Our City p1 15/11/13 12:41 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 34: WINTER 2013 Our City Grateful pledge to Armed Forces Page eight

CITY BUDGET reflects the people’s priorities Page three Our City p2 15/11/13 13:16 Page 1

2 Our City WINTER 2013 Buildings review leads to a creative solution protecting council services By City Council Leader, Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ OUR review of the way the city council uses the Council buildings it occupies has generated a positive and more efficient way forward. To support the economy of Stoke town, we are proposing to keep the current Civic Centre building open and relocate staff from other offices. grants We have listened to the concerns of Stoke town traders and residents and have worked hard to address their issues whilst being mindful of the needs of the city as a whole. Under the proposals that I have now double announced, the city council will maintain its presence in all six towns. We will create three universal hubs in Tunstall, the City Centre and Longton and each of these areas will receive significant investment. In the City Centre, the new buildings will honour also become the corporate headquarters for Photograph courtesy of Neal Simpson, Stoke City Football Club. the council and help to kick start the Central Business District and create much needed jobs for you. Additional council service hubs will be Exceptional contributions recognised with Freedom of created in Burslem, Stoke and Fenton. A number of neighbourhood centres across the city will also continue to provide services at a the City for Stoke City and The Queen’s Royal Lancers more local level. TOKE City Football Club These proposals will help us to make savings and at the same time define the way the and The Queen’s Royal council delivers services in the future. SLancers have been granted We are currently consulting with staff and the Freedom of the City in residents on these proposals before making a recognition of their importance to final decision in December. Stoke-on-Trent communities. This issue of Our City talks again about the The highest civic honour, granted huge pressure we face in meeting only 62 times in the city’s proud history, Government-imposed cuts. Times are tough will be presented to the football club and we have to make some very difficult and regiment – which recruits many of choices. However, rest assured we will its troops from North Staffordshire – in maintain our focus on the future economic a special ceremony at the Britannia Stadium on 4 December. prosperity of the city and continue to invest in Lord Mayor Sheila Pitt said: “This is key areas to make Stoke-on-Trent a great city the ultimate recognition of exceptional in which to live and work. contributions to Stoke-on-Trent life. Sir I was pleased to see that so many of you Stanley Matthews had the honour in paid your respects at the Remembrance 1963, 100 years after the formation of Sunday services around the city to Stoke City Football Club, and it is commemorate the valiant who gave their lives fitting that we recognise the club’s for so many. I was heartened by the comments achievements this year, as it celebrates made at the signing of the Armed Forces its 150th anniversary. Coldstream Community Covenant which is our pledge to “Our city also has a strong military Guards support servicemen and women and their tradition. The Queen’s Royal Lancers march through the families in a variety of ways to reintegrate are regarded as the Midlands’ cavalry City Centre for them back into civilian society. regiment and recruit heavily from North Armed Forces We are renowned for being friendly and Staffordshire. “The profile of being in the Premier Receiving the Day. welcoming and naturally want to support “They returned from Afghanistan and League is greater now than it has ever Freedom of the City been and it’s important we help the city carries no special privileges those who are prepared to sacrifice their lives paraded through the city to mark Armed Forces Day this year and we are of Stoke-on-Trent to continue to and is intended as recognition of for their fellow countrymen and women. proud of what they have done for our thrive.” significant and valuable services Equally, I want the very best for each and city and our country.” The Queen’s Royal Lancers rendered to the city. every one of you. I want to create an Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates Commanding Officer Lieutenant Previous recipients of the Freedom of independent city where businesses thrive, jobs said everyone connected with the club Colonel Jules Buczacki said: “The the City include Sir Stanley Matthews, are plentiful and where our children can look was delighted. “It is an enormous Freedom underlines the links between former anti-apartheid activist Walter forward to a bright future. We all have a part honour, especially in this our 150th the regiment and the city from where Sisulu, sparkplug inventor Sir Oliver to play and it may take some time to achieve anniversary year,” he said. “As a club, many of our soldiers originate. Lodge, Belgian Second World War this but I can promise you that nothing will we place great importance on playing an “We are delighted to accept the resistance heroine Hortense Clews and deter me from delivering this vision. important role within our local Freedom and look forward to marching several former city councillors and lord community. through the city streets in the future.” mayors.

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback on this issue of MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and hear Web: stoke.gov.uk Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When Facebook: facebook.com/ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. you have finished with stokeontrent.citycouncil this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Our City p3 15/11/13 15:56 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 3

A chart showing the increasing gap between the amount the £55 council needs to spend each Budget puts year and the funding available. NEED TO SAVE

£25 residents’ NEED TO SAVE £20 priorities NEED TO SAVE first in line £77 £77 £97 £122 ITAL public feedback business and jobs, have been has helped the taken on board. SAVED SAVED SAVED SAVED Vcouncil put the Investment in capital projects such as the Central Business community’s priorities first District and City Sentral are also while delivering a balanced gathering pace with the aim of Amount saved Additional savings Additional savings Additional savings budget for the next maximising extra inward to date 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 financial year. investment which will benefit the Approximately £20million of city’ residents. sustainable savings have to be The latest savings follow on possible before the budget setting with the budgetary pressures that services for the forthcoming year. made during 2014/15 as the from £77million that was cut process began. are faced. People were asked a “Once again we have had to Government continues to impose from the authority’s budget over They included roadshows, series of questions as part of the make some very difficult decisions austerity cuts on the authority. the last three years. The council meetings with community groups My City My Say engagement. so we wanted people to tell us However, frontline services and was therefore keen to involve and residents’ associations, They included: what services are what was important to them and those critical to vulnerable people members of the public in the consulting with businesses and important to you? and how do give us their views on how we have been preserved in latest process so people were fully the voluntary sector and online you think the council should meet meet the challenge of Stoke-on-Trent. aware of proposals and had every surveys. During one event at the the financial challenge. ever-reducing resources. In addition, public priorities, chance to have their say on future King’s Hall residents were asked Overwhelmingly, people “Our challenge, as always, has such as safeguarding against services. to come along and try their hand questioned about what were the been not only to balance the crime and antisocial behaviour, A wide-sweeping series of at balancing the budget for the top three most important things books but deliver essential making repairs to pavements and events took place in the autumn forthcoming year to demonstrate about their neighbourhood put frontline services especially those roads and investing in new to engage as many people as the difficulties the council has forward crime and antisocial that prioritise the most vulnerable behaviour, clean streets and a in society, while ensuring robust good standard of roads and and cost-effective support services pavements as their priorities. are in place too. Asked what were the top three “It has also been about most important things about the ensuring we continue to invest in city as a whole, the most popular the city and encourage economic answers were low levels of crime growth and prosperity. and antisocial behaviour, bringing “One of the other challenges in new business and jobs, and job was to make people aware that prospects. these financial challenges and And questioned on what pressures imposed on us by council-related services or central Government will continue activities should be protected, and there will be more difficult residents responded with crime decisions on the road ahead. reduction, support for the “This is why it is so important vulnerable and protecting children. that residents engage with us so we City Council Leader Councillor continue to deliver services which Mohammed Pervez said: “We meet their needs and priorities.” have listened to people, taken on ● For details about the next board their feedback and used it stage of the consultation visit Frontline services such as road repairs and protecting children are among the council’s budget priorities. to help shape our budget and stoke.gov.uk/budget2014 Independent audit praises city’s financial management and savings in times of exceptional economic pressures INDEPENDENT auditors have changing circumstances regeneration project stacked up Civic Centre in Stoke – is a said: “We are committed to being given Stoke-on-Trent City and crisis. and made sense. City Council positive response to concerns of as open as possible about this Council’s finances a clean bill of ● Frequent and detailed Leader Councillor Mohammed local communities. process and will act on the health, as it makes the savings it reporting to members and Pervez said: “There is no denying “The CBD is an extremely auditor’s comments.” needs to balance the books in senior managers to help that there are huge financial important development for the The council remains dedicated times of exceptional pressures on decision making. pressures on the council as a city as it will create jobs for to balancing the books and being the council’s budget. ● Engaging with the local result of Government cuts. future generations. as efficient as possible, in the face The annual audit letter has community to set the “However, it is vital that we “We are a listening council and of the financial pressures that the praised the council’s general budget and medium term maintain our focus on the future will continue to engage with our recession and Government economic prosperity of the city communities in the decisions that spending restrictions continue to financial management for: financial strategy. ● and do everything in our power to we make.” have on the city’s economy. A good record of ● Staff sickness falling year- delivering to budget and create the conditions to boost The letter also said that the full Councillor Pervez added: on-year – from 12 days in business confidence in the area. financial costs of the CBD were “There is still work to be done, achieving its savings 2008 to 9.16 for the 12 targets. “I am pleased that the auditor not identified earlier and but I am pleased that the months up to March 2013. has understood our rationale for councillors were not able to council’s general financial ● Delivering savings of The report, by Birmingham the CBD and recognises that the consider them as part of the management has scored so highly £56m in the last two years. based Grant Thornton, also said review of the number of council overall proposal. – this demonstrates that our ● General financial reserves that the reasons for the council’s administrative buildings – Interim assistant director for services are providing real value of about £8m in case of Central Business District (CBD) particularly our plans for the financial services Peter Lewis for money for residents.” Our City p4 15/11/13 15:36 Page 1

4 Our City WINTER 2013

OTORISTS are now the council’s seven gritters being urged to do are on standby as well as a 4x4 their bit this winter vehicle complete with grit trailer, M which is used for steep or narrow to help the council’s and inaccessible roads. dedicated 24-hour-a-day A dedicated team of five night gritting teams – by not staff, who also carry out other rushing home at the first highways work when not gritting, signs of snow. and a number of standby drivers Cabinet Member for are already prepared to go. Three Regeneration, Planning and other specially-trained officers Transportation, Councillor Ruth will monitor weather forecasts on Rosenau said: “We always do a 24-hour-a-day rota as part of everything in our power when their wider duties. the bad weather hits to keep They have 2,800 tonnes of salt roads safe and open. at their disposal for use on the “But we are asking drivers to roads while strategically placed help by giving us time to do our grit bins across the city are there job. Sometimes just staying put for use on roads and footpaths in for a while is the better option. the vicinity. The grit in these bins “If everyone hits the road is not for use on private property. when it starts to snow, spreaders The council will grit pedestrianised areas in town and snowploughs can get caught ALL SET in the traffic. centres where resources allow. Requests for gritting and grit bin FOR WINTER... “So we’re asking people to be Seasonal Operatives prepared to give us time to treat refills can be made by calling 01782 237061 or by emailing Dave Ferguson (left) and the roads and remember that grit Lee Greenhalgh with salt isn’t a magic bullet – it [email protected] gritters and a 4x4 which contains a de-icing agent that is ● More information on the activated by the action of traffic council’s gritting policy can be has been drafted in to so it takes time to work.” found on the council website at support the The plea for patience comes stoke.gov.uk/gritting gritting. Do you know you could travel to work for just £45 a month with an annual SMART bus pass?

If you work at one of the Travel Smart key employment sites you could be eligible for this pass. To find out more contact: t: 01782 234500 e: [email protected] For more information on other ways to Travel Smart to work contact: t: 01782 232164 e: [email protected] Our City p5 15/11/13 13:29 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 5 Have a very merry and We can all take pride in city SAFE party season moving in the right direction

By City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot

IT is fair to say that 2013 has been a pretty good year for Stoke-on-Trent. Despite the trials, tribulations and ups and downs we have faced, at the end of the year we can all be proud that the city continues to move in the right direction with more jobs, signs of increased prosperity (despite austerity), changes to the physical vista and a tangible sense of ever increasing self-respect evident throughout our communities. Most notably the City of Stoke-on-Trent exhibited its first show garden at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea Police Inspector Jed White and Ian is arguably the most prestigious horticultural Orton, General Manager of Chicago show in the world and we were honoured to nightclub in the City Centre, discuss receive a silver medal – an achievement which is plans for the festive season. practically unheard of for first timers! The level of local support from residents and businesses alike was tremendous. We were a ■ ESTIVE season safety accept a lift from cruising taxis or Never take short cuts through dark finalist in the Local Government Chronicle’s advice has been issued as touts. alleys, parks or across waste ground. fiercely contested Most Improved Council Award ■ Fhigh visibility police Use the bus or arrange a lift and try ■ If you drive, only have non-alcoholic which recognised our transformation and patrols prepare to hit the streets to travel with a friend. drinks and keep any valuables left in regeneration efforts. ■ of Stoke-on-Trent this Make sure your phone is fully the car out of sight. We have made excellent progress on our charged, has credit and is kept safe. ■ Remember – do not drive for at pioneering green agenda, particularly in terms of Christmas and New Year to ■ Don’t leave your drink or bag least 12 hours after your last drink sourcing sustainable renewable energy sources. prevent trouble. unattended. Appoint a drinks on a big night out because you Operation Safer Nights will see officers We continue to move closer to attaining a City watcher. could still be prosecuted for drink join forces with street pastors and the ■ Deal – a Government initiative which, if granted, licensed trade to offer support and keep Get help from a trusted friend or driving. would afford the city greater powers and pub management if you feel any disorder to an absolute minimum. The Police Inspector in the freedoms. We continue to lobby our Revellers have also been given the excessively drunk after just a small Staffordshire Police Licensing Team, amount of alcohol. parliamentarians to ensure Stoke-on-Trent is following simple advice: Jared White, said: “We don’t want to stop firmly on the map and visible as an emerging ■ Don’t leave a party with a stranger. people having fun over the festive period ■ Plan ahead before you leave home – socio-economic powerhouse of a core city and the ■ Avoid isolated areas after leaving a but they’re sure to have a safer time if never drink, and drive and place to bring business.We have played host to a pub or club – keep to well lit areas. they follow our simple precautions.” pre-book a taxi to get home. Never number of VIPs and dignitaries including Government ministers and more recently the Chinese Ambassador to the UK and, as Remembrance Day dawned, we were privileged to welcome some of our brave servicemen and Initiative to cut smoking among young women to witness the City of Stoke-on-Trent sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant at what can only be described as a moving and poignant people goes to all secondary schools ceremony. AN innovative programme which aims to of students who were at high-risk of smoke regularly Aside from all those exciting projects one reduce the rates of smoking among becoming regular smokers has been compared to just highlight (of many) undoubtedly came when HRH young people has been rolled out across reduced by up to 18 per cent. four per cent the Prince of Wales visited the city. Prince Charles all secondary schools in Stoke-on-Trent Evaluation completed with pupils nationally. Local maintains a deep personal interest in the heritage after a successful pilot year. taking part in the programme revealed: research shows of Stoke-on-Trent and is committed to supporting Eight schools in the city – a total of ● Almost all who took part felt that that of all those Middleport Pottery which is a thriving example of 1,482 pupils – completed the ASSIST they now had the information required to young people investment and ingenuity combining to preserve course in its first year.The programme, be able to talk about smoking to other who have tried the city’s unique talents and antiquity. run by the council in partnership with the peers and family and friends and smoking, the majority As the year draws to a close our thoughts turn Health Improvement Team for encourage those who smoke to think have done so before they reach Year Nine to Christmas and all the associated festivities Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent about stopping. (aged 13-14 years old). when yet again the city embraces the fun and joy Partnership NHS Trust, involves training ● More than 90 per cent felt the skills Cabinet Member for Health,Wellbeing of the season with special events taking place in influential Year Eight pupils to become that they learned during the training and Culture Councillor Adrian Knapper the City Centre throughout December. “peer educators” in their schools. would be useful when having said:“The statistics show it’s important we I know there are some skeptics amongst us, but A total of 256 peer educators were conversations about smoking. provide activities and programmes that hopefully we can continue to maintain good chosen, trained and supported to have are going to prevent young people from progress and, based on delivery, convince some of ● Over two thirds felt their confidence informal conversations with other Year 8 taking up smoking before they reach a the doubters to become strong advocates of the had increased as a result of taking part. pupils about the risks of smoking and the certain age.Tobacco-related illness and city. After all, it is our heritage; our city; our place ● benefits of being smoke-free. The majority felt that they learnt a death are Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest threat and our future that unites us and evokes such The scheme is unique in that pupils are great deal of smoking-related to public health, so it’s vital we do all we pride and passion in us all. asked to nominate who they think are the information. can to educate young people about the On a personal note, I would like to wish you and most influential people in their year Smoking rates amongst young people dangers of smoking, and hopefully they your families a safe, happy and healthy Christmas group – rather than the highest achievers in the city are above average, with seven will be able to make the right choice not and New Year. – to become peer educators.The number per cent of 11-16 year-olds saying they to start smoking as they get older.” Our City p6 15/11/13 15:38 Page 1

6 Our City WINTER 2013 Excitement as £1a house homeowners get the keys HE first people to sign said: “I love the city and I can’t up to the council’s £1 imagine living anywhere else. I house community am really looking forward to T helping rebuild and grow the regeneration scheme have told community.” of their excitement at being University graduate and tax part of this revolutionary worker Gavin Pierpoint said he experiment in home ownership. was looking forward to meeting The scheme will see 33 his new neighbours. KEY OF THE DOOR FOR £1: rundown properties in the Gavin Pierpoint and Rachel Roberts Portland Street area of Cobridge Buy one now pictured in Portland Street where transformed by a new generation He said: “I’ve already met some they will be neighbours. of residents bringing enthusiasm of them and we have got on really and energy to the area. well. The area is perfectly placed Each property is offered for sale for me to walk into work. It’s so properties remained unsold and Councillor Bridges added that who no longer work. at just £1, with the new owners close to the buzz of the City called on prospective buyers to the criteria for people eligible to Other changes include signing-up to a £30,000 loan to Centre, but still very much a real submit an application while there apply for the properties had been removing the minimum income upgrade the property which they community.” was still time. She said: “We are altered to include those who had criteria to ensure applications repay over the next ten years. Cabinet Member for starting building work soon and it lived in the city in the past and are judged on an affordability Graphic designer Rachel Neighbourhoods, Communities is all coming together. wanted to come home, and calculation rather than on simple Roberts, 31 – the very first person and Housing Councillor Janine “A new era of hope and people with sufficient income – income and relaxing the £10,000 to pass all the financial checks – Bridges said a few of the £1 regeneration is here.” from a pension for example – but savings limit.

Hundreds of homes to be upgraded

THE council is set to upgrade hundreds more homes, both private and council houses, in another massive energy improvement programme. The City Council has reached an agreement which will see up to £4.5 million committed to home energy upgrades and a potential £3.5 million in the pipeline, saving hard-pressed families on their fuel bills. The council is co-ordinating the programme using funding from the Government’s ECO Go Early project tapping funds from the climate change levy on the energy companies. If all goes according to plan work should get under way in September on external framed houses, built in the 1940s and 50s, in Trent Vale and Chell Heath. Some will also get draft proofing and heating system improvements. All council-owned homes will also get new windows, doors and upgraded boilers,where needed, and new soffits, fascias and gutters and canopies – marking another £600,000 investment in the community. The council is in the top ten per cent of authorities for its work saving energy for residents. See Page 30. Our City p7 15/11/13 15:48 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 7 Education Trust aims to bridge skills gap for local employers new organisation For some businesses a lack of work experience and offer has been set up to skills prevents the company’s new ways to expose young Aensure young people growth, which in turn affects the people to the world of work in Stoke-on-Trent and local economy. that will help them to The Education Trust will work develop generic business Staffordshire have the with schools, further education skills needed for education, skills and colleges, universities, other training employment – all based on attitude that local and apprenticeship providers. hard data about future jobs employers need to develop It is developing a Skills Plan to opportunities. and grow their businesses. identify new industries moving Employers will benefit into the region as well as those from having access to a The Education Trust will work that are already expanding. At the pool of talented youngsters, to identify existing and future skills same time it will undertake four who are both ‘job ready’ gaps, map clear pathways to work locality projects – one in the city – and appropriately qualified and develop continuous and which will identify industry hubs for careers in their local Pictured at the Trust launch are, back row left to right, Mohammed comprehensive careers and skills and clusters of businesses. area, helping to stop the Pervez, Ken Stepney, Stoke on Trent College Principal Sarah support from primary age through The Trust will then work with migration of skills outside Robinson, Staffordshire County Council cabinet member for to work. these businesses to identify existing of the county. Learning and Skills Ben Adams with students from the college. The trust is a joint initiative and potentially future skills gaps Councillor Leader between the city council, and then work with schools, Mohammed Pervez said: Staffordshire County Council, colleges, other training providers, “Our top priority is economic thousands of new jobs over the an annual basis to meet immediate Keele University, businesses, local businesses and the region’s two growth and jobs creation. next 10 years and this Education needs and funding criteria. education and training providers universities to map the routes to “We are making this city a place Trust will ensure local people can “At the same time, employers and the voluntary sector. qualifications and on to work. where business can thrive, creating seize these job opportunities and know what skills gaps they have Its developing work programme This will provide education more opportunities and wider take full advantage of the now, but can’t always identify forms part of the City Deal providers and young people with prosperity for our residents. transformation in the city.” where gaps will arise in the future proposals and has been developed clearly defined pathways that lead “Our joint City Deal with the Ken Stepney, chair of the because of changes in educational in response to a recognised gap in into a specific career or a range of county council is securing greater Education Trust, said: “We know funding and policy.” skills, behaviours, attitudes (and career prospects. Education powers and funding from that education providers at all sometimes qualifications) which providers will also be able to use Government to generate and levels work hard to prepare young ■ For more details about the has led to some employers this information to develop new accelerate this growth. people for life beyond education, Education Trust visit recruiting staff from further afield. services and events, modernise “Together we aim to create but currently plan their courses on stokestaffslep.org Over £1m is being invested in three Burslem buildings MORE than £1million is being European Regional Development pumped into the heart of Burslem Fund and the owners of the three to bring two unused buildings buildings. back to life and restore the Cabinet Member for appearance of one of the town's Regeneration, Planning and historic pubs. Transportation, Councillor Ruth The project will see ten jobs Rosenau, said: ”The first two created as the former Market schemes have been a great Bargains store in St John’s Square success and have made a big is refurbished and turned into an difference to reducing the Italian restaurant with flats above, number of vacant properties. while the old Co-operative “Burslem is thriving right now building on Queen St – dating and this third phase is about back to 1934 and currently repairing, enhancing and bringing boarded up – will be renovated to back into use properties within provide four new business units the historic town centre.” on the ground floor. The Italian restaurant is And major repair and expected to be open for business renovation work to windows, by Valentine’s Day next year and masonry, leadwork and chimneys will be operated by David is expected to transform the Boulton, a former market trader exterior of The Leopard Hotel and who had a fruit and vegetable see unused floorspace brought stall in Burslem in the early 1970s. back into use. He said: ”I’m coming back to my The £1.08million cost of the roots with this restaurant and I’m work – phase three of the very excited. I’ve seen old Burslem Townscape Heritage photographs of the premises Initiative which has so far seen going back to the 1800s and The Leopard Hotel Landlady Sharon Crisp outside the pub in around £8million spent in the there was a big clock on the front. Market Place, Burslem, where work is being carried out to Mother Town – will be met “Hopefully we can put the transform the frontage and bring unused floorspace back into use. through support from the building back to how it was all Heritage Lottery Fund, the those years ago.” Our City p8 15/11/13 15:55 Page 1

8 Our City WINTER 2013 Public art work is reminder of Lidice links HE City Centre’s iconic new sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp bus station provided the where many of them died. Tbackdrop to a dazzling display The sculpture is covered with 3,000 of theatrical and acrobatic skills as a giant miners’ tags, each one stamped with the initials of people from the area who team of dancers performed an aerial have pledged to share the story of Lidice ballet to mark the unveiling of a with at least two other people. remarkable piece of public art. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, The spectacular show was Planning and Transportation Councillor commissioned to signal the culmination of Ruth Rosenau said: “This is about work on Unearthed – a sculpture showing respect to those who did so much produced by local artists Sarah Nadin and for something that wasn’t even in their Nicola Winstanley who work under the country and making sure that the links name of Dashyline – which celebrates the between the city of Stoke-on-Trent and historic links between the Potteries and Lidice remain firm.” the Czech mining village of Lidice. She added that all the work on Those links were forged in 1942 when designing and constructing the sculpture North Staffordshire miners helped former had been done by local companies and city MP Sir Barnett Stross launch Lidice individuals. Shall Live – a campaign to raise money to “We felt it was important to ensure that rebuild the village which lies about 20 the money spent on this very worthwhile miles from Prague. project went back into the local The village was razed to the ground by community,” she said. the Nazis in retaliation for the As well as being a major piece of public assassination of one of Adolf Hitler’s art, the sculpture has been designed to Lord Mayor Councillor Sheila Pitt, left, pictured at the sculpture unveiling right-hand men, Reinhard Heydrich. screen an electricity sub-station adjacent ceremony with, left to right, artist Sarah Nadin, Curator of the Lidice Nearly 200 men were executed and to the Victoria Hall – where the Lidice Museum in the Czech Republic Luba Hedlova and artist Nicola Winstanley. hundreds of women and children were campaign was launched.

Lord Mayor Councillor Sheila Pitt signs the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the City shows its gratitude city watched by Brigadier General Gerhard to the Armed Forces Wheeler. with practical support

PAST and present members of the they meet the essential front of more than 300 people at a Armed Forces and their families requirements of the job. ceremony held at the King’s Hall, living in Stoke-on-Trent will find the “Every department will be Stoke. city a more welcoming place looking at ways of improving the Signatories to the Covenant following the launch of an Armed service they offer to ex-servicemen include the local NHS Trust, the Forces Community Covenant. and women.We want them to rest police and fire services, North The council is bringing together assured that they and their families Staffordshire Chamber of public, voluntary and business will be looked after. Commerce, the city’s church and organisations to commit to support “All our partners are also looking faith groups, representatives of the local servicemen and women and to commit to provide support voluntary and community sector, their families and to show their whether it is helping them with plus organisations such as the gratitude for the sacrifices they health issues or with many different British Legion and SSAFA make for everyone. needs.” Staffordshire. Deputy Council Leader and the Brigadier General Gerhard authority’s Armed Forces Champion Wheeler, who is the Army’s regional Paul Shotton said:“This is a commander for the West Midlands, demonstration of the city’s support said: “This scheme is open to and our appreciation for both anyone serving in the Armed Forces serving and former members of the – veterans, reserves and their Armed Forces and their families. It families and is very useful and is very important that servicemen practical support.” and women and their families feel Lance Corporal Dan Wheeler, of at home in their community and Bucknall, who serves with the 4th their city. It is right that we (Territorial) Batallion of The Mercian demonstrate our gratitude and Regiment, said: “It will help with the support for the contribution they worry of leaving the Army and have made through their military having to find a job and somewhere service. to live. It can be a big and daunting “From the council’s point of view, change going from the Army to we will be giving them increased civilian life.” priority on housing lists and More than 24 different The Lord Mayor and Consort Barry Pitt, right, with Armed Forces veterans, left to right, Ron Bradeley guaranteeing them job interviews organisations pledged their (former Parachute Regiment), Steve Banks (former Grenadier Guards regiment) and Walter Brereton when vacancies are available and commitment to the Covenant in (former Parachute Regiment). Our City p9 15/11/13 15:58 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 9 FACT: It’s Council explores potential of tried, tested and safe COAL bed methane extraction... the facts: methane extraction ● It’s a tried and NVESTMENT to Any future processes would be tested, safe investigate whether closely monitored by the technology. Methane methane reserves Environment Agency. has been extracted I If the council does decide to beneath our city could from mines in proceed with the project, it will Stoke-on-Trent for raise tens of millions of seek private sector partners to pounds of much-needed share the investment. generations. revenue are being driven Stoke-on-Trent’s economy ● It has the potential forward by the council. is focused on high energy use to generate huge An application is being made ceramics and advanced revenues for the future so the council can drill for the materials technology growth. which the council gas and retain the cash in the Thousands of jobs depend would use to boost city, with the help of an expert on a secure supply of energy, services and create and if the city developed its private sector partner. jobs and growth. Projections show vast reserves own energy supply it would of methane in old mine workings reduce the impact of volatility ● Work is already beneath Stoke-on-Trent could in the international energy under way to identify a provide plentiful sources of market. minimum number of energy for around 14 years. Council Leader Councillor drilling sites. Mohammed Pervez said: “There Millions of pounds’ worth of ● profits generated in that time is a long way to go with these There will be no could be ploughed into providing investigations but we cannot flares to burn off council services and funding jobs afford not to investigate this excess methane as this and growth for residents. massive potential lying hundreds is just a waste of gas Extracting methane from coal of metres beneath our city. which could be used. “The alternative – to do beds is not the same as the ● Initially, drill sites controversial hydro-fracking nothing – could see private method of removing gas from sector development and tens of are about the size of rock. millions of pounds of revenues half a football pitch – It is already used widely in the leeching away, rather than being once drilling is USA and Australia and involves available to invest in our city’s complete, the drilling down around 700 metres future, boosting education, care, extraction pump is into coal beds to extract the gas. training and the drive to create housed in a building The city council puts local jobs and growth. the size of a domestic interests first and foremost at all “This council will make bold garage. moves to investigate the viability stages of the process, and that ● means working to the highest of coal bed methane extraction, The potential for engineering, safety and and, if it stacks up, we will do jobs and revenue is environmental standards. everything we can to tap into this enormous and a Experts say any water source of significant and successful pioneering pollution generated by coal bed sustainable power. initiative would put methane extraction would be “It could not only generate the city on the map. minimal. huge amounts of energy, but Now the council is The city has dealt with similar would also put Stoke-on-Trent making sure the issues for generations and has on the global map as an project stacks up the skills and expertise to filter innovative provider of energy financially, technically A diagram showing how methane resources could be safely pumped from and purify mine working water solutions for its businesses and and legally. flows. residents.” coal deposits hundreds of metres beneath the city.

Collections over festive Food and garden waste can holidays produce quality compost

OVER Christmas, WITH brown bin collections now fill it with autumn leaves, food leftovers some collection dates suspended for the winter months, council and raked grass and then use it alongside have been changed so officials are keen to help residents find the brown bin in the Spring and Summer.” other ways of dealing with their food and Cabinet Member for Green Enterprises everyone’s bins are garden waste. and Clean City Councillor Andy Platt said: collected. Of course, anything that would normally “Using composted material is a fantastic Residents should have gone into a householder's brown bin way to reduce the need for water, leave out the same bin can be put in the grey bin, or be taken to pesticides and fertilisers.The benefits are that was due for one of the city's recycling long lasting and, with little effort, will collection on the centres at Campbell Road, encourage the healthy growth of plant life revised date. Hanford or Federation Road, around your garden.” Collections days Burslem. For the best results position the compost remain the same unless But food and garden waste is bin in a sunny spot on well drained soil, put shown below. biodegradable and if treated some sticks in a criss-cross fashion at the properly can be safely converted base of the bin to help liquids to drain, NORMAL REVISED into nutrient-rich, reusable layer the waste with different material COLLECTION COLLECTION compost. between six and 12cm deep and always DAY DAY Resident Horace Wetton, of put the lid on the compost bin. Mon 23 Sat 21 Trentham, has been using a Almost anything that is organic can be council-supplied compost bin for composted including fruit and vegetable Tue 24 Mon 23 the last four years. He said: “I grow a scraps, tea bags and coffee grounds, egg Wed 25 Tue 24 lot of vegetables in the garden shells, grass cuttings, prunings and leaves. Thur 26 Fri 27 and the compost from my green But DON'T include cat or dog excrement, Trentham resident Horace Wetton uses bin is of excellent quality and meat, cheese, fish or disposable nappies. Fri 27 Sat 28 a composter to turn food and garden Wed 1 Sat 4 great for mulching. Brown bin collections by the council will waste into nutrient-rich compost. “At this time of year I tend to restart in the week beginning 7 April 2014. Our City p10 15/11/13 13:43 Page 1

10 Our City WINTER 2013 Where in the City? Win a digital camera in fun competition FOR the chance to win a Samsung digital camera – courtesy of Kier Stoke – have a go at our fun photo competition called Where in the City? Below, are three pictures showing close-up images of parts of three buildings in Stoke-on-Trent which are all playing a part in regeneration. All you have to do is name the buildings – and send your answers with your name, address and contact telephone number by email to Left, Airspace Gallery Co-Director Andrew Branscombe [email protected] or post to: with an installation work, entitled Totem, by artist Where in the city competition, Corrine Felgate at the BCB Exhibition. FREEPOST Our City Above, Kate O’Kelly, Artist in Residence for the BCB at Deadline for entries is Sponsored by: the original Spode factory site, creates bin lids out of 31 December.To give a bone china for the Ceramics Trail. little help in identifying the buildings, there is a clue with each photo. A World class showcase for exciting ceramic design

HOUSANDS of visitors from home and abroad – Tincluding Germany and Australia – viewed some of the most exciting new work by ceramic artists when the 2013 British Ceramics Biennial went ahead in the city. A busy centre for mobile communications. The Biennial, running for the third time since its launch in 2009, presented work from the UK’s leading contemporary ceramic artists in a series B of exhibitions and special events centred on the original Spode factory Megan Ocheduszko, site. There were also new commissions a student at the from artists with diverse ceramics Manchester School backgrounds connecting the Potteries of Art, looking at the with Europe and China, and work from Take Stock work by some of the best new talent emerging Lawrence Epps from UK universities. where visitors were Other major exhibitions were staged invited to take away at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery one of the “bricks” and the City Centre’s Airspace Gallery. from the installation Biennial spokeswoman Miranda Sowden said: “Visitors came from at BCB Spodeworks. across the UK and from abroad. There were also lots of local people, many of whom were ex-Spode workers. Celebrated in a chart hit by the Village People. “Some people visited three or four times and we had lots of group visits Competition including schoolchildren, students and organisations such as the Decorative prize winner C Arts Society. THE winner of last issue’s “We had a lot of interest in Take Where in the City Stock by Lawrence Epps where visitors competition was Maureen were invited to take away a brick from Turner of Longton. his installation, while Clare Twomey’s work Made in China, which featured 80 She correctly identified the Chinese vases alongside one work buildings in the three decorated in the UK by Royal Crown photographs as A – the City Derby, was very popular and potentially Centre bus station, B – The the most photographed.” Co-operative Academy at The £10,000 Award prize went to Burslem and C – the Centre Nao Matsunaga – who works in for Refurbishment Excellence ceramics and wood – while the Fresh Kay Brownsword, a member of the at Longton. Bursary was awarded to Sarah Worgan She wins a Samsung who creates abstract mixed media Burslem China Painters, demonstrated decorative plate painting for visitors digital camera courtesy of colour compositions using clay as her sponsors Kier Stoke. A great place for volunteers. starting point. to the BCB at Spodeworks. Our City p11 15/11/13 13:49 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 11 Tenants to benefit from ECO-FRIENDLY HOME REPAIRS OUNCIL tenants also took part in CoRE’s are to benefit from masterclasses and Ca cutting edge refurbishment leadership project designed to sessions. Cabinet Member for train city council Neighbourhoods and maintenance teams Communities Councillor in eco-friendly Janine Bridges said: “The refurbishment techniques. council is committed to As part of an on-going deliver the very best service commitment to greener energy, possible for our residents. As part the council is training of that service our housing Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Sheila Pitt and her Consort, husband Barry, wrap new presents for the maintenance technicians in maintenance team is to be trained Christmas Toy Appeal at the Salvation Army Community Centre. advanced techniques, which will in cutting edge, eco-friendly then be rolled out in council methods to help provide the very homes across the city. best in housing maintenance to Twelve employees from Kier tenants. This is an exciting project Lord Mayor backs Christmas Toy Appeal Stoke – the joint venture between which we are pleased to be WITH scissors, sticky tape and wrapping paper to Christmas without this project. It is about making the council and construction working with CoRE on company, the Kier Group, which delivering.” hand, Lord Mayor Sheila Pitt got stuck in to help Christmas a genuine thing for them.” delivers repairs and maintenance Delivered by industry experts wrap presents for under-privileged children across Many local firms, schools and churches support to the city’s 19,000 council and systems suppliers including North Staffordshire. the toy appeal, but gifts from individuals are also homes – are starting a training Wetherby, Alsecco and Insuletics, Councillor Pitt called in at the Salvation Army desperately needed. programme with the Centre of the course will ensure that teams Community Centre in Chesterton to lend a hand at Donated gifts should be new, good quality and Refurbishment Excellence working on council houses will the start of the 2013 Christmas Toy Appeal which suitable for children aged from birth to 16. It is also (CoRE) at Longton. have the most up-to-date last year helped to put a smile on the faces of more important that they are unwrapped – that job will As part of the programme the knowledge as they work on a than 12,000 needy youngsters. be done by what Major Denyer described as “the team will learn a range of major project to upgrade the The campaign – which is backed by the city volunteer Christmas elves”. Last year the city council measures and product training city’s housing stock. council – aims to ensure that children from poorer donated hundreds of presents to the appeal. focusing on “understanding CoRE Chief Executive David families, who might otherwise miss out on the joys The Lord Mayor added:“In these difficult times Pierpoint said: “The partners are sustainable refurbishment”. of Christmas, have at least one present to unwrap. not everyone can afford to give their children the They will then build on this taking responsible retrofit very background knowledge to learn seriously, and are establishing a Major Neil Denyer, Commanding Officer at the Christmas presents they deserve and the Salvation more about external and internal leadership role in the sector. Its Chesterton Salvation Army Centre, explained: Army does a fantastic job to ensure the excitement wall insulation systems. The expertise is being developed at “Everyone has an expectation of what Christmas is of youngsters across the area on Christmas programme will conclude with a every level in the business. and to realise that there are children out there who morning. I am delighted that the city council is series of training focussed on “We are proud to have been are not going to get the very basic thing of having supporting their efforts again this year and I would supporting residents to be more chosen as a key delivery partner a present to unwrap on Christmas morning is a urge everyone to give something to this appeal.” energy savvy. in this programme to improve the sobering thought. Presents can be left at the Salvation Army Centre In Autumn, several members of homes of thousands of families “There are children who because of their family in Brick Kiln Lane, Chesterton.To make the Kier Stoke management team across Stoke-on-Trent.” circumstances would not get anything for arrangements, please call 01782 564529.

Popular clean up and safety initiative rolls into Goldenhill

RESIDENTS were given the tackle dog fouling and fly tipping. opportunity to help clean up their Other agencies also took part on neighbourhood thanks to the the day, including Staffordshire latest in a line of council RESPECT Police who handed out crime Days. prevention advice in the run up to The popular initiative, which Christmas. Staffordshire Fire and aims to make Stoke-on-Trent an Rescue officers were also there even greater place to live, rolled carrying out free home fire and into Goldenhill. A free skip service safety checks. was available throughout the area Cabinet Member for Housing, and a team of volunteers was on Neighbourhoods and Community, hand to help elderly and infirm Councillor Janine Bridges, said: people move their bulky waste. “The aim of the RESPECT initiative Meanwhile streets and is to make the city a cleaner, and alleyways were spruced up and safer place for everyone to live, wasteland cleared as part of the work and play.We are tackling wide-sweeping community action problems like fly tipping head on Helping to clear up litter and fly tipping waste at Goldenhill are, left to right, RESPECT Programme day. and also instilling residents with Lead Bill James, City Councillor Martin Garner, Police Chief Inspector Adrian Roberts, Sandyford Rubbish bins were installed and even more pride in their and Goldenhill Residents’ Association Chairman Joe Smith and Association Secretary Tom Simpson. council officers were out in force to neighbourhoods by taking part.” Our City p12 15/11/13 15:21 Page 1

12 Our City WINTER 2013 Tesco Extra signs up to PartnersPartners hithit Safer Places THE council's Safer Places initiative is being adopted by one of the biggest thethe bulls’eyebulls’eye toto supermarkets in the city. Tesco Extra in Hanley is the latest business to join the scheme to provide a safe temporary place for people with createcreate 5555 jobsjobs learning disabilities if they feel createcreate 5555 jobsjobs distressed, vulnerable or frightened whilst out in the community. VER 50 people have Participants can be identified by the found jobs thanks to a council Safer Places logo displayed in the O Kelly entrance. They include Intu Potteries, partnership aimed at Clark, who City Central Library and Co-op Food tackling long-term now works Stores. unemployment and for ASDA... the People who have joined carry a Keep combating child poverty. 50th person this year to Safe card with names and contact Children’s Centres have joined secure work through the Start-Up numbers of two relatives or friends who with North Staffordshire YMCA programme, which she joined through can be called on for help.They show the to identify and support people Treehouse Children’s Centre. card in order to obtain assistance in the from the city’s deprived stores or from organisations who have communities who need a helping signed up to Safer Places. hand into work. Carers say the scheme also reassures The Start Up initiative was business and administration. access a whole range of services programme and make a huge them that their relative has a safe place launched in response to a lack of So far over 200 people have which make a big difference. difference to people’s lives. formal qualifications and training if support is required, and the initiative worked through Start Up and City Council Leader Councillor “55 people have come out of across the city, coupled with few come out with training, Mohammed Pervez said: “Hard long-term unemployment and can also offer help if the carer is out and job opportunities and the poverty qualifications or a part-time or work by the children’s centre into work thanks to this initiative. about with someone. these factors cause. The positive full-time job. teams has supported these It’s not just good news... it’s programme has long-term It's another example of the residents through their training brilliant news.” unemployed people in its sights network of children’s centres and development and continues ● and aims to hit the bull’s-eye by across the city working in to support them in work. The council’s Integrated Family boosting their skills, employability partnership with families to “I hope many more people will Information Service (IFIS) gives and health at the same time. improve all aspects of life and give benefit from this initiative.” parents support and makes sure They are equipped with skills to children the very best start. North Staffordshire YMCA children have access to the early meet the demands of growing The centres have identified Chief Executive Danny Flynn help they need. For information employment areas in the city families, particularly those in said: “Together we have managed visit stoke.gov.uk/fishdirectory including retail, caring and greatest need, and helped them to secure the funding, deliver the or call 01782 232200. I’m two and I get 15 hours free childcare! Could you?

To find out about free early education for 2, 3 and 4 year olds call 01782 232200

stoke.gov.uk/beststart Our City p13 15/11/13 12:43 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 13 Jordan’s apprenticeship sparks off career as electrician APPRENTICE Jordan Seaton, pictured left, He was taken on by Midlands-based me up with Wates and Barrie Beard.Working has embarked on a career as an electrician Barrie Beard Ltd who carried out electrical on the Discovery Academy was a steep after learning his trade on a Building work at the Academy site in Bentilee on learning curve but it gave me the Schools for the Future project behalf of lead contractor Wates. opportunity to gain employment and show The 20-year-old from Packmoor spent After impressing his new bosses, he has my new bosses what I could do at the same several months at the £23million Discovery continued with the company and is now time.” Academy carrying out major wiring and working on a major leisure centre Barrie Beard, Contract Manager Darren installation work. development project in West Bromwich Stoke said:“We have been impressed with Jordan was studying Electrical Installation while completing his apprenticeship. Jordan so far and the Discovery Academy at Stoke on Trent College when he landed a He said:“I was struggling to find a job was a major project for him to get his teeth job through its Real Apprenticeship scheme. until the Real Apprenticeship scheme linked into as an apprentice.” Spin off benefits from BSF OMMUNITY groups, waste.This has proved to be very charities and young popular and we received many pupils have benefitted requests which we met on a first C come, first served basis. from equipment given to “Everything from desk and them as a result of the chairs, to computer equipment and Building Schools for the noticeboards have been requested Academy pupils Reese Barker Future programme. and put to good use.” and Ellie-Mae Lee play on a As new and regenerated Penkhull Village Hall is one of table football donated by BSF. state-of-the-art secondary and the community venues which has Below, pupil Nicole Stone does special schools take shape in the benefitted from this scheme. classroom work boosted by a city, unneeded items left over in Equipment left over in the donated projector. former buildings and classrooms former Thistley Hough High have been donated to a range of School has found a new home at organisations. the popular centre on Trent Valley through the BSF programme has Everything from desks, chairs, Road.This has included computer really made a difference.” computer equipment and even equipment for an IT suite and Carmountside Primary Academy toilet cubicles have been passed on settees and chairs to furnish a café in Abbey Hulton has also received to good causes or to support bar. an equipment boost. community projects, rather than go The village hall has also made A range of items from white to waste. use of toilet cubicles from the boards and projectors to fun items Many other items – including former Edensor Technology such as a popcorn maker and a white boards and overhead College in Longton, which was football table have been put to use. projectors – have been snapped up managed by the Discovery Headteacher Phil Mclauchlan said: by primary schools, to complement Academy until it moved to its new “The donations have helped to their own equipment and help site in Bentilee. ensure our school budget can be stretch their budgets. Sue Pantin, a member of the stretched. Normally, we wouldn’t BSF Project Officer Louise village hall management be able to justify the fun items but Wright, who has co-ordinated the committee, said: “These items add now we can use them as part of scheme, said: “As schools have to the attractiveness of the hall as a imaginative play sessions.” moved to their new facilities there social venue and boost the facilities Other beneficiaries include the has inevitably been equipment no we can offer to groups looking to Adult and Community Learning longer needed but still in good book the venue. team, which has been able to buy a condition. Our approach has been “Normally, they would cost potter’s wheel from St Peter’s to work with local schools and money that we have not got to Academy and is now using it in communities to see if these items spend. So the generosity of the ceramics classes at the Burslem can be reused rather than go to schools and new academies School of Art and the Staffordshire Probation Service. Meanwhile, it’s not just the city that has benefitted, some desks, chairs and other equipment has also been donated to the Andrhal Welfare Trust, which has transported them to the Asian sub-continent to benefit disadvantaged children and improve educational facilities. Manwar Hussain, Co-ordinator for the Trust, said: “These generous equipment donations are making a big difference and ensuring that schools in deprived areas have been brought into the Burslem 21st Century.” School of Art Under the £270million BSF Trust Operations programme, 18 school rebuilding Manager Leva Reverend Sandy Dutton, front left, and Trustee Church Warden Alan projects are being undertaken. Alksne throws a pot Woodward, front right, enjoy tea and cakes with Penkhull Village Hall Fourteen are now complete – all on the potter’s wheel Committee members, back left to right, Pat Dutton and Sue Pantin, on time and in budget – with the which came from St BSF Project Officer Louise Wright and Volunteer Alan Jones – sitting remaining four set to open Peter’s Academy. on settees and chairs from the former Thistley Hough High School. throughout 2014. Our City p14 15/11/13 16:07 Page 1

14 Our City WINTER 2013 Grants of up to £5,000 Young people warned of available for businesses SMALL businesses can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help with their future growth.The Business Enterprise Fund is open to companies operating in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Money is available to small to EW safety warnings have medium sized enterprises to support been issued to children start up, growth and diversification and young people across until December 2014. Additional N grant funding has been secured Stoke-on-Trent amid growing through the European Regional concern about online grooming by Development Fund (ERDF) and sexual predators. businesses with capital projects in It comes as e-safety experts who excess of £2,000 are encouraged to advise the city’s Safeguarding Children Board report increasing numbers of apply. cases. Cabinet Member for Economic Board Manager Carole Preston said: Development, Councillor Paul “There is growing concern and it’s not Shotton, said:“Access to funding is just young people from families vital to small considered vulnerable who are being and medium affected – it’s boys and girls from every sized businesses area of society. and we want to “Many more children have make sure they smartphones and tablets now and can are aware of all browse virtually anywhere. They won’t opportunities always know who they’re speaking to open to them. and their parents will find it harder to “This type of support can make a monitor them. “It’s now more important than ever real difference to start-up companies Young people using their that young people understand the risks phones to access social network or small businesses. It will and know how to stay safe online.” complement successful initiatives sites are being urged to stay like the Stoke-on-Trent and Grooming safe and make sure they know Staffordshire Business Loans Fund, who they’re talking to. The Board’s own Sexual (Photo posed by model.) which has benefited over 80 Exploitation Strategy, which has been companies and created or published online, reports studies safeguarded around 400 jobs.” showing a sharp increase in the use of For more details email the internet and social networking sites businessenterprisefund@ for grooming and direct exploitation. It staffordshire.gov.uk or call the says perpetrators target children and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire young people through these sites. Free helpline support Business Support Helpline on The strategy records the case of a PARENTS Protect offers a free, confidential 0300 111 8002. 16-year-old girl who met a man in an helpline for anyone concerned about internet teen chat room and arranged to comments: “Whilst this was only a small online grooming. study, the number of very young children meet him in a hotel. Anyone who wants to ask a question or The man was actually 27 but claimed to putting themselves, unwittingly, at extreme Scheme marks be much younger. Luckily the police were risk was alarmingly high. talk through any issues or concerns, alerted and a very dangerous situation was “This should call the Stop it Now! confidential, averted. highlights how freephone helpline on 0808 1000 900. 10th birthday A study by the Government’s Child even primary The helpline is available from 9am-9pm, AN initiative which has been Exploitation and Online Protection Centre aged school Monday to Thursday and 9am-7pm helping to drive up the standards of (CEOP) found a third of the children it children are Fridays.Trained staff can also help by rented housing in and around spoke to admitted meeting someone they vulnerable to emailing [email protected], for a Stoke-on-Trent has celebrated its had previously only met online. online response in 48 hours. tenth anniversary. The Board’s strategy document grooming.” www.safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk The Landlord Accreditation Scheme was set up in October 2003 by the council to bring landlords together to share ideas and How to stay clear of the internet’s predators information on how to improve their properties and deal with BEING online and using the internet changes in regulations. can feel just like being in the real Since then it has attracted over world as users chat to people, play 520 members who rent out a total games and share pictures. of almost 2,800 homes in the city, But there are people who use the and north and central Staffordshire. internet for the wrong reasons and Landlords were invited to a are not always who they seem. special birthday event at the King’s Follow these rules to stay safe seeing information on your profile online.You will not know who they CHECK YOUR PROFILE Hall giving them an opportunity to online: or blog. are – they could be anyone and of REGULARLY: Delete any comments network. any age. you do not like and block offensive AVOID GIVING PERSONAL BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR AGE: people. Council Leader Councillor DETAILS: Never give your last Membership rules for online sites THINK TWICE ABOUT POSTING ALWAYS REPORT CONCERNS: Mohammed Pevez, said:“We want name, the name of your school or are there to protect you so never lie PICTURES: What you upload can If you have been upset, worried or to work with all partners, including your sports team. Never say where about your age when you sign up. be downloaded by anyone and is made to feel uncomfortable online, private landlords, to provide good you live or hang out, or any Talk with your parents about other online pretty much forever. Avoid tell a trusted adult. quality homes for our residents. information that might help people sites that may be more suited to posting photographs that allow ● “Bringing landlords together to trace you. your age group. people to identify you or that are For more information, advice share good ideas and best practice sexually suggestive.Think how a and support visit: ceop.police.uk, has really worked.” PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION: NEVER ARRANGE TO MEET family member, a teacher or a thinkuknow.co.uk or For further information on the Use privacy settings to stop people STRANGERS: Never get together future employer would feel about childline.org.uk or scheme call 01782 232271. you do not know in the real world with someone you have only met a picture. safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk Our City p15 15/11/13 15:26 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 15 ‘Amazing’ service gives mum vital home support PROUD mum Jill Pass-Oakley seen lots of improvements in has seen her son come on in Elijah. He gets involved in leaps and bounds thanks to everything from messy play help received from the city and role-playing, to reading council. and singing. Some of the Two-year-old Elijah was specialist toys encouraged born with Down’s syndrome him to walk and I don’t think and has developmental delay he would have hit some of his and educational needs as a milestones so quickly if we result of the condition but he hadn’t had the help. has been encouraged to hit “It is great to see his learning targets through the development come on but council’s Portage home another benefit is how the teaching service. service has helped him to build The service supports better relationships with his pre-school children with sisters and those around him educational needs and their so that we can enjoy more families. Home visitors make quality family time together.” regular trips to see the family Stoke-on-Trent Portage and engage the child in service currently works with play-based educational 59 families, referred by activities. parents and professionals. Elijah’s Home Visitor Between visits, parents are Siamma Mahmood has been encouraged to practice working with him since he was activities with their child and six-months-old, helping him to record their successes. walk, talk and improve his The service, as well as social skills. developing good practice Jill Pass-Oakley, right, plays with her two-year-old son Jill, a mum-of-three, said: locally, also delivers training Elijah with Portage service Home Visitor Siamma “The help we have received and workshops at National Mahmood who is holding Jill’s baby daughter Elaya. has been amazing and I have Portage events.

Regeneration projects scoop Over £3m to be invested in top accolade TWO flagship empty home regeneration projects have been praised at a national community buildings architectural awards ceremony – cited as best EY community examples of how to deal with buildings in all six upgrading period homes in a K towns of Stoke-on-Trent conservation zone. are to be retained and more The eco-refit of traditional than £3m invested in facilities. terrace houses in the city was Fifteen core properties have been one of only three entries identified as providing a key presence nationally to be highly for communities and vital for commended in the Architects’ delivering services locally for Journal Retrofit Awards. residents. The refurbishments in They include a £1.7m investment Balfour Street, Hanley, and in Tunstall Town Hall and a £1.3m Port Street and Burgess Street investment in Longton Town Hall to in Middleport have been ensure the best quality facilities are available for residents. Along with the showcased as examples of developing Central Business District how to creatively regenerate offices they will become “universal terrace properties to create hubs”, offering access to a wide range modern and comfortable of services from housing to council eco-friendly homes tax and parking to bin enquiries. The council-led project A further three buildings – Burslem involved the complete School of Art, Fenton Local Centre internal and external and Stoke Local Centre are also being Longton Town Hall. upgrading of 59 old terrace retained as “hubs”, providing services houses, maintaining their specific to the communities they period features externally serve. operational buildings for back office while transforming levels of In Stoke, the council will continue staff are to be sold saving taxpayers’ comfort and energy efficiency to operate the Civic Centre, town hall money in maintenance, energy and and local centre. It means the security costs and reducing the internally.The two schemes buildings can continue to provide council’s carbon footprint. cost a total of £3.4million, important services to some of the Council Leader Mohammed Pervez which was sourced from city’s most vulnerable people. said: “Wherever possible, we will national Government funds. Eight others will be retained continue to deliver the same services Cabinet Member for including Marrow House in Longton, or better that residents across the city Regeneration Councillor Ruth which supports people with dementia; rely on. And even better than that, we Rosenau said:“We are busy The Meadows in Bentilee, and will be reducing the cost. delivering a wide range of Waterside in Newstead, which “Reducing our number of buildings projects to revitalise the city’s support people with learning would be done on a phased basis, so traditional housing stock to disabilities. that any service disruption is kept to a Tunstall Town Hall. meet a wide range of needs.” In addition, 29 administrative and minimum.” Our City p16-17 15/11/13 16:13 Page 1

16 Our City WINTER 2013 WINTER 2013 Our City 17

Making It For Stoke is a new Our City feature celebrating the successes of Demand for manufacturers across the city – from small businesses to multi-million pound concerns employing hundreds. Here, we spotlight heavy engineering firm Goodwin lakeside cycle International, pottery company Steelite International and Denise O’Sullivan Ceramics. hire scheme DOZENS of people have signed up for a unique cycle hire scheme within weeks of it opening. The cycle-hire centre at Westport Lake gives people, particularly older and Innovation and disabled members of society, the chance to make more use of green spaces in the city to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Eleven specially-adapted quality is creating bikes are available to be ridden along the mile long paths at the attraction as part of the Green Door Project. The adapted bikes include ones specifically suited for wheelchair users who remain real winners in seated in their wheelchairs while riding, while others are powered by the upper body. Now organisers are in the Molten steel is transferred process of buying an extra to the refinery at the bike to meet demand after Goodwin factory. 55 people signed up to the global markets scheme within the first month. ROM steel and nickel Council and alloy castings to MADE Placer Adam Wisbey prepares ware for WITH LOVE IN Faward-winning the kiln at Steelite’s Burslem factory. partners give DVD warning tableware and the ceramics STOKE-ON-TRENT... of a Rockabilly-loving mum pottery designer extensive – manufacturers and Denise O’Sullivan on attacking with examples of her designers continue to prove products at her lifestyle support firefighters that Made in Stoke-on-Trent shop in the City THE city council really does mean quality. Centre’s Quality and its partners A hard-hitting film has been Heavy engineering firm Goodwin Hotel. provide extensive produced warning young Steel Castings Ltd and its sister support and people about the company Goodwin International guidance to consequences of physically or Ltd have been producing machined businesses across verbally attacking castings in Hanley since 1883 and the city – from basic contacts to firefighters. now supply, among others, the help with bidding for nuclear, petro-chemical, power The six-minute DVD aims to Government grants. generation and defence industries. discourage teenagers from The council supported the firm’s Contacts and addresses can be taking part in antisocial bid for Government Regional supplied through the council’s behaviour by showing them Growth Fund money as it Competitive Intelligence Service. the stark reality they could continues to invest in technology, THE FACTORY PROGRAMME – face if they are caught and people and a new 60,000 sq ft part-funded by the European prosecuted. factory, offices and training school Regional Development Fund – The film has been produced adjacent to its existing premises at offered by the council in after a trio of shocking Hanley. partnership with Staffordshire The Queens Award winning incidents took place in and The new Goodwin factory, offices University, Burslem School of Art around Shelton on Bonfire company now employs 1,025 and training school being people across the world including and the North Staffordshire Night 2012. A targeted constructed at Hanley. more than 750 in the city and Chamber of Commerce – response vehicle, a fire engine provides support and guidance Newcastle-under-Lyme. The firm Below right, Goodwin Apprentice and firefighters were pelted to small and medium sized has 50 apprentices, and has Olivia Comerford files a sample with bricks, stones, glass businesses. pledged to take on another 80 over prior to milling. bottles and fireworks. the next few years with 25 alone set Goodwin Dimensional Inspector Cabinet Member for Economic Dave Higgins carries out checks Fire service and police to be recruited next February. Development, Councillor Paul on valves bound for a nuclear officers have worked closely General Manager Steve Birks Shotton, said:“Stoke-on-Trent power plant in North America. with pupils at Thistley Hough said: “We export 80 per cent of City Council is fully committed Academy and Oakhill Primary everything we make in the city. to making sure that local School to produce the China is a booming market for us businesses are supported with but we continue to make inroads in educational footage. plans a new factory in the city, and takes care of the kiln firings their growth and expansion other markets across the world as which will create more jobs. and hand finishing herself. plans. we target even more growth from Chief Executive Kevin Oakes She retails through her website, our home base.” said: “In recent years Steelite showcases her work in Paris and is “Successful businesses make a Car park boost Export business continues to International has gone from already building a European-wide strong economy, which is key to delivering a successful city. CITY councillors have backed grow at Steelite International – a strength to strength thanks to the reputation. The council has Through Mandate for Change, a scheme for £14,000 of world-leading manufacturer and passion and hard work of our supported her with business supplier of tabletop ranges for the the city council and our partners improvements at a committed workforce here in contacts and offered her specialist international hospitality industry – Stoke-on-Trent.” business advice. are determined to provide a community car park in especially to Russia and the USA. At the other end of the Denise said: “I have a new back comprehensive range of support Elgood Lane, Goldenhill.The The privately owned firm employs production scale is designer Denise stamp on my ware which says to help businesses grow and 15-space community car park Cup Shop 770 people in the city and 100 O’Sullivan’s ceramics firm which Made with Love in Stoke on prosper.” has suffered from extensive Operative Debbie abroad. Its Burslem plant has the produces exquisite retro-inspired Trent, England, and it features a For more information on flooding problems and the Dawkins, left, production capacity for up to half a tea and coffee sets, tableware and pink heart which is my business support, contact the work – including resurfacing million pieces of ware every week. coaches new starter gifts bearing her own name. signature. I love my city and Economic Development Unit on – is due to be carried out in Supported by the council to College and university trained, I’ve just opened Made Lounge Caroline Kinsey with 01782 232747 or email January. access Regional Growth Fund Denise uses three specialist hand – my lifestyle shop at the Quality the cup handling money, Steelite is expanding and painters for fine edge gilding work Hotel in the City Centre.” process. [email protected] Our City p16-17 15/11/13 16:13 Page 1

16 Our City WINTER 2013 WINTER 2013 Our City 17

Making It For Stoke is a new Our City feature celebrating the successes of Demand for manufacturers across the city – from small businesses to multi-million pound concerns employing hundreds. Here, we spotlight heavy engineering firm Goodwin lakeside cycle International, pottery company Steelite International and Denise O’Sullivan Ceramics. hire scheme DOZENS of people have signed up for a unique cycle hire scheme within weeks of it opening. The cycle-hire centre at Westport Lake gives people, particularly older and Innovation and disabled members of society, the chance to make more use of green spaces in the city to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Eleven specially-adapted quality is creating bikes are available to be ridden along the mile long paths at the attraction as part of the Green Door Project. The adapted bikes include ones specifically suited for wheelchair users who remain real winners in seated in their wheelchairs while riding, while others are powered by the upper body. Now organisers are in the Molten steel is transferred process of buying an extra to the refinery at the bike to meet demand after Goodwin factory. 55 people signed up to the global markets scheme within the first month. ROM steel and nickel Council and alloy castings to MADE Placer Adam Wisbey prepares ware for WITH LOVE IN Faward-winning the kiln at Steelite’s Burslem factory. partners give DVD warning tableware and the ceramics STOKE-ON-TRENT... of a Rockabilly-loving mum pottery designer extensive – manufacturers and Denise O’Sullivan on attacking with examples of her designers continue to prove products at her lifestyle support firefighters that Made in Stoke-on-Trent shop in the City THE city council really does mean quality. Centre’s Quality and its partners A hard-hitting film has been Heavy engineering firm Goodwin Hotel. provide extensive produced warning young Steel Castings Ltd and its sister support and people about the company Goodwin International guidance to consequences of physically or Ltd have been producing machined businesses across verbally attacking castings in Hanley since 1883 and the city – from basic contacts to firefighters. now supply, among others, the help with bidding for nuclear, petro-chemical, power The six-minute DVD aims to Government grants. generation and defence industries. discourage teenagers from The council supported the firm’s Contacts and addresses can be taking part in antisocial bid for Government Regional supplied through the council’s behaviour by showing them Growth Fund money as it Competitive Intelligence Service. the stark reality they could continues to invest in technology, THE FACTORY PROGRAMME – face if they are caught and people and a new 60,000 sq ft part-funded by the European prosecuted. factory, offices and training school Regional Development Fund – The film has been produced adjacent to its existing premises at offered by the council in after a trio of shocking Hanley. partnership with Staffordshire The Queens Award winning incidents took place in and The new Goodwin factory, offices University, Burslem School of Art around Shelton on Bonfire company now employs 1,025 and training school being people across the world including and the North Staffordshire Night 2012. A targeted constructed at Hanley. more than 750 in the city and Chamber of Commerce – response vehicle, a fire engine provides support and guidance Newcastle-under-Lyme. The firm Below right, Goodwin Apprentice and firefighters were pelted to small and medium sized has 50 apprentices, and has Olivia Comerford files a sample with bricks, stones, glass businesses. pledged to take on another 80 over prior to milling. bottles and fireworks. the next few years with 25 alone set Goodwin Dimensional Inspector Cabinet Member for Economic Dave Higgins carries out checks Fire service and police to be recruited next February. Development, Councillor Paul on valves bound for a nuclear officers have worked closely General Manager Steve Birks Shotton, said:“Stoke-on-Trent power plant in North America. with pupils at Thistley Hough said: “We export 80 per cent of City Council is fully committed Academy and Oakhill Primary everything we make in the city. to making sure that local School to produce the China is a booming market for us businesses are supported with but we continue to make inroads in educational footage. plans a new factory in the city, and takes care of the kiln firings their growth and expansion other markets across the world as which will create more jobs. and hand finishing herself. plans. we target even more growth from Chief Executive Kevin Oakes She retails through her website, our home base.” said: “In recent years Steelite showcases her work in Paris and is “Successful businesses make a Car park boost Export business continues to International has gone from already building a European-wide strong economy, which is key to delivering a successful city. CITY councillors have backed grow at Steelite International – a strength to strength thanks to the reputation. The council has Through Mandate for Change, a scheme for £14,000 of world-leading manufacturer and passion and hard work of our supported her with business supplier of tabletop ranges for the the city council and our partners improvements at a committed workforce here in contacts and offered her specialist international hospitality industry – Stoke-on-Trent.” business advice. are determined to provide a community car park in especially to Russia and the USA. At the other end of the Denise said: “I have a new back comprehensive range of support Elgood Lane, Goldenhill.The The privately owned firm employs production scale is designer Denise stamp on my ware which says to help businesses grow and 15-space community car park Cup Shop 770 people in the city and 100 O’Sullivan’s ceramics firm which Made with Love in Stoke on prosper.” has suffered from extensive Operative Debbie abroad. Its Burslem plant has the produces exquisite retro-inspired Trent, England, and it features a For more information on flooding problems and the Dawkins, left, production capacity for up to half a tea and coffee sets, tableware and pink heart which is my business support, contact the work – including resurfacing million pieces of ware every week. coaches new starter gifts bearing her own name. signature. I love my city and Economic Development Unit on – is due to be carried out in Supported by the council to College and university trained, I’ve just opened Made Lounge Caroline Kinsey with 01782 232747 or email January. access Regional Growth Fund Denise uses three specialist hand – my lifestyle shop at the Quality the cup handling money, Steelite is expanding and painters for fine edge gilding work Hotel in the City Centre.” process. [email protected] Our City p18 15/11/13 16:18 Page 1

18 Our City WINTER 2013 Arts Council funding for Joint campaign to clamp down on library project THE Library Service in Stoke-on- alcohol related problems Trent has secured £90,000 of Arts Council England funding for a creative project called The Box. high profile police campaign to The Box will engage 9-13 year drive down alcohol related olds and their families, Aproblems in Stoke-on-Trent has encouraging them to get reading been taken direct to the pub, club and the and writing at their library.The retail industry. total cost of the project is Up to 60 representatives from top breweries £101,000 and £11,000 of funding and supermarket chains as well as campaign is being sought from anyone partners attended the Alcohol Industry Event interested to help finance this. hosted by Staffordshire’s Chief Constable Mike The three-year programme will Cunningham. be managed by B Arts in Other speakers made keynote addresses partnership with the library including Professor Aliko Ahmed, Director of service. It will create an individual Public Health for the Staffordshire Primary theatre experience based on a Care Trusts. The newly formed Staffordshire book or poem which appeals to and Stoke-on-Trent Responsible Bodies young people. Group, an organisation trying to ensure a Each person stepping into The joined up approach to licensing enforcement Box is taken on a unique journey across the county, supported the half-day full of exciting sights, sounds and event. sensory entertainment. Smaller discussion groups later swapped Afterwards they will be able to ideas on a host of issues including pre-loading, reflect on the experience through underage drinking, pricing, licensed premises writing, painting or drama using a and drug use, the training of staff, binge drinking and how to change the city’s drinking range of digital tools. Each year culture as well as public nuisance and noise. there will be an exhibition of work Inspector Jared White of the Staffordshire created at City Central Library. Police Licensing Team, said: “This is the first The Box will tour libraries, time we’ve staged an event like this where we youth centres, children’s centres were able to swap thoughts and ideas with so and other venues in wards across many key players from the brewery and retail the city during school holiday industries. periods over a three-year period Staffordshire Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, right pictured at the Alcohol Industry Event “It’s given us all some good ideas to work on starting in Easter 2014. he hosted with key speaker Professor Aliko Ahmed, Staffordshire Primary Care Trusts Director and we’ve had positive feedback since from the For more information visit of Public Health, left, and Stafford Borough Councillor Frank Finley, Chairman of the industry saying how useful it would be to have stoke.gov.uk/libraries. newly-formed Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Responsible Bodies Group. events like this more regularly.”

Subjects include: ■ Access to Study ■ Accounting & Finance ■ Adult Leisure ■ Adult Skills (Maths & English) ■ Art, Design & Media ■ Business, Administration ■ & Management ■ Computing & ICT ■ Construction & Horticulture ■ Counselling and Personal Awareness ■ Early Years & Teacher Training ■ Electrical Installation ■ Employability Skills ■ First Aid ■ Floristry ■ Food & Catering ■ Hair, Beauty & Holistic Therapies ■ Health & Social Care ■ Languages & Sign Language ■ Music ■ Sport & Exercise

For further information on all of our courses please contact 01782 254254 email [email protected] or visit www.nulc.ac.uk Our City p19 15/11/13 14:59 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 19 Accolade for educational programmes STAFF at Gladstone Pottery “”I am passionate that Museum are celebrating after the venue received an people should believe accolade for the quality of its educational programmes they have a right to the and activities. best service. They The prestigious Sandford Award, run by the Heritage should expect the best Education Trust, is independently judged and from us and they already assessors looked at all aspects of educational visits support us in that. to the museum. It provides a quality assurance kite mark for education provision at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections, which is recognised by schools and other institutions across the UK. The Longton museum was assessed by OFSTED Inspectors, former education consultants and education officers earlier this year during a visit by Holden Lane Primary School.

Take care in COMMITTED TO BEST PUBLIC SERVICE: wet and icy Chief Superintendent Juliet Prince, Commander conditions for Stoke-on-Trent and MOTORISTS are being urged North Staffordshire, to take care on roads in heavy pictured in the Control rain or wintery conditions. Room at Hanley Staffordshire Fire and Police Station. Rescue Service’s Head of Risk Reduction Glynn Luznyj said: “In wet or icy conditions there is often an increase in road traffic collisions, many of which could be avoided if people checked their vehicles Commander aims to make regularly and drove with the extra care required. “I would urge people to check the condition of their vehicle’s tyres and lights and to allow extra time for a difference to lives journeys so as to avoid being in a rush. It is important to OLICING and and making a difference to the with Stoke-on-Trent. It does have should expect the best from us take into account the extra community service is communities and people we serve. areas of deprivation but when a and they already support us in braking distance needed on in Juliet Prince’s “Local officers make a massive recent article in The Times that. P difference in their areas and I can featured it as one of the country’s “Take up by people who wet, icy or snow-covered road blood – though she only help influence that as we continue top 10 cities to visit that made me volunteer as Special Constables is surfaces and to always keep a learned her dad was once a to try and make our service better feel very proud. We have great brilliant and many people get safe distance away from the policeman when she told for the public. It’s up to me to history, buildings and very involved with Neighbourhood car in front. him at 14 that she was support my colleagues as they do friendly helpful people. Watch. “People should never drink going to join up. the job to the best of their ability “I am passionate that those “Our system of Community and drive, use a mobile phone Dresden-born Juliet has come a for the benefit of the communities people should believe they have a Contact Records means we can while behind the wheel or long way since she started out as we serve. I have a real affinity right to the best service. They also canvass street-by-street drive when over-tired.” a 16-year-old police cadet. From opinion on any given issue. But I beat, mobile and intelligence want a bigger cross section of the officer to years in child community to help us shape protection, Special Branch and No end to Operation Nemesis future services and our Citizens’ CID, Juliet has risen through the Panel gives them that voice New homes ranks while juggling her career OPERATION Nemesis – the police fight against drugs through the questionnaires we send out. We do want to listen COUNCILLORS have given with family life. in Stoke-on-Trent – continues to take dealers off the the go ahead to plans to Her husband was a serving and we do want to hear.” streets on a regular basis. build 13 houses and a block police officer who has now retired Chief Superintendent Juliet Prince said: ● For more information, call the and her two sons are grown up. of 24 apartments “Operation Nemesis is on-going.There is no end Staffordshire Police Citizens’ overlooking Market Place, Now 49, Juliet holds the rank of date.We continue to target drug dealers wherever they operate Chief Superintendent and is the Advice Panel Co-ordinator via Burslem.The scheme, which and wherever drugs are having an impact on communities. 101, email citizen.panel@ has been put forward by Police Commander for Stoke-on- “Though we don’t always mount the sort of high profile Trent and North Staffordshire. staffordshire.pnn.police.uk or go Countryside Properties, will operations that cause shock waves in a community, it doesn’t But rank means nothing to her as to www.staffordshire.police. complete the Sadlers Park mean that we’re not executing smaller scale arrest warrants day she explained: “For me it’s never uk/info_advice/get_involved/ housing project. been about rank, it’s about service in and day out.” citizen/ Our City p20 15/11/13 15:02 Page 1

20 Our City WINTER 2013

Festive fire safety tips Look when ● Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters. you cook ● Never leave candles unattended and don’t place near a Christmas tree. CHRISTMAS ● Switch off and unplug fairy lights before leaving the house, or going to bed. ● Check Christmas lights have the DAY DINNER British Safety TAFFORDSHIRE Fire unattended and igniting. Standard mark. and Rescue Service is “Our top tip is to urging people to ‘look ensure people take ● Never overload sockets – S care when cooking Mrs Liz one plug per socket – and turn when you cook’ while and avoid doing Wheelton, aged 74, off plugs when not in use. preparing Christmas dinner. too many things of Fenton has a home More than half of all house fires at once. Food fire safety check carried ● Extinguish all cigarettes and start in the kitchen and with more being cooked out by firefighter Jim Cooke. matches properly and don’t pressures and distractions than should never be Mrs Wheelton is holding a smoke in usual on Christmas Day, it is left unattended. smoke alarm which bed. more important than ever to be “It’s also Staffordshire Fire and safety savvy. important to avoid Rescue Service will fit ● Head of Risk Reduction Glynn Install drinking alcohol free of charge. their families on sandwiches or snacks beforehand smoke alarms Luznyj said: “We want people to while cooking – we Christmas Day will could avoid the need to start on all levels of your home. enjoy the festive break and not often attend fires that probably be having a cooking on returning home. Check they work by pushing face the trauma of a house fire or result from someone drink to celebrate. We’re “It isn’t worth the risk to try worse – an injury caused by fire. under the influence of alcohol not going to tell you that you and cook whilst under the the button regularly and never “Statistics show that most who has started cooking a meal shouldn’t but we do say please influence of alcohol – people have remove the batteries to power accidental house fires start in the and then fallen asleep in another don’t be tempted to start cooking died in Staffordshire doing just toys and other presents. kitchen and many of these room. as soon as you get home.” that, so think twice and enjoy incidents result from cooking left “Those enjoying a day out with He added that preparing a few Christmas safely,” added Glynn.

• Your Job If you get caught drink driving the • A driving ban of at least 12 months consequences listed are the minimum that will happen to you. • An endorsement of your driving You may also be liable to a fine of up licence for 11 years to £5,000 and up to 6 months in • A criminal record prison. The morning after, don’t rush • Insurance will increase to get behind the wheel. You may feel significantly – some insurers fine but you could still be over the will not offer any cover! legal alcohol limit or unfit to drive! Our City p21 15/11/13 16:31 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 21 Vital support to encourage healthier lifestyles

LMOST 10,000 stroke, diabetes and weight adults in the city management. Among the options Ahave been helped to is a 20-week physical activity change their lifestyles and programme.The council employs a team of specialist lifestyle make positive exercise instructors to support improvements to their client participation in a range of health and wellbeing in the activities including gym-based last five years thanks to an sessions, swimming and exercise ongoing initiative. classes such as yoga and pilates. The council’s public health Nearly 10,000 have been team commissions Voluntary referred to the Lifestyle Service Action for Stoke-on-Trent since 2008, with almost 6,000 of (VAST) to deliver the Lifestyle these accessing physical activity Service and works in partnership sessions through council facilities. with other health and social care Council Health Sports organisations such as The Development Officer Cath University Hospital of North Dale said: “Very often Lifestyle Coach Staffordshire. individuals want to make Sharron Heath, Launched in 2008, the service changes but need that left, chats to Meir provides a range of lifestyle initial support to get resident Jane Povey activities aimed at supporting started. By helping about the VAST behavioural changes. Reported individuals to develop a programme. benefits include weight loss, realistic health improvement improved mobility, increased plan the Lifestyle Service can energy levels, raised self address some of the fears and confidence and improved mental barriers to change.” wellbeing. To access the Lifestyle Service, A key part is supporting people individuals must be over 18 and who are referred to the Lifestyle be registered with a GP in Service to become more active in Stoke-on-Trent. Anyone interested order to reduce many of the risks in getting involved should contact associated with certain chronic their GP to discuss whether they conditions inlcuding heart disease, meet the criteria. Julien’s story: the programme gave me new confidence and improved all aspects of my health I was feeling very unhappy with my Coach, persuaded me to give it a try to help Lifestyle Coach Sue said:“Julien has lost a How to access weight, struggling to control my with my blood pressure and weight loss. I was substantial amount of weight – around two diabetes and I was very worried about my amazed how much I loved it, the staff were so and a half stone. She also reduced her blood the service blood pressure. helpful and after my free gym entitlement ran pressure and was taken off diabetic YOU must be referred to the “I felt miserable and helpless and when the out I joined up to continue with the exercise. medication by her GP. Lifestyle Service by your nurse suggested the Lifestyle Service I was Meeting with my Lifestyle Coach every few “Her overall physical health improved and as doctor or nurse. If you think unsure what to expect but decided to go along months helped me to stay on track and focus on a result she is feeling far more confident about you would benefit from the to see if I could get help. my goals.The programme gave me my herself and life in general. Lifestyle Service ask your GP, Firstly, I was referred to Weight Watchers confidence back and made me realise just how “It’s rewarding to see a client take back Practice Nurse or Midwife. which really helped me to get to grips with my bad my lifestyle had become. All aspects of my control of their own health and to continue They will check to see if you diet and I felt really motivated as I saw the health improved and I was taken off my diabetes with the healthy lifestyle changes suggested are medically suitable and if weight dropping off. medication. Since finishing the programme I over the 12 month programme and we are you are ready to make I have never ever been to a gym and didn’t have quit smoking and am now far more very proud of her and her amazing lifestyle changes.They will think I ever would but Sue Foulkes, my Lifestyle conscious of looking after my health. ” accomplishment.” then refer you to the service. Return to Chelsea Flower Show will grow city’s reputation THE city has again been invited to provide extended another invitation. purpose and new sources of energy. one of the top 12 showcase gardens at one The 2014 garden called “Positively It’s all about putting the city firmly in the of the world’s most prestigious style events Stoke-on-Trent” is being designed and built international spotlight as a great place to – London’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. by top London-based company invest and do business, with a clear focus Stoke-on-Trent’s astounding Bartholomew Landscaping in partnership on the city’s energy and vitality. Transformation Garden grabbed the with the city council – the same team that City Council Deputy Leader Councillor Paul international media spotlight this summer. brought this summer’s silver medal success. Shotton said: “We are massively proud to Now The Royal Horticultural Society, the The Positively Stoke-on-Trent garden will be going back. Being at the show helps to An artist’s impression of the city’s 2014 world’s oldest gardening organisation, has represent a city with a new clarity of grow the city’s reputation.” garden called Positively Stoke-on-Trent. Our City p22 15/11/13 15:13 Page 1

22 Our City WINTER 2013 Continuation of Homeworks is welcomed ESIDENTS and community The 84-year-old said: “The Homeworks leaders have backed the team has been fantastic to me. They have continuation of a scheme which landscaped my front garden so I don’t have R a lawn to cut any more and they come has helped maintain the homes of around every three months to trim the hundreds of elderly and vulnerable hedges and the shrubs at the back. people and boosted dozens of young “I have been using the service since it careers. first started up and it has been a real help. Blurton The community’s Homework Service has To cap it all off I was named their resident Beattie been a real success over the last four years, Customer of the Year and the handmade Swift, who is Homeworks providing free decoration and gardening trophy they presented to me has been given Customer of the Year, holds her support for council tenants. pride of place in my house. I am so glad trophy. Her neat garden which has been More than 1,700 older and vulnerable the scheme is continuing. landscaped by youngsters on the Homeworks “It would have been a real shame for the council tenants have had a room in their scheme is seen in the background. homes redecorated, and almost 1,000 have hundreds of people who use it if it had had their gardens kept in good condition. been stopped.” The team have also created 850 low The scheme has employed almost 300 maintenance gardens. youngsters aged between 16 and 18 – of low-rent homes for local people – giving a lives, careers and the wider community. The continuation of the operation has whom 60 per cent of have gone onto lead for private sector landlords to follow. The ongoing plan is to deliver another 600 been welcomed by the people who use it. apprenticeships and other jobs in the local Cabinet Member for Housing, decoration jobs and a remodelled low-cost Great-grandmother Beattie Swift, of housing sector. Neighbourhoods and Communities soft furnishing service, as well as maintain Newstead, has hailed the decision as And it is all part of the council’s housing Councillor Janine Bridges, said: “The 960 gardens each season, and give facelifts “wonderful news”. service which provides 19,000 high-quality project provided a real boost for individual to 300 low-maintenance gardens.” £7million project is triumph for the whole community

COMMUNITY groups joined the The council still owns the city council and Aspire Housing shops and the community hub to celebrate the completion of a which has been transformed £7million, three-year with solar panels, under floor regeneration project. heating and other energy The scheme, to transform saving environmental features, Ingestre Square, Blurton, has including a community garden. seen old and worn out shops The local community and flats swept away and manages the hub and hosts replaced by 41 new high quality events and activities, including homes for local people, six new a play group,WRVS events, shop units and a purpose built Helping Angels, the Blurton Community Hub eco-friendly community hub. Staffordshire Credit Union, Reception Manager The redevelopment is the Strathmore College and a youth Kerry Edwards, left, and culmination of a community led club. resident and Blurton consultation in 2005, which The hub also has meeting Community Hub looked at ways to effectively rooms and office space for hire. Management Committee improve the rundown area. The project is topped off with Chair Maureen Atkinson The council and Aspire carefully designed landscaping in the Ingestre Housing have worked together and car parking to upgrade the Square Library. to bring the dream to fruition, local environment and improve with the support and backing access for all. of the Government’s Homes Cabinet Member for area. Aspire and the HCA and Communities Agency. Neighbourhoods, Housing and have been brilliant.” The council provided Communities Councillor Janine Wayne Hughes, £4million and the site, the HCA Bridges said: “The community Managing Director of provided £1.5million and this have been involved in planning Aspire Housing, said:“We was matched by Aspire, who this development from the very are proud of what we have oversaw the project and now start and it’s very exciting to achieved together in own and manage the see their dreams and Blurton. affordable homes for rent and aspirations unveiled. “By providing new homes, shared ownership. This is about the whole new shops and a new Aspire’s new homes comprise community working together community centre the Blurton 22 two bedroom flats, 11 three and the housing, shops and the community has become a Strathmore College Horticulture student James bedroom houses and eight four community centre are all better and more attractive Lowndes, left, and his tutor Geoff Barnett tend bedroom houses. essential parts of rebuilding the place to live.” to the Ingestre Square community garden. Our City p23 15/11/13 17:04 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 23 Business district set to create new jobs EPRESENTATIVES “It was great to see so from more than 80 many local businesses local businesses attend the event and be R eager to find out more and Improvement work to the attended a special Central be buzzing with enthusiasm. landscape being carried Business District meet the out in Albion Square. “I have always been Construction work is well buyer event to discuss determined that the CBD underway on the new employment opportunities creates opportunities for Premier Inn and on the development site. Stoke-on-Trent people and development – and the potential to Brewers Fayre in Architects, engineers and security there is a commitment to local create thousands of white-collar the City Centre. companies along with refrigeration, labour and business. jobs, adding millions to the flooring and lighting fitters were “Those benefits start right here, economy. among the dozens of specialists creating jobs for construction Adjacent to the site, work has who looked at the exciting workers and local suppliers, also begun on a £7million Premier opportunities for suppliers. ensuring the Stoke-on-Trent pound Inn, including a new Brewers Fayre The council has already is spent in the city and helping pub and car park. announced they are to occupy two, young residents become Meanwhile, public realm projects five-storey buildings on the apprentices and learn skills for a in the City Centre, part-funded 220,000 square feet site and have lifetime of employment.” by the European Regional worked with contractor Laing Significant infrastructure and Development Fund, and which will O’Rourke and lead developer groundworks have been completed complement the CBD development, Genr8 to ensure there is a on the CBD. They are the have gathered pace. commitment to local labour and foundations for the first phase of Work in areas such as Albion local business. the development, which will involve Street, Albion Square, Old Hall Council Leader Mohammed the construction of office, retail and Street and Parliament Square are Pervez, who spoke at the event, leisure space, extensive green space, now nearing completion and will said: “We continue to work with the trees and landscaping. help to make the City Centre a developer to create the conditions However, the site has capacity for thriving place for business, retail that will transform our city. a total of £1.2million square feet of and leisure.

A diagram showing the breakdown of the Accounts reveal sound council’s gross expenditure for 2012/13. financial management in difficult times THE City Council’s Summary Statement of £9.2million as the City Centre Bus Accounts for 2012/13 reveals that the budget Station was completed and opened. is well managed and frontline services are £6.8million on Public Sector Housing delivered, despite the extended period of with home improvements like central austerity that has meant less money from heating, kitchens, bathrooms and doors. Government. Audited accounts for the financial year put £5.9million for New Build Housing with developments at City Waterside, Meir, Highways and Transport Services General Fund Housing Services Housing Revenue the council’s gross expenditure at £32.7m • 3.9% £138.9m • 16.5% £64.7m • 7.7% £841.7million. Income exceeded spending by Fegg Hayes and Weston Heights. £1.8million. £6million on Highways including Adult Social Care Corporate and Democratic Core Non-distributed Costs That was due to a £0.5million surplus from congestion reduction and transport £129.2m • 15.3% £4.0m • 0.5% £5.2m • 0.6% the General Fund and a £1.3million surplus network improvements. Central Services Culture and Related Services Environment and Regulatory Services from the Housing Revenue Account, which £5.8million on the Central Business £38.4m • 4.5% £35.3 • 4.2% £52.0 • 6.2% will be used to fund future spending and District with the project on track to Planning Services Education and Children’s Services cushion the impacts of welfare reform. deliver two council buildings in 2015. £24.1m • 2.9% £317.2m • 37.7% With general reserves standing at £8million, £1.9million for City Centre Public Realm the council has a modest safety net with which improvements like paving, trees, seating To see the full Statement of to face further spending cuts of £100million and street lighting. over the next four years under the completed in February 2013. Accounts, go to the council’s £4.4million on Primary Capital Government’s Comprehensive Spending Despite the pressures, the summary reports programmes investments with a number website at stoke.gov.uk and Review. (See Budget Consultation Story on that the council’s Mandate for Change follow the finance and Page Three.) of education service improvements. programme continues to support job creation, accounts links. Costs of day-to-day services aside, the £6million for CoRE, the not-for-profit business start-ups and improvements in programmes with the most significant national training centre for green retrofit standards – all designed to make Stoke-on- To give any feedback, email spending during the year included: skills in the construction industry. Trent a great working city. It concludes that [email protected] or £106.6million on Building Schools for the £4million on IT with information the city is well placed to deal with future telephone 01782 236877. Future with nine projects completed. migration to the new Data Centre financial challenges. Our City p24 15/11/13 15:17 Page 1

24 Our City WINTER 2013

Stoke on Trent College photography students Nadine Lymer, with the camera, and Kirsty Lawton, modelling, working to create images for the latest campaign to recruit foster carers.

Photography students help campaign to recruit more foster carers OLLEGE students answered of some of the city’s young people, wanting to foster recently but often we has also been in partnership with Signal the call to assist with the students on the Extended National struggle to place teenagers. Radio, can be seen on billboards across the new advertising campaign Diploma in Photography at Stoke on Trent “I accept it is a challenge but I would ask city. C College’s Burslem campus produced the people, ‘Are you up for it?’, because we Anyone looking to find out more about aimed at recruiting more foster images for advertisements to highlight the want to do everything we can to keep our fostering is invited to attend a Fostering carers for teenagers. appeal. Cabinet Member for Social Care young people in this city.” Information Evening at Hanley Community The council’s fostering service is asking Councillor Gwen Hassall, said: “We want Working in partnership with the college Fire Station on Monday 13 January. people to “see the good behind the hood” people to look beyond the stereotype of makes this campaign a local one for local The event starts at 6.30pm and will and come forward as carers to support teenage hoodies and see their potential. people and also provides opportunities to include a presentation about fostering and some of the most vulnerable people in “I have met foster families who look after the students to develop a portfolio that will the opportunity to chat to existing foster society by providing them with a safe, all age ranges of children and they find it help them in the future. carers. secure and stable environment. so rewarding. Anyone considering fostering The photography students used their ● Information is also available by In a bid to keep all elements of the should come forward and ask about it. peers as models representing teenagers calling 01782 234555 or visiting campaign local, and to showcase the talents “We have seen an increase in people who need foster homes. Their work, which stoke.gov.uk/fostering Residents urged Sports clubs encourage to return their youngsters to keep fit voter forms RESIDENTS are being urged to swiftly HUNDREDS of youngsters sessions available at return their voter registration forms as are enjoying keeping fit Stoke on Trent College part of a city-wide annual update of the and playing with friends and at St Peter’s Academy, electoral register. at new StreetGames and Fenton. The council has sent 115,000 forms to Doorstep Sports Clubs Youngsters pay just £1 households across the city for residents to operating at sites across a week to take part in the confirm their details and be included in the city. activities which are the revised register. Football, kwik cricket, organised and supervised The council is required by law to update dodge ball and rounders by trained adult coaches. the electoral roll every year, and it is a are among the many Cabinet Member for legal requirement to register to vote activities on offer at the Health,Wellbeing and during the annual canvass period. clubs which cater for Culture Councillor Adrian Returning Officer Paul Hackney said: “It youngsters of all ages. Knapper, said:“It is great is really important that residents take part Set up by the council as to see more youngsters in this process every year. If your name is part of a national scheme getting involved in not on the register, you will not be able to to encourage young physical activity in their vote. Register entries are not automatically people in disadvantaged own communities. carried over from year-to-year. areas to be more active, “By providing these “Paying Council Tax does not mean that the clubs run in the late clubs the council is your name appears on the electoral afternoon and evenings encouraging young register as it is compiled by the electoral at sites including people to adopt a registration service which is independent Burslem’s Dimensions healthier lifestyle that will of the city council. Leisure Centre, the stand them in good stead “If you are not on the register, you Wallace Sport and as they grow into adults.” may have problems obtaining Education Centre in For more information credit, opening bank accounts Abbey Hulton and the Sir about StreetGames and Enjoying the Doorstep Club at the Wallace or obtaining any service or Stanley Matthews Doorstep Clubs go to: Sport and Education Centre are Nathan goods that require Academy, Blurton. stoke.gov.uk/doorstep or Mellor, aged 12, front, Josh Lewis, aged a credit check to And there are even telephone the council on eight, left, and 13-year-old Alan Beeston. be done.” special female only 01782 235559. Our City p25 15/11/13 16:39 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 25 ThemedThemedThemed latelatelate nightnightnight shoppingshoppingshopping eveningseveningsevenings ininin thethethe CityCityCity CentreCentreCentre AMILIES will be ● 19 December – Realis Estates treated to four special Traditional Christmas. Fevenings in the run up A taste of the exotic will also to Christmas to help them spice up the City Centre thanks get into the festive spirit. to a traditional There will be more than 30 Moroccan market. It is street theatre and musical acts in an authentic bazaar-style the City Centre including Musical market. Ruth,The Two Wise Men,Yodel Adrian Knapper, and the Arctic Explorers, Cabinet Member for coinciding with the late night Health,Wellbeing and shopping and offering a different Culture, said: “The idea is theme each week. that by having five The official Christmas lights different events each week switch-on took place on Thursday in the run-up to 21 November when the City Christmas, the City Above, the Arctic Explorers and, left, Musical Centre was transformed to reflect Centre will be buzzing Ruth, just two of more than 30 acts performing The Sentinel Victorian Christmas with shoppers and will in the City Centre in the run up to Christmas. theme.The next four Thursdays really come to life as the will see a host of attractions excitement around Partnership, said: “The idea behind really keep the fun alive right up to discounted travel into the City coinciding with late night Christmas grows.” the reorganisation of the Christmas the week before Christmas. Centre from all areas of North shopping, with a different theme The council has worked closely celebrations this year is to make it “From a traders’ perspective, it’s Staffordshire after 4pm on each of each week.They are: with the City Centre Partnership more attractive to families and much better having five events the event nights. Family First Day ● 28 November – intu Magical to put on events that appeal to the children. rather than one. tickets for two adults and three Christmas. whole family and the cost of this “Instead of just having one big “It’s going to be a fantastic children can be bought at a year’s entertainment is being split event like we have in previous ● 5 December – Northern Nights. Christmas in the City Centre this reduced cost of £6. between the two organisations. years, this year we have five year.” Bus company First is For more information visit ● 12 December – Musical Christmas. Doug Wardle, Chairman of the different themed events which will supporting the events by offering visitstoke.co.uk/citycentre Free nursery education for three-year-olds New revamped CHILDREN reaching three years online hub is of age during September, Chantelle Mountford with October or December will be four-year-old son Lucas, even more eligible for free early education who takes advantage of starting in January. the free nursery education family friendly Up to fifteen hours a week at a available in the city. registered private, voluntary or ONLINE information for independent nursery is paid for parents in the city has been under a city council initiative beefed up to offer even more aimed at giving children the best support at the click of a start in life and helping prepare mouse button. them for school. The revamped Family Four-year-old children who do Information Services Hub not already attend a nursery are holds a huge amount of also able to access free early information for anyone who education. cares for a child or young Two-year olds will also be person aged 0-19. eligible if their parents receive As well as the latest news Income Support, Income-based about childcare and Jobseekers’ Allowance, an education, it has sections on income-related employment and disability access, support support allowance, the packages and activities. Guarantee element of State There is even a what’s on Pension Credit, or in certain search which highlights circumstances Child Tax Credit. events at the city’s children’s Anyone who would like to find centres. out more should contact the Jane Fallows, the city’s Early council’s Family Information Years Childcare Sufficiency Service Hub on 01782 232200. Access and Information As well as confirming Manager, said: “The site has eligibility, the service will also Access and Information Manager, to send her four-year-old son “Lucas’s development has been designed to be family provide lists of local providers of said:“The city council provides Lucas to nursery for 15 hours a come on leaps and bounds since friendly and it really is a mine early education from an this vital service to help prepare week, said: “It has been a he has attended nursery. His of information for parents and approved directory of providers our youngest children for school fantastic help for me. numeracy skills are very good, carers.” which stretches across the whole and give them the very best start “Without it I would not be able his interaction with other ■ To access the website visit city. in life.” to work full time and it would children has improved and it has stoke.gov.uk/fishdirectory Jane Fallows, the city’s Early Chantelle Mountford, of have massive implications on given him the best grounding in or call 01782 232200. Years Childcare Sufficiency Etruria, who accesses the scheme many aspects of our lifestyle. preparation for school.” Our City p26 15/11/13 16:48 Page 1

26 Our City WINTER 2013 Council is making better use of money to help struggling families A system to provide emergency clothes and fuel payments system is better now because support. It could take a long time community teams and works help to struggling families is to people who need we are helping people in to process and for people to get with Foodbanks, Citizens Advice working more effectively and assistance, instead of cash immediate crisis while the support they needed. But we Bureau and the DWP. making better use of taxpayers’ payments that the ensuring that tax payers’ have also found that once people Within the first few months, money since it came under local Department of Work and cash is carefully managed know they can’t get cash, many the council had allocated more authority control. Pensions (DWP) used to to go to those who need of them no longer want support. than £30,000 from the fund – by The Government has given the make. Since this system help. “We are absolutely convinced the end of September almost city £1million per year for the was introduced in April “We are also using the that the way we are running the 1,000 claims out of 1,637 had next two years to spend on many claimants have funds more intelligently, system is more effective in been approved. Funding has emergency crisis support. A rejected direct working across council meeting real need, and is faster. been used to resettle families special social fund team has been support because they and agency boundaries to “The evidence so far is that we after crisis in their lives and to set up which operates from the wanted money – a trend mirrored ensure we give the right advice are cutting down on abuse of provide vulnerable and at-risk Fenton Local Centre and works across the country. and support. taxpayers’ cash too.” families with essential items such with a host of other agencies.The Cabinet Member for Finance “People used to make an Support is linked into social as nappies, baby milk, white vital help includes food aid, Councillor Terry Crowe said: “The application to the DWP for cash services, education and goods and beds. An exceedingly good donation NE of Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest agencies in the health sector, voluntary organisations like Help employers has teamed up with Stoke City the council to cook up a project the Aged and the CAB, to tackle O the causes of poverty. But Club mascot to provide much needed supplies for successful enterprises like Pottermus helps the city’s foodbanks. Manor Bakeries are essential to collect for the Manor Bakeries, which is part of the the long term solution. They Foodbanks at City Premier Foods Group, is filling special boxes create the jobs and prosperity.” Centre’s Tesco provided by the council with a range of Andy Law from Manor Extra store. groceries which it will give to hard-pressed Bakeries said the company put foodbanks in the city. social responsibility at the heart of The company makes a host of top brands their business plan. including Mr Kipling at its factory in Trent “Manor Bakeries may well be the sweet Vale. It employs about 600 permanent, and smell of success for the city, creating 200 seasonal employees, making over 10 exports, prosperity and jobs, but we are million packets of cake at the factory a year. keen to help those who have hit tough The foodbank box initiative is part of a times. That’s why Councillor Pervez has major drive by a whole host of organisations helped us link up with Stoke-on-Trent to deal with the consequences of the Foodbanks and provided the crates. recession. “We will be filling these special food Kirsty Scullion from Stoke-on-Trent crates with a wide range of goods, including Foodbanks said: “Hunger isn’t just a soups, rice puddings, ready meals and, of problem in the developing world.We give course, a little bit of our exceedingly good out up to two tonnes of food every week cake – all sourced from excess stocks at our and support up to 1,000 families every staff stores.” month, right here in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s a Meanwhile, just under £1,000 worth problem across the UK. of food was donated when Stoke City “Life can be tough. The recession has ran a foodbank collection at a really hit the most vulnerable. It’s fantastic superstore. that socially aware companies like Manor Club mascot Pottermus was on hand, Bakeries are playing their part in finding along with members of the Community solutions. It’s only by working together as a Trust, at the Tesco Extra store in the society that we can really start to tackle City Centre. Generous donations came these issues of hardship and poverty.” flooding in from customers – and there City Council Leader Councillor was also a £200 donation from Harpfields Mohammed Pervez said: “Providing Primary School. emergency aid is just the starting point in The club has now doubled the total to helping people to rebuild their lives. £2,000 through its community fund, “The council is on the frontline – meaning dozens more people will be helped working in schools, local centres, in schools by the scheme. and in communities, supporting people in ■ Any individual or company wanting need. to get involved should ring the Foodbank “We are working with a host of other on 01782 281818.

Welcome packs given to new neighbours to boost community spirit

CITY residents have been handing weekend to help improve the Staffordshire Police,The Safer take pride in their area and Councillor Dave Conway, who is out welcome packs to new area. Other initiatives that took City Partnership, NHS and support each other.The residents’ ward member for Pinnox Junction, neighbours as part of an initiative place included a community Staffordshire Fire and Rescue association is working tirelessly said:“Local residents have told me to help improve their community. clean-up. Service also handed out health with other partners to make the that they are concerned about People living in Pinnox Street, Skips were provided along the and safety advice. area a cleaner and friendlier place rubbish being left in their area Tunstall, have compiled the fact street for litter pickers from the Cabinet Member for Green to live and work.The Community and that they are keen to get pack, which includes everything a Army Cadets and residents to fill. Enterprises and Clean City, Information Pack is a great way of actively involved in tidying it up. I new resident moving to the area Dog micro chipping took place, Councillor Andy Platt, said:“The welcoming residents to the area am delighted that I was able to needs to know. tickets for Dimensions Leisure work in Pinnox Street really is a and making people feel part of support that aim through my local It was produced as part of a Centre were available and gas shining example of how the community spirit already members budget in supplying wide-sweeping community action safety checks were carried out. community groups can unite to being developed.” skips for the event.” Our City p27 15/11/13 16:54 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 27 Volunteers help make impact on

Volunteers countryside John Goldstraw, left, Martyn Lymer, centre, and Danny Statham ATURE lovers can because they are passionate work on heathland help make a about the countryside or to meet at Park Hall Ndifference to the new people and they also take a Country Park. countryside and pick up lot away from the time they spend helping out.” new skills along the way by Martyn Lymer has been getting involved in volunteering at Park Hall volunteering. Country Park for just over a The council’s Countryside year, helping with jobs such as Helping to clear weeds at Chell Heath Team looks after 26 sites across pond clearing and cutting back pool at the Whitfield Valley Country the city and undertakes practical gorse and birch. Park are volunteers Matt Hodgson, conservation tasks such as pond The 25-year-old of Weston Jean Bowman and James Tilstone. clearing, grassland management Coyney said: “The countryside is and footpath work. Regular an important part of our city and volunteer days are held to receive we need to look after it. I love help with the various tasks and volunteering at Park Hall the team is keen to welcome because it is a lovely place to more people along. work. I have made new friends Countryside Team Leader and the staff have taught me new Helen Meharg said: “Volunteers skills – such as how to use tools are very important to our work safely.” and every extra pair of hands Volunteer days run at Park enables us to get more done. Hall Country Park every Tuesday “We have great working and Thursday, at Whitfield Valley relationships with our current Local Nature Reserve in volunteers and help them to Smallthorne, each Wednesday, develop conservation skills which and at Westport Lake, in they can then use if they want to Longport, on the second Friday take this path as a career. of every month. Weekend “Work at this time of year working parties are also held at usually focuses on woodlands so places such as Holden Lane our winter volunteers get to Pools, Sneyd Green, and learn traditional coppicing skills Acreswood, Bradeley. and how to lay hedges. ● To find out more about the “Other people volunteer projects, call 01782 331889. More than 1,000 China’s Ambassador views city ceramics city smokers quit in CHINA’S Ambassador to the United Kingdom visited Stoke-on-Trent on a fact-finding tour Stoptober challenge in a bid to strengthen trade links and see first MORE than 1,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent hand the city’s world famous ceramics have turned backs on their smoking and industry. are now reaping the financial, social and Xiaoming Liu’s visit coincided with the health benefits from taking part in the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), which mass stop smoking challenge, Stoptober. showcased talented artists’ work and North Public Health England figures show that Staffordshire’s pottery heritage. 1,145 in the city signed up to the His Excellency was greeted by Lord Mayor challenge.The average smoker has Councillor Sheila Pitt and Stoke-on-Trent 13 cigarettes a day, which equates Central MP Tristram Hunt, who took him on a to 364 cigarettes every four weeks. tour of the former Spode Works factory, in Stoptober would have saved them £141 each Stoke town centre, which has been over four weeks, and if they remain smoke-free, transformed into a central hub for the BCB they could save £423 by Christmas and £1,696 exhibition. in a year. The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Cabinet Member for Health,Wellbeing and China, also took time out to explore the Culture, Councillor Adrian Knapper, said: “I Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, where he was would like to congratulate everyone who took shown around the new Staffordshire Hoard up this challenge and encourage them to exhibition. continue in their efforts to remain smoke-free. ● Xiaoming Liu is pictured receiving a gift of “Quitting smoking is difficult but the help is an Aynsley vase decorated with the City Crest there and people are succeeding. In Stoke-on- from the Lord Mayor. He also received a Trent 28 per cent of people smoke compared centenary vase from Moorcroft Pottery called to 19 per cent across England – so it’s a The Walk. It was the 80th piece produced – as problem that we all need to tackle together.” the numbers eight and zero are thought to be For information and support to stop lucky in Chinese culture.Thank you Moorcroft. smoking please call the Living Well service on 0800 085 0928. Our City p28 15/11/13 17:02 Page 1

28 Our City WINTER 2013 Wide-ranging events planned to mark WW1 centenary PLAYS, lectures, exhibitions and even a during what has become known as the the day after Austrian Emperor Franz effort by the crime scene investigation-style Great War is being commemorated by a Joseph instructed his military chiefs to Potteries and its examination of how science changed the number of national events. prepare for war against neighbouring people. Deputy Council Leader art of warfare, are among a series of In the city a wide-ranging programme Serbia. Councilllor Paul Shotton, the authority's events planned across the city to mark of more local activities has been drawn Throughout 2014 and beyond, the Armed Forces Community Champion, next year's 100th anniversary of the start up. Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will play said: "We must never forget the sacrifice of the First World War. The 100th anniversary of the outbreak host to a variety of events marking the that our young men and women made for Britain declared war on Germany on 4 of hostilities between Britain and centenary including performances of the their country during all armed conflicts. August, 1914 following Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany will be marked by a famous anti-war play Oh! What A Lovely This is particularly important as we decision to invade Belgium. rededication of the war memorial at Stoke War and and Lest We Forget – a new play approach the 100th anniversary of the It was a dark day in history and one Minster. produced by students and inspired by start of the Great War. which led to the loss of a total of 16 Similar ceremonies of commemoration Michael Morpurgo's Warhorse. There is an excellent schedule of events million military and civilian lives with will go ahead on various dates at other The museum will also host a series of planned for the whole year and I would another 20 million wounded. World War One memorials including exhibitions looking at, among other urge residents to try to attend as many The huge sacrifice made by all sides Tunstall on 28 July – exactly 100 years to things, the contribution made to the war events as possible – lest we forget." Top accolades recognise city is great place for small businesses Sue Hailstones with WO council projects have One business that has flourished with council help is Hailstones Designs, a items from her Saxon been singled out for Hoard-inspired range prestigious regional awards as contemporary glass jewellery company. T Owner Sue Hailstones, of Barlaston, of jewellery. shining examples of support for took on board funding, creative and small businesses in the city. mentoring advice from the council and The Federation of Small Businesses has not looked back. (FSB) has presented the highly In just a year she is now exhibiting commended accolades to the authority work on an international stage and for its commitment to becoming a her Saxon Hoard-inspired range is on “small business friendly” city. sale in the foyer of the Potteries Museum City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: “This really is a & Art Gallery. She said: “I have received great accolade for the city and shows fantastic support from the council and it Stoke-on-Trent’s continued commitment has really given me a good grounding in to supporting small businesses. starting and sustaining a business.” Throughout the past few years the city Jane Lloyd, representative of the council has made a number of key FSB’s North Staffordshire changes through the Mandate for Branch, said: “Small businesses Change to improve, support and are an integral part of city life encourage business growth in the city. and these awards recognise “These two awards recognise that the work the council has hard-work and the fact that as a city we done to support are not only supporting but actively their growth. encouraging small businesses to thrive.” The council is a The council has been recognised in brilliant example the Best Small Business Friendly of how Procurement Policy and Best Small organisations can Business Friendly Programme or adapt to support Campaign categories. businesses.”

At risk groups urged to Partner in get the flu vaccination healthy UK STAFFORDSHIRE PREGNANT women, people flu it can be more serious for Fire and Rescue over 65 and those with certain people. Anyone who is Service has signed serious medical conditions are pregnant should have the flu up to become a being urged to get the flu jab. jab, regardless of the stage of partner in a national Flu symptoms can hit quite the pregnancy. suddenly and severely and This is because pregnant campaign which aims to usually include fever, chills, women are more prone to improve the country’s health. headaches and aching complications from the flu The service has joined a muscles – there is also often a that can cause serious illness range of organisations that cough and sore throat. for both mother and baby. have enrolled in the Public But because the flu is For more details about the Health Responsibility Deal. caused by a virus and not flu jab speak to a GP, practice It encourages people to TOTALLY PAINLESS... for the first time this bacteria, antibiotics will not nurse or pharmacist. make balanced and informed year, young children in the city aged two treat it, which is why a Alternatively, more details choices that enable them to and three will be offered a nasal spray vaccination is required. can be found by visiting enjoy healthier lives. Although anyone can get www.nhs.uk/flu vaccine to protect them against flu. Our City p29 15/11/13 17:13 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 29

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Rebalance Me project aims to help people with social and economic problems before their difficulties get out of hand by involving all the different support agencies in a partnership approach. Our City spoke to one local mother whose family needed help and turned to the service for advice and support. Difficult behaviour got steadily worse OON after he was old – we just drew a blank. We were at diagnosis to see if he has ADHD enough to walk and breaking point when a friend (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Stalk, Michael, now suggested getting in touch with Disorder) or some other aged 11, began to exhibit Rebalance Me. To be honest, I condition. Once we know what is just don’t know what would have causing his problems then, what his mum Stephanie happened if they had not got hopefully, it can be treated. describes as “difficult involved.” “But without Nikki and behaviour”. A single phone call to the Rebalance Me we would never Temper tantrums, screaming, Rebalance Me team brought have got to this stage. She has throwing things around are all Community Support Officer been like a guardian angel. People fairly normal for a toddler the Nikki Moreton to Stephanie’s aid. are listening to us now and we majority of people would think. “Nikki turned up on our have got the support we need.” But while most children doorstep early the next morning City Council Leader Councillor eventually grow out of that sort of and from the moment she got Mohammed Pervez said: “People behaviour, Michael’s just got involved our lives changed,” said facing hardship and difficulties for worse and worse. Stephanie. various reasons often do not know “Even as a three or “She made calls to all the who to turn to and certainly do four-year-old he would smash up people we had previously spoken not want to be passed from his bedroom and everything in it,” to and at first got the same department to department to find said Stephanie, who admitted that response – no one wanted to their own way around the system. at the point she turned to know. But she stood firm and “They’d rather go to a single Rebalance Me for help she and kept badgering people until they place, talk to one officer who would the rest of her family were at agreed to help us. Michael is now hold their hand and guide them Community Support “crisis point”. receiving some psychiatric care through the various channels of Officer Nikki Moreton "Things had steadily got worse and other support which has support that may be available to talks with a client at the and we had tried everywhere to made life much easier for all of them.The Rebalance Me project get help. But no one seemed to us. does just that and is showing some Burslem Local Centre. listen to us. School, social services “We are waiting for a final great results.”

Spinning the DJ decks at the Soniq Studios in the Joint initiative City Centre are 20-year-old Mark Freeman, who was to clampdown previously in care, and who now volunteers to support looked-after young people on metal theft in the city like 17-year-old COUNCIL inspectors and police Stacy Smith, pictured right. officers made early morning calls on scrap merchants in the city to clampdown on metal theft and unlicensed waste disposal. Five yards were visited and only two immediately had all the right paper work in place to reassure the inspection squad. Three were given notice to provide the information to prove they are only buying waste material from legitimate traders. Cabinet Member for Green Enterprises and Clean City Councillor Andy Platt said teamwork across the Awards celebrate achievements of enforcement agencies was vital to protect the public from crime. He said:“Our trading children in care and care leavers standards and environmental crime teams are working closely THE achievements of children and young people in eight educational and special achievement their commitment to each other as they strive with the Environment Agency in care and care leavers across Stoke-on-Trent categories. Jess Foster, once in care herself and for success. and the police to ensure that we have been celebrated at a special awards now a Service User Involvement Worker with the “They had a fantastic time taking part in cut off every avenue we can to evening – paid for partially through their own council, said:“It is really important that the sponsored events and raising money. waste criminality, and reinforce fundraising. achievements of children in care and young “They helped decorate the King’s Hall for the the credibility of legitimate Members of the Outloud Children in Care people leaving care are celebrated because they awards evening itself and previous children in business.” Council and the Tune In Care Leavers Group have had to overcome many difficulties in their care designed the invites and certificates. Anyone with information joined children’s services staff from the council lives so far. “Our children and young people always look about illegal waste activity is in organising sponsored bike rides, swims, “In spite of these challenges, they continue to forward to this event, not only for the awards urged to contact the silences and cake sales. achieve and make special contributions to their themselves, but also to see other children – young Environmental Crime Unit on They raised £1,000 to help stage the 10th communities. people that they may previously have lived with. 01782 232233, the Environment Celebrating Success Awards Evening, at which “Their fundraising efforts to help make the “ It gives everyone the chance to get together Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or 200 recipients aged five to 21 received awards awards night happen speaks volumes about and celebrate.” Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Our City p30 15/11/13 14:34 Page 1

30 Our City WINTER 2013 More dog micro chipping to take place on Chell Heath estate Spotlight on RESIDENTS in Chell Heath are being so we are trying to encourage owners local to them and for free.” The first encouraged to be responsible dog to look after them well and take event was held at the group’s owners. Chell Heath Residents’ responsibility for them. community base in Chell Heath Road, Association has already organised “Mirco chipping will soon become thanks to help from PCSO Tracey our city’s one micro chipping event in compulsory for all dog owners in Hodgson. conjunction with the Dogs Trust and England and it can be a great help in It also gave residents the chance to hopes to stage others in the New identifying a dog that goes missing pick up advice from Age Concern RESIDENTS’ Year. or that needs help.We want to help about how to keep warm in cold Group Chairman Jim Gibson said: residents by giving them the chance weather and to meet with police and ASSOCIATIONS “There are a lot of dogs on the estate to have it done somewhere that is council representatives. Community spirit saves key events HRISTMAS celebrations said: “The aim of our group is to and a popular beer put Longton on the map and Cfestival have been saved community events are a great way thanks to the commitment of a of doing that because they bring more people into the town to community group. discover the businesses we have. Events in Longton were put “A lot of people didn’t realise under threat by a lack of that these events need volunteers. volunteer organisers. But That message is starting to get members of Longton through now and we are happy to Community Partnership be able to go ahead with them. went on a recruitment “But more members are still drive, supported by the welcome. The more people we have Local Matters team, and on board, the more ideas we will have since vowed to continue come up with.” with the annual Christmas lights The group – formed by merging switch on event, which drew 4,000 Longton Events Board and people into the town last year. Longton Traders’ Forum – is open And come January, they will be to anyone who lives, works or owns Longton Community Partnership starting preparations for Longton a business in the town. Treasurer Dave Bate – owner of Beer Festival, held at Gladstone To join, call Dave on 01782 Café Continental in Heathcote Pottery Museum at the start of 314787 or email dave_bate@ Street – out and about in the town. July. Group Treasurer Dave Bate ntlworld.com

Group aims to Improvement work at three boost children’s blocks of flats FAMILIES living in three play facilities blocks of flats are to get A new group is growing in playground we have is improvement work done at popularity with residents very old and not their homes. who are keen to get play maintained properly Work on the high rise flats facilities in their so we would like to in Union Street, Hanley, will neighbourhood improved. see that improved begin in January and will Fenpark Residents’ and other safe include fitting new roofs Association attracted more playing places and replacing plastic than 20 members within created. Better windows with eco glass. days of being set up and and safer play Reg Shaw, Secretary of the group has quickly areas will not only Union Street and Forest identified priorities for help to reduce Park Residents’ Association, providing more things for antisocial said:“We have good children and young people behaviour but will also help social relationships with the city to do. council and other Members will be development and working to raise awareness reduce isolation.” organisations and we of the need for facilities in The group also always try to help residents the area at events at hopes to provide who come to us with Fenpark Methodist Church more activities for problems. and the Pool Dole Inn. elderly people and is “We have been working Vicki Gwynne, who set looking to set up bingo with the city council to plan up and chairs the group, and social clubs. improvements to the flats said: “Things are moving Members also hope to for a while. fast for us and we are very arrange for Santa to visit The work will make a big excited about what we the estate in the run up to difference to residents and Christmas. could achieve. we can’t wait for it to get ● Vicki Gwynne, Chair of Fenpark Residents’ “Fenpark has green For more information started.” See page six. spaces but very little for about the group, call Vicki Association, at one of the play areas children to do.The one on 07809 225265. they aim to improve. Our City p31 15/11/13 15:03 Page 1

WINTER 2013 Our City 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) (Labour) Your 07557 848765 07714 334453 gwen.hassall@ adrian.knapper@ Councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Baddeley,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON ANTHONY MUNDAY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 07743 876421 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ anthony.munday@ duncan.walker@ sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 598844 07919 660221 paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01 @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH TOM REYNOLDS ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER SHAZAD HUSSAIN KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07850 828717 (01782) 824051 (01782) 768846 07899 771815 07900 604232 tom.reynolds@ 07982 231567 07986 442770 shazad.hussain@ gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk alan.dutton@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @longtontom.

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham MARTIN GARNER JANINE BRIDGES ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS PETER HAYWARD (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 318127 (01782) 644052 martin.garner@ 07771 331893/ ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 stoke.gov.uk 07717 714205 stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07825 142327 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrActional22

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South RUTH ROSENAU DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 501940 (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07886 581082 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ ruth.rosenau@ abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @CllrRuthRosenau

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER DEBRA GRATTON JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07917 854981 (01782) 845619 / mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk jackie.barnes@stoke. Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: gov.uk @pervezstoke @debra_gratton

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY The next meetings of the Cabinet between the 23 January 2014.The next full City Council (City Independents) (Labour) 15 November 2013 and January 2014 are as meetings during this time are as follows: (01782) 856712 07826 891801 follows: 28 November and 19 December 2013 and 5 December 2013 and 30 January 2014. 07971 303729 matthew.fry@ lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. Our City p32 15/11/13 12:51 Page 1

32 Our City WINTER 2013 Right, an animation still from The Last Dragon Hunter.

new fantasy film movie, said: “This has been one inspired by the of my favourite projects. I’ve AStaffordshire Hoard really enjoyed working on it. It is has premiered in the city. fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent is projected onto a world stage The 30-minute movie called through the Staffordshire Hoard The Last Dragon Hunter is – and it has been inspiring to steeped in the myths and work in that environment.” legends surrounding Locations on the city Anglo-Saxon times. doorstep were used as The short film, which combines most of the backdrops live action and animation, has in the film. They been commissioned by the include Lud’s council and was made by two church, The local companies – Chris Stone Roaches, Below, a live action shot Films and BIGred Studio. Knypersley Lake filmed on The Roaches. It tells the story of a young and Thor’s Cave. Anglo-Saxon boy who runs away The origin following his father’s death in of the battle. He embarks on an exciting Staffordshire journey filled with tales of Hoard items warriors, gods and monsters. is said to be Fittingly, the film was first the 7th or 8th shown to the public at a special century – when viewing at the Potteries Museum this area was & Art Gallery – home of the part of the Anglo world famous Staffordshire Saxon Kingdom of Filmmaker Chris Stone, centre, with Mercia. More than Hoard exhibition – the largest BIGred animators Karen and Rob collection of Dark Age gold and 5,000 kilos of gold and Pointon pictured at the Potteries silver treasure ever unearthed. more than 1,400 kilos of Filmmaker Chris Stone, who silver were discovered Museum & Art Gallery. was also inspired by the fable of when the treasure was Beowulf and The Lord of the excavated from a farmer’s field Rings trilogy in producing the in Staffordshire. Replica of 7th Century mead hall is setting for Anglo-Saxon artifacts VISITORS to the Potteries Museum & Art The entrance to the exhibition is also Gallery will be able to view a striking new guarded by two mystical creatures. exhibition that places the Staffordshire The exhibition, called the Anglo-Saxon Hoard in an ancient feasting hall setting. Kingdom of Mercia, groups 180 artefacts Artefacts from the largest and most in ways that they have not been valuable collection of Anglo-Saxon displayed before, reflecting latest treasure ever discovered are being research into the discoveries. displayed in the atmospheric seventh Items are arranged across five display century mead hall – where early kings cases – the centrepiece of which is a would have held court. newly commissioned replica of a sword It is part of the museum’s most hilt in gilded bronze and yew wood, ambitious and bold exhibition of the “exploded” so that the individual treasure yet. components can be seen, and how they The display features a raised were put together explained. wooden-floored hall, with Anglo-Saxon Cabinet Member for Health,Wellbeing artwork adorned on columns and and culture, Councillor Adrian Knapper, banners – representing ancient designs said: “This is the most striking exhibition Hanford resident Alan Woods, on some of the Hoard artefacts – along of the Staffordshire Hoard yet, and every right, talks with Hoard Host with a replica fire pit and king’s chair. effort has been made to combine latest Volunteer Callum Jackson in the The Dark Ages theme is enhanced by technologies and research with creating replica Anglo-Saxon Mead Hall. woodsmoke smells from a replica fire pit, an atmosphere and feel for the display replica shields and boar and deerskins. that is true to ancient times.”

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Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703 Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press.