The Wilmslow Civic Trust
Dedicated to preserving a pleasant environment in the Wilmslow Area
Newsletters
Newsletter January 2025
Greetings to you all
May I wish you a very happy new year
Design awards
Have you noticed a new or altered building in Wilmslow or Handforth which was completed during 2024 whose design you consider to be particularly good? If so, please email the details, including the address and if possible a photo and why you like it, to secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk before 31st March.
This will then be passed to the Trust's panel of judges to consider for a possible award- gold, silver or bronze.
Programme
Wednesday 5 February Wilmslow Business Improvement District update by Lisa Russett
Wednesday 5 March talk by Rob Polkinghorne, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council
Wednesday 2 April AGM
followed by talk by Michael Dukes on Arthur Walpole, Wilmslow resident who played a leading role in the discovery of groundbreaking cancer drugs
All the above meetings will be in the large hall at the United Reformed Church Chapel Lane Wilmslow beginning at 7.45pm
I look forward to seeing many of you at one or more of these interesting meetings.
Whilst we have some ideas for summer outings, we would be very happy to consider your suggestions. Please email us with your ideas. Thank you.
Subscriptions
The 2025 subscriptions are now due. Our subscription rate for calendar year 2025 was altered at the 2024 AGM to £15 per member. The joint/family membership rate was abolished. However members under the age of 21 may join for free. The life membership scheme was withdrawn a number of years ago.
Details of how to make payment are given below. As in previous years, it is hoped that Life Members will be able to support the Wilmslow Civic Trust (WCT) by making a voluntary donation.
The preferred method of payment is by BACS.
Sort Code 16-34-24,
Account number 13368845,
Account name Wilmslow Civic Trust.
Please enter your initial, surname and SUBS or DON as a reference.
Cheque payments are also acceptable. In this case please post the cheque to our Treasurer Nicholas Ridings, Firwood Cottage, Mottram Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7DW, with the same reference details as above, written on the back of the cheque please.
Please would you also complete the membership questionnaire which you can find here in the membership section. It allows us to maintain accurate contact details and evidence regarding Gift Aid eligibility. The data will be sent automatically to the Treasurer, without any further input from yourself.
Many thanks for your time and payment. The data collected is for the sole use of WCT and will not be shared with any other body.
Christopher Dodson
Secretary
Newsletter May 2024
Welcome to all, including especially those who have joined the Trust since the last newsletter in December.
Design awards
Have you noticed a new or altered building in Wilmslow or Handforth which was completed during 2023 whose design you consider to be particularly good? If so, please email the details, including the address and if possible a photo and why you like it, to secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk before 30 June.
This will then be passed to the Trust's panel of judges to consider for a possible award- gold, silver or bronze.
Programme
Thursday 27 June 2 pm visit to Biddulph Old Hall followed by tea & cake
£20 per person
Thursday 11 July 2.30pm visit to Castlefield Viaduct Manchester
no charge (even if you are not a National Trust member)
Wednesday 18 September 7pm visit to Stockport Air Raid Shelters
£10 per person
Payment in cash on the day
You might like to bring a flask with a drink for a short break half way round.
The tour will last about an hour and a half.
Maximum number 30
If you would like to come to either Biddulph Old Hall or Castlefield Viaduct please email secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk, in the case of Biddulph please by 13 June & in the case of Castlefield by 27 June.
For Stockport Air Raid Shelters please email Chris McClory at chairman@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk by 4 September.
Wednesday 2 October Open evening
We invite members and members of the public to come and see what we’re doing and make suggestions for us to improve.
Please bring along your friends – the younger the better!
Wednesday 6 November The importance of the Bollin River Valley to Wilmslow past, present and future
Sally Potts, Senior Project Manager, Mersey Rivers Trust
Wednesday 4 December Wilmslow Town Centre development
Cllrs Lata Anderson and Michael Gorman - tbc
All the above meetings will be in the large hall at the United Reformed Church Chapel Lane Wilmslow beginning at 7.45 pm
Lindow Moss
Thursday 1 August this year will be the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Lindow Man (now in the British Museum).
On page 4 is a programme of events to mark this discovery– including the Lindow Moss Heritage Trail launch and celebration on Sunday 9 June. Wilmslow Civic Trust has sponsored the map of the 3.5 mile trail. The Discover Lindow website has a lot of information: www.discoverlindow.org/whats-on
Recent meetings
On 7 February Professor John Handley gave us a characteristically erudite and interesting presentation about Lindow Moss, followed by Gary Parker, the Chairman of the then newly formed Friends of Lindow Moss.
On 6 March our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, gave us (at very short notice) a fascinating presentation of the “locally listed” buildings in Wilmslow. Did you know that there is a proposal to make Dean Row a Conservation area?
On 3 April after the AGM Sonia Dykstra gave us a lively account of the Wilmslow Green Room which is this year celebrating its centenary. For instance, did you know that the theatre has a sprung floor?
AGM
At the AGM on 3 April, Stuart Kinsey stepped down after seven outstanding years as Chairman.
He was warmly thanked and presented by the officers & committee with a glass plaque and a rose bush as a thank you for all he has done for the Trust.
Subscriptions
The accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which our Treasurer, Nicholas Ridings, presented, showed income of only £487 (excluding a very welcome bequest of £1,800) but expenditure of £917 (excluding our £500 sponsorship of the new Lindow Moss trail map).
It was therefore reluctantly agreed to increase the subscription for annual members with effect from 1 January 2025 from £10 single/£15 double to £15 per person.
The committee is exploring the scope for reducing our ongoing expenditure, most of which is for hire of the hall for our meetings & maintenance of the website.
Coffee at meetings
Because of low demand, it was agreed at the AGM to discontinue the offer of coffee at meetings.
This should slightly reduce our expenditure.
I look forward to seeing you many of you at our visits and meetings.
Christopher Dodson
Secretary
If you know of anyone who would like to receive our newsletter, please email me: secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Newsletter APRIL 2023
Welcome to all, including especially those who have joined the Trust since the last newsletter in December.
Programme
14 June
Visit to Birkenhead Park & Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
We need an idea of numbers soon so can you please register your interest now by email to me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or leave a message on 01625 528829 stating name & phone number please.
6 September
Cheshire East & Wilmslow Town Council - the next 4 years
14 September
Visit to Tabley House Knutsford.
See the wonderful State Rooms and an extraordinary collection of art, furniture & memorabilia & visit the Chapel, built in 1678 & relocated in 1927. Starting at 2 pm followed by relaxation in the Tabley House Tea Room.
Please register your interest now by email: enquiries@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or leave a message on
01625 529739 stating name & phone number please.
4 October
UK energy security
1 November
Wilmslow Business Improvement District
6 December
Christmas social
7 February
to follow
6 March
to follow
3 April
AGM
All the above meetings will be in the large hall at the United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane commencing at 7.45pm
Further details will be sent nearer the time
Newsletter DECEMBER 2022
Welcome to all, including especially those who have joined the Trust since the last newsletter in August.
Programme
Wednesday 7 December Wine & mince pies followed by
Jackie "You have no authority here" Weaver
Democracy & local government
If you plan to come can you please let me know at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk as soon as possible so that we have an idea of numbers.
Wednesday 4 January Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren
Wednesday 1 February Ian Baillie, Friends of the Carrs
Latest developments in the Carrs
Wednesday 1 March Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan
Implementation Group Progress report from Brian Donohue, Terry Davenport & John Handley
Wednesday 5 April AGM
We have invited Bruntwood Properties to tell us more about their developments and future plans for Alderley Park. Following a short interval for refreshments, there will be an interesting look back at Wilmslow in 1947 and the ideas put forward at that time for the future of Wilmslow. What were the plans and how did they turn out?
Wilmslow town centre
The Trust commented in broad support of a consultation document about Wilmslow town centre recently prepared
on behalf of Cheshire East.
This proposes pedestrianisation of Green Lane, the creation of an easily identifiable walking route connecting
Lindow Common, the Carnival Field, the Carrs & the town centre, a small park outside Tesco, pop up stalls on Bank Square, additional planting & public art, more seating areas on Grove St, picnic tables on the grassed area on Alderley Road, improved linkage between the Library & Alderley Road and greater use of areas such as the Leisure Centre & its surroundings for events.
Recent meetings
Did you know that Transition Wilmslow have created an eco forest on land near the allotments off Land Lane? On 7 September Althea Wilkinson of Transition Wilmslow gave us a most illuminating talk about it – and their ongoing work to transform a neglected piece of land into an area friendly to plants, wildlife and the environment generally.
Have you ever heard of James Smithies, Wilmslow's metalwork artist? I admit I hadn't.
Too few of us, alas, heard Ray Acton give us a typically well researched talk on 5 October about Smithies' paintings and metalwork, produced at his studio on Manchester Road, examples of which can be seen at, among other places, Fulshaw Hall and St Bart's Church.
Planning applications
Our working groups continue to examine and, where appropriate, comment on planning applications in Wilmslow. As always, if there are any planning issues in Wilmslow of concern to you at any time do please contact either the Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, at chairman@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions from annual members are due on 1 January. Please see the note & renewal form on the next page. With very best wishes to all our members for Christmas & 2023
Christopher Dodson
Wilmslow Civic Trust Subscriptions and Donation 2023
Our subscription for 2023 remains unchanged at £10 for a single subscription and £15 for a family subscription.
Details of how to make a payment are given below. As in previous years it is hoped that Life Members will be able to support the WCT by making a voluntary donation of a minimum of £5.
There is an option to pay by BACS and details are given in the subscription renewal form below. If you choose to pay by BACS please could you still complete the form below and send it to the Membership secretary, Wilmslow Civic Trust, 5 Manor Close Wilmslow SK9 5PX This enables us to keep our membership details up to date and also our records regarding Gift Aid eligibility. We hope that you enjoy the talks and visits through 2023.
Thank You
To :- The Membership Secretary, 5 Manor Close, Wilmslow SK9 5PX
I enclose a cheque payable to Wilmslow & Alderley Edge Trust for annual membership as below (Please tick ) Single £10……..or Family £15……….
I wish to donate a life Members Voluntary Donation of £…… by way of cheque or BACS
I am paying by BACS to sort code 16-34-24, account number 13368845 at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Please enter your initial , surname and SUBS as a reference and return this form to the Membership Secretary
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Please confirm whether you are a taxpayer and that payments and donations are eligible for the annual Gift Aid reclaim from the Inland Revenue.
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Newsletter AUGUST 2022
Welcome to all, including especially those who have joined the Trust since the last newsletter in April. I hope that you will enjoy the programme we have put together.
Ray Acton wrote the August 2019 newsletter during the then hottest days ever in Cheshire, after a very wet spell. This newsletter is being written during even hotter, and dryer weather.
I hope you are managing to cope with the heat.
Programme
Wednesday 7 September Do join us for the first meeting of the new programme. Details to follow via email, our website, www.wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk and on the Wilmslow Hub
Wednesday 5 October Ray Acton James Smithies, Wilmslow's metalwork artist
Wednesday 2 November Jackie "You have no authority here" Weaver democracy & local government
Wednesday 7 December Four members to speak for 5 minutes each on a topic of their choice, followed by Christmas social
Wednesday 4 January Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr David Marren Wednesday 8 February Ian Baillie Friends of the Carrs
Wednesday 8 March Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Implementation Group
Wednesday 5 April AGM
All the above meetings will be in the large hall at the United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane commencing at 7.45pm.
Further details will be sent nearer the time
Turing
On 25 June the park run in the Carrs was designated the Turing run in recognition of Turing's prowess as a runner. David Briggs, Chairman of Wilmslow Historical Society, spoke briefly about Turing before the run and we gave out sunflowers to some of the runners because of the work Turing did during his time in Wilmslow in relation to the mathematical implications of plants.
Following the public consultation the team are exploring the possibility of commissioning a work of art, perhaps in conjunction with a small wildflower meadow, in Wilmslow to publicise Turing.
Recent visits
On 26 May 18 members enjoyed a visit to Peover Hall including a
guided tour of the Tudor house which was owned by the Mainwaring family until 1919. During the Second World War it was the HQ of the US General Patton. It is now the home of the Brooks family and very much lived in. The "gilded" panelling in one of the living rooms is in fact chocolate wrappers!
The stables, which date from 1654, have a fine plaster ceiling and are, if anything, even more impressive than the house.
The extensive gardens include banks of rhododendrons and azaleas
which were at their best at the time of our visit.
On 6 July we visited Port Sunlight, the village built by William Lever in 1888 to house some of the employees of his nearby soap factory – an early and fine example of a garden village. It includes an art gallery
which houses much of his collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture & ceramics
Design awards
Our judging panel have commended the design of Meadow End 93
Hollin Lane Styal.
A presentation of a certificate to the architect will be made shortly.
Issues for Cheshire East or Wilmslow Town Council
A major reason for the creation of the Trust was the need to influence plans which would affect the physical nature of Wilmslow. Time has moved on and whilst we have continued to encourage members to contact committee members regarding planning proposals and have taken up issues with Cheshire East, we do need to ensure that we are providing what our members want. We will continue to review plans that might have an impact on the town but ought we to be lobbying both Wilmslow Town Council and Cheshire East on other environment issues with
which the Councils are able to deal? With this question in mind, we invite you to email or write to our Secretary or Chairman (details below) with your suggested "issues for action" (e.g. overgrown hedges; cars parking on
pavements etc). Each (member) suggestion will entitle the sender to free entry to a raffle to be drawn at our meeting on October 5. The winner will receive a gift voucher of their choice to the value of £25.
Treasurer
We are still looking for someone to succeed Keith Osborne who will be standing down as treasurer of the Trust on 31 December. It is not an onerous job.
If you would be interested, or know of any other member who might, do please contact either Keith tel 01625 526547 or me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk.
With best wishes to all
Christopher Dodson
Newsletter APRIL 2022
Roger Bugler
We are saddened to learn that Roger Bugler, who was treasurer of Wilmslow Trust from the beginning of (time) the Trust until he was succeeded by Keith Osborne, died on 12 April in South Wales.
His family hope in due course to arrange a celebration in Wilmslow of his life.
Programme
Thursday 26 May visit to Peover Hall
Cost of guided tour of house, stables & garden £8 per person if there are at least 15 of us (otherwise £10). No charge for members of Historic Houses Association.
To book your place and for how to pay please email secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Wednesday 6 July visit to Port Sunlight
details to follow
Neither Wilmslow Civic Trust nor an outing organiser accepts any responsibility for loss, damage or injury incurred on any outing.
Wednesday 7 September interview with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, author & broadcaster
Wednesday 5 October Ray Acton James Smithies, metalwork artist
Wednesday 2 November Jackie "You have no authority here" Weaver democracy & local government
Wednesday 7 December Four members to speak for 5 minutes each on a topic of their choice, followed by Christmas social
Wednesday 4 January to follow
Wednesday 8 February Ian Baillie Friends of the Carrs
Wednesday 8 March Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Implementation Group
Wednesday 5 April AGM
All the above meetings will be in the large hall at the United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane commencing at 7.45.
Further details will be sent nearer the time
Turing consultation
If you have not already done so, please complete before 30 April,
either the online survey at
https:/tinyurl.com/wilmslow-turing-questionnaire
or the questionnaire at Wilmslow Library and place it in the box provided.
Recent meetings
On 5 January Susan Lee of the Centre for Climate Change gave an interesting talk about use of domestic appliances in an energy efficient way.
On 2 February we had an interesting talk by Everybody Leisure, the body which manages Wilmslow Leisure Centre on behalf of Cheshire East.
They gave us some vouchers for a free swim; if you would like some please let Stuart or me know.
On 2 March, to launch the Turing consultation, Dr Jonathan Swinton gave an interesting talk about Alan Turing to an audience of over 100 at Wilmslow High School.
On 6 April we held the AGM
The officers & committee were re-elected as follows
Chairman Stuart Kinsey
Secretary Christopher Dodson
Treasurer Keith Osborne
Committee Ray Acton
Chris Fasciato
Martin Hoyle
Michael Redfern
Rob Sharpe
Audrey Sibthorpe
Rhona Beenstock has retired from the committee. She was thanked for her valuable contributions to the Trust, including in relation to publicity.
The trustees are Christopher Dodson, Martin Hoyle & Chris McClory.
After the meeting Stuart Kinsey & Chris McClory gave a fascinating illustrated talk about Romany, Rev Branwell Evans, who lived in Wilmslow from 1939 until his death in 1943 & donated his vardo, now regrettably moved to Bradford, to the town. They even played an extract from a recording of one of his broadcasts.
Design awards
If you have noticed a building in Wilmslow which has been completed or altered in 2021 & is in your opinion of an interesting design please send details to me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk before 30 April.
I will then forward it to our judging panel – David Cash, Ray Acton, Chris Fasciato & Martin Hoyle.
To date we have received just one nomination – Meadow End 93 Hollin Lane Styal.
Platinum Jubilee tree
We are hoping to plant a tree near the junction of Broadway & Covington Place to mark the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen.
Treasurer
Keith Osborne will be standing down as treasurer of the Trust on 31 December.
Can it really be the case that there is no member of the Trust who would like to succeed him?
It is surely hard to think of a more fascinating job.
Applications please to either Keith tel 01625 526547 or me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Best wishes to everyone
Christopher Dodson
Newsletter DECEMBER 2021
Peter Stubbs
Sadly Peter Stubbs, a stalwart of the Civic Trust and a past Chairman, died on 18 December after a long illness. We send our deepest sympathy to Rosemary, who has cared for Peter with great devotion, and the rest of the family.
Peter was a constant source of wise counsel and made a huge contribution to the Trust over many years.
Recent meetings
It is hoped that members will feel the meetings during the year have been informative, enjoyable and worthwhile.
On 1st September Greville Kelly of Groundwork spoke about the work he has been doing on behalf of Wilmslow Town Council to revitalise Wilmslow town centre
On 6th October a panel comprising Cheshire East & Wilmslow Town Council Cllr Mark Goldsmith, Peter Yates, the former Chief Planning Officer of Macclesfield Borough Council & now a planning consultant, Brian Donohue, Chairman of the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Implementation Group, & Roger Bagguley of Residents of Wilmslow, answered questions about planning generally & certain specific proposals, including the proposed redevelopment of Wilmslow Police Station.
On 20th October Dr Admos Chimhowu of the Global Development Unit of the University of Manchester spoke about climate change in low income countries. By way of illustration he told listeners of the steps being taken at his family's farm in Zimbabwe to grow crops better suited to future drought conditions. The meeting also included a brief but very interesting update from Wilmslow Wells for Africa on aspects of their work which are very relevant to the talk.
On 3rd November Florence Collier, a local architect, gave a most informative talk on "The home of2030" inspiring us to do more to protect the climate by improving our home insulation and with other energy saving suggestions.
Planning applications reviewed
WCT continues to be pro-active in reviewing planning applications submitted to Cheshire East Council which relate to the Wilmslow Area. WCT submissions can be viewed on the CEC website, planning portal. Members with concerns about a planning application should contact the Chairman or Secretary. In general, focus is on strategic sites and applications with impact on conservation areas and major approach routes into Wilmslow.
Since the last newsletter there have been indications that the proposals in the Planning White Paper will be significantly modified. We hope to include a talk to up-date us on the proposals in due course.
Forthcoming meetings
In view of the uncertainty about the impact of the Omicron variant of Covid, meetings will be held on Zoom unless otherwise advised at 7.30 for 7.45. Zoom details will be sent via email nearer the relevant date. If you do not receive email but would like Zoom details please phone the Chairman on 01625 529739
Wednesday 5th January: talk by Dr Susan Lee, Research Associate in Low Carbon Futures, Centre for Climate Change, title: "Time to hang out the washing and help save the planet"
Wednesday 2nd February: Theme: Leisure and Fitness for All Ages in Wilmslow. Speaker from Everybody Leisure - details nearer the date.
Wednesday 2nd March: talk by Dr. Jonathan Swinton, Author of Alan Turning's Manchester, a mathematical modeller by background and consultant to groups in pharma, biotech and academia. This will be a joint meeting with Wilmslow Historical Society (WHS) in connection with a public consultation to be launched by WHS & the Trust to gauge the degree of support, if any, for some more prominent commemoration in Wilmslow of Alan Turing & the form any such commemoration might take.
Wednesday 6th April: AGM followed by an illustrated talk: " Romany: The BBC's First Natural World Broadcaster?"
Subscriptions & donations
You will recall that taking into account the restrictions imposed because of the covid pandemic the annual subscription for 2021 was cancelled.
At a recent WCT Executive Committee meeting it was resolved that a subscription for 2022 should be requested from our members at the previous rate of £10 for a single subscription and £15 for a family subscription.
Details of how to make a payment are given below. As in previous years it is hoped that Life Members will be able to support the WCT by making a voluntary donation of a minimum of £5.
There is an option to pay by BACS and details are given in the subscription renewal form below. If you choose to pay by BACS please could you complete the form below and send it to the WCT Treasurer,13 Parkway, Wilmslow SK9 1LS. This enables us to keep our membership details up to date and also our records regarding Gift Aid eligibility. We hope that you enjoy the talks and visits through 2022.
Thank You
Treasurer
Keith Osborne would like to stand down as Treasurer of the Civic Trust at the next AGM. Is there any member who might be willing to take over from him?
If you would like details of what the job entails please speak to Keith on 01625 526547
Manager of Trust website
We are looking for someone to manage the Trust's website i.e. principally keep it up to date. Is there any member who would be willing to take this on?
Design awards
Have you noticed a building in Wilmslow completed or altered during 2021 whose design you consider to be particularly good? If so please send details to:- secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Details will be forwarded to our panel who will consider whether it is worthy of a design award or, more probably, a commendation.
May I take this opportunity to wish all members a happy Christmas and New Year.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our meetings, and in the summer, visits. Christopher Dodson
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Please keep a record of your payment to avoid duplication at a later Date. Thank you
THE WILMSLOW CIVIC TRUST SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL FORM 2022
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Newsletter AUGUST 2021
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The Civic Trust has been busy since the last newsletter in December
Recent meetings
On 6 January Tom Evans, Neighbourhood Planning Manager at Cheshire East, spoke to us about Cheshire East's reaction to the Government's White Paper on planning, following which we are expecting the Government to publish a Planning Bill sometime this autumn. This will make the biggest changes in planning since 1947.
As drafted, Cheshire East will be told by the Government to produce a local plan every 5 years to build a certain number of houses. Everyone agrees that we need more houses but no-one wants them at the bottom of his or her garden! Residents will dispute the number but will either they or Cheshire East be able to influence the figure?
Once a local plan has been adopted there will be no real public scrutiny. The Civic Trust (& others) will in practice only be able to have an influence at the local plan stage. Local decision making & discretion will be taken away. Civic Voice has flagged up its concern about this with the Government but will it listen? This is going to be a real political hot potato. Former Conservative Leader William Hague has pointed out that it has the potential, like the poll tax, to lose the Conservatives the next general election.
The (fairly recent) community infrastructure levy & section 106 (requiring the developer to provide some specific community benefit in return for the grant of planning permission) will be replaced by a single infrastructure levy but there will be a temptation to use this for non-infrastructure, & will it in any case produce enough money?
There are other issues that might be of concern to our members:
There are currently no penalties for failure to build planning permissions already granted.
Young people in Wilmslow can't get on the housing ladder because there aren't enough small properties.
Neighbourhood plans will be retained but what influence will they have, except perhaps in relation to design?
The changes won't come in until 2022 at the earliest and there may well be significant changes before the new policy is enacted. The Chairman & I had a helpful preliminary meeting with our MP, Esther McVey, & she has indicated her willingness to talk to the Trust when the shape of the proposed legislation becomes clear.
Have your own say at our Planning Forum meeting - see below
On 10 February we had a fascinating illustrated talk from David Gosling, of The Peak and Northern Footpath Society. Members enjoyed a very lively & informative Q&A session.
When the Footpath Assoc. was founded the population of G.B. at the 1901 census was around 32 million, less than half our current number, combined with the fact that leisure time was a novel notion - Sundays and possibly Saturday afternoons were newly established free time. Also, most working people had little spare cash left over at the end of the week to spend on regular outings or leisure pursuits.
A doubling in the size of the population, as well as an increase in free time and spare cash, has resulted in much greater pressure being put on the countryside, as well as the farmers who tend it.
On 3 March we had an interesting talk from the Planning Management team at Manchester Airport. The airport was at the time running at only 5 – 10% of normal business & think it will be 2023 or 2024 before they are back to their pre-Covid level, when there were 29.5M passengers per annum. The Manchester Airport team think this could increase to 45M in future. The new Terminal 2 opened in May.
We were informed of other developments, such as The Hut Group (online adverts & cosmetics) having taken a lot of space at Airport City and building a new HQ there. Importantly, flight paths below 7,000 feet will change but there will be an opportunity for local comment. They offered to talk to us again when more details are known.
At the AGM on 7 April Peter Stubbs & Hugh Cannings stood down from the committee, in Peter's case after particularly long service. We thank them both for their extremely valuable contributions to the Trust. Two members were elected to the committee: Mike Redfern (who has joined the review team) & Audrey Sibthorpe (Membership secretary & organiser of the distribution of this newsletter to those who still receive hard copies).
were elected.
After the meeting Tony Collier told us about the recent revival of Altrincham. Business ratepayers in the town voted to create a business improvement district & to pay a 1.5% levy to help increase footfall & make Altrincham a busy, vibrant town again. The market has been rebuilt around local produce & arts & crafts, 500 new residential units have been created, some above shops, & cafes etc are attracting people into the town. Where there is wealth & leisure retail will follow. Can Wilmslow do the same?
On 20 July we had a fascinating walk around Alderley Park, led by Nick Hines of Alderley Park Ltd (managed by Bruntwood properties) who bought the site from AstraZeneca after the announcement of their move to Cambridge & have made a large investment in it. AZ had about 4,500 people on the site; present management expects there to be about 6,000 at the end of this year. There will also be a total of 300 houses in the Park. As an indication of Bruntwood's commitment, when they received a financially attractive offer from a well known builder for part of the site they asked to see the houses the builder planned to build. These were the builder's standard designs; Bruntwood asked them to design something better before they accepted their offer!
Some houses have been designed by one of Prince Charles' favourite architects who rejoices in the name Robert Adam!
The site includes a pub called The Churchill Tree (after a sweet chestnut which Churchill planted during a visit to the Stanley Estate, the forerunner of Alderley Park), a "green wall" which hides a multi-storey car park, & one of the 3 best gyms in the UK (which is open to any of us to join).
Most of the site, including the woodland, is open to the public. Security is now more refined than in AZ's day.
When George Osborne, who was, I believe, instrumental in getting Bruntwood to buy the site, visited as MP & Chancellor of the Exchequer with his security detail he was let in; when he visited later having been sacked as Chancellor by Theresa May he was asked by security "Who are you?"!
Nick offered us a further tour in about 2 years time to see the further work which will then have been done & we intend to take this up.
Future meetings
All at 7.30 for 7.45 at the United Reform Church Alderley Road or, if you prefer, hopefully via Zoom.
For each meeting please email the Chairman for the Zoom details chairman@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Wednesday 1 September: talk by Greville Kelly of Groundwork on Revitalising Wilmslow town centre
Wednesday 6 October: A Planning forum. This will be along the lines of BBC's "Any Questions" (4 panel members, plus Chairman). Members will be invited to submit questions in advance for panel members & then be invited to discuss further after
the guests have made their comments.
Wednesday 20 October: open meeting in conjunction with Transition Wilmslow. Speaker: Dr Admos Chimhowu Global Development Unit, University of Manchester;
his paper entitled: "We are all in this together; climate change in low income countries".
Zoom meeting details will be available nearer the date: please e-mail your request to
secretary @wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Wednesday 3 November: talk by Florence Collier on The home of 2030
Design awards
You, the members, nominated a total of 6 buildings in Wilmslow which had been completed or altered during 2020 for a design award or commendation. These were carefully considered by our judging panel – Ray Acton, David Cash, Chris Fasciato & Martin Hoyle – and 3 of them were commended :-
Bower's Folly, Greaves Road
31-37 Ladyfield St
The Old Stables, near the Leisure Centre.
Certificates, kindly designed by Rosemary Stubbs, were presented.
If you see any buildings in Wilmslow completed or altered this year which you feel to be worthy of commendation for their design do please send me details for forwarding to the panel.
Lindow Moss
Presenting the certificate to the owners of Bower's Folly
Helen Battilana reports that the Liaison Group which is to monitor the restoration work will not begin to operate until 3 months after restoration starts. Until building work starts on the houses we think there will be no money for the restoration. The Liaison Group clearly has a challenge on its hands!
Alan Turing
In conjunction with Wilmslow Historical Society we are looking into the possibility of creating some more prominent commemoration in Wilmslow of Alan Turing who lived here from 1950 until his death in 1954. Manchester University & Turing's nephew are both supportive of the idea & it is proposed to launch a public consultation in September.
In addition, Wilmslow Historical Society have commissioned a portrait of Turing which is to be hung in a room at Wilmslow Library which will be named "The Turing Room". It is hoped to arrange a joint meeting in the new year to hear a lecture about Turing, including the work he did while living in Wilmslow.
Planning applications
The Trust continues to monitor planning applications in the area and makes submissions to CEC when there are concerns or suggestions to be expressed. Mike Redfern & Beryl Pearce have recently joined the review team. If you are interested in helping with this work, please see the questionnaire, attached.
What do you want from the Trust?
We would like to know what members want from their membership of the Trust to help us to plan future meetings & activities. We shall therefore be most grateful if members can please complete all or part of the attached questionnaire & return it to me at either 17 Carrwood Road Wilmslow SK9 5DJ or via email to: secretary @wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk.
Trustees
There are 3 trustees of the Trust – currently Martin Hoyle, Jean Wearne & myself. Jean has indicated her wish to stand down as a trustee on 30 September. A replacement is being sought.
We look forward to seeing you at our winter meetings.
In the meantime do please complete & return the questionnaire so we know what you think of us! With very best wishes
Christopher Dodson
From your Committee: Members Consultation August 2021
We would like you to tell us about your ideas for our future programme and activities. Please complete the questionnaire below, save your completed document on your computer and send it as an attachment to: secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or alternatively print a copy and send the completed questionnaire to: The Secretary, Wilmslow Civic Trust, 17 Carrwood Road, Wilmslow SK9 1AW. You do not have to disclose your name if you wish to reply anonymously. Please tick boxes that apply to respond. Do not feel obliged to answer every question ... it is better that we have some responses than none!
Please tick to advise:-
Name(s) (optional) : .................................................................. Life Member(s) . . . . Annual . . . .
With regard to WCT meetings: Please rate the following according to your level of interest
(1= not interested up to 5 = very interested):-
1. Rate . . . .
2. Rate . . . .
3. Rate . . . .
4. Illustrated talks on current, non-planning issues in & around Wilmslow: Rate . . . .
5. Rate . . . .
Please suggest topics of general interest not covered above: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Please suggest any good speaker (& topic) that you are aware of: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With regard to planning applications made to Cheshire East Council for the Wilmslow Area
Please rate
- Your interest in applications close to your home: Rate . . .
- Your interest in applications affecting other parts of Wilmslow: Rate . . .
- Your willingness to assist in reviewing and commenting on planning applications: Rate . . .
With regard to our budget: Funds stand at approximately £8,300. Average annual expenditure over the last 4
years has averaged almost £2,000. Any overspends have in normal years been small
Do you agree that Wilmslow Civic Trust should from time to time use funds to employ a consultant where significant planning applications are involved? YES / NO (delete as appropriate)
What level of funding should we hold in reserve? £........................
Thank you for helping us.
Registered charity, number 500319
Newsletter DECEMBER 2020
Change of Editor
After 14 years (a total of 42 issues) Ray & Kath Acton are finally laying down their pens as editors of this newsletter. We all owe them both a huge debt of gratitude.
Ray's knowledge of Wilmslow is unrivalled. I gather that his family have been making bricks & bread (& probably everything else in between) in Wilmslow since at least the days of Lindow Man. Did the contents of his stomach, I wonder, contain remnants of an Acton loaf? We will all miss Ray's shrewd comments on the issues of the day & I am acutely conscious of the extremely hard act I have to follow.
Planning White Paper
The Government has published proposals for the biggest changes in planning since 1947. At present local plans take on average over 7 years to produce & can run to nearly 500 pages. The Government believes that there must be a better way.
They propose to divide the country into 3 categories Growth areas suitable for substantial development Renewal areas suitable for development
Protected areas
"Growth areas" would include new settlements & urban extension sites & former industrial or urban regeneration sites.
Sites here would on adoption of the plan have automatic outline approval for development.
"Renewal areas" would include existing built areas where smaller scale development is appropriate, for example "the gentle densification & infill of residential areas" &
development in town centres.
Here there would be the statutory presumption in favour of development for the uses specified in the plan as being suitable.
Will Wilmslow be in a "growth" or a "renewal" area, I wonder?
The golden triangle - SK9 – the developers' dreamland. Do they suggest "growth"?
If however we are "renewal", who's for a bit of "gentle densification"?
The consultation period has ended but you could always, having read the White Paper, give your MP your views. Esther McVey worked with the Minister, Robert Jenrick, when she was Housing Minister, but I believe she may not be his biggest fan.
We are due to have a talk on the subject on 6 January – see below.
Planning applications
Reviews of up and coming planning applications are undertaken every three weeks by a
representative group of enthusiastic members. To view submissions visit the CEC web site:
planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ApplicationSearch.aspx searching by address (post code) or application reference.
Submissions from WCT will be identified by the address 12 Harefield Drive or 2 Wilcott Drive in the description column. Recent examples are:-
20/4737M Little Stanneylands > Erection of 10 dwellings. WCT submission on 19 November requested that the application be called in to committee rather than be decided by a planning officer. That request has been met and the application will be considered by committee on 10 February.
20/4310M 4 Broad Walk > Extension & alterations. WCT objected because the proposals do not appear to comply with the Three Parks Guide or the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan. Despite this the application was approved on 1 December.
19/4641M 12 Knutsford Road, Erection of workshop. Recommended refusal on grounds of setting a dangerous precedent of business expansion in a residential area. Application refused.
If you have a special interest in planning and would like to take part in our reviews please contact Christopher Dodson on secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or by the old fashioned telephone 01625 528829
Conservation areas
Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Implementation Group (WNPIG) – a mix of Neighbourhood Plan volunteers and Wilmslow Town Councillors – has appointed a specialist consultant to re-appraise the first two Conservation Areas – Bollin Hill and Highfield - with the hope that St Bart's / Manchester Rd and Hawthorn Park will follow soon.
Dean Row is being considered for proposal as a Conservation Area.
Other WNPIG work
Lindow Moss – working closely with Transition Wilmslow, extraction has ceased and the licence has been revoked. The Moss is saved! Hydraulic control is about to start, as is the building of the approved housing. Helen Batillana is our representative on the liaison committee.
Active Travel – we contributed to Covid related and Active Travel arrangements and
temporary 20mph restrictions have been introduced in Pownall Park. Cheshire East has
recently agreed in principle to introduce 20's plenty in residential areas more widely where appropriate.
Green Links – again working with Transition Wilmslow we have designed a network of quieter roads for cycling and walking to complement CEC's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan routes. This will be presented to Wilmslow Town Council in the New Year and then forwarded to Cheshire East.
Rail Station
We are working with Network Rail and Northern Rail to improve the station appearance and make it more user-friendly.
Recent meetings via Zoom
16 September
Scott Royal of Cheshire East spoke about the forthcoming Handforth Garden Village
7 October
Annabelle Tugby, the architect of the proposed hotel on the Tesco to the Chinese restaurant site on Alderley Road – long regarded by many in Wilmslow as an eyesore at present – spoke about the project, & certain other buildings designed by her Styal based practice.
4 November
Our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, gave a polished presentation about heritage assets in Wilmslow.
At the November meeting the Chairman promised more details of the work done by WCT to influence Cheshire East Council to list more local buildings and structures as "Heritage Assets". The list of suggestions is appended to this newsletter and it is hoped many of our members will be able to identify the locations and consider the merits of the assets mentioned.
Future Meetings ... still via Zoom
open 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm
For each meeting please email the Chairman for the Zoom details.
6 January 2021:
Jeremy Owens & Tom Evans, CEC:
" The CEC consideration of, and response to, the Government White Paper on Planning"
10 February:
Speaker details nearer the date:
"The importance of considering footpaths and rights of way in the planning process"
3 March:
Robert Pattison, Head of Community Engagement, Manchester International Airport:
"The Future Airspace Project".
7 April:
AGM followed by guest speaker: Tony Collier, BEM
"The recovery of Altrincham -what Wilmslow might learn from it".
Local history notes "File 1 & File 2" by Ray Acton:
Proceeds from the sale of Ray's recent publications have amounted to over £160. These proceeds are for the exclusive benefit of WCT members. Look out for details in the spring 2021 Newsletter. In the meantime sincere thanks go to Ray for the pleasure he gives us in his "trips down memory lane".
Design awards
David Cash, the recently retired Chairman of Building Design Partnership, has kindly agreed to join the panel who judge whether buildings in Wilmslow erected or altered during the previous year & nominated by members of the Trust or the wider public merit an award or commendation for their design.
To date there has only been one award – to the Waters building on Altrincham Road – but there have been several commendations – for example 52 Alderley Road, Kenmore Medical Centre & new houses on Gravel Lane.
If you or your friends – or enemies for that matter – can think of any such buildings completed during 2020 do please email nominations to me at secretary@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk for forwarding to the panel.
Lindow Moss
As mentioned above Helen Battilana has kindly agreed to represent the Trust on the liaison group which will be monitoring the restoration of Lindow Moss by Croghan Peat as a condition of their planning permission to build 14 houses.
Good news on subscriptions!
Traditionally at this time of year we request members to renew their subscriptions. However you may recall that in a previous newsletter we advised that where a subscription had been paid in 2020 this would cover 2021, and therefore there is no need for a subscription to be paid until 2022.
However should any annual member or life member wish to make a donation to the Wilmslow Civic Trust this would be very welcome. Donations can be made by cheque payable to the Wilmslow Civic Trust and sent to the Treasurer, 13 Parkway, Wilmslow SK9 1LS.
Alternatively donations can be made through BACS to sort code 16-34-24, account number 13368845.This account is with the RBS Bank in Water Lane Wilmslow, but is in the name of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Trust.
Best wishes to you all for 2021
Christopher Dodson
---------------------------------
Extract from WCT Executive Meeting 8 December 2015
HERITAGE ASSETS
LIST OF PROPOSED ADDITIONS
1 Romany Memorial Gardens (behind Hoopers, Alderley Rd)
2 Old Meeting Houses, Altrincham Rd, Morley
3 St Anne's Church, Nursery Lane, Fulshaw
4 St John's Church, Davenport Green/Knutsford Rd, Fulshaw
5 VR post box, Stormy Point, Moor Lane (pictured)
6 The Observatory, 'South Stack', Fulshaw Park
7 Waters Building, Altrincham Rd, Morley
8 Morland House, Altrincham Rd, Morley
9 Wilmslow Parish Hall, Chancel Lane/Cliff Rd
10 Prestons (Jewellers), Water Lane
11 'Copper Folly', 43, Adlington Rd
12 The United Reformed Church and classrooms, Alderley Rd
13 Blackbrook Cottage and garden, Donkey Lane/Alderley Rd
14 The Corn Mill, Manchester Rd/Bollin Walk
Subsequent addition requested
The Dingle, Chapel Lane.
Possibilities for the future from recent developments
Chapelwood
Lawson Grange
Orchard Villas (pictured)
Newsletter August 2020
We hope all our readers have come through the last few months successfully. The crisis has forced your Executive Committee to revise our subscription arrangements as well as our intended programme.
Subscriptions
We are waiving the need for a subscription for the membership year 2021 Jan-Dec. So if you are a paid-up member for 2020, you will have membership until Dec. 2021. From Oct. 2020, the charge for non-members attending our meetings will be £4.
Our programme
We regret we have had to postpone the two summer outings. Because of the uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic precautions, our next three meetings will be available on Zoom only.
Anyone wishing to joining a Zoom meeting should please email: chairman@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
September 16th
Speaker, Scott Royal, Cheshire East Council: "Handforth Garden Village"
Zoom opens at 7.30 pm & talk will commence at 7.45.
October 7th
Speaker, Annabelle Tugby, Architect. "Challenges for Architects in Town Centres & Renewal Areas".
Zoom opens at 7.30 pm & talk will commence at 7.45.
November 4th
Speaker, Wendy Sinfield, Community Relations Manager, Manchester, Manchester Airport."The Future Airspace Project".
Zoom opens at 7.30 pm & talk will commence at 7.45. **
Planning
The pandemic does not appear to have reduced the number of applications worthy of our comment – more particularly:
20/1555M 'Bryancliff', Wilmslow Park South
20/1560M Proposed Nursing Home, Manchester Rd, Wilmslow
20/1432M 12, Bollin Hill (in Conservation Area)
And importantly 20/ 1586M Saltersley Hall Farm – seriously affecting the integrity of Lindow Moss.
We are very grateful to members Mike Redfern and Beryl Pearce who have volunteered to assist in the perusal of planning applications.
Wilmslow Civic Trust Design Award
If you consider that a building (or external part thereof) completed in 2020 is worthy of consideration, please email: chairman@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or telephone 01625 529739.
Our Membership of the national body Civic Voice allows us, inter alia, to comment on proposals of national concern. This will be a very active link in the next few months if/when a new planning regime reaches the legislative stage. At the same time, our membership provides certain benefits, one of which is a public liability insurance policy which includes cover for members attending meetings and participating in outings. We have been advised that members up to the age of 85 are covered for personal accidents but members over 80 are not entitled to permanent total disablement settlements.
Ray and Kath Acton, Newsletter Editors.
Newsletter April 2020
We are writing this Newsletter after three weeks of lockdown and reluctantly have to tell you that the planned visit to Peover Hall on May 20 has had to be postponed . We shall include it in a later programme. Serious doubts remain concerning the Guided Walk in Alderley Park on Tuesday, 14 July at 2pm. Nevertheless, we should prepare for good news as well as bad- so, if you wish to participate, please send to Keith Osborne on 01625 526547 your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if agreeable). If the Walk were to proceed, you would then be contacted.
We hope you are all managing under this strange regime. While it is true we can better appreciate the bird sounds, the blossom trees and the cleaner air, it is at an awful cost.
Our AGM (scheduled for 18 March 2020 at the Library) was held electronically and by post. We thank all of you who participated. The Officers and Executive Committee were re-elected. We hope that the speaker, Tony Collier BEM, will be able to deliver his talk on the recovery of Altrincham before long.
Our future programme is scheduled to start at Wilmslow Library at 7.45pm on Wed. 16 September 2020. Scott Royal of Cheshire East will talk about the Handforth Garden Village planned for the east side of the A34 by-pass, opposite M&S/Tesco.
On 7 October we switch to our new venue, the United Reformed Church (Alderley Rd/Chapel Lane) to hear the architect Annabelle Tugby, recently associated with the proposed re-development of the Tesco Express block in central Wilmslow. (7.45pm).
On 4 November 2020 we look forward to hearing from Wendy Sinfield about the proposed changes to take off/landing routes at Manchester Airport. (7.45pm).
We welcome non-Members to all these talks (£3 at the door).
For your 2021 Diary: Meetings will be held on 6 January, 3 February, 3 March and 7April(AGM).
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW MEETINGS VENUE FROM OCTOBER 2020. If the September meeting takes place, it will be the last one in the Library. We have felt for several years that our meetings were overcrowded with little chance of easy mobility. The new venue should give us more space. We do wish to thank the Library staff and particularly the tolerant caretaker for their service over the years.
We have been kindly loaned minute books (1930s and post 1945) of the Wilmslow Tradesmen Association (later, the Wilmslow and District Chamber of Trade) set up ‘to protect the interests of members…..and promote a friendly feeling between members’ – which in practice meant that the long-established family-run businesses made sure they all acted together e.g. over opening hours, holidays and petitioning the Council – and at the same time jointly guarding against ‘unfair encroachments’ such as that posed by the market and by large chains, especially those not founded on free-enterprise capitalism, such as the Co-op and the NW Electricity. This lies behind the questions ‘Should the Maypole be allowed to sell sweets?’ and ‘How much rate-payer money is going into the market?’
However, as we half-expected, the big issue from 1930 was parking in and around Grove St. Should there be parking on one side of Grove St? Should traffic still go N. and S. alongside the parked vehicles? What happens if there is a lorry delivering to a shop? Should the parking side be alternated (E/ W)? What should be the maximum stay if any? (Originally 15mins!) And (unspoken) ‘Are my rivals gaining on me?’ It was 1954 before the system of alternate side parking (plus a one-way system) was established.
These records give us a last glimpse of the old village – one with over 200 potential business members, many of whom had been in trade since the last days of Queen Victoria. This image is perhaps what lies behind our wistful and wishful cry to ‘revive the High Street.’
This April Newsletter will be delivered by e-mail or post. The usual deliverers are receiving a well-earned break.
Ray and Kath Acton, Newsletter Editors.
Newsletter January 2020
A Happy New Year to all our readers. We hope you enjoy the rest of our winter programme (January to March). At our September 2019 meeting we learned a great deal about the Tatton family and in October gained a good picture of what the Wilmslow Town Council can and cannot do. The recently revealed ideas for the redevelopment of the Tesco (Alderley Rd) property will no doubt be followed up at our February and March meetings (below). We hope you can attend and add to the discussion on what is very central to the purpose of the Trust. We thank all those members who sent us their views on the proposed redevelopment (Detailed update in next Newsletter).
Forthcoming Meetings:-
Wednesday 15 January 2020 ‘Improving the Jim Evison Playing Fields: Options and Implications’ – a discussion led by Scott Storey.
Wednesday 19 February ‘CheshireEast Council – Working with the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan’ Discussion with Council members/officials.
Wednesday 18 March Short AGM, followed by ‘The Recovery of Altrincham – What can Wilmslow learn?’ Tony Collier BEM.
All at Wilmslow Library. 7.45. Open to public. Non-members: £3 at the door.
Future Dates 20 May: Peover Hall (Visit) . 16 September: First talk of the winter season. Look out for our Events Leaflet in the Library.
Subscriptions are now due. Renewal form attached. Potential members may like to see: wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk Members using BACS must include initial and surname as reference and complete and return the renewal form.
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan was approved in a Wilmslow-wide referendum on 10 Oct 2009 that saw a 17.59% turnout: 3,109 in favour of Cheshire East adopting the Plan, 367 against. The implications of this vote will be the subject of our event on 19 Feb 2020(above).
Planning Applications. We continue to support/ object to planning applications and follow up members’ requests for advice and support – looking at design, materials, impact, traffic issues, compliance with guidelines and requirements and much more (tel. 525068).
Waitrose ‘Community Matters’ Scheme. Green tokens earned and fed into the box in the Waitrose store, Wilmslow, go towards a fund to return money to the community. Three local organisations are listed per month: could be the Wilmslow Civic Trust!
AGM : 18 March The Executive Committee members are Stuart Kinsey(Trust Chairman), Keith Osborne(Treasurer), Christopher Dodson(Secretary), Ray Acton, Rhona Beenstock, Hugh Cannings, Chris Fasciato, Martin Hoyle, Rob Sharpe and Peter Stubbs. All are eligible for re-election. A seconded written and signed nomination for any of these places should be in the hands of the Chairman(tel. 529739) by 13 March 2020, showing full name, address and tel. number of both nominee and proposer.
Design Award. The list is still open to receive nominated buildings(or parts thereof) suggested by members. Please ring Martin Hoyle on 525068 if you wish to nominate an example of good design of a structure completed in 2019.
Wilmslow’s History: File 1 is a collection of articles arising from talks given by Ray Acton. It includes sections on the Carrs, Chapel Lane, Christian names, Hawthorn Hall, the Grove St Chapel, The Ladies of ‘Elmhirst’, the Society of Friends and the Somervilles plus a twelve-page section on life in Wilmslow between the late 1930s and 1950. File 1 is published by the Wilmslow Civic Trust at £5 and will be on sale at our Jan, Feb and March meetings.
Ray and Kath Acton, Newsletter Editors.
Newsletter August 2019
This newsletter is published earlier than usual as we have two evening talks (September and October) and is written after one of the hottest days ever in Cheshire and one of the wettest summer spells. We hope you will receive it before the plague of locusts settles on Wilmslow.
Our Summer Programme was, nevertheless, very informative and interesting. On 23 May, members and guests were guided round the Portico Library and the Central Library, Manchester and saw the great variety of reference materials and access tools in the two contrasting establishments. It was yet another reminder of how much the city has still to offer. Many thanks to Christopher Dodson. On 31 July (re-arranged date), a large group was able to observe the Amazon process at its ‘Fulfilment Centre’ near Manchester Airport before proceeding to ‘The Romper’. Many thanks to Stuart Kinsey.
Our forthcoming Winter Programme:
Wed. 18 September 2019 ‘The Egertons of Tatton, 1598-1958’ Dave Thomas of the Family History Society of Cheshire.
Wed. 16 October 2019 ‘Wilmslow Town Council: Past, Present and Future’ Speakers from those with past and current experience of Wilmslow’s local government.
Wed. 15 January 2020 ‘Improving the Jim Evison Playing Fields: Options and Implications’ a discussion led by Scott Storey.
Wed. 19 February 2020 ‘Next Steps with the Neighbourhood Plan’ Speaker TBA. See below.
Wed. 18 March 2020 Short AGM, followed by ‘The Recovery of Altrincham – What can Wilmslow Learn?’ Tony Collier BEM. See item below.
These illustrated talks are held at Wilmslow Library (7.30 for 7.45, with refreshments). They are open to the public. Non-members: £3 at the door.
Next Summer : Wed. 20 May 2020 Visit to Peover Hall and Tearooms – a venue not on a well-worn visit or trail. June/July: we are aiming to organise a contrasting visit. The first talk of the 2020-2021 season will be on Wed. 16 September 2020. Full details of next summer’s events will be in the next Newsletter (Dec 2019/Jan 2020).
Executive Committee. We are pleased to welcome Christopher Dodson to the Committee and to the role of Secretary. Likewise we look forward to the contribution of Lata Anderson as Town Council representative on the Executive. We have invited Cheshire East Council to nominate a representative.
Trustees We are grateful to member Jean Wearne who has agreed to become a Trustee of the Wilmslow Civic Trust.
Subscriptions If you are reading this Newsletter as a non-member, you may like to consider joining our organisation which is concerned with the conservation and preservation of the town’s heritage and with the shape of its future development. Membership is £10 per calendar year(£15 family). A non-member can join in the period Oct-Dec and gain membership to December the following year – up to 15 months for £10. To read all about our objectives and recent activities, see our website: wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan. We continue to monitor its progress and understand that the referendum on its acceptability will be held on Thursday, 10 October 2019.
Planning applications. We have lodged our comments on several applications and thank those members who have sought our views and requested action on behalf of the Trust.
The Trust’s Information leaflet will be in the Libraries from early September.
‘Recovery of Altrincham’. Trust members are invited to attend a study visit to Altrincham Town Hall, Market St on Wed. 16 October 2019 10.30am to 3pm. Tickets are free and available via www.eventbrite.co.uk(then search for ‘Study Visit to Altrincham Town Centre’)
Heritage Open Days. Wilmslow Historical Society members are leading guided walks in the town centre to reveal Wilmslow’s history from early times. They start at noon in Bank Square on each of four days from Friday 13 September to Monday 16 September. To book a free place, call 01625 250881 as soon as possible.
Ray and Kath Acton.
Newsletter August 2019
This newsletter is published earlier than usual as we have two evening talks (September and October) and is written after one of the hottest days ever in Cheshire and one of the wettest summer spells. We hope you will receive it before the plague of locusts settles on Wilmslow.
Our Summer Programme was, nevertheless, very informative and interesting. On 23 May, members and guests were guided round the Portico Library and the Central Library, Manchester and saw the great variety of reference materials and access tools in the two contrasting establishments. It was yet another reminder of how much the city has still to offer. Many thanks to Christopher Dodson. On 31 July (re-arranged date), a large group was able to observe the Amazon process at its ‘Fulfilment Centre’ near Manchester Airport before proceeding to ‘The Romper’. Many thanks to Stuart Kinsey.
Our forthcoming Winter Programme:
Wed. 18 September 2019 ‘The Egertons of Tatton, 1598-1958’ Dave Thomas of the Family History Society of Cheshire.
Wed. 16 October 2019 ‘Wilmslow Town Council: Past, Present and Future’ Speakers from those with past and current experience of Wilmslow’s local government.
Wed. 15 January 2020 ‘Improving the Jim Evison Playing Fields: Options and Implications’ a discussion led by Scott Storey.
Wed. 19 February 2020 ‘Next Steps with the Neighbourhood Plan’ Speaker TBA. See below.
Wed. 18 March 2020 Short AGM, followed by ‘The Recovery of Altrincham – What can Wilmslow Learn?’ Tony Collier BEM. See item below.
These illustrated talks are held at Wilmslow Library (7.30 for 7.45, with refreshments). They are open to the public. Non-members: £3 at the door.
Next Summer : Wed. 20 May 2020 Visit to Peover Hall and Tearooms – a venue not on a well-worn visit or trail. June/July: we are aiming to organise a contrasting visit. The first talk of the 2020-2021 season will be on Wed. 16 September 2020. Full details of next summer’s events will be in the next Newsletter (Dec 2019/Jan 2020).
Executive Committee. We are pleased to welcome Christopher Dodson to the Committee and to the role of Secretary. Likewise we look forward to the contribution of Lata Anderson as Town Council representative on the Executive. We have invited Cheshire East Council to nominate a representative.
Trustees We are grateful to member Jean Wearne who has agreed to become a Trustee of the Wilmslow Civic Trust.
Subscriptions If you are reading this Newsletter as a non-member, you may like to consider joining our organisation which is concerned with the conservation and preservation of the town’s heritage and with the shape of its future development. Membership is £10 per calendar year(£15 family). A non-member can join in the period Oct-Dec and gain membership to December the following year – up to 15 months for £10. To read all about our objectives and recent activities, see our website: wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan. We continue to monitor its progress and understand that the referendum on its acceptability will be held on Thursday, 10 October 2019.
Planning applications. We have lodged our comments on several applications and thank those members who have sought our views and requested action on behalf of the Trust.
The Trust’s Information leaflet will be in the Libraries from early September.
‘Recovery of Altrincham’. Trust members are invited to attend a study visit to Altrincham Town Hall, Market St on Wed. 16 October 2019 10.30am to 3pm. Tickets are free and available via www.eventbrite.co.uk(then search for ‘Study Visit to Altrincham Town Centre’)
Heritage Open Days. Wilmslow Historical Society members are leading guided walks in the town centre to reveal Wilmslow’s history from early times. They start at noon in Bank Square on each of four days from Friday 13 September to Monday 16 September. To book a free place, call 01625 250881 as soon as possible.
Ray and Kath Acton.
Newsletter April 2019
Winter Programme
Our winter programme of talks has been very well attended. Dr James Pullé gave a clear and well-received exposition of the present situation and future prospects of Wilmslow High School. Linda Lowe succeeded in enthusing her audience during her talk on waste management. Our AGM –which included the perennial request for a secretary- was followed by a most informative talk by Tony Murdin on the re-opening of the Rex Cinema. The programme concludes on Wed. 17 April with a talk and discussion on the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan – a unique and wide-ranging list of policies that could affect us all. The Plan can be viewed on the CheshireEast website.
Our Summer Programme
We have two interesting and contrasting visits:
Thursday, 23 May 2019. Manchester Central Reference Library and the Portico Library. Tour starts at 11am. Early booking advisable. Response via email please, enquiries@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Thursday, 18 July 2019. The Amazon Manchester Fulfilment Centre (between the runway tunnels and the M56). Tour starts 10am. Optional lunch at ‘The Romper’. Initially limited to Members.
To reserve a place, please email, enquiries@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Full details later to those with reserved places.
Car Parking
The Trust submitted a detailed paper in response to CheshireEast’s Traffic Parking Consultation. It was critical of the poor-quality street census, of slack and indecisive parking supervision, of employers and planners who have failed to provide parking spaces for workers and of the threadbare state of public transport. More positively, we made suggestions as to where space may be found and created and requested immediate action.
Trustee
One of the Trust’s three Trustee positions has become vacant. If you are a Trust member and would like to help us through this far-from -onerous role, please talk to our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, on 01625-529739.
Membership
Membership(£10 per calendar year; £15 family – payable by early February) entitles members to attend the winter talks at no admission charge, receive three newsletters a year by post or e-mail, make contributions to our website and enjoy our summer events/visits, some of which are not available to members of the public. We are keeping the membership fee unchanged yet again but are increasing the talks entry charge for non-members from £2 to £3 with effect from 1 September 2019.
Planning Applications
The Trust examines controversial applications and, in many cases, sends a written response to CheshireEast. We are always pleased to advise members who may seek the support of the Trust.
Design Awards
The Trust is constantly looking for good building design (whole or part of a building) and follows up addresses received from members. We are currently receiving suggestions regarding any work completed in the calendar year 2018. Deadline for members’ suggestions: 30 April 2019.
Catch Up
To see our recent activities and Wilmslow images, check our website: www.wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk.
Beating the Bounds
Big community event to raise support for East Cheshire Hospice. Sunday, 19 May. 01625-531851 or 07867802744 (Ned Spencer).
Looking Forward
Our winter programme of talks will be held at Wilmslow Library (7.15pm for 7.45pm – with refreshments) on the following Wednesdays:- 18 September 2019, 16 October 2019, 15 January 2020, 19February 2020, and 18 March 2020(inc. AGM). Full details in the next Newsletter.
Ray and Kath Acton.
Newsletter January 2019
A Happy New Year to all our readers.
Our 2018 Programme concluded with two well-attended meetings – on the subject of fracking (which drew forth considerable debate) and on that part of the Wilmslow story from war to peace (1917-21).
Forthcoming Programme of Illustrated Talks
Wed. 16 Jan. 2019 ‘Wilmslow High School – Present and Future’ James Pullé, Headteacher.
Wed.20 Feb. ‘Waste Management’. Linda Lowe, Community Engagement Manager, ANSA Waste Management.
Wed. 20 Mar. Short AGM followed by a talk by Tony Mundin on ‘The Rex Cinema’.
Wed. 17 Apl. ‘The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan’ Presentation and discussion.
This programme aims to inform and promote discussion of topics which are relevant in the light of projected population growth, town centre proposals and the national debate about recycling and frequency of waste collection. We look forward to Tony Mundin’s reflections on the first few months of the re-opened Rex Cinema.
Meetings are held at the Library (7.45pm). Open to the public. Non-members: £2 at the door.
We are planning a visit to the Portico Library and Manchester Central Library.
If you have a particular desire to see any specific books/archival material, would you please contact Stuart Kinsey (01625-529739)?
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan
A revised draft has been produced and ‘adopted’ by the Wilmslow Town Council on 17 December 2018. This document is being submitted to Cheshire East, which, after consultation, will forward it to the Department for Communities and Local Government. There would then be a local referendum, probably in mid-2019.
Membership
We extend a warm welcome to all those new members who joined on 2018. Please note that if a new member pays the £10 membership fee (£15 for family) in the period Oct 1-Dec 31, he/she secures membership up to 16 months.
We thank all those Life Members who replied to our recent mailing re data protection. Some have very kindly sent donations. We would be very pleased to hear from the few who have yet to respond.
If you are interested in joining Wilmslow Civic Trust, please email us at enquiries@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Planning
We continue to watch over planning applications and give advice to members. One focus has been on proposals for land fronting Alderley Rd near Donkey Lane (formerly part of the garden of the locally-listed Blackbrook Cottage). The application (18/5455M) has not met with favour in the neighbourhood and the Town Council has recommended refusal.
AGM
The Executive Committee members are Stuart Kinsey(Trust Chairman), Keith Osborne(Treasurer), Ray Acton, Rhona Beenstock, Hugh Cannings, Chris Fasciato, Martin Hoyle, Rob Sharpe and Peter Stubbs. All are eligible for re-election. A seconded written and signed nomination for any of these places would be welcomed – to be in the hands of the Chairman by 13 March 2019 (contact : 529739), showing full names, addresses and tel. numbers of nominee and proposer.
We are pleased to announce that after an inter-regnum of many years, we now have a Secretary. We extend a warm welcome to Lisa McClory who will join the Executive Committee (subject to AGM approval).
Ray and Kath Acton, Newsletter Editors.
Newsletter September 2018
We have concluded another varied programme of events, favoured on the whole by good weather. Particular thanks go to Keith Osborne and Rob Sharpe for their organisation of visits to Gorton Monastery and to the Gaskell and Pankhurst homes in Manchester.
Forthcoming Programme (2018-19)
Wed. 19 Sep. 2018 Illustrated Talk: ‘Fracking Shale for Oil and Gas – the Myths, the Truth, the Future’. Dr Peter Webb, energy consultant operating worldwide. 7.45pm at the United Reformed Churchrooms, Alderley Rd, Wilmslow. Note the venue for this one meeting only.
Wed. 17 Oct. 2018 Illustrated Talk: ‘The End of World War One in Wilmslow’. Ray Acton. Venue: Wilmslow Library 7.45pm. How did the village face the challenges of food and fuel shortages, influenza, inflation, returning Forces, remembrance, a new electorate and the need for new housing provision? Did we learn anything? The Library is aiming to have a gallery exhibition during October on this period of Wilmslow history.
Wed. 16 Jan. 2019 ‘Wilmslow High School – Present and Future’. Talk by Dr James Pullé, Headteacher.
Wed. 20 Feb. ‘Waste Management’. Talk by a representative of Cheshire East Council.
Wed. 20 Mar. Short AGM, followed by a talk to be announced in the Dec/Jan. Newsletter. (see below – late news)
Wed. 17 Apr. ‘The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan’. Talk led by speakers from the planning team.
These meetings are held at the Library(7.45). Open to the public. Non-members: £2 at the door.
Lindow Common Advisory Group We are very grateful to Jill Dodson who has agreed to represent the Trust on this body.
Design Awards for 2017 Five submissions were considered but no awards were made. However, we feel that completions in 2018 should produce a substantial list for consideration. If you think a building or an extension should be considered, please contact Martin Hoyle (01625-525068).
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Many thanks to those members who responded during the consultation which ended on 31st August. Your Executive’s response on behalf of the Trust commended all those who had helped to produce the wide-ranging document. It was felt, however that insufficient attention had been given to current issues such as parking, school provision, Lindow Moss exploitation and the safeguarding of green spaces. Removal of description and illustrative material to an appendix would have increased the accessibility of the document. It was not clear by whom and by what means many of the attractive policies could be enforced. There was perhaps an underlying assumption that the Wilmslow Town Council possesses more power and authority than is the case.
Data Protection The Wilmslow Civic Trust (WCT) records only the contact details of members. This information will not be given to, sold to or exchanged with that of any other organisation. Members will be contacted by the WCT only in matters concerned with its aims. In the event of the cessation of a subscription, contact details will be deleted from our database. The Trust is writing shortly to all Life Members to bring its list up to date and reiterate its data policy in view of the annual request to Life Members for donations.
The Rex Cinema We very much welcome the news that this Wilmslow institution is being revived. So that essential work can be completed, funds are being sought by means of a membership-with-concessions. Full details at www.rexcinemawilmslow.com Look out for leaflets in the Library.
If you are not a member but share our concerns regarding the development of our community, please consider joining the Trust (£10 per year or £15 for family) and discussing membership with our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, on 01625-529739.
Editors: Ray and Kath Acton.
Late News: Tony Mundin, Director of the Rex Cinema,Wilmslow Ltd, has agreed to speak after our AGM on 20th March 2019. His talk is entitled ‘The Challenges and Satisfaction of Re-opening the Wilmslow Cinema’. Spread the word!
Newsletter April 2018
We hope you will find our programme of talks, walks and events both interesting and informative, as well as supportive of our role in fostering interest in Wilmslow’s civic life and the maintenance and creation of a pleasant environment.
Our Winter Programme(2017-18) continued in January with a most illuminating talk on the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office which is situated in Wycliffe Avenue. In February, we were given an interesting insight into the operation of Styal Prison. March saw Marianne Ridley describing some of her findings in her work on the digitisation of the Trust’s Millenium Project and showing the extent of change in the town centre over the last 18 years. ‘Full houses’ appreciated the efforts of all those speakers.
Forthcoming Programme(2018)
Wed. 18 April. Talk: ‘Wilmslow High School: Present and Future’. James Pullé, Headteacher. Venue: Wilmslow Library.
Wed. 23 May. Visit: Gorton Monastery, Manchester. Arr. 11a.m. Refreshments available by purchase. 11.30: Illustrated Talk 12.30: Lunch(soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee) 1.30: Guided Tour – followed by time for members to look around in their own way. Please book a place by 8 May preferably by e-mail (keithosborne@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk) or by telephone message(01980 863898). If by message, applicant should leave their name and tel. number. Charge: £15 per person. After confirmation of place, cheques payable to The Wilmslow Civic Trust and sent to Keith Osborne at 13, Parkway, Wilmslow SK9 1LS.
Wed. 20 June. Guided Walk – Return to Fulshaw Park. For members and guests who failed to obtain a place in 2017. Contact Ray Acton on ra@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or on 01625-418771. Please give name and tel. number if requesting a place by ‘phone. Meet 50 yards into unadopted road off Knutsford Rd (by ‘The Firs) at 7pm.
Thu. 19 July. Visit: The Manchester Homes of Mrs Gaskell and Mrs Pankhurst:
Please complete the tear off slip below (even if you have previously expressed interest) and send it with your cheque to the address shown as soon as possible (09 July 18 latest).
Morning: Mrs Gaskell’s House, 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester M13 9LW, 0161 273 2215
Web site: www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk
Suggested arrival time: 09:45
By car: M13 9LW – general parking on street max 3 hours
By train / bus: www.nationalrail.co.uk to Manchester Piccadilly > Oxford Road Stn > bus along Oxford Rd > walk.
By bus: 130 bus to Upper Brook St / Plymouth Grove10:00 Private tour starts, fully accessible all floors
11:00 – 12:00 self guided look around / self purchase coffee etc.
12:00 Lunch served in the Servants’ Hall
13:00 (approx) leave, 10 min walk or lift to:-Afternoon: The Pankhurst Centre, 60/62 Nelson St, Manchester M13 9WP, 0161 273 5673
Web site: www.thepankhurstcentre.org.uk
No parking, try MRI or Aquatics centre. No catering. Not fully accessible.………………………………………………………………………………………………………Tear
Please return this tear off slip asap (09 July latest), together with a cheque made payable to Wilmslow Civic Trust, to Rob Sharpe, 16 Hawthorn Grove, Wilmslow SK9 5DEWILMSLOW CIVIC TRUST VISIT TO MRS GASKELL / MRS PANKHURST
I/we wish to reserve place(s) below:
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Number |
£ each |
£ |
WCT Member with lunch |
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£15.00 |
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WCT Member no lunch |
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£7.00 |
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Guest with lunch |
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£18.00 |
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Guest no lunch |
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£10.00 |
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I/we are able to offer _______ number of lifts
I/we are interested in accepting _______ number of lifts, if availableI/we enclose a cheque payable to Wilmslow Civic Trust £____________
Name: Address:
Thu. 2 Aug. Guided Walk – History in the Chapel Lane Area. Ray Acton(see 20 June, above,for contact details) Meet 50 yards into Fulshaw Avenue at 7pm. (No parking on Fulshaw Ave).
Wed. 19 Sep. Talk: ‘Fracking Shale for Oil and Gas – the Myths, the Truth, the Future’. Dr Peter Webb, energy consultant operating worldwide.NB Venue: United Reformed Church, Alderley Rd
Wed. 17 Oct. Talk: ‘The End of World War One in Wilmslow’ Ray Acton. Wilmslow Library.
All talks begin at 7.45pm. Open to the public. Non-members: £2 at the door
Membership. Many thanks to those Life Members who continue to send voluntary donations. There are a few Annual Members’ subscriptions outstanding –hence the accompanying Subscription Renewal Form. Please ignore this if you have already paid your 2018 subscription – or, better, use it to recruit a new member.
Planning. Your Executive Committee has continued to comment on planning applications and has raised strong objections to Royal London’s plans for the areas to the east and west of Alderley Rd. Taking this land out of Green Belt was never satisfactorily justified and we feel that local people have been let down badly by the approval for development given by CEC’s Strategic Planning Board on 28 Feb 2018.
Requests:
Lindow Common Advisory Group. The Trust has long been represented on this body in order to present a ‘public user’s view’ on what is/is not happening on the Common, given that it was donated to the people of Wilmslow but later became a SSSI in which Natural England has a considerable stake. If you, the reader, would like to maintain the Trust voice on this group, please contact our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, on 01625 529739.
Secretaryship. We are currently running the Trust with no Secretary. The duties are on the whole routine, the Executive Committee meets only about half a dozen times a year and more major tasks, like maintenance of membership lists, would continue to be shared. If you are interested, please contact Stuart Kinsey (01625 529739) to work out the part you would be willing to play in helping to run and further develop the Trust.
Design Award. We have received several nominations of local buildings (or parts thereof) completed in 2017. The closing date for submissions is 30 April 2018. Let us know the address and why you consider it worthy……and we’ll take it from there (Martin Hoyle on 01625 525068).
Ray and Kath Acton
Newsletter September 2017
Welcome to all our readers and especially to our new members.
Our Summer Visits Programme (2017) proved varied and popular – ranging from the local (Fulshaw Park Walk and the Upper Garden at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal) to the more distant (Norton Priory, Runcorn and Ordsall Hall, Salford). Many thanks to Christopher Dodson and Rob Sharpe.
Our Winter Programme (2017-18):
Wednesday, 18 October 2017: ‘Police Community Engagement and what it means for Wilmslow’.
Wednesday, 17 January 2018: To be announced in the Dec. Newsletter. We are hoping to arrange a talk by the Information Commissioner.
Wednesday, 21 February 2018: ‘Running a Modern-Day Prison’ – a talk by Mahala McGuffie, Governor of Styal Prison.
Wednesday, 21 March 2018: Short AGM followed by a presentation of the Trust’s Millennium Project (see below).
Wednesday, 18 April 2018: ‘Wilmslow High School’ – a talk by Dr James Pulle, Headteacher.
Venue: After our recent experiment of meeting in the Information Room at Wilmslow Library, we have decided to revert to the Library’s Meeting Room. Refreshments will be served on arrival (from 7.30) and all meetings will start at 7.45pm.
Planning Matters: Your Executive has objected to aspects of application 17/2117M to demolish ‘Fernleigh’ and ‘Aysgarth (Alderley Rd) for apartments, plus a house to the rear (end of Greenway). The demolition –now stopped – was illegal as the application had not received Councillors’ approval (still awaited). We also submitted a detailed response to the Royal London Draft Development Framework – in which we indicated its many flaws and inconsistencies. We found it unacceptable regarding loss of trees and open spaces, traffic issues, house targets and much more. We believe that residents deserve more than a token ‘we-hear-you’ and that the document should be redrafted before it could be considered a sound policy statement.
We have also been indirectly involved in objections to a proposed house on Old Road (near the Parish Hall) and are anticipating an application for housing on the site of Heathfield Farm, Dean Row. In addition, we all need to examine carefully the highly-contentious Stanneylands Road application for 174 houses(Ref. 17/452/M : closing date 5 Oct). We would be grateful if members could report (to Stuart Kinsey, 01625-529739) all planning applications which they consider to be of concern to the Executive. We have responded to the consultation on Cheshire East’s Review of Supported Local Bus Services – as the Council seeks to reduce subsidies to local services. Thanks to all those members who responded as individuals.
The Trust’s Millennium Project involved making a large photographic collection to record the buildings and roads of Wilmslow – and especially the town’s businesses. We have decided to organise the images with details of buildings, ownership information and a commentary. We have supported MMU student Marianne Ridley with a small grant to help carry out this work and prepare a presentation referred to above. It is already proving to be an invaluable resource to show the changes in the town since 2000. We hope that eventually it will be available in the Library and at Chester Record Office.
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan. The ‘Emerging Polices’ have been published and are still subject to consultation which closes on 30 September. These policy suggestions are based on an earlier consultation when the public expressed views on the Town Centre, Leisure, Transport, the Natural Environment, the Townscape, Heritage and Housing. The Executive has responded for the Trust but there is still time for Trust members to respond as individuals. See www.wilmslownp.org.uk for an on-line return or, for a paper response, call at the Library and return the questionnaire to the Clerk at the Parish Hall, Cliff Rd. Wilmslow.
Editors : Ray and Kath Acton
September 2017
Late item: Please look at Royal London’s latest application (17/4469M)on the ChesEast website. It concerns car parking and a new road on to Alderley Rd nearly opposite to Donkey Lane.
Newsletter April 2017
OUR WINTER PROGRAMME The talk by Richard Briggs and Jacqui Bilsborough (The Lindow Trust) and that by Ray Acton (Wilmslow 1916) were well-attended and produced lively question sessions. The AGM attracted 35 members who heard Brendon Flanagan’s excellent survey of work in progress and future projects at Tatton Park.
MEMBERSHIP We were sorry to hear of the passing of Mr and Mrs Bob Hemmings who assisted the Trust in many different ways over the years.
AGM Our Chairman, Stuart Kinsey, presented Roger Bugler with a framed, signed photograph as a token of thanks for over 30 years’ service as Treasurer. Roger’s stewardship has been marked by careful attention to detail and conscientiousness in all his dealings for the Trust. We wish him well. Keith Osborne has been elected Treasurer but the Trust still requires a Secretary. This is not an onerous job as many tasks are taken on by Committee members. We do hope that a Trust Member will come forward to help out. Martin Hoyle and Christopher Dodson remain Trustees. We are seeking a third Trustee to replace Roger Bugler. Any Members who would be interested in helping the Trust by participating in a small review of our activities two or three times a year should contact Stuart Kinsey 01625-529739.
WEBSITE: We trust that you have found the new website more friendly. Look up reports of events and browse through our image collection. Members can also view our response to Cheshire East’s Site Allocation document which proposes a process for earmarking future development sites.
SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS:
THURSDAY 8 JUNE: Quarry Bank Upper Garden, Styal. 2.15pm at carpark entrance. NT members free. Non-NT (payable on day) £17.10 (covers whole-site). Option of afternoon tea(self-pay). A good opportunity to view and understand the restored glasshouse – and much more. Further details/apply: Christopher Dodson 01625-528829 or dodson@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk or 17 Carrwood Rd SK9 5DJ. Early application advised.
TUESDAY 4 JULY: Norton Priory, Runcorn. Guided Tour. Assemble 10.30a.m. Provisional details: £5 per member, £7 per guest. A chance to gain insights into a well- excavated monastic site(including unique gardens).
WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST: Guided Walk round Fulshaw Park led by Ray Acton. Join for 7pm start from the rough road (off Knutsford Rd) by ‘The Firs’ apartments. Parking along the rough road beyond our start point. A chance to see where the ‘Manchester Men and Women’ lived from 1860. Short distance walk. Group size: 16 maximum. Book early. 01625-527198 or ra@wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER: Visit to Ordsall Hall, Salford. Morning visit. Members £5, guests £7. Lunch available(self-pay). Grade 1 Listed Building – Tudor Manor House and Gardens. An amazing survivor in the city. Full details from Rob Sharpe (address and e-mail above).
PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Hillside Nursing Home, Adlington Rd. The Trust objected to an application(16/6225M) to demolish and build 14 apartments. We also objected to a scheme(17/0841M) to demolish and build on a corner plot on Harefield Drive. Both decisions pending.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: The Trust has responded to a consultation and aired its beliefs and thoughts on all the important topics – provision of services, transport , education, green spaces and so on. We have ensured that all nationally and locally-listed properties and sites plus our recent list of properties now awaiting CheshireEast’s acceptance have been recorded within the plan. See our website for the Trust’s submission.
IN BRIEF: At the AGM, Ned Spencer spoke briefly about the ‘ Beating the Bounds’ event on 21 May in support of the E. Cheshire Hospice.
Our meeting on 19 April (on the Neighbourhood Plan) is to be held in the Library’s Information Room for more space, with refreshments on arrival. We hope this will avoid the age-old ‘half-time scrimmage’.
On 4 April 2017, the Executive Committee agreed to sponsor one of eight gates to be erected around Lindow Common to prevent motorised intruders.
Our Life Members and Annual Members now total 212
Submission to Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan
Wilmslow Civic Trust welcome the opportunity offered by the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan for the parish of Wilmslow and having consulted with the membership the Executive Committee offer the following comments for incorporation within the Plan.
Consideration must address the town as a whole and whilst we address specific aspects below, they overlap and will therefore inform each other.
A HEALTH
Provision should be made for sustainable medical centres appropriate and adjacent to the sites identified in the evolving Local Plan Strategy and addressed by the Neighbourhood Plan. That is to say consideration should be given to such provision in the approval of developments so that there should be sufficient surgery capacity for the people who will be living in the area.
B EMPLOYMENT
Provision should be made for continuing and potential expansion and appropriate mix of office, retail and small manufacturing. Consideration should be given for alternative uses of longstanding vacant commercial premises and appropriate mixed use of residential above retail / office.
Transport consideration should reflect the employment needs and strategy.
C EDUCATION
The Neighbourhood Plan should address the potential need for additional student places whether by new build or re-commissioning of existing premises, such as the Oakenclough School at Dean row. It should influence allocation of funds provided under S106 / CIL with regard to education.
D LEISURE
Indoor / Town Centre Leisure
The Plan should address aspirations of residents seeking to enjoy a cultural and recreational centre; care must be taken to preserve and improve existing facilities.
Future development should encourage the sense of community and maintain the wider facilities currently offered by the Library service.
Outdoor Leisure
The Neighbourhood Plan should establish a hierarchy of local parish provision, ranging from large open space such as The Carrs through to smaller area provision such as the recreation ground on Gravel Lane. Policies should ensure facilities and access for all ages.
The Plan should also establish a fair balance of leisure opportunities in the evening economy, for example providing facilities for such activities as bowls, pitch & put and cricket.
E NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The Neighbourhood Plan should support and encourage the maintenance of Lindow Common SSSI and ensure adequate consideration of the ecology of the area and resolve the need to preserve the ecology of Lindow Moss. It should also support the maintenance and enhance the state of the pathway along the Bollin Valley.
F HOUSING
The Neighbourhood Plan should assess and provide for the needs and demands of the existing population for housing. It should ensure the fit between these needs and the current housing provision.
The Plan should address the aspirations of those wishing to move to the next market level (whether up-sizing or down-sizing) and those wishing to enter the housing market for the first time.
Needs and demands identified in the Neighbourhood Plan should be considered and incorporated into briefs for identified sites prior to house builders preparing their applications.
The Plan should be cognisant of and pay regard to the Cheshire East Residential Design Guide.
Crucially the urban design of the town as a whole, whether green or built environment, should set the scene and welcome and inform users of the town at the main gateways and along its main approaches. This is particularly important for key components e.g. the Carrs or the Town Centre.
G TOWN CENTRE
The Neighbourhood Plan should encourage creation of an attractive multi-function town centre able to compete with and complement the neighbouring towns and villages. The multi-function should include and encourage provision for residential use in the town centre and ensure that sites with potential for development or redevelopment to aid diversity of the centre, will be identified.
The plan should investigate the long term aims of the main pedestrian generators, which form the backbone of the current structure, namely the larger retail businesses, the leisure centre and Wilmslow High School particularly in respect of their relationship with public transport. This will ensure consideration is given to ensure convenient access for pedestrians within the centre.
The Plan needs to identify current need for change and ensure flexibility so that the town can respond and adapt to future needs. This will ensure convenience of access for pedestrians, cyclists and all modes of transport with appropriate levels of parking provision. Further aspects of transport are considered below.
The Neighbourhood Plan should recognise the importance of the smaller shopping areas within the Parish, such as Chapel Lane, Lacey Green and Summerfields which will continue to meet local needs and those of future developments.
The Plan should encourage improvement in the visual setting and character of the public domain of the centre. This may be by means of introducing urban design ideas which can be developed to suit the different scales for the elements of the town centre.
The Neighbourhood Plan should encourage an increase in the use of town centre premises for community activities.
H TRANSPORT
The Neighbourhood Plan should explore the range of potential changes to the road network aimed at improving all aspects of traffic movement in and through the town by assessing and assigning existing and future traffic projections to the road network for the base date and 2030.
The Plan should ensure that in all aspects of planning, sufficient provision should be made for increased demand for off road parking.
The Plan should ensure discussions take place with service providers regarding extensions to their service network which will cater for new development proposals.
The Plan should encourage the provision of a central transport facility, such as a rail and bus interchange, whilst ensuring that this does not impact adversely on users or the ease of access to the town centre.
The likely impact of HS2 on the current local and express train services from and to Wilmslow and the station’s reduced importance in the future, needs to be addressed in the Neighbourhood Plan.
The implications of the Neighbourhood Plan transport proposals should be assessed whilst in draft form and appropriate options for adjustments should be considered. Likewise the proposals should assess the implications of developments proposed beyond the Parish boundary.
I COMMUNITY
This should be an all embracing consideration in every aspect of the Neighbourhood Plan.
The Neighbourhood Plan should open opportunities for developments that would further the sense of community within Wilmslow whilst retaining the best of current facilities. Such areas will enable people of various ages and interests to convene safely both formally (e.g. special interest groups) or informally.
J HERITAGE
The Neighbourhood Plan should respect and enhance the heritage assets and pay regard to the information provided and maintained by the Wilmslow Civic Trust and similar interest groups.
The Neighbourhood Plan should promote the visitor value of the heritage assets.
THE WILMSLOW CIVIC TRUST NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2017
A Happy New Year to all our readers. Following our new title – the Wilmslow Civic Trust – we have a new logo, for which we thank Rosemary Stubbs.
Our Winter Programme began with an interesting and well-illustrated talk by Anna Russell who described in detail the plans for the redesign and expansion of Terminal Two at Manchester Airport. This was very well attended despite the last-minute change of venue.
The programme continues with:
Wed. 18 January 2017 Wilmslow 1916
Ray Acton will look at the ways in which the village responded to the stresses and strains of a long war.
Wed. 15 February 2017
The Lindow (Workhouse)Trust. Richard Briggs (Chairman) and Jacqui Bilsborough (former clerk) will explain the Trust's background and its continuing work to relieve poverty. This is an interesting story of how a body founded in Wilmslow in 1773 has held on to its purpose within the growth of the Welfare State.
Wed. 15 March 2017
A short AGM will be followed by a talk, given by Brendan Flanagan, on recent developments at Tatton Park and future plans for this National Trust estate.
Wed 19 April 2017
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan. Brian Donohoe will give a talk and lead a discussion on developments to date and on future plans. Throughout this planning process, full consultation with the public is essential. It affects all of us. This is a good opportunity to have your say.
All meetings start at 7.45pm at Wilmslow Library. Refreshments. Public welcomed. Non-members £2 at the door.
For latest developments, check our website, now redesigned following good work by Jill Dodson and Rob Sharpe.
www.wilmslowcivictrust.org.uk
Registered Charity:500319
Subscriptions
The annual reminder is despatched with this Newsletter. Subscriptions from Annual Members for the calendar year are now due by 8th February 2017. Subscriptions not received by the AGM on 15 March 2017 will result in lapsed membership.
AGM: 15 March 2017 at Wilmslow Library
The Executive Committee members are: Stuart Kinsey(Chairman), Roger Bugler(Treasurer), Ray Acton, Rhona Beenstock, Hugh Cannings, Chris Fasciato, Martin Hoyle , Keith Osborne, Rob Sharpe and Peter Stubbs. All are eligible for re-election. A seconded written and signed nomination for any of these positions would be welcomed and should be in the hands of the Chairman(contact through 01625-529739) It should show full names, addresses and tel. numbers of both nominee and proposer.
Design Award Nominations
Given that one of our purposes is to improve our community's environment, we hope that members will draw to our attention the design of any building or part thereof completed in 2016 which is considered to be a pleasing and appropriate addition to the Wilmslow scene. This would be considered by the Executive Committee for a Wilmslow Civic Trust Design Award. Closing date: 30 April 2017.
Neighbourhood Plan
Our representatives(Hugh Cannings, Martin Hoyle and Rob Sharpe) inform us that feedback from the first public questionnaire should be available early in 2017 and that the emerging ideas which affect the town centre and facilities should form the basis of a second public consultation – probably in the Spring or Summer, 2017. We are already considering a special meeting for members to express their views and there will be another opportunity on 19 April 2017 (see Winter Programme, above).
Planning Applications
Recent objections to the following have been made by the Trust: 16/5382M 'Rosegarth, 51, Adlington Road and 16/5610M Car Wash by the King's Arms, Alderley Road.
We are very disappointed at the result of the Inspector's examination of the Local Plan and will continue to work for an improved outcome.
Editors: Ray and Kath Acton.
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2016
Welcome to the first Newsletter under our new title adopted at the 2016 AGM. We hope that it will give a clear idea of what the Trust aims to encourage.
We thank Christopher Dodson for his services as Chairman and at the same time welcome him as the Wilmslow Town Council representative on our Executive Committee. We are pleased that Cheshire East Council has appointed Craig Browne as its representative. We welcome our new Chairman, Stuart Kinsey.
Our Summer Visits Programme (2016) proved varied and popular, with visits to Gawsworth Hall, Avro Woodford, Old Wilmslow (History Walk) and the Salt Works Museum at Marston,nr Northwich. Our publicity is reaching out globally; the History walk attracted a lady from Canada, though it is possible that she had crossed the Atlantic for additional reasons.
Our Winter Programme will as usual be held at Wilmslow Library at 7.45pm. Admission is free to members, £2 for non-members. The programme of talks ranges over Wilmslow Past,Present and Future. Please make a note of the dates:-
Wed. 19 Oct 2016 : Manchester Airport Anna Russell, Head of Communications at the airport, will talk about plans for future development.
Wed. 18 January 2017 : Wilmslow 1916 Ray Acton will look at the ways in which the village responded to the increasing stresses and strains of a long war.
Wed. 15 Feb 2017 : to be detailed in the January Newsletter.
Wed. 15 March 2017 : AGM and Speaker (to be detailed in the January Newsletter).
Wed. 19 April 2017 : The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan Talk and discussion led by Brian Donohoe, Neighbourhood Plan Chairman. (See item below).
Our Summer Visits Programme (2017) will run from June to September and consist of visits and a new History Walk in Wilmslow. Further details in the newsletters of January and May, 2017.
The Cheshire East Local Plan : the Inspector’s Hearings have been resumed and those concerning specific site allocations in Wilmslow are scheduled for 13-14 October.
The Wilmslow Neighbourhood Plan is occupying around 30 local people (including 3 members of the Trust’s Executive). It covers the whole of the parish and seeks to plan to meet local needs and aspirations in housing , transport, natural environment, education, employment, leisure, health services and town centre facilities.
For more information please see http://www.wilmslownp.org.uk
Members should book Wednesday, 19 April 2017 (see Winter Programme, above).
Our archives currently occupy a filing cabinet which is about to lose its space. Could any member please give it a home? If you feel you are able to help, please ring Stuart Kinsey on 01625-529739.
We are keeping the annual subscription at £10 (family £15) which, seen alongside rising costs elsewhere, represents really good value. Members are reminded that their membership is on a calendar year basis. Any late payment for the current year should be made to the Treasurer, Roger Bugler, 1, Lacey Grove, Wilmslow, SK9 4BJ – cheques being payable to ‘The Wilmslow Civic Trust’.
Our new A4 poster is about to be displayed locally, featuring an image of the Friends’ Meeting House, Bourne St. Our free Trail Maps are still available at several locations including local libraries.
We were saddened to hear of the death of Barbara Bell, widow of Professor James Bell. Barbara will be remembered as a tireless worker behind the scenes, helping to make our meetings successful.
Ray and Kath Acton.
NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2016
We are publishing our Spring Newsletter earlier this year so that members may have longer notice of events.
It also gives details of the forthcoming AGM on 16 March. We have included a nomination slip for you to nominate a person for the Executive Committee vacancies. This committee meets in members’ homes on Tues evenings about 9 times a year. At its most recent meeting it covered the proposed name-change(see below), membership recruitment, the programme of events, the progress made in listing Heritage Assets, participation in the Wilmslow Show, an update on the Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan (see below), planning application issues, our participation in the Wilmslow Partnership and our website.
The Executive Committee consists of the Chairman –Christopher Dodson, the Secretary – Christopher Evans, the Treasurer – Roger Bugler; Ray Acton, Rhona Beenstock, Hugh Cannings, Christopher Fasciato, Martin Hoyle, Stuart Kinsey, Keith Osborne, Rob Sharpe and Peter Stubbs. Members serve a 12 month term.
The Committee has several projects in hand and would welcome offers of help from any member wishing to make a difference to the life and appearance of our town.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
THE WILMSLOW TRUST AGM: 16 MARCH 2016 NOMINATION FORM
I wish to nominate…………………………………………………………….of……………………………………………………..
………………………………………………..(tel…………………………..) for election to the Executive Committee.
Signed……………………………(proposer)………………………………(seconder)…………………………..(nominee)
Name,address,tel. no. of proposer…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please return slip to Stuart Kinsey,12,Harefield Drive,Wilmslow SK9 1NJ by 9 March 2016.
The 55th Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 16th March at Wilmslow Library at 7.45pm. The following proposals will be put to the meeting:-
1. To amend Item 1 of the Constitution: ‘The name of the Trust shall be The Wilmslow Trust’ to read ‘The name of the Trust shall be The Wilmslow Civic Trust’
2. To amend Item 6 of the Constitution: ‘The Officers shall consist of the President, Vice President, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer’ to read ‘The Officers shall consist of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer’.
Election of Officers: Christopher Dodson (current Chairman) and Christopher Evans (Minuting Secretary) are not seeking re-election. Executive nominations(see form overleaf) most welcome.
Winter Programme
Wednesday 16 March 2016 AGM followed by a talk by Catherine Mackenzie on what the Wilmslow Business Group sees as its aims in the future of the town.
Wednesday 20 April 2016 ‘The Cheshire East Local Plan’. Adrian Fisher (Cheshire East)
Talks are held at Wilmslow Library(7.45pm). Non-Trust members: £2 at the door.
Summer Programme, 2016
Tues. 24 May. Private guided tour of Gawsworth Hall. 2pm. £6 pp(max 24), followed by optional tea on self-pay basis. Closing date: Fri. 20 May. Contact Stuart Kinsey
Tues. 19 July. Visit to Avro Heritage Museum (Woodford). 10.30am. Guided Tour and Vulcan Flight Deck Experience. Under £10,to be confirmed.Simple lunch options to purchase in Museum Café. Limited numbers; book soon. Closing date: Tues. 12 July. Contact Stuart Kinsey as above.
Tues. 9 August History Walk led by Ray Acton. Parish Hall carpark, 7pm. Short distance; easy going. Previously unexplored areas. 14 max. Book early: Ray Acton
Thu. 15 September ‘The Lion Salt Works Museum’, Northwich. 10.30am. Guided tour (£8) at 11am after purchasable refreshments. Tour lasts 1-1 ½ hours. Some steps and uneven floors. Purchasable lunch around 12.45 at the Salt Barge Inn. Lunch choices and directions later to members and guests choosing this event. Please book by Friday 15 April at the latest. Contact Keith Osborne
Ray and Kath Acton.
NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2015
We are pleased to announce that our membership now exceeds 260.
Over 40% of members can be contacted by e-mail.
There is much talk of change in Wilmslow, both in the centre and in more outlying parts. The Trust, as a widely-respected local voice, remains determined to continue to influence change in the interests of all who live and work in the town.
Winter Programme.
At our first meeting, Ray Acton showed how Wilmslow adapted to the first year of the Great War and how that experience was to be but a gentle introduction to the huge impact of the war from 1916. The programme continues with:-
Wed. 20 Jan 2016 ‘ Macclesfield Town Development’: Ken Smith, Chairman of Macclesfield Civic Society. This could be very instructive in the light of current debates on Wilmslow town centre.
Wed. 17 Feb. 2016 ‘Our Health Services’: Jerry Hawker, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Clinical Commissioning Group. This is a chance to learn about how our health services are planned and purchased, with a welcome opportunity to ask questions.
Wed. 16 March 2016 There will be a short AGM, followed by ‘The Wilmslow Business Group’: Catherine McKenzie will show what the Group is seeking in Wilmslow’s future. A good opportunity to raise issues that are all too familiar – the ‘future of the High Street’, rent levels and the domestic/office/ retail balance spring to mind.
Wed. 20 April 2016 ‘The Cheshire East Local Plan’: Adrian Fisher, Strategic Planning Manager, Cheshire East Council, will talk about the development of the plan to date and its particular impact on Wilmslow.
All talks are held at Wilmslow Library (7.45pm) and are open to the public. Non-Trust members: £2 at the door.
Summer Programme 2016
The first event will be a ‘private’ guided tour of Gawsworth Hall on Tues,24 May at 2pm. Cost: £6 pp (max.24) followed by optional tea on self-pay basis.
With sadness, we announce the death of Dr Ron Brunskill, OBE, Hon. Fellow and former Reader in Architecture, University of Manchester. His great interest was vernacular architecture and the historical use of building materials. He supported professional bodies and local societies alike in such widely separated places as Sussex and the Lake District. He was a modest man and an inspiring tutor. His ‘Brick Building in Britain’ (Gollancz, 1990) remains a major publication in helping us to understand our public and domestic buildings.
The Partnership Group.
We continue to play a prominent role in this new group which is embarking on a number of schemes to improve the appearance and facilities of the town.
The Trust will once again have a stall at the Wilmslow Show in July ,2016.
A group on which we are represented is taking the first steps towards a Neighbourhood Plan which will cover aspects and areas of the town not directly covered by the Cheshire East Plan.
Our website is gradually gaining the attention of members and non-members. Visitors to the site can find news items that come up between the publication dates of our newsletters(which themselves can be read on the website).
Annual Subscriptions. Renewal letters and forms are being sent with this Newsletter either as hard copy or in electronic form. If you are renewing on hard copy, it would be helpful if you could enter your e-mail address so that we can reduce future delivery costs. Thank you.
‘Remenham’, Bedell’s Lane. As we compose this newsletter, the decorative slates are being stripped from the roof of this Victorian house as the site is prepared for the construction of apartments. The house was built in the 1870s for Alexander Bedell, the son of a Scottish landowner who had moved south to the village of Remenham, near Henley-on-Thames. Alexander moved to Manchester and succeeded as a cotton and linen manufacturer. He bought the Remenham plot-which stretched almost to the King’s Arms- from his friend John Jenkins of Fulshaw Hall with whom he attended the nearby chapel. Alexander also supported Morley Chapel of 1869. His first wife died in 1875; his second in 1942 after 48 years of widowhood. His grave is at St John’s Church, Lindow.
NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2015
We welcome all our members – and particularly our new members – and hope you find our programmes of interest. The Trust continues to influence local planning decisions and encourage good building design.
Our Town Trail Map – available free at local libraries – is proving very popular, as are the Summer Town Centre Walks.
The Trust has its own planning ideas for the town centre and welcomes suggestions from members and the public who have particular concerns (Tel 01625 – 525068). Our Summer Visits Programme prioritises venues not generally open to the public. We work as a body and alongside other groups to try to prevent unnecessary development on the Green Belt and have frequently shown the potential of local brownfield development. We are represented on Cheshire East’s (CEC’s) Advisory Committee for Lindow Common and have played a part in securing improvements at Wilmslow Railway Station.
Our website is well worth a visit, not least for its collection of Wilmslow images and recent Newsletters.
Newsletter Distribution. To reduce costs and hold subscription rates, we are sending this newsletter by e-mail to the growing number of members (now over 100) for whom we have received e-mail addresses. If, as a member, you have such an address and wish to help, would you please send it to your Editors, along with your postal address? Thank you. Your name and address will be used only within the Trust.
A New Development. A provisional body – the Partnership Group – representing various town interests (including the Trust, Transition Wilmslow and the Business Group) has been set up. Initial funding for administration will be provided by CEC. This new body aims to initiate town centre projects.
Summer Programme, 2015. Ranger Paul Hughes steered an intrepid group around parts of Lindow Common unvisited since the Bronze Age and indicated a range of plant and insect life otherwise easily missed.
A refreshing visit was made to Robinson’s Brewery in Stockport. All participants returned safely and in a good frame of mind.
In August, Ray Acton led another Town Centre Walk and is planning a new ‘Then and Now’ route for next summer.
Members visit the transformative Whitworth Gallery extensions on September 10th. Thanks to Keith Osborne.
Heritage Assets The Trust is suggesting to CEC a few amendments to the current ‘local list’ and is proposing several additions. After discussions with the CEC Design Officer, we will publish our suggestions.
The Wilmslow Show The Trust’s re-appearance did much to remind visitors of our purpose and recruited new members. Many thanks to all helpers, especially Stuart Kinsey.
Memorial We are working on the design of a memorial to the work of Alan Turing (1912-54), the cryptographer, who lived for some years at ‘Copper Folly’, 43, Adlington Rd (see our Trail Map). It has been suggested that the installation of a plinth memorial on Parsonage Green (rear of Starbucks?) could be a project for the new Partnership Group (above).
The Romany Walkway (or the Romany Memorial Gardens; see Trail Map). Once the home of Romany’s vardo (caravan), it is the last vestige of the ‘gentleman’s pleasure ground’ fronting Green Hall. We are aware it is in need of attention – and could be another town centre project.
The Winter Talks Programme
All meetings are held at Wilmslow Library at 7.45 pm, Wednesdays. Members attend free of charge; non-members are welcomed (£2 at the door).
Wednesday, 21 October, 2015. ‘Wilmslow at War’
An illustrated talk by Ray Acton on the reaction of Wilmslow people to the first year of the Great War (1914-5). What were the Scouts guarding? Who were the men in pith helmets? Who were Max Weber and Alphonso Windelinkx? What would the Suffragettes do? Was it ‘business as usual’?
Later talks will be at the Library at 7.45pm on 20 January, 17 February, 16 March and 20 April 2016. Details in our next Newsletter.
If you know of a good speaker on a relevant topic,please let us know (01625-526547)
We now have over 250 members. Have your say through the Trust. If you are not yet a member,then £10 (£15 per family) will secure membership for a year (Tel 01625-525819).
Editors: Ray and Kath Acton
NEWSLETTER - MAY 2015
It is with much sadness that we report the deaths of two greatly valued members of the Trust and its Executive Committee. Professor James Bell was a founder member in 1961, in a successful campaign to prevent the absorption of Wilmslow into Greater Manchester. He was an accomplished architect and tutor, rising to the Head of the School of Architecture at Manchester University (1977-83). He served the Trust as Chairman, President and Honorary Life President. We remember his gentle authority, his listening ability and his help given to Executive members, especially in the areas of design and planning.
Robin Sibthorpe came to Wilmslow in 1978. He and Audrey served the Trust for many years as Membership Secretary and organisers of Newsletter deliveries. Robin took particular pleasure in organising cheese and wine at the AGMs – which, as with all his other tasks, he handled with great efficiency and a sparkling good humour.
Design Awards. Having made three awards for buildings completed in 2013, we are looking for nominations from Trust members and non-members for completions in 2014. If you have seen a worthy design, please let us know asap, so that our sub-group can pay a site-visit (Martin Hoyle 01625 – 525068).
The Wilmslow Trust Town Trail Map. Demand continues for this free document which not only helps the readers find their way around the town but also provides a brief history of many of its buildings. Available at Wilmslow Library. Further information and images are on our website.
Executive Committee. We are pleased to announce the election of Rhona Beenstock to the Committee(no ‘glass ceiling’ here!) The Committee continues to examine contentious planning applications and welcomes any such matters being drawn to its attention by members and the public.
Conclusion of the Talks Programme. Members enjoyed three most informative talks (Jan-Feb-March). We are most grateful to Birgitta Hoffman for stepping in at the last moment for the temporarily incapacitated Ray Acton and taking members through some discoveries about Wilmslow in World War One. The short talk following the AGM in March was a useful introduction by Ranger Paul Hughes to the Lindow Common Walk on May 21st.
Our Website now carries the Newsletter. It would help our funds and distributors if more members were to agree to receive their Newsletters in this way. If you would like to change, please discuss it with Jill Dodson who has kindly agreed to become our web link person. (01625 – 528829).
Heritage Assets
(a) Nationally Listed Buildings. There are 37 buildings in Wilmslow(exc. Styal). All are Grade 2 or 2*, except St Bartholomew’s(Grade 1). To see, google: british listed buldings.
(b) Conservation Areas. There are 4(exc. Styal). Google: cheshireeastplanning and type in conservation areas; go to conservation area maps.
(c) The Local List or List of Heritage Assets. There are over 50 items listed – historic buildings, landscapes, parks… even a milestone. While this list does not possess the legal power of (a) and (b), it can reinforce arguments used in planning application discussions. A potentially overbearing house-in-garden development was recently defeated at appeal, thanks in part to a ‘historic garden’ contention. It is important therefore that we do not lose part of our heritage through oversight. Your Executive is asking everyone who reads this Newsletter to
1. Check the Wilmslow buildings and areas in (a) and (b) above
2. Look at (c) (simply google: Cheshire east local list) and send in any suggestion for inclusion in (c) that is not already listed in (a) (b) or (c) to Ray Acton (01625-527198) by 31 July 2015. Many thanks.
The Wilmslow Trust will then submit amendments Cheshire East for inclusion.
Alan Turing Memorial. The Trust has initiated the idea of a memorial in the town centre and members of the Executive are working on a design.
If you care about Wilmslow, why not join the Trust (£10 per year or £15 for family: call 01625-525819)? Look for us at the Wilmslow Show. Read our Summer Programme and join us on our visits.
Ray and Kath Acton
Editors
NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2014
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Clive Bassil, a member of the Trust’s Executive Committee. Clive contributed much to the current debate about Wilmslow’s future and worked hard with some success to bring about improvements to the appearance of the town centre. As an effective group member he expressed his positive ideas with clarity, vigour and humour. He is greatly missed.
Our summer programme concluded with a very successful visit to Knutsford and our winter programme began with an excellent presentation by Ruairidh Jackson on Airport City. Our meeting at the Wilmslow Guild was addressed by John Scott who had many interesting things to say about the Peak National Park Authority which, inter alia, has to balance the often-conflicting views of walkers, drivers, farmers, quarrymen and power providers. The low attendance was of some concern and is being discussed by Committee members.
Our forthcoming presentations see Eleanor Underhill, General Manager of the National Trust estate at Styal updating us on all the latest developments (Library, 7.45, Wed. 21 Jan), Ray Acton showing how Wilmslow fared in the shock of World War One (Library, 7.45, Wed. 18 Feb.) and Paul Hughes, Ranger, updating us on developments on Lindow Common. This last meeting will include the Trust’s AGM; see below (Lib, 7.45, Wed. 18 March)
All these meetings are open to the public. Non-Trust members pay £2 at the door.
Christopher Evans has agreed to be our Minuting Secretary.
The Wilmslow Trust Design Award Plaque (2013) was presented to Waters Corporation at its Altrincham Road headquarters in November 2014. If you are aware of a building completed in 2014 that might qualify, please let the Design Awards Group know (Tel. 525068).
The Wilmslow Trust Trail Map was launched in late November and is available(free) at the Libraries, the Leisure Centre, the Airport, Quarry Bank (Styal) and Earlam’s coffee shop (opp. The Ship Inn, Styal). Please hurry to obtain your copy (and one for a friend!).
Our website has truly brought us into the 21st century. We are working hard to keep it right up to date. If you wish to see images of all the buildings on the Trail Map, you will find them on our website.
The Cheshire East Local Plan has not received a warm welcome from the government Inspector. Cheshire East Council has had to re-shuffle its team to tackle the issues raised and make what are euphemistically referred to as ‘adjustments’. Among many issues, that of insufficient emphasis on development of brownfield sites has long been a criticism made by the Wilmslow Trust. It remains to be seen over the coming months whether CEC gives these sites a meaningful priority for development over greenfield and Green Belt land.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING : 18 MARCH, WILMSLOW LIBRARY, 7.45.
The current membership of the Executive Committee is:-
Lifetime Hon. President : Professor James Bell
Chairman : Christopher Dodson
Vice-Chairman : Stuart Kinsey
Treasurer : Roger Bugler
Minuting Secretary : Christopher Evans
Membership Secretaries : Audrey & Robin Sibthorpe
Other Committee members : Ray Acton, Hugh Cannings, Chris Fasciato, Martin Hoyle, Keith Osborne and Rob Sharpe.
All are eligible for re-election except Professor Bell, and Audrey and Robin Sibthorpe(who are standing down).
A seconded written nomination for any of these positions would be welcomed and should be in the Secretary’s hands by 4 March 2015 (Chris Evans, 2, Burford Crescent, Wilmslow SK9 6BN).
Trustees : We are currently exploring whether to amend the constitution from ‘three named persons’ to ‘the following three officers’.
2012
Wilmslow Vision
Cheshire East Council have produced their Wilmslow Vision report and below are our responses, submitted to the Council.
Key Issues
1. Few would disagree with the Vision statement or the goals and objectives for achieving the Vision.
2. This is then seen as a suitable context for assessing specific options for sites primarily for future housing.
3. Housing needs are based on what appears to be an arbitrary assignment of housing from the estimate of total need for C.E.
4. No figures are given for the housing needs arising from the growth of the town’s indigenous population. Mention is also made of the need to identify some “safeguarded” land post 2030, but no figure is given.
5. The document refers to land use assignments. But only housing is considered - employment is to be considered later.
6. Without assessments of the needs and land required for other uses e.g. employment, community uses, open space and landscape setting or for options for improving the transport network, there is no rational basis for assessing the comparative merits of the housing sites identified.
7. No attempt is made to set Wilmslow into a wider context eg the development of the Woodford Airfield site, or the completion of the Airport link road.
8. It is important that Wilmslow continues to develop and accommodate local housing needs. If these are significant and cannot be accommodated on brownfield sites then it is suggested that rather than “rounding off”, other options are examined which are aimed at having less impact on crucial parts of the road network, e.g. the Town Centre.
9. Previously a significant number of derelict sites were identified in the town. No explanation is given as to the reasons for their exclusion.
10. A major incursion into the Wilmslow Green Belt would be required if 1500 houses were to be accommodated. Such an incursion would not be compatible with Policies in the National Planning Guidance.
11. The Town Centre Principles are flawed. There is an absence of base data and an understanding of its Structure and Character and many of the Principles are not well founded, e.g. the Alderley Road shared surface scheme.
12. Some of the Opportunity Sites identified for the Town Centre have no basis for inclusion until a parallel planning study involving a Lifestyle Centre has been completed and consulted upon.
13. As regards Infrastructure Priorities - essentially a first stab at a wish list - it is impossible for residents to identify priorities without some idea of relative costs and benefits. Some projects appear out of the blue, some are ill defined and others are premature prior to the completion of the above planning study.
We agree that is essential that Cheshire East completes its Local Plan on time to provide a context for development decisions and planning approvals in its towns. But housing assignments for Wilmslow cannot be made from this document.
May 2012
REVIEW OF THE VISION DOCUMENT
INTRODUCTION
1. Reference to the purpose of the document is a little unclear The views of the local community are in fact those of selected stakeholder groups, councillors, and the very limited reactions to the Place Shaping Consultations 2011.
2. The development options are limited essentially to housing.
3. Reference is made to the next steps but no information is given as to how Cheshire East (CE) will inform the public of the outcome of this stage of the Local Plan Development process.
4. The “Town Strategy” is extremely misleading. It implies that it is a comprehensive statement of the town’s future development options. This is clearly not the case. Only the possible future housing sites are considered. Thus it is a flawed document and can in no way provide a “comprehensive steer” to the content and direction of the CE Local Plan or a comprehensive evidence base.
5. Reference is made to CE looking at the Town Centre in more detail. Can the public be advised as to the composition of the team and whether a consultant is to be used? Also, can Wilmslow be represented on the selection process? Hopefully the team will include an experienced Urban Designer.
6. A list of Background Material is referred to. It would have been helpful –as part of the context for the Vision- if key factors had been summarised to provide a data base for this document, e.g.
a. The Cheshire Retail Study.
b. The local transport plan.
c. The Open Space Assessment.
d. The Strategic Housing Market assessment.
7. Wilmslow is located on the edge of a major conurbation. Significant projects, e.g. the completion of the Airport link road and the redevelopment of the extensive Woodford Airfield Site, provide important but missing parts of the context for developing the Wilmslow Vision.
8. As the Vision greatly impacts on the existing Green Belt, it would have been helpful to have shown the existing Green Belt Area on Figure 2.
BACKGROUND
1. The background information is inadequate and thus makes it an impossible task to comment on the validity or otherwise of the Housing assignments as well as the Town Centre Principles. The following should have been included.
a. the extent of the Green Belt. (see above).
b. existing employment areas.
c. an analysis of the existing commuting pattern.
d. existing traffic flows and capacities of the key elements and hotspots of the town’s road network.
e. the local centres, e.g. Summerfields and Chapel Lane, Wilmslow.
f. schools, their catchments and capacities.
g. the main open spaces, parks and recreation provision.
2. Some initial assessments could have been presented of alternative development patterns/options and how they might help to balance up traffic flows in the road network and minimise the impact of further growth of congestion in key areas, e.g. the Town Centre.
VISION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. Vision 2030. is a statement of the “ideal” that most Wilmslow residents would sign up to. But some reference to the difficult economic context and its impact on delivery should have been included here.
2. The Objectives are really Strategies for achieving the Aims.
3. The Aims and Objectives (component 5) illustrate the impossible task that CE has set the Wilmslow residents to assess the implications of the housing target and the merits of the allocations to option sites. With no illustrations offered as to the future development of the highways and public transport networks and an assessment made of the implications of developing in certain locations, the public is unable to assess the merits or otherwise of the residential allocations shown in section 5.
MEETING HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
1. We agree that the development of Wilmslow has to contribute to the housing needs of the growth of the indigenous population and new residents, providing that in doing so, key aspects of the Vision eg reducing congestion in the Town Centre are not prejudiced.
2. The suggested allocation for new housing is in the order of 1500. Does this allocation reflect the demands of the possible quite different age profile of Wilmslow households compared to that of Cheshire East as a whole and thus new household formation levels in the town?
3.Whilst we agree on the need for an element of affordable housing, the document fails to refer to the strong and growing demand for down-sizing from larger houses to smaller town centre and vicinity accommodation. Emphasis on such a provision would help to create movement in the whole market and result in some freeing up of property for first time buyers (the filter process).
4. The providers of affordable housing, e.g. private house builders and housing associations, will look to a variety of locational needs. The assumption that all sites should accommodate some affordable housing does not necessarily reflect these needs.
5. The suggested 16% increase in households arising from 1500 houses will impact significantly on traffic generation and congestion particularly on the East West elements of the road network. It would also impact on key elements of the social infrastructure, e.g. the High School. Can the school accommodate the resultant increase in pupils or will a new school be required?
6. What is the likely impact of large scale housing development proposed just beyond Wilmslow’s NE boundary (Woodford Airfield) on the town’s housing needs and transportation network?
7.No reference is made to the major brownfield sites close to and within Wilmslow which, if developed, could help relieve the threat to Green Belt areas in Wilmslow. The document also seems to flying in the face of recently published National Policy Guidance.
8. There is a lack of information about the amount of Safeguarded Land to be identified and the process and the time scale of any Green Belt review and public participation therein.
9. Despite the heading, this section has nothing to say about the employment needs of an increased population in Wilmslow. Where will these needs be satisfied? What will this mean in terms of increased traffic generation on the road network? Wilmslow may, as the report suggests, be well positioned to capitalise on its location and accessibility but not at the cost of increased congestion particularly in the Town Centre.
LAND USE OPTIONS
1. The heading is misleading as this section refers only to land use needs for housing.
2. It is impossible to consider numbers and locations for housing without a clearer picture of future employment needs to be accommodated locally.
3. Similarly it is difficult to estimate land use for housing needs without clear reference to the needs for, e.g., schools, open space and local centres.
4.The options presented are a continuation of a” rounding off –tacking on” development strategy.
5. Wilmslow is well served for NS traffic movements but the key is coping with increased EW movements particularly in and around the town centre
6. The potential sites assessment could have included options for development which because of their locations would have less impact on increasing congestion in the Town Centre. As further appraisal is anticipated it is important that the search is more comprehensive.
7. Fig.4 is incomplete; key roads and some areas of existing housing are missing. Whilst the capacities of possible new housing areas are shown there are no figures for sites F&H.
TOWN CENTRE PRINCIPLES
1. Whilst the Town Centre figures strongly in the Vision statement, the purpose of this section is not clear. Is it a preliminary exercise to provide a context for the proposed Town Centre Plan and initial public reaction to the Principles, or is it an attempt to provide a context for a quite different ongoing exercise involving the provision of a” lifestyle centre” as reflected in the opportunity sites identified in fig. 5?
2. Reference is made on page 7 to the Cheshire Retail Study 2011. What were its key conclusions and why are they not included in this section as an important context for the future of Wilmslow Town Centre?
3. There appears to have been no systematic mapping or analysis of 2 key elements of the Town Centre.
a. STRUCTURE- land use activities and access.
b .CHARACTER-its buildings and spaces.
In particular there is no assessment of the existing traffic flows and movements and the likely changes in these resulting from the housing development. How much additional parking is projected and how will it be accommodated?
4. No consideration has been given to the possible need for short term initiatives to help the town centre resist the impact of the economic down turn. How vulnerable is the Centre; is it better placed than others ; how might it respond ? This should be addressed in the Town Centre Plan.
5. No mention is made of the important role of the Town Centre location for accommodating housing aimed at down-sizing referred to earlier.
6. Fig 5. In the Town Centre Principles, illustrates the apparent lack of understanding of the existing and likely future context, e.g. traffic movement and flows and how the constraints these are likely to impose on options for much needed environmental improvements. The all embracing shared surface principle, presumably similar to the Poynton High Street example, is likely to be an inappropriate option for Wilmslow.
7. Opportunity sites are included without any explanation as to how and why they would become available. If they were included because they are linked to an ongoing separate Town Centre Redevelopment assessment, their inclusion is premature and they should not have been referred to in the Vision Document. Their inclusion can only lead to responses to the Questionnaire being led to false conclusions.
8. The Hawthorn Lane/Grove Street intersection is shown as a potential town square. Such a proposal would require the retention and reinforcement of Wilmslow Town Centres “dumbbell structure” (key anchor locations and related retail spine ) major changes to traffic flows and the introduction of a public element in this location.
9. How would a “Hopper Bus”(referred to in section 7) be accommodated?
This does not appear in the Principles Plan Fig. 5.
10. Most residents would agree with some of the priorities listed but their relative merits in terms of comparative costs, benefits and feasibility would play an important part in any process of prioritisation.
11. As a first shot at starting the debate prior to the preparation of a Town Centre Plan section 6 has some merit.
INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES
1. The Wilmslow Vision is not a comprehensive set of development proposals for the town. It is therefore an inadequate basis for defining a set of infrastructure projects. Put as a “wish list” most would be in favour of the Potential Projects listed.
2.The build up of available funds for such projects is likely to be slow and reflect the constraints of the current economic climate.
3. Some projects are not well defined, e.g..
a. Renewable energy project in Wilmslow Park,.
b. Small units for start up businesses.
4. Potential Projects 10, 11, and 13, should not have been included as they require the outcome of an ongoing exercise which is yet to be published and commented on by Wilmslow residents.
5. The lack of detail for the projects listed means that no relative costs or benefits can be given thus it is impossible for residents to give a rational response in terms of priorities.
6. The Local Plan should reflect the current economic development climate as well as looking ahead to some rosier times.
7. In the meantime the focus in Wilmslow should be on drawing up a list of urgent short term measures to improve the local environment particularly in the town centre.
The Document states it has three purposes. A Vision for Wilmslow - Section 3 - is comprehensive. The views of the Workshop representing the public are referred to and possible ideas for the Town Centre aired. However the main purpose is to consider options for Land Use, primarily Housing. The Document does not present a sound basis for selecting from the options presented.
In view of the strength of the concerns emerging from the Wilmslow Residents it is hoped that Cheshire East will consult openly about the conclusions drawn from this Consultation exercise prior to the development of the Local Plan.
May 2012