New Style Trust To Be Adopted to Run Community Centre
Slimming World Stafford
Soroptimist International of Stafford
Stage set for Stunning Stafford Shakespeare Show
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Recipe of the month
Marvellous May Reads
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
Hobbies Wordsearch
Thank you to everyone who entered our Stone Food Festival ticket giveaway! Congratulations to our winner, Jane Parry. Keep an eye out - more comps coming soon!
Romy Gill’s Coconut Chicken Curry
Jennifer Dellicompagni - Editor
Email: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk
The June 2025 edition of The Stafford Directory will be distributed during June to 10,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Stafford.
1. Put the quartered chicken thighs into a bowl with the spices, lime or lemon juice and salt. Toss together well.
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2. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan and fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through, stirring regularly. Set aside.
5. Divide the curry between two plates and serve with basmati rice. Method British Indian chef, writer and TV star Romy Gill knows that every household needs a reliable and simple curry recipe in their back pocket. Introduction
redit -MattInwood
Pour the
and
Serves 2
3. To make the sauce, heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 10-15 seconds, then stir in the onion. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until softened, stirring regularly. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes more, stirring constantly.
into the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Stir in the chilli and spinach (or pak choi) and allow to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into quarters
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1½ tbsp sunflower oil
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
For the sauce
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 15g fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 400g tin coconut milk, watery liquid (around 250ml) and 2 tbsp of the coconut cream from the top
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.
• ½ red chilli, finely chopped
• 50g baby spinach or pak choi, thickly shredded Ingredients
4.
coconut water
coconut cream
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Exceptional residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for you or a loved one
Compassionate care within a welcoming community. What sets us apart?
• Prioritising wellbeing, safety and happiness
• Beautifully appointed private en-suite bedrooms
• Superb amenities including café, cinema, gym
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• Part of an exciting new retirement village community
Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service,
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 Brian Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a
When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Brian 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.
The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Brian 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. Brian 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”.
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
National Trust Staffordshire Centre Upcoming Talk
The Staffordshire Centre’s programme of talks at Walton Village Hall in Stafford continues on May 13th. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the door and pay as you go in. However, it would 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 2:30pm 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.
Women
in Aviation
– May 13th
A Talk by Jess Boyden-Juckes
Jess will share stories of ladies as aviators, long before the first woman pilot (Julie Gibson) officially received her RAF wings in 1991.
Personal stories will give insight to unknown women who made a difference and without question saved lives.
Video clips where they share snippets of their life stories including one from South African born frontline paramedic, Jackie Moggridge, who flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) as a pilot during the second World War flying 82 different types of war planes when the RAF wouldn’t allow female pilots!
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/
Your new local Nissan main dealer
Celebrating 100 years with dealerships across Staffordshire, Shropshire & North Wales, W R Davies are delighted to now cover Cannock, Rugeley, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, Heath Hays and all of the surrounding local village communities.
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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoning logic– there’s no maths involved and no adding up.
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CROSS WORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Guardians (6)
5. Proof that someone was elsewhere during a crime (5)
7. Falling off the side of a ship (9)
11. To remain in one place (4)
10. Small, decorative object with a hole (4)
12. Gradual change (9)
16. Did again, past tense of redo (5)
17. To signal (6)
DOWN
1. Short for ammunition (4)
2. Baby sheep (4)
3. Make something unclear (4)
4. Composed of two parts (6)
6. To scold (6)
8. Internal organs (5)
9. A small, specific part (6)
10. Not clear (6)
13. Having excessive pride (4)
CHASE ROOFLINE
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New Style Trust To Be Adopted to Run Community Centre
Registered as a charitable trust in 1986, the Acton Trussell, Bednall & Teddesley Hay. Community Centre is now preparing to become a Charitable Incorporated. Organisation and the trustees are organising a public meeting to explain the conversion and what it will mean.
On Monday 12 May at 7.30pm the trustees will make a presentation about the change and answer any questions. They will also provide news about the exciting development plans they have for expanding and improving the Centre.
User clubs of the Centre will be present to show what they do and invite new members. In addition there will be an opportunity to learn what it is to be a trustee and to apply to join the trust.
STAFFORD!
Before loosing weight with Slimming World I was Pre-Diabetic -
COMMUNITY GROUPS!
Denise joined her local Slimming World group with consultant Sandra after a regular check-up at the doctors left her feeling concerned and embarrassed with her weight – her GP could see the shock and pain, and informed Denise of the 12-week referral scheme at Slimming World.
groups in Stafford are open now. To or to book your place contact Helen on she says: “If you’re worrying about your feeling alone and desperate, don’t give up. Our Slimming World group is here and every week. So, if you’re thinking of and be part of that success – you’ll be every one of us.”
information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or on 07506191391.
After joining her chosen group, Denise started enjoying new foods in her diet – healthy, filling ones straight away – that helped her slim down. Enjoying things like pasta now 2 to 3 times a week, which she never did before. She says, “The biggest challenge I faced around food was not snacking on crisps, chocolate or biscuits like I used to during the day – now if I want a biscuit I choose to enjoy the Slimming World Hifi bars.”
Slimming World shows you how to cut calories without counting them. The stroke of genius that makes Food Optimising so easy and effective is Free Food – healthy, satisfying food you can enjoy in unlimited amounts whenever you’re hungry. With our plan, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals made with everyday ingredients. Food Optimising has helped millions lose weight without ever feeling deprived!
The benefits Denise has seen are incredible – “I’m now able to walk a distance without needing to stop and
Tel: 07792 928877
but after losing nearly 5 stone that I no longer the case!
rest. I’m able to buy clothes four sizes smaller which has given me so much more confidence in myself.”
WEIGH TO GO STAFFORD! SLIMMER’S COME BACK TOGETHER IN THEIR
A weight has been lifted for Stafford slimmer’s as they move from virtual groups to real-life groups. Members have shared how amazing it is to be back together in group, where they feel excited and supported to get their weight loss journeys back on track now that restrictions have lifted.
Consultants from the Stafford Team are delighted to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person, the buzz in the room and the results on the scales show just how much members are loving being back together too. They’ve also told us they’d really missed being together in-person – that feeling of community, swapping recipes and sharing ideas, and being there for each other through the highs and the lows of their journey. Plus, we know that there’s something powerful about stepping on the scales each week and having that regular check-in on your progress.
Slimming World find out more or 07506191397 she weight and feeling Don’t put it off. getting together joining, come and welcomed by every
She’s also no longer pre-diabetic. “I am so proud of myself with losing nearly five stone – even when I had a hip replacement through my journey and gained a little weight back – but was able to lose that again and more!”
For more information contact Helen on
WEIGH TO GO SLIMMER’S COME BACK TOGETHER
Denise has one final thing to say – “Never give up. We all have bad weeks which sometimes makes us think of quitting, but persevere! You’ll get to where you want to be.”
“We’ve put measures in place to comply fully with local and Government guidance, of course, to ensure members are safe, happy and comfortable being back at our group. It’s been absolutely amazing to come back together again, it’s proven that there really is no better feeling than the magic of a real-life Slimming World group.
At the heart of our groups is IMAGE Therapy – Individual Motivation And Group Experience – where you’ll build new habits and confidence. Join millions like Denise who’ve reached their dream weight through our nohunger plan, activity support, and mindset-shifting sessions.
Check out our groups below or visit the Slimming World website to find out more.
A weight has been lifted for Stafford slimmer’s as they move from virtual groups to real-life groups. Members have shared how amazing it is to be back together in group, where they feel excited and supported to get their weight loss journeys back on track now that restrictions have lifted.
Consultants from the Stafford Team are delighted to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person, the buzz in the room and the results on the scales show just how much members are loving being back together too. They’ve also told us they’d really missed being together in-person – that feeling of community, swapping recipes and sharing ideas, and being there for each other through the highs and the lows of their journey. Plus, we know that there’s something powerful about stepping on the scales each week and having that regular check-in on your progress.
Contact your prefered consultant for group details
Slimming World
“We’ve put measures in place to comply fully with local and Government guidance, of course, to ensure members are safe, happy and comfortable being back at our group. It’s been absolutely amazing to come back together again, it’s proven that there really is no better feeling than the magic of a real-life Slimming World
Slimming World
real food, real support, real results
Soroptimist International of Stafford
At a recent meeting, members of Soroptimist International of Stafford welcomed their speaker, Jack Barber, who is Treasurer of The Jane Austen Society Midlands Branch. Jack was accompanied by Jane Austen (in real life Rebecca Williams, who is Secretary of The Jane Austen Society).
Jack gave a wonderful account of the life of Jane Austen. This year marks the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen (born 1775 - died 1817). Jane was born in Steventon, Hampshire ( the 7th of 8 children) where her Father was the Vicar and he also ran a school for extra income.
The family moved to Sydney Place, Bath when her Father retired. After the death of her Father, Jane, her Mother and her sister Cassandra moved from Lodgings to Lodgings and also went to stay with relatives across the country. They stayed at Sidmouth, Green Park, Adelstrop, Stoneleigh Abbey and also at The Rectory in Hamstall Ridware Staffordshire as the guests of The Reverend Edward Cooper.
Eventually her brother, Edward, offered them a home of their own, at Chawton Cottage, Winchester Road in Hampshire, where Jane lived, for the next nine years until her death aged 41 years.
It was at Chawton that Jane completed her novels Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion.
Jane was intensely private about her work, which partly led to her never becoming a celebrated Author during her lifetime.
Soroptimist International is a global voice for women Over 70,000 members ion over 100 countries.
Soroptimists make a positive difference to the lives of over half a million women and girls in the world every year.
For more information about The Soroptimist Organization sigbi.org
For the Stafford Club sigbi.org/stafford
Photograph L to R - Jack Barber, Treasurer Jane Austen Society Midlands. Rebecca Williams (Jane Austen) Secretary Jane Austen Society, Sue Zurawiel, President Soroptimist Club Stafford.
Stage is set for stunning stafford shakespeare show
‘Dark, visually stunning and played at pace, HAMLET is going to be something special.’
So says award-winning Director Richard Cheshire, who is heading up a Stafford Shakespeare production for the first time this summer (June 24 to July 5). ‘I can’t give too much away, but HAMLET is such a strong visual play with ghosts, battlements, murder and madness galore that it offers an incredible scope to produce something that makes audiences go ‘Wow!’.
‘And I think that’s what will happen with Stafford Shakespeare this summer.’
Set designer Patrick Connellan has previously worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Richard added: ‘it’s a real coup to have someone of his standing on board. It reiterates how Stafford Shakespeare is so highly thought of in the industry. it’s one of THE most prestigious productions in provincial theatre and people are very keen to be involved.’
More than 2,000 tickets have already been sold and Marketing Manager Keith Harrison said: ‘We’re thrilled with the response to HAMLET. tickets are selling really well and we’ve got lots of community groups and schools coming along too. For some, it will be the first time they’ve seen Shakespeare on stage –and it is by far the best way to enjoy his work. Having seen some design concepts everyone here is very excited and it’s going to be an incredible production.’
In the story, young prince Hamlet returns home to find his father the King dead and his mother about to marry his villainous uncle. The King’s ghost visits and tells him to avenge his killing – but how should he go about it? Will he put his own life at risk? his sanity? Or both?
Set in contemporary (but not quite modern-day) times, the dramatic set is under construction at the Gatehouse Theatre workshop in Beaconside, Stafford. Tickets from the Gatehouse Box Office 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
Please note: Opening night performance SOLD OUT
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Patient Liaison Service Reaches Record Milestone
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, the lifesaving emergency service has achieved a new milestone.
The charity’s patient liaison and aftercare service has now received more than 100 responses to its patient and relative feedback surveys which were introduced in April 2024. The surveys enable people to leave their feedback which is used to further improve the patient care that Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides.
Through these surveys, patients and their families can also be put in direct contact with the clinicians who treated them or their loved one, with many wishing to say thanks for the lifesaving care they received. The patient liaison and after care service provides invaluable emotional and practical support to those who have been involved in life-changing incidents and their families.
Kerry Hemus, patient liaison lead and critical care paramedic for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “We are dedicated to provided outstanding care to our patients and their loved ones, this is why we offer a dedicated patient liaison and aftercare service that supports our past and present patients through their recovery as well as provide help for bereaved families through their grief.”
Together, Kerry and her colleague Rob Davies are available to offer support, information about patients’ incidents and signpost to additional support services. They can be
contacted via email: patient.liaison midlandsairambulance . com or by calling the charity’s headquarters on 0800 8 40 20 40.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity serves the largest air ambulance region in the UK. This includes the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire, representing a population in excess of six million. The charity responds to an average of 4,300 missions each year.
Each year it costs £16million just to keep the three charity helicopters and fleet of critical care cars operational. Each air ambulance mission costs £2,950 on average and each critical care car mission costs £288, which is entirely funded by the generosity of the public and local businesses.
To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s patient liaison and aftercare service, please visit: midlandsairambulance.com/ missions/patient-liaison-service.
For more information on the vital work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com.
Romy Gill’s Coconut Chicken Curry
Introduction
British Indian chef, writer and TV star Romy Gill knows that every household needs a reliable and simple curry recipe in their back pocket.
Method
1. Put the quartered chicken thighs into a bowl with the spices, lime or lemon juice and salt. Toss together well.
2. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan and fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through, stirring regularly. Set aside.
3. To make the sauce, heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 10-15 seconds, then stir in the onion. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until softened, stirring regularly. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes more, stirring constantly.
Credit
-MattInwood
4. Pour the coconut water and coconut cream into the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Stir in the chilli and spinach (or pak choi) and allow to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Divide the curry between two plates and serve with
Ingredients
Serves 2
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into quarters
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1½ tbsp sunflower oil
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
For the sauce
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 15g fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 400g tin coconut milk, watery liquid (around 250ml) and 2 tbsp of the coconut cream from the top
• ½ red chilli, finely chopped
• 50g baby spinach or pak choi, thickly shredded
Marvellous May Reads
A mixed bag, from fantasy to football, the marine world to marvellous kiddy adventures – May has it all!
Big Dunc: The Upfront Autobiography by Duncan Ferguson (May 8th)
In Big Dunc Duncan Ferguson reveals the full story: the truth about his experiences in prison, partying with African princes and Liverpool gangsters, fighting with burglars, making and losing a fortune, and how he turned his life around through his beloved Everton Football Club.
Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness by Sir David Attenborough and Colin Butfield (May 8th)
With long-term collaborator Colin Butfield, Sir David Attenborough shares the story of our last great,
critical wilderness, the one which shapes the land we live on, regulates our climate, and creates the air we breathe.
It is a book almost a century in the making, but one that has never been so urgently needed.
The Knight and the Moth - Stonewater Kingdom by Rachel Gillig (May 20th)
Brimming with sublime romance and stunning worldbuilding, The Knight and the Moth opens a new epic romantasy saga from the TikTokconquering author of the Shepherd King sequence, Rachel Gillig.
The World’s Worst Superheroes by David Walliams (May 22nd)
And is that an especially large bird? Is it a weirdly small plane? No: it’s Thunderdog!
The World’s Worst series continues with a volume of 10 thrilling adventures, as the silliest and strongest superheroes on the planet find themselves in riotously unexpected situations.
It all adds up to fun and frolics for young readers.
2
520,000
FREEHOLD
This spectacular Grade II listed barn conversion is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is all about space! The front of the property overlooks fields providing a most attractive outlook. Located in a superb semi rural position whilst still maintaining easy access to amenities in the neighbouring village of Great Haywood and convenient access to great commuter links. The property boasts charming original features throughout, including high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The ground floor offers arched windows that overlook the garden, a spacious living room with bespoke pine feature staircase, dining room, sitting room, guest WC and a well-appointed kitchen with separate utility. Upstairs, you will find four generously sized double bedrooms all thoughtfully designed for comfort and practicality. The master bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room while a large family bathroom serves the rest of the bedrooms.
Tixall Court, Tixall, Stafford, ST18 0XN
Hobbies Wordsearch
Baking Camping Candle Making
Cooking Drawing Gardening
Hiking Magic Photography
Quilting Running Scrapbooking
Swimming Writing Yoga
Baking
Camping
Candle Making
Cooking
Drawing
Gardening
Hiking
Magic
Photography
Quilting Running Scrapbooking
Swimming Writing Yoga
A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column
Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner talks about colour and texture in the home, and which give him the greatest satisfaction.
Colour and texture – two of the most fundamental tools in the designer’s arsenal. Used well, they shape the atmosphere of a space, influencing not just how a room looks, but crucially, how it feels.
For me, there is a deeply personal resonance to colour. Some shades instinctively soothe, while others excite the senses to add drama and theatre. I’ve always had an affinity for deep, rich hues, with depth and complexity. A dark, inky blue like Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue creates an instant sense of drama. It absorbs the light, pulling a room inwards, creating cosiness without suffocation. And then there’s
the timeless elegance of a deep forest green, reminiscent of stately libraries and spaces that exude intelligence and warmth.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s something to be said for a muted, chalky palette. Soft greys, dusty pinks, and warm tones have a way of enveloping a space in calm. These shades, especially when paired with natural materials like wood, linen or stone, bring a quiet sophistication, particularly in bedrooms, a snug, or a reading nook where one can retreat with a book and a cup of tea.
Texture, too, is an unsung hero in interior design. Without it, a room can feel flat, lifeless even. Velvet has long been a favourite of mine – it has a tactility that invites touch, and when used sparingly, it can introduce a real sense of luxury. Think of a single velvet armchair in a rich ochre or aubergine, standing proudly in an otherwise understated oom. Equally, I love the rough, honest beauty of raw plaster or limewash walls. They have an authenticity about them – a story told through their imperfections.
Then there’s timber – a material that, when used well, never fails to ground a space. I’m particularly fond of oak, whether in the form of a reclaimed beam, a well-worn farmhouse table, or parquet flooring that has been walked
on for generations. It’s a material that wears its history proudly, acquiring a patina that no synthetic surface could ever hope to replicate.
At the end of the day, it’s fair to say the best spaces are those that elicit an emotional response. Whether it’s a moody dining room wrapped in dark charcoal, a sun-drenched kitchen with terracotta tiles underfoot, or a bathroom swathed in soft, cloudy whites, it all comes down to one simple question: how does the space make you feel? Get that right, and you’re already halfway there!
