Tytherington Family Worship Church, Sandwich Dr, Tytherington, Macclesfield SK10 2UD
Did you know that your local Rock Choir meets every Monday evenings at Tytherington Family Worship Church?
The Autumn term begins on Monday, 16th September – and you could be singing along.
The Choir are a very friendly group that can guarantee you having a great time, learning a wide variety of music, from Abba to the Stone Roses!
Rock Choir was established in 2005 by award-winning musician, Caroline Redman Lusher and is now the world's largest contemporary choir, with over 33,000 members participating in approximately 400 local communities across the UK.
It offers all ages an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir, introducing members to feel-good pop, rock and contemporary chart songs. Hit songs from the current charts and decades are deconstructed and rebuilt by Caroline and her creative team to offer members unique versions of favourite hits.
Rock Choir has an uplifting ethos of fun and friendship and the community spirit is a huge part of its attraction where members enjoy a dynamic, glamorous and busy new social life and connect with their community. At an individual level, it helps improve people's well-being by building their self-confidence, self-esteem and in turn helps them to enjoy positive mental and physical health benefits all through the power of group singing.
Rock Choir are always happy to welcome new members! There are no auditions and no requirement to read music. Sign up now for a FREE taster session by visiting www.rockchoir.com.
After a three-week sleep, Lyme’s grand mansion reopens to the public on Friday 29 November with a raucous winter experience for all ages.
This year, Lyme transforms into festive winter playground for all ages from November 29th as the interactive Animal Crackers exhibition returns for another year. This year the animals are exploring winter traditions with firm favourites and new animals joining the fun too. Nearly all the animals in the exhibit can be found at Lyme: most notably the red deer, which were inspired by Lyme’s medieval deer herd and can be seen on a walk throughout the estate.
As visitors pass through the different rooms, they will see Lyme like never before – with larger-than-life animals exploring winter traditions. Find a turkey sitting at the table for dinner or brown bear hibernating in bed, ready for Christmas to start.
The house is filled with interactive fun and games for all ages too. Visitors can pick up a microphone and sing their hearts out in the clock room or play pin the tail on the hare and other parlour games in the Library.
These wild creations are conceived and created by local Stockport-based artist Sophie Tyrrell, whose signature style incorporates bold colour and recycled materials. She says “I have brought a circus of creatures who, in the tradition of carnival and masquerade, bring my own form of creative mischief. I encourage visitors to celebrate the handmade, joy in the imperfect, laugh, play and sing together!”
Many of the decorations which deck the halls are handmade by Lyme’s staff, volunteers, and community groups from every day recycled or donated materials. Outside of the house, Crow Wood near the Timberyard will feature a collection of community trees, decorated by local primary schools and organisations across Disley and the surrounding area.
Meghan MacGabhann, Lyme’s Experiences and Visitor Programming Manager said, “At Lyme, Christmas has always been a time for traditions. Many of our visitors come here every year for family gatherings, walks, and to enjoy Lyme’s beautiful landscape in winter. This year with Animal Crackers the whole family can experience winter traditions in a new and interactive way. We’re also looking forward to welcoming community choirs – who will be giving carol concerts throughout December – and, of course, our popular afternoon teas – which will also be taking on a festive twist.”
Festive afternoon teas will include a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches made from local produce, and there are limited tables available to book online.
Lyme’s Animal Crackers II opens Friday 29 November and is open every day of the week until 24 December. Standard admission charges apply, National Trust Members are free. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme or call 01663 762023.
Some last minute December events for you, including some from our friends at The Nose Coffee, in this last email newsletter of 2024 from the Ranger Service.
As we approach the festive season, Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service would like to wish a very Merry Christmas, to everyone who celebrates it, & a Happy New Year to all!
All our countryside sites will be open to visitors on Christmas Day but the visitor centres will remain closed. See the bottom of the email for The Nose Coffee Festive opening hours.
Scroll right to the bottom to see December’s last minute events and get your tickets booked ASAP so you don’t miss out!
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt
The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.
Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available on Christmas Day. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service Information: 01477 534115
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Easy walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments).
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Poppy’s Elf Hunt at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names?
Purchase a map from The Nose Coffee, inside the Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Once you’ve completed the trail come back to The Nose Coffee for 50p off your food and / or drink order.
Maps available to buy between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available from 3pm on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day afternoon. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm (see above) Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service and The Nose Coffee Information: 01625 374833
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Partnership event / There is a charge for this event)
Tuesday 10 December – Festive Card Making with Pink Tiger Design
Unleash your creativity at our Card Making Workshop, hosted by Pink Tiger Design! Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this hands-on experience will guide you in designing and creating personalized cards for any occasion.
What’s included:
Expert guidance on essential card-making techniques.
Tips for adding unique designs, textures, and embellishments.
All materials to craft stunning handmade cards.
A complimentary hot drink from The Nose Coffee to keep you inspired!
Join us for a relaxing and creative session where you’ll leave with beautiful cards and memories to treasure.
Booking in advance is essential. Cost £20 plus Eventbrite fee.
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders:Pink Tiger Design
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
Sunday 15 December – Meet Poppy the Elf at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
🎄Meet Poppy the Elf & Join the Fun at The Nose Coffee🎄
Get ready for a magical, FREE Christmas adventure at Tegg’s Nose Country Park ✨
What’s Happening:
Meet Poppy the Elf: Post your letters to Santa.
Make Magical Reindeer Treats: Help Poppy prepare snacks for Santa’s reindeer.
Poppy’s Elf Hunt: Join the search for Poppy’s lost friends around the park!
This one-day-only event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Come along for festive fun, adventure, and Christmas spirit! 🎁🦌
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: The Nose Coffee
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)
Saturday 21 December – Gingerbread Decorating Delight with Festive Foodies at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Gingerbread Decorating with The Nose Coffee
✨We have two time slots to let your artistic flare shine.
All ages welcome, gingerbread decorating isn’t just for the kids !! Book now via the link below or visit the coffee shop 🧡
Time: 3.30pm to 6.00pm Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733) Leaders: The Nose Coffee
(Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
11:00 amStarts at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 1PS
A giant 100+ convoy of tractors which has raised thousands of pounds for The Christie Charity will drive through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire on Sunday 29th December.
For what has now become an annual fixture in the local calendar, since the inaugural event in 2020, the 100+ tractor convoy attracts thousands of onlookers across Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple and beyond.
The event is organised by 24-year-old agricultural-based contractor Ferguson Roylance from Whitegate. When his good friend and farming colleague Harvey Mitchell died from cancer in December 2020, Ferguson wanted to do something in memory of him, and to say thanks to everyone at The Christie hospital for caring for Harvey.
Harvey’s funeral was restricted, due to the pandemic, so Ferguson and his partner Zara came up with the idea of organising a ‘tractor run’ where people could participate via social distancing and to let Harvey’s family and friends have the chance to say goodbye to him.
“My aim, initially was to give people a chance to say goodbye to Harvey while raising money for the hospital that looked after him,” Ferguson shared. “I’m not experienced in organising events, but it turned out to be a huge success – hundreds of people stood along the roads, socially distanced, to watch and wave as we passed by with our tractors. It was a heartfelt way to honour Harvey’s memory and support essential care for cancer patients and their families.”
The following year another friend of the farming community Lisa Messenger died, so the fundraising tractor convoy was repeated to honour her as well. The convoy is also in memory of Stuart Wainwright, who died in a farming accident in 2023.
Ferguson’s initial fundraising goal was £1,000 but it has now raised over £33,000 so far.
Tractor drivers pay a donation of £20 to join in the convoy, which will start at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 1PS at 11am on Sunday 29th December and will incorporate several towns including Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley.
The event finishes at around 5.30pm at Middlewood Road, where people will gather for refreshments. Throughout the tractor convoy there will be opportunities to donate to The Christie Charity.
“We’ve chosen Sunday, 29th December, as it’s a slightly quieter time for many farmers and there’s also less traffic on the roads,” says Ferguson. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the council, police, and emergency services in making this event possible. This is our way of honouring the memory of Harvey, Lisa, and Stuart while raising funds for a worthy cause.”
Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready as – for one night only – we celebrate the Kings and Queens of country music.
The stars of Entertainer's hit show Islands in the Stream return in this brand-new production that’s now bigger than ever!
Join us for a very special evening, celebrating country superstar royalty. Enjoy the very biggest country songs of all time; 9 to 5, The Gambler, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, King of the Road, Crazy, Rhinestone Cowboy, Jolene, Dance the Night Away and many more.
Tickets are priced at £36. To book, call the Box Office on 01298 72190 or follow the link below.
Registration for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is now open!
Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Thousands of nature lovers will be counting birds from their gardens, balconies, parks and local green spaces over one weekend.
It’s fun, free and will only take an hour, whenever it suits you, from Friday 24 – Sunday 26 January.
Keep your eyes and ears pealed for details of next year’s Rotary Swimathon – landing in your letter box or email.
Details will be heading out to previous swimmers for schools, companies, community groups and charities for the sponsored swim on Sunday 16th March 2025 at Macclesfield Leisure centre.
The award-winning Buxton International Festival is an annual celebration of world-class opera, music, books and jazz with over 160 events to choose from every summer.
Here are five reasons to make Buxton your ‘go-to’ summer festival for 2025 (10-27 July).
1. Buxton – the beautiful spa town sits in heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, worth a visit in itself. All the festival’s events are within easy walking distance of each other.
2. Operas Galore – In 2024, Buxton staged five new operas in four days and was nominated for an International Opera Award. 2025 sees a yet more impressive plans:
Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet, conducted by Adrian Kelly with the Orchestra of Opera North
A double bill of Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Taihiti and Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, a Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production
Opera Zuid production of Mozart’s The Impresario
La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfers, a Vache Baroque production
Shorts – four brand new 20-minute operas by composers
Jasper Dommett, Martin Green and Carmel Smickersgill
3. Jazz Weekender Tickets – Jazz Weekender tickets for just £175 offering 12 world-class gigs varying from jazz, blues, funk and Latin, plus an Oscar Peterson extravaganza. Stand-out artists include Ineza, Graham Clark Quartet, Emily Masser Quartet, Trio JDM, Baiana, Alan Barnes with an all-star band, Dean Stockdale Quartet, Emma Rawicz Quartet and Xhosa Cole Quartet.
4. Books – 33 book talks including Diane Abbott MP, Baroness Lola Young, Petroc Trelawny, Ben Macintyre and Jonathan Sumption.
5. Classical Music – World-class concerts every day from artists including Steven Hough, Imogen Cooper, Benjamin Grosvenor, Tallis Scholars, English Concert, Simon Keenlyside and Sarah Connolly.
Box Office – Tel 01298 2072190
Booking office opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025
Become a BIF Friend for Priority Booking, from just £36 per year.