Cheshire Independent Issue 214

MAY/JUNE 2026 8 ACROSS 1 Evening (6) 6 Capital of Norway (4) 8 Rescued (5) 9 Spanish rice dish (6) 10 Something owed (4) 11 Arcadian (5) 12 Yemeni seaport (4) 13 Quick sharp bark (4) 14 Black Sea peninsular (6) 16 Owing (3) 17 Viper (3) 19 Aromatic ointment (6) 20 Temporary pause (4) 23 Poker stake (4) 24 Wrong (5) 26 English public school (4) 27 Ate greedily (6) 28 Home to the Maasai Mara Reserve (5) 29 Tax (4) 30 Prompt (6) DOWN 2 Singlehanded (7) 3 Stillness (7) 4 Former Russian ruler (4) 5 Abroad (8) 6 Strangely (5) 7 Defamation (5) 15 Natives of e.g. Venice (8) 17 Dental filling (7) 18 Template (7) 21 Undo (5) 22 Tall and thin (5) 25 Stout pole (4) Answers on page 19. QUICK CROSSWORD CHESHIRE East has announced it is going ‘All In’ for the National Year of Reading 2026. The council’s fam- ily hubs, libraries and schools will all work together to support the UK-wide campaign encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the joy and benefits of reading. Led nationally by the Department for Edu- cation and delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading aims to reverse the long-term decline in reading for pleasure and help make reading a nat- ural, enjoyable part of everyday life once again. The campaign’s mes- sage, ‘Go All In’, encour- ages people to link reading to the interests they already love from music, sport and food to family time and popular culture – showing that reading belongs every- where, not just in schools. The council’s leader and deputy leader have for- mally signed the National Year of Reading pledge, confirming Cheshire East as a pledge partner and reinforcing its commit- ment to literacy, oppor- tunity and inclusion. Council leader Nick Mannion said: “We are united in the national vision to reconnect people of all ages with reading as a meaningful, modern and social activity. “A love of reading is one of the most powerful tools for opportunity and lifelong learning. We’re proud to be supporting this campaign here in Cheshire East and work- ing with our communities to make reading part of daily life.” Cheshire East’s family hubs are playing a central role in supporting the National Year of Reading, coordinating, and deliv- ering ‘Bookstart’ across the borough. T h i s n a t i o n a l programme provides free books for every child aged five and under in Eng- land and Wales, helping to build a love of reading from an early age. Information and resources linked to the National Year of Read- ing have been shared with schools across Cheshire East, supporting teach- ers to embed reading for pleasure into every- day learning. And its libraries will also be promoting the campaign through their regular children and fam- ily activities. This summer, libraries will once again deliver the Summer Reading Chal- lenge, aimed at primary school aged children, with a mini challenge for younger children. The 2026 theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, brings music and stories together, help- ing to engage children and families in reading for pleasure over the school holidays. HUNDREDS of walk- ers lit up the night as they gathered for East Cheshire Hos- pice’s Starlight Walk More than 450 stepped out at Capest- horne Hall for the charity’s flagship fund- raising event. For most it was an opportunity to honour the memory of lost loved ones. Like Emily Smith, who died in September, aged 38. Around 40 WALK’S STARS SHINE Reading pledge is a page-turner Photo credit: East Cheshire Hospice friends, family and col- leagues wore sunflowers, her favourite flower and the hospice emblem. Husband Adam, sons Orly and Arlo and Emi- ly’s mum Jan Lakin were there. The family have already raised £21,000 for the hospice. Jan said: “It’s a bit- ter-sweet night as we remember Emily.” Their group included Jayne Barnes and Clare Hurst. whose sister Cath Thomas died last year. Her best friend Shelley Booth also took part. Sta f f f rom the Spire Regency Hospi- tal, an event sponsor, remembered Margaret Taylor, sister in the out- patient department. Her daughter Ali Bates said: “There’s a nice vibe here and it’s lovely that mum’s colleagues have come together in this way to honour her.” Radiologist Beverley Clifton-Parks was also remembering her mum, Ivy Dyson. Colleague Sara Sutton said: “I’ve done several walks and the atmos- phere is always bril- liant. Everyone is here for the same reason – to fundraise for the hospice because we’ve all been touched by its care.” Ann McLoughlin was joined by colleagues from law firm Bott and Co as she remembered late husband Kevin. Musician Jonathan Edwards provided entertainment along the route. His late father-in- law David White was a hospice patient. Meanwhile, Georgia Leah held a tombola and raffle in the event village to raise funds for her trek to China, supporting the hospice that cared for her hus- band Leon. Juliette White, chair of the hospice trustees, told walkers before- hand: “We’re privileged to look after your loved ones and your families. You trust us with car- ing for people at their most vulnerable. “This evening is an opportunity for all of us to walk and remem- ber those people we’ve loved and looked after and who we hold in our hearts. Thank you for your support.” Pizza Principles and Andrew Smith Funeral Directors were other event sponsors.