Cheshire Magazines

The decision to cut back after the banking crisis of 2008 caused the latest downturn has led to the biggest drop in the amount of goods and services bought by consumers since modern records began in 1955.

The U-turn is a blow to the Coalition's flagship programme, which has already been hit by a string of defections from other high street stores.

The number of passengers using BAA's Heathrow airport reached a record last year while losses for the company narrowed, the airport operator says.

Wales coach Warren Gatland admits he does not know how to stop the exodus of Welsh internationals heading to France.

Banks paid nearly £2bn last year to compensate borrowers who were mis-sold loan insurance.

Western Australia says it is planning to launch a sovereign wealth fund to invest earnings from its mining boom.

Welsh government ministers were aware of concerns about the scandal-hit race relations charity Awema during the last assembly, claims a former Plaid Cymru AM.

The uncomfortable moment was filmed during a state dinner hosted by the Queen of Denmark in Copenhagen.

MPs are calling on the government to simplify the law in England and Wales on missing people who are presumed dead.

Former defence secretary Liam Fox, as well as business leaders, urge the chancellor to cut taxes to boost British business in next month's Budget.

Tributes have been paid to Marie Colvin, the highly respected American Sunday Times reporter, following her death in the Syrian city of Homs.

Cherie Blair has started legal proceedings over phone hacking, her solicitor confirms.

Cherie Blair has started legal proceedings over phone hacking, her solicitor confirms.

Syrian forces murdered American-born journalist Marie Colvin after pledging to kill 'any journalist who set foot on Syrian soil', it emerged today.

Sergio Aguero is again the headline act as Manchester City seal an impressive win over holders Porto to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

A Harrogate teacher who felt under pressure to get good exam results set himself on fire in the school car park, an inquest hears.

A Harrogate teacher who felt under pressure to get good exam results set himself on fire in the school car park, an inquest hears.

The Welsh government says it is trying to retrieve public funding from race-relations charity All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema) as opponents accuse ministers of failing to answer questions.

The Welsh government says it is trying to retrieve public funding from race-relations charity All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema) as opponents accuse ministers of failing to answer questions.

Nightclub bouncer Carl Whant, 27, was today found guilty of killing Nikitta Grender, 19, at her home in Newport, South Wales.

Two of Baby Peter's social workers committed a "serious error of judgement" during an incident which saw him "disappear" for 12 days, a tribunal hears.

Two of Baby Peter's social workers committed a "serious error of judgement" during an incident which saw him "disappear" for 12 days, a tribunal hears.

The Royal Navy selects South Korean firm Daewoo for a £452m deal to build four new fuel tankers.

The Royal Navy selects South Korean firm Daewoo for a £452m deal to build four new fuel tankers.

The Royal Navy selects South Korean firm Daewoo for a £452m deal to build four new fuel tankers.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) mascot Murdoch the cat will be at Stalyhill Junior School this Friday (24 February) at 11.30am to present the 'design-a-dish' competition winners with their prize.
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THERE'S something fishy going on at Stalyhill Junior School, but it’s not of the suspicious kind!

For the children at the Stalybridge school have been learning about the benefits of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fish.

Kitchen staff at the school have been promoting the Tameside Council’s move to provide MSC fish on all its primary school catering menus by raising awareness of sustainable seafood and responsibly sourced fish.

The Primary School Catering has committed to serving certified sustainable MSC labelled fish in all primary schools to make sure they are playing a part in helping to protect the marine environment and support sustainable fisheries, as well as promoting the positive messages to the children.

To raise awareness among the children, kitchen staff organised a ‘design a dish’ competition, which had to incorporate fish or seafood.

Jennifer Buckley – a year 6 pupil – won first place in the competition with her fish pie recipe and she will see her winning dish on the menu at school in a few weeks time.

The first runner was Amaan Islam with Amaan’s Fish Pie and the second was up is Asha Mistry with Spicy Salmon.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Learning and Achievement Cllr Ged Cooney said: “The council’s move to put all MSC approved fish on our primary catering menu shows our commitment to providing both healthy and responsibly sourced foods for our primary school children.

“This has been a great way for our children to learn about where food comes and how we can all be more responsible when choosing which food to buy."

Ruth Westcott, Commercial Officer at the Marine Stewardship Council said: “This sustainable seafood celebration shows what local council’s like Tameside and the Marine Stewardship Council can do together to help protect the oceans and promote sustainable fish – all through healthy school meals.

“This really is a fantastic way to help pupils to understand where the fish they eat comes from, and the impact they can have by choosing sustainable fish– like the fish on their school menu.”

TAMESIDE Council is supporting the first ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Adoption and Fostering Week.

They are the only local authority in the North West to support the week, which is organised by New Family Social - the charity for LGBT adopters and foster carers.

The fostering and adoption team are holding an event on Wednesday 22 February to help recruit more adopters and foster carers from the LGBT community.

Potential adopters and foster carers will hear from other LGBT people who have formed families through adoption and fostering. They will also learn about the children who need families, the process, and how adoption and fostering has changed people’s lives.

Tameside has become increasingly aware of the strengths of LGBT adoptive parents and foster carers and has matched and placed children with them and witnessed first hand how they have changed children’s lives.

More and more LGBT people are choosing adoption and fostering as a way to form a family, and the council is keen to show prospective parents just how rewarding it can be. There is now also much more advice and support on offer from the LGBT community.

Executive Member for children and families Councillor Allison Gwynne said: “It’s so important that people know they will be able adopt and foster.

“All that is needed is a stable, healthy environment for the child, or children, and the love and kindness of whoever is looking after them.”

Tameside Adoption and Fostering Service also had a stall at last years Manchester Gay Pride Festival.

Cllr Gwynne added: “We found that people just didn’t know they were eligible to adopt. It’s something that couldn’t be further from the truth, and we want to make sure we get that message out there.”

The event will be held at the Hyde Flowery Centre, Old Road, Hyde on Wednesday 22 February, 6 - 9.15pm.

For any enquiries, or to let the team know you are coming, please contact Tameside Adoption Service on 0161 342 4164.

TRIBUTES are being paid to the former councillor Joe Fitzpatrick who died at home yesterday (February 13 2012) after a short illness.

Joe, 91, was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 2007, shortly after he retired as a councillor.

He was elected to Hyde Borough Council in 1971 after becoming involved in the Labour party through his work with the union movement. He went on to be elected to the newly formed Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in 1973.

He was a member of the council until 1976 and successfully stood again in 1980, serving until May 2007 working tirelessly for the community of Hyde for over 30 years.

As a council member, Joe was Deputy Chair of Housing Services Committee for many years and also had a keen interest in Education, Social Services and Equal Opportunities. He was Deputy Chair of the Hyde District Assembly and a Member of the Personal and Health Services Scrutiny Panel.

He also served on the Greater Manchester Police Authority and sat on the Board of New Charter Housing Trust.

Joe was Mayor of Tameside in 1987-1988. One of the highlights of his year in office was taking 300 local children to a matinee performance of the pantomime at Tameside Theatre.

Joe was involved with local schools for many years. He was Chair of Governors at Flowery Field Primary School and also served on the governing body of Bradley Green Primary School.

Joe, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, married Rose in 1947. They went on to have 11 children, 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His interests included watching his beloved Manchester United.

Two of his sons , Cllrs Jim and Philip Fitzpatrick, followed their father's footsteps into political life and both currently serve on Tameside Council.

Jim, who is executive first deputy of council, said: "My father was an inspiring figure in our lives - his devoted work in the community had a strong influence on my own decision to get involved in public life. He died surrounded by his family and will be very much missed by us all."

Executive leader Cllr Kieran Quinn said: "The honorary alderman title is one of the highest honours the council can bestow and recognised Joe's long and dedicated service to the borough."

WHAT sort of Tameside would you like to see in the future? What sort of things matter to you in terms of housing, transport and employment? What should be protected for recreational, heritage, amenity and environmental reasons?

These may seem like the kind of issues handled by top-level politicians. But they concern all the residents and businesses of Tameside, and Tameside Council wants you to have your say.

The borough’s Local Development Framework will deal with the planning issues that affect everyone who lives, works or invests in Tameside up to 2028. It will eventually replace the Tameside Unitary Development Plan 2004 which guides development at the moment.

It is very important that all residents and businesses have the opportunity to express their views at an early stage.

Consultation takes place over a six-week period between February 20 and April 2 and the strategic planning team will be at all district assembly meetings in March. These begin at 6.30pm and officers will be available from an hour before. They will also be at Mossley Town Council on Wednesday, February 29, although only from the start of the meeting at 7.30pm.

Full paper copies will be placed in all Tameside libraries and customer service centres.

Cllr Peter Robinson, Tameside Council’s executive member for transport and development, said: “The Local Development Framework will become one of Tameside’s most important documents, guiding where new houses will be built, the location of new and expanding businesses, and how our environment will be protected and enhanced.

It’s an exciting opportunity for all our residents, organisations and businesses to get involved and have a say at this very early stage.”

For further details, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/corestrategy

February 3 – May 16
Astley Cheetham Art Gallery, Trinity Street, Stalybridge 0161 338 6767
Gallery Open: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10am-12.30pm, 1-5pm. Sat: 9am-12.30pm, 1-4pm. Closed Sunday and Thursday

TAMESIDE’S budding artists can now see their work on public display at the borough’s annual primary schools art exhibition.

The month-long event is an exciting and essential part of the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery’s calendar.

Children are very intuitive in their art making and this exhibition demonstrates their spontaneity and expression in early art making. The gallery, on Trinity Street, Stalybridge, is alive with some of the most exciting art works from the borough’s five to 11-year-olds.

Cllr Jackie Lane, assistant executive member for heritage and culture, said: “There is some absolutely splendid work on show. I know there will be a lot of very proud parents but the exhibition really is worth taking a look at.”

Media are invited to the awards ceremony on Friday, February 24, 4 to 5pm.

Participating schools:

Dane Bank, Denton.
Manor Green, Denton.
Micklehurst All Saints, Mossley.
Oakdale School, Dukinfield.
St Anne’s RC, Denton.
St Joseph’s RC, Mossley.
St Paul’s C of E, Stalybridge.
St Peter’s RC, Stalybridge.
Stalyhill Infants, Stalybridge.
Wildbank, Stalybridge.

The picture shows Dilys Chetcuti from St Joseph’s RC Primary, Mossley, who visited the gallery with her family. They were thrilled to see all the work on display.

TAMESIDE Council and the Bangladeshi community are united in their condemnation of the attack on Daniel Stringer-Prince in Hyde.

At a meeting yesterday (Wednesday 8 February) ) Councillors, including the Executive Leader Councillor Kieran Quinn, and Bangladeshi community leaders committed to continue to work together to ensure the strong community links successfully built over the years in Hyde continue to thrive.

The council also welcomed the move by the Bangladeshi leaders to visit Daniel’s home on Tuesday night, one which was also welcomed by Daniel’s family.

Chair of council business and Hyde member, Councillor Joe Kitchen said: “We want to reassure the people of Hyde, and indeed, Tameside that attacks such as this are extremely rare. We are working with the Police and other agencies to make sure maintain good community relations.”

“We would also like to re-iterate the Police’s thanks to the community for their support so far and would urge anyone else who has information in relation to this incident to come forward and contact the police, so that the perpetrators are brought to justice as quickly as possible.”

“Our strengthening communities work is all about bringing people together, sharing and understanding knowledge within our communities to help everyone get on.”

Bangladeshi community leader, Abdul Musabbir, Chair of the Bangladeshi Welfare Association said: “We are shocked by the events of the weekend, however, this is an isolated incident and the positive response of the local community proves the strength and trust of the relationships we have in Hyde.”

PLANS have been approved to improve Tameside Museums Service by developing Portland Basin into a central cultural hub.

More than 160 people gave their views on the proposals - which went under consultation as part of the council’s Big Conversation - with more than half responding in favour of the plan.

Portland Basin, in Ashton, is housed within an early 19th century canal warehouse and is easily the most popular cultural attraction in the borough. In 2010-11 it was visited by almost 100,000 people, which is almost as many as the rest of the museums and galleries combined.

Portland Basin has a 1920s street, an industrial gallery, and a simulator which allows people to try steering a narrowboat. Under the new proposals, it will become bigger and better, charting a wider period of Tameside’s history in more depth and with extra attractions.

Similarly, Central Art Gallery in Ashton will become the focal point of arts provision in the borough with displays from the Rutherford Gallery in Hyde moving to Central Art gallery.

Executive Member for Learning and Achievement, Cllr Ged Cooney, said: “We are fully aware of the impact that culture has on residents’ lives. We are committed to retaining the excellent cultural services that we have but we have to accept financial realities and that means they have to be delivered in a different way."

Despite the difficult financial climate, a new programme of events is to be launched for 2012, including two new additions to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Torch coming to Tameside.

The new programme will focus on how Tameside Council can continue to provide great events that bring the community together whilst becoming more self-financing.

It will also put more emphasis on attracting external funding from bodies such as the Arts Council and working with the community to deliver events through the You Choose programme.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Learning and Achievement, Cllr Gerald Cooney said: “Our arts and events programme is important in bringing the community together for celebrations, raising aspirations among our young people and taking pride in our local heritage.

“Despite the unprecedented Government cuts we intend to build on the success of last year which saw record crowds at the Hyde Splendid Weekend, over 70 shows being performed as part of our Theatre programme and a series of highly successful music and theatre workshops for young people.

“We want the community to be as involved as much as possible in celebrating our great traditions and heritage but we must also find different ways to make events self-financing

FIRST Tameside, now the world. No longer content with confining their talents to Greater Manchester or indeed Britain, Tameside Museums and Galleries have started to look at the bigger global picture.

Together with other galleries in the North West, they have developed a shared services programme to generate income by allowing works to tour overseas.

Following a test loan to a Germany gallery, four paintings will be going to China later this year where the artworks in British collections are widely admired and there is a keen desire to host exhibitions of Western art.

Art curator Marie Holland accompanied the Turner watercolour “Aske Hall” on its way to the Kunsthaus Apolda Avantgarde gallery in Apolda, Germany. The Germans were very pleased to get the picture and the trial loan proved very useful in terms of understanding all the implications of taking works abroad such as packing, insurance and export licences. Fortunately, Marie speaks fluent German.

Next, the exhibition “Reisen Mit Turner” will go to the Stadische Galerie in der Reithalle, Paderborn, and then Finland, before returning to the UK in January, 2013. There is a strong possibility it could go to Japan in 2014.

Cllr Jackie Lane, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for heritage and tourism, said: “We have a rich and varied art collection in Tameside and I can fully understand why people overseas would want to see it.

“What’s more, the loan system generates income – something that is very important in these days of au
sterity.”

THERE is still time to show some love for local Tameside charities.

Tameside Council's Civic Mayor, Councillor Susan Quinn is hosting a Valentine Ball at Dukinfield Town Hall on Friday 17 February where she will be auctioning signed shirts from Manchester United, Manchester City and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

There are also some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs including £160 gentleman's watch, Montegrappa Espression Roller Pen and Jamie Oliver pan set.

All proceeds will go to the Mayor's chosen charities; Droylsden based 'Our Kids Eyes' - which offers support, information and activities to families with special needs children and Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton.

Tickets are priced at just £37.50 and include a formal dinner and dancing to the sound of Victor Michael and his Orchestra.

And for people who can't attend the ball, there will still be an opportunity to take part in the auction and raffle at www.tameside.gov.uk/valentinesball

Cllr Quinn said: "This is a great opportunity for people to have a special night out while helping to raise much needed funds for these valued local charities. We hope as many people as possible can join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening."

For more information and to purchase tickets please contact the Mayors Office on 0161 342 3087.

WORK on Tameside Council’s £1.2 million refurbishment of Hyde’s market square is about to start.
Cllr David Sweeton, the executive member for business and community development, will be on site to get things under way at 9am on Friday, February 10, joined by Jonny Reynolds, the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde.

The plans were developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders, especially the traders and Hyde Business Forum. Work should be completed by September and the market will stay open throughout.

Street clutter will be removed, the lay-out of the stalls will be changed to improve access to the indoor market and Clarendon Square shopping centre, and a civic space will be created.

Cllr David Sweeton, Tameside Council’s executive member for business and community development, said: “The centre of Hyde has so much to offer and it will be massively enhanced once this project is complete.

“There’s the wonderful indoor market hall with its mixture of stalls and bargains. And to make it easier for people to use the shops we have free parking after 3pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“The market’s motto is ‘take a fresh look’ and that’s what we’re doing – giving Hyde a fresh look.”

Jackie Nield, who sells baked potatoes from what is known locally as the spud van, commented: “The new town centre will be an attractive, friendly, relaxed area which will bring many visitors to Hyde.

“We traders were able to play our part in this project by attending Hyde Business Forum. I would encourage people to come along to meetings to help Hyde keep growing.”

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds added: “The market has always been the focus of the town centre in Hyde, but in recent years it has been showing signs of age and decline.

“This investment by Tameside Council will help to breathe new life into the heart of the town and I am delighted that the work is now under way.

“The new civic space will allow community groups to perform and to meet. And the market area will be redesigned so that it’s easier to walk around and so the stalls are more sheltered on a rainy day.

“Hyde’s people and traders have been at the heart of the planning process. Together with the council they have come up with a scheme that will make a real difference to the town.”

CLLR Susan Quinn, the Civic Mayor of Tameside, will join the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J Smith, and the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCullough, at Ashton Parish on Sunday, March 4, (3.30pm) for a service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne.

The bishops of Bolton and Middleton, respectively the Rt Rev Chris Edmondson and the Rt Rev Mark Davies, will also be present as will the chief executive of Tameside Council, Mr Steven Pleasant.

Manchester Diocese is marking the diamond jubilee with 12 acts of worship across the cities and boroughs of the diocese. The first was at Manchester Cathedral on February 5.

The Rector of Ashton, the Rev Roger Farnworth, is organising the service in the absence of borough dean Father Alec Mitchell of St Anne’s Church, Denton, who is unable to attend.

Several special features have been introduced to give the service a Tameside feel.

Stalybridge Old Band will play a Tameside Overture, and will finish the service with “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Katrina Haines, nominated by Tameside College, will read an extract from the speech given by the then Princess Elizabeth on her coming of age in 1947, when she vowed to devote her life to the service of Britain and the Commonwealth.

A symbol of each of Tameside’s nine constituent parts will be presented: Ashton, donkey stone; Audenshaw, coal; Denton, hat; Droylsden, Robertson’s jam; Dukinfield, Kenyon’s rope; Hyde, a Harry Rutherford picture; Longdendale, Bateman’s valve; Mossley, Cotton; and Stalybridge, the silver trowel used on the foundation stone for Stalybridge Library.

And there will be a chance to sign the council’s book of celebration and thanks which will later be sent to the Queen as an example of the good wishes of the people of Tameside.

The Civic Mayor said: “The service is open to everyone and I would like to issue a general invitation to what will be a splendid service in a beautiful and historic church.

“We would especially like to see members of uniformed organisations and if any are interested in attending I would ask them to contact my office on 0161 342 3087.”

Photo/ broadcast opportunity:
The event starts at 12.30pm, on Tuesday 21 February, outside Ashton’s Ladysmith Shopping Centre. Photographers are invited to attend.
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The annual Ashton Town Centre Pancake Tossing Championships is back again, this year on Tuesday 21 February.

Teams of two representing shops, stores and businesses in Ashton Town Centre will compete for the unique ‘Golden Frying Pan Trophy’ sponsored by Timpsons.

Contestants will flip real pancakes against the clock and to a designated height in a knock out tournament.

Members of the public are invited to come along and watch this hilarious event, which is being held outside the Ladysmith Shopping Centre from 12.30pm.

Teams have to pay a minimum entry fee of £5 which the proceeds will go to the Mayor of Tameside’s Charity fund.

The Civic Mayor, Cllr Susan Quinn will present the prizes to the winners.

TAMESIDE’S library service has a history of popular events for young people, which is just as well because its latest venture is Tameside Junior History Club.

During the coming half-term holidays, which take place between Monday, February 13, and Friday, February 17, Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre, Cotton Street, Ashton, will be hosting “The Name Detective”, looking at names and what they really tell us.

This activity takes place between 2 and 3pm. It’s free to attend but you must contact Tameside Local Studies on 0161 342 4242 to book a place. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Children are also invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the “Where’s Wally?” books. Sessions are for youngsters aged four to 11. All the activities are free and take place all over Tameside (see list below).

Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council’s executive member for learning and achievement, said: “Considering how popular the ‘Where’s Wally’ books are there must be a lot of his fans in Tameside.

“Whether it’s ‘Where’s Wally?’ or the new history club there’s lots to do at half-terms and it’s free. So get along there.”

Where’s Wally? Events

Monday, February 13: Hyde Library: 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 342 4450.

Tuesday, February 14: Denton Library: 2.15 to 3.15pm - 0161 336 8234, Droylsden Library: 2.15 to 3.15pm - 0161 370 1282, Dukinfield Library: 10.30 to 11.30am - 0161 330 3257, Hurst Library: 10.30 to 11.30am - 0161 330 3750, Mottram Library: 2.30 to 3.30pm - 01457 764144.

Wednesday, February 15: Haughton Green Library 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 336 7193, Mossley Library 2.30 to 3.30pm - 01457 832467, Stalybridge Library 10.30 to 11.30am -0161 338 2708; Newton Library 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 366 0290.

Thursday, February 16: Tameside Central Library 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 342 2029; Hattersley Library 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 368 8515; West End Library, Denton, 2.30 to 3.30pm - 0161 336 2995.