Leek Life July August 2016

JULY/AUGUST 2016

LEEK & DISTRICT SHOW

Life

Popular agricultural show returns for 54th year

WIN

ouse tickets H a r e p O n o t • Bux ily pass • Flip Out fam

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN CONGLETON GARDEN CENTRE 71 Moss Road, Congleton,Cheshire, CW12 3BP

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST

Leek and Moorlands Fishing Club ...28 Leek College......................................30 Cheddleton Carnival..........................31 Bagnall Village Fete ..........................32 Property ............................................34 Gardening .........................................38 Ken Wainman Associates .................40 Open Gardens ...................................42 Petstay...............................................46 Editor’s Letter......................................6 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust..............47 Royal Honour ......................................8 Quiz Corner.......................................48 Leek and District Show......................10 Westwood Golf Club .........................49 Way of Life .........................................12 Tour of the Potteries .........................50 Recipes for Life ..................................16 Sport England....................................51 Leek Twinning Committee ................18 Reflections Coaching ........................53 Leek Arts Festival ..............................20 Butterton Moor House......................54 Party in the Park ................................22 Flipping Fabulous Competition........55 Stage Directions.................................24 Friday 26th April - Sunday 28th April Motoring Support Staffordshire ........................25 Come and join us for fantastic deals throughout the weekend ...........................................58 Classified...........................................66 Amateur Dramatics ...........................26

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01538 756 333 Kingsley: Stoke-on-Trent ST10 2EH

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A bit of the ordinary in these extraordinary times

Deborah Boden Contents Editor debbie@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton Tracey Wardle Design & Production Thomas Brian Advertising 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

think it's fair to say history was well and truly made on 23rd June as the British public voted to leave the European Union. While changing times, particularly economically are no doubt ahead, it is the uncertainty of how this decision will affect us in the coming months and years which is the concern for many. Perhaps it is still too early to say, one thing is for sure people have exercised their right to vote, an important part of living in a democratic society, and a decision has been made. For now, life goes on, and for most of us it will continue as it always has done.

So with summer now firmly underway, the good old British weather has been predictably unpredictable for some of the big summer events which have taken place in and around Leek over the previous weeks.

Leek Life got right in on the action at the fabulous Party in Park (A right Royal Knees Up) held in Brough Park in June. A 100 metre giant waterslide took centre stage in the town park for the day as well as a climbing wall, zip wire and bucking bronko for the adrenalin junkies out there to get their fix.

There was certianly a lot of fun and frivolity had by all who attended, with the intimitent showers unable to dampen the party goers spirits (although I suspect the bar down at the park may have played a part in this too). Check out the pictures from the two days inside.

As usual we focus on several local clubs and groups highlighting the great work they do and the activities which they offer and make available to people right here in the Moorlands. In particular the brilliant news of the funding going to Rudyard Sailability and Leek and District Gun Club.

And finally we look ahead to the big events still to come this summer including Leek and District Show, Cheddleton Carnival and Bagnall Fete to name but a few. These wonderful community events rely on our support so please show yours if you can.

So as we emerge on these extraordinary times, perhaps it is a bit of the ordinary which might help us in a very British way to 'Keep calm and carry on'.

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Deborah

Front cover photo courtesy of Brett Trafford bretttrafford.com 6 Leek Life July/August 2016

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ROYAL HONOUR

RECOGNITION FOR DAVID

doctor from Leek has become an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in HM The Queen’s 90th birthday honours.

Dr David Shiers, is clinical advisor to the National Audit of Schizophrenia and was recognised for his service to vulnerable people.

The now retired GP became involved in mental health services when his daughter became ill in the mid-90s at the tender age of 15.

David said: “Advised by her psychiatrist, I complained about the lack of suitable services for young people.

“The complaint was taken very seriously by the West Midlands Health Authority, and generated a small and highly committed group intent on radically reforming services to provide early intervention for psychosis, exactly what my daughter and others like her were not receiving at that time.

“This group was to lead one of the most important mental health reforms of the last two decades.”

In 2002, David changed his career to jointly lead the National Early Intervention in Psychosis Programme.

Collaborating with international colleagues in pioneering early intervention reforms in many

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other countries, David has contributed to initiatives involving the World Health Organisation and the International Early Psychosis Association.

The latter gave David its lifetime achievement award in 2012.

More recently he has participated in developing National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the care of young people experiencing psychosis.

In particular David has sought to improve their frequently poor physical health, teaming up with Sydney colleagues to lead an international initiative entitled Healthy Active Lives.

This interest has included participating in major national research projects, alongside his recent academic appointment to Manchester University.

David added: “One reason you complain is so others don’t have to go through what you did – a few years ago I attended the 10th anniversary celebration of the North Staffordshire Early Intervention team and vividly recall a mum, tears in her eyes, thank a team member for helping her son – that mum’s gratitude confirmed for me how much our local services had changed.”

David moved from Manchester in 1981, to work as a GP in the Fountain Street surgery.

He and his family love the small market town and its way of life.

David is also a keen chess player and founded the annual competition at Cheddleton and Leek Chess Club which involves playing six rounds of speed chess while drinking home-brewed beer.

The competition trophy, which was made by David’s own hands, is known as the Knackered Knight.

To find out more about the work of the North Staffordshire Early Intervention team visit: www.ei-team.org.uk.

More information about the International Healthy Active Lives programme is available at: www.iphys.org.au.

LEEK AND DISTRICT SHOW

Thousands to flock t POPULAR FAMILY DAY OUT RETURNS FOR 54TH YEAR

nticipation for Leek and District Show 2016 is building as competitors from across the Moorlands prepare to display their wares at the 54th annual event.

Renowned for the quality of livestock classes and a popular day out for families across the region, Leek and District Show is likely to once again attract thousands of people to Birchall on Saturday 30th July.

Some of the best specimens of cattle, sheep, goats, shore horses, poultry and dogs will be judged on the day, while competitions will also be held for horticulture, floral design, pets and crafts.

The two main show rings will provide a wealth of spectacular entertainment throughout the day, including the ever-popular traditional Grand Livestock Parade.

A host of trade stands and marquees hosted by community groups and organisations will be at the show, which is sponsored

by Leek United Building Society for the third year.

Derek Torr, President and Show Director, said: “We were delighted when Leek United became our main sponsor, and it is a relationship that has worked out extremely well for us all.

“Together, we want to ensure that the show continues to grow and improve year on year. We have all the support we could ask for from the town’s principal building society and all we need now is good weather on the day to bring the crowds out.”

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LEEK AND DISTRICT SHOW

Photos: Brett Trafford

k to Leek Show 2016

Leek Life July/August 2016 11

WAY OF LIFE

Preserving Leek’s hi THE BATTLE FOR UNIQUE LEEK t may seem unthinkable today, but some of the lovely architectural features and open spaces we now take for granted in Leek town centre were once under threat.

Plans to replace the Butter Market and some of the town’s listed buildings with a shopping arcade sparked a campaign which garnered column inches in the national press and led to several years of controversy and political upheaval.

30 years on, the woman who spear-headed the drive to preserve Leek’s unique features, Janet Broome, looks back on the battles between residents and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in the mid 1980s.

Janet said: “The council was going to sell the freehold of their buildings in the town centre,

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which included the market hall and would have meant the demolition of 17 listed buildings.

“The idea was to create a shopping arcade, build council offices and provide car parking.

“They were going to keep the ornate frontage of the butter market, but it would be turned into an arcade of 20 shops.”

Two different redevelopment plans for the town centre were described as “a shopping centre of numbing mediocrity” and “gauche and obtrusive.”

Janet wrote letters, organised petitions, lobbied councillors and travelled to the House of Commons to deliver a petition to David Knox MP, which lead to a call-in by the government prompting a public inquiry.

As well as pushing the campaign in the local press, Janet urged the national press to support the bid to prevent the Victorian and Georgian heritage of Leek being demolished.

Journalists took up the call, seeing Leek feature in columns in several newspapers, the

WAY OF LIFE

historic town centre most influential being a double page spread in The Guardian on Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th February 1989, while Lady Lucinda Lambton created a documentary about the issue for Yorkshire TV. The battles raged over several years, prompting the formation of the Rate-payers Association, which won 21 seats in the local elections of 1991 and seeing the council’s redevelopment plans covered in The Independent, The Telegraph, The Guardian and popular satirical magazine Private Eye. Janet added: “Private Eye helped us so, so much.

“The journalists Gavin Stamp and Kenneth Powell met with me in the Red Lion and it was falling down around us, it was so shabby.

“The first article about Leek appeared four days later in The Saturday Telegraph.”

The battle over the redevelopment continued until 1994, when shock election results, a parish poll and on-going campaigning for the

sympathetic refurbishment of the town’s heritage, saw the collapse of the controversial redevelopment plans.

Now, as Leek enjoys relative prosperity with rising house prices, a busy town centre and a vote of confidence from the likes of Waitrose and Premier Inn, Janet is keen to ensure the fight to preserve Leek’s unique features is not forgotten.

“Leek has been recognised as one of the best high streets in the country,” she said. “We still have our beautiful Butter Market, The Red Lion, so many lovely buildings and our Market Place preserved in its original form.

“These all contribute to Leek being such an attractive place to live and work. They are vital to programmes like Totally Locally and are assets to the town.

“The battle to preserve our town was won, but we can never take for granted that the war is over.

“It’s up to all of us to make sure that Leek stays unique.”

Leek Life July/August 2016 13

Wines

Whisky

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Choose from a selection of blended whisky, single malts, rare and collectables as well as our very own independent whisky label...

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Our Enomatic Wine Dispenser, the world’s number one wine serving system, provides up to eight wines for you to try, or choose any bottle from the store.

Relax with friends to taste and enjoy.

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ese whiskies are ideal for the serious whisky enthusiast or collector, with only a limited number of bottles of any rare cask available.

Under the Queen of the Moorlands whisky label we also have a 10 and 15 year old Speyside single malt, which are both proving very popular.

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Our tasting events provide a great opportunity to try new wines, whiskies or spirits.

Events can run in conjunction with local venues and restaurants or at your home where we come to you equipped with wine, glasses and tasting notes.

If whisky is more your tipple then we regularly arrange whisky tasting evenings. Contact us to find out when the next event is happening.

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RECIPES FOR LIFE

TICKLE YOUR TAPAS TA SMALL DISHES BIG ON T

It's getting warmer and that can only mean one thing - outside dining! Tapas is the perfect way to enjoy a summer's evening; sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely few hours sampling little bite sized dishes bursting with flavours.

Piedmontese peppers This is a great recipe for summer tapas, and it's low calorie too. Lots of beautiful Mediterranean flavours in this dish - enjoy!

Preparation time: 0 mins to 1 hour Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour Serves: 4 Ingredients: 8-12 ripe plum tomatoes 4 red peppers, stalks left on (for decoration), cut lengthways in half, seeds removed 4 garlic cloves, sliced 5-6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 large canned anchovies, cut in half lengthways small handful fresh basil

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Method: Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.

Pour boiling water over the plum tomatoes, leave for 10 seconds, carefully remove from the water and refresh in a bowl of cold water. Peel off the tomato skins.

Place the halved peppers into an ovenproof dish (preferably one that will be nice enough to present later), cut-side up.

Place the garlic inside the peppers and then fit the tomatoes inside too, pushing them gently into the space. Add a small pinch of salt and a grinding of freshly ground black pepper. Spoon over the olive oil and then place into the oven.

Bake for about 45 minutes to one hour, turning the heat down a little if you notice any excessive scorching of the peppers.

Once they are nicely softened and have slightly collapsed, remove the peppers from the oven.

Criss-cross each pepper half with an anchovy, baste with the oily juices and allow to cool to room temperature. Top with basil leaves and serve.

ASTEBUDS N TASTE Summer prawns with garlic butter This simple recipe for prawns in a garlicky sauce makes a delicious addition to a tapas spread just add lots of crusty bread.

Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: less than 10 mins Serves: 2-3

You are always welcome at

The Hollybush Inn

Delicious homemade food served everyday including Sunday when we serve a traditional roast, and delicious daily specials

• Families welcome • Outdoor play area • Dog friendly • Large beer garden • A selection of real ales Canal Side, Denford, Leek , ST13 7JT

01538 371819

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 50g/2oz butter 12 large raw prawns 2 garlic cloves, crushed salt and freshly ground black pepper small handful parsley, chopped Method: In a wok or a large pan heat the oil and butter.

Add the prawns and garlic and stir well Stir fry until the prawns are pink (about 4-5 minutes).

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and scatter the chopped parsley over.

Serve at once.

51 ST EDWARD STREET, LEEK, ST13 5DN

Leek Life July/August 2016 17

LEEK TWINNING COMMITTEE

Leek residents recall their I

n April a party of people left Leek to visit Este the town in Italy, twinned with Leek. They were visiting on the weekend of the town festival ‘Este in Fiore 2016’ where the town and castle grounds are full of a riot of magnificent colours of hundreds of flowers.

Several of the party had visited Este on a number of occasions before and renewed friendships they had made with people who had visited Leek.

For Barbara and Anthony Wood it was their first time in Este, although they had hosted visitors in Leek on several occasions. And for another member of the party, 10 year old schoolgirl Bethany, who was accompanied by her grandmother, the trip was a whole new adventure. She had been allowed time off school to experience living with an Italian family.

Apart from the flower festival, the twinning committee in Este had planned a very busy time for the group, which included a visit to Venice, Padua and to many local sites as well as some lovely meals enjoyed together.

The visitors gave their own account to Leek Life of their first trip to Este.

Bethany recalled the following: “When we got off the plane, we went to meet the family that we were staying with and they were very kind. There were three girls who were learning English and I helped them with their home work.

“I went to a birthday party where we sang happy birthday in English. The next day we went on a bus to Padua, it was very hot. We were looking around and found an ice cream shop.

The next day we walked to the town and looked at the flowers. Nannie took me to see the castle, it was very nice.

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“I enjoyed going to Italy because it was hot and the views were amazing. On Sunday we went to a big church and to a farm for dinner where there was a lot of food and I played with the cat.

Renato took us for a ride to the hills where I saw a monastery. The day after we went on a train to Venice, I got very excited, we also went on a water bus and looked around Venice, I fed the pigeons. When we got back we had a giant pizza again. The next day we got on the plane to home.”

Barbara and Tony Wood described their first trip to Leek’s Italian twin town of Este as ‘wonderful’ with the couple receiving the same warmth and hospitality in return for that shown to Italian guests who had previously stayed in their home on several trips to the Moorlands.

Speaking to Leek Life the couple recounted their trip: “What a wonderful experience for Antony and myself to be part of the visit to Este In Fiore, arranged jointly by Leek and Este’s Twinning Committees.

“We were told what a beautiful place it was; so we expected to love meeting people; seeing new places; and having new experiences generally.

However, we were not prepared to be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and fragrances of stall after stall of flowers and vegetables; initially in the Castle grounds (which were stunning in their own right) and then spilling out to fill the streets on the Sunday, along with the usual market stalls that we might expect to find in Leek. The sight of so many people, all on the same mission of trying to take everything in, was a joy.

“We felt this was the right time to make our first visit to Este, having hosted Italians ourselves a number of times when they have visited Leek.

LEEK TWINNING COMMITTEE

eir first experience of Este

“We were part of a group of nine intrepid travellers from Leek and the surrounding area, this in itself was a new experience for us, having previously only travelled as a couple, or with family and friends. We were met, after our flight to Marco Polo Airport, Venice, by taxi and then driven to Este, where we were given a warm welcome by Walter Pieressa and our hosts Bruno and Renata Businarolo.

“We visited Padova on Friday, which was full of the most memorable buildings, one of which was the Palazzo Della Ragione (built between 1218-19). What was very striking was its enormous size and the fact that the great wooden horse inside, was not noticed at first sight, another building was the Basilica De Santo Antonio (built 1232-1300). We found out that the webcam on The Chapel of Saint Anthony, films the area around the Tomb of St. Anthony every day for the whole day.

“It was a magical experience to meet people, see new vistas, hear new sounds, taste new food.

Over Saturday afternoon the pianist Paola Zanarella really washed our senses with the playing of his grand piano in the Piazza Maggiore, (which was awash with colour and the scent of the most gorgeous flowers and vegetables.) We watched as he set up and then played for three hours. Magnificent! He did all this again on Sunday.

“We were joined at our host’s home for lunch on Sunday by all but two of our fellow travellers (who had been invited out by old friends). We were joined also by Luigia and Guidio (Luigia is the Chair of the Este Committee and the daughter of our hosts).

“It was a most exquisite banquet of food, fun and laughter. Guidio then took us to the Villa Benvenute, a site of archaeological importance.

This was rounded off by an evening meal with the guests and their hosts at The Beatrice Hotel.

It was a pleasure to have Paolo Baldo translate the menu into English (as we remembered he had done many times back in Leek, translating English into Italian.)

“On Monday it was a pleasure to meet our guide to Venice, Franceso, whom we had hosted back in November when he visited Leek. Two of our companions had been invited out by their hosts and so seven of us ventured forth. It is always a moving experience anticipating visiting this beautiful city; and we were not disappointed.

“The weather was more than kind, with the sun shining and temperature up to 27 degrees; this, combined with the wonderful hospitality of our hosts at their 16th Century home made for a magical, unforgettable experience.

“Once home it was back to reality. Always good to turn the key after a time away.”

Leek Life July/August 2016 19

LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL

Celebrating 40 years ORGANISERS PUSH THE BOAT OUT

eek Arts Festival celebrated its 40th year in May with a programme of more than 30 events which proved to be a huge hit.

Festival organisers had pushed the financial boat out to book big names including Scottish songstress Barbara Dickson and Radio 4 News Quiz comic Jeremy Harding to mark their four decades of bringing music, drama and almost every other form of art to the Queen of the Moorlands.

And local folk – together with others who came from as far afield as Somerset, London and even Carlisle – responded by flocking to events at Leek’s Foxlowe Arts Centre in their droves.

Speaking to Leek Life, Festival vice-chairman Phil Edmeades, said: “We took a bit of a gamble on bringing in artists like Barbara Dickson and Jeremy Hardy who don’t usually play venues as small as The Foxlowe.

“They are also very expensive to book, but we wanted this year’s Festival to be something special

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because it is our 40th year.

“Happily, both events completely sold out and we ended up turning people away at the door.

“Everyone enjoyed seeing these two big stars performing in Leek and we are already looking to see if we can do something similar next year.”

Phil said other Festival events were equally popular with Mark Radcliffe’s Galleon Blast, Fairport Convention and the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble also playing to sellout audiences.

He added: “There seems to have been a little more financial confidence in the air this year and people were happy to pay the ticket prices we needed to set to at least break-even overall on Festival events.

“Feedback from other organisations who staged events as part of the festival programme backs this up, with most reporting that ticket sales were up on previous years.”

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We offer stylish rooms, free on site car parking, complimentary wifi and, at weekends, an award winning restaurant that uses great produce from the best local butchers’ and suppliers.

You’ll also be able to appreciate that produce at breakfast time with our Gold award winning sausages and butchers’ dry cured bacon. If a full English is not your thing then how about the finest hot smoked salmon from the Outer Hebrides?

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If you have a special anniversary or birthday to celebrate this year then for parties of 20 – 40 we can offer private dining, lunch or dinner, any day of the week!

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Our restaurant also makes the perfect venue for an intimate wedding celebration providing a day to remember tailored to your wishes.

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For christenings, wakes and business meetings etc a homemade buffet option is also available.

PARTY IN THE PARK

A right royal knees up TOWN CELEBRATES QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH A PARTY IN THE PARK undreds of people of all ages flocked to Leek’s Brough Park to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday as the town hosted its two day Party in the Park event on the weekend of 11th and 12th June.

On the Saturday those with a head for heights braved a go on the climbing wall and zip wire, along with a chance to test out the bucking bronco, and watch some amazing bmx bike and skateboard displays.

Then on the Sunday party-goers got wet and wild on the 100 metre giant waterslide which took centre stage in the park. Over the weekend John Collins’ funfair pitched up, as well as local bands and musicians who came along to play to audiences over the two days of festivities which also featured a popular beer tent, face painting, archery, and many stalls.

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Photo: Brett Trafford

PARTY IN THE PARK

Leek Life July/August 2016 23

Stage Directions

by Richard Lane

Win tickets to see DEATH TOLL at Buxton Opera House desolate ex-hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands is the setting for the latest thriller

by James Cawood (Stone Cold Murder). Death Toll takes place at Buxton Opera House from Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th August 7.30pm and promises audiences a thrilling journey of intrigue and mystery.

A famous playwright and his wife await the arrival of his new 'muse' - a charming and charismatic young actor determined to secure a role in the playwright's latest production.

What starts out as a seemingly innocent, though macabre audition soon leads to an evening of twists, turns and eventually... murder.

Mixing black comedy and shocks of the highest order, Death Toll reinvents the classic thriller genre and will leave the audience breathless and beguiled right up to the

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final curtain.

Tickets are priced from ÂŁ14 to ÂŁ18 and discounts are available. A Summer Season offer is available where if you book for two Talking Scarlet Shows in August (Jekyll &

Hyde, Death Toll or The Wind and the Willows) you will receive 15% off.

To buy tickets call Buxton Opera House Box Office on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

To win a pair of tickets to see Death Toll on Thursday 11th August at 7.30pm answer the following question:

Who was the author of Jekyll & Hyde?

A) Charles Dickens B) J.M. Barrie C) R.L. Stevenson (CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER) Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Leek Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Tuesday 26th July 2016

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SUPPORT STAFFORDSHIRE

Volunteer week thank you Scouts spread positive message

ver 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year and this contributes an estimated £23.9bn to the UK economy. It also results in a rich diversity of activity, from local football for youngsters to luncheon clubs for older people, improving the quality of life for so many.

On Wednesday 11th May, Support Staffordshire arranged for 5th Leek Scouts to interview volunteers who volunteer for 10 different organisations based in the Staffordshire Moorlands. All the interviews were recorded and could be heard on Moorlands Radio during Volunteers Week from 1st to 12th June.

Kathryn Bentham from Support Staffordshire told Leek Life: “This has been a great project as the scouts have had the opportunity to learn about the range of volunteering opportunities and organisations in the Staffordshire Moorlands and the great work that is being done. They have also gained skills which can lead to them achieving their community and communication badges.”

Owen Cullerton from 5th Leek Scouts said this had been a really good experience: “I felt nervous about interviewing an adult for the radio station but I now feel really good that I have done it. I couldn’t wait to hear it on the radio. I have also learnt a lot about volunteering and how organisations and community groups would not

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function without their volunteers.”

There were lots of events going on during Volunteers Week to promote volunteering and to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who volunteers, including the Leek Volunteers Day at the Foxlowe in Leek which was held on Sunday 5th June.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kathryn Bentham, Support Staffordshire Locality Officer on Tel.01538 398240 or email kathryn.bentham@supportstaffordshire.org.uk or drop into the Support Staffordshire Moorlands Volunteer Centre at 9 High Street, Leek anytime between 10am and 12pm Monday to Friday.

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AMATEUR DRAMATICS

Theatre company dish helping of delicious c entre Stage Theatre Company’s next production will take to the stage of Westwood First School in Leek on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July.

Treating audiences to a large helping of comedy with their latest production ‘Tiramisu’, penned by the late John Skelding, the company will perform two evening and a matinee performance of the show.

The comedy arises from the misfortunes of an out of work English teacher, Eric, who is supposed to be hitch hiking around Europe but, by the end of the first day, he has already dropped his camera overboard on the ferry, had his passport stolen and been duped out of his Euros by an unscrupulous lorry driver. He is persuaded to pose as the new holiday rep at the Hotel Bisesti in order to gain his bed and board – with hilarious consequences.

Misunderstandings and confusions abound: but will it all turn out alright in the end?

Directed by Judy Herbert and set design by Ian Wilson, it will be Gordon Wainwright who is well known to Leek audiences who will play

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the main part of Eric, ably supported by Lucy Baker, who recently starred in Into The Woods, along with support from regular actors, Mike Egan and Jeanette Norcup. Also welcomed back to the stage is Chris Morrall, Brian Bogie, Jane Hurst, Jack Richardson, and Sue Wainwright who have all acted with Centre Stage in the past and as well as introducing new actors Isobel Wood and Steph Jelf.

Rehearsals for the show got underway in May with the staging of the play given the go ahead by kind permission of John’s wife, who still lives in the town.

John Skelding lived and worked in Staffordshire all his life, spending the last 20 years in Leek. John was a teacher, as well as an amateur playwright and occasional amateur actor, and was a member of Pittshill Players, Longsdon Amateur Dramatic Society and Leek Players at various times in his life.

He was a lifelong lover of the theatre and of comedy and began writing comedy sketches during his teenage years, inspired by the dry humour of comics such as Tony Hancock and

AMATEUR DRAMATICS

sh up large comedy later the silliness of Peter Cook and John Cleese.

During his time as teacher and Deputy Head at Cheadle High School, he began to write and direct comedy plays and musicals to be performed by pupils and staff, including ‘Definitely not a Pantomime’, ‘A Proper Pantomime’ and ‘The Black Spot’, a musical based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’. He also adapted ‘The Burning Bush’, a musical about the life of Moses, for which he wrote some original songs. ‘The Black Spot’ was later performed at both Leek High School and Longsdon Amateur Dramatic Society in 1998.

‘Tiramisu – an Italian Trifle’ was written following one of his many visits to the Italian Lakes and was set in his favourite hotel on Lake Garda. It pokes affectionate fun at his muchloved family and reflects the trials of family holidays with his wife and two daughters. It was written for, and originally performed by, Biddulph Players in 2000 and later by Leek Players in 2003. Sadly, John died at the age of only 62 not long after this second production.

Audiences are being welcomed to come and

join Centre Stage for an evening of comic surprises when Tiramisu is presented at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday 22nd and 23rd July and at 2.30pm on Saturday. A wine bar will be open half an hour before the performance and during the interval. Tickets will be available from Westwood Post Office and from E&E Grainger in Leek but can be ordered in advance from the ticket secretary on tel. 01538 382546 or from tel. 01538 373560.

Leek Life July/August 2016 27

LEEK AND MOORLANDS FISHING CLUB

Floundering fishing club fter suffering a severe loss of fish due to flooding and predation by pike, cormorants, goosanders, otters and mink, Leek and Moorlands Fishing Club has embarked on a fresh stocking programme with carp, tench and bream for the Heron Marsh fishery, following a lot of time and effort put in by the committee to address the main causes of fish loss.

Leek and Moorlands Fishing Club was founded in 1885 and provides a variety of fishing across the Staffordshire Moorlands. The club has waters at Crakemarsh near Uttoxeter, Heron Marsh at Rudyard, Lark Hall at Bradnop, Deep Hayes at Longsdon and a stretch of the Rivers Dove and Churnet at Rocester.

The club is unique in that it owns virtually all its waters, only renting Deep Hayes. This means that the club is able to invest all of its profits by having a regular stocking programme and

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28 Leek Life July/August 2016

maintain all the waters to a high standard.

The club is run by a very active and pro-active committee who are looking to grow and develop the club over the next few years. Speaking to Leek Life, Club chairman, Cliff Beardmore said: “The committee has been working hard to develop the club and provide a wide range of mixed fisheries in natural surroundings that offers a different fishing experience from those found at the commercial fisheries.

“Over the next 12 months we will be looking to invest heavily in our fish stocks to further enhance the fishing experience for our members.

We will also be looking to improve the access to Heron Marsh at Rudyard so that our members can park closer to the water. We have recognised the ageing profile of our membership and feel that having easy access and good parking facilities is key to attracting and retaining members.”

LEEK AND MOORLANDS FISHING CLUB

ub gets new lease of life In addition to providing recreational fishing, the club has an active match section and holds a series of competitions on a number of waters over the summer and autumn periods. These are usually well attended with a £10 entry fee that is used to reward the top three or four anglers for their efforts. Match weights vary throughout the year but the top weight at Lark Hall for 2015 was over 50 lb with an average of 25lb per angler.

Membership to the club costs £42 for new members, £32 for existing members, £15 for ladies and OAPs and £10 for juniors. The club has held the membership price static over the last three years and offers fantastic value when compared to other clubs in the area.

You can find out more about the club via the new website, www.leekandmoorlandsfishingclub.com or by contacting the secretary, Harry Emery on Tel. 01538 388235 or 07866943623.

Leek Life July/August 2016 29

LEEK COLLEGE

Leading artist to run summer school

ne of Central England’s foremost artists will be inspiring painters at a workshop ran by the Leek School of Art this summer.

Lewis Noble, whose landscape paintings are in public and private collections across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, will be helping amateur artists capture the beauty of the Staffordshire Moorlands on a threeday course running from 18th to 20th July.

The daily sessions, which will run from 9.30am until 4pm, will include drawing and sketching out in the Staffordshire countryside followed by work back in the new studios – known as the William Morris Building - at the School of Art in Stockwell Street, Leek.

Art tutor Anne-Lise Fraser told the Leek Life: “The course is suitable for all abilities and the workshops are designed to provide a solid working practice that will help students to develop as artists and allow them to see new possibilities in their work by removing the preciousness that can so often stifle a painting.”

Lewis likes his students to experience the subject of their art by taking them out into the countryside to sketch what they see, then later fine tuning the sketches by adding colour and texture under his watchful eye.

The three-day course costs £300 including lunch, refreshments throughout the day, some materials and minibus transport into the spectacular scenery of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

For more information or to book a place, contact Buxton and Leek College on Tel. 0800 074 0099 or email enquiries@blc.ac.uk.

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30 Leek Life July/August 2016

CHEDDLETON CARNIVAL

£1 million milestone CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS

heddleton Carnival will be celebrating a massive £1 million milestone this year, after 70 years of united effort to raise funds for charity.

The event - originally called the Basford Bridge Carnival - was founded in 1944 by Ruth Wood, licensee of The Boat Inn, and some of her customers who thought it would be a good idea to raise funds for local charities.

Villager Gloria Harris had the honour of being crowned the first Basford Bridge carnival queen at the event, which was held next to the railway station in the 1940s and 50s before moving to Ashcombe Park Cricket Club where it is still held today.

The carnival committee not only organises the annual event and crowning of the Carnival Queen, but holds a series of fund-raisers throughout the year, with proceeds donated to Cancer Research UK for several decades.

Suzanne Sheldon is part of the organising committee. She said: “Over the years our committee has expanded and we have been able to stage larger and more varied events.

“Fortunately we have a large group of enthusiastic people on board who are always willing to help.

“Coupled with the tremendous support we receive from Cheddleton, Wetley Rocks and surrounding areas our fundraising has just reached the £1million mark.

“This is a major milestone and an achievement

Photo: Brett Trafford

C

which gives us an enormous sense of pride and encouragement to continue with the work that we do.

“Our current committee recognise the importance of retaining village traditions whilst at the same time introducing new ideas so there will be something of interest to everyone.”

Paige Whittingham will end her reign as Cheddleton Carnival Queen at this year’s event, and has spent the last 12 months supporting fundraising efforts around the village as well as climbing Snowdon herself to raise £600.

She will hand over to Victoria Sheldon, 12, a pupil at Edward’s CofE Academy, a member of Stagecoach Theatre Company, young Phoenix Singers, Leek & Cheddleton Chess Club and Leek Floral Art. Suzanne added: “The proceedings will be opened by Karen Bradley, our local MP, who will also be crowning new queen Miss Victoria Sheldon – please come along and support us if you can.”

Cheddleton Carnival is at Ashcombe Park Cricket Club in Basford Bridge Lane on Saturday 13th August.

Leek Life July/August 2016 31

BAGNALL VILLAGE FETE

Vibrant and traditiona NEW CHESTNUT QUEEN SET TO BE CROWNED

T

he picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands village of Bagnall will spring to life once again this year as it celebrates its annual

fete.

Taking place on a new date this year of the 9th July, the fete is a vibrant and colourful, traditional celebration with the highlight being the crowning of the new Chestnut Queen.

As previous years there will be plenty to see and do during the festivities with both modern and traditional events on offer for all the family to enjoy.

The fete begins with a service of thanksgiving in St Chads Church, Bagnall at 1pm, which is shortly followed by a fabulous parade.

This year’s Queen is Annie Rose HoustonSmith, age 9, an Endon Hall Primary School pupil. Annie Rose enjoys dancing, playing the piano and swimming. Speaking to Leek Life Annie Rose said:“I am looking forward to the fete this year and especially the crowning, as I have been involved in the crowning ceremony many times before and have watched some of my friends become Queen. My favourite part of 32 Leek Life July/August 2016

the fete will be the dog show, because the tricks are amazing and the clothes are so cute. I know that this year’s fete will be so much fun. Please come along as there are many games and stalls to be enjoyed.”

Other members of the retinue are: Maid of Honour - Eva Holdcroft age 8 Crown Bearer - Emily Laura Baines age 9 Scarlet May Tinwell age 8 Grace Woolley age 8 Poppy Mae Wain Chidlow age 8 Tilly Thursfield age 7 Madeleine Fletcher age 5 Flower girl - Harriet Briand-Hall age 3 Flower Girl - Poppy Vincent age 3 Crowds will be treated to Maypole dancing by local children, salsa dancers and children’s games along with a variety of stalls including local produce, cakes, crafts and a raffle stall.

Animal lovers are not forgotten and can enter the ever increasingly popular Dog Show, there will be a range of 14 classes and prizes and rosettes are kindly sponsored this year by local businesses including Samuel Makepeace and Hannah Jones’ Academy of Swimming who will

BAGNALL VILLAGE FETE

nal village celebration

Photos: Brett Trafford

be sponsoring the best puppy class. Beautiful rosettes and prizes will be on offer for entrants.

An addition to this years’ fete includes a flower arranging competition, the church will be open on the Friday evening beforehand and the Saturday morning for people to bring their flower arrangements, these will be judged by local florist Jo Oldfield.

Finally in the evening the fete will draw to a close with a BBQ, Pimms tent and live music entertainment from local bands, everyone is welcome to join in the evening celebrations.

Bagnall Village fete really does have something for everyone, so why not go along and join in.

The fete helps to raise funds to maintain the Moorlands Village Hall building, which serves the communities of Bagnall, Light Oaks and Baddeley Edge. The traditional fete has been held in the village since the 1920’s in the form of an agricultural fayre and originally featured the crowning of the Rose Queen. The Chestnut Queen fete revives these traditions and was established in 1997 on the centenary of the planting of five chestnut trees on the Bagnall Village green to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 – the trees give their name to this new ceremony.

Leek Life July/August 2016 33

PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Are you looking to rent your property?

If so Hunters are here to get you there Preparing yourself to let your property

Step 1: Contact two or three local agents and arrange a valuation. These should always be free and without obligation. A good agent will advise you on rental value, the types of lettings services available – ‘Fully Managed’ or ‘Tenant Find’ - and how best to present your property for rent.

Check that the agents will accompany all viewings – this is proven to increase rents achieved and the time it takes to get your property let.

Step 2: Educate yourself. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your personal capital investment, mortgage implications, outgoings and rent yields – a good agent will be able to talk you through this, we also recommend you seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser.

Step 3: Instruct an established, knowledgeable and accredited agent who demonstrates a thorough understanding of lettings legislation and landlord responsibilities as well as a proven track record in letting properties quickly and efficiently.

Your agent should show you ways in which they will market your property to get you the highest price and to let it as quickly as possible.

Step 4: Confirm plans with your agent to get the property tested and inspected ready to go to market. You will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate and CO2 & smoke detector checks. Your agent should coordinate and arrange this for you, along with an Inventory & Schedule of Condition once a let is agreed.

Step 5: The agent will prepare comprehensive property details for print and online, on their

own website and on the major property portals.

Make sure they market your property on both Rightmove and Zoopla to capture the widest audience. They should also contact ‘hot tenants’ to begin to arrange viewings.

Preparing your property

• Create a good first impression inside and out.

Clean and tidy throughout with well finished neutral décor creating a welcoming feel and an appeal to a wide market.

• Keep it practical. Avoid cream/light coloured carpets or sofas – darker colours will keep their appeal for longer. Don’t forget to leave appliance user manuals; this can avoid un-necessary call outs!

• Create space and leave a blank canvas. Ensure no personal items are left, the tenant wants to imagine their own belongings and feel at home straight away. Put up “picture hooks” for tenants’ use – avoiding unnecessary extra holes in the walls!

• Sell the area. Local area guides, amenities and transport links - make sure you and your agent have excellent local knowledge to sell the area to the relevant audience as this will attract a higher price.

Consider these handy tips in order to help you achieve the highest possible price and a quick, efficient let.

If you are looking to let your property call us today on 01782 626522 to book a free valuation.

Leek Life July/August 2016 35

PROPERTY

G

Great service from Chris and Dan “The house sold in 2 weeks for a price in excess of what we thought we would get and I would strongly recommend Chris and Dan to anybody selling a property”

Christopher Kay Leek

Your local property expert in Leek that’s open 24/7 Get your FREE home valuation appointment EweMove.com/Leek or call Chris on 01538 54 24 54

36 Leek Life July/August 2016

Ch rist o

Hi, I’m pher W

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lth all B ranc h Dire ctor of Ew eMove Leek

GARDENING

AVOID A VOID

PROPERTY

Christopher Walthall, EweMove, Leek

Marketing your property

Tenant vetting

Market rent valuation

Prepare for viewing

Keeping your tenant

Customer service

Turn a viewing into a tenancy

www.ewemove.com/leek Leek Life July/August 2016 37

GARDENING

Desirable daisies F

by Martin Blow

or the lawn-proud garden owner daisies are weeds to be fought with and removed at all costs. For the flower gardener the daisy family are one of the glories of summer and the most desirable flowering plants. From low growing carpeters to 8ft giants for the back of the border there is a daisy for every garden. This month I’ll share some of my favourites from my own garden with you.

Technically daisies are members of the Aster (or Michaelmas daisy) family and all have a rayed petals and a disc or cone at the centre and all share the same attractiveness to bees and butterflies.

Let’s start with Asters, those late bloomers that come in a range of colours from white, through pink, lavender to the dark purple. The best of these is the variety ‘Mônch’, which blooms from August and never gets mildew. I also love the tall growing ‘Calliope’ who has black stems, glossy leaves and flowers in October and November. Aster need a reasonably sunny spot and soil that holds some moisture - so mulch them well in spring.

38 Leek Life July/August 2016

For brighter colours you can’t do better than Heleniums – one of my passions. We have a large collection in our garden and have a good range in our catalogue. These are certainly sun lovers and come in shades of red, orange and yellow. Perhaps best known as tall plants for the back of the border blooming in August and September there are also some new, shorter ones that start flowering in late June: ‘Red Army’ is bright red and 2ft (60cm) tall and ‘Mardi Gras’ is a similar height with flowers that blend red, orange and yellow. ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ has similar flowers but is nearly 3ft tall. ‘El Dorado’ is one of the best new varieties with large golden yellow flowers. He is about 2ft 6in tall (75cm) but doesn’t need staking.

‘Flaming Katy’ is taller and a fiery orange-red.

Two closely related plants are commonly known as Cone Flowers: the pink or white Echinaceas and the yellow Rudbeckias. In our garden we find the old varieties are more reliable than the many new ones. For Echinacea I recommend ‘Ruby Star’ (bright pink) and ‘White Swan’ and for Rudbeckias the soundly perennial ‘Deamii’ and ‘Goldsturm’. For a really tall one try ‘Herbstsonne’ (‘Autumn Sun’), which will grow 6ft (180cm) tall. The yellow

GARDENING

rudbeckias will also grow well in dappled shade.

We all loved growing annual sunflowers as kids and there are some less tall perennial types to choose for the garden. Their flowers are smaller but very numerous. ‘Happy Days’ is only 3ft (90cm) tall with large flowers whereas ‘Lemon Queen’ will get to 6ft (180cm) tall and has masses of pale yellow flowers in autumn.

Some are scented – the variety ‘Bitter Chocolate’ smells exactly like that!

Coreopsis (common name Tickseed) are popular low-growing plants but some are not hardy here. We grow the reliable Zagreb and the beautiful pale yellow Moonbeam as these are hardy for us. These will spread to form a good sized clump and are easy to divide in spring.

Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum) were once common cottage garden plants and they are making a comeback as gardeners remember

just how easy and reliable they are. Most are white although there are a few pale yellow varieties to be had. My favourite is ‘Beauté Nivelloise’ which one cheeky customer renamed “bad hair day” after the wayward look of the petals. ‘Fiona Coghill’ has large, ballshaped flowers that remind me of a florist’s Chrysanthemum. Shasta Daisies love a welldrained sunny spot and will survive drought well.

We are used to buying African Daisies (Osteospermum) as half-harder summer bedding but there are a few winter hardy ones to find. The white ‘Lady Leitrim’ has been in my family’s gardens for at least four generations and always survives even the hardest winter provided the soil is well-drained. She will flower from May to early winter.

There’s sure to be a member of the daisy family to suit your garden; keep an eye open for those lovely flowers.

Janet and Martin run Special Perennials, www.specialperennials.com. They will be at Henbury Hall, Macclesfield (SK11 9PJ) on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July, great new event at this rarely open to the public garden. Entry to the 12-acre garden and plant fair only £2.50. Carsington Water DE6 1ST on Sunday 31st July, free entry to plant fair and country park (P&D parking) and at the Dorothy Clive Garden (TF9 4EU) on Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August, fair and gardens only £3.50 (normally £7.50). See www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk the couple are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for customers to collect.

Leek Life July/August 2016 39

NEXT STEPS T KEN WAINMAN ASSOCIATES

he consultation on Staffordshire Moorland Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred sites and boundaries for inclusion in the Local Plan closed on 13 June. I have submitted representations for seventeen clients both in support of certain proposed allocations and objecting to the omission of others.

There is to be a further consultation on preferred options policies in July and August and the proposed Local Plan is due to be published and representations invited in November to December this year. The Council intended to submit the Plan to the Secretary of State in February 2017 and there will be an examination in public in front of an Inspector in Spring 2017. If you need a planner to represent you I would be happy to oblige.

The Council Leader was reported recently advocating an infill policy in the villages and yet some of the proposed Infill Development

boundaries seem so tight that infill development may be very difficult to achieve in certain villages. Given the furore over the Mount and other sites across the District it will also be interesting to see if the proposed distribution of housing changes and whether the emphasis moves more to infill development.

As well as being a planning consultancy we also do bat and barn owl surveys and, through an associate, ecological surveys including birds, bats, badgers, reptiles and mammals.

Current work includes getting permission for a new farm, re-use of a barn for leisure use, the conversion of barns to houses, stables and outdoor riding areas, new housing sites, and a new local needs house in the Peak District.

The thoughts and comments in this article are those of the author alone and no other.

Ken Wainman Associates Ltd Chartered planning consultant and licensed bat surveyor Good track record obtaining planning permissions, winning appeals and resolving enforcement issues.

We organize everything from concept through to the decision including plans, specialist reports and wildlife surveys.

Recent planning permissions obtained and applications submitted include barn conversions; new housing, equestrian facilities, an indoor riding centre, and an events venue.

31a St Edward Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 5DN t 01538 386 808 | m 07968 774785 w www.kenwainmanassociates.co.uk | e ken@sgaplanners.co.uk 40 Leek Life July/August 2016

OPEN GARDENS

Gardeners show summer blooms

ardeners in Cheddleton are preparing to welcome villagers and visitors alike to admire their summer blooms as part of the village’s Open Gardens event in July.

Beautiful gardens will be open to the public on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July in a bid to raise funds for St Edwards Church.

Visitors will be welcome between 2pm and 6pm and admission to the gardens is by

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Rabbits, Moles, Wasps Nests, Rat Pest Control moledover@live.co.uk Telephone Jason Sales

07968 219899 42 Leek Life July/August 2016

GREEN-FINGERED VILLAGERS WELCOME GUESTS

programme only.

Programmes can be purchased in advance at the Old Tea Rooms, Hair Kare or Bargain Booze or during the event from St Edward’s Church in Hollow Lane.

Programmes for adults are £3.50 each and children under 16 enter free.

Villagers will be showing off their horticultural talents as well as taking part in competitions which this year have a royal theme as a nod to the 90th birthday celebrations of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Competitors will be challenged to create a Scarecrow for fun with a royal or birthday theme or a floral arrangement with a red, white and blue theme.

No dogs are allowed to enter gardens except guide dogs and further details are available at www.opengardens.co.uk.

For more information on scarecrows and flower arrangements call Sue on 01538 371456.

W e s t b r idge F U R N I T U R E

W O R L D

M E I R P A RK MEIR PARK

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PP UN O IQU RT E UN ITY

WE MAKE SOFAS FOR UK’S BEST HIGH STREET STORES

SAVE £100s at our Factory Outlet • At least 50% off RRP • Sofas from £174 • 100s in stock ready to go www.westbridgefurniturestoke.co.uk Whittle Road, Meir Park (opposite Tesco & B&Q), Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST3 7QA Life July/August Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-4pm • Tel:Leek 01782 310267 2016 43

See u at the L s & Distr eek ic Show t 2016

PETSTAY

Home from home for your pets n innovative new way of ensuring the best of care for your dog while away from home is now available in

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A Loving & Caring Alternative to Kennels

• Your dog/s stay in our carer’s home • Carers are experienced dog lovers who are fully vetted, licensed and insured • Meet your carer before you book

Call Jane for a chat T. 01538 300225 or 07816 865410

www.petstay.net • janeprince@petstay.net Staffordshire Branch (covering all ST postcodes)

Dog carers wanted!

Earn from £80.50 to £192.50 per week You need to be at home during the day, have a secure garden, kids aged over 7 & love dogs

46 Leek Life July/August 2016

Staffordshire.

PetStay, a long-established national company providing home boarding services for dogs launched its Staffordshire branch in January.

Jane Prince from Onecote, is covering the whole ST postcode area and is looking for pet carers across the county as well as encouraging dog owners to try home-boarding for their pets.

Jane said: “We place customers’ dogs with one of our fully vetted, insured and licensed carers who take the dogs into their own home while the owners are on holiday.

“Owners (and dogs) meet the carer before they book and when it’s holiday time the dog moves in with all their familiar things – bed, toys, food, bowls – to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

“We only take up to three dogs from the same household at any one time.”

Carers must be at home during the day, have a secure garden, children aged over 7 and be experienced dog lovers. It’s a fun and rewarding way to earn a little extra income.

Retired people or stay at home parents make perfect carers!

More information about becoming a PetStay customer or dog carer is available at www.petstay.net or by contacting Jane on 01538 300225 or janeprince@petstay.net.

STAFFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Wildlife truly preserved Nature Reserve brought back to life

nature reserve has been brought back to life with beautiful wildflowers thanks to the work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Several species of wildflower have been blooming at the Trust’s Weag’s Barn nature reserve, near Grindon in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Last year, the Trust worked alongside a local farmer and gave nature a helping hand using a technique called green hay strewing to extend the existing wildflower meadow at the reserve to four hectares – about the size of four football pitches.

The technique involved collecting seed-rich hay from an existing wildflower meadow and transporting it on the same day to the new meadow. The results have already proved positive, with the meadow becoming richer and more diverse in species as it establishes, with lady’s smock, lousewort, field mouse ear, meadow saxifrage and bulbous buttercup all

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spotted at Weag’s Barn.

Bees, butterflies and invertebrates will benefit as a result of the wildflowers as they feed on wildflower nectar.

Birds will then have a food source as a result, meaning it has a number of benefits across the food chain.

Weag's Barn is a spectacular reserve of grassland and valley woodland, situated where the Rivers Hamps and Manifold meet.

Jeff Sim, Land Management Team CoOrdinator for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Flower-rich meadows had almost disappeared by the 1980s, and a staggering 97 per cent of meadows have been lost in the last 75 years.

“So work is needed to reverse this trend and it is very pleasing to see results so quickly.

“Not only does it look pretty, it is a huge benefit to wildlife as well. We expect the reserve to look at its very best in late June or early July when the plants will be flowering.”

Leek Life July/August 2016 47

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

A ‘Banks’ quiz for the August Bank Holidays 1. What is known as the Old Lady Of Threadneedle Street?

2. Who was in goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final?

3. Which British high street bank uses the eagle as its logo?

4. Which flying nanny looked after the Banks family?

5. The West Bank of which river has been occupied by Israel since 1967?

6. Rogue trader Nick Leeson's unauthorized speculative trading caused which bank to collapse?

7. What is the name of the infamous British graffiti artist, thought to come from Yate near Bristol, who has been creating street art for over 30 years?

8. Who played the bride, Annie Banks, in the 1991 film 'Father of the Bride'?

9. Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, which school stands on the bank of the Thames?

10. Who, with Mike Rutherford, are the only two members to belong to the group Genesis for its entire history?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Paul Daniels (He was born Newton Edward Daniels and took his stage name of Paul from his son); 2.

Beef Wellington; 3. Black; 4. Great (Fire, Exhibition and Train Robbery); 5. Max Verstappen (Aged just 18 years and 228 days he beat Sebastian Vettel's record by 2 years and 210 days); 6. King Kong (The giant gorilla fell to his death from the Empire State Building protecting Ann); 7. The Dame; 8. Discus (Men's record is 74.08m while the Women's is 76.80m due mostly to the discus being half the weight for women); 10. Community Chest. Bank Holiday Answers: 1. Bank of England (Established in 1694 it is the second oldest bank in the world); 2. Gordon Banks (A year after the 1966 World Cup Gordon signed for Stoke City); 3. Barclays (Barclays deployed the world's first cash dispenser in 1967); 4. Mary Poppins (Written by PL Travers and originally published in 1934); 5. Jordan; 6. Barings Bank (The film 'Rogue Trader' telling the story of Nick was released in 1999 starring Ewan McGregor); 7. Banksy; 8. Kimberly Williams (She also appeared in the sequel 'Father of the Bride 2'); 9. Eton College (Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI Eton now educates over 1,300 boys aged 13 to 18); 10. Tony Banks (the rock band formed in Surrey in 1967 with estimated worldwide sales of between 100 and 130 million)

48 Leek Life July/August 2016

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele (Question writer and Quizmaster) from Cheddleton email: pnsteele@aol.com

General Knowledge Quiz 1.Which magician who was born in Middlesbrough with the first names Newton Edward died in March aged 77?

2. A fillet of beef, covered in pate and mushrooms, wrapped in puff pasty and baked in an oven. Whats the name of this dish?

3. According to a 16th century law what colour must all Venetian gondolas be painted?

4. What word links these years: 1666, 1851, 1963?

5. Who became the youngest ever F1 race winner when he won the Spanish Grand Prix in May? 6. Who fell for Ann Darrow in 1933?

7. In the nursery rhyme who was the black sheep's second bag of wool for?

8. In which athletics event is the women's world record better than the men's?

9. Which country took the song '1944' to Eurovision success in May? 10. What monopoly square is found between Marlborough Street and Bow Street?

WESTWOOD GOLF CLUB

HIGH SPIRITS AND HATS W

estwood Golf Club once again offered the perfect venue for the fourth annual Ladies Day charity event.

Coinciding each year with Royal Ascot Gold Cup Day (Ladies Day), the popular event has grown to become a real highlight on the golf clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social calendar and is now a firm favourite with local ladies.

Taking place on Thursday 16th June, all guests entered into the true spirit of ladies day at the races by dressing in their finery with plenty of impressive hats and fascinators to be marvelled at.

Although some were more lucky with their winnings than others, a wonderful time was had by all who attended.

Leek Life July/August 2016 49

TOUR OF THE POTTERIES

CYCLISTS GEAR UP

CHARITY RACE ROUTE TO COME THROUGH LEEK

ycling enthusiasts are being invited to hit the streets of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas for a special mass participation event – in aid of charity.

Hundreds of cyclists are set to take part in The Tour of the Potteries, which will be staged on Sunday, 4th September and will feature three routes of 50km, 100km and 150km through Stoke-on-Trent, Leek and the Peak District.

The event is being sponsored by leading cycle and motorcycle lubricant manufacturer FUCHS Silkolene, which is part of FUCHS Lubricants, the world’s largest independent lubricant manufacturer with its UK headquarters in Hanley.

Some of the leading names from UK motorsport are expected to compete in the Tour of the Potteries, which will raise funds for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Trentham and coincides with Stoke-on-Trent being Great Britain’s European City of Sport in 2016.

Advanced entrance fees range from £20 to £35 and will include a FUCHS Silkolene goodie bag, while an additional early bird gift will be given to the first 200 riders to enter.

A free family ride on a traffic free route will also take place. Entry to the three main events will be £5 extra on the day.

Joost Van Genderen, Head of FUCHS

C

50 Leek Life July/August 2016

Silkolene, told Leek Life: “This is a hugely exciting event and we are thrilled that it is taking place in and around Stoke.

“All the routes will give participants a chance to travel past some famous landmarks and there will be something for everyone – whether you are elite standard or a novice.

“The event will be very professionally produced with organisers Wheels In Wheels providing electronic timing, feed stops and full mechanical and medical support where required.

“With the Tour of Britain not coming to these parts this year, we are hoping this will help fill the void for cycling fans and participants.

“The main aim of the day is to give people an event to remember and also raise plenty of money for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice who do fantastic work caring and supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.”

All routes will start at the UK headquarters of FUCHS Lubricants in New Century Street in Hanley and head towards Leek. The short route returns via Tittesworth Water while the medium and long routes advance through Thorncliffe towards Macclesfield and the Cheshire Plain.

More details and entry can be obtained from the website www.wheelsinwheels.com/ Tour_of_the_Potteries/Tour_of_the_Potteries_ Sportive

SPORT ENGLAND

Sports facilities receive funding boost en community sports projects in the West Midlands, including two in the Leek area, are to share more than £704,195 of Sport England cash to help breathe new life into tired facilities.

The National Lottery funding will help to upgrade courts, club houses and changing rooms across the region and help get more people active.

Among the ten lucky clubs are Leek and District Shooting Centre and Rudyard Sailability, which will each receive a £75,000 slice of the Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

The fund which will help over 90 community sport projects across England totalling over £9.9 million, is designed to give a cash boost to some of England’s most in-need clubs, and since 2011, Inspired Facilities has invested £122 million in 2,215 projects nationally.

Around 10 per cent of clubs who have received funding already have said that without the money, they would have been forced to close, and half said they would have lost members. Thanks to the investment, almost 90 per cent of clubs have reported an increase in new members.

While many of the clubs will use the money from this round of funding for vital repairs, maintenance and upgrading equipment – which they would not otherwise be able to afford – one

T

of the more eye-catching projects is the Shooting Centre in Leek. With a membership of 260 participants, with an average age of 60, a large proportion of members are increasingly frail and/or have a disability so the cash will pay for adapting facilities for less abled shooters.

Meanwhile Rudyard Sailability, a registered charity providing water based recreation for people living with disability will be using the £75,000 to pay for improvements to facilities so that it can increase its membership.

Sport England property director, Charles Johnston, told Leek Life: “The Inspired Facilities fund is a helping hand to thousands of community sports projects across the country.

No club is immune to wear and tear, and this fund recognises the tremendous work they do in helping local people keep active. I am delighted that thanks to the National Lottery we have been able to help so many clubs in the West Midlands.

The announcement marks the last tranche of funding for the Inspired Facilities programme, which will shortly be replaced with a new programme called the Community Asset Fund.

The new fund will continue to support local sports projects by helping communities take ownership of local assets from local authorities or elsewhere.

Leek Life July/August 2016 51

15 Getliffe’s Yard, Derby Street, Leek www.hollycrow.co.uk @hollycrowuk HollyCrow3 hollycrow3@yahoo.co.uk

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REFLECTIONS COACHING

DIY CONFIDENCE BOOST with Carolyn Trafford C

onfidence can affect us all at times.

Sometimes and in certain given situations we have an abundance of it and at other times, confidence can escape us leaving us lacking self-esteem and often rendering us incapable of performing otherwise simple activities.

There are many reasons this happens, sometimes it stems from events that occurred in our formative years, often events that have happened more recently can knock our confidence, anything from the loss of a loved one to a new boss or responsibilities at work.

It is important to remember that no-one can harm our confidence, only we can choose to feel the way we do, the greatest thing about this piece of knowledge is that we can with practice choose to feel more confident. Knowing this is empowerment itself.

I remember losing my confidence at work. It took a dip, but once it’s down then it can be difficult to get out of the rut. I was fortunate that I realised what was happening to me and knew I had to change something for myself. So I got help in the form of coaching. I learned simple techniques than I use over and over again to keep my confidence and self esteem high.

This technique is one I use time and time again.

“In the busy world that we live and work there is an information overload going on. Our brains filter the information for us and we get into the habit of thinking about certain things. If

we fill our heads with negative thoughts, then that’s all we can think about and it’s easy to ignore or take for granted the great stuff that we do.

It can take a few weeks to recondition your thought processes, here’s how I would go about it: ACTION - Treat yourself to a really nice notebook and I do mean treat yourself, you are after all worth it.

Spend just 5 minutes out of everyday to recall and record all the great things that have happened no matter how small they seem. I like to end my day with this.

For some people this could be getting through a day at work, for others the events may be more significant. Mine varies from smiling my way through a bad day to standing on stage in front of 200 people for a charity comedy event.

As a minimum choose 3 things.

If negative thoughts enter your head, don’t dismiss them completely, but write down anything positive from the learning that came from them.

Over a few weeks you have created a positive moments journal. Next time you’re feeling low, or have feeling of failure, pull out the journal, enjoy reading it and remind yourself how great a person you are.”

This is an excerpt taken from Carolyn’s confidence guide “The 7 step confidence challenge”. If you’d like a free copy then subscribe to Carolyn’s newsletter at http://reflectionscoaching.co.uk/

Carolyn Trafford is a Leek based personal strategy coach supporting others in achieving the life they want. If there’s something you want to achieve get in touch today.

Carolyn Trafford - Reflections Coaching • Tel. 07714 216388 • Email: Caro@reflectionscoaching.co.uk • www.reflectionscoaching.co.uk • https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/carolyntrafford/area/ Leek Life July/August 2016 53

BUTTERTON MOOR HOUSE

Have a splashing time

wimming is a great activity for you and your baby or toddler to take part in together. It is great fun, good exercise, and can help them get used to the water at a young age and gain confidence from a safety point of view as well as become confident swimmers.

The privately owned heated swimming pool at Butterton Moor House is the perfect place to introduce your child to the water. Based just five miles out of Leek, the pool has mums, babies and toddlers sessions available on a Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am, as well as a relaxing ladies only swim on a Wednesday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm which tea and coffee is provided.

The pool is clean and warm providing a relaxing atmosphere as well as showers, a toilet, hair dryer, changing mats and a safe play pen for children to go in for ease during and after showering/changing.

Swimming costs are kept as reasonable as possible with adults charged from just £6 per session and babies and toddlers under the age of four free of charge.

Private hire for individual and family swims is also available. Give Diane a call to discuss your requirements.

S

Butterton Moor House Warm, beautiful, private swimming pool

Our private pool is ideal for families, mothers and babies or toddlers and groups swimming together.

Heated changing/shower rooms, baby change mats, hair drying facilities.

Birthdays/celebration pool parties ask for details

Mums, babies & toddler swims Wed & Fri 9.30am onwards - £6 per adult, babies & toddlers free

Prices per hour: Adults £7, Children (ages 4-12) £3, Babies/Toddlers Free. Pool minimum cost £15 per hour Parsons Lane, Butterton, Staffordshire, ST13 7PD Phone: 07870 380375 www.buttertonmoorhouse.co.uk e-mail: dianemlatham1@gmail.com

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54 Leek Life July/August 2016

FLIPPING FABULOUS COMPETITION!

WIN A FAMILY FLIP OUT!

lip Out trampoline arena in Stone is THE new family and leisure venue in Staffordshire.

Since Flip Out Stoke opened last December, more than 150,000 big and little ninjas have enjoyed some good flipping fun at the trampoline arena at Stone Business Park; giving more than 250 five star reviews and getting it into TripAdvisor’s top 10 places for fun and games in Staffordshire as a result.

The 27,000 ft2 arena is home to a range of fun trampoline based activities – including an under 7s area, foam pits, wall climbers and basketball trampoline ‘slam dunk’ court. If you’re not feeling super fit or adventurous and you just want to leave the kids to it, there is a cosy café and galleried viewing area where you can sit, chill out and keep an eye out!

There are also birthday party packages and special after dark sessions on Friday evenings

F

from 8pm to 10pm – complete with music, lasers and smoke machines.

The Flip Out team have kindly donated four passes for one hour’s bouncing as a competition prize for Leek Life readers - so the whole family can enjoy a great Flip Out together!

Flipping normally costs £10 per hour, plus a £1.50 charge for a special pair of Flip Out grip socks that you can keep and reuse for future visits.

Flip Out Stoke is open from 9am to 10pm daily at Stone Business Park (postcode ST15 0SS). Booking is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays and weekends – you can book online at www.stoke.flipout.co.uk or call the team on 0845 450 9553.

For all the latest offers, cool pictures and news, follow the guys at www.facebook.com/FlipOutStoke, or on twitter or Instagram at @FlipOutStoke

To win a free family pass for Flip Out Stoke (an hour-long session for four people), simply answer the following question correctly:

HOW BIG IS THE FLIP OUT ARENA? a: 15,000ft2

b: 7,000ft2

c: 27,000ft2

(Circle your answer)

Name................................................. Address..................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no...........................................................

Please send your entry to Leek Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD, or email your answer with your name, address and telephone number to admin@timesandecho.co.uk.

Entries to be received by 29th July 2016. Booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment www.stoke.flipout.co.uk. Winners will be required to buy their Flip Out grip socks at a cost of £1.50 per pair.

Leek Life July/August 2016 55

LEEK LIFE Mer ry to al Ch l ou ristm r re a ader s

• Divorce (including Same Sex Marriage and Farming Divorces) • Dissolution of Civil Partnerships • Court process (Children and Finances) • Pre and post nuptial agreements • Arrangements for children – advice for parents and grandparents

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Call me for a 20 minute no obligation telephone consultation to identify the options available to you.

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If you would like to boost your own financial score, contact us for an impartial chat.

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56 Leek Life July/August 2016

Life

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Times, Echo & Life Publications, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk facebook.com/leeklife Editorial: debbie@timesandecho.co.uk Advertising: tom@timesandecho.co.uk

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MOTORING

58 Leek Life July/August 2016

MOTORING

Leek Life July/August 2016 59

MOTORING

60 Leek Life July/August 2016

MOTORING

DACIA DUSTER DEBUT

acia debuted the new 2017 model year version of its ever-popular, no-nonsense Duster SUV at the Moving Motor Show, held during the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday 23rd June.

On display in the new Prestige dCi110 4x2 guise, the new Duster made its first UK appearance at the legendary Festival, joining the rest of the ‘shockingly affordable’ Dacia range.

At the Moving Motor Show, guests also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of petrol and diesel versions of the Sandero – the UK’s most affordable car – together with diesel examples of the Sandero Stepway and the awardwinning Logan MCV, which is the UK’s best value estate car.

The 2017 Duster receives a number of external and interior upgrades, while the popular range is strengthened with the addition of the new range-topping Prestige version.

The new Duster is also enhanced with the availability of the new 1.2 TCe 125 engine, providing customers with the option of a more

D

powerful engine and complementing the existing 1.6 SCe 115 engine.

Standard equipment on the Duster has been upgraded, with DAB radio as standard from Ambiance trim and new interior upholstery on all trim levels.

Additional changes to the interior include the dashboard now in a dark carbon finish, whilst there is a new satin chrome centre console surround and steering wheel inserts to match.

All versions of the new Duster can be specified with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Dacia has won numerous awards since launching in the UK in 2013.

One of the UK’s largest automotive owner satisfaction studies, Auto Express Driver Power, has placed Dacia in its top five best manufacturers for three consecutive years, with customers praising the brand’s reliability.

The new Duster range starts from £9,495 on the road and is available to order now with customer deliveries from July.

Leek Life July/August 2016 61

MOTORING

HR-V WINS AT TH

he Honda HR-V has triumphed at the 2016 Tow Car Awards, with the 1.6 i-DTEC SE manual taking the class winner in the ‘up to 1400kgs’ weight class.

Organised and judged by experts from Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, a total of 41 cars were entered into the 10th Tow Car Awards and over 440 cars have been tested since the awards were launched in 2006.

The latest incarnation of Honda’s popular crossover launched last summer after a long hiatus and is already proving popular with Honda’s retail network which is unable to keep up with demand.

Originally launched in 1999, the first generation of the HR-V was an early pioneer of the small crossover segment.

Priced at £22,440, the 1.6 i-DTEC SE manual has a kerbweight of 1399kg, a maximum towing weight of 1400kg and a towball limit of 70kg. It also comes with city brake active system as standard, electric windows and mirrors, Honda’s Magic Seats® and front and rear parking sensors.

David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine, commented: “Towing at a steady

T

Keeping you cool this summer Re-gas your air-con system at Barnfields Garage

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MOTORING

THE TOW CAR AWARDS 2016 60mph, the HR-V is as comfortable and composed as you could wish for. It kept its cool in our violent lane-change test, too. We kept increasing the speed of the test, and the Honda kept on going just where the driver pointed it. With 221lb ft of torque, there's enough pulling power for respectable performance when towing, going from 30-60mph in 16.8 seconds with a caravan in tow. It's a very impressive tow car for little more than ÂŁ22,000. The verdict: great stability and a practical, ingenious cabin.â&#x20AC;?

Phil Webb, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The powerful diesel engine in the relatively small HR-V makes it perfect for towing, providing owners with very good driveability whilst retaining strong fuel economy. Couple the increased height compared to a hatchback, making for fantastic visibility, with the slightly more comfort orientated suspension settings, for a more relaxed drive, and customers have a winning combination.â&#x20AC;?

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MOTORING

64 Leek Life July/August 2016

MOTORING

UK pricing and specifications for Fiat Professional’s new Fullback announced

F

iat Professional has announced pricing and specification details of the new Fullback pickup truck ahead of its UK launch on July

4th.

Engineered to meet the broad needs of business users – both professional and recreational - the new FIAT Professional Fullback enters the medium-duty pick up segment.

In the UK more than 40,000 pickups were registered in 2015 – a jump of 20 per cent compared to 2014 – so it is clear that there is growing audience who see the rugged and practical pickup truck as an ideal solution to their broad spectrum of vehicle needs.

The FIAT Professional Fullback SX is powered an aluminium-block, 2.4-litre diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbo charger which produces 150hp and 380Nm of torque yet its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is just 44.2MPG (6.4L/100km) and its CO2 emissions are 169g/km.

In terms of styling, the front of the FIAT Professional Fullback adopts the upmarket appearance of a sports SUV with its swept-back

fascia, chunky front bumper and roomy cabforward layout.

The interior combines the functionality of a work vehicle with the comfort and elegance of luxury vehicle with an attractive and ergonomically designed, two-tone black-andsilver dashboard, supportive and comfortable seats and impressive rear passenger room.

Available as a double cab only and with allwheel drive standard on all versions, the FIAT Professional Fullback starts at £20,995 (excluding VAT, VED, delivery and plates) for the SX version.

The high-specification LX manual is priced from £22,995 (excluding VAT and OTR charges) while the LX automatic is priced from £24,395 (excluding VAT and OTR charges). The new FIAT Fullback will be available to order from FIAT Professional dealers from 4th July.

Further information on the new FIAT Fullback, as well as the rest of the FIAT Professional range, is available from www.FIATprofessionalpress.co.uk and business users can find out more on the public website www.FIATprofessional.co.uk.

Leek Life July/August 2016 65

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