The Review Newspapers, Manchester (2025)

16/07/2025

*** What a response! ***
We’ve been blown away by your nominations for this year’s Proud of Marple Awards.
We are celebrating the people who make Marple amazing on Friday 18th July, 7pm at The Carver Theatre.
Huge thanks to everyone who submitted nominations and to our brilliant sponsors, Edward Mellor Estate Agents
Let’s celebrate the heart of our town!
https://www.reviewnewspapers.co.uk/prize-presentation-evening-2024/

03/07/2025

***CHECK OUT GLOSSOP’S FIRST CHESS WEEKEND***

Glossop Chess Club is staging its first Glossop Chess Weekend in the summer.

Taking place in Bradbury House on Market Street from July 18 -20, organiser David Fowler hopes that it will become an annual event.

David told The High Peak Review that it will be a five-round tournament on Saturday and Sunday in two sections - Open and an Under 1700 rating category - with all players taking part in every round.

There will be side events for non-competitors to learn chess, play, or ask questions about the game.

An added attraction in Bradbury House on Friday18 July is a book talk and signing by Natasha Reagan and Matt Ball, two well-known people in the chess world.

Woman International Master Natasha is an award-winning chess author, best known for Game Changer co-authored with Grandmaster Matthew Sadler. She has represented England at two Chess Olympiads and is also an accomplished Go and shogi player. FIDE National Instructor Matt is a content creator and chess coach. A regular tournament player he represented England at the 2022 World Senior Team Championship. Natasha and Matt recently co-authored Zwischenzug! which is selling very well. The event is free. However, pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited.

David said: “Chess is experiencing a surge in interest and participation and has recently been on BBC2 on Monday evenings at peak time! Amongst the game’s many benefits are that it helps to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, concentration, memory, taking responsibility, decision-making and forward-planning. Our club has developed from small beginnings to competing in three leagues, with members from Glossop and the surrounding towns and villages. The inaugural Chess Weekend will help publicise our club and chess and allow local people to find out more about the great game.

“We’re pleased to have received a grant from the ECF Grassroots Fund and grateful to Tesco for providing refreshments. Local businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor specific parts of the Weekend.”

David added: “We’re delighted that Natasha and Matt are visiting Glossop to host a talk, book signing, and puzzle solving contest. Come along for a fun evening and get ready to sharpen your chess tactics. Copies of Zwischenzug! will be available to buy at a special rate.”

Entry to the Chess Weekend is £35 per player and the minimum age is 16. There are four prizes in each section, first prize £500 in the Open category and £400 in the Under 1700 rating. Space precludes junior entrants as there’s a lack of space for their parents.

To enter the tournament and for more information, go to https://congress.org.uk/congress/610/home
David can be contacted by email [email protected] or phone 01457 514654.

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03/07/2025

***Chapel cyclist Karl Booth has returned from the adventure of a lifetime - cycling 1,000 miles across a remote part of Alaska in the world-famous Iditarod***

To qualify for selection, Karl had to complete the 350-mile event, which he did two years ago as reported in the Review.

This year, Karl was one of only 28 competitors including walkers, skiers and fat bikers - and one of only two from the UK - to take part in the prestigious race. As in 2023, he was the only UK national to finish.

The Iditarod trail takes competitors over frozen riverbeds, including the Yukon River, lakes, a mountain pass, and through ‘burns’ - tracks created by forest fires, often caused by lightning strikes.

“I finished in 20 days and 2 hours,” Karl said. “The clocks went forward during the event as they went into summertime, which was a bit confusing, but meant the trails were lighter at night. The weather conditions were better this time which was unexpected. The longer you’re out there, the greater the chance of it changing but at the end of the three weeks, we still had near perfect weather.”

“The temperature was around -20 to -25 so actually felt warm when you were riding. The coldest was just below -30. That was probably the toughest day. We set off at 2 am to cross sea ice in a 30MPH headwind and were out for 22 hours. I ended with superficial frostbite on my foot due to the constant wind chill. There was nowhere to get away from the wind. We pushed fully laden bikes which you couldn't ride because every time you tried, the bike sank into the soft snow. There were still some beautiful sections though.”

Competitors must carry all their kit including a camping stove and a small, single skin tent in a bivvy bag. They post their food supplies in advance to stages along the route which, for Karl, posed an additional challenge as his food parcels failed to arrive. Whilst there are cabins along the trail, they’re basic and may not have any firewood or bedding.

Karl remained undaunted. He told The Review: “One of the highlights was on the first part of the trail which I did last time. There’s a mountain pass called Rainy Pass and climbs to about 3,300 feet - about the height of Snowdon. It's an amazing section. In 2023 it was a push all the way up to the top, 20 odd miles, and you could only ride down a little bit because the trail conditions weren't very good. This year, conditions were much more favourable, and we got to ride 95% of it. That's what you go for, those snowy trails. It’s so beautiful, and there are beautiful curves and ice bridges, which form over the river, to cross. As snow falls, it packs down and hardens, but the river still flows underneath, grinding away at the ice, so you have to be careful.”

“There were so many highlights I almost didn't want to finish, but it's something I've worked towards for ten years. To cross the finishing line was a massive achievement as I was never 100% certain I could do it. We don’t live in a perfect country for training and preparing for an event like that; it’s why it has taken me so long to get there.”

For more or to book Karl as a speaker visit on Instagram, or email [email protected]

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30/06/2025

***EXPLORE ADVENTURES IN NATURE WITH THIS YEAR’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE***

Youngsters across Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature through reading.
All Derbyshire County Council libraries will be taking part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge (presented by The Reading Agency) which will be officially launched on Saturday 5 July 2025. This year’s theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.
The Story Garden theme will provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore their imagination and experience adventures in nature and the great outdoors through the power of reading.
The challenge is delivered in partnership with libraries and designed to ensure that primary school children keep up their reading skills over the summer, as well as providing much-needed entertainment.
Children can sign up at their local library any time throughout the summer, from Saturday 5 July, with the challenge being to read six or more library books. Youngsters will collect up to six stickers and once they have collected them all they will have completed the challenge and receive a medal and certificate.
The challenge is being launched at Chesterfield library on Saturday 5 July from 10am to 12pm. Super sign-up Saturday, as it is being called, will see activities taking place at most Derbyshire libraries.
Councillor Dawn Abbott, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: It’s vital that children keep up their reading skills over the long summer holiday and the Summer Reading Challenge is a brilliant way to do that. It also introduces youngsters to all that our libraries have to offer them.
“Encouraging children to read independently and helping them to develop a love of books and reading has enormous benefits for their development and educational achievement.”
Derbyshire libraries will be hosting a variety of events and activities to entertain children, with many linked to the reading challenge. People who are interested in taking part can find events listed on the libraries’ page, the What’s On section of the libraries website or contact their local library for details.
Last year’s challenge saw 4,477 people signing up to the challenge in Derbyshire, with 723 more children joining the library so that they could take part.
During the challenge Derbyshire libraries issued 150,836 children’s books and 4,297 children’s e-audio and e-books.
Over the course of the challenge Derbyshire’s libraries hosted 187 events and drop-ins, with 3,354 people taking part.
The challenge is free to join and runs until 6 September 2025.

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15/06/2025

***TOP ROYAL AWARD FOR VINTAGE VOLUNTEER JULIE***

One of the key founders of a High Peak charity providing life-changing therapy for disabled people of all ages has been awarded the highest accolade bestowed by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for decades of service to the group.
Julie Andrew – one of a small group of volunteers who launched Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA 38 years ago – received RDA’s prestigious President’s Award from the national group’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, at a special event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Crosby RDA at Little Crosby, Liverpool on Tuesday May 27.
“Receiving such an award in person from The Princess Royal was a wonderful experience, and I feel very privileged and honoured to be recognised in this way,” said Julie.
“Being involved with our dedicated group from the very beginning, I have seen it develop and progress from a small operation with a handful of volunteers, ponies and horses to the large-scale operation it is today, with around 80 riders and 50 volunteers.
“Over the years, it has been a huge part of my life, and I have seen at first hand how horses can have a really positive impact and can change lives for the better, both mentally and physically. I have loved every minute of it, and hope to continue to volunteer for many more years.”
Added Janine Frost, Chairperson of Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA: “Everyone in our close-knit and hard working team is absolutely delighted that Julie’s efforts over the years have been recognised in this special way. She really is a treasure and is a true pleasure to work with. She lights up so many lives with her lovely, welcoming smile, and is loved and appreciated by volunteers, riders, parents and carers alike.”

Julie, of Buxton, her late husband Doug and her daughter Caroline Watmough were members of the original team who began RDA sessions at Buxton Riding School, Fern Road, in 1987. They joined Pat Atkin, Pat’s late husband John and other interested parties to form the group in memory of Pat and John’s daughter Helen, who died at the age of 19.

Pat is still Group Treasurer and received an RDA President’s Award from HRH The Princess Royal last year. The award is given to volunteers who have shown extraordinary dedication and service to the charity over three decades or more.

From the start, Julie has turned her hand to a variety of roles on behalf of the group. She has been a Trustee since it started, served as Secretary for many years and helps out during riding sessions when needed. She always has time to welcome and chat to new and existing riders, parents, carers and volunteers, and oversees tea, coffee and cake supplies for everyone involved. Her daughter Louise Thompson – who co-owns Buxton Riding School with her husband Dave - has also worked in close co-operation with the group for 25 years, and is an accredited RDA instructor.

Helen Atkin Group Buxton is a voluntary group (charity number 1182183) providing riding therapy for disabled children and adults aged from six to over 60 across the High Peak, using selected horses and ponies hired from Buxton Riding School. For more information, visit its website at helenatkinrda.org.uk or its page at facebook.com/Buxton RDA.

Caption for pic: Julie Andrew receiving her President’s Award from HRH The Princess Royal are attached.

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09/05/2025

***MELLOR OPEN GARDENS 2025 - SUNDAY 11th MAY 2025***

Up to 20 Mellor homeowners will welcome visitors to their gardens at the Mellor Open Gardens (MOG) event on Sunday 11 May, from 11am-6pm.

MOG began life at the kitchen table of local resident Mary Hoult in 1992. Since then, the event has been held on a roughly four yearly basis making 2025 the ninth anniversary.

With the help of a very supportive committee, it has grown into a smoothly organised operation, providing a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience a selection of Mellor gardens, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Peak District, while raising funds for Cancer Research UK and the Mellor Centre

The addresses of gardens taking part aren’t published, but it’s obvious to visitors on the day with signs and other tell-tale displays for guidance. The admission programme includes a map showing the locations. Garden number 1 on the map has been in every MOG event to date but several gardens are taking part for the first time this year. The loftiest garden rewards visitors with spectacular vistas across the surrounding countryside.

The variety of gardens taking part range from small to large, and on different terrains. One thing they all have in common is that they’re loved and cared for by their owners who are pleased to share their enthusiasm with others. The owners contribute a small narrative in the programme, telling their story and why their piece of Mellor is so important to them.

Mellor Primary School will have a display of miniature gardens created by the children, and the Mellor Centre will host Werneth Swing Band. Light refreshments and home-grown plants to buy will be available at both venues. Mellor Church will be open to visitors where Assemblee will have a floral and foliage installation. The Little Green Flower Company will create an RHS-style floral display presented in a rowing boat outside the Devonshire Arms.

It's not widely known that Mellor and MOG have a connection with Tatton Flower Show going back to the year 2000. Visitors to MOG 25 can learn more about this story and the amazing fund-raising achievements for Cancer Research UK in the intervening years. They also have the opportunity to complete a fun quiz on this long-standing connection whilst touring the gardens.

The main parking areas are in Marple Bridge and the Mellor Centre with additional parking at Mellor Primary School. There will be two ‘hail & ride’ minibuses starting outside Browse in Marple Bridge and running along the route throughout the day. Organisers are encouraging visitors to walk, allowing them to enjoy some of Mellor’s attractions which may otherwise be missed. These include Mellor Memorial Gardens, the Roman Garden, Dark Peak Vineyard, and Mellor Wood Rewilding Project. Paths marked on the programme map link the attractions with gardens to view en route, making it ideal for walkers.

The key requirement to join in with MOG and enjoy everything the day has to offer is the programme which allows access to the gardens and contains the map showing the garden locations. Printing costs have been covered by local businesses taking adverts in the programme which is available to buy in advance for £10 per person from the following outlets:

Marple Bridge - Marple Bridge Post Office and Stores, Dutsons

Marple - Cancer Research UK shop, Littlewoods Butchers, Hollins of Marple, Stationery Supplies

On the day, programmes will be available for £12 per person. There’s no charge for children under 16 years provided they are accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed in the private gardens.

For more information visit www.marple.website/mog25

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07/05/2025

***MARIA STRIDES OUT FOR CHARITY***

After taking part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K run last year, Maria Danson from The Hound Dog Grooming Salon is stepping up to compete in her first AJ Bell Great Manchester Half Marathon on 18 May.

Maria is fundraising for The Hearing Dogs charity who she has worked with for many years along with Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The charity trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds they’d otherwise miss - a smoke alarm, alarm clock, and even a baby's cry. Being aware of these thanks to a hearing dog makes a real difference to deaf people’s lives and can even save them.

With almost a million people living with dementia in the UK, it’s one of the biggest healthcare challenges. Support for Alzheimer’s Research UK is vital so they can fund research to find a cure.

To support Maria, go to her Facebook or Instagram page and follow the link, or click on the link: https://ajbellgreatmanchesterrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/maria-danson?utm_source=share&utm_medium=whatsapp

For more information visit www.thehounddoggroomingspa.co.uk
60 Market Street, Marple, SK6 7AD, tel. 0161 637 5420

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21/04/2025

***In a career that has taken him around the world, organist Gordon Stewart has performed at some of the leading concert halls, cathedrals and churches across the globe***

However, despite his extensive travel schedule, Gordon settled in New Mills 15 years ago and plays regularly at Providence United Reformed Church on Mellor Road, where he holds audiences spellbound with his virtuoso playing.

Speaking to the Review about New Mills and surrounding area, he talked about the warmth and loyalty of the people and the community spirit that is a hallmark of life in the High Peak.

“There is a real sense of community in this area and people are so kind and generous. I always enjoy playing concerts at Providence Church as the organ is a fantastic instrument, built in 1914 by JJ Binns, a famous organ maker of Leeds. Interestingly, it is a smaller version of the organ built the previous year at Rochdale Town Hall,” he said.

Born in Dundee as the son of a minister, Gordon first musical introduction was to the piano, when he started lessons at the age of seven.

“My piano teacher was perfect for a young boy such as myself and I owe her and all my subsequent teachers such a lot for their inspiration, knowledge and belief in me. I moved onto the organ when I was at grammar school and was lucky enough to have access to the church organ where my father was the minister. I would go into the church and play all weekend and by the age of just 15 I was paid to be the organist at another local church, Dundee Methodist Church.”

At 17 years old, he moved to Manchester to study music at what later became the Royal Northern College of Music and his skills developed even further with a scholarship at the Geneva Conservatoire. Practising six hours a day, he was the first British student to win a prize for his playing and his career started in earnest just a few years later when he took over the position of organist at Bowdon Church near Altrincham. There, he built up a successful choir of more than 50 singers, before moving onto Manchester Cathedral.

He has since taught at the Royal Northern and Cambridge University and many of his former pupils have gone on to hold positions in some of the country’s most important cathedrals. His engaging personality and enthusiasm for both people and music made him a natural on TV, as conductor for Songs of Praise for 15 years, but at the heart of his career has always been his love of performing.

“I played regular Monday lunchtime concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall and over the years saw the audience rise from just 30 to in excess of 200. It was a privilege to play such a wide range of music, from well-known organ pieces to first performances of new music but it was always important to provide a programme of music that people wanted to listen to.

“I am also lucky enough to have played much further afield, in Sydney, Melbourne, Johannesburg to mark the end of Apartheid and in Athens for the Olympics.

“Starting out from humble beginnings all those years ago, I could never have foreseen how far my career would take me. All I knew was that I loved the organ and right from the start was happy to put in hours of practise,” he said.

As a result of his hard work and dedication, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to music in the King’s inaugural birthday honours in 2023.

But despite his glittering career, he has stayed close to his roots and has two very important dates already in his diary for this year. The first is a performance back in his home city of Dundee to mark his retirement as president of the Friends of Caird Hall Organ in March, and a concert at Providence Church, New Mills in June.

For more information, visit www.gordonstewart.org

By Diane Inglis
Caption: Gordon Stewart at Huddersfield Town Hall

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21/04/2025

***HISTORIC 800th ANNIVERSARY FOR CHURCH AND TOWN***

An exciting two-week festival will celebrate the 800th anniversary of a Peak District church and the founding of the town which grew around it.

St Thomas Becket Church in Chapel-en-le-Frith was built in 1225 AD by foresters living in the Royal Forest of the Peak and consecrated on 7 July, 1226 by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry.

The name Chapel-en-le-Frith is of Norman, French and Anglo-Saxon derivation meaning ‘a church in a clearing in the forest,’ so the building of the church is said to have given the town its name.

Although events celebrating the octocentenary are taking place throughout the year, there will be a two-week festival starting with Chapel Carnival on June 21 through to a special service at St Thomas Becket Church on July 6 with the Bishop of Repton, the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Derbyshire, councillors, and local dignitaries in attendance.

Planning for the big event has involved many organisations sharing their ideas to ensure the celebrations involve the whole community.

Throughout the festival the church is open for visitors, and features exhibitions, history talks, organ recitals and tours. The church is dedicated to St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his cathedral in 1170. In recognition of this, there is a showing of the film Becket on Sunday 22 June, and on Friday 4 July Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot will be screened.

On Saturday 28 June there will be a celebration including Morris dancing in the marketplace. St Thomas Becket Lay Reader Nikki Goodhew said: “There is a tradition of having an ox roast at these events, and there are pictures at the 700th and 750th anniversaries featuring the committee, the butcher and a cow but I don’t know whether we’ll have an ox roast. The church will feature historical displays featuring people who’ve left their mark over the years. The ringers may do Church tower tours, and hope to set up a CCTV relay so people can see them ringing without having to climb the tower’s steep winding staircase.”

On the afternoon of Sunday 29 June, Chapel Ladies Choir will perform in Townend Community Garden. Strawberries and cream will be available, and there’ll be a Teddy Bears’ Picnic for children. Other highlights include a Choral Evensong by choristers from St. George’s Church, Stockport. Nikki said: “James Hibbert, who lives in Chapel, is Director of Music at St George’s. Some sheet music found in cupboards dates back 150 years and James has archived them. He’ll use some of that music in the Evensong.”

On Saturday 6 July there is a procession to Eccles Pike to a beacon built by the scouts and other uniformed organisations. Nikki said: “We hope that Jon Pearce MP will light it. We will offer refreshments up there.”

Other events include a churchyard bee trail for children, mini beast hunts, and an opportunity for people to hunt for graves some of which date back to the 1700s.

Organisers also hope to have a Royal visit during the year.

By Sheila Armstrong

Totally Locally Chapel en le Frith
Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside Local Businesses and Services
Whaley Bridge
Hayfield Village News

21/04/2025

***TALEFORGE - A tale of dungeons, dragons and therapy***

Taleforge is a therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons programme. It can provide a breakthrough experience for young people who find their everyday world a difficult place.
Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is all about a fantasy land full of heroes and mythical beasts, dangers and dilemmas, dastardly plots and glorious prizes. Players choose little models to be their avatars, create names and personalities for them, and send them off on adventures around a tabletop landscape. All the players have to work together, using the special powers they each take on, to solve problems and conquer one challenge after another.
DnD has been popular for decades as a tabletop roleplaying game, but is now valued as a therapy tool as well. The Taleforge programme is for people aged 10+ who have problems at school or home, problems that are often compounded by autism, ADHD or other social, personal or mental health issues. It offers a safe space where they learn and practise skills for living. Even if the real world seems unmanageable, in a DnD world they discover their superpowers. There they can face up to problems, try out solutions, cope with setbacks, find allies and stay in control. Players get a mixture of freedom, power and responsibility, and learn to use it for the benefit of everyone in the group. As their confidence grows, so they become able to apply their DnD skills to everyday life as well. And the other players often become their real-world friends.
In charge is the Dungeon Master (DM), who creates the setting, the characters, the storyline and the rules, and referees the action. The DM sets challenges in line with each player’s needs. At Taleforge the DM is Tom Hall from Chinley, who has been a DnD fan since childhood. Tom also runs Noah’s ART, the Tameside centre for animal-assisted therapy, and has been working with troubled teenagers for many years. The Taleforge idea came from trialling DnD sessions as part of ‘alternative provision’ at Noah’s ART – that is, a different form of education for pupils who cannot stay in a conventional classroom. Tom explains: ‘Students may be withdrawn, miserable or disruptive in class. But when playing DnD, they start talking, cooperating, using their imagination and really enjoying it. Roleplay helps them understand their own and other people’s feelings. If they feel angry or afraid within the story, they have space to work out a solution instead of going into meltdown or running off. Some players use the game to act out and resolve personal issues over, say, gender or broken relationships. It works as therapy because it’s also fun – they keep coming back for more.’
You can sign up with Taleforge for an introductory session, a one-off adventure or an ongoing saga. It’s available online or in person, and either one-to-one or in a small group. The in-person sessions can be arranged at the Glossop Bureau or other venue. Head to www.taleforge.co.uk or email [email protected] to find out more or book a place.

By Judy Brown

The Bureau, Glossop
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