Leek Life Issue 50

ISSUE 50

£2 WHERE SOLD

INSIDE THIS EDITION OF LEEK LIFE

Life

Celebrating 125 years See page 14

Circus fun in town See page 12

It's time for.......? See pages 3, 4, 20, 21 and 29

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ISSUE 50 Editor s Letter ...................................4 Leek Town Crier ................................5 Borderland Voices.............................6 Creative Extravaganza ......................8 Scouting ............................................8 Community Events ..........................12 Leek Town Mayor ............................14 Leek & Moorlands NSPCC ...............14 Moorlands Climate Action...............15 What s On ........................................16 Health & Fitness ..............................17 Tales From The Past .......................22 Leek Morris Dancers .......................22

Local Author Neil ............................23 Scarecrow Festival...........................23 Quiz Corner .....................................24 Poetry ..............................................24 Patient Locality Group ....................26 Leek Life Selfies ..............................26 Gardening........................................27 Local Author David .........................27 Campaign For Real Ale. ..................28 Joke Time........................................30 Theatre.............................................30 Reflections Coaching.......................32 Financial Matters............................34

EDITOR S LETTER

Exciting times ahead for town

W Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor life@timesandecho.co.uk Erin Tuckwell Tracey Redfern Design & Production Thomas Brian General Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693 Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

Did you know that you can read Leek Life online?

Visit timesechoandlife.co.uk

Find us on Facebook search for Leek Life Magazine 4 Leek Life Issue 50

ell it s most certainly exciting times ahead!

Not only is the nation beginning to get back to some kind of normality , and the festive season is almost upon us, but we have some very exciting news here at the Leek Life Magazine!

Drum roll please ... our local independent publishing company of the Times & Echo will be launching a brand new paper for our lovely town of Leek.

I am also very proud to say that I will be the News Editor for this new publication which we hope to use to bring you all the latest news, events, sport, and entertainment from within Leek and across the Staffordshire Moorlands on a weekly basis.

We will continue to publish the Leek Life Magazine, which we use to

help promote and celebrate all things Leek, on a bi-monthly basis.

Anyway, read all about our new paper in this edition of the Leek Life Magazine which is absolutely crammed with so many things Leek so crammed that lots of articles have had to be omitted but we will bring those to you, either in our next edition or, of course, in our new weekly paper for Leek which will be coming to the town s news outlets very soon.

In the meantime, grab a brew and I hope you enjoy reading this, the latest edition of the Leek Life Magazine.

Until next time – take care!

Belinda

Front cover photo by Brett Trafford Photography www.bretttrafford.com

Another stunning calendar by our Brett

Brett Trafford s images will be a familiar sight for many - famous for his trademark Leek panoramic view and the striking Leek Life Cover photos.

Brett is a freelance and commercial photographer, born, bred and based right in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, here in Leek.

Brett said: The 2022 calendar is the tenth year that I ve used my pictures in a local calendar and work has already started on the 2023 calendar.

The pictures for this year come from all over the Staffordshire Moorlands, from Whiston to Knypersley, and showcase the wide range of beautiful views we have.

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.

Brett said that he is happy to arrange delivery/collection give him a call on 07801 058345 to reserve your copy, for £7.50, or pick up a copy online via www.bretttrafford.com/store.

The calendar is also available from Ally Cats in Derby Street, Leek, and at the Galley Coffee Shop at Rudyard.

Brett also creates bespoke calendars for business customers. For further information, contact him at email brett@bretttrafford.com

LEEK TOWN CRIER

Please give a little back for their memory

O

n the 25t h November 1921, the Leek branch of the Royal British Legion was formed making it reputedly the second oldest branch in the United Kingdom.

It holds a proud history of service to the people of Leek, helping to remember the fallen of the Second World War but also given service to all veterans and injured from all wars wherever they have been in the world.

For a century, this branch of the RBL in Leek has held services and parades through all this time. A proud group of people who have served this country well.

The national Royal British Legion was a 100-years-old earlier this year. If you want to know more about the RBL, you can find them online.

In recent years, Leek branch has seen a decline in numbers and are

truly in need of new members as the decline is rapid. More younger members to carry on the traditions of this great branch are needed.

Anyone can join, whether you have been or are an ex-service personnel, male or female, even if you have none of these criteria, you will be welcomed to join as membership is open to all, young and old.

I make this heartfelt plea to all the people of Leek. Please join us in our branch of the RBL in Leek.

We need you as it could be that this branch will die. I also make the same plea for all the other branches around Leek.

If you want to join us, please go onto the RBL website and you will be able to become a member. It s not expensive.

Or get in touch with me as I am the recruiting member for new members to join. You can find me on Facebook or contact me at 07798 701251.

Remember, they died for our freedom. Please give a little back for their memory. Thank you.

Well, I have had a wonderful holiday in Rhosneigr on Anglesey, given free by Lyn Nancarrow. The taxi was free for me from Leeklink Taxis and many people gave me money to go. I had a wonderful time as you can read about it on my Facebook page.

I will have served this town and community for six years and in so doing I have given my heart to this town and been the best ambassador that I could be and I thank the very many people of this town for all their support over the years.

Although the pandemic is still with us we, as a community in Leek, still shine and flourish, not as individuals but together with the strong will and sense of purpose that this great town of Leek has always had.

We look very much to the future and strive to make it better than it has been.

God bless you all and, never forget my cry of OYEZ! Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas

St. Mary’s Catholic Academy and Nursery Virtual Open Evenings for Prospective Parents, Reception 2022 St Mary’s school would like to invite prospective parents to attend one of our virtual open evenings to find out more about life at our happy and friendly school. Please contact the main office to register at office@st-marys-leek.staffs.sch.uk.

9th November at 5:30pm | 16th November at 5:30pm | 23rd November at 5:30pm www.st-marys-leek.staffs.sch.uk Telephone: 01538 493888 Email: admin@st-marys-leek.staffs.sch.uk Cruso Street, Leek, Staffordshire, England, ST13 8BW Leek Life Issue 50 5

BORDERLAND VOICES

Creative group is back together again

B

orderland Voices, a group which promotes health and well-being through the arts, has restarted its face-to-face activities in its new home at Leek Health

Centre.

September saw their writing and art groups restart, in person, after 17 months of remote working. Sarah Males, who led writing prior to March 2020, has taken up the reins again, initially using the theme of the Women s Land Army (WLA).

This links with the group s National Lottery Heritage Funded project to explore creatively the life of Land Girls and Lumber Jills. September s art sessions used Becca s Art Nouveau pack while the October art focus, again with Sarah, is trees and woodlands another nod to Lumber Jills, the WLA girls who worked in forestry.

Both groups meet on Wednesdays: writing 10.30am-12.30pm and art 1.30pm-3.30pm in a spacious room at Leek Health Centre on Fountain Street.

A spokesman for Borderland Voices said: We always welcome new participants to these warm, inclusive groups which are social as well as creative.

People can access the room via a backdoor without a bell, so if you d like to come along, please contact co-ordinator Andy Collins at andy@borderlandvoices.org.uk, or by calling 01538 528708 or 07760 138395 for guidance.

Since the start of September, the group has also had two day visits (the first for two years) and displayed work in two venues. On a September coach trip to the National Memorial

6 Leek Life Issue 50

Arboretum, rain didn t dampen participants enjoyment of the wonderful site and the chance to see the WLA memorial, designed by Leek sculptor Denise Dutton.

The group spokesman said: In October, we visited Poole s Cavern and Country Park in Buxton as part of their Stronger Roots project, to learn about their management of trees suffering from ash die-back (again our connection with the WLA Lumber Jills) and to make artwork with Gordon MacLellan.

We ve displayed artwork and writing at two festivals. At the Leek Blues and Americana event, writing which imagined life as a Land Girl sat alongside photos of the Arboretum visit and bunting made for the VE75 celebrations which were cancelled last year.

If you have any connections, memories or stories about Land Girls in this area, we d love to hear from you.

The Town Council s Art Exhibition, supported by the Government s Welcome Back fund, was an opportunity to display the Land Army work again, but also to show off the wealth of artwork created in the past 17 months, often by people at home using Art Packs created especially for Borderland Voices by Buxton artist Becca Baddeley.

Participants are currently assembling images and writing for the 2022 calendar which will be available to buy in mid-December.

It s time for a new locally written independently owned paper for Leek!

Coming soon....

LEEK & Moorlandss

ECHO O www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

CREATIVE EXTRAVAGANZA

Popular artist and designer fair returns

T

he nights are drawing in and Christmas is approaching, what better way to get ready than to visit one of the most popular artists and designer fairs in the area.

Cancelled last year because of Covid-19, the Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair makes a welcome return to the Foxlowe Arts Centre on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.

Now in its ninth year, the twoday extravaganza hosts a wide variety of inspirational creative work by professional artists, designers and makers alongside art students from Buxton and Leek College.

Event organiser Chris Thompson, who is also chair of the Foxlowe Arts Centre, said: We are delighted that the event is taking place again this year. The reputation of the fair is growing and it attracts artists from a wide area, whose specialisms include printmaking, ceramics, glass, jewellery, mixed media and textiles.

It s a wonderful opportunity to come and buy unique gifts for Christmas and also have a look at the recent refurbishments to the Foxlowe Arts Centre. We have ensured that we are following guidelines relating to Covid, so everyone can remain safe and enjoy themselves.

Chris added: You can also visit the welcoming Drawing Room Café who serve home-made food and cakes, enjoy artwork in a selection of galleries, and take part in a range of workshops. You can even have a glass of wine as you relax and admire your purchases.

Working in partnership with the Leek School of Art, proceeds from the event help to support the Foxlowe Arts Centre. To find out more visit the Staffordshire Contemporary Artist & Designer Fair Facebook page or visit: www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

The Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair will be open each day from 10am until 4pm and entry is free.

SCOUTING

Top accolades for Scouting members

A

presentation evening was held at the 5th Leek (St Mary s) Scout Group headquarters recently to celebrate the achievements of three of their leaders for services to scouting.

Sid Davies received his 40 years service certificate from the Scout Association together with an engraved award from the group in recognition of his achievement.

Mavis Sproat is one of the longest serving Beaver leaders in the group and was presented with an engraved award from 5th Leek to thank her for 37 years service to their Group.

Meanwhile, David Sheldon received an Award for Merit with a green neck ribbon and emblem together with an engraved ward from the group in recognition of his outstanding service.

8 Leek Life Issue 50

A spokesman for the group said: We were very pleased to welcome the Leek Town Mayor councillor Lyn Swindlehurst who presented all of the above awards.

Our award recipients were also delighted to receive personal hand written letters from our town

mayor.

5th Leek Beavers and Cubs meet on Mondays from 6.30pm, Scouts on Wednesdays 7pm, and the Scout Band on Thursdays at 7pm. New members welcome.

Adult help also needed. Website coming soon.

discover your

it’s not too late to apply and enrol for an apprenticeship or vocational programme places still available for all ages, abilities and ambitions BLC.ac.uk/enrol 0800 074 0099

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community welcomed back to town centre

Enjoying the circus skills. Photo by Jo Goodwin

Having a go at juggling.

Photo by Jo Goodwin

S

hoppers and visitors alike were most certainly welcomed back to Leek town centre recently when Leek Town Council hosted a community event.

The event, which was hosted using some of the Government s Welcome Back Fund included live music, circus workshop, and street entertainers.

Here are just a few pictures which have been kindly sent in to us by some of our readers from the day.

Have you been to a community event recently? Email us your photos to our Editor Belinda at news@timesandecho.co.uk, for possible use in our publications.

Photo by Kirsty King

Izzy with some of the street performers. Photo by Liz Salmon

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Festival helped wash away the Covid blues

H

aving skipped a year due to the pandemic, the ninth annual Leek Blues & Americana Festival was back with a vengeance in early October with five days of live music featuring 70 acts playing in 20 venues around the town.

Despite the lingering effect of Covid-19 and a limit on capacity at ticketed events, festival goers were treated to some great music from artists from the UK, Europe, and north America.

Headline acts included US singer songwriters Jerry Joseph and Jesse Malin, blues and gospel singer Kyla Brox, anarchic harmonica and beatbox virtuoso, Son of Dave and a solo performance from hard-hitting blues singer/songwriter, Ian Siegal.

The free live music programme started on the Thursday with bands playing gigs up until the festival Last Call at the Roebuck on the Sunday night where any musicians still standing took to the outdoor 12 Leek Life Issue 50

stage for one final jam session.

Festival organiser JR Mountford said: After what has been an especially tough time for musicians and the hospitality industry it was great to be able to stage the 2021 Blues & Americana Festival.

The musicians, the audience and the venues were so eager to enjoy the occasion and the music and atmosphere didn t disappoint.

Thanks to the help of all the great venues and our sponsors 90 per cent of the performances are free entry. There is twelve months of hard work goes into this and I m personally grateful to all the organisers who volunteer their time, the great venues, our sponsors and of course the talented musicians and devoted fans who bring the festival to life.

One post on Facebook summed up the festival, saying: Thanks for a great couple of days in Leek, my new favourite town hope to come back soon.

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LEEK TOWN MAYOR

“It’s humbling that people give so much of their time”

A

s Leek Town Mayor I must recognise the tragic loss of a well intentioned, hard working dedicated caring person in public life. The loss of individuals such as Sir David Amess and Jo Cox must cause us all to reflect collectively, and individually, on our relationships with the public, and with each other.

The Mayor s role is a Civic one. Civic pride represents our local identity. Pride in ourselves, each other, and our community, with shared values and aspirations, and collective responsibility.

Leek has these values in abundance as shown through the numbers of volunteers, entrepreneurs, as well as committed businesses, all pulling together.

Celebration is what we do well in Leek. The town council s successful application for the Government s Welcome Back fund made events possible offering days full of fun, circus

acts, and entertainment, free for families to enjoy, in order to regenerate our town centre.

The Leek Blues and Americana Festival celebrated our musical heritage with local, national and international talent filling Leek s many music venues.

All organised by passionate, local people.

Whilst caring for ourselves and each other we must also care for our environment. To this end we are informed and guided by Moorlands Climate Action Group who work tirelessly to ensure we are mindful of the climate emergency.

I have attended events over the past months that have inspired and encouraged me. One such event was to recognise the long service and efforts of three leaders in 5th Leek Scouts. They were presented with awards for efforts to improve the facilities for the scouts, one for 40 years service, one for 37 years as well as a merit award. It is humbling that people give so much of their time to develop and encourage local young people.

Another event recognised the role of @21 in supporting young

people in our town, particularly as there are so few places left for them to flourish.

I was invited to present a bouquet to Jesse Trafford, celebrating her 103rd birthday.

We shared a lovely afternoon chat and raised a glass of Prosecco, an inspirational woman with a loving family.

Attending anything with our Town Crier, Bill Lomas, is always a great experience, and we work together well. Bill has a wide reputation as a cryer of the highest standard, attracting many visitors into our town. He also has a wicked sense of humour, keeping us both firmly grounded.

He is also actively involved with recruitment to our Leek Royal British Legion, who need more members to ensure we never forget and to keep our branch alive and active.

We are moving onwards and upwards with support and respect for each other. Let s do it with a smile, a laugh where we can, and a listening ear.

Leek Town Mayor Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst

LEEK & MOORLANDS NSPCC

Providing support for 125 years

A

fundraising group which was set up in Leek in 1986 is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

1896 saw the very first meeting of the NSPCC branch at a solicitors office in Derby Street Leek.

The current committee has the transcript of that first meeting as written by the very first secretary Edward Challinor with a Mrs Kineton Parkes who was in the chair.

Since that time, throughout two world wars and hard times for the UK, there have been regular meetings of fund-raisers in the Leek and Moorlands area, who have dedicated their time and efforts to

14 Leek Life Issue 50

help prevent cruelty to children in the UK. Victorian working class children were often treated very badly at home, school or at work and Benjamin Waugh, the founder of the NSPCC, was so horrified that children could be treated in this way, that he was determined to try and help prevent abuse of any kind.

There are four ladies on the current Leek NSPCC committee who have served over 50 years and have seen many changes in the landscape of child cruelty.

In fact, Barbara White has been on the Leek committee since 1962 (60 years next year). The ladies are as committed as ever to help raise

funds for this amazing charity that fights for children on so many levels, from top government lobbying right down to grass root fundraising in the form of bake sales and coffee mornings.

Their next fundraiser is set to take place on Thursday, November 18 at Leek Cricket Club. It will be a Christmas Coffee Morning which will include cakes and preserves, and a sale of good quality pre-loved coats and jackets, a draw for a hamper, and much more.

Anyone wishing to fundraise on behalf of the NSPCC can contact Sue Wardle on 01782 550258 or on checkleysue@aol.com.

MOORLANDS CLIMATE ACTION

Busy year for climate change group

M

oorlands Climate Action (MCA) has had a busy year. November s crucial climate meeting in Glasgow has focused people s minds but local on-the-ground activity remains at the core of this community group s mission.

MCA s Mike Jones said: Getting the district and the county councils to honour their promises on climate action has been hard.

Much more encouraging has been the range of activities on climate, nature and sustainability we have been able to put on in the Moorlands and the amazing response.

In June, MCA organised the HUG Green Arts Festival at the Foxlowe Centre, featuring a wide range of local artists and organisations such as the Woodland Trust, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth.

In October, MCA organised a Big Green Week festival centred around the arrival of walkers marching to the Glasgow Summit.

Local churches provided accommodation for the walkers.

Getting out into communities wishing to know more about action on climate is crucial. MCA has

given talks to parish councils including Biddulph, Checkley and Draycott-in-the Moors. The group also runs a regular stall at Leek Market and has taken part in markets at Biddulph and Cheadle.

MCA s Alana Wheat said: A lot of good things are happening out there, but community groups are struggling to get their voices heard. There needs to be the same level of engagement from public organisations.

Among the many other activities MCA members have been busy with this year are tree and sphagnum moss planting, youth activity packs for schools, a water bottle refill scheme, advising on new planting at the bottom of Russell Street, better management of verges on the Macclesfield Road and biodiversity site investigations around Leek.

MCA also instigated a now-quarterly meeting between the Chair and Board Members of Peak District National Park and climate groups from Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

In February next year, MCA is organising an Energy Fair at the Foxlowe Centre, bringing together companies and organisations involved in renewable energy and low carbon housing retrofitting.

To keep up to date with MCA, go online to: www.facebook.com/StaffsMoorlandsClimateA ction.

Leek Life Issue 50 15

WHAT S ON It s most certainly fantastic that community events and activities are making a welcome comeback. Here s just some of what s coming up in our area.

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 for updates.

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.

Leek Morris Dancers 7.15pm-9pm at the Scout Hut, Clerk Bank, Leek. Every Friday. All welcome. Details: 07875 406120.

Wednesday, November 3: History Live at Warslow Village Hall.

With The Railway from Matlock to Buxton by Glynn Waite. Details: www.historylive.co.uk.

Friday, November 5: Bonfire & Fireworks at Leek Hockey Club, Macclesfield Road, Leek. Gates open at 6.30pm, Bonfire lit at 7pm, Fireworks at 7.30pm. £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Saturday, November 6: Coffee Morning & Cake Sale at Trinity Church, Derby Street, Leek. Proceeds to Rudyard Methodist Church. 9amnoon. Details: 07518 074185.

Saturday, November 6: Bonfire & Fireworks Night at Leek Rugby Club, St Edward s Park, Cheddleton.

Free admission with donations greatly appreciated. Gates open at 6.15pm with the fire lit at 7.30pm. Barbecue, hot drinks and snacks available.

Thursday, November 11: Mayor s Quiz Night at the Silk Mill, Market Street, Leek. Teams of up to four. A light-hearted quiz all about Leek. £10 per person.

Saturday, November 13: Live Music at the Dyer s Arms, Macclesfield Road, Leek. With good old rock and roll from Red Berryn.

Thursday, November 18: Christmas Coffee Morning at Leek Cricket Club, Macclesfield Road, Leek.

Homemade cakes, gifts, raffle and more. Admission £3 (to include coffee and mince pies). In aid of the Leek and Moorlands NSPCC. Friday, November 19: Leek Lights Switch On Event in Leek Town Centre. 4.30pm onwards. With fun fair rides plus live music.

Friday, November 19: Charity Ball at the Three Horseshoes, Blackshaw Moor, near Leek. In aid of Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Blood Bikes, and Lost Dogs Capture Team.

Three course meal and disco. Tickets and details: 07878 140642.

Saturday, November 20: Elvis Tribute Night at The Winking Man, Upperhulme, near Leek. In aid of Kidney Research. 8pm-1.30am.

Tickets £12. Details:

16 Leek Life Issue 50

www.facebook.com/events/54981429 2938564.

Friday, November 26: The Polar Express at Churnet Valley Railway.

Running on a variety of dates through until December 23. Details: www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/pola r-express-train-ride.

Saturday, November 27: Christmas Market at Leek Cricket Club, Macclesfield Road, Leek. 9am4pm. Free admission.

Friday, December 3: Twilight Market in the Butter Market and Trestle Market, Leek. Crafts, Christmas gifts, street food, bar, live music, plus a visit from Santa. 5pm8pm.

Friday, December 3: Christmas Charity Ball at The Winking man, Upperhulme, near Leek. In aid of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. 7pm until late. Hog roast, raffle, auction of promises, disco by DJ Alan Clark, with special guests Britain s Got Talent finalist Marton Gregory Lambert and Meg Barnes. Tickets £20. Details: 07736 158363.

Saturday, December 4: Christmas Craft Fair at Haregate Community Centre, Queens Drive, Leek. 11am-3pm.

Saturday, December 4: ‘Together at Christmas at 7.30pm at St Edward s Academy, Leek. With the Wetley Rocks Male Voice Choir and Leek Musical Theatre Company.

Tickets £10 available from Leek Post Office, High Street, and E Grainger, Derby Street, Leek.

Sunday, December 5: Christmas Fayre at Keatesy s Boxing Academy, Cruso Street, Leek. 10am-2.30pm.

Wednesday, December 8: History Live at Warslow Village Hall.

With The Victorians & The Christmas Season by Dany Wells. Details: www.historylive.co.uk.

Friday, December 10: A Lark in Leek at Leek Cricket Club, Macclesfield Road. With Alun Cochrane, Lloyd Griffith, and Aaron Simmonds. Advance tickets £16.50.

What’s On at the Foxlowe Arts Centre Art Exhibitions: Observations and Interpretations with work by John Thirlwall and the late Lesley Miller.

Running until mid November.

Christmas Exhibition with work by Chris Thompson, Anne-Lise Fraser, Justin Twigg, Erica Brook, Fiona Wilson, Laurel Gallagher, Sue Fox, Paul Hill and Tony Simon. Running from November 27 until January 8. Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.

Thursday, November 4: Leek Comedy Club. With Mike Newall, Tom Taylor, Mark Row, and compere Carl Jones. Tickets £10. Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start.

Friday, November 12: Limehouse Lizzy Live @ The Foxlowe. Music.

Tickets £18. Doors 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 13: Martin Mucklowe The Full Works. Comedy.

Tickets £15. Doors open at 7.15pm for 8pm start.

Wednesday, November 17: Supporters Evening. 7pm. All welcome to hear all about what s been happening at the Foxlowe Arts Centre and also plans for the future at the community-run venue.

Thursday, November 18: Scott Bennett: Relax . Comedy. Tickets £12.50. Doors 6.45pm for 7.30pm start.

Saturday, November 19: Monkey Business with Aziz Ibrahim and Inder Goldfinger. Music. Ticket £12.50.

Doors 7.45pm.

Saturday, November 27: Mik Artistik s Ego Trip . Music. Ticket £12.

Doors 7pm for 8pm.

Thursday, December 2 : Leek Comedy Club . With John Ryan, Diane Spencer, Lukas Kirkby, and compere Dave Twentyman. Tickets £10. Doors open at 7pm for 8pm.

Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, 5: Artist and Designer Fair. A wide variety of inspirational creative work by professional artists, designers and makers alongside art students from Buxton and Leek College.

Saturday, December 11: Book Signing with Philip Brough and his book Barebones History of Leek. 10am 2pm.

For further details and to purchase tickets for any of the Foxlowe Arts Centre events, go online to: https://foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

HEALTH & FITNESS

“Why not start now?” By JP Body Transformation Coach It is coming to that time of year again where the days get shorter, the nights get longer and dreams of a healthy lifestyle and a good body get put on hold.

I get it, Christmas is looming with it's endless procession of parties and festive treats. Your favourite jumper covers up a multitude of dietary sins and you crave comfort foods in the cold weather.

My question to you though is this Why can t you enjoy the season and get into shape?

After years of personal fat loss battles and helping hundred s of others to transform their own lifestyle and body I have come to recognise that we need balance above everything else. This is easy in the summer when you are generally more active and there are not as many ready to grab high calorie treats knocking around your kitchen. However in winter it's all too easy to get swept up in being lazy and to build bad habits like your daily mince pie or whatever you find on the seasonal section in your supermarket.

This is definitely without a doubt the hardest time of the year to start your journey. If you ask me that actually makes it the perfect time to start.

If you have instantly thought no way then I will see you in the next edition when you are wondering how to repair all the damage. If you feel a little flicker of inspiration then please read on.

Starting right now is going to be tough, but if you can get through this then the rest of the time is going to be a breeze and who knows by summer you may just have a

body that you finally feel comfortable in.

This doesn't mean that Christmas is cancelled and you can t have a burger on bonfire night. It just means that you are going to start being more conscious of what you are doing.

The easiest way to get started is by adopting the 80/20 rule. This is something that I do all year around with myself and clients and it keeps us in pretty good shape.

80 per cent of the time you must focus on eating real whole foods. If it hasn't got an ingredients label stuck to it then it goes on the plate. Meats, vegetables, rice, nuts, seeds, water, fruit - real food.

This food actually contains the stuff your body needs and is packed full of healthy things that will make you feel so much better.

The other 20 per cent you must focus on chilling out with your choices and indulging in whatever you want.

Chocolate, crisps, alcohol, cake, takeaways. It s all good.

These foods are not great for your health but they taste great and make a nice Treat as in not eating them all the time.

This can obviously easily be abused if you don t want it enough. However, focusing on filling up on the good stuff and making sure your regular meals are on point then allows for the odd treat and occasionally pizza, pie or whatever. You will be pathing the way to a sustainable lifestyle that is going to make you feel more in control and make it easier for the all important calorie management.

Leek Life Issue 50 17

WE RE HEAR FOR YOU

Heading

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Time for a new paper for Leek!

S

o lot s of folk have been asking for this and we, at the Times & Echo, are aiming to provide it a new paper for Leek!

We, the Times & Echo, are the only independent newspaper publishers left in North Staffordshire, and we take great pride in bringing readers all the very latest news from within the communities we cover.

Yes, our office is based in the neighbouring Moorlands town of Cheadle, but we have long-established papers in both Cheadle and Uttoxeter, and our News Editor for the Leek & Moorlands Echo will be Belinda Hargreaves who lives in Leek and is very passionate about being a local journalist.

Belinda has been in the local media industry for almost 15 years having worked at a number of other local media outlets in the past, and for us, at the Times & Echo, for the past four years initially, and still, as Editor of the Leek Life Magazine.

Belinda said: I am so excited, and very honoured, to be a part of bringing a new

independent newspaper to my hometown.

To me, it s been long overdue.

We will aim to bring you the latest news, entertainment and sport from within our wonderful community.

We have an absolutely fabulous team here at the Times & Echo, all living in the local area, who all work very hard on our current titles and who are all just as excited as me about our new paper for Leek.

But we also need your help in making the new paper a success! We need you to purchase our newspaper, we need you to let us know what s happening within the community, and we also need the support of fellow businesses in taking advertising space in our paper.

So, after we launch the paper - which will be very soon - please pick up a copy of the all new Leek & Moorlands Echo every Wednesday morning, and please get in touch if you think you have something which our readers would like to hear about and also please do contact us if you would like to have advertising space in our paper.

We will aim to bring you the latest news, entertainment and sport from within our wonderful community.

If you have a story for the Leek & Moorlands Echo, email Belinda at news@timesandecho.co.uk or call her on 07941 806986.

To advertise call our office on 01538 752214 (leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible), or email one of our advertising reps: tom@timesandecho.co.uk or jane@timesandecho.co.uk.

HEADING

TALES FROM THE PAST

A golden Edwardian summer

Bill Cawley

M

y grandparents were Victorians just.

They were all born in the 1890s and although I did not know three of them, enough stories were passed down by my mother to gain a comprehensive enough picture of their interests particularly in their early years growing up in the Potteries.

One grandparent, my Dad s mother, lived on into her 90s and I did know a great deal about her childhood being bought up by a relative near to Stoke Railway Station.

She remembered the soldiers

going off to fight in the Boer War in their red uniforms. And in the winter of 1901 attending a memorial service for Queen Victoria. But it is her memories as a performer that I wish to concentrate upon.

She was in a dance troupe called the Five Pekinese when she was 14, appearing regularly at the Hippodrome in Stoke where the group regularly entered competitions - a new craze the cake walk which had come over from America and heralded the beginning of the Jazz Age. It was interesting that the group called themselves the Five Pekinese as the name refers to an episode from Britain s colonial past when the Chinese Emperor s palace in Beijing was looted by British troops in 1860 and the dogs gamely attempted to defend their imperial master.

All my grandparents enjoyed the music hall and the fair and about the same time as my grandmother Austin was treading the boards in Stoke, not too far away my grandfather Sherwin saw a very young Charlie Chaplin drawing attention to himself in

Hanley marketplace drumming up custom for a play Sherlock Holmes he was appearing in locally.

I came across a report of the fair arriving in Leek in May 1906.

It is a picture of a bygone age At Leek May Fair which ended on May 16. There was Whiting s electric switchback and the juvenile racing motor cars, the latest craze of the children, and coconut sheets; Hollands Razzle Dazzle and four abreast dancing horses; Kemp s Electric Coliseum; Ralph and Pedley s American enterprise razzle dazzle and laughing shows; Mulhelm s stalls; Gunthorpe and Barker s photo booths Jewells s and Beckett s throwing games and Rowley s shooters. Good business was done.

It would be wrong to be drawn into the notion of a Golden Edwardian Summer as it was also a time of unrest in the country.

The struggle to get women the vote would effect social cohesion as disturbances in Leek Town Hall when a leading suffragette Charlotte Despard tried to speak testifies in the following year.

LEEK MORRIS DANCERS

Back dancing together again

L

eek Morris Dancers are back practising in the 2nd Leek Scout Hall on Clerk Bank in Leek.

Their meetings take place on Fridays from 7.15pm until 9pm.

A spokesman for the group said: We are all quite rusty after such a long time, so it is an ideal time for new dancers and

22 Leek Life Issue 50

musicians to join.

We welcome all ages, young and old, (some of us are not as young as we used to be), and teach everything at a nice gentle pace.

During the summer months, we often dance out for village fetes and festivals, for example in Onecote, Ipstones and Buxton and of course in Leek.

If you are interested why not come along and watch one Friday evening or even have a dance to try it out, you would be most welcome.

Or if you would like more information, then contact us via our website at www.leekmorris.com and we will get back to you either by email or text.

LOCAL AUTHOR NEIL

Another Then and Now title by our Neil

L

eek author Neil Collingwood has produced his latest local history photo-book: Baddeley Green & Baddeley Edge Then and Now. The book is a sister volume to Milton & Light Oaks Then and Now which Neil published in December 2020 having been started at the same time.

Every page carries an old photo, usually in black and white, together with a full colour photo showing the same scene today. There is also a caption for each pair of photos explaining what can be seen and the date of the old photo.

Neil said: This is the first book compiled about Baddeley Green/Baddeley Edge and the areas don t even tend to appear in the books that they might be expected to.

This is probably because Baddeley Green is a relatively new settlement and also because the authorities responsible for them have changed repeatedly.

Until around 1965 they were part of Leek Rural District Council but transferred to Stoke-on-Trent, something still regretted by quite a few residents.

The usually reliable Victoria County History of Staffordshire contain relatively little about these areas and Volume III (Religion in Staffordshire) only contains a mention of the Greenways pub where Roman Catholic Mass was performed until the RC Chapel was built in Field Avenue.

Neil added: There may be some surprises for readers, for example the fact that the former Victoria Inn, now Sanjeev s Indian Restaurant, is

not the original pub of that name but that its predecessor is still standing and remains occupied.

Another surprise may be that the boundaries of Baddeley Green have changed, as shown by the fact that the original Baddeley Green school is now Greenways Primary Academy, located in Stockton Brook.

Because there hasn t been a book about these areas before, most of the photos included have been in family collections since they were taken, many more than a century ago, and so have never been published.

I am very grateful to everyone who made their photos available for use in the book. Obtaining sufficient pictures proved difficult but when a number of photos were offered showing events on the Stockton Brook side of the Baddeley Green boundary, they seemed too good to exclude, so the book now covers from the end of Stanley Road to the boundary with Milton near the old Buller s factory.

Like the Neil s Milton volume, this book is only available, for £12.99, directly from Neil who can be reached by telephone on 01538 386606 or by email at neilcollingwood56@gmail.com.

SCARECROW FESTIVAL

High flying scarecrows in scenic village

W

e have the most beautiful countryside and villages surrounding our town of Leek and we love to help to promote and celebrate them too in the Leek Life Magazine.

Here we have some fabulous photos of the recent Scarecrow Festival which took place in and around the scenic village of Flash which happens to be the highest village in the UK. These photos have been taken and kindly sent in to us by reader Cliff Salt.

Have you snapped any photos of the local scenery and/or at community events lately?

Email them to our Editor Belinda at news@timesandecho.co.uk for possible use in our publications.

Leek Life Issue 50 23

quiz corner

Let s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1. Who was pursued by Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde?

2. Which 70s hit was based on Psalms 19 and 137?

3. Who debuted in 1920 as the Little Lost Bear?

5. Saudi Arabia has one, the British Army two and Essex three of what on their flags?

6. Moonrakers are natives of which county?

7. Peter Bottomley inherited which title from Ken Clarke?

8. Which deaf woman is competing in Strictly Come Dancing this year?

9. Which West-End musical is based on the lives of Henry VIII s wives?

10. What was first published in Dutch as Het Achterhuis in 1947?

11. What term for an obsessed fan comes from an Eminem song?

12. Who stars as Princess Diana in the 2021 film Spencer ?

13. Which British driver will be the teammate of Lewis Hamilton next season?

14. Who plays the part of the father of Venus and Serena Williams in the 2021 film King Richard ?

15. Who narrowly won Canada s election in September this year keeping him in power?

16. Which Only Fools and Horses star died in September 2021 aged 79?

17. Who won an Emmy for her performance as the Queen in the Netflix series The Crown in 2021?

18. Who has replaced Sue Barker as the host of BBC s Question of Sport ?

19. Which supermarkets clothing range is sold under a name meaning you in French?

20. What fruit is a Pink lady or Cripps pink?

1. Pac-Man (nicknames of ghosts) 2. By the Rivers of Babylon (Boney M) 3. Rupert the Bear 4. Emma Raducano 5. Swords 6. Wiltshire 7. Father of the House (longest-serving MP) 8. Rose Ayling-Ellis 9. Six 10.

Anne Frank s diary (The Secret Annexe) 11. Stan 12. Kristen Stewart 13. George Russell 14. Will Smith 15.

Justin Trudeau 16. John Challis 17. Olivia Colman 18. Paddy McGuiness 19. Sainsburys (Tu 20. Apple

poetry

Llanberis, North Wales

By Brenda Pascall of Leek

Where winding roads meander, and mountains loom so proud, The air is blessed with silence, far from the pressing crowd.

You may stop and wonder, what it is all about, Away from the busy scheme of things, while you take time out.

Mountain birds soar so high, above the grandeur of the peaks, Where blue mist is your sky, the air is filled with magic on this special autumn day.

For mother nature is in control, and the world has gone away, So take a moment on the scene, it s mighty mountain magic and green valleys so serene.

24 Leek Life Issue 50

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com.

Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

4. Which British woman won the US Open single title this year?

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PATIENT LOCALITY GROUP

“All practices are seeking the help of volunteers”

T

he Primary Care Network for Leek & Biddulph covering the five GP Practices in the towns is entering another hectic phase of activity with Flu injections and the Covid-19 Booster vaccinations.

The level of activity since the easing of lockdowns has been very high and now even more demands are on the primary care system.

It is estimated that some 18,000 patients in Leek GP Practices will need to receive Covid-19 Booster vaccinations and all three practices have set up clinics in their premises to deliver these to their patients as to date it has not been possible to use the Moorlands Hospital for a common clinic for all Leek patients.

The practices will also aim to vaccinate all care home residents and staff by the beginning of November.

So would patients please await their practice contacting them for an appointment as they will be invited in strict date order based on when they had their second Covid-19 vaccination.

To achieve this programme all practices are seeking the help of volunteers working in two hour shifts to control car parking, greeting and registering patients and supervise the waiting area post vaccination. If you feel you can help and be on your feet for a two hour shift please contact your practice reception as we cannot achieve the programme without the help of volunteers to support the practice staff.

From October 1, 2021 the Primary Care Network have taken over the running of the Extended Access Clinics for Leek and Biddulph.

The NHS initiative has been running for a

number of years based at Moorlands Hospital but now it will be staffed by our local GP s and Nurses from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, three days per week in Leek and two days in Biddulph, and on Saturdays for three hours at both Leek and Biddulph with a telephone triage on Sundays. The clinics will be based at the GP Practices and patients can choose to go to either Leek or Biddulph.

Your appointment in Leek could be at any of the three GP Practices, and your appointment in Biddulph could be at either of the two GP practices.

Your appointment will be with a local GP or Nurse who will have full access to your medical record, although may not necessarily be from your usual practice.

The Primary Care Network is continuing to develop the team of clinicians to improve the service to Patients and now has a team of five Pharmacists, a Pharmacy technician, three Social Prescribers, a Dietician, two Occupational Therapists and a Mental Health Practitioner.

In addition, two Physiotherapists and two more Pharmacy technicians will be joining the team in the coming months.

The whole purpose of this enhanced team is to provide a greater range of care and support to patients close to home reducing the need for patients to travel out of their immediate area wherever possible to receive support and treatment.

Bas Pickering Leek and Biddulph Patient Locality Group

LEEK LIFE SELFIES

Lots of smiley faces in town

W

e, at Leek Life Magazine, just love filling our publication with lots of smiley faces.

Here we have a selection of Leek Life Selfies which have been kindly sent in to us by some of our readers.

What has your family been up to lately? Please email your pictures to be considered for use in our 'Leek Life Selfies' to our editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com.

26 Leek Life Issue 50

Lilac enjoying her doggy breakfast at The White Hart Tearoom. Photo

by Louise Edwards

Angie Love next to the stone lion off Stockwell Street in Leek

GARDENING

Hesperantha coccinea

H

esperantha are one of those lovely late bloomers that surprise and delight us gardeners every

autumn with their stunning show of brightly coloured flowers whatever the weather.

They are members of the iris family and closely akin to crocuses. Unlike crocuses they grow from rhizomes that spread underground and send up flat, sword-shaped leaves more like an iris. They grow to 1-2ft / 30-60cm tall.

The most popular and hardy ones are varieties of H. coccinea, meaning bright red, and the wild types are crimson in colour. These are said to be hardy to -5C or 10C depending on who you ask, but we ve never lost one due to cold. Flowering goes on from August to November or even December, with the occasional flower in late spring. Garden breeding has given us lots of varieties all in shades of red, pink or white. All are equally easy to grow requiring only a rich soil and yearly feeding to perform well.

Crimson Flag or River Lily are the accepted common names, the latter telling us about its native habitat.

Hesperantha means Evening Flower, relating the colour of the flowers to the pink of a sunset.

They perform well in wet or damp soils but will spread fairly rapidly. They are bit shorter in stature in dry soils but slower to spread. Enrich dry, poor soils with compost every couple of years.

We ve found them to be excellent cut flowers and all the varieties associate well together, so a vase of mixed stems is so attractive.

The wild species has star-shaped crimson-red flowers.

The variety Major is taller and a bold scarlet-red with fuller flowers with rounded petals.

There are many pink varieties. Fenland Daybreak and Mrs Heggarty are mid-pink with dark striations, Sunrise is rose pink with large flowers, and Pink Princess (aka Wilfred Bryant ) is the palest pink, nearly white.

Alba has a lovely green throat to the flowers that adds to the purity of the white petals.

These are such easy and adaptable plants to grow that brighten the shortening days of autumn when all else is fading.

Janet and I run Plant Hunters Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering special reduced entry rates on the plant fair dates. Watch out for our 2022 calendar of plant fairs available on our website this Autumn. We have plant fairs at at Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield, Adlington Hall near Macclesfield, Sugnall Walled Garden near Eccleshall, The Dorothy Clive Garden, Carsington Water, Cholmondeley Castle, and lot s more exciting venues across the Northwest & Midlands. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for details.

Martin Blow

LOCAL AUTHOR DAVID

Murder mystery novel set in Leek

A

Leek man put the pandemic lockdown to good use by spending much of the time to write his first novel.

Publication of The Buried Secret, a murder mystery set in Leek and the Moorlands, fulfils a long-held ambition for retired journalist David Cliffe.

I ve spent decades writing and researching factual articles, but never tackled anything fictional. It s been great fun to try something new, he said.

Set against a background of Edwardian times in the Staffordshire Moorlands, the book has brought together David s love of detective fiction and a keen interest in local history. He researched firsthand accounts of life in the early years of the 20th century to weave together an authentic picture of the lives of local people. The book

includes scenes in mills and markets and at events such as Leek Agricultural Show and Longnor Races.

At the heart of the book is the character of photographer Nathaniel Blake who turns amateur detective when he becomes unwittingly involved in a gruesome crime that shocks the district. Little does he realise the peril that awaits, especially when his teenage daughter Cora begins her own investigations.

Although much of the action takes place in and around Leek, there are several important scenes set in the villages of Flash and Longnor and on the Roaches.

I think this is the first murder mystery novel that centres on Leek, said David. The characters and the plot are definitely fictional, but there are many references to actual places and events because I wanted

to make the story as believable as possible.

I ve collected local photographs and books from the Edwardian period for a long time, so I had a lot of source material to draw on, he added.

Producing a full-length novel was also a challenge for someone more used to writing news stories of a few hundred words long.

Hopefully I ve been able to maintain the suspense to keep readers turning the pages to the end! the author said.

The Buried Secret is published in paperback, price £8.99. It is available in Leek from Picture Book in Stanley Street, or direct from David by emailing books@davidcliffe.com

Leek Life Issue 50 27

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

National recognition for the Old Mill

I

t is always good to read about a success story, especially right here in our hometown of Leek.

The Old Mill Smokehouse and Craft Beer Bar in Haywood Street opened its doors in November 2018. It followed a massive conversion of two floors of the former Masons textile mill, more recently Haywood Antiques.

It was the brainchild of the business owner and local man Nathan Walwyn and wife Bernadetta. They wanted to create something different for Leek and went on extensive research tours, visiting many places in both the UK and abroad to see what they thought would work well in the grand old Victorian building.

They wanted to build on the already well established real ale and craft beer scene that Leek is famous for, as well as make a different kind of food offering. The ground level bar area boasts three cask ales and up to ten keg craft beers which range from easy drinking session beers to specialist (and very strong) imperial

stouts sourced from local, UK wide and international breweries. The first floor restaurant area offers a range of freshly prepared food, cooked, grilled and barbecued right in front of diners.

The whole of the building was painstakingly stripped back to its original brickwork shell and has been sympathetically but comfortably furnished with minimally nonintrusive industrial type materials such as reclaimed wood for the bar, steel and wooden beams, plus scaffolding poles and planks making up the majority of the tables and seating.

This minimalist approach, the attention to detail and making the most of the industrial heritage of the building is what impressed the judges of the CAMRA Buildings Committee who have awarded a Highly Commended certificate to The Old Mill in the Conversion to Pub Use Category in the CAMRA National Pub Design Awards.

The original presentation was scheduled for a glitzy national awards ceremony in April of last year. But as the dreadful Covid pandemic took hold and everything that moved was ordered to close by the Government, it never actually took place.

I was very happy indeed to present the long overdue certificate to the Old Mill in September on behalf of the National CAMRA Awards Committee. All credit goes to Nathan, Bernadetta and the whole team for the success that The Old Mill clearly is.

It once again proves, as if proof were needed, what a great place Leek is to live and to visit, with its wide range of pubs and bars, to dine out and soak up its naturally friendly atmosphere among great local people. Cheers!

Steve Barton Chairman of the Staffordshire Moorlands branch of CAMRA

28 Leek Life Issue 50

Look out for the new paper coming to town!

Be sure to look out for the all new paper for Leek the Leek & Moorlands Echo.

Our new weekly publication will be coming to local media outlets very soon.

It will also, after it has been launched, be available online at our website www.timesecho andlife.co.uk.

If you have any news for the Leek & Moorlands Echo, email Belinda at news@timesandecho.co.uk, or call her on 07941 806986.

To advertise call our office on 01538 752214 (leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible), or email one of our advertising reps: tom@timesandecho.co.uk or jane@timesandecho.co.uk.

JOKE TIME

Time for a giggle

H

ere our local Jester Chris Sproston, shares with us some of his latest jokes to help keep those winter blues away:

Do Snowmen ride Icicles?

Captain Scott sat on the ice and got Polaroids.

Is a Snowman with a six pack an Abdominal Snowman?

Do women in the Arctic stay young looking using cold cream?

Do Snowmen dance at Snowballs?

Does Santa carry an umbrella because of the Reindeer?

There’s a Snowman rapper called Froze-T What do you call a penguin in a desert?

Lost.

When an eskimo builds a house, does Igloo it together?

When the penguins wife is annoyed with him she gives him the cold shoulder.

The Polar Bear called off his wedding because he had cold feet.

What do you call a seagull in winter? A Brrrrd

Whats the difference between an Iceberg and a clothes brush? One crushes boats and the other brushes coats.

Do Snowmen think carrot cake tastes like bogies?

Is a slush puppy a snowman’s pet?

Why do bees stay in the hive during winter?

Swarm.

The psychic who only predicted snow was looking into a Snowglobe!

THEATRE

Win a family ticket to see Aladdin

A

fter a long wait, pantomime returns to Buxton Opera House this Christmas with a spectacular production of Aladdin.

Probably one of the most popular pantomimes ever written, Aladdin is the tale of washer woman Widow Twankey, her lazy son Aladdin and the mischief they get up to when a rich long-lost uncle appears in search of a magic lamp. Expect plenty of songs, dancing and laughter on a rollercoaster ride with more ups and downs than a journey through the Peak District!

Aladdin opens at the Buxton Opera House on Friday, December 11 and runs until Saturday, January 1, with a wide range of performance times. There will be a relaxed performance on December 15 and a British Sign Language interpreted performance on December 28. To buy tickets, contact the Box Office on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.

30 Leek Life Issue 50

Leek Life Magazine has teamed up with Buxton Opera House to offer one lucky reader a family ticket, for up to four people to include at least one child, for the 7pm show on December 22.

To be in with a chance of winning the family ticket, answer the following question.

What is the name of Aladdin’s mum in Buxton Opera House’s panto?

Your answer.........................................................................

Your name............................................................................

Your address..........................................................................

Your daytime contact number ..............................................................................................

Post entries to: Leek Life Aladdin Competition, Times & Echo, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire.

ST10 1BD. Entries must arrive by 5pm on December 14, 2021. Competition is subject to change by the venue.

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Leek Life Issue 50 31

REflECtIonS CoAChIng

Beautiful people I have met some beautiful people whilst meandering through life. My closest and longest friends, and also random people who enter life s journey for short periods.

I talk about the sort of people who cross your path just once, but enhance your life when they are part of it, no matter how little time you spend in their company. They would make amazing friends, but that isn t part of their destiny.

Recently, I found myself in the care of a lovely group of such ladies at the Royal Stoke Hospital.

A recent diagnosis means that I am currently receiving treatment for cancer. It is an emotional and unplanned road trip scary! And here I am, life coach, mentor and all I knew went out of the window because who coaches the coach?

In a month, I have learned so much about what a diagnosis like this means. It has brought home to me what the power good friends and small acts of kindness can have.

Details are unnecessary but my third set of tests led me back to the Breast Care team at Royal Stoke. The radiologists and nurses are caring and nurturing, and I spent three and a half hours in their care. The last 90 minutes involved three of them taking turns to apply pressure to my very small but very stubbornly bleeding wound. It is rare, I understand for it to take this long, but it is reassuring that I don t hold the record.

During that time, we laughed despite the weight of my current situation. We shared stories of pets and holidays and we talked about positivity and its significance as I take this path.

Not once was I given the feeling that I was taking up too much time, nor did they mention they had not managed a coffee break or that there were other patients waiting for their turn.

Wonderful people like these beautiful ladies are everywhere if you seek them out. My

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Email: Caro@reflectionscoaching.co.uk. www.carolyntrafford.com READER S PICS

Beautiful scenes of the Moorlands

W

hat a most lovely area of Middle England we live in! Isn t it just fantastic to be able to take a quick drive, or in some cases even a walk, out of town, to be instantly greeted by the luscious green countryside of the Moorlands?

Here we have some fantastic photos of our Moorlands scenery which have been kindly sent in to us by some of our readers.

Have you snapped a stunning local scene recently?

Email your pictures to news@timesandecho.co.uk.

32 Leek Life Issue 50

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE? Call Thomas Brian on 01538 752214 or 07855242693, or email tom@times andecho.co.uk Leek Life Issue 50 33

financial matters

State Pension to increase by 3.1% The UK state pension is set to increase by 3.1% in 2022/23, in line with September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This means the basic state pension is set to rise by £4.25, from £137.60 per week to £141.85 per week, while the flat-rate state pension is set to rise by £5.55, from £179.60 per week to £185.15 per week.

The latest ONS data shows UK inflation (CPI) grew by 3.1% in September 2021, a figure that results in a number of state benefits being uprated annually in line with this figure, including the state pension.

However, had the government chosen to retain the earnings element of the triple-lock based on wage growth, the state pension could have increased by 8.3% next year. This would have instead

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increased the basic state pension to £149 per week, and the flat-rate state pension to £194.50 per week.

The Treasury is calculated to save around £4.5bn as a result.

Investment platform, AJ Bell, suggested the decision to suspend the earnings element of the triple-lock for 2022/23 will therefore “cost” retirees in receipt of the full flat-rate state pension £9.35 per week.

“The government’s decision to suspend the earnings element of the state pension triple-lock means retirees will miss out on a blockbuster 8.3% increase,” said AJ Bell head of retirement policy, Tom Selby. “This decision will ‘cost’ someone in receipt of the full flat-rate state pension £9.35 a week in retirement income – or £486.20 over the course of the year.

“Each one percentage point increase in the state pension costs the Exchequer an estimated £900m, meaning the Treasury is likely to save around £4.5bn as a result of the move. For savers, the decision to ditch the triple-lock was another reminder that the state pension, while valuable as a retirement income foundation, remains uncertain and subject to the whims of politicians.

“Both the amount you receive and the age you receive it has been subject to significant reform over the last decade. It is therefore crucial anyone wanting control over their retirement and a standard of living above the basic minimum covered by the state pension saves as much as they can as early as they can, taking advantage of matched contributions and tax relief and allowing compound growth to work its magic over the long-term.”

UK state pension to increase by 3.1% next year by Michael Griffiths - 20/10/2021 https://www.moneyage.co.uk/uk-state-pensionto-increase-by-3-1-next-year.php

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34 Leek Life Issue 50

If you have any queries about this or require any other pension and investment advice, please give us a call at Brian Mellor Financial Services – 01538 371288

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