The Andel – Issue 6, Autumn 2007

the

ANGEL

AN UPDATE ON BURSLEM REGENERATION PROGRESS ISSUE 6 Autumn 2007

Multi-million college flagship development unveiled Page three

New police house opens at Middleport Back page

Vale Park child care centre is in league of its own Trailblazing facility brings family friendly services under one roof See page five

New life

New energy is replacing the ghosts

gushes

By Hugh Edwards

into park

Chairman of The Burslem Regeneration Company

I THOUGHT that the Burslem Angel was smiling when I looked up at her yesterday.

She had every reason to be happy. Down beneath her was The Leopard, the oldest hotel in Staffordshire and the most elderly pub in Stoke-on-Trent.

The ghosts of Emma and Josiah Wedgwood, and Charles Darwin lurk in the shadows of the, as yet, still derelict upper floors, but this will change. A new energy lives inside. Local people are enjoying themselves in an atmosphere where the past is ever present.

Just as the business inside the Leopard is regenerating, things outside its ancient walls are also moving forward.

Already the Mother Town is earning for itself a reputation beyond its new role as the place to eat out in Stoke-onTrent.

Behind the scenes, a new regeneration phase is coming to life. Building on the strengths of the old Masterplan, a new Burslem Masterplan is being drawn up.

This means that a new vision for the town is already on the horizon with ceramics and tourism leading the way. The Burslem ceramic companies themselves are in top form, enjoying a good year.

New houses are filling up with new owners. Innovative industries and businesses are moving into Burslem, bringing with them new jobs, new faces and new ideas.

Burslem is visibly changing for the benefit of its own community. ● Leopard pub featured on TV’s Most Haunted programme – see page four.

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Park visitor Harriet Brown admires the new fountain.

Major restoration work is almost complete

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F you go down to Burslem Park you’re in for a pleasant surprise… for a £803,000 package of improvements to the Mother Town’s “green lung” is almost complete.

The popular amenity has bloomed under the Greening for Growth programme in which residents of the town have had a big say through the local community group Burslem Park Partnership.

One of the most dramatic additions is a 40 ft fountain in the lake, while another new feature that has attracted a lot of attention is a striking 9 ft heritage mosaic that forms the centrepiece of an attractive seating area overlooking the lake.

Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, one of the City Council’s Greening for Growth partners, worked with specialist artist Rob Turner and the people of the town to decide on the design of the mosaic which paints a vivid picture of the park’s importance at the heart of the local community.

Other good things that have happened in the park include a water cascade feature, a new children’s playground, three multi-use sports courts with skating, tennis and five-a-side facilities, a bicycle stand close to the national cycleway, signage and disabled parking bays.

Also a lot of general improvement works have been carried out, such as re-edging and resurfacing of walkways, refurbishments to the paths and steps around the cascade and the installation of picnic benches.

Funding to improve Burslem Park was secured through the Greening for Growth programme with the support of Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Agency.

Local people admired their new-look park when they attended a special event to unveil the heritage mosaic. A host of free activities included a clown entertainer, face painting, raffles and displays by the fire and police services.

An artist’s impression of the planned multi-million futuristic building at Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem campus.

Massive investment to create flagship college

development HE BURSLEM campus of Stoke-on-Trent College is set for a landmark redevelopment which “the whole community can be proud of.”

A new flagship main building on Moorland Road will be backed up by a series of smaller premises, all situated within a traffic-free environment.

The plans are the culmination of the college’s accommodation strategy, which has already seen the construction of The John Seddon Building Technology Centre.

And the four-year, £400m project, which also includes major work at the Cauldon campus at Shelton, is set to help provide Stoke-on-Trent with world class learning resources.

College principal Graham Moore OBE said: “Our learners need and deserve new and inspiring facilities to position the city among the leading

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providers of skills training locally, regionally and nationally.

“The campus developments at Cauldon and Burslem are a ‘once in a lifetime’ investment to improve life opportunities for all. The college is at the heart of these communities and the renewal will be sympathetic to the locations where they are sited, while adding something new and exciting to the local landscapes.”

Mr Moore said facilities at Burslem and Cauldon had reached “the end of their useful life” and were “in urgent need of renewal.”

He said: “There will be a comprehensive and continuous plan of renewal over the next four years across our Cauldon and Burslem campuses to provide an inspiring and dynamic learning environment.”

Patrick Wenger, chair of the board of governor at the college, said the major focus was on

supporting key areas of the local and regional economy.

He said: “We will deliver high quality skills training in health and social care, construction and business and professional services. We are also focusing on other areas of growing importance, such as logistics, to provide our community with the skills needed to compete in the 21st century.”

Aidan Ridyard, director of architecture at Broadway Malyan, said: “This project is unique. It is a complex challenge which will change the landscape of education in Stoke-on-Trent.

“The design at Burslem involves a pedestrian space which links a series of individual buildings, including a signature building on Moorland Road. It is our ambition to make this a landmark building which the whole community can be proud of.” ■

New team have high hopes for the future REGENERATION chiefs aiming to breathe new life into Stoke-on-Trent have high hopes for the future of Burslem.

A team bringing all major improvement initiatives under the banner of the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership aims to give the Burslem Regeneration Company more “clout” with its own budget and dedicated project managers.

The city’s regeneration team is headed by Tom Macartney, who earned an international reputation for his work in Glasgow and Sunderland. Mr Macartney is working to strengthen the city’s future regeneration efforts by reviewing all existing projects to make sure they achieve maximum benefits for the area.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley said this meant putting a temporary hold on important schemes in Burslem like the refurbishment of the Wedgwood Institute, but in the long run it would lead to more co-ordinated regeneration across the whole of North Staffordshire.

Joan – a member of the Burslem Regeneration Company board – said: “Previously the company has been run by committed individuals who are passionate about the town but had very little resource.

“In the future there will be people in place to manage a wide range of projects, as well as assets and budgets to make an even bigger difference in the town. We will see a regeneration company with real clout, and that’s got to be good news for the town.”

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HUNT

GHOST

Leopard Manager Neil Cox in the pub’s “forgotten” corridor leading to the old derelict bedrooms.

TV psychics try to spot spirits at Leopard BURSLEM’S Leopard Inn swapped pint mugs for motion detectors this month when TV show Most Haunted scoured the pub for a rather different kind of spirit.

The two-hour programme, which aired live on satellite channel Living TV, saw camera crews wire up the building for a ghost hunt.

Programme-makers approached the pub after spiritualists claimed to sense a supernatural presence in its cellar, which was once used as a mortuary.

Manager Neil Cox said: “Local spiritualists have explored the premises several times and said they feel something – or someone – haunting it. This feeling seems to be strongest down in the cellar, which makes sense because a lot of dead bodies have passed through there.”

The Leopard has hosted several famous figures in its time as a licensed pub, including industrial pioneers Josiah 4 THE ANGEL

Wedgwood and James Brindley as they planned the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1765.

It also features in a number of Arnold Bennet’s Five Towns novels as “the Tiger”.

More recently, management have discovered a network of underground tunnels, which once led to a brewery and bottling bank over the road. Plans are also afoot to refurbish 58 forgotten hotel bedrooms used by travellers in past centuries. The tunnels and suites hail from the Leopard’s Victorian days as a premier hotel. Management hope to re-open the rooms for a new generation of visitors.

The publicity from Most Haunted can only raise further the Leopard’s profile as a pub steeped in history. Neil said: “The Leopard’s been around a long time and there’s plenty of stories locked up in it. I’m sure the attention it’s had from Most Haunted will bring more interested groups through the doors.”

Innovative children’s centre is on schedule THE UK’s first children’s centre to be built in a football stadium is taking shape at Vale Park.

Port Vale have teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to provide the trailblazing centre offering a huge range of services to local families. When it opens its doors at the end of March 2008 the purpose designed child care facility will be in a league of its own, with a raised balcony play area at the front of the stand which provides a close-up view of the hallowed Vale pitch!

Construction is well under way and the outer shell of the one-storey Centre, which forms part of the re-developed Lorne Street Stand, is now complete and ready to be fitted out.

The £800,000 project has been partly funded with a £245,000 grant from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands through the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone. The remaining cost has been met by £550,000 Government.

Adele Eaton, Project Officer with The Early Years and Childcare Service said: “The Children’s Centre at Burslem is an ideal location as Port Vale is at the heart of the community, both geographically and symbolically. “

Cover picture Our cover picture shows the stunning Vale Park vista from the Children’s Centre, which is currently being built. Pictured with local youngsters Rubin Taylor, left, and Daniel Plant, are Rachael Bestwick, Staffordshire Partnership Team Leader for the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, and Vale midfielder Shane Tudor.

Vale enterprise scores first goals Centre helps North Staffs scoop top national award as first businesses move in IONEERING enterprise units at Vale Park helped North Staffordshire scoop the government title of best place in Britain to start a business.

The Vale Park Enterprise Centre is the UK’s first business start-up facilities to be based at a football stadium and impressed judges visiting the area as part of the Enterprising Britain contest.

Twenty purpose-built units in the Lorne Street stand development offer a perfect environment for fledgling companies to start up, and established companies to thrive. The units range from 130 sq ft to 430 sq ft.

Already four of the larger-sized high quality office suites Peter Cooke, right, Enterprise and Innovation Programme Manager for NSRZ, have been let, and Vale Chairman Bill Bratt hold the coveted Enterprising Britain award. which means that over a tenancies are on a flexible “easy Stand Development Co-ordinator quarter of the centre’s total in, easy out” basis. who will also manage the office space is spoken for even The enterprises which have Enterprise Centre when it is up before the centre opens its already signed up to base and running, said: “The doors. themselves at the Vale Park Enterprise Centre has been A superb-business back-up Enterprise Centre are The designed to create the best facility comes with a full service Federation of Stadium possible environment to package for tenants, including Communities, a Burslem-based incubate new-start enterprises high-speed broadband national charity dedicated to and help already established connection, integrated improving the quality of life in small businesses to grow telephone system, secure access neighbourhoods close to further. entry system, dedicated car stadiums, Westonia Mortgages, “It is an important part of Port parking and 24/7 access. one of Vale’s sponsors, and Vale’s strategy to put the club Rents include rates, heating Money Matters, an advisory and its facilities at the hub of the and lighting – in fact everything service for small businesses. community and make a strong except phone bills – and David Thorley, Port Vale’s contribution to the economic

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Work on the enterprise centre on the second tier of the Lorne Street stand is now almost complete.

and social regeneration of Burslem.”

Success in the national Enterprising Britain feature means North Staffordshire goes forward to the European competition later this year, when results will be announced in Portugal.

North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone Chief Executive Aktar Choudhury said: “The Enterprising Britain award will put North Staffordshire well and truly on the map as a tremendously vibrant enterprise culture and a great place to start and grow a business.

“In creating that environment, with more than 200,000 sq ft of business premises specifically for business start-ups, North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone has left a legacy which will continue to benefit the people, companies and communities of North Staffordshire for decades to come.”

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History nuggets galore on

Travel Agent Chris Denham studies the heritage panel which highlights the history of the Wedgwood Institute building pictured in the background.

heritage trail P Sue Prince, Advantage West Midlands Board Member, is presented with a special piece of Moorland pottery to commemorate her conducting the official opening of the Courthouse Enterprise Centre pictured in the background. She is flanked by Andrew James, left, former Projects Manager for North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, and Moorland Pottery Managing Director John Plant.

‘Court’ has appeal for entrepreneurs THE first companies have moved into innovative business units in Burslem’s former Victorian magistrates’ courthouse.

Digital photography specialist The Image Factory and Jones and Associates, who have wide-ranging expertise in ceramic decoration, moved into the Courthouse, which has been refurbished by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone funded by Advantage West MIdlands.

The refurbishment is part of an ongoing plan by the owners of Moorland Pottery to develop derelict buildings around their site and attract new uses.

Moorland Pottery Managing Director John Plant said: “The Courthouse has been vacant for nine years and it has been our long term aim to develop the site.

However, it wasn’t until we gained support from North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone that the project quickly gained momentum.

“We have been able to refurbish all the existing offices as well as convert the original caretaker’s residence 6

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to deliver a state of the art facility with wireless broadband for all occupants and a keyless entry system.

“Our aim is to establish a community of complimentary businesses in an environment that will enable them as well as ourselves to grow.”

He added that Moorland Pottery were already in negotiations with an internet company and several other creative businesses who were interested in occupying the other units in The Courthouse.

Sue Prince, Board member of Advantage West Midlands said: “This is a first-class refurbishment of one of Burslem’s most historic buildings The Court House is an excellent example of a bright, modern and sensitive refurbishment that will appeal to entrepreneurs.”

AST and present rub shoulders in a heritage trail unveiled to draw more visitors to Burslem. Nine “heritage panels” have been erected across the town, dispensing nuggets of history through text, drawings and photographs.

Leaflets have been distributed in Tourist Centres and community venues around North Staffordshire to promote the trail, as well as places to eat, drink and stay in the mother town.

The project was funded by North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, City Council and Burslem businesses.

Pottery company Moorcroft Retail Sales Director Kim Thompson who was in the project’s working group, said a trail was the best way to boost tourism because it would both inform visitors about Burslem’s history and help them find their way around.

“The idea is to raise tourists’ and investors’ awareness of the wealth of creative history in Burslem. The town has iconic buildings and, through this project, they could become key Wedgwood attractions.”

As well as commemorating the past, the project also points to Burslem’s

future, showcasing artwork by pupils at Burslem’s Primary Schools. Kim said: “It’s important that the younger generation are incorporated into their town’s culture. The project’s not just to show Burslem’s past creativity but to foreshadow our achievers of tomorrow.”

Former president of Burslem Chamber of Trade Howard Latham said the trail would act as a tour guide that never goes off duty. He added: “Historian Fred Hughes has led some great walking tours for visitors, but the trail can act as a guide twenty four hours a day seven days a week.”

The panels have already proved a hit with some locals. Shopper Avril Adshead said the project was a fitting tribute to Burslem’s history.

She added: “They have a trail like this in Chester, and our American friends loved it. If history’s not visible on the streets then people will pass through without knowing it’s there.”

The panels contrast modern street plans with maps of the eighteen century rural settlement they grew from. This clash of then and now comes into sharp relief on Market Place where the town hall’s classical architecture stands wall-to-wall with

Ceramica’s ultra-modern maze of rails and girders.

Over the road, Swan Bank boasts several historic landmarks, including Burslem Methodist Mission Church where Arnold Bennet schooled as a young boy and which features in a number of his “Five Towns” novels.

The tour continues on Queen Street, St John’s Square, Burleigh, Moorcroft, Westport Road and Burslem Park.

The Swan Bank heritage panel which features the Burslem Methodist Mission Church is viewed by resident Charles Mai.

Shopper Avril Adshead reads the Market Place panel which traces the development of the town back to 1720.

Key role in keeping the

Spitfire flying

Supermarine Managing Director Mark Harris carries out renovation work on the Spitfire which is on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

TUCKED away in the backstreets of Burslem is a specialist company which ensures that the legendary Spitfire fighter plane can still reach for the skies more than 70 years after it first took off.

Supermarine Aero Engineering Ltd is the world's largest approved manufacturer of spare parts and assemblies for the famous RAF Spitfires which helped to turn the tide of the Second World War during the Battle of Britain.

The company, set up by managing director Mark Harris in 1996, can supply everything from the smallest

washer to the complete aircraft – which, fittingly, was originally designed by Reginald Mitchell who was from North Staffordshire.

There are currently 61 Spitfires in the world, with another 10 under construction, and Supermarine's database and archives hold the most extensive drawing list for the aircraft available anywhere.

General manager Andy Nicklin said: “Some Spitfires are owned by individuals, but the vast majority earn their keep in air displays all over the world.”

Supermarine have a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft grounded during displays and Andy added: “We operate a one-stop shop for all parts and services to enable us to keep our customers happy and their aircraft in the air.

“With our extensive knowledge of the Spitfire we are able to answer most questions and offer advice about any aspect of the aircraft. We are the successors to the original manufacturers.”

An indication of the interest stimulated by Supermarine became apparent when local historian Fred Hughes included a tour of the factory during Heritage Open Days weekend.

Andy added: “We were expecting about half a dozen people and 57 came through the doors.

“We aren't really set up to receive such a number, but it was very nice to see so many people who were interested in what we are doing.”

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History nuggets galore on

Travel Agent Chris Denham studies the heritage panel which highlights the history of the Wedgwood Institute building pictured in the background.

heritage trail P Sue Prince, Advantage West Midlands Board Member, is presented with a special piece of Moorland pottery to commemorate her conducting the official opening of the Courthouse Enterprise Centre pictured in the background. She is flanked by Andrew James, left, former Projects Manager for North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, and Moorland Pottery Managing Director John Plant.

‘Court’ has appeal for entrepreneurs THE first companies have moved into innovative business units in Burslem’s former Victorian magistrates’ courthouse.

Digital photography specialist The Image Factory and Jones and Associates, who have wide-ranging expertise in ceramic decoration, moved into the Courthouse, which has been refurbished by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone funded by Advantage West MIdlands.

The refurbishment is part of an ongoing plan by the owners of Moorland Pottery to develop derelict buildings around their site and attract new uses.

Moorland Pottery Managing Director John Plant said: “The Courthouse has been vacant for nine years and it has been our long term aim to develop the site.

However, it wasn’t until we gained support from North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone that the project quickly gained momentum.

“We have been able to refurbish all the existing offices as well as convert the original caretaker’s residence 6

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to deliver a state of the art facility with wireless broadband for all occupants and a keyless entry system.

“Our aim is to establish a community of complimentary businesses in an environment that will enable them as well as ourselves to grow.”

He added that Moorland Pottery were already in negotiations with an internet company and several other creative businesses who were interested in occupying the other units in The Courthouse.

Sue Prince, Board member of Advantage West Midlands said: “This is a first-class refurbishment of one of Burslem’s most historic buildings The Court House is an excellent example of a bright, modern and sensitive refurbishment that will appeal to entrepreneurs.”

AST and present rub shoulders in a heritage trail unveiled to draw more visitors to Burslem. Nine “heritage panels” have been erected across the town, dispensing nuggets of history through text, drawings and photographs.

Leaflets have been distributed in Tourist Centres and community venues around North Staffordshire to promote the trail, as well as places to eat, drink and stay in the mother town.

The project was funded by North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, City Council and Burslem businesses.

Pottery company Moorcroft Retail Sales Director Kim Thompson who was in the project’s working group, said a trail was the best way to boost tourism because it would both inform visitors about Burslem’s history and help them find their way around.

“The idea is to raise tourists’ and investors’ awareness of the wealth of creative history in Burslem. The town has iconic buildings and, through this project, they could become key Wedgwood attractions.”

As well as commemorating the past, the project also points to Burslem’s

future, showcasing artwork by pupils at Burslem’s Primary Schools. Kim said: “It’s important that the younger generation are incorporated into their town’s culture. The project’s not just to show Burslem’s past creativity but to foreshadow our achievers of tomorrow.”

Former president of Burslem Chamber of Trade Howard Latham said the trail would act as a tour guide that never goes off duty. He added: “Historian Fred Hughes has led some great walking tours for visitors, but the trail can act as a guide twenty four hours a day seven days a week.”

The panels have already proved a hit with some locals. Shopper Avril Adshead said the project was a fitting tribute to Burslem’s history.

She added: “They have a trail like this in Chester, and our American friends loved it. If history’s not visible on the streets then people will pass through without knowing it’s there.”

The panels contrast modern street plans with maps of the eighteen century rural settlement they grew from. This clash of then and now comes into sharp relief on Market Place where the town hall’s classical architecture stands wall-to-wall with

Ceramica’s ultra-modern maze of rails and girders.

Over the road, Swan Bank boasts several historic landmarks, including Burslem Methodist Mission Church where Arnold Bennet schooled as a young boy and which features in a number of his “Five Towns” novels.

The tour continues on Queen Street, St John’s Square, Burleigh, Moorcroft, Westport Road and Burslem Park.

The Swan Bank heritage panel which features the Burslem Methodist Mission Church is viewed by resident Charles Mai.

Shopper Avril Adshead reads the Market Place panel which traces the development of the town back to 1720.

Key role in keeping the

Spitfire flying

Supermarine Managing Director Mark Harris carries out renovation work on the Spitfire which is on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

TUCKED away in the backstreets of Burslem is a specialist company which ensures that the legendary Spitfire fighter plane can still reach for the skies more than 70 years after it first took off.

Supermarine Aero Engineering Ltd is the world's largest approved manufacturer of spare parts and assemblies for the famous RAF Spitfires which helped to turn the tide of the Second World War during the Battle of Britain.

The company, set up by managing director Mark Harris in 1996, can supply everything from the smallest

washer to the complete aircraft – which, fittingly, was originally designed by Reginald Mitchell who was from North Staffordshire.

There are currently 61 Spitfires in the world, with another 10 under construction, and Supermarine's database and archives hold the most extensive drawing list for the aircraft available anywhere.

General manager Andy Nicklin said: “Some Spitfires are owned by individuals, but the vast majority earn their keep in air displays all over the world.”

Supermarine have a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft grounded during displays and Andy added: “We operate a one-stop shop for all parts and services to enable us to keep our customers happy and their aircraft in the air.

“With our extensive knowledge of the Spitfire we are able to answer most questions and offer advice about any aspect of the aircraft. We are the successors to the original manufacturers.”

An indication of the interest stimulated by Supermarine became apparent when local historian Fred Hughes included a tour of the factory during Heritage Open Days weekend.

Andy added: “We were expecting about half a dozen people and 57 came through the doors.

“We aren't really set up to receive such a number, but it was very nice to see so many people who were interested in what we are doing.”

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Burslem conference raises employer awareness

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MPLOYERS from all over North Staffordshire converged on Burslem to learn about how they can benefit from recruiting staff with disabilities. The conference suite at Vale Park was the venue for two seminars attended by a total of more than 60 local business leaders.

Both lunchtime get -togethers were part of a nationwide programme of similar events to raise awareness of Realising Potential, a partnership project designed by the National Employment Panel, the Employers’ Forum on Disability, the Office for Disability Issues and Jobcentre Plus.

The informal sessions were designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the business benefits of being “disability confident” employers”– businesses and organisations who appreciate the commercial advantages of providing job and career opportunities for people with disabilities.

Highly successful entrepreneur Rick Williams, who is blind and an associate of the Employers’ Forum on Disability, told delegates how disability confident organisations can reduce recruitment costs, recruit from a wider pool of talent, provide improved customer care for everyone, build a brand reputation and be seen to be in touch with the communities in which they operate.

The employers were also told about the role of Jobcentre Plus in preparing those on disability benefits for the world of work

Vital help to recruit staff with

disabilities and delivering a streamlined service that helps them recruit the right people for the right jobs.

Marie Clowes-Hackney, Operations Manager for Jobcentre Plus in Staffordshire, said: “ There was positive feedback from the organisations represented at the seminars.

“The seminars helped to dispel the misconception among many employers that most people with disabilities are in a wheelchair or are blind. This is not the case and very often there is no need to carry out alterations to the workplace in order to accommodate employees with disabilities.

“The clear message for employers was that they were not being asked to be charitable and employ people because they have disabilities.

“But by encouraging people with disabilities to apply for vacancies in their organisations they could find that the best person for the job may just

Pictured at the Vale Park conference are key note speaker Rick Williams with Julie Carruthers, left, Jobcentre Plus District Manager, and Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley.

Craig Johnson, left, Jobcentre Plus Customer Engagement Team Leader, discusses issues relating to employing disabled people with Manraj Singh, an advisor at the Burslem branch of the Britannia Building Society. happen to be disabled.”

Marie added: “Staffordshire has one of the highest numbers of people of working age on incapacity benefits. Two thirds of those are in North Staffordshire, so there will be a proportionately high number in a town like Burslem.”

Sarah Emery, Group Diversity Manager of the Leek-based Britannia Building Society, told delegates at one of the Burslem seminars how the Britannia is encouraging its staff to be disability confident by meeting groups of people with disabilities and taking part in their activities.

“This practical experience is better than any training package,”

said Sarah. “ It gives staff the confidence to deal with customers and colleagues with disabilities. As an organisation committed to equality we are keen to offer career opportunities to people with disabilities.”

New jobs at derelict works AROUND 20 new jobs will come to Burslem when personnel specialist Juniper Training relocates to offices at the former Albany Works in Moorland Road. The derelict pottery complex has been refurnished by regeneration charity Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, which also has its offices in the old factory.

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Factory hits the national spotlight B Minister Margaret Hodge speaking at the national launch of the Heritage Open Day scheme at Middleport Pottery.

URSLEM hit the national spotlight when the historic Middleport Pottery factory hosted the BBC’s popular Antiques Roadshow.

Days before the programme was screened to a global audience of millions, the victorian pottery was the venue for the launch of the national Heritage Open Days scheme, which sees hundreds of historic buildings throughout the country opened to the public for free.

Pictured at the launch are, left to right, Stoke-on-Trent's Elected Mayor Mark Meredith, Chief Executive of English Heritage Simon Thurley, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Bagh Ali, Margaret Hodge, Chairman of the Civic Trust, Philip Kolvin and Middleport Pottery owners Rosemary and William Dorling.

Other Burslem Buildings included this year were Port Vale Football Club and the Leopard Hotel in the town centre.

Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism Margaret Hodge was guest of honour at the launch .

Stoke-on-Trent’s elected mayor Mark Meredith said: “The city council is creating in Stoke-onTrent a vibrant modern city comprised of an exciting mix of ancient and modern attractions.

“Heritage locations are a vital part of our drive to attract tourists and, as demonstrated by this Pottery, also contribute to proudly updating the city’s traditional expertise in ceramics and making a vital contribution to the modern economy.

“City council action has saved the building we are standing in, together with many others in Middleport.

“Through Middleport Townscape Heritage Initiative the city council has been able to inject £350,000 worth of grant into repairing this Grade 2 star listed pottery complex.

“As all can see these are not just static buildings, but are now a vibrant complex producing quality pottery.”

Christine cuts a smart move

Christine Lovatt in her new salon.

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HAIRDRESSER Christine Lovatt hopes a move of just a few short steps to newly refurbished premises will keep her a cut above the rest.

Christine was alerted to the possibility when she read an article about the gateway refurbishment project in last December’s issue of The Angel.

And it took just one telephone call to get the ball rolling for her switch from number three to

number seven Newcastle Street. Christine said: “I worked at number three as employee and then owner for a total of 31 years. Those premises served their purpose, but I felt I needed to move to improve.

“I’m delighted with my bright new shop, which has cost me only a very slight increase in rent.

The feedback from customers has been 100 per cent positive and I’m confident I can now

attract new clients.”

Customer Mary Chadwick said: “I think the new shop is fantastic.

Christine has worked very hard to prepare these premises while keeping her business going.”

The gateway project, funded by the North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone, included improvements to shop frontages and other business premises, giving visitors a more positive image of the town.

Public welcome tribute to heroic miners

Campaigner Keith Meeson with relatives of Sneyd Colliery disaster victims and rescuers, left to right, Beryl Royle, Barbara Limer and Agnes Burgess at the pit memorial in Burslem town centre.

Memorial finally in place as

justice is done MOTIONAL scenes marked the unveiling of the long-awaited tribute to the victims and heroic rescuers of the 1942 Sneyd Colliery disaster.

During the 65 years since the New Year’s Day tragedy in which 57 miners died in a massive underground explosion there had been several calls for a fitting memorial.

That dream finally came true when a stunning memorial – a 6ft diameter pit wheel set in a plinth which stands in Burslem outside Ceramica in Wedgwood Place – was officially opened amid tears and applause from relatives of the victims.

The poignant ceremony was the successful outcome of the latest efforts to properly honour those who perished as well as the brave rescue teams who put their own lives at risk and toiled for eight days in grim and dangerous conditions to recover all the bodies of their colleagues.

The moving memorial includes a marble plaque that lists the names of those killed in the disaster, as well as the rescue workers whose lives depended on breathing apparatus protecting them from the lethal carbon monoxide fumes in the underground shaft.

Keith Meeson, Chairman of the Apedale Mining Heritage Centre, who raised £2,500 towards the cost of the memorial with a sponsored walk dressed as a Victorian miner, said: “This lasting tribute has been very well received.

Lots of relatives of miners who died in the pit disaster were at the unveiling ceremony, and the

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Relatives at the unveiling ceremony. moment was very emotional. It may have seemed a drop in the ocean, given the thousands who were dying in the second world war at the time, but it was a catastrophe for Burslem.

“One lady who attended the ceremony told how her father narrowly avoided the tragedy by swapping shifts with a work mate the night before the explosion.

“If they had not swapped, her father’s name would be on the plaque in that man’s place. It shows how many families the event touched.”

Keith added: “The memorial should be a source of pride. It celebrates our heroes, not just the rescue workers but the miners themselves. Their work played a vital part in the war effort.”

Relatives of the victims plan to place flowers at the memorial every New Year’s Day to mark the date of the Sneyd Colliery disaster.

Planning application made for prime site scheme PROPOSALS to transform the historic Royal Doulton factory site at Burslem and bring new jobs and housing to the Mother Town have reached a new stage.

As The Angel was going to press developers St Modwen Properties applied to the City Council for planning permission for the £10 million scheme to go ahead.

Under the plans the former home of the Nile Street factory will be converted to around 37 business units, while nearby derelict buildings will be demolished to make way for a further 35 units.

The prime location will also create 140 new family homes, both traditional houses and fashionable mews, to attract more families back into the town – a key factor in Burslem’s regeneration.

A new draft master plan detailing final proposals for the 11 acres of land was displayed at Burslem School of Art to give residents a chance to have their say about the scheme.

St Modwen Regional Director Mike Herbert said: “Burslem is a town that is going places, and this development will help to create a vibrant town centre.”

After discussions with planning officials, St Modwen have made changes to the original plans. The lay out for the housing now follows a grid-like pattern to make it more urban than suburban, and therefore more appropriate for its town centre location.

And the “enterprise courtyard,” that will be created by converting historic buildings at the gated main factory entrance in Nile Street, will be smaller than originally planned.

T H E A N G E L 11

Wine bar ambience

Middleport resident Maud Hill pictured outside the new police post with, left to right, Neighbourhood Beat Officers Scott McGrath and Adam Syred and PCSO Adam van de Sande.

New police house is vital

community

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PCSO Adam van de Sand patrols the alleys of Middleport on his bike.

P

OLICE are never far away from the people who live on their beat in Middleport. For a new Police and Community House has opened its doors to serve as a base for the area’s dedicated police team.

The property, an end terrace house at 215, Newport Lane, was provided by RENEW and also provides a meeting place for the Residents’ Association, other community groups and local councillors.

Like so many properties around it, the Police and Community House had been standing empty to make way for the regeneration programme that will transform this part of Burslem.

Residents were concerned that the vacant houses were attracting crime and anti-social behaviour. Lead and copper have been stripped from some of the empty premises, while fly tipping in alleyways and greenways has become a problem.

Now Middleport’s team of Neighbour Beat Officers and Police Community Support Officers will be based at the heart of the community.

Inspector Jim Wood, of Burslem police, said: “The Police House means that local officers can spend even more time in Middleport because they will not be out of the area travelling to and from Burslem police station, where they were formerly based.

“Local people are welcome to pop into the house and keep in touch with the officers about anything that concerns them. It is an effective way of bringing policing closer to the community with a highly visible presence.”

In addition to their new base, the Middleport police team has two new “recruits” – two purpose

designed mountain bikes provided by RENEW to add to their two existing bicyles that were supplied

by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The bikes mean that beat officers can respond rapidly to incidents in locations like rough land and alleyways .

■ This is the neighbourhood police team that serves the Middleport community (collar number in brackets): Neigbourhood Beat Officer Scott McGrath (4886), Neighbourhood Beat Officer Adam Syred (0966), PCSO Helen Rowley (8959), PCSO Adam Van De Sande (8832).

To contact any of these officers phone 08453 30 31 32 and after the prompt, key in the officer’s collar number, Calls are charged at local rate.

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

BURSLEM’S first wine bar is bringing a touch of class to the mother town.

Tucked away behind a hedge and archway, Chambers Wine Bar on Wedgwood Place boasts a wide spread of tipples from French red for under a tenner to luxury Louis Roederer Cristal at £250 a bottle. Proprietor Julie Wilkins said the bar offers townsfolk a more refined night out. She added: “I think the bar stands out by focusing on quality wines and ambience.”

Chambers is based in an old Georgian House next door to the Roebuck pub.

The house dates back to the 1730s and was previously a solicitor’s office.

Next phase set to start THE Sadlers Park housing development that is bringing stylish and affordable homes to the centre of Burslem, has entered an exciting third phase. The developers Countryside Properties have started construction of a mix of houses and apartments situated in Market Place opposite the Ceramica building and on the site of the demolished Sadler pottery factory.

The latest properties, which are ideal for both families and first-time buyers as well as for couples and single people, will start to become available between Spring and Summer 2008.

Open nights ADVICE and information on courses at Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem Campus will be offered at open evenings on October 31 and November 29. Anyone is welcome to find out more about opportunities at the college betwen 5.30pm and 8.30pm.