Stone & Eccleshall Life April/May 2019

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Stone

& Eccleshall APRIL/MAY 2019

Life

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR SPRINGTIME

WIN

Packed with lots of features celebrating life in the area

TICKETS TO WORLD CLASS COMPETITION

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22ND TO 28TH APRIL AT THE ERWIN HYMER CENTRE, STAFFORD

SEE US AT THE STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW 29 & 30 MAY

INTRODUCING THE NEW

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld

Your invitation to the National Hymer Open Event at Travelworld Travelworld’s state-of-the-art showroom, the Erwin Hymer Centre, is located just off J14 of the M6 near Stafford. Call in and view the stunning 2019 Erwin Hymer Group products on display during the NATIONAL HYMER OPEN EVENT, 22ND –28TH APRIL. We’ll have free refreshments on offer and you could win a 1 week Hymer Motorhome rental in our free prize draw. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit www.motorhomes.co.uk Call us today on 01785 87 87 87 or email info@motorhomes.co.uk ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ.

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Always yss & Forever WEDDING CARS

Travel in style on your special day in a hand built long bodied 4 door Beauford car Finished in ebony & ivory coachwork to compliment the colour theme of any wedding. (Other cars also available, please ask for details)

Competitive pricing & discounts for weekday bookings We are based in Barlaston so why not contact us for a viewing today?

Contact details Tel: 07979 526827 Email: terry@alwaysandforevercars.com Visit our website: www.alwaysandforevercars.com Follow us on Facebook

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EDITOR’S LETTER

New beginnings for Springtime

Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor life@timesandecho.co.uk Holly Keates & Tracey Redfern Design & Production Jane Walters Advertising Manager Tel: 07817 128582 jane@timesandecho.co.uk Tom Brian General Manager Tel: 07855 242693 tom@timesandecho.co.uk Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk Facebook - Search for Stone and Eccleshall Life

S

pring is a lovely time for new beginnings and in this edition of the Stone & Eccleshall Life Magazine we take a look at some wonderful new developments coming to our area.

These include the amazing plans for Crown Wharf by Joules Brewery; and a new building for one of our schools.

This year is the 50th year of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and so we take a look at what events and activities are planned for the charity's milestone anniversary.

And there's even more reasons to celebrate this April and May with lots of community-focused events taking place across the area, in particular as part of Staffordshire Day – the annual day, which always takes place on May 1 and celebrates all things about our beautiful county.

And community is, as always, at the forefront of many of our other features in this edition including donations made to and by different organisations within our area; and we take a look at the activities and goings-on of other community groups.

Happy reading!

Until next time, take care.

Belinda

Cover photo courtesy of Noel Bennett

noelbennettphotography.co.uk, 01785 813888

April/May 2019 5

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We look forward to greeting you at our bespoke offices perfectly located in the centre of Stone, at Granville Square, 75 High Street. ST15 8AE. Contact by email at: sales@austinandroe.co.uk or lettings@austinandroe.co.uk Or Telephone: 01785338570 February/March 2019 Web: www.austinandroe.co.uk

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CONTENTS

April/ May 2019

Stone Choral Society.................................25

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

Village of Fulford ......................................33

St Dominics Priory School ........................10

Sandon Hall ..............................................34

Rygbytots ...................................................11

Stage Directions........................................36

Denstone College.......................................12

Bear Coffee Company ...............................37

Staffordshire County Show ..................16-17

Academy 4 Wellbeing .........................38-39

Chatsworth International Horse Trials ....18

The Women’s Institute .......................40-43

Staffordshire Day ......................................19

Joules Brewery..........................................44

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust ................20-21

Toast..........................................................46

Eccleshall Beconnected ............................22

Quiz Corner...............................................48

Croxton Well Dressing Festival ................23

Investment Matters ..................................49

Stone Old Alleynians Football Club .........24

Motors .................................................50-53

Eccleshall First Responders .....................25

Property ....................................................54

What’s On ............................................26-27 Regent Travel............................................29 Katharine House Hospice ........................30 Gardening .................................................32

Stafford Fireplaces & Stoves

39 GAOL ROAD, STAFFORD, ST16 3AR

Tel: 01785 211 554 • www.staffordfireplaces.co.uk

Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm, closed Sundays, open in evening by appointment

April/May 2019 7

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Discover the very best fireplaces, fires and stoves

Tel: 01782 319350 • www.oerfireplaces.com Fireplace Works, Normacot Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PN • Large FREE Car Park Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 8 11.30am-3pm

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ST. DOMINIC'S PRIORY SCHOOL

FIRST BRICK LAID FOR NEW TEACHING BLOCK

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he first brick of a new teaching block at a Stone school has been laid. The building of the £2.7million project at St. Dominic's Priory School in Stone began recently when the school's headteacher, Mrs Harrison, laid the first brick.

A spokesman at the school said: “Mrs Harrison, our headteacher has laid the first brick for our new £2.7million teaching block, which is due for completion later in the year.

“She was joined by our vice chair of

10 April/May 2019

Governors, Mrs Champ, our youngest and newest pre-school children and also Georgia, Emily, and Amelia from Year 11 who have attended St. Dominic's from the age of three, and have been a part of the development and growth of the school since they started in 2006.

“Everyone enjoyed this landmark occasion.

“Thank you to the site foreman Pete Bartlett from Kettle and Talbot and all the workers on site for being so accommodating.”

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Try Rugbytots

S

tarting back in 2006, the Rugbytots motto is simple: - "make it more fun". This is done by delivering their specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike. Here in the UK, over 500 coaches deliver more than 2500 classes per week… and the numbers keep rising!

With classes available in the North Staffordshire area for children aged from 2 I’ve been delivering to 7 years, Rugbytots can classes for 3 years now, take children through to the to around 300 children point where they are old per week with an amazing team of Coaches enough to join their local behind me.. it’s so rugby club. rewarding to see the Classes are split into smiles & development three age groups, making across the age groups. sure that children get to play - Matt Best alongside other boys and AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email.

0345 313 0414

mattb@rugbytots.co.uk

My son loves rugbytots on Saturday mornings, it really does make his weekend. He was very shy at first but after going to rugbytots he’s really come out of himself. I really do recommend it.

- Mr Brian, Stone

girls of their own age, in an encouraging, friendly environment.

2 to 3 ½ years This class gives parents the opportunity to spend quality time with their child whilst they learn new skills, meet new friends and have an exciting introduction to Rugby.

Your child will learn about shapes, colours, numbers and counting, and they will be encouraged to work independently as well as enjoying team games.

Rugby specific skills are gently introduced and all the equipment used in these classes has been specifically designed and selected for toddlers.

The classes use sponge foam balls so the children can catch, pass and kick their goals with confidence. Its colourful, it’s lively and it’s guaranteed to brighten up their day!

3 ½ to 5 years Cheering and encouragement is essential in these classes, as children will be part of a dynamic session that will develop their social and physical skills in a positive environment.

With slightly more focus on Rugby specific skills, the Rugbytots discover a new world of sporting imagination. Finding space, looking after the ball, scoring try’s, running with the ball in two hands and general agility and balance are just some of the skills that are developed.

5 to 7 years The older age group classes really start to prepare children for life after Rugbytots, with sessions including advanced team games, whilst ensuring that the basic skills of rugby are coached in the right way by maintaining small class numbers.

The focus is on fun and encouragement whilst enhancing self-esteem and confidence, and preparing the children for their next Rugby adventure.

Visit our website www.rugbytots.co.uk for more information on classes available in your area. We are offering a Free Taster session subject to availability.

You can also call us on 0345 313 0414 or email mattb@rugbytots.co.uk Monday’s : Wednesday’s : Saturday’s :

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Sundays’s :

Endon Cheadle Stafford, Stone, Uttoxeter, Newcastle-under-Lyme Rode Heath & Newcastle-under-Lyme

April/May 2019 11

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DENSTONE COLLEGE

A DENSTONE EDUCATION

A

s an independent school, Denstone College has the freedom to be bold and inventive in its approach to education. We aim to prepare our pupils for life in a changing world by providing a curriculum experience that offers more than just a focus on GCSE and A level courses.

From September 2019, the LIFE programme will be formally timetabled throughout the Sixth Form. LIFE focuses on developing skills in Leadership and Innovation, equipping students to be Futureready with Enterprise capability. The World Economic Forum, in its The Future of Jobs, has pinpointed the skills most prized by employers of the future and these range from complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, to people management, emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility. This includes the ability to be innovative, to be creative, to take risks and to manage them, to have a can-do attitude and the drive to make ideas happen. Pupils will have opportunities to learn these skills.

A level success will of course remain a top priority and we expect that our A*B performance will continue to be in line with that of some of the best all-round schools in the country. Pupils usually achieve their first choice university and Russell Group or Times Top 20 universities always appear in the leavers’ destinations. But the College also has an excellent track record for value added (meaning pupils have achieved higher grades than predicted), demonstrating that the College helps pupils fulfil and maximise their academic potential, whatever their ability.

Another new programme of study, not exclusive to the Sixth Form, but available to all year groups is The Winning Mindset, presented by the College in collaboration with a leading performance consultancy. With access to ground-breaking research into the psychology of success in schools, exclusive content and innovative programme delivery, the company and school have now created a programme which will benefit all Denstonians.

12 April/May 2019

Another innovation is the Denstone Diploma, again available school-wide from September 2019. The diploma will provide opportunities to think beyond the scope of formal courses and will enable pupils to work and learn independently. The Diploma is still in the development stages but it is intended to be trialled and launched in time for the Michaelmas Term.

There is much investment in UCAS and Careers preparation at Denstone. Our full time member of staff whose sole focus is university preparation and careers has a wealth of experience and contacts and pupils benefit from subject reviews in conjunction with the academic staff in terms of performance, mix and other pathways such as the EPQ. Would-be medics and vets are offered Medlink and Vetlink, and the College’s alumni (Old Denstonians) lend their support, returning to school to talk about their own careers and we have designated societies discussing their experience in Medicine, Law, Finance and STEAM subjects. This year four students hold Cambridge offers, two in Medicine, one in Natural Sciences and one in Engineering and seven pupils hold offers to read Medicine.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and a nationally successful Combined Cadet Force are but two of the 40+ co-curricular activities on offer at the College every week.

Music and drama performance opportunities proliferate in our beautiful Chapel and theatre.

The College remains committed to investment in staff and facilities. Each year we invest the revenue from fee income in improved facilities and provision. Over £8 million has been spent in the last few years on developments including the Green Wing extension to girls’ boarding (university style with ensuite facilities), and new classroom blocks for English, Philosophy & Ethics, Maths and Modern Foreign Languages. www.denstonecollege.org/admission s@denstonecollege.net

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DENSTONE COLLEGE

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Join us for our

Open Week

Tuesday 14th - Friday 17th May, 10am - 12 noon and also our

Open Morning

Saturday 18th May, 10am - 12 noon Open Week We would like to invite you to join us on any morning between Tuesday 14th May to Friday 17th May to see how the school functions on a normal school day.

Open Morning On Saturday 18th May we’re arranging an action-packed Open Morning.

There are activities and exciting lessons for children of all ages and school tours for prospective parents – and of course refreshments throughout the morning. which, together with our pre-school, caters for day children between the ages of 2 and 11.

Please contact us on 01889 562 083 or email registrar@denstoneprep.co.uk for further details and to reserve an activity place for your child on the Saturday.

14 April/May 2019

‘Excellent’ Rating

by Independent Schools Inspectorate for Pupils’ Personal Development

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STAAFFORRDSHIRE

COUNT Y SHOW

WEDNESDDAYY 29TH & THURSDAYY 300TH MAYY 2019 www.staffscountyyshowground.co.uk Email: holly@staffscountyshowground.co.uk Teel: 01785 258060

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STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW

Stone festival team to hel

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large show which celebrates all things Staffordshire is fast approaching.

This year's Staffordshire Countyy Show will take place on Wednesday, May 29 and Thursdayy, May 30 at it's regular venue of the County Showground in Stafford.

Here, we take a look at just some of the things which are planned for this year's agriculturall extravaganza including cooking demonstrations which are being organised i db by our very own Stone Food & Drink Festival team: The Cookery Theatre at Staffordshire County Show will be in the hands of new organisers this year.

The Demonstration Kitchen at the popular show will be organised in association with the team behind The Stone Food & Drink Festival for the first time - and the organisers are promising more of what the audience love.

Richard Stevens, one of the organisers, said they were delighted to be involved. He said: “We have always been at the Staffordshire County Show, we have worked with the Lewis Partnership for the last couple of years but will be doing it all ourselves this year.

“It is a premier event in the food and drink calendar, so we are thrilled to be able to take it on.

“We altered the format slightly last year to introduce a couple of 'Talks and Tastings' type slots which were very well attended, so we are looking to build on that format again.

“Giveaways of sausages and gin went down very well.

“For us, local is the main priority so we’re really focussing on that too.

“The Showground in Weston Road is a stone’s throw from our base and the county show attracts so many thousands of people each year so this is an opportunity not to be missed.

“While preparations are in the early stages at the moment, we’re finalising a preliminary

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programme as we speak and are hoping to be able to announce some big names and give people the chance to see something a bit different for the 2019 show.

“There will be something in the Cookery Theatre on the hour, every hour from 11am until 3pm each day - traditionally the stage is used to highlight the very best in food and drink and we will be doing that yet again.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “We are delighted to have this team on board.

“They have always been a great support and been fully involved during the show, so it is great that they are now able to take on the Cookery Theatre and make it their own.

“It sounds like it will be something our visitors will very much enjoy.”

Last year the Staffordshire County Show saw 70,000 people visit over the two days.

There are hundreds of trade stands featuring local and national businesses and organisations as well as attractions for all the family from the Bolddog Lings motorcycle display team to animal petting, steam train rides and the opportunity to have a go at a variety of woodland crafts.

It is sponsored by South Staffordshire College and South Staffordshire Water, among others, and offers something for all the family.

Tickets for the show go on sale online from April 1.

For more information visit the website www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk

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STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW

elp organise county show

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eanwhile, The National Farmers Union (NFU) Let’s Talk Farming Discovery Barn, designed to enthuse children to learn about agriculture and where their food comes from, will be in place at the Staffordshire County Show this year.

In the year the Staffordshire NFU group celebrate 100 years, it is the first time the roadshow will feature at the show.

Richard Williams, chief executive of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, said: “Year after year we apply for the Discovery Barn to come to Staffordshire County Show but there is always stiff competition as it only features at a very small number of events across England and Wales each year.

“We are thrilled to hear that this year is our year and we look forward to seeing the impact it has.”

The Discovery Barn, which is aimed at four to nine-year-olds, teaches children about food provenance and the work farmers do to

T

he Sheep Shearing Competition at this year’s Staffordshire County Show is set to be the biggest yet.

There will be the usual junior, intermediate and senior competitions - but for the first time there will also be a novice blade shears and an open shears competition.

Chief Sheep Shearing Steward at the show, Angela Cope, said: “This is a huge step for us

produce great tasting, nutritious produce and ingredients.

It combines games and fascinating facts for children to learn on their own without teachers or assistance.

Jeremy Lowe, NFU Staffordshire county adviser, said: “The Discovery Barn gives children a fun and interactive experience, designed to get them excited about food and farming.

“The activities have been carefully created to educate them about the realities of farming, including livestock,, tractors and technology.”

and we’re we re delighted de g to finallyy be able to host an open competition.

“There is much activity behind the scenes and we rely on volunteers as well as being extremely grateful to the experienced shearing judges who travel here from all over the UK to maintain a high standard.

“We are hoping the new competitions will attract some top quality competitors and that the viewing public will witness the skill, determination and experience needed to participate and succeed in the sport of sheep shearing.”

The new blade shearing competition will see participants use hand shears as opposed to machine shears. In the open competition the four finalists will have to shear about 15 to 20 sheep each to a very high standard.

All shearing competitions will take place on the Wednesday at the Showground in Weston Road, while on the Thursday the sheep shearing area will host a shearing demonstration by local shearing contractor, John Froggatt.

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CHATSWORTH INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

WIN tickets to world class competition T he Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials will be taking place in the magnificent surroundings of Chatsworth

Park in the heart of the Peak District, from Friday, May 10 until Sunday, May 12.

The event offers three days of exciting equestrian sport from elegant dressage and

fantastic show jumping to gripping cross country action.

For further details and to book tickets visit www.chatsworth.org/horsetrials.

We have teamed up with the organisers of the 2019 Dodson and Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials to offer three pairs of tickets to the event.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the three pairs of tickets, simply answer the following question correctly: AT WHICH PEAK DISTRICT SCENIC SITE WILL THE DODSON & HORRELL INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS BE HOSTED IN MAY THIS YEAR? ......................................................................................................

Name........................................... Address........................................................................................................................................ .........................................................................................................................Daytime phone no.................................................

Email your answer, along with your name, address and contact number, to life@timesandecho.co.uk. Alternatively post entries to: Horse Trials Competition, Times & Echo, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Staffordshire. ST10 1BD. Entries must arrive by 5pm on Friday, April 26, 2019.

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STAFFORDSHIRE DAY

Manufacturing heritage to be recognised as part of annual celebration

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taffordshire’s industrial heritage will be celebrated with a packed programme of events, activities, special offers and competitions on the fourth Staffordshire Day on Wednesday, May 1.

This year’s event, coordinated by Destination Staffordshire with the help of Staffordshire County Council and other local authorities, has the theme 'Made in Staffordshire' and will celebrate the county’s brewing and ceramic heritage, as well as food and drink, music, and people made here.

As last year, the celebrations will include the weekends before and after, to give people as much chance as possible to get involved.

In 2018, over 60,000 people attended Staffordshire

Day events, generating over £1million for the county economy, while many also supported on social media, with more than 5,700 tweets including the #StaffordshireDay hashtag.

Confirmed events for 2019 include the Staffordshire Plate Raceday at Uttoxeter Racecourse, a celebration of the Staffordshire Hoard – discovered 10 years ago this year – at Burntwood Library, and a 10 mile countryside walk in Codsall, South Staffordshire.

Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council and Vice Chair of Destination Staffordshire, said: “With only 10 weeks to go to Staffordshire Day, we’re all getting very excited.

“This will be our fourth

celebration of our great county, and not only will we be celebrating our industrial heritage, including the 260th anniversary of the famous Wedgwood pottery company, but we’ll also be celebrating our unique culture, history and amazing places to visit.

“With this focus, along with a whole range of activities, events and special offers at many of our attractions, once again we’ll be telling the world what a wonderful place Staffordshire really is.

“Make sure Wednesday 1st May is in your diary and keep checking Enjoy Staffordshire’s website for news on the latest events.”

Details of this year’s Staffordshire Day programme are available at www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ staffsday.

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STAFFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST ******

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Half a century celebrations for county wildlife trust

charity which cares for all things wildlife is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust was founded in 1969 and is the county’s largest nature conservation charity.

Since the day the charity was formed, its mission has been to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and to promote understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.

The trust has grown from managing just one nature reserve, Loynton Moss near Woodseaves, to now looking after 27.

The trust is based at The Wolseley Centre, near Rugeley, and has around 50 members of staff who are guided by a board of trustees.

Much of its work is carried out by dedicated volunteers, and the trust is able to deliver on its mission thanks to the generosity of supporters, 15,000 members, its shops, grant giving trusts, local authorities, companies and charitable trusts.

Alison Holmes from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, who has been leading the 50th anniversary plans for the charity, said: “We are very proud to have been looking after wildlife and wild places across Staffordshire for half a

20

2019

century. It is a true landmark for us.

“Throughout 2019, we will be celebrating reaching the milestone by holding special events and occasions.

“They include a '50 Shades of Green Colour Run', the return of our ‘Ride the Roaches’ cycling event, opening new charity shops, a speaker night at the Lichfield Garrick and, the opening of our new café, visitor centre and learning hub at our Wolseley Centre Headquarters at Easter.

“It is a very special time for us and we are excited for the year ahead.”

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has nine 'Local Groups' across the county, which are groups of wildlife enthusiasts who meet up regularly to stage talks, walks, fundraisers for the trust and other nature-themed events. There are two local groups in our area: The North West Group which covers Eccleshall and Maer areas; as well as the Stafford Group.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will be releasing a 50th anniversary documentary on the history of the trust and inviting people to a 50th birthday party event which is being organised for the summer.

To keep up to date on the trusts 50th celebrations, go online to www.staffswildlife.org.uk.

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STAFFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves in our area Hem Heath Woods near Barlaston is one of the trust's most easily accessible woodlands and an urban oasis.

the boardwalk around the marsh for elevated views over this wetland without getting their feet wet.

Jackson's Coppice and Marsh in Cope Mere, west of Eccleshall, has an ancient woodland and visitors can take

Doxey Marshes is a wetland oasis near the centre of Stafford and one of the country's best bird watching sites.

Loynton Moss near Woodseaves gives visitors a surprise around every corner with its unique landscape formed by retreating ice sheets at the end of the last age, 10,000 years ago.

Run for wildlife at charity fundraiser Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is to hold it’s first ever ’50 Shades of Green’ Colour Run event in Chasewater Country Park on June 23 at 10am.

The energetic event is being held as part of the Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019.

The run involves participants and spectators throwing dried green paint at each other while running around the park. All paint is wildlife friendly and not harmful to the environment.

Sue Chance, Head of Commercial for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “This is one of our brand new events for 2019 and we are

hoping it will be a big success.

“It’s a great chance for people to have a bit of fun, let off some steam and raise some money for wildlife and wild places in Staffordshire in the process.”

The trust has a packed schedule of events planned during the year to celebrate its milestone year.”

People who sign up to take part will be provided with a free t-shirt and shades to wear during the '50 Shades of Green' Colour Run. The event is open to those who are 18 and over. For more information and for details on how to sign up, visit www.staffswildlife.org.uk/ColourRun.

Nature reserve scenes needed for anniversary exhibition

Residents across the Stone & Eccleshall area are being invited to get out and about to capture scenes at nature reserves and then enter an exhibition to help Staffordshire Wildlife Trust celebrate its 50th anniversary.

‘Wild About Staffordshire – Celebrating 50 Years of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’ - an open art exhibition will run from October to December at the Museum of Cannock Chase.

The display is set to include landscapes, flora and fauna of Staffordshire, and the trust is encouraging people to consider entering a piece of visual art for the exhibition – including paintings, drawings, photography, textiles and 3D works.

People will be able to submit their entries in October.

Alison Holmes, Commercial Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Artists are encouraged to visit some of the trusts 27 nature reserves, be inspired and capture what is beautiful about these special places in their finished pieces.

“The exhibition is free to enter and we are hopeful of receiving a good range of artwork which we can show proudly at the art exhibition later this year.

“We are hoping it will inspire artists to visit our reserves and capture what is so special about them.”

For more information and to see terms and conditions, head to www.staffswildlife.org.uk/wild-about-staffordshire or pick up an application form at the museum.

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ECCLESHALL BECONNECTED

Getting connected with friends

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n award-winning Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) project to tackle loneliness and isolation has been extended to a rural Staffordshire village with help from a local councillor.

Inspired by the success of the Marston Court Friendship Group in Stafford, part of a programme of events staged as part of the pioneering BeConnected project, regular meetings are now planned in Eccleshall.

The first was held in the village's community centre and more than a dozen local residents were joined by Cllr Jeremy Pert who has supported the initiative with a £250 donation from the Staffordshire County Council Local Community Fund.

Project Co-ordinator, Susan Cooke, said: “BeConnected, and the Marston Court Friendship Group have proved a huge success, helping many people to get out and about and make new friends.

“Now we are able to extend the project to more rural areas where older people are particularly at risk from a range of health problems associated with loneliness.

“It also provides an ideal opportunity for volunteers with a few hours spare to help support their local community and the feedback from those attending the first event has been fantastic.”

BeConnected offers people who would

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otherwise be home alone the chance to take part in a range of fun and free activities including arts, crafts, gardening and exercise classes.

Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to make new friends and engage with the wider community.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Staffordshire County Councillor for the Eccleshall division, said: “Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone at any stage and just having that friendly local support network there to help makes so much difference.

“I have been delighted to support the launch of the BeConnected project in Eccleshall, which is looking to engage people across the ages and is open for anyone to attend, as it can make such a positive difference to people's lives.

“This is a perfect example of communities working together to help others in their community.”

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, added: “BeConnected has proved a huge success and, we are delighted Cllr Pert has lent his support to the project enabling us to help even more people, particularly in rural communities.”

The BeConnected Friendship Groups in Eccleshall take place at the Eccleshall Parish Room in Church Street. To book a place or for more details contact 0800 111 4554 or email getinvolved@sarh.co.uk.

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CROXTON COMMUNITY WELL DRESSING FESTIVAL

Ancient rural tradition continues in village

C

reative villagers are gearing up for their annual traditional event this summer.

The ancient rural tradition of Well Dressing was first brought to Croxton, four miles west of Eccleshall, in 2012 and the inaugural Croxton Community Well Dressing Festival was such a success that it now takes place biennially.

This year it takes place on Saturday, July 6, with the ‘Blessing of the Well’ at 11.45am, followed by the official opening of the wells trail with six beautiful displays for the public to enjoy.

Croxton Community Well Dressing Festival coordinator, Ros Langford, said: “The festival is a wonderful family event which also showcases local crafts, businesses and community groups, who will have stalls and displays under marquees in the Millennium Wood opposite Boughey’s Well alongside the B5026 in the centre of Croxton Village.

“Visitors will be able to have-a-go at the art of ‘petalling’ a Well Dressing design, and there will be BBQ food and tea and cakes available. The event will be rounded-off at 2pm with a poetry and music concert in St Paul’s Church Croxton.”

The theme of the main Well Dressing this year will be ‘The Pirehill Hundred’ – which was the name of the administrative area for North West Staffordshire until 1900.

The design will depict amongst other things the

Potteries, canals, Breweries, and Isaac Walton.

The five other Well Dressings will celebrate the Centenary of the NFU; the Centenary of Staffordshire Women’s Institute; 50th anniversary of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the 50th Anniversary of Man first walking on the Moon.

Eccleshall Girl Guides will be creating the final Well Dressing on a design of their choosing.

Ros added: “People of all ages and various local community groups are involved in the planning and organisation of the event.

“Three weeks before the Well Dressing, the wooden frames will be ‘thrown-away’ into the River Sow in order to become saturated with water.

“After two weeks, they will be removed from the river and filled with clay from the Potteries.

Then the designs will be sketched-out on the clay surface in readiness for the ‘Well Dressing-in-themaking’.

“During this, natural dried and living materials such as seeds, wool, leaves and flower petals will be used to form the beautiful designs. A team of about 25 people will be involved in this process.

“This wonderful community project really brings people together and we are very proud of the end results. The Well Dressings will remain on display until July 13.”

For further information go online to www.croxtonwelldressing.weebly.com

April/May 2019 23

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STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS FOOTBALL CLUB

STONE FOOTBALL TEAM SCORES WITH HOUSE BUILDER’S DONATION

A

Stone football club which has been running since 1962 has received a donation from a regional housebuilder to help meet its annual running costs.

Stone Old Alleynians FC received a £750 donation from Persimmon Homes West Midlands through its Community Champions project.

Each month the housebuilder donates up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals through the match-funded scheme.

Persimmon Homes West Midlands is currently building in Stone at Udall Grange, Eccleshall Road.

Club spokesman Neil Arrowsmith said: “We are a well-respected club that was established in 1962 and are proud that we provide this historic town with such a successful club, which has regularly qualified for the FA Vase.

“We are hoping that by the end of this season, which is going particularly well, we will have qualified for next season’s FA Cup. “In order to play our matches, a stadium

24 April/May 2019

must be acceptable to Staffordshire FA standards and as such, we have to fund rental of £6,000 per annum.

“Our financial commitments can be rather a millstone around our necks and we are delighted that Persimmon Homes West Midlands chose to support us in this way.”

Stephen Cleveley, director-in-charge for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, added: “We strongly believe in supporting the communities where we build, and are delighted to be able to support grass-root sports through our Community Champions scheme.

“It is clear the football club provides great sporting opportunities and heritage for the local community.

“If people were unsuccessful in their Community Champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again this year and hopefully they will become our next recipient.”

To nominate and to find out more visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 25

ECCLESHALL COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS

Life-saving session and fund-raising concert for responders

T

wo events are taking place in support of a First Responders group. Eccleshall Community First Responders has organised for a free public First Aid Session to take place on April 6 at 10am in Eccleshall Library, High Street, Eccleshall.

Group coordinator for the Eccleshall Community First Responders, Martin Watson, said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service is supporting a Heart Start scheme in this area.

“The scheme offers people a free two-hour training session in casualty management and basic life support.

“The course takes about two hours of your time and you will learn the essential skills to save a life. Courses are available to the general public from age 10 years and above.”

There is no need to book a place for the free training, just turn up on April 6.

The second event focusing on the Eccleshall

Community First Responders is the groups major fund raising event for 2019 - a musical concert in the church.

A Musical Extravaganza will be taking place at Holy Trinity Church in Church Street, Eccleshall on Friday, May 10 at 7.30pm.

The evening is set to feature Boughton Community Choir, The Josh Walker Band, Bass Baritone Clive Barks, Serendipity and other friends and guests.

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults (children under 16 free admission) and are available from: Little Monsters at 12 High Street in Eccleshall or by calling Jan Watson on 01785 851336 or emailing jan.watson@btinternet.com.

The Eccleshall Community First Responders, with the motto 'In the community, there in minutes, saving lives' has gained a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Society set to be in full voice this Spring

S

tone Choral society will be giving two very different concerts in early April and both promise to be most enjoyable.

On their home ground in Stone they will be giving a lively and varied Spring concert featuring folk song arrangements by Rutter and works by Dvorak and Whitacre - all with a fresh spring theme.

Society member Catherine Campbell said: “We will be joined by the Alma Mater Singers who are a group of women who met at Sheffield University and have continued their love of singing since they graduated.

“They continue the pastoral theme and will perform works by Whitacre and Chilcott.”

The Spring concert will take place on April 13 at St Michael and St Wulfad's Church in Church

Street, Stone. There will be free refreshments at the interval.

Tickets are £10 (free admission for under 16s) and available from Home and Colour, and Plants Jewellers in High Street, Stone. Alternatively email tickets@stonechoral.org or call 01889 883878 In addition Stone Choral Society will be joining with around five other Staffordshire choirs in a concert at the Victoria Hall in Hanley on April 6.

Catherine added: “The concert will be raising money for Douglas Macmillan Hospice. The choir is excited at this opportunity to fill the hall with melody and harmony and all in a good cause too.”

Tickets are priced at £12 and available from www.atgtickets.com/shows/national-associationof-choirs/victoria-hall/

April/May 2019 25

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 26

What’s on in

A P R I L / M AY APRIL

ich ent coming up wh Do you have an ev r ou in ed ur at fe see you would like to to ils Email deta What's On pages? cho.co.uk de an es life@tim

. subject to change these events are information.

Please note that te -da -to up for the venue Please check with

April 13 Saturday,

pm in den 10am-3 y in the Gar Clive h p hy ot ra or og D ot e Ph Pavilion at th er ay d M ar an the Bry by multi-aw Saturday, April 6 orkshop run Bennett.

Garden. A w rapher Noel og ot ph e ap sc a place nd ok la bo ng to winni r details and Heart Start First Aid he rt fu . r om Fo .c Session 10am at Cost £55. @btinternet Eccleshall Library, Hig nnettimages be el h Street, Eccleshall. Fre no l ai em e event, no need to book.

St Hosted by the Eccleshal g Concert at l Community First Respon ciety Sprin ch Street, ur ders. Details: Martin e Choral So Ch , on ch St ur Ch on 01785 851336 or em St Wulfad's ail him at on for under Michael and martin.watson@btinte (free admissi 0 £1 s et ck rnet.com.

Stone. Ti .

78 : 01889 8838 16s). Details House, Aston 7pm at Boat y Evening ed er followed by nn om di C Sunday, April 21 A two course e. on St re. Tickets a, pa in m Mar d a lively co an ts ac y ed two com Plant Hunters’ Fair Also on Monday, April 22 at on. £30 per pers the Dorothy Clive Garden. Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

MAY , May 1 Wednesday

programme ay. For a full D e ir sh rd Staffo online to of events, go m/staffsday. affordshire.co st oy nj .e www

Saturday, May 4 Annual Plant Sale 9am-2pm at St Michael's Hall, Stone. Details: www.stonecanddgardenclub.o rg or 01785 812097.

Friday, May 10 pm at Holy Musical Extravaganza 7.30 et, Eccleshall. To Stre rch Chu in rch Chu ity Trin Choir, The Josh feature Boughton Community e Barks, Cliv e Walker Band, Bass Bariton guests. and ds frien r othe and ity Serendip er 16s). und for n issio Tickets £5 (free adm 36.

8513 5 0178 ails: Det

26 April/May 2019

Saturday, May

25

Stafford in the World 9am in Sta fford town centre. To include singing, dancing an d street theatre. Details: 01 785 619595.

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 27

REGULAR EVENTS Acoustic Night Royal Oak in In the upstairs room at the ay of the month rsd Thu t Eccleshall. Every firs 620220.

30 016 : ails Det .

8pm at starting

Artisan Works hops Various dates at The Artisan Bout ique, 4 Radford Street, St one. Workshops include needlecraft, desig n-a-mug, and wi nd-chime making. Details: www.theartisanb outique.co.uk or 'Artisan Boutiqu e' on Facebook.

Activities at Stone Library Baby Bounce and Rhyme on Mondays during term time from 10.30am-11am; Reading Cafe every third Tuesday at 10.30am-midday; Creative Writing Group every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10.30am-midday; Knit and Natter or Crochet and Chatter every Wednesday from 10.30am-midday; Lego Cub Stay and Play every Saturday at 10am-11am; as well as bookable IT Buddy Sessions.

Carers Cafe On the last Thursda y of each month the Carers’ Café operates in the Eccleshall Commun ity Centre between 10 .30am and 12.30pm . Carers and their loved ones are welcome to soc ialise and gain informati on about health an d social care. Refreshments available.

Granvilles Brasserie & Music Bar, Stone Check out www.granvilles.st for details of forthcoming gigs.

Poetry Group Every first and third Th ursday of the month in the upstairs room at Ecc leshall Library between 2pm and 4pm.

Stone Farmers Markets Every first Saturday of the month in Stone town centre. Details: www.stonefarmersmarket.co.uk

Stone & District Stroke Club Every Wednesday from 10.30am-2.30pm at the Little Stoke Cricket Club in Uttoxeter Road, Stone. Cost is £7 and includes: games, quizzes, gentle exercises, coffee and biscuits, two-course hot meal, transport (in the Stone area), a raffle ticket and subs. Details: 01785 603707.

Aston Marina, Stone Lots of different events take place at this Stone venue including live music slots at No. 26. Details: www.astonmarina.co.uk/events/ or 01785 819702. ingers Hand Bellr 7.30pm at Eccleshall rm time) at te g in ur (d y da all. on sh M le cc ry Eve ms in E Church Roo 9950.

85 5 78 Holy Trinity 01 or .ehbr.co.uk Details: www Eccleshall Singers 7.30pm-9.30pm at the Methodist Church, Stone Road, Eccleshall. Every Tuesday. New members welcome. Details: www.eccleshallsingers.org.

Lego Clu b On Saturd ay aftern oon at Ecclesh all Library s between 2pm a nd 3pm some con . Come a lo struction challenge ng to have a go at four years s.

F o accompa ld. Children unde or children over nied. Fre r eight ne e event. ed to be

Stafford Gatehouse ils: Check website for latest listings. Deta k. co.u atre. ethe hous gate ford www.staf Stone Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society Garden Club Club Meetings every second Thursday of the month at 7.45pm at Christ Church Centre, Christ Church Way in Stone. April 11 with Byron Machin and 'The Wild Orchids of the Peak District'. May 9 with Dr Keith Ferguson with 'North American Plants in British Gardens.'

Details: www.stonecanddgardenclub.org or 01785 812097.

World of Wedgwood, Barlaston ton Lots of different events and activities at this Barlas s: Detail hops. works and ts marke ing includ spot tourist 01782 282986 or www.worldofwedgwood.com

Tiny Toes Ballet Stone on At the Walton Community Hall in Friday mornings plus at the Baswich rday Community Hall in Stafford on Satu .co.uk mornings. Details: www.tinytoesballet

April/May 2019 27

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 28

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 29

REGENT TRAVEL

THERE'S A WHOLE WORLD TO DISCOVER

A

t this time of year our thoughts tend to wander towards planning our next great holiday adventure. Some of us maybe dreaming of that exotic beach and others maybe seeing the Taj Mahal or the dramatic migrating herds on safari in the Masai Mara.

Regent Travel have been planning holidays for over 30 years from their offices in Stone and has now grown to a team of 20 holiday experts.

Their team has travelled the world and have expert knowledge ensuring that their customers really do have the perfect holiday.

Here, Regent Travel's owner David Barrett, who started the business in 1986, recommends this year’s top travel destinations: Sri Lanka: The pearl of the Indian ocean.

This stunning destination offers history and culture as well as gorgeous beaches and is fantastic value for money.

South America: This continent has so much to offer, from the mighty Amazon to Machu Picchu and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls to Torres del Paine National Park.

County Donegal: Closer to home, recent

travel magazines have nominated the Irish county as one of Europe’s must see destinations, famed for the spectacular scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way and the most incredible golden sand beaches.

Regent Travel are agents for some of the country’s leading escorted tour companies including Riviera Travel and Saga Holidays, alongside operating their own exclusive escorted group tours.

Escorted by a Regent Travel Tour Manager, their tours explore the world with groups of like-minded travellers, together discovering and learning about new places around the world and in the UK. Escorted walking holidays are also a Regent Travel speciality and their programme of walking tours is ever expanding.

David has recently escorted a group on a cruise along the Amazon river and the Caribbean and is currently escorting a tour to Japan for the iconic cherry blossom season.

Now with a local pick up point in Leek for all escorted tours, why not let Regent Travel turn those holiday dreams into reality. After all, there’s a world to discover!

For further information go online to www.regent-travel.co.uk

Picchu Machu

Aurora −Bore alis

Venice April/May 2019 29

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:34 Page 30

ECCLESHALL KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP

Bingo and baps help raise cash for charity

A

fund-raising group in Eccleshall has handed over it's latest donation to charity.

The Eccleshall Katharine House Hospice Support Group recently held a 'Bingo and Baps' evening at the Eccleshall Community Centre.

The fund-raising evening, which raised £661, also saw members of the support group hand over a cheque for £5,000 to Sally Giles, an IPU nurse from the hospice.

A spokesman for the group said: “Thank you so much for all who attended our bingo and baps event, we hope you had a great night, your support means the world to us.

30 April/May 2019

“We also handed over a cheque for £5,000 to Sally Giles from Katharine House, funds which had been raised at various events over the last few months.

“This will go a long way to help keep the invaluable services provided for our community, so again our heartfelt thanks to you all.”

The support group’s next event is set to be a valuation day with television personality Charles Hanson who is famous for programmes such as Bargain Hunt, Antiques Roadshow and Flog-it!

This fund-raiser will be held on July 20 at Eccleshall Community Centre.

For further details find 'Eccleshall Katharine House Hospice Support Group' on Facebook.

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 31

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Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 32

GARDENING

Perfect Primulas T

he name primula comes from the Latin for “first” and the native Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a herald of spring in many woodlands. There are many types of primrose, some common and easy and others rare and requiring special conditions. This month I’m going to focus on some I’ve found easy enough for most gardens provided you meet the general requirement for a moist soil and some shade from the hot sun.

Primulas can be easily raised from seed but do best from very fresh seed, collected as soon as (or even just before) the seed pods open and sown immediately. If you need to keep seed, then its best in a sealed jar in the fridge. The seed compost must not dry out and a humid atmosphere helps – cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass or a clear plastic bag. In the right conditions seed can germinate in three weeks or so.

Once the plants have clumped up it is best to divide them after flowering, or perhaps in early autumn in a cooler spell of weather. Dig up the clump and break it into individual rosettes.

Shorten the leaves by about half to reduce water loss. Replant or pot up the small plants and keep moist and shaded while there get established.

There are lots of British native Primulas, including the woodland Primrose. The Cowslip (Primula veris) is one of the most accommodating, even growing on dry, sunny banks and seedling around to form large colonies naturalised in grass.

Hybrids of these natives gave us the Polyanthas – well-loved bedding plants that are nonetheless perennial flowering every year if divided after flowering. One of my favourite types is the Gold Lace Polyanthus with its yellow centre and goldedged g almost st black petals. petals Some of thee most drramatic and easy to grow aree the can ndelabra prrimulas with theeir multiple wh horls of flo owers along up pright 32 April/May 2019

stems. There are many colours and hybrids to choose from including Bessiana (pink), Bulleyana (orange), pulverulenta (deep pink) and the dramatic Inverewe (burnt orange). These definitely need damp conditions and are traditionally grown next to steams and ponds or in woodland boggy areas. If allowed to seed, they will mix and produce plants in many colours.

Another favourite is the Drumstick Primula (P. denticulate) with its short flower stems topped with a ball of flowers in white, blue or pink. These tolerate slightly drier conditions but must not dry out completely if they are to do well.

Primulas can be subject to a few pests and by far the most devastating is vine weevil which seems to have a special liking for fleshy roots.

Apart from that most gardeners will find primulas easy to grow and trouble free.

Martin Blow

Janet and I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs only throughout the season. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.

Dates for your diaries: We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Consall Hall Gardens in Wetley Rocks on Sunday, April 14 with admission to fair and gardens £3; and then we will be at the Dorothy Clive Garden on Easter Sunday April 21 and Monday, April 22 with admission to fair and gardens £4; then at Cholmondeley Castle in Malpas on Sunday, April 28 with admission to gardens and fair £3.50; and then at Weston Park, on Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6 with admission to gardens and fair £3. We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 33

VILLAGE OF FULFORD

OLD TREE REPLACED WITH NEW

A

one hundred year old oak tree in a village has had to be felled.

The ancient tree in Fulford Village Green was

identified as being diseased by the Stafford Borough Arboricultural Officer, and therefore a decision was made to sadly fell the tree.

Fortunately a welldeveloped replacement tree was located by Streetscene and after surveying the area to ensure it would be clear of any cables and drain pipes, this new tree has now been planted, while at the same time, other trees nearby were pruned of their low hanging branches.

Villagers from the Best Kept Village team in Fulford have committed to water the tree if there is any shortage of rain.

A spokesman said: “With the nearby restored village well with its constant supply of water, this won’t be an issue.”

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Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 34

SANDON HALL

SANDON HALL OPENS GARDENS FOR A NEW SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR

F

LOWER Power Fairs will be visiting Sandon Hall, near Stafford, for a Spring Plant Fair on Sunday, April 7, and for a second similar fair on Sunday, June 9.

Owing to the popularity of the June 2018 event, Sandon Hall and Flower Power Fairs have decided to hold two events in 2019 and have been thrilled with the positive response from the plant growers and nurseries who have booked the event.

The plant fairs, running between 11am and 4pm, will be held within the gardens and offers gardeners a choice of thousands of plants from some of the most respected Northern and Midland plant specialists and growers. Plants on sale will range from herbaceous perennials to spring flowering bulbs, alpines, shrubs and ornamental trees, to heuchera, shade loving plants and hardy fuchsia.

Where else could you come and wander through delightful gardens and buy quality plants directly from the growers at sensible prices? All the nurseries offer British grown plants, grown by themselves and definitely suitable for your

FLOWER POWER AT SANDON HALL 2 wonderful garden events at Sandon Hall SUNDAY 7 APRI RIL I & SUNDAY 9 JUNE 11am - 4pm Outstanding plant nurseries offering huge choice,diversity and range from cottage garden favourites, herbaceous, shade lovers, trees & shrubs plus garden accessory stands too, all in one glorious garden.

ADMISSION ÂŁ4.00 (children free) for each event.

Refreshments served, no dogs in garden please.

SAN ANDON N HALL, SAN ANDON N ST18 0DL. Buy your tickets online at www ww ww.sandonhall.co.uk w

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34 April/May 2019

gardens. All shapes, sizes and prices to suit all pockets.

Light refreshments are served all day by Tarte au Citroen (a delightful French van) selling barista coffees, teas, hot chocolates and naughty cakes and parking is free. Dogs welcome in the park but not in the gardens. Over the winter the gardeners have been busy restoring and renovating more of the gardens and they will be looking particularly resplendent with spring flowering plants and the promise of bluebells.

Entry to the plant fair is included in the reduced gardens admission price of ÂŁ4 and children (under 15) are free. Visitors are most welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens.

For further information and to purchase tickets go online to www.sandonhall.co.uk.

FLOWER POWER FAIRS is an event company which organises and stages specialist plant and cacti fairs at unusual and historic locations throughout the North.

The fairs bring together a unique selection of some of the best independent growers from different Northern Counties including; Cheshire, Durham, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Cumbria.

For a full list of events for 2019 season please visit: www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk For further information contact: Judy Popley, Event Director, Flower Power Fairs Arley View Farm, Hobbs Hill Lane, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire. WA16 0QZ Telephone: 01565 777 396 Mobile: 0773 085 9441 Email: judy@flowerpowerfairs.co.uk www.flowerpowerfairs.co.uk

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 35

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Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 36

Stage Directions

by Richard Lane

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ANNOUNCES PANTOMIME T

he sky’s the limit this Christmas as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre today announces this year’s unforgettable pantomime spectacular as swashbuckling family favourite, Peter Pan, transforms Stafford into Neverland this Christmas from 13 December – 05 January.

Get ready to think happy thoughts and fly fll high as the mischievous Peter embarks on an

awf wfully f big adventure, introducing the Darling children to the lost boys, sword-wielding pirates, a ravenous crocodile and the most boo-able baddie on the seven seas, Captain Hook.

Following a strong 20-year history of pantomime at Stafford Gatehouse, Peter Pan promises to be the perfect family treat this festive season with incredible costumes, heaps of audience interaction, chart-topping hits

galore, a ship full of jokes and (with just a sprinkling of fairy dust!) sensational special effects.

Peter Pan will be brought to the stage by Prime Pantomimes as part of their debut season. Prime Pantomimes is a dedicated pantomime production company founded by award-winning Selladoor Worldwide and Immersion Theatre Company.

Both companies are passionate about pantomime and promise to create story-driven, localised, and highly interactive productions.

Prime Pantomimes producer James Tobias said: “We are thrilled to be producing pantomime at the much-loved Gatehouse theatre this Christmas and are already hard at work to ensure we bring this classic family favourite to life in spectacular fashion. Audiences can expect a high-energy, localised show packed with all the ingredients which makes pantomime such an unforgettable experience for the entire family” Tickets are on sale now at just £18.50 make sure you treat your family this Christmas–if you book before the end of March you can save £2 on every ticket.

Second star to the right and straight on to Stafford!

Hook your tickets today at ww ww w w.staffordgatehousetheatre.co. uk

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 37

BEAR COFFEE COMPANY

Stone coffee drinkers will be able to help third-world communities

B

EAR coffee company has announced an exciting new partnership with The Dignity Project.

Behind every great woman is a young girl who was given a chance.

BEAR announced their new partnership with The Dignity Project on International Women's Day - a day which celebrates the strength and empowerment of women all around the world.

A spokesman for BEAR, which has four coffee shops including one in Stone, said: “In order to develop into strong women, young girls must first be provided with education, basic resources and in turn – opportunity.

“A study conducted by UNESCO revealed that one in 10 girls in Africa miss school every month due to limited or no access to sanitary products, and little awareness of how to manage their period effectively.

“This is an inevitable part of life for every woman, yet there is still such a stigma and particularly in poverty-stricken countries - a lack of awareness around female well-being and menstrual hygiene.”

The Dignity Project is a program led by UK based charity, OneByOne which sends groups of dedicated volunteers to visit communities in many third-world nations to offer valuable biological training as well as educating the girls on the dangers of human trafficking and sexual abuse.

The charity also distributes Dignity Bags to

every girl who goes through the project which contain reusable sanitary products, underwear and information leaflets on their personal wellbeing and safety.

BEAR is now collaborating with OneByOne’s Dignity Project to support the work they are doing to initiate some regular funding for the scheme.

The BEAR spokesman said: “BEAR are currently profiling a single origin coffee from Kenya to retail in the UK and the USA, from which 100 per cent of profits will be donated to aid the development and continued delivery of The Dignity Project.

“Funds raised will be used to create and improve resources given out in Dignity Bags, provide food and refreshments for the girls at each event, and ensure representatives from the local authorities are in attendance to support volunteers.”

Becky Murray, Founder & President of OneByOne, added: “So far, The Dignity Project has helped 8,092 girls across four countries.

“With BEAR’s help, we will continue to develop the program overall and increase our reach.

“Our goal is to reach 20,000 girls before the end of 2020, expanding out of Africa and launching into Asia and South America too.”

The co-branded coffee is set to appear as a guest roast across all BEAR sites for a limited time, which will give customers the opportunity to try it before they buy it.

To find out more go online to www.bemorebear.co/the-dignity-project.

April/May 2019 37

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Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 39

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

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

Is your WI group in the Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding villages area?

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

OULTON WI

I

t seemed appropriate that after a long, hot summer our September speaker, Kevin Reynolds, treated us to a fascinating talk entitled, “The Devils’s Darning Needle”, in which he revealed the true nature of dragonflies and damselflies.

According to folklore, if you fell asleep by a river or pond, damselflies would use their long thin bodies to sew your eyelids shut, hence the title of Kevin’s talk.

Dragonflies and damselflies may look delicate and beautiful, with their iridescent colours, but this hides a feisty nature.

They are carnivores, not only feeding on other flying insects but, also, feeding on each other and on tadpoles and small fish. There are 25 species of dragonfly and 17 species of damselfly.

In October, Eunice Foster and her daughter, Jen, introduced us to “The Magic of Crystals.” They are qualified crystal healers.

Crystals, which consist of minerals, are found deep in the earth. They can be used to reduce stress levels and 40 April/May 2019

anxiety and can aid deep relaxation and so relieve headaches and migraines.

Holding crystals or placing them at energy centres (chakra) on your body is thought to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing. This was performed on one of our members who immediately went to sleep.

In November, Simon Hodgkinson, a very keen bird watcher, gave us an amusing and informative talk about our local bird population and their mischievous antics. On November 22, 17 of our members enjoyed a delicious pre-Christmas meal at Tillington Hall.

On the first Saturday in December we provided our traditional Christmas lunch for the older members of the community. This was followed by a performance by our thespian members of a short but very funny pantomime entitled 'Winternet' which was written by our late president, Jenny Walker. On December 10, Kath Reynolds helped us to get into a Christmassy mood with her talk, “Tis the Season”.

In January we had our

Members’ Evening where we shared a delicious supper and a “Secret Santa” which involved much chasing about and laughter. This was followed by a game where we each were given a label on our forehead and we had to guess who we were.

In February, Gerald Gardiner, who is a local retired minister of the church, talked to us about his ministry in the Hebrides, where he has helped out every summer, and he recounted the many amusing adventures he has had and the colourful characters he has met, and this was accompanied by some lovely slides of the Hebridean landscape.

In addition to our regular monthly meetings, we meet every month for coffee in The Wheatsheaf pub in Oulton at 10.30am. Those who need a little exercise, precede this with a short local walk.

Oulton WI meets at Oulton Village Hall on the second Monday of every month at 7.30pm. We are always delighted to have visitors. You can find our page on the village website: www.oultonstone.btck.co.uk

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THE WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INSTITUTE

STONE WI

W

ell, I spent quite a while pondering about these 'Idle Women' which was the subject of our February meeting. Our two speakers, Jon and Vince, gave us a superb illustrated talk explaining about the women and the canal system and their place in contributing to the war effort during World War Two. They concentrated on the stretch of the canal between Birmingham and London.

Because our canals seem to meander aimlessly through our countryside, German spies deemed that our inland waterways would not pose any threat or need to be targeted.

They said the system was a "road to madness". The British spies did their homework too, finding that German canals

BARLASTON HERONS

I

t was certainly a fragrant and busy evening for the ladies of Barlaston Herons WI in February.

Sam, one of the members, demonstrated how to make

were straight & converged on major towns and cities. Moonlit reflections could guide our forces to their targets.

Our lock gates were widened to accommodate more cargo and a journey of three to four days between Birmingham and London transported precious cargo - munitions, aircraft parts, as well as coal, grain & other commercial loads.

'Idle Girls 'was a publicity stunt aimed at young women who might consider the inland waterways, rather than other industrial work needed as the menfolk went off to war. These girls worked extremely hard and had to learn the boating language & needed great physical strength. After training, a crew of three would guide, drive, steer, address locks, sometimes in flights as well as loading and unloading cargo. So much for manicured and painted fingernails, skirts

and heeled shoes.

Unlike others involved in the war effort, these ladies were not provided with any uniform.

Their diet consisted of bread, jam and tea. They are a forgotten army and received no recognition. Most of our members had never heard of them.

There was much lively discussion during our tea-time about these girls and those in the Land Army too. In addition we also celebrated the impending 90th birthday of one of our members who joined the WI when she was 14 and accompanied her mother to meetings. Many congratulations were also expressed in a card to another member, who is getting married very shortly.

It was a very interesting afternoon and we learnt a great deal. Idle women indeed...I don't think so!

Samosas. All the ladies got busy with creating fillings using mashed potato, carrots, peas, onions and a mixture of spices and herbs.

The smell was delicious and filled the hall. The ladies then cut and folded the wraps and used water/flour to hold it altogether. It was a fabulous evening and everyone got to take their lovely efforts home

to enjoy.

The business part of the evening followed the wonderful home-made refreshments and cuppas.

Upcoming events were highlighted including walks and theatre trips.

New members always welcome, please visit www.barlastonheronswi.webs. com for more details.

April/May 2019 41

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THE WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INSTITUTE

BROUGHTON WI

B

roughton WI is a lively and friendly group of ladies who enjoy a variety of entertaining evenings, learning new skills, having a go at activities we never knew we could master, or learning from others with varied occupations and experiences.

It is a thriving and very active WI that draws members not just from its locality, but from a wide catchment. We meet on the second Thursday of every month at 7.30pm in the Broughton Parish Room,Wetwood, which is just four miles west of Eccleshall.

We welcome all ladies over the age of 18 years, to join us.

You don't have to be able to bake or sew, but if you can, we have a craft club which meets fortnightly and there's always an opportunity to bake a cake for the refreshments we enjoy after our speaker/activity finishes at the monthly meeting.

In addition to our varied programme of events, we arrange theatre trips and outings to places of interest and we provide workshops in the Broughton Parish Room to learn new crafts.

42 April/May 2019

We have many opportunities to learn new skills and have fun. You can see some of the activities we participate in on our web-site: www.broughtonwomensinstitu te.weebly.com.

Some recent highlights have included making pork pies for Christmas, and putting on a musical production entitled 'Mamma MWIa' which was a lot of fun and well received by everyone. We have our own choir, which takes part in local concerts, and in April, we will be singing a specially composed anthem at a service to mark the Centenary of Staffordshire Federation WI. Broughton WI organises the biennial Croxton Community

Well Dressing Festival which takes place this year on Saturday, July 6. This event is a great opportunity to work alongside other members of the community to celebrate local traditions and help create an event for the public to enjoy.

The Women's Institute is well known for campaigning on rural and women's issues that matter and each year, a new resolution is selected and supported by WI's across the country.

Last year, one of the issues we campaigned about was 'Plastic Soup' - the damaging plastic fibres that enter our waste water and consequentially pollutes our rivers/oceans and enters the food chain. This year Broughton WI has successfully submitted a resolution about 'Plant Biosecurity' which has reached the shortlist of six out of 70 submissions.

We are always happy to welcome new members to our thriving WI. If you would like to come along to one of our meetings as a visitor, please do not hesitate to contact the groups president Diane James on president.broughtonwi@gmail. com.

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THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

ASTON-BYSTONE WI

F

or our February meeting we had a talk from a Street Pastor who are people drawn from the churches in an area, and who go out to give help to anyone in need of it.

Street Pastors provide help, ranging from good advice, finding a taxi or giving out water, to just talking and supporting in any way needed.

Wendy Kerr, who is a Street Pastor in Stafford, came to Aston-by-Stone WI about the organisation and about her experiences. She showed us the contents of her rucksack: the above-mentioned water, flip-flops (we’ve all seen a drunken reveller who has lost her/his shoes, haven’t we), sick bags and lollipops to name a few. There is no judgement, no pressure to pray with the Pastors, just kindness and practical help. We heard the story of one young person whose life was turned around simply because help had been given at a critical moment.

Street Pastors are not paid.

They go out in teams of three every Friday and Saturday night. There is close liaison between the Police, the council and the churches.

The organisation was started in Kingston, Jamaica,

by Les Isaacs, whose aim was to help reduce crime on the streets. Now there are Street Pastors in 300 towns in Britain, and they help not only at nights of revelry, but at crisis events such as the Manchester bombing and the Grenfell Tower fire.

We were all impressed by the way in which “ordinary” people go out to give help to others, and will remember the Street Pastors if we are passing through town late at night.

A WI meeting is not only a talk, we find out about WI activities at institute and county level, and of course there are refreshments. Each month we have a raffle and a competition.

For our March meeting, it was also our end-of-year meeting and it took place on a rather stormy night - but thankfully the storms were confined to the weather, and all was calm inside.

President Chris Payne led us through the business part

of the evening, followed by the Annual Meeting, where the year just past was reviewed.

As in previous years, we were amazed at the sheer number and variety of events in which we have participated, and at the achievements of our members. We also heard of the oak trees grown from acorns by members and now planted in the National Forest.

At this annual meeting the Competition Cup is awarded, and this year the runaway winner was Julie Hughes who, by entering the competition each month – and by coming first on several occasions – amassed a record amount of points.

Election of Committee members followed, then the traditional tea and cakes. After refreshments we took part in a fiendish quiz on towns and sports, when seven of the members showed how clever they are and scored 15 points from a maximum of 20.

Next month (April) we have a talk by Diana Scott on flower arranging.

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Aston-by-Stone Village Hall at 7.30pm. Contact us at contactastonbystonewi@virgin media.com, www.astonbystone.btck.co.uk or phone 01785 615662 for further details.

April/May 2019 43

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JOULES BREWERY

TERMS AGREED FOR CENTRE

S

tone Town Council and Joule's Brewery have agreed terms for a Heritage and Visitor Centre located in the Old Fire Station.

Joule’s purchased the oneacre Crown Wharf site in November 2017 having had discussions with the Canal and Rivers Trust during the year about the objective to make the canal more accessible from the town centre and to focus on leisure use rather than residential use.

Representatives of Joule's recently met with town councillors to sign the 'Heads of Terms' for the Heritage and Visitor Centre located in the Old Fire Station.

Town councillor Jill Hood said that the development of Crown Wharf and the return of Joule’s Brewery to Stone is one

44 April/May 2019

of the “most exciting projects” she has seen in recent years.

She said: “The return of Joule’s to Stone is very welcome and the brewery’s sponsorship of our established amateur theatre company has wonderful community spirit.”

Fellow town councillor Rob Kenney added about the centre: “We can finally explore the cultural heritage of this fine town and tell the story of Stone.

Vicky Shirley from Joule’s said: “Stone is the home of Joule’s and we have been looking to create a Brewery Tap in Stone for over ten years.

“We have received great encouragement locally that Joule’s should have a flagship pub in Stone.

“The brewery's connection to Crown Wharf and the location by the canal meant the site was perfect.”

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:35 Page 45

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Stone Road, Baldwins Gate, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 5ED April/May 2019 45

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TOAST

A TOAST TO NEW BAKERY IN ECCLESHALL

T

om Hughes and Ben Herbert have opened what is believed to be the UK’s smallest bakery, known as Toast of Eccleshall.

Standing at just a hundred square feet, Tom and Ben sold over 250 loaves in their first week, with their best seller being the Eight Grain Sourdough loaf.

The pair are both professionally trained chefs who met whilst working at a local restaurant and have now swapped their white chef linens for bakers’ aprons.

The main ingredient in Toast’s popular multi-seed sourdough is Matthews Churchill Strong Bread Flour which is ground at the family owned, Cotswold mill in Shipton under Wychwood in Oxfordshire.

Tom said: “As chefs we know that the quality of your ingredients can make or break a dish and we decided early on that we would apply that same knowledge when setting up our bakery.

“We are the only bakery in Eccleshall and we are going to make sure we supply the tastiest loaves possible.”

Ben said: “Part of that mission was completed when we hooked up with Bertie Matthews from Matthews Cotswold Flour.

“We know that the Matthews mill only

46 April/May 2019

used premium grade one wheat, the highest level available, in all their flours.

“Plus, they also make a traditionally stoneground flour which isn’t over processed and that makes a huge difference to the overall taste and texture of our final loaves.”

The bakery’s multi-seed sourdough loaf uses Matthews Cotswold Eight Grain Flour which includes a specially selected blend of wheat flour, malted wheat, rye flakes, oat flakes, wheat gluten, maize, linseed, millet seed and sunflower seed, creating a full flavour and a loaf high in fibre.

Tom and Ben also use Matthews Wholegrain Flour for their bakes which are sold directly to customers and are supplied to local restaurants, cafes and the village butcher, Perry’s of Eccleshall.

Bertie Matthews, commercial director at Matthews Cotswold Flour, added: “I’m thrilled that we are able to support dynamic bakers like Tom and Ben. “It’s been a great synergy teaming up, the baking pair are all about quality ingredients – a passion we share at Matthews Cotswold Flour. Baking and flour milling are hard, competitive businesses, but us boys are getting stuck in.”

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QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1. Lily Collins appeared in the 2018 BBC adaptation of 'Les Miserables' as Fantine but who is her more famous father?

2. Sadio Mané, Mohamed Diamé and Idrissa Gana Gueye, play football for which international side?

3. Which politician wrote the autobiographical ‘A Journey’ in 2010?

4. On TV one of the 'Two Fat Ladies' was Clarissa Dixon Wright, who was the other?

5. According to the Old Testament where did Noah's Ark come to rest after the great flood?

6. Which character in a TV comedy series had the catchphrase 'I have a cunning plan'?

7. Which group recorded ‘A view to a kill’, the theme tune to the James Bond film of that name?

8. Which current long running TV series is based on the novels of Caroline Graham?

9. In bowls, what is the name of the small target ball?

10. What is the first name of Hyacinth Bucket’s longsuffering husband in the TV comedy ‘Keeping Up Appearances’?

A Spring quiz 1. Which unflattering expression, often applied to women, means no longer a young person?

2. What had Mole been doing all morning at the start of 'The Wind in the Willows'?

3. What is the nickname of the south African rugby union team?

4. Who are the two main female 'Springwatch' presenters that, between them, have been on the show every year since 2004?

5. Which spring flower has the Latin name 'Narcissus pseudo narcissus'?

6. Which race completes the Spring Double with the Grand National?

7. Which city was Jerry Springer once mayor of?

8. Which comedy film includes the song 'Springtime for Hitler'?

9. In which town do The Simpsons live?

10. Which town is situated in the geographical centre of Australia and was the subject of a 1950 Nevil Shute novel?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Phil Collins; 2. Senegal; 3. Tony Blair; 4. Jennifer Paterson; 5. Mount Ararat; 6. Baldrick; 7. Duran Duran; 8. Midsomer Murders; 9. Jack; 10. Richard; Spring Quiz Answers: 1. No Spring Chicken; 2. Spring Cleaning; 3. Springboks; 4. Kate Humble and Michaela Strachan; 5. Daffodil; 6. The Lincoln; 7.

Cincinnati; 8. ‘The Producers’; 9. Springfield; 10. Alice Springs.

48 April/May 2019

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

General knowledge quiz

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:36 Page 49

WRAP PLATFORM – AN EASIER WAY TO INVEST

A

wrap, or wrap platform, is a facility that can bring together all your investments - including shares, bonds, cash, investment trusts, unit trusts and pensions - under one roof. They can also be used to manage various tax wrappers such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and selfinvested personal pensions (SIPPs).

By having all the information you need in one place, this can help you complete your tax return, and many systems will calculate capital gains tax liabilities.

How do they work?

Wrap platforms are internet based facilities that can give you on-line access to information about your investments at any time of day or night. You may also be able to give instructions in respect of managing your investments.

The main advantage is they make it much easier to manage a spread of investments. You can split your money between a vast number of different investments through a diverse asset allocation strategy, thus spreading your risk.

How easy is this?

In most cases, existing investments can be brought into the wrap platform through reregistration. This means you do not need to sell and re-purchase your investments in order to include them. There may, however, be cases when you wish to do so, to ‘crystallise’ losses and gains, and to make use of your capital gains tax allowance.

Everyone can currently realise investment gains of up to £11,700 during the 2018/19 tax year, before having to pay 10% or 20% tax, depending upon their tax position. So if you purchased unit trusts for £20,000 a few years ago, and they are now worth £31,700, you could

INVESTMENT MATTERS

sell and re-purchase them and avoid tax (provided you have realised no other taxable gains during the tax year).

Can all my investments be included?

Some investments cannot be included within a wrap platform for technical reasons. For example, old endowment policies or commercial property within a SIPP do not lend themselves to having on-line valuations, so they are treated separately. It is still possible to have them recorded on the system, but you generally have to input the value manually, updating it from time to time.

What does it cost?

The costs associated with wrap platforms are not high and can be very competitive, because there are cost savings for everyone involved.

Fees are usually a percentage of the funds under management or are on a fixed fee basis, and can include the cost of advice, as well as the usual management fees.

It is important always to seek independent financial advice before making any decision regarding your finances. For further information, please contact SDB Strategic Planners Ltd. Stuart D Bryant is a fee-based Certified Financial Planner, specialising in personal lifestyle planning and investment planning.

SDB Strategic Planners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Tel: (01782) 712233

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS GIVING INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL ADVICE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF LEGISLATION, WHICH CAN BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP; YOU MAY GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVEST.

April/May 2019 49

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MOTORS

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Combined CO2 97 g/km. UX fuel consumption range in mpg (I/100km): 49.6 (5.7) – 53.3 (5.3). Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp

April/May 2019 51

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MOTORS

52 April/May 2019

Stone Life April May 19.qxp_Stone Life 22/03/2019 12:36 Page 53

MOTORS

April/May 2019 53

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PROPERTY

A charming and lovely lifestyle in Stone

N

estled along the banks of the River Trent, Stone is a pretty market town in the heart of Staffordshire.

Offering everything you could ever need, from an array of everyday amenities in the bustling town centre and a host of leisure facilities, such as cricket clubs, lawn tennis and squash facilities and cycle trails, to several good schools, plus the Peak District National Park is not too far away, Stone is ideal for families.

With excellent transport links, including the M6 motorway and Stone train station, direct access across the UK is easily accessible, making Stone a great choice for commuters too.

With a real sense of community in Stone, Anwyl Homes’ Udall Grange development on Eccleshall Road is a welcomed addition to the area. The residential development of 81 properties is proving very popular, with the housebuilder’s fantastic range of three, four and five bedroom homes in high demand.

From local homebuyers to those moving to Stone from further afield, Anwyl’s excellent

54 April/May 2019

award-winning reputation is evident in the expert design, build and immaculate finish of the homes at Udall Grange.

Thoughtfully designed, an Anwyl property is aesthetically attractive and features a flexible and well-planned floor layout internally that maximises the space and natural light available.

The specification throughout each home is of the highest standard, from high quality kitchen units, worktops and integrated appliances, floor tiles to sanitaryware in the bathroom, every last detail has been carefully considered.

Prices at Udall Grange range from £242,995 for a three bedroom semi-detached home with parking up to £419,995 for a five bedroom detached house with detached garage.

There are two stunning show homes available to view at Udall Grange too. To book an appointment, or for further information, please call 01785 339867 (open Thursday to Monday from 11am until 5pm) or visit www.anwylhomes.co.uk.

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