The Stone & Eccleshall Gazette - January/February 2023

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• Lions

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• Stone’s

• Stone Choral Society's Carol Concert

• u3a Hawaiin

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By Philip Leason MBE

By Chris Copp

Happy New Year to you…

I hope that you all had a wonderful stress-free Christmas. I had the luxury of dining at a friends house on Christmas Day, so all I had to do was turn up, and help fill the dishwasher after of course.

On Boxing Day we were off to the races at Wolverhampton, an annual tradition (for Cael’s birthday) it allows me to throw good money after bad, though I actually backed two winners this year, so came home up a few quid - result!

The week between Christmas and New Year is always full of promises, though invariably flies by, with little or nothing actually being achieved, other than finishing off the leftovers.

When you’ve got children, the chances of a getting a NYE babysitter are slim, so house parties are just the ticket, the one we attended went on til 4.30am before the taxi’s arrived, I thought I did ever so well to stay up!

Unfortunately, Christmas and the New Year can be a sad and lonely time for some, with people remembering those who can’t be with us, (please check on your friends and neighbours, your words can make all the difference to someone).

It seemed that every time I opened Facebook in December, another icon had left us. Terry Hall of The Specials hit particularly hard with me, (I’d seen him perform less than a year ago and had no idea he was so poorly), then Christine McVie, Maxi Jazz, Vivienne Westwood, Pele and the Pope. It seems I’ve reached an age where some of my heroes are checking out on a daily. But hey, it’s a new year, a new start! Less doom and gloom, focus on the positives! Don’t worry, we’ve got you, as this edition

is packed to the rafters with good news. The Crown Wharf Theatre will open it’s doors in 2023, after receiving a huge grant to help complete the works, it allows this wonderful community asset to flourish, I can’t wait to see what shows and artists this new flagship theatre will bring in to Stone. Watch this space...

Councillors have agreed not to increase garden waste or car parking charges, at last, something that isn’t going up.

The long anticipated works at Westbridge Park are due to get underway, now that the council have selected the contractors. It’s not too late to have your say and comment on how the park will finally look, see page 10 inside for details.

There’s a plethora of events coming up in January and February, Stone Lions are holding their popular quiz night on Jan 21st (get your tickets now on page 38)

If you’re in Eccleshall, the Historical Society, the Poetry Group, the Mens Fellowship and the Bridge Club all have meetings in February.

There are music events coming to Salt and Oulton Village Hall. Trentham Live have announced their line up with artists from Olly Murs to the Kaiser Chiefs. If you’re a keen motorcyclist, the annual Bike4Life ride out takes place in April.

Fancy a new challenge for 2023? How about working towards a U3A Discovery Award, it’s similar to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, but caters for the over 50 age group, see page 48...

Finally, may I wish you all a very happy and healthy year ahead, my new years resolution you ask? I’ve only made the one - it’s to have more fun!

Dan

Mitchell 01/01/23

Crown Wharf Theatre will

in 2023 as charity secures £495k grant

A brand new theatre in Stone will open its doors next year after the charity behind it secured £495,000 in grant funding to finish the job and deliver a professional-standard theatre for the town.

With the support of Stafford Borough Council, the grant has been awarded to Crown Wharf Theatre by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant will enable the installation of the heating ventilation and cooling system, which for some time has been the most significant outstanding challenge. Beyond that, it means the community cinema equipment can be in place from day one and the charity can kit the theatre out with excellent lighting, sound and audio-visual equipment.

All this will enable the theatre to achieve its mission of bringing professional standard facilities to Stone for all to enjoy, while also helping to attract professional touring shows and performers to the town.

As far back as 2018, Stone Town Council and Joule’s Brewery recognised the potential in delivering a theatre for the town and played key roles in getting the project up and running.

For several years since, through the amazing support of volunteers, local businesses, seat sponsors and Founding Partners, the town has come together to develop an empty shell into what, today, looks every bit like a theatre.

It’s thanks to all the hard work, perseverance and wholehearted community support that the charity was able to demonstrate just how much Stone’s new theatre, cinema and community space deserved this significant funding grant to get the job done.

Harri Capernaros, Crown Wharf Theatre trustee, told the Gazette: “Completing the building will be a huge milestone for the charity but is in fact only the beginning when it comes to bringing this space to life. It has been a people-powered project to date and its future success lies in a far great number of people getting involved, whether using the space, volunteering their

time, or simply enjoying the wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer.

“As a volunteer-run and not-for-profit organisation, we believe the Crown Wharf Theatre has every chance of becoming a self-sustaining asset to Stone that can improve our wonderful town and the lives of people living here. But to make this happen, we will all have a part to play.”

Fellow Crown Wharf Theatre trustee Rob Kenney added: “It’s a huge cherry on top of the Crown Wharf Theatre Christmas cake that will enable the trustees to deliver an even higher quality theatre than anticipated.”

Steve Nuttall, managing director of Joule’s Brewery – which built the shell of the theatre as a gift to the town during the construction of their Crown Wharf pub development – told the Gazette: “I recall the initial idea of Crown Wharf and what we could do with the opportunity to create something very special right at the heart of Stone town next to the canal.

The theatre felt at the time like a long shot, but the vision of excellence and engagement with so many community groups, the creative flair and passion of local groups such as Stone Revellers, the dedication to community theatre and the sheer energy of the team bowled us over. We really caught the bug and joined their mission for what could be created.

We believed so fully in the people and the idea that Joule’s constructed the purpose-built auditorium shell, the stores and back of house.

The idea was so powerful and the team so investable that we just felt that they could make the rest of it all happen. Today they have done just that and garnered the support of the borough council alongside other amazing grant providers and a whole army of local supporters - individuals and businesses – who have done and given so much already.

It’s the most heartening and rewarding project I have been involved with. I cannot say just how pleased I am for this group of dedicated and creative people and for Stone town as a whole.

We are absolutely thrilled to be part of the town, and of this amazing project.”

How the inside of the theatre currently looks

OPEN

We will remember them - Stone’s Remembrance Sunday

Stone residents have always payed their respects with a huge turn out for Remembrance Sunday, and 2022 was even bigger than last years event.

The size of the crowds just goes to show how the people of Stone still remember those who gave their lives for us, and how we all pull together as a town.

Remembrance Sunday fell on 13th November ,as usual, the procession made their way up the High Street to the cenotaph of the fallen soldier in Granville Square, where Revd Ian Cardinal led the service of Remembrance.

Rotary support for Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre

Stone and District Rotary Club have made an award of £250.00 to help support the Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre.

Club President, Sandie McQueen and Club Vice President, Victoria Fern, recently met with the centre’s Jenny Morgan to give her the cheque.

Members of the Club who had previously visited the centre, were impressed by what they saw and, by supporting them, saw an opportunity to help improve health and well-being in the community.

Club Vice President, Victoria Fern said: “Lock-down has had a negative impact on many, especially children, so I wanted the club to do something locally that would improve health and well-being by encouraging outdoor exercise for all.

Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre is great place to visit and it’s on the doorstep. I was very pleased that we had the opportunity to visit the centre and get to know them. I know that this is not the usual Rotary Club activity but there is a real need in our community to improve health and well-being and we are delighted to help.”

The Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre can be found at Fletcher’s Garden Centre near Eccleshall. You can enjoy a gentle walk around to see the birds, mammals and reptiles on display as well as watch regular flying displays given by the centre’s birds of prey. The funding will be used to support animal care at the centre and improve visitor facilities.

Photos by Martin Robinson

Left to right - Rotary Club President Sandie McQueen and Jenny Morgan at the centre.

Stone’s Crinkle Crankle Wall gets some repairs

The Crinkle Crankle Wall stands at the back of the council offices, and also faces onto St Dominic's School in Margaret Street.

A tree has grown up and into the wall, and as it is Heritage listed, it is very important to try to save the wall from being completely damaged and pushed over by the tree.

The wall probably hasn't been noticed by many Stone residents, but is a very important heritage assett in our town. Rest assured the two young men pictured are Heritage Stone Masons and are doing an

excellent job in rebuilding the wall in the freezing cold.

The Crinkle Crankle wall is sometimes known as a Serpantine wall and was typically built in Suffolk. There are not many found now, so we need to look after ours and make sure it is preserved.

The walls were first found in Ancient Egypt, built in shape with alternating curves, here in England the walls were usually built with one side facing south to catch the sun to help ripen fruit.

2022 was a busy year for Stone Speed Watch group

Stone Community Speed Watch volunteers were busy throughout 2022, in their efforts to reduce the number of speeding drivers, to make our local roads safer.

The group was set up in 2019 by Staffordshire Police’s Safer Roads Partnership, initially focussing on Lichfield Road. The group has expanded up to ten volunteers, who devote an hour a week monitoring the speed of vehicles at five primary locations, and several other sites if issues are reported.

Drivers, passers-by and local residents often thank the group, far outweighing any negative comments from some drivers. We are delighted that 97.5% of road users adhere to the 30mph speed limit when the group are present, whereas 2.5% of speeding drivers logged will have received a communication from Staffordshire Police, over one thousand drivers in 2022. Mobile phone users are also reported.

The aim is for drivers to make it safer for other road users and pedestrians by sticking to the speed limit, even when the group are not on the roadside.

The group plan to update residents regularly of data and initiatives. The volunteers currently try to carry out three roadside sessions each week, but with more volunteers, this could increase coverage and awareness.

If you have an hour to spare and would like to join us or request further information, you can contact the group via either; stonecsw@gmail.com or visit our new Facebook page at Stone Community Speed Watch, or contact the Staffordshire Police Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator Michelle Shaker on 01785 232702 or email at csw@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

Heritage Stone masons, making a fine job of repairing the wall - Photo by Jill Hood

NEWS IN BRIEF Gazette

Hot meals available

St John's church, which meets at Walton Community Centre, are hoping to start up a lunch session, once a week; providing a two course hot meal for those who are struggling with the ever rising cost of living, or are in need. Please contact Celia for more information on 01785 814813 (or if you know of anyone who may be in need and would appreciate a lunch.)

It’s

the

end of Stone Town Bonfire and Fireworks Display

The organising committee of the annual Stone Town Bonfire and Fireworks Display met in October to formally disband, and to make the final distribution of funds.

A spokesperson from the Committee said “The last event took place in 2019. Covid restrictions prevented the holding the popular event in 2020 and 2021. The proposed redevelopment of Westbridge Park this year would have prevented the use of Westbridge Park and news of the delay in the work came too late for an event to be organised this November. Once the redevelopment is completed next year, the area used for the bonfire will no longer be available.”

The first bonfire and fireworks display took place in 1986 and has always been organised by a committee of volunteers predominantly made up of representatives of local groups and organisations including the Scouting and Guiding movements, the Army Cadet Force, Parent Teacher Associations etc. All profits from the events have been distributed among these groups and other local charities and good causes. Over the years, over £125,000 has been distributed.

Organ Concert postponed

Stone Town Council has been advised by St Michael & St Wulfad’s Church that due to unforeseen circumstances the Organ Concert on Saturday 26th November had to be postponed.

The Town Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Powell, and the Church, hope to be able to arrange a new date early in the New Year.Arrangements will of course be made for all tickets purchased in advance to be fully refunded.

Eccleshall Parish Council meetings

The first meeting of the full council will be held on Wednesday 18th January starting at 7.30pm. The meeting will be held in the community centre. On February 1st the council’s Footpaths committee meets at 7pm, followed by Planning Committee at the community centre in Eccleshall.

On Wednesday February 15th the full council meets also at the community centre starting at 7.30pm. Members of the public are invited to observe all of the meetings and may speak at the beginning of each full council meeting in the public participation session.

For more details of council meetings contact council clerk Stacey Worden on 01785 282296 or email eccleshallpc@gmail.com or visit the website at www.eccleshallparishcouncil.co.uk.

Readers who may wish to stand for election to the council in May 2023 might appreciate attending one of or more meetings to gain experience of what happens etc.

Discover your library online

We are committed to enabling our customers, new and existing, and everyone in Staffordshire to discover all that we have to offer.

Looking for a group or activity? Need to renew or order a book? Want to check out Staffordshire Libraries social media pages! You can now find them all in one place here: linktr.ee/staffordshirelibraries

Eccleshall Community Christmas Tree Festival

Holy Trinity Church in Eccleshall, celebrated its annual Christmas tree festival with 52 splendid Nordman Fir trees, all decorated by the community, lining the aisles of the historic Grade 1 building.

Hundreds of visitors attended over the three days of the festival to enjoy music from local school children, the local choirs and musicians. The event raised almost £6,000 for the Church.

Wain Homes, which is developing in the nearby village of Loggerheads, sponsored two of the trees, which were then decorated by the Eccleshall Cubs and students at Walton Hall Academy.

things like this, we are so grateful to Wain Homes for the kind donation and the opportunity it gave some of our students. It was lovely to be able to make decorations with them and be able to take a few to the church to help decorate the tree. This is not something many of our students have done before so they were very excited to be asked to come.”

Festival organiser Nancy Reynolds said: “The trees are supplied by the local family run, Bishops Offley Christmas trees, and it was wonderful to have so many, so wonderfully decorated. It was generous of Wain Homes to sponsor two of the trees and pay for decorations which allowed two more groups to take part.”

Nikki Clifton from Walton Hall school said: “With very little money in the budget to be able to buy anything to allow us to do

Stone Lions Christmas Draw

As it wasn’t possible for Stone Lions Club to hold their annual Christmas Draw in the usual way this year, members of the Club looked for another way to raise much needed funds to support those in need.

A number of food hampers were prepared and distributed around several local Pubs, plus Aldi Supermarket, together with a board containing 100 numbered squares.

Members of the public were asked to contribute £1 per square and when all 100 squares were filled, a lucky winner was drawn.

A total of 5 boards were completed in Aldi, with 2 hampers going to Tittensor, one to Longton, one to Yarnfield, and one to Sutton Coldfield!

The remaining boards remained in the Pubs taking part in the event up until Christmas.

Jean-Luc Malabar, a pupil in Year 4 at Christ Church First School, has donated his hair to the Princess Trust and raised over £600 for the charity.

Jean-Luc started growing his hair in 2020, when he was in Year 2, he decided he wanted to donate his hair to the charity that makes wigs for children, who have lost their own due to cancer.

In November 2022, he finally had the chop. Not only has he donated his hair to the charity, he was also sponsored to have the cut and has raised in excess of £600.

Amy Graham, headteacher at Christ Church First School, told the Gazette “Jean-Luc knew he wanted to do this when he was only in Year 2, and has shown great perseverance in growing his hair for all this time.

This is an incredibly generous thing for a young child to do, and we are all extremely proud of him.”

Lion Glenys Sanders (right), who put together the hampers, with Laura Inskip from Aldi Supermarket drawing a winning ticket.

Jean-Luc grows, then cuts off his hair for charity

Chance to have YOUR say on YOUR park Application submitted for major work at Westbridge Park

Residents and businesses can comment on plans that have now been submitted for the transformation of Westbridge Park in Stone.

A planning application for the play areas, wheeled sports facility and multi-use games area was submitted to Stafford Borough Council by contractors, Ground Control.

As part of the planning process Stone residents will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposals, before a decision is made.

The work will also see toilets, picnic and seating areas, enhanced pathways and landscaping with key space for local events and existing football provision incorporated in the design.

Work on the park is expected to start in April with a completion date earmarked for October. Ground Control, an awardwinning construction firm, will be carrying out the project - with the wheeled sports facility to be built by specialists Bendcretewho have delivered around 400 skate parks across the country.

Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, said the submission of the planning application was another step on the way to delivering a fantastic park that Stone could be proud of.

She said: “This is a very important project that will benefit families, residents and visitors for years to come. It is great to see the scheme moving another step closer and I’m keen to see work starting as soon as possible.”

The council has said the huge transformation will encourage more people using the neighbouring Trent and Mersey Canal for narrowboat holidays to stop and visit the town – with a boost to the local economy.

The work will complement the leisure centre and swimming pool which opened on the site in 2019 as part of a £9 million scheme - the largest single investment ever made by the borough council.

Cllr Trowbridge continued: “Westbridge Park is such a key part of our overall leisure, tourism and visitor offer for Stone, with ready access to the canal and the town centre, providing accessible walking and cycling routes linking together the town’s key assets and supporting our objective to support and grow the visitor economy as well as supporting local businesses and providing a high-quality outdoor environment designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.

It also provides an important space for events - with the final design incorporating this and the existing football provision.”

Some of the funding has come from money the borough council receives as part of developments in and around Stone.

Councillor Trowbridge added: “I want to ensure the transformation of Westbridge Park continues our excellent track record of improving popular destination parks in the borough - such as the £400,000 refurbishment of Charnley Road and £435,000 revamp of Holmcroft Park in Stafford in recent years.”

Have your say on the plans at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/westbridgepark-a-destination

Plenty for the toddlers to do

The masterplan of the park

The Award-Winning Stone Alzheimer’s Club

In recognition of the amazing work that they do in the community, the Stone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Drop in Club have been awarded the prestigious Social Wellbeing Award at the recent Stafford Borough Council Community Awards ceremony.

The Club is supported by many local organisations including the Stone and District Rotary Club, Stone Inner Wheel, Stone Lions, Morrisons Community Champions, St Michael’s Masonic Lodge, Stone Town Council, Stone Festival and St Dominic’s Ladies Guild as well as many, many other individuals in the community.

The Club meets weekly at the Christchurch Centre and has a growing membership.

Lead Volunteer, Sandie McQueen supported by husband Andy and Rotarian Mike were joined by two Club volunteers, Cynthia and Sandra at the event which was held in Stafford.

The annual Community Award ceremony celebrates groups and individuals in the Stafford Borough area, who go above and beyond in helping and supporting others in the community.

Sandie told the Gazette: “The number and quality of entries at this year’s ceremony was outstanding and I am so pleased that we were selected by the judges for this amazing award.

It is wonderful that the fantastic work being done by all of our volunteers has been recognised at this level, and we are absolutely delighted to have received it.”

Working together can really help...

Stone Alzheimer’s Drop in Club does incredible work with the sufferers and carers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in the area, and is mainly supported by donations from individuals and local organisations.

By working together, the Club has raised £205.00 from their collection tin and raffle in the last month, an amazing effort.

The importance and value of the Club has also been recognised by other organisations with significant and much welcomed donations, including one of £500 from Stone and District Rotary Club.

Lead Volunteer Sandie McQueen also welcomed Barry Smith from St Michael’s Masonic Lodge in Stone who presented a cheque for £100.00 and another cheque for £100.00 was presented by Freda Tams - money that was raised by making and selling

The club is also being helped in other ways too. Paula Dabbs, Community Champion for Morrisons store in Stone recently came along to the club for our Higher or Lower card game and brought chocolates so all participants won a prize. The support from our local Morrisons store is greatly appreciated by all.

Members Barry and Margaret explain what the Club means to them: “It is a lifeline of friends who understand…and a support network which is very much a family…with a lovely band of volunteers, for whom nothing is too much trouble and they are always there with a warm embrace.”

Sandie said: “Without all this amazing help, the Club would not be able to provide the level of support that we do. Working together, our wonderful volunteers and local organisations really do help support our sufferers and carers in the community - it really makes a difference and I cannot put into words how it is appreciated by the Club…thank you.”

The photos show Sandie receiving donations from St Michael’s Masonic Lodge, Freda and Ethne along with Paula Dabbs, Community Champion at Morrisons, who was helping out with the Club’s “Higher and Lower” card game.

beautiful handmade cards. In addition, Ethne and Tony from the Alzheimer’s Club went along to a recent Stone Festival Committee meeting to receive a further cheque for £150.00. These amazing donations will help the Club continue to provide facilities and weekly events that are so important to all of the members.

From L-R: Kit Henson, Nick Earnshaw & Alex Mellor

Oh Yes They Are! Rooftop Studios’ teachers star in professional pan

One of the things that sets Stone’s Rooftop Studios apart from other performing arts academies is that all its teachers are professional performers in their own right. And this festive season will see not one – but three - of the Stone school’s teaching staff head off to perform in professional Pantomimes in Norfolk

Stage Academy drama teacher, Nick Earnshaw, has been writing and directing professional pantomimes for nearly 10 years – and has been performing in them for even longer. Having played the Dame for many years at Hertford Theatre, he was asked to direct for Sheringham Little Theatre in Norfolk. Over the years Nick then started to write for Sheringham as well. The shows became so successful that Nick started was also commissioned to write for Great Yarmouth Theatre.

This year he has written “Peter Pan” for Great Yarmouth - where he is also playing Captain Hook - and has also written “Snow White” for Sheringham, and will be taking two Rooftop teachers with him! Singing teacher, Kit Henson, appeared with Nick in Dick Whittington in 2019 and is going to play the Evil Queen in Snow White, while Stage Academy dance teacher, Alex Mellor, will play Tinkerbell alongside Nick in Peter Pan. Nick says:

“It is such a joy to work with Kit and Alex every Saturday and they are perfect for Pantomime, so it is nice to have my Rooftops family in Norfolk”.

“It is extra special as Alex played Tracy in “Hairspray” with Rooftops was my first ever show as a director, and we’ll also be joined by former Rooftops student Grace Pennington as Kit’s comedy sidekick Ida No in Snow White”

Rooftop Studios’ director, Laura Keeling says:

“It’s fantastic to see so many of our talented team still doing what they love –we’re super-prpoud of all of them, and the fact that Nick started his Panto writing career when he penned our 2012 performance of ‘Robin Hood’ that we performed at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Stoke makes it even more special. From a studio perspective, it’s a real inspiration for our students to see their teachers working professionally – and we look forward to hearing all their stories in January when they’re back from their run. Break a leg, guys!”

To find out more about Rooftop Studios’ classes – which include dance, drama, singing and a Saturday Stage Academy for all ages – head to the website at www.rooftopstudios.co.uk

Girlguiding fundraiser for Kenyan trip 2023

It has been a busy year of fund raising for 1st Stone District Ranger, Chloe Olivants, who is off to Kenya in February 2023 with Staffordshire Girlguiding. (alongside fellow Ranger , Leah Watts).

Chloe has held a stall at last year's Festval carnival, collected with Santa and the Round Table and a final event of last year; a very successful Christmas fair which raised a magnificent £485 towards Chloe's trip.

Rainbows and Brownies in Stone also held a huge lucky dip which raised £63. This money will be used to purchase packs of stationery for the Rangers to take out to Kenya and distribute to the school that they will be visiting.

Jane West, a Leader with 1st Stone District Rangers told the Gazette, "we are so proud of Chloe and Leah for all their hard work and enthusiasm in raising money for their girlguiding trip to Kenya. Thank you to everyone who has supported their efforts."

Co-op support Young Carers' Garden Project

and listening.

The Co-op in Stone presented the school with an amazing total of £2264.71 to support the development of the initiative, which aims to provide young carers with a space to relax and recharge, make new friends and spend time talking

The project lead at the Academy, Mrs. Farnell, told the Gazette, "We are very grateful to the Co-op and its members for their most generous gift.

The donation will enable us to continue the work and ensure that pupils are able to benefit from all that the garden brings."

Christ

Church Academy have recently received a generous donation in support of their Young Carers' Garden Project.

Let it snow, let it snow - Stone’s Switch On

November 17th saw Stone Town Council staging their annual switch-on of the town's Christmas lights.

The event opened with Samantha Lloyd compering the evening, Stone combined schools choir where in full voice, and put everyone into the Christmas Spirit. Then came the Snow! From a snow machine of course…

The lights were switched on by the Town

Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Powell, joined by Father Christmas and the winners of the Mayor's Christmas Card competition. Warwick's Funfair had several rides set up in the Market Square and down the High Street, and there was a plethora of food, trade, and charity stalls to spend some time and money at.

• The beautifully decorated Plane tree - lighting up Granville square

Photos by Martin Robinson

Gazette

Eccleshall NEWS IN BRIEF

Eccleshall Voluntary Car Scheme

The coordinators of the Eccleshall Voluntary car Scheme, Peter & Joy Jones, would like to express their thanks to the voluntary drivers who make the scheme work, providing their time to help others with medical appointments.

Residents of Eccleshall & surrounds can sign up for the scheme as passengers, and benefit from this service which helps people without transport of their own, to get to medical appointments.

For more details ring 01785 851381 or visit www.eccleshallvoluntarycarscheme .org.uk.

If you might be able to join as one of the voluntary drivers, please contact Peter or Joy at 01785 851381 or email peterwjones@btinternet.com.

Men’s Fellowship Lunch

The annual “Not the Christmas Lunch” with partners takes place this year on Wednesday 18th January at the Holly Bush, Seighford.

The group walks every month around the beautiful countryside of Eccleshall, concluding with a lunch at a local hostelry. Membership is open to any local men and usually meets on Fridays.

The annual general meeting is on Friday 27th January for an evening meeting at the Holy Trinity Church parish room at 7pm. New members are always welcome.

Want To Join Our Community Band?

The Eccleshall Community Band rehearses on alternative Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall between 8pm and 9pm. They are a friendly, encouraging, open access band (woodwind, brass, bowed strings) for people of all ages and abilities. For more details contact Ruth on 01785 859908 or Hazel on 01785 851259.

Barbara Bowers Funeral

A private service was held at Stafford crematorium on Tuesday 8th November for family members followed by a service at the Holy Trinity Church at 12 noon.

Barbara was a former Mayor of Stafford Borough Council and a councillor for Eccleshall and Chebsey in her time. Barbara’s husband was a member of the Eccleshall Parish Council.

Ron Milne Funeral

The funeral service of Ron Milne was held at Stafford Crematorium on Friday 9th December. Ron was the chairman of the Eccleshall Allotments Association. A wake was held at the Kings Arms after the service.

David Beswick Funeral

David Beswick passed away on Tuesday 22nd November 2022. David was a pillar of the Holy Trinity Church, chairman of the Parochial Church Council and former member of the Synod and at the heart of everything that happened at the church.

His funeral service was held at the Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall on Monday 12 December in a church filled with family and friends and led by Reverend Alison.

The service at the church was followed by a committal at the Stafford Crematorium and a wake at the Stafford Showground.

David was a past chairman and founder of the Trinity Men’s Fellowship. He was a friend to many and although this is often repeated, he will definitely be missed.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Norbury Woodland Estate takes delivery of Royal Tree

Norbury Park Estate, near Eccleshall, is delighted to have received a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “ Tree of Trees ” which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

The Estate joins over 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name, which are gifted in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher. A total of four trees have been awarded to Staffordshire.

The tree, a silver birch, was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, at a special ceremony attended by all the Estate staff on 21st November. The tree was planted in Ranton Diamond Wood near Stafford, a new 60 acre woodland created on the estate in 2012 to mark the Queen’s 60th Jubilee.

The tree becomes part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Norbury Park Estate is a unique carbon storage project, focusing on the contribution trees can make to the problems of climate change. Half a million trees have been planted over the past 12 years on the Estate, which is also home to the internationally important BIFoR FACE experiment with Birmingham University. Many trees have been planted

in partnership with local schools and the community. A new wood of 20,000 trees was planted on the edge of Gnosall as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Estate owner Jo Bradwell said:

“We are thrilled to be recognised for our work in planting and growing trees in new ways that store as much carbon as possible. This is vital work for the future health of the planet and we are delighted and honoured to provide a home for part of the Tree of Trees”.

Remembrance In

Eccleshall residents marked their respects with a parade along the High Street, followed by a service in the Holy

Trinity Church, and wreath laying in the churchyard by local groups took place on Sunday 13th November 2022.

Silhouettes at the church yard

Eccleshall

Gazette

Eccleshall NEWS IN BRIEF

Am-Dram Panto Success

The Eccleshall Community Amateur Dramatic society presented “Sleeping Beauty” at the community centre on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December. It was a fantsastic show. If you’d like to know more about the group visit www.eccleshalldramatics.co.uk

Volunteers Night

The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, Councillor Peter Jones and Joy Jones, welcomed invited guests to the Mayor’s Parlour for a pre-Christmas evening on Thursday 8th December.

Guests included volunteer drivers from Eccleshall Voluntary Car Scheme drivers, volunteer front of house staff from the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, volunteers from the High Street library and individual guests.

The evening included an illustrated talk on the history of the town of Stafford and the Mayoralty, musical entertainment by Helen Morrey, a tour of the Civic Suite silverware and photographs, and a buffet supper.

Eccleshall Historical Society

The Eccleshall Historical Society meets monthly on Mondays in the Holy Trinity Church parish room the next meeting takes place on February 13th with Arthur Aston speaking about “The town that died. Explosion in Nova Scotia”.

Eccleshall Women’s Institute

The February meeting takes place on Thursday 9th February with a talk by Janet Markwell entitled “I never predicted that I would own a quilt shop”.

All ladies are welcome to join the group. Contact secretary Joan Davies on 01785 851412 for more details.

Eccleshall Community Cinema

‘Downton Abbey: new era’ is the film being presented by the Eccleshall Community Cinema on Thursday 19th January starting at 7.30pm in the Royal Oak upper room.

Admission is just £5 by ticket, tickets are available from James Du Pavey, The Oak or Eccleshall Library.

Men’s Fellowship AGM

The annual general meeting of the Trinity Men’s Fellowship takes place on Friday 27th January , starting at 7pm in the Eccleshall parish room. It’s a great opportunity for new members to join up.

Coffee And Fellowship

The Eccleshall coffee and fellowship group next meeting takes place in the parish room on January 18th between 10am and 12 noon. Come along to renew old friendships, and make new friends, over a coffee and cake.

Councillor’s Surgery

Peter Jones, one of the two Eccleshall ward councillors on the Stafford Borough Council, holds regular monthly surgeries in the High Street library Eccleshall.

On Saturday 14th January between 10am and 12 noon and Saturday 11th February.

It’san ideal opportunity for Eccleshall residents to speak to him face to face, and view your concerns.

He can also be reached at 01785 851381 / 07815 419166 peterwjones@btinternet.com.

Santa was kept busy in Eccleshall

On Sunday 27th November Santa arrived in Eccleshall, in his sleigh towed by Rudolph, Rotarian Stuart Perren, along the High Street to the lych gate of Holy Trinity Church.

Santa greeted the children, and some parents and grandparents, to hear their hopes for gifts this Christmas.

The lights on the crossroads tree were

lit, and many of the Bishop Lonsdale Academy children who had made the tree decorations were present.

On Saturday 3rd December Santa was busy again this time at the Eccleshall Cricket Club with a coffee morning for the Eccleshall Support Group of Katharine House Hospice.

Slate Days and Bottled Pyramids

David R Roberts releases a humorous and nostalgic memoir about growing up in Staffordshire in the 50s and 60s

Life in the 1950s Midlands town still reflects the austerity of the immediate post-war period. But amid the greyness there’s the promise of better things to come. Change is waiting round the corner.

As the decade draws to a close, our eleven-year-old is finding it hard to adjust to the brutality of his new school. Yet as he negotiates the transition from short trousers to long, his interests are also changing from football and music to music, football and girls ( “but not necessarily in that order”). He’s starting his journey through that culturally explosive decade of the Sixties, the very best time to live your teenage years.

Told with humour and candour, these quirky anecdotal snapshots of the author’s earlier life take us through the highs, the lows and the mundane of his first twenty years. The miseries, fears and misconceptions of a young life are countered with moments of wonder, sheer joy and just plain silliness. At times wistful, even poignant, they are never self-indulgent. They provide glimpses into the spirit and conditions of those rapidly changing times of more than half a century ago.

David R Roberts is a retired lecturer, has written and edited several best-selling textbooks, and is a member of the Society of Authors. A social historian, his recent books include A Rural Revolution: The History of a Staffordshire Family and Their Village ( Matador ) and The Flying Erk: The WW2 Love Letters and Diaries of a Stafford Airman (Matador).

David says, “Retiring from a full-time

career as a lecturer and textbook writer freed me to write the type of social history that really interests me: how the lives of ordinary people both reflect and make the society in which they live.

It’s where biography and history meet. When using material from one’s own life there’s always the danger of taking yourself too seriously. I therefore wanted humour, the surest way to puncture pomposity, to set the tone of the book. Whether or not I’ve succeeded, I’ve found it fantastically liberating to try.”

Out now ISBN 9781915352156 Price £8.99

Gazette

Eccleshall NEWS IN BRIEF

Eccleshall Poetry Group

Eccleshall Poetry Group would like to wish all readers a very Happy New Year, and we hope that 2023 brings all you wish for.

After their Christmas break the Group are looking forward to meeting again every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm at Eccleshall Methodist Hall.

The themes for February’s poem choices are: Thursday 2nd February - Lyrics as poetry and Thursday 16th February will see them reading poems on the theme of What children do/say. Why not pop in and hear them read those poems!

Sailors Stories

Keith Winstanley gave an impressive and illustrated talk on his “Clipper round the world travels” to the members and wives, of the Trinity Men’s fellowship, in the Parish room in November.

Apart from the individual cost of taking part, many of the audience doubted the sanity of anyone who would willingly put their lives at risk for such a project. However apart from the obvious perils of travels in a yacht on the world’s oceans, and individual injuries, he had obviously thoroughly enjoyed the journeys, and made new friends for life.

Well done Keith, whose previous life on the ocean waves was in one of Her Majesties warships.

Eccleshall Bridge Club

The Club continues to thrive, despite the Pandemic, when they were unable to play face to face. In fact, their numbers are almost back to pre-lockdown levels. Are there any Rubber Bridge Players out there who would like to give Duplicate Bridge a try?

Join us on any Wednesday evening at Eccleshall Church Hall. First evening free of charge. We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming club. For more details ring Geoff Williams on 01785 212591.

Community Association AGM

The Eccleshall Community Association held its annual general meeting on Tuesday 29th November at the community centre. The meeting was chaired by Gordon Dale and attended by committee members.

Officers were elected for the forthcoming year were Gordon Dale Chairman, Bryan Wild vice chairman, booking Secretary Libby Dale, committee members Peter Jones, Joan Simpson, Rowan Bunting, Stan Hall, Brian Wall and Gordon Leigh.

Cake sale success

The return of the cake and homemade stall in High Street Eccleshall raised an amazing £427.88 from the sale. Many thanks to the bakers, the helpers and of course the customers who flocked to support the team and buy the produce.

Songs From The Shows

The Eccleshall Singers held their first concert at the community centre in Eccleshall following the Covid lockdown, on Saturday 26th November.

The concert was conducted by musical director Malcolm Brown with accompanist Sylvia Topping and the audience were “entertained” in between songs with jokes from compere Peter Jones. Readers who may be interested in joining the Singers should contact secretary Helen Morrey on 01543 424102 or chairman Chris Howe on 01785 282785 or visit the Singers website at www.eccleshallsingers.org.

The Singers meet at the Eccleshall Methodist Church room in Stone Road, Eccleshall every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If you enjoy singing you will be most welcome.

Stone Choral Society's Carol Concert

Stone Choral Society's annual carol concert got off to a rousing start with an enthusiastic rendition of 'Joy to the World' on Thursday 15th December.

The rest of the programme was a mix of lesser-known carols and some favourites from the song book. The church was well attended and the audience; especially the children; enjoyed participating in the community carols as well as some fun and games with John Rutter’s arrangement of ' The Twelve Days of Christmas'. It was lovely to see everyone enjoying mince pies and wine at the interval, just like old times.

(tenor) and Peter Taylor (bass) made the performance and gave the choir time to rest between long sections of the Mass including some very long Amen sections. The Mass moved from stirring huge chords and syncopated rhythms and dynamic markings from that change from extremely quiet one beat to very loud on the next.

The Mass was beautifully executed from the choir

the accompanists

A number of choir members and some from different choirs participated in an intriguing Masterclass on the subject of Christmas carols. They learned about the history of our traditional carols, much of which is rather unclear, and then sang some familiar verses to different melodies. Carols were not always associated with church services but had traditions in more secular places such as pubs and people's homes. Another surprising fact is that many carols were originally sung while dancing and the class finished with a circle dance.

This term we also performed on Saturday 12th November; the choral society sang Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. Many of us think of Rossini as an operatic master with 40 plus operas under his belt. “William Tell” was his last opera after which he retired on ill health. As he recovered, he resolved to compose many songs and pieces for piano. He composed his Petite Mess Solennelle in 1863. Unusually for a Mass it was composed for a private audience for a group of 12 singers accompanied by a piano and harmonium.

Our pianist Jennifer Haimes was joined by Mark Goodhew. The Mass is long and takes well over an hour to perform; there are musical numbers in between some of the parts of the Mass.

In the New Year we turn our attention to Handel’s Messiah; if you fancy joining us please use the email below.

If you would like to attend any masterclasses please join us. You can sign up for one or as many as you would like to. Workshops are led by our Musical Director, Harriet, an experienced voice specialist and Speech and Language Therapist.

They are on Thursdays evening, 6.157.15 and take place at Manor Hill First School, Stone. Following each session, you are invited to stay to listen or join in an open rehearsal with the choir.

Masterclass 3 - Making sense of the dots. Thursday 12th January

Masterclass 4 - What does a conductor do? Thursday February 9th

Masterclass 5 - How does my voice work?

Thursday March 9th

Masterclass 6 - Singing for wellbeing.

Thursday May 4th

Masterclass 7 - Singing for brain, lung and heart health. Thursday June 1st Register your interest by emailing info@stonechoral.org.uk

Our soloists Martha Hayward (soprano), Isobel Chesman (mezzo soprano), Samuel Winter

to

and lead by the soloists under the skilful direction and conducting from our Musical

Director Harriet Johnson. A stirring piece that started in full voice with the Kyrie and ended with the most beautiful and haunting Agnus Dei sung by the mezzo soprano accompanied by the full chorus.

Local funeral home celebrates one year of supporting families

Run by Isobel and husband James, Isobel Whittaker Independent Funeral Services on Pirehill Lane celebrates one year of supporting families on February 14th this year.

Speaking on working within Walton, Isobel says “We are so lucky to have been accepted into the local community- we’ve made some wonderful friends who take time out of their day to pop into the office for a chat and the neighbouring shops on the parade have welcomed us with open arms.”

Death, funerals and grief are often taboo and not easy topics to talk about, but Isobel believes it’s important that we do. “People don’t like to talk about what happens when we pass away, but having some kind of conversation with your family can take away so much stress from an already difficult time.” Isobel and her team offer funeral plans, helping families to have those difficult conversations and make funeral arrangements prior to someone passing away, “Even if that conversation is as simple as ‘I’d like to be cremated’ or ‘I’ve written my wishes down and they’re in that drawer’, it’s a big help to your family when the time comes.”.

When asked about funeral services, Isobel believes in offering as many alternatives as possible so that families can say a uniquely personal goodbye. “People should be able to plan a funeral that is as unique and special as their loved one. That could be having a personalised coffin, using a different method of transport such as a motorbike hearse, having a celebration of life service instead of a traditional funeral or bedroom-style viewings to say goodbye.”

Speaking of her business, Isobel is proud of the personal service she can provide to grieving families. “My family works together to support your family when you need us the most. We would much rather you call at 3am with a question than sit up worrying about it. Every single person is treated like one of our own

and I am so proud of the exceptional care we provide to the Stone area and beyond.”

After working closely with families for nearly ten years, Isobel says that her first year running her own funeral home has been a big change. “It’s been very different to working for someone, but it’s a good difference. We are 100% independent and family run, allowing us to be flexible, give families more options for their loved one’s funerals and better value for money. We’ve been able to support families more than I ever have before and that has been an honour and a privilege.”

For more information on funeral plans or to speak to Isobel, you can get in touch by calling 01785 336722 which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Or visit www.iwfuneral.co.uk for more information and advice.

Isobel Whittaker - Independent Funeral Services

60 Pirehill Lane, Walton, Stone ST15 0JN WWW.IWFUNERAL.CO.UK Tel: 01785 336722

News from Stone & District u3a

Spotlight on the Hawaiin Canoeing Group

There is something for everyone in our u3a if you are not in full time employment. Most of our groups are back to meeting in ’real life’ once more, and new members are always welcome.

We meet in all sorts of weathers, in many different venues in and around Stone, Aston, Walton and Oulton. Members of other groups in Cannock Chase, Cheadle, Leek, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent and Uttoxeter can join our groups for a small fee, but our annual group membership allows as many groups as you can attend for a one-off fee of less than £4 a month.

My trusty photographer and I ventured out one Thursday morning to see what the Hawaiian Canoeing group was up to.

Brian and my first question was of course about the name. This type of canoe was used by Hawaiians for hundreds of years. Early ones had little huts built on top and were used to travel as far away as The Philippines or even New Zealand.

go. Coffee and refreshments are available in the clubhouse afterwards. Why not look on our website and get in touch withNeil? You’re sure of a warm welcome.

In other news, the Sewing and Yarncraft group would welcome a few new members. They have a sewing machine, a Sizzix die cutting machine, an iron & board and cutting mats, all purchased by u3a and available for group use. Electrical items are annually PAT tested as required and members are keen to share their skills. They also support local tearooms and stitching fairs, so it’s obviously a very sociable group. Contact Marianne or Sue via our website if you’re interested.

The Scrabble group were meeting in the Three Crowns, but is now back at the leaders home on Aston Lodge. There is only room for about eight members, but they’d like one more. You can find Jennifer’s details on the website.

We have a new in-person short course on holiday Italian for beginners, which already has a waiting list for the next group.

Plans are being made for a visit to Tutbury Castle and for speaker meetings to restart. Watch this space for more news and photographs.

From Liz Mills

We were made to feel very welcome, and I seem to have agreed to go and try it out myself. Although they have a healthy membership (in both ways) they are always happy to have more, and a mild disability (like my arthritic knees) shouldn’t be a problem. Each canoe has six seats, with a caller at the front and helm at the back.

Search the web for Stone and District u3a to message individual leaders, find us on Facebook, contact our membership secretary, Pat Woodward on memsec@ stoneu3a.net, or me, Liz Mills, our Publicity Officer, publicity@stoneu3a.net

We were thankful that the weather was good as the previous day we’d had torrential rain.

The early arrivals were bailing out the rainwater while we looked at the lovely scenery and heard about all the wildlife. We spotted a cormorant, swans and ducks, but there are also terrapins, egrets, water voles and much more.

They meet at Trentham Canoe Club just before 10.30 each Thursday and paddle amid the beautiful surroundings of Trentham Lake, in all weathers but torrential rain or high winds.

We were met by the group leader Neil, and

Everyone paddles for 25 strokes, then the caller shouts ‘Hut’, the Hawaiian term telling everyone to take one more and they all change to paddle on the other side. Its real teamwork and everyone has to work together. It’s obviously an excellent cardiovascular workout, without needing to use your legs.

Here you see the outrigger, which helps to balance the canoe. Neil’s mantra is ‘Don’t lean to the right!’ You’re very unlikely to end up in the lake as long as you remember. With the aid of a grant and the hard work by members, they managed to help pay for a second canoe. If there are more members than seats they take turns and those on dry land can always have a cuppa while they wait.

Life jackets are provided by the u3a so all you need is some comfortable clothing with a waterproof in case of rain, and you’re ready to

Music events coming to Oulton Village Hall

The renowned and award winning Daleian Male Voice Choir are giving a concert at Oulton Village Hall on Saturday 21st January 7.00pm. for 7.30 pm. There is a bar available with snacks on sale.

Tickets are £10 from Sue Petrulis 01785 286879 (advance sales only not available on the door.)

Then on Saturday 11th February The Vanz are once again ‘on stage’ for the Annual Valentine Dinner Dance, there will be a two course hot meal provided and then the opportunity to dance the night away to the highly popular music of The Vanz. There will be a bar available for all your drinks.

Tickets are just £15 each which includes food (advance sales only) from Sue Petrulis on 01785 286879.

Rotary out supporting Children in Need 2022

Stone and District Rotary Club held their annual street collection on Christchurch Way in Stone, on the 18th November to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

Even though it was a wet day, the members of the club went about their task with their usual enthusiasm, and the public responded.

The motorists passing by were, as always, amazing and supportive. This year the Club raised a fantastic £2,352.94 for the charity during the course of the day including a donation of £42.00 from the Stone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Drop in Club.

Sandie McQueen, Club President told the Gazette: “The support from motorists and people in the street was, again this year, outstanding and I would like to extend our grateful thanks to all those who donated.

There was so much support, enthusiasm and encouragement for our efforts which is really appreciated. The great team work by all of our members made for a very successful day and even local businesses supported us with Milk Shakes and Oat Cakes keeping the team well fed and watered!”

Club Vice President Victoria Fern went on to say: “This year, it is twenty-five years since Stone and District Rotary Club first started fund raising for BBC Children in Need and during that time, the Club have raised £64,045.46 for this important national event. We are immensely proud of what we, and especially the local community, have achieved.”

Stone and District Stroke Club – can we help?

When you hear the words “They’ve had a stroke, you know” what image instantly comes to mind? Is it of someone wheelchair bound, with little or no means of communication and suffering feelings of isolation and frustration? Or do you envisage someone in a room packed full of happiness, laughter, lively interaction and fun?

There is no doubt that someone recovering from a stroke or TIA, no matter the degree of severity, will initially experience feelings of confusion and lack of confidence, and the majority of those affected will often have to make quite radical changes to their daily lives. Equally important is the impact on family life, and the need for loved ones to receive the support, that is so important at a difficult time.

We recognise that whilst some strokes are perceived to be quite minor, leaving people with few obvious external symptoms, all will have been affected in some way, be it emotionally, physically or both. The benefits experienced by becoming part of a group where members can not only take part in the activities on offer but, equally importantly, are given the opportunity to offer support and encouragement to other members who may have more complex needs are immeasurable. Being able to exchange ideas, skills and work together is a great morale booster, and enables each individual to a feel a valued member of the group.

Stroke Club meetings are held every Wednesday from 10.00am until 12.15pm at Little Stoke Cricket Club, Uttoxeter Road, Stone, ST15 8RA. We do not receive any official funding and our costs are met by a weekly charge of £5 per member which includes light

refreshments and transport in the local area depending on availability.

We are also very grateful to receive the occasional donation from other organisations, which help us to treat our members to an occasional day out, or celebratory party.

We are a lively group who enjoy having fun together. Our regular activities include a weekly activity session, where members are encouraged to join in gentle exercises to keep muscles and joints flexible. There is also the opportunity to play cards, engage in quizzes and games, enjoy talks from a number of organisations and individuals and, most importantly, plenty of time to chat and socialise.

Recently members have been busy making Christmas tree decorations for our tree in St Michael and St Wulfad’s Church, and have enjoyed talks from Citizens Advice, Age Concern Stone plus a visit from two young magicians, which proved extremely popular.

The Christmas season saw a poetry reading from Wendy Kerr, a regular visitor to the club, the children from St Michaels School also came along to entertain us all, with a selection of Christmas Carols and Songs and, of course, there was a Christmas Party to round things off. With life slowly returning to normal following the pandemic, we will have a few additional spaces available for new members after Christmas, so if you would like to come along for a taster session one Wednesday, please telephone Chris on 01785 812027.

Stone and District Stroke Club is a Registered Charity (No. 517084) and

This is where Stone and District Stroke Club can help. With a mission to enable members to make new friends, spend quality time together and enjoy a variety of social activities, it is run by a team of committed volunteers who offer a warm welcome to all who have experienced a stroke, whether relatively minor or more significant.

Town Bonfire Committee support Stroke Club

At a recent meeting of the Stone & District Stroke Club, the group had a surprise visit from Mr Charles Purton, of the The Stone Town Bonfire Committee, who had come to present them with a cheque for £500.

The monies had been raised by the committee. This was a lovely, and unexpected surprise, for which the group were very grateful, they wanted to extend their thanks to all involved in the raising of this donation.

Shell reopens after rebuild

Shell Stone, on the A34, is open again after a six month rebuild. The store now features Little Waitrose, Costa Express and Deli by Shell in store.

This service station has eight pumps for cars, motorcycles and vans and dedicated HGV flow and pumps. Four 150kW Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging posts will also be available soon.

Thermal Road Repairs

The Highways department at Staffordshire County Council have been trialling a new method of fixing road defects, which could help us in the colder weather.

The Thermal Road Repairs machine uses thermal technology, and solar power, to heat the road surface until it becomes malleable. This allows crews to re-lay the surface, adding a small amount of asphalt where needed to fix any defect.

By reusing existing tarmac, the method also cuts down on waste, and is better for the environment.

The machine could be rolled out across the county, to help increase the amount of road maintenance that can be carried out during the winter months.

David Williams with the thermal road repairs machine

Mr Charles Purton presenting the cheque to Chris Handley

Lions like to have FUN too!

Life is not just about Fund Raising and Service Activities for the members of Stone Lions Club; this busy group also place great emphasis on meeting socially to have FUN with fellow members and friends.

The last few months have seen the group enjoy a number of social activities, including a Pudding Night, Bowls Tournament, Chinese Meal, a Beetle Drive, Visit to the Mayor’s Parlour in Stafford, a talk on the Life and Work of Clarice Cliff and,

to round up their social calendar, their Annual Christmas Meal at Stone Golf Club, ably organised by Lion Mike Potter.

If your New Year Resolution is to try to become more involved in your local community, widen your circle of friends and provide help where it is most needed please give Stone Lions a call on 0345 8338478 or 01785 812027.

We will be delighted to give you more information, or arrange to meet you for an informal chat to tell you more about what we do!

Stone Lions hold their Annual Christmas Meal

How Stone in Bloom prepares for the end of the year

Stone in Bloom were out and about in November working hard to get the town ready for Remembrance Day, as we put up the flags on most of the businesses, followed the next week by the small Christmas trees with flashing lights, ready for Christmas.

The result was that the town looked ready for Father Christmas’s visit, the markets and the huge Remembrance Day service, which was held in the High Street, setting the scene for the visitor experience.

This year due to the fact our group are so depleted in numbers we have not been fundraising, and therefore have only just scraped together the money needed for the new tree lights.

who gives his time freely. He sorts the poppy wreaths on the memorial stand each year after everyone has left, he also transports the Christmas trees from our supplier to us and thins the trunks, he helps us put them up and then takes them down when the time comes. Thanks to Stone Town Council, who help us out each year, but especially to everyone who supports us in so many other ways, we couldn’t do the work without you.

Rob Kenney and Jill Hood set up the poppy display, on the plane tree in Granville Square, and later in the month we were lucky to welcome lots of new volunteers to help with the trees. It was a huge relief that so many helpers turned up and we were really grateful to each one.

Yet again we have to thank Mick Plant (Stone town council maintenance manager)

Holding the ladder is the easy job, putting up the trees is really hard work, and unravelling the lights is an absolute nightmare! but it’s all worth it when we have a town which people want to visit time and again.

From us all at Stone in Bloom we wish you a healthy and happy New Year. If you would like to help us as a volunteer or would like to make donation, please call Tracey or Jill 075457 80935 or 077364 1309.

Borderlines Initiative Helps Local Veterans

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, attended the ‘Lets Get Together’ partnership event and presented to a number of other social services and charitable organisations about the importance of supporting veterans and serving personnel in the community.

The event was organised by the award winning Borderlines initiative at the New Vic Theatre. Borderlines works with individuals, groups and communities facing challenges such as social and economic disadvantage, young people at risk of offending, adults with learning difficulties, and others at risk of being marginalised.

Stephen Bruen, SSAFA Caseworker and Veterans in the Criminal Justice System in-reach worker explained how SSAFA assists all Armed Forces veterans, and their families, in their times of need.

Stephen says: “I find my SSAFA volunteer roles extremely rewarding as I am helping veterans and their families. I am attending this event with a twofold aim: to engage with other support services in the community, and to publicise SSAFA’s assistance for veterans and their families.”

Stephen engaged with various other key institutions such as the YMCA, Soul Path, Middleport Matters, Keele University and Stoke City Council.

“I enjoyed the event immensely and made some excellent contacts for signposting veterans. Hopefully I have raised awareness to other institutions about what SSAFA does too. It was a little like speed dating for assistance organisations and was very helpful for networking.”

SSAFA offers lifelong support to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, and their families in times of need.

If, like Stephen, you would like to make a difference to veteran’s lives visit ssafa.org/volunteer to see the SSAFA volunteering roles needed near you.

Stephen Bruen presenting SSAFA’s message to delegates

Amazing Stone

Dear Dan,

In the last couple of weeks, I have visited two outstanding groups in Stone – The Stone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Club at the Christ Church Centre and Hub Grub at the Frank Jordan Centre, both of which are supported by the Stone and District Rotary Club. They provide support for two minority groups in and around Stone and what they are doing is truly inspirational.

I was so impressed by the work being done at the Stone Alzheimer’s and Dementia Club. The friendly welcome was amazing from all. The enthusiasm was infectious and on a really low budget, the club provides drinks as well as entertainment and games which benefits all. Alzheimer’s and Dementia isolate people so the work the club does in bringing carers and sufferers together is both vital and outstanding. It was a privilege to attend.

Recently, I was invited for lunch at Hub Grub which helps those who are isolated and struggling to put food on the table. Equally impressive and welcoming, I was given a tour, met some lovely people and had an amazing chicken dinner with banana cake and ice cream for desert. With the support of local supermarkets and individual donations the volunteers at both the Food Bank and Hub Grub are able to reach out and support the needy in our community, again on a really small budget. An enjoyable visit and it was pleasing to see the excellent and supportive work being done.

Stone is incredibly fortunate to have such committed and enthusiastic volunteers doing fantastic work and helping minority groups in our community. Well done Stone, well done indeed.

Yours

Mike Ellis

Sewage discharge problems and flooding ignored by authorities

Dear readers,

The amount of time sewage is being discharged into the River Sow, via Eccleshall Sewage Works has increased by 25%. Warnings from the Environment Agency over the lack of capacity at the Eccleshall Sewage Treatment Works and repeated concerns from local residents are being ignored, and the problems could only be made worse by the threatened proposals for the massive Meecebrook housing development.

In the original ‘Preferred Options’ assessment of seven sites for strategic development, published in 2020, the Environment Agency pointed out that there was “limited or no headroom but relaxed permit limits to accommodate additional growth” or ‘tight limits but headroom available’. In plain English, this means that Severn Trent Water has the ability to discharge sewage into the River Sow whenever the sewage treatment works exceed capacity.

Eccleshall Sewage Treatment Works is already at over-capacity, after the number of houses in Eccleshall has increased by nearly one-quarter in the last decade, and sewage is being carried out by tanker at all hours of the day and night, according to residents who live in the Stone Road.

The Eccleshall Flood Action Group has analysed the figures for Eccleshall for 2020 and 2021 and in the two main outlets, sewage is being discharged in vast quantities and for the equivalent of more than a day each week.

The latest figures for the Sewage Treatment Works at Eccleshall & Sturbridge, Permit - T/02/35657/R show that in 2020, there were 65 overflows, with total hours of sewage overflow being 1249, or 24 hours per week, then in 2021 that rose to 100 overflows, 1573 hours, or 30.25 hours per week!

Eccleshall Flood Action Group have called for this to stop: “As sewage is being discharged for one day in seven (for 30 hours per week) it is clear that there is insufficient capacity at the sewage works for current needs –never mind any further increase in housing in or around Eccleshall. While the discharge of sewage into our waterways is all over the media, it doesn’t even get a mention in the draft plan for Stafford 2020 – 2040. This needs to be resolved, before any further houses are built.”

Aside from the sewage issue, problems have been caused by the significant development in Eccleshall including:

• Inadequate and poorly maintained drains;

• Flooding problems in Eccleshall town impacting the traders and visitors;

• Flooding in the surrounding villages due to lack of repair of rural drains and poor highways maintenance; and

• Knock-on flooding and sewage discharge implications for the River

Sow as it flows on towards Stafford. Eccleshall and Yarnfield have already provided 629 homes out of a total of 1380 homes in 11 Key Service Villages. This equates to 46% of the new homes in Key Service Villages in the past 10 years.

As far as we are aware, there has been no investment in the Eccleshall Sewage Treatment works, and until this problem is resolved, there should be no further housing development in or around Eccleshall.

From

Stuart Perren Eccleshall Flood Action Group Chairman

Spitfire in the square?

Dear editor, For the attention of Mr Phillip Leason

I have just in the past few days received from our friends in Stone a copy of The Stone Gazette September/October 2022 issue, in which you have an Article "The Star of Stone".

I have been reading this with great interest, so please are you able to tell me just what it was that I saw as a young boy, aged about 7, in the 1940's on The Market Square/Library?

I don't think that I'm imagining it, but I'm sure it was a Spitfire or even a Mosquito, are the two related in any way i.e. The Star of Stone and to what I saw?

Yours faithfully George W E Smith (via email)

Dear George, Thank you for your email. I am pleased that you found the article of interest.

During the 2nd World War various fundraising initiatives were held. These included for example 'Salute the soldier week’, ‘wings for victory’ etc.

To help promote these events they had often had things in the Market Square. I have heard of a tank being brought on a low loader and a plane but not sure if this was to promote the fundraising for the "Star of Stone" or "Wings for Victory."

When the fundraising targets had been achieved the town was presented with a commemorative plaque, and there are four of these still on display in the Stone Town Council chamber.

So you are right you would have seen a plane in Market Square. Regards Philip Leason

Tickets Released For Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival

2023

Dear readers, Registration for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival, taking place on Sunday 23rd April 2023, has now opened, and motorcyclists are being encouraged to sign up as places on the much-anticipated Ride Out are limited.

The event, which is sponsored by The Bike Insurer, is organised by and raises funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in association with the Safer Roads Partnership. Now in its 11th year, the Bike4Life Ride Out is established as one of the best ride out and festival motorbike experiences in the country. The Ride Out sees 3,500 motorbikes ride 23 miles from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford airfield, home to the incredible Bike4Life Festival.

To register, simply visit www.bike4lifefest.com. Early bird tickets for the Ride Out cost £15 per biker, or £20 for a biker and pillion, which includes free entry to the Bike4Life Festival. Tickets for the Festival alone are just £5 per person and children under 16 go free.

Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival is organised by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and is sponsored by The Bike Insurer. It is run in collaboration with Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police who work tirelessly to promote road safety and to help reduce the number of road traffic collisions across West Mercia. The event is supported by the Central Motorway Police Group, Highways England, West Mercia Police Shropshire County Council and RAF Cosford. Find out more information about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity by visiting www.midlandsairambulance.com or for more information on the Safer Roads Partnership visit the website at www.srpwestmercia.org.uk

Helen Stevens

Communications and Marketing Manager

For and on behalf of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

The Gazette reserves the right not to publish any correspondence that arrives without a name and address or email address. It is our policy not to publish any addresses unless specifically asked. We also will not publish any letters that we consider to be offensive or divisivethis is a freely distributed publication with a responsibility to its readership beyond that of a paid for publication. It is for this very same reason that we do not carry a Personal Column or any advertisements for personal services that could be deemed offensive. Send your letters to letters@stonegazette.com

Staffordshire's Military Heritage

Adrian and Dawn L. Bridge

The latest title in Amberley's exciting Military Heritage series is an engaging insight into Staffordshire’s military past. Exploring the military heritage of Staffordshire from Anglo-Saxon and Viking times to the present day.

The county of Staffordshire has an impressive military history and heritage which stretches back well over 1,000 years. In this book the authors explore the military heritage of the historical county of Staffordshire, including the heavily populated urban areas of Stoke on Trent, Wolverhampton, Walsall and West Bromwich and the more rural parts of the county from its Anglo-Saxon and Viking legacy to the present day. As well as Staffordshire’s historic fortifications, airbases and other military structures, the authors tell the story of Staffordshire’s experiences on the Home Front in the World Wars.

The military heritage also encompasses military hospitals, munitions, armaments and aircraft production, as well as the military units and regiments associated with Staffordshire, significant military personalities and awards and the foreign wars its soldiers were involved in through the centuries, as well as thecounties’ memorials to these conflicts.

Author Adrian L. Bridge was born in the local area and has a BA in history, an MA, a PGCE, and was a postgraduate research scholar with the British Academy. He lectured in history for nearly 20 years, at various further and higher-education institutions. Although semi-retired, Adrian continues to work on a part-time basis as a senior assessment specialist with the Cambridge Assessment wing of the University of Cambridge.

Author Dawn L. Bridge is a history graduate, originally from Stoke. She is a specialist in women's history, having organised and delivered exhibitions on the subject. Dawn has delivered a number of local history talks to Cheshire Women's Institutes and Mothers' Unions.

Available now at www.amberley-books.com

Staffordshire Yeomanry Victorian full dress pouch. (© Lesmartin Militaria)

Sole Food

Professor Archer cursed he had ever left Oxford. Why he’d decided to take a break from work in the coastal town of Barmouth, he could not imagine. His temper was not improved by the bitter rain which seemed to be intent on forming a delta down his collar, and now his expensive brogues had lost a heel. He had hoped to find a cobbler, but the holiday town was in low season with many shops closed and he had no idea where to look. Cursing his luck, he shivered and pulled his tweed jacket tighter.

The Front was empty apart from a couple wrapped up against the wind who were walking a large dog. He turned his back on the grey sea and moved to the main road. Most of the shops were closed, but one small shop was open. Its window was brightly coloured with prayer flags and crystals; it was everything he hated but at least it would provide him with some protection from the squally showers which he hoped would pass or at least die down.

The scent of incense that greeted him as he opened the heavy door was so strong he could almost taste it. He looked round and noticed the shop was jam-packed with patchwork bedspreads, buddhas, tarot cards and other ephemera of an alternative lifestyle.

At a table in the far end sat a balding man whose little remaining hair was in a ponytail.

‘Hi ’said the shopkeeper. ‘Good afternoon’ replied Professor Archer in a pointed manner.

The man seemed to miss the implication and cheerfully invited him to look round.

The professor noticed some bright clothing hanging on a rail. Underneath were some tai chi shoes. He picked a pair up but their soft velvet construction promised no protection from the elements. To the left he noticed some plastic shoes with a sign above them explaining they were ‘jelly shoes’ costing £19.99. Professor Archer noted a couple of things about them; firstly they were hideous, secondly, they were waterproof. He began to search through the trembling mass until he found a pair of size 11s. As he dug through, the shoes vibrated slightly in a grotesque manner.

‘Can I try these on?’ he asked. ‘Certainly’, replied the shopkeeper ‘they’re special’.

The professor looked at them. They were bright red, transparent and obviously not aimed at him, but with little other option he removed his sensible shoes and put them on. He found the springy consistency odd, but they fitted and something about the bright colour cheered him. They must have looked strange against his tweed suit, but he didn’t care, they were functional which was more than could be said of his present footwear. ‘I’ll take them’ he said. Then he spotted a tie-dyed cotton shirt; the colours took his breath away they were so vibrant so alive ‘…and one of those too ’ he exclaimed as he pointed to the very gaudiest, ‘…size XL’.

Now he seemed in full throttle, ‘…and a pair of the Nepalese trousers. Oh yes, and one of those patchwork parkas, the one with a hood. I’d like to wear them if that’s OK’. The shopkeeper gave a secret smile and pointed out a changing room.

When the professor emerged, he was beaming from ear to ear. His suit was scrunched under his arm. ‘Can I have a bag for my old things? ’ he enquired, ‘I need to leave them at a charity shop. Oh, and one more thing, can you recommend somewhere to stay in Ibiza? I want to go backpacking.’

by Anneliese Glitz

Stone Scribblers meet at Stone Library on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between 11 am and 12.30pm, and you can find them at www.facebook.com/StoneScribblers/

Staffordshire homebuilder makes donation of £1,500 to Rural Farm Project

A local charity, that offers outdoor experiences for those with learning difficulties, has received a £1,500 donation from Barratt Homes as part of its Community Fund scheme.

The Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, based at Hilderstone, was set up in the late 1980s to provide activities for individuals with learning disabilities across Staffordshire. The charity has expanded its services to provide a farm, plant nursery, vegetable garden, flower beds, pottery and crafts.

David Moreton, General Manager at Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, said: “We rely on the generosity of local people making donations and supporting our events, this is a crucial part of our funding alongside sales, grant applications and the funding from the local authority.

“The charitable donation from Barratt Homes has allowed us to balance our finances and give our team members opportunities that they wouldn’t ordinarily experience.”

With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Oak Tree Farm now provides its services for nearly 60 members each week. The donation from Barratt Homes

has been dedicated to ensuring the build of new toilet facilities and an office to replace the existing portacabin.

Additionally, the financial help will provide the immediate professional fees associated with building regulations for the charity’s planned projects.

Relying heavily on local donations, fundraising proved difficult throughout the pandemic and access to support services were limited for many members at Oak Tree Farm. Providing support remotely was difficult with many services moving to Zoom, however it enabled the charity to maintain its services and avoid furlough for its staff members.

Adrian Evans, Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “When we heard about the incredible work that the Oak Tree Farm Rural Project does for its community and their families, we were inspired by its commitment to assisting people and knew we wanted to provide support. “Our Community Fund scheme allows us to help organisations such as this in the areas close to our developments and it’s vital that we work closely with local people to see how we can best help them.”

Christmas Jumper Day and Donations to Stone Food Bank

Oak Tree Farm Rural Project receiving the cheque for £1,500 from Barratt Homes

Pupils at Oulton First School celebrated Christmas Jumper Day on the 15th December, and brought in food

donations for Stone Food Bank, a local charity that they have supported throughout the year.

Oulton Christmas Tree lights switch on

The Oulton Community Group organised this annual event on Sunday evening on the 11th of December.

The tree had been decorated over the previous week by Villagers who contributed decorations, the finished result was a stunning display of light and colour.

There was an increased turnout this

year with more than 60 residents turning out to enjoy the evening. Drinks including warming mulled wine were provided.

The superb tree was kindly donated by Mount Nurseries, of Spot Acre near Stone, a local independent Nursery who supply many villagers with quality home grown plants throughout the year.

Stone’s Christmas Market

The Stone Traders Group held a special Sunday Christmas Market on Stone High Street on the 20th November.

The town was full of people that had come down to enjoy the day, it was great to see Stone so full on a Sunday!

The Christmas Market offered lots to see and do, with stalls selling unique gifts, tasty food and drinks, and also the chance to meet Santa in person!

Photos by Martin Robinson

Age Concern Stone & District

It’s more than likely that during the run up to and during the festive season, you will have seen adverts and reports showing elderly people sitting alone in their homes, while the nation celebrated Christmas and the New Year. It’s heart breaking to see those pictures and one would only hope that it’s not a common story, but the sad reality is that Age Concern Stone & District meets many very lonely people.

Some with families of their own and some recently bereaved totally alone with no living relatives. We hear the same story over and over from a number of our clients, that their sons and daughters have very busy lives, that they don’t expect them to drop everything.

Loneliness can have a serious effect on health and Age UK tell us more than 2 million people in England live alone, with more than a million older people who say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

We are aware that loneliness impacts on any age group are we really too busy to make a phone call or knock on the door of someone who we suspect of being lonely, what’s the worst that can happen, they tell you to go away? Older people are often too proud to say they need help and too embarrassed to reach out, they are not going to tell you they sit alone hour after hour.

There’s lots of advice given out such as join a group but for those who have poor mobility this is easier said than done and transport is essential.

At Age Concern Stone & District we are experiencing record calls and clients visiting our office for help, at 15 Station Road Stone ST15 8JP ( opposite the side of Wetherspoons) ground floor. We have increased our opening hours to 3 days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30 to 12.30.

Call in to see us, but it’s best to call first on 01785 817906 and according to the nature of your call we can tell you what to bring with you.

We are experts at Blue Badge applications, attendance allowances, bereavement matters, benefit entitlements and advice on all manner of age-related queries as our volunteers come from all walks of life and are very experienced dealing with problems.

Our coffee club runs on Friday mornings and we have the 50 Plus lunch club once a month where members decide on where to go (pay for your own meal) transport is free.

We also provide volunteer drivers who will take you to your hospital appointment and either wait for you or even go in with you. There is a charge for this service and a typical cost to Stoke Hospital would be £12 return (no waiting fee) all other services we offer are free.

We publicise that help is on offer for those who are age 50 plus but we will not turn anyone away in need irrespective of age.

We are always looking for volunteers, it’s essential that you like people, have an understanding nature and a ready smile for everyone. One of our volunteers makes sure there are biscuits and cake for us all, now that makes me smile!

By Jill Hood

The Stone Felons Dinner 2022

Stone Felons are seen here celebrating the 2022 Dinner of the Stone Association for the Prosecution of Felons.

The evening took place at the Stone House Hotel on Friday 25th November.

Guest speakers included Julian Mitchell

(Great Nephew of Reginald Mitchell who designed the Spitfire) and Carol Shanahan OBE (Chair of Port Vale F.C.)

There were over 100 members in attendance and a great evening was had by all.

The photo above shows fellow Felons enjoying a pre dinner drink.

From left – Nick Frankish, Kevin Shanahan, Adam Jones (President) Carol Shanahan OBE, Julian Mitchell, Mayor of Stafford Borough Philip Leason MBE, David Puxley.

Reader, Steve Potter, has sent in this stunning photo, taken on a cold and clear day in December. Send us your photos, taken in and around Stone and Eccleshall.

Who needs sunshine? Beryl, Millie and Agnes You’re never alone with

Artists announced for Trentham Live

Taking place 17th - 20th August 2023

From Thursday 17th August through to Sunday 20th August 2023 , the Trentham Estate again welcomes some of the world’s biggest music stars following the success of last year’s music event Trentham Live!

The acts announced so far are, Natalie Imbruglia, who will be supporting Olly Murs and Razorlight who will be supporting the Kaiser Chiefs.

Kerrie Pope, Head of Events at Trentham said, “Following on from last year’s successful event, we are really excited about 2023! It’s an incredible line up and we know that people will really enjoy an exciting weekend of live music, fun and feasting in our unique historic setting.

There’s an electric atmosphere at Trentham Live and it’s amazing to see the festival get bigger and bigger each year as friends and families come together to party”.

Senior Director Alastair Budd added, “As Visit England’s 5th most visited visitor attraction, Trentham is a must-see venue, not only in Staffordshire and the Midlands, but nationally as well! We can’t wait to welcome thousands more visitors back again in 2023 and we have a range of hotel and transport packages this year to make it easier to do so!”

For more information and tickets on Trentham Live 2023, please go to –www.ticketmaster.co.uk/trentham-live

On Monday 7th November, Year 2 pupils from Christ Church First School visited Stone Fire Station for a day of activities relating to the Great Fire of London.

The day was action-packed and the children learnt first-hand how the fire spread so quickly, as the training house was turned into the bakers, and they had to scramble around in candle light to find a way out to safety.

They took some of the houses that the children had built, as part of the unit of work, and re-created the great fire in Pudding Lane, obviously under controlled circumstances and by trained fire fighters!

The children even took part in a bucket relay to re-enact how water would have been transported from the River Thames to the fire, way back in 1666.

The fire rips through the houses that the children had built to recreate Pudding Lane.

Christ Church visit Stone Fire Station

Green light given for two Staffordshire councils to share all services

Two Staffordshire councils will be sharing nearly all their services after the proposals were overwhelmingly approved by councillors in December.

The move is aimed at improving services to residents and businesses in Stafford Borough and Cannock Chase District while saving local taxpayers around £1.2 million.

The business case for sharing has also been given the seal of approval by the Local Government Association (LGA) - the national organisation which supports local authorities - who said it was “compelling” and had been “well researched and evidenced.”

On Tuesday (6 December) the proposal was agreed by members of Stafford Borough Council then by their counterparts at Cannock Chase District Council on (Wednesday 7 December).

Leaders of both local authorities stressed that the councils would maintain their individual identities, meaning elected members will still be in control of decision making for their respective councils.

Cannock Chase and Stafford Borough have shared a number of back-office services for more than a decade saving around a £1 million a year for the public purse. Now they have agreed to combine all the remaining services, apart from the running of elections and the council housing stock at Cannock Chase.

With less funding from Government to run services, increases in running costs, and a reduction in income, both councils face shortfalls in their budgets for next year.

The first stage of the increased collaboration will see them share a top team which will lead to a reduction in senior management costs of nearly £90,000. Councillors also heard that sharing more services can help the authorities recruit and retain staff as well as assist the councils in attracting more funding from Government.

The report to both councils said: “There is substantial evidence from our own experiences of sharing services since 2011, and the lessons learnt from other councils, that sharing services and a senior management does work.

“Councils who share services and management teams do retain their identity, deliver significant financial savings and efficiency savings, and achieve service improvements for customers.”

There are a number of councils across the country that share services including several in and around Staffordshire.

Leader of Cannock Chase District Council, Councillor Olivia Lyons, said: “I am pleased that my fellow councillors have backed the decision for the wider sharing of services. It will help us meet the inevitable financial challenges ahead but also take advantage of opportunities.

“Opportunities include being better able to seek external funding and influencing decision making by our partners locally and regionally, sharing best practices, and creating opportunities for our staff to progress in what has been a rather flat management structure as the business case made clear - yet crucially maintaining our own sovereignty and identity.”

Councillor Patrick Farrington, Leader of Stafford Borough Council, said it was one of the most important decisions the authority has had to take.

“All local authorities are facing very challenging financial circumstances and these plans can save our taxpayers money without cutting vital services to our community. Sharing services will also help us build capacity and resilience within the council as well as helping us to recruit and retain staff.”

He added: “We have a history of sharing services - and it works.”

You can see the council reports in full at www. staffordbc.gov.uk/committee/council or from `The Council` section at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Eccleshall Tennis Tournament is huge success

Impact Tennis ran a hugely successful Junior Tennis Tournament at Eccleshall Tennis club on Sunday 13th of November.

There was a great turn out of 30 local children aged from 6-16, all of whom attend coaching at one of Impact Tennis’ Coaching venues; Great Bridgeford Tennis Club, Eccleshall Tennis Club, Woodseaves Primary School, Stafford Grammar and Preparatory School. This was a landmark in the development they are working towards achieving in building the Junior programme at Eccleshall Tennis Club, but also in making tennis more accessible to children from all backgrounds. Parents said that it was “Such a great experience” and made the students “feel like real tennis players!” .

positive attitudes. They are also incredibly grateful to Eccleshall Tennis Club for their ongoing support of the growth of the Junior Tennis Programme and their support of bringing tennis players from all over, together!

The tournament gave the children the opportunity to showcase their skills to their parents while also promoting a fun atmosphere where they can meet new friends and socialise.

The success of the tournament has ensured that the next tournament, on the 11th and 12th of February, will run across two days to give more opportunities for longer matches and for more players to get involved.

Impact Tennis are extremely proud of all their players for their hard work and

For more information on becoming part of the Impact Tennis family please contact Georgia Twigg, via email, at georgia.impacttennis@gmail.com

The 50th edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide

To celebrate the 50th edition of the Good Beer Guide, CAMRA’s premier publication featuring the very best pubs to find a great pint in the UK, award-winning author Laura Hadland has showcased the local beer highlights across the West Midlands.

Writing in a bespoke foreword for the West Midlands section of the Guide, Hadland notes that “There can be no UK beer pilgrimage without a trip to Burton upon Trent, formerly the UK’s brewing capital.” She also notes that the region is not limited to beer heritage, but that “Herefordshire and Worcestershire are classic cider and perry making regions, with Worcester’s coat of arms featuring a black pear.” She also encourages visitors to check out the Hereford Cider Museum to learn more about the heritage of one of the nation’s favourite drinks.

Hadland also highlights the importance of National Brewery Centre in Burton, which is unfortunately on the brink of closure, much to CAMRA’s disappointment. The Campaign is urging the local council and Molson Coors to ensure the NBC is rehomed to preserve the brewing history of the region and the UK as a whole.

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene. As well as covering 387 of the very best pubs across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the rest of the West Midlands, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of nine breweries across the counties.

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona says: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.

Whilst we experienced a boom in the brewing industry over recent years, it’s clear that the effects of COVID-19 and subsequent cost of living and cost of goods crisis has been keenly felt. I’d encourage everyone to use this Guide to seek out the very best examples of pub excellence and support these locals by visiting them.”

The Good Beer Guide, which reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers’ guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.

Discover all of the pubs listed, and more, with CAMRA’s new Good Beer Guide app, available on iOs and as a web-based app at https://gbgapp.camra.org.uk

To order your copy, visit https://shop1.camra.org.uk/ product/the-good-beer-guide-2023/

Stone Lions Club Quiz Night is coming

Do you feel as though you have spent the last few weeks over indulging in television repeats and old films? Is your brain in need of some gentle exercises to help you tackle the challenges of 2023? Would you enjoy a fun night out with your friends, one that does not cost the earth? An opportunity to help raise funds to support local good causes maybe?

If so, look no further! The next Stone Lions Club Quiz may be just what you are looking for!

As their first organised fund-raising event for 2023, a Quiz night has been arranged for Saturday January 21st at St Dominic’s Social Club, Station Road, Stone. Teams of up to 6 people are invited to take part in an evening which promises to be a lot of fun.

The Quiz will start at 7.30pm but doors will be open from 7.00pm onwards to allow plenty of time to get seated and allow for any last-minute revision! The bar will be open all evening and those attending are reminded that only drinks bought from the bar may be consumed during the evening.

To keep admission costs as low as possible, there will be no food provided on this occasion but those attending are invited to bring along their own interval snacks if required.

So why not get together a Team of friends or work colleagues and enjoy an evening of fun and friendly competition? Tickets cost £5.00 each and all proceeds from the night will go to local good causes supported by Stone Lions Club (CIO).

Please call Lions Pete and Margaret on 01785 814852 or Dave and Chris on 01785 812027 for more information or to order your tickets. Tickets are also available to be purchased from The Artisan Boutique, High Street, Stone. Numbers are limited so please do not leave it too late to book!

Primary school artwork reaches South Georgia after 8,000 mile journey

Thousands of international visitors get to admire art which won two competitions celebrating South Georgia’s iconic wildlife and polar heritage

Artwork by six UK primary school pupils has reached South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - a tiny British Overseas Territory in the Southern Ocean. It will now be displayed in one of the world’s most remote museums almost 8,000 miles away from the UK.

The artwork includes winners and runners up of two competitions celebrating the remote island’s iconic wildlife and fascinating polar heritage, and will now be admired by thousands of international visitors to the South Georgia Museum.

The two competitions were part of the UK’s Hanson Box Project – an educational initiative by the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation which donates thousands of free boxes to schools across the UK and on British Overseas Territories every year.

A colourful sketch of an enormous blue whale by a pupil from Yarlet School near Stone won the Imaginative Drawing competition, which asked pupils aged 5-7 to draw their favourite animal or plant from South Georgia.

The winning drawing also includes fun facts about blue whales, a species that’s suffered a historic decline but thankfully is now returing to the waters around South Georgia.

Blythe Bridge Resurfacing Works

Staffordshire County Council started another of their major resurfacing schemes in December, this time in Blythe Bridge.

Teams are carrying out essential road and pavement resurfacing work along with drainage repairs and kerbing on the A521 Uttoxeter Road.

The resurfacing work will help extend the life of the road and is part of a wider £5.2 million investment to improve some of the county’s key roads.

Their teams are doing everything they can to minimise any inconvenience during the works and would like to thank people in advance for their co-operation.

The scheme should be completed in May 2023 and people can find out more about this and other schemes, including details of any road closures that may be needed by visiting www.staffordshire.gov.uk

A short story centered around a BlackBrowed Albatross’ search for fish and krill as the species fights for survival, won the Creative Writing competition.

The winning pupil was from Hurst Primary School in Bexley, London. This competition asked pupils aged 7-11 to write 500 words about an animal from South Georgia and what they thought life is like on the island for them.

Both winners have received a £200 book voucher, and the two runners up in each competition (also from Yarlet School, Hurst Primary School and Mellor Primary School outside Stockport) have received £150 and £100 book voucher prizes respectively.

This year, each Hanson Box aimed to educate and inspire children about South Georgia’s past and the ongoing

conservation efforts needed to secure its future. To do this, every box included lesson plans about the island’s wildlife, glaciers and polar explorers, colourful maps to display on classroom walls and other learning materials.

The winners and runners up of both competitions were judged by an expert panel from the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), a Scottish-based charity that has been working to conserve South Georgia’s fragile ecosystem and heritage since 2005.

Alison Neil, Chief Executive of SGHT, says: “Huge congratulations to Yarlet School and Hurst Primary School on winning this year’s Hanson Box competitions. We received lots of fantastic entries, from penguin pictures to stories told by seabirds, which were a joy to judge. We felt the children really captured the essence of South Georgia and the magical place that it is. We hope the pupils involved are inspired to learn more about the natural world and the ways we all need to protect it.”

Andrew Fox and Simon Leary, Trustees of the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation, say: “Home to tens of millions of seabirds, penguins, whales and numerous other iconic wildlife, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is globally important for wildlife conservation. It has also played a huge role in our polar heritage, as it’s the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton. But, given its remote location, very few people visit the island and see its beauty for themselves. We hope that by sharing the story of South Georgia with schools across the UK and in other Overseas Territories, we’ve helped to inspire the next generation of conservationists.”

The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands materials were funded by SGHT with assistance from the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation and the Friends of the British Overseas Territories.

To download other free educational resources from the South Georgia Heritage Trust, visit: www.sght.org/ education

The Drawing Competition winner from Yarlet School (L) and the winning picture, and Alisa C from Hurst Primary School who won the Essay Competition.

Picture shows the last Lions Quiz night

Bowling to Success

Following a nail biting finish, the Stonefield Park team of Denise and David, Averil and Peter were triumphant in bringing home the trophy, they are all regular members of the club.

The small and friendly club meets on Saturday afternoons during the summer and would welcome anyone interested in having a go or joining the club. No experience is necessary, they look forward to seeing you in the summer.

Spooky Stories at Stone library

Stone’s two Creative Writing Groups, the u3a, and the Scribblers, gathered one dark and stormy night (Friday Oct 28th actually) to read a selection of their spooky stories to those of the general public who were brave enough to attend.

There were pointy hats, spiders’ webs, and all the usual things that go bump in the night, nicely rounded off by free tea and biscuits. A scary time was had by all.

The event was organized by librarian Sarah Sproston. She has other such plans afoot, so watch this space...

Stonefield Park Bowling Club recently took part in the Stone Crown Challenge Tournament along with seven other local teams.

Stone Nursery supports National Orchard Campaign

Fruit trees are being planted at schools in Stafford and Stone as part of a national campaign.

The Orchard campaign by Veolia, in partnership with community action charity Groundwork, will see seven local schools planting the trees.

The scheme is being supported by Stafford Borough Council with the aim of helping schools blossom with biodiversity and join a national network of orchards. In the summer the borough council planted 600 trees on a new Local Nature Reserve in the heart of Stafford as part of a Commonwealth Games inspired initiative.

Veolia, the council’s recycling and waste contractor, has donated 500 trees to more than 100 primary and secondary schools across the country. The schools, and nursery, taking part within the borough are: Mumbles Day Nursery, Stone St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stafford Church Eaton Primary School St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Stafford St John’s C of E Primary Academy, Stafford St Paul’s C of E Primary School, Stafford King Edward VI High School, Stafford

The borough council will be delivering the trees to the schools and helping pupils plant them.

Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “We are really pleased to be able to help with this great initiative from Veolia and Groundwork to plant more tress in our borough.

“Only a few months ago the council and partners planted hundreds of trees in our new local nature reserve off Fairway in Stafford, so it is wonderful to see similar projects taking place across our community.”

He added: “As a council we have made tackling climate change one of our top priorities, but we cannot do this alone. It requires the support of our partners, businesses, and the community to contribute to our carbon reduction agenda - and this latest scheme is a great example of working in partnership to do this.”

The potential of trees in urban environments to combat the climate crisis is immense, not only in their contribution to increasing biodiversity and improving air quality, but their capacity to mitigate the effects of temperature rises.

Veolia say that by donating trees schoolchildren across the country have the opportunity to plant their very own orchard and learn how to care for them until they bear fruit, providing them with healthy, locally sourced food and nurturing their wellbeing through a reconnection with nature.

The latest campaign is part of the company’s Sustainable Schools programme which was launched during the pandemic to continue work in educating children and young adults on the importance of protecting the planet and the environment.

For more information on how Veolia supports schools and to discover other partnership opportunities please visit www.veolia.co.uk/schools

Joe McIndoe, UK Partnerships Manager, Groundwork said: “With the numbers of orchards in the UK in steep decline, we’re delighted to work alongside Veolia to provide free trees to primary schools and begin building this network of orchards across the country. The trees provide many benefits: fruit so that children can have the pleasure of picking and eating juicy, fresh food, shade in the summer and the tools for pupils to learn about nature guided by a handy booklet developed by Groundwork's landscaping experts. We can’t wait to see the kids planting their trees."

A Ukrainian Thank You evening

On November 26th the Ukrainian community hosted a thank you evening at Stone Station.

Host families, and guests who had helped the families in many different ways, were treated to an evening of beautifully cooked Ukrainian Food and were able to chat to other families, and meet other hosts.

Oksana Harris and Ingrid Wagner of Let’s Cook Ukraine provided the food, Oksana said “Cooking is the way to show love, from my heart to yours. I look forward to being able to share with you, to help our dream a reality”.

It was great to meet with some of the Ukrainian people who I had met in the early days when they were first here in Stone.

Volunteer Andy Babb was teaching them English, in St Michaels Hall, funding everything himself. Andy was struggling for teaching aids and equipment but that didn’t stop his classes from being fun, and judging by the excellent standard of English spoken that night, he has done a magnificent job.

One of the ladies sang a traditional Ukrainian Carol which was beautiful, but also sad, as I’m sure each one of us there knew they would far rather be at home with their loved ones, in familiar surroundings, and all that they had to

leave behind.

I’m sure that everyone in Stone wants to wish them all happiness, while they are in our town.

If you are interested in Ukrainian food for your event call 07717 036213 or follow them on Facebook letscookukrain.

By Jill Hood

Oulton’s Best Kept Village donation

Oulton First School recently received a sum of money, which was kindly donated by The Oulton Community Group, for the children's participation in the Poster Competition, for the Best Kept Village

Competition, run by The Community Foundation of Staffordshire.

The £50 book voucher was spent on story books for use at Forest School.

Ingrid Wagner (left) and Oksana Harris and of Let’s Cook Ukraine

Mrs Haine, the Chairperson of the Oulton Community Group and Mrs Robinson, a member of the Oulton Community Group are shown some of the books that were purchased with the kind donation.

A Medieval Christmas at Aston-by-Stone W.I.

From the pagan Saturnalia, a festival which encouraged the light to return after winter, became eventually the Christian festival of Christmas. In about the year 400 A.D., the Pope decided that Christ was born on December 25th; we have celebrated this ever since.

Margaret Thompstone, education guide at Little Moreton Hall, came to speak about a Medieval Christmas. We heard of the greenery decorating the house and of the Yule log – best if it’s lighted from the remains of last year’s. Legend has it that holly was used for Jesus’ crown of thorns; its berries, white originally, turned to red from the blood. The cross was reputedly made of mistletoe, and it was so ashamed that thereafter it became a parasite.

As today, much of the celebration concerned food, but the great difference was that people fasted during Advent. No meat, fish, eggs or dairy! We saw pictures of the food re-created at the Hall, and learned some fascinating facts about the items our ancestors ate. Mince pies, containing meat, had 13 ingredients, to represent Christ and the 12 disciples. They were originally coffin-shaped (in fact, more like an oval), and a pastry representation of the baby Jesus decorated the top.

Forks had yet to be introduced, so everyone carried a knife. Food was cut and speared, then taken off with the left hand. Tablecloths reached the floor, and, lifted over the knees, did service as serviettes: napkins were draped over the left shoulder and used to wipe hands and mouth.

Marzipan, or marchpane, was a great favourite for the sweet course. Queen Elizabeth I was so fond of it that she lost several front teeth! The talk finished with photos and descriptions of all the cakes and sweetmeats eaten in the old times, making us feel hungry, so the home-made cakes and cups of tea (served at every meeting) were doubly welcome. At the end of a Medieval Christmas feast, the leftovers, known as the dole, were gathered together and given to the poor. An early sort of food bank, and needed just as much as those we know today.

Our competition, for a Christmas table decoration, was won by Victoria Simpson with her splendid Medieval-style two-tier entry.

In December the W.I. celebrated Christmas in earnest, with a meal for members. They held a Carol Service in St. Saviour’s church, Aston, on 21st December, which was well attended.

Our meetings take place at Aston-by-Stone Village Hall. We’re always pleased to see visitors, so Ladies, do come along and find out about us. As well as meetings there are many activities including theatre visits, walks, poetry and painting.

If you are interested, visit our Facebook page or contact us at astonbystonewisecretary@gmail.com. Or phone 01785 615662. We look forward to seeing you!

Life in a small Rotary Club

In the Gazette, you will have seen a few articles over the last few months about Stone and District Rotary Club’s activities in supporting the local community so here’s a brief outline of what we do:

Stone and District Rotary Club is one of many in our region and we are part of a national and international organisation that supports great causes all over the world with campaigns such as eradicating polio. Stone and District Rotary Club, however, is a small club and, because of that, have slightly different but none the less equally important objectives.

The over-riding Rotary ethos and mindset of volunteering and helping others is at the forefront in our club but, unlike larger clubs, our activities are almost entirely locally based or are adapted national campaigns where appropriate and, in this way, the members are able to maximise the impact that we can have in our community…and we do.

Stone and District Rotary Club is not just about fund raising and making financial grants. Our members really roll up their sleeves and get involved-financial and physical support is what makes us special. We enjoy both working together and with other organisations in the area to help those in need.

Wanting to help others is a brilliant starting point for Rotary membership which is why many of our members also volunteer for other activities within the community. From driving the Stone Green community bus,supporting and working with Hub Grub and the food bank, to helping to run the town’s annual festival, participating in Civil Contingencies planning through to running an award-winning Alzheimer’s Club. It’s amazing what we, as a small group of Rotarians, are able to accomplish and it’s all very rewarding. Our mixed membership includes all ages and makes for a vibrant and exciting club.

For Stone and District Rotary Club, it’s all about our local community as we have neither the numbers or facilities to actively participate in major Rotary projects as many clubs others do. We have found there is a growing need for help and support in and around Stone as there are many groups and individuals who fall outside the traditional safety nets. In this way, we do important and often unseen work to help others in need.

As an example, Rotary has been doing much to help Ukrainian refugees nationally. Locally, we have around twenty families in Stone and using grant funding from the Rotary Foundation, the Club has worked with three other nearby Rotary Clubs to help better integrate these families into the local community. Needs were assessed and funds carefully applied to support children with their educational needs and the provision of books for adults to improve their language skills. This project has been a great success and is a fine example of how Rotarians can really make a difference.

Each year, the Club raises significant funds to support BBC Children in Need and our annual Santa Sleigh fund raising generates money, and, as we are all volunteers, every penny of what is raised goes straight back to support local causes.

Rotary is also about having fun and making social contacts. The Club takes part in many summer and winter sports and social activities where we compete with other clubs in our region and sometimes, we even make it into the second round! Meeting others is one of the many nice things about being involved with Rotary.

So if volunteering with a group that is making a difference locally sounds interesting and you would like find out more, get in touch and come and see us…we’d love to meet you. Contact secretary@stonerotary.org

Award for local Girlguiding leaders

Two local leaders, Lisa Kane a leader with Aston Brownies, and Jane West, a leader with Stone Rainbows, Guides and Rangers have been recognised for their amazing contributions to grassroots guiding.

The ladies were recently presented with the Girlguiding Midlands Chief Commissioner Award. The ceremony took place at The Waterfront, Barton Under

N eedwood and they joined leaders from across the Midlands to receive their awards. They were accompanied by their husbands who have supported them 100% in their guiding commitments.

Both Lisa and Jane are passionate about Girlguiding and giving girls amazing and varied experiences. They both felt very honoured and humbled to have been recognised for their volunteering.

Santa's Round Table helpers ....

1st Stone District Rangers were out collecting with Santa and The Round Table in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The evening may have been very chilly, and icy underfoot, but everyone still came out to wave to Santa and to donate to The Round Table. (monies donated are distributed to local charities)

Ranger Leader, Jane West , commented "It's a much looked forward annual tradition in Stone; to look out for Santa as he tours the streets of Stone.

Thank you to all the volunteers with The Round Table who give up their evenings to make the Santa collections such a lovely part of Christmas"

Rotary Santa Sleigh Collections

Stone and District Rotary Club have again held their annual Christmas collections at Morrisons, M&S and Aldi as well as visits to Orchard Place at Barlaston and the precinct at Walton. Santa came along with his sleigh, which is superbly equipped with built in lighting and sound system, to welcome children young and old.

The store visits are a welcome opportunity for the community to see and meet members of the Stone Rotary Club as well as members of the Stone Inner Wheel who also came along to help. Meeting Santa is always popular and this year was no exception and it was good that Santa was so photogenic!

Rotary Club President, Sandie McQueen said: “We are always amazed by the generosity of the people in our community.

it’s fantastic and very much appreciated. In addition, we would like to thank the staff at Morrisons, M&S and Aldi, who have been so supportive and helpful and Morrisons and M&S for donating sweets and chocolates. As always, the funds raised are used to support many local causes who need the Club’s support so all the donations that we receive go straight back into the

community

The photos show Santa, and the Rotary Club elves busy at work.

Pupils help to keep our community safe

Year 6 pupils at St Dominic's Catholic Primary have completed on their Crime and Punishment unit.

The final outcome of their work was a poster offering some sound advice, see below, the children worked alongside their local PCSO.

to help others in the coming year.”

Stone dance school now affiliated with The London Ballet Company

Studio B School of Dance have been working hard behind the scenes with the company director of The London Ballet Company.

After a full assessment of their teachers, students, school values and vision, they have been awarded a wonderful opportunity, and are now officially affiliated with The London Ballet Company for 2023.

The London Ballet Company will be working closely with Studio B, by bridging the gap between young dancers and a professional dance company.

The London Ballet Company will travel to their bespoke studios, on Stone High Street, three times a year to hold workshops for the young, aspiring dancers.

The whole company will also be travelling to Stone later in the year, to put on a full-scale show, with the students.

Butterflies - Observations In

Gazette reader Thomas Knowles, has been recording the comings and goings of butterflies in Eccleshall for decades now.

Each year, Thomas produces highly detaied spreadsheets, you’d be amazed at how many different species vist us, and the numbers recorded, here’s his edited report for 2022, thank’s Thomas for sending it in.

2022 was an interesting year for butterflies in Eccleshall, partly because of some unusual climatic conditions but the perception of many people that it has been a poor year for butterflies is not borne out by the observations on the ground. However, 2022 was significant in its dryness until the late Autumn and mild temperatures until December.

What has been a feature is that some of our common coloured butterflies that we see in our gardens fared less well than usual whilst many species of butterfly found in the fields have had their best showing for some years.

Looking at the year as a whole, as normal nothing was seen in January but a surprise took place on 1st February when a Red Admiral was found basking in the sun on a house wall in Redhills, Eccleshall.

the recording of an early Painted Lady. June is nearly always a quiet month for butterflies found in our gardens, but in the fields, especially later in June, Small skippers, Meadow Browns and Ringlets

A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel at Salt Village Hall

Salt Village Hall committee have arranged another of their popular live shows, taking place on Friday 3rd March at 7.30pm, to raise funds for the village hall.

Singer songwriters Tim Chu and Ian Bailey will perform A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel the UK’s leading non tribute show currently dazzling live music lovers throughout the UK whilst supporting the arts in rural communities.

Tim Chu has been a professional session musician for many years and his music features in TV, Film and Radio. He has loved the music of Paul Simon from a young age as the original LPs were constantly on the record player!

Tim had the vision to put together an ambient show to take to real music lovers around the UK and enrolled the help of Lancashire born Ian Bailey to complete the duo. Ian has been a singer songwriter releasing his own albums for many years. Together they blend in their own unique way without falling into the tribute act category.

There will be no make-up, wigs or costumes - Just two great musicians performing some of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic songs in an intimate and relaxed way.

For more information and sample tracks visit… www.classicsingersongwriters.co.uk/sandg

Tickets are £12 and they are available from Bill Mitchell on 01889 508284, email w.h.mitchell@btinternet.com Bring your own drinks. Tea & coffee on sale in the interval.

Another sighting was made two days later at the other end of the Town but February was notable for three named storms coming in close succession just after the middle of the month so no more butterflies were seen until the penultimate day of the month when two Small Tortoiseshells were seen.

A few more Small Tortoiseshells were seen on fine days in March and then in the last week of the month we saw more of the species than at any time later in the year whilst out of hibernation came a few Commas, Peacocks and an odd Brimstone. April was a quiet month but a Speckled Wood was noted two months earlier than in 2021 along with the usual Orange Tips, Holly Blues, Small Whites and an early Large White and Green Veined White on the last day of the month. However, numbers were relatively low on all species.

May was another quiet month for butterflies and the only excitement was

all appeared and all of which had a much improved showing over recent years. The occasional sighting of a Common Blue also occurred in June and they were to be seen through to the second half of August bit only in penny numbers.

July and August are normally the peak months for butterflies on the wing and the remaining common butterfly to be found mainly in the fields, Gatekeeper, appeared in mid-July, and again the species did well over the next month but the other butterflies to be seen in this period were Small Copper which had a poor year and on 1st August I saw a Brown Argus – the first for three years. It is also worth noting that July 19th was the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.

As autumn approached in September there were large numbers of Small and Large Whites on the wing – actually Large Whites had an exceptional year – and Red Admirals were to be seen in encouraging numbers.

October was obviously a month of decline but in the middle of the month, which was very mild, I saw at least one butterfly on 14 consecutive days which was exceptional. We then moved into November which for over half the month was mild and the last butterfly seen was a Red Admiral on the 20th. However a week earlier in Holy Trinity Churchyard I saw a very late Speckled Wood.

Finally, although this is a report on butterflies, I remember in 1955 in Bournemouth my father pointing out to me a Humming Bird Hawk Moth –something that belonged to the South of England and certainly not in our experience to North Staffordshire. This Summer several have been observed in Eccleshall between 11th June and 18th October. How times change!

So the year was mixed with some of our more familiar coloured butterflies having a disappointing season but at the same time the butterflies in the fields did rather well.

By Thomas W. W. Knowles. Eccleshall

• A surprise Red admiral spotted Feb 1st

• Speckled Wood butterfly was out early too

• A Gatekeeper

• New to the area? An impressive Humming Bird Hawk Moth, caught in flight.

Impressive collection of ‘rare and valuable’ postage stamps to go under the hammer

Tuesday, 28th February is set to be a red-letter day for philatelists, as a particularly impressive collection of Queen Victoria and King Edward postage stamps goes under the hammer.

Staffordshire auction house Cuttlestones will handle the sale out of its Penkridge saleroom, with lots originating from a single, private collection known as ‘ The Dunston Collection’.

Amassed over a period of 10-20 years by a sadly deceased local enthusiast, the collection comprises some xx volumes which will be split down into individual lots.

The star lot of the sale looks set to be a set of six ‘Penny Blacks’ – famed as the world’s first self-adhesive postage stamp, and always a hit with collectors. Hailing from 1840 the 1d black block of six stamps, tied to a small piece by a red Maltese crosser, is expected to achieve £2,000 - £2,500, while a superb, used 1878 £1 brown lilac with postmark for Glasgow MY2 92 is expected to fetch £800-£1,000.

Other highlights include a rather colourful set of four 1913 ‘Waterlow Seahorse’ stamps trip in fine, mint condition on which the hammer could fall at £600£700 and a set of five 1840 2d blue plate postage stamps, presented as a horizontal strip and with clear margins all round, expected to achieve £400-£500.

Cuttlestones’ stamp expert, Geoff Milsom, says: “This really is a fantastic quality collection with some real rarities that any collector would be delighted to get their hands on.

We anticipate strong interest not only from UK collectors but from those worldwide thanks to our popular live internet bidding.”

The Specialist Stamp Sale will take place at Cuttlestones’ Penkridge sale room on Tuesday 28th February 2023 , with bidding in person, on the telephone lines, by commission or live via the internet at the-saleroom.com.

The fully illustrated catalogue will be available via www.cuttlestones.co.uk

Futures2gether supporting community Hub

Members of Futures2gether have spent time recently, fundraising for Stone Community Hub.

A cheque was presented to Jo Yendole, from the Stone Community Hub, for £225 to fund the vital services that the hub provides. The lead up to Christmas also saw the young people donating food items and making up festive hampers to be given out at Christmas. Jo said, "a massive thank you to everyone at futures2gether for their amazing support.

The money and hampers will go a long way to helping local families who are struggling financially this Christmas. Futures2gether are helping us to help make lives better".

National Trust talks

The Staffordshire Centre’s Autumn programme of talks for 2023 at Walton Village Hall, Green Gore Lane in Stafford starts on 14th February. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the door and pay as you go in.

However, it would help the organisers if you book your place(s) on the website https://www.ntstafford .org.uk/ go to Events-Talks-Book a Talk.

All talks start at 2.30 pm and you do not have to be a member of the Centre to attend. Admission is £4.50 for non-members of the Centre and talks are followed by tea and biscuits.

A Trip To The Seaside – February 14th A Talk

by Shaun Farrelly

The nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw the birth of mass tourism and for many people this meant a first ever trip to a coastal town.

Piers were built at many popular seaside towns and a major part of the excitement would have been a promenade along the pier, many of which still survive and continue to give enjoyment.

This talk will explore the history of Britain’s piers. As someone who had a misspent youth loitering around Southend pier, I expect this to have a special mention.

Salt Village Hall celebrate lottery funding

Salt Village Hall Committee and Salt residents celebrated at the official reopening of their village hall on Saturday 10th December after being awarded £41,022 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

The Funding Officer for Staffordshire & Midlands Jane Green presented the committee with a cheque and the event was also attended by Sir Bill Cash MP.

The funding was used to replace the failing wooden floor of the Main Hall with an insulated and reinforced concrete floor with oak effect Karndean finish. This, together with other improvements carried out at the same time, has transformed the hall into an attractive, comfortable and energy efficient venue.

This new National Lottery funding will be of benefit to the residents of Salt & Enson for years to come. It will ensure the long-term availability of the village hall as a resource owned and managed by the community for all to use for personal development and wellbeing.

The hall is currently used for aerobics, pilates, yoga and art classes, it is also home to a Friendship Club and a War Games Club. These alone mean that the hall is used by up to 100 people per week with other regular bookings for various social events. The hall is also available for private hire.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive.

Salt Village Hall secretary Bill Mitchell said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can continue to provide an attractive venue for the social activities of our community. This will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

Stone Town Council respond to Stafford Borough Local Plan Consultation

Stone Town Council has responded to Stafford Borough’s plans for the Stone area, as set out in the Local Plan Preferred Options Consultation document.

Soraya, Empress of Iran – March 13th A Talk by Bob Kermeen

For ten years, or more, Bob Kermeen has been giving talks to societies, such as U3A, the National Trust, and local historical groups about Queen Soraya. The older members of the audience remember her sweeping beauty, her fairy-tale, teenage marriage to the Shah of Persia, and the Shah’s subsequent betrayal.

However, few know of Soraya’s heart-breaking life that led to a mysterious death in a Paris penthouse. Bob’s first novel, ‘A Nastia Game’, featured a Soraya lookalike, Mata-Hari character.

Having given talks on his novel, many questions were asked, “Whatever happened to Queen Soraya?” Consequently, he prepared a talk on Soraya’s life that became very popular. It has since been given to over thirty different societies.

To keep up with our future events watch out for us in these pages or check out our Events page at https://www.ntstafford.org.uk/

The Town Council considers that Stone does not have the infrastructure of doctors, dentists, roads, schools or other vital services to support the amount of new housing proposed for the area by Stafford Borough, and is seeking assurances that these vital improvements would be put in place before any new house building is approved.

The proposed development in Walton (Marlborough Road) has been specifically opposed by the Town Council due to the amount of development that has already taken place in the Walton area, and the problems that would be caused for residents by works traffic movements through existing residential areas at the same time as Pirehill Lane is being used for HS2 construction traffic. The potential level of pollution and the damage to the environment by congested traffic is of particular concern – especially with 3 schools and 3 nurseries in the area.

The Town Council believes that the proposed developments on Uttoxeter Road and East of Oakleigh Court will exacerbate the existing delays caused by

the railway level crossing on Uttoxeter Road and create increased queueing of commuter traffic peak times.

An independent traffic assessment should be undertaken related to these three developments before any housing allocations to these areas are approved.

The current application for 130 new homes on Oulton Road has not been taken into account in calculation of the housing allocation to Stone. The Town Council have proposed that if this is passed, at least one of the housing proposals in the consultation document should be removed.

The full text of the Town Council’s consultation response can be viewed at www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Councillor Rob Kenney, Chairman of the Council’s General Purposes Committee said “The Town Council believes that there are serious flaws in Stafford Borough Council’s proposals for our area, which would lead to over-intensive development, particularly in Walton, and increased traffic congestion with increased pollution as a result.

The Council’s response to the local plan preferred options consultation sets this out, and we hope that Stafford Borough take on these points when finalising their plans.”

A Hen Party with a difference! Held in Stone

On Saturday November 26th I was invited to a Hen Party, when I opened the invitation and saw Hen Party my immediate reaction was how can I get out of this one?

On reading the invitation my interest was immediately grabbed, as it was not the usual meet at pub A, then on to pubs B,C,D and maybe even E if still upstanding. With the dress code for hens, anything black and the bride must wear white, thinking of that “little black dress” at the end of November which would be cold, my immediate thoughts were “must get some good old fashioned thermal underwear” (do they still make it?) YES they do!

This invitation was really different and one I was willing to participate in. The Hens came from far and wide, Nottingham, The Lake District, Chester, Leamington Spa, and a few local Staffordshire hens.

The Hen Party would be held at The Courtyard Workshop in Radford Street, Stone, run by Nikki Hough, where we would each make our own unique silver piece of jewellery.

I read that Nikki had gained an art and design degree at Bournemouth University and worked for many years in the jewellery industry, and had finally worked for Plants, our local High Street Jeweller, before starting her own business.

The invitation asked that prior to the day we let Nikki know what we would make, with the choice of rings, necklaces or a pin all in the Stafford Knot design. We began at 10am with Nikki guiding us through the design stage and how to fashion the silver. I won’t pretend it was easy but we did laugh a lot and we kept Nikki very busy as she went backwards and forwards to each of us helping.

The knot looks simple but actually tying the silver wasn’t easy, after copious amounts of coffee, tea and hot chocolate it was decided at 12.15 we would have a break and “go down the town”

Our Hen party went to “Spoons” for lunch with good food and affordable prices. One of the ladies bought a watch strap from the Shoe Repair shop and was thrilled at the price and that he fitted it within minutes.

SuperDrug was the next call with a 3 for 2 offer and another very pleased hen. The next shop was Jolu where two of the hens bought quirky birthday cards, an Ay up Duck mug, and a beautiful hand-crafted beaded bracelet.

The next stop was Griffins the Butchers where award winning sausages were bought, and then back up the High Street to Hammsa who had a market stand opposite Costa selling his home-made curry and fantastic vegetarian Samosa’s.

The final call by the hens was the Choc Box and then B&M to buy wrapping paper, however, they came out laden down with other things they had bought in there!

When we got back to The Courtyard the hens talk was that they would definitely visit Stone again, as they loved the mixture of independent shops, with a small mix of the big chain stores too, the local hens pointed out that they had only seen a few of the unique independent businesses, they were overwhelmed by the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone they came into contact with in the shops and eateries.

When the chatter stopped, we continued making our jewellery, it was obvious that during our break of over an hour either the jewellery fairy had come in and polished off a few raw edges or it could have been Nikki, I’m not sure because my Stafford Knot pin was magnificent and I was beginning to realise that perhaps I wasn’t that bad.

I really enjoyed myself and the opportunity to actually make my own unique piece of silver jewellery. Everyone was thrilled and the heating, polishing and twisting meant we had all produced a piece of jewellery to be proud of.

Who would have thought an invitation to a Hen Party with a difference, would also be instrumental in boosting our local economy, with a promise from the Hens that we would all meet up soon to widen the great visitor experience of our lovely town of Stone.

We have so much to offer with a Totally Locally shopping experience. The Hen Party didn’t end there as we were booked into the Thai LLana at 6.30pm and the meal was gorgeous, to end a perfect day we all trouped off to Enchanted where we had reserved a table. Jay had made Hen Party Mocktails for those of us who were driving. It really was magical as many of the cocktails and mocktails were oozing dry ice and frothing, bright colours, one even in a mini bath made the end of our Hen Party great fun.

It was certainly a day and night making new friends that I will never forget and would definitely repeat. Thank you, Stone, for being such great ambassadors.

By Jill Hood

A proud moment, made by my own hand, with a little help from Nikki!

Looking forward to 2023

by Eccleshall Poetry Group

A New Year can bring new ideas and new challenges for us all, and if you’re looking for something new to do and something that is definitely different, Eccleshall Poetry Group could be where you’ll find that spark to light up 2023.

Whilst they’re all lovers of poetry, not everyone in the Group writes their own poems, but member Wendy wrote this one, for one of the meetings last year, on the theme of “Challenges” .

Challenges

by Wendy Kerr

The EPG meets twice a month, To share a poetry collection, We have a chosen topic each time, To help with our selection

Of course it is a challenge, To find poems for the theme for the session, Do we google, search through poetry books, Or write our own – and make an impression?

It’s always such a pleasure, As we listen to what others proffer, The range each time is amazing, Poems of all sorts on offer.

And everyone connected, To whatever the subject is, I wish I’d thought of that one, Instead of getting in a tizz.

As we face each meeting and challenge, It requires some inspiration, Sometimes the link is tenuous, And needs some imagination.

Why did I choose that one?, It seemed just right at the time, Now I can’t remember, But everyone thinks it’s fine.

We always rise to the challenge, And come with lots prepared, Poetry, biscuits and chat, A great time happily shared.

*There’s always plenty to look forward to with Eccleshall Poetry Group – Will 2023 be the year you join us?

New permit plans for household recycling centres

Householders visiting Staffordshire recycling centres could be issued with free permits to distinguish between them and traders pretending to be private residents.

If agreed, it is hoped that the move will reduce queues and speed up visits to Staffordshire County Council’s 14 household waste recycling centres.

And, at the same time, it will discourage those traders who try to pass off commercial waste as household rubbish to avoid paying fees.

Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said: “Unlike many neighbouring local authorities, Staffordshire does accept trade waste to help the work of local businesses – but as it’s not a statutory service traders have to make a payment.

“Many traders use the service without fuss, but, for example, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a householder who has borrowed a van from work for a one-off task and small businesses using a van full time.

“This proposal means we will be able to identify traders and ensure they are charged accordingly, so Staffordshire residents are not subsidising businesses which don’t want to pay their way.”

Each year, the sites have more than 1.6 million visitors and accept more than 80,000 tonnes of waste.

Local people and traders got the chance to give their views on the new proposals when a consultation launched in December.

Simon Tagg added: “We want to hear what people think about the new plans, so we can make sure we are introducing a solution that works for our users.

“When the consultation launches in December, we encourage you to share your thoughts.”

Try the U3A Discovery Award

New challenge needed for the New Year? Look no further!

The Discovery Award, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, caters for the over 50 age group.

Current members take part in a wide range of activities including playing Bridge, running writing groups, researching family history, archery, building a model railway and ice

swimming. What ever you are able to do within the categories of volunteering, physical activity (inclusive of all abilities and mobility levels), hobbies and interests, and a journey of discovery, could lead you to your Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold+ Awards.

Interested? Email Anne Saxon mrsasaxon@aol.com

Emily is made new chairman of the Staffordshire Young Farmers Union

Emily Cartmail, who works in Eccleshall, became the new chairman of the Staffordshire Young Farmers Union at the group’s annual general meeting, held on Friday 4th November at the County Showground.

The event was obviously attended by many members of family and friends, also local dignitaries including the Deputy Mayor Councillor Peter Jones, and

Deputy Mayoress his wife Joy.

Apart from the business of an annual general meeting with reports from officers etc, the main part of the evening was the presentation of trophies and certificates for the various competitions staged during the year.

It was pleasing to see the Eccleshall YFC receiving a good amount of the prizes, well done Eccleshall YFC.

Stone Probus Christmas Meeting

Stone Probus Club gathered for their Christmas meal on Monday 5th December at The Upper House, Barlaston. Following the meal, musical entertainment was provided by Jon and Pamela Baddeley.

Stone and District Probus is a vibrant and friendly group for retired Professional and Business people.

We always offer warm welcome to new members joining our diverse membership. We hold a meeting with lunch and a speaker on the first Monday of every month.

For information, please contact Jon Goodson, Secretary on 01785 613966 or email: jonlgoodsonstonepro@gmail .com

Trentham duo are riding the waves for GB

Two junior rowers from Trentham Boat Club have joined the ranks of Team GB Under 19s, and travelled with British Rowing to San Sebastian in the Basque region of Spain, to compete in the European Rowing Beach Sprint Championships.

Made even more remarkable by the fact that Staffordshire is a land locked county, Sam Cuthbertson (17) who attends Stoke Sixth Form College and Izzy Punchard (17) who attends Thomas Alleynes High School, Uttoxeter, have met the increased demands of international competition and British Rowing training around their already hectic schedule of A level studies and training at the club.

Beach Sprints take the format Run-Row-Run. With one of the pair running down the beach to their partner waiting in the boat, rowing together through a slalom race around two offshore markers, followed by a straight-line race back to the shore, and the opposite rower leaving the boat through the crashing waves for a final sprint back up the beach.

Day one was finger-biting racing with a choppy incoming tide and increasing winds, Izzy’s seat fell off in the time trials forcing a restart which put them into fifth position.

Day two saw the pair win their quarter final against Belgium but unfortunately a loss in their semi-final against favourite Spain meant that they were left to the bronze medal race against the recent World Championship Winners Italy. It was a strong effort and a close race, but Team GB were out sprinted up the sand to the finish line.

Proud Junior Head Coach from Trentham Boat Club, Daz Barton said, “Their hard work and dedication has paid off and their love for the sport shines through. They are role models to younger club members and prove that anything is possible with the desire to succeed”

Trentham Boat Club Juniors are currently looking for new members between the age of 11 and 14. Enquiries can be made at trenthamboatclubjuniors@gmail.com

Sam and Izzy in action at the European Rowing Beach Sprint Championships

Sam Cuthbertson and Izzy Punchard

A Sixth Form that Means Business

The vast majority of employers believe that school leavers have not been adequately prepared for the work place and that is a scathing assessment on the state of education in this country.

It is something we have committed ourselves to addressing at Stafford Grammar School. We are constantly looking to work with businesses to understand what they want in their future employees. We believe developing partnerships with those same businesses is integral to our pupils’ future success.

We have therefore developed a new scheme that we call our Sixth Form Plus Programme, designed to make our pupils stand out from the crowd and ensure they are amongst the most attractive candidates to universities and future employers.

We still retain a commitment to A Levels because they remain the benchmark for academic success and intellectual achievement but we require our pupils to broaden their educational experience through our complementary studies.

1st Aston & Little Stoke Guides earn Gold Award

Alice and Lucy Williamson are pictured receiving their "Guide Gold Awards" from Stone Outward Division Commissioner Debra Turner last week.

The "Guide Gold Award" is the highest award a girl can achieve in the Guide section of Girlguiding. Guides have to complete activities and badges across all six themes of the Girlguiding programme to earn the award, which takes commitment and dedication.

Guide leader Clair Pontin, of 1st Aston & Little Stoke Guides, said " We are extremely proud of Alice and Lucy's achievements. They are the first recipients of the new Guide Gold Award in our Division. We wish them well as they continue their Girlguiding journey with our local Ranger group."

For anyone interested in information about Girlguiding please visit http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/

Options include studying our bespoke mini-MBA programme and acquiring valuable skills and insight into the world of business, gaining a TEFL qualification to teach overseas students English and earning a valuable income whilst studying at University, pursuing our Pre-Med EPQ programme with visiting experts from the medical profession to assist those wishing to pursue a career in medicine.

We also offer support with a range of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and EPQs (Extended Project Qualifications) that will be tailored to the individual pupil’s interests to give them additional qualifications and insights into specific areas of expertise. Hands on experience is available to those who work on our Business Fayre enterprise, working with businesses in the Stafford area and beyond. Alongside all of these new initiatives we continue to have our nationally recognised music programme, LAMDA, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Dance, subject ambassadors, volunteering opportunities, the list goes on. …

The Sixth Form at Stafford Grammar School is more than an education, it is an experience that will prepare the pupils for the challenges that lie ahead. We don’t just teach our pupils, we look to instil in them a life long enthusiasm for learning that doesn’t stop when they leave school but will carry them forward in a future where they will be the difference.

Oulton First School Choir Community Singing

The choir at Oulton First School have been very busy over the festive period singing at a number of community events such as the Alzheimer's Society, Advent Window opening and Walton

Community Centre. The also sang at a Carol Concert with the C-K Community choir, in which they raised £305 for St. John's Church, Oulton.

Stone Old Alleynians FC receive grant

There is good news for the Stone Old Alleynians Football Club who have recently been awarded a significant grant from the Football Foundation towards the maintenance and improvement of their grass pitches.

Club Development Officer & Chairman of the Girls section, Richard Jones, told the Gazette:

“We have for twelve months been working on a project with the Football Foundation to improve the quality and number of pitches we have at our base.

We are spread across two sites, with the boys and adult male teams sharing six pitches at the Sports Centre and the girls teams based across the road at Alleynes Academy having four pitches. All bar one of the Club’s thirty-one teams play at one of the two sites so it is imperative we maintain the pitches to a high standard as they come

under increasing wear.

Following a rigorous application process where we had to dig up several parts of every pitch, photograph and evidence their previous low quality, we have been successful in being awarded the full and largest single sum of money in the club’s sixty year history, spread over a five year period.

The grant is ring-fenced for pitch maintenance only and over the summer we have conducted a lot of work in preparation for the teams over the winter period where pitches tend to deteriorate. The maintenance has to be evidenced over the five year period. We would like to thank the Football Foundation for the grant awarded to the club and the club’s junior and adult players will no doubt be thrilled to have the best playing pitches in the area.”

Headmaster of Stafford Grammar School, Mr Pietrek, shares his views on the Sixth Form education system:

Alice and Lucy Williamson are pictured receiving their "Guide Gold Awards" from Stone Outward Division Commissioner Debra Turner

Members and friends of Stone Lions Club (CIO) were out in force in Stone High Street with their everpopular Human Fruit Machine, which provided even more fun and entertainment for those attending the Stone Town Traders Christmas Market on Sunday 20th November.

The attraction drew large crowds for several hours with numerous residents, young and old trying, their luck in achieving 3 matching items of fruit in order to win a treasured prize. I don’t know how they managed it, but everyone who took part won a prize, even if it did take them three attempts!

important to members of the Stone Lions Club and we all feel it is important to support the traders and shopkeepers who are the backbone of our local High Street wherever possible” says Lion Tony, who manipulated the handle of the machine with great dexterity.

“We were absolutely delighted to collect over £230 in donations but, more importantly, we received so many heart-warming compliments from those taking part that we forgot all about our various aches and pains”.

“We would like to say a very big Thank You to Stone Town Traders for arranging the event and to everyone who joined in the fun on the day.”

Lions presentation to Stone Stroke Club

Lions Glyn Ravenscroft, Paul Martin and Mike Potter from Stone Lions Club (CIO) were very pleased to attend a meeting of The Stone and District Stroke Club to present a cheque for £200 to be used in support of the club’s activities.

Presenting the cheque to Maureen Finlay, the Chairman of the Stroke Club, Lion Glyn acknowledged the vital role played by the Stroke Club and its’ volunteers since its formation in 1987.

“There is no doubt that the Stroke Club offers a huge support to its members, which is greatly appreciated by all who come into contact with it. We are proud that Stone Lions have a long involvement with the club, with a number of Lions serving as regular volunteers”, he remarked.

“At Stone Lions, we work on the principle that, as we raise our funds in our local community, our money should be spent in support of local organisations such as the Stroke Club, wherever possible”.

Stone Lions were very pleased to be asked to take part in the event again this year and decided that, as they did last year, they would make this a free game for all participants.

“Being a part of the community is very

In addition to operating the Fruit Machine for the best part of 5 hours, members also raffled a Christmas Hamper, one of a number in various locations in and around Stone. This hamper was won by a local resident, Maxine, who is delighted with its contents.

Maureen Finlay thanked the Lions on behalf of the members and volunteers of Stone and District Stroke Club and assured them that their kind donation would be put to very good use.

Staff and students at leading performing arts academy, Rooftop Studios, have been busy raising ‘pounds for Pudsey’!

From bringing friends to class or wearing PJs in the studio for a small donation through to cake sales, raffles and the annual Tapathon challenge –which sees students of all ages join dance schools across the country in a effort to break a world record – both the Stone

and Leek studios have been hives of fundraising activity.

The combined total is an impressive £1,221.79 which will go direct to Children in Need.

To find out more about Rooftop Studios’ dance, drama and stage academy classes in Stone and Leek visit www.rooftop studios.co.uk

Oulton First School have been learning about Anti-Bullying week in November. The week began with ‘Odd Socks Day’ with children wearing a pair of odd socks to celebrate the fact we are all special, unique and different.

Activities and discussions took place in each class and pupils joined together for a whole school celebration to talk about this year’s theme – ‘Reach Out!’

School council members helped to create a handprint wreath to remind us to always reach out to our friends, families, teachers and staff in school and also ourselves if we ever experience or see bullying in and out of school.

‘Hand in hand, learning together, we can reach out for anti-bullying at Oulton First School.’

Children enjoying the excitement of the challenge

The winning ticket for the hamper, being drawn by a passer-by

Pictured are Tapathon dancers with special guest Pudsey Bear…

Rooftop Studios raise £1,221.79 for Pudsey!

Oulton First School recognise anti-bullying week

Councillors agree no increase in garden waste or car parking charges

The cost of having garden waste collected for households in Stafford Borough has been frozen.

And councillors have agreed that there would be no rise in car parking charges next year either - in a bid to encourage more shoppers and visitors to the town centres to help local businesses.

Around 36,000 homes across the borough signed up to have their garden waste removed by the council’s recycling and waste contractors in 2022 - with the brown bin charge staying at £36 for 2023. And households can now sign up for their 2023 permit at Brown Bin | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Environment, said it was important they could freeze the charge for thousands of households in the borough who were facing increases in the cost of living.

Councillors considered changes in fees and charges for some of the services it delivers at a meeting of the cabinet. As well as the brown bin garden waste fee, they agreed to freeze other charges including car parking - to encourage more visits to the town centres to support local businesses, rent on stalls for traders at the indoor market, and licences for taxi drivers - with the local authority wanting to help small businesses still recovering from the pandemic.

The cabinet report said there is a predicted gap in the local authority’s budget for the new financial year of £2 million.

It continued: “Fees and charges are an important source of income to the council. As costs rise with inflation, if income from fees and charges does not rise proportionately, this will add to the 2023-24 budget gap - the difference between projected expenditure and income. The council currently projects a budget gap of £2 million for 2023-24.”

And, despite the report saying that inflation was more than 12 per cent, most of the other charges will only go up by around 5 per cent - although it warns that hiring sports facilities will need to increase to cover the significant rise in energy costs.

Leader of the Council, Patrick Farrington, said: “We know what a difficult time this is for our residents and businesses. The cost-of-living crisis is hurting everyone in the community, and we are determined to keep fees and charges low wherever we can.

“Local authorities are also facing significant financial pressures. We have an exemplary record of managing our finances but the increases in the costs to our council along with reductions in funding, mean we are looking at a potential budget gap of around £2m. This will require us to make savings without losing the vital services we deliver to the public.”

The full cabinet report can be found at 22/23 Committee Meetings | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

More details on the garden waste service at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/brownbin

For car parking information, including prices and how to purchase season tickets, go to Car Parking in Stafford and Stone | Stafford Borough Council at (staffordbc.gov.uk)

WI Celebrates Christmas!

One of the Women's Institutes claims to fame is for being organised and a recent event at The County Showground demonstrated just that as ladies across Staffordshire geared up for Christmas.

Over 30 stalls were on hand offering gift ideas, Christmas decorations and cards, craft, plants and more to allow an early wrap up of the presents list.

The day featured a speaker, Christmas entertainment and floral demonstrations, too.

The Rev Geoff Eze, broadcaster on Radio Stoke, gave an inspirational talk on how life- journeys are influenced by choices that are made and how parents have a vital role to play. Geoff will be forever grateful that his mother enabled him to learn the piano, despite his father's objections, and had a musical career before choosing a spiritual path.

The Bells & Banter group of the Inn Ringers gave a festive feel to the day by playing well known hymns and carols on hand-bells.

The afternoon was all about flowers and fun as the well-renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley effortlessly created arrangements for the home at Christmas whilst regaling the audience with anecdotes about his life. His creations were raffled at the end of the day with some winners wondering how they were going to transport them home!

The day was organised by the Events Committee of Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes and their Chairman,

Verity Conner said, 'It was lovely to have so many WI members here to enjoy time together, be entertained and to shop! What a wonderful start to the build-up to Christmas'

For information on the work of the WI in Staffordshire and future events, please visit www.sfwi.org where there is a link to their Facebook page.

Geoff Eze with Verity Conner, Chairman of the SFWI Events Committee

Jonathan Moseley with some of his floral creations

Bells and Banter Group, The Inn Ringers

The History Of The Chains Of Office

By Philip Leason MBE

Following the Town Carol Service held in St. Michael and St. Wulfads Church in early December, which was attended by the Town Mayor and also by me as the Borough Mayor, I was asked about the history of the chains of office.

The Town Mayor’s chain was formerly the chain worn by the Chairman of Stone Urban District Council. It was presented to the council by Ernest J. Johnson (later Sir) on completion of his three years of office as Chairman – 1925-26, 1926-27 and 1927-28.

Ernest Johnson was a pottery manufacturer and lived in “Altona” on the Lichfield Road. He was born in Shropshire in 1881 the son of Robert Lewis Johnson. He was educated at Rugby School. He married Anna Shepherd in 1906, the daughter of Alfred Boote of East Orange, New Jersey in America, a descendent of the Pilgrim Fathers.

Ernest became a prominent figure of North Staffordshire and a leading citizen of Stone. He was Vice President of the Pottery Manufacturers Association, President of the North Staffs. Royal Infirmary and a Justice of the Peace, Politically he was President of the Stone Division of the Conservative and Unionist Association and a Conservative members of Stone Urban District Council.

He was all round sportsman playing golf and he played cricket for Staffordshire from 1904-14. For many years he was a Church Warden at St. Michaels church and was involved in a number of organisations in Stone including St. Michael’s Working Men’s Club. He was knighted for his public service. He died in 1962 and there is a monument to him in St. Georges Chapel in St. Michael and St. Wilfad’s Church part of which reads “A leading figure in the industrial and public life of North Staffordshire. Highly esteemed for his personal concern and support of hospitals – charitable organisations and sporting activities.” It is in honour of him that Johnson Grove on the Aston Lodge Estate is named.

• Above, The Mayoress chain for Stafford Borough, Top right, Stone’s Mayoral Chain, Bottom right, Cllr. Philip Leason wearing the Mayor of Stafford Chain.

Lady Johnson died on 4th April 1980 and like her husband was involved in a number of organisations in Stone and was a great benefactor to St. Michael’s church

Going back to the Chairman’s Chain it was manufactured by the jewellers Henry Pidduck and Sons of Hanley. Their shop was opened in 1841 and was located at the bottom of Market Square by the junction of Fountain Square in Hanley. They designed and manufactured all kinds of jewellery and trophies. Perhaps the most famous object they designed was the Blue Riband – Hales Trophy which is presented to the ship making the fastest transalant6ic crossing.

The chain is 18ct gold and 40 inches in length and the links are of two alternating patterns; one an oblong link surmounted by a Stafford Knot, and each having a shield for engraving the names and dates of the chairman (a practice long since ceased after all the shields were filled up). The second link is of a pointed oval pattern, connected by a double row of oval rings.

The central link of the chain from which the badge is suspended has scroll decorations at the sides and a central enamelled plaque bearing the entwined monogram of S.U.D.C. (Stone Urban District Council).

The town crest on the badge was designed by Pidduck’s and a watercolour of the original design is now in the archive of the Town Council. The top part of the crest is taken from that of Earl St. Vincent and depicts Pegasus raising from a Naval coronet and holding between the paws a black lozenge.

The items on the crest itself represent the industries of Stone. The wheatsheaf or gard representing agriculture; the tun or barrel the brewing industry and the crossed shoemaker’s tools of the knife and awl the shoe industry.

The Stafford knot and the chevron on it are taken from the County coat of arms and the two black lozenges (diamonds) are reference that Stone lies between the North and South coalfields.

Either side of the central crest are sprays of hops and barley, again representing the brewing industry.

The Latin motto “ Sit Saxum Firmum” translates as “Let the Stone be firm.”

In 1935 Councillor E.T. Taylor presented a medallion to be worn by the Vice Chairman. The inscription on the back reads: “Presented to Stone Urban District Council by Councillor E T. Taylor to be worn by the Vice Chairman and to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of their Majesties King George and Queen Mary 1935.” The medallion is worn on a coloured ribbon original intended to show the political party of the wearer ie. Blue for conservative, red for labour and a neutral grey for an independent.

Following local government reorganisation in 1974 when the councils of Stone Urban, Stone Rural, Stafford Rural and Stafford merged to form the present Borough Council it was agreed to form Stone Town Council (a parish council) and to have a Town Mayor rather than a Chairman. It was

therefore appropriate the former Chairman’s chain of office and the medallion of the Vice Chairman should be worn by the Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The first Town Mayor was Councillor Frank Jordan and the first female was Councillor Margret Kennedy who succeeded him.

The badge on the chain of office of the Chairman of Stone Rural was replaced with a new one and the chain is now worn by the Deputy Mayor of Stafford Borough Council. The original Stone Rural badge is displayed in the Civic Offices at Stafford.

The Mayor of Stafford’s chain is again made of 18ct gold and weighs 22.350 troy ounces and was presented tom the Town of Stafford in 1870 following a public subscription. It was enlarged in 1883 again by public subscription.

The chain comprises of seventeen medallions bearing a shield and crown, linked by seventeen double Stafford knots. The original medallion shows a castle and four lions at each corner of the shield and a fish at the base of the castle. It is interesting to note that the fish refers to the granting of a charter giving rights to Stafford for which in return the town had to send the King each year a pike caught from the “Kings Pool.”

• The original Stafford badge that goes on the chain

The medallion was replaced in 1974 and shows the crest of the new Borough of Stafford; however the original one is still worn on major civic occasions.

The Mayoress’s chain dates from 1901 and is again in 18ct gold. The chain consists of eight medallions linked with Stafford knots to seven portcullis, the centre-piece of the chain is the Royal coat of arms, below is suspended the badge which is a smaller version of the original Mayor’s medallion. The inscription on the back of the medallion reads “Presented to the Corporation of Stafford in the first year of the reign of His Majesty King Edward VII 1901 by Mr and Mrs W. C. T. Mynors, Mayor and Mayoress.” Cllr. Mynors had been the Mayor for the previous three years. The chain actually comes apart and can be worn as a choker necklace and a bracelet.

I hope that this article has been of interest and that where appropriate it has brought back memories to some readers

Please help us to keep the heritage of Stone alive for generations to come. If you have any photographs relating to the anything mentioned here please contact Staffordshire Past Track.

All photographs will be treated with the utmost care and returned safely to their owner after they have made digital copies.

•

Living Memory with Philip Leason MBE

A Portrait In Postcards - Part 2

By Chris Copp Staffordshire Archives & Heritage

Here is a second batch of images from the Roy Lewis postcard collection that we showed in the last edition. We are in the process of adding over a thousand postcards to Staffordshire Past Track, and once again we would like to thank Roy’s family for giving us the opportunity to scan postcards from his wonderful collection.

Over 47,000 other images are available on the Staffordshire Past Track website www.staffspasttrack.org.uk. To find out what’s new on the site just click onto the ‘Latest Additions’ tab.

You might also like to try out the GPS Location Explorer feature on the site: when using a mobile device with GPS enabled the page will show a list of resources nearest you. With 'automatic updates' switched on

the results will automatically reload every few metres you walk. It works particularly well where there are a lot of resources – give it a go in Eccleshall and Stone and see what things looked like in the past on the spot you’re standing!

If you have any images to lend, or any extra information, please contact the Past Track team: Staffordshire Past Track, Staffordshire Archives & Heritage, Unit G, Beacon Business Park, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0WL. Telephone 01785 278379. email: past.track@staffordshire.gov.uk. You can also keep up to date with what’s new on Past Track by ‘liking’ or following our facebook page.

Oulton Rocks was probably built in the mid 1860s for Edward Capper Copeland J.P., earthenware manufacturer. Following his death in May 1875 it was sold and by 1880 another earthenware manufacturer, Charles Meakin was living there with his family.

He sold the house in 1887 and John Harding, a brewer, moved in. The Hardings did not stay there long as between 1893 and 1909 Henry James Johnson, his wife Maria and their family were living here. Henry Johnson was another pottery manufacturer. In 1910 the Johnsons sold it to Capt. Victory Henry Goss (1865-1913), son of William Henry Goss, pottery manufacturer. A bachelor, he died in March 1913 following a fall from a horse while riding in Tittensor.

By 1915 Oulton Rocks had been purchased by Robert Lewis Johnson J.P. (1879-1946), from another branch of the Johnson pottery manufacturing family; he was a managing director of Johnson Bros. of Hanley. He had married Constance Meakin in 1904 and following her death in 1927 he remarried: Ethel Maria Stokes was his second wife. It was then the home of the Waley family from the 1950s into the 1980s.

On the reverse is a message from Florence Goss Murdock saying 'This is my home in England' and 'we are in Wales now'. Florence (1870-1949) was the youngest daughter of W.H. Goss and sister of Victor Henry Goss. She had married an American, Gilbert L. Murdock and emigrated to the United States in 1905, but her husband died in March 1912. Later in life she married Sir John Fagge and became Lady Fagge. She died in Massachusets in 1949. This postcard may have been sent during a brief return to the United Kingdom following her first husband's death. ( Roy Lewis Postcard Collection).

A

He was born in Aghadowey, County Londonderry on 25 March 1857. He moved from Ireland to Reading, England aged 17 and then to the Potteries in 1883. He took over Boulton & Thomas’s shop on Lamb Street, Hanley and shortly afterwards built McIlroy’s Stores. He had moved to The Brooms by 1896 and lived there with his family until

his death, aged 78, on 2 June 1935. Shortly after his death McIlroy's store was sold to Lewis's. His widow and second wife Jessie (nee Brown) stayed on at The Brooms until 1947. She died aged 88 in 1969.

Originally built around 1800, the house became the Brooms Hotel in the late 1950s and the name had changed to the Stone House Hotel by 1988. Around 2000-02 a large extension was added and the frontage was remodelled. Additional information provided by Tim Cockin and the excellent ‘Stone History Snippets’ facebook page. (Roy Lewis Postcard Collection).

large group of people pictured at The Brooms on Stafford Road, Stone. This could be the occasion of a works treat for the staff of McIlroy's department store in Hanley. At the time of this photograph The Brooms was the home of Clarke McIlroy, owner of McIlroy's department store at Miles Bank, Hanley.

• Picnic party at The Brooms, Stone, July 1904.

• Oulton Rocks, Oulton, near Stone, 1912-13.

• Crown and Anchor, Stone, 1936-37

The thatched Crown and Anchor public house in Granville Square, on the corner of Newcastle Street and Station Road. The inn was built in 1675, but was damaged by fire in 1937. This postcard shows workmen renovating the building just prior to fire. Fire broke out in the early hours of 7 February 1937.

The fire started in the roof which had recently been rethatched. Because of the renovations the licensee, Mr L.V. Glover was not in the building when the fire broke out. Remarkably, the work to repair the extensive fire damage was completed in time to celebrate George VI's Coronation celebrations just a couple of months later, in May that year. (Roy Lewis Postcard Collection).

Five ski medalists join GB Alpine squad

Five talented young skiers who scooped medals at national competitions have won the thumbs up to join a British schools’ Alpine race squad.

Clinching podium slots at open championships provides a springboard for the Stafford Grammar and Prep school quintet to train and compete alongside top junior skiers at resorts in the Italian Alps and on indoor pistes at home and abroad. Among the group is 10-year-old Ted Mincher-Lockett, who lives near Eccleshall.

Their selection follows successes at several National Schools’ Snowsports Association (NSSA) events. Spearheading them with a string of accolades is 14year-old Georgia Blaikie, who captured both the NSSA National League under-14 slalom final and British outdoor under-16 title at Swadlincote, while also securing third place at a British schools’ indoor event in Manchester.

Her elder sister Elena, 15, made her mark after stepping up to the under-19 circuit. She chalked up fourth place at the British Indoor championships and moved through the gears to win a runner-up medal in the NSSA dry slope UK open in Derbyshire. At the same championship Ted, who attends Stafford Prep, captured a silver medal in the boys’ under-12 race to book his place alongside the Blaikie siblings in the national schools’ squad. Specialist coaching at UK ski slopes will be followed by trips to Pila in northern Italy in February and the Langraaf indoor resort in the Netherlands.

“It’s really exciting because we all had to gain a podium spot to get into the squad, which shows how hard we tried and how well we’ve done,” said Ted.

“There are different age groups which is great when you’re training because you can learn from the older skiers and the younger ones look up to you, so you become like a role model to them.

“I can’t wait to go to Pila. I like ski-ing on snow more than dry slopes. When you’re at the top of the mountain it can take about 20 minutes to get down. It will be fun and we’ll learn useful skills for racing,” added the 10-year-old.

slope podium place in Derbyshire.

Stone’s Charlotte Ashton was among Stafford Grammar’s female quartet who challenged the best 18 open age school sides from England, Scotland and Wales at the ESSKIA British dry slope slalom final and finished in ninth place.

The showcase event at Stoke Ski Centre marked the climax of the English Schools’ Ski Association domestic programme and was restricted to the most successful girls’ and boys’ teams which competed at qualifying events in England or at parallel competitions organised by Snowsports Scotland and Wales. The under-19 championships attracted nearly 200 of the nation’s best athletes.

Four members in each team completed two timed runs, with no division of age groups. The combined scores of the top three performers were added to calculate a team total, while individual medals were also up for grabs.

Elena Blaikie narrowly missed out on a medal when she recorded a combined total of 24.60secs, placing her fifth out of 90 British female competitors. While the SGS pupil was the second fastest English athlete, younger sibling Georgia finish fourth for England and seventh overall. Charlotte contributed to the team result, clinching 49th place and Year 7 pupil Greta completed the group of four.

The grammar girls’ team total of 1:23.71secs left them only 0.72 seconds behind eighth placed South Hampstead High School. Welsh side Crickhowell High, based in Powys, chalked up 1:14.64 to be crowned GB champions.

• Station Road, Stone, July 1906.

Carts and wagons line the approach road to Stone Station, waiting to take visitors to Staffordshire Agricultural Society's annual County Show, which that year was being held on a field off Lichfield Road, beyond the cricket ground.

The County Show was first held at Stone in 1844 and was thereafter held at a different venue each year. This County Show was held in Stone on 18th and 19th July 1906.

In the distance can be seen Stone Station. Since 1958 the County Show has been held at the purpose-built County Show Ground at Hopton, on the outskirts of Stafford (Roy Lewis Postcard Collection).

SPS classmate Tyler Reardon became hooked on the sport just 18 months ago and trains three times a week. His efforts paid off when he won the under-12 boys’ group in the outdoor open North event at Lancashire-based Ski Rossendale. The 10-year-old saved his best run until last, crossing in 21.37secs to top the group by more than one second to earn his NSSA British call-up.

Twelve-year-old Greta Stretton-Mroch became the fifth and latest Stafford pupil to be picked for the GB Alpine set-up after she gained an under-14 national dry

• Willow Cottage Farmhouse, Aston-by-Stone, circa 1910

A postcard view of Willow Cottage Farmhouse, a 17th century timber-framed thatched house in Aston-byStone. (Roy Lewis Postcard Collection).

(pictured from left) Ski medalists Tyler Reardon and Eccleshall’s Ted MincherLockett, both 10, are picked for a GB Alpine slalom race outfit.

Elena Blaikie, 15, races to a place in a British schools’ Alpine squad.

Gazette Motoring

The Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in hybrid

A review by Syd Taylor

I was greeted by my young neighbour, a motoring expert of renown. 'Wot's that?' A simple enough question I thought from one too young to drive. 'It says 'Tuxedo'. My dad has got one of those'. I corrected him and pondered upon the struggle faced by educationalists. There's a struggle too for car makers in the hotly contested 'crossover' market. It goes without saying that their cars need to be recognisably different - and better than - the competition. This being one of Hyundai's most successful models, the Tucson proves that on all counts it is a winnerdespite being unknown to my Bugatti and Lamborghini obsessed neighbour.

it subscribes to the spheroidal rather than the steroidal school of design which presents a non-aggressive appearance.

Out and about on the mean streets of Wolverhampton, onlookers were reassured that I was not driving an eco-warriors nightmare plastered with rampant rhinos and sporting 'earthmover' tyres but simply a pleasant and middle class vehicle.

I was using a £39,680 'mid spec' Tucson Premium 1.6 T-GDi plug-in hybrid variant which, when compared to the opposition, is very competitively priced. It's a surprisingly good hybrid combination of petrol power and electric power. 261 bhp in total goes to all four wheels through a six speed automatic gearbox. With that level of power you could reach 120 mph if you were so wickedly inclined - but if you are a world-saving crusader you might want to plug in and cover up to 38 miles on electric - while that Devil's brew within the fuel tank goes stale. Use it like that and Hyundai's claim of up to 202 mpg might be achievable. There is, of course, no such thing as a free lunch - so just remember to factor in the cost of those amps and volts. (not forgetting President Putin!). All things considered, it adds up to a very pleasant vehicle to drive for either bimbling about in town or making long journeys.

Inside it's airy in the way tall vehicles manage so well, with good visibility and that air of smugness that comes from being perched fairly high. Comfy, roomy, tastefully subdued and appointed, it's obviously of excellent quality. It looks durable too - and there's that confidence-inspiring five year warranty.

Modern as modern can be, you get electric 'this 'n that' and lots of aids to keep you safe. You get brake assist, downhill brake control, ESP, ESS, EBD, GCSE, MBE, RNLI and H&C (Only joking!).

Smooth cruising at high speed is relaxing and everything spins sweetly and quietly once the delightful petrol engine is fully warm. Slip quietly away on electric when you say cheerio to the vicar and you will be surprised how lively this Tucson is. It's the perfect encapsulation of a modern super efficient family transportation podule that marks you out as discerning.

With Hyundai having moved upmarket, the Tucson joins a growing band of family SUVs that includes the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. It faces stiff competition indeed and needs to be good: and it most certainly is.

You get engineering excellence and styling which is both rugged and at the same time non-threatening. This last is important and that is why

On the highways and byways it handles beautifully, rides very well and goes fast enough, rewarding driver and passengers with progress, not of the snobbish kind but of the democratic kind. It's an all-round proper SUV for today.

'Does it do absolutely everything wonderfully?' I hear you ask. Possibly not. But what it does do is turn every drive into a safari of serenity - a regal progress which makes aspiration redundant. When driving the new Tucson you are certain of one thing. You have already arrived.

Marty Robbins famously sang a song about an Arizona Ranger. It was called Big Iron. And like a rugged ranger out to serve the needs of the civilised family, the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid - named after the legendary Arizona city - irons out the problems connected with family SUV transportation.

Gazette Motoring

Kia Stinger exits stage as EV6 GT waits in the wings

The Kia Stinger is today (November 1st) withdrawn from sale in the UK, ahead of the arrival of Kia's new highperformance EV6 GT later this year.

The Kia Stinger first burst on to the scene in 2017, and received a range of updates in 2021. Powered by a 3.3litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Stinger has been – for several years – Kia's fastest-accelerating car to date, achieving the 0-to-62mph sprint in 4.7 seconds.

It was also a totemic car for Kia. The high-performance, rear-wheel drive sports saloon served as a bold statement of intent for the brand, capable of covering great distances in comfort and style. Kia's 'grand tourer' also introduced the brand to a different type of buyer, playing an important role in transforming perceptions of Kia in recent years.

Waiting in the wings to take its place is the all-electric, zero-emissions EV6 GT, with first customer deliveries starting in the UK before the end of the year. The new model not only takes the Stinger's crown for fastestaccelerating Kia, sprinting from 0-to-62mph in 3.5 seconds. It is also the most powerful production car that Kia has ever made, with its dual-motor electric powertrain producing 577 bhp (430kW) and 740 Nm (546lb ft) torque.

The EV6 GT is based on Kia's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), engineered exclusively to accommodate the car's considerable electric power. With a powerful motor on each axle, and the long-range 77.4kWh battery placed beneath the car's flat cabin floor, the EV6 GT offers a generous level of interior space inside a sleek, coupe-inspired crossover design. With a driving range of 265 miles (WLTP combined), it also boasts 800V charging technology, enabling it to recharge from 10-to80 per cent in 18 minutes from an ultra-rapid charger.

Compared to more conventional EV6 variants, the EV6 GT boasts bespoke chassis and powertrain features. These include performance brakes, optimised steering, and reworked suspension for greater driver control and confidence. An updated Drive Mode Select system offers a new ‘GT Mode’, allowing drivers to customise their driving experience and unleash the car’s full performance capabilities.

Paul Philpott, President & CEO for Kia UK, comments: "The launch of the Stinger will go down as a transformative moment for Kia. Its driver-focused 'grand tourer' credentials, paired with Kia's reputation for vehicle quality and design, made it an incredibly compelling car for drivers. At the same time, it also had a transformative effect on how people saw Kia.

"For the same reasons, the EV6 GT is the ideal car to take the baton from the Stinger in the UK. Our future product plan has a major focus on electrification, and globally Kia plans to offer a line-up of 14 EVs by 2027. Combining high-performance capabilities with an incredible design and a long-range electric powertrain, the EV6 GT is an important part of this plan, and a true new flagship for the Kia brand."

The Kia Stinger remains in production in South Korea, and Kia UK will fulfil all existing customer orders for the model. Order books are now open for the new EV6 GT from Kia's UK dealer network, the first customer deliveries arrived in the final quarter of 2022.

Move ensures Shakespeare Festival goes ahead next year

The Shakespeare Festival in Stafford could be moved to the town’s Gatehouse Theatre next year to ensure it goes ahead.

A report to be discussed by Stafford Borough councillors says the cost of staging the production at Stafford Castle in 2023 would be difficult in the current financial climate.

Freedom Leisure Trust, the not-for-profit organisation who run a range of leisure and cultural services on behalf of the council, has asked for help with the increases in energy costs it is facing.

On Thursday (1 December) members of the council’s Cabinet met to discuss making a financial contribution as an “exceptional cost” to help ‘Freedom’ through this difficult period.

And as part of the discussions the Cabinet were asked to agree that the popular Stafford Shakespeare Festival will be hosted in the Gatehouse Theatre in the centre of town next year.

The festival returned to the Castle for a two-week run this summer having been cancelled in the previous two years due to Covid - with the organisers reporting an increase in ticket sales compared to 2019.

Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said they wanted to make sure the long running festival of the bard’s work would still be performed in Stafford.

“It is rightly acknowledged that our Shakespeare Festival is one of the jewels in the town’s cultural offering and, despite the difficult economic conditions, we are determined that the show must go on.

“Our leisure partners are a not-for-profit organisation and, like so many, their business is being severely impacted by the huge increase in costs, not least from energy bills.

“Staging the event at the castle incurs significant infrastructure costs due to the terrain and the provisions needed to protect this important heritage site and, even though the numbers attending rose from the event in 2019, it would still require a substantial subsidy to run.

“So, delivering it from our recently renovated theatre would ensure Shakespeare can go ahead in 2023 - and hopefully bring more people into the town centre. We will also not be in the hands of the gods when it comes to the weather which can have a major impact on attendance and running costs of the outdoor event at the Castle.”

The Freedom Leisure financial position has been provided to councillors in a confidential document but the report states: “officers have been given information that demonstrates the substantial set-up costs required to lay on a safe production at Stafford Castle in 2023.”

And it continues: “The overall forecast net cost of the production for 2023, in the context of the energy price issue and wider budgetary pressures on the contract, is significant taking account of the above set-up costs. So, it is considered both appropriate and necessary to review alternative options for the Shakespeare production for 2023.”

The ‘Freedom Leisure Contract’ report can be found from the Cabinet agenda for Thursday 1 November at 22/23 Committee Meetings | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

Joy as Countess marks double milestone at new british JCB plant

The Countess of Wessex, Patron of the NSPCC, was warmly welcomed to JCB on 15th November for a double engagement – to officially open a new £100 million factory and to receive a £300,000 cheque for the children’s charity.

The Countess visited JCB Cab Systems, Uttoxeter, and during a tour, Her Royal Highness was given an insight into the hi-tech manufacturing plant complete with its computer-controlled production line and rainwater harvesting and heat capture systems. Her Royal Highness later received a cheque for £300,000 for the NSPCC after a successful employee fundraising campaign.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford and his wife Carole welcomed The Countess to the plant and during the visit Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque on the shop floor to the applause of hundreds of employees who had gathered to watch the occasion.

Lord Bamford said: “Britain, and Staffordshire, is a great place to manufacture and investing in Britain is something we will continue to do. Investing in this plant has, quite literally transformed our cab production business, bringing new levels of efficiency to our operations.”

The Countess of Wessex met employees on the shop floor including Ben Emery, who joined JCB in 2006 as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice. He now works as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager at the factory and led the team that bought all the key equipment for the new plant. He gave Her Royal Highness an insight into the manufacturing processes at the site.

Ben, 32, of Burton-on-Trent, said: “It was fantastic to meet The Countess of Wessex and the whole team is very proud to have been able to show off our hi-tech workplace to a member of the Royal Family. She was very interested in everything we have done to make this a world class, efficient manufacturing facility which competes with the best in the world.”

Following the official opening, The Countess, attended a celebration to mark the culmination of JCB’s latest appeal for the children’s charity, which the Bamford Charitable Trust has supported for almost 40 years. Her Royal Highness met more than 50 employees from all over JCB who have played key roles in the JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal, which was launched in 2021 with a target of £70,000. Employees smashed through the goal - raising £150,000.

The Countess was presented with a cheque for £300,000 by Lady Bamford -

after The Bamford Charitable Trust doubled the amount raised by employees. As she handed over the cheque Lady Bamford paid tribute to everyone involved in the Appeal.

She said: “JCB is a family business with family values, and it is those family values which have seen so many successful NSPCC appeals staged over the years. JCB’s roots in Staffordshire are very deep, just like those of the many thousands of families who work here. There is so much more work to do to end child cruelty, which is why it is so important to us to support the work of the NSPCC in a way which directly benefits the children of this county.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: "We would like to thank JCB for their fantastic efforts during the Platinum Jubilee campaign. We are extremely grateful that JCB has chosen to donate the funds raised to the NSPCC and support our vital work with children and families in Staffordshire.”

A group of 10 JCB employees started the appeal ball rolling with a 129-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride from Barrow-inFurness to Tynemouth. A team of 36 apprentices also built a one-off electric Loadall telescopic handler from scratch and gave it a distinctive vinyl wrap using the handprints of children from two Stoke-on-Trent schools: The Ormiston Horizon Academy and St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy.

The machine has now been bought by UK plant hire company VP Plc. Other fundraising events included the ‘JCB Sportive’, a bike ride organised by the JCB Cycling Club which saw 250 cyclists ride either 70 miles or 70 kilometres for the appeal in the summer – a mile or kilometre for every year of Her Majesty’s reign. George Bamford, who is Honorary President of the JCB Cycling Club, also took part in the ride which raised £10,000.

JCB has a proud history of raising money for the NSPCC and a highlight came in the summer of 2000 when employees raised a staggering £1 million for the charity – a sum which was doubled to £2 million by the Bamford Charitable Trust. The amazing feat was repeated in 2014 when employees again raised £1 million, which was again doubled to £2 million by the Bamford Charitable Trust. The proceeds of that campaign were used to purchase a service centre for the NSPCC in Newcastle-under-Lyme – named Carole House in honour of Lady Bamford and JCB’s long-standing support of the NSPCC.

More families to pay no council tax in cost of living crisis plan

Changes to rules could see thousands of people in Stafford Borough not paying any council tax.

Stafford Borough Council are proposing changes to its Local Council Tax Reduction scheme which will mean some families will pay no council tax for the 2023/24 year.

The local authority said the move is aimed at helping residents hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. And the council stress that nobody will be worse off if the proposals are given the go ahead by elected members early next year.

It would mean more than 4,500 households will not have to pay Council Tax from April. Those eligible will have the reduction automatically applied and will not need to claim.

Like all local authorities, Stafford Borough has its own means tested support to reduce the council tax bills of those residents in lower income groups - and those working aged claimants can get up to an 80 percent reduction on their bill. Some pensioners, people with disabilities and parents of children under five can already claim up to a 100 percent reduction.

But with cost of living and energy bill increases making it even more difficult for residents the borough council is looking to let those working aged claimants on low pay get a 100 percent discount - and therefore have nothing to pay in the 2023-24 financial year.

Discounts of up to 60 percent will still be available for those whose income is higher - and you can find out more about it from A Guide to Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Reduction | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)

The borough council collects council tax on behalf of other public sector organisations - such as Staffordshire County Council who have supported the potential changes.

Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We know some of our lowest income families are being hardest hit by the significant increases in energy bills and the rise in the cost of living for many everyday essential products and services and we are determined to help those most in need where we can.

Around 1700 extra people in our community will benefit by not having to pay any council tax from April 2023 - and it is also important to stress that nobody will lose out from the proposed changes.

I hope all councillors will be supportive of our approach”

A decision on the rule change will go before a meeting of the Council in February. People can comment on the proposals until late January at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/ lctrconsultation