Kidsgrove news THE FREE LOCAL JOURNAL
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
A bridge too far for Kidsgrove?
No. 122
‘Aged’ police station sold
Joan Walley MP is pushing for urgent improvements The former police station in Ravenscliffe Road is to be to be made to disabled access at Kidsgrove railway sold for £200,000 dependent on planning permission being appproved for change of use of the building. station. Kidsgrove station has become a key commuter station over recent years and tops East Midlands Trains’ league for the fastest growing revenue station. Passenger numbers continue to grow at approximately 21% per year with increased services to Manchester, Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent. Yet despite this, services to Manchester, Derby, London and © Copyright Jonathan Billinger and licensed for reuse under Crewe from platforms 2, 3 and 4 cannot Creative Commons Licence be accessed by physically impaired pasPlatforms 2, 3 & 4 can’t be accessed by physically impaired passengers due sengers due to the lack of suitable accessto the lack of suitable access these platforms are served by a single footbridge which can only be accessed by climbing stairs. Joan called a meeting of East Midlands Trains, Network Rail, London Midland, Kidsgrove Town Council, Newcastle Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, the LEP and other transport campaigners to agree a joint plan of action to secure the investment needed to build a new disability compliant footbridge. Joan said: “It is simply unacceptable that there is no disabled or elderly access to 3 out of the 4 platforms and I have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in addressing this. I am holding this meeting to bring together those responsible to agree to submit a bid for funding to the Government. I have already met with the Transport Minister to make the case and I will not rest until we have the improvements we so clearly need.”
The police station was put on the market in April with an asking price of £225,000 after being valued by three independent agents, and in the past twelve weeks has received two offers. The prospective buyers are seeking permission to convert the building into elderly accomodation and wish to exchange contracts as soon as possible. If planning permission is granted and the sale goes ahead it could save Staffs Police more than £5,350 a year on site security and £17,000 in rates, as well as the continued costs of grounds maintenance and alarm monitoring. The plans are being backed by residents who feared that the building may begin to fall into a state of disrepair. Staffs Police were expecting to spend £88,000 on repairs over the next three years. The police report concerning the sale states, “A prompt sale will prevent the property from deteriorating into disrepair and will stop that expenditure.” The building was vacated at the end of October 2012 as part of Staffordshire Police’s Estates Rationalisation Programme, when they moved operations to the rear of the Victoria Hall in Liverpool Road. The controversial move cost £70,00 in conversion costs but is expected to save money as the old station was costing £54,000 a year, and has allowed them to pursue a partnership sharing accomodation with Newcastle Borough and Kidsgrove Town Councils.
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Fun French and Spanish classes for adults
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Dive in for free sessions
Kidsgrove residents can try snorkelling and scuba-diving for free. Weekly sessions are being provided by Newcastle (Staffs) Sub-Aqua Club at Kidsgrove Sports Centre in a bid to attract more members.
Snorkelling courses run for four weeks from 22 July while scubadiving takes place on 19 August and 30 September between 8pm and 9pm. The scuba-diving classes are suitable for children aged 14 and over, equipment will be provided. For more information or to book a place, contact Kidsgrove Sports Centre on 01782 786162.
Giving Kidsgrove a shout out
Kidsgrove has appointed a new town crier.
Devlin Hobson took up the post as from the 1st of July and his first competition was the UK renowned Nantwich Shield which is organised by award winning Kidsgrove Councillor and the Nantwich and Rode Heath town crier John Parsons. Devlin battled against eleven other award winning town criers from across the length and breadth of the country in the center of Nantwich on July 27th . He was also in attendance at the Kidsgrove Summer Holiday Special in Clough Hall Park.
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Weddings Parties Shows Concerts Dinners Conferences Meetings Dances Discos Indoor Market Craft Fayre Exhibitions Dance Groups Zumba Club Meetings
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Pool is a drain on resources
There are concerns over the operational viability of Kidsgrove Sports Centre leading to speculation over it’s long term future. A report into the Kidsgrove Sports Centre has revealed that it will operate with a deficit this year likely to be around £400,000. The report states this is due to the aged building becoming increasingly costly to operate and maintain as the building was built in 1976 and is coming to the end of it’s lifespan. At the same time it is more difficult to market and attract significant usage due mainly to extendeed closure from October 2011 to November 2012 for repairs which resulted in large numbers of users finding alternative venues.
Love Your Parks
Free sports sessions
Squeak the clown is paying a visit to Clough Hall Park, Kidsgrove, on Wednesday, 31 July from 11am to 3pm where there will be small fairground rides, litter bug craft sessions, candyfloss and popcorn. Parents can take advantage of free tyre checks from Kwik Fit and get advice from the NHS, Aspire Housing, Staffordshire Police and alcohol and dependency specialists Adsis.
There are free sports sessions in Clough Hall Park for children over the age of 8 on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Borough Council is staging two fun days to celebrate Love Parks Week which aims to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces and encourage people to value their local venues.
In addition youngsters can also enjoy museum activities, a bouncy castle and train rides at the award winning Brampton Park, Newcastle, on Friday, 2 August from 11am to 4pm. Dog wardens from the borough council will be on hand to provide information and advice.
There are concerns from the Borough Council, who operate the Sports Centre, that if money is spent on keeping the building up and running in the short term, and it is then ultimately replaced, a considerable amount of money could be determined to have not been wisely spent. Though it is noted that it is important to encourage people to return to use the facility.
Just turn up to join in and bring a drink, the Wednesday session is at 1.30pm to 3.00pm and the Friday sessions are from 10.30am to 12pm. All session are subject to weather conditions. For more information call the sports and events team on 01782 742615.
Summer cycle
Adults and children are being encouraged to get on their bikes and explore the delights of the Borough this summer.
It is estimated that it will cost £4.5 million to refurbish the facility and over £6 million to rebuild completely but before decisions are made regarding the future of the Sports Centre in Kidsgrove more information regarding the plans for the new Clough Hall School are needed.
The Borough Council is providing Sky Ride Local sessions for the second year running as part of British Cycling’s national campaign to get more people cycling.
Next Town Council meeting
The free guided rides take in scenic and historic routes from 3 to 30 miles, cater for people of all ages and abilities and are led by trained leaders. They take place every Sunday at 10am or 2pm until the end of September with some rides starting at Kidsgrove Sports Centre. For more information or to register, visit www.goskyride.com.
The next Town Council meeting will be held on Thursday 19th September 2013, 7pm at the Town Hall, Kidsgrove. There are no meetings in August.
The beautiful KIDSGROVE VICTORIA HALL is available to hire, contact Jill or Irene, 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday to check availability and hire fees. 01782 782254 email: kidsgrovetc@btconnect.com
August/September 2013
Or visit our website www.kidsgrovetowncouncil.gov.uk
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August/September 2013
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Kidsgrove Station volunteers thanked by East Midland Trains Volunteers who have helped make Kidsgrove Station one of the most attractive stations in Staffordshire were thanked by East Midlands Trains during National Volunteers’ Week celebrations. The group of volunteers were joined by staff from the local Tesco store as part of their push to spruce up the station. Together they tidied, planted, weeded and general worked to maintain the station. While making the place tidy for customers, they were joined by East Midlands Trains Customer Services Manager, Jay Khetani who offered an extra special thank you to the volunteers. He presented each volunteer with a token box of ‘thank you’ chocolates in recognition of their contribution of time and commitment to their local community. He said, “The reputation of our volunteers at Kidsgrove goes before them. In a recent survey, passengers credited the volunteers for helping to make the station so well presented and a haven for wildlife.” “This group of Station Adopters are a fantastic example of what can be done with a little time and enthusiasm. We are so lucky and grateful to have them.” Jay continued, “I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite more people to get on board and join East Midlands Trains Station Adoption scheme. If you can spare a few hours on a regular basis, we’d love to have your support and hear from you.” Until 2008, the gardens at Kidsgrove station were overgrown and full of weeds. The volunteers have cut back the growth, weeded and replanted to return the gardens to their former glory. They continue to put in many hours weekly to keep the areas maintained and looking good for passengers. The
volunteers at Kidsgrove have also spent many hours fundraising. They’ve raised over £1,000 for the gardens over 12 months and have won grants from Staffordshire County Council and Newcastleunder-Lyme Local Agenda 21 Fund. They’ve been helped along the way by North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership and organisations like the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Kidsgrove Day Services, Kidsgrove Rotary and of course the local Tesco store. Sandra Bowyer, lead volunteer at Kidsgrove station, said: “The team at Kidsgrove are delighted to be-able to work together to make our station a lovely place that passengers enjoy using. By spending a few hours a week we’re able to make this station a centre of the community and a place that people are proud to travel to and from. But we couldn’t do this alone - we’ve had so many generous donations from customers including shrubs, flowers and plants. One local resident even approached a volunteer and donated a £5 note, thanking them for everything they’d done. It’s like everyone is one big community.” The volunteers were joined by Tesco staff who were there to offer a helping hand as well as some much deserved refreshments. Richard Evans, Community Liaison Officer, Tesco Kidsgrove said, “We love to get involved in the activities arranged by the Kidsgrove volunteers. We help in whatever way we can, but usually by digging up weeds and planting some flowers, but also by providing cakes and drinks.” “The volunteers have been incredible; they have transformed the station to make it a lovely place to visit. It shows the commitment this group has put into the project. I look forward to working with them more in the future.” More information about how to become a station adopter is available at: www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/stationadoption or by calling Head of Stations Business Support on 07825 674896.
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The Rotary Club of Kidsgrove
The Rotary Club of Kidsgrove
Rotary in the Community
Summer Holiday Special
By the time you read this we will have completed this project by the Kidsgrove Carnival Association which we support at every opportunity. Currently we have 5 club members on the committee but the whole club gets actively involved when it can. Sunshine is promised so everyone should have a great day
Annual Bonfire & Fireworks Display As most readers will know, the Rotary Club was denied the opportunity of holding the Bonfire & Fireworks Display last year and it was instead held as a commercial venture by another organisation. We have again applied to run a Bonfire & Fireworks event at Clough Hall Park this year on Saturday 2nd November and we hope that Newcastle Borough Council will approve our application and that Staffordshire Police will not object, allowing us to raise approximately £6,000 for charitable purposes.
senior citizens has been re-scheduled due to it being cancelled in March because the extremely atrocious weather at the time made it treacherous underfoot.
“Welcome to Kidsgrove” Garden Project The Rotary Club of Kidsgrove has been invited to create a ‘Welcome to Kidsgrove’ garden. The club hosted a joint Community Group Meeting on Wednesday 17th July at the normal club meeting. The agenda included the Garden Project at the side of the A50 Liverpool Road below the railway bridge, information signs and other things that can be considered for the visual improvement of Kidsgrove in general.
V Festival Clear Up Members of the Rotary Club of Kidsgrove will join with other Rotary Clubs from Staffordshire and the West Midlands to help clear up the site following the V Festival at Weston Park near Stafford.
Community Day The Club is holding its Annual Community Day at the Town Hall on Saturday 21st September. This event to entertain the town’s
The V festival takes place over the weekend of August 17th & 18th and you would be astonished by the items left behind by the
festival goers. In helping to clear the site the Rotary Clubs are able to rescue barely used camping equipment so that this can be recycled and used by Amnesty International to shelter people in need around the world.
Macmillan Cancer Support The club collected at Tesco on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday June 28th and Saturday June 29th. A total of £512.39 was donated by the generous shoppers of Kidsgrove. On behalf of Macmillan, we thank you very much.
Gritstone Charity Walk
Awareness - Social Media: Our club is trying hard to spread its message to as many people in Kidsgrove and the surrounding villages as possible. We want everyone in the community to know what we do, who we are and where we spend the money that is so generously donated to us every year. If you would like to keep up to date with our news you will find frequent postings on facebook: http://www.facebook. com/KidsgroveRotary, on Twitter we are: @RotaryKidsgrove, on Pinterest we are: http://pinterest.com/kidsgroverotary/. We also have a YouTube Channel and a LinkedIn Group.
This year’s Gritstone Charity Walk will take place on Saturday August 31st. This increasingly popular event consists of a series of walks starting and finishing at the Rotary Club’s meeting place the Bleeding Wolf in Scholar Green and varying in length from 3.5 miles to 22 miles. The longer walks utilise parts of the route of the Gritstone Trail which runs from Kidsgrove Railway Station to Lyme Park in North Cheshire.
You can find links to all of these, as well as general information on the club, on our website http://www.kidsgroverotary.co.uk/ .
If you’re looking for a means of raising money for your favourite cause then register for our walk and we will provide the routes, way markers, marshalling and a certificate proving that you have completed your chosen distance. You’ll also have a great day out in beautiful countryside with awesome views and great company.
We are now truly a dual gender club, having inducted our first lady members Sylvia Dymond and Cressida Haynes.
You can enrol at www.gritstonewalk.org.uk or contact Mick Salt on 01782776547
Please ‘like’ our pages and follow us on Twitter so that you and your friends and followers can help to spread the news.
Membership If you are interested in helping your local community and global projects such as Shelter Box and End PolioNow why not join us too. You can contact our Membership Secretary Howard Turner via our website or by emailing membership@kidsgroverotary. org.uk or secretary@kidsgroverotary.org.uk
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Kidsgrove News
August/September 2013
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August/September 2013
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Making Kidsgrove’s future your business
Get ready for a Summer of Fun!
A group has been set up to work towards ensuring that Kidsgrove can meet the challenges that threaten the viability of town centres across the country. The ‘Town Team’ consists of business owners and local councillors who aim to work together for the future prosperity of Kidsgrove. The Town Team will be organizing future community events, identify and implement beneficial infrastructure changes, and promote Kidsgrove to a wider market. There have already been some very successful events such as the ‘Wild West Funday’ and ‘Summer Holiday Fun Day’. Future events are set to include: A Vintage Fair (Saturday 7th September), ‘Indie’ Night (21st September), Concert (12th October), and Kidsgrove’s Got Talent (19th October) and the return of the Beer Festival (25th-27th October TBC), all at the Victoria (Town Hall) Hall. Should Market St be pedestrianised?
The Team is also looking at ways to improve the general environment in Kidsgrove and are investigating the potential of a number of changes including: canal side development to attract more vistitors, making Market Street one-way, extending CCTV, improving the street scene with decorative flowers/hanging baskets and better street furniture. If you are interested in working towards making Kidsgrove a better place to ensure its future survival, whether a business owner or someone who may have skills or knowledge to offer, then you are welcome to come along to the next Town Team meeting on Tuesday 20th August 5.30pm, at ‘Potter Tea’ in Liverpool Road. For more information about the Town Team contact Trudi Barnard on 01782 742461, email trudi.barnard@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.
Open to all five to 11-year-olds, Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August (except Monday, 26 August).
Supervised lunch 12pm - 1pm - please bring a packed lunch (no refreshments are available) Sports hall activities 1pm - 4pm, costs £5 for a full day and £2.50 for half a day.
Kayaking - 3pm - 5pm on 30 July, 6 and 13 August, costs £5 Trampoline day session - 9am - 3pm on 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, costs £15, beginners welcome.
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PSYCHIC NIGHT 4th October (With Lynda Bennett) -
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BARN DANCE 23rd Nov
Please contact reception
Booking is essential, for more information please call reception on 01782 786162 or e-mail kidsgrovesportscentre@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk
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BUTT LANE
Summer holiday play sessions at Kidsgrove Sports Centre
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7.30 start
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(Back by popular demand)- 7.30 start £8.00 adults
£4.00 conc. Þ
HALOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA 26th October (Lets make it even better than last year)
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Children's party 4-6 pm £2.00 entry
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Evening Party (Bring your own supper) £5.00 adults £3.00 concessions
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THE BIG NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
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TO BOOK- PHONE: Phil on: 07545389692 Val on: 01782 774294 or 07772869137 OR Just simply pop into the centre Thursday 7-9 pm Kidsgrove News
August/September 2013
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The BeautySpot NAILS & BEAUTY
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Amnesty aims to keep our pets healthy Charter Veterinary Surgeons have launched their 8 week long vaccine amnesty to help protect dogs and cats from potentially fatal diseases.
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Kidsgrove News
August/September 2013
AVR
‘Buried Tears’
We are committed to improving the health of our region’s pets. As a result the practice will be offering reduced price vaccinations for all dogs and cats whose vaccination has lapsed. Pets will receive a full vaccination course against the main diseases for the price of a booster during the month long event, offering a saving of up to £20. Routine vaccinations protect pets against potentially fatal diseases and, although some of these diseases are no longer rife, they still exist in the environment causing outbreaks without warning. Alarmingly some of these preventable diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer from animals to humans. An example of this is Leptospirosis or as it is more commonly known Weil’s disease. “For a variety of reasons not all pets’ vaccinations are kept up to date, which can put pets at risk from an illness that could be easily avoided” explains vet Steve Harris. “Preventable medicine is preferable and less costly than treatment, or in some cases the only option.” Steve Harris adds “As vets we are dedicated to helping pet owners keep their pets, which are part of the family, healthy. Of course some problems can’t be avoided but it makes sense to reduce the risk – and that’s why we’re embarking on the vaccine amnesty scheme.” Diseases that can affect dogs include Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Coronavirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Leptospirosis, while cats can suffer from Feline Infectious Enteritis, Cat Flu and Feline Leukamia. All diseases can cause unnecessary suffering and some of them, such as Canine Parvovirus, are often fatal. Owners whose pets’ annual booster injections have lapsed will need to organise a full vaccine course of two injections a few weeks apart and thereafter an annual booster of one injection to maintain protection. Don’t forget booster vaccinations also give us a chance to perform an essential annual health check at the same time. For further information or to take advantage of the vaccine amnesty and make an appointment please contact the clinic. www.charter-vets.co.uk
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(Family life down the decades)
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Kidsgrove News
August/September 2013
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Mayor’s Report
News from Clough Hall Technology School
Even as we attempt to wind down for the summer, we are busy preparing to welcome many new faces in September and saying goodbye to staff and students who are leaving us for pastures new. In what promises to be another record year (the class of 2012 achieved the best results in Clough Hall’s history), students await their exam results following their hard work, revision and preparation. The months of hard work by students and staff will no doubt pay off. The summer term has seen many exciting events across the school for all year groups. With trips to France, two primary school cross curricular events, a creative minds festival, year 10 work experience, the summer fete and much more, it has certainly been a lively term! Have a look at a short snippet of some of the brilliant things which we’ve been getting up to over the last couple of months and some future plans...
Academy and Church of England Status Last year we consulted parents regarding Clough Hall becoming a Church of England school. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of making this change. Therefore, plans to drive forward our move towards Church of England status include converting to an Academy. The school and community are keen to go ahead with the plans as soon as possible. We are also excited about the new school buildings as agreed by the Department for Education. The children, staff and community are all very excited about the next few years for Clough Hall Technology School.
Kids Bottle a Plastic Greenhouse The school has partnership links with GE, Kidsgrove. Mr Darren Blackshaw is the GE volunteer’s team leader who came up with a project to make an Ecogreenhouse at one of our local primary schools – Springhead.
The pupils had to collect 1,500 2ltr pop bottles to make the ‘wall’s’ of the greenhouse. They set about their task enthusiastically and collected more than the required amount in record time. The Technology department staff, the Construction sixth formers and Year 6 from Springhead cleared the land, built and painted the frame structure. The day then came to finally put the greenhouse together! Years 4, 5 and 6 from Springhead worked in teams to clean, cut and assemble the greenhouse panels. Supported by staff and the volunteers from GE the Greenhouse was completed in one short day! I am sure you will agree – a true team effort!
Northwood Athletics Northwood stadium hosted this year’s Newcastle District Athletics Championships. There were a total of eight teams entered by Clough Hall Technology School which gave a huge number of our students the opportunity to compete. All teams did us proud competing with true passion for the sport and certainly raised the roof of the spectators stand with their support for their team members. The students participated in track and field events. The senior athletics saw an extremely high standard of performance from our students with four getting through to the county athletics competition.
Head Teacher Mr Tait was immensely proud as he addressed an audience of pupils, parents, grandparents and carers at the Key Stage 3 Awards Evening on 13th May. The evening recognised the effort, contribution and outstanding achievement of Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils in all subject areas as well as extra-curricular activities and attendance.
At the county event Sophie Goodfellow achieved 4th place in 1500m allowing her to move onto the next stage whilst Lucy Holt achieved 1st place again allowing her to represent our county at the next stage of competitions. This is an excellent achievement and we are very proud of them both. The junior athletics again saw an extremely high standard and the year 7 girls produced an exceptional result coming 2nd in the Newcastle Borough, our best ever result! This competition saw nine students getting through to the County competition. Congratulations to all competitors - a real team effort meant outstanding results.
All school teaching and support staff were able to nominate for this special event. Cameras owned by the delighted relatives and carers flashed as pupils took to the stage to collect their certificates. In recognition of their achievement all nominees received a certificate. Separate certificates and prizes were awarded to the winners of each category. A huge well done to all the pupils who received an award.
Don’t forget you can read more news from Clough Hall in our school magazine ‘The Buzz’ or visit the website www.cloughhall.staffs.sch.uk. From all at the school, we hope you have a lovely summer, a relaxing break and look forward to many exciting new projects and many news faces in the new academic year.
Key Stage Three Awards Evening
And Finally
After a bumpy start we are back into the full swing of things and I have never been so busy. The diary has been packed full of events with more to follow in the coming months. My mum Michele Robinson and Councillor David Allport are both acting as my consorts and have thrown themselves into community events and charity work. I would like to thank the Kidsgrove community for being so supportive in the last few months. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Kidsgrove Primary Schools Collaborative Concert I have to mention in my report the Primary Schools from the Kidsgrove area that came together to put on a fantastic choir event at the Victoria Hall in Hanley. Sarah Milne of Clough Hall Technology School helped to organise a collaborative event on a huge scale. Her efforts were very successful as parents and guests were treated to a fantastic evening of musical delight. The children did a brilliant job and their families should be extremely proud of them. Jenny Pope should also be given a mention for her significant contribution on the day.
Opening of the new Meadows Gardens On Wednesday 22nd May, I joined the opening of the new community gardens at the Meadows Sheltered Housing in Ravenscliffe. The residents association and members of the community had all worked together to apply for a £10,000 grant from Aspire’s Realise foundation. This was successful and the PM Training team have now installed the new garden for the enjoyment of the residents and their visitors.
The Co-operative saves the day Some readers may be aware that flowers planted by the Kidsgove Youth Parliament had been stolen by some mindless individual. I would now like to say a massive thank you to The Co-operative funeral care in Kidsgrove who contacted me and donated an extra £500 to save the children’s flower beds. It’s good to see a local business helping out the community in times of need especially in the circumstances.
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Acres Nook Garden Party On a lovely sunny afternoon in June I was invited to join the residents of Acres Nook Care Home. I am always touched by the warm welcome I receive from residents when I visit this special place. I was asked to sing a song on Karaoke so I did. I performed Purple Rain by Prince for the residents and let’s just say they loved it. Many thanks go to Barbara Evans and other staff who always go out of their way to make the home a fun and friendly environment. I hope to visit again soon and it was lovely to meet Doris again.
Clough Hall School Summer Fete Well this year we said goodbye to our fete organiser Mrs Kaprielian who has dedicated herself to Clough Hall School for many years. It was an honour to open the event she organised and it was once again hugely successful with residents and pupils enjoying the stalls and activities on offer. I even managed to raise £50 for my charity Staffordshire Sands which was an added bonus. Whilst I can’t mention all the school fairs I have attended it has been nice to receive so many invites to support the talented young people of our community.
Opening of Scott’s Barbers It gave me great pleasure to Open Scott Donaldsons Barbers on Friday 12th June at 10.00am on the dot. Scott has been renowned in the Kidsgrove community for his fantastic charity work and appearing in the Kidsgrove Seven Shades calendar, supporting numerous causes. It’s great to see Scott set up shop in the Butt Lane area and I want to wish him all the best in the future.
The Butt Lane Baptist Church Jazz Night I was invited to attend the Butt Lane Baptist Church Jazz Night on Thursday 4th July. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect but the band Jazzpzaz was out of this world. Eric Newton who is famous for playing the Clarinet was superb! The small Church should be congratulated on holding such a successful event for everyone in the community. A special thanks go to Peggy Stevens for being so hospitable not just to us but to everyone.
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As we come to the end of our academic year, there have, as always, been many projects, events, trips and experiences that we can look back on.
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‘Secret Dealers’
What’s on @ KIDSGROVE Library
Please support YOUR library and take books out today! August/September 2013 Events:Are you ready Regular Staffordshire Young People’s Service - Careers advice for Young People information, advice and guidance to 16—19 year olds on: Careers Informafor the Summer Careers tion, Further Education, Apprenticeships and Training, Employment, CV’s, Job huntskills. For more information call Louise on (01782) 297383 email: Louise.ibbotReading Chal- ing son@entrust-ed.co.uk or visit www.youthbox.info. Every Tuesday 1.00 – 2.00pm. Work Club - Advice and support to help people looking for work. Drop in for help lenge? This year’s theme is Creepy House. Can your child read 6 books during the school holidays? Starts 6 July - with a medal and certificate on completion. Come along and support your local library, a warm and welcome atmosphere, read a book or use a computer. Free to join at any age, you just need ID.
with job applications and CVs. Every Monday from 9am-11am. No appointment necessary. Kidsgrove Library Reading Groups – Meet on first Tuesday of the month for lively discussions at 2.00pm, and 7.15 pm. New members are always welcome. Pear Tree Café opens every Wednesday morning from 10.00 – 12 noon, serving drinks and light refreshments. Baby Bounce and Rhyme – Music and fun for babies and small children. Every Friday morning there are two ½ hour sessions, at 9.45, and 10.30. FREE.
For information please contact Kidsgrove Library 01782 - 782445
Opening hours:-
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9 am-5pm Tuesday 9am - 7pm. Friday 9.30am - 7pm Saturday 9.30am - 4pm
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Email: goodnewspublishing@hotmail.co.uk 15
Prize Crossword Competition
Across
6. Make the LAST ICE stretch (7) 8. Get old when gets to end of PAGE (3) 9. Get the right mixture TO AIR (5) 10. Force out of breath (5) 11. Nervous twitch has DRASTIC end (3) 12. Cry inconsolably when not quite SOBER(3) 14. Short VOWEL makes you swear! (3) 15. Destroy a ship? (5) 18. LOVES these rodents (5) 20. Fish eggs can be deer! (3) 21. TURN MAT into a rage (7)
Do you need advice?
Down
1. PARE down for a conference? (4) 2. STOP SO can bend over (6) 3. CARE about land measurement (4) 4. Find fault with fish? (4) 5. Shout about the WEB LOL (6) 7. TACT I use when in the loft (5) 11. Miss A WAR THAT stops (6) 13. NO VIBE for the cows (6) 14. Show bravery OR VAL gets confused (5) 16. NEED to find garden of paradise (4) 17. Little TIKE flies on the wind (4) 19. Little MOUSE is a Japanese wrestler (4)
Many thanks to all who 2 4 3 5 entered our last Cross- 1 word Competition. The 6 7 8 correct answer was ‘FATHER’S DAY’. First correct reply to be picked 10 from the bag was from 9 Mrs Rita Hearson of Clough Hall who wins a £10 gift voucher which 11 12 13 14 she has chosen to spend at Morning Fresh - congratulations! This issue 16 17 18 19 we are again offering a 15 £10 voucher to be spent in a shop or business advertising in Kidsgrove 20 21 News (please state on your reply). The first correct answer drawn on September 7th 2013 is the winner. Just complete the crossword and re-arrange the letters found in the shaded squares to make a new word or words, send your answer on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to:- Good News, 128 High Street, Harriseahead, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4JX. Answers to last crossword: Across: 6. Rainbow 8. Ear 9. Plane 10. Norse 11. Vie 12. Tug 14. Fad 15.
Legal 18. Outer 20. Map 21. Reviled Down: 1. Prop 2. Absent 3. Swan 4. Hear 5. Friend 7. Irate 11. Volume 13. Groove 14. Fatal 16. Gape 17. Lyre 19. Rude
Newcastle & Kidsgrove Citizens Advice Bureau Drop-in advice sessions No Appointment Necessary Kidsgrove CAB
The Town Hall, Liverpool Road, Monday 2pm-4pm, Thursday 10am-12pm
Newcastle CAB, 25-27 Well Street
Monday 10am-1pm, Tuesday 4pm-8pm, Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 10am-1pm
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Moss Lane, Madeley 9am – 12 noon. Alternate Wednesday’s - by appointment only via Surgery Reception
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(speak to an adviser during Newcastle opening hours, or listen to recorded information & other options at other times) Please contact us for details of our other services in Knutton Children’s Centre, GP surgeries & Chesterton One Stop Shop Community Centre.
Free, independent, impartial, confidential advice for everyone in the community Opening Times
Newcastle 9.30am – 1.30pm Monday to Thursday Telephone 01782 238282
Contact Age UK at 4 Merrial Street, Newcastle or on 01782 238222 for an appointment, or talk to Newcastle & Kidsgrove CAB for a referral. Appointments at Kidsgrove CAB outlet at Kidsgrove Customer Service Centre, Tuesday’s 9.30am – 12.30pm. We have a collaborative service with Age UK giving additional appointments on Tuesdays... please ask for details at the Kidsgrove drop in. CAB can also offer one to one help on budgeting household income and/or saving on fuel costs’.
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KIDSGROVE TIMES WITH PHILIP LEESE
KIDSGROVE TIMES WITH PHILIP LEESE
GRAVE BUT STILL CHEERFUL
Did you catch the recent report of a scientific study which found that people with a positive attitude to life are statistically likely to live up to seven years longer than down-in-the-mouth pessimists? I do hope it’s true, because I tend to be a fairly cheerful bloke, but it just so happened that soon after I was taking a guided walk through Kidsgrove Cemetary and then to St. Thomas’s Church in the Avenue. What we saw rather set my natural optimism back a bit.
the nickname of Clough Hall Youth Club ‘Polles’s’ “Graveyards always contain sad reminders we were surprised to find a substantial brass plate of how soon we can slip from the memory” after the popular and dedicated Les Polles – unmarking the achievements of Eliza Hardeman. veiled with the conviction that we will long keep Who was she, we asked? Well, I did know that their achievements in our minds, we find, well, life Mr. Hardeman was a Birchenwood Manager late is so busy; and younger generations soon appear in the nineteenth century, but I wasn’t aware that who’ve never heard of these heroes and heroines his wife had made any substantial mark on Kidsof the past. grove life. However, obviously she had worked for the good of the people and church with such As Shakespeare put it, in Julius Caesar, “The success that it was thought appropriate to comevil that men do lives after them, the good is oft memorate the achievement in a public place. This interred with their bones.” How true! It’s hardly led to another depressing realization – how rarely worth doing anything – it will all be ignored or we think of the sterling work done by the women forgotten within a few years! The pessimists are of the past, the wives, sisters, daughters, mothers of the ‘great men’ so right....no, hold on a minute. Shakespeare’s got it wrong. It’s the good often mentioned by historians. we do which lives on after us. Where would we be today without the Then, back at home, I came across the obituary of Ephraim Proctor, efforts of those who, in the past, attempted to educate us, to alleviate from 1885. Beginning as a cobbler he became one of the first members the effects of poverty and disease? The people themselves didn’t act of the Kidsgrove Local Board, the fore-runner of our Town Council. because they wanted to be celebrated and remembered when they were He too made his mark; ‘During these years of service... in any and ev- dead. They were just living their lives as best they could, and trying to ery movement set on foot for the benefit of the poor, for local charities help others along. It’s good that the community respected them at the or for the good of the religious institutions, his services were willingly time, but not surprising if they are forgotten a century later. rendered. He had found time to accomplish these many acts of kindness Thank goodness I can be cheerful again, especially as I need those and also of self-denial which now... rise to honour his name.’ In the extra seven years. There are so many books I still haven’t read, and I depression of the 1870s and 80s he was much honoured for his work in have to write a book on the history of Kidsgrove before I start pushing organizing relief committees for the unemployed. up daisies. I’m not sure seven years will be enough. All these good works, and yet who in Kidsgrove remembers his P.S. I am trying to research the life of Harry Wilson, an ex-miner who name today? These useful and public-spirited people, with busy lives was awarded the George Cross in 1971 for bravery during a mine rescue of triumph and tragedy, once the first pangs of grief and effusion of at Harrisheahead in the 1920s for a ‘Kidsgrove News’ article, but am public mourning were over, are now forgotten as if they had never been. hampered by knowing very few personal details, such as his dates of Even when we still have their memorials – the Jack Beech Memorial birth and death. It is particularly hard to track down Sentinel articles, of Garden, for example, or those rooms in the High Schools which were which I know there were several. If anyone can tell me more about him, (still are?) dedicated to the memory of notable teachers of the past – please phone 783605.
and a high-up official in the Potteries Licensed Victuallers Association, which clubbed together, following his unexpectedly early death, to provide a striking marble tribute. I think he must have been a well-known and jovial chap, nicknamed ‘Bus’ and awarded a few lines in the poem which welcomed the Clough Hall Pleasure Garden in 1890. “I stands for Inn-Keepers, with ‘Bus’ at their head Who expect this new venture will butter their bread.”
For a start graveyards always contain sad reminders Also present, neglected and bramble-trailed in the of how soon we can slip from the memory. Yes, some top right hand corner, are, as I’ve mentioned before, the graves are visited and tidied up, but there are far more graves of the Rev. Frederick Wade, a mighty force in examples of neglect or indifference, or maybe just the Kidsgrove for over 40 years, and who asked specially fact that relatives tend to live too far away to visit reguthat his remains be laid ‘amongst the people he loved so larly. Among the saddest are those headstones reading long.’ Beside him are his wife and four of their children Stephen Busbridge’s monument “Forever in our Hearts” or words to the effect that somewho died in infancy. His death was marked with public one would never be forgotten which have been so neglected that the per- mourning in North Staffordshire generally, but who recalls his activison’s name even has been worn away. So even the memorial designed ties today, spares a thought for those tragic infant deaths or shows any to keep their name alive has lost its purpose. Then too there are large respect for his memorial? memorials, sometimes paid for by public subscription by colleagues or Cheered by such thoughts, we then moved on to St. Thomas’s workmates, to someone you have never heard of, but who, in his or her Church in the Avenue, kindly opened for us by Iain Baker, so that we day, was no doubt well-known and respected in the town. could examine the names on Kidsgrove’s list of the war dead. Here too Kidsgrove Cemetary, for example, contains a handsome memorial are memorials to Thomas Kinnersley and Robert Heath (nicknamed to Stephen Busbridge. I wonder how many will know who he was. Are ‘Old Bobby’ and described by Charles Lawton, as ‘an eccentric and huthere any Busbridges still in Kidsgrove? He was, back in late Victorian morous old man...who had nearly everyone’s good word.’) These names times, the licensee of the Harecastle Hotel, down towards the station, at least will be familiar to those interested in local history, but
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New Gentle Exercise Group A new Gentle Exercise Group meet at Butt Lane Community Centre, Lower Ash Road.
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They are very useful in improving mobility and encouraging fitness in a gentle but thorough way, in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. Being chair based the exercises are easy to follow and allow you to take a breather if you wish, the chair becomes your friend, a crutch to lean on when your co-ordination lets you down or the effort seems a bit too much for a moment or two. A lot of movements are stretching the various muscles you didn’t know you had rather than strengthening them, and in improving balance, so the final feeling is one of well-being which puts a smile on your face that fits well with the wind-down chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit, all for £1.75 (first visit free) at 10.30 to 11.30 each Tuesday. More info can be found from the Ageing Well team at Age UK, 01782 200739.
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Kidsgrove News
Flower Festival
Harriseahead Methodist Church are holding their annual Flower Festival on weekend 7th & 8th September.
Patients with temporary or long standing conditions can be helped with physiotherapy. We can treat a range of muscular and joint problems. These include:
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If you would like to know more please contact: Age UK North Staffordshire on Telephone number: 01782 827923 or www.ageuk.org.uk/ northstaffs . Please note: There is an hourly charge for these services.
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Using your own car, generous mileage paid. If you can help please contact Margaret Dobell, 01782 621936, Door2door@nulcvs.co.uk
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August/September 2013
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21
Neighbourhood Policing Team report by PC Dave Woodward I’m going to start with a Wow!
It appears our summers are finally back, but as with everything I write there is always a ‘but’ and this one isn’t a police matter - I would urge you to make sure you put on your sun protection. You know if you end up burnt and red someone will only want to touch it, asking if it’s sore, so please cream up or cover up.
Getting hot under the collar Nice hot sunny days quite often lead to things the police do deal with and many of these are as a result of alcohol consumption. People get hot and irritable and then fuelled by drink, arguments break out involving the use of abusive language and threatening behaviour which are offences under the Public Order act. These can be dealt with in a variety of ways including the issue of a fixed penalty notice. For disorder offences these have now gone up to £90. These arguments do sometimes result in violence being used, that will get you out of the sun and into the air conditioned “Northern Area Custody Facility”. Please enjoy the good weather but drink responsibly. A fine or a court appearance will certainly put a dampener on the summer.
a touch of the screen to answer and another on the hands free icon to take the call, so all that is required is a cradle costing a few pounds. If you must take calls while using your car; get “HANDS FREE”. This legislation was implemented to reduce the risk of death and injury. Most calls could wait until you arrive at your destination. You still commit this offence if you are stationary at traffic lights or in traffic queue. You have been warned - don’t moan if you get this fine, either don’t take the call or get hands free now. Another traffic one - SPEED. Not only is this an issue on our local roads but I have been made aware that the section of the A500 from Talke towards junction 16 of the M6 has a high percentage of collisions, many are single vehicle incidents which are attributed to loss of control, speed no doubt playing a significant part in this. As a result I recently carried out speed checks on the A500, a large proportion of the cars were exceeding the 70mph speed limit with 5 doing over 80mph, details have been submitted to traffic process. If you are stopped for either of the above offences you may be breathalysed. This links in with the opening piece, with the hot weather people go to beer gardens, barbeques or other events. If you are going to be drinking alcohol please leave your cars at home and use public transport or taxis. Most burglaries occur when a property is empty and with the school holidays approaching, it is best to take extra precautions while you are on holiday. Some examples below:
Increase in fines There has also been an increase in the fine levels for traffic fixed penalty notices, non endorsable (fine only no points on your licence) have increased to £50 and endorsable penalties have increased to £100 and 3 points on your licence. The fixed penalty used where appropriate for no insurance has increased to £300 and 6 points on your licence. For a mobile phone offence you would be issued an endorsable penalty, £100 and 3 points. I was recently in a Kidsgrove business premises and in the 5 minutes I had to wait, I saw 3 people driving using their mobile phones. All smartphones and many other phones have built in hands free that require
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Make sure you cancel any regular deliveries (milk and papers) but do try to be discreet you never know who is in the paper shop when you are telling the staff you are away. Ask family, friends or reliable neighbours to keep an eye on your property, ensuring post isn’t left hanging out of the letterbox or piling up behind the door. Ask a neighbour to put your bin out on the right day and bring it back in again. Encourage your neighbour to use your drive to park on to give the impression someone is in. Be careful what you post on social media, talking about your impending holiday or shots of you by the pool on the first day of your holiday may be an advert for a crook to visit your empty house. Make sure your social media is restricted to people you want to see it. We want you to have a great summer and enjoy the good weather. PC Dave Woodward
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August/September 2013
Neighbourhood Policing Team report by PC Dave Woodward I mentioned just that the disorder fixed penalty had gone up to £90, the lower tier disorder penalty notices have increased to £60 these tickets are issued for:
Upper Tier - £90 penalty Act
Decription
s.5(2) Criminal Law Act 1967
Wasting police time, giving false report
s.127(2) Communications Act 2003
Send false message/persistently use a public electronic communications network in order to cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety
s.49 Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004
Knowingly gives a false alarm to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority
s.5 Public Order Act 1986 Words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress
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Lower Tier - £60 penalty Act
Decription
s.55 British Transport Commission Act 1949
Trespassing on a railway
s.56 British Transport Commission Act 1949
Throwing stones/matter/thing at a train or railway
s.12 Licensing Act 1872
Drunk in a highway, other public place or licensed premises
s.12 Criminal Justice & Police Act 2001
Consume alcohol in designated public place, contrary to requirement by constable not to do so
s. 87 Environmental Protection Act 1990
Depositing and leaving litter
s. 150 (2) Licensing Act 2003
Allowing consumption of alcohol by a person under 18 on relevant premises.
Regulation 3(3) of the Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
Drop / leave litter / refuse except in a receptacle provided for the purpose in a Royal Park or other open space Use pedal cycle / skates / blade / board / foot-propelled device in a Royal Park or other open space
s.80 Explosives Act 1875
Fire or throw firework(s)
s.91 Criminal Justice Act 1967
Drunk & disorderly in a public place
Regulation 3(4) of the Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
s.1 Criminal Damage Act 1971
Destroying or damaging property (under £300 and may only be given on one occasion)
Regulation 3(6) of the Royal Unless the person is registered blind, Parks and Other Open Spaces failing to immediately remove animal Regulations 1997 faeces from a Royal Park or other open space
s1. (1) Theft Act 1968
Retail Theft (under £100 and may only given on one occasion)
reg. 7 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Breach of fireworks curfew (11pm-7am)
reg. 5 Fireworks Regulations 2004 under s11 of the Fireworks Act 2003
Possession of a category 4 firework
s.141 Licensing Act 2003 (c.17)
Sells or attempts to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk
s.146(3) Licensing Act 2003
Supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to a person aged under 18
s.146(1) Licensing Act 2003
Sale of alcohol anywhere to a person under 18
s.149(3) Licensing Act 2003
Buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of person under 18
s.151 Licensing Act 2003 Delivery of alcohol to person under 18 or allowing such delivery s.5(2) & Sch Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Possess a controlled drug of Class B cannabis/cannabis resin
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Contacting the Police
To report a crime or incident call 101 You can report nuisance incidents to the Newcastle Borough Council Anti Social Behaviour Officers on 01782 717717 You can contact your local officers on 01785 23 3576 to discuss local, Non Urgent, issues (please report crime and incidents on 101), or email the team on Kidsgrove. npu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk email any officer by firstname.lastname@ staffordshire.pnn.police.uk To pass on information anonymously call:
You can comment on local issues, Police related or otherwise at: www.whitehillonline.co.uk or www.kidsgrove-info.co.uk
Opening Times for the Enquiry Offices at Kidsgrove & Newcastle are: Kidsgrove: Mon Fri 9am to 5pm. Closed Weekends & Bank Holidays Newcastle: Mon Fat 9am to 5pm. Closed Weekends & Bank Holidays
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Kidsgrove News
August/September 2013
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