Fired Silver & Attic art

Its your last chance to catch the Art from the Attic show at Bollington Art Centre this afternoon. If you haven't seen it yet don't miss this.

Try something new?

Make your own Silver Rings

Workshop using a product called PMC to create 2 silver rings.

Sat 6 March

9.30am - 4.00pm £75.00

Introduction to PMC Jewellery Making

Learn to make pendants, earrings & charms from PMC

Sun 7 March & Sat 21 March

Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm

£75.00

Nether Alderley, Cheshire

booking essential 07912 250728

www.firedsilver.co.uk

Get creative

What a convivial evening we had last night, viewing some eclectic and high quality art, whilst enjoying wine and cheese the delightful company of eclectic and high quality loop readers! Many thanks to Jobling Gowler for their generous hospitality. News of the next loop social will be in Loop 13 (out next week). If you are one of the people who comes to this blog via facebook, you are daft if you don't request the free loop e guide. Just e mail us at maccloop@googlemail.com and we'll make sure you receive the next one.

Tomorrow there is a Creative industries forum event – including open forum discussions, expert business advice, performances and breakout sessions.Cheshire East Council in partnership with Victoria Mill Arts invite groups and individuals from all aspects of creative industries to an exciting, informative and thought provoking programme of events to celebrate creative businesses across Cheshire East.

Jobling Gowler

Victoria Mill Congleton Sat 27 10am-4pm Stella Rowley on 01260 277211 or e-mail seahorse060259@aol.com.

Known and unknown treasures

Macclesfield Barnaby Festival 18-20 June 2010

Are you great musicians?Outstanding performers with original material?

Could you be the next top band on the Macclesfield/Congleton music scene?

The search for Unknown Treasures starts here with a battle of the bands.

Two winners get to play alongside some of the county’s best known rock bands at this summer’s Barnaby Festival.

Heats to be held in April and May.

To enter email: treasures@barnabyfestival.org.uk

Closing date for entries: 21^st March

Biddulph Up In Arms tells us: 'The countdown is on towards one of the biggest and most exciting gigs in our history when Glenn Tilbrook is our guest at Biddulph Town Hall next Wednesday (March 3) at 8pm. As lead singer with classic pop outfit Squeeze he is the man responsible (with Chris Difford) for a string of memorable hits, including two narrowly missing the top spot (I bet you can name them!?). A great voice, a truly wonderful performer and another major coup for the area. Support comes from country-influenced singer songwriter Angie Palmer.'

Tickets are £15 and available by contacting Eric Cox on 01782-514896 or by visiting either Congleton Tourist Information Centre or A and A Music, Music Mania in Hanley or Bridge St Music in Newcastle.

This charming man

Tim Woodhouse tells us 'The Roustabouts were excellent fun and about 35 - 40 people were there.'

This Thursday they have quirky comedy poet Les Barker. Tickets will be £6 as he's quite famous and rather good.

It starts at 9pm but try and get there for 8.30 in case it fills up quickly.
I think you can pay at the door or reserve a ticket with Sue Capper on 01625 614791.

Oxfam-Mill Street Macclesfield

Don't forget that during Fairtrade Fortnight (22 February - 7th March) when you are in having your regular rummage for your new Spring look they will have loads of samples to give away, plus if you buy two tubs of Divine Drinking Chocolate they will give you a nice Divine mug! Only 18 of these mugs to give away so first come first served...Get down there!

Art with the loop

Please join the Janes and loop readers for an evening of Art

Share cheese and wine and enjoy the inspirational work of the

Winners of the Jobling Gowler Art Prize 2009.

Thursday 25 February 6-8pm

Jobling Gowler Solicitors

250 Park Lane, Macclesfield

RSVP maccloop@googlemail.com

07981 128 454

To view details of this and other exhibitions at Jobling Gowler please go to www.art.250parklane.co.uk

‘Moving Goalposts’

tonight

Steve McClure Lecture for Campfour, Macc

Steve McClure is one of the best rock-climbers in the world, having climbed many routes at the very limit of current grading. He's giving a lecture for Campfour called "Moving Goalposts" - all about his hardest sport routes over the last few years. From how getting up 'bens' project at Kilnsey totally changed his path in climbing and life as a climber to doing Overshadow, Hubble and other hard routes. He'll also be talking about being a sponsored climber and how different goals take you in different ways.

Mon 22 Feb 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm)

Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club, Priory Lane, Macclesfield

Tickets £10/£6

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Kinder Mountain Rescue.

Tickets are available from Campfour or online at www.campfour.co.uk. Link is:http://www.campfour.co.uk/17133/products/Steve_McClure_Moving_Goalposts.aspx

For concessions, please contact us in advance of placing their order online.

Campfour contact details:

Pickford Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6HB

info@campfour.co.uk

01625 619 204

Music and rope

Its lovely to see art appearing in new spaces, so go and have a look at SAS Daniels Solicitors hosting an exhibition 'Something for Nothing' by Maria Maw, eco artist, until the end of the month.

Glen Tilbrook,lead singer from Squeeze and writer (with Chris Difford) of a string of classic hits comes to Biddulph this week. A great voice, a truly wonderful performer and another major coup for the area. Support from country influenced chanteuse Angie Palmer.

This Thursday there is a special performance at Fallibroome High School.' I write the songs' is an evening dedicated to the Art of the singer-songwriter: from Dylan to Elton John, Thom York to Amy Winehouse and more. A relaxed evening, nightclub style. Why not have a go on the open mic?

I write the songs' Thurs 4 Mar 7.30pm £5 (inc refreshments) Fallibroome High School 01625 627258 dev@fallibroome.cheshire.sch.uk

Maria Maw @ SAS Daniels, Chestergate Macc Mon-Fri 8.45am-5.30pm until 31 Mar. free

Weds Mar 3 Glenn Tilbrook, Biddulph Town Hall, £15 (tickets available and selling fast)

Wine tasting with Ronnie

Hello we are back. We sloped off for half term and neglected the loop I am afraid. Apologies! We have enjoyed various corners of the country from various vantage points One loop Jane got rather over excited on a back road in the borders when she came across this unloved sixties structure. Have since found out it was once Bernat Klein's studio designed by Peter Womersle.Why is it in such a neglected state? Apart from the condensation it would be a great spot to live. But we digress...

A word from Ronnie's bar: "When you last had your gathering here (Loop social January) you will have noticed that we now have a new wine list. Next Wednesday (24 Feb) we are officially launching said list with a special wine tasting evening. For a mere £10 you can have a glass of each of the new wines on the list, that’s 4 white and 3 red. There will be one or two accompanying nibbles as well. Then after all of that we have the magnificent Virginmarys playing live. The wine tasting will run from about 6.30 to 8.30 then the band will be on from about 9pm. We will have a wine expert hosting the evening too so any questions, help, tasting notes, etc will all be at hand. All in all it will be a great night topped off with a truly great Macclesfield band that is on the cusp of great things I feel. However, the wine tasting numbers have to be limited to no more than 30 people. Would you be interested in coming? If anybody does wish to come please could they RSVP to me ronnie@ronnies-bar.co.uk"

Thanks Ronnie. Loop readers have show they are partial to the odd glass of good wine when we have been enjoying Ronnie's hospitality. And the Virgin Marys too!

Get your hands on: Victoria Mill

Free workshops!

We mentioned in the last issue of the loop the wonderful new Art facility at Victoria Mill in Congleton. Now is the time to explore this great place and learn some new skills, Have a look at the workshops below:

Saturday 20th Environmental/Recycling Outdoor Art Workshop

1.30-4.30pm with Jacki Clark - appropriate for all the family

7pm Official VIP Launch

Monday 22nd Print Making Workshops with Jacki Clark

9.30-12.30pm Mono print

1.30-4.30pm Etching

Tuesday 23rd Pass the Painting

9.30-12.30pm Watercolours

1.30-4.30pm with Estella Scoles

Wednesday 24th Encaustic Art Workshops with Stella Rowley

2-4pm or 7-9pm

Thursday 25th ‘Manipulate, Stain and Stitch’ with Bridget Bowie

9.30-12.30pm ‘Paper, Layers, Landscape’ with Bridget Bowie

1.30-4.30pm

All day event Poetry Writing Day with former Cheshire Poet

Laureate, John Lindley.

Saturday 27th Creative Industries Forum event – including

10am – 4pm open forum discussions, expert business advice,

performances and breakout sessions

*Artists wishing to exhibit work will need to prebook

space through Stella Rowley on 01260 277211.

All artwork is exhibited at artists own risk.

All workshops require a refundable deposit of £5 to secure a place.

Please be advised that spaces are limited and are on a first come first served

basis.

For more information or to book a workshop place please call Stella Rowley

on 01260 277211 or e-mail seahorse060259@aol.com

For more information on the Creative Industries Forum event please contact

Jocelyn McMillan, Cheshire East Council on 01270 537234 or e-mail jocelyn.

mcmillan@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Further details of the full programme can be found on the leisure, culture

and tourism pages on the Cheshire East Council website

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

VMA

Victoria Mill Arts Centre

Foundry Bank, Congleton

(near the Leisure Centre)

Nicol and Cool

We don't mention events too far from Macc as a rule, but here is a very deserving exception.

A Charity Musical Evening in Aid of East Cheshire Hospice and LCCC Development Association

A very special Concert by the renowned Steeleye Span guitarist Ken Nicol and Phil Cool, famous Comedian and folk singer.Should be a great evening.

1st April

7 for 7.30 PM

Tickets £25 pp including fabulous two course dinner

The Gold Marquee Lancashire County Cricket Club, Talbot Rd Old Trafford

Booking Office 0161-282-4053

Website www.nicolandcool.com

.

3D Football available in Macclesfield

The loop is bewildered by all the recent fuss about 3D football ‘live’ on TV. No doubt sofa-dwelling virtual football ‘supporters’ will thrill to the enhanced visual experience. More fools them when the real thing is live and kicking at Macclesfield’s own theatre of dreams – the Moss Rose.

Take a look at this rare and welcome spotlight on Macclesfield Town on last night’s Football League Show on BBC1 (go here 59 minutes in on iplayer) Despite an influx of young attacking talent, the valiant efforts of the club’s tiny marketing team and the work of many volunteers, the gates remain resolutely low. But the matchday experience is warm and welcoming – and great value. £14 gets you either standing room at the London Road side of the pitch or a choice of seat or standing in the rowdy and friendly Star Lane End. For £18 you can eat prawn sandwiches bang on the centreline, pitchside in the McAlpine stand. Everywhere, kids under 12 are free. For 12-15s it’s a fiver. You can then go online and argue about it on Wraggs to Riches, the high volume football bulletin board.

On 27 February the high-rolling league-leaders Rochdale come to town. What the club really needs on that day and the rest of the season is a show of strength from the townsfolk. So ... put your fantasy football and 3D glasses to one side and get into real football with the Silkmen.

Thankyou to everyone who made it to Fresh on Friday night for a night of fantastic music and valuable fundraising for the Barnaby Festival.Thanks Garry for organising it. You looked like you were enjoying yourself!

Thanks to loop reader Fiona for her recommendation:
'Many of you will know the beautiful felt work of claire de ruiter - a local artist who has shown many of her pieces here at the gallery.

Claire is running 3 felt scarf workshops (where you will be able to make your own scarf) and there are limited places still available on the following dates:

SATURDAY MARCH 6

SATURDAY MARCH 20

SUNDAY APRIL 25

10AM - 4PM IN RAINOW.

if you are interested in finding out more, please call Deborah Roberts on 01625 572 052.

A wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill, create something beautiful and have loads of fun too - i can vouch that everyone involved is lovely!

to find out more about claire, visit www.clairederuiter.co.uk

thanks and get felting! '

Vagina Monologues

Thanks to loop reader Yvonne for this

'just a quick post to say the vagina monologues was fantastic last night!

Moving, funny and well worth a look at this evening or tomorrow evening 7.30 for 8pm..

It felt like there was no division between the audience and the 'actors'. For these girls to have the courage to stand up there was wonderfully moving, I thank them for that.

If you get a chance, or time maybe you could post this on the blogspot, so others may see it is worth a visit.'

Big Barnaby launch

Its been a big day at loop towers. Couldn't find my specs first thing, then the youngest stood in a dog poo on the way to school. These were mere distractions though, the biggie was the launch of the Barnaby Festival. At The Bate Hall this morning, the great and the good were treated to a 'playing Hooky' from Butterfly Jam, a Macclesfield poem by Joy Winkler and a specially written aria with key board accompanyment. Plus words about the high hopes and expectations of the Barnaby Festival this June. The Mayor cut the beautiful Barnaby cake (tasted great) and Cllr Andrew Knowles said some very kind things about the loop and Barnaby. He announced that CEC are giving the Festival £5000! We are terribly grateful for this and for the council's endorsememt of our plans. But we need more support too:

With that in mind, the only place to be tonight is Fresh (formerly Mezzaluna) for a fundraising Barnaby gig. See previous posting. Theres loads of us going down the see the wonderful hybrid super group playing. We know Mel and Joe (Butterfly Jam) are in there so its bound to be brilliant. You can catch Melanie Williams and Joe Roberts tomorrow night at the Baths Hotel too for an accoustic night with friends. If we have an ounce of energy left we'll be there from 8pm. Another must see is the Vagina Monologues at the Town Hall tonight, Saturday and Sunday.

Fresh, Wood St. Big Barnaby Blues Band Fri 12 Feb 8pm £5
Joe and Mel and friends at The Baths Hotel, Sat 13 Feb from 8pm
The Vagina Monologues see previous postings

Big thanks to Sweetie Pie bakery in Chestergate for the glorious barnaby cake, The Bate Hall for their hospitality, and all the performers, artists and volunteers who made the Barnaby launch the great success it was!

Cinema:Cinemac

For your delectation at Cinemac:

Tues 9: Up in the Air (15) 5.30, 8.00
Weds 10: Up in the Air (15) 5.30, 8.00
From Thurs 11: Up in the Air
Fri 12: The Princess and the Frog (U) 5.30
Fri 12: An Education (15) 8.00
Sat 13: The Princess and the Frog (U) 3.00, 5.30
Sat 13: An Education (15) 8.00
Sun 14: The Princess and the Frog (U) 3.00, 5.30
Sun 14: An Education (15) 8.00
Mon 15: The Princess and the Frog (U) 3.00, 5.30
Mon 15: An Education (15) 8.00
Tues 16: The Princess and the Frog (U) 3.00, 5.30
Tues 16: An Education (15) 8.00
Weds 17: The Princess and the Frog (U) 2.30
Thurs 18: The Princess and the Frog (U) 3.00, 5.30
Thurs 18: An Education (15) 8.00

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

Just So

The loop had a good dance to the wonderful Butterfly Jam on Friday night at the Hollins. What a nice pub and the band were fantastic.The gyrating foot pad only served to enhance a great evening.

Stop Press: Early bird ticket offer ends at Midnight tonight for Just So Festival

Book before midnight (Sunday 7^th Feb) to take advantage of our early bird ticket offer - £5 off adult and child weekend tickets.

Just So Festival 20-22 August 2010

Barnswood, Nr Leek, Staffordshire

www.justsofestival.org.uk

www.twitter.com/justsofestival

Thanks to loop reader Helen for this:

'There's a new Jive class starting in Macclesfield Town Hall from 9 Feb that I thought Loop readers might be interested in. The class currently runs in Poynton and I've been several times and can recommend it as a great night out! The teachers are friendly, the dancing great fun and it's a good way to meet new people. There is more information about Jive on their website here: http://www.stylzjive.co.uk/'

Like the sound of sea gulls?

After seeing the great exhibition 'Art in The attic' (highly recommended) at Bollington Art Centre last Sunday I think we'll head ' to Bolly again this weekend for some more visual stimulation. Maria Maw eco artist, is showing her work 'Something For Nothing' at the Waterside cafe until Feb 28.

If you fancy some jazz, Annies saints and Sinners play the Eggerton Arms in Chelford tonight ( Fri) and don't forget the Farmers Market at The Hollins on Black Road on Sunday.

We are sending an incognito 10 year old to review the Sci Bar at the Vale in Bollington on Monday night. He'll be drinking lemonade ofcourse and finding out about the search for exraterrestrial life with Professor Ian Morrison from Jodrell Bank.

We know there are lots of enthusiastic knitters in Macc and we need to get our hands on one. When I say we, I mean Barnaby actually. Barnaby has an exciting project, revolving around knitting and stories but limited time resources to give it. Would you like to come on board, yourself or with a couple of friends? Endless knitting not required, but enthusiasm, a big smile and a deck chair are. Contact Jane 07981128454 maccloop@googlemail.com for more details.

The loop and pals are off to the Hollins tonight see the wonderful and very danceable Butterfly Jam. See you there!

‘Something from Nothing’ Maria Maw Waterside Café, Clarence Mill, Bollington until Feb 28, Tues - Sun 10.15am – 5pm

Art in the Attic Bollington Art Centre. See link.

Sci Bar, The Vale, Bollington 07826 730 142 bollingtonscibar@hotmail.co.uk

Butterfly Jam, The Hollins, 262 Black Rd, 01625 424920

stop press:

Internationally renowned guitarist brings his band to Macclesfield for a classic rock treat with The Adam Palma band &

The Great Big Barnaby Blues Band comprising the great and the very great and the even better than very great of the Macclesfield musical collective, ie members of several of the very best bands currently on the Macc scene. They will come together this very night for an exclusive, one-off, veritably unique jam thru some classic blues and blues/rock tunes. The one and only chanceto see this live and in the flesh. Including members of Rough Twist, The Tensions, Cactus Moon, Veer, Old Yellow, Virginmarys(hopefully) and more still to be welcomed on board!

Fresh Bar ( formerly Mezzaluna) Wood Street Macclesfield.

Friday 12 Feb 8pm - late

£5 on the door (no time to do tix) profits to the Barnaby Festival Fund

It is another welcome return on Wednesday (Feb 3) at The Biddulph Arms when firm local favourite Bob Fox revisits North Staffordshire. Known more as an outstanding interpreter than writer Bob mixes traditional material with other fine writers from the North East and beyond, all intelaced with his trademark humour. Support comes from local father and son duo Chris and Ciaran Algar. Weds Feb 3 @ The Biddulph Arms 8pm Admission £12 Tel 01782-514896

www.biddulphupinarms.com

Meanwhile start thinking about Friday night.Want to know where the loop and friends are off to? The Hollins to see their favourite band, Butterfly Jam. See you there.

Art from the Attic

The loop likes lots of things. Thats not to say its undiscerning and actually it takes against things pretty easily too. Its not often however that it falls in love.

Sunday's view of the exhibition at Bollington Art Centre was to be one of those exceptions. Get a long to see Art from the Attic which is open on Sundays 2-4pm til the end of February. The contrasts are great from delicate bird drawings by Melanie Alexandrou to boldly vivid woodcutsand paintings by Ralph McGaul along with photographs and paintings from Gavin Barber and Patrick Cody . Do your best to get there but if you miss this show you'll get the chance to see their work as part of the Barnaby Festival in June. Couldn't wait that long myself.

We note the Thursday showing at the Heritage Centre of the NW Film Archives selection of local film footage is sold out.

Is Film your thing?
Film-focused, organised person (who can prove it) required to manage a local film festival. Intrigued? Contact director@macclesfield.silk.museum

Art fromthe Attic:Bollington Art Centre until Feb 28 Sundays 2-4pm

A pint and a poem.

POEMS & PINTS

The Crown pub

Goostrey

hosted by John Lindley A chance to read your own poems or your favourites or just come to listen (and drink, of course) Wed 3 Feb 8 pm Held upstairs. £2.50 on the door