Chatbox

Just thought I'd flag up a programme starting on BBC4 tonight that might be of interest to local residents. It's a repeat of the interesting short series Canal Boat Diaries and tonight it's Ellesmere Port to Audlem starts at 7:30pm.

In response to Impatient of Audlem, whoever you are?, the trees were planted in the Autumn of 2021. They have only had one growing season, which was marked, as you may remember, by an exceptionally hot and dry period. On inspection in Autumn 2022, a number of the trees had seemed to succumbed, however, on more recent inspection these do now appear to have new buds. We planted some 40 trees of mixed varieties., which obviously grow as different rates. Some of the saplings were also on the smaller size. One of the factors determining the growth rate of young trees is their ability to tap in to the underground fungi mycellial network. The older trees we see are well connected in partnership with this network which provides a highway of nutrition and communication between trees. Young trees have to gain this partnership to flourish. This is why generally offspring of mature trees in situ do better than those imported from elsewhere. We planted locally grown trees in the hope that their dna is compatible to the network of the fields. In a number of places where there have been mass planting of trees from other places, these unfortunately have not thrived, we hope ours will eventually do better. We must also remember that the natural world in not there for human benefit , be it pleasure or use. We in fact are very new kids on the block even if we think we can own the world. We do best when we live with respect and work in partnership and that does some times means being very patient!

The saplings were planted at the end of October, 2021

Can someone settle an argument please, when was the 'new tree plantation' planted? They seem to be a little underwhelming, am I being a little impatient?

I know Cllr Bailey mentioned earlier in the week that the above issue was to be repaired. I'm no expert but I from what I saw today I don't believe that is a "Good or Sustainable Repair" Hope I'm wrong!!

What a way for Santa to retire, again a fantastic contribution to our great community. I'm sure many people in Audlem will wish Santa a Happy Retirement and hope that one of his little helpers will continue this excellent fundraising special enjoyed by so many in the community.

Thank you Santa Ralph, put your feet up in front of a roaring fire and enjoy a sherry and mince pie.

Does anyone have suggestions for best Minicab service for local to Crewe and Stoke railway stations and an idea of cost? Contact numbers would be helpful.....thanks!

I believe the square speed bumps are because they are on main ambulance routes and were designed so ambulances can still go at speed, if necessary.

I'd like to join the other businesses in the village in thanking those that do support us. As Michael rightly said earlier, this is our livelihood. I don't earn a wage from Post Office, I rely on my lovely regulars who always choose to buy from me. So thank you to those who support the little people and not the big conglomerates!

It's the square speed bumps in the middle of the road that bemuse me Billy, like the ones in Shrewbridge and Manor Roads Nantwich and Valley road Crewe. Normal cars, vans, etc can simply pass over them at normal speed with 1 wheel on either side of the bump, so the only things they can possibly slow down are three-wheeled vehicles or the very narrow wheel-based electric milk floats, neither of which need any further slowing down.

A belated but heartfelt thank you to all our Audlem friends, neighbours and Probus members who attended Bob's funeral service. It was a great source of comfort and support for myself and the family. Thank you also for your very generous donations which have now gone to the British heart foundation. Margaret Roberts

While we're having a (well deserved) rant about our roads I thought I thought I'd mention Broadways, Hilary Drive and Heathfied Road. Those speed bumps are useless and a complete waste of money.......'speed bumps'?!? If anything, they actually make you drive slower!!!!!

Great to see Judy's shop Williams (the oldest shop in Audlem) doing so well would be awful if it was replaced by some shop selling things of no use to anyone at a ridiculous rate luckily it's a shop full of essentials well done and thank you for helping the community during this cost of living crisis

Oh wow I didn't know Judy's shop Williams (the oldest shop in Audlem) did UPS parcels great news I thought it was only the the post office and coop that sent parcels that's great there is another place doing so in Audlem. Have to say one negative thing though I'm my experience the UPS drivers are more dangerous through the village then any tractor

As the proud proprietor of the oldest shop in Audlem it's great to see that what you and your family have been doing for so many years works very well, long may it continue to do so. It would be a shame if the oldest shop in the village became just another Pound Shop, there are already too many of these cluttering our run down town centres. Thanks also for clarifying the position over our other excellent shops and businesses and the friendly helpful people who own and run them.

Not only is Judys Williams the oldest shop in Audlem but if you've tuned into BBC1s "repair shop" you'll know it's also homes the oldest till in audlem!

How sad to see yet another barbed comment on AOL today. We are fortunate enough to live in a village that offers a wide range of shops, cafes, pubs, services, facilities and societies. A lot of people work hard to provide these amenities, for some it is their livelihood.
The village has won several awards for its activities, including The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services. So please embrace, rather than criticise.
We feel privileged to live in such a vibrant and well served community as we are sure many others do.
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Without Williams offering UPS parcel collection, the Terracycle scheme in the village would be harder to run too.
The village amenities are more than that, it's a community.

The question (for me) remains – what is the name of the business that Sue Danym urges us to support? Anyone?

Wow I never knew Judy was the owner of Williams (the oldest shop in Audlem) ether. Always love that shop when I'm after an expensive gift for someone last minute. Coop and boots is great for the essentials in life though

For players old and new – walking netball sessions are suspended at the moment. We aim to restart the sessions on Wednesday 19th April. New members are welcome.

While out walking today (Sunday) we found a debit card on the public footpath across the field that leads onto Hankelow Mill Lane.. It is a Lloyds Bank debit card. I will take to Judys newsagents tomorrow morning.

Janet – speaking not just for ourselves, but all Audlem businesses -we are always happy to welcome you to our store. Kind Regards, Judy xxx (Williams of Audlem)

Sorry Judy, I had no idea you were owner of Williams(oldest shop in audlem)!

As the owner of one of the oldest businesses in Audlem (Wiliams of Audlem) I am delighted to have the opportunity to reply to the claim that all but two businesses in Audlem are a "costly luxury" !! Some people (not all) have short memories that the local butcher went above & beyond during COVID to keep this village supplied with fresh produce (not just meat) when many Coop shelves were empty. Some shops (including our own) provide postal and parcel services. At Williams' we also provide basic household goods (often cheaper than the Coop) besides stationery essentials, and coal & sticks etc. Kitchen utensils & gadgets are to be found at the cook shop. A canal shop selling haberdashery. All the gift related shops in the village sell a wide range of products to meet EVERY budget. and if you didn't think flowers for your partner/ mother / Nan were essential – then think again !! Then there's the many service shops, dry cleaning, hairdressers, cafes, eateries, etc. that you might find more convenient when you stop driving, and/ or our scant bus services dwindle ever further.
Not to mention that many of us are also local employers, charity fund raisers, and offer endless personal, social & community support to a great many. #NOTJUSTACOSTLYLUXURY