Newcastle Life Issue 5

ISSUE 5

Life Finding a song with the Daleian Singers

YULETIDE EVENTS Fill your Christmas calendar

COMPETITION SPECIAL!!!

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 5 Editor’s Letter .............................................6

Lottery Funding........................................28

Photography Corner .................................30

Disney Trip ................................................31 Scouting News ..........................................32

Lights Switch On.........................................8

Halloween Pet Party .................................34

The Daleian Singers ..................................12

Youth Groups Enjoy Funding...................38

Firework Night ..........................................10 Ridgways Hearing Care.............................14

Life Saving Gift .........................................36 Homes and Gardens .................................40

Foodfest 2016 ............................................16

Gardening .................................................44

Stage Directions........................................22

Legal Matters ............................................47

Recipes For Life ........................................20 Competitions.............................................23 What’s On .................................................26

Paralympian Visit .....................................46 Motoring ...................................................48

Quiz Corner...............................................50

NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN NEWCASTLE

Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton Tracey Wardle Design & Production Thomas Brian Advertising Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693 Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk Mark Dudley Photography Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

Cover photo: ‘Frosty Morning’ by Ivan Rwatschew Ivan took this shot along the A53 near Bridgemere. He has been a member of Newcastle Camera Club for six years and excels in landscape photography.

6 Newcastle Life Issue 5

un filled events across Newcastle have kept us busy for the past few months and the team here at Newcastle Life have enjoyed being out and about to capture all the exciting goings on.

We filled our faces at the town's inaugural food fest; discovering the delights of local produce and enjoying the entertainment, gorgeous gifts and creative crafts.

The snap crackle and pop of the Mayor's charity firework evening got us in the mood for autumn, and we even popped in to see your pet pooches dressed to the nines at Paws & Co's fancy dress Halloween party.

Have you seen our photographer out and about? If so he may have caught you on camera! Take a look inside.

As always, there’s also a great line up of news and features for you to get stuck into.

We meet 31 year old Jenny Lowe, who bravely donated her own kidney to save her mother from dialysis, and we check in with the district’s cubs and scouts to see what they have been up to recently.

A special feature on The Daleian Singers, based in Silverdale, might just inspire you to take to the stage and if you’re stuck for ideas on what to do over the coming weeks, look no further than our What’s On guide.

As ever, Newcastle is buzzing with activity and there are always plenty of opportunities to try something new.

Our fantastic competitions in this issue are not to be missed fashionistas could win the chance to pick up some styling tips at the Clothes Show and history buffs could have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the hidden treasures of the Antiques for Everyone Winter Fair. Why not give it a go - you might be one of our lucky winners!

You could be forgiven for thinking that after all the excitement of these extraordinary events which have taken place in our town during September and October, winter will be a quiet one, but you’d be wrong.

Between the Christmas lights switch on, extra shopping nights, the lantern parades and moonlight markets, there’s plenty to keep you entertained as the festive season comes closer.

So get cosy by the fire, close the curtains to the cold and snuggle up to enjoy your winter issue of Newcastle Life magazine.

We will see you in 2017!

F

Laura

Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

Find us on Facebook search for Newcastle Life Magazine

A STRONG START TO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

STRONGMAN SET TO SWITCH ON LIGHTS

ewcastle-under-Lyme is gearing up for a funfilled festive season, starting on Saturday 26th November, when local celebrity and Britain’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall, switches on the town’s Christmas lights.

Eddie – the only man to deadlift 500kg under

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8 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Strongman rules – will also be on hand from 4pm for ‘selfie’ and autograph opportunities with fans.

Anyone feeling peckish will be able to sample the tasty treats on offer courtesy of The Market Co. Renowned for delivering Artisan Markets to towns across the region, The Market Co offers exceptional produce and handcrafted items to complement regular market stalls, wrapped together in a dynamic community event.

Shoppers will be able to

discover where the food on offer is from, chat with store owners – who often produce the food themselves – and support local suppliers, while enjoying live entertainment and children’s games.

Additional activities on the ‘Switch On’ day include community carolling and choirs outside the Roebuck Centre, next to HitMix Radio’s roadshow, photo opportunities with Star Wars characters, Stanworths Fair, and a firework display following the lights switch on at 5pm. The Lions Club of Newcastleunder-Lyme has also arranged for Father Christmas to be in his grotto by the Guild Hall from 12-2pm and 3-5pm.

Commenting on the actionpacked programme, organiser Newcastle Business Improvement District Manager, Matt Taylor said: “The lights switch on is a key event in the local calendar, and we are really excited about the mix of entertainment planned this year. We recognise that the town has a diverse population, and have purposely combined traditional elements with more contemporary attractions, to ensure that there is something for everyone, with the focus on fun for the whole family.

“Free parking will be available all day on council car parks, so there’s no excuse not to come along and join in with the festive spirit.”

FIREWORK NIGHT

FIREWORK NIGHT GOE A SPARKLING FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

amilies and friends flocked to see the Mayor’s charity firework event at the end of October, which kicked off bonfire season in style.

Fireworks and fairground rides, food, drink and entertainment were all on the cards at the special event, which took place at the Lyme Valley Parkway on Sunday, 23rd October.

The Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Cllr. Ian Wilkes is dedicating his mayoral year to raising money for Diabetes UK North Staffs (DUKNS) and Canine Partners and money raised on the gate during the event will be donated to these deserving organisations.

F

10 Newcastle Life Issue 5

FIREWORK NIGHT

OES OFF WITH A BANG

Newcastle Life Issue 5 11

Diamond celebrations f THE DALEIAN SINGERS

“THOSE WHO WISH TO SING, ALWAYS FIND A SONG”

f you’ve harboured a long time desire to start singing, look no further than the Daleian Singers - a local male voice group which is so popular it boasts a street named after it.

Based in the Westlands, this is a choir which boasts the very best of Male Voice singing in North Staffordshire.

Its name, derived from the Choir’s roots in Silverdale, started in 1957 and so will be celebrating their Diamond Jubilee next year with plenty of events lined up to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Every year the Daleian Singers choir continues to grow and grow, and now has over 60 members.

In fact, following its 2015 success as Winners in the North Wales Choral Festival, the choir is going from strength to strength.

Choristers come from across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire: about half live within the borough boundary of Newcastle-underLyme, but there are members from as far afield as Baldwin’s Gate, Crewe, Congleton, Leek, Meir and Stone.

Members tend to have sung in some way or

I

12 Newcastle Life Issue 5

another from an early age, perhaps at school or in church, but what really stands out about this group is the camaraderie, friendship and above all, love of song.

Some choristers take the lead as soloists, but that’s not the prime reason for why the majority of members are wanting to join.

Ask most male-voice choirs what is the biggest issue today and they’ll almost certainly say “getting new, young, members,” but The Daleian Singers have bucked the trend, with plenty of younger blood joining the group.

Perhaps its because the choir have sung with many illustrious guests over the years, including Joan Sutherland, Stuart Burrows, Alfie Boe and bands such as the James Shepherd versatile brass and the Fodens Works Brass Band.

Glynn Edwards has been the choir’s Musical Director since 1981 and is continuing a family tradition, following in the footsteps of his father, Frank - one of the group’s original First Tenors and assistant M.D. He told Newcastle Life Magazine: “Dad lived for the Daleians from its formation. He was even sacked for missing work

s for singing sensations

THE DALEIAN SINGERS

in order to sing at a Daleian concert!

Commitment indeed.

“Having been brought up in a musical family it was great to be invited to join the choir and an honour to be asked to be the Musical Director.

“Following in Dad's footsteps seemed natural and it has ensured that an Edwards, and often more than one, has been ever present since 1957.

“As a Silverdale lad, it has also ensured that the connection with the village has been maintained.

“There have been many highs and lows but of late our performances have been at an all time high and I look forward to our diamond jubilee celebrations with eager anticipation. My role is difficult but very rewarding. The biggest thrill as MD is to give pleasure to audiences large and small and to know that we have raised thousands of pounds for charity.”

The Daleian Singers rehearse on Mondays (except Bank Holiday Mondays) from 7.159.15pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, at the top of Pilkington Avenue in the Westlands. For more information telephone : 07974 779335 or visit www.daleiansingers.org.uk

UPCOMING APPEARANCES December 17th 2016 - Astbury Golf Club March 19th 2017 - Victoria Hall, Hanley with Paul Barry big band (Daleian Singers Jubilee Concert) March 25th 2017 - Longton United Reformed Church April 21st 2017 - Christchurch, Tunstall May 13th 2017 - Congleton Methodist Church May 26-29th 2017 - Dumfries Arts Festival December 2nd 2017- Longton United Reformed Church Newcastle Life Issue 5 13

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Newcastle Life Issue 5 15

FOODFEST 2016

FOOD FESTIVITIES FULL OF FUN!

weekend of food, fun and even farm animals came to Newcastle at the start of September, as FoodFest2016 kicked off with a bang.

Highlighting issues of Food Waste, Poverty and Sustainability, the event took place on the 16th and 17th September showcasing food, art, creativity and talent from all over North Staffordshire.

Stephanie Parker, of Newcastle Staffs Food Bank, explained the reason behind Food Fest.

She said: “It's been really helpful to be able to talk to people and let them know that anyone could find themselves needing a food bank, and give them information on how to access help.

“FoodFest hasn't just been about gourmet

A

16 Newcastle Life Issue 5

burgers, it has also been an opportunity to talk about food, waste, and sustainability and I think it went really well.”

So what did visitors think?

Tina on the arts and crafts stall talked about how pleased she was to see a high turnout of young families, and said it would be a good idea to have future FoodFest events, maybe in other local towns: “I've seen three generations today, and the nice thing is to see people taking their time and not rushing. This activity is time consuming and gets messy, so it's good to see families taking their time and enjoying it, they all seem engaged with what's going on today.”

››

FOODFEST 2016

Newcastle Life Issue 5 17

FOODFEST 2016

18 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Hamidah attended the festival with her henna materials, and commented on how many people had turned up: “If this was here every weekend I'd definitely come every time, it's been really good to see so many people. I think next year it would be good to have all different kinds of food, like halal and vegetarian, and open kitchens would be cool!”

FOODFEST 2016

lovely! It's good to see something like this, we've bought things from a few stalls and everyone is so chatty and enthusiastic, I'd come again if this was repeated”.

››

Tony, of Clayton Scouts, praised the high turnout, particularly of young people. He said: “We've been busy talking to people and serving refreshments all day. Lots of young people have been approaching Michelle, from Wolstanton talked about how she'd us to ask about activities and getting involved stumbled upon the event:“We were just in town to locally. We'd love to see this next year, and the get a few things, but we've ended up staying longer Scouts would definitely be happy to get involved again.” because there's a lot going on and the weather is

Newcastle Life Issue 5 19

WARM UP YOUR AP RECIPES FOR LIFE

CHILLI DISHES FOR CHILLY DAYS

Traditional Chilli con carne

Bursting with spices and flavour, this dish can also be frozen for meals in a hurry. Alternatively it’s a simple yet impressive meal for cosy Autumnal dinner parties with friends and family. For a bit of a twist and a lightly richer flavour, rather than add the teaspoon of sugar, you can stir in a small piece of plain dark chocolate when you add the beans. All you need to go with it is a nice tasty glass of red wine!

Ingredients: • 1 tbsp oil • 1 large onion • 1 red pepper • 2 garlic cloves, peeled • 1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder (or 1 level tbsp if you only have mild) • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp ground cumin

/ ration Prepa : 1 hour e im cook t es: 4 Serv

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• 500g lean minced beef • 1 beef stock cube • 400g can chopped tomatoes • ½ tsp dried marjoram • 1 tsp sugar • 2 tbsp tomato purée • 410g can red kidney beans • Plain boiled long grain rice, to serve • Soured cream, to serve

PPETITE

RECIPES FOR LIFE As the first gush of cold air kicks off Autumn and Winter, this time of year calls for warm, tasty, hearty food to banish those blues. A house feels warm and cosy with a big pot of chilli simmering on the stove - so what could be better?

Method: • Dice one large onion and one red pepper. Peel and finely chop two garlic cloves.

• Put your pan on the hob over a medium heat.

Add the oil and leave it for one to two minutes until hot, add the onions and cook, stirring fairly frequently, for about five minutes, or until the onions are soft and slightly translucent. Tip in the garlic, red pepper, one heaped tsp hot chilli powder or one level tbsp mild chilli powder, one tsp paprika and one tsp ground cumin. Give it a good stir, then leave it to cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Turn the heat up a bit, add the meat to the pan and break it up with your spoon or spatula.

Make sure you keep the heat hot enough for the meat to fry and become brown, rather than just stew.

• Crumble one beef stock cube into 300ml hot water. Pour this into the pan with the mince mixture. Open one can of chopped tomatoes (400g can) and add these as well. Tip in ½ tsp dried marjoram and one tsp sugar and add a good shake of salt and pepper. Squirt in about two tbsp tomato purée and stir the sauce well.

• Bring the whole thing to the boil, give it a good stir and put a lid on the pan. Turn down the heat until it is gently bubbling and leave it for 20 minutes. You should check on the pan occasionally to stir it and make sure the sauce doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan or isn’t drying out. If it is, add a couple of tablespoons of water and make sure that the heat really is low enough. After simmering gently, the saucy mince mixture should look thick, moist and juicy.

• Drain and rinse one can of red kidney beans (410g can) in a sieve and stir them into the chilli pot. Bring to the boil again, and gently bubble without the lid for another 10 minutes, adding a little more water if it looks too dry. Now replace the lid, turn off the heat and leave your chilli to stand for 10 minutes before serving, and relax.

Leaving your chilli to stand is really important as it allows the flavours to mingle and the meat.

• Serve with soured cream and plain boiled long grain rice.

Chilli nachos

If you don’t fancy a big bowl of chilli, or you’ve cooked so much of it you’ve got a bit left over, why not make a tasty snack? These nachos are perfect for cosy nights in front of the fire, watching a favourite film. Enjoy!

Ingredients • 400g can chilli con carne • 115g bag tortilla chips • 1 Tbsp Emmental cheese, finely grated • 1 Tbsp sliced, green jalapenos, drained • Guacamole or sour cream to serve

Method • Heat the chilli con carne in a saucepan for five minutes until hot.

• Place tortillas in a large frying pan on a low heat, carefully tossing to warm through.

• To serve, arrange tortillas on a large plate or platter and pour over chilli.

• Sprinkle with cheese and scatter over jalapenos.

• Serve with guacamole and sour cream.

Prepa rat cook t ion/ Quick ime: and Serve easy s: 2

Newcastle Life Issue 5 21

Stage Directions

by Richard Lane

WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE SNOW QUEEN AT THE NEW VIC

e have teamed up with the award-winning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to give away a family ticket worth £66 (2 Adults 2 Children) to see The Snow Queen.

This Christmas, Theresa Heskins’ new adaptation of The Snow Queen will put imagination and the joy of reading centre-stage at the New Vic Theatre.

Continuing a series of successful adaptations of children’s literature at the theatre-in-the-round, Heskins’ production will showcase her stunning trademark style, with enchanting characters, ingenious staging and breath-taking on-stage magic.

An epic filmic score by composer James Atherton will be performed live by a cast of 12 actor-musicians who will be joined on stage by a Young Company of talented local children.

The classic children’s tale of adventure, friendship and bravery, is being brought to the stage by the brilliant creative team behind legendary New Vic Christmas shows such as The Borrowers and The Hundred and One Dalmatians. With enchanting characters, original music and filled with breath-taking on-stage magic, The Snow Queen promises to be the must-see production this festive season.

Tickets for The Snow Queen, priced from £16.50 to £23.50, are available by telephoning the New Vic Box Office on 01782 717962 or online by visiting www.newvictheatre.org.uk.

W

To win a family ticket answer the following question:

Which of these stories was also written by Hans Christian Andersen?

A) Cinderella B) Pinocchio C) The Ugly Duckling (CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER) Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Tuesday 6th December 2016.

Tickets are for any performance of The Snow Queen, excluding from Friday 16 to Saturday 31 December The production runs at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Saturday 19 November 2016 to Saturday 28 January 2017. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to availability.

22 Newcastle Life Issue 5

COMPETITION

Photo courtesy of Antiques for Everyone (Exhibitor: Bac to Basics)

WIN

Clarice Cliff jugs c.1930 (Exhibitor Andrew Muir)

One of 10 pairs of tickets to Antiques for Everyone Winter Fair

Lovers of antiques and collectables will be captivated by the stylish wares at this year’s Antiques for Everyone Winter Fair, 1st-4th December 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Whether you are someone looking to find the perfect Christmas gift or an antiques' enthusiast looking for a little self-indulgence, the fair has plenty to inspire you.

You can expect to see a wonderfully rich variety of beautiful antiques, vintage and contemporary pieces including colourful ceramics, sparkling glass, fabulous fine art, exquisite jewellery and more. Over 200 specialist dealers will be showcasing their wares,

each item with its own history and story to tell. When something is passionately and intelligently designed, it invariable stands the test of time. All items are vetted for authenticity by a team of experts.

Celebrity speakers Judith Miller and Will Farmer, the BBC Antiques Roadshow experts will share their knowledge and anecdotes every day. The fair is open Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd December 11am–6pm; and Sunday 4th December 11am–5pm. Admission £15, including free car parking. In advance £12 for adults. To book tickets call 0844 581 0827 or visit www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk

To win a pair of tickets to Antiques for Everyone Winter Fair, answer the following question:

Which television show features antique experts Judith Miller and Will Farmer?

A) Antiques Roadshow B) The One Show C) This Morning (CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER) Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Wednesday 23rd November 2016.

Newcastle Life Issue 5 23

COMPETITION

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Discover the next big thing at Britain's biggest fashion and beauty festival

The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel will return to the NEC Birmingham from 2nd-6th December 2016 with a new, exciting line-up of fashion, beauty, live music and industry experts.

Whether you’re looking to update your AW16 wardrobe, discover fresh new music, find inspiration to kick start a career in fashion or meet industry experts, prepare to immerse yourself in Britain’s largest fashion and beauty festival, where you’ll find all of this and more.

Renowned for discovering talent across its 27 year history, The Clothes Show is recognising and celebrating the talent of young people within the music industry.

2016 saw the launch of The Clothes Show Discovers - a search to find a male and female artiste. British rising stars Charlotte OC and Daecolm are confirmed to headline the iconic Alcatel Fashion Theatre in association with Capital FM this December.

Take a seat to watch the newly named catwalk show, Rock the Runway, which will bring together a fashion-meets-music performance with over 40 models and dancers alongside the newly discovered music acts, in what is set to be the most breath-taking show yet.

Trend presentations from high street favourites, compiled by ITV’s fashion presenter, Mark Heyes, will offer an insight into AW16 must haves, plus a host of wellknown faces will appear in the theatre each day.

TV’s brightest rising star, Laura Jackson, will kick-start the first day on Friday 2nd, while presenter and radio DJ, Mark Wright will present ‘Rock The Runway’ in the Alcatel Fashion Theatre on Saturday 3rd. Fashion icon Laura Whitmore will take to the stage on Sunday 4th while TV favourite, Jamie Laing will return on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th December. What’s more, you can catch Joey Essex doing exclusive giveaways in the Alcatel Fashion Theatre and appear in the Waist Shaper Paparazzi Pen on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Shop in the Boutique Boulevard, where you will find pop up stores from the likes of Olive Clothing, Sugarhill Boutique, Lola and Grace, Leia and Lavish Alice. Fashion24 Newcastle Life Issue 5

COMPETITION

N! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! forward collections from Oasis, Maniere De Voir, South Beach, Claudio Lugli, Adanola, Pretty Lavish, Gymshark, In Love With Fashion and Shoe Embassy will add to the line-up while the Designer Outlet will return with the most sought-after labels.

You’ll also be able to shop from a host of Hair & Beauty brands including Elemis, Barry M, W7, Lee Stafford, Models Own, WAH London, Spectrum Collection, Bomb Cosmetic and Cocowhite.

The Discovered Catwalk in association with Cosmopolitan will be hosted by fashion expert Antonia O’Brien and model Annaliese Dayes, showcasing collections from the Boutique Boulevard, exclusive trend presentations, interviews from leading designers, as well as a host of fashion, beauty and health experts plus some of the UK’s leading editors.

Blogger Sarah Ashcroft otherwise known as ‘That Pommie Girl’ will take to the stage for Q&A sessions as well as styling her own catwalk show. Award-winning blogger and YouTuber Grace Victory will also be at the show discussing being a dedicated body image campaigner and curvy model in her own right.

TV favourite, Mark Heyes, will also return to the show presenting trends from the catwalk to the high street. His ‘Curves with Confidence’ workshop will show you how to dress for your body shape with valuable style advice on transforming basic looks into key trends for the season .

Having launched the careers of many top models, designers and TV presenters over the years including Cat Deeley, Holly Willoughby, Vernon Kay, Oliver Cheshire, Rosie Tapner and Erin O'Connor, this year The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel

will once again be on the lookout for Britain’s next big names. Select Model Management will be scouting at the show, searching for the next 'Face Of' The Clothes Show 2016.

The Clothes Show’s Educational Ambassador, Professor Caryn Franklin MBE, has been part of the show from the beginning and continues to inspire the fashion talent of the future through the Educational Programme. There will be an array of exciting seminars, workshops and awards designed to help get you to

where you want to be in the creative industries!

Watch this space for further talent announcements as we count down to the largest event on the fashion calendar…

Make your day extra special and book a Diamond ticket, NEW for 2016! The package offers a truly unique VIP experience with exclusive celebrity meet and greets for you and your friends. Available on Saturday & Sunday only.

For more information, please visit: www.clothesshow.com

Newcastle Life has teamed up with The Clothes Show in association with Alcatel to offer two lucky readers and their ‘plus ones’ the chance to attend Britain's biggest fashion and beauty festival on Friday 2nd December 2016. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

What is the new name for the catwalk show?

A) Shock the Runway B) Rock the Runway C) Rock the Catwalk (CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER) Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by Wednesday 23rd November 2016.

The Clothes Show tickets are standard tickets only. Valid for the first and last Fashion Theatre show only. Valid Friday 2nd December 2016 only.

Newcastle Life Issue 5 25

What’s on in

E L T S A C NEW

Christmas craft fay re Seabridge Primary Sch ool, Clayton, will be hol ding their Christmas craft fayre from 7pm until 9pm.

Refreshments and cak es will be available. If you are interested in booking a stall you can contac t the school through Facebo ok or Twitter or on Tel .

01782 297361.

18th November

Christmas lights switch on astle’s Kick off your festive season 2016 with Newc r and Christmas Lights switch on, set to be bigge n market, fair better than ever. There will be an artisa and much ground rides, light switch on, fireworks more.

26th November

Charity Christmas Fa ir All in aid of Diabetes UK North Staffordshire Gro up, this Christmas Fair tak es place at 2pm, Bradw ell Lodge. 30p entry, free parking.

26th November 26 Newcastle Life Issue 5

DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT TO SHARE? Let us know!

Email laura@ k and timesandecho.co.u st to be r ou do ll wi we t in our feature your even e id gu on ’s at wh

Art Exhibition The Orme Art Group will be holding their annual art exhibition at the end of November. Work for sale includes original art, jewellery and gifts just in time for Christmas. Free entry, Whitfield Community Centre, 11am-4pm www.ormeart.org.uk 26th & 27th November

Table top sa le St Wulstan Ca tholic Church Wolstanton Community will be holdin Centre in g a Christmas 11.30am - 1. table top sale 30pm, free ad . m ission, Tombo Cakes, Refre shments. Ta la, £1 stall, bles can be hi ringing 0755 red for £5 by 4993054 27th Novem ber petition Festive window com dow BID are holding a win e Lym Newcastle under BID all for s ma rist Ch this dressing competition and t in.If you’re a business businesses to take par you’re interest, email . For castleunderlyme.co.uk amy.williams@visitnew hout December oug thr out eye an p everyone else, kee nery! and enjoy the festive sce r be cem De t Throughou

yre ing n, will be hold Christmas Fa School, Clayto y pm ar 15 im 3.

Pr n ge ee Seabrid yre betw A Christmas Fa their annual PT and 6pm. r 1st Decembe

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Play with Clay th a d at throwing a pot? Wi Fancy trying your han can create you s ert exp 's ood little help from Wedgw s can ece. For a small fee pot your very own masterpi psake but kee a as e hom r you to be fired and sent on 282986 rge. Please call 01782 the event is free of cha com for more od. wo edg ofw rld wo or email info@ information. r 17th & 18th Decembe

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Moonlight Market The Roebuck Shopping Ce ntre will be ho festive Moonl sting a ight Market to coincide w night shoppi ith their late ng event. Yo u can expect Ch crafts, gifts an ristmas d food with a vintage feel Local vendor . s are welcom e to bring a st at the marke all and trade t providing th ey bring thei continue the r own lights theme of the to 'Moonlight'.

For more in form roebuckshopp ation, email enquire.web site@ ingcentre.co .uk 9am - 8pm in side, 10am 8pm outside.

14th Decem ber

Christmas jumper par ty Hounds dog shop in New castle will be Christmas ju holding a mper party for your pooc season! Hou hes this fest nds will be tr ive ansformed in party for do to a christm gs with fun, as games and tr be a prize fo ea ts r the best ju . There will mper, £2 pe 17th Decem r dog. 6-7.30 ber pm Christmas Lantern Parade Christmas late night sh acular Now in its fourth year, Newcastle’s spect opping The Roebuck e. parad Shopping Ce lanterns will take to the streets in this years nt w re and midw ill be op en until 8pm e your own ay car park every Wedne There will also be the opportunity to creat a list of othe sday night, as . r event the re to up ta ng ile rs will so yo lantern in free workshops leadi u shopping do ne and dusted can get your Christmas 10th December !

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Newcastle Life Issue 5 27

LOTTERY FUNDING

£4M BOOST FOR NEWCASTLE HERITAGE

Millions invested in local projects

he amount of National Lottery money celebrating Newcastle-under-Lyme’s heritage has passed the £4million mark following an announcement of a further £108,500 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) investment in two new community projects.

The Potteries Heritage Society and Groundwork West Midlands are celebrating after recently being awarded the grants for projects based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Potteries Heritage Society received a £51,300 grant for the Revealing Voices project, to preserve and showcase original reel-to-reel recordings made in the 1970s and 80s by former radio producer, jazz musician and canals enthusiast, Arthur Wood. In time for Radio Stoke’s 50th anniversary, Wolstanton-born Arthur’s unique collection of original recordings, along with other items of interest such as his work diaries, will be digitised and kept at Stoke-onTrent city archives.

Next, Groundwork West Midlands received a £57,200 grant for the Silverdale Our Story project to reveal the hidden heritage of Silverdale Country Park, home to one of the last coal mines in North Staffordshire. Memories of local people who worked in or visited the park during its

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28 Newcastle Life Issue 5

transformation into a nature reserve will be recorded, before the stories are turned into an exciting new park trail and app.

Communities in Newcastle-under-Lyme have benefited from on-going National Lottery support to preserve and share their rich and varied heritage. Overall, more than £4million of National Lottery money has been awarded to Newcastle-under-Lyme since it became a priority area for HLF. There are currently more HLF projects taking place in the area including the £1.7million transformation of derelict Maxim’s nightclub into Belong Heritage gallery, and the new town centre heritage trail and app launched as part of the £720,000 St Giles churchyard project.

Also, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of Philip Astley, the Newcastle-born father of the modern circus, Staffordshire University will use their £28,000 grant to deliver a series of activities over summer which includes supporting an exhibition at the Brampton Museum, ahead of the official anniversary in 2018.

Commenting on the award, Operations Manager at Groundwork West Midlands, Stephen Cook, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for this project. The local community and users of the country park have been wanting us to showcase more of the heritage of the site for years so this is now a great opportunity for us to help the village of Silverdale tell its own story and display it for all to see on the Country Park.”

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29

PHOTOGRAPHY CORNER

ARE YOU A BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

n each issue of Newcastle Life magazine we will be featuring some of the wealth of local photographic talent we are surrounded with.

We’ve kicked off this issue with two images taken by Dave Seaton and Marshall Fear, who are both members of Newcastle Camera Club - the pair have captured the atmosphere and emotion of Victorian England through these two intriguing portraits.

If you have ever thought you would like to learn more about photography, Newcastle Camera Club meet from September through to 15th May 2017, on Monday evenings between 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Seabridge Community

I

Centre, Ash Way (Off Seabridge Lane), ST5 3UB. There is free car parking and disabled access.

The first visit for new members is free, thereafter annual membership costs £25 and there is a £2 door entry fee on the night (for room hire, speaker fees and light refreshments). There are no annual membership fees for anyone under the age of 21, but the door entry fee remains the same. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the club, including galleries of member photographs, visit www.newcastlecameraclub.org

Whether it be a glimpse into the world of wildlife, a shot of our stunning North Staffordshire scenery or a portrait of a loved one, we want to hear from you. If you would like to see your image featured in Newcastle Life magazine, email laura@timesandecho.co.uk and please include information about the photograph and yourself.

‘Hard Life’ by Dave Seaton

This image was taken at the Black Country Living Museum in the West Midlands, and he is one of the actors/models who can be found throughout the site along with a number of others who are only too pleased to be photographed. The image was taken using a Canon 5D MK 111 with the following settings : aperture f9 - 1/60th Sec - ISO 400 - 18mm Lens, the image was then given the sepia treatment in photoshop.

30 Newcastle Life Issue 5

‘Victorian Fiend’ by Marshall Fear

This photograph was taken at a re-enactment event at nearby Tutbury Castle. The character was one of many dressed up in an array of period costumes ranging from the Battle of Waterloo to Mods on scooters. Marshall asked the character to pose with a mean and moody look on his face and the shot captures this well. Getting the exposure right can be a challenge for outdoor portrates but he prefers the natural light rather than that of a studio. Taken with a Canon 70d and 24-105mm L lens.

Disney delight for Newcastle cubs

DISNEY TRIP

YOUNGSTERS CELEBRATE 100TH BIRTHDAY IN PARIS

o celebrate 100 years of Cub Scouts, on the Bank Holiday weekend in August over 160 Cubs and Leaders from Newcastle District went on the adventure of a lifetime to Paris making a magical stop at Disneyland along the way.

The youngsters enjoyed a foggy ferry crossing to Calais, eagerly looking out for the first signs of France.

Several hours later and settled at the hotel, the children were able to relax by the pool and play a game of rounders.

The first full day took them to the Eiffel Tower, where the group bravely clambered up several hundred steps to admire the stunning views of the city.

A river cruise tour then took them down the Seine and the children spent time learning about the city’s key buildings, taking every opportunity to wave at people on the bridges as they went past.

The cubs also enjoyed a visit to the Sacre Coeur and were able to buy souvenirs from the many shops surrounding the church, cooling down with a parisian ice cream.

All the walking and a cub scout disco did not dampen the energy and excitement of the group - excitement levels were at

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an all time high before the highly anticipated trip to Disneyland Paris!

All of the children were mesmerised and taken aback by their first sight of the Disney castle.

They enjoyed a day full of thrilling rides, spotting characters, watching the famous parade and buying yet more gifts for loved ones at home.

Back at the centre, the children had the choice of snails for their evening meal followed by every Scout’s favourite thing to do – a campfire.

A spokesperson for the cubs told Newcastle Life magazine: “The children made so many wonderful memories on their adventure, so they had plenty to talk about whilst they travelled home!”

Newcastle Life Issue 5 31

DRUMMERS LEAD F SCOUTING NEWS

SCOUTS RAISE OVER £1,000 FOR CHARITY

ewcastle District Scouts played a big part in the town’s very first Food Festival, which took place in September.

Taking over the area by the Market Cross and Guild Hall, the group held a raffle, tombola, sold tea and cakes, cooked pancakes on tin cans and manned a climbing wall.

The scouts attended in a bid to raise awareness of Scouting in Newcastle and to raise money for North Staffordshire Young Mind, a charity which offers emotional support to young people aged up to 18 years who live in Stoke-onTrent and North Staffordshire. It was chosen by the Youth Executive, and the District itself.

A parade kicked off the event and started from Queen’s Gardens, led by 1st Porthill Scout Group’s Drum Corps along with the Town Crier

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32 Newcastle Life Issue 5

and the Borough’s Mayor, Councillor Ian Wilkes.

Vic Richardson, one of the Trustees of the Orme Trust, presented the District with a cheque for £1000, which will be put towards outdoor activities.

1st Porthill Scout Group’s Drums provided a fun filled beat to the festivities and the cast of Castle Capers 2016 delighted the crowds with an unforgettable performance by the Market Cross.

The day came to an end with another parade from Queen’s Gardens, led by the Drums, but this time with all the Scout Group’s flags and by trolleys of food which were to be donated to the local food banks.

Everyone came together again by the Market Cross and District Commissioner Vera presented a number of awards.

As the day came to a close, the money raised was counted and £1006 had been collected. This will be split between the District and North Staffs Young Mind.

FOOD FESTIVITIES

SCOUTING NEWS

Newcastle Life Issue 5 33

HALLOWEEN PET PARTY

SPOOKTACULAR PET PARTY HALLOWEEN FOR LOCAL HOUNDS

ven our four legged friends got into the spirit of Halloween this year, dressing up to the nines and taking part in a very special fancy dress competition.

Paws & Co hosted a Halloween party at their

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34 Newcastle Life Issue 5

salon in Andrew Place at the end of October, inviting pampered pooches from all over Newcastle to attend in their very best spooky party attire.

The dog who had the best Halloween fancy dress outfit won a free groom and a prize!

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THE GIFT OF LIFE

LIFE SAVING GIFT

NEWCASTLE MUM ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

Newcastle Mum is on the road to recovery after receiving the precious gift of life from her daughter.

Bradwell resident Janet, 52, works as a Group Buyer for JCB Attachments in Uttoxeter. She was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease several years ago.

The illness drastically reduces renal function over time and as her situation got progressively worse, doctors warned that she would probably be on dialysis by the end of the year unless a kidney donor was found.

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36 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Fortunately, Janet’s daughter, mother-of-one Jenny Lowe, 31, was found to be a match. And after a soul-searching discussion with her worried family, mum and daughter decided to undergo transplant surgery earlier this summer.

A few months down the line, the new kidney is functioning properly, and Janet is recovering well and even planning her return to work in the Autumn.

Janet said: “Looking back, I was adamant that Jenny did not put herself forward as a donor. As far as I was concerned I was on the transplant list but realistically I was resigned to dialysis.

“I only found out that my daughter was being tested to be a live donor when she got a call from the doctors while I was in the car with her. She

had to tell me what she was doing then.

“When I found out what Jenny had done I felt a lot of anxiety – because whatever kind of operation you undergo there is a chance of death and this could have been robbing my granddaughter of her mum.

“I look back now and it makes me very emotional – Jenny is very special and what she did is absolutely fantastic.”

RBS Hanley branch manager Jenny, of Burslem, said: “This is something I just had to do for my mum. The thought of her heading towards dialysis, and the ordeal she would have to go through, really spurred me on.

“When it came to the surgery I wasn’t scared – just determined that we were going to put things right. I’ve returned to work now and am building my strength back up. It is just amazing to see mum with lots more energy and able to do simple things that would have been too much for her a few months ago.”

Janet’s husband Stephen, 53, who also works for JCB as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for JCB Compact Products in Cheadle said: “It has been an extremely stressful and emotional time for all of us but we can see clear light at the end of the tunnel right now. Janet was extremely poorly – she was very weak and felt tired all the time.

LIFE SAVING GIFT

“Janet was very short on options because I have diabetes, so can’t donate. Our son Andrew has the early stages of the same condition as Janet and her only brother was not able to donate. We were reluctant for Jenny to go for the test because her own daughter has been born with just one kidney and we thought she may one day need to help her.

“But she said she couldn’t stand by and watch her mum deteriorate, so she went for the compatibility test and found she was a near perfect match. We had to have a long conversation but she convinced us she was going to be a live donor – we are just so grateful for what she has done.”

On the day of the transplant, Jenny, who has a daughter Maisie, four, underwent three-hour surgery to remove her kidney. It then took a seven-hour operation to transplant the healthy organ into Janet.

Stephen said: “It was an incredibly stressful time. I watched two loved ones go off to surgery and didn’t know if one or the other would be coming back. Several weeks on and Jenny is back to work and Janet is recovering well. The kidney looks to have been accepted and she is out walking and staying up in the evenings as the tiredness fades.”

Newcastle Life Issue 5 37

YOUTH GROUPS ENJOY FUNDING

YOUTH GROUPS DE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS FOR LOCAL YOUNGSTERS

hanks to National Lottery players, young people from New Vic Youth Theatre and Partners in Creative Learning Newcastle are celebrating receiving Young Roots grants to help them explore their past.

Partners in Creative Learning received £49,000 to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Archives to uncover the hidden story of Bentilee.

Buried in the city archives and underneath the grass of Berry Hill Fields lie a wealth of mining stories waiting to be explored.

New Vic Youth Theatre will be working with the Wedgwood institute, managed by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, to collect people’s memories of the iconic Burslem building.

This £19,400 youth led project will complement the much larger £2.5m Heritage Enterprise grant allocated by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to support the planned regeneration of the site.

These new awards add to the cumulative impact of Heritage Lottery Fund support in the area, and represent their on-going commitment to investing in the heritage of Newcastle under

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38 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Lyme. HLF awards in Newcastle now total over £4million.

New Vic Facilitator, Kat Hughes says “We are excited to be able to work with young people using the new mediums of film, writing and poetry which we have not had the opportunity to work in before. If anyone has a memory of the Wedgwood Institute they would like to share we would love to hear from them by email memoriesofwedgwoodinstitute@gmail.com.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund is keen to put young people at the heart of heritage. Young Roots grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available for groups of young people aged 1125 to explore their past, have fun, and develop new skills.

Alison Wedgwood, Heritage Lottery Fund committee member and ex councillor for Bentilee said: “I'm absolutely delighted about the HLF funding going to two extremely worthwhile projects in North Staffordshire, it yet again goes to show how much incredible heritage exists in the area. It also demonstrates how local organisations can come up with innovative ideas to engage the next generation to really explore and cherish their heritage.”

There will be a funding surgery for youth groups to come and discuss their ideas for new heritage projects on Tuesday 8th November at

YOUTH GROUPS ENJOY FUNDING

ELVE INTO THE PAST the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle, from 10am3pm. Advanced booking is essential so please contact local officer Elise Turner on 0121 616 6883 or email Elise.turner@hlf.org.uk.

New Vic Project Manager, Lynn Parry said:

“We weren’t sure about approaching the Heritage Lottery Fund for our group’s project but are so delighted that we did and would encourage other groups based in the Newcastle area to do the same.”

Newcastle Life Issue 5 39

HOMES AND GARDENS

BRITS EMBRACE COLOUR

orget the traditional reserve and muted homestyle hues - Brits are emerging as a bold nation of adventurous decorators.

For this autumn and winter, gone are the magnolia palettes of old, in favour of dramatic and daring colours that perfectly capture our desire for warmth and colour as days become colder and nights draw in.

The latest Colour Influences Trends report for the UK-wide Crown Decorating Centres predicts a riot of colour confidence that will exude comfort and warmth.

Spokesman Danielle Holmes, said: “Homeowners today expect direction in choosing the right colour palette for their homes, and forecasting the trends in this way ensures we can help people achieve truly modern

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Newcastle Life Issue 5 41

HOMES AND GARDENS

styles that hit the mark.

“The autumn/winter 2016 report highlights three eye-catching palettes which perfectly capture the mood of the time of the year.

“Each features exciting options that enable individual homestylers the freedom to inject creativity into their projects.”

The first palette, Out of the Dark features a dramatic and daring edge dominated by black and charcoal grey.

Forming solid blocks of tone, these colours are interrupted by strong blasts of bright yellow, pink and orange.

The second palette Skyscapes, offers a fresh take on how blues are used in the home.

Tranquillity of the natural landscape underpins this look, teaming layers of watery and sky blues, with darker, cloudy tones illustrating the versatility of the colour.

The final palette, Faded Berries, captures the intensity of nature as it matures and evolves, and celebrates a landscape that is faded and wild rather than restrained and pristine.

The richness of deep berry tones against

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mossy and grassy greens are complemented by neutral accents, bringing a softness to the overall look.

Newcastle Life Issue 5 43

GARDENING

The Late Show A

by Martin Blow

utumn in the perennial garden is a time when colour slowly ebbs away into browns and russets of fading leaves. But there are still some easy to grow perennials that are continuing to flower and are ideal for injecting some zing into October, November and possibly beyond.

One of my favourites is the Kaffir Lily, which you might find labelled as either schizostylis or hesperantha. These remind me of mini gladioli with their sword-shaped leaves and 1ft (30cm) flower stems. The flowers are large and attractive and last from late September through November. You can even pot up a few of the plants to flower indoors into December.

They are what we call “hungry feeders” meaning they quickly take the goodness from the soil, so do mulch in spring and give them a good strong feed of a balanced fertiliser to

44 Newcastle Life Issue 5

keep them flowering well.

There are lots of varieties in red, pink and white. My favourites are the large red “Major” and the palest pink “Pink Princess” Flowering in shade in October and November is a giant among Saxifrages: “Wada” with her large heads of white flowers. She needs a soil that doesn’t get too dry and shade overhead to protect her glossy attractive leaves. As I said she is larger than the average Saxifrage: - 1ft (30cm) across and tall in flower.

Ageratina “Chocolate” is an unusual type of hemp with bronze or brown leaves through the summer topped by white flowers at the end of October. The flowers are a bonus really as we normally grow him as a foliage plant to set off brighter flowered plants. He looks particularly impressive as a backdrop for white Phlox.

Speaking of “chocolate” plants, coming into bloom for October is the perennial sunflower,

GARDENING

Helianthus “Bitter Chocolate” with chocolatescented flowers on his tall 6ft (180cm) stems.

This is one for a sunny spot and planted close enough to the front of the border to allow you to sniff the flowers for a chocoholics-hit each time you pass!

The willow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolia) is also coming into bloom at this time. Again we tend to grow this as a foliage plant in the summer as the tall stems clothed with willowy leaves are an excellent foil for flowering plants.

Red-hot pokers flower at different times of the year depending on variety. The latest in my garden is a South African species – the straight-leaved poker (Kniphofia linearifolia)

with orange or yellow flowers. This comes into bloom right at the end of October – I’ve even seen him capped with snow!

Michaelmas Daisies (Asters) are well-loved late bloomers typically coming into their own by late September. My favourites are the tall, dark-stemmed types like “Calliope”,“Glow in the Dark” and “Vasterival” that start to flower in late October and become a magnet for butterflies. There is one in my garden that holds fire until November and that is the tall, lavender blue “Novemberlaan” – a very welcome sight.

Late autumn may be the time to slow down in the garden but there’s still plenty of colour to be had if you choose the right plants.

Martin and Janet Blow garden in south Cheshire where they run the mail order nursery Special Perennials (please note nursery is not open to the public) our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. You can meet Martin at Plant Hunters’ Fairs. You can find all the dates on www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

Newcastle Life Issue 5 45

CARE HOME HOSTS PARALYMPIAN PARALYMPIAN VISIT

STAFFORDSHIRE SPORTSWOMAN GIVES INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH anford Court Care Home recently welcomed Janice Burton MBE to visit residents, family and friends.

The Great Britain

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46 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Paralympian, who lost her sight in her twenties, gave an inspirational talk about her personal life and how she has managed to overcome many challenges following the loss of her sight.

After being diagnosed with a rare eye condition and losing her sight by the age of 21, five years later Janice represented

Great Britain at her first international event.

At the Paralympic Games in New York in 1984 she won gold in the 50 metres breaststroke, as well as a silver and two bronze medals. It was the start of a remarkable international swimming career that saw her crowned European, World and Paralympic Champion, on no less than 15 occasions throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Since retiring from international competition, Janice has found more time to enjoy cycling and canoeing, water skiing, alpine skiing, and is also a keen horse rider, taking part in display events at the Horse of the Year Show.

Now 58, Janice lives in Staffordshire with her husband Kevin and was more than happy to visit Hanford Court to meet with the residents.

Nina Khan, Home Manager at Hanford Court explained: “As part of our resident care and Well-being approach, we regularly organise activities, events and take residents out to local places of interest, but it’s also important to us that we bring the local community into the home too.

“The talk from Janice was inspirational and on a subject which is relevant to many of our residents who are noticing their own sight deteriorate.

“Being able to speak to Janice in person, listen to how she has coped and achieved so much throughout her sporting career was a fantastic experience. Many of the residents commented afterwards on how lovely it was to meet such an inspiring woman from our local community.”

Practical preparation for divorce

LEGAL MATTERS

or some, the more organised amongst us, practical preparation for divorce will be an easy task. Organised folders full of clearly labelled documents and all the information and paperwork required for divorce proceeding is easily accessible. For others, perhaps the majority, bank statements will be stuffed in drawers, wage slips left at the office and the marriage certificate somewhere in the box with the wedding photos.

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What do we mean by ‘practical preparation’?

Divorce, and particularly financial negotiations during divorce, requires a lot of paperwork and we advise clients to organise this as soon as possible. The amount of information required can be overwhelming and sometimes, when the family home has been vacated, difficult to obtain.

Not having the necessary documents prepared can cause delays, cost money and cause unnecessary stress.

To negotiate a financial settlement the law requires that both parties provide full and detailed financial disclosure. In practice, what that means is that each party has to provide evidence of income, outgoings, debts, savings, pensions, business interests and the list goes on.

Reduce risk and stress At Grindeys, we strongly recommend all our clients to be as prepared as possible to reduce the risk, cost and stress often associated with a time of uncertainty and emotional trauma.

The Practical Preparation Checklist To help, we provide our clients with a checklist of documents to prepare before divorce proceedings begin. If you feel the document could benefit you, you can request a copy by visiting www.family-law-anddivorce.co.uk/prep Daniel Rushton, Head of Family Law at Grindeys Solicitors

T: 01782 840 552 E:family@grindeys.com

Being prepared for this process creates many benefits.

If, from the outset, you can provide your family law solicitor with accurate details of your financial circumstances, he or she can provide a more accurate view of the possible final outcome.

Providing the full picture to your solicitor can reduce your legal bill by eliminating the need for your solicitor to review your matter, request missing information and then review again.

Having a clear financial overview reduces risk.

Once you start legal proceedings you are under a legal obligation to provide information. Delays and omitting information, either deliberately or accidently, only prolongs the procedure and can cause animosity between the divorcing couple, which can often unnecessarily, increase the legal bill for both.

Our clients also tell us that this practical preparation brings emotional benefits. It helps them review their situation, think about the future and make positive plans, all part of the healing process when a marriage ends.

Newcastle Life Issue 5 47

FIAT SPIDER CAPTURES HEARTS IN HER WEB T MOTORING

he all new FIAT 124 Spider launch took place in where else but Verona in Italy back in June.

Powered by a 1.4 litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine producing 140hp and 240Nm acceleration from 0 to 62mph in just 7.5 seconds, the Spider has a top speed of 134mph.

High standard specification on all UK FIAT 124 Spiders includes air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, cruise control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and keyless start.

Available in eight colours, with two pastel finishes (Passione Red and Ice White), five metallic shades (Volcano Black, Argento Grey, Fashion Grey, Magnetic Bronze and Italia Blue) and one tri-coat pearlescent finish: Urban White, this car is styled with classic Italian flair.

Reviving a storied nameplate, the new FIAT 124 Spider brings the authentic, Italian roadster

48 Newcastle Life Issue 5

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Newcastle Life Issue 5 49

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

General Knowledge Quiz 1. Who played the title character in the recent television series ‘Victoria’?

2. The British National Ice Skating Association is based in Torvill and Dean’s home town. Where?

3. What is the first name of the Sylvester Stallone character Rambo?

5. Which computerised character spends most of his time trying to avoid four ghosts called Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde?

6. Which two European countries have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines?

7. In the nursery rhyme what is Tuesday's child full of?

8. Who wrote ‘Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy’?

9. Alphabetically which animal always comes first?

10. Who founded the computer company Amstrad?

A ‘Christmas Link’ quiz for the festive season 1. According to the nursery rhyme who sat in a corner eating a Christmas pie?

2. In the television series ‘Red Dwarf’ what is the name of the computer?

3. Who announced she would be leaving the numbers behind on the Channel 4 show ‘Countdown’ in 2008?

4. If you got involved in the Christmas Census in North America what would you be counting?

5. Which nickname for Hollywood sounds Christmassy?

6. Who is the patron saint of thieves?

7. In which James Bond film does the character Dr Christmas Jones appear?

8. In which film did Jim Carrey first play Lloyd Christmas?

9. Who was the song ‘American Pie’ mostly written about?

10. Holly Golightly was the main character in which film?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Jenna Coleman (The 30 year-old will return with another series of Victoria in 2017); 2. Nottingham; 3. John; 4. Balamory (It was mostly filmed in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull); 5. Pac-Man (First released in 1980 and the Pac-Man character was based on a pizza with a slice missing); 6. Spain and France; 7. Grace; 8. Douglas Adams (Originally it was a radio comedy in BBC Radio 4 in 1978); 9. Aardvark (The Aardwolf is the second animal in the dictionary); 10. Alan Sugar (Founded in 1968 the name Amstrad stood for Alan Michael Sugar Trading).

Christmas Link Answers: 1. Little Jack Horner; 2. Holly (Played in different series by Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge); 3. Carol Vorderman (She probably got her first name due to her being born on Christmas Eve in 1955); 4. Birds; 5. Tinseltown; 6. St Nicholas (He is also the patron saint of children, sailors, brewers and pharmacists to name but a few); 7. The World is Not Enough (Played by Denise Richards); 8. Dumb and Dumber (Jeff Daniels played the other main character Harry Dunne); 9. Buddy Holly (Writer Don Mclean was 13 at the time of the crash that killed Buddy, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper); 10. Breakfast At Tiffany's.

50 Newcastle Life Issue 5

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele (Question writer and Quizmaster) from Cheddleton email: pnsteele@aol.com

4. Edie McCreadie, Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Archie who lives in a castle are characters in which Cbeebies TV series?