Alfresco Books

Hidden in the back of a wardrobe for over half a century, 'Edwardian Rambles' is a wonderful original manuscript in full colour. Hand-written and beautifully illustrated by Henry Atty, a Warrington printer, this hardback book portrays the cycle rides he took around Cheshire, the Wirral peninsular and Chester in the early 1900s. Sheer magic!

RRP £14.95. Reduced by a third to the special price of £9.95.

Contents page/further information: pdf

Although completely updated and rewritten, 'Walks in West Cheshire and Wirral' is based on the original 'West Cheshire Walks' published in 1988. It features many of the best circular walks in the area, together with clear, reliable maps, easy-to-follow directions and superb photography. Snippets of local history, wildlife and folklore enhance the walks, together with information about pubs and tea-rooms, where you might like to rest awhile and restore the inner man - or woman! Taking in the Timberland Trail in the north, then the Sandstone Trail and the Bickerton Hills in the south, the 30 circuits (all between three and seven miles) cross fields and forest, canals and rivers, and provide some stunning views.

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First published in 1990 and thought to be the first 'Pub Walks' book ever written, it has certainly been one of Sigma's top ten best sellers for many years. This new edition came out in 2000 after the routes had been checked and corrected where problems had been reported. All the pubs featured were also contacted and their entries updated. The 30 circular walks vary between three and ten miles. All but one start from a pub and other hostelries are often mentioned on the way for those who can't stagger far without a halt for liquid refreshment(!) or others who may wish to stop for a pub lunch.

On many of the walks there are short cuts back to the start and places to visit are also suggested - for those on holiday perhaps. Cheshire's landscape varies considerably, from bleak, sheep-strewn slopes on the Pennine fringe to the lush meadows on the plain, and details of the local history as well as the fauna and flora have been included in the text. Enjoy!

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Contents page/further information: pdf

Fresh air, good food and fine ale make a very popular combination if sales of Jen Darling's previous book, 'Best Pub Walks in Cheshire' are anything to go by. This second selection includes circular walks of between three and nine miles, all based on an interesting inn where a friendly welcome and first-rate refreshments are assured. As well as a brief history of each pub - with details of any resident ghosts! - the book provides a good indication of the range of meals and snacks available. Every walk includes features of natural and historic interest, while clear directions plus easy-to-follow sketchmaps make it a pleasure to follow the chosen route.

Please send an email if you would like a signed copy, and suggest a message if you would like one adding.

Contents page/further information: pdf

A unique book about apples, pears, plums, and even medlars, 'Orchards of Cheshire' combines history, horticultural know-how and a fascinating selection of traditional recipes for the fruits of the harvest. There are also selections of poetry and anecdotes with a fruit theme, and suggestions of places to visit provide an appealing mix of the practical and the pleasurable.

'I met my love in the orchard
We nestled beneath a tree
Showered with apple blossom
Which scattered like confetti.

I sat alone in the orchard
As Autumn glowed in the sky,
the tree was heavy and fruitful
And so, alas, was I.'
written by Muriel Berry (Irlam WI)

RRP £5.95, special price £4.95.

Contents page/further information: pdf

Written by Alan Gear when he was the Chief Executive of HDRA, the Foreword of the second edition of this very successful and well received book sums it up succinctly ... 'This book opens the door of organic gardening to newcomers, while reminding 'old hands' of the value and desirability of organic principles and practices. Ruth Jacobs has pulled together all the many strands that organic gardeners rely on and has produced a book to instil enthusiasm and energy into all who read it. In simple format and easy to access, it doesn't get bogged down in excessive detail.' Throughout the book the basic facts are summarised in a simple and direct way. Each aspect of the subject is dealt with on a separate page,making it easy to find the answer to a problem. Organic Gardening has featured in the RSPB's catalogue and is very popular with members of CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology http://www.cat.org.uk/)

Contents page/further information: pdf

Complemented by delightful illustrations, George Pilkington's text describes how to make a garden into a haven for wildlife by growing wildflowers, planting hedges and trees, and providing a pond, all of which will entice birds and butterflies, hedgehogs, beneficial insects and many other interesting creatures onto your land. 'Gardening for Wildlife' has featured several times in the RSPB catalogue and in Hogalog, the catalogue of the Hedgehog Society.

Contents page/further information: pdf

'A delight, and so well produced it feels good. The poems are superb and the illustrator has done a marvellous job. '
Deric Longden

'A satisfying, original approach to autobiography written with affection and humour. 'A Cat in My Lap' revolves round the author's relationship with her cats but will appeal equally well to everyone interested in the countryside and gardening. This is a book of sparkling wit where poetry complements prose and both bask in the glow of exquisite drawings.'
Joan Poulson

Contents page/further information: pdf

Funny, sad and thought-provoking, these heart-warming letters, charmingly illustrated by Jo Berriman, will make 'Dear Dear Mary' irresistible to cat lovers everywhere. When Amber's elderly owner can no longer look after her, this gentle little cat is given a loving new home by the Melmoth family. and 'Dear Dear Mary' tells of her trials and adventures as she struggles to fit in with the other animals. It also makes a wonderful companion volume to the very popular 'A Cat in My Lap'.

Contents page/further information: pdf

Jon Amos became a paraplegic following a road accident when just 17. Since then he has advanced the awareness of what a person with a disability can achieve by the challenges he has personally undertaken, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process. In 1998 he attained an altitude record up Kilimanjaro by someone in a wheelchair of over 16,000 feet. This book vividly describes the preparation and actual ascent by Jon and the team. With a Foreword by Chris Bonington, and a fascinating selection of colour photographs, this story of Jon's grit and determination, and the dedicated teamwork of those who accompanied him, makes inspiring reading.

RRP £8.95 reduced to the special price of £2.95

Contents page/further information: pdf

Based on the legend of St Boniface and the first Christmas tree, this novel and delightful book will be snapped up by anyone looking for a seasonal story which is as interesting to read aloud as it is to listen to. Such a refreshing approach to the real meaning of Christmas - God's love of his children and his wish that they should love one another - is especially welcome at a time of unrest, recession and ever-increasing commercialism. But above all, the book is fun - an original gift for children from around seven-years-old - or younger,with a little help in the storytelling from parents or friends! The story pages alternate with the illustrations for children to colour in themselves.

£4.95 (Special price £2.95)

Contents page/further information: pdf

The puzzles in all three books are constructed to reinforce children's understanding and usage of basic vocabulary through the junior school. Each book contains ten crosswords.

Ideal for keeping children occupied on wet days, at airports, on car and train journeys, or to give as small presents or stocking fillers at Christmas.

Contents page/further information: pdf

The puzzles in all three books are constructed to reinforce children's understanding and usage of basic vocabulary through the junior school. Each book contains ten crosswords.

Ideal for keeping children occupied on wet days, at airports, on car and train journeys, or to give as small presents or stocking fillers at Christmas.

Contents page/further information: pdf

The puzzles in all three books are constructed to reinforce children's understanding and usage of basic vocabulary through the junior school. Each book contains ten crosswords. Book Three, produced since the introduction of the key learning skills, places particular emphasis on words from Key Stage Two.

Ideal for keeping children occupied on wet days, at airports, on car and train journeys, or to give as small presents or stocking fillers at Christmas.

Contents page/further information: pdf

Set of 3 for £2.50. ISBNs as noted individually above. Cover image is from one of the books in the set of three. The puzzles in all three books are constructed to reinforce children's understanding and usage of basic vocabulary through the junior school. Each book contains ten crosswords. Book Three, produced since the introduction of the key learning skills, places particular emphasis on words from Key Stage Two.

Ideal for keeping children occupied on wet days, at airports, on car and train journeys, or to give as small presents or stocking fillers at Christmas.

Contents page/further information: pdf