Midcheshire Independent Issue 191

MAY 2026 4 PLAYERS, friends and supporters of Nantwich Town Disability Football (NTDF) are urging the community to get behind an inspiring fundrais- ing effort. The club is organising a sponsored 42-mile walk on Saturday August 29 and is looking for people to back the initiative by donating or tak- ing part. Setting off from Nantwich and finishing at The Kinder Lodge in Hayfield, the chal- lenge aims to raise vital funds to support the contin- ued growth of NTDF, which provides opportunities for more than 50 players across visually impaired and adult pan-disability teams. Every donation will go directly towards running and developing NTDF, help- ing to keep its free, inclusive sessions open and accessible to all. NTDF is proudly supported by Direct Access, award-win- ning Universal Design and Accessibility specialists led by disabled people. Event organiser Craig Acton said: “Every step we take in this challenge is about creating opportunities for our players. “NTDF is more than just football, it’s a place where peo- ple feel included, supported and part of something special. “We’re asking the com- munity to back us, whether that’s by donating, walking or simply spreading the word. Together, we can keep break- ing down barriers.” The walk is open to every- one, not just seasoned endur- ance athletes. Supporters can take on a distance that suits them, whether that’s 5 miles, 10 miles, half the route, or the full 42-mile challenge. NTDF continues to cham- pion accessibility and enjoy- ment in sport, hosting free weekly pan-disability training sessions every Friday evening at the Swansway Stadium’s 3G pitch, welcoming anyone with a disability who wants to get involved in football in a supportive environment. This latest fundraiser builds on a series of remark- able efforts led by Craig and the NTDF team, all aimed at ensuring disability football continues to thrive locally. YOUTH academy players fromMacclesfield FC and first teamers from Crewe Alexander have used their footballing skills to deliver a winning recy- cling message. They have teamed up with Cheshire East Council as part of the authority’s ‘Be the BIG Difference’ campaign. The players have taken part in a series of short, fun videos that use football chal- lenges to show how residents can recycle right at home and cut down on waste. Filmed at Crewe’s training grounds next to Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, and at Macclesfield’s Leasing.com Stadium, the videos mix football skills and competitive spirit with clear messages about putting the right waste in the right bin. The videos aim to raise awareness of how small actions – like rinsing items, knowing what can and can’t be recycled, and recognising when items shouldn’t be going in any household bin – can make a big difference to the quality of recycling collected across the borough. David Jefferay, who chairs the council’s environment and communities committee, said: “We’re really grateful to have the support of both clubs for our campaign, and their energy has really helped to bring these important mes- sages to life in a way that’s memorable and reaches peo- ple of all ages.” The football videos will be released across Cheshire East’s social media channels over the coming weeks. Bob Trafford, sponsorships director at Macclesfield FC, said: “Everyone at Maccles- field FC jumped at the chance to be involved. We hope that the messages contained within the campaign will res- onate with everyone across our local area, and we will see a positive impact from their implementation.” ONE of Cheshire’s best-loved family events is set to return later this spring, as the Small- wood Vintage Rally rolls back into action over the late May bank holiday weekend. Taking place from May 23-25, the rally will once again trans- form fields near Love Lane Farm, Betchton, just off the A50 near Sandbach, into a bustling celebra- tion of vintage vehicles, countryside traditions and family fun. Organisers say this year’s event promises something for everyone, with hundreds expected to attend across the three days. Visitors can explore a huge range of trade and autojumble stands, offering everything from tweed handbags and workwear to tools, antiques, collectables and home- made cakes. A craft marquee and children’s amusements will also be on site throughout the weekend. A major highlight of the rally is its impressive display of vehicles, spanning vintage, classic and mod- ern eras. From classic cars and campers to military vehicles, fire engines and motorbikes, there is plenty for enthusiasts to admire. The event will also feature an eye-catching collection of steam engines, complete with a daily steam parade, alongside nearly 200 vintage tractors. For further information visit, https://www.smallwoodvintager- ally.co.uk WORK to introduce 20mph speed limits outside schools across Cheshire West and Chester is near- ing completion. The changes follow a com- prehensive assessment of roads surrounding school entrances across the borough. Based on this work, speed limit reductions were recom- mended for 16 schools to help improve safety for children, parents and carers travelling to and from school. One of first schools to ben- efit from the new measures was Whitegate Church of England Primary School. School head Caroline Mac- kenzie said: “We are delighted that the 20mph limit is now in place. It has been great to work with the council on several initiatives to reduce danger within our village. “Once again, this high- lights that the safety of our children is of paramount importance. We urge all motorists to adhere to the new speed limit.” Karen Shore, deputy leader of the council and cab- inet member for transport and highways, said: “Creat- ing safe, welcoming streets around our schools is one of the most important things we can do for our children. “After carefully review- ing every school road with speed limits above 20mph, we identified where lower limits and additional safety measures could make a real difference to the lives of our young people. “We’re now putting these improvements in place, because every child deserves to travel to and from school feeling safe and protected. “Slower speeds don’t just reduce the risk and sever- ity of collisions — they help create the kind of environ- ment where children can move with confidence, free from unnecessary danger. Their safety must always come first. “Our Safe Routes to School Officer continues to work closely with schools and fam- ilies to support safer journeys. We all have a part to play in protecting our little ones, so I’d encourage everyone to help keep school areas safe for the children who use them every day.” TWO shops in Northwich have been ordered to close for three months after they were found to be sell- ing illegal tobacco. The court orders followed an operation in the town by Cheshire West and Chester trading standards officers and Cheshire Police which saw four premises inspected. Officers seized illegal ciga- rettes, tobacco and vapes with an estimated retail value of around £130,000 in the raids on April 1. The shops ordered to shut are A to Z Convenience Store at 27 High Street and Northwich Mini Market at 96–98 Station Road. Both premises were ordered to close at a hear- ing on Wednesday April 8, as a result of ongoing illegal tobacco activity. Stuart Bingham, council cabinet member for commu- nity safety and neighbour- hood pride, said: “Illegal tobacco is a serious threat to our communities. “It exploits vulnerable peo- ple, fuels organised crime and cheats honest businesses. Our message is clear: if you break the law, we will shut you down.” Schools’ speed limit safety drive Safety: Whitegate village’s school is one of the first to benefit (Photo credit: CWCC) Stores are closed after illegal tobacco is found Rally will return Big attraction: The tractor pulling competition (Photo credit: Jonathan White) Message: Young players fromMacclesfield FC who took part in the filming (Photo credit: MFC) Players’ recycling goal is a winner Football club steps out to raise funds