Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 104

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W
e are slowly but surely coming out of
this Coronavirus nightmare as we
continue on the Prime Minister’s
Roadmap journey…
We all need to remain cautious and respect
the social distancing measures, always listening
to our esteemed scientists’ advice, whilst trying
to focus on getting our country’s economy back
on track.
As I write this article in the first week of May,
I am ready to take my second vaccine jab and at
this point I would like to sincerely thank each and
every one of the NHS staff and their volunteers
who have rolled out such an incredible
vaccination process.
Lots of people have said we were all fighting
a war against Coronavirus – that may be true, so
we should salute all those who have been
involved in the battle. I mentioned the NHS and
volunteers but we must also include those folk
were have kept the country going through the
pandemic – shop workers, postmen and women,
Civil Servants, bus and taxi drivers, builders
merchants, DIY businesses and not forgetting the
fantastic work of teachers who have given their
all through wonderful dedication in home and
school-based lessons…
There are so many I could mention but in due
course in future issues of The Voice, we will
thank you all for making our country ‘Great’
again…
When British people have their backs against
the wall, it is then we conjour up that special grit
and determination which has been so plain to see
over the past 14 months…
But, I say this, Coronavirus will have had a
deep impact on the mental health of our nation
and this is most definitely something which must
be addressed by Government for many years to
come.
I hope and pray the Roadmap continues
successfully and by June 21st most restrictions
will have been lifted on schedule and we can get
on with our lives…
The next Voice colour magazine is due to be
out from June 30th so let’s hope my next article
is a very positive one – and not about a new
variant hitting us again…
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The
Voice.
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
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is published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
13,000 copies are distributed free to homes and
businesses in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rocester, Denstone,
Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower
Tean, Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh,
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U
ttoxeter’s Opulence Beauty
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Please be reassured our client and
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I
nspired by his own grandfather’s
remarkable story, new Tean author
John D Smith has just published
his debut novel to critical acclaim.
The epic Principles and Passions
1896-1903 has been met with a
growing number of five-star reviews
from thrilled readers.
John’s gritty love story, which is set
amongst the steel mills of late 19th
century South Yorkshire, has been
described as ‘a brilliant book’, ‘a vivid
account of working-class life’, and ‘a
gripping tale of struggle’.
Principles and Passions 1896-1903
centres on the struggles and heroics of
Jack Prendergast, who rises from the
brutal shopfloor to lead calls for
widespread social
change.
And the majority of
John’s captivating novel
is based on his own
maternal grandfather’s
heroics.
He explained: “Jack
Prendergast was my
maternal grandfather and,
with poetic licence,
Principles and Passions
1896-1903 is based on his
life.
“He was a full-time
trade union officer, who
went on to become a
Labour councillor and
Mayor in South Yorkshire.
“As a boy, he walked
from Lincolnshire to
Rotherham aged 14 after
being thrown out of his
home.
“A bit of a Dick
Whittington story.”
“The book was always an
ambition – life got in the way!
Someone advised me to get on
and write and, although the
lockdowns have limited benefit, I used this as an
opportunity to do just that.”
Although the romantic aspects of Prendergast’s
life in Principles and Passions 1896-1903 are purely
fictional, the narrative is both compelling and
convincing.
His love-interest, Florence Davies, brings her own
story and adds to the sub-
plots which weave their
way throughout John’s
authoritative novel.
He explained:
“Florence is fictional albeit
my maternal
grandmother’s family did
move to Yorkshire from
Longton in Stoke-on-
Trent.
“When Jack meets
Florence Davies, he is
captivated by her.
“She is brave and resolute and dreams of a career
in nursing.
“But Florence is fleeing a terrible secret, and as
they are on the verge of beginning a life together her
brother, Thomas, is drawn into a disastrous plot
which threatens to shatter everything they have.”
Prior to his retirement, John enjoyed a successful
career in the food industry. Originally from South
Yorkshire, his working life took him to Windsor for
25 years before returning to the North. He and his
wife, Patricia moved to the Cheadle area in 2012,
initially living in Boundary before moving to Upper
Tean in 2017.
An enthusiastic golfer, he served on the
Committee of Blythe Bridge Golf Club for six years
and continues to enjoy the friendship and
participation within the Club.
They have a son Greg, still
living in the Windsor area
and their daughter, Laura
and two grandchildren, Lily
and Fearne, living locally
keeping them young and
occupied.
Since the release of
Principles and Passions
1896-1903 it has received a
string of five-star reviews.
“What a great read…
seriously couldn’t put it
down.”
“Great novel. Superb page
turner. Vivid account of
working- class life at the turn
of the 20th century. A must
read for anyone with an
interest in historic fiction.”
John has recently
published the second book in
the trilogy Conciliation and
Commitment 1903-1914, and
he is currently undertaking the
concluding third book.
For more details, visit
Amazon and search for John D
Smith (The Jack Prendergast
Novels), where the paperback
and Kindle formats of Principles
and Passions 1896-1903 and Conciliation and
Commitment 1903-1914 are both available.
Tean author
inspired by
grandfather
to write
novel
Tean’s John D. Smith

Charity Beard Shave
B
ill Stanley, a member of
St Giles Lodge in
Cheadle, has raised a
staggering £505.00. Before
lockdown 3, local hairdresser
and DMH Ambassador Duncan
Cowans shaved off Bill’s beard
in The Huntsman Cheadle. The
money raised has been divided
between The DMH, the Motor
Neurone Disease Association,
Cheadle Health Centre nurses
and the Cancer and Covid
wards at the UHNM.

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Uttoxeter
Rotarians support
vaccine roll-out
A
number of Rotarians and their spouses have been volunteering at the Pirelli
Stadium and Uttoxeter Racecourse since vaccinations began at the end of
December. They are carrying out support roles including greeting patients,
registration, marshalling and assisting the vaccinators. The Centre recently delivered
its 50,000th jab, making it one of the most productive in the country. Rotary’s Vice
President, Roy Smith, reports; “The organisation is excellent and the team has
developed strongly under the leadership of Kate and Howard Nash. It is rewarding
to be able to play a small part in such an important venture and to see the relief and
gratitude shown by all the recipients.”
Together the Rotary team have completed over 100 shifts of four or more hours
and remain committed to see the process completed. Rotarian Anita Thomas-Epple,
(pictured helping in a vaccine bay at Pirelli) who initiated the Club’s involvement
through her role as secretary of the Balance Street Practice patient participation
group, added;
“It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of such a wonderful volunteer
group supporting the medics with the vaccine roll-out at both Pirelli and the
Racecourse. My husband, Dave and I, started our Covid volunteering journey in
mid-December by hand-delivering the letters from Balance Street Practice to those
patients over 90 years who were vaccinated first. It was fabulous to see their
excitement and the hope of getting back to normal.”
Local practices are working together with Dr David Atherton from Balance Street
Practice. Uttoxeter Rotary responded to a request for volunteers to help.
Although Rotarians have been unable to meet as usual, weekly Zoom meetings
continue, as does the Club’s work to support local charities. Recently Uttoxeter
Rotary distributed nine cheques for £650 each to good causes including local food
banks and Hospices. President David Chapman concluded; “In these difficult times
we continue, with the support of the community, to raise funds and to take practical
action whenever possible to help with activities like this. We are busy planning and
hope that it will not be too long before we can resume a full programme of projects
aimed at further strengthening our community links.”
Uttoxeter Rotarian Anita Thomas-Epple pictured at the Pirelli Stadium vaccination hub.

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A
disused Bus Shelter in the centre of Doveridge
saw a team of Doveridge WI ladies (Sue Bloor,
Elizabeth Wills, Sue Cattermole, Frances Weller
and Ann Walker) spearhead and decorate it on Good
Friday as an Easter surprise for the village.
All decorations were made from recycled materials,
and it has received a lot of appreciative comments from
far and wide and, at time of writing, had reached over
10,000 people via social media.
The inventiveness and cleverness of some of the
items made - they need to be seen close up - was
amazing......
This was a good start to Doveridge WI’s Centenary
Year for which members have many plans but, as yet,
they are holding otheirbreath to see if they are able to
proceed with them.
Regular contact has been maintained with
members throughout the past year via email and zoom
(hard copies delivered to those not on line) as members
endeavoured to keep them amused with quizzes, bingo,
a variety of speakers and practical sessions. They have
received goody bags during the summer and at
Christmas, plus flowers and chocolates at Easter - just
to say we have not forgotten them. Lots of sewing and
knitting projects have been undertaken to benefit the
NHS with scrubs for front line workers, and blankets
and hats for Premature Baby Units. Hats and gloves
were also knitted for the Burton Hope - the charity
assisting the homeless.
Daily news bulletins have been issued keeping
members up to date with local news and services
available, also encompassing members news stories.
Doveridge bus shelter decoration

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17

E
ach year Uttoxeter Rotary organises a lunch for
seniors in the area, who live alone, however
because of Covid-19 restrictions, Rotary had to
think about reaching everyone in a safe manner.
Rotarian Sue Brown felt it would be lovely to deliver an
Afternoon Tea hamper and it was decided that an
Easter Hamper would be fitting since the lockdown had
been eased prior to Easter. The community committee
set to work organising the event and on Thursday, 1st
April a small army of Uttoxeter Rotarians, some of
whom had been shielding themselves during the last
year, delivered over a 100 Easter hampers to very
grateful and excited recipients.
The delicious hampers were prepared by Dawnie’s
Delights Catering and consisted of a traditional cream
tea with scone, jam and cream, a selection of delicate
sandwiches and a delicious muffin which was topped
with a Rotary logo. To add an Easter twist chocolate
coins we added, especially as the hamper was delivered
on Maundy Thursday, a hot cross bun for Good Friday
breakfast and also a Lindt chocolate bunny for Easter
Day.
Pictured are some of the lucky recipients of the
treats - Mrs Beryl Holley, Mrs Lilian Deacon, Mr Stuart
Cornes and Mr Eric Coleman, who turns 100 in a few
weeks’ time. Mr Colman was delighted with his
hamper and insisted, “ Do send my sincere thanks to
the President and the Rotary Club of Uttoxeter for all
you do for us.” Also pictured are Rotarians, President
David Chapman who was present when Rotarians
collected their deliveries, Vice President Roy Smith,
Anita Thomas-Epple and Cliff Cotterill.
Rotarian Anita, who delivered a number of
hampers, reported “It was fun and very rewarding to
be able to do this as I know many of the people from
them being our guests at previous lunches we’ve
organised. It took a number of hours as it was the
perfect opportunity to have a good natter with
everyone, socially distanced, of course! After the year
we’ve all had it was terrific to spread a little spring
cheer.”
Rotarian John Gregory concluded, “In Rotary we
have a commitment to helping our community
whenever and wherever we can. We raise money to
help with local causes because we believe it will add to
the life of our town, but we also give of our time to try
to make a difference. In these difficult times when
normal activity is severely restricted, we are doing what
we can.
Rotary Delivers Easter Afternoon
Tea Hampers to Local Seniors

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F
ormer world darts
champion Phil Taylor hit
the bullseye at JCB recently
- by getting his Covid-19 vaccination.
Phil, 60 - winner of a record 16 World
Championships and the most successful darts player in
history - lined up for his jab at JCB’s digger factory in
Cheadle, so nurse Emma Junasziw could administer
the injection.
Part of the factory, which makes mini excavators,
has been turned into a medical facility to allow a team
of doctors to vaccinate up to 40,000 people against
Covid-19. The company teamed up with a group of
GPs in the Staffordshire Moorlands to transform the
plant into a vaccination hub in December.
Phil, of Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I have
to say that I am mightily relieved to have had my jab.
Luckily, the nurse who did it had a perfect aim and I
didn’t feel a thing! I would encourage everyone to get
the vaccination. The more people who get it, the sooner
we can return to normal and start living our lives
again.”
The GP practices involved include Werrington, all
three Cheadle practices, Waterhouses, Alton and Tean.
Practice Manager Jessica Harding, of Well Street
Medical Centre in Cheadle, is part of the co-ordination
team leading the project on behalf of the practices.
She said: “Vaccinations are progressing well at our
JCB vaccination site and it’s great to be able to raise
awareness of the programme with Phil Taylor and to
highlight the fantastic work all our teams, and
particularly our volunteers, are doing.”
Bullseye for darts ace Phil as nurse
takes aim with covid jab
Taking aim… Darts ace Phil Taylor at the JCB factory in Cheadle recently for his Covid jab. Phil is pictured with
nurses Deepa Muthumanickam (left) and from Emma Junasziw.

S
taffordshire based Painsley Catholic Academy has
raised £120,000 for the global school feeding
charity, Mary’s Meals, an amount that beats any
other single donation from an academy. The
impressive donation is enough to feed almost 8,000
children for a whole school year through Mary’s Meals.
Back at the start of the academic year in September
2019, the 15 schools within The Painsley Catholic
Academy, pledged to raise £100,000 for their chosen
charity, Mary’s Meals, in a campaign they called 20:20
for Mary.
The aim was originally to meet this target by the
end of the school year in July 2020. Pupils and staff
undertook a massive range of events including cake
sales, sponsored silences, sponsored head-shaves, sky
dives, mountain climbs, bike rides, car washes and
porridge breakfasts.
Since then, Covid has pretty much changed
everything over the past 12 months. Plans have had to
be cancelled and put on hold and schools had to change
how they operate completely. Despite all the challenges
that the schools have faced, the students, staff and
parents have continued in their support of this charity,
finding ever more inventive ways of raising the cash
resulting in a fantastic outcome.
Mr Steve Bell, Chief Executive Officer of The
Painsley Catholic Academy commented, “Mary’s Meals
is a very popular charity with our pupils. It is a simple
charity and that is what we like. It costs just £15.90 to
feed a child with Mary’s Meals for an entire school year.
Research shows that children who eat Mary’s Meals:
have more energy, feel healthier and happier, find it
easier to concentrate and do better in school. The
school that we were raising funds for is Kafumphe
Primary School, Dowa, Malawi; one of the world’s
poorest countries where many families live through
farming, but struggle to grow enough food.”
Mr Bell continued, “Our pupils loved the thought
that by raising just £15.90, they would enable a child to
eat a nutritious meal every day and attend school for a
whole year. However, then the pandemic began. We
realised that asking for sponsored events was not
feasible, and on March 23rd 2020, our schools closed
their doors to most pupils. However, the children and
staff were adamant that they wanted to continue their
fundraising efforts. The deadline for the target was
extended until December 2020 with a view to raising
as much as we could. This determination was
underlined by the fact that the Kafumphe Primary
School also had to close and the pupils would
potentially not receive any food.”
During the pandemic, Mary’s Meals is providing
children with food at home, until it is safe for them to
return to the classroom. Parents and guardians collect
the food from a central distribution point – observing
all necessary hygiene and social distancing measures.
Soap is distributed along with handwashing guidance
to help support communities’ resilience to the virus.
Gillian McMahon, Director of Supporter
Engagement and Income at Mary’s Meals, said: “We
never cease to be amazed by the creative and
committed fundraising efforts of the pupils and schools
who support our work. The amount raised by Painsley
Catholic Academy is so impressive. We are immensely
grateful to everyone involved for their extraordinary
fundraising efforts. This will help to transform the lives
of children in Malawi so they receive nutritious meals,
supporting them to feel healthier and happier and
making it easier for them to concentrate in school. It’s
clear that raising these funds have also proved life-
changing in a different way for the pupils who took
part, really demonstrating that so many little acts of
kindness can make such a big difference. One of the
core values of Mary’s Meals is that the charity believes
in the innate goodness of people. There is no doubt
that the pupils of The Painsley Catholic Academy have
demonstrated this goodness.”
Mr Bell adds, “More important than the value of the
fundraising, are the values that the pupils have learned
along this difficult journey at this seemingly impossible
time. We must look after each other regardless of
where we live, our gender, our background, our colour,
our faith. We are one human race in this battle
together. The pupils, through their individual acts of
kindness, will collectively be providing 7862 children
with meals for a whole year.”
The celebrations of this achievement have had to be
low key due to the current restrictions. However, the
students who attend the schools within the academy,
and the wider communities who have all played a part
in the fundraising were delighted to receive a video
thank you message from Founder and Global Chief
Executive of Mary’s Meals, Magnus MacFarlane-
Barrow.
In this video, Magnus says, “I can’t thank you
enough for what you’ve done, your incredible 20:20 for
Mary campaign. You’ve ensured that the children at
Kafumphe Primary School can carry on eating, so on
their behalf, I thank you with all my heart.”
World record donation from
Painsley to Mary’s Meals
Above: Some of the children at Kafumphe Primary School.
Above right: Miss Bradley, a teacher from Painsley Catholic College in Cheadle undertook a commitment to lose a
massive 4 stone in weight so that she could take part in a sponsored skydive for Marys Meals, which she went on to
do in August from a height of 15,000 ft.
Right: Mr Steve Bell, CEO of The Painsley Catholic Academy presenting the cheque to Mary Tyers, a local Mary’s
Meals volunteer

23
I
nspired by our Catholic virtues of grateful
and generous the children of St Thomas’
Catholic Primary School in Tean have made
‘thank you’ cards, messages and poems to be
distributed to members of staff in numerous
departments at the North Staffs Hospital
(including Maternity, Opthalmology and ICU),
JCB Covid Vaccination Centre in Cheadle, Tean
Surgery and The Old Vicarage Care Home in
Tean. Parents have been extremely generous in
making donations towards gifts to produce some
amazing hampers. Morrisons in Cheadle have
fully supported us with the production of these
(even donating their own hamper), along with
B&M in Cheadle. The Ship Inn, Tean have also
provided boxes of delicious home baked goodies!
We have a number of parents who work for
the NHS and they have delivered the hampers for
us. We walked around to The Old Vicarage Care
Home with some of our Reception children to
personally deliver a hamper and the residents and
staff were very pleased to see us. The children
even had a sing-a-long with the residents!
We would like to thank our school
community for their generosity, Mrs Johnson at
The Ship Inn, Tean for providing home baked
goody boxes and B&M Cheadle for offering us a
discount on purchases for goody bags for junior
doctors working on the ICU. A big thank you to
Janet Calderhead, who is the Community
Champion at Morrisons in Cheadle. Janet has
worked alongside the school and offered us
discount on our purchases for the hampers as
well as making the hampers up for us.
NHS Hampers from St Thomas’s, Tean
By Julie Burnett

O
n a lovely warm summer evening in the 1950’s,
Bert Moult, originally employed as a railway
signalman by LMS (London, Midland &
Scottish), but now by British Rail, was on duty in the
signal box situated at Rocester Station.
It was Sunday evening, so Bert double checked the
time when the next train was due to enter his section
of the Churnet Valley line; this was over two hours
ahead. He decided to do something he had done
previously on a hot summer Sunday evening, & nipped
out to The Railway Hotel, for a quick pint.
Bert did not hear the telephone, in his deserted
signal box, ring, soon after he descended the steps down
from signal box to ground level & left the Station
grounds for the short walk down Station Road, to the
pub.
He was enjoying his pint & a chat at the bar of the
Railway when in rushed a fellow regular who went
straight to Bert and said “You’d better get back to the
signal box Bert, there’s a train blowing steam off at
Woodseat” to which Bert replied “Pull this it’s got bells
on, it’s only the summer mist off the lake” & continued
with his pint. Woodseat was about half a mile down the
track in the direction of Uttoxeter & between the
railway line & the Mansion was a small lake known
locally as “Squires Deep”.
A few minutes later an incredibly angry Engine
driver & his Fireman stormed into the bar went straight
to Bert, who was in his Railway uniform & demanded
to know why the Signal was on Stop & the Crossing
gates shut. Bert was so shocked at seeing these two that
he almost fainted & dropped his pint pot which
shattered on the tiled floor below.
The telephone call which Bert had missed was from
area control to inform him that due to work on the
track in Stoke, a Summer Special full of holiday makers
returning to Manchester, had been diverted to the
Churnet Valley line. In the 1950’s few people had their
own car & foreign holidays for the masses were still two
decades away, so most people holidayed in Britain &
the recently nationalised “British Railways” catered for
them with Seaside Specials at peak holiday times.
With Bert back in his Signal box, the signal changed
& the crossing gates closed to road traffic, the train was
able to continue its journey. It was a very red-faced Bert
who acknowledged the good-natured cheering &
waving of hundreds of passengers through the open
carriage windows as the train was gathering speed on
its journey back to Manchester.
It would have been just a few minutes later that the
passeners would all be thinking that the delay was
worthwhile, as they passed through the area of the
Churnet Valley line known as “Little Switzerland”, so
called due to its splendid scenery.
The pint that brought a train
to a standstill
by Bill Woodier
Rocester Station 1940
The last train passes the signal box Jan 1965
Bert Moult standing, with fellow signalman Harold Burnett Station Masters house & signal box 1950

27
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Keele University has helped to produce a new book
which offers honest insights into living with multiple
sclerosis (MS) and which was written by people directly
affected by the condition.
Collected Stories: Living with Multiple Sclerosis has
been developed to provide a learning resource for
health professionals across the UK and was released
during National MS Awareness Week (19-25th April,
2021).
The book is one of the outputs from a research
project carried out by Keele University, St Giles Hospice
in Lichfield and members of the hospice’s MS support
groups.
The project began in 2018 and involved focus
groups and interviews designed to help understand the
experiences of people with MS in accessing hospice
care and support. It was conducted by Professor Sue
Read and Teaching Fellow Dr Sotirios Santatzoglou
from Keele University, Dr Emma Hodges from St Giles
Hospice and participants from the MS groups in
Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield.
Following the study, the research team were so
inspired by the experiences the group shared that they
spoke to participants about how they might want to
share their stories more widely.
Professor Read said: “I have been involved in the
production of books previously as a way of sharing
important life experiences and supporting healthcare
professionals to learn and reflect on their practice. The
group wanted to have their voices heard so they asked
us to support them. It was a pleasure to help them do
that as an outcome of the research.
“The book incorporates a wonderful, unique
collection of stories that provides powerful insights into
the impact that multiple sclerosis has on the individual,
their families and professional carers.
“We didn’t intend to pull together this collection of
stories from the beginning of the research project - it
simply evolved as stories often do in life. Little did we
know the work that it would entail, or the impact that
these stories would have on those people involved and
those listening to the stories.”
Contributors include people living with the
condition along with volunteers and staff at St Giles
Hospice. The book also features a foreword written by
community historian Professor Carl Chinn, who offers
a moving account of his childhood experience of living
with his own grandfather who was diagnosed with MS
in the 1950s.
The powerful testimonies in the book feature the
life stories of several people diagnosed with MS,
highlighting their different experiences, the
philosophies and coping mechanisms that have helped
them through the years and the actions of the wider
community that have helped or hindered their daily
lives. An exercise instructor working with the MS
groups at St Giles and a hospice member of staff have
also contributed to the collection, revealing how their
own preconceptions have been challenged by their
experiences and the insights they have gained as a
result.
Dr Emma Hodges (pictured), CEO of St Giles
Hospice, said: “Research is a small but important part
of our strategy at St Giles. We support a range of
national research studies and also design our own in
order to improve patient care and/or community
support for people with a terminal illness. In all of our
research we aim to proactively involve the people we
support.
“We are extremely grateful to members of the St
Giles MS groups who shared their stories with us and
wrote with such thoughtfulness, dignity and
compassion. We hope that their candour and wisdom
will help us to better understand their individual and
varied experiences of MS and to shape our services
more effectively to support their needs.
“We also hope that their insights will be useful to
professionals in the wider community as they learn
from the real MS experts – the people who are living
with the condition every day of their lives.”
For more details of the book or to buy a printed
copy or downloadable version, visit
www.stgileshospice.com/MS-book
All proceeds from the sale of Collected Stories:
Living with Multiple Sclerosis will support St Giles
Hospice and help fund vital care for local people and
families living with a terminal illness.
For more information about St Giles Hospice and
the expert care it provides, please visit
www.stgileshospice.com
New Keele University book highlights
experiences of living with multiple sclerosis

Let’s upcycle - Reduce - Reuse
Help the planet one project at a time
by Allison Maryon
H
i all. By the time you read this, we should
hopefully be another step out of lockdown.
Seeing people getting back to their new
normal. Not only are many people feeling lost, they
have actually lost ‘things’ too - friends and family, jobs,
livelihoods, confidence.
My parents are nervous about getting out and about
again, after so long.
For those returning to the grind, leaving the house
to go to work, instead of being at the kitchen or dining
room table, let’s think about our four legged friends.
Our last cat only had three legs but that is a whole
different story!
Our pets have had months with constant
companionship, treats on tap and someone to cuddle
up to during coffee and lunch breaks.
How do we help with the separation anxiety that
lies ahead as things start to return to the way they were.
Being left alone while we go out to earn a crust, visit
friends & family, go to the pub or out for a meal.
Snuffle Mats
Something to give to your pet as you leave the
house. It keeps them occupied and stimulated long
enough for them to not realise you have gone.
Recommended by the Dogs Trust, they are simple to
make with things that are readily available around the
home.
A quick search around my house for a base came
up with - A rubber door mat (a bit big for my needs), a
square metal basket (I wanted something flat) an oven
chip fryer basket (will try this another time as holes are
small so will be a bit more fiddly) or as I have just spied,
the sink drainer mat. Perfect for my particular needs.
Now we have the base sorted, we need to have
something to make the snuffle. Fleece is perfect or
again an old T-shirt would work too. A fleece cape that
has been lurking in the back of my wardrobe and a past
its best, fleece jumper to the rescue.
For this make you will need:
Your base - check
Your snuffle fabric - check
Sharp scissors - I sew, so that’s sorted - check
Yes that’s it. I could add a tape measure to the list
but I honestly don’t think the strips of fabric you will
be cutting all need to be exactly the same.
Something that is helpful, but not essential is a
pointy thing - a chopstick or something similar!
We start off by cutting our chosen fabric into strips.
About 1” x 6”/8” - as I mentioned previously this can
be an ëish’ measurement. Your pets don’t have rulers.
That isn’t where their interests lie. I only have to say
‘SNUFFLE’ and my house is in turmoil. Excitement all
round.
‘Once you have a good selection of strips it couldn’t
be easier.
“Using your ‘pointy thing’ (chopstick or similar)
feed/push the strips down from the top of the base.
Take it back up, through another hole close to where
you took it down. Tie a knot, a single knot will do and
that is it. Add the fabric to the whole of your base and
you are finished.
Now all you need to do is add a few treats to the mat
and let your pet get to work.
I can hear my pets minds going into overdrive.
Do have a go at this project. Your pets will be
forever grateful. Even if you don’t plan on going out it
is fun to just sit back and watch.
You can share a photo of your make on my
Instagram #allisonmaryondesigns.
If you sew, check out the Sewing Street YouTube
channel for a more transportable version. Handy for
caravans, trips and holidays.
Thank you for reading :) Allison
Selection of possible Snuffle Mat Bases Her own Snuffle Mat
F
ollowing the Government’s announcement confirming the reopening of non-essential retail
from Monday 12th April, East Staffordshire Borough Council is encouraging residents to ‘Stay
Local’ in its latest campaign to support businesses in the Borough.
The ‘Stay Local’ campaign, which features a range of local business owners, is designed to promote
Burton and Uttoxeter town centres, as well as other high streets and shopping areas across East
Staffordshire, whilst reminding residents to continue to shop safely.
Local businesses can download the ‘Stay Local’ resources from the Council’s website, to help
promote their business and demonstrate how they are adhering to safety guidance. The campaign
toolkit also features a range of assets for local residents to use to show their support.
This campaign is the latest of a number of initiatives put in place by the authority to help residents
stay safe during the Coronavirus pandemic, including town centre signage and the introduction of
Covid marshals.
For full details on the campaign and to download assets from the online toolkit, visit
www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/coronavirus/stay-local
Residents
encouraged to
‘Stay Local’as
retail reopens

29
Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
Random Acts of Kindness
K
indness, an eight-letter word that the dictionary
defines as “the quality of being friendly,
generous, and considerate”, Mark Twain
(writer) said that “Kindness is a language which the
deaf can hear and the blind can see”. Garry Lineker was
quoted as saying “Every act of kindness is potent and
lingers long in the heart of the recipient”.
In November 2020, a group of people in Uttoxeter
and surrounding areas, created a Facebook page called
“Random acts of kindness”, their definition is,
“Kindness is magic” facebook.com/groups/
703704783905506/, which combines all of the
definitions above very nicely, I think.
When Katy Roe, Wendy Harrogate and Samantha
Leyland decided to set up the Random Acts of
Kindness (RAOK) Facebook page, their mission was to
help reduce waste and the environment by posting
unwanted items that were free to anyone viewing the
group.
Katy Roe said, “This group is about reducing waste
and helping each other in the community in whatever
way we can. Times have been tough for everyone and
that little gesture of kindness can help so much.”
I don’t use Facebook, (not technically minded
enough), but when
researching this
article, I went and had
a look, there are kids’
toys, school uniforms,
wardrobes, table and
chairs, chest of
drawers and books.
There is No SELLING
this is a giving post
and for me, what
better way to ensure
that things aren’t
wasted than by giving
them away, in
kindness.
Wendy Harrogate
explained that since
the page was set up
other kindness
projects have also
been able to take
place, “During the run up to Christmas, we asked the
community for nominations of deserving families,
children or adults. Oldfield’s Hall did a massive
collection of foodstuffs for us, so we ended up
providing food parcels and gifts to 78 families”. She
went on to tell me, “We have been able to hold 2
fundraising raffles for Mother’s Day Hampers and
again for Easter and were able to deliver 56 Easter
Hampers including 3 for terminal cancer patients and
2 young Carers. Our next project will be for Father’s
Day.”
The group are pleased to have been offered help by
Serco at HMP Dovegate. Staff donated their Christmas
Staff Gift Hampers which were distributed to local Care
Homes. At Easter the staff collected just over 150 Easter
eggs which once again were distributed to Care Homes
in Uttoxeter.
The group were aware that volunteers at the vaccine
centres needed kindness and they were able to deliver
a car boot full of hand creams/gels and individual
sachets of coffee and tea to Burton Albion Community
Trust for distribution to the Covid Vaccination Centre
volunteers.
Earlier this year, the group were nominated by
residents for the Trent and Dove Covid Hero
community project awards www.trentanddove.org/
residents/trent-dove-covid-hero-awards-2021/ and
out of 60 nominations, they won! Wendy commented,
“We were so honoured to have been nominated, but to
have won, makes us very proud and shows that
kindness has been recognised”
Kindness is not only celebrated locally, but also
nationwide with a Kindness Day UK kindnessuk.com/
on 13th November each year and their website
confirms that, “ It is a day to celebrate and promote
kindness in all its forms. World Kindness Day falls on
the same day and unites people in kindness globally.”
There are so many ways to show kindness, of course
it goes without saying, please post on the Random act
of kindness Facebook page, but why not try some the
things on the list below too that I found by putting Acts
of Kindness into Google:
1. Compliment at least 5 people in the next week. (Be
original)
2. Ask your school to have a kindness day, so they
become an official ‘Kind School’–
kindnessuk.com/schools/
3. Let the person in queue behind you go ahead of you
4. Help an elderly neighbour take out the trash or
mow their lawn.
5. Write your siblings a note about how much you
appreciate them.
6. Leave a thank you note in the mailbox addressed to
the postman/woman.
7. Send a card to someone serving in the military.
8. Hold the door open for someone.
9. Do a chore without being asked.
10. Give a chocolate bar to the bus driver.
11. Bake your favourite cookies for a neighbour.
12. Donate warm coats or blankets to the Uttoxeter
Heath Community Centre www.uhcc.co.uk/
contact/
13. If you are an allotment holder, donate your excess
fruit and vegetables to the Food Banks in the area.
14. Smile at everyone you see.
15. Do something kind for someone without getting
found out, if anyone knows of it, it will not count.
16. Post something on the Random acts of Kindness
Facebook page facebook.com/groups/7037047
83905506/
Finally, as we mourn the loss of Prince Philip, Duke
of Edinburgh, why not submit a condolence message
for the Queen, she needs kindness right now -
www.royal.uk/
W
e are now all in the happy situation that this
lockdown is about to ease. I am delighted to
be able to visit my daughter this Saturday.
Apart from on a screen, we haven’t seen one another
since August. This must resonate for so many of you.
We shall have to stay in her garden, both hoping that
the weather will be a little warmer though as sunny as
it has been over the last few days. For me, not being
able to see my friends and family has been the most
difficult aspect of the last months. I have missed seeing
my sister and brothers and their families and look
forward to our family picnic at the end of June.
A few years ago we made the decision to meet in
the same place (midway for my niece who lives in
Cheshire and my sister who lives in Devon and
accessible for the rest of us who live somewhere
between the two) on the last Saturday of June. We had
started to realise that happy events such as the next
wedding and christening were some years off and we
needed a definitive date and place to meet up. As with
so many events in 2020, last year’s picnic was cancelled.
I have been so lucky since March of last year sharing
my home on the hill as I do with my two legged and
four legged best friends, both of whom have allowed
me to walk. A lot. And to make me laugh. A lot. I have
read many, many books, some have been instantly
forgettable.
Others have stayed with me. I love crime stories but
my favourite books of last year’s lockdown and this
year’s lockdown are not crime based novels. My book
of 2020 was ‘Queenie’. It’s not an easy read and may not
be to everyone’s tastes. It’s quite graphic in parts and
the language can be quite ripe but it is heart breaking
and hilarious in equal parts. It gives an incredible
insight into the life of a young woman in modern day
London. My book of 2021 is ‘Where the Crawdads
Sing’. It has an incredible plot, with a murder thrown
in just for me, wonderful characters and an
environment that you can see because it is described so
beautifully. This must be the 21st century’s ‘To Kill a
Mockingbird’. Unlocking our confinement will open up
the world to us again.
I look forward to lots more walking and even more
reading but most of all to hugging those I love the most.
Keep well!
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle

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31
P
lanting community orchards is just one of the
ways the District Council is improving natural
spaces as part of its commitment to a greener
future – and the first five of a planned 30 orchards are
now in the ground.
Since adopting a Green Infrastructure Strategy in
2018, the Council has worked with Staffordshire
Wildlife Trust to map the area and prepare a delivery
plan which includes an ambitious list of around 60
potential projects.
Community orchards are amongst the first of these
projects to be delivered with five sites each to be
planted in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek and a further
15 across the parishes.
The Council and its parks maintenance partner
AES have now planted five orchards in Leek and are
working with Town and Parish Councils and local
communities to identify the best sites in other areas.
When Covid restrictions allow, the intention is to
involve local people in planting the trees and taking
care of the orchards as they grow and mature.
Councillor Joe Porter, Cabinet Member for Climate
Change and Biodiversity, said: “Trees play such an
important role in our natural environments and our
efforts to control and manage climate change but,
equally importantly, they have such a positive impact
on our health and wellbeing and the enjoyment we get
from spending time outdoors in green spaces.
“Community orchards are a great way for us to
realise all these benefits with the additional bonus that
they are projects people in local communities can get
actively involved.
“The measures in place to control Covid, coupled
with the tree planting season, have meant that’s not
been possible with the
first five orchards in Leek
but we’ve got plans for 30
orchards across the
Moorlands so I’m looking
forward to being able to
work alongside volunteers
and groups when
restrictions allow it.
“The tree planting
season is fairly short so
I’m delighted that we’ve
already made a great start
with these five sites with
more to come in the next
few weeks and then again
at the end of the year.”
The five sites in Leek
are: Brough Park;
Woodcroft open space
(near Campbell Avenue);
open space off Fernwood Drive / rear of the Prince of
Wales pub; open space off Wetenhall Drive / Adams
Grove; and open space off Queens Drive / Horsecroft
Crescent next to Haregate Community Centre.
The orchards will each have between 15 and 40
trees. The trees for the first five orchards were bought
from a Moorlands nursery and the intention is to use
local suppliers for the remaining orchards as well.
Councillor Porter added: “I’m really pleased that
the trees for these first five orchards have come from a
local supplier and it’s our intention to continue to buy
the trees for the planned orchards from Moorlands
nurseries.
“Not only is this supporting local businesses but the
trees they provide will leave a lasting legacy and help
us to meet our aim of leaving our environment in a
better state than we inherited it.”
The Council is funding the five orchards in the
towns, which are being planted on Council land, and
is offering 50% of the costs of the remaining 15 with
Town and Parish Councils and community groups
making up the other half.
Interested councils and groups are asked to email
climatechangesmdc@staffsmoorland.gov.uk with their
ideas for possible orchard sites in their area.
Community orchards at root of
nature recovery
Councillor Joe Porter planting trees at the Haregate community orchard with Jamie
Pope from the Council’s parks maintenance partners Alliance Environmental
Services (AES).

P
opular TV star Matt Baker
deployed the might of a
JCB mini excavator during
a fly-on-the wall TV special about the rescue of his
family’s organic sheep farm.
Countryfile and former The One Show presenter
Matt headed back to his family farm near Durham
where he grew up to help keep it running after his mum
had a serious accident.
And with a list of repairs and renovations to
complete, JCB answered the father-of-two’s cry for help
and despatched a 1.8 tonne JCB 18Z-1 mini excavator
manufactured at JCB’s factory in Cheadle. Among the
tasks the JCB machine tackled were the creation of a
beach area for a woodland pond and pathway through
the middle of a planted mini orchard, as well as general
landscaping and maintenance.
Matt said: “The JCB mini excavator is a great little
machine and was really easy to use. It helped to punch
a big hole in the long list of jobs we had to do on my
family’s farm.”
Matt’s efforts behind the controls of the JCB mini
excavator featured on a new More4 series, Matt Baker:
Our Farm in the Dales.
Matt’s parents, Janice and Mike, live on an organic
sheep farm that dates back to the 1600s. Matt still plays
a very active role in running the farm, but when his
mum had an accident last summer he had to move his
wife Nicola and their two children north to run the
farm.
Matt added: “This is without doubt the most
personal TV show I’ve ever made. Filming on the farm
where I grew up with my whole family has been a
wonderful and unique experience.”
Returning to the remote farm, Matt was faced with
the challenge of keeping it running and helping his
mum overcome her accident injuries. Championing
traditional craft and heritage skills along the way, he
also called on the services of local experts and friends
to help out the family - and he even found the time to
save his Dad’s 1946 Dodge car that’s been left in a field
for 20 years.
TV star Matt Baker takes controls of
JCB mini for TV special

33
J
CB has secured one of the
biggest deals of the year for its
X-Series range of tracked
excavators after an investment by one of the Midlands’
leading civil engineering companies.
Chasetown Civil Engineering has bought 20 X-
Series machines - including 220X and 140X models -
as part of an investment in new machinery worth £3
million. The deal also includes the addition of JCB 3, 5
and 8-tonne compact excavator models to its fleet.
The order from the Burntwood, Staffordshire firm
was placed with Gunn JCB and the new machines join
an extensive fleet which delivers a range of civil
engineering services to housebuilders including:
infrastructure, roads, sewers, groundworks, earthworks
and excavation.
The company has also purchased a number of Leica
Geosystem MC1 3D excavator guidance systems along
with Leica surveying equipment aiding the operator to
accurately and efficiently achieve the planned design
when carrying out groundworks. All newly purchased
JCB excavators were specified machine control ready
with base kits fitted in the factory, giving the flexibility
to move units from one machine to another when
needed. The new system allows the engineering team
to remotely monitor and upload data to the machines,
negating the need for site visits and freeing up valuable
engineering time.
Chasetown Civil Engineering Managing Director,
Euan Grant said: “The X Series models are first class -
we are delighted with their performance. Our operators
love the smoothness of the controls, the strong
performance and the comfort of the cabs, all adding up
to a very efficient and productive excavator. The JCB
and Leica technology works seamlessly to give us what
we need.
“We are very keen to support British businesses,
particularly one so local to our own operations and
especially of course during such difficult times. With
depots convenient for our sites, Gunn JCB provides
excellent back-up too.”
Founded in 1974, family-owned Chasetown Civil
Engineering is a leading Midlands civils business
specialising in infrastructure, groundworks and related
building services with project values ranging between
£100,000 and £50m.
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Tean WI
A
nd so we continue our
Centenary Year. Our one
greatest wish is that we can all
meet very soon and return to some kind
of normality.
But before then we shall continue
with our Zoom meetings. We held our
March meeting on 2 March on Zoom.
We dealt with the business side of the
meeting first, which included a
discussion on our Subscriptions for the
coming year. Even though we are not
meeting normally there are still costs to
cover. The subscriptions were due in
December, but the National Association
have given us 3 months leeway. Our
speaker for the evening was Faith Powell
who spoke on ‘Behind the Scenes of TV
Quiz Shows’. She had appeared on Going
for Gold, Wipeout, The Chase, 15 to 1,
Tipping Point were just a few. But her
favourite was Going for Gold. A funny
entertaining speaker.
Our President Diane have been
working hard on completing our
Programme for this year, our Centenary
Year. We have a varied programme and
will continue to use Zoom until we are
allowed to meet face to face. We have
speakers on Garden Design, a sweet
shop owner, Cocktail Making, Cooking
Demonstration, to name a few. We have
an afternoon tea tour at local Heath
House later in the year, when we hope
COVID restrictions will have been
lifted.
Our fortnightly Craft Chat
afternoons are going very well. Most of
the ladies carry on with their craft work,
but one or two of us just like to sit
chat. We have a really relaxing hour. You
are welcome to join us at one of these
meetings – just contact us on the details
below.
For our Centenary Meeting in
January four of our Members had made
decorated a Birthday Cake. President
Sue delivered pieces of this cake to all
our Members, along with tea bags at the
beginning of March. On March 11th 15
of us had a Cake Chat meeting on
Zoom. It was a really good turnout. The
meeting started with everyone being
very quiet – eating the cake! The cake
was amazing. Then there was loads of
chat!
If you would like to join us and find
out about Tean WI, please look at our
facebook page, or contact us on
Whatsapp, or give President Sue a ring
on 01538723409 or Secretary Janet on
01538724112. We would love to hear
from you.
Dougie Mac
unites children
and adult
hospice services
D
ougie Mac are delighted to announce the amalgamation of local children’s
hospice Donna Louise Children’s Trust into Douglas Macmillan Hospice;
after initial plans were announced in March 2020.
Now operating as one hospice, Dougie Mac will offer a broad spectrum of
palliative and end of life care services for children and adults across Stoke-on-Trent
and North Staffordshire.
David Webster, Chief Executive at Dougie Mac said: “Our vision is that Dougie
Mac will provide care for all; a dynamic 21st century hospice for children, young
adults and adults across two sites; returning children’s services to round the clock
care, 7 days a week.
“The unification of children and adult services is a landmark achievement which
will ensure all patients and their families continue to receive exceptional care and
support for as long as they need it.”
Dougie Mac’s strong financial resilience means it is well placed to take on the
continuation of children’s services which will remain free of charge to all patients
and their families.
“With efficiencies in the non-clinical functions, our skilled leadership team and
continued support from our local community; we are confident in our ability to
secure the future of children’s services in our area.”
Dougie Mac supporters can be reassured that their pledged fundraising and
donations will not be diverted from adult services. All donated funds will continue
to be spent wisely in order to provide the very best care and reinforce the hospice’s
commitment to grow as a sustainable organisation.
“We are grateful to both organisation’s supporters for their loyalty to local hospice
care. Dougie Mac is poised and ready to build on our successes as a synergised and
united hospice.”

Misted units replaced, lock
and general repairs to doors,
patios and windows
Mark Capewell
Tel: 01889 578654
Mobile: 07802 277935
Email: mark.capewell@talktalk.net
Double Glazing
Services
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The Voice
can
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35
Let The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
K
ingsmill’s Stoke Bakery is delighted
to be supporting its local community
by funding the training of a new
essential health worker for the area. Louise
Brown, 42, from Uttoxeter, currently works
at The Balance Street Practice as a healthcare
assistant and will train at Derby University
for the next two years to become a Level 4
Nursing Associate. The nursing associate
role is relatively new in the NHS, bridging
the gap between healthcare support workers
and registered nurses. Graduating in March
2023, the mother of two boys, aged 10 and
8, will attend university once a week
alongside regular on-the-job training and
placements.
Louise’s nursing associate training is the
first of its kind in the UK to be funded by a
collaboration between Health Education
England, the National Skills Academy for
Food Drink and British food and drink
companies. The scheme sees the companies’
own unused apprenticeship levy funds being
redirected to pay to train new NHS health
and social care workers.
New nursing associates like Louise will
help to deliver more services in local GP
surgeries, taking some of the load from
hospitals. Louise is the first of seven nursing
associates that will have their apprenticeship
training funded by the company through
this scheme - and the first on the national scheme to
start her training.
Talking about her training, Louise said “I feel so, so
lucky to be benefiting from this scheme which seems
to be such a clever way of moving existing funding
around the system so that we can get more nurses on
the ground. I had a place at uni some years ago and I
put it on the back burner as I wanted to be around
when the boys were little, but I actually feel even more
passionate about doing the training now. This last year
of working through Covid-19 has been really full-on,
but we’ve seen just how much people need the NHS –
whether that’s secondary care in hospitals or primary
care here in the community.
I’m so excited for all that’s ahead in my training and
am really grateful to Kingsmill for being a part of it.”
About the scheme, Tim Bright, General Manager at
the Kingsmill bakery in Stoke said “Supporting our
local community has always been at the absolute heart
of all we do, whether that’s directly through being a
good local employer, or indirectly by donating our
bakery goods to those who find themselves in need, so
having the opportunity to fund nurses to support and
benefit the health of those in our community was
always going to be an opportunity we would jump at.
We know Louise is a much needed and welcome
addition to the Balance Street team and we wish her the
very best in her training.”
Liz Sahu, Relationship Manager – Apprenticeships,
for Health Education England in the Midlands said,
“We are very grateful to Kingsmill for their support of
the NHS and particularly Balance Street Surgery,
enabling Louise to progress in her career and become
a Nurse Associate helping to support patient care at this
very challenging time. We wish her all the very best in
her training.”
Kingsmill’s Stoke Bakery funds nurse’s
training in its local community
Uttoxeter healthcare worker from Balance Street Practice to study nursing at Derby University thanks to Kingsmill funding
Louise Brown and Tim Bright, General Manager at the Kingsmill bakery in Stoke
All locksmith work undertaken from door
realignment to new locks and handles.
No call out charge.

My love of Life, Lorries and Coaches
by John Willmore, of Cheadle
So continuing, from the last part of my story in The
Voice...
By this time the seed had sprouted, so we could see
how I had done with the seed drill, there was one gap
in the middle so I must have lost the plot when pacing
up and down. By early September the corn was ready
for harvesting, this was the time I had to learn to bag
the corn as the harvester produced it.
The dust produced caused me to sneeze a lot and I
began to suffer with an allergy which stayed with me
for many years when getting close to corn dust. After
bagging the corn it was put on a shute, which then went
onto the ground. It was then my job to get the tractor
and trailer and pick up the bags from off the floor, they
were very heavy, there was a knack I was shown by
using your knee to push the bag up as you lifted. Older
readers will remember those days, as the corn needed
drying, when the trailer was loaded it was taken to Mr
Pearce’s farm to be put onto to the dryer, so they had
to be taken off the trailer and then put back on again.
Then after going back to Lower Manor Farm, the
bags were taken off the trailer and carried up the loft
steps on my back, all very hard work. These days the
corn is loaded straight into trailers and transferred to
hoppers by augers, how much better.
As you remember, I was always interested in lorries
and whilst working on the farm I was not disappointed
as the road running past was the main A50 so always
busy, my father often traversed past and would sound
his horn on going by which stirred emotions in me as
that is what I wished long term to do.
Remember my age at the time was fifteen, so I
thought my lorry driving days were a long way off. This
was not the case - let me explain - it was coming back
from the pictures on the bus one Saturday night, with
my old school friend John Clowes, of Tean. Also on the
bus was Alan Beaman who writes in The Voice and he
also came from Tean.
I asked John what employment he had embarked
on, his reply was I am driving lorries! After this sunk
in - he being the same age as me fifteen - he was asked
how and where in quick succession. His reply was that
he was driving lorries employed by Mr Glen Shenton
of Tean, working at the coal screens up at Cheadle
along Leek Road…
Oh dear, I did not sleep that night - the burning
question was how could I do the same. I spoke to my
father the next morning and he said he was to visit the
breakers yard Mr Shenton owned at the time,to get
some wheel trims to fit the twin steer Ford Trader that
he was driving at the time AEH 505C - I mentioned
in my last book up at Gorsty Hill in Tean. Now in 2020,
called Cor-Green I think, father said he would enquire
if he would consider myself to be one of his drivers…
I waited with baited breath until he returned.
Father came back just after lunch and I was waiting for
him, how did you go on, I said - his reply was, you have
an interview and driving test tomorrow night at 7-00
pm…
Monday was the longest day of my life up until
then, the result was I was offered employment and
started on the following week after handing in my
notice to Mr Walker, who by the way I still worked for
in my spare time after.
My first lorry was A Bedford S Type RJU 259
painted in maroon and grey fitted with a Perkins R6
diesel engine, - this lorry was difficult to start on cold
mornings, having to be towed to start and run. I did
not drive this lorry for long but more about this lorry
later…
See you next time in The Voice
36 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

M
idlands Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust (MPFT) has
begun a Novavax Covid-19
vaccine crossover research study,
following the initial trial last year. The
Trust was selected to host the National
Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR)
regional site in the West Midlands to test
the safety and effectiveness of the
investigational vaccine in October 2020.
The crossover study, which
commenced at Cheadle hospital on 31
March, will run for a number of weeks
and will see 289 of the Novavax vaccine
study participants invited to return. The
returning participants will receive the
opposite of their original study
allocation (placebo or vaccine) therefore
ensuring that all trial participants
receive the active vaccine.
The study will continue to test the
effectiveness of the Novavax COVID-19
vaccine candidate and will be led by the
Trust’s highly skilled and experienced
Research and Innovation Department
who specialise in research and clinical
trials.
Liz Glaves, MPFT’s Research
Delivery Manager who is managing the
study said, “The study team are excited
that the crossover research study has
begun and we are pleased to have
welcomed back so many of the
volunteers who took part in the initial
Novavax Covid-19 vaccine study.
“My MPFT colleagues and I are
proud to be leading the crossover
research study locally, again with
support from our partners at the
National Institute of Health Research,
Clinical Research Network (CRN) West
Midlands, Keele University and
colleagues within Primary Care.”
CRN West Midlands’ Acting Clinical
Director Professor Matthew Brookes
added, “This important vaccine trial is
an excellent example of collaborative
working with partnership organisations
in our Network and we are pleased to
continue supporting this next phase.
Offering studies like this to our
population is important, in order to give
a wide and diverse access to participants
to allow them to become involved in
research studies.”
The vaccine study has sites across the
United Kingdom. The West Midlands
study based in Staffordshire recruited
over 500 suitable local volunteers.
Ruth Lambley-Burke, Head of
Research and Innovation at the Trust
said; “Clinical research continues to be
extremely important in the fight against
COVID-19 and we are pleased to
continue to play our role in the phase 3
Novavax clinical study in the West
Midlands.”
Picture shows Julie Machin and
Rachael Brown
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
continues the fight against COVID-19
37
M
idlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
(MPFT) is delighted with the success of the
West Midlands Adult Eating Disorders
Provider Collaborative, which came into being a year
ago. This is already making a real difference to the care
of local people with an eating disorder; reducing length
of stay by 36 days, reducing distances travelled by 89
miles and delivering care closer to home.
The Collaborative, which is led by MPFT, is a new
way of working which offers a real opportunity to look
at how services can be delivered differently. Working
in partnership with other organisations means each can
benefit from the other’s specialist knowledge and
expertise and offer local people the best range of care
across the region. People who use the service and their
carers and families are also important members of the
Collaborative and have brought their expertise and
experience to developing the approach and designing
the clinical outcomes.
The West Midlands Eating Disorders Provider
Collaborative consists of five core partners together
with people who use the service, their family and carers
and other partner organisations. It provides adult
eating disorder services serving a population of 4.5
million covering the West Midlands.
Through working together, the partners in the
Collaborative have improved the quality and
consistency of service, including reducing the distance
many patients need to travel to receive care (the average
distance travelled by a patient has reduced from 117
miles to 28 miles).
Since the launch of the Collaborative, fewer patients
have needed to be admitted to hospital for care of their
eating disorder, improving patient satisfaction and
reducing disruption to their lives. We have successfully
avoided 17 patient admissions and delivered treatment
in a community setting which has been just as
successful. Those who have had to be admitted to
hospital have not had to travel outside of the West
Midlands, and have also stayed in hospital for a shorter
period of time (the average length of stay has reduced
from 126 days to 90 days).
Mel Watson, Provider Collaborative Programme
Director, MPFT, says “We are extremely proud of our
Collaborative and believe the shared clinical leadership
and partnership with the people using our services has
resulted in a positive impact on both the quality of
services and the patient experience. We now plan to
do more to identify and address local issues and further
develop the responsiveness of services.”
The partners in the Collaborative are; Midlands
Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham
Solihull NHS Foundation Trust; Coventry
Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust; Priory
Healthcare and Elysium Healthcare.
The success of the Collaborative to date has already
been recognised with the project having been
shortlisted for a prestigious national HSJ Value Award.
West Midlands region eating disorders
service celebrates successful first year
Pictured are members of the team, l-r Mel Watson, Provider Collaborative Programme Director; Brandon John,
Clinical Liaison Practitioner, Dr Rob Dennis, Consultant Psychiatrist and Jordan Ashfield – Deputy Ward Manager

H
usband-and-wife agency
employees Julie and
Sean McReynolds are
jumping for joy - after being handed permanent JCB
contracts.
The couple, who live in Alton, both gave up
permanent jobs with other employers to take up agency
positions with JCB in 2018 – Julie at the World HQ in
Rocester and Sean at JCB Earthmovers in Cheadle.
Now their leap of faith has been rewarded as they are
among more than 300 shop floor agency employees
across JCB’s UK factories to be given permanent JCB
contracts.
Father-of-three Sean who had spent 20 years in
management roles with Boots and Marks Spencer,
said: “We both took a chance giving up permanent jobs
to take up agency positions with JCB but we knew it
was a great place to work because we have friends
employed here. Even though it was our decision to
become agency employees, it feels like a great big
weight has been lifted off our shoulders now to get a
JCB contract. The change has been brilliant for me and
getting a permanent contract is simply the icing on the
cake.”
Julie said: “It means such lot for us both to get
permanent contracts and our eldest son and his
girlfriend sent us a bottle of champagne when we got
the news, so we did manage a little celebration.”
JCB is giving more than 300 agency shop floor
agency employees permanent JCB contracts from April
and later this year will also give an additional 400
agency shop floor employees with more than a year’s
service permanent JCB contracts. The company is also
recruiting an additional 450 agency shop floor
employees at its factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire
and Wrexham – on top of 400 it began hiring earlier
this year.
JCB GMB Works Convenor Jim Barwise said: “It is
fantastic news that so many colleagues have been given
permanent JCB contracts. It’s a massive morale booster
for everyone on the shop floor after a difficult 12
months.”
Champagne corks pop as Julie and
Sean celebrate job news
F
ollowing the successful completion of the
Gordon Banks Legend Walk last October, local
man and DMH Ambassador Duncan Cowans
and his team have raised a staggering total of
£11,295.61.
The walkers covered the 50 miles through the night
from Chesterfield (Gordon’s first club) to the bet 365
stadium in order to raise funds for the DMH. No target
was set but everyone involved has been amazed at the
generosity of people, particularly in these most difficult
of times for so many.
The Gordon Banks Legend Walk

39
A
lthough there has been no opportunity for rehearsals let
alone performances for Denstone Players due to the
pandemic, there has been activity in another area.
To ease the ever increasing problem of storage of props, scenery,
equipment and costumes Denstone Players successfully applied for
£1,000 funding from the East Staffs Borough Council, with support
from local councillor Steve Sankey to help the society purchase a
20’ storage container.
Permission was granted by the Denstone Village Hall
Committee if the container could be sited on the same spot as a
dilapidated shed used to store outdoor play equipment by the
Denstone Toddler Group.
Players members temporarily stored the play equipment in the
village hall. Then they dismantled and removed the shed in
readiness for the container delivery from Burton.
A successful joint application from Denstone Players and
Denstone Toddler Group to the County Council was made for a
further grant to help purchase a new storage shed for play
equipment. Players members erected and weatherproofed the shed
next to their container.
This was surely a great example of a variety of community
groups coming together to improve their provision. Denstone
Players now have more storage space, the Village Hall has got rid
of an unsightly shed and the Toddler Group has a brand new
storage facility which the local art group could decorate with
another of its imaginative murals.
Both the Borough and County Councils can be assured that
their grants have been well spent.
Looking ahead Denstone Players members are busy writing a
pantomime based loosely on the classic story of Pinnochio.
Hopefully, rehearsals can begin whenever allowed with a view to
performance early next year.
News from Denstone Players
Double Chocolate Cheesecake
with Patron
I
had to make something with
chocolate over Easter for my family.
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
it was polished off very quickly!!
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

L
ooking like a modern-day blacksmith, with a
wood-burning stove centre-stage in his
workshop, Sam Ermolenko is surrounded by
motorcycle engines and parts.
The 60-year-old former speedway multiple world-
champion, forged a career in tuning, repairing and
rebuilding engines after retiring from the sport in 2006.
His business, Sam’s Dyno Centre, housed in an old RAF
communications building in Fauld, Staffordshire, is
booming.
“We have old-school skills and the machinery that
gives us the ability to fix older generation bikes. Most
bike shops won’t look at things over seven-years-old.
“The bikes I grew up with are now becoming
classics. Most of the ones we work on are at least thirty-
years-old.
“At 13-years-old I began working in my family’s
motorcycle shop in California. I then went racing for
27 years.
“I had to acquire the machinery, tools and know-
how to keep me at the top of my sport.
“We still use this machinery. We can actually fix
things and keep older bikes on the road. We have
modern Dyno testing equipment - we help to tune
modern street and race bikes too.
“I love all engines but my favourite is always a
winning one. I can feel how a motorcycle is set-up by
riding it by the seat-of-my pants and I can hear how its
engine is working by the sound of its roar”, explained
Sam.
Sam is extending his building and taking on more
specialist mechanics to cope with the surge in demand
to keep older motorcycles on the road.
Old school motorcycle engines
Photography by Rod Kirkpatrick
B
ritish digger maker JCB
has unveiled a brand new
machine to tackle a
national scourge - potholes.
The company has launched the PotholePro - a
machine that can repair a pothole in less than eight
minutes - four times quicker than standard methods
and at half the cost of current solutions.
It follows a vow from Chancellor Rishi Sunak last
November to invest £1.6bn to fix potholes in Britain
and ‘level-up’ uneven roads. Shock figures from the AA
reveal more than £11bn-worth of potholes need
repairing across the UK.
The machine’s development has been personally led
by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford. He said: “Potholes
really are the scourge of our nation. Our country is
quite rightly fixated on this dreadful problem and as a
British manufacturer I am fixated on finding a solution.
We simply cannot allow our road network to continue
to be blighted by potholes. JCB’s solution is simple and
cost effective and fixes potholes permanently, first time.
Once the machine has done its job all the contractor
then needs to do is just add tar.”
Tests with local authorities and contractors show
the JCB PotholePro can complete a pothole repair in
less than eight minutes – equivalent to 700 potholes per
month. With a 40km/h travel speed, the machine can
rapidly relocate between sites without additional
transport costs.
The machine has been in trials on roads in Stoke-
on-Trent for months and the city council has worked
with JCB over the last 12 months as innovation
partners to develop the PotholePro. In initial testing,
the machine completed 51 road repair jobs in 20 days,
which would have taken a team of up to six operatives
63 days to complete normally.
Councillor Daniel Jellyman, Stoke-on-Trent City
Council cabinet member for infrastructure,
regeneration and heritage, said he had seen a 700%
increase in productivity.
He said: “Potholes are a nuisance to motorists up
and down the country and we’ve worked closely with
JCB to come up with a solution to what is a national
problem. In a time when every penny and pound
counts for local authorities, we’re delighted to be at the
forefront of developing and trialling new technologies
and ways of working, especially ones which could save
residents money.”
AA President Edmund King OBE said: “The toll of
pothole damage on cars is already breathtaking.
However, as more people take up cycling due to
avoiding public transport in the pandemic and if e-
scooters are legalised, then sorting our poor road
surfaces becomes more important than ever. JCB has
taken the initiative to fix these problems, and we’re
excited to see its new PotholePro take to the streets.”
The PotholePro allows the contractor or local
authority to cut the defect, crop the edges and clean the
hole with one machine – mechanising jobs traditionally
done by pothole gangs and delivering up to a 50% cut
in daily costs. It is equipped with a 600mm wide planer
and integrated dust suppression system, enabling the
operator to plane a full carriageway from the kerb,
without repositioning. The machine also comes with a
sweeper/bucket and hydraulic cropping tool, allowing
a uniform hole to be prepared by the operator from the
comfort their cab.
Councils get a request to fix a pothole every 46
seconds and more than £8.1 million was paid out in
compensation to drivers last year for vehicle damage
caused by potholes.
JCB unveils new solution to tackle
UK pothole scourge

41
Owd Grandad Piggott
Go to the new website
www.owdgrandadpiggott.co.uk
and download tracks from the original
Owd Grandad Piggott LP record which
was recorded live by Alan Povey in The
George and Dragon pub in Longton in
1977 and sold over 6,000 copies in
North Staffordshire inside 6 months.
Povey’s People
by Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
L
evi Piggott was Owd
Grandad Piggott’s
brother. He was several
years younger than Owd
Grandad and the two hated
each other to say the least. Levi
had a criminal record as long as
his arm for many offences
involving robbery, drunkeness,
violence, theft and was well
known in Longton for all sorts
of villainy. He was barred out of
every pub in the area and
vowed that if he died before his
time, he would haunt his
brother to the end of his days.
Owd Grandad Piggott was a
saint compared to Levi. Levi lived in a shed somewhere
in Fenton and fortunately, the two rarely met up, but
when they did, anything could happen. Levi went
puddled in the end and died in a fit of violence in
Cheddleton hospital, but Owd Grandad Piggott never
forgot Levi’s last words to haunt him after he had gone.
Owd Grandad Piggott was never sure
about the supernatural and for a few
months after Levi’s demise, he was prone
to jumping violently at the slightest thing.
One night, some birds had built a nest in
the chimney and one of the baby chicks
had fallen out and was making a
commotion behind the fireplace. Owd
Grandad Piggott seized the poker and
brandished it…
‘Come ite an’ fight then!’, he growled.
The bird continued the commotion,
‘Come back to bed you stupid old
idiot!’ shouted grandma Piggott, ‘There’s
nobody there!’
‘You know what ay said’, persisted
Owd Grandad Piggott,’If thees a road
back - ay’ll find it’
It was a week later and I’d promised to take him
fishing with me. I was going for an evening session to
Sandon on the canal. I’d only get about two hours before
it went dark. A couple of hours with him was enough!
We fished until the light had faded to such an extent that
we could hardly see our floats and as we packed up, the
evening was silent save for a gentle breeze. I was looking
forward to a couple of pints in the Dog and Doublet pub
before he went home. Suddenly there was a heavy duty
snort followed by a heavy tread. The sound came from
behind the hedge. Owd Grandad Piggott nearly
swallowed his teeth. Further sounds of movement
confirmed that something - or someone was behind the
hedge.
‘Ah can ‘ear summat piddlin’...’ said Owd Grandad
Piggott. ‘Listen!’ Sure enough, there came the
unmistakeable sound of something, or someone
‘piddlin’.
‘It’s ‘im!’ , he grated. ‘It’s bloody Levi!’, he grabbed a
steel rod rest and stood ready.
‘Don’t be stupid!’ I snapped. ‘Levi’s dead and that’s
all there is to it!’
‘Ar tell thee it’s ‘im!’ I went to where the sounds were
coming from and looked through the hedge. Two black
and white cows gazed curiously back at me.
In the Dog and Doublet it took three pints of bitter
to calm him down, but on the way home, I could tell that
he was plotting something. The next day, he went to
Levi’s grave in St John’s churchyard armed with a
wooden post and a lump hammer. He stoved the post
into the ground at the head of the grave like somebody
possessed.
‘Gerrite o’ that gunga din!’, he snarled. ‘Plenty o’ dogs
goo past ‘ere’
Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into our local life and its
many characters. His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully
will bring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.
This month: Levi Piggott
...but Owd
Grandad Piggott
never forgot
Levi’s last words
to haunt him
after he had
gone...
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare,
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long at sheep and cows.
T
hat is something that many people have done
during lockdown – taken note of nature and
discovered how calming it is for the soul!
Birdsong will be increasing in volume by now, as
nests are feathered, mates are found and fought over and
eggs are laid. Nests are found in all sorts of places at
times and not necessarily in the nesting box put up
especially for them – we found one at sheep level in the
back of a lambing pen and, unfortunately it didn’t
survive a hungry sheep.
Insects are abundant, particularly where there are
bodies of water or sweet- smelling blossom and they can
cause issues for all livestock farmers, whether you are a
dairy farm or otherwise. Insects can cause eye irritation
in cattle and fly strike on sheep (and we will be shearing
soon) so preventative measures have to be taken.
Ted has paid a visit to the vet to get his annual jabs
and MOT and passed with flying colours, even though
he got caught by a flying kick from a young steer on
turnout day. As a working dog and a crucial part of the
team, it is important he is kept in tip top condition and,
just as importantly, wormed regularly.
There is a serious parasite which dogs can carry (and
suffer ill health from) and can pass on to cattle (and vice
versa) causing abortion and illness- Neospora. That’s
why it’s important to pick up dog poop!
We are about at the end of lambing, having had a
hectic start, and our spring sown crops are in, but field
work isn’t finished as silage making begins, grass having
been fertilised and crops will be treated, if necessary (all
under strict regulation), for any pests and diseases
Large agricultural machines will be out on the roads,
travelling from farm to farm or field to field, filling the
narrow country lanes ad working late into the night at
times.
May15th is also the closing date for applications to
the government support scheme, which from this year,
is to reduce by varying amounts depending on the size
of the claim, with the intention being that the market
will respond and fill the gap, eventually. But if we are to
receive less then our inputs have to be less or more
efficient if production isn’t to suffer and it’s difficult to
see, in some cases, how this can be achieved.
Current high market prices don’t make up the
shortfall endured over many years, particularly in the
livestock sectors, but it will be nice for it to continue, if
it does.

F
lags at JCB’s factories
around the world flew at
half-mast in honour of the
Duke of Edinburgh following his recent death at the age
of 99.
Following the announcement from Buckingham
Palace, JCB Chairman Lord Bamford led tributes on
behalf of the company.
He said: “I am enormously saddened to learn of the
death of HRH Prince Philip and I extend my deepest
condolences to The Queen and the Royal Family. We had
the pleasure of welcoming Prince Philip to JCB on three
occasions over the past 40 years, most recently in 1998
when he officially opened the new JCB Transmissions
factory in Wrexham. He has been a tremendous
ambassador for this country, for business and for
engineering in particular.”
Prince Philip’s first visit to JCB was to the World HQ
at Rocester in July 1981 when he presented a Queen’s
Award for Export Achievement to JCB Service. The
Award was received by Anthony Bamford. During the
visit, he was introduced to JCB Founder Joseph Cyril
Bamford on a tour of the factory when he also met scores
of employees. He also climbed into the cab of the latest
3CX backhoe loader for a close-up look of the latest
machine technology.
In December 1995, The Queen and The Duke of
Edinburgh were welcomed to the World HQ for a special
visit to mark JCB’s 50th birthday. It was the highlight of
a year of celebrations as the Royal couple spent 2½ hours
touring the factory and offices. The visit concluded with
a celebration lunch for 200 people including employees
and customers who had been key to JCB’s success over
the prior half century. During the visit, The Queen
officially opened a replica of the original garage in which
JCB was founded on October 23rd, 1945.
In 1998, during his visit to officially open the new
£20 million JCB Transmissions factory in Wrexham, he
toured the plant and started the first manufacturing
machine at the 230,000 sq. ft. facility. During a shop floor
tour, he also met scores of employees, including many
who had joined JCB Transmissions when the business
opened in 1978.
Flags fly at half-mast as tribute paid
to the Duke of Edinburgh
Gillian 07928 556552
Tuesday - Renew Church, High Street,
Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ
Wednesday - Greatwood Hall, Hollington
Road, Tean ST10 4JY
Thursday - Rocester Village Hall,
Rocester ST14 5JU
Jayne 07939 987829
Saturday - Renew Church, High Street,
Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ
Times may change, booking is essential
D
uring the various lockdowns of the past
year, Slimming World members from Tean
Slimming World group have been striding
around the sights of Europe to keep active and help
their weight losses continue.
Consultant Gillian Rodgers said she had noticed
that members’ weight losses had been impacted by
not going out as much during the first lockdown
early last summer.
The Group started small, travelling from Tean
to John O’ Groats and then Land’s End.
Gillian added that most of her group were
involved and overall, thoroughly enjoyed the event.
“All those who took part really enjoyed it and I was
thrilled when they finished earlier than expected.
The members enjoyed Scotland so much we
decided to head south after walking back to Tean.
“It proved to be a great challenge, keeping my
members both motivated and active during the
lockdown.”
Following the success of the trip, members
started to ask where we were going next, so Gillian
enlisted the help of Target group member Bill
Partington, a keen walker who had reached his
target weight by combining the Slimming World’s
eating plan with regular exercise.
The first virtual international trip took place in
December where members teamed up to walk all
the way from Tean to Lapland, Father Christmas’
traditional home. They did so throughout the four-
week lockdown and even completed their efforts
early, making mincemeat of the 53 miles a day
required. This meant we covered 2811 miles during
Lockdown 2.0.”
Bill has completely managed the continuing
tour, researching the destinations and collating the
distances travelled each day since December as the
membership have walked to Lake Como in Italy,
Budapest, Tallin, Copenhagen, Paris, Lisbon, and
Rome. The members are now on their way back to
Tean (via Amsterdam!) ready for the re-opening of
Slimming World’s Face to Face Groups from the
week of 17th May 2021.
The total milage before leaving Rome to come
home was 12,657 miles and Bill is confident the
members will pass 15,000 miles before the group
meets up face to face in May.
Gillian said she is “So proud of what we have
achieved, it has brought people together and
improved their mental health during a very difficult
year. We are looking forward to an awards
ceremony for the furthest distances travelled once
we are back in the live groups.
If you’d like to know more about Slimming
World and my groups, contact me, Gillian Rodgers,
on 07928 556552.
Slimming World
Tean’s Virtual
European
Lockdown
Walking Tour
14 months ago Bill was wearing these! He has since lost 63lbs, 4.5 stone.

43
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Marsh Cottage Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Draycott, Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire ST11 9NR

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

4
5
45
Photo Credits - 1: George Chell, Uttoxeter. 2: Michelle Lavan. 3: Mick Grindey. 4 5: John Ward, Uttoxeter.

Tean Albion 6 v Churnet Valley 1
Bulls Head, Marchington Cheadle Rovers
Bulls Head defeat hosts Cheadle Rovers 1-0

47
I have played for Stafford Cricket Club for 5 separate
decades and at the age of 50 I was back as the leading
wicket taker in Stafford’s First team last season. With
819 League wickets only Greg Willott and Dan
Colclough have more wickets in the history of the
North Staffordshire and South Cheshire League. This
season will be my 36th season in a row playing first or
second team cricket.
Tales of a club cricketer Part 2
N
ow as a Bowler I soon learnt that you need to
get on the good side of the Umpires, they are
the ones who can make or break you. As
primarily an inswing bowler, I would be hitting
the pads on a regular basis. I would be appealing
a lot, gazing into their eyes hoping their finger
would twitch upwards. It always made we smile
when bowlers would snarl and berate umpires
for not giving decisions. I believed umpires
needed to be cosseted, coerced and made to feel
special. Of course, they all make mistakes, but
games without them are just not the same. The
league I play in has 8 divisions, umpires are now
in scarce supply. A number of second and third
teams getting no officials at all. I have played
with some great umpires over the years and here
are some of my recollections.
When I started out in the second team, we
had a Stafford umpire called Jim Kay who was
with us on a regular basis. Jim’s other great love
was Horse Racing and he would take his small
transistor radio out onto the pitch with him,
listening to all the afternoon races. If you looked
at him at when he was at square leg, you would
see the radio clamped to his ear. If his horse was
winning you could see him getting excited and
he would mutter to himself.
At this time if you were looking for a run out
or a stumping, you were bang out of luck. Half
the time he wouldn’t even be looking and he
would just shake his head. When the races were
finished, he would then chain smoke to the end
of the innings. He would often come into the
changing room and give us a tip for a horse that
couldn’t lose. Everyone would have a bet, but
Jim got some terrible tips and we would hear
him cursing to himself when they went down.
He was a great character though and apart from
when the racing was on, he was an excellent
umpire. After the match he would always stay
until closing time, with one of the players
usually taking him home.
Another great umpire was Ken Evans, who
lived just down the road in Stone. Ken was a
widower, who loved his days out at the cricket. At the
end of play I would say to Ken, you having a Barley
wine with us after Ken? Just one he would say “I have
to catch my bus at 9”. We would then all sit and have a
drink with Ken. Another player would bring him over
another wine over, he would say no I can’t, I have to
catch my bus. We said don’t worry about that Ken, we
will drop you off home later. Ken would then regale us
with stories from the past and tell us all that he was a
better player than all of us.
7 Barley wines later we would drop Ken off home,
with a bag of fish and chips in his hand. Ken would say
“I bloody love Stafford” as he went through his front
door. Ken then started ringing up the Umpires
secretary, saying get me some more games at Stafford.
He even umpired some Sunday games for us; we picked
him up, got him well-oiled on Barley Wine, then
dropped him home a happy man.
Now this particular season we are going for
promotion and we are playing Crewe Rolls Royce in a
match that could take us up. Ken is umpiring, I smile
at him and say. “We having a drink later Ken?” Ken
gives me the thumbs up. I came into bat at number 5,
Crewe had a South African fast bowler who was
bowling big inswingers. Second ball in, I am rapped on
the pads right in front of all three stumps, there was a
massive appeal. Ken looked for a moment and then said
“Not out”. The bowler couldn’t believe it, he kicked the
ground, muttering something in Afrikaans, that I
imagine was not very complimentary.
Now to be honest he was way too quick and good
for me, the next ball he hit me on the pads again,
leading to another massive appeal. Ken shook his head,
again not out. He hit me on the pads another three
times, by this time the South African Professional is
ready to kill Ken. Eventually I managed to scramble
down the other end, Ken
looked at me and
whispered “Billy any
chance of you hitting the
bloody ball, I’m going to
have to give you out in a
minute.” I smiled at Ken
and said “I’m trying my
best.” I didn’t get many
more runs, but we won the
match.
Ken sat with us late into
the night, with his Barley
wine in hand. As we
dropped him off, Ken
smiled at me and said,
“Billy that Pro today, I
would have smashed him.”
Ken is long gone now, but
we all remember him with
fondness. The true King of
the Barley wine.
In First team cricket a
number of the umpires
were not that keen on
putting their finger up. In
one first team game at Hem
Heath, I had got a wicket
and in strode Mo Hussain,
their Pakistani
Professional. My first ball
to him, I got one to nip
back and Mo was stone
dead. Umpire Cyril Ward
looked at me and then
shook his head. I couldn’t
believe it, it was absolutely
plum. Mo Hussain was also
an ex Test player and it
would have been a great
scalp for me. As the over ended I took my jumper of
Cyril and asked if why that wasn’t out. He whispered
“It was probably out Billy, but a lot of people have come
to watch Mo bat, they are not here to see you bowl. “I
didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t costly though, Mo
Hussain only got 112 in that match.
An umpire who gave me a bit more joy was Arthur
Moore, he used to turn up with his wife Maureen in
tow. I got talking to her one day and she told me that
her and Arthur had a big garden that was there pride
and joy. Arthur would grow Roses and had won an
award at the local Village fete. Now the first time we
had Arthur, he was a bit frosty and gave us nothing.
The next time we had him, I went up to Arthur before
the game, I said “How are the Roses coming on Arthur,
I hear you are the top man for those?” Well Arthur’s
face lit up, he starts talking me through how to get the
best Roses, all in the fertiliser apparently.
The things you have to talk about to try and get on
the good side of the Umpire. I finished with the killer
line “We have a nice seat in the pavilion for Maureen
and there is a pot of Tea and some Victoria sponge
there for her. Arthur’s is now shaking my hand, his face
is beaming. He is loving Stafford and more importantly
me. I will definitely be bowling from Arthur’s end
today. The next time I meet Arthur he greets me like a
long-lost son. “You’ve been having a good season Billy,
getting lots of wickets.” Yes, not bad Arthur” I replied.”
I am on for the League Record. “Arthur smiled and
said, “What end are you bowling from today Billy, I will
see what I can do to help you out.” The batsmen didn’t
have a chance, Arthur was merrily chatting away to me
during the whole game. One Batsman had the temerity
to ask Arthur to stop talking. I smiled at Arthur and
next ball he was out LBW, to a ball that wouldn’t have
hit a fifth stump. We won the game and Arthur had
done his bit helping me towards my league record.
One of the Stafford players Tony Crockard had
given up playing, and he decided to take up Umpiring.
He did all the courses, bought himself all the gear and
fancied himself as the next Dickie Bird. Tony pulled me
before his first game, “Billy I know how you like to
influence the umpires and get them in your pocket, but
I can assure you it won’t work with me. Although I
know you, I am strictly neutral so don’t expect any
favours from me. Also, can you call me Umpire while
the game is on?” I smiled at Tony and said, “Okay
Umpire.” I started bowling at Tony’s end and the second
over in I manage to nip one back hitting the pads, I
went up with the loudest appeal I could muster. I
looked round to Tony and there he is with his hands in
the air appealing too. The look of embarrassment on
his face when he realised what he had done was
priceless. He of course had to give the Batsman out,
Tony turned to me and said “Bloody hell Billy, I will
never live that down, that will be all round the league.”
Needless to say, I didn’t get any more decisions and the
opposition got 5 back, as Tony desperately tried to
prove he wasn’t biased.
Playing away games it was always concerning when
the umpires knew all the away teams’ names. Batsmen
would come in and say, “Can I have middle please
Derek.” He would reply, “Just over a bit Chris.” The
chances of getting many decisions were unlikely. The
worst instance of a home umpire was when at Bignall
End Cricket club, I saw the umpire go through a gate
on one of the houses that backed onto the ground. He
then proceeded to shake hands with all their players
and officials. Mike Bulpitt looked at this and said “I’ve
seen some home umpires in my time, but never one
who lives in the bloody ground.” We didn’t get much
that day, at least the umpire didn’t have far to go for his
dinner.
On Sunday games we often had no umpires, which
meant we all had to take turns to don the white jacket.
When I started out, I thought it was a novelty to give
out some of our older players. I didn’t think much of it
until I got back to the changing room. I was corned by
one irate player “Who do you think you are giving me
out? I was playing cricket before you were born, if you
give me out again, I will stick my bat round your head.
From now on you count up to six and say over “I did
try to explain that it was hitting all three, but I thought
it better to make a hasty retreat. I didn’t give anyone out
for two years after that.
As I got more established, I had a set criterion for
my decisions. 1. Are they your mate and could this
affect them going out with you after the match. 2. If you
are one of the main batsmen you get more leeway,
giving bowlers out is fair game. 3. The Pro is never to
be given out under any circumstances, even if he hits it
to slip. 4. The captain is never to be given out, as he
picks the team and you want to play next week. 5. Don’t
give anyone out who could potentially beat you up. 6.
Try and give a token LBW, usually for our players who
are walking wickets and only when we have plenty of
runs on the board.
Tales of a Club Cricketer
by Sean Billy Connolly
At the end of
play I would say
to Ken, you
having a Barley
wine with us
after? Just one
he would say,“I
have to catch
my bus at 9”

Each month Uttoxeter’s best known character Roy ‘Razzer’
Astbury will compile his very own ‘All-Time
Local Football Team’ which in his opinion is
the very best of players past and present.
‘Razzer’ will create a team in each issue
of The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice which
he believes incorporates all the
ingredients of a football outfit which
could be unbeatable!
He will be delving into his
thoughts to remember all the
terrific players in years gone by
whilst selecting those who are
exceptional in our present
day.
It should be a
fantastic talking point
in our community
and no doubt you
all will have your
views on
‘Razzer’s Hall
of Fame
team.
JOHN CHARLESWORTH
Uttoxeter Town
A Rolls Royce type of player
who oozed class. Read the
game superbly and when
needed could dish out the
odd‘bad’tackle!
TONY CARR
Kingsley Youth Club
Terrific guy who played
hundreds of matches for the
Youth Club. Tony was a
genuine player who would
help anyone when needed.
BARRY HULTON
Rocester
Another classy player who
would fit into any position in
the team. Barry will go down
in history as one of our area’s
greatest footballers
JOHN DUDLEY
Cheadle Old Boys
Terrific player who produced
passing of the highest quality.
Could ‘leave his foot in’at times
though… which didn’t go down
too well with the opposition.
NICK WARD
Tean Albion
Wonderful player,
tremendous vision and a
great passer of the ball.
KYLE ESPLIN
Uttoxeter Town
Gifted player who has proven
quality on the ball. One of the
area’s greats – but is he better
than Dad Paul?
HARRY SMITH
Cheadle Rovers
Season after season Harry continues
to improve and now he is the
mainstay of Cheadle Rovers. Always
getting his fair share of goals.
SAMMY ELKS
Rocester
Not the tallest of players but Sammy
had the biggest heart. Opposition
players would certainly know they
had been in a game against the
ferocious tackles of the wee man…
MARTIN GADSBY
Bulls Head Marchington
A true goalscorer throughout a long and
distinguished career, Martin could hold the ball
up and lay off to his team-mates with superb
accuracy. Great guy too…
TOMMY SMITH
Uttoxeter Town
Tommy is another striker who has hit the back
of net with constant regularity over many
seasons. Probably one of the best goalscorers
to have played local football. Top man…
LES YATES
Kingsley Youth Club
Huge character who could play in goals or in any
other position in the team. His long hair used to be
the butt of many jokes and Les was a terrific friend
to many in local footballing circles.
We have inserted one football club each
player has performed for.
Obviously, many have played for several
clubs in their careers.
All-time local soccer Hall of Fame Team
by Roy ‘Razzer’ Astbury
Alan’s Football Autobiography
by Alan Beaman, a local sporting legend
Our lives start to find some normality which lifts
the human spirit...
Summer around the corner, warmer temperatures
help to pick up everyone’s view to the future.
Football reaches the business end with titles,
relegation and cups being contested. Champions
League is the dream for Man City, PSV, Chelsea and
Real Madrid, who will see their dream become a
reality.
The big pressure is on City with Guardiola
desperate to succeed. The wait must end for the
investment which has been made available to him, the
squad is full of top internationals and the bench is the
strongest of their rivals by far. So how does Pep channel
all that pressure into the ultimate reward. A massive
challenge for him personally not to portray that
pressure into the players. PSV have a unique attacking
strength which will test City’s defensive capabilities to
the limit.
The proposal of the six clubs to form a breakaway
league has thrown football into a spin but common
sense has prevailed and the 6 English clubs have now
withdrawn from the European Super League. Greed
was behind the efforts of the six to create a non-
competitive league, so they can negotiate deals for
themselves. Total disregard for the pyramid system
which gives clubs the hope of progression. Supporters,
players and other clubs have fought this challenge from
the powerful greedy few. Power is for the mega wealthy,
they will find ways to open doors just like Cameron the
ex Prime Minister is doing, he is guilty of using his
Power to gain opportunities to make money - it stinks
but that goes on in this country right at the top.
Investigation is resisted by the top brass because there’s
so many at it,
Money can be made, contracts can be won, by the
tactics of the corrupt few, they will do anything to make
money, competition is taken away by these people to
gain for themselves. This Super League was all about
the above comments, we have stopped it happening
and resisted the greedy big boy owners who don’t care
about our wonderful pyramid system and grass roots
football. We will always fight them all the way. The
Cartel attitude we saw from the involved Owners is
capable of destroying supporters backing, and then
there is no future for football, but FIFA need to clean
their act up - they have been guilty of their own closed
shop. Infantino speaks strongly against it all, FIFA rules
football and they must sort themselves out for
confidence to be in them also for the future.
The game can’t afford the way it runs, players are
overpaid, money is spent on transfers that clubs can’t
afford, it’s time to face reality - this an opportunity to
overhaul the game and it’s ownership of foreign greedy
business men who have no real roots to our game...
Whatever Trade you are in
we can fix a small ad for you
Give us a call on 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970 or Email: uttoxetervoice@ hotmail.co.uk

49
Bake’s Memoirs
by Neil Baker, local sporting legend
T
he future for most of us seems to be brighter as
we start to get over the second wave of the virus.
The vaccination programme has proved to be
the deciding factor in helping us to get our lives back,
Cases, hospital admissions due to the virus and most
importantly loss of life are all falling rapidly.
We have all suffered through this pandemic but life
in general and sport in particular can look forward to
getting back to some sort of normality.
Local football has returned and the cricket season
will have started in earnest before you have the chance
to read this column.
An opportunity to look back at how our local
football teams have fared over the last nine months and
what the future holds for them.
I’ll start in North Staffs with the Potters.
The previous campaign was a disaster under
manager Nathan Jones with the club looking over their
shoulder at a possible relegation, which would have
meant playing in the third tier of English football since
the start of this century! He was relieved of his duties
and a steadying hand was put in place to stop the rot.
Michael O’Neill took the reins and put the club
back on track. Relegation avoided and he was tasked
with taking the team forward. With my Stoke cap on
this has been achieved. In fact the first half of the
season went better than most fans could have hoped
for. At one stage there was even talk about reaching the
playoffs.
That won’t happen now for various reasons and the
last three results and performances ( Millwall,
Birmingham City and Preston NE) has seen the season
petering out into a mid table finish.
That would have been my expectations after the
chaos of the previous two years. anything more would
have been false. But next season is a massive one for
both club and manager. Building blocks have been put
in place, improved results, youth introduced into the
squad and numerous players loaned out with a view to
clearing some of the dead wood out of the club.
Maybe the biggest problem at Stoke City over the
last five years has been recruitment? I think I’m right
in saying that the club has 13 players currently out on
loan!! Not all surplus to requirements as there are a few
young players out gaining valuable first team
experience but the majority are deemed not good
enough to play in the team.
These players have mainly cost money in transfer
fees and good salaries. Yes the club sometimes gets a
loan fee and part of that salary is paid by the signing
club but I’m questioning these recommendations and
signings in the first place.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in this process and am
not foolish enough to think we get them all right, but
the key is to get the majority of them correct.
Obviously the change of managers over a number
of years hasn’t helped, as at most clubs they want to
bring in their own players which means a constant
turnaround of footballers.
The current manager has quickly made up his mind
who he wants to stay and who he wants to leave and
again this will be decided by length of contract and
other clubs willing to take them. Stoke City players are
well paid by championship standards so they wont
come cheap and to move these players on might come
with a pay off which again costs the club money to
offload these players.
I have to be honest and say that because of my club’s
season being curtailed for the past two seasons I have
been able to watch a number of Stoke fixtures and
haven’t been particularly excited by the brand. I accept
that its a result based game but also an entertainment,
i want my team to win but enjoy watching them play.
How ironic to see the manager having a go at
Birmingham City and their long throws!!! A lot of goals
were scored at the Brit under TP and to think that the
best exponent of this tactic sits next to him in the
dugout!
I wonder what he made of his bosses comments
after the game, i wouldn’t have thought it had gone
down at all well with most City fans though he would
have had Arsene Wenger on his side!
Port Vale’s form has certainly improved. Seven
games to date unbeaten including six wins has seen any
relegation fears dispelled. Darrell Clarke was unfairly
criticised at the start as he took time to weigh up the
squad and find the right formula that suited his players.
He experimented for a while and took a bit of time to
get his ideas over and injuries to key players didn’t help
his cause.
The upturn in results will give their supporters
hope and excitement that next season could and should
be a better one. I’ve never met the owners but they do
come over as good people. Genuine supporters that
have invested in the club and want what’s best. No
hidden agendas.
What has surprised me is the number of staff
employed at the club particularly at first team level.
Director of football, first team manager, assistant
manager, first team coach all bought in after a reshuffle
at the start of the season.
I don’t know how much influence John Rudge has
at the club these days but I do know I would be tapping
into his knowledge and experience. These people are
so quickly written off due to age, the reason they are
getting on is because they have spent so long in the
game, experienced most things and most likely found
a solution to problems that have cropped up in their
careers.
Over to the east of the county. Derby are still in
trouble and their only salvation will be that there are
three poorer teams than them! Wycombe will go as will
Sheffield Wednesday and despite Rotherham having
two games in hand at present, have you watched them
play recently? They’re not very good. I haven’t seen
their last few fixtures but Derby will survive, just.
All fans will hope that the new takeover will solve
the club’s problems. It may in time but they are
certainly in transition. They remind me of Stoke two
seasons ago. Stoke are a wealthy club and invested
heavily in the team but you’ve got to spend that money
wisely.
I said when Wayne Rooney was appointed as the
new manager that i wasn’t convinced he was the right
man for the job and i’m still not. Fantastic footballer
who will give his all to the club but i go back to what i
believe that you have to serve an apprenticeship, which
he hasn’t done.
I have always followed the Rams as my father was a
season ticket holder back in the sixties and I often went
to watch them play and I genuinely hope that their
fortunes improve.
Over to the City ground. That result at the end of
last season against Stoke definitely had a damaging
effect. Not only did it kill their play off aspirations but
has left a cloud over the team. The expectations of
Forest fans over the years has not been achieved.
They’re a long way from the halcyon days of
European champions. Bad owners, twelve managers
including caretakers in the last five years tell its own
story.
As with Derby the biggest problem is scoring goals.
Only Wycombe and Birmingham City have scored less.
Chris Hughton is a pragmatic manager who won’t have
the fans on the edge of their seats watching the football
they play. He’s solid and will keep you in the
championship but more important, will he get you out
of it?
Again another manager that faces a make or break
season in 2021/22.
Burton Albion have seen a massive improvement
under Hasselbaink, i feared the worst when he was
appointed, not that he wasn’t good enough but their
position was a perilous one. In fact their form since he
came in has been sensational and who knows what
might have happened if he had come in earlier. I expect
a much better season next time. Promotion would be
asking too much but a top eight finish wouldn’t.
There’s me looking into the future. Still a lot of
football to be played this season and what I do hope
more than anything is that we will be allowed back into
the grounds to watch our teams play again soon.
All the best,
Bake.
Uttoxeter
cycling club
U
ttoxeter Cycle Club was established in 2012 as a club for
those willing to improve their fitness and push themselves,
as well as social interaction.
The group meet on Sunday mornings 9am at Uttoxeter Leisure
Centre car park. Cyclists set off in three groups, there’s a short
group riding 35 miles, the medium group averaging 45, and the
long group aim for 60 plus miles.
Average speeds can be anything from 13/15 mph for the short
group, 17/19 mph for the medium, and 19/21 mph for the longer
group , but this depends on which route is designated on the day.
For more information on the club, contact is via UCC website, or
message Mark direct on 07791476275

The good old days
The Good Old Days photographs on pages 44-
45 have been identified as:
1 Uttoxeter Guisers pictured in c. 1970’s
Left to Right: Sid Williams, Algie
Johnson, Ted Williams, Toddy Williams
Bertie Crutchley
2 St Giles Catholic Primary School,
Cheadle, children pose for the
photographer in the late 1960’s.
3 JCB RFU, April 1980
Back row: Richard Harrison, Bill Salt, Ian
Ainsworth, Ian Depper, Bill Paxton,
Colin Morfitt, Steve Howarth
Front row: Dave Sharratt, John Evans,
Nick Oldham, Mick Grindey, Jason
Thompson, Pete Hollins, Howard Gould,
Steve Johnson
4 Uttoxeter Amateur Dramatics Players
pictured at Doveridge School November
6th 1956 posing after performing the play
‘It’s A Riot’
Back Row: J. Ward (Stage Manager), F.
Parker, H. Foulkes, Miss P. Sant, G. Edgar,
Tony Smith, Miss S. Seerry, K. Heath
Ivan Smith
Front Row: Misses, E. Blair (Sec.), B.
Rogers, D. Brown, M. Sant V. Rowley
5 Uttoxeter Amateur Dramatics Players
pictured at Uttoxeter Town Hall
November 20th 1958 pictured during
performing the play ‘Love in a Mist’
Left to Right: John Sergeant, Jean Ryder,
Margaret Tipper, Ruth Poole, Tom Blakey
Tony Smith
Uttoxeter Rugby Club Juniors pre-tag, U7 and U8’s train from 09:30 on Sunday mornings, the U9s and above train from 10:30
(Hot drinks and bacon sandwiches available). People should check the facebook page (@URFCJuniors) for any changes
due to weather or matches. We’re always looking for new players as well as any volunteers to help out.
On the Oche
by Dave Jones of Uttoxeter
Life President of the Uttoxeter and District Darts League
V
ery sad to hear of the passing of Les Humphries,
one of our Voice Columnists. I have to admit I
did not know Les, but from what people have
told me he was a well respected and lovely man. Best
wishes to all the family…
Another man I must mention is my friend James
Colin Hale, Taffy to most of you, the man who was very
much responsible for putting The Uttoxeter Mens and
Ladies Darts Leagues on the map so to speak, then
thanks to him when he moved away from this area, he
passed the mantle on to yours truly.
Colin was from the Land of Poets, Singers and People
of Stature, which he certainly was, a proud Welshman.
I don’t know about the good people out there but I
am sick of all these protestors, it would seem we have
more and more selfish people with total disregard for law
and order. It is all too often the Police who bear the brunt.
Harming their horses, beseiging their stations, setting
fire to vehicles with some officers still inside of them. In
my book that is attempted murder. The Police should not
have to put up with such abuse. They are just doing their
job, trying to make sure of peaceful demonstrations
which at the moment is not happening because of the
arrogance of a minority who want to hijack our way of
life and wage anarchy.
These people are loud and intimidating thugs who
hate everything our country stands for. Why do you, the
decent people, stand for their behaviour….
Make no mistake, nobody wants to stop peaceful
protests, that is why the Police Crime Sentencing and
Courts Bill is so important. The Bill is there to prevent
protests that intend to cause serious harm and disruption
from the likes of anarchists.
The Bill contains many good proposals with tougher
measures against child killers, sex grooming, dangerous
drivers etc., do away with early release for terrorists,
prisoners who should be deported and not given parole
early etc etc
You, the law-abiding British taxpayers, are having to
pay for the violence caused by so many stupid people and
we are talking about millions which could be put to far
better use.
What really puts my back up is a lot of years ago loads
and loads of brave men and women fought and died to
give you all the freedom and democracy you should be
enjoying today.
On ending, to all you good people out there, please
stay safe and do all you can to overcome and beat the
Pandemic.
Take care, Dave

51
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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 104

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 104