Here is the third interview in our 'Wilmslow People' series.
On a weekly basis I will be putting a set of similar questions to somebody local about their connection with Wilmslow and their thoughts about the town.
During the series the intention is to feature local people from a variety of backgrounds and different occupations. If you would like to feature in the 'Wilmslow People' series or suggest someone else then please email me [email protected].
Full name: Sheila Hallas
Age: As old as my little finger, and a little older than my teeth! (My mum always answered this way!)
Occupation: Originally a Welfare Officer for London Transport; now Hon. Organiser for the Charity Christmas Card Shops.
Marriage status: Widowed
Any children? A son and daughter and 5 wonderful grandchildren.
Hobbies and interests: Reading, (non-fiction - real people are so interesting), gardening, theatre, animals, dog-walking, history.
Where do you live? I live in Fulshaw park
How long have you lived in Wilmslow? I have been here since 1967.
Where did you move from and why? Moved from Surrey as Max was posted to the Daily Mail in Manchester from Fleet Street.
What do you most like about living in Wilmslow?
Wilmslow is a great hub from where you can get to London, Wales, Derbyshire, the Lake District, and the rest of the world.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Wilmslow?
Am worried about the creeping industrialisation, and the threat to the Green Belt. Sprawl is deadly.
What have been the biggest changes to Wilmslow since you have been here?
The High School has grown amazingly. Grove Street is pedestrianised. Many more houses.
What do you miss about the town that has since gone?
Perhaps miss the individual shops; the ironmongers in Water Lane, The Flying Machine, Mossop and Hunt. Sadly the business rates make it untenable for many.
If there is one thing about Wilmslow you could eliminate what would it be?
I would eliminate the horrible squashed chewing gum that despoils the pavements, and the litter.
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Wilmslow or the surrounding area?
Love going to Gawsworth open air productions. Whatever the weather! Typically British to picnic in the wet or cold; but magical to sit looking at that wonderful Tudor building and see the Cheshire hills beyond.
What are the main myths about Wilmslow?
I remember writing to Jeremy Clarkson when he poked fun at Wilmslow's battalions of 4x4's and their "orange skinned drivers", saying that wasn't a fair comment, and inviting him to come and open our Christmas Card Shop and see the other side of Wilmslow's residents. He declined via a P/A (coward!).
I think we need to be pro-active regarding future planning. No-one wants to see the merging of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. We need to keep the green spaces and fields.
Sheila Hallas MBE founded the Charity Christmas Card Shops in 1971, the organisation donates every penny spent on cards and has raised over £4 million for the participating charities.
The annual pop-up Christmas card shop is open at Wilmslow library until Saturday 7th December. The opening hours will be from 9 am to 5 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 9 am to 7 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
