Cheshire Independent Issue 200

3 MAY 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk SPRING has sprung and the rare breed farm at Tat- ton Park is eagerly awaiting the arrival of furry foals, cute calves, perfect piglets, cheeping chicks and leap- ing lambs. This year’s new arrivals, expected during the popular Cheshire attraction’s Lambing Week, include a set of quads. They are among the bumper bundle of 46 new lambs expected, which also include 10 twins and seven triplets. Farm assistant Elly Edwards said: “My favourite thing about lambing is the excitement and the sense of privilege that comes with welcoming new life. “I love the smell of newborn lambs and the satisfaction you get from seeing happy, healthy lambs skipping about the lamb- ing pens. “It’s one of the hardest times of year on the farm because of the sleepless nights… we don’t let the ewes go more than four hours without checking on them even through the night. But it’s the most rewarding.” The anticipation is also rising as staff eagerly await the arrival of Tabi- tha the Shire horse mare’s third foal next month, the first on the farm for eight years. Over in the pig pen, Bonnie and Susie, the farm’s Large White sows, are both due a lit- ter of piglets. The new arrivals won’t stop there. Gracie the Guernsey cow, Jasmine the Jersey/Norwegian Red, and Hetty the Hereford cross are all expecting a calf, with four more due from the farm’s Red Poll cattle. Canal breach repairs will take three months A SECTION of the Macclesfield Canal near Bosley has emptied due to a breach which engineers say could take three months to fix. The breach happened at the end of March and The Canal and River Trust say it was caused by a leak in the canal bed. They have called on people to stay away from the stie until repairs are completed. In a statement following the incident, which happened at the end of March, the organisation said: “Our charity’s emer- gency team worked late into the night to help move around 15 boats away from the breach and installed stop planks to prevent any further loss of water. “We’re carrying out a fish rescue and are working to restore water levels on either side of the affected area, which we expect to take several days. “Our engineers have visited the site, reviewed the damage, and are planning repairs, with initial findings indicating a substantial repair will take up 12 weeks. We will provide further updates on our website.” The statement added: “We have closed the towpath and navigation and are con- tacting boaters moored in the affected area. “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience. We’re asking everyone to stay safe and keep away from the breach site until the repairs are complete. “This unfortunately is another illus- tration of the challenges facing our nation’s 250-year-old canal network. “We’re asking people to support our work, either through a donation, volun- teering, or spreading the word about how important it is to keep canals alive.” SPRINGING INTO LIFE! CONGLETON town centre was burst- ing with colour and laughter as families turned out in droves to enjoy its Easter Treats Day. Organised by the town council, the event brought together the commu- nity for a joyful day of free family fun in the sun. A highlight of the town’s events calendar, the day offered a jam-packed programme of activities, and even a chance to meet the animals from Halton Farm. Nature lovers got stuck into seed planting with Congleton in Bloom, while the appearance of Billy the giant rabbit delighted children and grown-ups alike. An Easter treat