Newcastle Life Issue 23

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£2 WHERE SOLD

ISSUE 23

Life WHAT’S ON

Win

A family ticket for four to see The Prince and the Pauper at The New Vic

A guide featuring all special events this Christmas

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CONTENTS

Issue 23 Editors Letter.......................................6

Gardening...........................................19

Scouts Giant Flour De Lis....................8

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

Ben’s JCB Jump...................................9

Wolstanton Rotary Club ....................25

Make-over at Martec..........................10

Stage Directions.................................26

National Colleges Week .....................12

Newcastle Lions Club ........................27

Funding Boost For Keele ...................14

Pink Sisters ........................................28

Enjoy Staffordshire Awards ...............15

Staffordshire Police ...........................32

Friends of Lyme Brook ......................16

Motoring ............................................34

Gold Award For Edenhurst................18

Quiz Corner........................................36

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What's not to love about November and December?

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

A

utumn is my favourite time of year, when we are treated to nature's colourful display of reds, oranges and yellows, when the night's draw in and home becomes a cosy safe haven from the crisp chill in the air. Fireworks and bonfires, toffee apples, sparklers, hats and scarves - it's all over and done with in a flash. Then before we know it the festive season is with us once again - and it seems to get ever earlier each year. But fairy lights, excited children, Christmas songs, mulled wine and mince pies make Christmas time so enjoyable - and I make sure I throw myself into the festive magic each December!

What's not to love about November and December?

This is certainly a packed part of Newcastle's calendar, with plenty to do with the family on the run up to Christmas - in fact we have a bumper what's on section this issue, with the Christmas lights switch on, santa's sleigh stops and special events all featured.

Also inside we have a special feature on the Pink Sisters - a remarkable group of people who have faced cancer and found support from others in similar situations. They are raising thousands of pounds through all sorts of fantastic events and activities - including doing the Full Monty! Well done ladies, what a fabulous way to raise awareness, boost funds and have fun!

Add to that the latest news from the Lions, the scouts and the rotary club, gardening tips for winter and a theatre update there's plenty to enjoy in Newcastle Life.

This is our 23rd issue and we are so pleased to hear that so many of you are still enjoying our magazine. As ever, please do get in touch if you have any news that you'd like to share with us - we are all about Newcastle, let's shout about how great our town is!

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Laura

Cover Photo: Ron Fox 6 Newcastle Life Issue 23

Thank you to all of you who have been in touch with your stories and events for Issue 23. Remember, Newcastle Life is YOUR magazine and we want to hear from you! Perhaps you have a story to tell or a photo to share; maybe you’d like to promote your event or your talent; or you may have exciting snippets of local history to interest our readers! Simply get in touch by emailing laura@timesandecho.co.uk

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scouts giant flour de lis

Scouts aim for the record books

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oungsters from Newcastle-under-Lyme are keeping their fingers crossed that they could be heading for a prize spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In July, they attempted to create the largest ever human fleur-de-lis whilst taking part in a scout camp in Kibblestone, Staffordshire.

A total of 501 people took part in the bid to create the symbol of the Scout movement.

The current record involved 445 participants and was achieved at CarFest North (UK) in Bolesworth, Cheshire, last year. Bear Grylls made an appearance at that attempt, which was part of an event organised by DJ Chris Evans.

Vera Bloor, District Commissioner for Newcastleunder-Lyme, said: “Chris is a Scout Ambassador and we thought it would be great to organise our own attempt at the record and give him a run for his money.

“It took a huge amount of organising and we are now waiting to hear from the Guinness Book of World Records that all of the evidence we have submitted makes us the new world record holders.”

Children aged from just under six to 18, as well as volunteers, from 14 different Scout

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Groups across the Newcastle District took part in the camp and the world record bid.

Apart from creating the giant fleur-de-lis the youngsters took part in a weekend of fun which also involved an It’s A Knockout event as well as creating an international theme to the occasion with each group learning about another country and doing activities linked to it.

A special visitor to the record attempt was Cllr. Simon White, the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, who is President of the Borough’s District Scouts.

He said: “The young people that took part had a wonderful time and we all have our fingers crossed that the record attempt will be verified and this fantastic effort helps to raise the profile of our borough.

“The Kibblestone camp was organised by volunteers and without them none of the activities and enjoyment that these youngsters get by being involved in scouts would happen. If anyone wants to get involved and play their part by volunteering we would love to hear from them.”

Anyone interested can get in touch via the scouts’ website which is www.newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk

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BEN’S JCB JUMP

Ben’s bid for triple jump glory

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ewcastle’s own British Triple Jumping Champion Ben Williams is celebrating after gaining a place inside the top 15 best triple jumpers in the world.

Ben, 27, launched his bid for sporting glory at the recent World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Despite narrowly missing out on a place in the final, Ben has plenty to smile about as he has gone from almost retiring from his sporting career at the start of the year to being one of an elite group of athletes across the globe and is now training for next year’s Olympics.

As he prepared for the biggest moment of his sporting life, JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, along with employees at JCB Earthmovers and JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, JCB Heavy Products and JCB World Parts Centre, Uttoxeter and JCB World HQ, Rocester recorded special

good luck messages for the athlete, who is sponsored by the manufacturing giant.

Speaking before the championships, Ben said: “Preparations have gone very well so far and I’m happy with everything I’ve achieved at the athletes’ training camp in Dubai. The build-up has been amazing and I’ve never felt happier with my form than I do right now. I just want to get out there and jump and show what I can do. It’s fantastic to have the support of everyone at JCB and in Staffordshire and I’ll be doing my best to make everyone proud at the weekend.”

Ben was taught to triple jump by his grandad on the pavement outside his home as a school boy. Last month he became British Champion with a life-time best jump of 17.27 metres – earning him a place in the Great Britain team for the World Championships. He has also secured sponsorship from JCB as he prepares for his ultimate goal – the summer games in 2020 in Tokyo.

He almost quit athletics in February after battling to come back from injury. With resources low, he started to personal train members at his local gym to make ends meet. In addition, he was completing 100-mile daily rounds trip to his triple jumping training sessions at Loughborough University in Leicestershire.

In August, he relocated permanently to Loughborough and gave up his PT job – and hasn’t looked back since.

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Make-over at Martec

Innovative learning hub revealed at Martec Training in Staffordshire

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orking to an ethos that encourages young people in to optimise opportunity to transform things for the better, it seems that Martec Training in Staffordshire has taken its own advice as they unveil their newly furbished headquarters in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

Designed to provide the hundreds of students that access the training and apprenticeship programmes with the organisation each year with a modern and engaging environment in which to learn, the team at Martec are thrilled at the results. Tracey MarsonHolland Director at Martec Training comments: “Revealing the results of this major renovation project was a great feeling, as now we feel that our surroundings truly refl flect l the exceptionally highquality services and support that we offer. As well as a complete new-look for the premises, we have also invested in brand new workshops,

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classrooms and refectory areas for the students and new offices and conference facility for our team of tutors. We now have everyt ything t that our students need to enable them to concentrate, learn and succeed.”

Amongst other courses which include a new Hospitality and Catering study programme, Martec specialises in the provision of vehicle mechanics qualifications.

Providing their Motor Vehicle students with two new workshop areas, nine new vehicle lifts and eight new classrooms, those working towards their Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications now have an exceptional environment in which to learn and practice their skills; helping them to progress onto Apprenticeships which Martec co-ordinate and support with organisations throughout the region.

Focused on the future and the developments within the automobile industry, Martec continually develop their

programmes to enable them to give students the most up-todate and relevant training. Now offering a privately funded programme of Hybrid and Electric Car training, Martec provide students with a skills set that will sit them ahead of the curve, optimising employment opportunities within an ever changing and competitive industry.

“Martec Training has been providing young people aged 16-24 throughout Staffordshire with training and support for the past 37 years. We are an inclusive training provider and cater for all students, including those with special needs who may have left or are looking to leave a special needs school, to access the next stage of their learning. Our new look facility at Lyme Valley, London Road in Staffordshire is an innovative learning hub, designed to inspire our students to achieve the success that they deserve.” Concludes Tracey. ww www ww.martectraining.co.uk w

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From the moment you step through the door at Martec Training, you will find all the information, advice and guidance you will need to find a course that fits your needs and help you on the path to success

Customer Service • Business Administration • Retail Operations Warehousing & Distribution • Motorcycle Technician Light Vehicle Technician • Vehicle Fitting • Body Repair Vehicle Paint Technician • Vehicle Parts Operations Hospitality & Catering

Lyme Valley, London Road, Newcastle-Under-Lyme Staffordshire, ST5 1LZ www.martectraining.co.uk

Martec Training

01782 717272

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national colleges week

Transforming lives t T

wo local students have spoken out about how attending college has changed their lives for the better.

Stoke on Trent College students Katie Purcell and Darren Smith wanted to share their inspiring stories of realising their dreams to mark National Colleges Week, which took place

in October.

Employment in Stoke-on-Trent is lower than the West Midlands average and around 15% of the local population have no recognised qualifications, which is twice the national rate, according to the Department for Education.

Stoke on Trent College has around 10,000 students each year on a range of courses – full-

KATIE ‘Going back to college helped me get back on the idea of meeting new people, but ended up track after losing mum’ being really fun.”

Katie Purcell dropped out of education at 17 As the course progressed, Katie’s confidence to care for her mum, until she sadly passed grew and she began to feel excited about her away. For the next six months Katie felt future. As part of the programme, she did a twoabsolutely lost and struggled to find any week placement at Eastwood Day Nursery and motivation. absolutely loved it. She said: “I found what I She said: “After mum died I didn’t wanted to do for the rest of my life.” know what to do with my life. I Katie now has an apprenticeship wanted to do something, but I at the nursery after she impressed had no idea what that would managers during her “I’ve gone from be. I applied for a course in placement. Earlier this year, childcare, but my poor having no confidence, the teenager won the mental health meant that I Employability Skills Student no motivation and no didn’t have the motivation of the Year award, to even face the interview.” direction, to a full-time sponsored by Staffordshire Then Katie heard about Chambers of Commerce. apprenticeship in a career She added: “I’ve gone from the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, a free having no confidence, no that I love.” programme run by Stoke on motivation and no direction, Trent College to help young to a full-time apprenticeship in people aged 16 to 25 find their a career that I love.” way in life. The 12-week programme Katie was accompanied to the is designed to enhance job prospects, awards ceremony by her grandparents, build confidence and teach key skills like Audrey and Michael Stanier. Audrey leadership, teamwork and communication. commented: “When Katie lost her mum, it hit Katie, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, her hard. We are a very close family and she explained: “I was immediately interested as it really struggled. After she joined the college, her sounded like it was something completely confidence grew and she really blossomed. different, something which could help me get There’s now a lot of laughter at home and we’re back on my feet. The first week was daunting, so proud of her.”

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national colleges week

s through education n time, part-time, apprenticeships, professional qualifications and university-level courses.

It works closely with organisations and employers to create facilities and courses that meet predicted and existing employment needs, and to help local people into rewarding careers.

Denise Brown, Principal and Chief Executive at Stoke on Trent College, says: “Each year the

college helps thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds to reach their potential, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to make a difference in their chosen career.

Colleges transform lives, shape communities and boost the economy and we are incredibly proud of the amazing things that our learners have, and continue to, achieve.”

DARREN ‘I changed career to follow my heart’ Darren Smith, 28, has always had a calling to work in a career caring for and helping others.

He left his office job at an engineering company last year to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. After studying for two evenings a week on an Access to Health course at Stoke on Trent College, he’s now studying nursing at Bangor University.

Darren, from Madeley, explained: “I’ve always enjoyed working with people in a caring role. When I left school, I went into a career as a nursery nurse and completed early years childcare qualifications. I absolutely loved the job and did it for three years, but I reached a certain point where I needed to earn more money.

“I went for an office job at a local company and worked in a variety of roles there for seven years. But last year, I realised that as much as I liked the people there, as much as I was earning

good money, it wasn’t really what I longed to do.”

Darren took the plunge and quit his job to take up a new role at Phoenix Day Opportunities, working with adults with learning disabilities. Alongside that, he enrolled at the college. The evening course he took is designed for adults over 21 who want to go to university but don’t yet have the qualifications they need to get accepted.

Darren added: “There were 15 of us on the course and it was great – we were all there for the same thing, all wanting to change career and all juggling jobs and home life. We supported each other and we got loads of support from our lecturers and tutors too.

“Can’t believe I’m starting my degree at university! To anyone else out there who is working in a job that isn’t really ‘them’, go to the college. Ask for advice. Go for it, grab the opportunity by both horns.”

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funding boost for keele university

Keele awarded University Enterprise Zone status

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eele University has been awarded a funding boost from Research England to boost new digital technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning. £33million of public and private sector investment will be channeled into what is already the highest value employment site of its kind in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The Newcastle under Lyme based University is emerging as a national research and development facility for the innovation of smart digital technologies in the energy, transport and biomedical technology sectors. New investment will pump prime the creation of a seventh Innovation Centre on the Keele University Science and Innovation Park, with a focus on commercialising research on artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data.

Staffordshire Borough Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “This is fantastic news and the positive implications will be felt across the whole borough and not just at the University. The Council is involved in ongoing dialogue with Keele over what can be done to enable it to unleash the full longterm economic potential of the University as well as its Science and Innovation Park. Last year we announced the Keele University Growth Corridor which identified exciting plans for jobs and housing growth in the area to the west of Newcastle.

“This latest announcement builds on that vision and we shall certainly be continuing the dialogue with our partners at the University to ensure we realise ambitions for jobs and 14 Newcastle Life Issue 23

investment in our borough. The Council is working hard to deliver a thriving and aspirational borough and this welcome announcement about the enterprise zone certainly supports that goal. It is great news and I am delighted Keele’s application has been successful.”

The case for enterprise zone status capitalised on the established ‘New Keele Deal’ partnership between Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust that was formed to exploit the role of Keele University in driving innovation-led growth across and beyond the local area. Launched in 2017, the Deal targets the delivery of an extra £200million per year of growth in the local economy by 2023 in addition to the £200million a year that the University already contributes to the local economy.

Speaking about the award, Professor Trevor McMillan, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “We are delighted to have been named as a University Enterprise Zone and to join the small group of universities in the UK with this status.

“Through our work with local partners, Keele is already leading the way in a wide range of innovative business support initiatives, demonstrators and accommodation, and this new UEZ status will enable us to further build on these successes by providing much-needed incubator facilities and grow-on spaces for local businesses whilst also attracting new businesses to the region.”

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ENJOY STAFFORDSHIRE TOURISM & GOOD FOOD AWARDS

Three of Newcastle’s food and drink businesses have taken home trophies from the 2019 Enjoy Staffordshire Awards

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usinesses from across the county were celebrating at the 2019 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards, held at Aston Marina, Stone on Thursday 24th October.

The winners of 17 categories, including Alton Towers Resort (Large Visitor Attraction of the Year), Stoke-on-Trent’s Gladstone Pottery Museum (Small Visitor Attraction of the Year), and Lichfield’s Swinfen Hall Hotel (Small Hotel of the Year), were announced by BBC Midlands Today’s Joanne Malin before an audience of more than 150 guests.

This year’s event marked the seventh annual Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards.

Keele University Events and Conferencing took home a silver award in the Business Events Venue of the Year, sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub. In the Pub of the Year category, The Lymestone Vaults, Newcastle-under-Lyme, won bronze, and the Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge near Newcastle-under-Lyme won silver in Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, sponsored by RH Advertising

Entries are independently judged by Service Science.

Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council and Deputy Chair of Destination Staffordshire, said: “A huge well done to our winners and finalists, and to all our amazing tourism providers who continue to do us proud in attracting thousands of visitors to the county each year.

“Tourism is an important sector for Staffordshire and I continue to be impressed with the quality and drive for perfection from our businesses.

“They play a vital role in our overall economy, bringing in around £1.8billion each year, and sustaining tens of thousands of jobs.

“Without the dedication and hard work of our tourism and hospitality businesses this wouldn’t be possible, so I would like to pass on my thanks to them all.”

The winners of 14 categories progress to represent Staffordshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, to be held in June 2020.

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friends of lyme brook

Make friends with nature

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ager to improve the quality of one of our town’s watercourses, a dedicated community group of volunteers has spent almost two years raising awareness and cleaning up the area around Lyme Brook.

The Friends of Lyme Brook is a community group which first met in January 2018. The Lyme Brook has been the focus of a project run

by Groundwork West Midlands over the last 7 years to improve the quality of the brook.

The first part of the project aimed to work with the local community to raise awareness of the problems of the brook and involve them in its care, which created the Friends of Lyme Brook, a group of self-selected Newcastle

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residents who use the Lyme Valley and met Groundwork staff working there during the project.

The second part of the project wanted to make low cost improvements to the water course and return the brook to good ecological status. This is being achieved in several ways, by removing the artificial straightening and making the brook ‘wiggle.’

Other elements of work include making it trout friendly by digging deeper pools, adding gravel – over 90 tons – and planting over 200 native trees and plants along the brook. Trout returned to the Brook in 2017 and it is now rated ‘Good’ for fish populations.

The Groundwork project came to an end

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FRIENDS OF LYME BROOK

during this summer, but the Friends of Lyme Brook will continue to help the programme to become self- sustaining and give true ownership of the project to local people.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Lyme Brook said: “We will continue to care for and enhance the Brook and its surroundings. The group is building on the over 700 hours of volunteer help already donated during the project and it is being supported through the ‘Citizen SUNRISE’ programme, part of a £3.6 million pound project to regenerate Stoke and Urban Newcastle.

“The primary goal of the project is to enhance urban habitats, improve the connectivity between these green spaces areas to create a network of natural habitats across the project area and improve opportunities for local residents and communities to enjoy these areas. The Lyme Valley Parkway is one of these sites and the project has provided training to

the Friends group on tree thinning and wildflower meadow creation.

“The Friends held their first Open Day in September down in Lyme Valley. We chatted to lots of local people who clearly value our green space and asked how they can get involved and what we do. Children and adults alike were interested in the river invertebrates in the sample trays and how these were used to measure the health of the Brook. We will be undertaking a range of activities which all are welcome to, as well as public open days.”

How to get involved Members meet at 10 am on the first Saturday of every month to test aquatic invertebrate populations in the brook near the children’s play area. The group also monitors bird and animal populations in the Lyme Valley Parkway. www.facebook.com/friendsofthelymebrook/ friendsoflymebrook@gmail.com

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gold award for edenhurst prep school

Going gold for all things green

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denhurst Prep School has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008, offers the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.

Schools win awards for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon

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emissions and recycling.

Edenhurst has planted new trees in their school grounds, visited local woods, reduced their carbon emissions and joined in various other Woodland Trust activities.

Michael Hibbert, Headteacher at Edenhurst Prep School, said: “We are thrilled to win another award for our environmental efforts. Being a green school is at the heart of everything Edenhurst does. We look forward to going for the platinum award next year!”

Karen Letten, Woodland Trust schools and communities engagement manager, added: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their

interest in woods and trees. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities. As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze and silver certificates and then an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

The Woodland Trust’s vision is to see the UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife. The charity is dedicated to creating new woodland with help from communities and schools and protecting and restoring ancient woodland for future generations to cherish.

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GARDENING

Prairie Planting – Part 2

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rairie gardens are a recent trend in garden design and mark a shift towards more natural looking, low maintenance perennial beds and borders. Part 1 of this article covered how to plant a prairie garden. This time I’m going to take a closer look at some of my favourite plants for this style of garden.

Ice Plants (Sedums) make ideal plants for the natural garden: they are tough, drought tolerant and form good sized clumps. They come in a range of heights from ground hugging mats to knee-high with large cauliflower-like heads. The taller ones can become top-heavy if grown in rich-soils so it may be best to take the tops of the stems off in late spring to encourage them to bush out rather than up. Old varieties like Autumn Joy and Brilliant have large heads or pink flowers. One of the brightest coloured is Red Cauli. There are lots of new varieties coming out with bronze or chocolate coloured leaves. The only pest to watch for is vine weevil grubs eating the roots in winter – check the plants are well rooted in late winter.

Bergamot (Monarda) have aromatic leaves smelling of Earl Grey tea and unusual and striking flowers on top of stems between 2-4ft (60-120cm) tall depending on variety. They are ideal for a prairie planting because they spread to form large mats of leaves quickly covering the soil. I add lots of compost at planting time and give a really good feed each spring. Their one drawback is the tendency to get powdery mildew (white powder on the leaves) in late summer. This doesn’t kill the plants but can cause leaves to drop off. Chemical fungicides can be used to prevent this, but I find improving the plant vigour and soil moisture is usually enough. Don’t mulch Monardas! There are lots of varieties and colours including Gardenview Scarlet, Pink Supreme (short) and Violet Queen.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum) is another easy plant for the prairie with mid-high stems clothed in bee-friendly flowers. The variety Dropmore Purple has a really natural look and is ideal. Beware that

Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia) is a different plant and some of these can be invasive.

Talking of invasive plants, be very careful if planting Cirsiums in the garden – these are the thistle family and some are really pernicious weeds.

However, the Purple River Thistle (Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum) doesn’t invade and doesn’t seed and the tall rich flowers look great in the prairie garden.

No prairie planting is complete without grasses and among the best and toughest is Moor Grass (Molinia). These come in a range of heights from 2ft (60cm) up to 6ft (180cm) and will grow in dry or very moist soils and are really hardy. The shorter ones are ideal for windy places. My favourite short one is Moorhexe and for a tall one I love the seethrough stems of Transparent. Some like Windspiel take on brilliant colours in autumn.

Other grasses for this style of garden are Panic Grass (Panicum) which never ceases to move in the breeze and Feather Grass (Calamagrostis) with large flower heads in late summer.

These are some of my favourites, but you can include all sorts of plants in a prairie planting. You might want to try Coneflowers (Echinacea and Rudbeckia), Gay Feather (Liatris), Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum), Masterwort (Astrantia) and Veronicastrums the list is endless!

Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www.specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. Plant Hunters’ Fairs have the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs including events at Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall; the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas; Weston Park, Shifnal; the Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton; Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop, Shrewsbury; Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas; Hodnet Hall Gardens, and Alderford Lake, Whitchurch. For full details of all 40 Plant Hunters’ Fairs coming up during 2020 please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk Newcastle Life Issue 23 19

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON Do you have an event to share? Let us know!

Email laura@timesandecho.co.uk and we will do our best to feature your event in our what’s on guide Newcastle under Lyme Festive Feast Hosted by Continental Street Market, Newcastle under Lyme Festive Feast will be the perfect opportunity to start to feel festive. After a successful first visit this August, the Continental Street Market team will be returning to Newcastle under Lyme town centre with a new brand of Festive themed markets, ‘Festive Feasts.’ These markets will see a range of quality international themed traders housed in a range of Christmas themed stalls.

For all trade related enquiries, then please contact RR Events Head Office via email on admin@rrevents.co.uk From November 6th , 10 – 6pm

Newcastle Christmas lights switch on Taking place at the Guildhall, High Street, this community favourite will light up the town with festive cheer.

Lights and fireworks will be switched on at 6pm and set off by the Business Improvement District’s ‘school design an advent calendar competition winner.’ There will be live performances, fairground rides, santa’s grotto, school choirs, community orchestras, free face painting, street food, Hitmix radio roadshow, Christmas crowd karaoke and festive story telling.

The Newcastle Lions Club’s illuminated Santa Sleigh will start its work at the Christmas lights switch on.

Santa will be meeting children from 2pm until 4pm, and then, after leaving to feed his reindeer he will return from 4.30pm until the fireworks display.

Queuing will close at 5.45pm.

November 16th, 11am – 6.30pm

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Newcastle Christmas Tree Festival The Christmas Tree Festival is a much loved feature in Newcastle’s festive calendar.

There are only 40 small Christmas Trees up for grabs for Newcastle-Under-Lyme businesses and schools to book a space, to claim your tree at St Giles Church. There will also be a St Giles Christmas Fayre on 23rd November 2019 and a Nativity Trail. This will cost £1.50, with the 50p going towards the Mayors Charity. During The Nativity Trail, you will need to find 10 characters from the Nativity story and what location they are in and write them down.

For further information or to book your tree contact: Tia.woolley@nulbid.co.uk November 22nd – November 24th

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WHAT’S ON Wolstanton Rotary Club Annual Choral Evening Wolstanton Rotary Club are pleased to announce the launch of ‘Songs for Dougie Mac’, a choral evening at Stoke Minster on Friday 15th November at 7pm. This follows the successful similar event in 2017, with the aim of raising funds for The Dougie Mac Hospice.

Popular songs will be performed by two leading local choirs, The Dougie Mac Choir and The City of Stoke on Trent Male Voice Choir. Stoke Minster has once again been chosen as the venue, the outstanding acoustics there offering an unforgettable experience.

Tickets can be purchased at The Dougie Mac supporters hub as well as from members of both choirs, members of Wolstanton Rotary Club and online at eventbrite.com. www.wolstantonrotary.org https://www.dmhospice.org.uk November 15th

Wildlife talk David Cummings will be presenting an illustrated talk about wildlife and scenery of the Pembrokeshire coast, including Skomer at Maer Village Hall, ST5 5EF. Skomer is best known for its large breeding seabird population, including manx shearwaters, guillemonts, razorbills, great cormorants, kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, birds of prey and many more. The island is also home to grey seals, common toads, slow-worms, a breeding population of glow-worms and a variety of wildflowers. Harbour porpoises occur in the surrounding waters. The Skomer vole, a sub species of bank vole, is endemic to the island. 7.30pm November 29th

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what’s on

Art Exhibition Orme Art Group warmly welcome members of the public to their annual art exhibition. Work for sale includes original art, jewellery and beautiful gifts, just in time for Christmas.

Join the group for a mince pie at the Whitfield Community Centre, Whitfield Ave, Westlands, NUL, ST5 2JQ 11am4pm. Free Entry.

November 30th & December 1st

Lions Santa’s Sleigh After his first working stint of the festive season at the Christmas Lights Switch On, Santa will take his sleigh to Northwood Garden Centre. There will be money collected for the Donna Louise Trust. This will be the 8th year that the collection has been donated to Donna Louise, with over £11000 collected during the previous years.

From November 29th until December 1st the sleigh will be at Sainsbury’s in Newcastle, with the Lions collecting - Santa will also make some special guest appearances!

On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December the Lions and Santa will be at Morrisons, Milehouse, and on the following weekend, December 14th and 15th they will be at Morrisons Goose Street, Newcastle.

The Lions, Santa and their sleigh will complete their Christmas work on Saturday December 21st, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd when they will be at Tesco, Trent Vale.

On the evening of Tuesday 3rd December, Lions Club members, accompanied by members of 435 Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC) Newcastle, will again be going around the Westlands with Santa Claus and their illuminated Christmas Sleigh. Whilst the main purpose of the visit is to bring Santa to the Westlands, it also provides the opportunity to raise much needed funds for the ATC, to further the great work that they do with their young people and to aid Lions Local Charities. The Lions, Santa and the ATC repeat a walk around the houses on December 10th, when they collect around Westbury Park.

Throughout November and December

24 Newcastle Life Issue 23

Meet Father Christmas Each year Father Christmas makes sure he pays the Brampton Museum a special visit to meet as many girls and boys as he can and hear their wishes for Christmas! This year he will visit on Saturday 14th December from 11am to 4pm. If you would like your child to have a special opportunity to meet the man himself, please call the museum on 01782 619705 to reserve their place. £5 per child, which includes a gift. Craft activities will be available while you wait!

December 14th

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WOLSTANTON ROTARY CLUB

Pop-up Charity Shop in time for Christmas

W

olstanton Rotary Club have announced the opening date of their annual charity shop Saturday 19th November at 10

am, just in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The shop will be located at 8 -14 Astley Walk, Newcastle under Lyme. Proceeds from the shop will be distributed

among several local charities last year the club raised over £7000 for the benefit of good causes.

The Rotary Club have operated the shop for several years now and depend on the support of people locally - both as customers and supplying stock.

They are now on the lookout for good quality clothes, tableware, bric-a-brac, small items of furniture, books, CDs DVDs and any other saleable items (but no electrical goods).

The shop is staffed purely by volunteers - Rotarians, partners and friends – and everyone is welcome to come in to grab a bargain, or simply say hello!

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Stage directions

by Richard Lane

NEW VIC TO PREMIERE SPELLBINDING NEW ADAPTATION OF THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER THIS CHRISTMAS. WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4

T

he New Vic Theatre is set to captivate theatre audiences this Christmas as Artistic Director Theresa Heskins adapts and directs the theatre’s spellbinding new adaptation of Mark Twain’s enchanting tale The Prince and The Pauper, from Saturday 16 November until Saturday 25 January.

Prepare for a tale full of heart, filled with imaginative storytelling, music, humour, swashbuckling derring-do and festive magic as the awardwinning theatre-in-the-round stages a brand-new adaptation of Twain’s tale about a chance meeting between two boys that will change their lives forever.

Bringing together the same creative team who brought to life the theatre’s adaptations of The Borrowers, Treasure Island and the UK Theatre award-winning The Snow Queen, this year the New Vic Theatre will bring to life

another classic adventure story in their stunning trademark style.

Returning to the New Vic for the first time since playing Patty Astley in Astley’s Astounding Adventures at the theatre last summer, Danielle Bird (The Worst Witch, West End, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Birmingham Rep) will appear alongside her twin sister, Nichole Bird (The Wits, Shakespeare’s' Globe / Sam Wanamaker Playhouse; The Rakes Progress, Theatre de Complicité / DNO) in the roles of Tom and Edward, the Prince and the Pauper.

Joining the real-life twins in the company are a host of familiar and new faces to the New Vic. Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director of the New Vic Theatre said: “I’ve wanted to adapt this novel for a long time. The idea at the heart of it is a powerful one: that standing

in someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective, can help us make a better world for children to grow up in. That’s what theatre is all about I think compassion, empathy, and goodwill to all; and about making. That’s the definition of Christmas Spirit.”

The Prince and the Pauper takes to the stage at the New Vic from Saturday 16 November 2019 to Saturday 25 January 2020. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £17.00, from the New Vic Theatre Box Office and can be booked by calling 01782 717962 or online at newvictheatre.org.uk

Danielle and Nichole Bird

To win a family ticket for 4 to see The Prince and the Pauper – answer the following question.

(Circle your choice.)

WHICH CHARACTER WAS NOT ALSO CREATED BY MARK TWAIN? A.

HUCKLEBERRY FINN

B. TOM SAWYER

C. HUCKLEBERRY HOUND

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

Please send your entry to Leek Life Magazine, 18 Tape St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST10 1BD. Entries to be received by 19th November.

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NEWCASTLE LIONS CLUB

Fundraising efforts boost community life

N

ewcastle Lions Club have been busy fundraising for local causes lately, with a whopping £2400 being donated to local and health groups.

Peter Pan received a donation towards their CCTV Appeal, Shropshire & Staffs Blood bikes were helped with the expanding support they offer for the NHS and The Door2Door Transport Scheme received money to help it continue to operate across Newcastle Borough offering community transport.

The Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable group gained a cash boost, they assist rough sleepers in the area and Alice Charity were given a donation, they are currently collecting Christmas toys and teenage gifts.

In addition, the Lions donated £370 to Diabetes UK from a collection at Tesco and £280 from a collection at Morrisons Milehouse to the Clic Sargent charity. CLIC Sargent is the UK's

leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families.

The club have now also finalised their plans for Christmas events, with the help of many local stores and groups.

Lions Spokesman David Slack commented: “Last year our Christmas activities helped us to distribute over £2600 to local groups in January, and we are hoping that with the continuing generosity of the people in the Borough we are able to continue with that support. We have also helped 3 local stores with their charitable work during 2019.

For a full round up of Lions Christmas events, see our ‘What’s On’ pages If you are interested in joining Newcastle Lions Club, email - newcastlelions@lions.105CN.org.uk More information about the work done by the Newcastle Club can also be found on www.newcastlelions.co.uk

Newcastle Lions Club has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries during 2019 and 2020 from the Co-operative Community Fund. You can help the Lions and it will cost you nothing if you are already a Co-operative member.

• Register or log onto your Co-operative membership online • You will be asked to nominate a charity to receive a donation based on your spending (No cost to you) • Choose 15 miles radius and well being as the category • Select Newcastle Lions Club • When Members buy Co-op branded products and services, the Co-op will give 1% to the Lions if you choose them as your nominated Charity – IT COSTS YOU NOTHING. • Involve all your friends that are Co-op members to nominate Newcastle Lions Club Newcastle Life Issue 23 27

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pink sisters

Inspirational ladies take Pink Sis

N

orth Staffordshire support group Pink Sisters has transformed the lives of dozens of local people affected by cancer since its inception four years ago, not only providing a shoulder to cry on through the difficult days but also offering positivity, understanding, friendship and empowerment.

Pink Sisters, an inspirational group of people affected by cancer, was the brainchild of 50-yearold Jackie Mackenzie, who was herself diagnosed with the condition 5 years ago.

Jackie, who lives in nearby Sneyd Green with her husband Rich and children Maddie and Ethan, was given the devastating news she had an aggressive grade 3, stage 3 Triple Negative breast cancer in 2014.

But remarkably, she transformed one of the most difficult times of her life into something inspirational, by creating Receiving any kind of The Pink Sisters Breast cancer diagnosis is very Cancer Support Group going on to help dozens of scary.

It was surreal, I had women across the area and

“

as far afield as the Philippines, the USA and Canada.

Now with a clean bill of health, Jackie told Newcastle Life magazine her story and shared her excitement over her plans for the group’s future as it continues to grow from strength to strength.

She said: “I had started to have a sharp pain in my breast, which then turned into a dull ache.

The doctor initially thought it was a cyst or an abscess and told me to go away for 3 months and keep note of any changes. But within a week of doing this I knew something wasn’t right and went back for a referral. It turned out that I had a lump, which had grown 6cm in just 2 weeks.

“Receiving any kind of cancer diagnosis is very scary. It was surreal, I had thought it was just a cyst and I was in shock, we all were.

“I had to have chemotherapy, an operation and then radiotherapy. I would lie awake at night wondering if I would see my kids get married.

Maddie was only 10 at the time so I don’t think she realised what was going on until I was really poorly and started losing my hair.

thought it was just a cyst and I was in shock, we all were.

”

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PINK SISTERS

Sisters from strength to strength

“But I would keep myself going by posting three positive thoughts a day on Facebook throughout my treatment. People started following me, and I met some ladies in hospital too.

“Even though I have the most fantastic family around me I felt alone with no-one to talk to – as hard as they try, unless they’ve been through the same thing, they just don’t understand.

“At the end of treatment everything stopped completely and I really went downhill in the weeks after the diagnosis.”

And it was this thought that spurred Jackie on to set up the Pink Sisters. She reached out to several ladies she had met in hospital to see what they thought and the first face to face meeting was held in September 2015. 1,700 people now like the Facebook page, with 190 members joining the private Facebook support group where people across the globe can support each other through cancer, any time of the day or night. There is even a Family and friends group especially for loved ones.

Jackie continued: “Originally Pink Sisters was for breast cancer but I’ve since extended this – cancer is cancer and we all have the same anxieties. When people come along to one of the monthly meetings they can expect to be welcomed into an incredibly supportive family, who provide a valuable opportunity to open up and talk in a safe and understanding environment. Members can find likeminded people and people who have been through or are going through similar situations. The group often have guest speakers, including representatives from Macmillan, North Staffs Carers, Penny Brohn, and staff from UHNM such as radiographers and breast care nurses. A lot of members even socialise outside of the

group!”

Group members also enjoy plenty of fundraising and awareness activities, including Race for Life, Pretty Mudder, Dougie Mac Midnight Walk, head shaves, an annual ball and even abseiling! The group’s youngest member, 22-year-old Madison, recently came second in Miss Staffordshire and all the Pink Sisters were there to support her.

But the star event in the Pink Sisters Calendar has to be The Full Monty.

Jackie explained: “Just over 12 months ago we watched the celebrity Full Monty on TV. Our ladies took inspiration from it and we said to each other if they can do it, then we definitely can because we’ve all had breast cancer, and everyone has seen your boobs when you’ve had breast cancer! In September 2018 we did our first show, it was nerve wracking and overwhelming and I have to admit, some of us had to have a bit of Dutch courage before taking to the stage!

“But we needn’t have been scared – it was fantastic, euphoric and amazing – we wanted to do it all again!” And they did – the Pink Sisters have now done five Full Monty shows, selling out to a 250 strong audience, with plans for more.

Money raised from the group’s events goes back into the charity, with plans to buy their own premises for a drop in centre for people who don’t have social media or can’t attend evening meetings.

Jackie concluded: “Pink Sisters isn’t a ‘me’,

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pink sisters it’s an ‘us’ – the group have helped me as much as I’ve helped them. I have my bad days too and having them to talk to helps me get through – we’re just like a big family. I do this because I want to be able to be there for people and give back, because I know what I was like when I was going through diagnosis and treatment and I don’t want people to go through the same on their own. I am so proud of our network and I know that if anything happened to me it would

carry on. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way.”

Pink Sisters meet at 7pm on the second Monday of each month at the Bridge Centre, Birches Head, and 7pm on the fourth Thursday of every month at Kidsgrove Athletic Football Club.

You can find the Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/pinkSistersUK/

“I was a happy go lucky lady who thought cancer wouldn't ever happen to me. It all started when I went for a routine mammogram - two weeks later I received a letter for an appointment for more investigations. I still didn't think it would happen to me, but following scans and a biopsy I saw the consultant – 1st December 2016 I was told I had grade 3 breast cancer, and that I would need a lumpectomy, chemotherapy then radiotherapy. I wasn't even listening to what the consultant was saying after I heard the word breast cancer. I felt scared and alone, I thought I was going to die, I thought ‘why me’ and ‘how am I going to cope’. Then the breast care nurse gave me an information pack, and as I opened it out fell a leaflet for the Pink Sisters Breast Cancer Support Group. I immediately felt relief, I wasn’t alone. I contacted Jackie and I've not looked back since! Pink Sisters have been amazing, helping me through my roller coaster of a journey. Maddison, one of the youngest Pinks, turned up on my first chemo to wish me luck how inspirational. All of the Pink Sisters are a massive support, even now, as the fear of the cancer coming back is always on my mind. They completely understand, which really is a massive help to my mental health. Now I try and help others through Pink Sisters who are just starting their journey like they have helped me. I can't thank Jackie enough, if she didn't start Pink Sisters god knows where I would be.”

Angie Marshall “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July this year and was put in touch with the Pink Sisters Facebook page via a Facebook friend who was a member. At the time I was really in a total state of shock and anxiety about what I had to face. I didn’t know much about the cancer as at the referral appointment, I was told that I’d have my lump biopsy results within 2 weeks but they were sure it was cancer as it was very suspicious with my other symptom of skin puckering. Jackie was immediately in touch with me and arranged to come to my home and see me. I was really overwhelmed by her kindness and support at this very early stage. She spoke to me for a couple of hours and told me that I could get through this. She shared her cancer story and made me feel like I could get through it. All the members of Pink Sisters have been there with supportive comments, help and advice when I’ve asked a question. It’s so important to have a local group that you can get help from. I hope to attend meetings in the future but for now I use Facebook to connect with Pink Sisters. It’s a very special group, Jackie does an amazing, selfless job! I hope one day to support others in the same way.”

Tanya Mealey, 51, Leek

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PINK SISTERS “I love Pink Sisters because I can be me - if I'm sad, angry or just plain crazy. I know that there is always one of my sisters there for me. We have had some sad times but we have also had some really great times.

Cancer is a terrible disease but with the backing of Pinks I can cope. My motto now is ‘Drink it While it's Still Fizzy!’”

Pam Barber

"I contacted Jackie the day I was diagnosed, full of terror and with anxiety like nothing I had ever experienced.

"I really thought this is it, this is how my life ends. I was already living with serious heart failure but nothing prepared me for this horror. My daughter, who at the time was 15, my poor girl, was so vulnerable living with autism, but to have no mum - my heart was breaking for her.

"Then I spoke to Jackie and within minutes of the conversation I felt my anxiety ease off, here was someone who had felt my fear and was still alive, she made me realise that this evil wasn’t going to kill me..I wasn’t alone in my fear, I felt like she had wrapped me in a warm blanket of goodness, love and hope. I had this…..I knew I could survive.

"The meetings were a lifeline, so many ladies all going through the same thing. I expected us all to be doom and gloom but I was mistaken.. we laughed, really laughed, mainly about silly things but we were all in this together.

"Then I got involved with the Full Monty charity nights and I have done 4 in total and loved every minute of it.

"Pink Sisters, to me, is an extension of my family. I have made life long friends, so has my daughter. The thing that helped her was to see me smile again. Pinks did that and I will be eternally grateful for the peace it has given me and my daughter.

"This charity is amazing, so welcoming and so supportive."

Rebecca, Newcastle

Symptoms of breast cancer in women (source NHS) • a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before • a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts • bloodstained discharge from nipples • a lump or swelling in either armpit • dimpling on the skin of your breasts • a rash on or around your nipple • a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

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staffordshire police

NEWCASTLE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL

S

taffordshire Police are currently looking for members in the Newcastle under Lyme area to The panels, set up by the Staffordshire Police Commissioner, are made up of local residents who meet regularly with their area’s local policing commander.

They shape local policing and community safety and shine the spotlight on the work done by police in their area to ensure greater transparency and help build public confidence. They examine the impact of policing, community resolutions and restorative justice, on their communities.

Panel members receive training to help them carry out their role so that they can be involved in innovative work such as examining body camera footage captured during “stop and searches” by local officers. Safer Neighbourhood Panels give local people the opportunity to hold policing in their area to account.

Please email governance@staffordshirepfcc.pnn.gov.uk for further information

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32 Newcastle Life Issue 23

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Newcastle Life Issue 23 copy 4.qxp_Newcastle Life 01/11/2019 11:53 Page 34

motoring

EXCLUSIVE NEW POLESTAR ENGINEERED MODELS ADD EXTRA ELECTRIFIED PERFORMANCE TO VOLVO S60, V60 AND XC60

F

ull UK pricing and specification details have been confirmed for the new S60, V60 and XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, the plug-in hybrid highperformance halo variants of Volvo’s mid-size models. These cars are the latest part of Volvo’s commitment to electrification, and benefit from the expertise of the Volvo Car Group’s electrified performance division, Polestar.

The S60, V60 and XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s engine, brakes, suspension, automatic transmission and wheels are all upgraded for improved dynamics, while exterior and interior design changes provide a subtle nod to the progressive performance character each car offers.

Potent petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain The 390hp plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine is already established as the most potent powertrain on offer in the S60, V60 and XC60, but with Polestar’s tuning, output from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is increased from 303hp to 318hp. With 87hp provided by the electric motor, the total system output is 405hp. Performance is suitably electrifying: in fact, the S60 Polestar Engineered is capable of 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating production Volvo car ever made – yet it is also capable of electric-only zero-emissions driving of up to 27.3 miles and fuel economy of 104.5mpg (WLTP Combined cycle).

Software changes to the automatic transmission bring quicker gearshifts and a more precise shift programme that minimise gearchanges when cornering quickly.

Brembo or Akebono braking system Stopping power is increased with the adoption of a Brembo system (Akebono on the XC60) that features floating front discs and monobloc front calipers. The front discs are slotted for better heat management, while the front and rear calipers are finished in Polestar’s new signature gold colour. Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers The Polestar Engineered models are fitted with Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers which use a dual-flow valve for accurate response to changes in the road surface and driving conditions, ensuring an excellent balance between handling precision and ride comfort. A strut bar

34 Newcastle Life Issue 23

between the front suspension towers also helps to improve steering response and handling. The strut bar and shock absorber design are shared with the 600hp Polestar electric performance hybrid coupé The wheels are lightweight forged alloys with a sporty five-Y-spoke design with contrast polished and black surfacing – 19-inch diameter for the S60 and V60, and 21-inch for the XC60.

Bespoke styling elements In addition to the enhanced dynamics, the Polestar Engineered cars get a range of distinctive yet discreet styling features. These include Polestar emblems front and rear, a high-gloss black surround for the black front grille and a black chrome finish for the exhaust tailpipes.

On the inside, there are gold-coloured seatbelts and a stitched finish for the instrument panel.

Enhanced specification Polestar Engineered trim sits above R-Design Plus in the S60 and V60 range, and R-Design Pro in the XC60.

Equipment additions to the S60 and V60 R-Design Plus grade include a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon premium audio system and aluminium front tread plates.

The XC60 benefits from the same upgrades on the RDesign Pro specification, with the addition of metallic paint (a heated steering wheel is standard on the XC60 R-Design Pro).

Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK’s Sales Director, said: “These new Polestar Engineered cars perfectly illustrate Volvo’s approach to electrified performance. By combining a powerful plug-in hybrid set-up with the engineering expertise of Polestar, they offer scintillating performance with the ability to run in electric-only mode, thus creating no tailpipe emissions. We’re sure this pure, progressive performance will be a hit with customers who want a distinctive, exclusive and efficient highperformance car.”

The Polestar Engineered models are on sale now, with first deliveries to UK customers due before the end of the year. On-the-road prices are £56,105 for the S60, £57,205 for the V60 and £64,545 for the XC60.

For more information about the S60, V60 and XC60 Polestar Engineered models, and to use the online car configurator, please go to www.volvocars.com/uk/carconfigurator

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QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

General knowledge quiz

A ‘Christmas Through History’ Quiz 1. Which singer, actor and comedian died aged 78 on Christmas Day 1995?

2. Which Christmas item first went on sale in the 1840's called a Smith's Bon-Bon? 3. Which traditional coronation stone of British monarchs was stolen from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950?

4. Who ceased to be the Russian president on Christmas Day 1991?

5. Which Eastern European dictator was executed by firing squad on Christmas Day 1989?

6. Who was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066?

7.The pioneer of computers was born on Boxing Day 1791. Who was he?

8. Which former British territory was captured on Christmas Day in 1941?

9. Which singer, who had the hit albums ‘No Angel’ and ‘Life for Rent’ was born on Christmas Day 1971?

10. Who became emperor of Japan on Christmas Day 1926?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. James Cracknell; 2. King George V; 3. Julius Caesar; 4. War of the Worlds; 5.

Warwick Davies; 6. Joaquin Phoenix; 7. Thomas Cook; 8. Chicago; 9. Japan; 10. Renee Zellweger; ‘Christmas Through History’ Answers: 1. Dean Martin; 2. Christmas Cracker; 3. Stone of Scone; 4. Mikhail Gorbachev; 5.

Nicolae Ceausescu; 6. William the Conqueror; 7. Charles Babbage; 8. Hong Kong; 9. Dido; 10. Hirohito

36 Newcastle Life Issue 23

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

1. Which former rower was the first person to be voted off this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’?

2. Which king visits Downton Abbey in the 2019 film?

3. Which Shakespeare title character is killed halfway through the play?

4. Robert Carlyle, Rupert Graves and Eleanor Tomlinson starred in a 2019 BBC adaptation of which HG Wells novel?

5. Which former ‘Star Wars’ actor hosts the quiz show ‘Tenable’?

6. Who plays the titular character in the 2019 Todd Phillips film ’Joker’?

7. Which holiday company folded in September 2019 after trading for over 170 years?

8. Which musical is partly set in Cook County Jail?

9. Which country hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup? 10. Who stars as Judy Garland in the 2019 film ‘Judy’?

Newcastle Life Issue 23 copy 4.qxp_Newcastle Life 01/11/2019 11:54 Page 37

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ANNIVERSARY GIFT

YOU PAY

PER MONTH

£11,750

£1,750

£900

£169 X 48M

WE WILL TAKE ANY MAKE OR MODEL IN PAR T EXCHANGE FOR A MINIMUM ALLOWANCE OF £2,000 CASH, SETTLE ANY OUTSTANDING FINANCE, WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PR ICE FINANCE EXAMPLE

DRIVE AWAY PRICE

500 1.2 pop

£12,010

SPECIAL 69 OFFER

YOU PAY

£1,750 ONLY £300

Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm Sun 11am-5pm

www.bsmarson.co.uk

Keele Road, Newcastle A525, ST5 2HN

LOW APR

PER MONTH

PER WEEK

PERIOD

GMFV

£11,122

4.2%

£149

£30

48M

£4,025

0

B.S.MARSON&SONS

Tel: 01782 622141

BALANCE WITH FINANCE

% APR UP TO 5 YEARS

ALSO AVAILABLE

DEALER PARTNER Winners of Masters of Distinction Award For After Sales Service

Newcastle Life Issue 23 copy 4.qxp_Newcastle Life 01/11/2019 11:54 Page 38

Newcastle Life Issue 23 copy 4.qxp_Newcastle Life 01/11/2019 11:54 Page 39

Newcastle Life Issue 23 copy 4.qxp_Newcastle Life 01/11/2019 11:54 Page 40