Owner: Crewe blog URL:http://images-of-crewe.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:50:15 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Ongoing diary of life in Crewe (Cheshire, England), the people, places, politics and more. Crewe Alexandra, the railway... Site statistics:Click here
Music bonanza in Crewe and Nantwich 2007-02-01 17:31:00 There's stacks going on in and around Crewe
and Nantwich
over the summer, but one event that I'm really looking forward to is The Acoustic Festival of Britain (Nantwich). It all kicked off last year, and Nantwich is once again the venue. If you love music then you'll love this. Unplugged, musicians that can really play, cracking vibe, great atmosphere. This year's event will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July, 2007. I'd considered Glastonbury this summer, but what with extra security, high prices and the massive crowds I'm going to keep it local. You get to see a mix of national and local talent, you can camp or pop over for the day. Artists already confirmed for the 2 Main Stages in 2007 include: Jethro Tull, Midge Ure, Chris Norman (Ex Smokie), Jah Wobble,WHITESNAKE unplugged with Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody and Neil MurrayMike Peters, Chris Difford Band (Squeeze), Hazel O'Connor, Dean Friedman, David Knopfler Band, The Animals, Classic Clapton, Gordon Giltrap,SK Read more:Music
, bonanza
Dane Bank revamp edges closer 2007-02-01 08:04:00 Wednesday night saw a consultation of St John's residents to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Crewe's main FE facility, South Cheshire College (Dane Bank College to many of us). A feisty meeting saw local and county councillors grilled about the likely impact the new buildings will have on the community in and around St John's. The end result, a magnificent new learning facility, will benefit the town enormously. However, consideration must be given to local people who could suffer through a changing environment and, potentially, an increase in traffic. As I grew up (down the road in Alsager) there were four choices as you reached 16 years of age. There was Radder (the old Radway Green Ordnance factory), Crewe Works, going into the sixth form at Alsager Comprehensive... or you were a rebel and you chose further education in Crewe, at Dane Bank. It was always seen as the grown up option instead of carrying on at school. I joined the Navy! Still, with the new-look eco college wil Read more:closer
, edges
Darth Vader in Crewe town centre 2007-01-31 23:31:00 I've got the You Tube bug. I couldn't resist linking to this piece of madness/genius! DarthVader
, walking through Crewe
town centre. You got to admire them...
Read more:Darth Vader
Hidden treasures of Crewe 2007-01-31 22:52:00 I know, I'm a tad sad. What kinda fool admires crumbling wrecks, long-since boarded up and abandoned? Well I do. There are plenty of buildings dotted around Crewe
that are crying out for some TLC. maybe a little restoration work. But it always seems easier to flatten and start from scratch. Take the old Electricity Works, off (you guessed it) Electricity Street on the edge of town. Cracking red-brick building, beautiful details, bags of potential. The trouble is there has been a huge push towards the new in Crewe. A town built up in the latter half of the 19th century, much of the building stock is now upwards of 150 years old. Various councils seem to have taken the easy option and ripped out the old railway buildings and cottages instead of preserving them. Now, only a handful remain in the centre. IMO, we should be going all-out to retain some of the character that served the town well. Some of the new-builds look good now, just as Queensway did back in the 50s and 60s. But concret Read more:Hidden
, treasures
What value the Crewe Chronicle? 2007-01-31 12:58:00 This topic cropped up last week. I joined one of those email debates where a number of us chipped in. The general consensus was that the local rag isn't particularly good value these days. At 65p it's not over-priced, but the content isn't what it used to be. Moreover, the number of adverts seems to have increased. One of our mailers had a reply from the paper itself, and they justified its content, layout and price. You'd expect that. Personally, I still enjoy it as you can find plenty of detail if you scour all of the pages. The problem is print deadline. The Crewe
edition seems to take a back seat compared to the other papers in the Trinity Mirror Printing stable. As a result we no longer get footy coverage from Tuesday nights. In fact, this has even changed my reading habit. As a bloke, it's law that you start at the back and trawl through the sports pages first. But with no up-to-date Alex stuff the incentive is gone. I am now a conventional kinda reader. Perhaps it's the av Read more:Chronicle
Average Alex limp on... 2007-01-31 01:03:00 Average, very average. Dario played his "get out of jail" card on Tuesday night, no doubt about it. We were poor, very poor. Doncaster ran rings around us for much of the first half and deserved their 2-0 lead. There were chants of "Dario Out" and "Sack the board" as half-time pints were quaffed. Quite right too. If you'd had such VFM from a shop or restaurant you'd have asked for your money back. It's a shambles at the moment, and as ever the fans are bottom of the priority list. But, a different Crewe side emerged after the break and lifted hearts as the players ripped into the visitors. Restoring the status quo was no more than they deserved, but then so too was Donny's 3-2 lead soon after. Slack defending once again. But, with the clock ticking and the fat lady warbling, Luke Varney stole in to bang a low header into the bottom corner. So 3-3 it was, with Donny taking the psychological edge to their new stadium on Feb 12th. The jury is still out. Gradi and the board got off lig Read more:Average
Gateway into Crewe - Mill Street 2007-01-30 16:50:00 I'm having one of those apprehensive afternoons. Kids picked up, lease car from work swapped over for the Mrs, now the dreaded few hours to kill ahead of tonight's crucial Alex match. I have a severe case of PMT (pre-match tension, in case you were wondering). It doesn't get any better as you get older. I'm on edge. I can't wait. So to distract myself I thought we'd take a peep at one of the "gateway into Crewe
" kinda roads I mentioned the other week. Mill Street
(pictured) is a key artery in the overall scheme of things. It takes Nantwich Road traffic into town. It's the obvious route from the station into the heart of Crewe's commercial centre. I love the view. The line of the road sweeps you under the railway bridge and beyond. The Market Hall clock tower is visible, as is the Municipal Buildings and Christ Church. You can even make out the old advertisement for the Chronicle behind the trees. It's a busy, industrial scene with a little shrubbery thrown in for good measure. Read more:Gateway
D-day for Crewe Alex 2007-01-30 13:16:00 Indeed, it's Donny Day! The Alex need a win tonight, and they need one bad. Confidence hit rock bottom across the fast-depleting fan base after Saturday's shocking 4-0 home defeat. That's history, but defeat tonight will effectively end the season. That's no exaggeration, so anyone considering going to the match please do so - and make some noise! Night games always have that special edge, flootlights on and the atmosphere seemingly electric. Come and enjoy it, for just a tenner... The players must be feeling lousy. The fans do, but not only do the Alex players have to suffer on the pitch, knowing that they are inferior, they then must face friends, family and supporters. I don't doubt that they give 100% but many remain unconvinced that the manager is motivating them sufficiently to be winners, rather than just pretty footballers. The supporters are not best happy, and the natural reaction of footy fans is to find a scapegoat when things go wrong. Personally, I believe that the b Read more:Crewe
, Crewe Alex
Cheer up Alex fans! 2007-01-29 23:56:00 The Alex are cak of late, no doubt about it. We're about as consistent as a saggy rice pudding with nasty bits of skin on! So, with Nicky Maynard out injured it's time to enjoy the talents of our other hitman, Mr Luke Varney. Cheer
s to Crewie who banged another quality compilation up on YouTube. Enjoy...
Going green in Crewe 2007-01-29 22:39:00 Since I mentioned the cycling lark on the blog the other day I've had a few conversations with friends and work colleagues. It's a serious topic. Very serious. However, it seems that, from my very inconclusive survey of about 6 people, most are not too fussed about it all. That's a shame, but the underlying problem seems to be the time and effort required of folk to go green, to recycle, to save energy.Well, I'm having a real crack at it. For starters there's the full suite of Wheelie bins tucked around the side of the house, and they are properly sorted, filled and put out. As you may have read before, I have to rely upon the neighbours to get the right bin on the right day. But hey, I get there in the end.Lights and appliances are now turned off daily (and 70% of the house has the energy saving bulbs) and that means following the tracks of both Mrs and lads. That said, both of the boys are making an effort and seem aware of the issues. Then there's the water, toilets and all. I Read more:Going
, Crewe
Massive changes ahead for Crewe 2007-01-29 13:34:00 The sheer scale of the proposed redevelopment of Crewe
's town centre has finally hit home. Ok, so I take a keen interest and I have studied the various plans and artists' impressions. But when you take a walk around the main [Market] square, up Delamere Street and along Chester Street, it's obvious that whole of Crewe town centre is set to be bulldozed. Sure they will do it in phases, but it's going to be chaos. One snippet I unearthed the other day (while trying to catch up with that 2006 review!) was that both Delamere (pictured) and Wellington Houses are to be pulled down. I had thought that just Wellington House was to make way for the centre-piece Debenhams store that would be the gateway to the new-look centre. Not the case, apparently. It turns out (if the articles I read are correct) that both will be taken down and replaced with one, 9-storey structure off Chester Street. If this is the case you wonder why the existing Delamere House isn't retained? As long as the eye-sor Read more:changes
, ahead
Street Sports in Leighton 2007-01-28 22:14:00 Just the other day I was thinking that more (much more) should be done for the kids and teenagers of Leighton
, my bit of Crewe. There's nothing, apart from a few play areas dotted around the estates. Like many other areas of the town you often see 10-20 hanging around by Bargain Booze or the COOP. What do you expect them to do?So, this afternoon, we got back from the cinema to find one of those home-produced leaflets hanging out of the letterbox. There was a plug for a residents' meeting at the local primary school (6.30pm - 8pm on Tuesday 30th January at Mablins Lane School, if you're interested), plus another slip of paper entitled StreetSports
. I was intrigued.It turns out that the new, free sessions are planned for each Wednesday night from 31 January. Great, especially as it's at the multi-use games area off Moss Lane - about 400 yards from our house. There will be footy and basketball for 6 to 16-year-olds, from 7pm - 9pm. I'll let you know how it goes.Further info can be
Night at the Museum 2007-01-28 15:45:00 The big fella was off with his Beaver buddies on a trip to Chester Zoo today. That left the little chap at a loose end, so we took him to the cinema. These days it's a pleasurable experience at Crewe, thanks to the opening of the Reel cinema on the Phoenix Leisure Park. Good-sized seats, clean, bright and spacious foyer and a good range of flicks on the various screens. It's what the town had been crying out for and if you haven't paid it a visit I'd recommend that you do so. Much has been said about the cost of taking a family out but the basic ticket price can't, IMO, be faulted. £15 got yours truly, the Mrs and little chap entrance to see Night
at the Museum
. That's less than it costs for one adult to watch the Alex these days! I'd advise you to buy a few nibbles in advance, as sweets, drinks and popcorn can soon double the cost of your trip. But that's true of most places these days. We weren't disappointed with the movie. It was a cracking family film - funny, action-pac
Crewe Alex 0 Orient 4 2007-01-27 19:04:00 Woeful. Disgraceful. Hapless. Heartless. Pitiful. Inept. Just a few words many fans used throughout and at the end of today's dismal home game. It was a bad day at the office for Dario Gradi and his players. A very bad day. You just don't lose at home to a team who are 4th bottom, do you? Well, not when you're doing ok and confidence is relatively high. Whatever, the "Egg on Face" award must go to the Alex gaffer who chipped in with a classic earlier this week: "We're becoming hard to beat." Right. Spot on , Dario. I suspect a few of the paying punters will beg to differ. I have a mate who travels down from Nuneaton to Alex home games. He deserves a medal at the moment, as does another who is based in Chesterfield. After today's match (although it was no contest) one of them suggested that today's performance was "the worse I've ever seen at Gresty Road." It will be interesting to see if many readers of this blog agree with that rather harsh comment. If you do, please say so. It Read more:Crewe
, Crewe Alex
, Orient
Crewe review of June 2006 2007-01-27 17:34:00 I will finish the review
of 2006, I will. Honest. So, without further ado, let's dig into last summer... The early part of June was dominated by planning news in Crewe
. The red-tape committees were in action deciding whether new housing was suitable for Dunwoody Way and Goddard Street (the bit near the LMR club and footy pitch, pictured recently ready for work to start), and if the grand plans for the town centre revamp wouldn't cause too much disruption during the build. Notable was the inclusion of several hundred homes for the centre of Crewe, a clear indication that the council leaders wanted to breath life into the town's core. As ever, law and order wasn't far from the front pages of the local news. The St John's ward (basically the edge of the town, across as far as Ruskin Road, Nantwich Road and the station) met with local Bobbies to discuss how to tackle nuisance youths. And as the nation geared up for yet more World Cup heartache the town's pubs got tough and issued a w
Dean Ashton's Crewe Alex goals 2007-01-27 02:21:00 Ok, so Deano's long gone. But the memories, eh? How time goes by... two years since the Holmes Chapel lad was sold to Norwich (and then on to West Ham). Here's hoping Luke Varney doesn't follow in his footsteps and cut our season short! This clip robbed from Crewe
Alex World and then posted to YouTube (by someone a little bit whoooa), which is very, very bad. Make sure you turn up the volume for the thumping tunes that accompany the spectacular clips...
Read more:Crewe Alex
, Ashton
Virgin to pull out of Crewe? 2007-01-26 17:10:00 What's happening in railway world? Although there's a whopping redevelopment of Crewe
station planned (see the artists' impressions on Images of Crewe) it could coincide with a massive reduction in passenger traffic through the famous, old station. Still rumour and speculation, but potentially serious for the town. According to recent press reports, from next year Virgin
Trains and other operators could route much of the mainline passenger services through other stations (such as Warrington) and cut Crewe out of the loop. This could have massive knock-on effects for the people of Crewe, surrounding towns and businesses. It seems that much of the fuss is centred around timetables for 2008 and the truth is that these schedules have not been signed off. However, the "no smoke without fire" rule is justified, and the attentions of County Councillor Rod Fletcher cannot be ignored. One of my initial concerns is that any announcement about traffic reductions might, ultimately, affect the s
More reasons to shop at... 2007-01-26 15:15:00 You know the advert. This is NOT an advert, but I'm gonna have to mention Morrisons. For those who haven't used this Crewe supermarket it's located on old railway works land off the new link road, Dunwoody Way. The point of this post is to highlight some of the good Morrisons has done in remembering Crewe's past... First, I've always been impressed by its appearance. It does a decent job at blending in with what's left with the old works. Moreover, some of the detail on both buildings and the perimeter wall should be applauded. From mock railway wheels to the arches that mimic those that once stood large and proud at the works' main gate. However, it's on the inside that some cheeky details should be noted. I was there today, shopping with the Mrs! I tell you, Fridays just ain't what they used to be. Anyway, as I got to the checkout today I took a closer look at some of the pictures that adorn the back wall behind the cashiers. The Mrs gave me "that look" of despair and then e
The weekend starts here! 2007-01-25 20:41:00 Sorry for rubbing it in but that's my working week done. Magic. Don't get me wrong I still notch up 37 hours, but squeezed into four days it means that the days are long. Then you get home, sort the kids out, get tea out of the way and you're frazzled. The Crewe nightlife (really, there is some) is a thing of the past for us, as spare time is usually recovery time. And that seems to be the case for more and more people I chat to.Today saw additional complications. In a moment of madness I said that the little fella could bring two of his mates home for tea. Several people (inc the Mrs) looked at me in disbelief. "Are you mad," was probably the most-used question. Possibly, but the big fella often has friends over and I like to be fair. "Fair on who," queried the Mrs, "it's certainly not fair on us." Indeed, it was a challenge, as three little 'uns plus bigger 'un made for an explosive cocktail. They can never agree to agree, one always wants something different and as it's four
Spooky Island strikes! 2007-01-25 07:51:00 Ok, this isn't a ghost story. It's a weird post cobbled together on the back of a few things. I walk down Minshull New Road of a morning and, for those in the know, that's where the town's new cemetery is being created. So, when it's misty, foggy or blowing a gale, it can be pretty dang spooky walking past it. I'm not someone who usually thinks of churchyards, graves or cemeteries in such a light. However, in the middle of winter, when it's pitch black at 6am, it certainly makes you think. Of course, my youngest doesn't help matters. As I left this morning I spent a few minutes tidying up his things. It was mostly his Scooby Doo characters, strewn across the lounge floor. Everything in Scooby Doo land seems to revolve around spookiness, pesky kids etc. Add to that the map of the British Isles we have on the kitchen door. I tried to explain a bit of geography to the little fella a few weeks ago. He seized upon Ireland as soon as I pointed it out. "Is that like SpookyIsland
," he
The French wouldn't be amused! 2007-01-24 13:20:00 First, they wouldn't be impressed by some of the pop-ups that seem to appear when voters are checking out the latest poll. So, while I hunt out another provider, I've decided to delay unveiling individual shots of some of the magnificent Crewe buildings that would give the seven wonders of the world a run for their money. The poll has been removed, but I'll reinstate the votes when I post the new version. I know, you're gutted. But when the odd pair of 44DD puppies are popping up onto your screen I realise that some will be offended. I'll try and sort it. Anyway, until then, we'll take a trip down Macon Way. You'll notice that there have been a few changes in recent years. The road name is to recognise our twinning with Macon, and I believe that 2008 with see our 50th anniversary linked with the French
town. Trouble is, this gateway into Crewe isn't looking so hot at the moment (unlike some of the pop-ups). Several of the office units opposite McDonald's and the Ramada hotel a
Putting a smile on someone's face 2007-01-23 22:39:00 Every now and then somethings surprises you. Often a simple gesture, a smile, a hand of friendship. You know, the kinda stuff that costs nothing but people seem reluctant to part with. Well, tonight, as week two of the "kids at Crewe baths" was in motion, I took a moment to enjoy the cold, crisp night air. I stepped outside and took a look up and down Flag Lane. Cars, buses, noise, light. Oh, and a gaggle of teenagers - resplendent in hoodies - lurking by the swimming baths' steps. I wandered back towards the main doors to catch the final ten minutes of my kids' lesson. Then, from the side, appeared one of said teenagers. You always cast a cautious eye, wary of what might transpire. Most would do similar. But, and I'm smiling as I write, the lad in question looked up, stopped, then opened the door for yours truly. Magic. Faith restored in the Crewe youth. I thanked the lad and ensured the door was held open until he, too, had entered the building. He bought a Mars Bar and left. I sm Read more:Putting
Let's be 'aving you, Crewe fans... 2007-01-23 20:44:00 Ok, the Alex are nearly there. But they need YOU! Having beaten Chesterfield (away) to reach the area final of the Johnstone's Paints Trophy they must now defeat Doncaster Rovers over two games. The first match is at home (Gresty Road) next Tuesday. Fans' group Crewe
ASi are behind a promotion - Fill The Ground 3 - to get as many fans, friends and work colleagues to the game as possible, to generate that all-important atmosphere that will - we hope - be enough to help the Alex through to the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. On the cash front it's a great deal - just £10, and for every adult ticket purchased you can take a child (u16) for FREE. Indeed, bargain. So what are you waiting for? Many of us have been to [old] Wembley in the play-offs (1993 and 1997) but this represents the first time Crewe Alexandra will appear in a major final at one of the country's finest stadia. So if you're a lapsed supporter, an occasional fan, whatever, get along next Tuesday and support th
Gateways into Crewe (no.3) 2007-02-02 09:43:00 Another cracking view as you drive into Crewe
. This snap taken by MMU Cheshire, looking down towards Crewe station. The buildings at the top of the picture, just to the right of Rail House, will be replaced with a fantastic new station facade - if current plans become reality. A meeting to discuss the scheme will be held at Crewe Alexandra's ground next Tuesday. More to follow...
Community sports update 2007-02-02 09:32:00 Just a quickie follow-up to Wednesday evening's community sports initiative in Leighton. Having chatted to councillor Derek Bebbington (Leighton, Conservative) it appears that six schemes were launched across the borough. So if you have a snippet you'd like to share then please post a comment below.As for Leighton's session, it was a roaring success. Despite that nasty fine rain there were around 25 kids, made up about 10 young 'uns (inc my eldest) and 15 youths. The coaches (three of them) did a cracking job of keeping the mixed age group in check. Everyone enjoyed the footy and basketball sessions and it looks as though the scheme will run for at least 20 weeks (hopefully beyond). There are already plans to extend the idea to other nights. Brilliant.More importantly (especially for my end of town) their was chat about developing some new community facilities - maybe a building that could host scouts and guides, something currently missing from Leighton. Our eldest has to be taken
Say what you see - Tchibo! 2007-02-02 17:48:00 This shop next to Marks and Spencers has always fascinated me. I can hardly spell it, let alone pronounce it! Apparently, it should sound like Che-bow, although if you rely upon the shop's arty signage I'm sure most would struggle. Inside it's like an Aladdin's cave. I still can't suss what it's all about though. "A new experience every week" is how the company's marketing people bill it. Basically, it's full of stuff you don't need but often buy because it looks like a bargain! Whatever, I wandered past "the shop of experiences" just before I met up with Tim, a cracking bloke who does the excellent Equinoxe website. Like me, he enjoys getting his snapper out and capturing images of Crewe and beyond. He takes a mean picture, too. We both enjoy hunting down the bits of the town that most would ignore or pass by without a second glance. One venue that we will both be attending is the Crewe Alexandra Signals Lounge next Tuesday night. As I've mentioned before there is an exhibit
Now you see it... soon you won't! 2007-02-02 17:40:00 Caught this image around lunchtime today as I took a shortcut between the Queensway shopping block and the back of the bus station. Both the shoddy bus terminal and Wellington House in the background will disappear soon when the town centre revamp kicks in. As detailed elsewhere on Crewe blog (also on Images of Crewe photo site) the new bus station will be located where the Crosville Club currently stands...
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