Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 94

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2 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
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3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
I am not a fan of shopping online – I love talking to
people face to face and listening to their views...
I gain a lot of satisfaction and happiness by being sociable – in my book this is
chatting to someone and exchanging banter which usually ends up in a laugh and a
joke.
There is a lot to be said for shopping locally and I love bumping into people in
the high streets of our local towns, asking how they are and whether I can be of
assistance to them.
It is a great feeling popping into the shops and buying products because in nearly
all cases, the shop assistants and owners are people who I know and I can converse
with them in a warm ambience.
My wife and I also love taking a shopping trolley around our local supermarkets
– now this experience could take quite a while as I always start chatting to people in
each aisle, something which my wife doesn’t appreciate every time...
When my grandchildren accompany me on my local shopping trips they tell me
every time “Grandad, why do you know everybody and everybody knows you!” This
always brings a smile to my face and a warmness inside me because I want them to
do what I do, actually talk to folk face to face – and not via you know what!! Social
Media...
In this September article I am not going to mention Brexit – but I may do in the
October 24th issue of The Voice which is just a week from Halloween – October
31st.
God only knows what will happen between now and that date – I think we need
a miracle – whether you voted Leave or Remain I think we all have had enough of
this absolute shambles.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice colour
magazine
Kind Regards
Nigel Titterton
Dear Reader,
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not necessarily those of the
publishers, nor indeed their responsibility. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and is published at
3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
13,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses in
Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rocester, Denstone, Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton,
Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean, Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh,
Combridge, Kingsley, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley Green & Fulford,
Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone, Marchington,
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Local Housing Market Report
by George Brandrick
Brexit Housing Boost?
L
ocal Estate Agent Abode Reports Record
Sales for the first two quarters of 2019.
George Brandrick of Abode in Uttoxeter
comments “We were expecting that the market
might cool slightly at the beginning of this year,
partly due to doubts over Brexit and the UK
economy.
To our surprise we have listed more and sold
more property than in the same period last year”.
This comes as Abode also claim that they have
achieved over 98% of asking price. “Our ratio also
against asking prices shows that we are paying
attention to the market and making sure we price
our stock correctly, I will say that asking prices
have had to reduce a little to gain interest, by
responding to this change in the market we’ve
been able to produce some superb results for our
customers”.
If you have a house to sell or rent call George
on 01889 567777.
Uttoxeter
01889 567777
Ashbourne
01335 300600
www.abodemidlands.co.uk
A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Serving Breakfasts and
Homemade Scones & Cakes
Daily Specials
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
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This provides our advertisers with a very long
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CARLTON UPHOLSTERY
RE-UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS • EST 1979
Three-Piece Suites • Odd Chairs & Sofas
Headboards • Bedroom Furniture • Re-Springing
Replacement Seat • Foam Cushions/Fibre
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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

• Afternoon
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Call: 01889 566647
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Opulence Beauty Ltd, 31 Market Place, Uttoxeter, ST14 8HF
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Bramshall and District
Gardening Club
T
he Bramshall Gardening Club is pleased to welcome BBC Midlands’
gardening expert Darren Rudge (pictured above) to open its 2019-2020
season on Monday 30th September. He will be speaking about the best ways
to make your garden attractive all the year round in a talk entitled ‘Right Plant, Right
Place’. The meeting will be at Bramshall Parish Hall, commencing at 7:30pm.
Darren has spent his career delivering and managing horticultural qualifications
as well as running a successful garden design consultancy. His enthusiastic and
cheerful manner over the airwaves have earned him the title “The Laughing
Gardener” and he has been nominated for a garden media guild award for his novel
and inspirational approaches to gardening issues and problems. He is a garden judge
at National shows and also mentors school children through the Green Plan It
Challenge run by the Royal Horticultural Society; aimed at getting children involved
in gardening and living healthier lifestyles.
Bramshall Gardening Club meets in Bramshall Parish Hall on the last Monday
of the month from September to April and it is now in its 31st year. The
presentations each month are not just about gardening topics; they include local
history, the world of nature and travel to places of interest in the world. The cost of
membership is £13.00 which includes attendance at the meetings as well as the
benefit of a 10% discount at the Strawberry Garden Centre, Bramshall on purchases
above £10 (excluding discounted items).
Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society • Reg Charity 1039350
Freya and Bruce
Hello my name is Freya. I’m only 2 years old and
have still not found my forever home. When I was
just 1 year old I was wandering the streets until
someone took me in. I had a litter of kittens who
were all given away and then my owner decided she
couldn’t keep me anymore. She had no time for me
and didn’t really love me. That made me very sad
because I’m a really beautiful long haired
tabby/tortoiseshell cat and I deserve to find a nice
family to look after me. Cheadle Animal Welfare
Society took me in when no one else would. They organised for me to have a little
operation so that I don’t have to worry about having any more kittens, they vaccinated
me so that I’m protected against nasty diseases and I’m now microchipped so if I get
lost I can be returned home very quickly,
I think I would prefer to find a home where I’m the only pet so I can get all the
attention and I would like a home with a garden as I love to be out and about doing this
and that.
If you would like to meet me please ring me on 01335 390369 or 01889 564045 and
ask for Freya. I’ll be waiting.
Hello my name is Bruce, I’m an American
Bulldog and a very handsome boy. I have been in an
animal rescue before and while it’s ok, it’s not like
having a proper home. The people who adopted me
from the animal rescue many miles away just couldn’t
be bothered with me. I spent a lot of time on my own
in an outside run with nothing to see or do. It was
very boring. I didn’t get taken for walks and no one
seemed to care about me. Then I was taken in by
Cheadle Animal Welfare Society who had me
neutered and have looked after me really well. I now go out for country walks and have
met lots of lovely people. All I need now is a home of my own.
I would love to find a home with people who are used to living with and looking
after big dogs. It would be fantastic if they had a big garden for me to wander around
in and of course they would have to take me for walks every day. We could both enjoy
that.
If you would like to come to meet me all you have to do is ring 07531 232 542
and give my agent your details.

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Uttoxeter Town Hall
THE PERFECT VENUE FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
A stunning Grade II Listed Building providing a blank canvas to create the wedding of your dreams.
Contact our Bookings Clerk on 01889 564085 or email info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk who will be more than happy to assist you
in arranging a viewing, providing you with a wedding pack and advising you of what we can offer to make your special day extra special.
Uttoxeter Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN
Tel: 01889 564085Email: info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk Visit: www.uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk
O
n Thursday 22nd of August, at a Service of Thanksgiving, the congregation
in a packed All Saints Church, Denstone, paid their last respects to Dennis
Herbert William Parker BEM, who had passed away fourteen days earlier
at the age of 88.
Not only will Dennis be missed by his family, neighbours, and friends, as well as
the village of Denstone, Uttoxeter have also lost one of their favourite sons, as over
many years Dennis has put in so much fund-raising energy since he was a founder
member of ‘The Lions,’ a fact fondly remembered in Church.
Apart from all Dennis’s work on various committees, for many years he was also
a stalwart of the Denstone Players. Indeed, until recently, one could not imagine a
play that did not feature Dennis Parker in it’s cast.
Les Humphries said: “I had the pleasure of appearing alongside him in several
productions, also ‘serving’ with him in the Denstone Branch of The Royal British
Legion, where for a number of years he looked after both the branch finances, and
poppy distribution.
“When Dennis received his British Empire Medal it was a well deserved accolade
for all his unstinting work for the community. His passing will leave a void in the
lives of so many people and organisations.”
During the Service, led by the Rev’d Liz Jones, it was stated that Dennis’s favourite
role was that of Captain Mainwaring in a Dad’s Army sketch, pictured at Denstone
Village Hall, being performed as part of a British Legion Fund-raising event. Life
just won’t be the same without Dennis around.
Commiserations to wife Muriel and daughter Jacqui.
Dennis Herbert
William Parker BEM

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Large Wholesale Plant Nursery
open to the Trade & Public
• Broad selection of specimen climbers
• Specimen Trees, Shrubs & Climbers
• Wide selection of Topiary plants
• Large evergreen trees for screening available
• Multi-buy offers on many plants
• Discounts available for large quantities
• Planting schemes designed and priced,
please contact us for more details
• Hedging available - delivered locally and nationwide
• Major suppliers to New Build Developments
Call: 01782 405355
Email: lee@draycottnurseries.co.uk
We are open: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm,
Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm
Draycott Nurseries & Landscapes Sales Ltd
Cheadle road (off Uttoxeter Road),
Draycott in the Moors, Staffordshire ST11 9RG
Draycott
Nurseries
J
CB has paid tribute to an
award-winning employee who
retired after more than three
decades with the Staffordshire-based company.
Roy Bamford, 58, of Cheadle, stepped down as Group
Purchasing Manager at JCB World Headquarters, in
Rocester, after 32 years. It is a career which saw him travel
the globe as well as win the company’s highest honour -
the JCB People Awards’ ‘Spirit of JCB’, in recognition of his
service to the business.
He said: “With a surname like mine it seemed like a
great place to work! Unfortunately, my branch of the
Bamfords are not related to the JCB family but I did have
conversations with Mr JCB back in the day about our
family trees.
“I have had an amazing career with JCB and worked
right across the world, in the United States, India, China,
Japan, Korea and most European countries. The highlight
was moving to the United States for four years back in 2004
where we took the factory from making just backhoe
loaders to producing many other machines such as
Loadalls, skid-steers and special vehicles for the military.”
Grandfather-of three Roy added: “Now I’ve retired, I
plan to spend my time on the golf course, gardening,
walking the dog and with the family.”
Colleagues presented Roy with a specially
commissioned JCB 3CX backhoe model and framed
cartoon depicting his many travels and hobbies.
JCB Chief Operating Officer Mark Turner said: “Roy
has been a great asset to JCB over the decades and is a
fantastic example of professionalism and personality -
which is why he was given the company’s highest honour
‘The Spirit of JCB Award’. He is also a true gentleman who
will be missed by the team here at Rocester as well as
colleagues across the globe.”
Globetrotting JCB award-winner
Roy retires
Pictured (left to right) are Roy’s son and daughter Alex Bamford and Gemma Bamford, Group Purchasing Global
Category Manager Steve Moses, Group Director of Purchasing Tom Rae, Roy Bamford, Chief Operating Officer
Mark Turner and Group Purchasing General Manager Chris Bell

Just the
perfect day...
R
ain had filled the sky, and soaked the
ground, for a full week before our
wedding day. But after nearly two years of
planning, I was not going to let a bit of heavy
drizzle ruin the first day of our married lives
together.
Jonathan had spent the previous night in our
Family home, with his best man Gary and our
eldest boy Harley. I was to make my preparations
at my childhood home with our youngest two,
Morgan and Bella.
It all started to become real when my
hairdresser Angela (Foster) arrived, followed
closely by make-up artist Jane (Jane Bridal
Beauty). Next to arrive were the beautiful flowers
from Paula of Paula’s Petals.
Jonathan made the short journey to church
on foot with his Best Men and Ushers, while
myself and the rest of my bridal party were
escorted in vintage style wedding cars supplied
by Anthony James of Stafford.
After a nervous walk up to the church, all my
fears ebbed away when I heard ‘Turning Page’ the
song I was to walk down the aisle to. After an
emotional and beautiful ceremony (conducted by
Rev. Liz Jones), our guests travelled to Osmaston
by double decker bus supplied by Route Master
for hire.
The rain poured for most of the day but it
certainly didn’t dampen our spirits!
Our Marquee looked absolutely stunning
with our grey, pink and white theme. Our four
tier wedding cake supplied by Amerton Cakes
and bought for us as a gift from our very good
friends, Lisa and Chris didn’t disappoint. Neither
did our three course wedding breakfast and
canapés beautifully crafted by Helen Naylor and
her team at Uppercrust Caterers.
The evening celebrations followed a very
entertaining speech by our Best Man and brother,
Laurence, even including a guitar serenade,
which was hilarious! The rain proved itself to not
be all bad, just as our evening guests arrived a
beautiful rainbow appeared...you don’t get a
rainbow without a little rain.
Dammit Jack our chosen band, sang a lovely
rendition of ‘All of Me’ for our first dance. Guests
enjoyed snapshots in our vintage caravan from
Angelic Photo UK. Fish and chips were on hand
to soak up the alcohol, a van we hired from KK
Caterers.
Lois Photography (Buxton) and Jack Close
(Upclose Wedding Videography) were absolutely
amazing, we cant thank either of them enough
for their presence on the day and the beautiful
memories they have captured.
Our first marital evening together was spent
at The Cow, in Dalbury Lees, an absolutely
stunning country-style boutique hotel.
After the most amazing day and night spent
with our most favourite people, it was back to
work for us both on the Monday morning! We
will be spending a few nights away with the
children in October, a thoughtful wedding gift
from Grandparents, Les and Sandra.
Perfect!
Bride and Groom - Emma Louise McNamara and Jonathan
Steven George Paull of Rocester
Bride’s Parents - Helen and Phillip Webster of Rocester
Groom’s Parents - Susan and Steven Paull of Uttoxeter
Best Men - Lawrence Paull (Groom’s Brother) and Gary
Anderson (Friend)
Ushers - Harley Tavernor (Bride’s Son), Grant Fallows (Family
Friend), Richard Humphries (Bride’s Uncle), Tom Paull (Groom’s
Brother) and Trevor Mason (Family Friend)
Ring Bearer - Morgan Paull (Bride and Groom’s Son)
Bridesmaids - Stacey Webster (Bride’s Sister) and Charlotte
Humphries (Bride’s Cousin)
Flower Girl - Bella Paull (Bride and Groom’s Daughter)
Ceremony - St. Michaels Church Rocester
Reception - Osmaston Park, Ashbourne
Photography - Lois Dalton (Lois Photography, Buxton)

Just the perfectday...

The Flu
season is
upon us!
Balance Street Practice and Northgate Surgery
would like to invite all eligible patients to make an
appointment to receive this year’s flu vaccinations.
If you are over 65 years of age we are offering the
Ajuvanted Trivalent vaccine recommended by NHS
England, Public Health commissioners.
You are also eligible if you have the following
conditions:
• Diabetes
• Heart, kidney or liver conditions
• Asthma, chest complaints or breathing difficulties
• Lowered immunity
• A carer
• Pregnant
Under 65’s at risk will receive the 4x Strain
(quadrivalent) flu vaccine
Please call YOUR surgery and make an appointment.
Clinics are running from September 2019.
Flu Saturdays are available:
Northgate Surgery - 01889 562010
28th September 2019, 8.30am - 13.00pm
Balance Street Practice - 01889 562145
28th September 2019, 8.00am - 12.00noon
5th October 2019, 8.00am - 12.00noon
Balance Street Pharmacy will
be offering flu vaccination
with no appointment
needed. ‘At risk’ patients can
get a flu vaccine at the
pharmacy free of charge,
private flu vaccines are
available for £12.
Clinics are
r
Uttoxeter
Driving School
Manual and Automatic Lessons
Professional, patient and friendly driving instructors
committed to helping you pass as quickly and
easily as possible. If you’re a total beginner, have a
little experience or someone who lacks confidence
we can help you!
To book your first lesson or to ask any questions
please feel free to call us on one of these numbers:
Office 01889 585369 or Mobile 07841 765081
Misted units replaced, lock
and general repairs to doors,
patios and windows
Mark Capewell
Tel: 01889 578654
Mobile: 07802 277935
Email: mark.capewell@talktalk.net
Double Glazing
Services
Pre decimal coins | Proof sets | Silver coins | Gold Coins
World Coins | Banknotes | Hammered coins | Early milled coins
The easy & fast way to sell your coins or banknotes
from single coins to whole collections
Tel 0799 986 9897
Email: paul@oldcoin4.cash Visit www.oldcoin4.cash
Oldcoin4.cash
Release cash in your old coins
Prize winning
gardener
creates floral
shelter at
Uttoxeter
Station
A
lack of shelter for
passengers waiting
for taxis and buses
has inspired a passionate
group of volunteers to build
an environmentally friendly
pergola with seating at
Uttoxeter Railway Station.
The wooden structure has
been planted with climbing
plants to create cover and
fragrance and to provide
habitats for insects and
birds. The project was led
by volunteer Mick Eyre,
Environment Maintenance
Manager for Stoke-on-Trent
City Council for 31 years
until 2007 when he won a
Gold Medal and Best in
Show for his Clarice Cliff
floral bedding scheme at
the RHS show at Tatton
Park.
The pergola is decorated
with imaginative paintings
of minibeasts created by
pupils from St Mary’s First
CE (A) School. They
worked with artist, Tracy
McGuiness-Kelly, on the
project funded by the North
Staffordshire Community
Rail Partnership.
Councillor McGarry
said “The station is a very
important gateway to the
town and we are grateful to
the Uttoxeter Station
Adopters for their hard
work in keeping it
colourful, clean and
welcoming.”
Before joining Stoke-
on-Trent City Council,
Mick Eyre was a civil
engineer who learnt many
of his skills from his master
builder grandfather,
enabling him later to build
his own extension and
summer house.
Mick said “It has been a
real pleasure to work with
the other volunteers and
with EMR staff on this
project. The pergola will
look lovely when the plants
have grown up and covered
it, providing cover for
passengers when they’re
waiting for taxis and buses.
I’ve enjoyed using my skills
to complete this much
needed shelter for the
station.”
To find out more about
the station adoption
programme and to get
involved with adopting a
station along the North
Staffordshire route (Derby
to Crewe) visit:
www.eastmidlandsrailway.
co.uk/stationadoption

F
or a number of years, the Rotary Clubs of Blythe
Bridge and Cheadle have joined together to hold
an Annual Fishing Competition for children
from local primary schools.
This year the competition was held on Saturday, 3rd
August, having been postponed from an earlier date
because of torrential rain.
A most enjoyable morning was spent around the
fishing lake and some excellent catches made.
In opening the Prize-Giving ceremony, Philip
Brough, President of the Cheadle Rotary Club, said that
many people were to be thanked for their work in
making this competition such a great success -
Reginald Wild and Richard Gallagher of the Bridge
Bridge and the Cheadle Rotary Clubs respectively;
Gerald and Carol Woolridge for conducting the weigh-
in of the catches; Stuart Wood and Philip Howell, the
chefs who prepared the BBQ which followed the
competition; and Mr. John Heath, of the Blake Hall
Fishery, for his continuing generosity and support of
the competition - support which is greatly appreciated.
Lastly, Philip thanked those who were perhaps the
most important people of all - the contestants, for
without them, there would be no competition !
He then introduced Mrs Enid Hayes, the Past
President of the Blythe Bridge Rotary Club, who
presented the prizes.
The winners of the competition were:-
Harry Wainwright
Ben Wittingham
William Edge
Charlotte Conway
Ellie Barnes
Dillon Clapper
Ashton Morton
Rotary Club fishing competition

Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Dove Bank, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8DU
t: 01889 561820 | e: office@tahs.org.uk | w: www.thomasalleynes.uk
This year, students from Thomas Alleyne’s showed that it is possible to
make excellent progress whilst taking every opportunity presented to
them. Many participated in sporting competitions, took part in drama and
music productions, worked with the National Citizenship projects and
completed their Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions.
In August they went on to celebrate some outstanding performances at
GCSE and A level.
Performance in Science and Maths GCSEs was particularly strong with
over 25% of students achieving an equivalent of an A/A* in Maths known
in the new measures as a 7, 8 or 9 grade. History students also performed
exceptionally well with 1 in 3 of students achieving 7, 8 or 9 grades.
The school offers a broad curriculum with some unique provision. 10% of
grades in 21% of students who studied Animal Care on the school farm
achieved the highest grade possible. A number plan to go on to work in
veterinary science or in the Agricultural industry. 31% of students studying
Food Technology achieved a Grade 7 (A) or above. Design technology
results overall in Graphics, Resistant Materials and Food Technology were
outstanding.
Within the headline figures lie some highly impressive individual student
performances with 18 students achieving at least 8 grades at grade 8s
and 9s.
Only 832 students achieved 7 subjects or more all at the coveted grade 9
across England and Wales. Grade 9 was introduced in 2017 to recognise
exceptional performance. Grade 8 therefore is the new A* grade.
This year at Thomas Alleyne’s five outstanding students exceeded this.
Shani Wright and Alice Radley achieved 8 GCSEs at grade 9 with one
GCSE at grade 8. Shani also achieved the equivalent of a 9 in Further
Maths.
Shani said, ‘I am quite surprised but pleased the hard work paid off. I am
just thankful to all the teachers who helped me get where I want to be.’
Shani will be studying Art, Maths and Biology at A level at Thomas
Alleyne’s High School.
Vicky Catterall and Grace Harvey achieved 7 GCSEs at Grade 9, and the
equivalent of a 9 in Further Maths. Grace also attained 2 GCSEs at grade
8. Aaron Gwynne achieved 7 GCSEs at Grade 9, and the equivalent of a
9 in Further Maths. He also attained 1 GCSE at grade 8.
Similarly, Thomas Alleyne’s High School sixth form students made
excellent progress. This has once again enabled students to secure top
university places including Durham, York, Nottingham, Sheffield and
Birmingham University and Higher Apprenticeships in fields such as
Quantity Surveying, Agriculture and Engineering as well as entering into
the world of work or the Armed forces.
There were some exceptional individual performances:
Joanna Thornett, achieved A* grades in Chemistry, Maths and Further
Maths as well as an A in Physics. Joanna will be reading Mathematics at
Durham University. Ruby Woollard, achieved A* grades in Biology and
Maths and A grades in Chemistry and Geography. Ruby will be reading
Zoology at Sheffield University.
Livia Robinson, whose art work was exhibited (and sold) at the Mall
Gallery in London this year, achieved an A* in Art and Photography, and a
C in Design Technology. Livia will be studying Graphic Design at
Nottingham Trent University. Adam Burrows who achieved his Gold Duke
of Edinburgh and Queen’s Scout awards whilst completing his A levels
has gone on to achieve A* in Mathematics, A in Further Mathematics, B
in Physics and a C grade in Religious Studies. Adam will be studying
Mathematics with Education at Derby.
Abby and Chloe Smith, both achieved Double Distinction * and a
Distinction in Health and Social Care. Both Abby and Chloe will be
studying midwifery at DeMontford and Keele Universities respectively.
Hannah Brown, achieved A* in both Biology and Psychology along with
an A grade in Chemistry. Hannah will be studying Biomedical Sciences.
James Cooksedge, achieved A* in Mathematics and A grades in Biology
and Chemistry. James has secured an apprenticeship at Astro-Zeneca.
Ewan Haas, achieved an A* in Mathematics, an A grade in Physics and a
B grade in Further Maths. Ewan will be reading Mathematics at York
University. Callum Perrett achieved 3 grade As in Chemistry, Physics and
Mathematics. Callum will be studying Chemical Engineering at
Birmingham University.
Congratulations to all students. We wish you well for your futures.
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KS3 & KS4
Open Evening
Wednesday, October 2nd, 6.30pm
An evening to meet students, staff from Thomas
Alleyne’s High School and for you to consider all
that the school has on offer.
Sixth Form
Information Evening
Tuesday, October 8th
An evening to meet students, staff from Thomas
Alleyne’s High School and for you to consider all
that the school has on offer.
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Dove Bank, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8DU
t: 01889 561820 | e: office@tahs.org.uk | w: www.thomasalleynes.uk
Transforming lives through education

The Cheadle Academy Prom 2019
A
beautiful English summers evening at the Heath House in
Tean was the venue for The Cheadle Academy Prom. The
students celebrated the end of Key stage 4, by arriving in
‘Show style’ vehicles; followed by photographs in the grounds
of the house, a three course dinner and then danced the night
away with all of their friends.
Following The Cheadle Academy’s fantastic results from
Ofsted when the Academy was rated GOOD, many of the current
Year 11’s will be continuing their education at The Cheadle
Academy Sixth Form. Principal Mr Neil Jamieson from the
Academy said “Year 11 pupils have been a credit to the school
and we wish then every success with their GCSE results in
August”.

S
t Mary’s Entertainers, those well-known thespians
from the Parish church in Uttoxeter, are now into
final rehearsals and will be treading the boards
again in November with their next lavish
production ‘Snow White’.
This pantomime written by the late
Norman Robbins is a lively, funny and fast-
moving traditional show which will appeal
to children of all ages and promises to be
great fun for all the family.
The story concerns the beautiful but evil
Queen Maligna who has seized the throne
of Sylvania on the death of her husband.
Told by a ‘magic mirror’ that her step-
daughter Snow White is more beautiful, Maligna is
consumed with jealousy and determines to kill her. But
Snow White has many friends and finds seven new
ones who live in a little cottage deep in the forest. With
their help and the dashing Prince Michael, Snow White
is saved and Queen Maligna is revealed as a wicked
witch.
St Mary’s Entertainers have been performing
comedy plays and pantomimes for over 35 years whilst
raising thousands of pounds towards major projects in
the Parish church.
Sadly this will be the last time the ‘Entertainers’ will
perform having decided that the time has come to retire
from the stage.
Formed in the early 1980’s by several families with
small children, their idea was to help raise funds for
major alterations being undertaken at that time to the
interior of St Mary’s Parish
church. All the parents had
grown up together and their
children all attended Sunday
school. Given that none had
any real acting or stage
experience, to produce and
perform a full-length comedy
play was an ambitious
challenge! Despite the
misgivings of many, the
Entertainers took the stage in
1983 with their first production
‘Bad Day at Black Frog Creek’.
Comedy as always been the
Entertainers forte and over the
years children and
grandchildren have performed
alongside members of the
original cast and once again
there will be three generations
of the Brown family on stage in
the next production.
Don’t miss ‘Snow White ‘ at
the Wilfred House Centre in
Carter Street on Friday 22nd
November at 7.30 pm and
Saturday 23rd November at
2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are now on sale at
Uttoxeter Town Hall, or from
Linda Hammond 07784 161455
www.entertainers.me.uk
A local amateur dramatic group is pulling
out all the stops for its latest production
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Leigh Produce Show a great success

T
he sun shone brightly on this year’s Lark
in the Park on the Saturday of the August
Bank Holiday weekend. The annual event
is funded by East Staffordshire Borough Council
and organised and run by Uttoxeter Lions.
The arena acts were very popular and
included Sam Goodburn, a professional Circus
Performer who has toured the country, the
continent and beyond with his spectacular acts.
Best known for his unique unicycle stunts which
include unicycling over a freestanding tightwire,
pedalling along a line of real wine glasses or
unicycling on a collapsible ladder that fits in a
suitcase. After winning the country’s biggest
competition to find the UK’s best circus act in
2015 with a comedy juggling routine Sam has
performed through Asia, the Middle East and at
the Glastonbury Festival and now Bramshall
Road Park, Uttoxeter.
There was also a short magic show before a
traditional Punch and Judy show hosted by
Professor Bauble, who entertained all children
whatever their age, with all the elements
including Mr Punch, Judy, Baby and the
Crocodile.
Visitors also enjoyed the traditional brass
band sound of the Uttoxeter Town Band, donkey
rides, the inflatable rodeo bull and quad bikes as
well as various charity and other stalls.
The warm weather helped bring out the
crowds. The stalls all did well and Ashmore’s
famous ice cream was very popular in the heat.
The finale of the afternoon was the famous
Duck Race which for the first time ever was
sponsored by Everyone Active, the operators of
Uttoxeter Leisure Centre, with a prize of £100 for
the winner pus cash prizes for second and third.
There was a record take up for the ducks this year
as every toy duck the Lions had was sold out. The
children seemed especially to enjoy helping to
take the ducks out of the old paddling pool area
of the brook at the end of the race.
Sun shines on
Uttoxeter’s
Lark in the Park

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Denstone
Players
next
production
R
ehearsals are well
underway for
Denstone Players’
next production- ‘A Case
of Mistaken Identity’ to
be performed on October
3rd, 4th and 5th at
Denstone Village Hall.
This comedy has been
specially written by
Players’ member Les
Humphries and will
therefore be a world
premier!
Director Terry Davies
described the play as “A
Comedy of Errors meeting
‘Allo ‘Allo. I’m sure a
strong cast will deliver an
evening to remember!”
Tickets @ £12 (limited
to 60 per performance)
include an evening meal of
pie and peas followed by
dessert. Those requiring
anything other than a meat
pie should phone
07816227191.
Our Box Office is at
Denstone Hall Farm Shop
(01889 590050). Tickets
can also be obtained
online at
www.denstoneplayers.com

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Fulford Community Choir
W
ith an exciting and busy year ahead
with amazing opportunities to sing
in prestigious venues, Fulford
Community Choir is looking to swell its
numbers so that as many people as possible can
gain from the benefits of singing.
The choir has just enjoyed a fabulous year
with the members taking part in ‘Stoke Sings’
in Victoria Hall, Hanley in February 2019. They
are already looking forward to participating in
‘Stoke Sings 2020’.
Fulford Community Choir was formed in 2012 and now has over 65
members who enjoy the social interaction, stress-reducing, fun rehearsals on
Sunday afternoons in Fulford Village Hall.
With a wide repertoire of music, including traditional songs, gospel
medleys, rounds, contemporary pop songs and excerpts from musicals, the
choir’s director Dan Hollingshurst ensures that there is something for everyone
to enjoy.
If you have always wanted to sing then why not come along to a rehearsal…
you don’t have to live in Fulford, don’t have to be able to read music and there
are no auditions. You are assured a very warm welcome.
For more details or a chat about the choir:
Visit: www.fulfordcommunitychoir.com
Email: fulfordcommunitychoir@gmail.com
Tel: Wendy Godfrey on 07890 996798

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
T
hat’s summer over with then it
appears, with at the time of writing
this column, the temperatures
dropping from a roasting 30 degrees plus
back into the mid teens.
The media reckons that it has been the
hottest and wettest summer on record since
1910 and I can well believe it.
I am afraid when it was in the 30 degrees
it was certainly too hot for me and I found it
unbearable. Luckily it was as usual a flash in
the pan and we only had a few days of these
extraordinary temperatures.
For once though we had glorious Easter
weather and most of the Bank Holiday
weekends also followed suit which makes a
change from the norm with usually wet and
windy weather thrown at us when most of
us have a few days off.
I do not know what is in store for us this
winter with the weather but I think we are in
for a winter of discontent. Why you may
ask?
There is only main reason in my eyes and
the answer is the word BREXIT!
I don’t usually spout on about political
matters because everyone has their own
views on these matters and to be perfectly
honest I think everybody has had enough of
the subject now - me included!
To me for the whole issue to carry on and
still not be settled after 3 years when the
majority of Joe Public has voted and told the
government their wishes with a democratic
vote, i.e leave is totally beyond me, absolutely
crazy.
Don’t forget, Joe Public I am sure in the
first place didn’t give a monkey’s whether we
were in or out of Europe, after all we had
been in it since Ted Heath’s government in
the 1970’s and it didn’t make, to the normal
man in the street, an half pence of difference
whether or not we were in or out of it
because to him it didn’t make any life
changing difference until the then Prime
Minister David Cameron put the daft idea
into peoples’ heads that it did and everybody would
have a choice to vote for opting out or remaining in.
This is where to me the rot set in with everyone
having their own different views on the matter, but to
leave was voted for and to me the majority vote won
and the electors’ wishes should be carried out,
regardless of political claptrap.
Oh no, it isn’t that easy, our wonderful 600 odd
MP’s (God knows why we have to have so many) have
to start political battles with each other as to the ins and
outs of the matter.
The way they are carrying on changing
parliamentary rules and regulations just to point score
against each other will keep carrying on being debated
until the year dot without any beneficial outcome and
eventually the whole idea will end up being scrapped
all together returning us back to square one, with again
a complete waste of time and effort and tax payers
money.
I would like to know what the hell they did to earn
their crust before BREXIT came on the scene?
I don’t understand the technicalities of BREXIT and
to be honest, I, like a vast amount of other
people don’t either and just want the matter
sorted now because they are sick and tired
of having the arguments thrust upon them
every time they read their daily newspaper
or watch the news on TV.
Do we leave with a deal or no deal? I’ll
be dammed if I know. I do not know what
each option involves and the only Deal or
No Deal I understand is the quiz show that
used to be screened on TV hosted by Noel
Edmunds!
Article 50, Article 13, Backstop, to me
more gobbledegook statements!
What really annoys me mostly about the
whole issue is the scaremongering that is
thrown upon Joe Public on a daily basis.
Statements if we leave Europe, like
“There will be a food shortage”, “Your £ will
be worthless abroad”, “You won’t be able to
buy your luxury car made in Europe any
more”, There will be a shortage of life saving
medicines”, “We won’t be able to export our
refuge to Europe anymore for processing it
will have to be transported up north and put
in landfill sites”, “There will be long delays at
custom control at airports when you go on
holiday in Europe”, that is if we are allowed
to go there, the list goes on. Give me
strength, do they take all of us to be as thick
as a brick and take all these statements in.
One aspect that does really rile me is that
our newly elected Prime Minister (not by us
I must add) Boris Johnson is going to
suspend Parliament for 5 or 6 weeks, OK for
what reason is beyond me and it wouldn’t
bother me in the least if Parliament got
suspended for good and the civil service and
big business leaders who know what they are
talking about run the country. I’m afraid I
can’t be bothered to find out but I bet your
bottom dollar he doesn’t stop their huge
salaries and pensions during this suspension
all paid for by the British tax payer at the end
of the day! I bet if you took a sabbatical off
work for this length of time your pay would
be the first thing your boss man would stop. Think
about it!
Anyway the sooner they get it sorted out as far as I
am concerned the better. Enough said on the matter
now and I hope that I haven’t annoyed you with my
views and I apologise most profusely for my ignorance
and lack of knowledge on the subject but I feel that I
must state my views which I am almost certain the
majority of you readers of my column will totally agree
with.
Till next time, Lank
Crowds of people demonstrate their own contrasting views
There is always one wag who has sized up the performance of our leaders in
the proceedings of producing the wishes of the majority of the British
electorate. Brilliant stuff typical British humour!

Uttoxeter student Leanne Painter
wins Rotary International UK
Writing Competition
T
he Rotary
Club of
Uttoxeter,
on behalf Rotary
International,
has for the last
four years
organised a
Young Writer
competition
with local
schools. The
competition,
run by Graham
Kerby, aims to
encourage
young people to
use their writing
skills and to
write with
imagination and
creativity. Each
year there is a different subject and for for 2019 this was “My Inspiration”. The
competition is open to students in full time education in three age groups: Junior
(7 to 10), Intermediate (11 to 13) and Senior (14 to 17).
Entries may be fiction or non-fiction, a story or a poem either handwritten or
typed and up to 500 words. Uttoxeter Rotary is extremely grateful for the support
of local schools, their teachers and the students’ parents. This year four schools
took part with 124 entries compared to 90 in the previous year.
The judges were very impressed with the standard of entries which made
judging very difficult. The winning entries in each age group are then entered in
the District round with those winners going on to the National final.
On Tuesday 14th May a presentation of certificates and prizes of £100 for each
age group was made to the winners at Uttoxeter Town Hall. Leanne Painter our
intermediate winner went on to win the National Competition. Congratulations
to everyone who took part.
Leanne receiving her award from Uttoxeter IPP Anita Thomas-
Epple, and Youth Services Chair Robyn Davies at Thomas
Alleynes High School’’s Annual Prize Giving Evening.
(Photo Rtn Ken Rogers)

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Cheadle Legend Mark celebrates
his 50th birthday with a party...
Cheadle’s Mark Fower recently celebrated his 50th birthday with
family and friends at a Party held in Cheadle Cricket Club. Happy
Birthday Mark!

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Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake with Swiss
Meringue Buttercream
I
t was my daughter, Daisy’s, 21st birthday last week
and I promised her I would make her any cake she
desired. This salted caramel chocolate cake was a
bit of a challenge, it does take a bit of effort but it was
so worth it. One of the most delicious cakes I have ever
made, but very rich. A small slice goes a long way!
Saying that, the swiss meringue buttercream filling was
so delicious it was hard to say no to a second slice. I
actually made the cake over two days, as the cakes are
best refrigerated before you attempt to halve them as
they have quite a soft crumb. I did make my own salted
caramel, but you can just as easily use store bought
salted caramel instead.
You will need for the cake
225g plain flour
350g caster sugar
85g cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 large free range eggs
250ml buttermilk
125ml vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
250ml hot coffee
Salted Caramel
300g caster sugar
60 ml water
280 ml double cream
30g unsalted butter
1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Swiss meringue buttercream
200g caster sugar
4 large egg whites
250g softened unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 tbsp salted caramel
Whipped chocolate ganache
200g dark or milk chocolate
200 ml double cream
First thing is to bake your cake, which needs to be
done the day before you ice it. Preheat the oven to
180˚C, and grease and line two 20cm x 8 inch round
sandwich tins.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking
powder and bicarb of soda into a large bowl and stir in
the sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs,
buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract and pour onto the
dry ingredients, and beat until smooth. Add the coffee
a little at a time, until it is all combined. The mixture
will be quite runny. Divide the batter between the two
tins and place in the centre of the oven. Check after 35
mins, with a skewer inserted into the cake centre until
it comes out with no wet batter. This could take up to
an hour, just keep checkingt every 5-10 mins after the
35 min mark.
Once baked, leave to cool in the tins, and when
completely cooled, wrap in clingfilm still in the tins and
leave in the fridge overnight. You can just leave the cake
for a couple of hours, but I left mine overnight which
made it much easier to slice.
To make the salted caramel, place the sugar and
water into a deep heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to
the boil and cook, swirling the pan until the sugar
dissolves and the colour changes to a lovely amber.
Remove from the heat and pour in the cream. When
the mixture stops bubbling, add the butter and whisk
until combined. Return the pan to a medium heat and
gently simmer whisking the whole time until the
caramel is smooth and free of lumps. Whisk in the salt
and leave to cool completely. It can also be made the
day before and kept in the fridge.
To make the salted caramel swiss meringue
buttercream, put the egg whites and suger in a very
clean heatproof bowl, your stand mixer bowl would be
perfect. Place over a pan of simmering water, not letting
the base of the bowl touch the water, and whisk with a
handwhisk until the sugar has dissolved completely and
the mixture is warm to the touch. This will take
approximately 5 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the heat and attach to your
stand mixer. Whisk until you have a thick, glossy, bright
white meringue. Once the meringue is cold, switch the
mixer to a low speed and add the butter a little at a time,
making sure that each addition is fully incorporated
before adding the next. Whisk in the vanilla and salted
caramel.
Remove the cakes from the fridge, and carefully
using a serrated knife, slice each cake in half so you
have four layers. Place one layer on a cake stand and
spread over a quarter of the buttercream, the drizzle
over a tablespoon of salted caramel. Top with another
layer of cake and repeat until you have three layers of
buttercream. Place the final layer of cake on top. Spread
the remaining quarter of buttercream thinly over the
cake. Place the cake in the fridge for at least half an
hour while you make the ganache.
To make the ganache, chop the chocolate (you can
use milk or dark), and place in a heatproof bowl. Put
the cream in a small pan and heat until just simmering.
Pour onto the chocolate, and stir until smooth. Leave
to cool until room temperature then whisk until it has
lightened in colour and has the texture of whipped
cream (do not overwhip).
Spread the ganache all over the cake.
To finish, drizzle the salted caramel all over the
cake.
So this cake definitely takes a bit more effort than
usual and is quite time consuming, but it really is worth
the effort.
A special cake for a very special occasion!
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill
I
have recently celebrated a big birthday and have
been feeling very nostalgic about the Past. Some
events of the last 60 years have been phenomenal
and have shaped how we live our lives today. I was born
in the last year of the 1950s and it is astonishing to
realise that this was only six years after rationing ended
in the UK. We had a television and a car when I was
born but this was not the norm at the time. Yet what a
contrast to today when most homes have at least two
televisions and, as I walk around Cheadle with my four
legged best friend in the evening, it is apparent that
many have at least two cars parked outside.
Attitudes have greatly changed in my lifetime,
particularly attitudes to women. In 1964, my sister was
doing her A levels and my father was unwilling for her
to apply to University but urged her to secure a job in
a local bank. My mother was the driving force behind
an application being made. By the time it was my turn,
in 1977, there was no objection from my father nor any
need for my mother to fight my corner as it was
expected of me to go on to Higher Education. How
attitudes had changed in thirteen years. It had become
widely accepted that women could combine a career
and a family life. My first trip abroad was when I was
12. My sister and her husband took my mother and I
to Paris. Now babes in arms are boarding planes as
regularly as many of us catch a bus.
Technology has aided how the World has changed
and has made it smaller. We had our first phone
installed in 1974 which is something that the younger
generations find difficult to grasp. I have written
previously about how fantastic Whatsapp, Skype and
Facetime are for keeping us all in touch with friends
and family. When I was at teacher training college I
used to phone home once a week and when I spent a
year working in France I would write a letter home
once a week. Now contact with loved ones who live
abroad is immediate. When I started teaching at my
first school I used a blackboard and chalk. By the time
I finished my career I was using an interactive
whiteboard.
Recently my two legged best friend and I were
honoured to be invited to a 100th birthday party. The
birthday boy is in good health with a positive attitude
and zest for life. The changes in this gentleman’s
lifetime need a column of their own so I shall return to
this in a future issue. As we sang along to the songs of
our host’s youth my other half and I questioned whose
music we would be listening to should we reach our
century. We both said in unison ‘Bryan Ferry!’ I
listened to my favourite singer’s music as I celebrated
in August and I raised a glass to those who continue to
read my ramblings. Cheers to 60 years and even louder
cheers to 100 years!
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle

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Poetry
by Mathew
Chapman
When I Leave
When I leave this place, on my dying day. I plan to say the things
that I’ve kept locked away. To tell you all how I feel, to give it to you
straight. To get those feelings off my very full plate.
To the ones that I love. I thank you for being there, I thank you for
showing me love even when I didn’t care. I thank you for the support
on the days that were bad, for trying to make me smile even though
I was feeling sad.
Now to those whom have hurt me, In every way they could, the ones
who broke me down and tried to draw my blood. I will tell you now,
that it’s all behind me. It has made me even stronger, now I hope that
you can see, see that I’m okay and that I couldn’t care at all. Because I
am still standing even though you wish I’d fall.
Now I have said what I need to say, I can finally live in my life and
focus on my future with my wife. I can hold my head high knowing
it is all off my chest, knowing I have done what is best.
(Never be afraid to speak out, do not let people control the outcome
of your life, it is yours to live how you want to, that’s what matters)
(c) Mathew Chapman 2019.

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
T
his month I have been thinking about walking,
sadly my ability is becoming limited but on my
good days, getting out in the fresh air is good for
the mind and body, so I contacted the Uttoxeter
Walking Club in order that I could feature them in my
community corner article, they kindly provided the
article below:
“The Uttoxeter Walking Club was formed in 1978
with an initial membership of 12. Since that time, it has
enjoyed a steady growth and today we have 70
members. Initially the club organized walks in the local
area including the Derbyshire Peaks but it did not take
long for a more adventurous programme to be
developed, including longer day trips and weekends.
There are a variety of walks on the programme
Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays. The walks vary from
short 3- 6 miles over easy terrain, moderate walks of
about 8 – 10 miles or more strenuous high-level walks.
Shorter walks tend to be within a fifteen-mile radius of
Uttoxeter travelling further in to the Peak district for
the longer walks. The more strenuous routes can be as
far afield as the High Peak, Wales or the Pennines.
The club operates a car share policy to reduce the
number of vehicles on the road and taking up valuable
car park spaces. This also reduces costs to drivers and
non-drivers can access new areas.
The programme is flexible so all details of walks,
meeting points, and start times are published monthly
on the website, face book and on posters in Uttoxeter
library and Waitrose.
A coach away day is organised each year, in
previous years coach trips have been to the Lake
District, North Wales, Malvern, Ludlow, Llangollen and
Haworth. 2019 members enjoyed a day out to The
Wrekin and Iron bridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
Occasionally we organise a weekend or week away-
these have included, Wales, Scotland (Ben Nevis)
Yorkshire, Shropshire, Isle of Wight and the Lake
District.
In 2018 it was the 40th anniversary of the Club – a
social evening was organised so members could bring
memorabilia and reminisce and the inaugural walk was
repeated with some founder members joining in.
Recently we were invited by Barrow hill Nursing
Home management to organise a walk going through
their grounds and meet some retired rambler residents
for a chat and refreshments – they were very pleased to
tell us their rambling exploits and we were made very
welcome with hot drinks and snacks.
The club has an A.G.M. for members to put
forward their suggestions for how the club should be
manages and what activities they would like to
organise.
We are associate members of national Ramblers
with all the support that goes with that particularly
insurance and including guidance for safety on walks
and keeping footpaths open by reporting damaged or
closed footpaths.
Non-members are welcome to attend two walks to
try us, before paying the subscription, currently £5 per
year, on their third walk. This is a great way of
exploring the countryside, appreciating everything in
nature, sharing experiences with friends old and new,
something for all age groups and walking abilities.”
Doesn’t this sound like a great group to join, if you
are interested, them contact them via their website or
the Facebook link which is on their website.
www.uttoxeterwalkingclub.co.uk/this-month-s-walks.
The most recent walk they have arranged was on
Sunday 29th September, to Milldale and the walk
length was 5.75miles. Meeting at the Maltings car park
in Uttoxeter 9.30am in order that they could car share
from Uttoxeter to Milldale. The walk started in
Milldale (SK 136 547) then goes along Dovedale to
Coldeaton, a gentle climb up Bradbury bank to Alsop
Moor then to Alsop en le Dale returning to Milldale on
the ridge path above shining tor.
Why not take advantage of the great countryside
around us and join them on their next walk and enjoy
the beauty that surrounds us.
U
ttoxeter Racecourse in conjunction with MW
Entertainments are to host a night of interactive
entertainment, fun and exhibition matches with
some of the biggest stars of professional darts.
On Friday, October 4th, world champion Bob ‘The
Limestone Cowboy’ Anderson, legendary Andy
Fordham, world ranking Dennis Priestly and local hero
Andy Hamilton will be heading the stage to play a
round robin best of 3 legs, with the two-finalists
competing in a champion of champions finale.
Even the audience get the chance to go up against
the professionals in a charity raffle in aid of Prostate
Cancer UK organisation. Four lucky winners will get
the chance to play a leg of darts against one of the
legends. Alongside the raffle there will be a sports
memorabilia auction with many darts autographed
prizes up for grabs.
Brian Barrass General Manager at Uttoxeter
Racecourse said “Darts is hugely popular at our race
meetings; at our Staffordshire Plate and Summer Cup
Race Meets we invited guests to compete in a 9-dart
challenge against ex-professionals. Our racing
audience clearly enjoy this sport so we readily accepted
the opportunity with MW entertainments to host this
fantastic evening”
Giving commentary on the evening will be
renowned darts MC Paul Wilson.
A full-service bar and hot snacks are available
throughout the evening. General admission tickets are
available for £15 or VIP packages which include
exclusive access to the behind the scenes players area
along with reserved seating for £30. Hurry though only
a limited amount of VIP tickets remain. To purchase
call 01889 562561 or visit www.uttoxeter-
racecourse.co.uk/
A night with champions
at Uttoxeter Racecourse
Andy HamiltonDennis Priestley

Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“O come, o come’, the mother prayed
And hushed her babe:’let me behold
Once more thy stately form arrayed
Like autumn woods in green and gold!”
C S Calverley
F
resh October mornings, bright and breezy with a
crisp chill in the air heralds in the autumn
season. The scents of ploughed land, over
ripened berries, damp earth and strong fox odour
become a constant.
Smells are an intrinsic part of agriculture: from the
new mown silage grass of Spring, through the warm
harvested corn, to the stench of fresh manure. The
scent of hay bales stacked high in the barn and the
vinegar pong of silage fermenting when a contaminated
bale is opened.
Sometimes we forget to use our senses but catching
the merest whiff of something familiar can transport
us back in our minds to an event otherwise forgotten!
Field work is cracking on and the maize will be
ready, if it hasn’t already been cut.
Our failed bird seed mix has been resown with slug
pellets- a successful legal challenge meant that
metaldehyde can still be used, as long as very
stringently and carefully. This is to provide food and
cover for all sorts of birds and insects over winter, when
such things become scarce because of the season and
is part of our conservation steps taken here on farm
(like many other farmers).
Much of agriculture is striking a balance between
growing food, making enough to live on and pay the
rent/mortgage/bank loan and looking after the
environment and its sustainability.
The grass has lost its feed value and only the sheep
are doing well on it now. The Rams have been checked
and have gone out to do their jobs. We shouldn’t forget
that they are worth 50% of next years lamb crop and
they need keeping an eye on.
The cattle outside are beginning to become
unsettled- wanting better feed, but ours are sucklers
(mothers of beef cattle) and don’t really need the high
energy foods that our young cattle or dairy cattle
require.
They will be given silage if the grass begins to
disappear and maybe a little bit of corn when they
come inside, but otherwise they must graze the old
pasture with its traditional herbs/plants, manuring it
for us as they move around.
The lambs have some new grass to graze and this is
clean and free from parasitic worms, the older ewes
are grazing aftermath (ground left as stubble fields) as
well as the usual fields as they have some resistance and
can digest rougher stuff.
We are continuing to market our own home bred
lambs via Bakewell , however, who knows what is likely
to happen to trade in these uncertain weeks and
months. The ‘store’ lambs (those we bought in to grow
on a bit before selling) are just beginning to finish and
these too will go through the market.
This means Ted and Pip have lots to do helping us
move, corral and pen the lambs as we weigh, treat and
check them weekly.
This summer, I saw many grasshoppers when I
walked around the fields and their eggs will have been
laid in the soil, not hatching until spring, after which
they go through a larval stage before being seen over
June and July at the adult stage.
We also hear Tawny and Barn owls screeching as
the afternoon fades into evening and into night and
have seen Little Owls . Sounds as well as smells abound!
Well readers, got to start with Brexit, or lack of it. Currently having the worst
bunch of politicians in history, we are the laughing stock of the World.
Thanks to the remainers’ in the government ignoring the will of the majority,
helped along by the anti-establishment opposition leader preaching the Communist
Manifesto in another guise, all thinking of their own interests under the guise of
protecting the Country.
I, like the majority of people in the UK who voted to leave in the Referendum, are
being held to ransom by the minority. Boris Johnson’s opponents have accused him
of killing democracy, well I’m sorry folks, but the remainers have already done that!
As Oliver Hardy would have said ‘Another fine mess you’ve got us into!’
Meanwhile, working together for the GOOD of the community, The Royal British
Legion, Denstone Branch’s Variety Night, held on Tuesday 3rd of September in the
Village Hall, to remember the outbreak of the 2nd World War. in those days we stood
alone as Great Britain, and the show certainly lived up to it’s title as ‘A Night to
Remember’ with a packed house being treated to some great entertainment, which
included singing, dancing, and handbells, involving performers of all ages.
The show opened and closed with wartime speeches, a quiz, community singing
and an excellent pie and pea supper also being on the bill with all monies raised going
to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Thanks to all involved for giving up their
time both performing and front of house.
Saturday the 7th of September, following St. Michael’s Church Rocester’s Coffee
Morning to raise money for the annual Christmas Donkey Walk, Denstone’s Country
Fair took place in the afternoon, with a procession of a couple of floats by the WI and
the Denstone Players which ended in the Village centre, with the Teddy Bears Picnic
and the Greatest Showman being the themes of the floats, although Barnum himself
was absent off parade being needed elsewhere! The procession ended in the Village
centre where there were stalls, a fancy dress competition and a dog show as part of
the revelry, bringing to and end a busy week in Denstone, with many of the events
involving the same people, and all well attended by the wonderful local population
who always support these events.
Finally, more for you to enjoy (I hope), coming up in Denstone Village Hall on
the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of October the Denstone Players are performing the play ‘wot I
wrote’, a comedy titled ‘A case of mistaken identity’ which for £12 will include a pie
and pea supper each night, plus a dessert.
The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets are on sale at Denstone Hall Farm Shop or
by telephone 07816 227191 or on line at www.denstoneplayers.com My play has a
brilliant cast, a top director, No.1 set creator and sound technician, plus a brilliant
lighting engineer, front of house and backstage helpers, so everything bodes for a great
show. I’ve never written a play before so would love your support and comments.
Look forward to seeing you there, TTFN Les...
Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
A Night to Remember

From Rocester Garage to
Air Ministry Cheadle...
by Bill Woodier, formerly of Rocester, now living in Cheadle
L
ooking back at the UK economic
climate in the 1920’s & 1930’s I suspect
that the business suffered, this could
be one reason why 15 Ashbourne Road took
in a lodger. He was a Railway Employee by the name of Charles Wheat. My sister
Florrie can remember him living there & the fact is confirmed by an entry in the
1939 National Register. Apparently the 1931 Census records had been destroyed by
fire, so the Government decided to carry out this National Register on Sep 29th, just
after the outbreak of WW2. Mr Wheat took his own life soon after. He pushed his
walking stick into the river bank close to Bulls Entry by Churnet Bridge, placed his
hat on top, this presumably so that people would know what he had done & wouldn’t
be searching elsewhere for him.
My Dad did not serve in either WW1 or WW2. During WW1 he was single,
running the business alone & supporting both his widowed Mother & sister Annie,
I suspect that those facts were enough to make him exempt from call up. I recently
discovered that during WW1 he was in Rocester’s Territorial Army Unit during
WW1. By WW2, he was too old but, he did his bit initially as an ARP Warden (Air
Raid Precaution), I suspect the authorities thought that an Air Raid on Rocester was
highly unlikely, so he then joined the Royal Observer Corps.
The original ROC Post, a wooden structure, was in Birch’s field, off Ashbourne
Road, just the other side of “Burtonwoods” crossing on the Ashbourne branch
railway line. (Op-posite the Allotments site now in 2019.) This proved inadequate
due to the restricted view from a site so low down, so a new brick built ‘Post’ was
erected in Stubwood which, being higher, gave a much better field of view. Members
of the Rocester ROC where convinced that German aircraft used Denstone College
as a navigation reference point, this seems highly plausible due to the College sitting
on the highest point in the area.
An early photo of Florrie in the centre of
the orchard. Note the 3 storey houses which
stood opposite the Garage until they were
foolishly demolished in the early 1960’s.
Part of the orchard and rear of “the Shop”. That’s me with my sisters, Lilian and Florrie and Eric’s dog.
Badges worn by
members of the
ARP & ROC
during WW2 & in
the case of the
ROC for some
years after WW2
Rocester & District Territorial Army Unit at Springfield Villa about 1918. My Dad
2nd from left middle row. Photo from Roy Burnett
ROC members at the Ashbourne Rd Post was early in WW2 before their uniforms
were issued. I have very vague memories of going there with my Mother to take Dad
a meat and potato pie for his dinner. Photo by SA Johnson.
Part 3
At Stubwood, which shows my Dad seated on right. Photo by SA Johnson.

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
I
t was Owd Grandad Piggott’s
daughter who suggested it. ‘It’s
mum’s birthday coming up’,
said Norma. ‘Why don’t we do
something we’ve never done
before… why don’t we have a
family day out?’
‘Where to?’ said Grandma
Piggott.
‘Alton Towers’, said Peter the
grandson immediately.
‘That’s not really practical for
your nan and grandad’, said
Norma.
‘They don’t want to be going on
rides and things. We need to think
about somewhere nice that will
suit everyone…’
‘Blackpool’, said Peter
‘What about Trentham’, said
Grandma Piggott. ‘Years ago,
everybody used to go to Trentham
Gardens on a Sunday afternoon.
They have boat trips, there are
lovely little cafes, a miniature
railway… and also, there’s now a
monkey park where you can walk
among the monkeys and I think
you can feed them and stroke the
baby ones...’
‘Yeah - let’s go there!’, shouted
Peter enthusiastically.
‘What about you fayth,’ asked
Grandma Piggott.
‘Way con goo if thee wantsts’,
grunted Owd Grandad Piggott ‘Ar
dunner lark monkeys, ‘Dirty
peevish spiteful little beggars… but
its up tothey, way’ll goo if thee
wantst’.
So it was arranged. They would
go for a family day out to
Trentham and take in the gardens and the monkey
forest and it was planned to go on the Sunday before
Grandma Piggott’s seventy fourth birthday.
On the day that they went, Peter insisted that they
went to the monkey forest first and was really excited
at the prospect.
‘Will there be any grillas?’ he queried.
‘No Peter, there won’t’, his mother told
him. ‘The monkeys are barbary
macaques... Gorillas are dangerous. After a
moment’s disappointment, Peter decided
that he would pretend that the monkeys
were ‘grillas’.
Inside the monkey complex, it was
impossible to ignore the charming little
creatures as they gambolled and romped
and Grandma Piggott was enchanted as a
juvenile came up to her and offered his
head to be scratched.
‘You little beauty’, she cooed cuddling
the little creature and making baby noises.
Behind her however, it was a different
story. The placid females were
accompanied by what was obviously an
alpha male and it had taken only a second
for the animal to clock Owd Grandad
Piggott and decide that it didn’t like his
body language. The reaction was mutual
and a deep growl emanated from the
monkey which was echoed by one from
Owd Grandad Piggott. Owd Grandad
swore at it but sadly, the monkey couldn’t
do that but as they eyed each other
beligerently, the monkey suddenly
stiffened and without warning, hawked
and spat ferociously at its adversary, hitting
Owd Grandad Piggott in the ear and
generating a bellow like a Galloway bull.
Owd grandad clawed at his ear and the
monkey emitted a screech of glee and
jumped onto the back of a nearby bench.
Peter gave a shout of warning.
Hey up grandad - It’s rollin’ another one
round’. The monkey spat at him again, this
time hitting him in the other ear at about
six miles a second resulting in another
stentorian roar. With sputum dripping
down his face, Owd Grandad Piggott
hurled his walking stick at the monkey but he was
about two hours too slow. The monkey expertly caught
the walking stick and threw it back at him catching him
on the nose and elicting a mighty yell and a torrent of
language liable to cause a breach of the peace. The male
monkey fled followed closely by his harem and the
juveniles. Five minutes later, rubbing his swollen nose,
Owd Grandad Piggott, his missus, Norma and Peter
were making their way to the entrance of Trentham
Gardens accompanied by vile epithets of what Owd
Grandad Piggott would do to that monkey if they ever
went to the park again.
Inside the gardens, it didnt seem as though much
could go wrong. The little train was chuffing its way
around the track, Peter had a ride on it, they didn’t go
on the boat because the lake was a bit choppy and
Grandma Piggott was scared of getting ‘sea sick’ and
Peter had a huge ice cream, most of which he dropped
on the plinth of Medussa’s statue, but all in all, they had
a pleasant day… until they encountered the swan.
They were near the end of their visit and were
standing admiring one of the metal fairies when a huge
swan with six cygnets decided to exit the lake and take
a stroll along the bank. Peter had never encountered a
swan before and was both impressed and awed by the
size of it. He approached it and it fizzed warningly.
Swans with cygnets can be very protective.
‘Peter, come here!’ called Norma, ‘Come away from
it!’
‘Ahm goin’ stroke it mum’, said Peter and the fizz
became a furious hiss.
‘No you’re not!’ snapped Norma ‘Get here - NOW!’
The swan fluffed out its feathers and approached Peter
menacingly, but Owd Grandad Piggott brandished his
walking stick and prepared for battle. He had had his
fill of aggressive animals for one day, the swan looked
twice the size but Owd Grandad Piggott was well ready
for a bit of rough stuff. He swung his walking stick and
clouted the swan on the side of its head and for the next
ten minutes, there was total mayhem. Two gardeners
appeared from somewhere and between them they
managed to restrain the furious bird which was putting
up a tremendous fight and during the conflict managed
to almost break one of the gardener’s arms with its
powerful wings.
Eventually, they all managed to escape and as they
travelled home on the bus, Grandma Piggott laid into
her husband.
‘You bloody old tup!’, she flared, ‘You can’t stay out
of trouble can you? Wherever you go - whatever you
do - you’ve got to bring trouble…’
‘Oh, It’s got ter bay mar fowt anner it? Ar diner tell
that monkey spit dine me ear’ole’, snarled Owd
Grandad Piggott. ‘Ar tell thee what - the next tarm ar
goo dine Trentham Monkey Forest, arll find that
bloody thing an’ ar’ll rip its yed off!’
There won’t be a next time!’ snapped Grandma
Piggott. ‘Family day out! Pheu! I’d rather have a day out
in Beirut!!
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: A family day out
The placid
females were
accompanied
by what was
obviously an
alpha male
and it had
taken only a
second for the
animal to
clock Owd
Grandad
Piggott and
decide that it
didn’t like his
body
language.

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

Photo Credits - 1: Pat Burden, Uttoxeter. 2: Eileen Nash, Uttoxeter. 3: Neil Harvey, Cheadle. 4 & 5: Steve Lavin, Uttoxeter. 6: Phil Elks, Cheadle.
5
6
3
4

C
headle Town have
supported local football
opportunities for
children in the local area for a
number of years. This begins
with the focus on our very
youngest players training from
9.30-10.30am every Saturday
morning at Stanfield Playing
Fields in Cheadle for children
under six. The academy gives
local youngsters a fantastic
springboard to playing football
within Cheadle Town’s
successful youth section.
Within Cheadle Town’s youth section, the Under 10’s
age group in particular has recently seen a real increase
in interest from young players wanting to compete in
weekly football. So much that an additional team has
been created in addition to the already established team
that competes every Sunday within the North Staffs
Junior Youth League.
Coach Mark Kent who is UEFA B Licensed oversees
the Under 10 Age Category and stated that ‘football is
so important to people within the community, it
provides young people with an opportunity to develop
their skills, fitness and to socialise. Towards the end of
last season we started to have over 18 players start to
attend our training which is every Tuesday and
Thursday from 6-7:30 at County Primary.
The rise in numbers training was fantastic but
challenging to be able to offer an opportunity to play
weekly fixtures. The ultimate goal for us as coaches in
grassroots is to provide opportunities for players to have
fun and show progress as footballers. We are fortunate
for this season that Cheadle Town has
supported more coaches so that an additional Under 10’s
team can be launched for the 2019-20 season. Football
is for everyone and important that every player has the
opportunity to train, play and most importantly enjoy
their football.’
Cheadle Town Sharks are excited to compete in the
upcoming season at under 10’s, they are a team that have
competed together for over the last three years and the
majority have been together since they were six. They
are very fortunate to have received sponsorship from
Inside Out Property and Landscapes
(www.insideoutpl.co.uk/), Move My Stuff (www.move-
my-stuff.co.uk/) and Chris Lees Plumbing and Heating
(07966373183) to provide a new full kit, training
jumpers and jackets.
Cheadle Town Hotspurs are the newly formed under
10’s team looking forward to having their maiden season
as a team also competing in the North Staffs Junior
Youth League. Steve Slack who is supporting to coach
the newly formed team was ecstatic to receive
sponsorship to help launch the new team. In fact,
Infinity IT Solutions (www.infinityit-solutions.com/)
have provided enough funding to allow the Hotspurs to
receive a full kit, training top and jacket each.
Mark Kent emphasised his gratitude to the local
businesses who have been so generous, ‘these businesses
really have gone above and beyond to help provide all of
these lads with exceptional training and match day gear.
Myself, the coaches, the club and the players are really
very grateful.’
Should there be any local youngsters wishing to be
involved with Cheadle Town then don’t hesitate to come
along to one of our training sessions. Cheadle Town
academy for children starting school this year is every
Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 at Stanfield Playing
Fields opposite the Master Potter. Anyone Under 10
(going into school year 5 this September) wishing to
train are more than welcome to come along any Tuesday
or Thursday from 6-7:30 at Cheadle County Primary.
Cheadle Town increasing
opportunities for youth football
Cheadle Town HotspursCheadle Town Sharks
Rocester Juniors BJFL Club
R
ocester Juniors are proud to
announce they have been awarded
the Burton Junior Football League
Club of the Year for the 2018/2019!
The club are delighted to receive this
award from the league and it came as a bit
of surprise on the day when it was
presented to club secretary and founding
member Grahame Cope.
Spokesman for Rocester Juniors and
Under 11s coach Nathan Konstantino
commented “the coaches, players and
parents are really proud of this award - we
have created a club that is based on
inclusivity to ensure young people are
playing football and most importantly
have fun.
“We run teams from Under 6s to
Under 17s and have over 150 boys and
girls training and playing matches every
week in the local area and as volunteers, it
takes a lot of organising behind the scenes,
so to receive the award is a great way to get
that pat on the back for all involved.
Rocester Juniors train on Monday and
Thursday evenings in Uttoxeter and
Rocester across the different age groups
and are currently looking for volunteers to
help set up a new Under 6s side for this
season - we can be contacted via our
facebook page @RocesterJuniors

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 94

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 94

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 94