Chatbox

Thanks for the information reference the "Twit" things make a lot of sense now.

If the person who asked about 'Twit' Ashley has got slightly confused and actually meant Jack Healey (to be honest, I agree with Judy in that the description does fit Jack more) then, if you don't need my story about 'Twit' I can furnish you one regarding Jack, as I suspect, could most people from the Village of a certain age.

Can anyone recommend a good local chimney sweep in the Audlem area or someone who has had a good job done by one.

I knew Bert when he lived at Emberton place.

Were you perhaps thinking of Jack Healey ?

Thank you, David. I will give him a call in the hope that he does Nobels

Hi Colin,
We have also used Dave Major in the past to service our Aga up until his recent retirement but have recently used a chap named Phil Griffiths. I believe that he has picked up a number of Dave’s former clients and we have been reassuringly impressed with the cost, the quality of workmanship and punctuality. His telephone number is 01743 249196.

Bert Ashley (Twit) was my dad’s cousin he didn’t live in Monks lane, he was a character but certainly didn’t live rough. He lived in Paddock Lane, previous to that he lived on the corner of Bagley Lane and Kettle lane where he had a small holding, the buildings have recently been converted. Unfortunately his farm house on the corner burned down in 1940. Hence his move to Paddock Lane. He eventually moved to a bungalow in Audlem. Your previous correspondents may be referring to other characters that were around at the time.

Hi, can anyone recommend someone to service an oil fired Nobel range, as Dave Major has now retired, and a previous recommendation of Andy doesn't deal with Nobels, Thanks

Hello. I remember 'Twit' but I didn't call him that, I called him 'Mr Ashley' I have an abiding memory of him. Get in touch using the usual methods and I will tell you all about it.. ;-)

Was talking to my uncle the other day about local characters of the village and he mentioned a chap by the name “Twit Ashley “? who lived on Monks lane I think he was a local tramp(vagabond ),lived under a tarpaulin sheet and did odd jobs for local farmers ,can anyone old enough remember this chap ?and what happened to him ? Also other characters in and around our wonderful village of the past.

Recommendations please for local builders/companies to construct a glass roofed room on our bungalow and deck area alongside.

I’ve reread my post and think I should amend it slightly.

The biggest reason for the frightening decline of otters in the last century was industrial pollution and use of now banned pesticides, the hunting of them for “sport” played a much smaller role.

I have a costume jewellery necklace where the chain has broken away from the centre piece and probably be OK with tiny spot of welding. It is not a valuable piece so doesn't warrant a jewellery shop repair.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks

Why not simply ask direct, at least then you will know the truth not gossip, which then leads to untrue rumours. All I can say how lovely to see the meadows beginning to look like it used to. Perhaps then it will go back to being called the 'meadows' again not 'The Vale of Audlem'. As for disturbing wildlife, we did have plenty of it in this area back then you know and we will still continue to have it.

Bob I’m a Spanish speaker – not native but I do teach children at my house – I can try to help

Dave

There has been plenty of evidence of Otters, and many sightings of them, around Audlem for a long time, certainly well over 15 years I think. They seem to have re-established themselves across most of the country after they were nearly hunted to extinction.

You are almost certainly correct that they will not build holts and breeding on the canal but they are on the River Weaver where they have been seen on several occasions, to my knowledge. There is also video evidence of them using the stream that runs through Turnpike Field to almost certainly access the canal, which I suspect is easier for them to feed in. I took my grandson fishing on the canal about ten weeks ago and as complete novices we caught a dozen fish within about 40 minutes, I'm certain that wouldn't have happened in the river. (Please don't tell anyone as I suspect we should have had a licence!)

Incidentally it is known that Otters drive away and kill Mink as they see them as competitors and Otters are bigger and stronger.

Hello Stuart, Many thanks for the reply and suggestion re the Babel app. I am currently using numerous options on line, but there is nothing better than face to face. Would love to attend the meeting on Tuesday but unfortunately, I am already committed.

Gutten Tag Nigel, Vielen dank fur inhren vorschlag. I am already using Duolingo on a regular basis which has certainly been a good help, currently on a 28 day streak. Onwards and upwards. Bob

Sorry to be a wet blanket, and I'm no naturalist, but I doubt there are any otters anywhere near Audlem. No self-respecting otter would go near our muddy canal. They like fresh running water, and it's a bit of a hike up from the Weaver.
I suspect the visitor was a mink (definitely not a protected species), which are about half the size of otters. Mink are common on the canals. When we moored in the village we would frequently see fish debris on the path near the boat, just like the recent Chatbox picture.
I'm dead against the proposed Muller development, but I don't think a marauding mink will help our cause.

Hi Bob – I have found the Babbel app to be very useful in my (feeble) attempts to learn Spanish. It has an interactive conversation facility which is very good although will never be as good as being with a real Spanish tutor.
Coincidentally we are giving a presentation on the Galapagos to AWEG on 14th October which you are very welcome to join – see AOL article today – and have lots of information about the islands we can share if you contact me at stuartlabruce@gmail.com

Bob
I'm using the Duolingo App to try and improve my German. Might be worth considering for Spanish, there is a paid option to have virtual telephone conversations. I'm just bundling along using the free option.
Guten Tag und Tschüss

Hi all. Just wanted to quickly get a post up about the otters. They are a protected species in the UK under the wildlife and conservation law. If we can get solid evidence that they live in or around the proposed Muller building site then they cannot legally build any houses, as they would be breaking the law. Have there been any further updates since the fish remains and camera pictures? X

Hi
Does anyone know what’s happening on the farm land at the back of the vale which faces the houses on Windmill Drive? Clearly more than just farm work as it’s been completely flattened. I’m intrigued

Well said Judy and Peter. How refreshing to read such altruistic points of view.
I saw a press article about such a proposal in Alsager and the cost was estimated to be £12 per annum per household.

Hola. Ahead of a month long trip to the Galapagos Islands early next year and in a bid to make the most of the experience I an trying to teach myself Spanish. However, there is only so much that I can do on my own and therefore, I wonder if there is anyone out there who is or knows of a Spanich speaker or someone who is in the process of learning Spanish. The key missing ingredient for advancing learning is holding conversations in Spanish. Hopefully, some one is able to help, please, Mucho gracias, Bob