Crewe is the major town with about 70,000 inhabitants.
It is situated on the Cheshire plain about midway between Manchester and Birmingham.
Crewe developed in the 19th century as a railway town. It became an important
junction with extensive marshalling yards and a large railway engineering works.
Bombardier Transportation now services the railway industry on a smaller scale.
Queens Park, was presented to Crewe by the railway company.
Until recently the only other significant employer was Rolls Royce Motors, now
Bentley. Fortunately the vigorous promotion of light industry on attractive
estates has enriched the town and provided much needed employment.
The town has its own theatre 'the Lyceum' an Edwardian gem, a thriving tertiary
college and a major and expanding campus of Manchester Metropolitan University.
With a population of about 12,500 Nantwich is a charming partner
town with its traditions firmly routed in the life of the Cheshire countryside.
The Shropshire Union canal, with a bustling marina, bounds the town on its western
side.
Nantwich dates back to Roman times and was an ancient salt making town. Much
of its present character comes from the survival of many of the half-timbered
buildings built after a disastrous fire in 1583.
It is home to Reaseheath College, an associate college of the University of
Chester. The College provides a wide range of country and leisure based courses.
Keep up to date with events in Crewe by following the Crewe blog.
- and in Nantwich with 'A Dabber's Nantwich'.
