ALTRINCHAM Film Club has created a film about the town which is being shown tonight (Monday).
A series of short films, created by local young people and adults and lasting a minute each will be screened at the Apollo tonight from 8pm.
Those taking part in the compilation, which is called ‘Altrincham Seen’ were asked to share their views about the town in just 60 seconds.
The eight entries which were received will be shown tonight before the club’s main feature, ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’.
Film makers and their families have been invited to attend.

NINTENDO’S next generation console the Wii U, will be released on November 30. It will come in two versions – a basic pack, which features an 8GB console and the revolutionary GamePad controller, both in white, for around £250, and a premium pack, with a 32GB console, GamePad, and other accessories, including a GamePad stand and a sensor bar, all in black for around £300.

The basic pack does not include a sensor bar for use with traditional Wii remotes, but the sensor bar that came with the original Wii will be compatible, if you have one. Neither pack includes Wii remotes or nunchuck controllers.

Nintendo's new Wii U

You won’t be able to buy a standalone extra GamePad at launch in the UK, and when they do arrive they look set to be quite expansive. Prices given for the Japanese market equate to around £100 each.

The list of launch titles is the strongest in Nintendo history, with New Super Mario Bothers U and Nintendo Land being joined by third-party big-hitters like Fifa 13, and Call Of Duty: Black Ops II.

You’ll be able to try out the new Wii U at the Play Expo at Event City at the Trafford Centre on October 13 and 14

NINTENDO’S next generation console the Wii U, will be released on November 30. It will come in two versions – a basic pack, which features an 8GB console and the revolutionary GamePad controller, both in white, for around £250, and a premium pack, with a 32GB console, GamePad, and other accessories, including a GamePad stand and a sensor bar, all in black for around £300.

The basic pack does not include a sensor bar for use with traditional Wii remotes, but the sensor bar that came with the original Wii will be compatible, if you have one. Neither pack includes Wii remotes or nunchuck controllers.

Nintendo's new Wii U

You won’t be able to buy a standalone extra GamePad at launch in the UK, and when they do arrive they look set to be quite expansive. Prices given for the Japanese market equate to around £100 each.

The list of launch titles is the strongest in Nintendo history, with New Super Mario Bothers U and Nintendo Land being joined by third-party big-hitters like Fifa 13, and Call Of Duty: Black Ops II.

You’ll be able to try out the new Wii U at the Play Expo at Event City at the Trafford Centre on October 13 and 14

PERHAPS we’ve been spoiled, perhaps we do miss Steve Jobs, or perhaps the products are just not as exciting as they once were – but there’s no denying it: Apple product launches just don’t have the same buzz about them as they once did.

The launch of the iPhone 5 this week was a perfect example. It is a best-in-class product, no doubt about that. But somehow the whole thing felt a touch underwhelming.

Projected sales of the thing, though, are predicted to smash through the ceiling in the run up to Christmas. And it’s right that they should, too. The iPhone 5 is, I think, the best smartphone out there. Perhaps that’s the problem – Apple has become predictably brilliant.

The thinner and lighter iPhone 5 has a significant speed advantage over its predecessor, the 4s, and will run on the next generation 4G mobile networks (including the one EE is launching in Manchester before Christmas).

But the most obvious change is in the screen – it’s still a ‘retina’ display boasting 326 pixels per inch, but it’s bigger. Or rather, it’s taller, but the same width. That gives the phone’s 4in display an aspect ratio of 16:9, just like a widescreen TV, which allows for another row of app icons on the homescreen, as well as more space for content on screen.

Apple's iPhone 5

The new phone will run iOS 6 – the next version of the iOS software that runs on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches.

This software, which includes a new maps application that doesn’t rely on Google for its data, as well as host of other improvements, will also be available for older iOS devices.

One controversial aspect of the iPhone 5 is Apple’s decision to ditch the 30-pin connector that has graced all Apple’s mobile products since the first iPod was released in 2001. The new dock connector, which Apple is calling Lightening, is much smaller. The change means, of course, that the myriad iPhone accessories built to use the 30-pin dock will not work with the iPhone 5 – unless users by a £25 adapter.

iPod nano

They were overshadowed by the iPhone, but Apple also announced new iPods – a totally redesigned Nano with a 16:9 2.5in screen, and the ability to play back video, and a new Touch boasting the same screen as the iPhone 5 and beefed up internals. The Touch also comes in various colours for the first time, and sports a little button on the back which, when pressed, pops out so you can hook a ‘loop’ (essentially a wrist strap) to it.

iPod touch

The new iOS devices will also come with redesigned earphones – EarBuds – which have been designed to fit a wider variety of ear shapes and provide improved sound.

The final announcement from Apple this week concerned a new version of iTunes – the desktop software that acts as a library for your music, video and apps, and also incorporates the iTunes Store. The sleeker iTunes, which Apple says makes the bloat of content a little easier to navigate, will be out next month.

The iPhone 5 can be ordered now for delivery on Friday, costing from £529 unlocked from Apple. The new iPod touch and Nano will both be available in October, but can be ordered now from £249 and £129 respectively. iOS 6 will be available on Wednesday as a free download for all compatible devices. The new EarBuds are also available stand-alone for £25.

PERHAPS we’ve been spoiled, perhaps we do miss Steve Jobs, or perhaps the products are just not as exciting as they once were – but there’s no denying it: Apple product launches just don’t have the same buzz about them as they once did.

The launch of the iPhone 5 this week was a perfect example. It is a best-in-class product, no doubt about that. But somehow the whole thing felt a touch underwhelming.

Projected sales of the thing, though, are predicted to smash through the ceiling in the run up to Christmas. And it’s right that they should, too. The iPhone 5 is, I think, the best smartphone out there. Perhaps that’s the problem – Apple has become predictably brilliant.

The thinner and lighter iPhone 5 has a significant speed advantage over its predecessor, the 4s, and will run on the next generation 4G mobile networks (including the one EE is launching in Manchester before Christmas).

But the most obvious change is in the screen – it’s still a ‘retina’ display boasting 326 pixels per inch, but it’s bigger. Or rather, it’s taller, but the same width. That gives the phone’s 4in display an aspect ratio of 16:9, just like a widescreen TV, which allows for another row of app icons on the homescreen, as well as more space for content on screen.

Apple's iPhone 5

The new phone will run iOS 6 – the next version of the iOS software that runs on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches.

This software, which includes a new maps application that doesn’t rely on Google for its data, as well as host of other improvements, will also be available for older iOS devices.

One controversial aspect of the iPhone 5 is Apple’s decision to ditch the 30-pin connector that has graced all Apple’s mobile products since the first iPod was released in 2001. The new dock connector, which Apple is calling Lightening, is much smaller. The change means, of course, that the myriad iPhone accessories built to use the 30-pin dock will not work with the iPhone 5 – unless users by a £25 adapter.

iPod nano

They were overshadowed by the iPhone, but Apple also announced new iPods – a totally redesigned Nano with a 16:9 2.5in screen, and the ability to play back video, and a new Touch boasting the same screen as the iPhone 5 and beefed up internals. The Touch also comes in various colours for the first time, and sports a little button on the back which, when pressed, pops out so you can hook a ‘loop’ (essentially a wrist strap) to it.

iPod touch

The new iOS devices will also come with redesigned earphones – EarBuds – which have been designed to fit a wider variety of ear shapes and provide improved sound.

The final announcement from Apple this week concerned a new version of iTunes – the desktop software that acts as a library for your music, video and apps, and also incorporates the iTunes Store. The sleeker iTunes, which Apple says makes the bloat of content a little easier to navigate, will be out next month.

The iPhone 5 can be ordered now for delivery on Friday, costing from £529 unlocked from Apple. The new iPod touch and Nano will both be available in October, but can be ordered now from £249 and £129 respectively. iOS 6 will be available on Wednesday as a free download for all compatible devices. The new EarBuds are also available stand-alone for £25.

PERHAPS we’ve been spoiled, perhaps we do miss Steve Jobs, or perhaps the products are just not as exciting as they once were – but there’s no denying it: Apple product launches just don’t have the same buzz about them as they once did.

The launch of the iPhone 5 this week was a perfect example. It is a best-in-class product, no doubt about that. But somehow the whole thing felt a touch underwhelming.

Projected sales of the thing, though, are predicted to smash through the ceiling in the run up to Christmas. And it’s right that they should, too. The iPhone 5 is, I think, the best smartphone out there. Perhaps that’s the problem – Apple has become predictably brilliant.

The thinner and lighter iPhone 5 has a significant speed advantage over its predecessor, the 4s, and will run on the next generation 4G mobile networks (including the one EE is launching in Manchester before Christmas).

But the most obvious change is in the screen – it’s still a ‘retina’ display boasting 326 pixels per inch, but it’s bigger. Or rather, it’s taller, but the same width. That gives the phone’s 4in display an aspect ratio of 16:9, just like a widescreen TV, which allows for another row of app icons on the homescreen, as well as more space for content on screen.

Apple's iPhone 5

The new phone will run iOS 6 – the next version of the iOS software that runs on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches.

This software, which includes a new maps application that doesn’t rely on Google for its data, as well as host of other improvements, will also be available for older iOS devices.

One controversial aspect of the iPhone 5 is Apple’s decision to ditch the 30-pin connector that has graced all Apple’s mobile products since the first iPod was released in 2001. The new dock connector, which Apple is calling Lightening, is much smaller. The change means, of course, that the myriad iPhone accessories built to use the 30-pin dock will not work with the iPhone 5 – unless users by a £25 adapter.

iPod nano

They were overshadowed by the iPhone, but Apple also announced new iPods – a totally redesigned Nano with a 16:9 2.5in screen, and the ability to play back video, and a new Touch boasting the same screen as the iPhone 5 and beefed up internals. The Touch also comes in various colours for the first time, and sports a little button on the back which, when pressed, pops out so you can hook a ‘loop’ (essentially a wrist strap) to it.

iPod touch

The new iOS devices will also come with redesigned earphones – EarBuds – which have been designed to fit a wider variety of ear shapes and provide improved sound.

The final announcement from Apple this week concerned a new version of iTunes – the desktop software that acts as a library for your music, video and apps, and also incorporates the iTunes Store. The sleeker iTunes, which Apple says makes the bloat of content a little easier to navigate, will be out next month.

The iPhone 5 can be ordered now for delivery on Friday, costing from £529 unlocked from Apple. The new iPod touch and Nano will both be available in October, but can be ordered now from £249 and £129 respectively. iOS 6 will be available on Wednesday as a free download for all compatible devices. The new EarBuds are also available stand-alone for £25.

Nigel Tedford
Foodbank Project Co-ordinator
Hazel Grove Baptist Church

A couple of weeks ago Save the Children launched their latest appeal
campaign.
Nothing unusual in that one might think apart from the fact
that for the first time in their history they were appealing to save
children from poverty in the UK.
Much has been written in the press, TV interviewers have examined the
pros and cons of Government policies and asked searching questions
of politicians, social workers and the voluntary sector, but the harsh
reality is that people in the UK, and that includes Stockport, are
living in poverty, unable to afford life’s essentials.
Money is so short in some households in our borough that children will
go to school without a proper breakfast, parents will go without so
that their children can have lunch, in the hope that there will be
enough food in the house to put together a meal at tea time.
And while the Save the Children has focused on poverty among children,
we have to remember that behind every child who goes hungry is a
family who are going hungry too.
It was against this background, and a real desire to help those within
in our community who are in need, that Hazel Grove Baptist Church set
up a Foodbank just over five months ago.
Since opening we have fed nearly 400 people. First hand
stories of people with just a handful of change in their pocket to
last the week due to benefit changes, or having to decide between
meeting and unexpected bill and putting food on the table and in some
cases the financial issues of sudden unemployment.
Every week we receive phone calls like the one we had the other day when a young
lady rang to say ‘I am desperate, I have no food and no money to buy
any till next week can you please help me’.
The Foodbank is aiming to help as many as it can. Every week the
demand for food parcels increasing – parcels of non-perishable food
which provide a balance nutritional diet for three days to every member of
the household in need.
Since the launch of the Foodbank we have already expanded our
operating area and will soon be partnering with Chelwood Baptist
Church so that we can provide food parcels to an area south of the M60
including Stockport town centre, Offerton, Edgeley, Shaw Heath,
Cheadle, Adswood, Hazel Grove, Marple and out along the A6
towards Disley.
However the constant tension we face is getting enough food to feed
those in need.
Young and old alike need help as emergency crises and poverty are no
respecter of age or circumstance. We recognise that many are
embarrassed to ask for help from Foodbanks, but with the help of our
local community to donate food and time, we’ll aim to help as many in
Stockport as we can.
Food donations 487 3370 or email foodbank@hgbc.org.uk.

Last week, I met NHS managers to discuss the consultation on changes to health services in Trafford.

I left them with a lot of questions they need to think hard about.

First, there are worries about the consultation process. Although the consultation document was supposed to be delivered to every household in Trafford, it’s clear this didn’t happen in some parts of the borough. The NHS told me they are trying to address this, but they still can’t guarantee that everyone has received the consultation document. And it doesn’t leave much time for people to read all the detail and get in a response.

There have also been reports that people haven’t been able to raise all their questions and concerns at the public meetings. Local residents don’t want to be talked at, they don’t just want to hear pre-prepared presentations, they want to ask about the services that matter to them. In some parts of the borough, the future of the A&E is the top issue, in other areas, there are real concerns about GPs’ surgeries or community health care. All these topics are really important, and it’s vital that there is time and the opportunity for all of them to be discussed.

The NHS has a responsibility to carry out a proper, transparent and rigorous consultation process. I won’t tolerate a consultation that’s rushed through before everyone has a chance to participate, or that allows people’s concerns and views to be crowded out.

What local people most want to know is how the proposed changes will improve healthcare in Trafford. I asked for an analysis of where every patient in Trafford General would be in the future under these proposals, how they’d be treated, and what service they’d get. We need to know that waiting times will be shorter, infection rates lower, more lives saved.

NHS managers need to prove that to us.

In parliament this week, I spoke in an important debate about the government’s plans for a new benefit, the universal credit. This will be paid to people in low paid work, to those who lose their jobs, and to sick and disabled people, replacing the benefits they currently get.

I am very worried about this new benefit. We don’t know that the IT will work. Yet ministers want the vast majority of people to claim the benefit online (fewer than 1/5 do at present).

We do know that all the benefit will be paid to just one person in the household. So in future the child tax credit that many mums receive now and the help they get with childcare costs won’t be paid to her. Yet there’s plenty of evidence that paying money for children direct to their mothers is the best way of making sure it gets spent on their needs.

We know that new conditions are going to be placed on people doing a few hours of work to get more work. But we don’t know what those conditions will look like. We do know it isn’t easy to get extra hours when the economy’s flat on its back.

We don’t know what’s going to happen about free school meals.

We know many people who get help now with their council tax won’t do so in future. So it will be harder to make work pay.

We know the amount of help with rent is also being cut.

This isn’t incentivising people to take up jobs. It is simply leaving them with less and less to live on, making it more likely that more people who lose their job or are on low wages are forced into poverty and debt.

One particular worry for us in Trafford is the high cost of housing here compared to other parts of the country. So I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet the government minster responsible for housing this week to lobby for more funding to enable us to build more affordable homes.

I’m pleased the government has announced some additional funding, but I’m totally puzzled why the minister thinks letting private developers off the hook by watering down the so-called “section 106″ requirement for them to build affordable housing or community facilities as part of their planning permission is going to help us get more homes built here in Trafford.

I told the minister that just £1.25million (a small sum to a government that’s just announced an extra £300 million to invest into housing projects) would get us 50 more homes in Trafford, and we could get started building right away.

I also asked the minister what he would do to unblock the stalled development of the town centre in Partington.

I told the minister we have loads of ideas for regenerating our economy, building more homes and creating jobs. I didn’t get any promises, so I’ve invited him to visit the constituency to see for himself.

AN Altrincham-based theatre and dance school is holding a free taster session this weekend.
The Marie Daly School of Dance and Performing Arts offers after school and weekend classes in ballet, tap, drama and musical theatre.
The teachers are professionals who have performed in West End musicals including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Blood Brothers and Les Miserables.
The free taster session will take place on Saturday, September 15 between 10am and 1pm at Altrincham Leisure Centre, and is open to youngsters aged from five to 16.
To book a place contact Marie on 07974 430271 or e-mail mariecdaly@hotmail.com. For more information visit the website at mariedalydance.co.uk.

Art with a Heart organiser Karen Wroe with Karen Gray from the Children's Adventure Farm Trust

A CHARITY art exhibition has reached its goal of receiving work from 80 artists based all over the world.
Art with a Heart is being organised by Altrincham-based professional artist Karen Wroe to raise cash for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.
Karen selected the theme ‘around the world in 80 artists’ for the exhibition, setting herself the challenge of finding 80 people willing to donate their work for free to be sold at the show.
And last week her 80th artist – Lisa Clewely of Native Studios in Manchester – signed up to take part.
Native Studios also came to Karen’s rescue when she started to experience problems with designing and producing a catalogue of the works to be sold at the show.
“They have pulled out all the stops to get the catalogue back on track,” she said.
Karen has received help and support from a number of local businesses – such as Dashes n Dots which designed the website, and Dunham Brewery and Darby’s Solicitors, which are supplying the refreshments for the preview evening.
As Karen is doing all the organisation for free, this means that every penny raised during the month-long exhibition will be donated to CAFT, which provides holidays for disabled and disadvantaged children.
She has also received a donation from the Wendy J Levy Galler in Didsbury of a signed limited edition print by Manchester-based artist Liam Spencer.
The exhibition will be held at the Chisnall’s building on Shaw’s Road, which Karen and a team of volunteers have been working hard to decorate and get ready for the event.
It will be open to the public from Sunday, September 23, to coincide with the Taste of Trafford event held at Altrincham Market.
For more information visit artwithaheart.org.uk.