourers still faithful to the Anglican cause, localdignitaries of Church of England persuasion, and the old andbemused paupers who were led in file up the hill from theRainow workhouse for each service. At long last the established church had a permanent school in the village, andthe work of winning over the local people could begin. Or so itwas hoped.

The new National School was to be supported by the children'spence, charged at the rate of 4d per week, supplemented bycontributions after sermons. It became clear almost immediately after the opening that there were still serious problems. Having engaged a Master and a Mistress for theSchool Parks found there was a shortfall in income to the tune

of an annual £15. After an appeal to the National Society to helphim wrest the good folk of Rainow from the 'benighted' Wesleyaninfluence, a decision was made to undercut the Methodist byoffering a range of lessons at the new school for as little as 2dper week. Though this may have seemed a reasonable amount,when taken out of labourer's wages (which were hardly adequatefor subsistence) education was often out of the question. Park’sproblem was that many families for whom the school had beenestablished were excluded from it by the cost. A notice appearedround the village in November 1843, urging the inhabitants of thevillage not only to send their children to the new school but to putthem on the right and proper religious path!

15

Hello all.

Much to report in this issue. I see it's all happening at theRising Sun. There's more wire fencing round it than BakewellCattle Market and the roof is being raised as I write (but notin the proper way an old inn's roof should be raised!). Afterall the rumours I've heard about it being turned into anIndian or Italian restaurant, or the new headquarter of “TheRaven”, or yet another of those 'brew-it-yourself' designerpubs, it turns out it's going to be just another house. I suppose it's nice to see the old building saved from rack andruin but bang goes another Rainow pub, and this time forgood, just like the “Patch” up the road. So now the RobinHood really is the only pub in Rainow besides the Lamp, so be sure and use it!

And speaking of the Robin, they have an exhibition of photographs brightening the big room up. I took the landladyto see them the other day and she gave her artistic judgement – “a decent set of snaps”. Personally, I thoughtthey were alright in the main – some smiling faces and dogsand horses. It was only spoiled by a portrait of a girl lookinglike she'd lost a fiver and found a pound note. I mentionedthis to the lad behind the bar who told me the landlord isonly allowing it there to keep the kids away from the wood-burning stove. I felt kind enough to warn him thatsuch pictures could put punters off their beer. What a miserable face (the picture, not the lad behind the bar). She must have been reading something from one of theseexclusive women-only Rainow book clubs.

And speaking of book clubs, the all-male version at theLamp & Candle is up, running and flourishing. Ginger Dave,who is very keen on warfare, borrowed “An Introduction toFeng Shui” and has been reading it for three weeks. Heassures me he's enjoying it but he can't work out how theSamurai can go into battle with two crushed strawberryquilted cushions, a bowl of rose quartz crystals and a rattancarpet (all beautifully co-ordinated). Stanley over the roadread the first few pages of London Transport Bus Garagessince 1948 and was last seen heading for MacclesfieldRailway station with his senior railcard and bus pass in hishand, so you can see how popular our new venture is. I havepromised the lads in the Snug that I will advance their bookclub even further by challenging the Editor of the “Raven” topublish a book review from our club in the next edition. (I don't wish to influence his editorial impartiality but if hedoesn't agree he can wave goodbye to his bottle of HarropGold at Christmas).

The Book Club has given me a big lift as I have been a bitdown recently over my failure to get a good quiz teamtogether. We keep trying but that lot in the Snug are not thesharpest scythes in the meadow. I asked each team memberto get some practice in by watching quiz programmes on thetelevision. This improved them a bit but one of them watcheda programme called “Pointless” for a week before he gave up

trying to understand what it was all about. He is still having counselling. I keep testing them of an evening in the bar but they don't make much progress. I asked Kevin who was the first man to walk on the moon. His face lit up and he shouted “the American black man who played the trumpet!” So there's a bit of work to doyet.

I'm still working on getting Miserable Bickerdike to have some sessions with this guy who's hawking computer lessonsround the village. If Bickerdike gets stuck at home with hiscomputer it'll keep him out of our way for a bit. I think I'mbeginning to hate computers. I was down in the village yesterday visiting that chap with the glasses who comes inhere every now and again and he was showing me what hegets in his e-mails. Only that morning he'd had an appealfrom his next door neighbour who was stranded without apenny in Venezuela and needed a thousand pounds immediately to get home. This struck me as a bit funny as Icould see his neighbour through the window raking up theleaves in his front garden. My friend then proudly showed mehis collection of e-mails complaining about the state of theworld and politics and the economy, and saying “why don'tthey bring back the good old days when everything was simple and you could leave your door open and nobody wouldsteal from you”. What a load of rubbish! I told him. When Iwas a child at home there were no sixty-inch televisions andDDT players – our prize possession was a mangle and anyone trying to steal that would have needed a horse andcart. Oh yes, I remember the good old days alright – rickets,boils, impetigo, ringworm and not enough to eat. My friend,who's a bit touchy at the best of times, was getting a bitupset by then and I realised I'd perhaps gone too far. I triedto cheer him up by reminding him that it's always darkestjust before dawn, (so if you want to steal your neighbour'snewspaper that's the time to do it). But he wasn't for cheering up and told me that he was 'not in a good place' atthat moment. I told him there was nothing wrong withRainow and it was at that point that he shut the door. Ohwell, one does one's best.

Christmas will be on us again soon, so have a nice one,preferably not here at the “Lamp”. And don't forget, whileyou're letting the turkey and pudding settle, get thinkingabout some “Raina Speak”. I've got the lads in the snug onthe job. It's a pity old Sam, the last landlord of the Lamp &Candle isn't around any more. He used to tell us young lads “if 't' wind an' t' women are quiet, things be never muchamiss”. Then there's Miserable Bickerdike's usual greeting –“ All great men are dead an' I'm not feelin' so well meself ”.

Merry Christmas almost everyone!

News from the Lamp and Candle

At Copenhagen airport, I was withcolleagues, two Swedes and aNorwegian; they were having alively four way Nordic conversationwith the man at the refreshment

counter. Fascinated, after a couple of minutes I asked “Excuse me, but whatlanguage are you using?”

“We are speaking Swedish” “I am speaking Norwegian ““But isn't this gentleman Danish?”“Oh it doesn't matter, we all understand each other”.“Might you actually be using dialects of a single language?”

The steely glare from four pairs of ice blueeyes reminded me that these currentlypeaceful peoples were formerly notoriousfor unrestrained violence. It was wisestnot to pursue the discussion.

Language is important for a sense ofnational identity; one shrewd definition ofa language is a dialect possessing anArmy and Navy. For political necessity,Scandinavian nations stress differencesbetween their closely related speech.Conversely, in the cause of unity, theChinese insist that Mandarin andCantonese are variants within one language, although their speakers findthem mutually unintelligible.

Languages evolve with place and time.For almost all history, most people wereilliterate and untravelled, so there was nomechanism to realign speech betweenseparated areas. Exceptionally, massassimilation of people reshaped localdialects; Norsemen in 9th century Northern England or, more recently, Irish people in 19th Century Liverpool. Our

history is in the strata of our language; occasionally

verbal fossils emerge.

Speech in London, Conan Doyle's Cesspool of Empire, changes rapidly. Outlying areas, a Cheshire hill village say, the USA or Scotland evolve more slowly.Americans use17th century terms superseded inBritain; bluff and Fall rather than cliff and Autumn. Parts of Scotland have used English as

long as England. Lord Rockingham's XIhad a 1960 hit with “Hoots Mon” chorusing “There's a moose, loose, abootthe hoose”. We chortle at quaint Scotspronunciation, but historically English people spoke similarly; Scots stayed alooffrom subsequent softening and sissifyingof the language in England. There mightbe various reasons for frictionbetween Scotland and England, but thejustifiable claim that Scots employ moreauthentic English than the English is fairlyunforgiveable.

Post 1066, Latin became the written language of England and Norman French(ironically a rural dialect) the language ofaristocrats. The nobility of England took asabbatical from speaking English for 200 -odd years; contributing to the persistenceof English dialects, there being no pressure from rulers to standardise thecoarse alien grunting of the peasantry.

The upper classes gradually re-adoptedEnglish for three reasons; practicality,embarrassment and safety. Norman corksbobbing in sea of English speakers, theyneeded enough English to get by. Anglo-Normans might visit Paris expectingrelaxed conversation, but contemporaryParisians mocked Anglo-Norman Frenchas rustic and uncouth. Dynastic conflictsbetween the upper classes of Englandand France eventually lead to wars.Nobles of England cried havoc andexhorted English soldiery to cause mayhem amongst the French. SpeakingFrench became inadvisable under the circumstances and English was re-employed for everyday use. As muchof aristocratic life occurred in the goldentriangle between Oxford, Cambridge andLondon, they imbibed the local dialect(south-east midlands Middle English) thebasis for modern standard written Englishand Received Pronunciation (RP) accent.

Nonetheless, most speech would still bein dialects shaped by local circumstances.Bill Bryson in Mother Tongue suggeststhere are more dialects across 150 milesof Northern England than across 1500miles of North America.

Performance of British dialects inHollywood films is patchy, although peopleguiltily enjoy Dick Van Dyke's bizarre,strangulated vowels in Mary Poppins;almost, but not quite, totally unlike anyCockney ever heard before. British filmsare not immune; the gangster classic GetCarter was set in a parallel universeNewcastle-on-Tyne where nobody speakswith a Geordie accent.

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves was agreat success in spite of a dog's breakfastof accents; Friar Tuck, an American rendering a Van Dykesque Irish accent,Little John's wife's broad Bristol (awroihtmy Luvverr?), Kevin Costner's sun-kissedCalifornian drawl as the eponymous hero.However, any historical Robin Hood during the 1190s would speak late Anglo-Saxon/early Middle English. A faithful rendition would require subtitles to be understood now. We need to use modernaccents for historically set films, so modern American is as good (or bad) asany. Of the accents employed, the nearestto a contemporary voice was theEdinburgh burr of Sean Connery.Ironically he played Richard the Lionheart,who evidence suggests, spoke no Englishat all! The trick is not authenticity, but consistency. Baz Luhrmann's Romeo andJuliet brilliantly had 1590's English spokenin 1990's American accents, but it workedbecause the entire cast used the sameidiom.

Back in the real world, in Rainow wehave a village that had a stable population and local working over generations, prime conditions for thedevelopment of distinctive speech. Thissoundscape complements the admiredRainow landscape and is well worthdocumenting. The Raven has taken onthe task and is still welcoming observa-tions on “How to talk Raina” for the nextissue. Long-time Rainow Residents! Weneed your “Raina Speak” examples!Send them to theraven@rainow.com.

16

We have a language; you have a dialect;they have an accent by Jim Kennelly

Contact Liam on:

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

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Rainow's Gemma Dale has been riding since she was two years old and was a member of the CheshireHunt Pony Club for another eleven years after that.Encouraged by her mother Dawn - herself a keen horsewoman - Gemma progressed rapidly through the

different events of her sport. After starting in dressage shemoved on to take part in Musical Ride displays at HartpuryCollege in Gloucestershire and at the British Open ShowJumping Championships in 2007. Three years ago she moved ahead through becoming a member of the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA); as a junior she rode firstEd and then Crystal, both just over 14 hands, but has nowmoved up to the senior section (under 21) of the BSJA with a new horse, Rosy, who is significantly bigger at over 16hands, enabling Gemma to compete at a higher level.

Before Rosy came on the scene, Gemma took part in theScope Festival of Champions at the Staffordshire Showground as well as at the Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships at Hartpury. With Rosy she plans to take part again each year at the more senior level as theyare her favourite venues and she's now working up towardsthese competitions. She is now aiming to gain a place on theBSJA's Equine Pathway. This is a scheme designed to spotyoung horses and riders with potential and then to work withthe chosen horse and its rider and give them the supportneeded to enable them to make the most of their chances.

To take part in the prestigious Horse of the Year Show hasbeen Gemma's aim since she was small and her ambition isnow to qualify with Rosy for the 2014 event. The chance tocompete at Hickstead is also a target for next year.

For more information call 01625 574774

Reading for Leisure January is usually the time that people start to exercisethe body after the Christmas binge but it's also a greattime to start exercising the mind with a good book!Bollington Health & Leisure are proud to have servedthe community for over 30 years as a not for profitorganisation and as such are looking in 2014 for waysin which to raise funds for much needed repair work.At Bollington Health & Leisure, we currently have a second hand book sale, with all books just a minimumdonation of £1 and everyone is welcome to come inand browse the selection.The book sale has raised over £9,500 in just over ayear so you can make a real difference by spending asmall amount, donating a book or both! Book donations are welcome and you can always bring abook back to recycle it once you have read it.There is something at the sale for everyone sowhether you're a romance, thriller, horror or sci-fi fanor looking for a book for the kids you'll be able to findsomething to help while away the winter monthswhile helping a good cause at the same time. Grab a book today!

A former pupil of Rainow School and Tytherington High, Gemma is training as a beautician; her elderbrother Ryan is also a competitive rider - but on twowheels as his interest is in motocross!

RidingHigh!

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Landlord Phil Two and

FourWheeled Funat the Robin

by Landlord Phil

at the end of September.

With widespread support from thecustomers of the pub the organisingof the event was surprisingly easy,especially as there was no shortageof people from the village and a littlefurther afield who wanted to displaytheir cars and bikes.

The only concern was the weather – we have had a great summer in 2013,would mother nature allow us just onemore day? The answer was anemphatic yes, a really beautifulautumn day which allowed the vehicles' owners to display theirmachines in glorious sunshine to the

soundtrack of a Jazz Band whichadded to the atmosphere of the event.In fact the band's elevated position onthe "knoll" meant that their music washeard on the Meadow and somehowacted like a magnet drawing in ahealthy crowd to enjoy the display.

Amongst the array of machinery on display was a pair of vintage AstonMartins (photo above), locally owned,one of which has a colourful history,being used before the war to smugglecurrency across Europe, courtesy of a fake (and hollow) chassis tube displayed with the now restored car. A

late flourish of summer, the soundsof a four piece jazz band and aneclectic display of cars and motorcycles. That neatly sums up thefirst of what is hoped will be an

annual event - Rainow AutomobileExtravaganza held at the Robin Hood Inn

22 High Street, Bollington

01625 575058oliveratbollingtongreen.com

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Why not try our fabulousSunday Dinner?

19

Where’d You Go Bernadette

I really really enjoyed this book, which was a bit of a surprise for me as I didn't like the sound of it, the cover or even the beginning. I was worried that the form it takes – letters,e-mails, journals and notes – would distract me from discovering the story and the characters. But somehow without noticing it, I got sucked in and subsequently loved reading it!

I enjoyed the characters even though none were totally likeable. Bernadette the desperate mother who disappears, after losing her way and some would say her sanity, following a spectacular career breakdown and retreating into her role as a mum. The successfulfather, immersed in his work, the centre of an IT world. And 15 year old Bee, wise beyondher years, holding everything together – knowing so much more than her educated

middle-class parents. All satirical and very entertaining.

The bizarre situations that Semple set up seemed only slight extensions of all-too-familiar relationships andlifestyles. Playground politics, the work-life balance and the tight, loving family falling apart were all describedwith wit and humour. And I actually did laugh out loud!

At the same time I did find loads of emotion in there and was moved by the story, despite or perhaps because itwas at times ridiculous. It reminded me of the writing of the Canadian writer, Douglas Coupland – very real,almost banal people and situations that then are revealed to be raw, emotional stories that say a profoundamount to me about how we live our lives and our place in the world.

Here, the central relationship between mother and daughter was beautifully explored and with the backdrop ofthe Antarctic it felt quite poetic.

So I was sorry it ended – it felt like a bit of a heart-warming rollercoaster and I could have read more. It wasfunny, it wasn't taxing, it made me smile and was a really satisfying read.

Book Reviews More choices from some of Rainow’s book club members

Maria Semple

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21

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As someone said; “when one tires ofwalking in Rainow, then one tires oflife”. Was it Lord Byron in ThePilgrimage of Childe Harold? He

passed through Rainow on his way toSpain in 1812, I think. A bit off-course fromNewstead Abbey but then he didn't haveThe Rainow Parish Paths Map, nor theadjoining ones of Pott Shrigley, Bollington,Disley, Prestbury and Gawsworth. Other- wise he would have gone straightdown the A1 to Dover for embarkation.

Still with me? Well, you can get all thesemaps from Macc Town Hall so let's have alook at a walk using our local neighbour's1:10.000 map of Pott Shrigley and seewhat they have to offer, read on! But note,always best to have the Ordnance Survey1:25,000 map to hand (sadly this walk is onthe cusp of two: the OL24 The White Peakand the OL1 Dark Peak).

So, let's start.

If driving, park outside St Christopher'sChurch (pop in and have a look for theCheshire Cat from Lewis Carrol's Alice). If not driving then you'll need to walk across

the fields from Rainow to Bollington andthen head along Spuley Lane towardsPott Shrigley and pick up the walkbelow.

Walk back along Shrigley Road andbear left along Spuley Lane; after ashort while bear sharp left up a narrowtrack signed to Charles Head. Ascendthis path past Berristall Hall and at afork bear left up a stony track alongthe Gritstone Trail until reaching agate. Catch your breath as you havejust ascended about 75m. Turn left,heading north across the field risinggently to Andrew's Knob and thensteeply down to BakestonedaleRoad. Turn left on the road and after

20m turn right off the road to resume thepath in a northerly direction. Don't betempted to veer right towards the boundarywall of Lyme Park; instead take the lefthand track which is a bridle way. Continueuphill until reaching a capped off mine shaftwith a pyramid marker with coal mining history panels. After half a mile, bear left onthe bridle path down hill towards a goodcrossing track (Moorside Lane). Cross thistrack and continue past the buildings ofBirchencliff Farm on a tarmac road untilreaching the Coffee Tavern at ShrigleyRoad. Refresh yourself before continuing.Leave the Coffee Tavern (reluctantly) andturn right along the road and after about50m, turn left down a good track toLockgate Farm. Here avoid carryingstraight on to Adlington Marina (though youcan if you want) but turn left and head forthe canal across fields (these may bemuddy in wet weather) and past WoodendFarm along a fenced track. Turn left at ajunction to pass alongside the EastwoodEnd Caravan Park to the canal bridge.Cross the canal and turn left along the towpath, heading for Bollington. Pass underbridges at Springbank Lane andBrookledge Lane. At Brookledge Lane(Bridge 21) cross the canal (avoid walkingon water as it just leads to sects springingup and following you) and turn right ontoSugar Lane. After about half a mile. turn leftto follow a track past the beautiful and littlevisited Styperson Pool. By the way,Shrigley Hall Hotel used to be called theStyperson Hall Hotel. Go through gate orclimb the stile and find a stepped track toyour right.Ascend steeply uphill through the wood toreach Long Lane. Turn left and go to themain road; turn right again and cross to thefootpath along the road to walk back toPott Shrigley and your car.

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Bridge 20 on the Canal TowpathMacclesfield Canal from Bridge 19

Walk 20

Distance: Five and a half miles

Ascent: 150 m

Going: Fair, some road-walking

by PlodderForeign Parts

The Coffee Tavern

Looking back from Woodend Farm

What’s On in Rainow and BollingtonDECEMBER 201322 6.30 pm Carol Service Rainow Church 24 7.30 pm Carol Service Forest Chapel24 11.00 pm Holy Communion Rainow Church24 6.00 pm Carols around the Tree Bollington Town Hall

with Bollington Brass Band25 10.00 am Family Communion Rainow Church

JANUARY 20143, 4, 5, See website Pantomime - Dick Whittington. Arts Centre, Bollington8, 9, 10, for times Bollington Festival Players. Matinees on 4, 5, & 11 at 2.00 pm 11 www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk for times

Tickets from bfptickets@hotmail.com12 8.00 pm Second Sunday Folk Club Arts Centre, Bollington

Admission £2. Singers and players welcome to take part13 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute

The History of Arighi Bianchi - Nick Bianchi19 - 16 Sundays 2 - 4 pm In the Gallery Arts Centre, Bollington Feb and during events - Women in Art24 7.30 pm Mothers Union - New Year Party Rainow Church Centre25 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre Arts Centre, Bollington

- Spats Langham's Hot Combination with Emily Cambell. £9. Book on 01625 574410

31 & 1 7.15 for 7.30 pm Desperados - a Quay Players production Rainow Institute2.15 for 2.30 pm by Carl Bewley. Tickets from Val Moss 07960169396, (1 Feb only) Cathie Fallon 07947687573 or The Robin Hood Inn

FEBRUARY 20141 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Arts Centre, Bollington

Bartosz Woroch violin, Sam Armstrong, piano Tickets £15 01625 576402 or 574435

7 8.00 pm Bolly Comedy Club Arts Centre, Bollington- Tickets £9.90 from www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk

9 8.00 pm Second Sunday Folk Club Arts Centre, Bollington10 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute

A War to End All Wars - WW1 - Brian Hallworth

12 8.00 pm Open Evening - join the Fête Committee The Robin Hood

18 7.30 pm Mothers Union AGM & Social Time Rainow Church Centre 22 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre Arts Centre, Bollington

- The Brownfield Byrne Hot Six. £9 Book on 01625 574410 23 to 23 Sundays 2 - 4 pm In the Gallery - Photos and Fauna. Arts Centre, Bollington Mar during events Photography and Sculpture - Jane Cook & Judy Taylor

MARCH 20141 8.00 pm Bollington Chamber Concerts Arts Centre, Bollington

- The Zelkova Quartet. Tickets £15. 01625 576402 or 574435

7 8.00 pm Bolly Comedy Club Arts Centre, Bollington Tickets £9.90 online from www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk

9 8.00 pm Second Sunday Folk Club Arts Centre, Bollington

10 7.30 pm Rainow WI Rainow Institute Children's Healthcare in Belarus - Rosemary Coveney

18 7.30 pm Mothers Union Talk by Margaret Tate Rainow Church Centre 29 8.00 pm Jazz at the Arts Centre Arts Centre, Bollington

- The Gambit Jazzmen. Tickets £9 01625 57441030 to 27 All Day In the Gallery Arts Centre, BollingtonApril - Exhibition of work by artists in the Festival Trail31 11.30 shopping Rainow NSPCC Spring Fashion Show Lunch The Hunting Lodge,

12.30 lunch by Delia Metcalf with Clarins and Wendy Lloyd Adlington HallJewelleryFurther info. from Sue Frith 01625 573802 or Lyn McCarthy 01625 427896

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.

23 Wha

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