Leek Life Mar Apr 2017

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Life

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD Leek All Saints Operatic Society back on stage this April

Festivals set to stir the senses

WIN

ets to Tick Opera on Buxt use Ho

Leek Food and Drink Festival and Leek Arts Festival

mar/apr

Editor’s Letter......................................6 Sporting Life ........................................8

Open art Exhibition ............................9 The Kitchen Cabin ..............................11 recipe For Life ...................................14

Leek Food and Drink Festival............18

Leek arts Festival ..............................20

phoenix Singers .................................22 Stage Directions.................................24 property .............................................26

Home Improvements ........................30 North Staffs Christian aid .................32 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust ..............33

Gardening ..........................................34

rJB physiotherapy ............................36

Foxlowe arts Centre ..........................37

reflections Coaching .........................39

Leek all Saints Operatic Society .......40

Endon Well Dressing.........................42 a Dog’s Life........................................44

Quiz Corner........................................45

National apprenticeship awards ......46

motoring ............................................47 Classified............................................50

CONTENTS

SPRING INTO ‘LEEK LIFE’

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

pring in Leek is certainly looking promising if the contents of this edition of Leek Life magazine are anything to go by. There is so much going on in the town this spring, from the mouthwatering Food and Drink Festival in march, to the sensational month long programme of Leek arts Festival events in may, it promises to be a spectacular season with something for everyone to sample. many people will have heard the rumours and seen the pictures of hollywood heartthrob Eddie redmayne paying our little market town a visit recently, well he isn’t the only famous face to be have been spotted in the moorlands. paralympic swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds made a splash when she dropped into Horton Lodge Special School to provide some of our local youngsters with some swimming inspiration. performing arts in the town is also being shown some strong support this spring, particularly by the younger generation.

Do not miss Leek all Saints Operatic Society members as they take to the stage at St Edward’s academy C of E school this april to perform their first big show of 2017, a magical rendition of the enchanting Wizard of Oz. Lucy Baker has swapped the stage for the stave as she steps into the role of musical Director for this production, which boasts a cast featuring lots of local youngsters as well as a cheeky little dog! make sure you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. also making some sweet music is Leek’s phoenix Singers younger counterparts, Children’s Choir Young phoenix, who under the direction of their new leader Stewart Cope also have some exciting projects and performances in the pipeline as well as encouraging any aspiring young singers, regardless of ability or experience to go along and join them. and as well as all this there are some fantastic new businesses springing up too. By simply supporting our town’s wonderful array of independent shops and traders on the occasions you can, will continue to help Leek thrive and build on its reputation as a real hotspot for future innovators and creatives and keep all these wonderful events returning year on year.

S

Deborah

Did you know that you can read Leek Life online?

Front cover photo courtesy of Brett Trafford www.bretttrafford.com 6 Leek Life March/April 2017

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

Find us on Facebook search for Leek Life Magazine

• ALL FAMILY MATTERS Divorce, Child Maintenance, Child access, pre-nuptial agreements

• ACCIDENT CLAIMS AND ALL LITIGATION MATTERS Accidents at work, road traffic accidents, trips and slips, neighbour disputes

• MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE • WILL WRITING, ALL PROBATE MATTERS Have you got round to making a will to look after your loved ones?

T: 01538 388809 12 Market Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6HZ Email: nick@uprights-solicitors.co.uk

SPORTING LIFE

ElliE makEs a splash kids wElcomE swimming star

llie Simmonds, paralympic swimming sensation, has returned to Horton Lodge Special School where she received training as a child.

The champion was reunited with her former

E

8 Leek Life March/April 2017

coach and gave an inspirational speech to youngsters at the school. a five-time paralympion, Ellie holds a number of world records, 13 world titles and 10 European titles as well as a host of paralympic medals including three Golds - two at London 2012 and one at the rio Games in 2016. presented with an mBE at the age of just 14, Ellie is now an OBE and also the youngest winner of the BBC Young Sports personality of the Year in 2008.

Her mum, Val, came with Ellie to the school, where she took part in a special assembly for the children.

Ellie was also reunited with her former coach, anna Lavan, who still works as a swimming teacher at the school and who coached Ellie, then aged just eight, when she was part of the West midlands Disability Squad.

artists put work in thE spotlight

OPEN ART EXHIBITION

nicholson gallEry

rtists from across Staffordshire and beyond are once again being offered the chance to display their work at the Staffordshire moorlands Open art exhibition in Spring.

From this year, Staffordshire moorlands District Council is taking over the organisation of the exhibition and has no plans to change the winning formula other than by adding a new category for young artists.

Councillor arthur Forrester, Deputy Leader of the Council, told Leek Life: “We are delighted to be taking over the reins of this prestigious exhibition which is now well established on the cultural calendar and I’d like to say a big thank you to Clare mellor and Georgia Hamilton-Smith for their hard work, commitment and dedication in developing the exhibition into the success it has become.

“The Nicholson Gallery is the natural home for the Open art Exhibition having hosted it since its inception so I’m thrilled that we will now be organising and coordinating the whole event. It’s particularly exciting that we have been able to introduce a new category for young and upcoming artists from this year.

“It’s a true ‘open’ exhibition in that you don’t have to be a professional artist to enter your work. Over the years we’ve seen some extraordinary exhibits from across the art spectrum from photography, painting and drawing through to sculpture and textiles and I’m very much looking forward to seeing this year’s collection on display in this fabulous venue later this year.” as in previous years, the exhibition will run parallel with Leek arts Festival and will open on Saturday 15th april to Saturday 13th may. artists who want to see their pieces featured will need to hand in their work to the Nicholson Gallery between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Saturday 8th april.

For entry forms and more information please contact the Tourist Information Centre or the Nicholson Gallery on Tel.01538 483741.

A

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.goodwinsjewellers.co.uk

10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Leek Life March/April 2017 9

partnErs in ‘kitchEn dEsign’ THE KITCHEN CABIN

local couplE launchEs nEw businEss vEnturE in town fter lovingly restoring a prime commercial premises in the heart of Leek, business partners and couple Derren rice and melody Walker proudly declared The Kitchen Cabin officially open at the end of January earlier this year.

Specialising in quality, bespoke kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design, Derren with over ten years experience in the trade and melody with her background in customer service and retail are proving the perfect partnership when it comes to offering clients the best in both kitchen design and installation services.

Covering an extensive portion of the local area from Leek to Stoke-On-Trent, macclesfield to Congleton and everywhere in between, Derren, melody and the newly formed team of professionals from The Kitchen Cabin are confident they can create the kitchen you require to meet the price you desire.

Using the latest design technology, each customer’s own personal vision can be transformed into a 3D plan complete with a panoramic 360 degree design viewer. This can then be taken into the property in question in

A

10 Leek Life March/April 2017

order for the owners to get a real glimpse of how a transformation by The Kitchen Cabin could look. The company offers a complete interior design service right through to product sourcing, installation and fitting as well as providing free no obligation quotations on any work needed to be carried out from extentions to conversions, no job is too big or too small. all of the kitchen and bathroom furniture used by The Kitchen Cabin is manufactured here in the UK, the shop specialises in hand painted products, and complementing the stunning furniture ranges the company stocks and supplies exclusive designer brands such as Ted Baker, Laura ashley and Charles rennie mackintosh kitchens.

Driven by bold creative thinking and having worked in kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design for over a decade in the local area, managing Director and designer Derren rice has a wealth of experience behind him coupled with a keen eye to hand pick the very best of UK manufactured furniture to stand proud in any home. Starting from the initial design brief, Derren will work closely with each client to transform their ideas into reality. providing the perfect accompaniment to Derren’s experience and skills in the kitchen is his fiance, Showroom manager melody Walker. after pouring blood, sweat and tears into making their business dream a reality and sympathetically transforming their 1890’s built Derby Street premises into a showstopping shop window for the services they offer, melody is the friendly face welcoming customers who pop into the store. melody’s passion for interior design and organisation will help ensure each individual customer’s wants and needs, no matter how big or small, are met. Working previously in customer service for seven years, she understands what is required to time manage each kitchen or bathroom project and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Call into The Kitchen Cabin today and start your design journey into making your perfect and practical dream kitchen a reality.

THE KITCHEN CABIN K I T C H E N

&

B AT H R O O M

D E S I G N

Local family run independent company with over 10 years experience All furniture manufactured in the uk

70 dErby strEEt, lEEk, staffordshirE st13 5aJ t: 01538 386249 • www.thekitchencabin.co.uk • E: hello@thekitchencabin.co.uk opening hours: monday - friday: 10:00 - 18:00, saturday: 10:00 - 16:00, sunday: closed

Leek Life March/April 2017 11

put somE spring into your pasta for suppEr RECIPE FOR LIFE

Vegetable tagliatelle with lemon and chive sauce

WITH spring officially here and Leek celebrating its fourth Food and Drink Festival this March why not have a go at this easy supper idea.

This recipe for spring vegetable tagliatelle with lemon and chive sauce serves four, is simple to make and is low-fat, making it ideal for working towards your summer body yet eating what you love with no guilt.

Preparation time: 10 to 15 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes

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

14 Leek Life March/April 2017

Ingredients: 450g mixed spring vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, broad beans and peas 400g tagliatelle 1 lemon 1 table spoon of Dijon mustard 1 table spoon of olive oil 3 table spoons of snipped chives Grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative) to serve

Method: 1) Cut the asparagus into three pieces on the diagonal and halve the green beans. Cook the tagliatelle, adding the vegetables for the final five minutes of the cooking time.

2) meanwhile, grate the zest from half the lemon and squeeze the juice from the whole lemon. put juice in a small pan with the mustard, olive oil and a little black pepper. Warm through until smooth.

3) Drain the pasta and veg, adding four table spoons of the water to the lemon sauce. return the pasta to the pan, reheat the sauce, adding most of the chives, then add to the pasta, tossing everything together well. Divide between four shallow bowls and top each with black pepper, parmesan and the remaining chives.

Stylish Accommodation…

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?

Special Occasion?

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!

Getting Married?

Tel: 01538 383729 Web: www.peakweavers.co.uk King Street, Leek ST13 5NW

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

Less formal…

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

Wines

Whisky

Passionate about what we sell, all our wines are tasted and personally selected so whether you need a food and wine match, a gift idea, or like us, you just love your wine, let our knowledge and expertise help you make the perfect choice.

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

Try before you buy

We hand select and sample individual casks to be bottled for our rare cask range. ese have come from several different distilleries including Caol Ila, Longmorn and Bruichladdich.

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.

A family run business Set in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Wine and Whisky stocks hundreds of wines from around the world, specialist whiskies, real ale, continental beers, spirits and liqueurs.

Dedicated in offering high quality products for all occasions we guarantee great value for money.

16 Leek Life March/April 2017

The Queen of the Moorlands

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.

Find out more: www.queenofthemoorlands.com

Something extra • Glass loan • Wedding wine • Wholesale • Loyalty card scheme • Gift packaging • Free local delivery • Nationwide delivery

Get in touch wineandwhisky.com 22 Russell St, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 5JF

Tasting experiences

01538 382408 email: info@wineandwhisky.com

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.

A case for every occasion Each month we offer a variety of case deals. ese cases are an ideal way of enjoying a selection of wines at a great price.

Free delivery on all products

facebook.com/thewineshopleek twitter.com/thewineshopleek instagram.com/thewineshopleek Leek Life March/April 2017 17

LEEK FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

a fEast for thE sEnsEs

popular fEstival rEturns to town this march

eek’s very own Food and Drink Festival is returning to the Town Centre for the fourth edition in 2017. after the great success of the 2016 festival, organised on behalf of Staffordshire moorlands District Council, an extra day has been added to the festival to cover the whole weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th march.

The free event has over 75 food and drink stalls throughout the town centre in Leek, from the market place, along the main Derby Street thoroughfare to Sparrow park.

Hot street food stalls, including posh dogs, 1/4lb burgers, pizza, mexican, Caribbean fusion, crepes, vegan and vegetarian savouries and sweets, polish sausage, Spanish Churros and more will be complimented by over 60 exhibitors selling a huge range of local, national and international food from cheese to beer, chutney to bread, chocolates to pies, savouries to sweets and everything in-between.

In addition to the stalls the incredibly popular ‘Great Leek Bake off’ will be returning for the Saturday 18th where Leek’s amazing independent

L

18 Leek Life March/April 2017

cafés compete for the title of ‘Leek Bake off Champion 2017’. The cafés will all have samples of the cake or sweet that they rate as their showstopper. In order to sample the delights of the Bake Off, all visitors to the Festival need to do is buy a bake off map for £1 and follow the trail around the town sampling, and rating the cakes on their travels.

Its not all sweets though, the popular Leek real ale Trail is also returning running from Saturday 11th through to Sunday 19th march.

Similar to the Bake Off trail the pubs nominate their favourite real ale and drinkers pay a £1 for a trail sheet and then buy a pint or a half in each pub, rating the beers along the way.

Each day will have a demonstration and talk programme including Wild Game cooking with

LEEK FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

ralph Skripek, making the perfect Gin Cocktail with the Travelling Bartender, Wine Tasting, Bread making, meet the Brewer and more. The talks will be on the hour each day starting from 10am until 3pm with a full programme to be published soon.

Finally, what food and drink festival would be complete without some fine, local dining? many of the town’s pubs and restaurants will be putting on special dishes, menu offers and tasty delights over the weekend and in the run up to the festival.

To keep up to date with the exhibitors information, talks, demonstrations and the latest festival news and events check out www.leekfoodanddrink.co.uk or Facebook Leek Food and Drink.

Leek Life March/April 2017 19

LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL

promising program prEvious yEars’ succEss hElps sEcurE somE sEnsational acts and somE surprisEs for 2017 lEEk arts fEstival linEup ichard Digance, Shappi Khorsandi, Fairport Convention and Leek’s homegrown heroes Hunter - just a few of the artists confirmed so far for this year’s Leek arts Festival. after last year’s successful events – which included sell-out gigs featuring, among others, Barbara Dickson and Jeremy Hardy – festival organisers have been busy putting together their programme for 2017.

R

20 Leek Life March/April 2017

Spokesman phil Edmeades said: “We were very pleased with the way the 2016 Leek arts Festival was supported, particularly as it was our 40th year of operation.

“The success of so many events put us in a great position to start planning for this year and it’s fair to say that we’ve been busy.

“We’ve already confirmed several big names and we’re working on a few surprises that we hope to be able to reveal over the next couple of months. We’re currently in negotiations with one very famous artist who, if we can secure him, will prove as big a draw as Barbara Dickson did last year.” phil added festival organisers were delighted the Foxlowe arts Centre had agreed to host the main events again this year and had weighed in with their own comedy season including top

LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL

ammE in thE pipElinE stand-up Shappi Khorsandi.

He said: “We enjoy a fantastic partnership with the Foxlowe and it’s great to see them putting on some brilliant stuff themselves as part of this year’s Festival.”

Other acts already confirmed for the 2017 programme include I am Kloot frontman John Bramwell, the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble and up-and-coming folkrockers The Sound of the Sirens – a young female duo who’ve already tasted fame after appearing at festivals across the UK and on Chris Evans’s TFI Friday TV show, sandwiched between U2 and Take That! phil said: “These two girls are just something quite different. We spotted them at last year’s

Cropredy music festival and signed them up on the spot. Furiously energetic one minute, plaintive and heart-breaking the next, they write all their own material and deliver it as if their lives depended on it.

“If you only make it to one Leek arts Festival event this year I’d advise you to choose this one.”

To see full details of all LaF events confirmed so far and to book tickets, visit the website at www.leekartsfestival.co.uk tickets for most events are also available from The Foxlowe or Leek TIC. Local organisations and individuals planning events they’d like to see included in the 2017 Leek arts Festival programme must email full details to philedmeades@gmail.com.

Leek Life March/April 2017 21

stEwart has kids singing from samE songshEEt PHOENIX SINGERS

nEw lEadEr for young phoEnix

oung phoenix, Leek’s childrens choir, part of The phoenix Singers recently appointed a new leader, local man Stewart Cope.

Young phoenix continues to encourage children aged seven and upwards from all

Y

22 Leek Life March/April 2017

schools in the area to have fun, make new friends and enjoy a great time making music and performing in concerts. The group have performed on their own, with other children’s choirs and with The phoenix Singers not just in Leek but also at other venues such as the Victoria Hall in Hanley and at Lichfield Cathedral.

Chairman of The phoenix Singers, alan Lees said how pleased everyone was that a local born

PHOENIX SINGERS

and educated music teacher should want to be involved in increasing the Young phoenix both in numbers and quality of performance whilst making music fun.

Stewart, after attending local schools, rushton primary, Churnet View and Leek High eventually went on to study music and history at Keele University, leaving with a master’s degree in music composition in 2008. He qualified as a music teacher in 2014, and taught in Kidsgrove until Christmas 2016 when he moved on to a school in Nantwich.

Stewart’s involvement with the choir has obviously started well with Young phoenix performing as part of a joint Christmas concert after just a matter of weeks under his leadership where the children impressed a packed audience with their confident and accomplished performance.

Stewart is obviously enjoying his participation with the phoenix Singers a great deal as he has also joined the adult choir as a tenor under musical director ashley Thompson. anyone who would like to know more about Young phoenix or is interested in becoming a member is welcome to attend rehearsal sessions which take place on monday evenings in term time, at Leek First School in East Street from 6pm to 7pm. alternatively visit www.phoenixsingersleek. co.uk/youngphoenix/ or email youngphoenix@ phoenixsingersleek.co.uk.

Leek Life March/April 2017 23

Stage Directions

by Richard Lane

Watch out! The cabbage-crunching, criminal mastermind, Gangsta Granny is coming to Buxton Opera House

WIN A FAMILY TICKET !

irmingham Stage Company, the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories, George’s marvellous medicine and Tom’s midnight Garden, are bringing their world premiere of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny to Buxton Opera House from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th april.

The drama unfolds as Friday night draws close and poor Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring!

But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny!

Walliams’, who is one of the judges on the popular Britain’s Got Talent TV show and creator of the ground-

B

breaking comedy series, Little Britain and Big School, is now the best-selling author for children in the country!

David Walliams’ said at the first night of Gangsta Granny from the stage at Birmingham New alexandra Theatre “What a fantastic show! Superb! and so much better than the book!”

Gangsta Granny is a must for all families as the show will be enjoyed by everyone from 5 to 105! It’s both laugh

out loud funny with some brilliant comic scenes but also has some very moving and truthful things to say about family relationships.

Gangsta Granny takes place at Buxton Opera House from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th april. Tickets are priced from £18 to £20 and discounts are available. To buy tickets call Buxton Opera House Box Office on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxton operahouse.org.uk

To win a family ticket for four on 12th April at 2pm answer the following question.

WHO WAS DAVID WALLIAMS’ PARTNER IN LITTLE BRITAIN? a. Matt Willis

b. Matt Lucas

c. Matt Dillon

(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. Deadline for entries: 28th March 2017.

24 Leek Life March/April 2017

Toni-Ann Scott • One-to-One Support • Confidential • Dedicated room in LEEK TOWN CENTRE • Flexible Appointments

Tel: 07713 031956

• 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

Worried about visiting a Solicitor? Don’t be!

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

T: 01538 361697 M: 07974 645147 E: hello@jojohnsonfamilylaw.co.uk W: www.jojohnsonfamilylaw.co.uk

Would you like to advertise?

Call Thomas Brian on 01538 752214 or 07855 242693, or email tom@timesandecho.co.uk Leek Life March/April 2017 25

what happEnEd to propErty pricEs in 2016?

PROPERTY

is 2017 a good yEar to sEll? huntErs offErs thEir viEws on thE yEar that’s bEEn and what to ExpEct during 2017

The two questions on everyone’s lips are; firstly, what was the effect of Brexit on the property market in 2016? Secondly, what, if any, will be the effect on the sales market this year as the politicians start to navigate our way out of the European Union? History and data give us the answer to the first question - just prior to and just after the EU referendum the number of sales instructions nationally slowed as the nation sat back and took a ‘wait and see’ view of things.

However, the pause was short lived in most places and it was soon back to business as usual and we experienced a much stronger last quarter, significantly up on 2015 for new instructions and sales, with the exclusion of the London market where activity moves with extremes more easily.

The year resulted in a steady and manageable 4% increase in average sale prices, despite a pretty static London market, which was still going through a readjusting period on the back of three year’s substantial growth. The introduction of the new Stamp Duty Levey Tax (SDLT) in 2016 is another factor to bear in mind. as the saying goes ‘The past is a foreign place’ and so we look towards this year and the answer to the second question. Our predictions are that the market will be very similar to 2016 in the number of second hand properties coming to the market. With a short supply and strong demand, certainly house prices will not remain static. With the current strong economy and a confidence to spend, as illustrated by some of the major high street retailers’ recent reports of strong sales results, we can see the signs for greater

confidence and positive sentiments for the immediate future.

This, along with the ability for buyers to borrow money at favourable rates, balanced against a shortage of second hand properties coming to the market, is likely to mean that price growth will be similar or perhaps slightly higher than the 4% in 2016. The factor that is likely to stop the prices getting over heated is in the prospect of increasing housing supply. There are more new homes being built as the local planning policies are relaxed to keep up with the Government’s pledge to build one million new homes before 2020.

In summary, 2017 seems a good year to buy or sell, just make sure you take an informed decision and seek sound advice from the right people.

Hunters agents can offer a knowledgeable view of the market in your area – contact us on 01782 626522 for a no obligation chat.

Leek Life March/April 2017 27

EwE-rEka momEnt as firm scoops doublE gold PROPERTY

t was celebrations all round for Ewemove at this year’s Times/Sunday Times Estate agency of the Year awards as the firm scooped four top honours, including Gold for Best Estate agency Website.

Ewemove Sales & Lettings, the UK’s first hybrid estate agency which launched in Leek in October 2014, was praised by the judges for offering its customers a ‘fantastic proposition’ and for its ‘highest level of personal service… supported by a fantastic brand’ at the official ceremony at the Hilton London metropole on 2nd December.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the industry, the Estate agency of the Year awards, in association with the Times and Sunday Times, is the UK’s longest running and most respected awards event which celebrates and rewards best practice across the whole sector.

In addition to Best Website, Ewemove also secured Gold for Best Franchise Network, as well as Silver for both Best Innovation and Best agency to Work For – a huge

I

28 Leek Life March/April 2017

achievement!

Daniel Walthall, Branch Director of Ewemove Leek, said: “To scoop two gold awards including Best Website is absolutely amazing, particularly in what is such a competitive and sought-after category. as a growing brand, we’re hugely passionate about ensuring that everything we do makes for the ultimate customer experience.”

“This has been a truly phenomenal year for Ewemove, with a growing collection of industry awards including those within the lettings sector – and these latest accolades are the absolute cherry on the top of the cake. We’re thrilled that our commitment to innovation, our team, and our customers, has been acknowledged and recognised by the judging panel in this way and we’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us achieve such outstanding success.” multi award winning, Ewemove is rapidly being recognised as a serious player in the property market, thanks to their quirky brand, green sheep mascot and commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Ewemove is the UK’s most trusted sales and lettings agent based on independent customer reviews through Trustpilot. They offer unique Happiness Guarantees for sellers, landlords and buyers. For vendors this means that they are never tied into long contracts and can walk away at any time without being charged a penny.

If you’re thinking of moving and you would like to find out what your property is worth or how much rent you should be getting then visit Ewemove.com/Leek and use the free, instant online valuation tool for your individual property report.

For further information, please contact the Daniel Walthall, Ewemove Branch Director in Leek on 01538 542454 or visit Ewemove.com/Leek

PROPERTY

Leek Life March/April 2017 29

sprucE up for spring HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ow many of us actually do a good old fashioned spring clean these days? a 2014 study suggested only around half of people in Britain gave their home a spring clean each year. many house-proud people believe their home doesn’t need a spring clean, but even though we have more cleaning products and gadgets than ever before, it is still vital to give your house a really thorough scrub in every nook and cranny each year.

In fact, households in the Staffordshire moorlands are being urged to get their house in order now to prevent problems with pests this summer as dust and dirt which can accumulate in any home over the winter months can support an entire eco-system of bugs. and pest experts say acting while any insects are still dormant can help to avoid infestations from occurring later in the year.

Dee Ward-Thompson, of the British pest Control association (BpCa), said: “Spring is a time when temperatures begin to rise and nature starts to wake up.

“Insects will emerge to build nests and forage for food and, left unchecked, their presence can turn from a minor nuisance in February or march to a major problem in summer.

“The better the weather, the faster they breed and, when insects are breeding rapidly, they can become a

H

real issue in no time at all.

“Householders who add simple preventative measures to their list of spring cleaning jobs could therefore save themselves a lot of trouble in the long run – it’s definitely worth the effort.” rats and mice are a common problem for many households even throughout the winter as they seek shelter from the cold.

But the start of spring brings with it the potential for issues with a variety of other pests too including ants, flies, wasps and cockroaches. mrs Ward-Thompson added: “Just because you won’t necessarily see insects in your home yet doesn’t mean they’re not there.

“The chances are that eggs and nests are hidden in a dark corner somewhere and will spring to life once the weather starts to get warmer.

“Cleaning the house from top to bottom is a good idea as it’s a chance to give attention to areas that would perhaps normally be forgotten.

“But there are a number of other practical measures that can be carried out now to ensure pests are kept away from your property as much as possible this summer.”

The BpCa website contains advice on all domestic pests along with a search tool to find professional controllers in your area. Visit www.bpca.org.uk

YOUR LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY Established over 40 years & trained by former police officers • ALARMS • INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE • REPAIRS • SERVICE • CCTV • SECURITY LIGHTING • FIRE SYSTEMS

SELF-MONITORING SYSTEMS WIRED OR WIRE FREE (NO MESS) FREE VIEWING OF YOUR HOME WORLD-WIDE 24 HOURS BY SMART PHONE, IPAD OR COMPUTER

FOR A FREE SURVEY CALL 24HR ON

01782 397589 VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.HOMEGUARDINTRUDERALARMS.CO.UK

30 Leek Life March/April 2017

S

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

O

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 Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-4pm • Tel: 01782 310267 2017 31 Leek Life March/April

walkErs put thEir bEst foot forward M NORTH STAFFS CHRISTIAN AID

embers of North Staffordshire Christian aid Committee and its many supporters are preparing to put their best foot forward for the annual sponsored walk.

Taking place at Tittesworth reservoir this april, the event last year raised a staggering £51,000 and is among Christian aid’s most successful events.

Donations and promises of financial support have already been made to cover all the expenses associated with the walk so every penny collected in sponsorship goes directly to Christian aid.

There is no charge for admission into Tittesworth but on arrival walkers can park their cars at the reservoir for a reduced all day rate of £2.50 as opposed to the usual charge of £4.70 for more than two hours and are simply asked to display the Christian aid pass given on arrival. registration for the walk which is set to take place on Saturday 8th april will take place from

Premier Baby YOUR ONE STOP BABY SHOP

9.15am onwards with the walk commencing at 10am. all organisers ask is that participants complete the course by 1pm. There is a choice of two routes so every age and ability can take part, a short ‘easy’ walk of approximately two miles or a longer walk of roughly five miles, both of which are clearly signposted. as usual St John ambulance members will be on duty along with official stewards who will be there to assist people on the day.

Easter eggs will also be distributed to anyone brave enough to come along in fancy dress or to wear an Easter Bonnet.

The walk will be launched by the Bishop of Stafford and the Lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent.

Sponsorship forms and more information on the event is available from your local church or from John Bamford on Tel. 01782 516137 or from mike Willmot at mwillmot@talktalk.net.

Let Premier Baby help you make the most beautiful nursery for your new baby, we can supply you with moses baskets, cribs, cotbeds, furniture and stunning bedding ranges from all the leading manufacturers at discounted prices. iCandy, Bugaboo, Babystyle, Bebecar, Mamas & Papas, Quinny, Silvercross & many more

on ls as ea ap td P S ea s & U !

Gr ma TRY ST R a FI M

161-163 Victoria Street, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6HA | Tel: 01782 717513 www.premierbabyltd.co.uk | Open Mon to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm

32 Leek Life March/April 2017

an audiEncE with mikE dilgEr

STAFFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

trust hold EvEning at towErs

taffordshire Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce it is to host ‘an audience with mike Dilger’ at the alton Towers resort in april.

The Stafford-born naturalist is best-known for his television appearances on BBCs The One Show. mike, who is Vice president of the charity, will provide an interactive and illustrated talk on the trials and tribulations of being a wildlife presenter during the event, on Friday 28th april. mike, who has two degrees, one in ecology and another in botany, has a life-long passion for natural history. He has risen quickly in the

S

world of presenting and is a regular face on BBC’s The One Show, co-presenter on 'Nature’s Top 40'. He has also been a presenter on the BBC’s ‘autumnwatch’, ‘Springwatch’ and ‘Natures Calendar’, and is one of BBC One’s ‘Inside Out’ presenting team. mike said: “Being Stafford born and bred, it is an honour to be representing the Trust for this special event at one of the county’s biggest tourist attractions.

“During the evening, I’ll talk about some of my favourite filming experiences from around the world and answer questions on what life is like being a wildlife presenter. “most importantly, money raised from the event goes towards the fantastic work Staffordshire Wildlife Trust carry out across our very special county.”

Ticket prices range from £40 for a ‘Gold’ ticket, £25 for a ‘Silver’ ticket and £15 for a ‘Bronze’ ticket.

Gold ticket holders will be given the chance to take a tour of alton Towers resort’s Sea Life Centre—viewing over 200 different species, including rays, eels, sea-horses, and sharks— with mike himself. Guests will be guided around Sharkbait reef with mike as their special host where he'll talk about the creatures that live in the centre.

Silver ticket holders will also get the chance of a tour of the centre with knowledgeable Sea Life Centre staff, while Bronze ticket holders will have access to the ‘audience With’ event.

To purchase tickets and for more information, head to www.staffswildlife.org.uk/mikedilger or call the Trust’s headquarters on Tel. 01889 880100.

Leek Life March/April 2017 33

fabulous phlox GARDENING

by Martin Blow

order phlox are old fashioned plants with a bright new future as gardeners switch to perennials with great scent, hardy disposition and minimal care requirements.

They can give years and years of service in the herbaceous or mixed border and provide a wonderful, scented summer display. phlox hate being in pots so buy in spring and plant out before they become root-bound. They also hate being in greenhouses so avoid “pumped-up” plants forced on in heat.

We’re all guilty of impulse buys (how else have I ended up with over 70 varieties of phlox in the garden) but before planting out, stop and think. phlox are very long-lived plants and although easy to move they will always leave behind roots that will send up new plants – so plan where you want them to grow first. The ideal site is sunny, with rich, well-dug soil with perhaps a little late afternoon shade to protect them from the extremes of summer heat. In practice, they get full sun or light shade in my garden and do pretty well in either.

Border phlox are incredibly hardy and start to show new growth in February. The new leaves are often attractively coloured but only a few varieties maintain these coloured leaves into summer, the others gradually turn green. Good coloured leaf types include Starfire, Blue paradise and Logan Black. Variegated phlox have lovely white and green or cream, red and green leaves throughout the summer to compliment the flowers.

Enriching the soil with compost dug into the top 1ft of soil will do wonders for the plants. I find the chalk in mushroom compost helps to reduce mildew problems. I always give my phlox

B

a good dressing with a well-balanced fertiliser like Growmore in spring followed by blood, fish and bone in mid-summer. also, give the plants some space if possible to improve air circulation; plant border phlox about 2ft apart.

Water the ground not the plant and try and use water at air temperature (say from a water butt, or a can filled a few hours before) rather than an icy blast from a hosepipe. phlox are often recommended as candidates for the “Chelsea Chop” – the practice of cutting plants by about half their height around the time of Chelsea Flower Show to create bushier, later flowering plants. I rarely do this: instead I remove spent flower head in late July and into august to encourage side shoots to flower. phlox make good cut flowers – cut in the morning and remove the lower leaves. at the end of the season cut down the stems to ground level and put them in the council green waste bin rather than the compost heap to avoid carrying any pests or diseases from season to season.

There are 100’s of varieties to choose from and often it’s the old, heritage varieties that are new to our nursery range as they are “rediscovered” growing in happy neglect in an old garden. In recent years, we have reintroduced the old German varieties Sternhimmel (Starry Sky) and Lavendelwolke (Lavender Cloud) to go with monte Cristallo and Kirchenfürst plus a brand new English variety raised by Terry Dagley and named maude Stella Dagley as well as promoting old English varieties such as Elizabeth arden, Bright Eyes and White admiral.

Once you’ve grown border phlox you will be hooked by the beauty of the flowers and the heady scent on a summer’s evening.

Martin and Janet run Special Perennials, www.specialperennials.com.

They will be at Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Carsington Water, Ashbourne (DE6 1ST) on Saturday 25th March free entry to fair P&D parking. The Dorothy Clive Garden (TF9 4EU) on Easter Sunday/Monday 16th/17th April entry to the fair and beautiful 12 acre gardens only £3.50 (normally £7.50) and Consall Hall Gardens, Wetley Rocks (ST9 0AG) on Sunday 23rd April where visitors can enjoy the spectacular 70 acre gardens and a great plant fair for only £3.00.

Adlington Hall on Sunday 7th May fair and gardens £3.00. For full details of these and other Plant Hunters’ Fairs please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk. The couple are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for customers to collect.

34 Leek Life March/April 2017

GARDENING

Leek Life March/April 2017 35

physio follows drEam of bEing his own boss RJB PHYSIOTHERAPY

physiotherapist has followed his dream after setting up his own specialist clinic in the village he grew up in. rob Brindley, aged 38, who lives in Bagnall, has achieved his goal of setting up his own business, ‘rJB physiotherapy’, based at alder House in Station road, Endon, which opened its doors for the very first time in January. rob, a former head-boy at Endon High School qualified at Keele University with a B.Sc. (Hons) physiotherapy degree in 2001, before becoming a Junior physiotherapist at what is now the royal Stoke University Hospital.

“Working within the NHS gave me invaluable experience, and the hospital based start was a perfect foundation for my career,” said rob.

“It allowed me to work in different departments and gain vital experience in managing a wide and varied range of conditions within the different areas of physiotherapy. While there, I became a senior physiotherapist. I’d studied hard at university, but actually gaining the experience I needed was so important. I was working alongside experienced and hard-working physiotherapists from whom I learned a great deal. From this it became clear what I needed to do to succeed.” rob also became the first team physio at Stone Dominoes Football Club, a role he carried out for two years.

His perseverance and hard work paid off when he was asked to join Lakeside physiotherapy Clinic based on Festival Way in Stoke-on-Trent in 2005. He was employed there from 2005 for seven years and became an associate in 2013.

“Working at Lakeside was the next step of my career and it has been a great place to work,” added rob. “It allowed me to focus on some of my specialist interests within the field, which include gym rehabilitation, management of tendinopathy, dry needling for myofascial trigger points and acupuncture for chronic pain.

36 Leek Life March/April 2017

picture by mark Scott

A

“I realised when I was at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College that I wanted to be in a role where I was helping people – and seeing the improvement in pain and function a client can gain, even after the first session, is so rewarding.

It spurs you on to do your best for them and make sure you’re keeping up to date with new ways of working and advancements in an ever changing field, too.” rob, who enjoys keeping fit, skiing and is a 3rd degree black sash in Kung Fu, married Hannah in 2013 and became a dad last year following the birth of Emma. He says the support of his family has been a great encouragement in helping him set up his new business.

“It has always been my dream and ultimate goal to have my own physiotherapy business, and I’d got to a point where I thought if I don’t do it now, I never will,” said rob.

“But I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of Hannah and my family – they have given me the encouragement I needed to go on and really press ahead with the plans.

“Endon is a perfect location to open a clinic as it’s close to Stoke, Leek and Newcastle, and it’s the village I grew up in too, so it’s a place close to my heart. The clinic is also close to the doctors and there is a real community feel.”

To find out more about rJB physiotherapy, which is now open, visit www.rjb.physio or email enquiries@rjb.physio. alternatively call rob on 07957 387004.

Quilter and the ghost

FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE

award winning thEatrE comEs to lEEk this march ward-winning arletty Theatre presents Quilter and the Ghost, the second of this season’s Live and Local presentations, at the Foxlowe arts Centre in Leek taking to the stage on Thursday 30th march at 7.30pm recluse hoarder Quilter and her Ghost have collected stories over many, many years in their big old echoing house. Every room is filled with whispers, except for one locked and silent room, which no-one ever enters.

When a woman from the council arrives, Quilter is confronted with the

A

prospect of losing her home and her stories for good. a battle begins to save the stories from the skip and finally the secret room reveals its secret. playfully using the cluttered space around them, and with an elaborate mix of projections and live and recorded music, the lives of strong and inspiring women are recreated, retold and celebrated with care and delight.

These are compelling stories about the inspirational women who helped form our communities, and the people in them. From battling grandmas to a Wild West pioneer. and the housewife who fed starving pOWs during WW2, whose descendants were rewarded with food-parcels from Germany during the miner’s Strike, sent by the grateful grandchildren of those same prisoners. arletty Theatre won Best Theatre production award at the Buxton Fringe 2014 for their arts Council funded musical play, Swan Canaries.

The company has been awarded financial support from the Soroptimists for this production.

Tickets priced £10 for adults, £8 for school children and students in full time education are available from the Foxlowe arts Centre in Stockwell Street, over the phone on Tel. 01538 386112 or online from the website wegottickets.com (10% booking fee applies). There is parking at the rear for disability access. for further details or information visit www.liveandlocal.org.uk.

Leek Life March/April 2017 37

RURAL FOOTCARE

The Bra Boutique §

• Bras for all occasions

For the treatments of Corns, Callus/Hard Skin, Nail Trimming, Fungal Infections In the comfort of your own home.

• Bra fitting specialists

• Gift vouchers available

To book an appointment call Carol on

07454 573288 or 01538 308300 Registered with RFHP SAC, Dip FHPAT/Dip FHPA

10% OFF

• Excellent range of shapewear

15 Russell Street, Leek,ST13 5JF Tel: 01538 383106

ALL INITIAL CONSULTATIONS WITH THIS ADVERT (T&Cs apply)

We don’t just treat backs...

• Arthritic pain • Back/neck pain • Frozen shoulder • Stress/tension • Sciatica • Headache • Repetitive strains • Whiplash ligaments/tendons and much more...

We treat all ages including babies and children 13 Ball Haye Street, Leek, ST13 6JN

Tel: 01538 388333 www.leekosteopaths.co.uk

| info@leekosteopaths.co.uk

Leek Osteopathic Health Centre 38 Leek Life March/April 2017

@leekosteopaths

REFLECTIONS COACHING

ARE YOU A VICTIM OF YOUR OWN KINDNESS

with Carolyn Trafford

hether you’re a parent, a partner an employee or an offspring, there’s always someone who needs help or support.

Our ability to care may be part of what makes us human, to provide help when it’s needed or simply just in our day to day nurturing of others.

Think about your day – how often do you hear someone ask “can you just….”? We tend to respond immediately dropping everything to rush to someone else’s need. These little acts of kindness can be very disruptive to your day. How often do you restart reading a page of a book from the top again because you’ve lost your place? Or have to think about what you were doing immediately before the request came? and how often do you lack time for you because you’ve been doing something for others? perhaps it was someone’s shopping, or washing or even helping with homework?

Now I’m not proposing that you stop all this, we do this because we care. I’m just suggesting that occasionally it’s OK to say “No” or “later”.

Considering how and when we help people is actually better for both parties.

Finishing off a piece of work before you go and help a colleague means you are less stressed and have more time and mind space for them.

Not having to repeat what you started after you’ve broken off from the task actually saves you a little bit of time.

Occasionally also, it’s the easy option for someone to ask for help, (we’ve all done it haven’t we?), and by the time you go back to the person

W

they’ve resolved the issue themselves.

We might be only talking 10, 20 minutes in a day, but just imagine what you could do with that extra time.

• Take a relaxing bath rather than a rushed shower.

• Pick up your book and read it.

• Try a little mediation or yoga to relax you.

• Take that 20 minute brisk walk that you never have time to fit in.

• Focus on you and your goals.

It’s ridiculously simple but it works.

Everyday we’re challenged at work or at home. my book “Don’t Just Dream It achieve It” can help focus on goals – if you want a copy contact me or go to my shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CarolynTraffordart. It’s packed full of ideas and activities to help you achieve your goals or go to my website www.reflectionscoaching.co.uk and sign up for my newsletters.

I genuinely would love to hear what your goals are. please take time to drop me an email at the address below and let me know what it is you want to achieve this year.

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 March/April 2017 39

an advEnturE along road’ to ‘somEwhErE

LEEK ALL SAINTS OPERATIC SOCIETY

ollowing the success of their 2016 production of ‘Into The Woods’, Leek all Saints Operatic Society are back on stage this april with a popular favourite, ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

The curtain will go up on the four day run of the magical tale on Wednesday 19th april until Saturday 22nd at St Edwards C of E academy in Leek. all performances commence at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee taking place at 2.30pm. a wine bar and tuck shop will also open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Tickets priced £10 for adults and £5 for under 14s are on sale now and are available from any society member, Westwood post Office, E. Grainger on Derby Street or online at www.leekoperatics.org.uk.

Dorothy Gale is being played by 20 year old rachel Clay who played the part of Little red riding Hood in the Society’s 2016 production of ‘Into The Woods’. rachel is pictured with

F

40 Leek Life March/April 2017

Chorkie the dog, who has a starring role in this production as Toto.

Other principal cast members include Jack richardson who is playing The Scarecrow, Ben Childs as The Tin man and Jeremy Clay who is playing The Lion, and the band of talented musicians are being lead once again by Steve Williams on piano.

Speaking to Leek Life, Director Ian W Wilson said: “This year we have chosen a well known show, first made famous by the 1939 film starring Judy Garland. The show was revived in 1987 with a version by the royal Shakespeare Company before being more recently revived by andrew Lloyd Webber in 2011 following the ‘Over The rainbow’ television show.

“We are performing the royal Shakespeare Company version of the show which closely follows the film, with a few extra songs that were originally cut from the movie including

g thE ‘yEllow brick rE ovEr thE rainbow’

LEEK ALL SAINTS OPERATIC SOCIETY

‘The Jitterbug’.

“The Wizard of Oz is full of well known songs for the audience to sing-a-long to and really is a show for the whole family. I always say ‘never work with children or animals’ and yet this year, we have both youngsters and a dog involved!

“I really do hope that you will come along to support our Society and enjoy an evening of live entertainment to make all of our hard work worth it.”

Society member Lucy Baker is taking a rather different position this year from her usual spot on stage as she makes her debut as musical Director. ahead of the show she explained her move: “Having taken on the hugely challenging role of The Witch in our last production I decided I wanted to take a step back this year and take on a smaller role...

Having said this, I somehow ended up as musical Director!

“This role has proven to be an entirely different challenge but I have to say that I am working with a truly great group of people who have all put the time and effort in to make it an enjoyable experience. “my thanks go out to the entire cast for

their hard work and patience this year. I truly believe that we are going to pull off a great show as always and hope that we receive the audience numbers we deserve.

“Our Society is bursting with local talent that we really want to be appreciated and enjoyed by our local community. please come along and help us keep theatre alive in Leek!”

Leek’s all Saints Operatic Society welcome audience members of all ages to join them on their magical journey following Dorothy and her dog, Toto, over the rainbow and into the magical land of Oz. Things in Oz are strange and beautiful but as Dorothy just wants to get back home she embarks on a quest to find the Wizard of Oz to help her. along the way Dorothy meets some new friends who are also in need of the Wizard’s help - a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin man who needs a heart and a Lion who needs courage.

Go along and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick road’ in the land of munchkins and Witches as they explore this mystical new world ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’.

Leek Life March/April 2017 41

thE timE-honourEd a ENDON WELL DRESSING

Endon prEparEs for 173rd annual wEll drEssing fEstival

esidents living in the neighbouring village of Endon are busily making preparations for the celebration of their 173rd annual Endon Well Dressing Festival.

The new queen has been chosen and she is in the throes of choosing her retinue, members of which will support her as she carries out her regal duties during the festival weekend. maypole dancers are busy choreographing their centre stage dances while the festival committee works avidly behind the scenes in planning and booking events for the weekend.

But of course, the main attraction will be the decorated well itself which is annually blessed as a thanksgiving for the continual supply of water enjoyed by the local community.

R

42 Leek Life March/April 2017

The act of dressing of the well in itself has changed somewhat since the inaugural festival almost two centuries ago when the village cobbler would dress the well with oak boughs leaves and flowers.

This discontinued method has been replaced instead by using flower petals set in clay on a wooden frame and this is the way the current committee continue to decorate the well to this very day.

Each year the well designer formulates his design and discusses colours, flowers and natural materials to be used with the chief well dresser.

Work on the 2017 display commenced back in the autumn when a small team of helpers were out collecting beech nuts and alder cones which will be used to outline the design and give definition to the patterns. They are always on the lookout for interesting natural materials to enhance the display. as the festival approaches the well boards are

art of wEll drEssing

ENDON WELL DRESSING

checked and inspected after winter storage and any repairs if needed are made.

The boards are taken and placed in the brook to soak for two weeks before they are decorated. after the soaking process is complete the boards are moved into a tent on the field on the Sunday a week before the festival and a group of volunteers clay the boards.

Originally the clay came from local farmers fields and was puddled by the villagers. This always proved great fun as the children who would don their wellies and jump up and down on the clay to remove stones and impurities.

Today, the committee use commercially bought clay which is applied to the boards and smoothed over to give a flat even surface for the dressers to work on.

The paper pattern is laid on the clay and the pattern is pricked out through the paper which is then removed. all the edges are mossed and the pattern is outlined with the beech nuts and alder cones.

Constant spraying of the clay is essential in order to keep the clay moist and maintain the freshness of the materials used.

Natural materials are applied next such as maize, bark, lichen, spices, herbs and egg shells.

Flowers are added towards the end of the week some are complete heads while other parts of the design call for petalling, which entails using individual petals. as you can imagine this is greatly time consuming work but the effect is well worth all the effort.

The Endon Well Dressing Festival will take place this year on the 27th, 28th and 29th of may.

Villagers look forward to welcoming you to the event to see how all their hard work has paid off! If any readers are interested in seeing the boards being decorated the committee would welcome any visitors wishing to stop by and see them at the tent on the field during the week prior to the Well Dressing Festival.

Leek Life March/April 2017 43

tintin’s advEnturEs A DOG’S LIFE

shaggy dog story in print

he thrilling tale of a little dog called Tintin, who disappeared for a month in the Staffordshire moorlands, has been published as part of a fundraising drive.

Volunteers who hunted for miles in a bid to track the Jack russell when he went missing last year, are hoping to aid future searches for lost dogs by purchasing night vision goggles.

T

The book, Our Tintin's Journey, tells of the many volunteers who banded together in the search for Tintin when his vanished from home early in 2016. He was eventually reunited with his owners a month later.

Sharon Holloway is a member of ‘Team Tintin’ - the volunteers who joined the search for the adventurous dog and have since helped turn his story into a book to fund the special equipment needed for night-time searches. a special launch event at Dougal's Den in Stanley Street, Leek, marked the start of the fund-raising drive for heat-seeking night vision goggles which will be loaned for free to distraught dog-owners should their pet go missing.

Sharon, 47, said: “The kindness of people, including complete strangers, who helped in the search for Tintin was remarkable. One thing that we did not have during the search was night vision goggles and these would have been a major help. When Tintin was finally found, many people asked for the full story to be written in the form of a book. We agreed to produce the story but only to fund the need for these goggles.”

'Our Tintin's Journey' book is available to purchase at £10 from Dougal's Den and other outlets in the town centre.

44 Leek Life March/April 2017

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

A ‘Fools’ Quiz for April Fool’s Day

1. according to the saying, where do fools rush in?

2. Which song was a top five hit for both Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers and Diana ross?

3. matthew mcConaughey and Kate Hudson starred in which 2008 film when they seek to find lost treasure?

4. What is paper cut to the size of 8.5 by 13.5 inches called?

5. Who had a UK number one single with 'a Fool Such as I'?

6. What is the name of the fool in Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’?

7. Which boy band had a number one in 2000 with 'Fool again'?

8. according to the proverb, a fool and his what are soon parted?

9. Fool's mate is a series of moves in which board game?

10. Which mineral is nicknamed Fool’s Gold?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. arrival (Starring amy adams); 2. Scotland; 3. Eeyore; 4. Tasmania; 5. Donkey (voiced by Eddie murphy); 6. park Lane (costing £350 is just behind mayfair at £400); 7. The armpit; 8. Lima; 9.

Deepdale (Home of preston North End - Shankly played for them 297 times); 10. Glasgow (He was brought up in Dunblane and was at the school at the time of the 1996 massace).

‘Fools’ quiz Answers: 1. Where angels fear to tread; 2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love; 3. Fool's Gold; 4. Foolscap; 5.

Elvis presley; 6. Feste; 7. Westlife; 8. money; 9. Chess; 10. pyrite or Iron pyrite.

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

General Knowledge Quiz

1. Which 2016 Oscar nominated film is based on the short story ‘Story of Your Life’?

2. In which country is the 2012 Disney film Brave set?

3. In the Winnie-the-pooh second volume of stories, who lives at The House at pooh Corner?

4. What large island was formerly known as Van Dieman’s Land?

5. What is the name of the donkey in the 2001 film ‘Shrek’?

6. On a standard UK monopoly board, what is the second-most expensive property square?

7. Where on the body would you find axillary hair?

8. What is the capital of peru?

9. In which football ground can you find the Bill Shankly Kop? 10. In which city was andy murray born?

Leek Life March/April 2017 45

lEEk EnginEEr wins covEtEd national titlE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS

holly takEs inspiration from strong fEmalE rolE modEl

olly Broadhurst from Leek recently picked up a coveted national award crowning her the best in the country at the National apprenticeship awards.

Holly who studied at The JCB academy and also attended the sixth form, was named the Nuclear Decommissioning Site Licence Companies Higher and Degree apprentice of the Year at the awards presentation held at London’s Grosvenor House, pipping hundreds of competing apprentices from around the country to the post. a big influence for Holly was having a strong female role model while studying at The JCB academy Sixth Form, speaking to Leek Life Holly explained: “I had a female lecturer, paula Gwinnett, during my time at The JCB academy, and, as a woman within engineering, she was a great role model to

H

46 Leek Life March/April 2017

encourage me into the industry.” paula, former director of The JCB academy Sixth Form and now The JCB academy’s Engineering apprentice Learning manager, said: “It takes a special kind of person to excel at the higher apprenticeship. Higher apprentices must secure academic achievements, commensurate with their traditionally educated peers but they also need the drive, tenacity and resilience necessary to thrive in a competitive environment in the workplace.

“Holly has personified what it takes to succeed as a young engineer and leader and it has been both a pleasure and a privilege to work with her. recognising latest talent and creating an environment in which young engineers can fulfil their potential has been my mission since leaving industry to teach, and students like Holly have made it absolutely worthwhile.”

Holly started at The JCB academy in its first year in 2010 and went onto the academy’s sixth form to study an engineering diploma and two a levels alongside. mixing subjects like this is quite unique to most education establishments and Holly believes it gave her the edge over other students, adding: “The difference for me was that I was still able to get my a levels and also complete a Diploma in Engineering at the same time; this would give me the edge over other people who were only studying one of these qualifications but not both.”

“Choosing to go The JCB academy was a massive step in my education, it was a new school and I was to going into a subject in which I did not have a lot of experience – engineering. I was constantly told that it might be a bad idea and I would regret it, but looking back now it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I always knew that I wanted to go into engineering; I have a constant need to know how things work and how they are put together, in addition to this maths and physics were my top choices for a Level subjects.

“I knew that it would be extremely hard work but in the long run it has been 100% worth it. I know that all the aspirations I now have would not have been possible without the learning, support and encouragement that I received from The JCB academy.”

MOTORING

potholE warning bEams to your dash could savE you cash

ostly car repairs could be prevented with the help of an ingenious, crowd-sourced virtual pothole map, which Ford is researching, with testing due to start later this year. The map would show drivers, in real-time, on in-car displays, where potholes are, how bad they are, and suggest alternative routes.

This winter is expected to set records as the worst ever in some parts of Europe, with freezing temperatures, ice and snow likely lead to more cracked and potholed roads. Bad road surfaces contribute to more than a third of all accidents every year.

In the UK alone, a pothole damage claim is received by local authorities every 17 minutes – with claims averaging £432. In 2011, 20 million potholes were reported in Europe but only half were filled – at an estimated cost of more than €1.2 billion. “a virtual pothole map could highlight a new pothole the minute it appears and almost immediately warn other drivers that there is a hazard ahead,” said Uwe Hoffmann, research engineer, advanced Chassis Control Technologies, Ford of Europe. “Our cars already feature sensors that detect potholes and now we are looking at

C

adrian wilson

taking this to the next level.”

Cold, ice and snow all cause roads to freeze, thaw and ultimately break apart, a situation compounded by heavy spring rain that fills the holes – spelling trouble for the 16 million motorists who hit the road for the Easter break.

Ford models including Galaxy, mondeo and SmaX already use on-board sensors for Continuously Controlled Damping with pothole mitigation, which detects potholes using sensors and adjusts the suspension to help reduce any potential damage.

Engineers are now researching the use of cameras and embedded modems, at the Ford research and Innovation Centre, in aachen, Germany. Together, these technologies would gather detailed information on the potholes and beam it to the cloud – where it can be made available to other drivers – in real time.

Further research is also exploring the use of an active suspension system designed to massively reduce the severity of bumps and rough road surfaces.

Ford already tests new cars on a nightmare 1.2 mile road at Lommel proving Ground, in Belgium, using replicas of some of the world’s worst potholes.

THE ORIGINAL INDEPENDENT RENAULT SPECIALIST TRUST THE BEST

pr No og w ra do Pe Ren mm ing C uge au ing key itr o lt, fo oe t & r n

Adrian Wilson Garage Salisbury Street, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5EE Telephone: 01538 399255

www.adrian-wilson.co.uk

Leek Life March/April 2017 47

MOTORING

48 Leek Life March/April 2017

RUDYARD LAKE G A R ALAKE G E RUDYARD " ! " "! "! " " ! " "! "! " " ! " ! "! "! ! " ! " " " "!

• DIAGNOSTICS

V N EW • SERVICING

OSA MO •If you’re MOTS looking a new car or SALES •forVEHICLE STATION T 4x4 then Rudyard • REPAIRS Garage • Lake BREAKDOWN should be your first RECOVERY stop.

We can buy or part exchange your current vehicle • WE BUY CARS andFOR help you get into your new car quickly without hassle.

CASH

£45

We provide excellent after care and we can service and MOT your vehicle when required.

We also offer an extensive diagnostic and repair service should your vehicle need that expert touch to get it running smoothly again. We also offer a Free Collection and Courtesy Car service. If you require any further info then please feel free to give us a call.

01538 306254

Station Road, Rudyard, Leek, ST13 8PG Telephone: 01538 306254

! " ! " ! !

Free windscreen wipers " ! " ! " with every MOT

! " ! " " !

WE BUY CARS FOR CASH www.rudyardlakegarage.co.uk

CRUSO AUTO REPAIRS

MOTORING

We service most cars & 4x4s from NEW, including CHRYSLER and JEEP using OE and Equivalent Quality Parts.

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE Petrol costs getting too high? Then consider LPG! With LPG fuel being roughly half that of petrol, the cost of an LPG CONVERSION can usually be recouped within 12 months (based on £45.00 per week avg. fuel spend). Prices start from £1,750 (inc. VAT @ 20%).

01538 399377

C.A.R.

Burton Street, Leek, Staffs, ST13 8BU

CRUSO adrian AUTO wilson REPAIRS

We service most cars & 4x4s from NEW, including CHRYSLER and JEEP using OE and Equivalent Quality Parts.

THE ORIGINAL INDEPENDENT Petrol costs getting too high? Then consider LPG! With LPG fuel beingRENAULT roughly half that of petrol, the cost of an LPG CONVERSION can usually be recoupedSPECIALIST within 12 months (based on £45.00 per week avg. fuel spend). Prices COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE

THE start from £1,750 (inc.TRUST VAT @ 20%).

01538 399377

C.A.R.

pr No og w ra do Pe Ren mm ing C uge au ing key itr o lt, fo oe t & r n

Adrian Wilson Garage

BEST

Salisbury Street, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5EE Telephone: Burton Street, 01538 399255 Leek, Staffs, ST13 8BU www.adrian-wilson.co.uk

To advertise your business call Thomas on 01538 752214 or 07855 242693or email: tom@timesandecho.co.uk LeekLeek LifeLife March/April May/June2017 2014 49 49

CLASSIFIED

Graham Bagshaw PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER

• City & Guilds approved • Installation & service The Nook, Butterton, Leek, Staffs, ST13 7SP

T: 01538 304518 M: 07841 708861

ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic & commercial Friendly & reliable Covering Leek, Cheadle, Uttoxeter & surrounding areas

WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE

01538 307005

info@livearth.co.uk www.livearth.co.uk

Professional Decorator

• Painting & decorating in the Moorlands since 1974 • Expert help & advice with all your decorating needs

Tel: 01538 398225 for a FREE ESTIMATE Mobile: 07970 077892

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Cleaning from £10 per hour Spring Clean from £35 (min 4 hrs) Deep Clean from £45 Start & End of Tenancy Cleaning Carpet Cleaning

T: 07974 247959

E: greenfrogltd@gmail.com Free no obligation quotes

Alan Lewis Electrical Contractors All types of domestic work undertaken No job too small Free friendly advice and quotes

www.malelectrician.co.uk

Please call 07811 176311

Leek Electrical Block paving and groundwork specialists • Decorative paving • Natural stone • Flagging • Fencing • Kerbing • Wrought iron • Gates • Garden walls CALL DARREN ON: 01538 420371 or 07538 490259 info@holland.co.uk • www.dwholland.co.uk

Would you like to advertise?

Call Tom on 01538 752214 or 07855 242693, or email tom@times andecho.co.uk 50 Leek Life March/April 2017

• Professional, local, reliable, tidy • Part P approved • All work guaranteed & fully insured • No job too small • New 17th edition fuse box £300 inspected & tested • Domestic & commercial

NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE QUOTES

Certified

Tel: 01538 387169 or 07875 464866

• Fully qualified & experienced tree surgeon • All aspects of tree & hedge work undertaken • Fully insured • Free advice & no obligation quotes • Chainsaw training & assessments Tel: 01538 421607 Mob: 07812 598909

Email: totaltreesolutions@hotmail.co.uk

Get ready for summer MORSO PIZZA OVEN FROM £950 INC VAT

Barnfield Industrial Estate, Leek, ST13 5QG

Tel: 01538 384141