leisure gazzete

EE FR Nov 2011 Circulated throughout North Staffordshire, South Cheshire & The Staffordshire Moorlands

All The Fun Of The Fair

David Essex page 4

From the past…

A.D. Booth & SonsLtd THE GENUINE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

ROOFING & ROOF REPAIRS TILING & RE-SLATING FLAT ROOFS PROBLEM CHIMNEYS UPVC GUTTERING & CLADDING

ROOFING

FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES RING THE EXPERTS SAVE £££’s • Fast, friendly professional service from one of our local depots

So confident are we in the quality of our workmanship, you need not pay for our service UNTIL A MONTH AFTER THE WORK IS COMPLETED

BUILDING

HQ: 22a Nash Street, Newcastle, Staffs ST5 6DR • AAAAAA AD BOOTH roofingman@adbooothandsons.co.uk www.adboothroofing.co.uk

Doing it in the ‘70s… Still doing it today!

STOKE 01782 621636 LEEK 01538 373898 CREWE 01270 250052 STAFFORD 01785 227712

MEMBERS OF LEADING ASSOCIATIONS

…for your future

Brian Pickford

FREE UPGRADE TO NEW SETTANTA YOUR LOCAL uPVC WINDOW, DOOR & CONSERVATORY SPECIALIST

W edding Photographer

UK’s First Approved Zero Carbon Window System A+ rated Super Insulating

17 Weston Street Leek Staffordshire ST13 6EP

Lead Free Profile Secured by Design

Tel: 01538 387793 Mobile: 07870 772537

ROYAL STEET, CONGLETON, CHESHIRE CW12 1HR TEL: 01260 274505 www.congletonglass.co.uk Email: congletonglassco@btconnect.com

WANTED Old Watches, Wrist & Pocket, Ladies or Gents, Working or Not.

All makes, especially OMEGA!

BEST CASH PRICES PAID Also DOULTON & BESWICK POTTERIES ANTIQUES CENTRE 271 WATERLOO ROAD, COBRIDGE open 6 days or for a home visit

Tel: 01782 201455 07984 047597 Anytime

2

3

Roll on up and enjoy a ‘rollercoaster ride’ with ‘main attraction’, David Essex!!

IT’S time to get your money ready - and take a ride!

touching....well worth a spin’.

‘All The Fun Of The Fair’ runs from Tuesday, November 1st, to Saturday, November 5th, at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee performance on Saturday.

Following a record-breaking West End season at The Garrick Theatre (where it was nominated for ‘Best New West End Musical 2010’ by What’s On Stage’ David Essex and ‘Boogie Nights’ creator, Jon Conway invite you to a rollercoaster ride of musical at Hanley’s Regent Theatre.

Tickets, priced at £15-£30 (with premium seats up to £35), are available from the Box Office on 0844 871 7649 or online at www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke; for group-bookings, call 0844 871 7619 (fees apply).

‘All The Fun Of The Fair’ is underscored by by a helter-skelter of the star’s hits, such as ‘Winter’s Tale’, ‘Hold Me Close’, ‘Gonna Make You A Star’, ‘Me And My Girl Nightclubbing’, ‘Silver Dream Machine’ and ‘Rock On’.

In the show (inspired

by David’s album of that name), he plays fun fair owner, Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious, teenaged son.

‘Like father, like son’ they will take you for a ride!

Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune-teller who is in love with Levi.

Dodgems and motorbikes, crafty cons and candyfloss, fairground bosses and fights, along with romance and rock ‘n’ roll, mean that you sure to enjoy the ride, but, beware, all is not always fun at the fair!

‘It’s a great night-out’, enthused radio legend, Simon Bates, whilst The Daily Telegraph declared: ‘Genuinely 4

Welcome to our November Issue Commendations reassure us that we are getting it right!!

IT is always a double-delight when praise from an advertiser is received, adding to the ultra-positive ‘feedback’ which we have received from the first, two issues of our ‘new-look’ Leisure Gazette!

As we all know, self-praise counts for nothing, but a glowing commendation from a business urges us to go ‘that extra mile’ for both advertisers AND readers.

So, we were very pleased to receive the following response from Karen, owner of Shear Genius Salon, on Oulton Road, Stone.

“Thank you for a fantastic advertisement: I loved it,” enthused Karen, whose business was appearing at the Signal 1 and Signal 2 Autumn Bridal Fayre, held at the Stokeon-Trent Moat House Hotel, Etruria, on Sunday, October 16th.

“I am not attending the wedding show in February, 2012, but will be doing so in October, 2012; so, I would love to advertise in your magazine next year. Thank you.”

As the six pages from 6 to 11 show, Leisure Gazette is maintaining its commitment to clubland throughout North Staffordshire and South Cheshire by providing a unique, invaluable guide to entertainment available in venues throughout North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, showing readers what can be enjoyed each and every month of the year.

Accordingly, it was very pleasant to hear Keith Harvey (Vice-President of Baddeley Green Workingmen’s Club and a man long-committed to offering club members and their guests only the highest standards of live entertainment) saying how much he enjoyed and appreciated our monthly ‘’WHAT’S ON’ section, lauding it as “very good”.

To benefit from a full month’s subscription to Leisure Gazette, all clubs have to do is contribute £33 per month for a quarter-page advertisement, telling readers about just what you have to offer in terms of entertainment and leisure facilities.

If you turn to page 13, you will see our newest section, entitled ‘PUB TALK’, which we hope will do for pubs what ‘’WHAT’S ON’ is, obviously, doing for local clubland.

Accordingly, we’re keen to hear from all pub licensees about what you are doing; so, tell us about your venue’s forthcoming events (such as charity, sporting competitions and presentations etc.), entertainment, and new beers and menus.

IN THIS EDITION. . . .

WHAT’S ON in November............6-11 The Fitzherbert Arms at Swynnerton..............12 Pub Talk.........................13 Catchems Corner, Meir................................16 Ideal Christmas Gifts...........................17-21 Elle Louise Bridal.......22-23 Pets for Life...............26-29 Good Garage Scheme....................30-33 Winter Motoring.......35-37 CCH Vehicle Training Services.........................36 Leisure Classified..........38

CONTACT US: Leisure Gazette Second Floor, Lombard House, 3 Bucknall New Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. ST1 2BA Tel: 01782 204392 Email: leisuregazette@gmail.com 5

‘60s’ hit-songs, PLUS hysterical, zany comedy-routines!!

‘TOSSING and Turning’, ‘Funny How Love Can Be’ and ‘That’s Why I’m Crying’

together with some hysterical, zany comedy-routines.

Tickets for The Ivy League’s concert on Friday, December 2nd, are priced at £6, and they are available from the Leek New Road venue on (01782) 541246 or by telephoning Ant Munday on (01782) 570603/07743-876421 or emailing antmunday@ntlworld.com

- just three of the hits of a band which first tasted pop-chart success during the mid-1960s.

Since then, The Ivy League has gone from strength to strength, and readers can see why by booking tickets to see (and hear) the trio of musicians at Baddeley Green Workingmen’s Club on Friday, December 2nd!

Readers can also contact VicePresident, Keith Harvey on 07710-420632 and visit the club’s website:

The line-up features Jon Brennan (bass guitar & vocals), Dave Buckley (drums & vocals) and Mike Brice (guitar & vocals).

www.baddeleygreenclub.com

Perry Ford was the only original member to keep the band together through the late-’60s, which is when Dave joined to add his unique falsetto voice and keep the sound alive and original.

Dave and Jon ensured that The Ivy League continued through the ‘70s and beyond (with Perry’s blessing) at a time when most bands of the ‘60s had faded away, and they have created one of the best cabaret acts in the country.

Premier-quality organ & keyboard artists READERS can enjoy virtuoso playing by the best professional artists in concert at Wolstanton Workingmen’s Club.

It’s all thanks to the North Staffs. Organ and Keyboard Club, which stages its regular performance nights on the first Thursday of each month at the High Street venue.

On the third Thursday of the month, the club holds an open night during which the home players take their own instruments and, regardless of age or ability, are given the opportunity to play for fellow members.

Concert admission is £4 for non-members and £3 for members.

For further information, telephone Tony Lawton on (01782) 858907.

They starred at all the top venues of the time (The Night Out, Birmingham; Talk of the Town, London; Batley and Wakefield Variety Clubs; and The Bailey Circuit), winning numerous awards, such as Club Mirror ‘Comedy Vocal Group’ of the year.

What they do is not a ‘tribute’ but a genuine continuation over the last forty years without break!

Having worked with The Ivy League on several occasions during the ‘60s and ‘70s, Mike Brice joined on a permanent basis in 1990.

The showband’s unique falsetto vocal sound, blended with superb harmonies, reproduce those hit-songs, with its repertoire also featuring some old and new favourites, all of which are brought 6

Advertise your Club, Pub, or Entertainment Agency, in this magazine Telephone

01782 204392

we bid a friendly WELCOME to associates and vistors to the hospitable

NOVEMBER ENTERTAINMENT

WOLSTANTON WMC

Sat 5th - Cool Wave Sat 12th - Krys Sat 19th - Free Fall Sat 26th - Cool Memory

live entertainment every saturday

NOVEMBER Sat 5th Michael Brookes

(one of the Midlands Top Vocalists)

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18TH ELVIS & NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE SHOW TICKETS £4.00 AVAILABLE FROM THE CLUB

Sat 12th Switch (Male Duo)

Sat 19th Party Animal (Popular Local Act)

Sat 26th Mark Yates (Mr Soul & Motown)

.0/%": -JOF EBODJOH t 5)634%": /JHIU CJOHP */%003 (".&4 4/00,&3 4,*55-&4 100- $3*##"(& %0.*/0&4 &5$ 46/%": -6/$) BWBJMBCMF JO UIF MPVOHF SFTUFSBVOU %*4$ %3"8 FWFSZ 5IVSTEBZ 'SJEBZ 4BUBVSEBZ &WFSZ BMUFSOBUJWF 5IVST BGUFSOPPO '3*&/%4)*1 $-6# #JOHP 'SJ 4BU /JHIUT

EXCELLENT GAMES ROOM FACILITIES Snooker - Darts - Crib - Indoor Bowls

Function Room AvailableFor Hire

01782 616 736

Chetwynd House, High Street, Wolstanton

www.baddeleygreenclub.com 7

NOVEMBER Sat 1st- Girls in Motion Sat 8th- Marie Kelly Sat 15th- Robbie Benson Sat 22th- Stevie B Vaun Sat 29th - Mick Taylor

Providing top quality bands, duos, solos to all top club & pub venues throughout Stoke-on-Trent, South Cheshire & North Staffordshire.

Friday 28th SPECIAL PARTY NIGHT

‘SEASIDE RENDEZVOUS’

Long established professional agency

BINGO EVERY SAT NIGHT & SUN LUNCH GAMES ROOMS POOL TABLE, DARTS, CRIB FREE FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE

(RECENTLY REFURBISHED) LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH SHOWCASE NIGHT (TICKET ONLY)

189 WERRINGTON ROAD WERRINGTON, ST2 9AL

01782 214306

QUALITY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY EVENINGS SUPPLIED BY SUPREME ARTIST MANAGEMENT

Sat 5th- Krayz Sun 6th- Amanda Sat 12th- Halcyon Nights Sun 13th- Ronnie King Sat 19th- El-Diva Sun 20th- Jane George Sat 26th- The Task Sun 27th- Trev Moray 8

Record-breaking cheque handed over by footballer, Adam A CHEQUE for a recordbreaking £3,700 was presented to a representative of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Blurton, by Port Vale footballer, Adam Yates (pictured), on behalf of Pittshill Victory Club.

smashed all, previous records.

Explained Pittshill Victory Club Secretary, Dan Capewell: “I believe that this was down to the affection in which the Dougie Mac is held by members.

The Stoke-on-Trent club realised the monies for the cherished charitable cause by selling football cards, bar donationboxes and by holding a grand raffle.

“Many of them have had friends or relatives who have spent time at the hospice, so they know first-hand the wonderful care which it provides,” added Dan, who is also local Branch Secretary of the Club and Institute Union.

Organiser, Mandy Roberts, thanked all the local businesses and club members who had donated prizes and to Adam Yates for giving up his time to present the cheque to Mike Firth, of the hospice.

Each year, the St. Michael’s Road venue runs a raffle in aid of different charities, such as Children in Need and the County Air Ambulance, but 2011’s total-figure has

Queens Theatre Production Society

Club hosts Sportsman’s Dinner BADDELEY Green Workingmen’s Club is staging a Sportsman’s Dinner on Friday, November 25th.

e Dame Deano TAnhd y Kerr y Rile Side Kickas

The evening features Dave Bassett, plus brilliant comedian, Jed Stone.

ible Pair The ‘Orr

Phil Saoslo

Tickets for the event are priced at £25, and they are available from the Leek New Road venue on (01782) 541246 or by telephoning Ant Munday on (01782) 570603/07743-876421 or emailing antmunday@ntlworld.com

up ” Hard “Bublé

emma

ueens Theatre Darren aCs yples JKeaasr ns Baron

Burslem

on a acks inderell ael J Mich ce Tribute C Dan

All tickets £10 Family of 4 £35

17th - 31st December 2011

You can also contact Vice-President, Keith Harvey on 07710-420632 and visit the club’s website: www.baddeleygreenclub.com

Box Office 08443 57 57 91

www.queenstheatreburslem.com 9

NOVEMBER Sat 5th - Radioactive Sun 6th - Roadhouse Sat 12th - Realistics Sun 13th - Metropolis Sat 19th - Andrew Kerry Association Sun 20th - Ken Morrell Sat 26th - Boys Next Door Sun 37th - Mark Burrows

NOVEMBER Sat 5. DAVE WILLIAMS Sat 12. DAVE ROSS Sat 19. GARY CONNOR Sat 26. KAY JAY

&

A Warm Welcome Awaits You At

Berryhill W.M.C.

Beers by Coors, Excellent Facilities.

NOVEMBER Sat 5th ---- 2nd Time Round Sun 6th ---- Steve Case Sat 12th ---- Laughing Legends (STAR SHOW)

NOVEMBER

Sat 5th- Enrico

Sun 13th ---Sat 19th ---Sun 20th ---Sat 26th ---Sun 27th ----

Sat 12th- The Task Sat 19th- Ronnie King Sat 26th - Got The Tee Shirt

Sarah Dee Rob Cairns Tuesday Moor Owen James Gardner

BAR ,SMALL LOUNGE, LARGE LOUNGE GAMES ROOM WITH INDOOR GAMES DOMINOES, CRIB AND POOL CONCERT ROOM WITH TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT FROM APPLEYARD ENTERTAINMENTS EVERY SAT & SUN NIGHTS PLUS BINGO LARGE SCREEN TV, LARGE CAR PARK , COACHES WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT

TELEPHONE:

(01782) 614297

Calvary Crescent,Bentilee,ST2 OAQ,

01782 314490

10

SUPREME ARTIST MANAGEMENT

invite you to pay us a visit to share all our excellent facilities

PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY

20 years experience

NOVEMBER

Providing top class entertainment For your venue

sat 5 SUZANNE WILDE sun 6th CHAMPAYNE sat 12th ALYSHA sun 13th PAUL ABBOTT sat 19th STEVE DALEY sun 20th NO-IDEA sat 26th WILL-POWER sun 27th ADAM SOUTH th

For the very best in entertainment and service call:

01782 863678 / 07877 721991

TELEPHONE:

(01782) 624573

NOVEMBER

Sat 5th ------ Frantik Sun 6th ----- Sayelhorne Sat 12th ---- Steve Miller Sun 13th ---- Natalie Knight Sat 19th ---- D.V.8 Sun20th ---- C.J. Gibson Sat 26th ---- Andrew Pashley Sun 27th ---- Kath Morris

NOVEMBER

Sat 5th- Crackerjack Sun 6th- Karl Howard Sat 12th- Total Eclipse Sun 13th- Michael Brookes Sat 19th- Takira Sun 20th- The Heroes Sat 26th- Freeze Sun 27th- Robbie Benson

Friday 18th Show Night with Blackpools Ventriloquist Mike Denett & Chick plus awesome entertainer Micheal Brookes Tickets ÂŁ 3.00 Available at the Club Tuesday 29th Nov .An Evening of Clairvoyance with Linda Bennett plus Guests .Tickets Available at the Club .All Proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation

128 Greasley Road, Abbey Hulton ST2 8HZ

Tel: 07716

711731

11

The Plough Inn

Ye Old Manor Inne

Celebrate Christmas with us

Brand new STEAK on the stone

Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat 7.30-10pm Rump, Serloin, Rib Eye plus T Bone* *(to order)

cooked to your liking at the table and served with Chips or Jacket, Onion Rings or Salad Bookings preferred for

Becki, Kelly, Rachel, ''Wesley'', Jo (christmas champion), Simon (chef), Danial (kitchen manager)

Food Served Monday-Friday 12 noon - 22.00 Crewe Road Alsager

‘Steak on the Stone’

Grill Menu also available The Best Mixed Grill in the Potteries

Now Taking Bookings for Christmas Day Lunch Manor St, Fenton 01782 763693

01270 882085

THE FITZHERBERT ARMS Festive fun at 'The Fitz'!!

YOU are assured of genuine, home-cooked food, when you pay a visit to this famous, Staffordshire hostelry!

Local residents, Julie Clarke and Ann-Marie Wells and their partners, re-opened The Fitzherbert Arms, in the village of Swynnerton, near Stone, on Friday, July 8th, 2011, following a refurbishment, funded by proprietor, Enterprise Inns.

Prior to the quartet's take-over, the popular, landmark venue had been closed for seven months, after its tenants left and it was the victim of a flood.

The pub, which boasts three bed-and-breakfast rooms, serves food at lunchtimes (Wednesday to Sunday) and dinnertime (Wednesday to Saturday).

"I've lived here for four years, and we were fed up of seeing the pub empty, so we decided to take it on for the village," said Ann-Marie Wells, who is also a part-time paramedic.

"We wanted to do this for the village, so we've tried to make it warm, friendly and comfortable, with no airs and graces."

A three-day Game Food Fair (featuring locally-sourced produce) is planned for November, and a new Autumn Fayre Menu is being offered.

The venue's Christmas Fayre Menu is available from Thursday, December 1st, with a four-course repast costing just £18, while the arrival of Santa Claus himself on Christmas Eve will be celebrated with mulled wine.

The pub is open for drinks on Christmas Day from 12 noon to 2.30pm, whilst a three-course meal, priced at £23.95 (bookings only), is offered at 1pm.

And, to round off 2011, usher in the New Year via wining and dining with the pub's fine buffet until 1am!

For all bookings, simply telephone (01782) 796467 or email: fitzherbertarms@yahoo.co.uk 12

The Fitzherbert Arms All New Menu

Wednesday-Friday Lunch Senior Citizens Special 2 Courses £4.75

Lunch

2 Main Course for £10 Tuesday Free Quiz night Every other Sunday - Accoustic Night (ring for details) TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH 1 course £5.95 2 courses £7.95 3 courses £9.95

Tel: 01782 796467 SWYNNERTON, NR. STONE

Arrowing success

White Star nights

ABOUT £500 was raised by a 24-hour darts marathon held at The Bulls Head, in Hanley.

Ten darts-players competed around the clock at the Lower Bryan Street pub, realising the monies in aid of a new children’s centre at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

‘Mine hosts’, Jim and Pauline McMurdo, served drinks, even through the ‘wee, small hours’, and food was provided free-of-charge by Angel Delights, of Werrington.

Additionally, a raffle was held, with prizes including a trip for two to Blackpool and a signed football from Stoke City FC. “I really want to thank all the companies which helped make this event a success and everyone who took part,” said organiser, Paul Barker, of Hanley, explaining that the darts marathon was just one of several events planned for the charity, Stoke City Little Heroes.

LOVERS of the acoustic guitar should head for The White Star at Stoke-uponTrent.

For, the Kingsway pub features popular acoustic nights each Wednesday night, starting at 9pm.

Admission is free, and further details are obtainable on 07817-208152.

Acoustic sessions, too!

FOLK and acoustic sessions take place on the first Saturday of each month at The Bull’s Head, Marchington, near Uttoxeter, from 8.45pm.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcomed to attend.

More details are available telephoning (01283) 820358

by

Bob & Steve entertain

Red Lion nights THE Red Lion at Checkley, near Tean, is the venue for an open mic/acoustic night each Wednesday, starting at 8pm.

Admission is free, and more information is offered on (01538) 722003.

JOIN Bob Williams and Steve Massey for their open mic sessions at The Sneyd Arms Hotel, Tower Square, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, each Monday.

The open mic sessions commence at 9.15pm, and there is no entry-charge.

Friday nights

Folk Club SANDBACH Folk Club meets on Tuesdays in The Market Tavern, commencing at 7.45pm.

For further information, telephone Winston Baldwin on 07815-721923.

13

THE Blacksmith’s Arms at Alton hosts an open mic evening every Friday, commencing at 9pm.

Admission is free, and you can obtain full details on (01889) 563123.

All the way from Transylvania

LOVERS of musical diversity should encircle the date, Friday, November 25th, in their diary!

For, Newcastle’s New Vic Theatre is hosting a concert by the Kalotaszeg Trio, led by brilliant Gypsy violinist and singer, Tcha Limberger, one of the most important figures in the folk music of the Carpathian Basin.

He is joined by the most highly-regarded rhythm section of modern times: Berki Viktor on double bass and Toni Rudi on Brac (a Balkan, stringed instrument).

The trio will be playing passionate,

moving, thrilling music from the Kalotaszeg region of Transylvania.

Hungarian, Romanian and Gypsy music intermingle in this ancient and intensely local tradition which is one of the most distinctive and beautiful in the whole of Eastern Europe.

“This music is little-known,” says Tcha Limberger. “I will play it as it is meant to be played.

“It follows the lives of many, from baptism to the grave.

“It celebrates their communal existence, and brings people together in the community of Kalotaszeg.”

Tickets for the concert (which commences at 7.30pm) are priced at £13.50 and £15.50 (with concessions and Under-16s Go Free), and are available from the New Vic Box Office on (01782) 717962 or via tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk

Club’s buffet bash at Chesterton

AS usual, Holditch Miners’ Welfare Club, at Chesterton, is hosting the latest ‘Clubnites’ of the North Staffs. Accordion Club in November.

However, this month’s event will NOT be held on the third Tuesday of the month, but (unusually) the fourth - November 22nd- when it will be welcoming the previously-cancelled visit from Stockport Accordion Club’s Band and Orchestra, starting at 7.45pm.

This promises to be a great night, with a buffet-supper available.

(The reason for the week’s delay is that members of each of the clubs will be attending the Accordions International 2011 at Seacroft, clashing with the third Tuesday).

Admission to the Members’ Night (which features a ‘playalong’, musical circle and individual playing) costs £2 for members (£3 for members’ guests), including a free raffle-ticket.

Located on London Road, Holditch Club will also be the venue for the club’s Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 20th.

Popular entertainer, Tony Marchell

(who specialises in occasions, weddings, parties etc., with a programme including games, comedy, singing and dancing) will be the guest at the party.

The North Staffs. Accordion Club welcomes all accordion enthusiasts (both playing and non-playing) to its ‘Clubnites’ on the third Tuesday of each month, and it is also the venue for a band-practice each Tuesday (with the exception, naturally, of the third) and a beginners/ improvers’ class every Monday at 7.30pm.

Readers can contact NSAC by telephoning (01782) 823668 or emailing accordions@northstaffsaccordionclub. co.uk; you can also visit the website: www.northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk

Stone singers sought STONE Male Voice Choir invites new members to join it.

No auditions are required, and rehearsals take place at Bromfield Court, Stone, on Wednesdays, starting at 7.30pm.

Further information is available by telephoning (01785) 604032.

14

Legendary band-leader at Newcastle WEDNESDAY, November 23rd, offers readers the chance to hear Europe’s traditional jazz and blues band in Newcastle!

Vic Theatre, Stoneyfields, Basford.

This includes the sounds of his roots in the New Orleans-style; the early music of Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet; Bob Crosby and the blues of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

There’s soul, too, plus the soulful blues of Miles Davis - and, then’ it’s probably back to ‘When the Saints’!

The Big Chris Barber Band combines all these ingredients into an evening of exciting, moving jazz and blues.

Tickets for the concert (which starts at 7.30pm) are priced at £14, £17.50 and £19.50 (under-16s Go Free), and are available from the New Vic Box Office on (01782) 717962 or via tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk

The legendary Chris Barber (a bandleader for 62 years and a veteran of 10,000 concerts and thousands of recordings) and his ten-piece band plays his favourite music at the New

Chris's Photography Services Professional Photography Special offer for studio portraits from £15

Taking Bookings for Winter Breaks

Also available for Prom photography.

Wedding packages from £425 includes CD and wedding album.

Open: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat

Visit us at: 56A King Street, Newcastle Tel: 07854323765 15

CAMRA accolade for Nikki & her team THE City of Stoke-on-Trent’s most strikinglynamed hostelry has received a just reward, having been voted ‘Pub of the Month November 2011’ by the Potteries Branch of CAMRA. This accolade is just the latest, personal triumph for landlady, Nikki (who has been in-charge of Catchems Corner, Meir, for only twenty months), whilst the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale also praised the work of “her wonderful bar-staff”, June, Stacey and Steve!

For, Nikki and her team have previously won the Cask Marque Mark of Excellence, in addition to garnering runner-up status in ‘Marston’s Pub of the Year (Midlands Region) 2010’.

Naturally, Nikki is no newcomer to the area’s licensed trade, having earlier run The Weston Coyney Arms, after learning her trade at The Duke of Wellington, in Fenton.

One of the Marston’s chain of pubs, Catchems Corner offers ‘real ale’ aficionados Marston’s Pedigree (ABV: 4.5%) and Banks’s Bitter (ABV: 3.8%) as its standard brews, wonderfully complemented by a trio of rotating ‘guest beers’ (supplied by Brakspear, Jennings, Ringwood and Wychwood breweries).

However, you don’t have to be a lover of

traditional, cask-conditioned beers to enjoy the warm, friendly welcome at the pub, as non-imbibers can sample tea, hot-chocolate and an excellent choice of coffee (including cappuccino and espresso).

So, why the strange name? Well, the authoritative explanation is that, in the days when people had to prevent cattle running onto Meir Aerodrome (now Meir Park housing estate), as the site of the pub was the last point at which the errant bovines could be caught, the urgent cries of “Catch ‘Em” would often be heard (a behaviour depicted on the external pub-sign)!

Open from 3pm-11pm (Monday-Thursday), 12 noon-12 midnight (Friday & Saturday) and 12 noon-11pm (Sunday), the pub boasts two crib and skittles teams, and Nikki is looking to start a darts one, whilst a brace of TVs show Sky Sports, ESPN, Euro Sport and the Racing Channel.

Located on Uttoxeter Road (A50), opposite Tesco, in Meir, Catchems Corner has raised almost £1,000 for the Help the Heroes Appeal, and the Beatrice charity for local, disadvantaged children has also benefited substantially.

Nikki and her team will be presented with their award on Tuesday, November 1st, at (approximately) 8pm.

CATCHEMS CORNER Nikki and the Team offer a warm welcome Serving Traditional Ales Banks, Pedigree and Regular Guest Ales Showing the latest Sports ESPN, Sky Sports & At The Races OPENING TIMES MON 3pm - 10pm TUES & WED 3pm-11pm THURS 3pm - 10pm ENTE RTAI FRI & SAT 12 noon - 12 Midnight COMI NMENT N SUN 12 noon - 11pm SOON G Uttoxeter Road, Meir

01782 499172 16

IdealChristmasGifts

How to choose the ideal festive venue WHEN it comes to wining-and-dining, Christmas is the time of the year, when you just HAVE to get it right!

Readers may want to book a table for just a few people (friends and intimate members of the family), or you could require something along on the lines of a banquet!

However, the size of the party is irrelevant to the main point: you must think about what you and your guests want, and, then, choose your venue carefully.

Of course, one of the best guides to picking the perfect eating-place for your personal requirements is word-of-mouth recommendation from friends, relatives and/or work-colleagues.

If you know someone’s own tastes

when it comes to the culinary arts, and he or she has a good report about a catering establishment (it may be a pub, restaurant or hotel).

Obviously, another factor is cost: the vast majority of catering venues have to employ additional staff during the festive season, so you must expect to pay more more than usual for your meals and service (especially on the ‘big ones’, such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!).

Accordingly, you must budget sensibly for the lunch or dinner; obtaining full menu or menus, and costing it thoroughly - even including the tip, if you are properly satisfied with the standards of cuisine and service from the venue’s staff. continued on page 19

MOORVILLE HALL HOTEL

Christmas Fayre

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR Christmas Parties

4 courses £16.95 per head

available throughout November & December Excluding Christmas and Boxing day

New Year’s Eve Party Disco & Buffet

THE RADDLE INN

Tickets £24 per Head

Quarry Bank, Hollington, nr Tean ST10 HQ

celebrate the festive season

01889 507278

Tel 01782 302326 17

The Plough Inn

CRAFT & GIFT FAIRS

Celebrate Christmas with us

HARTINGTON VILLAGE HALL, HARTINGTON, DERBYSHIRE SK17 0AP Admission is 50p per Adult inc FREE cup Tea / Coffee

Tel: 01782 822713 Becki, Kelly, Rachel, ''Wesley'', Jo (christmas champion), Simon (chef), Danial (kitchen manager)

Christmas Gift & Craft Fayre

Food Served Monday-Friday 12 noon - 22.00 Crewe Road Alsager

Sunday 13th Nov - Harrington Sunday 11th Dec - Harrington Sunday 27th Nov - Burton on Trent 07890 711169 for details

01270 882085

The

Black Horse Festive Lunch Menu

Book Your Party With Me:

Prior Booking Only

Starters Homemade Soup Prawn Cocktail Garlic or Garlic Cheese Bread Main Course Roast Turkey Roast Beef Broccoli & Cauliflower Gratin Stuffed Mushrooms Served with Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Veg Chipolata & Bacon Roll Dessert Sweet Board Christmas Pudding Cheese & Crackers Mince Pies, Coffee

MAD ANGE Parties are free to Hold!

Or hold a ladies night with ‘male’ entertainment and an Ann Summers Party together.

Ral389@aol.com Facebook: madangeannsummers

28th Nov - 23rd Dec 12-2pm (Mon to Sat Evening Available) (for 8 or more, call for details)

Contact me on: 07841 632 102

2 course £8.25 • 3 courses £10.75 4 courses £12.75

SUTTON STREET CHESTERTON 01782 561313

18

IdealChristmasGifts

How to choose the ideal festive venue continued from page 17

Of course, everyone likes to be generous at Yuletide - after all, the owners, management and staff are working, whilst you and your dining companions are having a cracking time, feasting and quaffing in fine style!

The vast majority of pubs, restaurants and hotels will have published their ‘Christmas Fayre’ menus; so, their is no excuse for delaying in making your choice immediately, in order to avoid (in the time-honoured phrase) “disappointment”!

Fully aware of the notorious (and ongoing) economic crisis, numerous venues have adjusted their festive bill prices to accommodate everyone’s continued on page 21 pocket.

INNOVATIVE Telecoms Solutions

A Co-ordinated Approach Beautiful floristry and venue-dressing to suit all budgets

in association with Marra’s Mobiles

• Specialists in new & used phones • Part exchange welcome

For beautiful Christmas floral designs, gifts, table-centres and wreaths... it's a Bloomin' Wonderful Christmas.

• Full phone unlocking service while u wait •Repairs, Sim Cards and Accessories also available at GREAT prices

www.bloominwonderful.co.uk enquiries@ bloominwonderful.co.uk

For a friendly service call

01782 331771

Rebecca 07939 498080 Emma 07525 088703

www.themobiletrader.com

Find us on Facebook too!

260 - 262 Uttoxeter Road, Longton, S.O.T. ST3 5QL (Opposite Longton Fire Station)

email: richardtmt@hotmail.co.uk

19

Christmas Extravaganza The greatest children’s story of all!!

DON’T be late - for a magical, new production from the team at the New Victoria Theatre, Newcastle, which created last Christmas’s spectacular ‘Peter Pan’!

£2 for ten or more theatregoers and £2 concessions.

SAVE UP TO £18 WITH THE NEW VIC’S ‘FAMILY OF FOUR’ TICKET! Tickets are available from the New Vic Box Office on (01782) 717962 or at tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk

In ‘Alice in Wonderland’, join young Alice Liddell, as she journeys through a strange and enchanted, new world.

Meet the perpetually-tardy White Rabbit; take tea with the Mad Hatter; search for the Cheshire Cat; hide from a VERY bad-tempered Red Queen - this whimsical wonderland just gets ‘curiouser and curiouser’!

This brilliantly-staged, classic story continues the New Vic’s unrivalled reputation for celebration each year.

Author, Lewis Carroll (1832-1998) was born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in Daresbury, Hatton, Cheshire, and enjoyed a multi-faceted career as an author, mathematician and logician (teaching at his alma mater, Christ Church, Oxford), Anglican deacon and photographer.

ALICE Lidell inspired the writing of Carroll’s classic.

His fond relationship with Alice, one of the three children a new Dean at Christ Church, Henry Liddell, and his wife, Lorina, inspired him to write ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, published in 1865.

“A wonderful box of theatrical tricks.... bursting with invention,” enthused The Guardian about the New Vic’s acclaimed version of C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ runs from Saturday, November 19th, until Saturday, January 21st, 2012, with tickets priced at £11.50-£19.50, with group-discounts of 20

A SELF-PORTRAIT by the enthusiastic photographer.

Ideal ChristmasGifts continued from page 19

Equally, they are aware that, in spite of people’s increasing, culinary sophistication, many diners require traditional main dishes, such as roast turkey or roast beef (served, naturally, with ‘all the trimmings’), plus fish and vegetarian options, rather than more adventurous recipes of a Continental, South Asian or Oriental persuasion.

Additionally, if you are not a lover of ‘fine wines’, these venues offer a comprehensive choice of ‘real ales’ and ‘keg’ brews, such as bitters, lagers, ciders and stouts, to suit all tastes.

Whether it’s a three-course luncheon or a five-course dinner, readers are faced with a terrific choice of festive fare in 2011!

FOR A RELAXED FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Hair

By Lynn Gamble

• Colour specialists • Perming • Hair for special occasions • Highly qualified stylists NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Tel: 01782 534287

1881 Leek Road, Milton, S-O-T ST2 7AQ 21

22

Finding your perfect wedding dress “AT Elle Louise Bridal, we believe that every bride deserves to look and feel amazing on her special day, and we take pride in helping make each bride’s dreams come true!”

That’s the credo of this beautiful shop which has been nominated to enter the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards for both bridal dress retailer and best menswear supplier in the West Midlands region.

Located just outside Newcastleunder-Lyme town centre at prestigious Berkeley Court, Elle Louise Bridal offers a spacious, comfortable and friendly environment, within which you are able to find and choose (in calm, ultra-relaxed fashion) the dress that is simply right for you.

Featuring fantastic quality and choice local to you, the shop offers a lovely selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, prom gowns and more, all in a choice of styles and colours, and also a full range of shoes and accessories, wonderfully complemented by a comprehensive alteration-service at very competitive rates.

This fabulous selection of shoes (providing both style and comfort for your special day) now offers over thirty, different styles of shoes in stock for you and your bridesmaids for your ‘Big Day’ and they can even be dyed to match your outfit!

For, the shop’s present collection by Pure & Precious has been augmented by gorgeous, new shoes by Rainbow and Else.

A new selection of stunning hairaccessories and jewellery (featuring

beautiful floral and vintage-inspired pieces) from the bridal selection collection

by Charlotte Balbier and Amanda Wyatt are stunning pieces, with each one creating the perfect ‘finishing-touch’ to your wedding outfit.

The impressive range of beautifulquality gowns for the bride, bridesmaid and flower girls come from such premier designers as Amanda Wyatt, Madeline Gardner MGNY, Dessy, Alfred Sung and Mark Lesley.

Elle Louise Bridal also boasts a terrific range of veils, plus a myriad of gorgeous accessories and bridal jewellery - all to complete each client’s ‘dream’ bridal outfit.

Visitors to the Newcastle shop will also discover a pleasing collection of handmade Fascinators and handbags, handcrafted with the highest-quality ostrichfeathers and available in a wide choice of colours: the perfect way to accessorise your bridal, prom, mother-of-the-bride or bridesmaid outfits.

Its men’s formal hire collection from award-winning Cameron Ross Formal Hire helps you to dress your whole bridal party to match your individual theme.

As a result, all the men in your bridal party will be looking stylish and feeling confident on such an important day.

Chosen from only the best designers, its new season collection of prom gowns (by Mori Lee, Froxy by Romance, Dessy and Amanda Wyatt) ensures that there is a dress to suit every girl’s dream, ensuring that you are the ‘Belle of the Ball’!

23

CHRIS MILLER

GARAGE DOORS

Plumbing and Heating

NEW INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS

t $FOUSBM )FBUJOH

UP & OVER, ROLLER, WE SECTIONAL & ALSO REMOTE CONTROL DOORS SUPPLY

t (BT #PJMFST t $PPLFST t 'JSFT

WITH UP TO A 10 YEAR & FIT MANUFACTURER WARRANTY AWNINGS LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING UNBEATABLE QUALITY & FREE QUOTATIONS

t #BUISPPNT t -BOEMPSE 4BGUFZ $IFDLT 5FM 07939442698

NOW OPEN 01782 SHOWROOM 1887 LEEK ROAD, MILTON 533552 ltgaragedoors@gmail.com

%JTDPVOU GPS 4FOJPST

Gynway Hotel The Gynway is a friendly, family-run hotel where a warm welcome awaits you.

Adjacent to the seafront, the Gynway offers:

Roundabout Private Day Nurseries AT ROUNDABOUT WE OFFER FULL TIME CARE FOR 52 WEEKS OF THE YEAR (BIRTH TO 5 YEARS) EDUCATION GRANT PLACES AVAILABLE AT ALL 3 SETTINGS

• Guest lounge • Range of Breakfasts • Colour TVs all rooms • Tea/coffee making facilities

Out of School and Holiday Club available All settings have been given a “good� standard by Ofsted

01782 273285

FOR A GREAT WINTER BREAK!!

382-384 WERRINGTON ROAD

205 Dickson Road, Blackpool

130 ETRURIA VALE ROAD

www.gynwayblackpool.com

“Out of School� contact

01782 274519

01253 314747

01782 533 699

24

Premier Tenerife performer, Shane, to visit City club YOU’VE seen him on television; now, you can see him ‘in the flesh’ at Ball Green Workingmen’s Club soon!

Yes, Shane Haigh is taking time out from sunny Spain to present his lively ‘Mister Sister Show’ at the Stoke-on-Trent venue on Friday, November 18th.

Now recognised as Tenerife’s premier ‘drag’ entertainer, Shane’s show is a class act with a fantastic reputation (not to be confused with trashy, ‘back-street’ cabaret!).

He is no stranger to demanding audiences, holding their attention with a combination of hilarious comedy and charm.

‘Mister Sister’ promises an evening of music, laughter and dazzling glamour with lightning-quick costumechanges.

“I was so impressed when I saw him in Tenerife, and, knowing that he had also ‘gone down a storm’ at a special party for the cast of ‘Eastenders’,” explained Ball Green WMC’s Concert Secretary, Chris Chadwick.

Tickets for the ‘Mister Sister Show’ show (starting at 7pm) at Ball Green WMC are priced at £5 and are available from the Wilding Road club on (01782) 545541 or by telephoning Chris Chadwick on 07795-802830.

Readers can also visit the club’s website: www.bgwmc.co.uk

Silverdale fund-raiser EPILEPSY Action is holding a fund-raising evening at Silverdale Workingmen’s Club on Sunday, October 30th.

Members and guests are invited to make a £1 donation, and a raffle will also be staged.

Further details are available by telephoning (01782) 627415.

25

BOARDING KENNELS AT BORDER COLLIE TRUST GB rescue and re-home border collies throughout the UK

Fatcats Cattery is a custom build country retreat for your feline friends, with heated indoor sleeping areas and an outdoor run that overlooks woodland.

RESCUE CENTRE & KENNELS TEL: 01889 577058 07815 602282 www.acresfold.co.uk

Fatcats Cattery continues to maintain their excellent reputation. Please call Sally on:

HEATH WAY, COLTON, RUGELEY

01260 279787

www.bordercolliegb.org.uk

Fatcats Cattery, Claphatch Farm, Giantswood Lane, Hulme Walfield, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 2JJ. www.fatcatscattery.co.uk

ALLSORTS DOG TRAINING DOG TRAINING SPECIALISTS Reward based training

KC Registered

Qualified instruction

KC Good Citizen Scheme

Small friendly classes

Members of the British

Junior handlers welcome

Institute of Professional

Behaviour problems and

Dog Trainers

All kinds of creatures catered for Pet Care

home visits

Our Reputation

speaks for itself!

Indoor Market Cheadle

for all your feeds & needs

Contact Jackie or Shirl 01829 260 727 or Mobile 07754 410662 j&s@allsortsdogtraining.co.uk www.dogtrainingcheshire.co.uk

07890 711 169

Based in Nantwich 26

Pets For Life...

Pets are sentient creatures - they are NOT festive ‘gifts’!!

OUR advertisers in this issue’s feature are hoping that EVERYONE ‘gets the message’ in 2011!

the potentially-terrifying, violent explosions and alarmingly-bright flares associated with ‘Bonfire Night’ (Saturday, November 5th), having a pet is a real task for a conscientious human-being.

(And, of course, remember that numerous idiots [not all of them youthful] will continue to let fireworks off at all hours of the day and night long after this gruesome celebration [especially during Christmas and New Year’s Eve])!

Leisure Gazette urges readers not to purchase puppies, kittens or any creatures (large and small alike) as presents at Christmastime in a ‘spurof-the-moment’ mood; however, this applies not only to the country’s increasingly-appalling ‘festive season’, but for every month of the year!

Let’s face it, you can purchase practically anything as a Yuletide gift these days, so there is, accordingly, NO excuse whatsoever for you to give an animal (be it a puppy, kitten, hamster, guinea-pig or parrot) as a fleeting, Christmas ‘present’ to be (very possibly/almost inevitably) discarded just a few days or, perhaps, weeks later.

Quite simply, pets are sentient creatures and not ‘presents’ to be discarded after this year’s festive season in January, 2012.

As anybody, who has taken steps to ensure that their pet is kept safe, protecting them against

continued on page 29

THE GRANGE

Boarding Kennels & Cattery Buerton,Audlem, Crewe, Cheshire CW3 0DG 01270 811264 Open all year round. Est 40 years Your pet cared for by pet lovers Heated kennels. Dogs walked daily in the beautiful Cheshire countryside Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sundays & Bank Hols 9am-12noon To view - no appointment necessary within opening hours VACCINATED PETS ONLY Suppliers of ‘Royal canine’ premium, dog and cat food 27

PILLATON LUXURY HOTEL

FOR

THE MEADOWS CATTERY

CATS

FOR EXCELLENT HOLIDAY RATES BREEDERS OF BRITISH SHORT HAIRED CATS LARGE SPACIOUS RUNS VACCINATED CATS ONLY

THE MEADOWS ANIMAL FEEDS CAT & DOG FOOD

COMPLETE DOG FOOD from £7.99 15 kilos EQUESTRIAN CLOTHING FOR HORSE & RIDER

Established Over 40 Years Recommended by Local Vets Heated Pens with Runs Fully Licensed & Qualified Staff Inspection Welcome

HORSE & RABBIT FEEDS

Pillaton, Penkridge ST19 5RZ

HIGH STREET, NEWCHAPEL

Tel: 01782 784586

Tel: 01785 712275

Wolstanton Hardware & Pet Supplies Key Cutting Pet Supplies Garden Supplies Painting & Decorating Calor Gas Agent

01782 214683

Late night opening Mon/ Thurs

at HOVERINGHAM DRIVE EATON PARK ST2 9PS

Friendly, affordable, modern health care for all your pets

91 High Street, Wolstanton

01782 627115

PLEASE TELE PHONE FOR AN APPOINTMENT 28

Pets For Life...

Pets are sentient creatures - they are NOT festive ‘gifts’!! continued from page 27

Animals should only be purchased as pets after the cost of their up-keep, good health and status within the family have been FULLY thought out!

It’s an indubitable fact that the main priority for pet-loving readers is clearly providing your favourite creature with a long, healthy life?!

Statistics show that, of Britain’s 24.6 million households, approximately 50% own a pet.

Pet-owning households often have more than one dog or cat, needless to say.

Readers, who wish to be genuinelyresponsible pet-owners, need to consider cogently numerous points.

Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements; then, ensure that he or she is sociable and well-trained.

Provide a nutrituous, well-balanced diet and suitable housing and bedding.

Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly; also, protect against disease (your vet can provide you with advice).

Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.

Groom your pet regularly; also, control it, ensuring that it is properly identified.

Take out pet-insurance for dogs, cats and horses to cover against unexected veterinary fees and ‘thirdparty liability’.

29

Mark Askey Motor Services

Adderley Green

G A R A G E

L T D

SAVE £££’s on all Dealer Serving Late/Emergency Bookings Welcome Full Dealer Servicing & Repairs for all Makes & Models of Cars without affecting your dealer warranty Member of the Good Garage Scheme

RENAULT, CITROEN, PEUGEOT & ALFA SPECIALIST

Service History Fully Validated Diagnostics

•Fault Diagnosis goodgarage scheme.com •Air Conditioning (Reg. member) •Service & Repair • •Valeo Clutch Specialist •1st, 2nd & 3rd Year Servicing

Fully Trained Technicians Car Sales

MOT’s Motorhomes, Cars Light Commercials, 4x4’s, Motorbikes

Air Conditioning

Open 6 Days

01782 312510 345 Anchor Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 5BL

RIPPEN AVENUE, CHESTERTON

01782 562277

www.

aggl.co.uk

ACORN GARAGE MOT Testing • Servicing • Engine Diagnostic • Brakes • Air Conditioning • Exhausts • Clutches

Also

• Servicing & Repairs • General Maintenance • Air Conditioning • LPG Conversions • Clutches

BADDELEY GREEN LANE BADDELEY GREEN

CRUSO AUTO REPAIRS Burton Street, Leek, ST13 8BU

01782 543739 30

All members adhere to a strict Code of Conduct

THE Good Garage Scheme was formed, on account of the need for effective self-regulation of independent workshops and MoT centres.

As a result of this move, motoring readers can use its website - www. goodgaragescheme.com - to find a trustworthy garage in your area.

The scheme was launched in 2008, because there was a general view that the motor trade did not offer value-for-money and was not to be trusted.

garage.

Garages which join the scheme:* Adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and pledge to have their customers’ best interests at heart * Must agree what work needs doing with their customers before it is carried out * Work to an industry-standard checklist * Must supply each customer with a feedback card, allowing him or her to give their views on service directly to the Good Garage Scheme, which operates a stringent complaints procedure. * Are subject to regular ‘mystery’ shopper-style audits and face expulsion, if they break the Code of Conduct.

The initiative has gone from strength-to-strength, with member garages carrying out an average 67,666 services a month, generating over 10,000 feedbackcards from consumer per month, allowing the garages a valuable insight into their performances, as seen through the eyes of the customer.

The Good Garage Scheme takes a strong line with its members and has removed 700 garages from the scheme.

What guarantees do readers have?

Help is at hand, since, if you feel that you need additional

The Good Garage Scheme insists that its members (which number over 3,000) adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and offer a 50-point Industry Standard Service.

This, coupled with a customerfeedback system means that customers enjoy peace-of-mind, when choosing an independent 31

continued on page 33

CARCRAFT

LYTTON ST VEHICLE SERVICES

TEST CENTRE

Highest quality of products & services on the market today. Specialists in car servicing and class 4, 5 & 7 M.O.T. testing, clutch, diagnostic, 4 wheel alignment, air conditioning, recovery, tyres and any general car work, all at prices you can afford.

Specialist in all joinery work • Mechanical & Bodywork Services • Servicing All Makes & Models • MOT’s by Appointment • Welding & MOT Repairs • Classic Restoration

LYTTON STREET Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2AG TEL: 01782 847121

staff are here to answer any questions you may have about our company or our services. please call us on 01782 269542 or visit www.carcrafttestcentre.co.uk/ 88-90 Cannon Place, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. ST1 4QA.

Registered Member

AA SILENCERS Winter Tyres Winter Checks Servicing MOT Repairs lots more 01538 753 252 Grosvenor Garage, Tean Road, Cheadle. ST10 1LQ 32

R

continued from page 31

explanation of what went on during your car’s service, the organisation has a formal complaints procedure, if you feel that things need to be taken further.

The Good Garage Scheme monitors customer-feedback and receives as many as 10,000-plus customerfeedback cards per month.

These provide extremely-valuable testimonials from customers, as well as highlighting any concerns which they have will be taken up

directly by GGS with the garages involved.

The feedbacks are posted on the GGS website to help motorists choose a suitable Good Garage.

Additionally, the Good Garage Scheme offers to liaise with motorists who may have issues with member garages, so that problems are resolved.

S

,

Hands Free Kits Reverse Sensors In-Car Entertainment T.V’s & Sat Nav

• Breakdown & Repairs • Servicing • Tyres & Brakes • Engine Diagnostics • Wanted 4x4's, any make, any model

• Clutches • ABS • Air Conditioning • Exhausts • Commercial Vehicles

01538 757 428

AFFORDABLE AUTOS

www.matrixice.com

01260 290529 / 07831 188372

Unit 3 Queen Street, Congleton CW12 2DP

33

Buxton events are well worth a visit for every book-loving reader!!

CALLING all you book-lovers out there!

some postcards and ephemera,” explained Jane, of Milton, in Stoke-on-Trent.

If you’re looking for something to do during November and December, here’s a strong suggestion - Buxton Book Fairs 2011.

“The subject-matter is extremely varied, and includes children’s books, military history, transport, topography, literature, natural history, gardening and cookery, art and illustrated, travel and exploration, local history and much more.”

Set in 23 acres of beautiful parkland, the Pavilion Gardens in the famous Derbyshire spa town of Buxton is the venue for Buxton Book Fairs on Sundays, November 20th and December 18th - and it’s all thanks to event organisers, Jane and Ian Millington!

The book-prices cover the entire gamut (from ‘pocketmoney’ rates to ‘serious money’ for antiquarian collectors) something to suit all pockets.

For, bibliophile readers are assured of immense satisfaction, when visiting the Pavilion Gardens’ Octagon Hall, which plays host to their popular events.

Readers can obtain further information about Buxton Book Fairs (open from 10am to 4pm) by telephoning Jane Milllington on (01782) 542258.

Up to eighty dealers from Staffordshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Wales exhibit, and the result is a lovely day out for everyone.

“If readers leave a message on my answerphone, I shall get back to them as soon as possible,” she said.

“At all of our fairs, you will find for sale a wide range of books - antiquarian, general secondhand and out-ofprint, hardbacks and paperbacks, plus maps and, usually,

34

Winter Motoring Tip for Driving in the Winter - See and Be Seen AS the days become shorter and darker, the Good Garage Scheme (www. goodgaragescheme.com) recommends that you carry out a few safety-checks and offers advice to help you prepare for the quintessential task of Autumn Driving.

may be caught out by ‘dazzle’.

CHECK YOUR WINDSCREEN-WIPERS Also, check your windscreenwipers; if you are in doubt and feel that they need re-wiring, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member for apposite continued on page 37 advice.

CLEAN YOUR WINDSCREEN Dazzle from low sun is inevitable at this time of year: accordingly, ensure that your windscreen is clean, both inside and out, to help you see clearly.

Be aware of other drivers who

35

Expert Car Inspections • • •

13 LONGTON ROAD, STONE STAFFORDSHIRE ST15 8DQ

Tel: 01785 816751 Mob: 07817 490053 Email:info@expertcarinspections.co.uk

Pre Purchase Car Inspections from £80.00 Insurance Category C + D Inspection Reports from £80.00 Full Engineers Report on all Vehicles from £100.00 Don't Risk Buying a Faulty Vehicle, have it Professionally Inspected by" Expert Car Inspections".

For more details visit our web site www.expertcarinspections.co.uk

Cars, HGV & PSV Inspection Specialists Over 39 Years Experience Expert Car Inspections are part of CCH Vehicle & Training Services

• Est.1979

Cheshire Custom Motorcycles

Covering Cars, Motor Caravans, Goods Vehicles & Mini Buses

• All Works Guaranteed

FREE LOAN CAR TALKE ROAD BBVC BODYWORKS L T D

Want to sell your bike without the hassle?

Insurance repairs • Car bench jig repairs Low bake oven resprays • Collection & delivery Chassis repairs welding • Free estimates

Leave it with us to sell it for you!

Good selection of bikes always in stock Friendly, professional service and advice

NON-FAULT CREDIT ACCIDENT REPAIRS ACCIDENT REPAIR SPECIALISTS

Collection & delivery service mainland UK

01782 561703 Fax: 01782 561001

Tel: 01270 255211 Mob: 07713 747846

BBVC Ltd., T/A Talke Road Bodyworks,Talke Road, Chesterton, Newcastle ST5 7NL

THE CATTLE MARKET, GRESLY ROAD, CREWE CW2 6EQ

NIGHT RECOVERY TEL NO. 01782 502791 36

Winter Motoring continued from page 35

CHECK YOUR WINDSCREEN WASHER-FLUID A smear across your windscreen will make visibility poor.

The Good Garage Scheme recommends that you top up your windscreen washer-fluid regularly and especially before setting out on a long journey.

ARE YOUR LIGHT-BULBS WORKING? It is also important for other motorists to see you! Check your light-bulbs weekly.

Ask a friend or neighbour to help you with this and let others know if you spot a missing 窶話ulb on their car - they may not be aware of it!

YOUR LOCAL MOT TESTING CENTRE ALL MAKES AND MODELS INC CATALYSTS & DIESELS PBS Car Centre is a family run business that as been trading for over 20 years. We specialise in Air Conditioning & Engine Management problems. Using the latest equipment, we are able to diagnose and estimate the cost of any repairs needed inclusive of parts and labour.

This means that, in addition to first class mechanics and a well-equipped workshop, at PBS Car Centre we can offer you the widest possible selection of top quality parts - all at highly competitive prices. www.pbscarcentre.co.uk

01782 575438

07930 532 570 37

Hopefuls bid to carry Olympic torch NINE people from Newcastle-underLyme are hoping to get their hands on the Olympic Torch as part of a national campaign.

They are waiting to discover if they will be offered a place as one of the 8,000 torchbearers needed for when the flame tours the country, before heading to the Olympic Games in London.

Newcastle Borough Council, which administers the borough’s Sports Council, put the group forward.

The group will find out whether or not they have been offered a place as an Olympic Torchbearer during the week beginning Monday, December 5th.

The nine hopefuls are:1) Joshua Scibetta, a teenage runner from Clayton who took part in the Aviva English School Championships last year, only twelve months after beginning competitive running.

2) Wendy Swift, who joined a running club near her Westbury Park home, originally just to keep fit, but the 40-yearold is now racing competitively and notching up personal-best-times.

3) Roland Hulse plays a role within eight branches of Staffordshire Ladsandads, and the Talke Pits resident has been recognised for his sports administration activities.

4) Ben Cotton, a 17-year-old cricketer from Clayton, who has competed for Staffordshire at every agegroup from Under-10 to Under-17, and is now at Derbyshire Cricket Academy.

5) Peter Grocott, an administrator, who does a huge amount of work in his Chesterton Community and won the ‘Administrator of the Year’ Award earlier this year.

6) Aimee Howard, a 13-year-old from Poolfields is already a double world champion at kickboxing and has accumulated more than 30 trophies.

7) Adam Jones: the 14-year-old Silverdale sprinter was Staffordshire 100-metres champion last year and undefeated in Heart of England 100metres competition.

8 and 9) Emma and Wayne Minton: tireless supporters of football in Kidsgrove, the couple are involved with Ladsandads, Athletico Kidsgrove FC and the Kidsgrove Soccer Festival.

Classified Classified Classified C.C.T.V. SUPPLIED

AND

H BURTON BUILDING SERVICES

FITTED

All building work carried out No Job Too Small Call Harry for more details 01782 313180 / 07935 967435

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE QUALITY GUARANTEED

CALL: 07727 876 889

To Advertise Tel:01782 204392

MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE

WITH OR WITHOUT OPERATOR

RING FOR DETAILS

07584 933 744 38

Newcastle I.D.L. Centre Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire

Quality accommodation in relaxing, informal surroundings with all rooms having en-suite facilities, and there is a lift to all floors

Christmas Special 24th-28th Four Night Package Including All Meals & Entertainment

In 26 hours you could improve your reading and spelling age by 10 months or more!

• Adults only (no children under 12) • No smoking

• Special diets catered for • Excellent location

6-8 PLEASANT STREET BLACKPOOL FY2 9TE Tel: 01253 621008

Contact: Julie Hancock 01782 632444 Also available : Maths & English

SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

www.holmsdalehotel-blackpool.com

GORDON DAY CARE NURSERY LTD

MILTON TEST CENTRE

A warm welcome awaits you in Burslem

SERVICING • OVERHAULS • REPAIRS

Leave your child with our qualified friendly staff

• OFSTED Registered • 0 to 4 years • Healthy eating Individual needs catered for Full & part time day care Before & after school care

MOT TESTING ÂŁ35.00 FREE RE-TEST REPAIRS & SERVICING OUR SPECIALITY $MBTT *7 7 0 4 " "QQSPWFE t 1FUSPMT BOE %JFTFMT UFTUFE

John L. Smith Autos Ltd. 135 Baddeley Green Lane, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent

Tel: 01782 537800 / 534530

MOORLAND ROAD, BURSLEM ST6 1EB

TEL: 01782 838568 / 819844

AFTER HOURS 535413 39

R.W. FENCING • Fencing supplied & fitted • Concrete or wooden posts • Gates made to measure • Concrete garden ornaments

INSURANCE WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Tel 01782 501560

or 07944 550337 mobile Find us at Bridgewood Street Longton (off Uttoxeter Road)

Email: rwfencing@googlemail.com

Specialist in all joinery work • WINDOWS • DOORS • FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • TILED CANOPIES CONSTRUCTED

FENSA

FOR YOUR CLEANING MATERIALS AND FIRST AID SUPPLIES

t DETERGENTS t MOPS t BUCKETS ETC t

CONTRACT CLEANING UNDERTAKEN FOR ALL SIZED CLUBS

FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION UNIT 1, AMICABLE STREET, BURSLEM, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST6 3BJ

Telephone:(01782) 826300

BRASSINGTON TERRACE, DEN LANE, WRINEHILL, CHESHIRE

Telephone Ruth (01270) 820848

FREE ESTIMATES

Double Glazed Units from £25.00 Doors from £400.00 Tel: 07976 819304 or 01782 774614

ROOSTERS

DAY NURSERY 0-After School Care Holiday Club Mon-Fri 8am-6pm