Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81

FREE
15,000 QUALITY MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTED EACH ISSUE - NOW IN OUR 11thYEAR!
Issue 81
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
• Tailor-made to suit your
lifestyle and home
• Innovative Products - the new
keyless Yale Smart Door Lock
is now on display in our
showroom
• Swift installation with
minimal disturbance
• Long lasting value and low
maintenance
• 10 year insurance backed
guarantee
Enhance your home with
windows, doors and
conservatories from
Supercraft
Buy now,
pay later with
0% finance on
selected products
info@supercraftwindows.co.uk

3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 15,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
D
id you see Adam Peaty’s TV interview after he won silver at the
Commonwealth Games? I was truly humbled by his down to
earth comments and once again I realised what a really
inspirational guy he is...
Our local hero successfully defended his 100m breaststroke title to
win a gold medal but he was touched off in the 50m final by South
African Cameron van der Burgh which ignited shock amongst his supporters.
However, the former Painsley Catholic College student showed unbelievable sportsmanship by
immediately congratulating the South African winner whilst quickly taking a look at his own
performance.
Adam said after his defeat “some people have down days and today was a down day for me, for
my body. Mentally, I was there but body wasn’t. I was 90%, probably working at 95%. But to win races
like that when it comes down to a very fine margin, I need to be 100%.”
What honesty and integrity – I can’t wait to see him in a few months time when he is 100% when
Adam will once again show the world he is still Number 1...
As many readers know, throughout my life I have bought, sold, bred and syndicated racehorses. I
created groups of racehorse owners who paid very little money but enjoyed the great Sport of Kings.
One of my most successful syndicates was in a horse called Centaur Express. I bought him as an
unraced 2 year old in 1994 for £1500 and he went on to win 5 hurdle and 4 chase races from his 49
runs – a wonderful achievement!
Some local people were involved in this syndicate and we travelled all over the country with
Centaur Express, including to Ireland for the prestigious Ladbroke Hurdle. He was trained by
Stramshall’s Tony Forbes, a charismatic man and later at Anfield Stables in Uttoxeter by Andy Streeter,
for my money the best trainer I have ever worked with.
I received the news a few weeks ago that at the age of 26 years old ‘Eric, as he was affectionately
known, had passed away. I was rocked in my boots and it felt like an old friend was gone forever.
‘Eric’ had received a truly wonderful retirement with a family near Chatsworth House before
moving to the countryside at Hull with their daughter – I can’t thank them enough for providing him
with 16 years of love.
He was such a courageous racehorse to us all and the other night I went into my personal box of
memories which stores all of my life’s bits and pieces.
And there it was! Eric's battered old red passport which accompanied him to all his 49 races - I
shed a tear, I am not embarrassed to say – a few tears of sadness but mostly of joy at being involved
with such a trusty steed who enjoyed 26 happy years - R.I.P. Eric my old friend...
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Voice colour magazine
Nigel Titterton, Editor & Publisher
Dear Reader,
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by
Community Voice Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not
necessarily those of the publishers, nor indeed their responsibility.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and is
published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
15,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses
in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Ashbourne, Rocester, Denstone,
Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean,
Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge,
Kingsley, Mayfield, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley Green &
Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone,
Marchington, Ellastone, Froghall, Hollington, Marston
Montgomery, Meir Park areas.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES
AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970
Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE
The next Voice will be out on May 25th
News Deadline: May 15
Advertising Deadline: May 17
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW -
Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or
Call 01538 751629
You can also contact us via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice UttoxeterVoice
UttoxeterVoice

Our Brand New Kitchen Showroom
Now Open
Karndean
flooring at great prices
Uttoxeter Tile and Bathroom Ltd
7 The Square, Market Place, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8HN
Tel: 01889 560111 Mob: 07929 201128
Email: sales@uttoxetertb.co.uk
Open: Monday 8-3pm; Tuesday to Friday 8-5pm; Saturday 8-2pm; Sunday appointment only.
Great Offers on tiles and suites • Very competitive prices • Open to trade and public
While stocks last. Terms & conditions apply.
We can offer supply only on bathrooms, kitchens and tiles (the largest choice available in the area)
or we can fully project manage supply and fit on the above, free of charge no obligation site survey with
expert advice on goods to suit your needs and requirements using the space available.
We now offer
Tiles by:
Up To
50% off
KITCHENS
We provide ecological
services to projects
that contribute to
sustainable development
Telephone: 01782 444 292
Mobile: 07947 783 448
Email: matthew@absoluteecology.co.uk
www.absoluteecology.co.uk
Tea parties, baby showers, birthday and hen parties,
and any special occasion.
Call Debra on 07962 916064
Email: somelikeitchintz@yahoo.co.uk
somelikeitchintz
Some like
it Chintz
Vintage china hire
Local
Bookkeeper
with over 10
years experience
Offering the following
Services:
Bookkeeping & Payroll
Services, Preparation of VAT
Return, Accounts, Computer
Consultancy & Training.
Telephone 07379 855079
or email
lcbookkeeping12@yahoo.com
Need help
with your
Bookkeeping?
See how
The Voice
can
publicise
your
business
Give us a call on
01538 751629
or 07733 466 970
or Email:
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
Advert prices start
at only £25 and
can hit over
15,000 homes

Everyone
lovesTheVoice
ADVERTISERS!! ENJOY THE
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS...
Superb hard copy colour magazine and the internet!
Your advert goes into a massive 15,000 quality Voice
glossy magazines - plus it goes into our online
magazine for free!
Readers tell us they do not throw The Voice magazine
into the bin but retain it until the next issue arrives
through the letterbox around a month later!
This provides our advertisers with a very long
timescale in the public domain which is terrific value
for money!
Our online magazine can be read page by page oﬀ
Tablets, Mobile Phones and Computers. Go to
uttoxeterandcheadlevoice.co.uk and click on
Back Issues
Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk now and
place your advert in the next Uttoxeter & Cheadle
Voice colour magazine - no pre-payment required
which is another huge plus for our advertisers.
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Serving Breakfasts and
Homemade Scones & Cakes
Daily Specials
BOAT TRIPS START IN JUNE
Specialising in Teas, Italian Piacetto Coffee
and home baked scones
Welcoming families, ramblers, cyclists,
dog walkers and canal enthusiasts
Open Tuesday-Friday10am-4pm,
weekends 10am-4.30pm. Closed Mondays.
Froghall Wharf, Foxt Road,
Churnet Valley ST10 2HJ
Situated 5 minutes from Cheadle &
15 minutes from Ashbourne on the A52
by the canal in Froghall Wharf.
Tel: 01538 266288
You can now stay over at Hetty’s
We now have holiday accommodation
available above the tea shop. It’s called
Tiddlywinks and sleeps 6.
Book through Airbnb
www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/22725271?s=51
• Fully equipped mobile van
with the latest equipment
including heated hydrobath
• Clipping and styling
• Bath and blow dry
• Nail Trim • Puppy packages
• Double coat de-shed • Hand strip
• No dog too big or too small
07508 099157
doggrooming@maddiesmuckymutts.co.uk

H
istoric Bamford family
connections were
cemented when four
young JCB ambassadors visited Oldfields Hall Middle
School, in Uttoxter.
The undergraduate engineers visited the Stone
Road school – a former home of members of the
Bamford family - to take part in an innovative Royal
Institution Science Roadshow during British Science
Week.
The team of Ishan Nova, Lucy Houghton, Alasdair
Mundy-Jones and Sarah Mitchell took along a JCB
Fastrac 8330 to show students, helped the children with
science experiments and answered questions on careers
in engineering as part of the special day.
JCB undergraduate engineer Catherine Goddard,
who organised the visit, said: “The school approached
the Bamford Foundation for £650 to sponsor the
science roadshow, and the company was delighted to
help out. Many of the children have relatives working
for JCB and of course the school is the former home of
members of the Bamford family.
“To make the event extra special for the children,
we decided to showcase the great machines that are
made just down the road from their school and give
them a flavour of the amazing opportunities here for
young people interested in science and engineering.”
Oldfields Middle School’s Lisa Cunliffe said: “The
day was a huge success and the children really got a
sense of the magic of science. It was made even more
enjoyable with the arrival of the JCB Fastrac, while the
company’s STEM ambassadors showed that science and
engineering can be a great career.”
Historic classroom connections
renewed by JCB ambassadors
The Lovely Little Town of Uttoxeter
Views of Uttoxeter from the spire of
St Mary’s Parish Church
By Jim Foley
T
hese photos of Uttoxeter taken from the spire of
St Mary’s are two of my favourites as they show
so much. In the first the roofing of the JCB
factory top right on the Stafford Road by the Hockley
is amazing. Who’d have ever thought that one day it
would be gone. Balance Street where Mary Botham,
married name Howitt, lived as child runs parallel with
the factory. Where the war memorial stands bottom
left we are told is where Samuel Johnson’s father had
his bookstall and it was here Samuel in 1784 is said to
have spent an hour atoning for his pride in refusing to
help his father out one day when he was ill fifty years
earlier in 1734.
Of course it would have been beneath the dignity
of a learned like him to run a bookstall in the Market
Place in Uttoxeter. The three storey building facing the
Market Place with the black strips on a white wall was
once the site of a pub called The Nag’s Head later
renamed The Vine Inn. It was here in 1863 that the
American author Nathaniel Hawthorn had a good
lunch when he came to visit the site of Johnson’s
penance and was disappointed when no one could tell
him where the site was. Sources to follow.
It seems it was also here that the pig market was
held and where the stocks were kept to punish
offenders.
Photo from the book ‘Gently Thru Life,The Old Vicarage, Uttoxeter to The Arabian
Empty Quarter and King Hussain’s Jordan’ by David Whitmore
The large open space at the bottom of Bridge Street in the above photo now has the
large Waitrose supermarket and car park on it. The white gable end of the building
on the left side is that of The Wheatsheaf pub. Again in those days you never thought
of things changing. The original Alleyne’s Grammar School was on the right of Bridge
Street approximately where the newish building with the large expanse of roofs are.

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
I
had a visit from a long lost relative of mine the
other week who emigrated to Australia back in
1969 under the £10 Pom Scheme or assisted
passage which meant he could travel there for £10 and
the government paid the rest.
A lot of people went for this, my cousin included to
find a new life in the sun. There was a small catch
however, they had to stop for a minimum of 2 years or
pay back the full fare of £120 in those days which meant
quite a few thousand pounds by todays standards.
Many decided to stop there and make a new life my
cousin included and never came back.
Anyway my cousin decided after being away for 50
years he would return back to Uttoxeter to trace his
roots and relatives or those that were still living here,
me being one of them.
During his visit I took him on a sight seeing trip of
the town which he said was still recognisable and in a
lot of respects had not changed a great deal since he
was here last in the 1960’s with the exception of the lack
of pubs.
This made me think of how many pubs have
actually closed over the years, it is frightening really,
when you delve into it.
I have pictured below some of them that have shut
in my time, there were quite a few others as well, namely
the Shrewsbury & Talbot at the top of the Hockley (now
Houses), The George & Dragon in Carter Street (now a
private dwelling), The Greyhound in Balance Street
(now a block of flats), The Union in Cheadle Road (now
part of Fox’s biscuits car park) and probably a few more
that I cannot bring to mind at this time.
In my father’s and Grandfather’s time Uttoxeter
could boast of over 60 pubs. Many of the premises are
still standing but have been converted to other uses,
typical examples being The Red Lion in the Market
Place (now Domino’s Pizza Parlour), The Cross Keys
in High Street (now an Estate Agents), others that have
disappeared are The Blue Bell in High Street
(demolished and replaced now with Barclay’s Bank),
The Golden Ball, Church Street (demolished and now
a car park), The White Lion (now the site of the bus
station), the list goes on.
It amazes me how many pubs there were in these
past times all appearing to make a living out of it with
so much competition especially when the population
of the town was a lot less than it is today.
Nowadays peoples drinking habits have obviously
changed somewhat with a lot of the youngsters using
their spare cash on other luxury items such as cars,
mobile phones, etc. and the cost of mortgages with
more youngsters wishing to own their own homes or
living away from their parents and paying huge rents
which was virtually unknown in my younger days
hence them not using pubs to the same degrees as us
elders causing there closure..
These reasons along with the smoking ban which
went hand and hand with having a pint have caused the
demise of our pubs with an average of over 30 closing
every week. To me this is a great tragedy as I believe
that the local pub apart from its architectural merit and
it being the social hub of a lot of places especially the
smaller communities is the sad loss of a great English
tradition which to me cannot be replaced.
Although looking on the bright side although not
pubs as I know them J. D. Wetherspoons have saved
and converted some outstanding old buildings and
turned them into drinking and dining establishments
offering good beer and food at very competitive prices.
Coupled with the springing up of the new micropub
which is based more on the old traditional pub offering
reasonably priced drinks and conversation without the
21st century idea of blasting televisions, clunking
gaming machines and loud juke boxes all is not lost.
Till next time, good luck on your next pub crawl I
am certain you will still find some remaining good
ones.
Lank
The Roebuck, Dove Bank
Demolished for Road Widening & New Junction
The Vine, Market Place
Now a Building Society
The Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street
Empty but still standing (Just about)
The Hope & Anchor, High Street
Now an Indian Restaurant
The Limes, Cheadle Road
Demolished now housing
The Wellington, High Street
Now converted into offices
The White Horse, Bridge Street
Demolished and replaced with a new pub,
The Steeplechase
The Royal Oak, High Street
Site now a Household & Garden Supplies Store
The Weaver Lodge, Windsor Road
Demolished now housing

Latest Business Extra Plan
for Small Businesses
Call today to get all this for just £39* a month:
• 10GB of data
• Unlimited calls to UK landlines and UK mobiles
• Unlimited UK texts
• 180 mins and texts from UK to EU
• included
• Free faulty replacement
• Use your full allowance to call,
text and browse in EU
Brookend House, Crakemarsh, Uttoxeter ST14 5BL
Tel 01889 591209
sales@vitalbusiness.co.uk
www.vitalbusiness.co.uk
Sim Only
Unlimited
mins/text
5GB
£15pm
Sim Only
Unlimited
mins/text
25GB
£22pm
4G WiFi
50GB
£25pm
New
iPhone 8
in stock
The recurring price plan charge will be increased by RPI in March of each calendar year. Other prices may also go up during the plan. *All prices & charges quoted are plus VAT

C
.A.T.S. (Cheadle Amateur Theatrical Society) is
thrilled to be representing the North Staffs
region at the All England Theatre Festival for
One Act Plays, (AETF) in Burton-on Trent later this
month.
‘When a Man Knows’ written by Alan Richardson
and directed by C.A.T.S. member Marge Stanley, will
now go forward to the Central Area Central Division
Quarter Final which will be held in Burton-on-Trent
in April. Marge and all of C.A.T.S. are hoping that the
play will progress even further to the regional final in
June.
A psychological drama with a cast of only two
actors, ‘When a Man Knows’ brought home a plethora
of awards for Marge and C.A.T.S. Marge was awarded
the Elizabeth Gildhart Memorial Trophy for Best
Director, Becky Snow and Dan Ede Smith received the
Adjudicator’s Trophy for their performances as Pamela
and Edward, C.A.T.S. won the Adult Trophy for Best
Adult Group and the play was awarded the DE
Caversmill Trophy for Festival winner. Dan and Becky
were also nominated in the Best Actor and Actress over
21 categories, awards they have both previously won in
the Festival.
The nominations
and awards for
C.A.T.S. did not stop
there. Emily Bosworth
aged 18, was
nominated for Best
Actress under 21 for
her role of young
Sarah in ‘The Seven
Sins of Sarah,’ whilst
the play was runner
up for the Charles
Raines Trophy for
Best Original Play.
Charlie Brown won
the New People’s
Theatre Performance
Award for an actress
over 21 for her role as
Sarah.
‘The Seven Sins of
Sarah’ was written by
Alan R. Price and
adapted by Charlie Brown, who also was director.
Charlie along with C.A.T.S. was runner up in the semi-
finals in the Festival last year with ‘Prison of the Mind,’
only losing out to the overall British Festival winners,
TACT from Tamworth.
Marge Stanley said she “was over the moon and
extremely proud of everyone with the awards C.A.T.S.
has won.” C.A.T.S. has been entering the All England
One Act Play Festival for many years and have won
various awards over several categories, however, this is
the first time that C.A.T.S. have been overall winners
in the preliminary rounds. Last year ‘Prison of the
Mind’ was runner up. Marge added “we expect to have
many supporters from Cheadle cheering us on in the
next round and we are really hoping to do them and
our town proud.”
C.A.T.S. is hopeful of progressing one stage further
than last year to the Central Area Finals which will be
held locally at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley in
June.
If you would like to support C.A.T.S. in the quarter
finals, ‘When a Man Knows’ will be performed at the
Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-on-Trent on April 21st
2018 . Tickets are available from Sue Fortune on 01827
69082 e-mail Sue.fortune@hotmail.co.uk . For further
details about C.A.T.S. contact Stephen on 01538
752138 or visit www.cheadle-cats.org.uk
C.A.T.S. One Act Play Festival Success
Becky, Marge & DanCharlie Brown- Best Actress
Cast of The Seven Sins of Sarah

Take
advantage
of our
massive
readership
to attract
customers
Telephone
01538 751629
or simply email
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
Special Advert
Discount Rates
Available
E-MAIL YOUR
ADVERT TODAY
NO PRE-PAYMENT
REQUIRED!!
You can also contact us
via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice
search for
Uttoxeter Voice
search for
Uttoxeter Voice
DISTRIBUTUONNOW
AMASSIVE
15,000
Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
Right advice
Right choice
Right price
• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Batteries
• Brakes and
Shock Service
• Agricultural Tyres
• Wheel Alignment
Tea Rooms
Now Open
Tues- Sat 9am-4.30pm +
Sun & Bank Holiday Monday’s 10am-4pm
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Cream Teas &
Cakes (Licenced from 12 Midday)
Tel:01889 567263
www.olivetreeguesthouse.co.uk
tearooms@olivetreeguesthouse.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
@olivetreetearooms
Olive Tree Guest House
& Tea Rooms
High Street, Stramshall
ST14 5AL
Twenty years
not out!
Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
BRIAN MELLOR
F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S L T D
Independent Financial Adviser
Russell House • 20 Stockwell Street • Leek • ST13 6DS
Tel: 01538 371288 www.brianmellorfs.co.uk
We couldn’t have achieved this without you!
TURNING YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS INTO REALITY
The Brian Mellor team
has spent two decades at
the crease – looking
after our clients’
interests with a
comprehensive range of
financial planning services
and independent advice.
If you would like to
boost your own financial
score, contact us for an
impartial chat.
PAUL MORTON LTD
All Makes of Domestic
Appliances Repaired
WASHING MACHINES • DISHWASHERS • COOKERS • OVENS ETC
Full range of NEW Appliances Available
Hotpoint Creda Trained Engineer
Prompt Attention and Guaranteed Service
ALL AREAS COVERED - FREE CALL OUT
01889 566353 - 01538 713369
01782 388692 - 07970 541 642
www.paulmortonltd.co.uk
paulmortonlimited@gmail.com

The Potting Shed
Garden Maintenance Services
Regular work undertaken
Hedge Trimming • Weeding • Lawn Cutting
Pruning • Planting • Borders Tidied
Shed & Fence Maintenance
Professional, reliable service • Free estimates given
Tel 07377 554289
Ki
tchens by Paul Gabri
el
of S t r a m s h a l l
Affordable Kitchens from the
unusual to the straightforward.
Re-vamp your existing kitchen with a choice
of over fifty door designs and a wide choice of
worktops and sinks.
Or simply paint your existing doors
to freshen things up.
Otherwise I can design, supply and fit a
brand new kitchen or supply only.
For free friendly advice call Paul on
01889 562139 or mobile 07990 622125
Visit www.kitchensbypaulgabriel.co.uk
or e-mail paulmgabriel@hotmail.co.uk
Taekwon-do
We train at The Parkwood Community
Leisure Centre In Cheadle on Tuesday Night
6.00pm to 6.30pm 4yrs to 6yrs
6.30pm to 7.30pm Junior/Beginers Grades
7.30pm to 8.30pm Senior/Advanced Grades
Call John on 07854 806581
www.nctkd.co.uk
CARLTON UPHOLSTERY
RE-UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS • EST 1979
Three-Piece Suites • Odd Chairs & Sofas
Headboards • Bedroom Furniture • Re-Springing
Replacement Seat • Foam Cushions/Fibre
Repairs to Upholstery
Antique Restoration also Undertaken
For a FREE Estimate call Carlton Upholstery on
01538 756274 or 07976 794811
Carlton Upholstery, 1 Rawle Close, Rectory Fields,
Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1UX
O
ne of the many joys about moving to our
home on the hill is the discovery of new walks
with my four-legged best friend. The first
time that Dylan and I walked along the lane near
where we now live I felt myself transported to rural
France. The narrow twisty lane and various buildings
scattered along it continue to remind me of Brittany
or Normandy.
With my somewhat overactive imagination I can
envisage clandestine and dangerous meetings between
members of the French Resistance and those for
whom they put their lives in such danger. I remember
a series from the 1980s called ‘Wish me Luck’ which
featured two young women who were sent to France
as part of British Intelligence. I used to wonder how I
would have fared in these circumstances. Not well I
suspect as whenever I cross the road in a foreign
country I always look the wrong way which would
have been somewhat of a giveaway to any watching
occupying soldiers and is also a danger to my
wellbeing.
This reminds me of a scene from one of my
favourite films and not only because it features Steve
McQueen. ‘The Great Escape’ is a
wonderful tale of team work and
great courage. Having escaped the
camp, Richard Attenborough gets
off the train taking him to freedom
and shows his papers to a German
officer who wishes him ‘good luck’
in English. Mr. Attenborough’s
character thanks the officer…in
English. Then follows a chase that
ends with most of the escaped
Allied officers being recaptured.
To avoid any further musings
about life threatening encounters
and the bravery and luck that are
required, last weekend we walked
along the railway line. Anyone who
lives near the Master Potter estate
in Cheadle is familiar with this
favourite walk of mine and of many
other dog walkers. As my dog
means so much to me I would
never put him at any risk so be
reassured that, if you have no idea
where I mean, the railway line is
disused and has been for the many
years since Cheadle had a station
and a regular train service. If you
were a little anxious about dogs and
their owners trotting alongside the
10.04 Virgin service to Manchester
Piccadilly I understand your
concern.
Following my first Christmas in Cheadle we
decided to have a get together on Boxing Day. When I
opened the door to four members of my new family
and asked them ‘Did you walk?’ I was flabbergasted to
be told that they had ‘come across the railway line’. To
think that two intelligent and rational people would
place themselves and their children, then aged 10 and
7, into such a dangerous situation truly astounded
me…until I found discovered railway line myself. And
a place of beauty it can be, as the seasons change in all
their specific glory.
At the moment everything is starting to bud and
there a few wild daffodils whose seeds have been
transported on the wind from neighbouring gardens.
Soon there will be a carpet of bluebells to advertise
Spring and quickly the paths will be barely passable as
the Summer months bring warmth and inevitable rain
to make the hedges lush. Autumn sees the trees at their
best as leaves change colour and start to drop. Then
we are faced once again with the bareness of Winter.
We are now in my very favourite season so enjoy
the Spring… and I urge you watch ‘The Great Escape’
if you have never seen it!
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle
Coffee Morning
DenstoneVillage Hall
Saturday 28th April
10am-12pm
Come along and chat to friends
and help us raise money for the
Royal British Legion
in this centenary year of the
ending of the 1914-18 World War
There will be toasted tea cakes,
tea and coffee, cake stalls,
a tombola and lots more

UTTOXETER TOWN HALL
The ideal venue for your perfect day
An enchanting Grade II Listed Building providing the perfect setting for
Weddings & Civil Partnerships, christenings, conferences and any
special occasion.
Uttoxeter Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN
T: 01889 564085
E: info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk
www.uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk
Contact us to arrange a viewing and advise you of
what we can offer
The perfect setting
U
ttoxeter volunteers gave up their time to litter
pick the streets and footpaths of the town. The
Uttoxeter Spring Clean took place recently and
helped to remove 14 bags of harmfu litter and a
discarded TV!
There are serious litter issues around Uttoxeter
public footpaths and cut-through alleyways throughout
the town. To clear this waste from the streets across the
whole of East Staffordshire, it costs the Local Authority
£970,000 per year.
Community volunteers gave their time to clear
various litter hotspots around Uttoxeter, including the
footpaths between Heath Road and Springfield Road,
Bramshall Road and its footpaths and the grass verge
that runs along the perimeter of the Tesco Superstore.
Amongst the litter collected, a large number of
offending items were sweet wrappers, fizzy drink cans
and plastic bottles. Plastic bottles alone take at least 450
years to degrade, in which time they harm wildlife and
can cause vermin infestations, all of which is avoidable!
Uttoxeter Spring Clean is run by environmental
not-for-profit The Globe Foundation, who hope it will
raise awareness of the damage caused by people’s
wasteful actions. Globe’s Event Director, Kate Copeland
said
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we
have received, we would like to thank the team of
volunteers that did a tremendous job on Saturday and
to local cleaning contractors IdVerde, Moorland
Contract Cleaning and Uttoxeter Racecourse, who
kindly donated the litter picking equipment.
“We were pleased to be able to remove 14 bags of
litter (and one TV) from the streets and footpaths, but
saddened that it was there in the first place. Littering
is not acceptable and we need to educate people to stop
them from doing it.
“We will be working closely with community
members and groups to help minimise poor waste
behaviours, with a particular focus on single use
plastics. We can only tackle these issues if everyone is
on board and working together.”
The Uttoxeter Spring Clean is part of a national
initiative, The Great British Spring Clean, a campaign
with a simple aim: to bring people across the
country together to clear up the litter that blights our
towns, villages, countryside and beaches. The national
campaign is run by Keep Britain Tidy and aims to
inspire 500,000 people to get outdoors, get active and
help clear up the rubbish that lies around us.
The organisers hope to run another litter pick in
the summer and will also be running a number of other
sustainability events, if you would like more
information or to volunteer please visit
globefoundation.org.uk/events
Uttoxeter gets a spring clean from
local Litter Heroes

www.thecrowninnderbyshire.co.uk | 01889 591 430
Riggs Lane, Marston Montgomery Ashbourne DE6 2FF
Open: Monday - Sunday 11am - 11pm
RESTAURANT | PUB | ROOMS | SPECIAL EVENTS
Quiz Nights | Music Nights | Food Served Daily | Afternoon Teas
MORE THAN JUST A PUB
Crown Inn
Guest Review Awards 2016.
Booking.com
9.1out of 10
We collect and deliver - free of charge • Fast and reliable sales, service and emergency repairs
Fast turnaround • We always use genuine parts - but can also supply non genuine parts
Competitive rates • Reliable and friendly service
Expert Garden Machinery
Servicing and Repairs
01889 591241
Unit 5, North View Farm, Alton Road, Denstone, Nr Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5DH
www.taylormadelandscapingmachinery.com • parts@taylormadelandscape.co.uk

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

The Promise of a Royal
Marines Commando
H
onesty and integrity are words all too
frequently overlooked when allowing a
tradesman over your threshold.
Since the year 1664, the Royal Marines have
been synonymous with these words and these
traits are instilled into every Royal Marines
Commando during basic training.
In order to deep clean your carpet, upholstery,
wooden or hard floor to the best of my ability I
make a promise to you that whatever I’m cleaning
can’t get any cleaner before I leave your home.
This promise is made as a retired Royal Marines Commando.
If there is any stain or dirt in front of me I will continue to clean away until it’s
completely eliminated.
The Zero Dry Time products use the latest technology, are all organic meaning
they are safe for children, pets and those with breathing difficulties. The cleaning
process means as I leave your home, it’s dry!
No ‘wet doggy smell.’ No harmful chemicals. No drying time.
Then call Ian from Zero Dry Time . The Commando Carpet Cleaner from
Barlaston. A carpet cleaner you can trust.
A former Royal Marines Commando
cleaning carpets, whatever next!
Call Ian on 0800 1804901
or email ian.north@zerodrytime.com
www.zerodrytime.com
www.facebook.com/ZDTstaffordshire
Before After Before After
F
amily, friends and
former colleagues
gathered to celebrate
the life of a valued retired JCB employee recently.
A lasting tribute was paid to the late William
(Bill) Fradley with the planting of a chestnut tree
and commemorative plaque in the grounds of JCB’s
World Headquarters at Rocester.
Bill, 79, of High Street Doveridge, died last
October and before retiring in 2002 worked for JCB
for 42 years, rising through the ranks to Senior
Design and Development engineer.
Members of the Fradley family attended the
official tree planting ceremony and were welcomed
by JCB’s Director of Engineering Bob Womersley,
who served as a junior to Bill when he first joined
the company.
Bill’s daughter, Helen Fradley said: “My father
continued to hold a deep sense of loyalty to the JCB
company and regularly regaled us with anecdotes
of the amazing years he spent there.
“From a cold and draughty tin shed working
alongside Joseph Bamford, right through to the last
years developing and perfecting the JCB-SCM
collaboration crawlers; his passion and enjoyment
for his work shone brightly.”
The family also uncovered a treasure trove of
memorabilia from Mr Fradley’s time with the
company, including a daily diary of the entire 42
years of his career and his original employee
contract signed by founder Joseph Cyril Bamford.
It is hoped some of the memorabilia will be
displayed in the Story of JCB at the World
Headquarters visitor centre.
Tree planting commemorates life of
loyal JCB employee
Pictured (left to right) is JCB’s Bob Womersley with Bill’s
three daughters Helen, Jo and Sue Fradley.
Bill Fradley’s youngest grandson Caelen Massey (5) at
the tree planting on the banks of JCB’s World
Headquarters lake.

Historic pubs
in the Cheadle area
By Mike Plant
T
he earliest known licensee of this pub was
William Allen, who also ran a rope making
business on Ashbourne Road from around
1871. This business gave the pub its nickname “The
Ropey”, which would stick until its eventual closure.
Census records indicate that the pub may have been
built as a private residence called Yew Tree Cottage.
The 1861 census shows James Morton a retired
Ropemaker living in this property, which was in the
same area.
The ropewalk was a long building which ran the
length of the land behind the pub. This was where the
materials would have been laid out, before being
twisted into rope.
By this time the “wild west” days of beer-houses
was over and new licenses were only granted to people
with suitable premises. It must have been a well-ran
business, as in 1878 it was also granted a license to sell
wine.
The Allen family kept the pub until the early 1900s,
it was then sold to the Joules Brewery for around
£2000. Although the pub was sold, the rope business
continued for some time after; with the Allen’s having
a shop on the High Street.
In the 1920s, land connected to the pub acted as the
grounds for the New Haden Colliery football team.
Albert John “Bert” Whitehurst who played in the team
would later play for Stoke City.
A full license was granted for the pub in January
1962 replacing its previous “beer on” license. In
February 1981 plans for an extension were submitted;
enabling the creation of a lounge and dining area.
In 2005 the pub became the property of Punch
Taverns, the pub closed for good in 2009 and was later
sold to developers. The building remained boarded up
until 2011, then it was demolished and housing is now
on the site.
The Travellers Rest (Ashbourne Road)
T
here are no references to this pub until the early
1870s, when the earliest licensee is named as
William T. Elkin in a Trade Directory. The pub
was at the bottom of Chapel Street, within a short
distance of the Rising Sun.
The Plant family took over the pub around 1895,
with James Plant as the licensee. When the pub was
inspected in 1907, it was owned by the Burton Brewery
Co. James’ son Frank would later take on the pub and
he ran it through into the 1940s.
As motor traffic increased in the town, the pub’s
location made the road increasingly dangerous. There
were several attempts to shut it down, but the licensing
authorities kept renewing the licence.
The last licensee was George Brassington, who died
in 1973 – after this no further licence was granted,
despite many attempts to re-open the pub. In 1981 the
pub was permanently de-licensed on the grounds of
redundancy.
Shortly afterwards an attempt to turn the building
into flats was made, but the application was turned
down. In the late 1980s the building was demolished.
The Rifleman’s Arms (Tape Street)

Rising Sun (Tape Street)
T
he earliest reference to this pub is found in a trade directory from 1818, with
the licensee named as John Smith. In 1840 the Cheadle lodge of the Oddfellow
friendly society was formed here – members would pay into the society and
be able to get financial help if they later needed it.
Trade Directories document the changes of licensees, but not much else is
documented in the 1800s. Although licensee Joseph Wright, was fined for serving
alcohol out of hours on a couple of occasions.
In the early 1900s there was a national movement to reduce the number of pubs.
This meant there was a lot more scrutiny by the Police and licensees/owners were
forced to make sure the premises were kept to a certain standard.
By 1907, the pub was owned by the Charles Bunting and Co. Ltd, a brewery based
in Uttoxeter. After an inspection the owners were asked to remove the yard gates, to
make Police supervision easier. Over the next two years a further £400 was spent on
improvements.
The investments must have paid off, because the pub remained open for decades,
becoming the regular meeting place of the Cheadle pigeon club in the 1960s. The
pub remained open until 1984, the last licensee was Arthur Moult, who recently
turned 100. The building is now the Millennium Dentists.
Above: The Rifleman’s Arms

Fully trained and registered with
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps
offering certified rotary power sweeps covering Staffordshire and Derbyshire
A professional, friendly and clean service
Please call or email for a free
quote or to make an appointment
WHEEL ‘N’ TYRESLTD
Performance Tyre Centre
WE FIT TYRES ON YOUR DRIVE
PUBLIC • BUSINESS • FARM CALL-OUTS
Unit A, Brookhouses Industrial
Estate, Cheadle ST10 1SR
01538 755100
BATTERIES • BRAKES
EXHAUSTS • TYRES
Personal Service and Advice
O
n Sunday 4th March, during the Cheadle
Running Club’s annual Spring 5 Race,
while adult runners had some
difficulties on snowy roads, the youngsters taking
part in the Fun Run enjoyed a cold but dry spell.
The Fun Run is sponsored by Cheadle
Fairtrade Group, and each of the 12 participants
received their medal from the Mayor, Cllr. Phillip
Routledge, Patron of Fairtrade in Cheadle, and
Mrs Jeanette Routledge, and a Fairtrade goody
bag holding 5 Fairtrade items - a banana,
chocolate bar, orange drink, badge and an
information leaflet, “What is Fairtrade?” Bee
Healthfoods Cheadle provided the chocolate and
the Co-operative at Werrington, a box of
bananas. The remaining bananas were enjoyed
by the adult runners.,
The following day, 2 members of the
Fairtrade Group joined the children at St. Giles
R.C. Primary School for Morning Assembly, and
showed a film, “Fairtrade Matters”, illustrating
just how much our buying Fairtrade produce
enhances the lives of families living and working
on a tea producing farm in Malawi. Besides
receiving a good price for their produce, they
receive an extra allowance, paid directly to them,
which they have chosen to spend on a motorbike,
to save time and energy getting to places a
distance away, a small ambulance, which has
already saved a few lives, a well for the village, a
maternity clinic with training for a midwife, and
a bridge over a river to enable easy contact and
trade with another village. The pupils and staff
were pleased to know Cheadle is a Fairtrade
Town, and are displaying our banner, “Cheadle
Supports Fairtrade”.
On Wednesday 14th March, the Group
celebrated Fairtrade with Cheadle U3A at their
monthly Coffee Morning, when members, sitting
and chatting at tables enjoying Fairtrade tea,
coffee and cookies, were offered a chocolate bar
donated by the Divine Chocolate Company,
which is owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana. The
stall selling Fairtrade goods, which visits the
Coffee Morning every month, did excellent trade,
proving the value of knowing that buying
Fairtrade produce really does change lives for the
better.
Cheadle celebrates
Fairtrade Fortnight 2018

A complete professional service
designed to your requirements
Free Quotations
Showroom at Nettlebank, Sandbach Road,
Burslem, Stoke on Trent ST6 2DR
Telephone 01782 827313
www.graniteworktopsstokeontrent.co.uk
GRANITE &
QUARTZ
WORKTOPS
N E T T L E BA N K
C
headle Flower Club welcomed Brian Spencer from
Paradise Nurseries to show us how to plant up tubs and
hanging baskets.
Brian discussed the most suitable plants for the chosen
containers and we learned the dangers of setting plants out too
early in the year.
As Shakespeare said – “rough winds do shake the darling
buds of May” It is disappointing to find that bedding plants etc
can so easily be caught by a late frost. It is worth keeping them
indoors, ideally in a greenhouse or similar, giving them the best
chance of survival.
On the subject of snow, and wind-chill we were reminded
that in 1976 it snowed on the 2nd June, and went on to be a
scorcher of a summer !!
Brian provided two tubs and a hanging basket, freshly planted
for raffle prizes –
these were won by
lucky members.
The Competition
among members for
the evening was a
flower arrangement
depicting “Paradise”
Several members
had had a go at this
challenging title and
their efforts were
judged by Brian, the
winner was an
arrangement in a tub
- of white chrysanths
and gypsophila with
blue ribbon bows,
representing clouds
and blue sky - and a
cherub!
Cheadle Flower Club March Meeting

Open 7 days a week: Mon-Fri 8.00-17.30, Sat/Sun: 8.00-12.00
Telephone 01538 750 737 or book online www.cheadletestcentre.co.uk
We want your car to PASS!!
Cheadle Test Centre, Brookhouse Way, Brookhouse Ind. Est.,
Cheadle, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 1SR
Independent M.O.T.
Testing in Cheadle
No associated workshop relying on
the failure work to fill it’s ramps
FACT!
• No appointment necessary, or
if you prefer, book online
• Free courtesy cars
• Free Re-Tests - Free Annual
Reminders
• Friendly Staff - Waiting/
Viewing Area
• If unfortunately your vehicle
fails, take it away to a repairer
of your choice.

Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful
‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants -
and savour a truly delicious experience!
Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey
and the surrounding countryside.
Open every day, 12-10pm
Pensioners Specials
Monday to Saturday 12-2pm
Main Meal £5.75, 3 Courses £10.00
Sunday Lunches served all day
Take your pick from Beef,Turkey,
Lamb or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marston’s Pedigree,
Rev. James & Hobgoblin plus guests
Heated smoking area
Mid-Week Evening Specials
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins with
Hot Tubs available. B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278
www.logcabin.co.uk
Daltons in Alton -
bespoke ice cream
for The Bulls Head
T
he tastefully
renovated Bulls
Head pub in Alton
has something new to
offer on their dessert
menu. Daltons Dairy of
Wootton, near Ashbourne
have created The Bulls
Head their very own
exclusive flavour - The
Staffordshire Oaty.
Inspired by
Staffordshire Oatcakes,
this authentic flavour is a
blend of caramel and
cinnamon with an oaty
crunch topping and is
truly scrumptious. The ice
cream has been described
as ‘strangely addictive’ and
‘a mouth-watering treat’.
The Bulls Head are soon
to do takeaway pizzas,
whereby Daltons mini ice
cream pots will also be
available to take out in
various flavours.
Rosie Dalton, owner at
Daltons Dairy commented ‘it’s a pleasure to be working with local businesses, and
Staffordshire really is a great county to run a business in- there’s so much going on!’
James Miller, Landlord of the Bulls Head
We are now less than 3 months
away from the big event!
A
fter a few hurdles and some careful negotiation, we have been
granted permission for a road closure meaning the infamous
parade can go ahead. You can find details of the road affected on
our Facebook page. If you would like to enter a float, forms are available
from our website www.cheadlecarnival.co.uk or you can contact us and
we will email one to you.
This month sees the return of out Famous Music Nights, we are taking
you back to the 50’s for a night of rock and roll, Dig out those dancing
shoes for 21st April. Tickets available from The Huntsman, Airfawn
Garage Services and Wrights on The High Street.
We have had confirmation from The RAF that one of the only two
remaining airworthy LANCASTER BOMBERS will be doing a flyby on
Saturday 8th July!
We are still looking for teams for ‘It’s a Knock Out, Tug of War and
Human Table Football’.
Don’t forget our Soapbox Race is on 20th May.
If you would like any more information, you can find us on
Facebook and Instagram @Cheadle Carnival, you can also email
cheadlecarnival@hotmail.com and www.cheadlecarnival.co.uk
Many Thanks
Your Cheadle Carnival Team
Cheadle Carnival
2018 Diary

C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Serving the community since 1976
MJ Barrett Constructions,Brookside Business Park,Brookside Road,
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire,ST14 8AT
www.mjbarrettconstructions.co.uk
Tel:01889 564 253 • Fax:01889 564 210
F
M J Barrett Constructions supply and erect all types of
agricultural and industrial buildings,including grain stores,
equestrian centres,storage buildings,milking parlours,and
cattle housing along with a variety of industrial warehousing,
office accommodation,retail outlets and entertainment
complexes all built to the highest standards.
T R E E S & L A N D S C A P E S
ALL ASPECTS
OF TREEWORK
UNDERTAKEN
Fully NPTC Qualified
RFS cert arb
Reductions
Thins
Crown Raising
Inspections
Surveys
All aspects of gardening & landscaping also undertaken:
Lawns Garden Paths Ponds Fencing
Patios Borders Decking Stonework
Aftercare & Maintenance
Pest Diagnosis & Control
Fells
Conifers
Top Soil
Landscaping Services
Logs Available
From the smallest hedge to the largest tree,
tree surgery that doesn’t cost the Earth!
Fully Licensed Sprayer | Fully Insured
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
Call Rob: 01538 361 432
or 07900 995 139
Printed by SO Marketing - 01538 750 538 - www.somarketing.comAll work to BS3998 standard
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
All work to
BS3998 standard
Call Rob on 01538 422742
or 07900 995139
Email:
newlifetreesandlandscapes@gmail.com
EMERGENCY
CALL-OUTS
ALSO
AVAILABLE
T
he topic for our March meeting was Jean-Jaques
Rousseau. For some this might seem an
unlikely local topic but as the speaker, local
historian, ex farmer, ex teacher, councillor and
sometime Denstone thespian, Ed Barker, explained,
Rousseau enjoyed the delights of the Staffordshire
countryside in 1766 to 1767, likening it on his arrival,
to Switzerland. Ed illustrated his talk with slides of the
area around Wootton and Ellastone that Rousseau
walked and wrote about. Ed also had slides
of the original Wootton Hall, Rousseau’s
Grotto and Calwich Abbey where he visited
often to talk in French with the only French
speaker at that time in the area. Ed had
many anecdotes of the characters and places
of that time and his local knowledge and
enthusiasm for the topic was appreciated by
all the members. The competition for the
evening was “Something French” and was
won by Jean Wright, with her French milk
churn.
The business meeting was opened by
Mary Spencer, our president, welcoming all
to the evening. Reports were given of the
various activities Denstone WI have been
involved in during the past month. Irene
Beaumont reported on the success of the
Denstone Quiz team, finishing in 6th place,
at the Staffordshire Federation WI Quiz at
the Staffordshire Showground, where over
ninety teams took part, all encompassing the “Blue
Planet” theme in their decorations and refreshments.
Viv Edwards reported on the very enjoyable and
entertaining 10 Pin Bowling morning at Uttoxeter
CineBowl, where members revisited their youth with
style and varying degrees of success, and Maggie
Trevor thanked all for coming along to a film night
where members enjoyed the cinematography and views
of Northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago in the
film “The Way”.
As part of the commitment of Denstone WI to
community, members again carried out a “Litter Pick”
on Saturday 24th March. This is a regular activity and
is also part of the National Federation of WIs Great
British Clean Up Campaign.
The next social event for Denstone WI will be the
lunch at Denstone Village Hall on Sunday April 8th.
Members and their families and friends come along to
enjoy a truly home cooked lunch, a tombola and
friendly conversation whilst raising funds for the
Denstone WI group.
After the main business, Gill Mills from “Go
Garden” gave a brief account of this groups activities
which has been operating in Uttoxeter for the past
twelve months. They meet in the gardens behind the
leisure centre on a Wednesday morning at 10am and
Gill invited any members to come along and join in
with the projects this year of extending the wild garden
and growing more vegetables and flowers for local
homes, whilst increasing motivation for gardening and
excercise and combating loneliness.
The evening culminated with refreshments and
time for a chat.
Denstone W.I.’s monthly meeting

The Performance Physio
by Paul Williamson, Chartered Physiotherapist
With 25 years’ experience in elite & professional
sports Paul has dedicated his careers as both a
professional athlete & a clinician to achieving
excellence. Paul competed for Great Britain for over 11
years in athletics then turned his attention to a career
in physiotherapy.
Paul was Physio to the Great Britain Senior Men’s
Basketball Team & Lead Physiotherapist at the National
Football Centre working with professional footballers,
the England Senior Women’s players and a wide variety
of other professional & Olympic athletes. He also works
with celebrities & the general public particularly those
with complex issues and is a consultant physiotherapist
to the premiership referee’s.
Paul has now set up ‘The Performance Physio’ a
specialist private physiotherapy practice based locally.
He uses all his experience of working with elite sports
& brings this philosophy to the everyday champion,
whether they are a weekend warrior, a recreational
athlete or those who want to continue with normal
daily activities.
Paul will be writing regular articles on general and
sports injuries, rehabilitation principles and exercise;
he will offer key tips on how to self-manage or when to
go to the expert for advice.
Marathon Prep
Time is ticking for the London Marathon which
will see over 36,000 runners of all ages and abilities and
include world record holders, celebrities, fund raisers
and those who just want to soak up the experience.
Perhaps you are one of those fortunate few to gain a
golden ticket and undertake this superhuman event in
April 2018.
Average times for a first Marathon are roughly
between four and five hours depending on your past
and current fitness levels, this is a mammoth task for
anyone and just finishing is a fantastic and worthwhile
achievement.
Running for this length of time is no easy task and
will take months of hard training through those cold,
dark winter nights. One of the biggest challenges whilst
preparing for the marathon is avoiding illness and
injury. Statistics show that over 30% of entrants never
make it to the start line.
With a little over seven weeks to go we still have
time to address niggles and training emphasis to ensure
you are prepared and ready to participate.
Injury explained
An overuse injury can be caused by repetitive
movements such as too much running, this creates
micro-traumas which over time build up and overload
your joints and tendons. This may lead to pain in your
back, hips, knees or Achilles. Causes may relate to
intrinsic or extrinsic factors, but usually there is a
combination of both.
Intrinsic causes may originate from muscular
imbalance, strength deficits, poor flexibility and
abnormalities of ‘gait’; all of these can alter the way you
run. Extrinsic causes may lie with the surfaces you are
training upon, your footwear, weather conditions or the
training programme you have set.
Trauma can be caused by an accident such as a trip
or fall whilst running and can be more difficult to
prevent. There are many controllable factors during the
preparation phase which can reduce your risk of pre-
event injury.
Muscular imbalances
Muscular imbalance should be addressed to ensure
correct movement patterns are formed allowing the
individual to run efficiently. I recommend a weekly
pre-habilitation programme which focuses on specific
deficiencies. These may include gluteal activation; slow
heavy strengthening of hamstrings, calves, and trunk
stabilisation ‘core’.
Strength deficits
A big mistake many runners make is thinking that
their running takes care of leg strength; unfortunately,
this is not the case which is why many who participate
endure injury as a consequence. Regular resistance
exercise has been shown to develop strength and
capacity in muscle, tendon, ligament and bone; thus it
provides a certain degree of protection against injury.
Even body weight exercises such as squats and lunges
can be effective.
Flexibility/Sports Massage
Ensure you make time to stretch or use a foam
roller; these should be separate sessions of 20-
30minutes and not just quick stretches before you run.
Take your time and make it count, attention to detail
will serve you well. Common areas of tightness are low
back, adductors, hamstrings, hip flexors, IT Band,
quadriceps and calves. Additionally a regular sports
massage can assist in recovering from those long
training runs.
Cross-train
Don’t just run to improve your cardio-vascular
fitness, try completing interval sessions on a static bike,
rower or x-trainer. Vary your pace, intensity and
recovery to develop your overall fitness. You may want
to use a heart-rate monitor to allow you to train at
different intensities. Variety in training will keep you
interested whilst lowering those impact miles.
Monitoring your heart rate will ensure you are training
within limits and not pushing too hard.
If you require any advice on training or injury then
please feel free to call on 07713 108036 or email
paul@theperformancephysio.com
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“The sun does arise, and make happy the skies;
The merry bells ring to welcome the spring;
The skylark and thrush, the birds of the bush,
Sing louder around to the bells cheerful sound.”
William Blake
M
ay time brings us lots of work as we take
stock of what the effects of last winter have
been- both on our land and crops and on our
livestock.
The wet weather may have meant damage to the
ground where the cattle have fed off the silage and hay
put out to supplement the grass which took a while to
start growing, and will have been repaired in some way-
maybe by rolling or sowing grass seed in any bare
patches.
Our fields are shut up where we intend to get a cut
of silage and you will see many high sided silage trailers
out and about, filled to the brim with cut grass, heading
back to the farm to be ‘clamped’, or big black plastic
wrapped bales being carted into secure stacks. We are
stocking up for next winter already!
Our sheep and lambs have taken advantage of fresh
spring grass and should be growing fast, being
vaccinated and wormed appropriately to ensure healthy
stock.
The cows and calves enjoy the spring sunshine- the
calves lying in cosy places and mum grazing but
keeping a close eye on her sleeping offspring.
It is worth repeating that, if walking in livestock
fields keep your dog on a lead, but let it loose if you feel
threatened.
Ground nesting birds will be busy along the
bottoms of hedges and in the straggly corners of fields,
as they construct their shelter for the clutch of eggs they
will be laying now. As our arable fields are surrounded
by wildlife ‘margins’, we try to keep off them as much
as possible now, so the birds aren’t frightened off and
we certainly don’t take the dogs along them at this time
of year.
The wild strawberry will be growing in woods and
hedges and should be flowering at this time, along with
the other hedge plants and nettles. Maybe visited by the
first of the Red Admiral butterflies if the weather is
conducive.
Perhaps we will hear the Cuckoo this year, as the
migrant birds start arriving.
So, the biggest change in British agriculture for
many decades, is being discussed. The Government has
produced its ‘command’ paper- its thoughts on farming
after we leave the EU.
One of the common themes is the valuation of
‘public goods’. What exactly is meant?
Is it the landscape- the hedges and trees and
patchwork of the field system? Or the bleak uplands
with its stone walls and pretty stone built cottages? Or
maybe the wide flatlands of the eastern counties, with
the grid of dykes and drains?
All created by farmers for the production of food,
not just recently but over many hundreds of years.
And isn’t food a ‘public good’? Where would we be
without access to a trustworthy supply of nutritious
food? Relying on imports, where we have no control
over what is produced and how and at what cost?
Another ‘public good’ is the network of footpaths
and rights of way, some consensual and voluntary, that
allow access to many beautiful areas. It’s a shame when
these are abused.
Next month sees Open Farm Sunday returning on
the 10th June- maybe time for a visit to a farm opening
just for the occasion.

We Will Rock You!
The Cheadle Academy Musical
Photographs by Denise Wheat

Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
W
ell readers, hopefully by the time this issue
of ‘The Voice’ goes to press we will be
enjoying some warmer weather and starting
to think about holidays, speaking of which, I wonder if
any of you have the same bad experiences as me
regarding dining in hotels?
Many of them have self service breakfast with a
varied choice, which is fine unless you want toast! Here
the fun begins, you find a selection of different breads
from which you make your choice and approach the
so-called toaster which is a revolving grill, onto which
you place your slices of bread which slowly vanish from
sight for a few seconds before dropping out onto a tray
in the bottom. You pick up your ‘toast’ but find what
you have is a slice of warm dry bread. Aha you think,
I’ll send it round again, so you put it back on the
revolving grill and what do you get - a piece of charcoal
on one side and warm dry bread on the other, most
unappetising!
Now we come to the evening meal. Menu looks
quite good so you make your choice, but when it arrives
it’s served on a lump of wood or even worse a slate roof
tile, food piled up in the middle with a squiggle of some
gunge or other in a pretty pattern around the outside.
On one occasion at a hotel in Cheltenham, I ordered a
simple cheeseburger, which came on a lump of
driftwood with a wooden spike through the middle of
it. When I attempted to detach the burger from the
spike it went all over the table which prompted me to
say to the waitress, if I order this again forget the wood,
just put it straight on the table! Whatever is wrong with
using plates like we have since Roman times? Lumps of
wood and slate were fine when we lived in caves, but I
thought we’d moved on since then!
I am sure many of you have read about the Rugeley
mass murderer known as Palmer the poisoner? Well
now allegedly we have Putin the poisoner, with exiled
Russians being administered noxious substances on
British soil (not for the first time), but of course the
Russians are innocent, just as they are when their
sportsmen and women are found to be pumped full of
illegal potions. Having said that Sir Bradley Wiggins,
our most decorated sportsman, is now under scrutiny
for swallowing some concoction or other to allegedly
help his asthma. Whether he was cheating or not will
always now be a matter of conjecture.
Of course we would all like to see drugs in sport
eliminated, but it seems to be a hopeless cause, and we
will always wonder if the winner was clean? But there
are other sports cheats, such as the Aussies ball
tampering, French rugby players being taken off for a
head assessment with a knee injury! and footballers
who are better divers than Tom Daley. But some rules
or laws have also become bizarre. Did anyone watch the
World Indoor Athletics Championships? Twenty
disqualifications, most of them because someone
touched a line with a plimsoll (that’s a trainer for
younger folk!) by the end of the meeting no one knew
if the medallists really were the medallists which was
absolutely ludicrous. Other innocuous things such as
hand balls in Football (anywhere from the shoulder
blade to a finger) and high tackles in rugby (anywhere
above the waist) all bringing a whistle from the
officials, sport has gone bonkers!
My prediction of Ireland winning the 6 Nations
Rugby Tournament was correct, they were by far the
best team in the Championship and deservedly got the
mythical Grand Slam, with Wales finishing runners up
despite saving their worst performance till last!
England proved to be not as good as they thought they
were, and despite all the hot air from coach Eddie Jones
they finished second from bottom.
Uttoxeter Rugby Club meanwhile are continuing to
produce some mixed results at first team level (the
photograph shows the squad which lost against
Trentham despite scoring 4 tries for a losing bonus
point), the game was certainly their worst performance
of the season. The 2nd XV under the guiding hand of
club stalwart Donald Hayes and skipper Russ Astbury
are coming along nicely and have a solid little unit of
young raw talent, helped along by a few old heads. I
believe the club is in good hands for the future with
chairman Nigel Titterton and president Paul Bain
bringing in some great sponsorship.
The Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir are now back
into full rehearsals following a long lay off due to
sickness of both Musical Director Janet Downing, and
Pianist John Clark who are thankfully recovered. The
next Concert is in Temple Street Methodist Church on
June the 30th. Sadly I shall be unable to take part as I
am already pre-committed to the Denstone Players
Variety Show on the 29th and 30th, for which
rehearsals are already underway, despite having only
recently performed our lavish production of The
Wizard of Oz (we really are a bunch of martyrs in the
Denstone Players!)
Finally on a light note, I have always loved watching
old films on the tele, and with all the bad weather we
have had recently, I have been recording some old black
and white British films which I much prefer to all the
realty TV rubbish and equally rubbish wannabe
singers, but the one thing that makes me cringe apart
from some stilted dialogue, are films which depict plain
clothes policemen! They all wear trilby hats and
raincoats and when they turn up on someone’s
doorstep they just say ‘I’m a police officer’ and no one
ever asks them for identification, and neither do they
offer it, they just get invited in. Were we really that
trusting in the old days?
Hey, I’m starting to waffle about nostalgia...
TTFN Les
Uttoxeter Rugby Club 1sts
Cheadle Town FC
Presents for one night only
THE FULL MONTY
The Guild Hall, Saturday 9th June
7.30pm til late
Comedian • Disco • Bar
Tickets £12.50 • Adults Only
Superb effort for Cheadle Arts Festival
The Summerhouse Café window in Cheadle High Street looked resplendent during Cheadle Arts
Festival recently.

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
W
hat does The Three Tuns pub in Uttoxeter,
Waitrose and the film The Rain Man have
in common?
Answer: The Autism Pyramid Group, which
Waitrose describes in its Community Matters green
token box as “a group that offers support to children
and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and
similar conditions. “
So that’s Waitrose covered, but how is The Three
Tuns Pub involved? They have raised over £1800 for
this group over the last couple of years and proved that
community really matters to their customers. Special
thanks go to Sandra Fleeman and Mandy Hopkinson
who nominated The Pyramid Group.
The Rain Man film is how most people became
aware of Autism and that was my first introduction to
this condition. Its not a sophisticated introduction, but
it’s a start and opened my eyes to the spectrum.
What Autism Pyramid Group have created is a safe,
supported group who run a monthly, Stay and Play,
session at Wilfred House, Carter Street, Uttoxeter, for
Children and families who can come along and
socialise and play in a non-judgemental environment.
Wendy Harrogate explained - Founded in 2012 by
a group of parents and carers of children on the Autistic
Spectrum, they set up a Stay and Play session for
families at Uttoxeter Library in October 2014. It
became so popular that in 2015 they had to move to
Wilfred House to accommodate everyone that wants
to come along.
Stay and Play sessions are usually held on the 3rd
Sunday of the month between 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
Parents, children and family members come together
to allow their children the space and freedom to be
themselves with no judgements on them. All our
children are unique in their own way and many have
special talents with mathematics, art and languages.
But clearly once a month support for families with
children affected by autism spectrum is not enough, so
they have a closed confidential Facebook page where
the parents, grandparents and all family members can
post questions and get support and answers for any of
the many issues that life living with this condition
brings up.
They also host monthly coffee
mornings and meals out for the parents
and as a result they have built a
community of people who understand
and support each other with the
challenges that having a child on the
spectrum can bring.
At present the Facebook page
supports 137 families in the local area,
some of them from as far away as Leek,
Stafford and Burton and it has proved to
be an invaluable tool for families.
At the Stay and Play sessions they
also invite professionals to come along
to give presentations on the spectrum
and guide people to the various
organisations that help parents deal with
the schooling, health and
developmental side of having a child
who needs more support that others.
Although I have mentioned The
Three Tuns pub as a fantastic fundraiser,
they are joined by the Heath Chorus,
The Uttoxeter Knights, The Uttoxeter
Lions, Heath Big Local, Uttoxeter
Rotary, Howdens Joinery and more
recently by Waitrose who have all donated funds to
ensure that this group can grow and continue to offer
a lifeline to anyone affected by Autism. The group also
hold their own fundraising events such as the Carter
Street Carnival and they hosted a Santa Meet and Greet
at the Swan Inn Draycott in the Clay.
The money raised from any fund raisers goes
towards the rental costs for Wilfred House and funds
days out with the children during the school holidays
Last October a group of families were able to go to
Alton Towers, courtesy of their Merlin’s Magic Wand
charity. A break away from normal life is so rewarding
for both children and their carers. Other school holiday
outings have included trips to Amerton Farm, the
Cinebowl, and Flip Out, which helps parents and the
children to create a fantastic community feel.
Cinebowl have chosen the Autism Pyramid Group
as their focus for fundraising this year and the group is
are looking forward to working with them.
As with any voluntary group, they are always
looking for volunteers to help out at the Stay and Play
sessions, you will need to be DBS checked and guided
into the role, but if you are interested, then please
contact them via their website.
If you want to know more about The Autism
Pyramid Group, become a volunteer or make a
donation, then please visit the website on
www.autismpyramidgroup.co.uk/ or call Wendy on
07771 756222.
For me, building a community is in part, asking for
help when you need it, thank goodness, the parents in
Uttoxeter and surrounding areas have someone to ask
about Autism and by the list of fundraising donors, the
community are supporting them to offer the help when
asked.
The Autism Pyramid Group receive a cheque from The Three Tuns event.
THE FRIENDS OF CHECKLEY CHURCH
Present
Tutbury Band
directed by Kevin Orton
at CHECKLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE
on Saturday 28th April 2018
Starting at 7.30pm
Tickets £6 per person
Available from: 01538 723303 / 723576 / 722071
The band plays a variety of music including:
movie themes, musicals, marches,
chart songs and more classical pieces.
Raffle • Bar applied for
See how
The Voice
can
publicise
your
business
Give us a call on
01538 751629 or
07733 466 970
or Email:
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk

Rich Chocolate Devils Food Cake
I
t was Jack Murphys 80th Birthday, my father in-law,
and it was up to me to make the cake. I knew he
loved chocolate cake so that was an easy choice.
I decided upon a devils food cake recipe which I
have been using for years. It is very rich and very moist
and covered with a chocolate truffle frosting. This
cake is a family favourite, my challenge was to make it
for approximately 40 people! The recipe I have given
is for a 3 layer 20 cm sponge cake, which would serve
12-16 people.
For the sponge
75g good quality cocoa powder
150g light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
375ml boiling water
200g unsalted butter
225g caster sugar
3 large free range eggs
335g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
For the frosting
350g unsalted butter
200ml double cream
450g dark chocolate, finely chopped
Decoration
Strawberries
100g dark chocolate
100g white choclate
Edible glitter
Firstly make your truffle frosting, as this will
take a little while to thicken to fill and cover your
cake. Add the cream and butter to a pan and heat
stirring until the butter has melted. Bring to just
below boiling point and add to your finely
chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Leave the mixture to thicken, stirring
occasionally.
Heat your oven to 160˚C. Line and grease 3
x 20 cm loose bottomed sandwich tins. Place the
cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and boiling water in
a bowl and whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Set aside to cool.
Cream together the sugar and butter until
pale and fluffy. then add the eggs, one at a time.
Sieve the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate
of soda together in a bowl, then add the flour in
3 separate batches, beating well.
Fold in the chocolate mixture, then divided the
batter between the 3 prepared tins and bake for
approximately 25-30 mins until well risen and a skewer
inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in tins for 5
mins then turn out onto wire rack.
Meanwhile, to make the decoration, melt the dark
and white chocolate. Dip half your strawberries in
dark chocolate, and the other half in the white, leaving
a little of each to drizzle on the contasting chocolate.
Place one of the cooled sponges on a cake stand and
spread with one quarter of the frosting. Place another
sponge on top and repeat. Finally, place the last sponge
on top, then spread the remaining frosting over the top
and sides of the cake.
Decorate your cake with the strawberries and
glitter.
To make the cake shown, I doubled the recipe for
the bottom layer, and baked first. Then I did 1 x 1.5 for
the other two layers which I baked together. Each cake
baked at different times - the bottom layer took approx.
2 hours!
I have to say, this was one of my best chocolate
cakes ever. Enjoyed by at least 40 people!
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill
J
CB Apprentices have brought
the production line to life by
building an innovative
training zone for new employees, in a high profile
project to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
A team of 15 apprentices were challenged to explore
fresh ways of introducing new recruits to the business
at JCB Heavy Products factory, in Uttoxeter, and their
solution was so impressive that it may be replicated at
other JCB factories.
As a result of the initiative, new employees at the
Heavy Products site can get hands-on manufacturing
experience, exploring how engines, hydraulics and key
JCB components operate and come together to make
the machines that they will work on.
The apprentices were given just three weeks to
research, plan, commission and build the entire project
- and last week they unveiled the new training zone to
staff and bosses to mark the final day of
Apprenticeships Week.
Led by third year apprentice, Chelsea Saunders, the
team of first and second year apprentices from different
parts of the business pooled their talents to plan and
build the dedicated training area all within just three
weeks.
They were: Charlotte Lowe, Ben Barnes, John
Pearcy, Harry Hartfield, Ben Roswen-Jones, Alasdair
Mundy-Jones, Luke Wood, Sam Taylor, Adam Banton,
Mo Khan, Zak Dyche, Angus Bulpitt, Sam Skelding
and Luke Jones.
Chelsea, 20, said: “We were given the brief of simply
changing the training area but we wanted to go beyond
what was asked for. It’s quite daunting being new to the
business, so this aims to give people a better
understanding of the bigger picture by introducing
interactive mechanical elements, such as an engines
and hydraulics systems, and even simple things like the
Daily Team Meeting board.”
David Parkes, manufacturing engineer manager
and apprentice co-ordinator for JCB Heavy Products
said: “We needed to refresh the training area to reflect
the new products coming in and to give new starters a
better understanding of what we do beyond the
production line.
“The students came up with a brilliant concept and
now all new starters will go through the training zone
as the final part of their induction process. They have
done a really professional job in a very short space of
time.”
JCB Director of Global Learning and Development,
Max Jeffery added: “We have several hundred
apprentices at JCB and they are the next generation to
take the company forward and continue our global
success.
“To mark Apprenticeship Week we earmarked a
project that would allow the young people to really
showcase their skills. The results have far exceeded our
expectations, to the extent that we may well roll out this
new approach to the Training Zone concept in other
factories across the business.”
JCB apprentices triumph with new
concept training zone

Can you identify the faces and locations?
See Page 43 for some of the names of the faces.
URGENTLY REQUIRED
If you have any photos that you think may be of interest to our readers of
this page please feel free to drop them in to Lavins printers in High
Street, Uttoxeter who will scan them while you wait and let you have
them straight back or email them in jpg format to them at:
lavinprinters@btconnect.com
Please describe the people or event featured and approx year when the
picture was taken along with your name and location so that we can give
you the recognition for supplying them.
Thank you.
1
2
3
The good old days

Photo credits - 1: Margaret McGarry (nee Plant), Tean. 2: Chris Bloor, Uttoxeter. 3: Ian Skelton, Uttoxeter. 4: Diana Foster, Cheadle. 5: John Ward, Doveridge.
6: Les Humphries, Rocester.
5
6
4

• Dressage Training
• Pole/Grid work clinics
• Rider Alignment on and off the horse
(private/shared/group sessions)
• Biomechanics screenings
• Pilates/Equipilates™ classes
• Test riding
• Improve your alignment, posture, core
strength/stability, flexibility and range of
movement, development your horses way
of going and build your partnership
• Available for private and group sessions,
clinics, pony clubs and riding clubs
Contact 07796 175 128 • email mcfequestrian@outlook.com • visit www.mcfequestrian.co.uk
Jo Titterton Dressage / MCF equestrian • @mcfequestrian
Marsh Cottage Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Draycott, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST11 9NR
Jo Titterton UKCC
Dressage and EquipilatesTM
Instructor
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 Long-
ton in 1977 and sold over 6,000 copies
in North Staffordshire inside 6 months.
Povey’s People
by Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
T
he worst kid in Longton,
and possibly in the whole of
North Staffordshire was
Little Nitro. At eleven years of age,
Micky Knight spelled trouble
wherever he went. He was wild,
uncontrollable and fearless. Any
trouble around our area could
usually be laid at his door.
The worst thing that ever
happened was when they started to
teach him chemistry at school. He
quickly picked up on how to make
gunpowder and one day when the
teacher caught him grinding
something up with a pestle and
mortar, his hair standing up on
end around his evil little face, he
claimed he was making ‘some stuff
to clean his bike with’. Two days
later, the school caretaker’s shed
exploded spectacularly, sending tools and equipment
in every direction and throwing the whole of Longton
on to a terrorist alert. Suspicions were channeled in the
small boy’s direction, but they lacked proof and Nitro
escaped that one.
Nitro’s exploits however didn’t stop at
explosives. One dark night, somebody
sprayed graffiti on the wall of Owd
Grandad Piggott’s house.
The legend read ‘Gunpowder rules ok’
in six inch high letters and Nitro was the
prime suspect. Owd Grandad Piggott put
it around that he was going to chop Nitro’s
fingers off with a blunt axe when he caught
hold of him. This put the fear of god into
Nitro. Owd Grandad Piggott was the only
person who scared Nitro witless. He knew
Owd Granded Piggott to be a loose
cannon. The small boy could handle
aggression and threats, but he couldn’t
handle madness and was careful to give
Owd Grandad Piggott a wide berth, One
day however, his luck ran out, He was in
Hilda Aspinall’s shop buying matches
when Owd Grandad Piggott walked in. He
tried to dash out through the door but Owd Grandad
was too fast for him. He caught hold of his jumper,
lifted the wildly yelling small boy off the ground and
pinned him to the shop door putting his face an inch
from Nitro’s.
‘You’ve got twenty four hours to get it off!’, he
growled menacingly. ‘If thee’s a smidgeon of it to be
seen by this time termorrer, ah’ll hunt thee dine an’
stick me boot that fer up thee jacksy, thee teeth’ll rattle’
He released Nitro who slid to the floor with a look of
terror on his face, then he scrambled up and bolted out
of the door at high speed.
The next day, a tribe of lads turned up at Owd
Grandad Piggott’s with an array of cleaning equipment
that would have done credit to a professional company.
The came with a bag full of rags, wire brushes,
sandpaper, bottles of turps and other solvents, a
blowlamp which almost incinerated one of them,
bleach and an electric sander and they worked like
demons for the whole of the morning until gone two
in the afternoon, when eventually, Owd Grandad
Piggott came out to inspect the work.
Those were the days that all the properties in The
Potteries used to wear an insidious covering of soot. No
longer was Owd Grandad Piggott’s house one of the
rest. A large patch of his wall resembled the brickwork
of a new house pristine with the efforts that had gone
into its refurbishment.
He eyed Nitro contemptuously. ‘Nar then lad’, he
growled ‘Next tarm thee dust owt lark that, do thee
‘omework fost an’ dunner pick on somebody as is larkly
get upset abite it, ‘cause next tarm as thee dust it on
may, ar’ll put thee in orbit lark what yow did ter that
shed!... Got me?’
‘Got thee!’ said Nitro glumly.
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: Little Nitro
Nitro’s exploits
however didn’t
stop at
explosives.
One dark
night,
somebody
sprayed graffiti
on the wall of
Owd Grandad
Piggott’s
house.

Betfred Midlands
Grand National Day
B
etfred Midlands Grand National Day at Uttoxeter Racecourse
proved to be the most gruelling experience for humans and
racehorses in the local track’s history!
The weather rapidly changed from sunshine to snow throughout the afternoon with
a biting wind so cutting that it challenged a huge crowd and brave horses.....
The 4 miles 2 furlongs Midlands Grand National proved to be a war of attrition with
11 year old Regal Flow, trained by Bob Buckler, owned by Mrs C. J. Dunn and ridden by
5lb claimer Sean Houlihan, a deserved 10 lengths winner from Milansbar with
Ballymalin a further 4 lengths behind in third place.
The winning time of this prestigious race was an incredible 72 seconds slower than
normal which reflected the very deep ground and also the bravery of all the horses
with only 9 of the 18 strong field passing the finishing line
Our photographer Nigel Kirby captured the diverse weather conditions superbly as
readers can see in the photographs in this special feature!

Alan’s Football Autobiography
by Alan Beaman, a local sporting legend
A
ustralia’s cricket team’s ball tampering has again
left Cricket with cheating problems. The game
is constantly having issues and needs to be
sorted out. Why should we all pay to watch sport
whether live or on Sky And BT when it’s not played to
the rules.
Look at Golf, it manages its self, players are playing
to the rules and penalise themselves if they make an
error of judgment about a rule. Australia have failed to
address the main problem which is Warner - he’s
constantly been a bad apple within the team, I suspect
a bully with younger players which is why Bancroft got
roped into the messy situation. Darren Lehman has to
accept responsibility along with Smith for not standing
up to Warner and getting rid of him. He has been
allowed to take the game into the gutter with his
constant bad behaviour and now Australian Cricket is
picking up the pieces for its lack of discipline and
leadership.
Many nations have also cheated with ball tampering
so the whole game is guilty of not putting a stop to it.
The punishment has been severe for Smith and
Bancroft but Warner had it coming his way, he should
have been dealt with rather than promoting his
aggressive attitude. So Lehman’s control of the team
and its win at any cost attitude has been allowed to
grow by him, he should have gone straight away.
Winning the Staffordshire Senior League Cup
beating Wolstanton on penalties was a fantastic
achievement, especially for manager Mark Alcock, who
has had a tough job this season with availability
problems every week. When everyone is available we
are a decent side but a few days before the final we had
ten men and Mark had to play in a Vase semi final
against Redgate which we lost 5 0. I apologised to
Redgate for not being able to give them a decent
challenge.
So Mark has had all this on his plate and he
deserves this trophy for his hard work for many years
at the club. We are not the only ones struggling to get a
strong team out every week, one problem is lads don’t
want the training or the challenge of Saturday football,
they would rather have a few beers with their mates and
bet on the professional game on a Saturday afternoon,
and that’s their choice and we can’t change that.
I believe if all Cheadle players were available we
would compete in all competitions in Saturday football
but that beautiful trophy now belongs at Cheadle Town
and we are proud of of our achievement against all the
odds we beat the strongest team in the league. We
would like to thank everyone for their support on the
night it was much appreciated.
Ian Poulter’s win at Houston to enable him to play
at the Masters was a marvellous achievement, a year
ago he was on the brink of losing his US PGA card, loss
of form and injuries, he looked past his best and now
he’s in the Top 30 in the world, exempt for two years on
tour, a good chance to play in the Ryder Cup - what a
fight back mentally, drawing on his incredible will to
win - a true competitive sportsman.
I have spoken about Tiger Woods in the past, but
now are we to see Tiger win again, let’s hope his body
holds up, he changes the whole atmosphere at any
event. I really hope he can win again it would be a
marvellous comeback into a sport he changed for ever.
Now when it comes to Hype, boxing is right at the
top! Joshua’s win against Parker was like a sparring
session not helped by the referee who never let them
fight. Let’s hope Wilder fights Joshua because that
should be a proper match and might live up to the
Hype. Dillian Whyte’s fight against Browne was a miss
match and you wonder how Eddie Hearn believed that
was entertainment worth watching. As a promoter he
needs to provide the paying public with value for their
money, which I don’t believe we had with both those
fights.
Stoke are struggling to survive with no goals in the
team, the effort is there but no end product. Between
Hughes and the board they have seen a lack of quality
players and some poor decisions in the transfer market
leave them with a squad who can’t cope at this
standard. No pace in any areas, no goals, too many
goals against, all points to a miracle required to stay up
let’s hope it happens.
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.
SHAUN OLDHAM
Uttoxeter Town
Exciting player who
continues to improve
his game. Shaun is one
of the Town’s Sunday
side’s key players.
AARON WIGGY LAKIN
Uttoxeter Town
Wiggy always gives 100% for Town
and also for Uttoxeter Rugby Club.
Great character and he possesses
plenty of ability. Superb player to
have on your side!
JASON FARDOE
Rocester FC
Classy player and a defender
who can read the game
brilliantly.
ROBBIE FULLAWAY
Uttoxeter Town
Top player who has been in
great form for Town all season.
JOHN TIDESWELL
Uttoxeter Boys School
Loads of talent and one of
the best players in the
Boys School team.
KEITH HOLLINS
Bamfords
Cool on the ball, Keith had
great vision in the middle of
the park
MARK WALLINS
Rocester FC
Fine midfielder who gets his
fair share of goals too.
LEE STOKES
Rocester FC
Flying winger who causes full
backs plenty of trouble. Great
crosser of the ball too.
GEOFF SHENTON
Rocester FC
You may have seen in last month’s Voice our
feature on Rachel Shenton who won an Oscar!
Well, her dad Geoff was superb player for
Rocester and one of the finest strikers around.
DAVE LEE
Uttoxeter Town
One of Town’s Sunday strikers
who really is making his mark.
Great goslacorer.
SID STUBBS
St Mary’s Uttoxeter
Excellent keeper and one of the nicest
guys you could wish to meet.
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

Bake’s Memoirs
by Neil Baker, local sporting legend
I
was over in Cheadle a couple of weeks ago for the
Cheadle sports awards at the Cricket Club. Ian ‘Sid’
Plant who is the chairman of the sports awards
committee invited me over to present the awards and I
enjoyed a thoroughly nice evening.
There was a variety of teams and individuals from
different sports and what hit me was the diversity of
these sports that are now available to compete in.
In my youth it was mainly football and cricket with
a bit of rugby and tennis available. It seems now that
the sport and leisure industry has grown and is much
more to the fore and available for participation. Martial
arts is far more popular and available and there were a
few young people collecting awards on the evening
which is encouraging.
I actually did a little judo in my youth with Chris
and Judy Gallon but learning this art was both bruising
and painful and i hadn’t got the enthusiasm to
continue. Now there are many other martial arts to
learn and speaking to an instructor there convinced me
it was something that would be beneficial to our young
people today. It gets you fit in an organised
environment and teaches you self defence and
discipline and really gives you a good start in life.
I also met Mary Edwards who also sits on the
committee. Mary’s late brother was of course John
Davies from Oakamoor. John spent his life in a
wheelchair but was always to be seen at local sporting
events. His love of, knowledge and forthright opinions
on football and cricket, horse racing and other sports
was legendary in local circles.
A follower of Oakamoor football and cricket clubs,
he hardly missed a game played down at Boltons sports
ground. When I was first at Leek Town FC in the
eighties he would be a regular at Harrison Park for our
night games. I really enjoyed our regular conversations
about local and national sport and visits to the
Cricketers pub were always a pleasure when in his
company.
I’m absolutely sure he would have had something
to say about the demise of the Potters!!
We had a few photographs taken on the night and
I thought I recognised the photographer. Then Ian
mentioned his name Paul Campbell, an old school
friend from Cheadle County Primary School. Hadn’t
bumped into him for nearly fifty years! Paul’s father
Percy was of course editor of the ‘Stunner’, Cheadle and
Tean Times.
My eldest granddaughter Ellie broke her wrist horse
riding and I took her down to hospital a couple of
weeks ago to get it fixed. It turned out to be a Cheadle
Utd reunion! We were waiting for her to see the
consultant and in the same queue was George Byatt
with his grandson who had also had an accident.
George and I had a couple of seasons playing together
at Cheadle Utd before he went on to become an officer
of the club.
George was very good to Cheadle on and off the
field. He was a goalscorer of note, a good target man
and when that ball was played down the channel onto
his left foot it usually ended up in the back of the net.
He also scored goals with his head and was as prolific
as anyone at the time. George also enjoyed his horses
and was an ardent follower of the Potters. I was really
surprised when he told me his parents were still going
strong. I used to take their Sunday papers as my round
included Churchill Road, Victory Crescent and
Masefield Close.
Stan, his father, really loved his football, he rarely if
ever missed a game that George was involved in. And
I can inform you he certainly wasn’t a silent spectator!
Vocal and not afraid to voice an opinion, Stan was quite
happy to let you know when disagreeing with peoplI!
He had a few run ins with people over the years but i
had a lot of respect for him. All the best Stan, keep well.
I nipped out for a smoke and on my way saw Billy
Spooner with his daughter and husband. I played with
Bill for a couple of seasons at Utd and he reckons the
reason he is so small is that he did all my running for
me in the games we played in and it wore him down! I
wouldn’t argue with that for a second. He covered every
blade of grass in every game. He was a manager’s
dream, ran all day, got on the ball and played and was
the first name on the team sheet every week. Not only
that he is a super guy and regularly seen at Leek Town
home games.
On my way back in I bumped into Curly Johnson,
literally! We were both in a hurry so didn’t have long
to chat but the following weekend (bank holiday) I
walked in the Cattle Market pub in Leek and there was
my old mate with Big Jason, Tibs Beardmore and
Graham Smith. A fine body of men. We had a couple
of pints before they moved on elsewhere to terrorise
others out for a quiet drink! Always good company
and I’m sure you enjoyed Scraggy’s tales.
Curly was telling me how much he and everyone
had enjoyed the previous evening’s function at
Checkley Cricket Club. Alan Smith and Donna had
organised another charity evening there. I rung Smithy
to apologise for my non attendance and he was buzzing
about the evening and the amount raised. Over a
thousand pounds was made for Cancer Research and
they were going to donate to another good cause. I
always thought there was a heart in there somewhere
Al! I hope you all had a wonderful evening, i normally
like to go along and meet up with old friends and team
mates but couldn’t make it this time.
Just watched Arsenal beat Southampton. Good
result for Stoke but they now need to help themselves.
In the last column i thought Palace,and Swansea might
keep them up, now we have to rely on Huddersfield and
Southampton getting less points than ourselves. Ironic
that Mark Hughes might well have been in charge of
two clubs this season that could get relegated.
Apparently Stoke worked hard against Spurs and were
applauded off the pitch at the end of the game. Hard
work will help the cause but ability will be the deciding
factor.
Is there enough of that down at the Brit? We shall
know by the next edition of the Voice.
All the best,
Bake
Make sure
you get your
Sports Club
publicised in
The Voice!
Send in your news, club, sport
articles and photographs to
THE VOICE COLOUR MAGAZINE
and let our huge readership see
what success you are enjoying!
Email:
uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81

Similar to Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81 (20)

More from Noel Sergeant

More from Noel Sergeant (12)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 81