Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 102

Issue 102
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From all students and staff at
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Uttoxeter
Happy Christmas
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Dove Bank, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8DU
t: 01889 561820 | e: office@tahs.org.uk | w: www.thomasalleynes.uk

3Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
I
said in my
article in the last
Voice colour
magazine: “I am
sure scientists from
around the World
will find a vaccine
for Covid-19 by
Spring 2021 and I
know our British scientists would be at the
forefront of the research” – well, hopefully, they
have done so earlier than I anticipated!
Over the past couple of weeks possible
vaccines have been revealed and as I write this
article we are all waiting with bated breath to see
if they are approved by the regulatory bodies….
I am certain they will be and the huge
logistical process of rolling out vaccines to our
UK people begins immediately – by the end of
Spring 2021 let’s sincerely hope we can get on top
of this dreadful virus...
At the moment the main topic of
conversation everywhere I go is the
Government’s decision to allow 3 households to
mix over the Christmas period. They are trying
to give us all some sort of Christmas but this virus
doesn’t respect this sentiment – in actual fact, it
thrives on social mixing in confined spaces...
I say that the decision on what we do during
the Christmas period is solely with us, the people.
I believe, now we are in touching distance of a
vaccine to combat this virus, we should be extra
careful – indeed jolly careful as the PM puts it –
and enjoy a quiet Christmas in our own homes
and look forward to getting back to some sort of
normality in 2021.
I haven’t had a holiday this year as I am sure
many others haven’t, but I intend to certainly
make up for it next year – I’ve got my Budgie
Smugglers packed already...
As I always say at this time of the year, we
must remember the loved ones who are no longer
here with us – perhaps we could stay silent at 12
Noon on Christmas Day, close our eyes and
whisper ‘Merry Christmas’ to those who have left
us during this horrendous 2020 and also in
previous years. The hurt will never, ever go away,
but by acknowledging their memories during
Christmas Day, it will make them a very special
part of the day...
To everyone, everywhere, I wish you all A
Very Merry Christmas and A Very Happy and
Safe New Year. I will speak to you in the first
Voice colour magazine of 2021, which will be out
on February 3rd.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The
Voice
Nigel Titterton, Editor & Publisher
Dear Reader,
Publisher and Editor: Nigel Titterton
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is published by Community Voice
Publications Ltd
Telephone 01538 751629 e-mail uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
The views expressed in this publication are those of our contributors and are not
necessarily those of the publishers, nor indeed their responsibility.
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright Community Voice Publications Ltd.
Designed and Produced by noel@sergeantdesign.com
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
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is published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
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Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower
Tean, Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh,
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& Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury,
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Call 01538 751629
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The Voice colour magazine requires a
Advertising
Sales Person
Starting January 2021
The successful applicant will have the following:
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The Voice colour magazine is the largest publication in our area and is a firm
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Send your CV and accompanying letter of application to:
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Uttoxeter
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YEAR!
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Everyone at
wishes our Readers and Advertisers
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

4 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.

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E
ach year CAMRA recognises the best pubs up
and down the country with an entry in the Good
Beer Guide, a bible for beer lovers. In the
Uttoxeter and District we have 4 pubs that are included
in this year’s guide. The competition was tight this year
again with a number of pubs scoring highly. If your
favorite pub is not in the current guide then please Join
CAMRA if you are not a member and score the Beer
on WhatPub.com.
The Good Beer Guide entry is decided by the beer
scores entered by CAMRA members on WhatPub, the
online CAMRA pubs database accessible to everyone.
Every CAMRA member can score the beer even those
from other areas that visit; it is something we
encourage as it increases the diversity of scores. With
limited access and Covid19 restrictions, this is even
more important for the next guide Details can be found
on our Website at UttoxeterCamra.org with ethe full
rules at www.uttoxetercamra.org/media/other/41829/
UttoxeterCriteriaV1.2.pdf
The scores given range from 0 to 5, full details can
be found at www.camra.org.uk/nbss. Basically, scoring
is 0, no real ale available 1 is poor 3 good and 5 perfect
beer.
Previously scores must be entered throughout the
year (at least 10 scores in 6 separate months) and from
a variety of members (a minimum of 3). All eligible
pubs will be visited several times during the year by
CAMRA branch office holders or their representative
to moderate and validate beer scores to ensure they are
fair and representative. For the next guide we will make
allowances for the restrictions imposed on the general
public.
The Good Beer Guide is about beer quality and not
the pub or its surroundings. A pub with one perfectly
kept and served beer is better than one with six poor
quality beers that have been neglected.
The four entrants to the 2020 Good Beer Guide for
Uttoxeter and District are (in alphabetical order):
The Dog & Partridge, Marchington
whatpub.com/pubs/STA/1059/dog-partridge-
marchington
Landlord – Paul Needham,
info@dogandpartridgemarchington.co.uk
The Horse & Dove, Uttoxeter
whatpub.com/pubs/UDS/2999/horse-dove-uttoxeter
Landlords – Paul Blick & Yogi,
info@horsendove.co.uk
The Plough, Uttoxeter
whatpub.com/pubs/STA/1822/plough-inn-uttoxeter
Landlord – Keith Parkes theploughst14@gmail.com
Talbot, Alton
whatpub.com/pubs/UDS/3000/talbot-alton
Landlord – Sandra Williamson,
sandra@altonbridgehotel.co.uk
It is worth noting that the Dog & Partridge is in its
Seventh consecutive year in the Good Beer Guide.
Uttoxeter and regional
pubs feature in the
2021 good beer guide

J
CB is to mark its 75th
birthday by giving employees
around the world an
additional day’s holiday, the company have just
announced.
The news was conveyed to employees recently. And
in a special video message to the global workforce, JCB
Chairman Anthony Bamford paid tribute to the efforts
of employees past and present who have contributed to
the success of JCB .
The company was founded in a lock-up garage in
Uttoxeter on October 23rd, 1945 by the late Joseph
Cyril Bamford on the day his son Anthony, now Lord
Bamford, was born. The company’s first product was a
hydraulic tipping trailer made out of war time scrap.
Today JCB manufactures more than 300 different
machines, including the world’s first electric mini
excavator.
Lord Bamford: “As we mark 75 years in business, I
know that everything JCB has achieved is due to the
hard work and commitment of everyone who works for
JCB or has worked for JCB in the past. I’d like to thank
everyone for their support over the years and
particularly in recent months while we were dealing
with the challenging business situation.
“We did have plans to celebrate our 75th
anniversary, but COVID-19 changed all that. So, rather
than celebrate, we should remember everything that
JCB has achieved in the past 75 years. From small
beginnings in a lock-up garage, in Uttoxeter back in
1945 the JCB team has helped to create a business that
we can all be very proud of.”
The extra day’s holiday will be taken by UK
employees on Christmas Eve to extend the traditional
festive break. JCB employs more than more 12,000
people globally, half of which are based at the
company’s 11 UK plants.
Extra day’s holiday for employees
as JCB marks 75th birthday

C
headle’s singing sensation Joslyn Plant has
released her much-awaited second single
‘Elevating,’ on Spotify and other
streaming services.
The 13 year old Painsley Catholic College
student has already
competed in a series
of talent shows
including ITV’s The
Voice Kids and she
also has her own
show on Teenbuzz
Radio, broadcasting
in 28 countries.
Local people were
astounded by Joslyn’s
singing voice when she
made an appearance at
a Cheadle Fun Day held at Tean Road Recreation
Ground a few years ago.
A singer-songwriter, Joslyn is sponsored by
the renowned Steelworks Studio in Sheffield and
she takes classes at Wilkes Academy.
To announce the release of her new single
‘Elevating,’ Joslyn took part in a photo shoot at
the beautiful location of The Roaches, Near Leek,
carried out by landscape photographer Kieran
Metcalfe from Manchester.
Proud Mum Michelle said that Joslyn is very
excited by her new song as it is very different
from her previous single.
Michelle said that ‘Elevating’ was quite an
edgy electro alternative pop song which makes
you want to dance!
‘Elevating’ was co written with Kareen El
Nagar and can be ordered now on Spotify.
Cheadle’s sensational
young singer Joslyn
Plant has released her
second single

J
CB has launched a new range
of electric products as it
expands its range of zero-
emissions machines.
The wraps recently came off four brand new electric
machines at the company’s World Headquarters in
Staffordshire at the company’s first virtual product
launch.
The unveiling came on the day that the UK
Government outlined its 10 point plan for a Green
Industrial Revolution, which includes the intention to
build on the UK’s strengths in electric vehicles and
hydrogen.
A JCB spokesman said: “JCB is supportive of the
UK Government’s ambitious plans to make strides
towards net zero by 2050 and the JCB products
unveiled today will play a crucial role in the future as
JCB strives to achieve zero emissions as part of its Road
to Zero programme.”
One of the machines unveiled is a Loadall telescopic
handler, a machine which is used for lifting and placing
loads on construction sites and on farms. The launch
of the 525-60E – which is fully electric – comes 43 years
after JCB first launched its diesel-powered Loadall
range. Designed to deliver the same performance as the
conventional diesel-powered machine, the 525-60E
offers a zero-emissions load handling solution to
construction, industrial and agricultural customers.
JCB Chief Innovation Officer Tim Burnhope: “JCB
has taken a pioneering lead in the move to electric
propulsion in construction, agricultural and industrial
machinery, having already successfully launched an
electric mini excavator and electric forklift to the
market. We are delighted to be launching more electric
machines with no compromise in performance or
productivity. We are very excited about the prospects
for new our electric range.”
JCB also unveiled a one tonne site dumper for
transporting loads around construction sites and a
walk behind mini dumper as well as a new version of
its successful electric mini excavator which now comes
complete with a cab for colder climates.
JCB machines go all electric as zero
emissions take centre stage
The newly launched electric JCB Loadall

Tean W.I. August-November 2020
W
e have been very busy in Tean WI, trying to continue with as normal a life as possible. We have
held monthly meetings using Zoom, and during the summer held monthly craft meetings outside
in Members gardens. Since the weather has got colder, and the nights drawing in, we have continued
the meetings on Zoom. We are preparing for our Centenary next year, which we want to make special for all
our Members.
In August we created a WhatsApp group for our Members, and this is being used regularly. It makes it
easier for us to correspond and exchange photographs or articles. We have had new members joining our
Facebook page. October was a sad month for us, as we lost one of our Member’s – Debbie. She was our youngest
Member and is greatly missed by us all. We shall never forget her gift wrapping demonstration with a square
of material - Froshiki. We were mesmerised. When she had finished the gift wrapping she went on to make a
Froshiki bag to carry it in! Since our last newsletter we have held our Zoom Meetings on our usual meeting
night, Tuesdays. We have been amazed by the number of our Members joining our meetings. This makes us
very pleased and positive.
Our speakers have included
Cathy Fernie, a Clinical
Complimentary Therapist from
Hyolistic Bliss. She talked about
aromatherapy which is tailored to
each client. She also performs her
therapies for the NHS. She has a
very good way to relieve stress -
rub your thumb! We had all been
planning, growing and looking
forward to our Produce Show in
September. Unfortunately due to
COVID it was not to be. But at
least all our Members had a
chance to enjoy a garden full of
fruit, vegetables and flowers. In
October we had a wonderful talk
by Miss Pitchy Patchy – Hen
Johnson. She gave an interesting
talk on the WI during WW2,
when the WI was a huge force.
They helped to resettle evacuees
and arranged meetings for their
families. They helped to feed the
nation, by making jam – 12
million jars – and canning fruit
and vegetables. This was an
excellent talk and quite amusing at
times, easily performed on Zoom.
We highly recommend her.
In November Coronavirus did
not deter our President Sue from
arranging our annual Pie & Peas
with Dessert evening when we
invite our husbands and friends to
join us. Sue and her husband
made the pie & peas, and Janet
made the dessert – apple crumble.
Our Committee delivered them to
Members homes in the afternoon
along with raffle tickets, bingo
sheets and 2 word competitions
on serviettes. During the virtual
Zoom meeting later in the evening
we had fun playing bingo, hearing
answers to the word games and
the raffle was drawn – there were
5 prizes. And lots of laughter!
If you are interested in what
we have been doing this year, and
what we have planned please
check our Tean WI Facebook
page, and the Staffordshire
Federation and the National
Federation of Womens Institutes
on Facebook. You will find that we
as Members have lots to do and
can participate even if we are still
in lockdown, and social
distancing. We are encouraging
Ladies to join us during these
lonely times. The WI is offering a
reduced Membership fees until
March.
If you are interested and
would like to find out more
information about Tean WI please
get in touch with our President
Sue on 01538723409 or Secretary
Janet on 01538 724112.
We look forward to hearing
from you. And hope to see you
soon, whether face to face or on
Zoom.
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Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
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Season’s Greetings

At Tynsel Parkes C.E Primary
Academy our vision is for
everyone to feel valued and
be all they can be whilst
embracing Christian values.
We provide:-
• High quality teaching and learning in a nurturing setting.
• Excellent care, support and guidance for children aged
3-9yrs.
• Exciting, creative and fun, ﬂexible hours
Nursery.
• Onsite wrap around care from 7.30am.
• Happy family team who are constantly
striving for excellence.
• Thriving, stimulating and welcoming
environment.
Principal: Mrs Rachel Chandler
www.tynselparkesacademy.co.uk Tel: 01889 221920
Email: oﬃce@tynselparkesacademy.co.uk
School Road, Uttoxeter ST14 7HE
Pupils at Tynsel
Parkes Primary
Academy love to
learn. They are
inquisitive and
curious. They get
excited when they
learn new things.
Ofsted, Oct 2019
D
avid Stone’s ‘The Adventures of
Tom, Jack and Joe’ is an
enchanting, fast-paced and truly
engrossing children’s storybook
following the exploits of Tom, Jack and
Joe as they camp out in the woods and
encounter the most enthralling of things.
It’s a multi-faceted story in which young
readers will come across fairies, aliens,
gypsies, a haunted house and more.
Above all, it’s good old-fashioned fun!
As a writer, David Stone, of Stafford,
is passionateabout harking back to a
bygone era of storytelling; one where
traditional action and adventure come
first, without a zombie in sight! It’s a
hallmark that rings true on every page
of his new book.
‘The Adventures of Tom, Jack and
Joe’ takes traditional children’s
adventure and twists it together with
science fiction, producing a story that is
not only unique, but will gain the
approval of parents and teachers
everywhere.
Join Tom, Jack and Joe on their
adventures as they camp out in the
woods, encountering wild animals and
making new friends, including Harry
and Cumbow. Their adventures bring
them into contact with fairies, gypsies
and aliens as well as haunted houses and
a cave filled with gold! There are also
mysteries and riddles to be solved,
including the Land of the Lost Children,
where a mysterious mist is capable of
stopping time itself, and a magical island
believed to contain a large quantity of
lost diamonds.
“I really wanted to write something
that told the story of brothers who, while
happy at home, preferred to be outside
exploring the world around them,”
explains the author. “They would have
the support and encouragement of their
parents and, of course, encounter plenty
of surprises and innocent mischief along
the way. It’s the kind of children’s fiction
that we all champion.”
Continuing, “As they go deeper and
deeper into the woods, their encounters
become increasingly different and
puzzling. While they get into some hairy
situations, each one ultimately broadens
their horizons and helps them grow as
people. I want young children to
embrace the story, its culture and go out
into the world with the same thirst for
discovery.”
‘The Adventures of Tom, Jack and
Joe’ is available now: www.amzn.to/
3kBicyA
The Adventures of Tom,
Jack and Joe
New Children’s Book Fuses Sci-Fi, Adventure and Moralistic Musings from Yesteryear

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Celebrating
Uttoxeter’s trees
I
n the words of the Woodland Trust, ‘trees are our strongest warriors in the battle
against climate change but there are simply not enough of them to tackle the climate
emergency. There is something simple we can do – and that’s planting trees!’ What
better time is there to do this than during National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual
tree celebration. This year, it takes place from 28 November to 6 December, and
Uttoxeter Town Council’s Biodiversity Steering Group is inviting residents across town
to take up the challenge and plant a tree. In what has been a really difficult year for us
all, it would be great to see lots of people taking such a positive step to address climate
change and to support local wildlife.
Uttoxeter Town Council is committed to tackling climate change and the loss of
biodiversity in our town. Every tree counts in the battle against climate change. Tackling
this crisis now means leaving the world in a liveable state for future generations.
The Council itself has already been planting more trees in the beautiful Cemetery
grounds and is delighted to see that local schools have really taken on the message of
the importance of tree planting and have planted hundreds in their grounds.
Over the summer of lockdown many local people took to walking the footpaths and
parks all around town and have grown to appreciate the wonderful tree cover we already
have, from the magnificent oaks in Bramshall Road park, to the green ‘tunnels’ created
by the hedges and trees in Timber Lane, Picknalls Lane or the former railway line
adjoining Pennycroft Park. Our trees are part of the history and heritage of the town,
having been living in our landscape throughout centuries of development and change.
Uttoxeter’s trees are vitally important to wildlife in and around town, providing
shelter, food and safe travel ‘corridors’ for all manner of birds, bats, small mammals
and insects. With the current pressures on land for housing, industry and transport
the populations of wildlife are declining alarmingly, and tree planting has a major part
to play in retaining habitats and creating safe spaces for our wildlife to live and flourish.
The Biodiversity Group is working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and ESBC to
develop ‘wildlife corridors’ for animals, birds, bats and insects to travel safely across
the town in search of food or habitats. Planting more native trees in gardens, field edges,
on roadsides or in public spaces is an essential part of this and the Group is asking
everyone with a bit of garden space or available field edges to plant trees and help make
this a more beautiful, sustainable and wildlife-friendly town.
Information on suitable trees can be seen on the Woodland Trust website or
obtained from local garden centres and tree nurseries. If you are interested in joining
the work on biodiversity or in community gardening groups across the town then
contact the Council on 01889 564085 or info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk

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RNA Cheque & Tankard Presentation
As part of the surprise presentation made by Uttoxeter Mayor, Mrs Sue McGarry, to
Shipmate Mike Bell, The Secretary of The Royal Naval Association Uttoxeter &
District for his exemplary work towards the Members of The RNA Branch.
Present in the cheque presentation are Shipmates John Marshal, (President), David
Emery MBE, (Chairman), Mark Crutchley, (Vice Chairman) and Mike Bell
(Secretary).
T
he Chairman of The Royal Naval Association
Uttoxeter & District, Mr David Emery MBE,
presented a cheque to The Mayor of Uttoxeter,
Cllr Sue McGarry, for her designated Charities recently.
There was also a surprise presentation made by
Uttoxeter’s Mayor ro Shipmate Mike Bell, The Secretary
of the Royal Naval Association Uttoxeter and District
for his exemplary work towards the Members of the
RNA Branch.
Present in the Cheque Presentation are Shipmates
John Marshal (President), David Emery MBE
(Chairman), Mark Crutchley (Vice Chairman) and
Mike Bell (Secretary).
Uttoxeter Mayor Cllr Sue McGarry commented at
the presentation event: “Thank you so much to the
members of the RNA for coming to the Uttoxeter Town
Hall. I understand we are living in strange and
unprecedented times but it is a privilege to welcome
you all and to receive such a generous donation for the
mayoral charities.
“My two charities are The Fountains Federation
Signing Choir and Highfield Court Independent Living
for Adults with additional needs, both of which are
near and dear to my myself.
“The RNA acknowledge someone who has helped
everyone within their branch by the presentation to a
deserving shipmate with the Cyril Martin Tankard and
I present this trophy to this year’s recipient, Mr Mike
Bell.
“I believe Mike has been in the position of Branch
Secretary for many years and he has worked tirelessly
for the benefit of everyone. I also believe Mike has gone
above and beyond since the Pandemic hit our shores
as he has kept in touch with all branch members either
by phone or personal visits, especially those who have
suffered any kind of illness,” Cllr McGarry concluded.

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are independent of prison staff - in other words, you.
The IMB (Independent Monitoring Board) at Werrington cares about the
offenders’day-to-day life and tries to ensure that they are treated fairly and
humanely. Members come from all walks of life and live within 20 miles of
the prison. They are trained on the job and undertake to visit 3-4 times a
month. Although unpaid, they can claim travel expenses. So if you are
enthusiastic, open-minded and have both good people skills and
judgement, you could be exactly what we are looking for!
To find out more about this opportunity, go to www.imb.org.uk.

T
hroughout this very difficult time due to the
Coronavirus, Covid 19, the ladies of the Inner
Wheel Club of Uttoxeter have continued as
much as possible to provide for the poor and needy in
various ways. They held a Quiz in March just before
Lockdown which was well attended and all profits will
be donated to chosen local charities. They have been
knitting blankets, and collecting unwanted clothes for
Refuge centres and other charities.
At the end of September, two members and their
husbands took two very laden estate cars full of
clothing to Mansfield for the National Police Aid
Convoys. These goods are likely to go to Ghana in the
New Year. Bags of baby clothes have been donated to
various places.
The ladies have held Zoom meetings as a way of
getting together to chat and to discuss fund raising
ideas for the future, and they are looking forward to
being able to attend their regular meetings and enjoy a
delicious meal at the Uttoxeter Golf Club.
The Inner Wheel Club of Uttoxeter

Call Emily on 01782 415649
or 07946 603936
We are operating by phone delivering
free to the door, we can also do vouchers
for Christmas and birthday presents
throughout the year
D
avid Wilson Homes Mercia has donated a
range of art supplies and books to local
Uttoxeter school to let student’s imaginations
run wild and keep them creating.
The five star homebuilder has donated 30 of ‘The
Boy at the Back of the Class’ books to Picknalls First
School, close to its Bentley Fields development, as well
as a range of art supplies for the children to use when
the school reopens.
The book is a touching debut by Onjali Raúf, that
could not be more topical for children to read. The
book tells the story of a Syrian refugee in London and
centres on the importance of friendship and
encourages children not to fear those who are different.
Anne Tapp, Head Teacher at Picknalls First School
said: “It was lovely to receive this generous gift of books
and art resources from David Wilson Homes. The
children at Picknalls absolutely love all the art
experiences we give them and we have some amazing
artists of all ages. They will love using this new
equipment.
“The books will be a super addition to the
classrooms and to have 30 copies of the same books
allows us to do whole class reading to really engage
them in the story. All the resources will be a wonderful
surprise to the children when they all return in
September.”
The donation comes as schools had to close at the
end of the summer term due to the Coronavirus
pandemic meaning that children lost out on some of
their year of learning.
Creative activities like art and reading help make
vital connections between the different parts of a child’s
brain, can help promote mental wellbeing, and help
children’s physical and intellectual development .
Steve Barton, Senior Sales Manager at David
Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “As a leading homebuilder
we are proud to lead the way, not only in the quality of
new homes that we build but in the positive legacy that
we will leave in the areas in which we build.
“We believe it is incredibly important to donate to
local organisations, businesses, charities and schools as
they are able to bring communities together and
provide residents with a better quality of life.”
David Wilson Homes’ sales centres are now open
on an appointment only basis. For more information
about Bentley Fields visit www.dwh.co.uk/bentleyfields
or call 0333 355 8479 to book an appointment with a
Sales Adviser.
Leading Staffordshire developer keeps
children creating thanks to school donation
Children at Picknalls Primary School enjoying their art supplies

T
V star Ross
Kemp got a
close-up
view of one of the most famous JCB
diggers in the world during filming for
an ITV programme about an infamous
robbery attempt.
The presenter and investigative
journalist visited JCB’s Staffordshire base
during the making of a programme to
mark the 20th anniversary of a thwarted
attempt to steal millions of pounds
worth of diamonds from the
Millennium Dome.
During the foiled robbery bid the
thieves used a JCB 3CX backhoe loader
to bulldoze the Dome’s perimeter fence
and then crash through the attraction’s
boundary wall and into the Money Zone
where the diamonds were on display.
During his visit award-winning actor
Ross saw for himself the machine the
thieves used – complete with
modifications they made to execute
their daring raid.
Ross said: “It was absolutely
fascinating to see the actual JCB
machine the robbers used in the
Millennium Dome raid because it is so
central to the story the programme tells.”
Observers often think the hole in the
windscreen of the digger results from a
bullet but it was actually caused by heat
from the bonnet-mounted exhaust pipe,
which broke off and hit the windscreen
as it crashed through the Dome wall.
Because the front bucket of the
machine was going to be raised in the air
as the robbers bulldozed their way into
the Dome, three holes were flame cut
into the bucket so they could see where
they were going.
With a cab built for one operator, the
thieves also removed the machine’s rear
control levers so four people could be
accommodated inside. The rear dipper
and bucket was also removed to reduce
the height of the machine.
Six men were jailed in 2001 for their
part in the robbery. The programme –
called The Millennium Dome Heist with
Ross Kemp - was first broadcast on
ITV1 on November 11th but is now
available on the ITV Hub.
TV’s Ross Kemp
comes face-to-
face with famous
JCB digger

C
ovid 19 restrictions mean that Christmas will
be very different this year. One casualty will be
Rocester’s annual Nativity Walk which takes
place on Christmas Eve.
A procession led by a donkey with Mary & Joseph,
congregates by Village Hall at 4p.m., the Star narrator
explains the aim of the event before Little Donkey is
sung as the congregation begins its journey to the
Church. En route a stop is made at the Inn (the Red
Lion) where Joseph tries to find accommodation for
the heavily pregnant Mary-only to be told there is no
room at the Inn other than a stable at the rear. A carol
is then sung before the procession moves on.
Further stops are made, the last at the Lyche Gate,
with carols being sung & the story continued. Outside
the Church, a flock of very well-trained sheep
performed a relevant song & dance routine.
In the Church where all the windows have
Christmas related, the story continues, more carols are
sung & we see the arrival of the three kings
accompanied by a badly behaved camel. The whole
event is a child friendly way of telling the Nativity story.
The photograph below and performances are from
the 2017 event, the first & best that I attended, why the
best? It was the sheer joy on the faces of the children
when called to the front of the Church to sing We Wish
You a Merry Christmas at the end of the service. After
that Mulled Wine & Mince Pies are served at the back
of the Church.
Hopefully, next year life will be back to normal &
Rocester can once again put on this very enjoyable &
moving telling of the Christmas story. I am sure you
will be made most welcome if you can attend.
A very different 2020 Christmas...
By Bill Woodier, Photos by Alex Bamford
1 The journey begins
3 Leaving village centre
5 Three Kings arrive
2 At the Inn
4 Singing Sheep
6 Decorated Window

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
F
irstly, may I apologise for not writing an article for
last month’s magazine, I missed the deadline, plain
and simple, my unmanageability, no excuses. As
a result, Nigel rang me this month, very grateful for our
esteemed Editor and said issue 102 is the Christmas
edition.
So, I thought about Christmas (not my favourite
time of year) and realised that whenever anyone
mentions Christmas, they always mention the food they
are going to treat themselves too, why I don’t know, it
seems Christmas and food are linked together like
peaches and cream. The adverts are starting now and
they are all gorgeous chocolate loveliness and hams or
turkeys cooked this way or that. Clearly this year, the
party food adverts have been pulled off air, but there is
an advert with a laptop at the end of the table, so an on
line Zoom Christmas seemed to be getting closer to a
reality and why not, if it keeps us safe from the COVID-
19 virus.
But what is happening away from these glossy
adverts? There has been quite a lot in the news about
food and focusing on people who do not have enough
of it. Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United player
has, twice, successful ensured that children get food
during the school holidays, millions signed his on-line
petition to ensure that children got packed lunches. His
eloquent speeches in the press were about not being
ashamed of needing help with food and to accept the
help when it is offered.
Here in Uttoxeter the Bank House Hotel, Church
Street, (www.bankhousehotel.uk/) offered free packed
lunches to children in the school holidays and Uttoxeter
Lions, Tesco and Waitrose donated food towards the
scheme, once again a community coming together to
look after the people that need it and I want to thank all
of them who worked hard to make that happen.
But what about food for your whole family? The
Heath Community Centre runs the Helping Hands
Community Cupboard, en-gb.facebook.com/uttheath/
- if you visit the Facebook page you will find lots of
details about the Food Bank, with food bags and activity
packs on offer free to residents. The foodbank number
is 07548 687 632, and they have told me that they are
again offering Christmas Hampers for residents. The
food is donated by Tesco, Waitrose, Asda, plus the
supermarket at 5 Shops plus the allotments in Uttoxeter
and surrounding villages also donate. Some of the food
comes from the national scheme called Fareshare
(fareshare.org.uk/). People can collect food on both
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, between 10am -Noon
and if you want to donate to the scheme, please drop off
any food at these times too.
The other foodbank in Uttoxeter is run by the Renew
Church, High Street, Uttoxeter, and their website says
they run “a referral-based Food Bank in Uttoxeter and
the surrounding villages providing hundreds of families
and individuals with food and toiletries each year. We
provided some clients with one parcel to help them
through a difficult times and others are given longer
support. We get referrals from different organisations in
the area as well as working with Fareshare,
(fareshare.org.uk/) an organisation that provides a link
to our local Tesco store allowing us to receive surplus
fresh food. Our food bank is supported by other local
churches, schools, businesses and individuals.”
Telephone them on 01889 567016 or email
info@renewchurch.co.uk they believe it really is an
honour to reach out to our local community and help
people in their time of need.
Cheadle and District Food bank is run from Guild
Hall, Tape street, Cheadle, ST10 1BG and can be
contacted by calling 07902 835158,
pm@cheadledistrict.foodbank.org.uk or visit the website
cheadledistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ They are open
Wednesday 9.30am – 11.30am and Friday 1.30pm –
3pm. Remember you need a food voucher to get food
from them, so ensure you have been referred to get the
voucher, visit the website to get registered.
And please remember what the Trussell Trust
website (www.trusselltrust.org/) says, “If you are in
financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call
0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-
5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens
Advice adviser. They can help address your crises and
provide support to maximise your income, help you
navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional
grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue
you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food
parcel from your local food bank.”
So, to end my Christmas column, and to echo what
Marcus Rashford and the Food Bank organisers have
said to me, it is an honour for them to provide help, there
is no shame in needing help and asking for it, the only
shame is if you don’t ask.
Bookshop UK
Not everyone has equal access to reading.
Penguin will donate a book to foodbanks and other
local good causes when you buy a book on
t.co/BWc7z1mlYb this Christmas.
It begins with a book: t.co/ZOoX3h36jl
Panettone Christmas Pudding Cake
E
very Christmas I make at least three cakes.
My traditional christmas cake, an
alternative sponge layer cake, and my
Panettone Christmas Pudding Cake. I always buy
a large Panettone and use the left overs for a
lighter version of christmas pudding and a
Panettone version of bread and butter pudding.
I have a large family and spend a great deal of
Christmas cooking, so this cake is fantastic as no
cooking is required!
You will need -
1 Panettone Cake
6 tbsp Brandy
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large free range eggs
75g caster sugar
500g mascarpone
250 ml double cream
125 ml Marsala
75g glaces cherries
125g dark chocolate chips
100g pistachios, chopped
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
To begin with you will need a 23cm
springform cake tin. Cut your panettone, about
625g, into 1 cm slices. Use about a third of these
to line the bottom of your tin, tearing off pieces
to fit and making sure there are no gaps.
Mix your brandy with the vanilla essence and
drizzle 2 tbsp over the panettone layer.
Next you will need to make the filling. Whisk
together the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy.
Gently whisk in the mascarpone and double
cream, then gradually whisk in the Marsala. Keep
whisking until the mixture is thick. Remove 250
ml, cover and put in the fridge - this is for the
topping and is not needed until the cake is served.
Into the remainder of the cream mixture, add
the glace cherries, 100g of chocolate chips and
75g of the chopped pistachios and fold in. Use
half of the cream to cover the panettone layer in
your cake tin. Use another third of the panettone
slices to cover the cream, once again making sure
there are no gaps. Drizzle over another 2 tbsp of
your brandy and vanilla. Spoon over the
remainder of your cream and spread evenly. Top
with your final layer of panettone and drizzle the
remaining brandy mixture. Cover tightly with
cling film and place in your fridge overnight.
When you are ready to serve, unmould your
cake and place on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread over your reserved cream mixture. Then
finally, scatter the remaining chocolate chips and
pistachios all over the cake, along with the
pomegranate seeds.
This cake is rich, but still quite light. It will
last a couple of days in the fridge, but we rarely
get any leftovers! Happy Christmas.
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill

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D
uncan trained at John Belfield
International in Stafford Street, Hanley,
where he worked for 4 years. He then
moved into Cumberland House in Cheadle,
naming his salon ‘A Cut Above’. He was then given
the opportunity to establish himself in 50, High
Street (above Sankey’s Opticians) by a wonderful
lady named Pauline Brunt. Duncan sealed the
deal with Pauline by buying her a schooner of
sherry in The Wheatsheaf!
Sadly, only a few months later, Pauline became
unwell and was taken into the Dougie Mac.
During one visit Duncan asked Pauline ‘Is there
anything you want?’ In reply, Pauline asked him
to raise money for the hospice. Duncan kept his
promise, organising a variety of fundraising
events including fashion shows and sponsored
swims.
Duncan gave his new salon his own name.
Another lovely lady, Doreen Harvey, a family
friend, joined him. After a few months, Duncan
took on his first apprentice, Michelle Lavan. The
clientele grew to include many Stoke City players
including five international footballers. Duncan
went on to open two more salons, one in Bucknall
and another in Alton Towers.
At one point, Duncan employed sixteen
members of staff. In 1993, Duncan moved for the
final time and continued to develop his business
in his present salon, number 7, Cheadle Shopping
Centre. It was from these premises that Duncan
organised major charity events including
sponsored cycle rides, the first from Blackpool
and the second from the Eiffel Tower, both
finishing at the Dougie Mac, and a third from the
Arc de Triomphe to Marble Arch. A sponsored
swim covered the 22 miles of the English
Channel. Other cycling events included a solo
ride from Cheadle to Bovey Tracey in Devon,
‘The Royal Ride’ from Cheadle to Windsor via
Sandringham and ‘Boston to York’. Last year,
Duncan organised and led a team of walkers from
Wolverhampton to the bet 365 in memory of his
hero, the late, great Gordon Banks. This would
have been Duncan’s final fundraiser if it hadn’t
been for a certain Mr. Robert Banks. Gordon’s son
asked Duncan if this was to be an annual event.
Duncan’s response was ‘I’ll walk it if you will!’
This led to this year’s walk from Chesterfield,
Gordon’s first club, to the bet 365, which was his
last club. Gordon’s son and his grandson, Matt,
joined Duncan’s team of walkers. Throughout
Duncan’s successful hairdressing career, he has
managed to raise in the region of £50.000 for the
hospice that plays such a vital role in our
community.
Duncan would like to thank everyone who
has supported him during his long career,
particularly his family, former and present
members of staff and also so many of his clients
who have become friends. Duncan is looking
forward to having the time to indulge his
interests, cycling, walking, watching cricket and
football, as well as volunteering at the Dougie Mac
Cheadle hairdresser, Duncan Cowans, has put
down his scissors for the final time as he has
retired after 44 years in business

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Staffordshire
A
S JCB marked its
75th birthday
recently, there’s one
family with an extra reason to toast the milestone
after notching up a staggering 600 years’ service
to the company.
The Boot family started its long association
with JCB in 1949 when Bill Boot clocked on for
the first time at the company’s factory in Rocester.
In the years that followed, nine of ten of Bill and
his wife Lucy’s children went on to work at JCB.
In total 27 Boot family members – including nine
grandsons and three great-grandsons have
followed in Bill’s footsteps – registering a
staggering 600 years’ combined service to JCB.
The milestone was reached as JCB marked its
75th anniversary on October 23rd – the day in
1945 that the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded
his business in a lock-up garage in the
Staffordshire market town of Uttoxeter.
Today the late Bill Boot’s legacy continues as
11 members of his family still work at JCB –
including five of his grandsons and three of his
great-grandsons.
Bill’s son Bob, aged 81 and living in Cheadle,
started work at JCB in 1956 on a temporary
contract – and stayed for nearly 44 years. He said:
“It is a company that has changed so much, but
so many things have stayed the same. It may have
factories in all four corners of the world but it is
still based on the values that started it up in
Staffordshire 75 years ago.”
Bill’s grandson Gary Boot, of Uttoxeter, 58, of
who retired in September, said his family were
very proud of their JCB links. Gary, who started
working for JCB in 1986, said: “I always wanted
to join from an early age. My dad, Dereck, would
come home and tell us stories of the company
and Mr JCB and that sparked my interest. I’ve
made so many great friends and have so many
memories of the place. It is amazing to think of
how many years’ service our family has put in –
600, it’s astonishing.”
Gary’s identical twin brothers Andy and
Steven both work at the World HQ in Rocester.
Andy, 53, said: “I think how it is panned out over
the generations has been brilliant. I joined in
1983 on a Youth Training Scheme and haven’t
looked back from there.”
Steven, of Rocester, added: “Being identical
twins makes it difficult for our colleagues, but to
be honest, there are so many Boots I find it
difficult to keep up myself on some occasions!”
The fourth generation of Boots working at
JCB is made up of great-grandsons, brothers
Shaun and Daniel Boot and their second cousin
Leigh Boot. Shaun, of Denstone, who has worked
for JCB for 20 years, said: “There is definitely
something in the blood of the Boot family that
makes us want to work at JCB.
“Knowing that dad, grandad and great
grandad all worked here really does make me sit
back and think. I’m really not sure what our
family would have done for a living if it wasn’t for
JCB. I have a six-year-old daughter and my
brother Daniel has a six-year-old son. So, you
never know, I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide
to follow in the family tradition.”
Bill Boot and his wife Lucy – who worked in
the JCB canteen – had nine sons and a daughter
and nine of the children - Tony, Dereck (correct),
Ken, Bob, Bill, Dennis, Les, Ron and Ruby – went
on to work at JCB followed by grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
JCB was founded on the same day as JCB’s
Chairman Anthony Bamford, now Lord
Bamford, was born. The company’s first product
was a hydraulic tipping trailer made out of war
time scrap. Today the company manufactures
more than 300 different machines, including the
world’s first electric mini excavator. JCB has 22
factories around the world, 11 in the UK and
others in India, the USA, Brazil and China.
The boots who
were made for
working notch up
600 years’service
Members of the Boot family mark their family’s magnificent milestone. Front row, left-to-right Tina,
Steven, Andrew and Joanne Boot. Back row left to right are Daniel Boot, Dave Stubbs, Gary, Colin, Mark,
Alan and Shaun Boot.

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Dear The Uttoxeter Voice,
I have just been reading
your latest edition of The
Uttoxeter Voice issue 101,
and you asked about losing
our loved ones through
Lockdown, And we
unfortunately suddenly lost
our mum on Easter
Sunday, 12th April 2020.
Mum didn’t die of
Coronavirus, it was a blood
clot. But like you said, we
couldn’t have the funeral
that she wanted. There was
only 10 of us, and to be fair,
it was a personal nice
funeral, at Fradley
crematorium, but it hurt
that we all had to make our
own way there, and just go
home after, not being able
to meet up with ALL the
family and friends to
celebrate her life. Not even
being able to hug my own
sister.
So, its a lovely Idea for
you to do a tribute page, for
all loved ones lost during
Lockdown/ covid19.
We are going to have a
memorial for her, when we
can, were hoping we can
have it next year on her
Anniversary, but who
knows.
So, my mum...
Her name is June
Burnett, born 31st July
1940, died 12th April 2020
aged 79. She was a well
known person in
Uttoxeter,originally from a
little village of Hill
Ridware, but moved here
when she was 21. She
worked at Elkes biscuit
factory, The dairy, The fruit
and veg shop in the
Maltings and Robert’s Chip
Shop.
She was a Elder at The
Uttoxeter United Reformed
Church for many years,
and had a lot to do with
Churches together and
organised Christian Aid in
Uttoxeter and District.
She Also chaired
Leukaemia Research Fund,
many years ago, when I was
younger, as I was
diagnosed with Leukaemia
at the age of 9.
But most of all, she was
a family person, and had 4
children Mark, Sue (Burt)
Andrew and Myself Anita
(Hughes) and got 9
grandchildren and 7 great
grandchildren.
And we miss her so
very much.
Anita Hughes xxxx
Expert Garden
Machinery
Servicing and Repairs
Everyone
lovesTheVoice

S
taffordshire’s High Sheriff and the Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands have
thanked some of the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly to support
their local communities during the Covid pandemic.
Commander Charles Bagot Jewitt joined Councillor Keith Flunder on a tour of the
three principle towns to show their, and the district’s, appreciation for the work the
volunteers have done since the health emergency began to impact in March.
They met with volunteers at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone and Biddulph
Town Hall; in Cheadle they chatted to people involved in the Covid response at
Moorlands Home Link; and in Leek they called in at Haregate Community Centre and
St John’s Church.
Commander Bagot Jewitt said: “It is often adverse circumstances that bring out the
best in our communities and that has certainly been brought to the fore this year.
“A key part of my role is to highlight the enormous contribution made by volunteers
and voluntary organisations – but they have more than done that themselves and we have
all been humbled by their response.
“With the county moving to the high alert category at the weekend their support and
the care they provide will be more needed that ever. We cannot thank them enough.”
Councillor Flunder added: “With the move to Tier 2 this was a particularly timely
visit and we were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff to the Moorlands so that,
together, we could offer our heartfelt thanks to all neighbourhood and community groups
and the volunteers who have really shown what true community spirit is.
“I have absolutely no doubt that this spirit will continue to be in very much in
evidence as we move into greater restrictions and part of our discussions with the groups
focussed on the ongoing support that will be need during the coming weeks and months.
“We know that many people are really feeling the effects of this health emergency in
a number of ways but I am confident that here in the Moorlands the strength of our
communities and the care we’re showing for each other will see us through. Stay safe
everyone!”
Moorlands Home Link, Cheadle. Front row: Councillor Flunder, Executive Manager
Sharon Ball and Commander Bagot Jewitt with volunteers and staff.
High Sheriff and Chairman praise
Covid volunteers

@uttoxeter_voice
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Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Readers may recall a request for information re the
whereabouts of Gerald Smith was included in a recent
article in The Voice. This drew a positive response. I
thanked the editor for making this happen and he
replied, “Could be another story for The Voice...”
Part 3
A
fter WW2, Rocester staged it’s first carnival in
1949, this was followed by several more in the
50’s. We were involved in the Mock Carnivals
which took place on the Friday evening before the main
event. I remember for one of these a group of us
dressed as Red Indians, boarded a train at Alton, then
caused mayhem when we arrived at Rocester Station &
proceeded into the village. That evening, we boarded
a Trent bus on its way to Uttoxeter, in Ashbourne Road
& rattled our collecting buckets at some rather
surprised passengers as we travelled to the next stop. It
was also on one of these evenings that we appeared in
a Play directed by Rev Jefferies & staged in the Primary
School.
When the weather was good, much of our time
during the 6 weeks summer holiday was spent by the
river Dove. Our favourite spots were Sandy Bottom,
close to where the Mill Cut re-joined the Dove & by
Dove Bridge, the one just past the Mill. As we got older,
we would head off to the Iron Bridge on Dove Lane &
then follow the river towards Swinholme’s Bridge.
There was a pebbly beach along that stretch of the Dove
& we would get in there & swim downstream towards
the Iron Bridge. The attraction with that stretch of the
river was its depth, ideal once we were proficient
swimmers. Where did we learn to swim? Most of us
kids in Rocester, learnt at Dove Bridge where we would
let the current help us downstream, as we practiced our
strokes, until we reached the shallows. Learning to
swim in the river was eventually supplemented by
lessons given at Burton Baths, funded by the County
Youth Service. This provided us with swimming lessons
& a social occasion. We were picked up by bus in
Rocester & taken to the baths, being joined by boys &
girls from Denstone & sometimes picked up more in
Uttoxeter. The return journey was usually the time for
a singalong, vastly different songs to those sung on the
way home from the Sunday School outing & if you were
lucky a bit of canoodling. There were ribbons & badges
to be won to mark our progress. Gerald & I progressed
at a similar rate & reached the highest qualification
offered on the course, the Lifesavers Certificate at the
same time along with several of our friends.
Carol singing was another thing we enjoyed. We
covered Rocester, Stubwood, Barrowhill & Marston
Bank, being rewarded with cash & at various farms &
big houses, mince pies & a drink. Our mercenary
streak was curbed soon after the Rev Jeffery arrived in
the village, he persuaded us to give the money to
charity. This meant that the edible rewards for our
efforts were even more welcome.
I mentioned earlier that we rarely got into trouble
with farmers as we roamed freely on their land, this
didn’t mean we were never in trouble with adults. Some
householders were very territorial & we would often be
told to “get back down your own end” as we played
outside their homes. I suspect the reason for this was
that Rocester & other villages were really quiet for most
of the time. Vehicle noise was very irregular as there
were only a few cars around in the late 40’s and 50’s,
this allowed us to use the roads as a playground in
comparative safety. I imagine that a small group of kids
just enjoying themselves was enough to destroy the
peace & tranquillity of the area. How long the territorial
thing lasted I’m not sure but my niece who is 10 years
younger than me, experienced it too.
In the summer months we would play cricket on
what was still referred to as the new “Rec”. Nothing too
serious just a knock about with friends. I remember
that Gerald was a pretty good spin bowler whereas I
bowled as fast as I could. We also played football
though not very well. I recall we had a proper match
up at Doveleys playing against the residents, it was a
young offenders institute at the time. We represented
Rocester Boys Club.
An occasional treat for a small group of us was
when we were invited to Ken Langton’s house to watch
a George Formby film. I recall that our favourite was
set at the TT races on the Isle of Man, hilarious. The
first photo shows Ken, wearing glasses & with a white
X on his lapel, with his classmates at Rocester Council
School on Ashbourne Road in 1946. It was thanks to
Ken who read my appeal in The Voice & Gerald’s
cousin Brian Harvey (second from right), Ken’s friend
that we two were reunited albeit only via telephone &
e-mail. The second a few years later shows a group of
friends enjoying time together.
School friends
Written by Bill Woodier in collaboration with Gerald Smith
A Class photo from 1946 at Ashbourne Road School.
I took this in 1954. of several friends by Dove Bridge

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W
hilst 2020 has been a difficult year for
everyone, here at Uttoxeter Community
Garden the committee and volunteers have
been working hard to create the Community garden
for everyone.
Turn the clocks back to March 2020 and early on in
lockdown the committee realised we could not use
groups of volunteers or indeed we could only go to the
garden in a couple bubble or singularly just to maintain
the site.
Therefore with so many of our committee shielding
those who could began to dig the site and it was so
arduous , as we dug we hit brick after brick.
This made the committee ask questions locally and
on facebook as to where the workhouse used to be due
to the number of bricks - thinking it was on the site of
the Heath Community Centre and the area of land
owned by East Staffs Borough Council.
We established the workhouse used to be sighted
behind the brick wall behind the Heath Community
Centre, in the direction of Grange Road, and then
discovered evidence that the community garden site
housed Jane Baxter’s brickworks .
The committee also established that Uttoxeter had
a number of brickworks that were situated on the Heath
near to the workhouse and it was almost certain that
most of the bricks produced were used locally. This was
because the poor law vouchers contained payments for
the digging out of the clay, for the transport of other
raw materials, particularly coal from Stoke-upon-Trent
and Cheadle, and for brick production, but not for
transportation to take the bricks out of the area.
So how did Jane Baxter get to own the brickyard?
Her father George was a Yeoman which at the time was
a man holding and cultivating a small landed estate.
Could George have also been a brick maker of did that
come further on in time with the need for more houses
or buildings ? - George was married to Jane Baxter and
they lived locally and had 6 children between 1780 &
1796, the eldest being Clement followed by George,
James, Jane, Edward & Peter.
Clements details naming him as a brick maker was
first recorded in 1834.In his will of 1841 he left all his
real and personal estate to his sister, Jane. It was known
that Jane had the practical experience of working at the
brickworks and this involvement placed her in a good
position to manage the site. There is evidence that her
brothers and their extended families were also involved
in brick making, and associated practices. It had also
been noted that the residents of the work house would
work at Jane Baxter’s Brickyard to make bricks.
This information has enabled the Uttoxeter
Community Garden committee and volunteers to look
at our heritage and to share this information with
residents of Uttoxeter who may be able to help us find
out a little more about the area.
We look forward to hearing from anyone who can
provide us with more information about the
Brickyard and its life, by emailing
Uttoxetercommunitygarden@gmail.com
The brickyards of Uttoxeter
down at the Heath

Duncan receiving a £100.00 cheque from Keiron Devine, Worshipful Master of St. Giles Lodge, towards the Gordon Banks Legend Walk.
A
group of Stoke City FC fans, led by Cheadle
hairdresser Duncan Cowans, braved the
elements to walk through the night from
Chesterfield to the bet 365. This was done in memory
of the late Gordon Banks in order to raise money for
the Dougie Mac. Gordon’s first club was Chesterfield
(the walk began at the sign as the town is in Tier 2) and
he finished his career at Stoke. The 50 miles was
accomplished in wind and rain from Chesterfield via
Bakewell and Monyash.
Crossing the Staffordshire border, the rain stopped
and stayed away as these intrepid walkers continued on
their way through Longnor and up to Morridge where
they were rewarded with a stunning starry sky.
Dropping down into Leek a crisp sunny morning
greeted them in Cheddleton and all the way back to the
home of Stoke City. Friends and family and Donna
Adams from the Dougie Mac were at the finish line to
welcome back the walkers.
This event would not have been as successful as it
was without the support of the fabulous back up team
and the vehicles provided by Ken Jervis Kia and
Stantons of Stoke.
If you wish to donate to this wonderful cause you
can do so through: justgiving.com/campaign/
TheGordonBanksLegendWalk or text BANKS to 70085
followed by a donation amount.
The walkers were:
Duncan Cowans, Bob Banks (Gordon’s son), Matt
Banks (Gordon’s grandson), Dr. Kevin Upton, Ian
Clewes, Councillor Nigel Wood, James Allen, Dan
Brown, Alex Cowans, Dave Edwards, Wendy Clewes,
John Ruggiero, Alfie Wood.
The back up team consisted of:
Cecily Cowans, Alan Shenton, Sue and Nigel
Matthews (Sue also walked from Leek to the bet 365),
Donna Wood.
Our sponsors are:
Ken Jervis (Kia), Stantons of Stoke, Wright’s Pies,
Peakstones Brewery, Servotech, Keiron and Conor
Devine of The Huntsman, Cheadle Tony Griffiths of
Potteries Fuels.
The Gordon Banks Legend Walk

T
he COVID-19 pandemic
means that we are all
facing new challenges and
we can be forgiven for
concentrating on our own needs
and concerns first and foremost.
However, Uttoxeter people are
compassionate people who are
concerned about the well-being
of other people, no matter how
distant they might be. But how
can you help them when you are
locked down?
Reverend Charles Dale, the
Chair of the Uttoxeter Fairtrade
Group has some suggestions:
“Buying Fairtrade goods is one
answer, so the Uttoxeter
Fairtrade Group is encouraging
people to use their Christmas
shopping as a way of helping
poor people in distant parts of
the world. They will benefit
when you buy Fairtrade Goods.
“You can shop local and buy fairly traded goods
in the town’s shops and supermarkets. Each
supermarket stocks a good range of Fairtrade items
from sugar, chocolate, coffee, bananas, wines, and
many more. So - look out for the Fairtrade logo or
simply ask in store for Fairtrade items. You’ll be
doing your bit to help subsistence farmers and
producers in the poorer parts of the world.
“Lots of people are now shopping online and
the online Traidcraft store offers a range of
Fairtrade goods and gifts as you search for
Christmas presents for family and friends; just go
online and search for www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/:
you will be amazed by the range and quality of
Fairtrade products available. And while you are
online search for the Ethical Superstore and see
what is available there!
“Our local churches are highlighting the need
to help poorer people, by providing Real Advent
Calendars to First School classes in the town and
surrounding villages. These Real Advent Calendars
are produced by the Meaningful Chocolate
Company and use Fairtrade Chocolate. The
calendars not only get the Christmas message of
hope and love to lots of children and families, but
also highlight supports for Fairtrade. Our message
is - ‘please: use your Christmas shopping to help
the world!’”
Uttoxeter Town Hall
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those special occasions and corporate events
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our friendly and attentive staff will ensure that your special occasion is memorable.
Contact us on 01889 564085or email: info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk to arrange a viewing or to request a brochure
Visit www.uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk
Find us on Facebook Uttoxeter Town Council including Town Hall or Instagram Uttoxeter_Town_Council
Uttoxeter Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN
Headteacher of St Mary’s CE First School, Mrs. Jo Moult (in pink)
receiving the Advent Calendars from Mrs. Lesley White, Area
Coordinator for Uttoxeter Area of Parishes (in Black), and the
Rev’d. Charles Dale
Your Christmas shopping can
help the world!
This time last year Santa was busy doing his rounds around
Uttoxeter on behalf of Rotary, but because of his age he might have
to stay safe this year.

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Povey’s People
by Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
E
very August Owd
Grandad Piggott and his
missus used to go to
Blackpool for a weeks holiday.
They used to stay at the same
boarding house in St Heliers
Road which was run by a
formidable lady called Beryl
Preezer. Beryl Preezer was a
typical Blackpool landlady of
low tolerance and an uncertain
temper. She loathed Owd
Grandad Piggott but got on
well with Grandma Piggott.
Owd Grandad kept out of her
way as much as possible. He
was wary of the black looks she
used to give him and had
decided many years ago that he
wouldn’t like to bump into her
in a dark alley at night. On the
odd occasion she would
sabotage his breakfast by doing
such things as leaving the salt
cellar top barely on which
would result in him having to
scrape a little mountain of salt
off his bacon or over cook his
egg so that the yolk was hard.
What kept them going there
was that Beryl Preezer was
cheaper than the average.
One lunchtime, Owd
Grandad and his missus had
decided to have fish and chips in a cafe and they were
half way through the meal when his top set of teeth had
suddenly disintegrated. He emitted a vile
oath and uttering language liable to cause
a breach of the peace, had struggled to
devour the rest of his meal using the
bottom set only. The air was blue by the
time he had finished and he then took it
out on his long suffering wife.
‘Stop swearing you filthy spoken old
weapon!’ his missus scolded. ‘What we’ll
do, we’ll find a chemist. You can get some
stuff to mend them. Lizzie Lockett got
some when she broke hers. Any chemist
will sell it.
‘Arve got do summat!’ he moaned. ‘Ar
conner spend me ‘oliday with no bloody
teyth’. With his broken set of teeth
roughiy shoved into his pocket, they
trudged off to find a chemist and soon
came across one whereby Owd Grandad
Piggott bought the necessary equipment
to repair his teeth. It came in the form of
a kit which contained glue, a small tube
of hardener and an instruction leaflet.
He took it outside, sat on a bench and
read the leaflet.
‘Rate’, he growled. ‘Ar know what arv
got do nar, ar need a flat surface...’
‘Beryl Preezer’s big dining room
table!’ suggested Grandma Piggott
helpfully.
‘Rate’ he said ‘Come on!’ The landlady
was out when they got back but Owd
Grandad Piggott lost no time and set his
stall out on the big dining room table and
within ten minutes was well into the job. He had
blended the glue and the hardener together and
managed to adorn a large area of the table in glue along
with his trousers, several table mats and a salt cellar.
‘Its done! he announced with satisfaction. ‘Yer
anner got touch it fer afe an ‘our fer let it go off’.’
An hour later, Beryl Preezer returned and was
surprised to find Owd Grandad Piggott and his missus
in the house. He explained about the incident with the
teeth and Beryl followed him into the dining room
where his teeth lay on the table.
‘Thee’re set nar’, he gabbled and went to pick them
up. They were stuck solid to the table surrounded by a
little pool of glue. Beryl Preezer suddenly looked
dangerous.
‘Get them teeth off my table!’ she snarled. Owd
Grandad Piggott pushed at the set of dentures and he
pulled at them, then regarded Beryl wildly.
‘Thee wunner move!!’, he croaked, ‘Thee’re stuck
solid’. That was when Beryl lost it. She stalked around
the table and grabbed Owd Grandad Piggott by his ear
and top lip.
‘Move ‘em!’ she grated. There followed a half hour
pantomime as Owd Grandad Piggott desperately tried
to release his teeth from the table. He tried tapping
them with a hammer, he tried running a kettle of hot
water on them but the teeth refused to move. Whatever
the glue cons isted of was pretty good stuff and he
threw his arms in the air and regarded
Beryl hollowly.
‘What dust want me do?’ he asked hopelessly
‘I want my dining table back - without your filthy
teeth adorning it’
‘An’ ar want mar teyth back!’ bawled Owd Grandad
Piggott, … ‘an’ if thee thinkst arm gooin’ wowk rind
with a table in me gob - they cost think agen!’
The situation was stalemate. It ended up where
Beryl Preezer brought in a tradesman who, with a large
lump hammer, a very sharp chisel and a can of paint
remover gave the table some serious surgery and Owd
Grandad Piggott got his teeth back in twenty eight
pieces and a firm instruction never to darken Beryl
Preezer’s doorstep again.
Each month Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott (Alan Povey) will write a unique insight into our local life and its
many characters. His infectious, humorous slant on people provides a different and unusual mix which hopefully
will bring a warm smile to the faces of our readers.
This month: Blackpool
What we’ll do,
we’ll find a
chemist. You can
get some stuff to
mend them.
Lizzie Lockett
got some when
she broke hers...
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“They gave him of the corn land, that was of public
right,
As much as two strong oxen could plough from morn
till night.”
Chaucer
U
nder lockdown, along with everyone else, we
are so lucky to live where we do! The beautiful
English countryside, particularly here in
Derbyshire, has never been so appreciated.
Whilst we welcome anyone exercising or just
enjoying a ramble on our many footpaths, it is
important that notice is taken of the countryside code-
gates left as they are found, litter taken home, care
taken when near livestock and not allowing dogs to
roam too freely (disturbs and displaces wildlife) and
please be aware you are walking through someone’s
home and workplace.
December is a mixed month - short days, dark
nights and cold, bleak, dreary weather and we are
bringing in our remaining cattle, to pass the next few
months indoors. Dairy cattle will be in already and
cattle are quite happy to be dry, warm and well fed and
watered. Just like us, they won’t move far if everything
is to hand.
We let ours out into the yards whilst we scrape out
and bed and some will jump and skip about, happy to
stretch their legs, others have to be pushed out and lurk
by the gate, ready to come in at any opportunity. We
also take the chance to check water troughs and
electrics when they’re out of the way.
It’s a fallacy often promoted by single agenda
groups, that farmers do not care about the welfare of
their animals. Of course there are those who don’t (as
in society as a whole) but mostly, our livestock is
treated fairly and sensitively and the UK ranks as one
of the only four countries world wide reaching the
highest grade for commitments to animal welfare.
There is also a strong legal framework alongside
assurance initiatives.
We have put the rams in with the ewe flock and
they have been on fresh pasture to make sure they’ve
had enough nutrition for their pregnancies.
Last years lambs have been sold in batches through
the livestock market, but we still have quite a number
left.
The question is do we sell all as quickly as possible,
because, with Brexit (and at the time of writing no trade
deal with the EU, our largest customer, has been done
and there is no ‘third country’ legislation in place either
for imports/exports), or do we keep them and assume
everything will be sorted?
Luckily over a million people lobbied to make sure
there was a trade and standards commission in place
to scrutinise deals on the agriculture sectors behalf,
showing consumers do care how their food is
produced.
Our fields are full of wheeling crows and pigeons
and field fares chatter as they swoop and settle then lift
and swirl around to land again further along. The
plaintive cry of a young buzzard as he flaps clumsily
after his parents echoes eerily and sparrows argue as
they feast on hedgerow fare of hips, haws and left over
sloes.
Have a good Christmas, whatever.

A
s I write, we experienced five days of being in Tier
2 and we are now in a second lockdown. As these
are my final musings for this year, I hope that you
have the happiest Christmas that you are able to and the
healthiest 2021. I have passed the baton to someone else
to sum up this year.
“My 2020 started much like everyone else’s. Cee and
Dee went out on New Year’s Eve. I didn’t go. Come to
think of it, I wasn’t invited but I didn’t mind staying in on
my own. Early in February Cee and Dee went away on
holiday. I didn’t go with them but stayed with Andrea and
her family instead. I have often stayed there and I love it.
They all make such a fuss of me! Then things started
to change. Slowly but very surely the conversations
between Cee and Dee, the two people who I love most in
the world, became very strange. Cee would be telling Dee
‘I am so concerned…’ or ‘I’m really worried’ and she
would frown in that way she does. I never listened to the
rest of what she was saying as I was somewhat concerned
and worried myself. Dee used to tell her ‘Not to worry…
’ or ‘Stop panicking’. I used to take myself off to the lounge
or to my bedroom. Cee would be talking into her phone
or tapping it and was becoming more and more upset,
listing all the people who she wasn’t able to see. Then Dee
stopped going to work. Just like that.
One morning he went to work. The next morning, he
didn’t go to work. Dee used to spend day after day in the
garden. I would join him sometimes. Occasionally I
would dig but usually I would sit in the sun. I love the sun
and those days were always sunny. Cee and I did lots of
long walks together, sometimes with Dee but usually on
our own. Cee did some very odd things. One day she took
all the covers off the cushions and washed them, put them
out to dry on the washing line and then ironed them. This
didn’t seem particularly odd to me but it must have been
as Cee used to talk on her phone telling this to lots of
different people as if it was something truly wonderful.
Every evening Cee and Dee would sit down and watch a
strange looking man with a dog’s name telling them to
‘Stay at home!’ and other instructions. Cee said ‘That’s not
his real name, you know Dee. His real name is Alexander’
and Dee would say ‘I know. You tell me that every time.’
They watched some very strange people during those
weeks. There was a young woman with a bad memory
and two really boring people, a boy and a girl, who hardly
spoke to one another, only uttering a few words now and
again. Cee did two things every week that she seemed to
love. She used to speak to Doll every week but on a
screen, a bit like the one on which they watched the man
with the dog’s name that wasn’t really his name, the young
woman with the bad memory and the boring girl and boy.
Cee and Doll would chat and laugh and Cee always
brought me in front of the screen to say hello. Then they
would laugh again. Cee also spoke to two very small
people on the screen and they would use words that I
didn’t understand. We never saw much of our little
person. He had started to visit a lot and, when he stayed
the night, he used to have my bedroom. I didn’t see him
for a long time, Cee would teach songs to the two other
little people that they would all sing together. Cee sang a
lot at that time.
There was a really big fuss about somebody called
‘Goings’ (or was it ‘Comings’?) and Cee made up words
to a song that some group had sung years ago, about ‘…
seeking him here, seeking him there…’ This made her
laugh too. I don’t know why. I never thought that it was
that funny but I liked the tune and I loved hearing Cee
laugh. After one conversation on the phone Cee cried. I
felt very sad too. So did Dee and he made a fuss of her
and said ‘Here! Drink this!’
As well as watching the odd man every day, Cee and
Dee used to shout at one another about a bar being open.
Then they would spend ages talking on and tapping their
phones. They used to talk to Ianandwendy every week. I
love Ianandwendy. I’ve stayed with them when Cee and
Dee have gone on holiday. Cee used to talk to Donna
every week too. I love Donna too. I love Donnaandnigel.
I have also stayed with them when Cee and Dee have
gone away. Donna is a nurse and worked very hard
during this time that people were calling ‘lockdown’.
On Thursdays we used to go in the front garden and
make a lot of noise. I have no idea why but it was fun. All
the neighbours would be out. Neither Cee, Dee or myself
knew some of these people but they all waved at us. Cee
and Dee would wave back. In May another small person
arrived. I only saw her once. I know that Cee and Dee saw
her but weren’t allowed to go near her. They looked at her
through a window.
That reminds me of a song that Cee sings to me
sometimes. When this very small person was born we all
sat in the garden and had cake and fizzy wine. I sat in the
garden but I didn’t have cake or fizzy wine. Everything
was pink in honour of the new small person. I didn’t
understand why. ‘Lockdown’ ended in July for us. Dee
went back to work. Life is back to normal.
For me at least. Cee still puts her arms around my
neck and hugs me tightly, saying: ‘In my next life, I’m
going to come back as a well-loved dog. Like you.’ And,
as always, I wag my tail an dtry to lick her face.”
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle
T
wo JCB employees who saw
active service in the armed
forces helped the company
deliver on a pledge to ensure this year’s annual Poppy
Appeal was a resounding success.
JCB took delivery of dozens of boxes of poppies for
distribution across its nine plants in Staffordshire and
Derbyshire ahead of Armistice Day on November 11th.
Co-ordinating the partnership were JCB Recruitment
Business Partner Jason Gracey, who served in the
Grenadier Guards for six years, and Early Careers Scheme
Leader Chris Morris, who served in the Parachute
Regiment and the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers as a Craftsman for eight-and-a-half years
Jason, 47, of Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, who attained
the rank of Lance Corporal said: “From a personal point of
view, the level of support JCB provides to the Royal British
Legion is greater than anything I have experienced during
my career with a number of organisations. It makes me feel
proud and privileged to be involved in organising the
scheme and to know that the money being raised is helping
so many ex-servicemen, ex-servicewomen and their families
who have made great sacrifices on behalf of their country.”
Chris, 44, of Biddulph Moor, added: “I was medically
discharged after being badly injured during a tour in
Northern Ireland so I know first-hand how invaluable
Royal British Legion support is to veterans. It is not just
about remembering those who died for their country in
World War One and World War Two – it is about the
modern-day servicemen who put their lives on the line,
every day. That is why being involved in the Poppy Appeal
through JCB is so rewarding. Both the army and JCB have
been like family to me and so it is great I can be playing my
part in this link-up.”
In 2018 – to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of
World War One – more than £25,000 was raised to support
veterans when JCB auctioned off a one-off poppy-liveried
excavator. In addition, a specially commissioned art
installation was put on display to mark the centenary of the
Armistice, featuring 255 porcelain poppies – one for each
Uttoxeter, Rocester and Denstone person who lost their
lives in the Great War. Also produced was a 40ft long
pictorial roll of honour bearing the names of 50 JCB
employees’ relatives – 21 of whom died in The Great War.
Anne-Marie Jones, the Royal British Legion’s
Community Fundraising Manager for NE/NW Midlands,
said: “While the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the ways
in which we could deliver the Poppy Appeal this year, our
community of staff, volunteers, partners and suppliers
worked together to ensure that the 2020 Poppy Appeal was
able to go ahead and the nation could take part in
Remembrance activity.
“We are really appreciative of the support offered by
JCB with the poppy sales, with many staff across the
company getting actively involved. Every poppy makes a
difference to the lives of our Armed Forces community –
every poppy counts.”
Ex-servicemen lead JCB’s support
of legion’s 2020 poppy appeal
JCB employees and former servicemen Chris Morris (left) and Jason Gracey join the Royal British Legion’s Alice
Taylor in launching JCB’s support of the 2020 Poppy Appeal.

Remembrance Day - Uttoxeter, Ch

eadle, Tean, Denstone & Kingsley

A
s most Armistice Day and Remembrance
Services have been forced to cancel this year the
Kirk House family have created a poppy display
to show their support for both past and present armed
forces.
During these unprecedented times this is
something that the whole home could not let pass by
without doing something special; even more so since
some of the residents are ex-military service personnel.
The residents and staff at Kirk House in Uttoxeter
have all had a part to play in creating the display that
they are enormously proud of and which stands out on
Balance Street to remind everyone of the importance
of the poppy appeal and the part remembrance plays
in our lives.
The process of creating the display has been very
important for the residents not only to show respect
but to express their continued involvement in the local
community and as residents of Uttoxeter who still wish
to contribute to the town.
This year has been particularly difficult for all of
those who live in the home, their families and their
carers. Being able to mark this important milestone has
helped to give a point of focus. Throughout the year
staff in the home have worked to create a happy and
homely atmosphere, helping residents to be occupied
and stimulated, safe and cared for. There has been a
variety of in-house events throughout the year ranging
from ‘Mocktail Friday’, bringing the beach to Kirk
House with a summer fun day and a VE Day
celebration in May remembering past and present
heroes.
Currently home to 30 residents Kirk House holds
an important place in the community. A not - for -
profit organisation it was established in 1954 by people
in the town to provide care for residents of Uttoxeter
and the surrounding area. Rated ‘Good’ by CQC and
providing 24-hour nursing care, the home aims to
encourage residents to maximise their independence
wherever possible and promotes personalised
individual care. Being close to the town allows residents
to be part of the community and the activity staff at
Kirk House provide enjoyable events and day to
activities such as gardening club, craft activities and
musical events tailored to individual needs.
Anyone interested in learning more about Kirk
House, either to see how they can provide help with
those needing support with care or if they would like
to be part of the Kirk House team, is welcomed to
contact the home directly on 01889 562628.
Remembrance display at Kirk House

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 102

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 102

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 102