Welcome to this week's newsletter.
My team and I have been brainstorming how we might make the newsletter an even better read. So you should see examples of different types of content going forward. Thing like interesting local history, new & fun scientific discoveries and personal stories from constituents. This week I have included some interesting facts about Slaughter Hill in Haslington. If you have or know a local person that you think makes an amazing contribution or has an interesting or inspiring life story to tell get in touch!
I recently met with the team from The Social Farm to see one of their Holday Activity and Meal Programme sessions. They are located at Lakemore Farm Park in Haslington and aims to help people feel better through farming. It was great to see first-hand the impact that the programme can have.
The launch of Explore Haslington Parish took place this week. The event, supported by Haslington Parish Council and running throughout August, uses GPS technology to encourage residents to explore their local area. Why not go along sometime during the summer holidays?
I was amazed to hear that Joy, a blind resident at Pickmere Care Home, will be going on her first skydive - raising money for Guide Dogs UK. If you want to support her cause you can drop off money directly too her at Pickmere.
Finally, Crewe based brewery Tom's Tap and Brewhouse Ltd have won two prestigious beer awards. Well done to all involved for this fantastic achievement!
Have a great weekend.
The Social Farm - Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Did You Know? Slaughter Hill
Explore Haslington Parish
Pickmere Residents Charity Skydive
Local Brewer Wins Award
Traffic Report
The Social Farm - Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Last week I visited the team from The Social Farm to see one of their Holday Activity and Meal Programme sessions.
The Social Farm is located at Lakemore Farm Park in Haslington and aims to help people feel better through farming. They are home to many different farm animals including pigs, donkeys, cows, sheep, alpacas and provide educational farming experiences, activities and courses designed specifically to help people improve their physical and mental health. These activities allow young people to gain real farming experiences and share in the highs and lows which come with caring for animals.
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme is a fantastic initiative, which not only keeps kids occupied over the summer but also relieves pressure on families by providing them with a hot, substantial meal. It has been running for a few years now, and it is good to see that it is being supported and growing stronger than ever.
It was great to see first-hand the impact that this programme can have. Thank you for all your amazing work!
Find out more about the social farm here: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/care-and-support-for-children/how-do-i-get-early-help-for-my-child/family-information-service/fis-events/events-listings/2023/fis-events-april-2023/haf-the-social-farm.aspx
Did You Know? Slaughter Hill
During the First English Civil War, on 27 December 1642, there was a skirmish between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians that took place on the southern outskirts of Haslington. Following the 'Barthomley Massacre' where Royalists had pillaged Crewe and Haslington, the loyalist and Parliamentarian forces met at a place called Slaughter Hill. Indeed, accounts are perhaps too gory to print, but the name was certainly fitting to the ensuing fight, to which the Parliamentarians came out victorious.
Of course, the name Slaughter Hill would suggest it was named after this skirmish. However, some accounts suggest that the name finds its origins in "Sloe Tree Hill". Indeed, blackthorn, which fruits Sloe berries, can still be found in the hedgerows down the lane named Slaughter Hill. Could this unusually named road, a part of English Civil War history, simply be a corruption of ‘Sloe Tree Hill’ or is it the real deal?
Explore Haslington Parish
I went along to the launch of Explore Haslington Parish this week.
The event, supported by Haslington Parish Council and running throughout August, uses GPS technology to encourage residents to explore the local network of lanes, quiet roads and footpaths on foot. 80 controls have been placed across the parish so you will not be far from one and with a map to guide you, you are invited to visit them all.
It is designed to be tackled in stages at times and frequencies to suit anyone. It is family friendly but can also be tackled by those of an adventurous nature, whatever their age! An ideal school summer holiday activity (under 14’s are asked to be accompanied by a responsible adult).
If you are looking for something to do over the summer holidays, why not come along and take part! It is is free to Haslington Parish residents, including residents in Winterley and Oakhanger.
Thank you to everyone who has worked hard on making this project a reality.
Pickmere Resident Going on a Skydive
I was amazed to hear that a local resident at Pickmere Care Home, will be going on her first skydive - raising money for Guide Dogs UK.
Joy, aged 83 and who is blind herself, will be doing the dive on Thursday (10th August).
I know from speaking to people like local Guide Dog ambassadors Milo the amazing work that this charity does - so please do support Joy and sponsor her dive if you can.
Donations can be made either by cash to be dropped off at Pickmere, or by cheque to be made payable to Guide Dogs UK.
Good luck Joy! I hope you have fun and raise a lot of money for a fantastic cause.
Local Brewer Wins Award
Well done to Crewe based brewery Tom's Tap and Brewhouse Ltd for winning two prestigious beer awards.
Chester and South Clwyd CAMRA gave their 'dark mild' joint first place while at the Chorlton Beer Festival they won 'Overall Beer of the Festival' with their beer 'Ey Up Treacle'.
The brewery is a small local business ran by Sean and Robert. You can try all of these award winning beers at their premise in Thomas Street, Crewe.
Well done to all involved!
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Delamere Street, Crewe (Between Flag Lane and St Marys Street) - Until 7th August
Mill Lane, Oakhangar - Until 31st October
Flowers Lane - Until 26th November (see below re Leighton closures)
Smithy Lane - Until 1st November (see below re Leighton closures)
Minshull New Road (Between Badger Avenue and Rolls Avenue) - Until 31st August
Turner Street, Nantwich (From the junction of Turner Street to the junction of Imperial Court) - 11th August
Middlewich Street, Mellor Street and Mickelwright Avenue - Until 25th August
Mablins Lane - Until 5th August
B5074 (Between Imperial Court and Turner Street) - 31st July until 11th August
A5020 Rail Bridge - 5th until 8th August
Newcastle Road, Shavington (Between Stock Lane and Sable Road) - 7th August until 1st September
Eastern Road (Between Green Lane and Wynbunbury Road) - 10th August
CLOSURES AROUND LEIGHTON:
Full details of closures around Leighton: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/major-projects/north-west-crewe-package-nwcp/north-west-crewe-package.aspx
The traffic lights at the end of Flowers Lane will be replaced with a roundabout as will the other accesses onto the new houses off the A530. The rear of Leighton hospital will have an improved access from Flowers Lane and the Hospital main entrance access on Smithy Lane will also be improved.
In the near future Minshull New Road will be stopped off at the Leighton academy to through traffic, but access will still be provided to the school for children from the north and south creating a much safer entrance.
Part of the problems with creating a diversion is that the traffic can only be diverted onto roads of the same or a superior category. Diverted traffic cannot be diverted onto minor roads.
At the end of the Highways project all the new roads and roundabouts will be providing easier and safer access to Leighton and its surrounds. Work can then start on the new houses with the confidence that current residents will be less affected by more traffic.