Woodpecker? Pirate? Oh yes it is

Estelle, thanks for this:

'I don’t know if ‘loop’ readers would be interested in this, but thought I’d let you know. I’m a keen birder myself, so I for one was very excited when on Monday I saw a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on a tree down Woodhouse End Lane (opposite Fools Nook pub).

The numbers of these birds have declined by 80% in the past 30 years and those remaining individuals are mostly confined to the South of England, with a small pocket in Yorkshire also.

Thought this might be of interest to other birders in Macc, as well as anyone else interested in nature, wildlife and the environment.'

.There's nothing better for hanging on to a bit of Christmas spirit than a panto and a foot of snow. So take full advantage of "Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates" a family pantomime by Paul Reakes being performed from 9th to 16th January by the Bollington Festival Players . A swashbuckling tale with a beautiful Dame, Goodies, Baddies, Pirates, Islanders and even a mystery female pirate. A romp in the best pantomime tradion, with plenty of audience involvement!

Robinson Crusoe 9-16 Jan £7/ £5 family tickets too.Bollington Art Centre (01625) 875326.