Stoke-On-Trent ISSUE 40: SUMMER 2015 Our City

Our City p1 24/6/15 13:58 Page 1

Stoke-on-Trent ISSUE 40: SUMMER 2015 Our City

Time for CHANGE Our City p2 24/6/15 14:01 Page 1

2 Our City SUMMER 2015

Law changes will affect care and support from April ‘16

CARE and support provided to older residents will change when a new law comes into effect next Spring. The new Care Act will make services available clearer and easier to access, reflecting the fact that people are living longer and require a better quality of life. Changes include: ● Local authorities having Sara a general responsibility to Davies and promote people’s her son Sam hop well-being, focusing on on board the prevention and providing bus in the City information and advice. Centre. ● A consistent, national Why leaving the car at home eligibility criteria. ● New support for carers, so they have the same rights as the people they care for. boosts health ● People who qualify for care having a legal right to a personal budget and direct payment. ● New responsibilities andenvironment around transition, comfortable and most have low floor access. provider failure, ESIDENTS are being urged to leave the car at home and go on Online journey planners are an easy way to get supporting people who bus times and help you plan your journey. move between local Rfoot, by bus or on their bike to Train: Going by train is often quicker than the authority areas and boost health and protect the environment. car and you don’t have to worry about paying safeguarding. for parking or getting stuck in traffic. Local Health Partnerships A city council drive is promoting sustainable stations include Stoke, Longton, Longport and transport as being beneficial to everyone. Strategic Manager Helen Blythe Bridge. Team Manager for Safe and Sustainable Car share: Eight out of ten cars on our roads Thomas said:“The full Transport Brian Edwards said: “Thinking only carry the driver. Sharing a lift with a detail of the financial about how you travel and using alternatives to friend or colleague can save you money and changes taking effect the car is a great way to save money and wear and tear on your car. Staffordshire has its from April 2016 is not improve your health. own car sharing scheme and it’s free to join. Go currently available, “Building exercise into our daily lives can be to www.share-a-lift.com to find out more. however we do know that a challenge but making a little change like there will be a limit on the walking to the shop instead of taking the car is Travelwise campaign: Stoke-on-Trent is a maximum people will pay a great start. member of TravelWise, a national travel awareness campaign encouraging sustainable for care in their lifetime “We all know that congestion and pollution are a growing problem and everyone has a part travel. The aim is to make other types of known as ‘the cap on care transport such as walking, cycling and using costs’. to play in finding a solution.” Ideas for sustainable alternatives are: public transport a real alternative to travelling “This will take account by car. of the cost of care and Cycle: Cycling is a great way to save money, get Even making small changes to the number support that people fit and help the environment. Stoke-on-Trent is and type of car journeys you make has an receive, but will not a cycling city with around 160km of cycle impact on you and your environment. include the usual living routes including quiet off road routes such as Problems caused by road congestion touch us expenses such as rent and greenways and canal towpaths. A three-mile all everyday. Road traffic volumes are predicted bike ride takes about 20 minutes and many board. to increase by a further 20 per cent in the next work places have shower and changing facilities 20 years. New roads only temporarily relieve “We will be able to for staff to use. provide more detail about Belinda Riley, congestion and always generate new traffic. this closer to April 2016.” Admin Officer for Walk: This is a great way to start getting more If you are a local business you could develop active and it’s free. Could you walk to work a a Workplace Travel Plan and get a grant to help Health Records at ■ Further details about couple of days a week or pop out for a 10 introduce green travel initiatives. the reforms can be found the University minute walk during your lunch hour? Most schools in the city have already at stoke.gov.uk/careact or Hospital of North Reduce your stress levels and enjoy being out introduced school travel plans to be more call the Adult Social Care Staffordshire riding and about. green. her bike to work. Centre on 0800 561 0015. Bus: Regular bus services cover virtually all of ■ For more details visit acttravelwise.org or Stoke-on-Trent. Modern buses are clean and travelwisewestmids.org.uk

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedback on this issue of MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online.To see and hear Web: stoke.gov.uk Our City by emailing Our City is printed on the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit recycled paper.When Facebook: facebook.com/ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting. you have finished with stokeontrent.citycouncil this publication please A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings or write to: help the environment Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil by passing it on to a can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates FREEPOST Our City. friend or recycling it. twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Our City p3 24/6/15 14:03 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 3 Simple promises make residents our priority UR promises to the people year. Stronger Together means we all of Stoke-on-Trent as a new By City Council have a part to play, and I understand the Oadministration are simple: Leader Councillor people of this city have put their trust in we are here to work for them and DAVE CONWAY me and my colleagues to sort things out. with them, we will protect their We will not waste money.We will make sure precious resources are spent where interests and spend their money they are needed – in our city. wisely and they can count on us pie-in-the-sky We will not always get things right, but to tell the truth and be open. schemes that will being honest is about holding your hands Now we are in a position to deliver never deliver. up when things get tough and pulling services which really matter in this city, We will strengthen frontline services, together to sort things out. Believe me, not pipe dreams and vanity projects. I not tear them apart. We know that is this city is facing many challenges and a can assure every resident we have hit the what matters to residents. legacy which this administration will have ground running and we are already We want to build an exciting future for to use all its skill and commitment to put making changes which will improve the everyone living in Stoke-on-Trent, and right. things that matter to them most. we believe clean streets, a healthy This is the last issue of Our City, which People tell me their pavements are in a environment, good housing and making has run for some time and has become a state and the streets are full of litter... the most of our tight-knit communities vehicle for spin and for promoting that will change. are the way to strength and unity. individuals without providing the Motorists have to swerve to avoid Previous council slogans meant horrendous potholes that never seem to residents with a lot of the information nothing to residents, who are the people they need. Look out for news in the get repaired... that will change. that really matter. Our new rallying call – Walk round the city and there are Stronger Together – covers absolutely future of new, more effective ways of overgrown verges and untidy public everything this authority does, and communicating to residents – the people spaces... that will change. everything we will deliver as a council or this local authority exists to serve. Hard-working people who make ends with our partners. This will provide them with the meet on low incomes and do their best to It covers everything our officers deliver information they need to make the most bring up their families think some of the – the passionate people whose skills and of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Thank ways the council spends their money are abilities will make this city great again, you for your trust. Now it is time for us obscene... I can assure you that will and who need our support to know the to deliver. As I said before: “It’s time for change! It’s time for realism, not axe does not hang over their jobs every paw work, not jaw work.”

Pledge to prioritise an extra Medal-winning, record-breaking cycle hero Sir Bradley Wiggins – seen here the last time he rode in Stoke-on-Trent – could be one of £5million to boost highways the main attractions again this September.

WORK is underway to identify up to £5 million extra to pay for vital highways Thousands set improvements in the city. The council’s new Cabinet believes a lack of investment in improving and to turn out and maintaining thousands of miles of roads and pavements is holding cheer on world’s Stoke-on-Trent’s regeneration back. Congestion around At the moment around £1million a the crossroads at Cobridge... year is allocated to highways highways improvements premier cyclists maintenance.Teams have to raise an and maintenance will be MANY of the world’s top cyclists will be racing through additional £1million from doing planned to keep the city moving. commercial work like dropping kerbs the Potteries when the Tour of Britain returns to for residents and businesses. Stoke-on-Trent – and spectators are encouraged to turn Councillor Jack Brereton, the cabinet council’s priorities for spending its attract new business and create new out in droves to cheer them on. member for Regeneration,Transport budget of around £700million to jobs. Every single service we provide, Stage Six of the UK’s premier road cycling event will and Heritage, said that funding only allocate more money to these and the daily lives of our residents and take place on Friday, September 11, starting in the city provided the most limited of service. important frontline services that are businesses are affected by the state of centre and finishing 189 kilometres later in He said:“It means at the current level important to local people. our roads.When the city grinds to a Nottingham. Among the 20 squads expected to be on of funding it would take us 100 years He said strategic long-term plans halt, so do our services, our businesses the start line are Team Sky, Etixx Quick-Step and world to resurface the city’s pavements. But would be drawn up to make sure and our everyday lives. number one team BMC Racing. what’s more worrying is that if spending on new road schemes was “Our road network is our biggest The field of up to 120 riders will pass through Leek residents wanted a new pedestrian supported by adequate maintenance single asset so we will be looking at and the Staffordshire Moorlands as they leave the city. crossing, or a one way street to for existing highways. our capital programme to make sure This year will be the seventh time the race has been improve traffic flow or road safety, they Councillor Brereton said:“Our money spent on new roads supports held in Stoke-on-Trent, having last made an appearance may have to wait up to 5 years.That’s transport network is so important to our aspirations as a city.That means in 2013. unacceptable and that’s why we are keep our city moving for local addressing issues like the junction at Up to 20,000 spectators are thought to have cheered doing something about it.” residents, businesses and visitors. Cobridge and the problems on Leek on the cyclists last time and a massive audience Councillor Brereton said the new “Quality, well-maintained roads are Road which affect so many key watched it live on ITV or on a highlights show. coalition would look at changing the essential if we are to grow the city, corridors around the city.” Race Director Mick Bennett said:“We are delighted to be bringing the Tour of Britain back to Stoke-on-Trent this year. It’s a city where the cyclists always get a great reception and I’m sure this year will be no different with Cabinet looks to speed up important work on historic site lots of people cheering them on. NEW cabinet members are looking at historic value whilst finding new and development and student “Stage six will not be an easy stage at all for the ways to speed up work to breathe alternative uses for the rest of the site. accommodation. riders, and may well be the toughest of the entire 2015 new life into the landmark Spode site He said:“It should be a prime “Over the next few months we will tour.We have an exciting and very scenic route joining in Stoke Town Centre. Councillor Jack thriving site, celebrating our unique be looking at options for infrastructure two cities that both have a rich cycling heritage, which Brereton said the idea was to potteries heritage, complemented by development and removal of buildings is sure to play a part in shaping the overall race for the preserve and promote the site’s artistic industries, residential with no historical value.” Yellow Jersey.” Our City p4 24/6/15 16:12 Page 1

4 Our City SUMMER 2015

ORK will start ● Restoring the two canal early next year bridges, including reinstating Won a huge the decorative iron lighting refurbishment of columns. ● Fixing the lake’s retaining Hanley Park after a walls and the rockery and successful £4.5m lottery ravine which feed the water. funding bid. ● Restoring the terracotta The Heritage Lottery fountain and pool in the Fund approved the cash to Cauldon Grounds. breathe new life into the ● Removing ‘self-seeded’ popular attraction, which is trees to open up historic one of the UK’s largest views and allow more light Victorian parks. in. Work, which starts in ● Installing more benches Spring 2016, will include: and better signage, ● Refurbishing the main resurfacing footpaths and pavilion, which was built in restoring the gates. 1896, to create a café, toilets Deputy Council Leader and space for meetings, Councillor Abi Brown events and functions, as well welcomed the funding as restoring the clock tower. announcement. She said: “I ● Revamping the boathouse grew up in Shelton and have which could be used as a so many happy memories of second café and a boat hire Hanley Park. facility, or as a space for “The work will restore education and community iconic buildings and areas of use. this popular public space. ● Repairs to the small bowls “The improvements will pavilion and 1960s bowls provide tremendous scope Hanley Park’s iconic pavilion. for even more activity in the pavilion, above, and ● Improving the formal park and will create a boathouse, right, will be terraced garden including resource that more restored to their former restoring the bandstand generations of residents will glory under the project which will be connected to enjoy and remember for paid for by the Heritage power supplies. many years to come.” Lottery Fund. Our City p5 24/6/15 14:04 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 5 Identity, Community, Enterprise: Strength in Unity...

By City Council Chief Executive John van de Councillor Terry Follows Laarschot and Deputy Council Leader Councillor Abi Brown at Pittsburgh House, Lightwood, to MANY of you will be aware that the mark the start of city council has new political demolition work on the leadership. fire-damaged building. Councillor David Conway leads a new administration that sees a coalition of Independents, Conservatives and UKIP members. The new leadership is now firmly in Demolition work starts on derelict building place and working hard to deliver the improvements they want to see for DEMOLITION work has started on a former council is moving ahead with the buildings like this which have become communities across the city. care home targeted by vandals and demolition of Pittsburgh House. eyesores and magnets for antisocial As Chief Executive of the city council, arsonists since it was shut in 2008. “The council’s insurer has agreed to cover behaviour.” I and my senior management team are The council is already looking at potential the cost of demolition, so there are no cost Councillor Terry Follows, Cabinet Member supporting the new administration. future uses for the site of Pittsburgh House, implications for the city council or the for Greener City, Development and Leisure, As officers, our job is to run the Lightwood, and will review security taxpayer. said:“I’m sure that local residents will be council’s services efficiently and arrangements once the demolition has “Previous attempts to dispose of the site pleased to finally see the back of Pittsburgh effectively under the direction of the been completed. have been unsuccessful, but there is a new House and will be looking forward to seeing city’s elected leaders, who have been Deputy Council Leader Councillor Abi administration running the council now and the site brought back into use in a way that democratically elected. Brown said:“I’m really pleased that the we are determined to tackle problem benefits Lightwood.” We have already been hard at work understanding the new administration’s ideas and working together to develop strategies to deliver on their vision for the future. While there is a change in emphasis City moves forward being and leadership, services like housing, waste collection and disposal, education, social services, street cleaning, highways repairs, adoption and fostering, planning and transport ‘Stronger Together’ will continue to be delivered week in week out. The job of keeping vital public OUNCILLORS in “We’re making it quite clear services going does not stop. what we want to achieve, and the council’s new Communities and businesses in this we will be having meaningful Cruling coalition Six Towns solution drawn up to city rely on dependable and consistent discussions with residents, have unveiled a vision for businesses, community groups, services. the future aimed at make the most of our unique city partners and others who also This is a big public organisation with supporting people who STOKE-on-Trent’s unique six towns each have a part to play in want our city to be the best it 6,000 staff and a total spend last year need help and enabling an exciting future for the city. can be. of £700million on public services. every individual, The coalition running the council wants to support the main “As part of our commitment We all share a total focus on making organisation and business retail and leisure centres in Hanley while making the most of to providing the very best this city a great place to live, work and services, we will be looking at run a business. to reach their potential. the strengths of Tunstall, Burslem, Stoke, Fenton and Longton. Deputy Council Leader Councillor Abi Brown said:“The Six how the council works to make The new administration is The campaign, under the sure everything it does is fit for Towns are a reflection of everything great about determined to improve the city’s banner “Stronger Together” purpose.” Stoke-on-Trent: its heritage, markets, independent shops and public services and to support the reflects the coalition’s As well as making the most of commitment to work together its identity.We want to support the city centre’s growth but city’s business community. passionate and committed There is a passion and commitment to create a stronger city of will never lose sight of the future of the other five towns and officers and members of the which everyone can be proud. the important parts they have to play.” to make the most of our city’s community who want a brighter incredible sense of identity and It echoes the motto on the future for the city, the new city crest, “Vis Unita Fortior”, community. ● Listen to our communities to do business so we can attract coalition has also pledged to which translates as “United strengthen existing partnerships This might be the last edition of Strength is Stronger.” and provide services our new investment. We want to Our City but the drive continues to residents value. work with our communities to and forge new relationships for Deputy Council Leader ● the city’s benefit. find ever more innovative ways of Support those who need make sure everyone can have a delivering better services at greater Councillor Abi Brown unveiled help. better quality of life. Councillor Brown said: “We the new slogan to promote the ● Invest in towns and “We will work with our recognise the value of working value for money for the tax payer.This council’s work as she and her communities, creating a city for partners to ensure we provide with others to get the best for will remain a top priority. Cabinet colleagues set about all. the very best services we can for our residents. We also respect With Government funding implementing a significant Councillor Brown explained: our communities while the unique heritage of our great continuing to reduce, we have to be programme of change to put “We have set out a number of delivering the best value for city and its communities in our more business-like and ever more the city’s people first. She set objectives to help us achieve residents. Our city’s rich, vibrant past, present and fututre. entrepreneurial.The new out the main aims as: these aims. We have pledged to heritage is tremendously “We embrace the diversity of administration has this on its radar. ● Help children, residents and support homegrown businesses important and we will make sure our city, the towns within it and It’s exciting time for the council and businesses to achieve their whilst promoting the fact that it is woven into Stoke-on-Trent’s the communities who support we are looking forward to the future. potential. Stoke-on-Trent is a great place development. them.” Our City p6-7 24/6/15 14:05 Page 1

6 Our City SUMMER 2015 New coalition gives pledge to work together

coalition of three political parties is website – stoke.gov.uk. In addition, most committee now running the council. The City meetings are open to the public or aired on live AIndependents, Conservatives and webcasts, which can also be viewed via the council website. UKIP have pledged to work together Members of the public are not entitled to ask following May’s local election of all 44 questions at Cabinet meeting. However, they may seats on the authority. contact their ward councillor to ask for information Four political groups are now represented in the on their behalf. council chamber, consisting of 14 City Independent The new Cabinet consists of the following councillors, seven Conservatives, two representing councillors: UKIP and 21 Labour councillors. Dave Conway – Leader of the Council. City Independent Councillor for Little Chell and Stanfield, Dave Conway, was voted in as the Leader Abi Brown – Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Partnerships. Lord Mayor of the Council. He heads up a seven-strong Councillor Executive made up of a Leader and Cabinet, who Janine Bridges – Cabinet Member for Economy and Jean Bowers will make most of the key decisions. Education. in her civic Each Cabinet Member has an individual area of Randolph Conteh – Cabinet Member for Housing, responsibility, also known as his/her portfolio. More regalia. Community and Safer City. details about how the cabinet members and their Terry Follows – Cabinet Member for Greener City and responsibilities can be found on these two pages. Development. Meanwhile, the full city council is responsible for Jack Brereton agreeing the budget and capital spending – Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jean is Lord Mayor programme for the local authority and sets key Transport and Heritage. policies too. All decisions made are provisional for Ann James – Cabinet Member for Health and Adult five days before they can be implemented. Social Care. for a second time Any councillor who is not in the Cabinet can take There are plenty of ways to get involved in the part in Overview and Scrutiny and can suggest ways democratic process – the My City My Say initiative COUNCILLOR Jean Bowers has industry where, aged 15, she to improve policies, budgets and services. It also has is one such example. Last year, more than 50 become the first lady to be learnt the art of gold stamping responsibility for holding the Cabinet to account for engagement events took place at community venues named Stoke-on-Trent Lord gilt edging on all forms of its decisions and the wider performance of public and that feedback is helping to shape the future of Mayor for a second term in the tableware. services in the city. the city. The city council is continuing to work with 89-year history of the civic post. She went on to work in the Agendas, reports, minutes and decisions taken by partners, voluntary, community and faith groups to jointly hear residents’ thoughts and ideas. Jean, who represents the industry for five years, before a councillors can be viewed at the city council’s Birches Head and Central Forest change of career to study Park ward, said she was theology. “honoured” and “privileged” to Jean then swapped the text be back in the role and will books for stethoscopes and dedicate her year to meeting as thermometers as her career took Dave Abi Janine many people – young and old – in first nursing and then adult as possible. social care – a role that saw her Conway Brown Bridges She was first elected as a become matron at a city council councillor in 2000 and served for run care home, where she says EACH member of this THERE are a lot of skills I HAVE a very strong four consecutive terms until her love of the elderly Cabinet has been chosen for people can bring to the role background in education 2011. Jean then became a blossomed. their abilities and I have the of councillor, but as a having taught at St councillor again in May after Jean also held senior best person in each job.They mother-of-two and a business Margaret Ward Catholic winning a seat for the ward in management roles at probation all know their portfolios. It is owner I feel I have what it Academy for 14 years and I which she lives. centres in Reading and “ “ “ vital that each of them has takes to empathise with now lecture in health Jean said:“It is an absolute Skelmersdale for a total of four the freedom to run their own people’s needs and concerns. profession studies at the privilege to become Lord Mayor years – the only time in her portfolio and they will be Being a people person has University of Derby. for a second time. It happens to professional career she has been supported by me as Leader stood me in good stead since My mission statement is to so few people. based outside Stoke-on-Trent. and the rest of the coalition. I was first elected five years enable every child to reach “I am most looking forward to Before retiring, Jean was an I can promise changes to ago and I intend to adopt that their full potential in the being able to meet people. I was education welfare officer, serving the way the council works to approach in my Cabinet role. areas that their talent lies. honoured to meet so many a number of schools in the city. stabilise frontline services The main priority for me is For us to do that, we have to residents, businesses and visitors Jean said:“It is a tremendous and prevent the ridiculous to get value for money for the have the best education in our city during my first term in honour for me to represent the situation where the axe services we provide and also system in the country. It was office, and throughout my career city in this way – the city that I hangs over people’s jobs – to make sure those services once and I want to return it I have always loved being able to was born in, live in, and worked year in, year out. are exactly what the residents to that status. meet and help people young in. I am very passionate about We will cut down on waste of the city require. It’s about strong and old. Stoke-on-Trent and its residents.” and make sure money is I’m also going to be in leadership and the “During my year of office I’m Jean also has a love of animals, spent where it makes a constant talks with our dissemination of good determined to be available for as and in particular her two cocker difference to the people of partners – including practice.What we need to do many parlour visits and spaniels and Yorkshire terrier. this city. I’ll be listening to neighbouring local authorities is focus on the whole of a functions as possible. It is really Jean will be accompanied in ideas from within the and other organisations – to child’s educational journey. important to promote our her civic duties by two consorts Cabinet and we won’t stop see how they deliver services. We need one continuous wonderful city and represent who are also family members. working together until we I want to replicate best programme for every child residents and to be able to Her niece, Councillor Sabrina have turned the authority practice and, where possible, so that when they move respond to their requests.” Bowers, and cousin Julie Mitchell round to make living in save money by working with from one key stage to Jean’s first taste of will share duties as Lady Stoke-on-Trent better for others to deliver these another it’s a seamless employment came in the pottery Mayoress. everyone. ” services together. ” transition. ” Our City p6-7 24/6/15 14:05 Page 2

SUMMER 2015 Our City 7

STRONGER TOGETHER: Cabinet Members, front row left to right, Jack Brereton, Dave Conway, Randolph Conteh and Ann James. Back row left to right, Janine Bridges,Terry Follows and Abi Brown.

Randolph Councillors Conteh Terry Jack Ann to provide Follows Brereton James key support

SINCE 2002 I have been the WITH 20 years experience WHEN I was first elected in I see myself as a passionate FOUR Cabinet Support councillor for Penkhull and under my belt, I am one of 2011, aged 19, I became the voice for the ward I represent Member positions have been Stoke continuously and I am the longest serving youngest-ever councillor on and I will be taking this created to maximise the extremely proud to be councillors on the authority. the authority. passion into my new role as talents of councillors in the appointed to this new I’ve campaigned for my Since then engaging with Cabinet Member for Health coalition. Each of the “ “ “ “ councillors selected for the Cabinet role. community and its services, younger people and getting and Social Care. The priority is to ensure held the office of Lord Mayor them interested in politics I spent 27 years working roles bring with them a wealth that the community we and now I’m very much has been one of my real for H & R Johnson in an of experience in their chosen serve in Stoke-on-Trent has looking forward to my key priorities and I’m now keen to administration role and as a field of knowledge. a great and safe place to live role in the Cabinet. set up a youth council or trade union rep before All were appointed by in. As someone with a long parliament to get their voices becoming a councillor in Council Leader Dave Conway My background is mining career in the building trade heard. In my Cabinet position, 1999. I’ve been involved in a and will work closely with and I spent 20 years and a former Vice Chair of I want to sort out property number of committees and their associated Cabinet working down the pits. But the Planning Committee, I services and make sure our also held the Cabinet post for Member(s) in the day-to-day following redundancy I feel I am very well placed to assets are working effectively Social Services in 2002 and duties and in ensuring their volunteered with a deal with planning and for us. will bring that experience to portfolio priorities are met. community group.This led regeneration issues. From a regeneration point bear now. The four Cabinet Support to me standing for election My first priority is to get of view I’m very keen to see My priorities will be to Members are: 13 years ago. development underway on all our town centres thrive deliver value for money Melanie Baddeley – I’m passionate about the the many brownfield sites we and develop their own services that protect the supporting Councillor community and love being have in the city. I’ll be talking identity.We also want to work most vulnerable in society as James. involved and organising to housing associations and with local businesses to make well as listen to the voice of Daniel Jellyman – consultation events and other organisations in a bid sure their needs are catered the minority groups. supporting Councillors getting peoples’ views. to attract them to these sites. for. Working with our Public Follows and Brereton. And I love nothing better I am also taking steps to Heritage is also high on Health team and GPs I want Jackie Barnes – supporting than seeing the ideas ensure the green spaces we the agenda as is selling the to boost the work we do on Councillor Conteh. become reality – such as the have are maintained and I city’s uniqueness to attract the health prevention side of Anthony Munday – building of new play want to carry out work to national and international things and encourage people supporting Councillors facilities in a public park.” tidy up our cemeteries.” visitors. ” to lead healthier lifestyles.” Conway and Brown. Our City p8 24/6/15 15:31 Page 1

8 Our City SUMMER 2015 Drop-in centre has all the kit to make home life better HERE comes a time in many ceiling hoists – can be purchased people’s lives where they at a reasonable price, or visitors T need help with things like can be referred for a social care assessment to see if they are getting in and out of the bath, eligible for the city council to getting up and down stairs, or even meet needs free-of-charge. just opening jars and tins. Telecare and Physical And help is on hand for Stoke-on-Trent Disabilities Service Manager residents looking for this kind of support. Peter Ball is in charge of the The city’s Mobility and Independent centre which is run as a Living Centre offers help and advice on a partnership between the city huge range of equipment designed to make council and social enterprise life easier. Ability Aware. Trained staff and assessors can help He said: “We help people Liam Wolstenholme, Retail Manager identify exactly the right equipment to find the equipment they need. of the Ability Aware Centre at meet someone’s needs and clients can Each year we do between 300 even try out different types and models to 400 assessments at the Trentham Lakes, with a variety of of aids at the centre to make sure they centre for people who struggle the equipment on offer to help are getting the right one. with different areas of their people live more independently. The centre – off Stanley Matthews Way lives. Most come through the at Trentham Lakes – includes different various health agencies and rooms, furniture and equipment for the social services care but we are The centre offers assessments and public to try, as well as expert advice on open to anyone. People don’t need an equipment covering a wide range of areas what might make life easier. appointment, they can just drop in and including access to and from the house, To request an assessment at the centre Aids to independent living – from jar the trained staff will try to meet their bathing, showering, toileting, eating and or for any adult social care query, openers and kettle tippers to stair lifts and needs.” drinking, getting in and out of chairs and contact the Social Care Contact Team beds, getting up and down stairs and on 0800 561 0015.For more keeping in touch with people. information about the Mobility and A 24-hour response service is available Independent Living Centre, please call and there are even sensory assessments Ability Aware on 0845 33 011 44 or available to help people with sight or email [email protected]. hearing problems to lead a more normal To see some of the equipment life. available, please visit Ability Aware’s Peter added: “Depending on their website or visit the centre at Unit B3, circumstances some people are entitled to free equipment but all the aids and Trentham Trade Park (off Stanley equipment we supply can be bought direct Matthews Way),Trentham ST4 8GA. from the centre.” Opening times, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Support gives Paul new lease of life AFTER contracting polio as a child, Paul Bascombe spent nearly 10 years in hospital and was left with weak legs and the use of only one arm. As he grew to adulthood he overcame his disabilities “They were great,”said recommend anyone having and worked full-time in Paul, now aged 69. “They difficulties with simple tasks various roles at local showed me all the things at home to get in touch company FWB. they thought might help with the centre. But after he retired he and demonstrated them to “It’s amazing just how began to find simple things, me. I’ve now got all sorts of many things are available to like getting in and out of the things at home, including help people live a more bath or getting up and grab rails in the bathroom. normal and comfortable down stairs, more and more “They make it so much life,”he said.“The staff at the difficult. easier to get in and out of centre were really helpful The Mobility and the bath and I feel much and nothing was too much Independent Living Centre safer. I am also due to have a trouble for them. showed Paul a range of stairlift and that will make a “They made me feel that I equipment to help make his big difference to me.” am not alone in coping with life easier. Paul said he would my condition.” Our City p9 24/6/15 14:08 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 9 EveryoneEveryoneEveryone needsneedsneeds tototo taketaketake responsibilityresponsibilityresponsibility EFEATING child many years as Divisional Police members of our communities and abuse in all its forms Commander for Stoke-on-Trent, the importance of working D is the number one said his experience of the area together through a partnership would enable him to make an approach to meet individual priority of the former effective contribution to the work needs.” senior police officer who of the Safeguarding Children Another key focus of the has taken over as Board, and he relished the partnership’s work is targeting Chairman of the body challenges ahead. child neglect by working with which safeguards children He said: “Protecting children other public services to support in Stoke-on-Trent. and young people is everybody’s families. New Chair of the responsibility. Adults have a He said: “Child neglect is when Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding responsibility to report concerns the parent or carer responsible for Children Board John Wood, who about a child or young person. If looking after the child or young retired as Assistant Chief in any doubt whatsoever I would person does not provide the level Constable of Staffordshire Police, urge the public to share their of care that is needed to keep said making sure children and concerns with either another them safe and well. Cases may young people were safe was adult or a professional.” typically be linked to domestic everyone’s responsibility. Mr Wood said his work as a violence and abuse, drug and New Chairman of the Safeguarding He said child sexual abuse, police officer had given him alcohol misuse and parental Children Board John Wood. female genital mutilation, an insight and perspective of mental health. A wide range of honour-based violence, forced the issues affecting local practitioners in public, private marriage, youth violence, communities. and voluntary services have been raise awareness of the risks they “My focus is on maintaining intra-familial abuse, missing He said: “This involvement trained to be vigilant in face. He added: “I acknowledge the momentum of safeguarding children and child trafficking enabled me to develop an identifying causal links to the achievements of my work and ensuring through the would remain the top targets to understanding of the wider issues neglect.” predecessor Jackie Carnell who systems of working that we are make sure children in the city and around public safety and And Mr Wood paid tribute to has worked tirelessly to actively able to effectively manage surrounding areas were protected. safeguarding, particularly the the work done so far to protect encourage and engage a broad competing priorities and Mr Wood, who worked for challenges faced by the vulnerable children and young people and range of connected partners. increasing demands.”

Action from the play Chelsea’s Choice, Raising awareness which has been Residents performed in every city secondary school to warn urged to of risks to young of the dangers to children of sexual be ‘eyes exploitation and people is crucial grooming. and ears’ SOME of the Stoke-on-Trent vigilant, and have left details Safeguarding Children Board’s of who to contact if they VIGILANT members of the most important activity during have any concerns. As a public in Stoke-on-Trent the last year included raising result one hotel changed its are being urged to report awareness of risks to young booking system to no longer any concerns they have people’s safety, some of which accept cash bookings. about children’s safety in are major issues which hit the Instead they now require their communities. national headlines: evidence of identity and take Residents can be the copies of either a passport or ● Nationally-acclaimed authority’s eyes and ears. driving licence for everyone theatre group Alter Ego The number to call for booking a room. performed its hard-hitting anyone worried about a play Chelsea’s Choice in every ● Safeguarding training has child or young person they city secondary school. been provided for local think may be the victim of It tells of Chelsea who is at professionals who work with neglect or abuse is risk of being groomed by an children, young people and 01782 235100. older man, called Gary. families and discussions have After 5pm the Emergency taken place with faith groups Duty Team can be reached ● Younger children at city around the city. on 01782 234234. primary schools also watched Anyone who thinks a ● a performance on the dangers Local students helped child or young person is in of the internet and online produce a training DVD immediate danger should grooming which was specially which is used in the city and telephone 999. commissioned by the further afield by other local The Co-operative safeguarding team. authorities. Working Access Point Team ● As child sexual ● A campaign has also been will help with advice and exploitation became a topic launched to promote the support for a child, young of national discussion, the dangers of unsafe sleeping person or family. city’s specialists visited arrangements for babies and It has access to a wide owners, managers and staff toddlers alerted parents to the range of information of local hotels and bed and dangers of nappy sacks and regarding services to breakfasts to raise cords on window blinds and support families and much awareness of trafficking of led to the production of a more family related boys and girls.They have leaflet called Protect Your Little information and can be been asked to be extra Bundle... From Birth and Beyond. reached on 01782 232200.

To contact the council by email [email protected] Our City p10 24/6/15 14:08 Page 1

10 Our City SUMMER 2015 Where in the City? Win a digital camera in photo competition FOR the chance to win a Samsung digital camera have a go at our photo competition called Where in the City? Below are pictures showing close-up images of parts of three buildings in Stoke-on-Trent which are all playing a part in regeneration. All you have to do is name the buildings – and send your answers with your name, address and contact telephone number by email to [email protected] or post to: Where in the City competition, FREEPOST Our City Loan Advisor Deadline for entries is Friday 7 August. Gemma Elkin To give a little help in identifying the buildings, talks with a there is a clue with each photo.The winner of a customer at digital camera for last issue’s competition was Mrs Hanley Dot Rudd of Lionel Grove, Harpfields, who correctly Library. identified the locations as: A) St Peter’s Academy, Stoke, B) Reeves Court flats, Burslem, C) McDonald’s drive thru, Norton Heights. A Low-cost loan advice given in libraries

service offering advice need of debt support and advice, with libraries are already a hub of support and support to people a demand for around 35,000 loans. and information, through work clubs, Aseeking low-cost loans is Welfare Reform Programme free access to IT, free training courses, Manager Boris Bodnarec said: “Many local information and more – so this expanding its operations to a may turn to high-interest payday will be an extra support mechanism number of libraries in lenders, home-collected credit or loan for people with financial struggles. It’s odds on this will be a superb new office HQ. Stoke-on-Trent. sharks which can make their situation “It is important that people The city council works with the even worse. struggling with debt or money Citizen’s Advice Bureau Potteries “Putting Moneyline advisors in our management get the help and support Moneywise project, Moneyline and libraries is part of an ongoing initiative they need to be financially B Credit Union Staffordshire to provide to support people in need of extra independent so they can move on from a full package of debt support and money advice from setting up a new financial crisis and away from high advice, with affordable loans on offer bank account to how to manage their interest lenders and loan sharks, which through the “Need a loan, talk to us income, getting better loan rates and only makes their situation worse.” first” initiative. looking after savings or tackling debt. Now one of the partners – “It also supports claimants of Moneyline advisors are now available Moneyline – is putting loan advisors in Universal Credit which is set to start in the following city libraries on: major libraries across the city in a bid here in Stoke-on-Trent from Monday: Meir Library ...... 10-3pm to make the service even more December onwards. Tuesday: Tunstall Library ...... 10-3pm accessible. “People in need of financial and Wednesday: Stoke Library ...... 10-3pm A Money Advice Service report in debt advice and support tell us they November 2013 found there were over like to access information face-to-face, Thursday: City Central Library . .10-3pm 68,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent in not just online or over the phone. Our Friday: City Central Library ...... 10-3pm Will be a great new place for a film and a feed. New Universal Credit to be rolled out later this year

THE Government’s new Universal It can also be paid into a Jam Jar For the time being, Universal C Credit – which replaces a wide range account (also called a budgeting Credit is only being applied to new of welfare benefits as a single account) – this is a new type of Stoke-on-Trent claimants who are payment – will be rolled out later account that divides money into single, claiming Jobseekers this year. several “pots” so people can keep Allowance, have no children and do Universal Credit will eventually money to pay bills separate from not own their own home. replace Working Tax Credit, Child Tax their spending money. Plans to extend the new welfare Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Another option would be a payment system to other claimants Support, Income Based Jobseekers Prepaid Card Account. The card can will be announced later. Allowance, Income Related be used to pay for things in shops, Employment and Support but does not allow the holder to set ■ For the latest information on Allowance. It is paid as one payment up direct debits or standing orders Universal Credit visit www.gov.uk/ per household into a bank, building for bills or rent. Using a Jam Jar universal-credit or call the society, Post Office or Credit Union account or a Prepaid Account may Universal Credit helpline on When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie... account. involve fees and/or charges. 0345 600 0723. Our City p11 24/6/15 14:10 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 11 Chinese delegation Welcome visit pottery factories A delegation from China’s for homes world capital of porcelain has been on a fact-finding trip to Stoke-on-Trent to meet leading pottery manufacturers from the world capital of ceramics. FACELIFT The group, from the ESIDENTS at Smallthorne’s Chinese city of Jingdezhen, Wooldridge Court have warmly travelled to Stoke-on-Trent Rwelcomed a major facelift and to learn more about North refurbishment of their sheltered homes Staffordshire’s pottery complex. industry and strengthen Originally made up of 34 units – many with economic and cultural ties shared bathrooms – the accommodation in between the two cities. Community Drive has been completely remodelled The five delegates to provide 27 open-plan flats, all now with private included the First Deputy bathrooms. Mayor of Jingdezhen, Shi Kitchens at the one and two-bedroomed Wenbin, as well as the apartments have been refitted with new units and Deputy Director in charge of modern appliances. All communal areas have been the city’s commercial sector, redecorated and provided with new carpets and Xu Hui and the Director of furniture. Additional facilities have been introduced the porcelain industrial including scooter rooms and a reading zone. development body,Tang Housing Enabling Officer Michelle McAvoy said Liang. the project had involved moving tenants to The visit, which follows an alternative accommodation while the work was carried out. earlier trip from Jingdezhen She said: “It was done in phases with a few to the Potteries in 2013, was people moving out at a time while their flats were hosted by the city council’s refurbished. The whole place now has a modern inward investment team and and contemporary feel to it and we’ve had a lot of June Brammer, aged 84, who has been living included a tour of the really positive feedback from residents who are very at Wooldridge Court for three years, relaxes Steelite and Moorcroft happy with their new surroundings and facilities.” with a cuppa in her newly-refurbished flat. pottery factories in Burslem. Our City p12-13 24/6/15 14:11 Page 1

12 Our City SUMMER 2015

How an innovative partnership of public services is transforming the lives of hundreds of families in S Life-changing support helps thousands in communities across the city N innovative parents and children involved in programme to crime or antisocial behaviour, transform people’s children who have not been A attending school, adults out of lives in Stoke-on-Trent has work or at risk of financial hit its target of helping 835 exclusion and young people at city families. risk of worklessness. The Troubled Families initiative Children who need help are has been extended for a further also being supported as well as five years to reach out and help families affected by domestic even more people. violence and abuse and parents Since its launched in March and children with a range of 2012, the Families Matter Team health problems. has worked with more than 1,400 One single mum in the city with families to tackle issues including three daughters, who asked not to be crime and antisocial behaviour, named, said help from Family truancy and worklessness. Support and other agencies had A team of city council literally turned their lives around in specialists works with partners a few short months. like the police and NHS to Because she has a number of WORKING TOGETHER address all issues experienced by serious health issues her daughters TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE... a family. are her main carers and never used Family Matters Co-ordinator Families Matter City Wide to get out of the house for a break or Kimberley Oliver, PC James Lead Claire Williamson said: “We to enjoy themselves. McMillan and Education have seen many life changing The eldest daughter was not Welfare Officer Phyll Hartson, success stories and real progress attending school. who all work as part of made by families who have The mum explained: “Things the Co-operative benefited from an intensive were so hopeless I literally called the Working team. support package. council and told them we needed Supporting children and young help. people in the city to attend school “Family Support have been regularly and remove barriers to amazing,They have managed to get them attending is key to ensuring all three children assessed for young they are equipped to reach their carers’ support, and my middle full potential in the future.” daughter, who is my main carer, has they’ve been on visits to Amerton stable, we’re having some decorating looking forward to starting college in Over the next five years, the joined the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Working Farm and Birmingham. done and I can afford to send the September and work experience programme will be expanded to Association, so she’s getting out and “With help from Family Support girls on these great trips because the looking after animals. help families experiencing even having a break. we’ve managed to sort out our prices are so reasonable. “It’s been a battle with my health more issues. “She’s just come back from an benefits. We used to rely on “Now my eldest is sitting her which is not getting better. These include families with amazing three-day camping trip and foodbanks – now I’m financially GCSEs, she’s attending school and is “We used to say it’s us against the world, but now it’s great because we know the world is with us!” The girls are also receiving counselling to Single point of contact is starting point for families support their emotional THE Co-operative Working programme A single way of accessing the service has wellbeing. designed to help people and families with been created, through which people can be Their mum added: complex needs in Stoke-on-Trent is now being Does your family need help? connected to services like children’s centres, “It’s unbelievable how far we have come in just a rolled out across the entire city. Call the hotline on youth offending prevention, domestic violence few months.” Following a successful pilot scheme in the support and education welfare. The next phase of north, it was introduced in Tunstall and will be To access the service telephone 01782 232200 the programme will be the main way of working for agencies in the (01782) 232200 or email co-operativeworking.enquiries@ delivered as part of the city by October. stoke.gov.uk council’s Co-operative It is already leading to a major Co-operative Working has already achieved Working model. transformation of 20 city council services individuals and households and co-ordinate national recognition when it was shortlisted ■ including housing and family support and will services for a number of different partners. It for two prestigious honours. To refer a family to provide improved support for residents as well means people only have to tell their story once It featured in the Behaviour Change and the programme, or ask for help for your as more value for taxpayers. and get the right support in the right place and Innovation in Social Care categories at the MJ own family, call the Key case workers now work closely with at the right time. Achievement Awards 2015. team on 01782 236362. Our City p12-13 24/6/15 14:12 Page 2

SUMMER 2015 Our City 13 n Stoke-on-Trent Grant buys books for fun sessions UNDERPANTS loving dinosaurs are helping three-year-olds at Young Explorers Childcare in Chell improve their literacy – all thanks to money from the Early Years Pupil Premium. Bee Active Josh Eight children at Gordon playing an the nursery were activity with Lacey eligible, and the Johnson and Jenson money was used to Cunliffe-Harrison. buy books and teaching resources. Of the three dinosaur books purchased, the favourite seems to be Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman so Young Explorers has also launched a competition to get 40 pre-school children decorating pants. Owner Sue Smith said:“We Premium gives the have eight children, five boys and three girls, at Young Explorers who were eligible for EYPP and we wanted to help them improve their literacy and best starts in life love of books. “Dinosaurs Love Underpants is MORE than 900 eligible three-year-olds across money to commission services to improve their favourite so we’ve also Stoke-on-Trent are already benefiting from new outcomes in speech, language and listening, to buy launched a competition and sent Government funding designed to give them the books and for reading support, to provide a pair of white pants home to very best start in life. additional staff and for resources like an The city council was one of just seven local educational puppet theatre. decorate.The winners will get authorities in England chosen to introduce the “We know that there are more than 1,270 book tokens. Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) in January and children eligible for this support in the city so “On top of that the money has by March £71,000 had already been invested to settings are continuing to identify likely children. helped us hire outside agencies. improve outcomes and get children school ready. “We’ll then carry out eligibility checks using the We stage a 45-minute Little Worth £300 to each child per year, the money is surname of the parent, their National Insurance Poppetts session each week to paid directly to early education settings, number and their date of birth.” improve listening skills and childminders, schools and nurseries so they can To be eligible for EYPP, a parent has to be in there’s Bee Active on Tuesday to buy additional resources or services. receipt of either income support, income related help build their physical skills. Jane Fallows, the council’s Early Years Employment and Support Allowance, income “EYPP means we now have Sufficiency, Access and Information Manager, said: based Jobseekers Allowance, Child Tax Credit, more resources, books and “This money is in addition to the free early years support through Part 6 of the Immigration and stories to help improve a range education offer of 15 hours a week paid for by the Asylum Act or the guaranteed element of State of skills for our children and council and universal entitlement for three and Pension Credit. four-year-olds. ■ To find out more about the Early Years therefore their outcomes too.” “It doesn’t go to parents but is paid direct to Pupil Premium and early education Young Explorers in Chell is one education settings where children are eligible. Once entitlement, contact your child’s school, early of a hundred childcare settings the Government funding has been provided, Ofsted education childcare provider or call the across the city delivering early monitors outcomes. Settings have been using their council on 01782 232200. education childcare. Team works with Hollie and family to address challenging behaviour DIANE and Graham Lomas were struggling with As the plan progressed an educational the behavioural problems of their daughter psychologist and the special needs co-ordinator Hollie until much needed multi-agency support from a local school also became involved. was put in place to help her through her primary Diane said:“We've had issues ever since she school. was born and her behaviour, at times, has been An Early Help Plan involving the police, the off the end of the scale. Integrated Family Intervention Service (IFIS), a “We spoke to Nicky Hodkinson, the Inclusion clinical psychologist from Child and Adolescent Manager at Sutherland Primary School, and she Mental Health Services (CAMHS), a school nurse was very good, putting everything in place. All and a specialist behavioural teacher was agreed. the help we had was excellent. I couldn’t find Hollie The family only had to tell their story once as a fault with it. Lomas and tailored, co-ordinated support package was “Hollie’s behaviour did settle slightly but she is mum Diane who organised with meetings taking place every six still very challenging. Life is very much still a are receiving weeks over 12 months. struggle for us and we constantly worry about support from a The professionals and the family worked Hollie.” specialist closely on a range of issues involving routines Her 24-year-old sister Heather said:“There are team. and boundaries, rewards and sanctions, keeping times when she’s great.We watch a film together safe, body awareness, trust, positive relationships or I take her shopping.We love her to bits but and counselling. she can still be difficult to cope with.” Our City p14 24/6/15 14:13 Page 1

14 Our City SUMMER 2015 Mark chooses health after life-changing assessment LASTERER Mark Walters carried on as I was, I was heading for is urging more people to trouble. Phave a city council-backed “It gave me a real incentive to start to live healthier. I suddenly realised NHS Health Check just like him that this is my time now. My lads had – after revealing how his mid-life grown up and I wanted to get back to MOT changed his life. doing what I was doing in my 20s. Weighing 18 stones at the time and “The health check has been life admittedly on an unhealthy diet, the changing for me. It gave me the 54-year-old was active at work but incentive I needed to make some otherwise took no exercise. changes to be a lot healthier and the Three years on and the dad-of-two support I received was invaluable. has lost five stones after radically “I’d say to anyone who receives an changing his lifestyle and diet. He invitation to have a health check, don’t started swimming, tried rowing and ignore it and make the most of the now goes to the gym. opportunity.” His wider family are benefiting after GPs offer the NHS Health Check to following his example. His wife Laura eligible people aged 40 to 74 every five and son Aaron have lost weight with years. Figures show more than half of Aaron shedding seven stones. the 3,000 people invited to have one in Mark said: “I was really surprised the last quarter did go along for theirs. when I went for my health check at just The check is an important step to how much weight I had put on. I improving health for many and can wasn’t eating right. I’d skip breakfast help lower people’s risk of developing Mark Walters and sometimes lunch and then I’d eat heart and kidney disease, stroke, type 2 works out in the rubbish late at night. diabetes and some types of dementia. CrossFit Napalm gym “The health check was a bit of a rude ■ For more information visit in Fenton, where awakening really. I realised that if I stoke.gov.uk/healthcheck training with the help of gym owner Mark Williams helped The health check... gave me the incentive I him get fit. ‘‘’’needed to be a lot healthier and the support I received was invaluable. MARK WALTERS Experts work together Free advice for a summer to combat loneliness of safe sex LONELINESS and social isolation have come SAFE sex advice and free under the spotlight in Stoke-on-Trent during HIV tests are being offered an ideas exchange involving more than 70 during a summer-long interested individuals and organisations. health campaign across Hosted by the Age Friendly City group, Stoke-on-Trent. public health representatives from the city The Safe Summer Sex council joined partners like Age UK North initiative encourages people Staffordshire, the NHS, housing associations going on holiday to take and the Workers’ Educational Association as adequate protection with well as domestic abuse and housing support them but to get tested if charity Arch to explore the issue and its they put themselves at risk. impacts. The free finger-prick test They heard that 4,000 people over 65 in the delivers results in just 20 city were likely to be experiencing long-term minutes.Testing will take loneliness, often involving missing place at drop-in sessions partners, relatives or friends. It is a between 5pm and 8pm on problem also faced by carers, people It is thought the last Wednesday and with disabilities and young people around 4,000 Thursday of June, July, leaving care. people over 65 in August and September at Council Health Improvement the city experience The Piccadilly Project in Manager Kate Edwards said:“Loneliness long term Hanley. is a bigger problem than simply an loneliness. that can affect people of all people in their family or neighbourhood that Mobile testing centres will emotional experience. ages and backgrounds.We might be lonely. Making time to make a phone also be set up at venues “Research shows that loneliness and social would urge anyone affected to talk call or a visit, or to just stop and chat could across the city. isolation are as harmful to our health as to someone, for instance a healthcare mean a lot to someone feeling lonely.” ■ smoking 15 cigarettes a day and more worker, who can suggest local activities and ● For further support or just a chat, call The For more information on damaging than obesity. services that might help. Silver Line helpline for free at any time on testing venues and times, “Loneliness also increases our risk of “We would also encourage everyone in the 0800 470 8090 or go online and visit email the team on disability and dementia and is an experience city to play a part, by keeping in touch with www.campaigntoendloneliness.org [email protected] Our City p15 24/6/15 16:05 Page 1

There’s lots to do this summer SUMMER school holidays in Stoke-on-Trent 2015 Monday 20 July – Sunday 6 September. Here is a quick guide of what is on during the summer school holiday. There are lots of activities going on throughout the city.There are free activities in parks, libraries and museums. Please visit stoke.gov.uk/events for more information on what’s happening where. Please note that event dates can change and we would recommend that you check the website for any updates. Exciting,Exciting, funfun sessionssessions atat thethe heartheart ofof communitiescommunities CHILDREN'S centres in to 19 years-old – the older kids communities across absolutely loved the mini Stoke-on-Trent will be Olympics event held last summer – we couldn’t get them to stop! keeping children occupied “They aim to provide throughout the summer something for everyone – one day holidays by providing a the youngsters might be making range of exciting activity grass skirts, the next they’ll be days. enjoying a bouncy castle and Katrina Anderson, who takes super hero fancy-dress. There’s her three children Callum, always something fun going on Above, Katrina Anderson with for everyone to get stuck into.” Emmie-Mai and Shaylea-Rae to children Emmie-Mai, two, ● To find out more about Crescent Children’s Centre in what’s on at your local Shayla-Rae, eight months Meir, said: “There's always a children’s centre just pop in and Callum, seven, at the range of activities going on and ask or check out their Crescent Children’s Centre. throughout the day – my youngest Facebook pages. is 8 months and loves mucking in Meanwhile, sportsmen and Right, Phillip Watson, of with the older ones.” women of all ages and abilities Trentham, chats with Each event provides a range of can take part in a huge range of lifeguard Jon Hodgkinson activities to keep all age groups activities at centres like the during a swim at Fenton entertained throughout the day. Fenton Manor complex, Manor. The Crescent Children’s Centre Northwood Stadium and parks, will put on four events over the pitches and courts around the Manor when he found it had summer, where activities will city. a five star rating. include a carnival, mini Olympics, Swimmer Phillip Watson has Phillip said: “It’s a great fancy dress and a day trip to just moved from Chorley in pool, the staff are really friendly Southport to name but a few. Lancashire and now lives in and there are lots of sessions. Katrina said: “The centre caters Trentham. He searched online for “I think I’ll be a regular for children and young adults up a local pool and opted for Fenton swimmer here.” Our City p16-17 24/6/15 15:34 Page 1

16 Our City SUMMER 2015 SUMMER 2015 Our City 17 Packed programme of fun will fire the public’s imagination this summer Free events make most of ‘open air

playground’ Europe’s biggest skate Proud mum Amy Baxter and her 15 WARD-winning He said: “To be listed on the plaza at Central month old son George Whitehurst, Forest Park. parks, woods and register is a mark of national enjoying the Park Hall Country Park special interest. Grade 2 Star is near their home. Agreen spaces really do more than special interest. make Stoke-on-Trent one “These three parks in big open-air playground. Stoke-on-Trent rank alongside the With 3,400 acres to roam best in the UK and are something around, the people of the city are the city should be very proud of,” spoiled for choice. he said For those who want to enjoy the The city parks are home to 18 CITY CENTRE CULTURE: great outdoors there are nine bowling greens, 16 tennis courts, FIRE AND DRAMA: shoppers were surprised by this major parks in the city, one 76 play areas and three community astonishing sights at national nature reserve, eight local amazing performance, called Frantic. fishing lakes. Central Forest Park as nature reserves, two diamond Other pools are available to fish part of last summer’s woods and numerous smaller but are managed under a parks and woodlands. community partnership agreement Big Feast. Four of them are Green Flag with the City Waters Advisory award winners, awarded to only Group which is made up of the best parks and open spaces in representatives from local angling “Our parks staff and volunteer the country – three parks are clubs, the Environment Agency, helpers do a fantastic job and we SUMMER SERENITY: designated by English Heritage, local wildlife groups and the continue to work closely with partners relax in the parks with a the body that protects national council. and friends groups to further stroll, like Danica treasures, as Grade II* Listed. Parks are available for hire transform and update our green Mathers with her Burslem, Hanley and Queens subject to a small charge and spaces to make them even more standard poodle Park Longton have all been already stage a diverse range of vibrant and user friendly. Woody and Margaret awarded Grade II* listing, putting events from fun fairs and circuses “They’re just great places to Foster with her them in the top quarter of English to dog and car shows as well as unwind, catch your breath and schnauzer, Casper. parklands and gardens. community carnivals and live de-stress so we plan to keep them Out of 1,625 listed parks and music concerts. looking their best for years to come.” gardens in Britain only 430 are in Parks Manager Roger Leverett, the same league as said: “We really are blessed with ■ To find out what’s going in the Stoke-on-Trent’s II* listed areas. some of the most wonderful parks city’s parks visit stoke.gov.uk Ben McManus enjoys one Dr Paul Stamper, Senior Advisor in the country. They range from of many pianos dotted in the Designation Team at English historically important parks like /parks, follow them on Facebook or around the city as part of Heritage, said Stoke-on-Trent’s Hanley and Longton to smaller give them a call.To take part in the Play Me I’m Yours treat. parks had to be extra special to ones like Northwood and events, organise your own or book make it onto the list. Cobridge. call 01782 234234. What’s on in the parks...

App’s Sunday 12 July day, including a mammal search experts will be on hand to help Learn about these fascinating nocturnal Sunday 16 August Saturday, September 5 into sculptural light machines. Bikes will be SIX TOWNS CARNIVAL AT and a butterfly hunt. Find us at the you to identify your finds. All animals during this ever-popular annual TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC AT QUEEN'S GRAND CROSS FAYRE AT HANFORD PARK. sourced locally and transformed by local the way to HANLEY PARK. main visitor centre car park off necessary equipment will be guided walk with our local bat expert. PARK, LONGTON. Funfair, live Hanford Village Residents Association, people and people can show up with their Live music, community stalls, Hulme Road,Weston Coyney from provided, but you are welcome to Bat detectors will be available to help music and children's games. working in partnership with Appetite and own bikes on the night where they will be procession, street food. 10.30am. bring your own. Meet at the you pick out any bats that give us a Noon-3pm. Capsule, host a second arts and music event loaned a lighting kit (for a returnable deposit) view it... Noon-8pm. Arbourfields Drive entrance near fly-past during the walk! Please bring a featuring a mix of live music, arts workshops, and will be helped to decorate their bikes. Friday 31 July the retirement village at 1.30pm. torch. Meet at the main visitor centre car Friday 28 – Sunday vintage stalls and live music – open to the Sunday 12 July MOTH NIGHT AT HARTSHILL PARK. This event is free, but pre-booking park off Hulme Road,Weston Coyney at 30 August public and family friendly. Sunday 13 September A new hi-tech SONGS OF PRAISE AT QUEEN'S This event will be a great is required. Please call 8.45pm.The event will last for about one THE BIG FEAST IN THE Noon-7pm. LANDSCAPES FORGOTTEN AT PARK HALL app has been PARK, LONGTON. opportunity to learn from a moth 01782 331889. and a half hours. 8.45pm-10.15pm. CITY CENTRE. COUNTRY PARK. deployed to help expert and see some of these 1.30pm-3pm. A fun-filled weekend Sunday 6 September From hot-house swamp and baking deserts create ideal walks Sunday 26 July fascinating flying creatures at close Wednesday 19 August jam-packed with THE THREE GREENS EVENT at Bentilee to the freezer – it’s a walk in the park! for tree lovers. FUN DOG SHOW AT QUEEN’S PARK, quarters.The moth traps will be Saturday 8 August BUG HUNT AT PARK HALL COUNTRY world class Neighbourhood Centre, Dawlish Drive. A Understand how the Park Hall landscape has The TiCL app is LONGTON. Noon-4pm outside, so please bring warm STOKE SOUTH CARNIVAL IN PARK. entertainment for Bentilee Community Partnership event with changed through 350 million years of Earth free to download clothing and a torch. Meet on the CONJUNCTION WITH APPETITE AT An ideal summer holiday event for you people to enjoy. Appetite and Pinnacle using three large history.This landscape and geology walk will from Android or Wednesday 29 July Vicarage Road car park off Hartshill FENTON PARK. and your children. Join our experts on a With 15,000 people greens at the heart of the community to highlight places of interest throughout the Apple app stores WILDLIFE FUN DAY AT PARK HALL Road at 10pm. 10pm until late. Cadets parade, stalls, helicopter, hunt for creepy crawlies in and around attending in 2014, link community stalls with the arts. country park and will include a stop for and already COUNTRY PARK. Find out more stage acts, dog show, Guides, our sandstone canyons. Children must Appetite is delighted to be Noon-6pm. lunch. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing features a Fenton about British wildlife at this Wednesday 5 August Scouts. 11am-4pm. be supervised by an adult. Meet at the serving up this event in and sturdy boots, and bring along your Park tree trail Parks Manager Roger Leverett fun-filled event for the whole POND DIPPING AT BERRYHILL main visitor centre car park off Hulme Stoke-on-Trent once again. A Monday 7 – Sunday 13 September packed lunch. Meet at the main visitor centre with information family. Learn about the creatures FIELDS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE. Saturday 8 August Road,Weston Coyney at 1pm.The event full-line up is now available at LULLABY BY LUKE JERRAM. car park off Hulme Road,Weston Coyney at about notable shows off the that call the park home by taking Join us for summer holiday fun BAT WALK AT PARK HALL COUNTRY will last for about one and a half hours. www.appetitestoke.co.uk A parade over three to five nights in different 10.30am.This event will last for three to four specimens. new TICL app. part in activities throughout the searching for pond creatures. Our PARK. 1pm-2.30pm. Noon until late. parts of the city of 30 to 80 bikes transformed hours. 10.30am-2.30pm. Our City p16-17 24/6/15 15:34 Page 1

16 Our City SUMMER 2015 SUMMER 2015 Our City 17 Packed programme of fun will fire the public’s imagination this summer Free events make most of ‘open air

18 Our City SUMMER 2015

Here’s a snapshot of a few events across the city...

Animal Tuesday 21 July (TAKE A HINT THEATRE antics GRUFFALO HUNT COMPANY) Fenton Children’s Centre – Longton Library, Fenton Park. 11am-noon on show Free event. Come along to MEET Otto the Otter and our hunt in the park. Join in Thursday 13 August with our games. No need to Teddy the Fox as they OUR TRIP TO THE SEASIDE – book. 10am-noon. wheel a wooden cart SOUTHPORT through the museum, Wednesday 22 July Limited places available! laden with ancient magic, THE MOST DISGUSTING… Places must be booked in props and relics from the City Central Library, advance at your local greatest fairy tales ever 11am-noon Children’s Centre! £5 per Adult and £2.50 per told. Monday 27 July Also see an array of real MOUNTAIN BIKING Child. All adults, children animals from the British Manifold Valley, ST10 3JR, 10 and babies will need to countryside – Tuesday 1 places, 11-14 year-olds, £5. have a seat booked on the September 11am-4pm. 10am-4pm coach. All ages. All Day. Just one of a series of Wednesday 29 July Thursday 13 August amazing events being ALTON TOWERS TRIP STANLEY HEAD staged at the Potteries 11-19 year-olds – Citywide ST9 9LY,10 places, 11-19 Museum & Art Gallery this through children’s centres, year-olds, £5. 9.30am-4.30pm summer. ST10 4DB, 52 places, £10. 9am-5.30pm Monday 17 August CIRCUSOLOGY Friday 31 July Bentilee Library, 11am-noon RE-school TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC aged Treehouse Children’s Centre Thursday 20 August Free event. Come along to ‘BE MORE DOG’ FAMILY FUN Pchildren our Teddy Bears’ picnic and DAY can enjoy weekly Music groups join in with our story and singing and activities. No need to book. Ball Green Primary School story clubs at 1pm-2.30pm. Enjoy lots of different activities for all the family Longton Friday 31 July Library. to help raise money for the ‘WERE GOING ON A BEAR RSPCA. All ages. 11am-3pm. The Singing Bears on song HUNT’WALKING STORY meet every Tuesday AND FAMILY PICNIC Tuesday 25 August at 10am for half an Burslem Park, (Meeting STANLEY HEAD, CANOEING hour of sing-along Cathy Holdhem, from by the Hamil Road ST9 9LY,12 places, 11-19 fun – children from two weeks to four Meir, said: “When my entrance) years old can get stuck in with year-olds, £5. daughter Casey was a few Come along and get 1.30pm-4.30pm musical instruments, nursery rhymes involved in an and colouring sessions. weeks old I brought her to her first Singing Bears interactive story Thursday 27 August Lorraine Styles, a librarian who telling session. Bring helps to organise the events, said: session – she loved it. ON THE BEACH FAMILY FUN along your own “We get a great mix of mums, dads “Casey and I have made DAY and grandparents coming along with great friends through the picnic to enjoy Tunstall Park (Meeting by their children. event, and we now come together too. 0-11 the Floral Hall) “The emphasis is on creating a fun, every week without fail.” year-olds. Noon-2pm. Thanks to the Tunstall ● A diverse programme social environment.” Alison Brown with her daughter Darcey, Saturday 1 August Victoria Park Trust families of fun events will be staged The library also offer Story Bears 15 months, taking part in the Singing THE BEST BOOK IN THE can enjoy lots of different sessions every Monday at 11am and a at libraries throughout the WORLD activities to bring the fun of Simply Stories event on Saturdays, city this summer... to find Bear session at Longton Library with Library Assistant Longton Library, the beach to the park. All where children can get involved with out more go to stoke.gov.uk/ 11am-noon interactive storytelling. summerevents Sandra Kimberley. ages. Tuesday 4 August Saturday 25 July – Sunday ARCHERY 10 January 2016 Milton Park, ST2 7AF,10 LOWRY AND BERRY: places, 11-19 year-olds, £3. Popular SPACE scheme set for relaunch OBSERVERS OF URBAN LIFE 1pm-3pm STAFFORDSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew planned and delivered by a wider collaboration of public and The Potteries Museum & Art Ellis, is set to re-launch the historically popular Space scheme voluntary organisations, including the Police. Wednesday 5 August Gallery.Tickets £5, which aims to provide fun activities for young people during Up to £140,000 has been pledged to fund activities with an TALES THAT TIME FORGOT concessions £3. the school summer holiday. aim to increase skills, improve health and general wellbeing Space was originally an activities scheme led by police in by creating opportunities to engage with young people Staffordshire during the 80’s and 90’s aimed at engaging with positively. Activities will include sporting events, arts and For complete listings visit young people. crafts and music production. The new version of Space, coordinated by the Office of the The Space scheme will run between Monday 20 July and stoke.gov.uk/summerevents Police and Crime Commissioner, has similar objectives and Friday 5 September and will cover areas across Stoke-on-Trent. will be aimed at 11 and 17 year-olds.The activities will be For more, go to: www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/space

facebook.com/ twitter.com/ instagram.com/ sotcitycouncil SoTCityCouncil pinterest.com/ sotcitycouncil/ Look out for details of Check out our daily tweets, sotcitycouncil/ Lots of photos from Summer events, links to #SoTSummer and our photo Summer events and links our partners and photo galleries. to listings and our galleries. We’ll pin images from partners’ websites. You’ll see links to our partners and please all our events and link you to our Don’t forget to upload your own Don’t forget to post your stories! tweet us your own summer photos. online events listings. summer images. Our City p19 24/6/15 14:53 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 19 Fund’s legacy is lasting jobs business growth programme In the process it created one job and which attracted nearly safeguarded two others. The pharmaceutical A£8.9million in funding is set to microbiology services company based at Trentham Lakes was launched in 2011 with leave a legacy of lasting employment three members of staff. It now employs 10 across Stoke-on-Trent. people and is the only firm of its type in the Now closed to further applicants, the UK with rapid gassing technology for use in Innovative Growth in Stoke-on-Trent and sterility testing. Staffordshire Regional Growth Fund General Manager Karen Nash said: “The (IGISS) approved grants totalling rapid gassing system we now offer has cut £1,681,955million to 27 businesses. the decontamination cycle down from eight That attracted matched funding of hours to just 20 minutes so samples can be Microbiologist £7,214,759million from the private sector. put on test that much quicker. This has given Robyn Tunnicliff The programme, which ran for a year from us a unique advantage over our competitors using a Cube Isolator March 2014, is forecast to create 180 new that helped us safeguard jobs and continue – a rapid gassing jobs by 2017 while safeguarding 38 others. to grow. machine – at Helvic Grants handed out to eligible firms ranged “The support we had from the city council in size from £10,000 to £158,000. was great. Our grant application was processed Laboratories at Helvic Laboratories received £25,000 for and paid really efficiently so that was good. Trentham two pieces of new equipment, enabling it to Small companies often find it harder getting Lakes. offer unique services compared to its finance from the banks so the grant support competitors. we’ve had has made the difference.”

Small and medium sized firms benefit from low cost loans MORE jobs are being created had an at small and medium sized immediate effect firms across the Potteries on the thanks to business support business.” from the city council. Family-run Seven companies who Glebe received £107,000 from the Engineering was helpful. The Cresswell family Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan supported by the council’s have been trading in the city Fund have created 20 posts Make It Stoke-on-Trent and since 1898 and we’re proud of and safeguarded five others. Staffordshire Inward our local heritage so staying in An eighth, Foxley Garage at Investment Service to secure a Stoke-on-Trent was very Milton, also benefitted from £90,000 grant towards the important to us. I can’t speak the scheme set up to give cost of relocating to a much highly enough of the support smaller firms low cost finance. bigger 1.5 acre site in Etruria. we received.” The garage is using its The move will mean 10 Make It Stoke on Trent, money for an apprentice and extra jobs and help the firm, Staffordshire Inward new equipment and will be which manufactures specialist Investment Service and the launching two part-time components for the Black Country Reinvestment business traineeships with automotive and defence Service are all programmes Haywood Academy. industries, to branch out into that have been part funded The garage has been run by the aerospace, pharmaceutical through the European husband and wife team and nuclear energy sectors. Regional Development Fund. Gareth and Deborah Price With clients already It helped smaller, viable since it opened in 2013. including three Formula One firms with up to 50 staff Deborah said: “We hadn’t had racing teams, Managing access loans of between much luck with the banks so Director Nick Cresswell said: £10,000 and £50,000. Foxley Garage Trainee Mechanic this loan has not only “We approached the city Bethany Jones uses new diagnostic energised us as to what we council’s inward investment For more information equipment purchased with the help can potentially achieve in the team about our plans to visit www.bcrs.org.uk of a low-cost business loan. long-term but it has already relocate and they were really or call 0845 313 8410.

Grant aid helps staircase manufacturer move up the business ladder A staircase manufacturer has relocated to Inward Investment Service as well as factory allows our pace of growth to Fund (RGF) supports eligible projects and the former Remploy factory on Trentham Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the continue as well as giving us the freedom programmes raising private sector Lakes in a £330,000 grant-aided move that firm has been able to buy new equipment, to create new products and develop into investment to create economic growth and will create 79 jobs. nearly double its workforce and create a the future.” lasting employment. StairBox, previously based at Sandyford, much requested showroom. The programme opened to applications It has invested nearly £3billion to help has been joined at its new one-stop shop The firm, launched in 1994, is now a from small and medium sized businesses businesses in England to grow; so far premises on Gordon Banks Drive by sister major player in the UK staircase market based or relocating to the city or county in generating over 100,000 jobs. company TA Windows after receiving and made the move to cope with demand summer of 2013.With gap funding money from the Regional Growth Fund’s after massive year-on-year growth, available from an £8million pot for capital For more information, visit Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Jobs and supplying staircases direct to consumers expenditure to help companies expand staffordshirechambers.co.uk/ Growth programme. as well as hundreds of flights for and create jobs, it will continue offering business-support/funding, or Also supported by the city council’s large-scale projects across Great Britain. grants until February 2017. email jobsandgrowth@ Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Director Alex Hancock said:“This new The Government’s Regional Growth staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Our City p20 24/6/15 15:34 Page 1

20 Our City SUMMER 2015 ReoffendingReoffendingReoffending isisis at at at a a a five five five yearyearyear low... low... low... andandand setsetset tototo

Food Banks Project Manager fallfallfall furtherfurtherfurther Anna Willcocks, left, fallfallfall furtherfurtherfurther works with a young OUTH reoffending in across the region, who celebrate offender at Blurton Stoke-on-Trent is at a 15 years of YOS and the youth Methodist Yfive-year low thanks to justice system this year. Church. partnership working and is set Mark Summers, who developed the tool at the YJB, to reduce rates still further said: “Stoke-on-Trent has made with trials of an early good headway in improving the intervention computer tool local reoffending rate, now attracting national attention. amongst the best in England and Latest figures from the Youth Wales, and moving on to using HARD GRAFT PAYS BACK TO COMMUNITY Justice Board (YJB) show a the Live Tracker will help the reoffending rate in 2012-13 of service make the right decisions YOUNG offenders carry out “The young people who come young people helped by 28.5 per cent of offenders – at the right time for the right community work across to us two days a week have a moving shelving, crates and down 11.8 percentage points children and young people. Stoke-on-Trent as part of their routine induction and we stock.They grafted hard for us. compared with 2009-10. “This is likely to feed through punishment orders with tasks explain what the foodbank is “Our arrangement works well It comes as the city's Youth to even fewer young people in the ranging from litter picks, and why we do what we do. and we often see change in the Offending Services (YOS) trials justice system as reoffending falls, gardening and leaflet drops. “We hope that the experience young people over their time Live Tracker software which flags and lead to further improvements As part of paying back for they have working in an with us. Sometimes at first they up reoffenders and allows early in community safety in the city.” their offences they are organisation helping people in may lack confidence or be The Youth Offending Service intervention working with the supervised by Youth Offending poverty locally gives them a sullen, but by the end of their offender and their parents or works closely with partners like Team staff on projects that sense of purpose.We want placements they are often carers. the police,Youth Justice Board, YOS Team Lead Hazel probation services, the NHS, benefit the community. them to feel appreciated as part smiling and enjoying the work. Williamson said: “This enables education providers, courts and Some work at Stoke-on-Trent of our organisation which “Some even opt to carry on the Youth Offending Service to the Crown Prosecution Service. Foodbank, where Anna Willcocks values compassion, generosity volunteering with us which we intervene quickly and re-assess It also works with families and is Project Manager. She said:“We and integrity. are always glad of.” the risks of the young person aims to significantly reduce the always need volunteers to sort, “We hope we provide positive For more information about which will, in turn, reduce the number of children formally date, shelve, stock and other role models for the young Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank, to risk to victims and communities.” entering the youth justice system tasks, and we are supported by people as we work alongside volunteer or support the Using the software has been as first time entrants (FTEs). various groups including the them. Recently we had to move organisation, visit stokeontrent. such a success in the city that There were 80 children as Youth Offending Team. to a new warehouse and our foodbank.org.uk Hazel has been invited to share FTEs in 2013-14 – down 123 the learning with other teams compared with 2010-11.

Engaging with Chance to decision maker support via postcards service VOLUNTEERS are POSTCARDS designed by young needed to help support offenders themselves now mean they the work of the Youth can have direct contact with the head Offending Service as it of the service in Stoke-on-Trent. sets up panels involving The Dear Hazel scheme means their offenders, their families voices are heard by the senior and, where appropriate, manager with decision making the victim. responsibilities.They can use the The aim is to make cards to request direct feedback from sure the offender takes YOS Team Leader Hazel Williamson or, responsibility for their if they want to remain anonymous, behaviour while get comments via a noticeboard. increasing their Hazel said:“It’s another way of understanding and increasing their engagement with the reducing their chances service.They’re more likely to comply of reoffending.Training if they can speak to the decision YOS is offered. makers.They can either have a Team Leader If you are interested, face-to-face chat or refer to our Hazel Williamson call the Youth noticeboard in reception when I write with the Dear Offending Service on up a Hazel says reply.” Hazel postcard 01782 235858. design. Our City p21.qxp 24/6/15 15:51 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 21 Foster families needed for 600 Support gives city children THE hunt is on to find more foster carers in the city to young carers help transform the lives of young people. Stoke-on-Trent currently has over 600 children in care – but only around 250 a break from registered foster carers. More are urgently needed to make a real difference. The city council’s Fostering Service team has responsibility been actively looking to recruit local people who OUNG carers Niaomi pen and when he gets his might be interested. In a and Molly Owen pocket money I take him up high profile campaign the to the shop. It can take up a team visited leisure centres, Yreally enjoy their weekend break at a unique lot of my time but I don’t cinemas, supermarkets and mind. tourist attractions to get support group set up “We’ve been going to the message across. specially in Stoke-on-Trent The Boys’ Brigade since Bradley Moreton Bob Yeo, Chairman of the for children just like them. the start of the year and with his sisters Stoke-on-Trent Fostering The 12 and nine-year-olds from it’s really, really good. I Niaomi and Molly Sneyd Green help parents Marie go off with my age Association, said:“Fostering Owen, aged 12 and can be challenging, of and Darryl look after brother group and I’ve made Bradley Moreton who is seven new friends. Bradley nine, and Neil Keighery course, but it’s the most from the Boys’ rewarding and fulfilling and was diagnosed with global gets loads of exercise so developmental delay three years it’s good for him too.” Brigade. thing to do.To watch ago. Mum Marie said: Neil said: “The Boys’ “We borrow a minibus at the children blossom with your His sisters play with him, read “Bradley’s a bit of a handful so Brigade group which is also moment but it’s not always support and move on to him and generally keep him I’m really proud of the girls. open to girls is the only one of its available. Permanent transport positively with their lives is occupied in a busy house that They’re a real help. They’re both kind in the country. It was set up would mean more young carers just incredible.” also includes brothers Alex, four, doing well at school, Niaomi with after I got talking to the council’s could join. Volunteers are People interested in and Charlie who is just two. her dancing and Molly with her Young Carers Co-ordinator Karen welcome, no experience is needed fostering can visit On a Saturday morning, swimming. It’s nice that they go Holdcroft and Local Matters as we provide full training.” stoke.gov.uk/fostering, Niaomi, Molly and Bradley all to The Boys’ Brigade and I know Officer Vanessa Hamilton and the ■ To find more about the group follow @StokeFostering on have fun at a group launched by they’re safe there. It gives them idea was hatched. and volunteering or the other The Boys’ Brigade in partnership “We arrange a variety of games Twitter, search for Stoke some time to themselves.” Boys’ Brigade groups around the with Stoke-on-Trent City About 14 young carers and activities for the children and Fostering on Facebook or city, contact Neil on 07415 241234 call 01782 234555. Council, who support more than regularly attend the group based young people each week and we’re 480 young carers across the city. at All Saints Church, Joiners now planning summer day trips. or email neil.keighery@boys- Niaomi said: “Bradley’s a lovely Square, Hanley which is run by I’m really pleased with how it’s brigade.org.uk. For more boy but he can be a bit difficult Neil Keighery, The Boys’ Brigade going.We’ve applied for some Big information on the council’s sometimes so we play with him, Development Worker in the city. Lottery cash to help with activities support for young carers call People asked read to him and help with Many are picked up from home as well as transport which is the 01782 235422 or email to have say on homework. I help him hold his to make sure they get to the club. only barrier to growing our group. [email protected] legal notices Safety campaign targets PEOPLE are being asked to have their say on how to improve the way the council issues important city children this summer public notices to ensure they take advantage of SUMMER safety for city children is the He added:“Some people raise concerns that modern communications. message of a campaign launched by they feel intimidated if they see a group of young The notices – which Staffordshire Police and its partners. people congregating in an area, but they may not have to be issued by law – Respect: It’s A Two Way Street is also asking be doing anything antisocially, just meeting up keep the public informed people of all ages to think about how their with friends. Those whose behaviour is antisocial of council decisions that actions affect others, and encouraging will be dealt with accordingly. Officers and PCSOs affect daily life in the city. communities to work together. will also continue to patrol hotspot areas They include planning As part of the campaign Police engaging with young people.” information, notice of road Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be The campaign will also highlight advice to help closures and highway out and about in communities engaging young people keep safe.Tips include: alterations and licensing with young people, offering safety advice ■ Beware the dangers of swimming in rivers, applications. and listening to their views. canals or ponds – however tempting a cool Most people currently They will also be explaining how rowdy dip might seem on a hot day. see them in local and inconsiderate behaviour can badly ■ Wear a helmet when riding a bike and don’t newspapers but advances affect others, particularly the elderly. use a mobile phone while crossing the road. in technology mean Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: ■ Lighting fires in litter, wheelie bins on grass audiences are moving “Antisocial behaviour can mean different or in parklands put those responsible – as away from printed things to different people, but basically it is well as other people and wildlife – in danger. newspapers to digital any kind of repeated behaviour that affects ■ media. your quality of life.We never underestimate Buying or drinking alcohol under age is ■ To get involved or to the impact this can have on an individual illegal. find out more, email or community and we’re committed to Assistant Chief Constable Drake added:“We communications@stoke. continually working with our partners and would ask parents to discuss these issues and gov.uk giving the best service possible to our general safety awareness with their children to communities.” keep them out of harms way.” For more information visit stoke.gov.uk Our City p22 24/6/15 16:09 Page 1

22 Our City SUMMER 2015 Exciting plans for £40m boost to Uni Quarter unveiled LANS for the £40million available to view at a drop-in development of Staffordshire event. PUniversity’s Stoke campus were Margaret Monckton, the university’s Director of revealed as part of a community Finance and Infrastructure, consultation event. said: “We have determined In 2014, the university announced its what additional facilities are decision to move to a single main campus needed to accommodate our in the city by 2016. computing and entertainment It has submitted a number of planning technology courses which will EXCITING PLANS... the university’s Director of Estates and Commercial applications to the city council affecting be transferring from Stafford Services Linda Degg, right, shows the investment proposals to both College Road and Leek Road sites in and how we can transform our Kidsgrove resident Suzanne Cartmale who works in Shelton. the University Quarter and these were Stoke campus to benefit all students. “We are confident these Transport, Regeneration THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME? new plans will help to and Heritage said: “It is Artists impression of the provide students with the fantastic to see the university expansion. best possible experience university committing to a and in keeping with the single main campus in the University Quarter vision, city and investing in new we are focused on facilities on their site. creating a vibrant, safe and attractive “This will give a real environment for everyone boost to both the who lives, works and university and the city. studies in the area.” “With more students Residents, businesses based locally, it will create and community groups in world-class educational Shelton were invited to facilities and support our the community local economy.” consultation event. ■ More information is The £40m expansion plans would be a major boost to Cllr Jack Brereton, also available to view at the city’s University Quarter. Cabinet Member for www.uniq-stoke.org.uk Free cycle hub opens Chicken food safety advice in heart of City Centre RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they do not fall CYCLISTS have somewhere safe the city council working closely foul of food poisoning and secure to store their bikes with businesses. when preparing in the City Centre at a new These include grants towards chicken. weather-proof cycle hub. secure storage and changing There were 323 The free-to-use storage rooms as well as cycle reported cases of facility has stands for 28 bikes maintenance lessons for campylobacter – a germ and a repair station complete employees.The council has also mostly found on raw chicken – with tools including a universal installed cycle stands around in the city last year. It can cause pump. the City Centre including the abdominal pain, diarrhoea, It is the first of its kind in the entrance of the Intu Potteries vomiting and sometimes more city – centrally situated in Old Shopping Centre on Town Road. serious lasting effects. Hall Street opposite Argos An interactive cycle map and But there are practical things Extra. It was delivered by journey planner has also been that can be done to stay safe. Stoke-on-Trent City Council produced to help cyclists find Raw chicken should be bagged through its Local Sustainable their way around the city. and stored separately from other Transport Fund alongside other To access the map, visit food, covered and chilled on the major improvements to the City cycle.travel/city/stoke_on_trent/ SAFE bottom shelf of the fridge. Centre. map AND SECURE: It is also really important not Doug Wardle, Chairman of the The council’s Team Manager London Road to wash raw chicken, as this City Centre Partnership, said:“It for Safe and Sustainable resident Mary Kelly splashes germs. Always wash shows the council is taking into Transport, Brian Edwards, said: collects her bike everything that touches raw consideration all aspects of how “The funding programme is from the City chicken in soap and hot water. people can get to the City over, but its legacy is that there Centre cycle Always check that chicken is Centre, whether that’s for are improved facilities and hub. cooked properly – it should be business or leisure purposes.” information and that businesses steaming hot, with no pink The hub is the latest themselves are more clued up meat and juices running clear. improvement designed to as to what is available to help ■ See www.food.gov.uk/ encourage visitors and workers their staff and visitors get chickenchallenge for more to cycle to Hanley – delivered by cycling.” information. Our City p23 24/6/15 16:20 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 23 £20,000 grants now available to enable council tenants to

Not Jenson buy a private home Button, but Jenson GRANTS worth £20,000 each are on offer Clarke, aged five, to help council house tenants move out of go-karting in the their existing homes and buy a property Fenton Manor in the private market. Grand Prix. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has secured £2.5 million from the Government’s Social Mobility Fund. It means anyone who could qualify to purchase their council property under the Right to Buy scheme can instead Birches Head residents apply for a Tony Shemilt and Arthur £20,000 grant Baggaley use the running towards the cost of track at Northwood buying a different stadium. property in the private sector – anywhere in the UK. Housing Enabling Officer Rob Bowler LANS for the future of said the grant offer was open to tenants of popular leisure and all ages who qualify to purchase their Psporting facilities run existing council homes under the Right to by the council are being PlansPlans inin pipelinepipeline asas Buy regulations. drawn up after the public He added:“That includes couples were asked for their views. looking for a larger home so they can start The city council began the a family, as well as older people who want 10-week consultation exercise at to downsize, to retire or move to be closer the end of March as part of the publicpublic havehave saysay onon to relatives.” process of determining how £15m ● For more information about Social of leisure and cultural services Mobility grants contact the council’s could be maintained – but at a Home Ownership Team on 01782 lower cost. 235540 or email them on Earlier this year the authority [email protected]. agreed a budget that will save city favourites citycity favouritesfavourites Information is also available at £26.9m in 2015/16, with £600,000 stoke.gov.uk/socialmobility of savings identified in leisure and culture services. And Stoke-on-Trent The proposals form one residents were asked to consider three of six business cases being possible options for service delivery. developed by the council. They The options were: are designed to protect culture Recovery house will ■ Services remain directly provided by and leisure services as well as the council. enable wider expertise and ■ help people beating Services are transferred to a new investment to be brought in to community interest company (CiC). deliver services for the future. ■ Services are transferred to a new Services likely to be drugs and alcohol charity/charitable trust. affected by the review are: A specialist recovery house is being ■ Sports and leisure (including developed which will help people build sports development). more positive lifestyles after becoming ■ The Potteries Museum drug or alcohol free. and Art Gallery. The project, funded by Public Health ■ Gladstone Pottery Museum. England, will provide an eight to 10-bed ■ Cultural development recovery house in Stoke-on-Trent. (including grants). People will be able to stay in the Services which will not be affected are: Stoke- accommodation for between two and on-Trent Gymnastics six months, after completing drug or Centre; Ford Green alcohol treatment.They will receive Hall; Etruria Industrial support to stay drug or alcohol free by Museum and Mitchell developing independent living skills, Arts Centre. including help to access education, ■ Tourism and training, voluntary work, employment marketing. and longer term independent Deputy Leader Cllr accommodation. Abi Brown said: “This The project, which is due to be up and decision will take full Harriet Simmons, aged five, and her running by the end of the year, is part of account of the feedback mum Susannah enjoy the A to Z animal a wider re-design of the drug and received from the safari exhibition at the Potteries alcohol service. consultation process Museum and Art Gallery. including the Friends of The recovery house is being developed as part of the redesign of the Many places, including Ford Green the Museum and other representative groups that city council’s drug and alcohol service. Hall, the Mitchell Memorial Theatre have contacted us. It is expected that the Victoria Hall and The redesign will focus on not just and The Regent and Victoria Hall, “We are committed to finding the Regent Theatre would operate under helping people to beat their addiction will not be affected by solution that ensures these excellent existing contract arrangements, which but also teach people the necessary any changes. services can continue to be provided for would be monitored under the CiC or skills to remain drug and alcohol free. our residents for years to come.” charity, should either option be favoured. Contact the council via social media on Facebook.com/sotcitycouncil or Twitter @SoTCityCouncil Our City p24 24/6/15 16:25 Page 1

24 Our City SUMMER 2015 Chance to win latest Playstation by visiting

Resident Georgina microsite Holland with a OUNG people in the city will Head of Risk Reduction Flames Aren’t Games have the chance of scooping a Jim Bywater said: “The wristband at the launch YPlaystation 4 if they visit a microsite is just one of the of the campaign. hard-hitting microsite which warns ways we are communicating Below, a poster with young people about the promoting the of the dangers of deliberate risks they can create if they set campaign. fire-setting. deliberate fires. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service “Some teenagers think that has launched the microsite to raise engaging in this type of antisocial awareness that a deliberate small fire behaviour is just a bit of fun but the can turn into a big problem. fact of the matter is that these The site can be accessed at incidents can get out of hand teenagecaveman.co.uk, very quickly with extremely where the Teenage Caveman serious consequences – the animated video can also be worst case scenario being viewed. the potential loss of life. It is part of the Flames “They can also divert Aren’t Games campaign vital resources away which has seen small grass from other emergencies, and bin fires dramatically such as house fires and decrease in recent years. In the road traffic collisions, north of the county there were which require an immediate 505 small fires between 1 April and rapid response from crews. and 31 August last year compared to “The local economy can be 773 during the same period in 2013 and negatively affected too with the bill for 959 in 2011. responding to deliberate fires and the The figures for 2012 are not cost of dealing with the aftermath comparable due to the extremely wet totalling millions of pounds every year. weather during the summer months. “Those responsible for starting The prize draw for the Playstation 4 is deliberate fires can also face open to under 18-year-olds. They will repercussions both now and in the automatically be entered into the future with possible prison sentences or competition simply by answering two a fine of up to £5,000 – not to mention questions on the microsite. The closing the fact that it may also hinder the date is 6 September 2015. culprits’ career prospects.” Take care using the barbecue this summer STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue “Other issues occur after the the base of the barbecue to a Service is urging residents to take care barbecues have finished when people depth of about 5cm (two inches). when using their barbecues this dispose of the ashes in their wheelie ■ Keep children, garden games and summer. bins which then melt and set alight. pets well away from the cooking If not used safely barbecues can Instead we advise people to wait until area. result in flames spreading to sheds, the ashes are cool and then empty ■ Never use petrol or paraffin to fences and trees – in some cases they them onto bare garden soil. start or revive your barbecue, use can result in people suffering from “Never be tempted to put a BBQ only recognised lighters or starter burns or worse. inside a tent as carbon monoxide fuel on cold coals. Risk Reduction Lead Stephanie is produced which could have fatal ■ Enjoy yourself but don’t drink too Cooley said:“Barbecues are a great consequences for anyone inside much alcohol if you’re in charge way to have fun and enjoy the the tent.” of the BBQ. summer sun with friends and family Other barbecue safety tips include: ■ After cooking make sure the but if people are not careful they can ■ Keep a bucket of water, a bucket barbecue is cool enough before quickly get out of hand. moving it. “The most common problem we of sand or a garden hose nearby come across is barbecues being sited in case of emergencies. For more information about too close to sheds, fences and trees – ■ Never leave the barbecue summer fire safety visit: as they are wood they can very easily unattended. staffordshirefire.gov.uk/ catch alight. ■ Use only enough charcoal to cover summersafety.asp Our City p25 24/6/15 16:30 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 25

Church service marks 800th anniversary of Magna Carta THE 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta – one of the most important documents in shaping Britain’s legal and democratic processes – was commemorated with a church service in the city. Lord Mayor Jean Bowers along with other dignitaries attended the civic ceremony at Stoke Minister on Glebe Street. The ceremony started with the ringing of the church bells ORE parents and carers are at 12.15pm precisely and was being urged to join the Stoke followed by a symbolic MSpeaks Out initiative as a breaking of paper chains and new wave of Communication joining of hands. Ambassadors are recruited to help Laura Pupils from Kingsland with children’s speech development. Rossi uses Primary in Bucknall then Launched in 2004, the multi-agency flashcard actions to joined the Lord Mayor to hand programme has already trained more than teach her son Jensen over a flag of Liberty which 4,500 practitioners across the city to support during a Once Upon A they had designed specially early years language and speech development. Time reading session for the event. There are currently 30 parent and carer at Treehouse The children have sent a Communication Ambassadors volunteering in copy of their flag down to children's centres with more parents and Children’s Centre, Runnymede in Surrey to be carers now being urged to take on the role Bentilee. and help spread the word. hoisted alongside flags from Stoke Speaks Out Programme Manager across the UK on the historic Janet Cooper said: “When the Stoke Speaks site where the founding out programme was first launched, data schools and other locations, providing a of reading, books and story telling. It’s vital document of democracy was showed 64 per cent of children had a speech ‘Communication Friendly’ quality mark that we improve the communication skills of sealed 800 years ago. and language delay when they started school. award. all of our children to give them the best life The Magna Carta is a charter “We’ve made a massive impact already and “In addition people are encouraged to chances possible so I’d ask anyone who is agreed between King John of the figure was down 20 per cent by 2014. But become ambassadors and they will receive interested to get in touch.” England and his Barons on there is obviously much more we need to do – training and support to learn about key 15 June 1215 in order to make Parents, carers, schools and providers so we’re now recruiting more Communication messages and how to support families within peace after a rebellion. who want to get involved should email Ambassadors and want to widen the their own community. It paved the way for a series [email protected] or call programme to parents of children in schools. “We also have 15 schools involved in a of changes, such as protection “We offer training and accreditation to ‘Stoke Reads’ project which encourages a love 01782 234501. of church rights, new access to justice and curbing of the monarch’s powers. Deputy Council Leader Abi Brown, who spoke at the Nicola proves to be event, said:“It’s wonderful to see the young people of this city raising the flag of liberty leading ambassador and democracy, and learning about these important LACK of confidence used to Stoke Speaks Out is already cornerstones on which our be an issue for mum of two making a massive difference. society is based.” Nicola Howarth, but not “Lots of parents give their anymore. She now uses her children tablets instead of new found voice to the full as books these days so one of a Communication our key messages is that we Ambassador at two children’s do need to get back to basics centres. with stories, reading and Consultation Passionate about speech getting creative with words.” and language after once Nicola leads the way by on homes plan worrying about her demonstrating best practice RESIDENTS living in five four-year-old son Taylor’s with her three-year-old blocks of flats in development, she leads the daughter Lucie and, with a Stoke-on-Trent were invited weekly Once Upon A Time speech and language course to a consultation event to reading group at Treehouse under her belt, is able to discuss plans to carry out in Bentilee and helps parents offer advice and support. major improvements to and carers at The Crescent in “People can speak to me if transform their homes. Meir. they’re not comfortable The city centre towers, She has even spread the approaching a children’s Wellington Court,Westwood word about the Stoke Speaks centre worker and I do my Court, Lindop Court, St Out initiative much further best to answer their Luke’s Court and Seddon afield and regularly reaches questions. Court, are all in line to an audience of thousands “I get a real buzz from benefit from a host of new through a Signal 1 radio helping others and seeing energy efficiency measures, advert. children grow so I’d as well as new electrical The 30-year-old, who also encourage anyone to get wiring, entrance doors, serves on the Partnership involved.The more signage and lighting. Board at The Crescent, said: Communication Each block is likely to take Communications Ambassador Nicola Howarth reads with her “We do have a problem in the Ambassadors we have the around six months to daughter Lucie Mai Adams at The Crescent Children’s Centre, Meir. city with language delay and better it will be.” complete. Our City p26 24/6/15 16:42 Page 1

26 Our City SUMMER 2015 Community litter pick to tidy up Penkhull area Spotlight on MEMBERS of Penkhull Residents involved a big tidy up around a nice, clean environment goes hand Association are staging litter pick in churchyard and in the vicinity of a in hand with attracting people to their community with a big helping convenience store. them.” hand from local schoolchildren. Adam Colclough,Vice Chair of the Pupils are also taking part in a OUR CITY’S RESIDENTS’ The event will see residents and Residents Association, said:“The poster competition in the Autumn pupils from Thistley Hough event is about building community term with a community pride theme. ASSOCIATIONS AND Academy work together to spruce involvement and taking pride in the Visit the residents association’s up the area. village where we live. website at penkhull.org.uk for more COMMUNITY GROUPS Pupils will join forces with local “We hold a lot of community details about events and other people for the initiative, which events in Penkhull and having a activities. Trust status boosts bid for funding former residents Jubilee street party and a association has World War One Asuccessfully applied commemoration day. The Trust also has its own for Trust status – making it community house – number 7 easier to bid for grants and Grosvenor Street – which acts other funding. as a central hub for the events The Red Community Trust and other activities. These was borne out of the former include a cookery club, which Redhouse Residents’ is staged one day a week. Association and covers around Trust Chairman Nigel Smith 500 homes in the Grosvenor said: “We’ve been looking at Street area of Longton. ways to better fund the The residents’ association projects and events we lay on, was set up in 2000 but last so applied for Trust status. year applied for Trust status to “This should help make it help with funding its easier to bid for grants and Taking part community projects. Every ensure we have funding for in a cookery year it lays on events, including ongoing activities.” club session are a summer fayre and a To get involved with the Red Community Trust Christmas party with carols Trust – or to find out what Treasurer Pauline sung by local schoolchildren. is going on – call 01782 Potts, left, and Vice It has staged memorable 596005 between 10am and one-offs such as a Queen’s 2pm, Monday to Friday. Chair Eileen Jones. Sporting activities laid on for estate youngsters YOUNGSTERS living on the football, cricket and other City’s Bentilee estate will have activities at Bentilee Park plenty to keep them busy Pavilion on Thursdays. during the long summer Steven Griffiths, a member holidays after volunteers of the Village Forum for more secured cash support for a than 20 years, said the grant programme of sporting was a great boost for the local activities. community. The Awards For All grant of “We just wanted to make £7,845 has gone to sure there was something for Brookhouse and Ubberley the area’s young people to do Village Forum whose during the summer holidays,” members are using it to fund he said. StreetGames sessions on the “Bentilee has had a bit of a estate. bad reputation in the past but Running throughout the we are beginning to change holidays, the sessions offer that now.Things are getting football coaching with better and the community is experts from Stoke City at the pulling together.We want to St Maria Goretti Catholic shout about all the good Austin Johnson, aged 14, shoots for goal on an all-weather pitch at Primary School on Tuesday things that are going on and Bentilee Park. Looking on are forum members John Davis, back left, and Steve Griffiths, back afternoons and games of leave the bad things behind.” right, with Sports Coach Laura Barker and Sports Coach Assistant Ryan Longson kneeling. Our City p27 24/6/15 16:47 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 27 Gourmet dish puts our chef’s menu among best in the UK CHOOL Chef Vicky Brammer Pancakes – Combine flour, egg, seasoning has scooped a regional and milk to make batter, add vegetable Scookery title – and was runner bouillon and finely chopped parsley. Allow up in the national final. to rest. In a lightly oiled, hot pan, make a batch of eight individual pancakes. Vicky, who works at The Crescent Vegetable Ragu – Dice vegetables, crush Academy in Meir, was crowned West garlic and rinse chick peas. Gently fry the Midlands School Chef of the Year. She then onions and garlic, add vegetables narrowly missed out on being crowned and Maggi rich and rustic sauce, champion of the UK. cook for a few minutes, remove She cooked herby salmon served with from heat. courgette rosti, a wedge of vegetable Rarebit – Melt the butter and pancakes and tomato sauce (see below). cook gently with the flour, then Dessert was fresh fruit tartlets filled with stir in the milk to make a a rich coconut custard. She had just 90 smooth white sauce. Add the minutes to prepare the dishes. egg yolk, season with salt and Vicky said: “The competition promoted pepper and add the grated the high quality of food that’s available for cheese. Cook out. Add the children in Stoke-on-Trent. School dinners mustard powder and the aren’t what they used to be.” worcester sauce. To assemble the INGREDIENTS: 200gm fresh salmon, stack use a 12cm spring loaded 110gm courgette, 60gm onion, 2gm garlic, loose bottomed tin, begin with a 20gm carrot, 60gm mixed peppers, 3ml pancake and build up the layers with the maggi vegetable bouillon, 25gm vegetable ragu. Spread the rarebit evenly mushrooms, 25gm leeks, 25gm broccoli, over the final pancake and bake in a 2gm oregano, 40gm chickpeas, 210gm moderate oven until golden. Maggi rich & rustic tomato sauce, two eggs, Oven Baked Salmon – Cut 65gm plain flour, 150ml semi skimmed the salmon to size and dip each milk, 460gm potatoes, 2.5gm fresh parsley, portion in the lightly beaten egg, 10gm margarine, 20gm cheddar cheese, coat with the lemon and herb crumb 5gm Worcester sauce, 1gm mustard powder, and oven bake. Check the temperature 2gm seasoning, 25ml oil, 5gm lemon zest, with a probe. 30gm maggi crunchy lemon crumb bake, Tomato Sauce – Heat through the maggi 4gm cornflour, rich and rustic sauce and thicken slightly * Allergens present in this METHOD: Potato & Courgette Rosti – with the cornflour. Blitz until smooth. School Chef Vicky Brammer with her signature Grate potato, courgette & onion. Wring out To Serve – Cut the pancake stack into four dish which earned her the runner-up title in dish are fish, eggs, wheat, to remove excess moisture. Add zest of and place a piece on each plate, Arrange the the National School Chef of the Year Awards. milk and mustard. lemon and chopped parsley, grease rings salmon piece on top of the courgette rosti and fry on low heat until golden. and serve with the tomato sauce. * Priceless archive of Potteries history goes on School films show danger display after eight-year ‘save it’ campaign of smoking PRECIOUS Potteries archive pottery design, manufacture STUDENTS at two city material saved after an and production. schools took part in a eight-year campaign has It includes the national film project to show gone on show to the public comprehensive records of the dangers of smoking. at the Potteries Museum & Minton and Royal Doulton – Cut Films – who run an Art Gallery. the two companies merged anti-tobacco short film The Minton Archive was in 1968 – and a number of competition – worked with purchased from the small but influential firms children from Heron Cross Waterford Wedgwood Royal taken over by Royal Doulton Primary School and The Doulton Company for £1.56 in the 20th century. Excel Academy to produce million and gifted to the City City Archivist Chris Latimer films giving pupils’ views on of Stoke-on-Trent. said:“We are absolutely smoking. The project is Artefacts are now on delighted this wonderful aimed at encouraging young display at the Potteries archive is coming home to people to produce films for Museum & Art Gallery, as well Stoke-on-Trent. Along with their peers exploring the as the Wedgwood Museum, the Spode and the realities around smoking. as part of a historical Wedgwood archives, it is one The city’s Director of exhibition. of the great industrial Public Health Lesley The fundraising campaign archives of the ceramic Mountford said:“Smoking is was led by the Art Fund and industry, and has importance one of the biggest causes of supported by a £1.6 million not only nationally but premature death and illness grant from the National internationally. in the city. If we are to Heritage Memorial Fund. “The archive gives us a change that then we need to The Minton Archive direct insight into the lives of challenge young people’s comprises hundreds of Stoke-on-Trent people in the perceptions so they realise thousands of individual items, 19th and 20th centuries and Archivist Louise Ferriday looking at an historic ceramics the dangers before they documenting more than two is a priceless window into the pattern book from the Minton Archive collection. even start thinking about centuries of innovative city’s industrial heritage.” taking up the habit.” Our City p28 24/6/15 16:51 Page 1

28 Our City SUMMER 2015 Residents join in with 90th Revamp will make website birthday party LORD Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Councillor Jean Bowers paid a easier touse visit to residents at a sheltered major revamp organisation’s customer housing complex to mark the of the city access offer. It is the 90th anniversary of city status. A council’s council’s shop window and Jean joined a party at website is underway to a necessity that allows the Berryhill Retirement Village organisation to function make it more “Click effectively. where people tucked into and Easy” to access a birthday cakes and reminisced “We know people want huge range of services to spend as little time as about life in the Potteries in online. possible in their dealings past years. Thousands of pages of with the council as they City status was bestowed on information and activities have busy lives. the then County Borough of at stoke.gov.uk will be “If we can help them Stoke-on-Trent in 1925 by King adjusted to display better report a problem with their George V. on mobile devices which bins or pay their council Events are being held more and more people are tax while they are sitting on throughout the rest of the year using to go online. the bus, it frees them up to and into 2016 to celebrate the It will also offer email do more of the things they alerts and a newsletter enjoy doing. William Royal proclamation and system so residents will be “We will make it easier Wooliscroft everything that is best about able to keep in touch with and more worthwhile for of Hanley uses the Stoke-on-Trent. news from a range of people to make Stoke city council website Residents celebrating their council services, including Online their first port of on a computer at the own 90th birthday this year are business opportunities for call when contacting the City Central invited to join in, and should companies who wish to council. People should be Library, Hanley. email communications@stoke. become a council supplier. confident they can find the gov.uk to find out more. The project to improve information they are The Lord Mayor said:“People the website will make it looking for about council easier to report issues, should be proud of living in services online. people to understand Alongside the council The city council wants apply for services, find “We have already made it they can save time by website, social media Stoke-on-Trent. to hear residents’ information and to pay easier to set up a direct going online and they sites and other more experiences of using “We should be ready to bills. debit, tell us about a house have another easy and traditional approaches the website and what celebrate our heritage and Assistant Director of move, cancel a single convenient way of will still be used to history and join in the 90th ICT Neil Mason, who is person discount, and much contacting the council communicate with the they would like to see anniversary events over the leading the website project, more, with online forms to while still having access public and tell them the changed.They can email next 12 months.” said: “A website is now an fill in instead of calling us to services in person or best ways to access their responses to essential part of any or visiting us. We want via the phone.” council services. [email protected]

www.appetitestoke.co.uk appetite.stoke @appetitestoke #BigFeast15 Our City p29 24/6/15 16:54 Page 1

Kate SUMMER 2015 Our City 29 Leake reads a story to local children Corey and Ethan Warrilow, Royal shoe tale aged eight and 10, at Tunstall crowns visits library. AUTHOR and illustrator Kate Leake visited libraries to run fun sessions with children based around her new book, Don’t Chew the Royal Shoe. Kate read her new book about Lord Chippington Marmaduke Fluffy Toes (‘Chips’ for short) – the royal dog that simply can’t stop chewing the Queen’s shoes! There were also plenty of opportunities for children to get involved in hands-on creative activities. For more information about events coming up at Stoke-on- Trent Libraries during the summer holidays visit stoke.gov.uk and look at the libraries page. £4m bid launched to build important new homes TOKE-ON-TRENT has been housing schemes to fruition earlier by chosen to spearhead the removing some of the up-front risk. drive to build thousands of This could be via accessing cheaper S funding sources or through strategic new homes to help meet growing support for schemes from a range of Secretary of the City Waterside demand. agencies. Residents’ Association Sharon It is part of a select group of just 20 Stoke-on-Trent has now bid for £4m to Glover-Jones, left, and Treasurer local authorities outside London to receive enable redevelopment of up to eight Housing Zone status and means up to Victoria Robertson on one of the brownfield sites across the city and these 1,200 new homes could be delivered over proposals could deliver almost 1,200 new sites at City Waterside which the next five years. homes over the next five years. could be developed with The city council will now be able to Sites featured in the City Centre much-needed new homes. work alongside developers to bring major Housing Zone bid include council-owned land on the former Churchill China works, in Cobridge, and around the City Waterside area at Lichfield Street and Wellington High Streets Street. Work is expected to begin on these sites later this year, delivering about 400 new homes. Minister’s visit Access to low-cost finance will enable the city council to carry out marks drive to preparatory work on the development sites to ensure that they are “shovel-ready” for back markets construction firms to begin work. HIGH Streets Minister Marcus The costs of the initial work will Jones met with traders from then be recouped once the finished Fenton Market and Hanley Indoor properties are sold by the Market as part of a nationwide developers. campaign. Councillor Jack Brereton, Cabinet Member for Transport, He visited the city during Love Regeneration and Heritage, said: Your Local Market fortnight, a “The council has been working national celebration of market closely on our bid with the Homes culture in the UK. and Communities Agency and the The campaign was delivered by Government to secure more the National Association of British investment in housing Market Authorities – with 1,200 development on derelict sites. markets across the country “This status will help to see new putting on 3,800 events to mark it. high quality housing delivered on The city council supported the these sites. It is essential that we campaign with a range of make Stoke-on-Trent a place initiatives including a teenage where everyone can achieve their market, which featured all young full potential and it will require new high quality housing to meet people as the stall holders. these aspirations.” Our City p30 24/6/15 17:37 Page 1

30 Our City SUMMER 2015 £3k boost can help to Joy as city speed up celebrates businesses’ broadband sport greats

THLETES Ashleigh saw her win an individual 100m Nelson and Steve Lewis bronze and Team GB gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Atook the top honours at Championships. the annual Sports Personality Pole vaulter Steve Lewis remains, of the Year Awards hosted at the age of 29, the UK number one jointly by Stoke-on-Trent City in his sport. He claimed gold at the Council and The Sentinel. Commonwealth Games in Glasgow They were crowned the city’s last year to add to his outstanding sportsman and Commonwealth tally of bronze in sportswoman during a glittering 40th 2006 and silver in 2010. anniversary ceremony at the King’s Former Stoke City and Port Vale Hall. players Neil Franklin and Colin Sprinter Ashleigh, 24, was also Askey were inducted into the city’s named best Senior Individual after a sporting Hall of Fame as famous breakthrough year on the track that faces from both clubs, including Tom Pope, Lou Macari, Denis Smith, Mark Bright and Mike Pejic, looked on. COMPANIES are being Accolades were also handed out encouraged to sign up for a during the night which honoured scheme that will help boost coaches as well as junior and their broadband connections. senior individuals and teams. Through the project, small John van de Laarschot, the business owners can claim city council’s Chief vouchers of up to £3,000 Executive, said: “It’s absolutely critical that we towards installation costs. have nights like this Businesses can also apply because there is so much as a group to connect bigger going on in the city and or more complicated there are so many great premises. Once installed, sporting personalities. businesses pay the line rental “It’s only right we and VAT. celebrate all that’s Funding for the good about our city programme has been made and the fabulous available by the Government people it has.” – which has rolled out its broadband connection scheme for a second year running. The city is one of 28 across the country to benefit from Ashleigh Nelson the roll-out. More than won her award after 12,000 vouchers were issued another season of Pole vaulter Steve Lewis... to businesses in other parts championship success. the UK’s number 1. of the country in 2014/15. Business Development Project Officer Mark Price said:“This scheme allows businesses to access higher speed broadband Busy market set to return as connections, which could help to improve their online storage, or make access to exotic goodies draw crowds their websites faster, creating a better experience for A bustling continental market is set City Centre is good for existing customers and bringing to make a return after it led to a businesses, which can pick up extra efficiencies to business surge of visitors to the City Centre. trade on the back of events like operations.” 70,000 visitors came to the this. Hopefully those people will To apply, businesses need four-day market – 20 per cent more come back and see what else is on to enter their postcode at people than the same period the offer. We’d love to put on an event www.connectionvouchers.co. week before. The final Saturday like this again.” uk, where they can choose a saw a 17 per cent hike in visitors The market featured stalls selling supplier and fill in an making it the busiest shopping day a range of foods and goods from application form or pick an of the year so far. countries including Germany, Spain off-shelf deal with no forms Ian Tamburello, Strategic and France. Market Place, the UK’s to fill in. Manager with responsibility for leading operator of Continental markets, said:“The market brought and special event markets, was Charities, not-for-profit Margaret a real buzz to the City Centre and invited by the city council to bring organisations and Barlow, visiting shoppers embraced the the market to the city. commercial landlords can the city from opportunity to sample foods from A Christmas market selling gifts also apply. More information Sunderland, buys across the world. The increase in and festive treats will be taking can also be sought by some continental footfall is pleasing and shows there place in Hanley between 26 emailing connectionvouchers meats from the stall is an appetite for the right kind of November and Christmas Eve. Mark @stoke.gov.uk run by Stephen event. Having more shoppers in the the date on your calendar now. Lynn. Our City p31 24/6/15 17:04 Page 1

SUMMER 2015 Our City 31

Abbey Hulton and Townsend MELANIE BADDELEY RICHARD BROUGHAN (City Independents) (UKIP) Your (01782) 859354 07881 332870 07979 508837 richard.broughan@ melanie.baddeley@ stoke.gov.uk Councillors stoke.gov.uk Baddeley Green,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON DAVID 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 david.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 (01782) 232468 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 Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH CHRIS ROBINSON ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER LILIAN DODD KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (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 MAQSOOM (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Conservative) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 07595 531859 amjid.wazir@ shaun.pender@ 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ sadaqat.maqsoom@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk 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 POWELL- JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) 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 at The next full City Council meetings will be on (City Independents) (Conservative) 1pm on the following dates: 28 July, 1 September, 9 July (5.30pm start), 10 September, 22 October (01782) 856712 (01782) 335982 6 October, 10 November and 15 December. and 10 December (times to be announced). 07971 303729 07842 709011 lee.wanger@ ross.irving@ For more information on your Councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Councillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can take messages and forward them on.They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press. Our City p32 24/6/15 17:09 Page 1

32 Our City SUMMER 2015 Just marvellous! Banksie and Nello given the Freedom of the City in evening of celebration

ARVELLOUS Neil For Gordon the honour takes pride ‘Nello’ Baldwin now of place alongside the one he picked M has his eye on a up as a World Cup winner in 1966. further civic accolade after he The player who signed for Stoke City in 1967 said: “This is only given and Gordon Banks became the to a few people each year and so it latest people to receive the really is such a great honour. highest honour Stoke-on-Trent “This city has embraced me and can bestow. both myself and my family are so Former Stoke City kitman and proud of this.” clown Neil and goalkeeping legend Neil, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Gordon were both granted the was made a freeman just weeks after Honorary Freedom of the City of attending the star-studded Baftas in Stoke-on-Trent during separate London where Marvellous, the BBC ceremonies on the same night at the film of his extraordinary life as a King’s Hall. clown, kitman and unpaid greeter at Both freemen took an oath and Keele University, won two awards. signed the Freeman’s Roll before He said: “I am really happy to have Deputy Lord Mayor Kath Banks had this honour bestowed upon formally presented them with myself and Gordon, who has been a specially sealed and illuminated great friend of mine. I am very proud certificates and Freedom of the and now I hope that Newcastle City certificates. will do the same.” Actor Toby Jones in his BAFTA winning role as Nello.

The proud moment as World Cup Legend Gordon Banks, left, and TV star Neil Baldwin celebrate being awarded the Freedom of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. Corporate Games a gold medal boost for economy THOUSANDS of UK racing, they competed at exactly how well we did but Corporate Games venues ranging from Keele Stoke-on-Trent really was competitors have given and Staffordshire universities buzzing as over 4,000 Stoke-on-Trent’s to Trentham Gardens and competitors descended on economy a multi-million Fenton Manor Sports the place from all over the pound boost. Complex. country. They flooded into the Bet365, Portmeirion and “They spent their money city for the four-day event Staffordshire Police were in our shops and restaurants in June, spending their among a number of local and in between events had a money on accommodation, businesses and organisations chance to see what a great food and drink, shopping, who signed up for what is place Stoke-on-Trent is to visitor attractions, travel and now one of Europe’s largest live, work and invest in.We other expenses. multi-sport festivals. are pretty sure they had a With 23 sports available Councillor Abi Brown, fantastic time and we’re including badminton, Deputy Leader of looking forward to them basketball, hockey, karting Stoke-on-Trent City Council, coming back to further boost Graduate James Hobson and HR Officer Alex Darby and even Dragon Boat said:“We’re still evaluating our tourism sector.” – who both work for Portmeirion – celebrate the success of the Corporate Games. Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press.

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council,Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service This is the last issue of Our City. Web: stoke.gov.uk New non-emergency number:101 Free Home Fire Risk Check:0800 0241 999 Facebook: facebook.com/ In an emergency always call:999 For all other enquiries:08451 221155 We want to thank residents for stokeontrent.citycouncil Web: www.staffordshire.police.uk In an emergency always call:999 their contributions to the magazine. Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil Facebook: facebook/staffordshirepolice Web: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Twitter: @staffspolice Twitter: twitter.com/staffsfire We will be looking at other ways Tel: 01782 234234 YouTube: YouTube/staffordshirepolice Facebook: facebook.com/ of communicating with staffordshirefireandrescueservice residents in the coming Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703 weeks and months.