Following the launch of our 'Village People' series, here is our seventh 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: James Alexander Finney (Alec)
Age: 1000000 (really, ask a 12 year old)
Occupation: Retired (sort of).
Marriage status: Married to my beautiful wife, June.
Any children? No
Hobbies and Interests?
Following my beloved Liverpool FC..... it's been tough for the last 20 years or so, collecting Art Deco antiques and vintage film posters, writing 'outraged, Alderley Edge' letters to The Times and cries for help to my mate Mrs Mills in the Sunday Times.
Where do you live?
Off Ryley's Lane, 'The wrong side of the tracks' as one estate agent has told me...
How long have you lived in the village? Twenty three years. Still a relative newcomer.
Where did you move from and why?
We moved back to the North West from the Thames Valley in the late 80s. We lived in wonderful countryside in Berkshire – but commuting was hell – so we decided we needed to be close to a village with good restaurants and a friendly feel – and so Alderley was the place to be.
What do you most like about living in Alderley Edge?
The people we meet - every day, every week, in shops and restaurants: Sean; Martin & Alan; Martina & Abby; Damian, Jane & Hannah; Frances & Poppy (Delevingne???); Simon, Jessie & Toni and many more.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Alderley Edge?
It seems rather counterintuitive to ask for a multilevel car park in a village.... but we do need something to get more people in the village. We had two art galleries last year – now we have none. More proof that the indigenous population of Alderley Edge cannot support the sort of shops it should be able to. It's all about 'footfall'; more people coming to Alderley Edge, more retail action, more of the shops we want to stimulate the local economy.
What have been the biggest changes to Alderley Edge since you have been here?
The revitalisation of the main street. Gone are the car dealerships and dull eateries and now we have a good blend of new homes (yes, apartments are homes), shops and restaurants. I do understand these changes have met with horror by some villagers – but it has been better to welcome and manage these changes rather than ignore them. Anyone wishing to see a village die rather than change only needs to travel to a, sadly, moribund Prestbury.
What do you miss about the village that has since gone? The Mandarin.
If there is one thing about Alderley Edge you could eliminate what would it be?
The dreadful polarisation of views in local government. Too many egos to massage and not enough clear thinking. We all want good roads, pleasant parks, lighting and the bins emptied efficiently..... why are these essential services politicised so much – why is a consensus so hard to achieve – only then will we see the ensuing efficiencies in implementation.
Describe Alderley Edge in 3 words? 'Cheap pinot grigio', no that's somewhere else, er...'Location, locat...' no that's been done. Ah yes. 'All welcome here'.
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Alderley Edge or the surrounding area?
Socialising and eating out. Trip to The Edge and enjoy the view over the Cheshire plain. Yes... I think we did that.... once...
What is the most underrated thing about Alderley Edge?
The total professionalism and friendliness of the vast majority of the people we meet.
What are the main myths about Alderley Edge?
Like other village people have said – Alderley Edge is not all about premiership footballers and fast cars. And sadly for quite a few retailers..... Alderley Edge people are very down to earth and practical – and do not part with their money easily. Many of them have built up their own businesses – they want a good deal.
Are you a member of a club or association based in the village?
Well a sort of club....The Brains Trust Lunch with my mates: Roger 'The Admiral', Mikey 'The Cardinal', Martin 'The Fixer' and me. Organise a lunch every so often at Yara to solve the wold's problems. Everything usually sorted by 4:00 with a 1:30 start.
If you didn't live in Alderley Edge where would you want to move to?
Nice or Henley – or have a place in both.
