Latest News From Chester
A quick round up again on the latest news from Chester. I make no apology for not following the national current trend and focusing on the dreaded “B” word. You know the one….the one that sounds like “Exit”
That’s not to downgrade the importance of the “B” word, but I think it’s good to have a break from it, or an alternative outlet. For those that want news on the “B” word that sounds like “Exit” there’s loads of places you can go to. Not here though.
Latest News From Chester
A Chester Pub Mention
I’ve written a fair bit recently about Chester pubs. This mention though is not about the beers, the prices or the ambience and so forth. This is a mention and a “hats off” to the Coach House Inn on Northgate Street.
The Coach House recently treated a young group of tennagers living with cancer from The Clatterbridge Centre, with a trip to a showing of the The Wizard Of Oz at Chester’s Storyhouse.
This is not a one-off contribution by The Coach House to a local charity. They have in fact supported local charities and the local community generally for some years.
Another forthcoming Coach House charity event to be aware of is quiz night on 28th March. The aim of this event is to raise money and awareness for the homeless. All proceeds will be going to Share Shop also in Northgate Street.
Great effort to all those taking part from The Coach House.
Share Shop
Talking of the Share Shop, it reminds me. I produced the video below on my YouTube Channel recently. If you get chance, visit the link and spread the word so to speak.
Anyway, here’s the video……
There are so many good, local causes for us all to get behind. Let’s “do our bit” whenever we can.
What else in latest news from Chester?
Chester University Vice Chancellor Is Retiring
It has been announced that Tim Wheeler, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Chester is retiring at the end of 2019. Much progress has been to our University during Mr Wheeler’s watch.
Under his control, the University secured “Taught Degree Awarding Powers” (TDAP) in 2003, full University status in 2005 and Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP) in 2007.
It wasn’t that long ago that Chester was not recognised as a University location at all. But a huge increase from 4,000 students to 18,300 during Mr Wheeler’s tenure has gone a long way to the significant increase in University buildings in Chester nowadays.
Enjoy your retirement Mr Wheeler.
Oh No…..Spud U Like Is A Gonna?
I noticed a couple of weeks ago that Spud-U-Like in Bridge Street was a gonna!! What a shock and what a shame. It must have been there for at least 35 years?
I remember working In Bridge Street in 1987 and it was a place I used to go to for lunch every now and then. So, it’s certainly 32 years at least.
A bit like Pizza Hut in the sense that as much as Pizza Hut’s pizzas had their own unique taste, so did Spud-U-Like with their “tatties”. Will a cheese and beans spud ever taste the same!!
Local Economy Is Growing
The closure of Spud-U-Like suggests that it may all be doom and gloom on the economic front. Not so though apparently. Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows a rosy picture. The economy in Cheshire West and Chester is growing faster than in any other area in England and Wales it would appear.
Long may it continue I say. Hopefully this growth will extend to the retail sector in the city centre.
Something For The Diary
You may have noticed over the years that there has been a big increase in varying cultures settling in Chester.
So much so that on one occasion a short while ago I said to the barmaid in The Cottage upon arrival that “I’ve just walked almost the whole length of Brook Street and I heard at least 2 people speaking English”
There is such a lot of diversity now present in Chester. Much to do I would imagine with the huge increase of student numbers to a large degree.
In recognition of the increasing presence of so many different cultures, the Storyhouse are introducing a new festival – called a Festival Of Languages.
This new festival runs from 23rd to 27th of January. One unique feature of this festival is an event to take place on the 27th. Two brave women who managed to flee war-torn Syria and make a new life in Chester will be giving an account of their, undoubtedly eventful to say the least, journey and experiences.
Lamis Almuqdad and Yasmin Sofi will be providing us with details of their experiences.
The Festival will also feature Hungarian folk dancing, the art of Kimono dressing, Polish (Yay!!!) culture talks, Mandarin writing workshops (that would be interesting!!), Italian language lessons plus other events.
Fair do’s, they all do sound interesting. For more details, visit www.Storyhouse.com
Sporting Scene
Chester FC continue to blow hot and cold. The recent 1-1 draw against 10-man Guiseley saw Chester remain in the play-off places in the National League North. Although in a healthy position there is a bit of a gap developing between Chester and table toppers Chorley.
Mind you a good run can change all that. It is a League where anyone can beat anyone. Let’s hope they can kick on and either consolidate a play-off place, or even better, reach the summit.
Even better placed are Chester RUFC. At the moment they are second in the Division Two North table. A position cemented after a thrilling recent 31-27 home victory over Sheffield Tigers.
The Chester 10K
Last orders to get yourself involved in this year’s Chester 10K. The running scene in Chester is getting ever more popular. Following on from the massive turnout for the Chester Park run on New Year’s Day, we have the Chester 10K on 10th March.
Last year’s inaugural 10K was a complete sell out. This year, the capacity has been doubled and already the number of participants is over 95% full. So if you fancy a run, get your name down. But you need to be quick.
What’s that you say? Am I taking part? Well, normally I would but let me see…..10th March?….10th March?….oh yeah, I can’t that day, I’m washing my hair!!
Seriously though I would consider it but I’m afraid my arthritic knees etc have put a block on that.
Best of luck to all those taking part though.
One Of My Favourites – Chester Zoo!!
How could I write a piece about the latest news from Chester without giving Chester Zoo a mention!!!
One of my favourite places on the planet, let alone in Chester only. What a fantastic place. What a fantastic day out!!
Figures recently released show that the “UK’s Most Popular Zoo” attracted a record 1,969,768 visitors last year.
Wow!! The best year in the Zoo’s 88 year history.
I reckon we must have accounted for about 69,768 of those visits. Nothing better than on a sunny, Sunday afternoon, cycle down to the Zoo with a packed lunch. What a great addition the new pub in Oakfield House is as well by the way.
I can feel a separate blog post with images and videos coming on!!
Congratulations Karen Newell
Last but not least, congratulations to Karen Newell on completing 40 years (40 years…Wow!!) as a teaching assistant at The Arches Community Primary School in Blacon.
That is some achievement. Initially thinking that everyone had forgotten or were not interested in her special anniversary, Karen had a fantastic surprise when she turned up for work on 10th January.
It turns out that she was the subject of a special school assembly on that morning. Greeted by party poppers and members of staff wearing Jon Bon Jovi masks (a much better option than Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn I would suggest – now they would put you off your cornflakes in the morning!!).
Great effort by all the staff and pupils at The Arches for putting on a great celebration for Karen. And for keeping it all secret.
Karen was entertained by a special rendition of one of the finest Bonj tracks – “Always”
Also, Karen was presented with a book of memories, appearances were made from ex-colleagues, a special video was shown and at lunch time, Karen was treated to her favourite dish of steak pie.
The icing on the cake was a 1979 disco where Karen bopped along like a “good ‘un” – I wonder if all the women danced around their handbags like they did in 1979?
Anyway, congratulations Karen, I hope you had a great day.
Latest News From Chester
That is very much a quick summary of the latest news from Chester. I’m sure I’ve missed loads of stuff but as far as latest news from Chester goes, there’s a fair few stories to keep you abreast of some important local events.
Chester Lifestyle
I hope you enjoy reading my posts on my Chester Lifestyle website. If you would like more information about the website and the beautiful city of Chester in general though, then have a look at this link HERE.
Things To Do In Chester
Always plenty of things to do in Chester for locals and visitors alike. For some ideas have a look HERE.
