Art as Adventure

If the New Year inspires you to thoughts of personal development why not embark upon a new course of learning? Arts courses abound in and around Macclesfield and many begin afresh in January.

If you want something out of the ordinary, local creative thinker and artist Yvonne Philipps (Picture Blue Emerald by Yvonne) is offering a course you don’t need to be able to draw for! Rather, the focus is on you, on learning in a visual way and discovering what you want for your creative self. Using writing, art, meditation, words and photography, music and more... you’ll find plenty of potential to help you learn and grow.

The course runs for five weeks from Tues 19 January until Tues 16 February 2010 from 10am to 12 noon at Siddington Village Hall. The cost is £65 and most of the art materials are included in the price and where not, additional cost are minimal.
For more details contact Yvonne on: 01625 861962.

yphillips57@yahoo.co.uk or www.yvonnephillips.co.uk

A new range of part-time courses for adults also begin at the Macclesfield Learning Zone from January 2010. Choose from the History of Art, through Dressmaking and Ceramics to Life Drawing and more. There is simply too much to list here so we suggest going on line at www.macclesfield.ac.uk. You’ll need to be quick as term starts from 4 Jan.

Good luck in whatever adventurous course of action you decide upon and Happy New Year.

A White Christmas

One of the Jane's headed off to be with family for the festives, the other eloped with Santa Clause but is back now. Hoping that Christmas was merry for you all and in the light of little mid-Christmas-to-New Year action, is asking that you send in any festive pictures....

As this was the first white Christmas in years we thought perhaps... the largest snowball in the world (Aaron shows how it's done), a snow sculpture or sledging adventure (living proof of Santa always welcome); or why not even the prettiest tree, whatever takes your festive fancy, all welcome.

This is a quiet time but we will back soon with details of new college courses and 2010 plans of resolute proportion. Happy New Year....

The Janes.

True grit and a stroll in the snow.

While the rest of us are finishing the wrapping, polishing the sherry glasses and thinking about an afternoon of sledging with an egg nog chaser, others are being super human in their fundraising for 'Help for Heroes'.Peter and Paul Morrison will be running the 31 mile gritstone Trail, (yes really!) and hope to finish in the Market Square today at around 1.30pm. They truly deserve a cheering finish to their fundraising commando run. There will be carols from the Macc YBB, the Mayor will out, Canalside radio and stilt walkers and more. Get down there! If you can't show your support in person please leave a donation at www.justgiving.com/31m ilecommandorun
If however something a little more sedate is in order we are passing on a seductive invitation from Loop reader Roger: What a lovely idea.

' If the weather isn't too bad I'm inclined to take a midwinter stroll in the

late evening on Midwinter Night Monday 21st. The short circular walk up the

clough behind The Hanging Gate takes just an hour and is quite varied though

not so challenging as Shutlingslow. Please can you pass on to Loopsters just in case there are souls who might fancy same? They could

confirm with me with a view to meeting at Hanging Gate, maybe 8pm..

For confirmation/co-ordination/cancellation: It is advisable that people contact me
Monday late afternoon

my numbers: 01625267905 0778 9031903

Roger '

Have fun, but wrap up well and make sure you ring Roger to check it is not snowed off.

Cinemac: cancelled screening

The 12.00 show on Monday 21 Dec of Alvin and the Chipmunks has been cancelled for urgently required projector maintenance. . Films are expected to resume at 2pm. On Monday, Alvin is now showing only at 2pm, with Avatar at 4pm and 7.30.

Cinemac
Heritage Centre
Roe Street
Macclesfield SK11 6UT
Recorded Information: 01625 423535
Enquiries: 07871 422937

Something for the weekend?

Formerly Mezzaluna, this spacious bar and live venue is now under new management and rebadged as 'Fresh' . You can catch 'Last Flowers' there tonight (Fri).Or why not head to Porters (Prince of Wales) for a dose of local favourites Dazed and Confused? Fury UK play the Nags Head on Friday night and Decadenze on Saturday.

Thanks to Garry White for his tip for Sunday and the debut gig for new band RECKONER.

'This one is both intriguing and liable to be explosively good. The band has been formed by Jamie Walker, Macc born guitar wizard and his drummer from their other band, the bluesy TANTRUM ( who still exist and thrive) as a new project. This gig is a warmup for the band for their huge sell out gig 2 days later supporting the legendary HOAX at Manchester's Band on the Wall. Jesse Davey the awesome guitarist from Hoax is a confirmed fan of Jamies and invites himself along to jam with Tantrum regularly. You couldn't pay me enough not to be at both these gigs.Supporting RECKONER at Toast will be ELMER THUG local ska/rock/indie band. Should be proper good .' Thanks Garry.

Meanwhile, ensure your brussels are magnificent ( and lots of other epicurean goodies too) by nipping to the ever wonderful farmers market at Cloverbank Farm this Saturday or if you prefer the The Hollins Pub have their farmers market on Sunday .It starts at 7pm with mulled wine and carols too.

For further festive cheer join the carollers for mince pies and music in West Park on Sunday afternoon. A little snow would be awfully pretty...
To finish the weekend and to remember the true meaning of Christmas make your way to to St.Michaels Church, where a candlelight carol service will be held on Sunday night .

Reckoner Sun Dec 20 Toast Bar Dukes Court Macclesfield

Sat 19/12 8.30-12.30 Cloverbank Farm Shellow Lane Gawsworth/North RodeCW12 2NX jane@cloverbankorganicfarm.co.uk 01260 222907.
Fresh Wood Street, Macclesfield 01625 500999
The Hollins Farmers Market, Black Rd, Macc Sun 20 Dec 7pm Dazed and Confused dazedandconfusedmacc.blogspot.com
Carols by Candlelight at St.Michaels Church,20 Dec 6.30pm, Macclesfield 01625 421984
images courtesy St Michaels and Cloverbank Farm.

Christmas organs and the library

Thanks to Jo Bell for a very timely reminder about becoming an organ donor (see link to her blog below). I'll let her persuasive powers have full rein: 'I want you to call the number on it, and sign up for the organ donor register. Sadly, a lot of us get bumped off at Christmas by drunken drivers and the like – why not use all that offal to give someone else a chance, like friend Laurie who died this year after twenty-six years of extra life given by a heart donor? So easy, so necessary.' Thanks Jo we are on the case. And so should you be. www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Great to see Macc library open again. Its strange walking in to such an open space.
Please note their new extended Opening hours

Mon, Tues 9-7, Wed 9-5,Thurs 9-7, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-1

Excitingly the refurbishment uncovered a hidden gem - a hand made mosaic floor dating from the late 19th C. Artistically designed using blue and green Murano glass tiles from Italy and terracotta tiles from local Staffordshire potteries, it has been lovingly restored by local craftsman, Paul Albertini.Nip in and have a look.

Macc library Jordangate, Macc
Organ donation www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Handels Messiah for all

It can be a very stressful time getting everything done in time for Christmas; cards written, presents bought and wrapped . One of the best antidotes has to be a frenetic dance (see boogiemen posting ) or some people prefer a good sing.

Help is at hand tonight: Bollington's Messiah for All seems to become more popular every year, and the standard of singing and playing improves every time. Early booking is essential if you would like to enjoy the chance to perform or hear Handel's wonderful piece in a relaxed atmosphere. Join in Handel’s masterpiece and support a local charity at the same time. Take along a score if you can; but there will be some to borrow if you don’t have one of your own.

So join Bollington Festival Choir at Bollington Art centre tonight. Its therapy and only £5 including a cup of tea and a mince pie.

Handels Messiah Tues 15 Dec £7.30pm BAC see link below. Booking is essential so please ring 01625 261933

Picture: a handsome old door in Macclesfield.

Shake a leg

Struggling to find something really unusual for your loved one? Pop into Likailin Gallery (contemporary fine art) in Prestbury, they might have the answer but if not you are bound to enjoy the diverse work on display for the mixed Christmas show 'Peace'. Their Christmas Exhibition will include work by over 25 established and emerging fine artists.

Its party time at the Blue Funk Blues club this week but their annual Christmas party gig is this now sold out ( for a good reason). Only unlikely cancellations will get you a ticket to this event. Don't travel without checking that such availability exists -07818884324.

www.myspace.com/bluefunkblues

At last the Boogiemen play live in Macclesfield. This six piece soul and blues outfit have played at Buxton Opera House and more than once at the Sheffield Blues Festival, but now that frontman Keith Smith has moved to Macclesfield he's keen to show old friends and new what they have been missing.The Boogiemen play soul and blues with oomph! The sweetest brass section hereabouts complements Keith's passionate and expressive vocals to perfection. Think of Van Morrison meets James Brown meets Otis Redding and you're getting close. One not to miss. Dancing is the order of the day when the Boogiemen play!

|If you want to immerse yourself in Christmas tradition the town carol service takes place this Thursday in St Michaels Church with the Cheshire Police band and St Michael's Choir.
Oh and remember the talk at Camp Four tonight. See previous post.

Boogiemen Wed 16 Dec from 8.30pm.Ronnie's bar, Dukes Court, Macc

See all their gigs on Ents24 :http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/129898/The_Boogiemen_3.h

tml www.myspace.com/keithedwardsmith
Bluefunk Christmas Party Wed 16 Dec Bluefunk Rhythm and Blues Club, Poynton

Peace until Thursday 24 Dec LiKailin Gallery, The Village, Prestbury, 01625 827876 enquiries@likailin.com
picture courtesy Likailin Gallery

Something for the weekend

Hark! A host of heavenly choirs are singing this weekend. Starting tonight (Saturday 12 December) with the KEMS Christmas Concert at St Michael’s Church, in the Market Place. It begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7 with concessions at £2.50. (picture from www.kems.net and it's worth reading the background to this concert)

There’s jazz too at Bollington Arts Centre, with James Evans’ Incredible String Four with special guest Amy Roberts. Starting at 8pm and costing £8. (01625 574410)

And on Sunday find Christmas Cheer firstly with a Yuletide musical celebration including music and stories at MADS, Little St, Macc. 2.30pm with tickets priced £6/£1 available from Margin Music, Cachet and Fraser Travel, Macc. Or contact: http://www.kems.org.uk/.

Alternatively, bring the weekend to an angelic close with the Bollington Festival Choir and enjoy Monteverdi Beatus Vir, Caldara Mass in G, seasonal music and carols. You’ll need to be at Bollington Methodist Church at 7.30pm with tickets £8/£4 (01625 420615)

Local pressie idea

'Just a quick note to let you know that my tote bags and evening bags are now on sale at the White Gallery in Bollington - they are on special Christmas promotion as I won't be making them any more. The large tote bags in bright bold colours are discounted right down to £7.50 (from £25) and the one-off silk and velvet embroidered evening bags are down to the bargain price of £20 (from £50) - there are plenty to choose from but these are the last ones! '

Thanks Karen, we're heading down there now!

The White Gallery, Bollington (www.thewhitegallery.blogspot.com)

Walk round camp four

Graham Wilson – Tops of the North II

Graham Wilson is a local author, who has been climbing and walking in the UK for many years. He is a talented author and has been put forward for the Boardman and Tasker award.

Tops of the North II is the second part of a two part series featuring a 1100km walk, linking county tops of Northern England. This second part starts at Carlisle, and finishes near Buxton, taking in Northumberland and Hadrian’s Wall.

Graham will be launching his new book at Campfour on Pickford Street on December 14th where he will be reading an extract from his book and answering any questions people have. Entry is FREE. Starting at 7.30pm

* Graham moved to Macclesfield in the 1960s and has lived there ever since
* For many years Head of English at the King’s School in Macclesfield
* On retiring in 1997 Graham immediately embarked on his new career as an author
* The hills and byways around his beloved ‘Macc’ are a central focus for much of his writing, though he ranges throughout the Peak District, Wales, the Lakes and Scotland
Campfour, Pickford Street, Macclesfield 01625 619 204 info@campfour.co.uk

www.campfour.co.uk

playtime

The loop is always game to laugh at itself or any one else for that matter and is delighted to see another comedy night in Macc.Get along to the Jar Bar on Thursday night.

If you fancy a bit of mid week music, Fallibroome High school perform their Christmas Concert including their wind band, orchestra, choirs, steel pan and samba bands on Thursday and Friday and Flossie Malavialle plays the Biddulph Arms on Wednesday night.

In the spirit of 'shop local' we are keen to high light interesting local present ideas and have just been told that Cheshire East Council have produced a new Commemorative Three Shires Textile Festival calendar for 2010. It is currently on sale at Macclesfield Town Hall for £2 .

If like the loop you are passionate about children's art, or just want to support the Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers purchase of endangered rain forest, have a look at their gorgeous 2010 calendar (see Hebe's Orangutan picture). There is a downloadable order form on their website www.macclesfieldrspb.org.uk. with great cards and more too. You can also see the childrens pictures at Bollington Art Centre Art Gallery next Sunday. See link below.

Comedy night 10 Dec 9pm £7 from 8.30pm JAR BAR, Park Green 01625 420010
Christmas Concert @Fallibroome High School Thurs 10 & Fri 11 Dec £4/£2 Dawn Devine 01625 627258
Flossie @ Biddulph Arms 01782 514896

The White Gallery

And another thing....

The NCO are at the Heritage centre tonight, with Peter van Hulle, tenor and the King’s School Foundation Choir playing Bizet/Shchedrin Carmen and Britten St Nicolas Two contrasting works: Carmen as a ballet, arranged for strings, timpani, and four separate groups of percussion instruments is hugely exciting – and familiar. Britten’s Cantata, St Nicolas, presents legendary incidents in the life of Nicolas, of children, seamen, and travellers.

The loop is delighted to see the new gallery on Church Street (the lovely cobbled hill) finally opening its doors. G Fine Art is a very welcome addition to the growing artistic community in Macclesfield. The loop wishes them the very best of luck. We will tell you more about them in the January edition of the loop. Make sure you receive it by e mailing us at maccloop@googlemail.com ).

G Fine Art, 9 Church St, Macclesfield 01625 501253
NCO Saturday 5 December £15 main auditorium, £13 balcony, £7 students, under 18s free.NCO Box Office 0161 247 2220 Macclesfield Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall 01625 504114

Something for the weekend?

The brilliant Bolly Comedy Club is on tonight, but check before going as they usually sell out in advance.

If you fancy a pint and a band you can hear Traffiker at The Hollins and The Kirkz and Sense of Urgency at the Swan with two Necks tonight, with Twighlight Robin playing there tomorrow night.

Get creative at Macclesfield Museum on Saturday at their festive Fun Craft Club.If you are age 6- 11 years make Christmas cards, table and tree decorations.

Join Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers at their Tree Dressing event in Tytherington Woods. Free your imagination and help create natural art and sculptures at this family event celebrating trees and woodland.(see picture green man).Meet in the car park at Tytherington Family Worship, Tytherington on Sunday. Top tip,wear lots of warm, old clothes and sensible shoes.

Also on Sunday Bollington Festival Music Theatre presents

GOOD KING WENCESLAS,another new musical from Donald Judge, this one explores the truth and the legends about the real Wenceslas, Vaclav II of Bohemia, the boy who became a good king and the inspiration for the carol.

Swan with Two Necks gigs. See maccattack link below.

Traffiker at The Hollins, 262 Black Rd 01625 424920

Craft Club – Festive Fun Sat 5 December £5. 10am – 12noon or 1pm – 3pm. Children age 6 – 11 years.For booking call 01625 612045. Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield.

Wildlife explorers Sun 6 Dec 1.30-3.30pm. For booking Tina Hanak on 07870 804413 or by e-mail wex@macclesfieldrspb.org.uk.

GOOD KING WENCESLAS Sun 6th Dec 2.30 & 5.30pm Bollington Art Centre. For tickets and more details, ring 0161 427 2870 or visit www.fun.to/bfmt

Ode to be in Macclesfield

The divine poet, co-ordinator of National Poetry Day and our great friend, Jo Bell, is scribing a new verse for the next issue of the loop and we need your help. It's easy, in your own words simply answer the following question:

What makes Macclesfield great?

As tempting as it is for us to wax lyrical here we are determined to offer no prompts at all. Send your words of inspiration to us at: maccloop@googlemail.co.uk by Wednesday 9 December and we'll forward them (unedited) to Jo and then wait for her to work her magic.

Salsa and pole cats and jazz

Its the Jazz and Blues Club meeting at the Nags Head tonight (Tuesday) so get along to immerse yourself in Dave Brubeck recordings with a friendly and enthusiastic crowd.
The Macclesfield Silk Heritage Trust are presenting a timely talk 'Pantomime and Theatre' by Robin Allan at the Heritage Centre on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Congleton & Macclesfield Local Group will be hosting an illustrated talk by Rob Scrivens who works for the RSPCA wildlife rescue centre in Nantwich and will explain how the radio-tracking project helps to monitor polecats in Cheshire.The Polecat talk is one of a series of wildlife talks and other events hosted by the Congleton & Macclesfield Local Group. (picture courtesy Darin Smith).

Music wise Mars Black are playing at Ronnie's bar on Wednesday night.

Feel the need to ignore the cold and pretend you are not in Macc? With a glass of sangria in your hand and passion in your heart and hips head to the

^{Salsa night at Jar bar. Join Merengue expert, Juan, all the way from South America teaching an hour long beginners course in the sexiest dance style in the world! Yes that should do the trick.}

Salsa night @Jar Bar Thurs 3rd Dec £5 9pm 01625 420010 info & booking
Cheshire Wildlife Trust 2 Dec 7.30pm £2.50 St John’s Church Hall, Earlsway, Macclesfield 01260 271282 or see www.cheshirewildlifetrust.co.uk
'Pantomime and Theatre' by Robin Allan Wed 2 Dec Heritage Centre 7.30pm
Jazz and Blues Club, Nags Head 8.15pm