Macclesfield Castle Rotary Club Annual Swimathon

For more than 20 years the Annual Swimathon organized by the Rotary Club of Macclesfield Castle has become one of the most anticipated community events in early spring in Macclesfield.

This year will be the 24th Swimathon which has so far it has raised over £180,000 for local charities and community organizations. Half of the money raised through sponsorship by teams of swimmers from local community groups and schools goes to their own nominated project or charity. The Rotary Club uses the other half in community projects in Macclesfield. Among those which have directly benefited are The Rossendale Trust, East Cheshire Hospice, Childline, Christies Fighting Cancer, NSPCC, Francis House Hospice, Macclesfield Disability Forum, and East Cheshire Eye Society.

Rotary Club President John Knight says, “I am delighted to announce the date of this year’s Swimathon, on the afternoon of Sunday 8 March at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. The total number of places is limited so if you are a local school or community group, enter a team of swimmers, organise sponsorship and come along and enjoy an afternoon of fun; and at the same time raise some money for your nominated charity. Oh, and don’t forget – bring your supporters to cheer you on.”

Some of the operating costs of the Swimathon are covered by a generous donation from Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, but everyone involved in the organization of the event and on the day is doing it on a voluntary basis in line with the Rotary motto ‘Service above Self’.

For further information or to enter a team please contact Tony by email: tonyrotary1001@gmail.com.

Belong Morris Feinmann Commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day

Didsbury dementia specialist, Belong Morris Feinmann turned purple for Holocaust Memory Day (HMD) 2026 with a special service dedicated to the remembrance of Jews and others who suffered in the Holocaust under Nazi persecution.  

True to this year’s theme, ‘Bridging Generations’, the commemoration was led by Rabbi Perez and brought together the village’s customers, their families, and the wider community of all ages, for prayers, conversation, and reflection. 

Angela Luckett, experience and cultural coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is one of the most important events in our calendar and the responsibility of remembrance really doesn’t end with survivors. It is of the utmost importance that we continue to play our role in honouring the millions of people affected and preserve this legacy for generations to carry it forward.”  

The Palatine Road care village’s synagogue, also open to the public, hosts a special exhibition documenting the experiences of Holocaust refugees and survivors. The remarkable stories each detail personal accounts of life during the traumatic WWII era, alongside poignant portraits which have been prominently displayed for posterity.  

Additionally, the village welcomes the Jewish community to its Shabbat services, hosted by a visiting Rabbi, and followed by Kiddush.

HAPPINESS HABITS

A six-WEEK WELLBEING COURSE IN HALE

Happiness Habits is a friendly, practical course created by Action for Happiness. It explores simple, science-based ways to support wellbeing, build resilience and feel more connected.

Each session includes gentle discussion, reflection and everyday ideas you can try at your own pace. There is no pressure to share, and no prior experience needed.

Starts: Tuesday 24 February 2026

Time: 2pm - 4pm  (Six Weekly Sessions)

Location: Altrincham United Reformed Church, 81 Cecil Road, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 9NT

Booking Required.

Cost: Donation Based, Pay As You Feel, Free Places Available

To book your place, visit: actionforhappiness.org/course/happiness-habits-altrincham

Course facilitated by Jolene Sheehan and Kieran Calphas, trained facilitators with Action for Happiness, UK wellbeing charity.

Girls Rugby Is Growing Stronger

by Wilf Dooley

Women and girls rugby is growing stronger both nationally and locally following the success of both the Ladies soccer and rugby teams in International competitions. Sports clubs and schools are all seeing an increase in girls taking part in sport.

Trafford MV Sports Club are a prime example seeing their girls section continuing to grow through 2025 and now into 2026. In addition to the TMV flagship Ladies team playing in Women's NC 1 North (South) the club has introduced girls age group teams at under 16's / 14's and 12's with an ambition to populate an under 18's team in the near future.

With a team of dedicated coaches the girls are growing in confidence and ability which is being reflected in their match results and enjoyment of the game.

The Club is very keen to hear from parents/teachers of locally based girl's who might be interested in playing rugby for a club with a great family ethos and a reputation for nurturing young players through the learning experience into the playing of the game.

There is also women's and girls soft ball cricket at the Club - summer will soon be here (we promise!) and the players are currently enjoying winter practise sessions on Saturdays at Sale High School.

If you know or teach any women or girls with an interest in playing rugby or cricket please contact: wilfdooley@virginmedia.com and your enquiry will be directed to the relevant coaching team.

You can find our Club - Trafford MV RFCC at Finny Bank Road, MacPherson Park, Sale, Trafford, M33 6LR