Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 119

Uttoxeter 01889 567777
Cheadle 01538 750081
Ashbourne 01335 300600
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Uttoxeter
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Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Issue 119
A QUALITY MAGAZINE - NOW IN OUR 16th YEAR!

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3
Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to local homes. To Advertise email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk, phone 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970
I
see many shops have got their Christmas
stock out on display alongside Halloween
and Fireworks goods…
How have we got to a scenario when three
huge annual events seem to be interlinked in a
quest by stores to attract cash from our pockets?
The World is changing and our British way of
life is slowly being eroded. I want the children of
today to enjoy everything I enjoyed as a kid but
the more I see the way our lives are run in a
chaotic manner, the more I want us all to take a
step back and ‘Stop and Smell The Roses!’
Have you been feeling under the weather
recently? Everyone I speak to has been suffering
with some sort of illness whether it is coughing,
sneezing, feeling lethargic etc etc. Lots of people
say they think it is the effects of Covid at this time
of year again but some say it’s the normal type of
Autumnal illnesses…
Whatever the reason is, we have to keep on
going regardless and look forward to the happy
Winter events in the next few months!
We had a great time recently at Ladies Day at
Uttoxeter Racecourse. I am so proud to be
associated with The Racecourse over the past 50
years, it is truly a wonderful place where there is
always the feelgood factor.
Executive Director Brian Barrass and his
magnificent team have got the place running
superbly and the beautiful state of the course is
true testament to their hard work. I look forward
to many more years going to Uttoxeter
Racecourse as I am a Honorary Member - if you
meeting there I strongly advise you to do so over
the coming weeks and months – you won’t regret
it!
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The
Voice colour magazine.
Kind regards
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
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Call 01538 751629
You can also contact us via social media:
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The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and
is published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
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NEXT ISSUE
The next Voice will be out 29th November
News Deadline: 12th November
Advertising Deadline: 20th November

S
taff at Kirk House Residential and Nursing
Home on Balance Street, Uttoxeter,
celebrated seven members of staff for their
dedicated long service on Thursday September
14th 2023.
An awards ceremony was held in the dining
room followed by a bespoke Afternoon Tea
served in the dining room courtesy of local
business, The Vintage Tea Emporium.
Deputy Manager Kate Turner told us, “We are
really excited to be recognising our long serving
members of staff, especially after all of their hard
work during the pandemic & beyond. Working
in the Care Sector can be relentless & it’s
important to reward & recognise the members of
our Kirk House Family who have been with us
the longest. Between them they have clocked up
an impressive 139 years’ service which is
definitely worth celebrating!”
Staff recognised included:
Liz Henderson - Administration 28 year
service
Sue Ball - Laundry 26 years service
Lisa Robertson - Housekeeping 20 years
service
Nezle Pagtanac - Registered General Nurse 18
years service
Stacey Smith - Home Manager 17 years
Natalie Wilson - Kitchen 15 years service
Samantha Stubbs - Kitchen Manager 15 years
service
Trustee John Garfield added, “Anyone
working in care is, in truth, a vital cog in the
machinery of life. I can sleep soundly at night
knowing that there are excellent people, such as
the staff at Kirk House, who will be there to care
for me”
Home Manager Stacey Smith, who received
an award for 16 years service, started her career
here as a Health Care Assistant “What I love
about working here is how it feels like we’re all
one big family”, Stacey told us, “In comparison to
other homes, we’re quite small, so everyone from
the housekeeping team to the management know
all of our residents really well. We are also keen
to support our staff in progressing their career
with training courses & mentoring”
Kirk House is a Residential, Nursing & Care
Home located on Balance Street Uttoxeter.
Current job vacancies include Healthcare
Assistants & Housekeeping positions, both full &
part time positions are available. Experience is
preferred but not necessary as full training will
be given. For more information, please contact
Stacey Smith at stacey@kirk-house.co.uk or call
01889 562628
Uttoxeter Residential and Nursing Home
celebrates long serving members of staff
A D V E R T O R I A L

5
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Uttoxeter 01889 567777
Cheadle 01538 750081
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Uttoxeter
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Issue 119
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We are now open
Weekdays 10am-3.30pm
(closed Wednesdays)
Weekends 10am-4pm
We have lunchtime specials on offer
daily. Freshly baked scones and lots of
outdoor seating by the canal waterside -
our water huts are a favourite.
We are excited to announce our new
venture ‘Madam Hettys’ which is above
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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice magazine!
Out 29th November

The Organ Recital held at St Giles the Abbot Parish Church, Cheadle, recently
was a huge success.
The photographs include left to right Stephen, who assists Professor Ian
Tracey, organist at Liverpool Cathedral, and Andrew Hall, organist at St
Giles the Abbot Church in Cheadle. The event raised over £500.
Organ Recital

7

A
JCB donation is proving the answer to
a historic local church’s prayers in
helping fund vital renovation work.
St Michael and All Angels Church at Stramshall, near Uttoxeter,
has received £10,000 from the Rocester-based digger giant to help
with major restoration work of the stunning Grade II listed building.
A regular architectural inspection of the church, which dates
back to the 1850s, showed building and stained glass window repairs
were urgently needed, so volunteers from The Friends of St Michael’s
set about raising funds.
Committee secretary Angela Bath explained the group of ten
parishioners who make up the Friends along with countless villagers
held cake bakes, raffles, and community fundraisers to get the
repairs off the ground and also approached nearby neighbours JCB
for support too.
Work is now complete on the restoration of a stunning stained
glass window which commemorates The Reverend Charles
Frederick Lowry who was vicar at St Michael’s for more than 50
years. Meanwhile, specialist masonry work has begun on the west
wing, bell tower and roof, with the aim of getting the church
watertight by winter.
Once the renovations are complete, ambitious plans to build new
kitchen and toilet facilities to make the church a community hub are
also on the Friends’ agenda.
Vicar, The Rev. Margaret Sherwin said: “St Michael’s is at the
heart of Stramshall’s community and we are delighted that JCB is
helping us to preserve this very special building for future
generations.”
Anyone wishing to support The Friends of St Michael’s
fundraising can contact Treasurer Steve Dobson on 07941 232968.
Pictured outside the stunning St Michael and All Angels Church,
Stramshall are Chairman Terry Adams, Events Manager Pauline
Wilson, Treasurer Steve Dobson, member Joy Lane, Secretary
Angela Bath, and member Andrew Randal.
JCB donation builds firm foundations
for future of historic local church

11
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Y
ou may have seen the banner above on the outside
wall of a building in Carter Street, Uttoxeter. This
banner marks the ‘home’ of Uttoxeter u3a. Well
what is a u3a you may be asking? We call it being ‘united
in 3rd age’. In simple terms we are a fairly large
proportion of people over 50+ in the Community who
come together to learn, laugh and live. We welcome
everyone who no longer works full time, we love getting
together, trying new activities and making new friends.
u3as exist not only across the UK, but across the world,
they bring people together to share and learn interests.
Wilfred House on Carter Street has become ‘home’
of the u3a, it is just one of many venues in the town that
we hire for our wide variety of activities. Our u3a is
managed by a committee of volunteers and most of us
attend OPEN HOUSE at Wilfred House every
Wednesday morning from 10a.m. to 11.30a.m.
Open House is open to members and non-members
and free refreshments are available for all. A special event
is held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and for this
we make a small charge of £2 a head. Wilfred House is
heated in the autumn and winter months and has a
beautiful floral courtyard in the summer months, thanks
to our Horticulture Group.
We have just over 500 members in Uttoxeter and
district and offer more than 30 different activities. All
activities are led by a volunteer Group Leader, we are a
registered charity and have no paid staff at all.
Membership is just £10 a year and autumn is the best
time to join, as it is the start of our membership year. If
you’d like to know more, pop in to meet us on a
Wednesday morning, our committee members wear blue
lanyards, so are easily spotted and everyone will make
you welcome.
Our activities are very varied, ranging from the
sedentary to the very active. I will mention just a few
below, but a full list is available on our website or at
Wilfred House.
Canasta, Trips and outings, Bridge, Crafts, Table top
games, Ten pin bowling, Table tennis, Folk Dancing,
Badminton, History, Singing for Pleasure, Guitars,
Physics, Curling, Philosophy, Ukuleles, Exercise for All,
Wine Society, Cinema and Write & Rhyme
U3a Cinema is open twice a month showing 2 feature
films on a Thursday morning at the cinema. You have to
show your membership card to attend.
Various trips and concert outings are planned
throughout the year and are very popular, all our current
information is available on the notice boards at Wilfred
House, but you might also wish to browse our website or
facebook page.
All our activities are based on the following - Your
first visit to an activity is a ‘taster’ and is free. Following
this, all activities have an attendance fee of £2 a head. We
are an inclusive organisation and anyone may attend any
activities, we make sure that the venues we hire are
readily accessible and have suitable toilet provision.
Come to OPEN HOUSE, pick up a tea or coffee and meet
some of our volunteers
We hope that we have whetted your appetite to find
out more about us. We would like to think that everyone
over 50 in our community knows all about the Uttoxeter
3rd Agers and what we can offer you. Don’t miss out,
come and join us.
Uttoxeter & District u3a

• Specialist in carpet and
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• Large choice of samples
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Uttoxeter Learning Trust appoints
new Chief Executive Officer
A
new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed at Uttoxeter Learning Trust.
Kerry Rochester has more than 28 years’ experience of working in education.
Kerry started in her post at Uttoxeter Learning Trust, a successful multi
academy trust comprising nine schools, in September 2023.
Previously, Kerry was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers Church of
England Academy Trust in Droitwich, Worcestershire.
Kerry said: “I am really excited to join Uttoxeter Learning Trust and honoured
to lead the organisation. Together we can continue to foster a supportive and
inclusive environment where pupils can thrive. Inspiring everyone to embrace
lifelong learning is my vision as I join a strong Trust with shared values.”
Sid Slater, Chair of Uttoxeter Learning Trust’s Governing Body, said: “Kerry has
a wealth of valuable experience to bring to the Trust. We are delighted to welcome
Kerry to our dynamic and expanding family of high-achieving schools that are
serving our local communities with great dedication.”
Uttoxeter Learning Trust’s nine schools are based in and around the Uttoxeter
area and provide high quality education for three to 18-year-olds.
For more information, visit www.uttlt.org/ Follow @UttoxeterTrust.

Donald Buddy Diana Teazel
T
he situation with abandoned and unwanted cats has got increasingly worse
during 2023. Cat rescues up and down the country have been full to
overflowing and Cheadle Animal Welfare Society has been no different. The
cats who find it most difficult to attract new owners are the black ones and the older
ones. They are constantly overlooked.
For example we have Donald an all black Tom who just needs a home with
people who will give him lots of love. He’s been with us for almost 12 months.
Buddy is another all black Tom who is about 8 years old and much prefers his own
company to that of anyone else. He’s been with us for 10 months and needs a home
where he can have lots of freedom. Then there’s Diana, a pretty tabby who is also 8
years old. She puts people off because at first meeting she appears to be grumpy and
she certainly doesn’t like other cats, but once in a home she may be different. Teazel
is black and white and 13 years old so no one is ever interested in her. Tessa, also
black and white, is Teazels’s sister, and has a kidney problem, but despite Cheadle
Animal Welfare Society being willing to pay for her veterinary fees to control this
condition she’s not had a single person ask about her.
Please don’t let these cats spend the rest of their days in a cattery. They need a
home where they can be loved and cared for. Could you find space in your home
and your heart for one of them. If so please call us on either 01335 390369 or 01889
564045. There are, of course, many more cats of all ages and colours who are in need
of a home. Take a look on our website – www.cheadleanimalwelfare.org.uk
Starting in November we will be raising funds for our many Waifs and Strays by
asking for donations of just £1 which can be given to one or more of the 20 cats
named on a sheet entitled ‘Give a Christmas Dinner to a Waif and Stray’. These
sheets will be in Cross Street Pet Stores in Cheadle as well as various other venues.
In December 3 lucky winners will be chosen at random to win a prize. We hope as
many people as possible will have a go as the Waifs and Strays need as much help as
they can get. Someone has to win one of the prizes and it might as well be you.
Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society • Reg Charity 1039350
Please don’t forget me

17
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Plant hire
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company.
Supplying machinery and aggregates
to building sites and the general
public at a great and affordable price.
Whatever it is you require, we will be
happy to help.
Please contact us on the details below.
Based in Uttoxeter, Mee Accountancy
Services Ltd. offers an integrated
accountancy service
together with full business support and
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We are currently recruiting, if you would like a career in
accountancy please contact us to find out more.

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t: 01538 722665
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www.facebook.com/fieldfuneralservices
fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
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Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
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Council
Launches
Ward
Enhancement
Programme
E
ast Staffordshire
Borough Council has
announced the launch
of The Ward Enhancement
Programme (WEP), which is
targeted towards improving
local prosperity in areas across
the Borough.
The purpose of the
programme is to deliver local
regeneration initiatives across
East Staffordshire under the
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
investment priority of
‘Communities and Place’.
Applications are invited
from local community groups
or through East Staffordshire
Borough Councillors on
behalf of those groups.
The total amount of
funding available through the
WEP is £1,500,000, which
must be fully spent by 31st
March 2025. Projects must
demonstrate that they can be
delivered before this deadline
in order to be considered for
funding.
Grant applications can be
for an amount between
£10,000 and £50,000 and the
funding is entirely capital
based and so cannot be used
for revenue schemes, such as
ongoing financial support for
projects.
Applicants are strongly
encouraged to engage with
local residents, community
groups and Parish Councils
when developing their
application. As part of the
application process, applicants
will be asked to set out and
evidence any local support for
their proposed project and will
ultimately be responsible for
publicising and promoting the
project locally. This can and
should be supported by local
Councillors for the area in
question.
Cllr Rob Hawkins, Cabinet
Member for Regeneration and
Development, said: “I am
excited to see such funding be
available to the many
deserving local communities
and groups across the
Borough. I encourage all
applicants to take the time and
effort to properly engage with
residents before applying. This
fund is all about community
and this is something that
should be apparent in your
application.”
For more information and
to apply, please visit:
www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/
regeneration/ward-
enhancement-programme

19
Welcome return of four weekday,
peak hour trains per day between
Crewe and Nottingham
E
ast Midlands Railway (EMR) has recently announced that four trains per day
will return to the Crewe to Nottingham route on week days, but not until the
next timetable change on 10 December 2023.
These are:
• 0553 Nottingham – Crewe • 0810 Crewe – Nottingham
• 1616 Nottingham – Crewe • 1810 Crewe – Nottingham
However, Saturday is now recognised as the busiest day of the rail passenger week
and it is crucial that the hourly service is reinstated on this day too. North Staffs
Community Rail Partnership (NSCRP) is keen to support EMR who will continue
to work with Department for Transport in its aspiration to deliver the above services
on a Saturday, as well as the previously provided 1036 towards Crewe and 1310 from
Crewe.
Mike Willmot, Chair of NSCRP commented: “We are delighted to hear this news
from EMR. The return of these four peak time services will help a lot of passengers,
particularly commuters and students. We will continue to campaign for the
reinstatement of the remaining two weekday and six Saturday trains.”
Despite the return of the peak services, Derby, Stoke and Crewe, and all
communities in between, will still be left with fewer trains than they’ve had for
decades. Intermediate stations along the line are: Longton, Blythe Bridge, Uttoxeter,
Tutbury & Hatton, Longport, Kidsgrove and Alsager.
You can sign the petition here: www.ipetitions.com/petition/reinstate-the-
hourly-crewe-stoke-derby-rail
If you would like to contact North Staffs Community Rail Partnership by email
please write to: northstaffscrp@stoke.gov.uk
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278 raddleinn.com
Welcome to
Christmas Menu
4 Courses:
Adults £29.95, Children £15.95
3 Courses:
Adults £21.95, Children £13.95
includes either Starter, Main and
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Pensioners Christmas Menu
4 Courses £15.95
Served 12pm-2pm Monday to Saturday
throughout November and December
(except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Book a table now to celebrate the festivities

T
o celebrate 20 years of trading, Town Electrical Distributors
Directors Chris Owen and Leon Scallan invited their
customers to catch the last of the Summer sun with a
competitive day of golf recently. As a local business, Town Electrical
has aimed to keep its customers in the community at the centre of
its model, and celebrating with them was an opportunity to thank
them for their essential role in reaching the milestone of 20
successful years of trading.
Congratulations to Oliver Goodwin (Meachen & Bevan) who
emerged as the winner with the best score, and to Stuart (3RT) and
Phil Lear (Prolec) in second and third place respectively. Also,
honorable mentions go to Team Solarstar as the winners of the
team event, to Lloyd Hopkins (JJL Design & Build) with the longest
drive, and to Stuart(3RT) and Mark (Hill & Webster) for getting
closest to the pin.
Huge thanks go out to sponsors OVIA Lighting, UK Fire &
Security, and QVIS CCTV, and once again to customers and
everyone who has supported the business over the past 20 years.
All the team at Town Electrical endeavour to maintain a high-
quality service for the community and are eager to see what the
next 20 years will bring for Uttoxeter and its local businesses.
TED Golf Day

21

T
ributes have poured in for a former Cheadle
Community Leader who sadly passed away
recently. Ray James dedicated his life to helping
local residents in his cherished capacity of a Town
Mayor and District Councillor.
He was always at the forefront of putting Cheadle
first and trying to make the town a better place to live.
His passion for his home town was always evident as
year after year he helped the local community through
his tireless work.
Ray was a no-nonsense councillor who would stand
up to anyone who he thought was not pulling their
weight for the town of Cheadle.
But he was also a warm and endearing chap who
liked a joke and the twinkle in his eye was always there
for all to see…
Ray was also a family man who dearly loved his wife
of 68 years Vera, his children, grandchildren and family
members…
Ray was born on the 10th of February 1934 in
Queen Street, Cheadle to Annie and Sam James.
In 1939 Ray and his family moved from Queen
Street to Harborne Road, Cheadle.
Ray attended Bishop Rawle Primary School and
then onto The Mackenzie School.
Life in the pit
Ray started at Berryhill pit in 1949 carrying out
various jobs including taking dust samples and line
splashing.
In 1952 Ray joined his brother, Harold, as a proper
collier still at Berry hill until 1959 when he moved to
Foxfield Colliery as a shot lighter and coal drawer and
many other jobs until the pit closed.
Ray then moved to Florence Colliery, which was a
new modern pit where he teamed up with Fred Hullah
on a brand-new coal face. Jobs there included working
on new ways to check the mine roof and becoming a
charge hand with a 22-man team. By the time Ray
retired in 1994 he was a Power Support Officer, In his
own words, “Management at last!”
In 1954 Ray married Vera after they had met each
other at Cheadle Wakes. They started their married life
on Queen Street, Cheadle. They had their first daughter
Susan in 1957 and following this they swapped houses
with Ray’s mum and dad and went to live on Harborne
Road, where Ray had lived as a child. Following this
move Ray and Vera went on to have two more
daughters Karen, born in 1963, and Dawn born in
1968.
Ray had 6 grandchildren, Gemma, Ashley,
Christopher, Melissa, Louris and Rebecca. Along with
11 great grandchildren…
Ray had a large array of hobbies with one of his
longest standing being his love for birds. He’d had an
interest and kept birds from the age of 14 and was a
member of the Cage Bird Society. Ray still had his birds
proudly living in his back garden until a matter of
weeks ago and would feed them daily.
Ray’s love for model trains and tracks could clearly
be seen by anyone who ever visited Harborne Road.
Trains are heavily featured throughout the house in
every room.
For anyone who visited Ray via the conservatory
entrance, they would have a clear view of what used to
be a seating area but for the last few years forms what
can only be described a model railway village with
working trains.
His love of soldiers and military airplanes is also
evident throughout the house with the unit in the living
room and other rooms hosting dozens of soldiers and
planes. Ray enjoyed painting these with the finest detail
and in the past years had built more than one fort to
host the soldiers for his grandchildren and also great
grandchildren. He could also put his hand to anything
and didn’t just stop at forts. He built a dolls house, a
Barbie house, flower pots made from wood. His talents
were endless…
Ray loved holidaying abroad to Spain with Vera, his
family and also Uncle Les and Aunty Rose. One of their
favourite destinations to visit abroad was Ibiza. It was
fishing off the rocks in Ibiza that sparked his interest
in angling, and he would regularly been seen at local
pools trying his luck. They also loved to visit Blackpool
more recently, staying at their favourite hotel, The
Parks.
In 1978 he formed the Cheadle Paraders Marching
Band and took part in many carnivals. The highlights
for the marching band included travelling to perform
in the Isle of Man and also being the only civil
marching band to be asked to perform at the Congleton
Military Tattoo with Army bands.
Ray was also a founder member of the Cheadle
Carnival and Chairman for several years. He also
joined the Cheadle Town Council as Councillor Ray
James for 21 years. In Ray’s own words ‘after 21 years
of never being afraid I’ve ALWAYS voted for what is
right for Cheadle.’
In 1995-1996 Ray and Vera became Cheadle Mayor
and Mayoress which led to them being invited to
Buckingham Palace to a garden party with the Queen
in 1997.
A true family man with his wife, daughters, son-in-
laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren at his core,
there wasn’t anything that Ray wouldn’t do for
anyone…
Ray James was such a big part of Cheadle, a town
he loved, and was very proud to call home…
In Ray’s own words –
“I sign off now after having a full life with a great
family always supporting me.
God Bless you all”
Ray
A Ray of Sunshine for Cheadle and
his beloved family…
ST. MARY’S CHURCH,
GRATWICH ST14 8SE
Come & join us on
Wednesday 1st November
12.30 – 2.30pm
For a Fun Afternoon of
Crafts • Singing • Story Telling
Lunch (Sausage & Mash)
Let Jenny know if you are coming
(and if you have any dietery requirements)
Tel: 01889 502471
Email: jenny477@btinternet.com
See how
The Voice
can
publicise
your
business
Give us a call on
01538 751629
or 07733 466 970
or Email:
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
Advert prices start
at only £50

23
Open 6 days a week: Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00, Sat: 8.00-12.00
Telephone 01538 750 737 or book online
www.cheadletestcentre.co.uk
CheadleTest Centre, BrookhouseWay, Brookhouse Ind. Est.,
Cheadle ST10 1SR
Open 6 days a week: Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00, Sat: 8.00-12.00
Telephone 01889 563 838 or book online
www.uttoxetertestcentre.co.uk
UttoxeterTest Centre, Smithfield Rd,
Uttoxeter ST14 7JB
• We’re now operating a booking
system, please visit our website or
give us a call
• Free re-tests - free annual
reminders
• Friendly staff - waiting/
viewing area
• If unfortunately your vehicle
fails, take it away to a
repairer of your choice.
Your Local MOT
Testing Centres
Independent Testing in Cheadle and Uttoxeter
Book your slot online • Free Re-Test
Cheadle will once again be
holding a Remembrance
Parade on Sunday, 12th
November 2023
T
he parade will be led by Longton Scout and Guide Band and will
assemble at Tape Street Car Park at 1pm ready for the march to begin at
1.30pm. The Service of Remembrance at the Church of St. Giles the
Abbot, Church Street, Cheadle, will commence at 2pm.
Organisations and members of the public are cordially invited to attend.
After the service, at approximately 3.15p.m., the procession will march to
Tean Road Memorial Recreation Ground for the laying of wreaths at the War
Memorial followed by a short service and Act of Remembrance, finishing at
approximately 4.00p.m.
There will be a rolling road closure during the procession to Tean Road.

Set beautifully in rural farmlands, just
outside of Uttoxeter, Highbarrow specialises
in the care of adults over the age of 65
Highbarrow is set beautifully in rural farmlands, just
outside of Uttoxeter.We are registered for the care
of adults over the age of 65.
Highbarrow Residential Care Home
Toothill Road, Uttoxeter ST14 8JT
www.highbarrowcarehome.co.uk
Email: manager@highbarrow.co.uk
Tel: 01889 566406
Book your Advert
now for our
hugely popular
Christmas
Uttoxeter &
Cheadle Voice
magazine!
Out 29th November
Take advantage of our massive readership
to attract new customers - and also send
your Christmas Greetings to your valued
regular customers!
Telephone 01538 751629 or simply
email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
DON’T MISS OUT

T
he sun shone, but not too fiercely, no heatwave
this weekend. The runners turned out in force,
83 entries for the Challenge and Relay events
and 43 for the Fun Run. Numbers were well up on
previous years and the spectators roared them off at the
start at 11.00am after a short warm up by local runner
and gym guru, Dan Blackhall.
This year the Challenge was a 10km event down to
The Churnet Valley via Alton Castle, who kindly gave
permission specifically for this community event to go
through their grounds, along up through beautiful,
autumnal Dimmingsdale and back via The Ramblers
Retreat and home to The White Hart pub.
The winner of the challenge was Martin Evans,
from Foxt, in a time of 43minutes 11 seconds and in
second place was Will Kelsall from Alton, in a time of
46mins and 6 seconds. Will was also the first junior
runner home. The first lady in the Challenge event was
Lois Hartshorne, from Alton, in a time of 50 minutes
17 seconds and second lady was Yvonne Turner, from
Allestree, in a time of 53 minutes 59 seconds.
Forty-three runners lined up for the Fun Run, ages
ranging from 3 years old to over 60 years. The course
for the Fun Run followed the main event down through
the Alton Castle grounds and along the Churnet Valley
to the Alton Station Road bridge and then retracing
their steps back to The White Hart. This family event
was won by Charlie Clowes aged 10 years, from Alton,
in an impressive time of 28 minutes 59 seconds.
The popular Relay race, consisting of 5
approximately 2km legs, was won by five runners from
The Alton Castle Team and the team from The White
Hart Pub came in second.
Huge congratulations to all runners, who each
received a medal, with an environmentally friendly
medal made from wood for the challenge. An
attractive asset to any medal collection.
The marshalling and support all along the route was
excellent and after all competitors and helpers had
finished and returned to The White Hart, there was a
great atmosphere of community and celebration, with
a short presentation and thanks to all supporters and
sponsors, enhanced by delicious burgers and hotdogs,
courtesy of Manifold Meats, delicious coffee from
Hugo’s Bar and a great selection of homemade cakes
from St Peter’s First School parents along with
beverages from The White Hart Bar including the new
real ale hand pulls from Rural Brewing Company, an
Alton business.
All monies raised which look to be exceeding
previous years, will be donated to our two local
charities, North Staffs Mind and Moorlands
HomeLink, who do tremendous work in our
community.
Thank you to all our sponsors, ACE, Beta
Commercial Finance Ltd, HRGym, Vital Business
Communications Ltd, Rural Brewing Company,
Hideaway Studios, Time-Lapse Systems and Nigel
Moult, our local councilor.
Further information, photos and details of future
events can be found on our website www.altonrun.com
Make a date for next year, September 2024, get
started on your training programme and be part of the
fun and the run.
Alton Challenge, Fun Run and
Relay Race 2023 a great success...

All of our Turkeys, Ducks and Geese are local and free range
along with our fantastic selection of other meats
We’ve got everything you need to make Christmas special!!!
We have a superb variety of quality food here at Edmonston’s Family Butchers
Edmonston’s
Family Butchers
Edmonston’s Family Butchers
30 The Maltings, Uttoxeter ST14 7LN (next to The Maltings Main Car Park)
Telephone 01889 567555

TSB JOINERY
Bespoke Furniture • Kitchens • Bedrooms
Wood/Laminate Flooring
Doors • Skirting and Architrave
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07805 634455
tsbjoinery@gmail.com
The Vicar of
Dibley
F
ollowing their past successes staging cult comedies such as
‘Allo ‘Allo and No Sex Please We’re British, Cheadle Amateur
Theatre and Stagecraft are bringing The Vicar of Dibley stage
play to the Community Theatre, Cheadle Academy, Station Road,
this November.
Directed by Ian Wood, who is assisted by Mags Kays, the play
(written by Ian Gover and Paul Carpenter and adapted from the
original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer)
begins when Dibley’s ancient rector, the Reverend Pottle, is
replaced by Geraldine Grainger (Samantha Hughes-Johnson), a
rather unconventional woman vicar – much to the chagrin of
David Horton (Dan Ede Smith), chair of the Dibley Parish Council.
The stage play draws on much of the content of the first two
television series with recreations of many of the most hilarious and
memorable scenes. Accordingly the audience will experience the
new vicar’s trials and tribulations along with various misfortunes
facing Dibley’s naive star-crossed lovers, Hugo Horton (Rich
Gilbert) and Alice Tinker (Sarah Lewis). Adding to this
countryside chaos are the remaining parish councillors: Owen
Newitt (Jason Greenwood), Jim Trott (Tim Ray), Frank Pickle
(Stephen Haynes) and Letitia Cropley (Melanie James).
The show runs from 1-4 November with performances
beginning at 7.30pm. Tickets are available online at www.cheadle-
cats.org.uk/ Alternatively, pop into Kenral on Cheadle High Street
or telephone Jenny on 07925 725856. Tickets cost £12.
Ear wax
removal service
Tracy Slack
Ear Wax Removal Specialist
Home Visits Available
Call 07969 186504
All electrical work
undertaken including:
• House re-wires
• Sockets
• Outside lighting
• Showers installed
Qualified Electrician
Free friendly advice
Call 07940 220931
DANNY
DANVERS
Electrical
Contractor
More
detail
needed on
possible
rail line re-
opening
N
ews that train services
could, in time, return
to the Moorlands with
the re-opening of the line
from Leek to Stoke have been
cautiously welcomed by the
District Council – pending
further details about the
funding package to deliver the
scheme.
The Government
announced recently that
funding earmarked for HS2
north would be re-directed to
improving local public
transport including projects in
the Midlands.
An outline business case
for reconnecting Leek to the
national rail network by
reinstating services on the line
has been developed by
Staffordshire Moorlands a
Council and its partners and
was submitted to Government
in 2022.
Council Leader, Councillor
Mike Gledhill, said: “The
Council welcomes the
announcement regarding the
proposed Leek to Stoke rail
link. We now need to see what
the specific funding package
involves and how the
Government proposes to
future proof the scheme
against inflation and other
factors.
“We hope to hear soon
about details of timescales,
planning implications and
operational matters so that we
can be assured of the viability
of the project, its impact and
sustainability.
“The creation of an
upgraded network of public
transport across the
Moorlands is a priority for the
Council. The rail link has the
potential to be a significant
part of that alongside much
needed improvements to bus
services across our three
towns and the rural areas to
meet local needs, boost our
local economy and improve
our quality of life.
“The Council is committed
to working closely with all
partners to develop projects
that create better public
transport in the Moorlands.”

29
A
s the nation enjoys Strictly Come
Dancing fever, two internationally
renowned dancing duos have teamed
up for a unique ballroom routine on the most unlikely of
dancefloors.
Two fleet-footed backhoe loaders from the legendary JCB
Dancing Diggers were joined for a spin in the glitterball limelight
by teenage Team GB ballroom dancers Kaynan Barfoot and Polly
Welford at the company’s quarry in Staffordshire.
The new one-off dancing partnership was carefully
choreographed to celebrate the next career quicksteps to success
for Kaynan, 14 of Blythe, near Uttoxeter, and Polly, 15, of Cheadle.
The Staffordshire-based digger giant has pledged £1,500
sponsorship for the UK Under 14 Ballroom and Latin American
champions to enable them to compete at Under 16 level in the
World Dutch Open Championships in Assen, The Netherlands in
November.
Fresh from a summer which has seen the pair competing at the
world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and winning the English
Gala Junior Ballroom championships in Bicester, Kaynan and Polly
are training up to 20 hours a week in the run up to the Assen
championships.
Kaynan’s mum Gemma Barfoot said: “Kaynan and Polly have
been dancing together since they were just seven-years-old and
their ambition is to be world champions. They both work so hard
and are incredibly grateful to JCB for this support – without their
sponsorship they simply wouldn’t be able to compete in Assen.”
To see the JCB Dancing Diggers and Team GB’s Kaynan and
Polly’s ballroom dancing debut, find us on Facebook and LinkedIn
@JCB or Instagram and X @jcbmachines.
To follow Kaynan and Polly’s dance career progress, visit
www.facebook.com/pollyandkaynandancers/ while anyone
interested in sponsoring them can contact Gemma Barfoot at
gemma.barfoot@yahoo.co.uk.
JCB dancing diggers make debut
with Team GB ballroom dancers
Kaynan Barfoot and Polly Welford perform with the JCB Dancing Diggers

Kingstone WI
Meeting
A
very rainy evening, and a last-
minute notification that the
speaker was unable to come, could
have been a recipe for an unsuccessful
September WI meeting. In fact, it was far
from that!
Congratulations were in order for a
number of members who had been
members of WI for a considerable time.
Two ladies had achieved 60 years and
several 40 years. All received a certificate
from the Staffordshire Federation, signed
by the County Chair.
Reports of several enjoyable events
which had taken place since the last
meeting were given. These included an
Afternoon tea and film (Madam Bovary),
an outing to Blithfield Church and Hall,
joining Stowe-by-Chartley WI at their
open meeting and a cheerful and
productive card making workshop led,
once again, by Team President Jean
Gallimore. Members hoped that Jean
would be able to arrange another workshop
quite soon; this might be ‘Cards for the
Boys’!
Other future events were announced
which would keep members busy and
entertained over the next months. The first
of these was the September Tea and Film
afternoon, where members would watch
the film ‘Quartet’. Kingstone WI agreed to
host the Group Carol Service this year and
planning would begin on this immediately.
In January, it has been customary to hold a
New Year Party. It was suggested that the
entertainment might be a Murder Mystery
Play. The last time this was done it was
thoroughly enjoyed. Team President
Valerie Laflin had found another suitable
script which sounded great fun and
members were asked to volunteer if they
would like to take part.
Fiona Kerby thanked members for their
generous contributions of stamps, glasses,
glasses cases and printer cartridges for her
to take to the Inner Wheel Overseas Rally
in October.
There being no speaker, members were
given a quiz to fill in on ‘Herbs’. This caused
much laughter as, out of the thirteen
possible points, the highest score was six
and two of the best cooks scored zero! They
were awarded books about herbs as prizes!
Refreshments were served and there
was time for a good chat.
Pictured top right: Lillian Deacon and
Kath Brookes have been WI members
for 60 years
Below: Valerie Laflin, Bronwen Dodd
(back row), Shirley Wheeler, Wendy
Loaring and Ann Gallimore (front
row), along with Evelyn Adams and
Elaine O’Byrne (unable to attend)
have been members for 40 years.

31

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UCS doubles in size and
looks forward to a
‘magnificat’concert
N
ot long after covid, the Uttoxeter Choral
Society numbers were under 20 and it
was trying hard to rebuild itself. That’s
all changed now. Following two brilliant concerts,
numbers have virtually doubled. Its last concert
in May at the magnificent Norman church in
Tutbury was practically a sell-out. “It was an
undoubted success and has definitely spurred a
big interest in the choir and in singing” says their
conductor David Smith.
The choral society or ‘UCS’ as it is known
locally, has been around for 143 years, and is one
of the oldest in the country. In 2020, it was
worried whether it would even make it through
the pandemic. Dr Carole Watkin who was Chair
at the time, patiently nursed it through these
tough times, maintaining singers’ spirits, and
gradually building up numbers sufficient enough
for its first concert last November. Clearly, that
hard work has paid off and numbers are now
even greater than pre-pandemic levels. The
society has also managed to attract commercial
sponsorship, and in July received a grant from the
Community Foundation of Staffordshire. A new
website, good marketing campaigns and some
inspired concert programming means the society
is back, and in full strength, with close to 40
members expected to be singing at its next
concert on Saturday 18 November in Uttoxeter
(St Mary’s, Market Place).
The concert is a week before the Christmas
advent season begins and combines two great
choral singing traditions. It’s called “Magnificat
+ Messiah”, where the choir will sing Mary’s Song
of Joy (known as the Magnificat) in the first half,
then selected favourite pieces from the Messiah
in the second half. The programme cleverly
contrasts different versions of the Magnificat,
from English composers: William Byrd, Henry
Purcell , and Henry Wood (of Proms fame);
together with Magnificats from the more showy
Italian composers, Vivaldi and Pergolesi. David
Smith, says that “… we’ve really managed to
capture the evolving spirit of the Magnificat
through the centuries and classical styles. And by
singing the wonderful short mass by Byrd we can
also celebrate the composer’s 400th anniversary
(like the rest of the classical world). For our 20th
century Magnificat, we’ve chosen the joyous
hymn ‘Tell Out My Soul’, which we hope the
audience will know and hopefully join us in
singing”.
Audiences will be thrilled with the second
half which will present the highlights of Handel’s
much loved Messiah in about 35 minutes (instead
of 2 ½ hours). “Together with a few short solos,
we’ve chosen the best choruses including ‘For
Unto Us a Child is Born’ and the amazing
Hallelujah Chorus – probably the best know
piece in the choral repertoire”, Smith says.
Like last year, UCS have chosen up and
coming young singers. Archie Playdon (Tenor)
and Felicity Bott (Soprano) both grew up in the
area and studied singing at the Birmingham
Conservatoire.
Looking beyond 2023, Smith is enthusiastic,
and whilst he expects the choir numbers to stay
about the same, he thinks UCS will develop a
even better sense of choral unity. It takes on the
mighty Requiem by Mozart in May, performing
at Tutbury again – but this time with an orchestra
– another concert to watch out for.
UCS 18 November 2023 Concert tickets are
available from: uttoxeterchoralsociety.co.uk

C
onstruction and
agricultural machinery
maker JCB recently
announced that profits and turnover rose in 2022 but
is warning of a less certain outlook for the coming year.
Sales turnover in 2022 grew to £5.7 billion (2021:
£4.4 billion) and profit before tax grew to £557.7
million (2021: £501.6 million). Machine sales increased
to 105,148 (2021: 95,650). The Group maintained a
strong balance sheet with no net borrowings
throughout 2022.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “The Group
delivered a strong set of results in 2022 against a
backdrop of supply chain disruption, high energy
prices and rising levels of inflation. The situation for
the remainder of this year and into 2024 remains
uncertain as some markets and certain sectors are
showing early signs of softening.”
Ready for despatch - JCB backhoe loaders await
delivery to customers
2022 2021
Turnover (£) £5.7 billion £4.4 billion
Profit before
tax (£)
£557.7 million £501.6 million
Machine sales
(units)
105,148 95,650
Profit recovery continues as
outlook looks uncertain
33
£1,000 donated to local causes
thanks to Uttoxeter running event
U
ttoxeter Road Runners
have donated £1,000 to
local charities and
community groups. Thanks to the
profits generated from their
flagship running event on 30th
April, the Uttoxeter Festival of
Running, the running club donated
the proceeds at a committee
meeting to representatives of Your
Emotional Support Service (YESS)
charity, Uttoxeter Girlguiding and
Uttoxeter Scouts. £500 was donated
to YESS, £125 to Uttoxeter
Girlguiding and £375 to Uttoxeter
Scouts.
“YESS are very grateful of the
support of the Uttoxeter Road
Runners, the donation of £500
received by our charity from their
ticket sales will enable local
individuals and their families to be fully supported for a full course of a therapy treatment, as well as
helping a more families begin their support journey with YESS. YESS are the only mental health
charity based within Uttoxeter and offer mental health and wellbeing support to local residents of all
ages via face to face on online appointment with talking, art and dance movement therapies available.
It is thanks to the generosity of local groups such as the Uttoxeter Road Runners that YESS are able
to continue our vital work within the local community and we are thankful to everyone who facilitated
the Uttoxeter Festival of Running,” said Sarah Pritchard, Development Officer at YESS.
The annual Festival of Running takes place every spring at Uttoxeter Racecourse, where hundreds
of runners from around the local and wider area take part in various races: Junior 2k fun run, 10k
and Half Marathon. The next event will take place on 28th April 2024.
“The Festival of Running is not only a great event in the running calendar, but it also contributes
to local community groups and charities. Every year St Mary’s Church in Uttoxeter benefit from selling
cakes and drinks on the day, and this year the committee took the decision to donate 50% of the
surplus to YESS, as well as the local Scouts and Girlguiding divisions we usually support.
It was fantastic to get YESS involved further on the day, by holding activities for non-runners and
they also benefitted from further donations though the bag drop facility.
It was the first time we had partnered with YESS and it was a great fit, considering how good
running is for mental health and wellbeing, and we hope that this donation will provide much-needed
support,” said Lisa Lancaster, Treasurer for Uttoxeter Road Runners and Race Director of Uttoxeter
Festival of Running.
Alan Curtis from YESS presented with a cheque by Lisa
Lancaster of Uttoxeter Road Runners.
Uttoxeter Lions
light up the sky
T
he popular annual Uttoxeter Bonfire and Fireworks Display is
taking place this year on Saturday 4th November at Bramshall
Park, with gates opening at 6.00pm. Uttoxeter Lions Club will
again be organising the event with a magnificent display of fireworks
by Pains Fireworks Ltd.
As in previous years there will be a shorter children’s firework
display at 6.55pm before the lighting of the bonfire, followed by the
main display at 7.30pm, which this year will be set to a Disney-
themed soundtrack.
John Fitchett, Uttoxeter Lions Club President said “we are
delighted to be organising the Bonfire and Fireworks display again
this year for the people of Uttoxeter. This is our 48th year of running
the event and we are very much looking forward to welcoming
everyone on the night. The display is one of the largest in the area
and helps the club raises vital funds that we can distribute to local
worthy causes. As well as the fireworks and bonfire, with Guys made
by the children from Tynsel Parkes, Bramshall Meadows and
Picknalls schools, there will be entertainment from Party Roo DJ,
along with The Sweet Shop stall and Brinkleys Burger Bar to tempt
your taste buds. Darren Mood will be returning with his vast array
of glowsticks and Uttoxeter Lions will be running a Childrens
Tombola”.
Tickets are available in advance from one of the many outlets
around the town (see below), and you will find Uttoxeter Lions
members selling tickets in the Maltings on Saturdays. Tickets are
priced at £6.00 for a single or £18.00 for a family ticket. Also available
on the gate for £8.00 each. Children under 4 enter for free.
For the safety of the general public, the Leisure Centre end of
Bramshall Road Park will be closed from 7.00am to 10.00pm on the
4th November.
Uttoxeter Lions Club would like to extend its thanks to our
Sponsors: Pirtek, John Pye Auctions, RBA Wealth Management,
Tippers, Johnsons Apparelmaster, Andrews Electrical, Meachen &
Bevan, TED Town Electrical Distributors Ltd, Premier Electrical
Wholesalers, and Stoddard’s of Cheadle.
Tickets available from: Nisa Local, Ashbourne Rd; S&A Premier,
Windsor rd; Select Convenience, Kingfisher Way; Janda News, Carter
St; Uttoxeter Shop, Market Place; Stop and Shop, Davies Dr; Spar,
Rocester.

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Just the perfectday...

Monday 3rd July
Hello, I am back again. I’m very lucky as on my usual
walk I don’t have to cross any roads. Several of my
friends and dare I say ‘lovers’ have gone out at night
and never to be seen again. Well not quite never seen
again, as I have had the unfortunate experience of
seeing what could only have been one of us, squished
by the side of a road. I do wish that when those silly
people who move around in those things with bright
lights at the front would use their eyes and stop when
they see something walking across in front of them.
When I walk along the gardens to get to my new house
I look down onto a road and think how lucky I am not
to have to venture down there.
Caught on camera, coming out of one of my
detached houses in the nice garden in Jacks Lane.
Don’t I look handsome, even at 2.54am.
Tuesday 4th July
The nice people who put food out for me in the new
house, have a very attractive garden, at least I think so,
as there are loads of different plants and they in turn
attract all sorts of bugs and other tasty morsels for me
to supplement my diet with. Best of all they don’t put
any of those nasty blue pellets out which are meant to
kill slugs, as on the odd occasion I have mistaken one
for a nice juicy beetle and it has given me terrible
tummy ache.
My favourite garden does have a small pond, but I
keep well away from it as I’ve noticed that if I were to
accidentally fall in, I’d struggle to climb back out. Some
people have little ramps by their ponds so I can clamber
out, but there are so many other places to investigate I
keep well away from it.
Wednesday 5th July
Tonight I was in less of a hurry as usual when I got
to the nice garden in Jacks Lane and had a bit of time
to look at my surroundings properly and to pay proper
attention to my two detached houses. The old house is
quite comfortable with a decent sloping roof and plenty
of room inside it. However, my new house has an en
suite, as I go in the front door and then can
immediately turn in one direction into another room,
which not only has a plate of delicious Spike (hedgehog
food) in it, but also some straw, so I could easily
snuggle down for a rest should I so desire.
Thursday 6th July
Sometimes on my travels when I go into gardens, I
come across a bowl with a white creamy liquid in it. I
think it might be cow’s milk, which is far too rich for
me but is rather tasty, so I must be careful to only have
a small sip. Although it sounds a bit simple, I far prefer
a bowl of water, which is much better for me and always
gives me the energy to continue my travels to my next
place.
Here I am, a selfie that I caught on camera next to
my new house. The trouble with photographs is that
they make you look bigger than you are, because
looking at this, you wouldn’t have thought I could
squeeze through the front door, would you? It’s 1.07am
now.
Friday 7th July
Although I look very cute and cuddly, I can get quite
vicious if I come across another male on the prowl,
especially if they are eyeing up one of my girlfriends or
helping themselves to food which has obviously been
left specifically out for me. On the odd occasion when
I’ve encountered another male who is looking for
trouble we can have quite a nasty scrap, trying to hurt
one another either through using my bristles to poke
him in the face or using my foot paws to scratch his
face. Fortunately, it’s very rare for this to happen, but
when it does it can cause quite a commotion.
Just to prove that I can easily fit through the front
door, here I am helping myself to some Spike. I usually
spend about half an hour in this garden.
Saturday 8th July
I think there is a very kind person in the village where
I live that has some kind of rehabilitation centre for
unfortunate soul mates of mine that have got
themselves into trouble. It’s good to know that there
are such likeminded people around. Although I’m sure
I’d get a good meal and nice comfortable bed if I was
to venture in that direction, I’d prefer to stay out in the
wild, eating, drinking and soaking up the opportunity
to visit as many different places as possible. Sometimes
if I get carried away and stay out too long, I must run
home as dawn breaks, because I wouldn’t want to be
out when it’s day light as I could get attacked by some
huge creature with wings that glide over the fields
where I live. Even if one of those creatures did try and
attack me, they’d come off worse as I’d tuck myself into
a tight ball with all my prickles stretched out as far as
possible, they might have a go at me and peck me,
which would hurt.
Sunday 9th July
One thing that really annoys me is those people that
leave outside lights on all night. I kind of accept those
ones that just come on for a few moments while I
scamper past the house, because I know that before long
it will go off again and I’ll be hidden in the darkness.
It’s the ones that are on all night, it can’t be a good use
of energy and is so unnecessary. It puts me off going
into a lot of places. I prefer the dark and will avoid lit
up places, which in turn will mean that I must be more
choosey as to where I go at night, and it means I must
walk further to avoid going through brightly lit areas.
Monday 10th July
As you can imagine I can’t read very well, but there
are some words that I can recognise, one of them being
what I am, a Hedgehog.
So, I was over the moon when I arrived at my
favourite place this evening to discover that the nice
people there have put a sign up over my private
entrance to the garden saying ‘Hedgehog’, there is
another word after it which seems to start with an ‘H’
so I can only imagine it is specially for me. However,
the sneaky people have then put that camera thing in
front of it, I can only imagine it’s for their self-
gratification so that they can show other people
pictures of me coming into their garden. I suppose
they do look after me, so maybe I should stop in the
doorway and pose for the camera. I might become
famous and be shown on one of those social media
things that I hear people muttering about. Maybe I
could get my own page on there, that would spike
things up a bit.
Tuesday 11th July
I have enjoyed writing my diary over the past two
weeks and hope that I have managed to pass on some
important messages to anyone who happens to read
this. We are rather special and need to be protected, as
there are far fewer of us around these days.
I remember my mother telling me that even just a
few years ago, she’s often come across more of us in a
single night than she did when I was born.
Anyway, I now need to start stocking up, because
before too long I’ll be needing to find somewhere to
hibernate for the winter and I’ll need to ensure I have
put on plenty of weight to allow me through the long
dark nights.
I’ll leave you with a picture of me, as it’s probably
as close as you’ll get to seeing me over the coming
months. It is a few weeks since I wrote this diary. The
nights are drawing in, it is getting colder, and it is
almost time for my long winter sleep. Still, I will be
back up and exploring in the coming spring. Night
Night all.
Rodney.paul@btinternet.com
July 2023
Uttoxeter Nature Recovery Network News
Harry the Hedgehog’s Diary - Part 2
by Rodney Paul
35

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I
t is said the sun always shines on Alton Apple Day but it appears the
weatherman did not get the memo this year as intermittent heavy showers
soaked the many revellers who, despite the forecast, still turned out to
support the much loved annual event.
Held in the Bridge House Hotel’s riverside gardens, there was still plenty
of fun to be had as attendees sheltered from the showers browsing the craft
stalls, and enjoying the delicious pork and apple burgers on offer from the
bustling BBQ. The Scouts, Brownies, Guides and local school also put on lots
of fun things to keep the little ones entertained along with offerings of
storytelling and apple bobbing.
The apple crusher and press were kept busy all day long as attendees’
harvests were processed and bottled up for them to enjoy at home. Alongside
the crushing, apple experts were not only on hand to give advice on growing
the fruit but also assisted in identifying the many mystery apples people had
brought along.
Creativity was also in plentiful supply with an array of mouth-watering
bakes entered into the apple themed bake off, including a platter of vibrant
green cupcakes and a rather substantial pie topped with a traditional black
bird. The star baker of the day was Rachel Green for not only her delicious
but also beautifully decorated cupcakes, each adorned with a dried apple slice.
The competition didn’t stop there as many participants eagerly joined the
fiercely contested Apple Wanging contest, hosted for the first time by Rob
Plant. Both the men’s and woman’s trophies, however, will be spending the
next year beyond the village with Alex Grinstead of Kingsley taking the title
for the men and April, a holiday maker from Swindon for the women. April
has already vowed to return and defend her newly won title, so the ladies of
the village had better up their training if they want to bring the trophy home
next year.
Apart from the ducks, the real winners of the day were the kids who
thoroughly enjoyed frolicking in the mud and rising puddles. Even by mid-
afternoon, when the gardens had become reminiscent of a flooded
Glastonbury, the party carried with attendees rocking their mud clad wellies
to local rock band Hard Drive.
ACE would like to thank everyone that supported, contributed, and
helped make this event possible.
To find out what other events are coming up, which are organised by the
group, follow @AltonCommunityEvents on Facebook.
Alton Apple Day 2023
Photographs by Lee D. Munro

37
Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to local homes. To Advertise email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk, phone 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970
Uttoxeter Lions -
the place to be
U
ttoxeter Lions is a local voluntary group of ordinary people doing extra
ordinary things to help the benefit of the community as a whole, they have
been in existence for 49 years in the town and have raised a huge amount of
money over the years that has been given back to the local good causes.
The number of local events run by the Lions that many were unaware of their
involvement in, includes the Prostate screening programme, The Party on the Pitch,
The L:ark in the Park, Cracker night and the Annual Bonfire display – and many
many more
The variety of supported good causes is truly wide and diverse, and anyone with
a worthy cause can apply for funding, the great thing about it is the diversity of people
who make up the Uttoxeter Lions. Ladies and Gents of all ages, the current
membership ranges from just over 30 to just under 75, the club is always looking for
new members to join this merry group, and more information can be found at the
Uttoxeter Lions web site or via their social media pages.
Kate Kniveton MP delivers
commitment to secure A50
upgrade investment for Uttoxeter
T
he Member of Parliament
for Burton and Uttoxeter
has delivered on one of her
key campaign pledges to secure
funding for upgrades to the A50
with the Government committing
today to investing in the A50/A500
corridor improvements.
The A50 regularly sees traffic
build-up in Uttoxeter as a result of
the McDonald’s and Derby Road
roundabouts that disrupt traffic
flow. Proposals developed by
Midlands Connect, backed by the
local MP, will see the road layout
reconfigured to ease congestion,
improve road safety and reduce air
pollution locally.
Following the Prime Minister’s Party Conference Speech, it was confirmed that
the A50/A500 would be one of the projects to benefit from the £9.6billion that is
being reinvested from Phase 2 of HS2 into improving local and regional connections
that people in the Midlands and the North want to see, and which will drive jobs,
growth and create a more modern economy.
Local MP, Kate Kniveton, has been at the forefront of making the case for
investment into the A50/A500 as Project Champion for the North Midlands
Manufacturing Corridor, alongside Midlands Connect, who have been working to
develop transport proposals in the region.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said: “When I was first elected, I committed
as one of my top priorities to secure this investment for the A50. As Project
Champion for the North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor, I have worked closely
with neighbouring MPs, our Councils and Midlands Connect to make the case for
these infrastructure upgrades to the A50.
“What the Prime Minister has announced will mean the improvements we have
been calling for, with the significant benefits to our region will be delivered.
Congestion in and around Uttoxeter will be eased and road safety will be improved.
This is a long-term decision for a brighter future, and I could not be more pleased
about this announcement!”
T
he reception classroom
at The Richard Clarke
First School, Abbot’s
Bromley, has been refurbished.
During the summer
holidays staff at the school
worked tirelessly cleaning and
painting the room. It has also
had new flooring installed, new
work stations and a new
computer.
What a great result for the
school and a big well done to all
staff members…
Superb refurbishment at The
Richard Clarke First School
JCB REUNION
at The Raddle Country Inn Restaurant
Quarry Bank, Hollington
7.30pm onwards
Thursday, November 23rd
More details contact Clive Barningham on
01538 752204
More life-saving
defibrillators in Uttoxeter
T
he Uttoxeter Knights have provided life-saving equipment at two locations
around the town, thanks to NFU Mutual Insurance and the Town Council.
Public automatic defibrillators (known as AED’s) have been fitted at The
Plough on Stafford Road and at the Select Convenience Store on Kingfisher Way.
Knights Chair Robert Hunt said: “We identified the locations last year and
obtained permission from the site owners, but we lacked the funds to proceed. The
local branch of NFU Mutual stepped in with a grant of more than £3,000 and the
Town Council gave us £500 so we could go ahead.
“This is very much a joint initiative, with AB Property Maintenance Ltd, of
Uttoxeter kindly fitting both appliances for us, JCA Signs, also of Uttoxeter providing
the signage and the local branch of Screwfix supplying the required electrical items,
with all of them doing so without any
charge.”
Local First Responder Mary Dorrington
advised and assisted the Knights. She said,
“I am very pleased that the Knights have
added two more AED’s to those they and
others have provided around Uttoxeter and
placed them in areas where they could be
of most benefit. When used promptly in the
case of sudden cardiac arrest they can help
to save lives. Their locations will be added
to the national defibrillator network”.

Thoughts of a‘Casual Brewer’
L
ast edition’s piece on the changing nature of
licensed premises in Uttoxeter got me thinking
about changes to licensing hours.
Going back to the mid to late 70’s things were very
different. During the week pubs in Uttoxeter had to close
at 10.30pm although they were allowed to open until
11.00pm on Friday and Saturday. Doveridge came under
Derbyshire licensing and were open until 11.00pm every
night other than Sunday. Therefore, it was technically
possible to nip over the border for their ‘last orders’. Not
sure anyone did but when we played darts at the club or
Cavendish, we could get a late one.
On Sunday the hours were even more restrictive.
Midday to 2.00pm at lunch and 7.00pm to 10.30pm at
night. However, at the Black Swan we used to sneak in
through the back door at 11.45am where we were
welcomed by Danky’s crusty bread and cheese and
occasionally Laddie Hodgkinson’s pickled onions. I
always remember the scrum at the bar when Mick
announced last orders. That’s a thing of the past. Now
when last orders are called most people have already left
or take it as a signal to go home.
On special occasions we might get an extension. On
Christmas Eve the lunch session was extended to
4.00pm and I recall the scrum at the bar in the
Wheatsheaf being 4 deep come last orders. The same
extension was applied on Uttoxeter Carnival Day. I did
spend some time working behind the bar at the
Wheatsheaf for both Martin McDermott and Arthur
Bretherton whilst I was at university and that helped
when it came to getting a drink at last orders on
Christmas Eve.
The licensing restrictions encouraged us keen
drinkers to be somewhat opportunistic. So, the ‘Market
Bar’ came into play on a Saturday afternoon and if we
were still thirsty Elkes Social Club opened early evening
if there was football or bowls being played. Any port in
a storm as they say. Now you might be thinking that this
guy drinks far too much (or used to) but our
opportunism was born out of the Draconian licensing
laws rather than any form of addiction (at least I hope it
was).
Uttoxeter Brewing Company are taking on a new
chilled storage unit in the White Hart Yard. Remember
I wrote this last month? Well unfortunately there has
been little progress. All very frustrating for Tom and
Andy. At least Dr Johnson’s Contrafibularity has gone
down well and will be brewed again in the near future
along with the iconic Winners Enclosure. The UBC
version of ‘a Winter Warmer’.
The next CAMRA away day is a trip to Newcastle-
under-Lyme on 28th October when the highlight will be
the Bridge Street Ale House. This time we are relying on
public transport leaving Uttoxeter on the 11.10am train
for Stoke. The trip to Tamworth was a huge success
including the Tamworth Tap, CAMRA’s champion pub
of Great Britain. However, there were many other
highlights with the Tap being a magnet for Real Ale
drinkers from all over the UK. Their award has been a
major boost for all of the pubs in the town. If you are
ever in Tamworth you could also try the King’s Ditch,
Sir Robert Peel or the Old Bank House.
Last month marked the passing of Bill Shaw, a town
legend. Many will know Bill from his later years as
captain of Black Swan darts, cribbage and domino
teams. However, in his day Bill was a fine goalkeeper. In
fact, he was a superb 5-a side keeper, and every team
would have been delighted to have Bill between the
sticks in the Carnival 5-a-side. Bill gave a great deal back
to the Pub games he loved as captain and committee
member. As a fellow Black Swan darts captain, I had a
lot of dealings with Bill, and we worked together to get
the most out of the players available to us. Bill captained
the Bass Challenge darts team and we had some fantastic
nights out especially ‘on tour’. Bill was a great bloke and
will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace ‘skip’.
Now the answer to the question I posed in the last
edition is that a quarter of a ton of malted grain is
needed to brew approximately 2,000 pints of ale. I am
sad to say that the prize has been claimed by one Nigel
Titterton! You might think this is a fix, but I can
guarantee no collusion. We shall make him drink the 2
pints standing on his head through a straw!
NB. I didn’t get a pay rise off Nige though apparently
the guys in Grill Ways (you should try their curries!) are
big fans of the feature. That made my day! Happy Days!
Shent
38 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
From the Mash Tun
by Graham Shenton
The past, present and future
by Mick Harper
I
t is many years since I’ve penned an article for this
excellent publication. I always enjoy reading The
Voice and especially like to view what those two top
footballing men Alan Beaman and my good friend
‘Bake’ have to say, as they draw on their vast sporting
knowledge - especially on the beautiful game at all
levels. I recently chatted to your fantastic editor Nigel
and he said that people had enjoyed my offerings in the
past and invited me to do a column again. I will see
what I can come up with. I do have some sensational
news to reveal, but I have not got the go ahead to put it
in the public domain at this point in time. Hopefully,
in due course I will be able to.
Sadly a number of talented Voice columnists like
my old mate Alan Smith, Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin, Les
Humphries, and Dave Jones are no longer with us.
Lank was a brilliant printer at his busy Uttoxeter
business and did scores of jobs for me over a long
period of time. His work was top quality and he always
kept his promises on completion dates. His Voice
articles really captured the times he was referring to
and he had the ability to put over his various subjects
in a very skilful and professional way. To the best of my
knowledge he never ventured into writing a whole
book of his thoughts, but he could easily have done so
and it would’ve been snapped up by admirers of his
talents.
Les Humphries could turn his way with words to
inform readers of what was happening in the local and
wider community. He was an enthusiastic member of
the congregation of Rocester Church and a Churnet
Male Voice Choir member. Denstone British Legion
flag bearer was another duty he undertook. He was a
founder member of his beloved Uttoxeter Rugby Club,
keeping readers up to date with all of their games,
whatever the results. On top of all this, he was involved
in amateur dramatics as a member of the Denstone
Players and he even wrote one play himself. When
people he knew passed away, Les would dutifully
inform readers and point out highlights of their lives.
How he found time to do his Voice articles with such
an active and busy workload gives him great credit.
And I don’t know for certain, but I think he furnished
Nigel with more columns than anyone else from The
Voice issue 2 right up until his untimely death.
Les would’ve been really pleased to hear that HS2
was not going to be completed from Birmingham to
Manchester, and would’ve been even more delighted if
the whole project had been scrapped before so much
of England’s green and pleasant land was gobbled up
for the sake of getting businesspeople from London to
Birmingham 29 minutes quicker than the normal
services.
Dave Jones was extremely well known in the darts
world, not only on the vibrant local scene in and
around Uttoxeter, but nationally too. He had met many
of the top professionals in the game and he himself was
a very good player. Dave spent many years as a pub
landlord and was renowned for keeping good beer and
serving quality food. He especially loved to chat with
his customers to make sure that everything was up to
standard. Dave kept Voice readers up to date with
everything happening in the local darts leagues, giving
detailed accounts of important league and cup matches.
He would also cover in infinite detail the major
professional darts tournaments. I’m not a darts person
myself, but I found his offerings most interesting.
Alan Smith was an excellent cricketer and footballer
over a long period and he went on to put a lot of time
back into football when he finished playing by taking
up management with teams such as Rocester. I was a
friend of Alan’s for many years and liked to read his
Voice articles, which of course had a strong football and
cricket feel to them. He had a good knowledge of the
local football scene and the professional game at the
highest level, as well as the football pyramid in general.
As youngsters, myself and Alan had a number of games
between my team Uttoxeter Wanderers and Alan’s Tean
side. In later years there was strong rivalry between my
team Wheatsheaf Athletic, who I was manager of, and
Uttoxeter Town, with whom Alan was a key player. On
one occasion the night before a Sunday morning match
between our sides he came into the Wheatsheaf pub,
where he knew I’d be enjoying a pint or two and told
me that he was going to ‘do’ one of my players who he
disliked intensely. I told him that it wasn’t worth it and
that there’d only be one outcome. Alan ignored my
advice and duly carried out his threat, inevitably getting
his marching orders from the referee. Ironically, in later
years Alan and his opponent became very close friends
– it’s a funny old game, as the saying goes.
I was extremely saddened to hear of the death in
August of one of the most pleasant people I have ever
known, Bill Shaw from Uttoxeter. Back in time, when I
was building a strong Wheatsheaf Athletic side, he was
my goalkeeper and he played for me on around sixty
occasions – of which more than fifty were won. He was
a sound shot-stopper who didn’t let in many soft goals.
When I signed one of the top goalkeepers in the
district, George Line, I had the most difficult job of
informing Bill that George would be taking his place.
It was always my most upsetting task as a manager, but
due to the nature of being in charge of a football club it
was one I had to undertake many times over the years.
Bill accepted my decision with good grace and never
held a grudge and kept up that lovely smile which
epitomised his demeanour virtually every time I saw
him. We remained on good terms constantly over the
many years that followed, when I would see him on a
regular basis as, like myself, he liked to socialise in
Uttoxeter’s hostelries. My deepest sympathies go out
to his family, who must miss him terribly.
I have great admiration for our relatively new
monarch Charles III, so on this and items in the future
I intend to sign off, God save the King.
Regards to all.
Mick

39
Leek Building Society’s first
lifesaving defibrillator
installed in Uttoxeter
L
eek Building Society,
renowned for its
community-focused
initiatives, proudly
announces a significant
milestone as the first in a
series of defibrillators is
installed.
Over the summer, with
the help of former Premier
League footballer, Fabrice
Muamba, the award-
winning building society
demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community wellbeing by pledging to
install 100 new defibrillators across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and
Shropshire. Given Fabrice’s experience as a player when he had his life saved by a
defibrillator, he knows first-hand the value of having one of these devices close at
hand when a cardiac arrest strikes.
Leek Building Society now celebrates the commencement of this life-saving
initiative with their first defibrillator being installed outside Aldi in Uttoxeter. This
commitment to install the 100 units was driven by the Society’s belief that access to
defibrillators can make a significant difference in emergency situations, potentially
saving lives, and this device now offers Uttoxeter’s residents and visitors a critical
resource in times of medical emergencies.
‘It’s fantastic to be a part of this initiative to install defibrillators, especially in and
around the Uttoxeter area,’ said Daniel Nutt, Branch Manager at Leek Building
Society’s Uttoxeter branch. ‘This is a huge commitment from the Society and one
the town should be proud of. I’ve personally seen a defibrillator used to save
someone’s life and can’t stress the importance of having these machines ready and
available to help someone in a time of need.’
This first defibrillator marks the beginning of the series of installations over the
next four years. The Leek remains dedicated to its mission of fostering safer and
healthier communities, and the installation of this defibrillator is a testament to its
commitment to making a difference where it matters most.
For further information about Leek Building Society, visit www.leekbs.co.uk.
Cheadle Rotary Club were recently treated to an interesting, informative and thought
provoking talk by Louise from The Alzheimer’s Society.
Members were given an insight into the work that Louise and her colleagues do
to support those with this disease and their families.
President Duncan Cowans and Vice President Ian Clewes are seen here
presenting Louise with a cheque for £1000.00.
Book your advert now for
the next Christmas Voice colour
magazine!!
Out 29th November
Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk

Adapting your home to make
bathing easier and safer
H
ome holds a central place in everyone’s life, but its suitability becomes
particularly crucial for older or less abled individuals. The ability to enter
and exit the house safely, navigate within, access essential facilities such as
the bathroom, cook a meal, and reach the bed without risk all directly impact our
dignity and overall well-being.
If you’ve started to recognise that some of these tasks are becoming challenging
to perform safely, it’s time to consider making improvements.
Unfortunately, many people find themselves unsure of where to begin, often
burdened by concerns about the associated costs. However, financial assistance is
available through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for those with qualifying
conditions so they can alter their homes to make life easier. A DFG is a means-tested
grant that provides a maximum of £30,000 to make alterations to the home to help
people remain independent and safe. This might include renovating a bathroom or
kitchen to make it more accessible or converting a downstairs room to a wetroom
or bedroom. To apply for a DFG, you can contact your local council or for additional
information, visit www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants.
When it comes to addressing the crucial area of the bathroom, that’s where our
expertise shines - we’ve been creating bespoke accessible bathrooms and wetrooms
for over 24 years.
Sometimes our customers think they need a full renovation but more often than
not they just need a few adaptations to make life a little easier such as the installation
of grab rails near the toilet or installing a walk-in bath or shower that is easier to
access.
We understand it can be daunting when considering making alterations to your
home, which is why we guide our customers every step of the way. Our friendly
home surveyors visit customers in their homes to truly understand their challenges
and to provide customised solutions that fit within their budgets. Our Customer
Service team are always on hand if you have any questions throughout the process
and our commitment to excellence is reflected in our ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
Our customers are at the heart of what we do and we’re still a family-run
company since my wife Julie and I founded AHM Installations in 1999. Drawing
upon the wealth of caregiving, and bathroom adaptation experiences gained over
the years we have rolled out our business to other parts of the UK where AHM
employed staff can help where our service is needed.
We take pride in carefully guiding our customers through the installation of new
bathroom equipment in their homes. Our mission is driven by a genuine desire to
alleviate the struggles individuals face and our unwavering belief that we can always
find a solution, regardless of the budget or situation.
Cheadle Rotary
I
f you saw some people wandering
along Cheadle High Street
oneThursday evening, stopping
regularly to confer with one another,
these were members of Cheadle
Rotary Club.
From an idea from Vice President
Ian Clewes, teams followed a trail
using cryptic rhyming clues (Ian’s
clues!) leading to various places,
including St. Giles’ Church, St. Giles
the Abbot, the Baker’s Arms, the
Wheatsheaf and the Indoor Market.
All members thoroughly enjoyed the
activity which was followed by a
meeting and a delicious meal at
Whiston Hall.
C
headle Rotary Club members were delighted to be invited to the celebrations
for the 70 years of Consall Scout Camp. The Bishop of Stafford rededicated
the Chapel with a moving service to remember those who supported and
developed this
wonderful venue.
Members joined
in with axe
throwing, archery
(our Secretary has
now been renamed
Robin!) and rifle
shooting, followed
by a delicious
lunch. Many thanks
to the organisers
and to the young
people who led us
and fed us.
Here’s to the
next 70 years!

41
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Unit A, Brookhouses Industrial
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Personal Service and Advice
on Tape Street Car Park,
Cheadle
On the 2nd Sunday of the month
from 8-12pm
Cost per pitch is £10,
no pre-booking required
Open to Residents and Visitors to the Town
Are you an ex Matelot,
Bootneck, Jenny, an Admiral,
Jimmy, Tankey, Bandy, Jack
Dusty, WAFU?
Fancy an evening ‘Swinging the
lamp’ and ‘Swopping dits’
Join us at the Bankhouse Hotel in Uttoxeter
every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 1930hrs
For details call Dave Emery on 01782 331730
or Mike Bell on 01889 563897
Book your
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now for
our
hugely
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Christmas
Uttoxeter

Cheadle
Voice
magazine!
Out 29th
November
Take advantage
of our massive
readership to
attract new
customers - and
also send your
Christmas
Greetings to
your valued
regular
customers!
Telephone 01538
751629 or simply
email
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
DON’T
MISS OUT
B.D.T. GARDENING
Established 1991
LANDSCAPES GARDENING MAINTENANCE,
FENCING CONTRACTOR
Lawn Mowing • Hedge Cutting • Tree Pruning
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All Types of Gates Supplied Erected
Panel Fencing Repairs • Trellis Work • Painting
Creosoting • Patio Steam Cleaning and Other Areas
Telephone 01889 566439 • Mobile 07970 879977
CAR
BOOT
SALE

Double Chocolate Cheesecake with
Patron
I
had to make something with chocolate for
my family when they came to visit. They all
love cheesecake, so I decided to make my
Double Chocolate Cheesecake. I usually add a
few tablespoons of Tia Maria , but all I had was a
small bottle of Patron, which is a coffee Liqueur.
It is usually drank as a shot, but worked very well
with the Cheesecake. All the family loved it, and
was very quickly polished off!
Biscuit Base
85g melted butter
14 plain chocolate digestive finely crushed
Cheesecake
3 x 300g full fat cream cheese, i.e. philadelphia
200g golden caster sugar
4 tbsp cocoa, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp coffee liqueur (I used Patron which
comes in a handy minerature bottle)
284ml soured cream
3 large free range eggs
100g dark chocolate
2-3 tbsp milk
To decorate
284ml double cream
Chocolate curls
Firstly heat oven to 160°C Fan. Line the base
of a 25cm springfrom tin with baking parchment.
Mix the melted butter and biscuit crumbs until
well blended and press firmly onto the base of the
tin. Bake this for 10 mins.
Turn your oven up to 220°C Fan and the
make your cheesecake mix. Firstly beat the
cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy,
then whisk in the sifted cocoa, vanilla extract,
Coffee liqueur, eggs, soured cream and half the
melted chocolate. Stir in a little milk into the
remaining chocolate to make a sauce consistency,
then set aside until you are ready to decorate your
cheesecake.
Butter the sides of the cake tin, then pour in
the cheese mixture and smooth the top. Bake for
10 mins, then turn the oven down to 90°C for 25-
30 mins. The filling should be set, but with a
wobble in the centre. Turn off the oven, slightly
open the oven door and leave the cheesecake to
cool for 2 hours. Chill until ready to serve.
To decorate your cheesecake, carefully
remove it from the tin and remove from the base
and lining paper. Lightly whip the cream, then
swirl on top and drizzle with the remaining
chocolate sauce. To make chocolate swirls, firmly
run a potato peeler down a block of chocolate.
Serve your cheesecake topped with your
chocolate curls.
Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill
My love of Life, Lorries and Coaches
by John Willmore, of Cheadle
His series continues from previous Voice
magazines...
S
o what can be done now? At the time I was
helping to bring an ex Tate and Lyle 8 Wheel
Foden that had been a sugar tanker in the
Liverpool area back to the road. The vehicle required a
new body for tipper work for Mr Ron Barks of Foxt
who was to form a new company with Mr Tom Curwin
calling it Barwin Transport.
So when the work on the vehicle was finished I was
offered the position of driving the lorry just in time as
Edwards ceased its lorry side of things but they still had
other interests to carry on…
So it was back to the road again, delivering sand
and gravel to areas around the North West. I also
brought back peat from
Chat Moss near
Manchester to Croxden
Gravel Compost Works.
This was 1975 and
was when I had my first
seaside holiday! It came
through a conversation
with Mr Len Collyer
whose family I
mentioned in my recent
article had always helped
my family.
Len had a caravan in
Abergele, Wales, and he
offered it to us for a
week’s holiday. It was
brilliant and that was the
beginning when we
decided to take an annual
holiday right up to this
time but the lockdown
for Covid 19 Virus put a temporary stop to our plans.
Going back to myself and the work situation in the
1970’s, it was a time of uncertainty and whilst I
wondered about the future and security for my family,
we visited the fair at Cheadle which always comes in
September and I was sitting watching my wife and son
on a ride and a voice said to me’ how are you keeping
John?’
It was my former boss Mr Dennis Keates speaking
and he asked how things were and I explained how I
had faired since leaving JCB. He said he was busy again
and said I was welcome to return and continue where
I left off with him.
This I very much appreciated and I did just that,
which led to me to put in over 30 years in the quality
department, taking on various roles over the years but
always in the quality department working along with
others who became lifelong friends…
Read my next article in The Voice to see what the
future lay in store for me and my family…

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 119

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 119

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 119