ISSUE 55 £2 WHERE SOLDLifeInside this authorNeweditionbookforDavid See page 11 Popular festival set to return this Autumn See page 18 Sun shines for traditional event See page 23
Julie Riley
You’re not just a NUMBER ~ Here, you’ll always get the time and attention you need. We hold onto HIGHER STANDARDS ~ From the technology we provide to the service we deliver. Experienced & highly trained EXPERTS ~ Here, we will guide you with every step of your journey. A family business with family VALUES ~ We do whatever it takes to send you home happy and satis ed. OLD FASHIONED customer service ~ We treat everyone with the care and respect we would want for our loved ones. 3 WHY COME TO US... 3 3 3 3 3
HHHHH I really remain grateful to all at Leek Hearing Centre for seeing me at such short notice. I cannot recommend them enough. From the second I walked through the door I was made to feel welcome, at ease, and reassured by both the lady at reception and Bradley who sorted my ear. I would 10000% recommend. Thank you so much again.
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OUR PROMISE TO YOU...
Victoria Marshall
At Leek Hearing Centre, we will strive to provide you with the best hearing care treatment available, aiming to improve your quality of life through better hearing. We aim to create a modern hearing care service for the 21st century, while still holding dear the traditional values of caring, excellent service and trust, so you can be confident that you are in safe hands.
HHHHH I would highly recommend this hearing centre to anyone experiencing problems. My 91 year old mother has just purchased hearing aids from them and what a difference. She is now able to join in family social gatherings they have made such a difference. Clare was very professional and caring in her approach to my mother. The customer service is excellent. The follow up care offered, which is so important is superb. This centre is a real asset to the town.
HHHHH this peopleserviceCameandissues.placeWentwhatoutwith10/10. A family-owned business, with traditional family HHHHH Leek’s Only Five-Star Indep 7 Bath Street, Leek, ST13 01538 52943 www.leekhearingcentre.c Visit us also at: Biddulph Hearing Centre, 2 - 4 Congleton Road, Biddulph, ST8 6DX 01782 911752
3For hearingyourallneeds Comprehensive hearing consultation Latest ‘healthable’ hearing aid Rechargeabletechnology hearing instruments Invisible hearing solutions Wireless hearing systems Wax removal service Tinnitus All-makeExcellentCustom-madeCustomisedmanagementhearingprotectionearphonesaftercarerepairservice 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 oogle reviews! HHHH Would recommend to anyone with hearing Went in for wax removal an amazing result. out a new man. Fantastic with real professional 10/10. Richard values.CleaverWhy have less than Five-Star treatment? Independent Hearing Centre HHHHH T13 6JQ 436 tre.co.uk VISIT LEEK HEARING CENTRE FOR All YOUR HEARING REQUIREMENTS: HEARING PROBLEMS? or maybe just EAR WAX! Visit us for a complete inspection of your ear canal and eardrum. If there is any amount of wax, we can remove it for you using safe and extremely effective methods of irrigation or Microsuction. We offer appointment times at short notice to suit you and your needs. 911752 • Bollington Hearing Centre, 61 Wellington Road, Bollington, SK10 5JH 01625 409792
Elizabeth II – thank you for your long devoted service ma’am. Despite these sad times of national mourning, I do hope you (our readers) enjoy looking through our latest Leek Life Magazine – it’s been a summer of welcome returns for many community events.
Normally
Open Events Book now at nuls.org.uk/events 8 October - Senior School 17 October - Sixth Form 5 November - Prep School NULSNULS
Erin TraceyTuckwellRedfern Design Production&
Alike to many towns, villages and cities across our nation, the community of Leek has come together to show their respects.
RIP Your Majesty
otherwise known as the Monument, to appear purple in honour of Her RIPMajesty.Queen
news@timesandeEditorcho.co.uk
Belinda
Times, Echo & PublicationsLife
Jane Walters Advertising jane@timesandeSalescho.co.uk07817128582
Leek Life Issue 55 5 EDITOR’S LETTERHargreavesBelinda Contents
18 Tape
Until next time – take care!
I have great pleasure in writing this letter to you (our readers) about all the great community events and activities which have been, and are about to happen, within our lovely town. However, as I write this particular editor’s letter – the first edit readers perhaps see when opening our latest Leek Life Magazine, but it is the last edit I write just before the magazine is printed – the nation has begun mourning the loss of Her Majesty The Queen after the news came yesterday (September 8) evening of her sad passing.
There are floral tributes being placed at the foot of the Nicholson War Memorial as I type, this as well as the quick actions of Leek Town Council and a band of volunteers who last night organised for the clock face of the Nicholson War Memorial,
Tel:Stoke-on-TrentCheadle,Street,ST101BD01538752214www.timesechoandlife.co.uklife@timesandecho.co.uk
Photo by SwabrookDave
6 Leek Life Issue 55
“The pictures for this year come from all over the Staffordshire Moorlands, from Sheen to Dimmingsdale, and showcase the wide range of beautiful views we have.
Brett said: “The 2023 calendar is the 11th year that I’ve used my pictures in a local calendar and work has already started on the 2024 calendar.
Leek Life Magazine cover photos he kindly supplies us.
Brett is a freelance and commercial photographer, born, bred and based right in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, here in Leek.
Brett is happy to arrange delivery/collection – give him a call on 07801 058345 to reserve your copy or pick up a copy online www.bretttrafford.com/store/atThecalendarisalsoavailable from Ally Cats in Derby Street, Leek; Old School Tea Rooms Cheddleton; Ipstones shop and the Galley Coffee Shop at BrettRudyard.alsocreates bespoke calendars for business customers. To find out more email Brett brett@bretttrafford.com,at or go online to http://www.bretttrafford.com.
New calendar by alsopanoramictrademarkfamousfamiliarBrettTrafford’simageswillbeasight,forhisLeekviewandthestriking our Brett LOCAL CALENDAR Editor’s Letter.........................5 Local Calendar........................6 Leek & District Show............10 History CampaignBluesAidPubQueen’sBook.........................11BatonRelay.............12Award.............................13SupportAppeal..............14&AmericanaFestival.18ForRealAle.........20 Leek Town Crier...................21 Leek Club IssueGardening.............................30QuizWesTalesDrReflectionsDay......................23Coaching............23Plot’s................................25FromThePast.............26Webster.........................26Corner..........................2855
“The biggest challenge I have is narrowing down the pictures to just 12 and one of the ways that I select the pictures is to pick places that are great to visit.”
“It’s been a real whirlwind first year –coming from lockdown situation we weren’t sure how ready people were to take the plunge and get back to coming into the studio, the response has been fantastic. Growth has been amazing and we’ve got some really talented kids working with us – it’s been a pleasure to build out new little Rooftops ‘family’ and see so many strong friendships forged.”
Free trial Sessions available in
New Leek performing arts school ready to shout its success from the Rooftops!
classes.
interest & book a
Ballet // Tap // Jazz // Street Dance // Heels // Cheer/Acro // Drama // Musical Theatre // Group and Private Singing // Pre-School Classes // Adult classes // Silver Swans Ballet // Modern Holiday Workshops // Children’s Parties // Theatre Productions and associated TV/Theatre agency
Having launched in September 2021, just as things started to get back to ‘normal’ after lockdown, Leek’s all-singing, all dancing Rooftop Studios has enjoyed a phenomenal first year.Now boasting a rollcall of over 200 students, the studio offers classes in a diverse range of disciplines for children and adults – including Saturday Stage Academy training, tots dance, RAD ballet, ITSD tap and modern street dance, alongside ACRO/cheerleading, LAMDA acting class and Vocal Smash singing group; plus private guitar and singing tuition. The studio also boasts a professional recording studio, allowing students to get a real insight into the productionStudentsprocess.havehad plenty of opportunity to showcase their skills –having performed in regular showcases throughout the year and at 022 Dance
at the Regent theatre in Hanley. Music students have also released their own work onto spotify and other platforms, and the first crop of RAD ballet and ISTD dance examination candidates all passed with distinctions.Studioprinciple, Claire Simpson, says:
Leek Life Issue 55 7
With the 2022/23 calendar looking even more packed with performances – including a full-school showcase performance at the Stoke Rep Theatre in July 2023 now is the time to enrol to be part of this vibrant stage and dance school. Free trail sessions are offered for all classes – for full details head to www.rooftopstudios.co.uk or email
We’re passionate about training youngsters in the arts. We’ve created a safe space, giving them a home to express themselves and be whoever they want to be. Building confident individuals who strive for excellence! We welcome new starters at all levels and abilities. all Email Leek@RooftopStudios.co.uk to register your free trial
class. FORENROLLING@RooftopStudiosLeek/RooftopStudiosLeekNOWSEPTEMBER
Prep and Denstone College have a ‘One School’ approach, and this is a huge part of that. The boarding house helps facilitate the integration of boarding for pupils in The Prep and the First and Second Form at the College, so when a Prep pupil does take that exciting step up to ‘big school’, it won’t feel so daunting.
The Prep at Denstone College have also listened to parent feedback and have invested in the refurbishment of one of their boarding facilities, Hartley House. This will host children from 7 to 13 years old for both boys and girls, in their own separate spaces. There will be options available for full time, weekly as well as flexible boarding choices, affording every child the opportunity to benefit from time away from home.The
The
Following a most successful launch in September, they have seen numbers and interest in the Prep grow beyond all imagination.
Local Prep School to offer a brighter, more sustainable education for its pupils
with our conscious actions to have less impact on the environment around them.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
The exciting developments have both an ecofriendly and pupil wellbeing approach at the core of why we are investing in the facility. The new facilities will create bigger spaces with more natural light available for our pupils. The inclusion of the skylights, along with sustainable materials being used, means that they will be doing more to have less impact on our planet. Inspiring our pupils
It truly is achieving its aim of being the prep school of choice for parents in the Midlands. This work will see major building work to the second floor to deliver extra large, open-plan classrooms including a dedicated art and creative space and an innovative science and technology discovery space. This work will benefit the entire age range and the pupils will be excited to see their new lighter, brighter educational spaces.
Prep at Denstone College are well into their facility developments known as ‘Phase II: Developing Education’.
8 Leek Life Issue 55 18 Stone & Eccleshall Life Issue 81
Denstones next open morning is on 1st October, or alternatively if you would like to have a private tour of Denstone College, please find our more at www.denstonecollege.org.
Come and join us at our next Open Day Saturday 21 May | 10am - 2pm A coeducational boarding and day school set in beautiful grounds in rural Sta ordshire For pupils aged 4-18 years old Tel. 01889 590484 Denstone College, Uttoxeter, Sta ordshire, ST14 5HN 2pm Come and join us at our next Open Saturday 1st October 10 am - 1:30 pm VISIT US AT DENSTONECOLLEGE.ORG Saturday 21 May | 10am - 2pm Tel. 01889 590484 Denstone College, Uttoxeter, Sta ordshire, ST14 5HN
The volunteer team behind the relocated show have hailed the event as a success.
Bruce continued: “It has worked really well on this site with a basis of over 100 trade stands, including three tractor dealers and a dozen agricultural suppliers, providing real interest for local farmers and the rural public.
competition commented that “entries were down slightly at other shows in the area, but Leek has bucked the trend, which was pleasing to see the Shire Horse community supporting the move to the new venue.”
LEEK & DISTRICT SHOW
“The intended theme of a traditional agricultural show was achieved with Cattle Classes attracting over 100 animals, a wide variety of sheep, over sixty Goats and a display of breeding
The
“Thanksshow.must go to the committee which organised a full programme in the Horticulture section together with Floral Design and WI the Craft Marquee, and to our sponsors who had faith in the genuine desire of all to continue the show as it was intended back in 1968 when it was first
Success for new location of annual show
return of an agricultural show in the Moorlands and at a new location has been hailed as a success.
“The commentator for the Shire Horse
There was a multitude of entertainment, food outlets, trade stand and stalls, as well as the usual ever-popular animal and agricultural focused competitions and displays.
within the cattle was fierce with judging taking over five hours before the Inter Breed competition resulted in the Simbo Herd of Pedigree Limousins, from Sandbach, taking the top prize for Beef Cattle and the Cotton Family, from Whiston, heading the Dairy Cattle classes. Rare breeds were in attendance with Long Horn animals drawing particular interest amongst the visitors that thronged the viewing aisles.
“The rural theme was continued through the main ring performances which included a Sheep Dog demonstration, a parade by the local Fox Hounds, a display of vintage tractors and machinery, the parade of livestock winners and a Young Farmers tug of war competition which finished the evening off at 8pm.”
Bruce added: “Clearly there are lessons to be learned with getting cars onto the site but it was good to see that so many people were willing to attend the event and continue the area’s premier one day
“Weheld.now hope that developments, for the public benefit, can now take place at Birchall in the knowledge that the show is settled at Longsdon.”
“A strong entry for light horses used three judging rings throughout the day with Show Jumping returning to the show after several year’s absence and lively competition in the private driving ring.”
Around 7,000 people visited the show which was lucky weather wise as only a few spots of rain were felt by those attending on the day.
“CompetitionPigs.
The Leek & District Show finally made a welcome return on Saturday, July 30, at it’s new venue of Dunwood Fields in Longsdon, just outside of Leek.
Show director Bruce Daniel said: “The weather turned out to be very accommodating for Leek & District Show at its new venue at Longsdon Fields with good conditions under foot for the 7,000 visitors that attended and the threatened rain keeping off.
Daniel Hyde Financial Serv ices Ltd was established in November 2017 by Daniel Hyde who has over fifteen years’ experience providing financial planning advice to people, families and busi nesses in Leek and the surrounding areas.
Ltd provides advice across a wide range of services includ ing Pensions, Investments and Protection so if you would like to make an appointment for a free initial meeting then please contact Dan or Vicky on 01538 528384.
“Rayner also produced huge numbers of portrait cards. There was a real craze for these in the days before people owned their ownVictoriancameras.”Views is the result of several years’ David has spent collecting and researching the photographs and finding out about the lives of the Moorlands pioneer photographers. In addition to many images by Peter Rayner, the book features the work of Henry Wardle, whose pictures date from 1860,
Photographs from yesteryear in new book
HISTORY BOOK
Daniel Hyde Financial Services to celebrate 5 year anniversary
as we believe in making strong, lasting relationships, and making a real difference to people’s lives. We are com mitted to putting our clients at the heart of everything we do and pride ourselves on the friendly and personal ap proach of our business”. The Company has already sponsored and donated over £5,000 to many local clubs and events including Ash combe Park Cricket Club, Leek Town FC, Westwood Golf Club, Leek CSOB FC and the Kieran Rutter Me morial Golf Day with Dan adding “Being an integral part of the community is very important to myself and
Daniel has lived in Leek all his life and takes great pride in looking after his clients and giving them peace of mind whilst helping them achieve their goals in life.
The business offers independ ent advice with a personal touch where Daniel will come out to see you in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you.
The book is David’s third, his previous works being a murder mystery novel set in Leek and an album of Edwardian photographs of theVictorianMoorlands.Views is on sale now for £12.99. It is available from Picture Book in Leek, on Amazon or direct from the author by emailing books@davidcliffe.com.
E: admin@danielhydefs.co.uk
T: 01538 528384
earliest photographs taken in Leek and district, and the stories of the pioneer photographers who produced them, are featured in a new book entitled Victorian Views.
and photographers of the later Victorian period such as William Sandeman and W.H. Horne.
Daniel said “The first five years has flown by, and we couldn’t have done it with out the fantastic loyal sup port of our clients.
Daniel Hyde Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales,
Leek Life Issue 55 11 ADVERTORIAL
Daniel’s wife Vicky works alongside him on the admin istration duties and has plenty of financial experience follow ing her years at the Leek United Building Society.
Daniel said “We will always be on hand to help all our clients
He is a family man and loves spending time with his wife and three children. He is also a big Stoke City football fan and is still heavily involved in the local setup at Leek CSOB FC.
pictures which give a fascinating glimpse of what life was like in the town in Victorian times. In many cases these were the first photographs ever taken of Leek buildings and the surrounding district and often record scenes that have long since gone.
www.danielhydefs.co.uk The Orchard, Westwood Park Drive, Leek, Staffs,ST13 8PB
Myself and Vicky would like to say a massive thankyou to all of them and we look forward to many
Registered No. 10749157
The book brings together over 200 photographs, many not previously published, which date from the 1860’s onwards, complemented by detailed captions and biographies of Leek’s first photographers.
“Rayner was responsible for a large number of high quality
more years working together.”
Vicky and we look forward to continuing this and helping to support as many projects as Danielpossible”.Hyde Financial Services
The book’s author David Cliffe, who lives in Leek himself, said: “Leek’s first professional photographer was Peter Rayner who opened his studio in St Edward Street – it was then called Spout Street – in 1857.
The
A Leek couple will soon celebrate their fifth anniver sary in business.
QUEEN’S BATON RELAY 12 Leek Life Issue 55
We asked if he perhaps felt, at any point, that he could not go ahead with his walking challenge. He said: “Briefly yes. I couldn’t control my leg. I don’t know if it was nerves, or my body just having a bad moment, but I was worried.
“The way people lined the streets and cheered was so overwhelming.
It had been Gavin’s girlfriend Becky Hunt who had nominated him to be a Batonbearer.
“Luckily, with the help of my friend Morris, and the baton team, I managed to get to my feet and achieve my goal. They were all so lovely with me.”As for when he was handed the Baton itself, he said: “It felt amazing. It was such an honour.”
We caught up with Gavin the following week to chat further about him taking part in the special event.We first asked him if he had perhaps been nervous in taking part, in particular with the walking challenge he had set himself. He said: “I was excited mainly. But as it got closer, I felt a growing sense of responsibility.
The Batonbearers for the Leek part of the relay were: Gavin Yarwood from Leek, Jack Shephard from Sheffield, Lee Royall from Staffordshire, and Kate Jayden from Alstonefield.
As for the reception in town on the day and all the media attention, Gavin said: “Well that was bizarre, and not just from the photographers. I did two interviews after all the photographs were taken.“And the support on the streets was crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that in Leek.
“I’ll never forget it. It was so special.”
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported and congratulated me over the last week. The messages I’ve received, and the things that have been said to me have been so nice.
‘royal’ relay came through the Moorlands this Summer on it’s way to this year’s Commonwealth Games in DuringBirmingham.itsvisittothe Staffordshire Moorlands in July, the Queen’s Baton Relay began its journey at the scenic spot of Rudyard Lake, making its way down the lake on a boat before being carried along by the Dam Head.
“You have given me a day that I’ll never forget.”
As for being the only Batonebearer to live in the town, Gavin said: “I felt like I was representing the town. It was a huge honour.
ASPECIAL
Not only for his multitude of par-athlete achievements – including in shot put - but also because he had gone above and beyond to raise cash for the NHS recently.
“I’ll probably get back to competing next season. I want to improve on what I’ve previously done.“And the eventual aim is to become a Paralympian.”
“Cheers folks, I love you all.”
“I realised what a big thing it was, and didn’t want to let anyone down.
“I didn’t actually realise or think about the 14 years of no walking, until I got to the very end of the relay. It was quite an emotional moment.”
Gavin said after carrying out his batonbearer role: “It was something I was determined to do today.“Ifeel so honoured and emotional about having taken part in this today.”
Former Leek High School student Gavin Yarwood said he was very honoured to have been a Batonebarer in his hometown of Leek.
Moving forward, regarding his para-athlete career, Gavin told us: “I’m currently just training. I’ve had a lengthy lay off due to the pandemic, and an injury prior to that.
The para-athlete, who has relied on a wheelchair for mobility since an accident in Greece in 1999, even set himself the challenge to walk outside in the streets of his hometown for his role in the relay - the first time in 14 years.
Gavin sent out this message to Becky: “I love you Becky, thank you so much for this.
Home-town royal honour for our Gavin
The Baton also made a trip up to the Roaches before heading into Leek where it was taken on a four person relay around the Moorlands town centre, ending in the Market Place for a warm welcome by crowds as the Young Pheonix Singers performed.Thebaton then headed off to Alton Towers to have a ride on one of the resort’s rollercoasters.
Chair of the Staffordshire Moorlands branch of CAMRA Steve Barton said: “It always gives me great pleasure in presenting this award on behalf of local CAMRA members.
Atown pub, which has been run by the same landlady for 30 years, has been presented with a top award.
place, and it was a ‘no brainer’ when it was nominated to receive our coveted seasonal award. The standard of cask ale on sale in Benks is always on top“Iform.offer Sara and her small team my congratulationsheartfelton reaching the milestone of running Benks for 30 years and for receiving our Pub of the Season award.”
of CAMRA said: “Benks was suggested at our May meeting to be the recipient of our autumn award for the consistent quality draught Bass and an ever-changing range of guest ales on sale.
£895 5
Give us
*Offer valid for openings up to 2. m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual 01538 430 028 PUB AWARD Leek Life Issue 55 13
Benks landlady Sara said: “I’m very pleased to receive this award from CAMRA but it is really down to all of my loyal customers who make the hard work worthwhile.”
A spokesman for the Staffordshire Moorlands branch
Benks in Stockwell Street, Leek has been chosen as the latest Staffordshire Moorlands Pub of the Season by the Campaign for Real Ale, better known in its shortened form as CAMRA.Local CAMRA members who attend bi-monthly meetings are asked for nominations for any local pubs and bars to be considered to receive our Pub of the Season award, with the main criteria being the quality of real ale served.
Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess. a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.
“As an added reason for the Stockwell Street venue being nominated was that it did not go unnoticed by local members that the landlady and owner Sara Bentley has just celebrated 30 years of being at the helm of Benks, which we all agreed was a great achievement in itself, so fitted in nicely with our decision making on the day.”
Pictured is landlady Sara being presented with the MoorlandsStaffordshirePubof the Season trophy and certificate, from branch chairman Steve Barton.
“Benks is a little gem of a
Three decades for pub landlady Sara
An aid support initiative in the Moorlands is continuing in its humanitarian aid campaign.
Roy told the Leek Life Magazine: “Just over six months ago Russia invaded the Ukraine, a call for aid was answered immediately by the people of the Moorlands - Leek and Cheddleton Aid Support for Ukraine was established.
AID SUPPORT APPEAL
“The support has been phenomenal, we have sent tons of aid to the military and refugee camps in the region, people have been most generous, hundreds of pounds have also been donated, enabling us to buy urgently required medical supplies for the wounded military.”
If anyone would like to know more, Bank House is open on Wednesdays from 10am to midday, or call Roy on 07905 901443, or go online kraine.Cheddleton-Aid-Support-for-Uwww.facebook.com/Leek-and-to:
“The support has been phenomenal”
14 Leek Life Issue 55
Tons of aid sent from town
The Leek and Cheddleton Aid Support for Ukraine Centre, which is based at Bank House in Leek, has provided lots of muchneeded medical supplies and other donations to help those affected by wartornTheUkraine.Leekaid support initiative is being led by Leek town councillor Roy Molson with a band of volunteers.
“A further call for help in storing the large amount of donations was made and I stepped in and the Leek Town Council owned Bank House on St Edward Street in Leek, became the hub for collection and onward shipment of a huge amount of essential supplies.”
Exceptional DEMENTIA, RESIDENTIAL & RESPITE CARE in a safe and comfortable Home-from-Home FROM £525 PER WEEK
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A home-from-home approach to care is fundamental to us at Beech Dene - as is our commitment to fair value. We have a personal approach to care, not a “corporate” one. The care that we offer comes from the heart. That’s why it is exceptional care. We also recognise that many families make real sacrifices to ensure their loved ones are well cared for. We regard it as our responsibility to only charge a reasonable priceso families and residents know they are getting good value.
16 Leek Life Issue 55 Hearing earwax?problems?ormaybejustFreeWhateveryourhearingneedsmaybe,weinviteyoutotakeadvantageofour September offer ConsultationFreeHearing HearingFreeAidInspection All makes and models including NHS. Trade-inFreeAppraisal for your old hearing aids ...Find out We’ll look into your ear canal with our Video Otoscope and do a complete inspection of your ear canal and eardrum. If there is any amount of wax blockage we can remove it for you by using either irrigation or microsuction techniques. You can even take a picture of your ears home with you. demonstrationHearingFreeAidExamintaionVideoFreeOtoscope - your problem may just be wax. Hearing aid trail Take your hearing aid home to try for a week with no obligation to buy Free ENDON CENTRE Station Buildings, Station Road, Endon, Staffordshire, ST9 9DR NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME 25 Marsh Parade, Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Staffordshire, ST5 1BT Call now to receive the following:
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One of the most critically acclaimed bands on the UK roots and blues scene, The Achievers will play an intimate stripped-down gig in the Foxlowe Café in aid of Approach Dementia. Their cleverly crafted songs and their own brand of ‘dancefloor gospel’ blues has catapulted them to big stage appearances and won many fans so buying a ticket as soon as possible to this limited capacity gig is recommended.Otherheadliners include the Stockport Blues Society, featuring Rod Mayall, brother of blues legend, John Mayall and Texas born, Rodney Branigan, whose adventurous, boundary breaking guitar playing (sometimes two at once) has earned him the title “The Two Guitar Man” and led to invites to perform across the globe, thankfully including Leek.
The free live music programme starts on the Thursday with bands playing a plethora of gigs up until the festival ‘Last Call’ at the Roebuck on Sunday night from 8pm until close.
volunteers will be on hand with information on everything festival. Punters will be able to pop in and out on both days with a £10 wristband.
RubyDirty
Festival set to keep the Autumn blues away
BLUES & AMERICANA FESTIVAL
“I would like to personally thank all our sponsors, venues, volunteers, organisers, artistes and punters. The festival is a real big effort from scores of people, and we simply couldn’t do it without all the generous support.”
The Ashley Sherlock Band play the Cock Inn stage on Sunday. This raunchy trio having recorded in Nashville, presents a modern outlook on the sounds of the deep south; gritty blues combined with falsetto vocal melodies and a jazz/funkinspired rhythm section to create a unique sound.
BranniganRodney
BorowskiGeorge
festival is making a welcome comeback to the Staffordshire Moorlands this Autumn.
Nottinghamshire band Dirty Ruby, who are currently winning acclaim nationally, top a female fronted line up at the Foxlowe on Saturday.
Prior to the festival there is a free, outdoor launch event on Sunday, September 25, from 1pm to 5pm at the Brough Park bandstand with festival favourite ‘Lil Jim’, the UK’s hottest Cajun and Zydeco act, and local performers.Ticketsfor the headline acts for the festival are available online or at Foxlowe Arts Centre. Details of the festival can be found at www.leekblues.co.uk or on Facebook. There are also plenty of programme leaflets around town at all the venues.
Apopular
The Leek Blues & Americana Festival is back for 2022 from September 28 to October 2 with a packed programme of over 50 events in 15 venues around the
Highlights include Bring Me The Hearts, Maharaja Blues, Banjo Jen, Chuck Micallef and Dave Luke, Peak District Big Band, Jake Leg Duo, Lil’ Rooster, Automatic Annie, Fargo Railroad Company, and Cheddleton’s own husband and wife rockabilly duo, Unlucky Strike.
18 Leek Life Issue 55
The Achievers
Foxville at the Foxlowe will serve up a feast of Blues and Americana on Saturday and Sunday at the spiritual home of the festival, The Foxlowe Arts Centre. Festival merchandise will be on sale and
On Sunday the venue will play host to Unlucky strike, Automatic Annie, and Rodney Branigan.
From late Saturday afternoon into the evening a fantastic line up of female-led bands, No Man’s Land, Banjo Jen, Jane and the Hurricanes, Holly and the Hubcaps and Dirty Ruby, will entertain.
The festival relies heavily on help from sponsors who this year are SyTech IT, Leek Town Council, Ornua, Leek Arts Festival, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Approach Dementia, Leek Town Lands Trust, ctd architects, Old Smithy Tattoo, Richard Owen Aerials & Satellite and Mark BrammarFestivalAssociates.chairMike Gledhill said: “I’m really excited for this year’s festival. As ever we retain our two founding principles of keeping most events ‘free admission’ and supporting our local hospitality and retail economy by attracting visitors and locals to a fantastic five-day festival in Leek.
Ittown.allkicks off on the Wednesday night with a first call outdoor performance from local musician and festival chair, Mike Gledhill, and friends. Later that evening the well-travelled guitarist, singersongwriter and festival stalwart George Borowski will perform at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.
’WeW For 28 the b our cl We we’llSolifestfprodfounancywhh L RE YEAR 28 e’ve got something t celebrate...
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2. PLAN ON LIVING A LONG TIME, AND SAVING FOR IT
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- Volatility is a normal part of the market, so don't let it rattle you –keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and re member that the best time to in vest is often when others are -panickingSodon't panic when the markets are down. Instead, stay calm and focused on your long – term goals.
the purchasing power of your cash, making it a less attractive option in the long run.
3. CASH IS RARELY KING, AND INFLATION EATS AWAY AT YOUR PURCHASING POWER
4. START EARLY AND RE - INVEST INCOME COMPOUNDING WORKS MIRACLES
trackARussell
- People aged 65 years in the UK in 202 can expect to love on average a further 19.7 years for males and 22.0 years for females, projected to rise to 21.9 years for males and 24.1 years for females aged 65 years in 2045.
- There are a number of factors to consider when setting your goals,such as your age, investment timeframe and risk tolerance.
so that you can achievethem. ty
5. RETURNS AND RISKS GENERALLY GO HAND IN HAND, SO BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR OBJECTIVES AND WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE
- Cash is a popular asset but it's im portant to remember that it is not always king – infation can erode
- It's important that you set your self investment goals- this will help you stay focused and on track to achieving your fnancial objectives. With a well-structured plan in place, you can confdently stay committed to it.
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There area a number of key principles that every investor should follow with the aim of building an efective longterm strategy designed to achieve their fnancial goals.
- When infation is taken into ac count, cash typically lags behind other asset classes such as stocks and bonds, which can mean that over time, cash will generally be worth less in terms of purchasing power.
- Compounding is often called the eight wonder of the world – by starting to invest early and rein vesting your income, you can take advantage of compounding to build your wealth over time.
- Investors should start early, invest with discipline and have a plan for their future.
- Of course, you always want to aim for the highest possible return while taking on the least amount of risk. But in reality, there is usually a trade-of involved – the higher the potential return, the higher the risk. And vice versa.
- Therefore, if you want to target a higher level of return, you have to be willing, and able, to tolerate larger swings in the value of your investments alomg the way.
6. VOLATILITY IS NORMAL, SO KEEP YOUR HEAD WHEN ALL ABOUT YOU ARE LOSING THEIRS
Here's our rundown of the 10 principles that every investor needs to know:
1. SET INVESTMENT GOALS
- The power of compounding is so great that delaying investing by even just a few years, or choosing not to reinvest income, can make an enormous diference to your eventual returns.
With
CAMRA was formed in 1971 to address the very limited choice us pub going customers had in the way of cask conditioned (or real) ale, as the huge ‘big six’ brewing empires had a controlling stake in over 80 per cent of pubs in the UK. Therefore, they could and did control what was allowed to be sold in most British pubs leaving a very poor choice of decent beer indeed. Those were the days when most smaller, local breweries which often had a handful of tied pubs were merged or taken over by the big boys and were promptly converted to selling the big national brands of theRememberday.
a beer festival was the one sure place that eager beer drinkers knew they would be able to get a real choice of different types, styles and strengths of decent cask ale, from breweries based all over the UK. In those early days of beer festivals, if you had a choice of 12 different cask ales, you counted yourself as lucky, and were the proverbial, ‘child in a sweetie shop.’
This question has been asked on so many occasions over the years in public and at very many local, county and regional CAMRA meetings.
Well dear readers, if you translate that thought into the context of todays pub scene in Leek, then how is this for a fascinating statistic? Admittedly it was pre-pandemic, and a lot has certainly changed since then, but as recently as the summer of 2018, a group of local CAMRA members did a survey of all Leek pubs.
Steve Barton Chairman of MoorlandsStaffordshirethebranchofCAMRA
20 Leek Life Issue 55 CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE
Realcider?cask
under canvas in the grounds of Keele University in 1980. Stoke was to grow to one of the biggest in its day but was soon surpassed by many others.Then
On a single Saturday afternoon within a twohour time window, between 1pm and 3pm, no less than 84 different real ales were on sale from an amazing range of 44 different breweries. The weakest strength was 3.2 per cent and the strongest was 6 per cent. There were light ones, dark ones, pale ales, IPA’s, APA’s, bitters, citrus beers, milds, stouts, porters, wheat beers, as well as a decent range of real cider too.
“Why does Leek not have a beer festival?”
its great and diverse range of pubs and bars, surely a beer festival would only enhance the town?
And all of this is served at correctly controlled pub condition, which cannot always be said for some sold at beer festivals. If this is all on sale in our home town, then why would Leek even begin to contemplate hosting a beer festival?Isitany wonder that the very, many busloads of enthusiastic CAMRA members from other branches from far and wide who visit Leek regularly, have dubbed the town as: “Leek-A Beer Festival Every Day.” How lucky we all are. Cheers!
BartonSteve
the generic bland stuff the British public had forced on them because they had no other choice? Remember the massive publicity drives that we had forced on us, that only the huge brewing empires could afford? Harp Lager, Watney’s Red Barrel, Double Diamond ‘works wonders,’ and Strongbow with real arrows hitting the bar top next to a glass of the almost undrinkable stuff they told us was
CAMRA addressed this ‘gap’ in the real ale market by slowly and tentatively, organising small scale beer festivals, where a few smaller independent brewers were able to sell their product to an eager and thirsty public.Stoke Beer Festival was the local and early pioneers of this phenomenon by staging its first event
conditioned ale was quietly removed from the bars of most of the ‘big six’ owned pubs as they privately wanted to fade it away, to take the ageold skill out of brewing, and wanted everything to be dull, uniformed and pasteurized, super chilled pap. They wanted everything to be done on the cheap, to the detriment of discerning pub consumers.
Leek has always been slightly better than most other small towns: and in my opinion is quite simply the best for its range of cask ale pubs than any town I have visited in my entire adult life.
The history, the geography, the architecture, the social history and so on. Little gems like Brindley Mill which is run by many dedicated volunteers, The Nicholson War Memorial 80 feet tall, adorned with all the names of Leeks war dead of the first world war, numbering some 420 souls.
Perhaps,
I am busy attending so many functions and events, it’s hard to keep up with it all. Every occasion that I attend brings out the immense pride to know that there are always the same people that are working so hard.
Funny little roads such as Dog Lane, running down from Sheepmarket to Stanley Street; Getliffe’s Yard, the only covered yard in the area and many more, like the Foxlowe Arts Centre.
for me and others who live here in this beautiful place, maybe just to look back at where we have been and have gone, but also to look for a few moments at the people who are the very fabric of the infrastructure of Leek.
So many groups, mainly of volunteers who hold it all together and make Leek what it is. Many historians who live and love Leek. Giving out books they have written with pride so that we and others will never forget.
Our history is vast. Let’s make our future better. Easy to say? Never a faint heart.
change things here. The historic value of Leek gives it a head above other towns who have virtually destroyed theirs.
As always, take care of yourselves and others and also the town of Leek. Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! an amazing town Leek is”
So many people moving into Leek for lots of reasons but the biggest reason is that it has proven over and over again to be the friendliest people. Those who care passionately about Leek.
LEEK TOWN CRIER Leek Town Crier LomasBill Change the lives of the families you support Enhance your well-being Access free, high quality training Learn new skills RECRUITINGNOW Please visit our website at www.homestartsm.org.uk or contact us for more information: info@homestartsm.org.uk / 01538 387231 All volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check. Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and the safeguarding of vulnerable persons. All expenses are paid. Reg Charity no: 1135201 Do you have a spare couple of hours a week to help support a local family - just 2-3 hours can make a huge di erence to the lives of parents and children. We are recruiting home visiting, group and specialist volunteers to join our next Course of Preparation starting Thursday 29th Sept 2022. Home-Start Volunteers Needed Leek Life Issue 55 21
Bill Lomas Leek Town Crier
“What
All a big part of the fabric and heritage of Leek. People like the Civic Society, volunteers that watch and protect the buildings and heritage of Leek. A large catchment area under that wonderful protection from exploitation for those who want to
Always be proud of where you live. Don’t keep moaning about things, do something about them. But let’s do it together.
I meet hundreds of people from outside of Leek who always say to me what an amazing town Leek is. The most popular phrase being: “There’s always something going on here, not like our town. It’s dead in our town.”
Even against the odds that it’s much harder to get things going, sustaining and growing all the things that make Leek life so rich in its variety.
Sometimes I think that we should look around at the people who put themselves forward to be the organisers of so many things in Leek. My events are always varied and always enjoyable.
I am a very small part of Leek but the role that I play is important as it’s a part of the English heritage going back hundreds of years, maintaining the value and the evolved character of an ambassador for the town, as all town criers are.
Umesh Samani
An independent motor dealer is celebrating a quarter of a century of being in business.
“I’m also the chairman and founder member of an association set up in November 2017 specifically to help the independent motor dealers in the UK. The (IndependentIMDAMotor Dealers Association).”Umeshsaid of the secret of being in business for so long: “Passion and dedication, I love what I do, I’m very lucky that I look forward to the next day, I love meeting people and helping them.”
That was in 1997, Umesh continues by telling us how he has developed the business over the past 25 years: “Over the years it’s always been about treating customers how I like to be treated, looking after customers so they don’t want to go anywhere else.
“Her motivation is what keeps me going. Just sad that Sue’s not here to celebrate what we started 25 years ago and how far the business has come.”Headded: “There are so many other people to thank too. My family have always been by my side with their support and encouragement, so, so many friends, loyal customers who have supported me.”This year, the ‘Samani’ family celebrate 50 years in the UK, as they came over from Uganda in November 1972, so its celebrations all round for them in Umesh2022.said: “I’ve won many awards over the years, this has catapulted a small business in Stoke-on-Trent globally.
Umesh began his motor trade career as a motor mechanic for
“All the stock is ‘handpicked’ this ensures quality, I’m very fussy on what I buy, it has to have been genuine, low mileage, service history cars with low ownership.
Umesh Samani, who started his motor trade life as a motor mechanic in Leek, runs his specialist car business in Stokeon-Trent, as well as a garage business at the same site.
“I was initially renting the showroom from the Harris Motor co, in July 2016 I purchased the whole site from the Harris motor co.
He said: “When I started it was buying, selling, and sourcing cars for customers. All the cars I buy are direct from customers or trusted trade contacts who know what I like to buy, I’ve never bought a car from car auctions in 25 years in business.
site MOT testing, fully equipped workshop, and a dedicated tyre bay.”
As for who has inspired him throughout his successful career, Umesh said: “My late wife Sue, she was the inspiration, encouragementSue’swith “you can do it”, she backed me 100 per cent.“We started this journey together but sadly I lost her in February 2006 to cancer.
See the back page for more details about Umesh’s businesses.
“The Harris business started in 1907 and with such a great reputation of a trusted garage I’ve continued using the Harris Name for the workshop and tyre business.“Onthe aftersales site I currently have four staff and looking for an additional tyre fitter as Phil recently retired.
Umesh celebrates in business
Harris Motors staf
22 Leek Life Issue 55
“We have Lauren on reception, Laura our book/admin assistant with two technicians Aaron and Oliver.“The garage business offers on
“The higher the specification the higher the price I will pay, I try and find unique cars but in all reality deal with cars of all values from £5,000 up to £50,000, it’s about the quality so age of a vehicle is not always a buying criteria.“I’ve bought 20-year-old cars with extremely low mileage which have been cherished. I make it so easy for people to sell their cars to me that they’re amazed how quick and easy the process is, only last week a lady brought her car to show me within ten minutes we’d agreed a price, fast payment into her bank and we have her a lift home.“And this isn’t an unusual case that’s why so many people choose to sell their pride and joy to me.”
BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY
Vauxhall /Bedford dealer in Leek, ‘Bodes of Leek’ where he served his Umeshapprenticeship.said:“After that I worked for an Audi/Volkswagen dealer for almost 15 years, it was time to think about going into business for myself. So, in May 1997 handed my notice and decided to start the business.”
“This means not just getting repeat local customers but over the years many customers have travelled from hundreds of miles to buy their second or third car or more, I have one customer who at our last conversation a few years ago reminded he’d bought over 25 cars off me.
25 years
Artist & Creative Coach
The
I have often seen her along the canal. It’s amazing that she went on to survive on her own and in 2021 we spotted her again with two young, one a mallard and the second another Miss Black-ducky.
REFLECTIONSLEEKCOACHINGCLUBDAY
sun shone for the welcome return of a historical annual event in the Moorlands this Summer.
Leek Club Day was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but made a return on Saturday (July 9).
Somewhere in all of us is a strong instinct to survive and to deal with whatever life throws at us. Last year life threw me a curve ball and somehow we find the inner strength to either make a plan or to take life one-step at a time. However, you choose to cope with the hurdles in your life, planning big or single steps – find your inner Mrs Black-Ducky and know that you can do it – whatever life throws at you.
Iwanted to tell you about Mrs BlackDucky (unknown breed possibly a rare Pomeranian Duck or a Swedish Blue) and her offspring. I first encountered her in 2020 during lockdown on one of my many government hourlong walks with my two dogs along the Caldon Canal.Atthat time she was clearly still a young ‘Miss’ Black-ducky. Most of the ducks on the canal are Mallards, so as a black duck with a white breast, she stands out as different. She was also very young, a little older than her ducklings are at the time of writing, but she had either been orphaned or abandoned and was alone. A local boat owner had begun feeding her bread and she visited daily.
A little Duck-Tale about adversity
Email: www.carolyntrafford.comcaro@reflectionscoaching.co.uk
parade into the Market Place for an open air worship which concluded at 3pm with a procession across the town.
Many folk came out to line the streets to show support for the annual event – which is also known as ‘Walking Round Day.’The Annual Leek Club Day Committee is a group of churches from Leek and the surrounding area. They are from many denominations, working together to share their joy in the Christian faith with the people of Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Joseph Sullivan, the Co-ordinator, led the organisation of Leek Club Day for the first time this
year.No one knows when Leek Club Day started but the earliest newspaper report that we have found is from 1828, when it had already been running for several years.
During summer we spotted her with seven ducklings. Again one mallard and six mini-me ducklings, so beautiful. It is a rather sad tale because as I write there are just four. Over the last couple of weeks, we have watched her brood dwindle. I have seen the non-native mink on our canal and I am afraid this predator may be the cause and it does sadden me.
The large-scale event, which was this year led by the Gateway Church with the theme of ‘Jesus Giver of Life,’ started at 1.30pm with Moorlands Praise leading a segment of modern music in the Market Place.
For further information about Leek Club Day, go online to: https://leekclubday.org.
Carolyn Trafford
Just before 2.30pm, churches, schools and organisations began to
Tel: 07714 216388
Traditional event returns in town
However, I’d like to focus on the positive aspects of this duck-tail. A tale about one little duckling who through her own determination to survive has grown into a resourceful young mother. We frequently see her ushering her ducklings into the undergrowth for safety, she will teach her children well.
Carolyn Trafford is a Creative Life Coach, supporting others in reaching their own goals in a creative way sine 2010. Author of ‘Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!’ (A great way to kickstart those goals). This interactive book is available from her online shop https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.com.at
aaughhateist Leek Life Issue 55 23
24 Leek Life Issue 55
Sellers set-up from 7am-7.30am, visitors 7.30am until noon at Cattle Market, Junction Road, Leek. Most Sundays. Details: www.leekcarboot.co.uk.sundaymarketandcarbootwww.facebook.com/leekor
Sunday, September 25
Fashion Show and Shopping Event at Meerbrook Village Hall. Hosted by Rudyard Flower Club. £5. Details: 07518 074185.
Borderland Voices
WHAT’S ON
We have many fantastic community events and activities in our area. Here’s just some of what’s coming up. Please note that the information in this feature was correct at the time of print but all events are subject to change. Please check with the venues/organisers for updates. Plus check out our weekly sister publication of the Leek & Moorlands Echo for further updates and events. A big thank you to local musician John Crimes for helping us collate some of the music gigs in the area. Do you have a public/community event coming up which you would like to appear in our What’s On feature? Email what, when, where, etc, to our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com.
Friday, September 30
Monday, October 10
Harvest Supper at Rudyard Methodist Church, near Leek. 7.30pm. £12. Details and to book a place call 07518 074185.
The Howlin’ Walfords and Friends at The Cock Inn, Leek. 5pm.
What’s on in Leek and the Moorlands
Friday, September 23
Bring Me The Hearts plus the Deadbeat Damsels. Live music at The Maude, Leek. 8pm. John Paul. Live music at The Dog and Rot, Leek. 8.30pm.
10.30am-3pm in Leek town centre. Artisan Market with over 50 stalls of handmade crafts and foodie treats. Plus live music and lots of the towns’ inde pendent shops, cafes and pubs will also be open. First Sunday of every month.
Rock Choir
Wednesday, September 28
Sunday Supplement
Fire and Dust - The Woody Guthrie Story at Alstonefield Village Hall. 8pm.
Wednesday, October 12
Friday, September 16
7.30pm-9.30pm at Trinity Church, Derby Street, Leek. Every Thursday. Cost: £25 a month. Details: www.rockchoir.com.
Tuesday, September 27
The Roaches and the New Meadow. At St Paul’s Church Cen tre, Novi Lane, Leek. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Leek >>
Saturday, September 17
Flower Festival at Rudyard Methodist Church, near Leek. Running daily between 11am and 5pm until Thursday, Sep tember Gardeners27. Harvest Supper and Auction at St Paul’s Com munity Centre, Novi Lane, Leek. £10. Details: 07518 074185.
Monday, September 26
Coffee Morning at Rudyard Methodist Church, near Leek. 9.30am-12.30pm. In aid of Macmillan Support. Details: 07518 074185.
Every Saturday at Brough Park Leisure Centre. 2.30pm-4pm. All ages and abilities welcome.
Leek Morris Dancers
Roller Disco
Bandstand Concert 2pm-4pm at the Bandstand in Brough Park, Leek. With Leek Blues and Americana presenting Lil’ Jim, PeakFiddler and more.
Market & Car Boot
Leek Blues and Americana Festival. Running through until Sunday, October 2. See page 18 for more details plus: www.leekblues.co.uk
Risky Business. Live music at The Red Lion, Leek. 8.30pm.
Battersby Hats of Stockport and their Leek Connection a talk by Rupert Battersby, hosted by the Leek Historical So ciety in the Rainbow Room of the Foxlowe Arts Centre. De tails: 01538 372793.
Coming up Coming up continued...
Regular Events
Creative Writing at Leek Health Centre every Wed nesday at 10.30am-12.30pm, plus Expressive Art at 1.30pm-3.30pm. www.borderlandvoices.org.uk.Details:
Road Trip. Live music at The Old Mill Smoke house, Leek. 8.30pm.
Route 66. Live music at The Cock Inn, Leek. 9pm
7.15pm-9pm at the Scout Hut, Clerk Bank, Leek. Every Friday. All welcome. Details: 07875 406120.
Saturday, October 8
Foxlowe Films: Every Tuesday evening with doors open at 7pm for 7.45pm screening time.
This year, the Dr Plot’s event had the added aspect of Jacobite re-enactors from ‘Lace Wars’ joining in on the parades as well as setting up camp in the grounds of the Foxlowe Arts Centre.
Riverwoods: An Untold Story. Doc umentary screening. Doors 7pm for 7.45pm. Free admission.
Friday, October 21
Wednesday, October 12 Tom Allen. Comedy. Sold out.
The annual Doctor Plot’s Lesser Known Leek made a welcome comeback on Sunday, July 3, which saw a host of activities in Leek town centre surrounding the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. There was colourful parades, street theatre, story telling and craft workshops.
Tickets £5. Coming up – September 20: Operation Mincemeat (12A), September 27: Phantom of the Open (12A), October 4: Elvis (12A), Oc tober 11: Wild Men (15), October 18: The Outfit (15), October 25: Limbo (PG), November 1: Downton Abbey – A New Era (PG).
Thursday, October 6
Art Exhibitions: Art Exhibitions: Exhibition by Jack Skinner run ning from September 17 until Oc tober 29. Plus art in the Drawing Room Cafe by Carole Cluer run ning from September 11 until No vember 6. Cafe is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, plus the first Sunday of the month.
Thursday, November 17 Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland. Comedy. Doors 7pm for 8pm. £20.
Thursday, September 29
Thursday, October 27
Friday, September 30 Peak District Big Band. Music. 7.30pm.
Monday, October 3
Leek Life Issue 55 25
Friday, October 14
For further details and to purchase tickets for any of the Foxlowe Arts Centre events, go online to: https://foxloweartscentre.org.uk.
Community Quiz Night at Rud yard Methodist Church, near Leek. 7pm for 7.30pm start. £3. Details: 07518 074185.
Shoppers and visitors to a Moorlands town centre this Summer had the opportunity to take a step back in time with the return of a popular community event.
Saturday, September 24 Stone Carving and Sculpture Course. Workshop. Two day event between 10am and 4pm. Cost £120. Re-Think Fashion. Workshop hosted by the Leek & District Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. 10am4pm. Free event but by ticket only.
Wednesday, October 26
Ivo Graham: My Future My Clutter. Music. Doors 7.15pm for 8pm. £14. Saturday, October 22 Henge. Music. Afternoon family matinee at 1.30pm with tickets £12 adults and £8 children. Plus evening adult show at 7.30pm with tickets £15.
Thursday, December 15 Seth Lakeman – accompanied by Alex Hart. Music. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm. £20.
Taking a step back in time
The event was further enhanced as it took place at the same time as the monthly Sunday Supplement which sees a multitude of crafters and artisans offering their wares from market stalls as well as many of the independent shops, pubs and cafes opening their doors for visitors to visit and enjoy.
In 1745 the Jacobites visited Leek on their invasion and stayed at the home of Old Mr Mills, a house that was on the site before the present Georgian Foxlowe was built.
Wednesday, September 28 George Borowski and Band. Music. 7.30pm.
The Achievers. Music. 6.30pm.
Saturday, October 15 Repair Cafe. Hosted by Moorlands Climate Action. 10am-2pm. Free ad mission.
The Great Almighty Gill. Theatre. At 7.30pm. £13.50 (£10 for students)
Coming continued...upWhat’sonat the
<< Group Talk by Jon Rowe. Plus The Wilder Churnet River Project by Bryony Davison. 7.30pm. £5 admission.
Foxlowe Arts Centre
CUD. Music. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm. £15.
DR PLOT’S
Leek’s Comedy Club. With Andrew Bird, Peter Edge, Mike Carter and Dave Twentyman as compere. £10.
Apple Fest 2022. Family event. 10am-2pm. Free event.
Perhaps the most well-known piece of music by him is ‘Lark Ascending’ which frequently tops the pole as the most loved piece of music in Classic FM popular votes. I can happily buy into the Englishness that the music of RVW represents. A love of the countryside, a progressive world view point and a love of humanity and human endeavour which are his hallmark.
26 Leek Life Issue 55
TALES FROM THE PAST
Professional photographer Wes Webster, who lives in Leek, is kindly supplying us with front cover photos for our sister publication of Newcastle Life Magazine. Here Wes tells us about his photography career:
memorieseverlastingpeople“Helpingtocreate”
I first picked up a camera when I was 17 years old, and realised at the age
But photography is my real passion. There is something very special about witnessing something amazing – whether it’s an emotional moment at a wedding, a spectacular landscape under a dramatic skyline, or the grace and beauty of a dancer mid-leap – and being able to capture it in a single frame.Ihave spent the last 20 years working as a professional photographer and I can honestly say it was the best career choice I could have made.
of 22 that I just absolutely loved taking pictures. I’ve always been creative, having studied Art while at school, an HND in Photography while at college, and I definitely prefer to design and make something myself rather than to buy it.
He was a lifelong Socialist, a political viewpoint that he shared with his life long friend fellow composer Gustav Holst. Vaughan Williams views were reinforced by his First World War experience.
He was a collector of folk songs in the early years of the 20th century and it was in this role he encountered an ancestor of fellow Leek Town
By Bill Cawley
I recently celebrated my 10th anniversary of running my own photography business from my home in Leek, Staffordshire, which is an achievement I am really proud of.
Before I created Wes Webster Photography, I worked as a photojournalist, capturing news and sport throughout the West Midlands region. I was lucky enough to win an award as the Best News Photographer in the Midlands during my time
On another occasion I was driving down to Dorset and decided to take a detour through Cranbourne Chase on a summery day through gloriously named villages called Gussage St Michael and Wimborne St Giles with a movement from the 5th symphony playing.Written
The sonorous strings seemed to perfectly match the landscape as we drove down the Dee Valley as the light of a summer evening moved into dark.
WES WEBSTER
“RVW and I”
He was also related to the Darwin lot and Charles was his great uncle. There is a strong facial resemblance between Ralph and Josiah Wedgwood the more marked as the composer aged RVW also inherited the radical politics of the uncle. Wedgwood and Darwin clans.
Vaughan Williams, as far as I know, may not have visited Leek, but his North Staffordshire roots are uncontested. His mother was a Wedgwood and his great great grandfather was the Etruria master potter himself Josiah.
In this case RVW stands for Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872- 1958) the English born composer the 150th anniversary of whose birth the Phoenix Choir in Leek will be marking with a concert at Trinity Church on October 15.
begin by clearing up any confusion at the beginning. The initials are not some mishearing of the well-known German car that is the butt of many jokes.
In my teenage years I was a very keen hill walker and, on the coach, back from a walk in Snowdonia the ‘Variations on a Theme by Thomas Tallis’ was being played on the radio.
He volunteered late in life and was in his mid40s when he became an ambulance driver on the Western Front. His third symphony contains a trumpet solo said to have been inspired by a fellow soldier practicing scales in the trenches.
councillor Richard Benefer in 1905.
Ishould
He collected a number of folk songs including the well-known ‘Barbara Allen’ from Lol Benefer in King’s Lynn. Two encounters with the music of RVW stand out.
during the dark days of 1942, it left its audience speechless, tearful and grateful for its message of peace and hope at its premier.
LEEK LIFE CLASSIFIEDS
Since then, I have been able to focus on what I do best –helping people to create everlasting memories from special moments; showcasing local and national businesses and organisations through my commercial and PR work; and capturing the beautiful landscapes and scenery that I am so lucky to have on my doorstep.
It has been a really rewarding journey so far, and I feel honoured to have worked with some incredibly inspiring people.Myphotography has taken me to places outside Staffordshire too, with a pinnacle moment for me being given the opportunity to work at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.I’vealso been asked to photograph some very high profile events, as the galleries on my website can show.
in the newspaper industry. My images of Stoke City FC celebrating a goal, a murder scene in Stoke-on-Trent and the viral story about the smoking ban not initially being legal locally helped me to receive this gong.
Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Mick Hucknall and Cannon and Ball to name a few. And I’m also the lead photographer for a leading national theatre company.
See more of Wes’ work www.weswebsterphotography.co.ukat
Leek Life Issue 55 27 Chainsaweesolutions@hotmai07812aining&assesstr• tioee advice & no obligaFr• edlly insurFu• ee & hedgetrAll aspects of• xperienclly qualified & eFu• k l.co.uk598909mentsnquotes takenwork under geonee sured tr GEOOFFRE : geof Tel: mail: ge EmaPPAAINTERDECOFESSIONA&DECORER&DECPR D R07789oo39822Y77892 FREETESAT ESTIMAASSUREDALITY TOORT SON ALoo.co.u8225 QU CommercialCleaning www.greenfrogcleaning TENANC OBLIGNOFREE ventsand big e y homesholidapecialising inS OF EN DEEPSTARTSPRINGGCLCLEANPCLEATAT&NFNCLECLEANING w CallJo:07974247959 Domestic & GCNDANY 9 the LospCtelepophallusec • Divan • Dis • Co • Pre Emily Hin Jo Johnso ouailable to ytions onsultationav to identifyone c for a 20 minute no obligation alcialistsfamily law orce (including Same Sex Marriage nd Farming Divorces) solution of Civil Partnerships urt applications (Children & eandpostnuptialagreementsFinancotonnses) w T:E:W:jo@01•Arpa•Drae538ww.jojohnsonfamilylaw.co..ukoc.wjojohnsonfamilyla0797464514M:361697andpostnuptialagreementsrangementsforchildren–adviceforentsandgrandparentsaftingmediationagreementsuk7r
I’ve met and photographed many celebrities including
But as much as I enjoy working up and down the UK, my passion for photography has been heavily influenced by the people I’ve met in the Staffordshire area, and by the stunning scenery nearby, and I still love to return to the place where I now call home.
1. Which popular British kids' cartoon features Richard Ridings, Morwenna Banks and John Sparks among its voice cast?
In which English city was Manchester City’s new Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker these specialists by their Practice Clinicians referrals. The PCN will be recruiting further
13. What delicacy is a Wigan slappy?
1. On a regular six-sided dice, what number is on the opposite side to the number six?
5. What is a horse's pace that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop?
9. A 560-million-year-old fossil representing the earliest known animal predator was identified in July 2022 and then named after which British television presenter?
8. Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision song contest in May for which country?
PATIENTCORNERLOCALITY
Patient Locality Group for Leek & Biddulph met in May via the internet so that the maximum number of patient representatives and Practice Managers could attend along with the Primary Care Network Manager.Themeetings are held every two months and discuss matters of mutual interest between the Patient groups from Leek and Biddulph.
New members of the PCN team joined and introduced themselves and their particular expertise and stated how their roles will support the Practice Clinicians in such areas as Pharmacy, Social
1.PeppaPig2.KateBush–ThesongisRunningUpThatHill3.Twelve4.Cricket’sCounty Championship5.Anglicanclergy6.Australia7.HaydenChristensen8.Ukraine9.Two10.Catherineof Aragon11.France12.Bullseye13.Pieinabreadroll14.Grammys15.Mozambique16.Leeds17.Sam Kerr(Chelsea)18.DoctorWho19.Comets20.Salford(ManUtdFCborrowedthenickname)
4. Which author created the character Miss Marple?
13. How many different colours are used on the regular logo of the website Google?
Prescribing, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Dietician and first contact Physiotherapy.Inthemain patients will be referred to these specialists by their Practice Clinicians and all these service functions are experiencing a significant number of referrals. The PCN will be recruiting further staff and specialisms once the board have reviewed the identified priority needs of the member practices.
16. In which English city was Manchester City’s new signing Erling Haaland born?
3. Which city hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games?
17. Who was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League this season having scored a goal per game?
pnsteele@aol.com.email:-SteelePaulbycompiledQuizzes Amazon.onavailableisgamequizOne?''WhichPaul's
12. Which Potteries venue was host to the BBC Prime Minister debate on Monday 25th July?
28 Leek Life Issue 5528 Leek Life Issue 54 QUIZ
The
20. Which rugby league team were the original red devils?
16. What is the capital city of Sweden?
5. What are listed in Crockford’s Directory?
10. On 19 May 1499, which future bride of Henry
6. Anthony Albanese is the new Prime Minister of which country?
11. Which race was won by Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard in July?
15. From which club did Manchester City sign Erling Haaland?
6. Love apple is an old name for which fruit?
2. Which member of Take That was the first to achieve a solo number one when he topped the charts in 1996 with 'Forever Love'?
14. From which musical does the song 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' come?
8. Which actress played Jane Foster aka The Mighty Thor in the 2022 film ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’?
GROUP
Let’s get quizzical
1.One(Alloppositesonadiceadduptoseven)2.GaryBarlow(RobbieWilliams'firstnumberonewasin1998)3. Birmingham4.AgathaChristie(JaneMarple'sfirstappearanceinafulllengthnovelwasinthe1930work'The MurderattheVicarage')5.Canter6.Tomato7.JamesWebb(SuccessortotheHubbleTelescope)8.NataliePort
4. Where do winning teams get between 16 and 24 points?
10. On which street did Elvis' 'Heartbreak Hotel' stand?
COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE
2. Which artist, in May, had a 1985 single propelled to the top of the charts on iTunes and become their most streamed song ever on Spotify after it appeared in the new season of Stranger Things?
7. What is the name of the telescope that sent back pictures from roughly 235 million years after the Big Bang in July 2022?
12. What is the name of Woody and Jessie's horse introduced in the movie Toy Story 2?
11. Élisabeth Borne became the first woman to hold the role of Prime Minister in which country for more than thirty years?
15. Which Commonwealth country’s official language is Portuguese?
17. Which country will host next years Eurovision Song Contest?
9. If you are measuring capacity in the UK, how many gallons are there in a peck?
Parliament19.1980s(1981)20.JenniferLoveHewitt(Shealsoappearedin'IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer')
VIII got married for the first time?
14. Which entertainment awards had 86 categories this year?
man9.SirDavidAttenborough10.LonelyStreet11.TourdeFrance12.VictoriaHallinHanley13.Four(Blue, Red,YellowandGreen)14.JesusChristSuperstar15.BorussiaDortmund16.Stockholm17.UnitedKingdom18.
18. Ncuti Gatwa will take over from Jodie Whittaker as which television character?
pnsteele@aol.com.email:-SteelePaulbycompiledQuizzes Amazon.onavailableisgamequizOne?''WhichPaul's
7. Who is reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker after a gap of 17 years in the new Disney+ series ObiWan Kenobi?
19. What astronomical objects are known as dirty snowballs?
As part of the good working relationship developed by the Patient Locality Group with the Primary Care Network a Terms of Reference has been agreed between the PCN Directors and the Group which specifies that the chair of the group can attend the PCN Board meetings as an observer. This enables the chair to feedback to the group and also is “Recruit new members for patient groups”
3. How many inches in a foot?
Garry said: “I will be working from home, calling at people’s homes using my 30 odd years experience in repairing and supplying domestic appliance in the local area.
Garry added: “I am happy to be back in
“I can repair washers, tumble dryers, dishwashers, cookers, fridges and vacuum cleaners, all work guaranteed.
town to try and give a good service at a good price to all my existing and new customers.”Anyonewishing to contact Garry can do so by calling 07976 426823.
Repair man Garry is back
ADVERTISING FEATURE
n appliance repair man has returned to his hometown in The Moorlands and set up business again.
Leek Life Issue 55 29 UB Establishedoveer40yraain YORLOCAALSECUR YOUR C v UD EINTR HOME earsandtr AR YRURGL byyfoormerpolicceers ITYCOPAANY COMP nedb f ARMSALR GUARD eofc Specialists for Sales & Repair r alloe and Repairs fvicSer vaailabletoordercaamany ekly basisek arriving on a wockw stNe alesr Saality CQu othercc Est. 19 rsav s 86 tedvestiga b ST in admit policce N O-ins OTreak THREinO AANDAEEELASCTW t only)(appointmen vailablew aging noCharV yRecover equestailable on rav viceery Serion & DelivtCollec onditioningr Cihicle AVe RepairsanceT & InsurMO s and modelsmake E our mobile phone ory ONHOUR24ALLC YSURVEFREEAFOR w.homeguardintruww 0178 other devices deralarms.co.uk 2 397 589 Burton Street, Leek, ST13 8BU l: 01538 382388Tee .jpgcars.co.uksit: wwwViT GARRYAPPLIANCEMAYNARDREPAIRS LEEK BASED OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE REPAIRING WASHERS, DRYERS, COOKERS, FRIDGES, DISHWASHERS AND VACUUMS Email:Tgazmaynard1966@gmail.comel:07976426823 A
“I am offering free quotes in Leek and within a five mile radius, and people can phone me for free advice between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.”
Now, after two and a half years, he is back and offering his repair services to Moorlands folk once more.
Garry Maynard, who used to run his business from premises in Broad Street, had left Leek to move to France.
Different varieties bloom at different times. It is best to avoid early ones (May- early June flowering) as these can be attacked by Gall Midge which destroys some of the flowers). Later bloomers avoid this pest.
gardening
Delightful Day Lilies
Perhaps the easiest to place in a garden colour scheme are the “selfs” – those with petals all in a single colour. On some varieties the “throat” of the flower has a different colour, often gold or green and sometimes contrasting with the petals.
Whatever the variety, these easy to grow plants will reward you with a fabulous display eachJanetsummer.andI organise Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering great value days out.
For further details and tickets go online to www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.
Every colour is available except black, a pure white and a true blue. Most modern types are around 2ft - 2ft 6in / 60-75cm tall although some
Day lilies should be deadheaded regularly, mainly because the faded flowers go soggy, but also because they may harbour pests. Tidy gardeners go round their plants last thing at night and remove all the blooms that have opened. They can be divided from spring to autumn when not in Withflower.over 50,000 varieties registered there are plenty to choose from.
Weston Park, Shifnal on Sunday, September 11. Advance tickets for admission to garden and fair £4 or £8 on the day at the gate.
Growing is easy - day lilies are great survivors flowering in poor, dry, damp or even wettish soils. They need some sun to flower well. They can also be grown in large pots or containers.
are half this height, and some are taller. The flowers typically have 6 petals (occasionally eight or more) and can be trumpet-shaped, circular, star-shaped or long-petaled (‘Spider’ forms).
Some have two shades of the same colour front and back petals (‘bitone’) or contrasting colours (‘bicolour’). These can be quite striking in the border. Even more striking are the “eye zone” patterns with a contrasting colour in the middle of the flower and even patterns in this eye (‘watermark’ and ‘etching’).
Martin Blow
There are some flowering plants that just get on with it and then surprise you with a spectacular display of flowers that outshines everything else in the garden. Hemerocallis, known as day lilies, are one such plant.Each individual flower lasts but a day, but don’t be put off, as there is a continuous succession of flowers for six to eight weeks in summer. They are not true lilies, so don’t get eaten by lily beetle at all.
Flower sizes vary from 2in / 5cm up to 10in / 25cm depending on variety. The largest ones are the spider form and so-called UFos (“unusual forms”) with twisted, dangly petals.
Barrowhill Hall Care and Nursing Home Rocester, Nr Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 5BX Email: enquiries@barrowhillhall.co.uk /Barrowhill1/ www.barrowhillhall.co.uk For further information please telephone: 01889 591006 “It’s like spending your working day with friends and family, this place makes you feel good!” Alison “I go home satisfied every night knowing I’ve made a difference!” Geoff “Ive worked here since 2007 and I’ve enjoyed everyday!” Andrew Could you be one of our best Nurses? ‘Home from Home in 2022’ At Barrowhill Hall Residential and Nursing Home See all the reviews for yourself at 9.3 HAS A REVIEWCAREHOME.CO.UKSCOREOF “More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgement. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate, make a difference to people’s lives!” Tina Hammond BSc (hons) RGN – Registered Manager. MAKE YOUR CAREERApplyYOURnow via Facebook @barrowhill1 Email: enquiries@barrowhillhall.co.uk Phone: 01889 591006 Hourly Rate £19.50 p/hr, new starter bonus £1000, funded annual pin renewals, employment contracts, holiday pay, excellent career development incl. formal training, free parking, free uniform, well supported environment, regular funded social events, incredible working environment.
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