Newcastle Life Issue 34

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ISSUE 34

Life

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF NEWCASTLE LIFE

Community tree planting for jubilee See page 10

Love is in the air at care home See page 14

Historic clock restored See page 28

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ISS UE 3 4 Editor’s Letter .......................................6 Staffordshire County Show..................8 Queen’s Green Canopy ....................10 Contributor Appeal ...........................11 Care Home Activities.........................14 Brampton Museum............................16 Forest School......................................17 Enjoy Staffordshire Awards ..............20 Award Winning Market.....................22 Stone Food & Drink...........................23 Stafford Borough Council.................24

Front page photo by Clair Taylor

Support For Ukraine..........................25 World Book Day.................................26 Pet Pic..................................................27 Victorian Clock Restored ..................28 Acoustic Festival Of Britain ..............29 What’s On............................................30 Sense Charity......................................31 Quiz Corner.........................................32 The Women’s Institure ......................33 Healthcare...........................................34 Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit timesechoandlife.co.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 34 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

“My heart goes out to all affected”

S

o finally the coronavirus pandemic is no longer dominating the news – obviously that is very good news after the past two years.

However it has sadly been replaced by the awful news about war-torn Ukraine. It’s just terrible - I cannot imagine what it would be like living in fear of you, your family, and your home, possibly being bombed at any time.

My heart goes out to all affected by this so unnecessary conflict which none of us expected to see in this day and age.

Looking on the lighter side of the situation, such tragedy, alike to the pandemic, does bring out the good in (most of) humanity – and once again, the

Newcastle-under-Lyme community is pulling out all the stops to help those in need.

We have a lovely feature about a shop in Newcastle town centre which has been turned into a drop-off point for donations of items for those affected by war-torn Ukraine.

Read all about it on page 23.

Meanwhile, we also have lots of news and features of life in Newcastle itself. I hope you enjoy reading our latest Newcastle Life Magazine.

Do you have a story to tell about life in Newcastle? Email me at belinda@timesandecho.co.uk.

Until next time – take care!

Thursday 26th May

6 Newcastle Life Issue 34

Belinda

Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor news@timesandecho.co.uk Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk 07817128582 Erin Tuckwell Tracey Redfern Design & Production 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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STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW AWARD WNNING MARKET

Packed programme for county show

T

he Staffordshire County Show will be held on our traditional dates of Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2. Here is a round up of this year’s community extravaganza from one of the organising team members: This year’s show will be held during Jubilee Week, accordingly, we are working on some very special events at the Show to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

More information about what these events are will be revealed in the press and on our social media platforms over the coming weeks.

The show offers something for visitors of all ages. Youngsters will enjoy riding on the narrowgauge steam railway or traditional attractions such as Punch & Judy and donkey rides.

Teenagers and adults will be thrilled by the Monster Trucks - Big Pete and the Grim Reaper, when they leap into the air and land on a row of cars. Whilst the next generation of farmers will be inspired by the first-class entries in livestock competitions across the Showground that are at the heart of this traditional agricultural show.

The show at the County Showground on Weston Road, some four miles from Stafford, is one of the area’s major events of the summer and is expected to attract more than 65,000 visitors.

During the school half-term holidays the County Show offers a full day out for all the family. A packed Main Ring programme includes a range of attractions that includes, in addition to the Monster Trucks, the Young Farmer’s Floats which this year has a theme of West End Musicals, show jumping, the Grand Parade of Livestock and the Parade of Hounds.

In the Country Pursuits Arena visitors can watch the birds of prey display, the ferret roadshow, have a go at fly casting or sit back and learn all about pigs with the Hogg Show.

Around the Showground there will be demonstrations of traditional rural crafts such as thatching, coracle making and drystone walling as well as view a display of vintage cars and agricultural machinery. However, at the heart of the Show is livestock with over a thousand cattle, sheep, pigs and goats and over fifteen hundred horses and ponies.

There are a number of competitions and shows within the show including the Sheep 8 Newcastle Life Issue 34

Shearing and Wool Handling Competitions, the Farriery Competition where blacksmiths compete to make the perfect horseshoe before using it to shoe a horse, the Fur and Feather Show with a vast array of poultry, waterfowl, cavies (hamsters and guinea pigs) and rabbits as well as the Bee & Honey Show with its working hive. In addition the dog show will attract around 2000 dogs representing every breed of dog in the UK so if you are thinking of buying a dog this is an ideal opportunity to compare the various breeds and talk to their owners.

Children of all ages are especially well catered for with a children’s farm, fairground rides and the opportunity to have their picture taken with the giant tortoises. Shopaholics will be able to browse over four hundred trade stands selling everything from cars to hot tubs. In addition there is a food hall with a further fifty stands selling a range of mouth-watering local produce for immediate consumption or fresh and packaged items to take home.

When it’s time to take a break what better way to relax than having a picnic next to the bandstand listening to the brass band or the jazz band. However, for something more tranquil there is a twenty-acre wood – ideal for a walk in the shade or a quiet picnic.

Once again we are delighted that Rea Valley Tractors and Dunstall Holdings will be the event’s main sponsor.

Advance tickets, which offer a substantial saving on the gate price, go on sale from April 1 to print at home or download to your phone.

Further details about the Show and details of how to purchase advance tickets are available on the website at www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk or follow us on Facebook@staffscountyshow.

STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW

1st & 2nd June 2022 www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk

QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY

Plant a bloomin tree in borough

P

eople across the Newcastle borough are being invited to plant a tree for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.

The Newcastle in Bloom ‘Plant a Bloomin Tree’ initiative and the Borough’s Urban Tree Planting Strategy were launched in November as part of National Tree Week.

The project is set to help to create carbon capture green spaces to help mitigate the effects of climate change and become a carbon neutral council by 2030.

Trees will be the theme for the area’s forthcoming Bloom campaign and the council will be working in partnership with the Queen’s Green Canopy for the platinum jubilee in 2022.

A spokesman for Newcastle Borough Council said: “It is our aim to give every primary school in the borough the opportunity to be involved in tree planting, whether it be independently in their own school grounds or co-ordinated through us on borough council land.

“We will also be encouraging community groups and borough residents to plant trees in their own community spaces and gardens.

“We also hope to plant at least 850 trees 10 Newcastle Life Issue 34

throughout the borough over the next two years to link with the 850th anniversary of the Newcastle Charter in 2023.

“Trees play a vital role in our environment providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife. It is hoped that this initiative will educate the wider community and highlight the importance and benefits of the biggest plants on our planet.”

They added: “In early 2022, we will be planting native trees or orchards at a small number of sites in the borough as the second phase of the Urban Tree Planting Strategy gets underway.

“We will be keeping a log of the trees planted using our ‘tree totaliser’ where the number of trees planted will be recorded along with their location.

If you have planted a tree you can log it on the Queen’s Green Canopy website. This will then show on our tree totaliser.”

To find out more about getting involved in the Queen’s Green Canopy campaign in the borough email newcastleinbloom@newcastlestaffs.gov.uk.

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

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CARE HOME ACTIVITIES

Love was in the air at Maple Tree Court Tracy was overwhelmed by the generosity of the residents. She said: “It was so sweet of the residents to make the centrepieces for me, and on Valentine’s Day too.

“I’ve always had a dream centrepiece in mind for my wedding and mentioned it to some of the residents a while ago and now they’ve all pitched in to make my dream come true.”

Tracy added: “I’m really touched by their kindness. We like to think of ourselves as a big family here at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home and I love all my residents as my own family.

“This is just one example of the types of meaningful activities our residents enjoy here at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home.”

For more information on Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home, contact Shellie Leese, Home Administrator on 01782 770 709.

Ray and Vera at Maple Tree Court

R

ESIDENTS at a Kidsgrove care home had a fun Valentine’s Day recently with lots of arts and crafts making wedding centrepieces for an upcoming wedding.

Tracy Wilkinson, a Team Leader at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home on Gloucester Road is getting married this summer. The residents in her care wanted to give something back to Tracy for her wedding and so have spent Valentine’s Day making personalised centrepieces.

The centrepieces were made with faux flowers, crystals, tea lights and diamantés arranged in a glass bowl.

Residents Ray and Vera Hurst, who have lived at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home for two years, said how much they enjoyed making the centrepieces.

Ray said: “It was a lot of fun preparing the centrepieces for Tracy’s wedding.

“It made for a lovely Valentine’s Day doing arts and crafts with the other residents and they look very pretty if we do say so ourselves.”

Vera said: “As soon as we heard the good news, we all asked how we could pitch in. Tracy is a treasure and we all wanted to give something back to her. She really brightens our day when she’s around and is a highlight of living at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court care home.”

14 Newcastle Life Issue 34

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Newcastle Life Issue 34 15

BRAMPTON MUSEUM

Museum receives special gift Cynthia Berry, centre, is pictured next to "The Backs" with Cabinet member Cllr. Jill Waring and Amanda Bromley from Barewall Art Gallery

A

masterpiece created by one of North Staffordshire’s most famous artists is now in public ownership at one of his favourite places thanks to the generosity of his widow.

Cynthia Berry - the widow of the Lowry of the Potteries has kindly donated ‘The Backs’ to the Brampton Museum to mark his 97th birthday.

‘The Backs,’ produced in 1968, is a characteristic black and white piece showing terraced houses and their backs – an iconic scene of the northern working class, particularly the Potteries. It’s one of 25 paintings currently on display in the new gallery at a partially reopened museum as part of a popular exhibition celebrating Arthur’s life, work and legacy.

‘Arthur Berry: A Ragged Richness,’ delivered in partnership with Barewall Art Gallery in Burslem, coincides with the launch of a new book, sharing the same title, by art historian and author Peter Davies which appraises Berry as one of the most unique artists in British Art with an individual style incorporating gritty industrial localism.

Arthur, who lived in Wolstanton and worked with the New Vic Theatre before he died in 1994, was especially known for capturing the culture, people and landscape of the local area. As well as being referred to as the Lowry of the Potteries for his industrial style, he was also a successful playwright, poet and teacher.

Cynthia’s kind donation is in response to the Newcastle Borough Council hosting the exhibition – which has already attracted more than 2,500 visitors since opening in January – and also pays tribute to the fact that Brampton Park was one of the couple’s favourite places to visit, especially as the peaceful and picturesque surroundings helped Arthur with 16 Newcastle Life Issue 34

his agoraphobia.

Cynthia said: “I’m delighted to present the Brampton Museum with ‘The Backs’ on what would have been Arthur’s 97th birthday. The exhibition in the new gallery is absolutely wonderful; it makes me very happy to see Arthur celebrated in the way he should have been. I’m really grateful to the council for hosting it.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying Arthur’s work. A lot of his paintings are in private ownership so I feel it’s really important to work with local museums and art galleries, as well as further afield, to get his work out there to the wider public.

“Brampton Park meant so much to us – it was an important part of our lives. It was our bit of countryside.

We’d visit at least once a week and enjoy walking among the beautiful gardens and trees, standing on the bridge and looking over the pond.”

Museum officers are planning to display the dramatic painting alongside a Berry creation already in the museum’s collection – an ink drawing from 1942 called ‘The Second Hand Dealer’ – once the current redevelopment is complete.

Cllr. Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive this extremely kind and generous gift from Cynthia. It’s such a lovely gesture. Having a painting of this standard in our collection, which reflects the area’s social history, means it can be accessed and enjoyed by many residents and visitors for generations to come.

“It’s an honour to open our brand new art gallery by shining the spotlight on such a well-known, local artist who’s regarded as such a heavyweight in the British art scene. The whole aim of redeveloping the museum is to attract more diverse audiences and offer more meaningful visits. We’re certainly achieving that already.”

FOREST SCHOOL

Spring into fun with outdoor activities

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ENJOY STAFFORDSHIRE AWARDS

Tourism and food businesses recognised at awards

B

USINESSES from across the Newcastle area and beyond have come out tops at an annual awards ceremony.

A number of Staffordshire tourism and hospitality businesses have been crowned at the recent Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards 2022.

Following a two-year hiatus due to coronavirus, businesses from across the county gathered at Keele Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme, for the glittering black-tie event, which was sponsored by We are Staffordshire and organised by Enjoy Staffordshire.

A spokesman for Enjoy Staffordshire said: “An audience of more than 250 guests saw the winners of 16 categories, including The Trentham Estate (Large Visitor Attraction of the Year), Foxfield Railway (Small Visitor Attraction of the Year), and No26 at Aston Marina (Independent Restaurant of the Year), announced by the host, BBC 20 Newcastle Life Issue 34

Midlands Today’s Rebecca Wood.

“The CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers Resort was named Hotel of the Year, while The Meynell Ingram Arms at Hoar Cross, near Burton, was Pub of the Year, and the Ramblers Retreat won the Tea Room/Coffee Shop of the Year award.

“The Experience of the Year went to Moddershall Oaks, New Business of the Year was Play@ Lower Drayton Farm, near Penkridge, and Denstone Hall Farm Shop, near Uttoxeter, was the Food & Drink Retailer/Farm Shop of the Year.

“B&B and Guest House of the Year was The Little George in Eccleshall, and the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year award went to Mayfield Snuggery, on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border.”

The spokesman continued: “And there were further wins for The Trentham Estate, in the Resilience & Innovation and Unsung Hero categories, and Alton Towers Resort, which was

successful in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism categories.

“There was also a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism in Staffordshire presented to The Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, in recognition of his work to position Lichfield Cathedral as a premier historic and religious tourist destination.

Councillor Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our annual awards are a wonderful celebration of our amazing tourism sector and an event we all look forward to.

“Our tourism businesses continue to deliver year on year, attracting more and more visitors to the county, generating millions of pounds

And the winners are...TREE PLANTING

for our local economy and sustaining tens of thousands of jobs.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the sector and I would like to say a huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

The winners of 14 categories progress to represent Staffordshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, to be held in June 2022.

Category sponsors at the 2022 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards were RH Advertising, Staffordshire Business & Environment Network, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Insight6.

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award: Alton Towers Resort – Gold, The Trentham Estate – Silver. Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent – Bronze.

B&B and Guest House of the Year: The Little George, Eccleshall – Gold, Amber House, Alrewas – Silver.

Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year: Three Horseshoes Country Inn, Leek – Gold, The Waterfront, Barton Marina – Silver, Amore Italian, Newcastle-under-Lyme – Bronze, Pom’s Kitchen & Deli, Lichfield – Highly Commended (HC), The Crepe & Waffle House, Trentham Shopping Village – HC. Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award: Alton Towers Resort – Gold, Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room, Alton – Silver, Bella’s Coffee House & Community Café, Hednesford – Bronze, Black Lion Inn, Butterton – HC, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent – HC. Experience of the Year: Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat – Gold, Breakfast with the Monkeys, Trentham Monkey Forest – Silver, Walk with the Animals, Peak Wildlife Park, near Leek – Bronze, Middleport on the Move: Virtual Factory Tour, Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent – HC, Perrys Field to Fork Artisan Butchery & Cookery School, Eccleshall – HC. Farm Shop and Food & Drink Retailer of the Year: Denstone Hall Farm Shop – Gold, Perrys of Eccleshall – Silver, Nelson’s Distiller – Bronze, Gelato & Cakes, Cheadle – HC. Hotel of the Year: CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers Resort – Gold, The Moat House at Acton Trussell – Silver, Double Tree by Hilton Stoke-onTrent – Bronze.

Independent Restaurant of the Year: No26 at Aston Marina, Stone – Gold, The Viceroy Restaurant, Stafford – Silver, London House Indian Restaurant, Eccleshall – Bronze.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: The Trentham Estate – Gold, Alton Towers Resort – Silver, National Memorial Arboretum – Bronze, Trentham Monkey Forest – HC, Peak Wildlife Park – HC. New Tourism Business of the Year: Play@ Lower Drayton Farm – Gold, Mayfield Snuggery– Silver, Bella’s Coffee House & Community Café, Hednesford – Bronze, Double Tree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent – HC, Perrys Field to Fork Artisan Butchery & Cookery School, Eccleshall – HC. Pub of the Year: The Meynell Ingram Arms, Hoar Cross – Gold, The Tamworth Tap – Silver, Black Lion Inn, Butterton – Bronze, The Red Lion, Newborough – HC, The Little George, Eccleshall – HC. Resilience & Innovation Award: The Trentham Estate – Gold, Alton Towers Resort – Silver, Reform Heritage: Middleport Pottery – Bronze, Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room – HC, National Memorial Arboretum – HC. Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year: Mayfield Snuggery – Gold, Betley Court Farm Holiday Cottages – Silver, Dalraddy Cottage, Penkridge – Bronze.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Foxfield Railway, Blythe Bridge – Gold, Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge near Newcastle-under-Lyme – Silver, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent – Bronze.

Tea Room & Coffee Shop of the Year: Ramblers Retreat Country Tea Room, Alton – Gold, Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café – Silver, Bella’s Coffee House & Community Café, Hednesford – Bronze, Cup a Cha Tea Room, Stafford – HC. Unsung Hero Award: Melissa Lewis, The Trentham Estate – Gold, Andy McGee, The Little George – Silver, Katie Dawson, Denstone Hall Farm Newcastle Life Issue 34 21 Shop & Café – Bronze.

AWARD WNNING MARKET

Town’s artisan market wins recognition

C

astle Artisan Market’s success has been recognised at a national awards ceremony.

Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Castle Artisan Market has been awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ in the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awards.

The results of the Great British Market Awards were announced at a prestigious event in Birmingham and included Newcastle’s Castle Artisan Market in the Highly Commended list.

Newcastle’s Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, councillor Stephen Sweeney, said: “This is fabulous news. We have been delighted 22 Newcastle Life Issue 34

events genuine attractions for shoppers, residents and families.

“Bringing shoppers in to Newcastle also benefits the rest of the town, small independent businesses and our local economy. It’s fantastic.”

The criteria used for judging the hundreds of markets, up and down the UK, included providing evidence of new initiatives and success in attracting new traders; supporting new business start-ups and young with the resurgence of the market entrepreneurs; the effective in Newcastle over the last few use of social media and years, despite the pandemic. evidence to show that the “It’s been amazing. People market supports the town. have flocked in to the event In Newcastle-under-Lyme markets in particular and records have shown that there recognition for the artisan were more than 5,000 new or market in this way is superb. unique visitors to the town “It has been clear for some centre when the Castle time that residents and visitors Artisan Market was hosted. alike really appreciate the variety The average ‘stay’ at the and quality of the event markets market was almost three and to have this national hours. recognition, with experienced Data gathered by the town market experts judging centre BID shows that footfall Newcastle to be alongside the also moves from the market very best in the UK feels very around the town centre, good indeed.” supporting local business, and Cllr Sweeney added: “I that more businesses in congratulate the markets staff Newcastle open their doors on and all those stallholders who the days that the Castle work so hard to make the market Artisan Market is held.

STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

New summer dates for gastronomic gathering

T

he popular Stone Food and Drink Festival is set to take place on Friday, July 15, Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17 this year – in a change from its regular slot of the first weekend of October.

The move is driven by the potential for work to start on extensive developments to the festival’s home of Westbridge Park in the autumn, and will see the packed programme brought forward for foodies to enjoy in the summer months.

Food lovers will still enjoy live cookery demos, talks, tastings, live music, street food, artisan food stalls and family fun - with some exciting new additions to the event set to be announced in the coming months.

Full details and tickets are set to be released in Spring via the festival website at www.stonefooddrink.org.uk.

STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

“A destination for hospitality tourism and leisure” The Welcome Back Fund from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supported the safe return to high streets and helped to build back better from the pandemic.

The funding built on the £50 million Reopening High Street Safely Fund (RHSSF) allocated to councils in 2020 and the European Regional Development Fund announced that the project was to be extended and the criteria was to be broadened to support recovery.

Stafford Borough Council were awarded £122,000 and the final piece of work has been launched.

Taking on the 'Our Beautiful Borough' campaign initiative of last year the “Fine Food & Drink” message brings together all of the borough food and drink producers and providers under one ‘umbrella’ to promote the borough as a destination for hospitality tourism and leisure.

Chair of Visit Stafford and Chief Executive of Stafford Showground Richard Williams said “With The County Show and LoveCheeseLive events providing opportunities for enterprises and entrepreneurs to showcase all that the borough has to offer there is a wealth of support to help those who have faced incredible challenges.

“It's great to see the Borough Council supporting the hospitality sector further by working with our food and drink producers and providers alongside the team at Visit Stafford “ More details of the campaign can be found at www.ourbeautifulborough.co.uk Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member 24 Newcastle Life Issue 34

for Economic Development and Planning, said the idea behind the campaign was to support the local visitor economy by encouraging visitors to stay for more than a night and to experience the wealth of hospitality the borough had to offer.

The campaign features digital and print promotions, engagement with businesses and local business groups, and outdoor advertising in and around the borough. And videos of the three town centres have been created so that other agencies and groups can help promote the area.

Cllr Beatty added: “We do have an amazing borough with rich variety of heritage and culture; sitting on the doorstep of Cannock Chase - an area of outstanding natural beauty - a river running through an award-winning historic park in the heart of Stafford, and miles of canals flowing through villages and towns, with some wonderful places to eat and drink in Stone, Eccleshall and the county town.

“This campaign captures so much of what we have to offer and makes it easy for others to share and also shout out about ‘Our Beautiful Borough’ and why it is a great choice to visit and enjoy.”

Since the start of the pandemic the borough council has paid out nearly £50m in Government grants to the retail hospitality and leisure sector including £4m in Additional Restriction grants.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Council provides support for Ukrainians

N

ewcastle Borough including painkillers, are Council is playing a priority items at the moment. key role in a local The appeal is also raising humanitarian aid money to pay for the transport appeal to help the innocent of supplies from Newcastlepeople caught up in the current under-Lyme to Lviv.

Ukrainian conflict.

Council leader councillor It is providing ‘We Stand Simon Tagg said: “The situation With Ukraine’ with a shop unit in Ukraine is terrible; our in Newcastle town centre, free thoughts are with the many of charge, to use as a collection innocent families affected by point for community donations the ongoing fighting. to the war-torn country.

Organisers Maria “At times like this it’s heartening Leligdowicz and Olena to see the good in mankind and Cresswell, who come from people pulling together to help in Ukraine, have family members caught up in the any way they can.” conflict. They are accepting donations at 17 Merrial Street, “At times like this it’s next to the old police station, on heartening to see the good in weekdays between 10am and mankind and people pulling 3pm, and then 5pm to 7pm, and together to help in any way they 10am to 1pm on weekends. can.

Items currently being “The council is keen to accepted include: sleeping bags, provide practical support; it’s thermal/warm clothing, baby pleased to play a part in the food and nappies, painkillers, delivery of essential items to sanitary products, toiletries, Ukrainian citizens by donating first aid kits, bandages and the use of a central retail shop flasks. Medical supplies, unit to Maria and Olena.

Residents and businesses are also horrified by the conflict so I know they will get behind their valiant campaign.”

Maria added: “The response to our appeal is overwhelming.

We’re being inundated with offers of help and support from the local community.

“We would like to thank the many people who have generously donated items, made financial contributions and given up their time to support the appeal.

“The council’s decision to donate the use of a shop is absolutely fantastic. It’s a significant helping hand for us.

The collection point is in a central location in Newcastle, with roadside parking, which provides really easy access.

“We’re very appreciative of the support provided by the Council and how quick they’ve made this happen.”

For more information, please contact Maria on 07525 766699.

Newcastle Life Issue 34 25

WORLD BOOK DAY

Specially commissioned poem for literature day

S

taffordshire libraries joined in on the celebrations for this year’s World Book Day in March with a specially commissioned poem by the county’s Young Poet Laureate.

To help celebrate the literature day and encourage a love of reading, 15-year-old Erin Gascoigne-Jones put pen to paper for her latest poem entitled ‘I have lived a thousand lives.’

Talking about her poem, the Year 11 pupil from Sir Thomas Boughey Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme said: “World book day is a great chance to promote a love of reading and books which is why I decided to write this poem.

“Books and reading are so much fun, and there’s a book for everyone out there. I love

being Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate and I hope everyone enjoys my poem.

“I also hope that it encourages other young people to put pen to paper and try writing their own poetry.”

The annual World Book Day aims to get youngsters to explore the pleasure and benefits of reading books, by giving them the chance to own a book of their own.

This year’s theme was ‘You are a reader.’ Library staff worked with local schools to promote reading for pleasure and there was also an opportunity for people to pick up a book token from libraries which could be exchanged for a free book from selected booksellers.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council,

councillor Victoria Wilson, said: “It’s great to get budding bookworms buzzing about World Book Day and I’d like to thank Erin for her fantastic poem.

“World Book Day is a celebration that our libraries, staff and volunteers look forward to every year.”

She added: “Good reading starts early and we know that children who read are more likely to develop better language skills and more advanced reading levels throughout school.

“It’s also a fun way to get young people’s imaginations fired up and encourage them to read more and to spend more time in their local library.”

Erin was appointed to the role of Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate at a special poetry event organised by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries service and WORD Stafford in October 2021.

‘I have lived a thousand lives’

by Erin Gascoigne-Jones

Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate Erin Gascoigne-Jones 26 Newcastle Life Issue 34

I have lived a thousand lives Doesn’t that sound fun?

All of them are different and there’s even more to come!

I have sailed in bookmarked gutters And trod the spines of dinosaurs.

I’ve uncovered long lost treasure and played a role in every war.

We’re all friends on the bookshelf With so many tales to tell Abounding worlds on every leaf and through the branches I fell.

Into the Whomping Willow Or the Magic Faraway Tree, In every ring of these tree trunks there is a piece of me.

So, ask me any question On these books and I can say Exactly what had happened because I lived there every day.

Pet Pic

W

e love to see and share pictures of your furry friends.

Scooby and Scrappy enjoying a walk. Photo by Lynn Sanders

Here we have a fabulous photo of pooch pals Scooby and Scrappy enjoying their walk together which has been kindly sent in to us by Lynn Sanders; and also an adorable photo of Alfie which has been kindly sent in to us by Dave Barks.

EMAIL your pet pics to news@timesandecho.co.uk for possible use in our papers.

Alfie. Photo by Dave Barks

TIMES, ECHO & LIFE PUBLICATIONS require a

JOURNALIST Applicants must be educated to A-Level standard and have an excellent grasp of the English language.

A good knowledge of the local area would be advantageous.

Requirements:• A background in journalism/media • Excellent communication skills • Own transport Write in the first instance including your CV to: Mr A.P. Campbell, Times and Echo Newspapers, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1BD or email editor@timesandecho.co.uk Newcastle Life Issue 34 27

VICTORIAN CLOCK RESTORED

Community keeps Victorian clock ticking over

A

beautiful Victorian clock at the Brampton Museum has been restored to its former glory thanks to the generosity of a community stalwart and several businesses.

Within hours of a Facebook post highlighting the kindness of Freeman of the Borough Jim Worgan – a long-time museum volunteer and friend who kickstarted a special fund to repair the historic clock by presenting his monthly £5 donations in one sum after the lockdowns lifted – four businesses came forward to kindly offer the remaining £1,600 required.

The magnificent piece of engineering, donated to the town in 1890 by local chemist Edward Turner and made by Newcastle clock-maker Frederick Skerrett, originally sat in the tower of the municipal hall in the Ironmarket and now takes pride of place in the museum’s new café area, which opens in the spring, after Newcastle Borough Council agreed to give it a home in 2018.

Although the clock is in reasonable condition for its age, some of the 130-year-old parts within the mechanism were worn and it kept losing time before stopping altogether late last year.

Donations from Andy’s Roofing in Knutton, Wolstanton-based Pattens Plumbing & Heating, security company Secur-80 and The Vine Inn in Silverdale – in addition to Jim’s initial contribution of £110 – funded the specialist repairs by Time Assured in Mansfield.

Councillor Jill Waring, Cabinet member for leisure, 28 Newcastle Life Issue 34

culture and heritage at Newcastle Borough Council, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Jim, who has put £5 in the museum’s donation box every month for years, and the four businesses for their helping hand in preserving this historical gem. The museum was really happy to give the clock a new home, but there isn’t a budget for repairs, so we’re very grateful. It’s in perfect working order, operating better than it has in years.

Jim Worgan is pictured next to the repaired clock alongside councillor Jill Waring

“Everyone loves the clock; it’s such a talking point. Not only does it still provide a functional purpose after more than a century, it’s a really striking structure. I’m thrilled that it’s going to take a more prominent position in the lovely café, created as part of the museum’s exciting redevelopment to encourage diverse audiences and create more enjoyable experiences.

Admission to our wonderful facility is always free, with free

parking available.

“As a matter of coincidence, which is perfect timing, the museum has recently received a portrait of Edward Turner and this is going to be placed next to the clock. He seemed quite a colourful character.”

Edward, who officially opened the municipal hall, donated the clock to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. He started it at midday on Tuesday, August 19, 1890. The timepiece was adapted by Newcastle Rotary Club in 1973 to mark the 800th anniversary of the royal charter which gave Newcastle-underLyme its borough status.

Jim said: “The clock is one of the last tangible artefacts from the municipal hall. It’s an incredible piece of equipment so I was very keen for the 22 monthly donations I’d saved to go towards repairing it. I just can’t believe that businesses donated the rest of the money so quickly, especially as they’ve struggled during the pandemic.

It’s really fantastic. The museum is such a wonderful place; I can’t wait to get back to volunteering.”

Kelly Nicklin, who coordinated the donations from businesses, added: “When I saw the post about Jim on Facebook, I thought it would be nice to help. Within two hours, we’d got all of the money together. We love taking our families to the museum to learn about local history, and also enjoy using the children’s facilities at Brampton Park, so we’re pleased to help fund the repair of the historic clock.

We’re looking forward to seeing it.”

ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN Fred's House

Great line-up for return of festival

T

he 2022 Acoustic Festival of Britain will be taking place from May 20 until May 22 at it’s regular venue of Uttoxeter Racecourse.

The musical extravaganza, which offers festival goers the opportunity to camp over the weekend if they so wish to, has a cracking line-up of music acts.

A spokesman for the team behind the Acoustic Festival of Britain said: “We have top local music back together, Yeah Jazz, after a long time away.

“They reformed as part of Radio Murphy amongst other bands in the recent past but the festival’s Sunday sees them play main stage in a huge marquee together again.

“We have top folk band Merry Hell back on the Saturday. They hail from the north west, songs are very

5 Hills Out Merry Hell Band much related to the northern workers and they have been voted Best Live Act on the folk market for the past three years by Mark Ratcliffe and his BBC Folk programme.”

The spokesman continued: “Also playing on the Saturday are local favourites from Ashbourne, 5 Miles High. A rebellious funk folk six piece of rhythmic mayhem and fun.

“The best known, and biggest Sea Shanty band in the world are The Olde Time Sailors, a 17 piece outfit that have toured the world for many years, selling out the main theatres and venues across Americas and Europe.

An hour of Irish classics and

a second show later on Saturday of the sea shanties of the world, a site to be witnessed that will blow the punters away.

“They come with a stage presence and decor to suit the occasion.”

They added: “Top world music group Fred’s House are returning after eight years away, after a 2021 sell out tour that pushed them into the folk and world charts on two releases.”

For further information and to purchase tickets for this year’s Acoustic Festival of Britain, go online to www.acousticfestival.co.u k.

Newcastle Life Issue 34 29

WHAT’S ON

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/castleartisan.

At the World of Wedgwood Pottery Painting in the World of Wedgwood Decorating Studio throughout Easter Holidays.

April 16: The Woodland Easter Trail, Paint and Feast. A woodland search for ceramic bunnies which can then be painted in the venue’s Decorating Studio. Plus a Little Bunnies Afternoon Tea in the Wedgwood Tea Room.

April 20: The Bird House Workshop with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Forage for bird feeder in the Hem Heath Woods, then head into the Decorating Studio to paint your very own Wedgwood ceramic bird house, hand thrown by the team at World of Wedgwood.

Details: www.worldofwedgwood.com

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

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-a-Brac and Collectibles Market Operated by the Antique Forum Group every Thursday between 8am and 3pm, selling a range of bric-a-brac and collectable items.

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.

30 Newcastle NewcastleLife LifeIssue Issue34 34

Saturday, May 7 Exhibition of Original Art and Handmade Crafts.

11am-4pm at the Whitfield Community Centre, Whitfield Avenue, Newcastle. Free admission 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.

SENSE CHARITY

Larger premises for popular charity shop

D

isability charity Sense has opened a new store in Newcastle with a much larger floorspace, allowing the shop to bring back it's popular offering of

furniture.

Sense has been trading in Newcastle for more than five years and established themselves as “a friendly hub for the entire community.”

It has now moved into larger premises on High Street with an expanded range of goods.

The store is now calling for residents to donate goods to fill the new store, and to volunteer.

The shop is selling a whole range of both new and donated goods, including a fantastic ladies wear section alongside men’s and kid’s clothing, accessories, books, media, household goods and furniture. All proceeds will go towards supporting people with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind.

Simone Tiano, Area Manager for Sense, said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with our new location, which will enable us even

better to cater for the whole community of Newcastle. The team has worked tirelessly to put together what we can proudly call, based on real feedback, ‘the best shop in town’.

“There is plenty of space for more volunteers to join our amazing team and I want to take the opportunity to ask the whole community to support us with donations of their unwanted items, including furniture.”

If you would like to volunteer at the shop, contact shop manager Shannon Sibley at newcastleunderlyme.shop@sense.org.uk. If you have any unwanted items to donate, simply pop by the shop at 61 High Street.

Newcastle Life Issue 34 31

quiz corner

Let’s get quizzical 1 Cigar, Rebut and Sissy were the

11 Who was announced as the

first three answers on which internet

representative of the United

word game bought in January 2022

Kingdom at Eurovision earlier this

for a seven figure sum?

year?

2 Which toy company was founded

12 What amp fuse would you typically

by the Hassenfeld siblings?

find in the plug of a kettle?

3 Kristen Stewart, Emma Corrin and

13 Who got a haircut in Judges

Naomi Watts have all played which

16:19?

royal on screen?

14 How many basic positions of the

4 Which ceramicist produced Bizarre

feet are there in classic ballet?

ware?

15 Which horse, ridden by Rachael

5 How many pawns are on a chess

Blackmore, retained the Champion

board at the start of a game?

Hurdle at this years Cheltenham

6 Which 2022 ITV thriller tells the

Festival?

story of Fi Lawson, who arrives home

16 In the weekday TV schedule at what

one day to find a family of strangers

time does This Morning usually start?

moving into her house and her

17 Eating which meat is avoided by

husband, Bram, has disappeared?

superstitious cricketers?

7 What does a barium meal precede?

18 Who is Lewis Hamilton’s teammate

8 What began as the Pilton pop,

this season at Mercedes?

blues & folk festival?

19 Edward Woodward, Denzel

9 Which TV show took its title from a

Washington and Queen Latifah all

Whiskas advert?

played which character on film or TV?

10 In which decade was the first

20 Which continent lies in all four

Magnum ice cream sold?

hemispheres?

1. Wordle – Tip May 1st’s word will begin with the letter ‘A’ 2. Hasbro 3. Princess Diana 4. Clarice Cliff 5. Sixteen 6. Our House 7. X-ray examination 8. Glastonbury festival 9. 8 Out of 10 Cats 10. 1980s (1988) 11. Sam Ryder 12. Thirteen 13. Samson 14. Five 15. Honeysuckle 16. 10am 17. Duck 18. George Russell 19. The Equalizer 20. Africa

32 Newcastle Life Issue 34

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

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

THE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

T

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

Hartshill WI

“The response from our members was fantastic, reflecting everyone’s generosity and eagerness to help others.”

I

n existence for 40 years, Hartshill WI is a group for local women, but attached to a national network of WIs. We hold our monthly meetings at the heart of the community in Harpfield Primary Academy school.

Friendly and welcoming, we love meeting new people and making a difference. We also provide a safe space to talk about contemporary issues often linked to national campaigns.

Although very proud of our longstanding heritage of Jam and Jerusalem, we are not defined by it. For example, supporting a national initiative of ‘No More Violence Against Women’ we recently invited a speaker from Staffordshire Women’s Aid and then donated essential items.

The response from our members was fantastic, reflecting everyone’s generosity and eagerness to help others.

Then responding to a request from a local hospital for knitted teddies for children on admission, our members willingly got out their knitting needles.

We have a varied programme of interesting

speakers, such as The History of Folk Music and also Christmases past.

But our WI is much more than 11 meetings a year. We also have a monthly lunch-club, theatre visits, day-trips, book-swaps and craft activities.

During the recent pandemic, we kept in touch with members through phone calls and newsletters. As restrictions eased, we arranged a park walk and then a park meeting.

But what the pandemic has taught us is the strong desire from members to meet in person.

Consequently, we are now meeting face-to-face again, delighted by the response from members.

We normally meet every third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in Harpfield Primary Academy School, Palmers Green, Hartshill Road.

Our email address is hartshillwi@yahoo.co.uk and we on Facebook we are Hartshill Women's Institute.

Report by Marj Spiller Newcastle Life Issue 34 33

quiz CoRnER HEALTHCARE

Innovative hub at hospital

U

niversity Hospital North Midlands (UHNM) is set to lead the development of diagnostic care in the area by becoming an innovative Imaging Academy Hub. Following a successful bid the Trust has secured £500,000 in funding to set up an academy in partnership with Keele University and will join only a select number of hub sites commissioned by Heath Education England (HEE) across the Midlands region.

Training academies provide multiprofessional environments where training and education of the future workforce is the primary focus, maximising the expertise of experienced educators and supervisors across a broad patch.

Deonne Lee, Professional Head of Imaging at UHNM, said: “Ultimately, our aim is to increase the numbers of imaging staff able to enter the workforce, which will be of huge benefit to the patients we care for.

“UHNM’s imaging academy will facilitate the training of a sustainable, multidisciplinary diagnostic workforce which is capable of responding to demands placed on services.”

Deonne added: “Through the academy we will be able to increase imaging training 34 Newcastle Life Issue 34

capacity and provide multi-professional imaging training across the region. The hub model will enable us to provide flexible and high quality training environments for clinical radiology, diagnostic radiography and sonography, and imaging support staff.

“We will be able to offer immersive training in priority areas to support the rapid development of skills to support and expedite learning.”

HEE Midlands also plan to extend the remit of the academy to include mammography, medical physics and nuclear medicine.

Dr Desiree O'Leary, Director of Education (SAHP) at Keele University, said: “Keele University Radiography within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are proud to be working alongside UHNM’s radiology department.

“This will be an exciting and essential addition to the radiology and radiography workforce training and we look forward to a rewarding partnership, not only in increasing teaching, learning and up-skilling of the workforce, but in greater opportunities for research collaborations vital to the diagnostic setting.”

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