The Alderley History Group, led by Harold Smith, are producing a series of booklets containing anecdotes and snippets about Alderley history, the first of which has just been published.
Harold Smith said "I'm delighted with 'Alderley Home Grown' - it's our first publication, but we've enough material for many more volumes which we hope to publish over the next few years."
"Alderley Home Grown has revealed a hitherto untapped source of extraordinary stories and recollections from local people; which is exactly what Alderley History Group is all about - uncovering the pasts of the ordinary folk who have lived in the area over the years."
Below is a selection of anecdotes taken from 'Alderley Home Grown', which contains many more snippets of information and personal recollections.
The robbery at St Philip's Church, Alderley Edge, has been much discussed during this week. The thief or thieves are still at large and likely to be so, for no real clue is known. A rather shady looking individual is said to have been noticed about the church on the day before the discovery of the broken boxes was made. The amount taken could not have been more than a few coppers. Wilmslow Parish Church was similarly robbed a few weeks ago.
Alderley Edge & Wilmslow Advertiser, 6th November 1908
R.A.F. Lorry Careers Through Village Driver Trapped After Crash; An R.A.F. driver, Aircraftman F. Hutchinson had a miraculous escape from death at Alderley Edge on Wednesday, and it was remarkable that no one else was injured when the 60ft articulated lorry he was driving got out of control on the steep Wizard Hill....
Alderley & Wilmslow and Knutsford Advertiser Friday, June 27, 1947
When I was a child 70 yrs ago my memories of the village of Alderley edge are so utterly different to this opulent residential suburb of Manchester as to be almost unbelievable....I think of the old Bellman (we did not call him the town crier), who lived at Wilmslow, but would come when engaged to Alderley, when valuables were lost, or a meeting was called in a hurry. Twice a year hawkers would come into the village from the Potteries, with lorries packed with crates of crockery and have sales in a yard in South Street which we called Jacksons Yard.
Mrs J.W.Gezink
The arrival of the American Soldiers was another event that happened in the village. We used to see them marching through the street behind a band and whenever I heard the band, I would run to the village to watch them. They were very smart and very friendly. I think all the young women and girls were thrilled with them, and there were lots of dances where they could meet - and, of course, there were the nylon stockings that were always available, I was only about eight at the time so I would ask them for chewing gum. When we passed them in the street we would say: "Any gum chum?" and they would always give us a pack of chewing gum.
Jean Astle
To order your own copy of 'Alderley Home Grown' please send a cheque for £5.99 to Alderley History Group, C/O 10 Heywood Close, Alderley Edge, SK9 7PP. Please make sure you include your name, address and contact details.
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They are on sale at these village shops for £5.00, alternatively copies can be ordered by post, see above, for £5.99.