USEFUL FACTS & NUMBERS
Page POLICE Contents (non emergency) 101 Useful Facts And Numbers 2 ROADS, PAVEMENTS AND STREET What’s On In & Around Gnosall LIGHTING ISSUES 3 report online at: Regular Meetings This Month www.staffordshire.gov.uk/reportit 3 Village Voice 4 STREETSCENE Healthy Walks (litter and dog mess) 01785 619401 5 Ministry Matters Cover 5 Bikers On GNOSALL SURGERY St Lawrence Church News The Old Railway Line 01785 822220 6 By Bob Colman The Gnosall Parish News GROSVENOR CENTRE 6 Letters & Announcements 01785 822685 7 Community Choir GNOSALL VILLAGE HALL 7 Gnosall Catholic News 01785 823303 (L Malone) 8 Phoenix Club VET - SHIRES VETERINARY PRACTICE 8 01785 823713 Charity Quiz Night Grosvenor Centre or emergency only Eccleshall 850218 9 Gnosall Jambusters WI Food Market First Responders 9 (Page 12) PEST CONTROL - STAFFORD Table Top & Car Boot Sale BOROUGH COUNCIL 9 Gnosall Methodist Church 0845 505 7378 10 Quotation Of The Month STAFFORD RECYCLING CENTRE 10 Gnosall Parish Council 11 St Alban’s Road - Opening Times First Responders Every Day 9am to 5pm 12 (Except over the Christmas Period) M.O.B. Gardening Club Close: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 13 Royal British Legion New Years Day 14 Newport Music Club VE Day Celebrations (Page 16) EMERGENCY SERVICES 14 Ask The Old Geek 15 • Police: Newport Music Club Telephone 999 in emergency where 16 there is a danger to life or a crime is in Macmillan Cancer Support progress. 16 Housing Shortage Telephone 101 for non - emergencies 17 where police attendance is required, to Towpath Restoration report any other incidents. Call to 101 18 Gnosall Heritage Group have a fixed cost of 15p per call. 19 • Fire & Rescue Service: 0300 330 1000 Gnosall Ladies Running Club Towpath Restoration • Ambulance HQ: 01785 253521 20 (Page 18) • Electricity: 0800 6783105 or 105 Gnosall Library Whats On 20 • Water: 0800 7834444 Gnosall Writers • Gas: 0800 111999 20 Gnossword HOSPITALS 21 Allotments & Gardens Association 21 • County Hospital ( Stafford ): Jambusters WI Report 01785 257731 22 • Cannock Chase: 01543 572757 Index of Advertisements 22 • St George’s: 01785 257888 Local Food Services • University Hospital of North 23/24 GLRC Staffordshire: 01785 715444 Local Trade Services (Page 20) 25/43 Gnosall Photographers 44 2 REGULAR MEETINGS
• Gnosall Memorial Village Hall Committee What’s On In & Around Gnosall ? Meeting - 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact Mags Yeo on 01785 822862 for details. All welcome. DATE March • Newport Chess Club every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Audley 1 Table Top and Car Boot Sale GMVH 9.00am Road Newport, call Daniel on 01785 82332 • Gnosall Lions 7.30pm, Fire station 1st Monday 1 Healthy walk Norbury Village Hall CP 10.30m in the month • Gnosall Handbell Ringers Grosvenor Centre 3 RBL GMVH 8.00pm Tuesdays 8.00 - 10.00 p.m. Contact 822592 4 Jambusters AGM + show and tell session • Bowling Monday 3pm, at Gnosall Village Hall also Thursday 3pm and 7pm 6 Phoenix Club morning • Bingo Friday 7.30pm at Village Hall • Bridge at the Grosvenor Wednesday 7.20pm 7 Library Family History Seminar 12.30- 5pm contact Pat & John on 824203, • Phoenix at Grosvenor Friday 10am -12noon 7 Quiz night Grosvenor centre 7.30pm • Gnosall Players, 7.45pm Tuesdays at the Youth Club Cabin, Grosvenor Centre. 10 Library Baby Bounce 11am • Healthy Walking Group Wednesday & Sunday 10.30am 11 Healthy walk Allotment Car Park, Gnosall 10.30am • Military Whist, Grosvenor Centre 7.30pm 11 Library Reading cafe 3.15pm Wednesday Starts at 7.45pm Contact Hilda 824984 11 Military Whist 7,30pm Grosvenor Centre • U3A Newport. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at the Royal British 13 Phoenix Talk “My Life in Glass, (decorative glasswork)” Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport. • Gnosall Painting Group Friday afternoon 14 Newport Music Club Beethoven 7.30pm Cosy Hall Newport sessions 1.30pm – 3.30pm at the Methodist Church. contact Carol Perry tel.824917 17 Library Employment Advice 10.15am • Gnosall Toddler group Every Thursday 9.30- 11.30 School Room in the Methodist Church 17 MOB Garden Society Woodland Trust talk 7.30pm Moreton MC Contact 07816 100 068 20 Phoenix Club morning • Church Bell Ringers Practice Friday evenings from 7.30-9pm at St. Lawrence & ring at 21 Charity quiz night Grosvenor centre 7.30pm 9.45am most Sundays. Contact Phil on 07913 757512 23 Scout & Guides HQ meeting 6pm • Gnosall Jambusters WI 1st Wednesday in the month GMVH 7.30pm 24 Healthy walk Seighford 10.30am • Gnosall Grosvenor Youth Club – GG’s Youth Club is open on Wednesday Evenings 24 Library Baby Bounce 11am 6 -7.30pm for Children in School Years 4, 5 & 6 and 7.45 - 9.15pm for Children in School 26 Scout & Guides HQ meeting 6pm Years 7, 8 & 9. The Youth Club Building is 26 Military Whist 7,30pm Grosvenor Centre located behind the Grosvenor Centre, contact Jordan on 07715 392345 for any information. 27 Phoenix Talk “Stafford Morris Dancers” • Royal British Legion Gnosall Memorial Village Hall 1st Tuesday in month 28 Library Board Games 10.5am • Gnosall Art Class, Gnosall Grosvenor Centre, Thursday 7 pm – 9 pm 28 Folk Concert with Winter Wilson Moreton MC • Bradley Mixed Media Art Class, Bradley Village Hall, Mondays 10 am – 12 noon. For further 31 Cuttlestones Antique Road Show St Lawrence Church 7.30pm details contact: Debbie Chatfield, 01785 781075 or 07727216523; April debs@ debbiechatfield.co.uk • Newport Photographic Club every Tuesday at 1 Jambusters Toy Making 7.45pm Baptist Church, Water Lane Newport more information at 4 Jambusters Food & Craft Market GMVH 10am www.newportphotoclub.com • Tea and Toast - a drop in at St Lawrence’s 11 Dandy Duo Moreton MC Church vestry for a cup of tea and toast be tween 8.45 and 9.30am every Tuesday in May term time. • The Friday night youth groups at Gnosall 9 VE Day Celebrations Moreton MC 6.45pm Methodist Church are now enrolling. The junior club is on from 6.15-7.45pm. 9 Line Dance Social GMVH 8pm The senior club is for young people in years 9, 10 and 11 and doors open 8-9.30pm CONTRIBUTIONS • The opening hours of Gnosall Community Contributions for the GPN must be received by the 15th of each month by 5pm for inclusion in the Library are: Monday 4:00 - 6:30 pm Tuesday next edition, please send details to the Editor. 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday 3:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday 2 - 4pm Saturday 10:00 am EDITOR - Joyce Rowe Tel: 822579 email: [email protected] - 12:30 pm phone No. 01785 895750 DESIGN & PRINT PRODUCTION - Keith Kinsella Tel: 0772 512 6333 • Gnosall Singers Wednesdays 10.30 to 12.30 DISTRIBUTION - Bob Colman, Holly House, The Rank. Tel: 823955. Methodist Hall. ADVERTISEMENTS - Kathleen Ingram, Gnosall. Tel: 822082 email: [email protected] Contact Anne Robotham, Tel: 01785 822423 WEBSITE - Bob Alker - www.gnosallparishnews.com • Gnosall Over 55s Friendship Group 2nd TREASURER & CHAIRMAN - Pat Tweed. Tel: 822523 email: [email protected] Wednesday of the month 2.00 - 3.30pm Community Rooms Impstones. Tel: 0800 111 4554 3 Traffic Lights or Roundabouts ?
aybe I am getting a little bit too old with too Mmuch time to think things through but, has anybody else noticed how many sets of traffic lights there are between The Royal Oak Gnosall and the B&Q DIY store in Stafford ?
NO ? Well I can tell you that there are – two sets (P) in the village, one near the Royal Oak and one at Bank Top near the School, one set in the village of Haughton (P), one set at Stafford Castle, one set at Highfields, By Keith Kinsella one set at the Shoe Shed (P), one set on the Railway Bridge, one set at Tesco, one set outside Couture night club (P), one set outside the Grapes, three sets on the Island and one set at Smile Style the Dentist.
That’s a total of fourteen sets of traffic lights, a potential for stopping and starting my little car a total of fourteen times on the way to B&Q.
Just think if we were to replace all these traffic lights with roundabouts what we could potentially be saving : -
How much fuel we would save not having to keep stopping and starting.
How much we could save on the wear and tear of our cars.
How much of our time we would be saving (giving us more thinking time of course).
How much electricity we could be saving the council by not having to power all these traffic lights.
How much money we would save on the maintenance of all these traffic lights.
And how much we would be saving in greenhouse gases that are contributing to the depletion of the Ozone Layer and making our climate change for ever.
And just think if we were to replace all the traffic lights with roundabouts how much easier it would be for me and the other entire road users to get to B&Q without having to stop at every lamppost !
Has somebody in the council offices bought shares in a traffic light company ? CONTRIBUTIONS
Yours truly, “Contributions to this page are welcome from all members of the community.” Keith Kinsella Please send copy and any photographs to: (P) Pelican crossing lights. the Editor Joyce Rowe, email: [email protected] tel: 01785 822579
4 Think...... we were asked what was the most powerful muscle in our If bodies I doubt that the first one we would think of is our tongue.
I read about a woman who had a very serious throat condition. The doctor told her that her vocal cords needed total rest. She was forbidden to talk for six months!
With a husband and six children this seemed impossible, but she did as the doctor instructed. When she needed the children she blew a whistle. Whenever she needed to communicate she wrote it down on a pad of paper. After six months her voice returned. By Rev Kathryn When she was asked what it was like to communicate only in writing she said this: "You'd be surprised how many notes I crumpled up and threw into the bin before I gave them to anyone. Seeing my words before anyone heard them had an effect that I don’t think I can ever forget. " While we might not be able to stop speaking for six months, we can learn to talk less by putting a muzzle on the muscle in our mouths”.
Using the acronym T-H-I-N-K try to ask these 5 questions before you speak.
"T" Is it True ? Remember this rule about gossip - The more interesting it is the more likely it is to be false." "H" Is it Helpful ? Will your words help bring about a solution. A resolution to the problem ? "I" Is it Inspiring ? Will your words make the person feel better or will they undermine them ? "N" Is it Necessary ? Do we have to say anything at all? Is the comment really necessary ? "K" .Is it Kind ? Are your words based on a heart that truly cares for others ?
Let’s ask God to help us all to THINK before we use the most powerful muscle in our body.
Rev Kathryn (01785 822820) [email protected]
HEALTHY WALKS PROGRAMME FEBRUARY 2020
We are a lively and well organised group who tailor walks to your needs, the Wednesday walks are shorter for those who feel a short walk is more their scene, the Sunday ones are longer approximately 4 miles. You will meet new people and chat as well as walk, and learn about the area in which you live. Please wear sensible shoes and clothes.
All walks start at 10.30am from the appointed start point. Some involve a shared car ride.
Date Start Point Walk Name Sunday 1st March Norbury Village Hall CP Norbury Village - Oulton - Shelmore Wednesday 11th March Allotment Car Park, Gnosall Coton End Farm Wednesday 24th March Seighford Seighford Church CP
Further information from Peter Jobling 01785 822592 or David Clarke 01785 822483. Both have answer machines and will call you back if they are not available when you call.
5 Services in March Sunday 1st 7.45 am Holy Communion Rector: Rev Kathryn Hammond 10.30 am Holy Communion 01785 822820 6.30 pm Evening Worship [email protected] Friday 6th (Day off Friday) 2.00 pm World Day of Prayer Saturday 7th Associate Minister: 7.30 pm Service of Praise Rev Cathy Dakin - 07971 101259 Sunday 8th [email protected] 7.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Holy Communion To book weddings & baptisms 6.30 pm Sung Evensong please call at the Vicarage, Sunday 15th St. Lawrence Glebe Lane, Gnosall, ST20 0ER, 7.45 am Holy Communion any Tuesday between 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.15 & 7.15pm 4.00 pm Messy Church Church Gnosall appointments not necessary. 6.30 pm Vespers Sunday 22nd Mothering Sunday Part Of the Benefice of the CHURCH WEBSITE 7.45 am Holy Communion Staffordshire Border Group of Churches. www. gnosallparish.org.uk 10.30 am Holy Communion www.facebook.com/GnosallParish 6.30 pm Evening Worship Sunday 29th 7.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 at High Offley: Benefice Service 6.30 pm Evening Worship COME & JOIN US!
• This years World Day of Prayer will be held at St Lawrence’s on Friday 6th March. The service has been prepared by Christian women from Zimbabwe & the theme is ‘Rise! Take your mat and walk’. • There will be a special service of contemporary music and prayer in church on Saturday 7th at 7.30 pm – everyone welcome. • Sunday March 22nd is Mothering Sunday - we thank God for our mothers at our special service at 10.30am
There is a short Communion service each Thursday at 9.15am in the church vestry (side entrance). Services at IMPSTONES COMMUNITY CENTRE are on Fri 13th & Fri 27th Mar at 11.00 am.
COMMUNITY CHOIR: Tues 3rd Mar at 2.00pm in church – everyone welcome – come & enjoy singing together in a relaxed & sociable atmosphere. The GOOD COMPANIONS will be sharing a light lunch in church on Thurs 19th Mar at noon. To arrange transport, please call 823686. The next MEN’S BREAKFAST will be on Sat 21st Mar – look out for the sign-up sheet at the back of church.
Activities for children & families:
PLAY & PRAISE: Thursdays at 2.15 pm in church; MESSY CHURCH: 15th March at 4 pm in church BAPTISMS: 26th Jan – George Alexander IN MEMORIAM: 30th Jan – Harry Rickwood; 6th Feb – Tony Wilkinson; 7th Feb – Judith Harrison
The Gnosall Parish News
The Gnosall Parish News is designed, edited and distributed locally by volunteers. We do however contract out the printing. We are non-profit making. Each year a donation is made to one or more local voluntary or charitable organisations if we have a surplus.
The Editorial Team takes utmost care in creating this newsletter each month. Items and articles received are included as accurately as possible within the available space constraints. Nevertheless, the Team are only human and cannot guarantee that Gnosall Parish News is free from errors. If you spot an error please let the Editor know.
Gnosall Parish News cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any losses resulting from incorrect or outdated information. We very much welcome letters and contributions to GPN which, if published , would normally be attributed to the author. However we reserve the right to publish without a name, provided the contributors name and address has been supplied to the Editor.
If suppling text and photos please note the following: Please supply text and photographs as separate files. All photographs must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will only result in poor reproduction on press (images will look fuzzy and/or pixelated).
Accompany any photographs with full details of peoples names and places in the photographs if you wish for them to be included in the article.
The GPN Team
6 To Gnosall Family & nds Frie John Harrison Pig Race Thank you!
On behalf of our family, I should like to I would like to personally thank everyone express my sincere thanks to all our who supported Gnosall Jambusters W.I. neighbours, friends and acquaintances for Pig Race, which was a great success. We Thank You their comforting support, sharing of made just over £850 profit and 75% of wonderful memories and correspondence this amount is being given to Katharine Caroline Pitt is running in The London recently. House Hospice, who provide a range of Marathon on April 26th in aid of wonderful services and care to people ALZHEIMER`S RESEARCH U.K , Special appreciation to Rev Kathryn with advanced life-limited conditions in in memory of her dad, Derek Pitt, who Hamond and her team for her perceptive this area. A big thank you again to our died from the disease in 2016. organisation of John’s funeral and sponsors - The Bakery (who also sold meaningful thanksgiving service. tickets for us), The Travel Store, Sunny We held a fund raising event on Sunday Your generous collection of about £1100 Bank Park, the George & Dragon and 9th February, a Wine and Cheese tasting has been donated to Blood Bikes. Retro Green Café and to those who gave at THE BOAT INN and would like to thank Thank you donations. And a final special thank you everyone who attended and all who from me to the committee and other supported the event with generous Joan Harrison helpers who all worked hard to make this donations/raffle prizes. A special thanks such a brilliant and fun evening. go to Clare and Robin and their family We may organise another one in the future but for now we hope to see you at and staff, at The Boat. The power of the GPN Also Ben Llewellyn of Carte Blanche our Food & Craft Market on Saturday 4th April. (Wine supplier), Rob Haubus and Commonwealth Stamps Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Following my letter on the Letters & With very best wishes, Gnosall Co-op, Jenny`s Plants and Shrubs Announcements page of the February at Newport Market, The Bakery Wharf GPN, my stamps have found a welcome Celia Payne, Road, The Soup Kitchen, Church Lane, home and a donation of £5 for Katharine President, Gnosall Jambusters W.I. Stafford, Waitrose Newport, Freedom House Hospice from a Gnosall resident. Leisure, Stafford, Nicky and Michael Day, Gill Robbins, Janet Dykes, Chris and Amanda Morrell Karen Copeland. ALSO Doreen Bentley, who spent a long time cutting up cheese.
If you would like to donate to Caroline Pitt`s cause please visit her page on Virgin Giving.
Thank you so much.
Charlotte, Alexander, and Caroline
Harry Rickwood
If Harry was here today, I’m sure he would be saying “Thank you all for attending my funeral on 30th January 2020. I didn’t realise I had so many friends”
Thank you all from Harry.
Julie Rickwood
Letters
If you would like a letter or an announcement to feature on this page.Please send copy and any photographs to: the Editor Joyce Rowe, email:[email protected] tel: 01785 822579
GPN Team 7 GNOSALL GNOSALL CATHOLIC NEWS PHOENIX CLUB Sunday Masses:S t Austin’s Stafford, Saturday 4.30 pm, Sunday 10.30am & 6pm; Parish Priest : Canon Michael Neylon St Austin’s, 82 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford ST17 4AW. Tel: 01785 223553 The Club meets on Friday email: [email protected] mornings in the Grosvenor Centre Parish Website: www.saintaustins.org.uk from 10 a.m. to 12
We offer a wide range of activities, Christian Food Help: During January 2020, 920 Meals were provided by the Christian speakers, walks and outings. Everyone Food Help Services in Stafford compared with 1400 Meals for the same period in last over the age of 50 is eligible to join. year. As you know St. Lawrence Church is now open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm for So why not come along one Friday visitors and there is a box at the back of St. Lawrence church for you to leave any when you will be assured of a warm donations of food. Also there is a collection point at Chapel if that is more convenient to and friendly welcome. Even if Friday you. Peter Haddock, who founded the food bank and has worked countless hours for it mornings are difficult, you could still every week since April 2012, along with his wife Carmel, both retired at the end of last join the Club and take part in some of year. We have a great appreciation of what they have achieved over the years. Under the activities. their leadership almost 77000 meals have been provided for the people of this area. Thankfully, Adam and Clare Wooton have agreed to carry on the work of running the If you would like to know more Christian Food Help in Stafford, with the continued help of the volunteers who also do a contact: [email protected] wonderful job. Please continue to support this very worthy charity with you donations of non-perishable food. Thank You. Mon2nd March Visit to Amazon, Rugeley The Senior Group: Saint Austin’s Senior Group welcomes parishioners to join them in the Parish Room (adjacent to the church car park) for a social afternoon at 2.00pm on Mon 2nd March Table Tennis in the the first Wednesday each month. Invited speakers give talks on topics of interest and Main Hall 2pm to 4:00pm regular coach trips are organized. For your information it is the Group AGM on Wednesday 4th March and the Treasurer and Secretary position must be filled in order Tues 3rd March Walk in Cheswardine for the Group to continue, so if you are able to commit yourself to help fill these 5 miles vacancies, please attend on the 4th March or contact Brian Shackleton (601802) or John Morris (240638) Fri 6th March AM: Club Morning
Fri 6th March PM: Annual Federation St. Austin’s News: During Lent the people of the parish are invited to take part in Lenten Soup Lunches in the Parish Hall following the Midday Mass on the Fridays of Lent. Quiz Mon 9th March Board Games in As usual, proceeds will go to support the education and welfare work of Loreto Sealdah the Brearley Room 2pm to 4:00pm in Calcutta.
Wed 11th March Book Reading Group Please remember in your prayers the families and children now preparing to celebrate the in the Brearley Room 10am to 12noon Sacraments of First Reconciliation; First Holy Communion and Confirmation later this year. Wed 11th March Skittles at Moreton Village Hall 7:00pm Ecumenical Services: On Friday 6th March the World Day of Prayer Service, which will be led by the Anglican Community and supported by the Methodist and Roman Fri 13th March “My Life in Glass, Catholic members, will take place at St. Lawrence Church at 2.00pm. This years’ \(decorative glasswork)” Talk devotion has been prepared by the women of Zimbabwe and is a much simpler format Mon 16th March Table Tennis in the than recent years. Please come along and join our fellow Christians in praying for peace Main Hall 2pm to 4:00pm throughout the World. Now, both Males and Females are welcome to attend so please come if you can. Refreshments will be made available afterwards. On Sunday 15th Wed 18th March Visit to Shrewsbury March our Catholic Community will host evensong (vespers) in St. Lawrence Church at Gaol 6.30pm. Please feel free to invite friends and family to join us in prayer and fellowship, along with our friends in the local Christian communities. The service usually lasts no Fri 20th March Club Morning more than about 35 minutes and you will be made most welcome.
Tues 24th March Spring Lunch at Local News: We held our first gathering of the year at the home of Cathy and Rupert Lilleshall Golf Club Lister and although there were only a few in attendance, we had a very enjoyable afternoon. We always begin with social chitchat, and this time much about the fire in Fri 27th March “Stafford Morris Dancers” Australia. Almost everyone in the room had someone there for whom they had concerns. Rupert and Cathy reported on the latest ACTA ( A Call To Action) conference. We were Come in and see us one Friday reminded that what is certain is that as our parishes lose priests the onus upon the laity morning have a cup of tea and see to create a church which is based on early Christian gatherings rather than upon what’s on offer-you may wish to join institutional, hierarchical church, grows closer. We finished with a prayerful reflection, led but we won’t be offended if you find by Brenda who spoke stirringly about aspects of Jesus’ early life and how he worked it’s not for you! closely with ordinary people; the little children; the wedding feast; the prodigal son and the woman caught in adultery. Everything that we as Christians should aspire to. Thank Tai Chi takes place every Thursday you Brenda and thanks to Rupert and Cathy for their hospitality. in the main Hall from Our next gathering will be at the home of Nuala and Steve, Silverbirches, Broadhill, at 9:15 to 10:45am 2.30pm on 12th March. Please come if you can, you will be made most welcome. 8 9 Sunday Services in March Bookings : Mrs Joan Jobling 1st March 10.30am 01785 822592. Mrs. E. Winnington (1st Sunday in Lent) Tuesday: 8th March 8.45 am 2pm Women’s Fellowship Mr. Mark Timothy ( Fortnightly) Breakfast Church Friday: 8th March 10.30 am 6.15 –7.45pm Junior youth club Mr. Mark Timothy Contact for Minister through 15th March 10.30 am Gnosall Circuit Office Tel. 01785 229973 Rev. Jimmi Kaci Holy Communion
22nd March 10.30am Methodist Church Creche facilities and Junior Class Local Arrangement (4 yrs upwards) “Welcoming All To Grow in Christian Faith and Love” at morning service. 29th March 10.30am Mr. I. Mason
Preparing for Easter The beginning of March we start our journey in Lent. This is a time when as Christians we seek to learn more about what Easter really is and what Christ did for each one of us by facing His death on the cross. A time of growth and understanding of what being a Christian means and how to love, not just the lovable but also those we may see as unlovable. To see Christ in every one we meet. As Churches in Gnosall, we usually go on this journey together but as yet I have no times or dates as when writing this we are still in February. If you wish to know more and would like to join in, then please contact our Senior Steward, Bill Basford on 824856.
Women’s Fellowship Date for Women’s Fellowship for March are as follows March 3rd Carolyn Hammer, talking about Pastoral care. March 6th World day of Prayer at St Lawrence’s Church at 2pm March 17th Jill Ashmore giving a talk called “Life is for living” Please feel free to come along, you will be made very welcome.
Hope for our page. In the coming months, we hope to bring you some of our members different stories about their lives as Christians. I look forward very much to having fresh material and ideas on our page, so WATCH THIS SPACE.
Lost For a Moment (a poem) I’m in a long dark tunnel Lord, I seem to have lost my way. Everything’s just closing in, it’s difficult to pray. It’s not You who’s abandoned me, I’ve let go of Your hand. Burdened by the cares of life, I know You understand. QUOTE So, for the moment Lord, please carry me along, OF THE MONTH Lead me through this darkness, until again I’m strong. On j udgement ...... And even as I write these words, a light begins to glow. The peace returns back in my heart, a Love only You can show. “ Don’t judge each day by Thank you Lord for being there each and every day. the harvest you reap but by I know you are the potter and I must be the clay. the seeds you plant. ” Mould me as You will Lord, make me really strong And as I walk with You Lord, the dark tunnels will seem less long. Robert Louis Stevenson (Novelist) A Prayer. (from the Methodist Prayer Handbook 2018/2019) Loving Lord, you ask so simply “Do you love me?” And the love you have in mind, does not ebb and flow on an emotional tide. You want our love to be like yours: resilient, reliable, Reaching out to the unloving, to the unloved, to the unlovely. All struggling in the same frenzied waters. Loving Lord, help us to meet the demands of your transforming love That we respond wholeheartedly “Lord you know that I love you”. Amen Inspired by John 21: v 15-19 Cliff Jackson, MHA Regional Chaplain 10 GNOSALL PARISH COUNCIL (INCLUDING THE WARDS OF MORETON AND KNIGHTLEY)
Annual Assembly and Parish Council Community Awards
This year the Annual Assembly, which all parishioners are invited to attend, will be held on Thursday 21st May at 7.30pm in The Grosvenor Centre. The Assembly (or Parish Meeting as it is often called), is a meeting to discuss parish affairs which have no statutory definition and it does not have to be exclusive to the business of the local council. It is also, of course, an effective forum for the local parish Office Opening Times council to engage with local residents.
The Council will, once again be recognising local people and groups who make a Monday - Closed positive contribution to the parish by presenting two special Community Awards. Tuesday - 10.00am - 2.00pm We need your help with nominating either an individual who has made a positive Wednesday - 9.30am - 12.30pm contribution that benefits our parishioners and visitors to our parish or an Thursday - by appointment only organisation/local business which has done the same. Remember, the parish Friday - Closed includes Gnosall, Moreton, Bromstead, Outwoods and Knightley. Jayne Cooper Clerk, Please contact the parish office for a nomination form or, if it’s easier, please send Gnosall Parish Council, The your nominations by email to [email protected] by Monday 27th Grosvenor Centre, High Street, April. All nominations will be considered and the winners will be announced at Gnosall, Stafford ST20 0EX the Annual Assembly on 21st May. Tel: 01785 822685
Gnosall Best Kept Village Plans for 2020 email: [email protected] Gnosall's big BKV project for 2020 is to plant lots of trees. Our Best Kept Village Team has over recent years built and planted beautiful village flowerbeds. They www.gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk hang over fifty hanging baskets in the village and last year created the lovely wild flower meadow by the Health Centre. They have worked with the Guides and Facebook Scouts to make bird boxes, bat boxes, bee houses, mini ponds and insect hotels. Now in 2020 they will be planting lots of trees and will be encouraging residents Did you know Gnosall Parish to plant at least one tree in their gardens. Advice and guidance on the types of Council has a Facebook page? trees to plant can be found by looking at www.woodlandstrust.org.uk . If you are Local information and events are interested in joining the BKV team to help, please get in touch. More volunteers posted regularly. Why not “like” are always welcome. our page and start following us. Hundreds of other people do Changes to Recycling and help share useful local information. Residents will soon receive letters from Stafford Borough Council advising of changes to how SBC will be collecting paper and cardboard. The existing paper Useful telephone numbers caddy will no longer be used and will be replaced by a reusable blue bag for paper Police (non emergency): 101 and cardboard mixed together, the bag will be put out for collection alongside the blue bin. Highways: The blue bag will enable SBC to improve the quality of the recycling that is (roads, pavements collected in the Borough and for all recyclable materials to be processed in the UK. and street lighting issues) report online at www.stafford - The bags will be delivered with an information leaflet in mid March 2020. Resi - shire.gov.uk/reportit dents will also receive a comprehensive information booklet and calendar towards the end of March 2020 providing further information. SBC website also has fur - Streetscene: 01785 619401 ther information https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/bluebag (litter and dog mess)
Hiring The Grosvenor Centre, Stuart Ridgewell Dates for your diary [email protected] or 01785 822685 • The next Council meeting will be held on Monday 9th March at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend Council meetings and can raise any matters during the public open forum • Annual Assembly 21st May 2020 • CFest 17-19th July
11 First Responders......
We had a busy start to the new year with 23 callouts during January with all 9 Responders giving some 212 hours cover.
MANY THANKS FOR DONATIONS WE HAVE RECEIVED THIS NEW YEAR WHICH INCLUDE:
• £500 from the Gnosall Masonic Lodge, we are very grateful for their ongoing support. • £80 from a Quiz Night at The Horns, organised by David Edwardson and Kevin. This was a fun evening with Quiz rules being stretched to the limit! Great evening! • Our grateful thanks to everyone in our community who have made private donations. • £400 from The Best Kept Village Team from the sale of their Gnosall Countryside Calendars (Two Members of • £300 from the Responder Collection Bucket in the Bakery – to go to Gnosall Masonic Lodge) the purchase of our new car.
Christmas Draw Final Update – You raised an amazing £1,500 which is a stunning amount!
THANK YOU EACH AND EVERYONE – YOUR SUPPORT FOR US IS WONDERFUL!
YOU CAN HELP US - WHERE ARE YOU?
The dark nights are still with us and we need your help. If you phone for an emergency ambulance and we are on call, we will come to you but......
Vital minutes can be lost if we cannot easily see your house – please:-
➢ Leave a light on ➢ Have your number/house name clearly showing ➢ If possible have someone outside to show us your house
Get in touch with us if you are interested in training up as a Responder or would like to know about the many other ways you can help keep the group “on the road”
Please call Ann on 07973 354099 or 01785 823331
Jan Hewes 022020
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12 M.O.B. Gardening Club January 2020
A Local Horticulturist – My Life in Gardening
he speaker this month was Harry Delaney and he came to talk about his life as a horticulturalist. Harry has Tspent his life as a gardener and pointed out that in the past most of the population had a connection to the land as they were farmers or agricultural workers. This connection was reduced with the industrial revolution as people came off the land and worked in factories and towns and cities were developed. We can connect with nature and the seasons in our gardens. Harry feels this can combat the stresses and strains of everyday life and this has led to his passion for gardening.
Harry was born in Hyde in Cheshire. His parents were good, working class people and he was brought up in an industrial area in a terraced house with a small garden at the front and a yard at the back. His father worked hard every day, called in the pub on his way home and then went to bed. On his days off, he went to garden for richer people to supplement his income, charging £1 per day. Harry went with him when he was old enough and this was where he first learned how to tend a garden, pruning and cutting back bushes and trees.
Harry went to a secondary modern school where he looked after the school garden. He remembers having gardening lessons, planting flowers and vegetables. He was even able to sell potatoes they had grown when he looked after the garden in the summer holidays. He found it totally absorbing.
In 1958 Harry left school and became a “Gardener's Boy” for Denton Parks Department. After a year he was made an apprentice. He enjoyed the work and learnt a lot, having a variety of jobs to do. He remembers mowing the bowling greens every morning after smoothing them with a long cane and then sweeping them with a brush to flatten the worm casts. He mowed them with a fourteen inch mower with lots of blades to get a really good cut which was very hard work. He also had to fumigate the greenhouses to kill the aphids. He did this by lighting small piles of nicotine shreds around the greenhouse and then vacating the greenhouse to allow the very toxic smoke to do its job. Unfortunately he would have to go back in to relight the shreds as they would go out, breathing in some of the smoke as he did so. Health and Safety was not so prevalent in those days!
When Harry completed his apprenticeship, he needed to widen his horizons. He wanted to learn about tropical plants so he applied and was accepted at Edinburgh Botanical Gardens as a student gardener where he studied for the Royal Horticultural Society Diploma. He found this thrilling and he loved every minute of it! This also opened up career opportunities for him and he met his future wife there. He went on to become a Master of Horticulture. He worked for the National Agricultural Service as an advisor and this was where he developed his lecturing skills. Eventually he moved to Stafford to become the County Horticultural Advisor. After a few years he became a lecturer at Nantwich Horticultural College where he worked for nineteen years. He retired in 2014.
Always the enthusiast, Harry could not leave without reminding us that winter is for gardening as well as the other seasons. He brought with him some plants that are particularly enjoyable in the garden in winter time. One was the Daphne Perfume Princess which is hardy, evergreen and has a delightful smell when it flowers between January and March. Another plant he brought to show us was the winter flowering jasmine which can be grown against a wall and flowers mid September to March. He advised us to grow these plants near the house to help to protect them and so we can easily enjoy them in the cold days of winter. A good piece of advice!
We are looking forward to the next meeting which is on March 17th. Mark Goosey from the Woodland Trust will be delivering the talk. We start at 7.30 p.m. in the bar at the Millennium Hall. It is £2 for members and £3 for non-members and includes refreshments, a quiz and a raffle. All are welcome!
Mary Cowell (Gardening Club Secretary)
13 JOIN THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION GNOSALL BRANCH
You do not have to be an ex service person or a serving member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, anyone can join! For more information, please contact our Vice Secretary on: 07857 868493 (Mobile) or email: [email protected]
Dean story's
When Dean Stott left the military, he wasn’t awarded the compensation he was entitled to. It took five years to win the case, which he finally did with our help.
Dean joined the Royal Engineers in 1995 and 10 years later became a Special Forces Soldier.
In 2006 he passed a gruelling selection process and became one of the first Army soldiers to join the Special Boat Service. Unfortunately, Dean was forced to leave the military after a parachuting accident.
“I was at my pinnacle in my career and that sort of changed in an instant when I had a parachuting accident,” says Dean.
“As I exited the aircraft I got my leg caught up in the air in the rigging line. My leg ripped up over my head and to the right so I knew I’d done some serious damage” After leaving the military, Dean wasn’t awarded the correct level of compensation. Struggling to successfully appeal, he reached out to us.
“I heard about the support the Legion could offer from a friend when I was really struggling with my claim,” says Dean.
“I don’t think people know how much support they can get from the Legion when they leave the military. “When you’re serving, the military is your mother and your father, but you come out and you don’t know how to pay your heating bill or set up council tax and knowing who to ask can be really confusing. “With the help of the Legion to fight my case, I finally received the money I deserved.”
Since then Dean has gone on to complete a record-breaking cycling challenge of the Pan-American Highway, finishing the 14,000-mile route in 99 days and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities including the Royal British Legion.
David Winterbottom PRO for the Gnosall and District RBL Branch.
14 Ask The Old Geek
Unlike the previous ‘Old Geek’ I’m not going to frighten you with the need for backups or worry you about Anti-Virus and Firewalls. Well, only a bit! If you’re running windows 10 already, good for you, skip the next two paragraphs, you’re safe.
Ok, just as you were getting used to the clunky Windows 7 duplo-type block icons on the Start Menu, Microsoft goes and says they’ve ended support for it (January 2020)! Those with Windows 8 and 8.1 may be saved for the moment but watch out, you will be next! Now removing support doesn’t mean that your computer will explode like in Bruce Willis’2007 Film, Die Hard 4, but with ending support you may open yourself to the bad guys, like in Die Hard 4 and they may gain access to your computer to do nefarious things that you feel the need to throw a police car at them!
But calm yourself, help is at hand. You don’t need to go out and buy another computer however much Microsoft or any other computer manufacturer would like you to. Instead you can get a little help in upgrading at minimal cost. Windows 10 runs quicker and is far more resilient that previous versions and you will never ever need to upgrade again! (sic)The Library’s IT Buddies ([email protected]) are at hand to give you some free one-to-one advice but if you want someone to actually upgrade a machine, you could contact Josh at c [email protected] a nd without prejudice, I’m assured he will be able to help you.
Ok let’s talk about something else for a change. Now there isn’t enough space here to go into any great detail, but I will attempt to give you a few snippets of information that will make your life easier using Microsoft’s Office suite. By the way, if you can’t or won’t have Office 365 then a very worthy alternative is LibreOffice which can handle any Word, Excel or PowerPoint document just as well as Office and its free to download.(Below works just as well in LibreOffice alternatives-Writer, Calc, Impress).
1. Snippet 1 - Word: Don’t use underline and bold for headings. Instead use ‘Styles’ (top right on the menu-bar). ‘Heading1’, ‘Heading2’, etc… ‘Normal’ is your normal type, of course. If you right-click on the ‘Normal’(or any other) style you can modify the font type and size.At the bottom of the ‘Modify’ pop-up you can tick ‘Alter Template’ and from then on, all new documents will be created using those styles. Using styles gives consistency and saves you a lot of time. On large documents it’s especially useful… e.g. Use the ‘References’ icon on the toolbar and then click ‘Table of contents’ on the left and you will automatically create a table of contents using those styles! 2. Snippet 2 - Word: Click on ‘View’ on menu bar and click ‘Ruler’. A ruler will appear at the top of the page. If you then click on the ruler it will place a tab character (L) wherever you want. Great for lining up addresses etc. (click and hold with the mouse to move or whisk it way) 3. Snippet 3- Excel: Never print out before using preview. Excel is notorious for not lining up with pages. Better still, click on the ‘Page Break View’ icon (bottom right) and it will show you where the pages are, and you can alter how it fits on the page(s) by dragging the dotted and solid blue lines around. You can use it in conjunction with ‘Print Layout>Print Area>’ on the menu bar. 4. Snippet 4 - Excel: if you want to use a function but don’t know how. Click on the ‘Fx’ icon just above the excel grid and you can pick a function and it guides you through the creation. 5. Snippet 5 -PowerPoint: Not everyone uses PowerPoint but it’s great for creating posters and even web pages as well as presentations. Only one snippet. People get nervous when talking in front of a load of people so struggle to remember where the ‘Start presentation’ button is and carry on in ‘Edit’ mode… Not great. Instead create a .pps (PowerPoint show file) not a .ppt file and it will automatically start when you click in it. Always put it on the desktop as well, so you are not searching for it in front of everyone!
Hope these snippets are useful. More next time. Some Outlook and Google Docs perhaps ? Now you can go and have a lie down or dig out that Diehard 4 DVD or Netflix film, and see what I was talking about!
15 Newport Music Club 2019-20 Season Finale
Saturday 14th March at 7.30 p.m. at Cosy Hall, Water Lane, Newport sees the finale of the Newport Music Club season. We are delighted to welcome the return of musicians Mary Hofman and Richard Ormrod who will perform the second concert of their ‘Beethoven in Wales’ tour.
Violinist Mary has worked as guest leader of the Edinburgh Quartet and performs regularly with Ensemble Cymru. She has performed with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata and Britten Sinfonia.
Pianist Richard performs as concerto soloist, playing Beethoven Concertos at the London Barbican Centre with the Philharmonia Orchestra and performing on international tours with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. If you wish to learn more about the artists see their website richardormrod.co.uk
The concert programme comprises Beethoven Sonatas Numbers Six, Seven and Eight. Sonatas which were written at the time when Beethoven was beginning to lose his hearing. There will also be a specially commissioned new work, by composer Sarah Lianne Lewis which is a musical interpretation of sound mutations that Beethoven may have experienced as he became increasingly deaf.
To avoid disappointment we advise that you buy tickets in advance. Adult tickets are £13 & £4 for students. Leaflets and tickets are available at The Guildhall Tea Rooms,(both on Newport High St), or from Hey Jude (Stafford Street), Cosy Hall (mornings only) or via the website:
www.newportmusicclub.org or phone 01952 810584 for more information. in) (viol fman y Ho Mar Newport Music Club returns in the Autumn ano) d (pi rmro with a new exciting programme. rd O Richa
The Annual Meeting of Macmillan Cancer Support was held on Monday 27th January 2020. The Team leader reported that fundraising events have been different this year with fewer large events and smaller local events. We have brought back the puddings evening at Sandon Hall and had the flower arranging evening again. The wine tasting and the gin evenings were both popular new events and the Monthly Draw continues to be popular. He thanked all the members of the group and their husbands, partners, friends and family for the hard work and also thanked Margaret and Barry Morgan who continue to collect and empty the boxes from around the area. Our thanks also to individual donors and fundraisers and Church Eaton Choir, whose concert proceeds are donated to Macmillan, and grateful thanks to the BKV Team and to Aqualate Ladies Golf who also gave donations. A Special “Thank You” to Shirley Philpotts who is a MacMillan fundraiser in her own right but sends her money in via us. She has continued to knit items to be sold in a local hairdressers and this year has raised in excess of £500 again. The Team Leader and Team Secretary were re-appointed, along with existing Team Members to serve on the Fundraising Group for a further year. However, Rose Bott, who has been a member for the best part of 20 years, has decided to step down this year. We can’t thank Rose enough for the work she has done over the past years, she has been the mainstay of many of our events, always willing to take responsibility to ensure all that we need is made available, acting with great efficiency and kindness at all times. We will miss her, but she leaves with our love and best wishes for the future. Following a review of our activities in 2019 it was reported that we were able send almost £8000 to Macmillan during the past year. We would like to thank all those who have helped us in any way and those who have attended our events or generously given donations to Macmillan. On behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support THANK YOU ALL for your support which is very much appreciated.
MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS for the last two months:
The Draw which took place at Bank Top Garage The Draw which took place at Bank Top Garage Showroom on Friday 27th December 2019, the Winning Showroom on Friday 31st January 2020, the Winning Numbers are as follows: Numbers are as follows:
1st No.78S. S.Boone. £32 1st No. 108 P. Tweed £32 2nd No.19C. P. Jobling. £19 2nd No. 114 A. Gauntlett. £19 3rd No.66. D. Healey. £13 3rd No. 119 V. Westerman. £13
If you would like to take part in the Monthly Draw please contact Gill Renshaw on 07949750032, Sarah at Bank Top Garage on 822217, or any member of the Gnosall Macmillan Group. 16 Radical New Proposals to Meet Housing Shortage
new “Garden Village” of more than 3,000 homes could be built to the north or east of A Gnosall to meet Stafford Borough’s need for more housing over the next 20 years. Construction of an entirely new village at one, or more, of seven sites is among proposals set out in an ”Issues and Options” 180 page consultation document.
The council is preparing a new Local Plan to cover all aspects of housing, jobs, retail and leisure development for 2020 – 2040 and the document estimates a requirement for between 8,160 and 14,527 new homes across the borough as well as new sites for employment.
To put this into context , in 2011 there were approximately 7,400 homes in Stone.
One of the options would be new“Garden Communities” with seven sites identified as: (1) Land north and east of Gnosall. This area could accommodate up to 3,500 new homes and supporting employment. (2). Land between Gnosall and Haughton north of the A518 between Stafford and Newport. This area of land could accommodate up to 3,250 new homes and supporting employment. (3) Seighford, a largely agricultural site with an airfield and established employment land either side of the B5405 to the west of Stafford town. This area of land could accommodate up to 5,250 new homes and supporting employment. (4) . Land to the north of Redhill Business Park and to the west of the A34 near to M6 Jn 14 Stafford North. (5) Meecebrook, focussed around Cold Meece south of Swynnerton. This has the potential for up to 11,500 new homes and supporting employment land. (6) Hixon. An ex-WW2 airfield located to the east of the Borough. Much of the site is currently unused and is partly developed as an industrial park. The site on the edge of Hixon could be expanded to accommodate up to 2,750 new dwellings and supporting employment land. (7) Land East of Weston. There are a number of environmental constraints in this area but there is potential to bring forward up to 2,000 new homes and supporting employment land.
In deciding where the new homes should be built, options include dispersing development across the Borough’s “hierarchy’ of existing towns, urban areas and villages together with one or more new “Garden Communities.”
The Government defines a garden community as a purpose built new settlement, or major extension to an existing town with:
A clear identity and attractive environment,including green space;
• A mix of homes, including affordable and self-build;
• Job opportunities;
• Transport infrastructure, including roads, buses and cycle route;
• Schools, community and health centres.
The Borough has already given planning permission or identified land for housing which would provide 6,000 homes (if built) between 2020 and 2031. One of the questions to be decided is whether to discount these homes from the future housing provision required up to 2040.
The council is inviting comments on its consultation document which have to be submitted by 31 March.
The map taken from the consultation document shows the possible “Garden Community” sites colour shaded.
The full report and a shorter summary can be seen on the council’s website https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/new-local-plan-
There is also a pro-forma available for comments by clicking on the following link:
https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/forward-planning-consultations
Email responses can be sent to:
Or letters by post to: Forward Planning, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford, ST16 3AQ
17 Gnosall Towpath Restoration
Time for a Spring clean
long our very lovely canal there is a towpath that can get rather damp and could do with a good makeover. Unfortunately, this A needs a lot of money and professional expertise. In the meantime, the GTR volunteers are scraping as much mud as possible from the towpath. It is tough work and we don’t know when (if) we will finish. This has the benefit that the path is better to walk on than the sloppy mud we have become used to. Furthermore, it provides the basis for a decent new surface if/when that can be provided.
This is one of the many tasks that our small band of volunteers does. We rake-up leaves, plant bulbs, pick-up litter, clean stuff, paint stuff etc etc. If you see new shrubs planted, thorn bushes pruned etc it is just possible it was not fairies but the GTR volunteers. We hope you like our new welcome signs.
We do what we can, when we can, and sometimes we get higher priority jobs turn up or bad weather. So, although we have plans, we don’t like to make them public and unlike professionals we don’t work to guaranteed deadlines. We do hope you like to see and enjoy the fruits of our labours.
We are always short of helpers. Not everyone can do every job and not everyone can spare time every week but there is something for everyone. To arrange to join us or for details of upcoming work parties, and more details of our work, please find us on the towpath, or at C-fest or visit –
www.gnosallparishcouncil.org/gtr
Barry Witts
Our photos show our band of volunteers working on a Spring clean
Pictures 1 and 2 by Kathy Flanagan
1.
2.
Note for your Diary.
The highly successful Gnosall CFest (Gnosall Canal Festival)
Will be back this Summer 17th - 19th July.
18 GNOSALL HERITAGE GROUP Gnosall Parish Tithe Maps Some time ago Gnosall Parish News (GPN) made a significant donation to the Parish Council which provided the funds for Gnosall Heritage Group to obtain electronically digitised copies of four 1838 Tithe Maps covering the Parish of Gnosall. The maps have now been electronically scanned as part of a larger ‘Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service’ project and the Heritage Group have recently received copies of the electronic files.
Bob Johnson has rendered these files into an ‘internet friendly’ format and been given permission to install them on his Gnosall History website.
www.gnosallhistory.co.uk – then click the ‘New – Click here’ text
The quality of the images is superb considering they are 180 years old. Every property, field, woodland, pool and road were given unique ‘Plot Numbers’ which are annotated on the maps. Bob has also provided links to the ‘Tithe Awards’ which show the owner, occupier, description and use of each plot.
This extract from the High Street shows St Lawrence church (1185) and the Workhouse (1171) as well as 3 cottages opposite to the Grosvenor Centre (1187/8/9) to name just a few.
Gnosall Heritage Group Family History Day Saturday 7th March 2020 Venue: Youth Club Annexe/Library (Adjacent to Parish Council Office) Time: 12.30pm to 5.00pm
If you are interested in researching your family tree, and need some guidance on how to go about it, then come along to this special event.
There will be a short introductory talk by Kathleen Visit the website and browse the maps – they are Ingram which will focus on researching Family Trees for amazing. A wonderful asset to any local historian. historical purposes and personal interest. Members of the Heritage Group will be there with Thank you, Gnosall Parish News and Gnosall computers linked to on-line resources for hands-on Parish Council. guidance through the research process to help you. Free Entry – Everyone Welcome Gnosall Heritage Website - http://www.gnosall - E-mail: [email protected] parishcouncil.org.uk/heritage/index.php Mob. 0748 4679970
E-mail: [email protected] Mob. 07484679970 19 Lorraine’s Story I’ve always enjoyed outdoor activities but after a few attempts at running on my own over the years, I thought it wasn’t for me. However a chance conversation with my friend Emma in 2014 opened up a whole new world of unexpected adventure. As a Mum of two young children at this point it was exactly what I needed. I soon realised that I had been missing the fun elements of running… friendship, chatting and sharing, laughter, plenty of mud, rain, snow and ice, you name it and we’ve probably ran through it.
The year continued with the completion of my first race, the Gnosall 10K with Emma & Maria. The Gnosall Ladies Running Club was then formed and Saturday mornings were never the same again as I discovered Bootcamp was all part of the training. I certainly got hooked and was running three times a week and enjoying the challenging new cross-country routes. There is something pretty special about running for miles with a group of people in the dark, following a mixture of chatter, head torches and reflective gear, often not having any idea where you are and putting total faith in our route master… Bootcamp Bob!
I’ve since completed many 5K, 10K and half marathon races and trained with my friends for marathon distance but have yet to enter one... still thinking about that! The running didn’t stop there, GLRC organised several junior fun runs so my kids Isobel and Jacob were inspired to give it a try from an early age. My dog ‘Nina’ is also a keen runner and has encouraged me not to give up on many long runs. Even my husband, Jamie who said he wasn’t built to run now runs.
Running for fitness is such an accessible sport and it can be as simple or technical as you wish. Some days going for a run is not what I want to do but I know it’s what I need and it gives me the opportunity to clear my mind after a busy day or set me up for the day ahead. I have met some amazing friends though running, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on my running journey and look forward to new challenges. We always welcome new members, regardless of experience, join us! Emma, Maria & Lorraine
20 Gnosall Allotments & Gardens Association Supporting allotments holders and gardeners in the Gnosall area
Spring is on it’s way and now’s the time to start thinking about preparing, sowing and planting in the garden or allotment! Joining GAGA could help you get off to a good start. Gnosall Allotments & Gardens Association (GAGA) was formed to serve the interests of allotment holders and gardeners in the Gnosall area. You don’t have to be an allotment holder to join. If you are a keen gardener you will benefit from membership.
As a member you can buy from “The Shed” which can be found by the entrance to the allotments. We sell various goods related to gardening and allotments at competitive prices and it’s much handier than a trip to the garden centre. This includes a selection of fertilisers, netting, canes, fleece, compost and other similar goods. The shed opens most Sunday mornings in the growing season. Opening times and prices will be displayed on our web site, Facebook page and the allotment notice boards. We also have a strimmer, scarifier and rotavator for loan to members.
On Sunday March 29th we are holding a shed open day with the shed open from 10 am to 3pm. There will be several special offers and discounts as well as tea, coffee and cakes. Bring your friends along and have a look around the allotments and join the association to take advantage of the offers.
Our membership year is 1st April in one year to 31st March the following year. Membership fee is just £3.50 (with £1 voucher for the shed!). To join us simply download the membership application form from our website or contact the secretary, Lynn Whittick (823466). Subscriptions for allotment tenants are collected by the Parish council when you renew your tenancy.
Website: gnosallallotments.org.uk Facebook: Facebook.com/gnosallallotmentsandgardens
ACROSS DOWN 1. Conformity GNOSSWORD 2. Distend 8. Kill 3. Employees 9. Gin 4. Vitriol 11. Intense 5. Be 13. Refuse 6. Zero 14. Implement 7. Religion 15. Valleys 9. Bridge 16. Ego 10. Integer 17. Spied 12. Women 19. Cunning 16. Spoonerisms-ish 20. Mountain 18. Play 21. Alight 19. Street 23. Eggs 20. Program 25. NaCl 22. Forty 27. With 24. Brave 28. Drab 25. Indicate February’s Gnossword Answers 30. Whip 26. Girls Names 31. Sun 27. Olen 32. Flea 29. Thighs 34. Not closed 33. Criminal 36. Hello Answers in next month’s publication 35. Period 38. Totally 37. Pronoun
21 INDEX OF ADVERTISEMENTS
Jambusters Report FOOD SERVICES: Gnosall Express p24, Occasions Caterers p23, Boat Inn p23, ACP Bars p23, Junction Inn p24, The Bakery p24, Matthews Butchers p24, Hog Roast p24. HOORAH WE DID GET SOME SNOW!! JUST ENOUGH FOR A VERY TEENY SNOWMAN, MY GRANDAUGHTER HOLIDAYS: Holiday Home p26, The Travel Store p30. AND I WERE VERY HAPPY!! ACCOUNTS & FINANCIAL: Mike James p26, Bright & Co p29, Deaconsfield p32, Kates Accountancy Services p42. WELL DESPITE OUR EARLIER CONCERNS ABOUT LOW TICKET SALES, THE PIG RACE WAS A ROARING APPLIANCES: Tom Sturgess p31, Appliance Force p36. SUCCESS!! WE WERE FULLY SOLD OUT !! I THINK ART AND PUBLISHING: Hare and Moon p42, EVERY ONE WHO CAME ALONG HAD A GREAT NIGHT, The Extrahand Marketing Company p42.
MUCH HILARITY ENSUED!! WE HAVE RAISED QUITE A BATHROOM, BEDROOM, KITCHEN: RT Bathrooms p27, GOOD AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR KATHERINE HOUSE AND A LITTLE TO KEEP THE WHEELS Regent House p33, Kitchen Visions p34. OF JAMBUSTERS SPINNING!! THANK YOU SO MUCH ALL WHO SUPPORTED US!! IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. BUILDERS: Phil Dolloway p27, LT Talbot p35, CR Large p35. CARE INC. RESIDENTIAL: Gingercroft p31, Our speaker at our Feb meeting Tony Pezzaiooi kept us smiling with his anecdotes about The Care Company p36, Newport Cottage Care p38. working in mental health for thirty years! Not always fun, but as Tony said you have to see CHILDCARE & EDUCATION: St Lawrence Pre-School p37. the funny side sometimes to see you through the difficult times! He also spoke about the early signs of dementia and how important it is to seek early intervention if you are CHIROPODISTS: Wendy Palser p34, Clare Pitchford p36, Debbie Wardhaugh p40, Sarah Irvine p41. worried about any members of your family. A bit close for comfort but we all felt better informed Thank you Tony. CLEANING (Home, Windows, Chimney): Mark Smith p25, You Can't I Can p25, Magic Carpet p26, Helpful Housewives p28, Gutter Cleaning p29, GreenClean p35, SafeClean p41, I know !! it has come around so quickly but our next meet will be the AGM, we have to FIrst Impressions p42. select our committee and chair to guide us through the next year, our meetings are fun and take place once a month .If you feel you would like to be part of the group PLEASE COMPUTING & TV: AAS Aerials p30, AAS CCTV p32, Computer Running Slow p32, iTom p33. make yourself known at the meeting .You will be welcomed with open arms!! After the meeting we shall be having our very own ROOM 101!! SO get thinking of the things that DANCE, EXERCISE: Stardust Dance Classes p25, REALLY ANNOY you!!! Write them down with a little artefact if you have one and bring Pilates & Yoga p25, Fit4TheFuture p29, Movement Matters p39, Diddi Dance p39. them along .. Let’s see who gets the most votes??? DECORATORS: Steve Dimelow p26, Steve Taylor p30, Gordon Hall p31, IS Ferguson p34, TL Services p39, DW Bentley p42. Sue Spencer 822306 ELECTRICIANS: Hall Electrical p27, Westwood Electrical p29, Craig Michael p31, Nick Bundy p32, Rob Souter p27.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Owens Memorials p26.
FURNISHING: FunkyWunkyDooDahs p28, Will Mockett p33, Home Farm p35.
GARDENS, TREES, LANDSCAPING: J Hitchenor p28, Mark Hodgkins p29, M Bissell p29, Squirrel Fencing p31, Just Beautiful Gardens p33, Granville Reeves p34, Littlehales p37, JWH p38, Autumn Leaves p38.
HAIR, BEAUTY, JEWELLERY, CLOTHING: Complementary Therapies p26, Barber Shop p28, Sewing Alterations p29, Hair Razor p34, Angela Smith p38, Lasercare p41.
HANDYMAN: Shropshire Handyman p26, GDC Services p39.
HEALTHCARE: Celestia p37, Katharine House shops p37, Gnosall Dental p38, Change your Weigh p39, MASE p40.
HEATING: Fifth Element p27, Brain Brothers p30, Charles Swann Coal p39.
JOINERS: David Bebbington p30, Charlie Jones p31.
LEGAL: Legal Legacies p36, Donn&Co p40.
MOTOR TRADE: SDW Automotive p25, Gnosall Autobodies p33, AJ&H Wright p34, Bank Top p43.
MUSIC: Paul Weaver p40.
OPTICIANS: In-Home Eyecare p36, Mincher Lockett p42.
PETS: Kitty Sitty p27, We Pamper p28, Bow-wows p30, Shires Vets p35, Grooming Great p38, Kay Gibson p39.
PLASTERERS: RHJ Plastering p27, PH Plastering p30.
PLUMBERS: JH Knight p32, Daniel Mattocks p40, Howfield p41, Alan Moore p41.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Richard Carn p36, Marc Hinde p40.
ROOFING: Harris Roofing p26, Weathertight p37.
TAXI: Mr Jenkins p28, Core Cars p33, Austin's Travel p40.
VAN HIRE: Man and Van p41.
22 VENUE HIRE: Grosvenor Centre p26. L o c a l
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43 Gnosall Photographers
Featuring The Work Of...... d a e h a
Orchids in June at Broadhill m a e t s
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Steve Torrington
Four-legged friend at Gnosall canal fest
If you would like your pictures to feature on a future issue please contact: [email protected]
Beside the seaside