Midcheshire Independent Issue 182

3 AUGUST 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk PDQ LANDSCAPE & BUILDING SERVICES 07763 923005 01270 421405 From inside to outside, whatever you can imagine, we can make it come true. IF WE CAN’T DO IT NO ONE CAN! FREE QUOTE Call Steve sredmond24707825@aol.com NANTWICH born poet Helen Kay is enjoying national rec- ognition after her debut poetry collection was shortlisted for a prestigious award. When Helen won The Dithering Chaps Pamphlet Competition – part of the 2024 Bournemouth Writing Festival – she never imagined just how far it would take her. Originally set to publish a small pamphlet as part of the prize, Helen’s submitted poems impressed the editors so much that the project expanded into a full debut collection. Her book,’ It Was Never About the Kingfisher’, was released in January this year and launched at Nantwich Museum, a place Helen remembers fondly from childhood. David Herring, lead editor at Dithering Chaps, was so taken with the collection that he nominated it for both the Forward Prize and the Rubery Award for independently published books. The Rubery panel has since short- listed the collection, with judges praising its “wry sense of humour that makes the common peculiar and fresh. Very impressive writing.” While the book explores deeply personal themes – including the loss of Helen’s brother Joe in 2023 – it also carries a hopeful message, ending on a note of wonder that “new things still happen”. Poet Mark Pajak beautifully described the poems as “small swift moments of iridescence,” much like the kingfisher that inspired the title. Never About the Kingfisher is available at Nantwich Bookshop on High Street. Helen said: “We’re so lucky to have an independent bookshop in our town supporting local authors.” THE Wistaston Sing- ers brought some sea- sonal sunshine with their vibrant summer concert performance. The concert at St Ste- phen’s Church in Crewe also featured the debut of guest choir The Salis Singers from Nantwich. They only formed last September but are already making harmo- nious waves in the local music scene. Musical director Phil Houghton led the concert, with assistant musical director Clare Shack- leton introducing each piece and soloist. Ann Farrington accompanied the choirs on piano. It was the final sum- mer concert conducted by Phil, who is retiring from the group at the end of the year after 22 years. THE Nantwich Players are celebrating after being named British Champions at the United Kingdom Community Drama Festivals Fed- eration One Act Play Festival. The amateur theatre company impressed audiences and adjudicators with their critically acclaimed production of ‘Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons’ by Sam Steiner. The victory follows a sensational run through the one act drama circuit, with the production claim- ing top awards at the Cheshire One Act Drama Festival, Leverhulme Drama Festival, Northern Finals, All-England Theatre Festival Finals, and finally, the British Finals. In the final round, Nantwich Players competed against outstanding companies representing Scot- land, Wales, and Northern Ireland, making the win a truly national triumph. In total, the show has scooped an outstanding 16 awards, recognising the team’s creativity, per- formance, and direction. Directed by Bethany Gail, the award-winning cast and crew includes Holly Bevins-Jones and Kit Phillips, with Luke Murphy, Jeremy Acklam and Sandie Laughlin. Bethany said: “We are thrilled at the success of Lemons and being crowned British Champions. “We met with some stiff competition from three outstanding teams from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. And it was a pleasure to get to know these fellow creatives over an excel- lent weekend.” These players are just champion! Helen’s collection shortlisted for national award Performance: Helen reads her poems with the aid of her puppet hen Nigell (Photo credit: Jonathan White) Singers on song for the summer On song: Musical director Phil Houghton conducts the choir (Photo credit: Jonathan White) A spokesperson for the group said: “Phil has been the heart and soul of our choir for over two decades. His passion, patience, and musical brilliance have inspired every one of us. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and friend- ship, and we’ll miss him dearly on the conduc- tor’s podium.” Although stepping down from the choir, Phil will remain active in the local community, continuing as organist at both St Stephen’s and St Andrew’s Churches in Crewe, and in his senior matchday role at Crewe Alexandra. Assistant director Clare will take over the baton in January.