Go Local Sandbach - Edition 11 2025 : simplebooklet.com

4Man About Town 8Brewing the Dream... Katy meets Four Priests 12 - 13Katy meets... Scott, Janus Protection Solutions 16Tech Help... Setting up PC Security 18Days Out & Meals Out Christmas Guide 2025 for Cheshire & Beyond 21-29Sandbach Mayor's Diary 32How One Artist's Work is Bringing Colour and Culture to Congleton 36Sandbach's Heritage 40Fall in Love With Crafting 44Scholar Green Art Group - 60th Exhibition 46Crafty Corner... Paper Plate Grualo! 48Quick Reference 50Welcome & ContentsContact Go Local SandbachKaty O’Regankaty@archpublications.comDavid Crawforddavid@archpublications.comFor all enquires & bookingsCall or Whatsapp 01477 518 252Visit archpublications.comArch Publications Charity Partner 2025, visit www.www.dscheshire.org.ukRemember to tell our amazing local businesses, you found them in Go Local.THE LENCH BUILDING GROUP HAVE THE JOURNEY OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT COVERED.Barn Conversions · New BuildsBuilding & Maintenance · RoofingSmall Works & Renovations · Kitchens · BathroomsTurn Key Projects · Brick Cleaningwww.ttlbuilding.comUnit 2 Century Road, High Carr Business Park, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, ST5 7UGFROM DESIGNTO BUILDBUILDING &MAINTENANCE TRUSTED IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITYt: 01782 785347Welcome to November!This edition is a truly special one, we’re helping you get into the festive spirit with our much-loved Christmas Guide. Over the years, it’s become something of a local tradition, eagerly awaited by readers who can’t wait to plan their festive season. Inside, you’ll nd everything you need to make the most of Christmas in our wonderful community, from breakfast with Santa and light switch-ons to craft fairs, festive markets, and family events guaranteed to bring a little sparkle to the season.Last year, we were blown away by the feedback from readers who told us they kept the guide close at hand, on the kitchen counter, pinned to the fridge, or clipped to the family notice board, using it as their go-to resource for Christmas fun. That means the world to us, because this magazine is all about celebrating local life and helping people enjoy everything our area has to oer.We’re proud to say our readers genuinely engage with every edition, they read it, share it, and refer back to it throughout the month. For local businesses, that makes our magazine one of the most eective and trusted ways to stay visible in the community.If you’ve been thinking about promoting your business, service, or event, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re a small independent or an established local name, our pages are where the community connects, and we’d love to include you.Don’t miss out on the chance to be seen by thousands of loyal local readers who love to shop, support, and spend locally.Katy x

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

8Well, here we are in November. It seems like only yesterday I was trying to get to sleep in a hot, stuy room, longing for the cooler night air of autumn, but now it’s here I regret everything. For me, autumn has few redeeming features. Yes, I know the trees are pretty colours, but it’s getting colder, it’s getting wetter, and the magic of Christmas still seems too far away to get excited (despite the fact B&M had an entire aisle dedicated to Christmas as early as August).As far as I’m concerned, because my sons are now too old to participate in Halloween, autumn has only one thing going for it – bonre night. If you think I’m being uncharacteristically grumpy here, consider this: I just Googled (other search engines are available) the best things about autumn, and it suggested: “warm-coloured foliage, staying indoors with a blanket and hot drink, eating stew, and the feeling of nostalgia and reection.” So, essentially, the leaves Man About TownByGreg Hallare dying, it’s too cold to do anything fun, food should be restricted to hot liquid, and you can reminisce about how great the rest of the year was compared to this.By the time you read these words, the annual bonre event at the rugby club will have already taken place (as it’s on 31st October), however if you act quickly there may still be some tickets available for the Cricket Club shindig on 8th November. Both are excellent, featuring local food and drink, funfair rides for the children, and enough gunpowder and explosives to... well, blow up the Houses of Parliament.While many will be aware of the historical signicance of Guy Fawkes and his band of would-be assassins, fewer will know that reworks themselves actually date back to 9th century China, with examples being used to accompany many festivals throughout the Song dynasty (not to be confused with the Dynasty song, which was the theme tune to a 1980s American soap opera about a wealthy oil magnate and his family).In fact, primitive versions of reworks can be found even further back to before the time of our Lord and Saviour the little baby Jesus. During the Han dynasty (which originally comprised the Western Han and Eastern Han, until they united and became Han Solo), people threw bamboo stems into a re to produce an explosion. This was centuries before gunpowder was invented – again, in China (honestly, all the best stu comes from there).Joking aside, if you do attend a reworks display this year, or host your own, please do so sensibly, carefully, and with consideration for your neighbours – especially those with pets.Don’t worry, it’ll be December soon!

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Proudly Announce we are now open in Sandbach MarketThursday, Friday & Saturday 9am - 3pmBuying & SellingGold, Silver, Coins, Jewellery & WatchesCall or Email James Thompson07533 769054 churchsideantiques@gmail.comFor adults and children living with domestic abuse, Christmas can be a dangerous time.MyCWA (Cheshire Without Abuse) supports people of all ages affected by abuse through services including a 24/7 helpline, safe accommodation, and recovery programmes. Your donation helps keep these vital services running, to ensure people in your community feel safe during the festive season.Please give what you can today. Scan to donateOr VisitCharity Number 1153273 Company Limited By Guarantee 8508288www.mycwa.org.uk/donateEvery penny goes directly to help someone in need.PROTECTION SOLUTIONSJANUSJANUSProfessional Manned Guarding & Rapid Alarm Response ServicesPROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOSTMANNEDGUARDING• SIA-licensed,fullytrainedsecurityocers• Accesscontrol&visitormanagement• Regularsitepatrols&incidentreporting• Customer-focused,professionalconductALARM RESPONSE• 24/7rapidresponsetoalarmactivations• Thoroughsiteinspections&breachassessment• EmergencyservicecoordinationifrequiredKEYHOLDING• Securekeyholding&collection• Immediateattendanceatyourpremises• Assetprotection&riskmitigation• AordableforyourhomeTAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SECURITY TODAY!0161 706 0857 | info@janusprotectionsolutions.com

Page 12

12swapped bottles, traded recipes, and shared feedback over WhatsApp. “We’d all turn up with a few bottles of whatever we’d brewed that week,” Andy laughs. “Then we’d go home, try each other’s beers, and come back next time with notes. It was a proper little community, half hobby, half social life.”Then fate stepped in. A friend mentioned that a local pub in Alsager, was closing down. Out the back sat a small but complete brewing setup, fermenters, pumps, the lot. Andy went along to take a look, thinking he might be able to buy a few bits for his home setup. Instead, he got an oer he couldn’t refuse.“I asked the landlord what he wanted for it,” he says. “He just looked at me and said, ‘If you can get it out by Sunday, it’s yours.’ I couldn’t believe it. It felt like the universe telling me to get on with it.”Cue a borrowed truck, a few good mates, a bemused wife, and one very happy landlord watching his brewery disappear out the door. “It was chaos,” Andy admits. “We didn’t really have a plan. Suddenly, I had a full commercial brewing kit and nowhere to put it.”For a while, the equipment lived in storage, tucked away in a friend’s shipping container while Andy worked out what to If you’d told Andy a few years ago he’d swap circuit boards and business ights for malt and mash tuns, he’d have laughed you out of the pub. Yet that’s exactly how life turned out, and it couldn’t feel more at home in Cheshire.After twelve years in the electronics industry, Andy’s work life was a carousel of airports and hotel rooms. Munich one week, Massachusetts the next. He’d become uent in ight schedules and carry-on packing, but life was starting to feel like one long business trip. Then, like it did for so many of us, the pandemic stopped everything.“I went from being away half the year to being home all the time,” Andy says. “At rst, it was a shock to the system. Then I started to realise how much I’d missed just… being home.”Like a lot of people suddenly grounded by lockdown, Andy began to rediscover old hobbies and interests. In his case, that meant dusting o a basic home-brewing kit that had been gathering dust in the garage. With time on his hands and curiosity to spare, he decided to have another go at brewing a proper pint. The kitchen lled with the warm, bready smell of malt and hops, a scent that quickly became addictive.What started as a kitchen experiment soon turned into something much bigger. “I think it was that feeling of making something real again,” he explains. “After years of working in tech, where everything’s abstract and digital, brewing felt tangible. You can see it, smell it, taste it. There’s something really satisfying about that.”Soon, he was part of a small but growing network of local home brewers in South Cheshire. They met up in pub car parks, Brewing the Dream: The Rise of Four Priests, Part Oneby Katy O’Regando next. “I’d go down there and just stare at it sometimes,” he laughs. “It was this big, shiny promise of what might come next, if I was brave enough to give it a go.”Eventually, he found a small industrial unit in Middlewich, nothing fancy, just enough space to build something of his own. And that’s exactly what he did. With the help of friends, family, and a few very generous locals, Andy spent months transforming the bare unit into a working brewery. Every weekend was a new project, sealing the oors, tting the drains, rewiring the electrics, painting, testing, and cleaning until it was ready to brew.Out of all that graft, Four Priests Brewery was born. The name came from local history, a nod to a centuries-old legend tied to the area, and it felt right: traditional, local, and rooted in place.From day one, Andy decided to lm the journey. Not for marketing, just as a way to share progress with the little home-brew network that had cheered him on. Those early YouTube videos were nothing fancy, just a bloke in overalls talking about pumps and pressure valves, but they struck a chord. People loved the honesty, the DIY spirit, and the lack of pretence.“I didn’t set out to be on camera,” Andy says. “It was more like a diary at rst, but then people started asking questions, oering advice, and following along. It became this lovely community of people rooting for you from behind a screen.”As the brewery took shape, the rst test batches of beer rolled out, traditional, cask-conditioned ales that spoke to Cheshire’s pub culture. Andy wasn’t chasing trends or craft-beer hype; he wanted to brew the kind of pints people actually drink, the golden bitters, session ales and amber beers that have stood the test of time.“I’ve always loved proper pubs,” he says. “The ones where you walk in, the re’s on, and everyone knows each other. That’s the kind of beer I wanted to make, something that belongs in that setting.”Soon, local landlords were taking notice. Pubs like The Beer Emporium in Sandbach and The King’s Lock in Middlewich started stocking his beers, and word spread quickly. Four Priests had become a xture on the local scene, not because of ashy marketing or gimmicks, but because it was good, honest beer made by someone who genuinely cared about it.But for Andy, the real reward wasn’t the recognition, it was the sense of belonging that had come from it all. “After so many years working away, I nally felt part of something local again,” he says. “People would pop by to see what I was brewing, oer a hand, drop o something useful. It was real community spirit.”That’s what Four Priests was built on from the very start, serendipity, hard graft, and a sprinkling of Cheshire magic.And that’s just the rst pour of the story.In Part Two, we’ll pick up where things take an unexpected turn, with TV cameras arriving at the brewery, a heartfelt tribute beer brewed in memory of a friend, and the revival of one of Sandbach’s best-loved venues.

Page 13

13swapped bottles, traded recipes, and shared feedback over WhatsApp. “We’d all turn up with a few bottles of whatever we’d brewed that week,” Andy laughs. “Then we’d go home, try each other’s beers, and come back next time with notes. It was a proper little community, half hobby, half social life.”Then fate stepped in. A friend mentioned that a local pub in Alsager, was closing down. Out the back sat a small but complete brewing setup, fermenters, pumps, the lot. Andy went along to take a look, thinking he might be able to buy a few bits for his home setup. Instead, he got an oer he couldn’t refuse.“I asked the landlord what he wanted for it,” he says. “He just looked at me and said, ‘If you can get it out by Sunday, it’s yours.’ I couldn’t believe it. It felt like the universe telling me to get on with it.”Cue a borrowed truck, a few good mates, a bemused wife, and one very happy landlord watching his brewery disappear out the door. “It was chaos,” Andy admits. “We didn’t really have a plan. Suddenly, I had a full commercial brewing kit and nowhere to put it.”For a while, the equipment lived in storage, tucked away in a friend’s shipping container while Andy worked out what to If you’d told Andy a few years ago he’d swap circuit boards and business ights for malt and mash tuns, he’d have laughed you out of the pub. Yet that’s exactly how life turned out, and it couldn’t feel more at home in Cheshire.After twelve years in the electronics industry, Andy’s work life was a carousel of airports and hotel rooms. Munich one week, Massachusetts the next. He’d become uent in ight schedules and carry-on packing, but life was starting to feel like one long business trip. Then, like it did for so many of us, the pandemic stopped everything.“I went from being away half the year to being home all the time,” Andy says. “At rst, it was a shock to the system. Then I started to realise how much I’d missed just… being home.”Like a lot of people suddenly grounded by lockdown, Andy began to rediscover old hobbies and interests. In his case, that meant dusting o a basic home-brewing kit that had been gathering dust in the garage. With time on his hands and curiosity to spare, he decided to have another go at brewing a proper pint. The kitchen lled with the warm, bready smell of malt and hops, a scent that quickly became addictive.What started as a kitchen experiment soon turned into something much bigger. “I think it was that feeling of making something real again,” he explains. “After years of working in tech, where everything’s abstract and digital, brewing felt tangible. You can see it, smell it, taste it. There’s something really satisfying about that.”Soon, he was part of a small but growing network of local home brewers in South Cheshire. They met up in pub car parks, Brewing the Dream: The Rise of Four Priests, Part Oneby Katy O’Regando next. “I’d go down there and just stare at it sometimes,” he laughs. “It was this big, shiny promise of what might come next, if I was brave enough to give it a go.”Eventually, he found a small industrial unit in Middlewich, nothing fancy, just enough space to build something of his own. And that’s exactly what he did. With the help of friends, family, and a few very generous locals, Andy spent months transforming the bare unit into a working brewery. Every weekend was a new project, sealing the oors, tting the drains, rewiring the electrics, painting, testing, and cleaning until it was ready to brew.Out of all that graft, Four Priests Brewery was born. The name came from local history, a nod to a centuries-old legend tied to the area, and it felt right: traditional, local, and rooted in place.From day one, Andy decided to lm the journey. Not for marketing, just as a way to share progress with the little home-brew network that had cheered him on. Those early YouTube videos were nothing fancy, just a bloke in overalls talking about pumps and pressure valves, but they struck a chord. People loved the honesty, the DIY spirit, and the lack of pretence.“I didn’t set out to be on camera,” Andy says. “It was more like a diary at rst, but then people started asking questions, oering advice, and following along. It became this lovely community of people rooting for you from behind a screen.”As the brewery took shape, the rst test batches of beer rolled out, traditional, cask-conditioned ales that spoke to Cheshire’s pub culture. Andy wasn’t chasing trends or craft-beer hype; he wanted to brew the kind of pints people actually drink, the golden bitters, session ales and amber beers that have stood the test of time.“I’ve always loved proper pubs,” he says. “The ones where you walk in, the re’s on, and everyone knows each other. That’s the kind of beer I wanted to make, something that belongs in that setting.”Soon, local landlords were taking notice. Pubs like The Beer Emporium in Sandbach and The King’s Lock in Middlewich started stocking his beers, and word spread quickly. Four Priests had become a xture on the local scene, not because of ashy marketing or gimmicks, but because it was good, honest beer made by someone who genuinely cared about it.But for Andy, the real reward wasn’t the recognition, it was the sense of belonging that had come from it all. “After so many years working away, I nally felt part of something local again,” he says. “People would pop by to see what I was brewing, oer a hand, drop o something useful. It was real community spirit.”That’s what Four Priests was built on from the very start, serendipity, hard graft, and a sprinkling of Cheshire magic.And that’s just the rst pour of the story.In Part Two, we’ll pick up where things take an unexpected turn, with TV cameras arriving at the brewery, a heartfelt tribute beer brewed in memory of a friend, and the revival of one of Sandbach’s best-loved venues.

Page 14

Page 15

Page 16

16I met Scott, the founder of Janus Protection Solutions, over a coee to chat about his work — and it quickly became clear he’s someone who takes safety seriously, but without any fuss. Straightforward and quietly condent, Scott talks about security with the kind of calm authority that only comes from years of real-world experience.Scott began his career more than 25 years ago in north Liverpool, working for the local authority to help tackle antisocial behaviour. His ability to connect with young people and his practical, hands-on approach made a real dierence, earning him an award from Merseyside Police. That experience shaped the foundation for Janus Protection Solutions — a company built on professionalism, trust, and genuine care for people.Katy meets... Scott, Janus Protection Solutions By Katy O’ReganThe business rst made its name through Executive and Celebrity Close Protection, Tour Security, and Residential Security, working with clients across the UK and overseas. As Scott’s reputation grew and client needs evolved, Janus naturally expanded its services to include manned guarding, mobile patrols, alarm response, and keyholding — providing complete protection for business parks, oces, warehouses, construction sites, retail premises, and private homes.Manned guarding has become a key part of the company’s oering. Trained, licensed security ocers provide a visible presence to deter theft, vandalism, and other threats. Guards monitor access, patrol premises, check CCTV, and respond swiftly to alarms or incidents. They also handle emergencies and assist visitors — oering both protection and reassurance. “It’s not just about standing on a door,” Scott says. “It’s about being proactive, professional, and approachable.”Another valued service is keyholding, which oers real peace of mind for homeowners and businesses alike. When an alarm is triggered, Janus securely holds a dedicated set of keys o-site, allowing trained ocers to attend swiftly and safely. They inspect the property, liaise with the police if needed, and re-secure the site before providing a detailed report.If you’re working away or taking a holiday, you can relax knowing a professional will handle everything — from alarm activations to letting in a tradesperson or checking on your home while you’re away. For a low annual fee and aordable call-out, it’s a service suitable for everyone — from a small family home to a large country property. “All our homes are valuable to us,” Scott says. “Security shouldn’t just be for the rich and famous.”

Page 17

Page 18

18Getting your Windows PC ready for security is all about three main things: a smart setup, using the built-in tools, and practicing safe habits.1. First Steps• Update right away. As soon as you get online, go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates. These are like security patches that x holes hackers could use. It’s a habit you should keep up.• Use a Standard User account. Your computer has two main types of accounts: an Administrator (the boss) and a Standard User (for daily tasks). The best rule is to use a Standard User account for everything and only switch to the Administrator account when you absolutely need to install something. This prevents viruses from taking over your whole system.• Create strong passwords or use Windows Hello. Make sure your password is a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Even better, use Windows Hello with a PIN, your ngerprint, or face to log in quickly and securely.Tech Help... Setting Up Your PC for SecurityBy Daniel, DanRos Tech Solutions2. Built-in ProtectionModern Windows computers have powerful security tools already installed. You can nd them by searching for “Windows Security.”• Windows Defender Antivirus is your computer’s built-in shield against viruses and other malware. It runs automatically and is updated through Windows Update. For most people, this is all you need.• Windows Firewall acts as a gatekeeper for your internet connection. For a new network, like in a cafe, choose “Public” to be extra safe. For your home, choose “Private.”• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect you from dangerous websites and les. It will warn you before you visit a suspicious site or download a risky le.3. Safe HabitsNo software can protect you if you have bad habits. Here’s what you need to do:• Be sceptical of emails. Don’t click on links or open attachments from people you don’t know, especially if the email asks for personal info. This is a common scam called phishing.• Keep all your software updated. Remember to update your web browser and other programs, not just Windows.• Use a password manager. Instead of using the same password everywhere, a password manager creates and saves strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts so you don’t have to remember them.• Back up your data. The best way to avoid losing your les is to save them in more than one place. Use an external hard drive and a cloud service (like OneDrive or Google Drive) to make sure your important les are safe, no matter what happens to your computer.By following the steps above, you’re not just setting up a computer, you’re making sure it’s ready to handle whatever comes its way.Please remember: “Security isn’t just a one-and-done activity — it’s a habit”.

Page 19

Page 20

Page 21

www.thedarjiexpression.compresentsDiscover the extraordinary work of world-renowned artist Ramesh Darji, whose paintings have been exhibited and collected around the world. Now brought to the Cheshire community.Ramesh Darji: A Life in ColourOpen 10m-5pm daily.Riverside, Mountbatten Way, CongletonFree admission and free parking.Fri 21 – Sun 23 November 2025Visit ahminstallations.co.ukCall 01270 895132Bathe safely, without sacriﬁcing style.* T’s and C’s apply Specialists in walk-in showers, walk-in baths & wetrooms Free home visit, quotation & design pack VAT free for those with medical & chronic conditionsUNWRAP A£1,000 SAVING THIS SEASON*Family-run for 26 years!Family-run for 26 years!Over 300 ReviewsChristmas means something special to everyone — from celebrating precious time with family and friends to creating those lasting traditions and falling head over heels in love with all things festive.The lead-up to the big day is a magical time lled with opportunities to make memories — whether it’s meeting Santa, exploring twinkling light trails, enjoying a festive theatre show, or sharing a cosy breakfast with Father Christmas.In this Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Cheshire and Beyond, you’ll nd inspiraation for the season’s best events, days out, and festive activities. From our local favourites close to home in Middlewich, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach and Congleton, to enchanting experiences a little further aeld, there’s something here for every family to enjoy.So, grab a hot chocolate, pop on your Christmas jumper, and start planning your most magical Christmas yet!Jenny,Days Out and Meals Out ReviewsDays Out & Meals Out Christmas Guide2025Jingleville at Lower Drayton Farm – 29th Nov–24th Dec – StaordshireUse code HOLLY at checkout for 10% o.We visited Jingleville the last two years — it’s bursting with activities, laughter, and festive cheer. The girls loved building their own teddy and choosing any toy from Santa’s Workshop.Your journey begins with a whimsical bus ride through twinkling lights before arriving in Jingleville, where friendly elves guide you through a magical town lled with creativity and fun. Children can craft Christmas decorations, write letters to Santa, and build their own teddy bear before choosing a special gift from Santa’s toyshop.Grown-ups receive a complimentary hot chocolate, and children enjoy a festive milkshake.Includes entry to PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm on the day of your Jingleville experience.Christmas Alpine Retreat at Castaway Play – 22nd Nov–24th Dec – CongletonMeet Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto, journey down Candy Cane Lane, and explore the brand-new Frozen Woodland with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Enjoy sleigh racing, snowball ghts, the magical Snow Globe, and help Mrs Claus decorate gingerbread. Take part in the Elf Hunt, build a bear, and send your letter to Santa at his Post House. With Christmas characters, festive treats, and joyful entertainment, this experience is perfect for children aged 1–12.Castaway’s Mid-Week Mini Alpine Retreat – 1st–19th Dec (Midweek)Step into the magic of Christmas at Castaway’s Mini Alpine Retreat, the perfect festive weekday treat. From 9.00 am–3.00 pm, enjoy unlimited stay-and-play time. Every child meets Santa and receives a special gift, with the option to purchase a keepsake photo block.The fun continues with story time from the Naughty Elf, snow play in a wintery themed area, bouncing inside the magical snow globe, writing letters to Santa, and an optional Build-a-Bear activity to create a cuddly new friend.

Page 22

Middlewich Christmas Lights Switch-On – 29th Nov, 12pm–7pm – MiddlewichCelebrate the start of the festive season in the heart of Middlewich. Enjoy market stalls and entertainment at Victoria Hall, plus stage performances, food vendors, and a children’s funfair at the Amphitheatre and Wheelock Street. The lights switch-on takes place at 6:30pm — a magical community event for all ages.Christmas on the Canal – 29th Nov – MiddlewichRunning alongside the town’s light switch-on, Christmas on the Canal brings a full day of festive fun to Middlewich. Market stalls line the towpath and canal, with oating traders oering gifts and treats. Enjoy live music, bands, and festive drinks at the “Monster Bar” on Salinae Field, as well as Santa’s Grotto and illuminated displays.Watch as Father Christmas sails up the canal, starting at The Big Lock and nishing at The Kings Lock, where more stalls and entertainment await.Holmes Chapel Christmas Market & Fair – 7th Dec, 3pm–7pm – Holmes ChapelThis much-loved annual event brings the village to life with nearly 50 charity and commercial stalls, both indoors and outdoors. Browse gifts, crafts, food, and festive novelties while enjoying live music and performances from local singers and musicians. And of course, Father Christmas will be there to greet the children!Christmas Light Switch-On & Market at Goostrey Home & Leisure – 28th Nov, 5pm–9pm – GoostreyA popular local favourite marking the start of the festive season. Browse indoor and outdoor market stalls brimming with Christmas gifts and decorations, and enjoy the excitement as a special guest ocially switches on the Christmas lights.Makers in the Valley Christmas Market – 30th Nov, 10am–3pm – Bidlea Dairy, Twemlow (CW4 8DS)Set in the beautiful surroundings of Bidlea Dairy, this artisan market showcases talented local makers and creators. Browse unique handcrafted gifts, artwork, homeware, and festive treats, and meet the people behind the creations — the perfect place to nd something truly special.Sandbach Christmas Market – 22nd Nov – SandbachKick o the festive season with a day of local charm and community spirit. Explore market stalls lled with seasonal crafts, gifts, and food, alongside live entertainment and festive music. Expect plenty of Christmas cheer — and perhaps a visit from Santa himself.Congleton Christmas Lights Switch-On – 28th Nov from 4pm – CongletonA highlight of the local festive calendar. Wander through artisan, craft, and gift stalls, enjoy live entertainment across two stages, and join the crowds for the evening parade featuring steel and brass bands. There’s a Santa’s Grotto, street performers, and the grand switch-on at 6pm — a truly magical evening for families.Our Local Christmas Lights & MarketsChristmas at Jodrell Bank – 15th Nov–30th DecBook now and get 10% o: www.daysoutandmealsout.com/FestiveFunJodrellBankNew Dome Show: What Santa Sees15th Nov–21st DecJoin the reindeer on a magical journey and discover the night sky through Santa’s eyes. From the glowing moon to the changing constellations, spot shooting stars and follow the North Star, Polaris.This enchanting Space Dome Show blends storytelling and astronomy to take you on an immersive festive journey aboard Santa’s sleigh.Tickets £5 (includes a mini hot chocolate and a gingerbread man per child)Goofus Theatre: All in a Mouse’s Night20th & 21st Dec – 11:30, 13:30 & 15:00This winter, Goofus Theatre presents a marvellous, non-verbal mousey tale packed with puppetry, play, and heart.Join Mouse on a journey into the vastness of space, lled with adventure, moon cheese, and new friends. Recommended for families with children under 7 (though older ones are welcome too). Tickets £7Dome Show: Ted’s Space Adventure9th Nov, 28th & 30th Dec – 10:15Blast o with Ted the Bear and his trusty companion, Plant, on an intergalactic adventure. Learn about the wonders of space through rhyme, music, and playful interactivity.Perfect for preschoolers, this fun and educational show introduces little ones to the magic of the cosmos. Tickets £5 (under 4s free)Alice in the Hidden Garden at Bents – 5th–30th Dec – WarringtonFollow the glow of twinkling lights into a spellbinding retelling of Alice in Wonderland at the all-new Wonderland Light Adventure in Bents’ Hidden Garden. Perfect for all ages, this after-dark journey combines theatrical light installations, immersive soundscapes, and magical storytelling touches around every corner.Enjoy seasonal treats and winter warmers from the Winter Food Market, brimming with festive avours, or relax in the Outdoor Christmas Teepee, the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere with a hot drink in hand.Santa’s Island Experience at Alderford Lake – 22nd Nov–23rd Dec – WhitchurchThis magical experience lasts around an hour and has become a rm favourite with families — we’ve visited the last two years, and it remains our top Santa adventure. The elves on the island are full of fun and mischief, and every activity leading up to meeting Santa feels genuinely enchanting.Your experience begins with an enchanting boat journey across the lake to Santa’s Island, where the elves welcome you with their favourite treat — a gooey s’more — as you listen to their story of adventure. Step inside the cosy tipi for a festive tale, then continue through toy making, letter writing, and meeting the cheeky elves before nding Santa in his beautiful grotto.Children’s ticket includes:• Two gifts from Santa• Hot chocolate• Boat journey• Toy making experience• A s’more treat• Letter writing to Santa• Reindeer food makingBreakfast with Santa at George & Dragon – 13th Dec – Holmes ChapelIncludes breakfast, a meet and greet with Santa, and a gift for each child.Breakfast with Santa at The Old Red Lion – 13th & 14th Dec – Holmes ChapelEach child will enjoy a delicious kids’ breakfast (classic or veggie), a Kit Kat treat, a Fruit Shoot, a festive activity pack, reindeer food, and a meet-and-greet with Santa.Breakfast with Santa at Fryers Nursery – 7th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec – KnutsfordEnjoy a delicious family breakfast with Santa and his elves, gather around for a festive North Pole story, and each child receives a gift to take home.Breakfast with Santa at Mobberley Ice Cream – 12th, 20th & 21st Dec – MobberleyTickets include a festive breakfast for children and adults, a visit from Santa, a gift for each child, and festive activities.Breakfast with Santa at Dunham Barns – 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec – AltrinchamChildren of all ages can meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, take photos, and receive a small memento of their visit.Breakfast with Santa at Tarporley Garden Centre – 22nd Nov–24th Dec – TarporleyYou and your child will enjoy a tasty cooked breakfast, meet Santa, take pictures, and get a personal gift at this charming alternative to a Santa’s Grotto.Bottomless Breakfast with Santa at The Ice Cream Farm – 23rd Nov–21st Dec – ChesterMeet Santa while enjoying a festive breakfast feast with bottomless hot drinks and fruit juices for 60 minutes. Each child receives a gift to take home.Breakfast with Santa at Harvester – 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th–24th Dec – Various Cheshire LocationsYour little ones can enjoy a festive morning lled with delicious food, fun activities, and a special visit from Father Christmas.Festive Breakfast with Father Christmas at Bents – 6th, 13th, 20th Dec – WarringtonIncludes a delicious breakfast sandwich, children’s entertainment, and a visit and present from Father Christmas.Fancy Breakfast with Father Christmas?

Page 23

Page 24

Santa at Vicarage Inn – 6th, 24th & 25th Dec – Holmes ChapelFree for any child when a parent is dining with a main meal in the restaurant. To make a reservation, families simply need to book a table and pop “Santa” in the booking notes.Santa at The Bridge Cheshire – 6th, 24th & 25th Dec – PrestburyFree for any child when a parent is dining with a main meal in the restaurant. To make a reservation, families simply need to book a table and pop “Santa” in the booking notes.Christmas at Lion Salt Works – 7th Dec – NorthwichMeet Santa and his elves in his grotto (£3 per child including a gift). Get creative with free Christmas crafts.Meet Father Christmas at Tatton Park Farm – 22nd Nov–24th Dec – KnutsfordStep into the festive farmyard at Tatton Park’s Farm and meet Father Christmas in his charming grotto.Father Christmas Meet and Greet at Quarry Bank – 5th–21st Dec – WilmslowStep into the festive spirit with a magical encounter in the Garden Nook in the Upper Garden. Share your wish list, have your photo taken, and enjoy a special moment with Santa. Every child will receive a sticker and a small treat to take home. Tickets £2.50 per child.Santa Experience at The Hayloft Cheshire – 6th–24th Dec – WidnesJoin the elves in their enchanting workshop, including making reindeer food, then enter the grotto to enjoy a story from Santa and receive a gift. Depart the grotto on the miniature Christmas railway.Santa’s Grotto at Dunham Barns – 4th–24th Dec – AltrinchamImmerse yourself in the festive spirit and embark on a memorable journey that will leave you lled with joy and excitement.Story Time With Santa at Dunham Barns – 3rd, 10th, 17th Dec – AltrinchamThese groups are suitable for under-threes and pre-schoolers who aren’t yet ready for individual meet-and-greet events.Christmas at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre – 13th, 14th & 20th Dec – CotebrookEach grotto ticket includes a Santa visit with a gift and admission to the farm, with free return visits for a month.Santa’s Enchanted Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping Centre – 21st Nov–24th Dec – ChesterStep into the spotlight for an immersive, festive, movie-inspired journey guided by the jolly enchanted elves, ending with a personal visit with Santa and a special gift to cherish.Santa’s Grotto at Chester Town Hall – 6th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st Dec – ChesterStep inside the festive Assembly Hall to meet Santa’s helpful elves. Craft a giant snow-lled bauble, make magical reindeer food, colour and decorate a gift bag, write a letter to Santa, and then meet him to receive a special gift.Sail with Santa on the River Dee – 13th, 20th & 21st Dec – ChesterOn this family-friendly cruise, children will have the chance to meet Santa, who will bring each of them a festive book to read over the holidays. The Lady Diana will be decorated with lights and tinsel, and the Chester Boat elves will be on hand with refreshments, songs, and fun activities.Santa’s Grotto and Elves Workshop at The Ice Cream Farm – 23rd Nov–24th Dec – ChesterMeet Santa and his elves in his cosy winter lodge, choose your own gift Or maybe come and visit me at these events...Breakfast with Santa at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel – 14th & 21st Dec – ChesterFather Christmas and his elf will join families in the Grosvenor Suite for breakfast, storytime, and games, plus face-painting and festive crafts.Breakfast with Father Christmas at The Children’s Country House – 6th, 7th, 13th & 20th Dec – SudburyStart your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a visit from Father Christmas in this historic venue.Santa’s Super Sonic Tour with Breakfast at Runway Visitor Park – 7th, 14th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec – ManchesterBegin your experience with a buet-style breakfast beneath Concorde before boarding the aircraft with Father Christmas for a guided festive tour and a Christmas story with Mrs Claus.Breakfast with Santa at Dobbies – 29th Nov–24th Dec – Multiple Locations (including Chester & Liverpool)Start with a tasty breakfast before your little ones are gifted a special toy from Santa, then enjoy festive activities and games.Breakfast with Santa at Toby Carvery – 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th–24th Dec – Cheshire & Greater ManchesterChildren receive a hot breakfast, drink, and festive goodies, with an appearance from Father Christmas.Brunch with Santa at Chester Cathedral – 30th Nov–24th Dec – ChesterJoin Santa for a wonderful brunch in the Cathedral Refectory surrounded by festive decorations.Festive Breakfast with Father Christmas at Ruord Old Hall – 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st Dec – OrmskirkTuck into a hearty Christmas breakfast in the cosy Victorian tea room and receive a special gift from Father Christmas.

Page 25

from the Elves Emporium, make your own reindeer food, and nish with two scoops of ice cream. SEN sessions available on 23rd Nov.Christmas at Magical Malpas – 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st & 23rd Dec – MalpasBegin with a festive tractor ride to the barn for a warm drink and gingerbread decorating. Write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, play elf games, and nish with a magical grotto visit.The Polar Express Christmas Train Ride with Churnet Valley Railway – 8th Nov–23rd Dec – StaordshireThis hour-long family adventure departs from Froghall Station and heads to the Frozen North to pick up Santa for the return journey. Guests enjoy a true-to-the-movie experience, complete with hot chocolate and cookies. Don’t forget your pyjamas!Meet Father Christmas at Trentham Shopping Village – 15th Nov–24th Dec – StokeJoin Father Christmas and his loveable elf at Trentham’s North Pole grotto for a magical and unforgettable experience.Reddish Vale Farm North Pole Experience – 29th Nov–24th Dec – StockportHead to passport control to collect your passport. Enjoy a full tour of the North Pole Christmas Headquarters, Elf Academy, and build your own Christmas friend (teddy bear). Visit Mrs Claus to decorate gingerbread, meet the farmyard animals, and enjoy a personal visit from Father Christmas in his toy shop.All Aboard for a Magical Christmas Experience at Cockelds Farm – 29th Nov–24th Dec – Ashton-under-LyneRide the train to the North Pole, explore Elf Village, and visit Santa in his grotto. Choose a toy from Santa’s shop, stroll through the Enchanted Forest, watch a Christmas show, and meet the reindeer.The Grotto at Traord Centre – 22nd Nov–24th Dec – ManchesterA magical 20-minute Santa’s Grotto experience where you will rst meet the elves and write a special letter to Santa. Then travel to the post room to get it ready for the North Pole before stepping inside the grotto to meet Santa.Believe! The Polar Express – 14th Nov–31st Dec – Victoria Warehouse, ManchesterA multi-room immersive walkthrough experience where guests meet beloved characters such as the Conductor and the mysterious Hobo. Get your golden ticket punched, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and take part in interactive storytelling.The North Pole Experience at Otterspool Adventure – 29th Nov–24th Dec – LiverpoolJourney back in time at Liverpool Victoria Railway Station, where the North Pole Experience begins. Lend a hand in the Elf Workshop, write your letter to Santa, visit Mrs Claus’ kitchen, share your wishes with Father Christmas, and pick out a special toy to take home from Santa’s Toy Shop.Santa’s Secret Forest at Orrell Hill Woods – 21st Nov–24th Dec – LiverpoolJoin mischievous elves running Operation Christmas in the forest, making sure Santa’s sleigh and presents are ready for Christmas Eve.Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies – 23rd Nov–24th Dec – Liverpool & SouthportExperience snowy scenes, help the polar bears with ice hockey, shoot snowball hoops, and meet Santa himself before the day ends.Santa in the Sky at Cheshire Oaks – 23rd Nov–24th Dec – WirralJoin Santa and his trusty elves on a fantastical adventure through the sky on the Big Wheel. Your ticket includes four spaces on the ight with Santa and his elves, plus a hot chocolate redeemable at The Winter Village.Santa’s Grotto Experience at Ribby Hall Village – 16th Nov–24th Dec – PrestonFollow the glowing path through the trees and enjoy interactive games and activities along the way. When you reach Santa’s cosy grotto, enjoy a personal meet and greet with the big man himself.Santa at Knowsley Safari – 6th–24th Dec – PrescotSanta will be visiting Knowsley Safari to meet children. You can hand in your Christmas list and receive a festive family photo to cherish those magical moments forever. Day admission tickets must be purchased before buying a Santa’s Grotto ticket.Santa Grotto at Lancaster Park and Animal Farm – 6th–24th Dec – OldhamJourney through the magical Christmas grotto, write your letter to Santa, join Mrs Claus for storytime, toast marshmallows, and meet the farm animals.Christmas at Warwick Castle – 22nd Nov–4th Jan – WarwickExperience the magic with Santa and Mrs Claus during their Stories with Santa experience. Each child will receive a special Christmas gift, and there’s even a surprise for the grown-ups.Santa’s Grotto at Poole’s Cavern – 29th Nov–24th Dec – BuxtonMeet Santa in his favourite real grotto and explore the beautifully illuminated natural cavern deep beneath the hills of Buxton. After your Santa visit, follow the walkway to see the spectacular illuminated formations for the festive season.Follies Safari at Hawkstone Follies – 6th–24th Dec – ShropshireEnjoy a festive drink before heading out in a Land Rover across the park to the fairy-lit caverns and Santa’s grotto. Tickets are per vehicle and can accommodate up to eight people.Christmas at Reindeer Lodge – 21st Nov–24th Dec – MoldMeet mystical characters and learn the ways of Elfhood, discover how Christmas magic works, meet Santa’s real reindeer, take part in toy making, and visit Santa himself in his stunning grotto—with a gift for every child.

Page 26

Matilda the Musical at Liverpool Empire – 2nd Dec–4th Jan – LiverpoolRoald Dahl’s beloved story of a brilliant girl with extraordinary powers comes alive in this hit musical packed with heart and rebellion.Cinderella at Regent Theatre – 12th Dec–4th Jan – Stoke-on-TrentStarring Jonathan Wilkes as Buttons and Kai Owen as Dandini, this spectacular show brings laughter and magic to the festive season.Christmas at Warwick Castle – 22nd Nov–4th Jan – WarwickExperience the magic of Santa’s stories, stunning festive lights and entertainment for the whole family in this historic castle setting.Oh No It Isn’t! When Panto Goes Wrong – 12th Dec – NorthwichEnjoy a festive meal while the ill-fated Drama Society desperately tries to stage a perfect panto, with hilarious results in this interactive dining experience.Yuletide at Tatton Park – 15th Nov–23rd Dec – KnutsfordWith enchanting lights as your guide, you’ll dance and interact with actors, puppets, and lanterns along the way, taking part in ancient Yuletide traditions with live performers and acrobats.Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank – 27th Nov–22nd Dec – WilmslowGet together with friends and family and enjoy the Enchanted Winter Walk. Tickets include a hot drink for adults and reindeer food for children. Quiet sessions with reduced lighting and sound are available on 6th and 18th Dec.Christmas at Magical Woodland – 28th Nov–24th Dec – Blakemere, NorthwichBe surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights along the woodland trail with special appearances from Mr and Mrs Claus. Warm up with festive food at “Grub in the Wood” and roast marshmallows on the open re.Festive Lights at Biddulph Grange Garden – 13th–28th Dec – BiddulphExplore the garden after hours, beautifully illuminated for Christmas. Each ticket includes a hot drink to enjoy in the tearoom.Enchanted at Knowsley Safari – 22nd Nov–23rd Dec – PrescotWander through the dazzling illuminated Foot Safari, discover magical glowing animals, and soak up the festive spirit with cosy treats and family fun at every turn. Santa’s Grotto can be added at checkout.RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Bridgewater – 26th Nov–30th Dec – ManchesterWander through the spectacular walled garden and be dazzled by stunning light installations. Enjoy festive treats, mulled wine, and pizza at the Stables Café.Christmas at Dunham Massey – 14th Nov–3rd Jan – AltrinchamThis breathtaking illuminated trail features twinkling lights, immersive seasonal sounds, and brand-new installations each year. Enjoy fairground rides, festive food and drink, and maybe a glimpse of Father Christmas.Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo – 13th Nov–3rd Jan – ChesterAn award-winning event combining a magical light trail with playful puppets, a ribbon tunnel, a laser garden, and glowing animal lanterns.Twilight Trail at Depot Mayeld – 13th Nov–31st Dec – ManchesterSpectacular light displays transform Mayeld Park with lanterns, music, and glowing installations. Located beside Freight Island and a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station.Winter Light Trail at Trentham Estate – 21st Nov–4th Jan – StokeThis mile-long trail includes all-new displays and soundscapes, plus an après bar, chalets, local food vendors, a children’s funfair, and marshmallow toasting.Northern Lights Manchester – 20th Nov–31st Dec – ManchesterHeaton Park transforms into a winter wonderland featuring 14 illuminated zones, festive food, drinks, and a Christmas Village full of local vendors.Christmas at Chatsworth – 8th Nov–4th Jan – BakewellEnjoy a decorated house, gardens lled with light, and festive crafts at the farmyard. Tickets between 8th Nov–14th Dec also include entry to the Christmas Market.Lighting Up Cheshire & BeyondJack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum – 12th Dec–4th Jan – CreweOnce again the Lyceum has all the ingredients for a perfect family panto — a dastardly villain, a hapless comic, a hilarious panto dame, fabulous musical numbers and bags of slapstick fun.Alice in Winter Wonderland at The Grange Theatre – 5th Dec–3rd Jan – HartfordFeaturing disco hits, dazzling costumes and immersive staging, this magical family show surrounds the audience, bringing the story to life from all angles.Beauty and The Beast at Storyhouse – 5th Dec–4th Jan – ChesterAlways a favourite, this spectacular panto features stunning costumes, a beautiful set and a fun Storyhouse twist on the classic tale.Cinderella at Northwich Memorial Court – 7th–31st Dec – NorthwichJoin us on a magic carpet ride through panto land, brim full of jokes, music and festive fun for all ages.Snow White Panto at The Evans Theatre – 30th Dec–4th Jan – WilmslowPresented by Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society, this charming production brings a festive classic to life with local young talent.Goldilocks & The Three Bears at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – 5th Dec–4th Jan – AltrinchamJoin Goldilocks as she dreams of joining the circus, but her father, the debt-collecting Baron Wasteland, has other plans in this hilarious family show.It’s A Wonderful Life at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse – 17th–23rd Nov – AltrinchamBased on the classic Frank Capra lm, this reimagined version is a joyful story of love, hope and community — a perfect start to the festive season.The Elves & The Shoemaker at Buxton Opera House – 13th–23rd Dec – BuxtonA classic tale retold with music, laughter and audience interaction — perfect for younger audiences and families.Beauty and the Beast at Parr Hall – 3rd–11th Jan – WarringtonA sparkling post-Christmas treat, this classic story of Belle and the Beast features dazzling sets, comedy and song.Cinderella at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall – 13th–24th Dec – Ellesmere PortJoin Cinderella, her wicked stepsisters, and Buttons for a fun-lled traditional pantomime packed with magic and laughter.The Snowy Day at Z Arts – 12th–30th Dec – ManchesterSpecially designed for 1–4 year olds and their grown-ups, this gentle, sensory dance performance brings the wonder of winter to life.The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical at The Lowry – 10th Dec–4th Jan – SalfordRoald Dahl’s mischievous crocodile heads to the stage in this musical full of colour, humour and larger-than-life jungle adventures.The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Lowry – 3rd Dec–11th Jan – SalfordStep through the wardrobe into Narnia for an epic West End production lled with wonder and breathtaking stagecraft.Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch at The Lowry – 5th Dec–11th Jan – SalfordA wickedly funny musical reimagining of Ursula’s story — an adults-only twist on the world under the sea.Little Bear and the Christmas Lights at The Lowry – 28th Dec–4th Jan – SalfordA charming sensory theatre experience for little ones featuring puppetry, music, and snowball fun.Aladdin at The Plaza – 5th Dec–4th Jan – StockportFeaturing Brian Capron from Coronation Street and Karim Zeroual from CBBC, this glittering production promises magic, music and mayhem.Cinderella at the Opera House – 6th Dec–4th Jan – ManchesterJason Manford and Ben Nickless take to the stage in this must-see panto extravaganza lled with comedy, songs and audience fun.Cirque: Wicked Wizard of Oz at AO Arena – 23rd Dec – ManchesterA spectacular hybrid of panto and cirque featuring a cast of 60, aerial acrobatics, and stunning special eects.Fancy Christmas Entertainment?

Page 27

Page 28

Illuminated Arboretum – 5th–22nd Dec – Burton on TrentA stunning 1.5-mile trail featuring lights and special installations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World – 25th Oct–31st Feb – WarringtonWander through an illuminated world of imagination featuring glowing dinosaurs, monuments, and fantastical dreamscapes brought to life with colour and creativity.Bewilderwood Presents Christmas – 29th Nov–23rd Dec – CheshireStroll beneath twinkling lights through the Sparkly Light Trail, enjoy a mini panto suitable for all ages, and meet Father Christmas along with your favourite BeWILDerwood characters.Blackpool Illuminations – 29th Aug–4th Jan – BlackpoolThe world-famous Illuminations return with six miles of dazzling lights, interactive displays, and festive fun along the promenade — the greatest free light show on Earth.Light Trail at Warwick Castle – 22nd Nov–4th Jan – WarwickWarwick Castle transforms into a sparkling wonderland with over half a million lights illuminating its historic grounds. Visit for the evening trail or spend the day exploring before the lights switch on.LapLandies Mini Land Rover Christmas Driving Experience – 5th–23rd Dec – Holmes ChapelA unique mini Land Rover driving experience set in a Lapland-themed area at Bidlea Dairy. Young drivers navigate a festive track lled with twinkling lights and surprises. Suitable for ages 4–9, with younger siblings (ages 2–3) able to ride as passengers.Deck the Hall at Little Moreton Hall – 5th–21st Dec – CongletonStep back in time and discover the hall dressed for Christmas through the ages. Enjoy the Roaming Robins trail as you explore this Tudor treasure.Once Upon a Christmas at Tatton Mansion – 22nd Nov–31st Dec – KnutsfordStep into a world of festive storytelling as Tatton’s grand mansion transforms into a glittering Christmas storybook. Relive classic tales such as The 12 Days of Christmas, The Nutcracker, and The Night Before Christmas.Christmas at Lyme – 30th Nov–31st Dec – StockportLyme’s house has been taken over by magnicent and unusual festive beasts created by local artists. Enjoy interactive fun for the whole family, from carol singing to wassailing.Fourth Floor Festive Play Space at Quarry Bank – 27th Nov–4th Jan – WilmslowLittle ones can enjoy soft play, giant games, festive crafts and dress-up in this magical Christmas play space.Fantasy Florals at Arley Hall – 5th–10th Dec – NorthwichThe hall and chapel are decorated with stunning fresh owers and foliage from the Arley Gardens. Enjoy live choir performances each day.Christmas Activities & Events Across Cheshire...Remember to like and follow me on Facebook page & Instagram, search ‘Days Out and Meals Out’For tickets and the latest information on Days Out & Meals Out Christmas 2025 visit my website daysoutandmealsout.com or scan the QR code We wish you all a Very Merry ChristmasStick Man Festive Meet & Greet at Delamere Forest – 29th Nov – DelamereFollow the new Stick Man Christmas trail, meet Stick Man in person, enjoy face painting, outdoor lm screenings, and family-friendly activities.Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt – 13th Dec–4th Jan – BreretonPick up a map near the visitor centre and search for elves hidden around the park.Tegg’s Nose Country Park Elf Hunt – 13th Dec–4th Jan – MaccleseldPurchase a map for 50p from The Nose Coee and search for elves along the top of the park. Return your completed map for 50p o your drink order.Chester on a Plate Christmas Food Tour – Nov & Dec – ChesterA guided walking tour combining Chester’s history, Christmas market treats, and local food tastings with plenty of festive cheer.Christmas Tree Festival at Chester Cathedral – 28th Nov–4th Jan – ChesterMarvel at over 80 Christmas trees decorated around the theme Christmas Around the World. Free entry for under-ves, no booking required on Sundays.The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra – 23rd Dec – Chester CathedralEnjoy the timeless animated classic accompanied by a live professional orchestra. Performances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6:30pm.Christmas at the Zoo – 6th Dec – WarringtonTake a 45-minute guided tour of the children’s zoo, meet the animals, and decorate your own Christmas bauble to hang on the zoo’s tree.Festive Day Tickets at Alton Towers – 28th Nov–4th Jan – StaordshireEnjoy CBeebies Land and Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge! plus festive rides and the live show The Sprout that Saved Christmas!.Cookie Making with Trixie & Mixie at The Ice Cream Farm – from 29th Nov – ChesterJoin the elves for cookie making fun. Each child receives a festive kit complete with cutters and toppings to create delicious treats.A Once Upon a Time Christmas at The Children’s Country House – 21st Nov–5th Jan – SudburyExperience the story of Pinocchio brought to life throughout the historic hall with enchanting scenes, storytelling and decorations.Gandey’s Circus Snowstorm Wish – 5th Dec–4th Jan – Traord Centre, ManchesterAn action-packed Christmas circus extravaganza featuring daredevil stunts, acrobatics, and festive fun under the big top.Home Alone in Concert – 15th Dec – Bridgewater Hall, ManchesterWatch the beloved holiday lm with a full live orchestra performing John Williams’ enchanting score.The Light Before Christmas: The Gift – 28th Nov–6th Dec – Liverpool CathedralA dazzling light and sound show projected through the cathedral’s architecture, sharing a message of wonder, warmth, and togetherness.Christmas at Black Country Living Museum – 29th Nov–24th Dec – DudleyStep back in time to experience Christmas traditions from the past with crackling res, festive food, and vintage decorations in a charming historic village setting.Indoor Ice Skating in Northwich – 30th Nov & 1st Dec – NorthwichEnjoy a festive indoor ice-skating experience located between H&M and The Entertainer in Barons Quay. Skating sessions feature Christmas music for all ages.Ice Skating at Alderford Lake – 20th Nov–4th Jan – WhitchurchEnjoy 50 minutes on Alderford’s real undercover ice rink, complete with skate hire. Themed skating events include Disney Soundtrack Sundays, 80s Night on 5th Dec, and SEN sessions every Saturday morning.Skate Manchester – 25th Oct–4th Jan – ManchesterA fully covered and weatherproof rink in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens. Enjoy themed nights, live music, and festive fun for all ages.Otterspool Adventure on Ice – 5th Dec–2nd Jan – LiverpoolGlide into the Christmas spirit on a real-ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and family entertainment. Each session lasts 45 minutes.Ice Skating at Cheshire Oaks – 23rd Nov–24th Dec – WirralSkate beneath the iconic oak tree on this unique ice path that weaves around the Winter Village — the perfect festive photo spot.Free Ice Skating at Christmas by the Sea – 15th Nov–4th Jan – BlackpoolEnjoy Blackpool’s seaside winter wonderland featuring twinkling light installations, snow-dusted chalets, fairground rides, and a free skating rink on the promenade.Ice Skating at Warwick Castle – 22nd Nov–4th Jan – WarwickGlide into festive fun on Warwick Castle’s brand-new outdoor rink, beautifully set beneath the historic Guy’s Tower and surrounded by Christmas lights.Pop-Up Ice Skating

Page 29

Stick Man Festive Meet & Greet at Delamere Forest – 29th Nov – DelamereFollow the new Stick Man Christmas trail, meet Stick Man in person, enjoy face painting, outdoor lm screenings, and family-friendly activities.Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt – 13th Dec–4th Jan – BreretonPick up a map near the visitor centre and search for elves hidden around the park.Tegg’s Nose Country Park Elf Hunt – 13th Dec–4th Jan – MaccleseldPurchase a map for 50p from The Nose Coee and search for elves along the top of the park. Return your completed map for 50p o your drink order.Chester on a Plate Christmas Food Tour – Nov & Dec – ChesterA guided walking tour combining Chester’s history, Christmas market treats, and local food tastings with plenty of festive cheer.Christmas Tree Festival at Chester Cathedral – 28th Nov–4th Jan – ChesterMarvel at over 80 Christmas trees decorated around the theme Christmas Around the World. Free entry for under-ves, no booking required on Sundays.The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra – 23rd Dec – Chester CathedralEnjoy the timeless animated classic accompanied by a live professional orchestra. Performances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6:30pm.Christmas at the Zoo – 6th Dec – WarringtonTake a 45-minute guided tour of the children’s zoo, meet the animals, and decorate your own Christmas bauble to hang on the zoo’s tree.Festive Day Tickets at Alton Towers – 28th Nov–4th Jan – StaordshireEnjoy CBeebies Land and Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge! plus festive rides and the live show The Sprout that Saved Christmas!.Cookie Making with Trixie & Mixie at The Ice Cream Farm – from 29th Nov – ChesterJoin the elves for cookie making fun. Each child receives a festive kit complete with cutters and toppings to create delicious treats.A Once Upon a Time Christmas at The Children’s Country House – 21st Nov–5th Jan – SudburyExperience the story of Pinocchio brought to life throughout the historic hall with enchanting scenes, storytelling and decorations.Gandey’s Circus Snowstorm Wish – 5th Dec–4th Jan – Traord Centre, ManchesterAn action-packed Christmas circus extravaganza featuring daredevil stunts, acrobatics, and festive fun under the big top.Home Alone in Concert – 15th Dec – Bridgewater Hall, ManchesterWatch the beloved holiday lm with a full live orchestra performing John Williams’ enchanting score.The Light Before Christmas: The Gift – 28th Nov–6th Dec – Liverpool CathedralA dazzling light and sound show projected through the cathedral’s architecture, sharing a message of wonder, warmth, and togetherness.Christmas at Black Country Living Museum – 29th Nov–24th Dec – DudleyStep back in time to experience Christmas traditions from the past with crackling res, festive food, and vintage decorations in a charming historic village setting.Indoor Ice Skating in Northwich – 30th Nov & 1st Dec – NorthwichEnjoy a festive indoor ice-skating experience located between H&M and The Entertainer in Barons Quay. Skating sessions feature Christmas music for all ages.Ice Skating at Alderford Lake – 20th Nov–4th Jan – WhitchurchEnjoy 50 minutes on Alderford’s real undercover ice rink, complete with skate hire. Themed skating events include Disney Soundtrack Sundays, 80s Night on 5th Dec, and SEN sessions every Saturday morning.Skate Manchester – 25th Oct–4th Jan – ManchesterA fully covered and weatherproof rink in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens. Enjoy themed nights, live music, and festive fun for all ages.Otterspool Adventure on Ice – 5th Dec–2nd Jan – LiverpoolGlide into the Christmas spirit on a real-ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and family entertainment. Each session lasts 45 minutes.Ice Skating at Cheshire Oaks – 23rd Nov–24th Dec – WirralSkate beneath the iconic oak tree on this unique ice path that weaves around the Winter Village — the perfect festive photo spot.Free Ice Skating at Christmas by the Sea – 15th Nov–4th Jan – BlackpoolEnjoy Blackpool’s seaside winter wonderland featuring twinkling light installations, snow-dusted chalets, fairground rides, and a free skating rink on the promenade.Ice Skating at Warwick Castle – 22nd Nov–4th Jan – WarwickGlide into festive fun on Warwick Castle’s brand-new outdoor rink, beautifully set beneath the historic Guy’s Tower and surrounded by Christmas lights.Pop-Up Ice Skating

Page 30

Page 31

Page 32

32As many of you know, my focus during my mayoral year is on celebrating and supporting the incredible volunteering groups that make such a dierence in our community. This month, I’d like to highlight two very important organisations whose work deserves our attention, appreciation, and support.The rst is the North West Air Ambulance Service, a charity that quite literally saves lives every single day. I was genuinely surprised to learn that this vital service receives no direct funding from the NHS or the government. Instead, it relies entirely on public donations and fundraising eorts to keep its helicopters ying and its crews ready to respond at a moment’s notice.The North West Air Ambulance team brings hospital-level emergency care directly to those who need it most, often in situations where every second counts. Whether it’s a road trac accident, a serious fall, or a medical emergency in Sandbach Mayor’s Diary...byCllr John Arnold, Sandbach Mayora remote area, their skilled paramedics and doctors provide life-saving treatment that can make all the dierence before a patient even reaches hospital.This is one of those services that we all hope we’ll never need—but if we do, it could be the only thing standing between life and death. So I would urge everyone to consider supporting them, whether through a donation, by volunteering, or simply by visiting one of their charity shops. Our nearest shop is conveniently located in Congleton, and every purchase helps keep this extraordinary service operating.The second group I’d like to recognise is based closer to home at Ashelds Care Centre, where the Patient Participation Group (PPG) is doing fantastic work to ensure patients’ voices are heard. The group’s mission is to help shape how the practice is run and to promote the highest standards of healthcare for everyone.The PPG focuses on improving communication between the practice and patients, reviewing the range of services oered, and enhancing how those services are accessed. They also look at practical matters such as waiting areas, signage, and patient experience. The group meets once a month in the early evening, and new members are warmly welcomed.They are especially keen to involve people from a variety of backgrounds, as a more diverse membership helps ensure the group truly reects the needs of the whole community. So, if you care about local healthcare and want to make a dierence, please consider joining and making your voice heard!To express interest in joining the group please email Joan on joan.gittins@outlook.comSandbach Town CouncilHigh St, Sandbach CW11 1AX01270 600 800sandbach.gov.ukinfo@sandbach.gov.uk

Page 33

33Holmes Chapel01477 532258 Like and share our Facebook pageFollow us on InstagramPart of the community since 1927The forge Maccleseld Rd,Holmes Chapel CW4 7NGEnjoy crafting with fab company at Dales’ classes added daily please checkwww.samdaleandson.co.uk or pop in storeDate Time Class Provider Cost16-Oct 6:30-8pm Diamond Art Notebook Rach Willmott £1520-Oct 1pm-3pm Crochet a Christmas Tree Course (3 classes) Game of Throws £5525-Oct 1pm-3pm Glass Fusion Christmas Trees Madhome Co £5528-Oct 11am-12pm Slime Making workshop! Madhome Co £1230-Oct 2pm-5pm Face Painting Drop in Rascal Reections £530-Oct 6pm-8pm Felted Pumpkin Workshop Needlessly Felted £3531-Oct 2pm-5pm Face Painting Drop in Rascal Reections £503-Nov 1pm-3pm Crochet Tree Decorations Game of Throws £3506-Nov 10am-12pm Two week Lino Printing Christmas cards Jo Green £2806-Nov 6pm-8pm Paper Wreath Making Madhome Co £4807-Nov 7pm-9pm Autumn Winter New collection Launch Dales FREE08-Nov 12:30-2:30 Arm Knitting - Giant Scarf High Vibes Crochet £4508-Nov 1pm-3pm Christmas Planter Workshop The Little Secret Garden £2013-Nov 10am-12pm Two week Lino Printing Christmas cards Jo Green13-Nov 6pm-9pm Make your own Christmas Garland The Little Secret Garden £3015-Nov 12pm-2pm Arm Knitting - Knit a Giant Blanket High Vibes Crochet £6520-Nov 1pm-3pm Knitted Christmas Tree Decorations Start That Craft £1022-Nov 5:30-8:30 Sew a Fabric Crown Start That Craft £2525-Nov 6pm-9pm Cute Christmas Gifts Adult Sewing Class Start That Craft £3027-Nov 6pm-9pm Make your own Christmas Wreath The Little Secret Garden SOLD OUT28-Nov 11am-3pm Felted Christmas Angels Needlessly Felted SOLD OUT30-Nov 1pm-3pm Make your own Christmas Wreath The Little Secret Garden SOLD OUT01-Dec 12pm-4pm Ink Card Making workshop Indigo Wings £2003-Dec 6pm-9pm Make your own Christmas Wreath The Little Secret Garden £3004-Dec 6pm-8pm Real Wreath Making Madhome Co £4504-Dec 6pm-8pm Knitted Christmas Tree Decorations Start That Craft £1006-Dec 5:30-8:30 Sew a Fabric Crown Start That Craft £2509-Dec 6pm-9pm Cute Christmas Gifts Adult Sewing Class Start That Craft £3011-Dec 6pm-9pm Christmas Felting & Buffet Needlessly Felted £5013-Dec 10am-12pm Arm Knitting - Giant Christmas Puddings High Vibes Crochet £5513-Dec 1pm-5pm Felted Christmas Angels Needlessly Felted £5517-Dec 4pm-5pm Make your own gift cards - recycled cads Dales Free18-Dec 4pm-5pm Make your own gift cards - recycled cads Dales Free22-Dec 10am-12pm Faberge Inspired Bauble decorating Victoria's Art Class £1210-Jan 1pm-4pm Soap Making Workshop Madhome Co £6517-Jan 11am-1:30 Footstool Upholstery Madhome Co £145

Page 34

Page 35

Page 36

36From the palaces of India to the canals of Holland, and now the heart of Cheshire, artist Ramesh Darji’s life has been every bit as colourful as his paintings. His work, full of movement, light and emotion, has found a new home right here in Congleton, where his family has opened the Darji Expression Gallery, a space that celebrates his incredible journey and lifelong love of art.When I sat down to chat with Ramesh’s family, it was impossible not to be drawn in by his story. Born in Dahanu, a small coastal town about a hundred miles north of Mumbai, Ramesh was the youngest of nine children. His father was a tailor, and though times were humble, creativity was stitched into the family’s fabric. He rst studied science, but his heart soon pulled him towards art, a decision that would shape his entire life. He graduated from a Mumbai Art Academy with a gold medal, determined to “create something outstanding.”His early career began with the Taj Group of Hotels, where he worked as a graphic designer for the in-house magazine. That role gave him invaluable exposure to the wider art world, and the chance to meet artists, designers and creatives from across India. Travelling through Rajasthan, he became captivated by the colour and rhythm of everyday life, the dancers, musicians and craftspeople whose energy lled the desert air. At a time when many artists focused on mythological scenes painted in bold tones, Ramesh took a dierent path, depicting real people in intricate black-and-white pen and ink.As he once explained, “Black and white was the best tribute I can pay to the rough and tough life that the Rajasthani lead. Colour would have blurred the eect; I How One Artist’s Work is Bringing Colour and Culture to CongletonBy Katy O’Reganwould not have got the right texture.” His debut exhibition at the Taj Gallery in 1982 sold out within four days.Then came love, and a whole new chapter. After marrying Paula, from the Netherlands, Ramesh moved to Holland to start a new life and career from scratch. “I had to prove I existed again,” he laughed. The change of light and landscape inspired his celebrated Dutch period, where vibrant colour and expressive form took centre stage. His paintings, often compared to stained glass, were created to bring warmth and light into people’s homes, “a daily source of inspiration and refreshment.” His work quickly resonated with collectors, eventually appearing in a limited-edition silver enamel collection alongside Mondrian and M.C. Escher, an incredible achievement.By the late 1990s, Ramesh and his family had settled in England, where the landscapes and light inspired a softer, freer style. His English period paintings are lled with rich textures, natural movement and emotional depth, blending East and West in perfect harmony.Fast-forward to today, and Ramesh lives in Congleton with his family. His daughter and son-in-law, Matt Fisher, now run the Darji Expression Gallery at Riverside Oces, where more than 400 of his original works, from India, Holland and England, will be showcased in curated displays that explore the stories, moods and moments behind each chapter of his life. Though health challenges have slowed his painting, the spirit of his art continues to shine.It’s also a wonderful moment for Congleton itself. The town’s art scene has been steadily blossoming in recent years, with new exhibitions, creative collectives and talented local makers bringing colour to the community. The arrival of The Darji Expression Gallery adds a rich new layer to that cultural mix, connecting Congleton to decades of international artistry and giving residents a chance to experience world-class work right on their doorstep.Their next exhibition, “Ramesh Darji: A Life in Colour,” runs from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd of November 2025, celebrating a man whose art crosses continents and cultures, but always speaks the same language: joy.“Whatever’s happening outside,” I told them, “his art makes you feel like you’ve just brought sunshine into your home.”Darji Expression Gallery, Riverside Oces, CongletonVisit thedarjiexpression.com for more details

Page 37

Page 38

Page 39

Page 40

40The Sandbach Bypass opened to trac on the 31 October 1986 (Friday) after there had been a car boot sale held on the road the previous Sunday the 26 October 1986. The car boot sale was rather opportune for one drama group the Sandbach Players who were performing “A Nightingale Sang” by C.P. Taylor which needed World War 2 adult gas masks and one baby gas mask which was more dicult to nd. The show was to be performed on the 9th to the 15th November 1986 so the prop-master went to the car boot sale in search of items for the play and came across a baby gas mask which could be used in the production. The ocial opening of the road was performed by Cllr Mrs M.E. Melrose the Chairman of Cheshire County Council on the 27 November 1986. The contract to build the Bypass was awarded to A Monk and Company PLC who put in a tender for £2.3 Million and started work in March 1985 with a 90 week contract for completion setting the completion date of December 1986. The building of the new Inner Road or Bypass involved demolishing parts of Crewe Road and the relocation of a Cricket Club from behind the Cricketers Arms in Crewe Road. It then cut Flat Lane into two and through woodland by Dingle Lake, the old Water Works and onto the M6 Junction causing a slight redirection of the Congleton Road. There were many shops and businesses demolished including Cooke’s Motors, the doctor’s surgery as well as the remains of the old mill on the Crewe side of the town. The new road would also incorporate a roundabout at the end of Factory Sandbach’s Heritageby Stewart GreenLane that would later be used to connect to Crewe for the Haslington bypass and be the entrance to Safeways (opened in 1989) which is now Waitrose and Homebase which is now B and M. Other problems with construction included a peat bog which was excavated to a depth of 4.3 meters and backlled. At Waterworks Farm there were remains of a lime washing lagoon which meant the chemical waste needed to be treated and disposed of in a licensed tip. By 1989 the Sandbach in Bloom committee decided to plant daodils alongside the route of the factory lane part of the bypass. A decision was made to hold a one-day event to celebrate the heritage of transport vehicle production in Sandbach using the new road. The committee approached Joe Wilson who had arranged lorry runs for Foden’s and had many contacts, to put together a parade of vehicles both motorised and horse drawn. Joe approached the Foden’s, ERF and Rolls Royce works to see if they would help fund the parade and take part in the event with all of them agreeing to the venture. This was the start of the Sandbach Transport Festival and was originally called “Daodil Sunday” after the owers that had been planted. Some people also called it a “Horse Parade” as it included a number of horses and horse drawn vehicles alongside the Foden and ERF trucks, Rolls Royce Cars and others. Since the construction the Wheelock bypass has been added, a restaurant called the Glasshouse was opened in December 2009 (Now from 2017 Phanthong Thai) along with a Homebase store, a new housing development with Millpool Way next to it as well as a new petrol garage and a housing development called Filter Bed Way near the M6 Junction as well as a new roundabout which will be nished sometime in 2025 to make the trac congestion easier. What should have stopped an increase in trac through the town has by now caused a build up down the bypass with trac reports before 9am showing trac at a standstill and at various other times during the day backlogs from Middlewich Road to the motorway.

Page 41

Page 42

42The Chamberof ChoiceWe oﬀer professional, independent, aﬀordable services that focus on supporting businesses in the East Cheshire area.Including advice, training and networking opportunities to foster business growth, create employment.The Bromley Centre | Bromley Road Congleton | Cheshire | CW12 1PTjackie.randles@eastcheshirechamber.co.ukwww.eastcheshirechamber.co.ukTalk to our team about membership ontel: 01260 540570WAX REMOVAL£30 PER EARno charge for hearing aid customers(in shop only) 3 Duke Street,Congleton, Cheshire,CW12 1AP (Next to Greggs) Every type of hearing aid.T: 01260 290600The CongletonHearing CentreAPPOINTMENTS IN OURTOWN CENTRE SHOPOR IN YOUR HOME Pensioner DiscountsFree lifetime after-care on all hearing aidsMON-SAT 9AM - 5PM“We are the only approved Audibel Hearing company in the area” PAY OVER 12 MONTHS INTEREST FREEProudly supplying, repairing & servicing every type of hearing aid since 2007in Congleton, Alsager, Holmes Chapel,Sandbach & all surrounding areasA Glimpse into Life as a Parallel Parents Foster Carer Veronica and David have been foster carers with Parallel Parents since August 2009. In that time, they’ve opened their home to 35 children, ranging from 3 to 15 years old. Their journey began on their holiday to Africa, when they decided to sponsor a child to help fund education. This act of kindness sparked a desire to help children closer to home, leading them to become foster carers.Over the years, they’ve provided various types of care, from long-term placements to short-term and emergency respite. They cared for two children for eight years and have welcomed children from all walks of life, including asylum seekers and those with disabilities.Veronica and David’s impact on the children in their care is profound. Veronica fondly recalls one foster daughter who came to them at 14 and stayed until she was 20. She now lives in the South, has started her own family, and still maintains a close relationship with them.Their commitment extends beyond their own home. They are a strong pillar of support within the local fostering community, often providing respite and emergency care for other foster families. They also attend all the local events hosted by Parallel Parents, which allows them to connect with other carers and the children they support. This also includes their young grandchildren, who enjoy meeting the children that come to stay with Veronica and David and have built strong connections with them.When asked for advice, Veronica says, “Fostering is not easy, but it is so rewarding. The dierence you make to a young person’s life is the most amazing feeling.” She advises anyone considering fostering to be prepared for the challenges, but also highlights the crucial support from the Parallel Parents team and the vital connections you build with other foster carers.There is a high demand for foster carers in the Cheshire and Staordshire area, as the number of local children coming into care continues to increase. While every eort is made to keep these children in their local communities, the shortage of available foster homes means this isn’t always possible. This can result in children having to move to new, unfamiliar areas, which can be a dicult experience for them.If you have ever considered fostering or would like to learn more, please get in touch with Parallel Parents or visit our website. Whether you can oer a full-time home to a child or provide occasional respite and emergency fostering for just a few nights a year, your support can make a signicant dierence. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to take that rst step toward changing a child’s life.

Page 43

The Chamberof ChoiceWe oﬀer professional, independent, aﬀordable services that focus on supporting businesses in the East Cheshire area.Including advice, training and networking opportunities to foster business growth, create employment.The Bromley Centre | Bromley Road Congleton | Cheshire | CW12 1PTjackie.randles@eastcheshirechamber.co.ukwww.eastcheshirechamber.co.ukTalk to our team about membership ontel: 01260 540570WAX REMOVAL£30 PER EARno charge for hearing aid customers(in shop only) 3 Duke Street,Congleton, Cheshire,CW12 1AP (Next to Greggs) Every type of hearing aid.T: 01260 290600The CongletonHearing CentreAPPOINTMENTS IN OURTOWN CENTRE SHOPOR IN YOUR HOME Pensioner DiscountsFree lifetime after-care on all hearing aidsMON-SAT 9AM - 5PM“We are the only approved Audibel Hearing company in the area” PAY OVER 12 MONTHS INTEREST FREEProudly supplying, repairing & servicing every type of hearing aid since 2007in Congleton, Alsager, Holmes Chapel,Sandbach & all surrounding areasA Glimpse into Life as a Parallel Parents Foster Carer Veronica and David have been foster carers with Parallel Parents since August 2009. In that time, they’ve opened their home to 35 children, ranging from 3 to 15 years old. Their journey began on their holiday to Africa, when they decided to sponsor a child to help fund education. This act of kindness sparked a desire to help children closer to home, leading them to become foster carers.Over the years, they’ve provided various types of care, from long-term placements to short-term and emergency respite. They cared for two children for eight years and have welcomed children from all walks of life, including asylum seekers and those with disabilities.Veronica and David’s impact on the children in their care is profound. Veronica fondly recalls one foster daughter who came to them at 14 and stayed until she was 20. She now lives in the South, has started her own family, and still maintains a close relationship with them.Their commitment extends beyond their own home. They are a strong pillar of support within the local fostering community, often providing respite and emergency care for other foster families. They also attend all the local events hosted by Parallel Parents, which allows them to connect with other carers and the children they support. This also includes their young grandchildren, who enjoy meeting the children that come to stay with Veronica and David and have built strong connections with them.When asked for advice, Veronica says, “Fostering is not easy, but it is so rewarding. The dierence you make to a young person’s life is the most amazing feeling.” She advises anyone considering fostering to be prepared for the challenges, but also highlights the crucial support from the Parallel Parents team and the vital connections you build with other foster carers.There is a high demand for foster carers in the Cheshire and Staordshire area, as the number of local children coming into care continues to increase. While every eort is made to keep these children in their local communities, the shortage of available foster homes means this isn’t always possible. This can result in children having to move to new, unfamiliar areas, which can be a dicult experience for them.If you have ever considered fostering or would like to learn more, please get in touch with Parallel Parents or visit our website. Whether you can oer a full-time home to a child or provide occasional respite and emergency fostering for just a few nights a year, your support can make a signicant dierence. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to take that rst step toward changing a child’s life.

Page 44

One-to-one tuition & workshopsFor children, young people & adultsBuild confidence, communication & presenceDevelop acting and public speaking skillsUse drama as a creative vehicle for personal growthAudition & drama school preparationLed by actress Suzanne Collins (Brookside & much more), with nearly 30 years’ experience in TV, film & theatre.Sessions in Holmes Chapel.Register now:www.suzannecollins.co.ukHelping performers of all ages shine on stage, on screen and in life.With the days getting longer, darker, and colder, it’s the perfect time to look for indoor activities that let you explore your creativity. But getting crafty isn’t just about making pretty things - it’s genuinely good for your mental health.The benets of working with your handsWhether you’re knitting a scarf, felting a landscape, upcycling furniture with paint, or trying your hand at fused glass, the act of making oers benets that go way beyond the nished product.Repetitive, rhythmic activities - think knitting, crochet, or carefully building up layers in a decoupage project - can actually induce a meditative state. Your stress hormones drop. The endless mental chatter quiets down. You’re focused entirely on the work in front of you, and suddenly you’ve created a kind of active meditation without even trying. When we craft, our brains release dopamine. That’s the chemical that gives us a little rush of achievement and pleasure. Each completed row of stitches, each carefully placed piece of paper, each stroke of paint delivers a mini victory to our brains. In our digital world where so much of what we do feels abstract and never quite nished, there’s something incredibly grounding about making something tangible - something you can hold, gift, and share with others. The tactile nature of it matters too. Yarn running through your ngers. The weight of clay. The smell of paint. These sensory experiences anchor you Fall In Love With CraftingByMandy, Sam Dalermly in the present moment, pulling you away from anxious thoughts about what’s coming or regrets about what’s been.Best of all? It’s screen free time. The mental health benets are brilliant, but there’s more. Crafting keeps your brain sharp. Following a pattern, working out measurements, solving problems as you go - all of this exercises your cognitive abilities and bolsters your memory.It’s good for your hands too. Regular crafting sharpens ne motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination, and maintains dexterity. Some research even suggests it can help reduce chronic pain.If that wasn’t enough, there’s a condence boost as well! Working through a project, learning a new technique, creating something that didn’t exist before - it all builds self-esteem and gives you a powerful outlet for self-expression.Possibly the best part of being a crafter is the community. Crafters are a welcoming bunch. Generous with tips. Happy to help when you’ve made a mess of row 47 or can’t work out why your paint’s going streaky. You’ll nd crafting groups for every craft, age, and ability - so take your children and your grandparents and learn something new! So this autumn, why not give it a go?You could book yourself onto a local workshop and learn something completely new. Set up a little creative corner at home where you can escape when inspiration strikes. Pop into a craft shop and see what catches your eye - you might discover you’re desperate to try something you’d never even considered before.Your mind will thank you. Your hands will thank you. And you’ll have something beautiful to show for it at the end.44

Page 45

Page 46

Page 47

Page 48

Page 49

Page 50

50We stock winter pansies, autumn ﬂowering bulbs & hanging baskets & tubs. Locally sourced fresh fruit and veg, wild bird food and Mrs Darlington’s Award Winning Jams, Curds, Pickles & Chutneys.Plus an excellent range offruit and vegetables available.Christmas trees & wreaths coming the endof November, our helpful team are ready!Rose & Bluebellsilk flowersStocking Christmas door wreaths & grave potsClick & Collect orders can be placed by calling Brian 01477 500455Open 7 days a week, 10am til 4pm | Congleton Road, Arclid, Sandbach CW11 2UJAccountingBruce Marshall & Co 39Aerials, Satellite & TVH&D Satellite & Aerial Services 38Blinds, Curtains & Soft FurnishingsBlinds 2000 19Buildings, Maintenance & DevelopmentCheshire Roong Contractors 15Prestige Roong Cheshire 34. 35TTL Building & Maintenance 5Business ServicesEast Cheshire Chamber 42SC Digital 47Carpets & Flooring FittersUnlimited Carpets & Flooring 51CleaningCranmer's of Cheshire 6Computers & ITDanRos Tech Solutions 41Community, Education, Classes & ClubsCheshire Without Abuse 10Maccleseld College 6Parallel Parents Fostering 43Crafts, Gifts & RetailChurchside Antiques 10Sam Dales 33Spark Lane Nurseries 50ElectriciansFully Wired 47Fireplaces, Stoves & Chimney SweepFlue Fighters 6Food & DrinkCow To Cup 38Halton Farms The Milk Shack 30Lowes Farm 30The Four Priests 2Garages, Sheds & Garden BuildingsGarolla 41GardeningBen Roberts Landscaping 14RSC 49Health & FitnessAshtanga Cheshire Studios 14Sandbach Clear Ears 37JewellersJohn Pass Jewellers 52Kitchens, Bedrooms & BathroomsAhm Installations 20M6 Bed Warehouse 17Transform Your Kitchen 9Legal & Financial ServicesJP Goldman 3Leisure & LessonsSuzanne Collins Acting Studio 45LocksmithsLockforce Mid & South Cheshire 47Opticians & Hearing AidsCongleton Hearing Centre 42Plumbing, Heating & Boiler ServicesPlumbing Plus 41Rightio 49W Heat 1Removal Services & ClearanceMonster Junk 49Residential Accommodation & CareAblewell Care 7Elworth Grange Care Home 31SecurityJanus Protection Solutions 11Windows, Doors & ConservatoriesCloudy2Clear 38All adverts are printed in good faith. Whilst all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, the publishers also accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements and opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers, for any loss arising from non-publication of any advertisements for the contents of the advert the services provided by the advertisers or for any errors or omissions in either the editorials or the advertisement published.Quick ReferenceArch Publications Charity Partner 2025, visit www.www.dscheshire.org.uk

Go Local Sandbach - Edition 11 2025

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4