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ISSUE 27
Life LOCAL STUDENT
PARAMEDIC
Quick thinking Katie saves the day
SUPPORT STAFFORDSHIRE
Great News for Good Neighbours during covid-19
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IS S U E 2 7
Editors Letter ..................................7
Student Paramedic ......................22
Deputy Lieutenants .......................8
Newcastle Town FC .....................23
Keele Cycling Club ........................8
New Vic Theatre...........................24
Support Staffordshire ...................9
Quiz Corner ..................................24
Newcastle Lions...........................10
Newcastle Enterprise Zone ........25
Scout Honours .............................12
Gardening ....................................26
Coast to Coast Fundraiser ..........14
Cushy Paws...................................28
Postcode Lottery ..........................15
Friends of Lyme Brook ................30
Aspire Housing ............................16
Keele University ...........................32
OCR Bursary.................................20
Motoring .......................................34
Register for our Virtual Open Events 17 November Sixth Form Open Event 21 November Prep Open Event 28 November Senior Open Event
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End of an era
W
ow, well I can’t believe we are now at Issue 27 of Newcastle Life magazine.
Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Holly Keates Tracey Redfern Design & Production Thomas Brian General Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 252693 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
We’ve come a long way since our very first issue came out at the start of 2016 – at that time, none of us would have anticipated that in the next four years we would see Brexit, Donald Trump become the American president, the extraordinary impact of the #MeToo movement, horrific wildfires in the Amazon rainforest and Australian bush, and not forgetting of course, a global pandemic! For me personally, the last four years have also been eventful, with both ups and downs. And one of the biggest ups was the launch, and continued success, of this magazine. I have met so many fantastic people along the way in Newcastle under Lyme – what a wonderful place we live and work in. That’s why it is with a heavy heart that I am saying goodbye – this is my last issue! I am off to pastures new and becoming a student again, undertaking a postgraduate research degree. (Wish me luck!) Rest assured this isn’t the end of the magazine and I am handing over the reins to colleagues who are very much looking forward to carrying on bringing you positive, uplifting, exciting, community stories – watch this space and please do keep in touch. So I hope this issue makes you smile, in a year where we have all been through so much and smiles are so important. It’s very fitting that as I write this, it is World Kindness Day – and I think that is what I will remember most from my time as Contents Editor of Newcastle Life - a town, and people, with so much kindness, spirit and positivity. Thank you all for your support. So pull up a chair, pop the kettle on and I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.
Laura CONTACTS
Samaritans – 116 123, jo@samaritans.org Mind – www.mind.org.uk NHS – 111 (dial 999 in an emergency) www.gov.uk – information for businesses during Covid-19
Cover Photo:
A female Kingfisher by David S .
Thank you to all of you who have been in touch with your stories and events for Issue 27. 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 Newcastle Life Issue 27 7
Deputy lieutenants
Deputy Lieutenants named for Staffordshire
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Keele resident is one of six new Deputy Lieutenants for Staffordshire.
Mr Jeremy Lefroy has been appointed by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian James Dudson CBE KStJ. Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant is the Queen’s representative in the County. He represents Her Majesty on a wide variety of occasions which merit Royal support, and which celebrate significant achievement
in the public, private and voluntary sectors. The Lord-Lieutenant works across the County, with his Deputy Lieutenants, to promote Staffordshire and to help it become a better place to live and work. Jeremy Lefroy commented: "It was a wonderful surprise to be asked. I am most grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of the county which has always been so welcoming to my family and me." The Lord-Lieutenant said “It is a great pleasure to welcome Staffordshire’s new Deputy Lieutenants. They have all been selected because of their roles within their communities and I am sure they will do an excellent job”
keele cycling club
CYCLISTS PEDAL THEIR WAY TO RED BULL VICTORY
K
eele Cycling Club have won the Red Bull Timelaps challenge. This year the Red Bull Timelaps were in a virtual format, taking place at the end of October. The event pits teams of four against each other and the clock, challenging riders to accumulate as much distance as possible within 25 hours. The event has a twist - at 02:00 a ‘Power Hour’ is activated when the clocks went back, and riders’ efforts were doubled for 60 minutes 8 Newcastle Life Issue 27
to boost their team’s place on the leader board. Keele University Cycling Club were crowned the Under-25 winners, clocking up an impressive 640.30 miles and raising £330 for Breast Cancer Support UK at the same time. They also finished 15th out of 210 teams in the overall. Red Bull Timelaps 2020 saw 784 UK-based riders take to the roads and the turbo trainers in the world’s longest oneday cycling challenge, clocking a collective
95,433 miles between them. For more information about Keele Cycling Club, visit https://www.keele.ac.uk/kc/
Support StaffordShire
Great News for Good Neighbours during covid-19
S
upport Staffordshire has been awarded a grant of more than ÂŁ65,000 to continue support for community groups who came to the rescue during the covid-19 pandemic. More than 40 mutual aid groups have formed across the county in response to the
crisis. They are all different, some cover a handful of streets whilst others are covering whole districts but one theme runs throughout all – supporting isolated and vulnerable individuals in the community through a variety of services including befriending, shopping, collecting prescriptions and
running errands. Support Staffordshire have been supporting the groups countywide from the start of the pandemic beginning with information, advice and guidance to enable them to operate safely and effectively. The National Lottery funding will support the Covid Legacy Project - working closely with these groups to support them to transition to a Good Neighbour Scheme. Good Neighbour Schemes are set up in local communities and are groups with a bank of volunteers who want to help their neighbours and other local people on a regular or occasional basis. The people who need support may include those who are elderly, infirm, disabled or anyone who is isolated for a whole variety of reasons and are often a vital lifeline. Support Staffordshire will assist new schemes with a dedicated toolkit, development advice and training to enable them to become a sustainable group. For more information about the Good Neighbour Schemes in your area you can contact Support Staffordshire on 0300 777 1207 or email info@supportstaffo rdshire.org.uk Pictured - Michelle Cliff, Senior Locality Officer from Support Staffordshire
Newcastle Life Issue 27 9
newcastle lions
Former Mayor of Newcastle leads the Lions
S
andra Hambleton, who was Mayor of Newcastle in 2015/16, has taken on the role of President of Newcastle under Lyme Lions Club. The official handover took place in June – and in the spirit of 2020, this took place over Zoom and chaired by the outgoing President John Leigh. Sandra joined Newcastle Lions in 2016 and has been an active member of the club ever since, participating in many fundraising events and community projects such as the Message in a Bottle emergency scheme and Santa’s Sleigh at the Town Lights switch on at Christmas. She also introduced a new Fashion Show event last year. Over the last 12 months Newcastle Lions Club has donated over d £13,800 to local £ well deserving w causes, and during the Covid d 19 Lockdown provided p fiinancial assistance to both The Alice b Charity People’s C Pantry, and P Newcastle N Foodbank F ap ppeals.
10 Newcastle Life Issue 27
Newcastle Lions Club was also able to join forces with other local Lions Clubs to organise a fun day out for over 600 vulnerable children at WaterWorld before the lockdown, with the Family Day out at Foxfield Railway this year being cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Sandra commented: “Fundraising activities for us and many charities came to a standstill in March, but we were able to use our existing Charity Funds to good use locally during the lockdown plus we were able to call upon Lions Clubs International for a special Emergency Grant of £1,000 to increase our donation to The Donna Louise Hospice to £2,000. “We hope to start fundraising activities again in the not too distant future, Government & the safeguarding policy of local venues permitting.” If you represent a local charity or well deserving cause in the Newcastle Borough currently struggling with financial hardship or in need of assistance, please contact Newcastle Lions Club CIO at newcastlelions@lions105cn.org.uk Lions membership is open to everyone over the age of 18. If you would like to join Newcastle Lions and help your local community please contact David Slack our Secretary at newcastlelions@lions105cn.org.uk. New members are most welcome.
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LOCKDOWN? NO PROBLEM!
Newcastle Scouts find plenty to do while staying safe at hom e
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Newcastle Life Issue 27 11
Scout honourS
A NOD FROM THE QUEEN FOR SCOUTING ROLE MODEL Dot celebrates recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours
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local scouting stalwart has been awarded The British Empire Medal in the 2020 Queen’s birthday honours. Newcastle District Scouting Secretary Mrs Dorothy (Dot) Bailey was nominated for the accolade by both her employer and Newcastle District Commissioner Vera Bloor for over 30 years of dedication to the Scouts in Staffordshire.
Dot’s scouting CV is impressive, having organised events, camps, gang shows and trips, as well as providing unwavering support to youngsters and dedicating much of her time to developing and creating a successful and fun environment for scouts to enjoy. Newcastle District Commissioner Vera Bloor told Newcastle Life magazine why
Dot was put forward. She explained: "Dot is an integral part of our district and has continued to work tirelessly at both Group and District Level, in a variety of roles, for the benefit of the young people within the Association. This, is in addition to her responsibilities as a county training advisor, has shown her to be a shining light in our district, and a role model to many. Dot’s commitment, passion and enthusiasm to the District and Scouting as a whole is unquestionable." Dot was thrilled to be named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. She commented: “Well, what can I say bemused, humbled, proud and honoured were a few of the things I felt. When I realised that someone from where I work had taken the time and effort to write a citation I was overwhelmed. I feel I'm just an ordinary Scout Leader doing something I love. I suppose the most appropriate adjective is overwhelming!” Pictured is Dot with Bear Grylls in 2018 at Windsor Castle when she received a Silver Acorn award from the Scout Association.
DOT’S SCOUTING ACHIEVEMENTS
F
rom 2007 to 2013 Dot volunteered as Director and Co-Producer of her Group scout show ‘Flying High.’ The performance became the first Group Show to receive national recognition and the show became bigger and more ambitious every year. From 2008 to 2014 she was also the co-producer of the highly regarded District Show ‘Castle Capers,’ where her expertise also allowed the experience of the young people involved to be positive and enjoyable, until she hung up her ‘red necker’ in 2014. (The Red neckerchief is worn by those part of scout shows who have been awarded National Gang show status). 12 Newcastle Life Issue 27
Scout honourS
Dot has been instrumental in several projects, trips and awards.
H
er Scout Troop established links with a ‘friendship’ Troop in Norway, taking youngsters to visit the country and also hosting the Norwegian troop when they visited England in 2012 and 2016. She secured numerous Chief Scout Gold Awards and in 2015 took on the responsibility for the ‘Million Hands’ Project for the Troop. The project chosen had the effect of raising the profile of Scouting through the local, regional and national publicity it created, including being highlighted at 10 Downing Street. Dot has also personally supported many young people, in a variety of circumstances, including those with serious mental ill health conditions. Dot’s hard work didn’t stop there. Known across the district as Mrs Christmas, she also organised the successful ‘i-Scout for Christmas’ event in Newcastle, which was linked to the Christmas lights switch on and associated festivities. In 2016 she took on the District role of Assistant District Commissioner Young Leader Training and Youth Development, helping Explorer scouts aged 14 to 18 to volunteer with local scout groups to develop leadership skills. When, for the first time for over 10 years the District organised a full Newcastle District Camp in 2017, she took a prime leadership role in the organising and delivery of Circus based events for over 550 young people and leaders from across the District. This continued 2 years later, when she held an international themed district camp for over 600 young people.
NEWCASTLE RECOGNITION
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range of Staffordshire people have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in her Birthday Honours, including three Newcastle residents who have been named as Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM). County residents are recognised for their work in education, nursing, policing and local communities with the award of two CBEs, an OBE, an MBE and a dozen BEMs. Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “One of Staffordshire’s strengths has always been the ability, enthusiasm and determination of its residents to make a positive difference to the lives of others. “The response of our residents in recent months to help one another when times are tough has been inspiring and I’m not surprised to see some of those people honoured by Her Majesty The Queen.” Ms Susan Sheppard, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, received the award for services to the Environment. Susan is now a biodiversity officer at Staffordshire County Council. Mrs Carol Kind, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, received the accolade for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent during Covid-19. Following a career in education running support for children in deprived areas, Carol retired in 2010 and set up The Hub in Fenton, devoting her retirement to creating an organisation which provides support and activities to groups of all ages. Through the kitchen she has arranged for specific foods tailored to each person locked down to be delivered by volunteers. The Covid-19 virus meant the closure of the Hub in March and during lockdown she has arranged for her volunteers to do shopping for isolated members of the community, as well as delivering puzzles, games and daily texts and phone calls to keep spirits raised. She kept young people and the wider community engaged by allowing individuals to upload and share their own recipes to The Hub Websites. The recipes will later be collated and made into a cookbook. She also created a private phone centre to deal with problems for the neighbourhood community. Many elderly members of the community are without internet, mobile phones or credit cards, paying for everything with cash, and the phone centre was an immense help to many elderly and frightened people isolated in their homes calling with genuine fears that their utilities would be cut off if they were unable to pay their bills. Newcastle Life Issue 27 13
Coast to Coast fundraiser
Intrepid Adventurer Walks Coast to Coast for Donna Louise Hospice
T
he Managing Director of Tinsdills Solicitors in Newcastle has smashed his fundraising target for the Donna Louise Hospice, completing his Coast to Coast adventure and raising £1525. Tim Cogan raised more than triple the amount he wanted to achieve by completing a staggering 192 mile Coast to Coast venture. Over 14 consecutive days, Tim battled across hills, mountains and precarious terrains in a bid to raise funds for the popular local children’s support facility. The Donna Louise Hospice provides a lifeline to hundreds of families across the area and as Staffordshire’s only dedicated hospice for children and young people, are able to provide specialist care and support services for children with life-shortening conditions, due to illness or injury. After setting off from the Irish Sea at St Bees Head, Tim navigated through the Lake District and onto the Yorkshire Dales, before reaching the North York Moors and finally completing at the North Sea Shoreline at Robin Hood’s Bay. Commenting on this feat, Tim said: “It was a fantastic experience, but not without challenges. Some of the climbs were very difficult and required a good amount of skill to traverse, especially during some of the more testing weather conditions. The support everyone showed through donations and well wishes really helped to spur me on through the tougher days. “I am both proud and overwhelmed by this achievement; the Coast to Coast Challenge has always been an aspiration of mine to complete, and being able to support a local charity simultaneously makes it even more meaningful.” Unfortunately, during the peak of the pandemic, local charities struggled to continue to provide the exceptional care that they strive for. After being forced to cancel all major fundraising events due to lockdown restrictions charities needed to rely solely on individual donations and government support. Tim added, “I made the decision to take on the Coast to Coast Walk in aid of the Donna Louise Hospice, simply hoping to raise money 14 Newcastle Life Issue 27
and awareness through people sharing my challenge with friends and across social media; knowing that any money raised would contribute to the Donna Louise and help them to continue to deliver their services to local families. “I started with a fundraising target of £500, but I never imagined I would hit that target before even setting off! The fundraising continued to spiral from there, now we have more than tripled my original target which is unbelievable and donations are still coming in.” The Donna Louise commented, following Tim’s walk, “We are very thankful to Tim for taking on the Coast to Coast Challenge in support of the Donna Louise, it’s an absolutely amazing amount of money raised and we are so grateful for his support, and to everyone who supported Tim throughout this accomplishment.” If you would like to support the Donna Louise, donations can still be made via Tim Cogan’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tinsdil ls-solicitors2020
postcode lotter
Surprise cash win for Newcastle lotto players
T
en people in Newcastle-under-Lyme are celebrating an Autumn windfall, after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode. The Chestnut Grove neighbours netted the windfall when ST5 7DD was announced as a Daily Prize winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Sunday 25th October 2020. People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt sent her well-wishes to the winners. She said: “Congratulations to our winners, what fantastic news to hear! I hope they have fun spending the cash!” A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £600 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond. This draw was promoted on behalf of The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). RNIB inspires people with sight loss to transform their own personal experience, their community and, ultimately, society as a whole. Many good causes close to the winners have also benefitted from players’ support, and local
charities can apply for funding next year. For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk or Facebook and Twitter. Pictured - People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt
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Newcastle Life Issue 27 15
Aspire housing
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
N
ewcastle based Aspire Housing ranked as the 13th best apprenticeship employer in the UK. A local housing association is celebrating being crowned 13th in the Government’s Top 100 apprenticeship employers ranking 2020. Aspire Housing, a 9,000home housing association, has been recognised for its overall commitment to employing apprentices, creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of apprentices, and the progression of apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment. The annual rankings 16 Newcastle Life Issue 27
showcase the nation's Top 100 employers that have done the most to provide successful apprenticeships over the previous 12 months. Apprenticeship employers from many different industries and sectors appear in the Top 100 including the public sector, the third sector, hospitality, telecommunications and accountancy. The top employer was named as the British Army, followed in second place by HM Revenue and Customs and thirdly by the Royal Navy. Sinéad Butters, Group Chief Executive at Aspire Housing, said: “We’re
delighted to be named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer. As a group, one of our key goals is to support social regeneration within our communities, and our apprenticeship and employment support programmes are central to this strategy. “We have set a target of having apprentices as 10% of our total workforce. We know the high social cost of longterm unemployment on both individuals and communities, and it is for this reason that we are committed to investing time, resources and effort in providing apprenticeships. We’re proud to be recognised
Aspire housing
ON‘ASPIRES’TO TOP 100 on this list.” Aspire Housing’s apprenticeship programme is managed by its group training arm PM Training, Staffordshire’s largest independent provider of apprenticeships for young people. Nicola Winn, Chair of PM Training, commented: “We provide a proven route to supporting people through their apprenticeship, into employment and beyond. It’s a fantastic achievement for Aspire to be recognised as the highest ranked housing provider on this list. Investing in young people in our communities, and supporting
them into work, is vital – at this time, more than any other.” PM Training works with around 1,600 employers across Staffordshire and nationally, providing help and support at every stage of the apprenticeship. The new rankings have been developed by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assessed and compiled the new national leader board of top apprenticeship employers. Peter Mucklow, Director, Apprenticeships, Education and Skills Funding Agency added: “During such a difficult year it is encouraging to see
that apprenticeships continue to be critical to business performance and success. “There are outstanding employers delivering apprenticeships across all sectors, and the Top 100 apprenticeship employer rankings rightly give recognition and thanks to those who have shown, and continue to show, huge commitment to apprenticeships.” For more information about the Top 100 employers go to: www.gov.uk/government/ne ws/top-100-apprenticeshipemployers-announced Newcastle Life Issue 27 17
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ocr bursary
Brilliant bursary for Cambridge studies
A
n A Level student who attended Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group is among a dozen nationwide winners of this year’s OCR bursary, a pot of money reserved for students going to the University of Cambridge. 18 year old Jack Heath, from Stoke-onTrent, attended Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group for his A-Levels. He has now started his English studies this year at Churchill College, University of Cambridge and will receive a bursary of £3,000 from OCR for each year of his undergraduate course. The bursaries help students to make the most of their time at university, and reduce worry about money. They can use the money towards living costs, tuition fees or a combination of both. Ever since 2004, OCR – which is part of Cambridge University – has supported students from the West Midlands going to Cambridge University due to historical links to the West Midlands Examinations
Board. Commenting on Jack Heath, Richard Simpson, Honours Programme Leader at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, said: “Jack was an exceptional student throughout his time with us. He has made an outstanding contribution to the college’s academic community, both as a role model in his classes and in his enthusiasm for a wide range of initiatives outside the classroom. We are immensely proud of Jack’s achievement and feel certain that he will be a great success in undergraduate study and will contribute much to university life.” Jill Duffy, OCR’s Chief Executive commented: “This year has been tougher than most for young people, and it makes their achievements even greater. As well as clearly being academic high achievers, many have supported other students in their schools and carried out voluntary work in their local communities.“
Connecting Staffordshire’s business elite
S
toke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is looking to launch a new peer network programme to connect top business leaders from the county. The network will address issues such as the current business challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, environmental legislation, as well as ongoing issues ranging from growth strategies, HR, change management, innovation, succession and planning, with the aim of improving the region’s business landscape and driving economic prosperity. Everyone completing the programme will be invited to an exclusive talk on ‘Teamship’ 20 Newcastle Life Issue 27
from England’s Rugby World Cup winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward (pictured) in March 2021. Matt Hustwit from Staffordshire Chambers said: “Participants will be grouped into peer networks based on
sector, area of expertise and businesses challenges faced within their respective business. The networks will meet to discuss strategic and operational challenges and work together to find practical solutions. The programme is fully funded with a minimum commitment of 21.5 hours.” Participants will sign up to a series of five network meetings, each lasting three hours, which will take place every fortnight from early November and will be facilitated by an experienced business consultant. Anyone interested in joining the scheme can register at: www.staffordhirechambers.co. uk/peer-network or for more information call Matt Hustwit on 01782 202222
STUDENT PARAMEDIC
Quick thinking Katie saves the day
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local student paramedic has been praised for her quick-thinking to help an injured dogwalker while on holiday in Cornwall. Staffordshire University Paramedic Science student Katie Chell, 20 from NewcastleUnder-Lyme, was on a woodland walk with her family when they came across a woman who had fallen while walking her dog and was unable to get up. Katie used the geo-location app what3words to help emergency responders find their remote forest location and made sure the patient had pain relief. She explained: “My mum spotted the injured lady first and called me over. Instinct kicked in and I went into work mode, like when I am on placement. I was concerned because the patient had spina bifida and I thought that she might have fractured her hip. “I knew the response team would take a while to reach us on foot, so pain control was a priority. I helped the patient take her prescribed medication and we chatted to help take her mind off the pain while waiting.” Katie stayed with the emergency team while they assisted the patient and even
22 Newcastle Life Issue 27
helped to carry their kit back through the woods to their vehicles. Thomas Walvin, a Lecturer in Adult Nursing at Plymouth University and Emergency Nurse, was the first responder on the scene and was impressed by Katie’s actions. He said: “Katie provided an outstanding handover, including a comprehensive medical and medicines history, as well as a detailed primary and secondary survey. She had already formed a strong trusting bond with the worried patient and her communication style was beyond what we often see in young healthcare students. “Her ‘bedside manner’ as such was reassuring, friendly, supportive and with a well-timed and appropriate level of humour helping the patient through the pain. Overall, Katie demonstrated excellent clinical knowledge, excellent scene management and outstanding care for this patient whilst very much off duty on holiday.” Second year student Katie was inspired to become a paramedic by her grandad who worked with the ambulance service for 30 years and she has been volunteering on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katie said: “I grew up hearing my Grandad’s stories about working as a paramedic so it’s nice to be following in his footsteps. I’ve loved working as an Ambulance Care Assistant this year and have gained a lot of experience. “Luckily, the patient in Cornwall didn’t have any serious injuries but she did break a rib and was battered and bruised. We’ve stayed in touch and she even sent a thank you card! It is lovely to get such positive feedback and has definitely given me a confidence boost.” Tim Davies, Head of Staffordshire University’s Department of Midwifery & Allied Health, added: “Katie is an outstanding paramedic student and an absolute credit to the University. I am so pleased that she was able to assist both the patient and the emergency services in difficult and unexpected circumstances. “I’m sure that Katie is encouraged by Tom’s kind words and by the excellent impression she has left on both service users and other clinicians!”
NEWCASTLE TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
Newcastle Town Football Club unveils new signing
L
ocal law firm, Tinsdills Solicitors has joined forces with Northern Premier League side, Newcastle Town Football Club as their latest commercial sponsor. The budding partnership will see the ‘Towns’ stadium adorned with new Tinsdills signage across various ends of the ground visible to staff, visitors and match day spectators alike. The Tinsdills livery will occupy a 45ft sign at Red Industries Stadium with further signage at Roe Lane playing fields. The company logo will also feature prominently within the match day programme available digitally to all fans. The latest addition will be the introduction of Tinsdills’ Man of the Match award, giving special recognition to those stand-out performances at the end of each game. Not only that, the union will also see Tinsdills support Newcastle Towns’ Youth Section, an impressive 32 teams all based at the enormous 20 acre site at Roe Lane. The site which has undergone a complete refurb since its acquisition in 2016
now hosts an abundance of activities including summer camps, weekly soccer club, a popular Football Academy as well as a plethora of training events throughout the year. Commenting on the recent collaboration, Tim Cogan, Managing Director at Tinsdills Solicitors said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to announce this partnership, and I would like to thank Caroline Gray, Director and Company and Commercial Solicitor here at Tinsdills for establishing this relationship. Newcastle Town FC is a fantastic club which serves the heart of the community and shares values that we hold dear to us. “Having had a Newcastle base for a number of years now, we are looking forward to making new connections within the area. “This partnership will allow us to continue delivering support for our local community and we wish Newcastle Town every success for the upcoming season ahead.” Established in 1986, Newcastle Town Football Club is located in Lyme Valley Parkway. This unique stadium
boasts an abundance of amenities including an impressive 4,000 capacity, including covered accommodation for 1,000 as well as further seating for 300 fans. Surrounded by a recently upgraded 250 LUX average floodlight system, the pitch itself is encompassed by the only recognised outdoor velodrome located in the Midlands. Paul Ratcliffe, Chairman of Newcastle Town Football Club added: “We are excited to team up with Tinsdills Solicitors, a renowned local firm which has supported many initiatives in the past and we value their support throughout the new season. “As a team, we know how important football is to our fans and the local community. Our club provides opportunities for aspiring young sporting professionals to develop their skills and experience so that they are able to move up within the leagues. “We recently received confirmation that we are able to welcome fans back for the new season which is fantastic news, and will certainly give our teams a boost of moral.” Newcastle Life Issue 27 23
neW Vic THeATre MYSTERY OF 1400 YEAR-OLD LOCAL TREASURE TO BE BROUGHT TO LIFE AT HOME
T
he New Vic Theatre is making its production of Hoard: Rediscovered, a dramatic celebration of the mysteries of the Staffordshire Hoard, available to watch online from Wednesday 18th November – Tuesday 1st December. As audiences are unable to visit the theatre in person during November, the New Vic is taking its fascinating drama based around a 1400 year old local legend online. The digital version of Hoard: Rediscovered will be available for audiences to buy to watch at home. Hoard: Rediscovered reunites the original cast and creative team from the New Vic’s critically
acclaimed 2015 Staffordshire Hoard Festival, to tell the intriguing story of the discovery of this astonishing hoard of treasure, the people it might have belonged to, and the experts who tried to unravel its meanings. The online production will include a filmed version of New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins’ documentarydrama Unearthed, and eleven mini plays from some of the country’s most talented writers including Isy Suttie and Lemn Sissay, directed by Gemma Fairlie. Tickets for the online stream of Hoard: Rediscovered cost £15.00 and can be purchased in advance by calling the Box Office on 01782 717962 (audiences will receive a link to
watch the show on 18 November). From Wed 18th November, audiences will be able to buy the show, to watch on demand, from the theatre’s website. The Box Office team are contacting all customers who had bought tickets to see Hoard: Rediscovered in person at the theatre to discuss their options. Tickets for this show include a donation to the New Vic Theatre (Charity Registration Number: 253242). £5.00 of the face value of the £15.00 ticket will be treated as a nonrefundable donation, to help the New Vic manage the impact of Coronavirus, in particular the risk of performance cancellations, helping to ensure they can continue. www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Let’s get quizzical
COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE
General Knowledge Quiz
1 When they make a sound, what kind of animals bray? 2 Which city was the first to be designated Tier Three in the tier structure announced in October 2020? 3 Who wrote the musical stage show ‘The Rocky Horror Show’? 4 Which planet, in our solar system, is the hottest? 5 In which city is the Spanish Riding School based? 6 Who provided the voice for the donkey in ‘Shrek’? 7 Which celebrity pulled out of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2019 but returned in 2020? 8 "Tom!" is the opening line to which popular novel? 9 How many wives did Henry VIII have? 10 Which animated character's middle name is Fauntleroy? General Knowledge Answers: 1. Donkey; 2. Liverpool; 3. Richard O'Brien; 4. Venus; 5. Vienna; 6. Eddie Murphy; 7. Jamie Laing; 8. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; 9. Six; 10. Donald Duck
24 Newcastle Life Issue 27
Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com - Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.
quiz corner
newcastle enterprise zone
Economy and jobs boost thanks to enterprising initiative
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Newcastle enterprise zone is celebrating 5 years of development which is boosting the local economy and growing in success. The Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone (CVEZ) comprises 140 hectares of land over six sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastleunder-Lyme, including the former Shelton Bar steelworks site in the city, now known as Etruria Valley. It has transformed redundant brownfield land, with two million square feet of high-quality industrial development. The CVEZ received government endorsement in 2015, and five years later and the area now boasts a string of impressive successes which is ‘powering up the city’ and boosting the wider area. The area has improved the local economy by £18.55m in gross value added (GVA). A total of 22 businesses are now established across the zone, employing more than 1,000 people, with businesses including local companies that have achieved rapid growth and national successes such as Tile Mountain, companies that have chosen to relocate to the city such as marine supplier JCH Marine, and skilled technology companies such as Assurant Group which is set to move into the enterprise zone’s Highgate/Ravensdale Tunstall Trade Park site. The Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone has brought a range of partners together: Stokeon-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council,
Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-onTrent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and a number of developers and landowners including Network Space, Clowes Development, St Modwen, Goldendale Developments and Harworth Group. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council leader Simon Tagg said: “It’s great to mark a milestone anniversary in this important council partnership. Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone is big news for North Staffordshire and what we are jointly trying to achieve for the economic future of the area. “The zone provides us with a fantastic opportunity to bring new investment into the area and accelerate the pace of development along the A500 corridor. We’ve worked together to make this happen and can already see progress on the ground, bringing hundreds of new jobs into the area. “Our own site at Chatterley Valley West – where we hope to attract more than 2,000 new jobs – is a key part of the zone and features the outstanding Blue Planet building, a significant part of JCB’s global business. Work is scheduled to start next year on installing the infrastructure needed to accommodate more than a million square feet of industrial development. We’re also hoping to use potential Town Deal funding to help pay for a new access and are planning to invest there ourselves through the retention of local business rates.”
Newcastle Life Issue 27 25
GARDENING
HEUCHERAS AND
H
eucheras and their friends, tiarellas, are among the most popular foliage plants for a shady garden these days with lots of new varieties, new leaf colours and patterns being introduced each year. However, heucheras started their horticultural story being grown and bred for the cut flower trade with masses of pink, white or red bells along stiff wiry stems up to 2 1/2ft / 75cm long.
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Heucheras and tiarellas are still valued for their flowers but new varieties tend to produce far shorter stems and sometimes the flowers are insignificant with the interest coming solely from the leaves. Heucheras and tiarellas are so closely related that they can cross pollenate creating the heucherella hybrids. Tellima is another closely related plant represented by a single species “grandiflora�. These are unassuming plants, but tough and long flowering with fringed bells in greenish white with a ruby red edge. Heucheras, tiarellas, tellimas and their hybrids are all woodland plants and shallow rooted so do best in
humus-rich soils that retain some moisture in summer and are partly shaded from the hot sun. Some shade is essential for those with the most highly coloured leaves to avoid scorching. I find that tellima is more drought tolerant and takes deeper shade than the others. None like being waterlogged in winter. Propagation is by division (essential for named varieties) in autumn or spring or by seed sown in heat for the species and for raising new varieties, but germination can be slow. In early spring give the plants a good tidy up, removing dead, damaged and old leaves. You can also cut back hard anyy untidyy woodyy
GARDENING
D THEIR FRIENDS shoots. The tips of the shoots can make cuttings for new plants. After a few years heucheras and heucherellas tend to form an almost woody mass as their base and produce untidy growth; so, lift and divide, replanting the young shoots which will quickly root. Tellimas and tiarellas seem less prone to becoming woody. Another, less enjoyable spring task is to check for vine weevil grubs feasting on the roots. If the leaves are small, dry or browning at the edge and the plant is not firmly rooted then pull it out and search the soil for the small, brown-headed, legless white grubs and destroy them or feed to your garden robin. This is particularly a problem in wet soils or when growing in containers. In containers you can use a biological control in the form of microscopic nematodes watered into the
soil. You need both a summer and a winter type to get complete control. In summer remove spent flower stems by breaking them off at the joint with the plant rather than cutting as this encourages repeat blooming. Heucheras and their friends blend well with other garden plants and flowers and give interest throughout the year. In spring the fresh growth is highly coloured; in summer and autumn flowers enhance the show and in winter the leaves edged with frost give a magical, glittering effect. Coupled with the ease of propagation and constant stream of new varieties they are a good buy for the garden and pot culture and light up many a shady spot. Janet and I run Special Perennials, website www.specialperennials.com. We also organise Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant
fairs at wonderful locations including at Capesthorne Hall, Sugnall Walled Garden, Adlington Hall and the Dorothy Clive Garden. For details of these and all other Plant Hunters’ Fairs coming up during 2021 please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk. Martin Blow
Newcastle Life Issue 27 27
cushy paws
High commendation for you
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young market trader from Basford has been highly commended at a National Youth Market competition.
27 year old Grace Hancock creates and sells patchwork pet portraits under her brand Cushy Paws. She was recognised by markets industry experts at the competition’s regional heats, which were held in Newcastleunder-Lyme earlier this year. The award-winning designer set up local business Cushy Paws, in 2017 after graduating from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours degree in Textiles and Innovation Design. Her range includes personalised pet portrait commissions, mugs, prints, tea towels, tote bags, wall-hangings,
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cushions and greetings cards. She then went on to compete for the prestigious title of Young Trader of the Year 2020 in the annual competition devised by the NMTF. Grace told Newcastle Life magazine: “The Final event for the young traders event was amazing! One of the best I have ever been involved in, considering the weather and the current situation. It was such an amazing experience to meet so many young makers/traders my age. “I entered the competition because I wanted to get involved in the young trader community and I have met so many amazing makers through it, who I wouldn't have met otherwise. I am so glad that Newcastle took
cushy paws
oung creative entrepreneur part in the opportunity and I hope they do in the future, as I will definitely apply again. I got to meet Nick and Mike and Julie who are now running the Castle Artisan Market (which ran for the first time last month), and honestly it was an amazing event. They had done such a great job and I am gutted not to be there this month with the lockdown restrictions.” A textile artist and former NewcastleUnder-Lyme school and college student, Grace also has experience of a year in industry, working in London, Whitstable, Stafford, Copenhagen and Sydney. She won her first award at New Designers for her Final Degree show Collection, and exhibited in London where she was chosen by a company called 'Romo' to win the 'Innovation in Design and Colour' award. She then went on to intern for them for 7 months in Nottingham after she graduated. Grace continued: “Fast forward four years and I am now running my own business in my mum’s house – I have a home studio for Cushy Paws. My business started on my year out on 'placement' year whilst I was interning in Whitstable. We had just had our first family dog called Millie and a ginger cat called Ollie. And my mum wanted Millie's face on a cushion for her dog bed... so she asked me to make one, and I did and so the journey of Cushy Paws began. “Looking to the future, I would like to firstly survive the pandemic business wise I think that's been my main aim this year. I would love to expand into different products and have my work in galleries and shops around the country, and maybe one day have my own shop or studio that I could run with my mum. I will also be entering the Young Traders event next year too!” www.cushypaws.co.uk www.facebook.com/cushypawspetportraits www.instagram.com/cushy_paws https://twitter.com/Cushy_Paws www.etsy.com/CushyPawsCo
Newcastle Life Issue 27 29
friends of lyme brook
Volunteers create Wi W
Sally Aldridge, Chair of Friends of Lyme Brook 30 Newcastle Life Issue 27
alkers, joggers and cyclists were surprised to see members of Friends of Lyme Brook wielding old fashioned scythes and meadow rakes in the Lyme Valley Parkway at the end of summer. The activity was part of a long term project funded by Severn Trent Community Fund to create a wild flower meadow in the parkway near the banks of the Brook using traditional mowing methods. Sally Aldridge, Chair of the Friends, commented: “We want to encourage native plants and flowers to grow in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. This will attract more birds and wildlife to the area, increase diversity and enhance the environment in this much loved community facility.” Friends of Lyme Brook was formed two years ago to monitor, protect and improve the quality of the Lyme Brook and its environs. The Brook which flows through the length of Newcastle before joining the River Trent at Trentham is central to the Town’s sense of wellbeing, particularly in these current difficult times when it has provided much needed green space and recreational area. Sally continued: “The Brook is a wonderful amenity, but it is at risk from pollution, development and littering. Having the group monitoring the quality of the water on a
friends of lyme brook
Wild Flower Meadow regular basis protects it from these threats and preserves it for future generations.” The group and the meadow creation project have been enthusiastically supported by the Borough Council Community Office and Severn Trent. The start of the programme to create the meadow was delayed due to Covid. The Friends were trained how to use traditional scythes to mow the waist high grass and nettles so that native species of plants can set seed and grow. As well as monitoring water quality, the Friends organise wildlife and bird walks, litter picking and “balsam bashing” (removing Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the Brook before the seeds spread and suppress native plants growing.) New members are welcome. More information regarding the Friend’s activities can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/64646264 5543567/?ref=bookmarks and can be contacted at FriendsofLymeBrook@gmail.com
Lyme Valley Parkway in spring
Wild flowers in the Parkway
keele university
UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR FOR KEELE
N
earby Keele University has been recognised as being among the best universities in the country, having been shortlisted for University of the Year in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) awards. The prestigious THE awards recognise outstanding work in universities covering the whole breadth of their activity – both in academia and professional services. The coveted University of the Year award is given to an institution which demonstrates exceptional performance across its research, teaching, leadership and business performance across its operations, and to be named as a finalist in this category is a significant achievement in itself. The 2020 awards celebrate the achievements of universities throughout 2018/19, when Keele celebrated its 70th anniversary and enjoyed
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another outstanding year across all of its activities: from access through to teaching, research, and engagement. Among the highlights from 2018/19 include a visit by Sir David Attenborough to open the new life science laboratories, during which he commended Keele’s work on sustainability and environmental issues; and the launch of the innovative HyDeploy project on campus, a pilot project which could drastically reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by decarbonising the gas grid. The shortlisting announcement comes in the same week that Keele enjoyed a successful performance across several subjects in the Guardian University Guide 2021, ranking in the Top 10 in England for Student Satisfaction, and with four of its subjects achieving Top 10 in England status. Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice Chancellor of Keele
University said: "I’m incredibly proud that Keele has been named as a finalist for the University of the Year award. “This nomination is a fitting recognition of the outstanding work of the staff and students here. The world class research and teaching by our academic staff is having a significant impact in fields like climate change, green energy and sustainability, and inspiring our students to go forward into the world and tackle the biggest challenges facing society, the economy, and the world. “We also have an incredible network of professional service staff, who work tirelessly to provide essential support for staff and students. This nomination is shared by the whole Keele community and is a testament to all of their dedication and hard work.” The winner will be announced from among the shortlisted universities when the THE awards are held this November.
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motoring
RENAULT PRO+ UNVEILS THE ALLNEW RENAULT KANGOO VAN
R
enault PRO+ has announced the first details of the All-New Renault Kangoo. The latest generation of the light commercial builds on the success of its award-winning predecessor with a bold, completely new exterior, brand new interior and significant advances in infotainment and driver assistance systems. The All-New Kangoo promises to revolutionise its segment by complementing its practicality and versatility with an upmarket feel that is generated through a high level of standard equipment and new materials throughout. Once again, the range will offer business users a 100 per cent electric version. With its zero-tailpipe-emissions-in-use, the All-New Renault Kangoo Z.E. allows professionals to benefit from a highly usable, environmentally compatible van that meets the challenges of urban mobility. Instantly distinguishing the All-New Kangoo is a completely redesigned front end with an elegant chrome line between the grille and the front bumper. The sleeker front end flows into sculpted sides with a more pronounced profile. A brand-new interior adds to the car-like sophisticated feel of the All-New Kangoo. The centrepiece is a new horizontal dashboard that has a stylish appearance and numerous storage spaces, while new, completely redesigned seats enhance comfort and durability. Convenience and safety are heightened with the Renault 34 Newcastle Life Issue 27
EASY LINK multimedia system and new driving aids, which include the Permanent Rear View digital interior mirror. This new system provides excellent rear visibility where a bulkhead obscures natural rearview vision. Other new features will include a host of new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The new generation model will be available in two lengths. It offers a highly useful volume of 3.3m3 to 3.9m3 in the standard van and from 4.2 m3 to 4.9 m3 in the longer version. The All-New Kangoo will be produced in Groupe Renault’s Maubeuge factory in France. The Renault Kangoo has helped Renault to be the European leader in vans since
1998 for 21 consecutive years, with over four million sold since 1997. The Renault Kangoo Z.E. has made a major contribution to the manufacturer’s standing as a pioneer and leader in electric LCVs in Europe for the last nine years. Since its introduction in 2011, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. has been the best-selling electric commercial vehicle in Europe with over 50,000 sold to date. Renault PRO+ vehicles account for nearly one in two electric LCVs sold in Europe and Renault is committed to electrify its entire range of vans by 2022. Further details of the AllNew Renault Kangoo will be released in 2021.
Newcastle Life Issue 27
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