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Contents Uttoxeter children Play in the Park!
Plus • Uttoxeter Beer Festival news JCB Academy officially opened by Royal couple
• Contact the advertisers in our Dream Weddings 2011 special feature • CATS Panto a huge success • Can you recognise anyone on The Good Old Days photographs?
Soccer legend Alan Hudson joins The Voice
• All your local favourite columnists have their say Uttoxeter's Former BBC Chief Reporter is new columnist
• Plus lots more to read and hopefully enjoy!
To Advertise in The Voice Telephone: 01538 751629, Mobile 0776 784 6937 Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW FOR ISSUE 23 OF THE UTTOXETER & CHEADLE VOICE Businesses get results from their adverts ask them!! Each issue of The Voice is distributed to 13,000 local homes within the area on the map.
How to get in touch Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 01538 751629, Mobile 0776 784 6937 By post: The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffordshire ST10 1DT The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent. Each month 13,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses in the Uttoxeter and Cheadle areas - clients are welcome to view our distribution figures.
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice Publications Ltd Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not necessarily those of the publishers, nor indeed their responsibility. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
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Checkley Church he Friends of Checkley Church and the St. Mary and All Saints Social Committee (pictured below) on Tuesday 11th January 2011 presenting a cheque to Mrs Julie Wood of the Donna Louise Childrens Hospice Trust. Villagers were invited free of charge to its ‘Checkley Village Christmas Street Fair’ on Friday 17th December but were asked to give generously with all donations going to Donna Louise. The Festive Street Fair included the arrival of Santa at his Grotto, baked potatoes, mulled wine, mince pieces, hot soup, the Church Choir carol singing, a barrel organ with Christmas music and fairy lights at the Church Entrance and on the street stalls. A grand sum of £500 was raised and presented to the Trust.
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Play in the Park free family fun event for the half term was held at Uttoxeter’s Bramshall Road Park recently. The Borough Council organised event produced a great feelgood atmosphere even though the weather was rather inclement. There were lots of sports, nature activities and games for all ages.
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Top right: ESBC Sports development team. Charlotte Bodger, Abi Peltier, Kirsty Smith, Alex Britton pictured with local youngsters. Middle: Hazel, Byron and Geraint LloydWakeman with Freya the dog. Bottom: James Bown and Craig Hickman.
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tudents at Uttoxeter’s Alleyne’s High School have been working towards their entry into ‘The First Lego League’. However, we weren’t just playing around with Lego for a few months. Twenty-first century Lego Mindstorms combines classical Lego with technologically advanced robotic systems. Each year a theme is designated to the competition and then the challenges are set around them. The theme this year is medicine and some of the robot challenges are to fix broken bones, inserting pacemakers and the movement of medical staff around the obstacles. Conversely, the presentation involved researching a potential artificial body part which we decided on polymer skin, how it could be used and its advantages and disadvantages. The robots we had to build were designed to complete a series of specific challenges set by the First Lego League. However, the competition was not decided by the challenges alone. The marks were split over four categories. The robots were judged by their performance in the challenges and the quality of the designs. There was also a presentation based on the theme of Biomedical Engineering. Our presentation was based around the innovation of artificial skin. The final category, Teamwork, we pursued more passively, but we all worked together and everyone had a good time. The competition was tough with many other accomplished entries from other schools in the area. Nevertheless we pulled through with a lucky performance in the first round and a ‘spirited’ presentation to say the least. These two combined propelled our team into the national finals. Here is the team list led by the innovative and dedicated teacher Mr Robert Quigey: Nadeem Hussain, Kit Naylor, Tom Fitchett, Thomas Mottram, Aaron Williamson, John Evans, Conor Jones, Callum Lomas, Ben Harrison and Matthew Smith.
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Uttoxeter Pyramid Partnership Schools Storytelling Festival 2011 - Respect and tolerance across the world he seventeen schools that form the Uttoxeter Pyramid Partnership (UPP) one High School, three middle Schools and thirteen First schools - have formed a unique partnership focusing on improving transition and outcome for all pupils in Uttoxeter from nursery through to 6th form. This year’s joint project was aimed at increasing community cohesion and mutual respect and tolerance through the medium of oral storytelling, traditions, music and dance. The Storytelling festival also coincided with celebrations for National Storytelling week. Recently Uttoxeter Cinebowl hosted performances by renowned storytellers Peter Chand, Shonaleigh, Deputy storytelling Laureate and Clive Peters. Organiser Eleanor Shakespeare, Librarian at Thomas Alleyne’s said “ It was wonderful to see more than 1,400 children from fifteen months to fifteen years enjoying stories told at this venue.” An evening storytelling Café at Uttoxeter Racecourse saw 350 parents and friends enthusiastically support students as they performed alongside the professional storytellers. The winners of a competition to encourage young people to write their own stories: Archie Whitehead, All Saints, Denstone; Rachel Clemett, Windsor Park; Joe Parker, Oldfields Hall Middle School and Sophie Carter, Thomas Alleyne’s High school were announced by Shonaleigh. Storytellers, writers, musicians and dancers worked across the 17 schools during the week. Events included Stacy Darlington of African Dance and Drums; Surtal who performed Chinese Stories; Bali Rai, award-winning author; Clive Hopwood, writer and storyteller; choreographer, Manuela Brandt and Peter Chand – renowned storyteller. Others involved included: Scriptwriter Robin Haywood; Shonaleigh, Deputy storytelling laureate; Spicy Fingers, poet and storyteller; and Sohan Kailey - who performed Bhangra dancing alongside storytelling. Alan Barrett, worked with students from Windsor park Middle School to create ‘A Play in a day’.. TAHs Librarian and organiser of the Storytelling Festival Eleanor Shakespeare said “This is the third major event the Pyramid partnership has organised. Following our successful storytelling week last year and the summer Reading Festival that saw over 4,500 students enjoy a ‘novel’ reading experience , either through meeting authors or performance events such as the Michael Rosen experience in the market square and at Uttoxeter Racecourse. We are delighted that this, our second storytelling festival, was such a success.”
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Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society s we get older we look forward to the comfort of a warm and cosy home where we can sit and look through the window at the cold, miserable weather without having to go out if we don’t want to, where we can sleep when we want to for as long we want to. The same thing should apply to our pets, but sadly for some, when they get old their devoted owners are no longer able to care for them. No one else in the family is prepared or able to take them on so they are left bewildered, scared and homeless. The lucky ones end up in an animal rescue such as ours, Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society, where we do our very best to try to find another loving home, but it is difficult. We are hoping to find people who are prepared to help us care for elderly cats by taking them into their own homes and giving them the quality of life which they deserve. We are more than willing to give as much support as is necessary, including veterinary care. We just want to provide loving homes rather than a soulless pen in a cattery. Howard and Sasha were recently made homeless following the death of their owner. Howard is a big, fluffy 12 year black and white neutered Tom and Sasha is a small 14 year old black and white neutered female. They are really missing home comforts and we are desperate to find a foster or permanent home for them. Sasha in particular needs lots of TLC, a warm bed, good food and all the love she can get. We are also hopeful that we can find people willing to help us regain the trust of cats, like Smudge (pictured), who was very scared when he came into our care. Smudge is homeless for the second time in his life. He had found a lovely lady to care for him. She healed his wounds and let him sleep on her bed, but when she died he was turned out of his home and left to fend for himself. He is now in the cattery and is finding it difficult to cope. He needs a quiet home with a gentle person to care for him so that he can regain his confidence. Lucky is another scared cat. She had a home where she had been able to do her own thing and that suited her very well. She came and went just as she pleased, she was a very happy cat, but she has now out stayed her welcome and has had to be taken into care – much to her disgust. It is a struggle to get her to eat and she despises everyone who is trying to help her. She needs to be out and about and is hoping someone will offer her a home where she can have lots of freedom. We would like to hear from anyone who is prepared to help us with cats such as Howard, Sasha, Lucky and Smudge. If you think you could offer them some hope please ring us on 01335 390369. Please remember to make provisions for your pets should you become too ill to care for them and mention them in your will to ensure that they will be taken care of when you are no longer here to look after them.
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Uttoxeter residents have had their first glimpse of two new major new pieces of public art. The centaur and bull sculptures, created by internationally renowned artist Andy Scott, wereset installed on the roundabouts at either end of Town Meadows Way. The pieces, which are made of galvanised, welded steel, have spent the last few months being created by Andy at his workshop in Glasgow before being transported to Telford, Shropshire, to be galvanised – dipped in molten zinc to protect them from the elements. Both sculptures have been commissioned to create a ‘point of arrival’ into Uttoxeter as part of the Council s continuing work to regenerate the town and form part of the second phase of the Uttoxeter Regeneration Programme, designed to raise the profile
of Uttoxeter and attract people to the area, as previously consulted on in the Uttoxeter Masterplan. Andy added: “I am very happy with these sculptures. Uttoxeter was a very inspiring town with a great deal of history and culture unique to the area and I hope residents feel this has been captured by the pieces and they continue to act as a focal point or attraction to visitors.” Around £95,000, secured through developer contributions, was earmarked for the completion of both sculptures. The funding relates to a Section 106 Agreement and was ring-fenced for use in environmental improvement schemes including landscaping and public art.
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Smallwood Manor Rides High any schools chastise pupils for ‘horsing around’, but not so Smallwood Manor, whose equestrian team have just competed in the prestigious National Schools Equestrian Association Championships after winning the regional event in Cheshire. Katie Prince (11), Daniel Jones (10), Henry Parrot (10) and Jonathan Critchley (10) competed in the National Finals at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire in the Jumping with Style - mini category, with Daniel also qualifying as an individual. The National Schools Equestrian Association Championships is the largest schools’ equestrian competition in Britain. More than 600 competitors aged between seven and 18 – and their horses - took part in three categories, Jumping with Style, Dressage and Showjumping. And with more than 1,800 spectators, the pressure was really on. Jumping with style involves jumping a course of show jumps followed by a course of cross country jumps. Marks are awarded on successfully clearing the courses without fault. In addition, the cross country phase is awarded an optimum time - in the Mini section, this was three minutes and 25 seconds – and riders must aim to complete the course as closely to this time as they can, with time faults being allocated for going too fast or too slow. Finally, a team of judges made up of world class event riders allocate marks to the riders based on the effectiveness and correctness of their riding position. To qualify, the Smallwood equestrian team competed at the South View Championship in October, where they won the Jumping with Style mini category and Daniel also won the individual category. On the day, however, Smallwood were not placed, but head teacher, Mike Harrison, said that a good time was had by all. “Competition at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships is extremely fierce, so to have qualified at all is a tremendous achievement. “It has been a great experience for our equestrian team and they are now looking forward to the season ahead and hope to successfully qualify for the 2011 championships too.” Smallwood Manor Preparatory School is part of the Woodard Group, the largest group of independent Church of England schools in England and Wales. Set in beautiful landscaped grounds, Smallwood Manor has a nursery which caters for children aged between two and four years, as well as the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools which cater for children between the ages of four and 11. For further information or to request a prospectus, telephone 01889 562083 or visit www.smallwoodmanor.co.uk
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How would you like an estimated income of around £1,000 a year for the next 25 years just from your roof? Sound too good to be true? That’s how much money you could make – for an initial investment of between £9,000-12,000 – if you install solar panels on your roof to generate electricity for yourself and for the national grid Solar panels could make you money through the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (Fit) scheme, this promises to reward you if you have photovoltaic solar panels (solar PV) installed on your roof. If you go for it, you’ll benefit in three ways: • You get paid what is called the ‘generation tariff’, which is a direct payment from your energy supplier for each unit of electricity you generate. This starts at *41.3p per kilowatt/hour (kWh), and this amount will increase in line with the rate of inflation for the next 25 years. • You also get what is called the ‘export tariff’, which is a payment made for energy you send back to the electricity grid, as opposed to electricity you use yourself. This pays you an extra 3p per kWh. • You make savings on your electricity bills as you no longer need to buy all your electricity from an external supplier. So, you’ll save money on your electricity usage (which will become ever-more helpful as the price of electricity is set to go up exponentially over the next 25 years) and you’ll make money from producing solar energy to sell back to the grid. *Retro fit system up to 4kWp
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JCB Academy officially opened by Royal couple
HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall officially open the £22 million JCB Academy.
he £22 million JCB Academy was officially opened by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The Royal couple visited the facility in Mill Street, Rocester where they met staff, students and supporters who have contributed to the success of The Academy. The Prince of Wales, accompanied by JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford and JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade was given an insight into the hitech resources available to the 170 Year 10 and Sixth Form students. During the visit he was presented with a memory stick which students had designed and manufactured and engraved with the initials ‘HRH’. He was also given an insight into The JCB Academy’s strong focus on energy efficiency and saw first-hand an Archimedes Screw which has been installed and which generates around 80 per cent of the power for the site. It was a particularly special day for the newly-formed ‘15 (The JCB Academy) Squadron Air Training Corps’ who fell in for a Royal inspection by The Prince of Wales. The Duchess of Cornwall meanwhile took time out to meet community groups linked to The JCB Academy and the building where it is housed. Pupils from Dove First School, Rocester, performed a dance routine for the Royal visitor before she went on to meet Rocester residents who have a connection with the building, a Grade II Arkwright Mill which ceased being a working cotton mill in 1990. As well as Rocester historian Roy Burnett, who is writing a book on the history of the village, The Duchess met Shirley Glover, Gillian Sanbrooke, Eileen Harvey, Elsie Baker and David Burton, all of whom worked in the building when it was a mill.
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The Royal couple later unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of The Academy before he was presented with a scale model of an Archimedes Screw by Head Boy Aiden Rogers, 17, of Littleover, Derby and The Duchess of Cornwall was presented with a posy of flowers by Head Girl Holly Broadhurst, 17, of Bradnop Nr Leek. In a speech at the opening ceremony Sir Anthony Bamford said: “Over 200 years after Arkwright invented the spinning frame, his mill in Rocester is now home to a transformation – a revolution, some might say – in how our young people are educated. “Our hope is that the engineers and business leaders of the future - that our country so desperately needs to rebalance our economy - will pass through the doors of this historic building. As a nation that seems to have fallen out of love with manufacturing, I look upon The JCB Academy as a rebirth – or at least the beginnings of a rebirth - in technical education. “We have high hopes for The JCB Academy. With the support of our partners, Rolls Royce, Toyota, Network Rail, Bentley and Bombardier, for example, we anticipate that the unique technical education it provides to 14-19- year-olds will be inspirational for young people, and be of great value to the national economy through the skills it will provide to our manufacturing and engineering companies. “What started out as the vision of a few people, has now become a reality as a result of the hard work of many people, to whom I am very grateful for their continued support .” JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade said: “The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall showed an immense interest in every aspect of The JCB Academy as they toured our facility and it was
JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford shows HRH The Prince of Wales around The JCB Academy.
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Students Adam Nawaz, 14, of Derby, Ella Pilsworth-Straw, 14, of Belper, Derby and Robert Sansom, Great Haywood, near Stafford.
wonderful to host them and give them an insight into our work. Everyone has had a fantastic time.” The JCB Academy is the first school of its kind in the UK for the education of 14 to 19-year-olds with a core focus on engineering and is designed to produce the engineers and business leaders of the future. The first 170 students began their studies in September last year and eventually it will house 540 students from Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Already the intake for September this year is oversubscribed. Like other state schools, the £22 million JCB Academy is funded by the Department for Education, but as main sponsor JCB contributed 10 per cent of the capital and donated the mill in which it is based. While the idea for The JCB Academy began life in the summer 2006 with a Government feasibility study, it has been created in a Grade II listed Arkwright Mill dating from 1781 and has been equipped with in excess of £1 million worth of modern engineering equipment which will help pupils turn their design ideas into reality. The equipment includes the only plasma cutter – a machine tool commonly used in industry – to be based in a UK school. The engineering tasks completed by pupils have been set by The JCB Academy’s partners who include JCB, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Network Rail, Bentley, Bombardier, Rexroth Bosch Group, National Grid, Zytek Automotive, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, IET, Harper Adams University College, The Royal Academy of Engineering and Parker Vansco. They will complete their engineering tasks alongside Maths, English, Science and German GCSEs.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall pictured with pupils from Dove First School, who danced for her at the opening of the JCB Academy.
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New business marks healthy start to 2011 taffordshire is set for a healthy kick start to 2011 thanks to the launch of a company delivering local organic produce direct to homes across the county. The Stafford branch of ‘The Farmshed’ will provide customers with organic, farm fresh fruit and vegetables, organically reared meat and sustainably sourced fish delivered direct to customers doors in re-useable boxes. The company also offers a wide array of additional products, from beer and cider to baby food. New business owners Robert and Ursula Edwards from Cannock Road, Stafford are behind the company coming to the region. Mrs Edwards said “Our aim is to provide people living locally with a fresh approach to healthy eating; and to make it as convenient as possible for individuals and families by providing boxes of produce that are tailored to meet their everyday needs. This service gives households the opportunity to retain or introduce a balanced diet despite a hectic work schedule or modern day family life, where nipping to the local farm, greengrocers or supermarket is not possible. As a local professional team we will be dedicated to providing top quality fresh organic products as quickly as possible, paying particular attention to individual customers needs. It’s a great way to kick start 2011.” The launch of The Farmshed franchise in Staffordshire follows the success of the parent company in the North West, where it already supplies more than 1,000 homes with various fresh food and goods. Launched in 2007, The Farmshed has rapidly grown and been recognised for its innovative and creative approach, winning several awards including the 2010 Health Business Award. Being green is at the pinnacle of The Farmshed ethos, keeping their carbon footprint to a minimum and supporting the local economy by working closely with suppliers in the area. The business is passionate about supporting British Farmers and work closely with them to ensure they get treated fairly while continuing to deliver the best quality produce possible. In support of local farmers, The Farmshed have already teamed up with nearby organic farm, Fordhall in Market Drayton, to provide customers with their fresh local produce. Farm owner, Ben Hollins, is delighted to be working with the new venture in Staffordshire. He said “We are thrilled to be working with The Farmshed and to offer their customers our products. It’s a fantastic concept and we are proud to be partnered with a successful service that allows people to have access to quality products with no hassle or change in their daily routine.” For more information about The Farmshed and to start your doorstep deliveries contact Robert and Ursula Edwards on 01785 661606 or visit www.thefarmshed.co.uk
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Now you can profit from generating your own green electricity… With a background in engineering and a long standing interest in renewable energy, it was a logical move for pilot Andy Simons to choose PV Solar panels for his 4 bedroom detached home. After looking at a number of companies he decided to use Mainline. Andy Simons takes up the story... “I’d been impressed with Mainline from the start. When they undertook a free survey of the roof and inspected the house electrical system it was clear that they knew what they were talking about. Mick, the Technical Manager at Mainline, explained how the system would operate, what electrical work was required and how the installation would qualify for the Feed-In Tariff from my electricity supplier”. “All the information was clearly and simply presented. The decision became a no-brainer”, explained Andy. “The excellent Feed-In Tariff makes this a better investment for our savings than any other investment scheme. The installation price from Mainline Energy Solutions compared favourably with bigger companies and they undertook to look after
everything including all the necessary paperwork to apply for the Feed-In Tariff”. In August 2010, 18 panels were installed on the house. The installation had a dedicated distribution board, meters and an inverter (which converts the DC produced by the panels to AC for use by the homeowner). Andy is delighted with the results. “The system has worked really well. With the new meters we can see that the panels are generating electricity and that all adds up to a tax-free income! The installation is even out performing the initial figures supplied by Mainline”. Mainline is a well established family run business based in Swadlincote, operating since 1982. It has an enviable reputation within the construction industry for its outstanding technical solutions and support. The company is a supplier and installer of ‘green’ energy, specifically solar energy generation.
For a free suitability survey, or just a chat, call us on: 01283
222112
Email: info@mainline-energy.co.uk Visit: www.mainline-energy.co.uk
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11
By Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters ntertainment in Uttoxeter nowadays compared to my younger days has improved quite a bit. The Academy & Town House cater for the ‘Club Scene’ with late licenses and various musical entertainment. Also a Bowling Alley and new multi screen Cinema complex has been added along with a Leisure Centre with Indoor Swimming Pool and various athletic facilities. A fully fitted Gym with all sorts of keep fit equipment is also available for the more adventurous. In the 60’s and 70’s the town’s main entertainment on offer was in the form of local dances at the Town Hall and later The Paddock Suite at Uttoxeter Racecourse (nicknamed by the locals ‘The Bedrock’) organised by Mr. Mark Orme who was a local stalwart of supplying many well known pop groups to the area and his weekly dances were very, very popular and well attended. The main Cinema was the Elite which was situated in the High Street which has now been converted into a church. The Elite was the hub of the town not only for the range of films it showed but also as a venue for Boxing Events (The local lads letting off a bit of steam) under the auspices of the late Bartley Gorman & Harold Groombridge. Professional Wrestling Bouts which were very popular at the time, featuring all the best T.V. performers the likes of Count Bartelli, Mr. “T.V.” Jacky Pallo, The Royal Brothers, Billy Two Rivers, Jim Hussie and many other well known T.V. names also appeared on regular occasions to a virtually packed house. Saturday afternoons when I was a lad was weekly Matinee time, for the price of 1/- (5p). I used to go with a ruck of mates from school and have a whale of a time watching John Wayne, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Victor Mature, Sean Connory playing James Bond when the Bond films first appeared along with scores of other well known stars appearing in all the latest epics.
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The Elite then like most other cinemas had an Usherette who paraded down the aisle while the film was showing with a torch selling you an array of confectionery items including ice cream, popcorn, etc. Sunday afternoons was also a popular time to go when I was in my late teenage/early twenties. The Elite used to open at 4.30 p.m. and show a A & B picture for the price of 4/- (20p) in the circle down to 2/- (10p) in the front stalls. On one particular occasion in 1973 I went to watch ‘The Exorcist’ starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb and the phenomenal child actress 12 year old girl Linda Blair. This film was surely the most scariest film ever made in its time, members of the audience were fainting in the aisles and were assisted by the St. John Ambulance volunteers, a truly real life, frightenening experience. Along with other mates of mine we all used to disappear at 7.00 p.m. when the local pubs re-opened because of the limited open hours and I can never remember seeing the end of any of the ‘B’ pictures!!! Apart from these, a number of other local events used to take place, including the Judging of the Uttoxeter Carnival Queen, where the local lads used to wolf whistle their support for the girl of their choice as she paraded down the aisle to a packed crowd with great enthusiasm. The Elite later on before its closure also started Bingo Evenings which were extremely popular and well attended. Eventful, well missed, days indeed! Pictured : An Elite Programme from the 60’s.
Guiding your future...
Investments • Mortgage Consultants Pensions Critical Illness • Savings Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance • Retirement Guidance Permanent Health Insurance School Fees Planning 12
Oat House, 34 Church Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8AA
Tel: 01889 567676
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Dream Weddings2011 A Royal Wedding in 2011 has led to a huge number of local couples deciding to follow suit. Prince William and Kate Middleton will be married on April 29th and the whole nation will be eagerly watching their television sets to see the bride’s choice of wedding dress and the whole visual extravaganza of a Royal Wedding. 2011 will also see many local couples tie the knot and they are extremely lucky to have such a fantastic top class selection of local wedding businesses to choose from. The advertisers in our Special ‘Dream Weddings 2011’ feature will be such an important part of creating ‘Just the Perfect Day’ experience. They are there to advise couples how to create a wonderful wedding which will be remembered for a lifetime. From selecting the perfect wedding venue, bride & bridesmaids dresses, choosing the right photographer, booking beautiful cars and a disco for the reception, making sure appointments are made at a hair & beauty salon, buying lingerie – all our advertisers are here especially for you. Take a good look at the advertisers in our Dream Weddings 2011 feature and make sure you visit their businesses and discuss how to create the best day of your life!
Book your advert in our regular Dream Weddings 2011 special feature in the next Voice magazine now! Ring 01538 751629 or email: uttoxetervoice@ hotmail.co.uk
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BEAGLE WEDDING HIRE Chauffeur driven classic Bentley and Mercedes available for Wedding hire
Visit us for your bridal lingerie with a free & friendly fitting service Stockist of Charnos, Fauve, Chillirose & Cette bridal wear and hosiery
Telephone John Naylor on 01889 565 694 or 07952 778869
Beautiful range of accessories for the bridal party from Anna Nova Lingerie by Fantasie, Freya, Elomi, Charnos, Lepel, Royce, Ballet, Hush Hush,Triumph & introducing new ranges from Fauve by Fantasie Swimwear ranges by Fantasie, Lepel & Freya
Did you Know??? 80% of ladies are wearing the wrong bra size – make sure you are not one of them! VISIT US FOR A FREE FITTING Size 28 to 52 back and A to J Cup available
21 Market Place, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HY Telephone: 01889 564424
Need a Disco? A&N SOUNDS Professional Mobile Disco Service Best Prices in Town All occassions covered 60’s through to present day music Public Liability Insured PAT Tested Equipment Reliable - Established 1996 Call 07968 948148 or 07854 124837
Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.
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Dream Weddings2011
bespoke photography by
Robert Kent turning your wedding day dreams into reality 7 Forge Side, Endon, Staffordshire ST9 9HD
Tel: 01782 505057 www.robertkentphoto.co.uk
Bridal at Private Collection formerly Petticoats & Pearls 42 Lower High Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire DE13 9LZ In the picturesque village of Tutbury
7 Cross Street (off the High Street) Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1NP
01283 520644
Tel 01538 755550
We are also situated at 9 High Street, Tutbury (Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday) where you can find Mother of the Bride Wear, Bridal & Evening Wear Shoes. We stock Ronald Joyce Int, Romantica, Opulence & Veromia. We also stock Veromia Bridesmaids Dresses as well as a huge range of Evening and Promwear. We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Tusneem Bridal (nominated for UK designer of the year in New York)
info@bcjosephine.co.uk www.bcjosephine.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon 1.00 - 8.30 Wed-Fri 10.00 - 4.30 Sat 9.30 - 5.00
Where dreams come true 14
If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
Weddings at Moddershall Oaks Already a 5 star luxury establishment... with our new events venue just opened, 0RGGHUVKDOO 2DNV LV GHVWLQHG WR EHFRPH RQH RI WKH ÂżQHVW ZHGGLQJ YHQXHV LQ 6WDIIRUGVKLUH 0RGGHUVKDOO 2DNV LV VHW LQ DFUHV RI SLFWXUHVTXH ZRRGODQG ODNHVLGH JURXQGV FUHDWLQJ D PDJQLÂżFHQW setting for your special day. December 2010 saw the grand opening of our new events venue; so if you are searching for a stylish, top notch, one stop venue complete with outstanding service & award-winning food;
Moddershall Oaks has it all...
Your Special Day for ÂŁ8k! Exclusive to 2011. $Q H[FHOOHQW RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JHW PDUULHG DW 7KH 9HQXH LQ ZLWK WKLV VXSHUE ODXQFK SDFNDJH ,Q 7KH 9HQXHÂśV ÂżUVW \HDU ZH DUH RIIHULQJ DQ DOO LQFOXVLYH ZHGGLQJ SDFNDJH IRU MXVW Â… LQFOXGLQJ 9$7 For selected dates & to see exactly what is included in the package, contact our events team now for information, to receive our wedding brochure & to book a tour of The Venue.
01782 399000 events@moddershalloaks.com www.moddershalloaks.com Moddershall Oaks, Spa-Restaurant-Suites, Moddershall, Nr Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8TG Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.
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Dream Weddings2011
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Balloony Tunes WEDDINGS • PARTIES • FUNCTIONS Contact Mark or Mags on 01538 752287
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Ashbourne Road Post Office, Cheadle, ST10 1HQ NABAS Trained
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Blossoms Floral Designs for all Occassions and Events
The Perfect Venue for any Occasion ighfield, home of Leek Cricket Club with panoramic views over the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside, is the ideal venue for business meetings, seminars, small conferences, weddings and social events. The moden clubhouse and function room, which can accommodate up to 120 people, can be adapted to meet your needs. Outside, the extensive lawns can accommodate a marquee for up to 300 guests and there is ample car parking. You can provide your own catering or altenatively take advantage of our friendly catering and bar service to guarantee a successful event. The club built its modern clubhouse facility in 2001 and it is available for private hire throughout the year. The clubhouse is fully DDA compliant and is equipped with a large kitchen and licensed bar selling a range of beers from Hydes brewery.
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We offer a friendly, affordable wedding service Tel: 01538 372827 5 Cawdry Buildings, Fountain Street, Leek, Staffordshire St13 6JP
Chauffeur Services 01538 266668 Mob: 07879 487528 www.cristonelegance.co.uk Email: tony@cristonelegance.co.uk
Wedding receptions Leek Cricket Club prides itself on meeting your requirements for this special day. You can tailor the day to personal tastes. You can provide your own table and room decorations, choice of caterer and menu, together with your own choice entertainment; it really is your day. The clubroom can sit 100 guests for a meal or 120 guests for an evening reception. If you are in need of something larger several customers chose to have their wedding celebration in a marquee at the club. The extensive lawns can accommodate a marquee for three hundred guests. Alternatively it is possible to attach a marquee to the clubroom accessible from the patio doors. The mature grounds can provide a backdrop to wedding photographs.
Special occasions Christenings, balls, proms, concerts, retirements, Christmas parties, bands, auctions and bingo Leek Cricket Club has hosted them all so whatever your requirement you are ensured of a warm welcome at Highfield.
To find out our availability, please telephone booking secretary, Mr Stan Trafford on 01782 317795. Leek Cricket Club, Highfield, Macclesfield Road, Leek, Staffs ST13 8SG www.leekcc.co.uk 16
Brian Mellor Financial Services Independent Independent Financial Financial Advisers Advisers Congratulations to Leek Cricket Club’s Highfield Clubhouse and Function Room - the perfect venue for weddings, business meetings, seminars, small conferences and social events We offer a full range of financial services including: • Mortgage Advice • Pension Planning Service • Investment Planning Advice • Investment Management • Domestic Insurance • Commercial Insurance • Life Assurance Advice • Income Protection • Critical Illness Protection • Savings Advice • Annuities • Taxation Advice • Health Insurance
Brian Mellor Financial Services Russell House, 20 Stockwell Street, Leek, Staffs ST13 6DS Telephone 01538 371288 Fax: 01538 75372092 www.brianmellorfs.co.uk Email: admin@brianmellorfs.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
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For the day you will never forget... The Raddle Inn is situated in what is considered to be one of the most picturesque areas of the Staffordshire Moorlands with breath-taking panoramic views over Croxden Abbey, providing the perfect countryside escape for the wedding venue of your dreams. Our range of marquees can be tailored to suit the style or theme of your wedding - each is furnished and dressed to a high standard to your personal tastes. The Rocks Cottage is frequently used as the Bridal Suite - it is a self-catering traditional cottage with a lovely rustic feel and boasts a four-poster bed in the master suite, a garden terrace along with a fantastic hot tub and catering facilities. We offer a complete entertainments package for your special day: • • • • • • •
Champagne/Sparkling Wine Reception Musical Entertainment, DJ/Live Band Photographers Children’s Entertainment Casino Bouncy Castle Caricaturist
Your Wedding Package Catering will be created to suit your personal preferences. We will create a menu to suit you, whether it is a sit-down meal during the day or a buffet for guests in the evening. We also offer: • Canapes • 3 or 4 Course Meal • Evening Buffet • Hog Roast or Barbecue • Hot Roast Carvery • Chocolate Fountains Whatever your requirements, we will strive to arrange it for you. Our superb traditional Log Cabins are available for your wedding guests, sleeping 2-10 people. A number of the cabins even boast an outside hot tub! We can even arrange beauty therapy treatments and hairdressing for guests using the log cabin accommodation!
Choose The Raddle Inn for your Special Wedding Day - we’ve got the complete package! Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278 www.logcabin.co.uk Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.
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Just the
perfect day... Bride: Leanne Jackson, Daughter of Leslie & Carole Jackson of Ipstones Groom: Andrew Oakley, Son of Brian & Yvonne Oakley of Birches Head Wedding Day: October 23rd 2010 Wedding Venue: Ipstones Methodist Church Wedding Reception: The Three Horseshoes, Blackshaw Moor Best Man: Joshua McElhinney, Groom’s Nephew Bridesmaids: Stephanie Jackson, Bride’s Sister & Liz Vann, Bride’s Friend Ushers: Wayne Jackson, Bride’s Brother & Sian McElhinney, Groom’s Sister. Page Boy: Leon Oakley, Groom’s Son
happy couple enjoyed ‘Just The Perfect Day’ recently when they were married at Ipstones Methodist Church. Leanne Jackson, daughter of Leslie and Carole Jackson of Ipstones, tied the knot with Andrew Oakley, son of Brian and Yvonne Oakley, of Birches Head in the presence of family and friends. The service was officiated by Reverend Ray Cummins. The bride wore a beautiful ivory, strapless fitted bodice decorated with lace and diamantes, A-line skirt gathered on one side decorated with embroidery and sequins, long train decorated with embroidery and sequins. She wore a short ivory veil decorated with crystals, silver diamante tiara and ivory shoes. The bridesmaids wore peacock (turquoise) full length strapless straight skirts, bead decoration to bodice. The reception was held at The Three Horseshoes, Blackshaw Moor, where the happy couple took their ‘first dance’ to the sounds of Heaven –DJ Sammy before family and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening. Leanne and Andrew then jetted off to the sunny climes of Portugal for their honeymoon. The superb wedding photography was carried out by Denise Wheat, 01538 723985.
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PHOTOGRAPHY by Denise Wheat BA (Hons) LBIPP
Tel: 01538 723985 www.denisewheatphoto.co.uk 18
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Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.
19
Indulgence Burns Night “The Poetic Genius of my country found me‌ at the plough and threw her inspiring mantle over me. She bade me sing the loves, the joys, the rural scenes and rural pleasures of my native soil, in my native tongue.â€? Robert Burns obert Burns was born 25th January 1759 in the village of Alloway, two mile south of Ayr, perhaps the most celebrated poet of all times. Born to tenant farmers, William Burnes (Robert dropped the ‘e’) and Agnes Bourn. They ensured their son received a relatively good education and as a child Robert Burns began to read avidly. The works of Alexander Pope, Henry Mackenzie and Laurence Sterne fired Burns’s poetic impulses and relationships with the opposite sex provided his inspiration. Handsome Nell, for Nellie Kilpatrick, was his first song. O once I lov’d a bonnie lass, Ay, and I love her still; and whilst that virtue warms my breast, I’ll love my Handsome Nell Hard physical labour on the family farm took its toll on the young Burns, who increasingly turned his attentions towards the passions of poetry, nature, drink and women which would characterise the rest of his life. Fortunately for us his life experiences left a legacy of remarkable works in a variety of subjects; humour, class, friendship, hypocrisy and love, to name a few. Burns wrote this of a doomed illicit relationship with Agnes McLehose who was a married woman. A fond kiss, and then we sever; A farewell, and then for ever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee. Who shall say that Fortune grieves him, While the star of hope she leaves him? Me, no cheerful twinkle lights me; Dark despair around benights me.
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It is tribute to Robert Burns that Burns Night is celebrated around the World with ever more enthusiasm. Guests of Indulgence Coffee Lounge participated in the celebrations on Friday 21st January. On arrival the guests were given a glass of champagne and greeted by the piper Jamie Kendall. Jamie a piper of exceedingly high calibre and a former highlands regimental Black Watch
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piper had travelled up from London to play for their arrival and pipe the haggis later. At 7:30pm guests were led upstairs in the lounge, where grace was read and a loyal toast given. After the first course of Cock a’ Leekie soup, Sue Hunter led the procession as Jamie piped in the haggis followed by Iain Rodger who gave a colourful ‘Address to the Haggis’. Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o’ a grace As lang’s my arm. Iain born in Glasgow is a passionate Burnsian and is a member of the ‘Bridgetown Burns Club’ and the ‘World Burns Federation’. He has spoken at over 60 Burns Suppers in many parts of the United Kingdom and abroad – from Tokyo to Toronto and Shanghai to St Petersburg. After the meal the ‘Immortal Memory’ to Robert Burns was given by David Hunter and was followed by Jamie on the bagpipes. Iain then gave a fabulous performance of Holy Willies Prayer. Holy Willie was written about a local elder in the parish church who was a hypocrite and sinner who spied on other people and reported them to the minister. Iain gave an enthusiastic performance and captured the satire in the poem excellently. A toast to the lassies which is a humorous tribute to the women of today was followed by Sue who gave the reply on behalf of the lassies and scored many points on their behalf. Iain finished the evening with a very impressive rendition of Tam O’Shanter which is thought by many to be one of the best examples of the narrative poem in modern European literature. “We are very fortunate to have been able to enjoy the company of Jamie and Iain. It is great testament to the appeal of Uttoxeter that we have been able to attract people of such talent who are in high demand this time of year� said Sue Hunter owner of Indulgence. Susan Lafite from Hammerwich said “This was a most enjoyable evening. It’s the best Burns Supper I have been too. Book me in for next year.� David reminded guests before they left that: As their event was finishing another Burns Supper was starting in New York and as that finished there would be one starting in Los Angeles and on to Tokyo, from there on to Seoul, Shanghai, Mumbai followed by Cairo and back to England, where it would all start again and would go on for the whole week until next Friday 28th, when Indulgence would be holding a second Burns Night celebration.
David Hunter, Jamie Kendall.
Val and Peter Fletcher
Mark & Susan Lafite, Peter & Wendy Hunter, Patrick & Elizabeth Hunter.
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If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
HEATH HOUSE FARM NURSERY & TEA ROOMS Caverswall Old Road, Forsbrook Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9BQ
For that Special Experience See you on Motherin Sunday!g
Sample the Delicious Delights of our renowned Tea Rooms. All our food is made on the premises and is prepared to the highest standard.
HFE Signs generous work goes on.. Now offering FREE Banners FE Signs are giving away lots of FREE banners, for many people this sounds too good to be true, and to some extent it is…. Karl Hunter MD of HFE Signs explains ‘we’re simply trying to help all charities and schools with there fund raising, and in return we receive a mention on their website to raise awareness of our company, everyone’s a winner. In the short term this is going to cost a lot of money but we’re certain it will pay dividends in the future, and in the meantime we’re helping those people who need help fund raising’. For information on how to claim your free banner please see www.hfe-signs.co.uk/charity.php please note these free banners are only available to Schools & Charity’s in the UK with UK websites. Previously HFE Signs have donated to the Haiti appeal, Rotary club, and various smaller charities across the UK.
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Visit our Shop for: • High Quality Gifts • Fresh Fruit and Vegetables • Home-made Pies • and much more to enjoy
New Chef at the Farm eath House Farm would like to intoduce their new head chef. Nigel Bradbury. Nigel has a wealth of experience within the catering world and has achieved the status of chef of the year at the Hilton Hotel London also he has been the private Chef to Lord and Lady Derby. In 1995 Nigel was made an Honourable Fellow Member of the World of Master Chefs and Regional Officer for Staffordshire. “We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have such a talented Chef join our team at Heath House Farm,” commented owners Sue & Arthur Doherty.
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In the Nursery we have an extensive range of Plants, Trees and Shrubs. We specialise in Hanging Baskets Open 7 Days for Friendly Service and Advice Come and give us a try!
01782 396027 Open from 0900-1700 Every Day Our superb new conference facility now also available for hire
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Have I got news for you by Uttoxeter’s Gary Hudson, Former BBC Chief News Reporter Gary Hudson is a senior lecturer in Broadcast Journalism at Staffordshire University, a member of Uttoxeter Lions Club, and a former BBC Chief News Reporter.
“Don’t you know who I am?” lease allow me to introduce myself, as the Rolling Stones infamously wrote of a character with an even worse reputation than mine. I’m delighted to be joining the Voice as a columnist and I promise I won’t be soliciting sympathy for the Devil, or any other undeserving cause. But I do intend to use these pages to entertain and amuse wherever possible, and offer the occasional, controversial comment. Who am I? Well, I’m an author and broadcaster. I always wanted to say that. Sounds distinguished, doesn’t it? Bear with me while I explain and I’ll get to the point of this column – the fickle nature of fame. I’ll start with the bit about being a broadcaster, because that’s what I’ve done most of my working life – mainly on the BBC, but also ITV and Sky. Those with long memories, or a pathologically sad obsession with local news, may remember me as BBC TV’s chief news correspondent in the Midlands. That’s right, a news reporter – at the sharp end of TV news – or ‘showbusiness for ugly people’ as it’s been called. And I’m pretty sure that it’s as a ‘bloke off the telly’ (not as an author, certainly) that the Voice’s esteemed editor asked me to write for you. Apparently I’ve got a fund of witty and revealing stories about my encounters with the rich and famous. We’ll see! As for being an author, it’s true that I’ve written a book. The Broadcast Journalism Handbook is published by a distinguished international company, who probably wish that my co-writer and I hadn’t insisted on giving away a free DVD with every copy. They should have known their profits weren’t our main concern when we insisted on celebrating with champagne – at their expense - before we had even signed a contract, or for that matter written a word. Our book is what you could call a critical success, which means it hasn’t sold as many as the aforementioned suppliers of the bubbly stuff would like, but they do want a second edition. It’s been described by more than one user as their ‘Bible’. That’s not to say I am at the centre of a new religion. Now that would be a story: SHOCK REVELATION: Second Coming in Uttoxeter. Fear not, I shall not be leading bands of misguided disciples to sacrifice themselves on Uttoxeter Lions’ annual bonfire. No, the devotees of the text book are obviously not slavish followers of its author. What they mean is that the book is the leader in its rather limited field – the Bible for wannabe broadcast journalists. Nice compliment and all that, but I won’t be challenging the ghost-written memoirs of reality TV stars in the best-seller lists just yet. At least I have the consolation of having read my own book – and indeed of knowing that I’ve read more books than I’ve written, which I suspect is more than some of them can say. Which leads me to my theme – the meaning of fame in a celebrity-obsessed age. You and I, dear reader (you’re sufficiently well-read to recognise the touch of Charlotte Bronte there), despise the shallowness of it all. Not for us the hollow acclaim of the TV talent show. The Posh’n’Becks Factor. What merit is there, we complain, in the instant adulation granted by Simon Cowell and his fawning acolytes? We watch it, of course, because the kids do. We
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cringe and then laugh at the hopeless, hapless, deluded fools who think they can sing like Elvis but are more like Pulis, whose dancing is more Fred Flintstone than Fred Astaire, and who have all the charisma of a plate of cold mushy peas. And who needs a career when you can have a Christmas number one, followed by several seasons in pantomime, appearances on celebrity versions of cheesy gameshows and then a renaissance in a ‘whatever-happenedto’ format? Not to mention the repeats on Dave. And yet, there are some in the public eye who stay at a manageable level of fame, who are genuinely loved by their public and who do real good within their community. I’m talking about local broadcasters – radio stars in their own eyes, sometimes, but usually just some bloke, or less often woman, who got lucky playing records for a living. We said goodbye to one recently – and it’s almost certain to me that a lot of you will never have heard of him, because Uttoxeter lies on the River Dove, the arbitrary boundary between the west and east Midlands. If you look to Derby rather than Stoke-on-Trent for work, or bigger shops or your football team, you could be in the same position as a workmate of mine who used to be a radio producer on BBC Five Live. He drives from his home somewhere posh and southern to Staffordshire University’s Stoke Campus, where we both work teaching student journalists (you remember – they’re the ones who like my book). One morning, he turned up at the same time as me and shouted across the car park: ‘Who the heck is Sam Plank? I thought the Queen had died.’ He’d been listening to BBC Radio Stoke, announcing the death of a much-loved local broadcaster. For something like thirty years, Sam Plank (not his real name of course) had been entertaining audiences on BBC Stoke, then on Signal, the commercial station, and later on Focal, a station he set up himself with his wife Verity, and finally Moorlands Radio, the community station in Leek. Sam Plank was local radio in North Staffordshire. And if you’ve never heard of him, that just means you’re not a Potteries person (and none the worse for it!). But he was a bit special. There are plenty of micro-celebs in other places. Several presenters of Radio WM (in the West Midlands) are world famous in Walsall. And when Dennis McCarthy died, thousands lined the streets of Nottingham as the horsedrawn hearse passed in front of the town hall, where the Lord Mayor in full ceremonial robes doffed his tricorn hat. Dennis presented Afternoon Special across the BBC local radio network in the East Midlands. I wouldn’t expect you to know that. But you might. The coverage of Sam’s death from cancer at 62 was comprehensive, and the tributes heartfelt and sincere, the words ‘broadcasting legend’ used extensively and without irony. After a full day of reminiscence and comment from the great and the good – MPs and civic leaders, local celebrities and regular listeners – another story threatened to overtake Sam’s death on the news agenda. It was a big one – a blockbuster event in foreign news.
But at five o’clock that evening, Radio Stoke led their programme on the tributes to Sam, which went on for something like twenty minutes – that’s a lot of speech radio. They broke off for travel news and then returned with local sport. The big international story got a brief mention as a second headline – after the tributes to Sam, of course. What was it? Well, you might have noticed that the President of Egypt stepped down after thirty years of power and eighteen days of violent protests in the streets. But in Stoke-on-Trent that was less important than the death of their Sam. I went to Sam Plank’s funeral – a glorious celebration of a life well-lived. Hundreds packed the church in Burslem. Hundreds, possibly thousands more despite the driving rain - lined the route of the hearse, which paused by the statue to that other Potteries icon, Sir Stanley Matthews. And of course it was all live on BBC Radio Stoke, where one of the commentators along the route was a former student of mine, who said knowingly there were ‘white flowers’ on top of the coffin (I think you’ll find they were lilies, Phil; it’s traditional). I was proud to be there, representing Staffordshire University, Uttoxeter Lions Club, the Uttoxeter Voice and myself, an ex-BBC reporter who probably broadcast to more people, but who came nowhere near touching so many hearts. Sam always made me laugh – listening to him as I drove around the Potteries, reporting tragedy and trivia for Midlands Today. And I’d enjoyed working with him. I think the first time was on Children in Need when Sam was accompanied by a comely young woman dressed only in oatcakes. I think the idea was to make donations to the charity in return for getting to eat the oatcakes, or something like that. Terribly politically incorrect, but hey, it was years ago and “it was for charidee”. And more recently, I’d been interviewed by him on Focal radio, where my aim had been to promote Uttoxeter’s annual Walk with the Lions charity event, but Sam insisted on talking first about my career, and then enthusing about the university’s broadcast journalism students who’d been working on the station. Focal was an ambitious project – a new station for the Potteries – which folded for lack of cash. For some of my students, it was a first job in broadcasting and its collapse could have been souldestroying. I now know that Sam paid their final pay packets out of his own pocket. They turned out in force for his funeral – travelling from successful jobs at places like Anglia television and the sports broadcaster ESPN in London. They swear they wouldn’t have got those jobs without the experience they got from Focal and Sam Plank. He raised thousands for charities, attending events, getting involved in stunts and supporting causes on-air. He treated VIPs and regular listeners with the same down-to-earth Stokie charm, and in turn they became fans and friends. And he was indeed unique because, unlike so many of his counterparts, he was really loved by those who worked with him. His funeral was a veritable who’s who of North Staffordshire local radio, past and present. And I’m delighted to say I’ve hardly ever heard of any of them. Gary Hudson
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Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful ‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants and savour a truly delicious experience! Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey and the surrounding countryside. Open every day, 12-10pm Pensioners Specials Monday to Saturday 12-2pm Main Meal £4.00, 3 Courses £7.00 Sunday Lunches served all day Take your pick from Beef, Turkey, Lamb, Pork or Chicken
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Ginny’s Gardening Guide By Uttoxeter’s Ginny Gibson appy New Year to you all, it seems like a long time ago that I wrote the last article, mainly because we have just experienced the coldest winter on record, our garden got to minus 11 at one point, but I have heard of minus 19 in the area, and I am sure that some of you registered lower than that. For me, I didn’t enjoy the cold snap, but more important as I wander round the garden I am wondering how many plants didn’t enjoy it and gave up the ghost – all will be clear as the year progresses. But the good news is that today I saw my first clutch of snowdrops, so all is forgotten as hope returns to the garden, and plans start whirling round my head as to the year ahead and the work that needs to be done – if you want snowdrops next year in your garden then planting them ‘in the green’ is the best way to get them I have found. I remember the first time I heard the phrase - in the green - I wondered what on earth they were talking about, but it means that you buy them still growing and they arrive either in flower or just after flowering and are normally lifted from the ground on the day they are despatched to you they need planting as soon as you get them - it also means that once you have planted them, they do die back, but for a few weeks you know where they are and can put a marker in the ground, so next year you know where to go to see snowdrops and get that sense of hope I got, when I saw my first
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flower today. I bought last year from Anglia Bulbs, Lords Lane, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 4TU (01945 410966) - I went for the single snowdrop, but you can also get doubles which I might order this year, so that next year I will get a ‘double’ hope feeling!!! But onto the plans for this year - I have a huge hole in my garden at the moment, lovely George and Chris came over last week and dug out a massive shrub that was not ‘earning its keep’ in my garden - it was huge, no flowers or fragrance so had to go me and my husband had tried to dig it out with no success, so George and Chris did their magic - but what to do with the hole? I went along to Heath House Farm Nursery, Caverswall Old Road, Forsbrook near Blythe Bridge, ST11 9BQ (01782 396027) and explained to the lovely Sue (pictured above), who co-owns the nursery, that my hole was south facing, shady with free draining soil. I emphasised that I had to be mindful of the new apple tree near the hole, which I planted in memory of my Father who died last year, so needed something compact and bijou, as the phrase goes. I explained that this shrub had to ‘earn its keep’ so I wanted something with fragrance. Sue recommended Sweet Box or Christmas Box (Sarcocca hookeriana) - firstly it is evergreen, which for me is always a plus and the dark green tear drop shaped leaves make it look very interesting but the best bit is it has really fragrant flowers at this time
of year – the flowers are clusters of trumpet - like tufts all dotted over the plant – it really is stunning. It can grow to 1.5 m, but I won’t let it, and it can spread to 1.5 m, it should make a great surround for the apple tree and I have heard that if you put cyclamen in front of the shrub it completes the picture– of course I’ll let you know and if the Sweet Box gets too big, I will just get George and Chris back. Sue is a very knowledgeable plants women and great to talk about plants and before I left she kindly allowed me take her photo for this article! My allotment tip this month is from me I am afraid, I went to Alexandra Crescent, Park Ave and Milbank allotments but they were all empty and the gates locked and I realised they were probably all at home, staying warm, with the seed catalogues trying to work out what to order. Although I do like to buy some of my seeds from that well-known store called Wilkos, the quality of seed is very good, but I also have another favourite catalogue that I get sent from the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation. The catalogue gives you all sorts of great seeds and if you become a member of the Foundation then you get the privilege of being allowed access to their Heritage Seed Bank and are given the opportunity to grow 6 rare varieties from that special catalogue each year - so maybe ring them up for your own catalogue. 024 7630 3517 Happy Gardening to you all.
Magisterial Memories By John Glandfield Uttoxeter’s Most Charismatic Solicitor he Reader will already be aware of the proliferation of unexpected and often comical events that have occurred during my career. To complete a certain form I needed to know the occupation of a Client’s Late Husband. The response I received was, “What, before he died?” On another occasion (in the course of my training in Brighton) I was totally intrigued by a spider spinning it’s web across the top of the glasses of a Client that I was interviewing. That same Client had been accused of adultery which she persistently and vehemently denied. It finally transpired that she just did not understand the meaning of “adultery” and when the Chief Clerk at the office had the wit and as a last resort to ask ,”Did you have it in a bunker on the Golf Course?” he received an immediate and unreserved reply of, “Oh yes”. In an earlier Article I alluded to a Client who when sober was the epitome of civility and when drunk became a fiend incarnate. Reputedly it could take up to six burly Policemen to “persuade” my Client to get into the Police Car and then as they forced the door shut my Client would be exiting via the door on the other side. That Client was also reputed, when drunk, to have walked into a “No
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Waiting Sign” in Uttoxeter High Street, backed off, held up his fists in a threatening manner and exclaimed,” What the hell do you think you are playing at?” That same Client was reputedly on his way home one night, blind drunk and carrying a bunch of flowers. Being normal practice to keep a low profile if said Client was headed home a young Police Officer secreted himself in a shop door way in Uttoxeter High Street until the miscreant had gone past. The Inspector at the time who had joined the Constable on his patrol would have none of that sissy carry on and insisted on leaping out onto the pavement and then engaging my Client in light hearted conversation. I am told that there came a point when the Inspector asked of my Client,” Those flowers are nice. Are they for your Mum?” After a considerable pause my Client mumbled,”Yes” and then he walked off. He had gone but a few yards when he stopped and retraced his steps and instantly dispelled the self – congratulatory comments by the Inspector to the young Constable on to how to deal with drunks with the comment, “I’ve got a better idea. I’m going to stick them up you’re ….!!!” I was never told what happened next. Perhaps
that was for the best. There is no doubt in my mind that the advent of C.C.T.V. in Uttoxeter Town Centre led to a reduction in street crime. The fights with subsequent mass Charges of Affray were quite lucrative for the Defence Lawyers in Town at the time. Whilst I am no advocate of the current mania for spying on our every move whereby some say that it has become policing on the cheap, the ethos behind the cameras is, I believe sound. It just wants reining in a bit and employed as an aid in fighting crime and not the be all and end all of it. Getting a bit serious now, so I will conclude on a lighter note. Evidence of the arrest of one of my Clients in the vicinity of Uttoxeter Railway Station went something like this. Sergeant,” I am arresting you”. Reply, “ No you can’t.”. “And why not?” Reply,” I’m with the Constable and he’s arrested me already”. I can’t help thinking that there is the making of a parlour game in there somewhere. See you in Court. John E.Glandfield
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Top CATS C.A.T.S. (Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society) has once again wowed their audiences with their annual Pantomime performed at the Cheadle Community Theatre in February. This year it was ‘Dick Whittington’ written and directed by C.A.T.S. former ‘Dame,’ Ian Wood. Over the four nights, the audience were entertained by a cast of thirty, the majority under 21 years old. The sets were creative, the costumes imaginative and the comedy hilarious. Dan Ede played the glamorous Dame Beyoncé Bun. Dan is a C.A.T.S award winning actor and he has also recently appeared as an extra in the Oscar nominated film ‘The King’s Speech.’ His outrageous costumes and headwear were a sight to behold. Caroline Stokes played the title role of ‘Dick Whittington, a role she first took on in 2001. Jess Leake played the role of the mischievous cat ‘Kitty.’ From Ian Wood, Director: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member and friend of CATS that has enabled this performance to reach it’s climax. Since we set out on this journey, it is difficult to express just how many people have been involved in putting on a pantomime: those on stage, those front of house and those who the audience never see, working extremely hard behind the scenes, every one of whom adds a little touch of magic and sparkle to a performance.” C.A.T.S is now in rehearsals for “The All England One Act Festival” which takes place later this month at Trentham High School, Allerton Rd, Trentham. This year, they are submitting 2 plays, one in the Adult section and the other in the Youth section. The ‘Youth’ entry is ‘Cinderella wore Combat Boots’ directed by Kyle Hill; is the first time for many years that C.A.T.S. has entered in this category. Kyle, aged 18 is studying ‘A’ level Drama at Moorlands Sixth Form College where he has already directed performances. He has also appeared in over 50 performances since the age of 5. “This play is a comical version of Cinderella, with a platonic style and role reversal. The audience will see a timid prince and a different Cinderella to what they expect,” explains
Kyle. The cast of 7 are all between the ages of 17 and 20. The play entered in the Adult category is ‘Duplex,’ directed by C.A.T.S. award winning director, Marge Stanley. It is a tense psychological drama with a twist at the end. The cast includes Rebekah Snow, Michelle Plant, Dan Ede, Mike Edge and the youngest, Victoria Wood, aged 19. “We mainly do comedies so I thought it was time for a change and an opportunity to stretch the actors. Don’t miss it; you’ll be at the edge of your seats,” explains Marge. C.A.T.S has an excellent track record in the ‘One Act Festival.’ The following members have all won awards recently: Marge Stanley, Janice Bentley, Marj Stokes, Dan Ede and Warren Leese. Last year the production of “A Quiet Night in” was runner up in the Staffordshire area and went forward to the Quarter Finals in Tamworth. The exciting news is that shortly after the productions in Trentham, both plays will be brought to the audiences of Cheadle. Dates have yet to be finalised, but should be in early April. Marge is very excited about the prospect. “The people of Cheadle know that we have won awards in the ‘One Act Festival’ but because it takes place out of the area, they don’t always have the opportunity to see the productions. We now have the chance to bring the plays to them.” Both plays are being performed at Trentham High, School, Trentham Stoke-onTrent. ‘Duplex’ is on Wednesday 23rd March and Cinderella Wore Combat Boots’ is on Thursday 24th. For further information, see local press or contact C.A.T.S. secretary, Jenny on 01538 751173.
Brand new Keys eys Estate Agents start the New Year in new surroundings. After first opening its doors in Blythe Bridge in 2002 Keys have out grown its old premises and have now moved to new premises in a prime location, still within in the village of Blythe Bridge. The new branch is now opposite the junction for Cheadle Road with customer parking and large double frontage display windows, perfect for an estate agent and very similar to Keys other Branch at Smallthorne. Keys are a family business opened by Liz & Christine in 2002, their sons Danny and James are now also involved in running the business on a day to day basis. Since first opening the business has gone from strength to strength now specializing in residential sales & lettings throughout Staffordshire & South Cheshire. The new branch was opened by Stoke City legend Alan Hudson, who has just released his new book “The Working Man’s Ballet.”
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Liz Mayer pictured with son Danny with Chris Havill and her son James. The new branch was opened by football legend and new Voice columnist Alan Hudson.
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Rugby players muck in for Beer Festival launch hildren with disabilities and special needs are set to benefit from the Sixth Annual Uttoxeter Beer Festival. The organisers are appealing for sponsors and visitors to help make the event as successful as previous years. Details of the event at Oldfields Sports and Social Club on Saturday June 4th were announced at the weekend. The chosen charity – which will benefit from profits raised – is Rakemark Respite, the school holiday club for four to eight year olds due to open in Uttoxeter this Easter. Rakemark has been set up by a group of mothers with special needs children who found there was nowhere local during school holidays for their children to get the stimulation and support they receive at school. It will be based at the Treetops facility in the grounds of Picknalls First School. Sue McGarry, the chair of Rakemark Respite, whose five year old daughter Morgan has Down’s Syndrome, said: ‘We’ve had funding from ESBC, and organised a family fun day and other events ourselves, but being chosen as the charity for the beer festival is brilliant. ‘We’ve worked out that around 200 children will benefit directly, but that doesn’t include the siblings. Brothers and sisters often become carers for children with special needs and this will mean they get time off too and can do what they want in the school holidays.’ Rakemark Respite have Ofsted Registration to make sure they comply with the national guidelines on early years care. The Treetops facility opens onto woodland grounds which are ideal for play and sensory development. Rakemark’s aim is for all children attending the club sessions to be able to learn, play and develop alongside each other in a caring and confident environment. The beer festival is a ticket-only event and previous festivals have sold out. It is run as a charity fund-raiser by the sports club and Uttoxeter Lions Club. Charities to benefit in previous years have included breast cancer care, the rugby charity for children Wooden Spoon and Saint Giles Hospice. Steve Shields, President of Uttoxeter Lions, said: ‘We’re confident of another big Custom made blinds and curtains. turnout but the festival’s Full measurement and making service. success as a fund-raising event depends on attracting Curtain alterations also undertaken. as many sponsors as possible. Friendly and local at competitive prices ‘Every keg of beer can be including collection and delivery. sponsored for £50. Apart recognition on the day, Claire Hardwick from the sponsor’s name appears Based in Oakamoor on the commemorative beer glass given to everyone who Tel: 01538 702201 attends. Mob: 07979 942050 ‘We’ve done a different Email: cdhw25@gmail.com glass every year and they’ve become quite collectable – so it’s a long-term advertising opportunity! ‘The beer festival is now one of the most popular events we run, and we have a great relationship with Oldfields, who are excellent hosts and help make the day so enjoyable.’ Beer Festival inquiries and tickets: Steve Shields: 01889 565522 Oldfields Sports and Social Club: 01889 564347
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Solicitors (incorporating Blaggs) 82-84 High Street, Cheadle (Access from Church Street) Car parking available Clients, old and new, can continue to be seen in Cheadle by appointment
Contact our Hanley Office on 01782 262424 • Specialists in Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Tax Planning, Care Home Fee Advice (Free Will service available in some cases) Maureen Dodd, Peter Beresford or Steve Marsden • Conveyancing - Residential and Commercial Andrew Grace • Family Law Christopher Hopkin and Gale Horton • Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Andrew Martin
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Pictured above : Oldfields rugby players and members join representatives of the Uttoxeter Lions Club and Rakemark Respite to launch this year’s Uttoxeter Beer festival. Standing L to R : Steve Shields (Uttoxeter Lions), Tom Adams (Oldfields), Zoe Hall (Rakemark), Steve Harris (Oldfields), Sue McGarry, Sally Hart (Rakemark), Vin Bradley, Simon Smith, Rob Sunderland (Uttoxeter Lions).
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The Checkley Jubilee Players
British Wildlife Rescue Centre visit Abbotsholme School
ecently Abbotsholme School held a mufti day in aid of The British Wildlife Rescue Centre, based at Amerton Farm. The centre’s main aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and release back to the wild the animals that come into them, however due to the nature of some of their injuries this is not always possible. These and other animals that were bred in captivity are housed in large aviaries and enclosures. These are made to represent the animal’s natural surroundings. The centre came along to the school with two of their resident owls, an Eagle Owl and a Barn Owl. Our Headmaster even managed to conquer his fear of flapping birds by
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he Checkley Jubilee Players are hard at work rehearsing for their next production, A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie. This is the first time the players have performed this type of murder mystery and are sure their audience will enjoy this classic play from the well respected Agatha Christie, produced and directed by long standing member of the players, Judith Mollart.It promises to be another outstanding evening so book your tickets now, the show will be staged from Wednesday 23rd March to Saturday 26th March 2011 Tickets available from Norma 01538 722233 Wednesday £5.00 Thursday £6.00 Friday & Saturday £7.00
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holding Toby the 8lb Eagle Owl. They also brought a ferret that was incredibly patient as he was being passed around the junior school children! The money that has been raised today will be donated to the rescue centre and it is hoped that some of the students in the Summer Term will be able to volunteer their services helping out with the wildlife. We would like to thank the British Wildlife Rescue Centre for taking the time to come along with the animals and look forward to handing over the mufti money.
Come and visit Europe’s largest collection of rare and endangered birds and wonderful collection of mammals from antelope to zebra. Special Easter activities including Easter egg hunt, painta-piece of pottery, meet Kentucky, see the penguin and meerkat feeds. Its a great Easter Day out for the whole family at Blackbrook Zoo. Situated only 5 miles from Leek on the A523 Ashbourne Road.
V O U C H E R
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for price of
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Terms and conditions apply. Call for details.
Blackbrook Zoological Park, Winkhill, Leek, Staffs ST13 7QR Telephone 01538 308293
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Feel the Spirit!
“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho;” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child;” “When the Saints go Marching In;” these are some of the best known survivors of the hundreds of remarkable religious folk songs that were created by enslaved African Americans. Uttoxeter Choral Society performed John Rutter’s ‘Feel the Spirit’ – a sequence of vivid spiritual arrangements at St. Mary’s Parish Church, led by their talented conductor, Anthony Rose. Rarely performed, the wonderfully crafted and highly appealing arrangements were vibrant and unique, topped off with a “makes you want to jump up and shout ‘Yeah!’“ ending! A hearty crowd came to enjoy the music music despite the inclement weather. The programme also included Schubert’s Mass in G, composed in just 6 days when the composer
was only eighteen years old. It is a simple but beautiful piece of music sung in Latin. Choir member Alexandra Scanlon said, “It was a challenge for us to get the Germanic Latin pronunciation right, but we worked hard and were ready to show the emotion in the music.” The choir were accompanied by the talented Orchestra Armoniosa whose members have played with the Hallé and the BBC philharmonic. The orchestra also performed Mozart’s popular Eine kleine Nachtmusik. Performing with the choir were the talented soloists Janet Fischer (soprano), Peter Kelly (tenor) and John Evanson (baritone). Uttoxeter Choral Society would like to thank Howsons Chartered Accountants for their sponsorship of this event.
Anthony and Julie Rose
Katherine Cruikshank, Marjorie Adcock and Muriel Topping
Shirley Holmes, Wendy Smith, and Mary Lenderyou
Richard Pelly, Stephen and Adele Hickling-Jones
David Hammond and Geoff Shaw
Matt Barker
Kath Stanier, Bob Stanier, and Hilda Grant
Jill Heughton, Margaret Burns, and Val Dykes
John Evanson, Janet Fisher, and Peter Kelly
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Let The Voice Be With You By Les Humphries ell, here we are again readers! Welcome to the New Year, and an established Coalition Government ,Conservative policies with Lib Dem approval, Lord help us! My oil heating bill has doubled since last year, and petrol has gone through the roof, with fuel duty still to come. VAT gone up, services being slashed, NHS having to cut budgets, it will be the cleaners and lower paid staff who get the axe. Jobs to go in every sector including the police, the refuse collectors in Birmingham are having their wages cut dramatically, and the working man and woman can keep going until they drop because they are the only ones who have a job. Meanwhile the bankers who got us into this mess have got their bonuses back. My neighbour, and good friend of over 40 years, Terry Reeves has a very dry wit, and he said to me "All these bags they keep putting through our letter boxes for old clothes and shoes don’t get anything from me any more, the way this lot are going we’ll need bags of our own before we’re finished!" He’s not far wrong I fear. With the police due to suffer cuts I don’t know how it will affect us in Rocester, we haven’t had a police presence for weeks. But we have cars parked opposite junctions, on double yellow lines, on pavements and motorists still speeding through the village, particularly now that the speed humps in Mill Street have been lowered. The police say parking is now the domain of the Highways Department, or Ali Baba and the 40 thieves as I call them since my debacle with my curb dropping fiasco last year. A friend of mine is looking at having the same job done at her home in Uttoxeter and asked my advice, what could I say? The rate for having your application even considered is now £100, plus all of the conditions that go with it, I wish her well, but I hope she’s not in a
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hurry to have the work completed, I told her I only wished there had been some way of bypassing them, but they now have things bound up tighter than a drum, and it takes a brave builder to take the work on in the first place, so wound up is it with red tape! JCB has picked up with some big orders which is great for the area with Sir Anthony now going to be an ambassador for Industry. Everyone got a Christmas bonus which put a smile on a lot of faces, except the Tour Guides in the twilight of their years who didn’t even get considered for a pro-rata payment, or even a small rise, still never mind, we’ll still give up our time because we enjoy doing the job. Uttoxeter Rugby Football Club 1st XV have been struggling this season, but are still managing to stay out of the relegation zone, and with some long term injured players now returning to action I am sure that results will improve in the coming weeks. Skipper Mike Davies says he is just hoping to consolidate the clubs position in Midlands 3 West (North) this season, and that is the right attitude I feel. Donald Hayes has welded the second XV into a solid unit, and they are doing well in the Merit Table, whilst the under 17’s are going great guns, taking a lot of scalps of more fashionable clubs. I always find it sad when former players, and even committee members send their sons to bigger clubs just to say "My lad plays for Burton, or my lad plays for Stoke", nothing wrong with playing for Uttoxeter Gentlemen! That applies to the mini section as well, a lot of people put in a lot of work on a Sunday morning, and full credit to them. Unfortunately my Grandson Owen, who at 13 is as tall as me, has taken to the round ball code, and is a useful goalkeeper from which position he skippers Rocester Juniors under 14’s in the 1st Division of the BFL.
Help For Heroes n exciting Help For Heroes fundraising event is to be held in Cheadle on Saturday, April 23rd. The theme of the evening will be based around the war years with a ‘Last Night at The Proms’ style finale. Cheadle entertainment supremo Alan Price has enlisted the services of one of Cheadle’s hardest working event organisers Pauline Keates to put this most important event together. Alan said: ‘A 40’s style performer, Colin Price, is part of an act which I booked for the town’s Christmas Shopping event and he approached me with the idea of putting on a show with 2 other singers from CATS, Bexi and Victoria. I said I was willing to co-ordinate the event and asked Pauline who used to help organise the Cheadle Festival, if she would come onboard. She agreed and we now formulating the show.’ The event will take place on St George’s Day at the Community Theatre, Cheadle High School. All proceeds go to the Help For Heroes Fund. Sponsors are asked to support the event.
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The Probus Club T
he Probus Club of Uttoxeter (the local branch of the national organisation for retired professional and business people) have arranged to listen to a talk about the “Staffordshire Hoard”, at JCB Social Club in Rocester, on Friday 6th May, starting at 2.30 p.m. The talk will be given by Ian Wykes of Staffordshire County Council, who has entitled it “Trusting the ground with the treasure of Warriors”, and will be open to members of the general public. Space is limited, and anyone interested in attending should apply for tickets to Jeff Miles, on 01283 820370. Tickets will be issued on a “first come, first served” basis, for a nominal charge of £3.00 per ticket. The Club meets once a month, normally on the last Friday (this event was postponed by the Royal Wedding), for a convivial lunch and social chitchat with like-minded people, and anyone interested in joining will be made most welcome.
They are having a superb season since being promoted to the 1st Division this term, and are joint top along with Rolleston Reds. They also have the Leagues top scorer in Tom Beaumont ( a good rugby name) who has 27 goals in 9 matches. Coach Neil Warburton who has been overwhelmed at the success of his lads, made a couple of excellent new signings during the Christmas period in Adam Keates and Jack Hassle which has strengthened the squad and eight goals between them saw them help Juniors to a 15 - 1 victory over Rolleston FC Silver at the end of January. Good Luck in the rest of the season lads. Please note that all of the placings and figures above are at time of writing which will be some weeks before publication. Nice to see the Antique Fairs back at Uttoxeter Race Course, it is always a pleasant way to spend an hour or two browsing, whilst maybe also picking up a bargain or two along the way. Then in the evening what nicer than to go for a nice Indian meal? I recommend the Divine in Uttoxeter Market Place where you are always guaranteed a warm welcome and a superb menu. They also now have an upstairs function room great for parties, if you haven’t already discovered the Divine, give it a try, next door to the Waterloo. Meanwhile, If you happen to live in Rocester and don’t want to travel to town, and you like Indian cuisine give the Rocester Tandoori Restaurant a try, they have much improved the privacy now and the menu is excellent! In closing, I would like to bid a sad farewell to Travis Hale who I had known since he was a lad, the son of my old chum Colin ‘Taffy’ Hale. Travis who died in a tragic accident was a larger than life character, well beloved trucker and darts player. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. TTFN LES
Carol Bradbury’s very popular Afternoon Dances continue in 2011 on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in most months at JCB Lakeside Club, Rocester, 2-4pm. Admission £2.50, music by Carol Bradbury. Please bring your own refreshments.
Uttoxeter Library ttoxeter Library is a fantastic community resource offering a range of facilities including free computer and internet use, a wide range of book stock and lots of activities. The library is at the top of High Street near the junction of Smithfield Road and Bradley Street. It is free to join and open six days a week, including a late opening until 7pm on Fridays. Over the years this popular and established building has seen many changes, including the addition of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Connexions and Job Centre Plus services within the library. Our wide range of library stock includes books, audio books, DVDs, CDs newspapers and magazines. Free IT courses take place during the year and if you are interested in tracing your family history we are forming an Ancestry Group. Just ask our friendly staff for details. We have Book Clubs that meet monthly in the library and a Crossword Club that meets every Monday morning. For our younger members (under 5s), Story Time on Tuesdays includes stories, songs and nursery rhymes. During 2011 we plan to stage several events including photographic exhibitions, displays from local groups as well as activities to encourage adult and family learning. We would also like to start a Book Club for middle school pupils and teenagers. We have friendly, knowledgeable staff, and something for everyone. We welcome visits from local groups (by arrangement) and can help with projects run by schools, guides, scouts and other groups. A meeting room is available for hire and we have a delightful courtyard where you can sit and read, or just take a rest and catch up with the gossip in the local paper. Come into Uttoxeter Library and see what we have to offer, you may well be surprised!
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The good old days
Can any of our readers identify these photographs of yesteryear? Give us a ring on 01538 751629 or email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk 30
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On the ball by Alan Hudson, former Stoke City, Chelsea & Arsenal star Could this be the year? his is certainly the year for me, with the rewritten edition of the aptly named book title The Working Man’s Ballet due out at Easter. This title is dedicated to my old boss Tony Waddington, who actually created this term to sum up those great players, of our day, from that working class background. The thing that is going through my head though, is will it coincide with Stoke City’s first ever trip to Wembley in the FA Cup? Those of you old enough will remember the heartbreak of those two semi-final defeats back in the early seventies, however, you can also remember the consolation of beating my Chelsea team in 1972 in the Leagues equivalent, obviously, it was the original Football League Cup. Since it’s been called more names than I have! When I have an evening out in my one man show ‘An Evening With’ I tell the story of us - Chelsea - letting you win. I jest. But only to a point. That meaning, I go on to say that in the previous two years, we at Chelsea, won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup, beating our arch enemies Leeds United in the first and, the most famous club team in the world in the second, those incredible men wearing that all-white strip that
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Leeds copied, Real Madrid. The only downside for me, or you could say, what would have made it the ‘icing on the cake’ for me, would have been had I won the first two trophies with Chelsea and. in my third season been on the winning side in ‘72, after all I joined not long afterwards. That, for me, would have been three different cup winners medals, by the time I had the key of the door. For those of you who don’t go to school, that means as a 21-year-old. Dreams, Oh, Dreams! Well, it is dream time again and, with a dream home draw against West Ham United I have a gut feeling my friend Tony Pulis will be leading his players out onto the new Wembley turf. Some might know that I am gambling man and, my only disappointment was that I never backed my old club back in January. Tony Pulis does not need any help from me, but if I were to give him any advice, I think he’d agree, Stoke City have absolutely nothing to fear. I have got to know the Stoke manager pretty well - without being a close friend - and I like him a lot. In fact, he is the first manager I have liked and, got close to since us losing the greatest manager Stoke City have ever had, Tony Waddington, if not the best of all time? Waddington was a genius and, to be spoken in the same breath as him, is a massive compliment alone and, I go as far to say that one day Tony, the
other one, will be talked of in such glowing terms. What he has done at the Britannia Stadium is nothing short of phenomenal. I watched the last three matches of their promotion season and, to be quite honest looking at their upcoming opponents Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa, I feared that they would go down quicker than the Titanic. Was Alan Ball the captain of that ship? That’s what a Stoke City fan might say! Talking of those teams, it was the latter that changed everything for me. When City beat Villa in that incredibly thrilling first home match in the Premier League, I think Tony Pulis took so much heart, thinking that ‘if we can beat Martin O’Neil’s side we can beat anyone.’ Because at that time Villa were being tipped as the team who were going to break the stranglehold that those top four have had on the Champions League places. I am going to back Stoke City to beat the east Londoners in round six and therefore edge towards making history for the club. I think the key will be the form of Ricardo Fuller, he has been given quite a bit of rest recently and, that tells me that Pulis is saving his ace card for the real big matches. And, although every match is a big match for Stoke there is absolutely none bigger than this one.
Mick’s Magical Memories By Mick Harper From Ashes to Accidents ecently a good mate and fellow Wolves supporter died suddenly from a massive heart attack. He was only 58 and it was a great shock to all who knew him as he always seemed to be very fit and active. He had never driven a car and used to walk for miles. His mother asked me if it would be possible to have his ashes scattered at Wolves’ Molineux ground as she thought this would be what he would have wanted. I told her that I would make enquiries on her behalf as I knew that it had often happened in the past. When I contacted Wolves they told me that unfortunately Health and Safety people put a stop to this practice some time ago. Whether or not it is still allowed in other areas of the country I am not sure but it certainly isn’t permitted in the West Midlands now. Wolves, to their credit, have now instituted a special book of Remembrance in their Main Reception area where relatives can have an entry made in special gold lettering to commemorate their loved ones. This book has the pages turned daily so if desired on the Anniversary of a person’s death their nearest and dearest can come along and have a moment with their cherished memories. This all brought back to me what a friend of mine witnessed at a top football ground about 8 years ago. He was attending a meeting in one of the executive suites overlooking the pitch when he observed a party of people walking across the playing surface. Amongst them was a Vicar complete with his robes. The meeting more or less came to a halt as everyone was more interested in what they could see going on outside than what they had come to discuss. Once the group reached the far side of the pitch they stopped and gathered around the Parson who had a book in his hands and was obviously conducting some form of service. By now the meeting had been temporarily abandoned as all eyes were transfixed on what was happening on the pitch. After about 10 minutes the ceremony began to reach a
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conclusion and the ‘audience’ realised finally what was going on when they saw a lady shaking the contents of a pot onto the pitch. Obviously someone had passed away for whom the club had been a major part of their life and their ashes were being scattered. As the group made their way back across the ground there was hardly a dry eye in the executive suite and everyone agreed that it was one of the most moving things they had ever seen. About 5 minutes later a man walked over to where the ashes had been scattered and again the meeting was side tracked. The person was carrying a brush and shovel and he proceeded to sweep up the departed’s remains and put them in the nearest bin. The emotion in the meeting had now turned to anger as they could hardly believe what they had witnessed. Attempts were made to make it public knowledge in the local evening newspaper, but they declined to print the story as they thought it would cause further distress to the family which was probably a correct decision in the circumstances. Nigel said it might be a good idea if I related some of the funny or unusual experiences I remember from my time in football. I have got plenty of these I can assure you, but I am certain that people who either played for or against my teams could tell some embarrassing tales about myself as I cringe when I think back to some of the things I did. Back in the early days of my managing the Wheatsheaf, we played an away game against Kirk Langley near Derby. In goal for the ‘Sheaf’ at the time was Alan Bostock who, believe it or not, played with glasses on. Probably Health and Safety might have something to say if it happened now! Anyway, the lads were having a kick in prior to the match when disaster struck. Tony Dronzek, an excellent striker at the time for the club, hit a fierce shot that smashed Alan’s glasses. As Alan hadn’t got a replacement pair and couldn’t see properly without them, I had to put someone else in goal for what was a crucial top of the table game. The opposition thought it was hilarious and were falling about laughing when they realised what had happened.
What they didn’t know however was that defender John Charlesworth who took Alan’s place was a superb goalkeeper as well as being a top quality rear guardman. The game ended 1-1 and John made a number of key saves to wipe the smiles off the home faces. Later in the season when Langley came to Uttoxeter for what was virtually the Championship decider we gave them a 4-1 mauling so they certainly didn’t think anything was funny that day! Some years later when the ‘Sheaf’ had graduated to the Burton Premier League we played a match at Shobnall Fields in Burton. There are a lot of pitches there which are close together. Often the ball from one game interferes with a match on another pitch. There was a little old guy running one of the lines in our game who was very energetic for his age racing up and down keeping up with the action when it was in his half. He was in full flight when a ball from the next pitch was cleared and struck him really hard on the back of his head. He didn’t know what had hit him and went down like a lead balloon. For a moment I thought the worse as he was completely motionless. Much to everyone’s relief the home trainer’s magic sponge did the trick and the guy came round and insisted on carrying on despite what had happened. Finally, I would like to wish my old friend and fellow columnist Alan Smith all the best following his operation. Alan is a wonderful character of whom I have many memories. Funnily enough when I think of him I always remember watching a limited overs cricket match at Uttoxeter Racecourse when Alan was playing for Bramshall. He was fielding near the boundary when the facing batsman struck what looked to be a certain four. Alan flung himself to his right and somehow got his hands to the ball. It was something that a top professional would have been proud of and epitomised how competitive Alan is whether he was on a football field or a cricket pitch. I can imagine that he is just as determined now on the golf course. Good health to you all, more next time if the Lord spares me! Mick
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On and off the field By Alan Smith Alan Smith has enjoyed a lifetime of sport in the Cheadle and Uttoxeter areas. Here Alan delves into his memory bank to write his unique brand of humour on colourful sports and life comments with memories of past and present which we hope readers will enjoy... much belated Happy New Year to you all. Before I start moaning about what is happening around us, let me first update you on my recent visit to Derby Hospital to have my hip replacement of 4 years ago replaced again. If you are a regular reader of my column which I hope you are, you will recall me telling you of the guy who believed me when I told him my delay to having my first hip replacement was because they only had white hips in stock and I needed a black one for me!! And when eventually they did do the operation, a few years ago, he stopped me whilst I was limping around Cheadle and said ‘they found you a black one then Al!’ Well let me update you, I saw the same guy 3 or 4 weeks ago whilst again recovering from my replacement of the replacement of the same hip and I stopped him before he could say anything and said ‘You know they sneaked a white one in after all.’ You wouldn’t believe his answer! When I went on to tell him how I’d witnessed the new black ceramic hip before the implant he said ‘I’d sue them!’ And he meant it - it takes all to make the world go round doesn’t it, God bless him. But then I suppose he could laugh at me when I tell you this. A few years ago on a journey to Mexico we flew from Gatwick and believe me for those of you who have been to that airport it is really commercialised with shops of all description within. On my browse around these shops I came upon what I thought was a sauce and spice tasting display and feeling a bit peckish I thought I’d sample on my finger from one of the many small pots on display, peaches and something it was. No one looking I had quite a large finger full. To my complete embarrassment and shock my mouth was enveloped in a covering of face cream. I hadn’t read
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the sign on the shop frontage stating it was a store for face creams, make-up etc. I quickly vacated the area to find a toilet to attempt to rid the stuff from within my mouth. Good job I’ve only got a small mouth!! I am sure you will all agree!! But on the subject of airports I will soon be picking my sister up o her visit to England in June. She’s so excited, Ann has never flown and never left America itself. I asked her what she wanted to see in England – ‘Everything’ she said. Then we agreed I could try to show her our beautiful country. She mostly wanted to see those soldiers guarding the Palace, the ones that don’t move, she said! Ann wants to see if she can make them laugh, crickey, I’ll have to keep my eyes on her. If time allows London obviously will be a place to visit but I would like to take her to The Lakes, York, and many more of our heritage beauty spots. As I warned in past editions don’t start gossiping if you see me holding the hand of a black lady, it will be my sister! A change of topic now as you are dying to hear my sporting round up nationally and locally ‘I don’t think!’ Anyway you are getting it! Football, well first let me tell you I talk regularly to Gary Franklin, son of the great Neil, Stoke City’s undoubted best ever centre half. Gary is about the same age as myself and we recalled some of the great days at the old Victoria Ground. One of these days being the match against Lincoln City in the late 50’s I think. What I recall of that day was that my mum and dad took me to the game on the PMT service bus, I say that because normally we went via Lymers coaches from Tean but the match was in doubt more or less up to kick off and the Lymers was cancelled. When we got to the game the pitch was covered
in snow and the markings were marked out in purple. But the day was to bestow upon my beloved Stoke a record. That was a 7 goal scoring feat by right winger Tim Coleman in our 8-0 thrashing of Lincoln. We also recounted other players in that team – players like Johnny McCue, Frank Bowyer, Johnny King, Harry Oscroft. McCue wouldn’t last 5 minutes in today’s non contact football but then, yes they were tougher tacklers, the ball did weigh a ton when wet, and if you headed that leather lace ‘ouch!’ But no diving, no spitting, no abusing officials by players and managers like they do now. Just play hard then pick your £20 wage up and go home. Football and its heirarchy want to get hold of the Test Match Rugby Union game in Cardiff between Wales and England. A credit to you who run the game, play the game, and watch the game, you have a sport to be proud of. No arguing with officials by players, total respect for them. Also I noticed fans mixing with one another in the stands, Welsh and English and they could even be trusted to have a pint at the same time! Could you imagine that in our football stadiums and afterwards no complaints from the Welsh manager/coach, obviously they didn’t go to the Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson good sportsmanship school thank God. Hey, what about our lads with the small red ball in Australia, terrific in the Tests and I think they will go well in the World Cup also. Locally I hope young Simon Plant has a better year at Cheadle – he should do with the players they have signed. I expect there to be a good bit of rivalry in the local derby with Checkley this season. Andy Carr will have his lads ready no doubt, Blythe if they can gain a couple of players could have a much better season this year also. I wish I was still playing cricket but still I have my memories and anyway I must get my golf handicap down from 15 to 12, hopefully this season – it’s just my short game, it’s rubbish! All the best Smithy
The ‘Utcheter’ and beyond Football Diaries from 1979 onwards... By Tim Leech, our Uttoxeter man exiled in the Potteries Gold Soup! uring a non illustrious cricketing career, I turned out for Checkley and Bramshall. I was usually in the second team, only because they did not have a third team. My missus called the clubhouse once and asked “Can I speak to Tim Leech Please?” to be informed that I was just going out to bat, she replied “I will wait!” Anyway football was my true love, cricket was just something to occupy the boring summers and I must say some of the social crack off the wicket was fantastic. A true story happened while I was playing with Bramshall away at GEC Stafford. The usual routine was to literally call in on every pub between Stafford and Utch on the way home, so you can imagine the states we used to get into. After another forgettable draw we had stopped at half a dozen hostelries and we ended up in a place near Uttoxeter. At the time this was a really high class restaurant/gastro pub and as we walked in Dave
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Dyche, another great wind up man was egging me on to keep the crack going. Well as we all approached the bar, a sign caught my eye and it read something to the effect of “If you can’t see a meal that you desire, our multi acclaimed Chef will cook whatever you request”. Well there was a group of around 15 of us merry men, making a racket and ruining the ambiance of the establishment for the other diners. The bar man approached me and I ordered a large round of drinks and he then asked “will that be all sir?” I couldn’t help myself and said “yes, I would like to order a bowl of Gold Soup please!” The bar man knew this was not on the menu so he said “I will go and ask the chef if he can accommodate you sir.” He came back and said our Chef does not know how to make Gold Soup, just the answer that I had been waiting for. With this, I started to play up; asking what type of gastronomic establishment this was if the so called acclaimed chef did not know how to make Gold Soup. The lads who were half pie eyed and legless did not know if I was being serious or not
and the whole of the restaurant was now locked in on the banter between me and the barman. I said “this is not good enough can I please see either the chef or the manager!” Five minutes later a rather posh looking manager came to see me with a sheepish chef following. He asked “Good evening sir, I believe you have requested a meal that we are unable to make for you”. “That is correct” I replied. “What is the meal that you require?” “Gold Soup,” I replied. The chef shrugged his shoulders, the lads sniggered, and the Manager enquired “Can you please tell us what is in Gold Soup” “24 carrots!” I replied. “Get Out, Get Out”, the manager screamed, the lads burst out in fits of uncontrollable laughter and we were promptly booted out. Bad Joke time – One of my favourite soups is Oasis soup – You get a roll with it, you get a roll with it. Happy Days Regards Roachy
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All-time Local Soccer Hall of Fame Team By Roy ‘Razzer’ Astbury Each month Uttoxeter’s best known character Roy ‘Razzer’ Astbury will compile his very own ‘All-Time Local Football Team’ which in his opinion is the very best of players past and present. ‘Razzer’ will create a team in each issue of The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice which he believes incorporates all the ingredients of a football outfit which could be unbeatable! He will be delving into his thoughts to remember all the terrific players in years gone by whilst selecting those who are exceptional in our present day. It should be a fantastic talking point in our community and no doubt you all will have your views on ‘Razzer’s Hall of Fame team. If you have your own Hall of Fame team then get involved and just give Nigel a call at The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice on 01538 751629, 0776 784 6937 to tell him or send your team to: The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1DT or email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
Razzer’s Hall of Fame February Team
BOB MEYRICK Bamfords
Dear Sir. Having grown up in Utt oxeter during WW2 years I moved to Stafford in 1965. I played football for Utt oxeter Amateurs from when they reform ed after the war [1954]. When visiting an old mate at his Denstone home he sav es me the local papers and these often include “the Voice” I am always ver y interested in your soccer contributo rs often reading about familiar names. My pal says he thought my name had appeared in “Razzers” team one we ek but he was not sure. If so is it possible that I could obtain a copy,this must sound egotistical but it is not just plain interest. In my first gam e for the Amateurs I was directly opposed to “Sigger” Brunt who wa s playing for Freehay, he was nearing the end of his playing days but was stil l an accomplished opponent. Thanking you in anticip ation of a favourable reply, keep up the good work, you must have many nos talgic readers like myself who you do not hear from. Harold Heath
A very reliable, strong goalkeeper who commanded his penalty box.
JOHN HIND Uttoxeter Town
GRAHAM JOHNSON Bamfords Great all-rounder who read the game superbly.
ROY WILNE Kingstone Rovers A really tough player who was always in the thick of the action.
A clever, hard-working defender who led by example.
TED GREEN Bamfords Captain Excellent in the air and very powerful, Ted was one of the best defenders around.
GEORGE BRIAN Uttoxeter Boys Club Always gave 100% and a great team player.
Goalkeeper GEORGE LINE George was a great organiser who commanded his area. Superb reflexes and safe pair of hands. Right Back JAKE NUTT Jake was a very intelligent footballer and a good distributor of the ball, always supporting his team-mates. Left Back MARTIN BUCKINGHAM Buckie was a tremendous athlete who could cross or shoot with either foot. Great ability. Centre Backs STEVE ABERCROMBIE Big Aber was a giant of a centre half, rugged tackler and awesome in the air. BARRIE WAIN Barrie was Mr Cool, never rattled who kept everything simple. A top quality allround footballer. Midfield LEON HIBBERD When I have been asked who was the best player I played with I always say Leon. He was a great footballer who made the game look so easy. PETER DOUGLAS Dougie was the midfield dynamo, very good defensively and always an eye for goal. Number 1 on the team sheet. JOHN PORTLOCK John could play in most positions, very intelligent player, a great passer of the ball with a touch of arrogance.
RUSSELL JOHNSON Leigh Tricky, fast, sharp in midfield, Russell possessed lots of talent.
BARRY FRADLEY Marchington 6ft 5inches of goalscoring talent, Barry was brilliant in the air and had a great shot on him.
MICKY STUART Uttoxeter Town Classy midfielder with great vision and a proven goalscorer.
BRIAN GOULD Westlands Road A flying winger who caused chaos to defenders, a real actionpacked player.
NIGEL MOTTRAM Rocester Top class player who could play virtually anywhere and give a man of the match performance.
We have inserted one football club each player has performed for. Obviously, many have played for several clubs in their careers.
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Former Wheatsheaf Athletic legend John Charlesworth of Uttoxeter selects his Greatest Ever Hall of Fame football team
Left Wing PAUL ESPLIN Eskie was a real tricky winger. He could shoot and cross with tremendous power and accuracy. The best left foot I have ever seen in local football. Strikers VIN BLOOR Vinnie was a natural striker. He had the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Great balance and always knew where the net was. MICK COLLINS Mick was an outstanding striker who scored fantastic goals. Tremendous ability and he would walk into any football team.
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BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY
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ÂŁ60
per pe
2 0 11 Miss Staffordshire
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ÂŁ550
Package includes:
Saturday 14 May 2011
• Premier badge • Reception drink • Three course silver served dinner
The final of the Miss Staffordshire competition takes place in the Final Furlong Marquee. Only diners in this suite can watch the competition and see the Miss England candidate take her crown!
• Raceday programme • Large screen • Direct access to the track side
The hospitality package for this event includes evening racing and the Miss Staffordshire competition followed by a live band after racing until 10.00pm.
• Miss Staffordshire final • Live band playing after racing near Hoops Bar
Gates open at 3.30pm. Competition commences at 4.30pm
www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk Tel: 01889 562561 36
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