INSIDE THIS EDITION OF STONE & ECCLESHALL LIFE Lots of donations and support from Rotarians.
See pages 25 to 27
Plans drawn up for park revamp
See page 22
Top accolades for Girlguiding volunteers
See page 9
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Well, another new year which, for many, means new starts – and what an exciting time ahead it is for the scenic town of Stone.
Not only have fabulous plans been drawn up to revamp Westbridge Park –see page 22 – but the muchanticipated new theatre for the town is set to open this year, read all about the latest developments at Crown Wharf Theatre on page 8.
As always there’s been lots of community activity within Stone and Eccleshall over the past couple of months and we have lots of features covering such news,
including three pages of reports from the Stone & District Rotary Club, see pages 25 to 27; and we feature some awards which have been deservedly handed out to a number of volunteers in the area, see pages 9 and 23.
If you have a story to tell about life in Stone, Eccleshall or surrounding areas, please email me at hargreavespr@outlook.com.
Until next time – take care!
Volunteers from a Girlguiding group in the Stone area have been awarded for their long-standing services to the allfemale organisation.
Jane West, from the Stone & Eccleshall Division, and Lisa Kane, from the Stone Outward Division, have both been recently awarded with the Girlguiding Midlands Chief Commissioner Award.
Jane has volunteered with the organisation for more than 20 years, and Lisa for more than 30 years.
Jane said: “Feeling very honoured and humbled this afternoon to receive the Chief Commissioner’s award for our contribution to local guiding; alongside guiding chum from Aston Brownies, Lisa.”
A spokesman for Girlguiding Staffordshire said: “Huge congratulations to Jane West and Lisa Kane who have been
recognised for their amazing contribution to grassroots guiding by being presented with the Girlguiding Midlands Chief Commissioner Award. Well done to both of you.”
To find out more about Girlguiding locally, go online to: www.facebook.com/girlguidingstonedistrict.
Dancers at a studio in Stone have been tapping away for charity.
Staff and students at performing arts academy, Rooftop Studios, have been busy raising ‘pounds for Pudsey.’
From taking friends to class or wearing PJs in the studio for a small donation through to cake sales, raffles and the annual Tapathon challenge –which sees students of all ages join dance schools across the country in an effort to break a world record – both the Stone and Leek Rooftop studios have been hives of fundraising activity.
Between the two studios, they have raised a total of £1,221 for this year’s Children in Need appeal.
Arestaurant in Stone has been added to a prestigious list.
Little Seeds in Radford Street has been listed in the 2023 Michelin Guide.
The venue, which offers modern British food, is run by owners Jake Lowndes and Sophie Hardman.
A spokesman for the Michelin guide, in their listing for Little Seeds, describes the restaurant as: “Little Seeds has a bright, fresh, natural look with green walls, foliage and rustic, upcycled furniture.
“A smattering of cookery books adds to the homely feel – and there’s a walled garden and drinks terrace out the back too.
“Great quality regional ingredients are used to create eye-catching British dishes with the occasional playful touch.
“The popular Sunday lunch menu features roast Staffordshire beef.”
Jake and Sophie opened their eatery business in June 2016. The restaurant offers 30 covers, with an extra 14 in a private dining room.
Sophie said: “The reaction has been amazing. It’s fantastic to see the amount of appreciation for what we are offering at the restaurant.
“Bookings have doubled and this has come at a particularly good time for us. The cost-ofliving crisis has brought uncertainty to the hospitality trade but we’re in our own little bubble at the moment.”
She added: “We feel we have a responsibility to try to support the local businesses around us, but we have also worked hard to find ones with a similar ethos to us.
“Our suppliers are passionate about what they do and that is reflected in the quality of what they – and we – produce.”
To see the full Michelin listing, go online to: https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/staffordshir e/stone/restaurant/little-seeds.
To find out more about Little Seeds, go online to: www.littleseedsstone.co.uk.
Abrand new theatre in Stone is set to open its doors this year after the charity behind it secured £495,000 in grant funding to finish the job and deliver a professional-standard theatre for the town.
With the support of Stafford Borough Council, the grant has been awarded to Crown Wharf Theatre by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
A spokesman for the theatre said: “The grant will enable the installation of the heating ventilation and cooling system, which for some time has been the most significant outstanding challenge.
Beyond that, it means the community cinema equipment can be in place from day one and the charity can kit the theatre out with excellent lighting, sound and audio-visual equipment.
“All this will enable the theatre to achieve its mission of bringing professional standard facilities to Stone for all to enjoy, while also helping to attract professional touring shows and performers to the town.”
The spokesman continued: “As far back as 2018, Stone Town Council and Joule’s Brewery recognised the potential in delivering a theatre for the town and played key roles in getting the project up and running.
“For several years since, through the amazing support of volunteers, local businesses, seat sponsors and Founding Partners, the town has
come together to develop an empty shell into what, today, looks every bit like a theatre.
“It’s thanks to all the hard work, perseverance and wholehearted community support that the charity was able to demonstrate just how much Stone’s new theatre, cinema and community space deserved this significant funding grant to get the job done.”
Harri Capernaros, Crown Wharf Theatre trustee, said: “Completing the building will be a huge milestone for the charity but is in fact only the beginning when it comes to bringing this space to life. It has been a people-powered project to date and its future success lies in a far great number of people getting involved, whether using the space, volunteering their time, or simply enjoying the wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer.
“As a volunteer-run and not-for-profit organisation, we believe the Crown Wharf Theatre has every chance of becoming a self-sustaining asset to Stone that can improve our wonderful town and the lives of people living here. But to make this happen, we will all have a part to play.”
Fellow Crown Wharf Theatre trustee Rob Kenney added: “It’s a huge cherry on top of the Crown Wharf Theatre Christmas cake that will enable the trustees to deliver an even higher quality theatre than anticipated.”
To find out more go online to www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk.
Acommunity hub in Stone has been receiving lots of donations to help them with their supportive services.
Stone Community Hub, which is situated at the Frank Jordan Centre in Lichfield Street, is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of local residents by providing support and advice in times of need.
The hub has received a number of donations recently to help them in their work.
A spokesman for the hub said: “Thank you to everyone at Glencar Construction for
your donations towards the work of our food bank. Thank you for your support and generosity.”
They added: “Our thanks go to Frank Fonad, Nathan Marple and Daz Maclaren from GMB Union at JCB Heavy Products for their generous donation of £500 to Stone Community Hub.”
The Stone Community Hub is offering residents a regular ‘Warm Hub’ during these tough financial times.
The hub spokesman said: “We offer a ‘Place of Welcome’ to stay warm for residents of Stone and surrounding villages.
“A place of connection in our community to socialise and access support relating to the cost of living.”
The Warm Hub is open every Tuesday and Friday between 10am and midday, up until March 31.
To find out more about the Stone Community Hub, go online to: www.facebook.com/stonecommunityhub or call 01785 812417.
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Newcastle-under-Lyme School is a top ten Independent school, and the third ranked co-educational Independent Day School, in the West Midlands according to the Sunday Times Parent Power Survey 2023.
With an outstanding academic, co-curricular and sporting reputation, NULS offers an unrivalled education to children from 2 to 18.
From Nursery to Sixth Form, pupils thrive in the classroom and beyond, benefiting from outstanding facilities including a 25m Swimming pool, state-of-theart Sports Hall, Forest School, Astro-turf pitch and dance studio.
This year, we launched a new programme: We Thrive which supports pupil development and brings together work across the school on equality, diversity and inclusion. Nothing is more important to us than supporting and nurturing our wonderful school’s community. Prep Adventures, launched in November, brings
outdoor learning and a raft of in house expertise to our Prep pupils as they learn through archery, orienteering, kayaking, kite flying and much more. Our pupils love to be outside, love to learn and love to have fun.
In Seniors, Sport, Music and Drama continue to be the backbone of our co-curricular activities alongside our Combined Cadet Force, DofE programme and a diverse range of clubs and societies. This term we look forward to a wonderful production of ‘Les Miserables’ from our drama and music departments.
Life in the Sixth Form is rich and varied as involvement in co-curricular activities continues. Pupils are challenged academically, show leadership to our school as prefects and benefit from expert support in making their choices about university, careers and beyond. Many of our Year 12 students will soon be visiting New York, broadening their horizons in every sense.
This is just a taste of life at Staffordshire’s leading independent school. Contact us today to arrange a visit at nuls.org.uk or by calling 01782 631197.
A Prep School like no other
Thursday 2 March Prep School Open Morning
Friday 24 March Little NULS and Reception Open Afternoon
Book now at nuls.org.uk/events
“Pupils
When considering what kind of education we believe is important for our children, we often lose sight of the importance of creativity in favour of a system predicated on the idea of academic ability as the be all and end all.
At Stafford Grammar School we absolutely recognise the importance of good academic outcomes but we also want to retain and continue to stimulate the creativity that is arguably squandered in somany schools. We value highly the core subjects of maths, English and the sciences but we equally value the performing arts and creative subjects that create individuality and confidence.
It is often around the time that children enter secondary school that they start to become more hesitant about putting up their hands and are more worried about what others might think of them if they get the answer wrong or ask a question that some might think is silly. Subsequently, the originality of their ideas diminishes. For that very reason we establish in our Prep pupils the belief that nothing is impossible: as Audrey Hepburn said, “the word itself says I’m possible”.
Moving into the senior school there is an incredible music programme, wonderful design and technology facilities and a theatre where we put on remarkable shows every year. We continue to tell our pupils that “you’ll never
come up with anything original, if you’re not prepared to be wrong.”
The Harvard Professor, Howard Gardner, was absolutely spot on when he said ‘Don’t ask how intelligent X is but ask how X is intelligent.’ It is when we recognise different intelligences and seek to encourage and stimulate their creativity that we will help them discover their unique brilliance and individual talents. If we allow creativity to be stifled, we also stifle the gift of human imagination. We need to see our creative capacities for the richness they are and to allow them to breathe and to flourish. At Stafford Grammar School, Creativity is one of our core values and I hope you can see why. Impossible or I’m possible is all a state of mind.
“Creativity is one of our core values”
Exciting times are continuing for St. Dominic’s Priory School in Stone, with phase three of their redevelopment programme now complete, following further investment.
Improvements have now been made to the large sports hall and multifunctional school hall/theatre. These enhanced resources will mean the school can continue to support the local community, as well as their students’ wide and varied range of extracurricular activities.
Together with their new state-of-theart senior building and specialist classrooms, guaranteed small class sizes, a diverse curriculum and supportive and encouraging teachers, the school ensures that they are able to
remain non-selective and provide a caring and nurturing environment. Topranking results year on year show that St. Dominic’s ethos of providing bespoke education to each child really works. Students are encouraged to be themselves, to value individuality and to develop self-worth, independence and respect for others.
St. Dominic’s Priory School’s next open events take place on Saturday 18th March 9:30 – 12:30pm (no booking required) and from Monday 20th –Friday 24th March (booking required). To discover more, visit their website www.stdominicspriory.co.uk or call 01785814181 and follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date on the latest news.
On Saturday 24th June 2023 Denstone College welcomes you to the College to celebrate our 150 year milestone.
The theme of the day will be exploring “Heritage” and rightly so. We have a rich history and one that we are proud of. Not only that, our aim is to celebrate our own personal stories and individual cultures, discovering all the things that make us unique.
Please arrive from midday where you will find our food village open from 12pm serving delicious street food, and treats from vendors such as Project D Donuts. A classic car show, sporting and musical highlights across the campus PLUS the “Big Denstone Draw” - part of our first art & literary exhibition, featuring a live and interactive art installation where we imagine the future of the College 150 years from now.
We will be encouraging you to enter into the fun run and enjoy some of the funfair rides on offer.
The day will consist of the below;
Music: Denstone College is home to a number of musical groups. From The Big Band, to Chapel Choir and everything inbetween. They will have a big presence on the day.
A Classic Car Show: If you have a classic car and would like to bring it on the day, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you.
A Fun Run: More details will be available closer to the time.
www.denstonecollege.org
Denstone College, Denstone, Staffordshire, ST14 5HN
A Food Village: Have you got a food stall that you would like to have involved during the day? We are looking for everything from drinks vendors to street food.
e have much wildlife to enjoy in our gardens. Here reader Thomas Knowles shares his observations of butterflies in 2022 in the Eccleshall area:
2022 has been an interesting year for butterflies in Eccleshall, partly because of some unusual climatic conditions but the perception of many people that it has been a poor year for butterflies is not borne out by the observations on the ground. However, 2022 was significant in its dryness until the late Autumn and mild temperatures until December.
What has been a feature is that some of our common coloured butterflies that we see in our gardens fared less well than usual whilst many species of butterfly found in the fields have had their best showing for some years.
Looking at the year as a whole, as normal nothing was seen in January but a surprise took place on February 1 when a Red Admiral was found basking in the sun on a house wall in Redhills, Eccleshall. Another sighting was made two days later at the other end of the Town but February was notable for three named storms coming in close succession just after the middle of the month so no more butterflies were seen until the penultimate day of the month when two Small Tortoiseshells were seen.
A few more Small Tortoiseshells were seen on fine days in March and then in the last week of the month we saw more of the species than at any time later in the
year whilst out of hibernation came a few Commas, Peacocks and an odd Brimstone. April was a quiet month but a Speckled Wood was noted two months earlier than in 2021 along with the usual Orange Tips, Holly Blues, Small Whites and an early Large White and Green Veined White on the last day of the month. However, numbers were relatively low on all species.
May was another quiet month for butterflies
and the only excitement was the recording of an early Painted Lady.
June is nearly always a quiet month for butterflies found in our gardens, but in the fields, especially later in June, Small skippers, Meadow Browns and Ringlets all appeared and all of which had a much improved showing over recent years. The occasional sighting of a Common Blue also occurred in June and they were to be seen through to the second half of August but only in penny numbers.
July and August are normally the peak months for butterflies on the wing and the remaining common butterfly to be found mainly in the fields, Gatekeeper, appeared in mid-July, and again the species did well over the next month but the other butterflies to be seen in this period were Small Copper which had a poor year and on August 1, I saw a Brown Argus – the first for three years. It is also worth noting that July 19 was the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.
As autumn approached in September there were large numbers of Small and Large Whites
on the wing – actually Large Whites had an exceptional year – and Red Admirals were to be seen in encouraging numbers. October was obviously a month of decline but in the middle of the month, which was very mild, I saw at least one butterfly on 14 consecutive days which was exceptional. We then moved into November which for over half the month was mild and the last butterfly seen was a Red Admiral on the 20. However a week earlier in Holy Trinity Churchyard I saw a very late Speckled Wood.
Finally, although this is a report on butterflies, I remember in 1955 in Bournemouth my father pointing out to me a Humming Bird Hawk Moth – something that belonged to the South of England and certainly not in our experience to North Staffordshire. This Summer several have been observed in Eccleshall between June 11 and October 18. How times change.
So the year was mixed with some of our more familiar coloured butterflies having a disappointing season but at the same time the butterflies in the fields did rather well.
Here’s just some of what’s coming up in Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding areas. Please note that the information in this feature was correct at the time of print but all events are subject to change. Please check with the venues/organisers for updates.
Craft & Collectable’s Markets
Every third Saturday of the month in Stone town centre. 9am-3pm. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk
Fulford Village Walks
Starting on the Village Green at 10.30am the walks take a gentle pace and take participants on footpaths around the village. The walks also however, involve climbing over stiles and walking across muddy terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended and wellies if there has been lots of rain. Generally back by 1pm in time for anyone who has worked up an appetite to have Sunday lunch or hot baps at the Shoulder. Every first Sunday of the month. Details: 01782 398280.
Rock Choir
8pm-9.30pm at The Main Hall, The Crossing Community Centre, Station Approach, Stone. Every Tuesday. Plus 10.30am-midday at St Bertelin’s Church Hall, Holmcroft Road, Stafford. Cost: £25 a month. Details: www.rockchoir.com.
Stone Farmers Markets
Every first Saturday of the month in Stone town centre. 9am-3pm. Details: www.stonefarmersmarket.co.uk
Walton Lunches
Every Thursday at Walton Community Centre. Free two-course hot meals for those in need. Details: 01785 814813.
World of Wedgwood, Barlaston
Lots of different events and activities at this Barlaston tourist spot including markets and workshops. Details: 01782 282986 or www.worldofwedgwood.com
Friday, February 10
The Agenda. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start at The Boardroom, upstairs in the Joules Crown Wharf Tap House in Stone. Comedy Night. Details: www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk
Saturday, February 25
Live Music. 7.30pm at Fulford Village Hall with Live Wires. Tickets £15. Details: 07791 968619.
Sunday, February 26
Commemorative Service. 3pm at Christ Church in Stone. Service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the death of Flight Lieutenant Richard Noel Stubbs DFC DFM RAFVR, organised by the RAF Association.
Friday, March 3
Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel. Salt Village Hall. Performed by Tim Chu and Ian Bailey. Details: www.classicsingersongwriters.co.uk/sandg.
Saturday, March 4
Texas Flag Raising. Midday in Stone High Street. Marking of Texas State’s independence from Mexico. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.
Sunday, March 12
Commemorative Service. 3pm at St Michael & St Wulfad’s Church in Stone. Church Service to commemorate the death of Earl St Vincent. Details: http://stmichaelschurchstone.co.uk.
Saturday, March 25
Spring Plant Hunters Fair. 10am-4pm at Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall. Admission £1. Details: www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.
Sunday, April 9
Plant Hunters’ Fair. 10am-5pm at the Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge, near Bridgmere. Admission £5. Plus on Monday, April 10. Details: www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk.
Saturday, April 22
St George’s Day Re-enactment. 1pm-3pm in the Market Square, Stone. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.
Civic Dinner. 7pm at Stone House Hotel. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.
Do you have a public/community event coming up which you would like to appear in our What’s On feature? Email what, when, where, etc, to our Editor Belinda at hargreavespr@outlook.com.
Aramblers group in Stone is inviting more folk to join them this new year.
Stone Ramblers meets three times a week for a variety of walks within the area and further afield.
Group member Penny Meakin said: “Now that Spring is approaching, why not try something new and join the Stone Ramblers.
“It’s great fun and it keeps you fit. We offer a variety of walks on a Thursday and Sunday and every Tuesday we also have a series of shorter Wellbeing Walks.
“In addition, our working party, consisting entirely of volunteers, continues to improve and repair footpaths and stiles in our area.”
Penny continued: “We have also published two books, highlighting local walks. Have a look at our website, where you will find out all about us and be able to look at the selection of walks that we have on offer.
“Alternatively, you can come and
see us at Stone Market on the morning of Saturday, March 4. We would love to see you.
“This month a group of us are off to Shropshire for a short break and then off to Malhamdale in Yorkshire, followed by a visit to Malta and Gozo later in the year. How exciting.”
For further information go online to: www.stoneramblers.org.uk.
step closer and I’m keen to see work starting as soon as possible.”
The council has stated that the “huge transformation will encourage more people using the neighbouring Trent and Mersey Canal for narrowboat holidays to stop and visit the town –with a boost to the local economy.”
The work is set to complement the leisure centre and swimming pool which opened on the site in 2019 as part of a £9 million scheme - the largest single investment ever made by the borough council.
Residents and businesses are being invited to comment on plans that have now been submitted for the transformation of Westbridge Park in Stone.
A planning application for the play areas, wheeled sports facility and multi-use games area was submitted to Stafford Borough Council by contractors, Ground Control, last month.
A spokesman for the council said: “As part of the planning process people will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposals before a decision is made.
“The work will also see toilets, picnic and seating areas, enhanced pathways and landscaping with key space for local events and existing football provision incorporated in the design.
“Work on the park is expected to start in April with a completion date earmarked for October.
“Ground Control, an award-winning construction firm, will be carrying out the projectwith the wheeled sports facility to be built by specialists Bendcrete - who have delivered around 400 skate parks across the country.”
Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is another step on the way to delivering a fantastic park that local people could be proud of.
“This is a very important project that will benefit families, residents and visitors for years to come.
“It is great to see the scheme moving another
Cllr Trowbridge continued: “Westbridge Park is such a key part of our overall leisure, tourism and visitor offer for Stone, with ready access to the canal and the town centre, providing accessible walking and cycling routes linking together the town’s key assets and supporting our objective to support and grow the visitor economy as well as supporting local businesses and providing a highquality outdoor environment designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.
“It also provides an important space for events - with the final design incorporating this and the existing football provision.”
Some of the funding has come from money the borough council receives as part of developments in and around Stone.
Cllr Trowbridge added: “I want to ensure the transformation of Westbridge Park continues our excellent track record of improving popular destination parks in the borough - such as the £400,000 refurbishment of Charnley Road and £435,000 revamp of Holmcroft Park in Stafford in recent years.”
For more information go online to: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/westbridge-park-adestination.
And the winners were….
Community Action: Winner - Signposts (Stafford) Limited - Signpost Services. Highly Commended - Hearts and Hands Stafford. Special recognition - Josh Kershaw - Doing my bit to support those in Ukraine.
Social Wellbeing:
It was a night to remember as unsung heroes from across Stafford Borough were the big winners at an annual awards ceremony recently.
The Stafford Borough Council ‘Community Awards’ took place at the Rising Brook Community Church in Stafford.
And the roll of honour included volunteers, organisations and businesses who were among 44 shortlisted nominations attending the event along with the Mayor of the Borough, councillor Phillip Leason, and Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson.
All the winners and those highly commended across several categories were announced to an audience of more than 160 people.
Councillor Jeremy Pert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “It has been another incredible year with so many inspiring stories of those who had stepped up to the mark and helped others in their community over the last year.”
Nominations were open to all people, groups and organisations operating within the borough with projects that have been running during the previous 12 months.
There were six categories - Community Action, Community Learning, Sustainable Environments, Social Wellbeing, Sports and Leisure and Local Hero - as well as some special awards announced on the night.
Cllr Pert, said: “What a great evening it was being able to honour those unsung heroes from across the borough and to hear their inspirational stories.
“We are still living in challenging times and it is wonderful to see so many individuals, volunteers, groups and businesses stand up and be counted in many different ways.
“We know how strong the voluntary sector is in Stafford Borough but what has been delivered yet again has been amazing.”
He added: “It is one of the highlights of the year to be able to recognise their achievements. In my eyes everyone supporting our communities in so many different ways should be thanked, particularly as the last few years have been tough on so many and I hope the evening demonstrated to those nominated and shortlisted how much we value all they do to make our community a better place to live, work and thrive.”
Winner - Stone Alzheimer’s Drop in Club. Highly Commended - GP First - SOLVE (Stafford Organisation of Local Volunteers Events).
Sustainable Environments: WinnerSilkmore Primary Academy - Tiny Forest. Highly Commended – Rising Brook Groundforce.
Local Hero:
Winner - Lorraine Conkey - Stafford Walking Street, Hearts and Hands and Tuesday Club. Highly Commended – Paul Milgate-Scarott - Volunteer Photographer.
Special Recognition - Honor SuttonOperation Comfort - The Comfort Project.
Sport and Leisure:
Winner - Wedgwood Cricket Club Juniors 2022. Winner - Academy Club CIC - Sport and Mentoring in the Community. Highly Commended – Stafford Walking Netball Club.
Community Learning:
Winner - Tony Cooper - English for All. Highly Commended - The Youth Net.
Judges Award:
Winner - Staffordshire Women’s AidForWard House Refuge.
Commonwealth Award:
Winners - Anne Glover, Callum Lea, Chris Barlow, Jan Gittings, Margaret AinsworthHickman, Sally Kendrick, and Sue KneillBoxley.
Special Recognition for services to Stafford Borough: Winner - Martin Young - Supporting Stafford.
AStone-based charity that offers outdoor experiences for those with learning difficulties has received a number of donations from businesses.
The Oak Tree Farm Rural Project was set up in the late 1980s to provide activities for individuals with learning disabilities across Staffordshire. The charity has now expanded its services to provide a farm, plant nursery, vegetable garden, flower beds, pottery and crafts.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has recently donated £1,500 to the cause, and Central Co-op has also donated £700.
David Moreton, General Manager at Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, said: “We rely on the generosity of local people making donations and supporting our events, this is a crucial part of our funding alongside sales, grant applications and the
funding from the local authority.
“The charitable donation from Barratt Homes has allowed us to balance our finances and give our team members opportunities that they wouldn’t ordinarily experience.”
The donation from Barratt Homes has been dedicated to ensuring the build of new toilet facilities and an office to replace the existing portacabin.
The Co-op donation is set to be used for the purchasing of a polytunnel cover, along with replacement lath, nails, gloves, and anti-hotspot tape.
With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Oak Tree Farm now provides its services for nearly 60 members each week.
For more information on the Oak Tree Farm Rural Project go online to:
www.oaktreefarm.uk.net/visit/oak-leaf-tearoom.
Members of the Stone & District Rotary Club work hard all year round to fundraise and also carry out lots of other supportive activities for charities and their local community and beyond.
Here is just some of the latest activities they have been up to. All reports have been kindly written and sent in to us by Rotarian Mike Ellis.
To find out more about the group, go online to:
www.facebook.com/stonerotaryclub
Stone Alzheimer’s Drop in Club does incredible work with the sufferers and carers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in the area and is mainly supported by donations from individuals and local organisations. By working together, the club has raised £205 from their collection tin and raffle in the last month, an amazing effort.
The importance and value of the club has also been recognised by other organisations with significant and much welcomed donations including one of £500 from Stone and District Rotary Club.
Lead volunteer Sandie McQueen also welcomed Barry Smith from St Michael’s Masonic Lodge in Stone who presented a cheque for £100 and another cheque for £100 was presented by Freda Tams - money that was raised by making and selling beautiful handmade cards.
In addition, Ethne and Tony from the Alzheimer’s Club went along to a recent Stone Festival Committee meeting to receive a further cheque for £150.
These amazing donations will help the club continue to provide facilities and weekly events that are so important to all of the members.
The club is also being helped in other ways
too. Paula Dabbs, Community Champion for Morrisons store in Stone recently came along to the club for our Higher or Lower card game and brought chocolates so all participants won a prize. The support from our local Morrisons store is greatly appreciated by all.
Members Barry and Margaret explained what the club means to them: “It is a lifeline of friends who understand…and a support network which is very much a family, with a lovely band of volunteers for whom nothing is too much trouble and they are always there with a warm embrace.”
Sandie said: “Without all this amazing help, the club would not be able to provide the level of support that we do.
“Working together, our wonderful volunteers and local organisations really do help support our sufferers and carers in the community.
“It really makes a difference and I cannot put into words how it is appreciated by the club, thank you.”
The photos show Sandie receiving donations from St Michael’s Masonic Lodge, Freda and Ethne along with Paula Dabbs, Community Champion at Morrisons, who was helping out with the Club’s ‘Higher and Lower’ card game.
Sandie McQueen, President of Stone and District Rotary Club, recently met up with Leslie Bailey from the Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service.
Stone Rotary Club wanted to help and after finding out more about what the service provides and who they help, the Club decided to give a donation of £250 to support their important work.
registered charity supporting people in the Stafford and Stone areas. They provide bereavement and loss support through face-toface, telephone and online appointments, all of which are free of charge and, importantly, they rely on donations to be able to continue their work.
Sandie McQueen handing over the cheque to Leslie Bailey
Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service is a local
With specially trained and skilled volunteers who are skilled in listening and providing emotional support, the service provides vital and important help to many in the community who need it.
Sandie said: “Bereavement affects all of us at some time and it’s never easy but sometimes it can be very difficult to cope and it’s here that the Bereavement and Loss Support Service can step in and help.
“The Stone and District Rotary Club work in all areas of our community to support those in need and we are delighted to be able to provide financial support for the Bereavement and Loss Support Service.”
Stone and District Rotary Club have made an award of £250 to help support the Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre in Eccleshall.
Club President, Sandie McQueen and Club Vice President, Victoria Fern, recently met with the centre’s Jenny Morgan to give her the cheque. Members of the club who had previously visited the centre, were impressed by what they saw and, by supporting them, saw an opportunity to help improve health and well-being in the community.
Club Vice President, Victoria Fern said: “Lockdown has had a negative impact on many, especially children, so I wanted the club to do something locally that would improve health and well-being by encouraging outdoor exercise for all.
“Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre is a great place to visit and it’s on the doorstep. I was very pleased that we had the opportunity to visit the centre and get to know them.
“I know that this is not the usual rotary club
activity but there is a real need in our community to improve health and well-being and we are delighted to help.”
The Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre can be found at Fletcher’s Garden Centre near Eccleshall.
Visitors can enjoy a gentle walk around to see the birds, mammals and reptiles on display as well as watch regular flying displays given by the centre’s birds of prey. The funding from the rotary club is set to be used to support animal care at the centre and improve visitor facilities.
Stone and District Rotary Club held their annual street collection on Christchurch Way, Stone in November to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Even though it was a wet day the members of the Club went about their task with their usual enthusiasm and the public responded.
The motorists passing by were, as always, amazing and supportive. This year the club raised a fantastic £2,352 for the charity during the course of the day including a donation of £42
from the Stone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Drop in Club.
Sandie McQueen, Club President said: “The support from motorists and people in the street was, again this year, outstanding and I would like to extend our grateful thanks to all who donated.
“There was so much support, enthusiasm and encouragement for our efforts which is really appreciated.
“The great team work by all of our members made for a very successful day and even local businesses supported us with Milk Shakes and Oat Cakes keeping the team well fed and watered.”
Club Vice President Victoria Fern added: “This year, it is 25 years since Stone and District Rotary Club first started fund raising for BBC Children in Need and during that time, the club have raised £64,045 for this important national event.
“We are immensely proud of what we, and especially the local community, have achieved.”
Following an invitation from the Mayor of Stafford Borough Council, Phillip Leason, MBE, JP, Stone and District Rotary Club along with members of Stone Inner Wheel Club went along for a very interesting evening at the Mayor’s parlour at the Civic Centre in Stafford.
Greeted by the Mayor’s Sergeant, the group saw the amazing collection of silver and gold that is on display before listening to a brief and fascinating history of the Borough given by the Mayor’s Sergeant; ably supported by the Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
Various items of regalia were shown and some, like the small silver maces, were even handed round the group to be looked at close up.
The silver gilt Great Mace commissioned in 1614 by the first Mayor, Matthew Craddock, was shown and demonstrated along with the original Stafford Charter signed by King John in 1206. Some members were even able to hold the Mace and whilst it balances perfectly on the
shoulder, it is apparently very, very heavy. Following a lovely buffet, members chatted, asked lots of questions and were then given a guided tour of the Borough’s outstanding silver and gold collection before heading for home. Stone and District Rotary Club President, Sandie McQueen thanked the Mayor and Mayoress for their great hospitality. She said: “The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was amazing to see the priceless regalia close up and to hold the Great Mace was an incredible opportunity. Many members were not fully aware of the great history of the Borough so the talk was really informative and very much appreciated.”
1. Which European country started using the Euro as their currency on 1st January 2023?
2. Who managed to get his fifth in-a-row Christmas number one last December?
3. The A303 passes by which ancient monument?
4. Which land mammal has the longest tongue?
5. On which coin did King Charles III’s head first appear?
6. What is the name of the Duke of Sussex’s memoir?
7. Which dog lives with Chilli, Bandit and Bingo?
8. How to Cheat at Cooking was whose first book?
9. Who is the only player with 100 Premier League goals for two clubs?
10. How is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who died in December better known?
11. In which English country was the failed space launch in January?
12. The main asteroid belt lies between which planets’ orbits?
13. What virtue is the collective noun for vicars?
14. What was recorded at Sarm West Studios on 25 November 1984?
15. Which tennis venue is named after a first world war fighter pilot?
16. What was “made in Scotland from girders”?
17. What is the colour of cooked squid?
18. In which US state is the Statue of Liberty?
19. Which capital city stands on the River Spree?
20. The colours seen in the badge of BMW are black, white and what other?
Tulips have always been spring flowering favourites with gardeners, from massed plantings floating above a sea of ForgetMe-Not through to dwarf varieties in containers and window boxes.
They are undergoing a bit of a renaissance at the moment as an essential part of jewel gardens –planted singly in a rich tapestry of vibrant colour. There are so many colours and shapes to choose from and they thrive in any well drained and sunny garden and even if your garden gets wet, they flourish in containers and pots. The bulbs are best planted quite deep, especially in colder soils.
For traditional types this means around 6-8in / 15-20cm but more like 4-5in / 10-12cm for the shorter alpine tulips. In the garden plant the bulbs at least 5” / 12cm apart. In containers bulbs can be planted very close but not touching.
Planting dry bulbs is usually delayed until October to November, which is later than for Daffs. Don’t worry if you forgot to plant bulbs in autumn as pot grown plants can be planted at any time in the spring or early summer and there is usually a very good choice of varieties and species at Plant Hunters’ Fairs in spring.
Conventional wisdom is that all types other than the alpine types, rarely make as good flowers in their second year if left in the ground and they should be lifted after the foliage has yellowed, dried and stored in a cool place until autumn brings the time for planting again. Some gardeners go as far as treating them as annuals and lift and discard the bulbs, starting afresh each autumn. The opposite is true of alpine species and varieties tulips like Tulipa tarda or ‘Little Princess,’ which for me continue to thrive and multiply from year to year.
By far the biggest pest are grey squirrels who
love to eat the bulbs and relentlessly hunt them out and dig them up. Deep planting in grass might help but the only real deterrent is rabbit wire placed over the planting area and pegged down and covered with a mulch or made into ‘bulb cages’ for each planting hole or pot. Chilli flakes or sharp gravel is also said to help.
Whether you are looking for a patio pot, gravel garden bulbs or massed and jewel planting there is choice enough of colours or heights for any gardener’s needs in April, May and June when your garden can become a triumph of tulips.
Janet and I run Plant Hunters’ Fairs, specialist plant fairs at wonderful locations offering special reduced entry rates to the gardens on the plant fair dates.
Plant Fair Dates:
Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall on Saturday, March 25, Garden and Fair £1.
The Dorothy Clive Garden on Sunday, April 9 and Monday, April 10, Garden and Fair £5. Cholmondeley Castle Garden on Sunday, April 23, Garden and Fair price £5. Weston Park on Sunday, April 30 and Monday, May 1, Garden and Fair £4. Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield on Sunday, May 14, Gardens and Fair £4. Carsington Water, Ashbourne on Saturday, May 27, free admission to fair and country park.
Please check www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for up to date information, including if pre-booking of tickets is required.
Stone and Eccleshall is such a beautiful area of middle England where we are so lucky to have so many scenic sites.
Here are some fabulous photographs which have been kindly sent in to us by some of our readers.
Have you captured a good photograph of our area recently which you would like to see appear in the Stone & Eccleshall Life Magazine? Email your photos to our editor Belinda at belinda@timesandecho.co.uk.
