Wednesday 18 June 2014

WRESTLING AT MIDDLEWICH TOWN HALL 21st JUNE 2014


Sunday 15 June 2014

LOST IN THE MIST AT THE NEWTON BREWERY JUNE 15th (ARCHIVED)



ARCHIVED

Music and jollity from the Lovely Symone, Quality Dave, Bouncing Bob and the Legendary Mr Sullivan.
See us fortnightly at The Crewe Arms in Madeley Heath.
Details from the Bob Webbsite:
www.bobwebbmusic.co.uk

Update: Well what a great afternoon we had! We played from 5pm until way after 7pm (with a twenty minute break) and everyone thoroughly enjoyed what we did. In fact we were so well received that we got a re-booking straight away. Many thanks to landlord Simon Whittaker and his helpful and hard-working staff and to everyone who came down to see us! - Lost In The Mist



NB LOST IN THE MIST
If you should happen to be  pottering about on the waterways, watch out for 'our' boat, the NB Lost In The Mist
Well, actually, it's not our boat, but some friends of ours were so taken with LITM that when they bought their own canal boat, they decided to call it after us!
The NB Lost In The Mist moored close to the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. Many thanks to GRAHAM & JENNY
NB Lost In The Mist Detail . Many thanks to GRAHAM & JENNY
Note: These photos were taken after the good ship LITM's name was registered, but before she received her official nameplates. 

Saturday 14 June 2014

MIDDLEWICH ROSE FETE 2014

The 2013 Middlewich Rose Fete.     Photo: The Collin School Of Dance
The Festival Parade starts at 10.45am at Tesco's Car Park and reaches Market Field in

 time for the Crowning Ceremony at 11.30am

The Queen will be crowned by Paul Edwards, Mayor Of Middlewich, after which there

 will be dance displays.

Photo: Middlewich Rose Fete/Andersen Boats
And this afternoon there will be a new departure for the newly-crowned Rose Queen as she embarks on a Royal Cruise on a boat kindly provided by Andersen Boats from Wych House Lane to the Big Lock and back. Members of her retinue will be with her, either on the boat or walking alongside.
The boat departs at 2pm

.
Rebecca Jones writes...
The Royal Barge...courtesy of Andersen Boats will be sailing through the town at 2pm with the royal retinue on board and walking the path beside. 
Come along and support our local children in all their finery. 
Don't forget to royal wave at our new Queens!



Friday 13 June 2014

MIDDLEWICH FAB FESTIVAL 2014 (ARCHIVED)

ARCHIVED

Here's  news of the line-up for this year's Middlewich FAB Festival. You can find out more by clicking on the link to the FAB Festival site here:

MIDDLEWICH FAB FESTIVAL WEBSITE

Free copies of the Festival Guide are available from the Town Hall and from participating fringe venues, as well as many other outlets throughout the town.

Official fringe venues are:
  • The Big Lock
  • The Boar's Head
  • The Cheshire Cheese
  • The King`s Lock
  • Middlewich Narrowboats
  • The Narrowboat
  • The Newton Brewery Inn
  • The White Bear
  • The White Horse

See also:

WELCOME BACK! - OLD FESTIVAL FAVOURITES RETURN


First published 23rd February 2014
Updated April 3rd 2014
Updated June 13th 2014

Thursday 12 June 2014

FAB FESTIVAL: THE MIDDLEWICH ROCK 'n' ROLL DANCERS (ARCHIVED)


ARCHIVED

Derek and Julie Millington show us how it's done at the 2011 FAB Festival

Over the years the Middlewich FAB Festival has always provided a wide range of entertainment above and beyond what is normally found at traditional folk festivals; the aim being to cater for the general public and those not necessarily too interested in the folk world.
The Middlewich Rock 'n' Roll Dancers are a case in point. They're hugely popular with the crowds, and rightly so.
They present their version of authentic 1950s Rock 'n' Roll with enthusiasm and style and they always look immaculate in period dress.
Watch for them around town, particularly in the town centre where these 2011 photos were taken by Cliff Astles.
Rockin' with style at the 2011 FAB Festival

HERE ARE THE 2013 TIMINGS FOR THE ROCK & ROLL DANCERS. MANY THANKS TO CLIFF ASTLES FOR THE INFO:

12.00.p.m. - 12.40.p.m. at the KINDERTON at the front of the car park

1.00.p.m. - 2.00.p.m. on the AMPHITHEATRE
Info from Derek Millington, Mr Rock n Roll
Plus, Lee Davidge singing Rock n Roll songs of the 50's at the Kinderton.

NOT TO BE MISSED.....ALL WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE ROCK N ROLL DANCING.

FESTIVAL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

First published 10th June 2013
Re-published 12th June 2014

Tuesday 10 June 2014

NORTHERN FLYER CHARITY RIDE FOR HELP FOR HEROES

FOR UPDATES, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE



 Lynne Hardy writes...

Between June 5th and June 8th 2014 my son Luke is taking part in the Northern Flyer Hero Ride from Manchester to London, on behalf of Help For Heroes.
Luke completed three to tours of duty in Afghanistan with 3 Para, so understands firt hand the effects of loss and the devastating injuries suffered by many.
Along, I imagine, with many other families I thank God every day for his safe return.
But what about those who returned to the United Kingdom with
terrible injuries - missing limbs or lost eyesight;mental issues including frightening flashbacks and difficulties settling back in to life here in Britain?
Help for Heroes is trying to raise a massive 1.5 million for our wounded service men, women and veterans and this ride is part of the fund-raising effort.
Please sponsor Luke in the Northern Flyer ride by going to the
bmycharity link below.
I would like to ask you to please spare whatever you can afford in aid of this wonderful charity as a small thank you to those who have sacrificed so much and need our support so that they can carry on leading the lives they deserve.
Thank you,
Lynne

Find out more about the Northern Flyer ride at:

HELP FOR HEROES - THE NORTHERN FLYER

To sponsor Luke, please go to:

BMYCHARITY LINK 

UPDATE 6th JUNE 2014:


DAY 1 -  JUNE 5th 2014
At 9.30 on the morning of June 5th thirty-five riders set off from the Velodrome in Manchester on the first day of their journey from Manchester to London.
There were three separate groups of riders, each group including four injured ex-servicemen. The other riders in the party were civilians who had, between them, raised thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes.
The riders were in for a very hard and tough day, as they left the City and headed into the hills of Derbyshire en route to their first stop in Derby.
Their route took them to a height of 1580 metres above sea-level and they covered a total of 82 route miles  from Manchester to Derby.
Derby was reached at 7pm, after a tough and gruelling first day on the road. All the riders were exhausted but in good spirits and enjoyed a hearty meal before retiring to rest in preparation for day two.

UPDATE 7th JUNE 2014:

Day 2 - June 6th 2014
The party left Derby at 8am on Day 2, the 6th June, and headed south into Staffordshire, heading for the next destination of Northampton.
The terrain was a little gentler on the riders than the steep hills of Derbyshire on day one(although there were some very long and drawn out climbs).
Right from the start the day was very hot and it they all found it very hard work to keep going in the warm sunshine.
Only a matter of eight miles or so from Derby the riders stopped off at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas to take part in the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. A wreath was laid at the memorial on behalf of the riders,and they were able to remember the fallen as well as taking the opportunity of talking to some of the WWII veterans who were in attendance.


One of the memorials at the National memorial Arboretum
The riders resumed their ride towards Northampton amid stunning scenery and enjoyed a  very pleasant ride with some very pretty villages and hamlets along the route.
Northampton was reached at 6pm and, altogether, the party had clocked up a total of 85 miles on day two.
Accomodation was provided at the Hilton Hotel where several riders took advantage of the services of a physiotherapist before enjoying a meal and drinks and retiring to bed.

The third and fourth days (Saturday and Sunday) take the riders a further 68 miles to their final destination in London.





LINK: THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

UPDATE: 10th JUNE 2014:

DAY 3: JUNE 7th 2014
There was another early, 8am, start for the riders on day three and they left the Hilton Hotel in Northampton in the direction of Newport Pagnell, a matter of 50 miles away where they were to meet up with another contingent of thirty riders coming down from Edinburgh . 
This part of the ride, on another hot but beautiful day,  took them through more lovely
villages and the Salcey Forest.
After crossing from Northamptonshire into Hertfordshire the riders were able to see the skyline of London on the horizon as they  followed the River Lea through Wheathampstead, St Albans and Colney Heath before reaching Enfield in North London at 6pm.
Although this section of the ride was relatively flat compared to earlier sections, the hot day made the going hard, but everyone was in good spirits and pulled together, enjoying the scenery and forging new friendships along the way.
After an evening meal and drinks in Enfield an awards ceremony took place in which Luke Hardy was presented with the Harry Long Award.
The Award is named after Harry Long, a member of the Ghurkas who was seriously injured in Afghanistan.
The award was given to Luke in recognition of his hard work in putting across Help The Heroes' message to everyone, and showing that it is possible to overcome hardship, pain and injury and win the day through sheer determination and effort.
There were many very well-off people taking part in the ride who had been motivated to help Help The Heroes through the efforts of Luke and many other people like him.
After another tiring but rewarding day, everyone retired to bed.

DAY 4 - JUNE 8th 2014
On Sunday morning everyone set off from Enfield to complete the final thirty miles to Blackheath and then on to their final destination at The Mall in Central London.
At Blackheath Common  they met up with yet more groups who had been riding from various points all over the country to come together for the final ten miles into the heart of the Capital.
For the final ten miles through Central London, down Horse Guards Parade and into The Mall, the riders were joined by top cyclist Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta.
Mark is a patron of Help For Heroes and was introduced to the charity by Peta, who has also cycled many miles and raised thousands of pounds for the charity
Mark and Peta Cavendish.
Photo: Press Association/Daily Mail

Everyone stopped at The Cenotaph in Horse Guards Parade for a memorial ceremony and then headed for their final goal in the Mall after a gruelling but exciting four days of riding in a very worthy cause.


Hero Ride June 2014
 Luke Hardy is towards the right of the group wearing a yellow jersey. Many thanks to VICKY BROWN for allowing us to use this photo.


LINK: DAILY MAIL - MARK CAVENDISH JOINS HELP FOR HEROES RIDE




LYNNE and LUKE THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND REMIND YOU THAT YOU CAN STILL HELP  RAISE MONEY FOR HELP FOR HEROES BY VISITING THE LINK ABOVE. LUKE'S PAGE IS STILL OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP MONEY, EVEN THOUGH THE CHALLENGE IS NOW COMPLETED. MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE SPONSORED LUKE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THIS VERY WORTHWHILE CAUSE.

Thank You!

First published 1st June 2014
Updated 6th June 2014
                 7th June 2014
                10th June 2014

Saturday 7 June 2014

LOST IN THE MIST RETURNS FOR THE 2014 FAB FESTIVAL!


Return of the prodigal sons (and a daughter)! 
After a few years away Lost in the Mist returns to take part in this year's Middlewich FAB Festival fringe.
What can possibly go wrong.......?


First published 27th May 2014
Re-published 7th June 2014


FAB FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENTS FOR SUNDAY 15th JUNE 2014 (ARCHIVED)

ARCHIVED


FAB Festival Fringe events

Sunday 15th June
(notes by Dave Thompson)

10am  White Bear (festival club)
 'Breakfast with Barker'
Annual visit by 'the one'- truly a one-off. Words just cannot do him justice- see for yourself? Plus delicious buffet breakfast.
Admission charge- Tickets direct from the venue- limited capacity

11am Narrowboat
Musicians Always Welcome

12noon  Big Lock
Musicians Always Welcome

12noon Boars Head (lounge)
Musicians Always Welcome

12noon Middlewich Narrowboats
Best Dressed Boat Award
Annual award in memory of Maureen Shaw, given to this years' best dressed boat at Middlewich

1pm Big Lock
Dave Speakman Band + The Chaplins
DSB the excellent party band is back! Favourite covers played by seasoned pros. The award-winning Chaplins will no doubt provide a most suitable, laid-back Sunday afternoon vibe on the canal-side

1pm Cheshire Cheese
Barrelhouse Jukes + Not Completely Blonde
Sunday blues and country classics with 'The Jukes', swiftly followed by three young women sure to get your attention! Always happy to support new talent- and this trio has plenty.

1pm Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
 Roving Crows
You can rely on the Roving Crows' to deliver, as they have done here for the last 3 years- award-winning fiddle fronts a great live band. Awesome!

1pm Kings Lock (concert marquee)
Singer/songwriter Showcase
Last chance for singers/musicians to promote their talent. Sign-up at the venue for your chance to perform

1pm Middlewich Narrowboats
The Good Intentions + Chasing Minnows
The Good Intentions are sure to make the most of their debut. Their music "oozes influences of the Byrds, the Long Ryders and Neil Young (Harvest era)" according to Americana UK. Chasing Minnows support with a set of their own compositions- simple yet catchy tunes that hook you with ease

1pm White Bear- (Courtyard)
Ghost Trains + Danny Pedler & Rosie Butler-Hall
Ghost Trains have been described as 'Simon and Garfunkel meets Crowded House', a vibrant mix of traditional folk-rock and classic sixties pop. Danny & Rosie play- hurdy gurdy/accordion and 5 string fiddle. Their music is characterised by flowing melodies, intricate harmonies and strong driving rhythms

1pm White Horse
Music Session in the bar, All welcome

2pm Narrowboat
Calico Jack & Friends
The ever popular four piece will be a 'must-see' choice for many- so be early! Their only gig at the festival this year due to other commitments- so don't miss em!

2pm Newton Brewery
Sons of Clogger
Certainly making the most of their debut, 'the Sons are sure to have fun with their engaging set of folk/rock covers.

2pm White Bear (festival club)
Pamela Wyn-Shannon (USA)
Mysterious and elusive American singer/songwriter, now inspired by the rural beauty of North Wales. Comparisons to the late/great Bert Jansch gives a clue to how special this is. A rare treat indeed. Admission charge- Tickets direct from the venue/limited capacity

3pm Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
Theatre & Dance
Familiar (and not so familiar) entertainment on the canal-side with morris dancers and special guests 'the Bradshaw Mummers'= FUN!

4pm Boars Head (lounge)
Hayley Strangelove
More from the highly entertaining singer/songwriter, today in the Boars Head lounge

5pm Newton Brewery
Lost in the Mist
Great to see Bob Webb and Dave Roberts back 'doing their stuff' at the festival- which comprises old (and new) songs plus DR's totally unique poetry.
Additional info: Lost In The Mist also features Symone Dale, a superb vocalist from Sandbach, and banjo virtuoso Tony 'Sully' Sullivan from Macclesfield. LITM specialises in traditional folk mixed with pop classics, skiffle and much more, not forgetting original songs from Bob and the best banjo playing you've ever heard from Sully who plays traditional tunes and his own compositions.
LITM can be seen at The Crewe Arms, Madeley Heath, on Sunday 8th and Thursday 12th June

6pm Big Lock
Brian McCombe Band (Brittany) + Clutching at Straws
A fabulous evening of music to enjoy on the canal-side. Brian McCombe Band make their first appearance in the UK, boasting musicians of the highest caliber- see them here, first! 'the Straws again provide excellent support, no doubt winning more fans

6pm Middlewich Narrowboats
The Chaplins + Cheesecutters
The Cheesecutters are special guests from our twin-town, Holywell; sing-a-long and enjoy. The Chaplins ooze quality, and they are sure to bring down the curtain in fine style at the boatyard.

7pm Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
Thrill Collins + Not Completely Blonde
Great music and personality, Thrill Collins are experienced pros with a string of European tours behind them. Supported by NCB - three girls who 'sing and play without a care in the world'- oh to be young again…

7pm Kings Lock (concert marquee)
Sean Taylor + Middlewich Paddies
Sean Taylor really is making waves with his excellent guitar playing and unique style. His only fringe gig so don't miss it. Middlewich Paddies make waves for entirely different reasons… still going strong and still very proud of this festival which they've been part of since it began, many beers ago in 1990…


7pm Newton Brewery
STEAMHEAD
A perfect way to wind-down, by the canal-side (in the beer garden) with this wonderful group of people, STEAMHEAD. Lots of fun- is there time for a conga…?


7pm White Bear
Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin + Roving Crows
What a combination of fantastic music to finish! Words cannot do these musicians justice- just see/hear for yourself and you will know why, between them they've won numerous, prestigious awards
8pm Boars Head
Farewell acoustic session
All welcome for the 'finale session'. Often the scene of some formidable LIVE music! Eg recall the Canadian's last year? Join us as we bid a FAB farewell


8pm Cheshire Cheese
The Jamtown Rockers
Back for more, these rock n' rollers from Northwich take no prisoners with their heavy-rock covers! Always a great night to finish in the beer garden at the Cheshire Cheese


8pm Narrowboat
Party Night with The Assets
The title says it all- join the Narrowboat crew as they celebrate their last gig of the festival, with local band The Assets 'with sincere thanks to all of this years' FAB Fringe venues for your support, and for staging a fantastic weekend of live music.


And BIG thanks as always to the artists!
Dave Thompson- Middlewich Town Council Events Manager and F
AB Festival organiser

FRINGE EVENTS FOR FRIDAY 13th
FRINGE EVENTS FOR SATURDAY 14th

Friday 6 June 2014

FAB FESTIVAL FRINGE EVENTS SATURDAY 14th JUNE 2014 (ARCHIVED)


ARCHIVED


FAB Festival Fringe events
Saturday 14th June
(notes by Dave Thompson)



10am Narrowboat
Musicians Always Welcome
Early start- in the lounge bar or terraced beer garden

10am Newton Brewery
Middlewich Round Table invite all-comers to play their life-size table football in the beer garden!

12 Noon Big Lock
Musicians Always Welcome
Wonderful canal-side setting or indoors close to the real ale…


1pm  Big Lock
Sons of Clogger + Sheena
Stoke finally releases the famous sons to Middlewich! It's been a long time coming but are here at last. Good music and good fun- welcome gents www.songsofclogger.com Local singer/songwriter Sheena Bratt on a short visit this year- great covers to sing along to

1pm  Cheshire Cheese
 Musicians Always Welcome

1pm  Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
 Barrelhouse Jukes + Simply Soweto Encha
'the Jukes' trio are seasoned musicians playing blues/country/folk and always go down a storm at this festival. Simply Soweto Encha provide a unique contrast with their cool township-jive-dance and close harmonies- fabulous!

1pm Kings Lock (concert marquee)
Singer/songwriter showcase
a chance for singers/musicians to promote their talent, each afternoon. Sign-up at the venue for your chance to perform.

1pm Middlewich Narrowboats
The Pluckers
A brief visit last year and back again playing a full set which includes Simon & Garfunkel songs, and more that you will know and join-in with

1pm White Bear- (Courtyard) 
Clutching Straws + Bear Minimum
'The straws' play wonderful music- it really is that simple! New-folk is at the forefront of their music but it's their personality that wins most. Bear Minimum- is no reflection on their talents or their intention to do as little as possible! Borne quite literally from the White Bear they will have LOTS of local support for this, their festival debut

1pm White Horse
Kathryn Wheel
Hard working trio kick-off the afternoon at the White Horse with popular covers of rock/pop classics, and much more besides

2pm  Boars Head (lounge)
The Hayes Sisters
All the way from Stockport, local press describes them as "..the close harmony singing of celestial folk angels- the nymph choristers from Heaven..� we will see soon enough! Welcome back to the Hayes Sisters!

 2pm  Narrowboat
OPEN MIKE with hosts Lesley Radford & Anthony West
The venue (and hosts) stage a great open mike night on the 2nd Thursday every month and you can be sure this will be a very busy afternoon of great live music- sign up early for a spot?

2pm White Horse
Music session in the bar. All welcome

3pm  Middlewich Narrowboats 
Open Mike Drop-in
Musicians and singers -  why not call in and sing us a song?

 3pm Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
 'Theatre & Dance'
 familiar (and not so familiar) entertainment on the canal-side, with Morris dancers and special guests, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band from India

4pm Cheshire Cheese
SaltRox
Pop-rock covers quartet return to bring the Cheshire Cheese beer garden to life!

5pm Boars Head (lounge)
 Session with Allan y Fan + NE3Folk
A grand session in prospect, hosted by top musicians- fresh from the earlier Celtic Connections concert in the Town Hall Musicians most welcome at the session venue

5.30pm Narrowboat
 Hayley Strangelove
never fails to deliver. Audiences enjoy her straight forward/up front performances of great songs and stories, all sung with power and gusto

7pm Big Lock
The Driving Force + Simply Soweto Encha
The Driving Force - Folk-rock from Manchester! They play a unique programme of popular covers- from the Who to Richard Thompson, all with equal relish! 
 Simply Soweto Encha again display a simple yet effective contrast with their breath-taking harmonies and performance

7pm Kings Lock (canal-side stage)
Acoustak + Hayes Sisters
Two trios providing great live music. With the venue now under new ownership, providing more great choice at the festival- and a FULL weekend of live music!

7pm Kings Lock (concert marquee)
Rita Payne + Ivan Campo
Excellent duo Rita Payne sing close harmonies to great effect, here on their festival debut. Likewise Ivan Campo are new to Middlewich- enjoy  quirky, original songs by three lads from Manchester

7pm White Bear- (Courtyard)
The Chaplins + Shamus Oblivion
Award-winning Chaplins from Glasgow on their festival debut after winning this year's Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections for best newcomers- see/hear for yourself. 'sublime, love this trio' Shamus Oblivion- sure to bring everyone back down to earth with their good-time Celtic Rock- and just before the football…

8pm Boars Head- (lounge)
Acoustic Session
For those who prefer to play, or simply to get away from the amplified gigs on the fringe… Likely to spill-out into the dining room, and beer garden

8pm Cheshire Cheese
Sons of Clogger
Stoke releases the famous sons (again) to Middlewich. Good music and good fun at the Cheshire Cheese beer garden www.songsofclogger.com

8pm Middlewich Narrowboats
Steamhead
Great to see them going strong and back at Middlewich! Joyous music for all ages- will they play the famous 'Match of the Day' theme, tonight of all nights?

8pm Newton Brewery
Clutching at Straws
Exactly 12months ago (to the hour) 'The Straws' played here and it's easy to see/hear why they are back, with their catchy tunes and covers by Mumford & Sons and many more. Welcome back gents!

8pm White Horse
 Mystery Irish Band
No that's not their name, we just don't know much about them! Except that they come from Wigan and they look forward to making their festival debut tonight*

*The Middlewich Diary can exclusively reveal that the 'Mystery Irish Band' are called - we kid you not - The Stupid Idiots
(Dave Roberts - Ed)

8pm White Bear- (festival club) 
Galleon Blast with Mark Radcliffe
Shiver me timbers he's back! A rum looking bunch that's for sure, expect a more rowdy set this time around, with old favourites and ditties you've never heard before. A fun night, as always- 'more Jack Duckworth than Jack Sparrow'… Note admission charge- tickets from the venue/limited capacity.

8pm Narrowboat
Baxter featuring Hayley Strangelove
plus Son of Shinobi frontman, Paul Sensor Easy to predict this will be a fun night with great music and cosy atmosphere. PLUS musicians are (always) welcome to play in the terraced beer garden.

FRINGE EVENTS FOR FRIDAY 13th
FRINGE EVENTS FOR SUNDAY 15th