Gasping for Art

MADS latest production gets under way with Ben Elton's debut play Gasping. It is set in the work-hard, play-hard yuppiedom of the 1980s where the air we breathe has become just another commodity. Sold like bottled water but increasingly, available only to those who can afford to buy it.

Ironically with the current heat wave I doubt a single member of the audience would have refused to buy a cool sniff of fresh air if it had been on sale. The parallels to life today are frequently discomforting. You won’t like the characters but then again, you aren’t meant too. So don’t let that stop you going. The play is punctuated with some good Elton one-liners and a cool 80s sound track to help ease you through the set changes. Congratulations, MADS.

Creative students at Macclesfield College have been hard at work this year producing outstanding pieces of art and this is your chance to come and take a look.

The Art, Design & Media students are holding an end of year show at Macclesfield College to display their work which includes Paintings, Photographs, Fashion Pieces, Ceramics, Drawings, Sculptures, Graphics, Videos, Prints and Designs.

Until Thursday 2 July (10am – 8pm).Macclesfield College on 01625 410000.

MADS Little Theatre Lord Street, Macclesfield 01625 611974 Until Saturday. booking essential

With much ado

There's something special about watching outdoor theatre, it's not just the midges or the damp bum from sitting on the grass, it's just a totally unique experience.This week sees a run of Shakespeare plays in the Open Air Theatre at Gawsworth with A Midsummer Nights Dream starting a run on Wednesday and with a performance of Much ado about Nothing on Friday. Pack a special picnic and make an evening of it with your friends. And don't worry there are seats to sit on.
This week also heralds the start of the prestigious Three Shires Textile Festival on 4th July. If you don't think textiles are your thing, if you're happier with a 6 iron than a crochet hook, think again. You will be very surprised by the range and diversity of this nationally lauded festival. As a celebration of this regions fascinating textile heritage it is not without outstanding contemporary flare.

Watch this space for more and see if we can't tempt you out to explore this fascinating art form.
Oh and other things too.

To start us off a piece (see picture above) from the Northwest Textile Forum's Spoons and Friends - curious and intricate spoons and other related textile pieces by international artists - Kirstine Higgins, Dianne Barratt, Helen Conrad, Norma Hopkins, Rosemary Cassidy Buswell, Judith Railton, Dorothy Pickering, Jean Crocker - see the festival web site for full details.

Gawsworth Hall Open air Theatre 01260 223456 www.gawsworthhall.com
Three Shires Textile Festival www.textilefestival.com

Something for the weekend?

After last weekends frenetic action the loop was hoping to take a breather, but there's no rest for the wicked, there is plenty going on this weekend too. Fingers crossed for fantastic weather...

Catch the last day of The Romantic North exhibition at Bollington Art Centre with Dean Entwistle and Colin Hallidays paintings ( see smallest above). The loop loves both of these painters and its great to see their work together.

'Inner landscapes' upstairs at Sevens by artist Yvonne Philips (see pic above) ends this Saturday, so get up there quick.
Friday night there is A lark in the Park in Congleton as part of the Food and drink Festival.The evening stars The Woodlanders Country Dance Band, playing authentic southern English country dance music with a modern twist played by four musicians with a fondness for tunes played by the poet and novelist Thomas Hardy. Heady stuff, you'll need a restorative pint at the Beer Festival on the Saturday we suspect.

Ronnies convivial courtyard is the venue for the Box Groove Coolers live on Sunday with a gourmet barbeque to complement and their curious new gold fish cocktails.....

We are intruiged by the three day Hot Air Balloon extravagnaza at Capesthorne: air Rides, Tethered Balloons - an amazing array of Shapes & Colours, Stunt Teams, Beer Tent and Live Music. On the Saturday night there is a Spectacular Night Glow & Fireworks Display.

See you there.

Bollington Art Centre. See link
Upstairs at Sevens 38 Chestergate, Macclesfield www.sevensofmacclesfield.co.uk
Lark in the Park Tickets available in advance from Congleton Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Congleton. (01260 271 095)
Capesthorne Hall Siddington www.capesthorne.com
Ronnies bar www.ronnies-bar.co.uk

Get out and play

Wednesday night is Ukulele night of course. Have a look at the posting below for 5 May 'a word from Roger' for an insight into the musical larks to be had at the Boarhound tonight.
For further Ukulele inspiration book a ticket for the Open Air theatre at Gawsworth Hall for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on 2 August if they are not sold out. They are also playing the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in August but Gawsworth is closer....
maccukulele@live.co.uk Last Wed of month. Upstairs at the Boarhound.
Gawsworth Hall 01260 223456 www.gawsworthhall.com
www.ukuleleorchestra.com

Looking to the Future

It’s not until August but it is now possible to pre-book for Mark Hankin’s Weekend of Tarot.

A workshop on the Saturday will cover a wide range of topics de-mystifying tarot and exploring the journey shown by the cards. All abilities are catered for and there are three informative and fun exercises to help you understand tarot more. The workshop costs £40 and includes lunch, refreshments and all workshop materials. Places must be pre-booked and a £20 deposit is required.

On Sunday, Mark is holding private readings. Readings range from £20-£50 and last between 30 and 60 minutes and can also be, to avoid waiting on the day, pre-booked. Mark has been studying, reading and teaching tarot for over 20 years and is also a clairvoyant. He works with his Spirit Guides when carrying out readings and comes highly recommended. One of his tarot students says ‘I have leant so much about Tarot with Mark's guidance. He has an uncanny accuracy, a wealth of experience and is really down-to-earth and laid back, so you have fun while learning!'

Weekend of Tarot
Ronnie’s Bar, Duke’s Court, Macclesfield
8 and 9 August
To book and for further details please call Mark on: 07913 813442

Cinema: Cinemac

The latest films at Cinemac until July 2nd
Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen (12A)

Tickets £4- £5.50
Don't forget cheap tickets on a monday night £3

If you have not yet discovered Cinemac, an unconventional and charming cinema, check out the website: http://www.cinemac.org.uk/ for further information, and listings.
Cinemac
Heritage Centre,
Roe St, Macclesfield.

pic:projection room

2 for 1at Gawsworth

Like us have you always meant to have a trot round the beautiful Gawsworth Hall but never got round to it? Seeing as though its Fathers Day why not whisk the old man along there pretending it is a special treat for him? You don't need to let on to him about the 2 for 1 entry (print this page and take it with you during June. See previous post for details)). You could always call into the gorgeous nearby Harrington Arms for a pint on the way home? Mmm we like the sound of that...
Gawsworth Hall
01260 223456
www.gawsworthhall.com

Holiday snaps

We asked to see the places you get to on holiday this Summer. Well interesting pictures of them anyway.

Thank you to Lynne for her 'continuing your holiday shop window theme, taken in North West Ireland last week'.
I think this is the way forward, who wants a Debenhams any way?

More pics please.

More for the weekend

Blimey, theres more. Gig wise, tonight there is Cactus Moon at the Hollins, Black Road, Macc: blues/rock for the afficianado. Free entry. Also at the Old Kings Head, Byrons lane, Gurnett, where the delicately named Unshaggables appear on Saturday night, also free entry. Music of a more formal nature can be heard in Macc Town Square tomorrow evening (Sat) with the traditional Beating the Retreat: An Age-Old Tradition of the British Army, performed by The Band of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at 6.30pm.
If you want to try your hand at something creative this weekend Claire de Ruiter is running a felt workshop. Learn how to design and make a stylish felt bag and use felted flowers to enhance it. Just perfect for that summer wedding! More from her later in a wonderful exhibition during the textile festival (see their link).
Its the 3rd Saturday of the month so if you want to eat exceptional food get along to the Cloverbank farmers Market on Saturday morning and stock up on some delicious local treats.The weather should be good so take the kids up to the beautiful Goyt Valley for an Insect day with the Park Rangers, look at wildlife and take part in a mini beast hunt! If you dare.

Felt workshop Sat 20 June 10am-4pm Rainow Church Centre, Rainow £40 inc materials.Bring own lunch Claire de Ruiter 01625 574389 for booking (www.clairederuiter.co.uk)
Goyt Valley insect Day Sat 20 June11-4 free.Erwood Reservoir. meet at The Street carpark on B5470 from Macc
Cloverbank Organic farm. Farmers Market Sat 20 June. Shellow Lane Gawsworth/North Rode

Tel: 01260 222907.

Picture: Harvey

Spoilt for choice

Hard, hard choices are going to have to be made this weekend. Even with the best multi tasking will in the world its going to be impossible to get along to everything.Whatever your age or inclination theres loads to do. Theres the brilliant Butterfly Jam at Mezzaluna tonight with lots of loop readers heading down including us (see previous post) and ofcourse a jazz, not rain drenched weekend at Rainow with the Jazz Festival. Check out the link from here for all the gigs and workshops too. We'll be taking a loop troup to the jazz picnic on Sunday. A sunny day is forecast but there's a big barn to decamp into if not. Saturday is your chance to view the In the Art of Cheshire exhibition at The Kings School sixth Form. Its a window of only a few hours so grab the chance. Full mention in the loop e guide. Theres more festival action this weekend in Congleton with their first Food & Drink festival. The loop is renowned for its voracious appetite for all things and thinks the 'Eat your Art out' in the community garden sounds a must. Skip breakfast and head there on Sunday for lots of stalls and tastings kicking off a full week events. Delicious.
Butterfly Jam at Mezzaluna Fri 19 June. 8pm-2am £5
Rainow jazz festival www.rainowjazz.org.uk. 19-21 June
Congleton food and drink festival 01260 291156 www.foodanddrinkfestival.net
In the art of Cheshire 20 June. 11am–2pm King’s School Boys Division
picture: Tony Jackson

Music: Butterfly jam

Butterfly Jam is Melanie Williams and Joe Roberts latest musical metamorphosis; combining their sonic and soulful influences to create a fusion between beauty, beats, and matters of the heart. "Our music and songs are an effort to show where we're up to and what we feel about the world around us, moment to moment.'

Their individual and musical personalities are stamped throughout whilst also acknowledging influences such as D'Angelo, Nerd, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchel, Crosby Stills Nash and Young and Erykah Badu. "70s music has always been the backbone of our songwriting. It was such a beautiful time for music, when a lot of passion and creativity went into it" explains Joe. That influence is apparent throughout their current album 'Born' but with a contemporary feel.

The loop saw them play a warm up gig a few months ago and it was wonderful dancy thoughful stuff. Highly recomended.

Don’t miss the chance to see them live at

Mezzaluna Fri 19 June. 8pm-2am £5

www.myspace.com/butterflyjamspace

facebook.com-butterflyjam

See loop e guide for full interview.

Dance: salsa

Excitingly there are new classes starting in Macc for salsa, merengue and bachata with latin style teacher Allejandro Pinedo from Cali-Colombia (have a look at their website to understand the differences). Let him lead you into the moves and steps of these 'most dynamic,vibrant & sensual dances in the world!' Suitable for beginners of any ages, and whilst a dancing partner is not necessary, booking is and then you pay as you go.

Starts Wed 17 June 8-9.30pm
Macclesfield Leisure Centre
Priory lane
01625 420962 / 07931 515386
www.playmesalsa.co.uk

Cinema: Cinemac

The latest films at Cinemac until 25 June:
Star Trek (12A)
Terminator Salvation (12A)
Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen (12A)

Tickets £4- £5.50
Don't forget cheap tickets on a monday night £3

If you have not yet discovered Cinemac, a most-unconventional and charming cinema, check out the website: http://www.cinemac.org.uk/ for further information, and listings.
Cinemac
Heritage Centre,
Roe St, Macclesfield.

Moving Clay at DCAS: preview invitation

Loop readers are kindly invited to Tuesday nights preview of the first show by Moving Clay at the DCAS Gallery in Dukes Court. This old photographers studio is a brilliant town centre space for this local collective's mixed-media showcase. An inspiring range of ceramics, jewellery, paintings, prints and sculpture will be on show. Get along to the preview, meet these talented local artists and support Macclesfield's arts scene.

Preview Tuesday 16 June 7pm
Drinks from Ronnies Bar.

Exhibition Mon 15 June - Sun 19 July. 11am-8pm daily
DCAS (Access via Ronnie's bar when closed).
Upstairs Dukes Court
Mill St , Macc.

Picture by Simon Bruntnell. How It Is by Victoria Scholes

Your fresh loop awaits

Well the June /July issue of the loop has just been sent out. If you haven't received it and should have, rub your chin pensively then drop us an e mail. We know lots of you have got your loop though and have come straight back and said some very kind things. We don't like to show off, but oh go on then:

'Should have said this long ago but better late than never - congratulations on 'the Loop' - it is an elegant, attractive and professional publication - long may it last! SR

'The Loop continues to impress. I just thought I would email to say how good I thought it was this time. Its really well produced and gives a load of information often about things nobody else publicises very effectively.' IB

We are so pleased you think so and it makes a real difference to us to know that the loop is read, enjoyed and most importantly gets the information out there. Please spread the word, pass on your loop and get along to all those good things going on. Oh and when you do mention you saw it in the loop.
Sorry we do go on a bit occasionally! The Janes

maccloop@googlemail.com
picture: Tony Jackson. See loop listings.

Your Holiday snaps please

We’d love to see where you get to this Summer, whether it’s a cabana in the
Caribbean or a camp site in Cumbria. Send us your holiday pictures with a twist and we’ll put them on the blog. To start us off, a Spanish shop window with a most idiosyncratic range of wares. Send yours please to maccloop@googlemail.com. Over to you!

Gigs abound

The loop is sometimes guilty of moaning about shortfalls in the cultural life of Macc. Forgive us!
That said it is brilliant that there is such a vibrant music scene with regular pub gigs throughout the town. At the Nags Head you can catch Fugitive on the 12 June and Fury Uk on the 13th.Jonny Gunn play the Swan with Two Necks on the 12th with Morph the night after. Whilst Sunday has the modestly named Unshaggables at Ronnies. Go and have a listen and a pint.
Nags head, Waters Green 01625 423786 Swan with Two Necks, Chestergate ( see maccattack link) Ronnie's Dukes Court, Mill St www.ronnies-bar.co.uk

Space stories

Story Space Day at Jodrell Bank

Saturday 13th June 2009 - programme starts at 12 noon

Jodrell Bank teams up with the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing for Story Space! Join Poet John McAuliffe, Story Teller Gina Perry and Astronomer Tim O'Brien for a day of story telling and poetry about the stars, planets and the wonders of the Universe!

Astro-poetry with John McAuliffe: Go along to Jodrell Bank's Hot Spot Pavilion for a series of fun workshops based on Astronomical Alphabets - from Algol to Zubenelgenubi - they hope to have their camera ready so they can upload videos of the best poems to their website.

Space Travellers Tales: If it's fine, join Gina Perry for a meteorite's journey across the Solar System via Jodrell Bank's Planet Path. If it's wet, join Gina in her space colony in their Hot Spot Pavilion, where she will tell the meteorite's tale in a dryer environment! Then - see if you can tell a Six Word Story about the Moon and Space. Will yours be strong enough to be bounced off the Moon in July?

Stars, Stories, Constellations: Go along to Jodrell Bank's Lecture Room and sit inside their Planetarium and hear about the Stars and more from astrologer Tim O’Brien.

The programme starts at 12 noon. Sounds brillliant.

Jodrell bank: +44 (0)1477 571339 Jodrell.visitor.centre@manchester.ac.uk

picture courtesy www.imagepalette.com

Tuppeny Circus/ loop social

What a grand night. The rain got bored and went away allowing a large crowd of loop readers to enjoy the tables and chairs in the courtyard at Ronnies. A lusty thankyou toJo Bell and Joy Winkler who totally charmed this al fresco audience and converted some cynics to poetry.The Janes enjoyed themselves enormously and that wasn't just down to the Pinot Grigio. Lets do it again, that was great fun.
If you enjoyed that taste of Tuppenny Circus treat yourself to the full menu of the Fourpenny option.Hope you got a flyer last night, but if not:: www.fourpennycircus.co.uk

Tuppence Worth Tonight

Even at this, the last hour, it's not too late to join the loop at Ronnie's tonight for the Tuppeny Circus poetry extravaganza. We promise a whip and a top hat at the very least.

And... if wine is your drink of choice (for loop nights only) buy two large glasses of the house white or red and get the rest of the bottle free. House white is a Chardonnay Chasan and the red a Merlot Carrigan.

The weather promises to be fair and it would be great to see you at Ronnie's Bar, Dukes Court for 8pm.

The Janes.

Discover U3A

The Macclesfield Rural U3A (University of the Third Age) is setting out its stall on 11 June in the town hall. Around 30 stalls in fact, to cover a wide range of activities including painting, literature and creative writing; allotment gardening; languages including: Spanish, French and Latin; bridge; and three levels of walking.

U3A is a self-help organisation for people who are retired, semi-retired or no longer in full time employment and provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. Most meetings take place in member's homes and last for 2 hours.

U3As are charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers. Local U3As are learning cooperatives who draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership. U3As are charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers. Local U3As are learning cooperatives who draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership.

If you can’t make the Town Hall this Thursday but wish to know more about U3A’s stimulating programme contact Joy on 01625 426412.

Cinema: Cinemac

For your delectation next at Cinemac:


Night at the Museum 2 (12A)
Terminator Salvation (12A)
Star Trek (12A)

Tickets £4- £5.50
Don't forget cheap tickets on a monday night £3

If you have not yet discovered Cinemac, a most-unconventional and charming cinema, it is featured in the latest issue of the loop (editorial column page 5). Or check out its website: http://www.cinemac.org.uk/ for further information, and listings.
Cinemac
Heritage Centre,
Roe St, Macclesfield.

Running with Jenny Agutter

The sun's not gone completely so lets make plans for the weekend.

If you fancy a bit of historical action, Lyme Park is doing 'The Tudors at Home' this Friday , Saturday and Sunday with hands on activities for children, including costumes. Price included in normal admission price.

There is a Farmers market at the Hollins pub on Sunday and a beguiling performance of the Railway Children at Buxton Opera House also on Sunday at 2pm. Booking essential. Jenny Agutter not included.

A stalwart friend of the loop is running the Race for Life on 21st June at Heaton Park in Manchester to raise funds for Cancer Research.The loop is always keen to sponsor friends doing these things as it is not so good at lacing up its own running shoes.We will be sponsoring her and her very worthwhile cause and hope that some loop readers will do the same by going to
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/veragreen

Lyme Park www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01663 762023
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

A Poetic Word for Wednesday

Here's a poetic reminder
with a bit of a twist
instead of just drinking
and getting... drunk
tomorrow night is the night to join Jo Bell, poet extraordinaire and coordinator of National Poetry Day, in The Church House, Sutton for some poetry in the pub? For more details see blog posting dated the 15 May.

Feed back. Thankyou Vera.
'Last night's poetry in the pub was a splendidly enjoyable way of passing a very sociable and creative evening. Jo Bell on sparkling form (as ever) and I drank rather a lot of gin (as ever....)
Thanks to the Loop for drawing it to my attention.'

Watchout for Wednesday

Make light of life this Wednesday by getting a hit of comedy at MTFC. Where 3 top stand-ups, Geoff Norcott, Steve Royale and Simon Bligh, take up the mic for a great evenings entertainment; with music and bar until midnight.
The details:
Wed 3 June.
Doors open at 7.30pm. Show starts at 9pm.
Tickets: £10 (buffet £5). Over 18s only.
The McIlroy Suite,
Macclesfield Town FC,
London Rd.
For tickets/details: www.silkmenstore.co.uk
www.mtfc.co.uk

Cinema: Cinemac

For your delectation this week & next at Cinemac:

Angels and Demons (12A)
Night at the Museum 2 (12A)
Terminator Salvation (12A)

Tickets £4- £5.50
Don't forget cheap tickets on a monday night £3

If you have not yet discovered Cinemac, a most-unconventional and charming cinema, it is featured in the latest issue of the loop (editorial column page 5). Or check out its website: http://www.cinemac.org.uk/ for further information, and listings.
Cinemac
Heritage Centre,
Roe St, Macclesfield.