The Stafford Directory April 2014 by The Stafford Directory

Stafford

The

FREE

Directory

april 2014

Including Wildwood, Rowley, Haughton, Baswich, Derrington, Brocton, Walton, Western Downs, Moss Pit & more

• CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • ON-SITE SHOP • WELL BEHAVED DOGS WELCOME • FISHING POOLS • • DEDICATED DOG WALKING AREA • TOILET, SHOWER AND ELSAN FACILITIES • PIZZA OVEN • • DISABLED TOILET ACCESS • MEAT DELIVERIES FROM LOCAL BUTCHER • TAKEAWAY DELIVERIES AVAILABLE •

www.pillatonpools.co.uk Call us on 01785 715177 or book online now! Pillaton Hall Farm • Pillaton • Penkridge • Staffordshire • ST19 5RZ

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hello Readers,

COntEnts

Welcome to the april edition of the stafford Directory. this month we are bringing you an exciting competition as well as lots of local news and events.

Win tickets to see Happy Days at The Grand Theatre

The Web Page by Red Box

We have teamed up with the Grand theatre in Wolverhampton this month and are giving you the chance to win two tickets to see ‘happy Days’ taking place on 9th June 2014.

Pillaton Hall Farm Pools and Campsite

Crossword Puzzle

3 for 2 on blackout blinds at The Blinds and Shutter Company

Dont forget! If you are part of a local sports team, charity, community group or anything similar and wish to submit a story or event to us, please get in touch with us via the contact details below. We would love to share your news or events with our readers!

Coffee and Cards by Robert Cartwright

Rail history book launch at The Ancient High House

New debt, benefit, consumer information and advice services

Stafford Bathrooms and Norton Bathrooms

Katharine House Hospice Stafford Support Group

For upcoming events this month check out our What’s On section on page 26.

Easter bank holiday market at Penkridge Market

What’s On

We wish you all a happy Easter!

Recipe of the month

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Gardening feature: Bringing up babies

18tH april 2014 GOOD FRIDAY

Jack’s PoGo Madness!

20tH april 2014 EASTER SUNDAY

M.A.G Group Home Services

Charity Race Night Event

21st april 2014 EASTER MONDAY 23rd april 2014 ST. GEORGE’S DAY

Advertising enquiries

Lisa Cuthbert - Sales Manager Tel: 01785 318704 Email: sales@thestafforddirectory.co.uk

Editorial enquiries

Carole Chambers - Editor Tel: 01785 318704 Email: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk Follow us on twitter: @staffsdirectory Like our Facebook page: The Stafford Directory

May’s issue of The Stafford Directory will be distributed during the ﬁrst week of May to 10,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Stafford. If you wish to place an advert or editorial feature, please ensure copy is submitted to us no later than 15/04/2014.

Walking in Stafford

Useful numbers

Index of Advertisers

The Stafford Directory welcomes contributions from local voluntary groups, charities and sports teams. So if you have news of an event, or other information that you want to share, we’ll help spread the word by promoting the great work that you do. To find out more about our FREE support to good causes then call us now on 01785 318704 or email us at info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk. We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in The Stafford Directory magazine, and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibilty for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibilty for views expressed by contributors, or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. Don’t forget to recycle this magazine!

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

the rural enterprise academy

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re acce pting application s for Year 10 an d our Sixth Form fo this Septem r ber.

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late to aPPlY

Set in a 180 hectare estate in Penkridge, The Rural Enterprise Academy is a free school for 14 - 18 year olds. The School is a state school that is not controlled by a local authority. It provides a broad education that comprises traditional GCSE and A Level subjects with a vocational qualification in Agriculture, Animal Care or Horse Care.

to find out more call:

01785 333360

www.ruralenterpriseacademy.com The Rural Enterprise Academy, Rodbaston, Penkridge ST19 5PH Follow us on twitter

April 2014 @ruralacademy

Find us on Facebook the-Rural-Enterprise-academy

PENKRIDGE

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & SECURE SINCE 1981 Specialists in: INTRUDER ALARMS CCTV ACCESS CONTROL

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Joinery that truly measures up

Here at Joinery (Stafford) Ltd we manufacture bespoke windows, doors, staircases, conservatories and barn conversions plus repairs and restoration for listed buildings and heritage work. Call us on 01785 242 337 to arrange a free initial survey and quote Joinery (Stafford) Ltd Tilcon Avenue, Stafford, ST18 0YJ www.joinersinstafford.co.uk joinerystafford@hotmail.co.uk

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

WIn tICKEts tO sEE

HAPPY DAYS are here again at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton from Monday 9th to Saturday 14th June with the premiere of a brand new UK tour based on the hit TV series. Starring Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero and Ben Freeman as the unforgettable 'King of Cool' Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli! Join Cheryl Baker as Mrs Cunningham and the rest of the gang â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi as they battle to save their beloved diner Arnold's from demolition. In a race against time, can everyone's favourite hero 'The Fonz' save the day? HAPPY DAYS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A New Musical is a hilarious feel-good musical that is guaranteed to have you rocking' and rollin' all week long!

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12. April 2014

To win tickets for you and a guest of your choice, simply answer the question below:

Heidi Range is well known for being a former member of which girl band? a) Girls Aloud b) The Saturdays c) Sugababes The show will take place on Monday 9th June 2014 at 7:30pm. All entries must be submitted by 15th May 2014. Two winners will be chosen and annouced in our June edition. Please submit your answer via email/ post to: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk or 9 Chestnut Grove, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5LX. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. 7

THE WEB PAGE Each month, local web design company Red Box Stafford, will be bringing you top tips and ideas for you if you or your business have an online presence.Their business writer, Jane Bewick Green, has 13 years’ experience at running online businesses and engaging online communities. She and the Red Box team will be sharing with you, the benefit of their combined expertise.

This month: Mobile Web Design Isn't it annoying when you’re on your mobile, looking at a website and you have to scroll left and right and zoom in and out? More than 50% of us view websites via mobiles while we’re on the move or away from home, and that figure is increasing. Go to the BBC News website on your mobile. Easy to read isn’t it? The layout is designed for mobiles when you’re on a mobile and for PCs when you’re on a PC. Easy peasy. What if your business website is one of those that isn’t mobile compatible? It means you’re almost certainly losing potential clients. Technology exists now to enable web designers to make your website compatible with any browser or device that is used to view your website. Yes, it is possible to please everyone, and as a business, that’s great news for you and your customers. If‘technical jargon’baffles you, and words like Javascript, Flash, CSS, PHP and ASP.net leave you cold, then join the club. That’s how most of us feel but daren’t admit. Don’t let webbies bully you with techno-babble – if they do then run a mile. All you need to know is to ask for a ‘responsive’website. That means a site that serves every and each customer, wherever and however they are browsing. Will it cost the earth? It shouldn’t. In fact, if you’re ready for a new, up-to-date website, then The Red Box in Stafford is offering you a £180 voucher here in The Stafford Directory towards the cost of a new responsive website built by The Red Box team. What are you waiting for? If you would like expert advice on setting up your e-commerce site, call The Red Box on 01785 248101

£180 off!

A special offer for The Stafford Directory readers. Free mobile friendly responsive design worth £180 when you order a new website from Red Box.

Our website packages start at just £350! Call now on 01785 248101 www.the-red-box.co.uk

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

WaLKInG In staFFORD Stafford Borough Council offers lots of free opportunities to walk independently or in a group. A great way to get into walking is to join one of the walks during the annual Walking Festival. Whether you’re a superhero in the park, going back stage at Stafford Gatehouse or looking for bats at Wolseley Nature Reserve there’s something for you and the family. Join our free led walks in an area near you. Walk Wise is a programme of weekly walks from places across the

Borough lasting from 10 minutes to an hour and a half. If you prefer to walk alone why not go on a Doorstep Walk and follow one of twelve mapped routes.

Why Walk? Walking is easy and cheap and is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. If you currently do little or no exercise, walking is a fantastic way of increasing your activity levels and improving your health. Regular walking reduces the risk of heart problems by a half and the risk of a stroke by a third. It also

provides mental health benefits by bringing you closer to nature and away from the stresses of every-day life. Walking briskly for one mile burns up 100 calories and counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. Leaﬂets are available from local libraries, Stafford Tourist Information Centre and the Civic Centre, Stafford or www.staffordhealth.co.uk For more information contact Health and Wellbeing on 01785 619 392, email walking@staffordbc.gov.uk

Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 May 2014

StaffOrd BOrOugh

Walking Festival A jam packed week of fabulous activities and walks. Join the superheroes in the Park, try Nordic walking, take a peek behind the scenes at the Theatre or discover the history and architecture of Stafford. Take a gentle ramble across Cannock Chase or join one of the many nature walks from bug collecting or bat watching to the early dawn chorus. Pick up a leaflet to find out more or visit

www.staffordhealth.co.uk email

walking@staffordbc.gov.uk call 01785 619 392

www.staffordhealth.co.uk April 2014

PILLatOn haLL FaRM POOLs anD CaMPsItE

If you want to enjoy breathtaking views of Cannock Chase then visit Pillaton Hall Farm. We provide the perfect backdrop for camping, caravanning and fishing in Staffordshire. Our 10 acre site is dedicated to hosting fantastic holidays for all the family, the farm also has four established coarse fishing pools, well stocked with quality fish.

the historic Staffordshire village of Penkridge and a few miles from junction 13 of the M6 – well placed for guests and delegates travelling from further afield. Both caravanners and campers are welcome on site, which is well equipped with extensive, clean toilets, two shower blocks, elsan facilities and optional 16 amp electric hook up.

Day tickets are available for fishing, prices start from just £4.

We have two play areas including swings, sandpit, a BIG SLIDE and football goal posts for your children to enjoy!

Given its peaceful location, it’s hard to believe that Pillaton Hall Farm lies just a mile from the amenities of

Our onsite shop has all you need for your holiday, from Walls ice-cream for hot sunny days to children’s

toys to keep them entertained. There are a number of good pubs and restaurants in nearby Penkridge and, if you fancy eating in, we have ‘The Little Fryer’ which is based on site and also local takeaways which will deliver to your pitch. Why don’t you stop for the six weeks holiday, travel to work from Pillaton Hall Farm and forget about all the house hold jobs! For more information or to book online visit our website, www.pillatonpools.co.uk or call us on 01785 715177.

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

MERE PARK

FREE RETURN BUS SERVICE MON-FRI 9:30am-3:30pm Between Newport interchange and Mere Park.

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Our Garden Centre carries 1000’s of ranges - there is sure to be something for every occasion. Garden Centre Restaurant opens 7 days a week, offering main meals and hot and cold snacks throughout the day. Stafford Road, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9BY April 2014

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CROssWORD PUZZLE Across 1. Money (4) 3. Used in board game (5,3) 9. Scold severely (7) 10. Electronic post (5) 11. Young cabbage plants (6,6) 14. To allow (3) 16. Type of drum (5) 17. Joint (3) 18. Seen in a rink (6-6) 21. Violent disturbances (5) 22. Stabbing weapon (7) 23. Supporting column (8) 24. Popular sport (4) Down 1. Advises (8)

7. Story (4)

19. South american dance (5)

2. Serious (5)

8. Eat its own kind (12)

20. Hold tightly (4)

4. Stowed away (3)

12. Doomed (5)

22. Type of snake (3)

5. Lock picks (8,4)

13. Alcoholic appetiser (8)

6. Loyal (7)

15. Twice as much (7)

Spring is here, people are moving!!

More quality properties urgently required in all local areas Please call today for your free, no obligation rental appraisal. Call us today for more information on 01785 716800

Or visit us at 3 Farm Cottages, Market Street, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5DH Website: www.trafalgarproperties.co.uk 12

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

April 2014

COFFEE anD CaRDs Robert Cartwright's Collection of Greeting Cards featuring scenes of Stafford and District are proving very popular and are being sent, not only in this country, but overseas too! Recently Robert was invited to Haughton to take his cards along to the Village Hall monthly Coffee Morning. So well received were his collection that Robert is wondering whether other organisations holding similar daytime gatherings would welcome him attending their event. If so, Robert would be pleased to hear from them and would, in return for providing the opportunity for selling his cards, make a donation to a fund of their choice. Robert can be contacted on 01785 254283 or by email, www.robertandrew.cartwright@virgin.net

Jane Arnold

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J & DP Decorating and Building Maintenance Interior and Exterior Decorating, Carpentry, Tiling, UPVC Facia and Guttering, Kitchen and Bathroom Fitting and Glazing. Guaranteed quality. Professional workmanship. Free estimates. Call 01785 241516 John: 07966 402 778 Danny: 07816 950 225

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

April 2014

RaIL hIstORY BOOK LaUnCh at thE anCIEnt hIGh hOUsE

The launch of ‘Wildfire through Staffordshire’ which describes one of the earliest train journeys through Staffordshire.’ It is the latest Armchair Time Travellers Railway Atlas from the publishers based on a journey through the county in 1838 packed with historical information about the train, the railway, the social life in the area, and places of interest on the route. It is complete with a detailed and digitally enhanced historic map of the region produced by Walsall based Mapseeker. Authors Paul Line and Matt Langhan will be signing copies of their book during the launch event at the museum. Mapseeker are putting on a display of authentic period maps in the Rose Gallery in an exhibition, Paul Lines is scheduled to give three, thirty minute talks about the history of this rail journey, and Walsall poet laureate, Ian Henry, will give a number of 10 minute recitals of poetry 16

commissioned for the book. The exhibition will be on display until 12th April. On Saturday 5 April, between 10am-4pm at The Ancient High House in Stafford, a nationallyrecognised working model railway display by a member of Stafford Railway Circle will be on show. The ‘N’ gauge ‘Blue is the Colour’ layout (pictured) is based on a 1975 diesel engine and is complete to the finest detail. The group will also have a range of railway memorabilia in the House. A number of children’s railway related workshops are also planned. Admission to the museum is free of charge. Children’s workshops are £2 per person. For further information about this and other events visit the website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/heritageevents The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

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Please read: It has come to our attention that there is a local man trading under the names “The Drive Cleaner” and, or “The Drive Cleaner 4u” and, or “The Drive Cleaner Staffordshire”. Please be advised, these company names are in no way April 2014 associated with ourselves. To avoid confusion, we advise you to contact us directly.

nEW DEBt, BEnEFIt, COnsUMER InFORMatIOn anD aDVICE sERVICEs FOR staFFORDshIRE

Staffordshire County Council is pleased to announce that from 3rd March 2014 Staffordshire South West Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have been delivering this newly commissioned, combined advice service across the county of Staffordshire.

benefits, and consumer information and advice across all of Staffordshire. The service will provide telephone advice, face to face services and email advice as well as access to additional services currently delivered by Citizens Advice Bureaus across the county.

The service, funded by a range of partners, combines a number of different advice services which can be accessed through a single point of contact. The County Council is the lead commissioner on behalf of a number of partners: Staffordshire County Council, Public Health (SCC), Community Services (SCC), Mental Health (SCC) (with South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), SureStart Early Years (SCC), N e w c a s t l e - u n d e r- Ly m e Borough Council and Cannock Chase Clinical Commissioning Group. The purpose of the Services are to provide free, confidential, impartial and independent, quality marked and accredited information and advice to the public on a wide range of issues including debt,

Adviceline (Citizens Advice national telephone service) will provide a full time telephone service to Staffordshire residents and will be available from 9am to 5pm (Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday) and 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm (Fridays). The service will also offer an evening service till 8pm one day a week. The contact telephone number 08 444 111 444 is already established across the county and used by many people accessing advice. This service will provide an initial assessment of a callers issue and will offer the most suitable follow on service that is appropriate to their needs.

alternatively, self- help, signposting, or referral to the most appropriate service will ensure that service users are supported to get the most effective solution in the quickest time. Services will be more streamlined and if service users need a face to face appointment this will be made available at a local bureau within their district of residence. Staffordshire South West CAB will be working in partnership with 7 bureaus and Age UK (North Staffs) to deliver the service and ensure that there is a physical locally based office within each district of Staffordshire. Most bureaus have additional outreaches to their main office and will, where possible, provide additional services that residents can access.

The assessment service will be complemented by a full telephone advice service where it is necessary or The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

MARK BAILEY PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER

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staFFORD BathROOMs & nORtOn BathROOMs

“thE saLEsPERsOn & WhY YOU nEED thEM MORE than EVER” You may have noticed an online bathroom retailer ‘knocking salespeople’ in their TV adverts recently. Put simply, they are trying to imply that the role of the salesperson is dead, by playing on the stereotypes we all attribute to the profession (the image of the last mobile phone or car salesman you spoke to is probably in your mind now, right?); but we beg to differ. In our opinion a personable, knowledgeable and diligent salesperson is still entirely necessary, even in 2014. Purchasing a bathroom does not happen on impulse, thanks mainly to a multitude of available options and the number of different things that can cause damage or disruption should you choose the wrong one. Therefore, would it not be beneficial to have a contact on hand with the expertise to be able to help listen and guide you through the variety of choices you have to make? At Stafford Bathrooms & Norton Bathrooms our salespeople aren’t here to make you buy a bathroom, they’re here to help you buy a bathroom by offering a personal, tailor made service. As experts in their field, they’re able to survey your rooms, produce 3D designs and bring your bathroom ideas to life, right in front of your eyes; free of charge with no obligation to buy. Try doing that online. When choosing high quality taps, tiles, furniture, sanitaryware or wetroom products our experienced salespeople are key in making sure that the entire job is completed as planned. Online you’ll find that many products are cheap for a reason, they’re imported copies made to look like the real deal but without the same quality of manufacture. Quite simply, cleaning chemicals and water will, over time, degrade and deteriorate poor quality products, leaving you with costly repair bills. The old adage ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ comes to mind. Once you’ve been guided through the numerous important decisions and safeguarded 20

from the potential pitfalls it’s time to consider the aftersales service you’ll receive. A Stafford & Norton Bathrooms salesperson understands that should there be any issues that require a resolution, they are the first port of call in offering a reassuring aftersales service, accepting returns and facilitating the exchange of unsuitable goods. On the other hand, many online retailers’ returns policies seem to mention collection charges of £50 and restocking fees of 20% on every item, if they will take the goods back at all. You’ll find that out of course, once you have queued for 10 minutes on the phone to speak to a call centre operator who knows very little about your bathroom project. Suddenly the idea of choosing your whole bathroom suite online is looking as costly as it is potentially damaging to the rest of your home. Whilst we don’t want to lecture you on the potential dangers of purchasing your next bathroom online, we do want to remind you of the benefits of buying in person at your local bathroom specialists. So, when the time comes to update your bathroom we’d love to hear from you and we’d love to help you plan, design and fit the products that you want to create your dream bathroom. Talk to your local family run bathroom retailer today; call Stafford Bathrooms on 01785 254 377 or email mysurvey@staffordbathrooms.co.uk to arrange your FREE, no obligation survey and design. The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

An unrivalled choice of HIGH QUALITY products Available at reassuringly COMPETITIVE prices EXPERT project management service from start to finish PROFESSIONAL installation and outstanding aftercare Book your FREE SURVEY and 3D design today: 01543 270800 / mysurvey @nortonbathrooms.co.uk 01785 254377 / mysurvey @staffordbathrooms.co.uk

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T: 01785 254377 www.staffordbathrooms.co.uk

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KathaRInE hOUsE hOsPICE staFFORD sUPPORt GROUP (KhhssG) The KHHSSG is a small group of volunteers who organise small events to raise money for KH. They only formed eighteen months ago and have already raised £2000. This was raised through two disco/dance nights and last years race night all held in Stafford. All were well attended and were hailed a great night out by those that came. The presentation of the cheque for £2000 took place on 11th March at the Hospice offices and was handed over by Nick Oldfield, the chair of the Stafford Support Group and received by Dr.Richard Soulsby, the Chief Executive of the Hospice. Other members are Richard Davis who it treasurer, Phil Challinor and his wife Glen, Miriam Bertles ( all in the photo with Richard Soulsby) and Richard and Leslie Bennion who were unable to attend the handover. We are all retired or semi retired and give our time freely as required. We are always looking for new members to

provide different views and perhaps different suggestions as to how best to raise money. If anyone feels they would like to be part of this group they can always contact one of the committee or Katharine House direct who will pass on the message We have built up a special relationship with Stafford Rangers Football Club as our preferred venue as it is an excellent central location and provides for the needs of the events and enables more of the takings to go to Katherine House. We work closely with another fund raising group, the Stafford Lions as their experience of organising race nights has been invaluable and their assistance on the night enables the event to go smoothly. Our next fund raising event is a Race Night at Stafford Rangers on 25th April. There will be the opportunity to have a ﬂutter, bid at an auction for some kindly donated gifts which range from Chelsea mugs right through to a spa day and ride in an Aston Martin. Tickets are only £5 which includes the best pie and pea supper you are likely to taste this side of Easter. Tickets are limited and can be reserved by calling Nick on 07976 342530 or Richard on 07740 594036.

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

April 2014

EASTER BANK HOLIDAY MARKET Penkridge Market will be holding a fantastic Bank Holiday Market and Car Boot Sale, on Monday the 21st of April. The event will run from 9am to 3pm, and with free admission and free parking, it’s a great day out for all the family! Around 100 market stall holders will be selling everything from fresh bread, cakes and cheeses, to plants, handbags, and hardware. If you fancy a bargain then don’t miss the Car Boot Sale, with approximately 50 ‘car booters’ expected. It’s amazing what you can find - everything from tools and furniture, to cheap books, toys, CD’s, DVD’s and even the odd antique. But if you want to take part yourself and turn some of your unwanted possessions into cash, then simply turn up on the day from 7am. The site is all hard standing (so no muddy fields) and with a fee of just £8 per car, you’re bound to make a great profit! Matt Williams, Manager of Penkridge Market said:

most people want to save money! So a great way to do it is to buy from local markets and car boot fairs. Hopefully our Bank Holiday Markets will save customers money and give them a fantastic day out as well.” The Market has an indoor market as well as hard standing area, so it’s a great day out whatever the weather. Plus there are plenty of refreshments available at The Old Deanery Farm Cafe, which serves a wide range of hot and cold food from a bacon sandwich to delicious ﬁsh and chips. Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449. It is easily accessible from Junction 12 of the M6 and is only 6 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton (postcode ST19 5AP). Admission and parking is free. For further information please telephone 01785 714221 or log onto the website , www.penkridgemarket.co.uk

“Everyone loves a bargain and in these difﬁcult times, 24

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

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What’s On... Regular Events Boy’s street dance classes every monday classes are held at dunston village Hall. ages 7-10, 4:45pm-5:15pm £3.50 each. ages 11+, 5:15pm-6pm, £4 each.various styles covered included street dance, hip hop and break dance.Teachers are UKA GTPD qualified, CRB checked & first aid trained. For info contact Katy on 07584 030520. little stars stay & play every tuesday 2pm-3pm at Holmcroft North End Community Centre. Lots of stories, ryhmes & singing activites. After seeing your health visitor why not stay and join in the fun. Clinic starts at 1.30pm. sTAFFoRD TowN wi 1st TUEsDAy oF THE moNTH 1:45pm at evangelical church, church lane, stafford. we are a very friendly group, with interesting speakers and share enjoyable and sociable afternoons, so come and join us. For more information please phone Barbara williams 01785 749745. yoga classes every tuesday 6:30pm-8pm at Arthur Findley Centre (96a stone Rad, stafford). For more information contact Brian Horne on 07891191481 or on facebooke, www.facebook.com/tantraflowyoga peter pal’s toddler group every tuesday and tHursday tuesdays, 10am-12pm and thursdays 1pm-3pm at stafford sports College, Rising Brook. For more info call 01785 240641. BowLs CLUB EvERy wEDNEsDAy 7:30pm to 10pm at acton trussell, Bednall and teddesley Hay community centre. acton art society EvERy wEDNEsDAy 1:30pm to 3:30pm at acton trussell, Bednall and teddesley Hay community centre 01785 714469 or 01889 586289. Learn how to draw and paint – just come along. some materials can be supplied. womEN’s iNsTiTUTE every 3rd THURsDAy oF THE moNTH 7:45pm to 10pm at acton trussell, Bednall and teddesley Hay community centre 01785 712676. come along and join in.

Brocton toddlers EvERy wEDNEsDAy 10am-11.30am at Brocton village Hall. A chance for the ‘under fives’ and their carers to meet for friendship, toys, snacks and songs. no need to book, just turn up. £2.50pp - extra children 50p each. For more info email: broctonplaygroup@tiscali.co.uk BERKswiCH wi 1st wEDNEsDAy oF THE moNTH 7.15.p.m at The village Hall,walton on the Hill. interesting speakers & activities.A thriving craft group who meet fortnightly. why not come along to one of our meetings and see if it is for you.visitors will be made very welcome. please ring secretary shirley Benn on 01785 603646 for more details or try the website www.berkswichwi.btck.co.uk. sTAFFoRD FoLK DANCE CLUB every tHursday 8pm-10.15pm at walton village Hall, stafford. we are a friendly club & always welcome new people. classes are run throughout July however are not on during August. Come along! For further information call 01785 661076. snacK & cHat EvERy FRiDAy 10am-11.30am at Holmcroft North End Community Centre, stafford. mums, Dads, Nans, Grandads and carers welcome! Come along & play, there is always an exciting range of activities for children 0-7 years. Free refreshments. PiLATEs & yoGA CLAssEs wiTH mEL EvERy THURsDAy & FRiDAy Thursdays, 10am-11am at walton village Hall (Pilates Class) and Fridays, 6pm-7pm at Berkswich Parish Hall. Combined yoga and Pilates to improve core stability, flexibility and relieve aches/pains. A workout for the mind & body that incorporates relaxation and meditation techniques. For more info contact mel: 07968 755609 Please bring your own mat. £4.00 per class. 16 & under £2.00.

april tHe tell-tale Heart edgar allan poe saturday 5tH april 8pm in the acton trussell, Bednall and teddesley Hay community centre. little Earthquake presents this tale of murder. set in

a bustling city with Laurence saunders and iain Armstrong. Bar and light refreshments available Tickets are £8.00 in advance/£10.00 at the door. Details from 01785 715628 or 01785 712575. sTAFFoRD BoRoUGH HEALTH wALK 7tH april rising Brook 7th april meet at Brook Cafe, Rising Brook Baptist Church at 10am.walk is approx 45-60 minutes and includes quiet lanes and green spaces not far from this popular shopping centre. For more info call ian on 01785 211400. sTAFFoRD BoRoUGH HEALTH wALK 9TH APRiL meet at milford Common car park at 11am.An extended health walk lasting around 60-90 plus mintues. Explore the wilderness of Cannock Chase and surrounding areas. Unfortunately no dogs allowed. Call Roy on 07963 163513 or Brian on 07940 535954 for more details. HixoN wALK AND TALK 13tH april meet at Hixon memorial Hall at 10:30am.walk lasts approx 60-90 mins. Explore local countryside through fields, the Trent and mersey canal towpath & occasional trip to areas such as local bluebell woods & Blithfield reservoir. Call John on 01785 662160 for details. cHarity race nigHt FRiDAy 25TH APRiL 7:30pm start for first race at 8pm. stafford support group invites you to a charity race night at stafford Rangers sports & social Club in aid of Katharine House Hospice. £5 per ticket, includes 8 races, auction & supper. Fully licensed bar. sponsored by Chips Away and supported by stafford Lions Club.To book tickets or for more information contact Nick oldfield on 07976 342530 or Richard Davis on 07740 594036. sTAFFoRD BoRoUGH HEALTH wALK 25tH april meet at rough close common car park, meir Heath at 2.00pm. This walk lasts approx between 45-90 minutes. Enjoy a lovely walk around the area of meir Heath including lanes and green spaces. Also on the last Friday of every month. For details contact Gareth on 07411 592408.

The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

12th and 13th April

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

April 2014

JaCK’s POGO MaDnEss! Flybar Super Pogo Sticks all the way from America! The attempt is being sanctioned by Xpogo, the official governing body for the sport of Extreme Pogo. I am fundraising for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alzheimer’s Research UK for this record attempt. RMCH is the UK’s largest and best single-site children’s hospital, and offers treatment for children from Staffordshire through to Cumbria. The charity supports research projects to improve the understanding of children’s illnesses and provides equipment for diagnosis and treatment, Where to start! Well years ago after getting in trouble at school, I thought I would try to get back in the teacher’s good books by pogoing to school for Comic Relief. Afterwards I was still in lots of trouble and I had pogoed to school for Comic Relief, but many years later I was reminiscing about it with a friend and it got us thinking if a world record existed for the furthest distance bounced on a pogo stick. I was a bit overwhelmed to discover the record currently stands at 23.2 miles, which took American James Roumeliotis 14 hours to complete in 2012! Undeterred and desperate to find an interesting subject to do my Masters Dissertation on, I figured by finishing a marathon I would break the current record comfortably – so on the 6th April 2014, I will attempt to complete the Greater Manchester Marathon (26.2 miles) on a pogo stick! If successful, I will set a new world record for the farthest distance bounced on a pogo stick in 24 hours, and by default be the first person to pogo a marathon. I’m hoping to finish in around 12 hours, but this is uncharted territory so who really knows! I’m lucky to have some great support and backing already – four Staffordshire University students will film every leap for record verification, I have my own family’s business Rowfers printing my clothing and designing ﬂyers for me, and I’m

so anything raised will keep this institution running to a fantastic standard. A close relative of mine is unfortunately battling with dementia so Alzheimer’s Research UK is a charity that resonates with me and my family personally. It’s an illness that does nothing for anybody and eradication is now a real possibility, so I think it’s important to keep the funds coming in to allow experts to work towards a cure! If you would like to make a donation, please visit my Virgin Money Giving page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MightAswellJump and go through the secure payment process. You can also follow my ‘pogress’ (geddit?) and ﬁnd some more info at facebook.com/mightaswelljumpworldrecordattempt. I would love to hear from local businesses who would be interested in making a donation, so get in touch and email me at jacksexty@gmail.com or call 07969 994657 – if we can partner up I will gladly send some shout-outs for your business or organisation via social media! Whether you think of me completely hopping mad or not, I hope the people of Penkridge and Stafford get behind me and show some support – I’m definitely going to need it!

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704

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The Stafford Directory | 01785 318704