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FREE You can now read The Voice online at: rry www.uttoxeter-voice.com A Me and

as d ristm H N A s e Plus Rocester, Beamhurst, Stramshall, Bramshall, uDenstone, pero Kingstone, s o Marchington, our Leigh, Combridge, Crakemarsh, r l P l a to Lower Gratwich, andLoxley, Willslock, Doveridge, YearLoxley, sers Spath, Kiddlestitch, Highwood, i t Draycott-in-the-Clay, r e Adv Green, ers Scounslow Read Checkley, Lower Tean, Tean, Cheadle, n Ch y awhole Covering appthe w of Uttoxeter

Issue 14

Draycott, Forsbrook, Blythe Bridge and villages in between DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND, WE HAVE INCREASED OUR DISTRIBUTION TO

13,000 FREE COPIES TO LOCAL HOMES EVERY MONTH

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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.

Now available online!

Do you have family and friends living out of our area perhaps even abroad?

Well, now they can read The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice colour magazine online at: www.uttoxeter-voice.com This fantastic new innovation also means our advertisers are hitting an even larger readership!

Contents Another Triumph for Checkley Players

Plus

FREE DELIVERY On orders of £9 or more

• Just The Perfect Day for local couple

Only available at Subway Uttoxeter

• Christmas Gift Ideas

Abbotsholme students work towards reducing carbon footprint

Call 01889 562 32 6

• Magnificent Cheadle Mansion House

Black Tie & Diamond Evening at JCB Lakeside Club

• All your favourite columnists have their say •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 15 OF THE VOICE WHICH IS OUT IN FEBRUARY 2010 - BOOK YOUR ADVERTS BEFORE FEBRUARY 17TH!!

As usual, we do not produce The Voice in January.

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.

Any 6 inch breakfast and coffee £1.99

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Buy 1 footlong meal deal get a 6 inch free

2 footlongs and 2 6 inches for £10.99

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.

40 High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HT Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 7am-10pm, Sunday 9am-7pm Terms and conditions apply, available anytime at Subway Uttoxeter only.

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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.

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Taking a bite out of the Big Apple…

Welcome to Moorland Mobility What a huge range of mobility and access equipment and vehicles in stock! You are welcome to take a test drive at the showroom in Leekbrook – convenient from Leek, Ashbourne and Buxton and also now at Uttoxeter.

By Amy Eley and Eleanor Aldridge welve hours of travelling and traffic wasn’t enough to hold down our excitement for the journey ahead. There's a reason that New York is called the City that never sleeps. From the horns honking to the lights flashing, the buzzing atmosphere was overwhelming and left everyone in a state of awe.

Arriving at JFK Airport, Thomas Alleyne’s School Choir was tired and jet lagged but was hit by the amazing heat that awaited us as we got off the plane. With not too high hopes for the hotel (well… it was a school trip) we weren’t sure what to expect when arriving at our destination: Hotel Pennsylvania, 401, Seventh Avenue. However the marble walls and floors and the huge bedrooms won us over.

We spent our first evening in Times Square. The vibrant landscape took everyone by surprise; we didn’t expect the city to light up our lives in the way it did. We ate our weight in food at the restaurant “Planet Hollywood” where on display was the one and only Robert Pattinson’s famous suit from Twilight; we were drooling, and not over the food! Our excitement continued back to the hotel rooms where the sound from the outside kept us energised; we didn’t get much sleep that night (any night in fact, but don’t tell our teachers!)

We visited many special places on our tour, including: Broadway (where we saw Phantom of the Opera which was INCREDIBLE!), the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Ground Zero, Central Park, Strawberry Fields, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Gardens, Grand Central and not forgetting the one and only Macy’s just to name a few. On top of all of this we performed as a choir and as soloists at the chapel at Ground Zero which was very moving and at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. After a very busy few days with lots of walking and sore feet, it was time to pack our bags and move on to Washington D.C. However our plans were somewhat delayed when one of our dear friends collapsed in the middle of a New York street. We all pulled together and became a closer unit as 6 hours of waiting went by. Thankfully our friend recovered and we were able to travel onwards.

After a five hour coach journey, twenty-six pupils and two teachers arrived at Hotel Harrington, Washington D.C. We were six hours delayed and very tired- we crawled into bed that night! Our days in Washington flew by, and before we new it, it was Tuesday, and our return trip home! We had visited many places in Washington such as The George Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, The War Memorial, The White House, The Capitol Building, many Historical museums, The Old Post Office Pavilion, Union Station and The Hard Rock Cafe!!

Washington D.C. was completely different to New York, the atmosphere was much calmer, we just couldn't believe this was the Capital of America! In D.C. we also performed two concerts, one at a Church and the other at a care home for the elderly, which the choir, soloists and the audience all enjoyed! We performed a wide range of music from sacred numbers to Disney songs, which all went very well. A week had gone too fast, and no one could believe our time in the US was over. We had all experienced and seen the most amazing and fantastic things, had all learnt how to work as a team and care for our group, and had had an incredible time on this once in a lifetime trip, but most of all we had made friendships that will last a lifetime.

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Moorland Mobility is run by husband and wife team Malcolm and Terry and resident expert, Gina. They have convenient showroom premises in Leekbrook, a short distance from Leek and just half an hour from Ashbourne or Buxton. It is a short journey worth making because their showroom has a huge range of mobility items in stock that you can test and see working, and Gina can advise on meeting your requirements and answer all mobility-related queries.

Moorland Mobility keeps in stock: Plenty of choice in the range of mobility equipment to help people get out and about around Ashbourne & the Dales and Leek & the Moorlands: • Wheelchairs and walkers • Wheelchair accessible vehicles • Scooters • Ramps and railings for outdoor areas • Clothing that is stylish and practical for outdoor trips in mobility equipment A large range of mobility equipment for comfort and safety in the home: • Rise and recline chairs • Stair lifts • Adjustable beds • Rails and accessories for the home • Ramps • Cushions, pillows and bed accessories DIY Christmas Hampers are now available for the loved ones that you may find ‘difficult’ to buy for.

Have you got information on the history of Uttoxeter Fire Station?

Moorland Mobility The Uttoxeter shop 4 The Maltings Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 7LN. Open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday Telephone: 01889 564099 Also at: No. 8 Moorland Mobility House, Cheadle Road Leek Brook, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST13 7AP. Open: Mon to Fri 9am-5pm. Saturday by appointment.

Free Car Parking Telephone: 01538 381515

Ne is w S re h Part Exchange Welcome - All Major Credit Cards Accepted ce owr in ivi www.moorlandmobility.com an ds ng oom O ee us fan p so me tas en in Utt tim t oxeter ic pr e. aise.

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INFORMATION on Uttoxeter Fire Station's history has come forward following an article in The Voice's last issue.

We appealed for anyone who had knowledge on the history of the fire station, especially when it was built in the early 1960's.

Mr David Ratcliffe, of Johnson Road, Uttoxeter, has made a list of the people who worked on the building of the fire station.

David was a painter and he told The Voice of others who helped build the fire Johnny Wilcox under their business Wilcox Brothers of Tean.

He was a painter and he told The Voice of others who helped build the fire station: C. Brunt, bricklayer; H. Chell, Labourer; Edgar Ratcliffe, Labourer; M. Ratcliffe, Tea Boy; F. Wilcox, Bricklayer; Allan Hobbs, Joiner; Roger Troy, Foreman; Walter Hunter, Foreman; Tony Derby, Foreman; George Brindley and Richard Hodgkinson. Many thanks David!!

Anyone with more information on the history of Uttoxeter Fire Station, please e mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or post to The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1DT.

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Cracker Night bigger than ever The annual Cracker Night in Uttoxeter town centre is set to be bigger than ever this year.

Santa and his reindeer will be launching the late-night shopping and entertainment event on Thursday December 10th and it will cover a wider area with a greater variety of family entertainment.

Fairground attractions and live performers will be spread across more areas of the town centre than in previous years.

There’s still time for stall holders to book space on the High Street for this year’s event, which features late-night shopping, live entertainment, funfair rides and market stalls. Charitable organisations and commercial traders are invited to contact Vin Bradley or Uttoxeter Lions Club to book a space.

After Santa’s parade down the High Street, children can have their photograph taken with a live reindeer in Carter Street. Santa will be in his grotto in the town hall.

There will be a daring stunt above the town hall too. Vintage fire engines will be on display during the evening, and one of them will rescue the town mayor Councillor Howard Grigg and his wife from the roof of the building.

The new activities include live music in the Lion Yard outside the Indulgence Cafe. There will be performances too outside the Hot Spot on High Street, and the car park of the White Hart in Carter Street will include a funfair ride.

Organiser Vin Bradley said: ‘We’ve tried to spread this year’s event around the town centre so that people can enjoy themselves more. Families will be able to find the entertainment they want and the youngsters who congregate by the fairground rides in the Market Place will find there’s more for them to see and do across more of the town.’

Face painting, clowns, balloon modelling and an eight foot robot named ‘Robo’ will be in the pedestrianised part of High Street. New and bigger fairground rides are promised in Market Square and the White Hart car park.

Uttoxeter Town Band, Uttoxeter Morris Men and two local teenage bands are among the live performers.

In conjunction with the event, Uttoxeter Lions are running a raffle in aid of the chemotherapy unit at Burton Hospital with girl’s and boy’s bicycles and other toys among the prizes. Tickets will be on sale from Lions Club members.

All proceeds of Lions events go to charity. The majority of the money goes to local organisations and individuals.

See how The Voice can publicise your business Give us a call on 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937 Advert prices start at only £25 and can hit over 13,000 homes

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Telephone 01782 388 328 Established 1998

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

5

R OR BI DE RD R NO W !!!

YO U

denstone hall FA R M S H O P & C A F É

BEST TEA RO OM IN STAF FS 08/09

Remembrance Day in Uttoxeter

LOVE CHRISTMAS. LOVE FOOD. LOVE DENSTONE HALL Festive Gift Hampers The ideal Christmas gift! Ask our staff for some help choosing the perfect treats whether it’s for granny, school teacher, best friend or even the husband! All beautifully packaged in a traditional basket, trug or stylish gift box.

Turkeys & Butchery Orders Free-Range Norfolk Bronze Turkeys, Geese, Ducks & Packington Chickens available.

Visit our website for prices & order details.

Fancy something special from the butchers counter like a haunch of venison or a chined rib of beef? Come and see our friendly butchers and we’ll help you place an order.

We’ve got cooked hams, patés, hand raised pies and a great selection of cheeses available NOW. ALSO AVAILABLE for Christmas

Gifts • Decorations • Christmas Cakes Holly Wreathes • Christmas Trees Open: Tuesday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am - 5pm, 7YRHE]W EQ TQ 'EJIā 8YI 7EX EQ TQ 7YR EQ TQ Denstone is situated between Uttoxeter and Ashbourne, 1 mile from the JCB headquarters at Rocester.

Tel: 01889 590050 Email: info@denstonehall.co.uk www.denstonehall.co.uk 6

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

In the Frame For all your picture framing UNBEATABLE QUALITY UNBEATABLE PRICES SAVE £££££££’s on retail prices All framing including artwork, pictures, prints, photos, needlework, memorabilia including football shirts etc.

Mount cutting at bargain prices Come and see our wide range of mouldings and mounts in our super smart hi-tech workshop at Knightley Farm, Needwood on B5017 near Five Lanes End.

call Sylvia on 01283 512425 or see our website www.decormount.com The only corners we cut are on frames and prices!

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9-4pm, Thurs 9-1pm, Fri 9-4pm and Sat 10-4pm

ith the most up to date equipment available and a spacious, clean and well designed workshop Decormount is in the enviable position of being able to offer a superlative framing service at a genuinely reasonable price.

The business is based in large premises at Knightley Farm, Needwood, ideally situated on the main B5017, just ten minutes from Burton and Barton, fifteen minutes from Tutbury, Abbots Bromley and Uttoxeter and within easy reach of all surrounding villages.

Their light and bright reception area houses a computerised mount cutting machine which cuts mounts, including multiple opening and extra thick mounts, accurately and effortlessly. There are over 300 moulding samples on show with something to suit every application and taste – and if it isn’t there, they will get it for you! A selection of Arcadia mount boards has been added to their existing range and there are now over 40 colours in stock, the majority of which are conservation quality, acid free boards. The main fully equipped and carpeted workshop leads off this area but you won’t find sawdust, dirty machinery or oily rags there! “Things have moved on since we started a framing business in Burton over 20 years ago” explains Sylvia Fallows. “We have invested in the latest hi-tech equipment and machinery which is clean and efficient, eliminating much of the heavy manual work of the past. We also made a conscious decision not to go back into retail so there are no pictures for sale and we are free to concentrate solely on providing a top class bespoke framing service at budget prices.”

Sylvia says “ It’s really important for customers to see that their work is coming into a clean environment and that every care will be taken with it, from start to finish. I am very proud of the fact that the workshop attracts so many compliments from our customers and that they love the location and can park right outside the door. We are always happy to offer advice on framing and give a no-obligation quote, just get in touch and we will be pleased to help.

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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.

7

Den project

Uttoxeter & District Charity Christmas Post (Proceeds in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind) Now in it’s 27th year serving Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromley, Alton, Bramshall, Checkley, Denstone, Doveridge, Kingstone, Marchington (not Woodlands), Rocester and Stramshall.

The gifted and talented pupils in Year 6, 7 and 8 at Rocester's Ryecroft Middle School spent five weeks after school on a DRAGONS’ DEN project.

The pupils worked together in teams to create a product which they presented to a group of 'Dragons' which included two former Ryecroft Headteachers, Mr J. T. Davies, Miss J. Earp and the current Chair of Governors Mrs P Curtis, who also runs her own accountancy business and School’s Liaison Advisor at JCB Mr L Jankovskis.

Parents and family members were invited to attend a celebration of their accomplishments. As well as being judged on their presentation, the dragons took into account the whole marketing campaign and how feasible the business idea was.

The teams, aged between ten and twelve, had some very imaginative ideas for their businesses. The winning team, Clever Cloggs, designed a coat for dogs which could be adjusted for temperature. An inspiring night was had by all.

Stamps are on sale and post boxes are available at the following:Nationwide Building Society (Market Place) Hairline (Smithfield Road) Spar (Ashbourne Road, Kingfisher Way, Denstone and Rocester) Sargents Butchers (Bramshall) Edmondsons Butchers (The Maltings) The Stores (Alton) Abbots Bromley, The Cash Stores (The top shop) Wilson’s Butchers (Bagot Street) The stamps cost 20p each, a saving of 10p per card sent through the national post. The boxes will be collected after midday on December 15th after which no further post can be accepted.

All deliveries are done by responsible adults whose job is eased when envelopes are addressed clearly and fully.

Many thanks to all those who have used the scheme for many years and to those who may decide to use it for the first time.

For all enquiries contact Audrey Brown an 01889 569608.

TEAN POST OFFICE Visit Tean Post Office Your Local Friendly Post Office We offer all the superb Post Office Services including: Car Tax - Travel Insurance Euro’s On Demand Cash Withdrawals Gas & Electric Keys Paying Bills - Banking Flowers By Post Photocopying & Faxing Christmas Stamps Posting Dates To Remember: UK: 2nd Class December 18th, 1st Class December 21st, Abroad December 4th-11th

Order our fantastic New Helium Balloons

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Call in and see us - we’re here to help everyone and you will be made most welcome.

We have a stunning range of Christmas Cards, Paper and Gifts.

We stock the best-selling Tean Calendars Tean Post Office, 31 High Street, Tean ST10 4DY Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm.

Saturday 9am-12.30pm Telephone 01538 722221

ORDER YOUR SMALL, MEDIUM OR LARGE SKIP NOW! We offer the very best competitive prices.

Choose a local family business you can trust and receive a warm and friendly service.

GIVE US A CALL!

0771 1035 922 or 01538 752082 For all your Transport needs:

Shipping • Airport • Long Haulage 3 DANDILLION AVENUE, CHEADLE, STOKE ON TRENT

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

No gimmicks Just quality locally sourced food Top Chef Leighton Bradbury cooks 100% fresh Book Now for Christmas Fayre and Boxing Day Hot Table Thursday Special: Lunch and Dinner: Beer Batter Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas £6.95 £5.95 takeaway Children £4.95 with Free Ice Cream

Food Served Daily 10.30 Brunch 12noon Lunch 6pm Dinner (not Sunday evening)

Bar open 10.30am - 2.30pm Daily Fri - Sun All Day 6.00pm - 11.30 Evenings

Sunday Lunch Carvery Two sittings at 12.15 and 1.30 (Booking essential)

The Tavern Now - why not visit . . .

Bargain Books of Uttoxeter The Market Place Bookshop . . . for an equally warm welcome, and where most of our thousands of books are

half price or less!

We also have a Large Assortment of Jigsaw Puzzles to suit all ages ‘JANUARY SALE’ STARTS DECEMBER 9TH!!

Byrkley Books Limited Also at Bargain Books of Ashby, 63 Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch

College Road Denstone Staffordshire ST14 5HR 01889 590847

Bargain Books of Uttoxeter he Bargain Bookshop has been selling reduced price books (many MUCH LESS than half price) for the last 15 years, and customers come from far and wide – as well as our loyal and local regulars.

The Shop tries to cater for all ‘tastes’ and our current display of cookery books has a large and varied selection of titles on all aspects of food and cooking with many of the top chefs.

Most other subjects are covered, and the present range of paperbacks (any two for £5 saving up to £10...) is well worth inspecting.

And in preparation for Christmas the Children’s Books shelves are bulging with bargains and – as with all our books – HUNDREDS OF TITLES AT HALF PRICE OR LESS! LOOK OUT FOR OUR EVER CHANGING £2 TABLE. Since Opening The Market Place Bookshop 12 years ago, No. 49 has become known as Welcoming and Rewarding!

Welcoming because the Staff are dedicated to being helpful to customers, and Rewarding because most of the thousands of books are HALF PRICE OR LESS – IN MOST CASES – MUCH LESS!!

Books covering the widest possible range of subjects are stocked, and a separate room for Jigsaw Puzzles has been described as POSSIBLY THE BEST CHOICE OF PUZZLES IN THE EAST MIDLANDS. The Uttoxeter Market Place is an attractive centrepiece to a warm and welcoming town. We like to think that The Market Place Bookshop compliments the town itself, AND IS WELL WORTH A VISIT. ‘JANUARY SALE’ STARTS DECEMBER 9TH. LOOK OUT FOR EVEN MORE MONEY-SAVERS ON OUR WINDOW DISPLAY, CHANGING EVERY FEW DAYS!

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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.

9

Welcome to Paradise At Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort

Elegant resort offering the last word in health & happiness Formal gardens

Italian roof terrace gardens

One of the swimming pools

Enjoy the sumptuous pleasures of staying in an elegant English Stately Home with all the facilities of a superb modern Spa Resort. Wonderful surroundings.

Enjoy a two day one night stay in a superior room including breakfast, lunch, a la carte dinner & half hour treatment from only £159 per person.

a ll ro ss H Hoar C Stately Home

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EL EG AN

Traditional elegance and first class friendly service. Salt Water & Hydrotherapy swimming pools, Aerobic & Yoga suites, 4000sqft Gymnasium, Slumber Lounge, Toning Tables & Relaxed Happiness.

Superb Surroundings, fine dining, floatation tank, toning tables, hydrotherapy, aerobic, step and fitness classes. Massage or facial and many exercise classes, Indian head massage, pedicures, spa treatments, unique water grottos, water massage areas, a full range of Clarins, Thalgo, ESPA, Elemis, Maria Galland treatments.

For current special offers please check

www.hoarcross.co.uk

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Hoa r Cros s Hall

“The only Spa Res ort in a Stately Ho me in England”

I S E R A D

P A ELEGA NT RESO RT OFFER T O M E ING THE LAST WORD IN HEAL TH AND HAPP INESS L C O W E

oss Hall Hoar Cr ll ar Yoxa oss • Ne Hoar Cr 13 8QS ire sh • DE Stafford

Hoar Cross Hall Hoar Cross • Near Yoxall Staffordshire • DE13 8QS

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Send a loved one the perfect gift.

Enjoy the sumptuous pleasures of staying in an elegant English Stately Home with the facilities of a superb modern Spa Resort and wonderful surroundings.

Gift Vouchers from £25.00. For Reservations and Enquiries Telephone: 01283 575 671 • Email: info@hoarcross.co.uk For Additional Treatments contact Spa Reception Telephone: 01283 575 747 or Fax: 01283 575 748 Email: treatments@hoarcross.co.uk

Hoar Cross Hall • Hoar Cross • Near Yoxall Staffordshire • DE13 8QS 10

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Another Triumph for the Checkley Players

he Checkley Jubilee Players show ‘There Goes The Bride' by Ray Cooney & John Chapman, went down a storm over the four night run from the 4th of November to the 7th playing to their usual large audiences at the Checkley Community Centre, The Players, one of the areas top Am-Dram societies gave the show their usual treatment with an appreciative audience seated at candle lit tables with nibbles supplied, and a well stocked bar on hand. This arrangement pioneered by the players in the early 1980s has now been adopted by many other groups in the area and makes for a very relaxed evenings entertainment. The players themselves, putting on an excellent show with the audiences rolling in the aisles with Cooney and Chapman’s witty fast paced farce.

When advertising executive Timothy Westerby played excellently by Carl Johnson, hits his head on the morning of his daughters wedding, he awakes to find

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himself in the company of Polly Perkins, a1920s Flapper straight out of his latest advertising campaign. It soon becomes all too clear that only Timothy can see and hear her. Played by new comer to the players, Lisa Minshall who played the part of Polly to perfection, along with her sister Fiona Bostock who played the bride, with some of the best crying exits ever seen at Checkley.

Things disintegrate further when Timothy bangs his head yet again and is transported back to 1926 and the belief he his staying in the Savoy Hotel with his new bride Polly Perkins. Eddie and Christine Heath play Dr Gerald and Mrs Daphne Drimmond the mother and father-in-law of Timothy Westerby making a very funny double act with some cracking lines between them keeping the audience in stitches.

Andrew Molloy, played the drunken bottom pinching Bill Shorter to perfection, Andrew returning to the players after many years. Mandy Davis (leading lady)

played Timothy’s long suffering wife Ursula Westerby.

Mandy played the part with brilliant style and timing almost putting ‘Bill Shorter’ off his mark with one stage kiss!!

The Australian father in-law played by Paul Knapper put in his usual performance attacking the part with gusto in a convincing Australian accent and facial expressions that had the audience rolling in the aisles. All supported by a very proficient back stage and front of house team all looking very smart in matching players polo shirts; it was a cracking evening’s entertainment and one not to be missed.

The Players next production will be staged in November 2010 and will be directed by Keith Steventon who was the Choreographer for There Goes The Bride, along with Judith Mollart who produced and directed the show, hopefully Judith will be on stage for the 2010 production look out in the press for details.

For all your Osteopathic Requirements, choose Cherry Hill Osteopathic Clinic Back and Neck Pain, Sports Injuries, Neck & Shoulder Tension, Headaches, Arm, Leg and Foot Pain etc £10 OFF ANY TREATMENT VOUCHER One voucher per person. Available for a limited period only.

Gar Nevin, Registered Osteopath 112 Stone Road, Uttoxeter ST14 7QT

Telephone 01889 560139 New Practice now open at: STELLAR 2, 21 St John Street, Ashbourne DE6 1GP Telephone 01335 343 731 Treatment Rooms available to rent at 112 Stone Road, Uttoxeter Telephone Gar Nevin on 01889 560139

Xmas Gift Vouchers Available Ring for more details

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

11

‘To me - to you!’ Pupils have a chuckle

AND

PRESENT

yecroft Middle School pupils in Year 5 were treated to a stand up comedy show as they travelled to Uttoxeter Library to spend time with Ian Billings, children’s writer and comedian. Ian, who spent a day at Ryecroft earlier this year, had the pupils howling with laughter with his funny voices and infectious verse. As well as being a children’s author and poet, Ian has written pantomimes and scripts for the BBC, including the long running ‘Chucklevision’ series.

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Having a laugh with Kirsten Astbury

starring

The Three Degrees

SHEILA FERGUSON as Fairy Oatcakes

JONATHAN WILKES

Back by popular demand!

CHRISTIAN PATTERSON as Sarah the Cook

THU 10 DEC -SUN 10 JAN BOX OFFICE 0844 871 7649 (bkg fee) GROUPS 0844 871 7619 www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke

Welcome to our local area’s Hidden Gem! THE ROEBUCK INN Free Drama Workshop for 5-16 year olds! (limited numbers)

To advertise in the first Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice colour magazine of 2010 Telephone 01538 751629 now!

Uttoxeter classes at Picknalls First School • Exciting Stage School • Act - Sing - Perform • Gain confidence and make new friends www.TheatreCats.co.uk or 0845 003 8230 for more information

Our menu is changed on a regular basis to give our customers a wonderful choice of meals.

ALTERED IMAGES WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Tracy, Katie, Jess & Naomi wish All Customers A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and thank you for your continued custom 3 Market Place, Uttoxeter Telephone 01889 562825

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Just a short journey from Uttoxeter, The Roebuck Inn offers delicious expertly prepared, beautifully presented fresh food.

All Desserts are home-made - Seasonal Veg Extensive selection of Wines and Spirits Afternoon Teas - Full Coffee Menu Try our superb Cream Teas available 2.30pm-5.30pm EVERYTHING FRESHLY PREPARED AND ALL MEATS LOCALLY SOURCED WITH FULL TRACEABILITY

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN To avoid disappointment, call now!

Draycott-in-the-Clay Tel: 01283 820973

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Weddings

Cheadle couple Louise Wheeldon and Darren Plant were married at St Giles Church in the town recently.

The bride, a retail assistant, is the daughter of Angela and Terry Wheeldon, whilst the groom, an assembly worker, is the son of Ian and Kath Plant.

A beautiful reception was held at Rudyard Lake Hotel before the happy couple jetted off for a honeymoon in Benidorm.

Balloons by

Balloony Tunes Hayley MacDonald and Matthew Keeling were married at St Mary & All Saints Church, Checkley, recently.

The bride is the daughter of Ewan and Lynn MacDonald and the groom is the son of Peter and Barbara Keeling.

Hayley chose Kate MacDonald and Lauren Ridgewell as her bridesmaids and Matthew selected Photographs by Denise Wheat Photography 01538 723985

Anthony Hammond as his best man with Geoff Dale and Thomas MacDonald the ushers.

The couple, from Lower Tean, were united by the Reverend Irene Smith before a wonderful reception at the prestigious Heath House in Tean.

A fantastic honeymoon in Switzerland and France followed the lovely wedding day celebrations.

BEAGLE WEDDING HIRE Chauffeur driven classic Bentley and Mercedes available for Wedding hire

WEDDINGS • PARTIES • FUNCTIONS Contact Mark or Mags on 01538 752287 Ashbourne Road Post Office, Cheadle, ST10 1HQ NABAS Trained

e-mail: balloonytunes06@aol.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

by Denise Wheat BA (Hons) LBIPP

Want to see your wedding photographs in The Voice totally free of charge?

E mail them to uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or post to: The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT.

Telephone John Naylor on 01889 565 694 or 07952 778869

Tel: 01538 723985 www.denisewheatphoto.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: Michelle Bentley, of Cheadle Groom: Christopher Prince, of Upper Tean Wedding Day: Saturday, 25th July, 2009 Ceremony: St Giles Roman Catholic Church, Cheadle Reception: Consall Hall Gardens Honeymoon: Mexico

ride Michelle Bentley, daughter of Janet and Dave Bentley, and Groom Christopher Prince, son of Terry and Julie Prince, were married after an 18 month engagement and eight years after they began their relationship at the age of 16.

Michelle chose sister Joanne Simpson, niece Chloe Simpson, future sister-in-law Michelle Prince and cousins Charlotte and Millie Tice as her bridesmaids, while Chris selected cousin Mark Geal as his best man with best friend Tom Holdcroft as usher.

Bride Michelle said: “Awake at half past 7, earlier than anticipated thanks to a text message from a friend, I drove myself to Fresh Hair in Leek where the preparations began. “The wait during the time between the rest of the girls leaving for the church and my own departure seemed to take forever, although the neighbours wishing me well was much appreciated at this time.

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Photographs by Dreams & Images 01538 751363

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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.

“Upon arrival at the church, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of friends waiting outside. This was where the excitement and anxiety really began.

“I felt hugely honoured to have Dad giving me away and having been advised to do so, I was careful to ensure that I took my time walking aisle; taking everything in, seeing all of seeing all of our guests and ensuring that I will remember the experience forever.

“The service itself was without doubt the most emotional and most important part of the day. Happily, the vows came out without any slip-ups and with the pressure of the service then off, Chris and I were able to enjoy the remainder of a wonderful day.”

Groom Chris said: “Having risen at around 9am, I began the day by being thankful that I would be waking up next too Michelle for the rest of my life rather than the man who

appeared to my left on that morning, Usher Tom. “Preparations began in a somewhat relaxed manner with several ultra competitive football matches on the Playstation, a few glasses of champagne, breakfast and no shortage of laughter alongside Mark, Tom, Ben, Pete and Rich.

“A potential wardrobe disaster for Tom was averted and nerves really began to kick in during the journey to the church.

“A beautiful service, surrounded by many family and friends, was followed by a period of enjoying the warm sunshine and picturesque surroundings of the gardens prior to dining, speeches and finally the evening’s entertainment.

“Even more friends arrived in what was an excellent turnout for the evening’s festivities - bringing a fitting end to a brilliant day.”

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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Late Night Shopping raders in Uttoxeter will be opening late night Wednesdays in December. This initiative has beenenthusiastically support by East Staffordshire Borough Council who are to provide FREE car parking from 3pm on Wednesdays in December. Many of the

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stores will be taking part and plan to open until 8pm.

Independent stores in Uttoxeter recently came 2nd, less that 1 point behind Stratford upon Avon for the quality of the retail experience on offer. Scoring the highest score

in safety Uttoxeter is an excellent place to come and enjoy your Christmas shopping. With great customer service and wonderful historical buildings where better to go for the Christmas spirit missing from your out of town shopping centres.

The Marjorie Centre for Complementary Health Uttoxeter’s centre for complementary health at it’s best.

Give the people you love the gift of health and relaxation this Christmas Gift vouchers for a treatment • Stocking fillers

Our aim - Your wellbeing 15 Market Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8JA Telephone 01889 567999 www.themarjoriecentre.co.uk

CURTAINS AND INTERIORS • Bespoke curtains, blinds and soft furnishing • Extensive range of fabrics • Poles and tracks • Wallpaper and paints • Furniture and Gifts • Accessories • Design service available 64 High Street, Uttoxeter

Tel 01889 568500 www.jpdesigns4curtains.co.uk

WILD’S BUTCHERS LTD High Class Family Butcher Established 33 years 1976-2009

Suppliers of Quality Meat from our own abattoir, with complete traceability, all from local farms

Possibly the best tapas bar this side of Spain! The Olive Tree blends earthy seasonal flavours and fresh bold ingredients to create exquisite contemporary cuisine. We also have fantastic coffees, a great selection of cakes and treats and an extensive wine list.

Book now for your Christmas Party with our Medieval Angel menu We offer a choice of three mouth watering menus: Traditional Christmas Dinner Spanish Tapas Platter Vegetarian Meze Only £27.00 per person Downloadable full menu available on website

Visit www.theolivetreetapa.co.uk to take a look at all our menus and extensive wine collection Open from 6pm-11pm 7 days a week

HOME-MADE PIES AND SAUSAGES All pies are home-made in our own bake house.

There’s Steak, Steak & Kidney, Chicken & Mushroom and Mince Beef & Onion.

Also Pork Pies, Game Pies, Cornish Pasties and Sausage Rolls.

Our Selection of Sausages include Pork, Apple & Chive, Pork & Leek, Cumberland, Lincolnshire, Venison and Wild Boar.

HOME-COOKED MEATS Beef, Ham, Turkey, Roast Pork, Plus Pickled Ox Tongues We are also licensed to deal in Game, Partridge, Pheasant, Wild Duck & Venison

WE ARE NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS ORDERS ALL FRESH FREE RANGE TURKEYS, CHICKENS, DUCKS AND GEESE School Lane, Sudbury, Derbyshire, DE6 5HZ

Telephone 01283 585282 The Olive Tree, Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 88 High Street, Cheadle, Staffs

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Local Deliveries on Fridays

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

A revolution in coffee distribution charming coach house in the Derbyshire Dales has been renovated and chosen as the location of a new venture bringing quality coffee to the nation’s coffee lovers.

Wake up and smell the coffee is the brainchild of Howard McCallum and his wife Dit - who run the Doveridge-based business along with husband and wife team Ian and Jan Henley.

Inspired by their work with the Ugandans – who produce some of the world’s tastiest coffee – they caught on to the idea when visiting the coffee fields in the poverty stricken country last year. Inspired by the hard work of the locals, who have set up a café to create awareness of the unique taste of Ugandan coffee, Howard and Dit undertook to help the farmers get a fair price for their toils by bring the coffee to the UK. The long term plan of the business is to import estate produced Ugandan coffee beans which they will grind and roast in the coach house.

In the meantime, and in order to get the new business venture off the ground prior to Christmas, the enterprising foursome have agreed distribution terms to sell organic and fair trade coffee, as well as coffees from around the world.

The new venture is internet based and has a firm ethos to supply only the best coffee, produced to enhance the quality of life of the people that produce it, produced in an environment that has surpassed all standards for food and drink production.

Special gift packs - perfect as last minute gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people - will be available w/c 1st December. They will also be sold on Christmas Cracker night at the Hotspot in Uttoxeter, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to a charity that supports people in Uganda.

For more information please view the website www.wakeup.me.uk or call Howard and Dit on 07790 496699.

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A revolution in coffee distribution For information visit our website wakeup.me.uk

Gifts Galore at LG Woodward Ltd Christmas has arrived Lighting, Costume Jewellery, Handbags and an array of unusual gifts.

It’s pantomime time again !!!

Oh no it isn’t... OH YES IT IS!!! t Mary’s Entertainers, those well-known thespians from the Parish Church in Uttoxeter are now into final rehearsals and will be ‘treading the boards’ again at the end of January 2010 with their next lavish production Snow White a family pantomime by Norman Robbins.

This lively, funny and fast-moving traditional pantomime will appeal to ‘children’ of all ages and promises to be great fun for all the family.

St Mary’s Entertainers have been performing comedy plays and pantomimes for over 25 years, raising thousands of pounds towards major projects in the Parish Church at Uttoxeter.

Formed in the early 1980’s by several families with small children, their idea was to raise funds for major alterations being undertaken at that time to the interior of the St Mary’s Parish Church. All the parents had grown up together and their kids were all in Sunday school. Given that none had any real acting or stage experience, to produce and perform a full-length comedy play was an

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ambitious challenge and despite the misgivings of many, St Mary’s Entertainers took to the stage at the Wilfred House Centre in Uttoxeter in 1983 with their first-ever production ‘Bad Day at Black Frog Creek’ !!!!!

Comedy has always been the ‘Entertainers’ forte and over the years, children and grandchildren have performed alongside members of the original cast members. This time, once again, there will be three generations of ‘The Brown’ family on stage !!

‘Snow White’ will be staged at The Wilfred House Centre in Carter Street, Uttoxeter on Thursday, 28th January and Friday 29th January at 7.30 p.m. Saturday, 30th January: Matinee 2.00 p.m. Evening show at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are now available and selling fast !!

Available from Uttoxeter Town Hall: members of the cast and from the ‘Entertainers’ Stall on Cracker Night! £6.00 Adults and £4.00 Concessions. www.entertainers.me.uk

Autumn / Winter lines now in stock HIGH STREET LABELS AT HALF THE PRICE • Many items with the original store price tags to prove the huge savings • Everything from Casual wear to Evening wear in sizes 6-22 • An impressive collection of over 500 styles in all sizes • Also stocking high street brand jewellery, bags, shoes and accessories with same massive savings • NOW STOCKING MENSWEAR • BUY ONLINE WITH NEXT DAY DELIVERY

www.essentialclothing.co.uk

8-10 Balance Street, Uttoxeter

01889 562758

7/9 The Maltings, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire 01889 567283 Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm

Always upto 85% OFF high street prices

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

17

Runner-up with Rolf Harris shows paintings in Uttoxeter

Paul Tavernor who is from Stockport and was runner-up with Rolf Harris in the Best Selling Published Artist 2009 awards, which is voted by galleries and retailers of the Fine Art Trade Guild, will be exhibiting some of his works in Indulgence Coffee Lounge, Uttoxeter during the next few months.

Nominated for up and coming Artist ‘best new artist for 2008’ by the Fine Art Trade Guild (achieving runner up in his first year in

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print) Paul’s distinctive style of painting features animals in movement, or head shots in a variety of charismatic poses.

Paul aims to convey in his work a real living and breathing world within which animals are individual and secretive.

This and the natural weather element around them all help to ignite the imagination and a sense of mystery to the finished works.

“We liked Paul’s paintings so much we bought one,'' said Sue Hunter (pictured with Paul) from Indulgence.

“David and I enjoyed looking at his painting at home we decided to get intouch with Paul and invite him to show a selection of his works in the coffee lounge. His paintings have already caused a stir and make an excellent and affordable gift for anybody interested in wild life and art” “I was unaware of Uttoxeter until Sue and David invited me to show my works” said Paul Tavernor “I bought my family with me when I came and had a walk around the town. We had a great time looking around the many independent shops that you have. My eye was caught by some of the wonderfully historic buildings. I shall be back again” Paul’s work will be on show in the lounge for the next few months for customers and none customers of the lounge to come and enjoy.

A full selection of Mr Tavernor’s work can be viewed at www.paultavernor.co.uk

1940’s Dads Army Christmas Saturday December 5th Cheadle High Street will be closed off and the event will run from 2 - 6pm The lights will be switched on by the Mayor at 4pm • Military vehicles from the era and charity stalls decked out to echo the various groups of the day such as the Home Guard and the Military Services will help to provide the atmosphere of a Christmas gone by.

• Street entertainment,bucking reindeer, pirate ship, face painting and Children's magic, along with school choirs.

• Local talent - Bexi and Victoria will be singing songs from the Glen Miller days • And of course Santa will be in his Grotto in Penny Lane Mall.

Come along and enjoy a nostalgic Christmas

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Aqua Revolution

By Mark Baker, of Hydro Fitness Solutions ore and more of our favourite exercise classes are taking the plunge – aqua-yoga, aqua-pilates aqua-aerobics etc. Hydrospin is at the forefront of this aqua revolution in the UK fitness industry. Already popular in the US and Europe, Hydrospin takes the popular land form of studio cycling into the pool, combining the benefits of an already aerobically challenging class with the accessibility only a pool can offer.

More than this, there is a fun element to this class which seems to be missing in other water based classes. Within a few minutes you seem to release your inhibitions of your own body and engage with other class members whether it’s because you’re in a position you never thought possible or because you’ve been inadvertently splashed!!!

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“I found it surprisingly fun but still worked really hard. I loved being in the water! P.S I can’t really swim and I still loved it!

Thanks.”- Charlie Backhouse

“I Thought it was fun yet challenging - would love to do it again!”- Nicola Schubrook, Advertising Manager, Women’s Fitness Magazine Based in Cheadle, we at Hydro Fitness Solutions (HFS) are proud to bring our Hydrospin class to our local community giving you the chance to be among the first to try this ground-breaking new class. As of January 2010 Uttoxeter Leisure Centre will host Hydrospin classes and HFS would like to encourage everyone to come along and give it a go.

“Very enjoyable, fun and gave an overall body workout”- Paul Hill, Fitness Instructor, Uttoxeter Leisure Centre

One of our goals at HFS is to make leisure facilities more inclusive to all members of the public. The fun factor of Hydrospin removes the often intimidating feel some fitness facilities have, after all no one looks good when wet! Our Aquabikes are fully adjustable in every aspect from riding position to the resistance of the pedals meaning you can bring your 6 ft 5 best mate or your 5ft 1 grandmother. Unlike many other classes Hydrospin is not aimed at women or men and our guidelines of what to wear allows everyone to enjoy the class feeling comfortable in their own skin.

So much more than a studio class, Hydrospin is an experience, one which can be enjoyed by all from the fitness fanatic to those who simply want to be more active.

Take the plunge and dive into the AQUA industry ...Hydro Fitness Solutions ...DRIVING REVOLUTIONS!

Unlike other aqua classes, Hydrospin integrates the music into the class including many different themes everything from 80s to 90s from pop to rock. Similar to aerobics classes, participants will often find the music is carrying their arms and legs as the beat of the music dictates the intensity of the exercise making it easier to work harder.

“It was Fun and worth a try”- Chris Eggleton

“Fun, Unique & I Feel there is a lot more to come in the future.”- Lolita Sealy, Business Development Manager, FIT PRO Magazine

new year! new you!

This is what you’ve been waiting for...

HYDRO FITNESS COMES TO UTTOXETER! Join our fantastic classes in January 2010 now!

Hydro Fitness Classes begin soon at UTTOXETER LEISURE CENTRE Oldfields Road, Uttoxeter, ST14 7QL www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

HYDROSPIN Dates of the classes at Uttoxeter Leisure Centre are: Tuesday, 12th January, 20.05-20,50 Sunday, 17th January, 13.05-13.50 Tuesday, 19th January, 20.05-20.50 Sunday 24th January, 13.05-13.50 Tuesday, 26th January, 20.05-20.50 Sunday, 31st January, 13.05-13.50 These classes can be booked now - but hurry!

To book your classes telephone Uttoxeter Leisure Centre on 01889 562844

F I T N E S S - W E L L N E S S - W E I G H T L O S S - R E H A B I L I TAT I O N Hydro Fitness Solutions, Ryandra House, Ryandra Business Park, Cheadle, Staffs, ST10 1SR.

www.hydrofitnesssolutions.co.uk Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

19

Carols at Christmas

The Star Inn Restaurant

&

A character country inn serving fine food and ales

he Marchington Singers have been rejoicing in the Christmas spirit since their return to practice in September! Reinforced in both alto and bass sections – bringing membership up to fifty five – they have unashamedly concentrated on both recall and renewal as conductor Wendy Scott set the challenge of both shaking the dust off carols sung in past years and allied the old favourites to several exciting pieces hitherto unknown to the Choir. The results of hard and focussed work will surely be amply demonstrated in two concerts scheduled for performance respectively in Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter in the next two months.

For their first appearance, they are delighted to support the annual Christmas Charity Concert staged by the Mayor of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councillor Geoff Morrison, on Saturday, November 28th at Burton Town Hall (starting at 7.30 with tickets available at the door). Equally gratifying is an opportunity to take the stage in a programme shared by both the Uttoxeter Town Band and the associated Uttoxeter Junior Band.A selection of traditional carols such as In the Bleak Midwinter, the Coventry Carol and Silent Night will be performed at the side of more modern Christmas songs like Let It Snow and Howard Blake’s Walking in the Air from The Snowman. A rousing start to the Christmas season is expected at the same time as the seasonal spirit is captured by raising funds for the Mayor’s local charities.

The by now eagerly awaited Candlelight Concert – to be held in St Mary’s Church, Uttoxeter, on Saturday, December 12th – has particular significance this year , figuring as part of the ongoing celebration of the Choir’s Silver Anniversary. Again, traditional favourites like The Christmas Song, the Little Road to Bethlehem and Rise up Shepherd and Follow will sit at the side of additions to The Singers’ repertoire like Donkey Carol and I Wish you Christmas, both from the pen of the frequent contributor to Christmas offerings, John Rutter, and a Polish lullaby, Lullay, Lord Jesus. Seasonal readings, both serious and humorous, will also feature, together with a representation of the famous unofficial truce of 1914 which is so inexorably linked with the carol, Stille Nacht, and with the Singers’ 2010 tour of The Somme battlefields.

As always, the audience will find seasonal fare in the form of mulled wine and mince pies available at the interval. Tickets, priced at £7.00 for adults and £3.00 for school students in full time education, can be purchased from Treasurer, Tim Scott (Tel 01889 563570) or from any member of The Singers.

Come & try our Wednesday Night Fish Night Thursday Night Steak Night

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Featuring our new chef who is producing old favourites and an exciting new signature menu to high standards. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday lunchtimes and evenings, offering our excellent range of home cooked fresh produce, locally sourced wherever possible.

Pensioner’s specials are available Wednesday to Saturday lunchtimes.

Serving fine home produced food in a superbly appointed 50 cover restaurant.

Enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside Full evening menu available plus lunchtime menu with specials SUNDAY ROAST AVAILABLE FROM £8.95, 12 noon until 3pm Corporate events available weekdays upon request Lunch served 12noon until 2pm, Evenings 6pm until 9pm NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas Fayre served from 1st December till 24th December

The Star Inn & Restaurant, Main Street, Hollington

Telephone: 01889 507250

The Hotspot cooks up a treat for cracker night Local stove, fire and cooker retailer, the Hotspot, is throwing the doors open on Uttoxeter’s renowned Christmas Cracker night for festive shoppers to enjoy some traditional festive fayre.

To welcome in customers from the cold two chefs will be cooking up hot chestnuts, mince pies and a range of other Christmas treats to tickle the taste buds. Glasses of specially prepared mulled wine will also be available to warm the cockles.

The Hotspot reminds customers looking for stoves, range cookers and fireplaces are reminded to place their orders before December 31st to beat and price rises and of course theraising of VAT back to 17.5% from the current 15%. A deposit will secure any item.

For customers that miss the cracker night, the Hotspot has a working display of products, including range cookers, at Byrkley Garden Centre in Rangemore for the Christmas Season. Festive cookery demonstrations by a Hotspot chef will take place on 28th/29th November with Heart FM from Derby covering the event live at the garden centre. Make it a date to enjoy more festive treats from the Hotspot.

Christmas Cracker Night this year is on Thursday 10th December.

For more information please contact the Hotspot on 0845 2 606 404.

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Beat the VAT rise by placing your order before December 31st

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

Pupils working towards reducing carbon footprint

For that special Christmas experience

• Why not ask about our Christmas Delivery service?

• In our Tea Room we will be serving Christmas lunches throughout December (Booking advisable) • Evening Parties and Outside Catering also available by arrangement • All our food is made on the premises and is prepared to the highest standard.

• Superb New Conference Facility now also available for hire • Open 7 Days for Friendly Service and Advice

Come and give us a try!

Heath House Farm, Caverswall Old Road, Forsbrook, Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9BQ

01782 396027 Open from 0900-1700 Every Day

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TAILORED FLOORS Special Rolls 20 years in stock from sehervlpicfuel £3.99m2 • • • •

We will move furniture Dispose of old carpet Free measuring service Samples brought to your door

To Meir

Visit our shop for • High quality Christmas Gifts • Christmas Trees and Decorations • Home-made Seasonal Fare • Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

upils at Abbotsholme School came back from their half term holiday to a newly equipped ICT suite. Twenty computers have been replaced with new faster, yet greener equipment. The new computers consume just 13.2% of the electricity of the standard size PC’s that they have replaced. They’ll also reduce the noise levels by 75% meaning the room should be a nicer place to teach and learn.

Steve Fairclough, Headmaster, said, “We were awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag two years ago so are fully committed to enable pupils to learn about sustainable development issues and incorporate those practices into everyday school life.” He added, “The new equipment will help reduce the carbon footprint of Abbotsholme School.”

Grindley Lane

We are Here

To Cheadle

In the nursery we have • Cut and Potted Fresh Christmas Trees • Fresh Holly Wreaths backed with Spruce • Hand Made Garlands and Decorations • Indoor and Outdoor Plant Arrangements • Fantastic Large Poinsettias

BB Station

10% off

WITH THI S VOUCHER Valid until December 31st 2009

Guaranteed Christmas Delivery on orders received by 18th December 2009 205 Grindley Lane, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent ST11 9JS

Tel: 01782 395950 Mobile: 07970 250393 9.30am - 5pm Weekdays • 9am - 2pm Saturday

WEEKLY SPECIALS - CARPETS, VINYL, SOLID WOOD AND LAMINATE

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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Window Systems ProďŹ le Accreditations

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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.

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K&S Hair Studio Karen, Sarah, Lesley & Sophie Mobile Hairdressing Service Available on Selective Days at Competitive Prices 64A Bridge Street, Uttoxeter, Staffs

01889 563898 Warm and friendly atmosphere Traditional and fashionable Hairstyling

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We would like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas

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24 High Street, Cheadle

Tel: 01538 753777

Reading around the lovely JCB lakes f you had been walking around the Lakes at JCB in Rocester in October you might have seen lots of pupils sitting around reading books. One of the things children decided to do to celebrate the annual Ryecroft School ReadingChallenge was to take the pupils out of the classroom and enjoy reading in a different environment. The pupils and staff enjoyed it so much we plan to do it again later in the year – but only when the weather improves!

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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.

23

Pupils on target ourteen children at Rocester's Ryecroft School have been practicing their archery skills with the help the help of Shaun Thomas from Derbyshire Archery Club.

Archery is a great sport which is open to all able bodied and disabled students. The benefits include improving mental capacity, physical health and general fitness.

Archery can also improve patience and focus and can give the student a strong sense of personal achievement. Five of the fourteen children were successful in achieving their red feather award for getting a minimum of twelve hits out of fifteen. All the children received a certificate and folder as a memento of their experience.

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Now open Under New Ownership.

Expect the unexpected at Divine with an exciting and varied menu choice. Come and dine in a newly refurbished restaurant with modern, chic surroundings.

As a special opening we are offering all customers a complimentary glass of house wine, poppodoms and pickles for sit in diners only.

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and New Years Eve Parties.

Experience the taste of India right here at Divine, 25 Market Place, Uttoxeter Tel: 01889 568020 / 07888 616 112 with our warm and friendly staff.

We also offer a free delivery service and open 7 nights a week Sun - Thurs 5.30pm to 11.00pm and Fri - Sat 5.30pm - 12.45am.

NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME SCHOOL An HMC Day School for Girls and Boys aged 3 to 18

Headteacher Steve Bardon, Shaun Thomas and Sam Brookes.

Thomas Alleyne’s High School Musical Extravaganza ur Musical Extravaganza will be held on Tuesday 8th December at 7.30pm in the theatre. This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever! Tickets are priced at £5 and are available from the music department. There will also be mulled wine and mince pies available provided by our PTA to make it even more festive.

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TransportȱfromȱStone,ȱCongleton,ȱLeekȱ

EccleshallȱandȱNantwichȱ x ScholarshipsȱandȱAssistanceȱwithȱFeesȱ x ExcellentȱonȬsiteȱfacilitiesȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ

A superb choice of products for a perfect gift and with Christmas ahead there are lots of party bag and stocking fillers too.

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ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱTheȱBestȱStartȱinȱLife

ȱ 24

NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME SCHOOL

ST5 1DB

01782 631197

www.nuls.org.uk

NOW OPEN

PLEASE VISIT OR CALL US ON 01889 569589 32 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8EU email: info@helenlouise.co.uk web: helenlouise.co.uk

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Solve your gift problems tuck for Christmas present ideas again this year, what to get Great Aunt Maud, teenage Lucy and baby Jack? Can’t face the Christmas shopping crowds in the bigger towns, then don’t, but head to Metastone in Uttoxeter where you’ll find plenty of unusual and beautiful gifts that are sure to delight even the most hard to buy for relations.

Metastone is packed with an inspiring collection of stock, that has been carefully selected by owner, Lorna Eldergill and her team. Every nook and cranny has been filled with items with price tags that are sure to tempt you. You’ll find beautiful handbags, scarves and chic hats, an ideal present for Lucy! Stunning vintage style jewellery including brooches and pins ideal for Aunt Maud.

There are scented candles, mirrors, photo frames and small items of furniture to grace your home. Cushions and curtain tie backs to add that finishing touch to your room. Nostalgic Christmas decorations to adorn your Christmas tree and for baby Jack the softest, cuddliest teddy bears that you will want to keep for yourself.

Guys if you are looking to score a few bonus points with your loved one this Christmas then you won’t go far wrong with a little something from this shop and if like my husband you are sure to chose the wrong thing then opt for a Gift Voucher, she’ll love you for it, well at least until February!

Happy Christmas shopping

S

Handbags, Costume Jewellery and Scarves Interiors: Mirrors, Small Pieces of Furniture, Scented Candles, Photo Frames and much more...

Our Christmas stock is arriving on a daily basis, so come and have a look in our Uttoxeter and Stafford shops for the ultimate shopping experience!

Metastone Formerly Xpressions

Lion Buildings, Market Place, Uttoxeter. 01889 564411 23A Greengate Street, Stafford. 01785 211511

Celebrations at top class Opulence O

pulence has just celebrated its two year anniversary on the 12th October, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers that have continued to support us. We had a open day to say a big thank you to our clients, offering wine and cupcakes, which one of our regular clients, Jackie, kindly made for us, and did a free raffle entry for everyone on the day.

Over the last two years the salon has grown from strength to strength, and has seen the introduction of Sarah our newest therapist and we have added new treatments such as the fantastic Crystal Clear microdermabrasion facial, semipermanent makeup and hollywood lash enhancements. Also practising nurses which offer botox and dermal fillers. We are constantly trying to offer our clients the widest range of treatments, in peaceful and relaxing surroundings. Our saying at Opulence has always been to relax, unwind and simply be. We hope you will continue to join us in doing just that!

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

25

Festive Cookie Jars, ÂŁ11.99 each from Emma's Cookshop in Carter Street, Uttoxeter

Slide into Christmas with this charming candle holder available from Delight of The Maltings, Uttoxeter

Jigsaws galore from ceiling to floor at Bargain Books, Market Place, Uttoxeter

Look chic this winter. A selection of fabulous ladies accessories at Metastone, Lion Buildings, Market Place, Uttoxeter

Beat the VAT increase on December 31st!

Order now from The Hot Spot, High Street, Uttoxeter

Beautiful fragrant garlands, wreaths & Christmas Tree Decorations made from dried fruit, spices and flowers, prices start from ÂŁ2.99 available from Helen Louise, Carter Street, Uttoxeter

DIY Xmas Hampers for the loved ones that you may find 'difficult' to buy for, available now at Moorland Mobility in The Maltings, Uttoxeter

26

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Dear Santa Please can I have a new bike? Bikes for all ages at Uttoxeter Cycles, Carter Street, Uttoxeter

A gorgeous selection of jewellery available from Gifts Galore at LG Woodward, Balance Street, Uttoxeter

Go on spoil someone you love with a Gift voucher from Salon 14 Church Street, Uttoxeter

These individually made, delightful giraffes are sure to bring a smile. From a selection of home accessories at JP Designs, High Street, Uttoxeter

Pamper someone this Christmas with a voucher from Beachcombers in Saddlers Yard, Uttoxeter

Hylands super slim Samsung LED TV's benefit from a FREE 5 year maintenance, Fast Free delivery and a BluRay package deal while stocks last Meir - Longton - Stone Tunic/Dress Original price ÂŁ40, on sale for ÂŁ19.99 from Essential Clothing in The Maltings, Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter will be having Late Night Shopping on Wednesdays throughout December until 8pm.

Free parking on Wednesdays from 3pm until 9pm.

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

27

FOOD ON A BUDGET

A definitive guide to potatoes and potato cooking

Delight of Uttoxeter, your very own Yankee Candle Specialist

by Fiona Atkinson from Osmaston

N

Wedges: Accord, Carlingford, Romano Daphinoise: Desiree, King Edward New Potatoes: Maris Bard, Premiere, Rocket

All-rounders: Desiree, King Edward, Maris Piper Boiled: Estima, Harmony, Osprey Roast: Desiree, King Edward, Maris Piper Mashed: Nadine, Rooster, Saxon, Wilja Jackets: Estima, Marfana Salad: Anya, Charlotte, Nicola, Maris Peer Homemade Chips: King Edward, Maris Piper, Rooster, Sante

Now for the facts. The potato is packed full of goodness and an excellent source of low fat energy for your brain and body - a medium potato only contains 100 calories.

What most people don’t realise is that they also provide substantial proportions of a whole range of important nutrients: fibre, vitamin c, potassium, vitamin B1, B6, niacin and folate.

Remember this, a large jacket potato gives you more than half of the daily-recommended child requirement of vitamin c! It also contains absolutely no cholesterol.

When served with their skins on they’re a great source of fibre. The fibre in potatoes tend to give you that nice “full” feeling so you’re less likely to overeat. At the same time they pack you full of essential nutrients, which combined with exercise and a balanced diet, aids weight maintenance or loss.

It’s great to know that there’s no reason for anyone to cut potatoes out of their diet. Perfect.

A healthier choice than pasta or rice, people often confuse the potato as being the calorie pincher - remember, it’s what you cook them in, the fillings or what you put on top that you need to watch out for.

Now that the evenings are colder, and winter is fast approaching, there’s nothing like eating comfort food for all the family in the evening. My perfect accompaniment to any meal, but in particular with British bangers is mashed potato. When choosing your potatoes remember that floury potatoes produce a light fluffy mash, and cold potatoes mash best of all. To add a Mediterranean version beat in salt, pepper and good quality olive oil to give a smooth soft mixture. To make a wickedly rich mash, add thick cream or creme fraiche and grated fresh nutmeg and mix thoroughly. To make a lovely creamy mixture, beat in good, preferably extra virgin olive oil, and enough hot milk to make a smooth, thick puree - you can also add chopped parsley or basil leaves. Tray a spicy mixutre of chilli powder, or very finely chopped chili and chives to sprinkle over a creamy mash. For a bit of ‘kick’ try adding a couple of teaspoons of grained mustard, or for an even bigger ‘kick’ which goes down a treat with British beef, a couple of teaspoons of horseradish sauce (it also might just keep the winter cold at bay too).

Enjoy, whatever your choice, and remember, one bag of potatoes is good value for money. It also gives you many tasty options for a different meal everyday of the week.

ow if you’re like me and never have enough time to plan, the last thing on your mind is what shall we have to eat tonight that is quick, healthy and more importantly not too pricey? Well hopefully in this section I can give you some ideas and tips which will encourage you to explore, whilst tantalise your taste buds, to try something different whilst not worrying about how much your spending and keeping to a reasonable budget.

This month I’m going to focus on Potatoes - the various types currently available, and what flavourable delights you can conjure up as part of a balanced meal.

Support the British potato - there are many potato varieties and each type has a different taste and texture. By choosing the right potato variety for the right dish will help guarantee perfect results.

There are literally thousands of different varieties of potatoes grown around the world. In the UK around 80 varieties are grown commercially, I’ve listed below some of the most popular potato varieties available in this country.

As potatoes are seasonal, they’re usually harvested, depending on the variety and where in the country they are grown, from May to October.

Potatoes are often categorised according to their season. For example: varieties such as Rocket or Maris Bard are described as ‘earlies’ or ‘new potatoes’ as they are planted in the winter, ready for harvesting in the spring or early summer. Their skins are not firm and ‘set’ and are sometimes referred to as ‘fluffy’.

Varieties such as King Edward or Maris Piper are harvested in late summer or early autumn when their skins are firm and set and are known as ‘maincrop’. The majority of potatoes sold in the UK are maincrop potatoes; they are usually available from September to May. Such varieties as Charlotte are described as ‘salad’ potatoes. Their skins are firm and ‘set’ and they have a moist texture. The texture of potatoes varies considerably. A potato may be described as having a waxy or floury texture.

To maximise the taste, whichever way you may like your ‘spuds’, I’ve listed which types are suitable for which variety of potato dish you prefer:

28

Come in and see Tara, Bonita and Julie and treat some one to something special or even better treat yourself.

A whole range of Yankee Candle beautiful fragrances and accessories.

Now in stock BOMB Cosmetics, luxurious hand made bath treats.

New range of Christmas fragrances including:-

Sparkling Snow - The crisp naturally fresh scent of gleaming, snow covered pines Welcome Christmas - Come home to a favourite festive greeting of warm pine garland and bright citrus and sweet berries Mountain Pine - A walk in the winter woods... the clean, familiar scent of fresh pine and crystal clear air.

Christmas Cupcake - An irresistable treat... rich, moist vanilla cupcake covered with sweet buttery holiday icing.

A beautiful range of accessories to enhance your home.

Now in stock BOMB Cosmetics, luxurious hand made bath treats.

DELIGHT OF UTTOXETER 12 The Maltings, Uttoxeter Telephone: 01889 568882 www.yankeeonline.co.uk

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Povey’s People

By Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into our local life and its many characters.

His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully will bring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.

This month: POND LIFE ost of the Owd Grandad Piggott stories that I write for Radio Stoke are based on true life happenings and this episode happened in the late sixties. I worked for Blythe Colours in those days and the company had been bought out by Johnson Matthey.

What the hell a London based bullion dealer wanted with a Staffordshire ceramic colour manufacturer was a mystery to everybody. Maybe there was a little known nickel mine under Tom Tabbenor’s bowling green, or perhaps some casual panhandler had found gold in the gentle River Blythe as it meandered past old Doc’s place.

Anyway, we were now part of The Johnson Matthey Group which did have its positives, one of which was the annual sports day.

We were invited to the company headquarters in Dulwich to compete in athletic and various other events and form teams for five a side football, tug-o-war and so on.

We were to be given lunch, then in the evening, after the activities, we were to be entertained in the Johnson Matthey club before being brought home on the Bassett’s coach. The J.M. lot were a great bunch of people. The afternoon had been full of banter and good camaraderie and Blythe Colours had won their fair share of the medals and when we gravitated to the social club, the good humour continued. The official plan was that we left for home at around eight thirty.

The reality was that we left the club after midnight, most of us carrying a respectable cargo of Watney’s Red Barrel and singing any stupid song we could think of. We tumbled onto the coach and the

M

singing continued until the coach stopped at a public toilet on the outskirts of London, where we were all called upon to answer the call of nature before we hit the motorway where toilets, in those days were thin on the ground.

We all took the advice - except one.

Pond Life was fast asleep, open mouthed and at a grossly uncomfortable angle on the back seat and all attempts to rouse him failed. He turned over, grunted, swore, passed wind and as a wicked aroma enveloped him, he was left to carry on with his slumbers and was elbowed into the corner of the back seat, where he was given plenty of space.

Pond Life’s nickname was attributed to the fact that he had a personal hygiene problem. He was big and brawny and had been conscripted to the tug-o-war team where he had more than pulled his weight and the Blythe lot had taken the honours. Pond Life had celebrated accordingly and had put away fourteen pints of Red Barrel which was now manifesting itself uncomfortably in his downstairs regions.

An hour up the motorway, Pond Life woke up amid a tirade of bad language and squinted uncomprehendingly around him.

‘Weer are we?’ he ground out beligerently. Nobody answered , most of the company being in a semi torpid state as the coach hammered up the middle lane of the M1.

Pond Life gave his near neighbour a dig in the ribs.

Goo an’ tell that driver pull up wut... arm bloody bostin’ fer a...’

‘They’t aft bost owd soul... wey’re on th’ motorway an’ we conner stop’, said the near neighbour. ‘Yer should o’ gone when th’rest of us went...’ Pond Life gave him a withering look and elbowed his way roughly out of his corner and began to wobble down the centre aisle of the coach. A

“ ...most of us

carrying a respectable cargo of Watney’s Red Barrel and singing any stupid song we could think of.

”

The Voice wishes all our advertisers and readers A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

sheen of perspiration covered his brow as he bumped and bumbled his way up to the front and he was having difficulty walking as the elastic had gone in his underpants and so had the buckle in the belt of his jeans. The lower half of Pond Life was in acute discomfort both inside and out.

‘Driver - pull up wut!’ bellowed Pond Life as he reached the front of the coach and clung grimly on to the back of a seat.

‘No chance’, said the driver flatly. ‘You’ll have to wait ‘til we get back to Stafford’ ‘Ah conna wait that long’, said Pond Life desperately. ‘Listen, ah’ve got this condition an’ if ah dunner go ter th toilet reglar lark, ah could die an’ thee wustner lark a jed mon on thee buzz wutst?...’

Pond Life elaborated for some time about why he had to 'visit th toilet reglar lark' and in the end, the driver relented. He came off the motorway somewhere around Northampton. The coach went down a slip road, round a roundabout and off along an unlit road. A mile or so further on he stopped the coach by what looked like a brick wall and Pond Life lost no time in getting off and headed for the wall, followed by two or three more blokes who had over indulged.

It all happened extremely quickly. As Pond Life climbed onto the wall and straddled it, there was a sudden flurry of sparks from his fag, a stentorian yell and Pond Life disappeared. Seconds later came a distant splash and time suddenly stood still as everyone realised horrorstuck what had happened.

The driver had stopped the coach on the top of a canal bridge and Pond Life had found out the hard way. We piled off the coach and a row of heads peered over the wall where sounds of extreme distress floated up from the canal and a gaggle of terrified ducks and moorhens began a journey of indefineable length.

It took us an hour and a half to drag him out of the canal, wrestle him up the steep embankment and onto the coach, where he was unceremoniously stripped and his clothes were bundled under the heater. Pond Life’s clothes carried an individual odour at normal times, but that journey from Northampton was a long one accompanied by the horrendous pong from Pond Life’s clothes plus the epithets of what he was going to do at the driver when he got back to Cresswell, his wild spikes of hair wobbling as he shivered on the back seat in Mick Welton's football strip.

I’m told that Pond Life died a few years ago, but apparently, the nursing home that he was in was aware of his problem of having to 'visit th toilet reglar lark.'

In On The Park Great Food, Great Atmosphere Come and try our fabulous New Carvery!

Beef, Turkey or Gammon plus all the vegetables you can eat!

Monday-Thursday £5.50 Sunday £7.00 Our superb A la Carte Menu is available Fridays and Saturdays.

Christmas bookings now being taken

For bookings call 01889 566 621 In On The Park, New Road, Uttoxeter ST14 5DS www.inonthepark.co.uk email: inonthepark@hotmail.co.uk

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Part & Complete Rewires Security Lights Intruder Alarms Fire Alarms CCTV Data Networks Portable Appliance Testing Testing & Inspection Telephone Extensions Heating Free Quotations No Job Too Small

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29

FURBANKS OF UTTOXETER MOT £39.95 Free Retest All makes of car, small vans and light commercials.

Market Street Garage, Uttoxeter

Tel 01889 567270

Stunning Woodburning Stoves STOVES Reduce your heating bills with carbon neutral stoves • Award-winning showroom • Vast choice of traditional or contemporary styles • Competitive prices • Complete installation or ‘cash and carry’ • Established over 27 years chase of milford ltd 30

The White House, Main Road, Milford, Stafford, ST17 0UW

Tel: 01785 660939 email: chaseofmilford@aol.com Winter opening times: Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am-4pm. Sat. 9am-2pm

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

The

Raddle Inn

Country Inn and Restaurant

Nanna B’s Knitting & Haberdashery Selling a wide range of knitting wools, tapestries, embroideries, haberdashery, fabric dyes and paints.

Looking for a special gift - try our popular Gift Vouchers Spread the cost of your knitting with our wool saving service.

Can’t find what you want in the shop?

Order from our range of catalogues.

Swap ideas, make new friends and bring your knitting to our Knitting Circle every last Tuesday - 1pm onwards Raise money for Cancer charities - donations made for various items including vintage patterns, odd silks and wools and fundraising events Need advice with alternative yarns, patterns, stitches or learning to knit? Just ask!

Open 6 days a week

1 The Maltings, Uttoxeter • Telephone 01889 568221

Lots of Christmas Gift Ideas including Xmas Vouchers

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.

Riley’s Watchmakers & Jewellers

Open day every day, 12-10pm Pensioners Special Monday to Friday 12-2pm Main meal £3.50, 3 Courses £6.00 Sunday Lunches served all day Take your pick from Beef, Turkey, Lamb, Pork or Chicken

We wish all our customers A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Traditional Cask Ales - Marstons Pedigree, Spitfire, London Pride, Black Sheep Heated smoking area CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN CALL 01889 507 278 NOW Accommodation in superb Log Cabins available, B&B and Self Catering.

See website for further details.

Enjoy a great meal at The Raddle The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers Telephone: 01889 507278 www.logcabin.co.uk

Watch, Clock and Jewellery repairs done on the premises Specialists in Antique Jewellery, Watches & Clocks

GOLD BOUGHT FOR CASH 55 High Street Cheadle Staffs

01538-754586

Glynne Johnson Your local butcher for: • Fresh Scotch beef • Home cured ham • Fresh & cooked chickens • Fruit & Veg & Speciality Jams • New delicious home cooked ready meals to take away • Super range of meats ideal for BBQ’s 42 Cheadle Road Forsbrook

01782 392456

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

31

Sparkling

charity event

wo sisters and their mum organised a wonderful charity Black Tie and Diamond Dinner Dance at JCB Lakeside Club, Rocester.

Lisa Minshall and sister Fiona Bostock worked alongside mum Kathryn Clowes to raise a fantastic ÂŁ1,775 for Breast Cancer Research.

A huge number of guests at the event showed tremendous support in making such a terrific amount of money for the charity which is so close to the hearts of the organisers.

Guests enjoyed the great sound of Barry Mason's 'Wave' band and there was also a great Hog Roast supplied by Adrian Clowes.

Organisers would like to thank Sue Martin and Beryl Kelly of Barclays Bank for their part in the fundraising.

T

32

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Absolute

Engineering Our Services include: • Design of: - Heating - Ventilation - Air conditioning Systems - CCTV - Power - Fire Alarms - Internal/External Lighting • Design of Renewable Energy Solutions: - Biomass Boilers - C.H.P - Solar P.V & Water - Grey Water Reclaimation - Wind Power - Ground Source Heat Pumps - Borehole Water - Energy Saving Control Systems • Mechanical & Electrical Project Management • Assistance with compliance to ‘Part L’ building regulations • Engineering Draughting Services • As-Installed Surveys & Drawings • M&E Operation & Maintenance Manuals Based in North Staffordshire, offering a nationwide service

See how we can help you by calling

07909 888 708 / 07990 55 43 43 email: dan.absolute-engineering@hotmail.co.uk

M J BARRETT G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S CONSTRUCTION Structural steelwork for all agricultural and industrial buildings.

Email: info@mjbarretts.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT Prestigious new developments planned for 2009/2010.

Email: info@mjbarretts.co.uk

RETAIL Doveleys Garden Centre for all your gardening needs all year round.

Website: www.doveleys.com

LEISURE Cinebowl - Finest cinema and bowling venue in Staffordshire.

Website: www.cinebowl.org

We are proud to be part of Uttoxeter for now and the future

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

33

B.D.

FUELS LTD

For all your oil requirements

Authorised Distributor

WE DELIVER FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND TANKS For the farm, home, transport and industry

A family run company serving your local community for over 30 years Big enough to cope, small enough to care

The services we offer you, our customer, are: • Very competitive prices on all products • Next day delivery (same day if delivery is urgent where possible) • We supply full range of plastic and steel fuels tanks and offer free advice • Fuel uplifts and tank removal undertaken • Various size tankers to cope with any size load, minimum delivery is 500 litres • Services of domestic/AGA delivery specialists, with small tanker deliveries on request Open Monday to Friday 8.00am-6.00pm and Saturdays 8.00am-12.00pm.

You can order by telephone, fax or by using our website.

Local staff with experience will handle all your enquiries competently B.D Fuels LTD, Airfield Industrial Estate, Hixon, Stafford ST18 OPF Telephone: ( 01889 ) 270088 Fax: ( 01889 ) 271282 Web: www.bdfuels.co.uk Email: sales@bdfuels.co.uk 34

If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

Cheadle Mansion House

By Michael Plant

y name is Michael Plant and I recently started to compile my family tree. I discovered that my family has been in Cheadle from around 1722 starting with Thomas and Margaret Plant who had moved from Leek.

The tree quickly expanded to contain over 500 names and is still growing as I track down distant relatives and make contacts on the internet.

A notable character in my family was Robert Plant (1840-1902), who had been a prominent Cheadle townsman in the late-1800s owning a number of collieries. He was also the author of the ‘History of Cheadle’ book published in 1881.

This is the story of his Mansion.

M

obert Plant of Cheadle was born in 1840 to James and Hannah Plant who lived at the Back of Town (now Prince George Street), like a lot of families at that time their income came from mining coal. In 1863 after a short period of collaboration with his elder brother James, Robert took over the family colliery business which had been started by their grandfather William.

R

Around this time Robert moved to a property called Ebeneezer Villa on Mill Lane with his young wife Martha (nee Mellor) who he had married in 1860 and began to draw up plans for a grand house for him and his new family to live in.

Due to various business setbacks Robert wasn’t able to start building his large house straight away and it in fact took him several years to complete the work. The first stage was the purchase of the land behind the Villa which was re-named Cheadle Park. A large wall with grand gates was then built around it and a tree lined drive created. Finally in 1872 work on the large house was completed and Cheadle Park Mansion was a reality.

The mansion was the venue for many special events, not least Robert’s annual birthday

bashes. The celebration for his 38th birthday got special mention in the Cheadle Herald which reported that “friends of Mr R. Plant of Cheadle Park, together with the Moorlands Band paid a visit to his residence to congratulate him”.

After Robert and his family left Cheadle the mansion was taken over by his brother Thomas and his wife Winifred who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary there in 1913. The grounds of the mansion continued to be used by the town for events such as Sunday school picnics and the mansion itself would occasionally pay host to the Men’s Bible Class.

In 1912 the Parish Council expressed an interest in purchasing the Mansion and its land for the purpose of creating a town recreation ground to give children a safe place to play, rather than them “playing in holes on the street”.

However a deal could not be made in time and the land remained on general sale. The eventual buyer was Hannah Barker a highly respected member of the District Council and the younger sister of Robert and Thomas Plant, her purchase ensured that the grounds were not used as building land.

After she died in 1918 the grounds were sold to John Slater and his wife who turned the mansion into a series of flats. In 1919 the Council once again expressed an interest in creating a recreation ground out of the mansion’s land, on this occasion a deal was made and it was purchased. The grounds then became, as it remains today, the Tean Road Recreation Ground.

The mansion was badly neglected over the years that followed, until finally in around 1978 it was sold to the Council who demolished it to make way for a cul-de-sac of old folks bungalows. As a sign of respect the cul-de-sac is called Mansion Close but it doesn’t come close to making up for destroying such a beautiful building.

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

35

Ramble on My favourite walks by Peter Matthews

No 6 Oakamoor

This is a walk from a beautiful Hamlet up onto the hills with some far reaching views. From the car park, turn right back to the main road and turn right. Over the bridge then left and up the narrow road, forking right at the pub.

Pass the Churchyard on the left and just after the next house on the left, left along its drive (FP sign) to reach a gate. Through this and along the clear track along the bottom of the wood. This soon crosses a forestry track but continue ahead to soon reach another forestry track. Look for a fainter path heading uphill, then very steeply to the right of some holly bushes and some rhododendrons. Just past these is a way mark and a danger sign. Turn right and follow the clear path up the hill, soon to reach fields on the left. Continue ahead upwards to soon join a forestry road. Ahead (left) to reach a stile to the left of a gate.

Through stile and rejoin forestry road to reach a gate, stile and road. Turn right and after about 60 yds, left, through a gap stile by FP sign. Follow the edge of the fields to reach another road by a broken gate and gap stile.

Turn right along this road. Pass Wood View on the left and shortly after see two footpath signs on the right. Take the second of these to follow the path ahead, which soon becomes walled, to its end, ignoring footpath to the right.

Difficulty

At the end, follow it sharp left to rejoin the road. This path can be overgrown and can be avoided by staying on the road. At the road turn right and follow for about a quarter of a mile to a small junction on the right. Take this, pass the rocks on your right and soon reach a broad track on the right, by the left hand bend. Follow this track for about one and a half miles to reach Cotton Banks Farm. Here, keep to the right of the lylandi and through a small gate.

Follow the track which very shortly bears right though the trees to the top of the ridge. It then bears sharp left by a way mark. Follow this path for some distance, ignoring a path to the left. At a sharp right bend, follow this round (waymark), over the fallen tree to reach a gate by a walled lane on the left. Follow this lane to reach some steps and continue down these, and ahead along the driveway to reach the road. Turn left and walk back into Oakamoor.

Contributed by Peter Matthews, Publicity Officer for Staffordshire Area Ramblers’ Association. For further information, visit our website www.ramblers.org.uk or phone 01782 336556. Without the work of the Ramblers some of these walks would not be possible – we help to keep footpaths open and maintained.

A stiff climb to start but generally good paths and quiet roads. Follow route clockwise

Distance

4.5 miles

Time

2 hours

Parking

Park in car park at the bottom of the valley. GR SK 052 446

Refreshments

Pubs in village

Public Transport

Bus to Oakamoor

and company

ESTABLISHED 1963

PA Cope, BSc, MRICS, FNAEA • AW Stevenson FNAEA 1 Cheadle Shopping Centre • Cheadle • Stoke 0n Trent Staffordshire • ST10 1 UT • Tel: 01538 755646 www.donaldcopeandco.com

K F C F

Kevin Ford & Co. Ltd. Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents & Valuers

19 High Street • Cheadle Staffordshire • ST10 1AA Tel: 01538 751133 www.kevinfordandco.co.uk

This impressive newly constructed detached dwelling is now offered for sale by two top Cheadle Estate Agents Donald Cope & Company and Kevin Ford & Company at offers around £230,000

WOODSIDE VIEW, 122 NESS GROVE, CHEADLE This newly constructed detached dwelling has been completed under architects supervision, in our view, to a high standard. The property comprises Storm Canopy, Reception Hall, Store, Lounge, Large Fitted Dining Kitchen, Utility Room and Cloakroom with WC. Stairs lead to galleried landing, Master Bedroom with Ensuite Shower Room, Three Further Good Sized Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. Outside there is a large impressed concrete drive / parking area leading to integral garage. Shared side access lead to enclosed rear garden with impressed concrete patio and lawn areas.

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Newly Constructed Large Fitted Kitchen Integrated Appliances Upvc Glazing Fitted Carpets Combination Gas Boiler Galleried Landing Ensuite Facilities

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Low interest rates apply thereafter.Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request by Xact Mortgages Limited .This offer is subject to status and is only available on selected developments and properties. It is not offered with any other promotion. Applicants will need to use a Mortgage Broker and Solicitor from Taylor Wimpey’s panel, who will act solely for the applicant. Eligibility and affordability for this scheme must be assessed by a HomeBuy Agent. For full details please contact the Marketing Suite or visit our website bryant.co.uk/homebuy. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Prices correct at time of going to press. Distances are approximate. Images show typical Bryant homes.

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UTTOXETER CYCLE CENTRE CYCLE SALES • ALL REPAIRS SERVICING • ACCESSORIES 62 CARTER STREET, UTTOXETER TELEPHONE 01889 567608

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Lord Baker hails ‘magnificent’ JCB Academy after behind-the-scenes tour ormer Education Secretary Lord Baker was given a glimpse behind the scenes of the new £22 million JCB Academy hailing it as a magnificent training opportunity for youngsters.

As Kenneth Baker, Lord Baker was a Conservative MP from 1968 to 1997 and was the first Minister for Information Technology, responsible for introducing computers into schools. After leaving the House of Commons in 1992, he became a member of the House of Lords in 1997.

His links with education continue and earlier this year he began working with the Government to promote a new generation of academies called university technical colleges (UTCs), which will offer two Diplomas; one in engineering and construction trades and the other in engineering and IT. Lord Baker was shown around the new facility by JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade. The JCB Academy is based at The Grade II Tutbury Mill in Rocester and is currently being restored to its former glory to create one of the UK’s most modern learning establishments. It will open in September 2010.

Lord Baker said: “This is the shape of things to come as far as education in England is concerned. When we come out of this recession we will need technicians and engineering skills and the JCB Academy will help provide those. What is unique about the JCB Academy is that youngsters will choose to come here aged 14, not when they are 11. Eleven is too early and 16 is too late. We have never trained enough engineers in our country and the JCB Academy will provide magnificent training and is the sort of college that links the mind and the hand.”

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Let The Voice Be With You

By Les Humphries ell Readers two serious accidents in a matter of days at Rocester crossroads, following on the heels of a third several weeks ago - will we ever get traffic lights, or do we have to have some deaths first? What with the Alton Towers traffic nutters, and lorries going to and from JCB it surely needs something other than unheeded speed limits, or it won't be long before before some foreign driver kills somebody (a Polish lorry driver was responsible for the first pile up) it's been debated for years but nothing ever gets done, so come on Highways Division get your fingers out and make a decision for a change.

There seems to be no end to the upheaval at my end of the village. We are now into our third year of rebuilding and renovation work following the demolition of the Mill Street and Riversfield Drive flats and the terrible mess they made along the way. On laying gas and water mains to the new properties the roads were dug up and what a Heath Robinson job was made of re-surfacing them, they very quickly sunk and exposed potholes and dips everywhere.

Now they have decided to re-roof, coat and paint the concrete stone blasted council properties, so there is scaffolding everywhere plus vans and lorries parked on pavements down Eaton Road where I live so you can't even pull up in front of your own house. The poor residents who have purchased their properties and are unfortunate enough to live next door to a council property, or rather Trent and Dove as they are now known, at time of writing are into their fourth week of scaffolding poles stuck on their driveways so they are unable to park on their own property. We should have had a Community Charge rebate rather than an increase, but there are no hand outs to property owners, unless they are politicians of course. Oh, I forgot to mention that home owners were offered the same service (re-roofing and painting) it would only cost us a few grand for the privilege!

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Despite being a rugby man as you must all be aware by now, I have been watching quite a bit of Footy on the tele lately as my good lady is a passionate Wolves supporter and they get more coverage now that they are in the premiership. I have been appalled at the poor standard of refereeing, particularly with the number of blatant penalties Wolves have had turned down. On one occasion a Wolves player was grabbed and pulled in the penalty area twice, but because he stayed on his feet - no penalty.

The problem is that most of the Wolves players do not have any premiership experience, and have not learnt to cheat yet. As I see it, you have to throw yourself on the floor and nine times out of ten you will get a free kick or a penalty. Perhaps they would be advised to watch some old Ronaldo DVD's! They did get a stroke of luck against Stoke though I must admit.

Mind we are not squeaky clean in Rugby any more following the Harlequins bloodgate incident, which resulted in Dean Richards, their coach being banned.

Quins as they are known in rugby circles were one of our posher clubs in the good old days before professionalism reared it's ugly head, whatever next?

Uttoxeter Rugby Football Club are still unbeaten at time of writing, and lying in second place in the league, just one point behind the leaders Dronfield, but with a game in hand, keep it up lads I'm proud of you.

November was another busy month for yours truly with the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in full swing, building up to Remembrance Sunday on the 8th of November with a number of parades and poppy selling days. Twenty Standards, plus an RAF contingent and a Pipe Band were on parade at Trentham Gardens to lead a march past which launched the appeal two weeks prior to Remembrance Sunday. It was in conjunction with the Antiques Road Show, and Eric Knowles was in attendance looking at peoples old tat as well!

But despite the recession the British public were as always very generous with their donations to the appeal, I spent a day in JCB plus a Saturday morning with the lads in Uttoxeter selling outside the town hall, and had a terrific response on both occasions - I even managed to squeeze some money out of Razzer!

The Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir have also kept both myself and my good friend John Stanton busy with a concert at Blythe Bridge the night before Remembrance Sunday then, after parading with the Legion at Denstone and then attending the Rocester Service on the day, we had to rush home, change uniform and travel out to Lask Edge for their afternoon service which is an annual fixture for the Churnet Valley boys.

So now we look forward to Christmas, and as I covered Kesh's programme in the last issue of the Voice I will remind you of the Christmas Eve Fancy Dress Party and Crib Service at Rocesters St. Michaels Church at 5:30 pm which will be followed by mulled wine and mouth watering mince pies, even Santa will be there!

Christmas Eve Communion will follow at 11:30 pm, and it is a tribute to the village how many turn out for the occasion. It seems to have got more popular over the years, so if you have not yet joined the throng, why not give it a try - there are a lot more soft seats in St. Michaels now!

Christmas Day sees family celebration at 10 am and worshippers are invited to bring an unopened present with them. There will be selection boxes for all of the children. Why not put the turkey in the oven and pop up for an hour?

So it's ttfn have a great Christmas and may we all look forward to an upturn in fortunes for us all next year.

Les

Magisterial Memories

By John Glandfield Uttoxeter’s Most Charismatic Solicitor am prompted to begin this Article on a rather sombre note.

Following a recent comment by an acquaintance that I had obviously cut back on Court work because I was tired of acting for guilty people I found such a dismissive observation most alarming and so would ask the Reader to take the time to read and contemplate the following.

As with most of us, if the truth were told, I do, far too often, still habitually pre-judge although I find that trait despicable in others. In truth, in my line of work especially, you should always keep your counsel until you are certain that you know both the facts and that what you believe to be the true facts are just that.

Remember also, and not least, that the three most basic principles of our Criminal Law are, respectively, 1 that everyone is innocent until proven guilty (or, quite often in reality, if they admit their guilt, 2.that if someone maintains that they are innocent it is wholly and exclusively down to the Prosecution to prove guilt to the satisfaction of a Magistrate or a Jury otherwise, and, finally, c. it is exclusively the Magistrates or the Jury that decide guilt or innocence NOT the Police, Lawyers or, not least, the Media and the public at large and especially not Bill Bloggs in the “Three Turnips” having just consumed seven or more pints of Bitter on a Friday night! You would not credit, up and down this Country, how many experts on all things legal frequent our Licensed Premises A Judge once said, “It is one thing to know it, but quite another to prove it and the Law requires the latter and, in criminal cases especially, it has to be proof

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beyond reasonable doubt and nothing less will do”.

Over the years when I was privileged to act for those who were in trouble I quickly came to appreciate that given the right (or wrong as the case may be) circumstances, no one is immune from falling foul of the Law so may God truly preserve us all if all or any of those three most basic of principles that I mentioned in the last paragraph ever went.

Given the fickleness of human nature it should come as no surprise to the Reader for me to say how effective I always found it when accosted by someone who asked me how I could have acted for such and such a person to retort, “Would you be asking this if my Client had been your husband/ wife/son/daughter”. That question usually disarmed even the most vociferous of the “Hang ‘em high” Brigade. Equally the Biblical quote that. “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” invariably works wonders.

Right, enough of the solemnity albeit all that I have just said have always been considerations close to my heart. The Festive Season is upon us so I will close with yet another couple of Court tales.

The first was on the following occasion when I was prosecuting a case of bullying - by its very nature always difficult to prove to the standard that the Law requires.

At the time it was just after the advent of video links whereby timid witnesses in sensitive cases could give evidence in a room away from the Court. It was all strange and very new if not disconcerting for everyone as the Witness, in another room and on the one hand, only saw the Court and all in it on a T.V. Screen and, on the other hand, the Advocates and others had to put

questions by talking to a face on a screen. It was and, I suspect, still is very impersonal. In the earlier days at least, before the case started and to ensure everything would go smoothly, there were prior sound and picture tests with the Magistrates and everyone apart frown the Witness in Court taking part. One of the Magistrates then observed that one of the Defence Solicitors – no Adonis it has to be said - was absent. “We seem to be missing Mr. So – and –So,” exclaimed the Chairman, “Does anyone know where he is?” “Still in Make-up” some wit in the body of the Courtroom spontaneously retorted. “Well then” responded the Chairman not to be out done,” We may be waiting some time, we’ll retire for coffee”.

The second involved a Trial of articles stolen from an employer. Whilst many would have said, as did the Judge before passing Sentence at the end of the day, that the evidence against him was, from the outset, overwhelming the Client would have none of. So adopting the three basic principles that I set earlier of this Article we had a full blown trial. When the Jury returned and announced that they unanimously found my Client Guilty as charged the Client leant forward from the dock, tapped me on the shoulder and asked, ”How do you think it’s going?” At such times, yes, I did feel that I was wasting my time.

Well a very Happy Christmas to you all and I hope that 2010 will go some way to eradicating from your memories the horrors of 2008 and 2009.

See you in Court.

John E.Glandfield

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39

Arriba! New Year, New You! In Uttoxeter! he Arriba! Weight loss club is proving so popular that it is possibly going to run 2 new classes from January! Now is the time to set the last New Years Resolution to lose weight for ever!

The venue is also changing from the Village club at Doveridge to Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.

The 14 members of Julie Wilcox-Jones’ first challenge in Doveridge have already lost a staggering 6 stone 11lbs between them since the 12 week challenge started just 4 weeks ago!

Everyone gets on so well and really offers support to one another. The community spirit within the group is really encouraging and everyone is thrilled with their individual weight losses to date AND their shape changes with many already benefiting from the increased health and vitality losing weight brings.

There are 12 weekly classes offering weight loss coaching, nutritional education, tips, advice and lots of help and support both in the class and on a 1 to 1 basis. The course is designed to offer nutritional advice and solutions to losing weight with a personal weight loss coach being assigned to each individual. Participants are encouraged to make wise food choices through reeducation about how our bodies use food for fuel, have loads of energy and keep the weight off!

If members need help and ideas or more effective ways to lose weight then personal, individual weight loss programmes can be recommended by Julie, an independent Herbalife distributor.

As well as weekly prizes and recognition, there is a big cash prize for the biggest 3 losers at the end of the 12 weeks so as well as all the health benefits it’s an added incentive to lose weight!

Julie, who is a personal health and wellness coach, added “Everyone has been asking about the challenge so I’m anticipating the need to run 2 challenges next January to meet demand!”

Classes are limited to a maximum of 35 participants to ensure people receive a personal service.

Call to reserve your place NOW! To find out more about the challenge or to request a FREE Wellness evaluation and discuss personal weight loss goals, please call or e-mail Julie on 01889 566576, julie.wilcoxjones@sky.com If you are interested in running a Weight Loss Challenge in your local area, please call Julie to find out how she can help.

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The Voice wishes all our advertisers and readers A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Burns

Cheadle & District Have a safe Private Hire Christmas and let us do the driving!

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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.

The good old days Left: Can anyone recognise this football team of yesteryear? Give us a ring on 01538 751629.

Below Left: A packed audience - but where is it and what is the occasion?

Below:Three smart looking lads are photographed at a Cheadle dance - but who are they? Give us a ring.....

Above: Pictured above are three youngsters and a little monkey! We know the name of the monkey, it's Smelly, but who are the two lads from Uttoxeter? and what is the name of the girl from Cheadle?

Above Right: Photographed right during a night out at a local dance are these two couples - can you recognise them?

Right: Two of Uttoxeter's most glamorous ladies are enjoying themselves - but who are they? Give us a ring on 01538 751629

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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Ginny’s Gardening Guide

By Uttoxeter’s Ginny Gibson alking around the garden early this morning it looked so bleak, but an old gardener told me once that when the garden looks bleak, it is actually at its most active, its rejuvenating itself from all the hard work in the summer and making sure that it is in good stead for the next growing season. That nearly compensated for the bleakness, but not quite.

However there is always a silver lining, TREES, this is the best time of year to plant them, and at the end of November and beginning of December it is national tree week. When we arrived in Uttoxeter we planted a silver leaf pear, being an amateur, I forgot that you needed to cut an 18-inch circle around the base of a young tree to make sure the grass didn’t cause congestion around the small truck. But I did remember to water it well and stake it in its first season, remember the stake goes upright to the truck if you buy a bear root tree or at 45 degree if you buy a pot grown, the angle ensures you do not damage the roots that have established in the pot.

To correct my congestion error I have gone back to the tree in the recent weeks and cut a circle around the base, I just used an edging tool to shape the circle and then carefully peeled the turf away.

To keep the circle from getting over grown again, you can mulch but I chose to put down black membrane and was lucky enough to have a super duper neighbour, Keith, with some spare grey slate tiles that I smashed up into small pieces to make the circle a bit decorative, very arty farty, but I like it.

My professional tip this month is from Alison at Bradley Lakes Turf and Landscape, 01543 491124 www.bradleylakesturf.com she provides turf to the great and the good of Staffordshire from her turf farm in Rugeley and although this is not the best

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time to lay turf as the cold would make it establish more slowly, I am now deciding on which bits of our small lawn to replace, and in readiness for the spring I will book my delivery now.

My lawn has been quite un-happy for a while, two puppies tend to do that to grass, so it was nice to talk to an expert. Alison explains that if I want to

relay it, I have to take the old turf up, I thought I could just lay the new on top(!), apparently if I laid new turf directly on top of the old turf, it may then heat up and burn the roots of the new turf, however if you put several inches of soil over the old turf and then lay the new on top of the soil, this problem does not occur, but you then have the problem of levels and I had visions of a high rised lawn. So if you want to do it professionally, and lets face it that’s why I ask for expert tips, then taking up the old turf gives you the best result.

Although this sounds daunting, its actually not that bad. Turf has shallow roots, so you can peel it up very easily, use either a sharp spade or an edging tool and cut your existing turf into strips and then gently start at one end and roll it up, this method means you will be removing

Where can you see Father Christmas in Staffordshire this year? Foxfield of course! he Foxfield Railway's Santa Specials are famous around Staffordshire as a premier Christmas family attraction. Our premier heritage steam railway, located at the heart of the Midlands, is pleased to be host to Santa each year when he visits our events at our family friendly, heritage steam railway each Christmas. Full timetable and event details will be found on our website. Regarded by many as the most entertaining seasonal attraction in Staffordshire, our magical services are popular with families looking for a safe and reliable fun day out in Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, during the Christmas period.

The event offers Christmas Fun for the whole family with the opportunity to meet Santa visiting the Foxfield Railway during December on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 23rd & 24th.

There is easy access to Foxfield from all of the counties surrounding Staffordshire, so come and visit us soon.

A Foxfield Railway spokesman comments: "There is always a lovely and very unique atmosphere on the Santa Special steam trains

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because there's the excitement and atmosphere of travelling on a steam train that is matched with the excitement and expectation of meeting Father Christmas in person during the journey."

"Our volunteers love working on the Santa Specials because it is lovely to see the children's faces as they see a real steam train - often for the first time - and then get to meet Father Christmas, receive their present from him and actually talk to them while the steam train travels on it's nostalgic journey."

On each day, there are normally four Santa Special steam trains - departing a festively decorated Foxfield station for the round trip during where child will receive a present from Santa during the train journey, and adults receive a hot mince pie and seasonal drink.

Prices start at just £3.00 and can be purchased via our booking hotline on 01782 259667.

Check out our website for details at www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk where you can also download our Santa Leaflet.

all the existing root mass. The next step is put some air into the soil, so use a fork to gently break up the surface give the soil an extra treat by applying a pre-turf fertiliser and you may get a lawn like a bowling green!!

Alison’s next tip is wonderful, when laying your turf, start at one end and go up the lawn and then lay the next piece back down the garden in the opposite direction, this gives you a instant striped lawn. Don’t forget not to tread on the new turf while laying it and use planks to spread your weight then water it well, to make sure you have given enough water, just lift a small corner up and check the water has gone all the way through the root mass. I will update you in the spring about how to looklook after the lawn once it has been laid.

Sadly I have not managed to get a tip from the allotment this month, my fault, but I did find out about an Edible Garden Show in March 2010, it sounds fun and is being held at Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2LZ. Finally on a Christmas note why not go over to St Michaels Church, The Meadows, Brereton, Rugeley (WS15 1JH) in order to take part in the free Christmas Tree Festival, they are organising two family sessions on 12th December for parents and children to come together to paint shortbread decorations, be creative with a terracotta pot and at the end take home a Christmas Tree sapling to plant at home.

Places are limited so ring Mrs Gillian Shaw on 01889 800245 and she will book your free place. Your Christmas Tree sapling will look lovely, not only this year but for years to come, that is the beauty of trees they last longer than us, (if we remember to cut a 18 inch circle round them that is!)

Happy Christmas to you all, and Happy Gardening!

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Telephone: 01782 392952 Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 0776 784 6937.

43

Guiding your future...

The exciting start of a new era

s the nights draw in and autumn takes a hold the management of Cheadle SMU (South Moorlands United) look back on a solid start to life in the Staffordshire County Senior League.

As of 31/10/2009 Cheadle’s newest adult team had played ten competitive games including two in the cup.

In the league they sit in 9th place out of fourteen having won 3, drawn 2 and lost 3. None of the three league defeats have been heavy ones. In addition both cup games resulted in defeats only one to a team two divisions above and light years ahead in terms of experience was a heavy one.

The team is a collaboration between Cheadle United and South Moorlands Football Clubs and was born out of a desire to provide a stepping stone into adult football for the senior youth players coming out the two clubs youth systems.

The team has a good pedigree with its current squad being drawn from last season’s Cheadle United Under 18’s who were winners of Division 2 County Minor Youth League as well as losing semi finalists in two cups, South Moorlands Under 18’s who won the quadruple in their league and cups together with players drawn from this year’s South Moorlands Under 18’s and Cheadle United under 17’s.

The aim of the team is youth and whilst there is

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no age cap the intention to use teenagers remains with only rare appearances by older players when absences reduce the available squad.

At the start of the season Peter Booth manager of Cheadle United’s first team and also manager of SMU said ‘ Alan Hanson said you do not win anything with kids, well that maybe true and we do not expect to pull up any trees this year, but we will look to lay the foundations of a good side for future seasons’.

The foundations for the future have clearly been laid with the team above target at this stage in terms of the points the management set at the start of the season.

Ian Morton Chair of both SMU and South Moorlands said at the same time ‘we want the best for the best young players in the Cheadle area and together the parent clubs have invested a four figure sum into this venture to ensure its success’.

The plan for the team is spread over the next three seasons which will see the team gain in maturity and also be supplemented by those players graduating out of the two parent clubs youth sides which are South Moorlands under 16’s and 18’s and United’s under 17’s. All sides have promising players in their ranks with several already playing for SMU. The teams match day personnel of Steve Hammond, Paul Malbon and Trevor Finney who work alongside Peter Booth have proved to be a successful quartet with each complementing the other to enable the smooth running of the team especially on match days.

The benefits that Peter Booth, Ian Morton and the rest of those involved in the team hoped to see have

Local lads feature in Burton Albion Under 14’s

high proportion of local lads from Uttoxeter and surrounding areas have been signed to play for Burton Albion Under 14’s this year.

The boys, who all go to Thomas Alleyne’s High School in the town, trialled for the team over the summer to guarantee their places for the current season.

Max Kiddle from Marchington, in his 3rd season for the team, has been made Captain for the 2nd season, whilst Ben Atherton – who was spotted whilst playing for his local Doveridge Sunday football side – is one of the original members of the team that was started 3 years ago.

Marcus Matthews of Bramshall and Chris James of Uttoxeter both played last year and defender Josh Morris of Uttoxeter successfully trialled during the summer after playing the last few games of last season for the team.

The team plays in the highly competitive Midlands Junior Premier League on a Saturday. The league, started by Cyrille Regis, was designed to fill the gap between Sunday football and Academy football and includes teams such as Kidderminster, Bristol City and Oxford City. The boys travel as far afield as Cheltenham, Bristol and all over the Black Country to compete on a Saturday Morning.

The team has signed a sponsorship deal with Little Chef who provided distinctive blue and white kits for the lads.

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already in a short space of time begun to be realised.

Some of the existing youth players have already appeared for SMU and both youth setups have a clear pathway into adult football with playing looking forward to the chance to play for SMU. For Cheadle United fresh young blood has been injected into their first and second teams with players like Mitchell Finney, Terry Hammond, Steven Booth, Dan Bloor and Chris Heathcote getting regular runs in the first team on a Sunday morning.

Lastly and quite importantly the healthy rivalry that existed amongst the two clubs at youth level has now been superseded by friendship and a mutual respect of each other that has seen Cheadle SMU develop a strong team spirit.

The team has benefited already from additional sponsorship that has seen the Mango Tree at Draycott sponsor the shirts and a number of other options are being explored to cover equipment costs etc.

However as Press Officer Martyn Hordern explained there is still a need for further income. He said ‘equipment wise we have done well already this season with sponsorship, however ground hire and insurance is a big drain and we have opportunities for match day sponsorship and a man of the match sponsor together with other opportunities.' He added 'we appreciate the current economic climate is not helpful but the opportunity to support a local club giving opportunities to young men is we feel a positive one and we feel sure there are those that will want to support us’ Should anyone want to get involved in sponsoring the team they can contact Martyn on 07711 666773 or via email martyn.hordern@southmoorlandsfc.co.uk

South Moorlands coach receives prestigious Football Association Award outh Moorlands Football Club is proud to announce that the start of the new season saw chair and Coach Ian Morton receive the Staffordshire Football Association Charter Standard Club Coach of the Year award for 2009.

The award which is open to any coach who is involved with a Charter Standard Club in the county was presented to Ian at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium in early September and is testament to Ian’s unstinting work with young footballers in Cheadle over many years.

Vice Chair of South Moorlands Martyn Hordern who nominated Ian said ‘it is very apt that Ian got this award in our tenth year and shows the effect Ian has had on a generation of young footballers produced in and around Cheadle’.

Ian himself said ‘I was both very proud and surprised to not only be nominated for this award but also to win it. I thoroughly enjoy coaching youngsters many of whom now play in adult football or represent South Moorlands older youth teams’ Ian got into coaching over 20 years ago when he took his son to the Leisure Centre in Cheadle for coaching and later was encouraged to take his coaching badges. For the last 17 years he has held regular football training sessions open to all from the Cheadle area. Between 1997 and 2000 Ian worked with Stoke City specialising with under 10’s. His involvement in football goes way back however having being a familiar face

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on the local football circuit as a player in the 1970’s and 80’s.

Ian still puts on coaching sessions at the Leisure Centre assisted by other South Moorlands coaches on Wednesdays between 4.30 and 5.30 for school years 4 to 7, Saturdays 9.30 – 10.30 for years 4 to 7 again and 1030 – 1130 for years 1,2 and 3. It is from these sessions that many of the current crop of players have joined the club. This year’s Stoke City Under 10’s Academy team include two South Moorlands players who joined via this route and were spotted playing for the club.

Anyone whose children would wish to get training is welcome to attend any of the sessions.

Martyn Hordern concluded ‘this is yet further testament of the work that goes on at grass roots level in and around the Cheadle area to develop decent footballers. As a club we are committed to carrying on the good work Ian does’ Should any local business or individual wish to support the work of South Moorlands Football Club there are opportunities for match day sponsorship, plus sponsorship of kit and balls etc. Further information can be obtained from Martyn Hordern on 07711 666773.

Ian is pictured receiving his award from Mike Stokes Vice-Chairman of the Staffordshire Football Association, and also Chairman of the Staffs FA Football Development Committee, and the Staffs FA Charter Standard Working Party.

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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.

At the moment I'm living in Cyrpus and my mate Mick Grantham sends me copies of The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice and the sports section is absolutely great. Looking at the photographs of my old friends and foes in younger footballing days is a great relaxation when I'm bathing by the pool!!

Various team selections in The Voice are great for arguments and Smithy is always a good read along with all the other columnists.

I am sending you my team selection from players I played with and against. I could probably choose 10 teams but I will start with this one which is to the right:

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 December Team

PETER SWANWICK (Rocester) The one and only Pete, simply the best, better than many pro keepers.

Back Four:

Our reader's team is selected by former local footballing star Kenny Elliott who reads The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice at his home in Cyprus!

‘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!

Goalkeeper:

KEVIN BARRY (Cheadle Utd) Class player, pace, intelligence, solid defender.

KEITH HIBBERD (Rocester) No compromise with Hibs, he let forwards know they were up against it. Tremendous organiser of the offside trap.

BARRY HULTON (Rocester) A Rolls Royce of a player, could play midfield but as a partner with Keith they were unbeatable.

BRIAN LAWTON (Cheadle Utd) Could play anywhere in the team, he had all the attributes Kevin possessed at right back.

Right Wing: DAVE BEVANS (Cheadle Town) On his day he was unstoppable.

He had pace, great stamina and a fine shot. Sometimes wayward but I want him in my team.

Inside Right:

PAUL WALKER Bamfords A solid local goalkeeper who never let the side down.

GEORGE LINES SNR Uttoxeter St Mary’s A very strong defender with a fantastic attitude.

MICK RING (Captain) Wheatsheaf Atheltic FC

RAY SARGEANT Butchers Arms FC Always dependable and a tremendous player under pressure

NOEL HOOPER Rocester FC Steady defender who read the game superbly.

Very good in the air, strong tackler and a great leader.

The opposition knew they had been in a match against Mick!

PETE DOUGLAS (Wheatsheaf) A Bryan Robson type player - no need to say any more.

Inside Left: GARY PLANT (Cheadle Town) Opposite to Dougie, a great passer and he could dictate the pace of any game.

Left Midfield:

JOHNNY WELSH Uttoxeter Town FC Speedy winger who could open up defences in seconds. A real vintage goalscorer too.

DOUGIE COMPASON Tutbury Hawthorns

TOM GOODWIN Marchington FC

Great in the midfield zone and very fast when going forward, always on the scoresheet.

Top local player who could orchestrate play brilliantly.

BOB INGLIS Bamfords FC What a winger Bob was, always dangerous and sauntering past hapless defenders.

LYNDON BEARDMORE (Cheadle Utd) I would play this great player in the holding midfield position but in actual fact he could play anywhere. Pace, strength and so physically strong.

Centre Fowards: MICK COLLINS (Rocester) Best goalscorer in the whole area before or since. He scored goals from nothing.

COLIN KERSLEY (Cheadle Town) Mobile, good in the air, lightning pace, what a partner for Collo.

JIMMY DYCHE Stramshall FC

IAN MEEK Ryecroft FC Lots of talent and a powerhouse of a centre forward, Ian had no fear!

Jimmy loved putting the ball into the back of the net, a tremendous marksman.

We have inserted one football club each player has performed for.

Substitutes: IVAN PLANT (Cheadle Utd) Superb centre forward.

JIMMY CARTLIDGE (Cheadle Utd) Great defender.

Obviously, many have played for several clubs in their careers.

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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... hat an amazing month October was! At the beginning it started with an invite for my wife Donna and I to visit some friends for a short weekend break in Liverpool.

Well to be honest it’s years since I visited the city so wow, what a surprise! Cultural money from Brussells has been well spent.

From something that I was expecting i.e. Boys From the Black Stuff city, it is a wonderful city, modernised in areas and tradition kept where needed. We spent the Saturday evening going around the city being wined and dined by our hosts. And then on the Sunday morning we prepared for a visit to Goodison Park to watch The Potters but before that we were able to take in a visit to the Albert Docks, a marvellous place, shopping etc and museums. The museum I was really looking to visit was the slavery museum, I don't know why but it has always interested me, perhaps animosity from my roots no doubt!

But time did not allow that but we promised ourselves to revisit with our children to see the appalling treatment those poor people had bestowed upon them, the inhumane conditions they were transported in, screwed up in the ships in pens 4 feet by 2 feet, no sanitisation and their food if you can call it that tipped in through the holes in the pens. Thank God for William Wilberforce and the introduction of his slavery bill, it’s with that in mind that get’s me thinking where were my ancestors from.

But finding that out became a slight step closer in this amazing month of October, a month that saw my 64th birthday alas of yet no sight photograph wise of my family in the States.

Although I have details of them, it was only now that I was to receive a call that has altered my whole outlook, I will tell you now if you don’t mind of those calls.....

I was shopping in the High Street in Cheadle when my mobile went off ‘Hello,’ I said, ‘Al, it’s Donna, I just had a call from America, your nephew Anton!’

Well I stopped dead dumbstruck. ‘He’s going to ring you back in 10 minutes Al,’ said Donna. ‘OK I’m coming home now’ I replied. With that there was no time to finish the shopping so I got into the car and shot off home.

We both sat hardly saying a word whilst waiting for Anton’s call. What would he say, what would I say, all those questions, all those answers, my stomach was churning.

The call eventually came, ‘Hello,’ I said, ‘Hi this is Anton, is that you Uncle Alan?’ You can’t imagine my feelings, my eyes forced back the tears, something that my wife could not do as she shed a few. She has helped me immensely in my quest to find my family.

‘Hello Anton,’ I said, ‘how are you?’

And for the next 10 minutes we both just waffled on and to this day I can’t remember a word he or I said. But at the end of the phone call he said his mum Anne, my sister, would be home from work at 9pm our time and as the time now was 4pm, five hours to wait !

Can you imagine only five hours to wait after 64 years of waiting!

8.45pm came around and my patience ended and I rang the number Anton had given me. ‘Hi can I help you’ came the answer from over the Pond. ‘It’s Alan,’ I said, ‘Alan, I’m sorry who’s Alan,’ the voice replied. ‘Anne’s brother Alan from

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England,’ I said. ‘Well hello sir,’ he said and most quickly introduced himself as Chester, my sister’s husband, 'I'm sorry she won't be in yet for 15 or 20 minutes or so,’ ‘OK’ I said, ‘I’ll ring back.’

Will I ever get there I thought as I hung up and sat nervously watching the clock. 20 minutes on I rung the number again. The answer will stick in my mind forever.

‘Hello is that you Alan?’ ‘Yes it is, is that Anne?’

‘Yes’ she said.

Both ends went quiet, and then the excitement from both of us could not be restrained. The details probably would not be of interest to you all but to say her father, my father, died in 1989, served in the war and as a result lost a leg. She has promised to send me photographs and with Nigel’s permission I shall ask him to print them as soon as he can.

I shall now try a roots thing and trace back as far as I can, my ancestry.

But away from my flit back in time, I see Pete Booth (Beacon) has at last in my opinion introduced a big input of youth into his Cheadle United 1st XI. Well done Pete, the job you have done after taking over from me has been fantastic, I don't know how you've done it, and now to incorporate a further team in Saturday football you must be mad! But then again you have in United on Sundays the best help available by your side on the line match days. You have my fake tan brother Curly Johnson, and Lee Bould, two great guys, and the backroom staff second to none, Dave Wilson (Willy) secretary for near on 40 years absolutely marvellous, and Scrooge himself Tony Webster (Webby) as treasurer. Yes I think if Tony had his hands on the purse strings of the country he would have done a better job than ‘Darling!’ and I’m knocking Darling and his party, a party I have voted for all my life but this is not my Labour Party. I think we lost the last proper Labour Party Leader with the untimely death of John Smith, but that's enough of politics, back to Webby!

Tony was the eternal worrier, I recall a couple of classic encounters whilst in my tenure as manager of Cheadle United we found it frustrating that rules seemed to be allowed to be bent if you were a Pottery side or Leek side.

And therefore when the opportunity arose, I used it, it was during a fixture at Leek Town ground, a semi final of the League Cup. We were playing our Derbyshire rivals Harpur Hill from Buxton and we were a little thin on the ground as this was towards the end of the season and remember we only had one side then at United.

Willy told me on arriving that our request to add names to our eligibility list had been refused by the Leek League. committee. That didn’t in the least surprise me as I personally never endeared myself to the late Ted Williams and Derek Cashmore the main voices on that committee.

But I was adamant that for once we would get the rub of the green on bending the rules with permission! Therefore 30 minutes before kick off I sent Willy out with a message to those committee men knowing full well that five to six hundred people had already paid and entered the ground to watch what was to be a fantastic semi final. I needed permission for five names to be added to our starting line up and I knew I’d probably get three at the most! The answer came back ‘no chance!’

Well talk about brinkmanship I know how Kennedy felt about the ultimatum to Kruschev in the Cuban crisis. Willy I said tell them that we need four adding at least or we can’t turn a side out! Back came Willy with the answer ‘They say you can have three and not one more!’ My side were already stripped ready and the three players, Dave Bevans, Pete Douglas and Frank Rowe, were already standing in their strips! I looked at Webby when we left the dressing room as we went out and believe me he was white! We went on to win that semi 3-0 but that was not the first time to stress Webby. We found when we played at Birchall Playing fields in Leek we could never get the condensed team togetherness before we went out to start the match because of the communal dressing rooms. Therefore when the biggest fixture of this particular league season came around Bulls Head away who played their home games at Birchall I knew we had to go prepared.

I asked my committee to book a bus for 10.30am to pick us up for a 11am kick off at leek.

'But Smithy,' said Webby, 'we won't get there, get changed and be ready in time for the kick off!’ No doubt he was thinking of bus expenses and potential late kick off fines. ‘Webby leave it to me’ I said. The players met at the Legion Club at 9.30am and we talked out our match plan, got changed and climbed onto the bus 10.30am prompt arriving at Birchall 10.55. On getting there my boys ran off the bus track-suited up, did a few warming exercises and stretches and then dispensed with their tracksuits.

Their manager, my mate Neil Baker, was gobsmacked as were his players! They had peaked in their build up too early! As Bake later told me they had been off and on the pitch warming up for 30 minutes waiting for us to arrive. We turned them over 4-0, I was happy, Webby earlier worried was happy, Bake was fuming! ‘You wont do that to me again Smithy’ he said. ‘Cats and kittens Bake’ I said. He has now become a well known loyal servant at Crewe Alexandra after his introduction into management via Bulls Head and Leek Town.

It was at Leek Town where Bake had his first biggish job and he had me as his first assistant manager but that wasn’t for me, working out budgets, so much for one player and so much for another. And I sadly parted company but I have remained a lasting fan of his and a close friend.

Yes many times at Cheadle United with those guys were memorable and I look forward to being part of the 40 years anniversary next season 2010.

I am sitting writing this column on Remembrance Sunday and listening to the politicians about Afghanistan, I’m thinking what brave lads what brave men in 1914/18, 1949/45 and all actions in between. And i’m thinking what scum there is about. We could get them to fight instead of urinating over war memorials so come on you politicians earn your money and expenses and get the scum off the streets and give our brave boys and girls all the best equipment money can buy.

One last thing on this day, if you know of anyone who has fought to maintain our freedom, knock on his or her door and just say thank you.

Don’t forget my football re-union gala evening if you played very early 60’s – give me a ring for more details on 0785 5085 949 and watch this space.

A Very Merry Xmas and A Happy New Year to all our readers Smithy

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47

The ‘Utcheter’ and beyond Football Diaries from 1979 onwards...

By Tim Leech, our Uttoxeter man exiled in the Potteries ne of my favourite stories of being Manager of Uttoxeter FC during the 1990’s related to my captain Paul Croft. “Crofty” was a towering presence and a fantastic captain and player. He had a long and highly successful playing career with Rocester FC and is back there on the coaching staff now but I was lucky enough to have him playing the golden years of his career for me on a Saturday.

We were playing a Semi Final of a Cup Match away at Strawberry Lane in Rosliston, playing a strong Linton team who we had some real battles against. It was a lovely spring Saturday and a good pitch and setting. We had arrived early, my teams always arrived early, this being a trait that I inherited from one of my first manager’s, Mick Harper. When I played for Mick at the Wheatsheaf FC in the Burton Premier Division we always arrived early, on many occasions we would arrive at a ground in Burton before there was any sign of the home team.

Any way back to our Semi Final, I had a strong squad and all of the lads were nervous and were walking around on the pitch, one to kill time but two to calm their nerves and have the usual banter with each other. As I was about to call them into the changing rooms to reveal my team selection and give them my team talk, I found on the pitch a massive toad. I promptly picked up the toad and put him in my tracksuit pocket. The lads were then summoned to hear my words of wisdom. As I entered the changing room, I quickly deposited the enormous toad into my captain, “Crofty’s” kit bag.

The lads all filtered into their seats and I promptly announced the team and formation.

I then started to speak with each player individually telling them of my expectations and trying to get each player focused and psyched up for the impending battle. Starting with the goalkeeper, Paul Gregory, “Greg” lets be positive, good calling and dominate your area”, you get the gist. I proceeded to do this with all of the back four until I came to “Crofty”, who had just started to go into his kit bag. He was just starting to take his boots out of his kit bag when I made eye contact and we stared expectantly at each other. “Crofty” slowly carried on bringing his boots out of the bag but not breaking his eye contact with me, the rest of the lads quickly saw a massive toad sitting proudly on top of “Crofty’s” boots as I started to give him a tirade of instructions. The lads starting to snigger but “Crofty” was oblivious to this as I unleashed a barrage of bad frog related puns. “Right Skip, I don’t want us KERMIT – ing defensive suicide, let’s keep it tight for the first 10 mins”. “I don’t want you having a FROG in your throat; I want you roaring at

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everyone with words of encouragement” “Let’s have you LEAPING for each aerial ball like a FROG on a Lilly pond”. I am sure you have the picture.

“Crofty” at this point was just about to say what the hell are you going on about you lunatic?” as the lads sniggering became increasingly louder and with perfect comic timing and better than any joke I have ever told, the enormous toad, who had sat dormant on “Crofty’s” boots in full view of the whole changing room apart from an oblivious Captain, suddenly sprang several feet into the air. The whole changing room collapsed into fits of uncontrollable laughter. A magic moment made better by the lads playing magnificent and running out 5 – 1 winners.

I wonder if Fabio Capello should try this in South Africa next year. I think England will the World Cup, remember I TOAD you so. cricketing story that will hopefully give you a giggle, firstly because it’s true and secondly “Time should be a healer”, all will be revealed!

Many years ago an unnamed cricketer and his younger brother were playing for Bramshall 2nd’s away to Hem Heath Colliery on May 8th 1988 on a glorious early summer’s Saturday. I recall the day vividly. The younger brother happened to be 21 on the day of the match and he was in love with the world and had a smile wider than any Cheshire Cat could muster and thought the World was his Oyster and nothing was going to spoil this momentous day.

Big Brother had other idea’s, Bramshall 2nd’s duly arrived in the Potteries only to be informed only one umpire had arrived and that the batting team would have to provide an umpire. This arrangement being agreed between both Captains. Bramshall lost the toss and were put into bat. The elder brother opened the batting and was out for his usually inadequate 1 or 2 runs and then made his way to the wicket, so that he could umpire the rest of the Bramshall innings.

A couple of wickets later the younger brother made his way to the wicket, bat in hand and the permanent smile still beaming stronger than the May Sun. He asked his elder brother, now masquerading as an unbiased umpire for middle, he was promptly informed that his guard was “middle and that the bowler was right arm over the wicket with 2 balls to come”.

The Hem Heath bowler trundled up to the wicket and his delivery struck the Bramshall batsman on his front pad. The ball was clearly going to miss the stumps and was angling down leg side. The bowler and his team mates did not even appeal and looked perplexed when the Elder brother or Senior umpire raised his finger and informed the Younger

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1993 – The year a Premiership title came to Cheadle n 1993 Cheadle Cricket Club enjoyed one of its most rewarding and memorable seasons in its long history by winning the championship of the North Staffs and South Cheshire Cricket League.

The team remained top of the league virtually throughout the season winning most matches. Supporters will recall the memorable victories over Stone, Leek and Porthill and the nail-biting finishes to the matches with Knypersley and Nantwich.

Here is a profile of the players who won the Premiership title that year for Cheadle CC: David Lowell. Captain and outstanding batsman who scored 654 runs at an average of 40.88. Also a past captain of Longton during a championship year at that club.

Paul Shaw. The club professional. Brilliant left handed opening batsman who scored 922 runs and took 27 wickets. The major contribution to winning the championship. Also Paul played for Staffordshire with distinction on many occasions.

Roger Shaw. Fine wicketkeeper and right hand batsman who scored 281 runs.

Later played for Blythe Matthey as a professional and at Moddershall.

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Brother/Batsman “You’re out, LBW”, “You What” came a serious looking batsman. “You’re out, LBW”, the bowler stating he had not appealed, “He’s out, LBW”.

The Younger Brother/Batsman then proceeded to demolish his stumps in anger and unleash a volley of unprintable swear words and mutterings. You could also hear his bat being smashed to pieces in the dressing room.

Anyway, over the years the brothers occasionally drove past the Old Hem Heath cricket pitch while watching their beloved Derby County on a North West away day. Older Brother cracking a gentle smile, Younger Brother muttering under his breath “you B……d. @’@’’”, as they continued on their journey.

A couple of weeks ago Uttoxeter Cricket Club played a 20/20 match against a Uttoxeter veteran’s team featuring the unnamed elder and younger brother. Younger brother telling everyone who cared to listen I have been waiting 21 years for revenge and at last here is my opportunity. Fate was to play a hand in the events that transpired. The Veteran’s were chasing a 113 victory target and the batting order had been drawn out of a hat prior to the commencement of the innings, with younger brother batting at number 4 and elder brother at number 5.

Younger brother telling both Umpires and the whole Uttoxeter C.C team “21 years, I’ve been waiting for revenge on that B…….d” and how he was going to run out the unnamed Elder Brother by calling for a run and then saying no and stranding elder brother half way down the wicket. Elder brother unaware of younger brother’s cunning plan.

Elder Brother made his way to the wicket to be informed by younger brother” We’re running for everything our kid” “No problem” elder brother’s reply. Younger brother was facing because the previous batsman had been dismissed on the last ball. Younger brother tickled the first ball behind square leg and in the heat of the battle must have forgotten his game plan because he set off down the wicket like a scalded cat.

Well elder brother is no Usain Bolt and promptly called “No”, stranding Younger Brother half way down the wicket and he was himself run out, with his game plan ruined. You can say he was not a Happy Bunny and refused to have a consolation pint with elder “Bro” after the game Now our kid, I will be 66 years old and you 64 years old if you are looking for revenge in 21 years time, let’s call a cricketing truce. HOWZAT for a true story Regards Roachy

Martin Hall. Popular right hand batsman who scored 243 runs.

Chris Prime. Solid performance as a batsman scoring 274 runs. Chris was also a captain of Cheadle Cricket Club. Later he became a professional and captain of Blythe Matthey CC. Peter Smith. A fine all-round cricketer who played a major part in winning the title. He took 34 wickets and topped the club’s bowling averages that year.

Tony Brindley. Opening bowler who took 33 wickets in that season and featured in a number of later order match-winning performances. Now plays golf off a handicap of 12!

Steven Lowell. Right hand medium fast bowler who took 40 wickets and scored valuable runs to win matches.

Alan Fox. Long-serving club all rounder. Featured in a number of matchwinning performances with the bat and ball that season. Alan was also a financial secretary to the club for 20 years. Now a Life Member and Trustee of the club. A captain of Cheadle CC for a number of years.

Kevin Dean. Left hand bowler who took 15 wickets. Also scored 102 runs at critical times. Kevin went on to have a very successful career in first class cricket at Derbyshire.

Michael Salt. Left hand batsman and very popular member of Cheadle CC. Scored 165 runs in that season and he later went on to captain the club for a number of years.

Andrew Shaw. A developing left hand batsman who scored 138 runs. Opens the batting for the Cheadle first team at the present time.

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The Cream of the Crop

By Mick Harper UTTOXETER WANDERERS REMEMBERED nly readers above a certain age with good memories about local football will know that around a decade prior to my 15 year association with Wheatsheaf Athletic, I had a somewhat less successful spell at the helm of the long and probably best forgotten Uttoxeter Wanderers.

It all started because I got lost in Derby attempting to find my way to the Baseball Ground. As I was walking through a large park I asked a lad of similar age for directions to the ground. He said he was going there himself and I could accompany him if I wished.

I struck up a friendship with this guy and we kept in touch by becoming pen pals which sounds ridiculous now as I lived near Rocester and his Derby home was only about 18 miles away.

It turned out that he ran a team of lads from Bemrose School in Derby called Redfern Athletic and he asked me if I could get a side up from Alleynes in Uttoxeter to play against them. I managed to do this and with a little self indulgence as a Wolves’ fan named the team Uttoxeter Wanderers.

We had 3 successive games against the Derby lads, 2 in Uttoxeter and one in the middle in the Derby. We took the train from Uttoxeter for the away fixture which

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we won 5-1 and we had convincing victories in the home games too.

Following this a number of friendlies were played in the Uttoxeter area against teams such as Kingstone and Marchington, most of which we lost but it still seemed like a good idea at the time to join a League and play competitive football. Unfortunately there were no openings at Youth level in the Uttoxeter area in those days but we managed to join the Uttoxeter Saturday League which was a big mistake because it was literally men against boys every week, and we got some terrible hidings including an unbelievable 28-1 away to Freehay Rovers. Terry Corbishley helped himself to an all time League record with 13 goals and Stan Bevans registered a double hat trick.

There were old men on the touchline attempting to keep a count of the goals on their fag packets, and I can remember a couple arguing whether it was 28 or 29.

The return game in Uttoxeter was almost a triumph for the Wanderers as the Rovers only managed to win 18-1 on this occasion. One got the distinct impression that the Freehay lads were more bothered that we had scored against them each time rather then being ecstatic about the goals bonanza.

Anyway, believe it or not, there was another team in the League nearly as bad as the Wanderers namely

Stramshall Hounds.

We played them in the Staffordshire Amateur Cup and they just edged a ‘thriller’ 5-4. We fancied our chances when we played them in the League but our hopes were dashed by a 5-0 pounding.

There was drama in the return League game however when, with the score locked at 3-3, Stramshall looked set to go in front but were given offside when in a scoring position. From the resultant free kick the ball came to me and I went through and scored. All hell broke loose then and Referee Dave Hammond was besieged by angry Stramshall players arguing about the offside decision. When Dave asked for names to book a couple of them they refused his requests and consequently the official abandoned the game with 5 minutes remaining.

Subsequently the League awarded the points to the Wanderers but Stramshall promptly resigned from the League and so the Wanderers were still pointless.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Wanderers as they ‘broke their duck’ with a 3-2 victory against Brough Nicholson and Hall and, before the end of the season, managed to hold Cotton Albion 3-3.

More Wanderers’ memories next time.

Happy Xmas to everyone.

Mivk

See you at the far post!

By Mick Cullerton ould somebody in football please explain to me what has happened to the Respect campaign? The Respect campaign was launched as a brainwave by some highly paid executive in the Football Association or probably by an agency hired at great expense by someone within the FA. In the last few weeks we have had Sir Alex Ferguson moaning about the fitness of referee Alan Wiley. Tony Pulis complaining about time added on to the end of matches so as to stop Stoke City winning matches and now Steve Bruce saying that the West Ham full back Uluango is a pansy because his player pushed him in the chest and fell over feigning injury!

The Respect campaign has no teeth as managers say what they like and if they are fined for their outbursts they pay the fine but this is not a sufficient deterrent.

I would like the FA to do one of these two things: Ban managers from being interviewed directly after a match as they are still too emotionally involved in the game that has just been played and they usually talk rubbish then anyway.

Alternatively if a manager disrespects a referee or a player or the opposition dock them points. If teams were clocked points even Arsene Wenger might see incidents clearly. Managers are now very media savvy, some of them could hive Alistair Campbell a run for his money in spin doctoring! Managers know that one exclusive in a national newspaper more than covers a fine, to lose points would hurt the supporters and players but they are not always blameless, the Respect campaign should include then too.

I believe there has been a serious breakdown between players and supporters, the gulf between them is now enormous. There is a lounge in a club in Manchester set aside just for the players of both United and City so that the public wont bother them. I remember going to

C

Football Match Day Summariser for BBC Radio Stoke Ex Professional Footballer with Hibernian, Port Vale and Derby County

Manchester in my youth on a regular basis and seeing both sets of players in The Twisted Wheel and The Time and Place mixing freely with the public. The players are now too big for their highly inflated egos, they are fill of their own importance and I feel they are out of touch with reality.

Some of the players behaviour off the pitch is beyond belief, Joey Barton, Steven Gerrard and now Marlon King. Mind you whoever decided that Steven Gerrard would be tried in Liverpool should be sacked!

On the field we have Adebayor running 90 yards to taunt the Arsenal supporters who called him names. For the money he is on you could me any name under the sun!

Mind you I never had the energy to run the length of the pitch to celebrate scoring a goal!

Players now live in ivory towers, drive ridiculously expensive cars and very rarely mix with the people who pay their wages.

Did you know that it is an automatic booking if when a player scores a goal he celebrates by going to the crowd? Why then do the players keep doing it? It’s because the clubs do not fine them. I would have been annoyed if a colleague had scored and ignored me. I scored nearly 300 goals in my professional career and never once did I consider running away from my team-mates without whom you could not have scored the goal in the first place.

The other major thing when a player scores is the mass celebrations and players, especially the foreign ones, running to the bench. If a player cannot respect their team-mates how can they respect the supporters? I would like to see all the daft antics cut out or toned down and I feel that in this way the players could go some way to gaining some respect instead of acting like overgrown schoolboys.

The other major issues with players is play acting, trying to get their opponents booked or sent off. I feel you can’t stoop

any lower then to try and get a fellow professional booked or sent off. Gordon Taylor and the PFA should become more involved in this area. Young kids copy the top players and the likes of Ronaldo, Gerrard and Drogba should be setting an example to them.

I have dealt with managers and players in this article but supporters are not always blameless. A few years ago when Leeds played Galatsaray two Leeds fans were stabbed and we then see at a Leeds Utd v Millwall game Millwall supporters wearing Galatasaray shirts! If we are not careful families will be driven away from football.

Did you see the hate on the faces of the Arsenal fans trying to get at Adebayor? It’s probably the first time I’ve ever felt sorry for the stewards trying to keep them back.

Have you ever sat next to a supporter who gives players all sorts of abuse, usually with bad language throughout a game? If that player gestures in response they want to bring the police in. Why is it that supporters think that they can get away with obscenities in a football game when anywhere else they would be reprimanded?

Whatever happened to the rapport between players and supporters, when did you last hear something really funny from a fan on the terraces? There used to be real banter coming from the terraces. I remember playing for The Vale against Peterborough in 1977 when we both needed a point to stay up. One of their players got injured trying to stop me from scoring and we got a free kick right on the touchline. As I was waiting to take the free kick a supporter leaned over the wall and asked me if I wanted a boiled sweet. I took one off him and then asked him if he would save it for me until the end of the game. When the game ended I went over to collect my sweet and he said ‘good one, the best team won!’ You could not do that nowadays without a police escort!

A couple of seasons ago whilst working for Radio Stoke at Leeds United, I asked a steward why part of the car park was cordoned off. He said it was so that the players could park their cars and not be bothered by supporters. I was flabbergasted! Eddie Gray was standing next to me shaking his head and he told me that Don Revie always told them to arrive early so that they had time to sign autographs for the supporters. My reply was not so diplomatic as I felt that the Leeds team on that day was probably the worst Leeds team in the club’s history and they should be grateful anyone would want their autograph. I repeated that on BBC Yorkshire and they had a huge response on their phone-in – one or two telling me where to go but over 95% saying I was right!

When Celtic won the European Cup Jock Stein said ‘The day football forgets that the man on the terraces is the most important man in the ground – football will have lost its soul.’ We seem to be heading for this with the way our game is going.

Finally if you have a cricket fan in the family and are looking for a Xmas present for them have a look at BATS, BALLS AND BAILS BY LES SCOTT. It is 529 pages long and jam-packed with statistics from every county or minor county plus test cricket. Whoever did the research deserves a medal! On every page there is a quote or a one-liner from many of the great cricketers past and present.

I think Les must be the biggest name dropper in the world. The one-liners make it very easy reading and I enjoyed it immensely. It will make a great Xmas present.

See you at the Far Post A Very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers Mick

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