Local news in and around Macclesfield in 1983 was being brought to us by a local newspaper that had incorporated all its predecessors. The Express, Advertiser, Times and Courier was circulated each Thursday at a cost of 15 pence
The opening headlines of 1983 expressed hope that a hospice for the town would be achieved during the year following a feasibility study. A number of meetings and the subsequent fund raising activities were recorded throughout the year. We all now know that The East Cheshire Hospice provides an invaluable service in Macclesfield.
The newspaper on 6th January reported the death on December 28th of Dr. Jean Coope of the Bollington Medical practice. Dr Jean, like other members of her family, had contributed enormously to the community.
Local public transport was being provided by the Crossville bus company. It had absorbed the North Western Road Car Company in 1972. During the course of 1983, the bus company introduced free travel for children less than 5 years of age and celebrated sixty years of a bus service in Macclesfield – a bus typical of the early days of public transport was restored in North Western livery, and with local dignitaries as invited passengers had travelled the old “Town Service” route.
January traditionally sees the continuation of the Pantomime season and 1983 was no exception with the Prestbury Youth Club presenting its own version of Humpty Dumpty.
The newspaper also carried the promise in January that the new £13½ nucleus hospital would open during the year despite cuts in government funding and that the proposed closure of Ryles Park School was being met with strong opposition – one County Councillor described the proposed closure as totally immoral.
The New Year had brought the opportunity of a new job for former All Hallows pupil, Richard Ryder, aged 17. He was to take up a post looking after horses at the Buckingham Palace Stables.
During February, a heated exchange at the Council meeting between the mayor, Councillor Tom Evans and Councillor Paul Lewis that resulted in Councillor Lewis being escorted out of the Council Chamber. The row started during a debate about the new borough rate.
An unidentified flying object was spotted over Danes Moss by engineer Maurice Wilbraham. The object was described as an inverted white basin projecting a bright light, hovering between 500ft and 1000ft above the ground.
It was reported on February 17th that a surprise party had been held for Winlowe resident Maude Mellor. To celebrate her 100th birthday, a couple of local shops to which she still went shopping, had given Maude a birthday cake and a supply of groceries.
A new Fire Chief had been appointed at Macclesfield Fire Station – 39 year old Neville Cartwright had come from Congleton Fire Station, had served 21 years in the service, and had begun his career in Moreton on Marsh.
A new cricket pavilion had been given the go ahead for the Bollington recreation ground following a fire that had destroyed the previous wooden structure. Also given the go ahead was an adult only amusement arcade in the former Scraggs premises in Sunderland Street.
In July 1983, St John’s Church at Saltersford, more commonly known as Jenkin Chapel, celebrated the 250th anniversary. It was built in 1733 on the site where a Welsh cattle drover named Jenkin had traded and then preached.
Local Photographer Brian Ollier was pictured as a guest at the opening ceremony of the National Museum of Photography by Lord Snowdon. A film at the opening ceremony also featured Brian in which he demonstrated one of the largest colour print cameras in the world at The Science Museum.
Members of Prestbury Probus Club learnt that bank notes by the million were being destroyed daily. Guest speaker Peter Maghaun of Prestbury was agent for the Bank of England.
The Majestic cinema was showing “Return of the Jedi” and Bostock’s Tours were advertising 8 day holidays to Bournemouth at a cost of £128 or to Ostend for £119. A new Ford Escort could be bought from Gordon Fords in Stockport from £4184.
Normid staff Jill Burgess, Linda McCabe and Elaine Jinever donned bikinis whilst working out of hours to reorganise the store.
On July 28th it was announced that Brian William Longden would take up the post of Macclesfield Borough’s Chief Executive Officer in December.
At 5.00am on an August morning, sharp eyed Police Constable Geoff Fletcher spotted smoke coming from the Fence Avenue warehouse of Holts Blends. It was the largest fire in the area for some time.
The world famous Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) used Jodrell Bank as a back drop for a promotional video, whilst a concert by Kenny Ball and the Jazzmen was being planned for later in the year as a joint venture between the Rotary Club and the Borough Council.
The imminent closure of The Salesian College at Pott Shrigley was announced whilst a whole centre page featured encouraged everyone to participate in the annual Beating the Bounds. Based on an old English event, this was an opportunity for local fund raisers to participate in a sponsored walk.
It was reported that vandals had attacked saplings in the South Park. Park Ranger Ron Leeming was pictured with some of the damage, and Park Superintendant Bill North said he was not yet sure who was responsible.
In November, large crowds gathered at the cenotaph for the Remembrance Day Service. The Parade Marshall was Ernie Foden, and pictured during the two minute silence was Gordon Styles who had been paralysed by an enemy sniper within days of VE day.
The town centre Christmas lights were officially switched on by Miss Macclesfield Dianne Horrocks as the town prepared for the festive season and the end of another year.
Ian Storer
Email: storerian@aol.com
