Midcheshire Independent Issue 186

11 DECEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk SCAN & BOOK SUN 1 FEB 7.30PM BOOK NOW 0161 477 7779 * stockportplaza.co.uk * * BOOKING FEE APPLIES ALAN Bailey has finally got his first tattoo – at the age of 78. His body art was a sou- venir of Hospice Rocks, a music extravaganza which raised £11,000 for East Chesh- ire Hospice. The event, featuring five bands at Cinemac, was headlined by Mac- clesfield band Virginmarys. The group’s original line up performed their album Kings of Conflict. The band now features on Alan’s body art, along with the hospice sunflower and the name Mo. His late wife Maureen, known as Mo, spent her final days at the Macclesfield hospice inMarch. The couple were married for 53 years. Son Stuart got the same tattoo, inked by friend AlexWright, owner of Grindhouse Tattoo Productions on Church Street in Macclesfield. The company kindly provided tattoos in lieu of a donation, rais- ing £460. Alan said: “The tattoo at the top of my arm was done on the day of the concert. It was Alex’s idea and it was brilliant that they donated all proceeds to the hospice. “I’m not sure what Mo would make of the tattoo – she’d proba- bly tell me off. “The bands were superb. It was generous of them all to give their time for charity and we had an amazing night. “There was a fantastic atmos- phere withmusic fans coming from Tat’s a great way to fundraise! Prevention: Police are working to make sure gifts are delivered WITH Christmas fast approach- ing, Cheshire Police has launched its annual operation to support delivery drivers and couriers across the fes- tive period. The force’s Operation Delivering drive began on December 1 and will run until New Year’s Eve. Throughout the operation police will be visiting key locations across the county and engaging with deliv- ery drivers to provide reassurance and offer crime prevention advice. The aim is to help ensure that everyone gets their deliveries in time for the festive celebrations. Detective Superintendent Clare Coleman, who is leading the opera- tion, said: “While Santa will be busy on Christmas Eve making his own deliveries, we know many people give him a helping hand in the run-up to Christmas Day. “This includes delivery drivers and couriers here in Cheshire, making sure your online gift orders get to you safely. “This means there are even more delivery drivers out on the roads and sadly, this makes them a potential target for thieves. “We are committed to doing all we can to prevent this from happening, and as part of our operation, we’ll be visiting key locations across the county and engaging directly with delivery drivers. “There will also be both marked and unmarked police vehicles patrolling key routes and roads near to distribution centres in Cheshire. “As part of our operation, we’re also encouraging couriers to take all the necessary steps they can to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.” DS Coleman added: “Local resi- dents also have a role to play in help- ing us by reporting any suspicious activity and ensuring that there is somebody at home when any parcels are delivered. “By working together, we can all help to reduce the chances of falling victim to thieves and ensure everyone gets their deliveries this Christmas.” You can report anything suspi- cious to Cheshire Police on 101 or online at https://www.cheshire.police . uk/tell-us. In an emergency always dial 999. Delivering Christmas that’s free of crime Devoted couple: Maureen ‘Mo’ Bailey and Alan (Photo credit: East Cheshire Hospice) Inked: Alan with his tattoo (Photo credit: East Cheshire Hospice) NEWS INBRIEF EAST Cheshire Hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection is back and registrations are now open. People who book their tree for collection on January 10 and 11 will be directly supporting the hospice’s work. Sweden, Germany and Croatia. “We had to order extra T-shirts and raised more money than we expected. Thank you to everyone who supported us.” The event was organised by Alan and Stuart, who run Track- side Studios in Macclesfield.