They gained entry to the building by forcing their way through the front door. Once inside they forced their way into the living quarters and an altercation took place between a 56-year-old man and one of the offenders.

The offender struck him in the face with the torch causing injury.

Another man then stole a handbag containing cash.

They then fled the scene in a black vehicle believed to be a four door saloon which had been parked across the road.

The only description available of the men is that they wore dark clothing and balaclavas and that one of them had a strong Liverpool accent.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mark Gammage said: “This is the second time that the post office has been targeted and we are doing everything we can to catch the offenders.

“We have also increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance and would appeal to local residents to be vigilant.

“Anyone who sees cars or people acting suspicious in the area should contact police on 101.”

Anyone with information regarding the burglary should contact DC Tim Humpage quoting incident number 178 of 19 February 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

First presented by the Hull Truck Theatre company, “Ladies’ Day”, by Amanda Wittington is Knutsford Little Theatre’s excellent choice for their current production.

The play revolves around four fish-filleting women who work in a northern fish factory. When, as actually did happen in 2005, Royal Ascot came to York, the foursome decides that a day at the races would be an ideal way to celebrate when one of their number is due to leave: a change from the weighing, trimming and packing fillets of fish that is their normal daily routine.

They duly arrive at the racecourse where their first dilemma is how to get in. The solution presents itself after a very short ethical debate; scruples are quickly overcome and in they go.

Gradually, especially as the champagne kicks in, the girls reveal the more poignant aspects of their lives. All this is wrapped up in a feisty comedy for which director David Muncaster has found the perfect cast.

Lucy Oliver is outstanding as, “The Gob’s under starter’s orders”, Shelley! She is the brassy would-be star looking forward to finding, by any means, a rich man to whisk her away from fish.

Linda, a shy young woman with a particular cross to bear, is played empathetically by Sarah Lorenz, whilst the ever popular Ali Hulford is sensible, single parent, Jan, dominated by her concern for her daughter. Will Linda break out from her restricted life? Will Jan find happiness despite the empty nest syndrome?

Chris Race, last seen as Mother Hen in the sell-out KLT panto, now plays Pearl. Pearl is “not retiring”, just leaving to spend more time with her husband – but will the quiet life suit her?

These four capable actresses are admirably supported by five equally talented men. Watch out for Graham Browne’s expertly researched (and rehearsed) tic-tac moves as he explains the betting terms to the girls. Move over John McCririck!

Next add Riyaz Assrafally as Joe, the factory supervisor, and Chris Marriott as mystery man, Barry. Also seen in Little Red Riding Hood as the Big Bad Wolf and Granny Hood respectively, these two actors display their versatility in very different roles in this play.

We welcome Garth Maunders who takes the parts of both shifty ticket tout and addicted gambler. Garth is new to KLT but definitely not to acting as his brief but effective appearances confirm.

Finally Miles Buckley, speaking with a gentle Irish lilt that sounds spot on, is the perfect weight and shape to be a convincing jockey.

A simple set is made effective by clever use of projected images, moveable props and evocative sound effects and music, courtesy as usual of the skilled backstage KLT crew.

The feisty group of women don’t mince their words: Shelley, in particular, has a fishwife mouth so expect some “language”. This raucous comedy, full of female camaraderie, which is very funny, at times heart-rending, and with varying outcomes for the women, is one not to be missed. POSH HATS OPTIONAL!

At 16.10 hrs on Tuesday 10 January 2012 a serious injury collision occurred on Burleyhurst Lane, Mobberley. The circumstances are that a blue Ford Fiesta was travelling along Burleyhurst Lane in the direction of Mobberley when it was overtaken by a Black Porsche Cayenne. The two vehicles collided and the Fiesta left the road to its nearside before hitting a tree and consequently overturning.

As a result of the collision the driver of the Ford Fiesta 53 year old male from Cheshire received serious for which he is being treated at Wythenshaw Hospital.

It is believed that both vehicles overtook a single cyclist, also travelling towards Mobberley, just prior to the collision. The rider of the bicycle was not traced at the time, however Cheshire Police would be grateful if the cyclist would get in touch to help with enquiries.

A 66 year old man from Siddington was arrested at the scene and reelased on police bail. Eastern Operational Support Unit are also currently seeking witnesses to the collision itself or if you can help with any circumstances that may have led up to it, please contact the Eastern Traffic Management Unit on 101.

There are two parkland events this month to encourage visitors to pull on their walking boots and experience the wildlife of this stunning 1,000-acre deer park.

On Sunday, January 15 enjoy some winter wildfowl watching at the ‘Allen Bird Hide’ overlooking Melchett Mere.  Members of Knutsford Ornithological Society and a Tatton ranger will be on hand to help visitors to identify different species of birds and also to help inquisitive twitchers use a telescope for fantastic, close-up views.  Winter Wildfowl is a free, drop-in event between 11am-2pm for both beginners and experienced bird watchers.   Park entry charge of £5 per car applies.

The hide is positioned on one of the most beautiful areas of the parkland, at the water’s edge of Melchett Mere off Knutsford Drive and provides a stunning view across a 500 metre stretch of water into the meadow and rough grassland of the deer park.

Winter visitors to the mere include many species of wildfowl including; goldeneye, teal and tufted ducks. Cormorants, shovelers and little grebe are often sighted and a juvenile whooper swan has recently been seen on the mere.  Visitors may be lucky enough to see a smew, a rare duck which has in the past been spotted at Tatton in early January. Bird feeders around the hide also encourage many woodland birds such as finches, tits and the impressive great spotted woodpecker.

If deer are more to your delight, join the rangers on Tuesday, January 17 for a Deer Walk and Light Lunch.

Tatton Park is one of the best places in the North West to see these extraordinary animals up close (and not quite personal).  A deer park since 1290, Tatton is now home to over 400 Red and Fallow deer, who roam freely within its 1,000 acres of parkland.

Enjoy a walk through the stunning winter parkland and learn more about the deer and their habitat from Tatton’s expert ranger team.  The walk will finish with a light lunch at the Stables Restaurant.  This activity takes place from 10am-12pm and costs £12 per person (minimum participant age 16 years).  This activity must be booked in advance; please call 01625 374428 or email  tattoneducation@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Park manager, Phil Lucas said: “Winter can reward our visitors with some of the best views of the Park’s wildlife, with many migrant birds attracted to our two beautiful meres. At this time of the year large numbers of deer congregate awaiting their morning feed of carrots, they provide an unrivalled spectacle -not to be missed.”

The bird hide is open during normal parkland opening hours (shut 30 minutes before closing time).  In low season (until Friday, March 23, 2012) the parkland is open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.  Binoculars are not provided. The bird hide has been donated by Cheshire Portable Buildings with support from a grant by Tatton Park Trust and the Builders’ Arms Angling Club.

Photo by Gary Cross

this is in response to a recent increase in thefts from unattended cars and vans in Knutsford and the surrounding rural areas. The advice from police is to remove any items of high value from the vehicle or at least move them out of sight and also to lock vehicles.

Sergeant Alex McMillan from the local Policing Team said “rural parking areas and residential locations with little or no lighting appear to be the areas most heavily targeted by thieves, the most attractive items are hand held electronic devices such as laptops and smart phones”.

Police have increased patrols in the areas most affected by this recent increase in thefts and will work with partner agencies in an effort to reduce the number of victims of this type of criminality.

Top 5 items wanted by thieves.
tablet PCs
laptops
Smart phones
Cash
jewellery

Submitted by Sergeant McMillan
Neighbourhood Policing Team
www.cheshirepolice.uk

Start Christmas on a high note at the ever-popular Family Christmas Carols in the festive stableyard at Tatton Park on Sunday, December 18.

Join the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir in traditional Christmas carol singing at this fabulous annual family event.  Dust off your ‘Ding, dong merrilys’ and shine up your ‘Silent Nights’ – this is an event for everyone to join in and enter into the Christmas spirit.

The Stableyard is also home to Tatton’s speciality Gift and Garden shops and the award-winning Housekeeper’s Store.  Select some last minute Christmas presents from our wonderful range of fine gifts.  Stock up for the season with Christmas hampers, wine, cheeses, meat and other delectable goodies from the Housekeeper’s Store.

The Stables Restaurant will also be open for festive cheer and delicious home-cooked meals.
Events Manager Bridget Roberts said: “The Stableyard carols is a great occasion for families and friends to get together and commence their Christmas week.  There is a lovely community feel at the carols – so come in fine voice, en masse and remember to wrap up warm.”

Visitors may wish to start their day at Tatton with a visit to see Father Christmas at the farm, where our younger visitors will receive a special gift from the merry marvel himself.

All will, no doubt, be delighted to see the ‘live nativity’, which features our new farm reindeer, Prancer and Dancer. The reindeer can be sure of a warm reception from Frosty the donkey and new donkey ‘Seren’ (welsh for ‘star’), who will also be taking part in the nativity.

Visitors may also wish to sample the delights of the Venetian Christmas mansion. Venetian splendour has been brought to the English country home this year with striking displays inspired by the drama of ‘carnevale.

The stunning mansion staterooms are spectacularly decorated to reflect the extravagance and sophistication of Venice. Trees dressed with peacock feathers and decorative birds in gilded cages are just some of the spectacular delights of the Christmas decorations (though we won’t give anything else away!).

The Family Christmas Carols take place in the stableyard by the shops on Sunday, December 18 from 3pm to 4pm. This is a free event, although park entry charge of £5 per car applies (charge applies to National Trust members). 

For complete details of our Christmas events please visit our website.

Other Christmas events include:

The Venetian Christmas mansion
The Christmas mansion is open from Wednesday, December 7 to Friday, December 23 from noon to 4pm (last entry 3pm), closed Mondays and Tuesdays between these dates. Prices: Adults £7.50, child £4.50.  Prices apply to National Trust members.  Park entry of £5 per car applies to all. Special group booking discounts and opening times are also available.

Father Christmas at the Farm on the weekends of December 10/11, 17/18 and on Saturday, December 24. Times: noon-4pm, last entry 3pm. Prices: Adult £5, Child £4.  Prices apply to National Trust members. The usual park entry charge of £5 per car applies. All paying children receive a free gift from Father Christmas.

The Farm will also be open between Christmas and New Year for non-Father Christmas activities from Monday December 26 to Monday, January 2, when activities such as donkey grooming and painting a picture will take place.

‘12 days of Christmas’ hat making sessions. Weekend of December 17/18 from noon to 4pm. Free event, park entry charge of £5 per car applies.

For further information call 01625 374400 or visit the website at www.tattonpark.org.uk

The Good news for drivers in Cheshire this festive season is that drink and drug drivers will be stopped as police officers will be out and about safeguarding and protecting responsible drivers.

The Bad news is drunk drivers can expect to be breathalysed any time of the day, so if you have been drinking the night before get a lift to work rather than take the chance. Local Police will also be using officers who are qualified to test drivers who may be impaired by drugs.

The Ugly truth about drink and drug driving is that last December there were 3459 drivers stopped and asked to take the breath test, which resulted in 162 people arrested, 87% were men and 13% were women.

Last year’s figures showed that more than half of the people arrested were between the ages of 17 and 35 so Cheshire Police’s are sending out a clear message to this age group that officers will be targeting drink drivers.

Using intelligence, roads policing officers will be in the right place at the right time to arrest you if you make the bad decision to drink or take drugs then drive, watch out particularly on a Friday, Saturday and a Sunday morning.

Knutsford Police Sergeant Alex McMillan said “Our message to drivers is not that they shouldn’t go out and have a good time over the festive period but if you have had any alcohol then don’t’ get behind the wheel as any amount of alcohol can impair your judgment. Our advice is to plan your night out and think about how you will get home”

Cheshire Police’s Good, Bad and Ugly campaign is launching the 12 days of Christmas campaign this week to illustrate the dangers of drink driving and other alcohol related crimes, for further information log on to www.cheshirepolice.uk.

Submitted by Sergeant McMillan
Neighbourhood Policing Team

Patron Jason Manford with fundraiser Helen Crowther and John Bishop

This year’s theme was The Rat Pack, taking their guests back to the glitz and glamour of the 50’s – and they had a list of stars that would have made Frank, Dean and Sammy proud!

CAFT Patrons, and ex-Coronation Street stars Lee Boardman and Jennifer James, were joined by fellow Patrons Jason and Catherine Manford and Paralympic double gold medallist Barney Storey.  Jason counted amongst his guests fellow funny men John Bishop and Justin Moorhouse.  Actors Sally Lindsay and Suranne Jones were also joined by drummer Steve White and Mr Christmas himself – Noddy Holder!

(L to R) Suzan Holder, Noddy Holder, Sally Lindsay and Steve White.

Comedian Ted Robbins hosted the evening which was sponsored by M & S Money, they were also joined by event sponsors Lewis Phipps Lettings and Management.

Guests were greeted by staff and volunteers from The Adventure Farm all dressed in Rat Pack themed costumes including their trademark white shirts, pencil ties and fedoras.  A drinks reception kicked off the evening in style with Vegas themed cocktails and bubbly.  An amazing evening followed which included a Grand Auction and special raffles including some unique and jaw-dropping prizes – including a magical Mauritius holiday, a delicious meal prepared at home by Michelin star chef Aiden Byrne and a stunning portrait of the charity’s President Sir Bobby Charlton signed by the man himself!

The charity’s signature Chocolate Box Raffle saw one lucky guest winning a stunning diamond necklace donated by Steven Stone Ltd who attended on the night, with 10 runners up all going away with a magnum of Bubbly!

Patrons Lee Boardman and Jennifer James (wearing a dress from Frockstar at Fabric Boutique).

CAFT Patrons Lee Boardman and Jennifer James and Jason and Catherine Manford joined forces to give a moving speech to the assembled guests inspiring 25 people to pledge to sponsor a holiday in 2012 for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children at The Adventure Farm.

John Bishop and Jason Manford put their football rivalry to one side in the name of charity and are seen here holding each other’s auction prizes.

Events fundraiser Pippa Watton comments: “This has been another tough year for everyone as the recession has continued to hit many of our supporters hard.  However, our guests at the Ball, and at other events, have been amazing, digging deep to help us to change the lives of the very special children who visit us here at The Adventure Farm.  We really can’t thank them enough, without them we would simply cease to exist.”

For further information about future events or to enquire about the work of the Adventure Farm, call the Fundraising Team on 01565 830 053 or visit their website www.caft.co.uk

Photos by Gareth Lowe

Pressglue.com founder Jonathan Farber (centre) donating digital news technology and services to Egerton Primary School in Kenya

The visit was part of a partnership programme launched five years ago, following the Knutsford school’s discovery of an African Egerton School in Njoro. Both schools were founded by the Egerton family, the first for children on the family’s home ground in Cheshire and the second for children of workers on Maurice Egerton’s Kenyan estate. This partnership between the two schools has become an integral and extremely valuable part of school life both in Knutsford and in Njoro.

“The shared Egerton legacy gives the children of both schools a close connection that really helps teachers put teaching and learning into a global context,” explains Knutsford head, Alison Hooper. “It makes such a difference when you can show how international issues relate to real people that the children know. As an example, we recently reflected in assem- bly on the fact that the Kenyan Year 8 children were sitting exams and that those who did not pass would have to leave school at the age of 14. These discussions are really helping our children to think critically about the world around them and to develop an understanding of what it means to be a global citizen in the 21st century.”

The value of the partnership between the two schools was quickly recognised by both the Department for International Development and the British Council, who each provided funding to expand the programme and create further partnerships.Leading the project for their respective Local Authorities, Alison Hooper and her Kenyan counterpart, Njoro head Florence Kimani, have now created a total of 34 Global School Partnerships involving more than 10,000 children.

Active demonstration with Florence Kimani and Jonathan Farber

During their stay, the Kenyan delegates took part in a one day conference facilitated by the British Council and then went on to visit the 14 East Cheshire schools who have joined the programme this year.

The programme works both ways, with teachers from East Cheshire schools visiting schools in the Njoro and Nakuru regions of Kenya. They return with new insights into the challenges of teaching with no electricity, no paints, no colouring pencils, and very few books.

At the end of the visit, Florence Kimani, head of the Njoro Egerton School, was presented with three laptop computers, a Digital SLR camera and a digital dictaphone to take back to Kenya. These were donated – along with a free online publishing account – by pressglue, the social newscasting service.

Pressglue.com is committed to supporting educators and community groups worldwide, and this will be the first in a series of similar gifts to schools in developing countries.

Main photo from Left to right
Wilda Motori – Njoro District Quality assurance Standards Officer
Beatrice Adu – Provincial Director of Education for the Rift Valley
Jonathan Farber – Pressglue.com Founder
Florence Kimani – Headteacher of Egerton Primary in Njoro, Kenya
Alison Hooper – Headteacher of Egerton Primary in Knutsford, Cheshire
Benson Njoroge – Headteacher of Kisulisuli Primary – linked to Daven Primary

Photo (C)2011 Nick Jones – The Knutsford Guardian

Knutsford Musical Theatre Company present ‘Scooge’s Christmas Carol – the Panto’. Did you know Scrooge had a housekeeper? He does now. And the Ghost of Christmas Present drives a Rolls Royce?  

The cast have been rehearsing for the last couple of months, and now it is all coming together. Tony Barrow, who plays Scrooge said “Knowing the story has not helped me at all with learning the lines. This is the most bizarre version of Scrooge I have ever heard of. The Wardrobe team have been busy preparing costumes and had some interesting challenges to get the Ghosts ready This is a great way to kick off the festive season and a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

The Panto is touring round, with 3 different venues. The tour starts at Shaw Heath Social Club on Friday 2nd December, 7:30pm. For this venue tickets will be available on the door but get there early because it is first come first serve.

Next venue is High Legh Village Hall on Saturday 3rd December, 8:00pm, where the Company have done several Theatrical evenings over that last few years. Tickets need to be bought in advance because they will go quickly. The final venue is a matinee at the Unitarian Chapel, Knutsford on Saturday 10th December at 2:30pm. Again tickets to be ordered in advance.

For more information about tickets phone Linda (01565 873285). For more information about KMTC see website

Submitted by Tracey Abbott