Newcastle Life Issue 32

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ISSUE 32

Life

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF NEWCASTLE LIFE MAGAZINE

Poetry in motion.

See page 23

Prestigious borough awards.

See page 8

Three decades of In Bloom.

See pages 24 + 25

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IS S U E 3 2

Editor s Letter .......................................5

Poet Laureate .....................................23

Student Artists.......................................6

Newcastle in Bloom ..........................24

Freedom of the Borough. ...................8

New Vic Theatre.................................26

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue ................8

What s On............................................27

Keele University....................................9

Wome s Institute.................................28

World of Wedgwood ........................10

RSPCA..................................................29

Allstars Academy ...............................14

Local Plan Consultation ....................30

Appetite..............................................16

New Sports Facilities..........................31

Contributor Appeal ...........................17

Well-being Column............................32

Kickstart Scheme ...............................20

Door 2 Door Transport......................33

Kidsgrove Sports Centre ..................21

Potteries Outdoor Group...................33

Volunteering Appeal.........................22

Quiz Corner.........................................34

NBC Green Team ...............................23

Gardening............................................35

EDITOR S LETTER

Help us celebrate all things Newcastle Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor news@timesandecho.co.uk Erin Tuckwell 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

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Visit timesechoandlife.co.uk

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H

ere we are again, with another jam packed edition of the Newcastle Life Magazine.

We hope you enjoy reading about what s been happening in this lovely community.

I d like to make a little appeal, if I may . we need your help in being able to celebrate and promote all things Newcastle so I would like you to get in contact with us if you have any stories to tell about life in this beautiful town.

This could be anything from: you, or a family member, having achieved something great recently; you have a community event coming up which you would like us to help you promote; you re going above and beyond for charity; you are a community group which is starting up a new initiative; you ve spotted or found something unusual; you re

having a reunion with old school friends for the first time in years; you want to thank someone for helping you out of a sticky situation; you are a community group which is celebrating a milestone anniversary; or you generally have something worth shouting about to tell the rest of the town then, we want to hear from you!

You can contact me at news@timesandecho.co.uk.

But in the meantime, grab a brew, get comfy in your favourite chair and happy reading!

Until next time take care!

Belinda

Cover Photo Our front page pic has been kindly sent in to us by Claire Winsch from the Potteries Outdoor Group, who has also produced a report about Walking the Newcastle Way. See page 33 Newcastle Life Issue 32 5

STUDENT ARTISTS

Students impress with Michelin murals

S

taffordshire University students, including one from Newcastle, have been helping to revitalise Michelin s head office in Stoke-on-Trent.

The tyre manufacturer tasked students across Photography, Graphic Design and Illustration courses with designing wall art to welcome staff and visitors to their Campbell Road offices.

The brief challenged students to think outside the box and create something different to the usual company brand, avoiding traditional tyre or Michelin man designs. It was also important that the designs echoed Stoke-on-Trent and acknowledged Michelin s themes of equality and diversity.

Lucy Wright, Cultural Business Ambassador at Michelin, explained: Michelin has some fantastic existing artwork but we really wanted to have some fresh art and a new workspace for when we all came back after lockdown.

We always try to work with the community around us. I went to Staffs Uni and know that it has got a great Art and Design department so we thought we d get in touch and see what the students had to offer.

After all students pitched their ideas, Paige Findler and Dani McMaster were commissioned to bring their designs to life and the pair have been working with Michelin throughout the summer.

Final year Graphic Design student Paige stood out with her digital designs which reimagine the Michelin brothers with a contemporary 6 Newcastle Life Issue 32

Paige Findler twist.

The 21-year-old from Newcastle-under-Lyme said: Michelin was a more detailed brief than some of my previously commissioned work but it demonstrated that I can rise to the challenge, problemsolve and wow the client with my creativity. The designs for this project were the largest forms of artwork I have physically ever made.

Being picked for something like this is quite a rare experience and I appreciate that they liked my work so much that they would give me the opportunity to do this. It s brilliant, I ve loved creating it.

Meanwhile, MA Illustration student Dani celebrates both Staffordshire s industrial heritage and iconic countryside in her work. The 22-year-old painted rolling hills and trees onto the walls of Michelin s People Lounge alongside illustrated scenes of Stoke-onTrent including Middleport Pottery and a traditional terraced street in Shelton where she lives. A rubber plant also adorns the wall as a nod to Michelin s tyre manufacturing legacy.

After being revealed this month, the murals have been warmly received by staff.

Illustration graduate Chloe Breeze has also been commissioned to create art for the offices and Michelin hope to work on more projects with Staffordshire University in future.

Kate Wood, Cultural Consultant at Michelin, added: This is not something we have done before, but it has been such a success that will pave the way for future collaborations. I am thrilled with how Paige and Dani have brought a burst of energy and creativity to our office space that we could never have achieved without their input.

Lucy added: What a joy to work with Dani and Paige on this creative mural wall project, making the process streamlined, pleasurable and delivering beautiful mural work. This process has felt effortless and we've been wowed with the professional handling of the project by the students. I'll continue to be advocate of Staffs Uni and look forward to future collaborative creative projects.

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FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH

Prestigious awards for hospital and resident

T

he Royal Stoke University Hospital has recently been awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Newcastle-underLyme Borough Council in a short ceremony at Keele University.

Chief Executive Tracy Bullock received the official certificate on behalf of all the staff at the hospital for: All their selfless work, dedication and care given to borough residents and beyond, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Borough resident Jim Worgan also recently received the honour in recognition of his life-long support of many community groups and associations in the borough.

Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Ken Owen with chief executive of the Royal Stoke University Hospital Tracy Bullock and borough resident Jim Worgan.

STAFFORDSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE

New fire chief started career in Newcastle

S

taffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed a new fire chief, Rob Barber.

Rob, who was previously the

8 Newcastle Life Issue 32

service s deputy chief fire officer, took up his new role in October after a 24-year career.

Rob started his career as a firefighter at Newcastle Fire Station in 1997 and spent the majority of the next 10 years stationed between Newcastle and Hanley stations.

In 2007 he was promoted to Station Manager at Burton-onTrent Fire Station and moved between there, Tamworth and his former stations before transferring to Service Headquarters in 2012.

He became a principal officer in 2014 and went on to be appointed as Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2016.

Rob led on the Moorlands wildfire in 2018 and was heavily involved in the response to the Stafford house fire in 2019.

Speaking of his new role, Rob said: I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire.

The service is committed to preventing fires and other

incidents from occurring, in order to ensure the safety of our communities.

We have a fantastic service that is delivered by some amazing people and ensuring their wellbeing is a key priority for me.

I will work hard to support all of our people in order to deliver the highest level of safety, through prevention, protection, and response.

He added: There are numerous challenges ahead, however.

I know that both our operational and nonoperational personnel work tirelessly on a daily basis to support their communities and I recognise that it is these people who deliver the outstanding service.

Therefore, it is an honour to be able to lead this organisation.

Rob, who is 50, lives with his wife and 20-year-old son in Baldwins Gate. He enjoys being active and keeping fit.

KEELE UNIVERSITY

Student invited to Downing Street

A

university student was recently invited to 10 Downing Street to mark his success in making the finals of a prestigious international competition.

Keele Uni PhD student Elliott Lancaster, who has been announced as a top ten finalist in the Chegg.org Global Student Prize, has also been praised for his accomplishments by PM Boris Johnson, who wrote to Elliott to congratulate him on his incredible achievement.

A spokesman for Keele Uni said: During the visit, Elliot met with ministers to discuss the work which led to his shortlisting.

Elliott has made the top ten of the prestigious competition for his work campaigning for mental health, social enterprise, sustainability, and a solution to homelessness alongside his PhD studies. He has seen off competition from over 3,500 other competitors and is now in the running for a £100,000 prize.

In his letter to Elliott, the Prime Minister wrote: You have shown great courage in overcoming personal challenges, and I know that your success will serve as an inspiration to young people across our country.

Your passion for protecting our environment

including through your fantastic Utter Rubbish project is inspiring, and exactly what we need at this crucial time in our planet s history. I wish you all the best for the final on November 10 and I hope that it will provide an even bigger platform for you to inspire others.

Elliott said: It is very humbling to have been recognised in this way alongside such inspirational students. I look forward to using this platform to amplify the student voice further.

The winner is set to be announced at a virtual ceremony from the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on November 10.

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Newcastle Life Issue 32 9

WORLD OF WEDGWOOD

Santa is all set to visit Wedgwood

F

or four magical weekends in the run up to Christmas, Santa Claus and his helpful elf will be making a very special appearance in the iconic World of Wedgwood Tea Room for an unforgettable breakfast with Santa experience.

A spokesman said: During your sitting you will enjoy a delicious breakfast feast accompanied with Christmas music and wondrous décor, followed by a meet and greet with the much loved pair.

Santa and his elf will greet each and every family and all children will receive a special gift from the man himself. A truly memorable morning to be had by all.

Dates for Breakfast with Santa at World of Wedgwood are: November 27 and 28, December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 with 9am and 11am slots each day.

Cost: £15 per person (age three and above).

Infant supplement: £5 per head (age two and below).

Menu: The Wedgwood Breakfast (with vegetarian option also available). Bacon, sausage, beans, fried egg, hash brown, tomato and mushroom, all freshly cooked to perfection.

The Children s Breakfast: A smaller version of the Wedgwood Breakfast, perfect for little people.

All tables will also receive toast with butter

10 Newcastle Life Issue 32

and preserves, English breakfast tea, True Start filter coffee and fresh orange juice.

Meanwhile, visitors can also visit Santa in his Magical Christmas Grotto at the World of Wedgwood.

The spokesman said: This year, Santa Claus and his elf requested that if they are to visit all of the children in Stoke-on-Trent this year, we must create a spell-binding space much similar to the North Pole - fit with snow - for each and every child to enjoy a truly magical grotto experience.

We are delighted to announce that we have exceeded Santa s expectations and he will be waiting in his snow-filled, twinkling grotto, located in our Wedgwood store for a pictureperfect moment for you and your little ones to cherish forever.

Santa will be bringing his sleigh packed with presents for every child to receive a very special Christmas gift during their visit.

Dates of Santa s Grotto are the same as Breakfast with Santa. Cost: £8 per child The spokesman added: Please note that time slots are a maximum of five minutes and have a capacity of four children per time slot. Families with more than four children must book an extra slot.

For further information and to book places go online to: www.worldofwedgwood.com.

World of Wedgwood Welcome to a world of luxury shopping, colourful dining, unique events, hands-on learning experiences, picturesque woodland and the V&A Wedgwood Collection.

What s on this winter?

Throughout the year

Santa s Magical Grotto from 27th Nov Breakfast with Santa from 27th Nov NYE afternoon tea with bottomless prosecco 31st Dec Festive afternoon tea from 27th Nov Feasted presents A Potters Christmas . Five courses through gastronomy 10th Dec Wreath making workshops in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust The grand opening of Lunar by Niall Keating 25th November Pottery decorating workshops Late night shopping from 24th November and 9th December

Wednesdays through to Sundays you can enjoy brunch, lunch and our iconic afternoon tea at World of Wedgwood, which includes a delightful array of your favourite sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, fancies and fluffy scones, amongst other delicious treats. Our Little Gardeners Afternoon Tea means that children can have just as much fun dining with us too! Shop our Wedgwood store, Factory Outlet and new for 2021, Josiah and Co , a little shop with a big ambition to put local artisans on the map. Guests can also enjoy exploring Wedgwood through the centuries in the V&A Wedgwood Collection or on a working factory tour.

Children and adults alike can even throw your very own pot in our Clay Studio!

Open Wednesday through to Sunday 10am-5pm

World of Wedgwood, Barlaston, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER. Arrange your visit now by calling 01782 282986, email info@worldofwedgwood.com or visit us online www.worldofwedgwood.com

For all the latest news, events and updates, follow us on Instagram: @worldofwedgwood #worldofwedgwood Twitter: @worldofwedgwood Facebook: /worldofwedgwood

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ALLSTARS ACADEMY

Funding boost for young footballers

A

soccer school in Newcastle-underLyme which is helping youngsters improve their physical and mental health in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has been given a £4,000 boost by JCB. Former international footballer Chris Birchall set up the Allstars Academy for four to 11-year-olds earlier this year with the emphasis on the fun side of the game. Now JCB has stepped in to sponsor the initiative in Newcastle-underLyme to provide essential kit as well as water bottles, hoodies and certificates for youngsters who complete ten sessions on the pitch at The Orme Academy in Milehouse Lane, Wolstanton.

And participants got a special surprise at a recent coaching session an appearance by British Triple Jump Champion and JCBsponsored athlete Ben Williams, who represented Great Britain at the Olympics at

14 Newcastle Life Issue 32

triple jump.

Chris, aged 37, a Children s Mentor for the Port Vale Foundation, played for Port Vale, Coventry and LA Galaxy, as well as starring in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago, where his mother was born. He said: It s been a difficult time, really hard on youngsters, and playing football is one way of getting them outside to be active with the added benefit of boosting their mental health.

Former midfielder Chris, of Newcastle, added: I appreciate the effort JCB is making to recognise what I am doing.

People will be inspired to see that a massive company like JCB is caring for the local children in Newcastle-underLyme and Stoke-on-Trent area.

Ben, who also played for Port Vale as a teenager and helped Chris lead a coaching session at the weekend, added: The work Chris is doing with youngsters is inspiring. He

gives up his Saturday mornings to bring enjoyment to the kids of the area and it s great that JCB is supporting such a brilliant initiative.

Around 100 youngsters have joined the Allstars Academy since it was set up in May and Chris emphasises that the Academy welcomes youngsters with no experience of kicking a ball, and the training is funbased with laughter and jokes.

He said: It s not all about ability. Some players come just for the fun of it, there s no pressure. Local clubs like Stoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra as well as Manchester City will no doubt be keeping an eye out for any hidden gems.

The Academy runs three sessions on Saturdays and on Sundays. Anyone wishing to attend should check out Chris Birchall s Allstars Academy on Facebook or contact Chris via email: allstars2021academy@gmail.co m.

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APPETITE

Earthly exhibition at university campus

L

uke Jerram s Gaia , an installation that features 120dpi (Dots Per Inch) detailed NASA imagery of the Earth s surface, is being brought to Keele Chapel at Keele University by arts organisation Appetite and the University s arts programme, ArtsKeele this November.

The artwork, which measures six metres in diameter, can be seen at Keele Chapel on the Keele University campus from Saturday, November 6 to Saturday, November 27.

A spokesman for Appetite said: Audience members will be able to visit Gaia Monday to Friday by dropping in, though capacity is limited and it will be first come first served. When visiting at the weekend audiences will be able to book a free slot online. There will also be a programme of surrounding events to complement the installation that audiences will be able to purchase tickets for, full details of which will be announced soon.

The installation will give audiences the opportunity to see the Earth as it might be seen from space, also known as the

Overview Effect. This new perspective of the planet allows the audience to think about their place on the planet and remind them of the responsibility that people have to protect it.

Artist Luke Jerram specialises in the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Gaia follows on from Museum of the Moon which was brought to King s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent in 2018.

A specially made surround sound composition will be played alongside the sculpture, created by award-winning Composer Dan Jones. A full programme of events is also set to be announced which will take place beneath the stunning spectacle.

Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said: We are thrilled to be welcoming another of Luke Jerram s installations following the positive response to Museum of the Moon a few years ago and other works we ve presented of his Play Me, I m Yours and Lullaby.

We hope that, following the past year, Gaia might be able to provide audiences with a new perspective of our place and relationship with the planet

whilst enjoying the piece in Keele Chapel, a stunning space where we will also be hosting a programme of events and in a way that Gaia can be enjoyed and appreciated.

Steph Wright of ArtsKeele added: We are super excited to be working in partnership with Appetite to bring Gaia to Keele University campus. The installation will be one of the biggest events of our ArtsKeele calendar this season. We look forward to seeing visitors immerse themselves into this epic piece of art which will also provide a focal point for a range of programmed activities including concerts, creative sessions, lectures, wellbeing activity and the opportunity to just be with Gaia.

The installation of Gaia coincides with the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), providing a timely reminder to exhibition visitors of the challenges the planet is currently facing.

Visit the ArtsKeele and Appetite websites for further information. Alternatively email askus@appetitestoke.co.uk or call 01782 381373.

The Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral in 2019. Photo by Gareth Jones 16 Newcastle Life Issue 32

CONTRIBUTOR APPEAL

We need you!

W

e, here at the Newcastle Life Magazine, always strive to help promote and celebrate all things about life in this area but we often need your help to do this.

Whether you have a story to tell about an achievement you, or one of your family members has recently gained; or you have perhaps set yourself a challenge all in aid of charity; maybe you have a community event coming up which you would like to tell our readers all about; or perhaps you just wish to simply write a letter about what makes you happy about living in Newcastle-under-Lyme - we would love to hear from you.

We are also on the look out for potential regular contributors to our community magazine maybe you are a local historian who could tell our readers about snippets of history from yesteryear in the area; or maybe you are a health and/or fitness expert who would like to pass on their knowledge to help others; maybe you are a local councillor who would like to let residents know what you and your colleagues have been up

to lately; or maybe you are a garden nature enthusiast who would like to submit regular reports about your latest findings we would love to hear from you too.

Please email our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com

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Newcastle Life Issue 32 17

WE RE HEAR FOR YOU

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KICKSTART SCHEME

Staffs Uni helps young people to kickstart careers

S

taffordshire University is helping young people onto the career ladder through the Government backed Kickstart Scheme.

The £2 billion fund, announced last July, was set up to create job roles for 16 to 24year-olds on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. In total, six Kickstart employees have been offered six-month placements in a variety of roles across the university.

Thomas Wragg, from Chesterton, has started a placement at Staffordshire University as a Peer Mentoring and Wellbeing Officer after graduating with a History degree from Keele University last summer.

Thomas, aged 24, said: Graduating in the middle of a pandemic wasn t easy. There weren t many jobs related to my degree and there was generally more competition for roles because of people being made redundant.

When I heard about this role with Staffordshire University through the Job Centre, I knew I wanted it and went home and applied straight away.

Thomas s varied role will involve mentoring current students plus helping with events, social media and reporting. He hopes the placement will provide a stepping-stone to a career in education and plans to stay at Staffs to complete his teacher training.

He added: Getting work experience is more important than ever and there are not many opportunities to get paid at the same time. This is a 20 Newcastle Life Issue 32

Thomas Wragg and Ashleigh Shone perfect role for me there are not many better places to work.

Meanwhile, Staffordshire University graduate Ashleigh Shone has started as a School Event Liaison and Outreach Officer and hopes her own journey into higher education will inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

As a teenager Ashleigh was taken out of mainstream education and through choice went into care to get a better understanding and diagnoses of her mental health disorder.

During this period Ashleigh lived in several foster and residential homes including the YMCA. The 24-year-old from Dresden said: My home life and mental health was very quickly deteriorating; I wasn t worrying about my education, I was worrying about where I would be sleeping the following night or what I would do at 2.30pm when school closes. I wouldn t unpack my bags wherever I was because I knew it wouldn t be permanent.

When she became pregnant at 17, Ashleigh spent the first four months of her daughter s

life living with the Gingerbread Centre charity before finding a home of her own. After gaining qualifications in Maths and English at college she completed Staffordshire University s Step Up to Higher Education course which enabled her to enrol on to the BA (Hons) Social Welfare Law, Policy and Advice Practice degree.

During her studies, Ashleigh volunteered at her old school, supporting pupils who struggle with social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues.

As a young single parent, I knew I was at a disadvantage but that motivated me more to become the best version of myself for my daughter. My experience and journey at uni opened my eyes to a whole new world of aspiration and inspiration.

As someone who struggled in mainstream education, who left with very few qualifications and left as a care leaver I feel really honoured to be given this chance. I feel I will really expand my skills, experience and knowledge to be able to help others.

KIDSGROVE SPORTS CENTRE

Cash boost for sports centre

A

community group in the Newcastle borough is set to receive a £1,000 cash boost from a UK leading housebuilder.

Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group was recently successfully chosen by Persimmon Homes as part of its Community Champions scheme.

The group, which was formed in 2017 by residents, has listed the building as of community interest, obtaining charitable status.

David Rigby, a trustee for the community group, said: We are extremely grateful for the donation from Persimmon Homes, and we will use the funding to purchase new equipment for a range of sporting activities.

We want the centre to be a community-led venture which provides affordable sport and leisure facilities to our local communities.

We hope that by providing new equipment we can promote health and fitness, reducing obesity in the area and improving people s lifestyle choices.

Dave Hodgson, sales director of Persimmon Homes North West, said: In an area where the life expectancy is below national average and child obesity is in the top five, this group is so important and will make a huge difference to the lives of those in the community.

We are pleased to be able to support Kidsgrove Sport Centre in their venture. Groups like these are why we run our Community Champions scheme.

Community Champions sees each of the company s regional offices make two donations of up to £1,000 each month. Details and an online application form can be found at: www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

Newcastle Life Issue 32 21

VOLUNTEERING APPEAL

“Volunteering can help change lives”

P

eople in Newcastle and across Staffordshire are being encouraged to consider volunteering as part of a new campaign to help keep themselves happy, healthy and feeling good.

The Do it to feel good campaign is reminding people: of the importance of looking after their mental health and the positive impact that making small changes can have on their wellbeing.

Francesca Whetnall, aged 28 is one person who has improved her own wellbeing while making a difference in her local community.

Francesca volunteered at Silverdale library in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, before going on to be employed by Business Enterprise Support who run Silverdale and Clayton Libraries.

She said: It was very difficult for me to decide to volunteer, I had been out of work at that point for around eight years due to having mental health issues. Volunteering at the library, although scary at first, gave me so much confidence and a sense of self-worth that I didn t have before. I have also met so many amazing people and it has completely changed my life for the better. I would most definitely recommend volunteering to others.

Meanwhile, Jan Nevitt, aged 63, recently moved to Stafford. She didn t know anyone in the local area apart from her family but is now a volunteer at Silkmore Children s Centre where she helps out once a week at the Stay and Play

Johnny McMahon 22 Newcastle Life Issue 32

Francesca Whetnall

sessions there.

Jan said: Volunteering has made me feel great again and has helped me get out and about and socialise. Rather than being at home and wondering what to do with your day, go out and do it. I d definitely recommend volunteering.

Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Support Member for Public Health and Integrated Care at Staffordshire County Council said: Now more than ever, it s important for us all to be more mindful of our mental wellbeing, to help us to live a happier and healthier life. If we can do this and help others at the same time, we can all benefit and that s where volunteering can make a difference.

When you volunteer, you re helping yourself as well as others. You re getting out and connecting with people, learning new skills which can boost your confidence, and the kind act of giving can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health too. There s hundreds of volunteering opportunities available across the county and I would urge people to have a look and take that first step.

Do it to feel good is based on the five pillars of well-being: connecting with other people; being active; taking notice of the world around you; learning new skills and giving.

Details of local volunteering opportunities are available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/DoingOurBit/Volunt eering.

NBC GREEN TEAM

Students help clean up their community

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he Newcastle Borough Council Green Team have been getting a lot of helping hands lately in their bid to keep the area clean and tidy.

Students from both Sun Academy Bradwell and Newcastle College have been among the latest kind-hearted groups to volunteer their time to help the NBC Green Team.

A spokesman for the NBC Green Team said on October 4: Today we have been out with Year 5 and Year 6 from Sun Academy Bradwell.

We spent the morning in lessons learning about how littering impacts the environment and designing posters that can be put around the school to encourage others to reduce, reuse and recycle.

We then spent the afternoon out on a very wet litter pick. We set a competition to see which class could collect the most litter. When we got back to school we weighed the litter we had collected.

The results were: Year 6

Students from Sun Academy Bradwell collected 11kg of litter, while Year 5 collected 22.5kg of litter.

So that was a total of 33.5kg of litter removed from the Bradwell area. Such an amazing job everyone.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the NBC Green Team said on October 13: It felt great to be out with volunteers from Newcastle College and Newcastle-under-Lyme BID today cutting back the Italian herb bed in our town centre. Everyone worked really hard. Well done.

Students from Sun Academy Bradwell

POET LAUREATE

New Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire

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Newcastle pupil has been named as the new Young Poet Laureate for Staffordshire.

15-year-old Erin GascoigneJones was appointed to the role at a special poetry event organised by Staffordshire County Council s Libraries service and WORD Stafford. The event was held in Stafford library recently.

Erin, who is a Year 11 pupil from Sir Thomas Boughey Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was joined by members of the libraries service, the Staffordshire Poet Laureate Mel Wardle-Woodend and members of the public for the event, held as part of the celebrations for National Poetry Day. Erin performed one of her poems in front of a live audience, with poets from Italy and Germany joining the event virtually via

Zoom. During her one year post, Erin will be mentored by Mel to develop her poetry writing skills and will be creating poems to mark special occasions celebrated by the libraries service.

Speaking about her appointment, Erin said: Hearing my name when it was announced really shocked me because the other shortlisted poets were so impressive.

It's such an honour to have this role and I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I'll have throughout my year. As Young Poet Laureate, I am excited to inspire a greater appreciation for poetry throughout a range of ages. I also love the beauty and vulnerability of poetry and hope to bring this to light with workshops and performances.

I look forward to offering unapologetic authenticity with my art form to all who will listen while

in this role and beyond.

Councillor Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries at Staffordshire County Council, said: We re very proud of our Young Poet Laureate scheme and I m delighted to welcome Erin to the role.

This is all about promoting a love of poetry across our great county and showcasing the creative writing talent of teenagers across the area.

I m sure Erin will do a fabulous job and we look forward to her poems, workshops and activities.

Newcastle Life Issue 32 23

NEWCASTLE IN BLOOM

Gardeners celebrated at 30th anniversary event

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inners of judges choice awards in the Newcastle Borough Council s annual gardening competitions were announced at a celebration event recently to mark 30 years of involvement in Britain in Bloom.

A spokesman for the council said: An incredible space packed full of interesting features in Kidsgrove and a delightful, wildlifefriendly area in Clayton are officially the best residential gardens in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Maureen Wilson and Graham Green, and Donna Thorley, are the respective winners of Judges Choice Awards in the hotly-contested residential category of the Council s annual gardening competitions after equally impressing the judges with their outstanding horticultural work this summer.

The results of the council s popular contest an important part of the borough s Heart of England in Bloom entry were announced at a celebration event recently held at the New Vic Theatre to applaud 30 years of success for Newcastleunder-Lyme in the country s largest

horticultural campaign.

The spokesman added: Wonderful spaces at every turn created with real love and thought including a sensational book display earned Maureen and Graham high praise from three horticultural experts alongside Donna whose mature garden boasts a range of perennial and annual planting, using a tremendous colour pallet, with beautifully manicured borders and lawns.

Green-fingered residents across the borough were invited to submit digital entries for the first time this year following the pandemic. Rather than judges visiting people s homes as usual, gardeners were asked to send up to five photographs highlighting aspects such as wonderful views of a front/rear garden, an outstanding feature, good practice or evidence of encouraging wildlife along with an optional short written summary.

The judges awarded top marks to Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, Halmer End, in the schools category for successfully turning a previously disused area into a wildlife haven.

The school s wild garden project, created by the science club during the pandemic, links to the science curriculum. Students have built bug hotels, bird habitats, feeders and a range of planters which they have filled with pollinator-friendly plants.

Terry Lovatt, a long standing supporter of Newcastle in Bloom, received the Judges Choice Award in the allotments section for his ongoing efforts to maintain his plot

at Basford Allotments to the highest standard. It s a well laid out haven bursting with beautiful ornamentals, lovely lupins, perfectly formed peonies and nice ferns framing the small pond.

Not only did Newcastle-underLyme win a nineteenth consecutive gold award in the small city category of Heart of England in Bloom this year, it gained several discretionary awards: Horticultural excellence Queen s Gardens, Newcastle; Environmental award Silverdale Community Country Park; Grounds maintenance award Newcastle town centre roundabouts and public art; Community achievement Silverdale Mining Memorial; Health and well-being Amanda Stevenson, Lisbon Court, Clayton.

Because all portfolios were judged digitally, there is no category or overall winner this year.

However, feedback from the borough s campaign is very complimentary and full of praise for the work delivered during the pandemic.

In the licensed premises/businesses contest, the Judges Choice Award went to the Old Hall, a 15th century garden in Madeley. A variety of mature shrubs and perennials adorn the grounds of the delightful hall along with a splendid garden room containing beautiful hydrangeas. The perennial borders are maturing nicely, with a good mix of material, and there are some lovely features including arbours, a vegetable patch and a good sized pond.

Donna Thorley's beautiful garden in Clayton 24 Newcastle Life Issue 32

NEWCASTLE IN BLOOM Meanwhile, Jean Stevenson another bloom veteran received recognition for vastly improving popular community gardens in Church Street and Vernon Avenue, Audley, by introducing new plants to the areas she meticulously maintains.

All 48 entrants were presented with certificates of appreciation in addition to bulbs and seeds while the six Judges Choice Award winners also received bespoke, ceramic plant labels made by event sponsors Black Star Ceramics from Baldwins Gate. Everyone watched a nostalgic presentation taking a look back at bloom photographs captured from 1991 onwards.

Councillor Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: I would like to thank everyone who took the time

Terry Lovatt received the Judges Choice Award in the allotments section

and effort to enter the council s gardening competitions, with special congratulations going to the winners of the Judges Choice Awards. They play an important part in the borough s overall bloom campaign by bringing communities together, through their shared love of horticulture, to help make Newcastle-underLyme an even better place to live, work and visit.

We ve had to do things slightly differently this time round, but it s been great to start engaging with residents again after a year away due to lockdowns. The borough is home to many talented gardeners and it s fantastic to see people enjoying their gardens more than ever during this unprecedented time.

It s been another successful

campaign and that s down to the hard work and dedication of our communities and staff teams. The Britain in Bloom judges are clearly happy that we ve maintained the same high standards despite all the challenges the pandemic has brought which makes it all the more special. It s great to keep the borough up there among the leading lights of bloom , a proud reputation we ve cultivated over the past 30 years.

It s also lovely to be able to celebrate our collective achievements at the New Vic Theatre while marking our special anniversary. The borough s Britain in Bloom campaign has evolved so much over the past three decades and we ve achieved so much during that time here s to the next 30 years.

Above: Maureen Wilson and Graham Green's garden in Kidsgrovee

Above :Jean Stevenson received recognition for vastly improving popular community gardens in Church Street and Vernon Avenue, Audley Newcastle Life Issue 32 25

NEW VIC THEATRE

Theatre-in-the-round celebrates six decades

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he New Vic has announced the first part of their Spring 2022 season, beginning a year of celebrations to mark the 60thanniversary of theatre making for the company.

The first two productions in the theatre-in-the-round s year of celebrations will be the much anticipated Marvellous, the world premiere stage production based on the extraordinary life of Neil Nello Baldwin, and an exciting co-production of Shakespeare s As You Like It with Northern Broadsides.

New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: Over the years the New Vic has continually honoured its origins in groundbreaking documentary dramas championed by founding director Peter Cheeseman, dramatising issues relevant to our community.

The plays in our upcoming season feel like a perfect complement to the company s

60th anniversary, celebrating all that is unique about our work and in-the-round theatre, none more so than the extraordinary true story of local hero, clown and Stoke City FC kit man Neil Nello Baldwin. With Marvellous, we have a story that I know will fill us all with such optimism. It s also wonderful to be collaborating once again with Northern Broadsides on a vibrant production of Shakespeare s As You Like It. I can t wait to open the year by sharing these two plays with audiences.

The world premiere stage production of everyday hero Neil Nello Baldwin s story Marvellous will be performed from Friday, March 11 to Saturday, April 9.

Beginning the year with a double-celebration, the New Vic will collaborate with Northern Broadsides on Shakespeare s As You Like It from Friday, February 4 to Saturday, February 26, before it embarks on a national tour. The production will see both

companies celebrating milestones the New Vic theatre company s 60th and Northern Broadsides 30th anniversaries.

The productions kick off a year-long celebration of the beginnings of the New Vic theatre company, then the Victoria Theatre Company and the first professional company in Britain to perform permanently in-theround. Founded 60 years ago, in October 1962 by Peter Cheeseman, the company earned an international reputation for producing documentary-style dramas that told stories of reallives.

For more information go online to: newvictheatre.org.uk.

Win a family ticket to see Beauty And The Beast This Christmas, discover the original Beauty and The Beast at the New Vic Theatre, and fall in love with a true classic.

The New vic s exceptional creative team are back together once again to create a show full of festive joy. Expect enchanting storytelling, music, humour and plenty of magical moments as we bring this wellknown tale to life in our spectacular trademark style.

Beauty and the Beast is set to run at the New Vic from November 26 until January 15.

Socially distanced performances available.

For more information and to book tickets go online to: newvictheatre.org.uk or call 01782 717962.

We have teamed up with the New Vic Theatre to offer a family ticket for two adults and two children for the show.

To be in with a chance of winning the family ticket to see Beauty and the Beast, answer the following question:

26 Newcastle Life Issue 32

What is Beauty s real name? A) Ella. B) Bella. C) Cinderella.

Your answer.......................................................................

Your name.........................................................................

Your address.....................................................................

Your contact number....................................................

Post entries to: Beauty and the Beast Competition, Times & Echo, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire. ST10 1BD. Entries must arrive by 5pm on November 24, 2021.

What s on Castle Artisan Market Every third Sunday of the month.

Monthly Artisan Market held in the historic market town of Newcastle-underLyme. Celebrating the best local makers, bakers and creators with an exciting mix of live music and street food too. Details: www.facebook.com/castlear tisan.

The Farmers' Market Every fourth Friday of each month around the Guildhall and alongside the general market, between 9am and 2.30pm, bringing together food from local and regional producers and also periodic craft and creative makers.

For further details about Newcastle s markets, go online to: www.newcastlestaffs.gov.uk.

The General Market Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 9am and 4pm selling a wide range of goods.

Saturday, November 20 Christmas Market at The Victoria Hotel, Newcastle.

10am-1pm.

The Antiques Market Operated by the Antique Forum Group every Tuesday and Saturday between 8am and 3pm, selling a range of antiques, collectables and vintage items.

The Car Boot, Bric-aBrac and Collectibles Market Operated by the Antique Forum Group every Thursday between 8am and 3pm, selling a range of brica-brac and collectable items.

Sunday, November 21 Christmas Lights Switch On in Newcastle-underLyme. With live performances, festive market, fairground rides, street food and more.

Details: www.facebook.com/events/ 1249005132232969.

Friday, November 26 Winterfest at St Wulston s Primary School, Wolstanton. 6pm.

Admission £1 per family.

With over 30 market stalls, special guests, children s entertainment, live music, plus food and drink.

November 26 to January 29 Beauty and the Beast at the New Vic Theatre. Details and tickets: www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

Sunday, December 5 Winter Vegan Festival in Newcastle town centre.

10am onwards.

Please note that the information in this feature was correct at the time of print but all events are subject to change. Please check with the venues for updates.

Do you have a public/community event coming up which you would like to appear in our What s On feature? Email what, when, where, etc, to our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook .com.

Newcastle Life Issue 32 27

WOMEN S INSTITUTE

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he Women s Institute (WI), which was formed in 1915 and is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK, plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Here we take a look at what's been going on at local WI s and see that they are not just jam and Jerusalem.

Is your WI group in the Newcastle and surrounding villages area?

Would you like your group to be featured in our WI pages? Email Belinda at news@timesandecho.co.uk

N

orth Staffordshire Women s Institute group Let s Make Jam are once again leading the pack with their hard work and support for the local community.

Members of their subsidiary craft group Jammie Hookers regularly support local causes, and were looking for a big and meaningful project that they could all get involved in. After careful consideration of many suggested projects, it was finally agreed at the end of August 2021 that the suggestion of a large Poppy display for the local church would be their next challenge.

Mags Johnston who suggested the Poppy Installation, said of the project: I remember as a child, going to Sunday School and then attending the service at the Cenotaph outside Hanley Town Hall.

To be involved with the Poppy Display designed and made by members of Let s Make Jam WI, has been an honour and privilege, the camaraderie, fun, humour, hospitality and well just being the best. It works like a well-oiled machine, working together we have achieved the most amazing display, incorporating thousands of poppies, all made by members, in all shapes, sizes, colours and mediums.

It will be one display not to be missed.

Mirroring the camaraderie displayed in the early days of the Suffragette movement, the ladies assembled, recruiting others from outside of the Jammy Hookers group, each with their own powerful reasons for wanting to support such a cause. The crochet, knitting and craft group who meets on the first Thursday of every month, outside of their usual meetings, started work at the start of September 2021, successfully making over 1,000 poppies in a little over one month, before beginning the mammoth task of assembling the display nets.

New WI member Pauline Forrester said: This year I ve crocheted 237 poppies which have been split between Let s Make Jam s poppy display and Meir Matters. I have made them in memory of my husband who was in the 237 squadron of the Royal Logistics Corps. Until he died in 2020, he was the Poppy Appeal Organiser for MHF01 North Staffordshire and the Secretary of the Meir Longton Royal British Legion Branch.

The team are continuing to make poppies now to ensure the maximum impact from the rivers of poppies featured on the display. They hope that it will have a big impact stopping people in their tracks

28 Newcastle Life Issue 32

and making them think about all those who have given their lives so that we can be free of war. Many felt this was especially fitting with the current circumstances in Afghanistan, and the fact that as a region we are now welcoming large numbers of refugees from these areas. The ladies are hopeful that their display will be a reminder of the importance of peace, acceptance and support within the world we now live in.

The display itself was assembled on site on Sunday, October 31, and will remain in place throughout November, as we remember those who have lost their lives in any conflict.

WI member Rosie Howe said: Remembrance Sunday has always been important to our family. We always observe the two minutes silence. My dad who was a submariner and a commander in the Sea Cadet Corps for many years, always went out on parade. It s been a pleasure for me to make a small contribution to this wonderful display. I have kept a poppy back to take to my dad on that day.

If you wish to visit the display, you can find it at St Margaret s Church, Church Lane in Wolstanton, Newcastleunder-Lyme. The display, authorised by resident Vicar Patrick Griffin, will be adorning the external walls and fencing by their cenotaph.

Report by Carly Twigg

RSPCA

Kitten opts for van life to get to Newcastle

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stowaway kitten proved he could get here, there and everywhere after climbing into the engine of a transit van which had travelled from Liverpool to Newcastleunder-Lyme.

The kitten, who has been named Ringo after The Beatles drummer, weighed just 0.6 kilogrammes and is thought to have climbed into the engine when the van left the Aigburth area of Liverpool on the morning of Monday, November 1.

The unexpected passenger was eventually discovered after telecoms engineer Dwayne Ofoeme and his two work colleagues stopped at Cambridge Drive in Newcastle-under-Lyme and heard meowing coming from the engine.

Dwayne tried unsuccessfully to catch Ringo, who kept darting between the chassis and the undercarriage. Not wanting to set off again with him still inside the engine, they called the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman attended the incident and after more than an hour, finally managed to catch the kitten after putting her hand inside from the top of the engine and coaxing him towards her with a packet of cat food.

Dwayne said: We d travelled down the M62 and the M6 and we d got out in Cambridge Drive to start work.

We immediately heard meowing and thought it was just a cat under the van. I then got underneath to see exactly where the noise was coming from and spotted a kitten, I couldn t believe it.

He was really scared and I tried for a long time to try and reach him but he just wouldn t come out, so we decided to call

the RSPCA. He was such a character and we re so pleased he s ok.

Jackie said: Despite his diminutive size, Ringo was an extremely vocal little guy. His little paws were oily and he was extremely hungry, but otherwise in good health. How he s managed to cling to the undercarriage of the van for so long, I will never know.

The men were absolutely fantastic; they were extremely concerned for his welfare and did their very best to catch him, but unfortunately Ringo had other ideas.

Jackie added: He was seen by a vet and was very happy to have a little cuddle, so he s definitely not a feral kitten and used to human company.

He s very young to be away

from his mum and we thought it was unlikely he would be microchipped at this age, although we always check just in case. If someone recognises Ringo and thinks he might be their missing pet, we would ask them to contact us.

Ringo is now in RSPCA care and will be vaccinated and microchipped in the coming weeks and then rehomed by the charity if his owner does not come forward.

Ringo Newcastle Life Issue 32 29

LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION

Council launches consultation on local plan

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six-week consultation exercise has been launched to gather residents views on the first draft of a new Local Plan for Newcastle.

The borough council is carrying out a borough-wide public engagement campaign which began on Monday, November 1 to gauge opinion on its Issues and Strategic Options document.

A spokesman for Newcastle Borough Council said: This constitutes the first stage in the plan making process and identifies key planning issues facing the borough until at least 2040, potential options to address them and suggested policy options.

In January the council resolved to prepare a new Local Plan so that it can reflect local aspirations and the unique characteristics of the borough while being responsive to wider changes in the economy.

Work to prepare a Joint Local Plan with Stoke-on-Trent City Council has now ceased but the council continues to work closely with the city on cross boundary planning issues as it does with all other neighbouring authorities.

Residents can view the new proposals and submit comments online at https://consult.newcastlestaffs.gov.uk/kse up until 5pm on Monday, December 13.

A number of drop-in events are also taking place at community venues across the borough where people can view and discuss the current plans with the planning policy team.

The remaining events, which all run from 3pm until 7pm, include: Oddfellow s Hall, 30 Newcastle Life Issue 32

Church Rd, Loggerheads on Wednesday, November 10; The Madeley Centre, New Road on Monday, November 15; Audley Methodist Church, New Road on Wednesday, November 24; Castle House (Garden Room), Newcastle on Thursday, December 2.

In addition, virtual meetings are available via Zoom/phone call on Wednesday, November 17 from 3pm to 7pm.

Time slots for a virtual meeting should be booked in advance and it s recommended to pre-book an appointment for the drop-in events. Please contact the planning policy team on 01782 742467 or email planningpolicy@newcastlestaffs.gov.uk for more information.

All responses will inform the publication draft of the Local Plan which is expected to go out for public consultation in autumn 2022.

Councillor Paul Northcott, Cabinet member for strategic planning, said: The council is committed to keeping residents and other stakeholders involved and informed in the process of preparing a new Local Plan for

Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Local Plans are used to guide decisions on matters ranging from the location of new housing, roads, shops, businesses, parks, schools and open spaces to the design requirements of new buildings.

Policies are also used during the planning application process.

It s important to remember that individual sites for any future housing and employment are not being considered at this stage. Before any decisions are made about what land is required for the future, we really want to hear residents views on the issues and options.

It s really important that they have their say so we ve organised a number of ways they can get involved.

The Issues and Strategic Options document can be viewed at Castle House in Newcastle as well as libraries throughout the borough during opening hours. If residents don t have online access, they can submit comments in writing to Planning Policy, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastleunder-Lyme, ST5 1BL.

NEW SPORTS FACILITIES

Pitch perfect community leisure facilities

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ew sports facilities at a school in Kidsgrove are benefitting local clubs, groups and residents as well as pupils thanks to funding from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to boost people s health.

The council has earmarked £150,000 from its capital programme in addition to £225,000 from Kidsgrove s advanced Town Deal awarded by the Government enabling The King s CE Academy to realise plans to provide functional outdoor PE space at their First Avenue site with the opening of a modern, allweather 3G football pitch and MUGA (multi-use games area) for netball and tennis.

As well as being used by students throughout the school day, a community use agreement brokered by the council means that the 3G pitch and MUGA are available for public hire in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays in full or half size options.

The new facilities form part of a

sports village concept developed by the council with input from the Kidsgrove Town Deal Board linking them with complementary, high quality leisure facilities at the adjacent sports centre and nearby Clough Hall Park which are also receiving significant contributions from the Town Deal to improve health outcomes, boost jobs and grow local economies.

Term-time bookings can be made from 5pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with prices starting from £25 per hour for the 3G pitch and £5.50 for the MUGA. For more information, go online to: https://schoolhire.co.uk/stoke-ontrent/thekings.

Council Leader, councillor Simon Tagg said: The council is delighted to provide funding, both directly and through Kidsgrove s advanced Town Deal, to ensure the successful delivery of sports facilities for both the school and the wider community. One of our priorities is to ensure that everyone has access to a wide range of activities to help improve their

health and quality of life.

The school has experienced long-term issues with finding suitable outdoor space for PE lessons, and their existing astro turf pitch was also condemned, while access to leisure opportunities for residents has been very poor in recent years.

Will Wilson, Principal of The King s CE Academy, added: The 3G pitch and MUGA are amazing additions to the school. They have radically transformed physical education lessons and opened up a wealth of extra-curricular, enrichment opportunities for young people in our town.

We re extremely grateful to the council and the Town Deal Board for their support in enabling us to make our dream of offering a firstclass sports provision a reality. The new facilities are a great source of enjoyment and pleasure for all those who use them, including the wider community.

Dan Gray, Chair of the Kidsgrove Town Deal Board and Executive Director of Property at Aspire Housing, commented: It s fantastic to see the positive impact that the Town Deal funding is already having in Kidsgrove with the launch of the new facilities as part of the sports village.

We re pleased that it s been available for the start of the new school term and King s CE Academy pupils and local residents are undoubtedly excited to put them to good use. We are now looking forward to delivering a series of ambitious projects that will benefit residents of Kidsgrove using the £16.9m of funding allocated to the Town Deal by Government.

Newcastle Life Issue 32 31

WELL-BEING COLUMN

Well-being tips for Autumn and Winter Francesca Bonfiglio is a local yoga teacher and has offered to share tips and ideas on yoga and well-being for our Newcastle Life Magazine readers.

Here she offers tips on how people can incorporate this into their daily life for some mental and physical well-being.

M

oving into the Autumn/Winter season can leave some people feeling less than energised and motivated so I wanted to share with you some top tips that I ve learnt on my yoga mat to help you feel a little more you this winter.

Movement

It can be so tempting to hibernate and be slower than usual over the cold months but actually getting the body moving in a vigorous way can be the antidote. Whether that is a sweaty workout or a fast-paced yoga practice, this movement will bring heat and energy to your body really lighting a fire from within.

Daily movement can keep your body supple so even ten to 15 minutes of gentle yoga will help you and your body to feel more open and stretched. This is especially important if you spend much of your day sitting down. Not only does yoga benefit you physically but it also benefits you mentally too. Spending some time in the quiet; meditating or moving your body through yoga postures can give you mental clarity and allow you to get to know your body better so you ll feel more in tune with yourself.

Breathing

A simple awareness of your breath; how it moves, how it feels, how it works can be really beneficial to your emotional state. When we live in a high stress environment, whatever 32 Newcastle Life Issue 32

that may look like for you, our body s nervous system kicks into the fight or flight response which triggers involuntary changes in the body to help you deal with your environment. These can look like the breathing and heart rate speeding up causing an increase in blood pressure, the muscles becoming more tense, more oxygen being sent to the brain increasing alertness, the senses becoming sharper and hormonal changes triggering the release of glucose and fats into the body to keep energy high. Living in this fight or flight state consistently will keep your body constantly on edge. However, taking control of your breathing, even spending five minutes every day focussing on how it feels in the body, can help the body to calm down. It can be as simple as closing the eyes, putting your hands on your belly and bringing your attention to the breath for a couple of minutes. This awareness on the breath will trigger the rest and digest response (parasympathetic nervous system) which will slow the body leaving you feeling calmer and more relaxed.

Nourishing

Nourishing the body inside and outside, in whatever way that resonates with you will make you feel happy and uplifted every day.

Whether that is with hearty food, hot baths, winter walks or films on the sofa find what nourishes you and make time for it each day.

Francesca Bonfiglio, My Yoga Space

DOOR 2 DOOR TRANSPORT

Funding helps drive community transport

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community transport scheme operating for residents of Newcastleunder-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent has received a cash boost.

Persimmon Homes West Midlands has awarded Door2Door Transport a £1,000 grant as they continue to support local groups and charities in the area.

Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the company s Community Champions scheme.

The team of volunteer drivers at Door2Door Transport support people to get out and about in their communities helping reduce isolation and enabling people to maintain their independence.

Lisa Healings, chief executive of VAST which operates the project, said: We welcome this donation from Persimmon Homes as it will help us continue this vital service in the local area.

People who use Door2Door Transport don t have their own

vehicle and cannot access public transport so they can be very isolated in their daily lives.

Our drivers collect people from home and take them to any prearranged destination, giving support and ensuring they are settled back at home afterwards. The service is safe and secure to vulnerable people allowing them access to the outside world.

During the pandemic the service became a telephone befriending service and ensured access to medical appointments as well as transport to centres when vaccinations were rolled out.

Lisa added: The regular journeys and telephone calls provide a friendly chat and we do everything we can to match regular users with the same driver to create lasting friendships.

However, we are approaching the end of a funding agreement that will not be renewed so this donation couldn t have come at a better time.

We rely on grants and donations to cover running costs and make sure we protect this vital service for the

future.

David Greengrass, head of sales for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: Door2Door Transport is a fantastic community scheme so we re delighted to be able to donate this £1,000.

They ve had to make a lot of changes to the service because of coronavirus but the way they ve adapted and continued to support the vulnerable is extremely commendable.

It gives us great pleasure knowing this additional money will help keep such an important local service running and hopefully they can help many more local people in the future.

POTTERIES OUTDOOR GROUP

Walking the Newcastle Way

M

embers of the Potteries Outdoor Group have recently completed the 25 mile long Newcastle Way. The Newcastle Way is a walking route that traverses the Borough of Newcastleunder-Lyme. It stretches from Mow Cop, at the border with Cheshire, to Market Drayton, where Staffordshire joins Shropshire at the Shropshire Union Canal.

It s a varied and interesting route of 25 miles through fields and woodland, past relics of industrial activity, along country lanes and canal towpath. Places of interest along the route include Bathpool Park, Wedgwood s Monument, Apedale Country Park and Maer Hills.

We tackled it in three parts: Mow Cop to Black Bank, Black Bank to Blackbrook and Blackbrook to Market Drayton, each leg easily manageable in a day. The route is generally well marked by fingerposts and discs attached to fences and trees, but there are places where the route is difficult to follow, so best to plan the walk carefully before embarking.

The route is linear so you ll need to

leave a car at the far end or take the bus one way. Some of us took the 64 bus from Newcastle to Blackbrook for leg three then returned all the way back home again from Market Drayton using the same service (but not possible on a Sunday unfortunately).

Our favourite part was the beautiful Maer Hills at Blackbrook a wooded hill full of birdsong, heather and bilberries ripe for the taking.

The Potteries Outdoor Group welcomes new members. We organise Sunday walks about twice a month and several times a year go further afield and stay in a youth hostel. Our Tuesday evening events include meals out, cinema and theatre visits, quizzes and short walks when daylight allows in the spring and summer. You can find out more by visiting our Facebook page @potteriesoutdoorgroup.

Detailed route directions can be downloaded from the Staffordshire County Council website: Environment / Footpaths and Bridleways: guide book.cdr (staffordshire.gov.uk).

Report by By Claire Winsch, Potteries Outdoor Group

Newcastle Life Issue 32 33

quiz corner

Let s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1. Who was pursued by Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde?

2. Which 70s hit was based on Psalms 19 and 137?

3. Who debuted in 1920 as the Little Lost Bear?

4. Which British woman won the US Open single title this year?

5. Saudi Arabia has one, the British Army two and Essex three of what on their flags?

6. Moonrakers are natives of which county?

7. Peter Bottomley inherited which title from Ken Clarke?

8. Which deaf woman is competing in Strictly Come Dancing this year?

9. Which West-End musical is based on the lives of Henry VIII s wives?

10. What was first published in Dutch as Het Achterhuis in 1947?

11. What term for an obsessed fan comes from an Eminem song?

12. Who stars as Princess Diana in the 2021 film Spencer ?

13. Which British driver will be the teammate of Lewis Hamilton next season?

14. Who plays the part of the father of Venus and Serena Williams in the 2021 film King Richard ? power?

16. Which Only Fools and Horses star died in September 2021 aged 79?

17. Who won an Emmy for her performance as the Queen in the Netflix series The Crown in 2021?

18. Who has replaced Sue Barker as the host of BBC s Question of Sport ?

19. Which supermarkets clothing range is sold under a name meaning you in French?

20. What fruit is a Pink lady or Cripps pink?

1. Pac-Man (nicknames of ghosts) 2. By the Rivers of Babylon (Boney M) 3. Rupert the Bear 4. Emma Raducano 5. Swords 6. Wiltshire 7. Father of the House (longest-serving MP) 8. Rose Ayling-Ellis 9. Six 10.

Anne Frank s diary (The Secret Annexe) 11. Stan 12. Kristen Stewart 13. George Russell 14. Will Smith 15.

Justin Trudeau 16. John Challis 17. Olivia Colman 18. Paddy McGuiness 19. Sainsburys (Tu 20. Apple

34 Newcastle Life Issue 32

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com.

Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

15. Who narrowly won Canada s election in September this year keeping him in

GARDENING

H

Hesperantha coccinea

esperantha are one of those lovely late bloomers that surprise and delight us gardeners every

autumn with their stunning show of brightly coloured flowers whatever the weather.

They are members of the iris family and closely akin to crocuses. Unlike crocuses they grow from rhizomes that spread underground and send up flat, swordshaped leaves more like an iris. They grow to 1-2ft / 30-60cm tall.

The most popular and hardy ones are varieties of H. coccinea, meaning bright red, and the wild types are crimson in colour. These are said to be hardy to -5C or 10C depending on who you ask, but we ve never lost one due to cold. Flowering goes on from August to November or even December, with the occasional flower in late spring. Garden breeding has given us lots of varieties all in shades of red, pink or white. All are equally easy to grow requiring only a rich soil and yearly feeding to perform well.

Crimson Flag or River Lily are the accepted common names, the latter telling us about its native habitat. Hesperantha means Evening Flower, relating the colour of the flowers to the pink of a sunset.

They perform well in wet or damp soils but will spread fairly rapidly. They are bit shorter in stature in dry soils but slower to spread. Enrich dry, poor soils with compost every couple of years.

We ve found them to be excellent cut flowers and all the varieties associate well together, so a vase of mixed stems is so attractive.

The wild species has star-shaped crimson-red flowers. The variety Major is taller and a bold scarletred with fuller flowers with rounded petals.

There are many pink varieties. Fenland Daybreak and Mrs Heggarty are mid-pink with dark striations, Sunrise is rose pink with large flowers, and Pink Princess (aka Wilfred Bryant ) is the palest pink, nearly white.

Alba has a lovely green throat to the flowers that adds to the purity of the white petals.

These are such easy and adaptable plants to grow that brighten the shortening days of autumn when all else is fading.

Janet and I run Plant Hunters Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering special reduced entry rates on the plant fair dates. Watch out for our 2022 calendar of plant fairs available on our website this Autumn. We have plant fairs at Sugnall Walled Garden near Eccleshall, The Dorothy Clive Garden, Cholmondeley Castle, Weston Park, Capesthorne Hall, Adlington Hall, Hodnet Hall and lot s more exciting venues across the Northwest and Midlands.

Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for details.

Martin Blow

Newcastle Life Issue 32 35

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