Newcastle Life Issue 10

ISSUE 10

Life TOWN MARKS THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

FoodFest returns with a bang

Foodie fun and celebrations back for 2017

77th annual parade this September

WIN

• Tickets to see Taking Steps at The New Vic • A set of four Isadora Moon books

CONTENTS

ISSUE 10 Editor’s letter ..............................................6

FoodFest .....................................................8

Battle of Britain .........................................14 Heritage events .........................................16

Book competition ......................................17

Recipes ......................................................18 Stage directions ........................................20

Newcastle author.......................................21

Trent Art Gallery.......................................22 Gardening .................................................24

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People ..................26

Home improvements ................................31

What’s on ..................................................35

Photo corner .............................................36 Photography .............................................38 Castle House development .......................39 Bridge Club funding .................................40

Newcastle Scouts ......................................42

First Class Mum........................................43

A Levels .....................................................44 Edenhurst Preparatory School .................45

Legal matters ............................................46 Beswicks Legal ..........................................47

Quiz corner ...............................................48

Motoring ...................................................49

Newcastle - energetic, dedicated, generous

elcome to the 10th issue of Newcastle Life magazine, which is once again jam packed with all sorts of local goings on. Can you believe we are already in September? As I write this the sun is finally shining, which has been a rare sight for us recently. Now that we're heading into autumn, I hope you've managed to find a bit of warm weather to enjoy over the last few months, whether it be in one of the many many beautiful spots across our humble British Isles, or perhaps you were lucky enough to venture to an exotic beach further afield.

Inside this autumn edition you will find all sorts of incredible stories and events from local people, groups and organisations. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderfully energetic, dedicated, generous and engaging our community can be. A perfect example of this would be the Newcastle under Lyme FoodFest, which is back bigger and better than ever for 2017. Here we have an exciting, vibrant, fun filled event that is organised especially for local people to enjoy; with food, drink, music, activities and entertainment for everyone. But most importantly, the festival tackles an extremely difficult modern day problem - the issue of food poverty. Unfortunately this isn't an issue which is specific to developing, oversees nations - it's right here on our doorstep. So if you find yourself with a spare few hours on September 15th, 16th, or 17th, head down into town and enjoy all the festival has to offer, and support this worthy cause at the same time.

On a different note, all of us here at Newcastle Life magazine would like to say a huge congratulations to everyone across the area who received exam results this summer, whether it be GCSEs, A-Levels or degrees. We take a look at the remarkable academic awards achieved by local people this summer and chat to one local Mum who gained a 1st class degree despite some tough individual circumstances.

Also inside this issue you will find news from the scouts, we look at a series of stunning images from one member of the local photography club, and we check out what's on in September and October.

So pull up a chair, pop the kettle on and I hope you enjoy this autumnal issue. We will see you again at Christmas!

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Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton Tracey Wardle Design & Production Thomas Brian Advertising Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693

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

Thank you to all of you who have been in touch with your stories and events for Issue 10. Remember, Newcastle Life is YOUR magazine and we want to hear from you! Perhaps you have a story to tell or a photo to share; maybe you’d like to promote your event or your talent; or you may have exciting snippets of local history to interest our readers! Simply get in touch by emailing laura@timesandecho.co.uk

Laura

Cover photo of Keele Hall, with thanks to Keele University 6 Newcastle Life Issue 10

Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

Find us on Facebook search for Newcastle Life Magazine

8 Newcastle Life Issue 10

FOODFEST RETURNS WITH A BANG

FOODFEST 2017

weekend of food, fun and even farm animals are once again set to return to the heart of Newcastle this September, as the ever popular FoodFest returns for its 2017 event.

Highlighting issues of Food Waste, Poverty and Sustainability, the festival has grown more and more successful since its creation, and so the 2017 main event has been extended by a day and will take place on the 15th, 16th and 17th September in the Ironmarket.

In 2015, the town’s Foodbank provided 3945 three-day emergency food supplies to local people in crisis and yet the average British household wastes three weeks of food every year.

In light of this, a brand new community group was set up and organised an event to highlight these issues and showcase food, art, creativity and talent from North Staffordshire.

This year, the festival organisers have received funding from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, which has enabled them to employ a great

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So what can you expect from 2017 ?

Day 1 - Schools Day Friday 15th September 10am - 3pm FoodFest 2017 starts with a day of fun filled activities aimed at schools and education.

Activities range from farm animals to growing micro veg and local businesses, including the New Vic and Tesco, will be putting on activities with an educational theme. These activities include; Farm on Wheels; City Urban Farm; Tesco Farm2Fork; and John Wiggins Bees.

The town’s regular Farmers market will be taking place, with a range of additional stalls.

Day 2 - Community Day Saturday 16th September 10am - 3pm Following on from the success of the Community day at FoodFest 2016, there will be a wide range of community groups putting on different activities throughout the day.

These include; Staffordshire Bat Group; Punjabi dancers; Paul Adamiec Ceramics; Hullabaloo Arts; Staffordshire Bug Life; Staffordshire Wildlife Trust; and Ceramic City Stories.

There will also be a climbing wall to try out, a coffee morning in aid of Douglas Macmillan,

new collection of artists and musicians. It has also given a boost to the FoodFest and there will be a variety of exciting events and activities on offer.

puppets and bees.

Of course there will also be a range of exciting food and drink stalls from companies including; :Lymestone Brewery; Weal Ales Brewery; Angie Foods Kitchen; The Oatcake Kitchen; Stokie Sauce Company; Tony Price Butchers; and The Mezze Company.

Day 3 - World Food Day Sunday 17th September 10am - 3pm FoodFest enters uncharted territory by holding a World Food Day. There are activities going on all day from all over the world, so bring a packed lunch and come and join the fun.

Two of the main highlights of Sunday are the community picnic, which takes place at St Giles Church between 12 and 2pm, and the Community Parade, which takes place at 12 noon. Festival goers will be able to join with the congregation from St Giles Church to celebrate the renovation of the church yard.

One of the activities planned is a scarecrow treasure hunt where people will be invited to seek some glass scarecrows hidden in the grounds.

A real festival atmosphere, there will be Punjabi dancers, carnival costumes,the Newcastle Scout Drum Corp, circus acts, junk drummers, steele for stoke and arts brazil.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 9

FOODFEST 2017

The FoodFest mascot - Scarecrows Created by talented artist Matt Fair, the scarecrow mascots have been popping up all over Newcastle in preparation for the event.

The FoodFest mascots are a series of scarecrows doing all sorts of interesting things from picking flowers to playing football; pushing a supermarket trolley to playing computer games.

All the scarecrows help illustrate the type of thing organisers are interested in and what they do at FoodFest.

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In the run up to the event several shops have featured scarecrows and window displays.

The big FoodFest colouring competition is back, and little ones can download pictures of the scarecrows to put their own creative stamp on them.

Bring them along to FoodFest in September and hand them in or look for one of the collection boxes in cafes and pubs throughout town.

There are 3 age categories 0-5; 6-10 and 11 and over.

History The first FoodFest took place in 2014 and was the brainchild of John Bungenaar who had the idea to run an event that had the duel aim of raising funds for Newcastle foodbank and letting people know about the growing problem of food poverty.

Taking place at Cornerstone Community Centre, Silverdale, the event brought together community groups and food producers to create an informative and enjoyable event and raised over £1,500 for Newcastle Foodbank.

As the event was such a success John said that it would take place once again in Newcastle next year. Sadly, within weeks of FoodFest 14 John began suffering with cancer and he lost his battle to the disease in February 2015.

Jayne, one of the original team behind FF14 decided that Newcastle deserved its own food festival and the idea of a festival that highlights the issues of food waste, food poverty, sustainability and food security was born. In memory of John and to honour his years of service it was decided that the name FoodFest would be taken forward for the new venture.

The team soon began to grow and Jan, Becca and June soon joined. The group constituted in October 2015 and everything was set to start to plan events for 2016.

For two days in 2016 the festival filled Newcastle under Lyme with local food producers, arts activities, farm animals and community groups that worked together to create an event that highlighted the issues of food waste, food poverty, food security and sustainability, all issues that are very relevant in our area.

The event was a tremendous success. The team brought together over 15 groups and organisations, collected enough food to feed 12 families for 3 days and with the support of local Tesco’s gave away 300 loaves of bread and made smoothies for numerous visitors using fruit they donated.

And it’s all taking place again in 2017 - bigger and better than ever!

Newcastle Scout get stuck in to FoodFest T

FOODFEST 2017

hree groups from Newcastle District Scouts will be involved in FoodFest2017. They will be holding a cake sale and coffee, together with a climbing wall by the Market Cross, outside the Guild Hall, between 10am and 2pm on Community Day - 16th September.

These groups are all aiming to raise awareness of scouting, and raise funds towards international trips in 2018, giving children who may not normally have the opportunity, to gain an international scouting experience.

The Newcastle Baptist Church group from Clayton will be travelling to Norway. Knutton and Red Street groups will be exploring Gibraltar, and The Centurion Explorers, from Wolstanton, are journeying to Canada.

On Sunday 17th, World Food Day, the Newcastle Scouts Drum Corps are proud to be leading the parade at 12noon in the Ironmarket, to St Giles Church, where they will entertain the Bishop of Stafford during a church service and community picnic.

They will then lead the parade back to The Guildhall.

The Scouts also have a window in the town centre, featuring the Festival’s scarecrow mascots dressed up as scouts.

A spokesperson for Newcastle Scouts told

Newcastle Life: “We are hugely proud of all our scouts and volunteers, and their contribution to this town centre event is very much appreciated.”

Newcastle Life Issue 10 11

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Newcastle Life Issue 10 13

Town marks the Battle of Britain BATTLE OF BRITAIN

77th Annual Parade will take place in September

eventy seven years on from the Battle of Britain, the Newcastle-under-Lyme Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association will be holding its annual commemorative parade in Newcastle.

Taking place on Sunday, 17th September 2017, the parade will commence at the Queens Gardens at 2.30 pm, before processing to St Giles Church for a service of commemoration.

Following the service there will be a wreath laying at the cenotaph in Red Lion Square and this year, the church service will also include the laying up ceremony of the old North Staffordshire Branch Standard.

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14 Newcastle Life Issue 10

Amongst the dignitaries attending will be the Deputy Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Councillor Mrs Gillian Heesom and her consort Mr John Heesom, and Wing Commander Elliott Sharrard-Williams, deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire.

Various members of the armed forces, both serving and retired, will also be in attendance, and the Parade

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

will be led by the band of Alsager ATC Squadron.

Other ATC Squadrons, including Hartshill, Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent and Longton, will be present as well as the local Unit of Sea Cadets, and invitations have gone to various service organisations in the area.

Battle of Britain Sunday commemorates the great victory won by the Royal Air Force, which saved Britain from invasion in 1940. The objective of the Germans was to eliminate the Royal Air Force, both in the air and on the ground, and to obtain air superiority for a seaborne and airborne invasion of this country.

On the 15th September 1940, Sir Winston Churchill said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few�.

The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) is one of the longest standing service charities. It works to help the veterans of that conflict, the veterans of conflicts since then, and it continues to work to support those involved in conflict today.

The charity has helped and continues to help the whole Royal Air Force family, providing

friendship, help and support to current and former members of the Royal Air Force and their dependents.

Receiving no government contributions, the work of the Association is funded by the generosity of its members and through vital donations from its supporters. Throughout the year, the Association collects for the Wings Appeal with the final push for this being held during Wings Week, which is the week leading up to Battle of Britain Parade Sunday.

Many local and national organisations help in this effort by allowing collections, bag packing in stores, and other events. Without this support, the Association would be unable to continue to offer support through its welfare programme.

Further information about the work of the Association can be found at www.rafa.org.uk.

The Newcastle-under-Lyme Branch meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Holy Trinity Community Centre in London Road, Newcastle.

Meetings commence at 7.30 pm.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 15

BUMPER BENEFITS FOR NEWCASTLE HERITAGE HERITAGE EVENTS

Celebrations to mark £4 million investment

series of free community events will be taking place in Newcastle this autumn to celebrate the whopping £4 million of investment the area has received so far from the National Lottery.

Thanks to National Lottery players, over £4 million has been given to over 60 heritage projects in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Community groups can apply anytime for a grant of £3,000 or more from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which can fund anything from collecting memories and restoring green spaces to sharing old photographs and commemorating conflicts.

Now the local community is being invited to celebrate Newcastle’s past and future this September with a series of free community events.

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Highlights include: Saturday 9th September 11am - 3pm: Maxims Memories at St Giles Church Share your nightclub stories and learn about its transformation into the Belong Heritage Gallery.

View the renovated St Giles churchyard and

exhibitions and take a tour with their augmented reality town heritage trail.

Saturday 9th September 11am-3pm: Unitarian Meeting House Celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Meeting House including a history walk by Andrew Dobraszczyc.

Monday - Saturday until 16th September 9am-6pm: Newcastle a plotted history at Brampton Museum Visit this exhibition of historic maps of the market town from 1700s onwards.

Monday 25th September 6:30pm: Newcastle College Centre for Performing Arts Get ready for a year of circus fun celebrating the 250th anniversary of the modern circus and its Newcastle born father Phillip Astley. The launch event includes a talk from world famous clown Charlie Cairoli. Bookings necessary via eventbrite.

Saturday 30th September 7pm: Unitarian Meeting House Discover the town’s turbulent history with this film show and lecture by Ray Johnson of Staffordshire Film Archive.

For a full list of events in Newcastle town centre visit www.visitnewcastleunderlyme.co.uk and for events nationwide visit www.heritageopendays.org, or flip to our What’s On pages for more details.

World famous clown Charlie Cairoli 16 Newcastle Life Issue 10

If you have an idea for a new heritage project and would like to meet up to chat about available funding, please contact local HLF development officer Elise Turner m: 07970663830 e: elise.turner@hlf.org.uk twitter:@HLFWestMids.

BOOK COMPETITION

FANG-TASTIC CHANCE TO WIN

SPOOKY ISADORA MOON STORIES FOR HALLOWEEN Halloween is on the horizon and halfvampire and half-fairy Isadora Moon is back! Written and illustrated by Harriet Muncaster, the series is perfect for readers who like their magic and sparkle with a bit of bite! Get inspired for Halloween by joining Isadora and her best friend Pink Rabbit on a series of four adventures, from vampire flying lessons to taking a dragon into school!

We’re giving two lucky readers the chance to win a fang-tastic collection of four Isadora Moon books from Oxford Children’s Books.

Isadora Moon Goes on a School Trip 978-0-19-275853-8 | £5.99 | 5+ Isadora goes on a school trip to a spooky old castle, where she discovers a surprising new friend. He's a little different, like her, so Isadora's going to have to try and find a way of introducing him to her friends without them getting too much of a shock.

Isadora Moon Gets in Trouble 978-0-19-275851-4| £5.99 | 5+ Isadora wants to take Pink Rabbit in to 'Bring Your Pet to School Day', but her older cousin Mirabelle has a much better plan-why not take a dragon?

What could possibly go wrong . . .?

Isadora Moon Goes to the Ballet 978-0-19-274437-1 | £5.99 | 5+ Isadora loves ballet, especially when she's wearing her black tutu, and she can't wait to see a real show at the theatre with the rest of her class. But when the curtain rises, where is Pink Rabbit?

Isadora Moon Goes to School 978-0-19-274431-9 | £5.99 | 5+ It's time for Isadora to start school, but she's not sure where she belongs vampire school or fairy school? From magic wand classes to vampire flying lessons, Isadora tries both schools... but which will she choose?

For a chance to win simply answer this question:

Q: What is Isadora Moon’s best friend called? a) Pink Rabbit

b) Black Bat

c) Yellow Dog

(circle your answer)

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

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Friday 29th September 2017.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 17

SPEEDY DISHES FOR AUTUMN EVENINGS RECIPES

glorious Indian summer, or the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” - autumn can be an unpredictable time, with the enticing prospect of high blue skies and balmy evenings, or bundling up in woollens and enjoying fiery colours

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through a lingering haze.

As the nights start to draw in and the summer ebbs away, heartier meals tend to return to the family table and for this changeable time of year, quick comforting meals are just what we need.

Serves: 8 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour

• 100ml double cream • Chopped fresh parsley to garnish

Creamy pumpkin soup with thyme

Ingredients: • 1.5 litres of chicken stock • 1 ½ teaspoons of salt • 400g fresh pumpkin, diced • 1 onion, chopped • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed • 1 clove garlic, minced • 5 whole black peppercorns 18 Newcastle Life Issue 10

Method: • Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic and peppercorns. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.

• Purée the soup in small batches using a food processor or blender.

• Return to pot and bring to the boil again.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in double cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

RECIPES

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

Quick and easy mushroom pasta

Ingredients • 1lb spaghetti • 1 ½ lbs cleaned and sliced mushrooms • 250ml vegetable stock • 8 chopped garlic cloves • 8 fresh sage leaves roughly chopped or torn • bunch of flat leaf parsley • 4 oz grated parmesan cheese • olive oil • salt • black pepper • pinch pepper flakes (to taste)

Method • Put a pan of water on to boil with a pinch of salt.

• While waiting for it to reach boiling point, heat the olive oil in a large flat bottomed pan over medium heat and scatter the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the oil and simmer until golden. Keep shaking the pan to avoid burning.

• Add as many of the mushrooms as possible and

season lightly before mixing in the sage.

• As the mushrooms start to reduce in size, continue to add more until all the mushrooms fit in the pan.

• Stir frequently for about 10 minutes until the mushrooms are sizzling and brown.

• Any liquid released by the mushrooms during cooking will have to be boiled off before the mushrooms begin to brown.

• Meanwhile, add the spaghetti to the boiling water and bring back to boil, stirring frequently.

• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking for around eight minutes until tender.

• Add the vegetable stock to the browned mushrooms, bring to a boil, then lower the heat so the sauce is at a lively simmer and cook for around five minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.

• When cooked, drain the spaghetti, return it to the pot, and pour in the mushroom sauce, bringing back to the boil, stirring gently to coat the pasta.

• Check the seasoning, adding salt or pepper to taste, then scatter over the parsley and remove the pan from the heat.

• Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and serve with fresh crusty bread and a seasonal salad.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 19

Stage Directions win

by Richard Lane

TICKETS TO SEE TAKING STEPS AT THE NEW VIC

e have teamed up with the awardwinning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to give away a pair of tickets to see Alan Ayckbourn’s classic farce Taking Steps.

When tongue-tied solicitor Tristram is sent along to oversee the sale of a large and crumbling house, reputedly a haunted former brothel, he

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may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Hardware tycoon Roland Crabbe and scheming builder Leslie Bainbridge are not easy clients. Roland’s wife, Elizabeth is on the brink of leaving him with the help of her brother Mark and his shrinking-violet fiancée, Kitty.

Misunderstandings multiply and play out in every corner of the three-storey house.

To win two tickets to Taking Steps for the night of your choice, answer the following question:

For which Ayckbourn play did the New Vic flood the stage with water?

A) Comic Potential

B) Neighbourhood Watch

C) Way Up Stream

(CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER)

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

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Tuesday 3rd October 2017.

Tickets are for any performance of Taking Steps. The production runs at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 28 October. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to availability.

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FOURTH BOOK FOR LOCAL WRITER

NEWCASTLE AUTHOR

nspired by real life events, a former detective who lives in Newcastle has now released his fourth book on Amazon.

John Pye has just finished writing number 3 in the DI Doug Taylor crime thriller series.

'Guardian of Lies' is now on pre-order for download on the release day of 9th September from Amazon.

Following his retirement from the police force in 1993, John’s thoughts quickly turned to accomplishing a long held ambition of his; to write a book.

He has since turned his hand to crime writing, penning several gripping novels which are all based in the local area; Field of Lies,

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Cathedral of Lies and The Nick of Time. These are all currently available to read on Kindle, through Amazon, with some rather familiar locations providing the settings – Newcastle and nearby Stone.

Guardian of Lies ventures outside the main character’s comfort zones into the world of the Security Services.

John says: “Foreign agents, espionage and high powered thrilling action take the narrative forward as an issue of serious national security emerges. The fact that the story is based on many real events is all the more breath taking.”

You can find John’s book by searching Guardian of Lies, John Pye, on Amazon.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 21

AUTUMN EVENTS AT TRENT ART TRENT ART GALLERY

Our Autumn Lecture series is now confirmed and kicking off the season is local Artist David Brammeld

avid is a member of The Pastel Society and a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. A talented artist capturing both our surrounding urban landscape as well as amazing rural scenes. Come and enjoy an evening with David Brammeld as he gives a fascinating talk on his work and how the changing shape of the City inspires him to produce work which is widely recognised as an important social and historical record of Stoke on

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Trent and its surrounding areas.

21st September at The Potters Club, 3rd Floor, Federation House, Station Road ST4 2SA 7.00pm - 8.30pm Drinks on arrival.

Tickets can be purchased via We Got Tickets and cost £11 (£10 Plus a £1 booking fee) or alternatively tickets can also be purchased directly from Trent Art Gallery at 19 Brunswick Street, Newcastle under Lyme. www.wegottickets.com/event/411120

TRENT ART GALLERY

Jack Simcock (1929 -2012) Mow Cop Artist – A Retrospective Exhibition

n conjunction with the Simcock Family Estate we will be holding a Retrospective Exhibition of Jack Simcock’s work starting with a preview evening on Thursday 28th September – all welcome.

Jack Simcock was born in Biddulph, Staffordshire on 6th June 1929, and his work is highly regarded and nowadays highly collectable. The exhibition will see work on display that has been released by the family for the first time and has never been on public display giving us a deeper insight into the work of Jack Simcock.

Jack’s work was always highly regarded in the area and this is a rare opportunity to see work by one of the area’s leading artists.

The event is being held at Trent Art, 19 Brunswick Street, Newcastle under Lyme ST5 1HF and will run until the 13th October 2017.

Tel 01782 610588 for more details.

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The area’s leading supplier of

Original Art

At Trent Art you can take the Art you love home today with an interest free loan from Own Art

0% Interest Rate 10 months equal installments with loans from £100 - £2500 for works by living artists Representative 0% APR

Trent Art Gallery, 19 Brunswick Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 1HF Open Tuesday – Saturday

Tel: 01782 610588

Newcastle Life Issue 10 23

GARDENING

SOME LIKE IT HOT This month Martin Blow of Special Perennials gets all heated up about growing Red Hot Pokers e all remember the old fashioned Red Hot Poker plants with their tall, impressive heads of flower, red at the top and yellow at the bottom and great mounds of leaves, flowering away in a neglected spot in the garden.

Eye-catching they certainly are and they have come a long way from these gaudy giants with lots of colours and sizes now available for every type of garden.

Other common names for this plant such as Torch Lily and Rocket Flower are equally as apt.

Kniphofia, as they are properly called come from Southern Africa. The ones we grow in the garden largely grow on high mountains and plateaux meaning they are cold hardy although

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24 Newcastle Life Issue 10

you may find plants or seeds of sub-tropical species that will need protection in winter.

As a rule of thumb those with very narrow, almost chive-like leaves are less hardy.

In the past gardeners have planted Pokers in the driest, sunniest part of the garden and then left them to get on with it, this comes from the misconception that they are desert plants. They will survive this but not thrive. The best treatment is plenty of sun and a rich, fertile soil with plenty of summer moisture. Here they will have more and larger flowers.

By careful selection of varieties and species it is possible to have a poker in flower from May to December, but for most gardens a few good varieties will cover the summer and autumn months. Here are a few of my favourites. “Timothy� is very different from the standard poker with his salmony orange flowers on 2ft / 60cm stems in mid-summer he is more suitable for a small garden. Likewise, the cool, icy lemon

GARDENING

and white flowers of “Percy’s Pride” are short and compact and create a zing in the border from July through August. The deep smouldering colour of “Nancy’s Red” heats up in August and September and again she is quite compact. There are even smaller ones available – watch out for “Brimstone” (Yellow), “Little Maid” (cream) and “Bressingham Comet” (Red, orange and yellow) for plants that are not much more than 1ft / 30cm tall.

Slightly taller is the lovely “Drummore Apricot” with bronze stems to set off the flowers in July and August. “Tawny King” is perhaps the most striking variety with very large caramel and cream flowers on 3ft / 90cm stems from June to August.

Some pokers are long and slender adding a gracefulness to the flowers. “Jenny Bloom” is one such with softly coloured peaches and cream

coloured flowers. “Toffee-Nosed” is similar but has more distinctly caramel and white flowers.

“Fiery Fred” is tall, slender and burning with heat through July and August and a must for the hotcoloured garden.

One of my favourites are the fatter flower heads of Bee’s Lemon who has yellow flowers that are greenish at first.

Pokers can be propagating by division after flowering or in late spring from late flowering ones. Seed will be variable but does produce good plants – the colours may be a surprise! Sow on the surface of moist seed compost – do not bury the seed just press it lightly onto the surface – in late winter in warmth such as a heated propagator and transplant as soon as they are big enough to handle and then wait for the fireworks when they flower!

Janet & I run Special Perennials, website www.specialperennials.com.

We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Weston Park on Sunday 10th September (special price entry of only £2.50 for the fair and gardens); Henbury Hall Garden, Macclesfield, SK11 9PJ on Sunday 17th September (entry to this lovely rarely open 12-acre garden and plant fair only £2.50), and at the stunning Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere CW 8 2HS on Sunday 24th September (only £3.00 for the gardens and fair).

Full details from www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.

We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect Newcastle Life Issue 10 25

CHARITY ON THE SEARCH FOR DOG-LOVERS HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE

f you have a passion for man’s favourite fourlegged friend and are looking for a rewarding way to volunteer your time in the interests of helping those less fortunate, then a charity which helps pair assistance dogs with deaf people would be delighted to hear from you.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - the sole organisation which trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds - is actively recruiting dog lovers who would like to take care and help train their adorable puppies and dogs in Cheshire East.

Speaking about the rewards of becoming involved with the charity Volunteer Dog Trainer, Alyson Embleton, told Newcastle Life Magazine: “When I saw an advert looking for volunteers to help train a puppy for Hearing Dogs I just knew this was something I really wanted to get involved with.

“My Puppy Training Instructor is so supportive, I’m taught the skills to then practise on a daily basis at home with Gracie, a gorgeous yellow Labrador puppy. It’s just so rewarding to see how

I

Gracie

Alyson and Grace Gracie is learning and growing up week by week.”

Ruth Turner, Hearing Dogs’ Puppy Training Instructor for Cheshire East and Staffordshire added: “If you live locally and are looking for a new challenge, then why not give something back and meet some loveable life-changing puppies along the way?

“As long as you have a car, a secure, private garden, and enough time to train a puppy or dog on a daily basis, then we would absolutely love to hear from you.”

To find out more about volunteer dog training opportunities, please contact the volunteering team: volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk, 01844 348122 or visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer.

26 Newcastle Life Issue 10

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

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TIDY HOUSE, TIDY MIND – BUT A MESS CAN LEAD TO STRESS A

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

study into links between messy homes and stress has found 80 per cent of people in Britain believe the state of their home has an impact on their mental health.

UK furniture and flooring firm, ScS teamed up with the mental health charity Mind, to conduct a report into links between untidy homes and stress.

The investigation found 67 per cent of people feel more stressed when their house is untidy.

Mind's Lee Walker said: “Take a moment, make a cup of tea, sit with a family member or friend and talk about how you feel.

“Making a list in order of importance can help you to prioritise and put in perspective some of the things that are stressing you out.

“Breathing is also important - when we breathe deeply, our heart rate automatically slows down and lowers our blood pressure, helping us relax.”

The study also found that when it comes to arranging furniture, the UK is more concerned

about the angle and distance of the TV from the sofa (58 per cent) than the position of windows (47 per cent) or feng shui (18 per cent).

And while everyone needs their home to function in different ways, the layout can be crucial in helping you keep on top of the tidying up.

Hidden storage, flexible furniture and a good de-cluttering session are key to making life easier on the housework front.

Feng Shui experts from Wu Wei Wisdom said finding a positive feng shui can help ensure your living space is easy to relax in, and in turn help you feel less stressed.

Lindsey Duncton, ScS Marketing Manager, said: “Life can be stressful and demanding at times, so it’s vital we’re taking time out, whether relaxing on the sofa or unwinding with some light exercise, and doing little things to help reduce stress levels and improve our overall mental wellbeing.”

Newcastle Life Issue 10 31

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

SECURE YOUR HOME AS NIGHTS DRAW IN S ecurity for your home and garden is always important, but as the nights draw in and couples take advantage of late summer deals when term starts, making sure you don't come home to disaster needs to be at the top of the list.

Recent statistic show that 16 per cent of homeowners don't bother to lock their doors and windows when they leave the house and 70 per cent reveal they don't have a burglar alarm.

But it's not just the house that needs protecting – green-fingered thieves can also pose a threat.

As we move into autumn you may think there are more important things to think about other 32 Newcastle Life Issue 10

than home security, but in reality, protecting your home from domestic burglaries should always be one of the top features on your list.

With this in mind, the security experts at Yale have shared their top tips to keep your homes and outbuildings secure at this time of year.

Keep windows and doors shut We can all be guilty of opening our windows and doors wide on a warm day, but this is unfortunately one of the easiest ways for domestic burglars to get hold of your valuables.

All they need is to grab your front door key and they could have access to your car, home and ultimately all your well-deserved belongings.

With one in three burglars entering a

property through an open window, we would suggest shutting and locking them when you leave the room, making sure they have at least one appropriate, key-operated lock. Don’t forget to also lock them at night – this is when burglars think it’s safe to strike.

Upgrade your security standards An important step that should be a priority when upgrading your home security is to ensure that external timber doors are secured with a mortice lock and/or nightlatch, and these must meet with British Standard BS3621. Similarly, if you have a PVCu or composite door, you could also consider upgrading to a British Standard TS007 Kitemarked model.

Use your head, protect the shed It’s not only your home that is at risk, thieves may also target your sheds and outbuildings.

According to recent statistics, 1 in 7 homes a year experience a theft from the garden in the UK, and with the average shed said to contain contents around the value of £2000, you can see why burglars are targeting this valuable area.

As sheds are supplied with minimal or no door security, we would recommend fitting a maximum strength padlock (rating 7-10) as they can withstand the great British weather, and protect against burglar attacks.

We would also advise using anchors and cables to secure expensive items within your outbuildings such as bike wheels and lawnmower handles, as this will provide an added level of protection against any intruders.

Snakes and ladders Alongside securing your shed and its contents, we would also recommend keeping all your outdoor tools locked away in your shed or garage as these can be beneficial for a burglar trying to gain access.

Statistics have revealed that in 37 per cent of outdoor thefts cases, burglars took tools and work materials, which shows how burglars are using these types of tools to help with their attack strategy.

We advise keeping ladders and all heavy-duty equipment out of reach, as this will not only keep you from having to pay out to replace them, but it will also help prevent the theft of other valuable items from your home and outbuildings.

For more home security tips and advice, and the opportunity to view the full range of Yale home security solutions, visit www.yale.co.uk.

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What’s on

SEPT/OCT

300th Anniversary of historic town bu ilding Join Newcastle Staffs Unitarians in commemorating the 300th Anniversary of Newcastle Meeting Ho use being rebuilt in 171 7, after being burnt dow n by rioters in 1715.

There will be a range of creative family activit ies and the chance to vie w commemorative wa ll hangings for the first time when they are un veiled by the Mayor of Newc astle at 12pm.

Local Historian Andre w Dobraszczyc will be running a Heritage Wa lk from the Meeting Ho use at 10.30am.

A live graffiti spray wil l take part in Newcast le town centre as part of the act ivities and we will be showing short anima tions created by local school children that show som e of the history of the building.Refreshment s available. All welcome . All activities are free.

Saturday, 9th and Sunday 10th Septe mber

Holy Trin ity Guide d tour Have a gu ided tour (or wander printed gu fr ide map) around th eely with restored G is beautifu rade II list lly ed historical Church, w sign hich is of See statues ificance. 10.30am - 5pm. of St. Joh n More, wit h engravin Fisher and St. Thom gs b as of Blessed Thomas M y Eric Gill - also re li axfield, w history of ith illustra cs his life - al ted l in rear of the Church. I- the martyrs chapel at spy activiti Saturda es for chil y, 9th Se dren. ptember

34 Newcastle Life Issue 10

e If you’d like to se ed your event featur n on the What’s O to page, remember email laura@ .uk timesandecho.co

Photo Keele courtesy o f Univ ersity

Keele Hall Keele Hall, bu ilt in 1580 an d originally ow by the Sneyd, ned will be runnin g guided tour Sunday 10th s on September.

The Raven M ason Collectio n will be open visitors to view for an exhibition of Mason’s Ironstone Ch ina and Porcel ai n, open to visito the Chapel will rs around serv ices, and the fa 600 acres of la mous ndscaped cam pus grounds w open for walks ill be .

Sunday, 10 th Septembe r - new season amera Club d on the Newcastle C season starte w ne era Club’s days, on M on t ee The local Cam m e, r and will now eir new venu 4th Septembe 9.30pm at th d stle an ca pm ew N 30 , 7. between afford Avenue stle ts Centre, St ca or Sp ew N n to as ay te Cl e si ST5 3BN (sam eraclub.org.uk under Lyme, .newcastlecam w w w e Se ).

Cricket Club e details. for programm ards ember onw pt Se Start of

Maps exh ibition Between M ondays and Saturdays un 16th Septem til ber 9am-6pm , Brampton Museum ar e ho historic map lding an exhibition of s, entitled N ewcastle, a plotted hist ory.

Until Satu rday 16th September parade Battle of Britain in has t the Battle of Brita tha r yea h 77t the In rces Fo Air yal ed, the Ro been commemorat again be ce on ll wi le ast wc Association in Ne rade in Battle of Britain Pa holding its annual eens Qu at e will start Newcastle. The parad Giles St s ard tow go d an Gardens at 2.30pm , ion rat mo me e of com Church for a servic cenotaph in the at ing lay h eat followed by a wr Red Lion Square. ptember Sunday, 17th Se FoodFest 20 17 Harvest time co mmunity food celebration/fo od festival in Ne wcastle under Lyme. Including family friendly activities and animals, pa rade and comm unity picnic.

Plus daily farm ers market. Se e our in depth feature for mor e information.

15th to 17th Se ptember

t t isan Marke onthly marke Monthly Art ket Co., this m n ar w M to e le Th st by ca Organised stalls to New simply usive and chic cl or t ex en in es gs pr in a br buy rfect place to centre. The pe ay, lf! and Saturd treat yourse September th 30 , ay rd Satu er 28th Octob

Film lecture Lecture by Ray Johnso n of Staffordshire Film Archive at the Newcast le Unitarian meeting house.

Time yet to be confirm ed.

Saturday 30th Septe mber

ent me College open ev Newcastle under Ly down to d hea dy, stu r the fur If you’re thinking of of their regular open NULC as they hold one m 8p m evenings, 5.30p tober Wednesday 11th Oc

lie Cairoli A talk by Char li will be wn Charlie Cairo clo s ou fam ld Wor College's e ym -L er nd astle-u speaking at Newc out his career, ab re ing Arts Cent the stunning Perform Astley - father of legacy of Philip and the life and s. r, modern day circu ngside his fathe st performed alo fir li s ar iro ye Ca s lie hi r ar Ch ences fo own to UK audi who was well kn wer Circus and To l oo kp ac Bl at topping the bill ght Charlie. ren's TV show Ri through his child n successful ow s hi on to enjoy Charlie has gone ar pe ing on ing in circus, ap career, perform shows and tre ea th rring in television and sta try. His family un ughout the co pantomimes thro t famous clown s two of the mos heritage include Fratellini’s. & li’s – the Cairo names in circus affordshire organised by St d The talk has been sation and hoste ni ga Or n n Bure University, the Va . ge lle nder-Lyme Co

by Newcastle-u September th 25 y, da Mon

Charity A erobathon The Jill Cle wes Academ y will be ho 5th annual lding their aerobathon , to raise m Cancer Res oney for earch UK. The event w ill take plac e at Bradwel Communit l y Education Centre, 3pm £14 Registr . ation with T Shirt or £16 come join th wit e fun - all pr oceeds go to h Vest Alison Hug hes Fund in The ai d UK to add to of Cancer R esearch the £150,00 0.00 alread Saturday y raised 11th Novem ber

hts switch on Christmas lig ok a lot like Christmas... lo to It’s beginning November th 18 , ay rd Satu

Newcastle Life Issue 10 35

PHOTO CORNER

Creative transformations

member of Newcastle Camera Club for 12 months, Lesley Moran’s passion is to capture images of everyday scenery, using creative processes to turn ordinary images into extraordinary pictures.

She spoke to Newcastle Life magazine about her hobby. “I've been taking photographs since I was the proud owner of a Kodak Instamatic camera as a youngster.

“It’s a great medium for capturing important events and I have been lucky enough to live and work abroad, travelling extensively and capturing people and places.

“I also enjoy taking photographs in monochrome, years ago developing my prints in the dark room and more recently, using computer software like Lightroom to process digital images.

“The freedom to use digital cameras and take pictures on, say, mobile phones opens a whole new world of possibilities for taking and sharing images.

“I use a Canon 70D camera and regularly take the opportunity to attend photography courses with other camera-owning keen snappers!

“Using long-exposures and more abstract techniques like zoom bursts and ICM, I like turning an image into more of a picture - there are so many ways to be creative.

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“My examples are taken from my travels to Iceland (a particularly wonderful country for photography), learning about the people in other parts of the world and locally in UK. “We are fortunate in Staffordshire to live in a central part of the country and have good access to great places of interest. I joined Newcastle Camera Club last September and have enjoyed the stimulating array of speakers they have invited to their weekly meetings. There is a lot of experience and photography knowledge to be found at the club and I always learn something I didn't previously know at each meeting I attend. You can see other examples of my photography on Flickr check out LesleyMoran59.”

Newcastle Camera Club’s new season starts on Monday nights from the 4th September 2017 at 7.30pm to 9.30pm. The group have a new meeting venue - Clayton Sports Centre, on the same site as Newcastle and Hartshill Cricket Club, Stafford Avenue, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 3BN

Little girl and her cat in the Ariege, France 36 Newcastle Life Issue 10

PHOTO CORNER

Trentham Lake

Ice on Jokulsarlon beach, Iceland Newcastle Life Issue 10 37

PHOTO SNAP SUCCESS PHOTOGRAPHY

Local man announced as national competition winner

Staffordshire villager who lives just north of Newcastle has been named the winner of a national photo competition. 52 year old Mike Byrne, who lives in Mow Cop, snapped this image on his smartphone and entered Carphone Warehouse’s ‘Everyone’s a Photographer’ City Summary photo competition.

Mike, a Health & Safety Manager, said: “It’s a pleasant surprise to be selected as the winner of the ‘City Summary’ competition. I have always enjoyed taking photographs with my phone, especially as the standard of photography that can be taken on a mobile phone has improved over the years.

“I’m always snapping at every available opportunity. The photo was taken around Easter at Astbury Village in Cheshire as all the daffodils came out. To me it was the quintessential photo of an English village and summer.”

The Everyone’s a Photographer competition was launched in partnership with Samsung after new research from Carphone Warehouse revealed that advances in technology mean we

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38 Newcastle Life Issue 10

now can’t tell the difference between amateur and professional photographs.

Of the ten highest rated photographs, only two images were taken by professional photographers, with the remaining eight taken by amateurs.

A spokesperson from Carphone Warehouse said: “In the past, if you wanted to succeed at being a professional photographer, you would have to invest thousands in expensive equipment that you would need to carry around for you to capture an image of high enough quality to be considered ‘professional’.

“However, as smartphone camera technology has become more sophisticated, amateur photographers have been handed the essential set of tools which allows their work to rival that of the experts.”

To enter the next stage of Carphone Warehouse’s Everyone’s a Photographer competition, ‘Anti-Gravity’, visit: http://lowdown.carphonewarehouse.com/samsu ng-everyones-a-photographer/

£15.4m investment is near completion

CASTLE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING BOOST FOR PUBLIC SERVICES

he new £15.4 million centre for public services is taking shape in the centre of Newcastle. Four storey Castle House, next to Queens Gardens, is on course to open in the autumn.

The building, which can be accessed from both the Gardens and Hassell Street, will be the base for services from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police and Aspire Housing.

Also present at Castle House will be Newcastle library, the town’s register office, large multifunction room and a study area for students. The whole building will be wifi-enabled for public use.

Philip Atkins, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “The bringing together of councils and police in one modern, central building will, while saving taxpayers’ money, make life easier for the public by providing many services all under the same roof.

“At the same time it will also support the town centre economy and provides the catalyst for more investment.”

He added: “I’m also pleased to announce that Newcastle-based Aspire Housing has seen the benefit of being in Castle House and will be moving its customer service centre there later this year.”

Sinéad Butters, Chief Executive of Aspire Housing, said: "Castle House is an innovative and exciting project which we are proud to be a part of

T

“At Aspire Housing we do much more than just provide homes, we are committed to investing in our communities and creating places where people love to live.

“We work in collaboration with partners to move things forward in Newcastle, and this new hub will help us provide the best services we can for our customers and communities.”

Once Borough Council workers have moved from their current Merrial Street base, the offices will be demolished and added to the site of the former Sainsbury’s supermarket at Ryecroft, where developers are planning a £27.1 million development with retail units and student accommodation.

Cllr. Elizabeth Shenton, Leader of the Borough Council, said: “We are working hard to reshape Newcastle town centre in a way which will provide benefits to residents as well as our shops and businesses.

“Everyone who has been to Newcastle recently will have seen what an impressive structure Castle House is and having a range of partners working alongside each other under one roof should benefit the public.

“The building also retains jobs within the town centre and the money spent by those workers is vital in supporting our local traders.”

The projects are part of the joint working agreement between the county and borough authorities, known as District Deal 2.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 39

BRIDGE CLUB FUNDING

DISABILITY NO BA THANKS TO £10K BOOST FROM LOTTERY FUNDING

embers of Newcastle and District Bridge Club are celebrating a brand new look to their 19th century club house, following a successful bid for a £10,000 pot of money.

Last year Newcastle and District Bridge Club put in a bid for the money from The Big Lottery Fund in order to provide wheelchair ramps and disabled toilet facilities in the building in which they meet.

Although the building, 6 King Street, Newcastle, was quite awkward to adapt and needed some contribution from the club’s funds, wheelchair users can now enjoy its duplicate bridge sessions and its weekly bridge classes.

Bridge is a little known recreation activity which is great for exercising the brain.

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40 Newcastle Life Issue 10

It is a social game of cards played with a partner against another pair of players and whilst it is easy to learn the basics, there is still plenty of room for skills development.

Founded in 1950, Newcastle Bridge Club has been a centre for teaching bridge for many years.

It runs a weekly ‘Beginners’ course and an ‘Improvers’ course every year from September to April.

These evening courses enable people to play bridge at home with their friends or to enter the Bridge Club scene where they can test their progress and abilities against other pairs in ‘Duplicate’ sessions.

And now, thanks to the £10,000 boost, everyone can enjoy equal access to the building.

Current Newcastle and District Bridge Club member Dorothy Wright said: “ Bridge is a social activity where physically able and disabled people can compete on an equal basis and we are delighted that this is now available in our club”.

Tel. 01782 411737 (John Bridge) or 01782 871268 (Martin Aherne) For more information go to: www.newcastlebc.org.uk.

BRIDGE CLUB FUNDING

ARRIER TO BRIDGE

Newcastle Life Issue 10 41

NEWCASTLE SCOUTS

Want to make a difference?

NEWCASTLE SCOUTS NEED YOU!

very year Newcastle Scouts help over 1,000 young people across the area, but the District urgently needs new volunteers.

Scouting helps transform young people’s lives - and you could be a part of that. You could

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42 Newcastle Life Issue 10

help girls and boys enjoy the fun, friendship and adventure that goes hand in hand with scouting.

You could help them to discover new talents, grow in confidence and gain a real sense of pride, self worth and achievement.

By supporting them to learn

the power of believing in themselves and by helping them understand the benefits of working with others, you could play a huge part in enabling them to be better prepared for a brighter future.

And it’s not just young people who can get in on the action.

Working alongside youth members are thousands of adult volunteers, with a huge variety of roles and opportunities available.

Newcastle District Scouts have 17 groups across the borough, and every group needs volunteers.

Why not strengthen your CV while making a real impact on the lives of young people? How much time you give is up to you, and you don’t need any previous experience. There are a huge variety of flexible roles to suit everyone, either supporting young people or behind the scenes.

Whatever you choose, you will be properly trained and supported.

Even if you can only give an hour a month, any help is truly amazing, so why not support young people and have some brilliant fun along the way!

Please see www.newcastledistrictscouts.org .uk, or contact verabloordc@newcastledistrict scouts.org.uk if you are interested in volunteering.

FIRST CLASS DEGREE SHOWS MUM MEANS BUSINESS

FIRST CLASS MUM

espite juggling full time study with being a single parent, an ambitious Newcastle Mum has graduated with first class honours and a new job.

Lynne Fryer, 36 from Newcastle-UnderLyme, forged a successful career in marketing after leaving school with no A levels. When she had her daughter, Lynne seized the opportunity to boost her CV and applied to study BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management at Staffordshire University through Clearing.

She said: “As I was a single parent it was really difficult to work full time and look after my daughter by myself. I thought, I’ve got a real opportunity here to go and get qualified in a subject from an industry that I enjoy and by the time I finish she will be in school. So it was a big five year plan really!

“I did go through Clearing and it was really easy for me to apply to university. I sent them my CV so they knew my professional background but as a mature student with professional experience they were keen to get me onto the course."

During her studies, Lynne had to take time out to look after her daughter who suffered with a lung condition for the first years of her life. However, thanks to hard work and support from her lecturers Lynne managed to achieve a first class degree.

She continued: “It was difficult at times doing a degree and looking after a child but the lecturers were really great in accommodating any time off and giving me time to complete the things I needed to do.”

“I never thought that I would get a

D

first class degree because I’d had a lot of time off with my daughter. It was touch and go for a while but I’m really proud of myself that I managed to get a first!”

Lynne now works part time in a Digital Marketing role at Newcastle-Under-Lyme company Best of British Beer which provides her with the flexibility to spend time with her daughter and progress her career.

Newcastle Life Issue 10 43

A LEVELS

STUDENTS CELEBRATE EXAM SUCCESS H

undreds of students and staff at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are celebrating success after this year’s A Level results were announced in August.

NULC say that in 2016 they sent more students to university than any other college in Staffordshire. The College is therefore predicting that 2017’s excellent results should once again see it maintain this position.

Students achieved a 98.4% pass rate (1% ahead of the national average and 0.85% improvement compared to last year, with 20 subject areas reporting a 100% pass rate, including: computing, English language, further mathematics, French, film studies, graphic design, geography, history, ICT, English language/literature, music, product design, physical education, photography, accounting, art & design, biology, Spanish, theatre studies and textiles.

176 students also achieved A* and A grades and the top performing students at the College are expected to progress to a number of prestigious 44 Newcastle Life Issue 10

universities across the UK including; King’s College London, University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Edinburgh and University of Warwick.

Karen Dobson, NULC Principal and Chief Executive said: “I’d like to pass on my personal congratulations to all of the students. I am delighted with our results and as always, I am so proud of what the students achieve here at NULC. “The last 12 months have seen significant changes to A Level qualifications, with very little exemplar material available to staff and students, so to see a healthy increase in our overall pass rates against a difficult backdrop and tougher qualification framework is an outstanding achievement and true testament to the hard work of both staff and students alike.

“We wish them every success for the future careers and we look forward to following their progression with interest.”

Annually around 95% of NULC students’ progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment.

FIND OUT WHAT MAKES EDENHURST SO SPECIAL

EDENHURST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

ocated in the Westlands, Newcastle-underLyme, Edenhurst Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils from age 3 months to 11 years.

The School was established in 1961 by the Copestick family, and over the decades has continued to evolve into a nurturing, familyorientated and academically excellent school. In our latest ISI inspection (March 2017) we were awarded the grade of “EXCELLENT” in all areas.

This is the highest grade a school can be awarded under the ISI Inspection scheme.

At Edenhurst we benefit from small class sizes, which enables us to offer a more personalised approach to learning, and allows each child's individual strengths to be nurtured. Furthermore, we are committed to educating the ‘whole child’; our strong pastoral care system incorporates a structured Personal, Social and Health Education programme, including the School’s Core Values of Courtesy, Honesty, Respect, and Endeavour.

Children continue to achieve excellent 11+ results at Edenhurst. This year we once again

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achieved 100% success in getting Year 6 pupils into the senior schools of their choosing and 37% were awarded scholarships to notable Independent Schools.

We are very proud of our reputation as a leading school for sport, with modern facilities and specialist coaching. Recent successes including becoming ISA Midlands Netball and Tag Rugby Champions, Football County Champions and District Indoor Athletics Champions.

At Edenhurst, our fees include before and after school care every day from 8:00am until 6:00pm, and our Holiday Club, ‘Edventures’, offers funfilled days for children aged 4 - 11 during the school holidays. A free bus service is provided from Market Drayton, Ashley, Loggerheads, Baldwins Gate, Whitmore, Nantwich, Willaston, Wychwood Park and Keele.

To book a place at our Open Morning on 18th October, or arrange a visit at any other time, please call 01782 619348, email office@edenhurst.co.uk or visit www.edenhurst.co.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 10 45

LEGAL MATTERS

WEBSITE DEDICATED TO FAMILY LAW

Divorce rates are in decline At a time when both marriage and divorce are in decline, Grindeys’ website is dedicated to family law and divorce. The need for legal advice and support in this area remains crucial given the changing nature of society and family relations.

According to the Office of National statistics the number of divorces year on year is in decline, and has been since 2004. Certainly this trend is reflected in the figures for the last three full years. In 2013 the number of Decree Absolutes (the document which finalises a divorce) fell from 115,000 in 2013 to 102,000 in 2015.

This could be perceived as a positive trend, however the statistics need to be compared to two others: a decline in the number of marriages per year, a trend which started in 1973; and the increase in the number of people living together – cohabitees.

In 2013, the latest statistics available, there were 242,000 marriages in the UK compared to 426,000 in 1972. In 2012, there were 5.9 million people cohabiting in the UK, double the 1996 figure.

cohabitees with regards to property and possessions.

As a general rule if you own it at the beginning of the relationship then you will own it at the end! That said, there are an increasing number of legal cases that have been successful in questioning the law’s stance on the legal rights of cohabitees. It’s only a matter of time before the law adapts to meet the needs of a changing society.

It should also be noted that the lack of marriage does not equate to a lack of children. 38% of these 5.9 million cohabitees have children together. The law does make provision for the rights of children regardless of the parents’ marital status and so demand for legal advice with regards to child arrangement orders, is increasingly high.

There is also a growing trend for grandparents to seek legal advice with regard to contact with grandchildren. Fortunately the English legal system does recognise the valuable contribution a grandparent can make to a child’s life, especially if they have provided childcare.

Increased demand from cohabitees, unmarried parents and grandparents Despite these figures the need for family law advice is not in decline. Approximately 42% of marriages will end in divorce – a sad statistic indeed.

Then there are the cohabitees. English law currently makes no provision for the rights of

Relationship agreements provide protection Today, compared to twenty years ago, people tend to be older when they ‘commit’ to a relationship and have often acquired a reasonable amount of wealth and naturally they want to protect it. This is reflected in the increased demand for documents such as the cohabitation agreement and the prenuptial agreement.

The changing scope of society and the families within it is why Grindeys have launched a website dedicated to these matters. The aim of the website is to provide families with access to family law information and the website includes content, news and features which anyone in a family crisis should find useful.

Daniel Rushton, Head of Family Law at Grindeys comments, “Access to information is crucial for families going through crisis. The website is full of general information but every family law case is different and the outcome is very much based on a person’s specific circumstances. This is why we have introduced a discounted fixed fee consultation for clients, which can be conducted either face to face at our offices or over the telephone. The consultation provides people with advice relevant to their situation.

The consultation is not necessarily the start of legal proceedings. It is designed to give people a clear outline of their options.”

They also offer a fixed fee consultation created to meet the needs of business owners or people with complicated financial or family arrangements.

Daniel continues, “The website is an ongoing project with a view to adding content and features based on client feedback and so we welcome, in fact actively encourage, any views and opinions about the website from clients and the public.”

The website can be found at www.family-law-anddivorce.co.uk

www.family-law-and-divorce.co.uk

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BESWICKS LEGAL

Andrew Turnock, Beswicks crime partner, and crime team manager Charlotte Riley celebrate the move of the Beswicks criminal defence team to Berkeley Court

NEW OFFICES FOR LEGAL TEAM BESWICKS TAKES UP NEW POSITION

eswicks Legal’s expert criminal defence team has relocated to spacious new offices at Berkeley Court, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The team, which specialises in all criminal matters from driving offences to major cases, had been based at Fellgate Court for four years.

But the move to Berkeley Court, which occupies a prominent position in the town, has provided a more suitable space for the team and their clients.

Beswicks crime partner Andrew Turnock explained: “We were looking for more spacious offices but needed to retain our proximity to the Magistrates Court, so Berkeley Court’s Water Street Business Centre fitted the bill perfectly.”

Owned by Vinewood Developments and managed by Louis Taylor, Berkeley Court is home

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to a range of businesses, retailers and eateries, and benefits from free onsite parking.

Andrew added: “There are a lot of exciting developments taking place in Newcastle at the moment and we’re delighted to cement our position at the heart of this vibrant community.”

Craig Clarke from Vinewood Developments added: “We are thrilled to have such a great firm as Beswicks in the complex. At Berkeley Court we have been making many changes, this is to make sure we have a range of suitable services and retail to support the community.”

To contact Beswicks’ criminal defence team, phone 01782 205000, emailenquiries@beswicks.com or visit the team at 2nd floor, Water Street Business Centre, Water Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1TT. Newcastle Life Issue 10 47

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

General Knowledge Quiz 1. Stansted airport is in which English county?

2. How many pieces of music do 'Castaways' choose on Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs'?

3. 'Gasping', ' Silly Cow' and ' Popcorn' are all plays by which comedian?

4. In which decade was Theresa May born?

5. At 11am on September 3rd 1939 Great Britain declared was on which country?

7. The 2011 film 'Moneyball' is based on which sport?

8. Which mountain in the Swiss Alps is found on packs of Toblerone chocolate bars?

9. Edie McCreadie, Miss Hoolie and Archie who lives in a castle are characters in which children's TV series?

10. Which 2017 film was based on the short story 'A Long Way Home'?

A 'School' quiz for the start of the new school year in September 1. Which fictional girls school was created by Ronald Searle?

2. 'No more pencils, no more books. No more teachers dirty looks' is from which song?

3. Which 1980 film was set at the New York City School for the Performing Arts?

4. In which television series did Neil Morrissey play teacher Eddie Lawson?

5. Which school did Tucker and Zammo attend?

6. At which school is the film 'Grease' set?

7. Which school of Witchcraft and Wizardry does Harry Potter attend?

8. Who is the principal of Springfield Elementary School?

9. Who was the best known pupil at the fictional Blackfriars School?

10. Which school did Jemima and Hamble attend?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Essex; 2. Eight; 3. Ben Elton; 4. 1950s (1956); 5. Germany; 6. Chess (Federation Internationale de Echecs); 7. Baseball; 8. Matterhorn; 9. Balamory; 10. Arrival. School Quiz Answers: 1. St Trinian's (First created in 1946); 2. School's Out (A number one for Alice Cooper in 1972); 3. Fame; 4. Waterloo Road; 5. Grange Hill; 6.

Rydel High; 7. Hogwarts; 8. W Seymour Skinner (In the Simpsons); 9. Billy Bunter; 10. Playschool (This was broadcast from 1964 until 1988).

48 Newcastle Life Issue 10

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

6. FIDE is the international governing body of which sport?

MOTORING

DRIVERLESS CARS – THE ROAD TO NOWHERE?

rivers fail to see that automated and driverless vehicles will deliver promised benefits according to a new study.

When asked about what benefits will be delivered, the second most popular response was ‘none’ as more than a third of respondents could not identify any advantage that would follow future advances.

In identifying their feelings about automotive technology the top six issues were negative like the wrong focus or conceding control.

Motorists are three times as likely (44 per cent) to be scared of autonomous vehicles due to the loss of personal control than likely to see the positive opportunities.

Researchers spoke with 2,000 motorists for Continental Tyres, the leading tyre and technology manufacturer, as part of its Vision Zero, a commitment to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

The top views about driverless cars are that people are becoming too lazy and reliant on technology (37 per cent), and there are too many risks associated with technology like being hacked (36 per cent).

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Drivers have to contend with immediate real world issues like congestion, the cost of motoring and environmental impact, and in some instances technologies being developed now are not being

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identified as a solution for those issues – yet they absolutely are.

“Future advances will transform motoring and technology businesses like ours need to explain how present challenges will be reduced or eliminated – like congestion, costs and environmental impact.

“The message from motorists is clear – talk less about ‘tomorrow’s world’ and more about real world benefits.”

When asked what issues should be prioritised by automotive and technology companies, half of road users agreed it should be improved road safety.

This was followed by almost 50 per cent of people saying more economical vehicles using existing and new fuels and 47 per cent saying less traffic on the roads.

Mark Griffiths continued: “It is the job of automotive technology manufacturers, like Continental, to inform drivers the immediate and near future gains from the exciting work being done.

In the past the benefits from some advances have been self-evident, such as tyre pressure monitoring systems or anti-lock brakes.

“Road users today see safety as a top priority, and we strive to raise awareness about the importance of fundamental issues, such as tyre safety and tread depth.”

Newcastle Life Issue 10 49

IN THE CITY...

MOTORING

SUZUKI CELERIO SPECIAL EDITION ANNOUNCED uzuki is pleased to announce The Celerio City, its latest Special Edition model which is limited to just 500 units. The City is based on the SZ2 grade with DAB CD tuner, six airbags, drivers seat height adjust and central locking as standard equipment and then adds a further specification of alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, black body side mouldings with Celerio logo, black B-Pillar covers and City badging, representing over £800 in added customer value.

The Celerio City is available in one solid colour and four optional metallic colours which are Superior White, Super Black Pearl Metallic,

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50 Newcastle Life Issue 10

Cerulean Blue Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic and Star Silver Metallic.

With Suzuki’s £500 reduction campaign in place on Celerio until 30th September 2017, this means that the City model is available for just £7,499 plus optional metallic paint at £465. For customers looking at a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) option, Celerio City is also included in the low rate 5.9 per cent APR campaign until the end of September. Payments are just £85 per month when spread over 48 months after a deposit of £2,044 is made, the agreement has a final optional payment of £2,298 to keep the car at the end of the term.

ALSO FREE ROAD TAX FOR 3 YEARS WITH A 3 YEAR SERVICE PACK

£11,615 Price

£2,000

Deposit from BS Marson

*Finance Example Based on a new 67 reg Fiat 500 hatchback 1.2 Pop 3dr

£2,000

Part Exchange Value

£4,000 Total Deposit

£8,491.56

Balance with charges

£99

Per Month

48 months Period

£3,722

Final Payment

3.9% APR