Whaley Bridge Allotment & Gardeners' Society

The April Newsletter is now available online

posted April 2007

Whaley Bridge Sunday School Bi-centenary

2007 is the bi-centenary of Whaley Bridge Sunday School. In 1807 the Wesleyans hired rooms in the village Corn Mill in which to hold a Sunday School. The mill proved inadequate, so by 1810 the Wesleyans were meeting, teaching and worshipping in a building called the Rid Barn. This was situated close to the present day Doctor's Surgery, hence the street named Chapel Street.

Twenty years later the Wesleyans erected a Sunday School on the present day Buxton Road site and over a period of forty years added a chapel and enlarged the premises; which for many years was the Whaley Bridge Methodist Church, Sunday School and the Wesleyan Day School.

To celebrate these events a weekend of activities are planned for mid May - see Events page

posted April 2007

Annual Town Meeting

The annual town meeting will take place on Friday 20th April 2007 at 19:30 hrs in the Mechanics Institute.

Do not miss this opportunitty to talk to your councillors about any local issues

posted March 2007

New Photos

The Welldressing Group have presented seven framed photographs of their welldressings fro 2000 to 2006 at their coffee morning on 17th March 2007. These will be hung in the newly redecorated Reading Room as a colourful reminder of tour beautiful welldressings so far. Come and have a look

posted March 2007

Mechanics Institute

Recent visitors to the Mechanics may have noticed the smell of new paint. The Meeting Room and Reading Room have been completely redocorated by the Probation Service using labour from the Community Punishment Unit.

posted March 2007

150th Aniversary of Stockport - Whaley rail line

An important event for Friends of Whaley Bridge Station and the Whaley Bridge Community in general will be the 150th Anniversary of the Stockport to Whaley Bridge Railway Line.
The event will take place on 9th June 2007 at Whaley Bridge Station and in the Station Car Park.
The time will be 10am to 4pm. There will be stalls, entertainments, displays and it is hoped to involve local businesses, schools and organisations in the celebration of this important event in Whaley Bridge's history.

For more details contact - Anne Winter

posted March 2007

Whaley Water Weekend

W3 - the Whaley Bridge Water Weekend will be on Saturday23 June and Sunday 24 June 2007. Most of the festive fun will take place around the canal basin at Whaley Bridge, the picturesque 'end of the line' of an arm from the Peak Forest Canal. Boat trips will once again be the main attraction, with music, food and nearby pubs to add to the party mood.

More information.

posted February 2007

Whaley Bridge Allotment & Gardeners' Society

The February Newsletter is now available online

posted February 2007

Computer Classes in Whaley Bridge

Computer classes will be held at Footsteps on Wednesdays between 19:00 - 21:00. Places are available for Beginners and Level 1 Basic. Course fees apply.

For further information please contact Chapel Adult Centre tel:- 01298 811896 ( mon - Fri 10:00 - 15:00 )

posted November 2006

BEWARE - Sneak Thieves

Beware Sneak thieves are about in Whaley Bridge. Your webmaster and neighbours have just been burgled by a sneak thief ( thieves ). Please be aware and take the necessary precautions. If needs be phone 0800 1233333

posted October 2006

Whaley Bridge rail friends win awards

TWO High Peak projects have been recognised in the region's Community Rail Awards

more photo

posted October 2006

Water Weekend dates set for 2007

W3, the Whaley Water Weekend, will take place on Saturday and Sunday 23 and 24 June 2007. more photo

posted October 2006

Volunteers join autumn clear up

VOLUNTEERS joined members of Whaley Bridge Amenity Society and Friends of Memorial Park to clean up local areas more photo

posted October 2006

Whaley Bridge Allotment &Gardeners' Society

The September Newsletter is now available online

posted October 2006

Neighbourhood Watch(s) in Whaley Bridge

Kevin Ratcliffe, our local police officer, and his colleagues will be in the Jodrell Arms from 19:30 to discuss all aspects of the above. More info

posted September 2006

Whaley Bridge Allotment &Gardeners' Society

The September Newsletter is now available online

posted September 2006

'Footsteps' 'Concert'

Local dou 'Two Fold' will be playing at the Navigation Inn in Whaley Bridge on Friday 15th September 2006. All monies collected on the night is going to support 'Footsteps'.

All welcome

posted September 2006

Whaley Bridge Station 'GAP'

For your information ,we have now placed the communication about the 'Gap' on the website

Tom Levitt's rersponse to the council's letter (here)

and also Northern Rail's response ( here)

More news will be posted as received

posted August 2006

Whaley Bridge Allotment &Gardeners' Society

The July / August Newsletter is now available online

posted July 2006

Whaley Water Weekend 2006

THE Whaley Bridge Water Weekend - W3 - was a great success in 2006. Big crowds and a growing variety of events and things to do made it the best since it started in 2000. More - Some photos are now available

( they may take a couple of minutes to load )

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Rose Queen Carnival 2006

Some photos are now available courtsey of Graeme Lamb

( they may take a couple of minutes to load )

1 2 3

more to follow shortly

Whaley Bridge Allotment &Gardeners' Society

The May / June Newsletter is now available online

posted June 2006

Whaley Bridge Community Facilities Steering group

The above has now been formed and are looking to find out what further facilities are wanted by the community and how to achieve them. for further information contact Mr Jon Taylor, 30 Hockerley lane SK23 7AT tel 732994

posted May 2006

Whaley Water Weekend

Local history, as well as fun and music, will make the 2006 Whaley Bridge Water Weekend - W3 - the best since it started in the millennium year. more

Something special for the kids !!! more

posted May 2006

New bridge moves closer

The planned new bridge which will take heavy traffic away from the centre of Whaley Bridge and the beautiful canal basin area has moved a step closer to reality. more

posted May 2006

Farmers' Market

An opportunity to buy and sell local produce in Whaley Bridge will occur on 10th June 2006 in the car park at the Jodrell Arms, starting at 10:00 and finishing at 16:00. There are still some spaces available. Further details from Joanne Williams 0845 1297777 ext 4446

posted April 2006

Whaley Bridge Allotment &Gardeners' Society

The February / March Newsletter is now available online

posted March 2006

Peak and Dales Advocacy

An organisation for helping people in the Peals and Derbyshire dales. For further info please read news article and / or visit their website

posted March 2006

Friends of Whaley Water Weekend set up

The Friends of Whaley Water Weekend (W3) was set up at a meeting on 31 January 2006. Friends is a development from the main organising committee of the Water Weekend - a sub committee of Whaley Bridge Town Council. more

posted February 2006

£148,000 - the fantastic support for Daniel's Light

DANIEL's LIGHT, the Furness Vale-based charity that supports the adult leukaemia unit at Christie Hospital, raised another £12,500 last year. more

posted January 2006

Picking Whaley Bridge Roses

Whaley Bridge Rose Queen 'royalty' for 2006.have been selected. They will be crowned on carnival day Saturday 24 June. more

posted January 2006

'Nicking' St Nick

Whaley Bridge's new community officer PC Kevin Ratcliffe. more

posted January 2006

FOOTSTEPS

The unique community drop in centre in Whaley Bridge, has received a Big Lottery grant of £112,000 to make major improvements. Work is expected to start in early spring.

Officials, volunteers and supporters celebrated the grant , following months of work in preparing the bid. Now, with £10,000 which the Footsteps committee is raising, the centre aims to complete these improvements by next December:

· a renovated basement, where a youth drop in service can be provided
· a lift for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems, either to the computer room upstairs or the basement
· accessible toilets
· a general 'spruce up' to the building.

High Peak MP Tom Levitt joined volunteers at a 'thank you' party. He said the centre was a rare example in the High Peak of a community drop in facility.

Among the party guests were George Hill, former owner of the shoe shop which turned into Footsteps after his retirement, Nye Rowland company secretary and Jean Horsfall, chair.

Maureen Roberts, shop manager, appealed for more volunteers for Footsteps. Drop in for information or phone the the centre on 01663 732395 daily from 9.30 to 4.30pm (12.30pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.)

Footsteps serves 300 people each week. The shop sells 500 books a week.

Hayfield architect John MacCall has designed the changes at Footsteps. There is a possibility that the centre will have to close for a short time in the summer while some of the work goes on.

· Footsteps organised the successful evening for the Whaley Bridge
Christmas lights switch-on.

Photo
· Cheers for Footsteps: left to right - George Hill, Maureen Roberts, Nye
Rowland, Jean Horsfall and Tom Levitt MP

posted December 2005

New rector, new baby

THE new rector of Whaley Bridge and Taxal has been named. He is the Rev Graeme Lamb, curate at Heald Green, Cheshire. Graeme, 37, and his wife Nicole hope to move in by early spring. Nicole is expecting their third child in March.

posted December 2005

Christmas in Whaley Bridge

EXCITING plans have been announced for Whaley Bridge as Christmas 2005 approaches. Highlight is the arrival of Santa Claus and the swithch-on of the Christmas lights on Friday 2 December. More

posted December 2005

Plan for Friends of W3

The Whaley Water Weekend - W3 - is considering setting up a linked organisation, Friends of W3. Barrie Walker and James Middleton, members of the W3 committee, revealed the plan in a presentation to the Whaley Bridge Town Council. They said:

posted December 2005

Arthur Jackson's latest book

ARTHUR JACKSON, the chronicler of Whaley Bridge, produced a third volume of his memoirs just before Christmas. The Life and Times of Arthur Jackson, complete with colour pictures, is now on sale. All profits will go to local charities. Arthur's first two books, in 1998 and 2000, made £2,500 for charity. More

posted November 2005

Steam train's flying visit

WHALEY BRIDGE and Furness Vale had a rare glimpse of a steam train in autumn 2005. Vintage engine 44996, hauling the Buxton Express, raced
through both stations with 270 passengers. The excursion train had started at Milton Keynes with a conventional engine. At Warrington, engine 44996 and another British Rail standard locomotive were joined up to the train as it continued to Manchester and the High Peak.

It could be a while before a steam engine comes this way again. Past Time Rail of Lichfield, organisers of the trip, have no immediate plans for another Buxton outing. The next one will possibly be in 2007. This autumn's steam trip was only the third in the last five years.

See also www.past-timerail.co.uk

posted November 2005

Whaley Bridge Well Dressing 2006

WHALEY BRIDGE's well dressing in 2005 was a great success. The formal blessing at the canal basin in June took place on a perfect summer day, and attracted the biggest congregation yet. Many local people helped to prepare the dressings. The theme for the main dressing was the 200th anniversary of Admiral Nelson's death in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Children's well dressings were displayed at sites on Market Street and Macclesfield Road.

The 2006 well dressing will be blessed on Sunday 25 June at 2.30pm. As usual, the preparations of the 'flower picture' will take place in a marquee near the canal basin, starting over the Whaley Bridge Water Weekend (W3) on 17-18 June 2006.

Information from Dorothy Markides, secretary, on 01663 733490 and Ethel Hallam, chair, on 01663 734436.

posted October 2005

Youngsters have their say on future

EIGHT boys, aged 12-14, turned up at a meeting of townspeople, called by Whaley Bridge town council, to discuss the future of communal facilities. They joined demands for a multi-use youth club, as well as better facilities at the local skateboard park.

We want a better future

posted October 2005

Joanne is Whaley market town manager

JOANNE WILLIAMS has taken over as market town manager for Whaley Bridge, a post she shares with neighbouring New Mills. Contact Joanne on 0845 129 7777, extension 4446 or joannew@highpeak.gov.uk.

Joanne's dream for Whaley Bridge future

posted October 2005

Water Weekend - June 2006

WHALEY Bridge's 2006 Water Weekend - W3 - will be on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June. A heritage cruise from the Whaley Bridge canal basin to the recently renovated Bugsworth Basin, about a mile away is planned, with a guide to local history en route. At the 2005 W3, over 500 people enjoyed trips on the canal.

Organisations or individuals interested in the 2006 event can phone Stephanie Raybould, the town clerk, at 01663 733068.

posted October 2005

New Community Beat Officer

Whaley Bridge has a new Community Beat Officer. PC Kerry Buxton will be taking over from PC Greg McGill and her services will be dedicated to Whaley Bridge. She will be maintaining a high visible presence on the streets,looking after Neighbourhood Watch schemes and visiting our local schools, etc. She will also attend Town Council Meetings to discuss any problems or issues of concern with Whaley Bridge Town Council.

She is hoping to hold public surgeries in the Mechanics Institute on some Saturday mornings and dates and times for these will be advertised in due course.

If you wish to contact, or leave a message for PC Buxton, please telephone her at the Chapel-en-le-Frith Police Office: 01298 762173.

posted September 2005

Friends of Whaley Bridge Station

A Public Meeting has been arranged at the Mechanics Institute, Market
Street, Whaley Bridge (near to the Station) on Tuesday, 20th September
2005 to discuss opportunities for promoting improvements to facilities
at Whaley Bridge Railway Station.

Poster display from 6pm. Introduction by Mr Tom Levitt MP at 6.30pm.
Close of meeting at 8pm.

Hear what has been achieved elsewhere. Tell us your suggestions for
improvements at the station, the train service and links to the centre
of Whaley Bridge.

Hear latest developments from Northern Rail. Free draw for a family day
out ticket on Northern Rail Trains.

All welcome. Tea, coffee and biscuits.

For further details, contact:
Hope Valley and High Peak Transport Partnership
c/o New Mills Town Hall
T: 01663-746377
E: mail@hvhptp.org.uk
W: www.hvhptp.org.uk

posted August 2005

Central Area Forum

High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council held the first
Central Area Forum at the Whaley Bridge Uniting Church on Wednesday 15
June 2005.

The Questions and Answers (and Meeting Notes) are now available on the
High Peak BC website at www.highpeak.gov.uk. Just click on 'Your
Neighbourhood', which you will find on the left side of the Home Page,
and then on 'Area Forums'..

The next Central Area Forum will be held on Wednesday 14 September 2005
at New Mills School, Church Lane, New Mills, SK22 4NR. Refreshments from
6.30pm; start at 7pm and finish at 9pm. The main topic will be Anti-Social
Behaviour.

For further information, or if you wish to submit a question on Anti-Social
Behaviour or other issue, contact Marika Rajah at High Peak Borough
Council on 0845-129-7777 (email: marikar@highpeak.gov.uk).

posted August 2005

Whaley Water Weekend - a success

for a report and photos click

posted June 2005

Whaley Bridge Council

Whaley Bridge Town Council now has quality status recognition. For offical press release click

posted June 2005

Whaley Bridge Town Council Notice

Notice is hereby given concerning the requests for grant and donations for local organisation. For more info click here

posted June 2005

Whaley Bridge Allotment & Gardeners' Society

newsletter for June 2005

posted June 2005

Rose Queen Program Announced

The rose queen's and the program for the week are announced

Queen info and photo

Rose Queen Program and last years photos 1 & 2

posted pre June 2005

Whaley Bridge Chair Elected

Councillor Anne Winter is the chair of Whaley Bridge Town Council for 2005 - 2006. In the picture, outgoing chair Coun. Jake Walsh wishes his successor well before the annual meeting. Anne has been an Independant councillor for two years, representing Yeardsley. She joined the council shortly after her husband, a Liberal councillor, died. Anne, a former teacher, is president of the Twinning Association and is also a governor of Whaley Bridge Primary School

posted pre June 2005

Community Response Plan

The town council is currently undertaking a project to formulate a Community Reponse Plan. For more info

posted pre June 2005

Neighbourhood First Responders

Derbyshire St. John Ambulance and East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust have joined together in partnership to organise and support Neighbourhood First Responders, who are highly trained volunteers alerted by Ambulance Control at the same time as an NHS ambulance responding to an emergency call. for more info

posted pre June 2005

Community Newsletter

Whaley Bridge Town Council has recently published it's Spring 2005 Community Newsletter. It can be viewed here. Previous issues are available here.

posted pre June 2005

Bugsworth Basin Re-opening

It has been announced that the canal arm upto Buxsworth Basin is due for it's offical re-opening on 26th march with a boat Rally

posted pre June 2005

Whaley Bridge St John's Ambulance Unit

St John's Ambulance unit in Whaley Bridge is holding a free two-part First Aid taster session for people aged 16 and over. Both session have to be attended to complete the course.

posted pre June 2005

Community Newsletter

Whaley Bridge Town Council has recently published it's Winter Community Newsletter. It can be viewed here. Previous issues are available here.

posted pre June 2005

Whaley Bridge Fencing Club

Whaley Bridge Fencing Club, now in it's second year started it's Autumn Junior Beginners Course last week. The ten week course is for anyone between the ages of 8 and 14 who has not fenced before or has done just a little fencing. It's on Thursdays from 6.15 - 7.15pm, and started on 14 October at the Uniting Church Hall, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge. The course will cover the use of the foil and will involve the teaching of a range of skills and techniques, as well as fencing related games and small competitons. Those who want to will be able to take British Fencing Association Grades.

posted pre June 2005

Whaley Bridge Community Trust

Whaley Bridge Community Trust, which runs the footsteps centre in Whaley Bridge recently held it's second AGM. A report of the meeting is available here.

posted pre June 2005

Mobile Telephone Mast

East Whaley Bridge Residents’ Association has recently been asked to address concerns from local residents regarding the proposals for a 15m + high mobile telephone mast and associated building on the site of the new Whaley Bridge Cricket Club.

Residents are concerned that the land, which already has consent for a two storey pavilion, will become even further developed and destroying its natural beauty.  The land, owned by the Club, is designated Special Landscape Value and is also a Derbyshire Wildlife Site.  It is understood that the Club need the mast to provide income for construction of the new pavilion.

If the mast is allowed to proceed it will further degrade this greenbelt area and encourage other developers to follow suit.  The mobile phone operators are due to make a formal planning application to High Peak Borough Council.

If local residents are equally as concerned the Resident's Association is advising them to contact the planning department and also their local councillors.  The residents’ association will be holding an open meeting in the Mechanics Institute in the week commencing 15/03/04 to discuss the impact (date to be advised).

posted pre June 2005

High Peak Goes Pink

A new social group for lesbians and gay men in the High Peak area was launched at the beginning of February.

‘Pink Peaks’ is designed to provide contact with other lesbians and gay men in secluded areas, instead of having to travel into major cities. The group, for 23 - 35 year olds, will meet monthly for casual social activities such as going to the pub, dinner parties and cinema outings.

A spokesperson for Pink Peaks said: "People living in the High Peak area feel secluded from the gay community, which benefits from convenient venues in major cities such as Manchester and Sheffield.

"For a long time there has been a need to find a way of bringing the sizeable High Peak gay community together, and we hope the group will provide a solution to that."

The group will get together in areas including Buxton, Stockport, Whaley Bridge, Castleton, Macclesfield and Manchester.

More details can be found on the website at: www.pinkpeaks.co.uk or by emailing: PinkPeaks@aol.com

posted pre June 2005