Following the launch of our new 'Village People' series. Here's our fifth interview.
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 who would make a good candidate then please email me.
Full name: Julia-Mara Regan
Age: (whispers).. I'm 49-years-old and entering my second childhood so will be a teenager again very soon!! ;)
Occupation: I work in a local school with the best bunch of people you could ever wish to work with...You know who you are!
Marriage status:
Deliriously divorced, and ecstatically engaged to be married to my man, Tony, on Halloween. We're tying the knot in Stockport and will be spending the evening celebrating and partying at our favourite bar in the village... The Bubble Room ... can't wait.
Any children? Yep... two sons, Joel and Jed, who I love with all my heart.
Where do you live?
I live in a little flat in a large Victorian villa within walking distance of the village. Close but not quite close enough after a night out and the odd small sherry!
How long have you lived in the village? 18 years so still a relative newbie.
Where did you move from and why?
I used to run a pub (seems to be a theme running through here.. Lol!) in Staffordshire. Didn't want to bring up children in that environment so moved here to the Wizard Caravan Park when I became pregnant with Joel. Got fed up with mountaineering up and down Macclesfield Road so moved onto the local estate within a couple of years
What do you most like about living in Alderley Edge?
I like the fact that it's largely retained its community spirit and that we can all still get together to celebrate village events in the old fashioned way, even if it means we all get soaked to the skin.. (need I say more!!) The local area provides a safe environment in which to live (even at night) and it is small enough to access all facilities on foot. There are good transport links to the nearby towns, and I love the fact that open countryside is only minutes away.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Alderley Edge?
Hmmm... high street style shops please. I can't even window shop in the boutiques without being dragged away by my fella.. and as for shoes! Well a girl really has to have them doesn't she :) but my feet have to do the walking all the way to Macclesfield to find a basic, inexpensive pair and as I'm strapped for both cash and time this doesn't happen as often as I'd like.
Also, hows about a good old fashioned, all seeing, all spilling out onto the pavement kind of household shop. You know.. the kind where you can buy anything from a fuse for a plug, to a bucket, or even the kitchen sink itself! Don't get any ideas... I won't be rushing out to buy myself a pinny anytime soon but it would be nice to know I could if I wanted to.
What have been the biggest changes to Alderley Edge since you have been here?
The cafe and the bar culture without a doubt. The village comes to life at night and there is now no need to travel to Benidorm to enjoy a glass of plonk or a meal on the street! On a negative note I feel that the continual destruction of original period buildings to allow the construction of new modern apartments has removed some of the character of Alderley Edge and it is also so sad to see the demise of long standing village establishments such as Alderley Motor Company and The Cottage Hospital. The continual changes of Panacea!
What do you miss about the village that has since gone?
That's an easy one... The Royal Oak Pub! Pool, darts and a pint... 'nuff said!
If there is one thing about Alderley Edge you could eliminate what would it be? Orange people! :0
Describe Alderley Edge in three words? Eclectic, friendly, easyontheeye!
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Alderley Edge or the surrounding area?
Well... it isn't strictly answering the question but one of my favourite activites has always been a good old scrum and rummage in and among the Charity Shops. One of my least favourite activities is going home empty handed!
Tony and I recently bought ourselves new bikes and once a year we take up the 'Wobbly Mobberley Eight' challenge, cycling around eight local pubs. We realised that we like that kind of training so we make sure we keep it up throughout the year.. Hehe!
What are the main myths about Alderley Edge?
Oooh... been waiting for this one!! Outsiders, and many insiders I'm sure, are under the impression that Alderley Edge is populated by the rich and famous, wags and wannabees only. Some would be shocked to learn that there is a very nice 'council estate' within the village where I lived and brought up my own children for many years, and that there are a lot of under-privileged, 'normal' people living ordinary lives in the area too. I'm happy to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous... just wish some of their money would rub shoulders with me!
Are you a member of a club or association based in the village?
Nope, but I used to be a member of, and a model for, a local art group and I used to sing in a choir. I still paint and I now sing in competition online which is very exciting as I'm now regularly being placed in the top three worldwide.
If you didn't live in Alderley Edge where would you want to move to?
We went for an afternoon round Bollington not so long ago and fell in love with it instantly. Loved the canal, the stone cottages, and the quaint, lost in time feel to the village. Also loved all the pubs and the characters within them, so Yep... if I had to move from here you'd know where to find me!!! ;)
