MADYSS

Macclesfield and District Young Stroke Society

Reports on Events in 2022

MADYSS Christmas Meal - Thursday, 15th December
Forty-two members gathered at the Deanwater Hotel, Woodford for our festive lunch. This was our second visit here for a Christmas meal and it certainly did not disappoint.
Seated at tables of six, we followed our starters with either the usual turkey or alternatively had the poached salmon or a vegetarian option. While turkey was chosen by four diners at the writer's table, two of us had selected the salmon with a leek and mustard sauce, which was delicious. The traditional turkey with all the usual trimmings seemed to receive wide approval too.
After pulling our crackers and relating the usual corny jokes, the Chairman John Swindell got up and said a few words while donned in a red top hat, from which he then produced a white rabbit!

Chatsworth House and Christmas Market Coach Trip - Tuesday, 8 November - John Swindell
In the pouring rain, 21 MADYSS members left The Flowerpot at 9.00 am for our trip to the National Arboretum. When we arrived there at 10.50 am it had stopped raining, but unfortunately we were 10 minutes too late for the chapel service as needed to be in the chapel by then. After a well-needed coffee break, it was time for the train ride around the Memorial Gardens, which we found very interesting. We all then headed back to the restaurant for an excellent two-course lunch. We then had two hours free to do our own thing, either walking back to see more of the memorials in detail or take photographs. The weather was cool and breezy but it kept dry. Following a visit to the gift shop, it was time to return home by a different route to a wet Macclesfield after a very enjoyable day out.

Chatsworth House and Christmas Market Coach Trip - Tuesday, 8 November - John Swindell

In the pouring rain, 21 MADYSS members left The Flowerpot at 9.00 am for our trip to the National Arboretum. When we arrived there at 10.50 am it had stopped raining, but unfortunately we were 10 minutes too late for the chapel service as needed to be in the chapel by then. After a well-needed coffee break, it was time for the train ride around the Memorial Gardens, which we found very interesting.
We all then headed back to the restaurant for an excellent two-course lunch. We then had two hours free to do our own thing, either walking back to see more of the memorials in detail or take photographs. The weather was cool and breezy but it kept dry. Following a visit to the gift shop, it was time to return home by a different route to a wet Macclesfield after a very enjoyable day out.

Port Sunlight Coach Trip - Thursday, 20 October

Nineteen of us gathered at The Flower Pot on a drizzly and gloomy day for an early morning departure. Our Chaiman John Swindell and his wife Anne had to miss out on the trip as John had tested positive again for Covid. We hope you will be back with us soon John. We made good time to Port Sunlight and got through the Broken Cross roundabout nightmare in just five minutes!
Before our guided coach tour of the village began, we had time for refreshments. Jean, our guide, then gave an interesting commentary as we went around. This included details of the Lever brothers' family history with early years in Bolton before setting up their first soap factory over in Warrington. She explained that in the late 19th century Port Sunlight was then chosen by William Lever and his brother James due to its good transport links of road, rail and sea.
An excellent business man, William quickly recognised that his workforce (and thus their productivity) would benefit from decent working conditions, housing, healthcare, education and a green and pleasant environment in which to live. He employed more than 30 architects to design the houses, a theatre, school, and swimming pool for residents of Port Sunlight. Today a team of gardeners cares for the neat lawns in front of the Grade 2 listed cottages, for which residents must pay the huge sum of £1 each year towards their maintenance.
Following the village tour we retired to the Bridge Inn for a buffet lunch. Although the room was a little cold, we warmed ourselves with either hot or alcoholic drinks from the bar!
Our day continued with a visit to the Port Sunlight Museum where we were able to view a film that provided a fascinating history of the company and its employees through a number of characters who were representing William Lever and the various workers. There were also examples of Lux Flakes, Vim, and Sunlight Soap of course as part of the Museum displays.
A short expedition to the Soap Works after the museum proved rather disappointing as it was small and seemed aimed more towards children. Therefore, we left a little earlier than planned at 4.00 pm, had a good journey and were back at 5.15 pm. Our thanks to Kay for organising the trip and to Paddy our coach driver who worked hard throughout the day, loading and unloading two wheelchairs, a rollator and a scooter – the writer thinks it was at least six times in total!

National Arboretum Coach Trip - Tuersday 27th September - Lesley John
In the pouring rain, 21 MADYSS members left The Flowerpot at 9.00 am for our trip to the National Arboretum. When we arrived there at 10.50 am it had stopped raining, but unfortunately we were 10 minutes too late for the chapel service as needed to be in the chapel by then. After a well-needed coffee break, it was time for the train ride around the Memorial Gardens, which we found very interesting. We all then headed back to the restaurant for an excellent two-course lunch. We then had two hours free to do our own thing, either walking back to see more of the memorials in detail or take photographs. The weather was cool and breezy but it kept dry. Following a visit to the gift shop, it was time to return home by a different route to a wet Macclesfield after a very enjoyable day out.

National Arboretum Coach Trip - Tuersday 27th September - Lesley John

Dunham Massey - Tuesday 16th August
The warning of thunder and lightening that had threatened to affect our day out at Dunham Massey proved unfounded. Fifteen members gathered at the Stamford café's outside tables from 11.00 onwards while we enjoyed drinks and a chat for an hour. Keith and Sue's grandchildren also came along. It was particularly lovely that Fran and Vin Carr, whose son Phillip came to act as wheelchair pusher for Fran, were able to join us following a long enforced absence from MADYSS activities. After being fortified with liquid refreshements, we gradually went our separate ways for tours of the house and strolls through the extensive grounds. The Rose Garden had many beautiful specimens which, according to a posted notice, require the gardeners and volunteers to spend around 100 hours each week deadheading in the summer months. The seemingly tame deer proved an attraction in particular for younger visitors, and signs saying do not feed or touch the deer were certainly required – wouldn't fancy getting entangled with any of those antlers! Several members bumped into each other again in the Stables Restaurant where we enjoyed a variety of lunch dishes. Many of the group later convened at tables near the gift shop in the afternoon, the shop proving an irresistible temptation for the avid shopper. A pleasant and convivial day at Dunham Massey ended as we went our separate ways. Our thanks go to Kay Evans for organising the event and for arranging the hire of mobility scooters, which were made good use of by two of our members.
Clock Tower Rosa 'Darcy Bussell' A deer with magnificent antlers Enjoying ice creams

Dunham Massey - Tuesday 16th August

The warning of thunder and lightening that had threatened to affect our day out at Dunham Massey proved unfounded. Fifteen members gathered at the Stamford café's outside tables from 11.00 onwards while we enjoyed drinks and a chat for an hour. Keith and Sue's grandchildren also came along. It was particularly lovely that Fran and Vin Carr, whose son Phillip came to act as wheelchair pusher for Fran, were able to join us following a long enforced absence from MADYSS activities.
After being fortified with liquid refreshements, we gradually went our separate ways for tours of the house and strolls through the extensive grounds. The Rose Garden had many beautiful specimens which, according to a posted notice, require the gardeners and volunteers to spend around 100 hours each week deadheading in the summer months.
The seemingly tame deer proved an attraction in particular for younger visitors, and signs saying do not feed or touch the deer were certainly required – wouldn't fancy getting entangled with any of those antlers! Several members bumped into each other again in the Stables Restaurant where we enjoyed a variety of lunch dishes. Many of the group later convened at tables near the gift shop in the afternoon, the shop proving an irresistible temptation for the avid shopper. A pleasant and convivial day at Dunham Massey ended as we went our separate ways. Our thanks go to Kay Evans for organising the event and for arranging the hire of mobility scooters, which were made good use of by two of our members.

Clock Tower

Rosa 'Darcy Bussell'

A deer with magnificent antlers

Enjoying ice creams

Canal Trip Tuesday 5th July and Thursday 7th July
Eleven members embarked on the Mary Sunley 2 for the Tuesday canal boat trip, but the day had dawned drizzly and misty, not a promising start. However, by the time we arrived at Higher Poynton it had cleared up and the sun even made an appearance from time to time. A pleasant, relaxing journey ensued to Marple. It was here that Sue Stephenson, Kay Kennedy and Jim disembarked to collect lunch. The totally out- of-date leaflet on the boat for the fish and chip shop's menu, combined with incorrect prices on the fish and chip shop's website that Jim had then accessed, ended up causing considerable consternation for those trying to organise the finances! Heather, one of the crew members, noted points of interest to us along the route. These included a heron, so motionless that it seemed statuesque and ducks with their ducklings, but despite much peering into the undergrowth by us, the kingfisher remained elusive. The Thursday trip participants enjoyed a lovely sunny day as they chatted and de-stressed while gently cruising along at 4 mph. A canal boat named Ike was spotted and provided a poignant reminder of our former Chairman. After Tuesday's complications, this time Kay was well prepared for ordering the chippy lunch, which was collected by Don, Tina and Kay. In particular, Bev enjoyed sitting up on deck and recharging her batteries. Our thanks go to Kay and Monica for organising the outings, to those who collected lunch, to the refreshment providers on each trip, and to the washing up teams. Of course, we must extend our appreciation to the wonderful crew of the Mary Sunley who were so helpful and patient in getting less able members of MADYSS on and off the boat.

Canal Trip Tuesday 5th July and Thursday 7th July

Eleven members embarked on the Mary Sunley 2 for the Tuesday canal boat trip, but the day had dawned drizzly and misty, not a promising start. However, by the time we arrived at Higher Poynton it had cleared up and the sun even made an appearance from time to time.
A pleasant, relaxing journey ensued to Marple. It was here that Sue Stephenson, Kay Kennedy and Jim disembarked to collect lunch. The totally out- of-date leaflet on the boat for the fish and chip shop's menu, combined with incorrect prices on the fish and chip shop's website that Jim had then accessed, ended up causing considerable consternation for those trying to organise the finances!
Heather, one of the crew members, noted points of interest to us along the route. These included a heron, so motionless that it seemed statuesque and ducks with their ducklings, but despite much peering into the undergrowth by us, the kingfisher remained elusive.
The Thursday trip participants enjoyed a lovely sunny day as they chatted and de-stressed while gently cruising along at 4 mph. A canal boat named Ike was spotted and provided a poignant reminder of our former Chairman.
After Tuesday's complications, this time Kay was well prepared for ordering the chippy lunch, which was collected by Don, Tina and Kay. In particular, Bev enjoyed sitting up on deck and recharging her batteries.
Our thanks go to Kay and Monica for organising the outings, to those who collected lunch, to the refreshment providers on each trip, and to the washing up teams. Of course, we must extend our appreciation to the wonderful crew of the Mary Sunley who were so helpful and patient in getting less able members of MADYSS on and off the boat.

Llandudno Coach Trip - 16th June - Bev Eccles
Twenty-seven of us set off from the Flower Pot and arrived before lunch. It was a beautiful day. Some went up the Great Orme and some even went down the copper mine; others went along the pier and on a boat trip around the bay.
We all had a lovely time and yes the seagulls tried to get fed! We couldn't have asked for a better day and all enjoyed our day out.

Outing to Blaze Farm - 25th May - Kay Evans
Our trip to the Potty Sheep painting workshop at Blaze Farm proved to be a very rewarding day. The weather was a little grim and not at all May- like but as we were indoors most of the time it was not important. Sadly, two couples had to pull out at the last minute because of health problems and lan was in hospital recovering from his operation. They are ready and eager to join us when we book in for our next session. Although we were a small group we all found the day both relaxing and extremely therapeutic. We each chose different pieces of pottery to decorate and were guided by Caroline and John as to how we should approach our work. There was quiet, soothing music playing in the background as we chatted, laughed, experienced times of silence, and were all quite impressed with what we managed to achieve. One or two of us had lunch between the sessions and a couple of us could not leave without purchasing ice cream! When our work is ready for collection we will place it on show at a monthly meeting so that everyone can get more of an idea of what is involved. (Editor's note: displayed at June meeting.) And of course, admire our lovely creations! I think you’ll all probably agree that Val gets top marks, although we were all extremely happy with the lovely day we had and with our achievements.

Outing to Blaze Farm - 25th May - Kay Evans

Our trip to the Potty Sheep painting workshop at Blaze Farm proved to be a very rewarding day. The weather was a little grim and not at all May- like but as we were indoors most of the time it was not important. Sadly, two couples had to pull out at the last minute because of health problems and lan was in hospital recovering from his operation. They are ready and eager to join us when we book in for our next session.
Although we were a small group we all found the day both relaxing and extremely therapeutic. We each chose different pieces of pottery to decorate and were guided by Caroline and John as to how we should approach our work. There was quiet, soothing music playing in the background as we chatted, laughed, experienced times of silence, and were all quite impressed with what we managed to achieve.
One or two of us had lunch between the sessions and a couple of us could not leave without purchasing ice cream! When our work is ready for collection we will place it on show at a monthly meeting so that everyone can get more of an idea of what is involved. (Editor's note: displayed at June meeting.) And of course, admire our lovely creations!
I think you’ll all probably agree that Val gets top marks, although we were all extremely happy with the lovely day we had and with our achievements.

AGM Report - 11th May
The meeting was very well attended with around 45 members present. In Ike's absence due to ill health, the meeting was chaired by Sue Stephenson. Anne Swindell opened the meeting by reading a letter out that Ike had sent to MADYSS, saying how he had enjoyed his Chairmanship and also what an honour and privilege it had been. Judy Fleming, who had taken on the role of acting Treasurer after Thelma Farrell's sudden death, gave the Treasurer's Report which showed that MADYSS was in a strong financial position despite Covid. Judy then thanked the families of members who had passed away for choosing MADYSS as a charity for donations in their memory. She also reminded members of the Support Fund that was available for anyone who may need to access it to attend outings. The Committee should be contacted if you wish to apply for funding. John Swindell received a unanimous vote to take on the role as the new MADYSS Chair, and the rest of the current Committee were also all voted back in, with Judy Fleming officially accepting the role of Treasurer. Kay Kennedy will join the Committee in the newly created position of Meeter and Greeter. After we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, we were entertained by Alex from Bollington Balloons. He made some amazing balloon creations for us, speedily and with great dexterity. Following his presentation, a number of members asked him to make balloons for their grandchildren.

AGM Report - 11th May

The meeting was very well attended with around 45 members present. In Ike's absence due to ill health, the meeting was chaired by Sue Stephenson. Anne Swindell opened the meeting by reading a letter out that Ike had sent to MADYSS, saying how he had enjoyed his Chairmanship and also what an honour and privilege it had been.
Judy Fleming, who had taken on the role of acting Treasurer after Thelma Farrell's sudden death, gave the Treasurer's Report which showed that MADYSS was in a strong financial position despite Covid. Judy then thanked the families of members who had passed away for choosing MADYSS as a charity for donations in their memory. She also reminded members of the Support Fund that was available for anyone who may need to access it to attend outings. The Committee should be contacted if you wish to apply for funding.
John Swindell received a unanimous vote to take on the role as the new MADYSS Chair, and the rest of the current Committee were also all voted back in, with Judy Fleming officially accepting the role of Treasurer. Kay Kennedy will join the Committee in the newly created position of Meeter and Greeter.
After we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, we were entertained by Alex from Bollington Balloons. He made some amazing balloon creations for us, speedily and with great dexterity. Following his presentation, a number of members asked him to make balloons for their grandchildren.

Sue with the Little Mermaid that Alex made for her

Syliva holding monkey climbing a palm tree

Gawsworth Coffee Morning - 5th May
The morning, for which MADYSS was the charity to benefit, was very well supported and the car park was overflowing with more than twenty cars counted. Only a very few baked goods were on offer for late arrivals as they had nearly all been snapped up in the first thirty minutes! The raffle was a popular one with sales of tickets amounting to £120. In total, £364.25 was raised at the coffee morning. In addition, a £20 donation was received from Julie Karnon who was unable to attend, which brought the grand total to £384.25. of parking charges for Blue Badge holders; however this was offset by a tub of ice cream purchased to complete the day out.

Gawsworth Coffee Morning - 5th May

The morning, for which MADYSS was the charity to benefit, was very well supported and the car park was overflowing with more than twenty cars counted.
Only a very few baked goods were on offer for late arrivals as they had nearly all been snapped up in the first thirty minutes! The raffle was a popular one with sales of tickets amounting to £120. In total, £364.25 was raised at the coffee morning. In addition, a £20 donation was received from Julie Karnon who was unable to attend, which brought the grand total to £384.25. of parking charges for Blue Badge holders; however this was offset by a tub of ice cream purchased to complete the day out.

Tittesworth Reservoir Lunch Outing - Wednesday 27 th April - Keith and Sue Pemberdy
Although it started out a little fresh, it soon brightened into a lovely day. The ten of us were treated to a pleasant lunch and good company. We walked the meal off down to the edge of the reservoir where we were joined by Ian on his electric go cart!! There were a few canoes out in the sunshine. Some of the more adventurous of us took a longer route through the woods, led by Ian. The only disappointment was the introduction of parking charges for Blue Badge holders; however this was offset by a tub of ice cream purchased to complete the day out.

Tittesworth Reservoir Lunch Outing - Wednesday 27 th April - Keith and Sue Pemberdy

Although it started out a little fresh, it soon brightened into a lovely day. The ten of us were treated to a pleasant lunch and good company.
We walked the meal off down to the edge of the reservoir where we were joined by Ian on his electric go cart!!
There were a few canoes out in the sunshine. Some of the more adventurous of us took a longer route through the woods, led by Ian. The only disappointment was the introduction of parking charges for Blue Badge holders; however this was offset by a tub of ice cream purchased to complete the day out.

Tittesworth Reservoir Lunch Outing - Wednesday 27 th April - Keith and Sue Pemberdy
Although it started out a little fresh, it soon brightened into a lovely day. The ten of us were treated to a pleasant lunch and good company. We walked the meal off down to the edge of the reservoir where we were joined by Ian on his electric go cart!! There were a few canoes out in the sunshine. Some of the more adventurous of us took a longer route through the woods, led by Ian. The only disappointment was the introduction of parking charges for Blue Badge holders; however this was offset by a tub of ice cream purchased to complete the day out.

Tittesworth Reservoir Lunch Outing - Wednesday 27 th April - Keith and Sue Pemberdy

High Legh Garden Centre Lunch - Tuesday 25th March - Kay Evans
The visit to the garden centre took place on Tuesday, 29 March with 16 members going along for lunch in the end. Julie, the Manager at High Legh, did us proud as she has done on our previous visits.
She remembered us going before lockdown struck and was more than happy to reserve seating and to give us waiter service as in the past. This meant that we did not have to struggle queuing up, waiting quite a long time, and having to carry our own food to our tables.
They are SO helpful at High Legh. The food is nice, the shopping outlet is interesting, and it's hard to leave without buying a plant or two. They have a couple of nice little clothing sections. One is being developed into a larger shop to include a new Pavers shoe area. I bought two new Hebes - which I didn't really need!

Viceroy Indian Restaurant, Bollington - Sunday 27th February
We had a beautiful day with sun and blue skies for the 25 members and family who enjoyed an Indian meal at the Viceroy in Bollington. It was great that Roger Snelling could attend with his daughter Heather, who was up visiting for a few days and it was good to see him looking well. We sang a belated Happy Birthday to him too! It is probably fair to say that no one left hungry! Once the pappadams and chutney trays arrived they were soon devoured and then followed by a mixed starter of onion bhaji, sheek kebab, chicken tikka and salad. Everyone was able to select their choice of main course, served with pilau rice and nan bread. Those members who chose to, then had Ice cream to end the meal, finishing up with tea of coffee.

Viceroy Indian Restaurant, Bollington - Sunday 27th February

We had a beautiful day with sun and blue skies for the 25 members and family who enjoyed an Indian meal at the Viceroy in Bollington. It was great that Roger Snelling could attend with his daughter Heather, who was up visiting for a few days and it was good to see him looking well. We sang a belated Happy Birthday to him too!
It is probably fair to say that no one left hungry! Once the pappadams and chutney trays arrived they were soon devoured and then followed by a mixed starter of onion bhaji, sheek kebab, chicken tikka and salad. Everyone was able to select their choice of main course, served with pilau rice and nan bread. Those members who chose to, then had Ice cream to end the meal, finishing up with tea of coffee.

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