Return to Cranford - on PBS, December 4 & 11

Re-airing December 4 & 11, 2011 on PBS Check local listings

Change is racing towards the small, close-knit village of Cranford like a steam train — quite literally. As the railroad continues to encroach at the edge of town, Cranford strives to open to new realities, from surprising romances to unexpected losses and even waltzing! Matty Jenkyns (Judi Dench), Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton), Mrs. Forrester (Julia McKenzie) and Mrs. Jamieson (Barbara Flynn) are back with other distinguished residents of Cranford, along with one well-outfitted and mischievous cow. When a shocking event seemingly derails Cranford from its innocence, can a bit of magic and faith in enduring friendships save the day? Based on the stories of Victorian-era writer Elizabeth Gaskell, Return to Cranford also features Tom Hiddleston (Wallander) and Tim Curry.

Masterpiece

ANOTHER star-studded Spirit of Christmas event is being planned for Chester Cathedral this December.

htar-studded Spirit of Christmas event to take place at Chester Cathedral in December

Oct 7 2011 Chester Chronicle

Actor and TV presenter Matthew Kelly will once again host a spectacular evening.
More than a dozen top names from TV, stage and screen will be performing at the 16th Spirit of Christmas carol concert to be held in Chester Cathedral.

In the past the concert has welcomed such stars as Alan Rickman, Imelda Staunton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sophie Thompson, Neil Pearson, Carey Mulligan and Jim Broadbent.  The event has yet to be finalised.

The concert raises money for the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford which provides vital services and employment for people with muscular dystrophy across the North West and beyond.
Muscular dystrophy is a condition which progressively weakens muscles and for most people this means getting on with life in a wheelchair – the centre receives virtually no government funding and costs £750,000 a year to run.

Last year this event attracted more than 800 people and raised more than £27,000.
Once again, the organisers are running a massive primary school choir competition across Cheshire in association with Chester’s Dee 106.3 and sponsored by Dawsons Music.
The winning choir will perform at the event in front of the audience and celebrities and will be announced on air on Friday, November 18.

Tickets are now available from £10 up to £50 (includes champagne reception with celebrities). Call the NMC on 01606 861733 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01606 861733 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or buy online at www.nmcentre.com and www.chestercathedral.com.