Wulvern tackling homelessness

Crewe-based Wulvern Housing has joined forces with over 100 other housing associations in the North West to make a pledge to tackle homelessness in the region. A set of commitments have been launched this week, in the run up to Christmas, a time of year when it seems even more shocking that people can be homeless in our society. The report ‘The North West’s housing associations - our commitments to tackling homelessness’ reveals there are simply not enough homes in the region. Waiting lists for a social home increased 10% in 2008 to 234,500 households, and have grown by over 50% in the last five years – the biggest rise in the country. This is set to increase further due to the economic downturn unless action is taken.

Wulvern is one of over 100 housing associations who have already signed up to the commitments. Collectively they manage over 450,000 homes. Rob Allen, Director of Partnerships at Wulvern, said: “We welcome the report and are delighted to sign up to the commitments. The work that Wulvern does investing in communities can address some of the issues highlighted in the report by addressing factors that make people more likely to become homeless”.

Photo quiz

Nothing in from Howard this week (get well soon fella) so I'll revert to a snap I took t'other week when I was out walking around the outskirts of town. But where was I last Sunday?

Blog winds down...

Thanks to all who have read, helped with and contributed to the blog across the last year. From today there will be a wind down phase as more time is spent doing other stuff. Plenty scheduled to appear over the next ten days or so, but anything sent in over the next few weeks probably won't make it onto the blog. After the New Year there will be updates but, perhaps, just one every couple of days. Looking forward to Queens Park progress, the Gridiron UK film and, of course, how the general election pans out in Crewe & Nantwich. We'll be covering those events but, sadly, not a lot else. Time is already lacking there are other priorities for 2010. So cheers to all, enjoy the festive holiday and best wishes for the New Year...

Hospital volunteer brings cheer

The generosity of a hospital volunteer has helped bring Christmas cheer to the Macmillan Cancer Unit in Crewe. Gillian Pass has been a volunteer in the Macmillan Cancer Unit since it first opened in May 2008. Gillian helps out in the Information and Support Unit and, as a volunteer, helps make a difference for cancer patients, their carers and relatives. Gillian has been involved in numerous fundraising events to raise valuable funds for Macmillan and the unit. Most recently, she raised £400, which she split between the Residents’ Association at Hazelmere Care Village and the Leighton Hospital Macmillan Cancer Unit.

With this kind donation of £200, the Information and Support Unit has been able to purchase a number of small Christmas gifts to give out to patients using the cancer unit during the days leading up to Christmas. Hannah Woolaghan, Macmillan Information Manager, said: “I want to say a big thank you to Gillian and our wonderful volunteers. Since the opening of our unit, Gillian has helped out voluntarily each week, providing me with invaluable support. Gillian is our longest serving volunteer and helps me out immensely with general duties including administrative work and the meeting and greeting of people using our unit. I know that Gillian is very much appreciated, not only by me but, more importantly, by people receiving cancer care or support and advice in the Macmillan Unit.”

Gillian (left) is pictured with Hannah Woolaghan, Macmillan Information Manager at the recent World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

It all starts at The Imp!

More on the local music front... new band The Start have got three gigs in Crewe over the Christmas period, with the first session on Wednesday 23rd December at the Imperial pub on Edleston Road. They are playing New Year's Eve at the Hop Pole pub on Wistaston Road, before starting 2010 at the Brunswick on Saturday 2nd January. They are a five-piece band playing various covers, such as The Jam, The Pigeon Detectives, Morrissey, The Cure, The Fratellis, plus lots more. Support them at one (or all) of our local pubs...
The Start are: Graeme Malam (Vocals) Aidy Lloyd (Rhythm/Lead Guitar) Tony Tweats (Bass Guitar) Adam Tweats (Rhythm Guitar) Andy Smith (Drums)

Crewe's future discussed...

Fear not, Crewe's future is in safe hands and being discussed behind the scenes. Indeed, businesses, trade unions and the local community attended an event at Crewe Alexandra FC last week as part of the Crewe Visioning initiative being led by Cheshire East Council. Consultants SQW, who are supporting the council in developing the vision, presented findings of the first half of their work, which sets out the options for the economic future of Crewe over the next 10-20 years. These range from maintaining its current economic position, to ambitious plans for growth and investment.

This vision is to identify a new strategic direction for Crewe, and to ensure that it is both deliverable and sustainable. The project team will also present a strategy for the delivery of existing projects, ensuring strong stakeholder support and provide a clear framework for the delivery of new investment. Finally, establish a delivery mechanism that harnesses private, public and the voluntary sectors in a common purpose for the development of Crewe.

That all sounds fantastic, but will these fine words be put into action in 2010 and beyond? Council Leader, Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, said: "We recognise that Crewe needs supporting and that, as a new single-tier authority, we have the opportunity to make a real difference. Crewe matters - it is an important place not just within the Borough, but to the wider North-West Region and beyond. We need to act quickly since major decisions will be taken about regional policy over the next few months. This meeting today is a very important step in the process and an opportunity for all key partners to contribute to the development of the vision.”

REDCARD launch night

Getting the REDCARD doesn't have to mean a sending off, and the new card was successfully launched last Wednesday at Wychwood Park Hotel. Member Outlets and other local businesses attended the event to celebrate the launch and do a bit of last minute networking before the Christmas holiday period. The night started with Glenn Powell, REDCARD’s Business Development Manager, welcoming the guests and giving a short presentation on how the scheme works. Presentations from Iain Gray, General Manager of Wychwood Park Hotel, and Pete Vernon, one of eZe Talk’s Directors, followed and highlighted the importance of local businesses working together. Others present included Lakeside Superbowl, Cartridge World, PC Input, Minuteman Press, Enterprise Rent a Car, CTC Physiotherapy, Arriba Wellness Club and Storage Boost. Delegates then dug deep and purchased REDCARDs at £5 each for the charity raffle that raised £125 for St Luke’s Hospice.

Details about the REDCARD scheme can be found on the website here. Any local businesses that would like to sign up to the scheme should contact Glenn Powell on 07989-300989.

Local bands around town...

Loads of great music, bands and solo artists around the town, inc the likes of Flux (pictured) who play The Box on Friday 18 December. Plenty to see across the Christmas period and either side of the New Year. If your band is playing a Crewe pub or club let us know and we'll carry a few posts over the coming weeks...

Also on Friday 18th you can see Mutha Humbucker at The Imp (free entry), with the Edleston Road pub also welcoming local family band Beardsmith on Tuesday 22nd and The Start on Wednesday 23rd December...

Busy few days for The Cat!

Make sure you tune in to the Cat over the next few days as it nears the end of its current broadcast. The local radio station for Crewe and Nantwich will continue online here in the New Year, and longer term has hopes of a permanent licence. DJ Neil Davis managed to catch a quick chat with Santa Claus the other day, and he will be playing his interview on Sunday between 11am and 2pm. He's a busy lad at the moment, as he's at the Lyceum on Wednesday (today) to interview panto star David Lonsdale from Heartbeat. Also, he'll be at the Santa Dash in Nantwich this weekend, hopefully getting a word with Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City player) and Sophie Reade (Big Brother winner). Tune in on 87.7FM or click the Cat logo on the right to visit the station's website and access the online player...

Tesco submits plans for new store

Tesco has submitted a planning application that could transform its Vernon Way store. The proposals are similar to Sainsbury's who hope to start work on their new Crewe supermarket across the road on the old MFI/Dunelm site after Easter 2010. The new store will have twice the floor space on a upper level (built on stilts), with car parking beneath on the ground floor. The supermarket has already consulted with customers and local agencies and few objections have been received. One proposal, from Sustrans, is that the design should include a pedestrian/cycle path across Vernon Way linking the store with Prince Albert Street. Sounds impressive, and coupled with the existing Sainsbury's scheme this area of Crewe could be completely transformed within the next two years... Thoughts?

Local snapper in print

Over the last few years we have featured numerous local photographers on the blog, Jamie Anderson being one of them. He sent us some great images from Queens Park (above) a few months back. Born and bred in Crewe, he studied photography at South Cheshire College and now takes photos whenever he gets a chance. He sells prints through his Flickr website here, and on his Etsy shop. He also has a new book out. It's a snapshot of his 2009 adventure, with images from California, New York, some in Spain and Manchester, and a few in Crewe (he has done a Crewe Market project, see his Flickr account), Nantwich, and other areas out in the sticks, like Worleston! Check it out here...

Academy kids get Westminster treat

Two youngsters with disabilities from the nationally renowned “Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts” based on Macon Way in Crewe were recently given a treat of a lifetime by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson when they were invited to visit the Houses of Parliament in London and find out about the workings of Parliament. The MP took two hours out of his busy schedule to show 11-year-old Ryan Moore and 14-year-old Christopher Brown around the historic buildings. He organised refreshments for the group on the terrace overlooking the River Thames and took time to sit and explain about the historic buildings and there workings. The youngsters, who were accompanied by Jane Whetnall and Kate Shackleton from the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts, based on Macon Way in Crewe, were incredibly impressed with the effort made by the local MP on behalf of the Children.

Town Council meeting, 18th December

You are invited to attend a debate on the formation of a Town Council for Crewe at the new Beechmere building on Rolls Avenue in Crewe on Friday 18th December, from 2.30pm. Guest Speakers include Alderman Mr Peter Kent and Councillor Ray Westwood. This is a public meeting, open to all. So do you want a Town Council - yes or no, you decide?

Santa, reindeer... no camera!

Update: we like Christmas photos on the blog, so cheers to Melanie from the Market Centre who sent these images. As posted last weekend, I managed to forget my camera!

A strange thing happened in town on Saturday. I didn't take my compact snapper, nor did I take my mobile phone (also with camera). It was liberating in a way, but frustrating when I realised that so much was happening around town that really should be captured for the blog. We'd been to grab a few bits and, later, a Christmas tree. Most shops were packed and it was sad to see what this busy, festive time of year does to some people. Where one item remained on a shelf I saw two people almost wrestling to secure it. When long queues snaked away from overworked tills it was disappointing to see those at the back of the line dash to the front when a new checkout opened. Whatever happened to simple manners and courtesy? Still, the reindeer parade from the Market Centre into town was fantastic and kids' eyes danced with joy as the Santa crew was joined by Crewe Mayor Dorothy Flude and members of this year's panto cast. There was a real festive feel to the town centre and everyone was smiling. Back home we dressed the tree and switched on the lights. I still think that late November/early December is far too soon, but each to their own. We'll stick with 12 days before Christmas thank you very much...

Rapid progress at Queens Park

From seemingly grinding to a halt, the progress at Queens Park has been rapid over the last few months. With the first new bridge due to be installed this week there was also a landmark installation completed on Monday afternoon. The bandstand Cupola was returned having been restored (offsite) to her former glory. The overall bandstand structure is due for completion towards the end of January, and the conservation work is clear to see as many repairs and refurbishments have been undertaken. A temporary framework was erected to protect the structure, enabling the roof to be raised from its original columns. Wood panels and stonework have been removed and repaired. A total of four columns have been replaced, following corrosion as they were used as downspouts, the replacements now have rubber linings to protect the interior.

The lantern and cupola, being the top portion of the bandstand, is probably the most spectacular and can be seen in its refurbished glory with a copper finish and a gold leaf terminal. This was all refitted in one piece on Monday. The design will allow bats to use the space without damaging the rest of the roof structure. Cheers to Elaine and Ade for the photos...

On Target at The Express

More on the local music front with The Targets scheduled to play at The Express pub (Mill Street) on Saturday 19th December, from 9pm - FREE entry. Another fresh sound, this time three lads from Winsford who have played the Crewe area on a number of occasions. Raw, energetic and exciting, this bunch sound fantastic in pubs and clubs. Well worth a look if this is your kinda sound...
.
The band is made up of Conrad Ellis (guitarist/lead vocals), Sam Bell (bass/backing vocals) & Jess Whitmore (drums/backing vocals). The lads got together in December 2004 as 12 & 13 year old school friends wanting to burst onto the music scene. Now, a few years later, they have a real chance. The band has supported a number of original and tribute bands, including Stiff Little Fingers, From the Jam (Bruce Foxton & Rick Buckler), The Jamm, Who's Who, The Sex Pistols Experience and many others. Also, two of the lads have acting aspirations. In late 2008, Conrad and Sam auditioned for the parts of Lennon & McCartney for a film called Nowhere Boy. after two auditions both parts went to established actors, but Sam won the part of George Harrison, and Conrad picked up a cameo role as John's cousin. The film was recorded earlier this year and was well received as the closing film in the British Film Festival last month, and has been nominated for numerous awards ahead of its general release on 26th December. Good luck both.
.
Here's a live video of the lads in action at DeBees in Winsford...

Can you help the Railway Children?

Received this via Facebook, so if it's something that you could help with this Friday contact the Railway Children team asap...

"We need a big favour from anyone in the Xmas spirit of giving. We've got a big PR event for street children in London on Friday (18th) and the volunteers that were going to help no longer can. We need around 20 people to help us for a couple of hours. You can have a free rail ticket to get there (Virgin trains only) and go xmas shopping after if you want to. Please call us on 01270-757596 or email r.capener@railwaychildren.org.uk"

Wardens make the grade

Cheshire East Borough Council's team of Community Wardens are celebrating their success in achieving the Community Safety Accredited Persons Certificate NCFE Level 2 in their role. Now that they have been accredited they will have a wide range of new powers to tackle crime and anti social behaviour. The training was delivered by various methods including practical exercises, research, group discussion and networking opportunities. Candidates were required to demonstrate how they would deal with difficult situations such as reporting and recording evidence, angry litter offenders, promote community safety and contribute to community development as they arose during the working day.

Councillor Brian Silvester, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, who participated in the presentation, said: "Our Wardens do an excellent job and they are really appreciated by local residents across Cheshire East. I am delighted that they will now have much increased powers to tackle anti social behaviour and crime."

Community Wardens with (from L-R): Cheshire East Council Deputy Leader, Brian Silvester, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Safer and Stronger Communities. Tony Potts, Cheshire East Council's Community Safety Advisor and Peter Hartwell, Cheshire East Council's Head of Safer and Stronger Communities.

C&N Girls done good

C&N GFC U14s were in action at the weekend in their last match of the Cheshire Girls League. It was a top of the table clash with local rivals Sandbach Utd. This was always going to be the toughest match of the league fixtures as Sandbach had not dropped a point all season. The game lived up to expectation!

C&N started without 'keeper Kara Townsend, but Sophie Brooks did a fine stand-in job and managed to deal with the early pressure from the lively Sandbach forwards. Thankfully, C&N took the lead on 10 minutes. Almarni Williams hit a strong cross to the back post allowing Caitlin Shaw to crash the ball home. Sandbach levelled, but five minutes before half-time C&N took the lead for the second time. Sophie Brooks hit a long ball over the Sandbach defensive line, which the 'keeper claimed high in the air. She failed to hold the ball and Mary Turley was first to react and claim the loose ball before passing it into the Sandbach goal for 2-1.

On a heavy pitch both teams started to tire, and with 15 minutes left to play Sandbach drew level with a shot that looped over Kara Townsend. C&N had to withstand some pressure in the final few minutes, before the final whistle blew and recorded a 2-2 result.

This was a fantastic advert for girls football. Two committed teams, showing great skill and determination, played with great spirit. This was a fair result. C&N GFC became the first side to take points from Sandbach Utd this season and at the same time secured the runners up trophy and a Champions League spot for the New Year. All the girls were brilliant!

Photo quiz

Ok, following last week's stinker of a photo quiz from Howard, here's something a little easier. Some fine words, but where would you find this stone around the Crewe & Nantwich area? Answer: Crewe Cemetery

Sherborne regeneration starts...

Phase one of a £4.5 million regeneration project has got underway on Wulvern’s Sherborne Road estate in Crewe. The demolition machinery moved in, marking the start of the physical facelift of the estate which covers part of Sherborne Road, Haslemere Way, Greeenacres and Rodean Walk. The regeneration will see a redesign of the estate. Phase one includes the demolition of 13 properties to open up and create public spaces, the remodelling of 53 existing houses, the creation of nine new homes, community facilities and traffic calming measures to increase road safety. Residents on the estate have been involved in every step of the process and joined Wulvern staff, Councillors and other community partners to witness the demolition of the first buildings.

Resident Sarah Dixon commented: “I was one of the first people to move on to the estate in 1970. Back then it was beautiful and the homes were very much sought after. I can’t wait for it to be an estate to be proud of again.”

Wulvern’s Regeneration Manager, Sue Crum said: “The aim is to move the layout of the estate away from the 1970’s and achieve a more open and spacious design more relevant to today’s needs. Working with residents and other agencies we are continuing to develop The Bungalow as a base for community initiatives, bringing services into the neighbourhood to support financial inclusion, lifelong learning, health and family support. Although Wulvern are funding the project, there has been a united effort with Cheshire East, community groups, partnership agencies and most importantly the residents, for support, input and momentum, which will of course continue long after the construction work is complete.”

As part of the demolition, Crudens Construction and Wulvern have in place a Site Waste Management Plan, which promotes the recycling of waste materials wherever possible. Sue explains: “We are constantly looking at ways of reducing waste and recycling wherever we can. We will be reporting back to residents the amount of waste from the demolition and how we can re-use it in the Regeneration Scheme”.

Anyone wishing to view the plans for the estate should call in to the neighbourhood surgery at The Bungalow, 28 Sherborne Road, open every Monday from 2 – 5pm.

Peter Kent recognised

Most Crewe folk will know a bit about Peter Kent. Councillor, Labour party man, mayor and even featured in my new book! Seriously, he's a local fella who has done much for the town. His Conservative opponents will scoff, highlighting errors (allegedly) made by him or his party. Still, having chatted to the man on many occasions I'd have to say that he has always had Crewe's best interests at heart. Oh, and he's an Alex fan as well. Still, last week Honorary Alderman Peter Kent was presented with the Labour Party’s prestigious ‘Award of Merit’ by David Williams and Stephen Twigg. The award recognises a lifetime’s dedication to the Labour Party.

David Williams said: “Peter joined the Labour Party at the age of 15 and has dedicated his life to working for our principles and policies. He has played a very important part in improving the lives of many people over the years and I am pleased that I and the Labour Party in general can show our appreciation of his work through this award.”

Stephen Twigg added: “This Award of Merit’ is usually given to Labour Party members who are nearing the twilight of their activities for the Party. Peter assures me, and I and I can well believe it, that he has no intention of ‘winding-down’ just yet. His record of service to the Party and to the public in general speaks for itself and this award is a small recognition of that dedication.”

Peter Kent responded: “I have been proud to put my Socialist Principles into practice and to help improve the quality of life through those principles. This award means a great deal to me and I am pleased and honoured to accept it. Stephen is quite correct in thinking that I have no intention whatsoever of ‘winding-down’, in fact it is quite the opposite. We have a mission in Crewe and Nantwich which is to get David Williams elected as the next MP. I knew Gwyneth Dunwoody for a long time, not only as an MP but also as a personal friend. I know of no better successor to her than David Williams.”

Santa Dash in Crewe

Despite a frosty start to the day around 100 Santas turned out for a one-mile dash around Crewe town centre on Sunday morning. Main photo shows Darren Astley, Pat Preston, Margaret Williams and Steve Valentine getting ready to race. Today's run was in aid of the excellent Hope House charity, with local MP Edward Timpson also taking part. In fact, what impressed me was that he just turned up to support the cause, no photo opportunities, no fuss. Just helping to raise money for Hope House. He looked a tad out of breath at the finish when we had a quick natter, but hats off to all runners as it can't be easy running in a Santa costume!

Just ahead of the main event everyone was taken through some warm-up exercises courtesy of a Mr Motivator fella on the main stage on Market Square. When they set off it was great to see some of the not-so-competitive Santas dishing out sweets for kids along the route. Nice touch. Everyone received a medal and, if they wanted, a cheeky mince pie at the finish line. For me, it was great to bump into two school friends from my Alsager Comprehensive days. So hi to Steve and Sandra. Well done to everyone who took part and good luck to Hope House. There's another Santa Run in Nantwich next Sunday...

Photos copyright of Crewe blog

Winning Christmas card

Cheshire East Mayor, Councillor Margaret Simon has chosen a 5-year-old Haslington pupil’s entry as the winner of a competition to design her Christmas cards. Aoife Darbyshire, who attends Haslington Primary School, chose a simple angel design for her entry. Aoife was presented with an art set by the Mayor at a special prize-giving assembly at the school on Monday (December 7). She also received a book token and a framed print of her design as a keepsake.

Mayor, Councillor Margaret Simon, said: “I couldn't be happier with the lovely design put together for me by Aoife. It’s a very simple and innocent but effective festive image, and I think Aoife has done an excellent job. I chose an art set as a prize for Aoife so that she can nurture her artistic talent, and I hope she will get a lot of enjoyment out of using it. I would like to thank everyone from Haslington Primary School who took part. It was a very difficult job picking a winner because there were some stunning designs to choose from".

Unplugged at The Borough Arms

Quick shout for tomorrow's 'Unplugged at The Borough' session. This will be on Sunday 13th December and starts at 8.30pm. Everyone welcome to perform or listen. The snap shows some of the Sgt Wolfbanger lads performing at my mate Keri's birthday earlier this year. Sunday's session will, thankfully, be indoors...

Crewe legend Deano retires

Sad news for football fans with confirmation that former Crewe striker Dean Ashton is to retire from the game at just 26 years of age. Cheers to Andy Hancock who reminded me, although it was always on the cards following a struggle with injuries since his switch from Norwich to West Ham. The 'legend' tag is often given to players too cheaply. In Deano's case, however, I reckon it's fully deserved. As a teenager he became an awesome Alex striker, scoring plenty of goals and leading the line as a true, powerful centre forward. There are some fantastic memories, with a hat-trick away at Wigan up there in the top few for me. Powerful, skilful, quick-thinking and a decent fella off the pitch. I remember after his move to Norwich (perhaps the start of our demise, although the sale was our only option) he came back to watch Alex games on many occasions. My eldest still recalls him signing his shirt, with a smile and a handshake that meant the world to a then 6-year-old. We didn't see the best of him at Gresty Road as he was still developing when he left. Then again, nor did Norwich, West Ham or, indeed, England fans. Thankfully, we all have many memorable games to call upon and several video tributes have already appeared on t'Internet. Here's one of them with a nice spread of goals for the Alex...

There's something about Dario...

I had my doubts when he returned, and many fans still think that Dario Gradi should have been put out to graze a couple of years back. Still, the old maestro seems to be sorting out the mess left by Gudjon Thordarson very nicely thank you. Another away win (a record almost on a par with league leaders Rochdale) puts us just four points shy of a play-off spot. Incredible when you think how poor we were during September and October! Sort the home form out and we'll be getting very excited...

Chetwode Arms, reunion weekend...

Here's a date for your diary: Friday 23 April, 2010. That's the start of a Chetwode Arms weekender reunion (for the pub that stood on the Hightown crossroads opposite St. Paul's Church, now 3Cs). The pub's no longer there, but a fine array of town centre drinking holes will host a series of events on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Abbey Taxis and A1 Trophies are sponsoring the weekend that is being put together by a cracking fella called Steve Willett. We'll carry more in the New Year, but you can get more information about the reunion from Steve on 07857-371167...
Photo: Andy Scoffin

Local books for Christmas

At the Market Centre all day Friday, by River Island... If you'd like to get hold of either of the new Crewe books, you can do so at Copnal Books on Meredith Street, Waterstones on Victoria Street, Nantwich Book Shop and also on eBay. You can also email here for easy details about drop off around Crewe...

Otherwise, council employees can grab a copy via Delamere House, Pyms Lane Depot and the Access Shop next to the Municipal Buildings, with £3 per copy going to the Mayor's charities, plus I will be in Crewe's Market Centre this Friday...

Stokies in Crewe!

Ok, so we all know that Crewe is far superior to Stoke but it was a shock to see a coachload of their citizens in our town centre this lunchtime. Spotted by Grant, he wondered what on earth the City bus was doing blocking the traffic around the Municipal Buildings area... anyone know?

Sleeping Beauty at the Lyceum...

If you're still looking for some family entertainment this Christmas, why not give Crewe's Lyceum Theatre a try. This season's panto is Sleeping Beauty (photos by Helen Ashbourne) and runs until Saturday 2nd January...

.

Demolition, but what's to come?

Cheers to TimP (Crewe & Nantwich Ghost Tours) for some more snaps, this time showing some demolition work off Delamere Street. It's the St Mary's RC Hall that appears to be coming down, piece by piece. Once upon a time, this end of town was scheduled to link up with the bottom end of the Modus development across the Chester Street car parks not far from this spot. Not so any more, so I wonder what's planned for this plot?

.

Club Sumo returns!

Club Sumo makes its second appearance in a Christmas Special at Square One in Crewe on Saturday 19 December. Stoke youngsters The Decision join Crewe’s Sumo Kings as the live acts for the town’s premier indie club night which will boast two stages and two floors. DJ Parks and DJ Tyler Durden will be spinning the decks with all the current and classic indie tunes as Club Sumo goes all festive at the Mill Street venue. Club Sumo made a successful debut on October 17 when acoustic artists Jasmin Dean and Lee Heath joined the Sumos and DJ Pelvis Resley. A few more surprises are promised this time around. Co-organiser Tim Dougill, who presents Cat radio’s Socks, Dougs & Rock ‘n’ Roll Show, said: “I can't wait for it. The atmosphere will be buzzing, it's a great feeling when people keep asking you when the next one is and we have made sure that people won't be disappointed.”

The launch was a massive success and Christmas Club Sumo promises to be much bigger and better with more going on over two stages. Club Sumo continues to offer South Cheshire something different and a welcome change to travelling to Birmingham for Snobs, Manchester for Fifth Avenue and Stoke-on-Trent for the Sugarmill. Doors for Club Sumo open at 8pm and admission is £3.

Thumbs up for Cheshire East

It's easy to criticise the council, but sometimes you must look at official reports to see how the movers and shakers are shaping our future. So it's not surprise that Cheshire East Council has welcomed the findings of an Audit Commission report released today (December 9), which examines the success of local public services in tackling major issues. The Area Assessment was carried out by six inspectorates and outlines how effectively Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cheshire Police and the Primary Care Trust (PCT) are catering for local people and the likelihood of improvements in the future. The report identified no red flags for Cheshire East Council. Red flags are used in cases where there are significant concerns about results and future prospects which are not being tackled adequately.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, said: “We are pleased at the findings of this independent report into our performance since our formation earlier this year, and of course welcome the positive conclusions reached. There is, however, always room for improvement, and we would like to take the opportunity to develop further and work harder in the areas where the Audit Commission has suggested we can make further gains.”

West Street damage

Cycling along West Street t'other night I was thinking how good it looked around teatime. A number of shops have lights up, the flower shop looks fantastic, the new surface is great for bikes and the low, blue lighting around the new seating area looks pretty decent. Sadly, as noticed by Tim P, there has already been some damage. Not sure if lettering has been removed or coloured in, but it's a shame. Some people have no respect for their own neighbourhoods...