Including Heath Hayes, Hawks Green, Cannock Wood, Littleworth, Wimblebury, Huntington, Shoal Hill and Hatherton
MARCH 2026
Advertising enquiries
Lisa Cuthbert - Sales Manager
Tel: 01543 401204
Email: info@thecannocklocal.co.uk
Essex Wives by Kimberley Chambers (March 12th)
Kate Hood - Sales Associate
Tel: 01543 401204
Email: katie@thecannocklocal.co.uk
Editorial enquiries
gripping new thriller from the
Jennifer Dellicompagni - Editor
Tel: 01543 401204
Email: info@thecannocklocal.co.uk
The April edition of The Cannock Local will be distributed during March to 10,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Cannock.
Cloudy2Clear Windows
Sudoku puzzle
March books to go mad for SI Cannock - £350 Raised for Local Charities
Staffordshire families urgently needed to foster local children
Wordsearch puzzle
Recipe of the month
Tickets Now On Sale For Bike4Life 2026
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
Greenfingers...The Alan Titchmarsh Column
National Trust Staffordshire Centre Upcoming Talk
Crossword puzzle
set in 1999, Essex. Sharon, Jolene and Evie
If you wish to place an advert or editorial feature, please ensure copy is submitted to us no later than 10/03/2026.
Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in The Cannock Local magazine, and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibilty for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibilty for views expressed by contributors, or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
Discover Parks
Midland Central Heating Ltd
Plumbing & Heating
We
Gas Safe Cannock
Fully qualified & vetted. For your peace of mind, we are Gas Safe Registered, hold full public liability
and are vetted and monitored by a number of
Based in Cannock
the
Boiler Installations & Services
Upgrade to a modern condensing boiler with over 90% efficiency, cutting heating bills by 30% and reducing environmental impact. We also install oil boilers for homes without mains gas, handling everything from tanks to certification. Choose from top brands like Worcester Bosch with warranties up to 12 years.
Alternatively, we offer annual boiler servicing ensures safety, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and keeps your system running efficiently. A standard service for a condensing boiler is £90 (inc VAT). If you’re having problems with your boiler, we’ll be able to quickly diagnose and repair it - no matter what type of boiler it is.
Subject to status
by
Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You
Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.
As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.
As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.
As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.
As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.
As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows James Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows James Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. James commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. James commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. James commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. James commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. James commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows James Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows James Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows James Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.
For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.
Janet Beard
Janet Beard
Multi Award Winning Independent Family Funeral Directors
Supporting families across the West Midlands and Staffordshire Cremation Packages
Burial Packages
WHY SHOULD I MAKE A WILL OR A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY? of Attorney
WHY SHOULD I MAKE A WILL OR A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY?
March Books To Go
At Elan Legal, we provide professional advice and guidance to help you plan for the future all within the comfort of your own home. Our services include Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate.
Mad For
At Elan Legal, we provide professional advice and guidance to help you plan for the future all within the comfort of your own home. Our services include Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate.
• Prevent your own family home or your ageing parents’ home from being sold to pay for care fees.
• Prevent your own family home or your ageing parents’ home from being sold to pay for care fees.
• Basic Wills start from £135.
Sprint into spring with little a science, a dash of history, and some thrilling fiction.
• Basic Wills start from £135.
A Lasting Power Of Attorney
Why should I make a Will?
Tell Me Where It Hurts by Rachel Zoffness (March 24th)
A Lasting Power Of Attorney
Why should I make a Will?
Leading expert Rachel Zoffness bridges the gap between medicine and psychology to get to the heart of treating pain, both physical and emotional.
• To ensure your wishes are carried out by someone you know and trust.
• To ensure your wishes are carried out by someone you know and trust.
the story of a rogue imperial consul who sought to forge a new nation in the middle of a war… and the mercurial spy chief who sought to destroy him by any means. Proof that the truth can be stranger than fiction.
• Decide who to formally entrust with your children’s upbringing (informal agreements with family and friends have no legal status).
• Decide who to formally entrust with your children’s upbringing (informal agreements with family and friends have no legal status).
Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and patient stories, this book offers an empowering way forward.
The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent (March 12th)
• Provide for your unmarried partner (as they are not legally recognised they would receive nothing without being specified in your will).
• Provide for your unmarried partner (as they are not legally recognised they would receive nothing without being specified in your will.
A Rebel and a Traitor by Rory Carroll (March 26th)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that is registered with The Office of the Public Guardian.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that is registered with The Office of the Public Guardian.
A Lasting Power of Attorney enables you to appoint someone who you know and trust to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapable.
From the master storyteller behind 2023’s critically acclaimed Killing Thatcher, this is
• Guarantee that is your spouse/partner remarries in the future that your children will inherit your property (not their new spouse or future children).
• Guarantee that is your spouse/partner remarries in the future that your children will inherit your proerty (not their new spouse or future children).
• Save your family thousands of pounds in Inheritance Tax.
Ruby Cooper and her sister, Erin, live an idyllic life in their close-knit church community in Boston. But when Ruby is 16, she is involved in an incident that causes her family’s world to implode. Years on, she must face the past in this gripping tale of long-buried secrets.
• Save your family thousands of pounds in Inheritance Tax.
Essex Wives by Kimberley Chambers (March 12th)
A Lasting Power of Attorney enables you to appoint someone who you know and trust to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapable.
By making a Lasting Power of Attorney it can solve a lot of heartache and worry at a later date, should something happen to affect your ability to make decisions and manage your affairs.
By making a Lasting Power of Attorney it can solve a lot of heartache and worry at a later date, should something happen to affect your ability to make decisions and manage your affairs.
Illness and injury can happen to any one of us at any time.
Illness and injury can happen to any one of us at any time.
A gripping new thriller from the No.1 bestselling Queen of Gangland Crime set in 1999, Essex. Sharon, Jolene and Evie have one thing in common - they’ve all been burned by one of the Bond boys, yet hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Preparation and completion of a singe LPA (including acting as Certificate Provider) £300.00 plus registration fee charged by The Office of the Public Guardian £82.00.
Preparation and completion of a singe LPA (including acting as Certificate Provider) £300.00 plus registration fee charged by The Office of the Public Guardian £82.00.
Elan Legal
Michelle Burks (Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)
Why not put your a airs in order and nally get around to making your Will or Lasting Powers of Attorney?
Elan Legal are competitively priced, providing professional advice and guidance to help you plan your future all within the comfort of your own home.
We don’t know what the future holds. We can hope for the best, but it makes sense to plan for the worst.
For more details on Elan Legal, Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney See our website: www.elanlegal.co.uk
For more information, contact: Tel: 01543 459 651 or 07936 316547 | Email: michelle@elanlegal.co.uk | www. elanlegal .co.uk
1 Lyndhurst Road, Cannock, Sta ordshire, WS12 3HD
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, SI Cannock joined forces with the Rotary Club of Cannock to collect cash to be given to the local Foodbank from shoppers at Tesco in Heath Hayes.
As usual everyone was so generous and the club was thrilled to collect £350.00 from the local community.
Last week a number of members attended the Rotary meeting where Lead Team President Carole presented a cheque to the manager of the Foodbank.
If you would like to find out more about how Soroptimists support women and girls, please visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SICannock or their website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district
Photographs shows SI Cannock members collecting with Santa.
Staffordshire families urgently needed to foster local children
Across Staffordshire, there is a growing and urgent need for foster carers to support local children who cannot live with their birth families right now. These are children from our towns and villages, attending local schools, who need a safe, stable home where they can feel secure and cared for. Right now, there are not enough foster carers in the area to meet that need.
Fostering can be one of the most rewarding things a person or family ever does. It offers the chance to make a real difference to a child’s life, often at a time when they need it most. Many foster carers talk about the small but powerful moments, seeing a child begin to trust, settle into routines, grow in confidence, or simply feel safe enough to relax. It is a role that brings purpose and meaning, while fitting around everyday life and different family situations.
New Chapters Fostercare supports foster carers across the region, including Staffordshire with a strong focus on therapeutic care. This approach recognises that many children have experienced early trauma or disruption, and that understanding, consistency and emotional support are key to helping them thrive. Children are carefully matched
time
with carers, with an emphasis on stability and long-term wellbeing. What sets New Chapters apart is the way it looks after its foster carers.
One foster carer describes the experience as “a welcoming and supportive approach from the very first conversation, with genuine time taken to understand personal circumstances and offer collaborative guidance at every step.” Support is ongoing, practical and personal, with training, advice and regular contact from a local team who truly know their foster carers and value the role they play.
For anyone in Staffordshire considering fostering, there has never been a more important time to find out more.To learn more about becoming a foster carer, contact New Chapters Fostercare.
Call 01952 463251
Email info@newchaptersfostercare.co.uk
Visit newchaptersfostercare.co.uk
Local children in Staffordshire need new foster carers who can offer
nurturing
At New Chapters Fostercare, you don’t need previous fostering experience. We give comprehensive training, 24/7 support you can rely on, and competitive allowances to give children the stability they need.
Email: charlene.allport@cityplumbing.co.uk
nicol.kendall@cityplumbing.co.uk
cpscannock@cityplumbing.co.uk
Hidden Message
Boiler
Boiler
Radiators
Tanks
Toilets
Leaks
Showers Clearing
Pipework
Michel Roux Jr’s Chocolate Cookies
Delight your mama this Mother’s Day with these delectable cookies which remind the former Master Chef judge of his own childhood.
Method
1. Using fingers, mix the butter, egg yolk, sugar, honey and salt in a bowl until smooth.
2. Then gradually add the sifted flour, cacao powder and baking powder. Do not overwork.
3. Quickly add the chocolate nibs.
4. Roll the mixture into cylinders about 3cm in diameter, then refrigerate.
5. When the cylinders are set, cut into 5mm slices and put on a non-stick baking sheet.
6. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180°C/Gas 4 for 15 minutes. Cool before eating.
Ingredients:
Makes 30
• 125g butter at room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 60g soft brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Pinch of salt
• 130g flour, sifted
• 3 tbsp pure cacao powder
• Pinch of baking powder
• 100g white chocolate, cut into chips or nibs
Hannah, Paul & the team invite you to visit our
BAR
• 6 x Real Ales on tap at all times
• Large selection of traditional Ciders
• Keg Lagers, Keg IPAs & Guinness
• Bar menu & snacks including: Cobs, Pork Pies, Sausage Rolls, Scotch Eggs
• Cosy open fire
• Pool Table, Darts, Dominoes, Cards
• Wide Screen TVs
• Well-behaved dogs welcome LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
• Cosy Lounge & 40 Seat Restaurant
• Varied Lunchtime & Evening Menus
• Daily Specials Board
OUTDOORS
• Large Beer garden
• Children’s Play Area
• Outdoor Bar open Weekends in the Spring & Summer
• Wine Menu
• Log Burner
• Ideal for Private Parties & Events
WHAT’S ON
Pie Night
Last Thursday of Every Month
Selection of homemade pies served with new potatoes, mash or chips, seasonal vegetables
A free drink (selected drinks only)
£18.95 per head
Steak Night
Second Tuesday of Every Month
Selection of steaks served with chips, onion rings, tomato, mushrooms, salad or peas
• Outdoor Menu
• Campervans welcome
THE SWAN INN WHISTON
Whiston, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5QH
01785 716200 bookings@swanwhiston.co.uk
Choice of sauce + a free drink (selected drinks only)
£25.95 per head
Tickets Now On Sale For Bike4Life 2026
Following the success of this year’s Ride Out and Festival, tickets are now on sale for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s highly anticipated Bike4Life 2026.
The annual Ride Out will once again set off from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, before making its way along the M54 to the festival grounds at Weston Park in Shifnal, Shropshire.
The iconic convoy sees thousands of bikers travel together in a powerful show of support for the charity’s lifesaving work.
Since its inception in 2010, Bike4Life has raised more than £950,000 to support the charity’s lifesaving missions across the Midlands. With Midlands Air Ambulance Charity marking its 35th anniversary next year, Bike4Life 2026 is set to be the biggest and most memorable event yet and is expected to surpass the incredible milestone of £1 million raised in total since the event began.
Due to the Ride Out’s continued popularity, the charity is encouraging supporters to secure their place early to avoid missing out. The event attracts thousands of riders each year, and tickets are expected to sell quickly. Tickets would also make a thoughtful gift, perfect for those hard to buy for friends and family who share a passion for motorcycling or supporting a vital local cause.
Emma Wood, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said:
“Bike4Life is our largest annual fundraising event, both in terms of the incredible number of supporters who attend and the vital funds raised to keep our air ambulance helicopters and critical care cars operational.
“Each year, thousands of bikers take part, and Ride Out tickets sell quickly. To avoid disappointment, we encourage anyone wishing to join this iconic convoy to book as soon as possible. Tickets for the Bike4Life Festival, which offers a fantastic day out for bikers and families alike, are also available now.”
The Bike4Life Ride Out takes place along the M54 motorway and is organised in collaboration with West Mercia Police and National Highways. Alongside raising vital funds, the event also aims to promote biker safety and responsible riding, bringing the motorcycle community together for a shared cause.
To buy tickets now, visit: bike4lifefest.com
To learn more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving work, visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the charity on social media.
27 Hollyoak Way, Cannock, WS11 1DF
240,000
FREEHOLD
Presented with vacant possession and no upward chain, this superbly appointed three bedroom townhouse is set within an exclusive, secure gated development in the heart of Cannock town centre – a rare opportunity for buyers seeking both convenience and quality. Ready to move into and full of charm, the accommodation is thoughtfully designed for modern family living. An inviting entrance hall with guest W/C leads to a spacious living room, ideal for relaxing or entertaining, while the adjoining conservatory provides versatile, light-filled additional space. The good-size breakfast kitchen offers ample cabinetry and workspace for family meals or casual dining. Upstairs are three well-proportioned bedrooms, including a principal suite with en-suite shower room, plus a smart family bathroom. With designated parking and within walking distance of Cannock train station, shops, amenities, hospital and McArthurGlen Designer Village, this exceptional home perfectly blends space, style and security. Early viewing is highly recommended. Call us 9am–9pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Exclusive Secure Gated Development Heart of Cannock Town Centre Superbly Appointed & Move-In Ready Vacant Possession - No Upward Chain
Rare Opportunity
Three Bedroom Townhouse Full of Charm En-Suite, Family Bathroom & Guest WC
Parking & Walk to Station, Town, Hospital & McArthurGlen
N O T A L L
L E T T I N G
A G E N T S A R E
B O R N E Q U A L
E x p e r i e n c e e x c e l l e n c e w i t h o u r £ 5 0 0
l e t f e e a n d a d d 8 % m a n a g e m e n t i n c
VAT, f o r e x t ra p e a c e o f m i n d .
1 0 0 s o f h a p p y l a n d l o r d s 0 1 7 8 5 2 2 3 3 4 4
Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh lan Titchmarsh has a vision for veg this spring.
March is always an exciting month in the garden. The first hints of spring are appearing, the soil is waking from winter slumber, and there’s a sense of possibility in every furrow. And, most importantly, for vegetable gardeners, it’s the moment to start planting for the season ahead.
We all know the usual suspects: peas, broad beans, lettuce, and carrots etc. Yet if you’re looking for something a little different this year, March is the perfect time to experiment with vegetables you may not have considered before.
Kohlrabi, for example, is a wonderfully versatile brassica.
It looks a little alien with its swollen stem, but its taste is mild, sweet, and crunchy. That makes it excellent raw in salads, or gently steamed. Then there’s the humble celeriac, which is a bit of a forgotten gem. Richly flavoured, it stores well and adds a subtle, earthy note to soups and stews.
For those who enjoy a bit of culinary adventure, try sowing some scorzonera or salsify. Often called ‘black root’ or ‘oyster plant,’ these long, slender roots have a delicate, nutty flavour. They’re hardy, relatively low-maintenance, and a real talking point when you serve them at the table. Even a few clumps tucked into a border of early flowers can brighten the plot and give something unexpected to harvest.
Spinach and Swiss chard can also go in now under cover, giving you a head start on the salad season. And don’t overlook early varieties of beetroot - their tender leaves can be used in salads long before the roots are ready to harvest. Radishes, too, are worth a try: quick to sprout and perfect for those first flushes of spring, they give a satisfying crunch and colour to any dish.
Finally, while it may seem like ‘all systems go’ in the garden, remember that March is a
month for planning as well as planting. Consider where your crops will go, how you rotate them each year, and which companion plants will help deter pests. You might also prepare your compost and tidy cold frames, ensuring everything is ready for seedlings and delicate young plants.
Essentially, don’t rush, because a little thought now will reward you with a productive, delicious vegetable patch later in the year.
What is clear though, and will be made all the more apparent when the clocks go forward, is that we’ve made it through winter’s chill, and the brighter days are on their way!
National Trust Staffordshire Centre Upcoming Talk
The Staffordshire Centre is still in business, organising talks at Walton Village Hall in Stafford every month. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the door and pay as you go in. However, it does help the organisers if you book your place(s) on our website https://www. ntstafford.org.uk/ go to Events-Talks -Book a Talk.
All talks start at 2.30 pm and you do not have to be a member of the Centre to attend. Admission is £4.50 for non-members of the Centre and talks are followed by tea and biscuits.
Stories Of Shugborough - 10th March
A Talk by Keith Alldritt
Apart from being a member of the Staffordshire Centre, Keith is a volunteer at Shugborough and will tell the stories behind the paintings in the smallest, most visited space in the mansion – The Veranda Passage – but also the most overlooked. Learn
about an audacious horse racing gamble, capturing a treasure ship, the difficulties of being the Post Master General, and famous visitors.
See why the watercolours – recently conserved thanks to funding from Staffordshire Centre – are important to show the history and development of the estate, especially in the 1700s, including Thomas Anson’s most impressive structure which no longer exists!
To keep up with our future events, watch out for us in these pages or check out our Events page at https://www.ntstafford.org.uk/
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
5. Given authority or strength (9)
8. Granular beach material (4)
9. Structure with walls and roof (8)
10. Portable light (7)
11. Narrow passageway (5)
13. Large natural stream (5)
15. Navigation instrument (7)
18. Pad for notes (8)
19. Part of a plant (4)
20. Honest feeling (9)
DOWN
1. In the middle of (6)
2. Attack repeatedly (7)
3. Start (5)
4. Medieval system-based (6)
6. Electrical charge store (9)
7. Beneath the ocean (9)
12. Completely insane (7)
14. Eye covering (6)
16. Roof of the mouth (6)
17. Physical power (5)
A Legacy of Commitment
Five years of dedicated service passed to an equally committed Chairman with family ties to Probus
Inclement weather failed to discourage members from attending their AGM and the opportunity to thank Anne Bumford for her sterling commitment over the last five years in the office of Chairman. A relaxed two-course meal was enjoyed prior to the business aspect of the afternoon.
Anne leaves a somewhat turbulent tenure, which commenced with Covid and a new way of running the Club. Zoom was introduced to ensure all members felt included and continues to be used for Committee meetings.
As the purpose of Probus is to provide ‘Friendship and social engagement’ for active, retired individuals, although Anne had introduced newsletters to keep the Club inclusive, members were glad to meet face to face again. The following unprecedented number of years served proved challenging when, in 2024, the new incumbent was absent due to other commitments. Anne, who has always thanked her committee for their support, accepted ‘Office’ again. Outside influences and changes within the Club dictated recent years, but Anne’s service and experience brought variety and fun to monthly meetings, which included speakers but were often interactive.
Chris thanked Anne, saying she had kept the Club ‘in order’ with her quiet authority, and flowers were presented in appreciation. With slight trepidation, feeling Anne’s were ‘big shoes’ to fill, Chris Ballet stepped up from Vice to Chair and has brought equal commitment. In her speech, she shared that her husband Dave also served Probus for many years with Hednesford Club, filling the roles of Secretary, Chair and even Treasurer. Prior to Vice-Chair, she served as Attendance Secretary, accepting that role after being a member for seven years, having initially joined to make new friendships. Closing her acceptance speech of this journey, she lightly said,
in a broad Black Country twang, “Ey da see this da cumin”.
The AGM elected a new Committee before formal ‘thanks’ were given to Paul James Fowler of Chase Golf Club for his hospitality and continued personal support. Outgoing Committee Members were given gifts from Anne for their support, and we look forward to an eventful year to include speakers, crafts, quizzes and outings. Concluding her tenure of Office, Anne’s final Thought for the Day: Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. We look forward to the March speakers; POTTY POTTERS from Derby - a couple of larger-than-life personalities noted as being two outrageous, often rude and even a bit naughty allotmenteers who thrive on helping others grow.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO ENJOY THIS FUN DUOCONTACT DETAILS BELOW.
Retired or semi-retired professional or business ladies meet on the 1st Thursday of each month at Chase Golf Club at 12 noon to share a meal, fellowship and speakers, with outings and other activities. New members are welcome. Annual membership is still only £16 and a two-course lunch is £23.
Further information:
Membership Secretary, Barbara on 07801 370935
Chairman Chris 01543 879 324.
Photo: After presentation of Club Regalia, to new Chairman Chris Ballett; outgoing Chairman, Anne Bumford, received flowers as appreciation from members (L to R).
