Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary

FREE
15,000 QUALITY MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTED EACH ISSUE - NOW IN OUR 10th YEAR!
Issue 72
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

ENHANCE YOUR LIVING
SPACE WITH A
SUPERCRAFT ORANGERY
OR CONSERVATORY
• Tailor-made to suit your
lifestyle and home
• Swift construction with
minimal disturbance
• Long lasting value and low
maintenance
• 10 year insurance backed
guarantee
Visit our
showroom in
Etruria to see a
range of our
conservatories
on display

T
his year seems to be flying
by doesn’t it and May will
soon be upon us! Where
does the time go?
My family has held so many
events during April that we seem to
be meeting every weekend. Can someone tell me who makes
the decision to keep moving Easter Bank Holiday Weekend
to different dates each year. Why can’t it be the same period
every year?
We held birthdays for two of our grandchildren on
consecutive days and as a special birthday present to our
eldest who reached double figures of ten years, my wife and I
and her other grandparents Mike and Christine booked her
as mascot at Stoke City’s home match against Hull City which
she absolutely loved. Mind you, the way The Potters have
been performing I thought she may have an outside chance of
playing!!
When I launched The Voice ten years ago my aim was to
create a feelgood community magazine celebrating all what
is good in our local area.
It is with this ethos in mind, that in my article this month
I am going to mention two of our wonderful local sporting
legends who passed away a few weeks ago.
Leon Hibberd and Pete Chell Jnr were outstanding
sportsmen and superb chaps too. They brought their own
personalities into local sport with Leon being a terrific
footballer and Pete one of the county’s best darts players.
Both men have brought happy memories to lots of people
and I have decided to include two tributes in this issue of The
Voice to them – I do hope you will read them and celebrate
the lives of two genuine local men.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Voice colour
magazine
Nigel Titterton
Editor & Publisher
Dear
Reader,
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not necessarily those of the publishers, nor
indeed their responsibility. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
The Uttoxeter &
Cheadle Voice is wholly
independent and is
published at 3 Spode
Close, Cheadle, Staffs
ST10 1DT
15,000 copies are
distributed free to
homes and businesses
in Uttoxeter, Cheadle,
Ashbourne, Rocester,
Denstone, Bramshall,
Stramshall, Alton,
Oakamoor, Tean, Lower
Tean, Checkley, Leigh,
Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge, Kingsley, Mayfield, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley
Green & Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone, Marchington,
Ellastone, Froghall, Hollington, Dilhorne, Marston Montgomery, Meir Park areas.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970 Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE
THE NEXT VOICE WILL BE OUT ON MAY 26TH 2017
News Deadline: May 14th Advertising Deadline: May 18th
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW - Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or Call 01538 751629
You can also contact us via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice search for Uttoxeter Voice search for Uttoxeter Voice
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

4 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
Karndean & Amtico
flooring at great prices
New Kitchen & Bedroom Ranges
Up to 40% off
Uttoxeter Tile and Bathroom Ltd
7 The Square, Market Place, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8HN
Tel: 01889 560111 Mob: 07929 201128
Email: uttoxetertileandbathroom@hotmail.co.uk
Open: Monday 8-3pm; Tuesday to Friday 8-5pm; Saturday 8-2pm; Sunday appointment only.
Great Offers on tiles and suites • Very competitive prices • Open to trade and public
While stocks last. Terms & conditions apply.
We can offer supply only on bathrooms, kitchens and tiles (the largest choice available in the area)
or we can fully project manage supply and fit on the above, free of charge no obligation site survey with
expert advice on goods to suit your needs and requirements using the space available.
We now offer
Tiles by:
Defibrillators for Bramshall &
Loxley Parish Hall and Stramshall
Village Halls - help needed
T
he Uttoxeter Rural
Parish Council is
appealing for funds in
order to install two
defibrillators for Bramshall
and Stramshall Villages, can
you help?
AEDdonate, who are
supplying the 2 machines
and the vital training for
local residents, have set up a
fund raising page and all
you have to do is log on and
make a donation, we need
any amount, however large
or small to help complete
this project.
The defibrillators will be
located on the village/parish
halls in Stramshall, at
Vicarage Drive, Stramshall
ST14 5DL and Bramshall &
Loxley Parish Hall, off
Church Croft, Bramshall, ST14 5BE and the cost of supplying both will be
£3998, so every £1 that you donate will help.
To find the fund raising page for each village please use the links below:
http://aeddonate.org.uk/projects/bramshall-village-hall-defibrillator-
campaign/
http://aeddonate.org.uk/projects/stramshall-defibrillator-campaign/
If any Resident or Business, is able to make a donation then either go
onto the AEDdonate website or if you have no access to the website, then
send a cheque, made payable to: Uttoxeter Rural Parish Council and send it
to The Parish Clerk, Uttoxeter Rural Parish Council, c/o 6 Alexandra
Crescent, Uttoxeter, ST14 7LQ
Thank you in advance for any help that you can give, the benefits of a
defibrillator cannot be underestimated.

5Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 15,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Taekwon-do
We train at The Parkwood Community
Leisure Centre In Cheadle on Tuesday Night
6.00pm to 6.30pm 4yrs to 6yrs
6.30pm to 7.30pm Junior/Beginers Grades
7.30pm to 8.30pm Senior/Advanced Grades
Call John on 07854 806581
www.nctkd.co.uk
TIMBER PRODUCTS
BESPOKE JOINERY &
TIMBER PRODUCTS
A fully equipped manufacturing
facility in Cheadle
Call Dave Blair 01538 756209
Draycott Cross Road, Commonside, Cheadle, ST10 2NR
www.johnsonsag.co.uk
P
artners at Waitrose Uttoxeter are celebrating their first John Lewis Partnership Bonus.
This year the Bonus is 6% which equates to approximately three weeks pay for each
member of staff. The John Lewis Partnership is the largest employee-owned business in
the UK where all the 86,700 staff are Partners in the business. There are 104 Partners at the
Uttoxeter store and there was much excitement ahead of the recent announcement. The
traditional secret brown envelope, containing the bonus figure, one of which is sent to each
store, was opened by local partner Deb Robinson. When the envelope was opened it generated
a huge cheer from the team. Megan Whittaker tweeted “Bonus day!! 6% Best day Ever”
The announcement came just one week before the first anniversary of Waitrose opening in
Uttoxeter.
Peter Gibbs Branch Manager said “the partners have worked extremely hard this past year
as we’ve successfully established our new Waitrose in Uttoxeter. It’s wonderful to be part of
a company where the profits are shared back with all the people who work in the business”

U
ttoxeter has become a Fairtrade Town
thanks to the dedicated work of members of
the Fairtrade Uttoxeter Steering Group, and
the support and commitment of the Town Council,
local Businesses and Uttoxeter residents. The
National Fairtrade Foundation approved the
Town’s application to become a Fairtrade Town at
the end of February. The success was announced by
the Mayor of Uttoxeter at a Fairtrade Coffee
morning held at the Town Hall on 10 March which
became a celebration of the town’s success, and the
high point of a series of events held to mark
Fairtrade Fortnight.
The Chair of the Steering Group Mrs Janet Dean
said: “The Steering Group was set up in November
2015 and has worked really hard to make sure that
the town achieves the five goals necessary for
Uttoxeter to qualify for the Fairtrade Town
accolade. These goals involve securing formal
support for Fairtrade from the Town Council,
making sure that a range of Fairtrade products are
available in shops and cafes, engaging schools,
places of worship and businesses in the Fairtrade
campaign, gaining publicity to promote public
understanding of Fairtrade and establishing an
effective steering group.
“We have succeeded in achieving all five goals.
Uttoxeter Town Council passed a formal resolution
backing Fairtrade on 13 December 2016, and
Uttoxeter has now exceeded the targets required in
terms of availability of Fairtrade products. Several
Churches (St. Mary’s RC Church, the Methodist
Church, Society of Friends) have become Fairtrade
Places of worship. The campaign has embraced
schools in the area, and involved voluntary
organisations such as the Uttoxeter Choral Society.
Uttoxeter Tesco and Waitrose have provided
tremendous support for the campaign and other
shops such as the Bear Coffee Shop and Boutitch
have also backed a Fairtrade Uttoxeter. Local press
and radio have also played a key part in promoting
the campaign, and we are grateful to the hundreds
of local people who have backed Fairtrade in
Uttoxeter. I also want to pay tribute to the hard
work of Councillor Dave Trenery who has been a
driving force behind this campaign.”
The Mayor of Uttoxeter, Councillor Alan Noyes
said: “I am delighted that Uttoxeter has achieved
Fairtrade Town Status. It is a tribute to the open-
hearted nature of Uttoxeter people who have shown
that they care about the welfare of people who live
in the poorer parts of the world. It is also a tribute
to the dedication and commitment of the Fairtrade
Uttoxeter Steering Group and the Town Council
who have driven this campaign. This success is a
demonstration of what can be achieved when the
people of Uttoxeter work together as a community.”
Adam Gardner, the Communities Campaign
Manager for the Fairtrade Foundation
congratulated Uttoxeter on achieving Fairtrade
Town status. “This is a fantastic achievement. It is
not often that a town’s initial application is as
strong and comprehensive as Uttoxeter’s
application. It’s great that the Steering Group has
laid out comprehensive and specific plans to take
Fairtrade further in the area. It has been a great
pleasure to learn about all that has been achieved
and the obvious impact your hard work has made.”
Fairtrade Uttoxeter Steering Group
Uttoxeter becomes a
Fairtrade Town!
Members of the steering group and supporters
celebrate Uttoxeter becoming a Fairtrade Town
on the steps of the Town Hall
Janet Dean, Chair of Fairtrade Uttoxeter Steering
Group and some of the delicious cakes served at
the coffee morning.
Dave Trenery Secretary of the Fairtrade
Uttoxeter Steering Group displays the certificate
that makes Uttoxeter a Fairtrade town
Mayor of Uttoxeter Alan Noyes with Tesco Representative Hannah Eadie at
the Coffee Morning
Dave Trenery Secretary of the Fairtrade Uttoxeter Steering Group with
Town Crier outside Uttoxeter Town Hall.

ßetaCommercial
Finance Limited
Providing tailor made Finance
solutions for your business
• Not getting the lending support you need from your existing
Bank or would like a second opinion on your current Banking
facilities?
• Looking to buy your own commercial premises or an
investment property?
• Seeking to increase your working capital to introduce a new
product, finance equipment and machinery, or win a new
contract?
• Wish to refinance existing debt to improve your cashflow or
reduce costs?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions or for support with
any other funding requirement, we are here to help and guide
you to the right solution.
Beta Commercial Finance Limited is a completely independent
Commercial Finance Broker and Finance Services Intermediary.
We provide a fully supported service where we seek to
understand your business objectives and aspirations, and using
the whole market of lenders available, find you a funding solution
tailor made to your requirements.
We offer a free consultation to see how we can support you and
your business and don’t charge any up-front fees. To see how we
can help, please contact us today on:
Tel. 07912936783
www.betacf.co.uk • Email info@betacf.co.uk
Beta Commercial Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the
Financial Conduct Authority
J
CB has
answered the
prayers of a
local parish church
by donating £6,000 to help provide a car park for
worshippers and visitors.
The contribution from the Bamford Charitable
Foundation is towards a £20,000 project for off-
road parking for 24 vehicles at St Giles’ Church in
Croxden near JCB’s World HQ at Rocester.
The 19th Century Grade 2 listed church is
situated off a narrow country lane close to a tight
bend with no provision for off-road parking. This
has meant churchgoers - and local groups using the
community room within the church – having to
park on the road or in nearby gateways, which was
unsafe and caused congestion, especially with
passing farm traffic.
Stephanie Shevlin, from Winnothdale said: “I
come to services at St Giles’ Church every Sunday.
The new car park will make things much easier,
particularly for families and older parishioners. As
it’s a small church, finances are always tight, so
we’re very grateful for JCB’s donation.”
Alf Hawksworth, who co-ordinated the
construction project on behalf of St Giles’ Church
said: “I have lived in Croxden for over ten years
and have seen many times how difficult it can be
for parishioners to park safely outside the church
without causing a hazard or congestion. The new
car park adjacent to the churchyard will make a
huge difference to churchgoers and visitors.”
The construction of the car park was initially
made possible following the generous donation of
a 620 square metre plot of land by local farmer
David Rowley, who acquired the field to the north
of the churchyard two years ago.
Michael Gent, of Great Gate, near Hollington,
said: “The donation of a plot of land adjacent to
St Giles’ Church was a turning point. It meant that
we could get the project underway after many
years of looking for a solution. JCB’s generous
donation goes a long way towards meeting the cost
of the project.”
The local community has also made ‘in kind’
donations (e.g. site clearance, weed killer, fencing)
and the project’s main contractor is a local firm,
Whitley Groundworks Ltd, based in Hollington.
JCB answers church’s prayers with
£6,000 car park donation
JCB Attachments Director and General Manager Peter Jowett (left) presents the £6,000 cheque to Michael
Gent, Stephanie Shevlin and Alf Hawksworth. Watching from the cab of a JCB 8026 mini excavator being
used on the project by Hollington-based Whitley Groundworks Ltd is The Venerable John B Hall.

T. Page
Home and Garden
Maintenance
Tel or Text:
07960 335 588
Email: tpagegs@aol.com
Logs - £40 a bag
Elite Ecology
• Habitat and Species
surveys for planning
applications from just £250
• Garden Wildlife Plans
Contact us for a quote
Tel 07542 402 098
enquires@eliteecology.co.uk
Cleaning services • Ironing services
Home help • Pet care sevices / Dog walking
Tel: 07875071480
Email: dustfairies@hotmail.co.uk /
ironingelves@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.dustfairies.co.uk / www.ironingelves.co.uk
Established 2001
Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
Right advice
Right choice
Right price
• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Batteries
• Brakes and
Shock Service
• Agricultural Tyres
• Wheel Alignment
Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
W
hat a country we now live in! The Prime
Minister is trying to get the best deal out
of Europe for Great Britain during Brexit
negotiations, North of the border we have a
politician doing her best to break up the United
Kingdom, without a thought of the consequences
for her own people, let alone the rest us. You know
something? Even in the aftermath of World War
Two, but before all the Political Correctness and
Human Rights went haywire, life was so much
simpler when my generation were young!
Speaking of the young, who was it who said
“The children now love luxury. They have bad
manners, contempt for authority; they show
disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of
exercise”? Sound familiar - well it was Socrates
writing about 2,500 years ago - no change there
then!
As one who is organised by ladies both at home
and in my part time job, I have noticed how
leading roles in Police series on the tele have now
switched genders with the boys taking a bit of a
back seat to the lasses. The prequel to Prime
Suspect set in 1973, the young Tennison is a
probationer PC but is much cleverer than all the
Sergeants and other senior officers with years of
experience.
The fantastic Line of Duty which has returned
for a fourth series, has always depicted the ladies
getting one over on their male colleagues and
although I really enjoy the series, men are
portrayed as being a bit chauvinistic. Broadchurch
has a lady DS who has a meatier role than her DI
and their senior officer is also female. Then we
have Vera who looks as though she would be more
at home on a farm than solving a crime! I’m not
complaining, just making a point after growing up
with Dixon of Dock Green, ‘Z’ Cars and the
Sweeney, maybe I should get out more.....
Uttoxeter Rugby Club’s season has now come
to an end, resulting in their highest ever finish in
the Midlands League. The boys have produced
magnificent home performances this season,
beating highfliers Ludlow and more recently on
President’s Day Burntwood. Unfortunately their
away form was not as strong and this is where the
club will, I am sure, look at improving next season
which promises to be one of the most exciting in
the club’s history.
The 2nd XV have suffered through match
cancellations but it is great to see some of the great
former players having a run out, providing
experience with the exciting young crop of players
at Uttoxeter Rugby Club.
The Denstone Players are having a short break
before their AGM on Sunday the 21st of May,
when amongst other things further productions
already in the pipeline will be discussed.
Meanwhile The Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir
have two Concerts arranged in June.
The first one is in Wetley Rocks Church on the
20th of June, where they will be joining the
youngsters of St. Johns Community Choir who’s
Musical Director is Justin Clarke, who is the son
of the Churnet Valley accompianist John Clarke. If
last years concert is anything to go by it will be a
huge success.
The following week the Choir are in Cheadle
where the pensioners will be providing the
audience with the Concert usually combining with
a Bingo session.
St Michaels Church Rocester raised a fantastic
£1000 from their Spring Fling on the 1st April, well
done to all concerned.
A
BODE, an independent estate agent covering Staffordshire and Derbyshire have struck
up a working partnership with The Home Doctor, a long-established property
maintenance and electrical company. Scott and Paul have been successfully serving the
local area for over 15 years carrying out a range of work from extensions, conversions, kitchen
and bathroom fitting to tiling, plumbing, and all aspects of decorating.
No job is too big or small, they cover it all. For a free estimate call 01889 568026 or Scott
on 07842103019 or Paul on 07790132801.
At home with a new partnership

Latest Business Extra Plan
for Small Businesses
Call today to get all this for just £38* a month:
• 4GB of data
• Unlimited calls to UK landlines and UK mobiles
• Unlimited UK texts
• Double speed 4G data
• included
• Free faulty replacement
• Use your full allowance to call, text and
browse in EU (15GB fair use)
Brookend House, Crakemarsh, Uttoxeter ST14 5BL
Tel 01889 591209
sales@vitalbusiness.co.uk
www.vitalbusiness.co.uk
Sim only
plans
from just
£8.00 pm
Small
business
plans
from just
£12.50 pm
The recurring price plan charge will be increased by RPI in March of each calendar year. Other prices may also go up during the plan. *All prices & charges quoted are plus VAT

T
here’s a distinctly family-friendly flavour to
the Acoustic Festival of Great Britain, which
returns to Uttoxeter Racecourse on the first
weekend in June, writes Gary Hudson.
The festival brings a bohemian vibe to the town
every year, its colourful camp followers brightening
the byways around the racecourse. It’s as if the
stragglers from the hippy generation have
staggered back to their spiritual home.
It’s convenient, cosy and cheap, on a compact
site that’s easy to explore. You can dip a toe into
alternative lifestyles, without the embarrassment
of Woodstock-style skinny-dipping or the squalor
of Glastonbury mud. And when the sun shines,
there is no finer place to be.
At a time when many small festivals have
decided to limit their event to once every two years
or even gone bust, it’s a survivor, and many of us
would say it deserves the support of people in the
town for that reason alone. Use it or lose it.
Stadium-filling veterans
The Friday evening schedule is one of the
strongest in years with an emphasis on 80s pop –
just right to appeal to mums and dads, followed
by a Saturday that features legends of acoustic
rock – targeting all the family.
Friday’s headliner is Howard Jones, who is best
remembered in the UK for a string of 80s hits that
included What is Love and Like To Get To Know
You Well, which has since appeared in Hollywood
movies and in the best-selling video game series
Grand Theft Auto.
Indie-chart-topping, folk-punk band The Men
They Couldn’t Hang, whose political pop was a
favourite of DJ John Peel in the eighties, provide
raucous support on the main stage.
A more modern political folk outfit, Seize the
Day, are on the main stage the following evening,
before Saturday’s main attraction, Fairport
Convention.
Folk-rock pioneers
Fairport are arguably the most influential folk
band in history. They pioneered English folk-rock,
launched the illustrious careers of Sandy Denny,
Richard Thompson and Ian Matthews of
Matthews Southern Comfort, and individual
members played on classic albums by Al Stewart
and Cat Stevens. They had hit albums and singles
in the 60s and 70s, including Denny’s Who Knows
Where The Time Goes and Bob Dylan’s Si Tu Dois
Partir.
A suitable appetiser for Fairport is the revival
of Irish folk-rock pioneers Tir na nOg, who
everybody seemed to have heard of in the 70s, even
if nobody knew how to spell their name.
Pioneering guitar rock band Wishbone Ash
perform in one of the tents on Friday evening.
Lovers of guitar playing should also enjoy Chantel
McGregor on the Saturday. She will also do a spot
in the festival’s blues tent. Nell Bryden, who is a
BBC Radio 2 presenter these days as well as a
successful singer-songwriter, steps up to the main
stage after last year’s acclaimed performance in the
real ale tent.
Personal favourites
Sunday’s acts have a more recent pedigree, with
Anglo-American trio The Hoosiers and Sheffield’s
Boy on a Dolphin likely to be the most popular
attractions. I expect an enthusiastic cult following
for the set by TV Smith, the gritty and charismatic
former frontman of punk band The Adverts. Save
me a place centre stage for that one, please. As a
passionate performer, he rivals the eccentric John
Otway and Ed Tudorpole, who also both appear
this year.
But perhaps the biggest treat for most
occasional strummers like myself is a rare festival
appearance by 15-year-old Billy Watman, who
reached the final of Sky Arts’ Guitar Star
competition. His stunning playing should inspire
youngsters and amaze their parents.
There are more comedians this year, with a
dedicated comedy tent each afternoon, and more
children’s attractions too - a sign that the
organisers are doing their best to bring more locals
into the event. There are music workshops,
including melodeon and ukulele sessions, story-
telling tents and children’s fairground rides.
Festival promoter Mike Stephens said: “I think
we are a cut above most other festivals. The site is
cleaner and tidier than anywhere else. You simply
don’t see a lot of rubbish around.
“I hope local people get that message, and for
those coming from further afield, camping for the
weekend is really good value and you can park
right next to your tent. Where else can you do
that?”
On the value for money question, the Acoustic
Festival’s day tickets cost less than a provincial
theatre show, and at under a hundred pounds, a
weekend ticket is cheaper than a single concert by
most of today’s so-called superstars. It beats
driving to London, paying £20 to park at the 02
and then finding out the show does not even
feature TV Smith.
Family focus for Acoustic Festival
By Gary Hudson
Guitar prodigy Billy Watman – 15 years old and
awesome
Beautiful Sound
The main stage at last year’s Acoustic Festival
Howard Jones, veteran of sellout shows worldwide, headlines on Friday night. Did someone say
acoustic?

Does your car suffer with DPF problems?
Fortron REGEN Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaner
has been specially formulated to aid and assist when
in-house DPF regeneration is required.
When used in conjunction with the Fortron Injector
Max Machine, REGEN will eliminate the need to
remove blocked or partially blocked DPF units
without the need of disassembly.
Prices start from as little as £84 inc VAT
Does your car suffer with lack of power,
rough idle, poor fuel economy?
It might be that your car has dirty or
blocked injectors!
Our Injector Max Service could
be the solution!
Airfawn Garage Services Ltd
Unit E Brookhouse Industrial Est, Brookhouse Way, Cheadle (opposite Wheel & Tyre)
Call us on 01538 755270 or email: airfawn@hotmail.co.uk
Benefits include:
✓Improved MPG ✓Improved power ✓Lower emissions ✓Smoother performance
Airfawn Garage Services is the only garage in Staffordshire to offer this service
Our Customers say:
My car was doing less than 20mpg, now its doing
over 30 mpg. It feels like I have a different car, better
throttle re-sponse, more power and better fuel
economy.
Ryan 35, Newcastle Under Lyme
This was money well spent, just the actual running of
the car is loads better. Definitely recommend this to
anyone. Cheers.
Carole, 54 Newcastle Under Lyme.
Thanks to Tim @ Airfawn Garage Services, car is
running mint after the Injector Max Service. Running
a lot smoother and pulls better in every gear.
Simon, 37, Cheadle
We also offer:
Brakes • Clutches • Diagnostics • Pre-MOT • Welding • MOT repairs • Air Con
Engine Repairs • Batteries • Suspension • Timing • Belts & Chains
Free courtesy car available (T&C apply)

.
• A firm you can rely on
• Established over 30 years
• Stunning Bathroom Showroom
• 1000’s of Plumbing & Heating Products in stock
• Fantastic team of recommended fitters
Your one stop shop for bathrooms, plumbing & heating.
BATHROOM SPECIALISTS & PLUMBING MERCHANTS
PLUMBITS
S T A F F O R D
FREE DESIGN
SERVICE
Pick up your
FREE bathroom
planner
200 North Walls, Stafford,
Staffordshire ST16 3AD
01785 213 800
Open six days a week: Trade/DIY counter
Mon - Fri 8am - 5.15pm Sat 8am - 5pm.
Showroom: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm
E: sales@plumbits.net • www.plumbits.net
A company built on trust with exceptional customer service
Recent bathroom transformations.

C
.A.T.S. (Cheadle Amateur Theatrical
Society) is thrilled to be representing the
North Staffs region at the Brewhouse
Theatre, Burton-on-Trent, on the 29th April, as
runners up in the preliminary rounds of the All
England Theatre Festival for One Act Plays,
(AETF.)
“Prison of the Mind” an original play in one
act, written and directed by C.A.T.S. member
Charlie Brown, will go forward to the Central Area
Central Division Quarter Final and Charlie and all
of C.A.T.S. are hoping that the play will progress
even further to the final in June.
Charlie and “Prison of the Mind” won a host
of awards and was nominated in other categories
at the Mitchell Arts Centre during the preliminary
stages of the Festival and outshone other amateur
drama groups in the area last month.
The play, a psychological drama set in the
mind, starred Charlie and co-actor Emily
Bosworth and featured Samantha Hughes-
Johnson, Chloe Cheadle and George Bowyer as the
off stage voices. Emily won the Mr & Mrs G A
Jones Trophy for best actress under 21, whilst
Charlie was nominated for best actress over 21.
Emily, aged 17, was thrilled with her award. Emily
has been with C.A.T.S. since her first performance
in the chorus of “Dick Whittington” in 2011 and
since then she has blossomed in theatre technique
and confidence.
“Prison of the Mind” won the Charles Raine
Trophy for best original play and also the David
Lodge Memorial Trophy for originality and
imagination. Charlie was also nominated for best
director, only narrowly missing out on this
accolade. The play also received a Certificate of
Merit for 75 marks and over.
There was only one mark between the overall
winner, “Green” performed by the Mow Cop
Players and C.A.T.S. as runners up. Charlie was
emotional after receiving the awards and was
extremely proud of everyone involved “I had a
fantastic cast and crew and I couldn’t have done it
without them. I’m shell shocked, but highly
honoured that I get to bring my play to the stage
again and hopefully raise the bar the next time we
perform it. The whole experience has been
fantastic and it’s not every day you get to bring a
dream to reality and learn a lot from it. It has given
me the final push of confidence to pursue a career
in theatre.”
Last year, Charlie won the Scriptwriting
Festival with “Prison of the Mind” organized by
the North Staffs Festival Committee and was
delighted when C.A.T.S. gave her the opportunity
to showcase her writing, directing and acting
talents at the One Act Festival. Charlie was even
more surprised when the adjudicator quoted her
play being as “A true piece of art.” It will also be
the first ever original play to progress from the
North Staffordshire preliminaries to the quarter
finals.
Marge Stanley was equally proud of her
talented cast who performed the comedy “Jekyll in
Hiding” by Jim Sperink at the Festival. Dan Ede
Smith was nominated for best supporting
performance as Major Bennington- Smythe and
Jack Doyle, a newcomer to C.A.T.S. was
nominated for best actor under 16 for his dual role
as Monkey and boy.
C.A.T.S. third entry in the Festival was
“Typecast” an original play written and directed
by Rick Hermolle for C.A.T.S. Youth. All the
actors in this entry were under 21 years. Although
no nominations were given for the play, Rick was
very proud of all the actors, all of whom had been
in the recent successful pantomime “Peter Pan.”
“With only just over three weeks to learn their
lines from the last performance of the panto, to
performing at the Mitchell Arts Centre, everyone
gave 100% effort and commitment to the
performance.”
C.A.T.S. is proud of its history of nurturing new
and young talent both on and offstage. This round
of the One Act Play Festival, held over six days,
included 19 plays from 10 different amateur
theatre groups. Of the 144 actors involved, only
54 were over 21.
Pauline Keates, chairperson of C.A.T.S., was
equally full of praise for everyone involved in
C.A.T.S. “I am so proud of our Society and how
diverse and successful we have been over our last
performances. I was extremely impressed with all
three entries in the Festival, especially with the very
limited time they have had between productions.
We have such a great team and I know that we will
all look forward to supporting, Charlie, Emily and
the rest of the cast and crew in the next stage of
this very prestigious competition. Well done to out
great team.”
For further details about forthcoming
productions or joining C.A.T.S. visit the website at
www.cheadle.-cats.org.uk or call Stephen on
01538 752138.
C.A.T.S. One Act Play Festival Success
By Carolyn Wood
Samantha Hughes-Johnson, Charlie Brown, Emily Bosworth and George Bowyer
Emily Bosworth with her award
Dan Ede and Marge Stanley

L
ocal District and County Councillor Mark Deaville has shown his
support for Cheadle Allotment Association by kindly allocating £500
from his Staffordshire Local Community Fund towards projects at the
allotment site.
The funds have been used to install drainage, create and surface paths and
complete the surfacing of the roadway which runs down the centre of the site.
The association is very grateful for the support of Councillor Deaville in
helping to improve access around the site with all main paths now allowing
access to all users including people with limited mobility.
Future plans for the site include the creation of a community orchard and
a scheme to harvest and store rainwater from the roof of the community shed.
Sustainability is one of the main aims of the site and these schemes will help
towards that.
All of the projects at the site are completed through the hard work of its
members with monthly work parties as well as work being done day to day
by individual members. The progress made at the site over the past two years
has been considerable and is testament to the strong community spirit that
exists between the allotment holders.
Cheadle Allotments
Funding
New Home...
New Bed?
Fenton Beds267-271 City Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2QA
Established Family Business for 25 Years
sales@fentonbeds.co.uk
www.fentonbeds.co.uk
Free Local Delivery
QUALITY BEDS, ALWAYS LOW PRICES
Open Mon-Wed: 9.30am - 5.00pm, Thurs: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Fri-Sat: 9.30am - 5.00pm, Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm
We supply: Mattresses • Metal Frames • Wooden Frames
Faux leather frames • Electric beds • Day beds • Divans
Midisleepers • Bedroom furniture
Call Emily on 01782 415649
or 07946 603936
RCM Recruitment Ltd are celebrating their 2nd anniversary on the
8th April 2017. ey would like to thank local businesses for their
continuous support and hope to gain more clients in the local area
over the next year.
is year has seen them add another member to the team, Josh
Graham from Cheadle who previously worked within
manufacturing. Josh’s knowledge will help to grow the
manufacturing and engineering specialisms.
Ellia Hutchins celebrated her 1st year anniversary with the
business back in February and looks forward to many more ahead
as she progresses further with RCM.
RCM Recruitment want to build long lasting relationships with
local businesses by offering a quality and honest service. RCM offer
competitive fixed rates fees so that companies can afford to come to
them instead of placing their own adverts and having to spend the
time siing through CV’s and interviewing candidates themselves.
ey offer a tailored recruitment
service that involves writing adverts,
sourcing candidates, arranging
interviews and providing feedback.
is makes the clients recruitment
process much more time efficient.
e team at RCM have been overwhelmed with the amount of
local businesses approaching them and welcome any further new
enquiries from either businesses looking to use their services or
candidates looking for new opportunities.
Recruitment Director Emma Tideswell has said that “some of
our biggest clients have worked with me for over 5 years now and
continue to give us more vacancies across various areas of their
business. ey are happy with the quality and price of our service,
we aim to place candidates that will stay and make a career with the
businesses that we work with. e quality of our service and
honesty with our clients is key to our success and these are strong
morals of my own”
RCM plan to continue to recruit a further staff member later this
year, to support the growth of the business and the repeat demand
from clients. ey are keen for local candidates to get in touch if
they are looking for a long -term rewarding career in recruitment.
e doors are always open for
anyone to come in and find out more
about our services or feel free to get in
touch on the following contact details:
01538 528787/
info@rcmrecruitment.co.uk
19 Chapel Street, Cheadle ST10 1DU • T: 01538 528787 • W: www.rcmrecruitment.co.uk
RCM Recruitment Ltd
celebrates 2nd year of business.

H A N L E Y
A B L E W O R L D
430 Leek Road, Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3HU
Tel: (01782) 205901
hanley@ableworld.co.uk
At Joiners Square Roundabout
B U R T O N
A B L E W O R L D
Second Avenue, Centrum One Hundred
Burton-upon-Trent, DE14 2WF
Tel: (01283) 546867
info@ableworldburton.co.uk
Close to Morrisons Supermarket
Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk

I
t sounded good to Owd Grandad Piggott. Perce Lockett
had told him about a new group of people which had
opened in Dresden at The Church of the Good Shepherd.
The group was called ‘Dresden Good Companions’ and
Perce had been to the first meeting and said that it was
worth going to.
‘It’s owrate!’, said Perce. ‘It goes from afe past ten till
till afe past twelve…. Thee play bingo, thee ‘ave tea an’
biscuits, thee sing a hymn, then thee ‘ave another game o’
bingo…..its owrate ar tell thee!.... an’ it dunner cost nowt.’
‘Ar wouldner mind gooin’ ter that’, said Owd Grandad
Piggott finding the prospect of free entry, free tea and
biscuits and free bingo extremely attractive.
‘Ar’ll put thee name dine next week’, said Perce. But
when Perce went the following week, he hit an obstacle.
Owd Grandad Piggott’s reputation preceeded him and a
wail of protest went up at Dresden Good Companions,
‘Ar anna comin’ if ay’s comin’!’ shouted one venerable
gentleman.
‘Nor may!’, shouted another,‘Ay’s trouble that owd tup
is... wherever ‘ee goes thees trouble…’ee threw Walter
Mellenship through a pub winder a fortnight ago…’
‘Sorry feyth’, apologised Perce.‘It seems as a lot o’ folks
in Dresden dunner lark thee’.
‘That’s nice inner it!’ flared Owd Grandad Piggott,
‘Ev’rybody bloody ‘ates may... well ar’m gooin’ next week
an’ that’s ow thee is to it!
For the next week, Perce Lockett lived on pins and
when Tuesday came round, the day the group met, he
bottled it and stayed away. But Owd Grandad Piggott
didn’t. Quite a few of the group knew Owd Grandad
Piggott by sight but when eveyone went into the meeting,
no-one there looked remotely like him. One person though,
was somewhat different than the rest. He was a scruffy
looking individual whose head and face were completely
encased in bandages apart from a hole at the top, two
eyeholes at the front and a hideous gash where the fellow’s
mouth was. People gave him curious glances as he rammed
biscuits in the gap between the bandages and slurped loudly
as gulps of tea followed them down while a beady eye
glared out from the eyeholes. The kindly vicar looked on in
concern.
‘Er - Are you alright sir?’, he ventured which was a
rather stupid question because Owd Grandad Piggott’s
appearance denoted that he was far from ‘alright’.
‘Eh - oh ar… Ar’ve gorrer disease - but ar’ll bay owrate
in a couple o’wick... it inner confectious’, yapped Owd
Grandad Piggott.
Across the room, a man named Frank Deakin looked
on scornfully.
‘Ah know who that is!’, he growled. ‘That’s Owd
Piggott that is! Ah con tell be th’shape on‘im.Thees ony‘im
as ud ‘ave the brass neck fer do that!
‘What thee goin’ do abite it?’ventured someone.
‘Ah’ll show thee!’ said Frank Deakin. He rose from his
chair and as the figure in the bandages chomped and
slurped and glared, he slipped into the kitchen and within
a few minutes, came back holding a basin full of water, then
he crept silently behind the bandaged man and fired the
basin of water through the hole in the top of his head.There
was a sudden wild gargle, two jets of water shot out of the
eyeholes, followed by one from the mouth hole and the
figure erupted into a maelstrom of arms, legs and filthy
language. As word went round as to the identity of the
bandage clad individual, great howls of mirth broke out and
Owd Grandad Piggott feverishly tore the bandages off his
grizzled face.As he did so, droplets of water dripped off the
wild spikes of hair that surrounded his countenance.
‘Whoooosh…. wurrrrrgh…. grooooogh…’, he
spluttered, then he turned to face rhe perpetrator of the act.
‘Start runnin’ Deakin!’, growled Owd Grandad Piggott
and Frank Deakin moved fairly rapidly for an ageing man,
but he didn’t move as fast as Owd Grandad Piggott. He
floored Frank Deakin with a rugby tackle by the exit door
and the two of them rolled over in the vestibule, Frank
Deakin yelling wildly as Owd Grandad Piggott belaboured
him.
‘Oh dear me!’ howled the vicar ‘Whatever!! ... come -
come you chaps... this is a church…. I say - stop hitting Mr
Deakin with that chair leg… Oh, you absolute hooligan!’
Pandemonium reigned for half an hour as Owd
Grandad Piggott was wrestled off Frank Deakin and
thrown out into the street, shouting and yelling what he was
going to do to Frank Deakin who was desperately trying to
extract the chair leg from his shirt neck. Eventually, a police
car stopped and Owd Grandad Piggott and Frank Deakin
were both arrested and charged with aggravated violence
and causing a breach of the peace.
Dresden Good Companions disbanded for a few weeks
to let things settle down then it re-opened with a proviso
that members had to live within a one mile radius which
excluded Owd Grandad Piggott and, unfortunately, Perce
Lockett.
Owd Grandad Piggott’s pride was severely dented by
the episode and he made no mention about going again.
The vicar at the Church of the Good Shepherd was careful
to vet anyone turning up at a meeting wearing facial
bandages.
Povey’s People
By Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into our
local life and its many characters.
His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully will
bring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.
This month: Dresden Good Companions

Uttoxeter
01889 567777
Ashbourne
01335 300600
www.abodemidlands.co.uk
Free Valuations | No Sale No Fee | No Listing Fee

Fully trained and registered with
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps
offering certified rotary power sweeps covering Staffordshire and Derbyshire
A professional, friendly and clean service
Please call or email for a free
quote or to make an appointment
WHEEL ‘N’ TYRESLTD
Performance Tyre Centre
WE FIT TYRES ON YOUR DRIVE
PUBLIC • BUSINESS • FARM CALL-OUTS
Unit A, Brookhouses Industrial
Estate, Cheadle ST10 1SR
01538 755100
BATTERIES • BRAKES
EXHAUSTS • TYRES
Personal Service and Advice
Twenty years
not out!
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
BRIAN MELLOR
F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S L T D
Independent Financial Adviser
Russell House • 20 Stockwell Street • Leek • ST13 6DS
Tel: 01538 371288 www.brianmellorfs.co.uk
We couldn’t have achieved this without you!
TURNING YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS INTO REALITY
The Brian Mellor team
has spent two decades at
the crease – looking
after our clients’
interests with a
comprehensive range of
financial planning services
and independent advice.
If you would like to
boost your own financial
score, contact us for an
impartial chat.
A
s we approach the twelve month run-up to the return of Cheadle Carnival,
various events are planned to raise much-needed funds to bring back the
carnival with the kind of popularity it had in its heyday, with the emphasis
on spectacle. We intend to bring back the procession which was at the heart of
the festivities, with its society floats, marching bands and dance troupes. This will
require a large budget, and so we are launching a series of charity events with that
in mind.
First up will be the inaugural Cheadle Carnival Karting Cup, to be held at
Fastlane Karting, one of the UK’s premiere indoor kart tracks, on the 14th May.
Teams of four will race 200cc karts for 2.5 hours, non-stop. Contact Jason
07886930886 or Tim 07812356934 for more details.
A Motown Night will be held at Cheadle Guild Hall on Saturday 20th May from
7:30 until 1:00 am, featuring DJ Chris Williams, formerly resident DJ at the
Highwayman and Top Rank. Tickets are available from The Huntsman in Cheadle,
Wrights and Airfawn Garage. 07919164404 for more information.
Future planned events include a clay pigeon shooting competition, and a
downhill Soapbox challenge, to be held in Cheadle in the summer. Many other
events are in the early planning stages, many local businesses have pledged their
support, and we are also running our own lottery, the 500 club, which is growing
in popularity.The Carnival Committee members can be seen at all public showcase
events over the next few months, where we will be happy to chat about what we
are trying to do or just sign you up for the 500, or sell tickets for our forthcoming
events. We are always looking for new members, so if you feel you have talents
that would be useful to us, come and speak to us or find us on Facebook (Search
for Cheadle Carnival) or follow us on Twitter @cheadlecarnival
Cheadle Carnival will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th July 2018, with live music
on Friday and Saturday nights. The procession will be held, as it always was, from
Saturday lunchtime, with the main activities on the Rec from Saturday afternoon
and on into Sunday.
Cheadle Carnival
2018 Diary
The Friends Of
Checkley Church
Invite you to our
Spring
Fling
Barn /
Country
Dance
Checkley
Community
Centre
Friday 12th
May 2017
7.30pm
Tickets £5
(Or pay on the
door)
Tickets available
From 01538
723303 / 723576 /
722071
Bar Applied For
Raﬄe

Betfred Midlands
C
hase The Spud smashed his rivals to scoop the Betfred
Midlands Grand National at a packed Uttoxeter
Racecourse.
The gruelling 4 miles 2 furlongs steeplechase brought the
best out of the Fergal O’Brien trained gelding but halfway
through the prestigious race jockey Paddy Brennan admitted
he thought his mount had had his chips!
“For three-quarters of the way I didn’t think I was going o
win but I kept it in my mind there might only be a few
finishers and I saved the race to the end.”
Thousands of horse racing enthusiasts flocked to
Uttoxeter Racecourse which looked resplendent and in tip-
top condition.
The Betfred Midlands Grand National is now one of the
country’s premier horse races with a £125,000 prize fund and
it is tremendous credit to Uttoxeter Racecourse Executive
Director David MacDonald and his team for creating an event
our local community can be so proud of.
Photography: Nigel Kirby

National Day at
Uttoxeter
Racecourse
By Nigel Titterton
C
elebrations rang out around Uttoxeter Racecourse on Betfred Midlands
National Day after a local owner and trainer won the Betfred Mares
Handicap Hurdle.
9 year old Flobury, owned and bred by John Cresswell, of Oakamoor, and
trained by Barry Leavy, of Forsbrook, looked to be cruising to victory with
consumate ease under Champion National Hunt jockey Richard Johnson, but
coming to the last hurdle the mare thought about snatching defeat from the
jaws of victory!
A few strides from the hurdle, Flobury slowed right down and came to a
virtual stop until the master jockey made her mind up for her and helped his
charge jump the hurdle before he galvanised the partnership to get back into
gear to win the race.
There were emotional scenes in the winning enclosure as Mr Cresswell’s
family and friends accepted the victor’s trophy with Flobury receiving much
deserved pats on the back.
The crowd warmed to the local owner and trainer’s success and it was
great to see the smiling faces of winning connections – it signified just how
fantastic horse racing is and that any winner is so so special.
Barry Leavy has proved to be an excellent local trainer and anyone thinking
about getting into racehorse ownership should contact him on 07540 806915
– you won’t be disappointed.
As for owner John Cresswell, he has spent a lifetime involved with National
Hunt racing, enjoying many years throughout that time. It is extra special that
a horse which John bred won at his local track and it couldn’t have happened
to a nicer chap – many congratulations Barry and John!
Keep your eye out for American, trained by Harry Fry - he won the Betfred
TV Novices Handicap Chase in good style!
Flobury in full flight
Flobury jumps the last hurdle, thanks to the urgings of Champion Jockey
Richard Johnson!
Celebration time for our local winning connections of Flobury.
Flobury’s winning owner/breeder John Cresswell of Oakamoor and
Forsbrook trainer Barry Leavy.

With three different rooms we can accommodate small,
medium and larger type events, with catering services as
required including buffets, dinners, etc. We also cater for
business meetings with refreshments to suit. Projection
equipment is also available for hire if required.
We also have three full size snooker tables, two pool
tables, Sky Sports, children’s play area, sports courts and
other sub-section activities. Check out our website -
www.jcb-lakeside-club.co.uk
Why not give us a call, or better still, visit the Lakeside
Club and see what we have to offer.
Associate membership is also available for those who wish
to use the Lakeside facilities on a regular basis. Contact
the club for details.
JCB Lakeside Club,
Hollington Road, Rocester, Staffs ST14 5HY
Tel: 01889 591057
Email: jcblakeside@tiscali.co.uk
Web: www.jcb-lakeside-club.co.uk
Janet Johnson BSc (Hons) Podiatry SRCh
Chiropodist
Treatments include:
nail cuts, thick nail reduction,
ingrown nail treatments, callus
and corn removal, verrucas, arch
and heal pain, nail surgery
biomechanical assessment
and diabetic assessment.
Based in the Northgate
Doctors Surgery, Carters
Square, every Friday.
Home visits available
£25 per treatment
Mobile: 07951820847
Home: 01889 592855
before 6 pm
janetjohnson1701@
gmail.com
LAKESIDE
CLUB

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

Field Funeral Services
Ffs
Dedicated to Dignity & PEACE
our family to yours
t: 01538 722665
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Field Funeral Services |37a High Street | Tean
Stoke on Trent | Staffordshire | ST10 4DY
www.facebook.com/fieldfuneralservices
fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
Ki
tchens by Paul Gabri
el
of S t r a m s h a l l
Affordable Kitchens from the
unusual to the straightforward.
Re-vamp your existing kitchen with a choice
of over fifty door designs and a wide choice of
worktops and sinks.
Or simply paint your existing doors
to freshen things up.
Otherwise I can design, supply and fit a
brand new kitchen or supply only.
For free friendly advice call Paul on
01889 562139 or mobile 07990 622125
Visit www.kitchensbypaulgabriel.co.uk
or e-mail paulmgabriel@hotmail.co.uk
New Uttoxeter Timetable • Ballet & Tap pre school 9.30am
Ballet & Tap prep /primary 10.15am • Freestyle Disco/Street 12.15pm
For class details please contact us Tel: 01538 754414
or Email: info@vivienneshelleystudios.co.uk
www.vivienneshelleystudios.co.uk
VIVIENNE SHELLEY
DANCE STUDIOS
Quality Local Dance Tuition For All Ages
in Cheadle, Uttoxeter & Blythe Bridge
Saturday Dance Classes
St Mary’s Church Hall, Balance Street, Uttoxeter
A beautifully
clean home and
a brighter you
Award winning eco-friendly
domestic cleaning service
Call Clare on:
01889 220 968
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
A
pril brings lots of work, sowing of
spring crops (and the ground prep that
goes with it), turn out, if not already
done, of cattle and lambs and the fertilizing
of grass and crops.
The longer daylight hours are more
helpful if carrying out jobs in the fields and
hedge-laying and ditch work is finished for
now and doing their jobs.
Ditches contribute to ecosystems as well
as regulating water flow- they provide food
resources in what might be dry, crop areas,
help retain nutrients and form a network
within the wider landscape. Often tall
vegetation grows on the banks, such as
meadowsweet and Rosebay Willowherb and
it provides food and habitation for farmland
birds and insects.
Some ditches may contain water all the
time, others only during winter or after heavy
rainfall and under the current CAP rules,
special care has to be taken near ditches and
watercourses, especially if the field is larger
than 2 hectares, when spraying.
One of the farming issues at the moment
is the threat of banning Glyphosate- a very
successful herbicide. This has been classed in
the same risk group as burning wood, high
temperature frying (look out, you chip
addicts) or working as a hairdresser, however,
don’t seem to see these banned.
If farmer aren’t allowed to use it, it maybe
means mechanical tillage/hoeing will have to
be used to kill weeds or stronger/riskier
chemicals in crops- a more definite risk to
ground nesting birds and mammals.
Farmers are under very strong regulation
when it comes to spraying and 98% of what
you see coming out of the sprayer is water-
again ditches must be avoided!
Moths particularly like to fly along these
generally straight highways, out of sight and
reach of predators and this month there may
be a few of the day-flying moths about, such
as the ‘powdered quaker’.
Small mammals also use ditches to
commute to other areas and ours will contain
frogspawn in certain places this month.
Field drains, subsurface clay or tile pipes,
or more modern plastic varieties, empty into
ditches, which helps to keep the field from
getting boggy. Drains remove excess water
and can be used to control the water table
and this helps the productivity of the field.
Sometimes they need rodding to keep clear.
Grass is so important to dairy/ livestock
farmers- it is the food for the present and the
future, it needs to be looked after. The better
the soil, the better plants grow and the more
abundant the soil fauna and this all helps
production. Heavy, sodden soil does not grow
plants easily.
Hopefully the weather is warm and our
later lambs can go straight out into the fields,
making life much easier, but we will be
moving our sheep around to take advantage
of the fast growing grass. This will give Ted
the exercise and work he needs, allowing him
to stretch his legs (but he will have to be
careful when moving ewes with their lambs-
they will turn on him if he gets too close!).
Angela Sargent
www.baldfields-farm.co.uk and follow us
on twitter (@bythebarn)and
facebook(baldfields farm) too!
When you place an ad in
you will also be seen in our
online edition at
www.uttoxeterandcheadlevoice.co.uk
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Take
advantage
of our
massive
readership
to attract
customers
Telephone
01538 751629
or simply email
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk

• Dressage Training
• Pole/Grid work clinics
• Rider Alignment on and off the horse
(private/shared/group sessions)
• Biomechanics screenings
• Pilates/Equipilates™ classes
• Test riding
• Improve your alignment, posture, core
strength/stability, flexibility and range of
movement, development your horses way
of going and build your partnership
• Available for private and group sessions,
clinics, pony clubs and riding clubs
Contact 07796 175 128 • email mcfequestrian@outlook.com • visit www.mcfequestrian.co.uk
Jo Titterton Dressage / MCF equestrian • @mcfequestrian
Marsh Cottage Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Draycott, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST11 9NR
Jo Titterton UKCC
Dressage and EquipilatesTM
Instructor
Have I got news for you
by Uttoxeter’s Gary Hudson, Former BBC Chief News Reporter
Gary Hudson is a member of Uttoxeter Lions
Club and a former BBC Chief News Reporter.
Support local live music – now here’s
your chance
Support local live music. That’s been a recurrent
theme for all the years I’ve been writing this
column. That and appeals for you to support
Uttoxeter Lions’ charitable events. Plus a few
stories about encounters with famous people and
the occasional rant.
But for now let’s return to my top topic, as
determined by an automated count of all the key
words in all the thousands I’ve written over the
years. Or more accurately, an imaginary count as
determined in my rather fanciful imagination.
Today I’m saying look at the value for money
represented by two local festivals just a week apart.
The first is the Acoustic Festival of Great Britain
at the racecourse, which I’ve written about
previously in these pages. Suffice to say that you
won’t get a better variety of live musicians and
family friendly entertainment at a similar price
anywhere within a hundred miles of here.
The second is the Uttoxeter Beer and Cider
Festival at Oldfields Sports and Social Club on the
second weekend in June. Apart from dozens of real
ales, a range of ciders (and - if you absolutely must
- the odd lager or two) there’s music throughout
the day on Saturday and a music night on the
Friday evening, 9th June.
I don’t know anybody who has ever
complained about the music mix on the Saturday
at the beer festival and once again we have the
same crowd-pleasing covers band Upfront
headlining and bringing the event to an all singing
and dancing climax.
The Friday night should be even better this year
and represents phenomenal value for money at just
£2.50 admission. But of course the smart thing to
do is to buy a £7.50 beer festival ticket and get in
on the Friday for free.
Simply the best – by invitation only
The last few years we’ve called the Friday an
open mic event, and because of the number of
people it attracts and the size of the marquee, we’ve
been confident in calling it Staffordshire’s Biggest
Open Mic Night. That’s undoubtedly true, but the
idea that anyone can perform and therefore that
it’s somehow all about the performers might put
one or two of you off.
So this year performances are by invitation
only, with a view to giving audiences a thoroughly
entertaining night. If you want to see a selection of
some of the best, mostly acoustic, talent around
this area – and enjoy a drink at the same time – it’s
the place to be.
I’ve already been promised by a number of very
fine professional and semi-professional musicians
that they’ll be there. Reputations will be left at the
door, because the aim of the event is to entertain
the crowd and raise money for charity –
specifically the successful prostate cancer screening
programme that we run annually at the racecourse.
Past experience suggests that singers who are
used to performing at larger festivals enjoy playing
in the intimacy of a beer tent, while those who
mostly play pub gigs revel in the opportunity to
step up onto the bigger stage with a larger crowd.
One thing is for certain. There will be a wide
variety of musical styles on show, even if it does
tend to reflect my own taste. If I have to defend my
judgement, I’ll just claim that I’ve got to have some
perks for going around asking people to donate
their valuable services. And anyway, I think that
apart from my unnatural (or perhaps perfectly
understandable) obsession with Bruce Springsteen
- who I can guarantee will not be performing - my
taste is pretty eclectic.
An award winning choir - without
auditions
Indeed, some of the best music I’ve enjoyed live
in recent weeks has been performances by
Uttoxeter’s own Heath Chorus. They recently came
second by just one point earning an honours-class
mark (in other words they were really bloody
good) in the adult choir category at the Newcastle
under Lyme Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.
Marshalled into shape by the only professional
musician amongst them, Helen Clayton, they are a
non-audition choir. That means none of the dozens
of women who produce such exquisite harmonies
have been chosen for their singing voices. Anyone
can join, and yet the result is often comparable to
anything you would see on TV or in the kind of
concert hall where grubby little oiks like me are not
usually welcome.
I’m considering asking Ms Clayton to bring
along a few of the women to the Beer Festival. Two
or three numbers from them should shake things
up a little bit. Watch this space.
Friday night at Uttoxeter Beer and Cider Festival. This is what happens when you have a big stage.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake
My three children and their partners all came
to see me for Mothers Day which was a real treat.
With life being so busy for everyone, these
occasions are few and far between. So I had to
make a special cake for the occasion. The Brooklyn
Blackout cake is an American classic. It is a type
of Devils Food chocolate cake which was created
by Ebinger Baking Company in Brooklyn, New
York. I made it a little different by filling the cake
with a white chocolate custard. It is a little bit
more complicated to make, but well worth it.
You will need:-
175g unsalted butter
100g golden caster sugar
300g light muscovado sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
275g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
50g cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
150ml strong coffee
150ml milk
5 egg whites
White chocolate custard -
5 egg yolks
75g caster sugar
25g cornflour
250ml milk
75g white chocolate
Chocolate Frosting -
100g unsalted butter
150g good quality dark chocolate 70% cocoa
1 tbsp honey
120ml double cream
First thing you will need to make is the custard
filling. Put the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour into
a bowl and whisk until light and creamy. Next in
a pan, heat the milk until just coming to a
simmering point, then remove from the heat and
pour onto the egg yolk mix, whisking to combine.
Pour the custard back into the pan and whisk
constantly until it has thickened and has a smooth
consistency. Add the finely chopped white
chocolate and blend together. Pour into a bowl
and cover with clingfilm then chill for at least a
couple of hours.
Grease and line 3 x 20cm cake tins and heat
your oven to 160˚C fan. In a large bowl cream
together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy,
then add the vanilla. In a separate bowl, sieve
together the flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder.
Pour together the coffee and milk in a jug. Lightly
beat together your egg whites and add to the butter
and sugar mixture a little at a time until fully
combined. Add the flour mixture to the cake
batter in three additions, alternating with the
coffee mixture. Divide the cake batter equally
between the three tins and bake for approximately
30 - 35 mins, until the cakes spring back to the
touch. Allow to cool in the tins for 10 mins before
turning out onto a wire rack.
To make the frosting, put the chocolate, butter
and honey into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of
simmering water, stirring until fully melted.
Remove from the heat and pour in the cream.
Cool until the mixture has thickened to a
spreadable consistency.
To assemble your cake, use a serrated knife to
slice a thin layer of sponge from the top of each
cake, giving flat even layers. Crumble the offcuts
into crumbs. Put one cake onto a serving plate and
top with half of the white chocolate custard, then
repeat with the second cake and custard, topping
with the final cake layer. To finish, spread the
frosting over the top and sides of the cake and
press the cake crumbs over the whole cake, top
and sides.
This cake is beautifully moist and one of my
favourite chocolate cakes. It was a great success!
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill
Tean Road, Cheadle, Stoke-On-Trent ST10 1LW
Call 01538 753196
Hungry Horse Master Potter

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
F
or the benefit of the readers of my column in
this fine community magazine who run their
own businesses I must recall this month a
little tale that was told to me only last week whilst
it is fresh in my mind which you might find
amusing. It concerns the service industry. As you
possibly all know especially if you are in the
manufacturing industry that the upkeep and
servicing of equipment needed to run your business
successfully can be very, very expensive, but
unfortunately it is a necessity.
During a visit to my premises a few days ago
by an engineer to do a urgent repair to one of my
presses I happen to enquire as to, whether or not
he was busy or not. “Busy he said, I am rushed off
my feet, but I would cope better if I did not get
hassled by nutcases”. “What do you mean exactly
I inquired”.
Well he said last week I had a phone call from
an irate client who had purchased some equipment
from me who informed me that the computer that
ran it would not operate. I explained to him that
rather than come down to his premises and work
on site to save him an expensive call out fee that I
would talk him through a list of repair operations
over the phone to try and rectify the problem
which he gladly agreed to.
I started the list of diagnostic questions firstly
asking him if he could see if a small, green flashing
light at the rear of the machine was working to
which his client replied, it is to dark behind the
machine to see. I then and asked him if he could
get hold of a torch to assist him. After a few
moments leaving me hanging on the phone he
came back on and informed that me that he had
found a torch but could not detect any sign of a
flashing green light. After a series of further
investigative operations which all drew a total
blank and because of the urgency to get his
machine back up and running I informed him that
I would have no alternative but to come down at
great expense and survey the matter on site.
Under duress because of the cost of such a visit
he hummed and hawed but eventually agreed that
it was really the only option to get up and running
again.
My engineer friend dropped everything he was
doing, re-scheduled his calls for the day and started
off travelling for the best part of an hour to his
clients premises to find them on arrival in total
darkness. His client was standing at the door with
his head in his hands moaning as to when he could
get his equipment back in action as the breakdown
had caused him untold cost and aggravation to his
customers.
He asked him why his premises were in
darkness and he repied that local contractors had
been working in the vicinity and severed a cable
which was causing, until it was repaired, a
temporary power cut. “Would that be anything to
do with my computer not working” he enquired.
I will not tell you what my engineer friend said
to him!!
You couldn’t make it up could you?
Still stopping with the service industry I had an
experience a few years ago that I have never
forgotten in a hurry.
On one occasion I was thumbing through one
of the trade magazines I purchase regularly and
espied a bit of equipment for sale that I was really
interested in.
I contacted the seller and discussed the matter
with him, negotiated a price that was quite
agreeable to us both and he invited me down to his
works based in Hackney in London to do a deal
with him.
I duly hired a suitable vehicle and 2 mates of
mine to assist me in bringing the equipment back
up to Uttoxeter to install it in my premises.
On arriving down London we were greeted by
the seller who was a perfect host and gentleman.
He demonstrated and explained the capabilities of
the equipment and answered any of my delving
questions in full about it with ease.
I didn’t even doubt the chaps integrity at all,
even though I noticed that he was wearing a fire
arm underneath his suit jacket. Even when I
quizzed him about that he said that in that area of
London it was the normal thing to do with all the
thieves, gangsters, ruffians and rogues about and
he carried it only only for his own personal
protection and also as a deterrent if ever the need
arose.
After I had finished shaking and managed to
close my mouth I loaded up the equipment, settled
up with him in cash, shook his hand, said my
goodbyes, wished him all the best and set off back
to the serenity of Uttoxeter.
The equipment I purchased was a snip in price
and it worked a treat and did everything I required
of it until a few weeks later it broke down. I
contacted the seller who apologised
most profusely for my problems but
immediately put me in touch with an
engineer who was an expert in this type
of kit who was based south of the river
Thames in London. On contacting this
engineer and discussing my problem he
informed me that he could repair it but
he would require £1000 to come up to
fix it because of the travelling and
distance time from his premises.
I said to him that that kind of fee
was beyond my budget and did he
know of anyone else nearer to my
location that might be able to assist me
and possibly be able to bring the fee
down to more of a level that I could
afford.
Luckily he did and he put me touch
with a colleague of his who covered the
Midlands area who was based only 30
miles away from me who was quite
capable of doing the same job.
I contacted this engineer, explained
my dilemma and he informed me that
he knew exactly what was causing my
breakdown trouble and agreed a figure
of £500 pounds to come down and fix
it for me.
This sum was more affordable to me
than the price of £1000 I was quoted
earlier so I gave him the task.
He arrived at my premises in no time at all, he
took off his jacket, put on his overall on and
started to look over the machine. After taking off
a side panel he reached inside his jacket pocket and
produced a little booklet and suddenly stopped
still, I asked him what the problem was. He asked
me from where I had purchased it from, I told him
and he then informed me that the he used to work
for the company that manufactured this equipment
and the little handbook contained all the serial
numbers of the machines manufactured and this
was one on the hot list, it had been stolen from a
company in Switzerland.
After coming out with a stream of expletives
and considering all the consequences of receiving
stolen property I said ok but can you still fix it?
Yes I can he replied but it will cost you £700.00
which will include keeping my mouth shut.
I deliberated and finally after considering all the
implications of reporting it coupled with the huge
monetary losses which would be incurred I agreed
his terms and he duly repaired it and went on his
way.
I do admit though whether or not my decision
was right or wrong I kept to an old maxim quoted
to me by and old friend of mine who used to say
“A man with moral courage does what he believes
to be right, regardless of personal consequences
and the opinion of others” .
I did try and contact the seller of the equipment
after the event but to no avail and I remembered
him carrying a firearm so decided not to pursue the
matter any further and let it drop.
The engineer who repaired it for me apart from
his downright cheek was a top man so I kept in
touch with him and he serviced the equipment for
me for many years after until I replaced it and
actually he became a good friend.
I hope you have enjoyed my small insight into
my experiences of the service industry and will
hopefully be with you all next month.
Till then, all the best to you all.
Lank

Highwood Court, Uttoxeter
Apartments available to rent
Accommodation available in quiet area • Close to local amenities
For over 55’s • Self-contained 1 bedroomed apartments
Separate kitchen area • Bathroom or level access showers
Communal gardens / dining areas
Rent £78.15 per week + service charges will be discussed upon your interest
This pleasant complex also oﬀers an on site warden, laundry facilities,
IT suite and hairdressing salon on site.
Recreational activities arranged include:
accompanied outings, pamper days, luncheon club, coﬀee mornings,
exercise classes and evening social activities including bingo.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in a
no obligation viewing of the complex, this can be
arranged by appointment by contacting
Dave Reynolds on 07921 233314 or
Sally Steer on 01283 528620 who will be happy to
help with any enquires

QUALITY LOCAL MEAT, BEEF,
LAMB, PORK & POULTRY
All meat home killed with complete farm to fork assurance.
Personal & Friendly Service Guaranteed
YOU CAN TRUST
100% BRITISH MEAT
2 Market Street, Uttoxeter
Tel (01889) 565870
Roycroft Farm, Bramshall
Tel (01889) 563353

C
headle Arts Festival drew to a close with an
Evening of Nostalgia staged by Cheadle U3A.
The Festival has been excellent, all events well
supported and a wealth of talent displayed.
The Cre-8 Day and The Showcase really showed
the diversity and range of art and craft in the town
and surrounding area.
The High Street Gallery – a display unique to
Cheadle was as ever well worth a wander along the
High Street. The shops and retailers had pulled out
all the stops and accommodated the artists’ paintings
in their windows in an imaginative way and the
winners of the Shop window Competition, judged by
the Town Mayor Phil Routledge and his wife, were
Reborn Interiors and The New Window shop.
Certificates were presented and our thanks go to all
the shops for their support.
The Tea Dance staged by the Cheadle Flower
Club was well attended and in the capable hands (or
should it be “feet”) of Mr Brian Stoddard. It was a
most enjoyable occasion.
The Jazz Night on Saturday 11th March was
excellent. Not one band but two bands entertained
us. Lee and Friends and the Wabash Jazzmen filled
the Guild Hall with foot-tapping joy. Together with
the refreshments on both Saturday events the Donna
Louise Hospice was supported to the tune of £800 !
The Cheadle Community Band entertained on
both Saturday mornings whilst the crafters and the
artists displayed their work.
The Reading Cafe was interesting and worth
building on. People came forward with their poems
and stories to read for the audience. This could well
grow !
Sunday 19th March saw the Alton Handbell
ringers and the U3A Ukelele band produce an
excellent concert for a very appreciative audience.
Again the Donna Louise Hospice was
The beneficiary and cheques for the amounts
raised will be presented to a representative of the
Hospice shortly.
Unfortunately the “Cheadle’s Got Talent” event
on Saturday evening 18th March had to be cancelled
through lack of support, but all the rest more than
made up for it.
Next Year Cheadle Arts Festival will be held over
the whole of March and groups and individuals are
asked to join in and stage their events any time
during that month, they will have full coverage on
the advertising leaflets.
Cheadle Arts Festival a great success!

T R E E S & L A N D S C A P E S
ALL ASPECTS
OF TREEWORK
UNDERTAKEN
Fully NPTC Qualified
RFS cert arb
Reductions
Thins
Crown Raising
Inspections
Surveys
All aspects of gardening & landscaping also undertaken:
Lawns Garden Paths Ponds Fencing
Patios Borders Decking Stonework
Aftercare & Maintenance
Pest Diagnosis & Control
Fells
Conifers
Top Soil
Landscaping Services
Logs Available
From the smallest hedge to the largest tree,
tree surgery that doesn’t cost the Earth!
Fully Licensed Sprayer | Fully Insured
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
Call Rob: 01538 361 432
or 07900 995 139
Printed by SO Marketing - 01538 750 538 - www.somarketing.comAll work to BS3998 standard
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
All work to
BS3998 standard
Call Rob on 01538 266993
or 07900 995139
Email:
newlifetreesandlandscapes@gmail.com
EMERGENCY
CALL-OUTS
ALSO
AVAILABLE
Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful
‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants -
and savour a truly delicious experience!
Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey
and the surrounding countryside.
Open every day, 12-10pm
Pensioners Specials
Monday to Saturday 12-2pm
Main Meal £4.95, 3 Courses £9.00
Sunday Lunches served all day
Take your pick from Beef,Turkey, Lamb,
Pork or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marstons Pedigree,
Spitfire, London Pride, Black Sheep
Heated smoking area
Mid-Week Evening Specials
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins with
Hot Tubs available. B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278
www.logcabin.co.uk
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Serving the community since 1976
MJ Barrett Constructions,Brookside Business Park,Brookside Road,
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire,ST14 8AT
www.mjbarrettconstructions.co.uk
Tel:01889 564 253 • Fax:01889 564 210
F
M J Barrett Constructions supply and erect all types of
agricultural and industrial buildings,including grain stores,
equestrian centres,storage buildings,milking parlours,and
cattle housing along with a variety of industrial warehousing,
office accommodation,retail outlets and entertainment
complexes all built to the highest standards.

For all your motoring needs
Chips and scratches...away!
Utilising the latest paint technology and skill repair techniques,
therefore halving the cost conventional Bodyshops would quote, without
compromising quality! All prices subject to a visual inspection and VAT.
Corner of bumper scuffs
From £75
Alloy wheel scuff repairs
From £35
Dent removal without the
need to paint the panel
From £35
Windscreen stone chips
From £25
SAME DAY SMART
REPAIR SERVICE
Derby Road, Uttoxeter Staffs ST14 8EG • T: 01889 563448 • W: www.angusmackinnon.co.uk
or email your images to bodyshop@angusmackinnon.co.uk
MOT Testing in Uttoxeter
No appointment necessary or if you prefer book online
Open 7 days a week: Mon-Fri : 8:00 - 17:00, Saturday : 8:00 - 12:00, Sunday : 8:00 -12:00
T: 01889 563838
Uttoxeter Test Centre, Smithfield Road, Uttoxeter ST14 7JB www.uttoxetertestcentre.co.uk
• FREE Re-test
• Free annual reminder
service
• Independent test
• Town centre location
• Friendly staff
• We want your car to pass!
• Warm, comfortable waiting
area with drinks machine
and TV
• If your vehicle fails, take it
away to a repairer of your
choice
• Class IV MOTs - Cars and
Vans

7 Cross Street
(off the High Street),
Cheadle ST10 1NP
Tel 01538 755550
info@bcjosephine.co.uk
www.bcjosephine.co.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday 10am - 4.30pm,
Tuesday 10am - 4.30pm,
Wednesday Closed,
Thursday 10am - 4.30pm,
Friday 10am - 4.30pm,
Saturday 9.30am-5pm
Uttoxeter jazz vocalist
available for weddings, events
and special occasions
MISS
K
Vintage jazz singer
COPELAND
misskcopeland.com
misskcopeland.com
booking@misskcopeland.com
Crystal Clear &
CACI facials
Decléor face &
body treatments
CND manicure &
pedicure treatments
StTropez spray tan
Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up
Minx nails
Shellac nails
Call: 01889 566647
www.opulencebeauty.co.uk
31 Market Place, Uttoxeter
Gift
Vouchers
Available
• Accepting new patients & families
• Join our Private Practice Membership Plan for as little as
£4.64 per month
• Established family run practice for 18 years providing all
aspects of dentistry including cosmetic, orthodontic,
clear braces and hygienist service
• Accredited member of the British Dental Asscociation
Good Practice, senior dentists are members of the British
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• Book an appointment for an initial consultation before
the 31/5/17 and bring this advert to get a £10.00 discount
oﬀ your first new patient assesment (only one advert per
person to be used)
• Free parking outside
Call our friendly reception team today on 01335 343126
for more information or to book an informal visit
19 Compton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1 BX
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Take
advantage
of our
massive
readership
to attract
customers
Telephone
01538 751629
or simply email
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
Special Advert
Discount Rates
Available
E-MAIL YOUR
ADVERT TODAY
NO PRE-PAYMENT
REQUIRED!!
Stockists of Leading Brands
of Food at Competitive Prices
Birds, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters,
Cold Water Fish & Tropical Fish.
Call in to see Chip,our adorable
10 year old Parrott
Tel: 01538 753193
8 Cross Street, Cheadle ST10 1NP
CROSS STREET PET STORES
For all your pet requirements
You can now read The Voice at
www.uttoxeterandcheadlevoice.co.uk
You can also contact us via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice
search for Uttoxeter Voice
search for Uttoxeter Voice

My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle
I
f you are a regular reader, you will know that
one of my favourite pastimes is walking my dog.
On some days, like yesterday, it is a real pleasure.
The sun was shining and giving off considerable
warmth. The crocuses were in full bloom in their
various shades of lilac, purple and yellow. My
favourite golden daffodils were trumpeting the
season of Spring in defiance of the disappointing
performance of Wales in the Six Nations
Championship. However, it is not such a pleasure
on days, like today, when it was wet and cold. The
Spring flowers looked as bedraggled as yours truly
and my canine best friend.
Since I have been walking my four-legged
companion around the highways and byways (okay,
too much poetic license) the pavements and paths
of Cheadle, I have learned that people fall into two
categories: walkers and dog walkers. The former,
always well dressed in sturdy boots, waterproof
jackets and often with a rucksack on his or her
back. The latter in any old jacket or pair of shoes
grabbed at the back door such is the enthusiasm of
the household pet for yet another walk. Never the
front door as no one wants to trail mud or any other
unmentionable brown substance through the house.
The walkers rarely acknowledge me and never my
dog. They are intent in their pursuit of eating up the
miles and reaching the carefully mapped out
destination. The dog walkers always stop to chat.
Usually the chat is to or about the dogs and,
even though I know the names of most of the
animals, I rarely know the name of the humans. I
often do not recognise the owners unless they are
attached to a lead. To use an expression used by the
winners of radio competitions, I would like to give
a ‘shout out’ to Charlie, Archie, Marley, Harley,
Bobby and Barney. This reads like a list of the names
of the children of the lead singer of The Rolling
Stones! Also, Bentley, Cassie, Ruby, Max, Ben, Kiwi,
Dora and Rosie. And to anyone else, or, in this case,
any other dog, who knows me, to use yet another
quote from radio competition contestants.
I finish by highlighting an activity in which a
small percentage of the dog walking population of
our town engage. These people buy small black
plastic bags. They fill them once their dog has ‘done
his/her business’. Then they drop the bags on the
ground or hang them over the branch of a tree or
leave them dangling from a stile or hedge. Why? If
you make the effort to buy the bags in the first
place, why not deposit them in one of the many bins
in and around Cheadle? No wonder the walkers
ignore us dog walkers. Enjoy the Spring.
Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
H
ave you ever sat in your home and wished
the phone would ring, cos you fancy a chat
with someone who cares about you?
Tonight my husband is away on business and I sat
watching the TV and thought, go on phone ring, I
fancy hearing from someone, but it didn’t and the
sense of loneliness was overwhelming for a few
moments, but he will be back tomorrow and life
will go on.
But how about if that feeling of isolation was
life, you are in your home and no one calls and the
loneliness is not a fleeting moment, but hours and
hours. Loneliness is the silent issue in our modern
high tech life, research tells us that loneliness and
a lack of social interaction can be as bad for your
health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day; in addition
more than half (51%) of all people aged 75+ live
alone in the UK and nearly a fifth of those people
spend zero hours with other people on a typical
day.
Years ago people used to write letters and
telephone friends for a catch up, but now
Facebook and Snap Chat have taken over so real
communication has been lost. Because I moved
here from another town, most of my friends are in
other places and the telephone is a vital tool for me
to keep in touch and still feel a part of a social
scheme, my husband and I also do voluntary work
and that has allowed us to feel part of a social
network, but that all takes time. They say that if
you move to a new place then it can take up to 10
years to feel accepted and part of the community.
But what happens if you are getting older and
your friends are not in another town, but in fact
have died, because let’s face it, that will happen to
all of us at some point. What do you do then, do
you sit in your home knowing that the phone will
not ring or do you look forward to a call from
Careline.
Careline is a charity that calls people to find out
how they are. They call as regularly as someone
would like and have a chat about their week. It is
such a simple solution to isolation, but extremely
effective one.
The service was set up 1st September 1997 and
now has a team of 80 volunteers who call their
members, daily or as regularly as they wish to be
called. Calls take place every day of the year
including weekends and bank holidays.
Careline currently makes around 400 calls a
week, which equates to over 19,000 calls a year.
They call the people that they speak to on the
telephone, Members, as they are a member of the
Careline community once they join and they can
be an individual or couples who experience
difficulty going out without help, feel lonely or
isolated. Calls are also made to the recently
bereaved or recently discharged from hospital or
to a carer who needs someone else to talk to. The
calls offer them friendship and greater social
interaction.
Jane Fulham, the Manager explains that “The
calls also have another important role, in that they
act as a safety net for our members ensuring that
all is well and raising awareness of problems that
may be occurring before a situation reaches crisis
point. Follow up telephone calls are made to family
members or other contacts should we not be able
to reach someone during a calling session.”
The calls are made to members during three
time slots sessions; they can choose when to receive
the call, either in the morning between 10am and
noon or at mid-day between noon and 2pm or in
the afternoon, between 2pm-4pm.
If you know someone who would benefit from
getting a weekly call, then you
can refer them via the Careline
website
www.carelinecalling.org.uk or
by calling 01335 210353.
But what about volunteering
for the charity, Jo Bradley told
me, “We are always looking for
new people of all ages to join
our team of volunteers! We have
a loyal group of over 80
volunteers, many of whom have
been supporting Careline for
years. The majority of
befriending calls are made from
our office in St Oswald’s
Hospital, Ashbourne, although
some volunteers make calls from their own homes.
So if someone is less mobile but feels that they
would like to become a volunteer please do get in
touch.”
“Their involvement can be as little as 2 hours
per month or on a weekly or fortnightly basis,
whatever best fits with their diary. Individual
training is provided and they will receive on-going
support from the Careline Manager. Volunteers
have the opportunity to get together at a variety of
social, fundraising and training events throughout
the year too, so they feel supported and cared
about.”
As Careline will be 20 years old this year, a
celebration will be taking place for all the ex-
members and volunteers in June 2017, watch out
for further details on the website.
As with any organisation, they always need
funding and have a special Virgin Money Giving
page that if you can make a donation, then please
do at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/
My telephone has just rung; a friend was just
checking up that I was ok on my own, because my
husband is away. It was only a 5 min call, but it
made all the difference to my evening. So if you
either want to receive the calls or become a
volunteer to make the calls, do get in touch with
Careline on 01335 210353 and break free of the
isolation, it will change your life, I promise.

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

5
Photo Credits - 1: Dawn French, Uttoxeter. 2: Steve Lavin, Uttoxeter. 3: Michael Smith, Uttoxeter. 4: Marcia Titterton, Cheadle. 5: Phil Overton, Uttoxeter.
4

By Nigel Titterton
A
whole community has been
rocked by the death of one of
Cheadle’s favourite sons,
Peter Chell Junior, at the age of 45
years old.
One of the nicest and hard
working men you would ever want
to meet, Peter lost his life to cancer
after being diagnosed with the
terminal disease a month earlier.
The news has shocked not only
Cheadle but all parts of
Staffordshire as ‘Chelly,’ as he was
affectionately known, was one of the
finest darts players in the county,
throwing arrows in hundreds of
pubs throughout a huge area.
It was even more devastating
because Peter had met the dream girl
of his life, Clare Lovatt, only 18
months ago and the couple were
head over heels in love before his shattering
passing away.
Peter’s Mum Beryl and Dad Peter Senior,
along with brother Shaun and sisters
Margaret and Caroline and Clare were by
Peter’s side throughout his illness. They were
there for him all the way and were rocks until
the final moments of his life.
Peter was born and bred in Cheadle,
attending Cheadle Primary School and the
High School and hundreds of local people
will have come into contact with him as a
painter and decorator, and a damn good one
too.
After leaving school he served a two year
apprenticeship with Longton-based Alan
Poxon before passing his City & Guilds in
Painting and Decorating and starting his own
business which realised many years of
happiness and hard work.
Beryl said: “Peter never stopped working,
he would work seven days a week some of the
time and was very conscientious in his work.
He really loved it and he was proud of the
work he did.”
Throughout his work, Peter was massively
respected by all his customers and many
regarded him as a friend and by some as a
part of their families. He carried out his work
in astonishing speed and excellence which
was at times remarkable.
Known throughout the darts circuit as
‘Chelly,’ Peter played 70 times for
Staffordshire after picking up the darts bug
from dad Peter Snr who was also a top notch
thrower.
Peter Snr said: “I took him to Cheadle
Social Club as a youngster and he loved darts
so I took him under my wing and to the team
I played for. The first team we played for in
The Super League was The Anchor,
Tean, where we lost the first 8
matches but once he won his first
match things looked up and he gained
confidence and he never looked
back.”
The last team Peter Jnr played
darts for was The Lamplighter in
Cheadle and on the following night of
Peter’s death, a minute’s silence was
emotionally held which was a fitting
gesture for their team-mate and
friend.
Peter was buried with his darts,
wearing his Staffordshire darting
kit...
As I write this tribute to Pete, as I
call him, I can’t get my head around
why he has been taken from us so
young, it just doesn’t make sense. He
was not only a gentle man but a true
gentleman - I never heard him say
anything bad about any other human-
being and I never heard him raise his voice for
any reason.
We used to chat about horse racing which
he loved and he would completely bamboozle
me with how he could work out fixed odds
football matches on the coupon. He was a
very intelligent person whose brain could
work out prices in a flash.
His demeanour was one of kindness and
calm and it is so tragic that his death comes
just 18 months after meeting and loving
Clare, the two of them were made for each
other....
So I’d like to say a big thanks to you Pete
from myself, your family, customers, friends
and all the local darting community for giving
us so much personally and on the sporting
front – and never asking for anything in
return...
Your mate Nige
A Tribute to Peter Chell
O
n behalf of Staffordshire Darts can we send our condolences to the
family of Peter Chell Junior. It’s a sad, sad loss to them but also we have
lost a very special person from our Squad. Peter was an asset to
Staffordshire, making 70 appearances. He was such a lovely person and always
gave 150% and he will be missed by many.
God Rest in Peace Peter, till we meet again.
Keep them darts flying high. Love from us all at Staffordshire County Darts
& Staffordshire Super League Darts.
Michelle Colclough, General Secretary
Staffordshire County Darts Organisation
Passed Away on
April 5th 2017
Aged 45

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (20)

Similaire à Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary

Similaire à Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary (20)

Plus de Noel Sergeant

Plus de Noel Sergeant (11)

Dernier

Dernier (20)

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice celebrates 10th anniversary