Newcastle Life Issue 18

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:19 Page 1

£2 WHERE SOLD

ISSUE 18

Life

MEDALS FROM THE QUEEN Staffordshire residents make the Honours list

WIN

TICKETS TO SEE THE 39 STEPS AT THE NEW VIC THEATRE

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:19 Page 2

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:19 Page 3

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:19 Page 4

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:19 Page 5

CONTENTS

ISSUE 18

Editor’s Letter......................................6

Circus Award .....................................24

Fundraising Milestone .......................12

National Lottery Funding..................26

Honours Medals ..................................8

Door2Door Transport ........................14 Edenhurst Prep School ......................15

Hospital Petition................................25

Yound Football...................................27

Guildhall Centre ................................28

Newcastle Heart Centre .....................16

Award Shortlist..................................30

Stage Directions ................................20

Gardening ..........................................32

What’s On ..........................................22

Quiz Corner........................................42

Recipe.................................................18

Christmas Funding Boost ..................21

A Pint of Science ................................31 Motoring ............................................36

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 6

Happy New Year!

W

ell here it is, 2019! I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy and healthy new year. I hope it's full of good things for each of you, and for our town as a

Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@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

whole.

Having never made a new years resolution before in my life, this January, I've decided to take part in RED January - a national initiative that encourages you to support your mental health, by doing something active every single day. Whether it is running 5k, or walking to work a new way, a morning swim or taking your bike out for a spin you don't have to move a lot, just a little - which suits me perfectly!

I've decided to walk or swim every day and so far, to my surprise, I've managed it! What's more, through these dark, damp, miserable January days it's making me feel a lot more positive, kick starting 2019 with a much needed change in mindset. I'd encourage anyone to give it a go and see how you feel!

Our first edition of 2019 is, as you'd expect, full to the brim with news, stories and events from Newcastle.It's been incredible to learn that several local residents have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen, receiving first birthday and now New Years Honours.

Congratulations to all who have been selected, it's truly remarkable to see members of the community going above and beyond to improve life for everyone.

We also take a look at local football, Newcastle's Heart Centre for spiritualism and Daisychain Benevolent Fund’s charity milestone.

I'd also urge you to check out our What's On pages and get yourself out and about!

We hope you have enjoyed the 2018 editions of Newcastle Life and here's to a fantastic 2019!

Laura ISSUE 12

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 13

£2 WHER E SOLD

Life

VICTORY FOR ‘THE BEAST’

Champi on Edd ie is World’s Stronge st Man

WIN

A

SS PA FIT FLIP

Life

£2 WHER E SOLD

Football given ing hero Fre of Newc edom astle

Gordon BoroughBanks OBE Council’ awarded s high est hono ur

Life

ISSUE 15 £2 WHER E SOLD

Life

Kickin seaso g off the n in sty le

New star festivalsts, new initi atives, creativit , fundrais ing and y acro ss the area

WIN

tickets to see Hard Times at The New Vic

WIN

‘MONUME DAY FOR NTAL’ CIRCUS HETOWN’S RITAGE

A family Adventu ticket to see Astl res at The ey’s New Vic Astounding Theatre

WIN

Newcast le above and Lions go beyond

Celebrat ing 31 year friendshi s of p and fund tickets raising for hilariou Diamonds are s new 60’s for musical Eric - the at The New Vic

Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

Cover Photo: Ron Fox 6 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Find us on Facebook - search for Newcastle Life Magazine

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 7

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 8

HONOURS MEDALS

STAFFORDSHIR MAKE THE HON S

everal Staffordshire residents have been awarded prestigious medals from the Queen for their invaluable contributions to their local communities, including townsfolk who live and work in Newcastle under Lyme.

The winners were announced in The Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018 and New Years Honours 2019.

Mr Ian Dudson CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty has honoured those who work so hard in our community to help the young, the less privileged and the vulnerable.

“We congratulate all those from Staffordshire who have been honoured today by Her Majesty and we thank them all most sincerely for all their efforts.”

8 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Karen Dobson - OBE There was an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for Karen Dobson, of Kingstone, who is the Principal of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. Karen won the medal for services to Further Education in Staffordshire.

Potteries-born Karen began her career in the public sector with the NHS as a Nurse, Ward Manager and Health Visitor before moving into further education as a Lecturer in Health and Social Care. She joined Newcastle College in 2002 as Director of Curriculum and Strategy and in August 2004 was promoted to the post of Principal.

During her 14-year tenure as Principal of Newcastle College, Karen has overseen a number of extensive and ambitious capital projects to

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 9

HONOURS MEDALS

HIRE RESIDENTS ONOuRS LIST relocate and rebuild the entire Newcastle College campus. She has driven growth in learner numbers and curriculum and quality enhancements at Newcastle before spearheading the merger between Newcastle College and Stafford College in 2016.

As Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, Karen has been instrumental in establishing the newly formed Group as one of the top performing colleges in the West Midlands. under Karen’s diligent leadership, the combined Group has a growing population of over 10,000 students on full-time, part-time, higher education and apprenticeship programmes and achievement rates that sit firmly in the top 5% of colleges nationally for 16-18 learners.

On hearing the news, Karen said: “I am

Karen Dobson OBE

›› Newcastle Life Issue 18 9

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 10

HONOURS MEDALS

absolutely very surprised to be named to receive an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and am proud of the things I have helped to make happen during my time in the further education sector. I am also humbled by the recognition, which would not have been possible without the incredible support of governors, the hard work and dedication of my senior team and staff, our wonderful and diverse student body and of course my wonderful family.”

In a double celebration, it has also recently been announced that Karen is on the shortlist of 8 nominees for the prestigious title of ‘FE Leader of the Year’ in the TES FE Awards 2019, with the winner announced at a London event in March 2019.

Karen continued: “It is a privilege to be the Principal and Chief Executive of this great College, working with a talented staff team who unfailingly put students’ interests at the heart of everything they do. I am committed to ensuring that NSCG continues to be one of the best colleges in the country to work and study.”

››

Neil Baldwin - BEM Neil Baldwin, also known as ‘Nello’, has been given a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to the community in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The former Stoke City kit man shot to fame several years ago after a biopic was made about his life. The Bafta winning docudrama followed his life from a young man with learning difficulties working in the Staffordshire Potteries.

When a circus came to town in the 1980s, he joined up as "Nello the Clown" - a nickname he retained.

A lifelong fan of Stoke City FC, he struck up a friendship with then-manager Lou Macari who gave him a job as kit man and mascot at the club The 72 year old still runs a football team at Keele university, where he has been an honorary student for 50 years.

Along with 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks,Nello was awarded the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent in 2015.

Dr Stanley Beckensall - MBE Keele university alumnus and historian Dr Stanley Beckensall has been awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his services to prehistoric rock art and history in Britain.

Dr Beckensall studied English, History and Education at Keele in 1954 and is thought to be the first male graduate of the university. Dr Beckensall is an international expert in British 10 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Dr Stanley Beckensall - MBE

rock art, which is the study of human-made markings placed on natural stone, and has published more than 40 books in the field.

He has also been awarded a Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London, an Honorary Doctorate from the university of Newcastle upon Tyne, and received a Channel 4 ICT British Archaeology Award in 2006.

Ada Haywood - BEM Meanwhile in December, Newcastle resident Mrs Ada Haywood collected her BEM for services to Cancer uK, which she received in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. She commented: “I was surprised and delighted to have received this Honour. Who would have thought 30 years ago, when I started shaking a bucket, it would come to this? My late husband Peter and I, loved volunteering for this worthy cause, sadly it was cancer that took Peter away from me.

“He wanted me to carry on fundraising, which I intend to do. We must find a cure for cancer! I would like to thank our family and friends and the networking groups I attend, they are amazing! We are lucky to have met such lovely people on the way.”

Ada attended a special ceremony hosted by the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council at County Buildings in Stafford on Thursday 20th December.

You can find out more about the awards at www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntaryservice/overview

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 11

FOREST ENTERPRISES Incorporating Betta Tree Services, Betta Turf, Betta Fencing, Betta Gardens

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS

Specialists in groundwork clearance

GENERAL SERVICES

TREE SURGERY

• Removals and general transport • Storage and parking facilities for individuals and small businesses

• Qualified and very experienced • Any type, any size tree • Reductions, Crown Thinning • Felling • Stump grinding & removal • Arboriculture reports and planning applications

CLEARANCE & CLEANING SUPPLIERS OF • • •

Soil, turf, fencing and garden materials Reclaimed landscape and building materials Suppliers of logs, woodchip, bark, mulches, soil and manure

• House Cleaning • House Clearance • Garage Clearance • Ground Clearance • Ground Works • Garden Clearance - overgrown • Rubbish & Rubble Clearance

EQUIPMENT HIRE • Digger hire - range Micro, Mini and larger machines • Ifor Williams Horse Box trailers • 3.5 Tonne Horse Box • Trailer Hire, general purpose trailers, tipper trailers, car transporters, plant removal trailers • Wood Chipper Hire

Soil, Sand, MOT, Turf, Woodchip, Gravel

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN SERVICES • Paving • Landscaping • Fencing • Ground works • Turf laying • Garden - maintenance regular • Artificial Turf

ALL DELIVERED throughout Stoke-on-Trent

Book keeping & Accountancy work • Small, medium and large companies, sole proprietors, shops, pubs, garages • Affordable fixed rates and payment plans • Book keeping, VAT, CIS, Payroll, Management Accounts, Self Assessment • Big problems, little problems, we love them all or if you’re in a mess give us a call. Don’t worry we can sort it out

CALL TONY OR BECKY FOR A FREE QUOTE 01782 659591 or 07884 350015 24 HOURS A DAY - 7 DAYS A WEEK - FREE/SAME DAY ESTIMATE Forest Enterprises, Dukes Lodge, Drayton Road, Hanchurch, ST4 8SN Customer Satisfaction is our first priority - Special OAP rates - “No Job Too Big” - “No Job Too Small” - Fully Insured - Very experienced

Newcastle Life Issue 18 11

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 12

Silverdale shop’s fundraising milestone FUNDRAISING MILESTONE

D

aisychain Benevolent Fund charity shops have reached an amazing fundraising milestone - £500,000 has now been raised for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Store Manager, Tracey Evans, celebrated the monumental achievement at the Silverdale shop.

She commented: “This is such amazing news. We are absolutely delighted that we have raised this amount so far to help the important work of Teenage Cancer Trust. It means so much to our Volunteers and donors to realise what their hard work and support does.”

Daisychain Benevolent Fund Trust is a charitable Trust dedicated to helping children and young adults in need. The 13 shops located across the West Midlands are supported by staff and over 200 Volunteers who have been instrumental in reaching the fantastic total.

Their partnership between the two charities has helped Teenage Cancer Trust deliver world class specialist nursing care to young people aged 13-24 who are diagnosed with cancer.

Every year approximately 220 young people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands

Pictured are Tracey Evans, Jo Hardiman, Ashley Whitebrook, Carla Askey from the Silverdale store.

12 Newcastle Life Issue 18

region. Teenage Cancer Trust funds 3 specialist units in the West Midlands, at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham and the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham.

The units offer local young cancer patients access to the best possible care, support and access to treatments. This includes 10 full- and part-time specialist expert nursing staff and Youth Support Coordinators within these units, who help support young people in a number of ways including organizing activities during treatment.

As part of a new Nursing and Support Service, Teenage Cancer Trust is also working with an additional seven NHS Hospital Trusts across the Midlands including university Hospital North Midlands NHS Trust (Royal Stoke Hospital) to provide the support of a Teenage Cancer Nurse specialist. By supporting NHS teams in partnership with local hospitals, the charity hopes to ensure all young people with cancer aged 13 to 24 have access to the age-appropriate care, advice, information and one-to-one support they need.

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 13

Brighten up your kitchen this winter

Newcastle Life Issue 18 13

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 14

DOOR2DOOR TRANSPORT

Funding appeal for Door2door transport A

valuable town centre volunteer transport scheme is in danger of closing if extra funding cannot be sought this year.

Since their first volunteer driver took to the roads in 1990, the Door2door Transport scheme has offered low income Newcastle residents with mobility problems the chance to go shopping, visit friends, attend healthcare appointments and enjoy social events.

However providers VAST say it is likely to close on 31st March 2019 due to Staffordshire County Council budget cuts to all Community Transport Schemes and have issued an appeal to anyone who can help support the service with further funding to get in touch.

VAST is a charity providing services and support to Voluntary Organisations, Community Groups, Charities and Social Enterprises in Staffordshire and also Corporate Social Responsibility services to local businesses. users of the service have praised volunteers for making a difference to their lives. One commented: “I am delighted with the transport for me to go to the hospital and doctors’ appointments. The caring, reliable, cheerful service you provide makes such a difference during this difficult time in my life...I wish to say how much I appreciate your Door2door service, everyone is so kind and helpful.”

14 Newcastle Life Issue 18

And volunteers themselves say that getting involved has been a rewarding experience: “I had not heard of the Door2door scheme until by chance I saw a notice asking for volunteer drivers.

Since I had just taken early retirement it seemed a worthwhile thing to do. The volunteer work also gives me a chance to meet people.

“When I feel a bit down...it has made me realise how difficult things can be for people with mobility problems and /or living on their own.

“I see the volunteer Door2door service as that which would be provided by a friend or a good neighbour. Many service users feel that they are able to freely discuss their problems and use their driver as a sounding board. They also mention how important the service is to them.”

Drivers are all volunteers who give their time freely to help those in need. Because of this, they are not able to wait for clients inside hospitals, cannot take wheelchairs unless they are collapsible and only provide transport in the evenings and weekends in special circumstances.

To book a driver, which costs a minimum of £4.20 per journey, please telephone 01782 621936 between Monday and Thursday and for further information visit www.door2doortransport.org.uk or email info@door2doortransport.org.uk. Drivers need to be booked three working days or more in advance.

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 15

L

EDENHURST PREP SCHOOL

An excellent start at Edenhurst Prep School

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

Established in 1961 by the Copestick family, the School has continued to evolve into a nurturing, family-orientated and academically excellent school.

In Edenhurst’s latest ISI inspection (March 2017) the School was graded “EXCELLENT” in all areas. This is the highest grade a school can be awarded under the ISI Inspection scheme.

Meanwhile the Early Years provision was awarded the grade of “OuTSTANDING” across the board, with the report noting that “children receive an excellent start to their education.”

At Edenhurst, we nurture our pupils: in small class groups to develop their individual talents and gifts; to look after their personal needs; and to care for their welfare. We inspire our pupils: with innovative delivery of lessons by enthusiastic teachers using the latest ICT technologies across a broad curriculum, including specialist teaching in Science, French and PE. The combination of nurturing and inspiring our pupils enables them to achieve excellent results in the classroom, on the

sports field, in music, drama, dance and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

As a non-selective school, we are hugely proud of our success rates. In 2017-18 we once again achieved 100% success in getting Year 6 pupils into the senior schools of their choosing, including Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Denstone College and Stafford Grammar School, with several academic and music scholarships being awarded.

At Edenhurst, we are committed to supporting working families. Our school fees include both before and after school care every day from 7:30am until 6:00pm, and our Holiday Club, ‘Edventures’, offers fun-filled days for children aged 4 - 11 during the school holidays. A free bus service is provided from Market Drayton and Nantwich with various pick up points along these routes including Woore, Loggerheads, Ashley, Wychwood Park, Willaston, Madeley, Betley and Keele.

To register for our Open Morning on Tuesday 12th March or arrange a visit at any other time, please call Mrs Clair Wardle, Admissions Secretary, on 01782 619348, email office@edenhurst.co.uk or visit www.edenhurst.co.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 18 15

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 16

NEWCASTLE HEART CENTRE

Healing centre at the h

L

aunched in 2004, the Centre for Spiritual Growth and Healing in Newcastle aims to promote spiritual development and friendships for those wishing to learn meditation and complementary healing.

The centre also offers a free Healing Clinic for members of the public, during which visitors can enjoy complementary therapies such as Spiritual Healing, Reconnective Healing, Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Reflexology, Aura Soma Colour Therapy, BARS, and more.

Guest speakers often attend sessions - these are experts in their own field who offer talks or workshops on specific therapies or healing techniques.

Co-founder Moyra Irving explained: “Many of our visitors comment on the loving atmosphere created over the years, and have come to know it as a ‘heart centre’ within the local community.

“At the close of each clinic (approximately 4.40 pm. after the last appointment), we invite people to join our Healing Circle. This involves a simple yet powerful healing meditation and offers an opportunity to request healing for yourself and for others. No previous experience is needed and all are welcome.

16 Newcastle Life Issue 18

“Every volunteer in our Centre knows that healing is not just about what we do with our hands. What we say, how we listen, and how we value each visitor adds to their experience and can open them up to a new sense of themselves.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of our Free Healing Clinic is this. Increasing numbers of people turn up each month, seeking relief, reassurance or even a sense of direction, and go away with more than they bargained for, having been awakened at some level or other to a new perception of life.”

Newcastle resident Deborah Hickson first attended the Healing Clinic 11 years ago.

She said: “I first went to clinic to find out more and to book a healing session with one of the volunteer therapists . I wanted to be a healer and after the group meditation (led by Moyra herself ) I asked 'how can I become a healer?' Moyra gave me the number of a local Reiki Master Teacher and the rest is history! I trained and I returned to the healing clinic to volunteer as a therapist.

“In the past decade I've met some really inspiring people, especially the guest speakers.

Everyone who comes along notices how friendly we all are and there is a lovely peaceful ‘vibe’.

“I feel blessed and extremely grateful to be a

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 17

NEWCASTLE HEART CENTRE

he heart of Newcastle part of this and every time I attend a function or the healing clinic , I go home with a wonderful warm feeling. I hope in the new year more people will come along and take a look at what we do.

Everyone is very friendly and welcoming!”

The Clinic also supports The Extra Guest charity - a non-profit organisation that aims to support world-wide 'end-hunger' projects, help those in poverty to create a sustainable future, raise awareness of humanity as one family, encourage an ethos of sharing and promote the practice of 'ethical dining'.

Organisers of the Healing Clinic are always looking for volunteers - whether you are a professionally trained and insured healer/therapist (or student insured by your teacher or training body) and would like to offer your time and skills, or a member of the public who can give their free time to help set up the Clinic each month – moving chairs and screens, displaying books, and serving refreshments in the kitchen.

The Centre is completely non-sectarian and everyone is welcome regardless of any religious or spiritual faith. Appointments for therapies and talks are made on arrival at the Clinic. All events

are free of charge and include refreshments and car parking (at the rear of the building).

It is based at Friends’ (Quaker) Meeting House, Miller Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1Q. For more information, contact moyrairving@yahoo.co.uk

Clinic Dates and Times: February/April/May/July/August/October/ November on the 1st Saturday of each month.

Doors open at 1.20 pm. Prompt arrival is essential in order to secure an appointment.

Other Events: Meditation, Healing and Spiritual Growth workshops (2 – 4.30 pm) are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September, and December. The December event is a Festival of Light and Candlelit Peace Ceremony and attracts some very high profile figures in the World Peace Movement.

Pictured are volunteer therapists and supporters of the clinic and The Extra Guest Charity along with co-founder Moyra Irving.

Newcastle Life Issue 18 17

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 18

RECIPE

COSY UP WITH HEARTY HOM Boozy Beef Casserole Serves: 6 n time: Preparatio 20 mins me: Cooking ti ins 1 hour 30 m

18 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Ingredients • 500g of braising steak • 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil • 3 large onions, sliced • 250g punnet mushrooms, sliced • 2 tablespoons plain flour • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary

or marjoram • ½ teaspoon snipped fresh thyme • ½ teaspoon snipped fresh parsley • 1 bay leaf • Freshly ground black pepper to taste • 125ml beef stock • 225ml red wine • 2 tablespoons brandy

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 19

RECIPE

ITH SOME OME COOKING Method 1. Heat oil in a large casserole pot.

2. Add beef and cook until brown; remove from pot. Cook onions and mushrooms , stirring occasionally, until onions are tender. Remove and set aside.

3. Return beef to pot; sprinkle with flour, salt, marjoram, thyme, parsley and pepper. Stir in stock and wine. Add bay leaf. Bring to the boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for one and half hours or until beef is tender.

4. Stir in brandy, mushrooms and onions; heat through, stirring occasionally and serve.

e t s a xas t A te of

AT SLATER’S CRAFT VILLAGE

Come and try our exciting menu that includes: • British Fayre • Texas Classics and • New Brit-Tex Fusion Dishes

FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 01782 680536 @jrstexas www.jrstexas.co.uk

Stone Road, Baldwins Gate, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 5ED Newcastle Life Issue 18 19

Stage Directions

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 20

by Richard Lane

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE 39 STEPS AT THE NEW VIC W

e have teamed up with the award-winning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to give away a pair of tickets to see The 39 Steps.

Following on from the theatre’s hugely successful productions of Around The World In 80 Days and Astley’s Astounding Adventures, thrilling spy drama The 39 Steps gets the New Vic treatment!

Richard Hannay, upstanding gent and all-round good guy, finds himself in a bit of a pickle when he wakes up to find a mysterious woman in his apartment. Dead. Now on the run, pursued by all manner of suspicious characters, can Hannay evade capture and clear his name of murder before it’s too late? Will he fall in love along the way? And what exactly are The 39 Steps?

A thrilling, inventive, fast-paced caper, four actors will play over 120 characters in this side-splitting comedy based on John Buchan’s famous spy novel.

Starring New Vic favourites: Rebecca Brewer (Playhouse Creatures), Gareth Cassidy (Astley’s Astounding Adventures), Michael Hugo (Around The World In 80 Days) and Isaac Stanmore (Peter Pan In Scarlet).

The 39 Steps runs at the New Vic from Fri 8 Mar– Sat 30 Mar. Box office telephone 01782 717 962 tickets@newvictheatre.co.uk

TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE THE 39 STEPS ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Which of the following was also written by John Buchan?

A) Green Mantle

B) A Tale of Two Cities

C) Wuthering Heights

(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 26th February 2019.

Terms and Conditions: The prize can be used for any performance of The 39 Steps. The production runs from Friday 8 to Saturday 30 March 2019. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to availability.

20 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 21

Garden enjoyment for everyone

CHRISTMAS FUNDING BOOST

T

he Lions Club of Newcastle under Lyme got into the festive spirit before Christmas by holding a Charity Chinese Banquet to raise funds for Approach Newcastle.

They then presented a cheque for £500 to the group, which will go towards building an even pathway for wheelchair users to allow them to enjoy the allotment in Stanier Street.

Lions Club Secretary, David Slack said: “The work done by Approach provides day care groups for older people with dementia or some other form of mental health issue.

“The groups are designed to provide a structured and stimulated care to improve the health and wellbeing of those in the local community. They have recently set up a unit in Stanier Street, Newcastle and the funds raised from the evening will now be used to create an even pathway to allow wheelchair users within the group to have easy access to the allotment area. This facility, along with

raised beds also planned for the area, will allow all group members to be involved with this activity.

“Every penny collected by Lions Clubs goes direct to good causes as our membership fees cover any administration costs. We are proud to be at the heart of the community, and our partnership with Approach demonstrates how Lions Clubs offer vital support for local people.

“We have also received great support from the management and staff of Furama, who provided an excellent evening, wonderful food, and a lovely environment in which to do our fund-raising.”

For more information or to get involved with the Newcastle Lions Club, please contact Newcastle Lions Club on 0845 833 9573 or e-mail newcastlelions@lions105bs.org.uk Pictured is Caroline Sargeant, along with two representatives from Approach receiving a cheque for £500 as an early Christmas present.

Newcastle Life Issue 18 21

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 22

n o s ’ t a h W ? event to share n a e v a h u o y Do Let us know!

to ill do our best co.uk and we w o. ch de an es e m ti t’s on guid Email laura@ ent in our wha feature your ev Free public lecture - How can we cure disease? the In this talk, Daniel M. Davis will describe – scientific quest to understand how it works and age sleep, , stress by ed affect is and how it our state of mind – and explain how this y knowledge is now unlocking a revolutionar new approach to medicine and well-being.

Keele Hall, Salvin room, 6pm.

Wednesday, 30th January

22 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Free public lectur e - AI Artificial intelligence (AI) and the informati on age are bringing us mo re information about ourselves and each oth er than any society has ever known. Yet at the same time it brings machines seemingly more capable of every human endeavour tha n any human can be.

What are the limits of AI? Of intelligence and huma nity more broadly? What are our ethical obliga tions to machines? Do these alter our obligations to each other? What is the basis of our social obligations? Keele Ha ll Ballroom, 6pm Wednesday, 13th February

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 23

Newcastle Festival for Music, Spee Drama ch and Newcastle un der Lyme Fe stival is an an event, organi nual sed by volunt eers valuable perf ormance oppo , which provides a rtunity in sp drama, and m eech, usic. It aims to provide a organised an well d enjoyable fe stival; a plat amateur perf form for ormers of an y age, from fa to demonstra r or near, te their talent s.

16th March - Speech an d Drama 22nd & 23rd March - M usic

try out chemis a project exploring the Pottery ab is y tr is m t Che ements of Pottery abou essential el e on th nd hi be y tr ough hands- y is hr T em . ch rating pots of Cla co y tr de is d m an he g C makin ore the you will expl ic materials workshops how ceram e at ig st ve in s, your own ze te la ea G cr d d an e world, an th d about ge ry an te have ch c Table. Pot at the Periodi laboratories y tr is m little bit of he C e e th th e in at ld is he to investig Chemistry ideal place an he , T . ty si m er 2p iv Keele un ics. 10.30 s nce of ceram r. under 16 exciting scie ars and olde ye 11 r fo ent is le ev ab he it T t. su ul is event by an ad companied ed - book on should be ac es are limit ac pl t bu nd te at to free eventbrite. ruary , 23rd Feb Saturday

Careers Fair Looking for the right career can often be timerent consuming and frustrating. The Stoke-on-T all from dates candi offer will Careers Fair backgrounds, experience and education level of the opportunity to speak to an abundance . local employers, all in the North Stafford Hotel Free, 10am - 2pm.

Wednesday, 27th February

Table Top Sale Park Road, St Marks Church Hall, Basford ts available. men resh Ref pm.

12-3 . ford Bas Saturday 2nd March

Garden sale The Spring Plant Hunters' Fair will be taking place at Sugnall Walled Garden. Spring is in the air and it’s time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead - where better to get inspiration than at the Spring Plant Hunters’ Fair?

With a great value entry price of only £1 for entry to the plant fair and brilliant 2-acre walled kitchen garden it’s a great place to find some wonderful plants to get your gardening season off to a great start.

Featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, rare species and old heritage varieties. The plant fair runs from 10am-4pm. www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Saturday 23rd March

Lymelight Festival 2019 tival is returning to The Popular Lymelight Fes the Bank holiday Newcastle Town Centre for activities are being and ic mus of s weekend. Lot d. planned for the weeken 3rd May - 6th May

Pint of Science fes tival A chance to learn abo ut all things science -fro m the comfort of the loc al pub! For more information, email sho tofscience@gmail.com Monday 20th - W ednesday 22nd Ma y

Newcastle Life Issue 18 23

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 24

CIRCUS AWARD

National award for circus festivities N

ewcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID) has won a national award for putting the town on the map during this year’s celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the modern circus.

The BID won the Place Marketing Award at the 2018 National BID Awards in Cambridge in November for its event The Homecoming 2018 in association with arts programme Appetite.

The event was part of a programme of activities across the summer to celebrate Newcastle’s Philip Astley, the man who invented the modern circus 250 years ago. The BID, working with a range of partners, ensured that the town was at the centre of the national celebrations.

The Homecoming 2018 brought the magic of contemporary circus into the heart of Newcastle town centre on Saturday 30 June. Some of the uK’s best circus performers entertained the crowds in a thrilling day of acrobatics, theatre performance, juggling, comedy and more. And the entertainment continued into the evening, with 24 Newcastle Life Issue 18

performers visiting nightspots across the town in The Homecoming By Night, delivered in partnership with The Philip Astley Project.

Amy Williams, Newcastle BID manager, said: “The Homecoming event was one of the highlights of the Circus250 programme in Newcastle to celebrate the incredible achievements of Philip Astley. We wanted people across the country to know that the inventor of the modern circus was born right here in Newcastle. The events programme, in partnership with lots of organisations, helped to achieve that and put the town on the map. We’re absolutely delighted that our work has been recognised at a national level.”

As well as winning the award, Newcastle BID has also been successfully accredited by British BIDS, the national body for business improvement districts. The accreditation is a positive endorsement of the BID’s governance, management and performance as it continues to promote the town on behalf of all businesses in the Newcastle BID area.

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 25

THOuSANDS SIGN HYDROTHERAPY POOL PETITION

HOSPITAL PETITION

2

,800 people and counting have signed a petition to keep one of the only local hydrotherapy pool in the area open.

The hydrotherapy pool at the Haywood Hospital is now closed as a therapy unit, having previously served the population area covered by the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, which is in excess of 8 million people.

This is despite research evidence supporting the efficacy of hydrotherapy as a treatment for all sorts of musculoskeletal conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis and stroke rehabilitation.

The pool has benefited hundreds of patients over the years it has been open, providing structured, water based physiotherapy sessions to enable patients to develop strength, posture and flexibility.

Now, after talking to people within the local health community, campaigner Mike Brooks has launched the petition in a bid to reopen the pool and make it more widely available to the general public.

Mike told Newcastle Life magazine: “The pool has closed due to high running costs, but we feel that the positive benefits for patients warrant it to be re-opened. Following the Haywood Foundation's hugely successful All About Arthritis Day in October, it quickly became apparent that the public agreed and so I started this petition.

“One idea to do this would be to open the pool on a commercial basis in the evening and weekends for clubs, groups and individuals, who would hire it. The NHS would use it in the day.

“It is undeniable that the existing facility needs some refurbishment but we want to know if any and all attempts to identify sources of funding have been made.

We suggest approaching local businesses and relevant charities to perhaps forge commercial partnerships.

“It’s clear that many people are in support of the pool as thousands have already signed the petition.”

Patients have backed the petition, commenting online that they want to see it reopening. One patients writes: “It was vital when I got R/A [Rheumatoid Arthritis] suddenly and was unable to move. It got me moving quicker than just physio and meant I was out of hospital sooner.”

‘Keep our local pool open’ - say patients

If you’d like to support the potential reopening of the Haywood Hydrotherapy pool, visit https://tinyurl.com/y927t6dv

Hydrotherapy facts - In the uK, there are 362 hydro pools solely for the use of animals, compared to 179 hydro pools for humans - Hydrotherapy improves pain and function for patients with inflammatory arthritis and back pain in the short term.

Newcastle Life Issue 18 25

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 26

NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING

Celebrating £5million in funding

T

hanks to National Lottery players over £5million has been raised to support 80 community heritage projects across the borough of Newcastle under Lyme.

The milestone has been reached with a grant of £97,600 to repair and restore the iconic town centre barracks. The Barracks Trust will be celebrating their building’s history in 2019 with activities to collect and share local people’s memories of the venue.

Support from National Lottery players has made a huge difference to the borough since it became a priority development area for the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). In 2018 the town was one of five national hubs for Circus 250 celebrations, recognizing 250 years since Newcastle born Phillip Astley invented the modern circus and set the standard size of circus rings still used today. A historic town centre building, derelict for over a decade, has been given a new lease of life, with the 17th-Century Maxim’s nightclub site opening as the Belong Heritage gallery.

Commenting on the news, Head of HLF West Midlands Vanessa Harbar, said: “It is inspiring to see the difference that National Lottery players and local voluntary groups have made to Newcastle’s heritage. Heritage can bring communities together and transform a place so we are looking forward to seeing groups apply for grants to put on exciting new projects in 2019.”

Paul Farrelly, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “I really appreciate all the National Lottery’s efforts in backing worthwhile projects in 26 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Newcastle as a matter of priority. We are the biggest town in Staffordshire, next door to its biggest city, but with a distinct history and identity from Stoke-on-Trent.

National Lottery players’ contributions are making sure that our centuries-old heritage is not only being preserved, but has been given a whole new lease of life for the benefit of the whole community.”

Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Cllr. Simon Tagg, said: “This National Lottery funding milestone is truly remarkable.

We are helping to preserve some of our borough’s history for generations to come.

In Newcastle we have seen significant projects come to fruition, including the refurbishment of the barracks, which the Council also invested funding in, and the recent opening of the Belong Village project that protects the history of one of the oldest pubs in Newcastle, the site of a former pottery and parts of the former Maxim’s nightclub.”

“To demonstrate that we are committed to supporting protection of the borough’s heritage we have included it in our new Council Plan.”

Tony Green, Chair of the Barracks Trust, said: “We are really pleased that we have been awarded funding by the National Lottery to do essential work on the windows in the barracks.

The building is important for the town and we are committed to preserving it for future generations.

We are looking forward to working with the local community and finding out about their memories of the Barracks too.”

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 27

Kids get into football with coaching support

YOUNG FOOTBALL

A

Newcastle-under-Lyme coaching company has begun training three teams of children in partnership with a football club.

Ministry 4 Sport teamed up with Newcastle Town Football Club in April 2018, helping to boost membership for the club as well as supporting the teaching and coaching of a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence).

Three members of the Ministry 4 Sport team, Aaron Bott, Sam Bradbury and James Askey have all played for Newcastle Town and have been supporting the club with coaching and membership since 2013.

The company now coaches three teams of young footballers, hosting weekly training sessions and weekend matches, providing quality coaching and developing the children so they can progress to older age group teams.

James Askey, Managing Director at Ministry 4 Sport, said: “We hoped our partnership with Newcastle Town would be a success, but we are so pleased with how many children we have managed to develop with our Community, Development and Junior teams.

“With our links to local schools, we are able to connect talented kids in Staffordshire to their local club. Building kids sports skills is something we are passionate about, whether that be at our sports holiday clubs or in our school P.E. sessions.

“The teams play friendly matches and matches against other clubs at the weekends to keep developing their confidence and skillset.”

As the partnership has achieved so much success in its first six months, Ministry 4 Sport is looking to the future, as James added: “We will be recruiting for more children to join our teams in the new year and we are in the process of trying to set up a girls’ team too.”

Gavin Appleby, director of youth at Newcastle Town FC, said: “We simply can’t offer the same quality of service by relying solely on volunteers.

By partnering with Ministry 4 Sport, we can provide professional coaching and they can take our brand out there to schools and to parents, so we can encourage the next generation of players.”

For more information visit www.ministry4sport.org.uk or www.newcastletownfc.co.uk.

Newcastle Life Issue 18 27

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 28

Third sector hub at his GUILDHALL CENTRE

Town centre landmark becomes com

N

ewcastle’s much loved iconic Guildhall, situated in the heart of the town centre, is to become a community and voluntary sector hub.

While its long-term future is decided, Newcastle Borough Council is working with Support Staffordshire to provide a wide range of services, as requested by residents, at the Guildhall.

The county-wide voluntary sector support organisation has agreed to take over the running of the historic building for 12 months and is progressing talks with a host of other non-profit making organisations who have either confirmed or expressed an interest in renting office and desk space to deliver their services.

It was involved in earlier discussions about the Guildhall’s future use along with Newcastle Business Improvement District, The Friends of the Guildhall, The Philip Astley Project and Keele university Students’ union. Further potential tenants identified since then include the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Aspire Housing, Prospect National Careers Service, Shaw Trust, Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society, Moneyline, Re-Think mental health charity and the Dove counselling service.

Anticipated income levels are expected to cover running costs but the Council will continue to be responsible for buildings insurance and external repairs.

Responses to consultations carried out by the Council and Friends of the Guildhall highlighted three themes for new uses – arts and cultural activities, support for community and voluntary groups and small business pop-up trading days.

The Guildhall, which dates back to 1713, had fallen into disrepair at one stage. The Council took back the lease to prevent further decline and opened it as a customer service centre in December 2008 following an extensive refurbishment programme. It has become available for new uses since the recent relocation of staff to Castle House.

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “After many months of planning and discussions, I’m 28 Newcastle Life Issue 18

delighted to announce that interim arrangements are now in place to make excellent use of this beautiful and much-loved public building while longer term plans are agreed.

“Residents have played a very important part in the process – their ideas and suggestions during the consultation process have helped to shape service delivery.

There has also been great interest from community and voluntary organisations that provide valued services to residents such as money and employment-related advice.

“Support Staffordshire has a successful track record of delivering services for voluntary and community groups as well as managing premises. Leaving the Guildhall to become redundant was not an option.

“The scheme helps to protect the fabric and heritage of the Guildhall, adds character to the existing retail provision in Newcastle town centre and meets the Council’s key priorities.”

Jill Norman, Support Staffordshire’s local manager, added: “This is a great opportunity to bring a range of voluntary organisations into the heart of Newcastle, most of them offering services direct to the general public. Our own organisation plans to use the

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 29

historic hall

es community centre Guildhall to promote volunteering and match people to local organisations seeking volunteers.

The new partnership will bring accessible, useful services to the people of Newcastle.”

ISSUE 13

£2 WHERE

11 ISSUE

Life

Football ing given Fre hero of Newc edom astle

Gordon Banks OBE awa Boroug h Council rded ’s highest hon

SOLD

Life

our

Kicking season off the in style

E ‘TIS TH N...

SEASO at’s

New star ts, new initiativ festival es, s, creativit fundraising and y across the area

ide to wh Your gu ristmas Ch on this

WIN

tickets to see Hard Times at The New Vic

WIN

KET TOND ILY TIC A FAM EASURE ISLA SEE TR

DO YOU HAVE A KEEN EYE FOR SUPERB SNAPS? Can you look at the world around you and capture inspired and eye catching landscapes and portraits?

We are looking for photographers in the Newcastle area who can express the beauty and diversity of our lovely corner of Staffordshire through the lens. Amateur or professional, we would love to hear from you if you would like to see your creative work published on the front cover of our magazines. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, please email life@timesandecho.co.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 18 29

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 30

AWARD SHORTLIST

‘Speaking up’ recognised at national awards M

idlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) has been recognised for its work to create a culture where staff feel able to ‘speak up’ and raise concerns over patient safety or unsafe practice at the healthcare sectors’ leading awards ceremony.

The Freedom to Speak up team at MPFT, the organisation which provides physical and mental health, learning disability and adult social care services across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Shropshire, was shortlisted in the Creating a Supportive Staff Culture category at the 2018 Health Service Journal Awards.

The awards are the largest and most prestigious healthcare awards in the world and celebrate, recognise and reward the outstanding contributions of staff and organisation to healthcare.

Helené Donnelly and Kath Chambers are Freedom to Speak up Guardians at MPFT and they lead the Trust’s work to create a supportive, listening culture for staff, including overseeing a 30 Newcastle Life Issue 18

team of staff members who volunteer as Culture Change Champions. The champions act as a first port of call for colleagues wishing to raise concerns or seek advice over matters such as unsafe patient care, working conditions or cultures of bullying and can signpost them to the most appropriate channels.

Helené Donnelly, a nurse who was instrumental in Freedom to Speak up becoming a nationwide initiative said: “We were thrilled that the team was shortlisted for the HSJ Awards and to receive recognition for the work we are doing at MPFT to create a supportive staff culture, where our staff feel able to raise concerns and seek advice.

“It was not only recognition for Kath and I but for our fantastic team of Culture Change Champions who are so passionate about making a difference for their colleagues, and also for MPFT’s leadership team who share our desire to make creating a supportive culture for staff an absolute priority.”

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 31

Learn from the experts about science... in the pub!

A PINT OF SCIENCE

W

hen you think of a science festival, do you picture white coats, test tubes and looking round labs?

Well a new festival, called A Pint of Science, is aiming to change this thinking. In a Pint of Science, the scientists go out to meet the public, in a pub!

Pint of Science brings researchers to local pubs to share exciting scientific discoveries and takes place every May across the world, with over 500 events in over 30 cities in the uK alone.

The next Pint of Science event will be from 20th-22nd May 2019, and this year will be coming to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-underLyme.

∙ Planet Earth - geosciences, plant sciences, zoology ∙ Tech Me Out - biotechnology, robotics, computers ∙ Our Society - law, history, politics, policy, languages ∙ Creative Reactions - art and science come together

For more information, email shotofscience@gmail.com

The 2019 Pint of Science event will cover the following topics: ∙ Beautiful Mind - neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry ∙ Atoms to Galaxies - physics, chemistry, maths, astronomy ∙ Our Body - medicine, human biology, health

Newcastle Life Issue 18 31

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 32

GARDENING

Winter Garden Bling W

By Martin Blow

hen the flowers have faded, the autumn leaves have blown away and stems turned brown the garden can look a dreary place; on hold and waiting for spring to awaken it. But there is plenty sparkle and colour to

32 Newcastle Life Issue 18

be had as winter takes hold. Walking round my garden last winter I found so much to take my eye and delight me.

The first eye-catcher is a big splash of colour from the stems or berries of a tree or shrub. The flowering dogwoods (Cornus alba) are blazing with colour from their bare stems. My favourites include the orange “Midwinter Fire”, the deep red “Sibirica” and even the black “Kesselringii” which looks stunning with the wan winter sun shining through.

The snakebark maples are spreading their intricately patterned branches against the winter sky with red twigs and olive-green and cream trunks. “George Forrest” has the best coloured twigs and “Serpentine” the best trunk pattern.

The trunks of Himalayan birch (Betula jackmontii) is white like bleached bones against the shadows.

Another favourite is the trunk of the Tibetan Cherry (Prunus serrula) whose dark red bark looks polished to mirror finish and is filled with swirling

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:20 Page 33

patterns of colour.

Shrubs and trees are still covered with berries.

My favourite of all is holly with all its Christmas associations and memories. The Redwings will soon fly in from Scandinavia and strip the trees of this winter feast. The firethorns (pyracantha) are living up to their name: the yellow-berried ones haven’t been stripped yet and the stems of Cotoneaster horizontalis are firmly vertical, splayed out against a fence and studded with small red berries.

Evergreen shrubs and plants add some colour through the winter, particularly the showy heucheras like “Caramel”, “Blackberry Jam” or “Geisha Fan”. On this frosty morning the leaves are coated and edged with ice and look like candied fruits.

Frost, ice and dew make the garden sparkle.

Frozen droplets hang, suspended from the wheaten seed heads of giant oats (Stipa gigantea) and glisten on the heads of feather grasses (Miscanthus and Calamagrostis), shining brightly in the low sun. Evergreen spurges (Euphorbia) become sprinkled with diamond-dust of dew and ice and this will cause them to bow their heads as it melts, recovering their pose when the weather warms up. The crinkly leaves of the sun roses (Cistus) are edged with frost and even the

GARDENING

watering can and rabbit-wire fences are transformed into sculptural shapes by the frost.

The dead-stems of herbaceous plants are dusted with frost and seemingly shining in the light. My favourites are Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana) with pepper pot seed heads; sea holly (Eryngium) draped with silver strings of frosted spider web; and the dead-heads of coneflowers (Rudbeckia) like silver-edged spears pointing to the sky.

Winter may seem long and cold, but there’s always some bling to brighten the short days.

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 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2019 We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Carsington Water, Ashbourne DE6 1ST on Saturday 16th March, free entry to fair; Alderford Lake, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ on Sunday 17th March, free entry to fair; Sugnall Walled Garden, Nr Eccleshall ST21 6NF on Saturday 23rd March, fair/garden £1 and at Consall Hall Gardens, Wetley Rocks ST9 0AG on Sunday 14th April, fair/garden £3. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

Newcastle Life Issue 18 33

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 34

CLAYTON uPVC

John 717 871

ESTABLISHED FOR 30 YEARS • FREE NO OBLIGATION QuOTES

We als o supply a fit com nd posite doors

john.morrall@ntlworld.com

Get 30% OFF when you quote NEWCASTLE LIFE Valid until 28.2.19 34 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 35

26

y expeears rienc

e

• Indian Stone • Block Paving • New Lawns • Artificial Grass • Fencing • Decking • Timber Sleepers • Gravel Work

Get ready for summer

DH LANDSCAPING

Call 07905 555194 or 01782 850687 for a FREE QUOTE Based in Newcastle (ST5 3EJ)

B JO O N OO T L AL SM

HOME GUARD

INTRUDER ALARMS YOUR LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY Established over 40 years and trained by former police officers

Burglaries

up by

30% - 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

Newcastle Life Issue 18 35

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 36

Honda confirms pricing, spec and grades for CR-V Hybrid MOTORING

F

ollowing the launch of the CR-V petrol version in the summer, the hybrid is now available and starts from £29,105 for a 2WD S grade and top out at £37,255 for an AWD EX. Available with five seats only in eCVT with a choice of two and all-wheel drive, the hybrid version of the CR-V follows the standard Honda grading rising from the entry level S to SE, SR and finishing at the top of the range EX. As with the petrol version, standard across all grades is Honda SENSING; Honda’s suite of safety features which includes collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

SE grade adds parking sensors and a rear view

36 Newcastle Life Issue 18

camera, while the SR and EX will also feature blind spot warning and cross traffic monitoring, while low speed following on the cruise control is available across all grades.

SR grade also adds smart entry and start, leather interior and active cornering lights; while EX further includes a heated steering wheel, head up display, hands free access power tailgate, heated rear seats and panoramic glass sunroof.

“The CR-V hybrid is the first step in achieving our objective of electrified powertrains accounting for two-thirds of our European sales by 2025,” commented Phil Webb, Head of Car at Honda uK. “In a marketplace that is going to become increasingly competitive as time goes on, the CR-V is well placed to achieve strong sales results and we have high expectations for this car.”

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 37

Newcastle Life Issue 18 37

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 38

Double honours for Volvo in 2019 What Car? Awards MOTORING

V

olvo has maintained its winning ways into the New Year, following a record-breaking honours haul in 2018 with two successes in the 2019 What Car? Awards. The XC40 has retained the Family SuV of the Year title it secured on its debut in 2018, while the XC90 T8 Twin Engine's Plug-in Car of the Year success has given Volvo's electrified powertrain technology an emphatic seal of approval.

Announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday evening, the What Car? Awards are among the most prestigious and best-respected in the uK. Steve Huntingford, What Car? Editor, praised the XC40 – What Car?'s overall Car of the Year in 2018 – for having become an even more attractive proposition. He said: "Last year's Car of the Year retains its position as the very best family SuV you can buy. It's as plush as it is practical, and the engines that have been added to the line-up in the last 12 months only add to its appeal."

He had equally high praise for the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, commenting: "As well as delivering low running costs, this plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 is the quickest model in the line-up, showing what a brilliant all-rounder it is. And unlike its rivals, Volvo has managed to retain seven seats, so going green doesn't require you to compromise on practicality."

In What Car?'s five-star review of the XC40 premium compact SuV, the model is commended for its "stylish and high-quality interior", its "supple ride" and "comprehensive safety kit". The version of the XC40 selected for the award was the D3 R-Design, powered by Volvo's efficient 2.0-litre 150hp diesel engine.

The XC40 offers customers a wide choice of powertrains, the range embracing three petrol and two diesel units, with outputs up to 247hp, manual and automatic transmissions, and front- or allwheel drive. Every model also comes with Drive Mode settings, so you can tailor the car's dynamic performance to suit your preference or the road conditions. Volvo's pioneering Pilot Assist driversupport system is available, which works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control to keep the car correctly positioned in its traffic lane, moving at the right speed and maintaining a safe 38 Newcastle Life Issue 18

distance from any vehicle ahead.

The XC40's impressive standard specification also includes Sensus Navigation, a nine-inch central touchscreen, voice-activated control, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, 12.3-inch driver's information display, 18-inch alloys, rear parking sensors and City Safety, which provides alerts and automatic emergency braking support.

The R-Design version selected by What Car? adds a series of dynamic exterior styling details, sports suspension and leather/nubuck upholstery.

In its review of the Volvo XC90, What Car? flags the petrol-electric T8 Twin Engine as the best pick in the range for company car drivers, given the exceptionally low CO2 emissions (from 56g/km) and modest benefit-in-kind tax rating that its plug-in hybrid powertrain can deliver. The technology is a best-of-both-worlds package in which a 303hp petrol engine and an 87hp electric motor work seamlessly together or individually according to your wishes or the road conditions.

You can select Pure mode to prioritise all-electric operation and lower consumption, adjusting the responsiveness of the engine, brakes, accelerator and gearbox, or Power mode when you want maximum performance from your car. The system can also work to maximise traction and vehicle control when driving off-road.

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car uK Managing Director, said: "The XC40 could not have enjoyed a more successful entry into the uK market last year, and we are proud and honoured that What Car? still considers it to be the best family SuV you can buy. As a standard-bearer for our advances in design, technology and desirability, it continues to play a key role in developing the strength of our brand and our uK sales success.

"Where the XC90 T8 Twin Engine is concerned, we want customers to enjoy the environmental and performance benefits of an electrified plug-in hybrid system without sacrificing any of the quality or practicality they require from a large SuV. The What Car? award again signals that we are succeeding in this mission."

For more information on the Volvo XC40 and XC90 ranges, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.com/uk

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 39

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 40

Panda Cross dominates Crossover category at 4x4 Magazine Awards 2019 MOTORING

T

he Fiat Panda Cross has once again topped the Crossover category in this year's 4x4 Magazine ‘4x4 of the Year 2019 awards'.

For the second year running, the Fiat Panda has fought off tough competition, in an ever growing sector, to be crowned the Best Crossover.

Judges praised it for its ‘rorty’ engine, traction finding ability and fun factor, never failing to put a smile on their faces.

"The Fiat Panda Cross is an immensely capable car and this is something that its loyal owners have always known and appreciated," said Andrea Lo Presti, Fiat uK marketing director. "With a panel of 4x4 experts agreeing that point too, it makes this win for the Panda even more significant.”

Alan Kidd, editor of 4x4 Magazine, commented “I don't think there's any vehicle that's won its class so consistently down the years as the Panda Cross. The market has been ever changing, but it's been wonderfully consistent in what it offers – while also getting better all the time." Praising its off-road ability he continues,

40 Newcastle Life Issue 18

“It's not built to be the ultimate all-terrain vehicle, but its light weight and tidy proportions mean it's incredibly manoeuvrable and surefooted on rough ground. You have to go a long way to find its limits."

The 4x4 Magazine, the uK’s only dedicated 4x4 and pick-up magazine, 4x4 of the Year awards have been defining the segment for more than 25 years. A team of experienced 4x4 specialists assess the now broad spectrum of vehicles that make up this class, covering everything from comfort, quality, off-road performance, purchase and ownership costs.

This impressive win joins the Fiat Panda’s long list of accomplishments including being the first city car to feature 4WD technology, the first city car to climb to an altitude of 5,200m and reach the Everest base camp as well as being the first natural gas fuelled city car to be produced on a large scale.

To celebrate the award win, Fiat is launching the new Fiat Panda Waze 4X4. It combines the looks and functionality of the popular Waze model with the award-winning 4X4 running gear.

For a limited time, customers will be able to purchase the Waze 4X4, with 0.9-litre Twinair 90hp engine and 4X4 capability (valued at £3,200), for the same price as the two-wheeldrive Panda Waze 1.2 69hp, £12,265 OTR.* The Fiat Panda range starts from £9,965 OTR for the 1.2 69hp Pop, while the award winning Fiat Panda Cross starts from £16,465 OTR. For more information on the Fiat Panda range please visit www.fiat.co.uk or to locate your nearest Fiat retailer visit www.fiat.co.uk/retailers.

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 41

The family firm to trust

THE FROM

THIS

60th

CELEBRATING

$+& :*7 ::::::::!06(: :&' : 72) :.! :)67-02.:6 0-7

£159 SIT

NU18 REG

£159

LEASE

£139 SIT

%: :4158:45 31 %: :5,8 5 4 %: , :3 9"9 %:.9/:895 :15

£139

ONTH

PER M

£11,740

£1,700

£149

PER M

£149

ONTH

£149 SIT

PER M

DEPO

LOW DEPOSIT, LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT WITH MARSONS £1017 DISCOUNT

6-6: 0*2*-7:7 2 6.7 : ++:&'$:6(6

Discount from Marsons Your deposit

£199

ONTH

£597 SIT

DEPO

NU18 REG

LOW DEPOSIT, LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT WITH MARSONS £2015 DISCOUNT On the road

PURCH

*7 :0-(*0-::::::::::::::&'$:6(6

NU18 REG

DEPO

ASE

S 4 YEAR

ONTH

PER M

! 7: 7 )2!0.7::::::::62* 2:&'$:6(6 %:.9/:,"4#85" 3 %:.9/:15 %: :43514 %: : 9984

PRESENT DAY LIMITED EDITION FIAT 500

$+& :*7 ::::::::)60 7 :-.2))0-:&' ! (:& + 6:72) :.! :)67-02.:6 0-7

NU18 REG

DEPO

IS

H TO T

ANNIVERSARY

THE ORIGINAL 1957 FIAT 500

AL PCP DE ARS E FOR 4 Y

IS 60!

Per month Balance with charges Low APR £149

£11,013

4.1%

PCP

4 years

GMFV

£3,990

2 )(* ): 0*0 :2..( 2*-7: $ +++:

98: 9#8:9 : 58:/,1 :98:/,1 9#1:5": (!:5 5,"41:9#8:#43 : 584 :/ 3":,1 4:/981 : 983:/3 : , 3: 9#: 983

Enquire for written details

,4,1:///' 4 5849"' 9'# :19: ,3/:9 38:$++: 983: 584

Newcastle Life Issue 18 41

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 42

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

General Knowledge Quiz 1. The Rialto bridge is a popular tourist attraction in which city?

2. Amy Madison, Lavender Brown, Jadis of Charn, Aunt Clara, Bonnie Bennet and Penny Halliwell are all examples of what?

4. Which golfer won $9 million dollars when he won 'The Match' against Tiger Woods?

5. Who provided the voice of the title character in the 2018 film The Grinch'?

6. Who plays the part of the title character in the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots?

7. Which Chaser found herself in the jungle in the 2018 edition of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!?

8. Which American comic book writer, who created many of Marvel's Superheroes, died in November 2018?

9. Which supermarket had its Christmas advert banned last year for being too political?

10. Tom Woodward is the real name of which singer?

A China Quiz for Chinese New Year 1. Which city is the capital of China?

2. Which 1979 film told the story of a reporter and camera man who discover safety cover-ups at a nuclear power station?

3. Which group had a top ten hit in 1984 with 'Wishful Thinking'?

4. Who starred as JJ Gittes in the 1974 film 'Chinatown'?

5. Which song did David Bowie take to number two in the UK singles chart in 1983?

6. Which Chinese actor died whilst finishing the film 'Enter The Dragon'?

7. In which city was the Chinese Grand Prix held in 2018?

8. Who, born in 1987, is China's most successful snooker player?

9. Who had a number one hit in 1987 with 'China In Your Hand'?

10. Who starred as Jack Burton in the 1986 film 'Big Trouble in Little China'?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Venice; 2. Witches. Amy Madison (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Lavender Brown (Harry Potter), Jadis of Charn (Narnia), Aunt Clara (Bewitched), Bonnie Bennet (The Vampire Diaries), Penny Halliwell (Charmed); 3. Ron Howard; 4. Phil Mickelson; 5. Benedict Cumberbatch; 6. Saoirse Ronan; 7. Anne Hegerty (The Governess); 8. Stan Lee; 9. Iceland; 10. Tom Jones.

Chinese New Year Answers: 1. Beijing; 2. The China Syndrome; 3. China Crisis; 4. Jack Nicholson; 5. China Girl; 6. Bruce Lee; 7.

Shanghai; 8. Ding Junhui; 9. T'Pau; 10. Kurt Russell.

42 Newcastle Life Issue 18

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com - Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

3. Who directed the films Cocoon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code?

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com - Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 43

Newcastle Life Issue 18.qxp_Newcastle Life 23/01/2019 15:21 Page 44