The Angel – Issue 10, Spring 2009

the

ANGEL

AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 10 Spring 2009

New piazza is a bold stroke on Burslem’s canvas Page nine

Hugh Edwards retires as Board Chairman

HUGH Edwards has retired as Chairman of the Burslem Regeneration Company Board – a position he has held since the company’s formation six years ago.

Hugh, who is Chairman of 112-year old Moorcroft, has been a staunch campaigner for the Mother Town, lobbying local and central government for investment.

He said: “My interest in the future well-being of Burslem, its people, and its industries, is as keen as ever but I have decided with considerable sadness that it is time to hand over my role in the Regeneration Company Chairman to someone younger. I shall, of course, continue to give my enthusiastic support to the company’s efforts to promote Burslem whenever I can.”

Mr Edward’s colleagues on the Burslem Regeneration Company have paid tribute to his work.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley – Board Vice-Chairman – said:“When Hugh arrived in Stoke-on-Trent to save Moorcroft he showed his commitment and dedication to keeping the traditional skills of the pottery industry alive and he understood that ceramics was deeply rooted into the city.

“This same commitment and drive he brought to his leadership of the Regeneration Company and gave everyone a strong sense of direction in regenerating the town while keeping its distinctive heritage. Hugh has played a key role at a crucial time in helping to safeguard Burslem’s future and the solid foundation he has laid will be his legacy.”

Board Director Ed Yorke, former Chairman of the Ceramica Trust, said: “Hugh has made an enormous contribution to Burslem and he will be greatly missed. His heart is in Burslem, and he did a tremendous amount of hard work behind the scenes as Board Chairman.

“He has achieved great success as Chairman of Moorcroft and he used his ability and clout to get the new regeneration company recognised and get things done.”

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The new hi-tech bus shelters in Swan Square.

State-of-the-art bus shelters have

design style F

OUR new eye-catching bus shelters have been installed in Burslem with a winning mix of contemporary urban design and state-of-the-art bus timetable technology.

The shelters – two doubles in Swan Square and Market Place and two singles in Fountain Place and Wedgwood Street – are equipped with CCTV and LCD screens which give timetable displays on bus arrivals. Made of aluminium and stainless steel, the structures – designed by an inhouse team of city council landscape architects – are vandal-proof and easy to clean and will not rust.

“They are a unique design to improve Burslem’s townscape – there are no shelters like this anywhere in the UK,” said Dave Stubbs, Group Manager for Highways, Policies and Programmes for the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership.

“The display screens currently show the bus timetables but in early summer we will be in a position to activate the real-time technology which involves tracking buses using radio-waves – so the arrival times given will always be spot on.”

In creating the design for the shelters the council team consulted North Staffordshire Urban Vision, an organisation which promotes high standards of architecture and urban design. The cost of designing, building and installing the

Shopkeeper Muktar Ahmed and Helen Rhodes, Project Support Officer for the Burslem Regeneration Company, look at the shelter’s bus timetable display screen. shelters was £147,000.

Councillor Adrian Knapper, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The shelters are a great visual addition to the town. The CCTV cameras and up-to-the-minute travel news will encourage more people in Burslem to use public transport.”

There are plans to build similar bus shelters over the next few years at key transport locations around Stoke-on-Trent such as the city centre, town centres and Stoke station.

Festival plan for

WW2

theme

Pictured outside the new Federation Road training centre as they prepare the building for the launch of the project are, left to right, Tony Pointon, Stoke on Trent College Logistics Programme Manager, George Carr, the college’s Programme Manager for Construction, Mike Kelly, Director of Transed Training, Val Bourne, city council Resident Services Manager, and Roger Deaville, Director of Transed Training.

New training centre is

boost for trade A

NEW multi-million pound centre to train hundreds of construction workers has been opened in Burslem – and could provide a muchneeded boost to traders in the town.

The dedicated facility – based at a former council depot in Federation Road, Burslem – opened its doors to the first trainees in February and numbers are expected to swell to 600 by the middle of the year.

Funded using £5.3 million from the Department for Work and Pensions Flexible Routeway Project, the scheme will provide free training and support for local unemployed people.

Burslem Regeneration Manager Julian Read said: “The training centre has the potential to bring hundreds of people into the town during their lunchbreaks which will generate new business for shops and take-away food outlets.”

Jason Miller, of Miller’s Butchers in Queen Street, said: “It is good news for traders in the town and hopefully it will

lead to new shops setting up.”

Besides building trades courses, the centre – a joint initiative between Stoke on Trent College, the city council and housing maintenance company Kier Stoke – will provide training for the logistics industry including LGV and fork lift truck driving.

Big demand Thousands of trained construction workers will be needed for programmed building projects in North Staffordshire worth hundreds of millions of pounds. They include schemes such as Hanley’s East/West Precinct, the University Quarter, new-build at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire and the flagship City Waterside housing development.

Andy Greenhough, Stoke on Trent College’s Director of Enterprise and Employer Engagement, said: “There will be big demand for skilled tradespeople to work on these projects and we are looking to train around 600 people a year

at the new centre. By training local people we are not only cutting unemployment but retaining wealth in the area which in turn will boost the local economy.”

Mr Greenhough said although the scheme is being launched at a former council depot the plan is to demolish one of the existing buildings to make way for a purpose-built facility.

Councillor Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Enterprise, said: “Over the next few years North Staffordshire is undergoing major transformations. Hundreds of jobs will be created for construction workers as new homes, businesses and facilities are built in the area.

“Projects like those at Federation Road mean that residents in Stoke-on-Trent will be able to benefit from the regeneration by developing the skills needed to compete for local jobs and opportunities both as employers and employees.”

A SECOND World War theme is being planned for this year’s Burslem Arts and Crafts Festival – and promises to bring a parade of colourful attractions and nostalgia to the Mother Town.

The trip down memory lane would include stallholders wearing period costume and linkin with local schools as part of their curriculum.

Festival organisers are due to give the idea the green light in the next few weeks as part of the thriving May festival that draws in hundreds of visitors from across the Potteries. It follows the success of the Christmas festival taking on a Victorian theme to highlight the impressive architecture in Burslem, Festival Artistic Director Julie Gould said: “We feel this theme could really help bring the town together to get involved and give Burslem a boost.”

Free workshops, stalls and street entertainers will once again feature in the festival which has been pencilled in for the May Bank Holiday weekend. Julie added: “We also want to get businesses involved much more this year and really come together as a town, as they did with the Christmas Festival.

“We would like to say the biggest thank you to all of Burslem’s businesses who generously donated such fabulous prizes for the free raffle at the Christmas Festival especially in this present financial climate. It had a huge impact on people’s perceptions of Burslem as a good hearted town."

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Residents urged to have their say on latest vision for Middleport

T

HE opportunity to see a range of potential options for the future of Middleport will be made possible this Spring. Renew North Staffordshire has commissioned a team to carry out a six month feasibility study and consultation process which will then pave the way for further investment in the neighbourhood.

The options will be on show in community facilities and public spaces and people will be urged to express their views and give feedback. The opportunity to engage will be by taking part in locally focused workshops, drop-in sessions, the Burslem Local Forum and in writing.

The masterplan project is covering areas around Newport Lane, Slater Street, Maddock Street and beyond.

Plans for fresh wave of work to go on

public show It covers both residential and commercial sites such as the former Wood and Sons Stanley Pottery on Newport Lane and will come up with ideas on uses for sites in the area that are currently available for development or may be available in the future.

Renew has already spent significant sums in the area this year, with the refurbishment of properties in the Ellgreave Street area, making the most of disused land with a newly improved landscaping scheme and mosaic installation and highways improvement works.

BDP, the team appointed by The fish mosaic which is a feature of a landscaping scheme in the Ellgreave Street area.

Renew last September to prepare the masterplan have already looked at house condition information, transport information and jobs and investment statistics ahead of the plans being developed.

Renew Development Manager Harmesh Jassal said: “The plans will give the public a clear insight into what the partnership has in mind. We want to encourage all people in the area to view these proposals and have their say. Consultation and feedback is essential to moving forward to the next phase of development.”

So, watch this space and make sure you make the most of the opportunity to shape the future.

New police post has immediate benefits RESIDENTS have welcomed a new police post which is helping to combat anti-social behaviour and crime in Middleport.

Four officers are based at the facility in the annexe at St Paul’s Church in Church Square and hold weekly surgeries where the public can discuss their concerns. The sessions have been helping to tackle problems like drug taking and under age drinking in the area as officers benefit from extra information from local people.

PC Andy Graham said: “We have definitely improved response times. The information being passed onto us means we are able to act a 4 THE ANGEL

lot quicker. We have also had problems with things like youths jumping on the roofs of bungalows and drinking on greenways. Because we are so close we have been able to respond immediately.”

The visibility of the post has had an effect on crime and the fear of crime in the surrounding area according to police. Many residents are dropping in to the surgeries at the post every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.

Chairman of Scotia West Residents Association, Chris Smith, said: “The area is definitely benefiting from improved communication between residents and officers

PC Adam Syred outside the new police post.

and is becoming a better place to live. The PCSOs patrolling the area are making people feel safer. For example, some teenagers drinking in the area were causing a problem verbally abusing passers by.

But we reported it to the

neighbourhood officers and the problem was quickly solved.”

Local officers PCs Andy Graham and Adam Syred and PCSOs Adam Van De Sande and Tich Nyamayaro run the surgeries and are regularly based at the police post.

T

HE next phase of the ongoing work to dramatically improve Burslem town centre will be unveiled at a business breakfast in the late spring.

The event will be the first opportunity for members of the community to view the detailed proposals aimed at revamping the heart of the Mother Town and breathe new cultural and economic life into the area.

The consultation, which will be hosted by the Burslem Regeneration Company, centres on three documents which unfold the vision of a regenerated town centre that will once again be vibrant and prosperous.

One of the documents is an updated version of the 2004 Atkins Burslem Masterplan and Urban Design Action Plan – which set out far-reaching and ambitious plans, including proposals for improving town centre landmarks such as Ceramica, the indoor market,

Restyled masterplan

to be unveiled

Wedgwood Institute and Queen’s Theatre.

In view of subsequent changes that have happened in the area, such as the decline of the local economy, The North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership and Burslem Regeneration Company commissioned architectural town planners HypoStyle to review the original Atkins masterplan and look at all aspects of regenerating the town centre.

The other documents are the Burslem Regeneration Company Business and Delivery Plans which look at the key issues of improving traffic flow and pedestrian access; attracting new businesses and boosting

WORK is gathering pace on a prominent, prime town centre residential project – with the first apartments due for completion in the late spring. Roof and frame work, as well as electrical installations are being carried out at the Furlong Passage development which will provide four, twobedroom town houses and 25, one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The development, which has become a very visible indicator of Burslem’s regeneration, is located conveniently between St Johns Square and Woodgate Street. It will also feature secure underground parking, lifts and a secure communal garden. The site is being developed

by Longton-based Talbot Developments who are on target to complete the project by the summer.

Rob Talbot, of Talbot Developments, said: “The project is on schedule and everything is on target for a summer completion. The first phase of one and two bedroom apartments will actually be available by the late spring and we are expecting to generate a lot of interest as they will appeal to young professionals and older people alike.”

tourism; stimulating investment in economic growth; developing public services such as healthcare facilities, support for unemployed people and sporting and cultural activities.

The Business and Delivery Plans highlight what has already been achieved in the drive to revive Burslem – such as new houses, heritage works in the town centre and live/work enterprise units – and sets out a timetable for future projects in the pipeline.

Julian Read, Burslem Regeneration Manager, said: “The original Atkins masterplan was a solid piece of work which has been modified by the review. Together with the Business and Delivery Plans, it

provides recommendations for short, medium and long-term projects that will help to transform the heart of the Mother Town.”

He added: “The unveiling of the proposals will be an ideal opportunity for everyone involved – residents, traders, employers, community groups and those interested in the town’s cultural, sporting and historical heritage – to work together and have a real say in making Burslem a great place in which to live and work.” ● To register for the business breakfast or for more information about the event local businesses should contact the Burslem Regeneration Company on 01782 232522.

Work gathers pace on

luxury flats complex

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Restaurant named after The Card

extends in prime location A

Town hall in top ten ‘must visit’ IN the style of a Greek temple with a stunning baroque clock tower, Burslem Town Hall has been admired by generations as architecture of special significance. Now the iconic Victorian building, opened in 1854, has been officially recognised as one of the top 10 must-visit town halls in the UK by experts from a leading architectural magazine.

The Mother Town’s “old town hall” – for, of course, Burslem has the distinction of having two town halls – has received the accolade from Architecture Today, taking its place alongside the municipal megastructures of civic palaces in Manchester and Leeds.

“We chose Burslem Town Hall because of the distinctive and idiosyncratic nature of its architecture ,” said Chris Foges, Editor of Architecture Today. “It is a building of character and has high architectural quality – a great landmark with its famous golden angel on the clock tower.

When local people see the town hall they know they are home.”

Mr Foges explained that, in making their selections, the magazine’s judges had 6

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endeavoured to come up with a historical and geographic spread of town halls they considered to be well worth a visit from an architectural point of view .

Other buildings which made the list range from Paisley Town Hall and Dunfermline City Chambers in Scotland to Hornsey Town Hall, London, and Lynton Town Hall in North Devon.

“Boslomites” may imagine that the national architectural recognition would bring a serene smile to the face of the golden angel. Certainly it has delighted Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, a staunch campaigner for the progression of all things Burslem.

“It is further proof of what many local people know that, architecturally speaking, Burslem is the nation’s best kept secret,” said Joan. “It is a tribute to the town now and to those who had the vision to build such a magnificent town hall.

“Unique buildings such as the town hall and the Wedgwood Institute are part of the new vision to regenerate the Mother Town and for Burslem to take its rightful place as a vibrant part of North Staffordshire.”

N exciting new look for a busy town centre “gateway” in Burslem is on the menu – thanks to the expansion of one of the best-known restaurants in North Staffordshire.

It is one of several new projects to benefit from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has already pumped hundreds of thousands of pounds into improving the outside appearance of historic commercial buildings in the town.

THI funding is playing a major role in enlarging the Victorian and Edwardianthemed Denry’s restaurant in St John’s Square by extending the business into the adjacent premises of the former flower shop on the corner of Market Place and St John’s Square.

The eatery is named after Edward Henry Machin, leading character in Arnold Bennett’s novel The Card inspired by the Mother Town. Machin’s mother saved time by addressing her son as Denry, instead of Edward Henry.

In addition, the restaurant

extension will complement the gateway at the opposite end of the town centre that has already been dramatically improved by the Swan Square Continental-style piazza.

Denry’s owner Wayne Doyle purchased the adjoining empty shop and he was awarded a THI grant of up to £198,209 towards its restoration. Work has started on joining the two buildings at ground level to form a single unit.

Historic All three floors of the extended premises will be part of the restaurant and will include a new ground floor wine bar.

Wayne said: “What we are doing is designed to attract more people to Burslem and provide a welcoming and attractive entrance to the town centre.”

As interest continues to grow CHEERS... Kismet restaurant owner Kobir Uddin Ahmed pours members of staff a drink to celebrate the completion of the smart new signage and front to their building.

in the THI Scheme, other businesses are benefiting from facelifts that are improving the appearance of historic buildings in the town.

Work is well underway on 33 and 35 Queen Street, the premises of Potteries Insurance Brokers and Hairitage hairdressing saloon, on a joint scheme to replace the shop frontages and windows, as well as roof improvements and general repairs. A joint grant of up to £90,908 has been awarded for the work.

Hassall Shoe Repairs at 4, Nile Street, have been granted a second phase of funding to bring forward work on the outside of the building to replace windows with traditional sash windows and install new cast iron guttering and drainpipes.

Works are now completed at the Kismet Restaurant, Queen Street, which received additional grant funding for new signage, while the first phase of a project to transform a fire

damaged room at the United Reform Church, Moorland Road, into a community facility is now complete. Work on the second phase to repair the roof and reinstate cast iron railing to the front of the building will be starting soon.

In addition meetings are taking place with the owner of the former Co-operative Building in Swan Square to bring forward a suitable scheme for the property.

New interest Helen Rhodes, THI Project Officer, said: “Even with the current economic climate, take up of the scheme is still increasing with new interest coming forward daily.

“The scheme has gained a lot of interest from new and current building owners in Burslem town centre and there are a few large restoration projects in the pipeline, with plans drawn up that we should see move forward in 2009.”

SHORT CUT TO A NEW STYLE...

Hairitage hairdressers owner Joanne Dawson, left, with stylist Stephanie Corbishley whose salon frontage in Queen Street is getting a facelift.

A TASTY PROJECT... chef and owner of Denry’s Wayne Doyle, left, with builder Andrew Finney outside the site of the restaurant extension.

Artistic cover-up THE former Co-op Building on the corner of Swan Square and Queen Street, with its classic art deco architecture, has temporarily been adorned with blown up prints of artist Rob Pointon’s paintings.

The premises were boarded up at ground-level while awaiting redevelopment and the art prints on plastic sheets were put on the board to make the scene more aesthetically pleasing. Funded with money from the Townscape Heritage Fund, the crafty cover-up was organised by staff at the Burslem Regeneration Company. A planning application for new uses for the building is expected soon.

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Restaurant named after The Card

extends in prime location A

Town hall in top ten ‘must visit’ IN the style of a Greek temple with a stunning baroque clock tower, Burslem Town Hall has been admired by generations as architecture of special significance. Now the iconic Victorian building, opened in 1854, has been officially recognised as one of the top 10 must-visit town halls in the UK by experts from a leading architectural magazine.

The Mother Town’s “old town hall” – for, of course, Burslem has the distinction of having two town halls – has received the accolade from Architecture Today, taking its place alongside the municipal megastructures of civic palaces in Manchester and Leeds.

“We chose Burslem Town Hall because of the distinctive and idiosyncratic nature of its architecture ,” said Chris Foges, Editor of Architecture Today. “It is a building of character and has high architectural quality – a great landmark with its famous golden angel on the clock tower.

When local people see the town hall they know they are home.”

Mr Foges explained that, in making their selections, the magazine’s judges had 6

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endeavoured to come up with a historical and geographic spread of town halls they considered to be well worth a visit from an architectural point of view .

Other buildings which made the list range from Paisley Town Hall and Dunfermline City Chambers in Scotland to Hornsey Town Hall, London, and Lynton Town Hall in North Devon.

“Boslomites” may imagine that the national architectural recognition would bring a serene smile to the face of the golden angel. Certainly it has delighted Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley, a staunch campaigner for the progression of all things Burslem.

“It is further proof of what many local people know that, architecturally speaking, Burslem is the nation’s best kept secret,” said Joan. “It is a tribute to the town now and to those who had the vision to build such a magnificent town hall.

“Unique buildings such as the town hall and the Wedgwood Institute are part of the new vision to regenerate the Mother Town and for Burslem to take its rightful place as a vibrant part of North Staffordshire.”

N exciting new look for a busy town centre “gateway” in Burslem is on the menu – thanks to the expansion of one of the best-known restaurants in North Staffordshire.

It is one of several new projects to benefit from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has already pumped hundreds of thousands of pounds into improving the outside appearance of historic commercial buildings in the town.

THI funding is playing a major role in enlarging the Victorian and Edwardianthemed Denry’s restaurant in St John’s Square by extending the business into the adjacent premises of the former flower shop on the corner of Market Place and St John’s Square.

The eatery is named after Edward Henry Machin, leading character in Arnold Bennett’s novel The Card inspired by the Mother Town. Machin’s mother saved time by addressing her son as Denry, instead of Edward Henry.

In addition, the restaurant

extension will complement the gateway at the opposite end of the town centre that has already been dramatically improved by the Swan Square Continental-style piazza.

Denry’s owner Wayne Doyle purchased the adjoining empty shop and he was awarded a THI grant of up to £198,209 towards its restoration. Work has started on joining the two buildings at ground level to form a single unit.

Historic All three floors of the extended premises will be part of the restaurant and will include a new ground floor wine bar.

Wayne said: “What we are doing is designed to attract more people to Burslem and provide a welcoming and attractive entrance to the town centre.”

As interest continues to grow CHEERS... Kismet restaurant owner Kobir Uddin Ahmed pours members of staff a drink to celebrate the completion of the smart new signage and front to their building.

in the THI Scheme, other businesses are benefiting from facelifts that are improving the appearance of historic buildings in the town.

Work is well underway on 33 and 35 Queen Street, the premises of Potteries Insurance Brokers and Hairitage hairdressing saloon, on a joint scheme to replace the shop frontages and windows, as well as roof improvements and general repairs. A joint grant of up to £90,908 has been awarded for the work.

Hassall Shoe Repairs at 4, Nile Street, have been granted a second phase of funding to bring forward work on the outside of the building to replace windows with traditional sash windows and install new cast iron guttering and drainpipes.

Works are now completed at the Kismet Restaurant, Queen Street, which received additional grant funding for new signage, while the first phase of a project to transform a fire

damaged room at the United Reform Church, Moorland Road, into a community facility is now complete. Work on the second phase to repair the roof and reinstate cast iron railing to the front of the building will be starting soon.

In addition meetings are taking place with the owner of the former Co-operative Building in Swan Square to bring forward a suitable scheme for the property.

New interest Helen Rhodes, THI Project Officer, said: “Even with the current economic climate, take up of the scheme is still increasing with new interest coming forward daily.

“The scheme has gained a lot of interest from new and current building owners in Burslem town centre and there are a few large restoration projects in the pipeline, with plans drawn up that we should see move forward in 2009.”

SHORT CUT TO A NEW STYLE...

Hairitage hairdressers owner Joanne Dawson, left, with stylist Stephanie Corbishley whose salon frontage in Queen Street is getting a facelift.

A TASTY PROJECT... chef and owner of Denry’s Wayne Doyle, left, with builder Andrew Finney outside the site of the restaurant extension.

Artistic cover-up THE former Co-op Building on the corner of Swan Square and Queen Street, with its classic art deco architecture, has temporarily been adorned with blown up prints of artist Rob Pointon’s paintings.

The premises were boarded up at ground-level while awaiting redevelopment and the art prints on plastic sheets were put on the board to make the scene more aesthetically pleasing. Funded with money from the Townscape Heritage Fund, the crafty cover-up was organised by staff at the Burslem Regeneration Company. A planning application for new uses for the building is expected soon.

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Artist inspired by

architectural

gems W

ALKING home from work through Burslem first triggered artist Rob Pointon’s love affair with the buildings of the Mother Town.

Rob had not long graduated from the University of Wales with a first class honours degree in fine art and had taken a temporary job at a service station in Longport – which gave him the reason to pace up Newcastle Street to delight in the architectural gems of the town centre.

Now, a little over three years later, Rob has captured the sights, scenes and architecture of Burslem on canvas in a very distinctive style with more than 50 oil paintings.

In fact, he himself has become part of the townscape as he frequently sets up his easel on the street and paints while being watched by passers-by. Inevitably, Rob is based in Burslem at the new

Lights bring festive cheer BURSLEM’S Christmas lights display was the biggest for years – thanks to £6,500 in donations.

The contributors were Burslem Rotary Club, Co-operative Travel, Swan Bank Methodist Mission, Burslem United Reform Church, Jellifish, Burslem School of Art, Midlands Heart, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Burslem South ward councillor.

“Next Christmas we are hoping to make the town festive lights even better,” said Burslem Regeneration Manager Julian Read.

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live/work units in Queen Street.

“Although I grew up in North Staffordshire I lived the other side of the Potteries and did not know Burslem,” said the 26year-old. “After graduating I spent time in London before coming back to Stoke-on-Trent where I shared a house in Smallthorne with my brother.

“It was walking back from my shifts at the petrol station that I discovered the magnificent buildings in Burslem. I looked forward to walking in the town to see iconic architecture like the town hall and the Wedgwood Institute. They inspired me to want to paint them.”

Rob’s “wide-angled perspective” treatment of his subjects has already been critically-acclaimed and his work has been exhibited at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery as well as featuring in private collections in France and the UK, including those of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Devonshire.

“I like to capture the whole scene rather than a tight framing of a scene,” he said.

“Setting up my easel on the street is important to me. I like to soak up the atmosphere of what I am drawing or painting.”

Rob Pointon at work on the painting of The Friends of Chatterley Whitfield.

Picture courtesy of KS Photography.

An exhibition of Rob’s work during 2008 was held at the Burslem School of Art last month. Called “A Hired Brush”, the extensive display included more than 50 oil paintings as well as wall painting animations he produced with his partner Karen Sayle, a photographer and animator.

Rob’s growing reputation has helped to ensure a busy start to the year with a number of new projects including a fivepainting commission from Potteries-born comedian and TV

personality Nick Hancock.

One of the scenes Nick has asked Rob to paint is the frontage of McGarry’s hardware shop at Middleport, a quaint, old-fashioned establishment complete with a tin-bath hanging outside and homemade sale notices.

Almost from a bygone-age, McGarry’s is an eye-catching sight which, given the Rob Pointon treatment, should make for another special work of art with a flavour of historic Burslem.

A Rob Pointon painting of the Wedgwood Institute during Burslem Arts & Crafts Festival week.

Picture courtesy of The Sentinel

Tributes to Middleport community champion Swan Square illuminated at night.

Stylish piazza set to be

focal point A

NEW Italian-style public piazza in Burslem is set to attract investment into the town – as well as creating a vibrant focal point for community activities.

The £268,000 project has transformed Swan Square from an “ugly duckling” site with closed down subterranean toilets into stylish landscaped open space incorporating “wow factor” features.

Curved sandstone seating reflects the contours of the terraces and multi-coloured sets cut an eye-catching pathway through the piazza which makes for an ideal place to meet friends, pass time or stop for a sandwich.

The original iron railings that used to surround the Victorian toilets have been reclaimed to provide a “barrier feature” between the seating area and adjacent

Waterloo Road and Queen Street – and also retain a link with Burslem’s townscape heritage.

“It’s one of the projects which is helping to relight Burslem’s fire, “ said Councillor Adrian Knapper, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development. “It is a fantastic improvement and I believe it will bring investment to this part of the town.

“Swan Square is now an impressive entrance to Burslem and a stylish outdoor space with great potential for future use. It would be ideal for specialist markets and music events. I could imagine an Italian restaurant and coffee house off the square with tables and chairs providing alfresco dining.

“The design fits in well with a town which has more than its fair share of iconic buildings and beautiful architecture.”

History society looks to the future HI-TECH equipment bought with a £2,500 grant from the Britannia Building Society’s charitable foundation is helping bring Burslem History Society into the 21st century. A laptop, projector, big screen, radio microphone and public address system have boosted the club’s meetings

which attract up to 70 people to the function room at the Leopard at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month.

History Club secretary Elaine Sutton said: “The equipment is extremely versatile and will provide an enhanced experience for the audience.”

TRIBUTES have been paid to Chairman of Middleport Resident Association Rose Peacock, pictured, following her death after a short illness.

Rose, aged 60, was a tireless campaigner for the people of Middleport and over many years championed community causes.

Former city councillor Ted Owen – who for 20 years represented the ward which included Middleport – said: “Rose was Mrs Middleport.

She was a vital part of the community and her passing will leave a huge gap. Rose was a people person and very popular. She wanted the best for local people and a better future for the children. She worked very hard for her community and put in a great deal of time.”

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley said: “Rose was at the heart of Middleport and lived her life according to her belief for the future of her community. She will be dearly missed and we owe it to Rose to continue the work to progress Middleport.”

Maureen Brindley, a close friend who was a former residents association chairman, said: “I loved Rose.

To serve Middleport was her pride and joy. She put her heart into everything she did for the community. Rose was genuine and honest and Middleport will be a much sadder place without her.”

A widow, Rose leaves a son, Philip, and a daughter, Sarah.

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Vale’s innovative enterprise centre

achieves its goal T

HE Vale Park Enterprise Centre – the UK’s first business start-up facility to be based at a football stadium – has been hailed a major success. Since the centre on the first floor of the Lorne Street Stand opened nearly a year ago 25 jobs have been created and all but three of the 20 purpose-built office units are occupied.

The complex, which is owned and run by Port Vale Football Club, was funded with the help of a £240,000 grant from the West Midlands development agency Advantage West Midlands – an investment which is already paying dividends for the local Burslem economy.

Julian Read, Regeneration Manager for Burslem, said: “The success of the Vale Park Enterprise Centre shows that new start-up businesses can be attracted to the Burslem area if there are appropriate offices with right business back-up facilities. This centre is a quality

VALE Community

in the

development which has already justified the AWM investment and it will carry on making a contribution to the local economy year on year for many years to come.”

The centre – officially opened last February by the Minister for Business and Competitiveness Baroness Vadera – has units ranging from 130 sq ft to 430 sq ft. Support facilities for tenants include high-speed broadband connection, integrated telephone system, secure access entry system with lifts, dedicated car parking and 24/7 access.

Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: “The enterprise centre is another way the club is cementing itself at the heart of the community. We are helping to create employment in an area which has suffered its fair share

Healthy Minds Project Therapist Catherine D’Arcy-Saunders at the Vale Park Enterprise Centre where Rethink have offices. of job losses. Some of the fledgling businesses which have rented offices in the centre have already grown and moved on into bigger premises.”

Community-based public

Business networking boost BUSINESSES in Burslem are getting together at a major free event that will help them weather the recession and point them to new opportunities.

There has already been tremendous interest in “let’s do business support” being staged at The George Hotel, Burslem on Wednesday, February 25 between 11.30am and 2pm.

It’s being organised by regeneration and business support organisation The Business Brokers and the Bizfizz project that has already helped to set up 20 new businesses in the town in the last two years.

Those who attend will hear from employment law expert John Elkin, of Myers 10 T H E A N G E L

solicitors in Burslem, and will have the opportunity to meet business support agencies able to offer sound advice on a whole range of commercial issues.

Business people will be able to network with other businesses in the area at a speed networking session. To attend book online at www.businessbrokerproject.co.uk and follow links to the “Events” page.

Carolyn Powell, Business Coach with housing and regeneration group Midland Heart and who is also helping to organise the event, said: “It is a great opportunity to access free help and advice for business people on how to survive and grow.”

sector services are also based at the centre – for example the mental health charity Rethink has three offices from which it runs part of the local Healthy Minds Network. The project, which is funded by NHS Stoke on Trent, provides psychological therapy for people experiencing anxiety and depression.

Maureen Speed, Service Manager for the project, said: “The centre is ideal for our needs – we provide community services and Port Vale is a key part of the local community.

There is plenty of car parking for visitors and the business support facilities are excellent.

“We have also been impressed with the football club’s willingness to go the extra mile to help us. For example, the club chairman gave a talk to some visitors from Norway who came to see how our project works.”

Park plan is step closer to

lottery funding H

ISTORIC Burslem Park is a major step closer to receiving a Lottery cash injection of more than £2 million to restore the open space amenity to its former Victorian glory.

Campaigners and the city council are well on the way to realising the “green dream” after successfully securing £142,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People initiative.

This money will be used to draw up detailed plans in which the local community will be encouraged to have a big say about the future of their park.

The funding will also be used to appoint an Urban Park Ranger who will work closely with community groups and the city council’s Neighbourhood Management Section in attracting more visitors to the Grade II listed park – opened in 1894 and considered to be one of the best examples of the work of landscape architect Thomas Mawson.

Terrace gardens Proposals which will form the second part of the funding application will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in October, then it will take a further six months to assess if they qualify for a full Lottery grant of £2.2 million.

As well as providing full specification and design for the project, the bid will also have to demonstrate how the park’s regeneration will involve community volunteers in organising attractions and events as well as helping to run and manage the facility.

This means that if the second stage bid is successful, work on the park regeneration scheme would start in the summer of 2010 at the earliest. Proposals will cover the original pavilion and lodge buildings, as well as the formal terrace gardens and ornate terracotta detailing.

The proposed improvements also include shelters and

fountains, as well as the management of vegetation to open up views through and from the park. Priority will be given to providing easy access to the park for everyone - including people with disabilities and visitors with pushchairs.

All this will complement the £900,000 package of improvements already carried out in the park through the city council-backed Greening for Growth Programme, under which improvements were carried out to paths, the lake, seating and lighting. Activity facilities such as a play area, sports courts, skate area and tennis courts were updated, and a stunning fountain feature was installed in the lake.

One of the key elements of the current funding bid is an Audience Development Plan, in which the Burslem Park Partnership Group of local volunteers will play a leading role by working with local organisations, community groups and schools to develop activities and attractions that will make the park an important part of many more people’s lives.

Councillor Debra Gratton, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, said: “The aim is to create facilities and activities that will significantly increase the number of visitors to the park and make it attractive and accessible to everyone in the community.

“A lot of hard work has

been carried out by the Burslem Park Partnership Group and other volunteers to gather information for the first stage of the bid about park visitors, and determining the kind of work needed to transform the facility by seeking the views of local people.

“It is largely thanks to these community efforts that in this bidding round Burslem is one of the nine parks in England, and only one of two in the Midlands, to have progressed to the second and final stage of the bidding process in the current round.”

Magnificent Mike Watson, Chairman of the Burslem Park Partnership Group, said: “The fact that Lottery funding has been secured so we can progress to the second stage of the bid is very exciting news.

“Burslem Park is the first in the city to receive such a heritage grant and the whole of Stoke-on-Trent should be delighted, not just for what it means for this magnificent park, but also for the doors it may unlock for other city parks in the future.” ● Mike Watson is appealing for anyone with old photographs of Burslem Park to contact him on 01782 234030 or 07890 966290 so the pictures can form part of a heritage centre in the park pavilion. All pictures will be copied on to a disc so that the originals can be returned to the owners if required.

City councillor Debra Gratton, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, and Mike Watson, Chairman of the Burslem Park Partnership Group, look at plans for the proposed second phase of the park’s restoration. They are pictured outside the Victorian pavilion.

T H E A N G E L 11

Local historian Fred Hughes has a special place in his heart for Burslem and he is a familiar figure about town. His popular guided tours of the Mother Town’s historic pubs are legendary in his own lunchtime. Here, Fred gives a taste of Burslem drinking heritage of which there is gallons and gallons...

Pubs are full to the brim with

historic

tales M

ANY visitors to Burslem come to experience the variety of its excellent pubs. And whether its beer or food that lures them, everyone goes away with a little more awareness of the Mother Town’s heritage – and that’s where I come in.

My walks around Burslem’s historic hostelries unlock doors Who knows?... even Josiah Wedgwood that the general public wouldn’t may have drank a bottle from the old ordinarily pass through. wine racks of the Leopard’s cellar.

Whether it’s descent into the Fred is pictured by candlelight cobwebby cellars and a climb to exploring the cellar and tunnels. the ghostly bedrooms of the Leopard, or a peep behind the famous description of the erotic clog-dance medieval vaults of the Mitre, the social of Florence Simcox performed for the men history of the Mother Town is never more of the Burslem Mutual Burial Club at than a few footsteps from a tavern bar. the Dragon – real name the George Take Arnold Bennett’s Hotel. And tales of the Tiger, Bennett’s fictional name for the Leopard; the same Leopard where Wedgwood dined with Brindley in 1765 to discuss the progress of the canal. Josiah’s cousin Ellen Wedgwood owned it then before she opened another pub across the road calling it “my new inn” – a simple name that’s stuck for over Fred 250 years. outside the The New Inn was Leopard’s the birthplace of a famous distinguished President entrance. of the Methodist Conference, William Cooke, who was sickened by the bull-baiting in St John’s Square outside a tavern that aptly adopted the name Bulls Head from such bestial scenes.

The New Inn has connections with the iconic Victorian Rudyard Kipling whose father held art classes there in the 1860s, and whose students painted murals that can still be seen on the roof-space walls.

And while karaoke goes on at the Queens Head I bet few patrons know that a famous singer/actress of the 1950’s once lived here as a girl – Marjorie Westbury who played the enigmatic “Steve”, wife of popular radio detective Paul Temple.

Of course, it’s impossible to ignore the Red Lion where Robbie Williams spent some of his childhood. But other stories thrive of the earlier mock-Tudor Red Lion built in the 1600’s. The shooting dead of a chartist rioter on its front doorstep in 1842 is one.

And so were tales of landlords cutting coal from a rich seam in the beer cellar that ultimately caused its demolition through self-induced subsidence.

The first owners of the new Red Lion in 1963 were husband and wife David and Elizabeth Wolstenholme. David was the brother of Kenneth, the man whose place in history is founded on the distinctive expression “they think it’s all over – it is now!”

What stories! Pubs and history – you just never know do you?

The Angel is produced on behalf of Burslem Regeneration Company by Smith Davis Press