Chatbox

Thanks for the replies. There is also the possibility of CCTV! Def agree with the idea of distance on the signs, from this end it is easy to stop at the barrier and turn round. Enjoy the peace and quiet and safer cycling!

May I say Bill 'good thinking', that idea would be very helpful to all, not just deliveries for all road closures not just at Norton in Hales

Celia – I had a look today and am sure that you could get past if you move the barriers to one side. Naturally, it would be at your own risk. We've still got another 5 weeks of this disruption and it's playing havoc with deliveries. Bins haven't been emptied from last Monday and it's not as though the bin collection unit was not aware in advance of the closure and diversions! It's a shame that the signs from the Norton end aren't showing "Road closed in 3 miles", 2 miles or 1 mile etc. as that might help delivery drivers.

You won't be able to get through Celia. There's a full barrier across the road just past the Highfields entrance. They seem to be rebuilding the bridge parapets over the stream just south of that. You can get through on your bike though.

Does anyone know if it is possible for a small car to get through outside working hours? Often the signs are misleading.

No change there then

Please take care both sets of lights are permanently on red.

To me it's simple . Keep the dogs on a lead . This is rural and farm animals must be respected. A dog not on a lead is not completely under control. The towpath is a prime example of dogs not not on leads

Hello, regarding my previous post, I was just wondering whether Adriana or Caroline would be interested in getting in touch? My email address sandrarothwell2@gmail.com. Thank you 😊

Agree with Adriana re holes in fence. There is a significant one beside Lock 14. Our spaniel (on a lead!) went through, but easily hauled back. Probably more interested in the chance of a pheasant rather than a sheep!
There's simply no excuse for uncontrolled dogs when there's stock about. If you can't recall it instantly, it's not under control.

I, too, saw a different dog (black) chasing sheep in Moss Hall field some weeks ago whilst my own dog was on her lead, as she always is in there. I have the video footage – it was very distressing to watch. I have noticed some small gaps in the fencing from the canal and football pitch sides and wonder if dogs off the lead outside the field may be enticed by squirrels and end up loose in the field that way?

Last Friday a small reddish dog was seen chasing sheep in the field in front of Moss Hall. Unfortunately, the owner was nowhere to be seen, they were possibly on the towpath adjacent to the field and the dog decided to go on its own adventure. The sheep in this field are pregnant ewes which are due to lamb in the spring and incidents like these can cause a ewe to abort the unborn lamb. We won't know till the ewes are scanned at the end of January if this has indeed happened, but what a shame if she has because a dog was not on a lead!
Can I please ask that dog owners keep their dogs in sight while out walking and put them on a lead prior to entering a field. We all love the countryside and seeing baby lambs so please take responsibility for your dog while enjoying your walk.

Hello, I live just off Coole Lane, I too would be interested in a dog hosting circle. I have Max, my bearded collie.. I am an experienced dog owner, Max is very sociable, and I am sure that he would love to have someone to play with at home. For me, the key to enjoying my holiday is that my dog is happy too 🙂😉

We've used Maria Bull at Train Me & My Dog Training & Boarding several times for our attention seeking labradoodle. Always really satisfied with her service and remains our choice for anything more than a couple of days. Based just the other side of Market Drayton. Their website link is in Directories/Businesses/Pet Services/Pet Sitting & Walking.

After a welcome reminder I have read the said terms. I see why some of my posts faIl. Any pertaining to current political concerns are not perhaps couched in calm language.

I am looking for one of these, too. Can't bear the thought of putting her in kennels although those who know me well would probably say I'm too soft. I think there is already a word for this: dog-hosting. Maybe we could set up some sort of reciprocal arrangement along the lines of the baby-sitting circles that served us so well a few years ago? Either that or I'd happily pay the going rate and put things on a proper commercial footing.

We are looking for a local dog boarder, not kennels, for our young goldendoodle, for when we can't take her on holiday with us.
Audlem, or within 2/3 miles of, is ok; someone who is happy to take in dogs for up to 2 weeks and be like a second home. Anyone have recommendations?
Thanks!

Perhaps the people who criticise the Editors ought to read the terms of use.

No, no, no, that all sounds wrong. I don't mean I'm on Steph I mean I'd like to talk to her, join her for a drink, she sounds like she knows a bottle or two.
Steph made us giggle whilst we were still in bed, maybe it doesn't happen as much as it used to but our neighbours have been smiling at us ever since!
I have never met Steph but I've thought of a way to find her, remember Where's Wally well I'm doing Search Steph and I've thought of this. I'd like all of Audlem to do a fancy dress day and Steph stay normal, see where I'm going with this....
I feel very at home in Audlem now, reading Chat-line has provided me with inner strength, missing dogs, found dogs, bats out of hell and wanted Wheelie bins to name a few but reading Steph has made my day week and year, keep it up as you might say!
So, to the mention of balls, some years ago whilst living in a busy city I went to catch a bus home, as I approached the bus stop I saw a blind gentleman, white stick, dark glasses, he was obviously in distress, so I asked him if he was ok, he said and I quote ' My truss is killing me' l was glad he couldn't see my expression, with that the bus turned up and he said the same thing to the bus driver, I recognised that expression and grimace!
So, it's goodbye from me, I'm off to Search Steph I could be gone some time.
Stay sane, sorry I meant safe everyone.
Jen

Does anyone know if the lad that was knocked off his motorbike is okay? Incident occurred last week on Woore road at the longhill Lane junction...driver didn't stop!

Large brown retriever type dog running loose on Cheshire st about 20 minutes ago towards Little Heath
Almost ran over by a car.
I was unable to catch it as it was going like a bat out of hell.

I've started a different thread as responding under the "Steph is Back" thread would rather distract from the accolades that Steph rightly deserves. It's a shame that Ann has to take pot shots. However my comment was intended to be somewhat rhetorical, rather than literal, to show appreciation for Steph's efforts.
As to making regular contributions myself, I'm afraid personal circumstances mean I don't have the time, and I certainly have nothing like the level of talent as Steph. I do try to add the odd chatbox post, but I too have been blocked on a number of occasions recently for what I consider relatively mild stuff. Constantly being blocked discourages making contributions and whilst I understand why you in particular feel the need to defend the editors, I do feel that Andrew Carr has a point. There seems to be a pandering to the Mary Whitehouse brigade on the one hand and the overly woke on the other resulting in a rather sterile forum now and within that a rather capricious application of "the rules" whatever they may be. But overall I feel the sensibilities of a small minority shouldn't be a determining factor in what the majority can enjoy.

Couldnt agree more with Andrews comments. It made me laugh out loud, something Ive not done for a very long time, so well done Steph, keep them coming.

I very much enjoyed Steph's article. Great to read the Chatbox entries today although sad that it still seems that the hardworking editors still seem to be shot at. Why not keep your surprise to yourself. And if Steph has the time to fill a weekly slot that would be great but I imagine she has lots to do and might not wish to be tied to a weekly slot. The editors would i think be glad for more of her contributions.
Perhaps whoever suggested a weekly post might like to contribute something himself.
Meantime thanks Steph....and for the book.

I was delighted to read the latest offering from Steph – it certainly put a smile on my face, and I really enjoy the frank interpretations that Steph brings to her humour.

I was somewhat surprised (and equally pleased) to see that Steph's piece was published without any intervention from the sometimes overzealous editors of AO. Her suggested alternative phrase to "Grow some balls" and the explanation thereof was hilarious!