Our City p1 torch on back cover 11/5/12 10:14 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 27: MAY 2012 Our City

CityCity gears gears up up to to celebratecelebrate OlympicsOlympics

Torch Relay route map and timings SEE PAGES 10 AND 11 Our City p2 11/5/12 09:14 Page 1

Council Leader Mohammed Pervez, centre, with councillors Paul Shotton (Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member 2 Our City MAY 2012 forming the Cabinet, left to right, Olwen Hamer for Finance, Procurement & Commissioning), Mark (Transformation and Resources), Ruth Rosenau Meredith (Economic Development) and (Regeneration, Planning and Transportation), Gwen Hassall (Social Services). Changes to top Alan Dutton (Education), Councillor Janine Bridges, Adrian Knapper (Health), Cabinet Member for Housing, Andy Platt (City Services Neighbourhoods and council team as and Green Community Safety, our city carries Enterprises), is pictured, inset. on going for gold By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ

THE Olympic Games, which will see our city’s finest athletes and sportspeople excelling at what they do and striving for the performance of a lifetime, are a good opportunity for us to reflect on the many other things Stoke-on-Trent does best. This special Olympic issue of Our City includes great news for the local economy on how local companies have competed for, and won, major contracts associated with the Games. It also tells how our Mandate for Change – which we launched last summer to “go all the opportunity a parade where schoolchildren will policies and budgets and, ultimately, is for gold”to attract investment and create to come together as a city to celebrate the represent 90 Olympic nations. responsible for making decisions and new jobs in our city – continues to bear Games and its significance to our country Walkers are staging their own Olympic running the council. fruit. and our communities. relay across 50 guided walks in the The city’s Cabinet are skilled and Together we can look forward to an The Olympic Flame comes to Potteries. And in children’s centres, mini determined people, who will work hard to exciting year, with regeneration of the City Stoke-on-Trent at the end of the month games are being staged with sports like meet the many challenges ahead. Centre gathering pace, more schools being and I look forward to joining thousands of “Roll the Daddy”and projects on Ancient Supported by the Labour Group and rebuilt under our Building Schools for the people at an evening celebration to mark Greece to help give our youngest residents other members of the council, we have a Future initiative and the Prince of Wales its arrival... an opportunity for the eyes of the very best start in life. talented and united team of people who saying, through his 16 charities, that he will the world to be on our city. As Team GB fine tunes its competitors care passionately about our city and will work more closely with us to regenerate The Games have certainly captured the through the last Olympic qualifiers, we are continue to deliver the progress on the Mother Town of . city’s imagination.Young people also announcing some changes to the regeneration and job creation that we This Olympic year offers us have joined in making flags for team of councillors which decides on have already started. London support for ceramics industry ORD Mayor of the City of London creating opportunities for investment, jobs and David Wootton continued his drive growth. I know the importance of the UK Lto support Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry – not just for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas, ceramics industry with a high profile visit but for the wider economy. to the city. “Manufacturing has a crucial role to play in He toured leading pottery factories before our economy – providing hundreds of addressing industry chiefs, council bosses and thousands of jobs, and making products senior politicians at a lunchtime discussion. which are admired and respected the world Mr Wootton, whose father hails from over. Our collaborative efforts are crucial to Stoke-on-Trent and who still has family in building a strong economy, increasing export the city, made it a priority of his year in and attracting international business to the office to raise the profile of Stoke-on-Trent UK.” and the pottery industry in particular. It is part of his effort to demonstrate how Working together the City of London can support the needs Council Leader Councillor Mohammed of all UK businesses. During his day-long Pervez said: “We are grateful for the Lord City of visit he spent time at the Moorcroft Mayor of London’s support which helps us London Lord Heritage Visitor Centre, Middleport Pottery to raise the city’s profile nationally and Mayor David and International. internationally. Wootton during his As well as taking part in a round-table “Parts of our ceramics industry are visit to the Moorcroft discussion with the city council and growing, securing significant new business Visitor Centre, business leaders, he also met with and creating much-needed jobs, with the . representatives of The Prince’s council’s backing through our Mandate for Regeneration Trust on securing jobs and Change. Discussions during his visit showed growth in North Staffordshire. our city’s commitment to working together Mr Wootton said: “I am a champion for with a wide range of partners to secure more the whole spectrum of UK business, growth and prosperity.”

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 Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When [email protected] you have finished with stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. Our City p3 11/5/12 09:39 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 3 Gala to celebrate £2m restoration of Burslem Park A celebration gala is being staged at Burslem Park to mark the completion of its £2million restoration. The council has worked closely with community organisation the Burslem Park Partnership to transform the green space with money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund Parks for People Programme.Work carried out over the past year includes restoration of the pavilion, the Victorian terrace garden and two fountains, which had not been in use since 1895. The fun-packed opening event on 23 June runs from 11am to 8pm and features live music, fun fair attractions and a BMX demonstration on the skate ramp. Park users of all ages have produced flags and banners for the event after the Partnership was awarded £9,860 by Arts Council England to promote the park as an inspiring and creative place. Start on the new

The Business District phenomenal WORK on the first phase of the city’s new St Peter’s Academy Central Business District (CBD) starts this rowing team with some month as the former Andromeda of their medals, left to building, in Cannon Street, is removed to right, Lauren Ellis, Iman make way for office development.The Jabbar, Holly Foster news has been welcomed by the city and Harriet council which is working with developer Lawton. Genr8 to define requirements for the new Teenage rowers are buildings. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation said:“The CBD is a key project within the regeneration of the City Centre and it is exciting to see work the best of British starting on the site.We are continuing to work with the developer to define the ARSOME is the only way to Her achievement matched team mate project requirements and are pleased to describe the unbeatable Lauren Ellis, who herself has already won see the project progressing to the next Oindoor rowers of St Peter’s individual English and British titles at the stages with enabling works.” Academy in who continue same discipline. The Andromeda building was built in Together with team mates Harriet the 1980s and houses the former Regimes to add to their ever-growing list of Lawton and Iman Jabbar they are an titles and records. immoveable force in indoor rowing at their nightclub and Rileys snooker club. The team of four Year Nine girls all aged age group. They continually break their own 14 have racked up seven national titles and records as they take on all comers at set 24 British records in the past three years. National Indoor Schools competitions and Now one of them has scooped individual row in a six-discipline league competition Songs of Praise gold at British and European level. against 220 other schools over nine months. Holly Foster topped the podium at the Their coach Neil Gilson has run out of British Indoor Rowing Championship and comes to city superlatives for his girls. He said: “They STRIKING European Open in Nottingham. She rowed are quite simply phenomenal. They are THE popular BBC1 religious GOLD: Holly 1,069 metres in four minutes – the second unbeaten since they came together programme Songs of Praise is coming best performance of all time. three years ago and repeatedly break Foster’s British to the city.Two shows will be their own records. They’re getting quite and European recorded at Longton Methodist blasé about it now. Championship Central Hall on 23 and 24 June. “They have a massive work ethic. It’s medal. Anyone interested in taking part Crematorium stages unbelievable to see the energy they as a member of the choir or produce. They have broken 18 consecutive congregation is welcomed. Free remembrance hour British records and are nothing but RELATIVES and friends will have a parking on these days will be extraordinary.” provided by Longton Tesco. special opportunity to remember Academy Principal Joe Burns said: “I’ve To apply for a ticket send name, loved ones during an hour of been very impressed by the dedication and thanksgiving and remembrance at commitment of all four girls. In my 30 address, telephone number and how Carmountside Crematorium. years in teaching, I have never before come many tickets are being applied for to The event, at 2pm on 17 June, will across a group of four young people who email: [email protected] offer a memory board, where work so well together. (please include “Longton, Stoke-on- photographs can be displayed, and “I’m delighted at their continued success Trent” in the Subject box); phone: the opportunity for names to be and I look forward to hearing of their 0161 335 8429 and leave a message read out as part of the service for a further achievements in this sport. on the answer phone; or write to: small donation. Anyone who wants “In this Olympic year, it’s really fantastic Songs of Praise Ticket Office, their loved one’s name to included to see our young people performing so well (Longton, Stoke-on-Trent), 1st Floor, should call 01782 235020. in such a competitive environment. Well Dock House, MediaCityUK, Salford, done girls.” M50 2LH. Our City p4 11/5/12 09:26 Page 1

4 Our City MAY 2012 Sprinklers boost safety Council meeting webcasts in schools SAFETY is being enhanced for attract hundreds of viewers pupils with the installation of sprinkler systems in all the engage with its communities while city’s new schools. IVE and archived webcasts of council making open and transparent They will be fitted as decisions which can be viewed by standard into 21st Century Lmeetings in Stoke-on- people wherever they happen to education facilities Trent are already attracting be.” constructed under the £250 hundreds of online viewers. Council and Cabinet meetings million Building Schools for Just under 350 people generated are broadcast via a state of the art the Future (BSF) Programme. 6,109 separate hits as they dipped system of microphones and Stoke-on-Trent City into live streaming of a full council cameras, tailored to suit the Grade Council’s decision to install meeting in March. More than 300 II listed council chamber. the potentially life-saving people watched the archived More than 70 microphones systems has been praised by footage all the way through. connected to hi-tech touch pads Meetings attract an average of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue enable councillors to speak and 30 people who sit in a council cast their votes electronically. Service. Deputy Chief Fire chamber public gallery which can Three cameras automatically pan, Officer Chris Enness said:“We seat up to 120. tilt and zoom in to whoever is have worked in partnership Council Leader Mohammed speaking while a fourth fixed with the city council and are Pervez said: “It’s been an excellent camera gives a wide-shot of pleased that sprinklers are start and is a clear sign of a proceedings. being fitted. A lot of schools modern council that wants to Users see moving images and across Staffordshire are still have access to agendas so they can being built without them – pinpoint which individual subject despite Government or councillor to watch. Safety guidance.” features allow pauses and delay Councillor Ruth Rosenau, transmission for 20 seconds. Cabinet Member for The trialled webcasting of some Regeneration, Planning and committee meetings is now being organised while ideas to cover St Gregory’s Primary School pupils Transportation said: “The city annual operating costs include visited the council chamber to see how council is building 21st hiring out the facility to local the latest technology is used to webcast Century educational facilities companies and for weddings. meetings. Charlotte Taberner, 9 and and throughout every aspect To watch live streaming or Aaron Houlihan, 11, are pictured using of the design, safety has to be One of the cameras which films check out the archives go to the microphones and interactive panel. paramount.” the meetings. www.stoke.public-i.tv/core/ Our City p5 11/5/12 10:16 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 5 Mandate for Change Going for gold as our proud city writes its own 2012 Olympic story

By City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot

OLYMPIC hero Lord Coe, who spearheaded the bid to bring this year’s Games to Council Leader Mohammed London and has led preparations for the Pervez and Councillor Ruth huge event, has sent a special message to Rosenau, Cabinet Member the people of Stoke-on-Trent to make sure for Regeneration, Planning they are “part of this once-in-a-lifetime and Transportation join opportunity”. Regeneration Manager Stories in this issue of Our City including Julian Read outside the an eight page special supplement show Institute. just how many opportunities there are to write our own chapter in the 2012 Olympic Story. There are inspirational tales about the proud Potteries people who have gone for gold in Games throughout history... and aspirational news of current-day athletes and sportspeople who will try to realise their dreams in London this summer. But more importantly, there is Joy as Prince’s charities information on how thousands of citizens of Stoke-on-Trent can enjoy their own special Olympic moment by taking part in one of the events the council has worked agree to support the so hard with its partners to organise. So whether you turn out to watch the Olympic Flame make its way through our city, or join us to celebrate the Games at our spectacular event in , I hope as many of you as possible will join in and Mother Town enjoy what the Olympics mean to RINCE Charles has given Stoke-on-Trent. his backing to the drive to Last summer we launched our own “gold Pregenerate Burslem – medal bid” when we set out our Mandate a move which could be the The council has done for Change to make Stoke-on-Trent a great key to major investment and working city, to attract inward investment “” and help to create jobs. development. all it can to encourage Our red carpet treatment for businesses The Prince of Wales’ 16 charities have the Prince’s charities and “can do” approach are already paying made a commitment to support business off, as is our pledge to engage with and community projects in the Mother to become involved and we will continue to different kinds of employers and work with Town over the next three years. as many partners as possible to raise the Senior directors of the charities have work with them on regeneration projects. been working behind the scenes with city city’s profile as a great place to do business. council officers and a delivery plan for the COUNCILLOR MOHAMMED PERVEZ, CITY COUNCIL LEADER We are helping successful social town has now been drawn up and was enterprises set up companies that not only create jobs and contribute to the local presented at a community workshop. When the Prince of Wales made a In Burslem the Prince’s charities’ economy, but also meet community needs “The Prince’s charities bring a huge high-profile visit to Middleport Pottery last delivery plan for the town has identified a amount of expertise to support projects on October to see the work of his charities, his range of regeneration opportunities like training or caring for people at home. the ground in Burslem,” said Regeneration cavalcade made a detour through Burslem including cultural and educational But one of the most exciting initiatives Manager Julian Read. town centre to view some of the historic initiatives and redevelopment schemes for under the Mandate for Change banner is The plans are already off to a good start buildings. the and the former news that Prince Charles, through his as the Burslem Regeneration Team has In the same month, council Chief indoor market hall. network of charities, has pledged to successfully bid for a further £1million Executive John van de Laarschot led a Council Leader Mohammed Pervez said support the regeneration of Burslem. from the Heritage Lottery Fund to presentation on Burslem’s potential to the Prince’s charities support for the His support alone could lever in refurbish and renovate some of Burslem’s executives of the Prince’s combined regeneration of Burslem was “extremely investment and commitment from a huge most attractive historic buildings. charities – after which they agreed to throw significant” and was great news for the range of organisations, as well as the It follows on from The Prince’s their resources behind the town’s future of the town. private sector. Regeneration Trust’s £7.5million regeneration. He said: “I am delighted with the A great deal of hard work has gone into investment to acquire and restore the decision by the Prince’s charities – their developing this partnership, and the Prince Grade II*-listed Middleport Pottery – the Regenerating communities involvement will almost certainly accelerate has suggested that success in Burslem home of Burgess, Dorling and Leigh – The Prince’s charities have a successful the regeneration of the Mother Town. I makers of the famous blue and white track record in regenerating communities understand Prince Charles has asked for could be rolled out to make a difference Burleigh ware. and preserving heritage – most notably in regular updates on progress. across the whole city. Further restoration work and expansion Burnley where the Weaver’s Triangle “The council has done all it can to Encouraging stories like these are great of the pottery is expected to begin later project will see derelict old mill buildings encourage the Prince’s charities to become news for our city, and we at the city council this year paving the way for a visitor centre transformed into a university technical involved and we will continue to work with are proud that, in an Olympic year, this city with the aim of attracting 30,000 visitors a college and business community with them on regeneration projects – in keeping is, in many ways, taking its place on the year within five years – and the creation of extensive training opportunities and with our Mandate for Change policies to winner’s podium. 50 new jobs. employment initiatives. attract investment and jobs to the city.” Our City p6 11/5/12 09:35 Page 1

6 Our City MAY 2012 Bronze warrior to guard

Library Assistant Sara Pye with a selection of everyday items from past decades which Hoard treasures will make up the Reminiscence Boxes. The clay NINE-FOOT-TALL sculpture of Anglo-Saxon the Staffordshire A warrior sculpture Saxon with welding will stand guard over a major new exhibition at apprentices Dan the Potteries Museum & Cutter, left and Art Gallery. Jak Forester. As Our City went to press, the imposing Mercian statue was due to be unveiled in the venue’s to help showcase the latest display featuring the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard. The £25,000 artwork, which was funded by the council and is called the Staffordshire Saxon, has been created by artist Andy Edwards with the help of welding apprentices from Aspire Housing’s PM Training division. It was originally moulded in clay and then modelled using hi-tech carbon fibre with a traditional bronze-looking finish. A selection of hoard-inspired items, including buckles and the Boxes packed with memories pommel of a seax (a single-edged sword or knife), are worn or EVER fancied going back in time The Reminiscence Boxes are carried by the warrior. to recapture youthful memories used by residential homes as The sculpture marks the start of or find out about fashions and therapy for residents with a new 13-month exhibition of the events from times long before dementia, as well as children’s 7th Century Dark Ages treasure – you were born? groups, community groups, and which is the biggest and most Thousands of people in schools. valuable hoard of Anglo-Saxon Stoke-on-Trent have already been Some are themed packages gold ever found. given a fascinating taste of time relating to a particular decade or Many of the pieces have just travel thanks to Reminiscence topics such as food, family life, returned to the UK after a successful and high profile Boxes put together by the city’s the war years and day trips. exhibition at the National Libraries and Archives Service. Now there is an appeal for have been worn or carried. investment to help deliver the Geographic Museum in “Not only is this a council’s Mandate For Change For instance, dolly tubs and flat donations of fresh items to evoke Washington DC. irons give an idea of household memories of royalty, hobbies and great exciting project agenda. Councillor Mark to be involved in from “By improving our city’s chores of yesteryear. Books, DVDs, transport as well as anything Meredith, Cabinet Member picture packs, CDs and even a suitable for separate decade the artistic aspect tourism profile we will help to for Economic but it is also an protect the 5,000 jobs in tourism well-preserved tin of Crosse and boxes to bring back the 1960’s, Development, said: “We excellent and maybe even create new jobs Blackwell kidney soup have all 70’s and 80’s. have commissioned and through increased visitors.” helped to take people down To donate an item or reserve a built an impressive nine Councillor Meredith added: memory lane or give younger Reminiscence Box phone 01782 foot statue to show how “More than 50,000 people visited generations an enjoyable insight 238407 or email items from the the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition into the way we were. [email protected] Hoard would in three weeks when it opened, which is unprecedented. “This statue is one component of a larger project Olympic link to Lord Mayoralty to create a truly interactive and inspiring Potteries THE Lord Mayoralty in Museum exhibition.” Stoke-on-Trent has a Apprentice Jak Forester, little-known connection with of Northwood, who British Olympic history – along with colleague thanks to Alderman Arthur Dan Cutter worked on the sculpture, said: Percy Spark, pictured right. “It’s been a once in a Born in Durris, lifetime experience Aberdeenshire, in 1894, as a to work on. Working young man he served with the with Andy to create Royal Army Medical Corps in the framework for World War I and later studied the statue has really medicine at Edinburgh inspired me and it’s University. amazing to think I A talented athlete have helped create specialising in the heavy Removing the something that will events of shot, discus and decathlon after seven events carbon fibre last forever.” hammer, he won medals in the and was eliminated from the modelling are The statue was Scottish Championships and pentathlon after three events. Moulding unveiled earlier this month ahead of the was selected to represent After qualifying as a doctor, Manager Terry Staffordshire Hoard: he took up medical practice in Ingram, top left, Britain at the 1924 Olympic Dark Age Discovery Stoke-on-Trent where he Games in Paris. sculptor Andy exhibition, which runs Unfortunately there was to became a councillor and an Edwards and between 21 July 2012 and be no Olympic glory for Arthur. Alderman – and served as the Apprentices Dan 1 September 2013. He withdrew from the city’s Lord Mayor in 1949-50. and Jak. Our City p7 11/5/12 10:30 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 7 Five more councillors speak to Our City for the latest in our on-going series where we delve into their backgrounds to find out what makes them stand for election in the first place and what makes them serve the city and its people.

Pictured at the Civic Centre reception are, left to right, Gwen Hassall, Matthew Fry, Bagh Ali, Randolph Conteh and Ann James.

Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Gwen Matthew Bagh Randolph Ann Hassall Fry Ali Conteh James Labour aged 31: aged 54: aged 53: aged 64: and Labour Labour City Independents City Independents Townsend North Penkhull and Stoke Great Chell and and Normacot Packmoor

I’m not giving my age THE support of the I’ve been a city I felt extremely proud I first became a because age is irrelevant local community councillor continuously of myself when I came councillor in 1999. In – it’s just a state of mind. I may convinced me to stand as a since 1996 making me the back to live in Penkhull and 2010 when I lost my seat after be chronologically older than councillor in May 2011. My longest serving. It’s a real was elected councillor for the serving for 11 years, this came “some of my colleagues but I’m “family and MP Rob Flello “benchmark. If I didn’t look “area because I was brought up “as a welcome break. Balancing new to the council, having been also supported me. I’d got to after people they wouldn’t vote in children’s homes here. home life, ward work and elected just under two years know him through my work as me back. I’ve been the councillor being a councillor can bring ago. I stood as a councillor fundraiser for the Special My concern for people is continuously since 2002. It’s its pressures. because I wasn’t happy with the Olympics team in North what got me into politics in my full time job. But I continued to work in politics of the BNP in the city Staffordshire. the first place. I’d been helping After nearly 20 years the community with residents’ and since then I’ve served on I’ve raised about £25,000 older and vulnerable people working down the pits, associations and the police on the Cabinet in different roles. so far to support 117 athletes before then but thought I following redundancy, I issues like antisocial behaviour My latest portfolio carries and used to compete myself at could help the older citizens of volunteered with a community and housing, and was responsibility for Social county, regional and national Stoke-on-Trent better by being group. We were struggling to persuaded to stand again in Services. level. I’ve got between 400 politically affiliated. I’d been a get funding from the council, 2011 so I’m back as a much That fits in with my and 500 medals but had to member of the Labour Party so I stood for election thinking needed voice for the north of background of working in stop competing when tests for 30 years so I stood for if you can’t beat em, join em! the city. housing for around 20 years, showed my IQ levels had gone election as it would put me in I’m passionate about the I believe the northern end of often with older people. I’ve from 75 to 125. a better position to deliver. community and love the city gets neglected. It’s worked in sheltered schemes That was a big Vulnerable people need organising consultation events difficult to get services to come and the social housing sector disappointment but I started more help so I’m available to get people’s views. That this far but it should be treated and that has given me an fundraising instead and we get 24/7 and visit people in their with personal hard graft and as an important gateway to the insight into what people’s needs loads of support from across houses virtually every day. It’s drive has resulted in new play city. It took us ages to get really are. the city. It made me realise, as about community for me and facilities in our two local parks something done with one For me, being a councillor is I worked in the community, not just the Asian community, which is fantastic for children. derelict triangle of land. about getting back to the what people need so that’s the whole community. A highlight for me was Our residents’ associations community. I know that my why I became a councillor. I’m a passionate Stokie and winning a national award. The in the ward do amazing work Cabinet work can take time I love it. It’s about being Stoke City supporter. I get Centre for Public Scrutiny and I couldn’t do what I do if away from the ward but I’m able to support people and satisfaction from delivering for honoured me with runner up it wasn’t for them. I think determined to make sure I recognise what they need. I’m people and if I didn’t think I in the non executive councillor their work and commitment is never lose that personal always available over the could deliver then I’d category for my council more important than touch. ” phone or via email. ” just call it a day. ” and community work. ” being a councillor. ” Our City p8 11/5/12 12:14 Page 1

8 Our City MAY 2012 Catering Assistant Emma Searl, left and Catering Project Manager Jess Perkins Enterprise puts jobs in the kitchen at the Hollybush on menu Centre. HE appetite for healthy food served up by Bush Tucker Mandate for Change T Enterprises is so good that expansion is on the menu for the events, plus daily meals for four local social enterprise catering business children’s nurseries. based at the Hollybush Centre Whenever possible the kitchen uses in . fresh food sourced from local providers. Their busy kitchen has been extended to Bush Tucker Enterprises was originally twice its original size to meet increased funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is demand for dishes that focus on freshly supported by the council’s social enterprise prepared food using fruit and vegetables start up fund and the Jobcentre Plus together with other choices that provide the Flexible Support Fund, which the council correct level of proteins and vitamins as helps to administer. well as low salt and fat content. However this Summer it will become Since it started five years ago Bush a Community Interest Company as a Tucker Enterprises has provided training go-it-alone venture with a sustainable level for scores of people who have gone on to of income. careers or training in catering as well as The team comprises Catering Manager community who are looking for employment for the area. raising awareness of the need to eat Jessica Perkins (who started as a kitchen employment in catering or simply wish to Liz Hunt, the Centre’s Chief Executive, healthily by holding exhibitions and Cook assistant and gained her catering find out how they and their families can eat said: “Bush Tucker Enterprises was and Eat sessions to promote the healthy qualifications through the Enterprise’s more healthily. originally set up as response to the health, living message. training programme), Catering Assistants The Hollybush Centre is a registered training and employment needs of the city The sustainable community enterprise Lorraine Cooper, Christine Barnett and charity set up in 1997 by Blurton residents and has been built up into a successful now employs five people full-time to Emma Searl, and Driver Roy Stanner. to provide locally based activities and community business by the sheer hard provide good quality, good value, healthy In addition to the permanent staff, the services and is the base for a number of work of the team.” and nutritious food for all occasions – such kitchen still offers training opportunities other community enterprises that have ● To find out more about Bush Tucker as buffets for business meetings and other for people of all ages from the local created training opportunities and Enterprises phone 01782 501919.

Val celebrates Amelia Sparkes and Aaron Marshall, both new job thanks aged seven, enjoy a dip at Fenton Manor. to JET support They are pictured below with friends A 55 year old woman celebrating Jake Bamford and getting back into work has Charlotte Brown. praised the city’s JET centres for their support. Val, of Weston Coyney, had been off work for some time with health issues and thought her age and lack of self-esteem would be a turn-off for employers. An appointment with a Personal JET Adviser and Mentor helped her with benefits, created a CV and built her confidence in her own abilities. After a few weeks and an interview she was delighted to be offered a job by a local DIY store. Val said:“My confidence has grown and I have the type of job that I enjoy and that suits me. If I hadn’t contacted JET I think I would not have found work Swimming skills boost pupils’ health so quickly. “Not only am I working now, HEADTEACHER Pauline Bloor is as every Year 2-6 pupil benefits minimum 30-minute lessons for but I am also starting my training passionate about the benefits of from pool time for at least a term. up to 50 children with flexible in Customer Service Level 1 and I swimming so she makes sure her Pauline said:“There are some bookings. might also be looking at doing an pupils are among the 6,000 a other providers that may be very Sessions can also be delivered NVQ or City & Guilds qualification week across Stoke-on-Trent using cheap but head teachers need to at a school’s own facilities. in customer service and retail. My the city council’s School be absolutely sure of the quality All lessons benefit from confidence is back where it used to be, which is brilliant. I would tell Swimming Service. of teaching and the health and an awards scheme, anyone who needed help to see Around 50 children from safety implications. which comes JET. The advisers are so easy to St John’s C of E Aided Primary “The School Swimming Service complete with talk to and they listened to me. In School in make the certainly provides value for certificates. many ways they made me answer weekly trip to the Fenton Manor money and quality provision in my own questions or find my own Sports Complex for safe and fun modern, fit for purpose, facilities.” ways to deal with it. pool sessions. The service works in Additional “They were so positive and Convinced about the health partnership with schools information helpful and really boosted my benefits, the school knows across the city to produce is available at confidence.They just made me children are learning a valuable bespoke programmes while stoke.gov.uk/ think about what I needed and life skill and enjoying an arranging transport, pool schoolswimming how I could reach my goals.“ experience outside of school that time and fully qualified and by calling 01782 236929 ● For more information on they might not always get during CRB checked teachers with or emailing school. how JET can help, please call difficult economic times. first aid, life-saving and child swimming@stoke. 01782 231215. Swimming is used to promote protection certification. gov.uk the school to prospective parents Schools benefit from Our City p9 11/5/12 12:06 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 9 Our City Olympiceight page Special Inspirational people line up to A golden opportunity to showcase carry the Flame all our city is WO Olympic Torchbearers from the same city achieving Tschool have overcome adversity to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay… By City Council and one has now gone Leader Councillor that extra mile to make MOHAMMED sure the other keeps her Torch as a souvenir of PERVEZ her big day. Phil Greer, the 55-year-old I am sure all of us are looking Site Supervisor at St Peter’s forward to the eyes of the world Academy suffered paralysis as a child and was told he would never being on our city when walk again. But he proved the doctors Stoke-on-Trent celebrates hosting wrong and has enjoyed a lifetime of the Olympic Torch Relay. top-class endurance running. He has Our city will swell with pride as completed 28 marathons and currently the symbolic Flame travels through coaches at national level. our historic streets... passing just a Pupil Zahraa Bangee, now 16, fought few feet from the homes of novelist her way back from a devastating brain and rock superstar haemorrhage to take her place as a Robbie Williams. Flame bearer. Her mum Sherin’s Our city has risen to the occasion, nomination read: “I, as her mother, am bringing all sections of the incredibly proud of what a truly community together to celebrate inspirational young woman my daughter has become.” this amazing Olympic year. That strength of spirit impressed As well as the evening celebration Phil who sprang into action and during the Flame’s two day visit, offered to help Zahraa’s family as there will be a host of other events, they looked at ways of raising including a colourful parade by funds to buy her Torch. hundreds of schoolchildren He takes up the story: “We’d representing the many nations both received emails saying we taking part in this summer’s Games. could buy our Torches. Zahraa I am delighted to see that local mentioned her family were looking businesses have been successful in at fund-raising so I offered to help bringing trade associated with the and ran the Lichfield Half Marathon to raise £255 for her Torch and stand. Games back to our city, boosting the local economy and supporting Once in a lifetime employment. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity This is a time to look back on for us and I couldn’t let her carry her Stoke-on-Trent’s historic Olympians, Torch and then not keep it for the rest who have flown the flag for the of her life. That would have been such Potteries, and to wish our current a shame.” sportspeople the best of luck as St Sherin said: “We were they strive for glory. Peter’s really touched by Phil’s This summer offers a tremendous offer and appreciated his Academy Site opportunity for our city to promote efforts. We supported Supervisor Phil Greer and him by getting family everything that is best about 16-year-old Zahraa Bangee Stoke-on-Trent and leave visitors and friends to sponsor are all set for their day in the him.” with a lasting impression of our spotlight when they carry the Phil and Zahraa friendliness, culture and attractions. are among several Olympic Flame through I am sure once they have sampled people chosen as Staffordshire’s our famous hospitality, the warmth Torchbearers. Others include streets. of our communities – and maybe Ainsley Cooper, former world even our delicious oatcakes – they professional squash champion will take the City of Stoke-on-Trent, Angela Smith, Andrew Wood, and its people, to their hearts. former Olympian Imran Sherwani, But more than anything else, the Daniel Tatton, Stephen Glover, Thomas Buckett and Colin Olympics give us all the chance to Scattergood. Also taking part are come together, enjoy this huge Ross Clarke, Daniel Ward, Sarah Turn the page for maps of the route the Flame will special occasion, celebrate our Green, Emma Jackson, a current 800 unique and special communities and metre Team GB runner, Rita Banks take and details of our special evening celebration be proud of all our city is achieving. and Clare Simcock. Our City p10 11/5/12 09:54 Page 1

10 Our City MAY 2012

Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration Route 30 May 2012

Magic as the Torch arrives

in our city Not to scale This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery AT 6.34pm precisely on Wednesday office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. 30 May the people of Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent City Council Licence Number: 100024286 2012 will become part of the London 2012 Olympic Games and claim an enduring place in Britain’s sporting and cultural heritage. That’s the moment the Olympic Thousands set to join in the Torch arrives in the city – one of 66 towns and cities hosting an evening celebration. The Torch Relay will travel 8,000 miles and be carried by 8,000 Torchbearers before the Flame big Olympic party arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July to light the cauldron and signal N evening of the start of the 2012 Games. celebration in Crowds are expected to line the A Hanley Park streets as the Flame makes its way will provide fun for from Shelton to Hanley Park – the venue for a fun filled evening of people of all ages as celebrations. the city welcomes the Earlier that day a spectacular Torchbearers Community Parade, starting at 2pm, carrying the Olympic will make its way along College Flame on Wednesday Road, Shelton to Hanley Park where 30 May. it will be welcomed by a schools Gates will open at 4pm choir from the city’s twin town of for 12,000 free ticket Erlangen. holders for the once-in-a- The Parade will include 1,000 lifetime event that will start young people from over 90 schools at 5pm and last for almost three hours. in Stoke-on-Trent, each school Big name Torch Relay representing one of the nations partners Coca Cola, Lloyds competing in the Games. TSB and Samsung, in The city will bid a golden farewell partnership with local to the Torch at 7am on 31 May when organisations and the city it will be re-lit during a ceremony at council will stage a the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery spectacular show to keep where the Staffordshire Hoard and a the crowds enthralled. 9-foot sculpture of an Anglo-Saxon Top of the bill will be the Olympic Flame that will warrior will be on show. Crowds in Hanley Park. Council Leader Councillor make a grand entrance to Mohammed Pervez, said:“The city the venue where the last council has worked with Torchbearer will light a symbolic Olympic Games cauldron on the Theatre and appearances by guest sports in the Torch Relay Community Parade, communities, schools, businesses main stage. stars, as well as inspirational digital Torchbearers and Children’s Promise and many other groups in the city to The packed evening celebration show displays on a giant screen. families. ensure everyone will have the includes live music by Kids in Glass 6,000 free tickets were available through People without tickets can still enjoy opportunity to join in this once in a Houses, acrobatic performance, a crowd the Ticketmaster website and a further other attractions in the park between lifetime celebration of the area’s interaction moment, dance by the Regent 6,000 were distributed at the request of 2pm and 4pm including a cookery strong heritage.” Theatre Creative Learning Department, a London 2012 to the Torch Relay demonstration and street sports held near spectacular performance by the New Vic Presenting Partners, schools participating to the bandstand area. Our City p11 10/5/12 17:31 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 11

Olympic Torch Relay Morning Departure Route 31 May 2012

Not to scale This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Licence Number: 100024286 2012 Colours of the world brighten community extravaganza

EARLY a thousand and 90 giant flags representing Stoke-on-Trent the Olympic nations. Nschool children are Councillor Mark Meredith, literally flying the flag for Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This is a the city as well as the rest once in a lifetime chance for our of the world during the city’s children and young people Olympic community to become part of something that parade. will live long in the memory.” Joined by 200 dancers and B arts Artistic Director Susan musicians, young people from 90 Clarke said: “The city is bursting schools and colleges are taking to with creative potential and this is Councillor the streets on 30 May for the the sort of event we need to make Mark Meredith parade from College Road to the most of and tell everyone with pupils Hanley Park to celebrate the about. We hope it can become an displaying giant flags arrival of the Olympic Flame. annual event – a Stoke Day which they will use Locally based arts organisation Parade – that celebrates the in the Olympic B arts was commissioned by the richness and energy of all our Torch Parade. city council to help the children communities, which are such a produce 200 carnival costumes great asset to us all.” Our City p12-13 11/5/12 11:14 Page 1

12 Our City MAY 2012 MAY 2012 Our City 13

Safety World-class ceramic ware flies the flag for Stoke-on-Trent at summer spectacular as Games trade boosts employment City business first for executives torch relay welcome evening Olympics DETAILED plans are in place opportunity for the safety of thousands of people expected to watch the As one of Stoke-on-Trent’s Olympic Flame make its way biggest employers, Steelite through Stoke-on-Trent and “International is certainly fired take centre stage at an up about this Olympic year. evening celebration. “Now preparations to Civil contingency experts welcome the Olympic Torch from the city council have Relay are gathering pace, worked with other council there’s a real departments and the police sense of as they cater for several optimism, thousand people on the both among streets of Shelton, Burslem, businesses Cobridge and Middleport and the with a further 12,000 at the public, as we get ready to evening event in Hanley Park. A show the Around 30 stewards will be RIVER nation what a on duty for the Torch Relay on RUNS fantastic and 30 and 31 May with another THROUGH IT... vibrant city this is. 30 security supervisors the plate which “This high profile event will helping the crowd at the park First Bus driver Andy Watt, front, features the route of the shine the spotlight on Stoke- celebration. Some roads will and Travel Clerk Paul Blair who Thames, with Designer Julian on-Trent, its industries and its be temporarily closed. have volunteered to drive buses Orr, left, and Design people, and show just why Peter Burgess, the council’s carrying spectators to Olympic Director Danny we’re all proud to be part Strategic Manager for Health, venues. Goodall. Safety and Emergency of the Potteries. Planning, said:“We have put Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive” up barriers where necessary of Steelite International but this is a fun, family event so we want to allow people Stoke-on-Trent is a truly to get as close to the action unique city full to the brim as possible.” with character. City companies win OIympic business ““And much of its inimitable charm is down Exciting to its people. Creative and cycling imaginative, worth millions of pounds the people of spectacle Stoke-on- LYMPIC contracts Trent are THE Grand Final of the 2012 worth millions of The Sodexo brief gave passionate, Halfords Cycling Tour Series Opounds have boosted us an opportunity to loyal and tenacious and have all the will be hosted in the city as order books for businesses part of a spectacular final day create innovative items necessary qualities to build of racing. across Stoke-on-Trent. strong communities and grow The televised event will see City-based suppliers of which will now be successful businesses. products and services successfully Britain’s 10 leading teams go “Once again Stoke-on-Trent is bid for tenders through a variety used to showcase head-to-head in an exciting of routes including the a hub of activity and we’re team time trial event on CompeteFor Business portal. British design and leading it into a new era of Johnson Tiles provided Thursday 14 June – with many Winners from the ceramics manufacturing revival and vitality. Quite top cyclists using the race as materials for the athletes industry included The Waterford, simply there is no better Wedgwood part of their warm up for the village, hockey centre and Wedgwood and excellence to visitors place for our business. ware Olympic Games. cycling centre, as well as for Group who were appointed to Michael Haynes, produced In addition, the final of the the pool refurbishment at the produce London 2012 from all over the world. Managing Director of ” for the Johnson Health Tech Grand National Diving Centre in commemorative and souvenir Danny Goodall Portmeirion Group Prix Series will take place and Crystal Palace, pictured. Olympics. merchandise. Johnson Tiles won DUDSON DESIGN DIRECTOR a special relay will be held for contracts for several Olympic Stoke-on-Trent is Bronze, the first time ever on the final projects including floor and wall of the River Executive of the North Silver and Gold day, named in honour of one of tiles for the athletes’ village, the Thames. Dudson Staffordshire Chamber of European cities for inward when it comes Stoke-on-Trent’s famous sons, hockey centre and a re-vamped investment, economic growth and Design Director Commerce, said: “It’s “to pottery, cyclist Tommy Godwin cycling centre. Danny Goodall said: Engineering pleasing that several city business expansion by the you can get Tommy, who was born in Helping local businesses win in 2012 The firm also produced tiles “The Sodexo brief gave us an and site service contracts businesses have benefited from the Financial Times, European Cities anything made Stoke-on-Trent in 1912, still for the diving pool refurbishment opportunity to create innovative went to a variety of firms including Olympics.” of the Future Awards for Micro BUSINESS LOANS: Small business loans are now funding and investor development services. For advice, from a new hip holds the world cycling records at the National Diving Centre in items which will now be used to Wardell Armstrong who carried Olympic opportunities have Cities. Independent researchers available in Stoke-on-Trent through a partnership call 0300 111 8002. for miles covered in a year Crystal Palace, which meant showcase British design and out survey work. T and C Site come as several city-council picked out the city for its strong joint to a involving the city council and the Black Country (75,065 miles / 120,805 TRANSFORMING ENTERPRISE IN STOKE-ON- TRENT cutting larger metric tiles with manufacturing excellence to Services Ltd, the UK’s largest backed initiatives, launched in transport links and business gallon teapot. kilometres) and the fastest Reinvestment Society. (TEST): TEST is a city council funded programme water jets to produce smaller visitors from all over the world.” independent earthmover tyre partnership with other agencies connections across Europe. “Stoke-on- specialist, provided tyre repair completion of 100,000 miles A council investment of £100,000 in the Stoke-on-Trent designed to help deliver the Mandate for Change. It imperial sized measurements. Praising the designs of UK and organisations under the Councillor Mark Meredith, Trent is a key services for the heavy plant and (160,000 km). Loan Fund has been doubled by the society as it offers was launched by Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Designers at Dudson were manufacturers, Dr. Laura Cohen, Mandate for Change programme, Stoke-on-Trent City Council part of Britain’s manufacturing Chief Executive of the British equipment used across the have also started bearing fruit. Cabinet Member for Economic In 1939, Godwin entered loans to companies employing 50 people or less. For Member for Economic Development, on 27 February commissioned by Sodexo base and through the plates Prestige to produce fine dining Ceramic Confederation, said: “The Olympic site. Latest figures collated for a Development said: “To be the Golden Book of Cycling as more information, contact BCRS on 0845 313 8410. and has two elements, assisting new business on your table or the mug in tableware to be used at a number Olympics and the Jubilee will be More than 40 First Bus staff monthly council Business Bulletin receiving this award shows to the greatest long-distance BUSINESS HELPLINE: More than 300 callers have start-ups and helping existing businesses to grow your kitchen we all have of high profile events, including bringing in plenty of tourists who from the city have given up a week show a growing number of businesses and potential investors a stake in Stoke-on-Trent. rider in the world. He rode already used a business helpline launched in February and create jobs. VIP hospitality functions at the want to buy a commemorative of their holiday after volunteering inquiries to the council’s Make it that our city is very much open for 75,065 miles (120,805 km) in a to make it easier for entrepreneurs to invest and grow. TEST comprises business and enterprise coaching, Games. One of the signature mug or other ceramic product and to operate FirstGroup shuttle and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire business and that our Matthew Rice, Managing year, averaging over 200 miles Director of Emma ” Backed by the city council, the Stoke-on-Trent and TEST-trading, mentoring, help with access to finance pieces being made in many manufacturers are finding park and ride bus services for Inward Investment Service. infrastructure and location in per day. Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership offers help on and recruitment, understanding supply chains and Stoke-on-Trent is a plate increased interest in their entire spectators. The city has also been particular make it a prime location Bridgewater everything from start-ups and international trade to bespoke business intelligence. featuring a channel in the shape ranges.” Sara Williams, the Chief nominated as one of the top 10 to invest.” Our City p14-15 11/5/12 11:33 Page 1

14 Our City MAY 2012

Men and wome city with

TOKE-on-Trent includes Sports and Leisure, is blessed with said: “Given the successful SOlympic talent past legacy of many of the athletes and sporting stars from the and present – and has city it would be fantastic if plenty of budding stars one of the latest sporting Above: gold medal lining up for future hopefuls added to this with winner Imran Sherwani Games too. success at the Olympics. in action against West From men’s hockey “We have a great pedigree Germany in the 1988 Olympic champion Imran for producing sporting stars Olympics in Seoul. Sherwani and cycling legend and I am sure this will Les West to London 2012 continue for many, many years Left: grocer’s son Joe qualifiers, such as pole-vaulter to come.” Deakin who Steven Lewis and runner Perhaps the most famous represented Great Emma Jackson, the city can and certainly most successful local Olympian in living Britain in the 1908 boast top athletes who have graced track, field and memory is Imran Sherwani. London Olympics, and sporting events. The former police officer right, Norman And there is plenty to look and newsagent was part of the Wainwright who forward to beyond the gold medal winning Great competed in the summer Games, with Britain field hockey team in freestyle and promising home-grown talent the 1988 Olympics held in backstroke swimming setting their sights on Brazil Seoul, South Korea. Imran events at the 1932, 2016 and beyond. became an overnight hero after 1936 and 1948 Games. Councillor Mark Meredith, scoring twice in the 3-1 victory whose cabinet portfolio over West Germany. Keen walkers stage their own Games relay across the six towns STANDBY for the Olympics relay walks designed to provide healthy Norton, Berryhill and . event – in Stoke-on-Trent! exercise and a chance to meet FSC Chief Executive Judy Crabb The 50 Closer to Home walking people. said:“The walks are usually held in groups organised by the city-based The gentle outings usually last parks and greenways in the city national charity Federation of for 45 minutes to an hour, although and include historical areas, nature Stadium Communities (FSC) will be others can be longer. and opportunities for photography stepping out to mark the 2012 Funded by the NHS and led by to provide interest for group London Games with a special volunteers, the walks are specially members. outing. recommended for people who lead “The special walk with a baton is After each group completes its a sedentary lifestyle and those with not a race but a symbolic way of walk, a baton will be handed to a high blood or cholesterol levels and joining up different communities in representative of the next group to weight problems. the city just as the Olympic Games walk until the groups have covered The special Olympic walks will be unite nations through sport.” the whole city. held on five separate days to ● To join a Closer to Home The free-to-join walking network symbolise the five rings of the walking group or for more Nora Boulton from , Alan Myatt covers every part of the city. Olympic emblem. information about the Olympic from Clayton, Ken Harper from Newstead and More than 3,000 people of all The circular walks will start and relay events phone 01782 Brian King from Dresden walking in Trentham ages have already taken part in the finish at Trentham, Hanley,Tunstall, 831900. Park in preparation for their walking relay. Our City p14-15 11/5/12 11:33 Page 2

MAY 2012 Our City 15

Gold medal hopeful Dani King winning the Johnson Health Tech Women’s Grand Prix in Stoke-on-Trent city centre in June 2011.

Pole vaulter Steven Lewis – a former Holden Lane High School Pupil – hopes to bring a medal home to Stoke-on-Trent from this year’s Games. Right: Les West, a national cycling road race champion whose hopes of Olympic glory in Mexico in 1968 were shattered when he suffered a puncture at a crucial stage men fly the flag for of a race. hOlympic pride

Earlier this year the 50-year-old also did the Potteries proud. sports teacher was inducted into Freestyle and backstroke specialist the City of Stoke-on-Trent Norman represented Great Britain Sporting Hall of Fame – joining in the 1932, 1936 and 1948 footballers Sir Stanley Matthews Summer Olympics. and Gordon Banks and darts He also won gold, silver and legend Phil Taylor. bronze medals in the 1934 Also joining Imran in the Hall of and 1938 Empire Games Fame was Les West – a national (the forerunner to the cycling champion. The Potteries Commonwealth Games) in both ace who finished second in the team and individual events. s world road race championship Grocer’s son Joe Deakin, who never achieved his grand ambition was born in Shelton, won gold in of an Olympic medal after being the three-mile team event at the thwarted by a puncture at Mexico 1908 London Olympics. The personal best of 5.72 metres and Gymnasts in 1968. rifleman, who fought in the Boer has been praised by Team GB Steak and champagne War, reportedly finished 30 yards head coach Charles van warm up on ahead of his nearest rival. However, Commenee for his “development”. However, he did go on to turn he was unable to finish the later Also looking to aim high is professional and won a series of five-mile track race after being sprint hurdler Nick Gayle. The our Manor national road race titles to add to treated to a slap-up lunch of steak 26-year-old born- SOME of Britain’s top his double triumph in the Tour of and champagne to mark the victory. and-bred star is hoping to line up gymnasts will help to spread Britain Milk Race. It is not a scenario that can be against the best in the world at the Olympic ideal in r Earlier in the 20th century, envisaged for today’s Team GB London 2012 after constantly y swimmer Norman Wainwright and Olympic hopefuls, who include Stoke-on-Trent with notching up impressive results at performances at Fenton Manor middle-distance runner Joe Deakin runner Emma Jackson. 110 metre hurdles. Sports Complex in the run-up The 23-year-old, from Cycling team pursuit world Trentham, has represented her champion Dani King, 21, who to the 2012 London Games. country in every age group at 800 races for Stoke-on-Trent cycling The sports men and women metres, and finished fourth in the team Matrix Fitness-Prendas, of will be demonstrating their 2010 Commonwealth Games. In Trentham Lakes, is a talents in a series of 2011, she further boosted her favourite for a gold. spectacular events Olympic credentials by breaking And the future organised by British the two-minute barrier for 800 looks bright too. Gymnastics, the UK’s metres for the first time and Stoke-on-Trent’s national governing body reached the semi-finals of her Becky Martin, 15, for gymnastics. specialist event at the 2011 World narrowly missed out in First class facilities at Fenton Championships. the Olympic selection process for It should be a double honour for Women’s Archery but was praised Manor Sports Complex include Emma, a former St. Joseph’s for her “amazing maturity” by superbly equipped sports College and Keele University Archery GB Performance Director halls, Shapes Health and student, this summer. Not only Leisure Club and swimming Sara Symington, and is one to Former St Joseph’s has she set her sights on watch for upcoming tournaments. pools – one of them is the competing in the Olympics but has And another potential star is College student largest in Staffordshire. been chosen as a Torchbearer Taekwondo competitor Amy Emma Jackson, 23, Chris Austin, Events and when the Olympic Flame is Truesdale, who trains in from Trentham, has Commercial Manager for the carried through the city. Stoke-on-Trent. high hopes for the city council’s Sport and Leisure Steven Lewis is one of the city’s The rising star won silver in 800m track event. Services, said:“We hope the top hopes for a medal in the pole the World Para Taekwondo appearance of the country’s vault event. He is the country’s Championships in 2009 but also number one, has already scooped features in able-bodied competitions. leading gymnasts and the silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Amy, who was born with the Olympic branding at Fenton Games in Delhi and finished lower part of her left arm missing, Manor Sports Complex will get fourth in the 2009 European is on course to represent Team GB more people interested in Indoor Championships. The in the 2016 Brazil Games – if the taking part in the sports and former Holden Lane High School discipline is chosen as an Olympic activities on offer.” pupil, now 25, has set an outdoor event. Our City p16 11/5/12 11:39 Page 1

16 Our City MAY 2012 Antonia Taffe-Smith, aged 9, Isabelle Packed event Grant, 10, and Sydney Jackson of the 7th Hanley programme Brownies with the Olympic badges they are working towards and an Olympic organised for torch they made Summer 2012 themselves. LOTS of events are being planned for the next few months to help residents enjoy the Olympic year even more.They include: May 16: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Greyhound Inn, 8pm. 19: North Staffordshire Special Olympics Athletics Championship, Northwood Stadium. 20: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Richmond Street Park, 2-4pm.Track and field sports organised in conjunction with 238 Hartshill Air Cadets. www.communitygames.org.uk 25: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Robin Hood, 8pm. 26: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Lodge Road Park, 1-3pm. Sports for everyone organised in conjunction with Sporting Ventures www.communitygames.org.uk 29: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Red Lion, 8pm. 29: Torch Relay, 6.34pm 30: Torch Relay Evening Celebration, Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent. www.stoke.gov.uk/olympics2012 31: Torch Relay morning depart City Centre, Cobridge, Burslem, Middleport - 7am. www.stoke.gov.uk/olympics2012 June Something for everyone as 9: Discovering Places 2012 ‘Spot the Species’ walk, , 10am-midday. Meet Lower Park 9.45am. 12: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Old House at Home, 8pm. 14: Dancing for the Games Ballroom & Sequence whole city joins in Dance, Kings Hall, 8-11.30pm.Tickets £4. Contact Vanessa Darlington 01782 236156. HOUSANDS of doing all sorts of activities and each badge is a segment so 14: Tour Series, City Centre, 2-9pm. people in the Potteries have when they’ve got the four, it 16: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games T forms a circle. The girls are Hartshill Cemetery Walk, 2-4pm led by local taken part in Olympic loving it.” historian Reg Edwards. inspired events involving One of the girls, Lori 21: Holden Lane High School and Cluster London 2012 backed Jones-Pullin, aged nine, said: Primary Schools Torch Relay. initiatives, which are “It’s been good fun learning based around Local about the Olympics. We’ve 25-29: National School Sport Week. Leaders and Community been doing some interesting 25: London 2012 World Sport Day celebrations Games. activities and I’m really in the UK. The Hartshill and Harpfields looking forward to seeing the 26-28: City Songbirds 2012 Concert Victoria Hall. Residents’ Association launched Torch in Stoke.” 27: June – TOPP Link School Sport Festival a packed 14-week calendar of Since the announcement was made that the Games were Northwood Stadium. events stretching through to early July including sports days, coming to London, Stoke-on- July walks, pub quizzes and even Trent has grapsed the unique skipping and hula-hoop opportunity to inspire and 1: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games engage communities, as well as ‘Canine Capers’ Hartshill Park, 2-4pm. competitions. Haywood Engineering raise its profile both nationally Community Games for dogs and their owners College in Burslem is staging a and internationally as a centre organised in conjunction with 238 Hartshill Air Community Games Festival of sporting and cultural Cadets. www.communitygames.org.uk on 7 July. excellence. 2-7: Creative Minds Festival 2012, Regent A costume parade will be Godiva Awakes Theatre, www.atgtickets.com followed by attractions in the 3: Staffordshire School Games Festival, Keele school grounds featuring a As part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad 24 young University. mini sports activity village, a climbing wall, fairground rides people from Stoke-on-Trent 7: Haywood Engineering College PTFA and stalls. have explored themes of Community Games, 11am-5pm. The girls of the 7th Hanley equality, fairness and social www.communitygames.org.uk Brownies and Guides are busy justice in their community as 27: Olympic Games Opening Ceremony London. learning about the Olympics part of the regional Godiva 27: Toddle Waddle and and its values as they work Awakes project. towards getting special badges In July 2012, Godiva – the Children’s Games, on the subject. Forty girls, legendary lady who rode Crescent Children’s aged between seven and 15, naked through the streets of FLASHBACK... Centre, Meir. meet once a week, to work Coventry – will awake to a to the start of an Olympics-linked initiative 31: National Flags Activity, through badges called On Your spectacular performance in Stoke-on-Trent called World of Dance Gladstone Pottery Marks, Values, Culture and involving dancers, actors, which culminates on 14 June this year with Museum. 11am-3pm. Sport. aerialists, musicians, a Dancing for the Games ballroom and 50p plus admission. Karen Cooper, one of the pyrotechnicians, carnivalists sequence event in the King’s Hall in Stoke. unit leaders, said: “We’re and our young people. Our City p17 11/5/12 10:35 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 17 Campaign Fresh ideas for future use of aim to cut grassfires A campaign has been rolled green open space out for its second year in light of Stoke-on-Trent continuing to be one of the worst hit areas HE seeds are being sown to create eco-friendly source of fuel oil that could help group to make recommendations to Cabinet in Staffordshire for Stoke-on-Trent’s green and open make the city self sufficient in heating and to help in developing a green space strategy.” deliberately-set grassfires. Tspaces of the future. A task group of lighting energy. He added: “Maintaining all of the city’s Firefighters have been called councillors is coming up with ideas for the Other suggestions have centred on the green and open spaces is very costly and we out to tackle 35 outdoor blazes future use of parks and green spaces which health benefits of creating more outdoor will be looking at ways of minimising future in the city so far this year – make up a third of the land within the city’s gyms and improving Greenways to encourage costs. However the review is not a cost boundaries. walking, running and cycling. cutting exercise but an opportunity to take a more than a third of the 93 Members of the group will help determine Councillor Andy Platt, formerly Chairman fresh look at what we really want from our attended in the county. how these precious amenities can be best of the task group and now Cabinet Member open green spaces for the benefit of future Staffordshire Fire and used in 20 years time. for Green Enterprises and City Services, generations.” Rescue Service has re-launched Organisations and residents have been said: “Feedback so far has been extremely its Flames Aren’t Games asked by the council for their ideas – and positive and has produced some campaign to target potential already there have been radical and exciting innovative ideas. These fire starters – who tend to be suggestions on how open spaces can be used will help the task young teenage boys – and are for leisure and to improve the environment. urging parents to play their The group has recruited the Chief part. Executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to The Service’s Head of Risk assist them. Groups such as residents’ Reduction Glynn Luznyj said: associations, allotment groups and anglers “We tend to see a sharp have already provided positive feedback and have been given the opportunity increase of deliberately started to speak to the task group. grass fires during the school holidays and Stoke-on-Trent is Wildlife habitats always the highest hit area in Interested agencies such as the whole of Staffordshire. Staffordshire Police, Public Councillor Andy Platt, “This year we are asking Health, Groundwork and formerly Chairman of the parents to help us in educating British Waterways as well as green open space task group, their children about the young people groups are and now Cabinet Member for dangers and consequences of also being consulted. starting grass fires. Local Ideas put forward so Green Enterprises and City Services at the entrance to firefighters have also visited far include the schools in the area to talk to development of more the path at woodland to provide Hanford. the children about fire safety.” natural wildlife Last year, almost one habitats and turning quarter of the 1,191 grass some of the city’s fires in Staffordshire were in open acres to Stoke-on-Trent. sustainable crops The campaign will run such as sunflower until October. seed as an Preserving the for grass roots soccer Mother Town’s £1M BOOST GRASS roots football across Stoke-on-Trent is great heritage getting a £1million council boost with a four-phased programme of improvements to A historic pub and an Indian facilities and pitches. takeaway are among the final All goalposts on municipal pitches are projects to benefit from the Sports being replaced by next season. current round of funding to Information Officer Eighty-four sets ranging from full sized to improve the great heritage Dave Bloor, left, and five-a-side are being installed over the appeal of Burslem. Sports Participation next few months. In the past seven years the Officer Les Eyre with some The city council and The Football Burslem Townscape Heritage of the new goalposts at Foundation have jointly funded the Initiative has supported the the council’s Cromer project. A large portable building renovation of more than 50 Road Depot at salvaged from the site of the new historic properties to preserve Northwood. Discovery Academy has been craned into the heritage appeal of the place at Trubshaw Cross to provide changing Mother Town. facilities and toilets for Lads ‘n’ Dads and other The work, which has received teams.This phase will be complete by next a total investment of £8million season. from two rounds of Townscape The changing pavilion at Fenton Park is Heritage Initiative funding and being completely revamped and new drainage the private sector during the installed to four pitches there in time for the period, has helped start of the 2013/14 season. to boost trade Phase four involves upgrading existing with nearly 50 synthetic pitches at Dimensions Leisure Centre more businesses with a third generation surface as well as open in the town proposals for a similar pitch at Northwood today compared Stadium.This depends on further support from to 2006. The Football Foundation. The last phase Councillor Mark Meredith, whose cabinet includes external portfolio includes Sports and Leisure, said: renovations to “This is a huge investment in improving the properties in quality of football facilities across the city. It’s a Queen Street and really exciting programme.” Market Place. Our City p18 11/5/12 11:51 Page 1

18 Our City MAY 2012 Campaign targets illegal driving Partnership working helps MOTORISTS in Stoke-on-Trent who use their hand-held mobiles while driving are being targeted during a summer-long road safety operation. Jointly run by police and the Safer drive down crime Roads Partnership, teams will be out IOLENT crime leading in force in highly visible yellow vans to injury has fallen by filming people who flout the law. Those caught face £60 fines and will Valmost 16 per cent across get three points on their licence. Stoke-on-Trent as police and Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet partner agencies work together Member for Regeneration, Planning to make the city even safer. and Transportation, said:“Holding a In the last 12 months the recorded mobile while driving is not only illegal number of these types of crimes was but also puts the safety of other 2,610. This represents a 15.8 per cent decrease when compared to 3,100 similar drivers and pedestrians across incidences in 2010/11. Stoke-on-Trent at risk.” Overall crime is also down for the same period – this time by seven per cent, from 23,822 incidents to 22,144. The latest performance figures Warning over risks published by Staffordshire Police also reveal that serious acquisitive crime – at summer parties which includes burglary, robbery and vehicle crime – has fallen by 3.6 per cent, STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service the 10th consecutive year there has been a is urging people to think safety first as reduction. they gear up to celebrate a summer of Bernie O’Reilly, Staffordshire Police royal events and sporting activities. Chief Superintendent for North The London Olympics,The Queen’s Staffordshire, said: “The figures are Diamond Jubilee and Euro 2012 are all impressive and a great testament to my taking place, leading to an increase in officers and our colleagues in other outdoor socialising, including street organisations including the council. parties and barbecues. “Their professionalism, 24 hours a day, Head of Risk Reduction Glyn Luznyj 365 days a year, in protecting the public of said:“The summer will be an exciting Stoke-on-Trent has been the overriding Co-ordinated efforts by partners including the police and council factor. times.We want people to have fun but has helped reduce incidents of violence and serious acquisitive we also want them to celebrate safely “Fewer victims of this type of crime every year for the last 10 years is crime like robbery, burglary and thefts from cars. by planning ahead and taking simple absolutely brilliant – but now I want us to precautions.” do even better and make it 11 years of For a list of safety tips log onto crime reductions.” Women’s Aid and Arch to tackle town centres. Meanwhile, figures show www.staffordshire.gov.uk A quarter of violent crime injuries are underlying causes. that in a city with 106,000 households and caused by domestic violence. Operation Safer Nights was launched to a population of 240,000 people, less than As a result Staffordshire Police has a tackle violent crime, much of which is three homes are broken into a day, less well-established policy of taking positive fuelled by alcohol, and has since seen the than eight cars are stolen a week, there are Council scoops a action and works closely with the city development of initiatives aimed at less than six violent crimes a week and less safety accolade council and partner agencies such as reducing violent incidents in the city and than 18 robberies take place a month. THE council’s approach to the prevention of accidents and ill health was recognised in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety £12m school will give best start Awards 2012. A Gold Award was presented to the BUILDING work is underway on Transportation with responsibility council at a ceremony at the Hilton the new Kemball Special School as for the BSF programme. Her sister Birmingham Metropole Hotel earlier the £250 million Building Schools Erica is a former Kemball pupil so this month. It is the second year the for the Future (BSF) programme Ruth has a personal interest in city council has achieved gold status gathers pace. special needs education. in this category.The RoSPA Pupils aged three to 19 who She said:“Kemball was fantastic Occupational Health and Safety have complex needs and profound for Erica and the new school will Awards scheme, dates back to 1956 learning difficulties are moving be even better with modern, and is the largest and longest-running from their current site in Fenton to inspirational facilities which programme of its kind in the UK. a state of the art £12 million reflect the amazing skills of the building on the site of the teachers.The new schools we’re Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews building across Stoke-on-Trent Academy at Blurton. will all provide the best start we Hi-tech security Due to open in September 2013, can for future generations.” the new school will provide space Kemball is one of 16 secondary for up to 140 pupils and includes a and special schools where a firm creates jobs hydrotherapy pool, classrooms re-vamp or complete re-build is MORE than 30 jobs will be created in the with en-suite facilities, covered now underway as part of the BSF city over the next three years as a high outdoor teaching spaces and two programme. Construction work on security surveillance industry locates to pods housing parents and the remaining two schools, Holden Stoke-on-Trent. interview rooms as well as soft Lane and Abbey Hill, is expected Observation 247, which was originally play and sensory rooms. to start later this year. founded by three brothers and a friend A courtyard will provide ● Pictured right, Council Leader all from the military, provides outdoor dining and socialising Mohammed Pervez cuts the first professional 24 hour surveillance for the space while a dedicated training turf at the new Kemball Special hospitality industry along with specialist flat has been designed to help School helped by pupils Cameron covert surveillance services. older students develop their Kay and Alethea Littlejohn, The company opened its new independent living skills. Pupils watched by Cabinet Member for headquarters in Longton following will also use Ormiston facilities to Regeneration, Planning and support from the Make It Stoke-on-Trent broaden their opportunities. Transportation Councillor Ruth and Staffordshire Inward Investment Councillor Ruth Rosenau is the Rosenau, Construction Service. Cabinet Member for Management Trainee Will Regeneration, Planning and Chambers and pupil Jacob Smith. Our City p19 11/5/12 09:10 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 19

Children’s Centre Tel: 01782 231096 UPDATEUPDATEUPDATE Tel: 01782 238989 News and information from Stoke-on-Trent’s Children’s Centres May 2012 Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

Tel: 01782 236333

Two-year-old Kyle Barlow demonstrates the sport of ‘dad rolling’ with his father Chris Tel: 01782 234357 at Hope Children’s Centre.

Tel: 01782 237100 Toddlers in training to become wacky Olympic champions Tel: 01782 231815 Tel: 01782 596421 F the Olympics featured podium in just such a race when Going for Gold event in Central morning, can we do this again in a Roll Your Daddy Race the Hope Children’s Centre stages Forest Park on 6 August. the Summer. Really enjoyed then little Kyle Barlow, its very own mini Games in Mum Michelle Condliffe, who rounders and parachutes.” I honour of London 2012. is 22 and expecting the couple’s Other parents praised the as our picture shows, would Kyle is shoving his basketball- second baby in August, said: “Kyle outdoor games idea too so centre already be the champion. playing dad Chris, aged 20, loves playing ball games with his staff and parents put their heads Tel: 01782 237650 The tot who is three in July is around the house as he builds up dad, basketball and football, so together before coming up with already in training to top the his muscles for the Stay and Play he’s quite sporting.” the Olympic-themed event. The two-hour festival of family Jaime Wainwright-Jones, the city fun features several events council Central Locality including Roll Your Daddy, an Co-ordinator responsible for four obstacle course and a torch relay children’s centres, said: “We Tel: 01782 233775 Toddle waddle baby race with hand-made Olympic torches. organised the event after listening BABIES even get to take part in a mini Olympics being staged at There are also parachute games to the parents’ feedback and what The Crescent Children’s Centre in Meir this summer. and the shoe race in which better way to encourage families A toddle waddle has been organised for the nought to one year children and children’s centre staff to get more physical than taking olds as part of two-hours of fun organised by the centre in mix their footwear in a big pile some of our activities into the partnership with the Pre School Nursery based there. before putting them on again and great outdoors and linking it with Tel: 01782 234024 Families are being invited along on 27 July between 10am and making a dash for the finish line. the Olympic Games, which is 12 noon as children aged up to eight take part in egg and spoon, Families will wear red, white celebrated worldwide. and blue on the day as they stage “We hope the event will also sack, bean bag and sprint races. Older children will also get to a parade of nations with encourage dads to join in and dribble balls around a coned course. homemade flags and there will be judging by the list of activities, we Vicki McDonnell, a Senior Childcare Practitioner based in the a closing ceremony. are expecting the Roll Your Daddy Tel: 01782 233670 pre-school nursery, said:“The Crescent mini Olympics will enhance The park is also hosting a fun Race to be very popular. the opportunities already offered not only to children who attend fair at the time. “We are really excited to be the nursery but those who attend the centre as they all learn and The event comes hot on the hosting the ‘Games’ and looking experience new activities together.” heels of a similar children’s centre forward to awarding our Gold Community Development Officer Caz Gotham said:“It’s a great Easter event in the park, which was Certificates to all children taking opportunity for our local children to be part of the Olympics.” hugely successful. Mum Alex part. Don’t forget to bring a Tel: 01782 237500 Gimbert said of that event: “Lovely healthy picnic box.” Our City p20-21 10/5/12 17:29 Page 1 COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO CHILD CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY Families welcome to 01782 01782 231096 238989 take part in packed Ball Green Primary School,Whitfield Road,Ball Green ST6 8AJ ,Hamil Road,Burslem,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW activity programme MONDAY OTHER SERVICES MONDAY FRIDAY ● Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Toy Library Maths Course and Crèche Lets Get Creative 9:30-11am EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent family support can make the most of a great ● specialist support for children TUESDAY Volunteering Programme (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am (Messy play Drop-In,please bring a change of clothing) range of services and facilities at with additional needs Adult Learning and Crèche 1-3pm Jumping Beans Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm the city’s children’s centres. ● outreach workers (Ask at reception) Tiny Talkers ● TUESDAY OTHER SERVICES The teams reach out into their information for local communities to support parents FRIDAY English Course and Crèche Toy Library families and give children the very ● activities to Little Sprouts Stay and Play (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme Gardening Group (0-5yrs) 1:30-3pm best start in life. help parents and carers Growing Together 1-2:30pm Jumping Beans But anyone is welcome to pop get back to work. (Referral only) Tiny Talkers into their local centre and take Each children’s centre also WEDNESDAY part in one of the dozens of delivers additional services activities featured on this pull out tailored to meet local needs. Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am and keep special feature. There are even opportunities Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am Children’s centres provide a to volunteer and learn new skills THURSDAY range of services including: that could lead to qualifications, a ● childcare and children's learning job or career change. Tiny Explorers Baby Group and development Contact details are included (0-18mths) 9:30-11am ● health services with each centre’s calendar. Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-12pm Adult Learning and Crèche (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE O

01782 01782 231096 01782 238352 232977 Greatbatch Avenue,Penkhull, Eaves Lane,Bucknall,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS MONDAY St Nicholas Avenue,Norton,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JW MONDAY FRIDAY Bishop Road,Chell Heath,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW Stay and Play 9:30-11am MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Time 4 You* 12:30-2:30pm Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12:30pm MONDAY FRIDAY (PICL,2-5yrs) English Course and Crèche 1-3pm Toy Library TUESDAY Messy Monsters Craft 1-2:30pm Growing Together 1:15-2:45pm (Ask at reception) Volunteering Programme Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am Growing Together 9:30-11:30am (Referral only) Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day (Baby Stay and Play for 0-12mths) Jumping Beans Adult Learning and Crèche OTHER SERVICES TUESDAY (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day Tiny Talkers OTHER SERVICES Toy Library (By request) Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am Babbling Babes/Growing Together TUESDAY (0-18mths) TUESDAY Sensory Room (Booking only) Toy Library 10:30-11:30am Triple P 9:30-11:30am Adult Learning and Crèche 1-3pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30am Volunteering Programme Speech and Language Support* Staying Connected* 12:30-2:30pm (Appointment only) (Ask at reception) (Ask at reception) Play and Learning in the Home* Jumping Beans (Limited crèche places) Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm WEDNESDAY Messy Monkeys Baby Group Fathers Group Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care) Stay & Play 1:15-2:45pm WEDNESDAY Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (0-18mths) 9:30-11am Volunteering Programme (PICL,1-2yrs) English Course and Crèche Stay and Play (PICL) 10-11:30am Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day THURSDAY (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm Stay and Play (PICL) 1:15-2:45pm WEDNESDAY Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In (Abbey Hulton Primary) (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Baby Massage* 1-2:30pm (23 May,30 May) Growing Together 1-2:30pm Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am (Referral only) THURSDAY Chill and Chat 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day (13 June,20 June) FRIDAY Maths Course and Crèche Cook and Eat* 9:30-11:30am Maths Course and Crèche Ready Steady Learn 9:30-11:30am (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am (Please enquire) New Birth Registration Drop-In (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am (30 May,27 June,Trent Vale Health Tiny Talkers 1-2:30pm Baby Weighing Clinic 1:30-3:30pm Centre) 10-11am (Ask at reception) (Abbey Hulton Clinic) Transition Group* 1-3pm

01782 01782 234357 236655 MONDAY Garth Street,Hanley, Stay and Play 9:30-11am Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA Woodland Street,Tunstall,Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP (PICL,18mths plus) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am THURSDAY College Road,Shelton, MONDAY THURSDAY Holistic Therapies Course 1-3pm Ready,Steady,Go 9:30-11:30am Stay and Play 9:30-11am Stay and Play 9:30-11am Hand and Nail Art (Starts 11 June)TBC MONDAY (Transition crèche to NEG/School) (Booking) (Booking) ESOL 9:30-11:30am TUESDAY Baby Massage/Yoga 10:30-12pm Maths Course and Crèche Young Parents Group 10-12pm Connect Community Group (English Speaking for Other (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm English Course and Crèche (Limited crèche places) 9:30-11:30am (Venue TBC,booking only,12 July) Languages) (Ask at reception) 12:45-2:45pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Hands from Around the World* EYFS Crèche* 12:30-2:30pm TUESDAY (Hanley Health Centre) 10:30-12pm FRIDAY Ready Steady Learn 1-3pm Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In Growing Together* (24 July)1-2:30pm FRIDAY (Transition based group) (Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am Busy Babies Group 9:30-11am Post-Natal Group 1-2:30pm Triple P* 9:30-11:30am (0-18mths) Health Visitor Drop-In 1-3pm TUESDAY Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pm Parent Forum 1-2:30pm Drop-In Well Baby Clinic 9:30-11:30am (Cobridge Health Centre) Baby Stay and Play 1:15-2:45pm P & L in the home* 1-4pm (First Friday of the month,all welcome) (PICL,0-2yrs) Jumping Beans 1:30-2:30pm Growing Together 1:30-3pm (Referral only) Silk Painting (Starts 12 June) TBC Connect Business 1-2:30pm (18mths plus,booking required) WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY (Third Friday of the month) OTHER SERVICES Little Stars* 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY Baby Stay and Play – Growing (Additional Needs Group) Toy Library Together (0-18 mths) 10:30-12pm OTHER SERVICES Adult Learning and Crèche Stay and Play (PICL) 1:15-2:45pm Volunteering Programme Mandarin Group 12:30-2pm Speech and Language Support* (Ask at reception) 9:30-11:30am (2-5yrs,held at The Shelton Centre) Tiny Talkers Babble and Speak* 1:30-2:30pm Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café Play and Learning in the Home* Parent Time 9:30-11:30am Teenage Parents Group ZUMBA at the PARC (Portland Street, Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Family Support in the Home* (23 May,20 June) (Coming soon) Hanley,£3.00 per session) 7pm Jabadao Taster Session 10-11:45am Family Walking Group (16 May,Booking only) Volunteering Programme

* Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning. Our City p20-21 11/5/12 11:13 Page 2 LDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

01782 01782 231815 596421 Pinewood Crescent,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ Oakwood Road,Blurton,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR MONDAY THURSDAY MONDAY THURSDAY ▲ ▲ Crèche Training,Parent Forum, Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Growing Together 9:30-11am Volunteering and Respite 9-11:30am (0-5yrs,book at reception) Crèche Training,Volunteering Jo Jingles (1-5yrs,£2 per family,term Jo Jingles (£2,book) 10-10:45am time,book at reception) 11:15-Noon Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm and Respite 9-11:30am & 12:30-3pm Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am Growing Together 1-2:30pm Baby Massage 1-2:30pm Child Health Clinic 9-11am (0-5yrs,book at reception) (Book at reception) Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm (Weston Heights Community Centre) TUESDAY Numeracy 9:30-11:30am TUESDAY FRIDAY ▲ Baby Clinic 9:30-10:30am Growing Together 9:30-11am Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Literacy 12:30-2:30pm (Hollybush Community Centre) (0-5yrs,book at reception) Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am Busybodies 9:30-10:15am Play Together Group 9:30-11:30am Baby Signing 1:30-2:30pm FRIDAY (Book at reception) (Book at reception) (Meir Park Playgroup) Crèche Training,Keep Fit, Baby Club 10-11am Growing Together (Newstead Primary Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-10:45am 10:45-12:15pm Volunteering & Respite 9-11:30am WEDNESDAY School,term time only) 1:30-3pm ▲ Birth Prep (book with Midwife,first Baby Club 10-11:30am Fitness/Zumba 9:45-10:45am Midwife Clinic 9-11am (Book at reception) Friday of the month) WEDNESDAY Job Club 9:30-Noon ▲ Growing Together 0-5yrs 1-2:30pm (Hollybush Community Centre) OTHER SERVICES Midwife Clinic 9-1pm Baby Jabadao 9:30-11am Indoor and Outdoor Playspace Crèche Training,Volunteering Baby Clinic (open Monday to Friday) and Respite 9-11:30am OTHER SERVICES Blurton Children’s Centre 11-Noon Baby Massage Triple P 9:30-11:30am Cook and Eat Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Blurton Health Centre 1:30-3:30pm (one to one sessions) Volunteering Programme Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm Volunteering Programme Let’s Get Started 9:30-11:30am E OF THE CITY Parent Forum (fortnightly) 1-2:30pm Sensory Room (Invitation only,starts 2 May-22Aug)

01782 01782 01782 01782 236333 237650 233775 234024 Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU Travers Court,Temple Street,Fenton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR Normacot Grange Road,Meir,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF THURSDAY MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY OTHER SERVICES Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am MONDAY FRIDAY (0-5yrs) Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:15-11:15am Baby Jabadao 9:30-11am Play Together 9:30-11:30am Outdoor Play Area ▲ Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm New Birth Registration Cook & Eat (4wk course)9:30-11.30am (1 June,22 June) Midwife Clinic 9:30-2pm (0-First steps) Volunteering Programme Drop-In 9:30-11am Zumba Fitness Class (£3.50) 10-11am Baby Jabadao (0-Walking) 1-2:30pm (0-First steps) (31 May,28 June,Penkhull CC) (Term time only) Let’s Get Started 1-2:20pm Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm Stay & Play 10-11:30am Fenton Book Buddies 11-12:30pm SATURDAY (Invitation only,starts 14 May-20 Aug) TUESDAY (St John’s Centre,Trent Vale,0-5yrs, (28 May) Dads Morning (2 June) 10-Noon OTHER SERVICES Growing Together 9:30-11am term time only) Growing Together 1-2:30pm TUESDAY Crèche (0-5yrs) OTHER SERVICES ▲ Midwife Clinic (Booking) All Day ▲ (0-5yrs,invite only) Toy and Book Library Midwife Clinic 9:30-1pm Midwife Clinic 9-3pm FRIDAY TUESDAY Community Garden Busybodies 9:30-10:15am WEDNESDAY Singing Sunflowers 9:30-10am & Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am Play and Learning Home Visits ▲ (0-5yrs,Stoke Library)10:15-10:45am (Meir Park Playgroup) Midwife Clinic 9-3pm Baby Massage 9:30-10.30am Sensory Room (book at reception) New Birth Registration Drop-In (Ask at reception,6wk course,0-6mths) Crèche for Training and Parent Forum (25 May,29 June,Stoke Library) 11-1pm Volunteering Programme WEDNESDAY 9:30-11am WEDNESDAY Tiny Talkers* 1-2pm Growing Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am Parent Forum 9:30-11am Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon Music and Movement 1-2pm Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm (18mths-5yrs) Indian Head Massage 1-3pm (5wk course,23 May) THURSDAY OTHER SERVICES THURSDAY Jo Jingles 10-10:45am ▲ Toy Library THURSDAY Midwife Clinic 10-2pm (£2 per family,book call 01782 233775) Sensory Room (By request) Outreach Drop-In 9:15-11am Growing Together 1-3pm Speech and Language Support* (Clarice Cliff Primary School,24 May) Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm (0-5yrs) Play and Learning in the Home* Jabadao (0-Walking) 10-11:30am FRIDAY Family Support in the Home* Coffee Morning Drop-In9:30-11:30am Volunteering Programme Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm Play Together 9:30-11:30am

01782 01782 01782 233670 237500 237100 Dawlish Drive,Bentilee,Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW Buccleuch Road,Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF MONDAY FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm Play Together 9:30-11:30am ESOL 9:30-11:30am ▲ Stoke on Trent ST4 2DQ Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm Moss Green Growing Together Twins and More Siblings 10:30-12pm Parent Forum (18 May) 9:30-11:30am ▲ Baby Massage (0-12mths) ▲ 10-12pm THURSDAY Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm (Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am Start-Up Course 12:45-2:45pm ▲ (Speak to Andy for more information) Growing Together 1-2:30pm Dove Service* 9-11am TUESDAY Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm Lets Get Started 9:30-11:30am OTHER SERVICES Health Visitor and Baby Weighing Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm TUESDAY Group Drop-In 1:30-2:45pm (Invite only) ESOL 9:30-11:30am Soft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pm Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am ▲ Chill and Chat Drop-In Play Together 1-2:30pm Post Natal/New Baby 10-11am Midwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) Growing Together 9:30-11am (Limited Crèche places,must be Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm (0-9mths) Crèche Training,Volunteering booked) 9:30-11:30am WEDNESDAY Busybodies 11:30-12:15pm and respite (Mon-Fri) ▲ OTHER SERVICES Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In FRIDAY Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm (£1 per family) Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur) Baby Clinic 4:30-6pm (17,22,31 May) 11:30-1:30pm Cook and Eat/Crèche Baby Massage 1-2:30pm Playspace (Open to the public) (First Tue of every month,please book) Play and Learning Home Visits (May only) 9:30-11:30am (0-12mths,book at reception) Start-Up Courses available (Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri) Parent’s Forum 9:45-11:00am Freedom Project Crèche (Term time only) WEDNESDAY Lets Get Started 9:30-11:30pm 9:30-11:30am (30 May) Speech & Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pm (Coming soon on Wednesdays,places are Volunteering Programme ▲ Fun to Talk – Speech and Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm Development Checks 9:30-1pm limited,ask for more information) Language (2yrs plus) 1:15-2:45pm (SMILE training & employment Drop-In) Play and Sing Together 1-2:30pm PACT Drop-In Session 24 May 1-2pm OTHER SERVICES THURSDAY THURSDAY 12 June 11-12pm Speech and Language Support* Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm ESOL 9:30-11:30am 21 June 2-3pm ▲ Play and Learning in the Home* Midwife Clinic 9-3:30pm Breastfeeding Cafe 10:30-12pm Volunteering Programme Family Support in the Home* Fitness Group ▲ 10-11am Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm Early Intervention Team Volunteering Programme Growing Together 1-2:30pm Baby Clinic 1-3pm Training and Employment Support

▲ Appointments Only. Our City p22 11/5/12 11:18 Page 1

22 Our City MAY 2012

Children’s Centres in Stoke-on-Trent Children’s Centre are having a massive impact on the lives of the families they engage with. Here, Our City talks to UPDATEUPDATE parents and volunteers about their experiences.

Max Clark, aged three, dressed up for Olympic fun. Toddlers tog up in togas for events

Midwife Andrea Hoy chats to Michelle Lawton, 19, centre who is supporting her friend and mum to be Gemma Pattison, 19, right. SPORTS MAD Max Clark is only three but he is already entering into the spirit of the Olympics as staff and parents plan Games-themed events at children’s centres in the south of the city. Midwife service boosts Dressed in his little Greek-style toga, Max is pictured looking forward to taking part in a variety of fun activities over the summer. One-off sports days are being organised as well as themed days based around dressing up and healthy eating. Cultural community health awareness will also feature as the children taking part study each country competing at IDWIVES and Emma Stoke North Clews, 20, London 2012. M Locality Children Fraser Hough, 19 Max’s mum Kelly, 31, is already looking Patriotic Centre have teamed up to and their 24 day old forward to helping plan events at theme for offer young parents a raft baby Blossom Hough. Treehouse, where she volunteers on of health and welfare Emma and Fraser reception and contributes through the summer advice at weekly sessions. previously took advice Parent Forum. She also serves on the wider Parents under the age of 20 from the antenatal Parent Partnership Board. years will be able to access Thomas Boughey care group. She said:“Max is only three so he’s not Children’s Centre is midwifery services at Tunstall really that aware of the Olympics yet but I staging a red, white and Children's Centre alongside think it’s a great idea and we’ll definitely be blue-themed summer to comprehensive children’s taking part. He loves running around and centre support. mark the Queen’s getting fresh air. His favourite sport is The specialist help will Diamond Jubilee and include antenatal care for football and he’s a real outdoor kid so he’ll the London Olympics. expectant mums and visitors love the sports days.” Flags and bunting will will be able to access a new Jacqui Higginson from the centre said: adorn the centre in tailored support programme “The Olympics has caught everyone’s Shelton, and visiting called Young Parents-to-Be. imagination so it’ll be fun as we and our children will be asked to The programme aims to parents come up with ideas together for our paint pictures based on offer young parents new skills themed days and events.” the patriotic colourful in a friendly supportive scheme. environment, which will include information on staying In addition, fancy healthy during pregnancy and dress days will be held parenting advice. giving the youngsters There are fun activities for Day of fun staged the chance to dress up as parents and their babies Her Majesty and other including bump art, baby in Burslem Park members of the Royal massage and ways to promote FAMILIES are being invited to join children’s Family. Meanwhile, a child’s holistic development. centre staff for an Olympic-inspired day of royal-themed cooking Parents-to-be will also have local and international sport, arts and food. sessions are planned. the opportunity to meet young couples with children The Family Games and World Picnic Event On an Olympic note, and share their experiences. will take place in Burslem Park this summer the children are busy Community Midwife and taking its lead from the 2012 Games, it designing torches that Andrea Hoy and Maternity will feature a packed programme of family will be displayed in the Support Worker Tracy Byatt fun and challenges. Burslem Park Rangers centre’s windows in are also on hand every week will encourage residents to discover the time for the official to answer questions, provide historic venue’s collection of plants from Olympic Torch Relay at antenatal care and to help and around the world. And the whole family can support young parents the end of May. get involved with StreetGames and the And mini-Olympic- through to the birth of their attend the sessions, which are The Young Parents-to-be held on a weekly basis. group is held weekly on Ministry4Sport who will be running style events are set to babies. Antenatal examinations, “This is an exciting Thursdays between 10am and workshops. be staged during Stay blood tests and Chlamydia partnership which brings 12pm at Tunstall Children's Stoke North Locality Play and Learning and Play sessions with screening are also carried out. together the expertise of the Centre. teams will be putting babies and toddlers competitors receiving Lynette Womsley, who community midwife service Anyone requiring further through their paces. For more details about their very own medals co-ordinates the sessions, with the specialist support information can contact the event, which runs from 11am to 2pm on for taking part. said: “All young parents are offered by the children’s Lynette at Tunstall Children’s 8 August, call 01782 238989. offered the opportunity to centre.” Centre on 01782 236655. Our City p23 11/5/12 10:34 Page 1

MAY 2012 Our City 23

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER Your (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 263166 07714 334453 07557 848765 adrian.knapper@ gwen.hassall@ stoke.gov.uk Councillors stoke.gov.uk Baddeley,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley

JACK BRERETON ANDREW LILLEY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 07717 714010 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ andy.lilley@ 07748 504149 sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk duncan.walker@ 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 (Unaffiliated) (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 stoke.gov.uk

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 stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and

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 JANINE BRIDGES (Labour) ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS PETER HAYWARD MARTIN GARNER (01782) 851842 (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) 07989 385631/ (01782) 836766 (01782) 318127 (01782) 644052 (01782) 768846 07717 714205 ann.james@ 07944 055379 07920 835839 martin.garner@ janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ peter.hayward@ stoke.gov.uk 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 or (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

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South

DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR RUTH ROSENAU ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07413 205979 or (01782) 501940 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ 07886 581082 07870 503575 abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk muhammad.aumir@ ruth.rosenau@ stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER DEBRA GRATTON ANY WARD QUERIES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) Please telephone: (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07748 251695 VACANCY (01782) 231923/ mohammed.pervez@ or 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 231924 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm: The Annual Council meeting is at 11.00am on LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY 31 May 2012, 28 June 2012 and 26 July 2012, 24 May 2012. Full City Council meetings are at (City Independents) (Labour) 30 August 2012 and 27 September 2012. 5.30pm: 5 July 2012 and 6 September 2012. 07971 303729 07826 891801 lee.wanger@ matthew.fry@ For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk 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 p1 torch on back cover 11/5/12 10:14 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 27: MAY 2012 Our City

CityCity gears gears up up to to celebratecelebrate OlympicsOlympics

Torch Relay route map and timings SEE PAGES 10 AND 11