Cheadle to celebrate connection with Agatha Christie throughout 2026
by Cheadle Civic Society
Residents of Cheadle in Stockport are set to celebrate the connection their village has with Agatha Christie throughout 2026.
Cheadle Civic Society is putting the finishing touches to a programme of events that will include a visit by the famous crime writer’s grandson, Mathew Prichard.
Christie’s older sister ‘Madge’ lived in Cheadle with her husband James Watts from 1902 until her death in 1950 and one of their homes in the village, Abney Hall, is said to be one of the main inspirations for the iconic country house setting that features so prominently in Agatha’s work.
Several of Christie’s books are dedicated to Abney Hall or members of her extended family in Cheadle and it was to Abney Hall that she retreated, escorted by her sister, to recover following her famous 11-day disappearance in December 1926.
Christie passed away 50 years ago this month (January 1976) and Cheadle Civic Society want to make more people aware of the influence Cheadle had on the novelist’s life and work.
Their programme of events will include:
The unveiling of an Information Board outside Abney Hall by Agatha’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, which will outline the story of her connection to Cheadle and her Watts relations.
An ‘Agatha Christie Book Club’, hosted by local crime-writer and million-selling award-winning author Kate Ellis, which will meet in the Drawing Room at Abney Hall and cover five books with specific connections to Cheadle.
A walking tour around the village, led by the local historian Andrew Frazer and supported by Hydes Brewery, that will highlight the buildings and locations with ties to Christie and her novels.
An ‘In Conversation’ with Martin Edwards, the president of The Detection Club – a crime writers association and a position held by Agatha herself for almost 20 years – and Kate Ellis, who will discuss Agatha’s influence on their work and the genre at large.
Local brewery Hydes has announced that its two village pubs, The James Watts (named after Madge’s husband and his ancestors) and The Crown, will showcase a special guest ale named Who Dunnit on selected dates throughout the year.
Cheadle Library will be hosting two events - a ‘Creative Christie for Kids’ for local children to practice their mystery solving skills and create their own detective stories; and they will also host a ‘Crime Night’ for adult readers.
All events are FREE of charge. Some will have limited availability. For more information about the work of Cheadle Civic Society, visit: cheadlecivicsociety.uk.
Among the Agatha Christie books with special connections to Cheadle are:
4:50 from Paddington - said to be inspired by the layout of the grounds at Abney Hall).
After the Funeral - a novel that Agatha dedicates to ‘good times at Abney’.
The Body in the Library - which Agatha dedicates to ‘Nan’ Watts who was a lifelong friend.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas - the plot of which Agatha says was influenced by her brother-in-law, James Watts.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding - in which Agatha gives a detailed dedication to ‘the Christmases of her youth’ at Abney Hall.
The Information Board about Agatha Christie that will be unveiled outside Abney Hall will form part of the new Cheadle Community Heritage Trail, launching in the spring, which has been supported by a grant from the Northern Trains Community Project Fund. More information about the Trail will be released in due course.
Agatha Christie Book Club in the Drawing Room at Abney Hall
Thursday 5 March (6pm-7pm) - 4:50 from Paddington
Thursday 7 May (6pm-7pm) - After the Funeral
Thursday 2 July (6pm-7pm) - The Body in the Library
Thursday 3 September (6pm-7pm) - Hercule Poirot's Christmas
Thursday 5 November (6pm-7pm) - The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Literary Events at Cheadle Library
Thursday 5 March at 4pm - Creative Christie for Kids at Cheadle Library
Thursday 12 November at 5:30pm - Crime Night at Cheadle Library
Agatha Christie Walking Tour of Cheadle - Kindly sponsored by Hydes Brewery
Meeting point: Cheadle Green. Finish point: The James Watts Pub.
Sunday 19 April (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 17 May (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 14 June (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 12 July (11am-12.30pm)
Sunday 6 September (11am-12.30pm)
In Conversation: Martin Edwards & Kate Ellis
Saturday 25 April (1pm-2pm). Venue: St Mary’s Church, Cheadle.
Photograph: Agatha Christie at Abney Hall c1902. Copyright: The Christie Archive Trust
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Withington Assist – Over 65’s Winter Event
Thursday 22 January 11am - 3pm at Withington Methodist Church.
Free food, informative stalls and entertainment to help keep you feeling well and in control over winter.
Drop in any time, no need to book.
If you live locally and need a lift to attend, give the Withington Assist team a call on: 0161 434 9216 and they can organise a volunteer driver or taxi to get you there.
Ladybarn Community Hub
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Cost of Living Fair: Friday 30 January 12:00 - 3pm at Ladybarn Community Hub.
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Neighbourhood Volunteer Meetup: Thursday 12 February 2:30pm - 3:30pm at Ladybarn Community Hub. All local volunteers and volunteering organisations are welcome to attend to support one another and share knowledge of what’s happening across the neighbourhood.
Withington Walls and Mandem Meetup
Community Paint!
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Saturday 28 February, 1pm - 3:30pm
Withington Baths, 30 Burton Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3EB
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Drumming Circle for carers and the person they care for (over 18s)
Thursday 12 February at 1:45pm. Amani Centre, Moss Lane East, M16 7DG. A free event for un-paid carers, make some music, meet other carers and enjoy some free refreshments. Welfare benefit advisors will also be available to speak to. Contact Paula to book a place: paula@togetherdementiasupport.org or 07763 565 160
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