Cheshire Independent Issue 219

OCTOBER 2026 12 QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 Engrave with acid (4) 8 Unequal (3-5) 9 Belittle (13) 10 Husky (7) 12 Pile (5) 14 Leers (5) 16 Burnt (7) 19 Close mental application (13) 21 Army dining room (4,4) 22 Near (4) DOWN 1 Odour (6) 2 Old form of you (4) 3 Politician’s badge (7) 4 Divinity (5) 5 Distance across a circle (8) 6 Infected (6) 11 Cloudy (8) 13 Soon (7) 15 Dealer in foodstuffs (6) 17 Adequate (6) 18 Type of filling (5) 20 Melody (4) Answers on page 19. BEER lovers in Northwich raised a glass to the future of its annual beer festival after a bumper turnout helped ensure the event lives on. Organisers of Brews, Tip- ples & Tunes say this year’s event was their most success- ful for years, with advance ticket sales soaring and beer flying off the bar by the gallon. The event returned toNorth- wich Memorial Court with a fresh line-up of beers, craft ciders, food, and live music. Spokesman for the organ- iser, Rotary in Northwich’s Tim Henshall, said the gam- ble to shake up the festival last year paid off in spades. “The huge changes we made has made a massive difference to this year’s attendance fig- ures,” he said. “The word obviously got around after last year. “Before we even opened the doors on Friday night, online ticket sales had surpassed the total sales of both online sales and on-the-door sales combined for last year. “We are absolutely delighted. Had those changes not been so well accepted, the Northwich Beer Festival could well have been shelved after 38 years.” The festival underwent a major makeover in 2025, with organisers introducing keg beers, expanding the range on offer, and launching the now popular Tipples Garden. The changes were designed to attract a new generation of festivalgoers, and judging by this year’s crowds, they seem to have hit the mark. This year’s drinkers had 32 beers to choose from, includ- ing 29 newcomers. Only three favourites returned from last year’s line-up; veteran festival A DENTONman has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of a murder that took place more than 30 years ago. Michael McDermott died from injuries sustained in an attack at a family member’s house in the Moston area of Manchester on November 9, 1994. Now Robert Lloyd has been jailed almost 32 years after the assault after seemingly walking into Ashton-un- der-Lyne’s police station and confessing after becoming ‘haunted.’ New evidence secured by its major incident teammeant Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers were able to arrest the 53-year-old and reinvestigate the case, with the aim of identifying oth- ers responsible and bringing them to justice. Mr Lloyd, of Queen Street, was sentenced, with a min- imum of 17 years, in March but reporting restrictions have just been lifted. It is believed that a group of suspects, including Lloyd, forced their way into the address, and carried out a brutal attack on Mr McDer- mott, who suffered a num- ber of injuries and died from them. But after the conviction, Detective Inspector Rachel Smith, from GMP’s major investigation team said: “Michael’s death 30 years ago was devastating for his loved ones and has left unanswered questions ever since. “Whilst our investigation into this attack continues, it is my hope that Michael’s family feels a sense of reassurance and peace after this sentenc- ing. They continue to be sup- ported by specialist officers. “Our investigation into the circumstances of Michael’s tragic death are very much active, and I urge anyone with information to please come forward. I can assure you, it’s not too late.” DENTON will soon be home to a new restaurant after planning permission to con- vert a children’s nursery was granted. And those behind the scheme on Albert Street believe it will ‘breathe new life into the building which has become redundant.’ What is described as ‘num- ber decline’ has seen the business occupying the build- ing no longer used. But Tameside Council has given the go ahead to Atkins Building Services’ plan to change its use. The ground floor will house the restaurant, which will have 64 covers, while the first floor will be converted into two apartments. And documents sup- porting the application state: “Change, including development, can sustain, enhance, or better reveal the significance of an asset as well as detract from it or leave it unaltered. “We feel that Tameside Council will be happy that the building is to be retained and anopportunitytobreathenew life into the buildingwhichhas become redundant and not used as a day nursery due to number decline.” And planning officers agree, saying: “The conversion of the upper floor to provide two residential apartments is considered to represent a sustainable and efficient use of an existing building within a highly accessible town cen- tre location. “The proposal would make effective use of underutilised floorspace, contribute to the Borough’s housing supply, and support the continued regeneration, vitality and economic activity of Denton town centre.” FANS of the cult TV series Shameless will have the chance to hear behind- the-scenes stories from cast members during a special live event. A Shameless Night will take place on January 10, 2027, at Stockport Plaza, featuring anecdotes, audience questions and a glimpse into life on the set of the long-running show. Hosted by Lewis Nicholls, the evening will include a live Q&A, untold stories from filming and a chance to revisit classic moments from the series. The event will feature Shameless stars Tina Malone, Robbie Conway, Warren Don- nelly, Samantha Siddall, Kelli Hollis and Chris Bisson, alongside a surprise guest. While the show was pri- marily filmed in Manchester, parts of Sale also featured in Shameless, particularly in exterior and canal-side scenes during the early series. It is suitable for ages 14 and above. VIP ticket holders will have access to a pre-showmeet and greet starting at 6.15pm. The main event starts at 7.30pm. Record crowds at Beer Festival regular Wobbly Bob, alongside Poretti Lager, and Brooklyn IPA. The new selection proved so popular, many didn’t last the weekend. “Many sold out completely by early Saturday night, including all six craft ciders,” Tim added. “There will be another 29 new beers again for 2027.” The festival also attracted more support from local firms, with 32 businesses sponsor- ing barrels, 12 more than last year. Tim said was an encourag- ing sign the event continues to be valued by the local busi- ness community. Rotary in Northwich also paid tribute to the experts who helped put together the drinks menu, including Hush Brewery’s Chris Birtwistle and Ken Bebb, along with local CAMRA member Andrew Perry. As well as raising money for local good causes, this year’s festival carried special signif- icance for organisers. The event was dedicated to the memory of two much- loved Rotarians, Clive Steggel and John Walton, remem- bered by many as the driving force behind the Northwich River Festival. Both were former Rotary presidents whose contribu- tions to the town continue to be remembered long after their passing. Shameless night Life sentence for 1994 murder NEWSINBRIEF A HUGE cannabis farm has been shut down by police. Officers raided an industrial building on Pickmere Lane, Wincham, following reports of a suspicious activity at the premises. Inside, they discovered a professional cannabis farm with around 650 cannabis plants, all at varying stages of growth, along with heat lighting, fans, and irrigation systems. The electricity had also been tampered with. The plants seized are believed to have a potential street value of up to £220,000. THREE teenage cyclists were injured after a collision involving a tipper truck on a busy road near Weston. The incident happened at around 8pm on Weston Road close to the entrance to Crewe Hall Hotel. It involved three 16-year-olds on bikes and a Green Isuzu tipper truck. COUNCILLORS have agreed to budget for an extra CCTV camera to cover one of the highest crime spots in Nantwich town centre. They voted to fund a new camera to cover the alleyway between Snow Hill car park and Swine Market, next to Home Bargains store. The camera – likely to cost around £7,500-£8,000 – will monitor an area where police say the highest number of incidents occur, particularly at night time. POLICE found a stash of drugs during a raid on a rural address near Nantwich. Officers executed a warrant on the house in Burleydam and found a quantity of Class B drugs. The find sparked an appeal from police for people to report “suspected drug-related activity.” STOCKPORT Market is getting ready to host its Christmas Fayre in December – and they’re looking for traders to make it extra special. The fayre will be hosted in Market Place from Friday 4 – Saturday 5 December. The organisers are looking to populate the fayre with as many interesting traders as possible. Trader bookings are now officially open for the fayre. From nursery to restaurant