Uttox voice issue 43

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Issue 43

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2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

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3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.

Publisher and Editor: Nigel TittertonThe Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by

Community Voice Publications Ltd Telephone 01538 751629 [email protected]

The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and arenot necessarily those of the publishers, nor indeed their responsibility.All Rights Reserved. Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.

Designed and Produced by [email protected]

If we all believe allthese nationalstatistics

constantly beingunveiled to us at thestart of 2014, it

seems that Great Britain’s economy issurging out of the recession!

All these figures suggest ourmanufacturing productivity is growing,unemployment is coming down, mortgageinterest rates are staying low, etc etc – whata stark difference to the past few yearswhen our country was on its backside!

The statistics say the UK is performingbetter than most of the countries in theworld which is a truly remarkableperformance due to the size of our littleisland.

We were left with a recession whichmost of us have never experienced in ourlifetimes before, caused most analysts say bygreedy bankers who got it so badly wrong!

But, wait a minute, who has actually gotus out of the mire?

As most of you know by reading mypast articles, I have absolutely no allegianceto any of our political parties and theirMembers of Parliament, but can we be surethat the Con-Dem Government andChancellor George Osborne’s fiscal strategyhas paved the way to our recovery?

Perhaps a little praise is due to them –but the real reason I believe why we havesurged back from the precipice is us, theBritish people, and our British businesses!

I am positive if anyone had theopportunity to pick a nation to put theirheads down, work tirelessly withoutmoaning, and beat what is put in front ofthem, then it has to be the British people.

I have always said we have a certainspirit which when confronted with amassive challenge, we will tackle it head onand conquer!

And to lead the British people out of therecession throughout the last few years havebeen our businesses, whether they areinternational, national or small – they arethe backbone of the nation.

Just take a look at our area’s topemployer JCB. I know they have had to takesome extremely tough decisions regardingworkforce over the years, but yet again theyhave emerged out of this recession leadingfrom the front – now ready to build 2 newfactories in our area and Lord Bamford hasunveiled he wants to create one of the finestgolf courses in the world near the JCBRocester HQ. This project will create morejobs and be a major boost to all the othersmall businesses in the area.

I will give the politicians a little creditfor what they are doing to get our countryback on course - but I think most of thepraise must go to the British people andbusinesses.

I hope you enjoy reading this Voicemagazine.

I’ll speak to you next time....Nigel TittertonEditor & Publisher

HOW TO GET IN TOUCHThe Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is whollyindependent and is published at 3 Spode Close,Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT.

13,000 copies are distributed free to homes andbusinesses in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rocester,Marchington, Denstone, Bramshall, Stramshall,Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean, Checkley,Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge,Kingsley and Doveridge areas.

NEW FOR 2014: Mayfield, Ellastone, Draycott,Cresswell, Saverley Green & Fulford.

Clients are welcome to view the printingmatrix.

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Editorial Deadline: March 20th

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Dear Reader,


Windsor Park Middle SchoolDesign a Dish Challenge In association with Frankie and Benny’s

Rattling pans, chef whites, and culinarydelights have been the talk of the town atWindsor Park Middle School as year eight

pupils were set the challenge of designing a dish forthe Frankie and Benny’s Specials Menu.

The brief was to design a dish that encompassesthe New York Italian style, Frankie and Benny’s isfamously known for.

Pupils followed a full design process they usedan E-portfolio (an online project guide designed bythe DT dept) to guide them through key elements ofresearch, taste test analysis (sampling alreadyexisting products), recipe design, cooking their dishwith financial costing considerations, along withmaking developmental changes, and lastlyproducing the dish in a batch of four, showing itcould be made in a set timescale and look identicaleach time, as the restaurant itself does.

Pupils were able to look at sourcing foods, takinginto consideration cost of transporting goods, shelflife, ethical values and sourcing quality produce

from local areas. Four teams were selected to go through to the

final competition, where they prepared and cookedtheir dish for a judging panel “Master Chef Style”.

Frankie and Benny’s Uttoxeter kindly donated anall expenses meal voucher which was presented to thewinning team, along with keepsake medals, also

supplied by Frankie and Benny’s. The pupils receivedcookbooks as a token prize to enable them to enjoyand continue to develop their culinary skills.

Runners up also received vouchers and medals.Jody Milward spokesperson on behalf of Frankie

and Benny’s said “I am amazed by the high standardand variety of dishes that the children haveproduced and the wide range of skills they havelearnt”.

“Frankie and Benny’s are delighted to have beena part of this great experience”!

Spokesperson for Windsor Park Middle Schoolsaid “The most important aspect of this project isthat the pupils enjoy their learning experience, thatthey gain hands on practical cooking skills and theyare all able to sample a variety of foods they maynot have tried before.”

Well done to the winning team with theirfabulous Meat feast Calzone with a kick! ReeceHare, Ollie Lawton, Harrison Bostock and BenWhite.

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Old Stramshall

Stramshall is a pretty village, tucked awayon the Ashbourne road just outsideUttoxeter. Although its buildings look

largely Victorian and later, it is one of theolder Staffordshire villages, mentioned in the11th century Domesday book.

Some years after the invasion in 1066,William the Conqueror ordered a survey tobe undertaken of the land and resources inEngland, to determine what taxes had beenraised in the past, and what could be imposedin the future. As well as using existinginformation, in 1086 the King sent out RoyalCommissioners to collect information fromeach county. The Commissioners askedquestions and took evidence about land useand ownership from “juries”, which involvedrepresentatives from the villages, as well asbarons.

Stramshall is called “Stagrigesholle”, inthe administrative area of Totmonslow andthe Domesday Book records that its Lord andtenant in chief was Alric. Interestingly, Alrichad owned the land in 1066, so 20 years afterthe invasion, Stramshall was still in the handsof an Anglo Saxon, rather than William or aNorman who had come over with him. Thiscontrasts with Cheddleton, which hadchanged lords from Godwin in 1066 toWilliam Malbank in 1086.

Stramshall was a reasonably small village,with only 7 households, 5 of which were“Small holders” and 2 of which were

“Villagers”. Small holders were peasants whowould farm up to 20 acres of land. Theywould also have been required to work onAlric’s land or to perform some other service,such giving him part of their crops.

Villagers were more wealthy peasants andcould farm between 40 to 100 acres of land,although they too would have to providesome service to their Lord. It is possible thatthe two Stramshall Villagers farmed up to100 acres, as the total area of village landrecorded in the Domesday book was roughly276 acres.

In terms of population, assuming thateach household would include a wife and atleast 2 children, the population would havebeen roughly 30 people in 1086, compared tosome 1,500 today.

The village was judged to be worth 3shillings (15p) to Alric – although this doesn’tseem much today, in 1086 it could have paida carpenter for 6 months, a dairywoman for12 months, or have bought 3 sheep!

In fact, the property at Stramshall was thesecond most valuable land in the Totmonslowarea, ahead of Rocester. It was not allfarmland though and the book records thatit included 2 acres of meadow and about ¼acre of woodland.

Over the centuries, Stramshall was togrow steadily with larger farms, more housesand village industries. But that’s a story foranother time!

Photographs are of Stramshall Villagenowadays.

Stramshall chapel

Stramshall church

View up main street

Old Blacksmiths

Hare and Hounds

Hollington Lane

War memorial

Keep it Localby Lynne Smith


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Burn’s Night at Kingsley After a shocking hail storm and short loss

of electricity, Saturday afternoon 25thJanuary, Robbie Burn’s birthday, there

was a warm welcome in Kingsley. Friends from the Mid Churnet Valley

Benefice joined a Burn’s Night Supper at theVillage Hall.

Bagpipes played by Ian Jamieson from Foxt,

led in with the Haggis with the help of IvorLucas, Church Warden and Robert Cloweslocal farmer. Paul Oliver did a very good job ofM.C. for the evening with the address to theHaggis, toasts and various recitations he evenled the singing. (Maybe he could get a place inSt. Werburgh’s church choir!). John Mulvey alsotook along his piano accordion to entertain.

Rev. Carol Richardson and her familycatered. The menu of Scotch Broth, Haggis,Scottish beef, with roast potatoes andYorkshire pudding etc was followed by SherryTrifle.

There were chances to win prizes includingScotch Whisky and everyone joined in thefinale with Auld Lang Syne.

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Lank’s LoreBy Steve ‘Lank’ LavinGolden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters

Afew months ago after an advertisement inIssue 38 on the Good Old Days page askingfor the readers to bring into me any old

photographs that might be of interest to thereadership. A gentlemen namely Mr. George Chellof Uttoxeter called into our print works with aphotograph of an old Whieldons bus, which I amvery grateful for the use of.

Whieldons Green bus service used to operate inUttoxeter and district from 1927 up until 1973when they were taken over by the Midland Redwho were associated with the National BusCompany. They ran buses from Uttoxeter throughto Cannock stopping off at most of the villages andtowns in the area, i.e. Abbots Bromley, Stafford,Rugeley and Hednesford, etc.

I used to use them quite often when they wereactive not only for travelling to the surroundingtowns but also on their organised day trips tovarious seaside resorts and venues throughout thecountry, booking my trips from their depot andoffices in Bridge Street, Uttoxeter.

My original intention on receiving thisphotograph was to get it published on the GoodOld Days page of the magazine. As I like toaccompany any photographs with a little bit ofinformation I remembered that a few years agoback in 2002 I had purchased a book entitled TheGreen Bus Story which had been written by one ofWhieldons ex employees Mr. Bryan R. Yates fromLichfield.

I dug out my copy of Mr. Yates’s book andgathered more information than I had bargainedfor. Ironically It later turned out that my wife’sGrandmother had been killed on this same coachmany years ago.

The story unravelled as follows. On BankHoliday Monday, the 6th August 1940 during thedarkest days of World War Two, my wife’sGrandmother Mrs. Frances Hill and three of herchildren namely Lizzie, Kath & Winnie hadboarded the Whieldons coach mentioned to go ona day trip to Blackpool to go sightseeing or justsimply enjoy wartime escapism. After having athoroughly enjoyable day they re-boarded theircoach for their return home at 8.00 p.m.

On reaching Knutsford they were stopped bythe police and asked to turn off their interior lightsand headlights, and then to proceed with just theirside lights for illumination owing to the fact thatthere was an air raid warning in progress, with

German bombers passing overhead as they madetheir way to target’s further north.

They proceeded on along the A51 towardsRugeley and crossed the Wolseley Bridge. Thensuddenly and totally without warning, the vehiclecollided with a stationery lorry which had pulledinto the verge of the road leaving the vehicle and itsload of asbestos sheets at the side of the A51, butthe trailer was sticking out at a slight angle withits offside rear end almost touching the white line.

With the blackout in place, and only tinydriving lights it is not difficult to realise how theaccident could have occured. The impact was notparticularly great considering that the lorry andtrailers train weight was in the region of 15 tons,and the coach stopped almost immediately andpossibly without any serious injury to any of thepassengers.

The immediate result of the collision was thefact that the coach lost what lights it had on, andit appears that this incident, if not the actual causeof the disaster that followed, greatly added to it.

One of the passengers a witness to the collisionrecollects that due to human nature with the coachplunged into total darkness and it being involved in

a mysterious and violent collision, someone lit amatch to investigate and it ignited escaping petroland the coach was engulfed in a ball of flame.

My wife’s grandmother’s three children luckilymanaged to escape the burning coach but saw

their mother covered in flames, and were totallypowerless to help her. Despite the bravery of thefire fighters, the policemen present and thesurvivors who lent a hand, any thought of rescuingall of the victims was an impossibility. My wife’sgrandmother along with 11 others lost their livesthat day in this tragic incident.

This event had been the areas worst everdisaster and at the inquest the coroner returned averdict of accidental death on all 12 victims.

It was tragically cruel that this trip went sodisastrously wrong. The employers and employeesfelt the loss as one, Whieldons was a close-knitbusiness in a close-knit community, but with thewar in progress, their operations had to continue.However, it must have been with a heavy heart thatwork resumed the following morning.

So much for blinking war hey.Till next time, Lank

The Whieldons Leyland coach with Burlingham bodywork seen in happier days, parked in UttoxeterMarket Square. On its side the unfortunate slogan, ‘Safety Coach’.

Cheadle & District Animal WelfareSociety are the latest winners in AsdaCheadle’s “Chosen by You, Given by

Us” customer vote. Held throughout themonths of November and December,customers voted using green tokensawarded each time they shopped. Runnersup were Cheadle SMU Under 15s Footballteam and the Knotty Coach Trust.

Shown here is Brenda Jackson (with SlimJim) on behalf of the Society receiving thecheque for over £100 from Community Lifechampion Steph Thompson.

The Society would like to thankeveryone who chose them as the nominatedcharity and to Asda for the cheque for£103.53. Brenda said that ‘this will gotowards the boarding and veterinary costsof the dogs and cats in our care. All the

animals are vaccinated, de’flead, wormedand microchipped upon arrival and anynecessary medical care is provided for too,so you can imagine how costly that is. Weare really grateful to receive a donation likethis’.

If anyone is interested in providing aloving home for one of the dogs or catsplease do contact the Society on 01335390369 or email them at:[email protected]. Theirfull details can be found on their websitehttp://www.cheadleanimalwelfare.org.uk/

This month Asda customers can choosebetween Tenford Kennels, Cheadle DisabledClub and Cheadle Citizen’s Advice Bureau,so make sure you get your token at thecheckout.

Chosen by You, Given by Us


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Just theperfect day...Bride: Stephanie Wilks, daughter of James and Isobel Wilksof Stoney Grange, Bramshall

Groom: Anthony Tavernor, son of Tony and Beryl Tavernor ofParklands Road, Tean

Bridesmaids: Sarah Wilks, Lucinda Wilks, Ruby Dando andIsabelle Tavernor

Best Man: David Tavernor

Ceremony: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Uttoxeter

Reception: The Upper House, Barlaston

Date: 13th September 2013

Photographer: Alan Fernihough

It had never been our intention to get married on Friday 13th, but after Ant proposed onChristmas morning 2012, we researched venues and settled on The Upper House inBarlaston. A traditional September wedding was what we’d decided on and when the 13th

was the only date left, our mind was made up!My first priority was to decide on a dress. I settled on a Sottero and Midgley Couture gown

detailed with lace and Swarovski. I’m not a sparkly girl generally, but the lovely assistant Judeconvinced me to try it and the look on my mum’s face when I turned around made up my mindthat it was definitely ‘the one’.

My sisters Sarah and Lucinda were the obvious choice as bridesmaids with my cousinsdaughter Ruby and Ant’s niece Isabelle as flower girls. Black wouldn’t have been everybody’scolour of choice for dresses, but teamed with striking green bouquets all of the girls lookedstunning. We had all enjoyed a pampering afternoon the day before at Opulence Beauty Salonin Uttoxeter and the lovely owner Esther ensured that we all looked our best on the day as shedid our make up. Alan Fernihough was our photographer and discretely blended into thebackground to ensure we got some good shots of people unawares!

The time soon came to leave for church, but on the way there was an important stop tomake. By day, I manage Midway Academy Day Nursery and I would not have been popularif I hadn’t stopped by on the way to say hello! The entire Nursery, from babies up to pre-schoolers had come out with flags and banners to wish me well. To say they made me wantto cry my eyes out is an understatement!

We soon arrived outside church and far from being nervous, I was just excited to be seeingAnt again after not seeing him since the previous morning. Walking up the aisle with my Dadby my side seemed to whizz by in a flash! Ant looked especially handsome in his suit with hisbrother David by his side as best man and we couldn’t have been happier to finally be sayingour vows and becoming man and wife.


Then it was on to The Upper House where Alan and hiscolleague Gemma continued to capture the day. It was lovelyto finally catch up with everybody and spend time chatting inthe beautiful gardens before our wedding breakfast. Weenjoyed a gorgeous meal and just about managed to sit downbefore the rain started on the windows of the beautifulOrangery, but by then the wine was flowing and a good timewas being had by all! There aren’t many times in life when allof the people who are most important to you are gathered inone place and I made sure I took time to stop throughout theday and remember the lovely feeling of having everyonetogether enjoying themselves and celebrating with us.

More friends and family arrived to dance the night awaylater on that evening to the sounds of Dave Dee’s Disco withthe dance floor full by 8pm and staying that way until wewere all exhausted at midnight. The Midway girls did anespecially good job of keeping the party atmosphere going!

We wouldn’t have changed a thing about our wonderfulday and none of it would have been possible without thesupport and help from our amazing parents and families. It’sjust a shame we can’t do it all over again!


Just the perfectday...


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NewDefibrillatorensuresworkforceHealth aswell as Safetyat Vulcan

Cheadle based VulcanRefractories have recentlytaken delivery of a brand new

Defibrillator as part of theircampaign to promote health as wellas safety in the workplace.

The AED ( Automated ExternalDefibrillator) has now taken “prideof place” in the factory canteen andten members of the Vulcan workforcehave received specialist training tooperate the device should the needoccur.

“Managing Director Gary Dukessaid, “I am delighted that we have anAED and trained experts in itsoperation here at Vulcan to help toprotect our employees from theeffects of sudden cardiac arrest. Insupport of our local community wehave also made it available toneighbouring businesses and thenearby Huntsman public house sothey can benefit too should anemergency arise.”

Vulcan’s Health and SafetyAdvisor Ian Mycock said “Heartdisease including sudden cardiacarrest (heart attack) is the UK’sbiggest killer and I am sure mostpeople know someone who hassuffered or has been affected by one.It is comforting to know that ourteam are now trained to be able toreact to an incident and provideassistance until the emergencyservices arrive

Photograph shows the Vulcan teamwith the AED. Back row ( LtoR) LisaTitterton,Caroline Goodinson, JulieMorrell,Chris Shepherd, Gary Dukes.Front Row( LtoR) Kelvin Forrester,Shane Bratt)

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2 Market PlaceCheadle

Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1AH

01538 750744 Opening Times:

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 10am-4pm,

Sat 10-3pm, Tues-Sun closed

We are stockists of Chilli Penguin and

Merlin stoves.

Why not pay a visit to our newly refurbishedrestaurant? With it’s ever increasing popularity it

offers a fabulous combination of food and atmospherefor all ocassions.

All our ingredients are sourced as locally as possibleand are prepared by our talented chefs to provide you

with the best possible dining experience.

Don’t forget our well renowned carvery and extensivebar menu from only £4.50

Also - our newly opened caravan club site taking bookingsnow for summer, so get those weekends away planned!Always a warm welcome at our family run hotel.

The Boars Head Hotel, Station Road, Sudbury, Derbyshire DE6 5GXwww.boars-head-hotel.co.uk • [email protected]

Tel: 01283 820 344

Our family runhotel has beenowned for over28 years. Offeringsomething foreveryone it reallyis a fabulouscountry retreat!

If you are 55 and over and would like to meet new people andjoin in with exciting activities, then this could be the servicefor you.

Our community resource centre in George Elliott Close,Uttoxeter could be the place for you.

When you come to the centre you will have the opportunityto meet and make new friends. You will have the time to sitand chat or join in with a variedprogramme of activities.

Transport at preferential rates is availableto those who require it. Full and half daysessions available.For further information please contactGail Topliss on 07921 233302

YOUR LOCAL RESOURCECENTRE IS NOW OPEN

Educating Boys and Girls 3 – 11 years Girls only 11 – 18 years

T: 01332 514267 E: [email protected]

www.derbyhigh.co.uk

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAY

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Focuson oursuperb localIndependentSchools

Appointment ofnew Head Teacherat Thomas Alleyne’sHigh School

The Governors atThomas Alleyne’sHigh School have

appointed Mrs. JulieRudge as Head Teacherto replace Mrs. SuzanneO’Farrell who left theschool at Christmas.

Commenting on herappointment, Julie said:“I am delighted to leadthe team at ThomasAlleyne’s in securing thebest possible outcomesfor our students. Whenvisiting the school I wasstruck by the warmwelcome offered bygovernors, staff andstudents and the pridethey have for both theirschool and thecommunity of Uttoxeter.’’

Julie Rudge, whobegan her teaching careerin Birmingham as anEnglish teacher, ispassionate about theimportance of highquality teaching. She

joins Thomas Alleyne’s High School with a wealth of experience. Havingspent over 12 years on two senior teams in Staffordshire secondary schools,she is looking forward to leading the school ensuring that all students havethe opportunities, challenge and support to fulfill their potential anddevelop the skills and attributes to be successful in life.

She was appointed Vice Principal of John Taylor High School in Barton-under-Needwood in September 2006. Subsequently she had theresponsibility for teaching and learning when the school achieved their‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgement. More recently she has helped lead theschool in becoming the first National Teaching School in East Staffordshire.

Julie will take up her post at the start of the summer term. Until thenDeputy Head Carl Gliddon (pictured below) will continue to be ActingHead Teacher, a post which he took up on Mrs. O’Farrell’s departure. TheChair of Governors Alison Trenery comments: “The Governors aredelighted to haveappointed Julie Rudge asHead Teacher. We areconfident that she will bean excellent and popularHead Teacher and bringinvaluable skills andknowledge to the post.The Governors arelooking forward toworking closely with herand the senior team intaking Alleyne’s and theUttoxeter Pyramid ofschools forward toachieve the best possibleoutcomes for thestudents, their familiesand the local community.We would like to takethis opportunity to thankMr. Gliddon and histeam of staff for theexcellent work they aredoing in leading theschool through thisdemanding period oftransition”.


Learning, Living, Dancing...

Dance Open Evening, Wednesday 5th March, 5.30-7.00pm

01283 840 232.

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Learning, Living,DancingEvery day is an open day at Abbots

Bromley School, where everyone isan individual and girls and boys

are nurtured and encouraged to learnthe skills they need for life whilst beengiven limitless opportunities to developand succeed.

Set amongst extensive grounds withoutstanding sporting facilities, we offera strong academic programme,combined with a high degree of pastoralcare and an interesting and excitingrange of activities including dance,music, sport or riding.

The Alkins School of Dance, inpartnership with Abbots BromleySchool, has an international reputationfor excellence. The Vocational DanceCourses offer a carefully balanced curriculum for the more ambitious dancerwho wants to combine high quality vocational dance classes with The AlkinsSchool of Dance, and the excellent academic opportunities offered at AbbotsBromley School. The courses offer a real alternative in vocational training,where each student is valued as an individual and can gain the vocationalskills and academic qualifications needed to succeed in the modern world.

Recent graduates from the Sixth Form have been offered places at TheRoyal Academy of Dance, Laine Theatre Arts , Bird College, MillenniumPerforming Arts and London Studio Centre. Students offered places on thesedance and performing arts courses were also offered university places to studymusic and marine biology at university.

So join us on Wednesday 5th March 2014 from 5.30pm onwards for ourDance Open Evening and find out more about dancing at Abbots BromleySchool.

For further information, please contact our Admission team on 01283840232.

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Jackie TrentA Sixties singing sensation, co-writer of iconic theme tune ‘Neighbours’, recalls her ‘soap opera’ life just for you...

Hi folks,Yes I’m

back, reportingin from theEasternMediterranean.I’m in Cyprusthis winter, onfinal researchfor mybiography.

In 1956,age 16, Iarrived onCyprusworking forCombined

Services Entertainment (CSE), entertaining thetroops. This was the time of the EOKA uprising,with bombs and death everywhere.

I still remember chatting with two youngsquaddies – both due back in Blighty within afew weeks, all of us in battledress – just beforeour armed entertainment convoy set off into theTroodos mountains. Those two lads headed theconvoy in their Army land rover.

Just one hour later we were driving past theirlifeless bodies and over-turned land rover; they’dhit a landmine. That was Cyprus in the 1950’s…

Right now the sun is shining, conflict sits onthe side lines, and holiday-makers abound.

Just yesterday, over Sunday lunch in the Frogand Toad pub in Coral Bay, people at the nexttable said: “Where are you from?”

Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent.“So am I.” We talked about oatcakes: home

from home.I’m told the bullet holes can still be seen,

etched into the walls of the Ledra Palace Hotel; I’ll let you know…

Luv, JackieXXX

www.jackietrent.com Copyright JakCol Ltd and JakCol (UK) Ltd

Winter Wonderland in Cyprus, my personal Christmas tree lights!

1958, on Cyprus television, my second stint in Cyprus

Fashion Voiceby Angela Clinton of Uttoxeter

The Spring brings with it pastel colours to brightenup your wardrobe and therefore what you wear.The basic colours of grey, chocolate, camel,

honey, nude vanilla and ivory work well with thesecolours. The trend of plastering words acrosseverything from clutch bags to knitwear continues intothe Spring/Summer.

“What would we do without our fashiondesigners?” In the Fashion House Group there arealready 250 globally and nationally recognised brandsrepresented in various fashion house outlet centres inEurope. The fashion house is a parent company thathires many fashion designers to produce a variety oflines. We all need rules, regulations and guidancethroughout our lives and it comes in many forms suchas from our parents, friends, teachers and lastly butcertainly not least our fashion designers. Theydesign,deliver and guide us into what to wear eachseason on the high street. These designers have apassion for fashion, which involves well developed art

and design skills and also an excellent knowledge ofdifferent fabrics.One of my favourite is Paula Gerbase,who for five years worked as head designer of SavilleRow Kiljour and it was here that she was taught in theart of tailoring. High quality fabrics, excellent finishingand design create a perfect outfit.

She uses masculine tailoring in feminine texturessuch as crisp white shirts and also oversized dresses,coats and jackets with pleated skirts and wide legtrousers with short tops. The colours she uses on thesebeautiful fabrics such as seersucker, mohair, denim, silkand cotton mix are grey, navy, black and white. Herdesigns are so simple and yet so amazing. I really lookforward to each seasons designers creations andcolours that appear on the catwalk so buy severalmagazines and browse the net to view them. In orderfor these collections to reach the high street and becomeaffordable, the styles are changed in order to suit oureveryday life.

No matter what you wear you must dress to

compliment your shape.

1. Apple by definition have a round shapedfigure.Invest in a decent bra as wide open necklinesshowing a little cleavage tends to draw people’s eyesaway from looking at the bottom half. Cap sleeveshelp to broaden the shoulders to help balance yourshape. Wear a block colour at the bottom and alighter shade on top, so the eyes are drawn awayfrom the troublesome bottom half.

2. Pear shapes need to broaden the shoulders in orderto balance those wide hips and you can do this bywearing puff sleeves, or a slashed neckline.

3. Hourglass-every item in your wardrobe shouldwork to define your curvy silhouette. Parallelvertical seams on a dress flatten your tummy andstretch out your waist. Built in cups in dresses helplift your boobs away from your waist addinglength.


JCB has announced a new wave of investmentin Staffordshire with plans for a £30 milliongolf course next to its World HQ to help boost

sales and build global awareness of its brand. The proposals for a spectacular 18-hole, 7,150

yards, Par 72 championship golf course centre on240 acres of rolling countryside to the south of itsRocester headquarters. When completed in 2018,it is expected that up to 100 people will beemployed in groundcare and hospitality roles.

The course will be designed by European GolfDesign – the golf course design company of IMGand the European Tour - best known for the 2010course at Celtic Manor in Wales, host of the 2010Ryder Cup. It will be built to tour-quality standard

and could potentially host a major tour event,attracting competitors and spectators from all overthe world.

The plans have been conceived by JCBChairman Lord Bamford and follow anannouncement in early December that JCB willinvest £150m to build two new factories inStaffordshire and significantly increase productionto meet an anticipated growth in demand for itsproducts.

At the heart of this premier golf developmentis Woodseat Hall, an 18th Century mansioncurrently in ruins, but which will have a new leaseof life under plans to renovate it as the courseclubhouse, complete with a new luxury spa, leisure

facility and five-star hotel-style accommodationfor visiting JCB guests from across the world.

Lord Bamford said: “JCB is a globalmanufacturer with a successful track record ingrowing sales in overseas markets. As part of ourplans to increase manufacturing capacity and growsales, we need to build an even stronger awarenessof the JCB brand around the world.

“Golf is a truly global sport and is a perfect fitfor JCB as a global manufacturer as we look todevelop strong relationships with customers anddealers worldwide. I’m not a golfer myself but I’mexcited by the opportunity it presents us in drivingour future plans for business growth.”

JCB tees off 2014 with plansfor £30 million Golf Course

Golf course 2014 JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald (left) surveys a model of the new JCB Golf course with course architect,Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design.

An artist’s impression of the rejuvenated Woodseat Hall


JCB Chief Executive Officer GraemeMacdonald said: “The golf course will be

the biggest marketing tool available to JCBin its history, helping grow sales and create

jobs. If the course were to host a majortournament, the television coverage would

certainly put the JCB brand firmly on the worldstage. It would also help to raise the profile of

Staffordshire and promote the county as a touristdestination to millions of people around the world.”

European Golf Design’s course architect for the JCBcourse, Robin Hiseman, said: “We were asked to create a

premier tour-proven golf course to stand shoulder-to-shoulderwith the very best contemporary golf course designs in the UK.

We are very confident that our design meets this requirement, takingfull advantage of a rich landscape that includes deciduous woodland,

classic English farmland and historic parkland with many arboretum-standard specimen trees.

“The course design, which is burgeoning with imaginative designconcepts, will twist and turn around the natural contours of the site, dipping

in and out of the woodlands and involving the existing water features in a rangeof exciting ways, including the spectacular and unique Par 3 17th hole, which

plays onto an existing wooded island in the South Lake.“We are looking forward to building this JCB course, and as you might expect,

JCB machines will be doing all of the work in what will be a 240-acre shop windowfor its product range.”

The new golf course, which is subject to planning consent, will be made available mainlyto JCB’s network of 770 global dealers. It will be used to drive business growth, helping tobuild relationships with new customers and strengthen relationships with existing customers.Upon completion, golf days will become a feature of the wider JCB visitor experience, whichalready includes factory visits, the ‘Story of JCB’ exhibition and machine demonstrations.

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald in front of the ruins ofWoodseat Hall, location of the new JCB Golf course

Woodseat Hall South West 1903



Magisterial Memoriesby John Glandfield, Uttoxeter’s most charismatic Lawyer

Some years ago when the Crown ProsecutionService were desperate enough to engage myservices from time to time as a Prosecutor

there was one especially memorable occasion I wasso engaged in one of our local Courts.

The Case involved two Defendants who wereeach separately represented by a Solicitor andbecause of the age of some Witnesses etc involvedin the Case some of the evidence was to be given bywhat was, then, the new-fangled system of videolink. The precursor to all that was that, in theabsence of the public and before the Case officiallystarted, everything had to be tested to ensure thatthe Magistrates, Solicitors the Court Clerk, theWitnesses and so on could all be both clearly seenand heard at the appropriate times. I can stillremember how odd it was to talk to or crossexamine someone via a closed circuit T.V.Systemand quite difficult to sense by body mannerisms,beads of sweat on the forehead and the like whenyou were starting to make some impact with yourquestioning. In short I felt those being questioned,especially when they were trying to distort thetruth, had a certain advantage over those involvedin a physical face-to-face situation. I had, anyway,long since come to the conclusion that too manyCourt Cases were won or lost on the basis of whohad lied right and who had lied wrong and videolinking did nothing to assuage that concern.

Before I digress too far, after once all cameraswere found to be correctly positioned, soundsystems in order and everything found to beworking satisfactorily, there came the time thatthe actual Case was about to start The Magistratescame in and immediately noticed that one of theDefence Solicitors was missing. “Where is Mr.X

?” the Chairperson enquired. I think it fair to say atthis point that by no stretch of the imaginationcould Mr. X be likened to the proverbial oilpainting or an embryonic Star of Stage, Screen andTelevision. “He’s still in makeup”, quipped myother Opponent who was already present in Court.With a totally expressionless face the Chairpersonwho patently shared my view of Mr.X’s physicalfeatures immediately retorted,” Well, in that casewe may well be some time so we might as welladjourn for coffee at this point”.

Perhaps there is no circumstance in which onecannot exercise a controlled sense of humour!

Of course it was never all fun and, such as therewas, I often felt that humour was a shield to thereality of a situation. If you did not laugh thenanyone with the least modicum of humanity wouldcry. Many Cases in which I was involved were justplain sad. I do not think that I am an eternaloptimist in saying that with a few and oftennotable exceptions, no-one is inherently andirretrievably bad. Damn fools, yes, and all toooften totally unworldly and irresponsible as well.Sadly, and it seems to me increasingly today , thereare also those who need to resort to crime to funddrugs or some other addiction costing in someinstances hundreds of pounds a day. .

Who or what is, characteristically, a criminal?If anyone out there knows please tell me as youmay be about to make history – leastwise, that is,join the ranks of whomsoever can tell us whatelectricity is.

A Police Officer once likened the criminal mindto the type of person who on receiving a bill thathe/she cannot pay, chucks it on the fire. Perhapsthat is a little simplistic – with the quantity of

unwanted mail that we all receive nowadays thetemptation to resort to pyrotechnics is, I suspect,ever present in most is us - but that same Officeralso came out with the bold statement, “Most ofus are straight because we don’t have the guts tobe crooked”. Think about that for a moment – itmay not then seem as daft or jaundiced as itsounded at first. In my experience it is the risk ofbeing caught that is the greatest deterrent againstcommitting crime since once someone has beenconvicted of an offence and thus lost theirreputation and, so often, the respect of family andfriends and even lost their job and their home whatfear of further retribution could there be? I reallydo believe, and I say this at the expense of one ofmy earlier Articles, that we all have the capacity tobe dishonest or even kill but, mercifully, few of usare ever put into a situation where that is likely tohappen.

One abiding cause of amazement to me is howoften the so-called habitual criminal wouldsuddenly go straight never to grace our CriminalCourts again. Why? Again I have no answeralthough I am pretty certain that we cannot becomplacent and put it down wholly to fear offurther apprehension and punishment. Suffice it tosay, for my part, that there are many citizens inUttoxeter alone who are now regarded as theheight of respectability and who were, but a fewdecades ago, “Season Ticket Holders” in theMagistrates Court and a great source of work andincome to me. Perhaps they just got fed up withbeing caught. Certainly, as I used to say, the onlyperson for whom Crime pays is a Lawyer!See you in Court.John E.Glandfield

Karen’s Cake Cornerby Karen Hill

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes

Last weekend, I was invited to myneighbour’s cocktail party and I did not wantto go empty handed. So I decided to make

my very popular Gin and Tonic Cupcakes.Everyone loves these, and they are absolutelyperfect when having a drinks party. My recipe isfor 12 generous cupcakes.

Gin and Tonic Syrup Juice of 1 ½ lemons 100g sugar 85ml tonic water 85ml Gin 1 lemon thinly sliced

Cupcakes 150g golden caster sugar 150g unsalted butter 3 large eggs zest of 1 ½ unwaxed lemons 140g self raising flour 15g cornflour 1 level tsp baking powder ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk

Gin and Tonic Icing 115g unsalted butter 60ml reserved gin and tonic syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 500g Icing sugar

First, preheat your oven to 180˚C/160˚C fan.Line a 12 hole muffin tray with muffin cases. Thenext thing to do is to make your syrup. In a smallpan, add the tonic water, lemon juice and syrupand bring to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, untilit becomes syrup like. Add the finely sliced lemonsand simmer for another few minutes. Removefrom heat, add the gin and stir again. Allow this tocool and then strain. Reserve 60 ml of the syrup touse in the icing and set the rest aside until it isneeded.

Cream together the sugar and butter until paleand fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs a little ata time. Add the lemon zest . Next add your dryingredients. Sift the flour, cornflour and bakingpowder into the mixture and blend into a smoothbatter. Finally, add the vanilla extract and 2 tbsp ofmilk and mix well. Divide the batter into the 12muffin cases and bake in the oven for about 15-20minutes, until risen and golden brown.

When the cupcakes are out of the oven, brusheach surface twice with the gin and tonic syrup.Allow to cool before icing. To make the Icing, beatthe butter, syrup, vanilla extract and icing sugaruntil smooth. Ice each cupcake with the toppingand decorate with some lemon zest and glitter.

Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970. 25

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for any private function.Hire Bar 19 for your private function,

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THURSDAYS We have a late licence till midnight withkaraoke and disco, we have all the latest songs!!! So come

down and start the weekend off with a bang!!

Friday Disco • Saturday Karaoke Open 8pm till 1.30am All pints £2.40 8-9pm

2 Bottles for £5, WKDS , BECKS, SMIRNOFF ICE, BUD 2 JAGERBOMBS or GLITTERBOMBS £5

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Bar 19, 19 Bank Street,Cheadle , Staffs, ST10 1NR Tel 07814 972326

N.P Kitchens and home improvements is asmall well run business offering all aspectsof home Improvements completed to ahigh standard at affordable prices. Allwork is carried out by competent,qualified tradesperson.

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Glitz Dancewear & Fancydress

Everything you need for Danceand Fancy DressNEW FANTASTICCOSTUMES ARRIVINGNOW FOR WORLD BOOK DAY IN MARCH

We stock all styles of dancewear,shoes, bags etc for the experienceddancer or the complete beginner.

Large selection of Adult & ChildrensFancydress (to hire or buy) Wigs &Accessories for that special party or school production.

28 Bank Street Cheadle

01538 754414

Butchery • Deli • Café • Gifts • Bakery • Hampers

www.denstonehall.co.ukTel: 01889 590050

New 80 seat café

Much bigger farm shopwith many new lines

Exciting new gift shop

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Local trade thrives at Denstone Hall From humble beginnings Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café have built a reputation for being the place to go for local produce in the Uttoxeter, Cheadle and Ashbourne area. When the business was launched in 2007 Rupert and Emma Evans could not have imagined how things were going to take off. 7 years on having just moved into their new farm shop, gift shop and 80 seat café their enthusiasm and passion for local food is still at the heart of the business. Now working with over 80 local suppliers they continue to work closely with farmers, producers and independent artisans to stock their shop.With the old shop vacant work soon began to convert the building into 4 retail units. Interest came

businesses in search of something different from the traditional high street environment. A desire to be part of a small community working together with the other tennants was high on their agenda.In November 2013 start-up Estate Agents Draycott’s opened it’s doors to the public at Denstone Hall. An independent family-run estate agent run by Paul Draycott is pitching their business at serving Uttoxeter, Ashbourne, Cheadle and the surrounding villages. While Draycott’s is a new name in the property world,

coupled with an enthusiasm for customer service and location will give them a competitive advantage.Next door another emerging business chose Denstone Hall as it’s preferred location to build their interiors business, Martha’s Attic. After just a few months of trading, Louise Housley the owner is drawing her own customers onto the site making a beeline to her

-ture and stunning one off pieces.Finding businesses to complement Rupert and Emma’s farm shop was a priority and when farmers daughter Emma Winnington approached them with a proposal to launch a new Florist (Mary May’s Flowers) they welcomed her into the fold. Emma an ex-

House of Commons. In just a short time she has built up a steady local trade and has received orders for several funerals in the surrounding villages.Building work continues on the last unit which is due to open this spring. The new tenants keen to join the merry band of entrepre-neur’s at Denstone Hall promises another exciting retail venture.In the bleakness of winter there seems little point in venturing outside to admire the views across the river Churnet and rolling hills that café goers can admire from the comfort of the leather sofas around the log burner. However the owners seem revved up to start work landscaping the area to the rear of the building as soon as the land dries up!



Cheadle’sMarathonManby John Brown

Turning 60 can herald a lifechanging experience and forsome bring with it a winding

down process, but for me it setanother challenge. I am probablyknown in Cheadle more for myconnections with local football,having been involved at all levels,first as a player and then committeemember for over forty years with thesenior Saturday side.

However I have alwaysmaintained my love for long distancerunning and the marathon inparticular. In 2012 I did my usualthree marathons, Llanelli, Edinburgh and Chester to give it a Wales, Scotlandand England flavour. When I turned 60 in December 2012, the gauntlet wasthrown, and I wanted to do something special. Six marathons at 60 soundedjust fine to me. Hitting the front page of The Sentinel on Monday 10th June,dressed as a Knight Crusader in the Potters Arf certainly spurred me on. I hadalready completed the Brighton marathon in April and London marathon thefollowing week, which had boosted my confidence, so actually making mystatement known to others made the position a must do. Shewsburyannounced their first ever marathon, which I completed on 23rd June, it wasa course of four laps and the laps were extended to give the correct distancewith a series of lanes you had to run up and down, backwards and forwardsto everyones great dismay. It was a race that will not be repeated. It will onlybe a one lap half marathon next year!

The Great Langdale marathon came next on 21st September, thiswonderful scenic route near Ambleside in the Lake District was a two lap gem.I met one of the legends of distance running, the great Ron Hill, who asPresident of the race jogged the first few yards chatting to me, before joiningthe spectators. The Certificate of Achievement and a trophy in the form of arunning shoe in silver and gold colours made a pleasant change from the usualmedal.

The penultimate marathon, number five, was the challenging SnowdoniaMarathon on 26th October, few runners dressed up for this one, so I gave thelocal spectators something to cheer at when they saw a crusader running past,putting the Welsh dragons to the sword! I was able to see the end of my race,and record it, for it was shown live on Welsh TV and repeated a week later.

Looking at the November calendar I was fearing that I may not find a sixthmarathon to run, my wife Angela, family and friends suggested that I makeup my own marathon and as a member of Cheadle Running Club I wasdelighted that they also wanted to get involved. On Sunday 24th Novemberthe Master Potter Marathon was completed, just under two weeks before Iwas 61. There was no medal at the end, just the wonderful sense ofachievement,with sponsorship money raised for The Douglas MacmillanHospice still coming in, via the Master Potter, Cheadle.

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Have I got news for youby Uttoxeter’s Gary Hudson, Former BBC Chief News Reporter

Gary Hudson is a member of Uttoxeter LionsClub, a former BBC Chief News Reporter and asenior lecturer in Broadcast Journalism atStaffordshire University.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch

Writing this column has just earned me a freemeal. Well, when I say free, there is definitely nosuch thing as a free lunch, or in this case dinner.But it was an enjoyable evening, and I didn’t payfor what I ate.

I’d been invited to the Robin Hood atBramshall to talk to members of Uttoxeter RotaryClub. The ‘price’ of my meal was to dredge up afew of my more amusing anecdotes and arrangethem into a coherent - and hopefully reasonablyconcise - narrative.

I’m no expert on the mysteries of successfulafter-dinner speaking but there’s clearly a risk ofboring your audience to sleep at exactly the pointwhen they’re most likely to – in this case after afew pints and a bit of upmarket pub grub.

I’ve been guilty myself of nodding off at thetable at some quite swanky events. Suffice to saythat, in my experience the former test matchumpire Dickie Bird should stay in the pavilion ifrequested to come out and talk.

He’d been popular being interviewed on TV,where he played the genial Yorkshireman to a ‘T’(you know the ‘T’ in question, the one that goesbefore t’start of t’nouns).

But I dozed off at an awards evening watchinghim relate his cricketing anecdotes, and anotherguest, who knows about these things, summed itup in showbiz terms: ‘He hasn’t got an act.’

There’s clearly a difference between delivering

semi-scripted one-liners in response to a seasonedchat show host like Michael Parkinson and beingcapable of constructing a one-man performance.

I was lucky enough to see the late BobMonkhouse deliver a stunning after-dinner speech.Every gag was new and perfectly-timed, and itdidn’t matter that when I saw his next TV series Irealised he’d been road-testing the material on us.

Forget the perma-tanned, smarmy quiz showhost – an image he was fully aware of -Monkhouse was a consummate performer and agreat stand-up comedian.

Loose talk at a brewery visit

But I was in the same position as Dickie Bird. Ididn’t have an act. And never mind the audiencedropping off, I’d agreed to talk just 12 hours afterflying in from a short break in the USA, meaningI’d been without proper sleep for nearly 48 hours.

The invitation had come after Uttoxeter LionsClub president Simon Smith and I went with theRotarians to visit the Lymestone brewery in Stone.The conviviality of that evening ended in anoutbreak of bonhomie where any favour requestedwas bound to be agreed.

One or two of the well-oiled Rotarians thoughtthe kind of stories I tell in The Voice might beworth listening to, and the even-better-oiled Lionsclub members (Simon and me) wholeheartedlyagreed.

I was honoured to be asked to talk, althoughon reflection, I was not joining a particularlyexclusive club. The Rotarians meet for a meal mostweeks, which means they have a high turnover ofafter-dinner speakers.

So much so that only the week before, Simon’swife had been the guest. Admittedly, Teresa had

something worth talking about – the work of theGateway Club for people with learning difficulties– but it did seem the Rotary Club was working itsway inexorably through the population of thetown.

I’m sure my immediate predecessor was farmore informative and entertaining than me, but itwasn’t too difficult to pass muster. Nobodydropped off, nobody asked for their money back,and there were some lively and intelligent questionsafterwards.

Lions v Rotary – I like them both ...

All of which got me wondering about theRotary Club. Who are they and what do they do?I know they raise money for good causes locally,and we see their Santa sleigh at Christmas. A bitlike the Lions, who put on events like the annualbonfire, Christmas Cracker and Lark in the Park.But what else?

When I started looking into it, I discovered thetwo organisations are so incredibly similar that it’ssurprising they are two separate bodies.

Both were founded by Chicago businessmen inthe early part of the last century. Both are secularand non-political. Both support humanitarianprojects worldwide as well as helping their localcommunities.

Lions motto is ‘We Serve’; Rotary’s is ‘Serviceabove Self’.

The differences? Rotary is the olderorganisation, but Lions has more membersworldwide.

So I like Lions. And I like Rotary. It’s impossibleto say if one is better than the other. In the wordsof Harry Hill, there’s only one way to find out ...Watch this space ...

Down on the Farmby Angela Sargent

Ican’t believe how quickly time is whizzing past,already we are in February (fill-dyke) and thedays are noticeably lengthening. “As the days

get longer, the cold gets stronger!” seems a popularsaying in our household at the moment-oldfarmhouses are notoriously draughty(mainlybecause our old collie, Ben, insists on bashing hisway in and never has learnt to shut the doorbehind him!).

Because we have open fires, any fallen wood islogged and collected and used as fuel. When we arelaying hedges, the larger waste wood is broughthome and thrown into a stable to dry out- that’sone thing about wood- it warms you twice, oncewhen you’re logging and again when you burn it.

Last summer we had to cut down a largepercentage of self set Alder and, although verygreen and sappy, it has dried out now and burnsvery well. Ash is also a good wood for burning,whether green or seasoned and a few of our matureAsh trees lost branches in the gales over the lastcouple of months, so these will be used too,especially as they are across our field margins orfences(a bit more repair work necessary there!).

The fruit trees we had specially grown for ushave come in their pots and we have to plant thembefore the earth warms up and the sap starts to risein spring. These are a selection of local varieties orthose with links to the county of Derbyshire.

On the farm its mostly routine work- dealingwith the lambs as they are born and we have a fewcalves due too. We have to bed the livestock severaltimes a week and Meg really enjoys this as sheloves to catch the slices of straw and give them agood shake when I throw them around- beatshaving to use a fork to spread it. But she has tokeep quiet when we’re in the sheep shed and can’tbe allowed to misbehave then.

We had to buy in a few large bales of hay forthe sheep, as they could eat silage, but it goes offafter a few days, so hay is easier to leave handy andto use when needed.

The Queen Bees will be starting to lay eggs toincrease numbers in the hives now and, hopefully,we will have successful broods, weather permitting.She will need feeding to enable her to continue tolay and, as we take the honey, we have to replaceit with something- sugar fondant.

The Common Agricultural Policy is beingdiscussed at the moment and our government haschosen not to implement the maximum 15%deduction from the farming budget, which fundsrural enterprise and conservation schemes, but tolevy 12% in England (Scotland less and Walesmore- which, in turn, leads to problems for farmerswith cross-border concerns), but when comparedwith France and Germany at 3 and 4.5%respectively, it does seem to put us at adisadvantage with our EU competitors.

Recently, the agricultural Minister called for usall to buy British where we could and for farmersto produce more- unfortunately for many, thesingle farm payment represents any profit farmershave for reinvesting back into their businesses inthe form of replacement and repair of machinery,livestock or buildings. A little like telling us to dosomething with one arm tied behind our backs!

Angela Sargent, www.baldfields-farm.co.ukAnd now join me on twitter @bythebarn for allthings farming!

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Kate’s KitchenBy Kate Cornes

Kate once worked as a professional chef for manyyears but following a career change, is nowemployed as a Veterinary Nurse. She still,however, continues to enjoy cooking traditionalhome cooked meals for herself, her husband and 2young children. Kate is always on the lookout forwholesome but simple recipes that can beprepared in advance for busy working families.

With the build-up to Christmas seeming tolast forever, it always amazes me how itfeels like a lifetime away in the weeks

following. I’m sure, like me, most of you haveoverindulged in every way possible over Christmas,and the New Year brings a welcome feeling of freshstarts, with a promise to ourselves of healthy eatingand an exercise plan to kick us into spring.

However before you reach for that ‘CabbageSoup Diet’ book or ‘101 Recipes with a Cucumber’,allow yourselves one last indulgence that I promisewill be worth every last calorie!

Crispy duck with Chinese pancakes and plumsauce is one of the easiest but most heavenly recipesto make, especially if you are entertaining as it’sgreat for sharing. Succulent strips of meat can easilybe shredded off and wrapped neatly in a daintypancake with a few shreds of spring onion and ablob of plum sauce. Delicious! Cooking is so easythat once in the oven it needs virtually no attention,which means you have plenty of time to relax.

I cooked this recipe for guests on New Year’s Eveand it went down a treat. In fact not one morsel ofmeat could be traced on the carcass afterwards so itmust have been good!

Crispy Duck with Plum Sauce and ChinesePancakes

This will provide plenty of small pancakes forbetween 4 and 10 people.

Easy Peazy Plum Sauce

10 -12 ripe plums, de-stoned

5 tablespoons sugar

2 pinches of five-spice powder

2 tablespoons soy sauce

½ teaspoon chilli powder

Zest of 1 orange

Splash of water

1. Place all the ingredients into a pan and bring tothe boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer until the fruit/pulpdevelops a sheen and breaks down into a sauce(this will take around 30-40 minutes). The skins can be removed using a slatted spoon

as the sauce simmers if you wish. Alternatively theycan just be left in the sauce, it depends on personalpreference.

Once cooked leave to one side. The sauce can be prepared days or weeks in

advance and stored in a clean jar in the fridge.

Crispy Duck 1 whole farmed duck with giblets removed (wildduck is simply not fatty enough for this recipe andany attempts to roast a wild duck will end up in acremated mess!).

2-3 tablespoons of sea salt, depending on the sizeof your bird.

1-2 tablespoons of five-spice powder, dependingon the size of your bird.

Spring onion, finely shredded.

10-20 Chinese pancakes, depending on the size ofthe bird, gently steamed just before serving.

N.B. Chinese pancakes can sometimes be hardto get hold of in local supermarkets. If you are notlucky enough to have access to a local Chinesesupermarket, most Chinese takeaways will happilysell you some.

Ducks will vary in size depending where you buythem from so you will need to calculate the cookingtimes accordingly: 2¼ hours for ducks weighing1.75-2 kg; 2 ¾ hours for ducks weighing 2.5-3 kg.

Remove the duck from the fridge for about anhour before cooking to allow it to come up to roomtemperature.

Heat the oven to Gas mark 3/170˚C1. Cut off any excess fatty skin from around the

neck and place the duck onto a wire rack, placedin a roasting tray. Make sure there is at least a1cm gap between the rack and the tray to allowthe fat to drain from the bird during cooking.

2. Mix the salt and five-spice together and rub allover the duck’s body with your hands, coveringall the skin.

3. Place in the oven and allow to cook. 4. Baste the duck once during the cooking time

(after about an hour). 5. Towards the end of the cooking time (about half

an hour before the end) the oven can be turnedup to Gas mark 6/200 o C to help crisp up theskin.

6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and placeon a serving plate. Simply shred the meat and skin from the body

using a fork. The meat should come away with noeffort.

Place in a pancake with a drop of plum sauceand a few pieces of shredded spring onion, roll upand eat! Yum!

Then repeat the process until it has all gone!

Good Gardening by Rosemary Roberts

Iknow it may seem a little late but as this is thefirst issue of the Voice this year I would like towish you all a very happy and prosperous 2014.

Let us hope for a bright, sunny season with just theright amount of rain to keep our flower gardenslooking beautiful and our vegetable plots productive.Wishful thinking in this temperate climate I knowbut let’s be optimistic.

I was doing a little tidying up in a client’sherbaceous border recently and was pleased to seethe shoots of various plants emerging which is aclear indication that spring is on its way. There isplenty to do at this time of year in preparation forthe coming growing season. Leaves and twigs leftin place to protect the crowns of perennial plants cannow be removed. However, watch out forhibernating beneficial insects such as lady birdswhich should be left undisturbed if possible.

At the end of February, the old and dead topgrowth of summer-flowering clematis should bepruned off to fat green buds developing lower on thestems. It is from these buds that this summer’s

flowering shoots will develop. Plant bare-rooted roses, shrubs and hedging

plants while they are still dormant. Therefore, aimto complete your plantings by the end ofFebruary/beginning of March.

The soil in the vegetable garden will probablynot be warm enough for direct seed sowing untilMarch or April. However, if you place a few cloches

over prepared soil now, you’ll be able to warm itsufficiently to sow four to six weeks earlier. Leavingthe cloches in place after sowing will ensure speedygermination and provide shelter from the coldweather.

Broad beans can be started off in pots ormodular trays and placed on a warm brightwindowsill or on greenhouse staging. Once theseedlings have a strong root system they can beplanted outside about 23cm apart. Using the clochesto protect the young plants will help them toestablish and to encourage early flowers and pods.

Finally, go on a snail safari before they emergefrom their winter refuge and eat all your new plants.Search pots, paving slabs, sheds, woodpiles andother places of refuge. Collect the snails up anddispose of them on an area of waste ground or undera hedgerow at least 100m from the garden so theydon’t come back. Happy hunting!

If you have any queries regarding gardening thatI may be able to help you with please do not hesitateto contact me at: rose@ rosegardensplantfairs.co.uk


Interior Designby Carl Johnson of Cheadle

Defining Spaces with Colour

Hello my name is Carl Johnson and Iwould like to welcome you to my newsection on Interior Design Advice. This

month I’m going to take a look at how we canuse colour to define spaces throughout the home.

Whenever you experiment with colour aroundthe home, it’s important to understand the effectsthat certain colours can have on the humanpsyche, here are a few tips to bear in mind:

Red is associatedwith passion, energyand strength, it is themost noticed of allcolours and it isknown to stimulateappetite andconversation whichmakes it the perfectchoice for your diningroom or as an accentcolour in the kitchen.

Orange is a real energy giver, it’s warm, funand full of life, like its cousin red, it is also greatin dining rooms and if used sparingly it can reallyadd something to a lounge area. If you want acolour to expand the size of your room thenorange or maybe a nice burnt orange is just theticket, remember though it must be usedsparingly otherwise it could be too overpowering.

Tip : try adding a few greyaccents for a verysophisticated look.

Yellow is set to be one ofthe hottest colours in homeaccessories for 2014 but thatdoes’t mean that you can’tuse it on the walls too, it is avery uplifting happy colourand also a great way to adda sense of natural light toyour room. Traditionally blue is a great colour to

put with yellow but for asofter effect try a nice dovegrey or a lavender.

Green can be a verytranquil colour and is oftenassociated with balance,harmony and reassurance,but use it with caution as toomuch green can createfeelings of boredom andjealousy, hence the saying“green with envy” .To

counteract this effect, try adding a few blues andturquoises as accent colours.

Blue is a very calm, soothing colour, it is oneof a few colours that is actually said to lowerblood pressure due to the mental effect it has onus. Most of us associate blue with water and so ittends to be a perfect colour for bathrooms andkitchens, if you also add a few carefully chosen

accessories in eitherwhite or yellow it canreally transform theroom.

Purples and Lilacsare my personalfavourites, lilacs areoften described asheavenly and spiritualand therefore perfect forcalm relaxing rooms

such as the lounge. Add in a few carefully chosenpurples in the form of curtains, cushions and rugsand your room will be completely transformedinto a decadent area that literally oozes quality.

Choosing paint can be a bit of a mine fieldbut you will often find that specialist paint shopshave a wealth of information and experience inhelping you to choose the perfect shade or finish,I personally love chalky matt textures and eggshell finishes from paint companies such asFarrow and Ball, Little Greene and DesignersGuild but there are many more excellentcompanies out there to choose from. Try to beadventurous with your colour schemes and stepout of your comfort zone, also don’t be afraid totry a few different shades to add depth andinterest to your finished project.

Next month I will be talking about texturesand how they can be used to add depth andcharacter to your home, until then happydecorating!

Remembering Days gone by... by Owd Ern

The Wild West

Although I am married to a Chaydle girl. Isuddenly realise I do not know a lot about it.With it not having a Cattle market we had no

reason to visit it. But saying that we never visitedLeek either.

My first recollection with its name was when Iwas about four, when my father came back fromPolice duty on Saturday night with Uttoxeter Police.He would say another busy night, the Cheadle boyshit the town, and the cells are full. I do not know if thefighting policy still exists between the two towns. Iknow it does between Uttoxeter and Ashbourne.Father said the policy was for them to turn a pintglass upside down and if any body wanted a fight theychallenged by turning it back up again. A favouriteplace was the Wheatsheaf down Bridge Street( I hearit’s going to be demolished and houses built there)Mrs Barker who ran it then would order them out tofight in the yard. But as the night wore on, even MrsBarker could not control them and fights would breakout in the pub. That would be where the police wouldhave to step in to sort it out. One thing if any bodywants a good bust up in the Sheaf now they wouldperhaps save the demolition job!

I move on a bit now, sad as it may seem, the warhelped to put farming back on its feet. So my dadmanaged to buy a newish car. A rover 14 for twohundred pounds (a wonderful courting car, withplenty of room on the back seat) and so I learnt todrive. I eventually passed my test with one of thetesters stating that “I was a menace to other road

users” still true nowadays, everybody seems to knowme on roundabouts, waving and giving me the V forVictory signs, all very friendly I’m sure!!

Any way I joined Uttoxeter YFC and startedgoing a bit further a field, Stafford, Rugeley andTamworth with my old friend Genty. He said onenight that we should go to Cheadle’s NFU Dance thefollowing Friday night, so put your best bib andtucker on, or else they won’t let us in. This was ofcourse in the famous Guild Hall with one of the bestfloors in the area, nearly as good as TrenthamBallroom. Anyway we had a very nice night, butabout half the ‘Cheadle Cowboys’ tried to gate-crash.Mr Sheally was on the door, a very nice but frailelderly gent, but luckily Mr Jack Johnson was onhand. He was a big man like Desperate Dan and hetold them to clear off. Things seemed to settle downbut the next thing the ‘Cow Boys’ were trying to getthrough the window down the side. By then thePolice had come to sort them out.

When ever the Farmers had a ball ‘Genty’ (whowas my best mate) and I would attend. But one nightafter we had tested the beer, I was sitting recuperatingbehind one of the pillars out of sight, when thisyoung lady came and, as it was a ladies privilegedance asked me if she could have a dance. I took herhome after and thought this is a bit of alright! Butshe made me behave myself. Anyway we startedcourting, but when going to the cinema if the‘Cowboys’ were coming down the street, we had topretend to be looking in a shop window admiring,say the white marble shelves in John Heath Butchers,because if we looked at them they wanted to fight! I

had not gone to Cheadle to fight, far from it!After a year or so of courting we decided to get

wed. I do not remember much about it, only drinkingwith Genty and Woody in, I think The Royal Oakand hearing the Church Bells ringing and thelandlord saying ‘is someone getting married?’ Gentysaid ‘yes, this silly sod!’ I remember no more, but mywife keeps waving this bit of paper at me and sayingit’s our marriage certificate.

A few years back it was our Golden Weddinganniversary, and my wife told me she had aconfession to make, the night she came and asked mefor a dance, the girls she was out with had a ‘draw’and I was the prize! I said ‘how nice’ but then she said‘yes, the booby prize’. Such is life.

One person that really put Cheadle on the mapover a vast area was the late Les Oakes, a foundermember of my North Staffs Dialect Society(membership fee, half a crown or two shillings &sixpence) Les whenever he saw you normally greetedyou with ‘Ow Art!’ I did once read that the Councilin all their wisdom, decided that Les’s wonderfulbuilding’s had got to be demolished. I know myopinion does not matter but they are one of the bestfeatures of Cheadle. In fact I think there should be amonument to Les in Cheadle.

So just Tek Care on thee sensOwd ErnP.S. But dunner worry, I think it is a safer place

now thayn got a Sheriff, and the girls don’t have tobother with ‘draws’ anymore.

If there is nowt in this space, it’s because Nigelhas censored it all out!

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The Mid-ChurnetCraft Club

The Mid-Churnet CraftClub held a ‘BringYour Own Craft’

evening at St Werburgh’sChurch, Kingsley, witheveryone sharing theirresources and eager to learnsomething new.

A Church kneeler isbeing worked between themembers. Nick doing cardmaking, always verypopular, while some of theladies were busy withknitting and crochetingpatterns. Tonight alsocurtain material samplesmade into draft excludersfor sale on the church stall.

The tables were brightlycovered with wool and card.Our members helped eachother and chatted abouttheir news. Refreshmentswere served, which everyonelooked forward to. It was alovely evening and spiritswere lifted.

You don’t have to be aCrafter or live in ourBenefice, several of ourmembers live in other localparishes. If you prefer youcan just turn up for a chatand a cuppa, bring yourown craft, learn a new one,or, if you wish to take upcrafting but don’t knowwhere to start, we will behappy to start you off. Youdon’t need expensive craftmaterials to start craftingeither. You can make itemsto sell in church, or, for asmall fee for materials, youcan take your item home.Everyone is welcome at TheMid-Churnet Craft Club.For certain you will makenew friends!

We hold our meetings inthe evening 6.30pm-8.30pm, (some afternoons 1- 3p.m.) Only £1.00including refreshments.Dates are announced in themagazine, the weekly note-sheet and posters. Next oneTuesday evening 25thFebruary. Call 01538754770 for further details.

Come along, we will bepleased to see you!

‘The RailwayChildren - The Musical’

C.A.T.S. Youth, the newly formed section of C.A.T.S.(Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society) recentlyperformed their debut production of ‘The Railway

Children – The Musical’ based on the much loved novel ofthe same name by E. Nesbit. It was performed at the CheadleCommunity Theatre, at the Cheadle Academy, a few daysbefore Christmas, a welcome alternative to the usualPantomimes in the area.

C.A.T.S. award winning Front of House team welcomedeveryone by dressing as railway folk of the Edwardian era.Patrons had their theatre tickets clipped as they werewelcomed aboard to embark on an amazing adventure,travelling with Bobbie, Phyllis, Peter and the friends they meetas ‘Railway Children.’

Pace and substance were given to the story by the use of‘Toblerones’, a revolutionary form of scenery, whereby threetriple sided columns rotate to give three different scenes.Additional moveable scenery, including two full sized trainswith carriages, were moved on and off the stage as theperformance progressed, much to the delight of the audience.

At the end of the show the audience was invited to singalong with one of the catchiest songs in the show, aptly named‘The Railway Children,’ complete with lyrics on the bigscreen.

This, together with excellent, confident performances bythe sixteen young actors on stage, many of whom had neverpreviously performed in such a large production, made for amost enjoyable evening. Other young people, working behindthe scenes, mentored by regular C.A.T.S. members, learned alot about putting on a production and producing a greatshow.

Alan R Price, the Director of ‘The Railway Children – TheMusical’ said afterwards “I was delighted with the way thatthe ‘Youth Section’ had taken on board all aspects involved inputting on the production.” Alan was sure, by the reaction ofthe audience at the end of both performances, that they haddefinitely received an unexpected feel good factor at the startof the festive season.

Alan is hoping to that C.A.T.S. Youth will put on anothershow in the summer.For many years the audiences of Cheadle

and the surrounding area have beentreated to C.A.T.S. (Cheadle Amateur

Theatrical Society’s) annual pantomime. Thisyear will be no exception.

The 2014 Pantomime is ‘Aladdin and hisMagic Lamp,’ written and directed byC.A.T.S. award winning director Alan RPrice. This is the second time Alan has writtenand directed ‘Aladdin,’ the first time being in2004.

Alan has written and directed manyPantomimes over the years for C.A.T.S.Although he has taken a break for the lastfew years, Alan has continued to share hisexpertise and assist from the sidelines.

As in previous productions, Alan will bestaging a truly traditional Pantomime,complete with colourful scenery, outrageouscostumes, plenty of fun and laughter (forboth cast and audience), together with agenerous sprinkling of audienceparticipation. Oh yes he will!!

Following the traditional story, Aladdinlives with his mother Widow Twankey in OldPeking, Aladdin goes in search of a MagicLamp, which he hopes will make him hisfortune, overcome evil and win the heart ofthe beautiful ‘Princess Lotus Blossom.’ Alanhas also written in plenty of extra characterswhich all go to make up a spectacular showfor both the young and young at heart.

C.A.T.S. is always proud to put ontraditional pantomimes, using a male as aDame and a female as Principal Boy. Leadroles this year are played by the versatile, yetunpredictable Ian Wood as ‘Widow Twankey,’Caroline Stokes as ‘Aladdin,’ Dan Ede ‘as theevil ‘Abanazar’ and Michelle Plant as ‘LotusBlossom.’ Further comedy will be providedby Jason Greenwood as ‘Wishee Washee.’ Themain cast will be complemented by manyother members of C.A.T.S. ranging from theage of 11 years old upwards.

Alan has included many crowd pleasingfeatures into the Pantomime, including atraditional magical flying carpet scene whichwill amaze the audience, complete with a jawdropping ultra violet scene.

‘Aladdin and his Magic Lamp’ will beperformed at The Cheadle CommunityTheatre, The Cheadle Academy, StationRoad, Cheadle, from Wednesday 19th toSaturday 22nd February at 7.00pm.

For an entertaining family night out, at anaffordable price, tickets are on sale now.Priced at £7 adults and £5 concessions ticketsare available from Cheadle Dry Cleaners,Crafty Urchins, Nusyte Opticians andSomething Special (all in the High StreetCheadle) and The Cheadle and Tean Times.

Visit C.A.T.S. website at www.cheadle-cats.org.uk or call Secretary Jenny Price on01538 751173 for more details.

‘Aladdin and HisMagic Lamp’


My Weight LossStory and AfterHi my name is Tracey

Pickford, I am avegetarian & love

Running, I have lost 4 st 12.5lbswhich I started in Jan 2012 &reached Goal May 2013. Ibecame a Weight WatchersLeader in July 2013, Mymeetings are:- Cheadle GuildHall 6 pm Monday, Alton 6.30pm Tuesday St Peters School,Leek 9.30 & 6 pm SalvationArmy.

From the age of 16 I havealways dieted and I have alwaysgone to Weight Watchers, butsomething happened in my lifeand I fell off the wagon, put theweight back on and morebesides! Why do we do it toourselves?? I am an emotionaleater as well as a grazer and Ihave really had to re-educatemy-self, to step away from thevices that I reached for tocomfort me - they were Snickersand Mars Bars - I could quite easily sit and eat at least 5-6 and not stopthere unless I really made myself.

I swapped the Mars and Snckers Bars for Grapes, chopped Melon or anysweet fruit, I always had these in the fridge to munch on when I felt theneed to pick...

When I decided I wanted to lose my weight for good, I had missed themilestone of doing it before at the age of 40, and I as 42 and at a size of 20-22, weighing in at 14st 7lbs and feeling very fed up & ashamed of myselfthat I let myself get in to a state that I had. My husband now, had been verypoorly and this really brought us to reality. So I made the decision to joinWeight Watchers, Rodger really gave me support after a few weeks of re-educating ourselves with measuring all our things & me weighing my meals& portions we realised one huge thing of what I was doing wrong, I waseating portion sizes like Rodger & realised that I really didn’t need this, itreally made a difference, I adapt to eating wholemeal pasta, rice and breadas these kept me fuller for longer, hence preventing me from wanting tosnack in between meals.

One of my other changes I made to my life, was increasing my exercise,the Day I went back to WW I started to walk around my housing estate,just 30 mins each day, I did this every day, I was walking round 4 lapswhich I now know equated to approx 4 miles!!!! Once I had lost some ofmy weight I started to power walk & before I knew it I was runningaround, something I had loved doing but not done for a very long time as Ihad not been able to do I never had any energy for housework let alone any

running... By now I had had lots of

compliments that I was doing sogood, & some people called me“the shrinking lady”. My aimwas to be able to run aMarathon, last year I ranBirmginham Bupa Half, I didthis in 2:11:32 I had done sometraining runs & beat my timesso I was so chuffed &overwhelmed. I achieved somuch in 2013, Getting to Goal!

Becoming a Weight WatchersLeader, I am so proud and I lovethe fact I get to help all thosethat want to achieve there goals!I got Married in August!

For 2014 I am looking to runChester Marathon in October!

My Dream to complete thiswill be such an achievement forme. So come & join me in mymeetings and let me help youachieve your goals!

You have dreams - everyonehas dreams - and you knowwhat? You can achieve them too- join Weight Watchers now!

Monday Cheadle @ Guild Hall, Tape Street 6pm with TraceyTuesday – Cheadle @ Guild Hall, Tape Street – 10am with FrancesTuesday – Leek @Westwood Golf Club, Newcastle Road – 10amy @ ,with JulieTuesday – Leek @Westwood Golf Club, Newcastle Road – 4.30pm& 6pm with RachaelTuesday Alton @ St Peters School 6.30pm with TraceyWednesday – Uttoxeter @Wilfred House, Carter Street – 6pm withFrancesThursday Leek @ Salvation Army, Salisbury Street 9.30am & 6pmwith TraceyTh d Utt t @Wilf d H C t St t 10 ithThursday – Uttoxeter @Wilfred House, Carter Street – 10am withFrancesFriday Chell Heath @ Bradeley Community Centre 9.30 am withTracey



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Talking Pets by Shoshannah McCarthy BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS

Shosh qualified from the Royal Veterinary College inLondon, and has been working as a small animal vet atBlue House Veterinary Centre in Biddulph since 2009.She is owned by a 14-year-old cat called Orange Cat.

Do you have more than one cat?

Imagine that you live in a house which you are forcedto share with a stranger. I know the premise soundslike Big Brother, but the contestants on that show are

there (at least we are led to believe) of their own volition.In this house there is only one bed, only one toilet andmeals are served at a small, intimate table with just twochairs. You must share a bed and bathroom with youranonymous housemate. You must eat your mealstogether, tête-à-tête.

Maybe over time you get to know and like thisperson and things turn out all right. What if you don’t?What if a third, or even a fourth, stranger comes in, andyou all end up having to cram into the bed, or queue forthe toilet, or compete for helpings at dinner? Would youfeel stressed living like this every day?

Okay, so this is a rather artificial situation; but it isnot that different to the circumstances in which manyof our domestic cats find themselves every day.

Cats, unlike dogs and humans, are not a naturallysocial species. With some exceptions, they tend not tolive in groups; they have no natural system of socialhierarchy and there is no such thing as a ‘dominant’ cat.They are not well-equipped to live closely with othercats, and some can become stressed when their lifestylenecessitates this.

Stress is a major problem for domestic cats. It canlead to medical conditions such as cystitis, overgroomingand vomiting. Some may behave aggressively or spend alot of time hiding. Some will overeat; others will stopeating. Some cats show no obvious outward signs at all,which is why they get missed. But it does not mean theyare not suffering from stress.

Being aware of any potential problems is the firststep. Can you tell if your cats are content livingtogether? They may share a bed or sofa. But do they curlup together or do they sleep apart, perhaps facing awayfrom each other? Back in our hypothetical household,how would you sleep if you had to share that one bedwith a stranger? Cats will share resources such as food,litter trays and a comfortable place to sleep because theyhave to. But this should not be mistaken as their choice.

Multi-cat households can, and do, work in the rightsetting. Related cats in particular get on better as a rule,as do those introduced as kittens (cats mature sociallyaround 3-4 years of age). And cats whose environmentis set up to cater for multiple cats tend to be happier andless stressed.

Fine-tuning our expectations is important.Sometimes our cats will get on well with one another,but if they don’t: DO NOT PANIC. Don’t try and ‘forcethem’ together. Nobody has ‘failed’ if the cats in theirhousehold seem to dislike each other; it’s natural. Mycat lives alone nowadays, but when he shared a housewith other cats he hated it! He once spent severalmonths hiding upstairs, and he used to get into fightswith one of the other cats every single time they met inthe kitchen.

So, now imagine the house you share with thestranger is laid out differently. You have your own beds,there is more than one bathroom and you are free totake your meals separately. Suddenly, the livingarrangements would seem more bearable – especially ifyou didn’t get on with one another. Maybe, in this lesspressured environment, you might actually get on a littlebetter. How can we recreate this for our cats and easethe pressure on them?

The answer is to give them every opportunity to livecompletely separate lives under the same roof, if that iswhat they want to do. Give them the choice – if they dodecide they want to share resources after all, at least it’sup to them. And we all know how choosy cats can be!

1. Place more litter trays. International Cat Care (ICC;formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau) advises onetray per cat, plus one extra. This may mean you haveseveral litter trays around your house, but it willimprove your cat’s wellbeing no end. Outdoor catsdo not share latrines with other cats and those livingindoors would prefer not to either. Being able to goto the toilet in private, without having to run thegauntlet past other cats every time, will be a lot lessstressful for them.

2. Create ‘feeding stations’. Most of us feed our catsfrom separate bowls, but try to go one step further.Give them the opportunity to enjoy their meals inprivate by feeding them in completely differentplaces. Ideally the feeding stations should not bewithin view of each other – try feeding the cats indifferent rooms, or make use of different levels suchas worktops.

3. Provide as many beds and hiding places as possible.Many cats, given the choice, would prefer not toshare the sofa. Give them that choice and allow themas much access to sleeping areas as possible (maybethey sleep on your furniture, or maybe you providespecific cat beds). Remember that cats feel safest ata height, so providing sleeping areas at differentlevels can be helpful.

4. Pheromone plug-ins such as Feliway can be veryuseful. They work by mimicking the naturalpheromones cats use to make themselves feel securein their environment when they rub their facesaround the place. Plugging one or more of these inaround your home can help reduce feline stress. You can always speak to your vet or veterinary nurse

about helping your cats cope better when living as agroup. There is also a lot more in-depth information,including a guide on making a house map and settingup your home for more than one cat, on the ICC websiteat www.icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-happy/multi-cat-households-and-how-survive-them

By Dorothy Finlayson

…about Quakers? One of many popularmisconceptions is that Quakers were conscientiousobjectors during both World Wars. Whilst it is truethat many chose not to fight, this is not the wholestory…

World War I began on 4th August 1914 andshortly afterwards a group of youngFriends (the other name for Quakers is the

Religious Society of Friends) worked on the idea ofan ambulance unit. They were convinced thatambulance services would be woefully inadequateand that offering such assistance could save manylives and enable conscientious objectors to make avital contribution. There was no conscription at thattime so none of them had to get involved – theirresponse came from a commitment to participate ina non-violent way. And so the Friends AmbulanceUnit (FAU) was formed.

The FAU expanded as the needs grew and manynon-Quakers joined. There were two sections: theForeign Service which worked on a programme ofrelief in mainland Europe and the Home Servicewhich helped to run hospitals in England. Twohospitals were in Quaker buildings – one in part ofthe Rowntree factory in York, the other in aCadbury house in Birmingham. In August 1916 theMilitary Conscription Act provided a sudden influxof conscientious objectors and by 1918 there wereover 1,300 people working in the service with muchof the funding coming from Quakers. After theArmistice, the Unit worked for another year oncivilian relief and repatriation.

In September 1939, the FAU was re-formed

with the intention of again enabling conscientiousobjectors to serve in a non-violent capacity. As inWWI, members of the FAU worked in hospitalsacross England, in mainland Europe and as faraway as Ethiopia, India & China whilst the FriendsRelief Service (FRS) addressed civilian distress firstfrom bombing and evacuation in Britain then, in thewake of fighting, in Europe and farther afieldHowever, not all Quakers registered as ‘conchies’,some seeing no alternative to active service.

In 1947 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded tothe Religious Society of Friends worldwide for itsrelief work during and after both World Wars. Partof the citation reads: ‘It is the silent help from thenameless to the nameless which is the Quakercontribution to the promotion of brotherhoodamong nations’. In July 2013 the Quaker ServiceMemorial was inaugurated at the NationalMemorial Arboretum at Alrewas to commemoratework undertaken in a spirit of peace at a time ofwar. The FAU is also featured in the QuakerTapestry, a modern narrative embroiderycomprising 77 panels (housed in the Meeting HouseExhibition Centre in Kendal) which charts thehistory of Quakers.

I hope, during a series of articles, to tell youmore about Quakers who adhere to simplicity andintegrity and work quietly in the background for thecauses of social justice, equality, sustainability andpeace. In the meantime, if you would like to findout more for yourself visit www.quakers.org.uk orcome along to Uttoxeter’s Quaker Meeting House,tucked away behind 39 Carter Street, at 10.45amany Sunday. You do not have to be a Quaker. Youwill be very welcome.


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The good old daysCan you identify the faces and locations?See Page 48 for some of the names to the faces.

URGENTLY REQUIREDIf you have any photos that you think may be of interestto our readers of this page please feel free to drop theminto Lavins Printers, High Street, Uttoxeter who will scanthem while you wait and let you have them straightback. They will then pass them on to us for publication.

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Photo Credits: 1, 2, 9 & 10 Steve Lavin, Uttoxeter. 3 Ivy Brunt of Tean. 4 & 5 Marcia Titterton of Cheadle. 6 Eddie & Barbara McCausland of Cheadle.7 Marianne Langridge (nee Bevan) of Uttoxeter. 8 Tony ‘Twink’ Hollins of Uttoxeter.



Let The Voice Be With Youby Les Humphries of Rocester

Abelated Happy New Year to you all. I amafraid that much of my offering is belatedalso, due to the fact that I missed the deadline

for the Christmas issue of ‘The Voice.’ As there wasmuch I would like to still include, please bear withme.

The final quarter of 2013 was a busy time foryours truly, with concerts, parades, and sadlyfunerals, all coming in one lump as it were in the runup to Christmas, not to mention becoming a greatgranddad for the second time for good measure,when my granddaughter Emma and her partnerJonathan provided Harley with a little brother, whenthey became proud parents to baby Morgan, whoweighed in at 9lbs 7ozs on the 28th of October.

Since I wrote my original article, my good ladySandra has opted out of Job Seekers due to thehassle. Having taken voluntary redundancy fromAbbots Bromley School for Girls after 19 years loyalservice, she has joined the ranks of the unemployed.I accompanied her on a couple of occasions toStafford to ‘sign on’ and what a performance!Having been given a time slot, you get to the door ofthe Job Centre, where a couple of chaps who looklike bouncers in high viz jackets direct you upstairs.

When you reach the first floor landing, anothercharacter who you wouldn’t buy a used car from,checks your credentials then lets you into a largeroom where you sit on a seat in the middle foranything up to twenty minutes, surrounded by desksand high visibility clad personages, none seeming todo a great lot. Finally you are called to a desk whereyou sign on, then you are literally shown the doorby another High Viz , and youexit via the back stairs and comeout on the other side of thebuilding. It’s easier to get intoSudbury Prison.

This performance happensonce a fortnight, and once amonth she had to go for a grillingto see why she hadn’t taken a jobmiles away, making her feel like acriminal, with no sympathyshown for her disability whichrestricts what she can do, untileventually she had enough andtold them to stuff their jobseekers where the monkey stuffshis nuts!

With not enough work to goround any more and still morecuts being the order of the day, Ifind it very sad for people,particularly youngsters, whocan’t get a job any more. When Ileft school at 15, I had alreadyenlisted in the Regular Army, andhad been sworn in as a boysoldier, but was unable to gountil my 15th Birthday. It was allI had ever wanted to do from asmall boy, and I finally arrived at No.6 (Boys)Training Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals inNewton Abbott, South Devon, on New Years Eve1956. It was barely 11 years after World War Twohad ended and just a couple of years after theKorean conflict. But in those days everyone (whowanted them) had jobs. and Europeans wereregarded as foreigners rather than bedfellows. Howtimes have changed, youngsters no longer have thosekind of expectations when they leave school, andthey can’t all afford to go to University and have gapyears.

I agree with the person who said ‘all politiciansshould be made to take a REAL job before they areallowed to go into politics, especially chancellors, so

they would at least have a small understanding ofhow us ordinary mortals live. I am afraid I don’t feelany empathy with any of them.

I mentioned funerals earlier, and I had a sad timewith them at the back end of 2013 with three wellliked aquaintances of mine being taken into thehereafter. The first being the always immaculateMelvin (Mel) Robbins, a former Grenadier GuardsSergeant, who had been our Royal British Legionbranch secretary at Denstone, until illness struck himdown several years ago, which left a huge void inour branch, as Mel had been such an activefirebrand. Tributes were paid in all Saints ChurchDenstone by members of his family, including hisbrother David who is also an ex-Grenadier Sergeant.Many of Mels former friends and colleagues fromthe Grenadier Guards Association were present,along with our branch members. I was proud toparade our Standard alongside the GrenadierGuards Standard Bearer and a young guardsman inhis scarlet tunic and bearskin. Mel will be sadlymissed by us all.,

The second was Eric Smith a giant of a man, andWorld War Two Royal Navy veteran, known in hisyounger days at JCB as Cheyenne, after the bigcowboy television character - Cheyenne Bodie. Ericspent his final years at JCB on the security staffbased in the Gatehouse following a heart problem.Since retirement in latter years Eric was furtherstruck down with cancer. None the less he was stillan enthusiastic member of The Royal NavalAssociation, whose members along with his family,attended his funeral in St. Michaels, Rocester in

large numbers. The R.N Standard Bearerand myself paraded our colours, anddipped to the last post at the end of theproceedings, before escorting the burialparty to the Lych Gate. I shall miss ourtop of the street chats when we used toput the world to rights.

The third Bernard (Ranji) Bullockwas a neighbour of almost 50 years, andanother JCB colleague, where for manyyears he ran the ram shop. Although hehad suffered bad health, and been in carefor the last few years of his life, Ranjiwas always a larger than life character,never wearing a coat in even the worstconditions, simply carrying a dry tee shirtto change into at work when it wasraining. Before his illness and since hisretirement, Ranji would regularly be seenwalking to Uttoxeter with a neighboursdog, and since he was so well known,people would sound their car horns asthey passed him. Ranji would simplywave his arm in the air, not having a cluewho was at the wheel. His personalitywill be much missed in the village. I amhappy to say his widow Bella is still myneighbour, and thankfully receives goodsupport from her family.

Remembrance Sunday once again saw ourbranch on Church Parade at All Saints Denstone,followed by the Last Post and Revellie at the WarMemorial. Filling in on trumpet for our usual blowerMatt Pope, was one of his students Rachael Hayesfrom Tean. Rachael and I then moved to St. Michaelsat Rocester where for the second time she wasexcellent. If you are reading this Rachael - thank youfor a job well done, it was very much appreciated.

The Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir held their20th anniversary Concert in Alton Village Hall,supported by guests to provide a full evening ofsong, which was well received by all. We followedthis with a concert in Cheadle Guild Hall for thepensioners, and the usual Lask Edge Remembrance

d ay Service on Sunday afternoon.A Musical Evening in St. Michaels Church Stone

followed where we were one act on another fullevening of music. Unfortunately the Church wasabsolutely freezing, so we all had to smile like realtroupers, whilst hanging on to our privates! Ourconcerts ended for the year with an afternoonChristmas session in the foyer of HaywardsHospital Tunstall. We then had our usual gettogether in the pub with our spouses (noshprovided) the week before Christmas, where we alsosaid goodbye to Ron Aston, one of our top tenorswho has decided to call it a day - ANY TENORSOUT THERE LOOKING FOR A CHOIR?

Congratulations to Widow Yvonne, and widowerGordon, who have found happiness together late inlife, and tied the knot in St. Michaels ChurchRocester on the 25th of November, becoming Mr.and Mrs. Hallam. Gordon, who is a day older thanme, has been a long time member of our churchchoir. Well done you two.

Uttoxeter Rugby Clubs injury hit list continuesto grow as they continue with their up and downseason which started brilliantly, but has run out ofsteam of late due to their lack of strength in depthwhich has seen some heavy defeats latterly.Thankfully they are unlikely to get into therelegation zone, so they should be able toconsolidate a mid table position.. I watched themplay Eccleshall in December on VP,s day, and theiryoung side took victory, But although superior onthe day they made heavy weather of the proceedingsthrough not having enough old heads in the squad toslow things down and prevent white line fever. I hadthe honour of selecting man of the match, which Igave to skipper Pete Allen for leading from the front.

Work has begun on the new roundabout systemat Rocester Crossroads, and is causing the predictedchaos at certain times of the day. Churnet Bridge hasbeen made one way, so you can enter the village viait, but leave the village from the other end. Of courseyou still get the idiots who either can’t read, or thinkit doesn’t apply to them and try to drive into thetraffic on the filter.

My wife Sandra and I were leading a stream ofcars into the village just after dark, only to come faceto face on top of the bridge with a car coming in thewrong direction. It turned out to be a silly rudewoman, who reversed but remained on the bridge.Sandra wound her window down and told her itwas one way. “I moved aside for you” she saidsnottily, so Sandra replied “Yes, but it’s a one waysystem.” ‘Go away’ said the woman, so Sandrasuggested she do likewise, and we drove off becausewe were holding up the traffic. A few days later somefriends of our had a similar experience, althoughthey did not stop and speak, but as a police car wasjust behind them they assumed the law would havesomething to say, but alas they drove straight past. Iwould have thought a fine and a few points on thelicence would have been in order.

Finally, wasn’t television disappointing overChristmas? The best programmes (apart from Mrs.Browns Boys) were over 30 years old. The TwoRonnies, and Morecombe and Wise etc(sorry MickHarper). The best quote of Christmas came fromMrs. Brown - Winnie (looking at a brochure) “Youneed a visa to enter Jordan” Mrs.Brown “She’sgetting ------- choosey!”

The best New Year quote for me came from acommentator on match of the day at a Cardiffmatch when the camera zoomed on to the crowdshowing the City owner with his new prospectivemanager. The commentator said “ There’s Tan andOlly, let’s hope it won’t be another fine mess!” whichI’m sure endeared him to all Laurel and Hardy fans.

Ranji wasalways alarger than lifecharacter,never wearinga coat in eventhe worstconditions,simplycarrying a drytee shirt tochange into atwork when itwas raining.

Pete’s Treats - Let’s Bake!by Pete Rowley

Apple Brown Betty

Serves 4 – Prep Time 30mins – Cook 35-45mins.

Equipment:1.2 Litre (2 Pint) Baking Dish

Ingredients:For the Topping:85g (3oz) Butter175g (6oz) Fresh Breadcrumbs

For The Filling:900g (2lbs) Apples (Bramley, Granny Smith orGolden Delicious)85g (3oz) Soft Brown Sugar1 tsp Ground CinnamonHalf tsp Mixed SpiceZest of 1 Lemon2tbsp Lemon Juice1tsp Vanilla Extract

Method:

1 Preheat Oven to 180˚c (350˚f, Gas 4). For thetopping, melt the butter in a saucepan and addthe breadcrumbs and mix well.

2. For the Filling, peel, quarter and core the apples,cut each quarter into slices and place in a bowl.Add the sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice, lemonzest and lemon juice, vanilla extract and mixwell.

3. Put half the apple mixture into the baking dish,cover with half the breadcrumbs, then put in therest of the apples and top with the remainingbreadcrumbs.

4. Bake for 35-45 minutes, check after 35 minutesif it is getting too brown. Reduce oventemperature to 160˚c and cover with tin foil. It iscooked when the crumbs are golden brown andthe apples soft.

Serve warm with custard or whipped cream.Enjoy...


Povey’s PeopleBy Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott

Owd Grandad Piggott stood in the bar ofTummy Dawkins’s pub wearing an aloofexpression on his unshaven countenance.

‘What at they lookin ser smug abite?’, ventured‘Way’ve got a Lord comin’ stop with uzz’, he saidloftily, raising his little finger as he lifted his pint pot bythe handle with some difficulty. The whole of the pubwent quiet. Little Nelly, who served the beer stoodopen mouthed.

‘Eh? Who??’, she gasped.‘Ay’s neem Lord Oliver Fawcett Pendleton, the

second Earl of Brocklemead…. an’ ay’s comin’ stop atar ice!’, expounded Owd Grandad Piggott.

‘Ay’s bin practicing’ that!’, muttered NostrilsMoffitt, but the pub stayed quiet as it sank in. Thenext day, I bumped into Owd Grandad Piggott in thestreet and challenged him.

‘Who’s this Lord Brocklebank or whatever ‘is nameis?’ I asked him.

‘Lord Brocklemead’, he corrected me. ‘Me misses’ssecond cousin used work for th’family an’ ay’s atOxford University. Ay’s comin’ ter Stoke ter do astudy on dysentery an’ ay wants someweer ter stay….an’ ay’s comin stay with uzz’ A later check withGrandma Piggott revealed that Lord Brocklemead wasindeed coming to stay with them for a time while hedid a dissitation on the decline of the pottery industry.Owd Grandad Piggott and his missus became instantcelebrities and he wasn’t slow in taking the kudos thatit entailed. He bought himself a new pair of boots andstarted smoking Senior Service cigarettes and therewas no living with him in Tummy Dawkins’s pub as hebragged about his association with Lord OliverFawcett Pendleton the second Earl of Brocklemead.

Then one Monday morning, his lordship turnedup.

Hilda Aspinall at the shop had bought in aquantity of union jack flags and the street was full aseverybody eagerly anticipated the arrival of the

aristocrat, presumably in a Rolls Royce. Nobodynoticed therefore when a scruffy wild hairedindividual with holes in his jeans, dragging a batteredguitar slunk round the corner and headed purposefullyto The Piggotts’ house where he let himself in throughthe front door and took up residence in owd grandad’schair. Half an hour later when no Rolls Royce hadturned up, Owd Grandad Piggott went back into thehouse to find Lord Brocklemead sprawled in hisarmchair with six rounds of toast up his arm and anempty butter dish on the table.

‘Howdy dude’, greeted the visitor cordially, risingto shake hands but careful not to drop his toast. Insomewhat of a daze, Owd Grandad took the proferredelegant hand.

‘Oliver Pendleton of Brocklemead’, he introducedhimself in cultured tones. ‘Call me Olly…. I say, haveyou anymore batter?’

Owd Grandad explained sarcastically that theydidn’t happen to have anymore ‘batter’ but there wasa lump of lard in the pantry if he needed something tospread onto his toast.

‘....Or if thee wantst, goo rind Perce Locketts unex ‘im if ay’s gorrer birrer drippin’ spare.’ Oliverdeclined the offer but went to Hilda Aspinall’s shopand bought a pack of butter, ‘bought’ in the vaguestsense of the word because he made no attempt to payfor it. Paying cash was below his lordship andconsidered vulgar. After two days, he had expertlyreduced Owd Grandad Piggott to a skivvy and hismisses to a skivvy’s forehead wiper and as LordBrocklemead sauntered out of the house to ‘seekinspiration’, he pointed a gnarly finger at hisdisappearing back.

‘Ay’s one fer th’bloody road ay is’, Owd Grandadfumed. ‘What did ‘is last bloody servant die of?? Aranna standin’ fer this! Ar’l ‘ave ‘im gone be Fridee –they sey if ar dunner!

Later that afternoon, when Oliver deigned to come

home, he sprawled in Owd Grandad Piggott’s chairand rolled a cigarette – or what looked like a cigarette.It resembled a cross between a cigar and somethingyou would find if you followed a great dane down theroad. Half an hour later, Owd Grandad Piggottarrived home from the bookies and wrinkled his nose.

‘WHAT’S BURNIN??’, he bellowed ‘Just a bit of weed old bean’, answered Oliver

lazily.‘It smells lark owd triser be’inds’, shouted Owd

grandad Piggott, ‘Ay – ar dunner want thee smokin’none o’ that sock rottin’ stuff in ‘ere... they’t get mayarrested.... arm in enough piggin’ trouble with the lawas it is....’ Oliver asked what was for tea.

‘Brawn an’ chips with thray oxos on it... specialNorth Staffordshire delicacy’ Said Grandma Piggott.Oliver didn’t know what brawn was and when themeal was thrown in front of him, he wasn’t overstruckon it. The oxos flavoured it up considerably but itgave him indigestion. The next day’s tea was even lessattractive. Boiled pigs feet in onions with anotherthree or four oxos and the musical accompaniment ofOwd Grandad Piggott sucking at the bones made LordBrocklemead feel quite ill but it was the meal the nextday that finished him. Owd Grandad Piggott had astanding order with Bet Tansley in Meir for a pound oftripe every Thursday and when he threw it on thetable, Lord Brocklemead’s top lip curled up inderision.

‘What the hell’s that? It smells bladdy awful.’‘Trarp’, said Owd Grandad. ‘They putst sowt un

vinegar on it un gerrit dine thee neck with a couple o’rinds o’ bread an’ butter...do thee a world o’ good!

‘Ugh!’ ejaculated Oliver and headed for the door atnine miles a second. Five minutes later, he was in thechip shop.

He should have spent the next morning atwedgwoods but at half past nine, he was waiting forthe train on Stoke station and Owd Grandad Piggottwas doing a war dance along the street – until HildaAspinall collared him for half a pound of butter thatneeded to be paid for. That was the end of Lord OliverFawcett-Pendleton, the second earl of Brocklemeadand his dissitation on the demise of the potteryindustry. We heard sometime after that he wasstudying the effects that tripe and pigs feet had on thehuman constitution.

Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into ourlocal life and its many characters.

His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully willbring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.

This month: Lord Brocklemead


JCB has scored a hit with the local sporting community by signing a kit sponsorship dealwith Uttoxeter Rugby Club.

The sponsorship agreed with JCB Industrial – which manufactures the versatile JCBTeletruk forklift at JCB Utility Products in Cheadle – has paid for brand new tracksuits for thefirst team squad. The words ‘JCB Teletruk’ have also been emblazoned onto the back of thetracksuit jackets, which will be worn by players on match days.

The in-form rugby union club were promoted last year and play in the Midlands 3 West(North) league. They are now looking to convert their high profile link-up with JCB intofurther commercial interest and into attracting new members.

Fifteen JCB employees currently play for Uttoxeter – which has a total of 40 members.Many more of their colleagues hold positions on the club’s committee or are former players.

JCB Sales Business Development Manager Paul Milward, the rugby club’s social andsponsorship secretary, said: “There is already a big employee association with the rugby cluband it is fantastic news that JCB has agreed to this sponsorship.”

Paul, who also plays scrum-half, added: “The club is doing very well and has followed uppromotion with a great first half of the season in the new league. The new track suits are eye-catching and with JCB’s backing we are now hoping to better promote the club, bring in newplayers and open doors to new opportunities.”

JCB Industrial General Manager Nicola Bagworth hands over the JCB track suits to JCBemployee and Uttoxeter Rugby Club player Paul Milward. Pictured back row (left to right)are JCB employees and players James Williams, James Gill and Dave Chell.

JCB sponsorship boost for Uttoxeter Rugby Club

Cheadle Cricket Club FC

Three Tuns FC FC

Local Football Teams


Bake’s Memoirsby Neil Baker, Crewe Alexandra FC Assistant Manager and local sporting legend

Sunday football was particularly strong in theMoorlands around the mid to late seventies.Cheadle United, Bulls Head from Leek andSwan

Rangers based in Baddeley Green were the teams atthe forefront when honours were handed out at theend of the season. Once Cheadle moved into thePotteries and district league Cauldon Lowe wereanother force in the league. There were other decentteams around, Saint Marys, Churnetside, SaintEdwards and Blue Circle on their day would providethe top teams with a difficult game and most weeksyou at to be around your best to win the game.

Swan Rangers were recognised as probably thebest footballing team on their day, with a goodgoalkeeper in Brassington, top midfield players inNigel Wint, Terry Hall and strikers, Bruce Green andJohn Heath if they hit top form you were in trouble,though they probably lacked the strength and powerof both Cheadle and Bulls Head. Ive mentionedCheadle many times before in the column, this timeim concentrating on the Leek side of the Moorlands topick a select team.

Four goalkeepers straight away come to mind.Dave Weaver was an outstanding shot stopper, not thebiggest, if he had have been he would have played a lothigher, brave, made fantastic saves and his left footprovided excellent distribution to his forwards. ChrisNaden was another class goalkeeper in his day, readthe game well which meant he didn’t have to throwhimself around his goal, a calm temperament helpeddefenders around him. This was also a quality of mynext contender, Brian McCarthy, played for BlueCircle ,an experienced custodian, hard to find aweakness in his game. My selection is Mark Brindley,played for me at Leek Town, a Cauldon Lowestalwart. Had a great presence about him, took thecrosses and agile enough to make saves in the top andbottom corner, you wouldn’t want to face Mark in a1 v 1 situation.

A number of my select team would be described asutility players today, players that could play indifferent positions. Full backs I considered were PaulCampion, wherever he played, both full back positionsand filled in at centre half, in his later years he playedup front, the ultimate utility player. MartinAusterberry was a cultured full back, at home on theright or left, a seven out of ten every week. ChrisBrough, another who comes into contention, hard in

the tackle, a good footballer who you always wantedon your side. The two full backs im picking are, atright back Barry Tomlinson, played at Ball HayeGreen and Churnetside for many years, loyal to both.Comfortable in any position, maybe even better inmidfield and centre half and you wouldn’t be tooconcerned if he was playing up front for you, asconsistent as they came. At left back, Stuart Corden,another who I think started as a striker but settled into become a very good full back. Strong and as toughas they were in those days, though this mustn’t hidehis ability.

The centre halves were possibly the hardest pickof the side. In previous columns I have highlighted thenumber of really good centre backs this area haveproduced over a long period of time. My first choiceis Les Lowe, a powerful, dominant defender. Excellentin the air, a leader who I would make captain of theteam. I played alongside Les at the Bulls Head, hemade my role much easier, he organised the team andif he said something, you listened. Alongside him imgoing for Ron Jones, a dual purpose player whoplayed a lot of his football at centre forward andscored goals later in his career. A lovely man, like Lesterrific in the air, good in both boxes, they would be aformidable pairing both attacking and defending setplays.

Now the engine room of the team, midfield. I’vegot five outstanding players to pick from, a nightmareto select two but what a position to be in. Gary Plantwould be in most peoples team. Elegant on the ball,great range of passes, a free kick expert who also gothis fair share of goals from midfield. At this time therewas a Leek and district representative side, I and PeterMachin from Buxton Nomads were fortunate enoughto be made joint team managers of this team. We gottogether to pick a squad and our first thought was toselect a captain. We both came up with the same name,Dennis Brindley. Ive had some battles on the pitchwith Dennis and you always knew you had playedagainst him but he could also play. A never say dieattitude was his trademark, he drove the team on, anoutstanding player. John Walton was another playerin this mould, a really fit player who got around thepitch he made, scored and stopped goals. He led byexample, the complete midfield player. These threedon’t start in my team, which tells you how good itwould have been, if the two I’m about to mention are

for any reason unavailable then their replacementswouldn’t weaken the team. They are, Mick Wallace,what a talent, a real playmaker. He would make theteam tick, get on the ball, spread it around then be inthe box to convert the cross and alongside Terry Ryanthey would be unstoppable. A right and left footerthey would provide great balance to the team. Terrywas a silky player, protected and passed the ball well,a wand of a left foot, competitive and he also madeand scored goals, what a dream pairing.

Onto my wide players. On the left, Alan Pickering,an old fashioned winger who scored a lot of goals inthat position. It was and still is unusual for a wingerto score the amount of goals that Alan did, he alsoprovided goals for the team. Quick, direct who couldgo on the outside to cross balls into the penalty area,a real team player. On the right, Charlie Talks, Charlieat the moment is recovering from a long and seriousoperation but with his fighting qualities now needed,those of us who played with him know he wont befound wanting in this department. I could easily havepicked him in midfield where he played most of hisfootball. I remember him as a flying winger, difficult todefend against. He could pinpoint his crosses, link upand score, another player who never came off thepitch giving less than his best. Charlie we all wish youwell and hope youre well again soon.

Now the strikers, my first Russ Scragg, the finestheader of the ball this area has produced. He wasvirtually unstoppable in the air, had a bullet of a shotin either foot and led the line with a great appetite. Hewas a centre forward that most centre halves wouldleast like to mark. Alongside him, the most completeplayer I have ever played with, Gary Talks. Started hiscareer at Port Vale as a left back and could have got inmy team there, he played centre half and was excellentin midfield but he plays as close to the opposition goalas I can get him in my side. Great control, two footed,good in the air. Another with a superb attitudetowards the game, in fact all the players I havementioned had this trait, else they wouldn’t have beenconsidered.

What a team this would have been if it had playedtogether. Strong in all units. Powerful, a lot of skill,good athletes, six goalscorers, top defenders. I mighthave struggled to get in this team, probably not! But achallenge to Messrs Smith and Beaman, pick a teamto beat that!

Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society

Cats in the care of Cheadle Animal WelfareSociety have once again been invited by Julieand Trevor Jones for a sleepover at Valley View

Cattery, Hazels Cross, Kingsley, ST10 2ER on Saturday8th March from 11am - 3pm and Sunday 9th Marchfrom 11am - 2pm. While on the sleepover the cats

will enjoy luxurious accommodation, heated beds, lotsof lovely food and their own person run outside whichis sheltered if it rains. They will also be treated to adaily groom and of course lots of fuss and attention.

It is hoped that as many people as possible willcome along to visit the cats and hopefully some of

them will be offered new homes. The cats who will beenjoying this luxury weekend include:• Kizzie a black fluffy cat who has been in care for

several months. She is hoping to find a quiet homeso she can be given a fuss when she wants it andhave a warm and cosy bed to relax in.

• Andrew, an elderly tom will be there. His ownerhas died and now no one wants to give him ahome. He’s a real character who loves to be givena fuss, but is not keen on being picked up. He’shoping to get lots of visitors.

• Minstrel is a lovely black and white cat. She is sopretty and would love to find a home where shecan have some fun running around in a gardenwith trees to climb and bushes to lurk in.There will be other cats there as well all hoping to

meet that special someone who will give them thehome of their dreams. If you are interested in meetingour cats or interested in viewing this beautiful catterywith a view to arranging boarding for your own catyou will be most welcome. Tea, coffee and biscuits willbe available.

For more information please ring Julie 07425993350 (www.valleyviewcattery) or Margaret 01335390369.

MinstrelAndrewKizzie


All-time local soccerHall of Fame TeamBy Roy ‘Razzer’ Astbury

Each month Uttoxeter’s best known character Roy ‘Razzer’Astbury will compile his very own ‘All-Time Local Football Team’which in his opinion is the very best of players past andpresent.‘Razzer’ will create a team in each issue of The Uttoxeter &

Cheadle Voice which he believes incorporates all theingredients of a football outfit which could be unbeatable!He will be delving into his thoughts to remember all the

terrific players in years gone by whilst selecting those who areexceptional in our present day.It should be a fantastic talking point in our community and

no doubt you all will have your views on ‘Razzer’s Hall of Fameteam.If you have your own Hall of Fame team then get involved

and just give Nigel a call at The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice on01538 751629, 0776 784 6937 to tell him or send your teamto: The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, 3 Spode Close, Cheadle,Staffordshire, ST10 1DT or [email protected]

NIGEL MEARSUttoxeter Grammar SchoolA very keen and brave keeper whowas also a good shot-stopper.

BERNARD OAKESAlton FC

Very solid defenderwho was a great back

four player.

DAN McLEODRocester FC

Strong and dependable playerat the back with gooddistribution of the ball.

NEIL WARBURTONUttoxeter TownGood competitor whoalways gave his all inevery match.

ALBERT SMITHAlton FC

Excellent player whoread the gamebeautifully.

MARK BLOUNTAbbots BromleyTop class local player.

JOHN LAMBURNUttoxeter Town

Always looking to score agoal, John possesses a

terrific shot.

SAMMY ELKSRocester FC

One of the area’s toughestmidfield players. Always likeda battle in the engine roomof the team – and he usually

got one!

GORDON CLOWESBoltons FC

Fast winger whogave defendersnightmares

JOHN GIBLINButchers FC

Top class front man.

GARY BRISCOERocester FC

Led the line brilliantly and healways posed a threat on goal.

Razzer’s Hall of Fame February Team

1. Dennis Bentley,Goalkeeper Agile, dependable and longserving, could be AlanPeddar or Keith Rushton,but he was older and gotin first.

2. Terry FowellBig heart, tough tacklerwith good eye for thegame. Mr Cheadle OldBoys.

3. John CoxonQuick, hard and nononsense player, wingersdidn’t like to face up to thisman.

4. Graham DaleGreat understanding andpositional awareness, Hewas a referee after playingso loves the sport.

5. Neville ParkesTough centre back wholoved going forward tohead home vital goals.

6. Gary WheawallA great engine in midfield,equally at home defendingor attacking.

7. James CartlidgeWith Gary, Jimmy hadgreat desire to win,he isthe holding man inmidfield.

8. Ivor AbberleyOne of the top goal scorersaround, don’t see themlike this anymore in Town.Great left foot.

9. Ivan PlantWith Ivan the twin strikerswould be formidable upfront. Great header, lovedcrosses into the box.

10. John PhllipsOut on the right wing,John had great pace, topgoal scorer in his ownright.

11. William KeatesOut on the left wing. Billy,a great dribbler of the ball,top scorer at his peak.

We have inserted one football club each player has performed for. Obviously, many have played for several clubs in their careers.

Cheadle’s John Brown has selected his Hall ofFame Football Team.

This is a team of Cheadle Old Boys players pre1980’s that would be formidable against any sidein the Staffs Premier League today with IvorAbberley brought in as a special guest.

On my bench would be: Alan Peddar, Paul Plant,Ivan Brunt, John Keates, and Keith Parker.Theseguys could be used without any loss ofperformace on the pitch.

This is my choice from the pre 1980’s I couldpick other teams beyond that time up to thepresent, but my first team is the one thatencouraged me to love local football.


Adrian’s Hall of Fame Cricket Team from the 1980’s:

1. Steve DeanCheadle & StaffsHard hitting opening batsman and brilliant slip fielder

2. Dave CartledgeLeek & StaffsHis partner in crime, destroyer of good bowling. Best league 100 I eversaw v Cameron Cuffy

3. Nick Smith BuxtonCouldn’t get him out, anyone who was playing in that League in the80’s knew to beat Buxton you had to get Smithy out

4. Jon Addison BlytheCaverswall, Little Stoke, Norton Moddershall and StaffsPro at Little Stoke when I broke into 1st team, classy leg side player,useless drinker!!

5. Dave Brock Norton, Newcastle, Little Stoke & StaffsMy first Captain, old fashioned stroke player with a classic cover driveand dishevelled baggy green cap

6. Jeff Maynard Crewe RR, Nantwich, Wood Lane I’d never come across anyone who had hit it harder, stood in the coverspraying he wouldn’t hit it at me

7. Andy Hawkins Moddershall, Newcastle & Staffs Best all rounder in League on his day . One of the quickest around,great away swinger and could bat in top 4 too. Should have played atmuch higher level.

8. Dave Blank Cheadle, Sneyd, Little Stoke, Stone, Leek & Staffs Excellent seamer who hit the splice hard

9. Mick Wilson Creda and Little Stoke Retired in 1985, through bad knees but very under-rated bowler,accurate and deceptively nippy off a few paces

10. Russ Flower Little Stoke, Cheadle, Stone Warwickshire and Staffs Pro in this team. Had the ball on a piece of string, you thought you’dgot to the pitch and it would hold up and turn away.

11. Peter Swanwick Caverswall and StaffsGreat keeper and nice bloke to boot. No verbals from him, just tidy,efficient and taker of chances.

All-time local cricketHall of Fame TeamBy Adrian Butters of Stone

Each issue Adrian Butters of Stone will compile his very own ‘All-Time Local Hall of Fame Cricket Team’ which in his opinion isthe very best cricketers past and present.

Adrian will create a team in each issue of The Uttoxeter & CheadleVoice colour magazine which he believes incorporates all theingredients of a great cricket side which could be unbeatable!

Adrian will be delving into his memory bank to select players whoperformed over many decades. It should be a fantastic talking pointour community and no doubt you will all have your views on Adrian’sHall of Fame selections.

Adrian made his debut for Little Stoke in 1982, playing there until1998 when they won the League for the 1st time. He was Captain from1994-96. Adrian then went to Oakamoor as Pro from 1999-2001,winning the League and Cup double in 2000, before returning nearerhome to Stone in 2002. He was Captain at Stone from 2003(promotion winning year) - 2005. During his time at Stone, as a player,they won the League, Talbot & Staffs Cup.

Since the merger with Swynnerton in 2007, he had found himselfplaying more in that side, until retiring at the end of 2012. He has hadhis first season Umpiring in 2013. Adrian serves on the Staffs CCCcommittee and was Treasurer from 2001-2008.

Checkley Cricket Club legend ANDY CARR has picked up the baton tocreate his Hall of Fame Cricket Team for the first Uttoxeter &Cheadle Voice colour magazine of 2014.

Andy is well respected throughout the local cricketing fraternity andis part of the fantastic Carr Family who have done so much forCheckley CC. He was one of the area’s top wicket keepers and a topnotch batsman too.

Andy says: ‘Many thanks for giving me the opportunity in selectingmy “Hall of Fame Cricket Team” I must say I have really enjoyed thechallenge of selecting this team. Although I will confess it was noteasy as I have played with, and against some very strong candidates.I have tried to keep the players within the Staffordshire Moorlandsas “The Voice” covers this area mainly.’

1. KIM BARNETT - Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, England,Staffordshire, Checkley, Leek, Knypersley, BIgnall End. Giftedopening batsmen with the ability of having fantastic concentrationand discipline at the crease. I was fortunate to play alongside him for5 seasons where I learnt so much. Capable of batting all day and onoccasions seen him destroy bowling attacks of a high standard.

2. ROB KING - Staffordshire, Caverswall, Longton, Leek. Hard hittingbatsman who is capable of batting in any position. A great reader ofthe game, and useful slow bowler. Superb servant to Caverswall CC.

3. DAVE WHEELDON - Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Cheadle, Leek,Longton. Excellent Left hand bat with the ability of playing everystroke. One of the best Fielders I have seen in local cricket. Alsouseful for a few overs bowling off- spin. Great dressing roomcharacter.

4. TIM TWEATS - Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Leek. Has to be my No. 1choice as the best amateur batsmen I have been privileged to playalongside and against. I always make a comment to local cricketfollowers that “I would pay to watch Tim Tweats bat” Excellent slipfielder. Great lad from an amazing family.

5. CHRIS BEECH - Staffordshire, Blythe, Moddershall, Leek. One ofthe best up and coming League prospects I have seen in recent years.Text book player who has the ability to bat anywhere in the toporder. Very useful seam bowler.

6. GAVIN CARR - Staffordshire, Checkley, Longton. Biased choice Iadmit. However Gav has been one of the best League All Rounder’sto grace the field. Capable of batting in any position, and excellentseam bowler. Highly effective bowling at the death. Fantastic servantto Checkley CC.

7. IAIN CARR - Staffordshire, Checkley, Moddershall. Again slightlybiased. But when Iain was at his fittest, he was one of the mostdangerous players with both bat and ball to play alongside andagainst. Capable of bowling quick and could destroy any attack withthe bat. Anyone to have a Premier 1XI highest score of 215, and alsotake 9 wickets in a game is one hell of a player.

8. ALEX THOMPSON - Staffordshire, Leek. Other than over-seas slowbowlers. I believe Alex has a great future with the ball. Again one ofthe best up and coming young players I have seen come through fora number of years. Also a very hard hitting batsman. Great lad.

9. BRIAN MELLOR - Staffordshire, Leek. True legend. Tough choice ofwicket keeper between Brian and his son Alex. However I havealways been a believer of selecting your best “Glove Man”. I havehuge admiration for his talent as a keeper, and very useful lowerorder batsmen. Plays the game from his heart. A great mentorduring my period at Leek CC.

10. PAUL TAYLOR - Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Staffordshire,Checkley. Although “PT” was Checkley’s Professional during 1989/90he was very much English. Dangerously quick Left arm seam bowlerand Left hand bat. A genuine athlete, and had unbelievable fitnesslevels. A player which had all three disciplines on the field, andexceptional at them all.

11. RICHARD COOPER - Staffordshire, Kidsgrove, Great Chell, Betley,Leek, Alsager, Checkley. Machine like bowler. Keep him oiled and“Coops” will bowl all day. One of the longest serving openingbowlers in the League I have known, who deserves all the rewards hehas collected. Very useful batsman who also has the honour of aPremier League century. A true gentleman, and a great friend.

Reader’s Hall of Fame Local Cricket

Team


On the OcheBy Dave Jones of UttoxeterLife President of the Uttoxeter and District Darts League.

Happy New Year everybodyand of course I hope you allhad a wonderful Christmas

time.This was of course our first time

in 16 years that Jackie and myselfhad not been behind bars so to speak,a big change!

So now we are halfway into theMens Uttoxeter Winter Darts Leagueand yours truly has been playing over50 years in a number of differentleagues.

Thanks to playing in so manylocal and super leagues and of courseplaying with some of the best playersaround, right from the first ever timeI stepped onto the oche for theGeorge and Dragon in the AshbourneLeague, September 1963.

Talk about being lucky, believe itor not there has never been a seasonwithout winning a trophy or trophies– a record to be proud of.

These days of course I play verylittle darts compared to yesteryearand probably my trophy winningdays are coming to an end but whata rollercoaster to have been on.Thanks very much for that guys, itwas a real special time and hopefullyI will continue to keep playing formany years to come.

Of course all you darts lovers outthere will have been watching thetwo World Championships, firstly thePDC then the BDO.

The PDC televised by Sky and forthe first time in 21 years noEnglishman in the final.

But with Michael Van Gerwinprobably the best player around atthis moment in time, some of hisfinishes were outstanding, a worthychampion and now of course on hisway to becoming another dartingmillionaire – who would havebelieved that some years back?

Then came the BDO Worldchampionships, televised by the BBCfor the first time both day and nightgiving us the viewing public a betterchance of watching the darts.

Stephen The Bullet Buntingseeded No 1 because of him winning8 BDO tournaments in 2013, won ofcourse this championship. A youngman who will probably win manymore titles.

Of course what about the LadiesBDO Darts Final, the best ladiesdarts I have ever seen, what awonderful comeback by Lisa Ashton,with outstanding averages (betterthan a lot of the men!) to becomeWorld Champion.

Talking about ladies darts,Uttoxeter has without doubt lost oneof their finest players, lovely FranArris, not only a very good player buta character in her own right. Franhad a great big heart, she battled allthe way with her illness to the veryend, a very brave lady indeed...

You will for sure be greatlymissed Fran, God Bless, and all ourlove and condolences go to Leon andthe family.Till next time, take careDave

Stoke-on-Trent

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY !Repointing Service Also Available

89 Ford Green Rd, Smallthorne ST6 1NTTel: 01782 850958

email:[email protected]

Gift Vouchers available

The Good Old Days photographs on pages 40-41 have been identified as:

1 The proprietors of J. Cope Butchers,Uttoxeter pictured in c. 1980’s. Russ Ede,His Wife Sheila, Father Frank, BrotherStuart, Mother Kath and Andrew GrimleyShop Assistant

2 Wheatsheaf Athletic F.C. UttoxeterPresentation Night 1975. Back Row, Leftto Right : George Blood, JohnCharlesworth, Brian Fernihough, BrianDodds, Pete Douglas, Vin Bloor, LeonHibberd, Barry Wain, Bob Smith & GeorgeLine. Middle Row : Pete Brailsford &Stuart MacFarlane. Front Row, Left toRight : Les Tabernor, Roger Croft, BillShaw, John Welsh & Mick Harper

3 Blacks Head FC, Tean, being presentedwith their new ‘Barcelona’ strip for the1990-91 season.

4&5 Pupils at Painsley High School, Cheadle,during 1977.

6 St Giles RC Primary School, Cheadle,children pose for the photographer manydecades ago.

7 Heath School Uttoxeter Pupils c.1930’sBack Row : B. Sargeant, N. Proud, J.Brothton, Sid Purdy, Syd Bevan, N. Leason& C. Deville. Second Row From Back : P.Brittlebank, May Shipton, F. Bloor, M.Hudson, B. Dutton, ?, Eva Moss, M.Trubshaw, M. Harris, C. Purdy, G. Nash &?. Third Row From Back : C. Nash, ?, A.Jones, B. Chafer, & D. Walker. Fourth RowFrom Back : D. Meredith, A. Sale, M.Wright, E. Corbiushley, B. Lewis, B.Hodgkinson, ?, P. Yates & G. Smith. FrontRow : B. Ward, I. Jennings, T. Farmer, N.Maskery & ?

8 Uttoxeter Home Guard pictured in 1944.Is your Grandad amongst these chaps

9 Oldfields Boys School Uttoxeter Pupilsc.1949. Back Row : Teacher : Mr.Hambledon, Frank Leason, Roy Roberts,Steve Langridge, Charlie Mellor, ArthurBrindley, Brian Jenkinson, ?, Motteram &Dave Roberts. Second Row From Back :Alan Henshaw, John Tideswell, RoyBurnett, Keith Shepherd, Bill Whitbread,Roy Bridden, Derek Bowd, Keith Owen,Bill Williams, ?, Geoff Wood & IvorWilliams Third Row : Barry Nield, BrianMorley, John Talbot, Chris Tortoishell,Brian Ufton, ?, Appleby, Cecil Wardle,Hammmond, Brian Colclough & RoyAstbury Front Row : Stan Hodgkinson,Allan Chapman, Brian Hallam, ?, FrankHill, George Chell, ?.

10 Adjudicators and entrants at a sponsoredwalk for charity pictured at UttoxeterRacecourse in c.1972. Left to Right : JackEdgerton, Reg Mason, Bob Cox, RockinJohnny Austin, Maria Richardson & TraceyHunter

The good old days


Oggie’s Sporting Stories by Paul Ogden, a Leek legend

4th Round FA Cup Northwich Victoria vOldham Athletic - The Final Episode

January 25th 1978 will for ever be rememberedfor the other side of football and its darkerdays.After the disappointment of transferring this

fixture to Main Road Manchester by the Directorsat the time was a bitter pill to swallow. It was agesbefore I realised the implications of the importanceand financial gains would benefit NorthwichVictoria a gate of 32000 was official and obviouslywas a major financial return which nowcompletely overshadowed our excellent homerecord.

It was apparent however that as the build upstarted to this possibly most important fixture inthe club’s history, started to show signs of a verydifferent atmosphere as compared to previousrounds. For one reason players were showing signsof a change in direction of thought which was verymuch related to financial gains.

Ken Hancock presently residing at Ipstones theformer Port Vale Tottenham Ipswich goalkeeperwas influential in helping me to sort out problems

I had not experienced before relating to financialrewards and demands from players.

Ken was a wonderful person and became a veryclose friend not only was he a very goodProfessional but still an excellent goalkeeper whopossessed the longest kick I have ever seen infootball.

This particular player had come out ofretirement was forty years of age and will alwaysbe remembered as a very special footballer and Iwas so proud to have worked with him.

With reference to the Financial woes was everpresent during the build up to the game. On theSaturday players were demanding ridiculousdemands and incentives for this fixture andfrequent meetings with the Directors only resultedin absolute chaos and was having a very seriouseffect on the planning and the development leadingup to the preparation for the fixture.

The final disappointment actually emerged onthe actual morning of this very special day whenin Bold capitals on the back page of nearly every ofthe most prominent Daily newspaper headlines“NORTHWICH PLAYERS REFUSING TO PLAYOWING TO FINANCIAL INCENTIVES NOT

BEEN AGREED”.I was fortunately pre warned on the Friday

evening and managed to prepare myself for whatwas going to follow on that Saturday morning and80% of the players had agreed in principal butunfortunately there was a minority who wanted togo that extra mile. The Learning Curve wascomplete however here I was travelling to MainRoad Manchester feeling I personally had been apart in some way letting the wonderful supportersdown which included major sponsorships frommany Local businesses in the town.

Approaching the Stadium was the final strawfor me. There apparent to everyone to see was aline of so many coaches from Northwich it broughta tear and will always be remembered.

The result was a 3-1 failure however I willnever completely divulge the full facts whichresulted in this most disappointing week of mymanagement career in Non League Football. WhatI did experience was how significantly financialincentives were now creeping into this wonderfulgame would I have changed anything during thatweek, I surely would because I should have affectedthe situation so differently.

On 3rd November, the Club entered a Team Gym competition for the first time in aNorth West Team Gym Competition. The team of Millie Beaumont, Evie Colman,Megan Edmonston, Alice Malbon, Daniella Moon, Sophie Parker, Kira Watson and

Abi Wibberley won the Gold Medal on each of the three pieces of equipment, Floor, Tumbleand Trampette/Vault, in the Competition.

In another first for the Club, on 10th November, 17 boys competed at the West MidlandsMen’s Artistic Championship. In the In-Age Championship Charlie Ball won the GoldMedal in the Under 10 Competition and Alex Yolshina Cash Silver Medal in the Under 8Competition. In the Out Of Age Championship, Willem Clements won the Gold Medal andJack Golicki the Bronze Medal in the Under 10 Competition.

Over the last couple of years, Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club has achieved an excellentreputation in Girls Artistic Gymnastics with two girls, Ruth Waugh and Shani Wrightreaching National Finals in the last year. The Club is now increasingly gaining a goodreputation for Boys Artistic Gymnastics and Team Gymnastics as well.

At the West Midlands Floor & Vault Championship on 17th Novemberthe Club entered 13 teams of 6 gymnasts out of the 114 teams in thecompetition. The 9 & Under Mixed Team of Oliver McBride, Jacob Wray,Jacob Russell, Amy Harrison, Amelia Hadgett and Natalie Stevens camefirst out of 9 teams. The 11 & Under Mixed Team of Niamh Collins, ChloeNaylor, Lucy Bell, Michael Harris, Charles Thompson and HughZwolinski came first out of 6 teams. A team of the Club’s coaches, AmandaMcNelis, Roanne Perrin, Katie Sylvester, Samuel Goodberry and CraigBerry entered a team in the Open(Adult) Competition and came first outof 6 teams, with Katie winning the individual Gold and Samuel theindividual Bronze Medal.

On Sunday 8th December 800 gymnasts took part in the bi-annualChristmas Display at Fenton Manor sports complex, which was watchedby over 2,000 spectators over the two performances. The theme of theDisplay was Pirates and gymnasts of all ages and abilities, from Gym Tots through to SquadGirls and Boys, put on an outstanding demonstration of their skill, artistic abilities andpassion for gymnastics. The show was choreographed by the coaches with Stacey Moretonthe main choreographer and inspiration behind it. Even the coaches made a guestappearance. The Display was a huge success and a real celebration of the skills andachievements of all the gymnasts. Thanks go to all the coaches and parent volunteers whosupported the preparation and the event itself.

The new year started well with five of the Club’s gymnasts, Shani Wright, Louise Conlon,Jess Stirley, Holly Bryant and Lydia Heath being selected for the West Midlands Squad. Thisis in addition to the fifteen gymnasts already selected for the County Squad.

News from Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club

Team Gym. Front Row: Daniella, Megan, Abi, Evie.Back Row: Alice, Millie, Sophie, Kira.

West Midland Squad Members:Shani Wright, Louise Conlon, JessStirley, Holly Bryant, Lydia Heath.

Open (Adult) Team: Roanne Perrin,Amanda McNelis, Craig Berry,Katie Sylvester.

Boys Team atChampionship. Front Rowwith medalsJack Golicki,Charlie Ball,WillemClements,Alex YolshinaCash.

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Lifestyle

Uttox voice issue 43