Autumn Newsletter 2026
Beyond the Summer Sun, Looking Ahead ...
Before we start looking ahead, we want to have a quick look back at the "Walks & Talks" we have enjoyed during the last few months.
In May, we welcomed Libby, Ingrid and Chloe from the "Friends of Wythenshawe Hall" who gave us a fascinating presentation about the history and restoration of Wythenshawe Hall. 2026 marks the centenary of the sale of Wythenshawe Hall to Ernest, 1st Baron Simon of Wythenshawe and former Lord Mayor of Manchester, and his wife, Lady Shena, who immediately gifted it to Manchester Corporation "to be used solely for the public good". Prior to the sale, the estate had been in the possession of the Tatton family for almost 400 years.
In June, we supported a fundraising community event in aid of the St Philip and St James Church Heating Fund under the banner "Keeping our Church Warm and Welcoming". For this talk Local Historian, Dr Charlotte Coull, gave a presentation about the Magic and Science in the Stone[s] of Alderley Edge.
At the end of June, we took our Summer Social Show & Tell to the newly restored Nether Alderley Parish Hall where we were able to explore the archives of St Mary's Church, Nether Alderley curated by Local Historian and former Church Archivist, Jenny Youatt. The beautiful and Grade I listed St Mary's Church was also open for us to explore.
Moving on to July, Brenda Acton got us "all bogged down in history" when she led a narrated walk around Lindow Moss. This atmospheric, historic and precious place is close to Brenda's heart and she told us about some of the people who used to live in this area and regaled their fascinating stories.
We were delighted to have been part of the National Trust Festival of Archaeology 2026 on 18th July at an Archaeology Day up on the Edge. We joined a team from the National Trust and members of the Derbyshire Daving Club to put on a day of displays and activities related to the archaeology of Alderley Edge. What a fabulous family day out it turned out to be.
John Wallace
1953-2026
At the end of July, it was with great sadness and heavy hearts that we shared the news of the passing of John Wallace. He was a founding member of the Alderley History Group and our Honorary Patron. John was a true gentleman, a gifted raconteur and a cherished friend to many of us. The AHG, the village and the wider community will be a little duller without his presence but what amazing memories we all have of life with him. A Memorial Service in honour of John has been arranged to take place at 2.00 p.m.on Friday, 16th October 2026 at the Church of St Philip & St James, Church Lane, Alderley Edge. |
The Dumvile Clock and Other StoriesMonday, 21st September 2026 7.15p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Church of St Philip & St James, Church Lane, Alderley Edge |
John Dumvile Alderley longcase clock face c. 1760
(courtesy dumville.org)
The Dumvile family were prominent English horologists active throughout the 18thand 19th centuries.They were renowned for crafting tall long case [grandfather] clocks and pocket watches and their antique timepieces are now highly sought-after by collectors.
Probably the best known clock maker in the family was John Dumvile [1720-1796] who was based in Nether Alderley. His pieces are noted for country-style oak cases and he also crafted notable turret clocks for local churches.
AHG research team: Sandra Woodall, Andrew Smith and Mike Bower will be sharing the findings of their detailed research into the Dumvile family’s connections with Cheshire. There will also some examples of Dumvile clocks on display on the evening.
The AHG archive will be available on the evening too.
Entrance is free for AHG members and guests are very welcome [£5.00 per person]. If you are unable to attend and would like to join by Zoom you can do so by following this link:-
Meeting ID: 883 8022 8168
Passcode: 721197
Two Local Heroes and an Everest Obsession
Monday, 2nd November 2026
7.15 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.
The Union Club, Stevens Street, Alderley Edge
We will be welcoming Peter Cotton who will be telling us the story of two Cheshire mountaineers: George Mallory [1886-1924], who was from Mobberley and Andrew Irvine [190-1924], who was born in Birkenhead. They perished together on the North Face of Mount Everest.
Mallory and Irvine were last seen ascending near Everest’s summit during the 1924 expedition and there was much speculation as to whether they reached it before they died. Peter will be exploring what happened during this climb and the mysteries surrounding it.
Peter Cotton has had a lifelong passion for history. Since retiring, he has been able to devote more time to pursuing this interest and has become actively involved in the local history community of Holmes Chapel and more widely in Cheshire. Peter has contributed to a number of research projects and exhibitions as well as delivering talks on a variety of fascinating subjects. His interests are wide-ranging, and he will be sharing some of his enthusiasm and knowledge with us in his presentation on Everest.
Entrance is free for AHG members and guests are very welcome [£5.00 per person]. If you are unable to attend there will be a Zoom link available nearer the time via Mandy Parr.
Dates for your Diary!
Christmas is still a few months away but ...
On Saturday, 28th November 2026, we shall be taking a stall at the Christmas Fair hosted by St Philip & St James Church . This will be an excellent opportunity to check out our archives, do a bit of Christmas shopping or just come and say hi!
And then on Monday, 7th December 2026, we have our Finale for 2026.
We'll be getting into the Christmas spirit with our ever popular Seasonal Social and Supper and of course our famous Christmas Quiz.
Echoes from the Past
[compiled by Denise Psaila]
THE WIZARD INN, MACCLESFIELD ROAD
Originally a 16th century coaching inn, The Wizard Inn is a striking building and local landmark on Macclesfield Road. Named after The Wizard from our well-known legend, it has had a rich and varied history but today it is in a sorry state. The property has been owned by The National Trust since 1948 but closed during the Covid pandemic when the last landlord retired. It remains boarded up and is currently advertised as “to let”. Maybe its being in NT ownership has protected the building from the developers.
Originally part of the Stanley Estate, it was lot 438 in the 1938 auction of the estate which had to be sold to pay death duties and debts accumulated by the 6th Baron. Famously, The Wizard, along with all the public houses owned by the Stanleys, became temperance when the 3rd Baron, Henry Edward John Stanley [1827-1903] prohibited the sale of alcohol on the estate when he converted to the Muslim faith.
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