Uttoxeter and Cheadle Voice Issue 71

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Issue 71
Uttoxeter
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Uttoxeter
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3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 15,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
S
pring is in the air in this
month of March as the
feelgood factor of getting
out into our gardens begins to
become a reality.
Yet again we have not endured
those freezing cold winters of the past when snow drifts were
common place.
But I remember many years ago snow fell during the
months of March and April so I had better keep a lid of that
feelgood feeling.
Looking back, I attended the March Cheltenham
Horseracing Festival one year when it snowed with
temperatures plummeting as the afternoons turned into
evenings.
And my daughter married in April when we were greeted
with over six inches of snow when we came out of the evening
reception!
I have tried to steer clear of this constant Brexit chatter
which engulfs all parts of our great United Kingdom.
Listening to some politicians who are elected by the people,
they simply refuse to acknowledge what the country voted for
last year.
My simple message to them and all our politicians from
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is – all of you
come together and make us strong before we enter
negotiations with the European Union for the sake of Great
Britain.
I am positive we will have a very hostile EU when
negotiations begin so we need to stand together to get the best
deal possible – a democratic vote to leave the EU was taken
last year and now is the time for leadership and unity.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Voice colour
magazine
Nigel Titterton
Editor & Publisher
Dear
Reader,
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not necessarily those of the publishers, nor
indeed their responsibility. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
The Uttoxeter &
Cheadle Voice is wholly
independent and is
published at 3 Spode
Close, Cheadle, Staffs
ST10 1DT
15,000 copies are
distributed free to
homes and businesses
in Uttoxeter, Cheadle,
Ashbourne, Rocester,
Denstone, Bramshall,
Stramshall, Alton,
Oakamoor, Tean, Lower
Tean, Checkley, Leigh,
Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge, Kingsley, Mayfield, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley
Green & Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone, Marchington,
Ellastone, Ipstones, Froghall, Hollington, Dilhorne, Marston Montgomery, Meir Park areas.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970 Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE
THE NEXT VOICE WILL BE OUT ON APRIL 24th 2017
News Deadline: April 10th Advertising Deadline: April 12th
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW - Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or Call 01538 751629
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4 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
Gifts Galore
at LG Woodward Ltd
New seasonal
ranges
now in stock
Lighting, Costume Jewellery
and an array of unusual gifts.
Exclusive stockists of
Gisela Graham & Powder Designs.
8-10 Balance Street, Uttoxeter
01889 562758
With three different rooms we can accommodate both
small, medium and larger type events, with catering
services as required. We also cater for business meetings
with refreshments to suit. Projection equipment is also
available for hire if required.
We also have three full size snooker tables, two pool
tables, Sky Sports, children’s play area, sports courts and
other sub-section activities. Check out our website -
www.jcb-lakeside-club.co.uk
Why not give us a call, or better still, visit the Lakeside
Club and see what we have to offer.
Associate membership is also available for those who wish
to use the Lakeside facilities. Contact the club for details.
JCB Lakeside Club,
Hollington Road, Rocester, Staffs ST14 5HY
Tel: 01889 591057
Email: jcblakeside@tiscali.co.uk
Web: www.jcb-lakeside-club.co.uk
LAKESIDE
CLUB
Please visit our website for daily specials and music events.
www.thecrowninnderbyshire.co.uk | 01889 591 430
Riggs Lane, Marston Montgomery Ashbourne DE6 2FF
Open: Monday - Sunday 11am - 11pm
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AfternoonTeasavailable
BookingsnowbeingtakenforMother’sDay
TheCrownInnareextremelyproudtoannounceour4starratingfromtheAA
Take a rest courtesy
of Cheadle U3A
C
headle U3A is celebrating its 20th Birthday this year. As part of the
celebrations they funded the installation of two seats along the Cecilly
Brook Walk in Cheadle. One seat is adjacent to Ashbourne Road and
the other is by the bridge leading to Mill Road.
Pictured are Committee Members Mike Prince and Val Edgerton who have
overseen this project in close liaison with Mark Preece, Client Officer
(Countryside and Parks) SMDC.

A.C.E.
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For a little pampering
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Moorlands District Councilllor Ivor Lucas visited Kingsley Village
Hall to present two SMDC Initiative Cheques to local groups.
Seen receiving the cheques on behalf of ‘JAM & ICE’ and ‘The Mothers & Toddlers’, two
Groups for the young people in the village of Kingsley are Emma Carter and Deb Jones.
Also looking on is Harrison one of the youngsters.
COALD. J. Martin Solid Fuel Supplies
Phone Dave on 07541 078667
any day before 8.30pm
or evening: 01889 569787
Sweet Meadow Farm, Dagdale Lane,
Bramshall, Uttoxeter ST14 5BJ
Check out our highly competitive prices now at:
www.staffordshiresolidfuel.co.uk
Everyone
lovesTheVoice

R
ecord audiences attended the four
performances of the pantomime
Aladdin by Denstone Players.
They were treated to another dazzling
show directed by Gill Brown featuring a
large, talented and enthusiastic cast.
Dave Shooter, Chairman said “This was a
truly remarkable production and a real
community effort. Local members of the WI
created a fantastic array of costumes and
props, and we were most grateful to CATS,
Abbotsholme School and Alton Towers for
their loans of a variety of items. Stephen
Leake created a wonderful set and props
including a jewelled cave, washing machines,
a police rickshaw, a dancing snake and
Tardis. A superb Chinese dragon was created
for the Peking scene which will be donated
to All Saints First School. Jess Leake did a
superb job as choreographer as did Terry
Davies as Musical Director. The cast,
backstage crew and Front of House team can
be justifiably proud of their achievement.”
A smash hit!

J
CB is entering into a partnership with
Williams Martini Racing ahead of the
2017 season which will offer the
company immense opportunities to promote
its brand around the world, it was announced
today.
As part of the partnership agreement, JCB
branding will appear on the Williams
Mercedes FW40 chassis and rear wing end
plate from the start of the 2017 season. JCB
will also feature on Drivers Felipe Massa and
Lance Stroll’s race suits and helmets, and
from the British Grand Prix onwards, all
trackside personnel team kit.
The popularity of Formula One around
the globe offers JCB a great opportunity to
promote its brand to both new and existing
customers and to drive sales around the
world.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “I am
an engineer and a manufacturer and
designing and engineering innovative
products is at the core of what JCB does. We
frequently combine our engineering expertise
with some of the best automotive
technologies which means our machines are
very fuel efficient and intuitive to operate.
Our partnership with Williams Martini
Racing builds on that innovative and
technological link and our company’s long
association with motorsport.”
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal,
Williams Martini Racing, added: “We are
delighted to welcome JCB to our family of
partners. Engineering and innovation are also
at the core of everything we do at Williams,
which makes this partnership one of shared
values and aspirations. As two great British
brands, we share a similar drive to
continually push boundaries and not rest on
our laurels in our desire to be the best. I know
this will be a successful partnership for both
our brands and I look forward to embarking
on this journey with such a prestigious brand
as JCB.”
Pictured above: JCB Chairman Lord
Bamford (centre left) and JCB CEO
Graeme Macdonald pictured with JCB
apprentices (l-r) Kyle Hare, Charlie Trotter,
Jade Holmes, Chelsea Saunders, James
Mohan and Daniel Malbon at the
announcement of the new partnership
agreement between JCB and Williams
Martini Racing.
Williams Martini
racing partnership to
help drive JCB sales

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Career Opportunities at JCB
Recruiting NOW through to July 2017
Blue Arrow is currently seeking experienced
personnel for the following positions:
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To apply
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Positions are based at:
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WHEEL ‘N’ TYRESLTD
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Personal Service and Advice
T
he Inner Wheel Club
of Uttoxeter
welcomed over 90
members and friends
including The Mayor of
Uttoxeter, Linda Stockall,
Inner Wheel District
Chairman and Paul Lane,
President of Uttoxeter
Rotary Club to their 72nd
Charter Anniversary
Fellowship tea on 15th
February at Bramshall
Village Hall.
The speaker was Jane
Pritchard MBE, curator of dance for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She gave an
illustrated presentation on the life of Anna Pavlova who trained in St Petersburgh at the
Imperial Ballet. She was a very modern woman. Her work in ballet took her around the
world early in the 20th century to countries including Japan, America and Egypt. She
became a fashion icon, celebrity and film star. It was a pleasure to have such an inspiring
speaker to this annual event.
Following the fascinating talk guests enjoyed afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones, cakes
and meringues prepared by Club members.
The Inner Wheel Club
of Uttoxeter
Taekwon-do
We train at The Parkwood Community
Leisure Centre In Cheadle on Tuesday Night
6.00pm to 6.30pm 4yrs to 6yrs
6.30pm to 7.30pm Junior/Beginers Grades
7.30pm to 8.30pm Senior/Advanced Grades
Call John on 07854 806581
www.nctkd.co.uk
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“Over the land freckled with snow half-
thawed
The speculating rooks at their nests cawed
And saw from the elm tops, delicate as
flower of grass
What we below could not see, Winter pass”
Edward Thomas
A
nd here we are - spring beckons at the
end of the month! Still the change
won’t happen overnight and we may
yet have to contend with contrary weather.
Hopefully, it will be kind enough to let
our lambing ewes run outside during the day
(they are brought in at night so we can keep
a closer eye on them) and turn our newborn
lambs out with their mums. It makes things
so much easier if the weather isn’t against
you!
One of the largest breeds of sheep is the
Lincoln with long twisted locks of wool and
one of the smallest is the Shetland-from, well,
can you guess? The Soay is one of the most
primitive unchanged breeds in Europe, but
the most unique must be the Manx Loaghtan.
Its’ name translates as ‘mouse brown’, a good
description of the colour of the wool.
Most of ours are Texels, a very white
(usually), calm animal, bred for the meat as
much as the wool.
We’ve had a few calves already, born
inside and, after testing for Btb, we would
like to be able to turn the cattle out by the
end of this month too.
Around the farm, we have several ponds
and are bordered by streams on two sides.
Some of the ponds are fenced off, which the
livestock can use for drinking if inclined,
others aren’t and it makes for diverse habitat.
Along the brook, amongst other species of
tree, we have pussy willows and Alders, both
having catkins appearing this month. Alders
have long, male, yellow catkins and female
cones; whereas the willow has yellow, male
catkins and green, female ones (these tend to
get overlooked) and early Insects are
attracted to them.
Next to the ponds are the ‘marsh’ zones,
where the ground is boggy, hoof -printed and
sludgy. The plants here often have their roots
in wet soil and the Marsh Marigold (larger
cousin of the Buttercup) will be flowering
soon with its’ kidney shaped glossy, green
leaves.
The Reed zone, where the land and water
meets, has tall, dense and crowded plants,
which stand in shallow water and provide
cover for the waterfowl which nest amongst
them, such as Coot, Moorhen and Mallard
and, around here, colourful Mandarin ducks.
In rivers, these zones might also contain
Pike, which like to feed on ducklings and
frogs and these are spawning now too.
River catchments in Nitrate vulnerable
zones affect farmers- these are where the
levels of nitrates in the water are higher than
liked. Farmers have strict regulations to
adhere to, which add extra costs such as large
slurry stores (and increased dangers with
those) and these areas are expanding.
Ted has proved his worth with his cattle
handling skills this winter and has become
invaluable because he is the only one who can
get our very stubborn bull to move!
Angela Sargent
www.baldfields-farm.co.uk and follow us
on twitter (@bythebarn)and
facebook(baldfields farm) too!
President Fiona Coffin and speaker Jane Pritchard MBE
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Alton group
AGM and talk by Dr Peter Thomas entitled
What have trees
ever done for us
on Thursday 20th April at 7.30pm at the
Ramblers Retreat, Red Road,Alton ST10 4BU
Admission £2, children free
including refreshments
For further details contact 01538 757260

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Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
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• Tyres
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TIMBER PRODUCTS
BESPOKE JOINERY &
TIMBER PRODUCTS
A fully equipped manufacturing
facility in Cheadle
Call Dave Blair 01538 756209
Draycott Cross Road, Commonside, Cheadle, ST10 2NR
www.johnsonsag.co.uk
New to Uttoxeter
24The Maltings, Uttoxeter
ST14 7LN
Call 01889 568478
for an appointment
Open 7 days a week with
flexible hours and reasonable prices
FUZZBALLS!DOG GROOMING SALON
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our family to yours
t: 01538 722665
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Field Funeral Services |37a High Street | Tean
Stoke on Trent | Staffordshire | ST10 4DY
www.facebook.com/fieldfuneralservices
fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
Janeine Bannister
Counselling
Psychologist
Highly experienced
Uttoxeter based
£45 per hour
07830 728825
janeine.bannister@
gmail.com
Maths
Tuition
40 years
experience
All ages, all levels
John Lever MSc
Tel: 01889
567325
Ki
tchens by Paul Gabri
el
of S t r a m s h a l l
Affordable Kitchens from the
unusual to the straightforward.
Re-vamp your existing kitchen with a choice
of over fifty door designs and a wide choice of
worktops and sinks.
Or simply paint your existing doors
to freshen things up.
Otherwise I can design, supply and fit a
brand new kitchen or supply only.
For free friendly advice call Paul on
01889 562139 or mobile 07990 622125
Visit www.kitchensbypaulgabriel.co.uk
or e-mail paulmgabriel@hotmail.co.uk
Stramshall
Scout
group to
reopen
Beavers
section
S
tramshall Scouts are
delighted to announce
the reopening of a
Beavers section, which was
launched on March 1st.
The group will take
place between 5:15 –
6:15pm and will cover
health and fitness, cooking,
space activity and creative
badges as part of the first
terms programme.
The new Beavers would
be able participate in team
activities and learning about
other scouting countries.
There is a small show
planned for the children to
take part in alongside a visit
to Uttoxeter Fire Station.
For more information
about the newly reopening
Beavers, please contact
Georgie Chell on
07875371692.
C
headle Flower Club
armed with scissors,
paper, florists’ ribbon
and glue guns got all
creative on Wednesday
under the capable tuition of
the lady from Squirrel
Crafts at Dagfields.
We made two different
types of flowers, one with
paper squares, folded in a
devilish fashion to provide a
wonderful intricate bloom.
The second flower involved
florists’ ribbon and a gadget
that shredded the ribbon
and formed a very effective
chrysanthemum type flower.
These flowers are
invaluable when real
flowers are in short supply
and we went home
clutching our prizes.
Cheadle
Flower
Club

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Saturday 8.30am to 1.30pm
Email: shinglerdunn@gmail.com
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T
he former home to Dove First School in
Rocester, is now under a £1million
conversion to become a state-of-the-art
apprenticeship training centre.
The plans are part of the expanding
apprenticeship programme at The JCB Academy.
The JCB Academy is more commonly known for
its school and sixth form but a large part of the
establishment is the apprenticeship training centre.
Employers, including JCB, Michelin, Alpha
Manufacturing / Bri-Stor Systems, Orbital Gas
Systems and Continental use the training centre to
develop their apprentices and have welcomed the
news of the new facility.
Apprentice Manager, William Davies-Hill from
Bri-Stor Systems, said: “We use The JCB Academy
as our training provider and the first-rate training
and professionalism that they have delivered is
clearly evident in the development of our
apprentices. The new training centre can only build
upon the excellent standards of training delivered
by the academy.”
The new 687sqm Dove Engineering Centre will
cater for The JCB Academy’s higher level
apprenticeship students and will include state-of-
the-art technology and equipment, enabling the
apprentices to develop their skills and knowledge
even further.
Director of Apprenticeship Programmes at The
JCB Academy, Jim Bailey, said: “The JCB Academy
is delighted to be in a position to further enhance
the apprentice programme with the development
of this fantastic facility. The training centre will
add to the outstanding facilities that we have
already at the academy and will house
some of the latest equipment and
technology, enabling our apprentices
and students to further develop their
understanding of metrology, systems
and mechatronics.”
The former school building and land
was purchased by JCB with the
£1million conversion costs being
mainly funded by the Stoke-on-Trent
and Staffordshire Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP). LEP Chairman,
David Frost CBE, commented: “We are
delighted to support this showpiece new
centre, which will open the door to
fulfilling future careers for our young
people by training them in the advanced
manufacturing and engineering skills
that are key to the future success of our
economy.
“Enthusing our young people and
developing a highly skilled and
motivated workforce is key to our aims
of attracting inward investment, helping
businesses to grow and creating more
and better jobs.”
Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Philip
Atkins, said: “We have a real focus to drive up
skills to meet the workforce needs of Staffordshire
business. Engineering and advanced manufacturing
are key sectors in Staffordshire so it is important
people are trained using the very latest industry
techniques and equipment. This proposed new site
will complement the other skills hub spokes across
the county, and at a time when a lot of young
people are thinking about future training and
career opportunities, we would certainly advise
them to look into the new opportunities being
created.”
The construction works at the Dove
Engineering Centre started in late February with
an estimated completion date, set for May 2017.
£1.2million Investment in
Apprenticeship Training Centre
Jim Bailey, Director of Apprenticeship Programmes, The
JCB Academy (left) and Rob Cantellow, Site Manager,
Novus Property Solutions Ltd. (right) stand outside the
Dove Engineering Centre.

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A
New weekly Watercolour Class
for Total Beginners is to be held
locally in Checkley near
Uttoxeter at Checkley Community
Centre starting on Tuesday April 25th
2017. (2pm – 4pm)
The class is being tutored by local
Artist Ann Stringer-Paget who is a
member of the Royal Society of Arts
and also the Birmingham Watercolour
Society with whom she exhibits her
work.. She has exhibited regularly
around the country and will be at the
‘Patchings Art Festival’ (July 13 – 16)
2017 in Calverton, Nottingham where
she will be painting and giving advice
and help to ‘budding artists’ visiting the
show.Ann has also exhibited in Chelsea
at the Parallax Art Fair and The
Windsor Contemporary Art Fair in
recent years as well as the NEC’s Art
Materials Live Exhibition.
More recently Ann was again
invited to exhibit her work in America,
in a large annual Art Exhibition judged
by 25 high-end Art galleries from across
the USA which had thousands of entries
from numerous countries around the
world. Two of Ann’s paintings were
‘Winners’ adding to her 2014, 2015
achievements in America and which led
to invitations to exhibit in Tokyo,
Madrid, Portugal, Milan, New York
and Rome.
Ann’s work can be found by visiting
her website www.annstringerpaget.com
Her work has sold in countries
around the world including France,
Germany, USA, Scandinavia, South
Africa, as well as at home here in the
UK.
Ann has been painting and teaching
for over 30yrs and is a very committed
and patient tutor who sympathises with
the needs of the Beginner.
Ann was invited to set up the
Watercolour class at Checkley
Community Centre on Uttoxeter Road
in Checkley for people who want to
learn the art of Watercolour painting in
a structured but informal way but also
for those who have perhaps been a little
afraid to try this wonderful medium in
the past.
The classes are taught using
traditional methods and techniques
which enables even the most nervous
beginner to feel comfortable and at ease
very quickly.
Ann commented “it is very
rewarding to see a complete beginner
develop and gain confidence to produce
work of which they are proud. The
secret of my success is the way the
classes are taught and this brings out the
very best in my students”.
The 10 week course takes place each
Tuesday and commences on Tuesday
25th April at Checkley Community
Centre running from 2pm – 4pm
For more information or to enrol on
the course Ann can be contacted on
07816 118776 anytime. Admission is
by registration only.
Watercolour for total
beginners in Checkley

Just the
perfect day...
L
eona got ready at her parents’ house in
Cheadle with her bridesmaids after
they all had their hair put up at Aledex
Salon in Cheadle.
Tracey and Gary from Forget Me Nots in
Cheadle delivered the girls’ flowers and they
all fell in love with them! Perfect flowers to
suit the theme with the most beautiful
colours!!
Leona’s dress was bought from Bridal
Couture in Cheadle and was a Sincerity Ivory
Dress. She borrowed a veil off her friend
Helen Thorley. After putting the dress on
Leona was emotional as she felt like a
Princess!
Nathan got ready with ushers and best
man at their house in Epsom Close, Cheadle,
after staying with his family in Uttoxeter the
night before.
Nathan arrived on the back of a
Lambretta scooter and his best man on the
back of the second scooter with another 20
odd scooters behind. They drove from
Cheadle to Moddershall Oaks. Nathan had
always dreamt that this would be his
wedding entrance!
Leona arrived in a 50 year old VW
campervan with her father, again something
she had always dreamt of! They both
travelled in their favourite mode of
transport!! They had 40 guests during the
day – a small outside intimate ceremony by
the lake, the sun came out just as Leona
arrived at Moddershall Oaks and then shone
all day!! Leona walked down the aisle on her
dad’s arm to the song Amazed. It was a
beautiful but emotional ceremony where
Leona’s best friends Helen and Caitlin read a
poem picked by Leona and Nathan.
Getting married by the lake in the
sunshine with all the family was exactly what
Bride and Groom: Leona Fay Mould and James Watt of
Cheadle
Bride’s Parents: Anthony and Janet Mould, from Cheadle
Groom’s Parents: Donald and Jill Watt, from Uttoxeter
Bridesmaids: Sophie Mills (cousin to Leona) and Kirstie Watt
(sister to Nathan)
Best Man: Steven Watt (Nathan’s brother)
Ushers: Jacob Mills (Leona’s cousin), Liam Shirley (friend) and
Leyton Jones (friend)
Officiator and Reception: Moddershall Oaks
Photography: Denise Wheat
7 Cross Street
(off the High Street),
Cheadle ST10 1NP
Tel 01538 755550
info@bcjosephine.co.uk
www.bcjosephine.co.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday 10am - 4.30pm,
Tuesday 10am - 4.30pm,
Wednesday Closed,
Thursday 10am - 4.30pm,
Friday 10am - 4.30pm,
Saturday 9.30am-5pm

they dreamt of! For the first drink Leona picked it to be her
something blue, so they had Prosecco and Blue Curaçao.
Then 120 guests, some of which Leona hadn’t seen for
many years, arrived for the night event whilst the live band
played.
The children and some adults also enjoyed the sweet cart
which they had in the evening!! The cake was autumnal
themed and featured hedgehogs, one for each of the bridal
party. Leona and Nathan had no idea of the cake and hadn’t
seen it until the day as it was a surprise made by a family
friend Gina Boston.
Nathan and Leona had thir first dance to their favourite
song Ed Sheerans Thinking Out Loud and Leona’s first dance
with her dad was a song her dad picked from Leona’s
childhood Paul Weller’s ‘You Do Something To Me’.
Leona and Nathan had a walk by the lake in the evening
where Denise Wheat took the most amazing photos and
showed off just how amazing the venue is!
The whole day was themed on autumnal and woodland
colours and featured many quirky surprises - which the guests
say summed the couple up perfectly!
Leona and Nathan honeymooned on a cruise to
Amsterdam and Bruges, two places they wanted to visit,
which they thoroughly enjoyed!!

Just the perfectday...

Are you getting
married this year?
Would you like to be part of
our Wedding feature?
Contact Nigel
Email: uttoxetervoice@ hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01538 751629
Just the perfectday...
Tean
Greatwood Hall
Wednesday 5 & 7pm
Rocester
JCB Lakeside Club
Thursday 5 & 7pm
Tel: Gillian 07928 556552
Cheadle
Guild Hall
Wednesday 5.30 & 7.30pm
MORNING GROUP
Thursday 9.30am
Cheddleton
Cheddleton
Community Centre
Tuesday 5 & 7pm
Tel: Pam 07983 938240
A
fundraising event held in Checkley Church before last Christmas was well attended by
young families, and some not so young. It was organised jointly by The Friends of
Checkley Church and the Church Social Committee with the aim of raising funds as
last year for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Everyone participated in all that was on offer: soup, jacket potatoes with chilli sauce,
mulled wine, or hot chocolate and mince pies, no charge was made for this, but donations to
the Air Ambulance were requested. A stall selling Christmas Wreaths and plants (profits from
the sale of these going to the fund) a cake stall with an array of lovely Christmas themed cakes,
and a large raffle.
The sum raised for The Midlands Air Ambulance amounted to £580. A big thank you to
all who supported this event, and for their generous donations, and to all those committee
members who kindly donated food, cakes and raffle prizes and presents for the children, which
all helped to raise this wonderful sum for a worthwhile cause.
Superb Checkley Fundraiser

Uttoxeter Racecourse

Grindley,Stafford £675,000
Situated within a generous plot, a superb detached four-bedroom barn
conversion which has been beautifully converted by the current owners to create
a spacious high specification modern family home. Outside, the property is
approached by a long driveway and has ample yard/turning space and additional
paddock.
Main Street,Hollington DE6 3GB £649,950
This superbly presented four bedroom country farm house is situated within one
of Ashbourne’s most desirable village locations and is within easy reach of the
town, Derby and the A50. Outside there is ample parking, a generous lawn area
with views over adjoining fields and a self contained annex, with living room,
kitchen,bedroom and bathroom.EPC- F
Black Lane,Whiston ST10 2JQ £299,995
Gas centrally heated and double glazed accommodation comprises:entrance hall,
breakfast kitchen, utility room, dining room, cloakroom, sitting room. First floor
landing, master bedroom with en-suite, bedroom two with en-suite toilet, two
further bedrooms and family bathroom.Garden and terraces to the front enjoying
countryside views.EPC C
Derby Road,Doveridge £210,000
A traditional extended three-bedroom cottage located in the desirable village
location of Doveridge, with easy access into Uttoxeter and other surrounding
villages. Retaining a wealth of original charm and features, including wood
burning stove,log burner and stunning views over open fields to the rear aspect.
EPC- F
Uttoxeter
01889 567777
Ashbourne
01335 300600
www.abodemidlands.co.uk

Staffordshire, Archdiocese of Birmingham
Painsley Catholic College
Specialist Science College, Additional Specialism Mathematics and Computing
Painsley Catholic College Station Road, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST10 1LH
Telephone: 01538 483944 Email: office@painsley.staffs.sch.uk Web: www.painsley.co.uk
The Painsley Catholic Academy A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with company number 08146661.
Registered office address: Station Road, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST10 1LH
T
he musical production of Les Miserables
produced by Painsley Catholic College took
place on 15th and 16th February 2017. The
production caused a great stir in the local
community, who were stunned by the
outstanding level of performance that the aged
11-18 students produced.
The production was developed with great
attention to historical context and psychological
realism, which provided an original and exciting
take on the classic musical, also taking an
innovative approach to set design. The
atmosphere was electric with the live Painsley
orchestra providing the exceptional music for the
whole production. All of the above factors
resulted in the audiences giving a standing
ovation on both nights of the production.
The acting and singing standard from the
students and everyone taking part in the play was
to a high professional standard. Several of the cast
members were also Sixth Form student directors
who undertook much of the creative work for the
production themselves. In addition, the lighting
and stage management were flawless and
complemented the acting wonderfully.
Creative Director and Head of Drama, Ms
Phillips, also dedicated a lot of time supporting
and directing the play with the student directors.
The cast and directors rehearsed tirelessly for
months to approach this beloved musical with
genuine care and attention to detail.
Mr Bell, Principal, has received many letters
from members of the public who came to see the
show congratulating the College on producing a
show which could easily have been seen in the
West End. Some of the comments received
include:
“I’ve just been treated to the most wonderful
production of Les Miserables by the pupils of
Painsley Catholic College”
“The singing, the music, the entire production
were all phenomenal”
“Les Miserables - a fantastic experience. It was
magnifique.”
Painsley’s Les Miserables Production
“A Fantastic Performance”

T
he Legacy 110 scheme was introduced in
order to preserve the legacy of the First
World War. The scheme sets aside funding
for two pupils and one teacher from every state
funded secondary school in the country to visit the
battlefields, cemeteries and heritages sites of France
and Belgium. Last week, I was able to represent
Thomas Alleyne’s on the trip, along with Tom
Hollins, and our teacher, Miss Smith. Before the
trip, we conducted research into some soldiers
from our local community. The journey we decided
to follow was that of Eric and William Holdcroft,
as they were ex-students of Thomas Alleyne’s.
For the first night of the trip, we spent the
night at Grosvenor Hall in Kent. There we met
three modern-day soldiers, and handled artefacts
such as Mills bombs, shells, and bayonets
The following morning, we arrived in Belgium.
Our first destination was the Lijssenthoek
Cemetery. During the war, the site had been used
to establish a hospital (then known as a CCS –
Casualty Clearing Station). When we arrived, we
were immediately taken aback by the sheer
quantity of graves – 9877. One of the most visited
of these belongs to Nurse Spindler, a nurse who
died after a German shell struck a British artillery
store
That evening, we visited the Ceremony of the
Last Post at the Menin Gate. This is a nightly
memorial for the casualties of the war, and we
were fortunate enough to be accompanied to the
ceremony by Alison Rose, the British Ambassador
to Belgium.
One of the most eye-opening things we
discovered on the trip was the close proximity of
the front lines. At times, it seemed as if there was
hardly any ‘No-man’s land’ at all. Hearing about
the truly terrifying nature of trench warfare was
heart-breaking, and we were also able to
experience a trench reconstruction for ourselves at
the Memorial Museum in Passchendaele.
On the final day of our trip, we were able to
contribute to the ‘Coming World Remember Me’
project. The project is similar to ‘Blood Swept
Lands and Seas of Red’, which was installed at the
Tower of London in 2014. As part of the project,
we were asked to create our own clay ‘soldier’,
made from a mixture of Belgian and German clay.
In total, 600,000 of these ‘soldiers’ are required.
Each model represents a soldier that lost his life in
Belgium during the First World War. The clay
soldiers will be installed at Palingbreek near Ypres
in 2018.
We were able to trace William Holdcroft to
Thiepval, and then found his brother, Eric, in the
Tyne Cot Cemetery. It was there that we placed a
wreath on behalf of our school.
Sometimes, it is easy to forget the sacrifices
made by so-many during the World Wars, or even
to take them for granted. Although
the trip may seem distressing, it
was an incredible experience.
My favourite part of the
trip was seeing the field
where the Christmas
Truce football match
had been played. On
the trip, we were able
to remember the
contribution that our
community, and many
others, made to the war.
In the coming months, we
hope to visit the local
primary schools to share our
experiences with them.
Alleynes School’s
By Trudy Yates & Thomas Hollins, 6th Form Students

Legacy 110 Trip
Sometimes, it is easy to forget
the sacrifices made by so-many
during the World Wars, or even
to take them for granted.

For all your motoring needs
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• Class IV MOTs - Cars and
Vans

Quinton Plum Hair has now
been open for 6 months
Owner Helen says: ‘It’s
fantastic to be building up a
business in Uttoxeter,
reaching the people of
Uttoxeter and the
surrounding villages has been
great. I can also now
introduce Jane who is my new
stylist and is initially
available Fridays and Saturdays and she is
charging £40 for Cut and Finish.
Super Google and Facebook review: “I had a
wonderful experience at Quinton Plum Hair, relaxed
and pampered by Helen, love my new hairstyle, a
real refreshing change. 5 stars”
Our new opening times are:
Monday, Tuesday 10-7pm,
Wednesday closed, Thursday 10-
7pm, Friday & Saturday 10-2pm
do ask if you require an
appointment
outside stated
hours.
Call 01889 564690
or text anytime 07807 029405
We are happy to support Halfrida
Womens Support services of
Uttoxeter.
32 Bridge Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AP
(opposite Waitrose)
enquires@quintonplumhair.co.uk
w: www.quintonplumhair.co.uk
Life is more beautiful when you
find the right hairdresser
Karndean & Amtico
flooring at great prices
New Kitchen & Bedroom Ranges
Up to 40% off
Uttoxeter Tile and Bathroom Ltd
7 The Square, Market Place, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8HN
Tel: 01889 560111 Mob: 07929 201128
Email: uttoxetertileandbathroom@hotmail.co.uk
Open: Monday 8-3pm; Tuesday to Friday 8-5pm; Saturday 8-2pm; Sunday appointment only.
Great Offers on tiles and suites • Very competitive prices • Open to trade and public
While stocks last. Terms & conditions apply.
We can offer supply only on bathrooms, kitchens and tiles (the largest choice available in the area)
or we can fully project manage supply and fit on the above, free of charge no obligation site survey with
expert advice on goods to suit your needs and requirements using the space available.
We now offer
Tiles by:

Tean Road, Cheadle, Stoke-On-Trent ST10 1LW
Call 01538 753196
Hungry Horse Master Potter
E
mployees
with almost
4,000 years
of combined service
to JCB have been honoured by the company with
gifts and a celebration lunch.
The awards were presented to more than 170
employees who were marking 20, 40 and 45 year
service milestones based on employment which
commenced in 1971, 1976 and 1996. Two special
lunches for the long-serving UK-based employees
were held at the World HQ in Rocester when the
gifts were presented.
JCB Chief Operating Officer Mark Turner said:
“Our employees are the reason why JCB is
successful. JCB could not have developed around
the world without the people the company is
honouring for long service.”
Among those being honoured was Dave Slaney,
61, who was one of two employees marking 45
years’ service. Dave, of Uttoxeter, joined the
company on August 9th, 1971 – when JCB made
just 3,500 machines a year and when Apollo 14
landed on the moon.
Dave, who joined as a Cost Clerk and now
works as a Cost Accountant, said: “I’ve said before
that I have never wanted to work anywhere else
and that remains true today. I’m still enjoying the
job after all these years.”
A total of 16 employees were also honoured for
completing 40 years’ service.
Among them was Bev Wallace, aged 56, of
Uttoxeter, who joined as an order processing clerk
in 1976 – a year the UK was hit by a heatwave and
drought. She now works as a Shipping
Administrator, a job she has held for 35 years,
responsible for the transportation arrangements
for machines being despatched to North and South
America.
Bev said: “I simply wrote to JCB to ask if there
were any jobs. I got asked for an interview for the
order processing role and got the job. So I’ve only
ever had one interview in my whole life. I never
thought I would have stayed here this long but I
live locally and the company looks after us well.”
JCB honours employees for almost
4,000 years’ service

Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful
‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants -
and savour a truly delicious experience!
Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey
and the surrounding countryside.
Open every day, 12-10pm
Pensioners Specials
Monday to Saturday 12-2pm
Main Meal £4.95, 3 Courses £9.00
Sunday Lunches served all day
Take your pick from Beef,Turkey, Lamb,
Pork or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marstons Pedigree,
Spitfire, London Pride, Black Sheep
Heated smoking area
Mid-Week Evening Specials
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins with
Hot Tubs available. B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278
www.logcabin.co.uk
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Serving the community since 1976
MJ Barrett Constructions,Brookside Business Park,Brookside Road,
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire,ST14 8AT
www.mjbarrettconstructions.co.uk
Tel:01889 564 253 • Fax:01889 564 210
F
M J Barrett Constructions supply and erect all types of
agricultural and industrial buildings,including grain stores,
equestrian centres,storage buildings,milking parlours,and
cattle housing along with a variety of industrial warehousing,
office accommodation,retail outlets and entertainment
complexes all built to the highest standards.

Y
our home is your castle. You should keep
it clean and safe by only allowing over your
threshold, a tradesman that you can trust
& has a background to be proud of.
It is common knowledge that the Royal
Marines, proud wearers of the coveted Green
Berets, are a force to be reckoned with which
means the days of dirty carpets and upholstery are
numbered. The Commando ethos, held close to
every Commando’s heart are: courage,
determination, unselfishness, cheerfulness in the
face of adversity. This means that you can call
Zero Dry Time safe in the knowledge that the job
will be done well, cost effectively and with the
minimum of fuss.
‘I am rightly proud of my military background
and I put to work the Commando ethos.’ said Ian
55 years from Barlaston near Stone. ‘ My work is
second to none, and each time I take a job on, I’ll
not leave until it can’t get any cleaner,’ continues
Ian.
‘I am acutely aware of the notion of being in
someone’s home and treat it accordingly. I focus
on the job in hand until it is completed. My results
are constant and exceptional with no drying time,
it is walk dry almost immediately.’ Insists Ian
So let the draw bridge down and call a carpet
cleaner you can trust. Ian, the Commando Carpet
Cleaner from Barlaston for a clean castle.
Attenshun!!
Why you should
insist on a retired
Royal Marines
Commando to clean
your carpets
A former Royal Marines Commando
cleaning carpets, whatever next!
Call Ian on 0800 1804901
or email ian.north@zerodrytime.com
www.facebook.com/ZDTstaffordshire
Before After
Before After
A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E A T U R E

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
T
his month I was interested in the 100 year
anniversary of the Lions Club and their
challenge for 2017.
Lions Clubs International was formed in 1917
by a Chicago business leader, Melvin Jones, who
wondered what would happen if people put their
talents to work improving their communities. As a
result of his inspiration, 1.35 million men and
women today are members of the world’s largest
service club association – 17,000 of them based in
900 Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland.
HRH The Countess of Wessex is a member of
the Wokingham Lions Club and Royal Patron of
the Lions Clubs of the British Isles. The support of
the Countess has included carrying out the opening
ceremony for the Lions shelter at the National
Memorial Arboretum here in Staffordshire.
To celebrate the 100 years of The Lions Clubs
International, the organisation have, adopted the
message: “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”,
and they are working towards their Centennial
Service Challenge to serve 100 million people by
December 31st, 2017.
This month in Uttoxeter, District Governor
Steve Shields and Vice President Terry Adams have
presented the U3A knitting club 100 balls of wool
to help them continue to knit wonderful things for
Donna Louse Trust and the Friends of Sick
Children in Malawi and their Hospital, plus locally
for Easter they are knitting lots and lots of yellow
Easter chicks to help decorate the St Marys
Church, Church Street, Uttoxeter.
This is an example of two great organisations
helping each other. The Lions have donated the
100 balls of wool and the U3A have pledged to use
the wool for good causes. A perfect match.
Steve explained that any group in and around
Uttoxeter can contact the Lions to be considered
for help, they are interested in projects that benefit
the local community, just contact Steve on 01889
565522 and he will explain to you how they can
help.
Marian Clarke from the U3A knitting group
explained that the donated wool has already been
allocated. The white wool is extremely welcomed
as it will be turned into Angel Bears and Prayer
Bears. These bears are sent to the Donna Louise
Hospice and are given
out to the children and
teenagers that are at
the hospice. Normally
the child gets one and
the other is given to the
mother or father. At the
end of the child’s life,
some of the Angel
Bears are placed in the
memory boxes that
Donna Louise Trust
give to parents when
they leave. I sat in the
room with these ladies,
listening to them chat
away and watching
them knit and I realised
how special they were
and I will never look at
a white ball of wool in the same way again. They
are taking a simple ball of white wool, to create
something that brings comfort at a very sad time
and has a huge significance after the sadness has
passed. To understand everything that the Donna
Louise Trust does, then visit their website
www.donnalouisetrust.org/
Marian went on to say that the coloured wools
are going to be turned into blankets, jackets and
premature baby hats for the Friends of Sick
Children in Malawi. The knitted items are collected
about 3 times a year and taken out to the hospital
out in Malawi. Unlike here in the UK, in Malawi
these treasured knits benefits so many children and
the colours uplift them while they recover in
hospital. “The knitted items provide warmth and
are literally life savers for many of the new-borns”,
is how the founder of Friends of Sick Children in
Malawi described the U3A contributions.
To see all their work, visit
www.friendsofsickchildreninmalawi.org/
So these 100 balls of wool that the Lions Club
have donated in Uttoxeter to U3A
Knitting Club will find their way into the
hearts of many people both in the UK
and Africa, I would say that it’s a
fantastic way to spread the word about
the Lions and to ensure that their pledge,
“Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”
has been fulfilled. It just leaves Steve and
the Lions around the world another 99
million, 999,000 further groups of
people to help to meet their target.
If you want to donate wool to the
U3A group, please call Marian Clarke on
01889 562393 and she will explain the
type of wool they need. Or if you want
to find out all of the activities that U3A
does in Uttoxeter, then visit their website
https://u3asites.org.uk/uttoxeter/home
Or if you want to be helped by the
Lions Club, before the end of 2017,
please call Steve Shields on 01889 565522 and to
see the progress of how the Lions Centennial
Service Challenge is going then go to
www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php
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A
n independent school in Marchington has
attained a 100% pass rate in their entrance
exams to senior school. Out of 32 Year Six
pupils who sat the entrance exam into Denstone
College, all 32 have been offered places, and 16
scholarships and exhibitions were awarded.
The average score attained by the pupils was a
very decent 71%, with one child, Henry White,
being awarded 3 scholarships in art, music and
academia. This was made even more impressive
due to the fact that Henry has missed a great deal
of school due to illness over the past year or so. Mr
Derbyshire, Headmaster of Denstone College can
seldom remember three scholarships being
awarded to the same child, and for Henry to
achieve these results when he was so ill is truly
remarkable and shows a great ambition through
adversity. Headmaster, Jerry Gear, said,“They have
all worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserve
their success.”
The list of awards for 2017 are as follows:-
All-Round Exhibition 5
Academic Scholarships 3
Academic Exhibition 3
Music Exhibition 1
Music Scholarship 2
Art Scholarship 1
Art Exhibition 1
The exam entrance procedure can be rigorous
for pupils, consisting of English, Maths and Science
papers and an interview with a senior member of
staff at Denstone College.
In addition, where applicable, pupils can be
assessed on their music, art, drama or sporting
abilities and, if successful, will receive scholarships
or exhibitions for tuition.
Mr Gear goes on to say, “We work so closely
with Denstone College, and indeed any other
schools that we send children to, that we know
they are ready for the challenge of the entrance
process, but it is still a very demanding experience
for such young children and I am really proud of
their achievements.”
Denstone College Prep School is an
independent prep school in Staffordshire which,
together with our nursery, caters for day children
between the ages of 2 and 11. We are part of the
Woodard Group of Schools, the largest group of
independent Church of England schools in
England and Wales. We are committed to offering
the highest standards of academic education
coupled with a supportive and nurturing
environment where every individual is encouraged
and valued.
Denstone College Prep School continues to
achieve high standards
Povey’s People
By Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
I
t was a well known fact that Owd Grandad
Piggott had a phenomenal capacity for beer.
The amount that he could drink in a session
was usually governed by financial limitations
rather than his physical abilities. The main
problem was that there were seven days in a week.
If there had been four or even five, he might have
been able to make his finances stretch from one
pension day to the next but as it was, for two or
three days a week, he had to beg, borrow, empty
the gas meter or raid his missus’s purse to obtain
ale money. Such was his fame for consuming pints
of beer, that the brewery who serviced Tummy
Dawkins’s pub presented him with a shield for his
achievements and had his name engraved on it.
Owd Grandad Piggott was justly proud of his
shield which took pride of place on the top shelf
behind the bar in Tummy Dawkins’s pub.
As word went round of this accolade,
challenges were thrown down from various
directions. One came from ‘Plughole’ Podmore
who was reputed to be able to drink fifteen pints
of bitter at a go,‘Bathtap’ Booth from Blurton who
could drink a similar amount and Paddy
McClusky, an Irish navvy who could clear a shelf
of Guinness in The White Cock at Blythe Bridge.
A contest was set up between Owd Grandad
Piggott and Bathtap Booth in The Congress, the
loser to pay the bar tab. Owd Grandad Piggott
literally drank him under the table. They had
matched each other pint for pint up to the low
teens when suddenly Bathtap began to slip down
his chair, then with a low moan and a horrible
crash, he measured his length on the floor
underneath the table. Owd Grandad Piggott
managed to stagger out of the door, but having put
away the vast cargo of ale, which was swilling
uncomfortably around in his stomach. he had to
get it home. Under the railway bridge at the
bottom of Bridgwood Street, he gave out and spent
the night in a comfortable cell in Longton police
station by invitation of the night sergeant,
reputation intact.
Then one night, Gummy Webster came in
Tummy Dawkins’s pub and made an
announcement.
‘Thee’s a bloke as goes in The Station Hotel in
Meir as can drink twelve pints of ale inside the
chimes of Big Ben strikin’ midnight’.
The pub went deathly quiet and all eyes turned
to Owd Grandad Piggott who’s face had turned
rather pale. That Owd Grandad Piggott could
drink twelve pints of beer wasn’t in question...he
had done it many times, but there was no way he
could drink twelve pints within the time of Big Ben
striking midnight.
‘Get thee gone!’, he shouted at Gummy
Webster. ‘Nobody can drink twelve pints o’ ale
that fast’
‘Well, this bloke can, Ay’s name George Bould...
Ay does it fer charity. If yer go an’ watch ‘im do it
yer aft put a quid in the charity box... Ay knows
abite they Piggott an’ ‘ay reckons as that shield
belongs in th’ Station ‘otel’
'Phew!' snorted Owd Grandad Piggott
scornfully. ‘Until ar’ve sane ‘im do it, that shield
stops weer it is!!’
So the gauntlet was thrown down. Gummy
Webster was delegated the job of finding out when
George Bould was due to perform again and the
job was easier than envisaged. George Bould
challenged Owd Grandad Piggott to a contest the
following week via Gummy Webster. Knowing
that he couldn’t do it, Owd Grandad turned down
the challenge but demanded to be there to witness
it for himself. In dire trepidation, Owd Grandad
Piggott turned up at The Station Hotel on the
alloted night and eyed George Bould suspiciously
as twelve pints of beer were lined up along the bar.
Midnight was a long time coming and leading up
to it Owd Grandad Piggott demolished five pints
just for the hell of it.
The tension increased as the hour approached
and George Bould took on a John Wayne stance as
he stood ready. The preliminary Westminster
introduction to the chimes sounded, then ‘BONG’
he was away!
George Bould went into action and swallowed
the first pint in three and a half seconds. A gasp of
incredulity erupted from the audience. It was like
tipping it down a sink. True to his reputation, he
drank the twelve pints well inside the chimes, then
disappeared quickly into the gents where the lot
came back. The charity box began its tour of the
room.
‘They just owd thee foot up a touch!’ shouted
Owd Grandad Piggott. ‘Thees summatt as inner
rate abite this...ay anna got a clack! ‘Is swallerer’s
missin’ It’s lark tippin’ twelve pints o’ ale dine a
grid....’OOOS THE REFEREE??’
‘Ar am!, called a voice.
‘Well, this’s a bloody fix!’, shouted Owd
Grandad Piggott ‘Ar could drink mower sulphuric
acid than ‘ay can drink ale...ay’s gone bay sick!!’
‘That’s ‘cause ays drunk it fast’, said another
voice.
‘Tell thee what... Bring ‘im dine Tummy
Dawkins’s next wick an’ wale ‘ave a proper
drinkin’ contest!’ blazed Owd Grandad Piggott.
‘...an’ fost ‘un bay sick gets disqualified!’
It never happened. The exploits of George
Bould went rather quiet after that. He still did his
twelve pint trick for charity now and again but he
never laid claim to Owd Grandad Piggott’s title
again and neither did anybody else. When they
demolished Tummy Dawkins’s pub years after, the
shield went back to the brewery and the last I
heard, it was in The Potteries Museum still with
only one name engraved on it.
Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into our
local life and its many characters.
His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully will
bring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.
This month: No contest

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Home visits available
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Mobile: 07951820847
Home: 01889 592855
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I
n the darkest, gloomiest month of the year, the
Denstone WI has been busy with activities that
have kept many of the members and their
friends and partners well entertained. Wendy and
Richard Forrester’s annual Winter Walk was well
supported by about twenty intrepid walkers. We
were very lucky that the walk coincided with a
beautiful sunny day so Derbyshire looked stunning
in its winter raiments. The circular route took us
along footpaths between Mappleton and Ilam and
was greatly enjoyed by all. The day finished at the
Forresters’ house where we were plied with tea,
mince pies and generous portions of Christmas
cake.
The second major event was the annual New
Year Party held towards the end of the month. For
this it was decided that the entertainment should
be home-grown, and, fortunately for us, Jenny
Richardson offered to write a short play that eight
members could perform. Rehearsals got underway
before Christmas and the cast (many of whom
were already rehearsing for the Denstone
Pantomime in February) worked very hard to have
the production ready in time. On the day of the
party we were busy with the dress rehearsal after
lunch, then willing helpers arrived to prepare the
hall and all the food for the evening. Eventually
everything was ready on time and the guests
started to arrive. The party was a great success.
Members were faced with a tricky quiz to start
with, then the play was performed and thoroughly
enjoyed by all, and finally plates were laden with
food as the guests were allowed to satisfy their
appetites. The choice of deserts had to be seen to
be believed!
At our monthly meeting our group was
privileged to hear a Denstone member, Margaret
Shermer, speak about her work as a First
Responder and about the training involved. It was
a most interesting evening during which the
members felt they had learned a great deal, as well
as being much entertained by Margaret’s amusing
delivery interspersed with some most moving
stories.
Denstone WI get out and about

P
ixie dust was sprinkled over Cheadle recently
when almost 900 people followed the second
star to the right to the Cheadle Community
Theatre to see C.A.T.S. latest production of ‘Peter
Pan.’ With a little bit of help from the mischievous
Tinkerbell (Megan Probyn), audiences were
transported to Neverland to watch the endearing
tale of the boy who refused to grow up.
C.A.TS. magical version of ‘Peter Pan’ was
adapted and directed by Rebekah J Snow from the
original story by J M Barrie and proved to be the
spectacular production that residents of Cheadle
and beyond have come to expect. With pirates,
Indians, Lost Boys, mermaids, Tinkerbell, Captain
Hook, and even a crocodile, ‘Peter Pan’ provided
all the elements to which the audience could hiss,
boo and cheer.
Everyone knows the famous story of ‘Peter Pan’
and Becky Snow brought a new, modern version
to the stage. Peter, portrayed by Sara Walker
whisked the Darling Children, Wendy John and
Michael, (Chloe Stirley, Sam Stephens and Oscar
Love) to Neverland where they embarked on their
adventures, encountering battles with pirates and,
rescuing the beautiful, but fiery Tiger Lily (Miriam
Hermolle) from the evil Captain Hook (Andrew
Farrington.)
Smee and Whibbles the hapless pirate duo
played by Dan Ede Smith and Caroline Stokes
brought laughs galore with their slapstick mop
routine and doomed baking in the ‘Great Pirate
Bake Off,’ whilst soaking the audience in the
process.
Each night after the show and the final chorus
of ‘Never Smile at a Crocodile,’ the main cast
rushed to Front of House to meet all the children
for photo opportunities. It was lovely to see all the
smiling faces ..... and even the adults said they DID
believe in fairies.
Becky was delighted with the reaction given by
the audiences over the four night run.”I am so
pleased with the response to the production and
it’s all a result of the Society’s hard work. I am very
proud and grateful to each and every person who
was involved with bringing the show to life.”
Many of the cast were members of C.A.T.S.
Youth and at least a dozen were making their
debut with C.A.T.S. One of these was 9 year old
Charlotte Potts, who came in at the last moment
to play one of the Lost Boy Twins and had only
four rehearsals before opening night. This was an
extra special debut for Charlotte, as both her
mother Caroline Stokes and grandmother Marj
Stokes who played Mrs Darling were in the
production. Both were extremely proud of
Charlotte.
Caroline made her debut as Mother Bear in
‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ in 1996 and Marj
joined C.A.T.S. shortly after. Both Caroline and
Marj have received many nominations and awards
over the years and it certainly looks like Charlotte
will follow in their footsteps.
C.A.T.S. is very proud of its family
involvement, on and off stage. Another family who
have been associated with C.A.T.S. for almost 20
years are the Carters. Grandparents Les and Kath
from Cheadle, work backstage. Les for many years
was C.A.T.S stage manager, but is still heavily
involved in making scenery and working
backstage. Kath works in the costume department
making and sourcing costumes for all C.A.T.S.
productions. Son Mark does sound and lighting
with son Josh (14), while Mark’s wife Sarah also
works in the costume department. Their daughter
Kezzie (12) is the only person to appear on stage.
Kezzie is a talented dancer and this year appeared
as one of the Indians in ‘Peter Pan.’
Other families involved in ‘Peter Pan’ included
the Hermolle family. Father Rick was assistant
director and stage manager. Rick’s daughters
Miriam and Megan played Tiger Lily and Sequana,
Queen of the Sea. Husband and wife team,
Carolyn and David Wood are involved in making
and sourcing props, designing and making the
ultra violet scene which has been seen in C.A.T.S.
pantos for many years and Carolyn is responsible
for Publicity and advertising. Carolyn said
“Amateur Theatre is a great way of bringing
families together. There are so many opportunities
for everyone, both on or off stage. We joined when
our daughter Victoria was in her first pantomime
for Alan Price in 2007 We helped backstage and
front of house and loved it. Victoria is now writing
the C.A.T.S. 2018 Pantomime ‘Goldilocks and the
Three Bears.’ C.A.T.S. inspired her to study
Performing Arts at University and she is now a
qualified actress and theatre technician.”
Having left Neverland, the society has a very
busy schedule ahead. On March 21st and 23rd,
C.A.T.S. will be entering three plays in the All
England One Act Play Festival at the Mitchell Arts
Centre in Hanley. ‘Jekyll in Hiding’ by Jim
Sperinck and directed by Marge Stanley and
‘Prison of the Mind’ written and directed by
Charlie Brown will be performed on the 21st.
Marge has been with C.A.T.S. for over 50 years
and had many awards, especially in the Festival,
including Best Director. Meanwhile, last year,
Charlie won the inaugural Open One Act Play
Writing Competition organised by the North Staffs
Theatre Committee and is delighted to be
showcasing her play for the first time.
C.A.T.S. Youth, the under 21 section of
C.A.T.S. will be performing ‘Typecast’ written and
directed by Rick Hermolle. Many of the young
actors in the cast are new to C.A.T.S and Rick is
delighted at the response received at the
recruitment drive in September. “C.A.T.S. Youth
has gone from strength to strength and new
members have quickly fitted into the established
group during ‘Peter Pan.’” Many of the actors in
all three productions will have had only three
weeks rehearsal as they were in ‘Peter Pan’ either
on stage or behind the scenes. Tickets to all plays
at the Festival which runs from Monday 20th to
Saturday 25th March are available from the
Mitchell Arts Theatre.
The October Play has yet to be announced, but
will be performed at the Cheadle Community
Theatre from 25th to 28th October. C.A.T.S. Youth
will be performing various variety performances
over the summer and Rick is hopeful that C.A.T.S.
Youth will do a full length play in the not too
distant future.
C.A.T.S. is always searching for new members,
both on stage and beyond the scenes. For further
details visit the website at www.cheadle-
cats.org.uk
To Neverland and Beyond

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help with any enquires

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
H
ow things have changed nowadays
compared with years ago. Don’t get me
wrong I am not a complete Luddite but a
lot of them are certainly not for the better.
Take the wheelie bin which replaced the old
trusted dust bin for example. Although this
receptacle obviously has its uses with its ease of
mobility for the removal of your household waste,
which nowadays is in abundance with everything
virtually you buy coming wrapped up in plastic,
cardboard or tinned, and the need to dispose of the
packaging it comes in being paramount, to me it is
not only an eyesore but a health hazard.
Most homes have to suffer and store 3 or 4 or
more of these on their premises. As well as being a
brainstrust in knowing which coloured one you are
supposed to put your certain types of rubbish into
and having the room to place them without them
being an invasion on your property, you also have
to remember what day and what colour to put out
and when, and coupled with the other rules and
regulations the lid of them has to be flat or you
have filled it with banned materials you receive a
nasty sticker telling you so and the bin stops where
it is until the powers that be call again to inspect
and empty it.
This can lead to an abundance of rubbish being
strewn about the area causing an health hazard
and endless other unsightly eyesaws.
These also can be quite lethal. I have known
people being struck by them after they have been
emptied and are quite light, when the wind has got
behind one on a blustery day. Even though empty
they are still heavy enough to give you a good clout
if you happen to be in the wrong place at the
wrong time.
Apart from causing bodily injury they can also
numerous other problems. One example being, a
few weeks ago one sailed past me and collided with
someone’s motor vehicle which they had parked
up. They would have a nasty surprise when they
came back to drive it away with a great gash down
the side of their paintwork apart from the
aggravation they can look forward to on their
insurance claim.
On their good side however I suppose they can
be a Godsend when your mate has had too much
to drink and you are sick of carrying him home to
his bed, using them as a means of transportation!!
I will tell you what though, whoever is
manufacturing these and with the amount of them
about they must be making a small fortune, good
luck to them. I just hope they are manufactured on
our shores!
Unfortunately nowadays the presence of the
good old dust bin man is about over now with the
introduction of this new concept. In their times
they would almost take you anything away when
they called every week (although on odd occasions
a slight, gratuity was called for!!). My mother
always offered any workman a brew when they
called at our home to do a service that included the
coalman, breadman, postman, milkman, butcher
and grocery delivery boys, road sweepers (the
pavement in the front of our house must have been
one of the tidiest in Uttoxeter, they would not
move on until mother gave them their cuppa, they
used to expect it every week because she had
provide it for that long that
they were that used to her
good nature) and numerous
others.
Compared with years ago
a lot of these services alas
have almost disappeared now
with people being more
mobile and the affordability
of owning a motor car, fridge
freezer etc, where foodstuffs
can be kept fresher for longer
being priorities in most
households.
Every Christmas time she
used to make sure that
everyone of these people
received a tip, saying to me,
“make sure you look after them, you never know
when you might really need them.” I was quite
bemused at the time being a young lad but in later
life I could see where she was coming from.
I look forward to having another moan with
you next month and until the all the best.
Lank
The infamous wheelie bin which nowadays can be somewhat
overwhelming
The good old Dust Bin Man, now a rare sight
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Have I got news for you
by Uttoxeter’s Gary Hudson, Former BBC Chief News Reporter
Gary Hudson is a member of Uttoxeter Lions
Club and a former BBC Chief News Reporter.
Free prostate screening – now I get the
point
If I was ever unsure about the free prostate
cancer screening programme organised by Uttoxeter
Lions Club then I now get the point.
Yes, that is a terrible pun, given that the tests we
offer involve a needle. But there’s another reason to
smile, because one of the people whose life has been
saved by the initiative is someone I count as a friend.
What are the odds of that, considering that
hundreds of men have taken advantage of the free
tests at Uttoxeter racecourse in the few years we’ve
been doing them?
Well, the chances are quite high actually, but that
doesn’t make it any less thrilling when I think that
I’ve been involved, even if only in a small way, in
saving a friend’s life.
Men over 50 – get tested
Let me say now, before saying more about the
individual case, that the Lions are offering more
tests at the racecourse on the evening of Tuesday,
April 18, starting at about 5.30 and continuing for
three hours or so.
If you’re a man over 50, then I urge you to pop
along. Experts suggest you should have a test every
year, and if the signs are spotted early enough
treatment is available to make sure you can live
without fear of the condition.
The quick blood test, taken by specialist nurses,
rates your chances of getting prostate cancer, the
most common cancer in men in the UK. It’s as
common as breast cancer in women.
So what are the odds?
The tests organised by the Lions are in their
fourth year and before last year’s event we were
saying that it was likely that at least 15 men in the
Uttoxeter area had been treated successfully after
their tests proved positive.
That wasn’t just a guess. We actually knew how
many positive results there had been. By factoring
in the probability of those developing into fully-
fledged cancer, we could offer a figure for the
number of lives saved.
To back that up, and to prove that it applied in
the real world as well as in the realm of data
analysis, I also knew from a friend who works at
the main hospital for prostate cancer treatment that
several men who had positive results from the
Uttoxeter tests were being treated there.
So it was quite easy - and certainly made me feel
good - to go around claiming that we’d saved lives,
without knowing quite whose life had been saved.
But now I know someone personally who is here
today because of the tests we’ve been doing, and I’m
really proud of the Lions Club for organising the
event every year.
The gentlemen in question - and he is a
gentleman, one of the nicest chaps you could wish
to meet – is a member of the Uttoxeter Lions. The
coincidence doesn’t end there, because he also
volunteered to be photographed having the blood
test taken so we could use it in publicity for future
events. It was this very test that revealed he was a
high-risk.
We take care of our own
I’ll not name him here but nearer the date he will
be helping to publicise this year’s event. We are
already expecting a record number of men as word
spreads and we invite men who came last year to
return – and bring a friend.
The tests cost £15 each, and will be paid for with
profits from the annual Uttoxeter Beer and Cider
Festival in June (this year it’s on Friday 9th and
Saturday 10th) The Lions club also welcomes
donations at the screening event to help fund the
testing.
The results are confidential, but it is known that
the screenings produced a higher than average
number of people at risk in Uttoxeter than in
similar-sized towns.
The racecourse, who offer the Hoops bar and its
facilities free, combine with the Lions to put on the
evening for the benefit of the town.
You probably don’t know it but one of the
Lions’ mottos is “ordinary people doing amazing
things”. When we started doing the prostate tests I
pointed out that many of our members were men
over 50 who would benefit from the screening.
So I joked that for once we were ordinary people
doing selfish things. I’m delighted that on this
occasion we managed to take care of our own.
Toffee Apple, Pecan Nut and Date Cake
with Caramel Drizzle
I
t was recently my Husbands birthday so all the
family came to visit and I was left with the task
of making the cake. I used to make my Toffee
apple, pecan nut and date cake all the time when
we had our cafe in Cornwall, so I thought it might
bring back some good memories. The caramel
drizzle is a new addition, but very delicious and
makes the cake a little more special.
You will need:-
150 ml cloudy apple juice
150 ml ready to eat dates
350 g butter, unsalted
300 g soft brown sugar
6 free range eggs
350 g self raising flour
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp mixed spice
three quarter tsp baking powder
100g pecan nuts
2 Apples. peeled, cored and diced
For the Toffee Icing -
175g granulated sugar
175 ml double creawm
2 tsp vanilla extract
250g unsalted butter
175g icing sugar
Plus jar of caramel sauce (I used M & S salted
caramel) A very good standby if you haven’t time
to make your own.
First, preheat your oven to fan 160˚C. Grease
and line 3 x 20 cm sandwich tins with baking
paper. Chop your dates and add to the apple juice.
Heat together until it just comes to the boil and
remove from the heat. Leave to soak for 5 minutes,
then puree together with a blender.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light
and fluffy, then gradually add the eggs. Sift in the
flour, baking powder and spices and mix all
together.
Finally add the roughly chopped pecan nuts
and apples. Divide the batter between your 3 cake
tins and bake for approx. 25-30 mins, until they
are golden and a skewer comes out clean. Leave
to cool in their tins for 10 mins, then turn out onto
a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the toffee
icing. Heat the sugar with 3 tablespoons of water
over a low heat in a small saucepan until the sugar
has disolved. Increase the heat and bubble,
swirling the pan until the sugar has caramelised
and is a deep golden colour. Remove the pan from
the heat and gradually add the double cream.
Return the pan to the heat and add the vanilla
extract. Bubble for a further 25 seconds then tip
into a bowl and leave to cool. Blend together the
softened butter with the icing sugar, then add the
cooled caramel. Put the icing into your fridge to
chill for an hour, but no longer than 3 hours as it
will set solid.
Once the icing has chilled, you are now ready
to assemble your cake. Sandwich together your
three layers with a little of the icing, then spread
all over the top and sides of your cake.
Finally, warm your caramel sauce and drizzle
all over the top of your cake, allowing it to drizzle
down the sides. I then sprinkled the cake with a
little edible glitter and birthday candles. I had to
include a picture of the cake with my lovely dog
Nancy, who the week before had climbed onto the
table and pinched a layer of cake which had been
cooling on a wire rack! She always gets very
excited when cakes are about!
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill

Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
Well readers, I don’t wish to be political and
upset our Editor Nigel, Heaven forbid! But what
is your view of has-been politicians, both in and
out of the House of Lords, poking their noses into
Brexit because they don’t agree with it, along with
those MP’s of all denominations who are doing
their best to make it fail?
They seem to think that all the people who
voted in favour are thick. Let’s give Brexit a chance
you guys and all pull together to make it work,
Europe needs us more than we need them.
Razzer and I discussed the matter in the middle
of Uttoxeter, and we are both in full agreement and
so it appears after reading the previous issue of The
Voice is Dave Jones. The dissenters would
certainly not get a place in one of Razzer’s football
selections as they are not team players.
The Denstone Players performed another very
successful Pantomime, Aladdin and his wonderful
Lamp in February. The excellent Joanna Rankin
in the title role was the principle boy, with an
extremely camp performance by Kieran Mangan
as Widow Twankey, and Stalwart performer Dave
Shooter as the villainous Abanazer.
The 36 strong cast, including a number of
children, took some considerable organising, but
Director Gill Brown was as always up to the task,
supported by choreographer Jess Leake, who also
appeared in the show as Princess Jasmin.
The wonderful costumes, sets, music, lights and
sound effects all added to the magic and the show
was performed to four packed houses in Denstone
Village Hall.The positive feedback from the public
was that it was “The best yet”
The next play, the title of which has yet to be
decided, will take place in June, but meantime look
us up on www.denstoneplayers.com or
www.facebook.com/denstoneplayers or follow us
on twitter: @denstoneplayers.
Although the group will continue to try and put
on 3 shows a year (including the well received
Variety Show which was introduced last year) there
is a great need for particularly male performers of
around 40 years of age in particular, although
younger males would be welcome also. Anyone
reading this who fits the bill please get in touch,
you don’t have to be a budding Lawrence Olivier
(I’ve proved that!) but if you can stand up in front
of an audience and quote a few lines someone else
has written, you’ll do just fine.
Many of our members have been in the
teaching profession, and they seem to be well
equipped for the job, but others like myself who
have not been part of that fraternity are made more
than welcome and can learn so much, even late in
life - It’s never too late to learn.
The Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir held their
first Concert of 2017 at Cheddleton, they too are
as always looking for some young blood to swell
the ranks a little. Chairman Geoff Hartley who
has been indisposed is now back in action after
several weeks away. Not only is he a fine Bass
Baritone he is also our MC at concerts, and with
our Musical Director Janet Downing also having
been poorly, plus three of us
involved in the Panto, they have
been a bit thin on the ground at
practise. But now everyone is
hopefully back in full swing, or
should I say full voice?
Uttoxeter Rugby Football
Club are improving as the season
goes on. With no away victories
before Christmas, they have
produced two in the New Year
with a 37 - 7 win at Eccleshall, not
so lucky on their next trip going
down 50 - 3 at Edwardians,
before bouncing back with a 31 - 26 victory at
Harborne which added to an exciting 45 - 29
beating of Handsworth at Oldfields, has provided
a great second half to the season.
I would like to announce that Rocester Chippy
in the hands of Sylvio and Debbie Montali is once
again alive and well. Since they took over we have
returned to the crispy chips and batter of old, in
the days of Sumner and Copestake, and before
them who can ever forget queuing up outside
Bettany’s shop on a Tuesday and Friday? Well after
the recent lean times of soggy congealed chips and
batter things are on the up. But sadly rumour has
it that the couple may be on the move again having
only been here a few short months, lets all hope if
it is true that they might re-consider. Alton Towers
will be in full swing soon and the passing trade will
bring in more hungry passers by!
Finishing on a couple of sad notes I paraded
the Denstone Standard with half a dozen other
British Legion Standards at the Wetley Rocks
funeral of 96 year old Margaret Plant who has
been involved with the Legion for many years. Her
husband was a Standard Bearer which was then
carried on by her son Stan who is a pal of mine in
the Churnet Valley MVC. Margaret was a very
active lady right up until the end of her life, and
will be sadly missed by all who knew her. It was a
mark of respect that so many standards and rank
and file veterans joined with the Congregation to
pay their respects on a wet and stormy afternoon.
The Legion members provided the Guard of
Honour, and Standards were dipped at the end of
the Service.
Secondly commiserations to former Rocester
resident Bill Woodier on the sad death of his
daughter Lara from cancer at the age of 44, having
only just come to terms with losing his wife also
from cancer just a few months ago. Despite this Bill
is to continue to make his DVD’s of old Rocester
to raise funds for St. Michaels Church. We are all
behind you in your tragic loss mate, hopefully
working on those DVD’s will help to take your
mind off your double helping of grief.
On those sad notes
TTFN Les...
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle
Y
ou may be familiar with the Perry Como hit
‘Magic Moments’. It was a chart success the
year before I was born but I am very
familiar with the song and its lyrics, the sleigh ride
and Hallowe’en hop recalling an idealised view of
an American courtship. My brother, five years
older than I am, loved the song as a little boy and
my parents always referred to it as ‘Martin’s song’.
I do, however, have a very ‘Magic Moment’ of my
own. Several years ago, during October Half Term,
we went to Jamaica. This was my first visit to the
Caribbean. On the Monday morning, at 11.00 am
I realised that, had I been at school, the bell would
be about to ring for the end of morning break. On
this Monday morning, I was sitting on a stool at a
swim up bar, cocktail in hand, gazing up at an
unbelievably blue sky.
My other half had wandered off somewhere so
I was alone as the opening notes of Bob Marley’s
‘No woman, no cry…’ drifted across to me. Every
emotion and each of my senses seemed to be have
been heightened and now, whenever I hear the
introduction to that song, I can almost feel the heat
and see that sky. I am so lucky to experience so
many more moments of magic, albeit less dramatic,
nearly every day. For me, taking our dog to
Hawksmoor is a delight. Watching him run off and
then hurtle back to me like a very small, brown
racehorse, is a joy. As it is when he disappears into
the undergrowth and then pops his head up to
check where I am. Then he will find the longest,
heaviest tree branch that he can find, dragging it
along and usually whacking me on the leg with it.
Simple pleasures that cost nothing. Not every
magic moment has to involve foreign islands and
hot sun or indeed morning cocktails.
We are in the sad situation with having to
accept that a very dear friend is at the end of his
life. We are dealing with this situation, which I feel
is happening at least thirty years prematurely, by
sharing memories of, and many moments of pure
magic with, this good-hearted man who would do
anything for anybody. Cherish your magic
moments. Cherish your friends and families.
Finally…my New Year resolutions! I have been
proactive with numbers 1 and 2 and things are
progressing well; with number 3 I have already
achieved one result but I would like to improve
upon this number. Resolution number 4 has
already been met! Only number five now needs to
be addressed.
More progress to be made as the months pass!

The good old days
Can you identify the faces and locations?
See Page 50 for some of the names
to the faces.
URGENTLY REQUIRED
If you have any photos that you think may be of interest to our
readers of this page please feel free to drop them in to Lavins
printers in High Street, Uttoxeter who will scan them while you wait
and let you have them straight back or email them in jpg format to
them at:
lavinprinters@btconnect.com
Please describe the people or event featured and approx year when
the picture was taken along with your name and location so that we
can give you the recognition for supplying them.
Thank you.
4
1
2
3

6
Photo Credits - 1 & 4: Mick Williams, Uttoxeter. 2: Steve Lavin, Uttoxeter. 3: Nigel Titterton, Cheadle. 5: Becky Selvaggi. 6: Marcia Titterton, Cheadle.
5

Uttoxeter and Cheadle Voice Issue 71

Uttoxeter and Cheadle Voice Issue 71

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Uttoxeter and Cheadle Voice Issue 71