Newcastle Life Issue 41

ISSUE 41

Coronation celebrations

See pages 20 to 23

Gardening youngsters

See page 4

Hero awards

See page 12

by Wes Webster Photography

Tell us about your life in Newcastle

We, 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;

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

FRONT COVER PHOTO

Belong is a not-for-profit organisa琀on, drawing on over 30 years of experience in suppor琀ng people with demen琀a. Combining high quality support with a focus on wellbeing, our aim to ensure peace of mind and quality of life.

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Free Admiral Nurse service providing specialist demen琀a support and advice.

Crowning glory for little gardeners

Youngsters from a Newcastle nursery have been helping to plant out their community as part of the nation’s coronation celebrations.

Children and staff from the Giggles & Wiggles Nursery recently met up with representatives of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to carry out the green-fingered initiative.

A spokesman for council said: “We visited Brampton Park recently, where children from Giggles & Wiggles Nursery were celebrating National Gardening Week by planting some flowers.

“The theme this year is to plant a container for the Coronation. King Charles III is known to be a keen gardener.

“We also want to say a massive congratulations to His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Consort Camilla on their Coronation.”

A spokesman for the NBC Green Team added: “A lovely morning was spent planting in Brampton Park with little ones from Giggles & Wiggles Brampton.

“Wearing flower crowns, which they made using recycled materials they certainly celebrated #NationalGardeningWeek in style. The theme is planting for the coronation so we planted Delphiniums, one of King Charles’ favourites. Well done everyone #rhscommunity #kingscoronation

Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor news@timesandecho.co.uk

Jane Walters Advertising Manager

jane@timesandecho.co.uk 07817128582

Victoria Snape

Tracey Redfern Design & Production

Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01539 752214

www.timesechoandlife.co.uk news@timesandecho.co.uk

Lots of community spirit in town

SoSpring is well and truly here with all its new beginnings of life in our lovely countryside and soon it will be Summer –hopefully we will have a good lot of nice weather to enjoy. With the warmer months comes an increase in community events, no more so than in this fabulous town of Newcastle.

And with the 850 Market Charter celebrations also continuing this year for the town, there’s so much on offer to be able to get out and about and enjoy lots of community spirit.

To see what’s coming up over the next two months in Newcastle and surrounding areas, check out our What’s On guide on pages 26 and 27.

And if you attend any events in our area please do email over to me –hargreavespr@outlook.com – any photos, better still, a selfie or two of you and your family enjoying the community spirit.

Yet again, in this edition of the Newcastle Life Magazine, we have featured a number of fabulous events which have been taking place of late. Plus we take a look at just some of the achievements which have been made recently by some of the townsfolk. Happy reading!

Until next time – take care!

Alpacas say ‘hello’ to care village residents

Residents at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme have enjoyed a springtime start to remember with a special surprise in the form of a pair of alpacas popping in for a meet-and-greet, and a stint working in the reception.

Teddy and Carlos, both aged four, made themselves at home at the Lower Street care village, mingling with their hosts, taking tea in the onsite bistro and learning about the town’s history with a tour of the integrated Belong Heritage Gallery. They then took-up a front-ofhouse post, offering a warm welcome to visitors.

The furry guests quickly forged friendships with Belong’s customers and colleagues who provided an abundance of love and cuddles whilst taking the opportunity to ask their owners questions and provide their own amusing tales of past antics involving animals.

Resident Margaret Paling, aged 98, said: “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” and Janet Boulton, 89, added: “Oh, they’re lovely. They’re so well behaved – can they move in with us?”

Often confused with llamas, alpacas are members of the Camelidae family and can normally be found up to 5,000 meters above sea level in the heights of The Andes mountains. The animal therapy session has been made possible thanks to Knightley Alpaca Trekking, a Staffordshire-based family business offering

experiences with the South American mammal. Emma Palin, experience coordinator at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “What a fantastic afternoon we’ve had. To see our customers’ faces light up when the alpacas came in was truly magical.

“In previous years we’ve hatched our own chicks and ducks and for this Easter, we wanted another experience involving everyone; we even introduced our new friends to those who are confined to their beds.

“Animals provide an affectionate, sensory experience which offers emotional benefits to our customers, allowing them to feel connected in a way they might not always feel with people. It’s been a great success.”

Alpacas helping out on reception at Belong

Bob Kay with Teddy Alma Worthington with the alpacas

It’s time for the annual county show

The 2023 Staffordshire County Show is set to be held on Wednesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 1.

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 Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team as they perform heart stopping stunts in the Main Ring. Whilst the next generation of farmers will be inspired by the first-class entries in the livestock competitions which are held across the Showground.

The show, which is held at the Staffordshire 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 from as little as £42 for two adults and up to three children.

A packed Main Ring programme includes a range of attractions that includes, in addition to the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, the Young Farmer’s Floats (Thursday) which this year has a theme of “A Day in History”, show jumping (Wednesday), the Grand Parade of Livestock as well as the Parade of Hounds (Wednesday). New for this year in the Country Pursuits Arena is an incredible demonstration of dog agility and obedience from the West Lancs Dog Display Team. Visitors can also watch the birds of prey display, the ferret roadshow, have a go at fly casting or sit back and learn all about sheep with the Sheep Show.

Around the Showground there will be demonstrations of traditional rural crafts such as thatching, coracle making and drystone walling as well as a display of vintage cars and agricultural machinery. However, at the heart of this traditional County Show that has been held for over two hundred years is livestock with over 1,000 cattle, sheep, pigs and goats and over 1,500 horses and ponies.

There are a number of competitions and shows within the Show including the Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Competitions, the Farriery Competition where blacksmiths compete to make the perfect horseshoe before

using it to shoe a horse, the Egg, Cavy (guinea pigs and hamsters) and Rabbit Show together with the Bee & Honey Show with its working hive.

In addition the Dog Show will attract around 2,000 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 that are up to 80 years old.

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.

Early Bird tickets, which offer a substantial saving on the gate price, are on sale now until midnight on May 27 to print at home or download to your phone.

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

We believe every person should be treated as an individual, with tailored care provided in the very best surroundings. That’s why our home’s recent refurbishment has been designed with residents’ comfort, well-being and happiness in mind. A new home to be proud of, with the same dedication to those we care for.

Our stylish new café is the perfect place to welcome family and friends, with delicious home-made treats to enjoy.

A new hair salon provides for all pamper sessions and beauty routines. A new spa bathroom offers luxurious bath time experiences. Our sociable dining rooms serve residents’ favourite dishes. And our beautiful lounges are spaces to relax and feel at home in.

A trip back in time for town

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded the Friends of the Guildhall a grant to recreate a historic medieval market.

On July 16, Newcastle-under-Lyme will time travel back 850 years to its medieval beginnings to re- create a medieval market to mark the time when in 1173 King Henry II allocated the historic borough a charter granting “free liberties and customs” including trading to the people of the town.

The Friends of the Guildhall made an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund at the start of the year to celebrate the town’s history as a market town at this milestone anniversary.

A spokesman for the Guildhall said: “The grant has been awarded and is enabling the Friends of the Guildhall to plan and deliver medieval markets and activities as part of the year-long programme celebrating the town’s history.

“This will feature as one of the events in the town’s annual calendar alongside many others supported by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Castle Artisan Market and other local partners.”

Councillor Simon Tagg said: “We are very proud of our Borough’s long heritage and are keen to celebrate it as part of the 850th anniversary.”

To support the transformation there is set to be public workshops and wider activities.

On Saturday mornings from May 20 from 10am the doors of the Guildhall on the High Street will be open and the Saturday Craft Club will be working to create costumes, props, scenery, flags and banners – all essential to recreate the essence and sense of historic drama needed to bring the town back to its former medieval life.

All volunteers will be welcome – no experience or

prior skills required.

Event Manager Cath Ralph said: “Our town’s history and heritage are extremely important. Market Towns face enormous challenges in a modern and ever-changing world from internet shopping to out of town retail parks - these things can make it difficult for small traders and local businesses to survive on the High Street.

“Newcastle’s markets are one of its major assets. People visit not just to buy what they need but for a day out, to meet and chat with others and for the cultural experience that a market promises. Its future therefore is very much linked to its historic past and we want to recreate that as a day to remember.”

The Guildhall spokesman continued: “To help make this happen please give us your support.

“We are looking for volunteers to help with a number of different aspects of the event including staging an exhibition, so if you have a small amount of spare time and you want to learn something new, meet new people, or just be part of something special then email the Friends of the Guildhall at fotguildhall@gmail.com or call into the Guildhall on any weekday between 10am and 4pm.”

The Guildhall in Newcastle.

Photo by Google Maps

Planting begins on forest project

Hundreds of lime trees are being planted to mark a historic anniversary and make a green commitment for the future.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is planting 850 lime trees, plus other broadleaf species, to create a commemorative Lyme Forest to mark the 850 anniversary of the granting of the borough’s first Royal Charter.

Once planted, Lyme Forest will form part of the area’s mosaic of green spaces to support nature and help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “Newcastle is inextricably linked with its medieval heritage, taking its name from the huge Lyme forest which once dominated the region.

“This initiative to plant 850 lime trees to create a new forest in the year of our 850 anniversary is both symbolic of our proud heritage and planning for the future in the knowledge that Lyme Forest will provide a protected area of green space for future generations.”

Creation of the forest on the northern boundary of the former Keele Golf Course in Silverdale is being supported by a range of sponsors.

A spokesman for the council further explained: “The Forest of Lyme was once said to span parts of

Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, so that when the ‘new’ castle was built in the 1140s by the Normans the surrounding area took its name from both that and the nearby landmark forest.

“In 1173 Newcastle-under-Lyme was granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation by King Henry II, making it a borough and allowing a regular market to be held.

“Now, 850 years later, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is coordinating a year-long celebration of the historic anniversary, including the creation of Lyme Forest.

“As well as three species of lime trees native to the UK, field maple, cherry, rowan and oak will also be planted as part of the deciduous forest.”

Cllr Tagg added: “The journey towards achieving a carbon-neutral borough by 2050 requires many steps towards that target and the planting of several hundred trees helping capture and recycle carbon dioxide is part of that process.

“Lime trees can live for up to 400 years, so over time Lyme Forest will form a haven for nature and become part of our network of protected community green spaces.”

Everyone’s a hero at awards

The winners of the inaugural Newcastle Borough Heroes awards have been chosen. Selected for their contributions to communities in the Borough of Newcastleunder-Lyme, the three winners were unveiled at an awards ceremony at Keele Hall recently.

They include a young scout leader creating opportunities for others, a committed volunteer helping a community venue and a respected historian committed to preserving the region’s heritage.

Councillor Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: The ‘Newcastle Borough Heroes’ awards were created as part of the year-long celebrations of the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-underLyme’s incorporation as a borough and I can think of no better way of marking the event than by celebrating those who help make our communities a better place to live.

“Those who were selected are outstanding examples of people who have taken it upon themselves to make a difference to the lives of those around them.

“Although I am well aware that there are so many doing good things in the borough, the sponsors and I were tremendously impressed by the quality of all the nominations.”

The first winners of what stands to become an annual event are:

The Community Champion Award

Briony Bowler has been involved with scouts since the age of six. Supporting the Beaver and Cub sections at the 94th Keele Scout Group as a young leader from the age of 14, once Briony turned 18 she proposed launching a scout section for older youngsters – an idea that hadn’t got off the ground previously.

This time her energy and enthusiasm made it work and she used all her ingenuity to keep it going during the pandemic. Now around 50 youngsters attend, under the supervision of 12 leaders, where once there was nothing.

The Young Hero Award

Hannah Wollas volunteered to help at

Kidsgrove Sports Centre when it opened and has simply gone from strength to strength.

The 17-year-old began by cleaning, trained to become a receptionist and is now a qualified volunteer life guard – all the while still helping out around the building. Hannah is now the centre’s first apprentice and is preparing to undertake the training necessary to qualify as both a swimming and fitness instructor.

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Jim Worgan is a walking archive of the history of the Borough and wider North Staffordshire, having spent 40 years researching.

The last curator of Chatterley Whitfield mining museum until its closure in 1993, Jim remains an authority on the history of coal and ironstone mining here. Between 1990 and 2017 he gathered an extensive collection of photographs, articles and memorabilia connected to the industry, which he donated to the Brampton Museum and Apedale Heritage Centre.

Having already been granted the Freedom of the Borough in 2021, Jim is still an active member of a wide range of local groups and society giving tirelessly of his time and expertise and shares his knowledge of our heritage with public talks.

Pictured are: Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, is pictured right, with the winners of the Newcastle Borough Heroes Awards: Jim Worgan; the Mayor of Newcastle-underLyme, Cllr Gill Burnett, who collected the award on behalf of Hannah Wollas; and Briony Bowler.

Royal recognition for business organisations

Acounty-wide Chambers of Commerce has been honoured with one of the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise.

Staffordshire Chambers has recently been recognised for its “excellence in promoting opportunity” – one of just nine businesses across the country to earn the accolade.

The Promoting Opportunity award is issued to organisations that support people from disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their job skills and their chances of finding work.

Staffordshire Chambers CEO, Sara Williams OBE, said: “I am delighted, honoured and incredibly excited to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise.

“Our members know that here at the Chamber, our focus is on community and the belief that business is the bedrock of that community.

“I must thank the whole Chamber family; members, Patrons, Board, Council, Forums, staff, stakeholders and partners. You have all won this award.”

Sara continued: “Our businesses employ people, empower people, educate people and work within the community to ensure opportunity for everyone, including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, and I am proud that Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is at the heart of this.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to

continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

Now in its 57th year, the award programme is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Award Emblem for the next five years.

Meanwhile, also in Staffordshire, Protectapet Ltd, which is based in Newcastle, won King’s Awards for Enterprise for innovation. Both organisations are set to receive their awards later this year from the Staffordshire Lieutenancy office on behalf of the King.

James Leavesley, Staffordshire Deputy Lieutenant and Panel Champion for Business and Enterprise, said: “Staffordshire companies yet again show they are not only brilliant in their expertise but have achieved the highly sought after King’s Award for Enterprise.

“The internationally recognised award is the most prestigious award any company can win, and huge congratulations go to our two winners this year.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, councillor Philip White, added: “I would like to congratulate both companies on their awards and well-deserved recognition. These are always very competitively fought awards and the organisations should be proud of their achievements.”

St Joseph’s Preparatory School

Top awards for hospital choir

Achoir which is made up of hospital staff, patients and friends has brought home a number of awards at a recent competition.

The University Hospital Choir brought home the Choir Entry Trophy with honours at the competition which was held in Clayton as part of the Newcastle Festival for Music, Speech & Drama.

The choir is made up of a mix of current and former staff, along with friends and patients of the University Hospital of North Midlands –which includes the Royal Stoke Hospital.

Caroline Jackson, who lives in Uttoxeter, won first place in Pop Open Solo and also won second in Vocal Solo Classes - both with honours.

Caroline, who also sings in a local four-piece close harmony group called Cadenza, further explained: “Bel Canto is a nine-piece group formed from members of the hospital choir.

“We sing A Capella (without accompaniment) so we rely purely on each other for harmony.

“None of us are professional musicians - we literally do it because we love to sing together and have a great time whilst we’re at it.

“We won our ensemble class with honours.”

According to the choir’s website: “University Hospital Choir started in 2010 as an antidote to the stresses of working life in the NHS. It became a ladies choir only because we couldn’t persuade enough men to take part.

“However through rehearsals we had so much fun together, we decided to develop as an ‘upper voices’ choir because we liked it that way.

“The choir currently has over 50 active members made up of current and retired NHS staff and friends.

“We rehearse at the Royal Stoke Hospital on Tuesday evenings from 6pm until 8pm, but on the run up to concerts we will often stay later to perfect our repertoire.

“The choir is financially self-supporting, mainly through members’ subscriptions but occasionally with payments for performance.”

To find out more, go online to: https://universityhospitalchoir.co.uk.

Community spruces up town

Lots of residents across Newcastle have been banding together to spruce up their community.

Members of Newcastle BID, the borough council’s Green Team, and We Love Stoke were joined by lots of folk from local businesses and communities to carry out a large scale tidy up of the town recently.

A spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID said: “A massive thank you to everyone who turned out in the rain to ‘Clean Up Castle’ and help spread awareness of how important it is for us all to do our part to ‘Keep Britain Tidy.’

“The BID were joined by NBC Green Team, EasyJetwash pressure washing service Newcastle Under Lyme, We Love Stoke, local businesses and members of the public to target litter around the town centre.

“The downpour didn’t dampen the community spirit and it was great to chat to so

many people who are passionate about the local area.”

They added: “We’ll be planning a monthly ‘Town Tidy Up’ - if you’re interested in volunteering an hour of your time please email hello@nulbid.co.uk.”

A member of the NBC Green Team added: “We’ve had a fantastic fortnight with businesses, schools and volunteers taking part in our Spring clean with so much support, despite the weather.

“We pledged 850 hours for our Newcastle 850 celebration and the results are in, and we’ve done it.

“A huge thanks to Streetscene for collecting all the litter picked rubbish for us.”

What’s been happening in your community? Email our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com.

Scent-sational climbers

Thismonth I am looking for climbing plants with great fragrance. I asked clematis expert, Charlie Pridham, who also grows a wide range of other climbers for his top picks. For clematis Charlies selected C.montana 'Elizabeth' a pale pink from the 1950's which particularly good in the spring and for later in the year C. 'Betty Corning' with its pale blue bells and C x triternata-rubromarginata which produces mass of pink and white vanilla scented flowers.

Honeysuckles are well known for their scent, and our native species Lonicera periclymenum is one of the best in the world for scent. In flower for most of the summer it is best in shaded from the midday heat. and. Equally scented, but with a hint of spice and earlier into flower is Lonicera x italica. Lonicera glabrata which flowers in August and September, highly scented and evergreen From a garden perspective I think all honeysuckles benefit from being pruned from time to time to take out the oldest wood and help them renew themselves from the base”.

Roses are renowned for their scent and the rambling rose group gives good results with very minimum effort. The wichuriana types like 'Alberic Barbier' and 'Francois Juranville' have flexible stems for tying in and apple-like scent. More recognisably rose scented are ramblers like 'Rambling Rector' and 'Pauls Himalayan Musk' which are best for growing into trees and hedges".

The last mention goes to Wisteria floribunda. This flowers like crazy and apart from looking fantastic in early summer the perfume is absolutely gorgeous.

Charlie will be attending the plant fairs at Dorothy Clive Garden on Easter Sunday and

Monday and Hodnet Hall on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, with climbing plants from his nursery, Roseland House.

Janet and I run Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering special reduced entry rates to the gardens on the plant fair dates.

Planet Fair Dates:

Hodnet Hall & Gardens, Market Drayton on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, Garden and Fair £5;

Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall on Saturday June 17, Garden and Fair £1. For further details go online to: www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.

Martin Blow

New venue for gastronomical festival

Following the success of its first summer festival in 2022, the Stone Food & Drink Festival is once again set to run in July this year – on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16.

However, with work set to commence on extensive developments on the town’s Westbridge Park, the event’s usual site, the festival team has been forced to find an alternative venue for the 2023 event.

The festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to Stone each year, will take place at Kibblestone Scout Camp just, 1.5 miles north of the town centre.

With a shuttle bus service and a packed programme of events planned for the town centre throughout festival week, the goal of the event remains to help bring visitors, and their revenue, into Stone for the benefit of local businesses.

Chairman of the non-for-profit event, Richard Stevens, explained: “After a fantastic return to full capacity last year and seeing a great turnout for our first ever summer event, the team was excited to start early planning for a July 2023 festival on Westbridge Park.

“However, when we approached the borough council to secure the park site it was made clear that, due to proposed works, we would be unable to use Westbridge Park in July or October 2023.

“This was a huge hit for the team – following a year out due to Covid and a reduced capacity event in 2021, the festival simply would not survive another year out – so we started looking at alternative ways that we could still run a festival.

“Having investigated various options, Kibblestone provided an ideal opportunity – it has the space and infrastructure the event needs, ample on-site parking and is close enough for us to run shuttle buses to and from the town centre to ensure the festival still benefits town centre businesses.

“As part of our commitment to the town, we are once again working closely with Stone Traders’

Group to get local businesses involved in the event and will be running a packed programme of town centre events during the run-up to the event, something we are delighted to return to now restrictions have fully eased.

“We are confident that we will put on a great foodie event for Stone in 2023, and intend to return to Westbridge Park as soon as we are able –hopefully for the 2024 festival.”

Full details and tickets are set to be released in early 2023 via the festival website at www.stonefooddrink.org.uk.

regular shuttle buses running from town plus Park & Ride from Hitachi (formerly ABB, Oulton Rd)

day pass £12pp / 2 day pass £20pp (Accompanied under 16s free)

Celebrating HM The King’s Coronation

HMKING Charles III’s Coronation took place on Saturday, May 6, and there was a host of celebrations across the whole country.

In Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding areas, communities came together to mark the monumental occasion. Here are pictures from just some of the events in the area.

Belong Care Village

AsKing Charles III and Queen Camilla ascended to the throne, customers and families at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme care village marked the historic occasion with a coronation extravaganza to remember.

The Lower Street care village's celebration centrepiece comprised a special street party with live entertainment courtesy of ‘60s and ‘70s hits singer, Bruce Mellor, in addition to royal-themed quizzes, arts and crafts, and even chair-based exercise sessions.

Alongside the many helpings of Victoria sponge cake and bubbly, more live entertainment came courtesy of folk singer, Tony Boyle, whilst homemade decorations, games, and sharing stories of past royal festivities conjured happy memories of days gone by.

For the big moment itself, Belong customers and colleagues waved their Union Jacks whilst cheering on the royals from their in-house entertainment venue, before tucking into a fancy banquet inspired by British cuisine classics and accompanied by a tipple or two. Later, more gala festivities followed, including music and dancing and a joyful atmosphere.

Emma Palin, experience coordinator at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: ‘Our customers have many fond memories of past royal occasions, including Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 70 years ago, so we took lead from what they wanted to see, bringing to life their ideas for how to celebrate. “The result was a right royal knees-up, inspired by their memories, infused with modern take - a fantastic party that will be talked about for years to come.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla

Brampton Museum

Lots of creativity emerged at the Brampton Museum for the coronation celebrations.

The team at the venue hosted a special event which included the screening of the coronation and there was also lots of ‘royal’ themed displays as well as an afternoon tea for visitors to enjoy.

A spokesman for the museum said: “Coronation quote of the day ‘Thank you for putting this (live big screen) on. We’ve just moved house and haven’t got our television so this is the only way we could have seen it.”

“Thank you UKSPF for our big screen, and National Lottery players and Newcastle-underLyme Borough Council for our indoor street party.

“Afternoon tea was by The Little Vintage Tea Room at Brampton Museum.”

The Guildhall

Abeautiful ‘Coronation Coach’ was made especially for The Guildhall in Newcastle to mark the nation’s recent celebrations for the crowning of HM The King. The Friends of the Guildhall hosted the stunning display which had been created by young resident Bradley Sweeting.

Newcastle Town Centre

The community of Newcastle came together in their town centre to celebrate the crowning of HM King Charles. The community extravaganza on Saturday, May 6, was hosted by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID.

There was a whole host of fun for all the family on offer including a Coronation Market, face painting, street performers, live music, craft activities, and a climbing wall.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “The heavens may have opened for the King’s

Coronation but it certainly didn’t dampen the mood.

“Newcastle-under-Lyme BID were pleased to fund free children’s entertainment which included; free face painting, art and crafts, Coronation themed street performers and, of course, a bouldering wall.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us to help us celebrate.”

Businesses across the town also joined in on the celebrations by decorating their windows in all things red, white and blue.

Kidsgrove Town Hall

There was some ‘crowning glory’ on display at Kidsgrove Town Hall for the recent coronation celebrations.

These photos of the stunning display were taken by Newcastle-under-Lyme Police.

A spokesman said: “These crowns were on display outside of Kidsgrove Town Hall, as a celebration of The King’s Coronation.

“They were decorated by pupils from local schools: Springhead Primary, St Saviours Primary, Reginald Mitchell Primary, St Thomas Primary, St Johns Primary, Dovebank Primary, Mow Cop Primary, The Bluebell, Thursfield Primary & Kidsgrove Primary.

“Thank you to B&Q Meir who kindly donated the wood for the crowns.”

“I was deeply honoured”

Here, the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme Aaron Bell continues his regular column for the Newcastle Life Magazine:

It has been a historic month, celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey.

As the Member of Parliament for Newcastleunder-Lyme, it was a great privilege to attend a reception for Parliamentarians ahead of the coronation. I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to meet and speak to His Majesty, and I was able to pass on the best wishes of the whole Newcastle-under-Lyme community to him personally.

I am sure everyone agrees that the day itself was an impressive spectacle. It was very moving to witness the ceremony, the pomp and circumstance of the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and back again, and the Royals waving on the balcony of the Palace. It truly showed off the best of Britain to the whole world and made me very proud to be British.

The following day, I had the privilege of attending our Civic Celebration Service at St Giles’ Church with His Majesty’s Vice LordLieutenant for Staffordshire, Mr Graham Morley DL, and Newcastle Mayor-elect Cllr Simon White. It was also great to see so many young people there in uniforms of the Cadets, Scouts and Guides.

Streets up and down the country then continued the celebrations with the Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours shared food

and fun together - I certainly enjoyed popping into the Westlands’ street party on the corner of Repton Drive and Rossall Avenue, and was delighted to officially open the bench in honour of our late monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

I would like to thank the residents’ association led by Belinda Mifflin for inviting me, and councillor Simon Tagg who helped to fund the bench through his community fund. I was also pleased to visit Edenhurst Prep School last Friday to plant a commemorative apple tree at the school as part of their Coronation picnic, with the help of the Head Girl and the Head Boy.

I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating this new chapter in our country’s history. Despite the awful weather it was a truly remarkable occasion – it wouldn’t be a British day out without a bit of rain after all. God Save The King!

If you would like to contact me, please email aaron.bell.mp@parliament.uk, call 01782 308 102, or call into my constituency office on 3 Queens Parade, directly opposite the council offices and library at Castle House.

MP Aaron Bell speaking to HM King Charles at the coronation reception in Westminster

MP Aaron Bell officially opening the bench at Westlands

MP Aaron Bell at Edenhurst Prep School with Head Girl Harriet and Head Boy William

It’s been a long hard journey for Lucy Li

AUkrainian make up artist has had success in setting up business here in the UK.

Newcastle-under-Lyme resident Bev Robson is the sponsor for Luidmyla (aka Lucy Li) Levchenko who came to live in the area just over a year ago after escaping from her war-torn home country.

Bev said: “It has taken Lucy Li ten months, studying a business course, attending college to study English, re accrediting her qualifications in England, finding a salon and organising the necessary licences and insurance.

“Now she is up and running as a permanent make up artist, a career she enjoyed in Ukraine before the war.

“I hope her business is a success.”

Lucy Li said: “I am a permanent makeup artist. My path to this profession has been interesting and unique.

“I have had experience in many professions in my life, but never would I have imagined that I would work in the beauty industry.

“One of my most recent jobs was as a florist. My taste and intuition for design has built up over the years, and the desire to help people improve their image, has lead me to where I am today.

“After all, it’s no secret that we all want to look excellent and stunning. Everyone knows their shortcomings.

“We are aware of what we want to change or correct with cosmetics. So, there is a unique solution for these nuances - micropigmentation procedure.”

Lucy Li continued to explain: “Micropigmentation (Hair pigmentation) is a relatively new medical and cosmetic procedure, designed primarily to create the visual illusion of hair with the help of dyes. It is used to create the follicle pattern of short-cut hair on the skin.

“This procedure is for people who have naturally sparse hair or have suffered from alopecia. This technique can also be used to emphasize the brightness, colour, contour and expression for the eyes, lips and even areolae.

“I love creating

enhanced and customised looks for my clients. It makes me so happy when after the procedure, I see my clients happy and smiling, confident with their new look. This procedure gives you freedom from physical complexes and worries.”

Lucy Li added: “I am from Ukraine and flew to the UK on May 6 last year.

I had a hard and long journey, but now, just over a year later, I have achieved my dream to open my studio here.

“You can find me at 10 Queen Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I would like to invite anyone who is interested in improving their image with me.

“I can help you achieve a flawless image and I look forward to welcoming you as a client.”

Regular Events

Castle Artisan Market

Every third Sunday of the month. Monthly Artisan Market held in the historic market town of Newcastleunder-Lyme. Celebrating the best local makers, bakers and creators with an exciting mix of live music and street food too. Details: www.facebook.com/castleart isan.

Thursday between 8am and 3pm, selling a range of brica-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.

Rock Choir 10am-11.30am at The Community Hub, Newcastle Baptists Church. Every Thursday. Cost: £25 a month. Details: www.rockchoir.com.

Gentle stretches and mindfulness with Aurelija. Cost £4. Details: 01782 619705.

Coming up

Saturday, May 27

Jazz & Blues FestivalNewcastle town centre. Plus on Sunday. Details: www.newcastlestaffs.gov.uk.

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-aBrac and Collectibles Market Operated by the Antique Forum Group every

Chair-a-cise 11am-12pm at Brampton Museum. Every Thursday. (at 12.15pm every second Thursday) Cost £4. Details: 01782 619705.

Restorative Yoga 2pm-3pm at Brampton Museum. Every Friday.

Tuesday, June 6

Newcastle VCSE Locality Forum 6.30pm-8.30pm at Bradwell Lodge Community Centre, Newcastle-underLyme. Details: www.supportstaffordshire.or g.uk.

Monday, June 26

Care Home Open Week

Running until Monday, July 3 at Belong Care Village, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Newcastle town centre

Guided tours around the village to showcase the facilities, answer any questions and provide the opportunity for visitors to join in on activities. Details: 01782 986300.

Saturday, July 29

Summer Fair 11am-2pm at Belong Care Village, Newcastle-under-Lyme. With a variety of entertainment, including gift and craft stalls, games, raffles, and fun for all the family. Plus a selection of food and refreshments on sale. Free admission. Details: 01782 986300.

next couple of months as part of the celebrations of Loyal and Ancient Borough of Newcastleunder-Lyme’s 850th anniversary of the granting of the first charter.

May: Theme - Military

18th: Military Matters Film Show at Museum at 2pm, £5.

25th: Talk at Museum–Thomas Harrison at 2pm, £5.

27-29th: Jazz & Blues Festival - Newcastle Town Centre.

Brampton Park, Free.

15th: Film Show at MuseumPhilip Astley at 2pm, £5.

24th: Tri Services Armed Forces Day in Newcastle Town Centre.

29th: Talk - Philip Astley by Andrew Van Buren at 2pm, £5.

July: Theme – Sports

1st: 1920’s Jazz Day at Museum

- Jake Legg Jugg Band.

16th: 850 Market in Newcastle Town Centre.

20th: Film Show Sporting Heroes at Museum at 2pm, £5. 23rd: Music for Brampton Museum’s 80 birthday at 2pm4pm.

27th: Potters at Play– talk by Mervyn Edwards at 2pm, £5.

August: Theme – Heroes

5th: Betley Show.

17th: Film Show at Museum - Mining Heroes at 2pm, £5.

24th: Talk at MuseumMiner’s Rescue Teams at 2pm, £5.

Newcastle 850 Event Calendar

Here is just some of the events which are still yet to place over the

June: Theme – Big Celebration/Performing Arts

3rd: Celebrate Newcastle, 1173 Medieval day - Museum and

To keep up to date on the 850 anniversary events, go online to: www.newcastlestaffs.gov.uk/850.

Please note that the information in this What’s On 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.c om.

Celebrate Newcastle

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1 Beginning in 2012 which television series of solving crimes ended in March 2023 after nine series?

2 Which Olympian was crowned Dancing on Ice winner 2023?

3 Which film won the 2023 Best Picture Oscar?

4 What was the apt maiden name of Buzz Aldrin’s mother?

5 Who is to replace Sue Barker as the main presenter of the Wimbledon coverage later this year?

6 Which England cricket captain had the initials MCC?

7 Which spread is named after a French casserole dish?

8 Tyrol is a region split between which two countries?

9 Charles Warrell created what series of spotters’ guides?

10 Who was the sole survivor of the wreck of the Pequod?

11 How was Margaret Lake better known who died aged 80 in March?

12 Which county adopted St Petroc’s Cross as its flag?

13 In what decade was the last prosecution under the Witchcraft Act 1735?

14 What did Robert Wilson supposedly photograph in 1934?

15 What is the world record for stacking M&M’s?

16 Which city has statues of Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx?

17 What is the third letter of the Greek alphabet?

18 If a horse has odds of 3/1 what percentage chance does the odds imply it has of winning the race?

19 Which hero of Greek mythology was accidentally poisoned by his wife, Deianeira, when she was tricked by the dying centaur Nessus into giving him a venomous tunic?

20 The 1960 song "Only the Lonely" was the first No. 1 hit for which singer?

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

Welive in a most stunning area of Middle England and are so lucky to have such wonderful countryside right on our doorstep. Here is a selection of fabulous photographs of Springtime in the countryside which have been kindly sent in to us by some of our readers.

HAVE you snapped a stunning local scene recently? Email your pictures to hargreavespr@outlook.com.

Bluebell. Photo by Peter Wetton

Lambs. Photo by Peter Wetton

A lamb.

Photo by Kate Ainsworth

Photo by Angela Lilley Photography

Premises plan for circus centre

Ashowpiece centre celebrating one of Newcastle’s most famous sons has identified its headquarters.

The new Astley Centre for Circus & Performing Arts, to be run by a Community Interest Company (CIC), is set to occupy a town centre building currently lying empty.

Using Government funding currently being approved, 23-25 Merrial Street in Newcastle will be renovated to accommodate the Astley Centre to create a museum, research centre and a training and teaching facility.

Councillor Stephen Sweeney, deputy leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said: “This is an exciting, distinctive development, which not only celebrates Philip Astley, the man regarded as the father of the modern circus, but has huge potential for the future.

“Moving to Merrial Street will get this project up and running, with the added bonus of bringing a town centre building back to life.”

The Astley Centre is set to build on the success of previous celebrations in the town of Philip Astley – and draw on the expertise available from the New Vic Theatre - to develop a dedicated centre for circus.

Features will include the history and heritage of the circus, along with workspaces, fully equipped studios and an education area.

A report to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet states that the authority will not be subsidising the running costs of the centre, which will be operated by the Philip Astley CIC.

Cllr Sweeney added: “Newcastle has a unique opportunity to create something extraordinary here which in the long term could boost our town centre enormously.”

Philip Astley was born in Newcastle in 1700s, the son of a cabinet maker, and after a military career became known for his ‘trick’ horse riding.

Having opened a riding school in London in 1769, Astley began performing equestrian shows for the public, which expanded into performances featuring clowns, tightrope walkers, jugglers and dancing dogs.

Andrew Van Buren, Director of the Philip Astley Project CIC, said: “It is paramount that new ways are developed for creating footfall in

town centres and I have seen how this can be successfully achieved through my world travels as part of my show business career, witnessing first-hand how key historic figures can positively impact areas.

“In Newcastle-under-Lyme’s case that figure is local born Philip Astley – the military hero, creator of modern circus and the original Ringmaster. Philip Astley not only offers a key historic figure, but also a link with the town’s heritage and global cultural legacy.”

Andrew continued: “The Astley Circus Centre is a necessary and long awaited addition to the town infrastructure, providing a chance for visitors to learn about and experience the Astley legacy through access to exhibitions, archives, and related physical skills.

“We are a step away from making dreams a reality. This wonderful and exciting news has the potential to be of a great addition not only to Newcastle-under-Lyme, but also the whole of Staffordshire.”

To find out more, go online to: www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.

Portrait of Philip Astley

Bank holiday weekend of live local music

The annual Lymelight Festival returned to Newcastle-under-Lyme town this Springtime.

Across the April Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 29 and Sunday 30, more than 30 up and coming, local artists performed across two outdoor stages and a number of town centre indoor venues to provide a weekend of free, live entertainment for people of all ages.

Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID with support from PH Productions and The Underground, the event also brought additional footfall into the town centre as well as supporting the local businesses and placing the wealth of local music on the map.

Two outdoor stages were situated in the heart of the town centre with The Guildhall Stage being located on High Street, outside The Guildhall, while the Ironmarket Stage was located around the corner on the Ironmaket, outside Cappello Lounge.

As well as music from over 30 live performers on the main stage including All the Young, John Dhali, Bathtub, Fat Lip, Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders, acoustic sessions saw the return to nearby The Carlton with a further Fringe vibe in nearby bars including Wellers, The Crossways,

Castletown Distillery and Artisan Tap.

Since its inception in 2013, over 600 plus local acts have performed at the festival making local music focused events such as Lymelight, Your City Festival and Honey Box Live crucial for preserving the performing space for artists and for fostering the growth of the already vibrant local music scene.

To keep that festival feeling flowing throughout the town, fun fair rides, street food and drink vendors including independent traders Sando, Crossways and Hamilton Bay were also on offer as well as welcoming back the best makers, bakers and creators from Castle Artisan Market on the Sunday.

A spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID said: “Lymelight Festival 2023 was a blast.

“Events such as Lymelight are organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and funded by our town centre businesses.

“Without our amazing businesses, events such as this would not be possible.

“We ask you to keep showing up, keep shopping local and keep supporting your local high street.”

They added: “A massive thanks to everyone who came down, danced, and braved the rain.”