Crewe

A new discount clothes store will open in Crewe this Spring.

TK Maxx will open a 20,000 square foot shop at the Grand Junction Retail Park on the site of the former Focus store. The company estimates around 45 new jobs will be created.

TK Maxx spokesperson, Helen Gunter said: “We are very excited to be opening up a new store and bringing Crewe’s shoppers savings of up to 60% off the RRP on great brands and labels for all the family under one roof.”

Following the success of last year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, organisers have announced that the 2011 show will be extended to a 3-day event, running from 15 – 17 July.

The inclusion of a Friday Preview Day will allow visitors to get behind the scenes in the pit area and view the international field of famous cars, racing drivers and motorcyclists as they take to the 1.2-mile sprint track for practice runs before the competitive race action starts on Saturday.

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is located in the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, and was created to celebrate power and performance in its many forms. In 2011, the fourth Pageant will feature a range of thrilling displays unmatched in the UK, making it the perfect family day out.

A full event schedule and list of participants will be announced over the coming months, but the Cholmondeley Estate has already revealed some enticing details. On display and completing high-speed laps will be legendary vehicles celebrating the 40th anniversary of Tyrrell’s first Formula 1 World Championship, the Lotus that Stirling Moss famously piloted to victory at Monaco in 1961, the world’s only collection of four-wheel drive Formula 1 cars and, from Founding Sponsor Bentley, a Speed 8 endurance racer.

The Pageant will not only be a draw for petrolheads and motorsport fans. Four different classes of international powerboat will undertake full-throttle runs on the lake neighbouring the race track. For those that like action of a more explosive nature, there will be a display of British Army combat power, featuring tanks, troops and field artillery all engaged in a breathtaking battle simulation.

Taking to the skies will be the largest private helicopter gathering in Europe, facilitated by event sponsor, Eurocopter. Also set for a return in 2011 are the daring Breitling Wingwalkers, and a WWII fighter-plane flypast.

The Firework Concert that proved so popular in 2010 – raising over £75,000 for Help for Heroes in the process – will be back on the evening of Saturday 16 July. The Concert has been a long-standing highlight of the region’s social calendar since 1989, with the exceptional setting, spectacular fireworks and emotive music all contributing to a ‘Proms in the Park’ atmosphere. Last year’s Military Tattoo theme was such a success that it will be repeated in 2011.

James Hall, Events Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, commented: “The 2010 Pageant was a wonderful occasion and visitor numbers exceeded all our expectations. It was thrilling to walk around the park over the weekend seeing tens of thousands of people enjoying the amazing displays.

“I calculated that we must have hosted over half a billion pounds worth of machinery here this year. One of the pit lane line-ups alone contained cars with a value of over £15 million. The next event will give visitors even more to get excited about, and the extra day will bring an exciting new dimension and attract many more from near and far.”

Winning the Best Tourist Event in Cheshire, and drawing in more than 50,000 visitors in 2010, the Pageant of Power has fast gained a reputation that makes early booking essential.

Ticket booking details and further event information can be found at www.cpop.co.uk. New ticket sale arrangements are in place, with savings to be made by booking in advance.

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 September
www.heritageopendays.org.uk – fully events listing and details

Later this week properties across England will throw open their doors for free as part of the country’s annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture.

Supported nationally by English Heritage and run locally by an army of volunteers and community champions, Heritage Open Days takes place on people doorstops and is the country’s leading grassroots cultural event.

One million people are expected to take advantage of the four day event, exploring more than 4,000 properties of every style, period and function, many of which are normally closed to the public or usually charge an admission fee.

Participating properties in North West England include:

Barrow – Dalton Castle (Dalton-in-Furness)
Birkenhead – Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead Priory, Lady Lever Art Gallery
Blackpool – Blackpool Tower, Winter Gardens
Bolton – Bolton Steam Museum
Burnley – Gawthorpe Hall (Padiham), Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
Bury – Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Peel Tower
Carlisle – High Head Sculpture Valley
Chester – Chester Racecourse, Grosvenor Museum, Little Moreton Hall (Congleton)
Kendal – Abbott Hall Art Gallery, Museum of Lakeland Life, Sizergh Castle
Lake District – Beatix Potter Gallery (Hawkshead), Blackwell (Windermere),
Liverpool – St George’s Hall, Cunard Building, Liver Building,
Macclesfield – Quarry Bank Mill
Manchester – Victoria Baths
Morecambe – Morecambe Town Hall
Oldham – Saddleworth Museum
Penrith – Acorn Bank
Preston – Samlesbury Hall
Rochdale – Healey Dell, Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Touchstones,
St Helens – World of Glass
Stockport – Hat Works, Staircase House, Air Raid Shelters, Bramall Hall
Warrington – Norton Priory (Runcorn)
Wigan – Museum of Wigan Life, Trencherfield Mill Engine

Set to be tastier than ever, the much-loved Nantwich Food and Drink Festival is returning in September but this year it is FREE to anyone who wants to enjoy its mouth-watering array of attractions.

More than 10,000 food lovers enjoyed last year’s event on Mill Island and organisers hope to top that by spreading the stands and displays across the entire town over the weekend September 24-26.

Various activities and tasting sessions will be held on the town square, Nantwich Civic Hall (inside and out), Volunteer Fields, Churchyardside, Cocoa Yard, Pillory Street and the Methodist Church and White Swan car parks.

There will be a vast array of regionally produced gourmet foods, beer and wine tastings with more than 2,000 products to sample.

The Civic Hall will be transformed into a vast Gourmet Food Hall and will house up to 50 stalls. A not-to-be-missed farmers’ market will also form part of the action and pubs, cafés, shops and restaurants will host tasting sessions and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Festival chairman, Graham Fenton, said: “Our aim is to make Nantwich a paradise for foodies and lay on a host of activities for families. Everything will take place in the heart of Nantwich with its streets and the square providing a truly picturesque backdrop.”

A variety of street entertainment will help create an impressive backdrop and a great party atmosphere.

Cheshire East Council is the main sponsor and Cllr Andrew Knowles said: “The festival will showcase the best food and drink Cheshire has to offer and people will also get the opportunity to sample cuisine from around the world. We are delighted to be sponsoring this prestigious event.”

The countdown is underway to the grand re-opening of Nantwich’s unique outdoor swimming pool on May 15.

Cheshire East Council is planning an exciting programme of free poolside activities and entertainment to welcome the first visitors of the year to the facility, believed to be the UK’s only remaining inland brine pool.

Entertainment will come courtesy of Nantwich Amateur Swimming Club and young members of the Everybody Learn to Swim Scheme, who will perform a synchronised swimming demonstration. Visitors of all ages can test their fitness in a swimming and biking challenge with a range of prizes on offer including an Everybody membership giving free use of the Council’s leisure facilities for a year.

The day’s activities, which are being held in partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association, will be launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9.30am. And to crown the celebrations both the morning and afternoon swimming sessions will be free to all.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and well-being, said: “The Nantwich Outdoor Pool truly is a gem in Cheshire East’s crown.

“Each year this unique facility attracts thousands of visitors from all over Cheshire East and further afield who enjoy the rare experience of a salt-water swim in a pool.

“Its annual re-opening is always a great cause for celebration and this year is no different – and if the recent weather is anything to go by we could be in for a scorcher on May 15.

“And having recently completed the Sport Relief mile, I will be taking my sporting prowess a step further by being one of the first to jump in the pool – so do come and join me!”

The Wall Lane pool, which opened in 1935, last year featured in the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Top 50 Places To Swim Outdoors’.

It holds 158,000 gallons of national brine water and its temperature is maintained at 74 degrees Fahrenheit, though it is usually much warmer through solar gain.

The pool will be open until October 3. Details of opening hours can be found at www.everybody.org.uk or from the pool reception.

Lord Cholmondeley has announced that this year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power will be held over the weekend 17-18 July 2010. This will be the third festival at Cholmondeley Castle that blends high-octane action on track, water and air – a celebration of speed, nerve and flair with exceptional design and engineering.

Collections of delectable contemporary and historic racing cars and bikes have been invited to compete on the demanding Cholmondeley Circuit. The classes comprise Le Mans and Grand Prix cars plus aero-engined fire spitters and classic rally cars. The bikes will feature a strong TT pedigree in addition to production superbikes. The public will have the chance to see exceptionally rare and valuable vehicles racing with famous names behind the wheel.

On the water, powerboat action will include the powerful Formula 2 and 4 classes, together with 400cc ISO Seniors and Thundercats as part of the international racing circuit.

In the air, a wealth of helicopters will be joined by the Breitling display team and a host of other stunning aerobatic exhibitions.

The weekend will again include the Fireworks Concert and Military Tattoo on Saturday evening the military aspects of the Pageant thrilled the crowds last year. As a tribute to HM Forces the event will be proudly supporting Help for Heroes. Displays and attractions will include the stunning Concours d’Elegance, a colossal car club enclosure, off-roading, children’s activities, bars and a shopping village.

For more information and discounted tickets from £13.50 please visit www.cpop.co.uk or telephone 01829 772432.

A new style Nantwich Food and Drink Festival has been announced to take place from September 24th to 26th 2010. Cheshire East Council will sponsor this year’s Festival to support its continued growth. It will be organised by Nantwich Food and Drink Festival Ltd which is made up of former committee members, town councillors and members of the Nantwich Agricultural Society.The announcement came from Cheshire East Council’s Event Review Panel, made up of Cabinet members; Councillor Jamie Macrae, Councillor Andrew Knowles, Councillor David Brown and Councillor Brian Silvester.

In a change to previous years, the organisers are planning to hold the festival across the town, rather than a single location, with more than 2,000 products to sample. Last year the event held on Mill Island attracted over 10,000 visitors.

Cheshire East Councillor, Andrew Knowles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said;

“The Nantwich Food and Drink Festival is now an established part of Cheshire East culture. Hosting a nationally recognised event such as this is something we should all be proud of. I am pleased Cheshire East Council can sponsor this year’s festival, ensuring the event continues to thrive. I have high hopes that this year’s festival with continue the tradition of displaying all the tasty delights that Nantwich has to offer.”

Residents and visitors to Nantwich will be able to go skating in the town centre this Christmas.

From December 5 to January 3, a temporary ice rink will operate in the grounds of the Residence Restaurant. It will be housed in a 5000 sq ft marquee and open daily from 11 am until 6 pm (from 10 am weekends).

40 minute skate sessions will cost £6 for adults and £4.50 for children. Skate hire is included in the ticket price.

The project is the result of a link-up between Nantwich Town Council, the Residence Restaurant, and Wonder Ice.

The Residence Restaurant is at 9 Mill Street, Nanatwich.

Seven train stations in North West England have been identified as amongst the ten worst in the country.

Stations featured in the independent Station Champions report include Stockport, Manchester Victoria, Preston, Wigan North Western, Liverpool Central, Warrington Bank Quay, and Crewe. They will each receive a share of £50 million to carry out urgent improvements.

Last week Network Rail announced a £3.25 billion 5-year plan for station improvements to over 2,000 stations. The Station Champions report identified ten that required vital modernisation. Work on these will start as soon as possible.

The Station Champions, Sir Peter Hall and Chris Green, were appointed by Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis in May 2009 to review the condition of stations and to recommend improvements.

Visitors looking for a cheap place to stay in North West England next year (or indeed the rest of the UK, Ireland or Spain) should take note that Travelodge today launched an amazing offer on budget rooms.

The budget hotel chain is offering 50,000 rooms at only £12. The rate applies for stays between January 1 and April 1 2010. Rooms are also available from £19 (book 21 days ahead) and from £29 (book 7 days ahead).

To take advantage of this amazing offer, visit this page on their website.