Newcastle Life Issue 19

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£2 WHERE SOLD

ISSUE 19

Life VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Opportunities in Newcastle under Lyme

WIN

TICKETS TO SEE INTEMPERANCE AT THE NEW VIC THEATRE

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ISSUE 19

CONTENTS

Editors Letter.......................................6

What’s On ..........................................22

Keele Science .......................................8

Heritage Lottery Fund .......................25

Newcastle Volunteers ........................10

Have Your Say ...................................26

Brighter Futures.................................12

Art Exhibition ....................................27

Firefighters Bravery ...........................14

Get Into Volunteering .......................28

Engineering Competition...................16

Staffordshire Wildlife.........................31

Keele Links to Locals..........................17

Gardening ..........................................32

Stage Directions .................................18

Hockey Club.......................................36

Young at Heart ...................................19

Motoring ............................................38

Recipe ................................................20

Quiz Corner........................................42

We a r e N U LS. Ju n ior O pen Mor n i ng T hu r sd ay 28 M a rch 0 9. 3 0 - 11.0 0 a m C a l l Now for Ju n ior O p e n D a y s a n d To u r s n u l s . o r gg. u k | 0178 2 6 6 4 616

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Got a spring in your step?

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Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Holly Keates Tracey Redfern Design & Production Thomas Brian General Manager tom@timesandecho.co.uk Mobile: 07855 242693 Jane Walters Advertising Sales jane@timesandecho.co.uk Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk life@timesandecho.co.uk

e certainly have! This unseasonably warm February weather has got all of us here at Newcastle Life in a sunny, happy mood! How long the sunshine will continue for is anyone’s guess, so enjoy these mild spring days whilst you can and fingers crossed it’ll be a balmy Easter weekend for us all.

Inside Issue 19 of Newcastle Life you’ll discover a whole new world of opportunities and skills at the tips of your fingers - through volunteering.

Volunteering has plenty of positive benefits and having volunteered for regional health groups for several years, I can certainly recommend it. It boosts confidence, by giving you the chance to try something new, and builds a real sense of achievement - you can make such a positive difference to the local community. In fact, volunteering has a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general.

We have a round up of local volunteering opportunities for you - have a read and see if you can find a new experience to help you to meet new people, challenge yourself, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills, discover hidden talents and maybe even gain qualifications.

Also in this issue we check in with Edenhurst Primary School and take a look round their brand new science lab, and talking of education, we discover how the new ‘Civic Agreement’ from Keele University will help the lcoal community.

There’s also the usual features around gardening, what’s on, our fun filled quiz and a delicious recipe to get your teeth into.

And finally we sum up the new proposals from the local NHS to transform local services - this could affect Newcastle so take a look and have your say.

Now we’ve hit spring, many of us would have left out long forgotten New Year’s resolutions by the wayside. I’m pleased to say I’ve been continuing with my ‘get more active’ intentions, slowly but surely doing more and more exercise in 2019. In fact, I’ll soon be taking part in a swimathon to raise money for charity - wish me luck!

But for now, all I have lined up is a relaxing evening in with a book, a glass of wine and the sofa - a well deserved rest! I hope you enjoy this issue of Newcastle Life magazine. Cheers!

Laura

Newcastle Life is YOUR magazine and we want to hear from you!

If you have a story to tell, if you want to promote your event or your talents, if you have exciting snippets of local history to share - simply get in touch, email laura@timesandecho.co.uk

ISSUE 12

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 13

Life VICTORY FOR ‘THE BEAST’

Champi on Edd ie is World’s Stronge st Man

WIN

A

S PA FIT FLIP

£2 WHER E SOLD

£2 WHER E SOLD

Football given ing hero Fre of Newc edom astle

Life

Life

ISSUE 15 £2 WHER E SOLD

Life

Gordon BoroughBanks OBE Council’ awarded s high est hono ur

Kickin seaso g off the n in sty le

New star festivalsts, new initi atives, creativit , fundrais ing and y acro ss the area

WIN

tickets to see Hard Times at The New Vic

WIN

‘MONUME DAY FOR NTAL’ CIRCUS HETOWN’S RITAGE

A family Adventu ticket to see Astl res at The ey’s New Vic Astounding Theatre

WIN

Newcast le above and Lions go beyond

Celebrat ing 31 year friendshi s of p and fund tickets raising for hilariou Diamonds are s new 60’s for musical Eric - the at The New Vic

Did you know that you can read Newcastle Life online?

Visit www.timesechoandlife.co.uk

Cover Photo: Ron Fox 6 Newcastle Life Issue 19

Find us on Facebook - search for Newcastle Life Magazine

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Discover the very best fireplaces, fires and stoves

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KEELE SCIENCE

Inspired by scie

Keele lecturer opens brand new sc

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special event has taken place at Edenhurst Preparatory School to mark the official opening of the school’s newly refurbished science

lab.

Dr Sharon George, Lecturer in Environmental Science from Keele University, visited the school to discuss the topic of sustainability with pupils and parents.

During the event, Dr George ran an ‘EcoDetectives’ session with Prep 5 pupils, before officially cutting the ribbon to declare the state-of-the-art new laboratory open.

The new science lab offers Edenhurst pupils a bright, modern new facility in order to see science in action and conduct their own ‘hands-on’ research and experiments.

The refurbishment forms part of a series of renovations at the school following investment in a new all-weather Astroturf

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pitch in 2016.

Julie Nash, Head of Science at Edenhurst Prep School, a qualified Medical Biochemist and former scientist at GlaxoSmithKline, said: “We are very fortunate at Edenhurst to have such a high-quality science lab. I am passionate about teaching science and love to keep the children enthused with as many practical activities as I can fit into the curriculum.”

Mike Hibbert, Headteacher at Edenhurst Prep School, added: “We are delighted to be able to provide our pupils with this upgraded new science facility. Here at Edenhurst, our aim is to inspire our pupils with innovative delivery of lessons by our dedicated teachers, using the latest technologies across a broad curriculum.

Through receiving specialist teaching in subjects like science, our pupils build a solid foundation for future success.”

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ence

KEELE SCIENCE

school lab

Earlier this year the independent school, located on Westlands Avenue in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag for demonstrating a commitment to environmental awareness over several years, the highest award that schools can achieve.

Dr Sharon George, a leading expert on sustainability at Keele University, said: “The planet belongs to us all but our impact from using too many resources is a problem. It is so important that we equip our children with the knowledge, values and tools to deal with the challenges of the future. The Eco-Schools Green Flag Award is evidence of the enthusiasm and hard work of the staff and children in tackling these issues. It is fantastic that this school is demonstrating such commitment to sustainability through its teaching and activities.�

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newcastle volunteers

Call for volunteers Your chance to push for dementia breakthroughs

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assionate volunteers in Newcastle-under-Lyme are being asked to come forward to help form a new fundraising group to support Alzheimer’s Research UK. The UK’s leading dementia research charity is looking for people with a range of skills to help set up a group, which will aim to raise vital funds and awareness in the town and the surrounding area.

Members can get involved in a variety of ways, from getting stuck in to fundraising challenges to raise money for pioneering research to representing Alzheimer’s Research UK at events and spreading the word about the charity within their local communities.

Alzheimer’s Research UK regional fundraising groups play a crucial part in raising funds to help scientists make life-changing breakthroughs in dementia research. Dementia, most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s, currently affects around 850,000 people across the UK. Alzheimer’s Research UK powers world-class studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia, and has funded over £3.7 million of pioneering research throughout the Midlands.

Zoe Baggott, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK,

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said: “Dementia has a huge impact on families, with over 1700 people living with the condition in Newcastle-underLyme alone. It is important to us at Alzheimer’s Research UK that communities have the opportunity to come together and get involved with supporting dementia research.

“Regional fundraising groups are vital in helping us power research to make key breakthroughs possible, both through raising funds and helping to spread awareness of this cruel condition. Our supporters are key to helping us achieve our vision of a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.

“We’re confident we’re going to find passionate and dedicated fundraisers in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and we can’t wait to welcome them. As the Regional Fundraising Officer, I’ll be on hand to support the group as they kick-start their fundraising activities.”

To register your interest in being involved in a Newcastle-under-Lyme fundraising group visit https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/ support-us/volunteering/fundraisinggroups/ or call Zoe on 07469 852501.

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

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brighter futures

Time to Talk about mental health

Local residents share stories to help others

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ampaigners who share their mental health stories in a “life-saving” e-book have supported Time to Talk Day by inviting people to drop in for a chat.

Customers of not-for-profit Brighter Futures, based in Hanley, have been able to discuss their first-hand experiences of mental health conditions and offer inspiring advice in the free e-book, titled ‘Our Stories’.

They supported Time to Talk Day on Thursday, 7th February, by inviting people to pop in to any of Brighter Futures’ Clubhouses for a cup of tea and a chat.

Sharon Godwin, Brighter Futures Clubhouse Network Manager, said: “In Staffordshire, over 82,000 people aged 18-64 are predicted to have a mental health problem this year – including over 24,000 in Stoke-on-Trent alone.”

“The e-book highlights the fantastic work our staff and volunteers do at our Clubhouses.”

The group is encouraging people to show support by sharing its social media posts about the e-book using #ShareStoriesNotStigma.

Brighter Futures customer Howard Dexter, 62, from Hanley, shared his story in the e-book.

He described how he was initially diagnosed with depression and sectioned under the Mental Health Act before being correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

He said: “It was a relief to finally have a diagnosis of Bipolar; it meant I could start to get the right treatment I needed and the medication helped me be stable.

“It was a little daunting sharing my story, as it’s so personal, but if it helps one person on the street relate to their life and reach out for help it’s worth it. I really feel like we’ve helped to create something which could genuinely be lifesaving and I’d encourage as many people as possible to read it.”

Brighter Futures is a leading provider in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, of expert and professional help through its support services and accommodation for people living with multiple and complex needs. Brighter Futures has developed a wide range of innovative services which support, improve and maintain

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mental health wellbeing, allowing people to live independent and fulfilled lives, managing their various complex needs better.

Brighter Futures operates every day offering health and housing services to people in need, people can get support from them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To find out more about Brighter Futures support services please call 01782 406000 or go to www.brighterfutures.org.uk.

For more information regarding clubhouse locations and opening times please call 01782 835220 and to download the free e-book visit www.brighter-futures.org.uk or follow brighterfuturesNW on Facebook or @BFNW on Twitter.

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Brighten up your kitchen this winter

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firefighters bravery

COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS

Newcastle Blue Watch praised for their hard work

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whole watch of firefighters has been commended for their work in preventing a house from being consumed by flames.

Blue Watch from Newcastle were presented with certificates of commendation by Chief Fire Officer Becci Bryant at an event at Newcastle fire station recently.

Crew members are: Watch Manager Jason Richards, Crew Manager Jas Sokhal, and firefighters Ian Cooper, Paul Diamond, Sam Durber and Steve Snape.

They were recognised for their work during last summer’s hot weather. On the evening of Thursday, 9th August through to the early hours of Friday 10th August the Service faced a significant wild fire on the Roaches near Leek. The weather conditions changed during the evening and at approximately 1am the incident was scaled up to 12 pumps.

A change in wind direction and speed caused the fire to spread rapidly which meant that a number of homes were at risk of being caught up in the fire.

Visibility was almost zero and the conditions under foot were extremely difficult, as was the terrain surrounding the properties. Watch Manager Jason Richards and his crew helped to evacuate a property and were in touch with the owner telling her that they would do all that they

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could to save the property.

They worked tirelessly throughout the night to ensure that the property was protected from the fire and the owner could return.

The commendation recognises their commitment and dedication in extremely difficult conditions. Becci Bryant said: “Their actions and behaviour that evening epitomises what the Service is all about. They put their welfare second to ensure that the house was saved and they worked in the most difficult of circumstances throughout the night. I believe that their actions saved the house from being lost to the fire.

“I’m delighted they’ve been nominated for a commendation as I believe we should recognise when our crews go above and beyond the call of duty. All too often firefighters shrug off their efforts and achievements, claiming it’s just part of the job I really think it’s important we show our appreciation and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Pictured: Blue Watch being presented with their commendation. Left to right in the cab: Watch Manager Jason Richards and Crew Manager Jaswender Sokhal. Standing: Chief Fire Officer Becci Bryant, Firefighter (FF) Paul Diamond, FF Steven Snape, FF Sam Durber, FF Michael Roberts.

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engineering competition

PRIZE CASH BUNDLE FOR ENGINEERING FIRM PCT awarded complete rebrand following competition

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Newcastle-Under-Lyme engineering firm has landed a rebrand in a £1,600 prize bundle after winning a social media competition.

PCT Engineering Ltd, based at Holditch Industrial Estate, entered the #GrowAndGetEm competition this month, organised by the Stokeon-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub. The prize included a logo design package, a single-page of brand guidelines and 12 hours of business advice.

Mathew Rigby, Managing Director of PCT Engineering Ltd, said: “We haven’t updated our branding in a few years and I designed it all myself. I was really surprised to win the competition and the prize couldn’t have come at a better time as we are planning to expand our services and attend an upcoming exhibition in the summer.”

The 38 Local Enterprise Partnership-led Growth Hubs across England bring together and simplify access to national and local business support. Supported by Government, Growth Hubs ensure that no matter the size, sector or maturity of a business they provide locally tailored business support and advice to direct businesses to the most appropriate organisations to assist with their specific requests.

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The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub was established by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to play a major role in the drive for strong, sustainable business growth across the LEP area.

Growth Hub Business Support Officer Rebecca Wilson said: “The #GrowAndGetEm campaign has really helped to extend our reach and raise awareness of the services we offer, such as helping businesses to apply for grants and offering professional advice. We are hopeful of another batch of grant funding available from April, so we’d encourage businesses to get in touch.”

The Growth Hub will be holding a celebration event on March 29th at Aston Marina in Stone.

For more information visit stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk or call the Stoke-onTrent and Staffordshire Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002.

Pictured are Mathew Rigby, Managing Director of PCT Engineering, Michael Cubbon, Apprentice Administrator for the Growth Hub, Rebecca Wilson, Growth Hub Business Support Officer, Lee Parker, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Declan Riddell, Growth Hub Business Advisor.

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keele links to locals

Community benefit from university innovations Newcastle, Stoke and Staffordshire set for boost from local knowledge

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earby Keele University has pledged to put the local economy and quality of life in the community top of its list of priorities.

Keele joins 30 other institutions in committing to produce a “Civic University Agreement” in partnership with local government and other major institutions.

The new agreement is a key recommendation in a report published by the Civic University Commission set up by the UPP Foundation and chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake.

The report sets out how universities like Keele have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support the places where they are based to solve some of their most pressing and major problems.

These issues range from helping local businesses adapt to technological change, to boosting the health of local people, improving education for school pupils and adult learners, and training and

developing new civic leaders in every field from politics to the arts.

This will help Keele to build on the work it is already carrying out in these areas, working alongside councils, employers, cultural institutions, schools and further education colleges.

Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “At Keele, we are proud of the collaborative work that we are undertaking with our local partners to tackle some of the major issues affecting the local areas of Stoke-onTrent and Staffordshire and beyond.

“Our research is amongst some of the best in the world and our student talent is among the most employable in the country.

Initiatives such as The New Keele Deal and Keele Deal | Culture are enabling us to continue and expand our collaborations with local businesses and organisations, translating this expertise into tangible impacts such as the advancement of new products and services within the healthcare industry, the development of the smart energy technologies of the

future, and the creation of innovation-led growth and highvalue jobs within the local area.

“Through the programmes and projects within The New Keele Deal alone, we aim to support 1,000 local businesses and inject £210million into the local economy, whilst also working to improve local health and care and put the region at the heart of the UK’s transition to a lower carbon economy.”

Speaking at the launch of the Civic University Commission report, Chris Skidmore MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, said: " I was pleased to read about Keele University's commitment to its New Keele Deal, designed to deliver a local industrial strategy for Stokeon-Trent and the wider Staffordshire area, in partnership with local authority partners and the private sector."

This research discovered communities welcome opportunities to connect with universities, and there is great local pride about how universities put their hometown on the map.

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Stage Directions

Win Two Tickets to See The Moving Drama Intemperance At The New Vic

by Richard Lane

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i rehearsals just around the corner, New Vic ith Theatre gets set to stage Intemperance, a movi ving i drama of hope, dreams and close-knit communities amid endemic 19th Century ryy societal inequality ty, y which runs from Friday 5 to Saturday 20 April.

Directed by New Vic Associate Director Zoë Waterman (Table, Playhouse Creatures, New Vic Theatre; The Rubenstein Kiss, Kii Aft Affter t Miss Julie, Nottingham Playhouse), Intemperance is set in 1854 Liverpool. A time of rapid change, booming trade and rife social inequality ty, y it was a defining period of the city ty’s y history ryy - when St George’s Hall opened to huge celebration while the poorest of society tyy struggled to surv rvi vive i in backstreet cellar slums in the midst of a devastating cholera epidemic.

A poignant story ryy of self-betterment, Intemperance is set to the backdrop of evocative Irish music, capturing the camaraderie of livi ving i in a close-knit community ty, y where love, laughter and hope blossoms against the harshest conditions.

A cast of five will wii take centre-stage at the theatre-inthe-round to bring Lizzie Nunnery ry’s y critically-acclaimed play to life.

Award-wi winning i playw ywright w and singer-songwr writer r Lizzie Nunnery ryy has enjoyed great critical acclaim for her

work, including beiing g shortl tlisted for esteemed literary ryy prize the Meyer-Whiitwort rth th award (awarded to new British playw ywr wrights r ) for Intemperance which premiered in 2007. Her play Narv rvi vik i won Best New Play in the UK Theatre Awards 2017, she has wrr written extensively for BBC radio and is currently developing her first feature film.

Tickets for Intemperance are on sale now from the New Vic Theatre at newv wvi victheatre.org.uk i or on 01782 717962.

We have teamed up with the award-winning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, to give away a pair of tickets to see Intemperance. Simply answer the following question:

In which city is Intemperance set?

A) Manchester

B) Liverpool C) Leeds

(CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER)

Name................................................. Address.................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Daytime phone no.........................................................

Please send your entry to Newcastle Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. To be received by April 2nd 2019.

The production runs at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from Friday 5 to Saturday 20 April.

The prize is a pair of tickets.Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to availability

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young at heart

Dynamic group set to battle social isolation Young at Heart group launched for local older people

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local church have launched a very special group which aims to combat social isolation.

Cross Heath Methodist church hosted their first Young at Heart group recently. The group offers a range of activities for older people in and around the Newcastle area who may otherwise face loneliness.

The group runs on the last Thursday of the month from 10am to 1pm, with light food served during the activity.

Activities will be tailored to the group’s requests, and can include musicians, exercise classes, crafts, bingo, games and healthy eating sessions.

Organisers say there are also plans to have speakers visit to offer information on wide-

ranging topics such as healthy living, benefits, staying safe in the home and more.

Lorraine Vernon, Young at Heart Volunteer told Newcastle Life magazine: “We are very pleased with how our first group has gone, it was well attended with a really positive vibe. We would like to welcome more members of the community to the group.

Come along, join in and have fun.”

This group would not have started without the support and partnership working of Support Staffordshire, Father Hudson Care and Cross Heath Methodist Chapel.

For further information about the Cross Heath Young at Heart Group please contact Mark Porter Telephone: 01782 269990 markporter@fatherhudsons.org.uk Pictured are members of the Cross Heath Young at Heart group Drinking Tea, left to right: Lynn Roberts, Bill Huckfield & Janet Huckfield and the wider Cross Heath group: Mark Porter Project Manager Young at Heart, PCSO K Bryan, PC D Slater, Bill Huckfield, Lorraine Vernon, Rob Brunt, Lynn Roberts, Thelma Twigg, Alex Brown Tesco Community Champion, Janet Huckfield.

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RECIPE

SIMPLE SPRINGTIM

MINTED ROAST LEG OF LAMB

Ingredients: The Roast: • 2.7kg leg of lamb sourced from your local butcher • Fresh thyme and rosemary • 250ml chicken stock • 100ml water The Rub: • 15 fresh mint leaves chopped • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 50g butter • 2 tsp whole grain mustard • ½ tsp English mustard powder • Juice and rind of 1 lemon, grated • Black pepper Method: While waiting for your preheated oven to reach 140°C, put the lamb into a roasting dish and make incisions on the top of the lamb leg all over 20 Newcastle Life Issue 18

the meat with a sharp knife. This will help the flavours from the rub to infuse the meat In a separate bowl mix together the mint, crushed garlic, butter, whole grain mustard, mustard powder, lemon juice and grated rind and then smother the rub all over the lamb.

Place the fresh thyme and rosemary at the base of the roasting tray, tucked underneath the leg of lamb.

Pour the stock and water into the roasting tin around the meat, and cover with a lid or tin foil to seal.

Roast in the oven at 140°C for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until tender.

Increase the temperature to 180°C, remove the tin foil, place back and roast for 30 minutes until golden.

Remove from the oven, and transfer lamb to serving board to rest whilst you make the gravy.

Seasonal serving suggesting: Jersey Royal new potatoes and spring greens are at their best during April and May and would make a great accompaniment to roasted leg of lamb.

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ME FAYRE

RECIPE

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hat better way to welcome in the spring than with a traditional roast lamb lunch served up with a seasonal selection of mouth watering sides and a tempting, but simple, dessert to finish.

Here we add a little twist to your regular roast leg of lamb with a beautiful homemade mint rub, which is quick and easy to execute but for which you will reap the rewards tenfold when it comes to the all important taste test!

A SIMPLE SIDE OF ONION SAUCE

Ingredients: • 1 large onion finely chopped • 1 tbsp water • 2oz butter • Desert spoon plain flour • Approx ½ pint (to desired thickness) Method: Place the chopped onion in a small dish with the water, cover and microwave for four minutes on a high setting.

Make a simple white sauce, either in a pan on the hob or using the microwave, by adding the flour to melted butter and cooking for a minute or so before gradually whisking in the milk.

Once your white sauce is ready combine this with the softened onions and keep warm until it’s time to serve.

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Stone Road, Baldwins Gate, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 5ED Newcastle Life Issue 19 21

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What’s on Do you have an event to share?

Let us know!

uk and we will do our best to Email laura@timesandecho.co. on guide feature your event in our what’s Very Grimm Broth ers Forest Fables and Fo ibles - Newcastle Lib rary will be hosting a morni ng of words and music , from The Very Grimm Brothers Adrian Mealin g and John Denton. Yo u are invited to their enchanted forest at 11a m. For more informati on and to book tickets (£2 ) call 0300 111 8000 or 01684 540366 Wednesday, 20th March

Newcastle Festival for Mu sic, Speech and Drama Newcastle under Lyme Festival is an annual event, organised by volunteers, which provides a valuable performance opportu nity in speech, drama, and music. For anyone who can act, recite, play an instrument or sing, or is in a band or choir, this is a fantastic chan ce to perform in front of a live audience. Budding composers and poets are also catered for with competitions to perform their own creations, or have them performed on their behalf. Care fully selected judges of international standing , put together a verbal and written adjudication , giving ‘words of wisdom’ to help all competitors in the development of their art.

16th March - Speech and Drama, Newcastle under Lyme Col lege 22nd & 23rd March - Mu sic, Clayton Hall Academy

22 Newcastle Life Issue 19

Author reading of born in Birmingham Roy McFarlane was his of st mo nt spe has and Jamaican parentage d the rhampton. He has hel years living in Wolve and ate ure La et Po ’s role of Birmingham tly the sidence, and is presen Starbucks’ Poet in Re Poet in te’s titu Ins nd dla Mi Birmingham & g has appeared in Residence. Roy’s writin ies, including Out of log ho ant and magazines e, , Filigree (Peepal Tre 12) 20 Bounds (Bloodaxe, n Te a?

Wh e rat leb Ce tor of 2018) and he is the edi s nd m the Midla Black British Poets fro n of His first full collectio .

11) 20 ck, sta oke (Sm was , ath Bre st th Your La poems, Beginning Wi 16. This is a 20 in ss Pre hes Arc published by Nine ce in the Keele Hall free event, taking pla c.uk m. boxoffice@keele.a 0p 7.3 , Common Room rch Monday, 25th Ma

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:08 Page 23

Keele Bach Choir Brahms: Requiemand Liebeslieder Op.5, 7.30pm at Keele University Chapel. The Choir recruits members from both within the Keele University community and beyond - singers do not have to be connected with the University to join. Tickets: Advanced £10, Adult £12, Student £5, Under 16 FREE Saturday, 6th April

Plant Hunter’s Fair The April fair takes place at Doro thy Clive Garden over the Easter weekend.

There is a special low event price on these days of just £4 for entry to the garden and plant fair (normally standard garden entry is £8.50).

This event is one of the best loved garden even ts in the area with a winning line up of the best nurseries around, a most charming and beau tiful garden and a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

The 12-acre Dorothy Clive Garden features a superb woodland garden, alpine scree, a damp garden and spectacular flower bord ers. Full details at www.planthuntersfairs. co.uk Sunday 21st and Monday 22n d April

Train Fair The North Staffs Toy and diecasts, scins, trai el Buy, sell or trade mod on Man and Acti , Kits e, plat Tin vel, fi, Mar place between more. The fair will be taking under 16s free, at y, entr £1 , 2pm and 0am 10.3 tre, Church Lane, Cen ity mun Com St Wulstan’s Wolstanton Saturday, 27th April Lymelight Festival 2019 tival is returning The Popular Lymelight Fes the Bank holiday to Newcastle Town Centre for vities are being acti and ic mus of s weekend. Lot d. planned for the weeken 3rd May - 6th May 80s and 90s party London Road Bowling Club, Newcastle, 7pm till late. All money rai sed goes to Royal Sto ke Neonatal Unit. £3 ent shop ry l writer oetry work Saturday 4th May Creative p popular loca ly ge hu a is etry nd po de Mel Woo ng a creative castle ew will be offeri N d at an et pm po 12 and ore n 10am and pl ee ex tw ill be w p worksho kshop Mel or w is y. th ap In . ther Library (£5) as a creative use poetry Pint of Science festival how we can ay th M A chance to learn about all things science Monday, 13 from the comfort of the local pub! For more information, email shotofscience@gmail.com Monday 20th - Wednesday 22nd May

Star Gazing y Tuesday 8tory is open to the public ever Did you know, Keele Observa the Keele in with op hillt a on ated m? Loc 10pm and every Saturday 1-3p 2 and hosts a 31cm ervatory was founded in 196 University campus, Keele Obs rture research ape k to 1874 as well as a 61cm aperture refractor dating bac openings. Weather lic pub the ing dur e are welcom reflecting telescope. Visitors scopes of objects tele the ugh red amazing views thro permitting, they will be offe mers are at hand to ono Astr .

Sun the or , ters star clus such as the Moon, planets, welcome; there is ns. Children and adults are explain and answer questio including toilet facilities. tory erva obs the of s area disabled access to the public nearby.No booking additional parking available Parking at the site on request, required.Free Tuesdays and Saturdays Newcastle Life Issue 19 23

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:08 Page 24

STAAFFORRDSHIRE

COUNT Y SHOW

WEDNESDDAYY 29TH & THURSDAYY 300TH MAYY 2019 www.staffscountyyshowground.co.uk Email: holly@staffscountyshowground.co.uk Teel: 01785 258060

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:09 Page 25

heritage lottery fund

£5M MARK FOR NEWCASTLE HERITAGE National Lottery funding gives incredible boost to the borough

O

ver £5million has been raised to support 80 community heritage projects across the borough of Newcastle under Lyme, thanks to players of the National Lottery.

The milestone has been reached with a grant of £97,600 to repair and restore the iconic town centre barracks. The Barracks Trust will be celebrating their building’s history in 2019 with activities to collect and share local people’s memories of the venue.

Support from National Lottery players has made a huge difference to the borough since it became a priority development area for the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

In 2018 the town was one of five national hubs for Circus 250 celebrations, recognizing 250 years since Newcastle born Phillip Astley invented the modern circus and set the standard size of circus rings still used today. A historic town centre building, derelict for over a decade, has been given a new lease of life, with the 17th-Century Maxim’s nightclub site opening as the Belong Heritage gallery.

Commenting on the news, Head of HLF West Midlands Vanessa Harbar, said: “It is inspiring to see the difference that National Lottery players and local voluntary groups have made to Newcastle’s heritage. Heritage can bring communities together and transform a place so we are looking forward to seeing groups apply for grants to put on exciting new projects in 2019.”

Paul Farrelly, MP for Newcastle-underLyme, said: “I really appreciate all the National Lottery’s efforts in backing worthwhile projects

in Newcastle as a matter of priority. We are the biggest town in Staffordshire, next door to its biggest city, but with a distinct history and identity from Stoke-on-Trent.

“National Lottery players’ contributions are making sure that our centuries-old heritage is not only being preserved, but has been given a whole new lease of life for the benefit of the whole community.”

Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Cllr. Simon Tagg, added: “This National Lottery funding milestone is truly remarkable. We are helping to preserve some of our borough’s history for generations to come.

“In Newcastle we have seen significant projects come to fruition, including the refurbishment of the barracks, which the Council also invested funding in, and the recent opening of the Belong Village project that protects the history of one of the oldest pubs in Newcastle, the site of a former pottery and parts of the former Maxim’s nightclub.

“To demonstrate that we are committed to supporting protection of the borough’s heritage we have included it in our new Council Plan.”

Tony Green, Chair of the Barracks Trust, said: “We are really pleased that we have been awarded funding by the National Lottery to do essential work on the windows in the barracks.

The building is important for the town and we are committed to preserving it for future generations. We are looking forward to working with the local community and finding out about their memories of the Barracks too.”

Newcastle Life Issue 19 25

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Have your say

The future of Bradwell health services

Have your say on local NHS provisions

N

orth Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are currently carrying out public consultation about proposed changes to local health services in Northern Staffordshire, decisions which could affect community beds and services delivered at Bradwell Community Hospital.

It is important to have your say. Your views will help to decide how to deliver services that may affect you, your family, your friends or people you care for.

You can find out more about the consultation via the dedicated website at www.healthservicesnorthstaffs.nhs.uk The deadline to get involved is 17th March 2019.

The consultation is about: A. Community-based services Integrated Care Hubs In North Staffordshire there is a wide range of community services such as memory clinics, falls prevention services and physiotherapy to patients, often in their own home or in the local community. The CCG proposals would join together key services in the community through integrated care hubs.

Integrated care hubs are a new way of delivering community-based services so that they are joined-up, with several services available in one place, better meeting local patients’ needs and making sure they receive the care they need without going into hospital.

The CCG wants to know where you think the hubs should be located within Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands and North / South Stoke on Trent.

The Newcastle options are: 1. One hub with services delivered from Bradwell Community Hospital. This is the CCG’s preferred option 2. One hub with services delivered from the NHS building at Milehouse Primary Care Centre on Lymebrook Way. Options for other areas can be found online.

26 Newcastle Life Issue 19

B. Community hospital rehabilitation beds There are five community hospitals in North Staffordshire - Leek Moorlands Hospital, Cheadle Hospital, Bradwell Community Hospital, Haywood Hospital and Longton Cottage Hospital.

The CCG would like your opinions on where the Community Hospital Rehabilitation beds should be located and have developed a shortlist of six options.

The options include a mix of existing community hospitals and care homes. Care homes could be used to provide short term support and quality measures will be put in place to ensure high standards.

The options are: 1. All 132 community beds at Haywood 2. 77 beds at Haywood, 55 beds at Leek.

Assessment at Leek and short term inpatient care at Haywood 3. 77 beds at Haywood, 55 beds at Longton.

Assessment at Longton and short term inpatient care at Haywood 4. 77 beds at Haywood, 55 beds at Cheadle 5. 77 beds at Haywood, 55 beds at Bradwell 6. 77 beds at Haywood, 55 NHScommissioned beds in local care homes rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding. This is the CCG’s preferred option C. Consultant-led outpatient clinics The CCG also runs a number of consultant-led outpatients clinics at both Leek Moorlands Community Hospital and the Royal Stoke University Hospital. They want to deliver these clinics better, safer and ensure consultants spend more time with patients and less time travelling between sites.

They want to know what you think about the proposals to move some of the consultant-led outpatients clinics such as outpatient appointments for skin conditions and minor surgery for things like lumps and hernias from Leek Moorland Community Hospital to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

For more information, phone 01782 298002, email mlcsu.northstaffsstoke@nhs.net.

You can complete the questionnaire at www.healthservicesnorthstaffs.nhs.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:09 Page 27

art exhibition

Three Counties Art Exhibition

Call for entries

F

ollowing its huge success last years exhibition, the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition will return this summer at the Burslem School of Art for its third year.

Artists from Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire are invited to submit their entries for judging. A number of prizes will be presented at the preview evening.

If you would like to enter, please bring up to 3 entries on: Saturday 13th July, 10am4pm or Sunday 14th July, 10am-4pm. The exhibition preview evening will take place on Friday 26th July, 6pm and the exhibition will run from Saturday 27th July 29th August.

For more information on how to enter, including an entry form, go to boxoffice@keele.ac.uk

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Times, Echo & Life Publications, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk www.facebook.com/newcastle.life Editorial: laura@timesandecho.co.uk Advertising: tom@timesandecho.co.uk

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VOLUNTEER Opportunities in New get into volunteering

H

ave you ever contemplated becoming a volunteer? Volunteering opens up a new world of opportunities and skills you may not have had access to before and has plenty of positive benefits. It boosts confidence, by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. It is also your chance to make a difference. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general. If you want to meet new people and be part of a community, volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills, discover hidden talents and maybe even gain qualifications.

Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.

Gardening Father Hudson’s Young at Heart Project is appealing for Newcastle volunteers to join the Community Gardening Scheme, helping elderly and disabled people maintain their gardens.

28 Newcastle Life Issue 19

Work involves basic gardening, such as mowing a lawn or light weeding. No heavy work or climbing will be required.

Volunteers of any age are welcome and the hours can fit around you and your lifestyle. All training and equipment is provided, and references and a DBS check will be needed.

Mileage expenses will be met.

Enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference to the lives of people in your community are the only skills needed. As a volunteer gardener you will not only be assisting people to live independently, but also helping to improve the local environment.

For more information, contact the Young at Heart office on 01782 269990 Newcastle Libraries Your local library is a great place to volunteer and #TeamStaffordshireLibraries offer flexible volunteering - just 2 hours a week. This is a great chance to learn new skills, update your CV, make useful contacts and advance your career.

With over 850 volunteers across Staffordshire, this is also a great chance to make new friends, as well as making a difference in your community.

Anyone can volunteer - you don’t need qualifications or particular skills.

With new and varied voluntary roles in libraries across Staffordshire, some of the things you can do include; Helping your community to discover all your library has to offer; Support housebound people to access books and information; Running community events; Helping peo ople to get online and learn IT skills; and Taking parrt in our Reading g Hack volunteer opportunities for 13 3-24 year olds.

Call 01785 2783 311 or email; vollun nteerinyourlib brary ry@staffordshire.gov.uk y to disco over opportuniities in Newcastle.

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RS WANTED ewcastle under Lyme

get into volunteering

Newcastle Children Centre The Children’s centre in Newcastle offers a volunteer programme, with volunteers making a significant contribution to help ensure that the services meet the needs of the local community.

The centre’s aim is to ensure volunteers play a full and active part in the children’s centre service delivery and are an integral part of the organisation and any future development.

Some of the types of roles on offer are play workers; reception staff; marketing and communication assistants; community communicators.

The volunteer programme would suit any individual who would like to make a difference. If you are volunteering within a placement where children are present you would need; A valid DBS check; an A Level 1 Safeguarding qualification and to take part in Prevent training.

The centre will offer all these free of charge and will support you with the training process. For more information, contact Sarah Edgerton at the Newcastle Centre sarah.edgerton@staffordshire.gov.uk, 01782 296100, 07901 350546 Youth Offending If you are over 18 years of age, creative, good at listening and talking, looking for a challenge, concerned about crime in your local community and want to make a difference, have you thought about becoming a volunteer community panel member?

Referral panels are a new way of dealing with i young people who start committing crimes. Local people will wii take the lead in; Ensuring young g people take responsibility for their behavi viou i ur;

Helping put things right for those harmed; Promoting young people’s place in their community; and Helping young people to change their behaviour for good.

Panels will give those harmed a chance to let the young person know how the crime has affected them and what might help put things right. Panel members will then talk and listen to everyone to agree a plan of action. The plan of action will be designed to put right the harm already done and prevent future offending. The panel will meet to check progress and may refer to the youth court if the young person is unreasonable.

For further information, contact Andy Spearing, 01782 297615 Voluntary car schemes Voluntary Car Scheme in Loggerheads and Ashley - 07523 512934 Community and Voluntary transport Madeley, Maer, Keele, Betley, Hill Chorlton, Onneley, Chapel Chorlton, Woore, Baldwin’s Gate, Whitmore, Loggerheads and Ashley - 01782 751164 Newcastle Community Transport minibus scheme - Newcastle and immediate areas and Stoke on Trent area of Penkhull - 01782 627770 Newcastle Borough - 01782 621936 Health Trials and studies carried out at the Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, are patient focussed, relevant and useful for people who live with health con nditions becausee patients and members of the pub bliic are able to work with wii researchers through eveerryy step of the reesearch.

Pa atients are 'exp perts by experience' and can

Newcastle Life Issue 19 29

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get into volunteering share their own stories and experiences of conditions and health care in the Research User group (RUG), which is open to all members of the public to join.

RUG members work with researchers to make sure their projects are patient centred. They are not participants in the research, they work alongside researchers and are treated as part of the team. RUG meetings are project specific and take place as and when is needed. Involvement is voluntary and you are not expected to attend lots of meetings - they can be involved as much or as little as you like. Travel is reimbursed, and there is an opportunity to be paid for your time.

Osteoporosis research - Have you got osteoporosis? Have you suffered with broken bones in later life, or know someone who does? Dr Zoe Paskins, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Rheumatology at the Haywood Hospital, Burslem, is carrying out research into osteoporosis and broken bones in later life.

She told Newcastle Life magazine: “We recognise that patients and the public can make a big contribution in shaping the way that we design research projects, research materials like information sheets and how we share our findings.

30 Newcastle Life Issue 19

“Hearing and understanding about patient experiences of osteoporosis care and management helps us to make sure we address the issues that are most important to patients, so that the research we do has the largest chance of benefiting people with the condition.

“We are not asking for research participants or volunteers, but for people to work side-by-side with researchers and clinicians to advise on a range of issues.

“For example, we are currently working on a study that aims to improve the way nurses and doctors explain fracture risk. We are looking for people with experience of osteoporosis and broken bones in later life to help shape what we do.”

Being a member of our research user group means you will be invited to meetings at Keele, where you will have a chance to hear about the research in more detail and give your views.

Meetings happen every one or two months but you can come to as many or as few as you like. You will be reimbursed for your travel expenses and there is the option to be paid for your time.

If you would like to find out more please contact ppi.primarycare@keele.ac.uk

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:09 Page 31

staffordshire wildlife

Sunrise in Newcastle Urban sites set for nature funding boost

S

ixteen urban sites in North Staffordshire are to benefit from a share of £3.6 million of funding – including several Newcastle sites. The money will be used to create new wildlife habitats, improve water quality and reduce flooding.

The project is called SUNRISE (Stoke and Urban Newcastle Rediscovering Its Secret Environments) and is being led by Stoke-onTrent City Council, delivered mostly by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Work will take place over the next two years, focusing on watercourses and urban green spaces.

The majority (£2.1m) of the funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The scheme is a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Groundwork West Midlands, Newcastle Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Wild Trout Trust.

The project aims to create better habitats for wildlife both within the River Trent watercourse itself and along the adjoining river bank.

It will also improve sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), control invasive species and improve existing woodland and grassland. All of the projects will be delivered by the end of 2020.

Sites involved in the SUNRISE programme include: Bradwell Wood, Bucknall Park, Causeley Brook, Cromer Road, Etruria Valley, Ford Green (along the course of Ford Green Brook), land adjacent to the M6 in Clayton, Lyme Brook, green space in Milton alongside the Caldon Canal, Pool Dam Marsh, Silverdale Park, Staffordshire University campus, Thistleberry Parkway, Victoria Ground and Trent Mill (section of the River Trent parallel to Leek Road between Victoria Road and Bucknall Road).

Julian Woolford, chief executive of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a really exciting project for wildlife in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire and I’m looking forward to seeing the projects getting off the ground. We’re thankful to the ERDF for the funding we have received following a successful application process, and to all of the partners who have got on board.”

Newcastle N l Lif Life IIssue 19 31

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PERFECT PRIM

GARDENING

T

he name primula comes from the Latin for “first” and the native Primrose (Primula vulgaris) is a herald of spring in many woodlands. There are many types of primrose, some common and easy and others rare and requiring special conditions. Thankfully there are plenty of the former to satisfy the average gardener, and enough of the latter to be an absorbing hobby for the enthusiast. This month I’m going to focus on some I’ve found easy enough for most gardens provided you meet the general requirement for a moist soil and some shade from the hot sun.

Primulas can be easily raised from seed but do best from very fresh seed, collected as soon as (or even just before) the seed pods open and sown immediately. If you need to keep seed, then its best in a sealed jar in the fridge. The seed compost must not dry out and a humid atmosphere helps – cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass or a clear plastic bag. In the right conditions seed can germinate in 3 weeks or so.

32 Newcastle Life Issue 19

Once the plants have clumped up it is best to divide them after flowering, or perhaps in early autumn in a cooler spell of weather. Dig up the clump and break it, or if necessary, cut it, into individual rosettes.

Shorten the leaves by about half to reduce water loss. Some old books recommend dusting the bases of the stems with sulphur powder, or you could dip them in a fungicide solution following the instructions on the pack. I don’t bother with either! Replant or pot up the small plants and keep moist and shaded while there get established.

There are lots of British native Primulas, including the woodland Primrose. The Cowslip (Primula veris) is one of the most accommodating, even growing on dry, sunny banks and seedling around to form large colonies naturalised in grass. They are a common sight along roadsides and railway embankments in late spring.

Hybrids of these natives gave us the Polyanthas – well-loved bedding plants that are nonetheless perennial flowering every year if divided after flowering. One of my favourite types is the Gold Lace Polyanthus with its yellow centre and goldedged almost black petals. This type was championed by northern enthusiasts in the llate 1800’s and remain firm favourites with many petal colours available and underwent a revival of interest in the 1980’s.

Some of the most dramatic and easy to grow are the candelabra primulas with their t multiple whorls of flowers along upright stems. There are many colours and hybrids to choose from including Bessiana h (pink), Bulleyana (orange), pulverulenta

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IMULAS (deep pink) and the dramatic Inverewe (burnt orange). These definitely need damp conditions and are traditionally grown next to steams and ponds or in woodland boggy areas. If allowed to seed, they will mix and produce plants in many colours.

Another favourite is the Drumstick Primula (P. denticulate) with its short flower stems topped with a ball of flowers in white, blue or pink. These tolerate slightly drier conditions but must not dry out completely if they are to do well.

Auriculas are wonderful plants for the cold greenhouse and there are some that will perform well in the garden as well, but you need to check with the supplier when buying. Auriculas have fleshy leaves and stems and I’ve found that they want to be moist but not saturated to do well. Apart from the wonderfully coloured and patterned flowers most auriculas are intensely fragrant as well.

The traditional way to display pot-grown auriculas is in an Auricula Theatre. This is an open cabinet of shelfs hung from a shady wall or fence where each plant can be shown to full effect. Terracotta pots are best and short split canes are used to hold the flower stems completely upright.

Primulas can be subject to a few pests and by far the most devastating is vine weevil which seems to have a special liking for fleshy roots. If your primulas wilt in the first warm days of spring despite a moist soil, try tugging gently at the plants. If they come out of the soil easily or don’t feel firmly planted dig them up and look at the roots. If there’s none or very few rootle around in the soil and look for vine weevil grubs. These are white with a brown head,

GARDENING

about ½ inch / 1cm long and have no discernible legs. Get them all out – there could be one or two or lots – and squash them or feed them to your local Robin, just make sure they don’t wriggle away.

Shorten the leaves on the plant and replant it or pot it up. Apart from that most gardeners will find primulas easy to grow and trouble free.

Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell by mail order and at Plant Hunters’ Fairs only throughout the season. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk DATES FOR YOUR DIARY We will be at the Plant Hunters’ Fair at Consall Hall Gardens, Wetley Rocks ST9 0AG on Sunday 14th April, fair/garden £3; Dorothy Clive Garden, TF9 4EU on Easter Sunday/Monday 21st/22nd April, fair/gardens £4; Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas SY14 8AH on Sunday 28th April gardens/fair £3.50; Weston Park, TF11 8LE on B/H Sun & Mon 5th & 6th May gardens/fair entry £3.00; We are happy to bring orders to plant fairs for you to collect.

Newcastle Life Issue 19

33

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:09 Page 34

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Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:11 Page 36

HOCKEY CLUB

Sport open to all at North

A

DYNAMIC sports club is channeling passion and talent into bringing hockey to all generations in Staffordshire.

North Stafford Hockey Club (NSHC) is a vibrant, thriving and ever-expanding club based at Newcastle-under-Lyme School (NULS).

NSHC fields five men’s teams, two ladies’ teams and two junior teams which play every Saturday, along with a number of indoor and outdoor junior performance sides.

Founded in 1911, the club holds

36 Newcastle Life Issue 19

weekly training sessions on a Monday night for juniors (6pm to 8pm) and Tuesday night for seniors (6.30pm to 9pm) at NULS. A 'back to hockey' session for those new or returning to the sport is also held on Monday evenings from 6pm to 7pm.

With members aged from as young as six to over 70, this is a family friendly club suitable for anyone regardless of age, ability or previous experience.

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HOCKEY CLUB

th Stafford Hockey Club The club works closely with the Jack Dulson Memorial Fund (www.jackdulsonmemorialfund.org.uk), and this year has established the Jack Dulson Hockey Academy.

The Academy provides opportunities for young people across Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent to play hockey, by working with local schools, organisations and delivering hockey camps.

North Stafford Hockey Club were delighted to host their first ever Jack Dulson Hockey Academy Camp in 2018 and there are more such days to come in 2019.

Almost 50 children attended the first ever camp, and similar camps are planned for Easter 2019.

The club has also recently had a new artificial pitch re-laid at Newcastle-under-Lyme School, as part of its ambitions to drive forward both the participation and performance levels of hockey in the area.

As we enter this next exciting phase of our history, we would love you to be part of that journey.

To find out more about the club, please visit the website at www.northstaffordhc.co.uk or email: contact@northstaffordhc.co.uk.

Newcastle Life Issue 19

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Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:11 Page 38

MOTORING

NEW HONDA CR-V SCORES FIVE STARS IN EURO NCAP ASSESSMENT

T

he new Honda CR-V has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, the results of which are announced today. The CR-V boasts a unique body structure giving classleading rigidity and stiffness, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.

Utilising an ‘All Directions Collision Safety’ concept, the platform design incorporates Honda’s exclusive next-generation ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. This employs a network of connected structural elements to distribute collision energy more evenly, helping to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger cell in the event of

38 Newcastle Life Issue 19

an impact, giving superior front, side and rear crash-worthiness.

The passive safety features on the all-new CRV are complemented by the Honda Sensing™ suite of active safety and driver assist technologies. Honda Sensing™ is among the most comprehensive suites of safety technologies in its class. It uses a combination of radar and camera information, plus a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios.

The new Honda CR-V joins the rest of the Honda range tested by Euro NCAP, The Jazz, HR-V and Civic in being awarded the maximum five-star score by Euro NCAP.

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:11 Page 39

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:11 Page 40

MOTORING

VOLVO CARS INTRODUCES REFRESHED VOLVO XC90 SUV

V

olvo Cars has today unveiled a refreshed version of its bestselling XC90 large SUV, the company’s flagship model, adding a newly developed fuelsaving engine option that marks the next step in the company’s ambitious electrification strategy.

The refreshed XC90 for the first time offers customers Volvo’s advanced kinetic energyrecovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, under its new ‘B’ badge.

This new electrified powertrain offers drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in realworld driving.

The new brake-by-wire system interacts with the energyrecovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

The introduction of the new XC90 ‘B’-badged cars represents a major step for Volvo Cars towards its electrification ambitions.

The new ‘B’-badged cars complement Volvo’s existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electrified option on the new

40 Newcastle Life Issue 19

XC90.

On the outside, the refreshed XC90 offers subtle upgrades to the original award-winning exterior design, such as new wheels, exterior colours and a modern new grille, among other details.

Based on Volvo’s own, inhouse-developed platform, powertrain and safety technology, the 2015 XC90 marked the start of Volvo Cars’ transformation. It introduced the new face of the Volvo brand, characterised by the Thor’s Hammer headlights, while introducing its new Scalable Product Architecture.

The world-first technologies and innovations that were launched on Volvo’s other 90 and 60 series models between 2015 and 2019 have also found their way into the XC90 over the intervening years.

As a result, Volvo’s top-ofthe-line SUV has become more advanced since its introduction, clocking up more than 320,000 units sold worldwide - and counting.

In terms of active safety technology, the XC90 now offers drivers help with steering on both the City Safety and the Blind Spot Information System.

City Safety with Autobrake is still

the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

The Oncoming Lane Mitigation system first introduced on the XC60 is now also available on the XC90, while the Cross Traffic Alert technology now also offers autobrake.

All this, together with the safety cage that forms the core of the passive safety technology, makes the XC90 one of the safest cars on the road and underlines Volvo Cars’ unwavering commitment to developing the safest cars possible.

While the XC90 was the first Volvo to offer Apple CarPlay integration, it is now also compatible with Android Auto.

The Sensus infotainment system has gone through multiple updates in recent years, all of which have been adopted into the XC90. Where available, the Spotify music streaming service is integrated in the XC90.

The model-year 2020 version of the XC90 will go into production in May at the Torslanda plant in Sweden. It will be available to order in the UK in mid-March, with first customer deliveries expected in late Q2 2019. Full pricing details will be announced shortly.

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:14 Page 41

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:14 Page 42

QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1. Lily Collins appeared in the 2018 BBC adaptation of 'Les Miserables' as Fantine but who is her more famous father?

2. Sadio Mané, Mohamed Diamé and Idrissa Gana Gueye, play football for which international side?

3. Which politician wrote the autobiographical ‘A Journey’ in 2010?

4. On TV one of the 'Two Fat Ladies' was Clarissa Dixon Wright, who was the other?

5. According to the Old Testament where did Noah's Ark come to rest after the great flood?

6. Which character in a TV comedy series had the catchphrase 'I have a cunning plan'?

7. Which group recorded ‘A view to a kill’, the theme tune to the James Bond film of that name?

8. Which current long running TV series is based on the novels of Caroline Graham?

9. In bowls, what is the name of the small target ball?

10. What is the first name of Hyacinth Bucket’s longsuffering husband in the TV comedy ‘Keeping Up Appearances’?

A Spring quiz 1. Which unflattering expression, often applied to women, means no longer a young person?

2. What had Mole been doing all morning at the start of 'The Wind in the Willows'?

3. What is the nickname of the south African rugby union team?

4. Who are the two main female 'Springwatch' presenters that, between them, have been on the show every year since 2004?

5. Which spring flower has the Latin name 'Narcissus pseudo narcissus'?

6. Which race completes the Spring Double with the Grand National?

7. Which city was Jerry Springer once mayor of?

8. Which comedy film includes the song 'Springtime for Hitler'?

9. In which town do The Simpsons live?

10. Which town is situated in the geographical centre of Australia and was the subject of a 1950 Nevil Shute novel?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Phil Collins; 2. Senegal; 3. Tony Blair; 4. Jennifer Paterson; 5. Mount Ararat; 6. Baldrick; 7. Duran Duran; 8. Midsomer Murders; 9. Jack; 10. Richard; Spring Quiz Answers: 1. No Spring Chicken; 2. Spring Cleaning; 3. Springboks; 4. Kate Humble and Michaela Strachan; 5. Daffodil; 6. The Lincoln; 7.

Cincinnati; 8. ‘The Producers’; 9. Springfield; 10. Alice Springs.

42 Newcastle Life Issue 19

Quizzes compiled by Paul Steele - email: pnsteele@aol.com - Paul's 'Which One?' quiz game is available on Amazon.

General knowledge quiz

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:14 Page 43

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Newcastle Life Issue 18 43

Newcastle Life Issue 19 new.qxp_Newcastle Life 08/03/2019 11:25 Page 44