Chester

Weekend of Festivals!!

on this sunny bank holiday weekend-- Chester celebrated in STYLE with two wonderful and fun street festivals.

 

The NORTHGATE Quarter  Festival 

is a celebration of the historical Northgate Street and Rufus Court area. 

The festival started last year as a part of the Queens jubilee celebrations and

will  run on a series of Sundays and
 aim to provide a platform for local communities to develop their artistic expression.

The next dates  IN THE SERIES  are  four themed Sundays in July, the themes being a Choir Day, Art Installations and Literature, a Retro Day and a Traditional English Village Green 

there will be one also on  the bank holiday Sunday in August.

Highlights of the lively street fair include the numerous artists displaying their work- including on the spot portraits and scetchs.

 Music from local artists on stages on Northgate street- at Alexanders in Rufus Court and on Abbey Green. 

 There was fun for all ages - and something for eveyone.
 All the restaurants providing drinks and food  for sale 
on the street-
 a musical George and the Dragon parade and A JESTER!
A stage where the Deva Flamenco Dancers performed.

There was even a huge mural of Northgate street - placed out in the street for the for the entire community to assist in painting!

The large sheet had an outline of both sides of Northgate Street and one and all were able to stop- grab a paintbrush and help to color in the design.

you may see the wonderful mural hanging from the bridge at the next festival!

 

All of the local businesses took part in welcoming visitors to the historical Northgate Street-- The Handel's Court Gallery (located in the old butcher shop) hosted a photo-mash of old/new photographs of Northgate and Rufus Court----

One local business had a lovely stand of beautiful homemade cupcakes and cakes....served on vintage china at little tables they had set up in the street. The home based business is called KINGS ACRE and they provide tea party service at your home- or where ever you like. they provide all the decoration and lovely tea and cakes (see photo)

They can be reached at tel. 07886 559048. 

"Table ware for all occasions- Weddings,Parties,High tea- fun!

I think its very fair to say that all who attended had a lovely time - and are looking forward to the series  of upcoming events!

BROOK STREET 

also hosted their street festival on Sunday-

wonderfully loud and fun music  on two large stages- definatly attracted the crowds and encouraged dancing in the streets!! 

On what is certainly one of the most  culturally colourful streets

 in Chester- a host of nationalities and cultures were represented in the celebrations. 

The Brook Street eateries including the varied  Indian Restaurants and  Istanbul BBQ had loads of food on offer for sale outside...

 Istanbul BBQ had Turkish Dancers performing-wonderful!

Reggae Music played loudly from a Jamaican DJ outside his shop-- 

The kids were happily entertained with rides, games - anyone want to win a goldfish?- Glitter and Henna tatoos---- loads of fun for everyone!

Local business people sold their goods including some beautiful handmade jewelry and very interesting baked goods by

 Take it-Bake it (check them out on Facebook at Take it-Bake it / very cool gift ideas!)

The weather certainly had everyone out and enjoying not only the gorgeous weather but the wonderful Chester hospitality and community spirit---------- Celebrating together!

12th May 2013

The Chester 1/2 Marathon

 The Chester Half Marathon!! What a great and well attended event in our fair city!
Over 6,000 runners and just as many supporters crowed the city-- and cheered the morning away!!
Starting at the Chester Racecourse and finishing at the city centre - the runners go through  Saughall and Blacon among other local areas-- all on closed roads.
A mostly flat run --it is challenging none the less!!

 

 This was the 32nd NIKE Running Challenge in Chester....Many runners commented on the amazing reception from Chester residents many people out in the streets cheering the runners on!

The day also hosted about 500 children and families in a family run around the race course!
Many runners ran in support of charities to raise money for issues close to their hearts.
A fantastic event enjoyed by one and all-- a tribute to Chester --- and the energetic runners!!

Trains Trains Trains ........

Chester and Train Travel 

The train services from Chester are fantastic!! 

To get to Manchester or Liverpool it's a short 40 minute direct train - getting you to the center of either town. 

Manchester and Liverpool both offer fantastic shopping, theaters and great restaurants ....

Today I hopped on the train to go to Manchester Airport! Such a breeze- one quick change and I was inside the airport and at the terminal in just over an hour.

Love how easy it is! 

With visitors coming soon - in May  and June ... I will be planning train trips galore! Look out guys!

It always helps to shop for prices-- I recently started a trip to Glasgow from Liverpool instead of Chester. This lowered the ticket price considerably. 

A friendly hello too to the awesome team at Chester railway ticket center- the ticket office is open from 

5:30-11pm ( wow! ) and the service has always been wonderful!

 Smiles and lots of extra info - and advice on prices - really great! 

Spring in Chester

Hi Everyone!!!

Spring is in the air!!

In true spring spirit

 Chester is also blooming with lots of fresh new venues,  news and events!

The winter was a very long one in Chester and across the UK but despite the snow and cold temps there were quiet a few fun events in and around the city.

One of the latest was the

 Chester Food and Drinks Festival 

over Easter weekend.

Many business from Chester and Cheshire displayed their wares for all to try. There were prizes too in many categories.

Kash Tap Rooms

 (see BLOG from  11/09/12..)

was awarded the second place silver medal for BEST BAR!

Congratulations! 

If you would like to see the other winners ---- the link is:

http://www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk/vote/

 

Our vote for the biggest spring flower this spring is Brook Street.

With a wonderful new

 Welcome to Brook Street

 sign 

(warm and welcoming) and a few new  business openings-- things are looking great .

A few of the new businesses in the area include:

Istanbul BBQ - a lovely new Turkish restaurant . 

 http://istanbulbbqchester.co.uk/

Thainamoon - a Thai massage and beauty treatment salon

offering friendly service and great prices-

 www.thainamoon.com/

and if you wander further along Brook St headed toward the railway station

 you will come to 

Couture  for Nails 

 nestled between The Laugh Inn and Anfields (on City Road)

 A Nail Studio and more with very flexible hours and great customer service.

 This salon is run by two amazing and energetic sisters.

 Positive energy is in full force here!

couturenails.weebly.com/

  COFFEE 

 in the city

another exciting new venue in the city center is the 

                                 Harvest Moon Cafe.

Opened recently--- and sporting  a top location just across from the library in town

This cozy cafe is a  haven for the true coffee lover. 

Delicious coffee,  homemade cakes and a more extensive menu too--- including some American treats :)

Lovingly decorated

 this is the type of cafe one wants to sit in for hours.... 

A must see...... stay tuned for Events at the harvest Moon

check them out on Twitter

HarvestMoon Espresso

@HarvestMoon_Co

----------------------------------------- 

PassionateaboutChester will be back! watch this space-- enjoy the sunshine!!

The Brook St Mural

The Chester Hockey Club

Meet Mr Len Holland

President  and founder of the Chester Hockey Club 

Founded in 1948/49

http://www.chesterhc.co.uk/

A true Chester native , someone who is really passionate about Chester and very involved in the community.
I was lucky enough to meet Len this fall and what a treat it was!

Len was born in raised in Chester and has seen the city grow and change in so many ways.
Returning to Chester  after his Navy days Len and some pals were keen to find somewhere to play hockey. They played on a local pitch but wanted to organize a real team. 

Through a friend at the county hall they were able to find a pitch and organize an official team of 11 members.   First called the Cheshire County Officers Mens Hockey Club

A team effort-- even wife Betty umpired for the first year. 

there was one field... where they would meet and play.

The County Offficers Sports ground at Newton Lane.

With the involvement of the regular players and few big company teams ... The Chester Hockey club took shape. 

They have two fantastic all weather pitches, AstroTurf, a pavilion,  7 men's teams, 5 ladies teams and junior groups. 

Every Saturday you will find Len there- one and all are welcome to come down and watch a game or come to the pavilion/ clubhouse for a drink.
Len still attends matches and the social club every weekend. mentoring and encouraging
young players.
he is passionate about youth and the benefits of sport.

Len and his wife Betty have been very active in Chester and are a wonderfully friendly couple.
They were involved for many years with an organization called "People to People"

Which brought the people of Chester (and internationally)

together with people of other nations. 

Opening up world understanding of other cultures.
People like Betty and Len are what chester is all about. 

Diverse and wonderful people who make up a great community.

If you are interested in the organization see :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_to_People_International

Hi everyone!

Passionate about Chester 

has definitely been quiet as of late but determined to get back into the swing of things!!

Christmas in Chester was absolutely beautiful - the town was lit up in Christmas lights, a big tree on display and the bustling Christmas Market in front of the town hall. 

There were so many activities.. From the performance of "A Christmas Carole"

at the town hall , a wonderful Christmas parade through the city and a mini marathon with everyone in Santa costumes. 

Everyone was in on the Christmas spirit and feeling!

The only thing missing was SNOW! 

( to the delight of some!)

The new year 2013 promises to be a treat....with events galore in the city! When the weather is cold and dreary you can escape to many a fine venue! January seems to be the month of restaurant deals ... With many two for one offers in local eateries.

Our next interview is with a true Child of Chester - a man born and bred in this fair city. He has made many contributions to the community- one of which is The Chester Hockey Club.

Stayed tuned to meet this very interesting fellow.

We also have coming up... A local Chester-ite Vera who is headed out this week for an adventure and big

climbing expedition....will keep you posted! 

Happy New Year from Passionate about Chester!

An American tourist in Chester

We recently met a very interesting American tourist in the fair city of Chester.
Russ Widger visiting from Tampa , Florida.
I asked Russ what he thought of Chester and this was his reply:

Wow! I am really impressed! Chester came as such a surprise to me. What a picturesque town and great people.
I especially loved the incredible history...walking the Roman Wall, along the canal and river Dee.
The pub crawls have been great too! My first two nights here  started off great with visits to some of the oldest pubs in Chester - with the Saturday beer fest at the Pied Bull, visits to the pubs of lower Bridge Street...even a Sunday Roast dinner at the Bear & Billet pub with music from the Raven Club
( live jam session) that followed.
They say the Raven Club meets there every Sunday with an open mic night for musicians playing folk music. There was everything from guitar to bagpipes, tin whistles and mandolins. A fun night.
There was something to see and do each day- just walking through the town and enjoying the historical buildings and shops. Love the rows and the hidden doorways we discovered there.
Chester offers so much!

My daughter moved here several months ago ( a local blogspotter.)
:)
We had great fun exploring.
The friendliness of the locals was really impressive too.
Local businesses are very wonderful- and people like Torrey, Alex and the team at Kash
( a local restaurant and brewery on Brook Street ) make you feel very welcome!
There is so much to do in Chester but if you have a chance while visiting here do try to take a day tour to North Wales. We spent a day driving through towns like Llangollen and enjoyed some amazing scenery. Especially along the "Horseshoe Pass "
a mountain road with amazing views and lots of sheep!!
I will be back- that's for sure!
.
Thanks Russ! You can come back anytime!!

PASSIONATE ABOUT CHESTER. 

For a  really fun  way to tour North Wales-- check out Busy Bus Tours 
Leaving from Chester and Liverpool
www.busybus.co.uk