Cheshire Independent Issue 207

NOVEMBER 2025 4 To advertise call Robin Atkins on 07767 840274 TRAIN passengers in Cheshire can now enjoy impressive art- work created by the winners of a compe- tition run by North- ern Rail. Dozens of amateur artists submitted entries earlier this year, coming up with fresh takes on the famous British Rail- ways posters produced between the 1920s and 1950s. They were asked to create bold and evoc- ative artwork which celebrates at least one of the destinations you can travel to by train in the North of England or some of the stunning landscapes passengers are able to enjoy. The competition is part of Railway 200 – the nationwide cel- ebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Callum Hoy, Arlo Crossfield and James Wilkinson were cho- sen as the winners and their posters are now being displayed at var- ious stations. Callum, 10, was announced as the win- ner in the under-12 cat- egory after he produced a fantastic drawing of a Northern service at Alderley Edge station. He said: “When I found out I had won I was so excited because I put so much effort into the drawing. “ I love going to Alderley Edge station to watch the trains. It makes my day when the trains honk their horns, especially the Class 323s.” Arlo, 14, said he was “delighted” to have won the young persons’ cat- egory after submitting a poster showcasing the countryside near Chap- el-en-le-Frith station. A panel appointed by Northern chose the winners, after judging the entries on their crea- tivity, originality, visual THE League of Friends charity shop in Congleton has received a special award to mark an incredible 50 years of service to the local community. The shop on Lawton Street, which raises funds to support NHS hospitals in Congleton and Maccles- field, has received a town mayor’s High Street Award. Joyce Callan, a long-standing volunteer, who was presented with the honour, said: “It is a real honour to accept this award on behalf of the League of Friends. “For 50 years, the shop has been supported by our amazing volunteers, generous donors, and loyal customers. “Every donation and every purchase help us sup- port our local hospitals and the people who rely on them. We’re so grateful to the Congleton community for helping us make a difference.” The mayor, Robert Brittain, praised the League of Friends for their contribution to the town. he said: “The charity shop is a shining example of dedication and community spirit. For 50 years, their volunteers have worked tirelessly to support our local hospitals, raise funds, and offer a welcoming space for residents. It is a pleasure to recognise their long-standing service with this award.” The High Street Awards celebrate long-standing businesses and organisations in Congleton that have shown resilience, service, and dedication to the local community. People are encouraged to nominate their favourite long-standing businesses or organisations that have operated in Congleton for at least five years. Shaping the future of policing Remembering sacrifices made Honoured: Wreaths laid at Congleton’s war memorial (Photo credit: Congleton Town Council) COMMUNITIES across Cheshire will once again come together at Remem- brance Sunday parades and services to honour those who made the ultimate sac- rifice for the nation. Macclesfield’s remembrance service and parade will take place on Sunday November 9. Organisers say those join- ing the parade should form up behind the town hall, with the parade setting off at 10.25am. The remembrance service and two minutes silence at 11am will be held at the War Memorial at Park Green. The town’s Armistice Day service will be held on Tues- day the November 11 at 11am in the town square outside Macclesfield Town Hall. In Wilmslow, a Remem- brance Sunday Parade to St Bartholmew’s Church will leave Grove Avenue at approx- imately 9.30am. A church service will fol- low at 10am before the con- gregation makes its way to the Memorial Gardens for the town’s remembrance ser- vice, followed by the laying of wreaths. Congleton is also preparing for Remembrance Sunday. Its poppy appeal will launch on Saturday October 25, with the Royal British Legion (RBL) hosting a stall at the makers market in the town centre, sell- ing poppies and merchandise. Local volunteers will also be selling poppies at Morrisons and Tesco until November 9 and in West Heath Precinct over the weekends. Poppy boxes and collection tins will be distributed around Congleton. In 2024, the town raised a record £27,628.85. On Remembrance Sunday, the town will come together for the parade and service. The parade, led by parade marshal and master of ceremonies Steve Evans from the RBL, will form at West Street Car Park from 10am, leaving at 10.30am. The route travels along West Street, Swan Bank, the pedestrian area, High Street, and Market Square, arriving at the Cenotaph on Lawton Street at 10.50am. At 11am, a two-minute silence will be observed, followed by a service conducted by Revd Ian Enti- cott, Rector of All Saints. Congleton town mayor Rob- ert Brittain said: “Remem- brance Sunday is a time for our community to come together to honour the bravery and sacri- fice of those who served. “It’s also an opportunity to support the Poppy Appeal, which funds vital services for our veterans and their fami- lies. We are proud of our town’s record support and encour- age everyone to get involved this year.” On Armistice Day a short service of remembrance will take place at Congle- ton’s Cenotaph. Presentation: Town mayor Robert Brittain presents the award to Joyce (Photo credit: Congleton Town Council) Half-a-century of community support Art is on the right lines impact and relevance to the theme. Bradley Hayes, cam- paigns manager for Northern, said: “We were amazed by the quality of artwork sub- mitted this year and would like to thank everyone who entered.” MORE than 30 people from communities across Maccles- field have come together to help shape local policing. They are taking part in the lat- est citizens’ assembly run by Dan Price, Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). They are taking part in face-to- face workshops to give the PCC a better understanding of local community policing needs. Dan Price said: “This is the fourth citizens’ assembly we’ve held and it’s great to see local peo- ple so committed to helping Mac- clesfield thrive. These assemblies really matter because they give everyone a voice. “Even though our communities across the county can feel quite dif- ferent, some issues like wanting to see more police around, keep com- ing up no matter where you live. It’s clear that people care about the same core things. “I’m interested to see what comes out of this assembly and how it stacks up against what we’ve learned in other areas. Local people’s input is what makes these gatherings invaluable, and I’m excited to see the results.” Dan Price is the first PCC in the country to hold citizens’ assem- blies to form local policing prior- ities. The first ones were held in Crewe and Nantwich at the end of last year.