Leek Life Issue 56

OUR PROMISE TO YOU...

At Leek Hearing Centre,

care

through

for the

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.

Victoria Marshall

the best

of

See some of our

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.

Julie Riley

Google

this place issues. Went and what Came out service with people 10/10.

Donations time for Lions

Leek Lions have donated a large amount of ladies toiletries to the Daisy Haye Independent Living Care team in Leek. Lion Lynda Demaid-Jones recently visited the venue to present Lucy Watts, Daisy Haye’s Senior Team Leader, with the club’s donation.

ALions

club in the Moorlands has been making donations of items to help the elderly and also some to help youngsters in their community.

MUSIC ALBUM

“A heartbreaking yet beautiful experience”

Asingerwho lost her music and life partner last year is releasing an album of songs which the couple had recorded but never released before.

Leek musician Marcus Birks sadly passed away at the age of 40 last Summer, just over three months before his son Blu was born.

Marcus’s wife Lis is set to release the album ‘Unfinished Heartbreakers’ next month after digging out some recorded songs the pair had never released before.

Tracks on the album, include original demos as recorded by Lis and Marcus in 2011, as well as remixed versions of some of those songs.

Lis said: “The album has songs that we wrote and recorded in 2011 which we never had the chance to release. Some songs have never been heard by the public.

Meanwhile, a selection of wooden garden furniture has been given to Blackshaw Moor CE First School by members of the Leek Lions Club.

Lions President Alan along with fellow Lions Les and Jack recently delivered the table, benches and planters for the school’s garden.

“Songs me and Marcus co-wrote with our amazing friend Rob Wheeler which Rob has remastered and created this beautiful album for all of us to cherish and remember.

“This album consists of original demos and 2022 masters.”

Lis continued: “For me to listen back to these tracks which I haven’t listened to in years has been the most emotional, heartbreaking yet beautiful experience.

“To hear his voice in its rawest form and the emotion he puts into his raps on the tracks is just incredible, it’s amazing how differently you listen to someones voice when that someone has been taken away from you knowing you will never hear their voice again.

“This album is the last ever album of me and Marcus, I do hope people enjoy it as much as we did and as much as I do now.

“I know Marcus would be so excited for people to hear these too.

“The album will be released in time to honour his birthday in November.”

The Unfinished Heartbreakers album will be available on all digital platforms from November 11, and can be preordered at https://presave.to/mFR014D.

There will also be physical CDs of the album available from www.fujecords.com.

“History is so important”

It’s

sometimes funny as we go through life, sometimes not quite believing what we see and what we hear.

Of course, the world still goes around and we are sure of a day and night regularly. The little things that make it so different are the things that have changed and the things that are different than they were.

I always seem to drift back to my younger days as a married man in Brecon, Wales. Looking at the mist in the valleys to the snow on the peaks of the mountains. The chill wind or the heat from the ever burning sun. Always the same, never any different. But back then, we looked after our towns and villages in a different way than we do today. We still had ‘bad apples’ but somehow they were small fry. Today it’s different.

Here in our lovely town of Leek, we can tell the difference between the standards of yesteryear to those of today. Today, we can see people’s attitudes are different from long ago. Lists of faults and attitudes in Leek are many but so is people’s attitudes to the society that we all live in.

We have the wonderful Blues and Americana Festival, bands in Brough Park, lots of different events always happening. We can go with the flow of activities here in Leek or we can stay at home or walk around town moaning about the traffic jams, parking issues, cars going through the bus station, etc or, as I have often said, we can do something about it, even if it’s getting in touch with our councillors and making sure that things do happen.

As I walk around town centre as your town crier or as me, I chat to so many people about

issues that they worry about or are very positive about their lives in Leek.

One man and his wife approached me one morning and he said that “old cross on the market square” should have a bit of historical history told on it. Some tourists have said the same, asking what it is and where it came from.

So, something for the historians and councillors to put together. Is it really important or not? Of course it is and always has been. We make our history over the generations.

I’m far from an historian but history is so important, as this special town has it by the bucketful. And don’t let it slip away.

The Civic Society looks after our historical buildings therefore our history. I have celebrated my seventh year of being Leek town crier and a certain gentleman said: “why do I have to celebrate seven years service?” On-one else does.

Well, there is only one town crier and I have served this town faithfully and will be 77 years old in November.

I will be resigning sometime in the future as it is a good age to put my feet up and my bell in the cupboard. When? Wait and see.

I thanked all those that have stayed with me and respected me and, indeed, shown their affection toward me and for all that, I will be forever grateful.

Summers, Winters change and so does our outlook on life. But Leek stays the same.

Looking forward to the next few years hopefully as town crier, Santa or just me. Wait and see.

Take care of each other.

Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas

Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor news@timesandecho.co.uk

Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk 07817128582

Erin Tuckwell Tracey Redfern Design & Production

Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

Lots of change in the air

Soit’s not just the seasons that are currently changing as we go from Autumn into Winter, but there’s lots of change in the air nationally, what with a new monarch settling into Buckingham Palace and also No 10 set to have a new tenant … ..again.

Change can often be good for society but it’s also nice to keep hold of those traditions which can help keep communities grounded and together.

For Leek, we have several of those coming up – and our community certainly knows how to support such events.

We have Remembrance Sunday coming up on November 13 where we will be remembering the fallen not only by gathering at the foot of the Nicholson War Memorial in the morning but

also at the Ball Haye Green War Memorial in the afternoon.

Then we have our festive extravaganza of the Leek Lights Switch On Event which, this year, will be taking place on Friday, November 18.

Once again, families will be able to enjoy a host of activities from fun fair rides, Santa’s Grotto, live music, charity and community stalls, and also just generally enjoying being out in town together with fellow residents.

I do hope everyone has a most wonderful festive time this year!

In this edition of the Leek Life Magazine we have our usual fabulous contributions from a variety of Leek folk, and also a number of features looking at what’s been happening and what’s to come in our lovely Moorlands town.

Happy reading!

Until next time – take care!

Belinda

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Thank you to the lovely folk who have kindly contributed photographs for this picture spread of this year’s Leek Blues & Americana Festival including Linda Ball, Graham Stone and John Crimes.

Buzzing atmosphere for town festival

Therewas most certainly a buzzing atmosphere in a Moorlands town this Autumn as a popular music extravaganza made a welcome return.

The volunteer-led Leek Blues & Americana Festival 2022 took place at many pubs and other entertainment venues across Leek from Wednesday, September 28, through until Sunday, October 2.

A multitude of local, national and also international talent took to the many stages to provide some fabulous sets of live music which were enjoyed by

hundreds of folk across the town – with many also getting up to dance along to the tunes.

A spokesman for the festival said: “We would just like to say a big thank you to all the musicians, venues and their staff, sound guys, volunteers, sponsors, and anyone else who helped make this years festival the big success it was.

“Lastly thank you to every single person who traveled, came out, danced, sang along to the music and who hopefully enjoyed our little Blues & Americana festival in our town of Leek. Thank you.”

TheFoxlowe Arts Centre in Leek is a community run facility in the heart of Leek – standing tall at the top of the town’s Market Place.

The arts centre, which has been run by the community for the community for the past 11 years, hosts a multitude of facilities, events and activities.

There is the Drawing Room Cafe, the main Art Gallery, the Cafe Gallery, the Foxlowe Gardens, the Bromfield function room with two stages, the Fox & Crow Gallery, Mrs Cruso’s Garden Conservatory, The Rainbow Room cinema and talks area, along with the Gateway Shed initiative run at the back of the Foxlowe.

The remaining rooms and spaces within the Georgia building are all hired out to a host of local creative businesses.

Plus the venue has a packed programme of events and activities from film and documentary

nights, creative workshops, comedy gigs, talks, live music, theatre, art and language classes, actors group, as well as a number of community events throughout the year.

To find out more about the Foxlowe Arts Centre and what’s coming up, go online to: www.foxloweartscentre.org.uk.

All things apples for autumn festival

Anannual festival focusing on all things apples has taken place at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

The 2022 Apple Fest took place on Saturday, October 8, and has been declared by the organisers as the best such event at the community-run centre yet.

More than 400 kilograms of apples were brought into the centre and juiced during the event, which ran between 10am and 2pm.

Visitors were not only able to have a go at the juicing themselves, but could learn so much more about apples from the variety of stalls, displays and activities on offer for all the family.

Foxlowe Garden Co-ordinator Alison McCrea, who organised the

event alongside Nigel Williams, said: “This was our most successful Apple Fest yet.

“We had around 420 kilograms of apples come in to be juiced in our wonderful press, which was funded quite a few years ago by Robbie Williams’ charitable fund Give-it-Sum, along with an electric mill that munches up the apples and spits them out to be ready to go in the press.

“We have visitors from Leek and further afield coming in with their apples, and some just to see what the festival is all about.”

On top of the juicing, there was a stall displaying the diversity of apples grown in local orchards; another with a range of nonsupermarket (and tasty) apples for

Tours and displays for open day

Trustees

and fellow volunteers hosted an Open Day at the Foxlowe Arts Centre recently.

The open-to-all event included a number of activities, displays and tours which showcased the many aspects of what is on offer at the arts centre –including tours of the building and gardens. This October it is 11 years since the community of Leek and surrounding areas started to run the Georgian building and site as the Foxlowe Arts Centre, initially leasing and now purchasing the venue for future generations to be able to enjoy the centre.

The recent Open Day saw a steady flow of folk going through the doors to take a look around the building and site, and also put forward any suggestions for the future of the Foxlowe, including regarding the Foxlowe trust’s big dream of extending the back part of the building to provide an enhanced multi-purpose performance and function space.

sale, including some of those grown in the Foxlowe garden; a local craft cider to taste and an opportunity to try and identify any unnamed apple variety.

Other organisations hosted stalls at the event including Moorlands Climate Action and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Alison and Nigel are on the look out for more people to get involved in organising and running the annual Apple Fest at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

Alison said: “We would like younger generations to come on board to help continue the event.

“It takes place once a year and we would like to develop it so that younger people can help organise it.”

If you would like to volunteer to help keep the Foxlowe’s Apple Fest going, contact Alison by emailing alison_mcc@btinternet.com or calling 07753 172564.

Foxlowe trust chairman, Chris Thompson, said: “We invited people to pop in to put forward their ideas for the future of the Foxlowe – in particular with regards to our big plans to extend the building to provide a new theatre space for the town.

“We also hosted workshops focusing on this extension which will include taking a look at the wonderful model of the Foxlowe we have which was made by Steven Kirkby, as a visual aid during such discussions.”

Chris added: “Thanks to all who came to our Open Day and the volunteers who helped out, also Foxlowe gardeners and Cath Walton for the tours.

“Foxlowe’s Film and Leek & District Historical Society stands gave a good insight into what they do.

“We had some great feedback on a future theatre space. There was some positive suggestions for this first public consultation on going forward with an enhanced performance space.

“Tours proved poplar and we will look at doing these again.”

Donations made by theatre group

An amateur dramatic group in the Moorlands has donated cash to charity.

More than £2,500 has been donated by the Leek Theatre Company following a successful fundraising production in the summer.

A spokesman for the company said: “Following the success of Leek Theatre Company’s ‘Concert for Cancer Charities’ in July, the committee members recently visited the two charities to donate the money that was raised from the concert.

“Penny Godwin and Debbie Duffield from the Cancer Research UK shop in Leek gratefully received the cheque explaining that October is ‘Stand Up To Cancer’ month, and shared some of the work they will be doing throughout the month to raise awareness of the charity and the work that is being done currently in translational research.

“The second visit was to Douglas Macmillan where Angie Dawson spent time with the committee members to thank them for the work that went in to raise the money.

“In total, Leek Theatre Company raised £2,557 for the two charities and the concert was a

big success.”

Since the staging of the Concert for Cancer Charities, Leek Theatre Company have been working hard rehearsing for their next production taking to the stage at the end of October at Westwood First School in Leek.

The production is Noël Coward’s ‘Blithe Spirit’ which is a comedy play where socialite Charles Condomine has a life altering evening with the eccentric clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, and the play details the events that follow as a result.

The play will be on stage Thursday, October 27 to Saturday, October 29, with a total of four performances. Tickets are available from Leek Theatre Company’s website or from Leek Post Office or Graingers shop.

The spokesman added: “As well as working on Blithe Spirit, LTC have successfully cast their 2023 musical ‘Wind in the Willows’ which will be going on stage in April 2023. Tickets for this will be going on sale at the beginning of 2023.

“It has been a successful few months for Leek Theatre Company, and the society are looking forward to the future performances.

“For updates on performances and ticket sales keep an eye on Leek Theatre Company’s website and social media pages.”

Angela and Anthea’s Marathon Success

The Rossendale Trust provides care and support to adults with learning d Buxton. Through supported living they empower people with learning disabilities to live with choice and ownership.

has been one of hardest but also best rt from family and friends has been

Anthea had wanted to set herself a challenge and decided on the London Marathon as she had never done one before. She is also a supporter of local charity The Rossendale Trust and decided to raise vital funds for this amazing charity and combine the two together.

We would like to congratulate our colleagues Angela Luznyj and Anthea

Kenyon on completing the London & Chester Marathon early in October. This was the frst marathon they had both attempted. During the weeks leading up to the event, they both endured very strenuous training programmes in order to help them complete the race. Read about

The Rossendale Trust provides care and support to adults with learning disabilities in Macclesfeld, Sutton and Buxton. Through supported living they empower people with learning disabilities to live with choice and ownership. They support over 70 people to live independently.

Running and training for the Marathon has been one of hardest but also best things she has ever done and the support from family and friends has been incredible.

We would like to congratulate our colleagues Angela Luznyj Anthea Kenyon on completing early in October. This was the first marathon they had both attempted. During the weeks leading up to the event, they both endured very strenuous training programmes in order to help them complete the race. Read about their stories below.

Anthea has raised over £3,300 for her chosen charity!

Angela Luznyj who started to run during Lockdown in 2020, has recently taken on the following challenges. F

The Great North Run in September and early this month she completed her very first Marathon in Chester. At she has raised money for a charity close to her heart, Blood Cancer UK, 2021.

Angela Luznyj who started to run during Lockdown in 2020, has recently taken on the following challenges.

Firstly, the UK’s Greatest 1⁄2 Marathon, The Great North Run in September and early this month she completed her very frst Marathon in Chester. At the same time of doing the challenges she has raised money for a charity close to her heart, Blood Cancer UK, following her Mum’s diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in October 2021.

The sponsorship pages are now coming to a close but you can still donate to the charities at Blood Cancer UK – www.justgiving.com/bloodcanceruk

The Rossendale Trust –www.justgiving.com/rossendale-trust

Since 1960 millions have been invest transforming treatments and saving lives. The donations raised will help towards the fight to beat blood cancer for people diagnosed to continue to live a good quality of life.

Angela said taking part in both of th never forget, the crowd support in both Newcastle, Chester & the surrounding areas was just amazing! training through the beautiful local countryside over the summer months and wishes to thank her family & friends for their support and generous donations.

Angela has raised over £2,600 for her chosen charity!

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For 28 years we’ve been dedicated to ofering the best possible advice, service and support to our clients in the community.

Since 1960 millions have been invested in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. The donations raised will help towards the fght to beat blood cancer and make the journey that bit better for people diagnosed to continue to live a good quality of life.

Angela said taking part in both of the events was an experience she will never forget, the crowd support in both Newcastle, Chester & the surrounding areas was just amazing! She has thoroughly enjoyed her training through the beautiful local countryside over the summer months and wishes to thank her family & friends for their support and generous donations. Angela has raised over £2,600 for her chosen charity!

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charity The Rossendale Trust and decided to raise vital funds for this amazing

Tower and underground views for visitors

AMoorlands

church joined in on a national heritage event by hosting two open days – including letting folk climb to the top of their church tower.

St Edward’s Church in Leek was one of many venues across the nation which took part in the recent 2022 Heritage Open Weekend.

Visitors to the old church were able to take a look down some old tunnels below the church, as well as climb up the spiral staircase to get to the top of the church tower to enjoy the views of the town.

Visitors to the 700 year old church could also take a look at the Saxon crosses; famous embroideries; stained glass, William Morris and rose windows; Altar frontals; historic records and photographs.

A spokesman for the church said: “St Edward’s Church is easily the oldest building in Leek. It was rebuilt in the early 14th century after the great fire of Leek burnt down the original mainly wooden church and much of what was then the town in 1297.

“The rebuilt church was consecrated in 1320 and so this year celebrates its 700th anniversary.

“Evidence of Christian worship on the site goes back many centuries before that with remains of 7th and 8th century Saxon Preaching Crosses in the Church and Churchyard.

“The church is steeped in history and guided tours were given during the event pointing out its main features and artefacts.

“It is particularly renowned for its embroideries and Altar Frontals. Many of the

works on display were by the Leek School of Embroidery which was under the direction of Dame Elizabeth Wardle depicting the work of William Morris.

“The south wall and north wall each have a beautiful rose window or wheel window in stained glass. The East Window stained glass is a William Morris/Burn-Jones design. Numerous historical records, registers and photographs were on display.”

They added: “As part of the National Heritage Open Days, St Edward’s Church in Leek had a busy two days enabling over 200 people to experience trips up the tower and down into the mysterious tunnel.

“Many others enjoyed guided tours of the church inside and out.

“For children there was the opportunity to make their own clay gargoyle or stained glass picture as well as searching for church mice.

“If you missed it this time around then please look out for it next September.”

The 2022 Totally Locally Leek Scarecrow Trail took place at many shops and businesses in Leek town centre.

Families were invited to collect a trail map and go on the hunt for the multitude of scarecrows that had been lovingly created and put in front windows of many shops and businesses between September 17 and September 24.

A spokesman for Totally Locally Leek said: “Thanks to all the shops for their wonderful Scarecrows.

“The votes are in and the results are first: Duck Feathers with Queen Elizabeth and Paddington; second: Bibelot with Hayrry Potter; and third: The White Hart Tearoom with Winfred Peck.

“If you missed the scarecrow trail you can see lots of the scarecrows in the Totally Locally Leek window at 7 High Street, until the beginning of November.”

Next up for Totally Locally Leek will be their annual Bat Hunt which will take place on Saturday, October 29.

A map of participating venues will be available for families to pick up and then go on the bat hunt together.

A spokesman for Totally Locally Leek said: “Come and join in the fun at the ever popular Totally Locally Leek Spooktacular Halloween Trail.

of colourful characters popped in to a Moorlands town recently for an annual family event.

Colourful characters in town Anumber

“Pick up a map, follow the trail around Leek to spot the Spooky Bat, collecting treats along the way, complete the trail and get a Halloween Goodie Bag at the end.”

To find out more, go online to: www.facebook.com/TotallyLocallyLeek.

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Let’s talk mayors

Iwasasked to set questions for a quiz for the youth club @21 for the end of November.

Of course, I have agreed to do it and I have been thinking of rounds to write questions on. I thought literary mayors might be a good exercise.

The mayor as hero which is certainly the case with Jean Valjean in ‘Les Misérables’ as the mayor of Montreuil who rescues an old carter who fall beneath the wheels of his wagon and with superhuman strength lifts the cart off the man’s legs (Don’t expect me to do that in Derby Street).

Closer to home is Denry Machin in Arnold Bennett’s short novel ‘The Card’ which was successfully filmed in Burslem in the early 1950s with Alec

Guinness. It is an excellent watch. It is based on a real character Harold Hales who has a Leek connection in that he won a wager to ride a Penny Farthing bike in a race with a horse from Stoke to Leek.

Another hero is Samwise Gamgee the faithful supporter of Frodo Baggins in ‘Lord of the Rings’ after his stout exploits in preventing the Dark Lord Sauron taking over the world becomes Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive terms.

The much-claimed greatest novel in the English Language ‘Middlemarch’ has a mayor the penny pinching rather puritanical Walter Vincy. More problematic is Michael Henchard in Hardy’s ‘Mayor of Casterbridge’ who has a skeleton in the cupboard having sold his wife in a Dorset market many years before. No such skeleton exists in this mayor’s cupboard.

More dubiously even than that is Larry Vaughn the foolish mayor of Amity in ‘Jaws’ who tells the holiday makers that it is safe to return to the beach. A spoiler alert, it isn’t.

Then you have the villains. Step forward Oswald Cobble Pot also known as the Penguin who schemes to become Mayor of Gotham with murderous consequences. Then Sideshow Bob the Gilbert and Sullivan loving Bart Simpson hating habitual jail bird who became for a time the mayor of Springfield.

More positively the adoptive parents of Superman the Kents get involved in local politics and Jonathan Kent became Mayor of Smallville in Kansas. A comic character I recall reading of was Peppone the Communist mayor of a small town in Northern Italy constantly at odds with the local priest Don Camilo. Although they constantly squabble about politics the irony is that both have the well being of the town at heart and the truth of the situation is that both men have admiration for each other.

Finally, the mayor who Side Show Bob defeated Mayor Quimby, the man who somehow manages to hold onto power for a horrifying amount of time. As corrupt as he is inept, he represents everything that is wrong in politics. A man with few scruples and no brains: “I propose that I use what is left of the treasury to move to a more prosperous town and run for mayor … once elected I will send for the rest of you.”

Councillor Bill Cawley Leek Town Mayor

Apetpooch has had the honour of being a town mayor for the day – all in aid of boosting donations for a foodbank.

15-year-old terrier Grizzly was elected by Leek Town Mayor, councillor Bill Cawley, for the civic role in order to help raise awareness of his campaign for pet food at the town’s Foodbank.

Both Grizzly, who is owned by Angela Keane, and Bill were spotted at various locations in town during their campaign on Tuesday, October 4.

Bill said: “Mayor Grizzly accompanied me in collecting pet food from Morrisons in Leek which was later delivered to the foodbank.

“We later visited Sainsbury’s to collect other contributions.”

Leek Town Mayor councillor Bill Cawley

Pooch Grizzly was mayor for the day

What’s on in Leek and the Moorlands

Wehave 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.

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.

Regular Events

Borderland Voices

Creative Writing at Leek Health Centre every Wednesday at 10.30am-12.30pm, plus Expressive Art at 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: www.borderlandvoices.org.uk.

Rock Choir

7.30pm-9.30pm at Trinity Church, Derby Street, Leek. Every Thursday. Cost: £25 a month. Details: www.rockchoir.com.

Roller Disco

Every Saturday at Brough Park Leisure Centre. 2.30pm-4pm. All ages and abilities welcome.

Sunday Supplement

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’ independent shops, cafes and pubs will also be open. First Sunday of every month.

Coming Up

Friday, October 28

Leek Morris Dancers

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

Market & Car Boot

Sellers set-up from 7am-7.30am, visitors

7.30am until noon at Cattle Market, Junction Road, Leek. Most Sundays. Details: www.facebook.com/leeksundaymarketandcarbo ot or www.leekcarboot.co.uk.

Haunted Halloween Ball Hosted by music band Unlucky Strike at The Silk Mill, Market Street, Leek. Guests at the ball will be attending a glittering 1920s themed relaunch of the ‘Unlucky Strike Hotel’ a century on from its sudden closure in tragic circumstances. A series of clues and a cast of characters will be on hand to help guests uncover the spine-tingling mystery of the hotel’s past – and discover whether the ghosts of yesteryear still haunt it today. Advance tickets £8, or £10 on the door. www.wegottickets.com/event/555217.

on page 20 >

Coming Up

Saturday, October 29

Totally Locally Spooktacular

Halloween Trail in Leek town centre. A map of participating venues will be available soon for families to pick up and then go on the bat hunt together. Details: www.facebook.com/TotallyLocallyLeek.

Flash Village Hall Halloween Disco at 6.30pm at Flash Village Hall. To include a Pea and Pie Supper, bar, disco, fancy dress and more. Details: www.facebook.com/Flashvillagehall

Halloween Disco at 7.30pm at the Prince of Wales, Fernwood Drive, Leek. Costume competition, disco and karaoke.

Hocktoberfest at Leek Hockey Club. Live Oompah Band and food available. £15. Details and tickets 07973 680384.

Sunday, November 6 Leek Rugby Club Bonfire and Fireworks at the grounds of Leek Rugby Club, Chestnut Walk, Cheddleton, near Leek. Gates open at 5pm with bonfire lit at 6.30pm. Food and drink will be available. Donations welcome which will go towards supporting Leek RUFC and chosen charities.

Wednesday, November 9

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Event at 7.30pm at Salvation Army Centre,

Salisbury Street, Leek. An Evening of wildlife films by international award winning filmmaker Peter Durnall. Admission £3. Details: 01538 398842.

Sunday, November 13 Remembrance Sunday – 10.45am at the Nicholson War Memorial plus in the afternoon at the Ball Haye Green War Memorial.

Friday, November 18 Leek Lights

Switch On at 5pm in Leek town centre. To include: fun fair rides, charity and community stalls, Santa’s Grotto, live music from The DAB, and lots more. Hosted by Leek Town Council.

Saturday, November 26 Charity Ball at The Three Horseshoes, Blackshaw Moor, near Leek. In aid of Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Animal Lifeline, and Dunwood & Horton First Responders. Details: 07518 074185.

Friday, December 9

Twilight Market at 5pm-8.15pm in the Trestle and Butter Markets in Leek. With lots of stalls, live music, bar and hot food available. This year hosted by Leek Town Council.

Friday, December 16

A Lark in Leek. A Festive Feast of Funny at Leek Cricket Club with Justin Moorhouse, Phil Ellis, Rob Mulholland, and Jonny Brook. £15. Details: find Leek Cricket Club on Facebook.

What’s on at the Foxlowe Arts Centre

Art Exhibitions: Exhibition by Jack Skinner until October 29 in the first floor gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, between 10am and 4pm. Following exhibition will be a Christmas Exhibition featuring local artists running from Saturday, November 5 until Saturday, January 7. Plus art in the Drawing Room Cafe by Kim Major-George, running until October 15. Cafe is open Monday to Saturday, 10am4pm, plus the first Sunday of the month.

Foxlowe Films: Every Tuesday evening with doors open at 7pm for 7.45pm screening time. Tickets £5. Coming up –Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG) on Tuesday, November 1; Drive My Car (15) on Tuesday, November 8; Everything Went Fine (15) on Tuesday, November 15. Plus documentary screenings: Wednesday, October 26 with ‘Riverwoods: An Untold Story; and on Wednesday, November 30 with ‘The Rescue.’

Saturday, October 29

SKAlloween. Music. With the Skalinskis, Smoke Like a Fish, The Social Ignition, and Packet Racket. Doors 6.15pm for 7pm. £15. Dress to scare.

Thursday, November 3

Leek’s Comedy Club. With Alex Boardman, Philip Simon, Mary Flanagan and Dave Twentyman as compere. Doors 7pm for 8pm. £10.

Friday, November 4

The Trials of Cato. Music. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm.

Sunday, November 6 British Nature – Crisis or Opportunity? Informative Talk by Mark Cocker. Hosted by Moorlands Climate Action. 1.30pm. Admission £5.

Wednesday, November 9

Is That a Bolt in your Neck? Theatre. With Gonzo Moose. 7.30pm. £13.50 (£10 for students).

Saturday, November 12 Jeffrey Foucault with Eric Heywood. Music. £14.

Monday, November 14

Leek & District Historical Society. Informative talk. With ‘Leek’s Silk Heritage’ by Cathryn Walton. £5 for non-society members. Doors 7pm for 7.45pm.

Thursday, November 17

Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland. Comedy. Doors 7pm for 8pm. £20.

Friday, November 18

The Dunwells. ‘Tell Me What You Want’ Tour. Music. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm. £15.

Thursday, November 24

Foxlowe Supporters’ Evening. 7pm. Our annual update evening for all of our muchvalued supporters. All welcome.

Thursday, December 1

Leek’s Comedy Club. With Duncan Oakley, Paul Ricketts, Mike Keenan and Dave Twentyman as compere. Doors 7pm for 8pm. £10.

Saturday, December 3

Staffordshire Contemporary Artist and Designer Fair. Also on Sunday, December 4. 10am-4pm. Free admission.

Thursday, December 15

Seth Lakeman – accompanied by Alex Hart. Music. Doors 7.30pm for 8pm. £20.

Sunday, December 18

A Christmas Carol. Theatre by the Foxlowe Actors Workshop. Also on Monday, December 19. More details on website soon.

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

Ten years of successful shop local initiative

Ashop

local initiative is celebrating after a decade of their award-winning monthly shopping experience in the Moorlands this year.

The Totally Locally Leek Sunday Supplement began ten years ago with a single stall outside a gift shop in the Moorlands town.

Now, a decade on and the event includes a full artisan and food street market, with 70 plus stalls, indie shops, cafes and pubs opening every first Sunday of the month. The event now also includes a host of live music from a multitude of local talent.

A spokesman for the initiative said: “It all kicked off with a table full of glassware by Sarah Myatt Glass outside Colloco on Sheepmarket in August 2012. A month later Sarah, and Marc Briand (Totally Locally Leek hero), organised a handful of stalls to try and start a Sunday market and to encourage shops and cafes to open their doors for an extra day of trading, and the rest they say is history.

“The market is run solely by volunteers who give up lots of time to make it work, getting going was hard but we stuck with it, our traders have been amazing and it’s steadily grown to what it is today, and we are super proud of it.”

At a recent celebratory Sunday Supplement there was lots of additional entertainment in celebration of the 10th birthday of the event.

They included Circus Academy of Leek, Leek Morris Dancers, Synchronicity Dance, Madula

Drummers, as well as the usual live music which is co-ordinated by local musician John Crimes.

Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas visited the town centre event as usual but this time giving a special birthday celebration ‘cry’ at the event.

Co-organiser of the Sunday Supplement, Jonathan Green, told the Leek & Moorlands Echo: “The town was packed and buzzing, described by some as a carnival feel.

“Our huge thanks goes to all our wonderful traders, and fantastic public, who turned out to support the market, and celebrate with us.”

Marc Briand, one of the co-founders of the Sunday Supplement said: “When Sarah Woolliscroft and I had the idea for the Sunday Supplement market it wasn’t anything radical, you could see examples of weekend artisan markets around the area.

“Ten years ago Totally Locally Leek and Foxlowe Arts Centre were having a big impact on Leek.

“It was a time though when I’d often see something and think: “Why doesn’t Leek have

one of those?” - be it an artisan market, a food and drink festival, parades with giants, a blues festival - and with the right people getting together these things started to happen.”

Marc continued: “With the Sunday Supplement we wanted to make at least one Sunday a month a shopping day in town, a boost for the town centre independent shops, a chance for new businesses to start up, test their produce before going on to open a shop or supply local shops and a social day for residents to meetup on a chilled day in town - so in many ways more than ‘just a market.’

“And it worked well, from small beginnings with nine stalls and as confidence grew, traders were applying to have a stall, the atmosphere helped by local artists performing, flash mobs and entertainment.

“Soon the Sunday Supplement became a

destination with up to 80 stalls, visitors coming to Leek for a day trip and won an award from Towns Alive for Economic Development in 2013.”

Marc added: “The market has gone from strength to strength, survived the lockdown pandemics with Jonathan Green, one of the traders now running the show with Sarah.

“It’s one of the things, along with Totally Locally, that I’m most proud of being involved with - and to think when we first started we were repeatedly told it would never work, people don’t come into Leek on a Sunday.”

Co-founder of the Sunday Supplement Sarah Woolliscroft said: “I’m so proud to be a cofounder and a part of the team of volunteers who make the Sunday Supplement happen every month.

“The 10th anniversary on Sunday was fantastic and quite emotional to see all the visitors, amazing products from our community of traders and all the entertainment. Leek was buzzing.”

Here we have a selection of photos from the tenth anniversary event and also from previous Sunday Supplements. The photos have been kindly supplied to us by Jonathan Green, and some of them have been taken by Ian Dakin.

Cash boost for aid support campaign

An

aid support campaign in the Moorlands has received a cash boost thanks to a motorcycle club.

The Leek and Cheddleton Aid Support for Ukraine has been running a successful fundraising appeal to help those affected by the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Bank House in St Edward Street, Leek, has become a hub for people to drop off donations of items and cash. The initiative is being led by councillor Roy Molson.

The scheme has recently received a cash boost from the Staffordshire Moorlands Motorcycle Club.

Members had taken part in The Bluestones Cup Trial in July where each competitor donated their entry fee to charity.

A total of £1,220 was raised which the club has shared between two local charities, one being the Leek and Cheddleton Aid Support for Ukraine, and the other being the Longnor & Flash First Responders.

Club member Scott Ellis said: “Trials riders at the recent Bluestones Cup Trial raised £610 for the Leek & Cheddleton Aid for Ukraine Fund.

“Roy Molson accepted the cheque on behalf of the fund. Mr Molson said that the money would be used to help fund the next shipment of aid to Ukraine, which would be going in the next few weeks.”

Scott added: “We are very keen to support worthwhile charities.”

Mr Molson said of the donation: “Thanks to the kind donation of funds to support the Ukrainian appeal, the Leek and Cheddleton Aid Support for Ukraine group were able to transport a quantity of medical equipment to the Ukraine with our partners at Rapid Aid.

“We are most grateful for any help with equipment and finance.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Leek and Cheddleton Ukraine Fund can call Roy on 07905 901443. For further information go online to: www.facebook.com/leekaidsupportforukraine.

Pictured is Roy Molson receiving the cheque from the committee members of the Staffordshire Moorlands Motorcycle Club. From the left to right, Scott Ellis, Pat Trafford, Roy Molson, Paul Mountford, Andy Hipwell.

Today is a Gift

“what ifs,” the “should we? shouldn’t we?” It is usually based on negative thoughtsthe fear that the worst will happen.

However, it is important to weigh up all the risks. These are not friends from around the corner, they are 6 hours away and we have not seen them since January. We do not know when we will get the next opportunity to see them.

My brush with cancer last year grounds me. My scars remind me daily that life is short and none of us knows what is around the corner. We could say, “See you next summer” – none of us know that we will for sure, do we?

This is not about being a glass half empty person, for me it is just a stark reminder that it is as important to ask the questions “what happens if we don’t do this?” as it is “what happens if we do?”

W

hen I talk about putting things off, it is usually about procrastinating. I have had significant practice, and spend much of my time helping others overcome their habit. Today, however I want to share with you my thoughts and feelings about the future.

We recently needed to review plans with friends that had been in place for some time. Covid raised its ugly ahead again. We have just returned from holiday with it and are probably at low risk or re-infection; however, our friends have been in very close contact with someone who has tested positive. Much debate continued, all about risk, to us, to them, and to them becoming incapacitated during our visit.

It is just an example, but how often do we have huge debates like this. All the

So I will leave you with this advice, yes, we have to live for the future, but also for the today.

Work hard, play harder, treasure your loved ones, see them as often as you can and dance and sing like there is no tomorrow.

“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Bil Keane.

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!’. This interactive book is available from her online shop: https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.co m/Dont-Just-Dream-It-Achieve-ItBook-p196854491).

Symptoms of menopause

Peak Chiropractic and Kinesiology, which has a branch in Leek, was founded to “restore health and independence to the people of Staffordshire and Derbyshire so they can enjoy their future with the ones they love.”

Their mission is, as a continually involving clinic, to “remain fascinated with exploring ways to support and enhance our clients level of health for themselves and those they love, throughout their lifetimes.”

Here is an advice article which has been written for Leek Life Magazine by Leek clinician Jade Cunningham, entitled: The five most common symptoms of menopause - plus five you’ve never heard of.

Most sources will say there are 34 symptoms of menopause, but some list as many as 52. The truth is that we don’t really know, as every single woman will experience the menopause differently. I’m going to list the most common ones, as well as a few less common but equally important.

Hot flashes

As your estrogen levels start to drop, your glands release higher amounts of other hormones, which messes with your brains ‘thermostat’, which in turn causes your body temperature to fluctuate, resulting in hot flashes.

Chills

Same as above, as your hormone levels start to change, your body's ability to regulate your body temperature is strained, resulting in you experiencing both ends of the temperature spectrum.

Vaginal dryness

As estrogen levels drop, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more easily irritated, resulting in vaginal dryness, or vaginal atrophy. Often presents as irritation, burning sensations, or pain during vaginal intercourse.

Irregular periods

Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period, but during the perimenopause years, your periods may start to become irregular as your hormone levels start to change. For those

that use hormonal contraceptives or other medications that affect hormone levels, this might not be as obvious, so a blood test may be needed to determine if you are menopausal.

Reduced sex drive

The drops in testosterone and estrogen levels often leads to low libido during menopause, and many women may become less sensitive to touch and less easily aroused, reducing the desire to engage in sexual activity.

Urinary Tract Infections

As estrogen levels drop, the vaginal wall thins, which can make it more prone to infection. Some women also find it harder to fully empty their bladder, which increases the chance for infection.

Headaches or migraines

Hormonal changes are a big trigger for migraines in lots of women, which is why headaches and migraines are very common during menstruation. However, estrogen withdrawal during menopause can increase the severity of them.

Metallic taste in mouth

Very rare, but some women experience changes such as pain or burning on their tongue, lips, gums, or mouth in general. Taste buds may also change and you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This is due to estrogen levels dropping, which can make you more sensitive to pain.

Dry and itchy skin

Estrogen is needed for elasticity in the skin, so as estrogen levels drop, the skin starts to change. It may start to feel dry and itchy, and break and crack more easily too, especially at night. The skin of your scalp can also be affected, and the dry skin can cause your hair to fall out or start to thin.

Brain fog

Menopause can influence your memory and language skills. The drop in estrogen levels causes many women to struggle remembering new information, or recalling old information too. It can also present as an inability to pay attention, unable to make decisions, poor focus and concentration, and less capacity for abstract thinking.

As mentioned at the start, every woman will experience the menopause different. These are just some of the many symptoms reported during menopause, and you may experience, all of them, none of them, or any number in between.

If you think you’re going through menopause, or are perimenopausal and want to find out ways to help manage the symptoms, get yourself booked in with one of our team.

For further details go online to: www.peakchiropractic.co.uk.

Welive in a most stunning area of Middle England and are so lucky to have such wonderful countryside right on our doorstep.

Here is a selection of fabulous photographs of our Staffordshire Moorlands which have been kindly sent in to us by reader Cliff Salt.

HAVE you snapped a stunning local scene recently? Email your pictures to news@timesandecho.co.uk.

“Leek really does have it all”

Thereis nothing finer than sitting down in the warm sunshine with a pint of decent beer, in convivial company, in one of the many beer gardens that our great range of Leek pubs have to offer.

I can count at least a dozen off the top of my head that have some form of outdoor seating area, whether to the front or side or some even make the most of a tiny, enclosed back yard. And that is just in our town centre pubs.

Now at this time of year, as autumn is fast changing into winter and the temperature drops, maybe sitting outside with a pint might not be a sensible option. But once again the wonderfully diverse range of Leek pubs come to the rescue. As we have about a dozen town centre venues that have outdoor seating for the warmer, summer months, we also have a similar number that can boast a cosy open fire or log burning stove. Now what can be better than sitting with a decent pint in your hand, while having a chat with decent folk, with the warm glow of real flames as a backdrop.

Of course, very many of the surrounding village pubs have great beer gardens and real fires too. But for our very own small town, we can really sit back and confidently say to the world: “Leek really does have it all.”

PATIENT LOCALITY GROUP

The 2023 CAMRA produced Good Beer Guide, the UK’s premier pub and beer guide, has just been published. Please raise a glass with me to celebrate some local entries in the Good Beer Guide for 2023.

Leek pubs lucky enough to have been voted by local members to be in the Good Beer Guide are, The Roebuck, The Fountain and The Blue Mugge. In the wider Moorlands area, we have what are now becoming regular entries in The Black Lion in Cheddleton, The Black Lion at Consall Forge, The Lazy Trout in Meerbrook, along with The Huntsman and The Bird in Hand which are both in Cheadle.

2023 sees three new rural pubs proudly take their place in the changing local pub world. These are The Greyhound at Warslow, The Black Lion in Butterton and the community owned Auctioneers Arms in Caverswall. Well done to all of our local entries in this prestigious national publication. Cheers!

Steve Barton Chairman of the Staffordshire Moorlands branch of CAMRA

Vaccinations for Covid and Flu

There has been some unfortunate confusion regarding the local provision of the Autumn booster vaccination for Covid and also the annual Flu vaccinations.

This confusion is due mainly to the restrictions placed on NHS organisations such as GP Practices and Primary Care Networks in making announcements in the press. Any such announcements have to be presented to and approved by the NHS CSU media team.

The concern of patients regarding the provision locally was not helped by the NHS nationally advising patients that they were eligible for the vaccine via text messages and they could book at a local centre e.g. Milton, some two weeks before vaccines were available in Leek.

The Primary Care Network had decided to offer vaccinations in Leek at their individual practices and were organising the programmes giving both vaccines to meet the demand based on the delivery date of Covid and Flu vaccines (Moorland Medical Flu vaccine delivery October 5). They were unable to advise patients until late September, once they

had completed the vaccination of care home residents and housebound patients by 30th September as instructed by NHS England.

The programme of vaccination at each practice requires the support of volunteers and in the case of Moorland Medical a total of 23 volunteers are involved over 4 x 7 hour clinics October 13 and 15, and November 5 and 17.

The total number of eligible patients in the three Leek Practices is around 11,000 but some of these may choose to take up the national offer. Similar programmes are in place in Biddulph covering the two Biddulph Practices.

The Walk in Clinics run at Leek Fire Station are organised by Midland Partnership Foundation Trust as part of the provision of Walk in Clinics across Staffordshire and local GP’s are not consulted about the timing of this provision.

It is hoped that the interested parties will when confronted by concerns from the public about the health provisions in Leek and Biddulph check the facts with the PCN Medical Director, Dr Neil Briscoe. By Bas Pickering

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

Beluga whale died in August straying into which French river?

PETA called for which roundabout in Leicester to be renamed Vegan Pie Roundabout?

Which streaming service overtook Netflix to have the most paid subscribers in August?

recent Loch Ness monster sighting turned out to be what animal going for a swim?

Sydney Opera House lit up what colour in honour of Dame Olivia Newton-John in August?

Which delivery company changed its name to Evri in 2022?

Which 20-time Grand Slam tennis champion retired from the sport at the Laver Cup in September?

Which company is the main sponsor of Manchester City’s home strip?

Which animals rest on their backs in floating “rafts”?

Which literary character was born in York with the surname Kreutznaer?

Which national flag features a cactus, an eagle and a snake?

What is written on the letterbox of 10 Downing Street?

Where is Europe’s only population of wild monkeys?

Which logo features an incomplete jigsaw globe?

Which muppets were named after New York hotels?

two Michael Caine films are named after African peoples?

Halle Bailey plays the role of which Disney character in a new Liveaction version?

plays the part of Gepetto in the live action version of Pinocchio?

is 12

in England what time is it in Orlando, Florida?

the musical adaptation of which Roald Dahl book does the title character sing, “Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty?”

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steeleemail: pnsteele@aol.comPaul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon. Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

Persicarias with Personality

Persicarias

are not widely known or grown in gardens and perhaps a reputation for spreading quickly and widely has counted against them, but I think it’s time to take another look at them as if chosen wisely there are many beautiful and undemanding gems amongst this family. They have a personality and presence all of their own and there are varieties for sun or shade.

Starting with the flowering types, these are often recommended for boggy ground where they will romp away, but all mentioned here will also thrive in dry soils.

The low growing, weed smothering Persicaria affinis - Himalayan bistort or fleece flower forms a mat of glossy leaves and trailing stems that root easily and have short (8in / 20cm) spikes of white flowers that gradually turn brick red as they mature giving an attractive mix of colours on the plant at the same time from July to September. The leaves also take on lovely autumn colours. These are easy to keep to their allotted space as they have no deep, spreading roots. There are lots of varieties which are more or less the same. We grow “Dimity” or “Superba”.

The larger pale pink bistort is a native wildflower and does have deeper roots that will eventually spread and so is useful to fill larger spaces. The variety “Superba” has larger flowers from May to June and then again in August and September.

The red bistort or mountain fleece flower (Persicaria amplexicaulis) has more choice of size and flower colour from the original brick red “Atrosanguinea” to the pure white “Alba”, the flaming “Firedance” and the soft pink of “Rosea”. These grow to about 3ft / 90cm tall in flower although there are some shorter ones like “Inverleith” (deep pink) and “Blackfield” (dark red). They grow from a surface rhizome so it is easy to chop off and remove any unwanted growth each winter. These flower from July to October.

The flowering Persicarias are all really attractive to bees and hoverflies and

provide a long season of food for them.

There are also some wonderful Persicarias grown mainly for their colourful leaves, often looking like they should be tender houseplants when in fact they are really hardy. All will grow in sun or shade.

Perhaps the best known is “Red Dragon” growing to 3ft / 90cm tall with dramatic red, grey and dark green leaves. This is a clump former that doesn’t run at all. “Purple Fantasy” has even more colourful leaves with a bold “V” in white between red and green. He is shorter (30-40cm / 1216”) tall and is more spreading. “Painter’s Palette” has pale green leaves wildly splashed and daubed in red and white. A hard, late spring frost might damage the fresh growth, but these tough plants soon grow again.

All the foliage types can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. All produce flowers but these are small and insignificant.

Persicarias are full of personality and mix well with other garden plants giving a long season of interest and with a little work can be a valuable part of your beds and borders. Why not give them a try?

Janet & 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 2023 calendar of plant fairs available on our website this Autumn.

We have plant fairs at Capesthorne Hall near Macclesfield, Sugnall Walled Garden near Eccleshall, The Dorothy Clive Garden, Hodnet Hall, Weston Park, Carsington Water, Cholmondeley Castle, and lot’s more exciting venues across the Northwest & Midlands. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for details.

Martin Blow

David Clar Anna Mcleod