Stone & Eccleshall Life Issue 72

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Life

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The show still goes on in surreal times

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 here we are – still in the middle of a pandemic.

The surreal times continue for us all.

So how's everyone bearing up with the third lockdown? I hope each and everyone of you is fairing well and have a support network that we all need.

My heart goes out to all those who have sadly lost a loved one due to this awful pandemic, or perhaps for other reasons.

Moving onto a lighter note, as always we have tried our best to fill this edition of the Stone & Eccleshall Life Magazine with lots of celebratory and positive stories and features, and, even with a pandemic raging on, there sure still are so many such stories to tell about our lovely area.

We have numerous articles about much deserved awards and other recognition being handed out to some of the stars within our community; news of even more parks in the area gaining the prestigious Green Flag status; a feline friend being saved from inside a pipe; a lovely feature all about butterflies, and much much more.

Happy reading everyone – and if you have a story to tell about life in Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding areas please do get in touch with us.

Until next time – take care!

Belinda

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Editor’s Letter.............................3

St Dominic’s Priory School ......26

Covid-19 Vaccinations ................5

Community Spirit.....................26

Crown Wharf Theatre.................7

Staffordshire County Council...27

Stafford & District Access Group ...8

RSPCA.......................................28

Stafford Borough Council ..........8

Garden Waste ...........................29

Co-Op Community .....................9

Local Calendar..........................29

Community Spirit .....................12

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

Care Awards ..............................13

Wildlife ......................................31

Local Charity .............................14

Queens Honour ........................32

Stafford Borough Council .........15

Buddy Bag Foundation ............33

Community Awards..................16

Green Flag Awards ...................34

Education Feature....................20

Quiz Corner...............................35

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COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Covid-19 vaccination hub at St George’s Hospital

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Stafford Hospital site has joined the network of Hospital Hub sites across England delivering the world-leading Covid-19 vaccine programme.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (MPFT) St George’s Hospital, in Corporation Street, Stafford recently launched as a hub.

The site is vaccinating in line with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and initially prioritised vaccinating people aged over 80 and health and care workers.

Neil Carr, Chief Executive for MPFT and the executive lead for the vaccination programme across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent today said: “I am delighted that the St George’s has launched as a hospital hub. We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to support the largest vaccination programme the NHS has ever seen and tackle Covid-19.

“There is an enormous national effort to vaccinate as many people as possible to support the NHS and we are delighted to be part of this.

“In the coming weeks our hospital hub in Stafford will be joined by numerous vaccination centres across Staffordshire, which will provide additional capacity to vaccinate and protect people from Covid-19.”

Mr Carr added: “We are contacting those eligible to arrange an appointment to receive their vaccine and are asking that you don’t contact the hospital to try and arrange an appointment until you have been contacted.”

The first to be vaccinated at St George’s was Sarah Goodwin, who works at Longton Cottage Hospital.

Sarah said: “It’s an honour to be the first. I’d encourage everyone to get the vaccine – it means we can start to get back to normality.”

Also receiving the vaccination on the first day at St George’s was Joshua Ryder, a Trainee Nursing Associate based at the hospital. He said: “For me, getting the vaccination is about protecting the most vulnerable in our society, including our patients.

“I’m really happy to have been among the first to be vaccinated at the hub and I’ve been really impressed with how smoothly it went.”

Vicky Hitchens, a Health Care Support Worker also based at St George’s, said after receiving her vaccine: “I’m so pleased that Covid vaccinations are underway and I wanted to ensure I had booked my appointment as soon as possible after receiving the invitation to do so.”

More information about the Covid-19 vaccine can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine.

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CROWN WHARF THEATRE

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undraising is continuing for a community theatre project in Stone.

Work is continuing on the major project of the Crown Wharf Theatre.

A spokesman for the project said: “Our aim is to design, build and run a theatre and events space in Stone; providing professional facilities that are flexible, affordable and accessible to performers and audiences alike.

“This is a mission driven by local people for local people, whilst attracting more visitors to the town and its businesses.

“As part of the Joule’s Crown Wharf development project, which along with their new Taphouse will also bring a heritage centre to Stone, they have agreed to build the outershell of our theatre and restore the existing buildings on the site for our backstage facilities.

“The Crown Wharf Theatre is the name of the charitable trust we have subsequently set up to raise the funds needed to turn what will be an empty shell of a building into a functional, practical and

habitable theatre.

“A theatre that will build upon the town’s existing arts, culture and community activity, and will look to foster a sense of a facility run by, and for, the community of Stone.”

There are a variety of ways people can support the Crown Wharf Theatre project.

Amazon shoppers can help by choosing Crown Wharf Theatre as their charity through the fundraising initiative Amazon Smile.

A spokesman for the theatre project explained: “A percentage of your shopping basket total each time will be donated directly to us. At no cost to you.

“We've raised over £300 so far through Crown Wharfers supporting us in this way.”

People could also help the project by supporting the organisation's funding bids.

The spokesman said: “We’re currently applying for major funding to transform the building into a functioning, professional theatre.

“As part of this, we really need to hear from people about what they would like to see

happening at the theatre when it opens its doors.

“People’s ideas and involvement in the project will make our funding bids so much stronger.

“If you have a little more time, a letter of support is an even better way of showing your passion and enthusiasm for the project.

“We’d love to receive your letter, either via post or email.

“Tell us what Crown Wharf Theatre means to you, and what impact it will have in Stone.”

There are also a number of surveys regarding the project.

Members of the public are being asked to complete a Community Audience Survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5R P7WBD; while anyone who would potentially hire the new venue, is asked to complete a Community User Groups Survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5F HM6V9.

For further information about the Crown Wharf Theatre Project, go online to www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk /category/the-build.

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STAFFORD & DISTRICT ACCESS GROUP

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he Stafford and District Access group has recently launched a new version of their website.

The group is a charitable organisation whose aim is to improve access to services and facilities across Stafford for all

but particularly for those with mobility difficulties who include wheelchair users, the elderly, visually impaired and parents with children.

The website attempts to inform service providers of the access issues that they need to address when dealing with the public and to inform the public of how accessible the borough is to their needs.

Joyce Bridgwood (now Middle) formed the group in September 1987 and the group now covers a wide area including: Stafford, Stone, Eccleshall, Haughton, and

Gnosall.

A spokesman said: “We are a group of volunteers supported

by Stafford Borough Council.

Our aim is to improve access for all, mothers with prams, wheelchair users, those with walking problems and those with health problems which limit their activities.

“We raise awareness of the issues, make representations about access problems and campaign for improved provision.”

The new website can be found at https://staffordsdag.org.

STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Businesses thanked for Covid-19 response

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he vast majority of businesses in Stafford Borough that have been allowed to stay open during the third national lockdown have acted responsibly - a senior councillor has said.

The council has confirmed that the number of complaints to Stafford Borough Council have been ‘few and far between’ since leisure and hospitality businesses, and non-essential shops, were forced to close because of lockdown restrictions.

Councillor Jonathan Price made his comments following widespread publicity from across the country about businesses breaching or bending Covid rules.

He said: “’Shop complies with Covid rules’ is never going to make a popular story in the newspapers, or headline post on social media, – but the reality is the vast majority of our local businesses have followed regulations and put in measures to abide by the government guidance.

“We do receive complaints and when we investigate some are baseless, some have minor issues that need to be addressed to keep within the spirit of the law - but those deliberately breaking rules are very few and far between.

“This is an extremely tough time for local businesses and as a council we want to work with them to ensure they can remain open if the law allows them to and that their workers, customers

and clients are all as safe as they can be.”

Cllr Price is the Cabinet Member for the Environment, as well as the lead member for the borough council on the Covid Outbreak Control Board, and part of his portfolio includes the local authority’s Environmental Health Team who are involved with leading the test and trace regime in the borough - as well as liaising with businesses to ensure up to date regulations are followed.

Councils were given powers to issue prohibition notice to restrict owners from operating if they didn’t comply with the Covid-19 legislation.

Cllr Price added: “What is often highlighted in the media is those that breach the guidelines – the pub that has had a lock-in for customers or the barber that remains open.

“So, I want to thank all those businesses in our borough who are doing what has been asked of them – and in doing so they are helping save lives and protecting the NHS. “Where required we have passed on advice and signposted owners and managers to government guidelines, so they are clear what their responsibilities are during this time.

The council has a dedicated webpage where businesses can find advice and financial support during Covid-19. It can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/business-supportcoronavirus.

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CO-OP COMMUNITY

Cash boost for hospice

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entral England Co-operative has revealed that it has helped change the lives of 102 groups and charities – by donating £155,000 from its Community Dividend Fund in 2020.

A diverse range of projects picked from across 16 counties were handed a funding boost during the past 12 months.

Locally, £2,000 has been given to Katherine House Hospice which is based in Stafford.

A spokesman for the Co-op said: “Everyone from schools and churches to support groups and volunteer organisations benefited from the fund that guarantees that at least one per cent of the Society’s trading profit is reinvested in local communities in a bid to help projects to thrive from the Midlands to the East Coast.

“This year also saw the fund given an overhaul in the light of the ongoing pandemic in an effort to distribute funds quicker and to ensure it was supporting good causes impacted by Covid-19.”

The £2,000 given to Katherine House Hospice by the Co-op is set to help buy equipment to ensure its life-changing work continues.

Katharine House Hospice is a local charity which relies on the kindness and generosity of the Stafford and surrounding areas community to cover most of the cost of the vital free care services.

Kelly Day, Trust Fundraiser at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are very grateful to the Co-op Community Dividend Fund for their kind donation of £2,000.

“This donation will be used to fund some vital equipment for our patients to ensure they remain as comfortable and pain free as possible.”

Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive of Central England Co-operative, added: “We have handed out £155,000 to projects in our communities in 2020.

“The Community Dividend Fund reflects a key principle of our Society, in that we reward the loyalty of our customers by investing in and supporting local communities.

“The scheme helps to benefit a wide variety

of projects, which will make the local area that we serve a better place for our members to live, work and visit.

“This year, in response to the current crisis, we made some changes to our Community Dividend Fund scheme to provide immediate financial support for local good causes, community groups and charities who responded to some of the most worrying impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are delighted to have been able to support these amazing causes and help them make a difference in our communities.

“I would like to urge all of our members to get in touch and put forward a community cause close to their heart for the Community Dividend Fund scheme during the coming 12 months.”

To apply, members will need: name, address, membership number, organisation type, organisation bank account or constitution and to explain what the group does, how the grant will be spent and the specific impact it will have related to COVID19.

People can find out the full criteria and how to apply for funding by going online to www.centralengland.coop/community.

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STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL ADFEATURE

New High Street campaign for Borough towns moves online

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new campaign to support high street businesses in Stafford Borough towns is underway with plans to roll out through to March.

The ‘Our Beautiful Borough’ campaign has been backed by money from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) to support the town centres of Stafford, Stone and Eccleshall. The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund provided £50 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to councils across England to support the safe reopening of high streets.

Covid-19 safety measures such as signage and street markings were installed earlier this year and two full-time dedicated Town Centre Information Officers were recruited to provide information to help businesses through the effects of the pandemic.

Members of town centre groups and town centre businesses have been involved in the creation of the campaign along-side local marketing experts – Verso Creative.

The project focuses on supporting the sustainability of local independent retailers by raising awareness of each town’s unique offer. Campaign material includes the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance which is seen as key to reducing the spread of the virus.

A new website has been set up at www.ourbeautifulborough.co.u

k , featuring an independent retailer and services listing for each town. Online retailer business information packs and marketing material downloads for local retailers will carry the towns’ dedicated logo, adverts are appearing in local publications and in key outdoor areas across the West Midlands, and new social media accounts have been set up.

Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “Our three towns have so much to offer but, like every area of the UK, this pandemic has frustrated the valiant efforts of some of our businesses to get back on their feet.

“We are determined to do something fresh and innovative that will promote our beautiful borough – and with this campaign we certainly will showcase what we have to offer to people in and outside our borough.”

She added: “While we are in lockdown our priority will be to encourage people to view all that our High Street Businesses have to offer via the excellent website we now have up and running – www.ourbeautifulborough.com and dedicated social media channels.

“We are also providing free independent advice should businesses need help to also trade online and how they can improve their online presence.

We will also be using traditional media advertising to keep the community in touch with what

the campaign is about, and to promote all that is being done to ensure our shops and businesses hit the ground running to welcome people back in a safe way when restrictions are lifted.”

Jamie Richards, AEDdonate Chief Executive from Stone, said: “This year has been tough for the vast majority of our local businesses and if we want independent retailers and hospitality venues to survive we need to back them.

Mary Walker, Chair of the Stafford Town Centre Partnership, said: “The Our Beautiful Borough’ campaign is vital in promoting our diverse range of businesses. The independent retailers and businesses of the town need our support more than ever and we would urge residents to explore the site and discover the wonderful array of businesses in our borough. Shopping local makes such a difference to our businesses so thank you all for your support.”

Joanna Eeley, Owner of Wills and Jo’s in Eccleshall, said: “As a retailer in Eccleshall I was conscious of continuing to develop our excellent customer service and have spent time developing an online offering during lockdown. I am very excited about being part of the ‘Our Beautiful Borough Campaign’ and hope it will really encourage customers to think local.”

The Borough Council was awarded £120,000 from the ERDF.

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Supermarket teams up with local charities

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number of charities in the Stafford area have been teaming up with supermarket chain Aldi to donate around 13,500 meals to people in need.

The supermarket paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and food banks to make the most of unsold fresh and chilled food after stores closed on Christmas Eve. Around 210 tonnes of food were donated throughout the UK, with more than 500,000 meals donated and over 750 UK causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

The donation is Aldi’s largest to date and helped 20 charitable causes in Staffordshire at a time when more people are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity due to Covid-19.

This year, for the first time, the initiative was also extended to New Year’s Eve, with Aldi

donating further meals to charitable causes across the country.

Aldi has also worked with partner Neighbourly to prioritise donations to charities and community groups focused on feeding children over the school Christmas holidays.

The festive food donations were part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.

Thanks to this, all of Aldi’s 900 UK stores now donate surplus food to good causes seven days a week, all year round.

Luke Peech, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We are proud to have supported good causes in Staffordshire during the festive period, helping them to provide fresh and filling meals over the Christmas period.

“The feedback has been

overwhelming and we’re really pleased to have extended the initiative, so we can do what we can for those in need within the community in what was an incredibly tough year for so many.”

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “Sadly, this festive season has been the busiest on record for the nation’s charities and food banks. I’m sure Aldi’s donation has been a lifeline for many.”

Here are some of the charities which Aldi worked with to help provide the meals: Tri Services And Veterans Support Centre, Oak Tree Trust, BCA Community Feed, Chase Lighthouse, Ymca North Staffordshire Ltd, Tamworth Cornerstone Housing Association, House of Bread, Feed the Homeless, Imani’s Incredible Eats, Community Social Supermarket, Heart Of Tamworth Community Project, and Helping Hearts for Wolverhampton Outreach.

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STAFFORDSHIRE DIGNITY IN CARE AWARDS

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amily carers, those working in care and care organisations from across the county have been recognised at a special online awards ceremony.

Winners of the latest Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards were announced at the special virtual celebration recently.

The awards, now in their sixth year, recognise care services and individuals who ensure people with care and support needs are treated with dignity and respect.

Amongst the winners were John Turner from Stafford, commended for his remarkable work in establishing and running the Stafford and District carers holiday trust. John was awarded the Informal Carer Dignity Champion Award.

A special mention was given to Megan and Lucie Woodworth from Stoke-On-Trent who were recognised for their support in helping others within the community in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The sisters were awarded highly commended for the Informal Carer award.

The Voluntary Support Dignity Award went to Alex Lewney from Stone for his voluntary work enabling people of all abilities to get together to work on projects within the local community.

In the same category, Paige Humphreys from Burntwood was highly commended for going above and beyond with her support for the NHS and social care. Paige helped to produce in excess of 1,000 visors and masks for professionals working throughout the pandemic, showing selfless commitment despite her own complex disability.

Other categories included the Student/Learner Dignity Champion Award. This went to Millie Bennett from Stafford who championed dignity throughout her BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care study and work experience at Stafford College.

Thanking the winners, Dr Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council said: “Once again it was great to see such a broad range of carers and roles, from those working in large carer organisations to those in specialist care settings and especially all those informal carers looking after family members and relatives.

“Unfortunately we weren’t able to get together for a physical event because of the

Emily Jones from Bluebird Care in Stafford

Covid-19 restrictions but the virtual ceremony I felt captured the wealth of amazing care going on across the county.

“I was particularly touched by the individual stories and the commitment that people make to their families and to their clients. I would like to thank all our carers and care providers. They should be very proud of their awards and achievements.”

Joining the online proceedings and announcing some of the winners was television star Sir Tony Robinson. Tony said: “As an ambassador for Age UK and Alzheimer’s society, Dignity in Care is very important and I was honoured to have been asked to present the awards”.

The Strategic leadership award went to Emily Jones from Bluebird Care in Stafford for her hard work and determination in becoming a registered manager; ensuring that she shows great initiative and passion towards dignity in everything that she does.

To watch the virtual Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards, go online to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mURk05i6 QKs&t=0s.

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LOCAL CHARITY

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earts and Hands Stafford is a new non for profit community organisation primarily helping those affected by Covid-19 and a reduced income the self employed, furloughed and those who have slipped through the net and need a bit of help.

Hearts and Hands is a splinter group from Helping Hearts Outreach for Wolverhampton and Staffordshire, now dealing independently in Stafford and the surrounding area.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The project is run by a team of volunteers who have the needs of the community foremost in their minds, with the mission to help and assistance wherever they can.

“Working with other charities and community groups within the area, signposting people to those that can also assist and respecting people’s dignity with confidentiality a priority.

“Assisted by local supermarkets supplying surplus food that would normally go to waste and distributing free of charge to the community Hearts and Hands collection points

are scattered throughout the area, outside the homes of community minded people who collect dry food and tinned food goods to add to the stock at Hearts and Hands to be given away freely.

“Working with the blessing of several Stafford Borough councillors and registered with SCVYS Hearts and Hands Stafford is going from strength to strength with strong committee and great team of key volunteers.

“Our motto is: never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.”

Katie Lowe founder of Hearts and Hands Stafford said: “We saw a need in Stafford and the surrounding areas as many people have been affected financially this last year through no fault of their own.

“Before Covid they could cover all their bills but on reduced income because they are self employed, furloughed and maybe illness has hit the household and cannot turn to anyone else for help, many never needed to ask before that we hope to be able to help, if we can’t we can signpost to someone who can.”

Hearts and Hands Stafford gave over 30 surprise Christmas Hampers out free of charge to families, as well as presents delivered to parents of over 50 children that would have otherwise gone without presents this Christmas. The presents were donated from the wider community.

If you need help or wish to volunteer with Hearts and Hands, email admin@heartshands.uk, call in working hours 07534 831455, or go online to https://heartshands.uk.

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STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Talk to us now plea from councillor

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eople across Stafford Borough who have never needed to contact the council for help before are being urged to get in touch, if they are concerned about what lies ahead for them and their families in the coming months.

It follows increasing concerns that many people will be desperately trying to make ends meet and struggling increasingly with financial issues brought on by Covid-19 pressures.

And with mortgage payments, rents or utility bills often being ignored when finances are tight, Stafford Borough Council is appealing for people to get in contact now to see what help may be available to support them through difficult times.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health at the borough council, said there was a ‘perfect storm’ of issues coming which needed to be addressed before it is too late to help and as the options available to people reduce dramatically over time.

He said: “People may be out of work for the first time in their life, others may have lost contracts or had hours and pay cut – and they may be struggling financially, worrying about the months ahead as the availability of work gets tighter.

“They will be making difficult decisions prioritising their finances – and often fuel bills and mortgage or rental payments get pushed to one side.

“The difficulty is they may be people who have never been faced with these desperate financial decisions - and never needed to contact us to ask for help and support. They may feel embarrassed to admit the situation that they are in.

“They will not know the advice, support or even financial help that may be on offer. And, even if we can’t help directly, we may well know an organisation or group that can.”

Cllr Pert added: “We know there will be growing numbers of people in our borough who will find themselves in this situation and I am pleading with them not to remain silent.

“We can only help by having that conversation with you and to understand the help you need.”

The borough council has set up a ‘Talk to Us’ page on its website to start the ball rolling and will be holding a series of webinars to provide information to community leaders and voluntary groups, helping them to help their residents navigate the support on offer and by providing guidance that may help in having some of those conversations with residents.

To find out more go online to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/talk-to-us or contact the council by email at info@staffordbc.gov.uk, direct message through Twitter - @staffordbc - and Facebook, or call 01785 619000.

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COMMUNITY AWARDS

First virtual communi

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eople who have helped the community during the coronavirus pandemic were the big winners at the recent Stafford Borough Council Community Awards 2020 recently.

The ceremony was held virtually on Zoom and streamed live via the Stafford Borough Council’s YouTube channel for the first time with 30 people, organisations and businesses

shortlisted.

They were joined by the Mayor of Stafford Borough, councillor Gareth Jones, along with members of the borough council’s Cabinet, to announce all the winners and those highly commended over several categories.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “It has been a year like no other

with so many inspiring stories of those who have stepped up to the mark and helped others in their community during the pandemic.”

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

The categories included Community Action, Environmental Improvement, Social Wellbeing and Local Hero – as well as a new award to recognise sporting achievements in the borough.

Among the winners were six-year-old litter hero Georgia Burge and Mai Al-Khaldi, aged 14, who supported elderly residents in her area during Covid-19 - with a posthumous award to Dr Anne Andrews for more than 40 years’ service to Tixall parish.

More than 70 people joined the ‘Zoom’ event with many more viewing the presentations on YouTube.

Cllr Pert said: “It was a wonderful evening and fantastic to see so many inspirational people from across our borough - even if that had to be done virtually.

“This has been a year without parallel. But in the face of such adversity we have seen so many individuals, volunteers, groups and businesses stand up and be counted in so many different ways.

“I knew that individual efforts and the voluntary sector were strong in Stafford and the surrounding areas ➤➤

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COMMUNITY AWARDS

nit a ar s a succ ss ➤➤

but what’s been delivered in 2020 has been humbling.

“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’m pleased we have been able to recognise their achievements.

“In my eyes they are all winners and I hope the evening demonstrated to them how much we value all they do to make our borough a better place to live, work and visit.”

Here is the list of winners and those who were highly commended in the Stafford Borough Council Community Awards, along with a brief outline of the activities for each of the winners.

Community Action Joint Winners: Fulford Parish Council and The County Store. Highly Commended: Weston Road Academy.

Fulford Parish Council was nominated by Janette Forrester. In light of Covid-19, councillors presented the idea of a Community Action Group; this included a recruitment drive for support volunteers and a publicity campaign to households with an ‘Action Line’ to call and request help. The service provided by Fulford Parish has benefited the community by helping 422 people to get shopping and prescriptions, attend hospital appointments or making welfare calls. They have also completed over 3,655 individual requests from service users.

The County Store was nominated by Councillor Anne Hobbs. The County Store has been open since July 2019, selling surplus food.

Food, toiletries and other basic products are received from both supermarkets and residents.

The team of volunteers then box up the food and sell it at a low price to families in the Stafford Area. The boxes are full of fruit and vegetables, but also other staples such as cereal, bread and condiments; the boxes are sold from £5 - £8.50 to people who sign up to the scheme (which is free to join). They have worked hard during the pandemic, proving the store to be a necessity for

those most in need. The delivery service has been extremely useful for people who are housebound and people who have had to self isolate.

Social Wellbeing Winner: Stone Community Hub. Highly Commended: Re-Solv.

Stone Community Hub helps residents of Stone on a variety of different issues such as supporting job searches, blue badge applications and provides a foodbank. As a result of the lockdown, the number of people in serious need of support rose. The Hub recognised the urgent need for funds, volunteers, space and material.

The staff suspended normal operations to reorganise the Frank Jordan Centre with additional space to accommodate a much larger foodbank and the need for social distancing. By August, 1,250 food parcels had been delivered.

Local Hero Winner: Debbie Green. Highly Commended: Rachael Olley.

Debbie Green was nominated by Eileen ➤➤

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COMMUNITY AWARDS reducing the compaction of the ground, aerating the pitches regularly and generally fertilising and maintaining the pitches to an extremely high standard. The grounds person was recently nominated in the Staffordshire Ground Maintenance Person of the Year award, which covers all ages of the club from non league downwards. The club has a long standing relationship with the nearby prison - HMP Drake Hall - whereby women pre-parole come and run the onsite cafe which helps generate funds to help make the club sustainable for the long term, whilst giving the women some much need opportunities to re-engage with the outside world and gain some valuable self confidence.

➤➤

Environmental Improvement Winner: Forebridge Litter Hero. Highly Commended: Tittensor Best Kept Village Project 2020.

Forebridge Litter Hero was nominated by Councillor Chris Baron. Ben Alcock has been collecting litter all around the Forebridge area in his own time and has been encouraging others to do the same. This has resulted in a group of litter heroes operating throughout the area. The litter heroes have done amazing work in the Forebridge area in order to keep it a cleaner, tidier and nicer place to live.

Sports and Leisure Winner: Eccleshall Eagles Junior Football Club. Highly Commended: This is Fitness.

Eccleshall Eagles Junior Football Club was nominated by Councillor Jeremy Pert. Eccleshall Eagles Junior Football Club has teams from the ages of 6 to 16, playing in both the Mid Staffs League and Potteries Leagues. There are in excess of 200 young people training and playing with Eccleshall Eagles every week. The facilities have been improved every year with investments in the quality of the pitches through things like buying grounds maintenance equipment,

Judges Award Winner: Covid-19 Barlaston Community Action Group.

Covid-19 Barlaston Community Action Group was nominated by Michala Black. This project evolved in early March as news of the coronavirus was spreading and the first COBRA meeting was called by the Government. Barlaston has an elderly demographic and there was concern that residents’ health and wellbeing would be affected. The group’s strategy was to work with the local shops and amenities to support the community through what was inevitably going to be a difficult time. Groups of volunteers were formed into ‘help teams’ dependant on what they were able to do, where they lived and when they were available.

Neighbours formed WhatsApp groups, sewing groups made wash bags, scrubs and masks, an enterprising teenager decorated a tree with messages for the NHS and key workers which was adopted by the whole road as well as passersby. Further teams supporting food shops were established and the Vicar lead the way for personal contact as he telephoned residents on a daily basis providing a listening ear, comfort➤➤

Jordan. Debbie has been supporting communities for 15 years in her role with Tesco as a community champion, supporting community organisations and groups at the Stafford Tesco Branch. She ensures many organisations receive free food and non food items from the Tesco superstore that will be useful to their specific organisation. The green impact this has on our local environment is amazing, as she saves tonnes of items from being thrown away every year and redistributes perfectly good new items to struggling Stafford residents through local charities and groups.

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COMMUNITY AWARDS by way of prayer, as well as just general chit-chat.

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Little Star Winner: Georgia Burge.

Georgia Burge was nominated by Councillor Ann Edgeller and Councillor Marnie Phillips. Georgia is only six years old and is already a veteran in the Stafford litter picking circle. As well as clearing up the streets in her area, Georgia has also made face masks to raise money for the PTFA at Leasowes school for the benefit of all of the children there. Georgia wants to help other children and the community within Baswich with her efforts. Her work shows other children of her age group what doing community work can achieve if you put the effort in.

Young Hero Winner: Mai Al-Khaldi.

Mai Al-Khaldi was nominated by Lianne AlKhaldi. At the beginning of lockdown in March 2020, Mai Al-Khaldi dropped a note into each of the houses that she delivers papers to, offering help and friendship for as long as needed to ensure that each of her elderly customers never at any point felt lonely, without shopping or essentials. During lockdown, Mai collected and paid bills, shopping, prescriptions, and made phone calls to each of her customers on a regular basis. For some, this was the only interaction with the outside world. Mai’s project has benefited the elderly community who would have felt extremely isolated, or unable to safely collect food shopping for a number of reasons including being in the high risk category, having no access to the internet,

or struggling to get delivery slots with fully booked supermarkets.

Posthumous Award Dr Anne Andrews.

Dr Anne Andrews was nominated by Jill Davies. Dr Anne Andrews lived in the parish of Tixall for over half a century. In that time, while working in academia and caring for her family, she became an integral part of village life; the cog around which the life of the community revolved. For over 42 years she had been a parish councillor and unpaid clerk to

the council. She worked tirelessly for the local community and oversaw the transition from parish meeting to parish council in 1979.

Anne’s eye for detail and ability to plan ahead, has ensured that the parish council remained a dynamic and effective organisation working for the benefit of the local area and its residents.

More information about the awards and the winners, go online to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/commu nityawards.

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fe Li

n o i t a c

e u r d u E Feat

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Stafford Grammar School

Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep. School

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tafford Grammar School offers the best start in life for children and young people. We provide the best of both worlds: a school with outstanding academic success that feels like a family.

Whilst we pride ourselves on being the highest performing co-educational school in the area, the real spirit of Stafford Grammar School is to be found in the smiling faces, laughter and sense of fun that pupils and teachers experience every day.

There is something for everyone at Stafford Grammar School. Our students excel in sport, music, drama and a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and societies. Our sports teams have an enviable record of success, winning local, county, regional and national competitions.

For young people who enjoy the performing arts, Stafford Grammar School is the place to be. With the opportunity to join choirs, vocal groups, Concert Band, Big Band, Orchestra and other ensembles, music is flourishing at Stafford Grammar School. Our Concert Band has received platinum awards in national competitions and has enjoyed successful tours in Spain, France, Italy and Prague.

Drama continues to thrive and our school

musicals are performed to sell-out audiences.

We are currently producing 9 to 5 and over the last few years, musical theatre productions including Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fame, Sister Act and 9 to 5 have been produced to an exceptional standard and received acclaim in the local press.

With such a lively variety of activities, it is easy to see why Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep. School are such vibrant communities. We aim to give our pupils an exciting and challenging education. Based upon the values of hard work, kindness and respect, we strive to provide an enriching education that will inspire our pupils and enable them to make the most of every opportunity in their lives beyond school.

Our extensive transport network means that we are accessible to families from a wide range of areas. Financial assistance with school fees is available through scholarships for academic, sporting or musical excellence and bursaries based on an assessment of household financial circumstances.

Places now available in most Year groups.

To find out more about our school, visit www.staffordgrammar.co.uk or call us on 01785 249752. With so much going on, you can follow @StaffordGrammar on Twitter and Facebook to read the latest information.

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St. Dominic’s Priory School

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t. Dominic’s Priory School in Stone is opening its doors once again to welcome prospective families to look around its fantastic facilities from Monday 1st March 2021. St Dominic's Priory School welcomes pupils of all faiths and backgrounds and has completed its £4.5m redevelopment with more on the way. The state-of-the-art technology embedded within the new building enabled a smooth transition to virtual teaching during lockdown. All children are taking part in virtual learning via MS TEAMS following their normal timetabled lessons along with assemblies, form time and weekly challenges and extra-curricular activities.

St Dominic’s Priory School is rated ‘EXCELLENT’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and is the school of choice for families seeking an enriching education for their children, with outstanding academic opportunities and unparalleled pastoral care.

Top ranking results year on year show that St. Dominic’s ethos of providing bespoke

education to each child by understanding their strengths and weaknesses really works.

Guaranteed small class sizes coupled with engaging and enthusiastic teachers ensures that the school is able to remain nonselective.

St. Dominic’s Priory School provides Early Years, Prep and Senior School education, along with wrap around child care. Children are encouraged to be themselves, to value individuality and to develop self-worth, independence and respect for others.

All children, from 3 years old upwards, are taught by specialist teachers for subjects such as French, Art, PE, Music, Dance and Performing Arts, and peripatetic facilities are available to all age groups.

School mini buses provide transport for children to and from many locations.

To enquire about admissions or to book for a tour of the school please contact Louise Lloyd Llloyd@stdominicspriory.co.uk or for more information visit www.stdominicspriory.co.uk.

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ST DOMINIC’S PRIORY SCHOOL

Top awards for creative students

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oungsters at St Dominic’s Priory School in Stone have been celebrating recently having won first and second places in a number of categories in this year’s Independent Schools Association Art Competition.

The winning pieces were entered into categories such as drawing, textiles and 3D and were judged amongst 163 entries from 24 schools across the Midlands region.

The Midlands region entries were judged by Staffordshire’s Hannah Stoney, a painter, designer and entrepreneur who runs the company and gallery 'Yellowstone Art Boutique' on the Trentham Estate.

Along with her own artwork and creations, Hannah showcases work by 40 other British makers and designers specialising in personalised and bespoke commissions.

Hannah said: “It has been a pleasure to judge this year’s competition, and it’s lovely to see that despite a truly anxious and uncertain time, pupils have obviously turned to being creative as an escape from worrying times.

“In a year where the arts really is getting us through, and keeping us happy, I'm thrilled to see such joy and obvious talent on show once

again.

“I'm sure I'll see a few of these names again and perhaps be selling work by some of the winners one day.”

Mrs Harrison, Headteacher at St. Dominic’s Priory School, said: “We have always had a very active art department here and our children are all encouraged to be creative and express themselves through art.

“Our art teacher, Ms Jovanovic, is a talented artist in her own right, and her enthusiasm for the subject really rubs off on all of our children.

“I am so proud of all of the children who entered the competition and I am thrilled with the recognition that our winners have so deservingly received.”

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

A Shauney Conner on his way to The Shrewsbury Ark

Stone student has been raising money for a local homelessness

charity.

St Dominic’s Priory School student Shauney Conner recently teamed up with The Shrewsbury Ark to raise much-needed funds to provide essential toiletries to the homeless community.

The money raised by Year 11 student Shauney’s volunteer work went towards filling up warm socks with items such as soap,

deodorant, toothbrushes, shower gel and treats like sweets, chocolates and biscuits and this year he delivered 60 filled socks which were distributed by volunteers at The Ark to homeless people just before Christmas.

The Ark provides outreach support and day centre facilities for the homeless and vulnerable in the community and can be contacted at ark@shrewsburyark.co.uk, 01743 363305 or via Facebook or Twitter.

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STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Councillor Alan White

Have your say about life in Staffordshire

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eople in parts of Staffordshire are being invited to share their thoughts and opinions about the areas in which they live, work and play.

Familiar objects including lamp posts, benches and bins are ready to strike up friendly conversations, via SMS, to hear what people have to say.

The “Hello Staffordshire” project, which is being trialled in Stafford, Cannock, Rugeley and Leek, is being delivered

by Staffordshire County Council in collaboration with Hello Lamp Post.

To begin a conversation, people will need to spot the bright yellow signs around the town, where they will be prompted to either scan the QR code or text the dedicated number, using any mobile phone. The objects will ask a variety of questions,

encouraging people to share their views and comments.

Taking part is free and standard text messaging rates apply. A full map of where the objects can be found is available at http://staffordshire.hlp.city.

All conversations are anonymous and feedback gathered will be shared with the county council, to help identify potential improvements for the local area.

Councillor Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council said: “This is an important project that will help us connect with local communities and find out what people think about their area and how it could be improved.

“We hope the yellow signs will get people thinking in a different way, and encourage them to explore what’s around

them. More importantly, we want people to share their thoughts and opinions about what living in Staffordshire means to them.

“The campaign will take the form of interactive questions, so please look out for the signs and join in the conversation.”

Questions include: How would you describe this area in one word? What makes Staffordshire a great place to live? Do you have a strong sense of belonging within your community?

Cllr White added: “By taking part, you’ll not only help give us a better understanding of what matters most to people but help us build stronger communities at the same time.”

To find out more about the project go online to http://staffordshire.hlp.city/

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RSPCA

Kitten trapped down a pipe survives against all the odds

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he RSPCA has recently rescued a sixweek-old kitten which was trapped down a six foot vertical pipe in Stafford.

A member of the public contacted the RSPCA after they spotted two kittens trapped down a six foot vertical pipe at Moorfield Industrial Estate in Newcastle Road.

The member of the public managed to pull one of the kittens free but sadly they believed the other kitten in the pipe was already dead.

RSPCA inspector Caren Goodman-James attended to try and help. She was about to remove the body of the other kitten from the pipe when the young tri-coloured kitten finally made a sound and moved.

Caren said: “We were sure the kitten was dead as she hadn’t moved at all whilst the member of the public reached the other kitten but then when I used my grasper to bring her out of the pipe, she finally made a sound and moved.

“I couldn’t believe the poor thing was still alive as she looked in a really poor state.

“I wrapped her in a towel and put her inside my fleece to keep her warm and then rushed her to Shires Veterinary Practice in Stone.

“She was dehydrated and almost lifeless, with agonal breaths and no reflex. The vets said her

heartbeat was also so weak, they didn’t think she would make it.

“As we rescue animals which are most in need, often suffering from awful injuries, and the worst cases of neglect or cruelty, we know that sadly, not every animal we rescue will make it but it’s still incredibly hard to hear that and I did shed a tear.”

Caren added: “Then the next day I got a call from the vets to say the team had worked roundthe-clock continuing to warm up the little kitten until she started to breathe more easily. They then put her on an IV drip to give her fluids and glucose.

“This little kitten was literally fighting for her life and after around 90 minutes had started to improve.

“She continued to make great improvements over the following days. She still needs treatment for an eye condition but the vet is very hopeful for a happy and healthy life ahead.

“After two close calls, it’s a miracle that Piper has made it.”

Piper still has a long journey ahead of her as her recovery continues. She has now been taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Cattery in Cheshire where she has been reunited with her brother, a male tabby kitten, now named Dave who was also rescued from the industrial estate. Once the pair are ready, they will need to be rehomed together.

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering. To help the rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need us, go online to www.rspca.org.uk.

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STAFFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

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esidents in Stafford Borough wanting their garden waste collected will now need to sign up to receive the service.

A spokesman for Stafford Borough Council explained: “Collecting garden waste is not a statutory service and around 65 per cent of local authorities across the country already charge their residents to have grass cuttings removed.

“Stafford Borough Council announced in 2019 that they would need to ask residents who wanted to continue having their brown bin collected from January 2021 to contribute to the service to help balance the books.”

Now residents can sign up to ensure they get the service, which will cost £36 a year, by going online to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/brownbin.

The council has stated that the move could see a saving to the council budget of around £900,000 – which will “help protect other key services to the community.”

The spokesman said: “Signing up for the service will ensure households can

continue to have their brown bin collected fortnightly by the council’s recycling and waste contractor, Veolia – to be taken to a composting facility.”

Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I have been proud of the fact this council was in the minority to the rest of the country by not charging our residents for their garden waste collection – so this has been a very difficult decision to take.

“Most people appreciate the difficulties councils find themselves in financially and by asking for an annual contribution we can ensure those who use the brown bin service can continue to receive it.”

He added: “By charging people who use this service we are able to help balance our budgets and protect other essential frontline services that our community relies on.”

All households will receive information about the change and more details about the service, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions, can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/brownbin.

LOCAL CALENDAR

Local scenes for local calendar

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he newly designed 2021 Eccleshall Calendar, which is full of beautiful images of the town, taken by local residents is still available to purchase.

It is available online for £6.50 to cover post and packing at https://theeccliansociety.on lineweb.shop/The_Eccleshall_ Calendar/p7643820_20831324 .aspx

A spokesman for the Ecclian Society, which has produced the calendar, said: “The society’s thanks are due to Philippa Smart, who with the help of Al Hodson, has done a great job in designing this new 2021 calendar and providing the online capability.

“All proceeds go to the Ecclian Society and support the activities including the summer planting and the Christmas trees.”

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GARDENING

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affodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty” – Shakespeare is not the only poet to be inspired by the sight and scent of daffodils in early spring and likewise gardeners are beguiled by their beauty.

As well as the old favourites like the giant ‘King Alfred’ there are miniature types for alpine gardens and all sizes in between, so every garden can find space for narcissus, be it a large drift or just a few miniatures growing in pots.

Most are very accommodating, growing in most conditions in sun or a little shade, however some specie ies require good drainage. Most benefit from being kept watered during flo owering.

The bulbs are usually planted at a T dep pth of roughly two times their height – e..g. a two inches / five cm bulb would be plante planted with its top about four inches / 10cm below the soil. Plant large bulbs around six inches / 15cm apart and miniatures four inches / 10cm apart. If you are naturalising the bulbs in grass don’t be too precise with spacing – toss the bulbs onto the soil at the approximate distance, moving apart any that fall too close together.

The best time to plant bulbs is August to October or November. Don’t panic this spring if you’ve forgotten to plant in autumn as you will find a wonderful selection of pot grown plants at Plant

Hunters’ Fairs in March and Aprill and these can be planted out straight away.

Once the flowers fade, they sho ould be deadheaded as the producing seed d weakens the bulbs and lessens next year’s flowering. ering Don’t Don t be tempted to remove the leaves before they die off naturally as this weakens the plant as well. Clumps can be divided in summer: store the bulbs dry if necessary, before replanting from late August.

Daffodils are always the heralds of spring, as A.A. Milne so aptly put it: “She turned to the sunlight and shook her yellow head, and whispered to her neighbour: “Winter is dead.

Janet and I run Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering special reduced entry rates on the plant fair dates. Plant Fair dates for your 2021 Diary: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday, March 28, gardens and fair £3.50 (usually £7); The Dorothy Clive Garden on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April, garden and fair £4 (usually £9); Sugnall Walled Garden in Eccleshall on Sunday, April 18, garden and fair £1; Cholmondeley Castle Garden on Sunday, April 25, garden and fair £4 (usually £9); Adlington Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday, May 9, garden and fair £4.

Please check www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for event status before travelling. Some venues may require tickets to be purchased in advance.

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WILDLIFE

Some surprise observations in 2020

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ildlife is always a wondrous entity to watch and witness.

Here we have a lovely report by resident Thomas W. W. Knowles with his observations of butterflies seen in the urban area and immediately surrounding fields of Eccleshall during 2020.

Having Lived in Eccleshall for 15 years, during which time regular butterfly observations have been made in the urban area and immediate surrounding fields, 2020 came up with some surprise observations.

Generally, I see up to 20 species of butterfly each year and in 2020 18 varieties were seen plus an unidentified variety noted twice by me in Holy Trinity churchyard and also seen there by a colleague.

It was a year of extremes with some of our familiar “garden” butterflies showing up prominently, a mixed story for the immigrant species and a rather poor showing for the “field” butterflies.

The field butterflies got off to a good start with the exceptionally fine spring weather which gave the best showing for the Orange Tip for a decade, but when it came to the “brown” butterflies it was a different story.

The Speckled Wood, which is normally around all summer was very scarce and it was a poor year for Ringlet and Gatekeeper.

The Meadow Brown is one of the most common butterflies in England but numbers have

suffered locally over the last five years.

2020 showed a bit of an improvement with 23 seen on the same day, but that compares with 115 one day in 2006. The only other butterfly in this category is the Small Skipper whose modest numbers were about average.

In 2019 the media reported extensively on the large numbers of Painted Lady butterflies that flown to the UK from Africa and Eccleshall saw its fair share of them.

However, in 2020 on the best day, just two were observed. There have been years where none have been seen.

One of the best-known butterflies is the Red Admiral and it may surprise people to know that most of this species is also an immigrant from Europe although milder winters do allow a small number to hibernate until the Spring. This species was not prolific this year but had a reasonable showing with the last one observed on November 4.

The other immigrant butterfly is the Large White which in some cases is also capable of surviving our winter in chrysalis form. There is usually an influx in the Summer from Europe which boosts the numbers of the second brood. This year was unexceptional in numbers although Large Whites were on the wing in reasonable numbers over a long period.

The garden butterflies caused much interest this year. In late July/early August we saw large numbers of Peacock butterflies

although they did not equal the numbers seen in 2019.

There were three broods of Small Tortoiseshell, a butterfly that had been on the decline but 2020 broke all previous records as far as my observations were concerned.

The second brood was several weeks earlier than usual starting at the end of May whilst the later mixed weather must have suited the species since it was the second half of August into September where the large numbers were observed – 177 on August 27.

The Small White had a pretty good year, especially in September whilst the Green Veined White which is seen as much in the fields as in the gardens had its best year since 2014.

The Comma butterfly had its strongest year since we moved to Eccleshall, whilst the consistent Holly Blue had a very normal sort of year with regular sightings of small numbers in our garden (where we have holly and ivy as food plants for its caterpillars).

The hot summer of 2018 suited the Common Blue and Brown Argus but in 2020 few of the former were to be seen and there were no sightings of the Brown Argus. There were also infrequent sightings of Small Copper and Brimstone butterflies to complete the 2020 observations.

2020 was an unusual year weather wise in that Eccleshall enjoyed an excellent Spring which no doubt helped some species, but the very wet autumn meant that after October 15 there was only one day on which I saw a butterfly.

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QUEENS HONOURS

Girlguide leader recognised by HM The Queen

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Girlguiding leader has been recognised in the latest Queens Honours list.

Maureen Elizabeth Recine, from Stone, has been awarded with a BEM for voluntary services to young people through Girlguiding UK and to charity in Staffordshire Maureen, from Stone, is a former County Commissioner for Girlguiding Staffordshire.

A member of Girlguiding Staffordshire said: “We are absolutely thrilled that former County Commissioner, Maureen Recine, has been

recognised in the Queen’s 2021 New Years Honours list and will awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal).

“Many congratulations to Maureen for a thoroughly well deserved honour.”

Maureen received many messages of congratulations through the Girlguiding Staffordshire social media pages, to which she replied: “Thank you to everyone who has posted congratulations to me on hearing of my award in the National Honours.

“It was a huge surprise and I am thrilled to receive it, but I

know that the award would not have been made had I not had the friendship and support of so many friends both in Guiding and beyond over the years. It was, and is, a pleasure to be part of a great team.

“I am overwhelmed by the number of cards, calls, emails and messages via social media that I have received from far and wide.

“Thank you for such kind words.

“It has been lovely to see messages from girls and adults who were Guides with me many years ago, have been a part of A Handful of Songs, or have travelled to Kenya with me or been part of the many things we have done.

“To know that this has been seen by so many friends along with Guiding friends from Kenya, the States and beyond is amazing.”

Other residents from the area who were recognised in the latest Queens Honours list included: MBE to Dr Nigel John Tingham, Lately Editor, Victoria County History of Staffordshire, for services to Local History. Stafford.

OBE to Lee PardyMcLaughlin, Child and Family Principal Social Worker at Coventry City Council, for services to Children and to Families. Hixon.

OBE to Brian Roberts, Finance Commissioner, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, or services to Local Government and to Public Service Finance. Stafford.

And MBE to Ronald Flowers for services to football. Stafford.

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BUDDY BAG FOUNDATION

Elf Sylvia delivers bags of love

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uddy Bag Foundation Ambassador Sylvia Keris, from Eccleshall, who collects in the knitted teddies for the charity, had a last minute delivery of 115 additional bears to be included in the Christmas backpack session, from Six Towns Rotary Club in Stoke.

Along with the colourful bears, which included a number of Santa and Elf teddies, knitted by family and friends of the club, a large quantity of Lego, and a cheque of £500 for Buddy Bags was also presented to Sylvia

by Bev Clayton and Sharon Egerton of Six Towns Rotary.

The delivery was a festive affair, as Sylvia was undertaking a challenge to dress up as Buddy's Elf 24 hours a day, everyday, in December up to Christmas.

The next morning the Elf helped deliver over 600 teddies in total from all knitters, plus the Lego and other items, to the Buddy Bag Backpacking session, where she helped the volunteers packing 100's of buddy backpacks.

These bags of love contain essential items including clothing, toiletries and a comfort teddy for children all over the UK taken into safety from domestic violence - sometimes very quickly with just the clothes they stand up in. Each bag with its contents of clothing and other items costs £25.

The backpack session on December 17 marked a special milestone, as it was the charity's fifth anniversary. And the 30,000th bag was packed during this event.

The requests for Buddy bags to help children in refuges and other safe houses has dramatically increased during lockdown, and is always prevalent at Christmas time.

So Buddy's own Elf on the Shelf became the focus of the charity's Christmas fundraising campaign, with Sylvia raising awareness of Buddy Bags as she went about her 24 hour a day cheeky Elf antics throughout December.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Buddy Bags cause, can do so by going online to at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/Elf2020.

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GREEN FLAG AWARDS

The joy of six for borough parks

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park in Stafford has become the sixth in the borough to be listed among the best parks and open spaces in the country.

For the first time Wildwood Park has been awarded the ‘Green Flag’ – and now joins Victoria Park, Stonefield Park, the Crematorium in Stafford, the town’s Eccleshall Road Cemetery and Stone cemetery in achieving the honour.

Wildwood Park includes a skate bowl, outdoor gym equipment, multi-use games area, children’s play park, tennis court and football pitches.

The ‘Green Flag’ is the national yardstick for the best parks and open spaces in the UK. The scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

More than 2,000 sites across the country have collected the award for 2020.

Stone cemetery received the award for the first time in 2019. It is the third year the 160 year old cemetery at Eccleshall Road in Stafford has achieved the award, with Stonefield Park celebrating a fifth success, and the Crematorium on Tixall Road and Victoria Park making it nine and 14 years of holding the ‘Flag’ respectively.

Work on the £2.5million restoration of Victoria Park has been recently completed with historic features such as the bandstand and Mottram Shelter refurbished and a new café on the site.

Stonefield Park, located in the heart of Stone, was opened

by Sir Ernest Johnson in 1928.

It boasts formal flowerbeds, tennis courts and a bowling green.

Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Environment at the council, said: “It is great to welcome a sixth venue in our area to the ‘Green Flag’ club. We know how well the grounds of our parks and cemeteries are kept because our residents and visitors tell us – and they are our most important judges.

“But receiving national recognition for the hard work that we do is always pleasing – and a tremendous achievement for Wildwood Park to join the others who

have once again been successful.”

He added: “Our community has been instrumental in helping us achieve this success – especially the ‘Friends’ groups that support the work of the council at these sites.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive, Allison OgdenNewton OBE, said: “Now, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Stafford Borough Council has achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

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

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Snake (also all serpents); 2. Dragon; 3. Red; 4. Jake Lloyd; 5. Wilfred; 6. ZCars; 7. Heather; 8. In Case of Emergency 9. The Trial of the Chicago 7; 10. Pelaton 11. Howard Goodall; 12. Sally Lindsay; 13. LadBaby; 14. Seventy; 15. Caramac; 16. Oxford; 17. Microsoft; 18. Monopoly; 19. Royal Icing; 20.

Pret-a-Manger

quiz corner STONE LIFE ISSUE 72.qxp_Stone Life 29/01/2021 11:15 Page 35

STONE LIFE ISSUE 72.qxp_Stone Life 29/01/2021 11:16 Page 36