Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 45

For all your forest and
garden needs
1st for SERVICE • REPAIRS
SALES • SPARES
Unit 3, Churnet Valley Court, Dovefields Industrial Estate, Uttoxeter, Staffs, ST14 8HU
Telephone 01889 569043
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
FREE
13,000 COLOUR MAGAZINES PRINTED EACH ISSUE
Issue 45

2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
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3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
They say life is a rollercoaster but you’ve got to ride it!
This is probably one of the truest phrases in life...
You experience unbelievable highs and the lowest of
lows. There is nothing more clearcut to emphasize this
than seeing your son or daughter born which erupts
emotions which will never be bettered – and then to
plummet to cavernous depths when they are tragically
taken away from you...
A short time ago a young mother of two in Uttoxeter
lost her life in tragic circumstances. The support of the local community was
instrumental in helping the family to cope with losing a loved one, although
of course it will never eliminate the feeling of loss.
A few weeks ago, one of the most gorgeous and bubbly 29 year olds you
could ever wish to meet, was also tragically taken from her family, friends and
our community. Christie Gallon had completed her usual night shift as a Nurse
at the local hospital but sadly was never to return to her home. She lost her
life in a road traffic collision, leaving a huge void which can never be filled.
Christie was not only
beautiful on the outside but
perhaps more importantly she
was beautiful on the inside. A
wonderful, caring, loving young
woman who would light up any
room upon her entrance. She had
the precious gift of warmth when
in contact with people and this is
what made her stand out as a
human being.
Now, the local community of
Cheadle are supporting Christie’s
mum Janice and dad Chris and
the rest of the family, providing a
most important helping hand in
their hour of need.
Christie was my daughter
Aimee’s most loyal friend since schooldays and our wonderful memories of
her lovely smiling face will be kept forever in our hearts.
We have all lost a very special person but let us rejoice in the fact that
everyone she came into contact with enjoyed her wonderful personality during
those 29 short years...
God Bless Christie...
I hope you enjoy reading this Voice magazine.
I’ll speak to you next time...
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
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and is
published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT.
13,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses in
Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rocester, Marchington, Denstone,
Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean,
Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge,
Kingsley and Doveridge areas.
NEW FOR 2014: Mayfield, Ellastone, Draycott, Cresswell,
Saverley Green & Fulford.
Clients are welcome to view the 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 distributed from June 1st 2014
News Deadline: May 20th 2014
Advertising Deadline: May 22nd 2014
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW -
EMAIL uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
OR PHONE 01538 751629
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Personal Service Guaranteed
Established for over 16 years
We are one of the area’s largest
and most trusted garden
machinery specialists
We continue to offer a superb choice of leading brand
machinery from Lawn Tractors and Mowers through to
Hand Tools and an expert service, repair and spare parts
department to keep your machinery in tip top condition.
Our newly-built showroom and service centre are testament
to the success of our business. We are passionate about
providing outstanding service to our customers year after
year - hence we only stock quality merchandise that we are
confident our customers will be 100% happy with.
What Does Uttoxeter Garden
Machinery Offer?
• Sale of Garden Machinery and Hand Tools
• Expert Service and Repairs
• Express Spare Parts or Machinery
• A Collection and Delivery Service for your Mower
• Warranty Work undertaken for many manufacturers
Come and see us!
We have a superb choice of leading brand garden
machinery and tools in our large showroom based at
Unit 3, Churnet Valley Court, Dovefields Industrial Estate,
Uttoxeter ST14 8HU
Telephone 01889 569043
Authorised Dealers In
Stihl, Husqvarna, Mountfield, Countax
as well as many other leaders in the industry

Recruiting
Care Workers
Are you looking for a career in the care industry where you
feel valued, supported, respected, and part of the team...
Do you have a genuine desire and passion to help people?
If the answer is yes then we are looking for you.
Bluebird Care (East Staffs & South Derbyshire) is a leading provider in
Home Care Services within Staffordshire.
We are currently recruiting care workers in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Blythe
Bridge and surrounding areas. In return for your hard work and
dedication we can offer you competitive rates, generous mileage
allowance, fully funded social Care level 2 and 3 qualifications, Bluebird
Care healthcare scheme, mobile electronic roster system plus on-going
personal development. Interested?
From £8 to £9 per hour dependant on job role and succesful completion
of probation period.
Call Vicki, our local Care Manager, on 01889 568599 for an
informal chat.
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
By Lesley Alexander
H
aving recently moved to the Uttoxeter area, I
was looking for ways of settling into a new
community. An acquaintance told me of
Rocester and District Camera Club; formed about
18 months ago, which meets in the community room
of Rocester Village Hall twice a month. I felt rather
unsure of myself when I went to my first meeting in
September but was made very welcome. I was not
sure what to expect but was very impressed by the
range of skills among the members; from complete
beginners to photographers with decades of
experience and truly impressive skills in genres as
varied as portrait, landscape, insect, motor-sport,
storm and ‘Astro’ photography.
As a practising textile artist, photography is
important to me, but my results have been limited by
a lack of knowledge and skill with digital cameras
and photo-editing software. Happy snappers with
pocket cameras are just as welcome at the club as
those with bags full of equipment, and the members
are not only very friendly but generous in sharing
their knowledge. The cost is minimal, the
membership fee is only £25 per year, with an extra
£1.00 for tea and a biscuit each meeting.
Each meeting focuses on a different topic, all the
meetings I have attended have so far been
informative and entertaining. Future events this year
will include lectures on motor-sport and insect
photography, instruction on Photoshop
manipulation and a practical evening on how to
mount prints and prepare for competitions. So far I
have found the instruction on the use of Photoshop
has already extended my knowledge; there has also
been a session on how to use lighting to good effect
which will be very useful in my work. Other events
in the programme include speakers coming to talk
about their own interests often with very interesting
stories behind the photographs.
There are three optional competitions a year,
judged by independent experienced photographers
from the Midlands region; they have been much
more than ‘judges’ however and have discussed all
the entries, giving constructive criticism to help us
improve our techniques. The most recent
competition was ‘Flora and Fauna’ as a topic; this
proved interesting and encouraged me to look at
different aspects of photography, which developed
my skills further and made me aware of other
elements of my camera and lenses. Even though my
few entries were somewhat amateurish, I know that
the feedback I have so far been given will make my
pictures much more competitive in the future.
I look forward to producing photographs too
which are good enough to hang on the wall rather
than just cluttering my computer hard-drive. More
important than new skills however, is that I have
spent many enjoyable evenings with new friends.
Next year’s programme is being developed now
and looks as though it will be equally varied and
challenging.
Rocester Village Hall Committee Room has
plenty of room to accommodate new members so
whatever your skill level, you will be made most
welcome. The club meets at 8pm on the first and
third Tuesday of the month from September to May
each year.
Check out the club website at www.radcc.org.uk
Top left: Dragonfly in Flight by John Nash
Top Right: Stormy Landscape by Chris Sargent
Left: Who’s That Girl by Paul Redshaw
A New-Comers Perspective

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 8 year
old Parrott
Tel: 01538 753193
8 Cross Street, Cheadle,
Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 1NP
CROSS STREET PET STORES
For all your pet requirements
Foot and Toe Nail Treatments
Home visit £25, clinic £22
• Toe Nail Cutting
• Hard Skin and Corn Removal
• Fungal Infected and
Thickened Nail Reduction
• Cracked Heels andVerruca Treatment.
A general all over foot maintenance
Dawn Colclough MAFHP, MCFHP
Fully Qualified, Registered & Insured.
A member of The British Association of
Foot Health Professionals
Trained at The SMAE Institute
Clinic at North Lodge, Upwoods Road,
Doveridge, nr Uttoxeter, Derbyshire DE6 5LL
Tel: 01889 564592 Mobile: 07794 344 235
Home visits and clinic appointments available
Dove Foot Health Care
Monday Cheadle @ Guild Hall, Tape Street 6pm with Tracey
Tuesday Cheadle @ Guild Hall, Tape Street - 10am with Frances
Tuesday Leek @ Morrisons, Newcastle Road - 6.15pm with
Rachel
Tuesday Alton @ St Peters School 6.30pm with Tracey
Wednesday Uttoxeter @ Wilfred House, Carter Street -
6pm with Frances
Thursday Leek @ Salvation Army, Salisbury Street -
9.30am & 6pm with Tracey
Thursday Uttoxeter @ Wilfred House, Carter Street -
10am with Frances Rachael Smith
07749 595 392
Frances Blood
07716 846 355
Tracey Pickford
0791 253 9477
Put the spring
into your sales
Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or
phone 01538 751629
IT’S SO EASY TO PLACE AN ADVERT IN THE VOICE!
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

SOLD01889 591288
S.T.C
Call Draycotts on
01889 591288
for a free valuation
£500
OFFSELLING FEESUNTIL THE ENDOF JUNE
Want one of
these outside
your property?
www.denstonehall.co.uk
Tel: 01889 590050
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BEST FARM SHOP
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TASTE OF STAFFORDSHIRE
AWARD WINNERS 2014
BUTCHERY • DELI • C AFÉ • GIFTS

David Booth of RBA Wealth
Management on where to find
reliable, face-to-face financial
advice.
It’s not just music shops and pick-
and-mix sweets which have all but
disappeared from the High Street.
Over the last two years, there has
been a significant reduction in the
availability of high street face-to-
face financial advice from banks
and building societies. Regulatory
rule changes, known as the Retail
Distribution Review, were
introduced in January 2013 to
improve clarity of service levels and
charges and to improve standards.
Yet the result has been a number of
leading banks and building
societies reducing, or even
withdrawing altogether, face-to-face
advice – at least for all but very
wealthy investors.
So what options remain?
Well, many high street banks offer
online, do-it-yourself investments –
but these may not be suitable if you
are unsure where to invest. Among
those who continue to offer face-to-
face advice for customers with lower
investment amounts, the scope has
become more limited.
This more limited range of choice means
you might not be presented with options
which are best suited to your
circumstances. Given the difficult
economic climate of the past few years,
investors looking to make more of their
savings and investments over the longer-
term need to be confident they are making
decisions that are right for their
circumstances. If, previously, you had an
adviser, you need to find out if they are still
operating and, if they are, what type of
service they are now providing – as it
might not be suited to your current needs.
Alternatively, if you have not invested
before but are considering the possibility
of doing so, an adviser who can offer
straight forward advice, with no pressure
placed on you to commit your money is a
sensible choice.
Regardless of whether or not you can still
rely on your adviser – or if you have not
invested before and are looking for face-
to-face financial advice – RBA Wealth
Management remains fully committed
to offering face-to-face financial advice
to the local community. At RBA, your
dedicated financial adviser will be either
David Booth, Angela Fountain or Andrew
Hackney, who are also the Directors
of the business, giving you the
opportunity to build an effective
trust relationship. They can review
your existing Savings and
investments, regardless of who they
are held with, and offer no
obligation recommendations on
ways to help you achieve your
financial objectives.
WorkingWithYou
RBA Wealth Management is a
Senior Partner Practice of
St. James’s Place Wealth
Management.
Putting our clients firmly at the
heart of everything we do enables
us to run a genuinely client focused
business. In our experience, no
client is the same and we therefore
ensure that we understand your
personal or business objectives and
deliver solutions that are right for
you.
We do not provide off the shelf
solutions, but we offer the benefit of
a single relationship for all of your
financial planning needs. We strive
to offer the very best service to
develop a long term relationship
with you.
We aim to deliver our commitment by:
• Providing personal face-to-face
financial advice
• Giving you the opportunity to review
your financial affairs regularly
• Effectively managing your investments
via St. James’s Place’s distinctive
approach
• Keeping you informed of the latest
news and any changes that might
affect your personal situation
• Listening to your feedback
Financial advice is now less widely
available - who can you turn to?
RBA Wealth Management Ltd. represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the
purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
To make an appointment without obligation please telephone
our office on 01889 568444, alternatively call into our office.
Charles House, 23 High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN
WINNER 2012 and 2013
A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the
value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in equities does not provide
the security of capital associated with a deposit account with a bank or building society.

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.
HD Brows is the unique professional eyebrow styling treatment that is totally designed
around you. Nothing else comes close to achieving glamorous couture eyebrows.
Professional, bespoke and aﬀordable.
Express yourself in
igh eﬁnition
Brownsbeauty and tanning
• Airbrush Make Up
• Spray Tanning Booth
• Luxury Facials
• Swedish, Hot Stone
and Aromatherapy Massages
• Nails including Gelish,
Acrylics, Hard Gel,
Nail Art and Minx
• Semi-Permanent
Lash Extensions
• Waxing and Threading
• Free Treatments available
using a Browns Treat Card
• GIFT VOUCHERS
AVAILABLE
•
23 Church Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8AG
Tel: 01889 563132 / 07860 575270
www.brownsbeautyandtanning.com
GREAT2VAPE
Electronic Cigarettes
Tel: 01538 751522 www.great2vape.co.uk
Well Street, Cheadle, Stoke on Trent ST10 1EY
Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.45pm, Sat 8.30-12midday
Stop smoking but still get the kick!
Over 20 Flavours to choose from
Accessories also available
Spare batteries, clearomizers, coil heads,
Kangertech Protank II and Mini Protank.
Playboy E-Liquids (10ml)
3 for £10
Puravape E-Liquids (10ml)
4 for £10
Special Offer
All for £10
1x Electronic Cigarette plus 1x10ml bottle of
Puravape E-liquid (any flavour and any strength)
18+ only
Now is the chance to try vaping by taking
advantage of our Special Offer

9
The Izaak Walton Inn
A warm welcome awaits you at the
Izaak Walton Inn, a lovely country
pub you hope to walk into but
rarely do which is not only warm,
comfortable and friendly but also
tasteful and not tacky.
Our Head Chef has designed an
eclectic menu of classic and
contemporary dishes beautifully
presented and freshly cooked.
Our dog friendly bar has a range of
cask ales, draught cider, delicious freshly brewed coffee
(freshly ground for every cup!) and a great selection of wines
- something to suit all tastes including 20cl bottles of
Prosecco. We also have draught lagers including
Heineken and Fosters, Guinness on tap alongside
John Smiths.
Tel: 01782 396156
Email: izaak@morningtonpubco.com
Cresswell Lane, Cresswell,
Stoke-on-Trent, PL11 9RE
NOW OPEN AFTER MAJOR
REFURBISHMENT!
‘A Warm Welcome Guaranteed’
The Home of Good Food,
Good Beer and Good Company
N
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Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
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Brookend House, Crakemarsh, Uttoxeter ST14 5BL
Tel 01889 591209
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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 £4.50, 3 Courses £8.00
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
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
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All work to
BS3998 standard
Call Rob: 01538 361 432
or 07900 995 139
Email: rob@newlifetl.co.uk
Web: www.newlifetl.co.uk
EMERGENCY
CALL-OUTS
ALSO
AVAILABLE

The business is headed
by Chris Owen and
Leon Scallan, who started
the company in 2004.
BRAND NEW LIGHTING
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
Over 2000 different styles of lighting
available (order before 3pm for
guaranteed next day delivery)

Just the
perfect day...
We first set eyes on each other around
6 years ago. I was completing a
electrical installation at Gemma’s place of
work. At this time I had no clue who she was
or what she was called. She walked down the
corridor towards me looking like an angel
and there I was all dirty and sweaty thinking
I had a chance. Ha Ha! So I went for it and
tried to get Gemma’s attention with a classic
line “Excuse me duck what’s that perfume
you’re wearing” to which she turned around
looked me up and down and replied “Alien”
and off she went, that was that - my charm
had failed me! A couple of years later a
mutual friend told me that ‘ALIEN’ girl had
become single so I tracked her down on
Facebook and worked my charms on her for
a couple of weeks until I plucked up the
courage to ask her to meet me for a drink.
Gemma lived in Tean at the time and I lived
in Stafford which is where Gemma works so
we arranged to meet a the Saracens Head in
Weston. On the evening of the first date I had
made an effort to look good and headed out
to meet her. I was so nervous she wouldn’t
show as all the lads had been saying ‘shes far
to good for you’ and the usual banter. I pulled
up at the Saracens Head in my Subaru and
sat and waited nervously for Gemma to
arrive.
Gemma owns a black Civic and I had
asked her what car she drove so I could keep
an eye out for her. A couple of black Honda
Civics went past - making me think I had
been stood up! Just as I was talking myself
into leaving she turned up and immediately
stuck her tongue out at me, that’s an image
that will live with me forever! We hit it off
straight away and I knew that night we had
something special. After that date we barely
spent time apart, I would stay at her house or
she would stop with me in Stafford. It was so
natural and effortless. We just knew.
Everyone says as a cliché you will know when
its right but it is so true. We are proof of that.
After just 3 weeks as a ‘proper couple’ I took
Gem on holiday and this break in the sun
cemented what we already knew – we could
not live without each other. Shortly after this
Gem moved in with me at my parents house
in Stafford so we could save for a place of our
own. As we had been saving and working so
hard we decided to treat ourselves to a
holiday.
PHOTOGRAPHY
by Denise Wheat BA (Hons) LBIPP
Tel: 01538 723985
www.denisewheatphoto.co.uk
Bride and Groom: Gemma Thursfield and Mark Halsted
Married: Saturday 21st September 2013
Church: St Giles Rc Church, Cheadle
Bride’s parents: Mr Steve Thursfield and Mrs Annette
Campbell
Groom’s parents: Mr & Mrs Barry and Jude Halsted
Best man: Jim Millward and Barry Halsted
Ushers: Tim Hadley, Tom Stewart and Niall Hassett
Bridesmaids: Lisa Thursfield, Amellia Hadley, Kennedy
Thursfield, Lucy Thomas, Nichola Millward, Maisie Millward
and Alyssa Millward
Reception: Alton Castle, Alton
Photography: Denise Wheat Photography

We went to the Bahia Principe in Costa
Adeje for a week in the 5 star all inclusive
resort recommended to us by friends. (This is
also where we honeymooned) It was here in
this perfect setting I proposed to Gem on the
30th September 2011. I carried the ring with
me in my pocket the entire flight and kept it
with me when possible waiting for the perfect
moment. After dinner we had a few drinks
and went back to the room and stood on the
balcony looking at the sunset and the sea,
that was the moment. I couldn’t wait any
longer. She said yes!!! The fun began Gem
had every magazine going Pinterest was
abused! It was all worth it, Gem had done an
amazing job organising the whole thing the
only thing I had to do was turn up in my suit!
Our day was just perfect! We married at
Gemma’s family church St Giles RC Cheadle
at 12.30 on Saturday 21st Sept 2013. Gem
looked stunning. I was just blown away by
the whole day. It wouldn’t have been possible
with the love and support from our families.
We are so grateful to them for making the
day happen. We are perfect together and
believe we have found a best friend and soul
mate in each another,
Account of the day
The wedding weekend started Friday 20th
and both our families and close friends
helped us to set up the venue and make sure
all decorations name settings etc were just so.
We had lots of candles and soft lighting to get
a romantic fairytayle theme. The wedding
day for me started at Alton Castle where we
had all slept. Me and Gem slept in separate
rooms so that traditions would not be broken
and so in the morning whilst Gem was
getting ready to leave my mum and dad kept
on hiding me so me and Gem wouldn’t have
contact. Gem headed straight for the
hairdressers ‘Panache’ in Cheadle where she
and her entourage of bridesmaids had their
hair done. Gem also had her make up done
there by Ali and the girls enjoyed bucks fizz
whilst being pampered at Panache and
Denise the photographer was there to capture
the events! Gem got ready at her nan and
grandad’s house in Mill Grove, Cheadle.
Meanwhile I had my bacon butty then
popped my head outside, gutted it was
drizzling!!! It soon started to clear and the
Steve the photographer arrived to start
getting some shots of me getting ready. First
stop once me and the boys were ready was
Wetherspoons in Cheadle for a couple, then
off to the church. Waiting anxiously guests
were arriving and coming and chatting to me
whilst I waited for Gem to arrive.
The music started, my heart was
pounding, the doors opened and in she
walked. She looked absolutely stunning I
couldn’t take my eyes off my gorgeous bride
to be I could only think ‘Jesus Marko how
have you managed to catch this stunner’. The
ceremony seemed to go so quick ! Gems
granddad did a reading, we said our vows,
signed the certificate and then off we were up
to Alton Castle for the reception. It was fun
trying to get Gem in and out of her car as she
had a Wolseley and I had a Dodge Ram. We
literally had to squash Gem in the Wolseley
and then shut the doors quick! On our
journey to the castle it all seemed so surreal
neither of us could believe it was done…we
were husband and wife, wow!!!

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A unique setting for weddings
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Just the perfectday...
The weather was stunning by the time we arrived back at the castle.
Neither of us could believe we were holding our reception in the castle. It was
top of Gem’s list of venues and she loved the place as she had visited several
times on school trips. It made the day perfect knowing how happy she was
that she got all she dreamed of.
Everyone was making the most of the weather at the amazing venue
basking in the sun sipping champagne whilst me and Gem had some nice
intimate photos. This was great because we got time to spend alone just us two
to take everything in – Denise and her husband Steve – our photographers were
brilliant. We were so relaxed with them and it really made a difference to have
them be part of our day. We slowly made our way to the guests and were
greeted with a well needed drink. The food was fab and the service Food for
Thought provided was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble - Jane our
host on the day was amazing. The speeches were great – Gems dad made
everyone laugh and cry. Before we knew it the DJ was setting up and the
evening guests had started to arrive. The dance floor was full and the evening
went so fast after our first dance which was ‘Can’t help falling in love’ by Ingrid
Michaleson which is an updated version of the Elvis classic. In that moment it
just felt like us two were in the room and no-one else. We both knew how
happy and lucky we were to have found each other. It went so fast but we
definitely know it was the best day of our lives and we look forward to making
many more memories together in the years ahead as Husband and Wife.

Uttoxeter Tile and
Bathroom Ltd
Wide range of unique natural stone tiles and bathrooms
Suppliers of quality bathroom suites, showers and wet rooms
Tile stockists of: Classic Flagstones, Vives, Porcelanosa
Bathroom stockists of: Synergy, Ashton & Bentley, Frontline
Open
to trade
and
public
Great
Offers
on tiles
and suites
Very
competitive
prices
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 7 days a week - late on Wednesday and Friday
And also, all at
great prices:
Ultra adhesive,
grouts and
silicones
An Outstanding Nursery in Beautiful Grounds
We now run weekly FOREST SCHOOL SESSIONS within our lovely grounds
Nursery School to Smallwood Manor Preparatory School
For more information contact us today 01889 562083
Smallwood Manor Preparatory School,
Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8NS
w dard
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ITH UNI
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Smallwood Manor is an inspirational place which
encourages every child to thrive.
Our award winning nursery school provides our
little ones with a lovely, happy ‘home from home’
atmosphere where the ﬁrst steps to learning begin. Garden / Play Area
Smallwood Nursery School
VOUCHERS
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warmly invited
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11a.m. Friday
www.smallwoodmanor.co.uk

Floors • Imprinted yards • Slurry storage solutions • Ménages • Groundworks
Concrete laser level machine lay
For further information or quotation call Chris on 07972800830
www.industfarm.co.uk
Specialists in Industrial Agricultural
and Equestrian Construction
PARKING
PROBLEMS?
Garages Available
For Rent
Uttoxeter and surrounding areas
From only £6.62 per week
Contact 01283 528655 for further details

Ki
tchens by Paul Gabri
el
of K i n g s ton e
Affordable Kitchens
from the unusual to
the straightforward.
Practical lay-out from the traditional hand-painted to the modern
glossy look. From the cosy farmhouse appeal to the popular ‘Shaker’ touch.
Phone Paul for free, friendly advice on
01889 500591 (home) or 079906 22125
Ask for a leaflet or visit website: www.kingsleykitchens.co.uk
or e-mail: kingsleykitchens@hotmail.co.uk
Also ask about our Bedroom Furniture and Interior Decorating Service

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
T
hese superb photographs were
brought into me by Mr Stan
Hodgkinson, a member of the
Uttoxeter Army Cadets Force along with
these fine bunch of lads who attended
various functions and entertained the local
people throughout the area back in the 50’s.
Stan’s uncle (Gandy Hodgkinson) was also
a member and is pictured 2nd from the
right in the top row.
The Army Cadet Force is a Voluntary
Youth Organisation. It is
sponsored by the
Ministry of Defence and
provides progressive and
challenging military,
adventurous and
community activities for
young people between
the ages of 12 - 18. Its
aim is to inspire young
people to achieve success
in life, to push them to
the limit. The type of
training offered helps
foster self confidence,
teamwork and
leadership, all of which
can be practically applied
to everyday life.
The Uttoxeter ACF
when the above
photographs were taken used to operate
from premises in Uttoxeter High Street
adjacent to the Uttoxeter Town Library,
locally called ‘The Drill Hall’, now occupied
by Staffordshire Social Services. It is still
active today operating from Oldfields
School in Stone Road, carrying on nurturing
our youngsters into being good citizens, not
a bad idea in these modern times!
Til next time,
Lank
Pictured in Uttoxeter Market Place
On Parade again in Uttoxeter
Uttoxeter Army Cadets Force Drummers, 1951
Back Row, Left to Right : Ted Smith, Graham Kirkman, Brian
Hodgkinson, Bob Merrick, Dennis ʻGandyʼ Hodgkinson, &
Derek Bowd. Front Row, Left to Right : Rodney Hodgkinson,
Arthur ʻTwinnieʼ Crutchley Johnny Horobin,ʻGeekʼ Collins,
Ray Foster & Tony ʻPorkyʼ Foster
Health & Safety paramount at Asda store
building work - especially for dogs!!
I took this photograph of a rather unusual site at the new Asda Store in
Uttoxeter which opens this month! It seems dogs are also part of the hi-viz
Health & Safety initiative!!
1
5 employees who braved the elements to do the DMH 5km Walk expect
to raise over £800 for the charity. This is the second time Cheadle’s
Vulcan sponsored its employees to take part in the event that took place
at the Wedgwood Estate, Barlaston on Sunday 6th April 2014.
Cancer touches so many people’s lives and being able to give a little back
in raising funds for the DMH is a pleasure, they do such so great work.
Vulcan has an active policy of supporting local causes through our Veefast
committee and were delighted to take part and raise funds for such a great
charity.
There was a great vibrant atmosphere at the event and all who took part
thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Vulcan does it
for Dougie Mac
Put the spring
into your sales
Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or
phone 01538 751629
IT’S SO EASY TO PLACE AN ADVERT IN THE VOICE!
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

S
ue and her husband recently
took their son, his wife and
family, Grace 5 and Carter 3
to Disneyland Paris. We asked
Grace all about it...
Were you excited about
your trip to Disneyland?
I didn’t know we were going
until we went ! It was a big
surprise.
I thought we were going to
look at aeroplanes before I went to
my friend’s birthday party – when
we got to the airport Nannie Sue
asked me if I would like to go to
Disneyland
What did you say when she
told you?
I couldn’t understand how we
would get there, but she said we
could get on a plane right away – she had tickets
and everything …. I was so excited, but didn’t have
a Princess Dress on, so thought I couldn’t go. Then
mummy told me it was in a suitcase in the car ! I
gave Nannie, mummy and my brother Carter a big
hug - I was SO excited!
Did you like the plane ride?
I had never been on a plane – it was like being
on a big bus and there were lots of other children
on it too. Me and Carter sat by the window. The
plane went faster and
faster, we all counted
to five and went up
into the sky and
squealed as we went
into the clouds. We
played with our
crayons and games
and then we were
there!
Did you like the
hotel?
Oh Yes, it was
lovely, called Hotel
New York. We had 2
big bedrooms. I slept
in Nannie and
Granddads’ room. We
had a big window and could see
a lake, an ice rink and a big
“Tinkerbell” balloon. The
shampoo and show gel bottles
were shaped like Mickey Mouse
ears …(we brought some home-
but please don’t tell!)
What did you do next?
I put on my Cinderella dress,
we walked just round the corner
into the Park and then I saw the
Princess Castle – it was beautiful
- I just danced and danced - I
was so happy!
We got a front row seat for
the “Parade”. It was magic!
Everyone was waving and
singing. Princess Aurora was in
her carriage and waved at ME!
Carter’s favourite was “The
Toy Story”. He waved and shouted from dad’s
shoulders. We sang all the songs and waved and
waved…
Did you like the food?
MMMMMmmm! At breakfast you could have
as much as you liked.. I had chocolate spread on
toast Carter liked the fruit. Then we went and met
Goofy and Chip & Dale. I cannot
remember what we had for dinner
because I was too busy having cuddles
from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and
Tigger. Carter really loved Minnie
Mouse he kissed her on the nose and
made her shy.
What was your favourite ride?
We got into Walt Disney Studios at
8 in the morning (because we were
staying at a Disneyland hotel) so not
many people were there. Carter and me
screamed and screamed all the way
round the Toy Story Slinky Dog ride
and loved McQueen Cars. I steered the
car, Mummy, Nannie and Carter laughed and tried
to hold on. (it was Carter’s favourite ride). My
favourite was Peter Pan’s Tree House (or maybe
Alice in Wonderland Maze.)
Did you go shopping?
We went to the Lego shop. Buzz Lightyear and
Woody were made from Lego, then went to a
massive Disney Store and spent ages. I got a
Princess Ariel’s wedding dress... I have worn it
every day since! Carter had a jacket with planes
on the back. We are so lucky! I wanted Mummy
and Nannie Sue to have some Mickey Mouse ears
to wear, but they both said “Not today Grace,
thank you”.
What was the best part of the holiday?
I loved it all. My room at the Hotel New York,
the Parades with all the characters - Toy Story, The
Lion King, Peter Pan, Cars, Jungle Book ...all
waving and dancing, the fireworks each
night, the rides, seeing the Irish dancers
for St Patrick’s day, but the best thing was
meeting “my princesses” - Ariel, Jasmine
and Mulan, talking to them and, of
course, seeing their Magic Castle for real.
When we got home mummy and
daddy put the videos they had taken
onto our television and we watch them
over and over again... I can’t wait to go
back.
Journeys a la Carte booked
everything just right!
Value for Money 10/10
Accommodation 10/10
Service/Food 10/10
Experience Overall 10/10
How can the holiday be made better:
“More Days at Disneyland”
Journeys à la Carte
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01889 567755
Lion Buildings, Market Place, Uttoxeter ST14 8HP
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Disneyland Magic
The Richardson Family of Uttoxeter

Thousands
encouraged to
muck-in for JCB
Mud Run
A
record-breaking 1600 people have already signed up for the marvellous but mucky
JCB Mud Run which returns this summer as the company continues its support of
the NSPCC.
The Mud Run – which began in 2012 – has a specially designed five-mile course littered
with over 20 obstacles on land near the World Headquarters in Rocester on Saturday, July
5. Organisers are confident that more than 2,000 people will take part, and they’re still
dreaming up a range of tricky tasks that participants will face. A huge mudslide and a 100ft
underground tunnel are already
confirmed though, as well as monkey
bars, swings and a whole host more.
Last year’s event attracted around
1,000 entrants and raised a staggering
£40,276 for the NSPCC.
JCB Worldwide Marketing
Director Matt McClurg said: “This
year’s Mud Run is set to be even
muddier, trickier and enjoyable than
the previous two. The NSPCC is a
fantastic cause, and we’re hoping to
raise a record-breaking total for
them.”
Mud runners, who must be aged
16 or over, will be bussed to the
course where they will find bag
storage and washing facilities.
Spectators are welcome, and there
will be a mini mud run for children.
JCB Marketing Manager Andy
Henderson, who’s taken part in the
previous two Mud Run events, said:
“It’s harder than you expect, muddier
than you expect, but much more fun
than you expect, too.”
Entry fees are £45 for individuals
or £40 per team member (four people
per team). From June 1 it is £55 for
an individual or £50 per team
member.
Registration must be completed in
advance at www.thejcbmudrun.co.uk.
The closing date is Friday, July 4. For
all the latest JCB Mud Run news find
us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/thejcbmudrun or
follow us on twitter @thejcbmudrun.
Window Repair Centre Ltd
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Bramshall Art
Group Annual
Exhibition
July 19th - 20th, 10am - 5pm
At the Parish Hall, Church Lane,
Bramshall, Uttoxeter, ST14 5BQ
Home-made refreshments will be
served throughout the day. Parking
and wheelchair access.
This is a popular event where there
will be the opportunity to view and
purchase the work of local artists.
Contact no: 07968 503051

Draycott Racquet &
Fitness Club secures
£20,000 from
sporting legacy fund
Draycott Racquet & Fitness Club has secured Olympic legacy
funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.
S
port England this week revealed that more than 1,600 local sports
projects across the country have now received National Lottery funding
through Inspired Facilities, part of its Olympic and Paralympic legacy
programme.
Draycott Racquet & Fitness Club will receive £20,000 of National Lottery
funding to refurbish the clubs three glass back squash courts and improve
other club facilities. This grant will encourage new members of the
community to try squash, racquetball and other activities.
In addition to the squash courts, the club offers indoor and outdoor tennis,
badminton, a function room with licenced bar and a newly refurbished gym
with a dedicated cardio room.
To celebrate the award, local people are being invited to an open day on
Sunday 18th May to try all the facilities at the club. Please visit
www.draycottsportscentre.co.uk or email info@draycottsportscentre.co.uk to
register.
Sport England’s Chair, Nick Bitel, said: “A year on from the Olympics, this
National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy in
Staffordshire. With investment now on offer from our Inspired Facilities Fund
until 2017, we look forward to supporting many more sports clubs in
Staffordshire who play such a vital role in grassroots sport.”
Club Chairman, Keith Carder, said: “We are delighted to have secured this
investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our squash courts and
club facilities to encourage more people to play squash, racquetball and the
other sports and activities we offer. It is the cornerstone of our strategy to
have outstanding facilities for the 2012 Olympics’ legacy.”
Does your lawn
need a little TLC?
Top Lawn Company (TLC) have over twenty years of
solving lawn and turf problems using practical, effective
and efficient methods.
With treatments from as little as £15, your lawn could
be the envy of your friends, neighbours and prospective
house purchaser.
TLC will help you prepare your lawn for the summer
through, moss treatment, weed treatment and drought
tolerance with the right nutrients to ensure a high
quality sward density.
We also offer a complete maintenance program for
your lawn, a service which is unique because it is you
that chooses after a discussion with our local, highly
trained and experienced lawn expert.
Please contact us for a free analysis and quote
info@toplawncompany.co.uk
0800 6126831 / 07472765834
Top Lawn Company (TLC)
T
he new local
lawncare and
maintenance
business, Top Lawn
Company is opening its
services and skills to the
local community. TLC is
a new venture being
operated from the
Uttoxeter area… with
services offered to a
wider region.
TLC is headed up by
Peter Whitworth, a local
fully trained and qualified turf professional. Peter has qualifications to
degree level and a wealth of both national and international experience in
quality turf and agronomic skills.
The new venture is aimed at offering a flexible, personalized lawncare
and maintenance service to everyone….private and commercial. Peter is
focused on bringing his skills home to the local community.
“Through my experience of preparing high quality and top standard
turf, I know it’s important to react to customer need as well as wide weather
changes. TLC are able to do that because of a broad experience of
improving turf and lawns in domestic and larger commercial projects”
Peter has experience as far as the USA where he has completed the Ohio
University Turf Program, and Scandinavia where he has combated harsh
climate and diseases such as fusarium and dry patch to produce top quality
golf courses and high standard turf areas.
“After improving turf areas in the warm climates of USA and
Portugal…as well as the disease provoking cold weather temperatures of
Scandinavia, I feel I should bring the developed skills home that were
formed here in the UK. I believe TLC is a phrase that most homeowners and
hobby gardners use and a phrase I associate with the Staffordshire area
where I come from.”
Top Lawn Company will give homeowners the opportunity to order a
flexible, honest, personal yet professional service. TLC ensures that there is
full follow up, responsibility, flexibility and advice offered for any
additional service you, … the customer requires. Quality TLC for your
lawn.

22
T
he Cheadle Arts Week kicked off in good
style with the popular Cre-8 Day in the
Guild Hall. The crafters were in evidence
was much apprciated by the visitors. Cake-icing,
Quilting, Painted stones, photographs and pictures,
Calligraphy, and cards, exquisite needlework,
spinning and many more crafts. The visitors were
well entertained by the U3A Ukelele group in the
morning with a selection of “sing-along-able”
songs and during the afternoon Vivienne Shelley’s
superb dancers performed for our delight.
The Jazz Night was once again excellent –
George Galway making his third visit to us with
his friends gave us a wonderful night’s
entertainment with capacity audience, many
visiting us from Longton, Meir, Blythe Bridge and
surrounding area – he certainly has his following.!!
Sunday was a new venture for the Arts Week
and we tried Food, Glorious Food ! The food was
great – stalls of goodies, bread, cakes, jams and
pickles – the visitors were VERY few and far
between – so much so that we finished at 1.15.p.m.
and went home !!
The Bread Basket had put on a specially good
display with their bread and cakes, which are well
known, and their photos of their trip to America
where they had introduced the Americans to
scones !!!
So you win some – you lose some !!
Those involved all enjoyed themselves and the
support of the visitors who did come was very
much appreciated.
Cheadle Arts Week
If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

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W
indsor Park Middle School has set
an alternative to supporting Sport
Relief. Staff and Pupils are getting
involved in sporty fun activities in the form
of play, dance and playground games
encouraging these activities means that even
the non-sporty feel the want to have a go.
Skipping, dance, cat and mouse chase
games, along with competitive and non-
competitive activities are scheduled at lunch
and break time.
Head of the lunchtime supervisors
encourages her staff to play and supervise
games and activities on a regular basis,
filling pupils social and recreational time in
a fun active way!
Head of PE Mr Smith said “We pride
ourselves in the PE dept for the wide range
and diverse sporting activities our pupils
experience”
“We are committed to encouraging and
inspiring young sporting talent. Our pupils
compete in leagues and competitions in a
wide range of sporting activities. We also
take pupils on recreational activities to
strengthen and expand their sporting
capacity, which in turn enables them to
build confidence, work together, explore
strategies and strengths of team dynamics,
which can be used in everyday life”
Windsor Park Middle School encourages
pupils to consider the wider community and
the challenges and differences that children
the same age as them, sometimes have to
face.
We feel It is important to look at local,
regional, national and global similarities
and differences that young people
experience, to give a greater understanding
as young citizens to the work of Sports
Relief.
Sports Relief at
Uttoxeter’s Windsor Park 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
Everyone
lovesTheVoice

FUNd Walk at Shobnall
Leisure Complex
T
he East Staffordshire FUNd Walk takes place at Shobnall Leisure Complex, on Sunday 18th
May. Local people are already signing up to walk 1km, 6km, or 12km, but there’s still time to
bag a place, don that headband and join in the fun.
The walks, organised by East Staffordshire resident Carolyn Green and supported by East
Staffordshire Borough Council,
Burton Albion Community
Trust and Uttoxeter Lions will
raise money for Burton Breast
Care Fund.
Carolyn Green said: “We
are delighted that so many
local people have already
signed up but we want even
more local residents to take
part and help us raise money
for an incredible cause.”
Did you know that around
55,000 people are diagnosed
each year with breast cancer in
the UK - that’s one person
every 10 minutes. Whilst more
people are being diagnosed
with breast cancer, survival
rates are improving as a result
of improved treatment and
earlier detection.
Carolyn Green added:
“Supporting our local hospital
and breast cancer care will help
raise breast cancer awareness
as well as supporting care
locally.”
Enter today by visiting
www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk and
searching for ‘fund walk’ or
call 01283 508191 for an
application pack.
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
Right advice
Right choice
Right price
• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Batteries
• Brakes and
Shock Service
• Agricultural Tyres
• Wheel Alignment
Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.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
All Styles of Classes available Monday to Saturday
at our Cheadle Studios
Enquiries for these classes or for any of our classes to advanced
standard at the Cheadle Studios to
01538 754414 or email vjshelley@tiscali.co.uk
www.vivienneshelleydancestudios.co.uk
Pre-School /
Beginners Ballet &
Tap - 9.30am
Preparatory /
Beginners Ballet &
Tap - 10.15am
Primary/ grade 1
ballet & tap -
11.15am
Grade 2 ballet -
12.30pm
Freestyle Disco and
Jazz - 1.15pm
Lonsdale House
Holiday Rentals
LLANDUDNO - 2 Double Beds Apartment
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VERY COMPETITIVE RATES – from £35/nightg
Visit Our Website: www.lonsdalehols.co.uk
Or Tel: 01889567390 or 07748105705
Specialists in:
• Tarmac Drives
• Dropped Kerbs
• Patios And Paving
• Garden Fencing
• Landscaping
• Concrete Cutting
Services
• Diamond Drilling for
Woodburning Stove
Flue Pipes
All construction work
considered.
All work carried out to
very high standards.
J A Nicholls Ltd
Please call Andrew Nicholls on
07752 742650

Gary Hudson is a member of Uttoxeter Lions
Club, a former BBC Chief News Reporter and a
senior lecturer in Broadcast Journalism at
Staffordshire University.
Festival time - pick up your guitar
and play
It’s festival season in Uttoxeter. First there’s the
Acoustic Festival at the racecourse at the end of
May, and the following weekend there’s the Beer
and Cider Festival at Oldfields Sports and Social
Club.
The racecourse has an international reputation,
but like those other racing favourites Southwell
and Towcester, I bet a lot of punters have trouble
pronouncing it and don’t know where it is.
So I think it’s up to us locals to support the
events that help put the town on the map, and
prove that Uttoxeter isn’t just somewhere you pass
on the way to Alton Towers.
I treat the Acoustic Festival like a mini-
Glastonbury, except that we’re not trudging in the
dark through fields of mud to sleep in a tent. I can
go home and sleep in the comfort of my own bed,
enjoy a leisurely breakfast and still be in a
deckchair in pole position front of stage in time for
the opening act.
They’ve billed it as Britain’s cleanest festival,
and that’s based on facilities on site, rather than
the number of people popping home for a shower.
This year I can recommend legendary folk rock
pioneers Fairport Convention, contemporary folkie
Seth Lakeman, local rock and pop covers
specialists Quill and the man who plays two
guitars at the same time (and offers much more
besides) – the excellent Rodney Branigan.
There’s also an X Factor winner, Matt Cardle,
Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel fame, the totally
manic John Otway teaming up again with Wild
Willy Barrett, with whom he had his greatest hit
and a cornucopia of contemporary and traditional
players.
I see they’re doing a special Sunday family
ticket deal to attract local families. Go for it. If the
sun’s out, I guarantee it’ll be one of the best days of
your summer; and if it rains, you’ll still have
memories to last a lifetime.
Smaller but perfectly formed
Then the following weekend, on a smaller scale
but not necessarily any less exciting, there’s another
opportunity to hear a wide variety of acoustic
music.
That’s because we’re extending The Uttoxeter
Beer and Cider Festival at Oldfields Sports and
Social Club to include an Open Mic Night on the
evening of Friday June 6th.
The beer festival, on the second Saturday in
June, is in its ninth year and we thought it was time
to add extra value.
So admission to the Open Mic Night is included
in the price of your beer festival ticket. Or you can
pay £2.50 for the Friday alone. If you’re a
performer, admission’s free and there’s a
pair of free tickets to the next day’s beer
festival for each act. What’s not to like
about that?
The aim is to raise a little more for
the charities we support. The marquee’s
there on the Friday night. So’s the beer.
We just needed some entertainment. I’ll
be inviting a few seasoned performers to
offer a few songs, and we’re expecting
some stand-up comedy too.
Turn up, tune in and play along
The key to the success of the evening will be the
opportunity for local talent to shine. I’m expecting
a clutch of earnest young men with guitars, but I’d
like to think there are plenty of young women,
duos and small acoustic groups waiting to burst
onto the scene. Please tell your children and
grandkids if you think this message is more
appropriate for them.
If you want to book a slot to perform, call me
on 07974 168818, or just turn up on the night.
We’ll probably expect everybody to do three songs
(or five minutes of stand-up), but it could be more
or less, depending on how many performers turn
up.
It promises to be good fun. Uttoxeter Rugby
Club help us run the beer festival, because we need
a group of mature individuals with a reputation for
sobriety to compensate for the Lions’ over-
enthusiasm at the prospect of all that beer.
If you read that last sentence and didn’t believe
it, I should point out that the partnership obviously
works well because the beer festival is run like a
well-oiled machine!
Now all it needs is some fine tuning. Which is
where you come in.
Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970. 25
Have I got news for you
by Uttoxeter’s Gary Hudson, Former BBC Chief News Reporter
T
here’s a call to budding musicians and
comedians to help a good cause by
playing at a one-off Open Mic Night in
Uttoxeter
For the first time the Uttoxeter Beer and
Cider Festival at Oldfields Sports and Social
Club on the second weekend in June will run
over two days, with an open mic session on
the Friday evening, June 6th. Free beer
festival tickets will be offered to performers.
The organiser of the Open Mic evening,
Uttoxeter and Cheadle Voice columnist Gary
Hudson said: ‘Everyone will be welcome –
from first-timers to seasoned musos who just
want to help the cause.
‘I’d like to hear a variety of musical styles
too. These events attract young men with
guitars, and they will of course be welcome,
but I also want to hear duos, small acoustic
groups and stand-ups.’
There’ll also be an afternoon of acoustic
music outside, weather permitting, on the
Saturday. Live rock and pop covers band
Upfront who proved a roaring success on
their two previous appearances at the beer
festival will again headline the Saturday night
in the marquee.
Anyone interested in performing at the
Open Mic or on the Saturday afternoon
between 2 and 8pm should contact Gary (of
Uttoxeter Lions) on 07974 168818. There is
no age restriction on performers.
The profits from this year’s festival will
again be used to pay for Prostate Cancer
screening in the town. Charities to benefit in
previous years have included the Midlands
Air Ambulance, breast cancer care, the rugby
charity for children Wooden Spoon, Saint
Giles Hospice and Rakemark Respite.
Tickets for the beer festival are £7.50
which includes a commemorative beer glass,
a programme with taster notes and admission
to the Friday night open mic session.
Admission to the Open Mic Night alone is
£2.50, or free for performers, who will also
receive free beer festival tickets.
Tickets are available from Oldfields
Sports and Social Club, and from rugby club
and Lions Club members. Or call Steve
Shields on: 01889 565522.
Call to performers
Roll up for an Open Mic Night and
help a good cause
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Inheritance
Tax Planning
Planning for Retirement
Life Assurance
Saving money on your mortgage repayments*
Unit Trusts Value for Money
Individual Savings Accounts (ISA’s)
Planning for your children’s education
Investment Bonds
*THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR
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YOU CAN CHOOSE HOW WE ARE PAID, PAY A FEE, USUALLY 0.3% OF THE LOAN AMOUNT
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Perhaps it’s time for a
financial healthcheck

26 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
Fashion Voice
by Angela Clinton of Uttoxeter
T
he word ‘neon’ has
been popping up on
the fashion pages in
accessories, dresses, skirts,
tops and blouses, but where
does it come from and what
does it mean. Neon comes
from the Greek word neos
which means new. It was
discovered in 1898 by Sir
William Ramsey and
M.W.Travers. It was the first gas used to make
light,which is why gas filled tubes are now called
‘neon lights’.
The trend Neon consists of super-bright
colours which certainly make a statement, but if
you are not brave enough to wear them just
accessorise with these bright colours as they will
probably not appear again on the
catwalk in the near future. At
Essentials we do have the brightly
coloured accessories, fine knits and
other items of clothing available at
affordable prices in order for you to
keep up with the latest trends.
Yellow is one my favourite
colours as it
automatically lifts your
mood, brightens any
outfit and you know
Summer has arrived-
although not officially
until June 21st.
The nautical theme
has returned with
stripes although there
will be variations in
the colour and shapes.
We have white lined
trousers in two
different styles at
Essentials. They are a
must for your Summer
wardrobe and of course they are
half the price you would normally
pay for them on the high street. Do
not delay as you have to plan your
wardrobe a season ahead in order
to source the trends you will be
wearing.
The ‘naughty nautical’ - as I sometimes call
it-enables you to put spots and stripes together so
be brave and have a go. A striped top with a
spotted neck scarf is an example, though keep the
colours to red, blue and white.
I love the idea of ‘white on white’ which
allows you to put fabrics of different textures
together-for example lace, wool and cotton.
Print and mix is putting
together quite boldly all
different patterns and
colours,which is great if you
feel confident enough to
wear them. Bright coloured
shirts with geometric trouser
prints look fab and very
quirky. Designers have
drummed up a vibrant mix
of bold colours and graphic
prints inspired by Africa,
Asia and beyond. Jewellery is
big and bold. Patchwork
jeans have made a comeback
and were last seen on the
catwalk in 1992. I remember
sewing velvet patches on my
jeans when I was at
college,but that was when I
was ‘sweet sixteen’ only a
few years ago.
Angela
Essential Clothing.
Dovefields, Derby Road Staffordshire, ST14 8HR • Call: 01889 565151 • www.tippersbm.co.uk
Open: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm, Saturday 8.00am - 12.00 noon
FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £250.00 WITHIN 15 MILES RADIUS OF ANY TIPPERS BRANCH
£198.00
per pack (inc VAT)
STONEBLEND VALUE STONE PROJECT
PACK (11.58m2)
Available in Autumn, Buff, Fossil and Modac
£89.95
per pack (inc VAT)
ASHBOURNE VALUE STONE
PROJECT PACK (5.67m2)
Available in Cotswold,York Brown and York Gold

27Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
Oat House, 34 Church Street, Uttoxeter,
Staffordshire ST14 8AA
Tel: 01889 567676
Investments • Mortgage Consultants
Pensions Critical Illness • Savings
Inheritance Tax Planning
Life Assurance • Retirement Guidance
Permanent Health Insurance
School Fees Planning
If you are 55 and over and would like to meet new people and
join in with exciting activities, then this could be the service
for you.
Our community resource centre in George Elliott Close,
Uttoxeter could be the place for you.
When you come to the centre you will have the opportunity
to meet and make new friends. You will have the time to sit
and chat or join in with a varied
programme of activities.
Transport at preferential rates is available
to those who require it. Full and half day
sessions available.
For further information please contact
Gail Topliss on 07921 233302
YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE
CENTRE IS NOW OPEN
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07860 666653
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Interior Design
by Carl Johnson of Cheadle
Space Planning
Creating The Perfect Room
H
ello my name is Carl Johnson and once
again I would like to welcome you to my
monthly column on Interior Design Advice.
This month I’m going to take a look at the
importance of space planning when designing a
room.
Space planning is one of the most important
elements in designing a room, it is at this early
stage that the movement and activities of the
people using the room are taken into account. A
well planned room should fulfil the needs of the
people using it and also allow for easier and safer
movement throughout the space.
Gathering Information
To begin designing your perfect room, you must
first sit down with everyone that will be using the
room to create a list of everyones individual
requirements, a lounge for example could have
many uses such as ; watching TV, studying,
entertaining, reading, relaxing or even surfing the
web. Each of these ideas will need some careful
thought to decide the space required or type of
furniture to buy in order to accommodate each
point.
Mapping Your Room
Now that you have a concise list of
requirements on paper, it is time to reach for the
tape measure and graph paper, and to start
mapping out the floor plan. Beginning in one
corner of the room work your way around each
wall, carefully measuring not only the walls but
also the position of all sockets, doors, windows
and radiators and transfer these onto a large sheet
of graph paper. It is important to decide on a scale
for your drawing at the start as you will need to fit
the whole room onto one sheet of graph paper. If
possible it is a good idea to scan and print a few
copies of your plan for later use.
Traffic Flow
Movement throughout the room must be as
easy as possible, so you must take some time to
analyse the various areas that must be accessible
and the routes taken to get to these areas.
Using one of your copies, draw faint lines from
the doorways to each area that must have easy
access, such as windows, switches, fireplaces etc,
you will later use these lines to help with the
positioning of your furniture.
Placing Your Furniture
Before adding any furniture it is important to
consider any lines of symmetry in the room that
can be used to help plan the placement of your
chosen pieces. Draw in a dotted line to show the
line of symmetry through the room and try to
balance furniture on either side of it where
possible, placing a few key items along the
symmetry line itself to reinforce the effect. Always
place the largest pieces first and fit the smaller
items around these. When placing your items, it is
important to consider your traffic flow lines and
to try to loosely maintain these access routes
wherever possible.
Lighting
One final point to consider in your planning
process is the use of natural light, try to maintain
as much light in the room as possible but be very
careful of placing objects that could fade too close
to the window.
Use artificial light to lift the darker corners and
any areas designated for reading, possibly with
table lamps or spot lighting. Mirrors can be
another great way to add extra light do dull rooms,
particularly when used on a grand scale.
Next month I will be taking a look at the use of
scale and form in interior design, until then I hope
you enjoy experiment with Space Planning.
Carl
Forthcoming
Coach Trips
MAY
Sat 10 York, £19.50
Sun 11 Malvern Spring Show,
£18.00. Entrance £15.00
Sat 17 Liverpool, £17.00
Sun 18 Afternoon Mystery Tour,
£14.50
Sat 24 Last of the Summer Wine
Tour, £17.50
Sun 25 Bodnant Gardens(NT)
Llandudno, £18.50.
Entrance £8.50
Mon 26 Blackpool, £18.00
Tue 27 Moreton in Marsh market
Cotswolds, £18.50
Wed 28 Chester or Zoo (Adm
extra), £16.50
Thurs 29 Coronation Street Tour
Manchester, £15.50.
Entrance £16.50
Fri 30 Worcester, £17.00
Sat 31 Melton Mowbray,
Stamford Rutland
Water, £17.50
JUNE
Sun 1 Berrington Hall Croft
Castle (NT), £16.50.
Entrance £15.00
Sat 7 Appleby Horse Fair, £22.00
Sun 8 Cosford Air Show, £15.50.
Entrance £20.00
Sat 14 Ormskirk Southport,
£17.00
Sun 15 Gardeners World - NEC,
£17.00. Entrance £18.00
Sat 21 Oxford, £19.50
Sun 22 Afternoon Mystery Trip,
£14.50
Sat 28 York, £19.50
Sun 29 Lake District Tour £19.50
FOR MORE INFORMATION
OR TO BOOK PLEASE CALL
01538 754420
Dedicated new head will
continue ‘passion for learning’
at Smallwood Manor School
U
ttoxeter school Smallwood Manor is soon to
welcome a new head teacher, after the appointment
of Jeremy Gear to succeed current head Mike
Harrison, who is leaving the school at the end of the
academic year to take up a new headship in London.
Jeremy brings extensive educational experience to
Smallwood, having been head teacher at three schools
within the independent sector. His working knowledge
is boosted by roles as both an educational consultant and
independent schools’ inspector.
In the head teacher role Jeremy will be tasked with
further shaping and progressing the ethos implemented
by his predecessor. Appointed in 2009, Mike Harrison
has developed innovative methods of teaching and
learning that have helped pupils to achieve superb
academic results.
Jeremy Gear was appointed after a thorough
candidate selection process conducted by the school
board, who are confident about their choice. “We’re
delighted and eager to welcome Jeremy to Smallwood
Manor and feel excited by his evident energy, passion for
learning and comprehension of our ethos - as well as his
thoroughly engaging personality,” comments Steven
Varley, chairman of governors.
“During our rigorous interview process, the board
felt that Mr Gear presented himself as the perfect
successor to Mike Harrison, who has developed the
school immensely and been well regarded and respected
by pupils, parents and staff alike.
“We believe the school will not only remain in safe
hands under Jeremy’s leadership, but also further its
exciting evolution, aided by his obvious enthusiasm and
innovative ideas.”
Married with three children, Jeremy Gear is a resolute
advocate of ‘outdoor’ life and has expressed his keen
plans to progress the Forest Schools work at Smallwood.
“I’m delighted to have been selected to take the helm
here at Smallwood, and look forward to continuing the
school’s good work and standards, as well as bringing in
bright new ideas and concepts to further our young
peoples’ knowledge,” confirms Jeremy.
“The school already presents a thriving environment
in which children not only love to learn, but harness ‘life-
long learning’ abilities. It’s my intention to maintain and
develop that ethos, which is evidently nurturing,
impassioned and needless to say, successful.”
Smallwood will create an opportunity to meet the
new head teacher in the Trinity term, prior to Jeremy’s
official commencement in the role at the beginning of the
next academic year on 1st September.
Smallwood Manor Preparatory School is part of the
Woodard Group, the largest group of independent
Church of England schools in England and Wales. Set in
beautiful landscaped grounds, Smallwood Manor has a
nursery school, as well as the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools
which cater for children between the ages of four and 11.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum,
encompassing academic subjects as well as art and sport.
This is tailored to meet each pupil’s ability so that every
child can reach his or her full potential. Traditional
Christian values of good manners, respect and responsible
behaviour are combined with modern teaching practices
to provide a dynamic learning environment.

29Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
Fruit Scones and Plain Scones
M
aking scones is so easy. Make sure the
mixture is not too dry and don’t overhandle
the dough.
This recipe makes 10 Fruit Scones and 12 Plain
Scones. When doing the plain scones just discard the
mixed fruit.
Ingredients:
225g (8oz) Self Raising Flour
1 Level Teaspoon Baking Powder
50g (2oz0 Softened Butter
25g (1oz) Caster Sugar
50g (2oz) Mixed Fruit
1 Large Egg
A Little Milk
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to
220˚C/fan 200˚F/Gas 7.
Grease 2 baking trays.
2. Measure the flower and
baking powder into a large
bowl. Add the butter and
rub in with your fingertips
until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir
in the sugar and the dried fruit.
3. Break the egg into a measuring jug, then make up
to 150ml (threequarters pint) with milk,
stir the egg and milk into the flour and
mix to a soft but not sticky dough.
4. Place onto a lightly floured
surface, knead lightly and roll out to a
1cm (half inch) thickness. Cut into
rounds with a fluted 5cm (2 inch) cutter
and place into the prepared baking
trays. Brush the tops with a little milk.
5. Bake in the pre-heated oven
for 10 minutes or until pale golden
brown. Put the scones onto a wire rack to cool.
Eat as fresh as possible.
6. Enjoy...
Kate’s Kitchen
By Kate Cornes
Kate once worked as a professional chef for many
years but following a career change, is now
employed as a Veterinary Nurse. She still, however,
continues to enjoy cooking traditional home
cooked meals for herself, her husband and 2 young
children. Kate is always on the lookout for
wholesome but simple recipes that can be prepared
in advance for busy working families.
A
t last, the clocks have gone forward and
lighter evenings are on the way. The sun is
shining (sometimes!) the birds are singing
their delightful dawn chorus and baby lambs are
dancing merrily across the countryside. This can
only mean one thing, summer is well and truly on
its way! So if this isn’t a great time to start getting
excited about eating salad then it never will be!
Hot Chicken and Chorizo Salad
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 Large chicken breast - diced
Chorizo sausage - approx 200g - sliced into half
centimetre thick slices
Feta cheese 100g - diced
Bag of ready prepared baby leaf and rocket salad -
approx 85-100g
Beef tomato - sliced and diced
Salted croutons -100g
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Salad dressing of your choice (
I prefer balsamic)
Method
In a large bowl, place the
salad leaves, croutons, tomato,
and feta.
Lightly sprinkle the diced
chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan
then on a medium heat, cook the chicken for 10-15
minutes until cooked through. Once cooked,
remove from the pan and throw in the chorizo.
Whilst the chorizo is cooking, loosely stir the hot
chicken into all the other ingredients.
Cook the chorizo for around 5
minutes or until crispy and cooked
through then add to the bowl with the
other ingredients and again, loosely
mix up with a large spoon.
Divide onto 2 large plates and
drizzle with a salad dressing of your
choice.
Serve and eat straight away whilst
the meat is still warm.
The heat from the chicken and
chorizo will slightly melt the feta
cheese and gently warm the salad
leaves. Divine!
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
April here and with it, spring!
T
he animals are out in the fields, the clocks have
gone forwards and it seems like there is so much
more time in the working day.
The light mornings mean the crescendo of bird song
is building as they start to nest and lay eggs and the
summer visitors will be making their appearance soon.
One little bird here all year round but one which
certainly packs a punch in the noise stakes, is the Wren.
A very small, plump, brown bird with an upturned tail,
we see darting around in the growth of Ivy which
grows up one side of our house. It forages in a mouse-
like fashion and its song is so strident. It builds a
globular shaped nest in convenient holes or nooks but
is one of the prettiest birds to watch.
“first the Oak and then the Ash, there’ll be a splash,
first the Ash and then the Oak, there’ll be a soak”,
an old country saying, as both these trees will be
blossoming now and a portent, maybe, of the weather
to come.As more trees and flowers start to bloom, then
the insects will become more active, including the Bees,
which will be breeding to increase hive numbers and
will be busy foraging for food to maintain them.
And, of course, as the insect numbers increase, so
do the insectivores- Bats etc also start to be seen as the
weather warms up and food becomes more easily
available. The only mammal capable of true flight, it is
the Long-eared bat which we tend to get on the farm,
flying throughout the night, it can have a wingspan of
up to about 10 inches.
The soil in the fields may have been compacted due
to the wet weather we had over winter, certainly where
it has flooded and nutrients may have been leached
away by the water. If it has been too wet it can take
many months for the soil to recover and needs careful
handling if it is to be productive.
Drainage is important and ditches may have
become filled and field drains could be blocked or
broken. Many fields have a drainage system
underneath (even grass fields), which wouldn’t
necessarily be evident and these occasionally need
renewing, but this can disrupt the farming use for a
short while.
Recently, I approached local schools to offer my
services to talk about food and farming and am pleased
to say that offer has been accepted by one school and
I am delighted to have the chance to explain where
british food comes from.
This month sees the ‘Great British Beef’ week,
instigated by ‘Ladies in Beef’, including St. Georges day
and it is in conjunction with RABI (farming charity).
With the floods down South, there may be need of its
services in helping farmers in crisis situations and so I
hope many farmers will join in to raise funds and
support our beef industry too! There is a website if
anyone cares to look and details of how you can get
involved.
Angela Sargent,www.baldfields-farm.co.uk And
now join me on twitter @bythebarn for all things
farming!
Pete’s Treats - Let’s Bake!
by Pete Rowley

Lemon Cake with Rose Cream
T
his year, my Mother in Law is going to be 80
years old. We are throwing her a big surprise
party and I, of course, have been given the job
of making her a cake. She is particularly fond of
lemon cake, but I really want to do something a little
different. I have decided on a lemon cake with a rose
cream. I can then make the icing a pretty pink colour
and decorate with roses. I will be making a cake for
approximately sixty people, but I have given below
the recipe for a normal 20cm sandwich cake.
You will need
225g golden caster sugar
225g unsalted butter
4 large eggs
zest of 2 large unwaxed lemons
225g self raising flour
25g cornflour
1 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp milk
Rose Petal Topping
600ml double or whipping cream
approx. ½ tsp rose water
1 tbsp icing sugar
a few drops of pink food colouring
good quality Lemon Curd for filling
Firstly, preheat your oven to to 180˚C/160˚C fan
oven. Grease, and line two 20cm sandwich tins.
Cream together the butter and caster sugar until pale
and fluffy. Then, gradually add the beaten eggs, a
little at a time. Add the zest of your lemons, and now
to add your dry ingredients. Sift in the flour,
cornflour and baking powder and mix everything
together. Finally add your milk. This loosens up the
batter.
Bake in the oven, on the middle shelf, for
approximately 20-25 minutes. Check the cakes are
cooked by inserting a skewer into the centre. It
should come out clean. The tops of the sponges
should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
Remove from the oven, and leave to cool in the tins
for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to
cool completely.
To prepare the icing, whip the cream with the rose
water, icing sugar, and food colouring to form soft
pale pink peaks, being careful not to over beat.
Check the taste of the cream at this point, as the
strength of rose water varies from brand to brand.
Also you may need a little more icing sugar, it depends
how sweet you like the cream. Sandwich the cakes
together with a layer of lemon curd and a thin layer
of the cream. Next spread the cream all over the sides
and top of the cake. I have piped swirls to give the
impression of roses. Decorate with edible glitter and
roses.
Remembering Days gone by...
by Owd Ern
High Street
D
esolate empty shops, very few people about, it
only wants some tumble weed rolling down
and there it would be, a real ghost town.
I am writing about the famous Uttoxeter High
Street.
As I first remembered it, it was most days full of
traffic and people especially on a Wednesday (market
day) and doubly so on the Potteries Bank Holiday first
week in August. There was no room on the pavements
a bit like Blackpool prom on a wakes week.
Uttoxeter like every other town once had a high
street to be proud of, especially on a Wednesday when
it was crowded with people. It was then, the main road
for traffic through the town. It would not do to step
off the pavement or you would get run over.
It is quite pleasant and safe to wander down now,
but unfortunately most of the shops are now closed.
If it was not for Wilko’s and a few charity shops it
could just about close down. But at its peak, over 50
shops or more, would make their owners a decent
living, and just about provide you with all you needed.
G A Harris sold radios and bicycles, Pearsons on
the other side, sold wallpaper and paint, Hulmes Fish
and Game mongers, all long since gone. About where
the fish Chip shop is now, was the wonderful
Vernon Cotterells butchers shop, the self termed ‘Mad
butcher’. Indeed that is what I.T.V called him when
they came to interview him. I remember the reporter
saying he could hear shouting and swearing from up
Smithfield Road. I think Vernon had got wind that
they were coming and decided to put on a good show.
I went in one day and said “Your clock is not
going” and he said “No, I threw a meat cleaver at a
customer who had upset me, unfortunately it hit my
clock instead!” I could then see that the clock had a
split down the middle. Really although Vernon has
gone, he would be an article on his own. He always
came up with some amazing ideas for Uttoxeter
Carnival, and every Christmas, he would make one of
the biggest Pork Pie’s I have ever seen, it more or less
filled the shop window. How he baked one so large, I
will never know. It was baked to perfection though, a
lovely golden colour. I believe he always gave it to one
of the old peoples homes as a gift for Christmas. Such
a wonderful character he would not be allowed today
with clever governing bodies ruling everything.
Opposite that shop was McCanns Photography
Shop, long gone, but I believe to the side one of the
few original business’s still survives Lavin Printers. I
remember always going to collect draw books and
dance tickets that they had printed for Dance’s that my
wife ran for various charities. They were always very
helpful and polite.What is now Wilko’s was The Royal
Oak, a very popular farmer’s pub on Market days, as
was The Cross Keys now Bagshaws Office, Which is
very appropriate, as on a Saturday night, if I was out
with my eldest brother (who knew how to drink) he
always ended up there because they sold Double
Diamond on Draught. Two pints of that and my legs
seemed to have a mind of their own. It never seemed
to affect my brother, much to his amusement.
In between, still surviving is the Town Hall. By the
Town Hall was the entrance to one of the most
popular Cattle Markets in the midlands now
unfortunately sold to the highest bidder, one of the
almighty developers!
Between The Oak and the Town Hall was a funny
little cottage that housed the Town Hall keeper, and
also some very useful but very stinking public toilets.
A feature every Wednesday was Alsop’s the pork
Butchers halting the traffic, to drive a drove of pigs
across from the market to their slaughter house
opposite. Going back to the Town Hall, it was in
constant use, Dances every Saturday night, various
other dances midweek and Plays, by the dramatic
society. It was a very nice and popular venue. But if
someone said you will be going up the town hall steps,
it meant you would be going to the Magistrates Court.
As a kid at school I remember being tortured by
Dentist Duck, whose surgery was in the old prison at
the back of the Town Hall. Just about opposite was
the magnificent office of Buntings Brewery, again
demolished in the name of progress to create that other
ghost town ‘The Maltings’
I do not remember what all the shops were, but one
I will never forget is Westhorpe Jewellers. In one of my
weaker moments, I went in with my girlfriend to buy
a ring, it turned out to be an engagement ring, I know
that a Bull has a ring in his nose so that he can be
controlled, but I didn’t realise that a ring on a girl’s
finger could control me! (Too late, I have got used to
it now) Harold Chitty had a nice little florists shop
nearby, I think that was taken on by the Crutchley
family of Uttoxeter. Near by the mighty Woolworths
store, everything for 6 pence (heaven) gone, but lower
down was Blackwells shoe shop, different name now
but still selling shoes. Boots chemist and the
magnificent G.Ormes mens shop and just after that the
Clockmakers Bell Dams. I have seen a few
grandfather clocks with Bell of Uttoxeter on the face,
but never one with Dams on it. (Dam) William
Deacons bank replaced that, but what the hell it is
called now, I do not know. Banks are always changing
their names. Going back up the other side on the
corner with Carter Street stood the wonderful
premises of Charles Elkes. Café, Bakery and included
the lovely Haddon room, big enough for a wedding
reception etc.
Uttoxeter Y.F.C held a monthly meeting and social
evening in it.(happy nights) I think Barclays bank was
next door on the site of Higgins Chambers shop
that got burnt down in 1921. Barclays have of course
moved up next to Bagshaws Office now. This entire
lovely corner was demolished to make way for the
bland lot there is now. The developers wanted to
demolish Willisfords Jewellers up Cart Street but Mr
Willisford said no, and it is still going 50-60 years on!
Henry Ryder had a grand Iron mongers. Some
were up that side of the street. I am not a historian
more hysterical, so I may be out with some of my facts.
I do not know how Cheadle High Street is faring,
because when I come to Cheadle I am so worried that
I am driving the wrong way up a one way street, I
don’t notice shops or indeed lack of them.
The last time I went to Cheadle was to a funeral
and I took a wrong turn, I thought I was on the road
to Ashbourne and ended up in Morrisons car park!
That’s me moan for the wick
So just tek care of thee sens
Owd Ern
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill

31Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
Talking Pets
by Shoshannah McCarthy BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS
Shosh qualified from the Royal Veterinary
College in London, and has been working as a
small animal vet at Blue House Veterinary Centre
in Biddulph since 2009.
F
irst, I have to report some sad news. Last
month I lost Orange, my awesome cat of
fifteen years. He’s been with me a long time
and I will miss him dreadfully. RIP Orange Cat,
1999-2014.
Now, over the next three editions I will be
talking about weight. This is an emotive subject,
and the last thing I want to do is cause any upset.
But pet obesity is hitting critical levels and the
health of our beloved dogs and cats is suffering as
a result.
The risks of obesity
We can suffer knock-on health effects from
being too heavy, and our pets are no different. Here
are just some of the problems faced by overweight
pets:
• Overweight cats are at very high risk of
developing diabetes.
• Any dog or cat carrying excess weight will
inflict a lot of stress on their joints, leading to
early onset arthritis.
• Too much fat over the ribs makes breathing
more difficult, especially in flat-faced breeds
such as Pugs, Boxers and Shih-Tzus.
• Overweight dogs face more problems with their
anal glands.
• Obesity predisposes to heart disease, high blood
pressure and certain cancers.
It is especially sad for dogs who have always
been playful and active. As they gain weight they
find it more difficult to run and enjoy games, and
once arthritis sets in it just becomes too painful for
them.
Is your pet overweight?
Honesty is the best policy here - you need to be
frank with yourself for your pet’s sake. The trouble
is, we see so many heavy pets nowadays that it can
be genuinely difficult to know whether your pet is
a healthy weight or not.
Weight
You may be able to weigh your pet at home. If
not, veterinary practices and most large pet stores
have scales you can use, usually for free. Knowing
your pet’s weight is important, because you need
to catch unhealthy weight gain as soon as possible
and take action. Tracking their weight will also
help you monitor the progress of any weight loss
programmes.
However, weight alone is not always useful for
knowing whether or not your pet is obese. Healthy
‘moggy’ cats can weigh from 2.5kg to 5.5kg (some
breeds such as Norwegian Forest Cats can be much
more). An athletic Labrador can weigh anything
between 25kg and 35kg. The ranges of ‘normal’
weights are often too wide to help you decide if
your pet is at the right weight.
Fortunately, there is another method we can
use.
Body Condition Score
The best way to assess your pet’s weight is to
get hands-on with them. Looking at and feeling
your pet will enable you to estimate their Body
Condition Score (BCS) from 1 to 9. 1 is emaciated,
9 is morbidly obese. The ideal score is 4-5.
There are lots of BCS charts available online; a
good one can be found on the Purina website at
www.purina.co.uk (you can find it more easily by
searching ‘Purina body condition tool dog/cat’ in
Google - please note that this article and the author
are in no way affiliated with Purina, by the way).
Start by finding one of these charts to assess your
pet, and make sure you use the same one every time
when tracking their progress.
To assess your pet’s BCS, start by looking at
them from several different angles. Do they have a
waistline - that is, can you see that their tummy
tucks in behind their ribcage like an hourglass?
Make sure you look at them from the side and
from above. Can you see the slight outline of their
ribs when they turn? Of course, in dogs with thick
coats and in many cats, these things can be difficult
to see; this is why you need to get your hands on
them as well. You should be able to feel their ribs
and backbone without pressing too hard, and you
should be able to draw your hands in behind their
ribcage as their waist narrows.
Cats can be especially tricky - many will
distribute excess weight around their tummy and
in their ‘apron’ between their back legs while
appearing pretty normal around their backbone
and ribs, so be discerning!
If you are not sure, ask your vet or veterinary
nurse. They will be able to help you score your pet
and show you how to do it at home.
Below are some pictures that may help you
make a judgement.
Other clues
Overweight pets will show other signs that can
aid diagnosis. Dogs may slow down on walks and
be less willing to exercise, or they may be trying
but unable to keep up. They may feel the heat and
pant more. Cats may seem lazier, sleeping more
and moving around less. You may find that their
coat starts to look more untidy if they struggle to
turn around and groom themselves as well as
before.
I think my pet is overweight - what do I
do now?
Get them onto a weight loss programme! Some
tips for weight loss will be covered in the next
issues, but in the meantime please consult your vet.
Certain medical conditions can cause weight gain,
and a check over before embarking upon any
weight loss programme is recommended so that
your pet can lose weight safely.
Some healthy dogs with a BCS of 4-5 out of 9:
Top: Spencer, Poppet. Bottom: Brody
Some healthy cats with a BCS of
4-5 out of 9:
Above: Ankhie, Kiara
Right: Meeko

Can you identify the
faces and locations?
See Page 42 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
into Lavins Printers, High
Street, Uttoxeter who will
scan them while you wait and
let you have them straight
back. They will then pass them
on to us for publication.
1
3
4
2
4
The good old days

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 45

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 45

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 45