Our Burslem News Winter 2017

OBN4 Winter 2017

Our Burslem News Loving life in the Mother Town

Burslem Businesses Walter the Pigeon

Mother Town Poems

Burslem Christmas Funtime

Urban Sketchers of Stoke

Burslem Unites!

One of the highlights was surely the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition at Burslem School of Art, with hundreds of people admiring the varied work by artists from Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. Congratulations to Barewall for securing the exhibition for our town, and the successful collaboration with Keele University.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Our Burslem opened up the Wedgwood Institute for a full house eagerly listening to the story of the Battle of Burslem, our friends from the Arnold Bennett Society, and the North Staffordshire Woodcarvers.

Iron Ed at Burslem Unites!

Our annual August bank holiday bash was another big smash with all the Our Burslem supporters, and folks from across the city – and yet again, we were blessed with fabulous weather, so 2017 has been kind to our festivals…

Lovely live music, Warwick’s funfair rides, the Ikon classic cars gang (with possibly the loudest car sound system known to man), alongside all our community friends raising money and awareness for good causes, created a real buzz in Queen Street and St John’s Square.

Another special feature of the day was the presence of the Urban Sketchers of Stoke: you couldn’t move for artists capturing the day’s action and Burslem’s iconic architectural gems.

There really was a lot of positive energy in town for Burslem Unites!, and we’ll be looking forward to similar pleasures in 2018!

‘The Battle of Burslem’ talk in the Wedgwood Institute

welcomed their first grandchild in July 2017, Reilly Edward Holdcroft – the next generation in waiting!

Holdcroft Heating specialises in new gas boiler installations, servicing and repairs. Holdcroft is also an accredited installer of renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal panels and air source heat pumps, creating the opportunity to significantly reduce energy bills, and your carbon footprint. Holdcroft is renowned for its successful apprenticeship programme, with over sixty apprentices making the grade to date.

Steve Holdcroft left Moorland Road School in 1979, and as you will see, he didn’t fall far from the tree…

Steve had joined British Gas as a 16 year old apprentice, but always had ambitions to run his own business.

So, 28 years ago Steve made the decision to start his own company in partnership with his wife, Tina. At the time their eldest son was just five months old; initially working from home, it soon became apparent that they needed extra room, so in February 2001 Tina and Steve bought premises on the top of Smallthorne bank, then relocated to Moorland Road, Burslem in December 2010.

The family business is complete with Matt & Mark becoming qualified gas engineers and now working alongside their Mum and Dad. Steve and Tina

Holdcroft Heating will continue its investment in training local people, with the support of local customers, and their commitment to using a company which also invests in its local community. For every boiler service booked using the reference ‘Burslem’ we will donate £1 to Our Burslem.

Holdcroft Heating | Moorland Road ST6 1EA | sales@holdcroftheating. com | 01782 811102 | www. holdcroftheating.com

One of Burslem’s newest independent businesses, JLM Studios is a fully equipped music studio attracting the interest of artists from across the Potteries.

JLM is operated by Jordan Pemberton.

As Jordan explained to OBN ‘the idea of setting up my own recording studio only came about half way through my popular music and technology BA honours course at Derby University.

It was there that I was taught the ins and outs of professional studio engineering, and realised it would be good to bring those skills back and work in my home town of Burslem.’

Jordan chose to locate his new business in the heart of town, discovering a derelict building which seemed to hit the right note, having stood rock solid for some 200 years in Clayhanger Street.

Jordan put all his own money into the project, and with backing from family and friends he’s transformed the old building into a state of the art music rehearsal and recording studio. He hopes that the opening of JLM Studios will appeal to established musicians across the city, and attract new would-be players and singers to check out their own potential. Who’s out there and ready to be the next Robbie or Lemmy?!

JLM Studios is a comfortable and stylish environment, ideally positioned to support the local music scene; facilities are in place for rehearsal and practice sessions, workshops and one to one tuition, and the studio equipment has all the gizmos you would expect to find in a contemporary digital recording setup. With Jordan at the controls, you’ll be in safe hands.

JLM Studios | Unit 1 Clayhanger Street ST6 3EE | Jordan.pemberton@yahoo. co.uk | 07940 038351| JLM Studios

Bringing it all back home

By Fred Hughes Coming home always gives a warm glow of anticipation, of memory and nostalgia. We re-engage with old friends, and revisit our favourite places, devour oatcakes and stuff down pikelets and lobby.

If we have been away for any length of time we become fascinated in the changes that have been made, some for the better, and sadly some we think for the worse.

It was such a reunion when I met up with sisters Patricia and Christine Aucock, now named Le Breton and Franks respectively after they married.

Patricia has lived in Jersey for most of her life, married to a Jersey Islander, John, while Christine lives not too far off in Porthill.

The sisters had been tracing their family history and discovered they had an uncle who had made a successful career in America during the twenties and thirties.

Burslem-born, Uncle John Aucock had served in the First World War as a commissioned officer, and had not returned home when the war ended. Doing their research the

sisters discovered he went to America settling in Hoboken, New Jersey, and became an executive board member of the internationally known Macy’s department store for more than 28 years. He died in the States at the age of 63.

Recent family history research had unearthed an obituary in the New York Times confirming Uncle John’s British background. It included the name of his surviving wife Florence and his five children, and mentioned his brother Harold, the father of Christine and Patricia. Patricia told me ‘his family at home knew John survived the war, but lost touch completely afterwards. My father Harold died in1965, but throughout his life, Harold had absolutely no idea whatever happened to his brother.

Even I was brought up thinking he hadn’t survived after the war.

My father always talked about his younger brother and it is so sad that he never knew what happened to him and that they’d lost touch.’

Patricia Le Breton and Christine Franks Picture courtesy of The Sentinel

The incentive to dig into the family connection in America grew from a recent visit by Christine’s son, Andy and his partner Michaleen Hilton.

Spurred on, Christine says ‘it was Michaleen that fired us up to learn more about the family. I really wish we had done this a long time ago now.’

Why John didn’t return home to Burslem will probably always remain a mystery. Patricia’s husband John Le Breton, suggests that ‘there may have been a rift in the family. But the family split was sudden, and a lifetime of having no connection was so sad.

John must have thought about his home because the New York obituary clearly said he had a brother and a sister in England.’

In contrast to his brother, Patricia and Christine’s father Harold stayed in Burslem and became the caretaker of Moorland Road High School in 1938, a job that he took over from his father, whose name is on the dedication plaque of the school’s opening event. For my part it is a good story. I love the mystery of genealogy and admire those that go in search of their predecessors to help give them a deeper identity.

Meanwhile, Patricia and Christine shared with me, in addition to pots of tea at Middleport Pottery café, their memories of Burslem, of the Aucock family who were so much involved with civic interests, and reminiscences

of that corner of the Mother Town also so familiar to me – the railway station of the Loop Line, the Victorian swimming baths and, of course, the wonderful Burslem Park, where the sisters had spent so many happy childhood days.

Follow Fred on his blog

https://fredhughesblog.wordpress.com/

Interested in local history and literature?

STOKE-IN-PRINT II

This ten week course explores the Potteries' literary heritage, including Arnold Bennett's Clayhanger, and Dave Haden's 2012 novel The Spyders of Burslem, moving from the late 19th century to the present day Led by Dr Catherine Burgass Tuesdays at Keele University 27 Feb - 15 May 2018 Search Stoke-in-Print at keele.ac.uk for more Email cburgass@yahoo.co.uk

Coming up in the Mother Town

C

Arnold Bennett 150 Celebrations Wed 29 Nov - Stoke Film Theatre 7.45pm Special Arnold Bennett Live and On Screen Two Short Story Adaptations “UNDER THE CLOCK” and “THE HEROISM OF THOMAS CHADWICK”

Art Club Tuesday evenings 6pm - 8pm

Wed 6 Dec - AB Society Literary Lunch – Middleport Pottery 12.00 for 12.30 Limited number of places

Japanese Classes Please contact us to discuss new Classes starting in the New Year.

Email Carol on arnoldbennettscty@btinternet.com OR 01782 641337

Burslem Bellowers Wednesday evenings - 700 - 8.30pm

Kilnworx Climbing Centre

Burslem China Painters Tuesdays 10am - 12noon A variety of Adult Learning Courses organised by Stoke-on-Trent Council.

Includes, Drawing and painting people and Floristry.

Wycliffe Street ST6 3ET Details 01782 938491 Indoor climbing for beginners to experts, for all ages in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Kids Club for 6-16 years, birthday parties.

Quilpy’s Sunday Club Ye Olde Crown Live music every Sunday from 6.30pm 3 Dec - Jukebox Heroes 17 Dec - Iron Head 24 Dec DJ

Burslem History Club Local historian Mervyn Edwards will present the following talks at the Leopard.

13 Dec - Christmas Customs - Bill Durose Admission is £5 per talk, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. You can turn up on the night, or to book in advance, call 01782 499766. www.burslemhistoryclub.btck.co.uk

Burslem Welcomes 1 Dec - 4pm - 5pm Burslem Christmas Ghost Tour Bill Cawley Family Friendly £5 and £3 kids.

Meet at Market Place Cafe.

1 hour duration ending in Swan Square.

Burslem School of Art | Queen Street | info@burslemschoolofart.com | 01782 810808

Port Vale in the Community Saturdays 10am-12 noon boys football @ Dimensions £4 Saturdays 10.30am-12 noon girls football @ PVFC Academy £3 Saturdays 9.45-10.30am Baby Boomers @ Dimensions £3 Mondays 6.00-7.00pm Skills centre coaching @ Northwood Stadium £3 Mondays 7.15-8.15pm Girls football @ PVFC Academy £2 Tuesdays 7.00-8.30pm Walking football 50+ @ Co-operative Academy £3 Wednesdays - 7-8pm Ladies over 30 football @ Dimensions, £2.00 Thursdays 6.00-7.00pm Soccercise girls 14+ @ Dimensions £2 Fridays 4.45-5.45pm Disability Football 5-14yrs @ PVFC Academy £2 Fridays 6.00-8.00pm Youth Club 9+ @ PVFC Academy 50p Half terms 9.00am-3.30pm 5-13yrs Contact PVFC Foundation 01782 757066 | www.foundation.trust@port-vale.co.uk

Nov Tue Mee at 1 11:0 Fri 1 cast for a 6 Sp Tim Sat Gre Wes Tim Tue Mee 10:3 Tim Sat Reo Gre Wes Tim Wed Wre Gre Lak Tim

Plea furt Pho

E-m

Coming up in the Mother Town Ford Green Hall 26 Nov - from 11.00am Christmas Craft Fair 11am - 4pm last admission 3.30 Free Admission

November Tue 14 - Social Walk - Mallard Trail.

Meet at Westport Lake Visitor Centre at 10:30am 11:00am - 12:00 £2.00 Fri 17 - Indoor Climbing at Jubillee 2, Newcastle - available for all. Equipment provided 6 Spaces Available Time: 10:30-11:30 £6.00 Sat 18 - Orienteering - Medium Course Green Door Hub, Westport Lake Road.

Time: 10:30-12:30 £2.00 Tue 21-Social Walk - Mallard Trail.

Meet at Wesport Lake Visitor Centre at 10:30am Time: 11:00 - 12:00 £2.00 Sat 25 - Last Day of Cycle Hire Reopens 6th February 2018 Green Door Hub, Westport Lake Road.

Time: 10:30-15:30 £6.00 Wed 29 - Willow Weaving - Willow Wreaths. 12 spaces.

Green Door Hub, Westport Lake Road.

Time: 10:30 -12:30 £6.00 Please contact to book activities or for further information : Phone :- 07824473432

E-mail info@green-door.org.uk

17 Dec - From 11.00am - 4.00pm 17th Century Christmas at Ford Green Hall See the hall decorated for Christmas. Live music. Pomander making. Mulled wine and Mince pies. Adults £1.50 Children £1 Last admission 3.30pm For more details contact: Ford Green Hall | Ford Green Road |Smallthorne | fordgreenhall.museum@gmail. com | 01782 537696

For more info contact Middleport Matters on middleportmatters@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook

Stoke-on-Trent College Dance Studio, Moorland Road Thursdays (term time only) First session free – a taster to see if you like it!

5-6pm11-13 years | 6-7pm 14-21 years | 7-8pm 21 years plus 8-8:50pm advanced group for experienced dancers Call or email to register 07919 026962 / hello@frontlinedance.co.uk

FRONTLINEdance is an integrated dance company for disabled and nondisabled people, with strands for older people and dance and health.

Established in 2001, FRONTLINE offers training, workshops, performances and advocacy in both dance and disability. Our work can be tailormade to suit a diverse range of ages and settings, including schools, hospitals, elderly care, community and commercial.

Our inclusive dance workshops are for all members of the community to enjoy and participate together.

Classes are for anyone looking for sociable fun, to those who want a more advanced and challenging class. All classes are delivered by experienced dance professionals, and we’re working right here in Burslem…

Wednesdays (fortnightly) For disabled children and young people (ages 5-11yr olds) Delivered as part of the Stoke-onTrent Aiming High Programme Call Action for Children for information and to register 01782 683190 Workshops for older people and for health are available at Haywood Hospital and Bradeley Village. Please get in touch with Rachael Lines for more details.

Watch our work at vimeo.com/ frontlinedance, and keep up to date with Facebook/Twitter @ FRONTLINEdance1 frontlinedance.co.uk | 07919 026962 | hello@frontlinedance.co.uk

At long last, the scaffolding has been removed from the Queen's Theatre frontage, but it's the fringe studio venue to its right, which is creating a bit of a stir in Burslem and further afield.

The Old Post Office has been given a new lease of life as an open plan events space that can be used for a variety of different functions.

It’s available to hire for all kinds of activities, and co-ordinator Ian Moore is keen to engage with people who live in the Mother Town and beyond.

Its first season has included Shakespeare, live music for lazy Sunday afternoons with the Potteries Blues Club, writer's workshops, a young people's youth theatre, and weekly stand-up comedy for Saturday nights with Roll On The Floor Laughing.

'We are looking for the local community to be a part of what we do', adds Ian. 'A brand new lighting and sound system were installed in June this year, we have a licenced

bar and we offer excellent rates for community use; parties, fayres, exhibitions, events which will embrace the local community’s interests. We can comfortably accommodate up to 100 people. Burslem hasn't has a performance space for quite some years and this is Stoke-on-Trent's only fringe venue, a space that invites allcomers to stage or perform new work, performers, musicians, workshop facilitators’.

The Old Post Office hosts Burslem's very own Christmas show, Beauty and the Beast, from Wednesday 20 December to Friday 6 January, with tickets from as little as £6. Tickets available at Barewall (01782 258843).

The Old Post Office | 12 Wedgwood Street ST6 4JH | oldpostoffice.org | oldpostoffice@mail.com

Burslem Jubilee is a great local success story: it exists to relieve poverty, promote good mental health, and advance education among asylum seekers and refugees in Stoke-onTrent by providing social, educational, and leisure activities to facilitate integration within and for the benefit of the wider community.

Though established by Burslem Elim church joined by others from the United Reformed Church – as well as people of no faith tradition – Burslem Jubilee is a non-religious charity, people working together to welcome new arrivals to Stoke-on-Trent.

Indeed, we meet in a shared church building at the Burslem Lighthouse in Moorland Road, a further example of what is possible when people of faith work together.

We have grown from being a small lunch club into a registered charity which employs staff, our teacher of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). We have built on our foundations to remain as a person-centred, friendly and warm place for people to find acceptance, self-worth, and their place in their new lives in the UK. We meet on a weekly basis with our social drop-in (including the allimportant lunch) and ESOL tuition, including Life in the UK, is provided over two days a week. Representatives from relevant agencies are on hand to provide advice and information (e.g. CAB, NHS, housing, police, fire service) and workshops with various art groups who offer opportunities for self-expression (eg New Vic Theatre, British Ceramics Biennial and Appetite Arts).

As and when a person’s claim for asylum is accepted, their status changes and they become refugees, given just 28 days’ notice to find a place to live, and a source of income.

We help people through this process as well, assisting individuals to settle and contribute fully to the UK. If you would like to help the project please contact Sheila Podmore by email pody38@yahoo.com or on 07958 25028.

Jon R French Ceramics

Ceramic artist and master craftsman Jon French has spent the past 31 years learning the potter’s art in his adopted city of Stoke-on-Trent, and he isn’t finished with learning just yet.

The 16 year old Jon wrote to Wedgwood to enquire about an apprenticeship in 1986. An interest in art, social history and the industrial revolution had inspired the young from the Essex/Suffolk border, and he spent the next three years lodging at the YMCA in Hanley, as his work took him around the Wedgwood group factories, from Barlaston to Mason’s in Hanley, and to Coalport where he learned the art of painting figurines freehand.

Jon spent 20 years as a Wedgwood brand ambassador, pitching up for long stays in China, the USA, Japan, and even the QE11 liner, where he’d demonstrate throwing and decorative

techniques, and show off specially manufactured Wedgwood products.

By 2016 Jon barely recognised the modern ceramics industry compared to the industry he had joined as a teenager. He started out on his own, working from home. Then he did the Middleport Pottery tour (‘great tour’) and decided it was the right place to set up shop. He moved into his studio there in February 2017, and since then he’s been crafting his own pots and pictures, teaching local people – families, kids, grandparents – as well as taking group and oneto-one sessions.

Jon would like to see our pottery manufacturers invest in new products, to modernise and become more competitive, including more training for young people. He perceives a heightened awareness of the skills and knowledge which go into producing pottery, and his pride in the Potteries shines through as he says ‘you’re making something from nothing but a lump of clay – making a pot can change your life’. Good to hear, when you think back to the 16 year old who had no idea where Stoke was…

Jon R French Ceramics| Middleport Pottery | Tel : 07811 133816 | Email: french-jon@sky.com | french-jon.wix.com/jonfrenchceramics

Urban Sketchers storm Burslem!

Festive Lights

by Barry Ashley

We invited the Urban Sketchers of Stoke to capture our Burslem Unites! festival on the August Bank Holiday. The town was awash with artists sketching and shading away in the glorious sunshine, and those talented artists did an amazing job to represent the beauty of our lovely town‌

For more see Urban Sketchers of Stoke on Facebook.

Burslem Calendar Exclusive!

Get hold of a fabulous 2018 calendar created from illustrations by Urban Sketchers of Stoke when they visited Burslem Unites!

Beautiful illustrations of the Mother Town’s glorious heritage. All your favourite buildings and views!

On sale soon. Watch our Facebook page for release dates.

An effort by the local folk That goes on all year round To ask and meet and seek Where funding can be found So that as we enter winter and The nights grow cold and dark We can see as we enter Burslem Walking down from the Park That there are bright festive lights For long Christmas nights So the effort please remember Join us for the switch-on early in December

What’s on at Middleport Pottery

Burslem Business Directory

Introductory Offer on until

Friday 22nd December 2017 Any manicure £10. Usual prices start from £15.

Any acrylic, gel, fibreglass or silk extensions £15.

Usual prices start from £15-£30

Email :gaylemills1973@outlook.com Landline :01782 823042Mobile :07568604860

it’ The New Name for Dominiques Wine Bar 1 St John’s Square Burslem Tel : 01782817972

J Nixon Security Limited For your security requirements: Door Supervisors, Static Security, Event Security Mobile Patrols CCTV

Contact: 01782 481540 24 hour 07794165411 grosvenorsecurity@hotmail.co.uk

Bur spe wat Tow sma Dirt Wo and the for McA 3D a be of t diff To s AR clay

Burslem Business Directory Only £20 per 1,000 houses delivered.

We cover Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire.

1,000 free if you book in 10,000 or more!

5.

5.

Contact us on 07889 621115

860

it’s Claybody Theatre!

Burslem-based augmented reality specialist ooh-AR gave audiences watching a play set in the Mother Town a digital treat through their own smartphones.

Dirty Laundry played at the Spode Works in October, to massive popular and critical acclaim. Posters advertising the show and the official programme for Dirty Laundry – written by Deborah McAndrew – launched an atmospheric 3D scene, with a series of plates and a beautiful vase. When tapped, each of the plates launched a video about different aspects of the play...

To see for yourself, download the oohAR 3D app and scan the homepage at claybodytheatre.com and see ooh-AR.

Interested in advertising in

Our Burslem News?

Please email us on ourburslem@gmail.com for details.

Our Burslem Committee Alan Dutton

Chairperson

June Cartwright

Founder, Vice Chair

Don Haynes

Treasurer

Tracy Machin

Treasurer

Jay Gardiner

Event Co-ordinator

Annette Cartlidge Secretary

e: ourburslem@gmail.com

by Chris Morris

Chris Morris is a great supporter of all things Burslem! He produces his unique Walter the Pigeon cartoons, posting on Our Burslem and other Facebook pages.

He’s originally from Middleport, and an avid collector of memorabilia from the Mother Town and our city. Chris is a guide at Middleport Pottery, and consistently champions our fabulous heritage and history, engaging with adoring fans of the Potteries from around the world.

Cover illustration by Chris Moult of Urban Sketchers Stoke on Trent.

Our Burslem News Winter 2017 was written and edited by Daniel Shaw, designed and edited by Annette Cartlidge. Printing by Martyn Brierley at The Print Shop (01782 822579).

Distribution to 5,000 homes by Mac Leaflet Distribution (07889 621115)

With Christmas approaching, here’s a timely reminder of details of our local churches Holy Trinity

Hamil Road | Father Brian Williams | 01782 825841

St Paul’s

Church Square Dalehall | Reverend Darren McIndoe | 01782 817673

Christ Church

Remer Street | Reverend Darren McIndoe | 01782 817673

St John’s Community Church

Woodbank Street | Reverend Lydia Palmer | 01782 817673

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

Hall Street | Father Christopher Miller | 01782 837602

Swan Bank

Swan Square | Senior Pastor Ashley Cooper | 01782 575129 All of the churches have websites which give more detail about their activities

2

more

Our Burslem a poem by Barry Ashley

Can I write a few words of verse about Burslem, I can And who better to do this than a local man A man who has spent many hours in Boslem at night Lived there, drank there and supported the black and white But Burslem some say has a longer history that the US of A Our buildings built whilst civil wars raged on foreign shores Established the most powerful country who bought the wares Of Wedgwood, Adams, Woods, Doulton’s and the like Whose people grafted hard in the worst of conditions Who fought hard for a better life in the Mother Town Hardy people heads high who never looked down Through the quiet years and the lull in trade For other towns tis believed we were betrayed But things are on the up, regeneration, new heights Burslem festivals, celebrations as Burslem Unites!

And the local people who worked hard for the festive lights So as the nights draw in and the frost nips and bites We gather for Remembrance brave souls to remember Then again for the Christmas lights in December

Barry Ashley has published two books of his own poetry; you can still buy the second volume Whispers from My Coffee Cup (£4.99), as well as Village Changes – A Tribute to Thomas Tomkinson (the original Smallthorne poet, (4.25). Both published

by Smallthorne Publishing, great Christmas stocking-fillers; contact Barry at barryashley@btinternet.com or 07914 428941.

Useful numbers for active citizens Ruth Smeeth MP

01782 454370

Cllr.Alan Dutton (Burslem Central)

07982 231567

Cllr. Joy Garner (Burslem Park)

07986 442770

Report Fly Tipping Report Dog Fouling Environmental Crime 01782 232233 Report Potholes Highways

01782 237061

Stoke-on-Trent City Council www.stoke.gov.uk

01782 234234

Burslem Community Firestation

01782 898010