Our City p1 28/6/13 13:19 Page 1

Issue 32

PRIDEPRIDE ININ OurOur CityCity

Chelsea Flower Show’s blooming legacy... School’s out: See pages five and eight School’s out: Check out our four-page summer events guide WIN Pages 15, 16, 17 and 18 VIP Tour of Britain start tickets See page 30

See page two

Welfare reforms: Support and advice for residents feeling the pinch Page 22 Our City p2 28/6/13 13:46 Page 1

2 Our City SUMMER 2013 New jobs created as city launches £600,000 pothole blitz TOKE-on-Trent City Council has declared Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Swar on potholes... Regeneration, Planning and Transportation hated by motorists, joins Joe Knall and Brian Wright of the Highway cyclists and residents Maintenance Team on a repair in Middleport. alike. The authority is investing around £600,000 and recruiting 13 new permanent staff to carry Adam Shaw, 18, who has secured a out highway repairs and full time job after working on the maintenance works. Building Schools for the Future In total there are around programme. 3,000 potholes across the city which are currently identified and the new recruits will be BSF training tasked with fixing the outstanding backlog and those which are additionally reported leads to work – thereby reducing the level of outstanding repairs down to in industry 2010 figures. An active recruitment process THREE apprentices have secured is now underway and once the permanent jobs after completing positions have been filled and their training on the £270million the new staff fully trained, they Building Schools for the Future will begin to carry out repairs. programme to transform our city’s Councillor Ruth Rosenau, high schools. Cabinet Member for Their training was provided in Regeneration, Planning and partnership by the city council and Transportation, said: “We Stoke on Trent College. understand that the condition of Alex Burton, aged 25, has our roads, and potholes in successfully completed 12 months’ particular, is a major concern training in carpentry and joinery. for residents and local He has worked on the Ormiston businesses, and in recent years Sir Stanley Matthews Academy site there have been more potholes reported, due to the effects of at , as well as the Discovery the recent bad winter seasons Academy in for main and prolonged wet spells. contractors Wates. Having completed his See a big difference apprenticeship Alex found a “We’ve listened to what full-time job with Cheshire Building residents have been saying and Developments based in Sandbach. have decided to invest extra Apprentices Adam Shaw, 18, resources to tackle the problem. secured a job with Drayton “We have over 2,500 Beaumont as an electrical kilometres of roads and apprentice and Jordan Seaton, 19, footpaths to maintain in the got a job with Barry Beard Limited, city – almost the equivalent of To report a pothole, based in Bromsgrove. the distance between BSF Strategic Manager Tracy Stoke-on-Trent and Moscow – call 01782 237061 Penrose-Gould said: “This is a very which is an indication of the bring in temporary staff to help deal with potholes which have positive example of a successful task we face in keeping the road us address the immediate already been reported to the between 9am and partnership between the city network running smoothly on a backlog. I expect to see a big council, while the other five will council, our main contractors and daily basis. Not only are we difference in the state of our proactively seek out highway 5pm or email Stoke on Trent College to ensure fixing potholes, we are also roads by the end of this defects which have not been highways.client@ that we have supported young creating 13 full-time jobs for summer, and we will then reported to the council and fix people. As a result of all the local people, which is fantastic continue to maintain a high them. stoke.gov.uk, or profile team of maintenance Councillor Rosenau added: partners’ combined efforts and the news on its own. We will also staff as the winter “Potholes are a problem report them via the hard work of the apprentices they approaches. affecting all parts of the country find a job. “We’ll then closely but this investment will bring Council’s website. “This is a very positive outcome monitor the condition about a definite improvement for the apprenticeship programme of the roads during for Stoke-on-Trent road users. Reports need to and shows that BSF will have a the winter and review It is an on-going commitment lasting employment and skills their condition, which to ensure that the road network include street name, legacy.” will again depend on is fit for purpose and supports exact location and ● To find out more about the kind of weather the local economy. apprenticeship opportunities visit we have.” “We are asking local people to details about the stoke.gov.uk and search for Eight staff will continue to report potholes to apprenticeships. work on a seven-day us, so we know where they are potholes. Job done – one less pothole. shift pattern and will and can repair them.”

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 28/6/13 13:47 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 3 City council to give most Samaneh Mehri with her son vulnerable children the Seena. best start in life TOKE-on-Trent is disadvantaged families, but Cabinet Member for to give more evidence shows that Education, said: “This is not vulnerable providing free education can: just about giving children the S ● Improve children’s best start in life in terms of children the best start development including enabling their development in life by providing communication skills to enter education. free early education ● Help them to socialise “It’s also very much about to hundreds of with other children and make giving parents the support two-year-olds. friends they need to help their This year 920 children ● Help them begin to get children move forward could receive early education ready to go to school through education and take to support their families and ● Give them access to new advantage of the opportunities support their development. activities and exciting places created in the city through Next year the figure rises to to play. our Mandate for Change.” ● around 2,100 children. Parents involved At the moment the free Two-year-olds could early education for qualify for 15 hours of free ● Early education can also two-year-olds is for early education at a local give families more time to certain groups. Parents in nursery, private day nursery, spend with younger children, receipt of certain benefits play-group or childminder. take up a college course, or or with an income below Children’s experiences in go back to work. £16,000 per year may be early education strongly Providers will involve eligible and should contact influences their progress in parents in their children’s their local children’s later life, especially in health, learning and enable them to centre, the Family social behaviour, employment support children at home Information Service on and educational achievement. with activities that strengthen 01782 232200 or visit Take-up of early education their development. stoke.gov.uk/beststart to is at its lowest in Councillor Shaun Pender, find out more. Mum sees a big difference in son’s progress SINGLE mum Samaneh Mehri’s little boy was Our City learns how just 11 once so shy he would not leave her side for even a minute. hours a week free nursery Seena used to cry and spoke no English so he provision made a huge would not mix with other children. difference to one mum and That all changed when his mum took him to a singing group at Stoke library and found out her little boy... about Children’s Centre. Staff there supported her as they organised Seena, who is now four, come out of his shell 11-hours a week nursery time through the city and he is now in full-time nursery at Stoke council’s offer for two-year-olds and everything Minster Primary School. changed. “Now he does everything for himself. He Samaneh, aged 31, said:“Seena used to hide never cries. He can sing and speak English. He’s a behind me all the time. real chatterbox. He’s really independent. He’s “I couldn’t leave him. He was quite shy, crying perfect”, said Samaneh, who herself is studying and crying. It was upsetting for both of us.” English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) But three months at Small Steps helped at college. Volunteers needed to boost independence

Valued VOLUNTEERS are needed to meet the with some people going out for the first Volunteer Nigel demand for a new council-run scheme to time without their parents or carer. Walker, right, with help adults with learning disabilities. “Some have developed new friendships client John Watson at Valued Volunteers has been set up to and others have found a new sense of Flavours Cafe, provide support to people with a independence. Shelton, socialising learning disability so that they can take “One client rarely left his bedroom and enjoying a part in the activities of their choice, and before he joined the scheme but since coffee. receive support when shopping and being paired with a volunteer he has attending appointments. become confident enough to go out and Since the launch in March, new clients use the bus on his own. have come forward each week. An appeal “We need more volunteers to help has now been launched to recruit more other people in a similar way.”The volunteers to keep up with the increasing scheme is not intended to replace paid numbers. support staff. Community Development Worker Tracy ● To check if someone is eligible to use Wright said:“The scheme works to the scheme, to volunteer, or register as a prevent social isolation by helping people client call Tracy Wright or Kerry in our city get out into the community. Summerfield on 01782 236510 or email “The results so far have been fantastic, [email protected] Our City p4 28/6/13 13:47 Page 1

4 Our City SUMMER 2013 SowingSowing seedsseeds forfor newnew reciperecipe Stunning flower meadows to forfor successsuccess EEDS have been planted for a brighten up city ground-breaking food-growing STUNNING wildflower meadow Sprogramme in the city. areas are set to be created around The city council has granted a community asset Stoke-on-Trent as part of an exciting transfer of the former Parkhall Golf Course to the new project. Urbivore Foundation. BEARING The flower-filled areas are set to The charity plans to use the 25-year lease FRUIT... resident be created at green spaces around to create an urban market garden Jen Barnes can’t growing an extensive range of the city as part of a new initiative wait for the fresh vegetables and fruit to called Blooming Stoke, spearheaded Urbivore scheme by Wildlife Trust and be sold through local markets and wholesalers as to start Stoke-on-Trent City Council. growing. In addition to looking stunning, well as to local schools and the nectar-rich meadows will help hospitals and through a home to aid the survival of pollinating delivery box scheme. insects including bees and As well as making healthy food butterflies, which have suffered more easily available for Stoke-on- alarming population declines in Trent residents, the scheme will recent decades. provide employment, apprenticeships, mentoring and volunteering roles for Eight green spaces have been over 50s and work placement and training proposed as sites for the creation of opportunities to the long-term unemployed. wildflower areas. Consultation A grant of £62,000 has already been secured to events, giving people the put plans together and the management are opportunity to find out more about expecting an announcement on whether they the project and help to shape it, have been successful in bidding for £486,000 have been held at the sites at Meir from the Big Lottery Fund to get the project Park; Westport Lake; Grange Park; going. Bucknall Park; Fields; Urbivore Foundation Chief Executive Rowena Florence Meadows; Brookwood Young said: “It is a very exciting time for the Drive, Meir and Fenton Road venture. Greenway. “We have had fantastic feedback from residents Councillor Andy Platt, Cabinet young and old, and if we get the Big Lottery Member for Green Enterprises and Fund money we will be able to recruit staff and get Clean City, said:“We are one of the started in early autumn.We’ll need to construct raised greenest cities in the UK with more beds and put up polytunnels to start growing, but than 3,000 acres of park and open services can start straight away.” spaces. Other funding bids have also been submitted. Urbivore “One of the key commitments of expects the first crop to be produced next year. our Mandate for Change is to make ● To find out more, call 07787 407758 or email Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live [email protected] and this scheme shows we mean business.”

Returning troops Local resident and given heroes’ volunteer gardener Chris welcome to city Lewis helping UP to 200 soldiers marched out with the Volunteers needed to through the City Centre to mark gardens. their return from Afghanistan. help maintain garden Troops from the Queen’s Royal Lancers (QRL) paraded in the City GREEN-fingered residents across the city have caught the RHS Centre on Armed Forces Day. Chelsea Flower Show bug after Stoke-on-Trent featured so Although the regiment is based prominently in the world-famous showcase. in Catterick, North Yorkshire, it is And the team behind the Transformation Garden have been regarded as the Midland’s cavalry out and about showing features which made the display so regiment and recruits heavily in popular.They hope to inspire people across Stoke-on-Trent to North Staffordshire. plant their own seeds for future success. Lord Mayor Sheila Pitt said: Stoke West and Oakhill Community Association have “We’re all very proud of the job appealed for volunteers to help them maintain the Boothen our military personnel do in Community Garden, created three years ago by volunteers protecting the freedom and supported by the city council and Staffordshire Housing democracy we all enjoy in this Association. country.This was an opportunity Boothen Garden Champion Chris Lewis said the RHS to show our gratitude to the Chelsea Flower Show had shown what Stoke-on-Trent could soldiers.” achieve when everyone pulled together. She said: “We are The City also hosted their transforming the area and we want to keep our garden annual community Armed Forces looking fantastic. Day with North Staffs Armed “That’s why we are starting a new Tuesday volunteers group Forces Celebration Committee in and we need people to pick up the gardening challenge.” Queen’s Park, Longton. ● To find out more or join the group call 01782 252183. Our City p5 28/6/13 13:48 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 5 ‘Fantastic triumph’puts city on global media map

TOKE-on-Trent’s transformation Sgarden at the RHS Ryan Andrews, 17, from Chell, and Elliot Higgs, Chelsea Flower Show, 16, from with Deputy City has been hailed as a Council Leader Councillor Paul Shotton, second “fantastic triumph” for right, and Staffordshire Housing’s Director of Regeneration and Development Marshall Fear. the city. Matthew Rice – the artist behind some of ceramic giant ’s global favourites – supported the Training grows team welcoming visitors to the city’s Transformation Garden. Husband and wife team for apprentices Matthew and Emma worked hard alongside the city’s MPs TWO young gardening apprentices from and business leaders, Stoke-on-Trent appeared on a global stage developing international when they joined the city’s team at the RHS interest in Stoke-on-Trent as a Chelsea Flower Show. great place to invest and do Ryan Andrews, 17, from Chell, and Elliot business. Higgs, 16, from Blythe Bridge, helped build “The Chelsea Flower Show the city’s stunning Transformation Garden. was a fantastic triumph for our city,” said Matthew. The Staffordshire Housing Group “It was an easy job because apprentices played their part in helping the the setting so completely garden team bring a silver medal back from expressed why this is such a Chelsea. good place to have a business, Elliot said:“What a great way to start our and I think they were careers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.” impressed.” Ryan added: “We were part of a team Everyone was buzzing co-ordinated by Bartholomew Landscaping – who are one of the best in the gardening Top international garden guru Diarmuid Gavin Everyone business.” reinforced the message in the “”contributed with Daily Mirror. “The people of Stoke should be proud of their time, energy and city’s gardening team, who materials to build Stay healthy with Bartholomew Landscaping brought the this garden. But passion they inject into the the payback for this summer city’s green spaces to SW1 in RESIDENTS are being urged to stay fit London. Their display, a story business and the of Transformation, illustrates and healthy this Summer by taking part the city’s journey from a rich city as a whole in fun physical activities. industrial past to a vibrant could be massive. They can stay active this summer and present.” clock up their recommended 30 minutes For the whole week the of exercise each day by trying activities public couldn’t get enough and such as taking a walk in the park, going packed out the pavement for a swim, using a bike instead of the around the Transformation loved the fact that this wasn’t “Everyone contributed with Garden, sponsored by partners big name designers and big time, energy and materials to car, washing the car, taking up a new including Moorcroft, Johnson corporations – this was a city, build this garden. But the sport/activity/exercise class or hosting a Tiles, PLT Engineering in its people and its business payback for business and the family sports day. Milton and Bartholomew community working together to city as a whole could be To stay safe, always remember to drink Landscaping. They had seen it show what it can do. massive,” he said. water before, during and after exercise. on TV and wanted more. “They really felt that special “Our city has been Take extra care when exercising Stoke-on-Trent warmth and showcased across the planet on Council Leader Mohammed outside in the heat, seek the shade Pervez said the Transformation welcome. So many Stoke primetime TV – from Australia between 11am and 3pm and use sun Garden – created by the city people came along and said to Japan and Germany.We TV actor and how it made them proud of have met with top international protection. council’s own landscape comedian designers – was a fantastic their roots and the future. investors and our top creative ● For more details on what is on offer in showcase for the city. People were keen to tell their talent has sold our wares to the Rob Brydon the city’s leisure centres, visit He said: “Everyone we met own stories of transformation world. was another stoke.gov.uk/leisure was buzzing about and success. “This success is essential to famous More healthy tips can be found on the “This was all about Stoke-on-Trent. They loved the changing hearts and minds and visitor. Change4life website at spirit and energy, and they generating pride in our city. bringing in hard investment.” www.nhs.uk/Change4Life Question time RESIDENTS spoke of their love for Stoke-on-Trent’s green spaces and picked up tips for their gardens when a legendary BBC Radio 4 show visited the city. Almost 200 local residents, including amateur gardeners and allotment holders, turned up to quiz experts when BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time recorded two programmes at Harpfield Primary Academy in Hartshill.The second programme will be Her Majesty The Queen is greeted broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 3.00pm on by Lord Mayor Councillor Sheila TV interior design guru Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen Friday 19 July, repeated at 2.00pm on Pitt during a royal visit to the with Stoke-on-Trent’s very own Saxon warrior Sunday 21 July. city’s Transformation Garden. during a visit to the Transformation Garden. Our City p6-7 28/6/13 13:50 Page 1

6 Our City SUMMER 2013 Homes for a quid scheme will pay dividends HIRTY-five hard-working Tfamilies will own their own home in the next year thanks to a city council initiative to sell empty homes for a pound. The scheme will see 35 run down terraced homes in Portland Street, , revitalised with citizens of the city given the chance to buy one for just £1 upfront. Each house upgrade will cost the council approximately Emilie Valpy, 8, and Olivia Rathbone, £30,000 and applicants 9, in the Titanic-themed dining hall. will have to repay the investment over the next 10 years. Seventy-five people applied to buy into the Firing imagination from ‘Titanic’ scheme and the housing team are now sifting applicants to ensure the to ‘Come Dine with Me’ rooms right people get the chance Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Janine to invest. Bridges at homes in the Portland Street area. THE beautiful Victorian façade room, where straw, rats and Councillor Janine at Grove Junior School in graves bring the amazing true Bridges, Cabinet Member “And their passion, hard work in investment and new homes for Northwood hides an astonishing tale of personal and communal for Housing and Neighbourhoods, and commitment to the future generations. The city said it was all about helping hard secret – step inside and it’s been sacrifice by villagers at Eyam to community will pay dividends, council is also working with working people who had transformed to fire young life. helping inject new life and energy partners to develop another Hi-tech isn’t forgotten either ambitions and dreams but were into the area. This is all about £1 scheme to sell 10 houses in imaginations in what look like a trapped by the credit crunch. series of film sets. with each of the school’s 11 transforming the city by Harper Street, Middleport. “It’s really hard in the current empowering people to take charge Applicants will have to agree to From Narnia to the Titanic, classrooms having six Kindles, six economic climate for many people of their futures,” she said. do some of the work themselves, beach huts to the plague village Kindle Fires and six laptops. Each to build up the deposit they need year group studies three themes The £1 million investment in to pay rent on three-quarters of of Eyam, a modern bungalow to to get their first home, even when the Portland Street area is part of the house and not sell their share ancient Egypt and a working pot like Oliver, disasters, the Vikings they are working. That’s just who or the lost city of Stoke-on-Trent the city council’s drive to upgrade for at least five years after bank to the animal kingdom, the we are out to help. run down homes and help bring completion of the deal. school has been transformed by as they build their literacy, numeracy and life skills. themed areas. They do homework projects Lunch is taken aboard the with their parents, build models Titanic with Captain Smith on and dress up.They barter for Partners join forces to draw up the bridge while the adjoining furniture to dress their themed hallway has been transformed areas and even sell the into a Victorian room complete they make, glaze and fire in their with period-furniture and sepia own kiln. next stage of £50m lottery bid photographs. The themed areas are a big hit A modern bungalow gives the and have really raised levels of PARTNERS bidding for a £50 million lottery youngsters chance to cook attainment. Once on the ‘schools grant to help children in deprived areas of three-course meals, take part in causing concern’ list, literacy Stoke-on-Trent find out in August if they are a Celebrity Come Dine with Me levels are up from 67 to 89 per through to the next stage of the process. competition and even learn how cent and numeracy from 63 to YMCA North Staffordshire, the city to make a bed properly. 93 per cent. So a gold star goes council, health, other agencies and parents Eerie is the only way to to everyone at Grove where the have already made a shortlist of 40 and describe the plague village sky seems to be the limit. could next be awarded £400,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to further develop its plans. A final decision on which groups will Owen Tonks, 9, and Corey Meredith, 7, benefit from the funding will be made by a in the Egyptian area. committee and a panel of experts by March 2014. The money will be used to tackle several key areas of child development like nutrition, social and emotional development, and communications skills for children aged three and under. Letters of LOTTERY PARTNERS... Parents Debbie Nixon, from Abbey support for the bid have been received from Hulton, and Deepa Mistry, from Longton talking through ideas all three of the city’s MPs. with YMCA North Staffordshire Chief Executive Daniel Flynn. Daniel Flynn, Chief Executive of YMCA North Staffordshire, said:“We were up against many children’s centres around the city as it builds a picture local authorities from across the country so it was of current and future needs. brilliant we made the last 40. Since then, we’ve been Mum Debbie Nixon, 32, whose three-year-old beavering away putting together the next stage of the daughter Cassidy attends Kingsland Children’s Centre, bid. It’s been pretty tough but we’re optimistic and our has already given her feedback. She said:“It’ll be partnership with the city council, parents and other fantastic if we get it. It would mean big improvements agencies is working really well.We’re very optimistic in for children in the city for years to come. Children’s terms of how organisations have come together in the centres are already benefiting parents and children as city under one flag to benefit children and their future.” they get people motivated.This would give us all an The bid team has been meeting with parents from extra boost.” Our City p6-7 28/6/13 13:57 Page 2

SUMMER 2013 Our City 7

An artist’s Home recycling impression showing how the historic can save council frontage of the historic works could landfill charges feature at the heart of a modern shopping STOKE-on-Trent City Council area in Stoke. is urging people to join the growing number of residents protecting the environment by recycling their waste. The call comes after refuse collectors repeatedly discovered non-recyclable materials in recycling bins at homes across the city. If waste is mixed together, it cannot be recycled and instead has to go to landfill. It cost the city council £83,000 in additional charges in 2012. Councillor Andy Platt, Cabinet Member for Green Enterprises and Clean City, said:“Contamination of waste means that we have to send rubbish that could have been recycled, to landfill.This costs us money that we cannot afford to spend given the challenging financial times. “Secondly, it is damaging to the environment. One of the key pledges in our Mandate for Change is to make Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live and we can do this by supporting the green agenda. It is vital that we do our utmost to reuse and recycle everything we can. Historic Spode entrance given big facelift boost “I would urge people to think about what they are putting into their bins. REPAIR, refurbishment and re-decoration of Since then extensive refurbishment works courtyard will safeguard this historic, iconic “It will only take a few minutes, but the historic Spode entrance in Church Street, have been carried out in the China Hall and at site and will also uplift the area and assist with will have a big impact on our finances Stoke Town, is underway. the former visitors centre to house the British the marketing of the site. and the environment. I would also like The arch signage, gates and lamps which Ceramics Biennial and the Councillor Rosenau said:“I’m glad this to thank the many people who are are part of the Grade II Listed entrance are Trust.The Prince’s Regeneration Trust is also important structure will be restored to its already recycling successfully.” being restored. currently occupying the Meadows area to former glory. It is an important part of the For more information about The site, which is located within the Stoke store moulds and cataloguing artefacts from heritage of Stoke Town and it will be recycling, and what waste goes in Town Conservation Area, is of national historic Middleport Pottery.This is needed while preserved for future generations to which bin, please visit and architectural significance. essential works are carried out in Middleport appreciate. stoke.gov.uk/recycling The former Spode works is a 10-acre town Pottery. “These refurbishment works are in line with centre site which has many heritage buildings, The £72,000 worth of refurbishment works the council’s Mandate for Change, making and was acquired by the city council in 2010. to the Church Street façade, entrance and Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live.” Project rolls out key road safety Work set to start on £280,000 skills to children MORE than 1,000 children will learn vital road safety skills as part of a project which is being rolled out across Stoke-on-Trent. Around 1,300 Stoke Town improvements pupils from 37 schools will benefit from the scheme which is being ITY Council public realm are a part of a funded by the city council and works to plan to ensure Stoke Town delivered by TCC Road Safety Services. Csmarten up has an attractive and Year five children, who are aged welcoming shopping Campbell Place will nine and 10, will learn how to spot a environment which will not hazard and boost their road safety create a more only maintain footfall in skills.They will be shown a DVD attractive, welcoming the town but also has the which teaches them how to cross the shopping environment potential to attract new road in safety and will then go on an in Stoke Town. shoppers and increase the ‘urban trail’ around their local school time they stay there. Work on the project, as well as taking part in an interactive worth £280,000, will start “As a result, the public realm works are, along with quiz to test their knowledge. in September. It will see The initiative will fulfil a key pledge attractive new paving, tree wider regeneration plans planting and designs to for the town, intended to in the city council’s Mandate for define pedestrian areas and act as a catalyst in terms of Change by promoting independence highways, as well as making attracting new businesses and healthy lives. the area look less cluttered. and maintaining existing Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet It will be funded by a private sector investment Member for Regeneration, Planning contribution made by into retail and business and Transportation, said:“This is an supermarket giant uses.” excellent initiative which will teach Sainsbury as part of its Traders and members of children the vital skills they need to development in the town. the public took part in a get around safely when they are by Councillor Ruth consultation exercise and themselves. It is particularly relevant Rosenau, Cabinet Member have helped with the design to children in year five, many of for Regeneration, Planning of the scheme, which was whom will be walking to high school and Transportation, said: adapted to take on board The shape of things to come... how Campbell Place will look after the works next year.” “The improvements to the their comments. have been completed. Our City p8-9 28/6/13 13:58 Page 1

8 Our City SUMMER 2013

By City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot Flower Show silver

AFTER just over three years of bringing medal puts pride back you updates about the exciting things happening at the city council, I can think of few occasions where I have into the been more proud to be associated with this great city of ours, than I have in the Fluoride past few weeks. Recent events have Transformation John proved that our innovative approach, BLOOMING from the addresses treatment tenacity and strength of spirit are success of the royal visit, delegates at the paying dividends and putting our city we made our way down to launch of firmly on the map. the esteemed RHS Chelsea pioneering new kiln tips for Flower show where we had technology at been shortlisted to take Ceram in Back to the Future part in the centenary show. Hartshill. top teeth I was privileged to be invited to unveil Ceram’s Chelsea is arguably the PARENTS are being world-leading, low energy firing kiln when it most revered flower show encouraged to ask their was debuted to an audience of leading in the world and gave us dentist about treatments to industry figures.This event demonstrated how an enviable opportunity to help their children have we are building confidence in the city by local showcase the heart and healthier teeth. companies positioning themselves on a global soul of Stoke-on-Trent on a Due to the high rates of stage. Ceram’s focus on innovation and their global scale. tooth decay in five-year-old ability to commercialise applied research, such Sponsored by children in the area, as energy reduction in manufacturing which Bartholomews Staffordshire and could cut energy costs for the ceramic industry Landscaping – one of the industry’s most sought Stoke-on-Trent Partnership by up to 30 per cent, attracted £2m worth of follow up leads with support and expertise after landscapers – and along with other key NHS Trust’s Oral Health Team Government’s Regional Growth Fund money. aimed to attract new money into the city. sponsors and partners, the Transformation took to local supermarkets Their cutting-edge research and Adding to our already impressive track record and children’s centres during state-of-the-art technology could help UK Garden was sympathetically designed and of creating 1,400 new jobs and supporting 240 National Smile Month to producers reduce carbon emissions and respectfully crafted to represent the new business start-ups in the city over the last promote the preventative increase profits and employment at the same inspirational journey of Stoke-on-Trent from its two and a half years proves promoting the city treatment fluoride varnish. time. rich industrial past, through to present day and does pay off. The varnish is free under beyond to an equally pioneering future as a Having unashamedly exploited every the NHS for children over the The Heritage Trail modern core city. possibility to positively raise the profile of the age of three and the The garden caught the imagination of its city and attract inward investment, it is hardly Department of Health THE city was honoured to host a visit from audience from seasoned gardening surprising that through our combined efforts recommends that all children HRH The Prince of Wales who, over recent professionals, dignitaries, celebrities, potential we have achieved this success – I know you should receive it at least twice years, has forged strong links with investors and flower fans alike who were will be proud to share the honours.We a year. Dentists may when he took a keen personal interest in the captivated by the simple storytelling, dramatic estimate that our presence alone at Chelsea recommend increasing the Mother Town’s heritage and in particular, planting and iconic imagery. has subsequently generated approximately application of fluoride varnish Middleport Pottery. We were delighted to be awarded a £500,000 worth of publicity.You can see the to three or four times a year Local businesses and the community have prestigious silver medal – an achievement that garden on our website at stoke.gov.uk for those more at risk of subsequently benefited from the work of The is almost unheard of for first-time exhibitors And it doesn’t end there, we have again dental disease. Prince’s Charities and their “place-making” such as ourselves.We are already planning our played host to the Tour Series and we are Parents should speak to philosophy. Royal patronage and recognition 2014 exhibit but will be aiming to bring home proud that the Tour of Britain returns to our their dentist about this and of the city’s historic buildings – like the gold! roads for the sixth consecutive year on 18 other preventative treatments Institute – have brought the past As part of the Chelsea Flower Show September. Look out for details of the route for their children and back to life. programme, the investment team co-ordinated and be prepared to be inspired by some of the themselves. Renewed interest in Middleport Pottery has a business reception which targeted potential sports’ top athletes. The following tips for a protected jobs and ensured traditional skills investors and was attended by over 50 On a personal note, may I wish you and healthy smile have also been are passed on, whilst Heritage Lottery and representatives from the business community. your families a safe and enjoyable summer, issued for parents to follow at Architectural Heritage funding have been used We will start to reap the benefits of these new I hope you are able to take advantage of home with their children: to finance the first stage of a business plan to connections over the coming months as many of the activities taking place around Brush children’s teeth as renovate the . relationships are established and our officers the city over the next few weeks. soon as they come though, using a family strength fluoride toothpaste containing fluoride at a level of 1,350 to 1,500 parts per Public urged to sign up to million of fluoride. Always check the tube or box to make sure the paste contains life-changing support enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. REE support is into use at Blurton Children’s Brush teeth twice a day, spit available to help make Centre and has introduced her to the toothpaste after brushing Fthe city a better place groups she is now looking to link and do not rinse with water – up with. to live. Anna has been so impressed this washes the fluoride away, The 1,000 Lives Network with the network that she has now reducing the benefits. commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent recommended it to her colleagues. Keep sugary snacks and City Council can offer access to She said: “It is brilliant to be drinks to mealtimes only, network and training events and part of something that has so many choose healthy, tooth-friendly resources to any person or group benefits.The training course snacks between meals and working to improve communities. boosted my self esteem, taught me remember the only safe Members share knowledge and how to be a better drinks for teeth are water and skills, pool their resources and volunteer and gave milk. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS... work together to deliver a range of me the confidence programmes to spread health ● Visit the dentist as often Anna Machnik, left, with to enrol on a messages, encourage people to mentoring course.” as advised for you. Call the Community and Economic make healthier choices and get local Dentist Advice Line on Development Officer Registration and 0300 123 0981 to find an them back into learning, education membership are free.To find out Ann Long at Blurton and employment. NHS dentist. more call 01782 411433 or visit Children’s Centre. Volunteer Anna Machnik puts www.1000lives.org.uk Our City p8-9 28/6/13 13:52 Page 2

SUMMER 2013 Our City 9 City Deal – more jobs and prospects, better education and transport for everyone

The bid is part of efforts to make Stoke-on-Trent a Premier Huge investment deal will League city for residents benefit whole city and businesses.

UT simply a Deal Council Leaders from SPEAKING UP FOR would mean the STOKE-ON-TRENT AND PGovernment giving Stoke-on-Trent and STAFFORDSHIRE: City Council Leader Stoke-on-Trent and our Staffordshire have been Councillor Mohammed partners in Staffordshire talking a lot about “a City Pervez and partners are more freedoms, powers and Deal” with Government in some cases funding, to do pressing for freedom to recently, but what is a City grow the local economy, the things that will help the creating jobs and local economy grow. Deal and what will it growth. It would bring fresh investment mean for the city, and for Bid looks at into the city, create 28,000 jobs, improve transport links, boost you? Our City finds out education and skills training – and more. delivering also put Stoke-on-Trent on the international map as a key by more than 40 businesses, industrial centre. education providers and transport on four big Known locally as Powerhouse bodies and would put the region at Central, the programme of the forefront of international sweeping improvements promises a research and development in challenges new industrial revolution for the manufacturing. The City Deal/Powerhouse city and the county. At its heart is a A bid has been submitted to the plan to make Stoke-on-Trent and Government for City Deal and the Central bid focuses on four Staffordshire the key European plan has already been shortlisted. specific challenges. centre for research and The partners should know by the The first is energy – manufacturing – including Autumn if they have secured it. transforming the city into a ceramics, metals and polymers. City Council Leader Councillor place that offers fuel and Up to £200 million will be Mohammed Pervez said: “What we energy security to businesses invested in producing energy from sow today we will reap in the and residents and is a number of sources, including future in terms of jobs, education, sustainable into the future. geothermal, waste heat and opportunities and a city that is a biomass systems, to help reduce Secondly, it will look at great place to live and be proud of. innovation – the city wants to fuel bills for businesses. “This is a deal for everyone – it An education trust will also be build an international will benefit all areas of the reputation for applied created to bring together learning community by encouraging materials innovation and the and training providers and businesses to grow. industry. It means everyone from rapid commercialisation of students and parents, jobseekers Access to high level jobs research into new products and local business owners will and future exports. share in the opportunities that arise “It will ensure the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire The next challenge involves from the Deal. the development of site and Proposals drawn up are backed have access to high level jobs, a wide range of services and the infrastructure – creating up chance to improve their skills and to 28,000 jobs over the next quality of life. In partnership with decade and bringing forward Staffordshire County Council, we land to develop into enterprise Powerhouse will electrify whole area have put together a comprehensive and commercial sites to STRIKING the City Deal with the Government will ● Improving access to finance and funding and compelling bid and we’re support local firms and inward electrify the next phase of economic development ● Providing the right sites and infrastructure for confident we are on the right investment. in the area. A City Deal will make a significant both housing and employment track.” Finally, it focuses on skills – He added: “The next few contribution to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s ● Ensuring the skills and training of our workforce and the opportunity to train months will be crucial as we six economic priorities of: meet business needs the workforce with world-class ● negotiate with the government to skills, with a particular focus on Supporting existing businesses to grow Councillor Pervez said:“Stoke-on-Trent has a huge make it a reality, securing jobs and ● the applied materials and Increasing inward investment potential to grow, it enjoys a fantastic location and growth for Stoke-on-Trent and ● advanced manufacturing Successfully marketing Stoke-on-Trent and our ambition is to create a great working city that driving forward the next phase of Staffordshire as a place to do business will be the very best for future generations.” sectors supporting local economic development for the businesses. region.” World leading research specialist puts city businesses on global map TESTING is underway in Stoke-on-Trent on a new fantastic businesses that are innovators in their field. technology designed to significantly cut the energy “Ceram is one of those and the potential for this costs of ceramics firms and give them a key technology to help ceramic makers to grow and advantage in international markets. compete on a global scale is really exciting. A 20-metre long kiln, built by materials technology “This is a perfect example of what we want to business Ceram after it won £1.9 million from the achieve through the City Deal, making Stoke-on-Trent Government’s Regional Growth Fund, will be used to a world leader in advanced manufacturing.” test the technology and reflects the council’s City Dr. David Pearmain, Project Manager at Ceram, said: Deal plan to encourage innovation and inward “If the commercial-scale project is successful, it will City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot and investment. help firms compete in the international market place, David Dry, Chairman of Ceram, pictured at the launch of City Council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot, which is good news for jobs in Staffordshire.” a ground-breaking, energy-saving kiln developed at the in officially launching the revolutionary Low Energy The first commercial-scale results of testing should company’s HQ in Stoke-on-Trent. Firing Technology project, said:“This city has some be available before the end of the year. Our City p10 28/6/13 14:00 Page 1

10 Our City SUMMER 2013 £13m investment boosts dozen city schools WELVE Stoke-on-Trent primary and infant schools are Tset to be transformed under new city council plans involving investment totalling £13.305 million. Schemes ranging from the complete rebuild of one school to extensions and remodelling of the others would create another 1,120 pupil places as the council improves facilities and caters for expected increases in population. Work is underway and set to start this summer and autumn on extensions costing £2.355 million, which will provide additional classrooms at the , Grove Junior, Crescent Academy and Infants Schools. There will be new classrooms, a revamped reception, bigger hall, office and staff room at Weston Coyney Junior School. Hoard Host Volunteer Sarah Alexander with an enlarged A lift is also being installed to make it replica of the seahorse piece. disabled-friendly. Next in line is C of E (A) Primary, where £750,000 has been earmarked for an extension subject to planning permission, with work due to begin by spring 2014. New interactive Clear link with attainment levels Holden Lane Primary is due to be exhibition tells replaced with a whole school rebuild costing £2.8 million set to begin in the spring or Weston Coyney Primary School teachers Nikki Beardmore, summer of 2014. Plans are also being left and Kath Campbell, pictured as steelworks rise to herald prepared to start work at the same time on big improvements. Hoard’s story extensions costing a total of £1.750 million at Burnwood Primary and Primary. Further consultation is needed at the 12th AN exciting new exhibition is A planning application is due this summer for a school, Willows Primary, for a £1 million extension on display at the Potteries spring/summer 2014 extension to Etruscan Primary, into the neighbouring Mount Educational Support Museum & Art Gallery which giving it a new entrance, classrooms, kitchen and hall Centre. puts the world-famous as well as outdoor sports facilities. That would cost Councillor Shaun Pender, the Cabinet Member Staffordshire Hoard into its £2 million. for Education, said: “It’s great news in that we’ll historical context. A bid is in to the Department for Education’s now have the capacity to meet increased demand in primary education over the next couple of years. Staffordshire Hoard: Targeted Basic Need Programme for an extension at Newstead Primary, which would see the school size “It’s also good news for youngsters in that the Dark Age of Discovery doubled. fabric of their buildings will be improved because also uses artifacts and Whatever the outcome, the council has already set evidence indicates a clear link between better interactive displays to £180,000 aside for work at the school. facilities and improved attainment levels.” reveal the story of how the incredible treasure was discovered in a Staffordshire field and then conserved and preserved for posterity. More than 200 specially Work starts on chosen pieces are being coincides with news that a displayed through the summer fundraising campaign launched at the City Centre venue. to save newly-found brand new build On show for the first time in Staffordshire Hoard treasure for A turf cutting ceremony was held to mark the start of the UK, they include intricate the nation has been a success. construction work on a brand new building, which will examples of delicate Saxon Court jewellers Wartski donated house Abbey Hill School and Performing Arts College. metalwork and highlight the £57,395 – the amount at which The Longton Box Lane site is being developed as part level of craftsmanship in the the 81 pieces were valued – to of the £270 million Building Schools for the Future 7th century. keep the collection together in programme, which is transforming education in the city. A £3.3 million price tag was the UK. Groundworks started on the new venue in the Spring placed on the Staffordshire Deputy Council Leader and construction is on track to be complete to allow the Hoard and the total collection Councillor Paul Shotton said: school to open in September 2014. consists of 1,800 gold and “The donation is fantastic news Key features of the design will include: several silver artifacts – making and will allow the Staffordshire ● A new single storey building with integrated the Staffordshire Hoard the Hoard to be kept together, provision to support students with autism largest and most valuable which was our main aim when ● Dedicated performing arts space we launched the fundraising Celebrating the start of work on the new Abbey collection of Anglo Saxon ● treasure ever discovered. campaign.”The free exhibition Dedicated indoor sport area Hill School and Performing Arts College. This latest exhibition runs until Sunday, 1 September. ● Facilities to promote the development of a second specialism, including a media suite and sound Award.The school was also judged “Outstanding” by system. Ofsted. The school supports up to 220 young people with Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Chelsea winner’s blog praise autism, speech, language and communication needs Regeneration, who joined pupils to carry out the turf and moderate learning difficulties. cutting ceremony, said:“This is a groundbreaking school ARTIST Anna Francis has written a blog about her fantastic In 2007, the school became a high performing project and the new purpose built venue will enhance day out to the Chelsea Flower Show as a winner of a city specialist school, adding a specialism in communication the great work and support that is provided through council competition.The part-time and interaction to its performing arts school status. Abbey Hill School and Performing Arts College. lecturer told Our City:“It was really great and a real treat to It has won awards including the Eco-Schools Silver “Pupils will have access to fantastic state of the art see Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Transformation Garden. It Award, National Healthy School Status, Artsmark Gold, learning facilities which will support their education and was great to see it getting positive coverage around the UK.” Inclusion Quality Mark and the Quality Study Support allow them to specialise in their chosen field.” Our City p11 28/6/13 13:43 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 11 Our City has been shining the spotlight on public service and why councillors take on their role. Here, another four talk about their hopes for the city as they make tough decisions in challenging economic times...

Pictured from left to right in the Civic Centre are Councillors Janine Bridges, Debra Gratton, Amjid Wazir and Shaun Pender.

Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Janine Bridges Debra Gratton Amjid Wazir Shaun Pender Labour Labour Labour Labour Great Chell and Packmoor Sneyd Green and Shelton Hartshill and Basford

I’ve always lived and worked I was first elected in May 2007 I held several roles in the I was first elected as a in Stoke-on-Trent and my where I had previously helped community before becoming a councillor two years ago and family all come from the city. local residents with a variety of councillor and people asked since then have worked closely I was educated here and that issues at our local residents’ me to stand so I could help to get with the two residents’ associations in “education enabled me to go on to the “association and have been a school “their voices heard. I’m still the “my ward on a number of local career that I have. governor for 15 years. chairman of trustees at the Islamic initiatives, which has been really I’m a lecturer at the University of As a working mother myself, I am Centre in Shelton and City Central rewarding. in anatomy, physiology and well aware of the challenges for mums Mosque as well as being actively Both Hartshill and Harpfields as human biology. I’m a and dads, the juggling act we all do involved in my local residents’ well as the Basford and Cliffe Vale gastroenterologist by training. working and providing for our families association. residents’ associations have done a The city gave me an opportunity to and like any other parent, I want the My ward is important because it has huge amount of work to make their pursue this lifestyle and I’ve always best for our children. the railway station, a gateway to areas great places to live. In my role as wanted to give something back. I was concerned about the Stoke-on-Trent. My work has involved a councillor I want to encourage a I worked as a teacher at educational and health issues in improving the appearance to give sense of community within the ward St Margaret Ward for 14 years and Stoke-on-Trent, which was why I visitors a good first impression of the that I represent. In these difficult during that time I got involved with decided to stand for election to get city. Hanley Park was neglected for times it is vitally important that the residents’ association because I improvements in both of these areas many years but I am pushing for more residents find a way of coming couldn’t become a councillor. for everyone. improvements to be made and for together to overcome the challenges If you work for the city you can’t Being a councillor can be funding bids to make that happen. that they face. I also want to develop a stand for election. frustrating, it often takes time to bring The University Quarter has closer working relationship between It was when I took early retirement about changes and it can seem slow, undergone a lot of work, which I the city council and local community from the school that I got jobs with but it is also very rewarding and believe is important because making groups. Times are tough and we all Leek College and then the University humbling. life good for students while they live need to pull together! of Derby and that meant I was free to Examples are the creation of more here helps to attract others to study I’ve just been made the council’s try and become a councillor. I was small group homes for our children in here. Cabinet Member for Education and first elected in 2008 and have been care, many of which are now Ofsted It takes time to settle into the role of now want to build on the fantastic on the council since then. rated as outstanding, and leading the a councillor but I enjoy it and have work done by my predecessors Debra I want to give the opportunity to children’s directorate out of special now got a lot of contacts with Gratton and Alan Dutton. all local children to do the very best measures. We are still some way off organisations that can bring benefits Attainment levels in city schools they can and for the residents to where we aspire to be but we need to to my ward. I look forward to working have improved significantly over the make it the best city in the continue to work together to with more organisations and last two years and I want to country in which to live and improve everyone’s lives, and would like to thank those who ensure that they continue to work. ” to continue to look forward. ” have supported me so far. ” travel in the right direction. ” Our City p12-13 28/6/13 14:04 Page 1

12 Our City SUMMER 2013 Improving lives through listenin By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ TO COMMUNITIE T’S easy to focus on the negatives and cuts that Ihave been imposed on the city, but there have been a tremendous amount of good things that have taken place in the city over the last year. These have been achieved through listening and engaging with residents, communities and partners, and are helping to drive our city forward. It is no secret that we have faced severe challenges over the last few years, and in the face of even more Government cuts there are more difficult times ahead. But it is easy to forget or just miss the many positive things that are happening in our city. Through these pages we want to celebrate this. We want to pay tribute to those people who are working together and actively seeking to create better lives for themselves, their BACK in work after a year of families and neighbourhoods. unemployment, Julie Cowans has We want to support the thanked the council’s Jet training and nurseries, children’s centres, employment scheme for finding her a schools and colleges which are job at a care home in Tunstall. giving our children a better start in The 49-year-old said:“This is the ideal life. We want to back businesses the council’s priorities, and on biggest school rebuilding job for me and I wouldn’t have got it if these pages, you’ll find just a few programme the city has ever and organisations who are creating it wasn’t for Jet.The help I got was much-needed jobs. examples of people whose lives known and our long-awaited have been improved because we do new bus station has heralded brilliant.” Julie is And we celebrate those people pictured with with and services who care so much for what we say we will. an exciting new era for the our most vulnerable residents. We have frozen Council Tax this City Centre. That’s more 77-year-old resident In fact, this magazine represents year, we’re in the middle of the good news. Mary Huff.

ABOVE, EXCELLENT ROLE MODELS FROM HAYWOOD ENGINEERING COLLEGE... Anojan Vigneswaren, 12 GCSEs, six of which were A* and Zoe Parton, 11 GCSEs with 10 at A/A*. Both are now studying at the City of Stoke-on- Trent Sixth Form College.They are pictured with City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez, who said: “We NEWLY married Sharon Cox and her fascias, soffits and guttering as STEPHEN Russell and his wife Anne year with excellent support from the are immensely proud of husband Graham are delighted with well as a new entrance canopy. decided to become foster carers local authority,”said Stephen, aged our young people who improvements to their city council Sharon said:“It’s made a real after their daughter went to 48.“We are now providing a safe, are working so hard to property. difference. It was okay before but University and they realised they loving and secure environment for achieve such great One of 262 former British Iron now it’s absolutely brilliant. It looks had the space to fulfil their a little boy.” Stoke-on-Trent now results. We hope our huge and Steel Federation homes in Chell like a new house. ambition of providing care for has 185 fostering households – investment in new Heath and Townsend to undergo “I have an autistic son and was a a child in need. an increase from last year as schools will inspire them extensive makeovers, their bit worried how he would react to “We completed our a result of the Keep a and give them the semi-detached house has been the work and the changes but the fostering skills child in the city… facilities they need to insulated and rendered, has new contractors really looked after us training at the where they belong raise the bar even front and back doors, window sills, and worked around us.” end of last campaign. higher.” Our City p12-13 28/6/13 14:03 Page 2

SUMMER 2013 Our City 13 ing IES

THE city council’s Building Schools for the Future programme has helped to keep local workers busy. Stuart Bowler Contractors has worked on almost all the schools in the programme, providing extra work for its employees who live in Stoke-on-Trent. Quantity Surveyor James Bowler said:“All our lads working on the programme are Stoke lads and we’ve had between 50 and 100 involved at any one time. We’ve had a very good experience with the programme.” ● Our picture shows Stuart Bowler Foreman Matthew Podmore at work on site at the new Abbey Hill School and Performing Arts College in Longton.

E know that difficult decisions will Wcontinue to be Engaging needed in the future, with greater challenges from more Government cuts. But we can continue to achieve with you and work and improve the lives of residents, like those on these pages, and continue to create the right conditions to attract investment into the city.We can do will help us that by all working together to help ourselves. We listen to our communities, engage with them and find that, keep on like us, their priority is creating jobs for local people. That’s why Stoke-on-Trent’s Mandate for Change is so clear in improving its aims to create a great working city, supporting existing businesses and encouraging inward investment. What we have achieved together, our city by working with public sector partners, businesses and using the latest technology and JENNIFER Jones had her life turned upside down social networks. in a night when, aged 51, she suffered a brain communities, has been significant in the face of considerable We’ll always report back to tell haemorrhage but thanks to help from challenges. people that we’re delivering on the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, she is now in new As well as creating job and things that matter most to accommodation and getting on the road to training opportunities, we have residents... important issues like recovery. promoted independence and potholes, a cleaner city and jobs. After seven months in hospital and rehabilitation, healthy lives, prioritising to meet So please keep in touch and give Jennifer has been set up with a council property in the needs of our residents. us your thoughts. and received help from the council’s Councillors and the officers who We thank the people of domiciliary rehabilitation team with day-to-day work for the city council will Stoke-on-Trent for their support in activities she now struggles with due to short-term continue to talk to residents, listen difficult times; we appreciate their memory loss. to their needs, explain our vision input and even their criticism as it Jennifer said:“I would have given up if it wasn’t and the reasons behind our helps us to shape strategies and for the help the team gave me. I can’t praise them decisions. policies for the future; but most of enough, they deserve an award.” We want to do even more to all we invite them to join us, get on Jennifer is pictured with Rehab Worker Jocie engage with people, young and board and work with us as we Bonsall, one of the team that cares for her at home. old, by getting out and about, strive to make Stoke-on-Trent the inviting them in to see us and by great city it deserves to be. Our City p14 28/6/13 14:05 Page 1

14 Our City SUMMER 2013

he latest phase of a multi-million pound T project to transform the City Centre is Shoppers give thumbs-up to underway. Open space – referred to as “public realm” – is being upgraded to transform the appearance of the City Centre and improve the experience for new-look City Centre visitors. The aim is to provide an inspirational series of linked 2013 and saw Percy Street, improvements to Parliament spaces and streets that can Tontine Street and part of Square, adjacent to the Grade II accommodate events and Stafford Street transformed with Listed Tontines building, involves festivals, in a safe, accessible and natural stone paving, seating and road and footway reconstruction attractive environment. tree planting. and the provision of new The latest major facelift is just This latest phase will provide lighting, street furniture and tree one of a series of projects that is new, high quality public spaces planting. transforming the city for current in Albion Street, Albion Square, Work will cost £2.5 million and future generations to enjoy, the western end of Old Hall and is being funded by the helping to bring in new jobs and Street and Lichfield Street, European Regional Development visitors to the city. connecting to the new £15 Fund 2007-13, matched by the Phase one of the public realm million bus station. city council. The work will create works was completed in March The work, which also includes a legacy for local people and make the City Centre more attractive to potential new investors. The improvements will help enhance the image and appeal of the city to businesses, attracting fresh inward investment and job opportunities. It will also help join up other developments taking place around the city including the Central Business District, which will kick-start the economic recovery of the city, creating jobs and regeneration. Latest phase The work is set to be complete in the autumn of 2014. The city council is currently looking to secure funding towards further phases of public realm improvements. Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation, said: “I think all visitors to the City Centre SMART would agree the first phase of NEW LOOK... the work has really improved Lucy Jackson, 19 the look and feel of the place. and her sister “We’re really excited that the Chloe, 16, both from second phase is about to get Longton, shopping underway, which will again help in the City to provide a more welcoming Centre. TWICE AS GOOD... twins Joan Leese from Meir shopping environment in what is and Betty Eggington from Weston Coyney. the City Centre’s biggest makeover for a generation.” Preparation work continues on Central Business District SITE preparation for Stoke-on-Trent’s new bus station earlier this year was the start Central Business District is well underway of the journey to transforming the City with the demolition phase scheduled for Centre into something we can all be completion by the end of September. proud of. The 13 properties on Broad Street “The CBD scheme is part of a clear acquired by compulsory purchase earlier strategy to create high quality white this year began falling to the bulldozers collar jobs in the City Centre to help us as contractors moved in. diversify our economic base and help us The site will be levelled, coal seams become more resilient in the face of treated, mineshafts capped and utilities future economic challenges. reconfigured, prior to handover to the “The scheme is intended to act as a main contractor later this year. catalyst for the further economic Planning permission is already in place regeneration of the whole city and the for the first two city council buildings to wider North Staffordshire region.” occupy the site. London-based architects Renton Following progress... Both are five storeys – one will house a Howard Wood Levin are designing the Robert Napier, library, the council chamber, a customer council buildings. Chairman of the hub and council offices while the other Procurement for the main contractor, Homes and will also have retail and leisure space on who will be encouraged to use local Communities Agency, the ground floor. labour and materials wherever possible, is right, and Neil Clarke, Council Leader Councillor Mohammed well underway. the city council’s Development Pervez said:“A successful city needs a The site should be handed over to the Programme Manager (City successful City Centre – something we’re main contractor by the end of the Renewal), who has special strongly committed to. summer.The new buildings will be responsibility for the Central “The completion of the state-of-the-art completed by spring 2015. Business District, survey the site. Our City p15-18 28/6/13 14:07 Page 1

FRIDAY – 5-6PM FENTON PARK UNTIL SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER – Weekly Unite Multi-Sports Session 10-5PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & General Holiday day pass is available ART GALLERY every weekday 10am-4pm,and Try different sports with us every Friday includes unlimited use of: Events held one day a week evening.Free for any young person aged Mines Rescue One-off events for your calendar ● Pools TUESDAY – 5-6PM FENTON PARK of 9-16yr olds.Tel.01782 829942. A look at some of the equipment THURSDAY 18 JULY – 10.30-11.30AM ● available to the brave men of the Indoor sports (badminton, Mars Just Play Kickabout FRIDAY – 6.30-8PM J AND G MEAKIN Mines Rescue Service.Tel.01782 table tennis, short tennis) Join us for a kickabout every Tuesday CRICKET CLUB Toddler Thursdays ● 232323. Crazy Golf Land evening.For anybody over the age of 16. Outdoor Cricket Coaching Learn,play and explore in our sessions ● Go karts Tel.01782 829942 and ask for Josh If you are interested in joining NEW UNTIL SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER – for under 5s and parents or carers.Tel. ● Dance mats Whitmore. cricket teams in 2013,then come along 10-5PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & 01782 237777. Price:£5 for juniors aged 8+ and to our outdoor coaching session for WEDNESDAY – 11-1PM BURSLEM ART GALLERY FRIDAY 19 JULY – 9.30-11.30AM adults,£4 for juniors aged under 8. PARK beginners and experienced cricketers. The Rednile Project Exclusive offers in Riptide Café/Bar. Tel.01782 289660. WESTPORT LAKE Burslem Park Knitting Group Display inspired by the Staffordshire Nature Tots For further details call Join Pat,Carrina and the Burslem Park FRIDAY – 6-8PM BURSLEM PARK Hoard and created by photographer Join our toddler group for some pre- 01782 233222 Helen Stead and composer Stef volunteers for a natter over knitting and Friday Night Multi-Sports school nature inspired fun.Each session Conner.Tel.01782 232323. a welcome cuppa.Just bring your Free-of-charge sports sessions for young includes crafts,a snack,an outdoor trail needles and materials.Tel.07787 people aged 11+,with qualified UNTIL SUNDAY 4 AUGUST – 10-5PM and storytime.Tel.01782 454192. Leisure Swim and Play 005946. coaches from Groundwork West THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART Tower sessions for Midlands.Tel.01782 829900. GALLERY SATURDAY 20 JULY – 10.30-12.30PM THURSDAY – 11-11.30AM NORTH THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART everyone,open daily.Offers SHELTON COMMUNITY CENTRE SATURDAY – 6-8PM BURSLEM PARK Clock Exhibition GALLERY include entry to the fantasy Twenty Staffordshire schools took on Shelton Community Coffee Saturday Multi-Sports pool,play tower,indoor sports the challenge set by locally based Arty Party Morning Free-of-charge sports sessions for young Fortnightly Saturday morning art club and meal deals in the café/bar. Community coffee morning every company KMF to create a prototype people aged 11+,with qualified for 8 to 14 year olds.Tel.01782 232323. Price:£5.90 for adults,£4.40 Thursday.Tel.07988 600313. coaches from Groundwork West clock that could be made and Midlands.Tel.01782 829900. manufactured for sale.Tel.01782 SUNDAY 21 JULY – 10-5PM BURSLEM juniors (Energise PLUS and THURSDAY – 10.30-12PM THE HOPE 232323. PARK family tickets also available, CHILDREN’S CENTRE SATURDAY – 11AM DJ SCHOOL URBAN The Co-operative ‘It’s a locker charges apply). Hands Around the World ARTS CENTRE UNTIL TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER – Knockout’ Charity Fundraiser For further details call Group MASC Arts and Music Youth 10-5PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Join us at Burslem Park for an ‘It’s a 01782 233500 Friendly group specifically for families Club Knockout’contest.Tel.0843 751 9160. from the BME community.Have fun Weekly arts crafts and interactive music Morling and the Hoard with your children as well as getting drop-in session,including DJ-ing,for As part of the London 2012 Festival, SUNDAY 21 JULY – 10AM TRENTHAM general support and advice.Tel.01782 young people aged 11 years and over. eminent British ceramicist,Katherine GARDENS 234357. Tel.01782 205675. Morling was commissioned by the city council to create a body of work that Leisurely Cycle Ride – Glorious FRIDAY – 2-3.30PM BURSLEM PARK references the incredible significance Gardens to Grand Designs Burslem Park Health Walk of the world famous Staffordshire Trentham to Wedgwood Estate, Meet at the Park Lodge (off Moorland Ongoing Hoard.Tel.01782 232323. Barlaston – 6 miles,taking in the Fun sessions include activities Road) for a friendly 45-minute walk Wedgwood Estate.Tel.01782 616243. such as football,basketball, UNTIL SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER – around Burslem Park and the Events running through summer netball,cricket,badminton,table 10-5PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & MONDAY 22 JULY TO FRIDAY 30 surrounding streets and greenways.Tel. AUGUST – 11-13.30PM WEDGWOOD tennis,tennis and bouncy castle. 07787 005946. UNTIL SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER – ART GALLERY 10-5PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & Staffordshire Hoard: Dark MUSEUM Sessions are £3 and days/times FRIDAY – 10-12.30PM BURSLEM PARK ART GALLERY Age Discovery Teapots and Parties may vary. Get Hands On with the Football Association Over 100 specially-chosen artefacts Join us for a summer holiday full of tea For further details call Burslem Park Volunteers Anniversary Display from the Staffordshire Hoard...a pots and parties.Tel.01782 371900. 01782 234400 Join our friendly team of volunteers,get Marking the 150th anniversary of the unique opportunity to find out about TUESDAY 23 JULY – THE POTTERIES your hands dirty,and have great fun founding of the Football Association.Tel. this world famous discovery.Tel.01782 MUSEUM & ART GALLERY doing it.Tel.07787 005946. 01782 232323. 232323. Toddler Tuesday Discover our wonderful collections in sessions for under 5s and parents/carers.Tel.01782 232323 Summer Reading Holiday day pass is available every TUESDAY 23 JULY TO FRIDAY 26 JULY Fun and weekday,includes unlimited use of: family – 11-4PM GLADSTONE POTTERY ● Multi sports – badminton, swim Challenge 2013 MUSEUM basketball,table tennis – Summer Holiday Craft sessions Stoke-on-Trent Libraries is taking part in 12pm-4pm. available Monday-Friday. Activity: Animal Magnets ● Family fun swim sessions – this year’s national Summer Reading Spot the animals in our tile gallery and For further details call 12-1.45pm,2.15-4pm. Challenge, which encourages young turn your favourite into a magnet to 01782 235037 Price:£3.50 per child (plus children to read six books during the keep.Tel.01782 237777. Always telephone before visiting standard adult prices for pools). school holidays with stickers and TUESDAY 23 JULY TO FRIDAY 26 JULY – the centre. rewards for every book they finish. 10.30-12.30PM AND 1.15-3PM THE The theme for this year is Creepy POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY House, illustrated by award winning Make a Circus Mobile Chris Riddell. Join in the Tel.01782 232323. adventure at your local library SUNDAY 28 JULY – 11-5PM TUNSTALL There’sThere’sThere’s somethingsomethingsomething or visit stoke.gov.uk/libraries PARK for more Tunstall Carnival forfor everyone!everyone! information. Fun for all the family with live forforfor everyone!everyone!everyone! entertainment.Tel.01782 613787.

Lots of events are FREE! Our City p15-18 28/6/13 14:07 Page 2

TUESDAY 30 JULY – 10-5PM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 10.30-3PM TUESDAY 20 AUGUST TO THURSDAY 22 THURSDAY – 9.30-11.30AM FRIDAY – 1.30-2.30PM GLADSTONE POTTERY MUSEUM WHITFIELD VALLEY AND CENTRE AUGUST – 12-3PM HANLEY PARK British Childminders Stay and Play Parent Forum Meeting # Meet Miss Byrne Wildflower Safari Picnic with the Youth Team Drop-In Every first Friday of the month Find out what it was like to work at Come along and have a go at identifying Are you aged between 9 and 13 Years Ceramics Childminders only please Gladstone China in 1910.Tel.01782 some of the beautiful flowers in this old? If so,come and join in a range of fun SATURDAY 237777. Local nature reserve and looking at what activities and picnic with the Youth Team Biennial THURSDAY – 1-2.30PM Satur’dads # creatures live in their midst.Tel.01782 at Hanley Park.Tel.01782 232139 or Growing Together * First Saturday of the month,location TUESDAY 30 JULY TO FRIDAY 2 AUGUST 331889. 235816. Free and friendly ceramic varies. – 11-4PM GLADSTONE POTTERY workshops for the whole family, FRIDAY – 9.30-11.30AM Y MUSEUM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 1-2.45PM WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM delivered by contemporary artists. Maths Course and Créche # OTHER SERVICES THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART PARK HALL COUNTRY PARK Sessions at Wedgwood Visitor Centre, Volunteer Programme available. Summer Holiday Craft Activity: FRIDAY – 1.30-2.30PM Blake Badges GALLERY Bug Hunt Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and Toy Library and Mobile Toy Library Longton Market are drop-in,so please Parent Forum Meeting # services. Make your own badge using the iconic What is it? Join our experts on a hunt for creepy just come along.Please call 01782 Every third Friday of the month Ask at reception for details on other photography of William Blake.Tel.01782 Free expert advice on the identification crawlies in and around our sandstone 237777 to book.For more information services on offer. 237777. and care of your objects including canyons.Tel.01782 331889. SATURDAY and a full events listing,please visit ceramics,art,local and natural history. Satur’dads # TUESDAY 30 JULY TO FRIDAY 2 AUGUST SATURDAY 24 AUGUST TO MONDAY 26 www.britishceramicsbiennial.com Tel.01782 232323. First Saturday of the month,location – 10.30-12.30PM AND 1.15-3PM THE AUGUST – 10AM EMMA BRIDGEWATER Stoke-on-Trent SATURDAY 3 AUGUST – 1.30-3.30PM varies. POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY SATURDAY 10 AUGUST – 8.45-10.15PM LTD Gladstone Pottery Museum,Longton. North Children’s Grow Your Own Clown PARK HALL COUNTRY PARK August Bank Holiday Weekend OTHER SERVICES Tel.01782 232323. Bat Walk For us,this August bank holiday SATURDAY 10 AUGUST – 1.30-3.30PM Volunteer Programme available. Centre Learn about these fascinating nocturnal weekend is all about getting out into the The Wedgwood Museum,Barlaston. Toy Library and Mobile Toy Library FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 10-12PM BISHOPS ROAD,CHELL HEATH,STOKE- animals during this ever-popular annual garden and once again were services. ON-TRENT,ST6 6QW – 01782 232977 BURSLEM PARK guided walk with our local bat expert. collaborating with the RSPB to bring you SATURDAY 17 AUGUST – 1.30-3.30PM Ask at reception for details on other Wildplay in Burslem Park Tel.01782 331889. some very special activities.Tel.01782 Potteries Museum & Art Gallery,City services on offer. MONDAY – 9.30-11.30AM Join the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for a 201328. Centre. Parent Forum Meeting # fun-filled morning of environmental SATURDAY 10 AUGUST – 10.30-4PM SATURDAY 24 AUGUST – 1.30-3.30PM Every last Monday of the month activities,crafts and games.Tel.01782 THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART THURSDAY 29 AUGUST – Ball Green Longton Market,(part of the Listening to 632520. GALLERY 10.30-11.30AM GLADSTONE POTTERY MONDAY – 1-3PM National Football Day MUSEUM Longton project) Children’s Centre Adult Learning Courses and SATURDAY 3 AUGUST – 10.30-12PM Workshops and demonstrations to Toddler Thursdays BALL GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL, Créche # THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART celebrate the 150th anniversary of Stoke Learn,play and explore in our sessions WHITFIELD ROAD,BALL GREEN,STOKE- GALLERY City Football Club and the English FA.Tel. for under 5s and parents or carers.Tel. ON-TRENT,ST6 8AJ – 01782 231096 TUESDAY – 9-10.30AM Satur’dads – Story Session 01782 232323. 01782 237777. Stoke-on- Messy Monkeys Baby Group ‘Tortoise and the Hare’ MONDAY – 9.30-11AM 0-18 months or confident walkers Introducing a new fun session for TUESDAY 13 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 16 TUESDAY 27 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 30 Trent Stay and Play Drop-In children 0-11years...Bring along your AUGUST – 11-4PM GLADSTONE AUGUST – 11-4PM GLADSTONE TUESDAY – 9-10.30AM TUESDAY – 1-2.45PM dad,step-dad,uncles,brothers and POTTERY MUSEUM POTTERY MUSEUM Children’s Health Visitor Drop-In Summer Holiday Craft Activity: Summer Holiday Craft Activity: Growing Together * grandads.Tel.01782 232977. TUESDAY – 12.45-2.45PM Pot Kiln Puppetry Victorian Toy Centres SATURDAY 3 AUGUST – 9-4PM FRIDAY – 1.30-3PM English Course and Créche # Make a miniature pot kiln puppet Make a cup and ball toy like Victorian Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and CENTRAL FOREST PARK theatre,complete with lollipop stick children used to play with.Tel.01782 You can now find us on Facebook just search for your local children’s Play Drop-In WEDNESDAY – 9-11AM Annual Green Door Health and puppets.Tel.01782 237777. 237777. Stay and Play Drop-In Wellbeing Event centre e.g ‘Tunstall Children’s During the summer holidays these TUESDAY 13 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 16 TUESDAY 27 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 30 Centre’.Keep a look out on our session will take place at Norton Annual health and wellbeing event and Facebook page and at reception for THURSDAY – 9.30-11.30AM official launch of the Green Door Project. AUGUST – 10.30-12.30PM AND AUGUST – 10.30-12.30PM AND Children’s Centre. Maths Course and Créche # 1.15-3PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM 1.15-3PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM more information on our Summer With loads of fun things to see and do. Holiday Activities. SATURDAY Tel.01782 236667. & ART GALLERY & ART GALLERY FRIDAY – 9.30-11AM Satur’dads # Growing Together * Clowning Around Split-pin Personalities First Saturday of the month,location SATURDAY 3 AUGUST – 10.30-12.30PM Make your own clown hat and tie to Make a moving circus character.Tel. North Locality varies. FRIDAY – 1-2.30PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART wear.Tel.01782 232323. 01782 232323. Walking Group # GALLERY KEY: OTHER SERVICES All the family can take part in walks Arty Party SATURDAY 17 AUGUST – SATURDAY 31 AUGUST – Ask at reception # Volunteer Programme available. around the locality Fortnightly Saturday morning art club 10.30-12.30PM THE POTTERIES 10.30-12.30PM THE POTTERIES Referral only * Toy Library and Mobile Toy Library Y MUSEUM & ART GALLERY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY ▲ for 8-14 yr olds.Tel.01782 232323. Appointments only services. SATURDAY Arty Party Arty Party ■ Book at reception Ask at reception for details on other Satur’dads # SATURDAY 3 AUGUST TO SUNDAY 4 Fortnightly Saturday morning art club Fortnightly Saturday morning art club services on offer. First Saturday of the month,location AUGUST – 1-4.30PM ETRURIA for 8-14 yr olds.Tel.01782 232323. for 8-14 yr olds.Tel.01782 232323. INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM Norton Children’s varies. Mill ‘in steam’ – Local SATURDAY 17 AUGUST TO SUNDAY 18 SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER – 8AM AND Burslem Children’s OTHER SERVICES Community Weekend AUGUST – 10-5PM GLADSTONE 10AM TRENTHAM GARDENS Centre Volunteer Programme available. POTTERY MUSEUM Come along and see Jesse Shirley’s Tour Ride ST NICHOLAS AVENUE,NORTON, Centre Toy Library and Mobile Toy Library Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill in action Meet Miss Byrne 8am Pro 100 Ride,10am Challenge 50 STOKE-ON-TRENT,ST6 8JW ,HAMIL ROAD,BURSLEM, services. powered by the mighty 1820s Steam Find out what it was like to work at Ride.Amateur cyclists will once again – 01782 231096 STOKE-ON-TRENT,ST6 1AW Ask at reception for details on other Powered Beam Engine ‘Princess’.Tel. Gladstone China in 1910.Tel.01782 have the opportunity to take on the – 01782 238989 services on offer. 01782 233144. 237777. gruelling challenge of the Stoke-on-Trent MONDAY – 9.15-10.45AM stage of the Tour of Britain. Milton Bay Group at Milton Uth MONDAY – 1-2.30PM TUESDAY 20 AUGUST – 10.30-11.30AM SUNDAY 4 AUGUST – 10-5PM Centre Stay and Play Drop-In Tunstall Children’s GLADSTONE POTTERY MUSEUM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER – 12-6PM 0-18 months or confident walkers Potteries Connection Classic GALLERY BURSLEM PARK TUESDAY – 9.30-11.30AM Centre Bus Running Day Toddler Tuesday A Village Show in the City MONDAY – 1-3PM English Course and Créche # WOODLAND STREET,TUNSTALL,STOKE- Discover our wonderful collections in Join us for ‘A Village Show in the City’ See classic buses at the museum and English Course and Créche # TUESDAY – 1-2.30PM ON-TRENT,ST6 6AP – 01782 236655 make use of a free bus service around sessions for under 5s and parents/carers. with a floural and produce competition, Tel.01782 232323. traditional sports and games and live TUESDAY – 9.30-11AM Growing Together * MONDAY – 9.30-11AM the local area.Tel.01782 237777. ■ music.Tel.07787 005946. Sweet Peas Baby Group WEDNESDAY – 9.30-10.30AM Stay and Play TUESDAY 6 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 9 TUESDAY 20 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 23 0-18 months or confident walkers AUGUST – 10.30-12.30PM AND AUGUST – 11-4PM GLADSTONE WEDNESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER – Baby Massage Drop-In MONDAY – 12.45-2.45PM 1.15-3PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM POTTERY MUSEUM 1-2.45PM THE POTTERIES MUSEUM TUESDAY – 10-12PM WEDNESDAY – 9.30-11AM Maths Course and Créche # Young Parents Group & ART GALLERY Summer Holiday Craft Activity: & ART GALLERY Stay and Play Drop-In TUESDAY – 9.30-11AM Slipware Tiles Under the Sea What is it? TUESDAY – 9.30-4PM Growing Together * Make and decorate your own tile.Tel. Free expert advice on the identification THURSDAY – 9.30-11AM Be inspired by our wonderfully watery Midwife Antenatal ▲ 01782 232323. tile and create an under the sea themed and care of your objects including Tiny Explorers Baby Group TUESDAY – 11.30-12.30PM ceramics,art,local and natural history. 0-18 months or confident walkers TUESDAY 6 AUGUST TO FRIDAY 9 plaque from clay.Tel.01782 TUESDAY – 1-3PM Baby Massage Drop-In 237777. Tel.01782 232323. AUGUST – 11-4PM GLADSTONE Adult Learning Courses and THURSDAY – 9.30-11.30AM TUESDAY – 1.30-2.30PM POTTERY MUSEUM TUESDAY 20 AUGUST TO SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER – 10-12PM Créche # Health Visitor Drop-In Jumping Beans ■ Summer Holiday Craft FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – DIMENSIONS LEISURE CENTRE WEDNESDAY – 9.30-11AM THURSDAY – 12.45-2.45PM Music and movement Activity: The 10.30-12.30PM AND Satur’dads Stay and Play Drop-In Adult Learning Courses and Saggermaker’s 1.15-3PM THE Introducing a new fun session for WEDNESDAY – Créche # Bottom Knocker! POTTERIES MUSEUM & children 0-11years...Bring THURSDAY – 9.30-11.30AM Amuse your friends with this ART GALLERY along your dad,step-dad, 9.15-10.45AM FRIDAY – 9.30-11AM Adult moving split pin character Minibeast Mask uncles,brothers and Jumping Beans Lets Get Creative Stay and Play Learning with the world’s silliest job title! Design a bug mask to grandads.Tel.01782 Music and movement at Messy play,please bring a change of Courses and Tel.01782 237777. wear.Tel.01782 232323. 232977. Milton Uth Centre clothing Créche # Our City p15-18 28/6/13 14:07 Page 3

WEDNESDAY – 9.30-11.30AM WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST THURSDAY 15 AUGUST – 9AM TUESDAY 30 JULY – 10-12PM TUESDAY 20 AUGUST – 10-11.30AM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding End of Summer Fun Day Trip to Blackpool Staffordshire Wildlife Event Princess’s and Superhero’s Messy Play Café Still in planning,ask at reception for Leaving Thomas Boughey Children’s Kindly sponsored by Councillor Ruth Come along in your dressing up clothes Play together – Use your senses and further details. Centre 9am – need to book on 1 Rosenau,taste a variety of fresh and join the fun. explore the messy play. THURSDAY – 9.30-11AM August. produce,grow your own tasty food, ■ Stay and Play make butterflies to put in your garden TUESDAY 27 AUGUST – 10-11.30AM WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM The Hope WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 10-11AM Carnival Day Mini Beasts THURSDAY – 10-12PM ages 0-11 yr olds.No need to book just Booking on day turn up. Hook the duck and much more. Play together – Look and search for mini Young Parents Group Children’s Centre Ladies only swimming at Jubilee 2. beasts while you play. GARTH STREET,HANLEY,STOKE-ON- FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – 12.30-2.30PM THURSDAY – 9.30-4PM SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 4.30-6PM The Grange WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM Midwife Antenatal ▲ TRENT ST1 2DA – 01782 234357 Youth Activities Ladies only swimming Youth Services in Partnership with The Children’s Centre Nursery Rhymes THURSDAY – 12.45-2.45PM TUESDAY 23 JULY – 1.30-2.30PM Jubilee 2 Swimming Baths Newcastle. Crescent Children’s Centre with a range Play together – Dress up as a character English Course and Créche # Treasure Hunt MONDAY 19 AUGUST 12-2PM of activities 8-13 yr olds.No need to NORMACOT GRANGE ROAD,MEIR, and sing along to your favourite rhymes. Hanley Forest Park Eid Party book just turn up. STOKE-ON-TRENT ST3 7AW – FRIDAY – 9.30-11AM 01782 233775 In addition there will be some activities Busy Babies Baby Group THURSDAY 25 JULY – 1.30-3.30PM Henna,face painting,Eid crafts,parents TUESDAY 13 AUGUST – 10-12PM to bring in food,try Bhangra dancing MONDAY 22 JULY – 9.15-11.15AM in our café area on certain days and local 0-18 months or confident walkers Themed Arts and Crafts Sports Activities walks – please check facebook for and celebrate Eid. Enjoy some sporting activities like Play Together Bug Hunt FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 2-3PM details. FRIDAY – 9.30-11.30AM football,quick cricket and lots more Come along and do some bug hunting Fun with Food THURSDAY 22 AUGUST – 12-2PM Health Visitors Drop-In Park, play and Picnic 0-11 yr olds.No need to book just turn and see what bugs you can find 0-11yr up. olds.No need to book just turn up. FRIDAY – 1-2.30PM TUESDAY 6 AUGUST – 1.30-3PM Family fun.Meet in Hanley park by the Parent Forum Meeting # Junk Modelling bottom car park to play games,enjoy TUESDAY 27 AUGUST – 10-12PM MONDAY 5 AUGUST – 9.15-11.15AM Youth the park,feed the ducks and don’t Every second Friday of the month THURSDAY 8 AUGUST – 10.30-12PM Princess and Super Hero Play Together Sports Day forget your picnic. Come along and join in some races Teams SATURDAY EID Celebration Event and Disco Get your Princess and Super Hero You will need to book on for this event. # THURSDAY 29 AUGUST 12-2PM Satur’dads THURSDAY 15 AUGUST outfits on and come and have some fun Summer First Saturday of the month,location Athletics World Championship MONDAY 19 AUGUST – 9.15-11.15AM Trip to the Seaside ages 0-11 yr olds.No need to book just varies. Sports Day Princess and Super Hero turn up. Activities TUESDAY 20 AUGUST – 1.30-3PM 0-11 yrs.Venue TBA either Thomas Event OTHER SERVICES Sports in the Park Boughey Children’s Centre/The Shelton Get your Princess and Super Hero offer Volunteer Programme available. Centre. outfits on and come and have some fun Toy Library and Mobile Toy Library Hanley Forest Park. Hanford Children’s ages 0-11 yr olds.No need to book just MONDAY 29 JULY – 12-2PM services. FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – 1.30-3PM THURSDAY 29 AUGUST 10-11AM Centre Archery @ Berry Hill High Ask at reception for details on other Booking on day turn up. Fun Day JUBILEE ROAD,TRENTHAM ST4 8EF – School – ST2 9LR services on offer. Ladies only swimming at Jubilee 2. Limited places,please book.13-19yr TUESDAY 27 AUGUST – 1.30-3PM 01782 234024 Treehouse olds.£3. Central Locality Junk Modelling SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 4.30-6PM Summer events are based on World Ladies only swimming Culture – Round the world with Phileas Children’s Centre MONDAY 29 JULY – 12-3PM Jubilee 2 Swimming Baths Newcastle. Fogg.Children will receive a ‘passport’ Park Event @ Hanley Park, Kingsland Thomas Boughey to log their journey,which will be DAWLISH DRIVE,BENTILEE,ST2 0HW Other activities are planned.Families – 01782 233670 College Road, Shelton stamped each week. Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 yr Children’s Centre Children’s Centre can like us on Facebook “Thomas FRIDAY 26 JULY – 9.30-11AM WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – 10-11.30AM olds.Free. EAVES LANE,BUCKNALL,STOKE-ON- COLLEGE ROAD,SHELTON,STOKE-ON- Boughey Children’s Centre”where TRENT ST4 2DQ – 01782 237100 further details can be seen. London, Teddy Bears Picnic TRENT ST2 9AS – 01782 238352 Bring your own teddy,story time,song TUESDAY 30 JULY – 12-5PM The following will be held each week: FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 9.30-11AM Canoeing @ Stanley Head TUESDAY 6 AUGUST – 12-1.30PM South Locality time. TUESDAYS – 10-11.30AM France Limited places,please book.13-19yr Teddy Bears Picnic WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 1-2.30PM olds.£3. Make and Bake FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – 9.30-11AM FRIDAY 16 AUGUST – 1-2:30PM Sessions will be at the Mitchell Arts Treehouse’s Got Talent Blurton Children’s Egypt Come along and share your talent. TUESDAY 30 JULY 9.30-4.15PM Beach Day Centre. Mountain Biking @ Manifold TUESDAYS – 1-2.30PM Centre FRIDAY 16 AUGUST – 9.30-11AM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – Valley FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – 1-3PM Japan Yearn to Learn Event Growing Together OAKWOOD ROAD,BLURTON,STOKE- 10-11.30AM Limited places,please book.10-14yr Will have a group for older children 5-11 ON-TRENT ST3 3AR – 01782 231815 FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – 9.30-11AM Nations Day olds.£3. WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST – 1-3PM yr olds running alongside it. Summer events are based on World USA Summer Fayre Culture – Round the world with Phileas WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 12-5PM WEDNESDAYS – 1-2.30PM Fogg.Children will receive a ‘passport’ FRIDAY 30 AUGUST – 9.30-11AM Beach Party Canoeing @ Stanley Head THURSDAY 29 AUGUST – 1-2:30PM Play Together to log their journey,which will be India Come and spend some time at our Limited places,please book.13-19yr olds. Walk this Way stamped each week. beach. £3. Abbey Ruins FRIDAYS – 1-2.30PM Play Together WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – 1-3PM Fenton Children’s MONDAY 19 AUGUST – 12-3PM WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 7.30-9.30PM FRIDAY 30 AUGUST – 1-2:30PM London, England Youth Services Scuba Diving @ Chesterton Walk this Way One off events/activities are: Centre Come and see what fun you can have Limited places,please book.13-19yr olds. Bucknall Park WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 1-3PM with the team.9-13 yr olds. £6. WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – 11.30-2PM France TRAVERS COURT,TEMPLE STREET, Family Fun Day FENTON,ST4 4NR – 01782 237650 MONDAY 19 AUGUST – 1-2.30PM WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 9.30-4.15PM Penkhull All Saints Church Hall,Joiners Square – WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 1-3PM Princess’s and Superhero’s Mountain Biking @ Manifold Healthy activities,Bouncy Castle,Health Egypt MONDAY’S – 9-11AM Come along in your dressing up clothes Valley Children’s Centre services,stalls,craft activities – family Toast and Toys and join the fun.0-8 yr olds. WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 1-3PM Limited places,please book.10-14yr GREATBATCH AVENUE,PENKHULL, fun. Come along to see what we have at the olds.£3. Japan children centre. WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST – STOKE-ON-TRENT ST4 7JU – 01782 THURSDAY 25 JULY – 10-11.30AM 10-11.30AM 236333 WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST – 1-3PM WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 12-3PM Music Makers MONDAY’S – 1-2.30PM Carnival Day Park event @ Tunstall Park, USA Walking Group MONDAY 22 JULY – 9.30-11.30AM Making instruments,producing music Hook the duck and much more. ST6 6DY and singing 0-11 yr olds Bottle Kiln Project WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST – 1-3PM TUESDAY 23 JULY – 10-11.30AM Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 yr Get creative and make a small clay WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 1PM-2.30PM India Teddy Bears Picnic Westfield olds.Free. bottle kiln for display at Middleport Clay Bottle Kiln Project Bring your own teddy,story time,song Pottery’s grand opening next spring. THURSDAY 1 AUGUST – 12-5PM 0-11 yr olds. The Crescent time. Children’s Centre Canoeing @ Stanley Head WEDNESDAY 31 JULY THURSDAY 1 AUGUST – 12-2PM TUESDAY 30 JULY – 10-11.30AM BUCCLEUCH ROAD,NORMACOT, Limited places,please book.13-19yr – 10.30-12.30PM Booking on day Children’s Centre Fenton’s Got Talent STOKE-ON-TRENT ST3 4RF – 01782 olds.£3. Teddy Bear Picnic 237500 PINEWOOD CRESCENT,MEIR,STOKE- Come along and share your talent. THURSDAY 1 AUGUST – 12-3PM Bring a teddy and lunch to Yeaman TUESDAY 6 AUGUST – 12-2PM ON-TRENT ST3 6HZ – 01782 596421 Street Park,Boothen,for a bear hunt Beach Party TUESDAY 6 AUGUST – 10-11.30AM WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – 1-2.30PM Park Event @ Mollison Road and games.All welcome. Smoothie Shack,Face Painting,try Hula TUESDAY 25 JUNE – 9.30-11.30AM Healthy Eating Day Seaside fun Park, Meir, ST3 7AJ and Limbo,play in the sand and lots,lots Child Safety Come along and make your own Come and join in the fun. Unlimited places – Just turn up. THURSDAY 22 AUGUST more.0-11 yr olds. healthy snacks. 11-19 yr olds.Free. – 10-11.30AM Event WEDNESDAY 31 JULY – 1-2.30PM Come along and see Play together MONDAY 12 AUGUST – 10.30AM how you can keep TUESDAY 13 AUGUST Princess and THURSDAY 1 AUGUST – with book swap Tumble Toddlers your child Safe – 10-11.30AM Pirate 9.30-4.15PM St John’s Centre.Bring At Rumble Tumble Hanley – reduced and Healthy. Beach Party Play together Mountain Biking @ your old books and fee if you quote ‘Tumble Toddlers’ Family Event.No Come and spend – Be part Manifold Valley swap.Children and adults can do will apply to all age ranges need to book some time at of the fun, Limited places,please this. relevant to the venue. just turn up. our beach. dress-up and play. book.10-14 yr olds.£3. Our City p15-18 28/6/13 14:07 Page 4

MONDAY:6-7PM FRIDAY:4.30-6PM FRIDAY:7.30-9PM Weston Coyney: Weston Great Chell and Packmoor: Scouts Coyney Junior School – New Horizons Leisure Centre 10.5-14 yr olds. multi-sports – football SATURDAY 20 JULY – 10-3PM In partnership with Weston Coyney In Partnership with Great Chell and Meir Park Festival Residents’Association. Pitshill Residents’Association. Meir Park Community Hall,St Clare’s MONDAY:6.30-8PM FRIDAY:4.30-6PM and Nursery Lysander Road Meir Park. Dresden and Florence: Etruria and Hanley: Eastbank Lots of fun – Find out what’s new at Longton Park – multi-sports Play Area – multi-sports the Community Hall and how you can In partnership with Queens Park In partnership with Portland Street. be involved.Dog show,craft and Partnership. produce competition,bouncy castle, FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 12-3PM FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – 12-2PM MONDAY 19 AUGUST – 12-3PM FRIDAY:4.30-6PM hog roast,refreshments,stalls,games, Creative Djing @ City Uth Bowling @ Tenpin Bowling, Transition Event @ The Tree MONDAY:6.30-8.30PM Meir North: Stansmore Road music,exhibits. Tunstall: Nash Peake Street – Centre, Hanley, ST1 1JQ Festival Park House Children’s Centre, Sports Court – multi-sports MONDAY 29 JULY TO FRIDAY 2 Unlimited places – Just turn up.10-13 Limited places,please book.13-19 yr Bentilee, ST2 0HW multi-sports In partnership with Safer City. AUGUST – 10-12PM In partnership with Nash Peake yr olds.Free. olds.£4. Unlimited places – Just turn up.0-13 yr Kids Holiday Club olds.Free. Residents’Association. FRIDAY:6.30-7.30PM FRIDAY 2 AUGUST – 12-3PM MONDAY 12 AUGUST – 12-2PM Burslem Park: Port Vale Broadway Methodist Church,Pickford Rocka @ Bengry Road Park, Archery @ Berry Hill High TUESDAY 20 AUGUST – 12-3PM TUESDAY:6-7.30PM Football Club Place,Meir.5-11 yr olds. Normacott, ST3 1HE School, ST2 9LR Cross locality Transition Picnic Great Chell and Pitshill: 8-13 yr olds. Unlimited places – Just turn up.13-19 Limited places,please book.13-19 yr Day @ Hanley Park, College Whitfield Valley Centre – Blurton Community Hub have yr olds.Free. olds.£3. multi-sports FRIDAY:6.30-8PM started a Youth Club on a Friday Road, Shelton between 6.30-8pm. Limited places,please book.10-13 yr In Partnership with Great Chell and Joiners Square: All Saints MONDAY 5 AUGUST – 12-3PM MONDAY 12 AUGUST – 12-3PM Pitshill Residents’Association. Church – multi-sports. Park Event @ Boothen Park Event @ Central Forest olds.Free. SATURDAY 24 AUGUST – 11-4PM In partnership with Joiners Square ‘Party in the Square’ Gardens, Stoke, ST4 4DH Park, Sneyd Green, ST1 6BB WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST – TUESDAY:6.30-7.30PM Residents’Association. Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 7.30-9.30PM Tunstall: Dimensions – Including ‘Blurtons Got Talent’,a yr olds.Free. yr olds.Free. Scuba Diving @ Chesterton multi-sports FRIDAY:6.30-8PM bouncy castle,tombola etc. Limited places,please book.13-19 yr In partnership with Safer City. Blurton East: The Hub Sports / MONDAY 5 AUGUST – 12-2PM MONDAY 12 AUGUST – 12-3PM olds.£6. Youth Club Archery @ Berry Hill High Awesome Walls, Longton TUESDAY:6.30-8PM In partnership with Safer City. School, ST2 9LR Limited places,please book.11-19 yr WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST – 12-3PM Etruria and Hanley: Etruria Little City Limited places,please book.13-19 yr olds.£3. Park Event @ Monks Neil Park, Park Sports Court – FRIDAY:7.30-8.30PM olds.£3. Burslem Park: Port Vale Strikers TUESDAY 13 AUGUST Chell Heath, ST6 6HT multi-sports. Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 Football Club TUESDAY 6 AUGUST – 12-5PM Mountain Biking @ Manifold In partnership with Safer City Little City Strikers Summer yr olds.Free. 14-19 yr olds.In partnership with Safer Canoeing @ Stanley Head Valley TUESDAY:6.30-8PM City. Holiday Programme. 3-6 yr olds. Limited places,please book.13-19 yr Limited places,please book.10-14 yr THURSDAY 22 AUGUST – 12-3PM Eaton Park: Arbourfield Drive £20 for six sessions! olds.£3. olds.£3. SATURDAY:2.30-4PM Park event @ Hanford Park, Sports Court. TUESDAY 23 JULY TO 27 AUGUST – Joiners Square: Dresden WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 1-4PM TUESDAY 13 AUGUST – 12-5PM ST4 8QX In partnership with Safer City. 9.30-10.15AM Library Treasure Hunt @ City Canoeing @ Stanley Head Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 Street – multi-sports. Fenton Manor Sports Complex City yr olds.Free. WEDNESDAY:4.30-6PM In partnership with City Waterside Limited places,please book.13-19 yr Road,Fenton,ST4 2RR.3-4 yr olds. Centre Library, Hanley, ST1 Joiners Square: Joiners Residents’Association. 3RS olds.£3. FRIDAY 23 AUGUST Square Park – multi-sports THURSDAY 25 JULY TO 29 AUGUST – Limited places,please book.13-19 yr WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – Rocka @ Kendrick Street, In partnership with Joiners Square SUNDAY:3-5PM 9.30-10.15AM olds.Free. 9.30-4.15PM Longton Residents’Association. Joiners Square: Fortnightly Fenton Manor Sports Complex City Unlimited places – Just turn up.13-19 Youth Club Road,Fenton,ST4 2RR.5-6 yr olds. WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 12-3PM Mountain Biking @ Manifold WEDNESDAY:6.30-8PM Valley yr olds.Free. 7-11 yr olds.In partnership with City Park Event @ Milton Park, ST2 Hartshill and Basford: The Waterside Residents’Association. FRIDAY 26 JULY TO 30 AUGUST – 7AF Limited places,please book.10-14 yr To book activities with limited Grum, Basford Park 5.15-6PM Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 olds.£3. places or for more information, Sessions funded by Cllr Shaun Pender. Fenton Manor Sports Complex City yr olds.Free. please contact 01782 232139. Road,Fenton,ST4 2RR.3-6 yr olds. WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 12-5PM WEDNESDAY:6.30-8PM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – Canoeing @ Stanley Head Hanley Park and Shelton: Local SATURDAY 27 JULY TO 31 AUGUST – 9.30-4.15PM Limited places,please book.13-19 yr Explanation of Youth Team 10-10.45AM olds.£3. Vehicles YMCA Football Matters Mountain Bilking @ Manifold 16-18 yr olds.In partnership with the Northwood Stadium Keelings Road, Valley Hoppa – Mobile Youth Provision Northwood,ST1 6PA.3-6 yr olds. WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 12-3PM Rocka – Mobile Youth Provision Foundation. Team Limited places,please book.10-14 yr Park Event @ Burslem Park, SATURDAY 27 JULY TO 31 AUGUST – olds.£3. offering Music production and Djing THURSDAY:4-5.30PM ST6 1AE Rolla – Mobile Youth Provision offering and Townsend: Summer 10-10.45AM WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST – 12-5PM Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 media production Trentham High School Allerton Road, yr olds.Free. Wallace Centre – multi-sports Trentham,ST4 8PQ.3-4 yr olds. Canoeing @ Stanley Head In Partnership with Abbey Hulton Activities Limited places,please book.13-19 yr THURSDAY 15 AUGUST – 12-3PM All young people must complete and Partnership. SATURDAY 27 JULY TO 31 AUGUST – olds.£3. Park Event @ Bentilee Park, return a consent form before attending Trentham Scouts: 11.15-12PM an activity;this does not include any THURSDAY:4.30-6PM Trentham High School Allerton Road, THURSDAY 8 AUGUST – 12-3PM Ubberley Road, ST2 0ES park provisions on offer. Springfields and : All Scouting sections are available for Park Event @ Queens Park, Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 both boys and girls.Tel.07999 875 123. Trentham,ST4 8PQ.5-6 yr olds. yr olds.Free. Watson Road Park – Longton, ST3 4AZ multi-sports MONDAY:6-7.15PM SUNDAY 28 JULY TO 1 SEPTEMBER – Unlimited places – Just turn up.11-19 THURSDAY 15 AUGUST – Sessions funded by Cllr Jackie Barnes. Beavers 9-9.45AM AND 10-10.45AM yr olds.Free. 9.30-4.15PM Street YMCA North Staffordshire,Harding THURSDAY:6.30-8.30PM 6-8 yr olds. Road,Hanley,ST1 3AE.3-6 yr olds. THURSDAY 8 AUGUST – 9.30-4.15PM Mountain Biking @ Manifold Valley Games Tunstall: Nash Peake Street – MONDAY:7.30-9PM Mountain Biking @ Manifold multi-sports Valley Limited places,please book.10-14 yr Girl Guides olds.£3. Sessions In partnership with Nash Peake Contact Trentham Guides. Whilst every effort has Limited places,please book.10-14 yr been made to ensure MONDAY:5.30-7PM Residents’Association. olds.£3. FRIDAY 16 AUGUST – 1-3PM TUESDAY:6-7.15PM the accuracy of the Massive Flash Mob, Hanley Sneyd Green: Sneyd Green THURSDAY:4.30-6PM Beavers Scouts FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – 12-3PM Park – multi-sports. Joiners Square: City Waterside information provided Car Wash @ Rep Theatre, Leek City Centre, ST1 1JQ 6-8 yr olds. on this events listing Unlimited places – Just turn up.13-19 In partnership with Safer City RA: Dresden St. Road WEDNESDAY:7-8.30PM Stoke-on-Trent City yr olds.Free. MONDAY:5.30-7PM In partnership with Waterside Unlimited places – Just turn up.13-19 Residents’Association. Cubs Council cannot accept yr olds.Free. FRIDAY 16 AUGUST – 12-3PM Ford Green and Smallthorne: 8-10.5 yr olds. any responsibility or Rocka @ Stansmore Road New Ford Primary. THURSDAY:6.30-7.30PM liability for incorrect FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – In partnership with Safer City. Tunstall: Dimensions – THURSDAY:5.30-7PM 12-3PM Park, Meir, ST3 6LX information or any Unlimited places – Just turn up. MONDAY:5.30-7PM multi-sports GKR Karate errors that have Transition Event In partnership with Safer City. All ages welcome.Contact @ The Crescent 13-19yr olds.Free. Penkhull and occurred. Luke Jackson GKR Karate We recommend Children’s MONDAY 19 AUGUST – 12-3PM Stoke: St Peter’s THURSDAY:6.30-8PM Tel.07947 771 772. Centre, Meir Park Event @ Abbey Academy – and Sandyford: that you always ST3 6HZ Hulton Park, ST2 8BB multi-sports St Joseph’s Primary THURSDAY: check with the Unlimited places – Unlimited places – Just In partnership with School multi-sports 7-8.30PM event organisers Just turn up.0-13 turn up.11-19 yr olds. Penkhull Residents’ In partnership with Cubs before attending. yr olds.Free. Free. Association. Safer City. 8-10.5 yr olds. Our City p19 28/6/13 14:09 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 19

Alma and Ray Lovell, from Meir, are pictured by the Lidice Way sign at the new bus station.

Customers inside the City Centre Bus Station. Passengers and operators welcome bus station boost ASSENGERS have given is good to have toilets on site too.” Margaret Weston, aged 45, from Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent’s new bus Daniel Castle, aged 28, from Stoke, said: said: “I was expecting the new bus station “I use the bus station every day to get out to be bigger, but it’s a big improvement to Elouise Shenton, John Hancock, 80, Pstation the thumbs up. 18, from Bucknall from Baddeley Green The £15 million state-of-the-art facility and about to see friends. It could be bigger the last one and I like that you can wait opened in March as part of a major so there is more room for buses, but I indoors.” redevelopment of the City Centre and prefer the new bus station because it is Alma and Ray Lovell, from Meir, had includes 22 bus departure bays. brighter and you won’t get wet when it is good first impressions of the bus station Elouise Shenton, aged 18, from Bucknall raining.” and were pleased to see it celebrated the uses the bus station five days a week to get John Hancock, an 80-year-old bus pass city’s links with a Czech mining village. to college. She said: “The new bus station holder from Baddeley Green, said: “You Part of John Street has been renamed is a lot nicer than the old one. It is warmer used to get blown off your feet at the old Lidice Way to recognise how people of the in the bus station when the weather was bad. city rallied to help rebuild the village after it winter I like the design was destroyed in the Second World War. because you Alma, aged 76, said: “Our Lidice links Comfort and don’t have “This one is much warmer and I like the are something to be proud of. It is a good to stand design of the building, although I wish my idea to mark that at the bus station.” convenience outside stand wasn’t the last one in the station Ray, aged 79, added: “The old bus BAKERS Coaches has five while you because it means I have to walk the furthest station was badly in need of work, this one wait for with my shopping. I’m glad the council has is much better and a step in the right Margaret Weston, Daniel Castle, 28, buses departing from the 45, from Hanley from Stoke new bus station every your bus. It created a new station for us.” direction for the City Centre.” hour. Driver Trainer Geoff Barker said:“We welcome the opening of the bus Campaign puts station and believe it is running well. “An updated bus station Cars Behind Bars was badly needed and the DOZENS of vehicles have been taken off the covered area makes it a road in a police clamp down on uninsured better facility for vans, cars and motorbikes. customers waiting for The Cars Behind Bars initiative was their bus and drivers launched across the city to hit drivers who moving from vehicle to flout the law on insuring their vehicles. vehicle.” The offence carries a £200 fine and six Ady Culpin, Regional licence penalty points. Proof of insurance Marketing and PR Manager must be shown before a seized car can be for Stoke-on-Trent’s main retrieved, and there is also a fee of around bus operator First, said: £200 for storage and recovery.Vehicles which “The new bus station is are not reclaimed could be crushed or sold much more welcoming and on. A spokesman said:“If comfortable for customers. you drive without insurance on our roads you “I would encourage are breaking the law and could face your car anyone who normally being seized on-the-spot and could face a uses other transport to large fine. come and see how bus “We will continue to track down offenders travel has changed as it and make Staffordshire a 'no-go area' for the offers convenience and number of people who are breaking the law.” can be more cost effective ● Our picture shows PC Mick Barnett with to get around the local a crushed vehicle at the launch of the Cars area.” Behind Bars campaign. Our City p20 28/6/13 14:11 Page 1

20 Our City SUMMER 2013 Grants can help fund Identity checks will help call time community activities on bogus callers A £30,000 cash pot is up for grabs to help community groups in the city stage events. The Community Events Fund is offering grants of up to £1,500, or more in exceptional circumstances, if a group can demonstrate an event benefits people across the whole city. A panel of councillors, officers and a representative of arts group Appetite sits twice a year to consider applications. The next SAFE deadline for bids is 20 AND SOUND... September. Kier Stoke Metalsmith Councillor Adrian James Faulkner shows Knapper, Cabinet Member his ID to Fenton for Health and Wellbeing, resident Jean said: “We welcome as many Haynes,73. applications as possible for all kinds of events, from arts and sports to ones which celebrate cultural diversity.The money is a one-off grant available to groups based in the city and we hope it will help put on events which will bring our communities even closer together.” For information on how to apply and to download a form, please visit stoke.gov.uk/ 30kcommunityfund

Firms join ESIDENTS across the firm if any doubts arise. even when someone is at home. Past examples include callers Stoke-on-Trent are Richard Wall, Head of Door chains or bars should be on who have said they need to make Operations, said: “Most of our before the front door is opened an urgent call and ask to use the Rbeing reminded to day-to-day work involves visiting and while talking to a caller on forces to phone or for a drink of water, but check the identity of all tenants at home, so we want to the doorstep. residents should not let them in drive area doorstep callers following ensure people feel safe answering Further safety tips include under any circumstances. reports of bogus callers the door to Kier Stoke staff. We’d checking ID cards properly and ● Anyone concerned about the BUSINESSES from the UniQ attempting to gain entry advise tenants to always check the only using the Kier Stoke number identification badges of any they have already been given Kier ID card presented by a area of Shelton have joined into people’s homes. caller should call Kier Stoke forces with Staffordshire callers. because phone numbers provided Kier Stoke, which provides on 01782 236235. Trading University and Stoke on “Every member of Kier Stoke on ID cards could be fake. repairs and home improvements Standards can be contacted on Trent College to launch a staff is required to carry their ID Caution should also be taken for council properties, requires all 01782 232065 for information loyalty scheme aimed at card at all times.” with callers who appear to be in a workers to carry identification and about schemes to prevent promoting shops and People should always ensure hurry or ask a tenant to step has told tenants they can contact front and back doors are locked, outside their house. doorstep crime. services to students, staff and the local community. The Shelton Shopping experience features a guide including a map of Residents urged to join arts project businesses. A community-based initiative which aims what type of cultural activity they already A UniQ market was staged to get more people to experience and be enjoy. on the university’s College inspired by the arts wants more people to The “taster” events include a show Road site to kick-start the initiative. As well as sign up. called Bianco in a spaceship-shaped tent showcasing and selling the Appetite is a £3 million project by NoFit State Circus in Hanley Park from work of designer-makers at supported through Arts Council England’s July 26-28; live music and a sound the university’s Creative Creative People and Places programme. installation by B-Arts at the Tunstall Village, it was also supported A consortium of five local organisations, Carnival on July 28; and street by local businesses including led by the New Vic Theatre with B-Arts, performances in the City Centre on . Brighter Futures, Partners in Creative August 3, 10, 17 and 24. ● Shelton businessman Learning and Staffordshire University, was Appetite is looking for local people, Pritpal Nagi said:“You could successful in securing funding for groups or organisations to be part of spend hours shopping in Stoke-on-Trent. the programme as volunteers or to Shelton. Our local shops People will be given the opportunity to become community hubs – to find out need to be supported.When experience the arts during the summer how to be involved they get help and through a “Taster Menu” of high-profile please contact Gary encouragement, the tills will events which are family-friendly and free Cicinskas, Appetite for residents of the city. Programme Manager be ringing.” Appetite Programme Manager Gary Cicinkas asks Too find out more visit During a research weekend, Appetite on 01782 454404 or Laura Gretton, 20, for her views on community www.uniq-stoke.org carried out a city-wide survey to identify visit the website at arts during a survey in the City Centre. how people spend their leisure time and www.appetitestoke.co.uk Our City p21 28/6/13 14:12 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 21 Healthwatch Fun book promotes has useful info for everyone RESIDENTS are being urged to make the serious messages most of a new independent organisation which aims to improve health and social care services in the city and shape the N activity book is future of healthcare. helping parents Healthy advice... Stoke on Trent College students Vinay Rathoor and Jason Woodward Healthwatch was established to be a A and carers of new independent consumer champion looking at the Let’s Talk About It booklet. teenagers to talk about a for the public and to make sure people’s range of important views are gathered, listened to and acted lifestyle choices. upon. Health improvement Locally, the group is based in the specialists at the city council Centre,Hope Street,Hanley.It have worked with young people provides information and advice to help and their families to produce people access and make choices about the Let’s Talk About It guide. services and helps them access The book provides activities independent support if they need to and information about complain about NHS services. communication, self-esteem and confidence, as well as sex, drugs Members and volunteers are now and alcohol. being sought to help seek The colourful 77-page guide views, represent others and presents information on attend meetings to benefit all serious subjects in an residents in Stoke-on-Trent. easy-to-understand way, for Anyone interested in example a quiz on sex and the getting involved can call the law, true or false statements Healthwatch office on 01782 683080 or about taking drugs and a series email [email protected] of compliment cards to help ● For more information about the raise teenagers’ self-esteem and organisation visit the website confidence. www.healthwatchstokeontrent.co.uk The book also features a directory for a range of organisations including a centre for people affected by sexual violence, confidential advice on How parks are drugs, and ways to improve health and wellbeing. good for you Councillor Adrian Knapper, Cabinet Member for Health RESEARCHERS at Staffordshire University and Wellbeing, said: “The book are exploring the impact on human has a range of fun, simple and health of parks and green spaces. informative activities and is a Over the next two years, hundreds of starting point, giving a taster of Stoke-on-Trent residents will take part in what can be explored between an online survey designed to help parents and carers and their experts understand the benefits that teenagers.” It is available from all living close to nature can bring so future Stoke-on-Trent City Council land use can be better planned to children’s centres and health maximise health. zones in council libraries, as Senior Research Fellow, Dr Chris well as on the Family Gidlow, said:“The project aims to identify Information Service website, which environments are most beneficial via stoke.gov.uk for peoples’ health and to better understand the reasons for this. “This report will set out a guideline for future land and green space Young people urged to get measles development with community health at the heart of decision-making.” jab if they missed out as a child YOUNG people in Stoke-on-Trent are urged “Around 95 per cent of Stoke-on-Trent Service staged for to have their MMR vaccination, if they have children under the age of five have had not already done so, before they go back both of their MMR jabs and are protected Lidice anniversary to school after the summer holidays. against these highly infectious and The 71st anniversary of the Lidice A nationwide programme has recently potentially fatal illnesses, which is tragedy was remembered with a been launched to prevent the spread of reassuring. memorial service at Stoke Minster on measles by vaccinating as many 10 to 16 “However the national catch-up Sunday. year olds as possible, with two doses of programme has been introduced to The service saw the story of Lidice told MMR.Two full doses of the vaccine are vaccinate 10 to 16 year olds who have not through a five-minute animation called required to offer the highest level of had two doses of MMR. Lidice Shall Die, followed by a drama protection against measles, mumps and “Many young people in this age group named The Miners Respond: Lidice Shall rubella (MMR). missed out on the jabs when concern Live. Dr Zafar Iqbal, the Director of Public about the vaccine, which has now been They have been produced by local Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: disproven, was at its highest in the late artists Sarah Nadin and Nicola “While cases of measles have been on the 1990’s.” Winstanley, known as Dashyline, as part increase in some parts of the UK, there is The city council has been working with of the Unearthed project. no evidence of an increase in measles GPs, schools and Public Health England on Ashley Miller and Evan Jones, both aged 16, A sculpture is also being built in the cases in Stoke-on-Trent at the moment. local arrangements to make sure as many with School Staff Nurse Alana Smith at the city centre to symbolise Stoke-on-Trent’s “Nonetheless, we want to take every young people in the target age group Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthew Academy in links with the Czech Republic village precaution to make sure local children and receive their jabs. Blurton, which is top of the table in the which was destroyed by the Nazis during the wider community are as protected as For more information about MMR and Midlands vaccination league. Any year 10 or 11 the Second World War and will be they can be from the potentially serious the catch-up programme, please contact students who have not been vaccinated are unveiled later this year. side effects of measles. your GP practice. referred to their GP for the jab. Our City p22 28/6/13 14:13 Page 1

22 Our City SUMMER 2013 Residents supported over benefit cap gap Dedicated staff help residents HUNDREDS of people across Stoke-on-Trent face a benefits cap in August when the city council implements the latest phase of the face up to welfare hit Government’s welfare reforms. It will limit couples with or without EARLY 100,000 children and single parents whose phone calls were children live with them, to £500 a week. Nmade to the city Single adults without children or whose council over four months children do not live them will be before and after the restricted to £350 a week. introduction of the The cap will apply to the combined incomes people receive from benefits Government changes to such as Jobseekers Allowance, Child Tax the benefits system. Credits, Child Benefit and Housing Calls peaked in March and April as a team of more than Benefit. 80 revenue and benefits staff The city council has already identified also manned eight Local 333 customers who will be affected by Service Centres and five the cap. One-Stop Shops, where A total of 69 council tenants affected demand for advice was so high are being supported by Welfare Reform people were queuing out of the Officers.The majority have already been doors. visited or contacted by telephone or Faye Batchelor, Strategic letter. One-to-one money and Manager for Revenues and budgeting advice is being offered to Benefits, said: “We were help them manage their rent and completely inundated. For a Council Tax payments. solid two weeks in April, all A further 19 who will be hit by the cap our staff were either constantly on the phone or talking to are in Housing Association properties so people face-to-face.” the council is liaising and working After the most sweeping closely with them to offer advice and welfare reforms in 60 years, support. Another 114 are in private, the majority of calls were rented accommodation so council staff about the scrapping of will be speaking to private landlords Council Tax Benefit and its through the landlord forums as well as replacement – Council Tax working with the Citizens Advice Support (CTS). Bureau, Sure Start, charities and New rules mean 6,500 voluntary organisations. people in the city now receive Councillor Terry Crowe, Cabinet less council tax support than Member for Finance, Procurement and they previously did while 13,000 have to pay Council Commissioning, said:“The team is Tax for the first time. As a specifically supporting council tenants result, people are already Benefits Assessor Deborah Brett helps a customer who has called in at the Tunstall Local Centre. but we are aware that hundreds more applying for financial support people in the city will be affected by through the cash-limited this cap. So we, as a city council, are Council Tax Hardship Fund. A dedicated team of three to all of them and 1,000 have others have made applications liaising and working with partner Thousands more people are Welfare Reform Officers has so far been given advice and for Discretionary Housing agencies to do all we can to support also getting less benefit after identified 3,042 council assistance. Some have been Payments (DHP) and still more people through what must be a the introduction of the new tenants affected by the signposted to the Citizens have registered for transfers or worrying time.” under-occupancy rule, known under-occupancy rules. Advice Bureau for money the Mutual Exchange as the ‘Bedroom Tax’. Advisory letters have been sent management and debt advice, Homeswapper scheme.

For more information on benefit changes,visit stoke.gov.uk,email [email protected] or call 01782 233777 for Council Tax advice and 01782 232982 for Benefits advice.

Welfare Reform Officers are giving council tenants one-to-one advice on basic budgeting and HEREHERE money management, discussing rent and Council Tax payments, bank accounts, credit unions and Jam Jar accounts.They also have links to Job Centres and refer to food banks and the Social Fund. You can contact them on 01782 237870 or email [email protected] TOTO HELPHELP Chatterbox North Staffs offers free advice on welfare benefits as well as housing and AdviceAdvice onon tenancy support.Visit www.chatterboxns.com Stoke-on-Trent Citizens Advice Bureau gives free, impartial and independent advice. welfarewelfare reformreform Call 08444 111444. Age UK North Staffs gives advice to people over 50 and support on entitlement and form filling. Call 01782 204995 or email [email protected] The Saltbox is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading to give debt adjusting advice and debt counselling. Call 01782 207200 or contact [email protected] Moneyline – a not-for-profit industrial and provident society – offers loans. Call 01782 206836 or email www.elmline.co.uk Our City p23 28/6/13 14:15 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 23 Parents supported to prevent tragic baby deaths campaign has been Death Syndrome, or cot death, there are a launched to reduce the risks number of things parents and carers can A of cot death by encouraging do to reduce the risk to their baby: ● safe sleeping. The safest place for a baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot, moses Nationally, over 300 babies a year die basket or crib in their parents’ room. Place suddenly and unexpectedly but parents can the baby on their back on a firm mattress, help to protect their little ones by following with their feet at the end of the cot. a few simple rules. ● Avoid sharing a bed with your baby if Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s you have been drinking, are a smoker or Safeguarding Children Boards want to have taken any drugs. If the baby was born make parents aware that the safest place premature or is of a low birth weight don’t for babies to sleep for the first six months share a bed with your baby. is in the same room as them, on their back, ● in a separate cot or moses basket. Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair Parents should not share a bed with their with a baby, no matter what the circumstances. baby if they have been drinking alcohol, ● taken any drugs or are smokers. Don’t let a baby get too hot. Keep the The risks of bed sharing are also temperature in the room between 16-18°c increased in premature babies and those and keep blankets and sheets to a minimum and away from their face. with a low birth weight. ● The campaign also wants to highlight Breast-fed babies have a lower chance of the danger of sleeping with a baby on a SIDS. Even a brief period of breast feeding sofa or armchair... this is always can be protective for your baby. dangerous. Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Jackie Carnell, Independent Chairperson Coroner Ian Smith said: “I have seen a of the Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding number of deaths of children under the Children Board, said: “We now know so age of one and the devastation it causes for much about how to keep babies safe while the individual families is truly enormous. they are sleeping. It is because of this and “Co-sleeping is very dangerous and it is some of the real tragedies we have had a practice which parents should avoid at all across Stoke-on-Trent in recent years that costs. we know how important it is to get the “The death of a child in these message of safe sleeping out to everyone in circumstances is horrific and its prompts a the city. If we do this and the message is police investigation, a post-mortem and a Be Summer Safety Savvy! taken on board by everyone, especially coroner’s inquest.” young parents and their extended families, For more information on Sudden we know this will save the lives of babies in Infant Death Syndrome, call The Don’t just wear sun cream to protect yourself the future.” Lullaby Trust’s information line on While there is no advice which can 0808 8026869 or visit this summer. Follow our safety advice to make sure guarantee the prevention of Sudden Infant www.lullabytrust.org.uk you have an enjoyable and safe summer.

1. Deliberately starting grass fires is a crime. Public urged to donate and Tell your child not to play with fire - it can turn into arson. 2. Make sure cigarettes are put out properly help stock vital food bank and never throw them out of car windows. They could DONATIONS are needed at a food bank that supports people in crisis situations. Press Officer start a fire and ruin the countryside. Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank launched in Ciara Hill drops some food off at 3. Never leave a BBQ unattended and May last year and has since helped don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of provide emergency food for more than the city council 8,000 people referred by care collection point. the cooking. professionals such as doctors, social 4. Never take a barbecue into an enclosed workers and housing associations. Donations of in-date, non-perishable space like a tent. The carbon monoxide it gives food such as UHT milk and tinned meat off can be lethal. are collected at eight distribution centres across the city and at the organisation’s 5. Water is dangerous. Only swim at properly head office at Wesley Hall Church, in Sneyd Green. supervised pools. Victoria Crawford, from Hanley, faced possible health problems when she didn't 6. To prevent bin fires, put your wheelie bin have any food to help control her out early the morning of collection, rather than late diabetes. the night before. Collect your bin as soon as The 32-year-old said:“I am diabetic and need to keep my sugar levels up in order possible after it has been emptied. to avoid becoming ill and depressed but Carol Plant said:“We are some bad experiences left me in a finding more and more situation where I had no food.The food families and single people have nothing in For more information visit: bank really helped me out when I needed their food stores whatsoever and we often it and I am very grateful. I also know a make referrals to the food bank.” Staffs Fire @staffsfire family-of-six that has received help.The ● For more information on how to donate and Rescue food bank does a great job.” to the food bank call 01782 281818 or visit Community Support Team Manager stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk Our City p24-25 28/6/13 14:17 Page 1

24 Our City SUMMER 2013 Spotlight on Busy group builds on park our city’s revamp to attract families RESIDENTS’ GROUP that worked to turn a have high hopes for a sports gym, to allow families to enjoy it even former barren site into a BBQ pit and benches. more and we’re working on getting A community park is pulling Group Chairman John Beech said: funding.” ASSOCIATIONS together to bring even more “Before the park, there was nowhere The group was also helped to improvements. for people to meet-up in Basford. organise a recent Respect day with Basford and Cliffe Vale Residents’ “It is now well-used and we have the council and other agencies, Association formed three years ago seen antisocial behaviour drop as a which saw 15 skips full of rubbish Why residents to create Basford Park, off Haydon result. collected. Street. “We hold regular “It was the first day we have had They won funding 18 months ago events there but like that in our area, but residents join together to to pay for the installation of new we want to have already requested another,” paths, trees and flowerbeds create more John added. play their part and members now facilities A residents’ association is a group of people living in an area who have come together on a voluntary basis to take up local issues and to bring the community together. Residents’ associations usually come into being because: ● the area needs more facilities. ● residents would like to improve the services they receive. ● people want estate-based social events and outings. ● residents are worried about a particular issue. ● people want to improve community spirit. ● coming together as a group provides one voice, and that voice becomes more powerful. ● they are a way of receiving information and keeping local residents informed of what is going on locally. ● they can work with other local groups for mutual benefit. The city council takes tenants’ and Residents’ Association residents’ associations very seriously Chairman John Beech in Stoke-on-Trent. at the entrance to If you need any information about Basford Park. these residents’ associations please contact the Tenant Involvement Team on 01782 235916 or email [email protected]. uk Family fun day Mystery play a to raise awareness of community work big attraction MEMBERS of Newford Residents’ CHRISTMAS came six months early to Association are staging a family fun Penkhull this year thanks to the residents’ day at Smallthorne Community association and the annual mystery play. Centre. Now in its eighth year, the Penkhull The event will be held on Mysteries followed a “what if it had Saturday, August 24 and will happened here” theme as include a football competition, a villagers took to the green teddy bear hunt, a hog roast, a for an afternoon to tell tombola, table top stalls and many the story of the other activities. nativity through The residents’ association has song, music and operated a community office dance. surgery at the Community Set around Drive-based venue on Monday and 1800, the script Thursday mornings since 2008. really did reach It gives residents the opportunity Biblical proportions as to raise local issues and be signposted it imagined the three wise men to appropriate agencies for advice. coming to the Potteries from Portmeirion Meanwhile, to mark the 3rd anniversary in Wales to meet up with a carpenter of the death of a local war hero, new called Joe from Northwich who had shrubs and plants have been added to a travelled to Penkhull with his wife May. community garden set up in his memory. Members of Newford Residents’ Association pictured in the community The annual event, which attracts Gunner Zak Cusack, of the 4th Regiment Royal garden at Smallthorne are: kneeling by plaque Barry Derbyshire; hundreds of people and involves the Artillery, died in Afghanistan in 2010. Around standing Neil Hawkins and Kath Williamson and sitting, whole village, also featured stalls, music £10,000 was raised by the residents’ association left to right, Mel Hawkins, Judith Bamforth, and morris dancing. and local ward councillors for the garden, which Mary Billings, Marrion Derbyshire and is based at the community centre. Kathleen Greatbatch. Our City p24-25 28/6/13 14:18 Page 2

SUMMER 2013 Our City 25 Spotlight on our city’s RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS

Working with local police to stop criminals MEMBERS of Bankeyfields Estate Residents’ Association are working with police to clamp down on a spate of crime in the area. Treasurer of the Cockster Brook Valley Community Firstly, a petrol lawnmower was Association Paul Capewell, Helen Massey, Bill Moran, stolen overnight from a property on Rachael Jones and Alan Alcock walking their dogs. Hurricane Grove, Goldenhill. And around the same time thieves targeted cars on Swallows Rise. The vehicle crime has led to two arrests, following a police forensics follow up, but residents are being Better facilities a big boost for urged to take care. They are being asked to review security arrangements – particularly with sheds over the summer months Brook Valley dog walkers and not to leave vehicle windows open as a result of hot weather. OG walkers have been thrown a The valley is now much safer and cleaner events including fun days, dog shows and All valuable property like bone with improved facilities in for residents to use and is a meeting place litter picks. The improvements we have lawnmowers, gas powered BBQs Dtheir community. for a dog walker’s crèche where people made allow more people to use the area and expensive ornamental Since being set up three years ago, meet up daily for an informal chat. An and dog walkers meet there daily. figurines that might catch the Cockster Brook Valley Community appeal has been launched to get more “It would be a shame if the group folded eye of an opportunist thief, Association, in Blurton, has repaired fences group members to ensure their good work because of a lack of members and we’re should be secured in and bridges at the valley, improved can continue. keen to hear from anyone interested in lockable sheds or pathways, installed seating, provided litter Treasurer Paul Capewell said: “The valley joining us.” garages ● bins for dog waste and helped to reduce is a popular place among residents now and To join, or for more information, email overnight. antisocial behaviour in the area. has been the site for lots of community [email protected]

London Road Festival organisers Artistic Marg Hardcastle and Liz Perry with a graffiti wall produced by some of the festival-goers. Adults can enjoy festival weekly social brings a evening sessions A weekly social evening for adults is on the cards in Weston Coyney. The area’s residents’ association is splash of looking to set up nights featuring card games and board games. Sue Bourne, Secretary of Weston Coyney Residents’ Association, said: colour “We have a lot of activities in the area for children but we want to provide ORGANISERS of the London Road more for adults, particularly our older Festival in Stoke are already residents. As well as games, we plan to looking forward to 2014 after this hold occasional quizzes and craft year’s event attracted hundreds activities. of people from across the city. “We would love to hear from anyone Staged by the Stoke West and who is interested in attending or Oakhill Community Association could help out.” (SWOCA) over five days, the The sessions would take place at festival brought the community Weston Coyney Junior School, With backing from the Arts “London Road can be quieter they said it was brilliant that they together to enjoy music, dance Princess Drive, once building work has Council and the city council, the on a Saturday but the traffic was could sit together with no and art during a packed events finished at the school. event featured classical music, endless with hundreds of people trouble. programme. For more rock bands, story telling and walking up and down looking at “It’s been a huge success. The length of London Road was information, call poetry, china flower making and the art work. It really engaged There will be an expectation transformed with 32 huge Pauline all manner of workshops. people of all ages. that it happens again and artworks and six giant murals on Rushton on One of the organisers Marg “I went round with a we will be working buildings while 2,000 toy cars 01782 Hardcastle, who is chair of questionnaire and many together to see how we were the centrepiece of an 501266. unusual art installation on walls, SWOCA, said:“It was beyond our comments were positive. I spoke can make it a regular pavements and trees. expectations. to one group of teenagers and event for the city.” Our City p26 28/6/13 14:20 Page 1

26 Our City SUMMER 2013 Students design Hoard pot range LIMITED edition pottery inspired by and Caroline Hunter are being the Staffordshire Hoard is going on produced in the city by Duchess China. sale after a collaborative project They all feature animal motifs and between the Potteries Museum & Art will be available exclusively from the Gallery and Staffordshire University. museum shop and online at the The souvenir mugs designed by Staffordshire Gifts website at students Alice Barker, Maria Davies www.staffordshiregifts.org.uk

Simulated Patients Donna Stanway, left, and Nicky Beasley, middle, talking to 3rd year medical student Rhyanne El-Nazer as part of the programme at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

LONGTON MARKET CELEBRATE THEIR 150TH ANNIVERSARY... from the left are Rob Nixon Market Manager, Kelly White Market Officer and Paul Shotton Deputy Leader of the Council. Historic markets at heart of modern drive to support new businesses A budding entrepreneur from one of Member for Economic Development, Stoke-on-Trent’s markets is celebrating said:“It’s great to hear Bernadette has Support helps Donna find after making it through to the final of a been successful and made it through to national competition. the final. Bernadette Hutchins was one of only “It goes to show just how thriving our 100 people to make it to the last stage of markets are for business and what great the National Market Traders Federation’s assets they are for the city as a whole.” First Pitch scheme, supported by the city Bernadette set up her stall during Love find first job council, after impressing judges during a Your Local Market fortnight, which also two-week trial at Hanley Indoor Market. saw dozens of traders showcasing their HY, quiet and lacking social skills, learn how to create Her corset and burlesque accessory goods at Staffordshire Makers’ Market, an confidence is how Donna relationships and help students improve store Curve A Peel will now benefit from event at the King’s Hall, in Stoke, selling their skills. a discounted rental structure on the items made or produced in Staffordshire. SStanway described herself before she received help from Donna said: “I wanted to take part to market for the next 12 months and a Longton Market celebrated its success help the doctors. Drama and acting has mentor and she could win £2,000 to with events to mark its 150th anniversary Stoke-on-Trent City Council. helped to give me a lot of confidence. I boost her business at an awards throughout May and raised over £1,000 The 35-year-old has been encouraged to enjoy roleplay and I am not shy at all now. ceremony at the end of the 12 months. for local charities. Staff dressed in period come out of her shell by the council’s Councillor Paul Shotton, Cabinet costumes, a plaque marking the Fulfilling Lives Team who have helped her Meeting new people is good for me and it anniversary was find her first, regular paid job. is good to be in a paid role. It is brilliant to unveiled during one of Donna, of Meir, is one of four adults get help from the council to do this.” the regular tea parties with learning disabilities to have been Cheryl Ashman, one of the council’s Day and the market hosted offered posts on a simulated patient Opportunities Managers, said: “We support a visit from Stoke City programme in connection with the people with learning disabilities into paid Old Boys’ Association. University Hospital of North Staffordshire. or voluntary work and were approached by ● For more Their roles involve them acting out the hospital about these roles. information on the scenarios as patients to assist third year “We believe they provide excellent city’s markets, special university students who are training to opportunities both for personal markets events and become doctors. development, helping to break down opening times please As well as benefiting from the experience barriers in relation to peoples’ perceptions visit stoke.gov.uk/ of the job application and interview of people with learning disabilities and in markets process, the ‘patients’ pick up improved shaping the health services of the future.” The historic Enson Works on Normacot Road has been given a new lease of life as the Centre of Trust praises council’s tree drive Refurbishment THE Woodland Trust has praised the wonderful opportunity to create Excellence (CoRE) Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Diamond Woods within the city thanks to a £750,000 contribution to the Queen’s Jubilee boundary, in an urban setting. It was Heritage Lottery Grant. Woods project. one of the first Diamond Woods to gain This will help provide 31,000 trees were planted in two approval and we hope the two sites a year-long programme Diamond Wood sites in the city last become thriving homes for wildlife and of heritage activities. year, to symbolise the Queen's 60 years places for people to enjoy. Local arts groups on the throne.The native sapling trees “I am overwhelmed to report that Letting in the Light and were planted off Biddulph Road in thanks to Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s B Arts are running Great Chell and on land to the north support and generosity we reached our Celebrating 150 years of activities to collect and south of Fenpark Road in Fenton. target to plant six million trees.” Longton market are, left people’s memories and Sue Holden, Chief Executive of the In future years when thinning and to right, are Jan Amison, stories about the area Woodand Trust said Stoke-on-Trent City coppicing of trees is required, there will Pam Hickin and Sue to create.They visit Council was the first local authority in be an opportunity for the wood to be Derbyshire. Longton market every England to get involved in the project. used as a fuel source for biomass Wednesday. She added:“In Stoke-on-Trent we had projects. Our City p27 28/6/13 14:21 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 27 New-look support service will help twice as many families in city AMILY support It will mean support for offered by twice as many families FStoke-on-Trent through a range of services City Council has been including advice and remodelled to create a guidance to drop-in single service for sessions, parenting support families with children groups and longer term, aged 0 to 19. intensive, parenting and The newly launched and family support. more accessible Integrated Services are being Family Intervention Service delivered at children’s (IFIS) brings together staff centres, health centres, Councillor Gwen with wide-ranging youth centres and other Hassall, the Cabinet experience of all age groups appropriate sites as the Member for Social Care, to give seamless, consistent council also builds more pictured, said: “This is a support at the right time localised partnerships big improvement in and when it is needed. through 13 Local Area family support because Early Years we’re making it better Collaboratives. and easier for families as Closer links with they’ll have just one point Rebecca schools, nurseries of contact. Phillips with and health should Big improvement children Jennifer We’re making mean earlier three, and “” intervention as the “Hopefully that person Christopher, it better and council pilots an will really get to know the one. Early Help case family and will be able to easier for management build up a better approach. understanding of a families’ families as The new service, needs, ensuring they get the being delivered as relevant help. they’ll have part of the council’s “And because we’ll be Mandate for Change, working more pro-actively just one point will be accessible with schools, nurseries and I’m two and I get through the council’s health services, we’ll be able of contact. three Locality Teams to intervene earlier to and all children’s identify families and children centres. who need support.” 15 hours free City council support network childcare! a vital link for worried mum POSTNATAL depression left Rebecca the children’s centre with daughter Phillips a virtual prisoner in her own home Jennifer, aged three, and baby Christopher, – until family support at Westfield now one. She took part in a Family Links Children’s Centre helped improve her nurturing programme and received Could you? mental health. counselling while her daughter also The 29-year-old married mum of two enjoyed the Lets Get Started group. from Longton, who is expecting her third “I’d say I’m about 90 per cent back to baby in November, said:“I was getting very what I used to be and I’m still being angry and frustrated. I just wasn’t myself. I supported by the family practitioner at the was terrified I was going to lose my children.” children’s centre,“ said Rebecca.“I’m so Referred by a health visitor, Rebecca was grateful support staff have been there for first supported at home before attending me.” Family Support contacts:

■ North Locality ■ Central Locality ■ South Locality CLAIRE WILLIAMSON LINDA DUNN MEL LEIVERS Tunstall Children’s Centre Kingsland Children’s Centre Westfield Children’s Centre Woodland Street Kingsland Primary School Buccleuch Road To find out about free early education Tunstall Eaves Lane,Bucknall Longton Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent for 2,3 and 4 year olds call 01782 232200 ST6 6AP ST2 9AS ST3 4RF or visit stoke.gov.uk/beststart t: 01782 236655 t: 01782 238352 t: 01782 237500 Our City p28 28/6/13 14:23 Page 1 GROW WITH US UniQ is an ambitious project which brings together a unique collaboration of Stoke-on-Trent’s three key educational partners. They all share a vision of breaking down barriers to give everyone the chance to achieve their full potential. And they are all working together to ensure the brightest possible future for the city. The ambition is to invest in world class education facilities within the University Quarter, a place where the local community will want to go to develop and enhance their skills. This wealth of highly skilled people will attract new businesses to the region and will fuel the growth of existing businesses, laying the long term foundations for economic regeneration across North Staffordshire. This is education-led regeneration at its best Take a look at Not decided Real skills Support local Staffordshire what to do for real jobs businesses University for next? It’s to grow... your degree – not too late... shop local! named among the UK's top Apply now!!! buy local! Retailers, service providers and 20 greenest traders have signed up to the UniQ Business Loyalty Scheme universities and will be displaying a UniQ Staffordshire Try something new, develop your branded sticker on their premises. University still career or get back into work... has places ENROLLING NOW available on a The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth FOR SEPTEMBER! wide range of Form College have a wide range 10% discount on selected course Foundation, of full time courses for 16-19 year fees* on enrolments before Degree and olds starting this September. 31 July 2013 Postgraduate ● courses, starting in September. A Young Person’s College, offering the widest range of Having recently invested £10 A Level & BTEC Courses million in transforming its Stoke Check out the website to see ● Strong links with local employers campus, there has never been a what they’re offering at and industry will equip you with better time to consider your www.uniq-stoke.org the skills needed for higher Higher Education options and the education & employment The ambition is to nurture a benefits that could bring. place where the local community ● Financial support of up to £1200 will want to do business. This will Clearing starts when A levels are is available to some students attract new businesses to the announced on Thursday August with the college Bursary 15 although we welcome region and fuel the growth of enquiries from those with suitable For more information contact ENROL ONLINE, BY PHONE existing businesses, laying the confirmed grades at any time. us on 01782 854221 or OR IN PERSON foundations for economic regeneration across North To view our on line prospectus come into college to talk to visit: www.stokecollege.ac.uk Staffordshire. visit: www.staffs.ac.uk someone about how you call: 01782 208208 call: 01782 294400 can apply, or visit us at *10% discount against the published A unique solution for email: [email protected] www.stokesfc.ac.uk fee. Terms and conditions apply a unique city Our City p29 28/6/13 14:34 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 29

Keeping our communities safe and reassured To find out more about your Neighbourhood Policing Team visit www.staffordshire.police.uk or telephone 101

Stoke-on-Trent North Tunstall Police Station, Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6BG Tel: 101 Stoke-on-Trent Central Hanley Police Station, Bethesda Street, Hanley LPT Commander Baddeley, Milton Burslem Park Great Chell Moorcroft Safer Schools & Packmore Officers Stoke-on Trent ST1 3DR Tel: 101 Chief Inspector & Norton 3747 PC 3822 PCSO 8957 LPT Commander Abbey Hulton Bircheshead & PC 5137 PC 5077 PC 0886 & Townsend Adrian Roberts Rob Thomas Justine Marsh Temporary Chief Central Forest Park Adrian Firth David Turner Sarah Griffiths Inspector 4465 PCSO 8979 PCSO 16233 PCSO 17019 Martin Brereton PC 4727 Michelle LPT Inspector PCSO 16853 Hannah Mayer PCSO 6513 Jasvir Mahill PC 5738 David Tams Chadwick Simon Jones Sarah Bowen Darren McGrath LPT Inspector Inspector 4481 PCSO 16932 PCSO 16709 PC 5504 PCSO 8984 Mark Churton Jessica Joanne Lewis PCSO 16941 Sneyd Green PC 0944 Inspector 4181 Lee Tatton Rebecca Simon Stevenson Jon Steventon Jamie Slinn Ian Hancock PC 0865 PC 5771 PCSO 16934 LPT Sergeants Ford Green Bradley & Chell & Smallthorne Clare Bowker LPT Sergeants Kenneth Wheat Tracey Robinson Heath Sergeant 3840 PC 5106 Little Chell Gareth PCSO 16634 Sergeant 3851 PCSO 8980 Boothen & Oakhill John Hazeldine PC 4233 & Stanfields Cheetham Charlotte Bryan Integrated Offender Dave Fenton Charlotte Barker PC 4990 David O’Donnell Management James Sergeant 4019 PC 5523 PCSO 16231 Andrew Emmett PCSO 16850 Sergeant 4151 PCSO 16295 McMillian Pete Slinn PCSO 17022 PC 3755 Carl Radford Jamie Palmer Steve Cowan Paul Harris Brev Jones Tracy Hodgson PC 5133 Sergeant 4949 PCSO 8841 PCSO 16933 Scott Gidman Karl Breen PCSO 16235 Andrew Pryce PC 5168 Sergeant 4438 Burslem Central Sarah Wood Tunstall Emma Casey PCSO 22017 Joanne Young John Buchan PCSO 8825 Nicholas PC 4912 PC 4835 Bircheshead & Karen Billings Baddeley, Milton Goldenhill Warrilow Sergeant 4653 Central Forest Park & Norton Mick Jones & Sandyford Adam Edwards Phil Eaton Eaton Park PC 5465 PC 3829 PC 0821 PCSO 4633 Benjamin PC 4938 Sergeant 4777 Ian Martin Claire Brooker John Miles Broughton Moorcroft Jamie Burton PC 0734 Jon Ward Nicola Doorbar PC 4452 PC 0865 PCSO 6628 PCSO 8953 PC 4210 PCSO 8654 Etruria & Hanley Roger Poole Clare Bowker Tich Nyamayaro Michael Frost Les Bertolone Richard Farrar PCSO 8983 Springfield Rob Guthrie PC 0400 PC 4020 PCSO 8959 PCSO 8986 PC 4260 PCSO 16991 & Trent Vale Diane Hoyle Neil Whitmore Helen Rowley Andy Wootton Mark Trafford Stacie Barker Harshill & Basford PC 4433 PC 0806 Andy Birchenhall PC 0991 Longton Police Station, Sutherland Road, Longton, Stoke-On-Trent ST3 1HH Tel: 101 Amanda White Terry Dunn Stoke-on-Trent South PCSO 16299 PCSO 16852 Katie Brickley LPT Commander Bentilee Blurton, Newstead, Dresden, Florence, Meir Hay Meir Park PC 0817 Ynonne & Ubberley Chief Inspector Hollybush & Sandford Hill & Meir South Klebukowski & Longton West & Normacot Kerry Ellis 3802 PCSO 17020 Mark Dean PC 5183 PC 0971 PC 4090 Fraser Glen PCSO 16935 PCSO 6607 PC 4021 PC 4133 Natalie Lugg Paul Nixon Russ Elliott Daniel Boote Philip McGlynn Andrew Edwards Craig Russell Hanley Park & Shelton LPT Inspector PCSO 6612 PC 4991 PC 4603 Joiners Square Andrew Meakin PCSO 16854 PC 5020 Steven Meigh Neil Day PC 4149 Inspector 3734 PC 4139 Sarah Cartlidge Jonathan Ash Jason Howell PC 0805 Chris Harrington Dave Marshall PCSO 16226 PC 5378 PCSO 6500 Kate Beardmore Rachel Knight PCSO 16855 PCSO 16240 Lucy Maskew Mark Simon PC 4528 PC 4389 Charlotte Abbott Leanne Sharratt LPT Sergeants PCSO 6443 Darren Belford Guy Wain PCSO 16243 PC 16608 Rachel PCSO 16635 Debbie Botham Sergeant 3890 James Boyles PCSO 6511 Mountford Emma Richards PC 5363 PC 4634 Ian Jones Michael Shenton Saima Ismail PCSO 8831 Broadway Lee Robinson PCCO 16856 Katie Sullivan & Longton East Fenton Sergeant 4666 & Mount Pleasant Keith Mellor PCSO 8985 Pete Goodwin PC 0905 Safer Schools PC 5410 Lucy Slater Penkhull & Stoke Officers Rob Mountford PC 4475 Steve Smith Meir North Sergeant 4668 Ivor Owens PCSO 16230 PC 4913 & Western Coyney PC 0457 Jason Allport PC 5213 PCSO 8457 Victoria Lacey Barry Joynson Vanessa Bailey Lee Watson PC 5490 PC 5078 Simon Holmes PC 16225 Blurton, Newstead, PCSO 16936 Sergeant 5100 Dave Barrow Adrian Hollybush Scott Turner PC 5678 Matthew Rob Bateman & Longton West PCSO 16735 Harrison Hemmings Wendy Rigby PCSO 8830 Richard Taperek PC 5503 PCSO 16939 PC 4838 Chris Stone Safer Schools Katy PC 0735 Andy Salt Gareth Whitfield Officers Bentilee Thorneycroft & Ubberley Jo Powell PCSO 8955 PCSO 8819 PC 5222 PC 4483 Hanford Integrated Offender Chris Hill Integrated Offender PC 5008 PC 4822 & Trentham Paul Washington Matt Hope Management Keith Emery Management Sean Woodward Mark Jones PC 0605 PCSO 8987 PC 4953 PC 4034 PCSO 16229 PCSO 6603 PC 4632 Nicola PC 4685 Liz Old Angela PC 5238 Malcolm Ford Wendy Rogers Gemma Price Andy Mander Humphries Steven Wilson Broadhurst Scott Robson PCSO 16293 PCSO 8770 PCSO 16626 PCSO 16937 PC 5179 Mel PC 0900 PC 4858 Toni Boyle Adam Evans Steven Lomas Lesley Webb Bartholomew Victoria Barker Simon Price

To sign up for local emails please visit www.staffordshire.police.uk/signup Our City p30 28/6/13 14:25 Page 1

30 Our City SUMMER 2013 Centre honour crowns a busy Tension mounts as city prepares to year of work A centre which counsels victims of rape and sexual violence in host Tour of Britain for sixth time Stoke-on-Trent was honoured to mark the 60th anniversary of HERE’S less than two North of Leek, the scene of many Her Majesty The Queen’s months to go until the battles between top international coronation. T Tour of Britain returns cyclists. Everyone will receive the Savana, a registered charity to Stoke-on-Trent for the sixth professional treatment with fantastic based in the city centre, time. feed stops, well signed routes, received a Queen’s Award for The race will leave the city centre at mechanical service, motorbike Voluntary Service. Savana, which 10am on Wednesday, September 18 outriders as well as a rousing receives some of its funding before making its way through the city reception with full Tour of Britain from the city council, has seen and heading west towards the stage finish experience. increasing demand since it finish in North Wales. Having completed the challenge launched in 1986, and last year Details of the exact route will be those taking part can look forward to supported 1,157 people. revealed on Thursday, July 25 and refuelling and a massage to revive Cabinet Member for Health members of the public will be able to tired bodies. and Wellbeing Councillor Adrian get all the news by following New this year is a pre ride social Knapper said: “This is really Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s official evening where you can pick up some good news for an organisation Twitter feed on the day – riding tips from the pros as well as which does invaluable work in @SOTcitycouncil meet up with fellow Tour Ride the city and I’d like to We will also be giving away two free participants. congratulate them on their entry tickets to the Tour Ride and two Councillor Adrian Knapper, success. VIP tickets to the Tour of Britain Cabinet Member for Health and Start. For the chance to win, simply “We feel that the local Wellbeing, said: “The Tour Series was follow the city council’s Twitter page. services for victims of sexual a huge success and we're now getting On Sunday, September 1, the ready to welcome yet more top violence work together to will host the start cyclists to our city when the Tour of provide a caring, supportive and finish of The Tour Ride for the Britain returns. service with the needs of each third-time. Since 2009 The Tour Ride “Previous events have always been victim at the heart of all they do. Stoke-on-Trent – a mass participation very well supported by the public and We would encourage victims event for all riders – has attracted I’m sure this event will be no not to suffer in silence.” thousands of cyclists seeking to different. ● Anyone who needs Savana’s experience what it is like for the “Seeing top-class riders on our support should telephone professionals. streets will be a real inspiration to the Marc de Maar, of the United 01782 221005, 221000 (24hr There is a choice of the Pro 100 spectators and the race will bring a Healthcare team. who won message line), email mile route or the Challenge 50 mile ‘feel good’ factor to the city.” ● last year's Tour of Britain [email protected] or visit route. The Tour Ride takes in parts of To enter the Tour Ride and for stage which finished in more information, visit www.savana.org.uk the Tour of Britain professional route Stoke-on-Trent City Centre. including the challenging Gun Hill www.tourride.co.uk/stoke/ Exciting range of part-time and short courses for adults STARTING SEPTEMBER 2013 Volunteer to help a child Read, Grow and Succeed Subjects include: ■ Access to Study Can you spare 3 hours per week to help a with three children for two 30 minute ■ child, read, grow and succeed? sessions a week, during term-time on a Accounting & Finance one-to-one basis, giving them your full Beanstalk is a national literacy charity that ■ Adult Leisure attention and support to improve reading trains and supports volunteers to work in levels, increase overall confidence and ■ Adult Skills (Maths & English) primary schools with children who have inspire a lifelong love of reading. Together, ■ fallen behind with their reading. We are Art, Design & Media you will read, play and talk. With your support currently looking for volunteers in ■ Business, Administration & Management the child’s approach to learning and enjoying Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire reading will be transformed. ■ Computing & ICT and would like you to consider volunteering ■ Construction & Horticulture for us. Alternatively, you may wish to pass Volunteering as a Beanstalk reading helper is our details to someone you know, who might extremely rewarding, makes a lasting ■ Counselling and Personal Awareness wish to volunteer for us. difference to children’s lives and is a great ■ Early Years & Teacher Training way to give something back to your local As a Beanstalk reading ■ community. Electrical Installation helper you will work ■ Employability Skills ■ First Aid ■ Floristry ■ Food & Catering ■ Hair, Beauty & Holistic Therapies ■ Health & Social Care ■ Languages & Sign Language ■ Music ■ Sport & Exercise For more information, please contact Gail Washington on Find out more at our adult advice and enrolment event on 01782 827375 email: [email protected] Thursday 29 August, 2pm – 8pm. Pre-register for this event or visit: www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk at www.nulc.ac.uk/events Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people For further information on all of our courses please contact and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 01782 254254 or email [email protected] Registered Charity number 296454 Our City p31 28/6/13 14:27 Page 1

SUMMER 2013 Our City 31 Top gymnasts compete at city venue THE next generation of potential Commonwealth and Olympic rhythmic gymnasts went head-to-head in the city at a major championship. Around 90 gymnasts competed at the 2013 Rhythmic British Championships at Fenton Manor Sports Complex. It was a chance for the public to see some of the gymnasts expected to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland next year and to celebrate the sporting legacy left behind by the Olympics last year. Councillor Adrian Knapper, Cabinet Member for Health,Wellbeing and Sport, said:“This is an event which has been coming to Fenton Manor since 2006 and we were delighted to welcome it back this year. “The venue has hosted a lot of gymnastic competitions recently including multiple disciplines such as acrobatics, floor and vault and tumbling and we’re working with various governing bodies and schools to become a national events hub for gymnastics. “Staging events like the Rhythmic British Championships here is great news for the city and it was a great day of entertainment for spectators. Not only does it show the council’s commitment to sport in the city, but it will also help to encourage more people to become more physically active and enjoy the associated benefits.” Dan Brough, 14, left and Ryan Wright, 13, with Kickz Co ordinator Ben Blowers at their session in Bentilee.

pioneering Uni staff give a activity scheme garden facelift A is helping to Sports project joined by PRIMARY school children are enjoying a increase youth participation in sport revamped outside area thanks to the and is reducing help of staff from Staffordshire antisocial behaviour at University. They descended on Burnwood the same time. Community Primary School, in Tunstall, The project has been premier stars for Give and Gain Day, a national day of welcomed by residents, families and parents as well as young employee volunteering. people. week in this area. Sessions tackle this quality of life issue. behaviour and being able to The school now has refurbished The initiative has been set include Bentilee Volunteers He said the Kickz project has engage in positive activities.” garden furniture, replanted raised beds, up through a partnership running youth clubs at the been and will continue to be a Kickz Co-ordinator Ben cleaned up paved areas and a new between the city council’s Pavillions centre four nights major contributor to that Blowers said his team has a Space-themed mural. Locality,Youth and and a week and Stoke City successful process. great relationship with the Volunteers also worked with the StreetGames teams, Stoke City Kickz taking place three nights Jon Connolly, Antisocial young people who attend and school’s eco-council and learned the Football Club (Kickz) which is per week for young people Behaviour Lead for the city always welcomes new value of vegetables and herbs being match funded by the Premier from Bentilee, Berry Hill and council said: “This is a great participants. part of a healthy eating plan. league, police, local councillors Eaton Park. example of partnership The project prevents young Diane Crook, the University’s Head of and Pinnacle who run Bentilee Sergeant Jason Allport from working which has also people from getting bored and Corporate Relations, said:“This was an Neighbourhood Centre. the Local Neighbourhood engaged successfully with being involved in antisocial excellent opportunity for staff to get Activities include free Officer team said the locality young people and their families behaviour. involved in something different and to address antisocial behaviour ● footballing coaching, street had seen a reduction in youth For more details or to they were very pleased to receive praise dance sessions and other fun related antisocial behaviour through restorative justice. become a volunteer contact and a thank you card from the school and educational activities since the introduction of a “It has resulted in young [email protected] taking place every night of the multi-agency approach to people apologising for their or by calling 01782 592296. for the work that they did.”

Our City is published by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, NHS Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

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 stokeontrent.citycouncil Web: www.staffordshire.police.uk In an emergency always call: 999 Twitter: @SoTCityCouncil Facebook: facebook/staffordshirepolice Web: www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk twitter.com/SoTCityCouncil Twitter: @staffspolice Twitter: twitter.com/staffsfire Tel: 01782 234234 YouTube: YouTube/staffordshirepolice Facebook: facebook.com/ staffordshirefireandrescueservice

Contact us by mail at FREEPOST Our City or by email at [email protected] or telephone 01782 236703 Information in Our City correct at the time of going to press. Our City p32 28/6/13 14:28 Page 1

32 Our City SUMMER 2013

Abbey Hulton and Townsend GWEN HASSALL ADRIAN KNAPPER (Labour) (Labour) Your 07557 848765 07714 334453 gwen.hassall@ adrian.knapper@ Councillors stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Baddeley,Milton and Norton Bentilee and Ubberley JACK BRERETON ANDREW LILLEY DUNCAN WALKER SHEILA PITT ALISON WEDGWOOD (Conservative) (Unaffiliated) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07855 916134 07717 714010 (01782) 912422 07957 948896 07968 477901 jack.brereton@ andy.lilley@ duncan.walker@ sheila.pitt@ alison.wedgwood@ stoke.gov.uk 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 PAUL BREEZE MARK MEREDITH GLENYS WARD NEIL DAY ANDY PLATT (City Independents) (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 279684 07717 714020 (01782) 312670 (01782) 598844 07919 660221 paul.breeze@ mark.meredith@ 07922 909545 07796 040002 andy.platt@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk glenys.ward@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @markmeredith01 @CllrAndyST4

Bradeley and Chell Heath Broadway and Longton East Burslem Central Burslem Park Dresden and Florence GURMEET SINGH TOM REYNOLDS ALAN DUTTON JOY GARNER SHAZAD HUSSAIN KALLAR (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07850 828717 (01782) 824051 (01782) 768846 07899 771815 07900 604232 tom.reynolds@ 07982 231567 07986 442770 shazad.hussain@ gurmeetsingh.kallar@ stoke.gov.uk alan.dutton@ [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: stoke.gov.uk @longtontom.

Eaton Park Etruria and Hanley Fenton East Fenton West and Mount Pleasant Ford Green and Smallthorne TERRY CROWE MAJID KHAN PAUL SHOTTON KAREN CLARKE MATT WILCOX (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (01782) 269422 07989 441707 (01782) 434445 07917 270594 07810 825600 07818 044755 majid.khan@ paul.shotton@ karen.clarke@ matt.wilcox@ terry.crowe@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk

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

Hanley Park and Shelton Hartshill and Basford Hollybush and Longton West Joiner’s Square Lightwood North and Normacot AMJID WAZIR SHAUN PENDER KATH BANKS ALASTAIR WATSON BAGH ALI (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) (Labour) 07747 830461 (01782) 632104 (01782) 399759 07736 837822 (01782) 343246 amjid.wazir@ 07825 142327 07790 699379 alastair.watson@ 07973 848428 stoke.gov.uk shaun.pender@ kath.banks@ stoke.gov.uk [email protected] stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk Twitter: @CllrActional22

Little Chell and Stanfield Meir Hay Meir North Meir Park Meir South RUTH ROSENAU DAVID CONWAY MUHAMMAD AUMIR (Labour) ABI BROWN DEBBIE WHEELDON (City Independents) (Labour) (01782) 501940 (Conservative) (Labour) (01782) 790922 07886 581082 07870 503575 07793 844169 (01782) 595043 david.conway@ muhammad.aumir@ 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 DEBRA GRATTON JACKIE BARNES (Labour) (City Independents) (Labour) (Labour) (City Independents) (01782) 232468 (01782) 256869 07717 714207 07917 854981 (01782) 845619 / mohammed.pervez@ 07920 835902 olwen.hamer@ debra.gratton@ 07813 539410 stoke.gov.uk randolph.conteh@ stoke.gov.uk stoke.gov.uk jackie.barnes@stoke. Twitter: stoke.gov.uk Twitter: gov.uk @pervezstoke @debra_gratton

Tunstall Weston Coyney FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE: LEE WANGER MATTHEW FRY The next meetings of the Cabinet between the The only full City Council meeting during this (City Independents) (Labour) 8 July 2013 and October are as follows: time is on 5 September 2013. (01782) 856712 07826 891801 07971 303729 matthew.fry@ 25 July, 29 August and 26 September 2013. lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillors 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.