Macclesfield Civic Society visit to Buxton

Macclesfield Civic Society members on the Slopes.

Macclesfield Civic Society were given a warm welcome to Buxton on Saturday as guests of Buxton Civic Association. As well as a trip down Poole's Cavern a guided tour of the town was arranged to take in some of the historical buildings in Buxton.

Macclesfield Civic Society have a regular programme of walks and this was the first visit to Buxton for a number of years. Poole’s Cavern cave guide Ashley Cooper provided a fascinating and interesting account of the town’s well know, and some of the less well known buildings and their history. Taking in the Opera House and the Dome, who kindly allowed them to look inside, the group then went to see the Crescent and hear about the plans to restore it as a 5 star hotel. Ashley explained about the original function of the Slopes as part of " the taking the waters cure". A trip back through the Pavilion Gardens was followed by a brisk walk up to the Poole’s Cavern visitor centre, where they had tea.

The visit was rounded off by a trip down Poole’s Cavern where they appreciated the length of time that man has lived in and around Buxton and were entertained by stories of the outlaw Poole and the intrepid Victorians who opened the cave up as a show cave. Keith Smith Chair of Macclesfield Civic Society thanked Buxton Civic Association for their hospitality and for a fascinating and interesting afternoon.