Crewe TV

The Great War Chronicles of Crewe & Nantwich: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK

2012-02-02T11:59:00.000Z

The Great War Chronicles of Crewe & Nantwich: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK: Hi to all interested in the Great War and local events that occurred during the 1914-18 period in the towns of Crewe & Nantwich and surround...

12 / 12 I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus

2011-12-25T23:00:00.000Z

Some time ago I realised that people brought photos to life. So this image has always been one of my favourites, a mum and her lad snapped in Market Square after the Santa Dash in 2009. And hey, you've got to have a mince pie or two over Christmas, haven't you?

Well, that concludes my twelve days of Christmas countdown, a collection of photos that have made me smile, stirred memories or just amused me for various reasons. There have been plenty of changes in Crewe across the five years that the blog has run, and the future's certainly looking rosy with numerous schemes and developments planned to improve the town further. Good luck and best wishes to all who have clicked through the blog pages...

11 / 12 Frankie

2011-12-24T14:25:00.001Z

Almost done, the penultimate posting on Crewe blog, and another snap I have always loved. A simple image, but not only does the grand red-brick building look stunning, it was donated to the town by a man who was influential in so many aspects of Crewe life. From Works Manager to a keen interest in local politics, Francis Webb was mayor of the town (twice) and also - along with Richard Moon - donated Queens Park to the people of Crewe. Much later they even named a road after the guy, Frank Webb Avenue.

Last photo will be posted on Christmas Day...

10 / 12 Stand by me

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000Z

To wrap up the blog there just had to be a Crewe Alexandra image, didn't there? This snap is another taken from Rail House roof (I went up there a few times), looking down Gresty Road. The football club's main stand in the foreground, and the stadium seats provide such an amazing splash of colour. The ground itself rises up amid the railway and engineering works, plus thousands of houses in and around the Nantwich Road area. You can see the Mornflake factory in the background, plus the new estate on the right that was created on the site of the old cattle market.

9 / 12 Chattanooga Choo Choo

2011-12-22T06:42:00.002Z

Where would Crewe be without its trains? This snap was taken at the Heritage Centre a few years ago, and a number of companies have used the image on their calendars. It's a bit cliché, but so obviously Crewe. I just love the colours and the sense of what once was. Also, the hard work done by the volunteers at the centre should be recognised. Final pictures coming over the next three days as the blog continues to wind down...

8 / 12 Silver Dream Machine

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000Z

Taking action shots always pumped life into the blog's veins, but they were never easy - especially without a decent lens. Still, I did okay, this scene from the Tipkinder track (now named after Shanaze Reade) off Victoria Avenue, another quality facility that has opened in Crewe over the last few years...

7 / 12 Mr Blue Sky

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000Z

Music has played a huge part in blog life over the last few years, with some great stuff seen at The Limelight, M Club and The Box. There was also loads of cracking entertainment at the pubs, the carnival and the Crewe Live events, and although it wasn't my scene Dantes was a fixture on the music circuit for a couple of years. I met loads of quality acts all trying to make their mark, and I was lucky enough to grab some superb images at events across the town. This snap from the M Club when Chloe took the stage in 2009...

6 / 12 White Chirstmas

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000Z

With snow predicted I thought we'd have a little of the white stuff included in the final twelve blog posts. Once again, this is one of my favourite snaps, unmistakably Crewe but not one of the main areas, or what you'd call a landmark. Just a Crewe street, looking great in the snow. I give you Frank Webb Avenue...

5 / 12 Never forget you

2011-12-18T01:00:00.000Z

Lest we forget... Remembrance Day in Crewe's beautiful Municipal Square. I covered the service for the blog from November 2006, taking snaps from various positions to hopefully capture the emotions of the day. From the steps by the library and law courts, to the second floor window of the town hall and alongside the Britannia memorial itself, and last year I was lucky enough to grab this image from the top floor of the Crown Hotel pub. They mounted the picture on the pub wall in the main bar.

4 / 12 Up the junction

2011-12-17T01:00:00.000Z

The great news in late 2011 is that several million pounds has been allocated to start the revamp of Crewe station. The station platforms and roof have already been spruced up, and the new cash looks set to be used to create a large car park on the old Royal Mail plot, with better access to the station and a new-look façade off the roundabout and along the top end of Weston Road. The snap above was taken a few years back with my compact camera, just one of those moments when the light was just right. Dropped to b/w it's a great mood shot, but it remains an unmistakable image to anyone who has wandered down the steps to platform six...

3 / 12 Too many broken hearts

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000Z

Continuing the run of my favourite snaps posted to Crewe blog over the last few years, I give you Jason Donovan in Queens Park. Not the best photo, but one of "those moments" captured on camera that paint a picture. Donovan was appearing at the carnival's big music event just before the fireworks, I crept on stage, took aim, then caught the one-time Aussie soap star as he looked round to see who was loitering by his stage crew. Well, it amused me at the time and was a cracking evening of entertainment, with several thousands packed into the park...

2 / 12 Things can only get better

2011-12-15T01:00:00.000Z

The 2008 by-election was without doubt a crazy time. I met some great people, a few con artists, national hacks prepared to sell their mother for a cheap story, people happy to try anything to win votes... but no names, of course. Some, like Tamsin Dunwoody, were a delight to accompany on the vote trail. I joined the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat campaigns, door to door, at debates, on the streets and, eventually, on election night and for the aftermath. There were good people amongst them all. Ms Dunwoody was a genuine lady, trying to follow in the footsteps of her mum - the late, great Gwyneth Dunwoody, a tall order for anyone. In truth, she was on a hiding to nothing, the timing was wrong, and Edward Timpson was a strong candidate. What grabbed me was the enthusiasm of Dunwoody and her team, seen here on Nantwich Road...

1 / 12 - Still of the night

2011-12-14T01:00:00.000Z

First of twelve snaps to count us down to Christmas Day. Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to take my trusty camera to many lofty spots - from Rail House roof to Christ Church bell tower, Delamere House to a monster bungee crane on the Express pub's car park. I've see Crewe from the top of the old police college (now beautiful apartments) and over-looking Market Square from the top floor of Costa Coffee. Hopefully, I've given a different perspective, a few cheeky angles and more. This image was taken around 5.30am from the top of Rail House, an hour or so before dawn in January 2009. It's a slow shutter snap, highlighting a little activity while most are still sleeping...

That's nearly all folks!

2011-12-11T10:35:00.001Z

Okay, ahead of my 12 days of Christmas (in reverse) countdown from Wednesday, I thought I'd post one of my favourite images from the blog years. May 2008, when Crewe became the centre of the UK political scene for a few weeks, a frantic campaign that saw Edward Timpson emerge victorious. I spent time with all of the candidates, and in the week before the vote I grabbed an hour in David Cameron's people carrier as he joined Edward Timpson around the Crewe & Nantwich area. Then, on the morning after the Conservatives took the seat, he returned for a victory speech on Market Square. I took plenty of snaps of the speech and flag waving, but this image is one of my favourites. Cameron returning to his car, through the media scrum, me perched by the vehicle looking up as he cuts through the crowd. Eric Pickles is behind him, and I love how the camera man on the right looks like George Osborne! Anyway, my 12 favourite pictures will be posted one at a time from Wednesday. Best wishes to all, and many thanks for following the blog over the last five years...

Lantern parade in Queens Park

2011-12-11T02:00:00.000Z

A lantern parade takes place in Crewe's Queens Park on Sunday 11th December, FREE event, from 4.30pm. Santa will be there, plus carols, stalls and other attractions...

Unbeaten run continues for the Alex

2011-12-10T20:06:00.001Z

Another unbeaten game under Steve Davis, but it was a hard-fought point. Dour first half, some awful free-kicks by Nick Powell and the inevitable goal by Northampton's Akinfenwa - the recipient of much abuse from the Alex travellers. At least it was still light! After the break, as the floodlights came on and the temperature plunged, we came alive, attacked the hosts, fought for the ball and created some decent openings. A late winner wouldn't have been undeserved, especially as Davis went all-out attack, but it would have been harsh on Northampton who were fired up by new gaffer Aidy Boothroyd. Onwards and upwards for the Alex...

Municipal Buildings

2011-12-10T09:08:00.001Z

Yesterday I grabbed a copy of Eight Hours From Paris, a film made about Crewe a few years back. Basically, it mocked the town, any town in middle England, painting a picture of mediocrity, rogue kids and ineffective small-town councillors - plus many other stereotypes. It was amusing, painful and embarrassing in equal measures. Maybe more of that after the weekend, but as I wandered through town either side of the rain the sun came out and lit up the Municipal Buildings (it features several times in the film). I haven't grabbed too many photos over the last few months, so to see us through to Christmas I'm going to load a photo a day from 14th - 25th December, a kinda twelve days in reverse. Basically, my favourite snaps from across the years that sum up the town, its people and the many events that have taken place across the five years of Crewe blog. First, I'm off to Northampton with my eldest... come on the Alex!

Russell Morgan @ SQ1

2011-12-09T20:05:00.001Z

Chilled evening of guitars and silky voices yesterday at Square One. Russell Morgan (snapped by Paul Senior) before John Bramwell took to the stage. Top night.

Tommy's @ St Michael's Church

2011-12-09T00:39:00.001Z

There's a charity event being held this Saturday, 10th December, between 11am - 3pm, at St Michael's Church Hall, Coppenhall, in Aid of Tommy’s (a charity to give babies the best chance of being born healthy). Loads of stalls selling all sorts: from bags, scarves, cakes, jewellery and make-up, to flowers and Tombola. There’s also a raffle with some great prizes such as £100 Argos voucher, a meat hamper just in time for Christmas, £50 NEXT voucher plus bottles of wine & spirits a Radley Purse and chocolates!

For more info about Tommy’s, a charity to give babies the best chance of being born healthy, visit their website www.tommys.org

New restaurant ready for business

2011-12-07T20:23:00.001Z

Okay, Frankie & Benny's is nothing special, but it's another step in the right direction as Crewe continues to attract new businesses to the town. More choice, next to the retail park that is booming, and surely good news for the Rising Sun pub over the road. Contractors onsite today making the finishing touches inside and out. Latest information suggests that the new restaurant will open on Friday 16th December (tbc).

No wardens at Queens Park

2011-12-07T06:16:00.001Z

Pressure on Cheshire East Council is mounting to reinstate wardens at Crewe's refurbished Queens Park. A number of acts of vandalism have occurred since the park was officially reopened, and a petition has started with worried Crewe residents demanding better monitoring of the facility. It does seem strange that so much money has been spent only to leave the park wide open to attack from the moronic minority, but CEC maintains that other parks in the region run on a similar basis with maintenance teams and park rangers. I visited on Sunday morning and found another bench overturned and damaged, plus only one gate had been opened by 11am. The people I saw wandering around the park were all either complaining or discussing the state of the paths. There's been plenty of progress, but if the park emerges from the winter months still looking shabby then questions will be asked. Just hoping that the threadbare staff can keep on top of things isn't really the answer, but under current economic conditions I suspect that CEC will not be very sympathetic.

She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon: book now available!

2011-12-04T22:49:00.000Z

Last batch of 25 copies of Crewe Alex book SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON now loaded to eBay, to end before 15th December to ensure that copies are posted out (or hand-delivered in Crewe area) well before Christmas. EBay item NOW ENDED. Copies also in stock at Crewe Alexandra club shop, Waterstone's (Crewe branch) and the Nantwich Book Shop.

More information about the book can be found on the blog . Otherwise, here's an excerpt...

From chapter 26, THERE'S ONLY ONE DEANO

One major highlight of the Ashton era also involved a father-son moment, away at Wigan’s then JJB Stadium. It was a last-minute decision, a chance to disappear for the day and use the family railcard. So we headed to Lancashire on the train with a few hundred Crewies. My lad had his mini Alex scarf wrapped around his neck, the latest replica shirt and one of my old badges pinned to his cute denim jacket lapel. I was proud as punch as we walked through Wigan town centre, bought him a pie and headed to the stadium hand in hand.
Wigan were all over us, and it was a typically robust and hard-working Paul Jewell side if ever I saw one. But they struggled to contain Ashton, Jones and Craig Hignett who all invited challenges from the Scouser’s henchmen. The referee missed nothing, and Ashton almost burst the net with two unstoppable penalty kicks within six minutes to leave Wigan on the ropes. They hit back, that was expected. So at 2-2, deep into injury time, we hoped to escape with a point.
Ashton thought otherwise, ignored calls to keep possession and camp out by the corner flag, danced past kamikaze defenders and drilled the ball low and hard past a horrified Wigan ‘keeper. If I could bottle that feeling of elation, absolute unbridled joy as I lifted my lad high into the air and saluted the goalscorer, well, I’d surely convince the Dragon’s Den millionaires to back my venture. But that mattered little. As I looked to my eldest he was singing ‘Deano, Deano, Deano…’ with one thousand delirious Alex fans. I didn’t stop smiling all day.

Duggy takes one for the team

2011-12-03T17:04:00.001Z

No Alex match this week, but Adam Dugdale was in the line of fire after he made comments about the manager's wife on the Soccer AM show t'other week. Brilliant... http://bcove.me/f3yk2isx

MP Clocks Off with RedShift Radio

2011-12-01T21:31:00.001Z

Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, continues to show his support of local broadcasters RedShift Radio.

The station is enjoying its second 28-day test licence on 87.7FM this year and can be heard across Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach and Alsager until 18 December.

Mr Timpson made time at the end of a busy week to be a guest on Clocking Off, the station's popular drive time show hosted by Dr Gav.

Following his visit, Mr Timpson said: “RedShift is a perfect example of a community dream being realised through the dedicated work of local volunteers. Local radio is very important to people throughout the United Kingdom and here in Crewe and Nantwich RedShift’s success has demonstrated the role that radio can play.”

The RedShift Radio team is made up of over 50 volunteer presenters and a small handful of paid office staff. The predominately online radio station has been running at least 14 hours of live output per day since September 2010 and it is the aim of the station founders Dr Gav and Bizzy Lizzy to bring Crewe and surrounding towns a full-time local community radio station.

Bizzy Lizzy said: “We urge everyone, whatever age you are, to please have a listen while we are on 87.7FM and let us know what you think and more importantly, exactly what you would like to hear on your local station.”

Listeners can interact via text or phone on 01270-262262 or email studio@redshiftradio.co.uk

Music: Russell Morgan's Surrender

2011-12-01T21:02:00.001Z

Time for some music on the blog, and someone we featured briefly several months ago. Over the summer local artist Russell Morgan has been in the recording studio, and the stunning album “Surrender” introduces us to the raspy folk/blues voice of a man that sounds as though he swigs fine whisky and gargles with gravel. You can really melt into this soulful but uplifting music. The guitar work is to die for, finger dexterity most would sell their grandma for. As you delve into the album, through various styles and messages, it’s obvious that he’s had fun fine-tuning his craft, but there are some magical details dotted across the tracks.

For me “Beautiful Day” is the stand-out track, the perfect album intro, a soulful happy-go-lucky sound that reminds me of stepping outside in the early morning, just as the first rays of sunshine flood the day. No worries, carefree and with everything to look forward to. It’s upbeat and perky, with simple lyrics and some meaty sounds to keep you tapping your foot as Russell smiles his way through the track. “Runaway Boy” charts the obvious, but reflects upon the artist’s experiences when one of his son’s comments bring back childhood memories. The delicate guitar work is the perfect companion. “Push It Up” screams from the speakers, a surprise track nestled amongst slower, poignant material, but it really works and showcases the rock side to the artist.

Go judge for yourselves. You can check out Russell’s music at http://www.russmorgan.co.uk/music.html. He will be supporting John Bramwell from “I Am Kloot” at Square One (£10) in Crewe on Thursday 8th December, 2011.

New book: EMBRACING THE ENEMY

2011-12-01T19:06:00.001Z

EMBRACING THE ENEMY is the title of a new book due out next week. It deals with an aspect of Crewe’s wartime history that has largely been overlooked: that of the Prisoners of War from World War II, who were kept at camps in the area; specifically Snape Farm, Weston; Donkinson’s Oak, Warmingham; and Crewe Hall.

The book is the culmination of over a year and a half’s research that began in May, 2010 with author Mark Tyrrell being asked to take a photograph of the camp at Weston because a friend of his had heard it was going to be demolished. A subsequent visit was to spark off Mark’s interest as he realized that there was more to the story of the camp than just rows of decaying Nissen huts. Using information he obtained from interviews with ex-POWs, their descendants and local people, together with information from various local history sources and material held at the National Archives and elsewhere, Mark has strived to place what happened to the Prisoners of War in a wider context.

EMBRACING THE ENEMY is published by Mpire Books of Crewe (ISBN 978-0-9538877-8-1), 176 pages, on sale at Waterstone's Crewe branch priced £10. A book launch event will also take place at Hops Cafe Bar on Saturday 10th December, between 3pm and 7pm. You can buy direct from the author by emailing him on mark_tyrrell1951@hotmail.com

Public Sector action hits Crewe

2011-11-30T14:46:00.001Z

A few snaps from the public sector workers' rally held in Crewe's Municipal Square on Wednesday lunchtime. Around 200 gathered to protest about planned changes to their pensions. They have a point, as they will pay more, work longer and probably receive less when they retire. Yes it's the same for many private sector employees (I'm one of those, and at Bentley Motors we must decide in the New Year whether we pay more, the same or less into our pension pots. We have a choice. Some do not.) For many in both the public and private sector it feels as though pensions have been mis-sold, that Joe Bloggs is paying the price for poor planning and shoddy investments. Sure the government has a serious financial headache, but many of the workers in question do not earn massive salaries. I back the action, but I'm sure many do not. Whether the strike has any impact remains to be seen...

Keeping the market alive

2011-11-30T14:07:00.001Z

As the public sector workers were on strike today (well, many of them were) I was off with the kids. So we popped into town (busy) and said hello to my old mate Steve Willet (you might remember him, left, from the excellent Chetwode Pub Reunion that he organised a couple of years ago). Along with Shaun he's taken up one of the indoor market plots to open his Coins, Cards and Collectables business. They buy, sell and generally give advice about coins, silver items, watches and other collectables. He's even going to sell a few signed copies of She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon at the stall, so many thanks for that. Anyway, they're in the middle aisle of the indoor market next to the Municipal Buildings, open most days, or you can ring them on 07857-371167 or 07743-091849. Good luck to them both...

Government cash boosts Crewe

2011-11-29T17:46:00.001Z

Two fantastic pieces of news for Crewe over the last 24 hours... that the Crewe Green Link Road will be funded by the government, plus Crewe Station has been awarded over £6m from a central fund to transform the so-called gateway to the North. Exciting stuff, as both will bring jobs and make the town a much more attractive proposition to potential investors. The only remaining question is how long before each project becomes reality? Hopefully sooner rather than later...

The Escape @ The Box

2011-11-28T18:34:00.001Z

Finally managed to bag a night out on Sunday, and decided to catch up with my mate Matt and his band The Escape. They lined up at The Box with another local act Sink or Swim before the Futures took to the stage. Anyway, The Escape's lead singer Matt is pictured doing his thing, a snap courtesy of Tina from Simon J Newbury Photography. It sparked a debate about b/w and colour images. Does b/w create a more atmospheric picture, especially where music photography is concerned?

Sunday morning at the Barony

2011-11-27T14:53:00.001Z

Something I have noticed since the lads started playing footy is the lack of decent football facilities for kids. A few multi-use areas have been created, but they are not maintained very well. As for grass, forget it. There is nothing in the Leighton area, hardly anything in the centre of Crewe, a couple of pitches behind the Cumberland (Mirion Street), but they're covered in dog mess and litter every Sunday morning. Redsands is awful, the nearby Peacock half-decent but only because it's maintained by a club. Otherwise, you're lucky if you can get on the pitched behind Ruskin School (like BMX tracks), else it's over to the Georges, which are in desperate need of work. So despite two Crewe teams often playing, it's often over to the Barony for us. Today's snap sees a cold and blustery scene, with parents and supporters numb by the end of 70 minutes.

Splash of colour in Muni Square

2011-11-27T09:42:00.001Z

An Alex gathering

2011-11-26T23:07:00.001Z

Many thanks to everyone who attended the informal book launch on Friday night. Plenty of Alex chat, a few scribbles in books, cash raised for charity and some great pics from Simon J Newbury. You can view/grab some photos at Dropbox here. The book, SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON is available to order on-line here. Some of Simon's other work can be seen here.

Alex 1 Hereford 0

2011-11-26T18:37:00.001Z

Not the rip-roaring victory we'd all hoped for, but the Alex dug deep and grabbed three precious points. Hereford were a much tougher proposition that I'd expected, and did enough to deserve a point. But football doesn't work like that. Nick Powell did the business with another corker, the Alex defence and Steve Phillips were in no mood to concede, and new-boy Jamie Lowry worked hard. There was a brief glimpse of Wes Fletcher up front, but he needs time to impress and bag his first goal. The crowd nudged back up above the 3,500 mark, and if the results continue to improve we will soon see 4000-plus inside Gresty Road again. So another positive afternoon, and a two-week break for the players to increase their fitness ahead of Northampton away. Happy bunny.

Georges Community Centre

2011-11-26T08:58:00.001Z

Forgot to give this place a shout last month. Noticed the re-branding a while back when my eldest plays football at the King George V pitches, and the community centre does a roaring trade in breakfasts from players and families on Saturdays and Sundays. Good luck to The Georges Community Centre off West Street (Coppenhall Lane)....

Book launch day!

2011-11-25T10:01:00.001Z

At last! It's the launch of She Wore A Scarlet Ribbon today, an informal get-together of Alex fans at Hops Cafe bar in Crewe. There will be copies of the new paperback available, plenty of Alex banter, the big Alex flag from JJB's, a group photo of everyone wearing Alex shirts and of course a few beers and a natter about this weekend's game. Pop along any time between 4pm and 7pm... still can't decide which of my shirts to wear!

Redshift Radio now on 87.7FM

2011-11-23T18:29:00.001Z

Quick shout for one of Crewe's local radio stations, RedShift, now broadcasting on 87.7FM until 18th December. They're operating what's known as a Restricted Service Licence (RSL), a test licence that gives Ofcom the chance to assess broadcasters. In 2013 a permanent licence will be offered to cover the Crewe & Nantwich area. Check out Redshift's website and Internet feed here, or tune in during late November and December...

Crewe Town Council

2011-11-23T12:02:00.001Z

The great Crewe Town Council debate is with us again, and this time many feel that the campaign has real legs. Overlooked, confused and, ultimately, rejected by Cheshire East before, those involved think there’s a real case to answer now, and the council invites local residents’ views (check out www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and select Crewe Community Governance link in the Have Your Say area). As most other towns have a town council there’s a good chance that Crewe will be brought in line with others, meaning a little more representation from people who actually live in and understand the needs of the town. Recent planning decisions, taken by people who live and work in Macclesfield, Sandbach and beyond, have enraged local councillors who sit on the various CEC panels, hopelessly outnumbers when it comes to taking decisions. So perhaps the time is now right. A ballot will be held next February. What do you think?

Crewe Christmas Lights

2011-11-22T06:27:00.001Z

The festive lights are turned on this Thursday (24th November), with the usual fun and games in Market Square from late afternoon. There will be fireworks from Blitz, music, carols, a small funfair and an appearance from this year's panto cast. Crewe Mayor Roy Cartlidge will do the official switch-on, around 6.30pm. Late night shopping also starts for those looking to grab their presents early...

High Street highs and lows

2011-11-20T18:57:00.001Z

Noticed that they've pushed on with the new Poundland store on Market Street. I did wonder about them using the two units (the old Boots and HMV shops), and whether one would be temporary either side of Christmas. Not so, as you can see the expansive interior taking shape. Also, they are applying the Poundland colours and branding, suggesting that they're here for the long haul. Not everyone's kinda store, but during the current financial hassles I suspect it will do a roaring trade. Moreover, it brings jobs and fills a gap on the high street. Further down, in the covered Market Centre, there's a Calendar Club shop opened to grab the Christmas trade, but Paperbox on Queensway have a closing down sale notice on the doors. Slow but steady progress in Crewe...

Photos at the Sun

2011-11-20T08:40:00.001Z

Great offer from local photographer Simon J Newbury on Sunday. He'll be at the Rising Sun pub off Earle Street, just over the road from the Grand Junction Retail Park. He's doing kids photos, family shots or portraits. Its just £20 which covers the shoot and your selected image printed as an 8x10 or A4 professional photograph. Extra images are available if desired! You could also stay for a gorgeous Sunday lunch too!

New era for Crewe?

2011-11-20T08:32:00.001Z

Praise to the Alex lads who battled hard for a 2-1 win away at Morecambe on Saturday, and coming back from a goal down! I was in Wolverhampton for the darts at a mate's 30th birthday, but for the first time in five years decided to place a bet. Just couldn't resist the 11/4 odds for the Crewe win. So we got a few strange looks when I was celebrating at 4.55pm as the final scores were being shown on the big screen, surrounded by Wolves fans and bemused darts players. Quality result. A real confidence boost, and hopefully the springboard we need ahead of next Saturday's home game with Hereford.

Leo Messam

2011-11-18T15:25:00.001Z

It's nearly a year since Leo Messam tragically lost his life in a house fire in Crewe (21/11/10). Balloons were released in Municipal Square as a mark of respect, and the same will happen this Saturday 19th November at 12 o'clock as friends and family celebrate his short life. Bring your own balloons, or you can purchase them from the Market Hall over the road...

Remembrance Day in Crewe

2011-11-13T13:12:00.001Z

Another huge turnout in Crewe's Municipal Square this morning, all there to remember the fallen. It always amuses me how some folk carry on regardless, seemingly oblivious to the thousands of people paying their respects. Cars whizzed by until the police stopped the traffic on the Vernon Way roundabout, sirens wailed in the distance, shouts of joy came from the Cumberland Arena as kids played out their Sunday morning football games, and engines rumbled by a few yards away as they travelled along the rail lines beneath the Earle Street bridge. Life passing by, because of those who made sacrifices across so many years. I cycled home through Queens Park and noticed the poppy by the Burma Star Island memorial. Oh, and it's nearly five years since the Crewe blog (latterly Crewe TV) went on-line. The first story was about the revamped square...

Kids party at the Alex

2011-11-13T08:28:00.001Z

The Crewe ASi fans' group stage their annual kids' party on Sunday 18th December (2pm - 4.30pm) in the Carlsberg Lounge at the Alex ground. All the usual party games and special guests, with tickets just £2.50 each. Call David Coleman for details on 07800-740906.

Crewe firm scoops orders

2011-11-13T07:52:00.001Z

Local ice-cream van specialist Whitby Morrison recently hosted an event that attracted 600 potential customers to Crewe, including representatives from Cadbury and Wall's. Similar national exhibitions take place elsewhere in the UK, but the Crewe Gates Industrial Estate company wanted to showcase what they had to offer. Numerous orders were taken that secured work well into the New Year, and the future looks rosy for the business that already employs 55 skilled local people. If you'd like to know more about the firm, visit their website HERE.

Alex 1 Colchester 4 (FA Cup round one)

2011-11-12T17:58:00.001Z

Not too disheartened, as the Alex put on a decent show despite the scoreline. Colchester eventually showed their League One pedigree, but for 70 minutes the Alex were the better side, determined, fired up and hungry for goals. The turning point came in the first half, the Alex a goal to the good, but a reckless challenge saw Westy sent off and the odds were stacked against us. But, with just ten men, the Alex continued to attack and perhaps should have extended the lead. The whole side was up for it, closing down the opposition and zipping the ball around the pitch. Steve Davis will transform the current bunch, there's no doubt about that, but we still need a couple of new faces.

What shocked me was the attendance; just 2,325. Before Thursday's dramatic developments I expected a low turnout, and I was 50-50 about turning up. It was always going to be a tough test, and few expected us to beat Colchester, but I thought a few more would welcome Davis into the hot seat. Perhaps many still have doubts, and want to see results change before they return to Gresty Road. We need something next Saturday away at Morecambe, but already that looks a big ask - unless the team is freshened up with a loan signing or two. So not the best start, but I really do think the situation will improve over the next few weeks. It has to!

Funky Tesco

2011-11-12T06:01:00.001Z

Really impressed with the new-look Tesco. I know the original plans were criticised by the council planners, and Tesco were asked to improve the look of the building. Well, they have certainly done that. Looking good...

Crewe remembers

2011-11-11T18:26:00.001Z

Dario steps aside

2011-11-10T19:34:00.001Z

Still don't know what to make of today's news that Dario Gradi has stepped aside (again), with Steve Davis assuming the role of first team manager with immediate effect. The time is right, the old maestro's magic wand no longer works, and Davis seems more than capable. BUT, Dario simply shuffles back to his role as Director of Football and to run the academy. So will Davis be given a free role? I hope so, and I really want this to be the start of a positive new chapter for Crewe Alexandra. One thing's for sure, what threatened to be a poor turnout on Saturday for FA Cup round one game could now see a bumper crowd officially welcoming Davis to his new job. The big question: will Dario take a back seat, maintain a low profile? I'd hope so, maybe keep well clear of the technical area and join John Bowler et al up in the main seating area. Fingers crossed it's a good start for all concerned in their new roles...

She wore a scarlet ribbon: Book launch at Hops Cafe bar in Crewe

2011-11-09T16:43:00.000Z

She wore a scarlet ribbon: Book launch at Hops Cafe bar in Crewe: New Crewe Alex story SHE WORE A SCARLET RIBBON book launch will take place at Hops Café bar on Prince Albert Street (near Christ Church in the centre of Crewe), on Friday 25th November (pop along any time between 4pm-7pm). An event has been created on the Crewe TV Facebook page HERE. Copies of the new paperback will be on sale, with a £1 discount if you wear an Alex replica top!

We’re also having a Celebration of Shirts, with a group photo (at 6pm) of anyone wearing a Crewe Alexandra top from any season (home or away) from the early 1980s to current day. Hopefully a cracking splash of colour…

Further information about the project, online sales and availability at local outlets can be found on the book’s blog at www.sheworeascarletribbon.blogspot.com