Midcheshire Independent Issue 170

SEPTEMBER 2024 8 Feel the benefit of solar power, save money on your energy bills, and help tackle climate change. Scan to see if you qualify for free or discounted home upgrades. Or call Your Home Better on 0161 883 7979 ANTON Lesser, star of hit TV shows Game of Thrones, Wolf Hall and Endeavour is coming to Buxton Opera House. He will play the role of author Laurie Lee in ‘Red Sky at Sunrise’, the extraor- dinary story of the Cider with Rosie writ- er’s life. Described as a ‘captivating weave of music and his own words’, it will be performed in Buxton on Saturday Sep- tember 14. The story weaves around Lee’s writing and includes his time fighting with the International Brigades against Franco’s forces in the Spanish Civil War. Anton said: “It has been a joy to dis- cover more of Laurie Lee’s sublime writ- ing. In many ways, his account of what was happening in Spain in the 1930s is prescient of what is playing out now in Europe.” SANDBACH rugby club hosted a special pre-sea- son friendly game look- ing to raise awareness around mental health. The club’s social team – made up of players who will represent the 3rd XV and the 4th XV – welcomed the LooseHeadz Barbari- ans to the club’s Bradwall Road ground. LooseHeadz is a charity aiming to place a mental health lead in every rugby club around the world. It is currently work- ing with around 1,000 rugby clubs in 20 differ- ent countries, as well as TV favourite: Anton Lesser Game of Thrones star’s date at The Opera House Tackling the stigma around mental health Photo credit PAUL DORAN Premiership Rugby, Eng- lish Rugby, Welsh Rugby and Major League Rugby in North America. This summer Loose- Headz took its mission on the road with its Barbar- ians team and Sandbach was one of its stops. A club spokesperson said: “It is games like this that help to raise awareness of their mission to tackle the stigma of metal health and get the rugby community talking about it.” Despite the friendly nature and positive atmosphere, both teams were keen to make their mark and there were plenty of big hits and impressive rugby on display. Sandbach dominated the first half but once the Barbarians got on the score sheet, they were keen for more. In the second half, the home team kept their lead with the match ending 38-24. The game had a sig- nificant importance for player Mike Grapes, who also arranged the fixture. He said: “It was incredible to witness the support for this game, as over 70 senior players laced up their boots to participate. “The unity and dedica- tion shown by the rugby community in bringing attention to mental health is truly inspiring. This ini- tiative holds a special place in my heart, as it stemmed from the tragic loss of my younger brother to suicide at the age of 27. “Looking at the age demographic at the club, it was clear that this cause resonated deeply with many. Building on this momentum, plans are already in motion for next year’s match against LooseHeadz Barbarians for the Bradley Peace Memo- rial Cup.”