Here is the first interview in our new series entitled 'Village People'.
On a weekly basis I will be putting a set of similar questions to somebody local about their connection with Alderley Edge and their thoughts on the village.
During the series the intention is to feature local people from a variety of backgrounds and different occupations. If you would like to feature in the 'Village People' series or suggest someone else then please email me [email protected].
Full name: Melanie Connor
Age: Late 40's, feel 35!
Occupation: Retail Manager for Sue Ryder, the charity.
Marriage status - Happily single!
Any children: None, but great nephews, God children and children of friends.
How long have you lived in Alderley Edge?
We moved as a family to Alderley when I was 12 and I went to Wilmslow Grammar School for Girls. After leaving University and having a job locally, I moved to Brighton and then Hong Kong. I moved back to Alderley in 1996.
Where did you move from and why?
I wanted to return to the UK from the Far East and do something different than corporate business. Alderley was a great base to come back to as family and friends were here, and I had no desire to live and work in a city any longer.
If you grew up in the village where did you go to school? What are your fondest memories of growing up in the village?
I went to Wilmslow Grammar School for Girls. Best memories are making sure the school buses from the girls Grammar and the boys Grammar got back to the village at the same time for a long walk through the park etc. Plus giggling with my two best friends over the stupidest things nearly every day. Brilliant times, even though school was strict etc, and friends have lasted a life time. Everyone seemed to know each other in Alderley, and anything you did got back to your parents very swiftly. Unfortunately, it still does!
What do you most like about living in Alderley Edge?
There are many reasons why I love living in Alderley. Closeness to friends and family are top of list but I think the village is great. We don't realise how lucky we are to live in such a relatively peaceful and calm place. I love the fact that we can walk to most places, we have great schools, a vibrant shopping centre and we care about the environment we live in. I must admit as well that there is a small part of me that is secretly pleased when someone says how lucky you are to live in such a nice place. We do take it for granted.
What changes or improvements would you like to see in Alderley Edge?
The biggest change that I am involved in is getting the NHS going with the move of the medical centre to the new build at the front of the Festival Hall. Without it, can we sustain our great medical practice? This will be a big change for the village, it will divide us but eventually should unite us with 21st century health care.
I'd like to see a a few more general shops in the village.
I would like the two supermarkets to buy local products - because we're surrounded by some of the best potato farmers, and I want better appreciation of the shops that have been going for 25 years plus and have played such an important part of this village.
I'd like to make the main street of London Road safer for children by changing the layout of parking etc.
I could go on and on!
What have been the biggest changes to Alderley Edge since you have lived here?
I think we are losing part of the community that once was. I might be wrong but don't think I am. There has been a great deal of building on sites where beautiful Victorian villas stood and they have been replaced by bigger but not necessarily better. Planning has given up protecting the village and this can't be for the good. Decisions are made by people who have no care for the village and what it is all about.
When I was at school, Wilmslow had the two Grammar schools and two Secondary Schools. If you passed your 11 plus you went to the Grammars as they were the best in the area, if not to the secondary moderns or to St Hilary's in Alderley. Catholics went to Mount Carmel. Now due to birth rates there is a super school in Wilmslow and we have Alderley Edge Girls School and The Ryleys both doing exceptional teaching. However, the level of education and care has never altered at the Primary School. It has stayed constant amongst all the building and changes and is an asset to the village. This is what village life is about.
What do you miss about the village that has since gone?
Of course, like many I miss the shops etc that used to be here. I can remember when we had a Boots Chemist, a furniture shop, two greengrocers and The Mandarin restaurant ( now joined by the Alderley Rose). On the bright side though, they are being replaced.
Mostly though as I look back at all the fun I used to have I miss the Sidings Nightclub.
If there is one thing about Alderley Edge you could eliminate what would it be?
Illegal parking and people who just do as they please.
Describe Alderley Edge in three words? community, stylish and happy.
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Alderley Edge or the surrounding area?
A great walk on the Edge (going to places that visitors don't know about!) and then lunch in village. Then a little shop and afternoon tea with friends in Hoopers.
Or just a great lunch out and a snooze on the sofa.
What is the most underrated thing about Alderley Edge? Low crime rate.
What are the main myths about Alderley Edge?
That it's all about money and champagne. Its not - it's about families, businesses and more so sport and schools and clubs doing well.
Are you a member of any clubs or associations based in the village?
Member of Alderley Edge Conservative Association.
Looking for a book group to either join or start.
Why did you decide to rejoin the Parish Council in May 2012 having been a parish councillor before?
I rejoined by default! I was asked by the committee as to whether I would stand again, so I consulted family and friends and decided that I would go through the election, canvass and if I got on then I would serve. As luck would have it, there was no election and so here I am. Plus I was aware that their were issues in the village that needed looking at, such as retail and its position, and as a retailer I can bring experience to the council.
When did you serve on the Parish Council before, and why did you decide to step down?
I joined the Parish Council in the 90's and was Chairman a number of times. I resigned as I was, I think at a stage where I needed a change. However through that I became more involved with the party and management of it.
Has rejoining the Parish Council been as you expected? What have been the highlights and the biggest frustrations?
Having stopped laughing hysterically at this question, I would say that the biggest frustrations are 1) Cheshire East (with the exception of a handful of officers who are great) and 2) the slow rate of progress.
Highlights are usually little things being done and helping residents achieve their goals. A lot of the projects are in their infancy and we hope to see results soon.
If you didn't live in Alderley Edge where would you want to move to?
Oklahoma ( love cowboys and the state) or Florence.
All interviews will be tagged 'Village People' so by clicking on the tag below you can view all interviews in this series.
