Midcheshire Independent Issue 192

3 MAY/JUNE 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk NEWSINBRIEF A BUMPER year of fund- raising by East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce will benefit patients with life-limiting illnesses. Members raised £9,148 for East Cheshire Hospice, its chosen charity, from vari- ous events. Activities included a golf day, cake and coffee afternoon, clay shoot, Christmas lunch and its annual business awards at De Vere Cranage Estate, where a raffle and auction were held. Jackie Randles, the cham- ber’s chief executive, said: “It’s been a delight working alongside the hospice over the last 12 months and we are extremely proud to have raised this money for such a deserving cause.” Luke Oldham, corporate fundraiser at the hospice, explained what difference the funds will make to patient care. He said: “This generous donation will help fund care for almost an entire day. That includes inpatient care, our Sunflower LivingWell Centre and Hospice @Home. “That’s a lot of care – and people – within a 24-hour period. Local businesses play a vital role in sustaining the care we provide. “We’re incredibly proud to have the backing of such a committed and caring local business community. “I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you for the incredible support given by East Chesh- ire Chamber of Commerce. “Their fundraising is a remarkable achievement and we’re so grateful for the effort, generosity and community spirit that made it possible.” SANDBACH’S annual Transport Festival drew the crowds on a sunny weekend. Organisers delivered a free, family- friendly entertainment celebrating the town’s proud transport heritage. NANTWICH Concert Band is joining forces with the award-winning Lions Youth Brass for a vibrant spring concert at Nantwich Civic Hall on Sunday June 14. Doors open at 6.30pm. CHESHIRE East Council says work is moving forward on setting out the next phase of Crewe’s development and building on the major regeneration activity already delivered – supporting future ambitions for it to become the ‘best small city in Europe by 2050’. MUSIC, laughter and community spirit filled St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Aston as a packed audience gathered for a lively springtime concert featuring Wistaston Singers, Ukes Aloud and a host of talented soloists. JAYNE Chapman, the manager of Tatton Park’s iconic farm, has been rec- ognised nationally for her dedication to the role. She was selected as a finalist in this year’s pres- tigious Visit England Awards for Excellence. And it is not the first time her efforts at the popular Cheshire visitor attraction have been rewarded publicly. Jayne won an Unsung Hero Award at last year’s Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards and received a Rural and Recovery Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2024. Carole Hyde, head of rural and cultural economy at Tat- ton Park, said: “Jayne has now received a further nation- al-level nomination recognis- ing individuals who inspire others through exceptional dedication and a commitment to going above and beyond in their roles. “Jayne’s nomination is a true testament to her out- standing leadership, dedica- tion, and impact within the tourism sector.” Jayne has worked at Tatton Park for 35 years, starting her career as a farm assis- tant before becoming farm manager in 2009. Fundraising that makes a difference Tatton’s Jayne is an unsung hero Dedication: Tatton Park’s Jayne Chapman (Photo credit: Tatton Park) It was the first time the hospice was chosen as East Cheshire chamber’s chosen charity. It will support North West Air Ambulance over the next 12 months. Presentation: From left, Luke Oldham and Laura Tomlinson from the hospice with Jackie Randles, Liz Longmore and TimMcCloud from the chamber