Jubilant jigsaw to mark Royal occasion

Stafford-based Great British Jigsaws has launched a jubilant jigsaw to mark the momentous occasion of King Charles III’s coronation.

Produced entirely in Staffordshire, this vibrant new jigsaw is ideal for puzzlers that want to buy British and support small businesses.

The cheery 1,000-piece jigsaw has been designed by established Stone-based artist and illustrator Emma Joustra, who is renowned in the local area for her unique and colourful art installations in three North Staffordshire hospitals.

Featuring King Charles and the Queen Consort standing proudly against a backdrop of The Mall and Buckingham Palace, the coronation jigsaw portrays joyful well-wishers from all over the British Isles waving their Union Flags, roses, thistles, shamrocks and daffodils.

Overhead, the Red Arrows roar their way across a red, white and blue sky, from Windsor, over the London skyline including The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.

Emma underwent extensive research to create a puzzle that speaks of the King and his love of the British people, animals, conservation and the environment. You can spot garden birds, plane trees, wild parakeets and a raven from The Tower. Bees, butterflies, ladybirds and dragonflies join the celebration, whilst the royal couple’s rescue dogs sit dutifully at their feet.

Great British Jigsaws was formed in March 2020 by husband and wife team Jason and Kathy Cornish. The Stafford-based duo and their team manufacture jigsaws using a unique print system, which allows for short run production with the feel of a traditionally mass produced litho printed jigsaw.

Made in Staffordshire by Great British Jigsaws and with a 100 per cent recycled puzzle board, the finished 1,000-piece King Charles III coronation jigsaw measures 69cm x 48cm is now available.

To find out more or to place an order, go online to www.coronationjigsaw.co.uk.

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.

Regular Events

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

Stone Street Food

Thursdays: May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19. Stone High Street. 3pm-9pm. A celebration of global flavours in the heart of Stone.

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

Coming up...

Friday, March 31

Great British Birds Talk by Ashley Grove at 7.30pm at Eccleshall Parish Room. Admission £3. No booking required, includes refreshments. Details 01782 680250.

Saturday, April 1

Stone Choral Society Spring Concert of the Messiah at 7.30pm at Christ Church.

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.

Wednesday, April 12

Stone Gang Show. 7.30pm at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Stoke-on-Trent. Running until April 15. Plus at 2pm Matinee on the Saturday. Presented by Stone District Scouting. Details: www.facebook.com/gangshowstone.

Sunday, April 16

Spring Awakening Market in Stone High Street. 10am-3pm. Garden themed market including plants, shrubs, herbs, ornaments, tools, pots and more.

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.

Sunday, May 7

Coronation Celebrations. Stone High Street. 12.30pm5pm. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Sunday, May 21

Big Boys Toys. Stone High Street. 10am-3pm. Cars, tractors, buses and more on display.

Saturday, May 27

Floating Market/Waterside Events. Canal bank near Stafford Street in Stone. Also on Sunday and Monday. Details: www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Sunday, June 18

Cheese and Wine Festival. Stone High Street. 10am3pm. To include wine merchants, glassware, cheese, tableware and more.

Friday, June 23

Stafford Shakespeare at Stafford Gatehouse. A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Running until July 9. Details: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk.

Sunday, June 25

10k Road Race. 10am-noon. Stone. Organised by the Stone St Michael’s 10k Road Race group.

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.