Visit Stoke-on-Trent www.visitsot.co.uk Free Edition May 2010
d e l i Deta f the o p a m tre n e C City uded incl
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May 2010
The Wedgwood Museum
2009
Museum of the year 2009
TheArtFundprize
for museums and galleries
Explore
www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk
Photograph by Nick Harvey
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Contents
May 2010
Where we are
4.........Pottery industry 6.........More Pottery 7.........Theatres 8.........Directions 10.......Daytime Activities 11.......Nightlife 12.......Trentham Gardens 15........Sport
Welcome to the Potteries.... Welcome  to  Stoke-Ââ€?on-Ââ€?Trent.  Known  to  many  as  the  Potteries  it  is  situated  almost  at  the  centre  of  England  and  is  a  very  unique  city. Â
– ‹• Â?ƒ†‡ —’ ‘ˆ •‹š †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– –‘™Â?•ǥ Hanley  (now  the  City  Centre)  Fen-Ââ€? –‘Â?ÇĄ –‘Â?‡ǥ —Â?Â•Â–ÂƒÂŽÂŽÇĄ —”•Ž‡Â? ƒÂ?† ‘Â?‰–‘Â?Ǥ —”‹Â?‰ ‹–• Ž‘Â?‰ Š‹•–‘”›ǥ Stoke-Ââ€?on-Ââ€?Trent  has  become  well  known  for  its  production  of  pottery  ƒÂ?† …‡”ƒÂ?‹…•ǥ –Š‡ Â?‘•– Â?‘–ƒ„Ž‡ company  being  Wedgwood. Stoke  is  currently  celebrating  its  centenary  and  over  the  years  the  city  has  certainly  provided  the  country  with  some  great  personali-Ââ€? –‹‡•Ǥ ‡‰‹Â?ƒŽ† ‹–…Š‡ŽŽǥ –Š‡ †‡•‹‰Â?-Ââ€? ‡” ‘ˆ –Š‡ ’‹–Ƥ”‡ǥ Â?ƒ†‡ ˆƒÂ?‘—• †—”‹Â?‰ ‘”Ž† ƒ” ™‘ǥ ™ƒ• ‡†—-Ââ€? cated  in  Stoke-Ââ€?on-Ââ€?Trent  and  his  creation  is  still  a  symbol  of  Great  ”‹–ƒ‹Â? –‘†ƒ›Ǥ ‹” –ƒÂ?Ž‡› ƒ–-Ââ€? –Š‡™•ǥ ƒ”‰—ƒ„Ž› ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‰”‡ƒ–‡•– Â?‰Ž‹•Š ÂˆÂ‘Â‘Â–Â„ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ‡Â”Â•ÇĄ ™ƒ• ƒ Ž‘…ƒŽ Žƒ† and  was  actually  born  next  door  to  ƒ’–ƒ‹Â? ‘ŠÂ? Â?‹–Šǥ ™Š‘ ‹• Â?‘–ƒ-Ââ€? bly  remembered  for  captaining  the   ‘”†• ƒÂ?† ’Š‘–‘‰”ƒ’Š• „› ‹…Â? ÂƒÂ”Â˜Â‡Â›ÇĄ Â?ƒ’ •‘—”…‡† ˆ”‘Â? ‘‘‰Ž‡
‘unsinkable’  Titanic. Pop  sensation  Robbie  Williams  was  born  and  raised  in  Tunstall  before  joining  the  hugely  popular  boy  band  ‘Take-Ââ€?That.’  Robbie  is  well  known  for  being  an  avid  Port  Vale  supporter  and  actually  in-Ââ€? jected  his  own  money  into  the  club  a  few  years  ago  when  they  were  in  ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ †‹Ƽ…—Ž–›Ǥ Š‹Ž ǎ–Š‡ ’‘™‡”ǯ ÂƒÂ›ÂŽÂ‘Â”ÇĄ –Š‡ Â?‘•– •—……‡••ˆ—Ž †ƒ”–• ’Žƒ›‡” ‹Â? –Š‡ ™‘”Ž†ǥ ƒ Â?ƒÂ? ™Š‘ Šƒ• won  an  unprecedented  15  World  ŠƒÂ?’‹‘Â?•Š‹’ –‹–Ž‡•ǥ ™ƒ• ƒŽ•‘ „‘”Â? in  the  Potteries.  Stoke  is  certainly  a  City  that  runs  deep  in  history  and  if  you’re  lucky  you  may  even  spot  a  member  of  the  Royal  Family  as  they  are  cer-Ââ€? tainly  no  strangers  to  these  parts.  ”‹Â?…‡ Šƒ”Ž‡• Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽÂŽÂ› ”‡nj‘’‡Â?‡† the  Potteries  museum  in  1981  and  in  February  of  this  year  re-Ââ€?visited  it  with  the  Duchess  of  Cornwall  ‹Â? ‘”†‡” –‘ ˜‹‡™ –Š‡ Â–ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â†Â•ÂŠÂ‹Â”Â‡ Hoard.  Â
Â? Í?ͼͼͤǥ –Š‡ —‡‡Â? ƒŽ•‘ Â?ƒ†‡ ƒÂ?
appearance  as  she  opened  the  Regent  Theatre  as  the  centrepiece  ‘ˆ –Š‡ …—Ž–—”ƒŽ “—ƒ”–‡”Ǥ Â?…”‡†‹„Ž›ǥ apart  from  Edward  VIII  in  his  short  ”‡‹‰Â?ÇĄ Â?‘– ‘Â?‡ ‘Â?ƒ”…Š Šƒ• ˆƒ‹Ž‡† to  visit  Stoke-Ââ€?on-Ââ€?Trent  since  1910. Â‘Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ –Š‡ …‹–› Šƒ• ƒÂ? ‡•–ƒ„Ž‹•Š‡† Premier  League  football  team  in  –Š‡ ˆ‘”Â? ‘ˆ –‘Â?‡ ‹–› ÇĄ –™‘ fantastic  theatres  that  attract  some  of  the  world’s  top  talent  in  both  music  and  comedy  and  have  some  truly  fantastic  places  to  visit  no  matter  what  age  you  are.  With  the  city  situated  at  the  heart  ‘ˆ –Š‡ …‘—Â?–”›ǥ ‹– ‹• ˜‡”› ‡ƒ•› –‘ ‰‡– to;  if  you  are  driving  you  can  reach  Stoke  via  the  M6  at  junction  15  or  16  or  you  can  catch  the  train  to  Stoke-Ââ€?on-Ââ€?Trent  station. This  magazine  shows  that  the  city  Šƒ• Â?—…Š Â?‘”‡ –‘ ‘ƥ‡” –ŠƒÂ? Œ—•– ’‘––‡”›ǥ ™‹–Š ‹–• •—’‡”„ ”ƒÂ?‰‡ ‘ˆ ”‡•–ƒ—”ƒÂ?–•ǥ Â?ƒ‰Â?‹Ƥ…‡Â?– ‰ƒ”†‡Â? …‡Â?–”‡ ƒÂ?† ˜ƒ”‹‡† Â?‹‰Š– ÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇĄ –‘Â?‡nj ‘Â?ÇŚ ”‡Â?– ‹• †‡ƤÂ?‹–‡Ž› ‘Â? –Š‡ —’ ƒÂ?† a  city  well  worth  a  visit. Â
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Wedgwood Josiah Wedgwood is probably the most successful and well known person ever to have emerged from Stoke-‐on-‐Trent. In fact Stoke-‐on-‐ Trent is referred to as the potteries because of Josiah’s incredible work in the pottery and ceramics indus-‐ try. ͣ͟͜͝ and was the youngest of 12 children of Thomas and Mary Wedgwood. ǡ father sadly died and from then on had to be apprenticed to his elder brother at the Churchyard Pot-‐ Ǥ ͣ͝͠͞ ơ the smallpox epidemic that had Ǣ he spent much of his time read-‐ ing to improve his education. The disease had left him with a perma-‐ nently weakened right knee there-‐ fore he could not operate the foot
Ǥ ǡ ǡ modelling. ǡ ǯ continued and was later taken into junior partnership with the Ƥ ǡ Thomas Whieldon. Here he was encouraged to experiment with ǡ ǡ Ǥ Later in his career he formed a ǡ who was a merchant from Liver-‐ pool. The years of partnership with ǯ most successful. The two men complemented each other perfect-‐ ly and along with his previous work Wedgwood developed the famous Jasper ware whilst at Etruria when Ǥ Wedgwood’s work is incredibly
May 2010
Pottery inspirational and perfectly depicts all the trends and ages throughout history; this is something that is portrayed immensely at the Wedg-‐ wood Museum. The museum is more than just a few pots and an information card lying under-‐ ǡ ͤǡ͜͜͜ of Wedgwood’s pieces and all of which are laid out in chronological order. ơ ǡ how the designs and colour had ǡ as a civilisation changed through the artistic developments within his work; and the museum has to take credit for this for their beauti-‐ ful layout and presentation. This is supported by Wedgwood’s Learning and Access Manager Ni-‐ gel Spicer; who believes after work-‐
Entrance to the Wedgwood museum shop Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
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Industry
ing in the museum industry for ǡ best collection he has ever seen. “I have seen some fantastic things ǡ ǡ money that has been put into this museum is just fantastic. In 2008 we were awarded £5.8 million of lottery funding in order to help ǡ and the money has clearly been put to good use. When people visit everybody expects to see lots of ǡ is so much more here. We have ǡ ǡ -‐ tive televisions; there literally is something for everyone here” said Nigel. The Wedgwood museum was recently awarded ‘Museum of the ͥ͜͜͞ǡ this was a monumental award to receive. “The Museum of the Year award is like the Oscars for museums; it’s a tremendous achievement for us as we have beaten some incredible museums which have had a lot of funding pumped into them so we were absolutely thrilled” said Nigel. The museums policy states that there is always something for eve-‐ ǡ younger children to not only learn ƪ enjoy themselves at the same time. ǡ are able to look at how pottery was ͣ͜͜͝ǯ -‐ active technology. They can also ǡ they download it from the website they are able to see their face on one of Wedgwood’s designs. “It is always so refreshing to hear young people use phrases such as ‘awesome’ and ‘wicked’ when referring to the collection we have here. It is clear that the range and complexity we have here blows people away” said Nigel. Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
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May 2010
Wedgwood
Nigel Spicer with the museum of the year trophy Along with this award winning ǡ gift shop to ensure that you can take a souvenir home to remind you of your visit and there is also a cafe if you feel your trip has given you an appetite.
ǯ ǡ perhaps Wedgwood’s half term workshops may just sway your decision. The Museum has an-‐ nounced that this half term (Mon-‐ ͟͝ Ȃ ͠ Ȍ will be inviting families to make their own Wedgwood inspired vases -‐ from salt dough. ͏͞Ǥ͜͡ ǡ workshops will be taking place ͝͝Ǥ͜͜ ͠Ǥ͜͜ day and families are welcome to drop in whenever they like be-‐ tween these times. The museum team will have a plentiful supply
of blue salt dough on hand from which children can cut out their ͞ ǡ can then decorate as creatively as they like. The team have chosen blue and white vases for the work-‐ shop as these are the colours of Wedgwood’s Jasper pieces. Each family will receive full instructions on how to bake their vase shape at ǡ Ƥ Ƥ how heat hardens the salt dough. So if you’re interested in viewing some of the most beautiful artwork in the world and having a fun time ǡ the Wedgwood museum. An adult ticket will cost £6.00 and a child ͏͠Ǥ͜͡Ǥ -‐ ǡ Ǥ -‐ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ͣͤ͜͝͞ ͣͥͥ͟͝͝Ǥ
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More pottery Gladstone Pottery
If you feel like continuing your pottery experience in Stoke-‐on-‐ ǡ -‐ stone’s unique pottery museum. Its cultural heritage is nationally acclaimed and the site itself is internationally recognised as one of the most important industrial heritage sites in Europe. Glad-‐ stone’s infamous bottle ovens over-‐ look the whole site and aren’t just a symbol of the industry but are a Ǧ Ǧ ǡ past and present. At the museum you can see for yourself what the ǡ ǡ spent hours of hard work creat-‐ Ǥ ǡ Gladstone was an everyday factory in the city that focused on pro-‐ ducing ceramic pots for every day usage for the mass market. On display at Gladstone is its amazing Tile Gallery; it is one of
Gladstone Pottery museum the best tile decorations in the country and it truly highlights how ceramic tiles have provided such ƪ walls over the years. After learn-‐ ing all about how people made the ǡ -‐ self? Instead of just buying some-‐ ǡ make your own unique souvenir under the guidance of the mem-‐ ơǤ
ǡ ƪ of pottery! After completing all this and you feel like you need a nice ǡ can take advantage of their deli-‐ cious tea room. ͏͡Ǥͥ͡ ͏͠Ǥͥ͡ for children with discounts for families; for more information ͣͤ͜͝͞ ͣͣͣͣ͟͞ visit www.stoke.gov.uk/museum.
ǣ Dz tours really are popular; during the school holidays we normally than just a pottery factory; located have one tour a day but because of on the Caldon Canal there is so demand we had to change to three much to explore and enjoy for peo-‐ which was a wonderful surprise. ple of all ages. Take advantage of On these tours people not only get their FREE factory tours that take to see all the ‘behind the scenes’ ǡ ǡ -‐ provided with a fascinating insight stand the care and time that goes into the pottery industry and the into making one simple pot” said ơ Paul. The factory gets visitors from making one single item. ǡ -‐ ǡ ǡ
and even Japan. With the school holidays ap-‐ proaching at the end of the month it is a great place to organise trips ǡ are granted full usage of the deco-‐ rating studios. The studio is a great place to spend the afternoon; after learning how the pots were made and looking at all the beautiful ǡ to have a go yourself. You can decorate all kinds of things such ǡ ǡ ǡ one thing that separates Emma pot you design is the same quality ǡ -‐ ing or design will last for years and years. So if you’re interested in experienc-‐ Ƥ ǡ a place recommended. For more information on tours and prices of ǡ ͣͤ͜͝͞ ͤ͜͟͞͝͞ or visit www.emmabridgwater. co.uk.
Emma Bridgewater
Emma Bridgewater
Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
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Theatres Victoria Hall
Victoria Hall
The Victoria Hall has established itself as a major venue for celebri-‐ ties to perform at; acts including ǡ incredible artists that have per-‐ formed live in the Potteries thea-‐ tre. The building was originally built in 1888 to commemorate ǯ Ǥ Ƥ ͞ǡͤ͜͜ ǡ it has been the scene of numer-‐ ǡ ǡ many gigs. The theatre was revamped in the Ǧ ǡ ͥͥͤ͝ ͝ǡͤ͟͡ people. Since re-‐opening it has been at the heart of the Cultural ǡ The Regent Theatre. With its beau-‐ tiful art work and designs around ǡ the mood to help create an enter-‐ taining evening.
Ǥ ǡ ͝͠ ǡ The Regent Theatre originally ǡ opened in 1929 as a super cinema Ǥ and over the years has been used for their popular television show extensively for amateur operatic ǡ and musical comedy productions. ͠ Ǥ However after becoming a multi ǡ ͥͣ͜͝ǯ ǡ ǡ closed down in 1989 following the ǡ opening of a six screen cinema. it certainly sounds like a recipe for ǡ ͏͟͞ -‐ a good night. ǡ If you’re interested in completely Regent was reopened on 22 Sep-‐ super natural and out of this world tember 1999 by Her Majesty the ǡ ͥͥͥ͝ǡ ͣ͝ Ǧ ͥ͝ ǡ fully restored to its previously Ǥ elegant Art Deco style. Since then With his mind boggling tricks and the Regent has gave host to such a ǡ ǡ -‐ ǯ Ǯ ǯ ing from opera to rock concerts. ǡ ǯ One main advantage to previously course if he allows you to remem-‐ being on old fashioned cinema is ber it! the seating arrangement provides To receive information on these or nearly every seat a perfect viewing any other events taking place this area of the stage. ǡ -‐ This month the Regent Theatre ͤ͜͠͠ ͤͣ͝ ͣͥ͢͠ Ǥ has many brilliant acts perform-‐ ambassadortickets.com/stoke.
May 2010
Coming up this month are some absolutely fantastic acts that you would be crazy to miss. On the 2nd ǡ ǡ considered to be one the most brilliantly unpredictable comics ǡ be taking the stage at the Victoria Hall. Hunter has been a regular on television shows such as 8 out of ͜͝ -‐ ǡ as much success when he performs in the Potteries. Ǯ I Got News For You’ Paul Merton will be performing his stand-‐up ǡ Ǯ ǯ 15th May. It is a unique show based entirely on improvisation and sug-‐ ǡ can guarantee a unbelievably funny night. To receive information in regards ǡ either www. ambassadortickets.com/stoke or ƥ ͤ͜͠͠ ͤͣ͝ ͣͥ͢͠Ǥ
Regent Theatre
Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
Regent Theatre
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Directions
May 2010
The numbers on the map represent the places mentioned within the magazine that are located in Hanley city centre ͝Ǥ ͠Ǥ ͞Ǥ ͡Ǥ ͟Ǥ ͢Ǥ ǡ
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Directions The numbers on the map represent the places mentioned within the magazine that are located outside Hanley city centre
ͣǤ
8. Monkey Forrest
9. Wedgwood ǡ
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Daytime activities
May 2010
Potteris shopping Centre
such  as  Costa  Cafe  or  Starbucks  ™Š‡”‡ ›‘— …ƒÂ? •‹Â?’Ž› Â”Â‡ÂŽÂƒÂšÇĄ …Šƒ– whilst  enjoying  a  nice  drink  and  a  If  you’re  in  need  of  a  good  old  fashioned  shopping  spree  then  the  „‹–‡ –‘ ‡ƒ–Ǥ Â? –Š‡ Í?•– ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ™Š› Â?‘– bring  the  children  to  the  Shopping  Potteries  shopping  centre  is  the  ‡Â?–”‡ǥ ĥ –Š‡”‡ ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒ …‘•–—Â?‡ ideal  place.  Situated  at  the  heart  portrait  studio  which  allows  the  ‘ˆ ƒÂ?Ž‡›ǥ ȋ–Š‡ …‹–› …‡Â?Â–Â”Â‡ČŒ ‹– Šƒ• little  ones  to  dress  up  as  either  a  –Š”‡‡ ƪ‘‘”• ‘ˆ •Š‘’• ™‹–Š ƒ Â?—Ž–‹nj •–‘”‡› ’ƒ”Â? ˆƒ…‹Ž‹–› Â?‡š– –‘ ‹–ǥ ™Š‹…Š prince  or  a  princess  and  have  their  photograph  taken.  is  very  convenient  if  you  have  Potteries  Shopping  Centre  is  open  many  bags.  Designer  shops  such Â ÍĽÂƒÂ? Č‚ ͢’Â? ‡˜‡”› ‘Â?Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇŚ ƒ–-Ââ€? ĥ ‘’•Š‘’Ȁ ‘’Â?ƒÂ?ÇĄ ‹˜‡” •ŽƒÂ?† Â—Â”Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ‘Â? —Â?Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇŻÂ• ‹–• ‘’‡Â? Í?Í?ƒÂ? ƒÂ?† ƒ –Š”‡‡ ƪ‘‘” ‡„‡Â?ŠƒÂ?• ƒ”‡ available.  There  are  also  shops  such  Ȃ ÍĄÂ’Â? ƒÂ?† ‘Â? ƒ› ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ™Š‹…Š ‹• –Š‡ Í&#x;”†ǥ ‘’‡Â?‹Â?‰ Š‘—”• ƒ”‡ Í?͜ƒÂ? ÂƒÂ•ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ƒÂ?‡Ǥ ˆ ›‘—ǯ”‡ ™‹–Š Č‚ ÍĄ Â’Â?Ǥ ‘” Â?‘”‡ ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ˜‹•‹– the  family  and  aren’t  really  a  shop-Ââ€? www.potteries.uk.com. ’‹Â?‰ ˆƒÂ?ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ ƒ”‡ ’Ž‡Â?–› ‘ˆ Â…ÂƒÂˆÂ‡ÇŻÂ•
Monkey Forest Enjoy  one  of  the  most  unique  experiences  you  are  ever  likely  to  witness  at  Trentham  Monkey  For-Ââ€? ”‡•–Ǥ ƒŽÂ? ƒÂ?‘Â?‰•– Í?Í Íœ ƒ”„ƒ”› macaques  roaming  free  across  60  acres  of  beautiful  woodlands.  When  strolling  through  the  forest  you  become  mesmerised  by  these  beautiful  and  elegant  animals  as  –Š‡› ™ƒŽÂ? ƒŽ‘Â?‰ „‡•‹†‡ ›‘—ǥ –Š”‘™-Ââ€? ing  themselves  from  tree  to  tree  and  you  can  even  watch  how  they  take  care  of  their  young.  Throughout  your  adventure  there  are  guides  who  are  more  than  hap-Ââ€? py  to  take  any  questions  you  may Â
have  and  if  you  have  even  more  queries  in  regards  to  the  monkeys  you  can  learn  all  there  is  to  know  by  looking  at  the  interactive  signs  or  visiting  the  information  centre.  There  is  a  free  car  park  and  a  nice  ’‹…Â?‹… ƒ”‡ƒ ‹ˆ –Š‡ ™‡ƒ–Š‡” ‹• Â?‹…‡ǥ two  adventure  playgrounds  to  let  ›‘—” Ž‹––Ž‡ Â?‘Â?Â?‡›• ”—Â? ƒ”‘—Â?†ǥ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ƒÂ?ƒÂ?ƒ …ƒˆ‡ ™‹–Š ƒ –‡””ƒ…‡ for  all  to  relax.  – ‘Â?Ž› Í?Í˘Ç¤ÍĄÍœ ’‡” ƒ†—Ž– ƒÂ?† Í?Í Ç¤ÍĄÍœ ’‡” …Š‹Ž† ‘˜‡” Í&#x; ›‡ƒ”• ‘Ž†ǥ ™Š› Â?‘– come  face  to  face  to  one  of  nature’s  most  spectacular  creatures.  For  information  visit  www.monkey-Ââ€? forrest.com. Â
Water World Waterworld  is  one  of  the  UK’s  best  water  theme  parks  receiv-Ââ€? ‹Â?‰ ƒÂ? ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ ‘ˆ Í ÍœÍœÇĄÍœÍœÍœ ˜‹•‹–‘”• ƒ ›‡ƒ”Ǥ ‹–Š ‘˜‡” Í?Íœ ”‹†‡•ǥ Â…ÂƒÂˆÂ‡ÇŻÂ•ÇĄ indoor  and  outdoor  swimming  ’‘‘Ž•ǥ –Š‡”‡ ‹• …‡”–ƒ‹Â?Ž› Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? enough  to  keep  the  whole  family  entertained.  Š‡ ”‹†‡• ‹Â?…Ž—†‡ –Š‡ Žƒ…Â? ‘Ž‡Ǣ a  fast  ride  with  exciting  twists  and  turns  crashing  you  into  the  water  ƒ– –Š‡ ‡Â?†Ǥ —…Ž‡—• ‹• –Š‡ Ƥ”•– indoor  water-Ââ€?roller-Ââ€?coaster  in  the  Ǥ ‹–Š Í&#x;ÍŁÍĄ ˆ‡‡– ‘ˆ —’• ƒÂ?† †‘™Â? ‘Â? ƒ •‹Â?‰Ž‡ Â”ÂƒÂˆÂ–ÇĄ ›‘— …ƒÂ? ‰—ƒ”ƒÂ?–‡‡ it  will  be  an  exhilarating  ride.  The  space  bowl  sends  swimmers  into  a Â
bowl  where  their  world  is  turned  upside  down  until  eventually  being  plunged  into  the  pool  below. Every  Friday  night  6.pm  -Ââ€?  9pm  the  Waterworld  Entertainment  Team  Š‘•– –Š‡ “—ƒ ‹•…‘ǥ ™‹–Š –Š‡ Žƒ–-Ââ€? ‡•– …Šƒ”– –‘’’‹Â?‰ Â?—•‹…ǥ ‡š…‹–‹Â?‰ games  and  loads  of  giveaways.  To  attend  this  event  it  is  £5.50  per  en-Ââ€? try  and  pay  £1  extra  and  you  receive  a  burger  meal.  Prices  for  a  regular  ‘ƥ ’‡ƒÂ?  visit  (Monday-Ââ€?Friday  school  term)  …‘•–• Í?ͣǤͼͼ ƒÂ?† ’‡ƒÂ? –‹Â?‡ Č‹ …Š‘‘Ž ÂŠÂ‘ÂŽÂ‹Â†ÂƒÂ›Â•ÇĄ ™‡‡Â?‡Â?Â†Â•ČŒ …‘•–• Í?ͼǤͼͼ although  prices  vary  for  families.  For  more  information  visit  www. waterworld.co.uk.   Words  and  photographs  by  Nick  Harvey
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Nightlife Casino’s
If  you’re  interested  in  taking  your  Â?‹‰Š–• ‘—– –‘ –Š‡ Â?‡š– ÂŽÂ‡Â˜Â‡ÂŽÇĄ ™Š› not  try  your  luck  in  one  of  the  two  casinos  in  Hanley  city  centre.  They  ƒ”‡ ‹Â? ’‡”ˆ‡…– ™ƒŽÂ?‹Â?‰ Ž‘…ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ‡•-Ââ€? pecially  if  you  have  been  enjoying  the  nightclubs.  The  Circus  casino  ‹• ‘’‡Â? Í?Í?ƒÂ? ÇŚ ÍŁÂƒÂ? ƒŽŽ ™‡‡Â?Ǣ ƒŽ‘Â?‰ with  a  restaurant  and  bar  area  they  Šƒ˜‡ ‰ƒÂ?‡• •—…Š ĥ ’‘Â?‡”ǥ „Žƒ…Â?-Ââ€? Œƒ…Â?ÇĄ ”‘—Ž‡––‡ ƒÂ?† •Ž‘– Â?ƒ…Š‹Â?‡• and  if  you’re  not  a  member  it’s  free  to  join.  Circus  prides  itself  on  ‹–ǯ• …‘Â?’‡–‹–‹˜‡ „ƒ” ’”‹…‡•ǥ ™‹–Š ƒ double  vodka  red  bull  only  priced  at  £5.  To  make  your  visit  even  more  ‡Â?ÂŒÂ‘Â›ÂƒÂ„ÂŽÂ‡ÇĄ ‘Â? –Š‡ ͞ͼ–Š ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ –Š‡”‡ will  be  two  fantastic  live  tribute  ƒ…–• –‘ —ƥ› ƒÂ?† ‹Ž› ŽŽ‡Â?Ǥ If  you  don’t  fancy  Circus  casino  or  ›‘— •‹Â?’Ž› ™ƒÂ?– –‘ Šƒ˜‡ ƒ ƪ—––‡” •‘Â?‡™Š‡”‡ ‡Ž•‡ǥ –Š‡Â? Ž‹–‡”ƒŽŽ› ͜͜͞ yards  away  is  the  Grosvenor  casino.  It  opens  Sunday  6pm  -Ââ€?Friday  6pm  ƒÂ?† ƒ–—”†ƒ› ͢’Â?ÇŚÍ ÂƒÂ?Ǥ ‹Â?‹Žƒ” –‘
Circus Casino –Š‡ …‹”…—• …ƒ•‹Â?‘ǥ ”‘•˜‡Â?‘” Šƒ• ƒ full  bar  that  runs  throughout  the  night  and  an  international  restau-Ââ€? rant.  Inside  there  are  10  total  slot  machines  and  10  total  table  games  available  and  as  always  member-Ââ€? ship  is  free. Â
So  when  you  feel  your  night  on  the  town  is  coming  to  an  end  and  you  Œ—•– ˆƒÂ?…› ”‡Žƒš‹Â?‰ǥ Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ ƒ †”‹Â?Â? ™Š‹Ž•– Â?ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ƒ „‹– ‘ˆ ‡š–”ƒ Â?‘Â?‡›ǥ ›‘— •Š‘—Ž† †‡ƤÂ?‹–‡Ž› ’ƒ› ƒ “—‹…Â? visit  to  the  Circus  and  Grosvenor  casinos. Â
‹• –Š‡ ‡˜‘Ž—–‹‘Â? ƒ” ‘Â? ”‹Â?‹–› Street;  this  is  where  most  of  the  Hanley  City  Centre  has  a  wide  nightclubs  are  situated.  Revolu-Ââ€? range  of  nightlife  venues.  With  a  –‹‘Â? ‹• ƒ –™‘ ƪ‘‘” ‡•–ƒ„Ž‹•ŠÂ?‡Â?–Ǣ Â?‹š–—”‡ ‘ˆ ‰‘‘† ‘Ž† ˆƒ•Š‹‘Â? ’—„•ǥ it  has  a  very  modern  style  bar  and  ‡ƒ–Š‡”•’‘‘Â?•ǥ Â?‹‰Š–…Ž—„• ƒÂ?† ‰‹‰ it  specialises  in  making  a  superb  ˜‡Â?—‡•ǥ –‘Â?‡ ‹• …‡”–ƒ‹Â?Ž› –Š‡ ’Žƒ…‡ range  of  cocktails.  There  is  plenty  for  a  good  time.  of  room  to  get  up  and  have  a  dance  One  bar  that  certainly  stands  out  if  you  wish  and  with  a  great  mix-Ââ€?
ture  of  classic  and  modern  music  it  is  certainly  friendly  to  people  of  all  ages  (over  18  of  course).  If  you  are  more  interested  in  dancing  as  a  pose  to  drinking  then  Liquid  Nightclub  is  the  ideal  place  to  let  yourself  go.  It  is  very  stu-Ââ€? †‡Â?– ƒ‹Â?‡†ǥ Š‘™‡˜‡” ‹– „‘ƒ•–• –™‘ –Š‡Â?‡† ”‘‘Â?•ǥ ˆ‘—” Â„ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ ƒ Ǥ Ǥ room  and  bar  and  two  huge  dance  ƪ‘‘”•Ǥ Žƒ›‹Â?‰ •‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ „‡•– and  latest  music  and  is  open  till Â ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‡ÇĄ ‹“—‹† ‹• …‡”–ƒ‹Â?Ž› –Š‡ ’Žƒ…‡ –‘ literally  dance  your  troubles  away.  If  the  night  club  scene  doesn’t  interest  you  then  the  Sugarmill  may  take  your  fancy.  The  indie/ rock  bar  has  had  many  great  bands  ƒÂ?† ƒ”–‹•–• ’‡”ˆ‘”Â?ÇĄ Â?‘•– Â?‘–ƒ„Ž› Â‘ÂŽÂ†Â’ÂŽÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ”‹˜‹—Â?ÇĄ —•‡ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‹„‡”–‹Â?‡•Ǥ ˆ –Š‡”‡ ‹•Â?ǯ– ƒ ‰‹‰ ‘Â?ÇĄ then  Friday  and  Saturday  nights  ƒ”‡ –Š‡ „‡•– –‹Â?‡ –‘ ‰‘ǥ ’Žƒ›‹Â?‰ some  good  quality  music  and  sofa’s  to  sit  and  chat  with  your  mates.  If  you  are  interested  in  seeing  live Â ÂƒÂ…Â–Â•ÇĄ …Š‡…Â? ‘—– –Š‡‹” Ž‹Â?‡ —’ ƒ– www.thesugarmill.co.uk.
Night Clubs
Hanley Night Clubs  Words  and  photographs  by  Nick  Harvey
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Trentham Gardens Estate
Trentham Gardens is one the big-‐ gest attractions in Stoke-‐on-‐Trent today. With its beautiful surround-‐ ǡ ǡ spectacular place to visit for the day. It is referred to as Trentham
Gardens Estate because the three ǡ
ǡ Garden centre are three separate businesses; however they very often work together for the good of the customers. ǡ
ǣ “The garden centre and Italian gardens are not the same company but we do help out with some of the gardening and we have also provided some plants for some of ǡ together when we can for the ben-‐ Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
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‡Ƥ– ‘ˆ ‡ƒ…Š ‘–Š‡”ǯ• „—•‹Â?‡••ǯǤdz The  Garden  Centre  is  part  of  the  Ž—‡ ‹ƒÂ?‘Â?† „”ƒÂ?† ƒÂ?† ‹• ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ the  largest  Garden  centres  in  the  country  and  inside  it  is  sensation-Ââ€? ally  designed  with  a  water  fountain  in  the  centre  of  a  huge  but  beauti-Ââ€? fully  laid  out  room.  Within  the  gar-Ââ€?  Words  and  photographs  by  Nick  Harvey
www.visitsot.co.uk
May 2010
”†‹Â?‘ǯǥ ƒÂ?† –Š‡”‡ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ –Š‡ ÇŽ ÂƒĆĄÂ‡ ‡ŽŽ‘ǯ …‘ƥ‡‡ •Š‘’ǥ ˆ‘” ƒ …ŠƒÂ?…‡ –‘ take  a  break  and  relax. ……‘”†‹Â?‰ –‘ ‡„„‹‡ǥ ›‘— Â?ƒ› even  get  to  see  a  celebrity.  “We  do  get  a  lot  of  famous  people  walking  around  the  Garden  Centre.  We  get  quite  a  few  footballers  from  Stoke  ‹–›ǥ „—– ‘—” Â?‘•– ˆ”‡“—‡Â?– ˜‹•‹–‘” ‹• ˆ‘‘–„ƒŽŽ Ž‡‰‡Â?† ‘”†‘Â? ƒÂ?Â?•ǥ who  often  enjoys  his  lunch  and  a  walk  in  here.â€? If  you  are  enthusiastic  about  gar-Ââ€? dening  then  the  outdoor  plants  section  is  certainly  the  place  to  visit.  Not  only  does  it  have  a  vast  ”ƒÂ?‰‡ ‘ˆ ’ŽƒÂ?–•ǥ „—– –Š‡”‡ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ •–‘Â?‡ Â™Â‡ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ ™ƒ–‡” ÂˆÂ‡ÂƒÂ–Â—Â”Â‡Â•ÇĄ ˆ‡Â?…‡• and  even  more  to  look  at.  The  at-Ââ€? tention  to  detail  is  one  of  the  most  impressive  things  about  the  Gar-Ââ€? †‡Â? ‡Â?–”‡ǥ ™Š‹…Š ‹• ™Š› ‹– ‹• •‘ popular. “Last  year  we  were  lucky  enough  –‘ Šƒ˜‡ Í&#x; Â?‹ŽŽ‹‘Â? ’‡‘’Ž‡ ˜‹•‹– –Š‡ ‰ƒ”†‡Â? …‡Â?–”‡ ƒŽ‘Â?‡ǥ ™Š‹…Š ‹• obviously  fantastic.  We  have  had  customers  from  places  as  far  as  ‹Â?…‘ŽÂ? ƒÂ?† ÂƒÂŽÂ‡Â•ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ‹– ‹• Â?‹…‡ to  know  that  after  one  visit  people  then  trust  us  enough  to  continue  buying  our  products  and  taking  full  advantage  of  our  delivery  serv-Ââ€? iceâ€?  said  Debbie.  ˆ–‡” ˜‹•‹–‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ƒ”†‡Â? ‡Â?–”‡ǥ why  not  explore  the  cabin  shops.  ‡‡’‹Â?‰ ™‹–Š –Š‡ ”—”ƒŽ –Š‡Â?‡ǥ they  are  laid  out  as  individual  …ƒ„‹Â? Š—–•ǥ ƒÂ?† ”‡Â?–ŠƒÂ? ƒ”†‡Â?• Estate  prides  itself  on  having  very  particular  shops.  ‡„„‹‡ Â•ÂƒÂ‹Â†ÇŁ Dz Š‡ …ƒ„‹Â?• ƒ”‡ ˜‡”› Â•Â‡ÂŽÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡ ‰ƒ”†‡Â?• ƒ”‡ „ƒ•‡† on  an  Italian  theme  and  the  shops  that  sit  next  to  it  really  comple-Ââ€? ment  that  theme.  Plans  are  under  way  to  open  a  new  shop  called Â
”‡‡Â? ƒÂ?† ”‘™Â?Ǥdz
”‡‡Â? ƒÂ?† ”‘™Â? ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒ ˜‹„”ƒÂ?– knew  food  store  providing  you  den  centre  there  is  a  wide  variety  of  with  carefully  selected  food  and  ‹–‡Â?• –‘ Ž‘‘Â? ƒ– ‹Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ …Ž‘–Š‹Â?‰ǥ drink  and  will  be  aiming  to  use  as  ƒ”– ™‘”Â?ÇĄ „‹–• ƒÂ?† „‘„• ˆ‘” ƒ”‘—Â?† much  local  suppliers  as  possible  as  this  helps  the  local  economy.  –Š‡ Š‘—•‡ǥ …Š‹Ž†”‡Â?ǯ• –‘› •‡…–‹‘Â?ÇĄ indoor  plant  area  and  much  more. Â Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ –Š‡ …Š‡””› ‘Â? –‘’ ‘ˆ –Š‹• There  is  also  two  restaurants  with-Ââ€? incredible  cake  is  the  Italian  Gar-Ââ€? †‡Â?•Ǥ ”‹…‡† ƒ– ‘Â?Ž› Í?ͣǤͥ͞ ˆ‘” ƒ†—Ž–• ‹Â? –Š‡ „—‹Ž†‹Â?‰ǥ ™Š‹…Š ƒ”‡ –Š‡ ÇŽ ‹š ƒÂ?† Í?ÍĄÇ¤ÍŁÍœ ’‡” …Š‹Ž†ǥ ™‹–Š †‹•…‘—Â?–• Arches’  and  the  ‘Terrazzo  del  Gia-Ââ€?
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The Italian Gardens ǡ -‐ ness one of the most spectacular walks and surroundings you will ever see. After undergoing a massive res-‐ ǡ Ƥ Ǥ ǡ -‐ ble is articulately laid out for you to simply admire. At the centre ǡ is borders onto the woodlands of Trentham Park which was given to local residents by the Duke of
Sutherland. You can walk around ǡ -‐ ery and the nature; if you are visit-‐ ǡ ǡ little train that runs alongside the ǡ -‐ ic mood they can play on the play-‐ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ and mazes. The entire complex is a place full of wonder and cer-‐ tainly caters for every need. Deb-‐ ǣ Dz ǯ
big attraction because the gardens have had lots of work on them and many of people come to visit that; and obviously with all the shops ǡ -‐ traction and with that more people enter the garden centre.” So if you are looking for a fantas-‐ ǡ visit the Trentham Gardens Es-‐ tate. To receive more information on Trentham Estate visit www. Ǥ Ǥ ͣͤ͜͝͞ ͢͢͢͢͠͠Ǥ
Entrance to the Trentham Garden Centre Words and photographs by Nick Harvey
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Sport
Sport  has  always  been  a  very  popular  scene  in  the  potteries.  Over  the  years  there  have  been  many  famous  sporting  stars  that  ‘”‹‰‹Â?ƒ–‡ ˆ”‘Â? –Š‡ ƒ”‡ƒǤ Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ Â?‘•– •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?–Ž› –Š‡”‡ ‹• ƒ ‰”‡ƒ– vibe  and  enthusiasm  for  sport  at  –Š‡ ›‘—Â?‰‡” ƒ‰‡ ‰”‘—’•ǥ ĥ –Š‡”‡ are  facilities  and  opportunities  for  people  to  participate  in  a  wide  range  of  sports.  ”‘Â? ƒ •’‘”–‹Â?‰ Â’Â‡Â”Â•Â’Â‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡ most  notable  attraction  to  Stoke-Ââ€? on-Ââ€?Trent  would  have  to  be  Stoke  City  Football  club.  The  club  was  ˆ‘—Â?†‡† ‹Â? Í?ͤ͢Í&#x; ƒÂ?† ƒ”‡ –Š‡ •‡…‘Â?† oldest  club  in  professional  exist-Ââ€? ence  behind  Notts  County.  Along  ™‹–Š Í?Í? ‘–Š‡” –‡ƒÂ?•ǥ –‘Â?‡ ‹–› „‡-Ââ€? came  one  of  the  founder  members  of  the  football  league  in  1896.  Stoke  have  had  some  of  the  world’s  best  players  on  their  books  over  –Š‡ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ ™‹–Š ’Žƒ›‡”• •—…Š ĥ ‹” –ƒÂ?Ž‡› ÂƒÂ–Â–ÂŠÂ‡Â™Â•ÇĄ ‡–‡” Š‹Ž–‘Â? ƒÂ?† –Š‡ Ž‡‰‡Â?†ƒ”› ‘”†‘Â? ƒÂ?Â?•ǥ who  is  now  President  of  the  foot-Ââ€? ball  club.  This  season  the  Potters  have  enjoyed  their  second  consecu-Ââ€? tive  year  in  the  Premier  League  with  manager  Tony  Pulis  steering  them  to  another  superb  mid-Ââ€?table  ƤÂ?‹•ŠǤ Unfortunately  the  football  season  is  over  so  you  won’t  be  able  to  see  the  team  play;  however  on  the  2nd  ƒ› –‘Â?‡ ‹–› ™‹ŽŽ „‡ –Š‡ Ƥ”•– club  ever  to  host  their  player  of  the  season  awards  in  front  of  a  live  audience.   The  ‘player  of  the  year  stadium  show’  will  be  held  at  the  ”‹–ƒÂ?Â?‹ƒ –ƒ†‹—Â? ƒÂ?† –‹…Â?‡–• ƒ”‡
Britannia Stadium - Home of Stoke City ƒŽ”‡ƒ†› ‘Â? •ƒŽ‡ ƒ– Í?Í?ÍœÇ¤ÍœÍœÇĄ ™Š‡”‡ ›‘— will  be  able  to  see  the  presentation  of  the  player  of  the  year  awards  and  look  back  on  the  highlights  of  the  tremendous  season  the  Potters  Šƒ˜‡ Šƒ†Ǥ ‘” Â?‘”‡ ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ …‘Â?–ƒ…– –Š‡ …Ž—„ ‘Â? ÍœÍ?ͣͤ͞ ͥͼ͞͞Í?Í?Ǥ –‡’’‹Â?‰ ƒ•‹†‡ ˆ”‘Â? –‘Â?‡ ‹–›ǥ –Š‡ other  major  football  club  in  the  Potteries  is  Port  Vale.  A  very  suc-Ââ€? cessful  team  in  their  own  right  and  have  certainly  produced  their  fair  •Šƒ”‡ ‘ˆ Â’ÂŽÂƒÂ›Â‡Â”Â•ÇĄ ‹Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Ž‹Â?‡• ‘ˆ ‘„„‹‡ ƒ”Ž‡ ƒÂ?† ƒ”Â? ”‹‰Š–Ǥ ƒ”Â?ÇĄ ™Š‘ Â?‘™ ™‘”Â?• ˆ‘” –Š‡ ÇĄ spoke  of  how  special  the  city  of  Stoke  is  for  sport  and  how  he  still  has  special  links  with  the  City  today.  “My  time  at  Vale  Park  was  enjoy-Ââ€? able;  I  had  just  quit  my  job  at Â Â–ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â†Â•ÂŠÂ‹Â”Â‡ ›†”ƒ—Ž‹…• ‡”˜‹…‡• in  Kidsgrove  to  play  football  full  –‹Â?‡ǥ •‘ ™‘”Â?‹Â?‰ –™‘ Š‘—”• ’‡” day  instead  of  eight  was  great.  ‘ŠÂ? —†‰‡ǥ ™Š‘ ™ƒ• –Š‡ ‘”– ƒŽ‡ Â?ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡” ƒ– –Š‡ –‹Â?‡ǥ ”‡Â?ƒ‹Â?• –Š‡
Vale Park - Where Mark Brights career began  Words  and  photographs  by  Nick  Harvey
May 2010
„‹‰‰‡•– ‹Â?ƪ—‡Â?…‡ ‘Â? Â?› Â…ÂƒÂ”Â‡Â‡Â”ÇĄ learnt  from  one  of  the  best  at  the  start  of  my  career.â€?  “Premier  League  football  is  so  ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?– –‘ –Š‡ ‹–›ǥ ™‘—Ž† Ž‹Â?‡ to  see  the  Vale  get  promoted  but  it’s  tough  for  them  at  the  moment.  ’‘”– ‹• ˜‹–ƒŽ –‘ Â?‹†• ‘ˆ ƒŽŽ ÂƒÂ‰Â‡Â•ÇĄ exercise  is  important  and  sports  facilities  are  the  heartbeat  of  com-Ââ€? munities.â€?
Â? –Š‡ …‹–› ‘ˆ –‘Â?‡nj‘Â?ÇŚ ”‡Â?–ǥ –Š‡”‡ are  a  wide  range  of  sports  to  be  played  or  watched  besides  football. Â
Â? Â’ÂƒÂ”Â–Â‹Â…Â—ÂŽÂƒÂ”ÇĄ –Š‡ ”‡Â?–ŠƒÂ? ‘ƒ– Club  is  thriving  at  the  moment  with  brand  new  facilities  and  in-Ââ€? …”‡ƒ•‹Â?‰ Â?‡Â?„‡”•ǥ ĥ Â?ƒÂ?› ’‡‘’Ž‡ have  decided  that  the  physical  games  of  rugby  and  football  are  too  Â?—…Šǥ ƒÂ?† Šƒ˜‡ ˆ‘—Â?† –Š‡ ‡Â?Œ‘›-Ââ€? Â?‡Â?– ‘ˆ ”‘™‹Â?‰Ǥ ‡…‡Â?–Ž›ǥ ‘”† Sebastian  Coe  visited  the  rowing  club  to  promote  the  sport  and  look  around  the  impressive  grounds.  For  more  information  visit  www. trenthamboatclub.co.uk.  Another  sports  available  in  Stoke  ‹• •™‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ǥ ĥ ‡Â?–‘Â? ƒÂ?‘” Sports  Complex  has  an  Olympic  size  swimming  pool  available  to  the  public  and  regularly  holds  race  Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰•ǥ ˆ‘” Â?‘”‡ ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? visit  www.stoke.gov.uk.  Also  Stoke  athletics  club  have  the  luxury  of  —•‹Â?‰ ‘”–Š™‘‘† –ƒ†‹—Â?ÇĄ ’”‘˜‹†-Ââ€? ing  all  the  necessary  facilities  for  „‘–Š –”ƒ…Â? ƒÂ?† Ƥ‡Ž† ‡˜‡Â?–•Ǥ There  is  a  sporting  activity  to  get  ‹Â?˜‘Ž˜‡† ™‹–Š ƒŽŽ ›‡ƒ” ”‘—Â?†ǥ •‘ ‹ˆ sport  is  your  passion  then  Stoke-Ââ€? on-Ââ€?Trent  is  ideal.
Visit Stoke-on-Trent
www.visitsot.co.uk
Words and photographs by Nick Harvey