Stone & Eccleshall Life Issue 71

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Life

Events go online to keep community spirit alive

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Community spirit transfers to the world wide web

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

W

ell, what can I say? How do I start an editor's letter after what we have all been through since the last time we published the Stone & Eccleshall Life Magazine?

Firstly, let me send out well wishes to you all – I hope you and your families are well and keeping safe during these unprecedented times.

To those of you who may have lost a loved one to this awful pandemic, or perhaps through other causes, during the past few months – my heart goes out to you.

With the current surreal times, many of us have been finding alternative ways to carry out certain activities - a lot of which we have moved to the world wide web.

For example, the team behind the ever popular Stone Food & Drink Festival, which was set to take this autumn, will be hosting their very popular cookery demonstrations and foodie talks online (see page 12); and then there was the Girlguiding members’ Handful of Songs show which had set to take place this year,

but the participants have been showcasing their talents online instead (see page 21).

However, there have still been activities going on within the community such as all the amazing volunteers who have been helping and supporting the vulnerable. In this edition we have a message from our town mayor thanking all key workers, volunteers and residents of Stone for their efforts during the current situation – see page 17.

And there's been some exciting developments at the site of the county's newest theatre – that of the Crown Wharf Theatre which is being built by Joules Brewery in Stone.

Read all about it on page 20.

Do you have any news you wish to share with our readers? Email us at life@timesandecho.co.uk.

Until next time – take care!

Belinda

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

Stafford Park.............................24

Charity Work ..............................8

St Dominic’s Priory School ......25

Lockdown Creativity ..................9

Community Awards .................26

Stone Food & Drink Festival ....12

Helping the Community...........27

World of Wedgwood .................14

Local Photographer..................28

Crufts .........................................16

Gardening.................................30

Staffordshire Police...................17

Stone Town Council..................31

Crown Wharf Theatre ..............20

Eccleshall Library.....................32

Girlguiding ................................21

Pride in the Job Awards ...........33

Stafford Borough Council ........22

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

Eccleshaw Show .......................23

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CHARITY WORK

Teddies befriending vulnerable children

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n appeal sent out by Eccleshall Rotarian Sylvia Keris, urgently seeking knitted teddies for the Buddy Bag Foundation, has seen cuddly bears arriving from all parts of Staffordshire and beyond.

Midlands based charity Buddy bags help children taken away to safety from domestic violence – sometimes at quick notice with just the clothing they stand up in.

Buddy back packs provide essential items, plus a comfort toy of a teddy bear to each child, which may be their only friend (or buddy) in the unfamiliar surroundings of a safe house.

Around 48,000 children each year are in this position, with Covid-19 lockdown, reportedly, increasing numbers.

The teddy appeal has been touching the hearts of many kind people, both individuals and clubs – such as Rotary, Inner Wheel, W.I.’s, church and knit and natter groups – who have been knitting each unique bear with

Sylvia is pictured with the latest teddy delivery from Semma Kazmi of the Rotary Club of Burslem with bears that she knitted and croqueted and from Stoke on Trent company A.A.H.

love.

These have been either personally delivered or rounded up from further afield in mass ‘bear hunts’ and brought to Sylvia’s Eccleshall home with the help of Rotarians from many clubs including Eccleshall, Stafford Castle, Rugeley Bloxwich Phoenix, Whitchurch, Newcastle, Burslem and London Centenary.

The charity are trying to meet an increased demand for the much needed Buddy bags aiming to pack hundreds of packs every fortnight.

So Sylvia is continuing her appeal for teddies.

Each unique bear has a label attached to it saying: “I am special can’t you see, there is only one of me, I want to come and live with you, I think that you are special too.”

For further information on the charity or to download teddy knitting patterns go online to www.buddybagfoundation.co.uk and for teddy deliveries phone Sylvia on 01785 851005.

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LOCKDOWN CREATIVITY

Saying it with rainbows

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oungsters at an Eccleshall school got creative during lockdown to spread some community cheer.

The pupils at Bishop

Lonsdale Academy in Eccleshall created 34 wonderful rainbow flags which were put on display on the buildings in Eccleshall town centre.

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empathetic coaches.

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STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

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rganisers of the Stone Food & Drink Festival have been busy working on the delivery of an online programme to help offer some of the festival vibe to foodies in 2020.

With the main event cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, the aim is to host a series of smaller events through-out town during festival week alongside a schedule of online cookery demonstrations and foodie talks and masterclasses.

Lead sponsor Joule's Brewery is back on board, and has kindly provided space at its new Crown Wharf development

for the filming of cookery demonstrations which, kindly sponsored by Lexus Stoke, will present dishes from top local chefs that viewers can 'cook along' with during festival weekend.

The 'virtual' cookery demos will go live over the 'big weekend' on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 via the festival website, Youtube channel and Facebook page and the team is liaising with town centre shops, restaurants and pubs to curate a series of offers and events in and around town during the run-up week.

Also taking place over the 'Big Weekend' will be the traditional Festival Farmers'

Market on Saturday, October 3 and a special festival edition of the 'FEAST Stone' street food event; both of which will take place on Westbridge Park to allow for social distancing.

Festival chairman, Richard Stevens, said: “We are naturally hugely disappointed that we won't be running the main event on Westbridge Park this October, but wanted to bring some of the festival vibe to our fans via our online platforms and smaller live events in and around town.

“Hopefully local businesses will benefit from the support and we'd like to thank sponsors Joule's Brewery and Lexus Stoke for their support in this new venture.

“We fully intend to be back as the main festival in October 2021 and plans are already underway for an exciting new layout and enhanced festival programme.

“In the meantime, follow us on social media and sign up for our email list to be kept in the loop on this year's virtual festival - full details will be published on our website very soon.”

The 'Virtual' Stone Food & Drink Festival will see events take place in town and online from Friday, September 25 until Sunday, October 4.

For details head to www.stonefooddrink.org.uk and sign up for e-newsletter updates. You can also follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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WORLD OF WEDGWOOD

Gold for Wedgwood tourist spot

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popular tourist spot in Staffordshire has come out tops in a national award scheme.

The World of Wegwood has been presented with a Gold accolade from the team at VisitEngland.

The organisation recently made the announcement as part of the latest Visitor Attraction Accolades recognising the outstanding visitor experiences on offer across the country.

The attractions were awarded accolades based on the score they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: visitors with “England’s England s attractions provide visi d these accolades experiences and amazing outstanding recognise the o customer serrvice and quality on offer acrross the country.

“From m Best Told Story interpreetation to Hiddeen Gem and overa all Gold, these acco olades show that theere is an atttraction capable of capturing o eeveryone’s iimagination ccreating lasting memories and m sspreading the eeconomic beenefits from tou urism.”

The 73 T attrractions have beeen recognised as a rresult of the “ex xceptional ex xperience they

provide visitors from story-telling to food and drink and from customer service to overall winners.”

Introduced by VisitEngland in 2014, the Visitor Attraction Accolades are available to members of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. They include the Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

Members of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme represent a wide range of tourism experiences across England, from museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens to churches, cathedrals and country parks. They are supported by a network of highly trained assessors who advise on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their offer.

To find out more about the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme go online to www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/get-qualityassessed.

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RJS SOLICITORS

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JS Solicitors in Trentham, Stoke on Trent are delighted to welcome the newest member of its team, Laura Lambert who joined the firm on 4th May 2020 as the new Head of Family department. The wealth and depth of her experience in family matters will strengthen the private client team. Laura joins Richard Scholes and David Carson in expanding the firms services for the individual.

The family team advises on a wide range of matters including divorce, financial settlements, separation from an unmarried partner, nuptial agreements and arrangements for children.

If you want to buy, sell, or re-mortgage a property Richard Scholes will provide the expert assistance you need to navigate the complicated legal processes involved. David Carson can draft your Will to make sure your loved ones get the full benefit of their inheritance and advise on how

to structure your estate in the best way to protect your wealth for the future, and minimise tax. This can include business succession planning to help you hand over control of your business interests.

The private client team work very closely with other teams in the firm. This means our private clients have access to the best advice on family law, property, trusts and estates, corporate, commercial, employment issues and dispute resolution.

With a reputation built on experience and a team of specialised private client lawyers, RJS FOR YOU provides a comprehensive service that is solution focused and bespoke to your needs.

WEBSITE: www.rjssolicitors.com EMAIL: lauralambert@rjssolicitors.com ADDRESS: G4-G5, Trentham Business Quarter, Bellringer Rd, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8GB (Free Parking) PHONE: 01782 646320

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CRUFTS

The winner of the Obedience Championship for Dogs at Crufts was Shirley Clowes’ Border Collie, Sarkam Soul Searcher, who became an Obedience Champion on the day. They are pictured with the judge Michelle Newman and trophy presenters Roy Page and Ron Mitchell. Photo credit: Brian McGovern.

OBEDIENCE CHAMPION FOR TSU'TEY

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Border Collie named Tsu'tey and his owner Shirley Clowes from Stone took home one of the top obedience prizes at Crufts earlier on this year.

The judge was Michelle Newman and this win gave Tsu’tey his Obedience Champion crown.

Five-year-old Tsu’tey, whose official Kennel Club name is Sarkam Soul Searcher, came first in the final, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title.

All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final from one of the 46 championship shows that hosted qualifying classes for the Crufts Obedience Championships.

Proud owner Shirley said: “The last three dogs I had run at Crufts failed to complete the

round, so my aim this year was just to get to the end with Tsu’tey.

“Winning the ticket and making him into an Obedience Champion was definitely a bonus.

Most people who compete in obedience have two aims – to get to Crufts and to make up a champion – so this was a very happy show for me indeed.”

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Huge congratulations to Tsu’tey and Shirley for their impressive Crufts win. Their strong bond was showcased in their excellent teamwork and it was great to see how obedient Tsu’tey was.

“Obedience competitors come from far and wide in the UK to showcase their skills at the show and the standard of dogs and their handlers who enter are always very impressive.”

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STAFFORDSHIRE POLICE

Raising awareness about bike safety

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OLICE have visited an attraction and business site to help raise awareness of bike safety.

The officers, from Staffordshire Police, attended Amerton Farm, at Stowe by Chartley, with the Staffordshire County

Council’s Road Safety Team.

The event saw the representatives spending the afternoon talking to visitors about bike safety.

STONE TOWN MAYOR

“Thank you to all our key workers”

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Town Mayor has sent out a message of thanks to all key workers.

A message has been sent out to all key workers, volunteers and residents of Stone, by Stone Town Mayor Mark Green.

Councillor Green said in an open letter: “As Stone Town Mayor, and on behalf of the Town Council, I would like to thank all key workers for their tireless efforts during these unprecedented and challenging times.

“We recognise that you have been working under great strain and that our country could not function without you.

“We would also like to thank our existing voluntary groups in

Stone, of which their work is already well known.

“Additionally, we must pay tribute to those groups that have been set up to assist the elderly and vulnerable with their everyday tasks.

“Some of our residents have also dusted off their sewing machines and made scrubs for our local hospitals. We applaud you all.

“Finally, we thank all residents of Stone for following Government guidelines that have required us to ‘Stay at Home’ and with measures relating to social distancing.

“We must keep it up and some day we will see daylight at the end of the tunnel. Some day soon ‘We'll meet again’.”

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CROWN WHARF THEATRE

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he charity behind a brand-new theatre in Stone has given people a glimpse inside and is asking what should be taking place there when it opens its doors.

The bold external design of Crown Wharf Theatre in Stone has been a talking point locally for weeks. New interior photographs now show the scale of the theatre – which will be able to seat 200 people in an octagonal auditorium, including in balcony seating – and the beautiful Crown ceiling design. Artist’s impressions, meanwhile, give a taste of what the auditorium will look like when completed.

The charity is currently applying for major grant funding to transform the building into a functioning, professional theatre. And as part of this, trustees want to hear from local people about what they would like to see happening at the theatre when it opens its doors. And they would love to hear from anyone interested in using the space, too. All the seats will be moveable to create the flexibility for a huge range of events.

People can support the funding bids by

completing a short survey on the Crown Wharf Theatre website at www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk The outer shell of Crown Wharf Theatre – the first new theatre build in Staffordshire for nearly a quarter of a century – has almost been completed by Joule’s Brewery as a gift to the community as part of their Crown Wharf development in the town.

The building is set to be handed over to the Crown Wharf Theatre charity later this year – and it will then be down to the charity to take the project the rest of the way, with an internal fit-out of the auditorium, back of house and workshop areas estimated to cost around £750,000.

Crown Wharf Theatre trustee Leo Capernaros said: “Despite the huge challenges thrown up by the pandemic, real progress has been made at the site and the project is alive and well.

“We are all thrilled with how the theatre is looking – it certainly feels much bigger than we’d expected – and we can’t wait to take the building on.

“As things really start to develop, we need local people to support our funding bids by completing our community survey to help us showcase what a great asset this will be to the town, and what a difference it will make to people in and beyond Stone.

“We are also looking to hear from individuals, groups and businesses who are interested in using the space.”

As well as completing the survey, there are lots of other ways that individuals and businesses can get involved and support Crown Wharf Theatre. Find out more at www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk.

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GIRLGUIDING

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

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much loved stage show has goes virtual as the coronavirus scuppers plans for a stage event.

Covid-19 may have wreaked havoc on Girlguiding Stone Outward Divisions 2020 variety show – ‘A Handful of Songs’ but determined youngsters from across the area vowed that “the show must go on” and are planning to return to the stage bigger and better than ever next year.

Created in 1975 by Maureen Recine then Guide Captain of Barlaston Guide Company, A Handful of Songs has been performed every two years by generations of Girlguiding members in Stone Outward Division.

A spokesman said: “The team and performers alike were devastated when, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s April show had to be cancelled.

“But in true Girlguiding spirit, the cast and crew are continuing to practice and perform to each other - on the virtual stage.”

From its humble beginnings,

when a Christmas show put on for the residents of Barlaston which was met with huge joy and the seed was sown for the start of something very special, 45 years later A Handful of Songs has gone from strength to strength.

The spokesman added: “It has now found its feet on a professional theatre stage and is the only national biennial Girlguiding show in the UK as far as we know. The show has even been on the West End stage in London.

“With no auditions the shows prides itself on being open to all Girlguiding members. It promises to give them a unique experience being part of a professional show and the opportunity to learn new skills, singing, dancing and acting alongside meeting new friends and having a whole load of fun mixed in to.”

This year, the girls were due to sing, dance and impress with comedy talents, with the delights of West End musicals mixed with a touch of Disney and sounds straight from the

charts. Over 38 songs, hundreds of costumes and some razzle dazzle added to the talents of a group of young and passionate cast members.

But despite disappointment, in true Handful of Songs spirit, the show must go on- the cast and crew have tackled the current Covid-19 situation by going virtual.

Producer Maureen Recine said: “Regular online gettogethers have allowed the cast and crew to keep in touch as well as continue to practice the songs and dances within the show.

“Seeing each other has brought massive smiles to the young cast members and a little bit of normality in a world full of uncertainty.

“With all the hard work that has been put in from January 2020, this virtual opportunity has provided consistency and we hope that when we are through this storm, Handful of Songs 2020 will take to the stage and wow audiences once again in early 2021.”

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STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Help is on hand to help warm homes

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eople living in 6,000 homes across Stafford Borough will not be able to heat their properties properly when the cold weather comes – according to community leaders.

And despite the recent hot weather a senior councillor at Stafford Borough Council says now is the time to act to help avoid illness, and even death, brought on by poorly heated homes.

Stafford Borough Council has teamed up with locally based charity ‘Beat the Cold’ to deliver its Warmer Homes Stafford scheme - and councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said people must get help before it is too late.

He said: “For a number of reasons many of our residents will be left shivering in their homes this may be because the heating system is not good enough or they can’t afford to run it.

“But not having a properly heated home can make people ill or exacerbate other illness and ultimately could lead to premature death.”

The vast majority of calls from residents asking for help are usually made to the council during December and January - which makes it often too late for the support that could help heat

homes properly to kick in.

Now residents are being urged to get in touch with Warmer Homes Stafford immediately to find out what is available to address heating issues. It can include funding to repair or replace central heating systems, help with switching your energy provider to cut costs, or advice on reducing debts.

Warmer Homes Stafford is the council’s heating advice service run by Beat the Cold, helping local residents to get access to funding, advice and information about improving energy efficiency, reducing fuel bills and keeping warm.

Cllr Pert added: “There are people out there who may never have asked for help before; it may be working families whose household income has reduced due to the pandemic; they may not think there is any help for them; they may feel they are not entitled to, or need any, help.

“I’d rather be inundated with enquiries from our community than have one person we could have helped die because of ignorance.”

To contact Warmer Homes Stafford, call Freephone 0800 677 1785.

For more information about them go to www.warmerhomesstafford .org.uk.

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ECCLESHALL SHOW

The show goes on - online

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n award winning community show in Staffordshire went online this year and saw lots of entries - from as far as Devon.

The 73rd Eccleshall Show took place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was staged on Saturday, September 5 and included a whole host of categories including: horticulture, craft, companion dog show, equestrian fancy dress, classic transport and poultry.

There was rosettes and prize cards for all winners to third place.

A spokesman for the Eccleshall Show Society said on their website: “We would like to thank all the exhibitors from Fife to Devon for entering our virtual show this year.

“Thank you to our judges of the various sections for giving their time to judge them. Also the general public for our voting competition for the marquetry class.

“We look forward to seeing you next year on Saturday, September 4.”

To see the full results of the virtual show, go online to www.eccleshallshow.co.uk.

The Eccleshall Show Society, which began in the 1940s, was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.

Here are just some of the pictures which feature on the show’s website depicting this year’s ‘virtual’ entries to Eccleshall Show.

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STAFFORD PARK

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estoration work on the award-winning Victoria Park in Stafford is set to be completed in October.

A new café and training centre, alongside a restored bandstand, toilets and extensive landscaping form part of the £2.5million work.

Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: “It is great news to hear the work is due to be completed in October. I am sure thousands of local people – and those from outside the area – will look forward to enjoying this beautiful park again.

“Victoria Park is the jewel in the crown for the county town. It is the first thing many visitors will experience when they arrive by train and is a fantastic gateway to our town centre.

“We have restored the historic features and improved existing facilities using feedback we received during consultations with residents, park users and those who play a key role within the park.”

The park is more than 100 years old and has been awarded the ‘Green Flag’ as one of the best

parks and open spaces in the country since 2007.

The borough council was successful in securing over £1.7 million from the National Lottery to carry out the extensive work.

Work is on track to be completed in October despite previous delays due to Covid-19 and bad weather.

Ongoing progress of the work has been documented with photos on Stafford Borough Council’s website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/victoria-parkrestoration-updates.

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ST DOMINIC'S PRIORY SCHOOL

Headteacher delighted with GCSE results

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headteacher at a Stone school is delighted with her students GCSE results this year.

Rebecca Harrison, Headteacher at St. Dominic’s Priory School in Stone, has stated that she is delighted once again to announce “outstanding” GCSE results in what has been “a very difficult year”, and thanks students, parents and teachers for their “incredible ability to adapt to and embrace the virtual learning environment” in which the full curriculum has continued to be delivered during ‘lockdown’.

The key results for St Dominic's include: 100 per cent of students have achieved their predicted grades; 100 per cent of students have been accepted into ‘next step’ choice of education; 63 per cent of students have been awarded 1 or more grade 8 or above; 47 per cent of grades awarded were grade 7 – 9; Key top performing students achieved grades 7 - 9 across all subjects.

Mrs Harrison said: “It has been a very challenging year for all children, and both myself and my teaching staff are so thrilled that

our students have continued to work extremely hard throughout this unprecedented time.

“Our Year 11s excellent results reflect their commitment and dedication to their studies despite all the obstacles that they have faced since March, and to be able to announce that 100 per cent have achieved their predicted grades and have been accepted into their ‘next step’ choice of education, makes me so proud to be Headteacher at this unique school.”

St Dominic’s Priory School is an independent, non-selective school in Stone, accepting children of all faiths and abilities between the ages of three and 16 years old.

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COMMUNITY AWARDS

TIME TO HONOUR OUR COMMUNITY HEROES

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ominations are now open for awards to honour local people in Stafford – with organisers expecting a bumper crop of names to be put forward following heroics during lockdown.

The Stafford Borough Council ‘Community Awards’ are now in their fourth year and recognise the efforts of local people, businesses, schools and other groups that help to support and improve the community.

The councillor behind the event said it was a year like no other and they expected to be inundated with nominations because of the “heroics” of people in the face of Covid-19.

The categories are Community Action,

Environmental Improvement, Social Wellbeing and Local Hero.

And this year a new category has been added to the awards programme to recognise sporting achievements in the borough.

The winners will be announced at a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony to be arranged in late November.

Last year’s winners included Stafford Litter Heroes, Rising Brook Baptist Church and young Imani AlKhaldi, who set up a community fridge scheme.

Nominations are open to all people, groups and organisations operating within the borough with projects that have been running during the last 12 months.

Councillor Jeremy Pert,

Becki Woolrich from Stafford Litter Heroes winning her award last year

Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “This has been a year like no other for our generation. But in the face of adversity we have seen so many individuals, volunteers, groups and businesses stand up and be counted.

“They have looked after vulnerable neighbours, they have supplied important resources, they have set up support groups, food delivery operations or just made themselves available to anyone who needed help.

“I expect the heroics from our community during lockdown will see us with a huge number of nominations – and the most difficult task will be determining a winner, because they are all deserving of our heartfelt thanks, recognition and respect.”

He added: “It was a tremendous event last year and I was honoured to be among so many inspirational people and hear about all the selfless work they were doing for the benefit of others.

“The work they do often goes unnoticed, so these awards give us the opportunity to pay tribute to them and demonstrate that we value all that they do.”

To find out more about the criteria for each category, and to nominate, go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/com munityawards. The closing date for nominations is Friday, October 23.

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HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Almost 700 people supported across borough

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community hub project launched by Central England Co-op to help deliver vital food to the vulnerable at the height of the coronavirus pandemic is coming to an end after helping over 1,800 people.

In less than three months, the Co-op project helped people who were identified by partners in Lichfield, Burton, Derby, Stafford and Leicester and then supported by the retailer with the creation and delivery of vital food packages from stores in the area.

Now, after lockdown measures have been eased, people using the service are now able to visit shops to pick up food and essentials on their own so the community hubs are coming to a close.

However, anyone still in need of support can still access it via Central England Co-op’s new call and collect service for its members.

James Knight, the Member and Community Relations Officer for Central England Co-op managing the project, said: “Everyone has worked tirelessly to make sure some of the most vulnerable have never gone without food and essentials.

“We have helped 1,830 people since the start of lockdown, providing vital support to our community during these uncertain times.

“Thank you to everyone involved in this vital community hub project and for the efforts made to make a real difference during these uncertain times.”

In Stafford, the retailer was supported by Stafford Borough Council and helped 691 people.

James added: “We do, however, want to stress that if people still do need support we are launching our call and collect service to help those who still need help with their shopping.”

The service sees members call a dedicated number and place their order, their store will then pick and pack the order that day before having it ready to be collected in the afternoon the day after.

The Member or a nominated person will then visit the store and collect the shopping.

Payment for the food and essentials will be taken over the phone from the retailer’s head office in Lichfield.

Items available to order include everything from fresh food to cupboard essentials.

The service can be broken down into three easy steps for Members: 1. Call 0800 0501601 and place their order over the phone from a list of items listed on the retailer’s website 2. Central England Co-op will then call the Members back the following day to take payment and give them a collection number 3. Their order will be available to collect in the afternoon, the day after it was placed.

Full details, including the items Members can order, is available online at https://bit.ly/35TZRpz

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:46 Page 28

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

TWO TOP ACCOLADES

A

n amateur photographer has come out tops in two competitions.

Ian Knight, who lives in Ranton just outside Eccleshall, has been awarded for his

creativity on capturing some lovely scenes.

Ian won the Best Amateur category in the latest Event Photography Awards, and was also runner up in the Cultural category.

He said: “I was on the shortlist for the competition in the Cultural section with a picture of the Argentinian performance group Voala Station in Hanley's Central Forest Park.

“In the cultural section I was runner up which was more than I was expecting from the awards, but to my great surprise I was picked as the overall Amateur winner in the competition.”

The second competition which Ian won a top prize in was in aid of The Brooke Horse and Donkey Welfare Charity.

Ian said: “They

asked for images with an equine theme and I entered a picture taken on Long Mynd in Shropshire of one of the wild horses.

“The judging panel, including Deborah Meaden of Dragons Den and Olympic eventing rider Gemma Tattersall, chose my photograph as the overall winner in the Large Camera category.”

Ian further said of the two competitions: “Both competitions were technically international competitions, but the majority of entries came from the UK, and a few from around Europe.

“The news of the wins has spread far and wide, I have seen press articles in places as far apart as New Zealand and Hungary.

“The prize in the Event Photography Awards was a trophy presented at an awards evening in London, while the prize for The Brooke competition was a days photography masterclass with Matthew Seed an

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:48 Page 29

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

S O P OTO internationally recognised horse photography specialist.”

An amateur photographer in his spare time, Ian is a software tester based in Stafford, currently working for a company that develops internet cloud based solutions for the legal profession.

He said: “I have been taking photographs ever since I was a teenager, but only decided to learn how to do things properly in the last five years.

“I have always enjoyed capturing unique moments of time whether that was with a film camera or a modern digital camera.”

Ian, who lives with his wife Fiona and their two pet dogs, said: “I don't class myself as any particular type of photographer, because I do enjoy the challenge of photographing all genres and subjects to a high standard, however over the last few years I have been covering more and more events to document the unique moments that are always

being created at them; including music festivals, comic book conventions, motorbike charity events or even the country's first Electric Vehicle trade show.

“When I am not at events, I can usually be found with my wife Fiona and our two dogs roaming around the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside.

“The two dogs are getting used to posing for photographs as they get called into action regularly in the very beautiful places we are lucky enough to have around

AP E

us.”

To view more of Ian's creative work go online to http://z70.uk, or follow him at @Z70photo on Twitter or @Zort70 on Instagram.

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:59 Page 30

GARDENING

B

LUE is such a valuable colour in the garden: it mixes well with other colours, it’s a relaxing, cooling colour in the hot sun and it shows up well at dusk, just wheen we want to sit out and enjoy the warm evenings.

There are many shades of blue to choose from the palest sky blue through to deep, intense, inky blues reflecting the blues found in the sky. Blue also has the effect of making small spaces seem bigger so blue planting schemes are ideal for smaller gardens.

There are plenty of easy to grow blue perennial plants to enjoy.

Here are some of my favourites: The royal blue spire of flower on the tall speedwell, Veronica longifolia, make a great combination with gold and orange flowers in mid-summer and blue is an ideal contrast with orange dahlias or day lilies.

Veronicas are great bee plants and blue is one of the easiest colours for bees to find.

Another excellent bee plant is the blue globe thistle, or Echinops. These are covered with balls of electric blue flowers in late summer and the flowers are usually covered in bees and butterflies.

Sea Holl Hollies (Eryngium) also have thistle-like flow wers and some become almost mettallic blue in colour. The best includes Jew wel, Picos Blue, Jos Eijking and Plan num. Often the flower stems as well

ass the flowers take on a blue sheen enhancing the sh how. Grow these in free-draining soil in sun.

One of my absolute favourite flowers are Sccabious and there are plenty of blue flowered va arieties to choose from if you can find them, from the pale blue Clive Greaves to the deep blue off Fama.

These are best in sun and they don’t like really acidic soils – mildly acid (like mine) or limy soils are fine.

There are so many more to mention if I had space: cornflowers, agapanthus, salvias, geraniums, asters, delphiniums, irises to name but a few. So, if blue is your colour, there’s nothing stopping you getting the summertime blues for your garden..

Martin Blow Janet and I run Plant Hunters’ Fairs, F specialist plant fairs at wonderful llocations. i The Th following plant fairs are due to go ahead: at Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield on Sunday, August 16; at Abbeywood Gardens in Delamere on Wednesday, August 26 and; at the Dorothy Clive Garden on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 3. Please check with our website for ticketing information. Some venues require tickets to be purchased in advance.

Please check www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for event status before travelling. All fairs include entry to the garden and fair at half standard garden entry price or better.

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:50 Page 31

STONE TOWN COUNCIL

S

tone Town Council’s Annual Allotment Competition – 2020.

A spokesman for Stone Town Council said: “Martin Robinson visited both Stone Town Council allotment sites and judged the Town Council’s Annual Allotment Competition.

“As in previous years, a shield will be presented for the overall ‘Best Kept Allotment’ and the overall ‘Most Improved Allotment’.

“There were some outstanding allotments this year and Martin has very kindly allowed the use of a range of photographs from both Mount Road allotment and Newcastle Road allotment.

“If you would like further information or to contact the council regarding these allotment sites, please visit: https://www.stonetowncouncil.go v.uk/allotments.”

Pictures by Martin Robinson.

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:52 Page 32

ECCLESHALL LIBRARY

Library services resume in town A town’s library is back open after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Eccleshall Library has reopened, albeit with limited services and initially for only 14 hours a week. A spokesman for the library said: “Currently we only have two volunteers each on two-hour shifts, giving 28 volunteer hours per week.

“Before lockdown we usually had three volunteers per shift and were open 37 hours, and we were using over 100 volunteer hours per week.

“Many thanks to those who express a wish to return to the library but were not included in the current rota. It is intended to change the people

on the rota after we are able to use the front door.

“This would give those that want to come back a chance to do so.

“These volunteers will need to attend a briefing session to explain the procedures that will be in place to keep our customers and ourselves free from Covid-19.”

At present browsing the library shelves isn't possible, but books can be selected and ordered for collection from Eccleshall Library.

To order books telephone 0300 111 8000 or complete the online order form at https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries/libra ries.aspx or complete a form in the library.

To keep up to date with what’s happening at Eccleshall Library, go online to https://www.facebook.com/eccleshall.library.

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:54 Page 33

PRIDE IN THE JOB AWARDS

Top accolades for builders

A

longside the good news that David Wilson Homes is back building and selling homes in Staffordshire, three Site Managers for David Wilson Homes Mercia have won a top national award for quality from the National House Building Council (NHBC).

Paul Moore, Thomas Fitzpatrick and Oliver Wardlaw have won a prestigious NHBC Pride in the Job Quality award, considered to be the “Oscars of the housebuilding industry.”

Thomas, who is based at The Village at Wedgwood Park in Barlaston, has been with the developer for seven years. He said: “When I won the award, I was ecstatic, and I couldn’t believe it.

“Working on the development is great as I have amazing trades all around me who I’d like to say a thank you to, I’d also like to thank all of David Wilson Homes Mercia for their support and backing throughout the years.”

Paul, who is based at Hallam Park in Lichfield, has won 11 previous Pride in the Job awards. He said: “I’m very proud on a personal note but it’s more important that the team around me gets the recognition that they deserve.”

Oliver, who is based at Darwin View in Lichfield has been with the housebuilder for five years. He said: “This is my first development as a site manager so to win an award in my first year is really special.

We have a very good team on site, and we all have the same goal – to build a quality home for the customer.

“I’d like to thank the site

team; my assistant Charlotte and all of the head office staff for all of their help right from the very start.”

Now in their 40th year the Pride in the Job Quality awards recognise the very best Site Managers from around the country. In total, parent company Barratt Developments’ Site Managers won 92 Pride in the Job Quality awards this year, more than every other housebuilder. Barratt has now won more Pride in the Jobs Quality awards for 16 years in a row, a record unmatched in the industry which shows its commitment to building homes of the highest quality.

Each Site Manager is judged on a range of key criteria including health and safety, their technical knowledge, customer service and attention to detail. Pride in the Job is the most highly regarded

competition in the housebuilding industry with just 450 individual winners being chosen from over 11,000 entrants.

Dominic Harman, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “Now that we are back building and selling homes again, it is great to see that our site managers are rated as amongst the very best in the country for the high quality of the homes they deliver.

“It is now more important than ever that customers have confidence in the homes they are buying, and the mark of a Pride in the Job Quality award shows that their home has been built to the highest of standards.

“We are very proud to have won more of these quality awards than any other housebuilder for 16 years in a row.”

Oliver Wardlaw Site Manager at Darwin View

Site Manager Tom Fitzpatrick

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

Look Back at Lockdown Answers: 1. Joe Wicks; 2. Chris Whitty or Patrick Vallance; 3. Matt Hancock; 4.

Nightingale Hospital; 5. Thursday; 6. 80%; 7. World Health Organisation; 8. Save Lives; 9. Monday; 10. Windsor Castle; 11. ÂŁ45 (Came into effect on April 1); 12. Captain Tom Moore; 13. Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies; 14. Prince Charles; 15. You'll Never Walk Alone; 16. Marcus Rashford; 17. Iceland; 18. Barnard Castle; 19. Matt Hancock, Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab; 20. Priti Patel

quiz corner STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:55 Page 34

STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 18/09/2020 09:09 Page 35

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STONE LIFE ISSUE 71.qxp_Stone Life 17/09/2020 15:55 Page 36