I was unfortunate enough to be caught out in the snow in Macclesfield this evening. After being forecast for around a week prior to it actually snowing, the roads in Macclesfield descended into chaos. It took approximately an hour and a half to get from Tesco on Hibel Road to part way up Buxton Road.

Both roads were covered in snow, with no sign of a council gritter or plough anywhere. The road conditions were terrible with many vehicles just wheel spinning on the slightest incline.

Lack Of Preparation

Why, when this event was so well predicted in advance were the council not ready to go? Not a sight of them anywhere when I was out in Macclesfield.

An abysmal effort on the part of the local authorities of which they should be ashamed. I have added a short video showing the driving conditions on Buxton Road, Macclesfield.

Buxton Road Macclesfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGRrSOzKQ1M

I just discovered this little gem on Youtube. A short video featuring a live version of the macclesfield song ” Macclesfield Born and Bred ” (known to many as the famous ” Pie song ” ) written by local singer songwriter Pete Blackthorn. The song is performed live by Pete himself and Brian Ingham aka Loose Elastic !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-K4gDpC8ZY

Filmed live at the Puss in Boots pub , Buxton road , Macclesfield , England , UK, 5 – 10 – 2010 on the banks of the Macclesfield canal.
Soon to be released on CD in aid of the charity – Ventures self help group for the disabled.

This short film features Macclesfield places and people from over 20 years ago. The film of Macclesfield was made by local artist Trevor Bailey and Lee Burgess. The video camera was hired as the technology we enjoy today was not widespread at the time. The film shows some great scenes of Macclesfield, many of which sadly no longer exist. There is footage from local pubs such as The George Hotel, The Bears Head and The White Lion.

The Macclesfield film also features the construction works for Tesco on Hibel road and the long gone Victoria Park flats. Have a bit of fun and enjoy the film Nonesong by Trevor Bailey and Lee Burgess. The film runs for about 30minutes so grab yourself a cuppa.

Macclesfield On Film

Many viewers of the film ask where the small tower is that features in the film. I have been informed it is Grinlow Tower, ( also known as Solomons Temple ), Buxton, and you see it as you drop into Buxton, when you get to A53 Leek road turn right and then take the next  left to Harphur Hill ( Grin Low Road ) and then next on the left is a road to a caravan site and car park in a quarry  where you can walk up to it.  Alternatively you can walk from Pooles Cavern. Many thanks to Paul Oldfield for this information.

More Information on Solomons Temple

Do you have any old photos or film of Macclesfield? If you would like to share it with the people of Macclesfield, please get in touch using the contact page. It would be great to create a collection of old Macclesfield for everyone to see.

Related articles

• Cinemac – Macclesfield Does Have A Cinema (all-about-macclesfield.com)
• Waters Green Chippy Macclesfield Damaged By Fire (all-about-macclesfield.com)
• Famous People From Macclesfield- Mr Methane (all-about-macclesfield.com)

EDI was started in 2007 by Kim Eagle after studying interior design and gaining practical experience from working within the design industry.Kim, 25 was born in Macclesfield and has recently expanded and moved her interior design business from Congleton to Macclesfield.

EDI also retail a wide range of hand made and fair trade home accessories including items made from recycled materials.

Kim says “After struggling to find contemporary home accessories ranges at reasonable prices on the market, I extended the business in 2008 by opening a retail outlet in Congleton offering contemporary home accessories. The main ranges I sell are made from recycled materials, are hand made and are fair trade. Due to success in Congleton, I needed to find a larger shop to stock more ranges and in April 2010, I relocated the business to Mill Street, Macclesfield. (108, opposite the entrance to Dukes Court)

The ranges I sell are made of recycled glass and recycled aluminium and the product ranges include bowls, vases, tealight holders, photo frames, dishes, coasters. There are also lighting ranges available as well as a bespoke canvas service and original artwork. I like to offer recycled, handmade and fair trade products where possible.

I appreciate it when customers spend with and support local shops and therefore, have my own loyalty scheme (discount card) when people spend over £80 in the shop.

My aims of the business are to increase my home accessory ranges and products as well as to start offering more lighting, artwork and eventually contemporary furniture. I would also like to grow the interior design side.”

Eagle Designed Interiors can be found at:

EDI,
108 Mill Street,
Macclesfield,
Cheshire,
SK11 6NR.
01625 617788

EDI Facebook Page

Chris, 35, of Hovis Mill on Union Road, has given up a job as a marketing executive with a footwear company in order to start the business called The Camphor Tree.

His decision to do something else with his life follows a ‘holiday of a lifetime’ in the Far East that lasted almost 15 months during which time he visited China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.

“My travelling made me think that there might be a chance of doing something differently in the future,” said Chris.

“The products that I am selling via my website www.thecamphortree.co.uk are mainly hand-made, Fairtrade and sustainable products, and aimed at people that are looking for something a bit different.

“People won’t be able to buy these products in the big chains,” he added.

Products range from bamboo lamps to Japanese tea pots, to handcrafted wooden mirrors, and kitchen and dining room accessories.

“We have also attended a number of ‘gift markets’ in Cheshire recently and these have proved very popular,” said Chris.

“We hope to do more of these specialist types of markets in places like Alderley Edge and Knutsford in the near future as well, although our primary market is via the website to a national audience.”

Simon Nolan, from Bamboo Solutions in Bury, who developed Chris’ website, said: “We are being approached by more and more people that want to set up a business but online, in the first instance, rather than a traditional bricks and mortar business because people are realising that this can be a much more affordable way to start a business.”

Visit The Camphor Tree

According to councillor Jamie Macrae the budget for the Macclesfield town centre redevelopment has been cut in half . This will result in a reduced amount of new retail units which may well prove to be popular with local business.

The main parts of the development will be going ahead. This includes Debenhams, a new Macclesfield cinema and a much needed town square. For more information on this story visit The Macclesfield Express site or read the full story in the Macclesfield Express.

Links

• Wilson Bowden – Macclesfield Town Centre Development
• Macclesfield Express Article

The Oxfam shop in Macclesfield are holding a couple of fund raising events soon. If you would like to take part see the events page for more details. If you have an event you wish to publicise please get in touch.

You can order by telephone or simply call in to order. The food is excellent and portions are more than generous, satiating even the biggest appetites. The only negative comment is the fact that they do not offer a delivery service.

Peking Palace
78 Moss Lane
Macclesfield
SK11 7TT
TEL: 01625 429469

Apparently Sir Nick claimed £89,133 for the period 2007-2008 of which £14,918 was second home expenses. The second home expenses are apparently used to pay for a second home in London which is controlled by a trust. The trust is controlled by their children.

Mr and Mrs Winterton say they have not broken any rules regarding expense claims but are both to stand down at the next election. If you want to examine the expense claims made by Sir Nicholas Winterton, they are available online on the Parliament website

Tel is a jovial chap and has run the Waters Green fish and chip shop for as long as I can remember. The shop has always been very popular with Macclesfield residents and is always busy. As details emerge this story will be updated but in the meantime let’s hope the Waters Green chippy will rise from the ashes. If you can provide more details please send them via the contact form thanks.

The fire damaged Waters Green Chippy