the
ANGEL
AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 5 Summer 2007
Why is Burslem on the up? Ask Aspel! Antiques Roadshow 30th anniversary special comes to town See page four
New businesses, new jobs Pages six–nine
Plans unveiled for
stylish piazza Page two
Bright lights shine on the horizon By Hugh Edwards Chairman of The Burslem Regeneration Company
BURSLEM Regeneration Company is about to enter an exciting new era with new rules, a new role and new opportunities. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been reorganised in the last few months and with the arrival of Tom McCarthy to head up regeneration in the city there are some really bright lights on the horizon. The Government wants to give organisations like Burslem Regeneration Company the autonomy to lead partnerships and joint ventures at the heart of buoyant regeneration of their area. We now expect the company to come into its own as an active partner, rather than a supervisor. We aim to have a new, proactive role at the heart of joint ventures to take forward all aspects of the town’s future. The first project we are involved in is the proposed regeneration of the town’s indoor market, but there will be many more to come. We are looking to bid for funding and put forward projects with a spirit of enterprise. The climate is right for Burslem to lead the way in the UK with a community company formed by people who care passionately about the town driving forward its future. The new rules will give our efforts real bite and we are looking forward to the challenges of blazing a trail for the whole country with a new way of working to improve all our futures. 2 THE ANGEL
Chance to shape new stylish piazza I
DEAS from Burslem’s public will feature in a scheme to create a stylish piazza in Swan Square. Subterranean toilets on the site will be filled in to make way for a public area including tree planting, paved terraces and comfortable seating areas. Plans for the square went on public display and comments from people who visited the exhibition have been woven into the scheme itself. The initiative – developed by the City Council and North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone – include areas to accommodate outdoor market stalls. It is hoped work on the £268,000 scheme will start this autumn with completion
by Spring 2008. City Council Principal Regeneration Officer Rob Gatensbury said: “Public art will also feature in the scheme and we are looking for ideas for colourful glass and ceramic detail in the paving which might reflect Burslem’s heritage, be some kind of memorial or portray a theme like the works of Arnold Bennett.” Andrew James, Project Manager North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone said: “We have worked hard with the City Council to ensure the design for the scheme has a ‘wow’ factor. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project and believe it will have a really positive impact on Queen Street.”
Decision soon on auction house plan A CRUCIAL decision on plans to create the UK’s first dedicated national ceramic auction house at Burslem could be made in September. Developers St Modwen Properties and Burslem Regeneration Company have been in talks with the City Council over the exciting showpiece scheme to be incorporated in the town’s Victorian indoor market building. St Modwen and BRC are now putting
together a detailed business plan which it is envisaged will involve one of Britain’s leading auction houses. David Mather, the council’s Assistant Director for Economy, Environment and Heritage, said: “We will be assessing the feasibility of an auction house scheme and by the beginning of September we should be in a position to make a decision.” Meanwhile, lawyers representing the three parties are drawing up a legal agreement.
Cash fund set up to improve buildings
The maquette of the statue depicting Arnold Bennett, seated, with two of his famous literary characters and two “local” children.
Bid to create statue
as tribute to great author A
£200,000 bronze statue of Arnold Bennett could soon be standing in the centre of the Mother Town, which appears as Bursley in many of the author’s famous works. Historian Ray Johnson is leading a bid to bring Bennett to Market Place next year – which fittingly will be the centenary of the publication of The Old Wives’ Tale, the novel that propelled the Hanleyborn author to international acclaim. It is hoped that the Bennett statue will take pride of place in the shadow of Burslem Town Hall at the spot currently occupied by Sir Henry Doulton. His statue could, in turn, be relocated to the Nile Street site of Sir Henry’s former Doulton ceramic factory, which is being re-developed (see page six). St Modwen Properties, who are transforming the 11-acre factory site into a mix of business units, offices, workshops and around 175 new homes, say that using the figure of the Doulton founder as a piece of public art work for the regenerated Nile Street area is a real possibility. A scale model of the Bennett statue shows the great man of letters sitting studiously with a text with two of his famous character creations Denry Machin, from The Card, and Anna of the Five Towns looking over his shoulder. Various projects will be set up with community and school groups in the Burslem area – centring
on regeneration – and they will all be linked with the funding bid for the statue. It is intended that the faces of the two children in the statue group will be sculpted from life. A schools competition, again centred on regeneration in Burslem, will be launched to find the winning boy and girl who will have their faces sculpted for the statue. The maquette, or working mould, is the work of North Staffordshire sculptors Michael Talbot and Carl Payne. Now Ray Johnson is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund, on behalf of the Arnold Bennett Society of which he is a vice president, for most of the £200,000 needed to create the Bennett memorial. The “interactive” sculpture would be at pavement level to allow people to move among the figures and become a living part of the bronze tableau. It would even be possible to be photographed sitting on the great man’s knee! Ray said: “The Arnold Bennett statue belongs in Burslem because it was the setting for most of his Five Towns’ stories and those books are very much part of the Mother Town’s past. “The memorial would also symbolise the future and regeneration of the town and could be used as an educational project to encourage young people to explore the works of Arnold Bennett and learn more about the history of the area.”
BUSINESSES in Burslem with historic premises are being urged not to miss out on a share of a £3.5m cash pot set up to improve the look of the Mother Town. Final arrangements are being made to hand out grants of up to 90 per cent of a project’s value under the Burslem Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). New life could be breathed into some of the town’s most important buildings under the project, while some premises might just need a facelift. Already there have been proposals to create restaurants and flats in buildings which are more or less derelict. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Conservation Project Manager Peter Quincey said: “We’re asking businesses who would like to take part in the THI to drop us a line to register their interest. “We do expect the initiative to be oversubscribed but we want to help improve as many historic buildings as possible in the Mother Town.” Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said: “This funding is great news for Burslem and the economy of the city. I am excited by the vision shown in drawing up innovative projects which will make a big impact on Burslem, in the coming months.” Businesses and organisations who want to take part in the THI should writte to Peter Quincey, Conservation Project Manager, Regeneration and Heritage Department, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1RN. THE ANGEL 3
Heritage trail showcases town’s rich history and much more A HERITAGE tour is being unveiled this summer telling the story behind Burslem’s wealth of famous people and landmarks. The Mother Town’s rich history – linked with famous potters, religion, novelists and modern-day pop stars – attracts hundreds of tourists to the area every year. Now, nine information panels are being erected at key sites – accompanied by a tourist leaflet – which will showcase the most important locations in the town. Historian Fred Hughes who helped research the project said: “This is a comprehensive history of development which will take its visitors back in time and show them an overall picture of the town’s highlights. “All the information has been evaluated with sourced historical material in order to provide a factual and detailed guide.” The panels will be placed in the Market Place, Burslem Park, Swan Bank Church, Burslem School of Art, St John’s Square, Burgess and Leigh Pottery, Moorcroft Pottery, St John’s Church and Westport Road. Mr Hughes continued: “They will be fully illustrated with a map of 1750 as well as an up-todate guide and details about everything from Wedgwood to Port Vale, Methodism, Arnold Bennett, the canals, pottery and Robbie Williams. “Each one will act as a stand alone piece of information or together to provide a one-hour tour which people can follow guided by the panels and leaflet. It will be attractive and informative to both tourists and residents.” The project is the result of a joint collaboration between Port Vale, Moorcroft and Moorland Potteries, Burgess and Leigh, Stoke-On-Trent City Council, Swan Bank Mission and Burslem School of Art. 4 THE ANGEL
Antiques Roadshow expert Henry Sandon, left, studies old pottery pattern books from Steelite International with the company’s Technical Manager David Clarke.
Apt place for top show to celebrate H
UNDREDS of people raided attics and dusted down prize heirlooms when one of Britain’s best-loved TV shows Antiques Roadshow came to town to celebrate its 30th anniversary. More than 1,600 hopefuls flocked to Burleigh Pottery, Middleport, clutching items as diverse as oil paintings, pop memorabilia, football medals and, of course, bagfuls of ceramic treasures to have them valued by TV experts. Among some of the most fascinating discoveries was a ukulele played by George Formby in the film When I’m Cleaning Windows, valued at £7,000 and a ring owned by rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix valued at £500. The day also doubled as the unveiling of refurbishment works centred on the Middleport Pottery and Anderton buildings built in 1888 and 1890 respectively. The facelift project, which will form part of an attractive gateway into the Mother Town, is funded through North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone by the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands
Show presenter Michael Aspel at Middleport Pottery enjoys cuppa from best china.
as part of Middleport Townscape Heritage Initiative. Show producer Simon Shaw said: “It was a very successful day filmed against a very historic backdrop. We had some interesting items and very enthusiastic people turned up with them.” Millions are expected to tune in when the flagship Sunday evening programme Crowds arriving with their antiques. hosted by Michael Aspel is aired on the BBC in the autumn as part of its 30th anniversary series. Michael Aspel – pictured on the magazine cover at Middleport Pottery – also enjoyed the warm welcome and colourful backdrop. He said: “The atmosphere and the warmth of the people is so uplifting. I have to say, this is one of the most extraordinary places I have been to in a long, long time.”
Major facelift for
key gateway E
NVIRONMENTAL Improvements to one of the most important routes into Burslem have been completed. North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone funded the facelift for buildings and borders along Moorland Road. The work was completed by Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, whose intermediate labour teams used the scheme to help unemployed people learn skills to give them a route into work. Gateway improvements down the bank towards the town centre include: ● Landscaping and stainless steel railings at the Albany Works which is now Groundwork’s office. This included planting semi-mature trees and the provision of attractive new signage. ● Existing planting was cleared around Burslem Enterprise Centre and replaced with more sympathetic planting allowing sight of the historic former school buildings from the main road. New sandstone coping has been added to smarten up brickwork. ● Further landscaping has been completed at ABC builders yard, using new York stone sets and shrub planting
Looking at landscaping plans for the ongoing improvement works to Groundwork’s offices in Moorland Road are, left to right, Groundwork Principal Landscape Architect Steve Ralphs, Groundwork Senior Project Officer Gareth Morgan and Strategic Manager for the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone Jon Baldwin. to spruce up the premises. ● Victorian character of terraced offices and shops down towards the town centre has been emphasised by new railings. ● The corner of Jackson Street has been completely relandscaped, replacing the old turfed area with attractive shrubbery. Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent Senior Project Officer Gareth Morgan said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the project which has balanced an important corridor into Burslem. “On one side of the road is the much loved park. Now we have improved the environment around the buildings on the The former court house building at Moorland Road has had its splendid facade restored and the building now provides four enterprise units.
Striking new heritage and tourism signposts welcome visitors to the Mother Town. opposite side of Moorland Road, some of which had become a bit unloved.” Andrew James, Project Manager North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, said “This project has really improved this important gateway to Burslem and in doing so has given the opportunity for some of our young unemployed people to learn new skills which will help in their progression to work”
Improved security for homes OWNERS of 113 homes in Burslem have been offered window and door locks or new doors at the rear of their properties. The improvements are part of a £908,000 community safety programme in Burslem and City Centre South to help reduce levels of crime in regeneration areas and help residents feel safer in their homes and neighbourhoods. The security upgrade is being funded by RENEW North Staffordshire and delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Police, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Beth Johnson Housing Association. RENEW North Staffordshire is meeting the cost of improvements for streets – such as the provision of alleygates to prevent easy criminal access – and residents will not have to pay anything towards the cost of works to their homes. Areas of Burslem in line for these improvements over the coming year include Price Street, Nicholas Street, Mountford Street, Jenkins Street, Hamil Road and Baddeley Street. Hardial Bhogal, Director of RENEW North Staffordshire, said: “Neighbourhoods where there is low demand or where clearance is taking place are often affected by higher than average crime levels. We know also that the fear of crime is a factor in where people choose to live. Community safety is an important part of rebuilding confidence in these neighbourhoods.” The project also helps RENEW North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver the Government’s Respect agenda – which is aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour and crime. ● For more information contact Lynsey Woodvine, Neighbourhood Renewal Team on 01782 233623. THE ANGEL 5
Job creation at centre of new
masterplan JOB creation and family homes are at the centre of a new masterplan for the former Royal Doulton factory site at Burslem. Developers St Modwen Properties have been in detailed talks with City Council planners over proposals for the 11 acres of land at a prime location in the town and a blueprint for its future use is set to be unveiled within the next few weeks. St Modwen Regional Director Mike Herbert revealed that the scheme would include the creation of a “business courtyard” by converting historic buildings at the gated main entrance to the old factory in Nile Street. He said: “There will be enterprise units, offices and workshops aimed at start-up businesses and larger premises for expanding small businesses which will contribute to job creation and the regeneration of the Mother Town. “The residential element of our plan addresses the need for more family orientated housing in the Burslem area and the proposals include traditional homes as well as fashionable mews. Bringing families back into to the town is a key factor in regeneration.” Part of the discussion between St Modwen and the council has been about the creation of a pedestrian and cycle link between the residential development and the nearby Greenway, the former Loopline railway which is now a 13-mile tree-line walkway linking the Six Towns. Kevin Benfield, the council’s development control team leader for the north of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This link would effectively provide a landscaped walk between the town centre and Greenway – and then on to Burslem Park. We are looking at innovative ways to create an attractive trail for pedestrians with reminders of the site’s heritage. “It is an exciting opportunity for part of the historic core of the town centre to be rediscovered with a new dynamic use and complemented by the provision of a contemporary residential development.” The views of the public are to be sought on the masterplan and taken on board before a detailed planning application is made to the council – which should happen within the next three months.
Alternative support service that
puts fizz in the biz S
Joinery
duo
launched NAMED after the famous Burslem landmark, Angel Joinery and Building Services, are another firm which have been formally established in the town thanks to help from BizFizz. Tom Powell and Andy Lowe kicked off the business on June 1 as two qualified trades people who will be working on
projects in and around the Mother Town. Tom – pictured above left with Andy – said: “BizFizz provided information and help with solicitors to set us up as an official partnership. They also helped with training and advertising which have been invaluable in getting us off the ground.”
CORES of new businesses are emerging in the Burslem area – thanks to the first scheme of its kind for entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. BizFizz is an alternative to traditional business support in regeneration areas. The scheme helps people create new businesses and grow their existing ones. In and around the Mother Town in the next few months it is launching projects ranging from a recording studio to a community newspaper. Carolyn Powell from BizFizz said: “In Burslem and Middleport the project has received a huge amount of support and there have been an extraordinary amount of people accessing the service. In six months there are already around 10 new start businesses which are all commencing very soon.” The scheme, which was devised by the Civic Trust and the New Economic Foundation helps people who want to explore the viability of business ideas and existing business who want to grow, develop or change. Ms Powell continued: “BizFizz is business coaching, helping people to remove the barriers to their success. It helps provide networks for the new starts and carries a panel of people from all walks of life who regularly meet to brainstorm the specific questions that their coach poses on behalf of the client. “The service is free and confidential and the coach can work with complete flexibility to fit in with the client.”
Apprentice brickie cements his place in world event
Mechanic gets in gear JAMIE Osadnick, pictured above, has been helped to get his mobile mechanic business firing on all cylinders by BizFizz. Since getting in touch Jamie, from Cobridge, has been helped to put together a business plan so he can apply for a grant from the Prince’s Trust for extra tools. He said: “I have been doing odd-jobs for people for years but now I have been helped to make it official and been given help with lots of things including the advertising of the new company.”
Claire edits community newspaper A NEW community newspaper will be dropping on doormats across Burslem and Middleport following support from BizFizz. Claire White, 26, pictured right, moved back to the area after successfully editing a national magazine in London. She now plans to update locals of goings on around the town in a free weekly paper for Burslem 6
THE ANGEL
and Tunstall that is being launched this summer. She said: “The BizFizz panel were able to give me a whole range of suggestions for the paper from my target audience. “As a result I have included lots of different things that I hadn’t thought of. They have also helped with advertising and given me coaching support.”
AN APPRENTICE brickie who learns his craft at Stoke-on-Trent College’s Burslem Campus has cemented his place in the World Bricklaying Championships. Jonathan Bourne, 20, pictured above, will travel to Numazu City in Japan this November to compete in Worldskills – an international competition for 40 different vocational trades. He earned his place by winning a silver medal in the national final in Glasgow and beating the other medal winners from previous years at a three-day event in North Warwickshire. His inclusion is confirmation that on-thejob training in the Mother Town can rival the best in the world. Ken Burgess, Head of Faculty for Engineering & Construction at Stoke on Trent College, Burslem Campus said. “The college is extremely proud of Jonathan and our staff who have helped and supported him. Jonathan is an extremely nice guy and is an excellent ambassador for his employer, the college and the country.” Worldskills is held every two years in front of at least 200,000 spectators. It is a four day event in which 48 member countries take part. Jonathan, who works at Amos Developments in Leek, will be tested in his ability to perform tasks like decorative bricklaying and special patterns against the clock. He said: “I started a little over four years ago helping my dad and just kept on improving. I really enjoy learning and practically doing it. It’s really exciting to be chosen for the finals and fingers crossed I have a good chance of winning.” THE ANGEL 7
Job creation at centre of new
masterplan JOB creation and family homes are at the centre of a new masterplan for the former Royal Doulton factory site at Burslem. Developers St Modwen Properties have been in detailed talks with City Council planners over proposals for the 11 acres of land at a prime location in the town and a blueprint for its future use is set to be unveiled within the next few weeks. St Modwen Regional Director Mike Herbert revealed that the scheme would include the creation of a “business courtyard” by converting historic buildings at the gated main entrance to the old factory in Nile Street. He said: “There will be enterprise units, offices and workshops aimed at start-up businesses and larger premises for expanding small businesses which will contribute to job creation and the regeneration of the Mother Town. “The residential element of our plan addresses the need for more family orientated housing in the Burslem area and the proposals include traditional homes as well as fashionable mews. Bringing families back into to the town is a key factor in regeneration.” Part of the discussion between St Modwen and the council has been about the creation of a pedestrian and cycle link between the residential development and the nearby Greenway, the former Loopline railway which is now a 13-mile tree-line walkway linking the Six Towns. Kevin Benfield, the council’s development control team leader for the north of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This link would effectively provide a landscaped walk between the town centre and Greenway – and then on to Burslem Park. We are looking at innovative ways to create an attractive trail for pedestrians with reminders of the site’s heritage. “It is an exciting opportunity for part of the historic core of the town centre to be rediscovered with a new dynamic use and complemented by the provision of a contemporary residential development.” The views of the public are to be sought on the masterplan and taken on board before a detailed planning application is made to the council – which should happen within the next three months.
Alternative support service that
puts fizz in the biz S
Joinery
duo
launched NAMED after the famous Burslem landmark, Angel Joinery and Building Services, are another firm which have been formally established in the town thanks to help from BizFizz. Tom Powell and Andy Lowe kicked off the business on June 1 as two qualified trades people who will be working on
projects in and around the Mother Town. Tom – pictured above left with Andy – said: “BizFizz provided information and help with solicitors to set us up as an official partnership. They also helped with training and advertising which have been invaluable in getting us off the ground.”
CORES of new businesses are emerging in the Burslem area – thanks to the first scheme of its kind for entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. BizFizz is an alternative to traditional business support in regeneration areas. The scheme helps people create new businesses and grow their existing ones. In and around the Mother Town in the next few months it is launching projects ranging from a recording studio to a community newspaper. Carolyn Powell from BizFizz said: “In Burslem and Middleport the project has received a huge amount of support and there have been an extraordinary amount of people accessing the service. In six months there are already around 10 new start businesses which are all commencing very soon.” The scheme, which was devised by the Civic Trust and the New Economic Foundation helps people who want to explore the viability of business ideas and existing business who want to grow, develop or change. Ms Powell continued: “BizFizz is business coaching, helping people to remove the barriers to their success. It helps provide networks for the new starts and carries a panel of people from all walks of life who regularly meet to brainstorm the specific questions that their coach poses on behalf of the client. “The service is free and confidential and the coach can work with complete flexibility to fit in with the client.”
Apprentice brickie cements his place in world event
Mechanic gets in gear JAMIE Osadnick, pictured above, has been helped to get his mobile mechanic business firing on all cylinders by BizFizz. Since getting in touch Jamie, from Cobridge, has been helped to put together a business plan so he can apply for a grant from the Prince’s Trust for extra tools. He said: “I have been doing odd-jobs for people for years but now I have been helped to make it official and been given help with lots of things including the advertising of the new company.”
Claire edits community newspaper A NEW community newspaper will be dropping on doormats across Burslem and Middleport following support from BizFizz. Claire White, 26, pictured right, moved back to the area after successfully editing a national magazine in London. She now plans to update locals of goings on around the town in a free weekly paper for Burslem 6
THE ANGEL
and Tunstall that is being launched this summer. She said: “The BizFizz panel were able to give me a whole range of suggestions for the paper from my target audience. “As a result I have included lots of different things that I hadn’t thought of. They have also helped with advertising and given me coaching support.”
AN APPRENTICE brickie who learns his craft at Stoke-on-Trent College’s Burslem Campus has cemented his place in the World Bricklaying Championships. Jonathan Bourne, 20, pictured above, will travel to Numazu City in Japan this November to compete in Worldskills – an international competition for 40 different vocational trades. He earned his place by winning a silver medal in the national final in Glasgow and beating the other medal winners from previous years at a three-day event in North Warwickshire. His inclusion is confirmation that on-thejob training in the Mother Town can rival the best in the world. Ken Burgess, Head of Faculty for Engineering & Construction at Stoke on Trent College, Burslem Campus said. “The college is extremely proud of Jonathan and our staff who have helped and supported him. Jonathan is an extremely nice guy and is an excellent ambassador for his employer, the college and the country.” Worldskills is held every two years in front of at least 200,000 spectators. It is a four day event in which 48 member countries take part. Jonathan, who works at Amos Developments in Leek, will be tested in his ability to perform tasks like decorative bricklaying and special patterns against the clock. He said: “I started a little over four years ago helping my dad and just kept on improving. I really enjoy learning and practically doing it. It’s really exciting to be chosen for the finals and fingers crossed I have a good chance of winning.” THE ANGEL 7
8
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Expert team help recruit the right person for the job
Free service is tailor-made to meet
specific needs B
USINESSES in Burslem looking to take on new employees can benefit from a free recruitment service offered by Jobcentre Plus. Staff at the town’s Jobcentre in Furlong Road provide a service designed to make the recruitment process smooth and efficient. Whether it’s one vacancy or many which need to be filled, Jobcentre Plus can offer all the help needed to find the right person for the job. Tony Cardall, Customer Services manager at Burslem Jobcentre, and his dedicated team work closely with local businesses to understand their specific recruitment needs – and over the past year they have helped to fill more than 1,500 vacancies. Tony said: “We have the technology to circulate vacancies as soon as we receive the details. It is then available nationally on our 8,600 touch screen systems and our Jobcentre Plus website that receives more than one million visits a week. “A vacancy will also be accessible through ‘Jobseeker Direct’ – our telephone service that handles over 12,000 calls from job seekers every week. “We will provide a named contact to work in partnership with employers to help you fill their vacancies, providing local
Members of the specialist recruitment team at Burslem’s Jobcentre Plus, left to right, Labour Market and Recruitment Advisor Alwena Parry, Corrine Shammas and Nicky Jones, both of Customer Service. information about available people and other details of the local labour market. “We can also offer specialist help and advice on training, rates of pay, equal opportunities and employing people with disabilities or from overseas.” Employers can now create, view and update their vacancies themselves through Employer Direct online, giving them
control of their vacancies information at anytime. To find out more go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Jobcentres offer a range of services to help businesses overcome many of the obstacles associated with recruiting staff. These include: ● Work Trials – an opportunity for potential employees to demonstrate their abilities and give the employer
time to access their suitability. The applicants can work for up to 15 days and still receive their benefits; ● New Deal – employers may benefit from financial grants if they recruit people who are taking part in New Deal 25+ and New Deal For Young People; and ● Special help with employing and keeping people with disabilities.
Autonet set to create further 60 jobs in town INSURANCE firm Autonet – which has been racing ahead of its competitors since relocating to Burslem two years ago – is set to create another 60 jobs in the town. And the company – which is located in the former offices of First Potteries bus company at Hobson Street – is also considering buying new premises to accommodate its rapid expansion. More than 150 people are already
employed at Autonet – making it one of the biggest companies of its kind in the Potteries, specialising in vehicle and property insurance. Managing Director Glynn Keeling said: “When the opportunity came-up to move to Burslem we knew it was the right choice. We were looking for freehold premises located outside prime targets in the city and the town was right at the top
of the list. The added incentive was all the regeneration and investment that was and still is going on in the town. “It has proven to be a very positive move for us and our company is developing just as fast as Burslem is. We find the location is attracting staff to work for us and boosting business. We now have to think about looking for another office – which could very well be here.” THE ANGEL 9
Designs to create urban showpiece D
ETAILED designs of the £5.4 million project to make Burslem’s Wedgwood Institute a showpiece for the town’s regeneration have been submitted to the city council. A formal planning application includes details of a modern atrium and proposals to restore a large lecture theatre in the Grade II listed building. The project will restore the historic building’s features – A computer generated architect’s drawing of an imposing central atrium to be created as part of the restoration of the Wedgwood Institute building.
acclaimed as some of the country’s finest architectural details – including statues and mosaics painting a vivid picture of Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry. Disabled access will be improved throughout the Institute. Burslem’s position as a key centre for enterprise and new business will be strengthened with the creation of 23 rooms for new employers, with associated meeting spaces. City Council Principal Regeneration Officer Rob Gatensbury said: “We have reached an exciting stage in the project to restore and refurbish the Wedgwood Institute to its former glory. “When completed, the project will provide a landmark achievement in the regeneration of Burslem and will complement other schemes which have brought new businesses to 7-11 Queen Street and 22-30 Queen Street.” The Wedgwood Institute Project has been made possible by funding from Advantage West Midlands, North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone the European Union and the City Council.
Minister for Justice Harriet Harman, left, being taken on a tour of Burslem by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley.
Ministers visit to see regeneration projects GOVERNMENT ministers came to Burslem to see at first hand how millions of pounds worth of regeneration cash is transforming the Mother Town. Work and Pensions Minister John Hutton congratulated unemployed young people taking positive steps on the road to work and training. He was guest of honour with Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley as members of the Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent Intermediate Labour Market Team took part in a “passing out parade” at the School of Art in Queen Street. Meanwhile, Minster for Justice Harriet Harman took a stroll round town to see how new business units, heritage initiatives and even an historic tourism trail are breathing new life into Burslem.
Festival is biggest and best so far THE biggest and best so far… that’s the verdict from the organisers of this year’s Burslem Arts and Crafts Festival which took place in June. The 4th such feast of fun and creative talent to be staged by the Mother Town has grown into one of the premier events on the festival map of North Staffordshire. A packed programme catering for all ages included more than 30 stalls displaying locally produced arts and crafts. Visitors were able to browse and buy from local potters, artists and 10 T H E A N G E L
photographers, while there was plenty for the children. Attractions included have-a-go pottery and craft workshops, circus skills workshop, stilt walkers, live music throughout the day on a stage outside the School of Art, a ceramic design competition hosted by Moorland Pottery and Ceramica, live street entertainment, street art competition, free entry to Ceramica on the day, face painting and much more. And The Leopard and Bulls Head pubs were serving fine beers specially brewed
for the festival. One of the new features was an animation festival in Queen Street where School of Art students screened their short films, and photographer Karen Sayle held an animation workshop. Amanda Bromley, Managing Director of Burslem-based company Jellifish, who help to organise the festival, said: “This was the biggest and best Burslem Arts and Crafts Festival so far. The packed programme on offer this year showed how the event has grown since the first one was held.”
A truly remarkable story that started and ended in Burslem
The day Harry came back from the
dead... W
HEN Corporal Harry Layton marched home from the second world war his parents collapsed with shock. For the young soldier had been listed as missing, presumed killed in Burma after his platoon was ambushed in the jungle by Japanese soldiers. Back home in the Ancient Briton pub at Stanfield which they ran, Harry’s grieving parents Levi and Emmy collected donations for a brass plaque in memory of their son and others from Stanfield who had lost their lives in the conflict. The memorial was given its own pride of place in the pub. However, two years after the war had finished Harry “came
Harry Layton as an 18-year-old soldier about to fight in Burma.
back from the dead” unaware that everyone thought he had been killed. At first his parents fainted from the shock of seeing the son they thought they had lost – then they threw a massive party to celebrate his safe return. Harry had an incredible war story to tell. On patrol with his Staffordshire Regiment platoon in Burma, Harry and his comrades climbed up trees to sleep in order to avoid the enemy as well as deadly snakes on the ground. However a baboon hurled a passion fruit which hit one of the sleeping men. He retaliated by throwing the fruit back, which startled the colony of baboons. Their chatter alerted Japanese troops to the presence of the British. The enemy sprayed the trees with gunfire, killing all the British soldiers except for Harry who was taken prisoner. He spent the rest of the war in Japanese POW camps until he was liberated by the Australians in 1945. By now Harry was in poor health and his skin had yellowed due to the effect of anti-malaria tablets he had to take. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Harry stayed in the Far East to help Australian allies deal with the masses of Japanese prisoners of war – and to learn how to eat and drink normally again after
Burma Veteran Harry Layton with the plaque that was erected in his mother and father’s public house in memory of those from the Stanfield Estate who gave their lives in Second World War – when they thought Harry was among those who died in action. Looking on are former Lord Mayor and Burslem councillor Jean Edwards who was a neighbour of Harry’s parents and two of the pupils at Haywood High School who helped to restore the plaque, James Sykes and Jessica Boswell, both aged 12. years of a near-starvation diet. Eventually in 1947 he was well enough to make the long journey home to the family he had not seen for six years. Harry recalled: “I knocked on the door of the pub, and my dad opened it. He didn’t recognise me because my skin was still yellow and I had lost a lot of weight. “He managed to tell my mother it was me and collapsed. My mother came to the door to see me, then she fainted. It was quite a homecoming!” The plaque stood in the Ancient Briton for 60 years before the pub, which had been unoccupied, was destroyed in an arson attack last year. It was feared this incredible piece of Burslem history may be lost for ever until the demolition contractor clearing the site recovered the memorial and handed it to local councillor Dave Conway. Now the plaque has a new
home at the Haywood City Learning Centre – a community facility within Haywood High School – just half a mile from where it used to be displayed in the Ancient Briton. The re-siting of the plaque was marked by a special ceremony. Among the guests were former Lord Mayor, Cllr Jean Edwards (who represents Burslem and was a near neighbour of Harry’s parents), Joan Walley MP and students from Haywood High. However the guest of honour was Harry, now aged 84, who lives in Longton. He said: “It’s nice to know the plaque is now in a safe place. It was a lovely ceremony, and the school children had polished the plaque specially for me.” Cllr Edwards recalled: “Stanfield was a very close community, and when Harry came home news soon spread that he was safe. It seemed unbelievable.” T H E A N G E L 11
Relatives of miners killed in Sneyd pit disaster view memorial plaques
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ELATIVES of miners killed in the Sneyd Colliery disaster of 1942 have viewed the plaques which will be a central feature of the town centre memorial in their honour. It was a poignant occasion for 81-year-old Mrs Agnes Burgess whose father James and brother Robert both lost their lives in the New Year’s Day tragedy when a massive explosion ripped through the mine 800 yards below ground at Burslem. “It is very touching to see their names on this lovely memorial,” said Agnes. “This means a great deal to me and the other relatives of miners who lost their lives. They are finally getting the recognition for the sacrifice they made for their country during the war.” She was accompanied at the viewing by 77-year-old Mrs Beryl Royle whose father Albert Hansell led the the rescue teams who worked for eight days in dangerous conditions to recover all the bodies. A special tribute plaque to the these men reads: “This memorial also commemorates the heroic rescue teams who worked tirelessly and with great bravery in perilous conditions after the explosion. They risked their own lives to recover the bodies of all 57 miners who died in the
Mrs Agnes Burgess points to her brother’s name on the Sneyd pit disaster memorial.
A lasting tribute disaster, giving comfort to the bereaved.” Beryl said: “I am so pleased that there will finally be a lasting tribute to these brave men. It is long overdue.” Burslem-based Nettlebank Memorial have produced the marble plaques free of charge to support the campaign for the pit memorial which, as The Angel went to press, was being built in Wedgwood Place, near the landmark old Town Hall. Keith Meeson, Chairman of the Apedale Mining Heritage Centre, raised £2,500 towards the cost of the memorial with a sponsored walk. He dressed as a Victorian miner on a trek taking
in all Stoke-on-Trent’s town halls and culminated in a walk around the pitch at Vale Park during half-time at the Valiants’ derby clash against Crewe Alexandra. Keith said: “This pit memorial is a real community effort. Companies have given materials and work free of charge and people have thrown their change in our collection buckets. “It shows that local people want to make sure these brave miners are not forgotten.” Mrs Beryl Royle with the plaque which pays tribute to the rescue teams which were led by her father.
Work begins on ‘people’s’ mosaic WORK is well underway to create a 9ft mosaic which will form the centrepiece of an attractive seating area in Burslem Park. Local people helped design the images which paint a vivid picture of the park’s importance at the heart of the local community. As well as showing images of wildlife, and the park’s historic buildings, the mosaic represents historic photographs handed in by the public. Smaller mosaics of suggestions from local
school children will be scattered around the main artwork, which will be in place by the end of the summer. The mosaic – a drawing of which is pictured right – is being produced by artist Rob Turner. Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent Project Officer Samantha Cheadle said: “We presented different designs for the mosaic to the public out and about in Burslem market and in the park and their favourite design is being made ready for installation. “
The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press