Restaurant review - The White Horse, The Racecourse, Chester
By PUBLISHED: 00:00 09 April 2018 not Archant Rebekka O’Grady visits the White Horse in Chester, a gastro-pub very much ‘on course’ for success
Dry aged char-grilled 10oz Welsh sirloin
Situated in a prime position at Chester Racecourse overlooking the pre-parade ring, on a race day I couldn’t imagine a better place to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the horses preparing in their saddling boxes. But that’s the beauty of The White Horse; it’s as perfect a dining destination outside of racing events. Relaxed and very family friendly, the gastro-pub is effortlessly charming – tartan fabrics and roaring log fires providing a welcome retreat from the city centre streets. After being seated on a rustic wooden table next to one of the toasty fires, a welcome respite from the freezing temperatures of Storm Emma, we ordered our drinks and browsed the menu. It was lovely to see that where possible, all of the ingredients are sourced locally or from artisan producers. We began with a crusty bread selection – the homemade soda bread was a particular highlight – which was served with Charlie’s Cheshire butter and Bennett and Dunn rapeseed oil and apple vinegar (£4). Our starters then arrived; my carpaccio of moreish treacle seared Welsh beef brisket was complimented beautifully by a subtle heat from the horseradish cream cheese and peppered carrots (£6.75). My partner’s Bury black pudding and pearl barley Scotch egg was served with a delicious runny yolk, and the apple and cider brandy chutney (£6.50) added a bite to the rich flavours. For the main course I opted for the slow braised shoulder of Welsh lamb (£16.50), cooked so tender that it fell off the bone. Boulangere potatoes, tenderstem broccoli and roasted chantenay carrots were the perfect accompaniment, all drizzled with a rosemary jus. Over the table was a succulent looking dry aged char-grilled 10oz Welsh sirloin (£21.50). The meat cut like butter and was cooked faultlessly rare; juicy flavours bursting from each bite. Of course I had to pinch a few of the twice cooked chips which were served on the side along with a watercress, caper and cornichon salad.
Salted caramel ‘dulce de leche’ ice cream sundae
Trying to select a pudding from the dessert menu was difficult, as with my sweet tooth, each of the dishes sounded just as tempting as the next. Our waitress suggested we share the salted caramel ‘dulce de leche’ ice cream sundae (£6.50). Served in a mammoth glass bowl with heavenly broken brownie, marshmallows and raspberry compote, we felt like old romantics sharing this retro dessert with two spoons. We sat finishing our drinks next to the fire, trying to persuade ourselves it was time to leave the comforting arms of the White Horse for the freezing temperatures outside. However I knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would be saying goodbye. The White Horse, The Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LY. 01244 304650, www.thewhitehorsechester.co.uk. April 6, 2018 at 02:23PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/restaurant-review-the-white-horse-the-racecourse-chester-1-5466531 Aerials Widnes
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Raymond Blanc on the success of Brasserie Blanc in Knutsford
By PUBLISHED: 14:45 06 April 2018 | UPDATED: 14:46 06 April 2018 Archant Brasserie Blanc in Knutsford scooped the Restaurant of the Year accolade at Cheshire Life’s Food and Drink Awards. Now the hunt is on to find this year’s winner
Cheshire Life Restaurant of the Year is Brasserie Blanc, Knutsford. David Sutton and James Billson are receiving theaward from Tom Warsop of the Gourmet Guide
When Brasserie Blanc in Knutsford won the coveted Restaurant of the Year accolade at the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards last year no-one could have been more delighted than their boss, the acclaimed chef Raymond Blanc. He immediately tweeted his congratulations to his young team, who were themselves overjoyed to win the award. Later in the year when the French chef famed for helping to revolutionise cooking in the UK visited the Regent Street restaurant he explained the secret of his success. ‘It’s not all about you, it is about giving that stranger that perfect moment. And that’s what I am trying to do at Brasserie Blanc,’ he explained.
Bubbly for the celebrations...
‘Any restaurant that can be voted the best restaurant in Cheshire, the most loved one, it’s always most pleasing.’ What the judges loved about Brasserie Blanc was the relaxed service and great menu. They said: ‘The stated aim of this restaurant was to create a place as warm and welcoming as a family home. Almost immediately, the customers did indeed make themselves at home, enjoying such French classics as moules marinieres, boeuf bourguignon and one of the best cheese soufflés you’ll find. Set menus of £11.95 for two courses merely added to the appeal. We needed no more excuse to make this our winner, but it helped that this was another venture from one of the nation’s most tireless, talented and engaging chefs.’ General manager, James Billson added: ‘Raymond Blanc wants to bring more up north, so we’re very proud to have won this. We’re fine dining that’s not stuffy – just great food and an ambience to match.’ With only a few months to go until the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2018, the hunt is now on to find a successor to Brasserie Blanc and the judges are heading to the region’s dining establishments to discover the shining stars of the culinary scene – helped by nominations from our readers. July 16th is the date for this year’s awards ceremony, a sublimely glamorous affair which will once again be held at the magnificent Carden Park in Chester. It’s always a hotly anticipated ticket because it gathers together the cream of the hospitality industry at an amazing location. And with a menu cooked up by chef Graham Tinsley MBE and his team, there’s plenty to get excited about. Said Graham: ‘We are thrilled to be hosting the Cheshire Life Food and Drink Awards for the third consecutive year here at Carden Park Hotel. This prestigious event truly highlights the best in the industry and in particular my team and I always look forward to creating a show-stopping menu using the finest Cheshire ingredients. The awards are a fantastic opportunity for attendees to enjoy an evening of celebration and reward the dedication of everyone in hospitality’ w April 6, 2018 at 02:46PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/raymond-blanc-on-the-success-of-brasserie-blanc-in-knutsford-1-5466595 Aerials Widnes
WIN tickets for the five-star show The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
By PUBLISHED: 10:38 06 April 2018 | UPDATED: 10:46 06 April 2018 © Robert Workman Enter our competition for your chance to win four tickets to see The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion TheatreBreaking into its third year at the Criterion Theatre, London, Mischief Theatre’s smash-and-grab hit The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is a fast, fabulous comedy caper and the funniest show in the West End. Minneapolis City Bank has been entrusted with a priceless diamond. An escaped convict is dead set on pocketing the gem with the help of his screwball sidekick, trickster girlfriend… and the maintenance man. With mistaken identities, love triangles and hidden agendas, even the most reputable can’t be trusted. In a town where everyone’s a crook, who will end up bagging the jewel? *****‘This is the funniest show in the West End’ The Telegraph *****‘A fast and fabulous comedy caper is a joyful night out’ The Times
A Comedy about a Bank Robbery (c) Robert Workman Photographer
To celebrate the show’s third birthday, one lucky reader will win four tickets to see The Comedy About A Bank Robbery. To enter, fill out the entry form below... Can’t wait to see if you’ve won? Click here to book now for this dynamite comedy - it would be criminal to miss it! The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is playing at the Criterion Theatre until April 2019. For more information and to book tickets (from £10) call 0844 815 6131 or click here. Terms & conditions: One reader will win four tickets to see The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, at the Criterion Theatre, valid for Tuesday to Thursday performances until 21 June 2018. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel and accommodation not included. Competition closes May 16. April 6, 2018 at 10:36AM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/win-tickets-for-the-five-star-show-the-comedy-about-a-bank-robbery-1-5465977 Aerials Widnes
Once upon a time at the Adelphi comes to the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton
By PUBLISHED: 15:13 05 April 2018 | UPDATED: 15:27 05 April 2018 Archant An unmissable new production of this brilliantly entertaining, feel-good musical for the whole family
Once upon a time at the Aldelphi
The original production of the musical at the Liverpool Playhouse was a highlight of the city’s 2008 capital of culture celebrations playing to packed houses over an extended run. It received rave reviews from the critics who described it as: “the best new show to hail from Liverpool since Blood Brothers”. In 2010 WKLOS was privileged to perform the non-professional premiere of the musical at the Floral Pavilion and enjoyed similar success. On a busy day of hen parties and difficult customers, Jo, an ambitious young manager torn between her career and her new romance, is alerted to the presence of a stray guest on the Adelphi roof. Silhouetted against the skyline she finds the mysterious Alice, who used to meet her long-lost lover Thompson on that very spot decades before. Through Alice’s vibrant and poignant reminiscences Jo is transported back to the 1930s when the glitz and glamour would pour off the luxury liners for their first taste of England, a night in the city’s most fashionable hotel, mingling with both aristocratic guests and hotel employees. Fate, Hollywood, World War II and a dizzying array of staff and guests all intervene in an epic Liverpool love story spanning 70 years.
Once upon a time at the Aldelphi
With a toe-tapping score and a host of exuberant characters this romantic musical journey across the decades is a joyful celebration of one of Britain’s most renowned and iconic hotels. Ten years on from the city’s 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations this is an opportunity to relive the magic of this uplifting, vibrant and colourful family musical. Dates/times of performances: 6-9 June 2018 nightly at 7:30pm with a Sat matinee at 2:30pm
Once upon a time at the Aldelphi
Tickets: £17-23 (inclusive of £1.50 booking fee per ticket). Booking fee capped at 8 tickets per transaction. Group bookings: Buy 10 tickets and get an 11th free. A maximum booking fee of £12 will be charged on group bookings of 8 tickets or over.
Once upon a time at the Aldelphi
Venue: Floral Pavilion Theatre, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, Merseyside CH45 2JS Website: www.wklos.org.uk Twitter: @FloralPavilion
Once upon a time at the Aldelphi
Facebook: facebook.com/floral.pavilion Tickets available from: 0151 666 0000 or online at: www.floralpavilion.com April 5, 2018 at 03:13PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/once-upon-a-time-at-the-adelphi-1-5464965 Aerials Widnes
Test Drive Review - DS 7 CROSSBACK
By PUBLISHED: 14:55 05 April 2018 | UPDATED: 14:55 05 April 2018 Archant IF you don’t know the DS brand yet, it‘s the premium manufacture within the PSA Group.
DS 7 CROSSBACK
The DS 7 CROSSBACK, is placed firmly in the Premium SUV segment, along with established rivals such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and Jaguar. With its Avant Garde design, and technology, which features Active Scan Suspension and Night Vison to name a few. It is a vehicle certainly worthy of consideration if you are looking to change your current car and are in the market for a Premium SUV. DS 7 CROSSBACK is available to order from the DS Salon in Chester, part of the family-owned, Swansway Motor Group. In order to give you the best experience we are inviting drivers to test drive the DS 7 CROSSBACK and one of its key competitors, the Audi Q3, so that you can make a direct comparison. Award-winning Motoring journalist, John Swift, visited the DS Salon in Chester to drive the new DS 7 CROSSBACK for himself and this is what he had to say… Styling: 4/5
DS 7 CROSSBACK
It is not so much the overall shape which is pure big SUV as the little `surprise and delight’ details which catch the eye. For instance, the three individual elements of the LED headlamp unit swivel round as you start the car. I’m not sure what the point is, but a DS press officer said it was about the car `coming to life and greeting you.’ In fairness these will move slightly up and down or sideways if the car is in a dip or a corner, giving you more light, so there is a good reason for their mobility. If there’s one styling theme then it’s angularity and diamond shapes. You’ll notice the Audi-esque radiator grille and very clear cut and precise finish to the lights, front and rear. It’s what the car trade calls the `jewellery’ effect and you find it too on some of the switches inside.
DS 7 CROSSBACK
Interior: 4/5 By now you will be getting the idea that the DS 7 CROSSBACK is aiming to push itself upmarket and make its occupants feel they are in something, and somewhere, rather special. By and large it succeeds. My test car had the range-topping Ultra Prestige trim which was luxury on four wheels. Lovely soft leather covering the super comfortable seats and the fascia and mood lighting set the tone and it’s a very nice place to sit in. The dashboard is hi-tech and what may at first be mistaken for a home cinema is in fact a giant touchscreen dominating the fascia with all the expected functions. A smaller, secondary one sits below it and between them you can connect to the outside world, control various car functions, use Sat Nav, and so on, to your heart’s content.
DS 7 CROSSBACK
Just as the LED headlight units swivel to say `hello’ or `goodbye’ the tech-look BRM clock in the fascia does the same trick. As I said, `surprise and delight’ features abound in this DS. Oddly, and despite its size and name, the DS 7 CROSSBACK has only five seats and not the seven you may have thought, but those five people can sit in absolute luxury and with masses of room behind for shopping or luggage. Driving: 5/5 Comfort is the dominant experience here and it comes courtesy of a rather hi-tech system normally found only on cars costing a lot more.
DS 7 CROSSBACK
My Ultra Prestige version has something called Active Scan. Essentially, a camera behind the windscreen analyses the road ahead and `talks’ to accelerometers keeping tabs on changes in the car’s ride height (in dips or over bumps), steering inputs and a few other parameters. From that the AS adjusts the suspension, in less than the blink of an eye, so the body is kept as level as possible and you and your passengers roll smoothly on. Does it make a difference? Well, I drove the car over a ferocious ripple in the road that would have thrown other cars up against the top and then down to the bottom of their springs, but in the DS you could barely feel it. It’s smooth, it’s quiet and the 2.0 diesel has more than enough poke to let you cruise along on a wave of torque and if the handling is not the sharpest, well this is a big SUV, not a sports car. I found it to be fine in this regard. Specification: 5/5 As I said at the start, the DS brand starts with Citroën/Peugeot cars and adds either a lot more performance or luxury. This is a luxury model and really does have everything, bar the kitchen sink; probably one of them too if I’d looked for it! I can’t think there’s much more you’d want, or need, to pay for that’s not already in the car, so while it may look uncomfortably close in price to rivals which are more established you should bear this in mind. Verdict: Good, in fact, very good in parts! Sound of interest, but wanting to consider your options? Here’s your opportunity to do it under one roof. Swansway is inviting Cheshire Life readers who’re interested in an SUV as their next vehicle to test drive the all-new DS 7 CROSSBACK alongside the established Audi Q3; then make up their own mind! The event will take place on 28th/29th April at the DS Salon Chester on Bumpers Lane, opposite the Swansway Chester Football Club, Chester. Appointments necessary. Book your place today. Click here for more details on the event. April 5, 2018 at 02:55PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/test-drive-review-ds-7-crossback-1-5464893 Aerials Widnes
A look ahead to the 2018 Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
By PUBLISHED: 15:33 04 April 2018 Archant The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials provide three days of exciting equestrian sport - join us and enjoy world-class competition from elegant dressage and exciting show jumping to gripping cross country action.
The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
The event will be held in the magnificent surroundings of Chatsworth Park in the heart of the Peak District between Friday 11th May – Sunday 13th May 2018. In 2018 we will again host the first leg of the Event Rider Masters Series. You can also see the stars of the future in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse 4 and 5 year-old classes and back by popular demand is the Arena Eventing Challenge. This is aimed specifically at amateur riders and is held in a grass arena which sees competitors jump a course of show jumps immediately followed by a round of arena cross-country fences with an optimum completion time. Penalties are incurred for knock-downs, refusals and time faults.
The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Membership Book your membership now and enjoy access to the VIP ringside members’ enclosure. Here you can enjoy relaxed surroundings, a garden area and private toilets. A licensed bar, restaurant and light refreshments will be available. Tables may also be reserved for lunch. Membership includes admission, car parking and a free programme with a two-for-one offer to visit the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground. Memberships are available for one day, three days or as a caravan membership and can be purchased online.
The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
For ticket and membership information visit www.chatsworth.org/horse-trials Family entertainment There is a range of entertainment and activities for the whole family, and you can browse our shopping village with over 100 high-quality trade stands selling a wide selection of country clothing, equestrian products, fashion accessories, delicious food and much more!
The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Special attractions* The special attractions include Pony Club Mounted Games; British Scurry and Driving Trials; the Sheep Show, Have a go Agility and a Fun Dog Show, the Mullenscote Gun Dog Display and the UK Rescue Bears. This year Children’s entertainment includes, amongst many other things, face painting and a bouncy castle. *Please note that many of these activities only take place on the Saturday & Sunday. Please check the website for more information www.chatsworth.org/horse-trials The house, garden, farmyard and playground are open as usual during the Horse Trials. Dogs on leads are welcome. For further details contact Gail Dale Telephone 01423 33095 or email [email protected] April 4, 2018 at 03:33PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/a-look-ahead-to-the-2018-dodson-horrell-chatsworth-international-horse-trials-1-5463281 Aerials Widnes
Celebrate the summer season in our capital’s cultural village
By PUBLISHED: 09:51 04 April 2018 | UPDATED: 09:55 04 April 2018 JAMIE MCGREGOR SMITH Coffee and croissants in a buzzing local deli on a lazy Saturday morning give way to the sights and sounds of the weekend street market. A stroll through a secluded square leads to a chance find in a neighbourhood art gallery. A long lunch follows in an old, wooden-timbered pub before a wander through a centuries-old churchyard and a scour of the blue badges showcasing famous former residents. Finally, a spot of retail therapy across a clutch of smart boutiques then it’s back to unload and unwind in the sanctuary of your chic hotel…. bliss.But all this in London? Well yes, for this is London with a difference. Meandering around Marylebone – without map, without time constraints – is all the itinerary you need for a life-affirming stay in this most characterful, unique part of the capital. As well as its rich seam of independent bars, restaurants and boutiques, there are a wealth of cultural attractions waiting to be discovered in W1’s bijou ‘village’ – from the contemporary artworks of the Rebecca Hossack gallery to the classical splendour of the Wallace Collection; the Instagrammable dishes and immaculately dressed A-listers of the Chiltern Firehouse to the intimate confines and intricate sounds of the Wigmore Hall. And all just five minutes in a black cab from the bright lights of the West End.
Royal Academy of Arts
For those who do prefer an itinerary, cultural options abound in and around this eclectic neighbourhood. And where better to kickstart a weekend of discovery than the glories of the Royal Academy, just the other side of Mayfair. This year the aristocratic museum celebrates the 250th year of its annual show. But this is no fusty collection of artefacts. Curated by maverick contemporary artist Grayson Perry, expect to encounter a wealth of emerging talent. This summer also welcomes a new show from artist Chris Orr, via his quirky, colourful depictions of some of the greatest artists in history, from Pollock to Picasso: ‘The Miserable Lives of Fabulous Artists.’ Then there’s the Photographers Gallery in Soho, where the annual Deutsche Borse Foundation Prize acts as a showcase for the hottest new talent. Or, to make the most of the spring and summer months, enjoy theatre under the stars. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre stages critically acclaimed productions of both contemporary and classic plays in gloriously verdant surroundings – a spellbinding reinvention of Peter Pan, packed with puppetry and theatrical magic, opens the summer season.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre - David Jensen
And where to base yourself to ensure you’re at the heart of Marylebone? The vibrant, compelling spirit of Marylebone is reflected in the hotel that shares its name. There is an energy that is tangible at every turn in The Marylebone – not least in the chic, continental-feel of 108 Brasserie, set at the back of the hotel on a cobbled lane, with outside tables, greenery and elegant lantern lighting recalling a Parisian café which blends seamlessly into Marylebone village. Meanwhile, at the front of the property, the new and very stylish cocktail bar is less a bar, more a series of inviting nooks and crannies that winds its way around the open-plan ground floor in a botanical-inspired haven. Then there’s 108 Pantry and home to one of the most instagrammable Afternoon Tea’s in London, celebrating the charm, colour, scents and tastes of an English country garden. Combined with the service of a luxury hotel, these enclaves are only the tip of what is in store at this stunning hotel. With an on-site gym and spa and its own swimming pool (rare in London), the rooms are well-appointed and the suites are some of the most spacious and stylish in town, with the Terrace Suites offering private outdoor space high above the chimney pots. All in all, perfectly placed for a weekend break, The Marylebone is a place to play, not work. Much like the neighbourhood itself.
Afternoon Tea at 108 Pantry
Have a look at how you can enjoy a stylish weekend in London at The Marylebone here Or call the hotel team at 020 7486 6600 April 4, 2018 at 09:51AM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/marylebone-summer-weekend-1-5462368 Aerials Widnes
Enter the 2018 Cheshire Life reader photo competition
By PUBLISHED: 00:00 04 April 2018 Archant Start snapping for our annual photography competition in association with Wilkinson Cameras
Sony A6000
Amateur photographers across the county are getting snap happy in the hunt for great prizes in our brilliant annual competition. The examples on these pages are just some of the wonderful images submitted by Cheshire Life readers in recent weeks which have been entered into our hunt for county’s best amateur photographer. You have until Friday September 21, 2018 to get your entry in. On that day the shutters will come down and our judges, including David Parkinson from Wilkinson Cameras and Cheshire Life Editor Louise Taylor, will begin the hard task of choosing a winner. Competition sponsors Wilkinson Cameras have once again provided great prizes. The third prize winner will receive a £75 Wilkinson Cameras gift voucher, with a voucher worth £150 for second prize. The first prize winner will be given a Sony A6000 camera worth £499. There are just two rules; the competition is not open to professional photographers and while the pictures can contain any subject matter – landscapes, wildlife, views or people – they must be taken in Cheshire. How to enter All photographs added to our online gallery will be entered into the competition. Go to the ‘Upload a Photo’ tab. You will be asked to register, which is free and also allows you to comment on articles and photographs on the site and to take advantage of special offers. The camera champions Wilkinson Cameras, is an award winning, independent photo retailer with 10 stores throughout the North West as well as an online store at wilkinson.co.uk, where you’ll also find a list of store locations and opening times. April 3, 2018 at 02:22PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/enter-the-2018-cheshire-life-reader-photo-competition-1-5461269 Aerials Widnes
Learning valuable skills at the Cheshire Smallholders Association
By PUBLISHED: 15:14 28 March 2018 | UPDATED: 15:14 28 March 2018 Archant A smallholding can be a taste of paradise, members of the Cheshire Smallholders Association tell Emma Mayoh
Hosts Neil and Margaret Holding with "harvey" their working cocker spaniel amongst the beehives
As Neil Holding recalls how he and his wife Margaret moved to Norley Farm near Frodsham, the scale of the project they took on becomes clear. As well as rebuilding the farmhouse – living in a caravan for years through some tough winters – they transformed the surrounding land. Walk into their courtyard and you’ll be greeted by two rescue donkeys from the Donkey Sanctuary. Look into the adjacent field and you’ll see chickens running free and fluffy rare breed Coloured Ryeland sheep grazing. Walk around the side of the house and their greenhouse is primed and ready for the spring planting of fruit and vegetables. And walk down the field you’ll find bee hives they use to make honey. There is also an historic pond Neil has worked arduously to bring back into use – a pursuit that has reinvigorated many types of wildlife on their land. It’s the kind of rural idyll many crave for. For Neil and Margaret it is a way of life. ‘It is something we love doing,’ said Neil. ‘Being out here and being able to see the animals running around, happy, is something we get a lot of pleasure from. We do use some of the sheep for food – but they’re so popular I’ve only ever tasted the lamb once. Our family always get first choice.
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Cheshire Smallholders AssociationCheshire Smallholders Association members; (from the left); Kevin Holmes, Melanie and Nick Webb, Carys Jones, Andy Walker, Rosie and David Golding and hosts, Margaret and Neil Holding at Norley Bank FarmCarys Jones and Melanie Webb with 'Billy' the donkeyRosie Golding and Neil Holding rounding up the animals Cheshire Smallholders Assoc. at Norley Bank FarmRosie Golding and Margaret Holding with a Sussex White hen and a Bluebell henHosts Neil and Margaret Holding with "harvey" their working cocker spaniel amongst the beehivesNick Webb and Andy Walker with Neil Holding in his greenhouse at Norley Bank FarmPru, the cat in the log store at Norley Bank Farm1/6 ‘I get a lot of pleasure from doing the pond. It was filled in with trees and bushes. There was no wildlife in there. Now we have lots of fish and lots of birds that come for the fish. We have cormorants and even a heron sometimes. It’s wonderful to see the change.’ It was two years ago the couple, who moved from Helsby, joined the Cheshire Smallholders Association to meet like-minded people and learn new skills. They are just one of a number of families, couples and individuals who make up the group which has over 100 members. Larger than allotments, smaller than farms, smallholdings offer the opportunity to raise animals and grow fruit and vegetables as well as practice wildlife conservation and even wool spinning. The not-for-profit association has been established four decades. They’re a diverse and dynamic group of small-scale and hobby farmers, horse enthusiasts and countryside lovers keeping everything from sheep and goats to ducks and geese. Some also have llamas and alpacas. They meet regularly to share knowledge on horticulture and husbandry, take part in training opportunities and enjoy specialist talks. They also organise workshops in everything from butchery to fencing. Chairman David Golding, who has a smallholding on his property in Wettenhall, near Winsford, with his wife, Rosie said: ‘There is such a wide range of things that people keep and do on their smallholdings, there is also a strong interest in rare breeds which is fantastic as it is important we protect and preserve them. ‘It’s about thinking how you can live in a more sustainable way but you’re also giving animals a much nicer life, living in lovely conditions. The help and advice members give each other is fantastic and we have some great workshops.’ One of the long-standing members of the group, Kevin Holmes, got a smallholding because his daughters loved horses. Now he keeps several animals. His wife, Margaret, spins wool from their alpacas. Newcomer Nick Webb bought his smallholding with his sister Melanie last September. He is just starting on his plans to build up his piece of land. For many members, the social side is as valuable as the knowledge they gain and they regularly meet for outings. Young couple Andy Walker and Carys Jones, from Wistaston, near Crewe, have not yet found their rural idyll. They joined the association last autumn to prepare for when they secure that elusive spot. Their plans were sparked after 18 months working on a farm in rural New Zealand. ‘We’ve always had a dream of a rural lifestyle, where we live off the land,’ said Andy, 32. ‘Working in New Zealand gave us a real taste of that and it was just a normal way of life. ‘But we don’t want to rush into it. Being in the association means we can get brilliant information from other members. Being able to rear animals and grow your own produce is so appealing. It’s something we’re really excited about.’ Cheshire Smallholders Association is looking to boost membership. To find out more visit www.cheshiresmallholders.org.uk. March 28, 2018 at 03:14PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/learning-valuable-skills-at-the-cheshire-smallholders-association-1-5454569 Aerials Widnes
Louise Minchin on how a puppy is helping her enjoy the Spring
By PUBLISHED: 00:00 04 April 2018 Archant Young pup Ruby has been a gem in helping the Chester-based BBC presenter appreciate the early signs of springAnyone who has been reading this column for a while will probably have noticed that I find the long dark days of winter quite challenging. I really miss being outside in the sunlight, pottering around the garden, heading into the Welsh hills for a bike ride on a warm, bright afternoon, and swimming at dusk in the chilly open water at Manley Mere. So this could be my favourite time of year. I love it when I see the first inkling of spring, the optimistic snowdrops peeking out from under the snow, struggling to get noticed, the jaunty daffodils with their bright yellow flowers a welcome reminder that summer will eventually arrive, and then, most excitingly for me, the appearance of the joyous effervescent cherry blossom which means spring has really sprung. They all fill me with a renewed sense of hope and energy. This year, the season has coincided with a brand new member of the Minchin household, a bouncy black Labrador puppy called Ruby with a long waggy tail, who arrived at the start of January to join our six-year-old Labrador Waffle. She is a bundle of fun, naughtiness and curiosity with no interest at all in anything that resembles a dog toy, but constantly seeking out and chewing apart hats, gloves, shoes, jumpers, and even the sofa. Waffle as you can imagine, was not amused at her sudden appearance, and at first treated her with a mix of disdain and hostility. Now, a couple of months on I am glad to say they are firm friends, so much so, that Waffle even occasionally lets her share her bed. I completely forgot how time consuming having a puppy is, but the need to house-train Ruby, and constantly having to let her outside, has had a surprising upside. I have been encouraged – or maybe more truthfully, forced – out of the house in sub-zero temperatures, when I would normally rather be snuggled up by a warm fire. That means I have noticed the signs of spring weeks earlier than normal, and it has cheered me up. Often on BBC Breakfast we talk about how pets can improve the way we feel, and that being out in the fresh air can make you happier. Ruby’s arrival has proved both to be true, she might be hard work but she is a joy to have as a new member of our family, and I am grateful to her for all those dozens of visits to the garden that I would never have made without her. March 27, 2018 at 07:02PM via All articles http://www.cheshirelife.co.uk/louise-minchin-on-how-a-puppy-is-helping-her-enjoy-the-spring-1-5453376 Aerials Widnes |
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