Eccleshall Life April May 2015

Eccleshall APRIL/MAY 2015

BEHIND THE LENS...

Staord photographers bring images to life

Life

TV star Neil Morrissey launches new village pub

COUNTY SHOW SPECIAL

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Cover photos kindly provided by ©Noel Bennett Photography, www.noelbennettphotography.co.uk, Stone. Taken at Crown Meadow in Stone and nearby Aston. For more information about Noel, see page 13.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Spring is in the air Laura Campbell Contents Editor laura@timesandecho.co.uk Sophie Cotton & Tracey Wardle Design & Production Jane Walters Advertising Manager jane@timesandecho.co.uk Tom Brian Advertising Sales tom@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 15,250 copies of every issue delivered to households and businesses in Eccleshall, Stone, Trentham and the surrounding areas

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the spring editions of the Stone and Eccleshall Life magazines.

The last signs of winter are finally starting to disappear, there's a sense of change in the air and we’re all looking forward to longer days and a bit more sunshine.

So to kick off spring in style, this April/May edition is packed full of interesting local stories for you to enjoy.

Back in March I was lucky enough to be invited along to the VIP opening of the Plume of Feathers in Barlaston, the new pub venture of Men Behaving Badly actor Neil Morrissey. It was a pleasure to meet and interview Neil, who is incredibly down to earth and approachable. He is looking forward to making his pub a focal point for the community and talks in detail to the Stone and Eccleshall Life magazines about his plans.

If you get the chance, pop down to the revamped Plume - you never know, you might even see the man himself!

I also had the opportunity to talk to two fantastic local good causes - Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, a brilliant charity that helps adults with learning disabilities to learn new skills, and Staffordshire Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a small but inspiring group of ladies whose dedication has raised a staggering total of more that £400,000 for research into the disease.

Other highlights include the history of Staffordshire's Best Kept Village competition, now celebrating its 60th year, youngsters enjoying World Book Day and Comic Relief and a look at what you can expect to see at this year's Staffordshire County Show.

I hope you enjoy the spring issues of the Stone and Eccleshall Life magazines and make the most of any warm weather that comes our way over April and May.

Laura x

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CONTENTS

Staffordshire Young Farmers ...................36 The Mousetrap Competition.....................37

Stone Scooter Club ...................................38 Staffordshire Breakthrough Breat Cancer..40

Norbury Canal Festival.............................42 The Plume of Feathers..............................46

Recipes For Life ........................................48

Editor’s Letter .............................................5

The Borehole.............................................50

Stafford Photographic Society ..................10

Award For Granvilles................................55

Oak Tree Farm Rural Project .....................8

Last Orders................................................52

Property.....................................................14

Health and Wellbeing ...............................56

Best Kept Village.......................................26

Education..................................................64

Stone Fire Station .....................................32

Investment Matters ...................................71

Homes and Gardens .................................20

Staffordshire County Show ......................28

Stage Directions........................................34 Rooftop Studios ........................................35

Class Chat .................................................60 Legal Matters ............................................70

Eccleshall Defibrillator .............................72

Motoring Guide.........................................73

Stafford Fireplaces & Stoves

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estled in the picturesque Hilderstone countryside, Oak Tree Farm Rural Project is a unique charity which helps adults with learning disabilities to access valuable training in a variety of different skills.

Housed on a beautiful fifteen acre smallholding, with an award winning tea room, greenhouse and a working farm, the project is a relaxed and supportive environment where team members can gain practical and fulfilling work experience in catering, farming, horticulture and pottery.

General Manager David Moreton has been running the project for 26 years. His mother was chairman of the original group of parents who pioneered the project, and inspired by his younger sister Lizzie, who has Down's Syndrome and attends Oak Tree, David decided to use his agricultural engineering background to help 8 April/May 2015

disabled adults learn new skills.

David told the Stone and Eccleshall Life Magazines: “We have over 60 team members at Oak Tree Farm, who attend on a part time basis to fit in with their other commitments, and the activities really help them to build on both their social and life skills.

“We have members from Stone, Stafford, Checkley, the Potteries and even further afield.

“Individuals can achieve their full potential here, whatever that may be. Many achieve a great deal.

“Team members enjoy the social aspect and gain valuable work skills - the project makes a big difference to their lives.”

Oak Tree Farm Rural Project was founded in 1986 by a group of parents and teachers associated with Marshlands Special School in Stafford, who recognised there was little

opportunity for school leavers with learning disabilities at that time.

The smallholding was taken on and the first team members with disabilities attended in 1989.

Since then, Oak Tree Farm has gone from strength to strength and today it employs 16 staff, attracts regular volunteers, organises annual group outings and welcomes a high number of visitors.

Members are involved with all aspects of the farm, including the attractive award-winning gardens which boast flowers, fruit and vegetables, nursery beds, greenhouses and polytunnels. From these, team members enjoy making and selling hanging baskets and Christmas wreaths.

In fact, the farm won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2014, in recognition of its achievements over the years, and the team members planted a garden shaped like crown to mark the occasion.

There are fully equipped pottery, craft and work rooms, where team members are involved in making hand built and thrown wares with design, decorating, fettling and firing all performed and sold on site.

The bustling farm has beef cattle, poultry, pigs, two pet goats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, a cat and even a tortoise, which are all looked after by

team members.

The Oak Leaf Tea Room, which is open six days a week, uses all locally sourced ingredients, including those found on the farm and has strong ties with the community - the tea room is regularly used for meetings by groups such as the U3A and has hosted a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Care.

David continued: “All activities are run by experienced, dedicated, trained staff with support from committed volunteers.

“As a registered charity, Oak Tree Farm Rural Project relies on generous donations, fundraisers and grants. An individual with learning difficulties will have their place funded by government, which covers staff costs, but everything else we need to find money for.

“We are very grateful to our volunteers, supporters and donors who are so generous particularly with their time. This enables us to continue to give our team members the extra support and opportunity they need.”

The next fundraiser will be The Plant Day, where visitors can buy produce to take home, taking place on May 16th 10-4pm.

Oak Tree Farm Rural Project takes on new members each year - for more information or to donate, go to www.oaktreefarm.uk.net

April/May 2015 9

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ormed in 1895, Stafford Photographic Society is one of the oldest camera clubs in the Midlands and as such boasts a wealth of creative talent.

120 years of history shines through the society's work, and the experience, expertise and enthusiasm behind the lens is still clear to see today.

In fact the society's 61 keen photographers, many who live in Stone and Eccleshall, have achieved success in both local and national competitions.

They take a huge variety of interesting shots, from impressive steam trains and breathtaking landscapes, to heartwarming images depicting the beauty of nature and tales of human emotion.

Two of the club's most recent and notable achievements came last year when they placed seventh and eighth in national competitions run by the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), the organising body for club photography.

1000 clubs in the PAGB entered the competitions and out of these, Stafford placed 8th in the Projected Images Competition, held last July at Warwick University, and 7th in the Print Competition, held last October at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk.

Club President Brian Dicks told Stone and Eccleshall Life: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our slogan says; 'Where your photography comes to life!' and we welcome members at all levels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The club has survived and flourished because of the enthusiasm of its members over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By listening to a wide variety of speakers, learning from digital demonstrations and seeing examples of the best exhibition work available, we are able to improve our own pictures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a great place to make new friends and we have a regular summer programme of group outings.â&#x20AC;?

The society has practical sessions once a month to help beginners, as well as a regular programme of lectures, competitions and workshops. It's a great opportunity to meet people, enjoy the outdoors and explore a new hobby!

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'Sunrise Derwentwater' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Judi Dicks, Chebsey â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunrise Derwentwater was taken on a very cold late October morning, I found the viewpoint I wanted and then waited for the sun to rise slowly which gave a lovely atmosphere to the lake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I joined Stafford Photographic Society seven years ago and I immediately became enthralled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What started off as a hobby soon became a passion, with my camera almost like another limb. I am self taught and have, since joining the Society, been developing my skills and this year I gained an ARPS (Associate of the Royal Photographic Society).â&#x20AC;?

'End of the Line' - David Gibson, Stoke-on-Trent â&#x20AC;&#x153;This image was taken on the Churnet Valley Railway with the locomotive waiting in Consall Station and I added the reflection to the image with Photoshop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was introduced to photography by my father many years ago and my main interest is railways. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Churnet Valley railway has developed steadily over time so there has always been something new to put a lens on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eventually I changed from 35mm to digital cameras, became the Churnet Valleys Railway official photographer and a member of Stafford Photographic Society.â&#x20AC;?

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'Little Charmer' - Barry Greasley, Stone â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Charmer was taken in 2013. The little girl was in the back of her mother's souvenir shop in Hoi-An,Vietnam - I took this snapshot whilst she was enchanting us all with her cute gestures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to the limited light available and because I did not want to use flash, the resultant photo was grainy and of poor quality and I have had to do considerable post editing work to it in an effort to get a presentable result. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been a member of Photo Clubs for about 30 years off and on and a member of Stafford Photographic Society since 1999. I partake in club and inter-club competitions and over the years have sent work to many external salons both national and international and have obtained Photographic Distinctions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy most aspects of photography and like to travel and the two work well together.â&#x20AC;?

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'Astbury Church' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Margaret Coggins, Stone â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband and I have lived in Stone since 1995 after moving from Bristol. Bill and I have three adult sons, one lives in Manchester hence the photograph was actually taken on a return trip from visiting him one weekend, it is Astbury Church, on the road leading to Congleton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Photography is my first and main hobby, it always has been, and since joining Stafford Photographic Society I have gained the confidence to share my photos with others beyond my close family.â&#x20AC;?

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'Niki in the Birdcage at Brighton' Brian Dicks, Chebsey â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm originally a Brummy, who moved to Chebsey nearly 20 years ago. I joined Stafford Photographic Society in 2007 after I had taken early retirement from lecturing in graphic design. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My wife suggested I took up photography to keep me out of trouble! â&#x20AC;&#x153;I became president of the society a year and a half ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoy photographing people sometimes candid sometimes posed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Niki in the Birdcage at Brighton was taken at the Black country Museum. She was visiting with her parents, so I asked their permission to take her photo and asked Niki if she would stand near a plain wall. I then created a composite image using the shot of the Birdcage from an earlier visit to Brighton for the background and also changed the colour of her clothing, using PhotoShop.â&#x20AC;?

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'Great Crested Grebe Chick' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Francesca Bramall, Stafford â&#x20AC;&#x153;This photo was taken on a rainy day in Stoke-on-Trent. The Great Crested Grebe Chick is peeking out from its parent's wing and you can see a few water droplets too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been taking nature pictures for a couple of years, together with my son Tim Bramall after he won a national photo competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy exploring local wildlife reserves in the Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent areas, including Staffordshire Wildlife Trust reserves, the Roaches and Cannock Chase.â&#x20AC;?

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'Winter Solace' - Noel Bennett, Stone â&#x20AC;&#x153;The image Winter Solace is one of my very latest photomontage creations and the tree was photographed near Stone. It denotes that all important essence of hope and optimism held in the remaining golden leaves on the single tree. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I've been a member of the Stafford Photography Society since 2005 and for me it's not just a place to refine my photographic skills - I have also made many good friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SPS helped me achieve my ARPS Associate of the Royal Photographic Society in 2013 and after taking a back seat on the Committee for years, I will become President in September. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started selling my work back in 2008 and now sell through various galleries and my website www.noelbennettphotography.co.uk â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gallery at 12, in Eccleshall, is my home venue where I've exhibited my work since 2010. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My work is now published in various magazines and I've one book to my name called 'A Canadian Adventure' available on Blurb.â&#x20AC;?

Noel's photographs are also on the front covers of this issue.

History Stafford Photographic Society was started in 1895 by young photographic enthusiast Charles Fowke, who gathered together a group of likeminded individuals and started the YMCA Amateur Photographic Society, so called because they met at the YMCA in Gaol Road.

Early meetings tended to be of a technical nature with members giving talks and demonstrations on such things as bromide and gaslight prints, lantern slide making and portrait lighting using magnesium ribbon.

Although WWI put a temporary halt on activities, in 1921 the club was restarted with 24 members including a selection of specially invited ladies.

Flashlight photography was demonstrated in 1923 and the post-war programme included invited speakers, as well as picnics and cycle outings.

During WWII the meetings were fortnightly, in spite of blackouts and food shortages and to this day, the society continues to have success in both local and national competitions.

Stafford Photographic Society meet at The Arthur Findlay Centre, which has a free car park and licensed bar, on Tuesday Evenings at 7.30pm, from September to the end of May. Admission is ÂŁ3.50 for non members (refundable on joining). Members pay an annual membership of ÂŁ35, juniors and full time students ÂŁ17 plus a ÂŁ2 weekly door fee.

For more information contact the Club Secretary, Janet Stubbs 01785 213868 holyroodstubbs1@yahoo.co.uk

April/May 2015 13

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taffordshire house buyers are flocking to Green Acres to find out more about the quality properties that Bovis Homes are building at this attractive new Yarnfield development.

With more than a quarter of the homes sold already since Green Acres opened its doors in the summer, it is proving a busy time for sales advisor Amanda Humphreyson.

Amanda reports that a wide variety of buyers are choosing to set up home at Green Acres to take advantage of the many benefits of living at this lovely location.

“From first time buyers to growing families moving up the property ladder to downsizers, we’ve got something for just about everyone at Green Acres,” said Amanda. “The location sells itself, but when purchasers take a tour of our show home, see the quality that Bovis Homes offer and then learn about just what comes included in the price of the property, the benefits really start stacking up.”

Bovis Homes’ all-inclusive specification means that buyers can move in and start living straight away, enjoying features such as a kitchen with integrated appliances and bedroom with ensuite and built-in wardrobes.

“Visitors always seem surprised to learn just what’s included in the price here, features that many other builders would only offer as ‘extras’,” said Amanda. “Something that’s also really attracting attention at Green Acres are the lovely large gardens which are really impressing visitors.”

To help buyers in securing their new home at Green Acres, there are a variety of purchase assistance schemes available. For instance,

there’s Help to Buy, which has seen thousands of buyers get on or move up the ladder as a Government equity loan of 20% of the price means the buyer needs just a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. Then there’s Home Exchange, where Bovis Homes could buy your old house and help take some of the stress, cost and time out of moving.

“If you’ve never thought about a new-build home, or don’t think you can afford to make a move, I would always encourage people to at least come and have a look and talk about their options,” said Amanda. “There are some fantastic purchase assistance schemes out there for new homes which aren’t available with second homes.

“And there are so many advantages to buying brand new. For a start, it really will mark a fresh start as you move into a cosy, bright new place, untouched by previous owners where you can really make your mark!

“You’ll also avoid those DIY and repair jobs you inevitably need in an older home, and because they use the latest materials and technologies, new homes are a ‘green’ choice and with their overall improved heat insulation, you could save hundreds on energy bills!”

To find out more, phone the team on 0845 230 8345, pay a visit to the sales office, open daily between 10am and 5pm or go to www.bovishomes.co.uk April/May 2015 15

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new development which enjoys an attractive rural location a few miles from Stone is generating a good deal of interest.

The show home was launched recently at The Shires, Yarnfield, which is the latest site to be developed by Staffordshire-based company Cameron Homes.

Cameron has a rich tradition of creating outstanding luxury residences at enviable addresses and a stunning setting off Ash Lane makes this latest collection no exception.

Tucked away along a country lane and surrounded by fields, each of these 10 beautifullydesigned residences offers a superior specification, contemporary interior and an attractive rear garden.

Four stylish layouts each feature a bright kitchen with quality appliances, inviting living spaces and a luxurious master suite with fitted wardrobes.

“We are experiencing a good deal of interest in the new development as it is being built in an

excellent location in this very appealing Staffordshire village,” said Andy Gough, sales and marketing director of Cameron.

“The Shires features four and five bedroom properties and the site has beautiful views over the surrounding fields.” he said.

The first two plots at the development are now available, with prices ranging from around £335,000 and the government’s Help to Buy scheme is available on each of the ten homes.

Andy Gough added: "At Cameron we like to make the difference and listen to our customers.

Our sales staff will welcome the opportunity of discussing and seeing how we can tailor a deal to suit their individual needs by, for instance, assisting to sell their home, providing support towards legal and financial fees and also offering a selection of other benefits.”

The sales office and show home at The Shires is open from 11am to 5pm Thursday to Monday and anyone wanting more information should call Janet Grave at Cameron on 07971 090362.

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A UK-wide survey of Crown Decorating Centre stores revealed the top items for home decorators to co-ordinate were kitchen cupboard doors, along with wallpaper, cushions and curtains for the lounge and bedroom.

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decorators certainly know how to express their individuality through colour too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with stores asked to use a state-of-the-art colour mixing system to create paint colours based on a wide range of unusual items.

Items brought into stores to colour match include: jumpers, dresses and socks, football and rugby shirts, vintage cars and tractors and the door of a boat, teddies, a pot of mustard, a napkin and even the colour of a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own horse.

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reen fingered gardeners will soon be able to enjoy a series of upcoming events which give members of the public the unique chance to not only enjoy beautiful local gardens, but also to purchase quality plants to bring their home to life.

Plant Huntersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fairs provide a rare opportunity to see many top class nurseries outside of the bigger and more expensive national shows.

Every fair features some of the most highly respected nurseries around, including RHS medallists, National Collection Holders and small specialist growers.

Each stall at every fair is different and garden lovers will appreciate the opportunity to discover the unusual and new, but also to rediscover those old and heritage varieties from the past, lost to cultivation but for the efforts of these dedicated nurserymen and women.

They are hosted throughout Staffordshire by a great garden or countryside venue and here in Stone and Eccleshall, there are three events lined up to be held this Spring.

Just outside Eccleshall, Sugnall Hall Walled Garden will play host to a Plant Hunters' Fair on Saturday 25th April, between 10am and 4pm.

The two acre fully restored Walled Kitchen Garden dates from 1738 and produces fruit and vegetables to serve in the tearoom and for homemade jams and chutneys.

Entry to the fair and garden is only ÂŁ1 with free

parking and in April there are bluebell walks.

Visitors will be able to explore the walled garden, with guided tours starting at 11am (separate charge ÂŁ2).

Out towards Market Drayton, The Dorothy Clive Garden will be holding a fair on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April 2015 (Easter Sunday and Monday), between 10am and 5pm.

One of the best loved garden events in the area, this is a most charming and beautiful garden with a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

The 12 acre garden features a superb woodland garden, alpine scree, gravel garden, a damp garden and spectacular flower borders.

It is equally famed for its dazzling spring display of rhododendrons and azaleas with massed drifts of bulbs and the stunning and colourful late summer flower borders. Explore the gardens, sit and relax in the many seating areas, and enjoy the tearoom's home-baking on the terrace lawn, whilst enjoying the lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

There will be a great mix of plants and specialities to delight plant lovers of every level of experience. The garden offers a great special event price on these days of just ÂŁ3.50 for entry to the garden and plant fair.

The National Memorial Arborteum is a special place of memorial and inspiration with so much to offer visitors: secluded gardens to explore, a nature reserve, a lovely restaurant and three brilliant specialist plant fairs.

The arboretum and fair, which takes place on Saturday, 23rd May between 10am and 4.30pm, are both free to enter.

There are 150 acres of wooded parkland where visitors can both enjoy and learn about the trees and their surroundings, and reflect upon their special symbolism. Many of the memorials are placed in peaceful gardens.

Although still a 'young' arboretum, there are already in excess of 50,000 trees on the site which are rapidly growing into a unique living tribute.

The land train, which runs every 30 minutes, is an enjoyable way to explore the site.

April/May 2015 25

S

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPE

Soon, other sponsors came forward and after till going from strength to strength, the second year, there was no longer one overall community spirit really has shone winner, but several from different parts of the throughout the 60 year history of county.

Staffordshire's Best Kept Village Competition.

Nowadays, villages are split into small and Largely unaffected by the fast pace of modern large categories and the competition is judged by living, it strives to bring residents together to a pool of around 70 volunteers. take pride in their villages and to love where they In 2014, 54 villages entered the competition live. and over 200 villages have taken part over the Launched in the Summer of 1956 by the newly formed Community Council of Staffordshire, the past six decades. competition's original purpose, as set out in the The Stafford area, which covers Stone, Annual Report 1956-1957, was 'to stimulate Eccleshall and the surrounding villages, has interest in one's own village and county, and in around 15 entries every year. Weston has entered world affairs, and to give an opportunity to the competition 52 times since 1956. villages to come together in Weston, Salt, Stowe-byfriendly competition.'

Chartley, Fulford, Hilderstone, Organisers wanted to 'give an Swynnerton, Colwich, Meir In 2014, incentive to the countryman to Heath, Barlaston, Walton-on54 villages take an ever increasing pride in his the-Hill, Yarnfield, Oulton have own village and its immediate all placed highly over the years. entered the surroundings.'

The Best Kept Village is not competition 43 villages took part in the about creating a pretty village, and over 200 inaugural year and for the instead the focus is on preliminary heats the county was community spirit and villages have divided into four areas; north, involvement undertaken in a taken part central, south-east and south-west. bid to make villages the best over the past The preliminary judges selected they can be. six decades the best village (or at their Visually, judges are looking discretion, two villages) for each for the appearance of area and these were; North â&#x20AC;&#x201C; churchyards, pub surrounds, Barlaston; Central â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Denstone and Weston-ontelephone boxes and looking out for things like Trent; South-East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Elford and King's Bromley; graffiti, litter and dog fouling. There is also a South-West; Cheslyn Hay and Himley. popular children's poster competition.

Judging of these finalists was carried out by a Residents of all ages, local organisations and judging panel that made the unanimous decision volunteer groups all work together in those that Denstone should be declared the very first villages which do really well in the competition to winner. maintain and improve the appearance, their They won a beautiful wrought iron trophy various amenities and their general environment. created at Endon Forge, incorporating the John Perry, MBE, Chairman of the BKV Staffordshire Knot and standing on an oak post Working Group said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many villages worked and a bronze plate on the post permanently really hard last year and achieved very high records the name of the winning village each standards across all the BKV features. There was year. very close competition between a number of It was presented to the Community Council by villages in several areas and I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the Alderman Alfred Owen, of the Black Country same in 2015. The 2014 winners will try very manufacturing firm Rubery Owen, the first hard to retain their titles, but there will be other sponsor of the competition. villages that will be determined to win in 2015!â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;?

26 April/May 2015

PETITION ENTERS 60thYEAR Villages will be judged twice, once in May and then again in June, by different teams. The Best Large and Best Small villages in each area will be judged again in early July; and the Best villages will then be judged in the County Finals in mid-July. The results of the BKV competition will be announced in early August.

There will be trophies and prize money, provided by the sponsors of the Best Kept Village in each Area.

Shields will be awarded to the County Winners.

If you would like more information on the Best Kept Village Competition and the complementary Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Competitions; advice and guidance on how to enter BKV or would like to be a judge, please contact the Community Council on 01785 242525 or email communitycouncil@staffs.org.uk Hilderstone Hilderstone took part from 1962 to 1984 reaching the semi-finals three times and the final twice. It came second in the small village category in 2012 and third in 2013.

Judges commented that all verges and small open spaces were well manicured and commented that the village green is a lovely area, very well maintained and litter-free.

Weston Weston has placed first, second or third 25 times since 1990 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every year. It has achieved first place an incredible eleven times in the large village category.

Swynnerton Swynnerton has been first, second or third seven times since 1990, in both the small and large village categories. It won in 1999 and placed third in 2000.

Walton on the Hill 1984 April/May 2015 27

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he UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one motorcycle display team will be revving up the crowds with their death defying stunts at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staffordshire County Show.

The Bolddog Lings FMX Team reached the finals of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent and have appeared on Top Gear.

More than 60,000 people are expected to flood through the showground gates at the Staffordshire County Show on May 27th and 28th to see them in action.

The two day show on Weston Road in Stafford takes place during the half term holiday.

Bolddog Lings team boasts the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most sophisticated mobile landing 28 April/May 2015

system in their performance, which includes the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ranked freestyle motocross riders.

Richard Williams, chief executive of Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society which organises the two day show, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very excited to welcome Bolddog Lings back to our showground. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The crowds loved them when they performed two years ago and the riders themselves were eager to return which is fantastic for the thousands of people the show pulls in every year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The level of entertainment the Bolddog Lings team offer is second to none and the information and excitement they provide between performances is also an added bonus.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The interactive stand where motorcycle fans can take a closer look at the bikes and meet the riders is really quite special. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The stunts are spectacular and just shows that Staffordshire County Show has something for everyone, from children to greatgrandparents, and everyone in between.â&#x20AC;?

Bolddog Lings Team Manager, Dan Whitby, added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very much looking forward to returning to Staffordshire County Show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our show is more than just freestyle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a non-stop event that will entertain everyone from offâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;road enthusiasts to the general public. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a must see part of any festival and is continually growing in popularity as the awareness of freestyle motocross increases.â&#x20AC;?

30 April/May 2015

Other attractions includes an extensive food hall and cookery theatre, Woodfest for the children, a vintage machinery parade and Young Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floats.

The country pursuits area will have falconry, a sheep show, sheepdog and duck displays and horse shoeing. Youngsters can also enjoy the donkey rides and animal experience.

Early bird tickets will be on sale from April 1st, from the show office or the website http://www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk/ and tickets will be on sale from various outlets from May 1st.

For more information visit the website or call 01785 258 060 or email enquiries@staffscountyshowground.co.uk

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housands of children will get the chance to attend the annual Staffordshire County Show for free this year, for the first time in the 200 year history of the show.

Show bosses have teamed up with county primary schools to offer the children the chance to enter the two day show for free if attending with an adult.

New â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids Go Freeâ&#x20AC;? leaflets showcasing the main ring attraction, Bolddog Lings FMX Motorcycle Display Team, and other family attractions will be put in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book bags in the run up to the show.

Richard Williams, chief executive of Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society which organises the two day show, said the youngsters just needed to attend the show with a full paying adult and hand the flyer in at the gate.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time we have launched the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kids Go Freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiative but we expect it to be very successful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family days out, especially during half term and summer holidays, can become expensive and often limit families as to what they do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to give children who had never been to our fantastic show the chance to come. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It really is so many shows within one show - from animals, to forest school style activities, cooking demonstrations in the cookery theatre, animal displays and competitions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no doubt we have something on offer for visitors from toddlers to great, great grandparents and it is lovely to see so many generations enjoying the same event

together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This new leaflet offer means two adults and two children can enjoy a full, fun day out for just ÂŁ32.â&#x20AC;?

Mr Williams wished to thank the schools for allowing them to put their leaflets in the school bags and said he was looking forward to welcoming the youngsters through the gates.

Youngsters can also enjoy the donkey rides and animal

experience.

Early bird tickets will be on sale from April 1st from the show office or the website www.staffscountyshowground.c o.uk/ and tickets will be on sale from various outlets from May 1st.

For more information visit the website or call 01785 258 060 or email enquiries@staffscountyshowgro und.co.uk.

April/May 2015 31

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tone resident Brian Keay is set to retire from the fire service following 40 years devoted to protecting the community of Stone and Eccleshall.

One of Staffordshire's longest serving officers, Brian joined the Fire Service in June 1975 and was initially based at Eccleshall, where he worked for 22 years.

He then moved to Stone where he has spent the past 18 years protecting local residents.

The 65 year old Crew Manager has witnessed many

32 April/May 2015

changes during his time as a retained firefighter.

He told The Stone and Eccleshall Life Magazines: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Service has been transformed since I joined nearly 40 years ago and it is now a much more efficient operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I started, the equipment was much more basic than the hi-tech kit we use today. The first time I was involved in a car roof removal following a collision, we only had hand tools so the advancements in technology have made it much easier to rescue people, meaning they

can access potentially lifesaving medical help far more quickly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fire stations have also changed for the better. I started at Eccleshall and then moved to Stone fire station, which has recently been knocked down, and I have been lucky enough to spend a bit of time in the brand new community fire station which is a vast improvement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a state-of-the-art facility and really reflects the needs of the fire and rescue service in the 21st Century, as well as providing a focal point for the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been a real honour to spend so long working for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and I know that I will miss it greatly. I am taking so many positive memories with me and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of joining as a retained firefighter to go for it.â&#x20AC;?

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The commitment that Brian has shown for almost four decades is highly commendable. It takes a very dedicated person to devote their spare time to helping to protect their community when they are also working in a full time job as Brian does. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank him on behalf of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for the important part he has played in helping to keep the residents of Stone and Eccleshall safe for the past 40 years.â&#x20AC;?

Pictured are David Steele, Station Manager and Jack Reinholds, Firefighter

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he new state-of-the-art Stone Fire Station has now opened, replacing the outdated base on The Fillybooks, which was built in 1975.

The building, which has been designed to enable firefighters to respond more effectively to 21st Century emergencies, also include facilities created specifically with the community in mind and for the use of residents.

Groups and organisations will be encouraged to hold their meetings in specially designated community rooms, creating a hub which will allow greater contact between local people and firefighters who serve the area.

Station manager at Stone, Dave Steele said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new community fire station at Stone has been designed to enable us to provide a modern fire and rescue service that is fit to meet the needs of the 21st Century. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our role has progressed to being far greater than extinguishing fires, there is a strong focus on preventing blazes with an emphasis on working with our communities so they are armed with the

information they need to protect themselves and their families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking forward to interacting with local groups who want to use our community rooms to learn about fire safety in the home and on the roads. We are keen to spread our message to as many organisations as possible so that the people of Stone and surrounding areas are even safer.â&#x20AC;?

April/May 2015 33

Stage Directions

by Richard Lane

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN COMES TO THE GATEHOUSE T

he Magic of Motownare back with the all-new, all-star 2015 REACH OUT® Tour... Celebrating 50 years of Motown in the UK.

34 April/May 2015

Featuring more chart toppers than ever before, starring the music of the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers,

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more, the show marks the official arrival of Motown style, sophistication and musical brilliance to these shores.

In 1965 the Tamla Motown Revue saw the Supremes, Temptations, Miracles, Stevie Wonder and Martha Reeves famously touch down in Britain for a 42-show nationwide tour. This, coupled with an accompanying appearance on TV’s Ready, Steady, Go! Established Motown in the UK. The legend of the great record label lives on, live on stage: five-star performances revive more than 36 back-toback massive Motown classics with all the dazzling dance moves, glittering costume changes and superb musicianship synonymous with the label.

Book now, and reach out for the Magic of Motown.

The Magic of Motown are at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Friday 10th April at 8pm.

Tickets are £22.50 and can be booked by calling the friendly box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre .co.uk

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tudents from Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rooftop Studios have been showcasing their considerable talents during a week of performances at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Stoke.

Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Little Mermaid was bought to life in two daily performances, one by 3-6 year olds from the Little Stage Academy and the other by 6-12 year olds from the Junior PSSA. Evenings saw the theatre taken over by the studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stone Youth Theatre, with two strong casts taking roles in the West End and Broadway classic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Chorus Line.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Studio director Laura Keeling told The Stone and Eccleshall Life magazine how proud she is of the young performers, after all the shows drew high acclaim from audience members.

She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each and every student, from 3 to 21, did us proud and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to take this opportunity to thank them, our brilliant teaching team and the parents who volunteered their time to work back stage and help with chaperoning duties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without this combination of talent, hard work and commitment, the show simply couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

go on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d also like to thank the Mitchell Arts Centre for once again providing a great venue that really feels like a home from home for our students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By immersing themselves in a week-long production at a real theatre, the youngsters get a feel for what life is like for professional performers and, given the amazing talent showcased in stage this week, there are certainly a good number of students who really have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what it takesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to make it should they decide to follow this path. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The studio is all about nurturing that talent and providing opportunities to perform wherever possible; right from the tiniest tots through to members of the Youth Theatre, who have to undergo a rigorous professional audition process to make the cast and add this valuable experience to their CV.â&#x20AC;?

For more information on the dance, drama and performing arts classes held at Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rooftop Studios â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the not-for-profit Stone Youth Theatre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit www.rooftopstudios.co.uk

April/May 2015 35

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oung talented dancers from Eccleshall have been crowned top of the pops after achieving the coveted first place in a competition for Staffordshire's Young Farmers.

During the recent Staffordshire Young Farmers Club Public Speaking Day, the Staffordshire YFC members also held a Commercial Dancing Competition.

The contest saw four teams, of between four and 12 members, all showing off their newly learnt skills with spectacular group dances.

The Commercial Dancing Competition is part of the NFYFC (National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs) Competitions Programme for 2015, which saw the two highest placed teams from the Staffordshire round go forward to the West Midlands Area round, which was held in Staffordshire on 1st March.

In the Staffordshire heats, the teams were judged on various elements of their performances including choreography, costume, musicality, variety and balance, as well as the overall performance of the team.

Junior reading team

Those taking part thoroughly enjoyed the competition and were cheered on by fellow members, family supporters and friends.

After a very entertaining display of disco dancing by the four teams, the judges deliberated the results and crowned Eccleshall Young Farmers Club, who danced to Uptown Funk and Thriller, as the winners.

Second place went to Chase YFC, with third place going to Uttoxeter YFC. The day also saw Eccleshall triumph in a series of Reading and Speaking competitions.

The Junior Reading team, made up of Holly Swift (13), Lauren Swift (15) and Brandon Thomas (14), read passages from Michael Morpurgo's Kensington Kingdom to put them in 2nd position.

The Junior Public Speaking team, Beth Poynton (15), Liz Chapman (15) and Dan Moseley (17), scooped first prize, and first and second places were also achieved in the Intermediate Brainstrust category, with Annabelle Bradshaw, Sam Fowell, Becky Fowell and Emma Davies coming first and Emily Cartmail, Aimee Smith, Will Massie and Harry Bowers coming second.

The club also walked away with the top prize in the Senior After Dinner Speaking competition, after some 'tongue in cheek' humour mixed with some great cross-dressing by Dave Edwards, Harriet Wilson, Sammie Wilson, Imogen Bloxham and Charlotte Atkin.

Imogen Bloxham also picked up a first place in the Situations Vacant competition, closely followed by fellow member Sally Leese in second.

Eccleshall YFC winning commercial dance team 36 April/May 2015

WIN tickets to see the show and a wonderful champagne package to the value of £151

world’s e h t e e s o t s t e k ic Win t ction u d o r p e g a t s g in longest runn

guessing for six s kept audiences Agatha Ch incredible is now in its 63rd e, The Mousetrap tal . decades. its 15 in 20 ril ist tw Ap a ry with ce on Monday 6th A 'whodunnit' sto ce set to take pla to the St. an es rm nc rfo die pe au t 0th rac n continues to att year, with the 26,00 reaking productio .

This world record-b rner of the globe co ery ev d in the play, m London fro sses have appeare tre ac d an rs Martin’s Theatre in to ac 4 43 , 27 different ed in en ted op en p es tra Since The Mous e play has been pr th d an ies ud rst 251 unde there have been . luding: for than 50 countries ok of Records, inc languages in more in the Guinness Bo es r (David to tri ac en le’ ree rab th s du The Mousetrap ha the world’; ‘most in ow sh y an of inuous run m the ‘longest cont performances fro Metcalf for 4,575 jor Ma d ye pla o Raven, wh 1968); and til 23rd November un 57 19 ly Ju nd 22 oke, ro ab Se cy an (N derstudy’ 12th til ‘longest serving un un es Mrs Boyle 6,240 tim ). who stood by as es tim 72 so actually did e British March 1994, and came a Dame of th Agatha Christie be ns of lio bil ld so ve ha s r book her ot Empire in 1971; he y an an th re e world – mo copies around th the 12th January on d die e Sh le.

Bib author, after The 1976 aged 85. atha Christie le style, Dame Ag In her own inimitab ring suspense osphere of shudde has created an atm rder lurks mu ere ricate plot wh and a brilliantly int er……… around every corn ap ha stery The Mousetr ristie’s murder my

So how can you be part of history and see this truly entertaining classic?

All you have to do is answer the following question:

#

How many actors and actresses have appeared in the mousetrap since it first opened?

Answer........................(Mr/Mrs/Miss) Name........................................................ Address........................................... ......................................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................Full UK Postcode....................................Tel................................................................................

Closing date: Thurs 30th Apr 2015. Send entries to: Times & Echo Newspapers, 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. Alternatively email your answer with the above details to admin@timesandecho.co.uk. Usual Times, Echo & Life competition rules apply. Offer only applies Monday – Thursday with a matinee on Tuesday and not on a Bank Holiday.

The prize should be used up within three months.

St. Martin’s Theatre, West Street, London WC2 (off Cambridge Circus), www.the-mousetrap.co.uk, Box Office 08444 991515 (No additional charges when you buy direct from the theatre online/in person/by phone) April/May April/May 2015 2015 39 37 Ticket prices: 23rd December 2013 to 27th June 2015. Premium tickets are also available.

Special School price for Tuesday Matinees. Call the Box Office for details. Stalls: £45.00, £39.50, £35.00.

Dress Circle: £45.00 £39.50. Upper Circle: £26.50, £22.50, £17.50

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ince it was first launched just eighteen months ago, members of Stone Scooter Club have been enjoying a fabulous variety of trips and events.

Scooter Clubs have made a comeback recently, with hundreds of new regional gatherings popping up all over the UK. It was thanks to this resurgence that Stone Scooter Club was created in October 2013, by a group of like minded scooter enthusiasts who now

38 April/May 2015

meet every other week at The Lamb Inn in Walton, Stone.

Speaking to Stone and Eccleshall Life, one of the founders Len Hamilton updated us on the club's recent activities. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The group has grown both in membership and experience, and in 2015 we have been enjoying the start of the warmer weather, which means we have been out and about most weekends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We've attended local regional rallies staged by other scooter clubs as well as the national rallies, which included hundreds and in some cases thousands of scooters, at places such as Whitby, Newark, the Isle of Wight and Woolacombe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we have already attended rallies at Burton on Trent and Scarborough and have plans to attend Llandudno and the Isle of Wight again later this summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stone Scooter Club is growing and membership is increasing month on month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The scooters we ride range from the classic Lambrettas and Vespas to modern day scooters.

We are a friendly and welcoming group of all ages

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who get on well socially, so if anyone is interested in seeing how we operate and fancies joining the club, why not come along to our club meetings?â&#x20AC;?

Stone Scooter Club meets at the Lamb Inn,

Walton, on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8pm.

To find out more, contact Len Hamilton on 07702 874241 or go to the club's Facebook page.

SPRING RANGES NOW IN STOCK

37 MILL STREET, STAFFORD, ST16 2AJ TEL: 01785 258648 1 PEPPER STREET, NEWCASTLE-U-LYME, ST5 1PR TEL: 01782 616150

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ireless fundraising and an incredible dedication to the cause has seen a group of ladies from Stone, Stafford and the surrounding areas raise a staggering amount of money for charity.

Staffordshire Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a small group of five inspirational ladies who want to protect future generations from the disease by raising money for valuable research.

Their running total is now a whopping ÂŁ462,549.13.

Chairperson of the group Liz Osborn told The Stone and Eccleshall Life Magazines that the aim of Breakthrough Breast Cancer is prevention rather than cure. She explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe in raising money for research so that preventative action can be taken to combat the increased number of breast cancer cases in Staffordshire and UK wide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Staffordshire Group first began in 1999, as a group of professional ladies who met once a month. It was started by a matron at Rowley Hall Hospital and I took on the role of chairperson in 2001. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years we have enjoyed all sorts of fundraising events for Staffordshire ladies, we've sold cakes, held bucket collections, put on lunches, organised annual balls and even held pig 40 April/May 2015

races! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the women in the group have been directly affected by breast cancer and some have seen family members and friends go through it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Either way, we all want to raise awareness and for people to support the cause.â&#x20AC;?

The next fundraising venture for Staffordshire Breakthrough Breast Cancer will be a Style Evening, with Becky's Boutique at Bradley Village Hall, Bradley, Stafford, on Wednesday 15th April, starting at 7 for 7.30pm.

During the evening, guests will learn handy fashion tips and tricks, including how to put an outfit together, how to match colours and accessories and how to wear a scarf.

Tickets are ÂŁ7.50 and include Pimms and CanapĂŠs, available from Liz on 01785 780022 or louo926@btinternet.com.

Liz continued:â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone affected by breast cancer deserves to see an end to the disease.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign, the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading breast cancer research charities, are uniting in 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together we will become the largest dedicated breast cancer research charity in the UK committed to ending breast cancer, once and for all. Our joint ambition is that by 2050, no one will die from breast cancer.â&#x20AC;?

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housands of people are expected to flock to the area's biggest Canal Festival this May. Canal trips, food and drink, entertainment and even a competition for the best dressed boat trips are all included in the line up for this years Bank Holiday weekend Norbury Canal Festival.

Over 8,000 people enjoyed last year's event, which takes place this year on May 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

The Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust has teamed up with the Norbury Junction Inn and the Norbury village community to jointly organise the festival, which will be open from 10am each day.

This year there are plans for more traditional stalls than ever before, dotted around the garden of Norbury Junction Inn and along the pretty setting of the canal towpath.

There will be an interesting gathering of modern narrowboats and restored working boats to look around and a private boat will also be open to visitors to look inside to see what life is like on board.

For the little ones, Simon Airey and his Exotic Animals will be putting on a fantastic show aimed at children of any age and there will be special

42 April/May 2015

interactive games for them relating to canals with Wild over Water.

Other attractions will include a Beer Festival, boat trips, a fairground and bouncy castle and an all day BBQ. And the entertainment is second to none - on Saturday evening Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the Junction features Vavoom, a three-piece cover band and the Lydia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dowd Band.

On Sunday evening local acts the Paul Gibson Band will be performing, followed by Stone Cold Sober.

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday will be ÂŁ5 in advance (from the Junction Inn) or ÂŁ7.50 on the night.

Plenty of parking will be available in the field opposite the Junction Inn.

Holiday with a difference

Canal Cruising Company Ltd Est 1948

Bowman Antiques Fairs Are delighted to remind the discerning lad adyy and gentleman that tha t the d da ates for their Antiques & Art Fairs Fairs for 2015

Situated in the picturesque town of Stone, a family run business over 65 years Standard to luxury class 2-8 berth boats available with a choice of delightful routes Weekly hire and short breaks 10 & 11 night hire now available

SELF DRIVE DAY BOAT HIRE March-October (Tues,Wed, Thurs Pick up 10am Return 4pm) 2-4 persons £160 • 5-8 persons £250. Lock & driving tuition included

For more details, special offers and live availability

visit us at www.canalcruising.co.uk

are as foll ollo ows:

Giant 3 day day antiques & art f Stafford bingley hall ST18 0bd Frid rida ay, Saturd Sa turda turd ay, Sunda SundSunday ay Friday, Saturday, 30th/31st Jan/1st Feb 19th/20th/21st June 6th/7th/8th March 17th/8th/9th 9th/20th/21stAugust June 7th/8th/9th August 25th/26th/27th September 25th/26th/27th September 11th/12th/13th December 11th/12th/13th DECEMBER 10AM-5PM EACH EACH DAY Admission £5 adults adults £3 concessions as is usual at at events organised by the Bowman famil famil amilyy there are hundreds of good qualit y dealers in the rare the exotic the unusual the beautiful and the hard to find.

Crown Street, Stone, Staffs ST15 8QN

Tel: 01785 813982 Fax: 01785 819041 Email: mail@canalcruising.co.uk

@antiquesfairs.

At Chantilly we stock designer swimwear all year round.

Call in have a browse and let us help you find the perfect beachwear.

Stockists of Ted Baker, Roidal, Sunflair, Fantasy, Freya, Prima Donna and many more.

We also stock designer lingerie and nightwear.

Chantilly (Stone) Ltd, 23 High Street, Stone, ST15 8AJ 01785 814627 chantillylingerie.co.uk Chantilly Fine Lingerie & Beauty Salon

10% OFF

swimwear with this advertisement

April/May 2015 43

Stone and Eccleshall Life Magazines

Food & Drink Guide

;-=48@0;3?@7;4>36

F

Neil toasts The Plume of Feathers

amed across the country for his roles in Men Behaving Badly, Boon and more recently Bob the Builder, Staffordshire-born actor Neil Morrissey has returned to his roots to open a brand new pub in Barlaston.

Nestled in between a bowling green and a meandering canal, The Plume of Feathers is a stylish and spacious local establishment that looks set to be at the heart of village life.

Stone and Eccleshall Life's Laura Campbell was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of this new and exciting venture, and spoke to Neil over a drink about what locals can expect from the new pub.

With a pint of his very own Morrissey Blonde beer in hand, Neil explained just why he chose to come back to Barlaston. He said: “Opening a new business here has been cathartic. I chose the Midlands because I always wanted to go back to my roots and feel at home.

“I've lived in London for 30 years but try and pop up to visit as much as I can to see friends, so I will be very much involved in the pub and the 46 April/May 2015

business and will try to be here at least once a month.

“I'd love to host quiz nights on a Sunday, when everyone is full and happy after their Sunday lunch!”

The Punch Taverns pub, on Station Road, will also be operated by Anne and James Waddington and Midland businessman Richard Slingsby.

15 new jobs have been created and £400,000 has been invested into the venue's transformation, with a significant input from Neil himself.

“I've been involved in everything, from choosing the décor and the cutlery to deciding on what will be on the new menu.

“Designers ran everything by me – in fact the colour scheme is very similar to my house! I like that it's so open and airy here, in Summer all the doors will open and it will be a lovely space.

“I certainly wanted to put my own stamp on the place.”

Looking around the elegant but cosy venue, it's easy to see how Neil has incorporated his own tastes and history into the furnishing.

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Adorning the walls are pictures of him with Men Behaving Badly co-star Martin Clunes, plaques and wall art depicting his time as Tony in the much loved comedy, a tribute to his eighties drama Boon and even a mention of The Rain Man – a national tour he promoted in 2009.

And is he going to be using these celebrity contacts to bring in the punters? He says so. “I am definitely going to be calling on my friends to get involved. If they want to do something public I will announce it, but they may just want to enjoy a quiet drink in the corner.

“Charlie Lawson (who played Jim McDonald in Coronation Street) has been a friend of mine for 35 years. He owns a Farm Shop in Cheshire and we would love him to put on a barbecue, using his free range game and fine meats to make burgers, and sign autographs.”

Born in Stafford and raised in nearby Penkhull, 52 year old Neil attended Thistley Hough School in Stoke and the City of Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College in Fenton and was eventually fostered by a family in Trentham, before his acting career took off in 1983.

He aims to involve the local community as much as possible.

“This is a brand new venture so we're just taking it as it comes, but we want to get involved in what's out there – whatever the community needs.

For example we want to give 10p from every portion of chips sold to a local charity.

“There will be beer festivals, pub quizzes, charity bowls matches and schemes involving local people – for example we know of a local school which currently grows its own vegetables and we thought it would be a great idea to get them to come into the pub to learn how to use them in cooking.

“People will even be able to follow what I'm up to - there's a big screen in the pub which will display live updates of what I'm doing – whether it be auditioning in London, meeting with the head of the BBC or being interviewed by the Stone and Eccleshall Life magazines! If I'm here it will say 'he's behind you!'”

“There's been a great response so far from the community. There were over 80 bookings on the opening day.”

A real ale enthusiast with his own brewing business, Neil will be trying out new drinks and changing the beers round every week, depending on input from customers.

Local beers permanently on tap will include Marston's Pedigree and of course, Morrissey Blonde will be a permanent fixture.

He's also making sure that a taste of Staffordshire is firmly on the menu - Oatcake rarebit is a dish that Neil confesses to be one of his favourites.

“I just want to enjoy the place, it's only worth it if it's fun. I'll be here as much as I can and I hope to see as many locals as possible!”

Even Neil's dog Tiggy came along to enjoy the evening

Stone and Eccleshall Life's Laura Campbell meets actor Neil Morrissey as he opens his new pub in Barlaston

April/May 2015 47

The perfect Easter lunch

Garlic roast lamb with hotpot potatoes A great Easter treat, a leg of lamb can stretch to feed a party of eight, especially when combined with succulent sliced potatoes and carrots in tasty gravy.

Ingredients â&#x20AC;˘ 1.8kg part-boned leg of lamb â&#x20AC;˘ 5 garlic cloves, sliced â&#x20AC;˘ Sprigs of rosemary and thyme â&#x20AC;˘ 50g butter â&#x20AC;˘ 2 large onions, thinly sliced â&#x20AC;˘ 400g pack diced mutton or lamb shoulder, finely chopped â&#x20AC;˘ 2kg large potatoes, thinly sliced â&#x20AC;˘ 300g carrots, sliced at an angle â&#x20AC;˘ 3 tbsp plain flour â&#x20AC;˘ 700ml lamb or beef stock, plus 450ml (optional) â&#x20AC;˘ 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce â&#x20AC;˘ Steamed green beans and wilted spinach with nutmeg to serve Method 1. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Cut small pockets into the skin and flesh of the lamb by piercing it with the point of a sharp knife. Stuff each pocket with a slice of garlic, using 3-4 of the cloves, and a few leaves of rosemary. Stuff some more inside the lamb, with some thyme, where the bone has come from. Put in a roasting tin, season well and cover with foil.

2. Melt half the butter in a large frying pan. Fry the onions, stirring frequently, until softened and golden. Tip into a second large roasting tin. Cook the chopped mutton or lamb in the pan until brown. Add to the onions in the tin, and toss with the potatoes, carrots, remaining garlic and herbs (chopped), 2 tbsp of the flour and some seasoning.

3. Pour the stock into the frying pan, then add the 48 April/May 2015

Serves: 8 e: ion tim Preparat 25 minutes time: Cooking minutes 2 hours 15

Worcestershire sauce and the remaining butter.

When melted and boiling, pour over the potatoes, cover with foil and bake with the lamb for 1 hr.

4. Uncover both the lamb and the hotpot, and cook for 45 mins more until the potatoes are golden and cooked all the way through. Allow the lamb to rest for 15 mins before carving. Leave the potatoes in the oven (covered if starting to brown too much) until ready to serve.

5. Drain the fat from the lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roasting tin, reserving the juices. Put the tin on the heat and stir in the remaining flour. Pour in 450ml boiling water or stock and stir until thickened to a gravy.

Cut the hotpot into 8 and lift onto warmed plates.

Carve the lamb into thick slices and place on top, then spoon round a little gravy. Serve with the green beans and spinach â&#x20AC;&#x201C; add a little grated nutmeg to the spinach, if you like.

Chocolate hot cross bun and butter pudding

A traditional Good Friday treat, hot cross buns are the perfect treat for Easter time.

Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, so this is the perfect dessert to enjoy with loved ones. Sweet, spicy, filling and comforting, this delicious chocolate bun and butter pudding is sure to be a hit with the all family!

Ingredients â&#x20AC;˘ 6 chocolate hot cross buns â&#x20AC;˘ 30g unsalted butter, softened â&#x20AC;˘ 125g roughly chopped good-quality dark chocolate â&#x20AC;˘ 1 vanilla pod, split, seeds scraped, or a couple of drops of vanilla essence â&#x20AC;˘ 600ml thin cream â&#x20AC;˘ 600ml thickened cream, plus a little extra to serve â&#x20AC;˘ Zest of one orange â&#x20AC;˘ 4 eggs â&#x20AC;˘ 170g caster sugar â&#x20AC;˘ 60ml brandy (optional) Serves: 8 e: â&#x20AC;˘ Icing sugar, to dust ation tim

Method 1. Split the hot cross buns and butter each half.

Lay the bases in a 2-litre (8-cup) baking dish, sprinkle with the chopped dark chocolate, then place the bun tops on the bases.

2. Place the vanilla pod and seeds in a saucepan with the creams and zest, and heat over low heat until just simmering. Remove from the heat.

3. Beat the eggs, sugar and brandy until just combined, then pour into the warm cream, stirring continuously. Strain the custard evenly over the buns and set the pudding aside for 30

Prepar 50 minutes time: Cooking 50 minutes

minutes for the buns to soak up some of the custard. (The pudding can be prepared to this stage several hours in advance and refrigerated just bring to room temperature before baking.)

4. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 170°C. 5. Place the pudding dish in a large roasting pan and pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the pudding dish. Place in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the custard is set. Dust with icing sugar and serve with extra cream if desired.

April/May 2015 49

Brand new micro pu IN a beautiful and unique setting, with a capacity for just 60 people, brand new micro pub The Borehole in Stone is a cosy and quirky venue in which to relax and enjoy a drink with friends.

Located in the original gatehouse of a 125 year old brewery, this once empty and neglected building has been brought back to life and transformed into a warm and welcoming micro pub - The Borehole - by Stone based micro brewery Lymestone.

With the vast experience and know-how of Staffordshire born husband and wife duo Viv and Ian (Brad) Bradford,

The Borehole will not only appeal to ale enthusiasts across the area, but it will also offer a lovely time out for families and couples.

This is the second brewery tap for Lymestone Brewery, following on from the success of the Lymestone Vaults in Newcastle.

With six years of successful business under their belts, Viv told Stone and Eccleshall Life how much Brad and herself are looking forward to their exciting new venture, and what customers can expect from Stone's newest drinking establishment.

She said: "We believe very much in up cycling - so the ethos of the Brewery is to use local and recycle, and to reuse or rework as much as possible in all that we do.

"The bar at The Borehole has been reclaimed from a pub that had closed down, the furniture is from local Katherine House Hospice charity shops and the work has been completed on site by local tradesmen and women.

"We try hard not to buy brand new things, so this gives the micro

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THE BOREHO

A warm and welcoming micropub Off licence on the prem Purchase bottled beers, cask ale

Unit 2 Mount Road Indu Stone, ST15 8LL

50 April/May 2015

pub opens its doors

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pub a very unique and slightly quirky atmosphere!"

The Borehole certainly offers something 'that little bit different,' both with the drinks on sale and the quirky décor.

All of Lymestone's beers and ciders are available, as well as specialist bottled beer brewed by local and regional microbreweries, such as Freedom Brewery in Rugeley and Taddington Brewery in Buxton.

Viv continued: "The Borehole is also home to a specialized bottle beer shop where people can come and purchase a wide range of bottled beers from around the world to take home... and they will also be able to bring along their own containers to purchase cask ale and ciders.”

Cold snacks are available and freshly prepared food such as pork pies, baps and hot soup. A warm and welcoming wood

HOLE

burning stove provides a central point in the building and dogs and well behaved children are welcome up till 8pm.

Initial opening hours: 11.30am-2.30pm & 4.30pm-9.30pm, seven days a week

pub • Children and dogs welcome until 8pm premises - just like the old days... ales and ciders - bring your own container

ndustrial Estate, Mount Road, LL • Tel: 01785 817796 April/May 2015 51

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nybody who has not been preparing for the proposed manned mission to Mars or has recently arrived from such a venue will know that we will be having an election later this year. Incessant ramblings by politicians who fervently believe that we are all hanging on their every word and that we have nothing better to do than scour the latest polls, is gradually having its effect. Indeed it’s enough to drive us all to drink and that’s the very point.

If you start to analyse the figures, you will see why we have to have elections.

Every four or five years the economy needs a massive boost, especially the Treasury and one of the best ways of achieving this is to get us all to increase our consumption! Did you know that each time you buy a bottle of whisky, 78% of the cost is tax, that’s £10.06 on an average bottle. It’s even worse for gin with tax at 79%

with wine a slightly more reasonable 56% or £2.93 on an average bottle.

To be serious though, a recent report by Ernst & Young has indicated that rather than reduce income, a 2% reduction in duty would result in a boost in public finances by £1.5 billion. The drinks industry has been arguing for a long while that taxation is too high and looking at the figures it’s hard to argue against.

The alcohol industry currently pays £17 billion in tax which equates to £329 per person per year.

What’s all the fuss about I hear somebody say, the level of taxation on spirits has always gone up. It’s only been reduced three times in the last century. Well in 1773 some rebellious gentleman took offence at the level of duty then applied to tea and look what that led to! The big difference between the Boston Tea Party and now is that we at least have representation and that has what has been called for in the “Drop the Duty Campaign” aimed at George Osbourne’s budget.

By the time you read this we will know if he listened. In the meantime I’ll pour a small dram, settle down and watch the candidate’s debate!

Whisky expert Dave Pickard of Old School Wines, Tittensor.

T. 01782 372888 52 April/May 2015

STONE HOUSE

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Hotel

Stafford Road, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0BQ Tel: 01785 815531

It’s all change at the Stone House Hotel. Our new Executive Head Chef has created your new menu that really does offer diners delightful imaginative cuisine, with tempting dishes from around the world. Gijo, and his team, are looking forward to cooking for you.

NewYear, New Menu, New Us…

The Stone House is delighted to have a new owner, who has been very busy with designers and builders. Work has already started on the bedrooms, with them offering contemporary but in-keeping feel. Over the coming months further changes will be evident as the Lounge Bar will receive a make over, which we are sure will be well received by our guests.-

www.bespokehotels.com/stonehousehotel

F: facebook.com/StoneHouseHotelStaffs | Email: reservations.stone@bespokehotels.com

THE GEORGE & DRAGON at Meaford

New menu from 1st April HOUSE WINE £8.95 PER BOTTLE LAGER & BITTER £2.50 PER PINT • GUEST ALES

SPECIAL OFFERS ALL WEEK FROM 5PM • Monday - Grill night - 2-for-1 on steaks • Tuesdays NEW PROMOTION Glass of wine and a pint of beer £5.00 • Wednesday - Curry night curry with a free drink £6.95 • Thursday - 2 main meals & a bottle of wine £20 • Sunday lunch - 12 noon - 9pm with free dessert £10.35

2 main meals for

£Mon1-F0ri 12-5pm

MEAFORD ROAD, STONE, ST15 0PX

T. 01785 748787 www.georgedragonmeaford.com

OPEN 7 DAYS 12 NOON - 11PM FOOD SERVED EVERYDAY 12NOON - 9PM FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE

Moore’s Milk B A R L A S TO N Local milk for local people

FULL RANGE OF MILK INCLUDING ORGANIC

DOOSTEP DELIVERIES COVERING STONE, BARLASTON, TRENTHAM, BLYTHE BRIDGE, MEIR HEATH, PLUS VILLAGES IN BETWEEN FRESH EGGS AND POTATOES AVAILABLE

DISCOUNTS FOR FACTORIES AND CATERING SUPPLIERS

TEL: 01782 372401 OR 07854 941024 OR EMAIL: MOORESMILK@GMAIL.COM

April/May 2015 53

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Dining & entertainment at its best

brasserie

Granville square, stone â&#x20AC;˘ tel: 01785 816658 serving till 1.30am friday & saturday

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN STONE

Sit in our beautiful garden and enjoy a superb lunch COME AND TRY OUR TASTY NEW SPRING MENU â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY 16th APRIL - FRENCH NIGHT with Bon Accord - a new gypsy jazz band with a difference â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAY 26th APRIL - BLUES, BRUNCH & BOURBON featuring live music from The James Gillespie Blues Band. Ticket only.

See our website www.granvilles.st for full entertainment schedule

54 April/May 2015

GRANVILLES PROUDLY PRESENTS

THE JONATHAN VINTEN JULIAN STRINGLE QUARTET Having previously graced our stage with George Melly, Kenny Ball & Digby Fairweather, this is jazz at its best

Sunday 12th April Tickets ÂŁ25 inc. 2 course supper

AWARD FOR GRANVILLES

Granvilles staff pictured collecting their Best Overall in Stone award from Stafford Borough Council's Cabinet member for the Community, Councillor Jeremy Pert.

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ne of Stone's most popular music and drinking venues has been crowned as the best bar in Stone.

The best drinking establishments in the Stafford Borough were recognised at the March Best Bar None awards.

The top two prizes were awarded to The Post House, who took home the Best Overall award for Stafford, and Granvilles, who won Best Overall for Stone.

Other winners on the night included The Bear Grill who won Best Pub, the Swan Hotel who were awarded Best Bar and the Most Improved award went to the Sun Inn. The winners were decided after members from the council and police spent recent weeks checking the standards at pubs, bars and nightclubs in the borough.

Best Bar None was started and is led by

Stafford Borough Council who work alongside a number of partners such as Staffordshire Police to deliver the scheme. Premises are marked on a range of objectives including health and safety practices, measures they adopt to protect young people from harm and also licensing compliance.

Cabinet Member for Community, Councillor Jeremy Pert, said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;These awards do a great job of encouraging pubs and clubs to deliver an excellent quality of service and safe environment for their customers to eat and drink. This helps attract more visitors and benefits the night time economy of Stafford Borough.â&#x20AC;?

Best Bar None plaques are given to all accredited venues to display to their customers, and the winners on the night also received prizes donated by Stafford Leisure Centre, ABV Training, Shugborough Hall and Planters Garden Centre in Staffordshire.

April/May 2015 55

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Dealing with dental phobia T

housands of people in Staffordshire will be afraid of going to the dentist.

But as common as it is to be nervous, for many people, this fear can quickly turn into a phobia and cause extreme distress that can have a devastating impact not just on their oral health, but on their all round wellbeing.

A 'phobia' is defined as an irrational, severe fear that leads to avoidance of the feared situation, object or activity.

Exposure to the feared stimulus provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a panic attack.

Dental phobics will spend an awful lot of time thinking about their teeth or dentists or dental situations, or else spend a lot of time trying not to!

The most common reasons to be afraid are pain, the drill, dental instruments, gagging and choking, or a bad experience of the dentist in the past.

Angelina Holistic Therapies Diane Connor FdSc, MFHT Your Local Professional Complementary Therapist

Emotional Freedom Technique, Matrix Reimprinting, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Relaxation Techniques, Meditation Classes 1 Mile from Stone Town Centre

www.angelinaholistictherapies.net 07967 434232

56 April/May 2015

How can Complementary Therapies Help Dental Phobic Patients?

Emotional Freedom Technique Anxieties and phobias (including dental phobias) can affect our mental and physical health. EFT is a powerful new method based on the discovery that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Complementary therapists believe that EFT can rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress and phobias.

Negative emotions block the flow of energy through the body and have a detrimental effect on our health and well-being, and when the distress is reduced or removed, the patient feels more relaxed and is more able to cope with any dental procedures.

EFT is a combination of a gentle tapping technique (using the fingertips) and the repetitive use of a verbalized affirmation. By tapping on certain meridian points on the hands and face, the negative thought process may be interrupted and released.

EFT has plenty of benefits, including the fact that it is non-invasive (client remains fully clothed) and it provides solutions to traumatized patients wanting relief from anxiety and its effects without having to talk about, or relive, the trauma.

Matrix Re-imprinting - Using EFT Matrix Re-imprinting can help you to quickly release emotional issues and phobias (including dental phobia). It works by finding the cause of the dental phobia and releases the emotion attached to the situation, which in turn releases the trauma.

It releases your emotional issues, changes your negative beliefs, resolves traumatic memories and transforms fears and phobias.

TITTENSOR

C H I R O P O DY / P O D I AT RY State Registered Chiropodist with the Health & Care Profession Council

Member of "The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists"

Over a decade of NHS experience Bachelor Honours Degree in Podiatry Medicine Offer various treatments: Nail cut & treatment of skin & nail infections, Removal of Hard Skin & Corns, Verruca treatment, Ingrowing toenails, Nail surgery.

20 Bracken Close, Copeland Avenue, Winghouse Lane, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST12-9JD For an appointment please call

Leila Burgess mobile: 07946 353816 (please leave a message & you will be contacted)

www.tittensorchiropodyandpodiatry.co.uk Info@tittensorpodiatryandchiropody.co.uk

‘‘

‘‘George cares about his painting. We care about that.

At Hilderstone Hall it’s all about quality of life.

We know how important hobbies and interests can be. That’s why we support the people we care for to continue their love of cooking and baking. We even have our own inter-home cooking competition, Cooking with Care, judged by celebrity chef – Paul Rankin!

• Nursing / residential care • Day care • Social and physical activities Dementia care • • Respite care & short breaks • Physical disability care

Rated

Excellent Proud to be Dignity in Care Ambassadors

by the CQC

How can we help you? Why not call us or drop in for a chat over coffee or lunch?

Hilderstone Hall Care Home Hall Lane, Hilderstone, Stone, Staffs ST15 8SQ

Tel: 01889 505 468

www.barchester.com April/May 2015 57

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CLASS CHAT

local youngsters mak

funny for m Comic Relief's ever popular Red Nose Day took place once again this March, with plenty of local youngsters getting involved at school in order to raise money and help others in situations less fortunate than themselves.

Money raised for Red Nose Day is spent by Comic Relief to transform the lives of millions of people, both at home in the UK and across Africa.

Schools in Stone and Eccleshall got stuck in to the fun and games in order to donate money to this worthy cause.

At Manor Hill First School, children enjoyed face painting and a cake sale whilst pupils at Walton Priory Middle School wore red noses, took part in a quiz and sponsored their class teachers to have their faces drawn on.

Bishop Lonsdale Primary School in Eccleshall and St Michaels First School both got dressed up to celebrate.

Children at Pirehill First School came to classes dressed in red and made donations to Comic Relief.

The children on the School Council also launched a special competition - the younger children were asked to design a funny face and the older pupils wrote down their funniest jokes to be read in assembly and prizes were awarded to the winners.

60 April/May 2015

Walton Priory Middle School

St Michael

Pirehill First School

St Michael

CLASS CHAT

ake their faces

r money Manor Hill First School

chael’s First School

chael’s First School

Manor Hill First School

Bishop Lonsdale Primary School April/May 2015 61

Literary characters come to life F

airytale picture books, children’s classics and modern fiction were all recreated in classrooms across Stone and Eccleshall this month.

World Book Day is a celebrated global event which aims to encourage children to embrace reading.

It saw hundreds of children dress up as their favourite characters for the day on Thursday, 5th March.

Youngsters from across the area took part in a host of activities including book sales and reading sessions as part of the drive.

At St Michael's First School in Stone (pictured on this page), pupils enjoyed having their parents visit the school, especially to read to them from their favourite story books. The children also dressed up for the occasion – sporting the outfits of their favourite characters.

Over in Eccleshall, the teachers at Bishop Lonsdale Primary School (pictured right) really embraced the spirit of the day, dressing up themselves! Staff borrowed special costumes from nearby Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and put on their own production of Cinderella for the children to watch.

Around 14 million £1 book tokens are given to UK schoolchildren on World Book Day. The tokens can be used to buy one of 10 specially selected books available for just £1 with the token, or to claim £1 off a full price book in participating shops.

62 April/May 2015

CLASS CHAT

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ear 8 pupils at Walton Priory Middle School held a ‘Careers Day’ recently as part of their curriculum.

Parents, grandparents and friends were asked to come into school to speak to the children about their chosen careers, qualifications and experiences.

Amongst the various types of careers were a Banker, a Headteacher, an IT Specialist, an Industrial Chemist, a Business Owner and many others.

Key Stage 3 Facilitator of Abbots Bromley Dancer Learning, Miss Victoria

Atherton, who organised the day said: “The day was a great success, the children really enjoyed having the opportunity to investigate various careers.

We would like to thank

everyone who gave their time to speak to our children.”

Pictured is Head Girl, Amy Fox and Head Boy, Callum Mountford with a selection of career guests.

April/May 2015 63

EDUCATION

April/May 2015 65

66 April/May 2015

EDUCATION

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n this, the 140th Anniversary Year of the founding of Abbots Bromley School, Staffordshire, the Governors and Leadership Team have announced that, from September 2015, the school will have boarding and day places for sixth form boys.

Through the generosity of sponsors, Abbots Bromley are able as a 'one off anniversary event' to offer 6 highly valuable day place Scholarships for local boys into Y12, September 2015.

Six able male students (currently in year 11 at schools in the Midlands) will be offered the chance to attend Abbots Bromley which was ranked in the top 5 independent schools last year, for either an academic sixth form A Level experience or a combination of a Creative Dance/Musical Theatre curriculum, coupled with two academic Advanced levels, fully funded for their time in the sixth form.

A new boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boarding house will be located within Abbots Bromley International College a detached building in the grounds of the 53 acre site, which also opens in September 2015, providing a variety of courses for both overseas students and British male students who may wish to board and access the sixth form.

The Prep School is also coeducational. To encourage an increased role of boys in the Prep School Abbots Bromley are offering up to 15

concessionary places for boys in Y1 to Y5 from September 2015.

Prep School pupils benefit enormously from accessing the tremendous facilities in this prestigious school.

Please contact Abbots Bromley School on enquiries@abbotsbromley.net or telephone 01283 840232 to arrange a visit to the school or for further information.

Abbots Bromley School Swimming Pool

April/May 2015 67

EDUCATION

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eception age children were welcomed for the first time in September as Stafford Preparatory School had its fourth expansion in seven years since the school opened in September, 2007. A vibrant learning environment for the class of 4 & 5 year olds has been enhanced with a newly built covered outdoor area for the children to work and play in.

Lessons for children at SPS are taught principally by specialist primary teachers, with Stafford Grammar School staff teaching subjects such as design technology, music, ICT and P.E. in Years 5 and 6. Science is taught in a fully equipped laboratory. Children learn French, German and Spanish during their time at SPS. Activity beyond the classroom is plentiful – competitive sport, a wide variety of music and outdoor education, all complemented by clubs and educational visits which enrich the curriculum. Forthcoming dramatic productions are ‘Hoodwinked and ‘Pirates of the Curry Bean’. The School Choir sings at a range of venues and in competitions such as the Newcastle Festival.

Admission to Stafford Prep at KS2 is based on an informal assessment conducted in a small group or on an individual basis. Children spend a

68 April/May 2015

morning/day in school during which time they are tested in English and mathematics. Entry at Reception/KS1 follows an introductory visit by the pupil.

Pupils in Year 6 are prepared mainly for the entrance examination for Stafford Grammar School, but also for other selective senior schools. Seven of this year’s Year 6 will move up to Stafford Grammar with academic scholarships.

During Stafford Prep’s inception, the children have achieved some spectacular successes on the sporting front winning fifty trophies locally and nationally, the most recent being the Stafford Schools Cross Country championship. All pupils have two weekly PE/Games sessions and these are supplemented with a full programme of extra curricular activities, both sporting and non sporting.

Our aim is to give our pupils an exciting and challenging primary education which will give them an enthusiasm for learning and prepare them for life at senior school in the best possible way. Parents may visit by prior appointment on any school day.

For further information please visit our website www.staffordprep.co.uk email reception@staffordprep.co.uk or ring 01785 251337

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EDUCATION

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t. Dominic's Priory School in Stone is thrilled to share the wonderful news that they have received an 'Excellent' achievement in their latest ISI Inspection report (Independent Schools Inspectorate) which is equivalent to 'Outstanding' in Ofsted.

St. Dominic's Priory School is a highly successful Independent School and Nursery, educating girls and boys from 3 months old. They value individuals and their small class sizes create an environment in which potential can be fully realised because each child is known, cared for and encouraged to be the best that they can be.

The Inspectors were very complimentary about the school's students, staff and educational offering.

The full report is on their school website: www.stdominicsprioryschool.co.uk<http://www.std ominicsprioryschool.co.uk> .

Please find listed below some quotes taken from the report: "Students are industrious and work effectively both independently and with others".

"Students are mature for their age and confident in approaching different subjects. They display strong communication skills, speaking articulately and enthusiastically".

"The quality of academic and other achievements is excellent".

"The quality of teaching is excellent".

"Relationships amongst staff and pupils and pupils themselves are excellent".

Headteacher Mrs Rebecca Harrison commented "I am delighted with our recent inspection and feel privileged to be a part of such a wonderful school whose deserved reputation is one of excellent achievements".

Please call the School Office on 01785 814181 if you would like to look around the school and meet with Mrs Harrison.

April/May 2015 69

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re-nuputial agreements (pre-nups) are often associated with the rich but they are now being used by couples from all walks of life.

They are particularly popular with people entering second marriages who want to safeguard their assets for their children from a previous relationship. People who have inherited money or perhaps been awarded compensation for an injury or employment claim are also using pre-nups to protect their interests.

Some law firms throughout England and Wales have reported that inquiries about marital agreements have risen by as much as 50% over the last 12 months.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thought the reason for the increase is likely to be a growing confidence that such agreements will be fully effective in the event of a marriage breakdown. Pre-nups are not legally binding in this country, although there has been a growing trend for courts to apply them unless there are compelling reasons against doing so. Generally, the courts now only overturn a pre-nup if it is deemed unfair or if one party was pressurised into signing it against their will.

The backing of official bodies like the Law Commission have also given people confidence that pre-nup agreements are here to stay and will be taken seriously.

The commission has called for new legislation to formalise the new status that the pre-nup has been given by the courts. It has recommended a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;qualifying nuptial agreementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which would enable a couple to decide how to divide their assets, before or during their marriage, in the event that they divorce. As long as legal requirements are met they would be binding in the court.

One other possible reason for the increased interest in marital agreements is that people are becoming more pragmatic in their attitude to marriage. There is a growing acceptance that relationships can break down and that if that happens, a pre-nup can help to reduce much of the stress and heartache of reaching a financial settlement that is fair to both sides.

Please contact Daniel Rushton, Head of Family Law at Grindeys, if would like more information about making a prenuptial agreement.

T: 01782 846 441 E: info@grindeys.com W:www.grindeys.co.uk

70 April/May 2015

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INVESTMENT MATTERS

A

wrap, or wrap account, is a facility that can bring together all your investments including shares, bonds, cash, investment trusts, unit trusts and pensions - under one roof.

They can also be used to manage various tax wrappers such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs).

By having all the information you need in one place, this can help you complete your tax return, and many systems will calculate capital gains tax liabilities.

How do they work?

Wraps are internet based facilities that can give you on-line access to information about your investments at any time of day or night. You may also be able to give instructions in respect of managing your investments.

The main point about wraps is they make it much easier to manage a spread of investments.

You can split your money between a vast number of different investments through a diverse asset allocation strategy, thus spreading your risk.

How easy is this?

In most cases, existing investments can be brought into the wrap through re-registration.

This means you do not need to sell and repurchase your investments in order to include them. There may, however, be cases when you wish to do so, to ‘crystallise’ losses and gains, and making use of your capital gains tax allowance.

Everyone can currently realise investment gains of up to £10,900 during the year, before having to pay 18% or 28% tax, depending upon their tax position. So if you purchased unit trusts for £20,000 a few years ago, and they are now worth £30,900, you could sell and re-purchase them and avoid tax (provided you have realised no other taxable gains during the tax year).

Can all my investments be included?

Some investments cannot be included within

a wrap for technical reasons. For example, old endowment policies or commercial property within a SIPP do not lend themselves to having on-line valuations, so they are treated separately.

It is still possible to have them recorded on the system, but you generally have to input the value manually, updating it from time to time.

What does it cost?

The costs associated with wraps are not high and can be very competitive, because there are cost savings for everyone involved. Fees are either expressed as a percentage of the funds under management or are on a fixed fee basis, and can include the cost of advice, as well as the usual management fees.

It is important to always seek independent financial advice before making any decision regarding your finances. For further information, please contact SDB Strategic Planners Ltd. The value of investments is not guaranteed; you may get back less than you put in.

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS GIVING INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL ADVICE. PLEASE NOTE THERE MAY BE VARIATIONS FOR THOSE LIVING IN SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND.

Stuart D Bryant is a fee-based Certified Financial Planner, specialising in personal lifestyle planning and investment planning.

SDB Strategic Planners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Tel: (01782) 712233

April/May 2015 71

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esidents in Eccleshall will now be able to access life saving equipment in the event of an emergency, as a new defibrillator has recently been unveiled in the village.

The money for the new Public Access Defibrillator was raised by the friends and family of Richard Morrey, a volunteer Community First Responder who sadly passed away last September, following a short fight against Melanoma.

The money was donated to the Community First Responders Group, who then agreed to purchase the defibrillator and donate it to the community, dedicated in memory of Richard's work as a CFR. The Community Centre, on Shaws Lane, agreed to host the equipment which was supplied

by AED Donate (Automated External Defibrillators) of Stone.

72 April/May 2015

A training event by West Midlands Ambulance Service will be taking place at the Community Centre on Friday, 10th April, starting at 7.30pm. It will show people how to access and use any of the four public defibrillators now around town.

If anyone would like more information on Community Public Access Defibrillators or you are considering one for your community please contact Martin Watson - Community Defibrillator Facilitator, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust by emailing: martin.watson@btinternet.com Pictured are members of Eccleshall Community First Responders along with Community Centre chairman Mr Gordon Dale; Delma, Maisie and Kristen, Richard's wife and children; and Claire Turner of AED Donate.

Stone and Eccleshall Life Magazines

motoring Guide

74 April/May 2015

MOTORING

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arlier this year, Nissan blazed a trail by driving its unique glow-in-the-dark zeroemission LEAF along the world's first glow-in-the-dark motorway in Oss, Netherlands.

Nissan recently became the first modern passenger car manufacturer to apply glow-in-thedark car paint to a car, to showcase how many customers of the world's best-selling electric vehicle are powering their car from solar energy generated at home.

Now it has gone one step further, by driving the all-electric Nissan LEAF on the Smart Highway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first time a phosphorescent car has been driven on the famous stretch of road.

The world's only luminescent highway was conceived by designer Daan Roosegaarde to help guide drivers in the dark, while saving energy that might otherwise be used in street lighting.

A 600-metre stretch of the N329 highway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a major transport link that runs through the city of Oss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has been upgraded with these Glowing Lines. The lines absorb light during the day and

glows for eight hours at night. Here the landscape becomes an experience of light and information.

As a result this increases visibility and safety.

Research revealed recently by Nissan showed that 89% of LEAF owners charge their cars at home overnight. Although solar panels do not store energy or provide it outside of daylight, any leftover power generated during the day is fed back into the national grid and homeowners can get a Government payment for it, meaning that the overnight charge is already paid for.

The number of Nissan-compatible rapid chargers available in the UK has now reached 366, with 170 of these installed at key motorway service stations along the Ecotricity Electric Highway. This means that almost 80% of motorway service stations across the country are covered, with over 95% planned by the end of the year. And with the service operating on a free-touse basis for the foreseeable future, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why the Nissan LEAF continues to spearhead the pure electric market.

April/May 2015 75

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MOTORING

By Syd Taylor

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tylish, compact and fun, the minimalist Fiat 500 is modern, functional and outstandingly alluring, with an underpinning design intelligence that's typically Italian. And if anyone knows superminis, it's Fiat - who once again have redefined the small car by making it into something to enjoy.

The two cylinder 875cc 85bhp engine used in the 500 twin air is amazing. Weighing in at just 85kg, this ground breaking engine is the cleanest quantity production petrol engine in the world.

Combining Multi Air technology (a revolutionary electro-hydraulic valve control system) with a turbocharger, gives lots of power and torque whilst small size and low weight boost performance and responsiveness.

The 500 Twin Air is available in several specification levels. The cheapest is the 'Colour Therapy' at ÂŁ11,960 and the 'Lounge', tested here, is ÂŁ12,760.

The only real criticism that could justifiably be levelled at this car is that it is expensive. But then you get what you pay for.

Inside, it's instant 'retro' with design cues from the original 500 but despite its diminutive proportions it's certainly not a car for toy town.

There's room for two large adults in the front and at a push, two passengers in the back - and yet boot space is more generous than you expect.

You get air conditioning, power windows and

mirrors and the offer of a host of options and styling extras to personalise your 500.

Within a hundred yards, driving this car becomes natural and easy. If you stay in 'ECO' mode with its lighter steering and engine management programming for economy, Fiat claim you're likely to see an urban consumption of 60.1 mpg. thanks in part to the switchable 'stop start' system. Combined consumption of 70.6 mpg is claimed - but to be brutally honest, try as I did, I couldn't get anywhere near this.

Press the button to change from ECO to normal mode and you are in a different car.

Steering and throttle response sharpen and if you make use of the slick five gears, you're in for fun.

Ride quality is supple enough, roll angles are low and steering is precise. The 500 has an air of imperturbability about its moves giving a feeling of implacability which is rarely found in a pocket sized car.

Syd Taylor is a member of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers and lives in Staffordshire.

He has a keen interest in cars, motorbikes and aeroplanes, with a particular love of classic vehicles and used to race bikes.

April/May 2015 77

80 April/May 2015

MOTORING

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he top selling, award winning Volvo V40 is a strong choice for a reliable and stylish family car.

Priced from just £18,995, the Volvo V40 is available with a choice of engines and a wide range of trim levels to suit all requirements.

In addition, customers can also opt for the sports-inspired V40 R-Design models, or – for a more rugged look – the V40 Cross Country.

Petrol engines range from the entry level 120hp T2 up to the powerful 250hp T5 Auto, while diesel engines include the 88g/km CO2 D2 diesel unit, which is free from annual road tax and can return up to 83.1mpg fuel economy (official combined cycle).

Standard equipment includes DAB radio, pedestrian airbag, City Safety, Bluetooth, climate control, electric windows and 16” alloys.

Navigate with style and ease or use the parking assistance - at the press of a button, the system scans the parking bay using ultrasound and tells you if it's spacious enough. Once you've lined up your car, you only need to control speed and direction while Park assist pilot takes over the steering until you're perfectly parked.

The durable and versatile towbar has been specially designed for use with your Volvo. It's easy to mount whenever you need it and when not in use it can be removed quickly and simply.

And to maintain your Volvos good looks, there is a colour coordinated cover for the towbar opening.

The V40 D2 and V40 R-Design D2 now benefit from being available to order with an automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions (EU Combined, preliminary figures) are 102g/km (72.4mpg) in the standard and R-Design versions and 108g/km (68.9mpg) in the V40 Cross Country.

The all-new Sensus Connected Touch enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars and handy in winter.

Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver's mobile phone.

The user has access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music (Spotify and Deezer), Internet radio (TuneIn and Orange Live Radio), on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, Free Parking locator, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.

April/May 2015 81

82 April/May 2015

MOTORING

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et to arrive in the UK this summer, the third-generation Jazz offers increased refinement, advanced safety and infotainment technologies that all the family will enjoy.

The 2015 model features bold yet sophisticated exterior and interior design, with unrivalled interior space and versatility and a highly efficient and dynamic driving experience.

New front suspension geometry provides more stable and composed handling, helping the response of the new Jazz feel more accurate, natural and agile through corners.

While the newcomer retains the classic Jazz silhouette, it exhibits distinctive contemporary styling including a powerful new face and strong lines. The use of Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleverly packaged new global B-segment chassis means that the latest Jazz is even bigger on the inside.

The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magic SeatsÂŽ system ensures the interior offers unmatched versatility as well as class-leading space, with a range of configurations for carrying cargo and passengers - Longer by 95mm on the outside and with a 30mm longer wheelbase, the new

Jazz is endowed with astonishing interior passenger space, in fact, leg, shoulder and headroom in the front and rear are unrivalled in the class.

High-quality soft-touch materials and thoughtful interior design provide a sophisticated ambience. With a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, Honda Connect is a new in-car infotainment system that offers internet browsing and access to realtime news, traffic and weather and numerous internet music stations.

The 2015 Jazz will be fitted with a new powerful and efficient 1.3-litre petrol engine from Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Earth Dreams Technology series.

Available as an option on the entry-level model, and available as standard on all other grades, Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite of safety technologies known as the Advanced Driver Assist System includes Intelligent Speed Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System - a comprehensive suite of new advanced safety technologies introduced across Hondaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new product line-up during 2015.

April/May 2015 83

84 April/May 2015

MOTORING

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vailable only in Double Cab form, the Tekna costs from £24,389.50 (on the road) for the manual or £25,682 (on the road) for the automatic. Pop-up headlight washers, speed limiter, power fold mirrors and MP3 AUX input all come as standard.

The 4-cylinder diesel provides peak power of 190 PS (188 bhp) with peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb ft), figures which represent an 11% improvement over the previous model. This represents class leading power and torque without compromising on fuel consumption or emissions. It is now capable of doing 0-62mph in just 10.7 seconds.

Both models have significantly improved performance and fuel economy - fuel consumption improves and CO2 emissions come down, by an average of 15%. Official combined fuel economy is boosted from the outgoing models’ 28.8mpg to 33.2mpg, while CO2 is cut from 264g/km to 224g/km.

A subtle reshaping has resulted in a new bonnet and grille, along with redesigned headlights – now complete with their own pop up washer system.

Two new body colours are available: Slate and Electric Blue.

Inside, enhanced styling embraces new designs, trim and fabrics for the door panels, centre console and seats. There’s a clearer new dashboard display, extra concealed storage tray and reworked switchgear. A simple-to-operate speed limiter has also been incorporated into the cruise control.

Nissan Connect Premium, a whole new “infotainment” system, replaces both the previous DVD satnav and CD autochanger. The Hard Disk Drive-based system brings state-ofthe-art navigation, music storage and playback.

The 40 GB satnav offers 3D street-level mapping and extensive POI (points of interest) data. The 9 GB music centre will automatically download and store music from the equivalent of 250 CDs, while also offering full iPod connectivity and a facility for wireless audio streaming using the built-in Bluetooth. The system even includes a reversing camera. And if you get tired of looking backwards you can always pop in a DVD to watch (but only while the vehicle is stationary).

April/May 2015 85

86 April/May 2015

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MOTORING

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lending Mazda's striking 'KODO-Soul of Motion' design philosophy with its unique SKYACTIV technology, the all-new Mazda2 features the signature 'wing' front grille and predatory headlamp styling that form the latest Mazda family ‘look’, together with a dynamic, muscular, cab-rearward design, which incorporates a longer wheelbase to maximise interior space.

Powered by Mazda's 1.5-litre 90ps SKYACTIV G petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the special Sports Launch Edition model is generously equipped. Outside, there are 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing front wipers, rear parking sensors and free-of-charge Metallic/Mica/Pearlescent paint in a choice of four colours. Inside, it comes with the MZD Connect system featuring a 7-inch colour touchscreen, a rotary Multimedia Commander, DAB radio and a satellite navigation system.

Across the range, the all-new Mazda2 sets new standards in the B-segment for infotainment, incar connectivity, specification levels and available safety technology - including, from 90ps SE-L

petrol and 105ps SE-L diesel models - lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), which automatically applies the brakes if the system detects an imminent frontal impact. Additionally, the optional Active Driving Display with head-up technology, which is available as part of the safety pack on 115ps Sport Nav, projects the most important real-time driving data directly into the driver's forward field of view.

Depending on model, available equipment includes: smart keyless entry, climate control airconditioning, a 7-inch colour touch-screen, a rotary Multimedia Commander infotainment control, MZD Connect, DAB radio (for the first time in Mazda2), and a satellite navigation system with three years of free map updates.

Customers can select their all-new Mazda2 from five regular grades – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav – or choose the Sports Launch Edition while limited stocks last. On-theroad prices range from £11,995 to £17,395 over the 16-model line-up that features four 90ps petrol models with a six-speed automatic transmission.

April/May 2015 87

YARIS ICON AT WR DAVIES

0% APR

£179

Representative*

per month^

£179 deposit^

Rear-view parking camera Multimedia system with Bluetooth® Air Conditioning

A STRIKING, ALLURING, REMARKABLE 0% APR. Representative*

W R Davies 123 Lichfield Road Stafford ST17 4LF Tel: 01785 236 700 www.wrdavies.co.uk

/W-R-Davies-Motor-Group-Ltd @WR-Davies

Model shown is MY15 Yaris Icon 3 door 1.0 VVT-i 5-speed Manual at £12,745.00. Prices correct at time of going to press. *0% APR Representative and £505 finance deposit allowance available on new retail orders of MY15 Yaris Icon 3 door 1.0 VVT-i 5-speed Manual when ordered between 16th December 2014 and 31st March 2015 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th June 2015 on a 42 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0-32% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 42 month AccessToyota contract with £179.00 customer deposit, £505 Finance Deposit Allowance and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer.

Excess miles over 35,000 charged at 8p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Affordable finance through AccessToyota. 5 year /100,000 mile manufacturer warranty subject to terms and conditions.

MY15 Yaris Icon 3 door 1.0 VVT-i 5-speed Manual. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 54.3 (5.2), Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8), Combined 65.7 (4.3). CO2 Emissions 99g/km. The mpg & CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

88 April/May 2015

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MOTORING

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he newly transformed Toyota Yaris, with its improved ride, handling, comfort, NVH and engine performance, is proving popular for drivers this Spring.

The new model follows the trend set by the new Aygo in adopting a more distinctive look, notably a new cross-shaped arrangement of the front end with new headlight units and a new bumper, diffuser and light cluster arrangement at the rear.

Important modifications have been made in the cabin as well, with an emphasis on the quality of the materials, which look and feel better.

Equipment and colour choices have also been increased.

Under the skin important modifications have been made to improve the suspension, handling and ride comfort, as well as significantly reducing noise and vibration levels.

The Yaris is available with four powertrains – two petrol, one diesel and a hybrid. The hybrid system, which already accounts for more than a quarter of all Yaris sales in the UK, benefits from adjustments which have brought its CO2 emissions down further, from 79 to 75g/km.

Extremely fuel efficient (more than 85.6mpg) and clean (virtually zero NOx and particulate

emissions), this powertrain remains a unique proposition in the supermini segment.

Yaris Hybrid also stands out for its silent running, comfort and easy handling, especially around town where the hybrid system allows the car to be driven for certain distances in electric mode, or with limited use of the petrol engine.

The automatic transmission adds to the all-round smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience.

The overall aim has been to give Yaris more emotional appeal, but without sacrificing any of its successful rational qualities, such as its packaging, durability and cost of ownership.

Alessandro Massimino, Toyota’s Brusselsbased product manager, said: “Yaris was always extremely strong in its rational dimensions. What we wanted to achieve was to connect the model not only with our customers’ brains, but also with their hearts.”

The project itself marks a major milestone in the history of Toyota in Europe, with the Europebased product planning, research and development and design departments working together to deliver new designs and changes to the vehicle platform that are being adopted for other Toyota models around the world.

April/May 2015 89

MOTORING

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he Mercedes-Benz SClass has been announced as the Women’s World Car of the Year and Luxury Car of the Year, 2014.

21 judges from around the world voted on 10 different criteria considered important to female car buyers, including; style and appeal, comfort, drive quality, and the ‘wow’ factor – with the S-Class awarded the supreme accolade.

In selecting the S-Class as the winner of Women’s World Car of the Year 2014, Sue Baker, Chairman of the Southern Group of Motoring Writers and UK judge of WWCOTY, commented: “This is an outstanding accolade for a car which encompasses everything women want in a vehicle, namely a high calibre driving experience, impeccable safety credentials, top-notch comfort and high build quality, all at a justifiable price.”

The diverse S-Class range consists of four-, six-, eight- and 12- cylinder engines, two Hybrids, a Plug-in Hybrid, two trim choices (SE Line and AMG Line) and two wheelbase options (standard and long).

The range has also recently expanded with the new Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-Maybach Pullman.

Created with the aim of being the ‘best car in the world’, the S-Class takes comfort, safety and personalisation to new levels. Comfort features available include the choice of 90 April/May 2015

seven different ambient colours to light up the interior, front seats that can replicate a hot stone massage, a perfume diffuser called Air Balance that also cleans the air, and a left rear seat that can recline to 43.5 degrees.

The range can be personalised through 13

different paint options – 12 metallic paint and four designo paint options, as well as seven different trim options – Black Poplar wood to designo Metallised Ash wood.

The S-Class – from £66,910 OTR – returns up to 100.9 mpg with CO2 emissions from 65 g/km.