USEFUL FACTS & NUMBERS

Contents Page POLICE (non emergency) 101 Useful Facts And Numbers ROADS, PAVEMENTS AND STREET 2 LIGHTING ISSUES What’s On In & Around Gnosall report online at: 3 www..gov.uk/reportit Regular Meetings 3 STREETSCENE Village Voice 4 (litter and dog mess) 01785 619401 Ministry Matters Cover 5 St Lawrence Chursh Healthy Walks GNOSALL SURGERY 5 By Bob Colman 01785 822220 St Lawrence Church News 6 Gnosall Parish News GROSVENOR CENTRE 6 01785 822685 Letters & Announcements 7 Gnosall Catholic News GNOSALL VILLAGE HALL 8 01785 823303 (L Malone) Phoenix Club 8 Gnosall Library Whats On VET - SHIRES VETERINARY PRACTICE 9 Community Choir 01785 823713 9 or emergency only 850218 Table Top & Car Boot Sale Gardening Club 9 (Page 12) VE Day Celebrations PEST CONTROL - 9 BOROUGH COUNCIL Gnosall Methodist Church 10 0845 505 7378 Quotation Of The Month 10 STAFFORD RECYCLING CENTRE Gnosall Parish Council 11 M.O.B. Gardening Club St Alban’s Road - Opening Times 12 Walk No 4. Royal Oak - Barn bridge Every Day 9am to 5pm 13 (Except over the Christmas Period) Royal British Legion Close: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 14 VE Day Memories New Years Day 15 Royal British Legion Commemorate VE Day (Page 14) 15 EMERGENCY SERVICES Voluntary Car Scheme 15 • Police: Gnosall Painting Group 16 Telephone 999 in emergency where Gnosall Writers there is a danger to life or a crime is in 16 progress. Gnosall Singers Spring Concert 16 Telephone 101 for non - emergencies Valentines Supper Concert where police attendance is required, to 17 Towpath Restoration report any other incidents. Call to 101 18 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Gnosall Carnival 18 • Fire & Rescue Service: 0300 330 1000 Cfest Canal Festival Friend of St Lawrence • Ambulance HQ: 01785 253521 18 (Page 17) • Electricity: 0800 6783105 or 105 Gnosall Heritage Group 19 • Water: 0800 7834444 Gnosall Ladies Running Club • Gas: 0800 111999 20 Jambusters WI Report 21 HOSPITALS Gnosall Jambusters WI Food Market 21 Gnossword • County Hospital ( Stafford ): 21 01785 257731 Gnosall Carnival News • : 01543 572757 22 Index of Advertisements • St George’s: 01785 257888 22 • University Hospital of North Local Food Services Gnosall Photographers 23/24 Staffordshire: 01785 715444 Local Trade Services (Page 44) 25/43 Gnosall Photographers 44 2 REGULAR MEETINGS

• Gnosall Writers every first Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Library. What’s On In & Around Gnosall ? • Gnosall Memorial Village Hall Committee Meeting - 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact Mags Yeo on 01785 822862 for details. All welcome. DATE April • Newport Chess Club every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Audley 1 Jambusters Toy Making Road Newport, call Daniel on 01785 82332 • Gnosall Lions 7.30pm, Fire station 1st Monday in the month 2 Creative writing Library 7pm • Gnosall Handbell Ringers Grosvenor Centre Tuesdays 8.00 - 10.00 p.m. Contact 822592 3 Phoenix Club morning • Bowling Monday 3pm, at Gnosall Village Hall also Thursday 3pm and 7pm 4 Jambusters Food & Craft Market GMVH 10am-2pm • Bingo Friday 7.30pm at Village Hall • Bridge at the Grosvenor Wednesday 7.20pm 5 Table Top and Car Boot Sale 9.00am contact Pat & John on 824203, • Phoenix at Grosvenor Friday 10am -12noon 5 Healthy Walk Ranton VH 10.30am • Gnosall Players, 7.45pm Tuesdays at the Youth Club Cabin, Grosvenor Centre. 7 Community Choir St Lawrence Church 2pm • Healthy Walking Group Wednesday & Sunday 10.30am 8 Healthy Walk Derrington VH 10.30am • Military Whist, Grosvenor Centre 7.30pm Wednesday Starts at 7.45pm 8 Military Whist 7.30pm Grosvenor Centre Contact Hilda 824984 • U3A Newport. Meetings are held on the third 11 Dandy Duo Moreton MC Tuesday of the month at the Royal British Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport. 15 Library reading cafe 3.15pm • Gnosall Painting Group Friday afternoon sessions 1.30pm – 3.30pm at the Methodist 17 Phoenix Club morning Church. contact Carol Perry tel.824917 • Gnosall Toddler group Every Thursday 9.30- 21 Library Coffee, cake and employment advice 11.30 School Room in the Methodist Church Contact 07816 100 068 21 Voluntary Car scheme AGM Grosvenor centre 11am • Church Bell Ringers Practice Friday evenings from 7.30-9pm at St. Lawrence & ring at 21 MOB gardening club “Handcuffs to Hot Glass” 7.30pm Moreton MC 9.45am most Sundays. Contact Phil on 07913 757512 22 Healthy Walk Bradley VH 10.30am • Gnosall Jambusters WI 1st Wednesday in the month GMVH 7.30pm 23 Library Family History 2pm • Gnosall Grosvenor Youth Club – GG’s Youth Club is open on Wednesday Evenings 23 Library World Book night 6 -7.30pm for Children in School Years 4, 5 & 6 and 7.45 - 9.15pm for Children in School 24 Phoenix “Gardens of the Northern Lakes” Years 7, 8 & 9. The Youth Club Building is located behind the Grosvenor Centre, contact 25 Gnosall Singers GMVH 7.30pm Jordan on 07715 392345 for any information. • Royal British Legion Gnosall Memorial Village 28 Library Baby Bounce 11am Hall 1st Tuesday in month • Gnosall Art Class, Gnosall Grosvenor Centre, Thursday 7 pm – 9 pm May • Bradley Mixed Media Art Class, Bradley Village Hall, Mondays 10 am – 12 noon. For further 9 VE Day Celebrations Moreton MC 6.45pm details contact: Debbie Chatfield, 01785 781075 or 07727216523; 9 Line Dance Social GMVH 8pm debs@ debbiechatfield.co.uk • Newport Photographic Club every Tuesday at 21 Parish Council Annual Assembly Grosvenor Centre 7.30pm 7.45pm Baptist Church, Water Lane Newport more information at www.newportphotoclub.com June • Tea and Toast - a drop in at St Lawrence’s Church vestry for a cup of tea and toast be 13 Gnosall 10K tween 8.45 and 9.30am every Tuesday in term time. 20 Gnosall Carnival • The Friday night youth groups at Gnosall Methodist Church are now enrolling. 27 Friends of St Lawrence Tower Opening The junior club is on from 6.15-7.45pm. The senior club is for young people in years 9, 10 and 11 and doors open 8-9.30pm CONTRIBUTIONS • The opening hours of Gnosall Community Contributions for the GPN must be received by the 15th of each month by 5pm for inclusion in the Library are: Monday 4:00 - 6:30 pm Tuesday next edition, please send details to the Editor. 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday 3:00 - EDITOR - Joyce Rowe Tel: 822579 email: [email protected] 7:00 pm Thursday 2 - 4pm Saturday 10:00 am DESIGN & PRINT PRODUCTION - Keith Kinsella Tel: 0772 512 6333 - 12:30 pm phone No. 01785 895750 DISTRIBUTION - Bob Colman, Holly House, The Rank. Tel: 823955. email: [email protected] • Gnosall Singers Wednesdays 10.30 to 12.30 ADVERTISEMENTS - Kathleen Ingram, Gnosall. Tel: 822082 email: [email protected] Methodist Hall. WEBSITE - Bob Alker - www.gnosallparishnews.com Contact Anne Robotham, Tel: 01785 822423 TREASURER & CHAIRMAN - Pat Tweed. Tel: 822523 email: [email protected] • Gnosall Over 55s Friendship Group 2nd Wednesday of the month 2.00 - 3.30pm Community Rooms Impstones. Tel: 0800 111 4554 3 The NOT......

look at the village and, in this magazine, to find there are three I main philosophical views publicly expressed, two physically i.e. The Methodist Church and the Anglican Church and in the magazine a third, the Catholic Church. Whilst I have the greatest respect for those institutions and followers, I find it interesting; there is no mention of the other great philosophy, which may predominate in this village.

Now I don’t mean other Christian philosophies such as Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, Pentecostal etc or other non-Christian religions such as Judaism, Islam or Hinduism. Not even the semi Religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. No, I mean the NOT religion. I mean for those who when asked what they believe in, would say By Robert Alker they are NOT religious. There is another perhaps younger group who still believe in the supernatural of some sort. I am told that in the last census there was a significant number of respondents who put down that they believed in the non-anthropomorphic ‘Force’ from the original Star Wars film Trilogy (now spawning more and more films). So many in fact, that it outnumbered a few of the established religions.

Even those who have found a word that describes themselves more accurately, such as humanism, secularism, nihilism or even Star Wars fans, whenever they are pressed would explain with their fallback stance of being NOT religious.

What does it mean by saying they are NOT religious? Ostensibly they would not believe in a God, they believe in Science or only believe what they can see or explain. At first glance it sounds like they are enlightened, free of the dogma they learned at school or Church when they were young. They believe that humans can make their own destiny and they are masters of their own environment. But then on closer inspection, it doesn’t explain their expectations.

Forget everything but the three things Religions have as a backbone and what most people feel is important. Where do they come from, how they should act and where are they going?

I’ll tackle the middle one first. How people act is more a moral code defined by the society we live in and not necessarily religious in nature. Whatever the teachings, they are bent to that society’s code of ethics so whether religious or not we should have the same moral code.

Whatever type of NOT religious people and there are exceptions, NOT religious people believe in the modern scientific explanation of how everything came into being i.e. the ‘Big Bang’ where everything was created from a primeval atom 15 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since creating along the way, all that we can see. The fact that it sounds too much like the archetypal God saying ‘let there be light and then there was light’ to have any more credibility (or less). It’s just matter how long it took… but then again, Time is something that Relativistic Physics has a problem with!

Closer to home, we came from clay and are slaves at the behest of a God or we were spontaneously created from soup and are machines at the behest of our genes. Neither seems comforting.

Ok, what’s left? Ah yes, where are we going; Heaven, Hell, Nirvana or nowhere. For some, it’s a comfort to believe that our spirit carries on after we die. For some, it sounds like hell to be judged in some way. Yet for the NOT religious, death is oblivion, but then oblivion is peace isn’t it?

As for God being worshipped, well perhaps not worshipped but for however or whatever we came from, or are, we should be thankful. If by random chance of evolution, be even more amazed and thankful we arrived here. CONTRIBUTIONS But the problem is that there is no platform for this discussion, of the NOTs fears and aspirations or ideas. NOTs sit in isolation from the established Churches and from each “Contributions to this page other... Their only outcry is whenever they are asked and given the opportunity to say, are welcome from all they are NOT religious. members of the community.” Please send copy and any photographs to: The number of different religious beliefs probably outnumber the different NOT beliefs the Editor Joyce Rowe, email: and therefore it seems no one and no establishment has the answer. Yet there is an [email protected] answer, it may not be religious it may not be scientific, it could be neither extreme, tel: 01785 822579 instead, like the Aristotelian philosophy advocated the idea of the ‘Golden Mean’ in 300BC or Buddha similarly defined the ‘Middle Way’ 200 years previous, but there is no platform for debate, just two dichotomic towers of Babel.

4 Easter......

rowing up as a child in my little island in Fiji, I am always G looking forward to the month of April for three things. 1. Palm Sunday, when the children take over the whole Sunday service and they also provide the choir. We also are presented with gifts from our parents and family members.

2. Good Friday, when we eat a Fijian pudding especially made for Good Friday and it is only eaten on this particular day.

3. Being advised to wake up early so that we can see Jesus carrying his cross across the sky. I have come to understand By Jimione Kaci later that it was to be fully awake for the early morning worship.

Whatever reason or reasons you have for remembering April, I am sure some of my childhood memories are not far off for some of us today. Palm Sunday is not the same as when I was young when the whole of March is spent by the Children preparing for it. Hymns about the Passion and the Cross, risen and ascended will feature in the worship services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Sunday. It is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me and showed his love for humankind. How can we ever repay that kindness? I remind us again of the words of Pontius Pilate when he asked the question, “What shall I do with Jesus called the Messiah?” . We have stories of people responding to this question and doing something about it. What is your response? Pilate asked the question without having faith in Jesus, he knew about him. You know about Jesus ( I knew Jesus when I was young ) but do you have faith in Jesus? His death and resurrection become more meaningful when we have faith in Jesus.

Wishing you all a happy Easter.

Jimione Kaci

HEALTHY WALKS PROGRAMME

We are a lively and well organised group who tailor walks to your needs, the Wednesday walks are shorter for those who feel a short walk is more their scene, the Sunday ones are longer approximately 4 miles. You will meet new people and chat as well as walk, and learn about the area in which you live. Please wear sensible shoes and clothes.

All walks start at 10.30am from the appointed start point. Some involve a shared car ride.

Date Start Point Walk Name Sunday 5th April Ranton VH Ranton Abbey Wednesday 8th April Derrington VH Millennium Green & Duddas Wood Wednesday 22nd April Bradley VH Bradley - Alstone Farm

Further information from Peter Jobling 01785 822592 or David Clarke 01785 822483. Both have answer machines and will call you back if they are not available when you call.

5 Services in April 5th Palm Sunday Rector: Rev Kathryn Hammond 7.45 am Holy Communion 01785 822820 10.30 am Holy Communion [email protected] 6.30 pm Evening Worship (Day off Friday) 9th Maundy Thursday 7.00 pm Agape Supper Associate Minister: 10th Good Friday Rev Cathy Dakin - 07971 101259 10.30 am Workshop [email protected] 2.00 pm Walk of Witness 7.00 pm Meditation & Music To book weddings & baptisms 12th Easter Day please call at the Vicarage, 7.45 am Holy Communion Glebe Lane, Gnosall, ST20 0ER, 10.30 am Holy Communion any Tuesday between 6.30 pm Holy Communion 6.15 & 7.15pm Sunday 19th St. Lawrence appointments not necessary. 7.45am Holy Communion 10.30am Holy Communion CHURCH WEBSITE 6.30pm Evening Worship Church Gnosall www. gnosallparish.org.uk Sunday 26th www.facebook.com/GnosallParish Part Of the Benefice of the 7.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Holy Communion Staffordshire Border Group of Churches. 6.30 pm Evening Worship

PLEASE NOTE ! All information on this page correct at time of going to press. If changes become necessary, we will do our best to advertise revised details on our website, Facebook page and noticeboards.

There is a short Communion service each Thursday at 9.15 am in the church vestry (side entrance).

Services at IMPSTONES COMMUNITY CENTRE are on Fri 10th& Fri 24thApril 11.00am.

COMMUNITY CHOIR: Tues 7th April at 2.00pm in church – everyone welcome – come & enjoy singing together in a relaxed & sociable atmosphere.

(Community Choir) Activities for children & families: PLAY& PRAISE: Thurs 2ndApr, Thurs 23rd &Thurs 30that 2.15 pm in church; MESSY CHURCH does not meet in April. This year’s Holiday Club is planned for the week beginning 27th July. The theme will be ‘Waste Watchers’ – Looking after God’s World. Nearer the time we will be asking for plastic bottles, cereal boxes and jam jars – more details to follow.

BAPTISMS: 23rd Feb – Edward Malone; WEDDINGS: 7th March –Catherine Woodhead & Greg Massingham;

The Gnosall Parish News

The Gnosall Parish News is designed, edited and distributed locally by volunteers. We do however contract out the printing. We are non-profit making. Each year a donation is made to one or more local voluntary or charitable organisations if we have a surplus.

The Editorial Team takes utmost care in creating this newsletter each month. Items and articles received are included as accurately as possible within the available space constraints. Nevertheless, the Team are only human and cannot guarantee that Gnosall Parish News is free from errors. If you spot an error please let the Editor know.

Gnosall Parish News cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any losses resulting from incorrect or outdated information. We very much welcome letters and contributions to GPN which, if published , would normally be attributed to the author. However we reserve the right to publish without a name, provided the contributors name and address has been supplied to the Editor.

If suppling text and photos please note the following: Please supply text and photographs as separate files. All photographs must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will only result in poor reproduction on press (images will look fuzzy and/or pixelated).

Accompany any photographs with full details of peoples names and places in the photographs if you wish for them to be included in the article.

The GPN Team 6 To Gnosall Family & Friends Tony Wilkinson 30/11/37 – 02/01/2020 frequently thinking up complicated schemes to streamline the way things Tony grew up with his parents Arthur and were done. The lovely thing about Tony Pat in Bexley, Kent during the Second was that he was willing to listen to Danceathon completed World War. He was fortunate to escape another point of view and was always most of the horrors of wartime, and polite. He had a lovely sense of humour Many thanks to all who sponsored me young enough to absorb some of the and, as a number of people have and helped me raise £100 for Katharine excitements – for instance when a V1 mentioned, he loved his food. Tony was House Hospice. I did all six hours of doodlebug landed nearby and blew in the also a man of faith. Zumba, Clubbercise, Bollywood windows. He didn’t like to miss coming to worship Bombayjam, Latin Fit Steps, Dance Fitness on a Sunday and it was a privilege to see and Belly Dance and got the badge to Tony’s path through school took him into how Tony’s faith was so real to him right prove it. Am now aching all over but it a career in banking, rising through the to the very end of his life and the peace was great fun and worth it. Over 80 ranks at Lloyds, Standard Chartered and and comfort that it gave him. people took part and the total raised so HSBC. Outside of his career, his early far is £4,000 with more to come. focus was on playing at Bexley Cricket Rev. Kathryn Hammond Thanks again. Club. He remained a keen fan of cricket for the rest of his life and has passed that Amanda Morrell interest to his sons and grandsons. Tony Wilkinson Another life-long interest was Railways – especially preserved steam. He made Jennie, with her three sons and all the many friends during his memberships of Wilkinson family would like to express Village Quiz Nights the Basingstoke, the Stafford and the their thanks to all who sent messages, Gnosall Railway Societies. cards and offers of support following the ACP Bar Services has, over the last 10 recent death of Tony. months organised quiz nights for local At the age of 30, Tony travelled to Austria groups and organisations which are held on holiday with his parents, and on that Thanks also to those who gave donations in the Grosvenor Centre on a Saturday coach tour, met a student nurse called to The Friends of St Lawrence in his night. These quizzes have proved to be Jennie. After a traditional courtship, they memory. very popular and almost £3000 has been were married at the convent chapel in raised in a relatively short space of time Tunbridge Wells 50 years ago. Mrs J. Wilkinson for the benefit of local organisations, all of which have been very grateful for the Tony was a warm and generous monies raised which has enabled them to personality - also an outgoing and fulfil many of their objectives or has confident person. He always kept a dose VE Day celebrations topped up a fund being raised for a much of humility – although he held some larger project. strong opinions, he would hear an I really do hope that as many of you as alternate point of view – maybe he possible will support the VE Day In April 2019, the first quiz was arranged wouldn’t change his mind, but could at celebrations over the May Bank Holiday for Sam Myatt’s Memorial Fund which least change his perspective. weekend. We are hoping it will be an raised £650, this was followed by event in the same happy spirit as the He will be missed, by all those he loved. Christmas Lights Switch On, with Gnosall Rugby Club £450 His wife Jennie, his three sons, and his something for families to enjoy – a street Gnosall Scouts £300 three grandchildren - all the extended party, entertainment for the children, GG’s Youth Club £250 family and his many friends. Tony was a Tea Dance, and a thoroughly relaxed Gnosall Best Kept Village Team £300 involved with the Phoenix Club for many atmosphere. But for this event, we need GLEAN (Gnosall's library) £250 years. Both he and Jennie gave many YOUR help too. Will you bring food to Gnosall Sensory Garden £340 years to the club. share for the Street Party? Will you think Together they were strong supporters of about coming in period dress? It would Already in 2020, several groups have day trips,visits,theatre and other shows as be such fun! We are especially looking booked a slot for a monthly quiz and if well as the annual lunches and dinners. forward to welcoming some of our you are a member of a local group or Together as well they were walkers both newest village residents to this event, of charity and would like to know more, in the monthly Phoenix walks as well as which more details can be found in next please get in touch. the Spring walking holidays in Llangollen, months edition. Bakewell and Llandrindod Wells. Feedback from people attending the Jordan Archer quizzes is always very positive, teams are Tony was a good example of the more encouraged to bring their own snacks you put in the more you got out. and a paying bar is made available. There is always a raffle with each team Church Flowers For Easter Tony was involved with the finances of St providing a prize or two which tops up Lawrence church for many years and, of the funds raised. We shall decorate and clean the Church course very involved with the Friends of St on Saturday 11th April from 9am. Lawrence.He took his duties very seriously Jordan Archer Everyone welcome to come and help – often coming up with ideas as to how to save money by buying in bulk and Helen 822347 7 GNOSALL GNOSALL CATHOLIC NEWS PHOENIX CLUB Sunday Masses:S t Austin’s Stafford, Saturday 4.30 pm, Sunday 10.30am & 6pm; Parish Priest : Canon Michael Neylon St Austin’s, 82 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford ST17 4AW. Tel: 01785 223553 The Club meets on Friday email: [email protected] mornings in the Grosvenor Centre Parish Website: www.saintaustins.org.uk from 10 a.m. to 12 Other Local Masses: For those unable to attend Sunday Mass at St. Austin’s in Stafford We offer a wide range of activities, there are Masses at SS Peter & Paul, Salter Street, Newport on Saturday at 6.30pm or speakers, walks and outings. Everyone Sunday at 9.15am. At Eccleshall in Sacred Heart Church, Stone Rd, on Sundays at 9.15 over the age of 50 is eligible to join. am. And at Penkridge on Sundays in the Anglican Church of St. Michael and All Saints at 9.00am. You can go to www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk for other services in the So why not come along one Friday Deanery. when you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Even if Friday The Senior Group: Saint Austin’s Senior Group welcomes parishioners to join them in mornings are difficult, you could still the Parish Room (adjacent to the church car park) for a social afternoon at 2.00pm on join the Club and take part in some of the first Wednesday each month. Invited speakers give talks on topics of interest and the activities. regular coach trips are organized. For further information contact - Brian Shackleton (601802) or John Morris (748255). If you would like to know more contact: [email protected] Christian Food Help: Your kindness to this project is very much appreciated. As you know collections of your contributions are picked up every 2 weeks from the Churches in Fri 3rd April Club Morning Gnosall and taken to the Food Bank at Stafford. Donations can be brought to Chapel at normal Service times, and St. Lawrence Church is open every day from 9.00am until Mon 6th April Table Tennis in the Main 5.00pm for you to drop off any donations of food. In these crisis times it is even more Hall 2pm to 4:00pm important that we support the most needy and vulnerable families, so If you have never Tues 7th April Walk in Norbury Area donated before and would like to make a contribution for the first time but are not able 4 miles to make the nominated collection points, please ring 822348 and we will collect from you. During February this year 930 meals were provided, compared with 1148 for the Wed 8th April Book Reading Group in same period last year. Please continue to support those families in need. Thank You for the Brearley Room.10am to 12noon your support.

Fri 10th April GOOD FRIDAY No Club St. Austin’s News: Please remember in your prayers the families and children now preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation; First Holy Communion and Tues 14th April Crown Green Bowling Confirmation later this year. Arrangements for Holy Week Services at St. Austin’s, at Newport Bowling Club. Stafford: Palm Sunday: Blessing and distribution of Palms at Vigil and Sunday Masses. 10am to 12noon Mass of the Oils. At 11.30am in St. Chads Cathedral, Birmingham, The Archbishop will bless the Holy Oils for use in the Sacraments of the Sick, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Fri 17th April Club Morning Orders in the coming year. The Priests of the Archdiocese will renew their commitment to the Priesthood during the Mass. Holy Thursday: 8.00pm. Mass of the Lord’s Supper Mon 20th April Board Games in the with the welcoming of the Oils, Washing of Feet, and Eucharist followed by Watching Brearley Room 2pm to 4pm until Midnight. Good Friday: 3.00pm. Liturgy of the Passion. 7.00pm. Stations of the Cross. Holy Saturday: 9.00am. Morning Prayer in Church. 9.00pm. Easter Vigil, Mass Thurs 23rd April Skittles at Moreton of the Resurrection. Easter Sunday: Masses as usual at 10.30 am. and 6.00pm. Village Hall, 7pm Ecumenical Services: On Sunday 5th April there is a Lunch Event at Chapel at 12 noon, Fri 24th April “Gardens of the Northern Lakes” Talk, Raffle and on 6th, 7th and 8th April there are short Holy Week devotional services in St. Lawrence church at 7.00pm each evening. On Maundy Thursday (9th April) the Sun 26th to Thurs 30th April: Anglican Community is holding an AGAPE SUPPER in St. Lawrence Church at 7.00pm. Walking Holiday in Criccieth This of course, is an opportunity to share a meal with fellow Christians in commemoration of the celebration of “The Last Supper” before Christ’s death on the Mon 27th April Crown Green Bowling cross. Members of all Christian communities are welcome to attend. On Good Friday at Newport Bowling Club. (10th April) there will be a Workshop in St. Lawrence church at 10.00am and a Walk of 10am to 12noon Witness starting from church at 2.00pm. All are welcome to attend. In addition there will be an Evening Service of Meditative Readings, Prayers and Hymns in Church. Mon 27th April Table Tennis in the Main Hall 2pm to 4:00pm Local News: We shall again be helping with the distribution of Easter Cards around the Village so if anyone wishes to help with this it would be appreciated if you could contact Come in and see us one Friday me on 822348 so that an area can be allocated to you. Many Thanks. On Thursday 12th morning have a cup of tea and see March we gathered together at the home of Steve and Nuala to share news and prayer. what’s on offer-you may wish to join During this season of Lent, Rupert led us in Prayer and Readings which gave us a spiritual but we won’t be offended if you find reflection and a deeper understanding of the Paschal Mystery, the passion, death and it’s not for you! resurrection of Jesus. Cathy reported on the World Day of Prayer which took place at St. Lawrence church on 6th March. This year the service was prepared by the Christian Tai Chi takes place every Thursday women of Zimbabwe and was led by our Anglican friends. We learned about the in the main Hall from difficulties and unrest in their country and heard their stories and their challenges as they 9:15 to 10:45am constantly seek love, peace and reconciliation. A big Thank You to all who attended. Our grateful thanks to Steve and Nuala for providing hospitality. 8 Fun for 0-3 year olds and their carers

9 Sunday Bookings : Services in April Mrs Joan Jobling 01785 822592. 5th April 10.30am Rev. Pauline Salter (Palm Sunday) Tuesday: 2pm Women’s Fellowship 12th April 8.00am Rev. Jimi Kaci. ( Fortnightly) Holy Communion (Easter Sunday) Friday: 12th April 10.30am Jean Harrison 6.15 –7.45pm Junior youth club Holy Communion (Easter Sunday) Contact for Minister through 19th April 10.30am Mark Timothy Gnosall Circuit Office Tel. 01785 229973 (Church Anniversary) Creche facilities and Junior Class 26th April 10.30am Methodist Church Rev. R. Ashmore. (4 yrs upwards) at morning service. “Welcoming All To Grow in Christian Faith and Love”

Good Friday- Walk of Witness Easter week is much more than just bunnies and chocolate eggs; it’s where we prepare for understanding what Easter really means. Gnosall Churches Walk of Witness on Good Friday starts from St. Lawrence Church at 2.00pm. This time is spent at stations of the cross around the village, reflecting on passages from the Bible and singing Easter hymns. We try to understand a bit more of what it must have been like for Jesus, struggling to carry His cross after being beaten and spat at. People shouting ‘crucify’ when just days before on Palm Sunday, they cheered Him, waved palm branches and shouted Alleluia. So if you see us around the village, following someone carrying a cross, do come and join us. Jesus gave His life for us all!

Women’s Fellowship QUOTE Dates for Women’s Fellowship for April are as follows April 7th Members tea and bring and buy, for Katharine House Hospice OF THE MONTH April 21st Mary Ann On t rying ...... “Do or do not. Mark’s last service at Gnosall. The 19th of April will be Mark Timothy’s last service at Gnosall as he is moving to the Cannock There is no try.” Circuit to work. We wish him and his family God’s Blessing with his new venture. You will be in YODA our prayers and will always be welcomed back. We will miss you. (Star Wars character) Broken to be Shared. It’s March the 10th and time for me to put our page together. My daily reading notes today were titled,’Broken to be Shared’. This gave me something I want to share with you. In August last year, my younger sister had an accident. She fell down some steps and broke her wrist, her leg in several places and her ankle. She was air lifted to the Q.E. Hospital in Birmingham, where she had to undergo a seven hour operation followed a few days later by an eleven hour operation to put plates into her leg so the bones would hopefully knit together. She had several problems, one of them being infection, but she is a very strong Christian and so many people were praying for her. Two weeks ago, she had to return to the Q.E. for another operation but no healing had taken place and two days later she had to have her leg amputated. She has been so brave, sharing her faith with everyone who comes on the ward. One of the patients asked if she could go with her to the hospital church service on Sunday morning. The love of God shown to her through her many friends has been amazing, one even travelling from Craven Arms on the train to visit her. I phoned her this morning after reading my notes, to ask if she would mind me writing about her experience. Her reply was ’Of course you can, the Lord is keeping me here for a reason, there’s lots more work to be done.’ She has truly been ‘Broken to be Shared’ I’m so proud of my little Sister. Gwen

Easter Poem. Not my will but yours Jesus said A Prayer from the Methodist Church Prayer Handbook As He sought His Fathers Grace. The anguish of what lay ahead Grant us grace, O God, to take your Son for our Redeemer; Was written on His Face His life for our example, His word for our rule, . His Spirit for our guide, His wounds for our healing Their Spirits so entwined as one And His cross for our salvation, that He may take He knew what it must be Possession of our hearts, now and forever. Amen. To save each one of us from sin He must give His Life for you and me. Jeremy Taylor (1613-1657) SUCH LOVE

The birth of Christ brought God to man, The cross of Christ brings man to God. HAPPY EASTER 10 GNOSALL PARISH COUNCIL (INCLUDING THE WARDS OF MORETON AND KNIGHTLEY)

VE 75th Anniversary – Gnosall Street Party, Saturday 9th May 2020

Plans are underway to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day with a street party on The High Street on Saturday 9th May between 12noon and 5pm. A section of The High Street will be closed to vehicles from 9am and will be lined with tables and chairs and red and white and blue bunting. There will be music, a VE day quiz, period historic vehicles and vintage games. Families and groups are invited to bring a picnic and take part in the fun Office Opening Times and games being arranged. It is hoped some will dress up in 1940’s costume, there will be prizes for young people who do dress up. Drinks will be available from the Grosvenor bar and High Street pubs. To help gauge numbers is it necessary to reserve a table, please Monday - Closed contact the parish office to book or obtain further details. Tuesday - 10.00am - 2.00pm [email protected] or 01785 822685 Wednesday - 9.30am - 12.30pm Thursday - by appointment only On Friday 8th May, Gnosall Heritage Group and Royal British Legion have organised a Friday - Closed display of artefacts – more details will be on parish boards and on the website nearer the time. Jayne Cooper Clerk, Gnosall Parish Council, The Precept – Balancing the books Grosvenor Centre, High Street, Gnosall, Stafford ST20 0EX The Parish Council is responsible for maintaining many areas and facilities within Tel: 01785 822685 the parish that come with ongoing maintenance costs. As we all know, the cost of all services has risen and continues to rise. This expense is met from the precept, email: the amount charged to each household in the parish, as well as from a few grants. [email protected]

When setting the budget for 2020/21 Councillors had to very carefully review the www.gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk increased costs and recognised the decline in grant funding and therefore, to Facebook reach a balanced budget, agreed it would be necessary to increase the precept by 18p per week per household (based on a Band D property). Although this works Did you know Gnosall Parish out at 26.6% increase, the percentage figure is high because of the small size of Council has a Facebook page? the precept it is based on. Local information and events are posted regularly. Why not “like” If it had not done this the Parish Council may have had to reconsider its our page and start following us. activities and the services it provides. Councillors believe we provide excellent Hundreds of other people do value for the precept received, when compared with other local Parish Councils and help share useful local that charge more for less service provision. information. Annual Assembly and Parish Council Community Awards – 21st May 2020 Useful telephone numbers Police (non emergency): 101 The Council will, once again be recognising local people and groups who make a positive contribution to the parish by presenting two special Community Awards. Highways: We need your help with nominating either an individual who has made a positive (roads, pavements contribution that benefits our parishioners and visitors to our parish or an and street lighting issues) organisation/local business which has done the same. Remember, the parish report online at www.stafford - includes Gnosall, Moreton, Bromstead, Outwoods and Knightley. Please contact shire.gov.uk/reportit the parish office for a nomination form or, if it’s easier, please send your nomina - tions by email to [email protected] by Monday 27th April . Streetscene: 01785 619401 All nominations will be considered and the winners will be announced at the (litter and dog mess) Annual Assembly on 21st May. Hiring The Grosvenor Centre, Stuart Ridgewell Dates for your diary [email protected] or 01785 822685 • The next Council meeting will be held on Monday 6th April at 7.30pm.

• Civic Amenity Vehicle 20th June 10.15am - 11.15am

• CFest 17 - 19th July

11 M.O.B. Gardening Club February 2020

Kingfishers at Shugborough

ndy Holt came to talk to us this month about kingfishers. Andy is a local lad who actually lived in the A house we now live in, in Outwoods when he was growing up! He is a naturalist and is particularly fascinated by kingfishers. In fact, he first saw a kingfisher by the brook at Coley Farm when he was twelve years old and he became enamoured with them. He enjoys observing them and this has led to him photographing and filming them.

Kingfishers are solitary birds outside the breeding season and quite territorial. In February, pair formation begins and the male brings the female fish. Once paired, they mate and begin burrowing in the riverbank to make a tunnel. This is usually quite high up in the bank to protect it from flooding. The tunnel leads to an enlarged chamber which is the nest area. This is lined with regurgitated pellets. When the female is satisfied with the nest she lays the eggs, one per day for a week. Once the clutch is complete, both the male and female incubate the eggs. Twenty six days later, the first egg begins to crack followed by the others and the chicks emerge.

Both parents feed the chicks, bringing fish to the nest. It has been observed that the chicks use a rotation policy so that the chick who receives a fish rotates to the back of the nest to eat it, giving the next chick a chance to be fed. This makes sure all the chicks are fed.Eventually the chicks are ready to fledge after about twenty five days but by this time the parents have already mated again and started tunnelling and preparing a new nest nearby ready for the next brood of chicks.

Kingfishers can raise up to three broods in a season. The nest however can be vulnerable to predators such as rats, foxes or badgers. Badgers hunt using their sense of smell and a kingfisher nest is quite smelly, having used regurgitated pellets for the lining which includes fish bones. And because the nest is high up on a bank, it can be easily dug out by a badger. We also watched a video of a mink scrabbling up the bank to raid the nest of its eggs.

Disturbance of the birds when nesting is also a problem. Andy had discovered a kingfisher nesting hole on the bank of the as it wound its way through the Shugborough Estate. He set up to watch and photograph the kingfishers over the next few weeks as they were raising their young. On returning to the site one day he saw that the bank where the nest had been accidentally trampled by cattle from the estate. Andy talked to the managers at Shugborough and explained what had happened. They re-dug the bank and put fencing up along the river edge to block the cattle from going there. Three weeks later, the kingfishers returned to nest once more.

This started a productive relationship between Andy and the Shugborough Estate, allowing him to photograph and film kingfishers. Eventually his photographs and film were displayed at Shugborough Hall. We saw some of the delightful photos and the film he had made with the help of a Dutch Nature Group who had filmed kingfishers in the nest. It was a fascinating evening!

The next meeting is on April 21st. The speaker is Caz Bailey who will be talking about her experiences in the police force and her hobby of glass blowing. The talk is entitled “Handcuffs to Hot Glass”. We start at 7.30 p.m. in the bar at the Millennium Hall. It is £2 for members and £3 for non-members and includes refreshments, a quiz and a raffle. All are welcome!

Mary Cowell (Gardening Club Secretary) 12 13 JOIN THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION GNOSALL BRANCH

You do not have to be an ex service person or a serving member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, anyone can join! For more information, please contact our Vice Secretary on: 07857 868493 (Mobile) or email: [email protected]

ARMY VETERAN COMPLETES EPIC CHALLENGE

Army veteran Dan Smith, 39, challenged himself to paddle the length of Great Britain.

Dan decided to kayak and trek solo across the UK to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and to raise money for the Royal British Legion.He crossed the finish line in Littlehampton at 12.30pm on Saturday 20th October 2018 after covering almost 1000 miles in an incredible 53 days.

It's a small token of my appreciation

"With no surviving veterans left from the ‘war to end all wars’, I feel it’s more important than ever to remember those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom of future generations."

The former army sergeant set off from Durness in Northern Scotland at 9.30am on Wednesday 29th August with the aim of travelling 910 miles inland through the country to Littlehampton near Brighton in Southern .

Dan aimed to paddle for six hours every day during his challenge, hoping to cover 15 to 20 miles per day depending on the wind. Although he was in the water as much as possible, there isn’t one continuous stretch of water that links the top of Scotland to the bottom of England so he had to walk in between pulling his kayak using a specially designed trolley system.

Taking on the challenge alone, Dan was camping and sleeping in the wild, only stopping every seven days at pre-selected destinations to resupply.

He also needed a lot of specialist equipment with him for his journey including a tent, solar chargers, first aid equipment and repair kits, which he stored in his kayak.

During the challenge Dan set a couple of impressive records, covering 32.2 miles in one day on day 20 and then just three days later covering a whopping 33 miles in one day!

Dan served in the Army for over a decade in the Royal Artillery as a GMLRS Commander and Physical Training Instructor before leaving in 2013. His time in the Army included tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Dan was inspired to take up the challenge after meeting a group of people who were undertaking an epic challenge of their own. “I met a group of people attempting to row from Lagos to Rio and I got chatting to them. This spurred me on to do my own challenge and got the ball rolling. I started thinking about what I am good at, and like. I like walking and kayaking so decided to do something around that.”

Dan has already raised an impressive £23,272 (and counting!) with an overall target of £25,000. Speaking after his return, Dan said he was happy to be back in the comfort of his own home but said it was still a little strange not being on the move.

"I feel good, just obviously feel a little bit strange not travelling, not moving, but yea it feels good," he says. "There's nothing quite like your own bed."

I want to say thank you

"If it wasn’t for my friends and family giving me the encouragement and support I needed it would have been a different challenge all together."

David Winterbottom PRO for the Gnosall and District RBL Branch.

14 MMeemmoorriieess ooff VVEE DDaayy

ay 8th 1945 started like any other school day. My sister and I got our bicycles out and cycled from our home in Sloane Street to school in Kensington. Our school, Kensington High MSchool, had moved into two large private houses as the school building had been demolished by a landmine in April 1941. Apart from the first few months of the war we had been in London throughout the blitz and the V1s and V2s (flying bombs and rockets).

There were rumours of the war ending throughout the day, and in the afternoon of the 8th May our Headmistress told the whole school the war was over and we went home early. Some of our friends agreed we would go and see what was happening, so after going home and telling their parents, six of us met up and walked from Sloane Street along Knightsbridge and down Piccadilly. The excited crowds were increasing all the time, and in Piccadilly Circus where the statue of Eros had been boarded up for the War, people were everywhere, I remember a man who’d climbed a lamppost and was waving a bottle.

Even though the crowds were so big there was no violence or trouble as everyone was so happy. We walked on down the Haymarket and into Trafalgar Square where lots of people were singing and dancing. Our group joined a crowd of sailors and we all headed for Buckingham Palace. There the crowds were very big; everyone was laughing and joking whilst we waited for the King, Queen and Princesses to appear on the balcony. When they did come out the cheering went on and on, and the Royal family spent a long time standing waving.

We finally walked home through Green Park. I remember I had terrible blisters having walked so much and ended up in bare feet.

And so the war that changed so many lives was finally over. In those five years my sister and I had grown from children into teenagers. I would leave school that summer having taken my High School Certificate, and I was engaged to an American serviceman. During the war we lost both our parents, my father had a heart attack, and my mother died of cancer, we had survived the air raids and our house still stood, battered with broken windows and bits of wall missing, but still there, now it was The Peace.

Maudetta Lang

Gnosall & District Voluntary Car Scheme (Registered Charity 1068767) Annual General Meeting Tuesday 21st April 2020 @ 11am in The Brearley Room, The Grosvenor Centre, High St: Gnosall ST20 0EX Members of the Public are invited to attend

Our New Co-ordinator is Jenny Hodkinson Contact 01785 823425 Mobile 07583 390363 only between 9am-5:00pm

A Minimum Notice of 72hrs is Required from Clients wishing to use the service. The Car Scheme now covers the wider community surrounding Gnosall. Taking clients mainly to Hospitals and Surgeries from Gnosall, Ranton, , , Haughton, Bradley and Derrington. With the increased demand for our services we URGENTLY need to recruit more voluntary drivers with their own transport for the scheme to take members of our community to appointments at Doctors surgeries, Hospitals at Cannock, Stafford, Stoke, Telford & Wolverhampton plus Birmingham and ( local visits for shopping etc: if drivers are available) A drivers mileage allowance is payable to cover fuel costs & clients pay for their journeys from a pre-set mileage chart. ( Return journeys within Gnosall have a fixed charge of £3:70)

For further details & to register an interest as a voluntary driver please contact Tony Innamorati (Chairman) 01952 691222

15 Gnosall Painting Group’s successful prize winning award in “There is no Planet B” arts’ competition

Gnosall Painting Group’s successful prize winning award in“There is no Planet B” arts’ competition.

Stafford Borough Council organise an annual environmental arts festival which has grown into an inspirational event attracting hundreds of visitors and a vast array of exhibits and performers.

The exhibition always includes a wealth of imaginative artwork to inspire and motivate, including visual arts of all kinds, sculptures, weaving, “natural art”, performances and much more.

The main event takes place at St. Chad’s Church, with artwork exhibited at The Gatehouse Theatre Café and Stafford Library.

The event encourages people of all ages and abilities to exhibit artwork of any form that inspires concern and respect for our planet, all with unique and insightful messages about why we need to protect our planet.

Members of the Gnosall Painting Group have always enjoyed being involved in Community activities and we decided that the Group wanted to be part of the awareness project ”There is no Planet B” organised by Stafford Borough Council.

We were very pleased to be awarded “A Special Group Award” acknowledging our entry, which was a large montage,using our paintings and various materials that are not being recycled, causing major damage to the environment. The entry illustrated the need for action by highlighting the problems we need to address to save our planet, being mindful that “There is no Planet B”

Nancy Rae (Gnosall Painting Group)

Gnosall Writers is a new group formed only last year and we are looking for would-be creative writers of any age to join us.

If you write stories, poems or articles, long, short, very short or very long, any genre, any style, we are interested in you.

It doesn’t matter if you have never written anything in your life, but would like to do so, then come and join us and we may inspire you!

Below is the very first attempt at writing by a recently joined member. It is a FLASH Fiction (a story of no more than 1000 words): -

FLASH FICTION: Poise Poise is a wonderful thing. Poise means elegance. Poise means attractiveness. Poise means being in perfect balance. In control.

I’m poised on the edge of the swimming pool – as tall and elegant as the goose-pimples will allow anyway. “Just give it a little try” they say, “Just make a start”. Hah! What if I never find my feet again? What if I slam into those pretty blue tiles shimmering on the bottom? What if….? What if?

What’s to worry about? The water is warm. There’s a lifeguard beside the pool. And anyway, it’s only a few feet deep. But how will I know what to do? Sure, I suppose I will be able to just stand up again, but even so what a fool I’ll look – wet, bedraggled and choking for breath. On the other hand, I might just drown.

I’m poised to do my first creative writing. Poised means unable to jump in. Poised means stuck. Poised means frightened. Poise? failure…...the end.

Gnosall Writers meet every first Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Library, High St (Next meeting, 2nd April) 16 Valentines Supper Concert

The third Friends Valentine concert was held in St Lawrences with a similar format to last year. The meal was served soon after the arrival of the guests who were entertained by singer/guitarist Mike Cope.

There were three delicious main courses to choose from, supplied by Sheila Hailes and

Margaret Winfield, together with numerous desserts, all of which were donated by Trustees and other members of the Friends and volunteers.

Once again the guests were encouraged to move into the pews for the Newport Nukes concert.

The band once again supplied a songbook to help with audience participation. They selected a range of songs; many of them were new to their repertoire. They ranged from 60s/70s classics such as Peggy Sue and Bye Bye Love, to a South Australian sea shanty. There was something to suit everyone. There was even time for a few audience requests.

During the evening, a collection on behalf of the Newport & District X-ray appeal, organised by Dave Clarke of the Nukes, raised close to £160 for a very worthy cause.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening which allowed the audience to briefly forget the problems caused by the weather and the Coronavirus.

The next event in the Friends programme sees us move away from the musical stage and into the world of Antiques.

On Tuesday 31st March at 7-30pm, Ben Gamble from Cuttlestones Antiques in Penkridge will be running an Antiques Roadshow event. Following an introduction to the world of Antiques, Ben will be offering valuations on any items brought along by the audience. Ticket information for this event can be found in the GPN.

This will be followed on Saturday 27th June by our Tower Day. Further information on this event will appear in the GPN in the coming months.

17

e r n u o o h Y p

t n r a a c m www.gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk S S

Gnosall Towpath Restoration volunteers are currently concentrating on keeping the Towpath of our lovely canal fit for all the many folk who use it, both regulars and visitors as a new season approaches.

This is a never ending task, along with building a new flower bed and planting hundreds of bulbs and snowdrops to make the area bright and cheerful. Many thanks to the kind donors of the said snowdrops; we are hoping for a magnificent show in coming years! The primroses and daffodils should now be showing their sunny blooms – it really is a lovely place to walk.

If you would like to get involved you can find us on the towpath by The Boat or The Navigation pubs at 10.00am most Saturdays or check out the website at:- www.gnosallparishcouncil.org/gtr

Plans are also in hand for this year’s Canal Festival to be held on July 17/18/19th 2020.This was a great success in 2019 and this year promises to be just as popular. Keep up to date visit the website or scan the QR code on the heading of this page.

Barry Witts

(Our photos show our band of volunteers in action)

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*The map includes an old poem given to Bob Johnson on the delights of a tour of Gnosall’s ale houses. 19 Maria’s story

I’ve been running for a few years now and I’m part of the core team that has organised the Gnosall 10K since we (Gnosall Ladies) took over the race from NDRC 5 years ago. I’m not what I would call a serious runner; I’d describe myself as more of a ‘plodder’. I’m never going to set the world on fire with my pace or be one of those speedy whippets who win races. Yet I’ve always enjoyed running, along with attending regular Fit Box classes over the last few years, not only for the physical and mental health benefits but also for the socialising that accompanies it!

However sometime towards the end of last summer I went through one of those blips that many runners experience from time to time and, for no apparent reason, I appeared to lose my running ‘mojo’. So when Dale (Fit Box) announced that he was hosting the ‘8 week fitness programme’ in the Autumn, I immediately signed up and thought that this could be just what I needed to get back ‘on it’.

And what an interesting 8 weeks it proved to be! For the first time in my life, I began to realise how nutrition and exercise can have a significant effect on my physical and mental well-being. Never before had I planned meals and snacks, drank so much water or thought about how much (or little) exercise I was doing each day. Fit Box partners with Lily & Loaf and included in the 8 week programme was a lifestyle analysis conducted by Lily & Loaf, which proved to be an invaluable insight into how unhealthy I am in certain aspects of my life, especially regarding sleep (or lack of!). So with the support of Dale and the Fit Box team (Maria Kershaw running with the Fit Box team) and armed with my exercise plan, meal plan and what I now call my ‘magic’ Lily & Loaf nutritional Nutri-calm supplements, I embraced a new lifestyle on this 8 week mission to become a fitter and healthier me. I made a number of small changes but I wasn’t fanatical about it and certainly enjoyed myself at the weekends – I wasn’t going to miss out on the Gnosale beer festival or weekends away with the ladies for any programme!

So at the end of the 8 weeks? Having never done anything like this before, it was extremely motivating to see that the tangible physical results: a reduction in body fat, weight and inches along with a demonstrable increase in my fitness level, all of which were measured at regular intervals. The more surprising and unexpected outcome was the fact that I was feeling so incredibly ‘well’. Thanks to the healthier lifestyle and the Lily & Loaf Nutri-calm supplements, I was sleeping like a baby for the first time in many years, the bags under my eyes had all but disappeared and some people commented that I was actually ‘glowing’!

It appears that it was just the boost that I had needed! I was enjoying running again with the added benefit of a slightly faster pace and with the strength and fitness to be able to run longer distances again. And whilst I’m still never going to set the world on fire with my running pace or by winning races, this programme made me realise that I’m winning at MY personal race and that this is all you really need in order to be happy in life.

Which brings me to the Gnosall 10K. As a race, we aim to bring together our active, local community of people who could be taking part for any number of reasons. You could be a serious runner competing for one of the trophies or a PB time, someone who loves the great outdoors and trail running, or a nervous first timer just aiming to finish the race, maybe raising money for charity along the way.

The Gnosall 10K is a beautiful, challenging and extremely friendly race and we wel - come runners of all abilities. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, every single competitor is a winner in our eyes. So be a winner, support your local community and Be a winner and sign up sign up now, we promise you won’t regret it: www.gnosall10k.co.uk for the Gnosall 10K! For information on Fit Box and Lily & Loaf go to the ‘Sponsors’ page on the Gnosall 10K website.

20 Jambusters Report

Well what a wet March it has been!!! I hope you all managed to keep the floodwaters out unlike our poor neighbors in Ironbridge who have had a wretched time of it . I just hope that the engineers can work out ways of diverting the water away from the river in future as I think we will be having a lot more high rainfall in the future. We had our AGM in March with positive reports from our treasurer and president!! Our funds are healthy and we continue to grow as a vibrant group constantly striving to inspire and support each other in many ways, long may it continue.

Our thanks go to Elaine and Lisa who have been on our committee from the start of Jambusters seven years ago but have now decided to stand down from the committee. Both will continue to be wonderful enthusiastic members of our group..I too have decide to stand down after seven years on the committee, this will be my last report for Jambusters!! Thank you for reading my random thoughts, I have enjoyed it and look forward to reading your new members report!! Don’t forget our FOOD and CRAFT Fair on SAT 4th April at the Memorial Hall. I shall be first in line for a very large crusty loaf from Swifts the bakers!! We open at 10am and close at 2pm.. Don’t miss it!! In April we have the very talented Laureen coming along to share with us her wonderful world of toy making! Some of you may have met Laureen before as she is a regular craft tutor at ZIg Zags in Newport, creating wonderful textiles and toys.. That’s all for now folks!! Watch this space!!

Sue Spencer 822306

GNOSSWORD ACROSS DOWN

1. Grievance 1. Occupy 6. Persons present 2. Head worker March’s Gnossword Answers 7. Greek Goddess 3. Grants 9. Egyptian God 4. Sodium 10. Muslim Leader 5. Fear 12. Paper Quantity 8. Birth Sign 13. As well 11. Peak 14. Meal course 13. Large plant 17. Negative 14. Arrive 18. Preposition 15. Lake 19. State a fact 16. Snail 23. Period 20. Russian Royalty 25. Small 21. Wisdom 26. Waves 22. Encourage 27. Alternative 24. Away 28. Message 30. Doctor 29. Finish Answers in next month’s publication 31. Physics Theory

21 INDEX OF ADVERTISEMENTS

. FOOD SERVICES: Gnosall Express p24, Occasions Caterers

p23, Boat Inn p23, ACP Bars p23, Junction Inn p24, The Bakery s s i p24, Matthews Butchers p24, Hog Roast p24. k

o

w o

b HOLIDAYS: The Travel Store p30. e e e c

a n ACCOUNTS & FINANCIAL: Mike James p26, Bright & Co p29, F u J N Deaconsfield p32, Kates Accountancy Services p42. m h t o l r 0 f APPLIANCES: Tom Sturgess p31, Appliance Force p36. 2 a k ” y c r

a a a l ART AND PUBLISHING: Hare and Moon p42, v d b u r i d c The Extrahand Marketing Company p42. u e a t e t a f c n S e BATHROOM, BEDROOM, KITCHEN: RT Bathrooms p27, n r – p o S Regent House p33, Kitchen Visions p34. 0

a 2 d s t e 0 r s 2 o BUILDERS: Phil Dolloway p27, LT Talbot p35, CR Large p35. a l p b a C S v e i CARE INC. RESIDENTIAL: Gingercroft p31, 0 n l m r 2 The Care Company p36, Newport Cottage Care p38. e l a 0 h C 2 T a l “ l l CHILDCARE & EDUCATION: St Lawrence Pre-School p37. s a a s v i o n CHIROPODISTS: Wendy Palser p34, Clare Pitchford p36, o n r

a G Debbie Wardhaugh p40, Sarah Irvine p41. C n s r CLEANING (Home, Windows, Chimney): Mark Smith p25, a e You Can't I Can p25, Magic Carpet p26, Helpful Housewives G y

s p28, Gutter Cleaning p29, GreenClean p35, Safeclean p41, i h First Impressions p42, Gnosall Laundry Services p43. T

COMPUTING & TV: AAS Aerials p30, AAS CCTV p32, Computer Running Slow p32, iTom p33.

DANCE, EXERCISE: Stardust Dance Classes p25, Pilates & Yoga p25, Fit4TheFuture p29, Movement Matters p39, Diddi Dance p39.

DECORATORS: Steve Dimelow p26, Steve Taylor p30, Gordon We have 3 different categories: Hall p31, IS Ferguson p34, DW Bentley p42. 1. Floats – where you get the use of a truck from Stan Robinson ELECTRICIANS: Hall Electrical p27, Westwood Electrical p29, 2. Pedestrian entries –you can walk or push a decorated pram. Craig Michael p31, Nick Bundy p32, Rob Souter p26.

3. Mobile buggies / karts – you can create a decorated kart or buggy - this can be organised FUNERAL SERVICES: Owens Memorials p26. by a small group who will then push kart or buggy along the parade. FURNISHING: Staffordshire Kitchens p28, Will Mockett p33, There are great opportunities with years theme for floats, pedestrian entries and Home Farm p35, Penn Home Services p43. karts/buggies:Wimbledon , Six Nations Rugby , Tokyo Olympics , UEFA Euro 2020 GARDENS, TREES, LANDSCAPING: Gnosall Lawn Mowing Championships , there’s lots of potential for great ideas . Services p27, J Hitchenor p28, Mark Hodgkins p29, M Bissell p29, Squirrel Fencing p31, Just Beautiful Gardens p33, Granville Reeves p34, Come on Gnosall, get the ideas going for some great Carnival Parade entries. Please get in Littlehales p37, JWH p38, Autumn Leaves p38. contact with me (contact details below) or check our Facebook page for applications. HAIR, BEAUTY, JEWELLERY, CLOTHING: Complementary Therapies p26, Barber Shop p28, Sewing Alterations p29, 2020 Gnosall 10k Hair Razor p34, Angela Smith p38, Lasercare p41. This year due to increasing numbers for the 10K it has been moved to Saturday 13th June. HANDYMAN: Handyman p26, GDC Services p39. The team from Gnosall Ladies Running Club have already got the 2020 run on track for another successful year, if you want to enter please go online at www.gnosall10k.co.uk. HEALTHCARE: Celestia p37, Katharine House shops p37, Gnosall Dental p38, MASE p40.

Gnosall Olympics HEATING: Fifth Element p27, Brain Brothers p30, Charles This year we will be having our very own Olympics , this will be for teams of two. Here are Swann Coal p39. some of the ideas – JOINERS: David Bebbington p30, Charlie Jones p31.

1. Three Legged 50m 2. Water basket balloons 3. Wheel barrow race LEGAL: Legal Legacies p36, Donn&Co p40.

4. Egg and spoon blind folded 5. Frisbee thru the hoop MOTOR TRADE: SDW Automotive p25, Gnosall Autobodies p33, AJ&H Wright p34, Bank Top p43. Watch out for applications on the programme and via our facebook page . MUSIC: Paul Weaver p40.

Your Carnival needs volunteers!! OPTICIANS: In-Home Eyecare p36, Mincher Lockett p42. We are still asking for more helpers on the day of the Carnival. This will only be 4hrs of your PETS: Kitty Sitty p27, We Pamper p28, Bow-wows p30, time where you could be doing one of the following: Marshall, game stall holder, helper on Shires Vets p35, Grooming Great p38, Kay Gibson p39. our refreshment tent. We rely on volunteers to support this fantastic day. If you or a group of you want to help, please get in touch with me. PLASTERERS: RHJ Plastering p27, PH Plastering p30. PLUMBERS: JH Knight p32, Daniel Mattocks p40, Howfield p41, Alan Moore p41.

Please keep watch on our Facebook page for latest information on this year’s Carnival. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: Richard Carn p36, Gnosall Carnival Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GnosallCarnival Marc Hinde p40. So, if you are interested or have any ideas for the Carnival please call or e-mail me. ROOFING: Harris Roofing p26, Weathertight p37.

Mark Smith (Chairman) email: [email protected] Tel: 01785 824643 TAXI: Mr Jenkins p28, Core Cars p33, Austin's Travel p40.

VAN HIRE: Stafford Removals p41.

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43 Gnosall Photographers

Featuring The Work Of Steve Torrington

If you would like your pictures to feature on a future issue please contact: [email protected]

(We do like to be beside the seaside)

e pots) (Barg

(Buttermere)