Stone & Eccleshall Life October/November 2019

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Stone

& Eccleshall OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

Life

FOOD AND DRINK EXTRAVAGANZA Get ready for the ever-growing foodie festival in Stone

Pictures galore

SEE INSIDE FOR FEATURES ON JUST SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY EVENTS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Do you have a story to tell about life in this beautiful area?

Belinda Hargreaves Contents Editor life@timesandecho.co.uk Holly Keates & Tracey Redfern Design & Production Jane Walters Advertising Manager Tel: 07817 128582 jane@timesandecho.co.uk Tom Brian General Manager Tel: 07855 242693 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 Facebook - Search for Stone and Eccleshall Life

T

he Autumn nights are drawing in and it's time to get that central heating fired up once again.

Getting out and about in the community is perhaps less on folks' minds with the colder weather coming but there are so many reasons to do just that in the lovely Middle England area of Stone and Eccleshall.

Looking back, in this edition we have some wonderful pictures of just some of the fantastic events which have taken place over the past few months, from the Stone-by-the Sea High Street event, to the family fun at Eccleshall Show.

Then looking forward, we have previews of other communityspirited extravaganzas in our area, especially the ever-growing in popularity Stone Food and Drink Festival.

We also, as always, feature some of the amazing groups which help keep that vibrant community spirit alive, from a green-fingered

organisation to a new community band.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Stone & Eccleshall Life Magazine. And if you have a story to tell about life in the area, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Maybe you have moved to the area after falling in love with it after visiting here for a holiday? Perhaps you have lived here all your life and want to share how you have seen things change? Or maybe you have joined a new community organisation and feel it's worth shouting about? We would love to hear from you.

Please email us at life@timesandecho.co.uk.

Until next time – take care!

Belinda

Cover photo courtesy of Noel Bennett noelbennettphotography.co.uk, 01785 813888

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CONTENTS

October/November

2019

Editor’s Letter .............................................5 Support Staffordshire .................................8 Green Flag Awards......................................9 Trentham Golf Club ..................................10 Walking for Health ....................................11 Fulford Village Group ...............................12 The Katharine House Hospice ..................15 Santa Bed Race..........................................18 Stone Christmas Lights Event ..................19

Anwyl Homes............................................20 Eccleshaw Show........................................22 Stage Directions........................................24 Community Music Groups........................25 What’s On .................................................26 Stone-by-the-sea.......................................28 Stone Food & Drink Festival ....................30 Investment Matters ..................................33 Quiz Corner...............................................34 Gardening .................................................35 The Women’s Institute .............................36 Motoring ...................................................40

Stafford Fireplaces & Stoves

39 GAOL ROAD, STAFFORD, ST16 3AR

Tel: 01785 211 554 • www.staffordfireplaces.co.uk

Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm, closed Sundays, open in evening by appointment

October/November 2019 7

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SUPPORT STAFFORDSHIRE

Allotments group is 900th member

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n Eccleshall group has become the 900th to join a support organisation.

Support Staffordshire has recently welcomed its 900th member, Eccleshall Allotments Association.

Anne Ross Locality Officer at Support Staffordshire said: “We have been working with Eccleshall Allotments Association for a few months now so it was very fitting that we welcomed them as our 900th member during National Allotments Week recently.

“At a time where people are becoming more aware of their own health and well-being a project which gets people into the great outdoors as well as encouraging them to grow their own fresh produce must be applauded.”

Eccleshall Allotments Association has been in existence for more than 40 years offering opportunities for local people to develop their gardening skills and grow their own produce.

Often thought of as an older person’s pastime in recent years the allotments have seen a rise in popularity amongst younger people and families.

Ron Milne Chairman of Eccleshall Allotments Association said: “Support Staffordshire have been extremely supportive in helping us look at ways of applying for funding to help the allotments become more sustainable for future generations.

“We are particularly keen to make the allotments more accessible for people with mobility problems and would like to create some raised beds as well as making the area more secure.

“There is a real community feel here and we are keen for more people to have the chance to reap the rewards of this wonderful environment.

“We are hopeful that with Support Staffordshire’s help we will be successful in our search for funding” He added: ”Since contacting 8 October/November 2019

Support Staffordshire and becoming a member we have been able to network with other volunteers and groups in the area and would urge anyone who runs a local charity or community groups to get in touch with and find out about the benefits of becoming a member.”

Support Staffordshire currently receives funding from Stafford Borough Council to support small local charities and community groups.

Support Staffordshire membership is currently free for eligible organisations and is available to most charities working for the benefit of Staffordshire.

To find out more about becoming a Support Staffordshire member go online to www.supportstaffordshire.org.uk.

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GREEN FLAG AWARDS

Community spaces gain national recognition

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ive venues in Stafford Borough, including two in Stone, have been listed among the best parks and open spaces in the country.

For the first time Stone Cemetery has been awarded the ‘Green Flag’ – and now joins Victoria Park, Stonefield Park, the Crematorium in Stafford and the town’s Eccleshall Road Cemetery in achieving the honour.

Stone Cemetery was opened in 1903 and is the only borough council-owned site where people can have a woodland burial. Earlier this year visitors were able to have a guided tour of the unique woodland and burial areas as part of an open day.

The ‘Green Flag’ is the national yardstick for the best parks and open spaces in the UK. It is the second year the 160-year-old cemetery at Eccleshall Road in Stafford has achieved the award, with Stonefield Park celebrating a fourth success, and the Crematorium on Tixall Road and Victoria Park making it eight and 13 years of holding the ‘Flag’ respectively.

They are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces, and 131 in 13 other countries, have received the prestigious award.

Work has begun on a £2.5million restoration of Victoria Park that will see historic features such as the bandstand and Mottram Shelter refurbished, improvements to the aviary, and a new catering facility on the site.

Stonefield Park, located in the heart of Stone, was opened by Sir Ernest Johnson in 1928. It boasts formal flowerbeds, tennis courts and a bowling green.

Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Environment at Stafford Borough Council, said: “It is great to welcome a fifth venue in our area to the ‘Green Flag’ club.

“We know how well the grounds of our parks and cemeteries are kept because our residents and visitors tell us, and they are our most important judges.

“But receiving national recognition for the work that we do is always pleasing, and a tremendous achievement for the cemetery at Stone to join the others who have once again been successful.”

He added: “Our community has been instrumental in helping us achieve this success, especially the ‘Friends’ groups that support the work of the council at each of these sites.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 international winners.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

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TRENTHAM GOLF CLUB

Susie tees off being the first female president of club

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sports club has appointed it's first ever female president.

Susie Clowes has been appointed as the president of the Trentham Golf Club.

Susie said: “I was very surprised, flattered and proud to be invited to become the first female President of Trentham Golf Club in this our 125th year.

“I have been a member for 50 years and my daughter Lisa Hall has had a very successful career playing on the professional circuit, so I have been involved with the club throughout this time.

“My job description is quite vague, as with all things, the more one puts into doing things the more one gets out and I am certainly doing that.

“I have enjoyed getting involved with all aspects of the club from juniors to seniors, management and board meetings, meeting and greeting visitors and members, and getting to understand the workings of the club.

“We have hosted many national 10 October/November 2019

tournaments, as our club, I am proud to say, is rated as one of the finest in the Midlands.”

Susie added: “I am President for one year and then I return to the ranks, but I will always remember the huge honour it has been for me to have been President of Trentham Golf Club.”

Trentham Golf Club's Open Championship Qualifying course is acclaimed to be one of the finest in Staffordshire, the Midlands and North West.

Members and visitors are able to enjoy a golfing experience both on and off the course, with lots of facilities.

Having hosted Open Championship Qualifying, England Golf and Staffordshire County events for both men, ladies and juniors, in 2019 the club is proud to be hosting no less than five WAGR events.

Trentham Golf Club was founded 125 years ago, having been recognised by the R&A in 1894. The club is celebrating it's 125th anniversary this year.

For further information go online to www.trenthamgolf.org.

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WALKING FOR HEALTH

Walking scheme gains lottery funding boost

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tafford Borough Volunteer Walking for Health Group 'WalkWise' has received a grant of £4,700 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The award is set to help support the existing walking groups and assist in creating additional walking groups across the Stafford borough.

Volunteers supported by Stafford Borough Council currently run seven walking groups in Castlefields, Derrington, Gnosall, Little Haywood, Stone, Stafford Social and Victoria Park.

Chris Calkin, chair of Stafford WalkWise Walking for Health Group, said of the funding boost: “This is fantastic news and a real vote of confidence in the health benefits of walking.

“Our existing groups offer a wonderful variety of walking programmes throughout the week.

“This new funding will be used to train walk leaders, provide essential equipment and promote existing and new walking schemes in the borough.”

The WalkWise walks are free, fun and friendly and are perfect to help people get active and meet new people.

Chris added: “A health walk is a short, purposeful walk undertaken on a regular basis, although, walking at any speed, can be

beneficial.

“As well as improving physical health, organised walks can help improve mental wellbeing by providing an opportunity to socialise and a distraction from everyday stress.”

Anyone who would like to take part in any of the WalkWise events can go along to the start point of one of the walks a few minutes early where they will be welcomed by a friendly trained Volunteer Walk Leader who will take their details.

Then they will be free to take part in as many walks as they like, as often as they like.

For further information go online to: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/westmidlands/stafford-borough-walking-for-health, contact the borough council Health and Wellbeing Community Support Officer on 01785 619675 or email: walking@staffordbc.gov.uk.

Walking for Health is England’s largest network of health walks with more than 360 active walking schemes, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle.

It is delivered by the Ramblers with recent support from Sport England.

For more information about Walking for Health nationally go online to: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.

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FULFORD VILLAGE GROUP

Picture perfect for winners

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he winners of a photographic competition run at a community event have been announced.

STUART THORN

The creative contest was part of the 2019 Fulford Community Fun Day hosted by the Fulford Village Group.

The winning picture was taken by Stuart Thorn, and other category winners included: Sal Jones, another of Stuart Thorn's entries, Nick Mott and the under 14s category was won by Tor Mott.

STUART THORN NICK MOTT

SAL JONES

TOR MOTT

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The KaTharine house hospice eccleshall supporT Group

ANTIQUES DAY RAISES CASH FOR CHARITY

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community fund-raising group has recently hosted an antiques day all in aid of charity.

The Katharine House Hospice Eccleshall Support Group raised £274 for the local hospice at their most recent event which was an antiques and collectables valuation day held at Eccleshall Community Centre.

The event was presided over by two representatives from Hanson’s Auctioneers and Valuers from Etwall in Derbyshire to whom the group are truly grateful.

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank all our supporters very much for attending and helping us to raise valuable funds for Katharine House.

“The group’s next event is a quiz which will be held at Eccleshall Community Centre on Friday 4 October. Looking forward to seeing you all there.”

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SANTA BED RACE

FIRST FESTIVE BED RACE OF IT'S KIND FOR TOWN

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tone Festival organisers are hosting a special festive event as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the town's festival.

Sunday, December 8 will be the date for the first annual 'Santa Bed Race' in Stone.

Festivities will start in the Market Square and High Sttreet at 10.30am with the beed race commencing at 111.30am.

Grahame Neagus, Stone Feestival Chairman and So oapbox Race and Santa Bed Ra ace Organiser, said on beehalf of Stone Festival Co ommittee: “Following on fro om our highly successful So oapbox Derby Races since 20 016 as part of the Stone Feestival, we are delighted to an nnounce that we will be ru unning our first ever fancy drress Santa Bed Race in su upport of the local charities arround Stone, in this our 50 0th year of festival and ca arnival fun.

“Unlike our annual So oapbox Race, the Santa Bed Ra ace is designed to be sliightly less competitive, (a although I am sure those of yo ou racing will be giving it fu ull beans around the co ourse) and is aimed at evveryone, no matter how old yo ou are, having huge fun in pu ushing your beds and sleeeping team member

18 October/November 2019

around Stone and all in Christmas themed fancy dress.”

Each team will have a minimum number of three people and a maximum number of six.

The bed must have four wheels and a mattress on its body (plus a duvet and pillows if want lots of creature comforts.).

Grahame said: “Competitors will be sent off at one minute intervals so as to avoid bunching, starting and finishing in the Market Square just off Stone High Street and each team will proceed down the High Street to start their lap of the town centre and complete two laps of the “Round the Town” circuit.

“However there is a nice little twist; at the end of lap one, each team will stop opposite the Market Square in the marked Pit Lane and swap over their “Sleeper”.

“As soon as the second “Sleeper” is safely on the bed with helmet on, then off they go again for their last lap.

“At the end of the second lap, participants will go through the chequered flag fll just outside The Lounge and then reassemble in the Market Square and enjoy a cup of warm tea or hot chocolate to compare stories and mishaps along the way.”

There will be several categories participants can

enter for, and these are based on three or more people per team, including: Mixed adult category (Adult men and women); All Male adult category (over 17); All Female category (over 17); Junior category (All team members must be 16 or under); Mixed age category (can include adults and children); Family category (Where all team members are from the same family and please have as many of your children as you fanccy); Over 150+ category (wherre you must have three team m members whose combineed age is in excess of 150 yea ars).

There will be certificattes for every competitor and a festival festive take away gift. There will also be medals for the “Best Presented / Dressed Team m and their Bed”.

There is an official enttry form which will need to be completed by every team and sent back to the committeee.

Grahame added: “We hope lots of people will support us in this event and help us not only raise money for our local charities oveer the Christmas period, butt also have a truly fantasticc time for both you the competitors and the public audience alike.”

For further informatio on and for an application forrm, go online to ww www ww.stonefestival.co.uk. w

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STONE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EVENT

seet too ill illlluuum miiinnnaaatttee for fes m est sttiiivve v sea seeaasssoon o Town set

S

tone is set to start it's festive season in November. The Stone Christmas Lights Switch On Event is scheduled to take place on Thursday,

November 21.

Stalls and rides will be open in High Street from 4pm until 9pm, while the lights switch on ceremony is set to take place at 7pm.

Organised by Stone Town Council, the annual switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights will include lots of fun and activities for all the family to enjoy together.

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ANWYL HOMES

Couple first to move into new housing development

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STONE couple have been warmly welcomed by Anwyl Homes as the first residents at Udall Grange on Eccleshall Road in Stone.

Having rented an apartment in Stone for a little while, Kathryn Wallis and Luke Blackburn wanted to remain local and had watched the Udall Grange development take shape during build.

The couple visited the show home once it had opened and were instantly attracted to the Anwyl product.

Kathryn said: “The show home really sparked our interest in buying from Anwyl Homes as we loved what we saw.

“The finish was superb and the décor stunning.

“We wanted to stay in Stone as it is a lovely place to live, and liked Udall Grange as it is located just a short walk to the town centre.”

The duo purchased a three bedroom semidetached house known as The Snowdon; an ideal property for first-time-buyers and growing families.

Arranged over three floors, The Snowdon boasts a modern floor layout, including an impressive open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, with French doors that open up into the garden, on the ground floor.

On the first floor two well appointed bedrooms and a bathroom can be found, whilst the second floor features a magnificent master bedroom with

20 October/November 2019

en suite facilities and a dressing room, which is tucked away for additional privacy.

Kathryn said: “The Snowdon is perfect for us.

“The property provides plenty of space; we particularly like the layout of the house and especially the top floor, which is spacious and comes with an en suite and dressing room.

“The garden is just the right size too.

“With lots to do in Stone finding the right house in the right location was important to us for our first home together.

“Luke works in Manchester and I work locally so great transport links were necessary so that we could both easily commute to and from work everyday.

“We feel very settled and are really enjoying living at Udall Grange.

“As more people start to move in, we are also enjoying meeting and getting to know our new neighbours.”

Udall Grange is a beautiful development of three, four and five bedroom homes. There is currently a range of three and four bedroom homes available with prices starting from £237,995.

For further information, call 01785 339 867 (open Thursday to Monday from 11am until 5pm) or visit www.anwylhomes.co.uk.

Established for 85 years, Anwyl Group has three divisions; Anwyl Homes, Anwyl Construction and Anwyl Land.

Based in North Wales, and operating across Wales and the North West of England, the family-run business is renowned for its thoughtful approach, bringing care and integrity to all aspects of every project in order to exceed expectations and ensure complete satisfaction for customers.

From beautiful new residential developments to award winning major mixed use commercial schemes, Anwyl is growing quickly and has ambitious plans for the future. For further information, please visit www.anwylgroup.co.uk.

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ECCLESHALL SHOW

The sun came out and s

T

he 82nd Annual Eccleshall Show which was held this summer proved to be a huge

success.

After a cloudy and showery start to the day, the sun came out and so did the crowds.

With near record numbers through the gate, this great community event once more

22 October/November 2019

delivered throughout the day.

The crowds packed around the main ring to watch the headline attraction, The Company of Horsemen, whose members performed death defying horseback stunts reenacting the days of the Wild West.

The main ring also saw the return of Elaine Hill with her

sheep dogs herding ducks – a great success with the children who were invited into the ring to help. Vintage tractors took a turn round the ring and of course the children’s sports proved immensely popular.

The giant Horticulture and Craft marquee was very busy all day as visitors were able to see the results of the judging of

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ECCLESHALL SHOW

d so too did the crowds some 140 classes from veg and fruit growing to cookery, art and photography. Also in that marquee craftsmen and women demonstrated their skills including marquetry, wood carving and rocking horse making.

Around the show ground there was plenty to entertain the children and their parents

– lots of trade stands, a food hall, bouncy castle and funfair, face painting and Punch and Judy.

For car enthusiasts there was a huge turnout of vintage cars, lorries and tractors. Horse lovers were well catered for with a full day of competitive classes in three rings in the equestrian area with some 40

classes for adults and children.

Show Chairman Edward Lambert said: “We had a brilliant show. A tremendous crowd of people all enjoying a really great day out and local charities will benefit.

“A huge thank you to all our volunteers who have put in so much hard work to make it all happen.”

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Stage directions

by Richard Lane

THE NUTCRACKER - THE BELOVED CHRISTMAS CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY COMING TO STAFFORD GATEHOUSE

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eaturing an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians.

Directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is coming to the UK in Autumn 2019.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to your local theatre for a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker. Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, it tells the story of Marie, a rather sad little girl, whose godfather, Grosselmeyer, gives her a nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve. The toy magically turns into a prince.

When midnight strikes, the world transforms itself into the wintry glitter of Christmas Eve. Toys come alive, the Mouseking and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the

Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins….

Snow flurries, fll Christmas treats, princes, love, victories and defeats, all to Tchaikovsky’s rousing score. These are just some of the ingredients that are brought together by the renowned Russian State Ballet.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is a showcase for Russian cultural traditions, bringing as it does the passion and vibrancy of the Russian character to this well-known ballet. The company has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality which never fail to delight audiences.

This is the ultimate and beautiful fairytale where goodness and beauty triumph.

The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed in Stafford on: Monday November 18th at the Gatehouse Theatre. Telephone the box office on 01785 619080.

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community music groups

MUSICIANS NS INVITED TO JOIN NEW BAN AND N

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new community band has been formed in the town of Eccleshall.

Musicians are being invited to join the Eccleshall Community Band which has been set up over the summer months.

All sorts of instrumentalists are being invited into the musical group including: woodwind, brass, bowed strings; and all ages and abilities are welcome to come together to play popular and light classical music together in a fun and encouraging environment.

There is currently six weekly sessions taking place for musicians to get together with the aim of creating a community band.

The next sessions will be on Wednesday,

October 2 and Tuesday, October 8 at Holy Trinity Church in Eccleshall.

The sessions, which start at 8pm, are being led by local musicians Martin Jones and Emily Braverman, and the cost per session is £3 per musician.

The first session in September saw a total of 21 musicians, with a variety of instruments, taking part.

A spokesman for the new band said: “We are a truly inclusive community group and will cater for all standards of musician.”

For further information about the band go online to ww www ww.facebook.com/EccleshallCommunityBand/ w or call Ruth on 01785 859908 or Hazel 01785 851259 or email armchairhazel@gmail.com.

Singers invited to join community choir

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COMMUNITY choir is inviting likeminded singers to join them.

With an “exciting and busy year ahead with amazing opportunities to sing in prestigious venues”, the Fulford Community Choir is looking to swell its numbers so that as many people as possible can gain from the benefits of singing.

The choir is already enjoying a “fabulous year” A spokesman said: “We had members who took part in ‘Stoke Sings’ in Victoria Hall in Hanley earlier this year and we are already looking forward to participating in ‘Stoke Sings 2020’.”

Fulford Community Choir was formed in 2012 and now has more than 65 members who enjoy the social interaction, stress-reducing, fun

rehearsals on Sunday afternoons in Fulford Village Hall.

The spokesman said: “With a wide repertoire of music, including traditional songs, gospel medleys, rounds, contemporary pop songs and excerpts from musicals, our choir’s director Dan Hollingshurst ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“If you have always wanted to sing then why not come along to a rehearsal?

“You don’t have to live in Fulford, don’t have to be able to read music and there are no auditions.

“You are assured a very warm welcome.”

For more details or a chat about the choir: visit: www.fulfordcommunitychoir.com, email: fulfordcommunitychoir@gmail.com, or call Wendy Godfrey on 07890 996798.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON October and November

Do you have an event taking place during December and January which you would like to see promoted in our next edition of the Leek Life Magazine? Email details to life@timesandecho.co.uk PLEASE NOTE – all of the below events are subject to change. Please check with venues for up to date information.

Oct ctober

Wednesday, October 23

Friday October 4 Stone Food and Drink Festival 10am-5pm at Westbridge Park, Stone.

Also on Saturday and Sunday.

Charity Shopping Extravaganza 10am4pm at The Moat House Hotel, Acton Trussell. ST17 0RJ. A unique shopping experience featuring: clothing, gifts, jewellery, candles, portraits, home accessories, cakes, cosmetics and more.

Admission £5. In aid of Breast Cancer Now.

Novvember

Saturday November 2 Oulton Watercolour Society Exhibition 9.30am-4.30pm at Oulton Village Hall. Celebrating the society's 50th anniversary. Details: find 'Oulton Watercolour Society near Stone' on Facebook.

Attic and Craft Sale 2pm at Barlaston Village Hall. To include refreshments, tombola, cake stall and raffle. Free admission.

Bonfire and Fireworks 6.30pm-9pm at Westbridge Park, Stone.

Sunday November 10 Remembrance Sunday in Stone Walton Service at 9.45am-10am. Service and Parade at the War memorial at 10.30am-11.30am. Service of Remembrance at 11.30am-12.30pm at St Michael and St Wulfad Church, Stone.

Monday November 11 Armistice Day Service 10.45am11.15am in Granville Square, Stone.

Thursday November 21 Stone Christmas Lights 4pm-9pm in High Street, Stone. Lights will be switched on at 7pm.

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WHAT’S ON

Reg e ular events

Acoustic Night In the upstairs room at the Royal Oak in Eccleshall. Every first Thursday of the month starting at 8pm. Details: 01630 620220.

Artisan Workshops Various dates at The Artisan Boutique, 4 Radford Street, Stone. Workshops include needlecraft, design-a-mug, and wind-chime making. Details: www.theartisanboutique.co.uk or 'Artisan Boutique' on Facebook.

Aston Marina, Stone Lots of different events take place at this Stone venue including live music slots at No. 26. Details: www.astonmarina.co.uk/events/ or 01785 819702.

Eccleshall Hand Bellringers Every Monday (during term time) at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church Rooms in Eccleshall. Details: www.ehbr.co.uk or 01785 859950.

Activities at Stone Library Baby Bounce and Rhyme on Mondays during term time from 10.30am-11am; Reading Cafe every third Tuesday at 10.30am-midday; Creative Writing Group every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10.30am-midday; Knit and Natter or Crochet and Chatter every Wednesday from 10.30am-midday; Lego Cub Stay and Play every Saturday at 10am-11am; as well as bookable IT Buddy Sessions.

Carers Cafe On the last Thursday of each month the Carers’ Café operates in the Eccleshall Community Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Carers and their loved ones are welcome to socialise and gain information about health and social care.

Refreshments available.

Granvilles Brasserie & Music Bar, Stone Check out www.granvilles.st for details of forthcoming gigs.

Stafford Gatehouse Check website for latest listings. Details: www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.

Stone Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society Garden Club Club Meetings every second Thursday of the month at 7.45pm at Christ Church Centre, Christ Church Way in Stone.

Details: www.stonecanddgardenclub.org or 01785 812097.

Tiny Toes Ballet At the Walton Community Hall in Stone on Friday mornings plus at the Baswich Community Hall in Stafford on Saturday mornings. Details: www.tinytoesballet.co.uk

Eccleshall Singers 7.30pm-9.30pm at the Methodist Church, Stone Road, Eccleshall. Every Tuesday. New members welcome.

Details: www.eccleshallsingers.org.

Stone Farmers Markets Every first Saturday of the month in Stone town centre. Details: www.stonefarmersmarket.co.uk Stone & District Stroke Club Every Wednesday from 10.30am-2.30pm at the Little Stoke Cricket Club in Uttoxeter Road, Stone. Cost is £7 and includes: games, quizzes, gentle exercises, coffee and biscuits, two-course hot meal, transport (in the Stone area), a raffle ticket and subs. Transport can be provided in the Stone area at £1 per week. Details: 01785 812027.

World of Wedgwood, Barlaston Lots of different events and activities at this Barlaston tourist spot including markets and workshops. Details: 01782 282986 or www.worldofwedgwood.com

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STONE-BY-THE-SEA

SUN, SEA AND SAND S

tone-by-the-Sea is an annual community event which takes place in the heart of this lovely town.

28 October/November 2019

It is organised by Stone Town Council and families enjoy a whole host of activities.

Here's some pictures from this year's event which

was enjoyed by many.

To find out about other events organised by Stone Town Council go online to www.stonetowncouncil.gov. uk.

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STONE-BY-THE-SEA

ND IN TOWN CENTRE

October/November 2019 29

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STONE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

Top demonstrators

T

he Stone Food & Drink Festival, kindly supported by Joule’s Brewery, prides itself on showcasing the best of Staffordshire’s culinary talent in its demonstration kitchen – and this year will be no exception.

Making a welcome return to the bill is local girl Rosanna Moseley who, since her last appearance on the festival stage back in 2012, has risen through the ranks at Michelin-starred Adam’s in Birmingham.

She reached the final 12 of BBC’s ‘Masterchef The Professionals’ in 2016 and has recently taken tenure of mentor Adam Stokes’ latest venture – The Oyster Club in Birmingham’s Temple Street as Head Chef.

Rosanna will take the stage in the Demonstration Kitchen on Sunday, October 6 at 1pm, as part of a programme that sees sessions take place in the kitchen on the hour, every hour.

Also on the bill over the weekend are local freelance chef Mike Hughes, chef and educator Chris Cohen of Fest with Friends, Stafford College’s Richard Finney, Stafford-based food blogger Sarah Winkel (A.K.A. The Credit Crunch Cooke), Andy Pickstock of Aston Marina’s No.26 eatery; Luca Bellomusto of The Moat House; award-winning Stone butcher Nick Griffin; Allan Jones of Keele Hall; Smoke and Rye’s Rich James; Stuart Bruce from The Red Lion at Bradley, Joule’s Brewery’s MD Steve Nuttall and progressive Stone chef Jake Lowndes of Little Seeds.

The opportunity to learn from the professionals is one of the cornerstones of this vibrant annual event – and this year there are more chances than ever to get ‘hands on’ to hone

30 October/November 2019

culinary skills.

Sure to be popular is the ‘Wine & Cheese Tasting’ masterclass taking place at 4.30pm each day, with sommelier Patryk Kapeliński guiding students the basics of wine and food pairing techniques. Featuring some fabulous Italian wines paired with delicious cheeses from their local area, the session is available at £15 per person with advance booking essential.

Those keen to learn how to preserve and store their own food will be keen to take part in the hands-on Sauerkraut Masterclass with Emma Cronon of Wild Pickle. During the session you’ll create your own jar of sauerkraut to take home, flavoured with various additions to suit your taste, while learning the lost art of fermentation and how it can help increase nutritional value.

Sessions take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10.30am for £8 per person.

Bake-off fans can try their hand at decorating cute pumpkin cupcakes with Stone’s very own ‘Queen of Cakes’, Beth Tomasik of Beth Lauren Cakes.

The step-by-step process will see participants create two pumpkin cupcakes to take home and the session is perfect for children accompanied by a grown-up. Cupcake sessions are on Saturday and Sunday at 12.30am and cost £6 per person.

Last, but by no means least, in the Culinary Masterclass line-up are two great sessions with chef and educator Chris Cohen, who runs Feast with Friends. Designed to give you the skills to create dinner party dishes that will wow your guests, on Saturday at 3pm Chris will demonstrate how to make pumpkin ravioli, wild mushrooms and smoked bacon before students make their own ravioli and take the ingredients home to cook the full dish like a pro.

His session on Sunday at 2pm will focus on Sous Vide cooking steak – Chris will introduce the ‘science’ behind sous vide before participants barbecue their own steak to perfection, create a fine green sauce of the world - then walk away with a great steak sandwich.

Both of these sessions cost £12 per person and advance online booking is essential.

As well as the culinary masterclasses, families visiting this year's Stone Food and Drink Festival will be delighted to hear that Kiddy Cook North Staffs will be back offering free kids’ cookery

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STONE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

s at annual festival classes in the Little Foodies’ zone on Saturday and Sunday. All those taking part in masterclasses must also pay entry to Westbridge Park.

Other opportunities to increase foodie knowledge come in a packed programme for the Lexus Stoke Talks and Tastings tent, where passionate producers wax lyrical on topics that include beer and wine, chocolate, toffee, gin, cocktails, wild fermentation, game butchery and cake decorating. So literally something for everyone.

The 2019 Stone Food & Drink Festival will take place on Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 on Westbridge Park in Stone.

Gate prices are £7 per person (day ticket) and £15 per person (three day pass); accompanied under-16s get in free and a Park & Ride service will operate from Aston Marina.

Go online to www.stonefooddrink.org.uk for more information and to buy advance discount

tickets.

The Stone Food & Drink Festival is a nonprofit organisation, founded in 2004 to bring the community together to celebrate the very best of local produce.

Since the first event in 2005, the festival has gone from strength to strength – in 2018 attracting some 20,000 visitors to town through festival week.

Attended by leading businesses, pubs and producers from across the county and beyond, it is recognised as an excellent platform to promote food and drink.

The 2019 Stone Food & Drink Festival will take place from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6 and organisers once again have plans for expansion, with old favourites such as the gourmet marquee, farmers’ market, chef demonstrations, cookery classes, talks and tastings, beer tent and pop-up restaurant in addition to a host of exciting new events.

Andy Pickstock

Rosanna Moseley

Stuart Bruce October/November 2019 31

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LIFE MAGAZINES FREE to read online

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32 October/November 2019

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INVESTMENT MATTERS

INCOME OR TOTAL RETURN?

T

raditionally, investors with an income objective have achieved their desired objective by investing their capital in income generating assets.

Unfortunately, in today’s economic environment of low interest rates, those traditional income generating assets such as bank deposits and government bonds are generating very low income, whilst those assets that are considered higher risk, such as high yield bond or equity income funds, are paying a relatively attractive income.

Investors looking for income naturally seek out income yielding assets, but this may not be the most tax efficient approach in that an investor is liable to pay tax on interest or dividends received, above their Personal Savings and Dividend Allowances.

However, rather than chasing the highest yields, with potentially higher risk and higher tax implications, there is an alternative, in that investors seeking income could manage their portfolio on a total return basis and invest in capital growth funds, using their annual capital gains tax (CGT) allowance to provide their income requirement.

If an investor opts for utilising capital gains in order to pay an ‘income’, the capital gain is tax free within the CGT allowance. The annual CGT allowance for the 2019/20 tax year is £12,000, therefore, a couple have a joint annual CGT allowance of £24,000. If the gains exceed the CGT allowance, then tax is paid at either 10% or 20%.

Investors should be aware that if the capital is withdrawn at a greater rate than the capital growth on the underlying investment portfolio, the value of the portfolio will fall over time.

Another advantage of an income investor managing their portfolio on a total return basis rather than on an income basis, is that the underlying portfolio can include asset classes that pay low or no income, for example, emerging equity market funds, and these assets may offer the prospect of a higher total return than the income generating assets. This advantage also has the benefit of increasing the diversification, which should reduce the risk. An income seeking investor may have a portfolio that has a strong bias to certain assets or sectors that generate a high income and, therefore, the portfolio may not be diversified.

There are other strategies that investors could use to improve the tax efficiency of their portfolio.

For example, an investor should consider utilising their Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance each tax year. The current ISA allowance is £20,000 and by utilising this allowance, tax payers will protect their portfolio from further income tax and capital gains tax.

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. The value of investments is not guaranteed and will fluctuate; you may get back less than you put in.

NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE ARTICLE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS GIVING INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL ADVICE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF LEGISLATION, WHICH CAN BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP; YOU MAY GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVEST.

October/November 2019 33

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QUIZ CORNER

Let’s get quizzical

COMPILED BY PAUL STEELE

1.The Stoke suburb of Etruria was named by Josiah Wedgwood after a district in which country?

2. What's the minimum age to become President of the USA? 3. Swinley Bottom is part of which UK horse racecourse?

4. In which three holiday destinations do Butlin's have their resorts?

5.The latest series of 'Love Island' finished in July but on which island is it filmed?

6.The title characters of which E. Nesbit novel share the surname Waterbury?

7. Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne are located in which county?

8. What species of bird did Florence Nightingale keep as a pet named Athena, which she carried about with her in her pocket?

9. Who played the title role in the 1998 film version of 'Dr. Dolittle'?

10.The recent Channel 5 series 'Celebrity 5 Go Barging' passed through Froghall, Cheddleton, Leek and Stoke-on-Trent but can you name one of the five celebrities on the series?

An Apple Quiz for Apple Day on October 21st 1. What was the surname of 1980s chart topping duo Mel and Kim? 2. Who are the parents of Apple Martin born in 2004?

3.Computing giant Apple have their headquarters in which US state?

4. In cockney rhyming slang what does 'Apple and Pears' mean?

5. Which group founded the record label Apple Records in 1968?

6. Which fruit is sometimes called the love apple?

7. According to the proverb what does an apple a day do?

8.Which game, often played at Halloween, has been called 'dooking' in Scotland?

9 Apple sauce is a usual condiment with which meat?

10. Who is claimed to have been inspired by watching an apple fall from a tree for his theory of gravity?

General Knowledge Answers: 1. Italy; 2. 35 years old; 3. Epsom; 4. Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness; 5.

Majorca; 6. The Railway Children; 7. West Sussex; 8. Owl; 9. Eddie Murphy; 10. Amanda Barrie, Anita Harris, John Prescott, Shaun Williamson or Michael Buerk; Apple Answers: 1. Appleby; 2. Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow; 3. California; 4. Stairs; 5. The Beatles; 6. Tomato; 7. Keeps the Doctor Away; 8. Apple Bobbing; 9. Pork; 10. Isaac Newton

34 October/November 2019

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

General knowledge quiz

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GARDENING

Trend embraces wider range of plants

A

s the days shorten with the turn to Autumn and the sunlight mellows and softens, I love the effect of flowering perennials, those gone to seed and the swish of ornamental grasses in a prairie style garden.

Prairie gardens are a fairly recent trend in garden design using perennials and grasses that might be found in the US east of the Rockies.

The trend has since developed to embrace a wider range of plants and soil conditions whilst retaining the naturalistic look.

The idea is to plant closely in irregularly shaped blocks of the same plant and to encourage these to intermingle with neighbouring plants over time. The result looks natural, smothers weeds and close planting also reduces the need for staking as plants are held upright by their neighbours.

Plants will need to be fairly tough and able to compete with their neighbours – there’s no place for shrinking violets.

The end result should be a low maintenance garden where all that is needed is to cut down and clear away the dead stems in winter.

However, unless your ground is completely weed free before planting there will be some perennial weeds to tackle each spring. Also, in a smaller garden plants will outgrow their space and need to be curtailed in autumn or spring (late flowering types are generally only divided in spring).

Whilst naturalistic plantings are often seen in large gardens, they can be easily adapted to smaller gardens by converting the large drifts or blocks to ribbons of the same plant meandering through small clumps of others.

I first saw this style of planting a decade or so ago in a large, privately owned garden open for charity. A large bank was planted in drifts of Helenium, Achillea (Yarrow) and Cirsium (River thistle) with ribbons of Molinia (moor grass) and clumps of Salvia between. The Heleniums and Cirsiums made ideal partners liking moist soils and likewise Achillea and Salvia in a drier spot.

The moor grass grew happily in either.

Prairie plantings are quick to mature – you don’t have to be too patient – as we saw at Abbeywood Gardens in Cheshire. The interlocking teardrop shaped beds were planted in 2014 and 2015 and within a year looked full and mature. Here traditional prairie plants like Echinacea (coneflower) and Molinia sit perfectly beside African Kniphofia (Red Hot Pokers) and Agapanthus (African Lily) and European Sedums.

Next issue I’ll take a look at some of the best plants for a naturalistic or prairie garden.

Martin Blow Janet and 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 has 41 events between March and September spanning 11 counties including events at: the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas; Weston Park in Shifnal; the Dorothy Clive Garden in Market Drayton; Sugnall Walled Garden in Eccleshall; Hodnet Hall Gardens, and Alderford Lake in Whitchurch. Please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk for the full 2020 calendar of dates and venues.

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THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The Women's Institute (WI), which was formed in 1915 and is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK, plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Here we take a look at what's been going on at local WI's and see that they are “not just jam and Jerusalem”.

Is your WI group in the Stone, Eccleshall or surrounding area?

Would you like your group to be featured in our WI pages? Email Belinda at life@timesandecho.co.uk.

Barlaston Herons WI

W

e thoroughly enjoyed an evening of culture at Stafford Castle watching the Merchant of Venice. The weather stayed fine, and we had chance for a good natter while picnicking before the show.

Cranes for Peace. What an uplifting evening was had by the ladies of Barlaston Herons WI. Louise came to demonstrate how to make origami cranes and described the background as to why they represent peace.

In August 1945 atomic bombs reduced the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to rubble and hundreds of thousands of precious lives.

The message of the evening was that it is essential to have a world without nuclear weapons and to move forward with peace.

36 October/November 2019

Louise talked about her visit to the areas affected and how the cranes were everywhere to represent peace. The story is that for every 1,000 cranes you make a wish comes true.

Louise guided the ladies through the steps on how to make these beautiful cranes. She provided guide sheets and examples to support the process.

The business part of the evening included the village show, walks, theatre trips and the request for bras for an African charity. New members always welcome, please visit www.barlastonheronswi.webs.com for further information.

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THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Stone WI

O

ur August meeting was well attended and there was one notable absence.

Only a short while ago we were helping Mary Wesson to celebrate her 90th birthday and 76 years as a member of the WI. She first attended with her mother because “there was nothing else for a 14 year old girl to do” where she lived. Unfortunately Mary was taken ill, admitted to hospital and unfortunately died, all this since our last meeting. Her funeral at St.Michael's & St.Wulfad's church in Stone was very well attended. She had been very active in the community right to the end.

Mary was our events secretary, organising speakers etc. What to do about August's speaker? Eventually it was decided to keep it 'in house'. Two of our members gave us an interesting talk about their early training journeys following nursing careers. It was like 'compare and contrast' as both trained in hospitals in and around London but 10 years apart.

Gerry and Heather each told us about how they wanted to nurse, what the entrance qualifications were, including height. They were well looked after whilst training and both loved their work, and it was good that each

could interject with information about how times changed in the 1950s and 1960s. Heather likened her early nursing training to television's 'Call the Midwife' while Gerry said her's had shades of 'Carry on Nurse". Ten years made such a difference.

Their delivery was both entertaining and informative, and neither of them had mentioned their nursing careers. We'll save that for another time.

For our September meeting we visited Pasta de Piazza in Stone. Our November meeting will take place on the first Wednesday of the month, at Christ Church Centre, Stone at 2pm.

Why not come and see what we get up to?

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THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Aston-By-Stone WI

W

here do you go to find information on further education? Try the doctor’s surgery! Our Speaker for July did just that. Caz Bailey had recently retired from a successful career in the Police, and was looking for a course to follow. What caught her eye, in a magazine at the surgery, was a course on glass technology and techniques, and she enrolled. An introductory year was followed by a further year and BTEC, and her new career was launched.

In her superbly funny talk, Caz introduced us to some of the personalities she encountered during her years at the old glass factory. There was Elsie, a monstrous woman who demanded all the attention. We’ve all met an Elsie (name probably changed to protect the guilty) haven’t we? Then there was the student who produced the extraordinary piece of work based on....boobs! We also heard much about learning to make glass, and saw examples of Caz’s work in various techniques.

Tea and cakes rewarded us for attending to the talk – compulsive listening – and the business side of the meeting wasn’t neglected.

The various meetings, activities and outings were announced.

It’s said that smells are the most evocative aids to memory, but the August meeting of Aston-by-Stone W.I. proved that music can achieve the same nostalgia. With the aid of Chris Stratman, our speaker, we were transported back to the 60s and 70s as we heard the tunes of the Shadows’ greatest hits.

Unusually, this group, formed to provide backing for Cliff Richard, achieved in their own right many number one hits over the years. We heard 'Apache' played on the guitar with the rest of the group represented by a black box of electronic marvelry, and heard about the formation of the group and the progress of their career with many hits to their name.

The first tune had brought back memories,

38 October/November 2019

and we went on to hear 'Man of Mystery', 'Kon-Tiki', 'Dance On' and many others.

The competition this month was for a poem about shadows, and the ladies produced once again an imaginative and varied range of lovely poetry.

The meeting had opened with the singing of 'Jerusalem', and we heard about the various activities which take place on a weekly or monthly basis. Kay Jackson spoke about the visit to Denman, the WI college in Oxfordshire, which she and Linda Scotton made recently.

At the college there’s an impressive range of courses which are open to every WI member (and to non-members, too).

There’s something for everyone at WI: painting, darts and poetry to name but three.

And let’s not forget the delicious home-made cakes served each month at refreshment time.

Ladies, you are all very welcome to come and join us. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Aston-by-Stone Village Hall. To find out more, contact us at www.astonbystonewi@btck.co.uk or on contactastonbystonewi@cirginmedia.com, or call 01785 615662.

Stone Life Oct/Nov 19.qxp_Stone Life 13/09/2019 10:41 Page 39

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October/November 2019 39

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motoring

THE ALL-NEW BMW 1 SERIES

T

he BMW 1 Series has been redesigned to go beyond the journey and co-pilot your life.

Boasting a five-door design with a new sporty look and BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, it also comes with an enhanced digital eco-system that seamlessly merges your life into the driving experience.

Add to this a boost in interior space, and you have a car that is open to amazing possibilities.

Step into a progressive era of driving – the new BMW 1 Series.

Perfectly complementing its strong BMW heritage, the striking exterior design, featuring stylish LED headlights, creates a truly youthful feel that extends inside the vehicle.

40 October/November 2019

Taking pure driving pleasure to new heights, the new driver-oriented interior features a host of stylish design cues, such as the frameless rear-view mirror, which creates a distinctive and exciting ambience throughout the new BMW 1 Series.

You are now more connected than ever before thanks to the new BMW 1 Series.

Specifically tailored for greater convenience, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and Connected Package Professional are available as optional equipment and includes the Intelligent Personal Assistant (standard for M135i xDrive).

Through touch, or voice control, you can now interact with your BMW in a

revolutionary way that has the ability to learn your driving preferences.

Efficient Dynamics is BMW’s award-winning programme of technologies designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy, without compromising on performance or driving dynamics. These technologies are standard on every new BMW and could lower your fuel and tax costs, as well as ensure a lower benefit in kind tax rating for company car drivers.

You can find out more about the benefits of BMW EfficientDynamics, as well as compare your own vehicle against any BMW 1 Series model at www.bmw.co.uk/EfficientDyna mics.

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