City News 11 Flu Jabs at GP Surgeries and Pharmacies

Winter 2016 stoke.gov.uk City News STRONGER TOGETHER POPPIES TO

PAGE 18 COME HOME Right time to apply for free nursery Ceramic WWI tribute display planned for 2018 places

CONIC ceramic poppies created final year of its tour. Dates and a world famous ceramics able to see these poppies in the in the city to commemorate venue are yet to be announced. manufacturers. Without Johnson city where so many of them were the centenary of the First Deputy Council Leader Tiles and Potclays Ltd this crafted. This is another sign of I Councillor Abi Brown said: stunning artwork could never the fantastic cultural heritage in World War will come home to “We’re thrilled to say that our have been created. our city, as we continue to go Stoke-on-Trent as a major display poppies are coming home. It’s the “More than five million people forward with our City of Culture in 2018... a victory for the council culmination of two-and-a-half saw the Tower of London display 2021 bid.” and campaigners who pressed for years of campaigning. in 2014, and since two of the 14-18 Now Executive Producer the return. “The city council led the bid, display’s installations – the Nigel Hinds said a number of 14-18 Now – who manage but its success was only possible Weeping Window and Wave – sites for the display were being WW1 Centenary art with the enthusiastic support of a went on tour in 2015, a further considered, and the location, commissions – announced the range of partners across the local 1.5 million people have seen dates and which sculpture will art installation containing many media, museums, education them. It is fabulous news that go on show in Stoke-on-Trent thousands of poppies would establishments, arts groups, local people in Stoke-on-Trent and would be announced in summer come back to the Potteries in the armed forces and, of course, our across the region will now be 2017. City markets gear up for PAGE 9 Mobile app Festive opens up Enterprise Bonanza SEE CENTRE PAGES Zone scheme

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City chefs have recipe for culinary LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OFCity News IN MARCH success 2 City News WINTER 2016 Whole city can pull together to make life better for every one of our communities

By City Council Leader Councillor Dave Conway

ONCE again the council faces tough times ahead, as we balance the books in the face of budget reductions... but we also have a great deal to celebrate. The fact is we need to achieve £51million in savings and growth between now and 2020. We will set the budget in a fair and businesslike way, and will look at all council expenditure to make savings and reduce waste. The people of Stoke-on-Trent can do their bit to help us hit these targets. If we all pull together we can make the council more efficient Santa Claus – aka City and more effective. Council Leader Dave Conway – We’re asking as many residents gets in the festive mood with as possible to respond to our Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor budget consultation, tell us their Councillor Anthony Munday. priorities and help us shape our future spending (see page 13). Even more important are the 11 community pledges we have launched (see page seven.) As part of our drive to make our city Stronger Together, we’re asking people to do their bit to make the city healthier, safer, cleaner and a better place to live and work. For its part the council will deliver support, opportunities, facilities and help identify funding to make things happen in our Santa Claus is communities. It makes perfect sense. If residents help us cut down on fly-tipping, report crime, volunteer to support their communities, stay healthy and look after their neighbours, it means we can allocate more money to improving life in the city, and we can achieve some of the savings we need to coming to town achieve. We are now doing even more to support local businesses and make sure more of the money this council spends stays in Stoke-on- There’s no return to Winterfest in the Six Towns this year Trent. We’ve staged more sessions to TOKE-on-Trent has been and give our communities and show local businesses how they can residents, young and old, the bid for and win contracts from the promised a traditional Christmas celebration chance to celebrate Christmas council which ad up to millions of S together. pounds worth of spending. this year, with community “That’s why we are Local businesses will also benefit festivities around the city being supporting more communities from our changing the way our supported by the council. than ever before to stage their council houses and buildings are As well as the main event in own events, why we’re putting maintained. the City Centre (see opposite) on proper Christmas events in As we approach the end of the there will be lights switch ons, the city centre and why we’re year you are seeing more progress parties and much much more supporting our markets as in the city, with new homes, new across the Six Towns and in they throw their doors open jobs in Smithfield, more companies other major centres (see page to shoppers.” locating to Ceramic Valley six.) And the city’s markets will Mr Conway said Christmas Enterprise Zone and much more all be staging their own 2016 would be about family progress. Christmas events, with and community traditions, and I’d like to wish all of you an your reassured residents there families a Merry Christmas and a bargains and special offers would be no sign of the happy and healthy new year. Here’s galore (see our special feature controversial Winterfest once to more progress in 2017! on 16 and 17). Council Leader Dave Conway staged in the city. and Lord Mayor Councillor He said: “Santa Claus is Anthony Munday launched this coming to the Six Towns. We’re year’s Christmas feelgood asking the people of our city to Give us your views factor when they donned Santa join us in helping make GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS: Rev Mike Bridgewater and Abbey Hulton WE want to hear your views on City suits for a meeting to start the Stoke-on-Trent a better place Partnership member Janet Boulton with lights at the St John’s Centre. News, so please let us know what you festive season early. to live and work. And as a like about the newspaper, what you Councillor Conway said: thank-you this city council is don’t like and what you’d like to see “We’re facing some big making sure Christmas 2016 is lights switch on this Christmas, tree, and arrange to put it up, challenges and serious issues one of the best ever.” welcomed the council’s take it down and recycle it. This more of. at the moment, but that will Rev Mike Bridgewater, support. year the council are doing all Email [email protected] or always be the case. There’s Chairman of the Abbey Hulton He said: “It’s a massive help. that for us and it will free up write to FREEPOST City News to something seriously wrong if Alliance who are organising a Previously we’ve had to make that money to be invested in have your say. we can’t come together as a city Santa Run and the popular bids for funding to pay for the other parts of the event.”

LIVE WEBCAST of full council meetings Web: stoke.gov.uk MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and City News is printed on paper from hear the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, Facebook: facebook.com/ sustainable sources.When you have visit stoke.gov.uk/webcasting. sotcitycouncil finished with this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil help the environment by passing it on to a friend or recycling it. can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil WINTER 2016 City News 3 City centre site to be transformed into a winter wonderland WHITE-knuckle rides and a 175-place UK” will also feature. The attractions “It will fill every inch of the former bus along and sing throughout the event. ice rink will transform Hanley’s former will run from the Christmas lights station. City Markets Manager Rob Nixon said: bus station site into a Winter launch on 17 November to 2 January, “Stoke-on-Trent has never seen “There is so much going on in the city Wonderland for the festive season. closing only on Christmas Day. anything like it. We really hope people centre this year, with our indoor, outdoor A full-size roller coaster and 200ft-tall Free entry to the Winter Wonderland will come along and enjoy the rides, and Christmas markets, and the funfair Sky Swing, which will give amazing will be through a festive gateway which stalls, live music at the weekends and all and ice rink – all supporting and views over Stoke-on-Trent, will be the will be opposite the new bus station. the other surprises we have in store.” complementing each other. main attractions. There will be other Timber decked walkways and a A charity evening in aid of the “All together they will attract many rides never before seen in the city, Bavarian-style bar and food court will Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Donna thousands of extra visitors, so it’s set to which usually star at events like the provide festive treats. Louise Trust and the Lord Mayor’s be the best Christmas ever in Hanley.” V Festival. There will also be stalls selling Charities will take place on 29 For information on how apply to perform Family favourites like the dodgems Christmas gifts. Darren Matthews, November and school choirs, local bands at the event or book tickets for the fair go and a fun house billed as “the best in the whose team is behind the event, said: and artists are being invited to come to: www.winterwonderlandstoke.com

Action from last year’s City Centre spectacular A Christmas Love Story Painted in the Sky by Cirque Bijou.Inset, members of the public were given illuminated umbrellas AA MAGICALMAGICAL as part of the light show. SHOWTIMESHOWTIME PECTACULAR fireworks and Christmas Centre lights switch-on which this year lights will help tell a heart-warming takes place on 17 November between Christmas story high above the City 6.30 and 7.30pm. S The stage will be set in Old Hall Street Centre to welcome in the festive shopping and the action will take place high above season. the crowds. The event will kick start a host Thousands are expected to be of Christmas celebrations across the city. enthralled by the story of a young girl It also marks the beginning of late night called Ava who goes to bed on Christmas shopping within the City Centre. Eve and settles down to read a book called This year’s Christmas Light Switch on is The Christmas Machine. delivered in partnership between the city It starts an adventure that takes her council, The City Centre Partnership, across the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent, in Appetite and Realis Estates. search of the magical machine which Rachel Rhodes, of the city’s cultural produces Christmas presents for children team who have organised the event, said: within the city but also across the world. “The switch-on features a traditional The story culminates in an amazing lights festive story which will really get people and firework display as Ava saves in the mood for Christmas.We’re looking Christmas. forward to a family-friendly event that The show, performed by Emergency will launch this year’s late night shopping Exit Arts, is the centrepiece of the City and start the festive season in style.”

Continental-style market to have plenty of tasty treats A paella stall TRADERS from across ● A German bakery with ● A Belgian pastry stall. from last year’s the UK and Europe have crepes and donuts. Santa will vary his continental signed up to sell a range ● A speciality German appearances between the market. of festive goods at the City nut stall selling outdoor market, indoor Centre’s continental-style candied nuts and market and Christmas market. sugared almonds. market, and signs will Stalls will run from ● display where young 30 November to 21 A drinks stall selling gluhwein, hot chocolate visitors can see him. December, with some There will also be a staying open all the way with Baileys and wine. ● unit selling locally-made to Christmas Eve. Christmas gift stalls. cheeses, ceramics, home The market will be ● Douglas Macmillan baking and craft gifts. based solely on Hospice selling ■ Space in the artisan Christmas-themed goods, scratch-cards, lottery, lodge starts at £35 a day with the following stalls Christmas cards and and anyone interested already accepted: diaries. can call the city’s ● A swing grill selling ● A stall selling crafted markets team on 01782 gourmet burgers and wooden letters and 233148 to reserve a German sausage. plaques. stall. 4 City News WINTER 2016 WINTER 2016 City News 5 6 City News WINTER 2016 Allset fora

OMMUNITIES are set to have a cracker Father Christmas will be CHRISTMAShanding out presents to CHRISTMASof a Christmas with a whole host of Cfamily-oriented activities taking place all children. to coincide with festive light switch-ons. A children’s parade Bentilee The council is fully-funding Christmas illuminated by traditional trees and lights in the Six Towns and Christmas lanterns will be several other locations this year – rather one of the main highlights than match-fund or part-fund them. at the Bentilee lights switch-on. It means neighbourhoods have more It takes place on Tuesday 29 November money to spend on expanding the from 4pm to 8pm – with the big switch-on celebrations and they have all come up at around 7.30pm outside the Bentilee with a host of imaginative and Neighbourhood Centre in Dawlish Drive. Santa Claus, Elf and Doggie Elf are crowd-pulling ideas. The theme of this year’s event is “I Love pictured in Burslem’s Swan Square Here is a list of many of the upcoming Bentilee” and schools, residents’ events, along with dates, times and how getting ready for the Christmas lights associations, St Stephen’s Church and switch-on in the town.They will be people can get involved. other local organisations are working For the very latest details, keep an eye there on the night with a little help together to lay on the event. from Councillor Alan Dutton, his wife on on the council website – stoke.gov.uk – It will also feature free presents or stay in touch through local residents’ from Santa’s grotto and a special Wendy and their dog Millie. association announcements on mystery guest to turn the lights on Facebook and Twitter. – last year it was Nello. In Abbey Hulton, the Events take place between 6pm and year is expected to be no It will be a case of hat’s the 8pm with all children receiving a free different. It takes place on Abbey streets are going to be lined way to do it for the Meir with super heroes, which is present from Father Christmas. There will Saturday 19 November on Christmas light switch-on. also be free mince pies, muffins and hot Market Square South and Hulton the fancy dress theme, for Every school pupil taking people of all ages, this year. Meir drinks available too. Musical Wolfe Street from noon to part will be presented with a entertainment will be provided by band 7pm. There will be an Stoke The event takes place on Friday festive theme hat and a November 25 from 6.30pm and will be Alfie and Dave who specialise in 60s and all-day arts and craft market glow-in-the-dark wand for a 70s hits, while Blurton High School pupils and charity stalls too. based on Abbotts Road in front of the magical parade to start the party. shopping area. will lead a festive sing-along. Veteran popular musician The popular event – which attracts Organisers at the Red House Legendary Lonnie is set to carry out the There will be face painting, a live band hundreds of people – takes place on playing Christmas songs and 60s and 70s Community Trust are calling for switch-on ceremony and Six Towns Radio Friday 2 December and be centred around volunteers to help out with the event. To will be on hand all day to provide live hits as well as a free gift for every child the Community and Education Centre on from Santa Claus. Refreshments will volunteer call Councillor Kath Banks on music and entertainment. There will also Pickford Place. 07595 309332. be live music a fun fair and the night will be available at the local community There will be arts and craft stalls, a centre. end with a dazzling firework display. design a bauble competition and a A bustling Burslem Christmas Any businesses or organisations that Nativity play performed by pupils Characters from the Disney Lights event is scheduled for want to be involved or sponsor the event from Abbey Hill Special School. Friday 2 December – with can call Stoke Events Group Secretary film Frozen and the Minions The irrepressible Nello will also from the Despicable Me several hundred people Alan Barrett on 01782 413672. Longton be on hand to carry out the expected on the night. It blockbuster will lead grand lights switch-on. proceedings at Longton. Burslem kicks off at 5pm at Swan Organisers of Milton’s The fun gets underway late Square and on Queen Christmas lights switch on and Red In the Red House area of Street, with the big lights festive fun are calling on afternoon on Friday 25 the city (west Longton) the November on the junction of The switch-on at 6pm. volunteers to come forward House light switch-on will take place There will be a children’s to help the night go with a Strand and Longton Precinct. on 7 December outside Lady There will be donkey rides, party with free food and at Santa’s Grotto bang. Bennett Court on children will receive a free present People are needed to face painting a magician on Grosvenor Street. hand and Stoke City (Burslem Central Councillor Alan Dutton Milton help out on stalls, put up mascots Pottermus will be the man behind the white beard). decorations and hand out and Pottermiss to A nativity scene will be set up featuring gifts on the evening of entertain the live reindeer, mini breed cattle and goats, Saturday December 3. hundreds of There will also be a number of Events take place at the people festive-themed stalls along corner of Milton crossroads, close to expected. Queen Street, a fun fair and a Millrise Road, and feature Santa’s grotto stage set up for carol singing and a traditional Christmas Fair. and live music. Anyone who is interested in getting involved in helping out at this event or A very special Olympic other community activities throughout the star is expected to sparkle year should contact Milton Carnival in Fenton for the town’s Committee Chair Charlotte Stonier on grand lights switch on. 07799 676970. The mystery celebrity Fenton – who is set to be International Robbie Williams revealed in the next few tribute act Dan Budd will top days – will be guest of honour the bill at the Tunstall at the event which takes place on Christmas lights switch on in Wednesday 30 November at the City Tower Square on Wednesday Road car park and starts at 5pm. 23 November. Tunstall There will be charity stalls, children The fun starts at 6pm to carol singing, free presents for make sure small children can youngsters and many festive inspired attend, and a variety of activities too. The city’s Little Library entertainment will run until Dan – Making Van service will also be on hand to offer who tours Europe performing as our city’s paper lanterns atmospheric Christmas story telling most famous musical son – takes to the for the children’s sessions for young visitors. stage at around 8pm. illuminated evening Anyone wishing to volunteer should Father Christmas will make a special parade at Bentilee are contact Glenn Parkes, Chair of the Great appearance and all the children who Caitlin Rowson and Liam Fenton Community Association, on 01782 attend will receive a special goody bag. Derbyshire who are both 765900. Organisers say they have spent a “small fortune” on glowsticks, sweets and helpers at St Stephen’s Hundreds normally turn out to popular selection boxes to make the festivities a Church youth Christmas lights event at Stoke – and this great occasion for all the family. club. WINTER 2016 City News 7 PLEDGES FOR LOCAL historian and writer FRED HUGHES has recently received a honorary degree from Staffordshire University for his years of work documenting Stoke-on-Trent’s history and heritage. Here is one of Fred’s COMMUNITY perfect city days.

ESIDENTS in Stoke-on-Trent are provide free training and will provide partnership for the benefit of everyone. being urged to do their bit to support for volunteers to use the skills “It’s striking a deal to ask residents’ improve life in the city – forging a they have learned to find a paid job. associations, faith groups, communities R The council will work with residents and individuals to do certain things – new partnership with the council and who have great ideas for a community and in return the council provides help signing up to 11 community pledges. project in their area to identify funding and support. They cover areas like healthy living, and support. “There is a vast network of keeping the area tidy, recycling, road When residents help their community activists and volunteers safety, crime prevention, volunteering, neighbours, the council will make it across the city and we want to tap into doing more online, learning new skills easier for them to access advice and it. We staged a launch event to come and looking after neighbours. support to help them be healthy and together, meet up and find out what The more people who do these things, safe. A full list of all the community help and support is out there for people the more the city council can focus its pledges and the council’s responses are who want to make a difference in their resources on supporting communities available at stoke.gov.uk community. and investing in the city’s future. Councillor Randolph Conteh, Cabinet “Going forward we will be reaching In return the council has promised to Member for Housing, Communities and out and meeting groups and sharing the respond with support and facilities to Safer City, said the pledge partnership vision of what can be achieved help communities make the most of had grown out of listening to people’s together.” living in the city. priorities. ■ For example, to encourage local He said: “We’re getting rid of the ‘us Tell us what your community is people to volunteer to help local and them’ perception of the council and doing to make a difference. community groups, the council will talking in terms of doing things in Email [email protected]

Fred Hughes pictured on the spot Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley cut the first clod to mark the start of work on cutting the Trent and Mersey Canal.

A canalside walk through centuries of rich history THERE are very few parts of Stoke-on-Trent that my feet haven’t touched upon. Ten years of writing my local history column, and wandering the byways for the BBC, certainly adds to my MAKING A DIFFERENCE own pleasure of exploring this most IN THEIR COMMUNITY: diverse city. Following history is my pleasure and Richard and Amelia Bilson passion. And it all comes together in the with their sons Jonah, aged fascination I have for the canal that takes three, right, and two-year-old me to where it all began. Elliot.Behind them are the My perfect city day begins just over the newly-refurbished homes in border at the north end of Harecastle Port Street, Middleport. Tunnel where I take in the same view the navvies saw on its completion in 1777. This monumental subterranean icon built with the mathematics of human judgement and enterprise rather than with scientific Volunteer group show Middleport matters instruments, never fails to astonish me. Heading south for half a mile I arrive at LESS than 12 months after it was set Bilson who moved into Port Street worked with partners and the council the bridge marking the spot where Josiah up to bring a community together, after spending three years working to secure as much support as we can. Wedgwood and James Brindley cut the first Middleport Matters has attracted with orphans in Albania. “The GP surgery let us use a room clod of earth 11 years earlier to begin the hundreds of locals to fun events and She discovered a community which for free for the over 55s keep fit cutting of this historic liquid highway. made a difference to the local had been pulled apart by years of sessions and Middleport Pottery let Next comes the swell of Westport Lake, environment. demolition, antisocial behaviour, a us use rooms there too. where a footbridge once assisted the The group, formed by residents lack of facilities and false dawns for “In just 12 months the community packhorse drovers to carry their ware to who moved into refurbished housing much-heralded improvements. of Middleport has come together to the market at Newcastle, close to a marshy from outside the area, stages weekly Forming the group, seeking support change perceptions of the area. field where Port Vale first kicked off in toddlers’ groups, keep fit for the over from the council’s Local Matters team “At our Christmas party last year later times. 55s and a youth club. and building partnerships with the we had 50 people. This summer, in All along I encounter the evidence of the Each month they organise a police, Middleport Pottery, local GP Middleport Park, we attracted 400 Industrial Revolution – the ruined community clean up and have surgery and others, the group has people to a free event supported by buildings, the wharfs and canal side managed to clamp down on immediately made a difference. our partners.” factories. And to end my walk, I cross a flytipping by quickly reporting any Middleport Matters made it all the bridge to enjoy a pot of tea and a dumping to the city council, who way to the final of the Tesco Bags of ■ Staffordshire oatcake in the working come and take the rubbish away. Help contest to secure funding. To find out how the Local Matters potbank of Middleport Pottery where I Middleport Matters was the Amelia said: “We know we can’t do team can support your community watch artisans make ware in the same way brainchild of mum-of-two Amelia everything on our own, so we’ve group call 01782 238515. as did their Victorian predecessors. 8 City News WINTER 2016 Strategic planning will pay dividends

UST like winning in a game of need right now and plan for the chess, developing the city’s future too. So that is one, two and housing strategy requires three-bedroom affordable homes J that people starting out can buy meticulous planning several or rent, and then introduce moves ahead. bigger homes to suit families and It is precisely this tactic that those that earn a bit more money. Carl Brazier is employing as he “That brings growth and looks to put homes of all shapes, prosperity and attracts more sizes and affordability at the people and other property heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s developers to the city at which regeneration and growth. point you can start to look at the As well as applying it to the high end of the market and 18,600 houses directly owned by luxury homes. the city council and rented to tenants, it is also being adopted Partnerships when working with developers, “We also need to have a housing associations and maintenance programme in place financial institutions to ensure that helps to redevelop and the right kind of homes are being refurbish our existing tenants’ Carl Brazier in Wellington Road built for buyers and renters – homes and attract more by where the first homes are being built whichever step of the property working to ensure void and as part of the Housing Zone Status. ladder they are on. empty homes are reoccupied. The long-game strategy is “Of course all this requires certainly paying dividends, with working closely with housing housing growth in Stoke-on-Trent associations, property developers over the next few years. are due and that extra now exceeding that in both and other stakeholder The first is already up and communication should make our Birmingham and Liverpool. organisations to make sure a running at Wellington Road on relationship much better. New website is Carl, who heads up the partnership approach is at the the edge of the city centre. Here “We are also looking at tackling Housing and Customer Services heart of what we are trying to the council is working with fuel poverty through an energy Directorate, said: “Stoke-on-Trent achieve. I think the best analogy regeneration partner Keepmoat and renewable energy strategy at the heart of is a city that is getting back on its to use is it is like playing a game to develop 164 one, two and three and reducing the number of feet after some hard times – and of chess – you need to get your bedroom homes – with some properties that stand empty by strengthening when it comes to developing pieces lined up and think several properties already occupied. carrying out improvement works housing we really need to take moves ahead in order to Just over a mile away, the to encourage new tenants.” communications planned and sustained steps to succeed.” Churchill Pottery development on Key to the maintenance get where we want to be.” Housing can be a big earner for Waterloo Road – subject to programmes has been reviewing “Sustained housing growth is the city – according to the latest planning – will also produce a the joint venture repair CUSTOMER Services is essential to boosting the local government statistics every mix of properties, developed with arrangement between the council Carl’s other primary focus economy, creating jobs and home built creates 2.4 jobs and Barratt Homes. and Kier. – an area he sees very bringing in revenue to the city every 400 homes brings in Carl has also overseen a major Carl added: “We have worked much aligned with council. £1million income through Council revamp to the maintenance closely with the Council Leader housing. “However, going straight out Tax and the New Homes Bonus programme of works for and his cabinet to carry out a He said: “Many of the there and simply developing money from the Government, not council-owned homes, moving review and look at the best way people who use our local luxury homes to bring in high to mention rental income too. towards a four year programme forward for tenants and the centres or other rent revenues or high earners A major boost for the city is from 2017. council. customer-facing services won’t work, in my opinion. achieving Housing Zone status, He added: “The policy will be a “We now intend to introduce a are council house tenants “Our key objectives need to be which encourages property lot clearer now for tenants. They new council house repair who want to bring up an to develop a housing strategy that developers to invest in will know exactly when company from February 2018 and issue about housing. So delivers a mix of housing types in Stoke-on-Trent. It will see 1,200 scheduled improvements – such this will lead to a better quality of from that perspective line with what people in this city homes on eight sites in the city as having a new kitchen fitted – service.” there is a very close link up between the two areas.” A major part of the job is to improve the council’s IT provision and that has started with an overhaul Personal experience helps Carl relate to city’s challenges of the website. CARL Brazier relates the ups and downs of where a city which was so famous for the with a housing association and has stayed Carl added: “People who Stoke-on-Trent fortunes to one of his own pottery industry fell on hard times but is in the sector for the past 22 years. He also visit the website over the vivid childhood experiences. now re-emerging and building itself up sits on the boards of a number of next few months will When he was a young schoolboy, his again. It is also a lesson that I have carried government organisations and housing notice an improvement. father lost his business, his home and with through life.” associations in a voluntary advisory “It should be clearer and his mother diagnosed with severe mental London-born Carl wanted to be a capacity. will help signpost people health issues, his father had to rebuild the barrister when he was younger but coming Away from work, Carl is a good squash to the services they want family life, resulting in living in a council to terms with dyslexia and other issues player having represented his university more effectively. Customer house for a couple of years. sidelined that idea. and swims two to three times a week. service is very much about Carl said: “It was a difficult time but my After leaving school, he went to work as a Carl – who has worked at councils and good communication and father managed to bounce back from a low moulder in an engineering factory before housing associations in the south east and the planned website point after a major upheaval. It does his dad convinced him to attend university. south west – has recently moved to the area improvement remind me of things in Stoke-on-Trent, Following his graduation he got a job with his wife and two children. demonstrates what we are trying to achieve.”

Sign up for our email newsletters at stoke.gov.uk WINTER 2016 9 WATER FROM BELOW GROUND TO HEATCITY MPLOYERS relocating to attractive option.” the Ceramic Valley Around 40 companies have now contacted the EEnterprise Zone could be council team which is among the first to make the rolling out the red carpet to most of the city’s ground potential employers looking breaking eco-friendly heating at moving to the zone. Steelwork has risen SCAN PHOTO system. rapidly on the Tile Mountain’s FOR VIDEO Hot water from deep £10million new warehouse beneath the city will be which will create 70 jobs on pumped up to a station at the Highgate site in Tunstall. Etruria before the heat is West Midlands Ambulance transferred to a network of Service is planning an pipes and shipped around the ambulance maintenance super city. hub in Etruria. And logistics Stoke-on-Trent’s sustainable giant DPD’s logistics centre District Heating Network has already become part of the (DHN) is the biggest of its landscape, a stone’s throw kind in the UK and should be from the world’s biggest online up and running in 2019. gambling company bet365 and The city’s unique geological mobile phone giants Vodafone. position means water at almost Deputy Council Leader boiling point can be pumped Councillor Abi Brown said: from a depth of over two miles “The Ceramic Valley and used to provide heat and Enterprise Zone is open for hot water for homes, factories, business and is attracting lots schools, offices and more. of serious interest. We have Water pumped to the surface the sites, the infrastructure, in Etruria will be used to heat the communications, the water which is pumped around incentives and the support the city.The used underground structure to make relocating or water will then be pumped launching a business here very back down to warm up again. attractive. AT HOME IN THE ZONE: The water that has been “Now businesses are starting heated will be moved around Logistics giant DPD has based a to operate in the zone, major distribution centre in the the city in a network of planning applications are highly-insulated pipes which Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone. coming in and steelwork is Pictured are Warehouse Operatives will be built by the council. rising – and that means jobs When the water reaches are being created in our city.” Jon Hall, left, and Craig Collins. offices, factories and homes special equipment will take the heat out of the water and use it around the buildings. The heating centre at Super road Etruria running the system will be built below ground to and rail links reduce its impact on the environment. Padraig Hanly, Managing CERAMIC Valley Enterprise Director of GT Energy who are Zone is one of the UK’s the council’s partners in most attractive development delivering the DHN, said: “This areas for companies who is the biggest project of its want to set up and expand. kind in the UK and will be an It offers 140 hectares of attraction in its own right. land along the A500 “Similar schemes in corridor, with unrivalled Germany have proved road and rail links to the extremely popular and have rest of the UK. ended up providing hot water Businesses moving into and heating to over 90 per cent the zone benefit from of the local population. financial incentives “As the council connects A computer generated image showing how heat exchange equipment and including reduced business more of the city to the network pipes at the top of two mile-deep shafts pumping up hot water will be situated rates and enhanced capital I am sure residents and at Etruria Valley to reduce the environmental impact of the network. allowances. businesses will see it as a very

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Reality (AR) app Download our free Scan the photo or logo When the video starts, Ceramic Valley AR app where you see the double-tap your screen from the app store. ‘Scan Here’ marker. for full-screen view. 10 City News WINTER 2016 Ahome with lots of extras ARIETY is the spice of life – and the “”I can’t say saying certainly applies to the how lovely it Vrecreational facilities at the Oak Priory resident Lilian newly-opened Oak Priory extra care Green enjoys the garden at is to live here scheme in Abbey Hulton. the new complex. The retirement living development for – I absolutely people over 55, created by the city council working with the Sapphire Consortium, love it. consists of 175 one and two-bedroom apartments in a community setting. LILIAN GREEN Residents at the scheme, who can be nominated by the Council, are given the chance to live an active life independently for longer, supported by an on-site care team where necessary. A “village hall” at the centre of the priority is social inclusion, with as much already knew lots of people when she The development, located at the centre development, equipped with a drop-down community involvement as possible, giving moved in, and had already made many of the village, has a number of unique cinema screen and a PA system for the residents a safe and secure new friends. lifestyle features guaranteed to create a karaoke, opens out on to a patio with environment where they do not feel She added: “I can’t say how lovely it is to rich and varied environment. As well as a gazebos and bowling green alongside. isolated.” live here – I absolutely love it. Nothing is health and wellbeing suite, garden, craft “We already have 70 per cent occupancy Resident Lilian Green, 79, who moved too much trouble. If you need anything room and hairdressing salon there is a and the residents are saying they are into Oak Priory in September, said the new you just need to pop down to reception Reminiscence Room created to look like really happy they have chosen Oak Priory,” development was “absolutely fantastic.” and they will help you. I’m looking the interior of an old-style train, with said Kirstie Moore, Sapphire’s Scheme Lilian, who was born in Abbey Hulton forward to the bingo sessions and coffee scenery rushing by on an LCD screen. Manager at the Abbey Hulton site. Our and lived near to Oak Priory, said she mornings too.” WINTER 2016 City News 11 Flu jabs at GP surgeries and pharmacies

HEALTH experts at the city RESIDENTS HIT council are urging people to take advantage of free flu jabs available at GP surgeries and many pharmacies. Flu can be a nasty illness even for healthy people – but it can be much more dangerous for people over 65 or pregnant, or with a long-term illness like LOTTO JACKPOT asthma, diabetes, liver, kidney or heart disease. ESIDENTS have been Children aged between two and four can receive flu celebrating a Big protection in the form of a RLottery Fund grant simple nose spray via their which will improve sports GP,and it is made available facilities and provide in this way at schools to youngsters aged between coaching sessions for young five and seven. people in the community. Flu vaccination, together The New Florence with wider health and Residents’ Association has wellbeing messages, is scooped £8,750 from being promoted during the fund to provide the national Stay Well two, two-hour This Winter campaign sessions each week launched on 10 headed up by fully October by Public qualified instructors. Health England and Activities will take NHS England. place at Florence ■ Go to stoke.gov.uk/flu Sports and Social Club for more information. as well as the play area on the New Florence Estate. And they will make use of excellent facilities in the Registration community including all weather pitches, bowling greens and playing fields. deadline Residents will also use the money to plan a mini RESIDENTS have until sports festival and are 22 November to make sure planning trips to sports they are included on the venues, such as football up-to-date electoral register. stadiums and other arenas Council officials putting across the area. the list of electors together Dresden and Florence are warning that inclusion Councillor Lillian Dodd means much more than said: “This has been a real being able to vote. Anyone not included on community effort – residents have helped to helping our children and young people to try sports and learn Celebrating sports funding at Florence the register may have write the bid and are really people make good use of them new activities from qualified Sports and Social Club are, left to right, problems getting credit, eager to support and promoting positive and coaches. Residents’Association Treasurer Jenny Sladek, opening a bank account or opportunities for local healthy activities in the “I’m really proud that the StreetGames Officer Sarah Minshall, Councillor securing a mortgage. young people. community. Stoke-on-Trent is community has come together to Lillian Dodd, resident Janet Henson, Councillor It might even give them “There are some really the UK’s European City of Sport support this project and that the Sadaqat Maqsoom, Local Matters Officer Kris problems in getting a mobile good facilities in the area. this year – there couldn’t be a residents’ association themselves Hallam, Residents’Association Chair Arif phone contract. This scheme is about better time to support young have led the bid writing process.” Hussain and resident Peter Henson. Since August the council has been delivering registration forms to residents and following them up with reminders and even personal visits. Free activities on offer Anyone who needs help or advice can call the city’s helpline on 01782 233800 or visit stoke.gov.uk/ until end of the year electoralregister

STOKE-ON-TRENT is The free sessions were continuing to celebrate its launched to coincide with European City of Sports the 2016 European Week of status with a whole host of Sport initiative to promote free activities at leisure sport and physical activity. Online voting centres up until the end of The aim of the campaign the year. is to encourage everyone to for Green Flag The city council and be active during the week RESIDENTS have been Staffordshire University but also to keep it up all voting for their favourite city have joined forces to offer year long. It aims to promote park or green space to gain free junior swimming, participation in sport and national recognition. racquet sports – including physical activity regardless The People’s Choice badminton, table tennis and of age, background or fitness Award is an annual online squash – football on 3G level. vote that gives the public the pitches, netball and dozens Councillor Terry Follows, power to decide which sites of one-month gym Cabinet Member for flying the Green Flag Award memberships across their Greener City, Development should be named as the best facilities. and Leisure, said: “What we of the year across the UK. People of all ages are able are offering across our Seven places within the to take part in sessions at leisure centres from now city received Green Flag Fenton Manor Sports through to the end of awards this summer – Complex, Dimensions December really is a great including Central Forest Leisure Centre, New offer, and we think it could Park, Carmountside Horizons Sport and Leisure, have a really positive Cemetery and Crematorium, Wallace Sport and impact for residents, Holly Davis, left, Whitfield Valley Local Education Centre, families and the city as a and Olivia Dudley, Nature Reserve and Park Northwood Stadium and whole.” both aged 13, take Hall Country Park. Staffordshire University at People taking part will part in a free Many of the municipal no cost. also need an Energise card, netball session at parks also achieved Green Venues which have gyms which are free to anyone Fenton Manor Flag status such as Fenton are also giving away a and are available from any Sports Complex. Park, Queen’s Park at number of one-month gym city council leisure centre. Longton and Burslem Park. passes every month until A national top 10 is being the end of the year on a ■ For full details on the compiled and the results first come, first served sessions available and times, announced on the website basis. visit stoke.gov.uk/ECoSFree greenflagaward.org. 12 City News WINTER 2016 Good reason

PROMOTING HEALTHY EATING: Kathie Powell and her daughter Keirra in the café at The Crescent to celebrate Children’s Centre.

HILDREN’S centres throughout so much she goes back at weekends Stoke-on-Trent are marking their to do junior voluntary work.” 10th anniversary – and one In an illustration of how children’s C centres help families in a sustainable mother-daughter pair have a special way, Kathie also found extra reason to celebrate. motivation through her involvement The duo are just one of the myriad at The Crescent. success stories at the Sure Start After enrolling to help as a facilities across the city which over volunteer she facilitated a healthy the last decade have seen 139,823 eating programme and studied a parents/carers and children using number of courses including English their services. and Maths and IT. Kathie Powell’s daughter Keirra She became a member of the was one of the first intake at The centre’s Parents Partnership Board Crescent Children’s Centre in Meir. and after working in the cafe and Seeing the centre first-hand kitchen for a while was appointed to inspired her mum to take up a series the post of Supervisor/Cook. of volunteer posts there, eventually “It’s fantastic to have a full-time qualifying to become a full-time job at The Crescent,” said Kathie. cook. “Children’s centres have such a This year, with 11-year-old Keirra valuable role in bringing youngsters well settled at High School, Kathie is on and supporting parents on a still going strong in her role. continuing basis.” The 50-year-old former pottery Kathie added: “Keirra is really lithographics worker says her proud of me.” youngster was shy and lacking in ■ Six of the Children’s Centres have confidence when she joined the clocked up 10 years – The Crescent, sessions at The Crescent at the age Treehouse, Westfield, Thomas of two. But she soon could not wait Boughey, Kingsland and Stoke to attend the pre-school “Let’s Get North. A number held special Started” groups and her celebrations, including a party at self-assurance grew. The Crescent attended by MP Rob “The children’s centre really Flello, an Everyone’s a Hero Day at brought Keirra on and prepared her Thomas Boughey and a Come and for school,” said Kathie. “She loved it Have a Go party at Kingsland.

Free childcare to help your child get ready for school

● Free childcare places for children aged two by 31 December. Apply now ready for January 2017 ● Free childcare places for children aged three and four (from the term after they turn three)

To find out about free childcare: 01782 232200 stoke.gov.uk/beststart WINTER 2016 City News 13 Lord Mayor’s Ball is record sell-out – with two months to go

THIS year’s Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor’s stage to belt out some classics, including The black tie evening, which includes a Ball is already a sell out with a record 440 an Elvis tribute and Penkhull Village five-course meal prepared by chefs from tickets being snapped up two months Brass. City Catering, is a major fundraiser for before the event. Lord Mayor Councillor Anthony the Lord Mayor’s three chosen charities – Demand has been unprecedented for Munday said: “Myself and the Lady the North Staffs Heart Committee, the Sir places at the glittering evening at the Mayoress want to thank all of our family, Stanley Matthews Coaching Foundation King’s Hall – one of the highlights of civic friends, colleagues and local business and the Lou Macari Foundation. calendar on Friday November 25th. people for their fantastic support. So far this year the charity fundraising The Ball has a theme of Sporting Soul “To sell out two months in advance is has been boosted by two major events of the City, reflecting Stoke-on-Trent’s brilliant news. Being Lord Mayor and organised by the Lord Mayor – and he has status as European City of Sport and the Lady Mayoress is like living a dream for taken part in both. In July a 120-mile blockbuster musical entertainment on the us. Everywhere we have been we have coast-to-coast sponsored cycle ride night. Top of the bill is the UK’s best soul been received very warmly. It’s been close following the Hadrian’s Wall route in the and Motown singer Diane Shaw and her to overwhelming at times but we wouldn’t North of England raised almost £5,000. fabulous nine-piece band. change it for the world. It’s a magical And in September a golf day at Trentham Vocalist Trevor Moray will take to the experience.” Park Golf Club realised nearly £1,200. RAISING REVENUE TO MEET SAVINGS ETAILED plans are being in February. Setting a medium S NEW TENANTS AT SMITHFIELD: North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group term financial strategy allows the are among organisations who have taken office space at the new Smithfield 1 drawn up to raise millions of council to plan ahead and set out pounds worth of income and development.Pictured are CCG Senior Communications and Engagement D a vision to achieve its financial Manager Nikki Ravenscroft, left, with Administrator Louise Barnett. transform services to achieve the goals over the next four years. savings needed to meet the The main points of plans for council’s budget over the next four economic growth are: ● The council’s own energy on health and social care vision for economic growth in years. ● Supporting local businesses company and district heat services. Stoke-on-Trent which will make and helping them thrive – in the network is on target to deliver ● Making the most of council sure the council delivers against Reduced funding levels and next few years local councils £1million income in the next the savings and efficiency targets increasing demand for services buildings including renting will be allowed to keep all the four years. office space in the Smithfield it has been set while driving mean the council has to save business rates they collect, so a forward improvements to life in around £51million between now ● Developing innovative ways of development. vibrant local economy will pay working and partnering with the city. and April 2020. off for the council. The council’s £500million “We will continue to work While the council is looking to agencies like the NHS, police ● capital investment programme closely with our partners, both save money through the Securing investment in towns and fire service to save money. aims to preserve the city’s rich and communities. This would private and public sector, to transformation of services, it will ● Redesigning services to make heritage while investing in provide value for money services also look to develop a range of see development in the Ceramic improving people’s lives, Valley Enterprise Zone and the them more efficient and for our communities and deliver initiatives to potentially produce improve customer service. enhancing the look and feel of our vision for Stoke-on-Trent – millions of pounds of extra Applied Materials Research, the city and helping the city’s ● working together to create a income. Innovation and Getting better value from economy.The investment will Commercialisation Centre, council contracts. stronger city we can all be The budget for 2017/18 will be also be used to lever in external proud of.” outlined in the next few weeks attracting new businesses and ● Reducing management costs. funding wherever possible, investment. ■ and the public will be asked to ● making the most of every pound A consultation on budget have their say during ● Investing to generate income. Generating income through the council spends. proposals will shortly be consultation in late November, The creation of the council’s the delivery of services like Deputy Council Leader Abi launched by the city council. December and January. own housing company not only payroll to other organisations. Brown, Cabinet Member for To have a say go to stoke.gov.uk/ Councillors will be asked to meets a need in the city but also ● Helping people lead healthier Finance and Partnerships, said: budget2017 or email approve the budget at a meeting provides dividend income. lives so they do not have to rely “We are setting out a positive [email protected] Council loan will help deliver prestigious four star hotel at Smithfield

PRESTIGIOUS four star hotel Enterprise Partnership will give a grant of Stoke-on-Trent really is on the up and this accommodation will be built on the £2.95million from its Growing Places shows the increased leadership and Smithfield site with support from the city funding pot. confidence in our city. We’re serious about council and its partners. The council’s investment in the creating the best conditions for businesses The plans for a multi-million pound development will generate an additional and giving opportunities to local people. four-star internationally-branded hotel are £150,000 a year in business rates. “When I became leader I made sure being hailed as further marking the It is also estimated the development of partners and businesses had the chance to resurgence of Stoke-on-Trent’s economy. the hotel will add £4million in direct move to Smithfield. Now we have health, Discussions are already underway with an spending in the local economy, with visitors the chambers of commerce and are set to operator for the facility, which would create to the hotel spending an additional welcome the police all into One Smithfield, more than 50 jobs and make a significant £1million with local businesses. with new facilities there for residents. extra contribution to the local economy. Council Leader Dave Conway said: “This “With Water Plus, we have 400 new jobs S An internationally-renowned hotel The council will provide a £4.55million is fantastic news and further shows the at Two Smithfield, and we have further name is set to develop a prestigious loan on commercial terms while the huge progress we are making to bring interest in the building from a number of new building alongside One Smithfield. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local investment and create jobs in the city. other companies.” 14 City News WINTER 2016 Waste minimisation ‘Christmas Carol’is a festive memory aid

TO help people remember the do’s Waste Project Client Officer Scott On The Twelfth Day Of Christmas Chuck polythene in the grey bin; and don’ts of Christmas recycling, the Moran said: “We urge everyone to sing My Waste Minimisation Officer Pop bubble wrap in your grey bin; city council’s Waste Minimisation along or pin the lyrics on their said to me – Fling your food in the grey bin; Team has come up with its very own noticeboard at home. Recycle your wrapping paper; Throw old toys in the grey bin; festive memory aid. Based on the “It is just a bit of seasonal fun but Twelve Days Of Christmas, the there is a really serious message Re-use your Christmas cards (or Crush your cans in the blue bin; popular seasonal carol, it gives people behind it which can help save the city recycle them); Put wine bottles in the blue bin; easy-to-follow advice on what can be a lot of money and help us hit our Sling old decorations in the grey bin; Throw dirty foil in the grey bin; recycled and in which bin. recycling targets.” The full verse is: Recycle all your cardboard; And… recycle your Christmas tree. Re ycle to save money

ESIDENTS are being turned back into something encouraged to give a really else and it can keep being recycled. All glass items should Rgreat Christmas present to be placed in blue bins. the city and the environment this ■ Cardboard is also widely year – more correctly recycled used in packaging. It is easily waste. recycled by folding or squashing The latest figures show that it down before placing it into around 30 per cent more rubbish the blue bin. is produced across the UK during ■ Between six and eight the festive period – and this costs million real Christmas trees are local authorities millions of bought each year – which if pounds to deal with. dumped or placed in the wrong In addition, the amount of bin creates a waste problem. waste that is thrown into the wrong bin in Stoke-on-Trent Two Christmas tree recycling alone costs the city council days are held in the city early in £500,000 extra each year to the new year, which people are dispose of – and this is an easily being urged to take advantage of. avoidable charge if people take The first is at Westport Lake on extra care. 4 January 2017, the second is Waste Client Project Officer held at Parkhall Golf Course on Scott Moran said: “Over the 6 January 2017. Christmas period households ■ For more details about produce more recyclable waste REMEMBER TO RECYCLE THIS CHRISTMAS: but this does not necessarily Christmas recycling or for translate to more correct general guidance, information Waste Minimisation Officers Elysia Green, recycling in bins. or support call the Waste left, Clare Britton and Matthew Lowe show correct recycling of festive waste. “We are asking people to help Minimisation team on 01782 in reducing the environmental impact of the increased waste 234234. over the Christmas period by reducing what they dispose of, recycle what they use and re-use NORMAL COLLECTION DAY REVISED COLLECTION DAY items where they can. RevisedRevised ChristmasChristmas andand NewNew YearYear 2016/172016/17 “Really, it is better for households too. No one wants to Monday 19 December 2016 Saturday 17 December 2016 be stuck with an overflowing general waste bin. Working COLLECTIONCOLLECTION DATESDATES Tuesday 20 December 2016 Monday 19 December 2016 together we can improve our city’s recycling rates.” Wednesday 21 December 2016 Tuesday 20 December 2016 “Most items can be recycled in people’s blue recycling bin Thursday 22 December 2016 Wednesday 21 December 2016 or box and their paper recycling bag.” Friday 23 December 2016 Thursday 22 December 2016 Here is a breakdown of some of the major Christmas-themed Monday 26 December 2016 Friday 23 December 2016 items and how they should be recycled: Tuesday 27 December 2016 Saturday 24 December 2016 ■ Wrapping paper is a major contributor to increased Wednesday 28 December 2016 Wednesday 28 December 2016 waste with about 8,000 tonnes being used each year in the Thursday 29 December 2016 Thursday 29 December 2016 UK. Residents can put non-foil wrapping paper into Friday 30 December 2016 Friday 30 December 2016 the paper recycling bin; anything which is made of foil Monday 2 January 2017 Saturday 31 December 2016 or is glittery should be placed in the grey bin. ■ Every Christmas For more information call 01782 234234 approximately 13,400 tonnes of glass is thrown away in the UK. Recycling this allows it to be or email: [email protected]

Contact the council via social media on Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil or Twitter @SoTCityCouncil WINTER 2016 City News 15 CITY BID TO SHOW A LASTING LEGACY TOKE-ON-TRENT’S bid to interesting city.We applied to work with Stoke-on-Trent become City of Culture 2021 because we could see that Swill show how a year of high potential. The experience we profile events would have a lasting have had and the people we have legacy for the city. met since we came here have One of the strongest elements only made that opinion stronger. of the bid is expected to show “There is some really good how being City of Culture would quality arts and cultural activity improve quality of life for going on in Stoke-on-Trent, with residents when the 12 months is many ideas for future over. Partners in Stoke-on-Trent development.” are hoping to hear the bidding He pointed to vibrant, engaging criteria from the Government by organisations like the arts the end of the year. programme Appetite, the British Then it will be all systems go to Ceramics Biennial and B-Arts as draw up the bid aimed at examples of what can be delivering an amazing year of achieved when the community events in the city, but also making has access to diverse cultural sure there is a lasting impact events. Meanwhile, big names from the Councillor Dan Jellyman, within its communities. Cabinet Support Member, tries Experts predict the bid will worlds of culture and tourism have to prove how being City of have visited the city to see his hand at throwing a pot Culture will impact on issues like progress on the bid and work watched by Visit England Chief health inequality, wellbeing and being done to promote the city as Executive Andrew Stokes during bringing communities together in a Cultural Destination. their visit to the World of the city. A bid has been made to the Wedgwood Museum. Individuals, organisations and Arts Council for funding to groups from across the city are support this, and its Chief already backing the bid, and it is Executive David Henley is expected more and more people coming to Stoke-on-Trent this will come on board as month (November) to talk about Stoke-on-Trent puts its case the importance of cultural together. Experienced specialist tourism. bid writers have been brought in Andrew Stokes, Chief to help. Executive of Visit England, came It is hoped a decision on the to the city a few weeks ago and successful City of Culture 2021 saw the rejuvenated Spode will be announced before the end factory site, priceless ceramic of 2017. collections at The Potteries 80 partners from across the city to make sure all sections of the touch by visiting www.sot21.com One of the bid writers, Keith Museum & Art Gallery and the had already signed up to back the city were part of the process. – lots will be going on in the Blundell, said Stoke-on-Trent World of Wedgwood Museum at bid and were attending regular Councillor Brown added: “Our coming months to engage local had tremendous potential and Barlaston. meetings of a partners’ forum. website has gone live to promote people in the bid as we work exciting threads running through Deputy Council Leader She said efforts were being the very latest news about the bid hard to gather information and its proposal. He said: “It’s a very Councillor Abi Brown said over made to engage all communities and local people can keep in build our case.”

Readers’old photos reveal Photo courtesy of Richard Talbot. missing Hanley Park dragons

THE City News appeal to readers to send Photos sent in by local resident Sue in old photos of the disappeared dragon Ridgway show her being held by her dad statues in Hanley Park has resulted in in front of the fountain in 1960, but by information that will help breathe life this time the dragons had all into a planned reconstruction. disappeared and the water was long Two excellent pictures – as well as gone. other information – which were Another correspondent, Celia Picken, submitted will assist the specialists who born in 1936 in nearby Stoke Road, are set to recreate the sculptures as part Shelton, describes Hanley Park as her of the park’s refurbishment. “happy hunting ground from a very early The photo right, taken in the 1930s, age until we moved to the Isle of Man in was sent in by local historian Richard 1952”. Talbot of Penkhull. Interestingly, Mrs Picken thinks that It shows his mother Hilda Talbot, nee the dragons “must have been removed Adams, sitting on the edge of the from the fountain before the Second Hammersley Fountain in the Cauldon World War. They were certainly never Grounds section of the park. there in my memory. I found the Behind her, resplendent alongside the fountain a bit drab. There was never any bowl of the water feature, are three out water in it.” of the four mythical creatures which Rob Belcher, Hanley Park Project graced the fountain and which were Manager who is leading the originally installed in 1896. refurbishment initiative, said all the Richard commented in his letter information sent in to the council was accompanying the photo: “It shows the extremely useful in building up a picture fountain in all its glory with the dragons of the dragons’ history. in situ, with the exception of one that is “The photographs help identify key missing at this early date.” details and give the specialist A photo sent in by another reader, craftspeople more to go on when they Mawson’s original sketch also providing tea with the Lord Mayor. The first phase Julie Keeling, shows members of the reconstruct the dragons,” he said. an extremely useful reference.” of the park refurbishment, which Cheadle Brownies including Julie’s “They will be used as guidance for The four people named above who includes work on the fountain and gates, grandmother Joan Salt sitting around the angles and position relative to the sides wrote in to supply information are being is scheduled to start as City News went fountain in 1935 or thereabouts. of the terracotta fountain, with Thomas thanked by being invited to an afternoon to press

Follow the 2021 City of Culture www.sot2021.com or Twitter @sot2021 16 City News WINTER 2016 WINTER 2016 City News 17

Christine Cotterill stocks up with Christmas slippers on her Shoenique stall at Longton Market.

Julie Wright with Jill Bailey with an attractive range of a Christmas Tree fancy festive collectables and giftware on her dress outfit on her Something Special stall at Hanley Market. Pierce Perfection stall at Tunstall Market.

Sally Simpson, owner of Sally-Chic at Tunstall Market, Best ever festive events at decorates her stall. Santa will be visiting STOKE MARKET throughout the festive season and SUPER VALUE CITY MARKETS traders will be handing out free ESIDENTS are being urged to 21 December – Santa greeting market will tell shoppers where Longton Market to roll out the mince pies and sweets support the “best ever” and meeting kids of all ages he is at any one time between 1 Christmas spirit this year. in the market and giving out December and Christmas Eve, A free Santa’s grotto will be the for the children. Rprogramme of Christmas gifts, 1pm-3pm. when he leaves Hanley to deliver main attraction every Saturday in events at Stoke-on-Trent’s popular 22 December – Santa greeting presents around the world. December up to Christmas Eve markets. and meeting kids of all ages in between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Christmas fun with all the Santa will be visiting Stoke There will be a free selection Husband the market and giving out Market throughout the festive and wife John and trimmings is free for all at the gifts, 1pm-3pm. box for every child visiting and town centre markets this year. season and traders will be traders have already pledged a Limei Guess prepare Tunstall market’s Christmas As well as offering shoppers handing out free mince pies and £240 donation to the Douglas their Aisha Fashion week opening days are: super value-for-money on sweets for the children. Macmillan Hospice. Jewellery stall at Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, hundreds of stalls, traders have Stoke market will be open for On all those Saturdays a magic Hanley Market for Friday 23, Saturday 24, joined with the council to put trade on Tuesday 20, Wednesday balloon man will also be Christmas. Wednesday 28, Friday 30, together events, competitions and 21, Thursday 22, Friday 23, entertaining visitors to the Saturday 31 December. Normal giveaways for the festive season. Saturday 24, Wednesday 28, market. opening resumes on 4 January. Markets Manager Rob Nixon Friday 30 and Saturday 31 A colouring competition for December. said this year’s Christmas offer Traders at Hanley Indoor children aged one to five and six Normal opening days resume from the markets in the city was Market will be working closely to 11 has a closing date of 17 Wednesday 4 January 2017. the best ever. with the outdoor market and December. He said: “We’ve worked with continental Christmas market to On Sunday 20 November Stoke There are Argos voucher prizes traders in our markets around the provide amazing experiences this Town Hall becomes a Christmas for first, second and third place in towns to provide something really festive season. paradise, with over 100 traders each age group. special and each is doing its own Plans are awaiting final selling Yuletide treats at King’s Tickets will also be handed out thing. Now we’d urge people to confirmation from Hanley’s chief Market. There is free parking on throughout December for a free turn out, visit their local markets elf, but a series of Free Teas with the Kingsway car park and an prize draw with £800 worth of and give these delightful events Santa in the market’s three entry fee of just £1 per adult. prizes. Winners will be selected their support.” indoor cafes has been announced Live entertainment includes on 23 December. Here, City News rounds up all for 19, 20 and 21 December. Christmas songs and a brass band And £1,500 worth of £5 shoppers need to know about Lucky children will be able to playing traditional carols. vouchers to be spent in the what’s on at city markets in the meet the real Santa, listen to Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, face market will also be given out run up to Christmas. stories, have their photo taken painting and balloon modelling randomly in the town centre Events at Tunstall Market and receive a special gift. will all entertain the children. during the run up to Christmas. include: The popular teas book up The Christmas market will be Other events at Longton 3 December – Sing along with quickly, so parents are urged to based all round the historic Market include: Elsa from Disney movie visit the market and reserve a building, from the King’s Hall and 10 December – Craft sessions blockbuster Frozen, 1pm-3pm. place as soon as possible. Windsor Room to the crush hall for children, 11am-2pm. A £5 deposit per child, and committee rooms, with a 10 December – Santa greeting 10 December refundable on the day, will secure huge range of Christmas – come along and Andrea Machine of Say Cheese in and meeting kids of all ages a place to meet the big man. decorations, food, gifts and arts meet Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, in the market and giving out Stoke Market, with a selection of Santa will be sharing his time and crafts on sale. Spiderman and the Hulk, festive preserves.Andrea also features gifts, 1pm-3pm. between the indoor and outdoor 11am-2pm. in the page one photograph. 17 December – Sing along with markets in the run up to Lots of special events and 17 December – Craft sessions Elsa from Frozen, 1pm-3pm. Christmas, and signs around the festive fun are lined up at for children, 11am-2pm. 16 City News WINTER 2016 WINTER 2016 City News 17

Christine Cotterill stocks up with Christmas slippers on her Shoenique stall at Longton Market.

EOPLE who are blind or partially sighted are being helped to access new Vital support to Ptechnology by the Hanley branch of a national charity. Action for Blind People, which has a blind and partially close partnership with the RNIB, has a base in the forecourt on Albion Street. It is running a project called Online Today which gives an introduction to new sighted people technologies such as mobile phones and tablet computers as well as getting people Referrals are made through the RNIB online. At the same time the charity is helpline, from eye clinics, via the social publicising Connect Radio which can be care sector and from other organisations. found online and on Freeview as part of Two Independent Living Co-ordinators the RNIB Connect project to encourage working across Staffordshire deliver a online forums and local support groups. Living With Sight Loss programme. “Our Assistive Technology Co-ordinator “An important part of our work is helps people who are blind and partially supporting people with welfare rights and sighted with advice on using the internet, employment,” said Gary. mobiles and a range of technology to aid “We promote the aim of retaining daily living,” said Service Manager Gary people in work before they lose their Beck. sight. Only 27 per cent of blind and If in-built settings on computers are not partially sighted people are currently in effective, additional software can be used jobs – it’s a very low figure.” to highlight, magnify and/or speak There is a resource centre at the Hanley contents on the screen, while TV and branch which sells a range of daily living computer-linked video magnifiers are also aids such as daylight light bulbs and available. liquid level indicators. Action for Blind People supports people Action For Blind People, which also has from the time they are diagnosed with a a branch in Stafford, recently supplied Action for the Blind Administration sight condition to have the confidence to City Council Leader Dave Conway with an and Resource Centre Manager Sharron live a full and active life via access to electronic magnifier after he was Sutton demonstrates the use of a resource centres, welfare and employment diagnosed with age-related macular digital magnifier. services. degeneration.

Demolition of Now is the time to apply for free nursery places pub to combat PARENTS in Stoke-on-Trent are antisocial being urged to make sure their two, three or four-year-olds make the most of free nursery places. behaviour Parents of any child who is two THE demolition of a former before the end of the year should pub is also set to dismantle apply now to be able to start in the antisocial behaviour in the New Year. local community. Any three or four-year-old is The council has taken entitled to a free childcare place action to knock down a from the term after they turn boarded-up privately owned three. This provides important pub, Queen of Hearts, in support in getting children ready Lillydale Road, Bucknall, for school nursery and reception after requests were made by class. There are many benefits of residents. They had taking up free childcare places for complained the building both parents and children, was an eyesore, and had including: become an attraction for ● Improving a child’s social skills antisocial behaviour. by mixing with other children The owner of the site of a similar age. informed the council that ● Improving a child’s speech they wish to sell the site for and development. development and the flat ● site is currently up for sale Increasing a child’s confidence with a local estate agent. and independence. The council hopes that ● Allowing parents to increase demolition of the former working hours, find a job or pub will help to prevent access training. further problems in the Kevin Taylor, of the council’s community and address Children and Families Team, said: people’s concerns. “Thousands of children have Councillor Jack Brereton, already taken up the offer to get Cabinet Member for the best start in life. Families are Regeneration and advised to apply early to make sure Transport, said: “We want to they get a place with the child care do everything we can to provider of their choice, as places tackle the issues which are fill up quickly.” important to residents and Free childcare is for 15 hours per ensure that their week, usually with a private neighbourhoods are safe nursery, pre-school or childminder. and pleasant places to live. Anyone who has already applied “Once the owner has sold for a free place but not taken up the site, we will be able to Three-year-old Oliver Barker with Early Years the offer should contact the council recoup the costs of the Practitioner Emma Jordan at the Ducklings Nursery in Meir for another voucher. Families can demolition from the – one of the nurseries where free places are on offer. apply at stoke.gov.uk/beststart or proceeds of the sale.” telephone 01782 232200.

To contact the council by email [email protected] WINTER 2016 City News 19

Christmas ghost stories with black humour ICTORIAN ghost stories blood into gothic gems adding to for Christmas will have the excitment for the audience. theatre-goers jumping out “There are sudden shocks and V scary jump out of the seat of their seats with fright as well moments,” said Jonathan, “And as chuckling at the black humour there is plenty of black humour when the Don’t Go Into The Cellar and even some carol singing.” Tickets for the show on theatre company comes to The Friday 16 December are Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. £19.95 and include a The seasonal offering is a two-course festive buffet spooky one-man show written, meal from 6pm and a bar in narrated and performed by The Potteries Museum & Art Artistic Director Jonathan Gallery cafe prior to the Goodwin who specialises in performance in the theatre “theatre Victoriana in a macabre 8pm to 10pm. VICTORIAN MACABRE: vein”. There are three original ■ To buy tickets telephone Actor Jonathan Goodwin period ghost stories delivered 01782 232323 or email event will performing three with innovative digital theatre organiser Melanie Firman at Christmas ghost stories. technology which pumps new [email protected] Audience have chance to join in seasonal show MEMBERS of the audience will be given the chance to join the cast of a seasonal show to be staged at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery theatre. Scrooge’s Victorian Christmas is a comic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, by the leading UK street theatre company Markmark. Two performances – on Saturday 17 December at 12.30pm and 2.30pm – are led by actors Mark Tillotson and Maggie Marsden but the other characters are played by volunteers from the audience who will be invited to take to the stage with no rehearsal or preparation necessary. “It’s done in the style of the old television show Bruce Forsyth’s The Generation Game with lots of improvisation, laughs and family fun,“ said Mark. “We have costumes of all sizes for the volunteer actors and their lines are held up on big cards for them to read. It’s instant theatre comedy – a kind of charades on the stage. “In total there are around 20 parts to play but sometimes a volunteer will play more than one LAUGHS AND FAMILY FUN: role. The show is split into four sections and lasts Mark Tillotson as Scrooge and Maggie Marsden about a hour.” as Bob Cratchit lead the improvisation. Tickets are free and can be reserved by contacting event organiser Melanie Firman on her email [email protected] or telephoning 01782 232323.

Joint ventures planned with leading Chinese ceramic companies LUCRATIVE joint ventures with leading on display at the former factory. Jingdezhen deputy mayor Li Zhenfa interested in joint ventures with Chinese ceramics companies could The new alliance was formed to said he thought the benefits of the counterparts here in the city and interest emerge from a ground-breaking trade recognise Stoke-on-Trent’s history as the agreement were threefold. He said: “It in further trade missions between the agreement signed by the city. birthplace of Wedgwood and Spode, and helps to promote exchanges between two cities has already been expressed. City councillors welcoming a delegation Jingdezhen’s 1700 year old heritage as businesses and people; it is a win-win for Councillor Janine Bridges, Cabinet from the Chinese city of Jingdezhen drew a world ceramics centre, where fine co-operation and relationship building; Member for Education and Economy, up the economic partnership agreement. porcelain ware was first called china. and Chinese enterprises are seeking said: “This partnership reinforces It commits both cities to develop Stoke-on-Trent’s Lord Mayor opportunities to expand their scale. friendship based on mutual respect, exchanges for students and businesses; Councillor Anthony Munday said: “This “We encourage Chinese enterprises to through the development of ever deeper bring together universities and higher agreement is an historic moment. invest in Stoke-on-Trent, and have set up bonds of trade and enterprise. education, encourage investors to support “There is already a natural alliance a joint enterprise exchange which will “It uses both of our cities’ positions as economic growth in both cities and look between the two cities – we share a have benefits in expanding new markets.” two of the world’s pre-eminent ceramic at linking up companies to work together. common focus on the incredible value of Talks are already underway to centres to drive a future of common The agreement was signed in the culture and heritage. We share a common showcase Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery at Tao trade and enterprise. newly created Spode Museum Trust bond of friendship and interest, with Xi Chuan – a major urban, mixed use “It is a wonderful opportunity for local Visitor Centre, in front of a range of rare cultural and civic links between our two regeneration project in Jingdezhen. businesses and it will help them to reach English blue bone china which has gone centres of learning and enterprise.” Chinese ceramic companies are new markets.” 20 City News WINTER 2016 Blitz is bang on target multi-million pound road and said: “We are bringing our roads up to standard and have transformed many pavement repair drive in estate roads which have previously been A Stoke-on-Trent – including a blitz neglected. Resurfacing of the main on potholes – is bang on target. classified roads benefits motorists More than half of the £7.2million visiting or passing through which is budget has been spent since work good for the city’s image but we want to started in April – resulting in 65 make a difference where our residents kilometres of roads and 7.5 kilometres live. We have already seen many of footways being resurfaced. Besides cul-de-sacs and estate roads and main roads being relayed, the city pavements having brand new surfaces council has targeted cul-de-sacs and which is improving the appearance of estate roads – to make a big difference those areas. in the areas where people live. “Our programme is right on schedule And the council has brought in a new and many more estates will have this “weapon” in the war on potholes – a top-notch resurfacing work in the state-of-the-art paving and planing weeks and months to come.” machine operated by the local ■ Meanwhile, a city council email authority’s own in-house workforce. news service, called Our Roads, which Instead of repairing patches of gives weekly bulletins on the potholes, the machine has enabled the location of road and footpath team to carry out cost-effective and workings so motorists can better efficient resurfacing of whole roads and plan their journey routes to avoid pavements on estates. So far the on-hire congestion, has been well-received by The council’s in-house team machine has relaid a total of seven residents. Our Roads is part of the using the new resurfacing machine kilometres. council’s Stay Connected email at Montgomery Place, Meir. Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet newsletter. To sign up go to Member for Transport and Heritage, stoke.gov.uk/stayconnected.

Paul Edmondson in Back Ford Green Road.

Tim Vaughan Colin Taylor in in Back Ford Brockbank Place. Green Road. Residents give a big thumbs up to their new road surfaces RESIDENTS have given the residents were also impressed I think has come from the thumbs up to the council’s action after their cul-de-sac and condition of the road, but the to repair potholes on their streets adjoining access road had been difference in the road condition is and in transforming them into relaid. amazing now – I am over the smooth and bump-free surfaces. Pensioner Betty Heeks has lived moon. Me and my husband Retired Paul Edmondson, 56, in Brockbank Place for more than watched the team work and what who lives on Back Ford Green four decades, and is delighted a difference they have made to Road, Smallthorne, said: “The with the outcome of the the road.” roads around here were diabolical resurfacing, and described it as Friend and neighbour Colin – there were holes everywhere “gorgeous”. Taylor, 69, also retired, added: “It and they were quite deep. But now The 70-year-old said: “The road wanted doing. The resurfacing is they are 100 per cent better. There wasn’t good, with holes being even helping stop water lying on is no more gravel coming into the quite deep, and they were the road after a heavy rain fall. house and it is much easier on my especially bad at the end of the “I have got no complaints and I dog’s paws – and on my car.” road. I had started to hear noises am glad that it is all sorted out Neighbour Tim Vaughan, 52, a coming from my car wheels which now. It is so much better.” wealth management company director, said: “The road was awful, when you drove along, you could feel every bump. It was really quick to resurface and it was worth the disruptions, as it only took a couple of days to BEFORE BEFORE complete. “The council was really clear about where we couldn’t park during the resurfacing. There were quite a number of people on the job, and it was a slick operation. I’ve never seen so many people excited about a new road surface before.“ Back Ford Green Brockbank Betty Heeks in Less than a mile and a half Road’s potholes. Place’s potholes. Brockbank Place. away in Chell Heath, other WINTER 2016 City News 21 Canoe heritage trail gives unique views of city’s culture and history PEOPLE will be able to use Canoe Club – to create the trail. expedition – taking advantage of appreciating the city’s rich paddle power to explore the rich Canoeists of all ages and camping areas along the way. culture, much of which has been and beautiful scenery along the abilities will be able to take Councillor Terry Follows, shaped by the canals. And along city’s waterways with the advantage of special markers to Cabinet Member for Greener the way there are many opening of a canoe heritage trail. guide them along the 20-mile City, Development and Leisure attractions worth visiting – for The aim is to provide a unique route, which starts at Westport said: “Canoeing and kayaking example Middleport Pottery or perspective on the city and its Lake and continues through to have never had such a high Hanley Park.” surroundings from the historic Froghall Wharf. profile in this area after Joe “Canoeists are welcome to try Trent and Mersey and Caldon In addition, users can do as Clarke’s gold medal success at out any of the routes along the Canals. much or as little as they like, the Rio Olympics. It’s especially trail, with dedicated canal access The city council has been with five short courses as well as exciting to be launching the points at the start and end of working with key partners – medium routes or a full 20-mile Heritage Canoe Trail during our each one. And from next spring Canal & River Trust, British experience to choose from. year as European City of Sport. we hope to run guided trips and Canoeing, Potteries Heritage Journeys can be anything from “This trail will provide a offer people the chance to hire Society and Potteries Paddlers a couple of hours to a three-day unique way of experiencing and canoes.” £1M BOOST FOR CANALS NE of the crucibles of the country’s canal-building Improvements to be a boon Oindustry is to benefit from £1million improvement work to further promote its waterways as for residents and tourists a major tourist attraction. It was 1766 when the first sod Waterways to draw up specific “Stoke-on-Trent has a great was cut on the Trent and Mersey plans. Work is set to start in early industrial and cultural heritage Canal at Brownhills, Tunstall – a May next year and all projects that is integrally linked to the pioneering feat of engineering are expected to be completed by canal network and we can really constructed by James Brindley. the end of 2017. work on that theme as we Now, 250 years on in a vastly As well as being a boon for promote these waterways.” different age of transport and tourism, the improvements are Resident Jason Kemp, of communications, the canal expected to encourage more Burslem, who regularly walks network continues to play a walkers and cyclists to use the along the Trent and Mersey pivotal role, bringing visitors into canal corridors as an alternative Canal close to where and through Stoke-on-Trent on transport network, therefore construction began two and a boats and providing scenic routes promoting a more healthy half centuries ago, said: “I have for people who walk, run or cycle. lifestyle. noticed more and more people The seven-figure cash boost Councillor Jack Brereton, using the canal towpaths for will be used to pay for a number Cabinet Member for everything from walking the dog of improvements on both the Regeneration and Transport, to running and cycling. Trent and Mersey and adjoining said: “For residents this is all “Narrow boats seem to Cauldon canals. about encouraging more people regularly pass me too. So it is a They include extra lighting, to walk to school or work using great time to capitalise on that resurfaced towpaths and a range the canal corridor as well as use interest. of better facilities for narrow boat it more in their leisure time. “I’d like to see more users. “From a tourism point of view information boards explaining All improvements are being we want to capitalise more on the about the heritage of the area funded by the city council, with 13,000 boats that pass along both and the significance of the talks underway with British canals in the city every year. canals. From a practical point of view, extra lighting and better pathways are also a great idea, A scenic canal especially for early mornings or setting at Middleport. evenings.”

Carol Davies and her one-year-old son Jayden take a walk along the canal towpath at Burslem.

Tourists Ken and Irene Hulme of Stockport on their narrow boat enjoying a cruise through Stoke-on-Trent. City News 22 20/10/16 14:38 Page 1

22 City News WINTER 2016 Uni roads scheme underway

ORK has started on a £10.5million pavement and highway infrastructure programme to transform the area between the railway station and the civic around Staffordshire University's centre including under the railway bridge W and on the crossing over the canal and the campuses in Stoke. A500. The first phase will enhance both Talks are underway with Network Rail Thornton Road and Spencer Road, on improving lighting under the bridge, creating an attractive link between the adding new pedestrian access and College Road and Leek Road sites. drop-off and short stay parking to the rear Councillor Jack Brereton, right, and Local Enterprise The work will make it much safer, easier of the rail station. Partnership Chairman David Frost inspect progress on and more pleasant for students, residents The overall programme will significantly the first phase of the road improvement around and visitors to move around. improve the experience for people arriving Staffordshire University campus and Stoke station. To make the areas even better the to the city by train creating a more council's Cabinet has also agreed to the pedestrian friendly space in the square in compulsory purchase of the motor dealer front of the station. Partnership, supporting the commitment infrastructure around it must be enhanced site opposite the University's Leek Road Future phases of the programme will to better access to the city centre. to complement that investment. campus, which will enable the existing also see road widening and junction Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet “The rail station is a major gateway to complex junction to be reconfigured. improvements on Leek Road, including a Member for Transport and Regeneration, the city and it’s absolutely vital that we It will create an attractive pedestrian significant enlargement of Joiners Square said: “We want to ensure everyone gets the give people a positive experience as they piazza, and a safe crossing point on Leek roundabout to reduce congestion to enable maximum benefits from the influx of arrive into the city. Leek Road is also one Road, completing the link between the increased economic growth. thousands of extra students and lecturers of the city's most congested areas and this University sites. The programme is funded by the city to Stoke town and the City as a whole. We investment will help to significantly The first phase of works also includes council and Stoke-on-Trent and are working closely with the university improve capacity and journey times for improvements to Glebe Street with new Staffordshire Local Enterprise and as it grows, improving its campus, the road users.” Major works to renovate two historic civic buildings

PHASE One of a £500,000 project to Crush Hall, which is famed for its Minton renovate historic Kings Hall and the Hollins-style floor tiles. These areas will adjoining Grade II listed Stoke Town Hall also benefit from new LED lighting, which is nearing completion. will be far more energy efficient than Improvements are aimed at increasing existing fittings. use of the major venue for functions, The money to refurbish the building is conferences and other events as well as to part of a £473.5million spend on capital make it more energy efficient, better able projects announced by The Coalition to withstand the elements and easier to Cabinet earlier this year. maintain. A further £3.4million is being spent to The Victorian council chamber, which restore historic buildings including was built in the mid 19th century, has now Hanley, Longton and Tunstall town halls been painted up to its high-level ceiling and Longton Market. and decorative plaster architraves. Plans The old Stoke Town Hall was built are also in place to replace the chamber’s between 1834 and 1850 while the carpet and to clean and French polish its adjoining King’s Hall was built to a free oak furniture. classical style between 1910 and 1911 at Work is also almost complete on a the time of Federation of the six towns as replacement roof, which covers the old the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent. It town hall building – including new and is renowned for featuring a 19-bay upgraded insulation and waterproofing. dressed stone frontage. Permanent access steps have also been Nowadays the King’s Hall, which can installed to key areas on the roof to make seat up to 1,400 people, has become a future maintenance safer and easier. The popular venue for hire and this is set to remaining original roof domes, which had be boosted by the improvement works. become discoloured, have also been Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet replaced with Member for Regeneration and Transport, polycarbonate said: “The King’s Hall along with the substitutes allowing smaller rooms in the town hall – the much more natural Jubilee Lounge, the Windsor Room, light to enter the Jubilee Hall and the Council Chamber building. have become popular venues for a range An overlapping of functions, conferences, memorable second phase of nights out and corporate and charity refurbishment is now occasions. also underway, which “The improvements we are carrying out covers areas from will make them even more attractive to Kingsway entrance people looking to hire them for their Principal Surveyor Andrew Wooliscroft through to the modern events as well as help to restore some of in the renovated Council Chamber at Stoke Civic Centre building the grandeur to these great old buildings. Town Hall.Inset right, Painting Supervisor on Glebe Street. “Behind the scenes, the restoration Nigel Boyce puts the final touches to the This includes work will also make the venue much more remounted Roll of Honour outside the improvements to the energy efficient and easier to maintain, Lord Mayor’s Parlour following decoration. corridor outside the while on the surface still boasting the Lord Mayor’s Parlour Victorian and turn of the 20th century and then also the charm which appeals to visitors.” WINTER 2016 City News 23 RECIPE FOR CULINARY SUCCESS Top catering team boosted by classically-trained chefs

HERE is a real appetite for the They include catering supervisors, assistants and City Catering service right now officers, production managers, T– and it is no wonder when delivery drivers, technicians and you take a look behind the scenes. even a healthy eating dietician. The 550-strong expert team There are also three Catering Supervisor Amanda Wlazlo provides around 20,000 healthy classically-trained chefs – serves up a nutritious meal to Sneyd Green and varied school dinners every including one who received his Primary School pupils Sybel Circi, aged day and that number is rising as formal tuition at luxury London three, and Dominic Keeling, aged four. more and more pupils choose to hotel Claridge’s – who prepare tuck in. the menus for special functions. Breakfasts, break time snacks Overseeing the team is “This year, for the first time, we the service is also growing. Back at school, one of the and after-school clubs are also all Operations Manager Facility have offered bespoke menus to Earlier this year, the team laid reasons why more and more catered for with a range of Management Louise Weaver. She each and every school we cater on a mouth-watering spread for people are choosing breakfasts, nutritious options. said: “Everyday we provide meals for – based on what pupils and Staffordshire University’s dinners or break time snacks Further afield, schools outside for 75 schools throughout the city teachers want on the menu, so graduating football coaches from prepared by City Catering is Stoke-on-Trent have also called and beyond. you can see the enormity of the China and catered for a series of down to the whole eating in the services of City Catering as task. summer tea parties at the Kings experience. its reputation grows, while a Cook and chill “In addition, all the food we Hall, Stoke. Louise said: “The variety of whole host of special functions “In the majority of cases we prepare is freshly produced, we It is now gearing up for the food we serve, the way we serve from overseas visits to charity prepare and cook the food on site buy meat from local butchers and sell-out Lord Mayor’s Charity it and the venues make it much balls are now on the menu. but currently 22 schools do not other produce locally too. We also Ball in November. more like a restaurant experience To cap it all, the service was have kitchen facilities, so we test all the food and ingredients rather than the old stereotyped shortlisted for the UK’s Best make their meals at our Cromer to make sure salt, sugar and fat Master chef idea of school dinners. Catering Service after managers Road base on a cook and chill contents are low and prepare Louise said: “This side of the “I work closely with our devised a young chef competition basis. At the moment it equates to special menus for dietary business is headed up by three buildings team and whenever which inspired children to get producing 20,000 dinners every requirements, such as diabetes.” very experienced and talented there is a new school or a involved with cooking at an early day and that number is The popularity of the service catering officers. refurbishment taking place, we age. In this recipe for success, key expanding. has seen it win contracts to cater “Christopher Bestwick received have a lot of input into what the ingredients – of course – are the for schools in other areas of his formal training at Claridge’s, dining area is going to be like. team’s members. Staffordshire such as Stone, Paul Weaver was a master chef in “We have got some really Biddulph and Kidsgrove, and the army for 23 years, while fantastic settings now and they it is bidding for more work. Jason Austin is also a classically are helping to make the whole Away from the core trained chef. idea of eating a meal a business, the “They are passing on all their real part of the special flair and skills to the rest of school day rather function the team and it is helping us Supervising than an side of to up our game even more.” Cook Tracy afterthought.” Holdcroft prepares school meals at the City Catering centre.

Chef-trained Catering Officers, left to right, Paul Weaver, Jason Austin and Christopher Beswick pictured at the City Catering centre in Cromer Road, Northwood. 24 City News WINTER 2016 Bowel cancer screening for 60-74 year-olds RESIDENTS aged between 60 and 74 are being urged to Breath make the most of opportunities to be screened for bowel cancer. People in that age group automatically receive an invitation to take part. Anyone aged over 74 can request a kit. Public health officers in the city made the plea in memory of Harold Staniforth, who for tests at eight years has featured in publicity campaigns for bowel cancer screening in the city, and who recently passed away. Bowel cancer screening many years ago had saved Harold’s life and he became a passionate advocate, encouraging others to take the random test too. For information about bowel cancer screening call RIVERS who drink alcohol or attend, any motorist 0800 707 6060. use drugs are being warned committing a traffic offence, of random police checks at or anyone who is suspected D of drink or drug driving. any time of the day this Christmas. “During this campaign we The annual drink-drive will also be generally stopping drive and not risk their own and People who rely on being able Showcase for campaign starts on 1 December motorists and carrying out tests. the lives of others. to drive for work could also end and aims to protect road users by Mistakenly people think after a People are urged to plan how up without a job. local products reducing the number of fatal and night of drinking or using drugs they will get home before a night serious road traffic collisions. that if they have slept or have out – whether to not drink, decide ■ Anyone with concerns about Police want to deter people eaten they are fit to drive. on a designated driver or someone believed to drive A new Christmas Market is under the influence of drugs or “Our operations will not just be pre-book a taxi. being staged at Hanley’s alcohol from getting behind the at night, they will also be run in Motorists who ignore this whilst under the influence of Victoria Hall to offer local wheel, and warn that the effects the mornings and throughout the advice face penalty points and alcohol or drugs should contact creative businesses an of a night out might still be day.” automatic loss of licence for a police on 101. opportunity to showcase present the morning after. Motorists are urged to think minimum of 12 months, a hefty Alternatively, contact the and sell their wares. Inspector Mat Derrick, from before they drink, and consider fine and for more serious independent crime-fighting It takes place on the force’s tactical support how long it will be before getting offences, being sent to prison and charity Crimestoppers 4 December from 11am-4pm department, said: “We always behind the wheel. The more having a criminal record. anonymously on 0800 555 111 and admission is free. carry out tests throughout the someone consumes, the longer it There will also be financial Up to 50 stalls will be year on anyone involved in a takes to clear the body. Everyone consequences with future or through their anonymous selling festive gifts and road traffic collision that we should make sure they are fit to insurance premiums. online form. there will be community performances and a visit from Father Christmas. Stalls (6ft) are priced at £35 and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Take precautions to beat cyber crime For more information or to book a space please contact Gracechallinor@ theambassadors.com – and avoid being ‘mugged’online

RESIDENTS and businesses are being warned to protect themselves against Accolades for the growing threat of online fraud and cyber crime. school lunches Figures released by the Office for THIRTEEN schools across National Statistics this year estimate the city have scooped there were around 5.8million incidents national awards for serving of online fraud and computer misuse up healthy and nutritious in England and Wales over the lunches. They received the previous 12 months. Soil Association Food for Life It is a growing concern in the city accolades for also ensuring and Staffordshire too with Police and pupils learn how to cook and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis grow food. saying there “is more chance of being Ten schools achieved the mugged online than mugged in the bronze awards while three street and it is possible the criminal is schools – Abbey Hill School thousands of miles away”. and Performing Arts College, He said this makes cyber crime a Forest Park Primary and Park complex area for police and other Hall Academy – have agencies to tackle. achieved the silver award for Cyber crime is a crime such as going the extra mile to fraud, bullying, theft or grooming that involve parents and the wider is committed online (on the internet) community in food education. using a device that can access the web, such as smartphones, tablets or other devices. Cyber crime also includes crimes against a computer or device such as contaminating or corrupting it with Traders turn viruses or taking-over your social media profile, email account or your CYBER SAFE: Sam Dean, a Graphic Designer at the back the clock website. What is illegal offline is illegal online. Wayne Walker shop at Middleport, does his internet MARKET traders in Tunstall Malicious software on a victim’s banking safely by following expert advice. will turn back the clock to computer or device, called malware, the 1940s to mark allows criminals to redirect people remembrance events in the from one website page to another. The new and changing threats from crime and Office of the Police and Crime city. On 11 and 12 November malware can be delivered in scam email criminals for individuals and businesses. Commissioner for Staffordshire (OPCC) stallholders will dress up in attachments to emails, for example. This is “The Cyber Safe Staffordshire campaign which will appear on Twitter @StaffsPCC period costumes. why updates and malware protection are so aims to raise awareness of cyber crime and and @StaffsPolice. Children from Burnwood important on devices whether it is a also show people where they can access The campaign sees a theme for each School Choir will sing computer, smartphone or tablet. information to help to protect themselves month including business crime, online between 10.30am and Another tip is to always check the website and their family.This campaign is also about bullying and harassment and online 11.30am on 11 November. On address you are actually logged onto. Always public services joining up across agencies to shopping in the run-up to Christmas and 12 November professional look out for the small padlock symbol, found highlight a real threat to people living in the January sales. singer Melanie Baines will in the address bar for a site – this shows the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.” ■ More information about cyber crime entertain shoppers from site is secure. Anyone can join the campaign. All people can be found on the Staffordshire Police 11.40am to 4pm with songs Mr Ellis added: “The internet and its need to do is share the #CyberSafeStaffs website at: www.staffordshire.police.uk/ from the Forties. development brings opportunity but also messages from Staffordshire Police and the cybercrime WINTER 2016 City News 25 CUT-PRICE PARKING TO BOOST BUSINESS UT-PRICE parking is being introduced to support businesses in the city’s town centres. Action month CThe council has set its stall out to promote business growth across the city, and expects lower parking charges will to screen for attract more customers for local shops and leisure outlets. mouth cancers For the next year, on surface level car parks, except those at leisure centres, it will cost just £1 to park between 3pm and RESIDENTS are being 7am the next morning. warned of the signs of The same will apply for all chargeable dangerous mouth cancers on-street parking, except in Hanley. during a series of events in People who already have a daytime November. parking pass will be able to top it up to be A team of health able to park more cost-effectively specialists will be touring overnight. Stoke-on-Trent as part of a The cost of reduced income from car special action month. parks will be offset by additional rental People will be advised to from organisations renting office space at look out for ulcers which do Smithfield. The council will monitor the not heal within three weeks, scheme’s success in attracting more red and white patches and people to the City Centre, new business unusual lumps or swellings start ups and increases in reported sales in the mouth. The aim is to for existing businesses. save lives by increasing Traders and customers will also be early protection. asked for their thoughts on the impact of Anyone with any of these reducing parking charges. symptoms is advised to Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet discuss concerns with their Member for Regeneration, Transport and dentist or GP. Heritage, said: “The city council has For details of our events committed itself to supporting local during Mouth Cancer Action businesses to thrive, and to supporting Month visit stoke.gov.uk/ economic and leisure activity in our healthyteeth. towns. This initiative is a tangible demonstration of this commitment. If it proves to be successful it is our intention that the changes will be made permanent.” Gavin Tilston, owner of the tsp. coffee Unity Walk is shop in Picadilly, Hanley, welcomed the CHEERS!: city centre coffee shop owner Gavin move. He said: “It makes perfect sense to reduce the cost of parking. It’s great the Tilston celebrates the cut-price parking offer with a the newname council realise that the more people who cuppa.Visitors to Hanley will be able to park for £1 come into town, the more money is spent on surface level car parks between 3pm and 7am. A new shopping complex at all round.” the heart of the City Centre will be called Unity Walk following a public vote. The name received more than 200 votes in a poll by developer Realis Estates. Workshops to help local business win contracts The complex – featuring a 50,000 square foot main store and 15 smaller shops – THREE informative workshops have been will be built on the site of held to help more local businesses win the old bus station and East contracts to supply goods and services to West Precinct opposite the city council. Parliament Row. Nearly 140 companies from a complete M&S and fashion retailer cross-section of sectors attended the Next have been revealed as Doing Business with Stoke-on-Trent City anchor tenants for the Council events, which provided helpful project, which will also advice on procurement and the tendering feature a food hall and a process. dedicated car park. Last year (2015/16), the city council generated £71million of procurement opportunities, with local business winning £26million (36 per cent) of these contracts. The council also publishes tenders on every contract above £500 – Care website meaning that companies large or small have plenty of opportunities to bid for work. Two of the events – which were is expanded organised at Council Leader Dave MORE information relevant Conway’s request – were held at the Civic to residents in the city has Centre, with the the other staged at the been added to an online CoRE centre in Longton. resource aimed at helping Held in conjunction with Staffordshire them shape their own care Chambers of Commerce, the workshops and live independent lives. featured specialist advice from Jonathan The website – Andrew of Baswich Business Consultants staffordshirecares.info – and also from Darren Pearce, the council’s City Council Leader Dave Conway, right, chats with Brendan Fern, left, of carries guidance on Strategic Manager for Procurement. Brendan Fern Maintenance and Restoration Ltd, and Steve Holdcroft of Holdcroft accessing various care and Enterprise and Business Support Heating at a business procurement workshop held at the Windsor Room in Civic Centre. support services for people Project Officer Mark Price – who helped of all ages. There are to organise the events – said: “It is sections on self assessment, important we encourage as many local surrounding it and where people can go coming city council contracts can visit the service directories, health companies to bid for city council contracts to find out about up and coming website stoke.gov.uk and press the and wellbeing, useful as possible as part of our red carpet opportunities. We were delighted with the corporate procurement tab. People can leaflets and apps and even a approach to business. excellent response to the events and if also register on the site for e-bulletins, page to report abuse. “Through the workshops we were able demand permits will look to run more in which means they will automatically There are also social to break down the procurement process the future.” receive regular updates on procurement media feeds on Facebook, and explain the do’s and don’ts Anyone who wishes to view up and opportunities. Twitter and Youtube. 26 City News WINTER 2016

OVER the last eight months, The Macari Centre has been ensuring that scores of rough sleepers have had a place to stay overnight.The £150,000 homeless shelter, in Regent Road, Hanley, which is the brain child of former Stoke City manager Lou Macari and is funded by the city council, has transformed many lives. Here, City News spotlights three people who have benefited from having access to the centre’s facilities and its dedicated team. Man who tried to commit Vital support to suicide three times now has beat drug habit

a home IFE has not been easy for Mark Bailey – who turned to class A drugs after and a job finding himself homeless. “”I was still using LHowever, since he started using The Macari Centre he has been helped by the professional team there to beat his drugs for the first RESULTS have always addiction and is now “clean”. been at the forefront of Mark, aged 20, who is originally from couple of weeks I Lou Macari’s mind, but it Birmingham, said: “I’ve been coming to is the victories that the the centre for about three months now, was here and then centre keeps notching up and when I first came I was using heroin which now put a smile on quite a lot. Since being here I’ve stopped. the team started the football legend’s face. “The reason I am here is that The former Birmingham social services wanted to talking to me about Manchester United and put me in a hostel in Walsall and I didn’t Scotland star recalls how really want that. I went there but that my problems. staff helped vulnerable failed and I came up to here as it is 55-year-old Nerijus where my partner lives. I think I have Their advice really Mecejus turn his life been in Stoke-on-Trent for about four around. years. helped and I then Nerijus, originally from “I had been sleeping rough and using Lithuanian, had gone heroin for about three months before I stopped the drugs. from attempting to found his place. I was still using drugs for commit suicide on the first couple of weeks I was here and multiple occasions to then the team started talking to me about having his own my problems. Their advice really helped accommodation and a and I stopped the drugs. job. “They have been really supportive and Lou said: “When you do have been there for me every night. If I take on this job you are didn’t have that, I don’t know what aware of what the situation I would be in. I wouldn’t be able challenges are. What is to afford my own food or anything if I quite obvious is that the lived on my own. They have helped me a people who come here lot. I really needed the support. need a little bit of help “If I had moved into a house on my A BED FOR THE NIGHT: Mark Bailey and a little bit of own, I’d just go straight back on heroin. in the dormitory at The Macari Centre. guidance. And I feel a lot more confident since I “Nerijus had tried to started coming here." throw himself under vehicles on Regent Road three times. Maybe a lot of people would have given up on him, because most of the time he was Centre provided a base to sort out problems trying to kill himself. But we kept him here, we fed him, and gave him THINGS were going well for Mark Clowes – a bed. We did not do a he had a roof over his head and steady great deal more than Lou Macari has a employment. However, one day when he came that. Some may say that cuppa with Mark back from work, his friend decided he could we waved a magic wand Clowes who was not live there any longer, he found himself on or said some magic given crucial help by the streets and subsequently lost his job. words to him, but we did But with the help of the staff at The Macari not. staff at the centre. Centre, Mark, aged 52, who has lived in “I brought him in along Stoke-on-Trent all his life, is back on track with some of the staff and just about to move into a new home. one night in a trolley, and The 52-year-old said: “A friend was putting put him into his bed. me up. I finished work one day, went back to “People were laughing, the house and I couldn’t get in. When I went but we gave him his to see him, he told me that his grandson had breakfast the next moved in, and I would have to find morning and told him to somewhere else. It left me totally in the lurch. come again at night. “Because of that I lost my job as I didn’t “At first I thought that have an address. I ended up going to the he was a lost cause, but Salvation Army, and they sent me to The with the support that he Macari Centre. I stayed here for about three had here combined with weeks as I had nowhere else to go. It was that of the police, either here or the streets. paramedics and health “The staff are brilliant. They helped me to service it gave him the sort benefits out and gave me advice on belief and hope that he housing and numbers to phone. I have always could achieve something. been confident, but when I came here I was “I want to stress that feeling really low. he achieved it on his “Basically they gave me a base so I could go own, he went out out and find somewhere to live. A guy from and looked for the the Citizen’s Advice Bureau comes in three to accommodation and he four times a week, gives advice, tells you who went out and found a job. to contact, and has a catch up with how you He came back and with are doing. great delight he told us “As a result I now have my own place again that he had managed to and I can rebuild from there. This idea behind achieve it, and is now in this place is great. Lou is a saint, and that’s employment and looking coming from a Port Vale fan!” after himself.” WINTER 2016 City News 27 SELF-BUILD PLOTS SALE

LOTS for a further 21 self-build out to put in a road, drainage and conduits for water, gas and properties could go on sale electricity to each plot. Pnext year when the city Debbie Hope, Strategic council markets an attractive Manager for Housing Growth, development site near Caverswall said: “We’d hope an auction for the plots would take place by Village. October next year, and once the The three-acre semi rural site, buyers have secured full planning on the edge of the greenbelt at permission the plots would be Caverswall Lane, should secure ‘shovel ready’ in that building outline planning permission by work could start immediately.” the end of the year – paving the The council’s first self-build way for an auction of plots to project at Penkhull Farm was a potential residents who want to resounding success, with build their own homes in a developers snapping up six plots prestige location. and the council generating more Plots on the site have been revenue from the sales than was planned to give self-builders the expected. flexibility they want to plan and build a good sized home with a ■ Anyone interested in self- decent sized garden. It is expected building in the city can sign up that homes built on the plots will to a register to keep in touch be attractive three, four or five with the latest news can visit bedroomed houses. stoke.gov.uk/ccm/content/ PLOTTING NEW HOMES: Strategic Once outline planning housing/private-housing/ Manager for Housing Growth Debbie permission has been secured custom-self-building-in- Hope on the site of the self-build preparatory work will be carried stoke-on-trent.en development in Caverswall Lane.

Volunteers open the door on ‘things to do’ Better public A community project in Stoke-on-Trent toilets at the which encourages residents to take part in activities is going from strength to strength after being handed over to Indoor market volunteers to run. The lottery-funded Green Door IMPROVEMENTS to public initiative provides free or low cost toilets in the City Centre will things-to-do aimed particularly at older give Hanley some of the and disabled people and makes the most country’s most modern of the city’s green spaces. facilities. In the last four years The most popular offer is cycling based there has been a big net at the project’s hub at Westport Lake increase in the number of where a fleet of 15 bicycles, trikes quad public loos available to cycles is available for hire – eight of shoppers and visitors. which have been specially-made for use Now work is underway to by disabled people. improve public toilets in Volunteers took over the running of the Hanley Indoor Market to service from the city council two months provide extra capacity and ago after four years of being managed by replace toilets which are being the local authority. demolished at Crown Bank. Now Green Door has more than 400 Councillor Jack Brereton, members, plans to expand its range of Cabinet Member for activities and is bidding for more lottery Regeneration and Transport, funding. said: “As part of our capital Mark McIntosh, Chair of volunteers’ investment programme we are trustees, said: “We are providing a committed to improving key much-needed facility in the city and it buildings and amenities across helps to prevent people from becoming the city. isolated in their homes. “We have already started “We encourage people to take part in work to enhance Longton regular activities and to meet others Market and we are now which improves their physical and mental looking at improvements to well-being. We have a pick and mix Hanley Indoor Market. This approach where people can do as much will include significantly or as little as they like.” updating the public toilets, Other activities on offer include providing modern wildlife walks, photography walks, fit-for-purpose facilities. angling, kayaking and indoor crafts such “We have more public toilets as willow weaving. The cycling takes available in the City Centre place five days a week from Tuesday to than we did four years ago, Saturday, 10.30am to 3.30pm. even with the closure of Crown Alyson Shorthouse, the city council’s Bank. These further former Green Door Facilitator, said she improvements will mean we was delighted the volunteers were will have some of the most making a success of the project. “It was modern and extensive facilities always the intention for Green Door to be of any city centre in the eventually run by volunteers,” she said. country.” “For months prior to the hand over the Public toilets managed by volunteers ran the project with the the council are currently council’s support to build up their available in the City Centre at confidence and to ensure a smooth the bus station, Hanley Indoor transition.” Market, One Smithfield, The ■ Anyone wishing to volunteer or to take Potteries Museum & Art part in Green Door activities can contact Gallery, Hanley Town Hall and the Westport Lake hub by emailing City Central Library.There are info@green–door.org.uk or by CYCLING FOR FUN AND FITNESS: Mark McIntosh, Chair of Green Door trustees, also many other toilet facilities telephoning 07824 473432. with service users Craig and Dawn Edwards at project’s Westport Lake hub. not operated by the council. 28 City News WINTER 2016 Appeal for new members at transformed estate A busy residents’ association more people to join to help run Bath and Llandudno. celebrating the completion of a regular community facilities and Residents’ Association £50million regeneration trips. The association runs a Chairman Ernie Clarke – who programme to transform its well-attended weekly youth club has lived on the estate since estate is seeking new members. every Wednesday night and a 1954 and seen all the changes – Stylish new homes, new open coffee morning every Tuesday – said: “We’d like to welcome new spaces and even a children’s both take place at Weston members, especially from some playground have changed the Heights Infants School. of the people who have moved face of the former Coalville It also runs popular Christmas into the new houses. All they Estate forever. shopping trips to cities like have to do is pop along to one of Now the Weston Heights Manchester and summer day our weekly sessions at the school Residents’ Association wants trips to places including York, to find out more.” Lotto grant success

WESTENDERS: Community centre Volunteers toast their lottery grant success with a cuppa at the community centre. ready for take off Standing left to right, May Jones, Jenny Walker, Norman after cash boost Prophett and Maureen Prophett. Seated left to right,Tess Butlin, John Butlin and ULL-TIME staff funded by a £467,000 Sue Brown. lottery grant success will enable a city Fcommunity centre to offer more focused support based on residents’ needs. West End Methodist Church and Community Centre – based in the refurbished former Corkey’s pub at The West End – received the cash boost after making a compelling argument during an 18 month application process. Volunteers currently provide meeting facilities and a community cafe at the centre on London Road. But the appointment of a full-time centre manager, chef, outreach worker and a cleaner/janitor will transform the way the operation benefits the community. Church Trustee Jason Toft said the outreach worker’s priority would be to establish what the local community needs and give people the opportunity to access community. Research around the area filled after Christmas. An appeal has gone issues like funding bids and tenders. Jason services at the centre. showed people wanted a meeting space out to residents to volunteer to help run said: “We couldn’t have achieved the He said: “Having full-time, paid and courses like Cook and Eat. the centre, which may even give them new lottery funding without them.” members of staff will mean we can open “We will also work to achieve key skills and help them find a job or return to the centre more and the aim is to provide outcomes in the community like reducing work. ■ To find out more about the West cafe facilities six days a week offering an isolation by giving people somewhere they The lottery bid was supported by End Church and Community Centre affordable meal and a safe, warm, friendly can meet.” Stoke-on-Trent-based Urban8Solutions, please visit westendcommunitycentre. place for people to meet. The outreach It is hoped the centre manager will be in which offers support and advice to weebly.com or email worker will engage with the local place this year, with the remaining posts community organisations on complex [email protected] An ideal time for parents to come together Three more DEDICATED parents brought RAs launched together at one of the city’s children’s centres are providing fun events, courses THREE new residents’ and support to other families. associations (RAs) have been Parent Time meets every launched to bring city week at Thomas Boughey communities together and help Children’s Centre, Shelton, to local people make a difference plan its packed programme of to the places where they live. trips, discos, fun events and They are: ● parties. Crossways RA, which They work with local covers the area around residents’ associations, church Dairyfields in Sneyd Green. ● groups and support other Mill Hill RA covers the parents who might not be Irene Avenue and Carlton able to access similar Avenue areas. ● events anywhere else. Norton Le Moors RA Parent Time covers Adderley Road/Harrison member Claire Road area and surrounding Walker said: “It’s a streets in Norton Le Moors. great example of the All were set up after community coming residents contacted the together to support each council’s Tenant Involvement other to support other Team saying they wanted to be parents, give the children more active and have a say in some fun and work with decisions which affect them. the children’s centre to Tenant Involvement Officer help parents access Mark Bourne said: “They want courses from confidence to promote social activities for building to health and all and create a community well-being.” spirit to improve the lives of their neighbours and residents.” ■ To find out more about Anyone who wants to know Parent Time call Thomas more about residents’ Boughey Children’s Centre Animal handler Mike Potts shows Harmony-Mae associations, or would like to on 01782 237100 or visit Tunstall, aged 10, and Kaleb Plant, aged six, a boa join their local group, should their Facebook page by constrictor and meerkat during an animal playtime contact the Tenant Involvement searching Friends of Stoke event at All Saints church hall at Joiner’s Square. Team on 01782 238515. Children’s Centre. AUTUMN 2016 City News 29 GO CAREFULLY WITH THE POKEMON

HILDREN and young people are being But sadly there are some people who warned to stay safe when playing the want to use the internet for the wrong Pokémon Go app phenomenon and reasons.” C Many professionals are worried about accessing the internet in general. the fact that encouraging young people to Police on both sides of the Atlantic fear move around and look for Pokémon young people caught up in the hunt for characters could signal their location to virtual cartoon characters in their strangers. Young people are advised to: neighbourhoods may be putting ● Be careful about alerting strangers PLAY SAFE: themselves at risk and could be targeted where you will be in the future. follow the by criminals and even paedophiles. ● golden rules Parents are being urged to talk to their Always pay attention to your surroundings when playing the when hunting children about the app and to help them for Pokémon. to keep themselves safe when using their game. mobile phone and other electronic devices ● Where possible play with friends which gives them access to the internet. and stay in a group. Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding Children ● profile and never arranging to Avoid playing near roads or unlit meet up with people they have ■ ANYONE upset or concerned Board and its partners’ priority is helping areas. about experiences on the internet, to keep children in the area safe from met online. ● Keep your phone and tablet safe harm. Its experts say talking to a child or ● Think carefully before posting when gaming or on social media when you’re out and about. You young person is one of the best ways to pictures online, especially ones should tell an adult they can trust or can still play when your phone is raise awareness about the dangers of the which are in any way suggestive – report concerns by visiting out of sight – it will vibrate when a internet. they can be passed around and ceopp.police.uk Pokémon is near. Safeguarding Children Board Manager posted online forever. They can contact the NSPCC Helpline Carole Preston said: “Being online and Carole added: “Children and young Carole urged parents to make every people need to be safe at all times when on 0808 800 5000 or Childline on using the internet gives us access to an effort to supervise children and young 0800 1111, or in an emergency dial exciting world of knowledge, using their mobiles, accessing social people when they are playing Pokémon 999 and ask for the police. communication and can even link you media or using the internet in general, by Go or when they are using the internet, with people all over the world. following golden rules.” These are: talk to them about stranger danger and For more information about staying “Playing online games can be great ● Never give personal details to the need to keep themselves safe and safe on the internet, please go to: entertainment – especially as the winter people they don’t know, using encourage them to speak up when they safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk months and dark nights are approaching. settings that protect a personal are worried.

Lottery cash bid to fund commemoration of Lidice links

HERITAGE lottery funding could pack to help schools pay for a year’s commemoration of incorporate the story of Stoke-on-Trent’s links with the Lidice in to their curriculum, reborn Czech town of Lidice to in lessons including history mark two important anniversaries. and art. Next year is the 75th The group should find out if anniversary of the destruction of their application for lottery Lidice, on Hitler’s orders, as a funding has been successful by reprisal for the assassination of the end of the year. high-ranking Nazi Reinard Meanwhile, talks with Prague Heydrich by the Czech resistance. City Council mean a delegation As a reprisal the Nazis shot 192 from Stoke-on-Trent will travel to men from the village, while 60 the city next year to take part in a women and 88 children also died, special performance in one of the many after being taken to main squares. concentration camps. Drama, music and dance groups In 2017 it is also 70 years since interested in representing the city the village was rebuilt after should contact Cheryl Gerrard on support from around the world, [email protected] but especially from the Potteries. Entries are being invited for the The people of Stoke-on-Trent, annual schools art competition to led by city councillor Barnett promote peace and friendship Stross, rallied behind the people around Europe. of Lidice and raised money to Traditionally Stoke-on-Trent help, under the banner “Lidice students who have heard the story Shall Live”. Local group The of Lidice have contributed lots of Friends of Barnett Stross have entries. To find out more visit submitted a bid to the heritage unitedchildrensart.org lottery fund to pay for next year’s events. They include: The assassination of Reinard ● An act or remembrance Heydrich, an architect of the in the city on the 75th Holocaust, and the horrifying Nazi anniversary of the reprisal is the subject of a new destruction of Lidice, on high-profile film called June 10. Anthropoid. Starring Cillian ● A more celebratory event Murphy and Jamie Doran as Czech around September 10 to resistance fighters, the film has mark the rebuilding of the drawn world-wide attention to the village and Stoke-on-Trent’s atrocities at Lidice in 1942. A SCENE FROM ‘ANTHROPOID’: support. Cillian Murphy plays Czech resistance fighter Josef Gabcik. Operation Anthropoid was the ● Production of an education codename for the assassination. 30 City News WINTER 2016 £2m funding pot available for businesses

COMPANIES are being Joy JETS to her invited to share part of a £2million funding pot which will create more than 200 private sector jobs in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire by 2020. The cash – which has been awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council following a successful bid to great new career the European Regional Development ITH so many career skills under Fund – will also see private her belt, Joy Rowe found it sector Wfrustrating when she could not investment of find a new job. £4.5million into The 52-year-old grandmother had the local area. Now been unemployed for eight months companies are being invited after being made redundant from her to apply for grants from the previous job in retail. fund while demonstrating However, despite a background in how their application will catering, management and team generate new jobs, and lead leadership, getting a new career break to expansion, efficiencies or was proving really difficult. new product development or Then she was referred to JET – the research. city council’s job, employment and The money from Europe training service and within three will be distributed by the weeks the JET staff gave advice and Grants for Growth in guidance around her career choice, Stoke-on-Trent and developed a CV,supported with the Staffordshire Programme search for employment, developed (GfG), a council-led scheme, interview techniques on a one to one which aims to further basis and had an interview lined up. enhance the area’s economy. It was with Woolcool Packaging Ltd Small and medium who were just opening up a new enterprises can land some warehouse in North Staffordshire. of the main pot – with They engaged with the JET services available grants ranging from day one of opening the from £10,000 to £250,000. warehouse and through very close Eligible businesses have links with them work trials and links until February 2019 to apply, to all their vacancies were established. with projects expected to be Joy, from Tunstall, started her job as a completed by June 2019. warehouse operative in March 2015 ■ To register an interest and has not looked back. Within weeks email [email protected]. she was made a team leader and has Or call 01782 231586. since been promoted again to senior supervisor. She has also completed a NVQ Level 2 in Warehouse Storage and has just commenced another NVQ qualification in Team Leadership. Crackdown on Joy said: “It’s a fantastic job – I love working at Woolcool and it has given enviro-crime me the chance to put my skills into practice and gain the promotions too. “When I was unemployed I was very NINE people have been left frustrated. I really wanted to find a job with combined fines of more and it was proving difficult. Working than £7,500 after being with JET was refreshing. They got me found guilty by magistrates an interview quickly and with a of environmental offences in company they knew I would have good Stoke-on-Trent. prospect to advance with.” The prosecutions are the More than 5,000 people have been latest in the city council’s supported into sustainable zero tolerance crackdown on employment with the help of JET since environmental crime across it was set up seven years ago. The the city. The nine men and service caters for adult residents who women were taken to court are unemployed and are looking for for offences including support improving their employability skills. fly-tipping, littering and It offers work-based training tailored failing to make sure waste to individual needs and also has an NEW CAREER: was disposed of legally. employer-facing job brokerage service, The offences took place in providing recruitment support for local Joy Rowe pictured at Birches Head, Normacot, businesses. Woolcool Packaging Stoke, Blurton, Longton and where she is working ■ For more information call JET Fenton. To report fly-tipping as Senior Supervisor on 01782 231215 or email in the warehouse. in the city visit stoke.gov.uk [email protected] Highlighting consumer rights New road named in honour of World KNOW Your Rights is the theme of this year’s National War One hero Sampson Bridgwood Consumer Week. The campaign, which is WAR hero Sampson Bridgwood, Sampson found himself with only four run by the Citizens Advice pictured, has had a road named men of his detachment in the German Bureau in partnership with after him – a century after he trenches after being separated from the the city council’s Trading received the Military Cross. main force. He single-handedly bombed Standards team, will take The Second Lieutenant received two German shelters before engaging in place during the week the commendation for his bravery hand-to-hand combat enabling all four commencing Monday, 7 at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 men to get out safely. November. It aims to make during World War One. Council Deputy Leader and Armed consumer rights easier to Now a road has been named in Forces Champion Abi Brown, said: “This understand and will provide his honour at St Modwen’s street naming represents the latest in a information on new laws Trentham Manor development as part of series of commemorations across the city to that were introduced in 2015 Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s scheme to mark the centenary of the Great War. to better protect people recognise local soldiers who fought in the “It is right and fitting that we recognise the buying digital products and Great War. bravery of our local heroes who fought to shopping online. During a raid in the Battle of the Somme, give us our freedoms today.” WINTER 2016 City News 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend MELANIE BADDELEY RICHARD BROUGHAN (City Independents) (City Independents) (01782) 859354 07881 332870 Your 07979 508837 richard.broughan@ melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk Councillors stoke.gov.uk Baddeley Green, Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON DAVE EVANS ANTHONY MUNDAY STEPHEN FUNNELL SHEILA PITT (Conservative) (Conservative) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 541368 07447 914011 (01782) 239737 07919 564369 07957 948896 07855 916134 dave.evans@ 07743 876421 stephen.funnell@ sheila.pitt@ jack.brereton@ stoke.gov.uk anthony.munday@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Birches Head and Central Forest Park Blurton East Blurton West and Newstead Boothen and Oakhill JEAN BOWERS SABRINA BOWERS JOAN BELL LLOYD BROWN ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 262613 (01782) 534797 (01782) 341398 07824 496282 07946 713893 07919 564493 07827 281594 07757 708703 lloyd.brown@ andy.platt@ jean.bowers@ sabrina.bowers@ joan.bell@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell HeathBroadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH CHRIS ROBINSON ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER LILIAN DODD KALLAR (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) 07720 975697 07982 231567 (01782) 768846 (01782) 319285 07900 604232 chris.robinson@ alan.dutton@ 07986 442770 07880 179802 gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk [email protected] lilian.dodd@ stoke.gov.uk Twitter:@button1001 stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne RITA DALE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON MICK BELL CANDI CHETWYND (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (UKIP) (Labour) (01782) 285075 07989 441707 07769 697771 (01782) 847760 07910 534163 rita.dale@ majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ mick.bell@ candi.chetwynd@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Goldenhill and Sandyford Great Chell and Packmoor Hanford and Trentham MARTIN GARNER JANINE BRIDGES ANN JAMES TERENCE FOLLOWS DANIEL JELLYMAN (Labour) (City Independents) (City Independents) (City Independents) (Conservative) (01782) 768846 (01782) 851842 (01782) 836766 (01782) 643553 (01782) 899000 martin.garner@ 07771 331893 ann.james@ 07944 055379 daniel.jellyman@ stoke.gov.uk janine.bridges@ stoke.gov.uk terence.follows@ 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 SADAQAT (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) MAQSOOM 07747 830461 07914 851349 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (Conservative) amjid.wazir@ shaun.pender@ 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07595 531859 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk sadaqat.maqsoom@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South DAVID CONWAY CRAIG BEARDMORE RUTH ROSENAU ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Conservative) (Labour) (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 232468 07941 098364 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ craig.beardmore@ ruth.rosenau@ abi.brown@ 07870 777807 stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk debbie.wheeldon@ Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @CllrRuthRosenau

Moorcroft Penkhull and Stoke Sandford Hill Sneyd Green Springfields and Trent Vale MOHAMMED PERVEZ RANDOLPH CONTEH OLWEN HAMER JOANNE JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) POWELL-BECKETT (City Independents) 07919 917632 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 (City Independents) (01782) 845619 mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ 07816 518275 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk joanne.powell- jackie.barnes@ Twitter:@pervezstoke stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER ROSS IRVING Cabinet meetings take place at the Civic Centre The next full City Council meetings will be in the (City Independents) (Conservative) at 1pm on the following dates: 22 November and Council Chamber at 2.30pm on the following (01782) 856712 (01782) 335982 13 December 2016, 17 January, 7 February dates: 8 December 2016, 26 January, 23 February 07971 303729 07842 709011 (Budget), 28 February, and 4 April 2017. (Budget), 23 March 2017. lee.wanger@ ross.irving@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors 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. 32 City News WINTER 2016 MASTERS OF Photo: Images. Andy Lyons/Getty

Major exhibition highlights connecting passion,energy and determination HE passion, energy and determination connecting Tart and sport is the theme of a major new exhibition at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. It features 40 paintings by

acclaimed British abstract James Bloomfield. Photo: artist Philippe Aird who died suddenly last year, aged 54. One of the works was a collaboration between Philippe WORLD-CLASS SPRINTER: and British Olympic gold Darren Campbell in action medal sprinter Darren Campbell whose career in the 200m heats during achievements provide the the 2003 World Athletics sporting element to the event. Championships in Paris. Philippe, who as a teenager was taught by world-famous Salford artist L.S. Lowry, had his own distinctive style and methodology producing high energy paintings with explosions of colour. Darren, who was part of the BBC team covering the Rio Olympics this year, became an Olympic champion at Athens in 2004 as part of Britain’s all-conquering 4 x 100 metres relay team. Entitled Masters of Art and Sport, the innovative exhibition is the idea of Jean Milton, Exhibition and Interpretation Officer at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. “There are great similarities between the intellectual processes involved in producing great works of art and producing great sporting performances,” said Jean. “The exhibition is a celebration of the energy, passion and ACCLAIMED ARTIST: Philippe Aird at work in his studio. determination of both individuals through the intertwining threads of “The events will include sport that I feel it lends itself to sport and art. It is a very visits from Darren Campbell the canvas very well. With appropriate theme in a and other leading people from painting, you can try to convey year when Stoke-on-Trent the world of sport,” said Jean. those feelings, whether it's is the European City of North Staffordshire-based excitement, despair, elation, Sport.” award winning artist Paine love, or devotion – and there's Launched on 29 October, Profitt, who specialises in that emotional connection that the exhibition will run stylised football paintings, will both art and sport hold.” until Sunday 12 February be supporting the exhibition COMBINED ENERGY: during which time there with a display of his work. ■ Tickets for the exhibition The painting Philippe and Darren collaborated on. will be numerous events Paine said: “There's so much are £5 for adults and £3 staged in conjunction. emotion, passion and beauty in concessions. £100,000 grant-funding cashpot available for sports clubs in the city

SPORTS clubs around the city are being celebrations. Clubs and organisations backgrounds become healthier through our year as European City of Sport. encouraged to apply for funding from a can apply for one-off cash grants of up sport and exercise. Inspiration is not just gained from £100,000 cashpot that aims to boost to £2,000 which can be spent on Angela Smith, who chairs the Olympic athletes and stars but from opportunities for residents to delivering activities and training, new European City of Sport Local local sporting clubs and members. I participate in sporting activity. equipment or enhancements to existing Organising Committee, said: “We realise hope many will benefit from these The money has been made available sporting facilities, among other things. that without certain smaller clubs, grants.” by the city council through its The money will support community residents in some communities would To apply for funding and view the Community Grants Programme (CGP) sports programmes across the city, not be able to take part in activities. full eligibility and criteria go to as part of the European City of Sport which will help residents of all ages and “We want to include every sector in stoke.gov.uk/communitysportsgrants

Find our more about City of Sport events www.facebook.com/CityofSport16 or Twitter @CityofSport16