Midcheshire Independent Issue 185

3 NOVEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk ORGANISERS of the Battle of Nantwich ‘Holly Holy Day’ Eng- lish Civil War re-enact- ment are looking for new recruits. They have launched a call for enthusiastic volun- teers to join the team for the 2026 event, which will take place on Saturday Jan- uary 24. The historic re-enact- ment, a highlight of the town’s winter calendar, commemorates the 1644 siege of the town and vic- tory during the English Civil War. For more than 50 years, the Sealed Knot has brought this fascinating period of history to life, honouring the day when the Royalist siege of Nant- wich was lifted by Parlia- mentarian troops under Thomas Fairfax. Townspeople celebrated by wearing sprigs of holly in their hats – a tradition that continues to inspire the modern-day ‘Holly Holy Day’. This hugely popular event attracts hundreds of visitors to Nantwich, and its success depends on the dedication and friendly faces of local volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in welcoming visitors, giving directions, handing out programmes, keeping the town tidy, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Volunteer coordinator Liane Dooley said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something truly special in Nantwich. “Our volunteers are the heart of the event – they help create a warm, wel- coming atmosphere and make sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you love history, enjoy meeting people, or simply want to give back to your commu- nity, we’d love to have you on board!” The day will feature the dramatic battle re-enact- ment complete with can- non fire, musket volleys, and swordplay, as well as historical displays, food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the town. If you’d like to get involved and volunteer, contact Liane Dooley at: volunteers.battleofnant- wich@gmail.com POLICE have spearheaded a major crackdown on illegal products, money launder- ing and immigration crime with raids on retailers across Cheshire East. The raids saw police and trad- ing standards officers swoop on six commercial premises across Macclesfield, Sandbach, Congle- ton and Alsager. They seized quantities of illegal products, including vapes, tobacco and counterfeit toys. Officers from Cheshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Exploitation team took part in the operation, supported by members of its Foreign National Offender (FNO) Unit. The raids took place on Octo- ber 14 and were part of ‘Opera- tion Machinize’. Launched by the National Crime Agency, Machinize is an ongoing coordinated operation that aims to tackling money laundering, the criminal use of cash-intensives in high street businesses and immi- gration crime. Police say the street value of the products seized is estimated to be around £25,000. A 32-year-old man from Macclesfield was also arrested on suspicion of mod- ern-day slavery offences. Detective Inspector Martin Caldwell, of Cheshire’s Protective Vulnerable People Exploitation team, said: “We and our commu- nity partners work very hard to tackle those attempting to sell illicit products in Cheshire. “While many businesses across Cheshire East are operating within the law, we have seen that there are a those few who think they can get away with it.” As operation earlier in the month looking to target organ- ised immigration crime saw three people in Congleton arrested. Involving police and immigration officers, it was also part of Oper- ation Machinize. Officers visited two car washes in the town leading to the arrest of three men, one aged 33 and two aged 39, on suspicion of modern slavery offences. The trio have since been released on bail. In addition, four other men were also arrested by immigra- tion officers and a number of items were seized, including a car, sev- eral mobile phones and a quantity of cash. Police say that following the visits, the owners of the car washes are likely to face significant fines of up to £45,000 per illegal worker. Detective Constable Dominic Rogers, of the Eastern Area Pro- tecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “While the vast majority of businesses in Congleton are oper- ating legitimately, there are some who exploit the most vulnerable people in order to make finan- cial gains. “Those involved in such activi- ties often have links to drug traf- ficking and distribution, organised immigration crime, modern slavery and human trafficking, which is why we are committed to doing all we can to identify those involved.” NEWS IN BRIEF MACCLESFIELDMP Tim Roca held a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) ‘Listening event’ to hear directly from parents and carers about their experience of the support system and their ideas for change. WILMSLOW’S new police station is leading the way as one of the most energy- efficient in the country. It is the only one nationally, and the first public building in Cheshire, to achieve the international Passivhaus design standard. THE mayor of Macclesfield’s Christmas Wreath Workshops will take place on Friday December 5 at Townley Hall. There will be an afternoon and evening session. Tickets are £25 and cash raised will go towards Friends of Park Lane Special school and Cardiac Risk in the Young. Booking is through the Eventbrite website. THE iconic arch at the entrance to Wilmslow’s Carrs Park has been rededicated and blessed at a special service. The ceremony at the Boddington Arch marked the 100th anniversary of the park being gifted to the people of Wilmslow. Police raid on shops in major crime crackdown Haul: Specialist tobacco detection dogMostyn took part in the operation (Photo credit: Cheshire Police) Bringing history to life! Re-enactment: The event is a winter highlight (Photo credit: Jonathan White)