The Angel – Issue 11, Summer 2009 by i•creation

the

ANGEL

AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 11 Summer 2009

New Urban Ranger in town Rachel aims to breath fresh life into park PAGE SIX

Burslem Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Urban Ranger Rachel Cleary is pictured at the play area with youngsters from Moorpark Junior School.

Town must again be a centrepiece of Stoke-on-Trent By Alistair Rowland Burslem Regeneration Company Director and Director of Distribution, the Co-operative Travel

I was recently appointed to the Board of Burslem Regeneration Company and I’m delighted with this opportunity to play a part in reviving the fortunes of a town with such a great heritage. The newly constituted Board is made up of people from various walks of life who all contribute a wide range of talent, skills, expertise and experience towards the efforts to regenerate the Mother Town. I bring to the table a background in retail – I’ve been a retailer since the age of 16 – and will be working hard to revitalise the commercial heart of the Mother Town. I intend to fully support Julian Read, Burslem Regeneration Manager, and his team in any way they think I can, particularly with the resources of the most ethical and community focused brand in the UK at our disposal, but in particular I hope that my experience of retailing will be of benefit in creating a vibrant commercial centre for Burslem. Co-operative Travel will utilise its extensive infrastructure in every way possible in order to help bring to the town an exciting mix of shops and brands that will benefit people living in new housing near the town centre and attract shoppers from a wider area. Burslem is of course the home of the Co-operative Travel which has grown into the UK’s largest travel agent from six shops in Stoke-on-Trent to a turnover of £1.2billion – a success largely driven from the company’s Burslem headquarters which employs more than 350 people and operates as very much part of the community. I therefore have a great affection for the town and have shared the frustration of many people that Burslem has been somewhat left behind other towns such as Hanley and Tunstall as they have benefited from investment in regeneration programmes. Bringing the shops – and the shoppers – back is a key part of the strategy to achieve the economic and social transformation of Burslem. It will ensure that the Mother Town will once again become a centrepiece for Stoke-on-Trent and not a town that everyone has forgotten. 2 THE ANGEL

The famous statue of Josiah Wedgwood on the magnificent facade of the Wedgwood Institute which is in need of restoration and an economically sustainable new use.

Prince’s Trust to report on ideas for

historic gem

“HARD HATS” tour of the Wedgwood Institute was part of a Planning Day held by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust to help determine a new role for the historic building as part of Burslem’s regenerated town centre. Around 50 representatives of public, private and voluntary sector organisations as well as local people contributed their own views about the future of the building. Their feedback will help the Prince’s Regeneration Trust to prepare a report that will be published later this year. The Trust has extensive experience in helping local communities identify new ways to regenerate historic buildings and it has organised several Planning Days across the UK that have paved the way to successful regeneration projects. Its experts were invited to visit the

town after months of ongoing discussions with Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, who helped organise the Planning Day. Roland Jeffery, the Trust’s Projects Advisor, said: “There was lively interest in the event which produced some very interesting ideas and a good level of consensus.” Julian Read, Burslem Regeneration Manager, said: “This is part of the first phase of planning to prepare some of the currently unused historic buildings in Burslem town centre for long term usage and to make them economically sustainable.” The Institute – renowned as one of the city’s foremost architectural gems, famed for its magnificent facade – was designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father and Robert Edgar in the 1860s and is a Grade ll* listed building.

Major supermarket is on

regeneration shopping list T

ALKS are under way with some of the biggest names in retail to locate a major supermarket in Burslem town centre. Discussions are at an early stage but the Burslem Regeneration Company is convinced a major shopping development is one of the solutions to bring thousands of people a day to the Mother Town. Ambitious plans to step up the town’s regeneration have been announced as part of the company’s relaunch. As well as the proposed supermarket, they include: ● Proposals to create a new local service hub like the one attracting thousands of visitors to Stoke, complete with library, access to council departments, free internet access and a host of other facilities. ● A thriving shopping, living and working quadrant in the town’s central area between Queen Street, Market Place, St John’s Square and Swan Square, with historic buildings and courtyards brought back into use as open space, community squares and live/work units. Work on the central core scheme – already known as the Wedgwood Works – has already started with the creation of a wine bar in the former Violets are Blue florists, and talks to build live-work space and retail units in the former Mark One shop at Swan Square. Town Centre Manager Julian Read said the town had support from major funders like Advantage West Midlands, the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the Homes and Communities Agency, and he was confident their commitment would mean progress for Burslem in the coming years. He said plans for the future of the town were under four main headings: ● Encouraging investment in projects like the Wedgwood Works, Burslem Townscape Heritage Initiative and vacant properties. ● Accesibility and movement: investing in completing the relief road, better use of public space and improved car parking. ● Destination Burslem: marketing to attract tourists and investors. ● Improving communities: including better housing, more community facilities and working with partners to improve health and education facilities. Julian said: “We have a plan of action to transform the town and a commitment to drive Burslem forward. “We are finding ways to bring footfall back to the town through it’s

historic buildings, unique heritage and sense of community. We have a real commitment to accelerate the regeneration process wherever we can.” Julian pointed to the success of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which was improving buildings in the town and helping to secure employment. He said: “Our aim is to bring a market town feel back into Burslem by building on the historic, heritage element that we can sell to investors. “Talks with the major retailers are progressing. These are exciting times as we all recognise the benefits a supermarket development would bring to the town, and how it would act as a catalyst to lever in additional investment.” ● To have your say on the future of the town email burslem@stoke.gov.uk

Town Centre Manager Julian Read pictured by the ornate Victorian drinking fountain in St John’s Square which has been earmarked for landscaping improvements.

Ed Yorke appointed Company Chairman MOTHER Town stalwart Edmund Yorke, pictured above, has been appointed Chairman of the relaunched Burslem Regeneration Company. As The Angel went to press, his colleagues on the Company Board elected Edmund to the key post, vacated by the retirement of Hugh Edwards. “I’m relishing the challenge of working with everyone in the town to make sure Burslem has a bright future,” said Edmund, who is former Chairman of Wood and Sons pottery and also the Ceramica Trust. Meanwhile, exciting plans for the future of Burslem were unveiled at an event to relaunch the Company. Traders, employers, city councillors and Company Board members were invited to the ceremony opened by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley at the Swan Bank Methodist Mission. The company was set up in 2003 to drive forward a programme of action for Burslem and has already scored notable success in regenerating the town. Now a new set of action plans has been drawn up to take the town forward and breathe new life into derelict sites and empty buildings. Joan Walley introduced Company Board members and called on the whole town to work together to raise Burslem’s profile. THE ANGEL 3

Paul Woodward, Church Parish Councillor, left, shows Harriet Devlin, of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and John Tiernan, of English Heritage, some of the work that needs to be done. Below, the landmark exterior of St Joseph’s Church.

Italianate church to be restored with help of

lottery cash A

REMARKABLE piece of Italy in the middle of Burslem is to benefit from a multi-million pound package of grants for essential repairs to Grade II listed places of worship across England. St Joseph’s Catholic Church is to receive £81,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage – an answer to prayers by the congregation concerned that cracks in the walls and a leaking roof are threatening the splendid interior decoration of the church that first opened its doors 82 years ago. This money is one of the grants that will help to repair 56 historic places of worship, including seven churches in the West Midlands. The congregation of St Joseph’s will be holding a series of events to raise the balance needed. The church already has £20,000 in the fund, thanks largely to a bequest by a parishioner. Its two distinctive Italianate-style towers has made St Joseph’s a landmark of the Mother Town – but many who pass by the Roman basilica-inspired church in Hall Street are unaware of the rich artistry inside. However, time has taken its toll on the exterior, and the grant will be used to carry out urgently needed repairs to stonework, roofs and gutters in order to preserve this fine church for future generations.

4 THE ANGEL

The next twelve months will be spent investigating what needs doing and inviting tenders to carry out the work, which is expected to commence in the summer of 2010. St Joseph’s was designed in 1925 by renowned arts and crafts architect J S Brocklesby and the building was completed in 1927, using the materials of the area and artistic talents of local people whenever possible.

Inspired parishioners Red and blue bricks supplied by Fenton Colliery Company were used to create the striking outside brickwork design, while much of the lavish decoration inside is attributed to Gordon Forsyth who was principal of the Burslem School of Art in the 1920s. Forsyth inspired local parishioners to produce most of the stained-glass windows and decoration for the nave and gallery ceilings. He taught local unemployed potters and miners how to cut and set the specially selected coloured glass to echo the windows at Chartres Cathedral in France. The half dome sanctuary ceiling depicting Christ surrounded by angels and symbols of

the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was painted by Forsyth’s daughter Moira who also trained at Burslem School of Art before graduating from the Royal College of Art. Her stained-glass work can be seen in Guildford Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral and Eton College Chapel. John Tiernan, Historic Building Architect for English Heritage, said: “Much of the work will involve repairing the original asphalt roofs of the towers and replacing corroded iron dowels in the limestone with stainless steel ones. “This is a fascinating building as it would look at home anywhere in Italy, and yet it has a lot of Stoke-on-Trent in its fabric.” Paul Woodward, Parish Councillor at St Joseph’s Church, said: “Being awarded the grant is tremendous news. The repairs will make the whole building watertight and then hopefully we can re-decorate the interior of the church.” Paul added: “We would welcome sponsorship support from businesses to help us match the funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.”

Denry’s wine bar soon to be the

toast of the town G

LASSES will soon be raised to toast the launch of a new wine bar – and an exciting look for a busy town centre “gateway” in Burslem. The wine bar is part of a major extension to the popular Denry’s restaurant and forms an attractive three-storey development due to open soon. Funding of £198,000 from the Town Centre Heritage Initiative (THI) has played a major role in enlarging the Victorian and Edwardian themed restaurant in St John’s Square by extending the business into the adjacent premises of the former flower shop on the corner of Market Place and St John’s Square. The ground floor wine bar will match the restaurant’s period style by featuring lots of wooden panelling and mirrors, while on the floors above there will be additional function rooms with their own kitchen and three letting rooms. Denry’s proprietor and chef Wayne Doyle COFFEE said: “What we CULTURE... have done Glynis Cooper toasts plans for a new stylish café at the Swan Bank Methodist Mission.

will certainly improve this entrance to the town centre and I’m confident it will attract more people into Burslem.” Meanwhile, THI funding of £75,000 has been agreed for a major £300,000 scheme at the Swan Bank Methodist Mission. The project includes the refurbishment of a first floor hall to provide sports, drama, youth and general community facilities. The original vaulted ceiling will be restored to its former glory and there will be new seating for up to 300 people – which can be stored when not needed – a portable stage, new flooring and a new kitchen. On the ground floor a former drop-in centre will be converted to a stylish café serving a range of quality coffees and light

CHEERS... Denry’s owner Wayne Doyle toasts the imminent opening of the wine bar with waitress Sandra Doyle and builder Greg Hall. lunches, seven days a week. Rev Ashley Cooper, of the Methodist Mission, said: “We will be creating a superb community hub in the town centre which will be available to everyone.” Grants have also been approved for renovation of the roof on buildings between 1 and 6 Swan Bank and improvement to frontages. In addition meetings are taking place with the owner of the former Co-operative Building in Swan Square to bring forward a suitable scheme for the building. Since the THI funding scheme was launched a little over two years ago grants totalling £900,00 have been approved to renovation, repair and improvement building throughout the town centre. This has, in turn, generated a further £700,000 of private spending. Helen Rhodes, THI Project Officer, said: “The take up of the scheme has been very encouraging and the improvement works carried out on buildings are making a noticeable difference to the look of the town centre. “It has also resulted in vacant buildings being brought back into use.”

Music festival in the park set to expand A MUSIC festival in Burslem Park is set to expand after proving a smash hit with local people. Stoke Sounds staged its first event last year, involving artists from across the city playing everything from gospel to drums. Now, the concert is set to grow from two to three stages of entertainment when it takes place on Saturday August 1. Mike Watson, Chairman of the Burslem Park Partnership Group said: “The new stage will feature heavier rock music – attracting a younger audience to the festival – in addition to those watching the acoustic and rock acts on the other stages.” The event, which is run with funding from private backers and the city council’s city culture department could also soon benefit from a Heritage Lottery grant. THE ANGEL 5

Rachel’s challenge BURSLEM Park’s new Urban Ranger Rachel Cleary believes the venue will become a key hub for the future regeneration of the Mother Town. Rachel took up the newly-created post in June and is looking forward to the challenge of attracting tens of thousands of extra visitors to the Victorian park. Her appointment comes as the city council and the Burslem Park Partnership put in a bid for Heritage Lottery Fund cash which, if successful, would result in a £2.4 million investment. The scheme would see a comprehensive restoration of the

formal terrace gardens over the next three years, including the fountains, shelters and shrub borders. As well as working closely with the existing team of park keepers, Rachel will be supporting the volunteers of the Burslem Park Partnership. She will also be involved with the local community and will be developing an educational programme with schools to use the park as a place for learning. Rachel said: “To coincide with the planned improvements, we will be creating a host of new activities at the park with the aim of attracting a huge number of extra visitors. The park is going to be a key hub for Burslem’s regeneration and

Water nymph statue mystery THE search is on for a photograph of a historic water nymph statue which once adorned Burslem Park. The 6ft high terracotta figure was presented to the people of the Mother Town by Sir Henry Doulton – founder of the world famous Royal Doulton pottery company – in 1895, a year after the opening of the formal gardens of the park. The statue was removed from the park sometime in the early 1960s after falling into disrepair and has since disappeared without trace. All that remains is the broken terracotta plinth in the park, pictured above. Now as part of wider plans for the 6 THE ANGEL

restoration of the park the city council is looking for ideas from local artists for a statue to replace the water nymph – and they want an image of the original statue to act as inspiration. Mike Watson, Chairman of Burslem Park Partnership, said: “I can remember the water nymph statue but try as I might I

play a central role in the town’s future. “Burslem Park has a great history and heritage and I am passionate about the challenge of making it an important and valued venue for the local community.” Rachel’s post has been jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the city council. To contact Rachel – pictured at the park with Burslem Park Partnership Chairman Mike Watson – telephone 01782 234030 or drop in to the park’s pavilion where she is based.

cannot find a photograph of it. The City Museum have searched their architves and we have appealed in the local media but with no luck.” Meanwhile, Nile Street based ArtWaves, a company which promotes the work of local artists, has worked up a brief for a replacement statue. Julie Gould, a partner at ArtWaves, said: “The disappearance of the water nymph is a bit of a mystery and we have no pictorial evidence of the original and only a few references to its existence. “This in itself has inspired us to create a design brief for the artist that should capture the mystical and mythical sense of its actuality.” ● If anyone has a photograph of the water nymph please contact Mike Watson – telephone 07890 966290.

Thousands of visitors expected for two day Adoration ‘09 event

HOUSANDS of visitors are expected in Burslem when a colourful international Christian music festival hits the streets of the Mother Town. Residents are invited to join in the fun at the Adoration 09 Festival – the third of its kind to be staged in North Staffordshire – with events taking place on July 3 and 4. The festival kicks off on the Friday evening with a concert by the renowned London Community Gospel Choir supported by rock band YFriday and The Steels. Saturday will see the main stage in Swan Square rock to a series of free performances. There will also be an acoustic stage and busy market place in the Swan Bank church buildings, and a funfair in Market Place. Face painting and craft activities around the town mean the festival offers something for visitors of all ages. Adoration 09 reaches its climax with a performance by American musician Matt Redman, an internationally acclaimed songwriter whose songs are used in worship around the world. He will be supported by up-andcoming Christian rock band Lifecolour, who hail from Birches Head. Reverend Ashley Cooper, of Swan Bank Methodist Mission, said: “This year Adoration is coming to the streets of Burslem, to showcase artists in the heart of the city. “As well as bringing the best Christian music to the Mother Town of

Getting Getting in in the the mood mood for for Adoration Adoration 09 09 –– Reverend Reverend Ashley Ashley Cooper Cooper at at the the Swan Swan Bank Bank Methodist Methodist Mission. Mission.

Christian music festival to

rock the town many visitors to Burslem on the Saturday. “There is an exciting programme, with literally something for everybody, and we want to see as many Burslem residents as possible enjoying the music. I’m sure they will be surprised by the huge range and quality of the Christian music on American offer.” musician Matt Queen Street Redman is the and Market Place headline act on will be closed to Saturday traffic on the night. Saturday and extra parking will be available at Port Vale Football Club. For further information visit the festival website at www.adoration.org.uk Tickets for the evening events in the Queen’s Theatre are available from Swan Bank Church, or by calling 0870 066 0766.

the Potteries, it’s a tremendous opportunity to show off everything that’s best about our town, and will boost the local economy by bringing so

Apartments ready soon THE first phase of a prominent town centre residential project is to be completed next month. One and two bedroom apartments at the Furlong Passage development, located between St John’s Square and Woodgate Street, will be available in July. The development will provide four twobedroom town houses and 25 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. It will also feature secure underground parking, lifts and a communal garden. THE ANGEL 7

Residents shape the future for

their community A

FAR-REACHING community engagement programme is underway so that residents can help choose the best way to drive forward multi-million pound regeneration plans in Middleport. RENEW North Staffordshire has prepared a detailed masterplan outlining a package of improvements for the area,

which will include delivering high quality housing, boosting employment opportunities and enhancing the environment, while drawing on and maintaining its heritage. A steering group set up by RENEW has drawn up three alternative options all outlining a broad range of developments that can achieve these objectives and

provide sustainable regeneration over the next 15 to 20 years. People are now being urged to have their say on the options to help shape the long-term future of the neighbourhood. A launch event was held in April to unveil the plans and meeting with residents associations are being arranged throughout the early summer.

RENEW Programme Manager Debbie Hope, right, discusses the Masterplan options with resident Lauren Jackson at an exhibition of the proposals at Burslem’s School of Art.

Exhibition stands have also been set up in the Burslem School of Art and other public locations and questionnaires distributed door-to-door to homes in Middleport. Members of the Western Area Neighbourhood renewal team have also been visiting residents to speak to them about the consultation and to encourage people to fill in the questionnaires. RENEW Programme Manager Debbie Hope said: “Public consultation is vital to this phase of the programme. “We feel it is very important that people have their say on the different options and help shape the future of their neighbourhood. “The comments and feedback received will be carefully considered and be used in taking the plans forward. “We are looking to make a decision on the desired Masterplan option by the end of July and after that residents will see a whole raft of physical improvement works starting to take place based on this decision.”

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley and NHS Stoke on Trent Chief Executive pictured at the sod cutting ceremony.

Works starts on £3m GP centre

Janet Coates, a Project Assistant Western Area Neighbourhood renewal team, left, show the Masterplan options to resident Tracy Hird during a door-to-door consultation exercise in Middleport. Tracy is featured in the The Angel cover picture outside her home in Slater Street.

The three masterplan options at a glance: Option One includes a new housing development on Slater Street and land next to the Woods Pottery site, as well as a new homes for older people on the Woods Pottery site. New business units on derelict land at the Furlong Industrial Area, shop front improvements and improved footpaths along Newcastle Street are also in the pipeline. This option also includes a pedestrian/cycle link to connect Burslem Wharf via Navigation Road to the Slater Street area.

Option Two includes a new housing development on Slater Street and Woods Pottery site but also on the canalside Co-op (Steam) Bakery site and new homes on derelict land. It would see the partial redevelopment of the Shirley Street area for business units 8 THE ANGEL

and car parking, and the conversion of Burslem Wharf warehousing for use as office or live-work accommodation. New children’s play facilities would be developed at Middleport Park and new informal sports pitch facilities would be provided at Grange Park. A bus link through Newport Lane connecting to Hanley through Etruria Valley would improve public transport.

Option Three would see housing development extended to include the edge of Grange Park as well as previously mentioned developments on Slater Street and at the Wood Pottery site. Properties on Maddock Street and Yale Street would be partially refurbished, and new homes would be built in attractive, partly-pedestrianised settings. A big redevelopment of the Shirley Street

area would provide business units as well as conversion of Burslem Wharf warehousing for office and live-work use. This option would also include the creation of a Burslem Port nature reserve, new sports pitch facilities on Grange Park, and new children’s play facilities at Middleport Park. There would be new improved visitor attraction facilities at Burleigh Pottery and a Grange Park link road would connect Enoch Street to Festival Way. Improvements would also be made to ensure better pedestrian and cycle access to Burslem Town Centre. Debbie Hope added:“These three options are not set in stone and, depending on the consultation and feedback we receive, the option we move forward with could be an amalgam of all three – embracing the most popular features from each.”

Clare Humphreys with her nephew Owen Humphreys, aged two, at Middleport Park where it is proposed to develop new children’s play facilities.

WORK is well under way on a new £3 million GP surgery in Middleport, part of the regeneration programme to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the area. Contractors moved onto the site of the Woolrich Street-based construction in spring and it is set to be open by January 2010. The new facility is expected to have a patient list of 6,000 within five years – and five GPs, a practice manager, four nurses and five administration staff will eventually work there. An official sod cutting ceremony was carried out by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley and NHS Stoke on Trent Chief Executive Graham Urwin to mark the start of work. Mr Urwin said: “We’re really proud of what is happening here. We have a responsibility to

ensure that local people have easy access to a local GP surgery – this superb new facility will help make that happen. “Five GPs will be based here with associated support in a brand new building, which we are sure the local community will both benefit from and be extremely proud of.” Joan Walley said:“Once open this will be a fantastic facility which will benefit people from Middleport and the surrounding areas and boost the general health and wellbeing of residents. “It fits in perfectly with the other huge steps that are being taken by agencies such as RENEW to revitalise and regenerate the area in all areas of life such as health, employment, education, environment and transport. “It also boosts quality of life and raises standards and aspirations.”

An artist’s impression of the new Middleport GP Practice. THE ANGEL 9

Residents shape the future for

their community A

RENEW Programme Manager Debbie Hope, right, discusses the Masterplan options with resident Lauren Jackson at an exhibition of the proposals at Burslem’s School of Art.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley and NHS Stoke on Trent Chief Executive pictured at the sod cutting ceremony.

Works starts on £3m GP centre

Clare Humphreys with her nephew Owen Humphreys, aged two, at Middleport Park where it is proposed to develop new children’s play facilities.

An artist’s impression of the new Middleport GP Practice. THE ANGEL 9

Spicy Burslem is city’s B

URSLEM is staking a claim to be the curry capital of the Potteries with a host of top class restaurants spicing up town centre dining. Customers can tuck into a veritable feast of speciality dishes served up at no less than six Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, all located within a naan bread’s throw of each other. On most evenings, the Burslem night air is infused with an unmistakeable blend of aromatic spices and ingredients as chefs stoke up their Tandoori ovens and prepare their exotic culinary delights. And if that’s not a mouth-watering enough reason to visit then here is another tasty fact to digest –The Mother Town boasts the oldest and newest Indian restaurants in the city. The Kismet, which was established in 1962 and is still going strong 47 years later, is to be joined by a new restaurant – yet to be named – which is opening this summer. Add Badsha, The Great Moguls, The India Cottage and Saki Spice and you have all the ingredients for a great mix of restaurants catering for everyone’s tastes. And the healthy competition ensures owners are always on top of their game when it comes

Owner of The Great Moguls restaurant, Boshir Miah.

10 T H E A N G E L

to the dishes they cook up and the service they provide, meaning customers are spoilt for quality as well as choice. Burslem Town Centre Manager Julian Read said: “It is fantastic that Burslem has so many great restaurants serving Indian cuisine. “Visitors are really spoilt for choice and variety. You really can’t get bored of eating in the Indian restaurants here as there are so many dishes to try. People come from all over the city and from outside because their favourite restaurant is in Burslem. It really is a vibrant area of commerce.” The India Cottage is no exception with regular customers travelling from across the Potteries and beyond to sample its menu. Opened in 1990 by owner Abdul Kadir, on the historic Bews Corner, it replaced an Italian pizza parlour and is still going strong two decades later. Current manager Abdul Ahmed

Kismet Manager Kabeer Ahmed serves up a mouth-watering dish to diners at the restaurant.

Celebrations of town’s iconic son THE landmark 250th anniversary of an iconic son of Burslem is being marked with a series of walks, talks, exhibitions and family activities set in and around the Mother Town. The history and heritage events will turn the spotlight on the life and times of Josiah Wedgwood. The Wedgwood company was founded in 1759 with the opening of the master potter’s first factory, the Ivy House, which was based in the centre of Burslem, at the site of the modern-day Ceramica exhibition. Local historian Fred Hughes will be staging a series of his popular historical tours around Burslem, to point out the site and other features related to Wedgwood and the 18th century industrial revolution that centre on the town. He will be one of several experts hosting summer walks around the Potteries aimed at providing an insight into the works and life of the famous potter. In other parts of the city major events

include a Potteries Museum and Art Gallery special exhibition called Josiah Wedgwood: The Man in the Making, which runs from July 18 to November 22. Meanwhile, the £10.5 million Wedgwood Museum is showcasing the full history of the company and a fascinating behind-thescenes glimpse of the manufacturing process is on offer at the adjacent visitor centre. Full details of all the special events have been published in a new leaflet, which can be obtained from the Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre. Telephone 236000 and full listings are available on the website www.visitstoke. co.uk/anniversary

HOT STUFF another spicy curry is cooked up in the Mother Town.

works hard to maintain its reputation as a family orientated restaurant serving the best Indian food. Specialities of the house include a range of dishes cooked on the restaurant’s authentic Tandoori clay oven, which include Tandoori King Prawn and Tandoori lamb chops. He said: “Families know they can come here at anytime of the evening to have a good meal in comfortable and relaxing surroundings. “Every so often we are faced with a real challenge. For instance, a family came in with a

70-year-old lady who had never tried curry before in her life. “She was pretty apprehensive about spicy food so our chef was given a real task. In the end he cooked a chicken bhuna, which is a medium spice dish, and she loved it. She said she would be definitely coming back for more.” Of course when it comes to serving up Indian food, The Kismet has been there, done that and worn out the t-shirt. After nearly five decades of providing quality food the restaurant on Queen Street has undergone a major revamp, very

India Cottage Manager Abdul Ahmed, left, and Chef Abdul Hanan with a chicken bhuna – a popular meal with diners who like a mild curry. much in keeping with the regeneration efforts of the town. The restaurant received a Townscape Heritage Grant (THI) for new signage and to renovate the facade of their building to give it an attractive new frontage overlooking Swan Square. Owner Kobir Uddin Ahmed said: “We are proud to have been a part of Burslem for so long – and long may it continue. There is a real buzz about eating Indian food in the town and I’m glad so many customers keep coming back to us time after time.”

The new kid on the block is an Indian restaurant being opened by Burslem businessman Abdul Khayeer in the old Lloyds Tavern building in Market Place. The restaurant has yet to be named but Abdul is promising customers a tastedbud treat with a series of signature dishes he will create himself. It’s more good news for Burslem and safe to say, the competition is hotting up… and that can only be good for people who enjoy a quality curry.

Historian Fred Hughes in 18th Century dress for the launch of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of Wedgwood’s first factory in Burslem. T H E A N G E L 11

Spicy Burslem is city’s B

Owner of The Great Moguls restaurant, Boshir Miah.

10 T H E A N G E L

Kismet Manager Kabeer Ahmed serves up a mouth-watering dish to diners at the restaurant.

HOT STUFF another spicy curry is cooked up in the Mother Town.

Historian Fred Hughes in 18th Century dress for the launch of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of Wedgwood’s first factory in Burslem. T H E A N G E L 11

Institue to be major venue for Ceramics Biennial A MAJOR new initiative to celebrate the ceramics industry will see a top exhibition staged in the Wedgwood Institute and a vibrant programme of events taking place across Burslem. The British Ceramics Biennial is a ten-week programme of events, awards and exhibitions – showcasing some of the industry’s most exciting talent in the home of pottery. The Institute has been designated as one of the main Biennial venues and will feature the Our Objects exhibition – the only airing of the touring showcase in England – as well as an interactive workshop and events space. Selected pieces from the collections of The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the Wedgwood Collection will be on show as part of the display which challenges our perceptions of everyday objects. Other venues in the Mother Town which are involved in the ongoing creative Biennial projects include The Burslem School of Art, the Glazed Art studio and gallery and the Unity training centre. The Take on Tiles competition is also open to schools in the town which can enter artwork for a tile. Short-listed designs will be turned into “wonderwalls” – one of which will be sited in Burslem, subject to agreement. The Biennial is the UK’s first festival showcasing the finest in contemporary ceramics and will run from October 3 to December 13. For more information log on to www.british ceramicsbiennial.com 12 T H E A N G E L

Glazed Art designer Alan Clarke with some of his work at the studio and gallery in the Old Post Office building.

Gallery set to be

creative hub B

URSLEM’S Old Post Office is delivering a first class showcase for North Staffordshire’s artists and designers. The town centre landmark building has been given a new lease of life as the Glazed Art studio and gallery. Ceramic and glass artists as well as textile designers and painters are brought together in this creative hub where they work as well as exhibit and sell their creations. The exciting Burslem project is the brainchild of Mark Nixon who owns the Glazed Art Gallery in Trentham Gardens Retail Village which stocks new and interesting works from local glass and ceramic designers as well as the work of nationally recognised ceramic artist Alan Clarke. The Burslem gallery displays

the complete range of Alan Clarke’s work and also stocks new and interesting works from local glass and ceramic designers, including Lise B Moorcroft and Jo Hearn Ceramics. In addition to the gallery space there is a fully working studio which members of the public can visit by arrangement, allowing visitors to observe Alan and the other artists at work. The Glazed Art gallery in Burslem will also be holding master classes by leading artists such as Lise B Moorcroft so that members of the public will have the chance to develop their own creative talents. Mark Nixon, who is also Chairman of the North Staffordshire Creative Economy Forum, said: “It’s fitting that Glazed Art should come to the

Mother Town as it has such a proud creative heritage. “The new gallery/studio will be a valuable facility for up and coming as well as established artists, and we will be engaging with the community as well as working closely with the art department of Staffordshire University.”

Swan is set to take flight THE Swan public house in Swan Square has reopened with plans to run pool and darts teams. Manager Nichola Dean is also looking to stage regular entertainment, quizzes and karaoke nights.

Shop offers

five a day T

OWN Centre Manager Julian Read is urging people in Burslem to eat the recommended healthy diet of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day – after the opening of a new greengrocers shop. The new store has been launched by Denry’s owner Wayne Doyle, across from his restaurant in St John’s Square. Julian said the absence in recent years of a fruit and veg retailer has been a cause for many complaints. “A lot of people have moaned that you cannot buy a fresh apple or a banana in Burslem – and that the town desperately needs a greengrocers,” said Julian. “Now we have one and I hope people will use the store to make sure it is viable. There’s no excuse for anyone not getting their five portions a day.” It will occupy the premises that previously housed the What

Women Want boutique, which has now moved to a new home in Market Place opposite the Ceramica building. ● Pictured outside the new greengrocers is Denry’s waitress Tiffany Garside with a mouth-watering bowl of fresh fruit and vegetables bought from the new store.

Hobby Goblin is a model business BURSLEM is now home to the only model shop in Stoke-onTrent – after owner Jane Faulder was given all the right signals about the future of the town. The Hobby Goblin in Queen Street opened in June as the city’s only official supplier of legendary Hornby trains and Scalextric sets. The business is now going full steam ahead to draw more visitors into the Mother Town. Jane – pictured with a model of the Flying Scotsman locomotive – said: “Burslem is starting again. “We decided that the town would be the best location for our shop rather than anywhere else in Stoke-on-Trent because it’s up and coming.

“The town is very accessible and has already helped our business expand rapidly. We are hoping to bring in enthusiasts from all over the region to shop. There are already a lot of customers coming in.” Miniature wagons featuring

local placenames will also sold in the shop. Jane is asking people for suggestions for a landmark they would like featured on a special run of 100 she is ordering. Jane added: “We sell mineral, coal and iron wagons of the type that would have

been used in Burslem and one with Chatterley Whitfield written along the side. However, there might be somewhere else that local people feel should be commemorated. If so come and tell us.” For more details log-on to www.thehobbygoblin.co.uk T H E A N G E L 13

Some of the artists whose work is on sale at the new Burslem Arts shop – Bruno Santos, back left, Rob Pointon, back right, and front left to right, Leva Alksne, Michelle Saxon and Jim Adams.

Tributes to town antique specialist TRIBUTES have been paid to Burslem antiques dealer Derek Bradbury who has died after a long illness. Derek (picured above) – owner of the Burslem Antiques shop in market Place, which attracted sales from all over the world – was receiving hospital treatment for a chest condition when he contracted pneumonia. He passed away in March on his 67th birthday. Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, a member of the Burslem Regeneration Company Board, said: “Derek was one of Burslem’s characters and was passionate about the town. “It would be an appropriate tribute to him if we all work to ensure the town is regenerated in the future.” Derek leaves two sons – Wayne, aged 34, and Paul, 33 – and Wayne plans to continue running the antiques business. It sells rare ceramic collectables from famous Potteries manufacturers to customers all around the world, both to visitors to the shop and through a busy internet sales service. Wayne said: “Dad’s death was a huge shock. The shop was his hobby and a passion – he loved fine ceramics made in Stoke-on-Trent, and Burslem was an ideal place for the business. I’m looking at plans for the future, which might involve diversifying and using the upper floor.” Julian Read, Burslem’s town centre manager, said: “Derek’s heart was in Burslem and he had a confidence that the town would come good. “He was well known and respected in the town centre and will be greatly missed.” 14 T H E A N G E L

Shop showcases

local artists A

N expanding creative quarter in Burslem has been boosted with the arrival of a group of talented artists all showcasing their work at a successful town centre design hub. The Burslem Arts shop in Queen Street now plays host to the work of no less than nine up and coming artisans and designers as well as two famous pottery manufacturers. The work showcased includes paintings, jewellery, photography, ceramics and greetings cards as well as ware produced by Moorcroft and Wades. There will also be monthly exhibitions. The success of the shop, which was originally set up in April 2006 by the Burslem Arts Festival Group, reflects the growth of the creative quarter around the Queen Street area. Other shops include the Beslem Internet Café,

Options Jewellery and Gifts, Unity Creative Training Academy, Canpaint creative services and The Hobby Goblin model shop. There are also regular exhibitions and displays in the School of Art. Artist and Burslem resident Rob Pointon, one of the people whose work is on display at the Burslem Arts shop said: “Burslem is culturally unique, steeped in heritage and the sort of surroundings that artists love to work in. “It is great to see the Queen Street design and workshops taking off as fast as they are. There are a lot of talented people working here and I hope the public as a whole continue to enjoy what is on offer here.” Burslem Arts is continuing to look for talented local artists all the time. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact the shop via its website www.burslemarts.co.uk

Ground-breaking link up between club and schools is first of its kind in UK

VALE Community

in the

EENAGE students persistently absent from school are being helped to get back into education with a new mentoring scheme launched by Port Vale’s community team. The ground-breaking link up between the club and two nearby high schools is headed up by Chris Taylor, a former teacher with more than 30 years experience who is now working as Vale’s Education Advisor. Although the initiative has been running for just four months at Brownhills Maths and POSITIVE Computing College, Burslem, PARTNERSHIPS: and James Brindley Science Vale Education Advisor College, Chell, it can Chris Taylor with Deb already claim some initial Broadhurst, Attendance Officer at Brownhills, and successes. Caroline Edwards, Personal So far Chris has Advisor for career service mentored 14 students, Connexions, at the Vale aged 15 and 16, who were Park classroom. not attending school regularly for various reasons – and now more than half of them have been persuaded to resume their education. “Hopefully I have made a difference – attendance for some has improved,” said Chris, 58, who specialised in work-related learning during his time as Assistant Head at Leek High School. “Approaching the students and their appointments for Chris to go to parents as a member of Port Vale’s community team gives me a see the students and their parents at their homes. different angle – I can go to their “Firstly I try to establish a homes and talk to them whereas rapport and agree a way of a teacher or education welfare working that initially may not officer might not be so welcome. “The majority of these students involve them going into school,” he said. have problems outside school “One way of doing this is to and there were real concerns that persuade them to attend Friday some could become involved in sessions we set up at the drug taking, antisocial behaviour classroom in the community or criminal activities. building at Vale Park. This is a “I try to show them there is another route and get them to see place where they can do their there can be a better life for them. coursework and even sit exams. It is a start which we can build on.” I want them to have a plan for “Our ultimate aim is to get the their future.” students to re-engage with their Chris works in partnership with schools and to encourage them to the schools, the careers service, access support from the schools’ Connexions and the city council’s advisers and teaching staff. We education welfare department. also intend to track the students The schools set up

Mentoring initiative helps absent students back

into education when they leave school for at least another year to offer guidance and support.” The scheme – thought to be the first of its kind in the UK involving a league football club – has been welcomed by staff at the two high schools who are closely monitoring the results of the programme. Deb Broadhurst, Attendance Officer at Brownhills, said: “This link up with Chris Taylor and Vale is something I have found to be positive. Some of the students on the programme have re-engaged with school and one has really turned the corner. “It is another option for us when we are trying to help students who have stopped attending school on a regular

basis. They are a tiny minority at our school and we want to avoid them becoming NEETs – a term for young people who are not in employment, education or training and consequently have poor prospects.” Kathy Cowen, Lead Learning Mentor at James Brindley, said: “Although it is early days, I think it has helped some students who had become disengaged with their education. Chris Taylor’s involvement with them has had a positive effect. “Probably having a different venue other than school for them to resume studies has also helped – at the Vale Park classroom they have benefited from being taught in a small group or one-to-one.” T H E A N G E L 15

Lance and Steph Bates with exhibits which will feature in the new chimney pot museum at Burslem.

Chimney pot museum set to

fire up town W

ITH some people it’s trains or planes, with others it’s birds. Lance Bates, however, travels the country spotting chimney pots. Now Lance and his wife Steph – who shares his unusual passion – have news worth shouting from the rooftops. They are to open Britain’s first National Chimney Pot Museum at their business premises in Station Street, Longport. With help and encouragement from Leek-based Chimney Pot Preservation and Protection Society and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the couple potty about chimneys are working hard to get the museum ready for its launch in September. Lance said: “A unique attraction like this will be good for Burslem as it will bring visitors from far and wide to the town and contribute to its regeneration.” His rare collection was displayed in a museum on the same site for 15 years, but public liability costs forced its closure two years ago. Now, however, the new visitor attraction will be bigger and better, bringing beauty and designs normally obscured high up in the sky down to ground level to be admired and appreciated close up. Lance’s interest in chimney pots started 28 years ago. He travels all over the UK to acquire interesting examples to add to the collection and

sell to architects for regeneration building projects that demand the use of original materials. The Leeds, Bradford and Halifax areas of Yorkshire are his happiest hunting grounds. He said: “I have a general interest in architecture but I regard chimney pots as the crowning glory. I started by thinking I could collect one of each type until I realised there are literally hundreds, plus variations and variations of variations. Now 28 years later I’m still coming across pots I’ve never seen before.”

Rooftop comeback He added: “The skyline has changed as pots have been replaced by aluminium cowls which fail to break up the skyline and make it look bland. There’s nothing like the sight of a line of chimney pots – and Britain has always done them best.” The Smoke Abatement Act of 1955 and the age of central heating rang the death knell for most of Britain’s chimney pot makers, but pots are making a rooftop comeback, as more new houses incorporate an open fire – and even some that don’t now boast a mock pot. Most of Lance and Steph’s collection is made up of ceramic pots, but there are also some in cast iron or stone and they come in every shape and size with a myriad of designs and patterns as varied as Italianate,

art nouveau, art deco and down to earth Lowryesque. Lance’s favourites include a four foot high stack made in Scotland by the Garnkirk Fireclay Company and another built in the shape of a dove cote complete with a clay dove perched on top. Interest in the re-launched museum has been generated on national TV by BBC’s The One Show which sent John Sergeant to Longport to spend a day filming with Lance and Steph for a feature that appeared on the programme earlier this year. A book sale on the premises is helping to raise money for the museum which will be fitted out with visitor facilities including a toilet for the disabled. Steph said: “We both live and breathe chimney pots – researching them in books and on-line and travelling all over to see them. They are things of art and beauty not always appreciated in their normal environment on the top of a roof.” Lance added: “We collect pots from all kinds of buildings, from stately homes to two up and two down terrace houses. The most interesting usually come from the more humble or ordinary properties.” For more details about the re-opening of the chimney pot museum phone 01782 825801 or email: stefginge@live.co.uk

The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press