• (Retrospective) Variation of Condition 46 (Restoration Scheme), Conditions 48 and 50 (Aftercare and Habitat Management Scheme) of planning permission 21/01861/S73 (Variation of Conditions 1 (Plans) 4 (Ceasing of mineral working), 18 (Notification of Phasing), 42 (Phasing), 47 (Restoration) of 13/03715/MIN (Extension of time to work the site until December 2023, along with changes to phasing). 

  Forest Hill Quarry Chester Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2DL

  Ref. No: 25/04039/S73 | Received: Wed 24 Dec 2025 | Validated: Wed 24 Dec 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Single storey extension to rear and new pitched roof to replace flat roof

  2 Foxes Hey Cuddington Northwich CW8 2UU

  Ref. No: 25/03749/FUL | Received: Mon 01 Dec 2025 | Validated: Mon 01 Dec 2025 | Status: Approved

Last week (17 & 18 Dec), many new files were uploaded by the developers for each of the two planning applications for 266+ new homes on Chester Road, Sandiway - evidently not an unusual action by developers immediately prior to a Public Holiday!

25/02017/FUL (Erection of 112 115 dwellings opposite Blue Cap)

25/02111/FUL (Erection of 154+ dwellings either side of Dalesford Lane)

Cheshire West & Chester Planning Department have confirmed that:
"All previous representations on the application(s) will be taken into account when we are assessing the proposal so there is no need to re-send in your objection unless there are any additional or new points you wish to raise."

Deadline for further public comment on either application has now been extended to 11 January.

Thanks to all who have supported the Ark this year, especially on Friday when £450 was raised for 'Save the Children' charity.

We look forward to seeing everyone when we reopen after the winter break, on Friday 6th March, 8.45 -2pm.

The Ark Team wish everyone a peaceful Christmas & happy New Year

December Update – A556 Action Group

Over the past few weeks the A556 Steering Group has focused on strengthening our communications, organising our work streams and building the evidence base for responding to the current planning applications.  Leaflets have been designed, printed and delivered to around 2,500 homes, including via the Round Tower distribution, and a short October update went out through Cuddington & Sandiway News online.  Thanks to all who joined in and helped with distribution.

Several practical steps are now in place:

• A communications plan has been agreed,
• A regular Steering Group meeting schedule is set starting from January,
• Thematic reading groups are up and running to go through the planning documents on the council portal. Some volunteer groups are already established but more people are still needed to help review documents and highlight issues.
  
  

The group is also building relationships with key partners.  Initial contact with planning officers who supported the Neighbourhood Plan has been made, and liaison with our borough councillors continues.

Discussions with the Parish Council about small grants are in progress, including practical ways to cover room hire and printing costs without setting up a full community group structure at this stage.

Traffic and safety are a strong focus.  We are seeking advice as to whether we can meet the Highways Officer about the transport information submitted with the applications, and a second phase of local traffic survey work is being coordinated. You will have spotted group members with their clipboards.  Huge thanks to the residents who offered hot drinks at a time where temperatures rapidly dropped.  Initial contact has also been made with the local PCSO regarding speed monitoring on Dalefords Lane to ensure local evidence is captured appropriately.

Looking ahead, the Steering Group will be scoping options for specialist advice (for example, from residents/professionals who have offered help) and has started preparing topic-based questions to submit through our Parish Counsellor to the appropriate planning channels.

Wider residents’ group meetings will be called when there are concrete updates or when specific actions from members are needed.  Please get in touch (via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

Finally we wish you all a peaceful time leading to Christmas.

— A556 Action Group

Saturday 13th Dec - Sunday 4th Jan - press on the poster for more information
Open Daily From 10:00 – 16:00 (Last entry 15:00)

The Church of England Children’s Society Box Opening was felt by many villagers to be the start of preparations for the Festive Season.  Over the year hundreds of families had little house shaped money boxes in their homes to fill with spare coins. In November they brought the boxes to the Church Hall to be opened and the money counted. There were always at least four men on the stage doing the counting. They couldn’t usually announce the amount on the afternoon as there was always more that would come in afterwards.  One such box opening was on Thursday 5 November 1981 and the Northwich Guardian came to take a photograph.

It covered half a page of the newspaper and can be seen above. Christmas cakes, mince pies, Advent calendars, Christmas cards and tags, small gifts and wrapping paper could all be purchased at the stalls on the same afternoon.

Christmas festivities evoke some strong memories. For many it was the ambitious Christmas Fair which was held early in December in the Church Hall. The queue to see Father Christmas was said to stretch right round the hall and back again and some families spent their afternoon waiting patiently in the line, determined to get to see Santa, if nothing else! Father Christmas’ grotto was a site to behold with sparkling lights, shiny holly and numerous red and green paper decorations strung across and hanging down outside and inside. Santa always had an elf to assist him (Santa’s Little Helper!) and each child was given a present which they treasured for months to come. In more recent times Santa was often heard to bemoan the fact that he had never heard of the toy a child was asking him to deliver on Christmas morning,

Cuddington School appeared to own the only F.C. costume in the district and it was in great demand over a very short space of time before the end of term. Several village organisations asked to borrow the outfit:- Sandiway Primary School, the play groups etc and often there was a rapid changeover on the same day. There was never time to consider laundering and by the time the festive period was over Santa’s red and white costume was decidedly unsavoury having had several big sweaty men within. Of course, the beard, which was made out of an old white knobbly toilet surround was the worst!

Other vivid memories were enormous Christmas parties with potted beef, egg and jam sandwiches, fairy cakes and red jelly with ice-cream and very weak orange juice to drink; midnight communion when the church clock struck midnight during the service and a warm glow was felt inside everyone in the congregation as they knew it was then really Christmas; and Nativity plays in the church when Miss Lloyd made very special costumes!

 

Let it not be thought that the village children had no fun at Christmas before these living memories. From Sandiway School’s Log Book in 1929, it is learnt that their Christmas Party lasted from 3.15 til 8 p.m. and contained ‘a fancy dress parade, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, conjuring tricks, Father Christmas and a Christmas Show'.

This appeared in a local newspaper at Christmas, 1901 - CHRISTMAS EATING. A very distinguished physician once wrote the following, “I think the cause of the complicated maladies of the human race, is their stuffing of their digestive organs to excess."

A company of the day took up saying, “…it is a well-known fact that dyspepsia or indigestion, is the national disease in England and at no period is it so common as at Christmas. Highly seasoned dishes, rich foods, and heavy meats are the productive source of indigestion, and at Christmas all these are eaten in large quantities. The finest known aid to the digestive organs yet discovered is provided by the vegetable essences contained in Chas. Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness. All who would during Christmastide escape the racking headache, the dizziness, the heart- burn, and the all-round sense of wretchedness due to indigestion, will do well to keep a box handy. Bile Beans are not sugar coated and may be carried by ladies or gentlemen loose in the pocket. They are very small and palatable and one or two may be easily swallowed while sitting at table during, or immediately after, a heavy meal. This dose, with one or two Beans taken upon retiring, will give freedom from headache, constipation, dyspepsia, sleeplessness, and depression; ailments so very common at the festive season.”

Happy Christmas to all!

Thanks go to Jill King for permission to post.

Get creative at the Dream Big art club!

Do you love art and craft? If so, come along to the Dream Big art club, for 11–16 year olds.

The club takes place at Sandiway Library from 3.45 to 4.45pm on the following Mondays: 1 December and 15 December.

Tickets are free of charge.
To book your place now for Dream Big call 01606 271767.

Free Christmas entertainment for children at the library

Looking for ways to entertain the kids for free in the run up to Christmas?  If so, call in to Sandiway Library!  Every day, we will have puzzles and colouring sheets available, plus our regular weekly free drop-in events for families.  You can also join the following free festive events:

• Storytime and Craft – Thursday 11 December, 3.45 – 4.45pm
• Cantonese Storytime – Saturday 13 December, 11am – 12 noon
• Rhyme Time Christmas Party – Tuesday 16 December, 10.30 – 11.30am
• Storytime and Craft – Thursday 18 December, 3.45 – 4.45pm
  
  

To book your free place at these events, please visit What’s on in our Libraries

Aside from our events, we have all sorts of books to keen young minds entertained – including story books and non-fiction books, graphic novels, search-and-find books and more.  These books are available in paper, as e-books, or as audio books.

It is free to join the library as a member, and no ID is required.  You can join by phone, online, or in the library.  As a member, you can access free Wi-Fi and refreshments, and you can use the computers for up to an hour a day, free-of-charge.  Find out more about Sandiway Library and our opening times online or call 01606 271767.

Please note: The Library will be closed from December 25th and reopen on Friday 2nd January 2026

Our local policing team covers the Weaver and Cuddington Community Area which also includes Acton Bridge and Weaverham as well as Sandiway and Cuddington.  Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Michelle Gillett and Constable Daniel Grimshaw are dedicated to this Community Area.  PRESS HERE to see an overview of this Community Area on the Cheshire Constabulary website.

So, Michelle Gillett is our PCSO for the Weaver and Cuddington area.  She believes that communication is key to a happy community whether that’s over the telephone, social media or emails.  Once a week she will send a report of her community engagement which has enabled her to reach out to many elderly/vulnerable persons that don’t access social media - these are displayed on this website under 'Police Matters' on the Home page.  Please feel free to have your say and call her (by phone, 07812 781 911, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you feel there is something which you feel she needs to address.

Michelle will be holding further PCSO 'surgeries' this month - dates as follows:

CUDDINGTON & SANDIWAY VILLAGE HALL, 93 NORLEY ROAD, CUDDINGTON  CW82LA 

Wednesday 3rd December 1300-1400 hours

Thursday 18th December 1800-1900 hours

***

THE LIGHTHOUSE, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, CHURCH LANE, WEAVERHAM  CW83NJ 

Monday 8th December 1800-1900 hours

Thursday 8th January 2026 1800-1900 hours

Michelle encourages you to register your concern(s) on the following link: www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicenorthwich.

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

To report a crime please ring 101 or in case of an emergency ring 999.

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
    Northwich Police Facebook
    @weaverCudPol - Twitter

All welcome to email or ring me - my contact details below:

PCSO Michelle Gillett 20488
Weaver and Cuddington
07812 781 911

Cheshire Constabulary | Northwich Police Station | Chester Way | Northwich | CW9 5EP

Phone: 101 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @cheshirepolice on Twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook

PRESS HERE for the timetable which will apply until 13th December.
PRESS HERE for the new timetable which comes into effect on 14th December - the only changes to Cuddington times are three departures slightly earlier at 0739 (Mondays to Fridays, to Stockport), and 1016 and 1117 (Mondays to Saturdays, to Chester), and on Sundays the 1320 to Manchester becomes 1321.

Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December:  Buses will replace the 2253 from Chester and 2313 from Manchester, calling at Cuddington at 2342 and 0108 respectively.

Wednesday 24 December:  Services will end early.  The last trains from Cuddington will be 2018 to Manchester and 2116 to Chester.

Thursday and Friday 25 and 26 December:  No trains

Saturday 27 to Tuesday 30 December:  Normal service

Wednesday 31 December:  Services will end early.  The last trains from Cuddington will be 2018 to Manchester and 2116 to Chester.

Thursday 1 January onwards:  Normal service

Strikes:
Northern Rail can keep you updated with any news of potential future strikes, if announced - press on www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes for the latest information.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

• T1 Lime - Reduce crown by approximately 1-2m to help prevent risk of failure and remove epicormic growth from crown 

  7 Lawnsdale Cuddington Northwich CW8 2UT

  Ref. No: 25/03458/TPO | Received: Mon 03 Nov 2025 | Validated: Mon 03 Nov 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of first-floor extension above existing garage to form an additional bedroom and shower room. White render finish to all elevations with external wall insulation applied to west (side) elevation. 

  9 Ivy Drive Cuddington Northwich CW8 2NL

  Ref. No: 25/03384/FUL | Received: Tue 28 Oct 2025 | Validated: Mon 03 Nov 2025 | Status: Withdrawn

• Demolition of Existing House and Associated Outbuildings and Erection of 2no. New Build Dwellings. 

  Gateway Cottage 11 School Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2NH

  Ref. No: 25/03600/FUL | Received: Fri 14 Nov 2025 | Validated: Fri 14 Nov 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• 4x Beech trees (T1-T4) - Crown lift 4m. 

  Open Space Fronting 3-5 Lawnsdale Cuddington Northwich CW8 2UT

  Ref. No: 25/03657/TPO | Received: Thu 20 Nov 2025 | Validated: Thu 20 Nov 2025 | Status: Approved

Each year the Ark cafe in Sandiway gives away its profits to local charities or groups serving the community.

Last year, we supported Sandiway Rainbows, St Luke’s Hospice, North West critical care , Sandiway & Cuddington Primary schools, the Joshua Tree, and the Salvation Army in Northwich.  Amounts may be from £50 to £1,000 & are distributed in February.

If you represent a group which would appreciate some funding, in the first instance please contact the Ark Team via Kathryn 01606 889879.

If you haven’t yet visited the Ark Cafe, you can find us at the side of St John’s church hall, Norley Road in Sandiway.  We open Fridays, 8.45 am to 2pm (10am -2pm in school holidays). We are all volunteers - there are no paid staff.  We pay St  John’s church the regular hourly church hall hire charge. This, plus ingredients, are our only costs & we are here to serve the community.

There are toys for tots to play with, & free toast for children every Friday morning.

We serve hot & cold drinks, snacks, soup, light lunches, home/professionally made cakes which are really scrummy!  All at very reasonable prices.

We have occasional specific charity  events.

Our last day this year is 12th December…. Christmas Jumper day - all profits to the Children’s Society.  We will reopen on 6th March 2026.

Search for the Ark Cafe on Facebook and look for our logo for weekly information about specials & cake choice.

This year’s DIY SOS build for the Children In Need Special 2025 collaborated with BBC One’s Morning Live for the first time back in September, with viewers now able to watch the final reveal on BBC iPlayer (search "DIY SOS").

Nick Knowles surprised the founders of The Joshua Tree charity in Sandiway with the news they’d be benefitting from the build.  DIY SOS Children in Need Special will see Nick Knowles, and his trusty team who will don their steel toe capped boots, high viz and hard hats to help make a difference to children and their families affected by cancer.  They’ll be joined by an army of volunteers as they extend the charity’s building - in just 10 days.

The Joshua Tree was founded in 2006 and provides bespoke support to children and their families affected by childhood cancers. Over recent years, the charity has grown significantly, and due to increasing demand from across the country, it has now outgrown its original base just off Dalesford Lane in Sandiway.

All club membership packages are now reduced for the remainder of the season, which ends 31 March 2026.
For example,

• Mini Junior (Primary School age) - £10 one-off fee
• Junior (secondary school age) - £23
• Parent and Mini Junior - £25
  
  

Membership includes being able to book courts to play with other members, access to club facilities and club events.  Please see the club website for membership and further details: cuddingtontennis.org.uk

THE HISTORY OF THE TOOLERSTONE

There is good reason to believe that the place, where Smithy Lane, Weaverham Road and Hunts Lane converge, was once a significant focal point for travellers, and Hunt’s Lane, particularly, an important route used by many.  Mark Bevan, local Historian, argues convincingly that Hunt’s lane is part of the ancient highway known as Peytefynsty and that the Toolerstone in Hunt’s Lane is entwined with this.  When looking at early maps it is clear that the stone’s present position is its original one.  A note from the late Olive Lipa, who lived in Sandiway all her life, explains how the Toolertstone arrived where it is today and gives one perfectly reasonable explanation as to how it got its name:

"The Toolerstone was erected in its present position by Sandiway Scouts in about 1928 at the instructions of Colonel Saner who lived at the house named Toolerstone. … He and a few scouts transported it from the field across the road to Hunt’s Lane and set it in concrete. Colonel Saner said that it was the boundary of Delamere Forest and was used to sharpen tools by the foresters. Anyone caught poaching in the forest had his hands put in boiling water as a punishment."

The Cistercian Vale Royal Abbey at Whitegate was founded in the 13th century by Edward I and dominated the locality until it was dissolved in 1538/9 under Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Peytefynsty formed the north-western boundary of the Abbey where it met with Delamere Forest and defined the limit of their grazing rights.  Hunt’s Lane is thought to be part of this route and the Toolerstone to have been one of five known stone markers on the highway.  A 1359 Abbey ledger book records the location of a boundary marker, “from a place where descends to the commons of Cudyton (Cuddington) to the stone put and ordained there…”  This can only be referring to the Toolerstone.

Thanks go to Jill King and Mark Bevan for permission to post.

Get creative at the Dream Big art club!

Do you love art and craft? If so, come along to the Dream Big art club, for 11–16 year olds.

The club takes place at Sandiway Library from 3.45 to 4.45pm on the following Mondays: 3 November, 17 November, 1 December and 15 December.

Tickets are free of charge.
To book your place now for Dream Big call 01606 271767.

Our local policing team covers the Weaver and Cuddington Community Area which also includes Acton Bridge and Weaverham as well as Sandiway and Cuddington.  Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Michelle Gillett and Constable Daniel Grimshaw are dedicated to this Community Area.  PRESS HERE to see an overview of this Community Area on the Cheshire Constabulary website.

So, Michelle Gillett is our PCSO for the Weaver and Cuddington area.  She believes that communication is key to a happy community whether that’s over the telephone, social media or emails.  Once a week she will send a report of her community engagement which has enabled her to reach out to many elderly/vulnerable persons that don’t access social media - these are displayed on this website under 'Police Matters' on the Home page.  Please feel free to have your say and call her (by phone, 07812 781 911, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you feel there is something which you feel she needs to address.

Michelle will be holding further PCSO 'surgeries' this month - dates as follows:

CUDDINGTON & SANDIWAY VILLAGE HALL, 93 NORLEY ROAD, CUDDINGTON  CW82LA 

Thursday 6th November 1800-1900 hours

Monday 17th November 1800-1900 hours

Wednesday 3rd December 1300-1400 hours

***

THE LIGHTHOUSE, ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL, CHURCH LANE, WEAVERHAM  CW83NJ 

Tuesday 11th November 1300-1400 hours

Thursday 27th November 1800-1900 hours

Michelle encourages you to register your concern(s) on the following link: www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicenorthwich.

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

To report a crime please ring 101 or in case of an emergency ring 999.

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
    Northwich Police Facebook
    @weaverCudPol - Twitter

All welcome to email or ring me - my contact details below:

PCSO Michelle Gillett 20488
Weaver and Cuddington
07812 781 911

Cheshire Constabulary | Northwich Police Station | Chester Way | Northwich | CW9 5EP

Phone: 101 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @cheshirepolice on Twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook

PRESS HERE for the timetable which will apply until 13th December.  The new timetable which comes into effect on 14 December will be almost the same as the current one, with a few times changed by a minute or two.

Monday 17 to Thursday 20 November:  The 2313 from Manchester departs at 2311, other times are unchanged.

Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December:  Buses will replace the  2253 from Chester and 2313 from Manchester, calling at Cuddington at 2342 and 0108 respectively.

Strikes:
Northern Rail can keep you updated with any news of potential future strikes, if announced - press on www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes for the latest information.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

• fell 1 x Lime due to honey fungus being present on main stem

  34 Hadrian Way Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JT

  Ref. No: 25/03324/TPE | Received: Thu 23 Oct 2025 | Validated: Thu 23 Oct 2025 | Status: Approved

• 1x Oak (Ref: V/80/00148/ORD) - 20-25% reduction in crown, reduce top of crown by 3 to 4 metres, bring in crown sides by 2 to 3 metres. Final pruning cuts to be target pruned back to suitable points. Branch stub, epicormic re-growth and any other responsive growth within the crowns interior is to be retained and not removed. See Tree report for full details 

  29 St Johns Way Cuddington Northwich CW8 2LX

  Ref. No: 25/03256/TPO | Received: Tue 14 Oct 2025 | Validated: Tue 14 Oct 2025 | Status: Approved

• Sycamore with cavity - Reduce crown by approximately 1-2m to help prevent risk of failure due to caving at base of stem. Adjacent Sycamore - Reduce crown by approximately 1-2m to help prevent any failure. 

  6 Westrees Cuddington Northwich CW8 2XE

  Ref. No: 25/03104/TPO | Received: Thu 02 Oct 2025 | Validated: Wed 08 Oct 2025 | Status: Approved

• 2 storey side and rear extensions, single storey side extension and external alterations to elevations. New vehicular gates. 

  The Coppice 35 Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JN

  Ref. No: 25/03412/FUL | Received: Wed 29 Oct 2025 | Validated: Wed 29 Oct 2025 | Status: Approved

• Retrospective application for the construction of a replacement commercial structure and associated external works. 

  Land At Leigh View Barns Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich Cheshire

  Ref. No: 25/03320/FUL | Received: Thu 23 Oct 2025 | Validated: Thu 23 Oct 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Discharge of condition 3 (materials), condition 4 (landscaping), condition 5 (RAM), condition 6 (construction environmental plan) of planning application 21/02869/FUL 

  Delamere Manor Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TE

  Ref. No: 25/03430/DIS | Received: Fri 31 Oct 2025 | Validated: Fri 31 Oct 2025 | Status: Approved

October Update – A556 Action Group

Following the strong community response to the two planning applications for 266 new homes in Sandiway, the A556 Action Group has been busy taking the next steps in opposing these proposals.

Over the past few weeks, we have delivered leaflets across the village to keep residents informed and to encourage further involvement.  This is ongoing as we try to encourage volunteers to deliver to every part of the community.  The response has again been very positive, and it is clear that many people share our concerns about the scale and impact of these developments.

In addition, traffic monitoring is now underway on key roads to build the evidence base needed to highlight safety issues and congestion problems.  This information will be essential in ensuring that the full implications for our community are properly understood by decision-makers.

The planning department at Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently reviewing the applications, a process expected to take several months.  During this time, it is vital that we continue to build a strong, evidence-backed case to oppose inappropriate development on greenfield land and protect the character of our community.

If you would like to get involved, whether by contributing your skills, helping with research, or supporting local initiatives, please get in touch with the Action Group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.

Together we can ensure that the voice of our community is heard loud and clear.

— A556 Action Group

COMMODORE FREDERICK "FRED" G. WATTS (1903 – 1989)

Cdr. Frederick G. Watts is renowned for his skills as the captain of the two majestic Cunard White Star liners, RMS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Mary.  His parents, Christopher and Lillian Watts, were publicans in charge of the White Barn, Cuddington, and Fred lived there, as a young boy, with his brothers and sister: Charles, Christopher Jr, Annie and Henry.

He is particularly remembered for docking the Elizabeth in New York harbour, without the help of tugboats because the towboat men were on strike. This is an account of the event taken from a newspaper in 1964 when Fred was 61:

"The masters of two of the world's best known passenger liners met a supreme test of seamanship yesterday morning and brought their vessels into narrow slips on the Hudson River under hazardous conditions without tugs and causing little more than a scratch. The ships were the 83,673 ton Cunarder Queen Elizabeth, the world's largest passenger ship, and the 29,191 ton Cristoforo Colombo ... For the Queen Elizabeth it was the first time in her 24 year-long career that she was docked unaided anywhere in the world. A harbour-wide strike forced the masters of both vessels to pit their skills against the river's currents and 35-mile-an-hour gusts of northwest winds that lashed against the long and high superstructures of the liners ... it involved the safety of 14,955 passengers ... The 1,031-foot Queen Elizabeth (longer than three football fields and worth $62 million at replacement cost) was pivoted around the corner of Pier 90 into the 400-foot-wide slip between that pier and Pier 92 at West 53d Street. The technique is known along the waterfront as bending a ship around the knuckle ... The Elizabeth bent her jack staff and "lost a dollar's worth of paint," Commodore Watts said. Damage to Pier 92 was estimated at $500. At 10:16 A.M. one deep throated blast of her whistle announced that she was safely alongside and that the first gangway connected her to shore. A tired but obviously pleased master said in an interview after docking, "I enjoyed it today, I suppose it was a challenge ...". Cdr. Watts had said earlier that it usually took four or five tugs to berth his vessel in the same time."

Skipper, Cdr. Fred Watts, went on to complete the hazardous manoeuvres another three times before the end of that month. In 1962 he had a similar exercise whilst in command of the Queen Mary.

An article from 1952 in the long gone 'Sea Breezes' magazine which details some of Fred's career:

During WWII, Cdr. Watts served in the Royal Navy earning decorations at Dunkirk; on the island of Crete, in Greece; and off the coast of Norway, as captain of HMS Minna, a converted fisheries protection vessel, assigned to land Allied agents on enemy held shores.

He lived, with his family, in Southampton, and died in Switzerland.

Thanks go to Jill King and Mark Bevan for permission to post.

Much of the above text is taken, with permission, from "The Notables of Cuddington Sandiway and Delamere Park" by Jill E King and first published in the UK in 2016 by C.C.Publishing (Chester)

• Various works on various trees including felling. See application form for full description of tree works. 

  14 The Coppice Cuddington Northwich CW8 2XF

  Ref. No: 25/02781/TPO | Received: Thu 04 Sep 2025 | Validated: Thu 04 Sep 2025 | Status: Withdrawn

• Garage Conversion door alterations 

  1 White Lodge Mews Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2LB

  Ref. No: 25/02527/FUL | Received: Thu 14 Aug 2025 | Validated: Tue 16 Sep 2025 | Status: Approved

• Tree (type not known). It is a relatively young tree but it is sited 45cm in from the boundary fence within the adjacent Redwalls Nursing Home grounds. The branches extend about 5m into the property. Request for the branches to be trimmed back closer to the boundary fence. 

  Lampeter 74 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2ND

  Ref. No: 25/02827/CAT | Received: Mon 08 Sep 2025 | Validated: Mon 08 Sep 2025 | Status: Decided

• Conversion of six existing agricultural buildings, including the former kennels, into seven C3 residential dwellings each dwelling will include associated garden space and parking provision. 

  Cheshire Hunt Kennels Kennel Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2EA

  Ref. No: 25/01765/FUL | Received: Fri 06 Jun 2025 | Validated: Tue 09 Sep 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Conversion of six existing agricultural buildings, including the former kennels, into seven C3 residential dwellings each dwelling will include associated garden space and parking provision. 

  Cheshire Hunt Kennels Kennel Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2EA

  Ref. No: 25/01766/LBC | Received: Fri 06 Jun 2025 | Validated: Tue 09 Sep 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

Thursday, 4 September, was the deadline for public comments on the two planning applications for 266 new homes on Chester Road, Sandiway.  However THE FIGHT HAS ONLY JUST COMMENCED!

25/02017/FUL (Erection of 112 dwellings opposite Blue Cap)
     - there were at least 311 public comments on this application, the vast majority vehemently opposed to the development.

25/02111/FUL (Erection of 154 dwellings either side of Dalesford Lane)
     - there were at least 348 public comments on this application, again the vast majority strongly opposed to the development
     - compare this to the last time a (rejected) application was made (12/05143/OUT for 100 new dwellings between Kennel Lane & Dalesford Lane back in 2012) when 151 comments were received.

In addition, the Parish Clerk has received over 950 emails from residents, who were having difficulty accessing the CWaC Planning Portal, again objecting to the proposals. These have also now been passed on to the Case Officer for the two applications.

Not only has there been strong support from the Parish Council, our local M.P. (Aphra Brandreth) has also got involved and sent an open letter to the (former) secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Angela Rayner, warning that this could set ‘a dangerous precedent’ for ‘eroding rural character’ - we hope that this letter gets passed on! - PRESS HERE to read the Northwich Guardian report.

It is anticipated that Cheshire West and Chester Planning Department will take 2-3 months, or possibly longer, to assess the evidence from both sides.  During this time, representatives will be allowed to present further information in the planning approval process to the Council.  Once the decision is announced, we can expect an appeal to follow to central government.

To this end, the "A556 Action Group" has been formed by a number of local residents who are keen to oppose the applications throughout the planning process - if you wish to learn more, please email the Group Coordinator on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  This Action Group is actively seeking local residents with specific skill sets to help in the fight; these include:

• Traffic and pedestrian safety
• Environment: especially biodiversity and noise
• Flood risk and drainage
• Community outlook with focus on local services
• Legal experience/ expertise
• Planning process experience.
  
  

If you have specific expertise in any of these areas and would be willing to help, we would encourage you to contact the Group Coordinator (see above).

Earlier this month, our Parish Council posted the following strong objections to the two planning applications for new homes on Chester Road:

25/02017/FUL (Erection of 112 dwellings opposite Blue Cap)
     - PRESS HERE to view the Parish Council objections

25/02111/FUL (Erection of 154 dwellings either side of Dalesford Lane)
     - PRESS HERE to view the Parish Council objections

A Planning Application was raised with Cheshire West back in 2023 for the demolition of existing buildings and the provision for a new Outdoor Education Centre, Community Hub Building and Education Campus redevelopment at Petty Pool Vocational College on Pool Lane, Sandiway.  The plans look extensive - PRESS HERE to learn more.

It was anticipated that, once given the green light, the full project will take 8 years to complete and will cost in the region of £11 million. The charity has launched a fundraising campaign to secure the capital.

It has taken a while but the Sandiway Gospel Church on School Lane has been decorated and a new heating system fitted.

The Sandiway fellowship has joined with the Stronghold Church in Weaverham and will be holding two separate services.  The Stronghold service will be more outgoing and appealing to younger folk, whereas the original Sandiway fellowship is more suited to older folk.

The Stronghold services will begin with a morning service at 11:00 on 21st September and further information will be available shortly.

The Sandiway Gospel Church fellowship now meets at 2:00 on Sunday afternoons.

The parish registers for the early 1900s make interesting reading. The first twins to be baptised at St John’s were Annie Marian and Henry William Watts, children of Christopher and Lilian Watts, licensees of The White Barn, Cuddington. Their older brother, Commodore Frederick “Fred” G. Watts, is renowned for his skills as the captain of the two majestic Cunard White Star liners, RMS Queen Elizabeth and RMS Queen Mary (much more about him in October's Snippets).  There were two other brothers, Christopher Jr, and Charles Watts.  The five lived long, successful lives.

Not so the first triplets known to have been born in the village. Babies Albert, Mary and Constance Davies were the children of groom, William and Alice Davies from Sandiway Kennels.  As the girls lived for just four days and Albert only eight hours, it is likely the three were baptised at home rather than their mother having to make her way to church so soon after giving birth to triplets.  St John’s curate, the Revd W.G.J. Lassiter performed the ceremony before they were buried in Whitegate Churchyard in January 1913.

A name which catches the eye in the records is Florence Nightingale Brown who describes herself as an “actress … living in Cuddington”.  Her child, Arthur Leslie Brown, was baptised in April 1908 but died a few days later at 9 months.  It has not been possible to trace the mother further but naming a baby after a famous person was not uncommon at the time.  The vast majority baptised at St John’s in the early part of the 20th Century were the infants of labourers working on the farms and railways and in the Winsford salt mines and “servants” from the handful of large houses in the district.  Many died in early childhood.

Thanks go to Jill King, St John's magazine editors and Mark Bevan for permission to post.

• Two Leylandii trees (shown coloured yellow on the sketch plan) and fronting onto Norley Road. One is leaning towards the property. Both are restricting the growth of a mature Magnolia Tree. The area is too crowded with trees. Both Leylandii trees require felling. 

  West Lodge 64 Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2LB

  Ref. No: 25/02477/CAT | Received: Mon 11 Aug 2025 | Validated: Mon 11 Aug 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Full planning application for residential development and the provision of associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space and landscaping 

  Land To South of Chester Road Cuddington Northwich

  Ref. No: 25/02111/FUL | Received: Wed 09 Jul 2025 | Validated: Tue 05 Aug 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Conversion of existing detached building into ancillary living accommodation and construction of side elevation dormer window. 

  4 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2NJ

  Ref. No: 25/02430/FUL | Received: Fri 01 Aug 2025 | Validated: Sun 10 Aug 2025 | Status: Approved

• Single storey detached garage and gym 

  Bankside Mill Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TA

  Ref. No: 25/02442/FUL | Received: Wed 06 Aug 2025 | Validated: Wed 06 Aug 2025 | Status: Approved

• Two storey extension and creation of additional floor to dwelling 

  590 Chester Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2DX

  Ref. No: 25/02499/FUL | Received: Tue 12 Aug 2025 | Validated: Tue 12 Aug 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Discharge of condition 4 (Arboricultural Impact Assessment) od planning application 25/00675/FUL 

  53 Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JY

  Ref. No: 25/02700/DIS | Received: Fri 29 Aug 2025 | Validated: Fri 29 Aug 2025 | Status: Approved

• Alterations to front elevation to include changing of doors to windows for garage conversion, addition of a box bay window and canopy roof to and porch canopy, erection of single storey front and rear extensions and detached garden room and pergola, alteration to driveway 

  37 Kensington Crescent Cuddington Northwich CW8 2FH

  Ref. No: 25/02659/FUL | Received: Tue 26 Aug 2025 | Validated: Tue 26 Aug 2025 | Status: Approved

There was a great turnout for the Parish Council’s Public Meeting to hear residents' opinions on the two current planning applications on Chester Road - 25/02017/FUL & 25/02111/FUL.  Over 150 local residents attended the meeting with the overwhelming majority expressing their views against the proposals.

John Kerrigan gave a presentation relating to our active Neighbourhood Plan and the upcoming Cheshire West & Chester (CWaC) 'Local Plan' consultation and development (to be covered separately) - the important take-away is that our Neighbourhood Plan will remain active until at least the new CWaC Local Plan is finished and published in 2027.  Another important statistic is that while census data (2011-2021), shows that the  Parish population grew at 16% (to 6,196) it also shows that the housing stock grew at the faster rate of 19% (to 2,686 homes), so the Parish does not have a housing need.

The priority for residents is to provide their comments (objections, or otherwise) to each of these applications on the CWaC Planning Portal.  If you press on one of the planning references above, then press on "Comments" followed by "Make a Comment" - if you haven't commented on this portal before, you will need to register before entering your views.  We have been reassured by the CWaC Planning Department that if residents are unable to comment via the online portal, they could email 'This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.'.  You would need quote the planning application reference number(s) to make it clear which application(s) you are commenting on - remember to also quote your name and full address in such emails.

There is a strict timetable for submissions of comments:

25/02017/FUL (Erection of 112 dwellings opposite Blue Cap)
     - final date for comment has been extended to Thursday 4 September

25/02111/FUL (Erection of 154 dwellings either side of Dalesford Lane)
     - final date for comment has also been extended to Thursday 4 September

TECHNICAL HELP:
A local resident has created a link page https://chrisbyrn3.github.io/CWAC-Sandiway-Cuddington-objections/ which allows you to generate a pre-written objection, which you can customise, to either planning application quickly and easily whilst also copying the local Parish Council and the local Borough Councillors.

Key messaging points which residents might consider in their submissions include:

• Our Neighbourhood Plan, supported by >95% of residents' votes in 2019, is very much still 'active' and explicitly 93% of respondents agreed that development in greenbelt and countryside should be resisted
• Our Vision for the Parish: "Cuddington seeks to be a vibrant community-centred Parish which retains and enhances its historic and rural village character"
• We have built more than our target 200 homes in the current Local Plan period within the Key Service Centre
• Development should not negatively impact upon the internal townscape views and external landscape vistas identified within the Vistas and Views Map
• An increased traffic flow from these extra homes will cause chaos, especially on Dalesford Lane, School Lane, A556 and beyond.
• The village is already close to, or at, capacity for Primary School places, retail parking spaces, medical services and more.
  
  

Good luck with your comments.  Also please keep the Parish Council informed with emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

David Wilson Homes have now submitted their plans to Cheshire West & Chester planning department for new homes on either side of Dalesford Lane on the south side of the A556 - press on the link below if you wish to view further details or feedback your comments.

• Full planning application for residential development and the provision of associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space and landscaping 

  Land To South of Chester Road Cuddington Northwich

  Ref. No: 25/02111/FUL | Received: Wed 09 Jul 2025 | Validated: Tue 05 Aug 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

The BBC's DIY SOS, in collaboration with Morning Live, is set to build an extension for The Joshua Tree charity just off Dalesford Lane in Sandiway, to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.  The project, announced in July, will take place from September 2 to September 11, and will be featured during the BBC Children in Need Appeal week in November.

The Joshua Tree, founded in 2006 by Dai and Lynda Hill after their son's cancer diagnosis, has outgrown its current space due to increasing demand and will be significantly expanded by the DIY SOS team.

The build will be led by Nick Knowles and his team, joined by Morning Live presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, who will participate in the construction.

The project is seeking tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plasterers, decorators) and businesses to volunteer their time, skills, or donate materials.  A Trades Day was scheduled for Thursday August 7 2025 at The Joshua Tree's Sandiway location where interested volunteers could apply (appointments were made by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

West Cheshire residents are able to benefit from a community-led solar panel initiative that will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and help households save on energy bills.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has, for the third year running, joined Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to offer the initiative to Cheshire residents.

Residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage, for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.

PRESS HERE or PRESS HERE to learn more from Cheshire West & Chester Council - the registration deadline is being extended to Friday, 7 November.

Elizabeth Sarah Coulthurst and Joseph Theodore Hadwen were significant people in the history of St John's. As is well known, Elizabeth Coulthurst left a legacy of £500 which came to fruition in 1899 - this enabled the building of Sandiway Church to begin.

Not as many know that Joseph Hadwen gave twice that amount, £1,000, in 1935. This was the year Sandiway became a parish and the new vicar, Rev Joseph B. Horrocks, needed a vicarage. Col. John Arthur Saner of Toolerstone House gave the land. Saner was one of the outstanding engineers of the time who gained international acclaim for his innovative use of electricity to power, most famously, the Anderton Boat Lift. Hadwen and Saner's generosity, together with a great deal of fund raising, meant that a substantial vicarage could be built. In 1939, the year after the vicarage was completed, Joseph Hadwen's gift also made it possible to ask Rushworth and Draper of Liverpool to rebuild and modernise the organ which was originally made by Wadsworth and Co of Manchester.

Joseph Hadwen (1866–1935) was the oldest of six siblings born to Isabella and Joseph Hadwen of Booth House, Audenshaw. He was a director of Ashworth and Hadwen Ltd, a cotton spinning company which, in 1891 had 39,000 spindles and 818 looms. By 1911 he had escaped the gloom of Manchester and was living at Bryn Cottage on Weaverham Road. Joseph joined the church choir and can be seen with all the choristers in the photograph taken in 1928 which hangs on St John's vestry wall. Joseph Hadwen remained single and died leaving £46,516 to his brother. He is buried at Heathfield, Waldron, Sussex.

Thanks go to Jill King, St John's magazine editors and Mark Bevan for permission to post.

• 1x Oak: Request to crown lift to 5m and crown reduce by 1.5 m to maintain healthy shape and allow light into garden 

  17 Delamere Park Way East Cuddington Northwich CW8 2UE

  Ref. No: 25/02117/TPO | Received: Thu 10 Jul 2025 | Validated: Thu 10 Jul 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of 112 dwellings, associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space and landscaping 

  Land To The South of Chester Road Cuddington Northwich

  Ref. No: 25/02017/FUL | Received: Mon 30 Jun 2025 | Validated: Thu 24 Jul 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Erection of a care home/holiday house for children with chronic childhood illnesses and associated parking and leisure area - Variation of condition 3 (approved plans) of 17/02873/S73 

  The Joshua Tree Dalefords Lane Marton Winsford CW8 2GW

  Ref. No: 25/02174/S73 | Received: Tue 15 Jul 2025 | Validated: Tue 15 Jul 2025 | Status: Approved

• Beech (T1) and 2x Lime (T2 and T3) - Crown lift to 5.2m. 

  Cuddington Grange Park Crescent Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TY

  Ref. No: 25/02338/TPO | Received: Tue 29 Jul 2025 | Validated: Tue 29 Jul 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of storage and new produce buidlings 

  Cuddington Hall Farm Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2SZ

  Ref. No: 25/02230/AGR | Received: Mon 21 Jul 2025 | Validated: Mon 21 Jul 2025 | Status: Prior Approval not required

• Replacement porch, single storey side and rear extensions and alterations to external doors and windows 

  7 Longacre Cuddington Northwich CW8 2XP

  Ref. No: 25/02274/FUL | Received: Wed 23 Jul 2025 | Validated: Wed 23 Jul 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of a pergola 

  3 Leigh View Barns Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2WD

  Ref. No: 25/02364/FUL | Received: Wed 30 Jul 2025 | Validated: Wed 30 Jul 2025 | Status: Approved

Redrow have now submitted their plans to Cheshire West & Chester planning department for new homes opposite the Blue Cap pub on the south side of the A556 - press on the link below if you wish to view further details or feedback your comments.

• Erection of 112 dwellings, associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space and landscaping 

  Land To The South of Chester Road Cuddington Northwich

  Ref. No: 25/02017/FUL | Received: Mon 30 Jun 2025 | Validated: Thu 24 Jul 2025 | Status: Awaiting decision

The first wedding to take place at St. John's Church was in June 1906.  The church had only been licensed for marriage since 22 May, a month before.  The nuptials were that of 47-year-old widower, Bernard James Sanby, of Knutsford and Margarita Annie, second daughter of James John Howitt and his wife Mary Ann, of Rosslyn, Cuddington.  100 guests were invited to the ceremony, which was performed by the Revd. Job Edwards, Vicar of Christ Church, Blackpool. The gifts were said to be ‘costly’.

The newly-weds moved into The Homestead (see picture) on Weaverham Road, now Redwalls.  It was John Douglas, St John’s church architect, who sold Mr Sanby the land and built the house and stables.  Within a year the couple had a daughter Kathleen Ewan Sanby, but in Nov. 1911 her mother died.  Bernard J. Sanby lived in Sandiway for 30 years and passed away in 1936, leaving £39,000 (2.4m today).

The first funeral at St John’s was probably that of Frederick Haspell on 23.12.1903. He was 24 and the oldest of 10 children born to Mannaseh and Emma Haspell from Cuddington Bank, cottages near Delamere Park.  The dead were buried at Weaverham until 1971 when Gorstage Cemetery was consecrated.  The first to be buried there was 74-year-old Beatrice Dutton of 31, Mere Lane, Sandiway.

Two early Baptisms were that of Margery Isobel Gornall, daughter of James, a police sergeant, and Isabel Gornall on 1 Nov 1903 and Jesse Birtwistle on 8 Jan 1904.  Jesse was the great uncle of Mark Bevan, local Historian.  Unlike a wedding, a licence was not needed for baptisms and funerals

Thanks go to Jill King, St John's magazine editors and Mark Bevan for permission to post.

Citizenship Award - Mary Cowen

Mary has recently become a member of the Parish Council and has enthusiastically involved herself in the work of the council, especially in community projects.

She has formed and coordinated a Planters Group whose members now tend the many wonderful planters that you see cheering up the village.  In addition she has started a litter collection group which is supported by a growing number of residents.  All of this brings the community together and makes the village a better place to live.

In addition, Mary helps with other groups such as The Ark and the Youth Club.

Juniors Citizenship award - Alice & Matilda Riley

This year our award for a junior citizen goes to the Riley sisters, Alice who is 9 and Matilda, 6.

Over half term, they trained for, and ran, 5.7km at the Grasmere Gallop in the Lake District. They completed the course in 40 minutes with big smiles on their faces! The girls chose to raise money for the Grasmere Red Squirrel group which is a local charity that works to protect the endangered squirrels in the village. They have so far raised a massive £265!

Alice and Matilda care passionately about protecting natural habitats for our wild life and caring for the environment around them. They litter pick around their school grounds, and encourage others to care for and protect our world. They are an inspiration to others.

"The intention of our Cheshire and Warrington Carers stall at the recent Gala Day was to raise sufficient money to sponsor a Capybara at Chester Zoo, hoping to make Cheshire Carers more memorable.  Despite the rain, the local people were happy to support us and we met our target.

Absolutely delighted that a local Carer won - Debs Styles, a Cuddington resident, won the competition to name the capybara.  Deb cares for her Mum, Anne - they chose the name Curtis after Anne's great grandson, and they now have the sponsorship of a capybara at Chester Zoo.  Deb and Anne visited our stall at the Gala to find out more about how we support unpaid carers and they will be joining our organisation.  The plaque at the zoo will state her name as sponsor but with Cheshire and Warrington Carers also named.

The reason for this activity is that this is the 30th year of supporting Carers - we started when it was just Vale Royal.  30 years is an enormous milestone!"

A new Chair-based Pilates class starts on Friday 5 September at 9.15am in the Cuddington and Sandiway Village Hall. Adults of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

Chair Pilates is a fantastic activity for older adults and people with mobility limitations or recovering from injuries who are looking to stay active. All movements are done seated or holding onto a chair and the low-impact exercises protect joints while improving posture and balance, building strength and developing flexibility.

Please get in touch with Wendy Broad on 07795-243346 to reserve your place.  Classes cost £12 'pay as you go' or £40 for a block of 4 (Booking essential).  Looking forward to welcoming you.

Based upon "Favourite Pop Star", the Winners & Runners-up were:

A composition of all the fantastic scarecrows displayed this year:

Traffic flow plates, also known as "alligator teeth”, will be installed at the village car park which is adjacent to Sandiway school on Weaverham Road.

This is a safely measure, making traffic travel in one direction as indicated on the car park signage and helping to discourage unsociable behaviour.

Work is scheduled to take place during school summer holidays in August.

A message from Steve Chivers, Chairman of the Youth Club which meets every Friday at the Playing Fields:

"I am pleased to announce that The Albert Hunt Trust has very kindly donated £4,000 towards the Youth Club's core costs.  As this funding is specifically to help fund the Youth Workers, it means we can continue for at least another 6 months before we have to look for further funding.

We are getting around 30 young people attend the Friday evening sessions and, with the ability to hire trained Youth Workers, it means we can ensure they have the best time in a safe environment.  A big thank you to The Albert Hunt Trust and all those involved in helping with the bid."

David Wilson Homes and Redrow have launched a 'consultation website' ( www.chesterroadsandiway.co.uk ) which provides more details on their plans, including access details.  Note that many of the questions asked are more sales-oriented than providing an open consultation with local residents.
This 'consultation' is open until Monday 26th May.

Just to repeat, if you have comments you think could be useful to the Parish Council about the proposed application, or indeed this 'consultation' process, you can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  If you have strong views, either for or against this development, we strongly recommend that you let the Parish Council know.

The Parish Council have been recently contacted by a representative of the above housing companies proposing to build houses at 3 sites on Chester Road. The Parish Council wishes to inform residents of this potential development. We understand the developers are opening an on-line public consultation from the 9th May until 28th May. Currently the consultation is not live, more information will be available in due course on the Cuddington and Sandiway websites and social media.

The Parish Council are keen for residents to have the opportunity to hear about the proposals in more detail and an exhibition event is likely to be held on Wednesday 21st May, (now confirmed). If you have comments you think could be useful to the Parish Council about the proposed application you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Parish Council intends to hold its own Public Meeting and details will follow.

This bus used to offer a service from Eden Grange, Cuddington Station and Delamere Park to Frodsham every Thursday to link in with their Market Day.  It has been withdrawn by DG Bus with effect from 1 April.

Note however that the Cheshire West council's iTravel service links Cuddington with Frodsham for those who wish call them up and book.

A message from The Mersey Forest team:

A much-loved creative retreat in Cheshire is entering a new chapter as it transforms into a thriving woodland thanks to Trees for Climate funding, support from The Mersey Forest, and the vision of landowner Camilla Thomas.

Previously home to Toolerstone, a not-for-profit centre for creative workshops, the site in Sandiway is now becoming a flourishing green space. The initiative is being led by landowner Camilla Thomas, whose vision is to create a lasting environmental legacy that benefits both nature and the local community.

From creative escape to lasting legacy

Between September 2021 and January 2025, Toolerstone offered workshops in gardening, floristry, painting and more, inspired by the natural surroundings. A key part of its ethos was gifting workshops in memory of Andy Jeal, supporting NHS and charity workers across Cheshire and North Wales. By the time Toolerstone closed, over 1,500 places had been gifted to those in care roles.

Now, the land is being transformed into a woodland that will continue to inspire and bring people together in a new way. Once used for maize cultivation, the area is being repurposed to create a lasting green space, enriched with wildflower planting to enhance biodiversity.

Planting a future for generations

A total of 6,705 trees will be planted across 3.75 hectares, with a diverse mix of species including Pedunculate Oak, Silver Birch, Sycamore and Wild Cherry. These trees will support local wildlife, improve soil quality and absorb an estimated 1,312 tonnes of carbon over time.

Landowner Camilla Thomas said:

"We purchased the field next to our home to protect it from future development. While thinking about what to do with the land, we became inspired by the powerful impact planting trees can have on climate change. We quickly found ourselves committed to turning it into a woodland.

“We reached out to The Mersey Forest for advice, and from the very beginning, Dave has been incredible, making the whole process smooth and straightforward. We had ideas about involving the local community and schools, and together, we started to shape a vision for the space.

“Dave brought that vision to life, mapping out the woodland, handling applications for planting and funding, supporting conversations with neighbours and organising planting days. With the whole community on board, we’ve hosted several planting events, including those with local schools, and we’re excited to see the woodland grow and wildlife return. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know that we’ve created a space for everyone to enjoy and have helped protect the land for future generations."

Community at the heart of the project

The Toolerstone Woodland Project isn’t just about trees – it’s about people too.  Local volunteers and schoolchildren have played a key role in planting over 1,300 trees so far. February saw planting days with volunteers, community groups and pupils from Cuddington Primary School, with nearly 150 people taking part in bringing the woodland to life.

Children involved in the planting shared their excitement:
“This was the loveliest day of my life. I’ve helped the world by planting trees.”
“I can’t wait to have a picnic under my tree and watch the birds and insects being happy in it.”

A woodland for the future

While community efforts have planted many of the trees, contractors will complete the work to ensure full coverage and successful establishment. The woodland will be carefully maintained with ongoing support to ensure its long-term success.

The Toolerstone Woodland Project is set to thrive for generations, providing a space for people and nature to flourish side by side.

• Oak (T1) - Crown reduce by 1.5. Crown lift 4m. Crown clean and prune storm damaged limb to suitable growth point. 

  Delamere Cottage Chester Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2DP

  Ref. No: 25/00785/TPO | Received: Wed 12 Mar 2025 | Validated: Wed 12 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Request to crown lift low lying stem from mature oak on adjacent land over drive way by 5m 

  613 Chester Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2EB

  Ref. No: 25/00741/TPO | Received: Mon 10 Mar 2025 | Validated: Mon 10 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Beech Tree (T1) - 2m overall crown reduction and remove any deadwood throughout the tree. No cutting through the main stem and to include shortening of part limbs where they are growing close to the lines on Weaverham Road. A traffic management system will be installed for the day whilst the overhanging branches can be reduced safely with as little disruption to the road as possible. 

  Croft House 82 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2ND

  Ref. No: 25/00858/TPO | Received: Tue 18 Mar 2025 | Validated: Tue 18 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• 13m section fo Cypress hedge - Request to reduce height by 3ft. Mixed hedge - Request to return hedge to its natural cut height. 

  Woodthorpe 11 Warrington Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2LH

  Ref. No: 25/00896/TPO | Received: Fri 21 Mar 2025 | Validated: Fri 21 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Removal of Sycamore (T1), Ash (T2), Willow (T3) and two Conifers (T4 and T5) 

  Moorlands 75 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2ND

  Ref. No: 25/00949/CAT | Received: Tue 25 Mar 2025 | Validated: Tue 25 Mar 2025 | Status: "Decided"

• Sweet Chestnut (T1) - Fell to ground level as per Council request. Mix of various species (G1) - Fell smaller species along bank and crown lift to 6m over highway. Cypress (T2) - Fell to ground level due to decay at base. 

  1 Littlefold Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JN

  Ref. No: 25/00933/TPO | Received: Mon 24 Mar 2025 | Validated: Mon 24 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Single storey rear extension and erection of two outbuildings. 

  53 Norley Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JY

  Ref. No: 25/00675/FUL | Received: Tue 04 Mar 2025 | Validated: Tue 04 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Construction of 3 new dwellings and associated works 

  Land Adjacent To Cheryl Court Cuddington Northwich

  Ref. No: 24/02637/FUL | Received: Wed 04 Sep 2024 | Validated: Wed 26 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of front porch and infill side extension 

  48 Hadrian Way Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JT

  Ref. No: 25/00737/FUL | Received: Mon 10 Mar 2025 | Validated: Mon 10 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Single storey side/rear extensions, basement garage, balcony and alterations to existing elevations including new window openings and external materials. 

  Mara Green Waste Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TD

  Ref. No: 25/00723/FUL | Received: Fri 07 Mar 2025 | Validated: Fri 07 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Proposed single storey rear extension 

  44 Sandown Crescent Cuddington Northwich CW8 2QW

  Ref. No: 25/00773/LDC | Received: Tue 11 Mar 2025 | Validated: Tue 11 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Demolition of existing single storey front extension, erection of two storey front extension,replacement of roof tiles, and alterations to windows and doors, render to south and west elevations 

  37 Nixon Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2QL

  Ref. No: 25/00897/FUL | Received: Fri 21 Mar 2025 | Validated: Fri 21 Mar 2025 | Status:  Withdrawn

• Erection of front storm porch, addition of window to front elevation, increased window height to rear and side elevations, solar panels to roof 

  4 Cedarwood Cuddington Northwich CW8 2XR

  Ref. No: 25/01055/FUL | Received: Mon 31 Mar 2025 | Validated: Mon 31 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

• Erection of a free standing single storey garage building to replace existing garage building. 

  Barratwich Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2SZ

  Ref. No: 25/01075/FUL | Received: Mon 31 Mar 2025 | Validated: Mon 31 Mar 2025 | Status: Approved

Sandiway Primary School staff and pupils are celebrating this week after a recent Ofsted inspection report rated the school as being ‘Outstanding’ in three of the five judgement areas.

After a two-day visit at the end of January, the education inspectorate acknowledged the ‘significant journey’ the school has been on since its previous inspection in 2023 when it was judged as ‘requires improvement’.  Inspectors praised the “remarkable improvements to the quality of education that pupils receive, staff training and pupils’ personal development” in the glowing report.

Deborah Bertram, Headteacher, said: “While Ofsted is not the only measure of success for a school, we are so proud that the tireless hard work of our school community has been acknowledged and recognised.  The best parts of the report, however, are those praising the incredible efforts and achievements of our wonderful pupils. Seeing our pupils happy and flourishing is both motivation and reward in itself - and we look forward to the next chapter for our school.”

The report highlights how pupils “love attending this warm, welcoming school” and “arrive happily every day, excited and curious about their learning.” They “welcome the school’s high ambitions” and are “animated and articulate learners” who “enjoy their lessons and do their best.”

The school, part of Create Learning Trust, was also praised for how it helps pupils to “develop into responsible, active citizens” through positions of responsibility in school and links with the wider community.

Other comments to be incredibly proud of include:

• The school has considerably improved the design of the curriculum so that it is exciting and ambitious.
• The school has the same high ambitions for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It identifies the needs of pupils with SEND at the earliest opportunity. This means that pupils with SEND make strong progress through the curriculum.
• Pupils engage extremely well in their lessons. They listen carefully and think hard. In line with the school’s ROCK values, they take ownership of their learning.
• Pupils have a very secure understanding of fundamental British values and can talk about how these are relevant in the school and wider community. Pupils also understand that people can be different in many ways. They believe strongly that everyone deserves to be treated equally and accepted for who they are.
• Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the work of the school. Leaders have built high levels of trust though open communication with pupils and their families.
  
  

The report also highlighted how strong governance from the Trust and the local academy board has helped to “guide the school through a period of intense change,” resulting in the school’s “successful journey towards reaching a shared vision to give children the very best start in life.”

Susan Walters, Create Learning Trust’s CEO, added: “Congratulations to everyone at Sandiway Primary School for such a wonderful report.  This school really deserves every accolade and word of praise it receives. The school has transformed over the last two years, and you can see that in the smiles on the children’s faces. It is a wonderful place.  This success is testament to what can be achieved when you have a community that believes in a school and does everything it can to see it thrive. I can’t wait to see what it has in store for the future.”

We are pleased to hear that once again Cuddington & Sandiway Youth Club had a team in the Swimathon and raised over £300 for the Club and Rotary charities. The Youth Club completed 81 lengths at last weekend's Rotary Club Swimathon!  A great team effort, and really inspiring to see some of our youngsters pushing themselves out of their comfort zones - well done to everyone.

At the start of this month, Cuddington & Sandiway JFC under 13s CLARETS won the Presidents Cup. What an outstanding achievement from a brilliant bunch of lads, wonderful coaches and fantastic family support.

The Horticulture year 2 team from Petty Pool Vocational College have been out in the community again today. This week the students attended Cuddington train station and started to clear the Chester bound Platform.

Cutting back, leaf raking and general tidy up. We will be back soon to clear the moss off the walls and to finish off the rest of the platform and to clear the path and steps down to the platform.

Then hopefully start the other side in a few weeks time.

We are super proud of our students and their hard work.

==============================

Earlier in February, whilst out in the Community, students from Petty Pool Vocational College's Horticulture department decided to clean up the Pathways outside Sandiway Manor and cut back many over-hanging branches, making them safe to walk on for the Community.

For those that don't know Petty Pool College in based in Sandiway and is a college for young adults with learning difficulties 

Our Horticulture year 1 and 2 team are always looking out for Community projects to get involved in as part of their Work Experience sessions to help build up their skill Base as they move through college and hopefully into employment.  If anyone knows of any future plans in the community or any areas you feel need to be maintained and looked after please get in touch with Pettypool college and ask for the Horticulture department.

Our village voluntary Litter Pick group cleared an area on Forest Road last month - amongst the litter were 3 Christmas trees 😳

#DisposeResponsibly
#villagelife
#lovewhereyoulive

The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean 2025 will take place from 21 March to 6 April, and you can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more – from today.  If any of you readers are interested, please shout out!  We are a friendly bunch — at Cuddington & Sandiway Village Hall.

If you would like to join this group, please contact Parish Council clerk Julie Chrimes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or Mary Cowen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Jake from Five Trees Wood has posted an update video following the tree planting:

===================

The public planting days were Sunday 9th of February and Monday 10th!

PRESS HERE for more information on Facebook.

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Plans are afoot to create a new green space in Sandiway.

The Thomas family from Toolerstone House on Norley Road are working in conjunction with Mersey Forest to form Five Trees Wood, a private woodland project.

Speaking on the project’s Facebook page, Jake Thomas said the aim is to create a sustainable, green space for the community which will offset carbon footprints, enhance biodiversity, and encourage wildlife.  The site is on an adjoining field to Toolerstone, previously bought by Jake’s mother Camilla to prevent building and development on the land.

• Erection of agricultural produce and machinery storage building 

  Manor Farm Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TE

  Ref. No: 25/00435/AGR | Received: Mon 17 Feb 2025 | Validated: Mon 17 Feb 2025 | Status: Prior Approval not required

• Sycamore (Tree 1), Horse Chestnut (Tree 2) and Oak (Tree 4) - Crown reduce by 4-5m. Scots Pine (Tree 3) - Felling of tree due to position in proximity of neighbouring houses, the tree lost large branches in high winds and there is a slight lean on the tree which is of concern. Replant a new Scots Pine sapling in its place. 

  22 Hadrian Way Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JR

  Ref. No: 24/03688/TPO | Received: Wed 11 Dec 2024 | Validated: Thu 20 Feb 2025 | Status: Refused

• T1. Birch - crown reduce 1.5m. T2. Birch - crown reduce 1.5m. T3. Birch - crown reduce 1.5m. T4. Birch - crown reduce 1.5m. T5. Scots Pine - selectively crown reduce 1m 

  36 Hadrian Way Cuddington Northwich CW8 2JT

  Ref. No: 25/00591/TPO | Received: Wed 26 Feb 2025 | Validated: Wed 26 Feb 2025 | Status: Approved

2025 Gala Day will be held on Saturday 7 June

Should you wish to advertise in the Gala Day program (which is delivered to all the households in the Parish):

Sandiway Library opened its doors for the first time in February 1975,  and has been a much-loved part of the community for 50 years.  We’re keen to hear your memories of the library and what it means to you.  Please call in to Sandiway Library to share any photos, stories or memories of the library with us, or email sandiway.library@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

You can join the library free-of-charge, and borrow books, audio books, large print books and more.  You can use the public computers free of charge, use the free wi-fi, and take part in social groups, such as craft, ancestry club and baby rhyme time.

We have iPads available for loan and as a registered Databank we offer free SIM cards to help people get connected.

The library has free tea and coffee available, and lots of seating areas where you can relax and read the newspaper.  There is also a free Home Library Service for anyone who wants to borrow books but is unable to travel to a library. 

We would love to welcome you to the library and to show you what it offers.

Find out more about Sandiway Library and our opening hours here: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/libraries/find-a-library/sandiway-library

Earlier this month, whilst out in the Community, students from Petty Pool Vocational College's Horticulture department decided to clean up the Pathways outside Sandiway Manor and cut back many over-hanging branches, making them safe to walk on for the Community.

For those that don't know Petty Pool College in based in Sandiway and is a college for young adults with learning difficulties 

Our Horticulture year 1 and 2 team are always looking out for Community projects to get involved in as part of their Work Experience sessions to help build up their skill Base as they move through college and hopefully into employment.  If anyone knows of any future plans in the community or any areas you feel need to be maintained and looked after please get in touch with Pettypool college and ask for the Horticulture department.

Most unusually for Cuddington and Sandiway Scout Group they have places available in their youngest section.

‘Beavers’ meet every Thursday during school term time at 6.15pm until 7.15pm.  They welcome both boys and girls aged 6 to 8 years of age.  ‘Beavers’ is Cuddington and Sandiway Scout Group’s youngest section and is a great start to any journey through Scouting.  From 'Beavers', children move up to 'Cubs' and then on to 'Scouts'.

The Scout Group also maintain a waiting list for anyone who wishes to join but isn't quite old enough.  If you would like your child to join 'Beavers' or to add your child's name to the waiting list (minimum age 5) or you would like further details, please contact Chris Alvin via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also look at the Scout Association and Cheshire Scouts websites for more information.

If you’re interested in volunteering any Friday at the Ark, please come along on Friday 14th February, 10-12noon, to find out what’s involved.  Coffee & cake will obviously be served!

Wishing all our customers and volunteers a very peaceful season and please come back to us when we reopen at 10am on February 21st.

UPDATE: Our public planting days will be Sunday 9th of February and Monday 10th! you can book on using the links below:

Public planting Sunday 9th https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1185110139329?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Public planting Monday 10th https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1187689373889?aff=oddtdtcreator

PRESS HERE for more information on Facebook.

============

Plans are afoot to create a new green space in Sandiway.

The Thomas family from Toolerstone House on Norley Road are working in conjunction with Mersey Forest to form Five Trees Wood, a private woodland project.

Speaking on the project’s Facebook page, Jake Thomas said the aim is to create a sustainable, green space for the community which will offset carbon footprints, enhance biodiversity, and encourage wildlife.  The site is on an adjoining field to Toolerstone, previously bought by Jake’s mother Camilla to prevent building and development on the land.

You should find that your Garden Waste (Green Bin) - if you have one - collections have now been completed for 2024.  They will restart after 24 February should you choose to pay the extra Council Tax for their collection - "The online subscription service will be open on Monday 6 January 2025".  PRESS HERE for the council's latest news on garden waste collection.

"Garden waste collection is an opt-in chargeable service costing £52.50 per bin per calendar year (an increase of £2.50 on last year) regardless of when you subscribe during the year. This charge is not included or added to your council tax bill. Residents have a choice to use the service or make alternative arrangements such as composting at home or taking their waste to the nearest recycling centre.

If you are in receipt of full council tax reduction at the point of applying for your annual permit, you are entitled to a £10 reduction on the cost of one garden waste bin permit.

The service will provide fortnightly collections over 40 weeks of the year with a suspension outside of growing season of 12 weeks (December to February). Garden waste bins will not be emptied without a valid subscription and displayed permit. Collections in 2025 will take place between Monday 24 February 2025 and Friday 28 November 2025."

The new collection schedules for the Christmas period and all of 2025 are now available on the council's website - PRESS HERE to enter the website, put in your postcode, choose your exact address and then beneath all the bin pictures there will be ‘View your calendar’.