MARCH/APRIL 2018 £2 WHERE SOLD
Life
Roaring into the spring with new beginnings
WIN
• Tickets to see Little Shop of Horrors performed locally • A portrait painting by an up-and-coming Leek artist • Buxton Opera House tickets to see The South
ALL CARS BELOW ONLY!!!
£99 DEPOSIT AND £99 PER MONTH
The Iconic 500
0%
12 available, 2014 Price £5,995 Deposit £99 Per Month £99 0% APR 3 years GFV £2,418
The Versatile Panda
0%
6 available, 2014 Price £4,995 Deposit £99 Per Month £99 0% APR 3 years GFV £1,523
The Superb Punto
0%
10 available, 2013/14 Price £4,995 Deposit £99 Per Month £99 0% APR 3 years GFV £1,611
ALL LOW ROAD TAX, MANY ONLY £30 PER YEAR. ALL MOT’D, SERVICED AND GUARANTEED
BELOW IS JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR STOCK, ALL AT £99 DEPOSIT AND £99 PER MONTH 2010 Fiat Panda 1.2 Eco White 29,000 miles only, yes only 29,000 miles, C/D, A/C - FH10 ONF Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £2,995 £99 £99 x36M
2011 Citroen C1 1.0 JTR Met Blue 3 Dr 34,000 miles only. C/D, A/C Alloys YF06 RGX Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £3,300 £99 £99 x42M
2011 Peugeot 207 5 Dr 1.4 55,000 miles only. C/D, A/C, Alloys LL61 ESN Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £4,400 £99 £99 x60M
2007 Peugeot 107 3 dr 1.0 Met Blue only 58,000 miles, £30 per year road Tax - CV07 PXX Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £2,495 £99 £99 x30M
2006 Citroen C3 Desire 1.4 Met Grey 37,000 miles only, C/D, A/Cond - SK56 UXS Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £2,545 £99 £99 x30M
2010 Ford KA 1.3 New Shape Black, 48,000 miles only YK60 ULK Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £3,995 £99 £99 x48M
2008 Ford KA 1.3 Style E Met Blue 41,000 miles only, C/D, C/L, E/W DU58 XLM Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £1,995 £99 £99 x24M
2009 BMW Mini Cooper 1.6 Met Bronze History only 59,000 C/D, A/C - DP57 BGU Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £3,995 £99 £99 x24M
2009 Fiat Punto Grande 1.2 5 dr, Met Dark Blue, 61,000 miles only, C/D, Excellent - WN57 VNL Sale Price Deposit Per Month Months £2,545 £99 £99 x30M
Balance Per Finance Example: Price: Deposit: Month: with Interest: % 8% Citroen C1 £4,224 £99 £99 £3,300
YOURS FREE AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT Representative APR 18.8%
Months x42
WE WILL BUY YOUR PART EXCHANGE FOR CASH AND SETTLE ANY OUTSTANDING FINANCE
FAMILY FIRM EST OVER 60 YEARS
01782 622141
Family Firm Celebrating 60 years
KEELE ROAD, NEWCASTLE A525 5 mins from
centre ST5 2HN OPEN MON-SAT 9AM-7PM SUN 11AM-5PM
All pictures shown are for illustration only (Admin fee of £295 must be paid)
VISIT WWW.BSMARSON.CO.UK TO VIEW OVER 200 MORE CARS!!!
MARCH/APRIL
Editor’s letter .......................................6 Leek Town Council Events Committee .8 Leek Town Crier ..................................9 Leek Arts Festival...............................10 Foxlowe Creative Hub ........................11 Rewind & Jumpin Jacks ....................12 Reader’s Photo ...................................14 Quiz Corner ........................................15 Artist Justin Twigg.............................16 Leek Twinning....................................17 Stage Directions .................................18 Leek Musical Theatre Company ........19 What’s On ..........................................20 Lions Club of Leek .............................23
CONTENTS
Inspire Records .................................24 2nd Leek Scouts.................................25 Property .............................................26 Homes and Gardens ..........................28 Staffordshire Wildlife Trust ..............30 Charity Fund-raisers ..........................31 Cheshire Electrical Supplies..............32 Community Stalwarts ........................34 Leek Rotary Club ...............................35 Health and Fitness.............................37 Harold Critchlow Trust .....................38 Reflections Coaching .........................39 The Women’s Institute......................40 Borderland Voices .............................42 Leek Life from the Past......................43 Financial Matters...............................44 Tinsdills Solicitors .............................45 Motoring ............................................46 Classified............................................50
New beginnings and inspirational ladies
just love Spring. It's such a wonderful blossoming time of the year which brings with it an air of hope for new beginnings as the cold weather (hopefully) subsides. Such new beginnings could be anything from starting a new outdoor hobby, replanting your garden beds, or even just having a good old spring clean to brush away any remaining winter blues. In this edition of Leek Life we introduce a new columnist who is happy to share his tips of body transformation for anyone perhaps wishing to start a new health and fitness regime and we also have a feature about a community organisation which is settling into new premises. Plus we feature a number of new businesses within our area – including a new record label. Also with Springtime comes an ever-growing programme of events within Leek and surrounding areas – in particular the beginning of this year's Leek Arts Festival at the end of April. Check out our comprehensive What's On guide to see details of a multitude of different events taking place during March and April in Leek and surrounding areas. And please do get in touch if you have any events coming up which you would like us to mention in forthcoming editions. Through the national news, we have been witnessing lots of celebrations taking place across the country focusing on the 100th anniversary of the Suffragettes winning the right for women to vote, and with March 8 being International Women's Day, there's no time like the present to be recognising women across the globe. And we have many inspirational women within our community from all different walks of life. For example, we have two ladies who we feature in this edition who are currently running an appeal to help the homeless and we recognise another lady's continuous fund-raising which she does in loving memory of her late partner. Furthermore, of course, we have many inspirational ladies who are featured within our regular Women's Institute pages. And don't forget it's Mother's Day on March 11 – another excuse to recognise and celebrate inspirational women out there! Do you have a story to tell about life in Leek and surrounding areas? If so, please do drop me an email at life@timesandecho.co.uk or give me a call on 07941 806986. Until next time – take care!
I
Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor life@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton Tracey Redfern Design & Production Thomas Brian General Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693 Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk
Did you know that you can read Leek Life online? Visit timesechoandlife.co.uk Find us on Facebook search for Leek Life Magazine 6 Leek Life March/April 2018
Belinda
Front cover photo by Brett Trafford Photography www.bretttrafford.com
Leek Life March/April 2018 7
LEEK TOWN COUNCIL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Yeehaw fun comes to Leek town centre country and western extravaganza is set to take place in the Moorlands this Spring. Leek Town Council Events Committee has enlisted a host of Country and Western stars to perform during the two-day extravaganza which will take place in Leek town centre over the weekend of May 5 and 6. The event will see a multitude of live music acts take to a stage in the Sparrow Park area of Derby Street, and there will be line-dancing too. Music acts are set to include: Souls 'n' Stone, Donna Wilde, JC Rayne, Smile, Travis Logan, Darcy, and Eight Seconds and more acts are to be confirmed. There will also be line dancing and music from Hazel and Rolly Silver Spurs. The 'yeehaw' fun, which follows a similar event in 2014 which took place in Brough Park in Leek, will start each day at midday and run through until 6pm. The Sunday will also see the monthly Totally Locally Sunday Supplement, which includes lots of artisan stalls, take place also in the town centre between 1.30am and 3.30pm. Chairman of Leek Town Council Events Committee, councillor Roy Tomkinson, said: “The 2014 Country & Western event in Brough Park was really popular so the events team wanted to stage another one, but this time in the centre of Leek. “There’s a great variety of musicians including local duo Smile, Donna Wilde, and Travis Logan and everybody can join in with the line dancing led by Hazel & Rolly Silver Spurs. “On the Sunday, as well as enjoying live music, folk can also browse over 70 Sunday Supplement stallholders selling local crafts and food.” Members of the Leek Town Council Events Committee are also busy planning for this year's Party in the Park in the Summer which is set, yet again, to include a giant water-slide in Brough Park for all to enjoy. The date has been set as Sunday June 17. Any community groups or local artist who would like a stall at the event, can contact Leek town Council Clerk Julie Taylor on 01538 381271.
A
Donna Wilde JC Rayne
n Travis Loga 8 Leek Life March/April 2018
A special cry for the Spring by Bill
LEEK TOWN CRIER
s we emerge from the winter into a warm and brighter Spring, we watch the suns warmth grow stronger each day. Spring brings a promise of new growth, a magical rebirth of flowers and tree buds, heralding the best season of the year with fresh perfumed flowers. In the fields are seen new life being born and lambs frolicking upon the fresh carpet of grass. Around us is an explosion of warmth and wonders which will bring once again the influx of visitors who expect all the wonders around the town of Leek. A burst of enthusiasm and the promise of the parks and shops within, all served with a smiling face. This is Spring in Leek – Oyez Oyez!
A
Bill Lomas – Leek Town Crier
Leek Life March/April 2018 9
BARBARA IS COMING BACK TO THE STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS
LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL
popular songstress will be making a welcome return to the Staffordshire Moorlands. Two years ago Scottish songstress Barbara Dickson played to a sell-out crowd as part of the 2016 Leek ra Barba Arts Festival, with many Dickson fans disappointed that they were unable to secure tickets for the gig. However the festival team has confirmed that Barbara will be returning to Leek on May 10 as part of this year's entertaining extravaganza. Festival spokesman Phil Edmeades said: “Barbara's a hugely popular entertainer and when she got in touch with us late last year to say she’d love to make a return visit to Leek Arts Festival we jumped at the chance. It was just too good an opportunity to pass up.” Leek Arts Festival – which has been running every year since 1977 – promises an eclectic mix of music, drama, art and much, much more, all taking place in Leek from late April through to early June. Another big name for this year’s festival is Tom Allen, a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy whose recent TV appearances include Mock The Week, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live at the Apollo and the 2017 Royal Variety Performance. He also supported fellow star of stand-up Sarah Millican on her recent UK tour. Tom will bring his unique style of acerbic wit and camp, riotous storytelling to Leek’s Foxlowe Arts Centre on April 25. Phil said: “We have developed a tradition of launching the festival with a bit of comedy, having brought a range of stars including Richard Digance, Mike Harding and Jeremy Hardy to Leek in recent years. It’s a formula that seems to work and Tom Allen
A
10 Leek Life March/April 2018
we are confident Tom Allen will get us off to a great start.” Other key names in the 2018 Festival programme include the ever popular Fairport Convention; Climax Blues Band – celebrating 50 years of touring and recording; and local favourites Demon whose 2018 appearance at Leek Arts Festival will mark the 35th anniversary of the release of their groundbreaking album The Unexpected Guest. Festival favourites the Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble will pack the Foxlowe stage again this year while other names in the programme include singer-songwriter Aerynn whose ‘corroded-folk’ has won her fans across the world; and top-notch Steely Dan tribute band Nearly Dan. Phil added: “There will also be a wide range of concerts, gigs, art displays and other events organised by groups and individuals from outside of the Festival committee including a professional performance of ‘The Chocolate Soldier’, a play based on the story of Leek-born Bombardier Ted Hassall who formed an unlikely friendship with a six-year-old girl and her family after finding her message in a tin of chocolate sent to him as he served on the Aerynn front-lines of the Somme during the Great War.” For full details of the 2018 Leek Arts Festival visit www.leekarts festival.co.uk.
Demon
FOXLOWE CREATIVE HUB
‘Creative Hubbers’ - Cathy Bower, Matt Potts, Mark Brammar and Chris Thompson. Picture by Sam Gibbs.
Creativity flows from top to bottom at the Foxlowe Arts Centre
he Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek has become a well-established place to go to eat and drink in the day as well as being a venue for art, music, comedy, theatre, film, learning and much more. However, it is now also a vibrant centre for a number of businesses on its second floor where a diverse range of creative organisations have made a base from which they work, network and share ideas. The Foxlowe Creative Hub is a mix of six studios and open workspace where self-employed business people can rent space, from a hot-desk for half a day a week or take other options up to a studio with access seven days a week. Foxlowe Trustee Marc Briand is also volunteer manager of the Creative Hub and runs his own marketing and web business from Studio 2. Marc explained: “We opened in late 2016, after fully refurbishing the top floor of the Foxlowe, and have watched the Hub gradually fill with likeminded creative people who chose to run their business from here. “We’ve got a great mix of businesses including artists, marketeers, a photographer, a picture framer and an environmental charity. There is a very convivial atmosphere, and everyone involved has benefited from making new contacts and having people around who can offer a breadth of advice and specialist knowledge. Some businesses have already started working together on
T
collaborative projects.” Photographer Cathy Bower, who lives in Leek, has been based at the Hub for 15 months. She said: “I'm really lucky as I have clients who I work for regularly so I do get to feel part of a team in a way as I regularly work with people I know. “However the Hub has given me so much more with a lovely space to meet clients as well as do my editing. It's somewhere to go every day where there is a brilliant atmosphere and is a really creative space to work in. The socials we have are great too.” Workspace within the Foxlowe Creative Hub is affordable with desks available from £3 per week with rent including superfast fibre broadband wifi and heating. There is also currently a studio available. Anyone interested in joining the Foxlowe Creative Hub can contact Mr Briand at hello@marcbriand.co.uk or call 07799 175909.
Leek Life March/April 2018 11
REWIND & JUMPIN JACKS
DUO PROVIDE ENTERTA ALSO FOOD - FOR T
n entrepreneurial duo are taking the local entertainment scene by storm. Mark Brown and Mark Walker are now offering food, as well as a multitude of events, at the large entertainment venue of Rewind in Market Street, Leek. Formally the Old Central Club and then Shaw's, Rewind offers great evenings of entertainment at the weekend with a variety of music from the eighties and now also drag queen entertainment in the upstairs function room on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as other ad hoc events such as Soul and Motown. The venue is also available for hire for private events such as birthday parties, wakes, weddings and christenings. Mark and Mark, who are partners in life as well as in business, have also recently installed a brand new kitchen within the historic building resulting in them opening up 'Jumpin Jacks' last month – an American themed diner which offers many of the culinary delights which are typically served up in the USA such as burgers, waffles, pancakes and also a variety of delicious milkshakes. Mark B, aged 42, said: “We decided to open
A
12 Leek Life March/April 2018
up an American themed diner in place of the old cocktail bar within the venue because the cocktail bar was not really taking off. “We have had a brand new kitchen put in and opened this diner which is really picking up already.” Mark W, aged 31, said: “It's been hard work in setting up the venue but it's beginning to pay off now.” The couple have taken on a lease for the Market Street premises instead of managing the establishment. Mark B said: “It's good to be in a freehold premises as we are then not tied to anything such as breweries.” Rewind is open from 9am until midnight during the week and until 1.30am at the weekends, with the Jumpin Jacks diner serving food between 9am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, and also on Sundays from 9am until 11.30am for breakfasts and 11.30am until 2pm for Sunday lunches. Anyone interested in booking the function room at Rewind, can contact the two Marks through the venue's Facebook page at 'Rewind Bar Leek' or pop in to see them at the Market Street premises.
REWIND & JUMPIN JACKS
TAINMENT - AND NOW R THE FOLK OF LEEK
& Jumpin Jacks American them
ed diner
3 Market Street, Leek, ST13 6HX • Tel: 01538 384069 Leek Life March/April 2018 13
Reader’s photo
Leek Life reader Christian Knowles has sent this photograph in to share with fellow readers. It shows the waterfall which is situated just around the corner from the Rock Inn at Upper Hulme, near Leek. Do you have a photograph of Leek and/or surrounding areas which you would like to share with readers of the Leek Life Magazine? If so, then please email life@timesandecho.co.uk 14 Leek Life March/April 2018
QUIZ CORNER
Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE
General Knowledge Quiz At which castle will the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take place on May 19th? 2. Pink fir apple is a variety of which type of food? 3. Bechstein's, Brandt's, Daubenton's, and Natterer's are amongst the species of which mammal? 4. In which decade were Cadbury Roses chocolates launched? 5. Dan Brown's 2017 novel 'Origin' begins at which Spanish museum? 6. Former Chelsea, Manchester City and AC Milan striker George Weah became president of which country in 2017? 7. Irish actress Saoirse Ronan featured heavily in the video for which 2017 Ed Sheeran hit? 8. In the 2016 film 'Bridget Jones's Baby' did she have a girl or a boy? 9. What kind of creature is Ben and Holly's friend Gaston in the children's series 'Ben and Holly'? 10. What is the name of David Tennant's character in 'Broadchurch'?
A ‘Mothers’ Quiz for Mother’s Day 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
In the famous proverb necessity is the mother of what? In pantomimes what is the name of Aladdin's mother? Actress Kate Hudson is the daughter of which other actress? Which TV star is the mother of former 'Blue Peter' star Caron Keating? Which of the Spice Girls first became a mother? In 'Absolutely Fabulous', who played Edina's mother? Who was Elizabeth I's mother? Singer Sophie Ellis Bextor is the daughter of which former 'Blue Peter' presenter? Who stars as the mother in the 2017 film 'Mother!'? Life is like a what according to Forrest Gump's mother?
Mother's Day Quiz Answers: 1. Invention; 2. Widow Twanky; 3. Goldie Hawn; 4. Gloria Hunniford; 5. Mel B; 6. June Whitfield; 7. Anne Boleyn; 8. Janet Ellis; 9. Jennifer Lawrence; 10. A Box of Chocolates. General Knowledge Answers: 1. Windsor Castle; 2. Potato; 3. Deer; 4. 1930s; 5. Guggenheim Museum; 6. Liberia; 7. Galway Girl; 8. Boy; 9. Ladybird; 10. Alec Hardy.
Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com - Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available at Gafuzzle in Leek.
1.
Leek Life March/April 2018 15
ARTIST JUSTIN TWIGG
ARTISTIC PASSION IS REKINDLED FOR JUSTIN
Leek teacher and musician has rekindled his passion for art by creating more than 150 paintings in just a few months. Justin Twigg uses mainly acrylics to create abstract paintings of a variety of scenes which many of us perhaps pass everyday. His creations include a multitude of scenes from Staffordshire Moorlands such as countryside landscapes, scenic canal walks, derelict barns, local landmarks - even a bus shelter in Leek. Justin, who is originally from Norton, began painting as a child and then went on to complete a degree in Fine Art at Manchester University. He then moved to London where he worked in construction and also became a musician before coming back to Staffordshire where he got a job in a foundry for a few years and then turned his hand to teaching design and technology. Justin, who has been in a number of local music bands such as Stone Cold Sober and The Fires, moved to Leek 16 years ago. He lives with his wife Alex and their 11-year-old Sam. His passion for art resurfaced last year when he started doing a few drawings. He said: “I then set myself a task to fill a sketch book while on holiday. Then around September I
A
got back into painting and it just went from there.” Fifty-five year old Justin now spends hours upon hours painting all kinds of scenes from across the Staffordshire Moorlands and further afield, as well as portraits including of his son and also of friends. He said: “Since September, I have done around 150 paintings so far. I am a realist painter, producing a bit of impressionist and abstract art. “Most of my paintings are taken from photographs which I take of people and scenes in the area but I would like to do more En plein air (open air) paintings.” Justin has already won an award for his creativity as he came top in the recent Painters Online competition of Paint in the Style of Van Gogh. His winning painting depicted a Cafe on Portland Street in Manchester. He has recently sold one of his paintings and is soon to have some of his creations on display at the Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek. He said: “I have had a lot of good feedback about my work which I post on my Facebook page. I am not desperate to sell many paintings at the moment. Instead I am just enjoying the artistic flow that I am currently having.”
Justin is offering a free portrait painting to one Leek Life Magazine reader. To be in with a chance of winning the portrait, just answer this question: What street in Manchester did Justin paint in his winning creation for the Painters Online competition?
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 the above details to life@timesandecho.co.uk. Deadline for entries: 27th April 2018. 16 Leek Life March/April 2018
Floral visit on the cards for group
LEEK TWINNING
embers of the Leek Twinning Committee are gearing up for a colourful visit to the town's twin of Este in Italy. Este in Fiora takes place between April 20 and 22 and a party of people from the Staffordshire Moorlands will be attending. Leek and Este celebrated their 15th Anniversary of twinning last year and the group is always on the look out for more people to get involved. Anyone interested in finding out more about Leek Twinning can pop along to one of their monthly meetings which take place every second Wednesday of the month in the upper room of The Red Lion in Leek's Market Place at 7.30pm.
M
Anyone wishing to join the group for the organised trip to
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
Este in Fiora can call Pam Wood on 07545 447045.
Quiet Woman The
73 ST EDWARD STREET, LEEK, ST13 5DN
• Entertainment from 8:30pm every Friday • Quiz coming soon - check our Facebook page • Food served 12-8 daily • Skittles table, darts board and games • 7 real cask ales, 5 being Lymestone core ales, a seasonal ale and a local guest ale • 20+ gins • Dog friendly (allowed inside the premises) • Function area that will seat 30 comfortably with no booking fee (group meetings welcome) • Buffets catered for (from £6 per head)
01538 398477 Email: lymestone.quietwoman@gmail.com Facebook: The Quiet Woman Leek Life March/April 2018 17
Stage directions WIN
by Richard Lane
TICKETS TO SEE THE SOUTH AT BUXTON
hen great British pop institution, The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments just yet… Two years later singers Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler came out of retirement and formed the band The South. Celebrating the sound that was the Beautiful South and adding a few songs of their own, they play the tracks made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and excitement with the nine piece live band. The South feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since original singer Dave Hemingway, left the group, Gaz has now moved across to vocal
W
duties. With the new reshuffle complete, The South are a full team again and raring to go! Their live show promises to continue to celebrate and perform the classic Beautiful South songs - A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don't Marry Her. All performed again live, these songs, and many more, span an impressive 20 year career starting way back in 1989! Come on! Let’s Carry On… Regardless! The South is at Buxton Opera House on the 12 April at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £27. Discounts are not available. To buy tickets contact Buxton Opera House Box Office, Tel: 01298 72190 or visit: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
To win a pair of tickets to see The South answer the following question:
WHAT INSTRUMENT DOES GAZ BIRTLES PLAY? a. Violin
b. Trumpet
c. Saxophone
(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: 4th April 2018. 18 Leek Life March/April 2018
COLOURFUL SHOW FOR NEWLY NAMED GROUP n amateur theatre company, which has a recent name change, will be presenting their next production this Spring. Leek Musical Theatre Co is the new name for Leek All Saints Operatic Society which has been offering a host of colourful shows in Leek for many years. Spokesman for the company, Gordon Wainwright, explained: “We decided that a change of name would bring a more modern feel to the society and encourage a more youthful cast and audience.” And the company's next production is sure to attract such an audience as they will be presenting their rendition of Little Shop of Horrors between 11th and 14th April. The show portrays the story of a down and out shop assistant who gets everything he desired thanks to an alien plant, but there is a very heavy price to pay. A light hearted comedy Little Shop of Horrors has a very funky Motown
A
LEEK MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY
based soundtrack with most of the singing carried out by the Ronnettes - the six most glamorous street urchins you’ll ever see. The Little Shop is know as Mushnik’s Skid Row Florist’s with Jeremy Clay playing Mr Mushnik, his two employees Seymour and Audrey played by Jack Richardson and Lucy Baker respectively, Then we have Audrey’s nasty boyfriend dentist Orin Scrivello played by Gordon Wainwright and, of course, we have the plant who will be worked by Steph Jelf and the voice will be Ben Childs. Little Shop of Horrors will be presented ay St Edward's Academy in Westwood Road in Leek. Show times will be 7.30pm and there will also be a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets are available from Leek's Post Office, Graingers on Derby Street or via the company's website at www.leekmusicaltheatre.com
We have teamed up with Leek Musical Theatre Company to offer one reader a pair of tickets for the opening night of Little Shop of Horrors. To be in with a chance of winning the two tickets, answer this question:
WHO WILL BE THE VOICE OF THE PLANT IN LEEK MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY'S LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS? 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 the above details to life@timesandecho.co.uk. Deadline for entries: 30th March 2018. Leek Life March/April 2018 19
shire rd o ff a t S e h t in What’s on pril A d n a h rc a M ng Moorlands duri Thursday March 1 Foxlowe Exhibition At The Foxlowe Arts Centre. 'Baggage' exhibition running until March 29. Opening hours: Wed to Sat 10am4pm and 11am-4pm on 1st Sunday of the month. Creative Industries Roadshow 6pm at the Leek School of Art. With guest speakers and more. Book a place at www.eventbrite .co.uk Leek Comedy Club 7.30pm for 8.30pm start at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. With Mark Simmons, Mundo Jazz, Chris Kehoe, Dan Tiernan and compere Lou Conran. Adm ission £10.
ch 3 t Saturday Mar at Nicholson Ar rade 10am-4pm g in nn ru n Puppets On Pa hibitio ell Street. An ex ion. Gallery, Stockw at. Free admiss -S on M en Op Arts we xlo until April 7. Fo -4pm at The Seed Share 11am April 7. Centre. Also on 0pm at The ll Songbook 7.3 The Joni Mitche by Both Sides ntre. Presented Foxlowe Arts Ce 2 on the door. £1 or e 0 in advanc Now. Tickets £1 ilkes Head, St W 30pm at The Winter Blues 8. unt. Free Bl efy Re ith Leek. W Edward Street, admission.
Sunday March 4 Lunch Train At Churnet Valley Railway. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk Wednesday M arch 7 Butterton Hist ory Group 7pm at Butterton Village Hall. An Evening of Folk lore and Storytelling by Richard P Hen derson, Author of 'Folktales of the Peak District '. Tickets £2 to include refresh ments. Details : 01538 304115 Documentary Sc . reening 7.45pm Foxlowe Arts Ce at The ntre. With 'A Pl astic Ocean'. Free admission with donations welcome.
20 Leek Life March/April 2018
Thursd ay Internati March 8 on Blackacre al Woman's Day C s, event wit Nab Hill Avenu elebration at e. A fourh da displays. an art exhibition , talks an y D d www.fac etails: ebook Folk at th .com/artatblack ac e Foxlow The Fox e 7.30pm res lowe Art for 8pm s Ce Wrigley. at Tickets £ ntre. With Bern a 12. 0153 8 38526 rd 0. 9 Friday March ening 7pm at oman's Day Ev International W l and speaker. ea m se ur co . TwoLeek Golf Club 85. 41 07 tails: 07518 Tickets £20. De
ch 10 ure ay Mar ark Leis Saturd rough P to B t a n o th o Swima a team g To book k.org.uk Centre. e he le b lu ryc 8pm at T www.rota ation Presents e h T u n it O S The tre. With e, Arts Cen ycho, Malthous s Foxlowe P t o o . F n £5 , Six Horizon Jones. Admissio ily m E d n a
Sunday March 11 Mother's Day Special at Churnet Valley Railway. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk Children's Bingo 1.30pm at The Hare & Gate. Hosted by Haregate in Action.
Thursday March 15 Documentary Screen 7pm at Meerbrook Village Hall, near Leek. Jen nifer Brea's Sundance award-winning documentary Unrest. Details: www.megroupstaffsmoorla nds.co.uk Live & Local 7.30pm at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. 'Here I Belong' pre sented by Pentabus Theatre. www.foxloweartscentre.org .uk
Friday March 16 pm at Longsdon Dan's Dancing Devils 7.30 With Cool Breeze. k. Lee r Memorial Hall, nea 23 203346. Admission £5. Details: 079 8 Valley March 1 Churnet Sunday pecial at S ay.co.uk y w a il D ra s y Mother' rnetvalle u h .c w w w Railway.
Wednesday March 21 Foxlowe Talk 7.30pm at Fox lowe Arts Centre. The Bridestones Legacy by Kevin Kilburn. Free admission with donatio ns welcome. ch 22 Thursday Mar 8pm at The we 7.30pm for xlo Fo Folk at the Dempsey. ntre. With Kevin Foxlowe Arts Ce . 60 52 538 38 Tickets £12. 01
Friday March 23 we Willie and the Bandits 7.30pm at the Foxlo £12. ts Ticke e. Centr Arts ch 24 Saturday Mar tration from nual Walk Regis An d Ai n Christia th Water, or sw start at Titte 9.15am for 10am . 37 tails: 01782 5161 an, Meerbrook. De The Winking M at m 0p 7.3 t gh d. Irish Ni on m im ith Seamus Fitzs Upperhulme. W 8 300361. 53 01 , £8 Tickets
25 Churnet March t Day at Sunday ruitmen m Tea train c e R r e k Volunte way. Plus Crea way.co.u ail alleyrail tv e Valley R rn u h www.c special.
Wednesday March 28 Bob Log III 7pm for 7.45pm start at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. Tickets £12.50. Thursday March 29 t at The Dub Pistols 7pm for 8pm star . £15 ets Tick tre. Cen Foxlowe Arts
Saturda y March 31 Totally Lo cally Easte r Egg Tra Leek town il 10am-4 centre. Co pm in llect a trai participat l map and ing busines visit ses to spo Easter Egg t the pictures an bag. www d then coll special .facebo ect a good y Easter Wee ok.com/TotallyLo callyLeek k en d & Childre Hunt at C n's E hurnet Val ley Railway aster Egg Sunday. w . Also on ww.churn et valleyrailw Social Dan ay.co.uk ce 8 pm at Swyt Heaton C hamley an entr d £5.50 adm e. With Eric Reid. Licensed ission wh bar. ich includ es refresh ments.
l2 Monday Apri lley Railway. n at Churnet Va ai Tr a Te Cream . Also on April 11 k leyrailway.co.u al tv ne ur ch www.
Wednesday April 4 Paw Patrol Special at Chu rnet Valley Railway. Also on April 7 and 8. www.churnetvalleyrailway.c o.uk Documentary Screening 7.45 pm at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. Wit h 'Tomorrow'. Free admission with donations welcome. Friday April 6 Foxlowe Exhibition Preview 7pm at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. Tex tile Tectonics exhibition running until May 12. Opening hours: Wed to Sat 10am-4 pm and 11am-4pm on 1st Sunday of the mo nth. Fashion Show 7.30pm at Wetley Rocks Village Hall. Tickets £4 (includes refreshments). Hosted by the Wetley Rocks Women's Institute. 01782 303684. 8 Sunday April Hare & Gate. 1.30pm at The o ng Bi n's re Child n. ate in Actio Hosted by Hareg Wednesday April 11 Little Shop Of Horrors 7.30pm at St Edward's Academy, Westwood Road. Presented by Leek Musical Theatre Company. Running through to April 14 with matinee also on Saturday at 2.30pm. www.leekmusicaltheatre.com
Leek Life March/April 2018 21
Thursday April 12 for 8pm at The Folk at the Foxlowe 7.30pm y Barker. Sall h Wit tre. Cen s Art e Foxlow . 260 385 38 Tickets £12. 015 0pm 4 y April 1 st Fund-raiser 7.3 ittle Saturda 'L ru . T k e ritchlow near Le Harold C rial Hall, Ann Lee. £5 o m e M n o at Longsd Night' with Nancy es Miss Sixti pm or. pm for 8 o d e th n cert 7.30 o n ncert o C co s e A . Keith Jam lowe Arts Centre ickets T . Drake he Fox start at T the songs of Nick g n celebrati £12.
Sunday April 15 Plant Fair 10am-5pm at Con sall Hall Gardens, near Leek. Admissi on £3 includes a look around the 70-acre scen ic gardens. Details: www.planthunters fairs.co.uk Lunch Train at Churnet Val ley Railway. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co .uk
Wednesday April 18 Centre. Foxlowe Talk 7.30pm at Foxlowe Arts Rowe. Jon by ry Histo ral The Roaches a Natu Free admission with donations welcome.
Friday April 20 Northern Soul and Motown Ni ght at The Winking Man, Upperhulme. 01 538 300361. l 21 Saturday Apri re, Stoke-onThe Bridge Cent SEN Jigsaw at nal io at uc ed d nts an Trent. For pare w.dyslexiaww : ils ta De ls. professiona .uk. (for codebreakers.co 3.30pm-4.30pm om Ro rk The Da ults) at ad r (fo 5pm-8.45pm families) and 7.4 your own se oo Ch . re nt ts Ce the Foxlowe Ar ow. Tickets: teractive live sh venture style in t show. ow. £10 for adul £9 for family sh Sunday April 22 Brunch Train at Churnet Valley Railway. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
22 Leek Life March/April 2018
ril 25 Wednesday Ap Arts Centre. at The Foxlowe Tom Allen 8pm Tickets £14. Friday April 27 Live Wire 8.30pm at The Foxlowe Arts Centre. AC/DC tribute show. Tickets £14.
Saturday April 28 Valley Railway. Afternoon Tea at Churnet o.uk ay.c ailw eyr vall net www.chur Sunday April 29 Staffordshire Da y at Churnet Va lley Railway. Staffordshire Bu ll Terriers trave l for free. www.churnetvall eyrailway.co.uk Regulars Bank House, ices Workshops Borderland Vo y: Patchwork et. Every Monda St Edward Stre y Tuesday: er Ev . pm m-12.30 Group – 10.30a pm. 30 2. g – 10.30am-1 Creative Writin . 01538 m 0p .3 -3 m 0p – 1.3 Creative Space rg.uk rderlandvoices.o 528708. www.bo y at Woodcroft da id -m am 10 Forest School g term time. ery week durin Open Space. Ev three or £10 for up to wards. Cost £6 per child up d an s ld -o ar o-ye children. For tw 655272. Details: 07801 Arts Centre. at the Foxlowe Foxlowe Films The Fencer : 13 ch ar M , s (15) n (15), March 6: Loveles ali St of : The Death bin (PG). (PG), March 20 Ro er ph to ris Ch bye March 27: Good Admission £5. o at the Hare tion Cash Bing Haregate in Ac on pm 30 8. at es down & Gate pub. Ey s. ay sd ur Th Tuesdays and
Looking ahea d.... Endon Well Dr essing Over the weekend of May 26, 27 and 28 in Endon vil lage. Leek Arts Festi val starts end of April and runs through to June. https://leekartsf estival.co.uk
Lions lend a helping hand to support group I
LIONS CLUB OF LEEK
n January Lion President Lynda Demaid-Jones and Lion Colin Sheldon attended the regular meeting of the Parkinson’s Leek Support Group at the Beth Johnson Sheltered Housing. The purpose of the visit was to present the group with a donation of £200. Colin presented the cheque on the group's behalf to the support group's treasurer Barbara
Edwards, Margaret Clark and Sheila Hall. Lynda was also able to share information about the Lions' Message in a Bottle, Message in a Wallet and In Case of Emergency labels which the Lions distribute free of charge. Lynda said: “We enjoyed meeting members of the group and would like to thank everyone for allowing us to join them.”
Treasurer Barbara Edwards, Margaret Clark and Sheila Hall accepting a donation of £200 from Leek Lion Colin Sheldon. Leek Life March/April 2018 23
NEW RECORD LABEL TO INSPIRE LOCAL MUSICIANS INSPIRE RECORDS
former Staffordshire Moorlands musician has jointly launched a new record label. Guitarist and music producer Matt Bishop, who has been in a number of bands from the Moorlands area, has joined forces with chart topping songwriter and artist manager Charlotte Elizabeth to form Inspire Records. Thirty-four year old Matt, who is originally from Cotton but now lives in Fulford, started playing the guitar at the age of six-years-old after watching Marty McFly play Jonny B Goode in the movie Back To The Future. He said: “I tried to copy what Marty did initially with a cardboard cut-out of a a guitar. I then started having guitar lessons and haven't stopped playing since.” Matt's passion for music continued through school and then he went on to study music at Stoke-on-Trent College where he gained an HND in Music. He then turned professional, playing gigs all over the country as well as teaching guitar. He played with Leek legends Demon which took him out of the country as far as Germany, Sweden and New York. He later became a session guitarist which led him to being a member of the band Honey Ryder who are currently working on their fourth album. Matt said: “Alongside guitar playing, I’ve also had a very strong interest in recording and producing. I have built up my knowledge of this over the years and have recently turned my own recording studio into a successful business and I’m equally as passionate about recording/producing other artists as much as recording myself.”
A
24 Leek Life March/April 2018
Charlotte, aged 32 and from Berryhill, started working as a music promoter four years ago. She said: “My background is in weddings and events but music has always been a big passion of mine.” The duo have joined forces to utilise their combined experience and talents to offer musicians a comprehensive service through Inspire Records including from recording and production to songwriting support and social media help all the way up to PR and management. Matt said: “We want to be a complete music hub that has everything an artist needs to further their careers. “We are both very excited about the future of Inspire Records and can only see it growing and growing every year as more artists jump on board with us.” Charlotte added: “We make a great team and I’m excited to see where we can take it.” Inspire Records is already on it's way to becoming an international success with contacts as far as the USA. However, both Charlotte and Matt are also keen to help the music industry locally. Charlotte said: “We have already noticed the amount of work and recognition we have received from artists in the local community which has proved that having Inspire Music in Staffordshire is beneficial to the local music scene.” The duo hosted a launch party for their record label at Fulford Village Hall last month.
For a full Q&A interview with both Matt and Charlotte, go to the Leek Life Magazine Facebook page.
2ND LEEK SCOUTS
Cakes and memorabilia all part of celebrations
couting members, past and present, have been celebrating 100 years of their group. The 2nd Leek Scout group has not only hosted a special exhibition at the Nicholson Institute in Leek, which included a multitude of photographs and other memorabilia, but they have also had a reunion party and a current members party to celebrate the milestone anniversary. At the reunion, which was held at The Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas delivered a proclamation to congratulate the group on its achievement and to give thanks to all who have given service to the Scouting movement as volunteers. Councillor Ben Emery, chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, also added his congratulations to the group on its achievement.
S
Jon Lloyd the current Group Scout Leader presented ‘Thanks badges’ from the Scout Association to Ian and Terry Potts who between them have been members for 101 years. He also thanked Terry and Debbie Potts for their work in staging the Centenary Exhibition. Doug Rogers and Brian Williamson received a token of
appreciation from the Group to recognise the years of service they have given to the group. A party was then held at Westwood First School for the current Group members which saw them enjoy a magic show by Charlie the Clown. For further information about the Scout group go online to http://2ndleekscouts.co.uk.
Leek Life March/April 2018 25
Success for Ewemove Leek at annual conference
PROPERTY
Chris Waltham from EweMove Leek (left), pictured with last year’s winner Roland Peck t was success all-round for EweMove Leek as they gathered together with other EweMove branches at The Belfry last weekend for the innovative agency’s annual conference and awards ceremony. Local Branch Director Chris Walthall from Leek EweMove branch attended the event which also marks the fifth anniversary year of the original hybrid estate agency brand. The event highlighted EweMove’s key successes over the past 12 months – including the opening of new flagship branches, the rolling out of industry-first initiatives, and fantastic achievements from the Leek branch who pride themselves on customer service and achieving outstanding results for their customers. Also, in attendance were leading industry figures and guest speakers Peter Knight from The Property Academy, James Sinclair from Entrepreneurs Network, and Alex Rose from Hometrack who, respectively, shared guidance on what it takes to be an exceptional estate agent, the secret to building a successful business, as well as insight into the wider property market and local trends. A glittering awards ceremony was the focus of the evening’s proceedings, with Chris nominated
I
26 Leek Life March/April 2018
for some of the most prestigious awards of the evening and winning the Franchisee Of The Year award. Chris, who launched the business in 2014 has built a thriving local business with sons Daniel and Conor joining to further grow the business and help more local buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. Chris commented: “This really was a fantastic event which saw our branches from across the country come together to celebrate what has been yet another remarkable year for us as a brand. We were delighted that our hard work was recognised with an award, another one for us to add to our growing collection!” “We simply love what we do and we’re delighted to be able to offer such a unique estate agency experience to the people in Leek. It’s a great area to live and work in, and the new year is proving to be a busy time with lots of new properties coming to the market.” EweMove have a free online home valuation tool, which will give you an indication of your property value – this tool is used by 16 of the top 20 UK lenders and is free on the EweMove website. For more information, please visit www.ewemove.com/leek or call 01538 54 24 54.
PROPERTY
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 Leek Life March/April 2018 27
HOMES AND GARDENS
A FLAVOUR OF
he name Geum comes from ancient Greek meaning to add flavour; and long after we’ve ceased to add them to food or drinks they are still invaluable for adding flavour to our spring and early summer borders. Geums are members of the rose family and a look at the centres of flowers with all those stamens confirms this – just like a dog rose. Not that Geum grow like roses! There are low growing ones they spread to form a mat of leaves and there are taller ones creating an arching leafed clump about 1ft / 30cm tall. And of course, as Geums are promiscuous there are crosses between the two resulting in plants somewhat between the two! All prefer a moisture retentive soil and the low growing ones can stand quite wet soils. They will tolerate dry conditions, but they will flag in the hot, dry conditions. Geums will set seed and some wild types can become a nuisance in damp gardens. On the whole the cultivated varieties are less plentiful of seed and seedlings. Their ability to cross and set seed means there is always the chance of spotting a good new form in your garden if you grow plenty of different types, but this also means that some won’t come true from seed. It seems there is a never-ending supply of new types coming onto the market every year. Not every new variety in the catalogues is actual that different or that good so I have selected some of my favourite new and old varieties for you. I’ll start with the bushier types and these are also some of the oldest varieties around. They also have the bonus of coming true from seed. The best known and loved is the single or semidouble scarlet flowered “Mrs. J. Bradshaw” who grows to about 1ft tall with longer arching flower stems. The apricot yellow “Lady Stratheden” is almost as famous, as is the orange “Dolly North”. Also, worth trying is the semi- or fully double “Blazing Sunset” although the flowers are a little variable in fullness. This type flowers in late spring through to mid-summer and sometime beyond and the flowers are large and showy for a Geum.
T
28 Leek Life March/April 2018
I find this type can tend to die out after 2 or 3 years unless divided after flowering and replanted as single rosettes. Seed is best sown in late winter in a little heat. The low growing varieties are mainly descendants of the native water avens, Geum rivale and ideally these want a moist soil but they seem to do fine in my dry sandy soil provided I water from time to time in summer. These plants tend to have flowers that are small nodding bells on short stems in spring and sometimes again in autumn. “Barbra Lawton” is an improved form of the wild plant with far more of the peachy-pink nodding flowers. “Lemon Drops” is a very pale yellow which popped up as a chance seedling in Beth Chatto’s famous garden. “Album” is wild variation with greenish-white bells, but better still is “Snowflake” with larger, pure white flowers. “Farmer John Cross” has larger, and sometimes semi-double, primrose yellow flowers. Geum coccineum has larger, upward-facing orange flowers and will stand drier soils. For the best show choose “Eos” which has bright yellow leaves in spring to set off the flowers. The best hybrids share this tendency for larger, upward or outward facing flowers creating a more dramatic show, not to disparage the delicate beauty of the nodding types. “Abendsonne” has orange-yellow flowers, “Hannays” is a bit taller and has soft orange flowers. The well-known “Bell Bank” is silky pink. Of the new varieties coming along the Cocktail Series has some intoxicating colours. “Mai Tai” is pale peach and large-flowered, “Cosmopolitan” is a slightly deeper shade, “Tequila Sunrise” is red and yellow and “Banana Daquiri” is a lovely pale yellow. If promptly dead headed these Geums will bloom again later in the season, provided they have not been left too dry through the summer. Geums are pretty tough customers with very few problems, and none likely to be fatal. Mildew (white powder on the leaves) is possible if your soil is really dry. I just cut off all the old
HOMES AND GARDENS
F GEUMS
leaves and give them a feed and good watering. Occasionally tiny caterpillars of a saw fly may infest the new growth skeletonising the leaves. If I spot this, it is easy enough to rub off the pests between finger and thumb. In wet winter soils vine weevil may eat the roots. The outward sign of attack is a general lack of growth. I find that the plants are tough enough to survive and can be replanted once the grubs are removed from the soil. I hope this has given you a flavour of the variety of geums available and a taste for these lovely flowering is your garden. Martin Blow
Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs only throughout the season. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk. We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Carsington Water, DE6 1ST on Saturday 24th March, free entry to fair and country park, P&D parking; The wonderful Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Easter Sunday/Monday 1st/2nd April, fair & gardens £4 (less than half standard price); at Consall Hall Gardens, Wetley Rocks ST9 0AG on Sunday 15th April, gardens and fair entry £3; Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall ST21 6NF on Saturday 28th April garden and fair £1 and at Adlington Hall, Macclesfield SK10 4LF on Sunday 13th May. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.
HOME GUARD
INTRUDER ALARMS YOUR LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY Established over 40 years and trained by former police officers
DOMESTIC BURGLARIES INCREASED BY 1/3 - ALARMS - INSTALLATIONS - 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 your mobile phone or other devices FOR A FREE SURVEY CALL 24 HOUR ON
01782 397 589
www.homeguardintruderalarms.co.uk
Hillbrook Landscaping Michael Couzens - 07772 242249 HillbrookLandscaping@hotmail.com • Hard & Soft Landscaping • Dry Stone Walling • Fence & pond Building • Ground Works & Drainage • Bee Friendly Garden Design • Garden Maintenance
Leek Life March/April 2018 29
STAFFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST
Appeal for photographs and donations hotographers from Leek and surrounding areas are being invited to submit entries celebrating the area's varied wildlife and landscapes for a 2019 charity calendar. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has launched a competition to find 12 stunning images of the wildlife and landscapes from across the county for its 2019 calendar which will go on sale later this year. The Trust is urging people to pick out any photographs they have already taken, check for wildlife in their gardens or head out into the countryside across the county and start snapping. Images which capture all the seasons are required for the calendar. The 12 best entries will
P
Last year’s winning photo by Geoff Mahiques
30 Leek Life March/April 2018
feature in the 2019 calendar and winners will all receive one copy each. Closing date for entries is Friday 27 April 2018. To enter the competition and to see terms and conditions, visit www.staffs-wildlife. org.uk/photographycomp Meanwhile youngsters are set to be able to ‘get wild’ after Staffordshire Wildlife Trust received funding from Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund to deliver activities for youngsters. The Trust has received two £2,860 grants from Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ People Power Fund to run ‘Get Wild’ activities for young people aged eight to 13 years old in
the Staffordshire Moorlands as well as Stokeon-Trent and Newcastleunder-Lyme. The ‘Get Wild’ sessions are set to give youngsters the opportunity to enjoy nature through free organised events during the school holidays, at weekends and evenings throughout spring and summer in 2018. The two hour sessions will help youngsters gain increased confidence by promoting respect, deter vandalism and other anti-social behaviour, as well as help with education, learning and mental health. Activities could include den building, bug hunting and natural crafts and will take place in parks and nature reserves in the county. Finally, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are on the look out for any unwanted Christmas presents people may have had. The appeal for such gifts, along with clothes and other bric-a-brac, is being made to help stock the Trust's charity shop in Leek.
CHARITY FUND-RAISERS
COUPLE GO TANDEM FOR CHARITY
couple who got married on a tandem bicycle are now going to be raising cash for charity on the same two-wheeler. Stuart and Janine Day, who got married last year, have decided to take part in the Royal British Legion London to Ypres Ride 2018. The couple, who live in Bradnop near Leek, will be among 150 participants who will be taking part in the ride. They will be going as part of a team which includes Alison Held, AnnMarie Jones who is Staffordshire Community Fundraiser for RBL, Mark Jones, Harry Jones and Don Welsh. Stuart and Janine, along with Alison, are members of Leek Cycling Club. Forty-six year old Stuart said: “We are doing the ride to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the conflict that was World War 1. “We also want to give thanks and remember those who returned home. It is particularly poignant that we are taking part in the ride during the centenary year of the end of WW1.” Even though the RBL challenge takes place between 28 June and 2nd July, Stuart and Janine
A
are set to cycle even more miles either side of the challenge. Janine, aged 40, explained: “We will be setting out on the 26th June and cycling from our home and stopping overnight at my parents house in Market Harborough and on the eve of the ride with my brother in London before making our way to the start in Greenwich. We shall be also cycling back home after the event.” The couple both work in Cheddleton with Stuart driving for John Pointon & Sons and Janine working as a development technician for F .Ball and Co. Ltd. They have each set a target of raising £900 each. Janine added: “We’re both feeling really excited about the challenge and all it represents. “We had planned to travel to Ypres this year with it being the centenary year of WW1 to remember and found out about this ride through a chance meeting with AnnMarie.” Anyone wishing to sponsor Stu and Janine can do so by going online to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/stuart-janine-day Leek Life March/April 2018 31
CHESHIRE ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES FOR ALL AT CUSTOMER FOCUSED BUSINESS n electrical supply business in Leek is still going strong after three decades of service to both the electrical trade and members of the public. The core business of Cheshire Electrical Supplies, which is situated in West Street in Leek, provides cable, cable accessories, fire protection, electric showers, heaters, a large selection of lighting and replacement lamps to both trade and the public. Everything electrical can be found at the shop from a 13 amp plug to a Consumer unit. The firm is very particular about the suppliers it chooses to deal with and this ensures that they continue to sell value for money, quality products. Cheshire Electrical Supplies was started up by Randall Evans and Harold Gillespie 30 years ago after they had both been working for an electrical wholesale supplier in Cobridge. They spotted a gap in the market and went on to have a well-established firm with the headoffice in Congleton and branches in Leek and Hanley. After three decades in business they developed a reputation for quality products and excellent customer service. That reputation continues in the Leek business, even though it is now under new ownership and management. The Leek branch of Cheshire Electrical Supplies is run by branch manager Karen Neill and telephone sales accounts representatives Les Woodward and Daniel Eames.
A
32 Leek Life March/April 2018
As well as having a shop open six days a week, the business also delivers orders which are now being carried out in the company's brand new van which has been an investment by the new owners, along with a complete revamp of the West Street premises. Karen, who lives in Leek herself, said: “The refurbishment saw a complete transformation of the premises. “The counter area is a lot better with everything organised and on show. “It's a nice environment to serve in. It feels a lot more like a shop then a trade counter now. “And that is the key thing – a lot of people think we are just wholesale but we are open to the public too. “Yes we do supply the majority of electricians who work in the area and beyond, with all their needs which includes anything from cable and accessories, to distribution boards and other items for more complex work, but we are also open to the general public. “For example, we have all kinds of light bulbs from your standard bayonet fitting bulb up to a variety of LED light bulbs.” The team at Cheshire Electrical Supplies take great pride in their customer service. Karen said: “We don't have any online presence. Instead we offer a good old fashioned face-to-face service and we pride ourselves on such good customer service. We even offer free tea or coffee to our customers.”
NOW IN CHESHIRE ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES STOCK
NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT
22 WEST STREET, LEEK, STAFFS, ST13 8AA
Tel: 01538 372222 A L S O AT C O N G L E TO N Leek Life March/April 2018 33
Best feet forward for charity COMMUNITY STALWARTS
o you like to take a walk around Tittesworth Reservoir? If so, why not do so for a worthwhile charity! The North Staffordshire Christian Aid Committee will be hosting its 28th annual fundraising walk around the beauty spot near Leek on Saturday March 24.
D
Walk organiser John Bamford said: “We had around 500 people take part last year and raised an amazing £52,000. “We welcome all ages of people to take part and participants can walk as little or as much as they like.” Registration will be from 9.15am with the walk starting at 10am. There is no fee to take part in the walk. All participants need to do is raise sponsorship money for the charity. This year's event is set to be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Ross Irving and the Bishop of Stafford the Right Reverend Geoff Annas. Moorlands Radio Roadshow will be attendance as too will members of the St John Ambulance. For further information call Mr Bamford on 01782 516137.
Kind hearts helping the homeless
wo kind-hearted ladies are running an initiative to help the homeless. Community stalwart Suzanne Sheldon has joined forces with fellow kind-hearted Moorlander Amanda Whittingham to run a campaign to help those who live out in the streets. The initiative includes an appeal for items to be given to the homeless, such as sleeping bags and clothes, and the ladies are also aiming to raise funds in order to help the homeless through the 2018 festive season. Suzanne said: “There are no facilities in Leek at the moment for the homeless and this is why we thought we would try and accumulate some funds to help through the festive season. “I fund-raise for a lot of charities and worthy causes and during a coffee morning at Trinity in December to raise money for a Women's Refuge in Wolverhampton, a young man came in who was homeless and we got talking to him. “Most homeless people are homeless through circumstances
T
34 Leek Life March/April 2018
which are not their own fault and I want to promote awareness of this because I think a lot of people look down on the homeless and won't help because they think it is their fault they are in the position of being homeless.” The items which Suzanne and Amanda are collecting for the homeless are being delivered to the Salvation Army for distribution. Suzanne said: “People are already being really generous and we have taken quite a few filled rucksacks to the Salvation Army already.” A sample of things that are needed: rucksacks, sleeping bags, blankets, bivy sacks, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, warm clothes, chocolate, tinned soup/beans (with ring pulls), spoons, hand gel, toothbrushes and paste, wet wipes, sanitary items, and deodorant. Suzanne and Amanda are aiming to setup a voluntary working group in order to continue their caring initiative. She added: “We are going to run 'Soup & Natter' nights in a few
months time in Leek but that's still in early stages of planning and we are going to do a few fund raising events so that we can help homeless people in Leek at Christmas time. “I'm hoping that over the next few months we can start to make a little difference for those less fortunate than ourselves.” Anyone wishing to donate items for this appeal, and/or wishing to get involved, can email either Suzanne at suzsheldon@btinternet.com or Amanda at whittingham1@sky.com.
LEEK ROTARY CLUB
NATIONAL AWARD NOMINATION FOR BETH
Leek young woman has been nominated for a national award. Leek Rotary Club has nominated Beth Rudge for the national organisation's Young Citizen Awards following her win of the local award in 2016. Beth has been raising funds for good causes for the last 13 years since she was just tenyears-old. Her first fund-raiser was a walk for the Douglas MacMillan Hospice in memory of her Grandad who died of cancer. Since then she has carried out a multitude of fundraising activities and events from car boots to trekking the Great Wall of China, and from skydiving to a solo walk from Lands End to John O Groats, to name but a few. Social worker Beth said of
A
her nomination: “It's an honour to be nominated for the national award, let alone receive the local award. “It gives recognition to all of those doing fundraising for charities. The local award allowed me to chose which charity I'd like money to be sent to and so not only was it an award but more money was being raised for charities too.” Leek Rotarian Mick Readman said of Beth: “We at Leek Rotary Club believe that Beth is a quite exceptional applicant for the national Young Citizen Awards. “Members of our Youth Committee are unanimous in their view that she is the most outstanding person that we have been privileged to meet and we appreciate not only
what she herself has achieved but how she encourages others to become similarly motivated.” The search for the 2018 local Young Citizen Awards has now been launched by the Leek Rotary Club. Nominations for the awards, which take place every two years, can be made for groups and individuals aged under 25years-old. They might be champions in their school or community, young carers or fund-raisers and volunteers who have really made a difference. Beth said: “I think the awards are a great way to get more people involved so they can see that their efforts and good deeds are being acknowledged.” All those nominated will receive a certificate and the winner from each category will receive £50 for the use of an appropriate charity or project of the winners choice. Nominations are to be made by March 30. Meanwhile, Leek Rotary Club are also gearing up to make a splash with their annual Swimathon. The fund-raiser will be taking place on Saturday March 10 at Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek. This is a fun event where people enter as a team and can raise money for their own chosen charities. Anyone wishing to take part in the Swimathon, and/or make a nomination for the local Young Citizen Awards can find the relevant forms at www.rotaryclubleek.org.uk Leek Life March/April 2018 35
RURAL FOOTCARE For the treatments of Corns, Callus/Hard Skin, Nail Trimming, Fungal Infections In the comfort of your own home.
To book an appointment call Carol on
07454 573288 or 01538 308300 Registered with RFHP SAC, Dip FHPAT/Dip FHPA
36 Leek Life March/April 2018
Butterton Moor House
Warm, beautiful, private swimming pool Our private pool is ideal for families, mums, babies/toddlers and other groups
Space now available in our Mums, Babies & Toddler Swims
Changing/shower rooms, baby change mats, pool toys, hair dryer Wed & Fri - £6 per adults, children free Birthdays/celebration pool parties ask for details General swim 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 e: dianemlatham1@gmail.com www.buttertonmoorhouse.co.uk
BODY TRANSFORMATION
HEALTH AND FITNESS
P is a Body Transformation Coach who lives and works in Leek. Here, JP explains how he began his own body transformation journey and offers tips for Leek Life readers. My journey into body transformations started around three years ago when I used to tip the scales at 24 stone and thought Carrot Cake was one of my 'five-a-day'. I got myself into shape using a sensible diet and a mixture of lifting weights and classes at Cave Fitness and now weigh around 17 stones with a low body fat percentage. Ultimately this changed my life as I decided to pursue a career in helping others change theirs. At 29-years-old I now spend my time working at the very gym where my journey began. To get people into shape I use a mixture of training and nutrition. I design exercises programmes so that my clients can train with efficiency and I advise on nutrition that will accelerate them towards their goals in fat loss or muscle gain.
J
from my friend and mentor Nick Ferns at Cave Fitness. You basically have three opportunities throughout the day to eat until you feel full. This would usually be breakfast, dinner and your evening meal. You eliminate all of the inbetween snacking and the obligatory extra calories that come with it. This approach alone can have great effects on your body composition. • Do some exercise: Working out shouldn't be daunting. If you don't enjoy it then you haven't found the right kind of training for you. If you are new to exercise then there is absolutely no need to give your self heart failure on a treadmill. Walking is one of my favourite forms of exercise you don't even
need a gym membership, it's free and it can burn those calories. Cave classes are also a great way to workout. I teach a beginners class every Monday at Cave Fitness. They are scaled to your personal ability and allow you the time to master the different movements. When you feel ready you are then free to go in the regular classes.
Fat Loss is not a quick fix. Its more of a marathon than a sprint. But changes to your lifestyle will ultimately begin to change your physique. Need more help? Look me up on Facebook @Jptrainingguru or come and see me at Cave Fitness in Leek.
Here's a few of my top tips.... • Eat real foods: A simple way to do this is to pick foods that don't have an ingredients label, such as vegetables, eggs, cuts of meat, nuts, fish and fruit. Sadly things like ice-cream and chocolate do have food labels. These kind of foods should be reserved for special occasions. It's pretty simple to follow and you can still enjoy really nice food all of the time. • The three square meals approach: I must admit I stole this idea
Leek Life March/April 2018 37
Harold’s legacy lives on HAROLD CRITCHLOW TRUST
he legacy of a much-loved community stalwart is being kept alive with a fund-raising trust in his name. Harold Critchlow, who was involved in numerous community and charity groups locally, sadly passed away in October 2016. However, his partner Julie Pointon is continuing to keep his legacy going by setting up the Harold Critchlow Trust which has already raised and donated many funds to local community groups, many of which Harold was involved in.
T
Julie said: “Harold, or H as I called him, was not just a much-loved and well-respected
38 Leek Life March/April 2018
member of the community but he was also my soul mate and best friend. “It is now over 15 months since he was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us and I am still coming to terms with that. “But during those 15 months I have not only continued and finished all the work that he started at home but I have continued to support community groups in the town through the Harold Critchlow Trust. There are now also five awards in his name which will continue for as long as the associated groups continue.” The trust has so far raised more than £2,300, which
included kind gifts and donations which were made after Harold passed away. The groups which have, so far, benefited from the trust include: All Saint's First School's Gardening Project, @21 Town Centre Youth Project, Beatrice Canal Boat, Churnet View Middle School's Farming Project, Friends of Birches Gardens, John Hall Gardens, Leek Allotments, Leek Hockey Club, Leek Street Pastors, Longsdon Memorial Hall, Norton House, NSPCC, The Meadows School Gardening Programme, Action West End, to name but a few. The awards which have been set up in his name are: Best in Show at the Lonsgdon Memorial Hall Pet Show, Best Egg in Show for the poultry section at Leek Show, Best Egg in Show and Best Photograph in Show at the Allotment Association Show, and the Hero in the Community Award with Moorlands Radio. Julie added: “I hope H is pleased with what I have done. H made all my dreams come true. He made me so happy. I had never known such happiness before I met him and this is the only way I can think of honouring him.” 2018 is going to see two fund-raising events being held at the Longsdon Memorial Hall to raise funds for the Harold Critchlow Trust. On Saturday April 14, Nancy Ann Lee will be on stage with her 'Little Miss Sixties' night, and on Saturday September 8 Darren Knight will be providing a Rock ‘n’ Roll night. Both evenings will start at 7.30pm and admission will be £5 on the door.
REFLECTIONS COACHING
IT’S TIME TO SPRING INTO ACTION
t’s hard to believe that spring has officially arrived already. I love this time of year, lovely lighter mornings (and evenings), flowers coming into bloom, warmer more palatable weather (albeit often damp) and I can honestly say a spring in my step. This time of year has always made me feel great. Many people like to do a traditional spring clean at home, throwing open windows and breathing new air into the house. I do my best, but cleaning for me is a chore. So I like to apply my spring clean to my mind. It may at first seem an odd thing to do so stay with me on this one. How do you spring clean your mind? As with spring cleaning the home, spring cleaning your mind is about clearing out the clutter, giving your brain some space to work and allowing clean thoughts in. Consider the following: Let those grudges go? Has someone upset you
I
and you’re still holding onto those angry or irritated thoughts. It’s really difficult at first but if you can let go of your anger do so. If someone has upset you, are they really worth your precious thinking time? Make time to think. People who practice yoga, meditation or mindfulness are really good at this. It’s all too easy to do your thinking on the hop, five minutes here and there between the shopping and the school run will never be productive. Keeping a diary, journal or blog is fantastic for achieving clarity and getting rid of negative or out of date emotions. The act of transferring our thought to paper can free the mind and eradicate negative feelings. Once you have some brain space then it’s a great time to be creative, whether that’s precious planning time or getting arty go and do it – it could change your future.
Carolyn Trafford is a Leek based Creative Freedom Practitioner 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 Leek Life March/April 2018 39
THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The Women's Institute (WI), which was formed in 1915 and is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK, plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities. Here we take a look at what's been going on at local WI's and see that they are “not just jam and Jerusalem”.
Queen of the Moorlands WI
he January meeting of the Queens of the Moorlands WI included a lively and engaging talk from Kath Reynolds, titled 'Goose Grease and Brown Paper', during which members learned about a variety of home remedies which would have been commonly used in the days before the NHS meant free access to healthcare. From treating warts with turnips, putting vapor rub on the soles of the feet to recover from colds and using cut up onions to protect from germs, Kath talked us through some remedies that are still used today, some that were weird and some which sounded downright unpleasant, explaining some of the ideas behind them.
T
Wetley Rocks WI t seems 2018 is well underway with lots of business and events to look forward to. Our February meeting was well attended and after a full agenda as presented by President Pat Axon, members were left with much food for thought as to what events they wish to attend and/or what contributions they wish to make for various competitions, not least looking towards a Fashion Show to be held at Wetley Rocks Village Hall on March 6th and later the Leek Agricultural Show. Once the nights business was dealt with, Pat introduced the evenings Speakers, Dean Nixon and Norma Shaw and their topic “A Journey from Camera to Screen”. Dean and Norma introduced themselves as retired lecturers who have always had a particular passion for photography and which has continued to absorb much of their time since they came out of paid employment. It was an entertaining evening as Dean initially gave a brief history about photography from the first evidenced photograph of 1825; introduction of the Kodak ‘brownie’ camera of 1900; first
I
40 Leek Life March/April 2018
At the end of the talk, members had the chance to examine some of the old remedies Kath brought along with her, with some very strange and pungent smells. After the talk, there was a short discussion of the business of the WI, with a discussion about February's meeting, which consisted of a trip to Wedgwood, and our curry night in January. Our next regular meeting is on March 8th, at 7.30pm at the Community Fire Station on Springfield Road in Leek when the talk will be titled Smallholding and Spinning. Guests are welcome to come along to check out a meeting, and see if they would like to join. There is a small fee for this of £3 per meeting. Anyone with any questions about the WI can contact us via the Queens of the Moorlands WI page on Facebook. Polaroid instant colour photograph in 1963 and eventual development in 1990 of digital manipulation of photographs . Progress in a world of technology now sees most with a mobile telephone which takes photos. The “Cameraphone” being introduced in 2000 by Sharp of Japan. It’s a long way from those memories of sending off 35mm film to be developed by the ‘photo-lab’ to being able to sit at your computer and organise your own photographs in various files. Notwithstanding that, Dean had moved further on by organising his photographs digitally and making DVDs of family and various other subjects. Dean and Normas presentation was a delight and gave those amateur photographers amongst us some inspiration and motivation to have a go on the computer and explore new horizons. Dean decided on winners of our competition. Home made Valentine Card: 1st Paula Peacock; 2nd Linda Brindley. March meeting will have a demonstration of ‘Spring Cookery’. Anyone interested in joining us can call 01782 302497 or go online www.wiwetleyrocks.btck.co.uk.
THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Rushton WI
fter a weekend of snow and ice when it was very uncertain whether our party was going to go ahead or be cancelled a select group braved the icy conditions to meet at Sheila's on Tuesday 12th December. Cancellations for illness brought numbers down a little but everyone was in typical Christmas spirit and ready for some tasty food. The room was warm and inviting and as members arrived extra tables were soon full of cards, angels and raffle prizes. Glenys welcomed everyone and after a few notices handed over to Wendy for grace. Sheila, Mandy and the efficient waitresses were soon in action serving what I am sure we all thought was a delicious Christmas meal. Pre-ordering certainly helps to make the service quicker. There were few, if any, leftovers. Glenys and Pam organised the raffle and card distribution with few members going home giftless and some even clever enough to draw their own numbers. Entertainment from our very own Santa followed with a sing song of carols and Christmas songs accompanied by John on his accordion. Our bell came into use in Jingle
A
Woodcroft WI veryone was very pleased to get together again in the New Year as we were unable to hold our Christmas meeting due to wintry weather. It was a great pity as it would have been our Christmas Party which is always a good night. A huge thank you goes to our members who so generously donated a variety of useful items to help homeless people and rough sleepers in the area. They were very gratefully received particularly in this cold weather. This is a busy time of year, with Subs to pay and a variety of events to sign up to. The Walking Group, Film Club and Book Clubs are all up and running again and a Theatre trip to the New Vic has been arranged as they are performing Votes for Women, so there is plenty to do. The speaker
E
Bells and we finished off with a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Auld Lang Syne. John was then in great demand for selfies with certain lively members. I'm sure Josie will have a collection box next year. A new venue will have to be found as Sheila is closing the doors in the Summer. Glenys announced the competition winners, judged by the staff, as Josie, Glenys and Sylvia. Thanks were given to all who entered and to all who brought a raffle prize. Glenys thanked all the staff who had worked so hard to make our Christmas party a great success before wishing everyone a safe journey home and a Happy and Healthy Christmastime. In February, our meeting at Rushton Methodist Church was a 'A Victorian Music Hall' evening led by John Hambleton on the accordion. The competition was oldest Queen Victoria coin. The March meeting will see a visit from Leek Town Crier Bill Lomas, and April's meeting will be a Birthday visit to Ford Green Hall. Rushton WI meet at the Methodist Church Schoolroom every third Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm. for January was Bill Lomas, our Town Crier, who proved to be a man with a sense of humour as well as a loud voice. We heard all about the history behind the oldest civic appointment and learnt about the tradition of his livery, from his coat to the tricorn hat. Bill has been shouting the praises of our town for two years, sometimes with no-one listening on a bad day, but he regards himself as an ambassador for Leek, with a role to promote the area and we are very grateful for the addition of such a colourful character. Our February meeting at St. Luke's Church Centre saw Gareth Lewis explain the work of the Street Pastors. Our March meeting is on March 12th when Noel Trafford will talk about 'Magic Owls'. The April meeting on the 9th is ' The art of Well Dressing ' by Barbara Hall. We meet at St Luke's Church Centre at 7.30pm every second Monday of each month.
Is your WI group in the Leek and surrounding villages area? Would you like your group to be featured in our WI pages? Email Belinda at life@timesandecho.co.uk. Leek Life March/April 2018 41
BORDERLAND VOICES
Creativity on the move A
community arts for health and mental well-being initiative has moved premises. Borderland Voices, which used to be based in Queen's Drive in Leek, has relocated across town to the ground floor of Bank House, 20 St Edward’s Street. Leek Life recently visited the new premises while one of the creative workshops was in full flow. Borderland Voices coordinator Andy Collins said: “We have a lot more space here at Bank House with a bigger office which is doubling up as storage space, a main workshop room, and further store rooms. “And we have a very favourable rent with Support Staffordshire and they have been very helpful and supportive throughout the move.” Borderland Voices, which was founded in 1998 by the late Susan Gaukroger, received a Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service last year. There are currently seven volunteers who help with the running of the organisation along with it's trustees, and there are around 30 participants who enjoy the creative writing, creative space workshop, and patchwork group.
42 Leek Life March/April 2018
Mrs Collins, who is the only paid member of staff, has been the coordinator at Borderland Voices for more than ten years. Mrs Collins said: “The benefits of keeping Borderland Voices going include providing stability in many of our members' lives, giving them the chance to have contact with people and also gaining confidence in themselves. “Our organisation encourages creativity and allows people to share it with others as participants support each other.” Mary, who lives in Leek, has been attending Borderland Voices workshops for five years. She said: “I think it is absolutely valuable to have this service. There is a good social side and to get the creative mind going. I always leave here feeling happy.” Marion Hammond, from Cheddleton has been attending for ten years. She said: “I enjoy both the creative writing and expressive arts sessions. I find it helps with my stress. I come here stressed in the morning but then leave alright in the afternoon. I like this lovely new and warm venue.” Long-serving volunteer Sheena Barnes added: “It has been a bit of an upheaval but it seems to be working well here. I think a lot of people who come here feel at home. “We have a lot more space and the venue is central to town which is beneficial.” Like any charity, Borderland Voices is always on the look out for more sponsorship. Mrs Collins said: “Any organisation or individual who sponsors us is invited to have their logo added to our regular newsletter and also on our website, and in time we hope to gain some display space at the front of Bank House.” To find out more about Borderland Voices, go online to www.borderlandvoices.org.uk.
LEEK LIFE FROM THE PAST
Here local historian Bill Cawley shares his findings of musician Joe Strummer’s connection with Leek We tried to get across the river Ringo, Bobo, el numero - holy cow At Leek Town Hall tonight Get me a taxi, godamn Take me to a reggae city (from At the border Guy)
ome time ago my brother Jez told me that he had heard a story that the iconic figure of punk rock music and creator of the Clash, Joe Strummer, had a Leek connection. One avenue of thought that Jez suggested I try was Strummer had a girlfriend who was from Leek and consequently came to the town often. I have tried to get to the bottom of the story over the years although there are some tantalising clues one of which is a Strummer song “At the border Guy” written when he had formed The Mescaleros after the Clash which specifically mentions Leek Town Hall which was demolished in the early 1980s. The song appears on their second album Global a Go Go released in 2001. Another reference is in the autobiography “Squat City Rocks” written by the Leek born drummer Richard Dudanski of his time living in a squat in Maida Vale with Strummer, who at the time was called Woody after Woody Guthrie the American Folk singer as well as a three-legged dog as a resident. He played with Strummer in a folk music orientated band called the 101ers, other people from Leek were allegedly in the band. Dudanski later went on to play with Jah Wobble and PiL. There is a story that the 101ers played Samantha’s in Leek sometime in the mid 70s. I spent a fruitless afternoon going through
S
the archives of the local newspaper from the period of 1974-6 tracking down when the 101ers might have played Samantha’s, but got nowhere. It might be that the gig did take place but it was not advertised. It is also worth noting that Samantha’s seems to have gone through changes of ownership at the time so publicity may have not been at its most effective and Strummer’s Leek jig was missed. By the spring of 1976 Strummer set up the Clash and the rest, as they say, is history. We have just passed the 40th anniversary of the release their debut album considered one of the greatest albums of the 70s, and one with a Leek connection. Leek Life March/April 2018 43
YEAR END TAX PLANNING FINANCIAL MATTERS
t’s important to take the time to give your finances a year-end check-up. The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances. Time is running out to make important planning moves before this tax year’s end, so don’t delay – we provided some of the key areas that could help you make the most of your money.
I
MAXIMISE YOUR INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ISA) ALLOWANCE The tax-efficient ISA allowance for the current tax year is £20,000 per person. Therefore, a married couple could put away £40,000 before the end of the tax year on 5 April. There is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and no tax on UK income, and also no need to declare this on your tax return. If you do not make use of your ISA allowances, they cannot be carried forward to the new tax year. Children with a Child Trust Fund can also save up to £4,128 in the current tax year, or if they’d prefer to, transfer their savings to a Junior ISA (JISA), which are a tax-efficient way to build up savings for a child.
DON’T OVERLOOK PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS The rules around how much you can pay into a pension have become more complex. But the standard annual allowance is £40,000 per person in the current tax year. The standard allowance can be reduced if you earn above a certain limit or have taken pension benefits previously. You pay contributions net of basic-rate Income Tax and your pension provider collects the tax relief from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Basic-rate tax relief is currently 20%. So, if you contribute £80 a month, £100 will be invested automatically in your plan – that’s an additional £20 at no extra cost to you. If you’re a higher rate or additional-rate taxpayer, you can claim the extra relief from HMRC on your yearly tax return or by asking your tax office to adjust your tax code. The value of any tax relief depends on your individual circumstances. This is essentially free money, so don’t miss out.
TAKE YOUR PENSION TO THE MAX Carry forward allows you to make use of any annual allowance that you may not have used during the three previous tax years, provided that you were a member of a registered pension scheme. This may be particularly useful if you are self-employed and your earnings change significantly each year, or if you’re looking to make large pension contributions. NEW RULES ON INHERITANCE TAX (IHT) The new ‘residence nil-rate band’ (RNRB) now enables a ‘family home’ to be passed wholly or partially tax-free on death to direct descendants. The amount of relief will be phased in over four years and will initially be £100,000 in 2017/18, rising each year thereafter to reach £175,000 in 2020/21. The RNRB is in addition to an individual’s own nil-rate band, and any unused nilrate band may be transferred to a surviving spouse or registered civil partner. In order to qualify, you must own a property or a share in a property, which you have lived in at some stage and which you leave to your direct descendants (including children, grandchildren or step-children).
SMALL GIFTS ARE EXEMPT FROM INHERITANCE TAX (IHT) Take advantage of exemptions. You can give away up to £3,000 a year, which is known as your ‘annual allowance’, and this will be immediately exempt from IHT. In addition, lifetime gifts to any person that do not exceed £250 in a tax year are exempt. Furthermore, lifetime gifts in consideration of marriage are also exempt – for example, parents can gift £5,000, grandparents can gift £2,500 and gifts of up to £1,000 can be paid from others. UTILISE YOUR SPOUSE’S PERSONAL ALLOWANCE If your spouse is a lower or even non-taxpayer and you have income producing assets (for example, buy-to-let property or even saving accounts), you could put these in their name to lower your overall Income Tax liability. Oliver Mellor Dip PFS, B.A (Hons)
Brian Mellor Financial Services Ltd Tel: 01538 371288 www.brianmellorfs.co.uk
Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change. Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough review of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions.
44 Leek Life March/April 2018
Expanding and experienced legal firm hits 100,000th client milestone
TINSDILLS SOLICITORS
n expanding and vastly experienced legal firm is celebrating a mammoth milestone after securing its 100,000th client. Tinsdills Solicitors Ltd, which has offices in Hanley, Leek, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Sandbach, reached the landmark after taking on new staff in the summer to support new client enquiries. Cara Clowes, from Staffordshire became the 100,000th client after calling on Tinsdills’ expert help in buying a house. Cara said: “I chose Tinsdills because of their strong reputation and long history in the area. It was the natural choice for me to use their services and the staff have been extremely helpful in giving me expert advice. I’m thrilled to be the firm’s 100,000th client – I hope they go on to get 100,000 more!” Tinsdills’ expansion has seen the firm gain a number of experienced staff, strengthening and broadening the business’s knowledge and helping it to increase new client enquiries. Tinsdills is recruiting for further positions throughout the business as it continues to broaden services for new and existing clients. Latest vacancies are available at www.tinsdills.co.uk/careers
A
Andrew Burrows, Conveyancing Solicitor and Director at Tinsdills said: “Our firm has a rich and long history, serving people across the area for nearly 350 years. We are a hugely knowledgeable and experienced law firm and our staff are experts in knowing and understanding clients’ needs. We put customer service at the heart of all we do. “We’re thrilled to have now served 100,000 happy clients from throughout the area and we wish Cara Clowes every happiness in her new home.”
• 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 Leek Life March/April 2018 45
FOUR IN 10 MOTORISTS USING “DANGEROUS” OR “VERY DANGEROUS” TYRES MOTORING
lmost 40 per cent of cars in the UK are running on at least one tyre that is “dangerously” or “very dangerously” underinflated. The figures come after Michelin and Kwik Fit inspected more than 500 vehicles in Tesco car parks around the UK. Michelin classifies tyres that are between 7psi and 14psi below the manufacturer’s recommendation as “dangerously underinflated”, while 14 psi or more underinflation is deemed to be “very dangerous.” Michelin and Kwik Fit technicians found 27.56 per cent of cars had at least one dangerous tyre, with 12.01 per cent having at least one very dangerous tyre. Jamie McWhir, technical manager for Michelin
A
in the UK, said: “Driving around on underinflated tyres costs money and it can cost lives. “We wanted to team up with Kwik Fit to encourage motorists to check their tyre pressures regularly. It makes sense from a cost and environmental point of view, but more importantly it’s critical for the safety of the vehicle, its passengers, other road users and pedestrians.” Running a car with tyres underinflated by 7psi decreases fuel efficiency by about one mile per gallon. Michelin estimates that underinflated tyres could be costing motorists in a city the size of Manchester more than £2 million a year in unnecessary fuel consumption – as well as pumping thousands of tonnes of additional CO2 into the atmosphere. Roger Griggs, communications director at
adrian wilson
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
46 Leek Life March/April 2018
Kwik Fit, said: “Checking tyre pressure is as important as checking tread depth, as tyres at the wrong pressure will compromise handling, grip and braking. As well as the significant safety issues, incorrectly inflated tyres will hit drivers in the pocket through excessive fuel consumption and increased tyre wear. “It’s worth reflecting on the fact that a car’s tyres are the only thing to connect it with the road and we urge motorists to check their air pressure, tyre condition and tread depth every fortnight.� For more tyre, safety and economy advice, visit www.michelin.co.uk and www.kwik-fit.com.
MOTORING
BARNFIELDS GARAGE LEEK LTD • Servicing & repairs • MOTs (Class 4 & 7) • Commercial vehicle repairs • Renault specialist • Diagnostics • Tyres at competitive prices • Vehicle recovery • Vehicle re-mapping • Mobile repairs Sunny Hills Road, Barnfields Industrial Estate, Leek, ST13 5RJ
01538 382 815 " ! " "! "! " " ! " "! "! " " ! " ! "! "! ! " ! " " " "!
RUDYARD LAKE
If you’re looking for a new car or 4x4 then Rudyard Lake Garage should be your first stop. We can buy or part exchange your current vehicle and help you get into your new car quickly without hassle. 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.
Telephone: 01538 306254 ! " ! " ! ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " " !
www.rudyardlakegarage.co.uk
Authorised MOT Testing Station
CRUSO AUTO REPAIRS
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 ÂŁ45.00 per week avg. fuel spend). Prices start from ÂŁ1,750 (inc. VAT @ 20%).
01538 399377
C.A.R. Burton Street,
Leek, Staffs, ST13 8BU
Leek Life March/April 2018 47
SPORTY FUN WITH HONDA’S NEW JAZZ RANGE FOR 2018 MOTORING
oldcroft Honda is gearing up for a wave of interest in the newly released Honda Jazz, which has been re-engineered from top to bottom with a curvy new body shape and a taller, lighter design. Imbued with style and sophistication, the reworked body shell has allowed designers to add even more space into the class-leading interior, offering unrivalled practicality in the supermini category. A lower centre of gravity and quick sporty handling ensures every journey in the small car is big fun. The truly deceptive dimensions inside are complemented by the bold and assertive exterior, while the range of options available has extended to include the new Sport grade. With a responsive 130PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine, 52.3mpg, with a 128bhp output and priced from £17,155, the Jazz Sport is marked out by a revised front bumper, black alloy wheels and a rear diffuser, as well as red accents on the exterior and orange stitching on the interior upholstery. Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK, said: “The Jazz is our best-selling car in the UK and has been
H
48 Leek Life March/April 2018
rejuvenated with the new Sport model, as well as the new interior and exterior styling. “The Jazz is a very important model for us, with an extremely loyal following, so we look forward to seeing this success continue with the new line up and the addition of the Sport model.” Agile, eager to go and applauded for economy, the Jazz range features cruise control and automatic lights as standard, while mid-range SE cars get parking sensors, electric mirrors, 15in alloys and start from £15,615. EX trim gets keyless entry and start, climate control and a reversing camera, as well as 16in alloys, fog lights and LED lights. The new 128bhp unit is added to the existing 1.3litre petrol option. Both engines are available alongside a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT transmission. Following its successful unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the new line-up will also include Skyride Blue Metallic as a new colour option and the 102PS 1.3 i-VTEC engine range will start off at £14,115 on-the-road for the entry-level S model. The new 1.5-litre Jazz Sport is available to order now from Holdcroft Honda.
MOTORING
Leek Life March/April 2018 49
CLASSIFIED
LEEK LIFE CLASSIFIED
• 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
Graham Bagshaw 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
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 50 Leek Life March/April 2018
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
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER
• City & Guilds approved • Installation & service The Nook, Butterton, Leek, Staffs, ST13 7SP
T: 01538 304518 M: 07841 708861
Leek Electrical • 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
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