Here is the fifth 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.
Full name: Graham Beech
Age: Just past my 71st (by a few days!)
Occupation: Retired local book publisher.
Marital status: married for 42 years and never a cross word (I made that last bit up!)
Any children? Two daughters, one who lives locally, the other in Edinburgh. Two granddaughters and one grandson; another on the way, probably a boy – or maybe a girl.
Hobbies and interests? Walking, dancing, cycling and crown green bowls are my main hobbies. I'm the publicity officer for the Cheshire branch of the National Gardens Scheme and I currently maintain the website for a local walking group.
Where do you live? Near the rugby club, with fabulous views across the Bollin Valley
How long have you lived in Wilmslow? 31 years
Where did you move from and why? From Wolverhampton – about as different from Wilmslow as it's possible to be, though nearby Shropshire has some great countryside. As to why – after 10 years, I was bored with lecturing at Wolverhampton Polytechnic and got a much better job at the National Computing Centre in Manchester. We looked at places to live and chose Wilmslow because it had more individuality than most other places, and it hadn't merged into the rest of South Manchester's suburban sprawl.
At just about the same time as our move Up North, I started Sigma Press as a publisher of computing books. It did so well that I resigned from my shiny new Manchester job after just a couple of years. A bit later, we launched Sigma Leisure and that blossomed too. Our first leisure book was "East Cheshire Walks" followed by many more on walking, cycling, local history and even such off-beat subjects as line-dancing. We sold the business as a going concern about five years ago.
What do you most like about living in Wilmslow? Being surrounded by some fabulous countryside and in easy reach of the Peak District, Lake District and North Wales – all prime walking areas. And with the airport on our doorstep we can take an early flight to most places in Europe and be having coffee in a sunny square just a few hours later.
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Wilmslow? More "useful" shops. Exclusive jewellers and charity shops are all very well but small family concerns cannot afford the rates and rents. Macclesfield and Congleton are much better in this respect.
What have been the biggest changes to Wilmslow since you have been here? The pedestrianisation of Grove Street, opening of the Leisure Centre, two bypasses, a huge increase in traffic.
What do you miss about the town that has since gone? The market, Woolworths, the Rex cinema, and the putting green in The Carrs.
If there is one thing about Wilmslow you could eliminate what would it be? Our Town Council – uninspired and lacking direction. Able to splash out £10k on Christmas lights while remaining impotent on simple things like flyposting. Mind you, the flower planters brightened up the town.
Describe Wilmslow in 3 words? Smart, friendly, convenient.
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Wilmslow or the surrounding area? Start with a coffee and pastry In one of the many coffee shops in the town centre,(10 at the last count), then a walk to Quarry Bank Mill, Lindow Common or the Bluebell Wood connecting the A538 to the River Bollin.
What is the most underrated thing about Wilmslow? Wilmslow High School – an excellent school that needs to convince parents that they don't have to pay to get a good education. Far better to choose our neighbourhood school!
What are the main myths about Wilmslow? That it's full of celebrities and footballers.
Are you a member of a club or association based in the town? Yes – I'm a member of the Wilmslow branch of the U3A, Wilmslow Guild Photographic Society, and the East Cheshire group of The Ramblers (that's a national organisation but with many members in Wilmslow).
If you didn't live in Wilmslow where would you want to move to? Maybe somewhere warmer – but then it would be too hot in the summer. So we'll stay in Wilmslow!
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