Midcheshire Independent Issue 190

APRIL 2026 6 To advertise call 07767 840274 CONGLETON’S proud civic history has been further safeguarded thanks to a generous gift from a former mayor. Kay Wesley served as town mayor in 2024–25. During her year in office, she introduced a new pro- gramme of town hall talks and tours designed to open up Congleton’s civic heritage to local groups, with a particular focus on young people. A highlight of these tours is the opportunity to view the town’s historic mace and the original charter of 1272, granted by Henry de Lacy. The charter gave Con- gleton the rights of a ‘free borough’, including the abil- ity to elect a mayor and to hold a market – foundations that have shaped the town’s governance and prosperity for over 750 years. To ensure the continued protection of this priceless document, while allowing it to be on public display, the former mayor and her consort, Mike Wesley, have donated a bespoke oak dis- play cabinet. With a secure glass front, the cabinet will house the charter safely dur- ing exhibitions. It was handcrafted by John and Josh Edwards of Edwards Joinery in Con- gleton. The former mayor presented the cabinet to current first citizen Robert Brittain, at the town hall. She said: “It was a great privilege of my mayoral year to help more peo- ple -especially our young residents – discover the remarkable history of Congleton. “Our 1272 charter is not only a precious document but a symbol of the free- doms and responsibilities that have shaped our com- munity for centuries. “Mike and I are delighted to present this beautiful cabinet to the town so that the charter can be displayed proudly and pro- tected properly for genera- tions to come.” The town hall talks and tours programme has proved highly popular and will continue throughout 2026. Any group inter- ested in arranging a visit is encouraged to email mayor@congleton-tc.gov . uk for further information and booking details. THE King’s School in Macclesfield rolled out the red carpet to host a prestigious event for East Cheshire Hospice. Around 360 guests enjoyed a fascinating discus- sion between BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson and Dr Kathryn Mannix, one of the country’s leading experts on palliative care. Kathryn enjoyed a distinguished medical career and is now a best-selling author and speaker. The talk was hosted by Nick, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme and one of Mac- clesfield’s most famous sons. The welcome address was delivered by Juliette White, chair of the board of governors at King’s, and chair of the trustee board at East Cheshire Hospice. She said: “It’s wonderful to bring these two organ- isations here together this evening and to see so many of our supporters, both familiar faces and some new ones. “In a world that can often feel less than kind, our hospice and your ongoing support stand as powerful examples of compassion and generosity. “Each year we have the real privilege of caring for more than 1,200 patients and their families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. The work we do is only possible because of you.” Town’s heritage is protected Presentation: Cllr Wesley presents the charter to current mayor Cllr Robert Brittain with Mr Wesley, Mr John and Mr Josh Edwards, and deputy mayor Cllr Suzy Firkin looking on An insight into palliative care Discussion: Dr Kathryn Mannix and Nick Robinson NEWSINBRIEF CHESHIRE East Council contacted thousands of parents and carers on national secondary school offer day – with 93 per cent receiving their first preference. Almost 5,000 applications were received from parents and carers whose children will be starting secondary school in September. And 98 per cent of Cheshire East residents received an offer from their three preferences – up from 97 per cent in 2025. BRITAIN’S greatest female Olympian, Dame Laura Kenny, surprised participants at Alderley Park parkrun by turning up to celebrate National Lottery Open Week. The five-time gold medallist took part to highlight the projects made possible by lottery funding. MACCLESFIELD Fire Cadets has officially reopened, giving young people aged 12–17 the chance to develop practical firefighting skills, confidence and valuable life experience. To mark the relaunch, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service held an open night at Macclesfield Fire Station. National praise for CEC’s holiday activities project CHESHIRE East’s Holiday Activ- ities and Food (HAF) programme has been recognised as one of the top-performing schemes in the country. It has achieved a top 10 ranking across UK local authorities following its successful winter half‑term delivery. The programme was placed seventh nationally for overall performance and was also praised for recording one of the lowest levels of unattended places – demonstrating ‘strong engagement’ from local families and providers. HAF brings together local schools, childcare providers, and community and voluntary organisations to deliver a var- ied programme of activities for children and young people during school holidays. Sessions include everything from crafts, sports, baking, gardening and performing arts to animal care ses- sions, days out and more. The pro- gramme is open to children and young people in receipt of income‑related free school meals. There are also limited spaces available to support children and young people who don’t receive income-related free school meals but would benefit from the scheme. Bookings are now open for the Easter holidays, with an expanded range of new providers joining the programme follow- ing a recent procurement process by the local authority. The programme which has been run- ning since 2021, is available to children aged five to 16, or up to the age of 18 for those with special educational needs and disabilities, and includes a nutritious meal for each participant. Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East’s children and families committee, said: “We are delighted to see our HAF pro- gramme recognised nationally for its strong performance. This reflects the dedication of our partners and providers who work so hard to create enriching, fun and supportive experiences for chil- dren, young people and their families. “We consistently receive great feed- back about the range of sessions on offer, and we remain committed to expand- ing and improving the programme so that every eligible child can enjoy new opportunities, develop skills and make lasting memories.”