Meet Charlotte Allmand

                                                             Actress Extraordinaire



I first met Charlotte when we worked together in Hoole.
First thoughts:  bubbly... warm ....happy!
Charlotte is a true child of Chester- born and raised here.

In  true passionateaboutChester style-- we want  to introduce you to the people of our city and the wonderful things they do!

An aspiring actress Charlotte has worked hard to achieve her goal of being on stage - live, amazing telling people's stories and wowing her audiences with all she has.

Charlotte is truly following her dreams and turning them into reality.
Recently making the move to London - where the heart and soul of Theatre thrives-


Some time ago we were  lucky enough to see her perform in Manchester at the
Three Minute Theatre
(a wonderful  venue if you ever get to Manchester!)
in a play called   Lifelong Yearing -  she made us laugh, cry and call for more!!

Her most recent project is SUITCASE 1938-
A travelling show in many ways this is the story of the TRANSPORT KINDER.

Suitcase is a site specific performance that takes place on actual train platforms across the UK.
This marks the 75th Anniversary of the Kindertransport.
In 1938 over 9,000 German children threatened by the Nazis were sent to the UK  to stay with foster families.
The play takes us through the experiences of these children.
A unique mix of memory and music this a story telling not to be missed.

The play has been running since the 12th of November - 2nd Dec

Please check the following link for performances in  nearby Liverpool ( 22nd NOV & 2nd DEC) and
 Manchester (21st NOV).

suitcase1938@live.co.uk
tel. 07551 050875
http://suitcase1938.org/

Passionateaboutchester wishes Charlotte and the entire cast and crew of Suitcase 1938 the BEST of luck.

Harvest Moon Espresso

Meet Tanja and David from

 The Harvest Moon Espresso Bar

 

 

 

 

 

Tanja from Arkansas, USA and David from Liverpool are a lovely warm couple who have brought their love for coffee to all of us here in Chester.

                             Located on Northgate Street
The Harvest Moon Espresso Bar welcomes one and all into its heart with a very cozy , relaxed and homey atmosphere. Good music too!

 This wonderful independent coffee shop in Chester earlier this year and has a true following of regulars.

Their intense love for true, real and fairtrade coffee comes across in every cup. It is truly the best coffee this blogger has ever tasted!
 My personal favourite - The  Snickerdoodle Latte
 has a touch of cinnamon to warm the soul-  very delicious.

The perfect spot to stop in for a coffee, piece of delicious homemade cakes or a taste from their wonderful menu.
You can choose from delicious Chili (vege style) , sandwiches on freshly baked German Style bread, waffles....and many other treats. All food made on site in their kitchen.

Besides all that you should just stop in to say hello to this young couple hoping to make an independent business work in this wonderful individual city of ours!
They are always up for a chat-- and service with a smile!

• 64 Northgate Street
• CH1 2HT Chester, Cheshire

Follow them on Twitter   @HarvestMoon_Co
and Facebook   - Harvest Moon Espresso Bar

STIGMA TATTOO CHESTER

Meet Tim Irvine
of Stigma Tattoo in Chester
www.stigmatattoo.co.uk

7 Rufus Court Row
Chester CH1 2JB

Meet Tim from Stigma Tattoo-----

I recently had the chance to visit Tim's studio with a friend of mine. She wanted a tattoo (her first) and Tim came highly recommended as a local artist.
Tim took his time and worked with her on a design that would be best. He really took extra time planning out the design...going over different possibilities with her-- and made sure she was 100% happy with the result. She loved it!!

He told us he stands behind all the art he creates-- and wants to be sure that his customers are really happy and satisfied  with the finished product.


Tim has been working in the tattoo industry for over 15 years.
He studied Art and Design at college and apprenticed at a tattoo studio in Wrexam.
He takes great pride in and is very passionate about his work.

Tim and his wife Lucy opened their first studio in Liverpool-- and expanded to their Chester location three years ago.
Working alongside Tim  at the Chester Studio
is Becky.
Becky is also a passionate Tattoo Artist and designer-- with over 15 years experience. She has been with Stigma for two years.

We had the chance to watch both Tim and Becky at work. The detail in their work is amazing. Their experience shows in their work.

The Studio is located at Rufus Court-- easy to find. A very clean and professional environment.


Tim and Lucy have been brave enough to go out on their own-- starting two businesses and all  their hard work shows! Its great to see local people putting their heart and souls into local small business. They are putting their amazing artistic talents to work!

If you are interested in more information about the team at Stigma . for either the Chester or Liverpool location-please check out their website or call 01244 630 414 to make an appointment.

There are already a lot of happy customers in Chester.

A very happy customer!!

initial design for Julie

TIM

LUCY

BECKY

The Visitor Centre Chester

        Today we would 

        would like to recommend the :

 

 

               Chester's Visitor Information Centre

              located directly between the Forum Shopping Centre

       and The Town hall

 

 

****

 WELCOME to Chester and the Visitor Information Centre

 

What a wonderful wealth of information and ideas one can find here!!

 

The Centre is not just for "tourists"--

 locals enjoy their services as well.

Come here to discover tickets sales for local events : The summer outdoor theatre and cinema tickets were sold here, the upcoming Literature Fest Tickets, Tours with Jones Bus Tours, National Express Bus Tickets, local walking Tours including the famous

GHOST TOUR

 of Chester,

 Bus passes, local sightseeing buses including The Heritage Bus

 

www.chesterheritagetours.co.uk

 

 and  discounted tickets to the Chester Zoo are all among the offerings.

 

You can find maps from Chester, Wales and surrounding areas ..as well as loads of great

cycle maps.

There are souvenirs for all ages ... postcards , sweets you name it and they offer it!

 

This is a great place to stop in when you are in town to pick up the local news on what's happening in town.

 

The staff are also wonderful and friendly :)

 

pop in and say  hello!!

Busy Bus North Wales Adventure

Not just for tourists.....

I was recently lucky enough to join in on a 

Busy Bus North Wales Adventure Tour. 

What a fabulous day out!!

Busy Bus is a locally based company - started by Peter Rosenfeld. 

The company is run today by Pete, his lovely wife Vera and a group of competent and friendly driver/guides.

They offer the Wales Adventure Tour from Chester and Liverpool, package trips to Alton Towers, 3 Peak Tours -- and are available for private hire as well.

Their web site has all the information you need to make a booking. 

Tickets for Wales are also  on sale through the Chester Visitor Centre in town. 

We were picked up in a beautiful new mini bus just across from the Chester Railway Station-- and whisked into the heart of Wales for a busy day of fun.

First stop-- Llandudno. We were driven up to the top of the Great Orme by our fun loving and informative guide Frank. The views were fabulous!!  Our first coffee of the day was enjoyed walking along the beautiful Llandudno Pier---enjoying the morning sunshine.

Busy Bus emphasises having fun and a great day- and it was easy to tell that Frank loves his job. This was an upbeat and  positive day!

 From there it was a short ride to Conwy. We toured the beautiful Conwy castle, walked along the harbour, took photos of the smallest house and toured the town. 

Frank was waiting for us and whisked us away to Snowdonia national park from there - with lots of interesting facts along the way...and great tunes... we ended up in a beautiful spot in the national park where we could enjoy the awesome views, waterfalls and could enjoy the fresh air and walks....

As if that were not enough we continued on from there to the beautiful town of

 Betws-y-Coed.  Here we visited the village church, railway cafe and walked thru the town. A lovely atmosphere and we will be going back to enjoy the walks and maybe the 9 hole golf course !

Frank even took us by the Pontcysyllte  Aqueduct on the way back to Chester. A full and amazing day. We loved it.

 I would highly recommend this tour for the WOW effect...We also enjoyed not having to drive  ourselves- very relaxing. We also got to see more in one day then we would have done on our own.   A great day!!

http://www.busybus.co.uk/

Sleeping Rough in Chester

Passionateaboutchester 

 

 recently met up with some street Angels in the city.

They roam the streets of Chester looking for homeless people or "rough sleepers" and bring them to a shelter.

They explained to me that they encourage them to come along to the shelter located across from the Grosvenor Museum. There they can have a night stay and a shower.

They can also get advice and information on possibilities available to them.

http://www.talkingwestcheshire.org/talking_together_direct/news_talking_together_direct/media_releases_for_2012_-_ttd/december_2012_-_talking_togeth/new_homeless_provider_reaches.aspx

There are possibilities for those interested in turning their lives around. Admittedly , not always as easy as it sounds... There are organizations here that are willing to help.

 

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/rough-sleepers-chester-tell-story-5114880

A new homeless shelter/ hostel is being planned in Boughton.

There is a lot concern about this issue from

local residents . 

Read more about that here:
http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/119654/chester-homeless-shelter-fury.aspx

One step at a time.

Also helping out in Chester: among others :)

http://www.cath.org.uk/

http://chesterellesmereport.foodbank.org.uk/

The Welsey Methodist Church in Chester

http://chesterellesmereport.foodbank.org.uk/donate

 

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

Helping Out on the Streets of Chester:
from The Enterprises NW Foundation
Outreach Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!