Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 97

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Issue 97
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S
o, we are now into the year 2020 and a new
decade which promises to see the biggest
change for generations to British life...
As I write this article Brexit should have been signed on January 31st as
negotiations for future relationships continue in earnest between the UK and the
EU.
This is a historic time for all of us and be in no doubt we are all in for a bumpy
ride for a period of time. Only history will tell us whether Brexit was a good or bad
decision but during the last 3 years a decision either way had to be cemented or we
would be forever in a stalemate which was seriously damaging the minds of our
people and also businesses.
Whether you voted leave or remain, I totally believe in the premise that we as a
nation will always come together when our backs are against the wall and this, in my
opinion, will mean we can make our country successful going forward.
But, we need to keep a firm eye on what other countries will be doing to try to
prevent this... we mustn't put our total trust in any Leader who wants to influence
our decisions, especially across The Pond... and I was pleased that our Prime Minister
made a stand with the Huawei decision and fudged a deal for G5 in the UK under
the advice of our security forces.
Let's be positive and join together and see where it takes us...
The white stuff can't be far away from falling from the sky so we can expect the
usual chaos on our roads and trains etc. As I speak, it is falling in small amounts over
Buxton and Biddulph and as is the case annually, it won't be long before the tiny
village of Flash is blocked off! I reckon we will have snow mid to end of February so
I'd better get the big shovel and brush out of the garage for my wife to snow-rid!! It
seems my back problem can come in handy sometimes - but the pain soon outweighs
that aspect.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Voice colour magazine.
Speak to you soon
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
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www.abodemidlands.co.uk
Now Open
in Cheadle
A
bode Estate Agents are pleased to announce the opening of their new
Cheadle office. Over the last 5 years the business has gone from strength to
strength, becoming the top selling agent in ST14.
Nathan Anderson Dixon, Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to
be here in Cheadle and have received a tremendous response from sellers and
landlords. We have already this year taken on 10 new landlords and sold 6 properties
in Cheadle from a cold start which is a great sign for the market."
If you have a house to sell or rent contact Abode in Cheadle today on 01528
750081.

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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The New
Adventures of Jack
and His Bloomin’
Big Beanstalk
F
ebruary Half Term sees
pantomime season return as
Cheadle Amateur Theatrical
Society (C.A.T.S.) bring their
performances of The New Adventures of
Jack and His Bloomin’ Big Beanstalk to
the Community Theatre, Cheadle
Academy.
Involving a large, diverse local cast
and a live band, the play sees Jack
Sponge (Caroline Stokes) and his
mother, Dame Victoria Sponge (Dan
Ede Smith) struggling to make ends
meet. Nice-but-dim Jack, eventually
trades their cow for magic beans and
embarks on an epic adventure which
pitches him against the Giant
Snotblaster (James Walker and Stephen
Haynes) and his disgustingly horrid
assistant, Mucus (Zac Bethel). Will Jack
manage to recover his family’s fortune,
even with the help of his unconventional
Fairy Godmother (Samantha Hughes-
Johnson)? Will he find love with the
beautiful Pixie Plenty (Rebecca Snow),
daughter of the extremely rich and
greedy Baron Plenty (Jason
Greenwood), or will villainous evil
prevail? Come along and find out! This
production promises to be an
extravaganza of singing dancing and
laughter suitable for all of the family.
The cast and band are directed by James
Walker and Laura Goodhew respectively
and both have worker incredibly hard to
bring this production to Cheadle and its
districts.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for
children under 16 and are available
online www.cheadle-cats.org.uk
Alternatively, call our ticket hotline
07494808299. Local business also selling
tickets on behalf of CATS are as follow:
Crafty Urchins, Kenral or the Cheadle
and Tean Times Office.

A
Uttoxeter youth
organisation will be quite
literally ‘home and dry’
thanks to a donation towards new kit from JCB. The
Uttoxeter Army Cadet Force (ACF) will soon be taking
delivery of new tents and waterproof gear for outdoor
expeditions after JCB presented the group with £1,000.
Uttoxeter AFC Commander Second Lt. Jane
Whitehurst said: “We regularly take our members out
in the field on expeditions and of course it’s vital that
we equip them with the best protection from the
elements. Like many charities, we rely on fund-raising
and donations and we are extremely grateful to JCB for
this support.
“The Uttoxeter detachment is over 70 years old and
we currently have 22 members aged between 12 and
18. Some do go on to Armed Forces careers but for
most of our youngsters it’s about developing great team
skills and growing in confidence.
“The ACF is a disciplined organisation where we
live by our values and standards. Our aim is to make
our Cadets responsible citizens. They learn how to be
part of a structured team and as the Cadets progress,
we see their individual confidence blossom. We also
teach skills such as first aid training, the Duke of
Edinburgh Award, community events such as the local
Remembrance Day parade, adventure training,
weekend camps plus shooting."
Uttoxeter ACF meets at Oldfields Middle School,
Uttoxeter, and anyone interested in joining can find
out more at www.armycadets.com or by emailing
info.staffsacf@rfca.org.uk.
JCB donation secures new kit for
Uttoxeter Army Cadets
JCB representative Joanne Plant (left) is pictured presenting the cheque to her son Lance Corporal Blake Plant and
Detachment Commander Second Lt. Jane Whitehurst.

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Martin Kemp confirmed to
perform on Ladies Night
at Uttoxeter Racecourse
M
artin Kemp has been
confirmed to
perform on Ladies
Night at Uttoxeter Racecourse.
The English actor, musician
and radio broadcaster has been
confirmed to perform a live DJ
set on Thursday June 11,
Ladies Night, at Uttoxeter
Racecourse.
Kemp was a sell-out at
Uttoxeter Racecourse in 2019
after he performed his talented
90- minute ‘back-to the 80’s’
live DJ set at Ladies Day in
July.
“We are super excited to
welcome back Martin Kemp in
2020” commented David
Macdonald, Executive Director
at Uttoxeter Racecourse “The
atmosphere from the strong
7000 crowd was just incredible,
we just know he will be as
popular this year and I urge
visitors to get tickets early to
avoid disappointment”
The annual raceday, which
gets started at approximately
4pm and the first race at approximately 6pm, will include 7 jump races, best
dressed and best hat ladies’ competitions and live entertainment after racing with
the ‘pick n mix’ 80’s classics DJ set from Martin Kemp.
Tickets are now on sale on our website at: www.uttoxeter-
racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/ladies-night

T
ributes have been paid to a former JCB
employee who joined the company as a teaboy
and rose through the ranks to become a director.
Bill Hirst MBE - who was the third person recruited
by JCB in 1947 - recently passed away at the age of 86.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford led the tributes to the
man who joined JCB as the company was in its infancy.
Lord Bamford said: “Bill and his generation helped my
father to build a company which became a real force in
the world of construction equipment. Bill was very
proud to have worked for JCB and will be remembered
by many, many people from the early days of the
company. I’d like to offer my condolences to Bill's wife
Jean and all her family at this very sad time.”
Bill, the fourth of eight children, joined JCB as a 14-
year-old tea boy when he left St Joseph’s School in
Uttoxeter, where he had been Head Boy.
He was recruited on a salary of £1 a week when the
company was based at stables at Crakemarsh, three
miles down the road from JCB’s World Headquarters
at Rocester.
And it was Bill who was instrumental in the
relocation to Rocester in 1950 to the site of a former
cheese factory. Bill knew JCB Founder Joseph Cyril
Bamford was searching for a new location for a factory
and suggested the Rocester site – because it was closer
to home and meant he could spend an extra 10 minutes
in bed each morning.
Bill started his National Service in 1951 as was
posted as a Royal Military Policeman to Kenya,
returning to JCB two years later. He married his wife
Jean in 1955 and the couple had four children.
On his return to JCB, Bill completed 10 years as
welding foreman, five in research and then joined the
service and spares department at Rocester as service
engineer, later becoming Warranty and Final
Inspection Manager. He was awarded the MBE for
services to export in the New Year’s Honours List of
1975 and became Technical Services Director in 1981.
Bill Retired in 1991. He was a staunch supporter of the
Royal British Legion and served as President of the
Uttoxeter branch in retirement.
Speaking on JCB’s 65th anniversary in 2010, Bill
said: “I am proud to have been part of JCB – it’s been
my life.”
Tributes paid to JCB employee
number three who dies aged 86
Pictured in 1947 at Crakemarsh are Bill Hirst MBE, employee number one Arthur Harrison, employee number
two Bert Holmes and Company Founder Joseph Cyril Bamford with a young Lord Bamford in his arms

Taekwon-do
We train at The Parkwood Community
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6.00pm to 6.30pm 4yrs to 6yrs
6.30pm to 7.30pm Junior/Beginers Grades
7.30pm to 8.30pm Senior/Advanced Grades
Call John on 07854 806581
www.nctkd.co.uk
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Welcome to
Staffordshire
University
Academies
Trust
S
taffordshire
University
Academies Trust
(SUAT) is proud to have
recently welcomed five
First / Primary schools, in
the Uttoxeter area, into its
growing family of schools
– Tynsel Parkes in
Uttoxeter, St Peter’s in
Alton, St Augustine’s in
Draycott –in-the-Clay,
Dove First in Rocester and
All saints in Denstone .
With over twenty schools
in SUAT, spread
throughout Staffordshire,
our size gives us the
capacity to support our
schools in terms of both
our educational aims and
in our capacity to achieve
real economies of scale
across. This is important
because we are big
supporters of small rural
schools, believing that they
form the backbone of the
village life that is so
important to the social
fabric of our rural county.
Our mission is to
enable our children, young
people and their families
to report that Staffordshire
is a great place to live, play,
learn and achieve in; a
place where they feel safe
and can lead healthy lives
and a place that offers
them a successful future.
Our vision is to achieve
better outcomes for all of
our children and young
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learning experiences.
We encourage our
schools to preserve their
individual identity in
order to respond to the
specific needs of their
children and their
community.
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J
ohn German has been independently identified as
one of the top estate agents in the country and now
features in the Best Estate Agent Guide, this is a
website (www.bestestateagentguide.co.uk) that
provides an independent reference source for sellers
and landlords, who can search for the best sales and
lettings agency offices in their areas.
The website is compiled by Property Academy (an
organisation that works with agents to improve service
standards in the property industry), with the support
of Rightmove, the UK’s leading property portal.
There are c. 15,000 estate agents in the country and
John German was among this year’s award winners
putting them in the top 3% of estate agents in the
country.
Over 3 billion data points were analysed and 20,000
mystery shops carried out in the search for this year’s
top performers – the biggest assessment of any
industry. The awards are made for property marketing,
results and customer service – which consumers
consider to be among the most important criteria when
selecting which agent to sell or let their property.
Peter Knight, founder of the Property Academy,
commented: “We set out to provide the home mover
with a reliable resource to help identify the best estate
agent in each area, whether someone is looking to sell
or let a property. Only the best branches make it into
the Best Estate Agent Guide and only the top 3% have
been recognised with an award.”
Phillip Sandbach, Owner Director of John German
said “These awards follow a rigorous and independent
assessment and we are thrilled to have been recognised
as among the best in the country.
If you’re thinking about selling or letting a property
then please get in touch - we will be very pleased to
provide you with our advice and you can be confident
that you’re dealing with one of the very best estate
agents in your area.”
It’s official - John German is one of the
very best Estate Agents in the country!
Left to right – Welsh Rugby legend Jonathan Davies OBE, John German’s Marketing Manager Katy Storer,
Operation Director Elaine Chamberlain and Performance Director, Aidan J Reed
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T
ickets are now on sale for
the Marston’s 61 Deep
Midlands Grand National
Raceday held at Uttoxeter
Racecourse on Saturday March
14th, 2020.
The Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands
Grand National has been the jewel in
Uttoxeter Racecourse’s horse racing
crown since 1969. Back for another year,
racegoers can expect excitement, fun and
adrenaline rushes as they watch 8 races,
including the main event, the Marston’s
61 Deep Midlands Grand National! This
is the second longest race in the UK
racing calendar which will see horses
running 4 miles 2 furlongs to compete
for this highly anticipated title. Mr
Wilson’s Second Liners will be providing
fantastic entertainment for racegoers on
the day, with their collective musical
talent. They pay homage to the diehard
days of the Hacienda, 90s club culture
and its greatest hero, Mr. Tony Wilson.
Racegoers can also look forward to the
Lady Riders Handicap Hurdle Race,
which sees female jockeys riding over 3
miles.
This top-class raceday is set to feature
some of the best chasers and is a true test
of stamina for both horse and rider, so
racegoers are yet again set for an
unbeatable day of racing.
Annually this prestigious event sees
the population of Uttoxeter almost
double, as thousands of racegoers visit
the town contributing millions of
pounds to the local Staffordshire
economy.
Building upon their great
relationship, Marston’s brewery have
once again confirmed title sponsorship
under the 61 Deep pale ale brand.
Having sponsored the raceday for 6 years
between 1996 and 2002, Marston’s took
the reigns in 2019 to sponsor the
Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand
National and are back once again next
year. Marston’s have also been title
sponsor for Uttoxeter Racecourse’s Beer
Festival Raceday for the last 9 years.
Executive Director of Uttoxeter
Racecourse, David Macdonald,
commented; “We are thrilled to confirm
our title sponsor is Marston’s once again.
The team at Marston’s are always
incredibly supportive of racing at
Uttoxeter Racecourse and are fantastic to
work with. We are looking forward to
working together to make this year’s
raceday the best yet.”
Paul Riley, Regional Sales Manager at
Marston’s added; “We are excited to once
again be sponsoring the Marston’s 61
Deep Midlands Grand National to build
upon the great partnership we currently
have with Uttoxeter Racecourse. We
want to enhance both this great event
and the race goer experience,
contributing to this will be showcasing
our 61 Deep pale ale.”
Uttoxeter Racecourse is looking
forward to a successful 2020 having
reported an average 10% increase in
attendance over fixtures in 2019.
“It is extremely promising to see such
an uplift in attendance. Racedays are
becoming much more popular as the
years go on, particularly with the next
generation. Last year we added the Beer
and Gin Jamboree and Winter Ladies
Day Racedays to appeal to our current
target market as well as new, younger
racegoers.
"The Marston's 61 Deep Midlands
Grand National proves to be popular
with racegoers year after year and we are
certain that next years will be no
exception” said David Macdonald,
Executive Director at Uttoxeter
Racecourse.
Don’t miss out on being at the race of
all races in 2020. Purchase your tickets
today online from www.bit.ly/2KVv0j0
or by calling the Uttoxeter Racecourse
Office 01889 562561 (option 1).
The race of all races is back in 2020
Above: 2019 winner Potters Corner
All Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National ticket prices: Premier Plus: £42.00,
Grandstand and Paddock Plus: £32.00, Centre Course: £15.00, Premier Early Bird
- £10.00 off: £25.00, Grandstand and Paddock Early Bird - £10.00 off: £15.00

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N E T T L E BA N K
A
JCB Design
Engineer is
the toast of
the UK after winning a national
apprentice award.
Louise Meredith, 21, scooped the title
of Higher or Degree Apprentice of the
Year at the finals of the National
Apprenticeship Service (NAS) Awards in
London recently, just weeks after winning
the regional final.
It was a night of success for JCB
apprentices as Quality Engineer Tom
Lomas, 21, from Cheadle, was also highly
commended at the same ceremony in the
National Advanced Apprentice of the
Year category just weeks after he was
named Regional Advanced Apprentice of
the Year. Tom works JCB Earthmovers, in
Cheadle.
Louise, a Design Engineer in the
Loadall division at JCB World
Headquarters, in Rocester, said: “I’m
passionate about apprenticeships and
undertaking a degree / higher
apprenticeship has been a fantastic way
to start my career, so to win this national
award is just amazing. I still can’t believe
I’ve been recognised in this way.”
JCB Director of Learning and
Development Max Jeffery said: “We are immensely
proud of the outstanding achievements of these award
winners who have excelled in their studies at JCB. To
be recognised at national level is testament to their hard
work and commitment. The company now has more
than 400 young people on its apprenticeship,
undergraduate and graduate training
programmes, as we continue to invest in
the next generation of engineering and
business professionals.”
Louise and Tom are part of a group
JCB apprentices who are proving they are
in a class of their own when it comes to
winning awards. JCB World HQ Business
Degree Apprentice Elena Newbrook, 20,
of Nantwich, Cheshire has won the
Regional Make UK Business Apprentice
of the Year: Rising Star award and
Morgan Smith, 21, of Handforth,
Cheshire has scooped Regional Make UK
Engineering Apprentice of the Year: Final
Year. Degree Apprentice Morgan is a
Hydraulics Design Engineer at JCB
Heavy Products, Uttoxeter. Elena and
Morgan represented the region in the
National Make UK Awards on January
29th, 2020.
In addition, two JCB apprentices were
highly commended on the Make UK
awards shortlist. In the Midlands awards
Engineering Degree Apprentice Chris
Owen, 19, of Newcastle-under-Lyme who
specialises in Electrical Engineering, and
Olivia Pearch, 19, of Derby who is a
Business Degree Apprentice at JCB Power
Systems were honoured.
Applications for JCB’s 2020 apprenticeship and
graduate training programme are now open. Visit
www.jcb.com/about/careers for details.
JCB design engineer scoops top
national apprentice award
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald congratulates JCB Design Engineer Louise Meredith
on being named as Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year.

S
ervices and social evenings
are now hitting the 'big
screen' at a Staffordshire
church - thanks to JCB.
Officials have installed a high-tech projector and
giant screen at St Michael's Church, Rocester, following
an early Christmas gift of £5,000 from JCB.
The equipment has enabled the church to turn
special services into multi-media events, as well as
providing film nights for local families and elderly
people. Fundraising for the £17,000 project has taken
three years, and the final target was Reached with JCB’s
donation.
Rev. Liz Jones, vicar at St Michael's, said: "We had
the equipment up and running for the first time at our
Christingle service. We were able to project words and
images onto the screen, which really helped to enhance
the worship and turn it into a ‘multi-media’ experience
for everyone.
“Children and young people these days are so used
to using their own ’phone and screens, and – although
we would never look to replace physical hymn books –
this new facility does give us the exciting option of
being able to project words on to a big screen in a way
they’re instantly familiar with and use images to
enhance worship!”
The new screen has been installed above the
chancel arch at St Michael’s, and is out of sight when
not in use. It is supplemented by a long-reach lens
projector on the church’s back wall, with plans for
further projector and monitors on the other side of the
church in the future. Members of the youth group are
also being trained to operate the equipment, which
includes an upgraded sound system and microphones.
Rev. Jones added: “It’s wonderful that JCB supports
us in what we’re doing, and we are very grateful for the
company’s continued generosity.”
Church services get the big screen
treatment thanks to JCB

T
he Acoustic
Festival of Britain
2020 enjoys its
11th year on the rolling
greenfields at Uttoxeter
Racecourse this May
29th.
The un-plugged
event is a precious jewel
in the annual UK music
calendar, this year the
eclectic music line up
sees more from the 70’s
and 80s icons, with
Lindisfarne folk rock
Geordie giants with hit
singles ‘Lady Eleanor’, ‘Run for home’, ‘Meet me on the corner’ and ‘Fog on the
Tyne’ play Saturday as does original punk icon Charlie Harper of UK Subs, R&B
from Climax Blues Band and a rare opportunity to see late 80’s icons Sad Café . Sea
shanty’s and Irish classics feature on Friday from the 18 piece The Old Time Sailors.
A full roots - rock flavour on Sunday, with Quireboys, MerryHell, Radio Murphy,
5 Hills High, TV Smith etc
With Sunday return festival coaches laid on from Cannock, Stafford, Ashbourne,
Leek , Stoke and Burton.
We are supporting The Homeless Charities this year. The Musicians against
Homelessness stage will feature many local and famous names.
We will be looking to bring homeless persons into the festival build and give
them a purpose and great weekend too - so we need a shout out to all who are
homeless. If they wanna come over to Uttoxeter and help us build the site, help
steward and assist us, we can house them, feed them and give them a great time,
worthy and a good opportunity to be at a festival.
A special offer to local ST14 post code for Sunday day tickets @ 50% off to
locals in ST14 when bought direct from The Musicians Centre – on Carter St,
Uttoxeter.
All info at www.acousticfestival.co.uk or call 0333 9000 919.
Acoustic Festival of Britain returns to
Uttoxeter May 29-31
LindisfarneQuireboys
Climax Blues Band

SHOWERS
INSTALLED
REPAIRED
REPLACED
Replace your bath with an
easy access walk-in shower
Cubicles • Doors • Trays
Electric showers &
power showers
Approved installer of 30 years
Call Alan Wright Showers on
01283 815 171Credit /debit cards accepted
Gillian
Call
07928
556552
Pam
Call
07983
938240
Tuesday
Pam New Venue, Guildhall, Cheadle - 7.00pm
Wednesday
Gillian Greatwood Hall, Hollington Road,
Tean ST10 4JY - 5.00pm and 7.00pm
Pam The Catholic Guild Hall, Tape Street,
Cheadle ST10 1BG - 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Thursday
Gillian Rocester Village Hall, Rocester
ST14 5JU - 5.00pm and 7.00pm
Pam The Catholic Guildhall, Cheadle - 9.30am
PAUL MORTON LTD
All Makes of Domestic
Appliances Repaired
WASHING MACHINES • DISHWASHERS • COOKERS • OVENS ETC
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Hotpoint Creda Trained Engineer
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ALL AREAS COVERED - FREE CALL OUT
01889 566353 - 01538 756016
01782 388692 - 07970 541 642
www.paulmortonltd.co.uk
paulmortonlimited@gmail.com
Uttoxeter
Rotary
Embodies
the True
Spirit of
Christmas
A
special Christmas
Party for Families
from a local
Women’s Refuge.
Just before Christmas,
Uttoxeter Rotarian Sue
Brown realised her vision
to organise a special
Christmas Party, complete
with hot roast turkey
dinner, crackers, party
games and presents from
Santa himself, for mums
and their children from a
local Women’s Refuge.
The party took place at
the Uttoxeter Heath
Community Centre; all the
mums and excited
children arrived by coach
to the beautifully
decorated party hall. The
children all received a gift
from Santa on the day but
what no one knew was that
Sue had arranged for every
mum and child to receive a
small sack of presents on
Christmas Day, (47 sacks
in total) as these families
would otherwise have had
very little, if anything at
Christmas. Sue was helped
by fellow Rotarians Anita
and Penny. This vision and
party truly embodies the
spirit of Christmas and
Rotary and is wonderful to
see a community coming
together.
Special thanks also go
to the following people
who made this magical
party possible by their
donations or helped on the
day:
Gavin Evans Chef,
Edmonstons Butchers,
Uttoxeter Heath
Community Centre Staff
and volunteers, Fiona from
Inner Wheel, Dan Higgins
for supplying Chocolate,
Dave Thomas, Renew
Church, Uttoxeter for gifts,
Tesco Uttoxeter customers
for Toys, St Giles Church
Croxden and the
Community of Croxden
for toys, Uttoxeter Knights
for the transport, Mayor
Sue McGarry
Misted units replaced, lock
and general repairs to doors,
patios and windows
Mark Capewell
Tel: 01889 578654
Mobile: 07802 277935
Email: mark.capewell@talktalk.net
Double Glazing
Services

After successful few years in Birmingham
Beauty Studio Anett'e is now open in
Uttoxeter!
We offer:
• Microcurrent (commonly know
as CACI)
• Hydrofacials (NEW!)
• Microdermabrasion
• Mesotherapy (needle free)
• Facials
• Acne treatments
• Massages
• Liposuction (surgery free!!)
• Waxing (from brow to whole body)
BEAUTY STUDIO ANETT'E
23 Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AG
07450 342919
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Sunday Closed.
Come and see our full offers in our Studio! • Our first consultation is Free! • Ladies and gentlemen are welcome
10% Off Every 5 Appointments - FreeTreatment when you refer 5 friends
R
ecently, a team from John German, organised by
Propertymark, slept out at Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park, in London, as part of
Centrepoint’s Sleep Out. The dedicated team began
fundraising before the event, and thanks to the
generosity of colleagues, friends, family, suppliers and
customers raised £5,000 for the charity which supports
15,000 homeless young people a year. Forming part of
a collective of fellow agents and suppliers with
Propertymark, over £62,000 was raised from the Sleep
Out in London.
The issue and the solution
In 2017/18 more than 103,000 young people asked
their local council for help because they were homeless
or at risk of homelessness. Family breakdown, poor
mental health, abuse and violence are some of the
reasons young people become homeless.
Centrepoint offers practical on-the-ground support
to homeless people age 16-25, focusing on providing a
safe place to stay and the building blocks for an
independent life. As the UK’s leading youth
homelessness charity, they operate 60 services across
the UK helping vulnerable young people with
accommodation, health support and life skills to get
them back into education, training and employment.
The charity is calling on people to change the story,
take urgent action and end youth homelessness for
good. Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out events have been
bringing people together to support this cause and raise
vital money to fund their work.
Taking part in the Sleep Out
James Morgan, Owner Director, John German, who
a took part in the event comments “When Martyn
Baum, Director of John German in Loughborough and
East Leake approached me to ask for us to take part in
the Sleep Out for Centrepoint with Propertymark, I
didn’t hesitate to say yes. Being property agents, I feel a
real affinity towards this cause. Homelessness is a big
issue in the UK, the more we can do to make a change
the better.”
With this in mind, a team from John German
including James and Martyn, along with Katy Storer,
Aidan Reed, Sarah Hill, Lucy Beck, Charlie Lockhart
and Josie Walker signed up to take part in the event and
started fundraising straightaway.
Katy Storer, Marketing Manager, John German,
who also took part in the event commented “We made
fundraising a company wide effort by getting 60 plus
staff members involved from all 10 branches, hosting
two mini-fundraising events (best dressed branch for
Halloween and a cake sale) and a charity auction at our
Lettings Landlord seminar. Thanks to the generosity of
friends, family, clients and suppliers, we raised an
astonishing £5000 plus gift aid. The Sleep Out itself,
albeit very cold and wet, was fantastic, extremely well-
organised and put together. A highlight for me, was
hearing from those who have experienced
homelessness and the how Centrepoint helped turn
their lives around. The work Centrepoint do is vital in
making a change to homelessness in the UK.”
James concludes “The support we received has been
fantastic. Not only did everyone from John German get
behind us, so did all our friends and family, customers
and suppliers. Thank you, the generosity is going to
make a huge difference to the work Centrepoint carries
out.”
Although the event is over, John German are
hoping to raise further funds for Centrepoint. To show
your support, donations can still be made via John
German’s Just Giving campaign page: DONATE
£5,000 raised by John German
team in aid of homelessnessNine members of John German Sales and Lettings took part in a charity sleep out to raise £5,000 to support homeless young people in the UK

QUALITY LOCAL MEAT, BEEF,
LAMB, PORK & POULTRY
All meat home killed with complete farm to fork assurance.
Personal & Friendly Service Guaranteed
YOU CAN TRUST
100% BRITISH MEAT
2 Market Street, Uttoxeter
Tel (01889) 565870
Roycroft Farm, Bramshall
Tel (01889) 563353
Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society • Reg Charity 1039350
A plea for help with
young tabby tom, Zion
O
ccasionally Cheadle Animal Welfare Society
gets asked by VetsNow, the emergency
veterinary service, if we can help save the life
of a cat who has been taken to them with injuries which
their owners are not able to pay for. One such call was
received late one night in January. Tabby cat, Zion had
been involved in a road traffic collision and had
sustained a broken leg. Zion is only 9 months old and
is an absolute delight so we had no hesitation in saying
we would accept him into our care. The following day
however when Lime Trees Vets did X Rays the extent
of his injuries was found to be far worse than had first
been thought.
Zion had a diaphragmatic hernia with his liver,
stomach and intestines being pushed through into his
chest cavity and there were 2 fractures in one of his
back legs. Vet Horatio carried out
very complex surgery to repair the
hernia and then did a second
operation to repair his femur with a
plate and his lower leg with pins. An
external fixator was then attached to
hold everything in place and as if
that wasn’t enough Zion was also
neutered.
Zion is an absolutely delightful
young cat. The vets and nurses all
fell in love with him because he is so
friendly and adorable. He was
purring despite all the problems her
had. The Society felt that he should
be given a chance as the only
alternative was for him be put to sleep, an unbearable
thought when there was something that could be done
to help him.
Zion is now well on the road to recovery. He is out
of hospital and in a wonderful foster home. His stitches
and staples have been removed and he is now using his
leg.
All that’s left is for Cheadle Animal Welfare to pay
the bill. As you can imagine the treatment to save
Zion’s life was very, very expensive. Zion had had 2
operations, several X Rays, plus weekend care and
several overnight stays at Lime Trees Veterinary
Hospital, Meir Park together with a chest drain, a drip
and medication for the pain and for any infection and
inflammation.
This is a very big undertaking for a small animal
charity and we are hoping that you, like us, will want
to help Zion.
If you are able to help you can send a donation via
Paypal (details can be found on our website -
www.cheadleanimalwelfare.org.uk) or via Give as You
Live - www./donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/
help-zion
Alternatively you can send a cheque to the address
on the website cheadleanimalwelfare.org.uk or leave it
at E&E Furniture Stores, High Street, Cheadle. Please
mark your donation - ‘To Help Zion’. Any help that you
are able to give will be most gratefully appreciated.
Thank you so much. Zion deserves to have a happy
life and between us we can try to ensure that he does.
Since the last edition of The Voice homes have been
found for 2 of our black cats - Riley and Meg

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
W
ell that’s the Christmas period all over with
for another year. I hope you all had a
pleasant one and didn’t over spend which is
very easy to do at this time of year.
Welcome to this first edition of 2020 and I hope you
enjoy reading this edition and the ones to follow.
This time of year after the Christmas break is
generally very quiet for a few weeks while everyone gets
back into their usual routine after many people have
had quite a long break.
I shall not see a lot of my mates who I have an odd
pint with now until February because they go on
sabbatical all through January and abstain from the
demon drink! I don’t know why they bother because as
soon as they participate in having a quick one after this
period they drink twice as much to make up for it!!
Anyway each and everybody to their own. I think
if you followed all the government good health
guidelines you would be dead in a few months because
1 minute they are telling you that something is wrong
for you and the next minute they say that it is OK, so
what do you do? I do not know the answer.
Enough of the boring stuff now, my main subject
this month to grouse about is everybody’s favourite
subject, the weather.
I know that the weather in this fine country of ours
can be very diverse but it is not that which concerns
me, it is the fact that we are tending to have a lot more
bad floods after a rain storm nowadays than we have
had in the past.
The cause of it to me is not quite clear, is it global
warming, we know by the boffins on TV progrmmes
telling us that the ice cap is melting causing the seas to
rise.
Is it the governments fault in not supplying the local
councils enough funds to spend on cleaning out the
drains or clearing our rivers of debris.
Or is it the building of vast amount of new houses
on green belt land to solve the housing shortage?
To me all of these aspects can be the cause, after all
surplus water has to have somewhere to go or else?
I do know that whatever the cause a solution must
be found soon as flooding is causing a lot of big
problems in all areas of the country.
People who have lived in their property for many
years flood-free all of a sudden, through no fault of
their own find their home engulfed in water causing
them great stress and anxiety for many months until
they can return only to find in the future the same thing
happening again.
Driving from A to B now is getting more and more
stressful regardless of the weight of traffic now on our
roads. The threat of the roads flooding is getting more
and more of a problem leading to loss of working
production time etc. and urgent missed hospital
appointments which can lead to more serious
problems, death.
This brings me to again the English sense of
humour regardless of the seriousness of the subject of
flooding.
Back in November I was travelling back from Derby
along the A38 and the road was absolutely flooded with
water causing absolute bedlam. I had never ever seen
before so much water on the road.
This caused a lot of concern in the area and many
comments were posted on social media to the powers
that be that something must be done to quell this
situation ever happening again in the future.
What tickled me was the publishing of the photo
shown here of the A38 flood water problems which
some wag had doctored with the aid of probably the
Photoshop computer software exaggerating the
situation. Great stuff, even though it is a very serious
problem that I hope a solution is found for very quickly
in the future. It just shows you though that the British
Stiff Upper Lip in England is not dead yet.
Till next time,
Lank
Angus MacKinnon
Mini Cooper
Competition winner
T
he recent hugely successful Angus MacKinnon Mini Cooper Car Competition
attracted over 24,000 entries. The lucky winner was Ann Massingham who
travelled up to the Uttoxeter garage from her home in Kent to collect her
fantastic prize from Managing Director Stuart MacKinnon on Chrstmas Eve.
What a superb success story and well done to Angus MacKinnon Ltd for creating
a marvellous competition which was entered by thousands of local people.
A
ngus MacKinnon Ltd, of Uttoxeter, have purchased a defibrillator that is
accessible for our ever growing workforce and to serve the local community.
The defibrillator is located at the garage on Derby Road, Uttoxeter and can
be accessed 24 hours a day.
The life-saving equipment will serve the surrounding area, which includes the
service station off the A50, industrial estate and the residents living locally. It is one
of many located in town but should an emergency occur, a quick response can be
life-changing.
AEDdonate supplied and installed the defibrillator. JCA Graphics has also
donated a defibrillator sign so that it can be seen clearly from the roadside.
Survival rate when using a defibrillator can be dramatically increased if a patient
was to suffer a cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest kills approximately 100,000
people a year in the UK.
Managing Director Stuart MacKinnon, believes that “the defibrillator is a great
peace of mind for the staff in the business and a great resource for the local
community. We decided to fund the defibrillator ourselves as you can’t put a price
on a person’s life.”
New defibrillator

T R E E S & L A N D S C A P E S
ALL ASPECTS
OF TREEWORK
UNDERTAKEN
Fully NPTC Qualified
RFS cert arb
Reductions
Thins
Crown Raising
Inspections
Surveys
All aspects of gardening & landscaping also undertaken:
Lawns Garden Paths Ponds Fencing
Patios Borders Decking Stonework
Aftercare & Maintenance
Pest Diagnosis & Control
Fells
Conifers
Top Soil
Landscaping Services
Logs Available
From the smallest hedge to the largest tree,
tree surgery that doesn’t cost the Earth!
Fully Licensed Sprayer | Fully Insured
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
Call Rob: 01538 361 432
or 07900 995 139
Printed by SO Marketing - 01538 750 538 - www.somarketing.comAll work to BS3998 standard
EXPERT ADVICE
FROM PASSIONATE
PROFESSIONALS
All work to
BS3998 standard
Call Rob on 01538 421672
or 07900 995139
Email:
newlifetreesandlandscapes@gmail.com
EMERGENCY
CALL-OUTS
ALSO
AVAILABLE
Take a drive out to one of the area’s most beautiful
‘olde worlde’ country inns and restaurants -
and savour a truly delicious experience!
Enjoy wonderful views overlooking Croxden Abbey
and the surrounding countryside.
Open every day, 12-10pm
Pensioners Specials
Monday to Saturday 12-2pm
Main Meal £5.75, 3 Courses £10.00
Sunday Lunches served all day
Take your pick from Beef,Turkey,
Lamb or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marston’s Pedigree,
Rev. James & Hobgoblin plus guests
Heated smoking area
Mid-Week Evening Specials
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins with
Hot Tubs available. B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
The Perfect Country Inn & Restaurant
Quarry Bank, Hollington, near Alton Towers
Telephone: 01889 507278
www.logcabin.co.uk

Pre decimal coins | Proof sets | Silver coins | Gold Coins
World Coins | Banknotes | Hammered coins | Early milled coins
The easy & fast way to sell your coins or banknotes
from single coins to whole collections
Tel 0799 986 9897
Email: paul@oldcoin4.cash Visit www.oldcoin4.cash
Oldcoin4.cash
Release cash in your old coins
Field Funeral Services
Ffs
Dedicated to Dignity & PEACE
our family to yours
t: 01538 722665
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Field Funeral Services |37a High Street | Tean
Stoke on Trent | Staffordshire | ST10 4DY
www.facebook.com/fieldfuneralservices
fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
Church Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8AA
Tel 01889 564216
tyreways@uttoxeter.ndo.co.uk
Uttoxeter’s Premier
Tyre Centre
Right service
Right advice
Right choice
Right price
• Tyres
• Exhausts
• Batteries
• Brakes and
Shock Service
• Agricultural Tyres
• Wheel Alignment
See how
The Voice
can
publicise
your
business
Give us a call on
01538 751629
or 07733 466 970
or Email:
uttoxetervoice@
hotmail.co.uk
Advert prices start
at only £25 and
can hit over
13,000 homes
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
WINTER
COFFEE
MORNING
FOR
ANIMAL
CHARITIES
(organised by Dot Merry)
Oakamoor Village Hall,
Carr Bank, Oakamoor
ST10 3AA
on Saturday, 14th March
2020 from
11.00a.m. to 1.00p.m
Come along and find a
bargain, then enjoy a chat
over refreshments.
Gifts and goodies
Good quality raffle prizes
and bric a brac
Tea, coffee, cakes and
much more.
It's a great opportunity to
make new friends
and find out about the work
of the charities.
Please support
CHEADLE
ANIMAL WELFARE,
PETS AS THERAPY
and
GUIDE DOGS
FOR THE BLIND
All proceeds will go to these
wonderful charities
to help with their animal
rescue and care.
For more information,
please contact Dot
Telephone:
01538 702744
email:
dotmerry@googlemail.com
Poetry
by Mathew
Chapman
FND can really suck. Well it does from what I see. I
see the pain that you're in, And it will not let you be.
I see the seizures and times that you can't speak. Such
a complete contrast from the days you're at your peak.
I can see that each day is a struggle and feel there's
nothing you can do. But if we can make awareness of
FND. Perhaps you can make it though.
I would tell your story, how you see your life day to
day. And maybe with enough research and help FND
would go away.
© Mathew Chapman 2019

DRESSAGE • EVENTING
REHABILITATION • LIVERY
Contact 07796 175 128 • email mcfequestrian@outlook.com • visit www.mcfequestrian.co.uk
Jo Titterton Dressage / MCF equestrian • @mcfequestrian
Marsh Cottage Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Draycott, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST11 9NR
• Freelance Dressage and Equipilates™ Instructor based in Draycott,
Staffordshire.
• Catering for all levels and abilities, with a particular specialism for
improving the riders position to improve the horses way of going.
• Ridden and trained horses and ponies up to Prix St George’s
including placings and wins at BD Regional and National Finals with
clients also riding and competing from Intro to Grand Prix.
• Over 28 years competition experience and 20 years teaching
experience including further and higher education.
• Fully insured, first aid trained and DBS checked.
• Fun and enthusiastic approach to learning and achieving your goals.
• Sessions available both on and off your horse including biomechanics
screenings and 1:1 or group Equipilates™ (Rider specific Pilates)
sessions to ensure you and your horse perform at your best
CONTACT US
NOW TO
DISCUSS YOUR
REQUIREMENTS
Open 7 days a week: Mon-Fri 8.00-17.30, Sat/Sun: 8.00-12.00
Telephone 01538 750 737 or book online www.cheadletestcentre.co.uk
We want your car to PASS!!
CheadleTest Centre, Brookhouse Way, Brookhouse Ind. Est., Cheadle ST10 1SR
Independent M.O.T. Testing in Cheadle
No associated workshop relying on
the failure work to fill it’s ramps
FACT!
• No appointment necessary, or if you
prefer, book online
• Free courtesy cars
• Free Re-Tests - Free Annual Reminders
• Friendly Staff - Waiting/
Viewing Area
• If unfortunately your vehicle fails, take
it away to a repairer of your choice.

GlitzDancewear
& Fancydress
Everything
you need for Dance
and Fancy Dress
New fantastic costumes
for Children and Adults
arriving now for
World Book Day in March
But hurry to avoid disappointment!
We stock all styles of dancewear,
shoes, bags etc for the experienced
dancer or the complete beginner.
Large selection of Adult &
Childrens Fancydress (to hire or
buy) Wigs & Accessories for that
special party or school production.
28 Bank Street Cheadle
01538 754414
Email: sales@glitz-fancydress.co.uk
Web: www.glitz-fancydress.co.uk
LOOKING FOR A VENUE
FOR YOUR SPECIAL
OCCASION?
Choose The Fully Refurbished Cheadle Cricket Club
Function Room!
• Located in a beautiful setting • Very Competitive Rates • Fully Licensed
PERFECT FOR
• Christenings • Birthday Parties • Funerals • Retirements • Group Meetings
• Anniversaries • Sports Presentation Evenings • Wedding Receptions
• Corporate Functions
BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION
EVENT NOW!
For Enquiries and Bookings Telephone Lisa on 07974183285
Choose The Fully Refurbished
CHEADLE CRICKET CLUB FUNCTION ROOM
Busy Bees in Uttoxeter
celebrate Outstanding
Result from Ofsted
B
usy Bees nursery in Uttoxeter is celebrating after
receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating following its
latest Ofsted inspection on 2nd December 2019.
Less than 10% of early year’s settings in the UK hold
this rating.
The nursery received ‘Outstanding’ in all areas of
the inspection from Ofsted, the official body for
inspecting early years settings.
Ofsted praised the nurseries all round provision,
noting that: “The manager and staff form an incredibly
nurturing and enthusiastic team, and organise the
environments extremely well so that children have
ample opportunities and play with a wide range of toys
and resources,”
The staff team at the nursery were also praised for
being “passionate about providing high quality care and
education” with Ofsted going on to say: “The manager
and staff are passionate about providing high quality
care and education to all. They strive to constantly
enhance all areas of practice to the highest possible
level.”
Child development was given a special mention as
Ofsted recognised that: “Staff have high expectations
for all children, the knowledgeable staff provide an
exciting curriculum that promotes a learning
environment in which children flourish”
Continuing their praise, Ofsted said: “Children’s
safety is a priority and deeply embedded into practice,
staff are extremely vigilant and ensure that the
environment is safe and secure”
Melissa Smith, Nursery Manager, said: “I am so
proud of our dedicated team who are committed to
ensuring each child has the best start in life. The team
work so hard so it is a great honour to have this
recognised by the official governing body.”
You can view the full report on the Ofsted website
here www.files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50136064
The nursery held a celebration open event recently.
For more details please contact Melissa Smith on
01889 562089 or visit www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/
nursery/uttoxeter

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
A
s a gardener, the winter is the hardest part of
the year, you finish work and want to unwind
by potting in the garden, but its dark and
normally raining, so the great outdoors doesn’t seem
to appeal, but if like me, you can’t stop thinking about
the forthcoming growing season, and looking at
gardening books and seed catalogues isn’t enough and
instead want to actually talk to someone about
gardening, then the Bramshall Garden Club might be
your answer.
In 1988, Mrs Flowerday, must have had the same
feeling to talk or learn about gardening during the
winter months and from that desire, the seed was
planted to start a gardening club and to her credit,
thirty two years later the club is still going strong and
the members meeting monthly, the last Monday of the
month at 7.30pm in the new Bramshall Parish Hall, off
Church Croft, Bramshall, ST14 5DE, between
September and April each year.
The current committee, chaired by John Lander,
were more than happy to explain how the club runs and
why it is so important to the village community.
John explained, “ Our meetings’ are for about an
hour each month, with a talk on something that is
topical for the coming year, in February we are hearing
about a year on the fruit farm, by xxxx and he will
ensure that when we do get a chance to get back
outside, we have the knowledge to look after any fruit
we may have in our own gardens”. There is normally a
question and answer session after the talk, so lots of
knowledge is exchanged that way.
Penny Gilpin, secretary of the Bramshall Garden
Club, goes on to explain, “In March (30th)we have
asked local bird expert David Tideswell to come and
give a talk about “Seasonal Birds in the Garden”, it will
ensure that we are aware of what birds will be visiting
at each given time of the year and we can then ensure
that the correct food and plants are available in our
gardens to sustain the wildlife”.
The talk scheduled for 27th April 2020 will be a
guide on growing cut flowers, which is always an
amazing thing to attempt and the results of your
labours can then be brought into your home. That’s the
beauty of learning new gardening information and
skills, you can see results at home.
The committee, Brigitte, Clive, Penny & John offer
a very warm welcome each month to currently about
30 people, with tea, coffee and of course biscuits, (a club
is never the same without a biscuit), after the informal
talk. It gives club members a chance to swap ideas
about what they’ve just learned or from previous
sessions.
The night I visited, on a wet evening in January, it
was a talk about Stansley Wood by Gwen Johnson, and
the room was buzzing with delight from the talk and it
felt like a very friendly supportive group of people,
something that is needed in our communities during
the winter when we normally hibernate.
Dr Clive Tuck, the Club Treasurer, explained, “The
Club runs from September to April each year and costs
£13 for annual membership, with a £3 fee per session,
you can come along for a taster session before you
commit to join and this is encouraged by the
committee.” Part of the benefit of joining is that
Strawberry Garden Centre offer a 10% discount card
to all members, which is invaluable to club members
in the summer months.
Of course, between April and September everyone
goes home to their own gardens but in order to keep
the links going, they do have an annual trip at some
point during the summer months and these trips are
often in conjunction with other gardening clubs in the
area, which is a great way to expand the social side of
gardening.
If like me, you want to talk and learn about
gardening in the winter months, why not go along on
24th February 2020 at 7.30pm to Bramshall Parish Hall,
off Church Croft, Bramshall, ST14 5DE and meet the
members of the gardening club, or call the Chair, John
Lander on 01889 565228 or 07706 058689, you will be
sure of a warm welcome.
T
here is a new community public access
defibrillator at Hales Hall Caravan & Camping
Park in Cheadle, fully funded in 3 months by the
lovely staff and customers there.
Community Champion, Jo Hammersley contacted
AEDdonate to discuss their ideas and they were
delighted to work with them on their fundraising
mission. The team organised various events over the 3
months, including a very successful Family Fun Day,
and quickly raised the necessary funds allowing them
to have their very own defibrillator installed on site.
Jeff Wood, Director at Hales Hall Caravan and
Camping Park said “We would like to thank the
community of Cheadle, our staff and anyone else
involved in the fund raising for our new defibrillator.
We sincerely hope that we don’t have to use it, however
we do know how important it is to have a defibrillator
for early intervention.”
The defibrillator is available 24/7 and is registered
with the ambulance service. Staff at the caravan site will
monitor the defibrillator on a regular basis.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy
electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to
someone who is in cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time
and following the four steps in the chain of survival can
help to increase the patient chances of survival.
• Call 999
• Commence CPR
• Early Defibrillation
• Early Advanced Life Support
Defibrillators are easy to use and come with either
verbal or visual step by step instructions. The machines
are designed to be used by anyone with or without prior
training. Anyone needing a defibrillator should call 999
in the first instance and the call handler will advise
where the nearest one is and how to access it. If
effective CPR and a defibrillator can be applied within
the first 3-5 minutes of collapse the chances of survival
for the victim can increase from 6%-74%. Without
immediate treatment, 90%-95% of patients will die.
Thank you to everyone involved for working with
us to help protect your community.
Defibrillator installed at Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park

Owd Grandad Piggott
Go to the new website
www.owdgrandadpiggott.co.uk
and download tracks from the original
Owd Grandad Piggott LP record which
was recorded live by Alan Povey in
The George and Dragon pub in Long-
ton in 1977 and sold over 6,000 copies
in North Staffordshire inside 6 months.
Povey’s People
by Radio Stoke’s Owd Grandad Piggott
T
he row had been brewing
for a couple of weeks and it
came to a head one
Thursday night. I was on mornings
which meant that I had to be at
work for half past six which
involved me getting up at five so I
was going to bed at nine o clock at
night. I was finding it difficult to
get off to sleep but suddenly
another obstacle was placed before
me.
There were roadworks by Hilda
Aspinall’s shop and Owd Grandad
Piggott and Club Paper Jack had
taken to parting company after a
session at the pub on the corner
underneath my bedroom window.
I had no sooner got off to sleep
when I was rudely awakened by
voluble discussions, the volume of
which was usually decided by the
amount of ale they had drunk. On
average, it took around an hour to put the world to
rights and on several occasions, I got up and bellowed
at them out of the bedroom window.
‘Just bugger off home’, I yelled, then pointedly at
Club Paper Jack, I followed it up with ‘Some of us have
got to go to work in the morning’. It made little
difference. They grudgingly parted
company but two nights later, they were
back. They were arguing about something
or other and the volume knob was on high.
I flipped. I got up and went to the window
and quietly opened it, but I didn’t shout
down. I could see two cigarette ends
waving around, so I went downstairs and
filled the washing up bowl with water, then
I padded back upstairs, crept across to the
window and upended it on to the pair of
them. They had no idea where it had come
from. There was a stentorian yell followed
by a wild splutter and the cigarette ends
were instantly extinguished. Then the
language started. I’ve never heard language
quite like it. People were coming out to see
what was going on as the language
continued unabated, then two policemen
turned up. By this time, my bedroom
window was firmly closed and I was
between the sheets. I heard Owd Grandad
Piggott shouting in the street.
‘It was him what’s done it… “I’m who lives theer!’
Five minutes later, a serious knocking sounded on the
front door. I ignored it.
What the upshot of this eventful night was going to
develop into, I was unaware of until I came home from
work the following afternoon. After the incident of the
water, Owd Grandad Piggott and Club Paper Jack had
been charged with emitting foul and abusive language
liable to cause a breach of the peace after which, they
had decamped to Owd Grandad Piggott’s house. They
were both soaked to the skin so they decided to take
their trousers off and put them in the oven to dry out.
Grandma Piggott had gone to bed knowing that there
had been some sort of kerfuffle outside and didn’t want
to know.
They took their trousers off,and stuck them in the
oven on gas mark 6, then Owd Grandad Piggott
remembered that he had got a Watneys sevenfold in the
pantry so him and Jack decided to do it some damage.
An hour and a half later, the seven pint can of beer was
empty and the pair were fast asleep on the settee. Club
Paper Jack was the first to wake up and started
coughing violently and wondering why he couldn’t
breathe.
‘Wuurrrrgh’, he spluttered, ‘Wurrrrgh - bloody ‘ell
feyth… wake up, th’ice is on far...’ They didn’t call the
fire brigade, they attacked the smouldering trousers
with a couple of buckets of water which served to write
Jack’s off. All that was left was the zip. There was further
consternation when Club Paper Jack made a bolt for
home. Lizzie Lockett phoned the police and told them
that Club Paper Jack was ‘parading around the street
with no trisers on’
‘Its disgusting!’ fumed Lizzie. ‘He’s exposing
himself!... This is adecent neighbourhood... Its
terrible!!’ The police came immediately and arrested
Jack and it took until four oclock in the morning to sort
it out.
It cured the problem though. Where they went to
after that, I didn’t know and I didn’t care, but their after
hours voluble discussions never bothered me 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: Wet!
They were
both soaked
to the skin so
they decided
to take their
trousers off
and put them
in the oven to
dry out.
W
elcome and thank you in joining me in my
first musings of 2020. 2020! I am sure that
you agree that this sounds somewhat
futuristic. However, this number reminds me of my
past for two reasons. I haven’t had 2020 vision since
1970, when, at the age of 11, my constant headaches led
me to an optician’s appointment and being prescribed
with glasses, albeit with plain glass in one len as the
vision in my left eye remained good.
However, my vision in both eyes deteriorated until
I became a fulltime spectacle wearer, later progressing
to contact lenses. ‘2020 vision’ is the name of the one
big hit by the guitarist Rory Gallagher. At the age of 14,
I trotted off with my friend Clare to catch a train to
travel the 24 miles from my home to Cardiff to see one
of my favourite performers.
It still amazes me that my parents allowed me to do
this as they were so strict with me in many ways. Times
certainly were different then. At least they were
reassured that I would be able to see as I would have
been wearing my glasses!
I remember that the ticket cost me 50 pence! This
was my first live concert. My last concert was the
amazing Cher and my ticket was a 60th birthday
present from my daughter. I cannot imagine how much
Susannah paid but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole
evening. At 74, Cher looked and sounded years
younger. I hope that I will not be sued for libel (does
Cher read ‘The Voice’?) but she is rumoured to have
had thousands of pounds worth of surgery. She surely
must have had her eyes lasered as she was not sporting
spectacles, and, as excellent as seats were, I was not near
enough to notice the telling glint of contact lenses!
I hope that your 2020 is going well so far. You’ll hear
from me next month. Now, where have I put my
glasses…
My Monthly Musings
by Cecily Cowans of Cheadle

W
e all have different financial goals and
aspirations in life, yet these goals can often
seem out of reach. In today’s complex
financial environment, achieving your financial goals
may not be that straightforward.
This is where financial planning is essential.
Designed to help secure your financial future, a
financial plan seeks to identify your financial goals,
prioritise them and then outline the exact steps that
you need to take to achieve your goals.
If your New Year’s resolutions include giving your
financial plans an overhaul, here are our financial
planning tips to help you create a robust financial plan
for 2020 and beyond.
BE SPECIFIC ABOUT YOUR OBJECTIVES
Any goal (let alone financial) without a clear objective
is nothing more than a pipe dream, and this couldn’t
be more true when setting financial goals.
It is often said that saving and investing is nothing
more than deferred consumption. Therefore, you need
to be crystal clear about why you are doing what you’re
doing. This could be planning for your children’s
education, your retirement, that dream holiday or a
property purchase.
Once the objective is clear, it’s important to put a
monetary value to that goal and the time frame you
want to achieve it by. The important point is to list all
of your goal objectives, however small they may be, that
you foresee in the future and put a value to them.
KEEP THEM REALISTIC
It’s good to be an optimistic person, but being a
Pollyanna is not desirable. Similarly, while it might be
a good thing to keep your financial goals a bit
aggressive, being overly unrealistic can definitely
impact on your chances of achieving them.
It’s important to keep your goals realistic, as it will
help you stay the course and keep you motivated
throughout your journey until you get to your
destination.
SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONGTERM
Now you need to plan for where you want to get to,
which will likely involve looking at how much you need
to save and invest to achieve your goals. The approach
towards achieving every financial goal will not be the
same, which is why you need to divide your goals into
short, medium and long-term time horizons.
As a rule of thumb, any financial goal which is due
within a five-year period should be considered short-
term. Medium-term goals are typically based on a
five-year to ten-year time horizon, and over ten years
these goals are classed as long-term.
This division of goals into short, medium and long-
term will help in choosing the right savings and
investments approach to help you achieve them, and it
will also make them crystal clear. This will involve
looking at what large purchases you expect to make,
such as purchasing property or renovating your home,
as well as considering the later stages of your life and
when you’ll eventually retire.
ALWAYS ACCOUNT FOR INFLATION
It’s often said that inflation is taxation without
legislation. Therefore, you need to account for inflation
whenever you are putting a monetary value to a
financial goal that is far away in the future. It’s
important to know the inflation rate when you’re
thinking about saving and investing, since it will make
a big difference to whether or not you make a profit in
real terms (after inflation).
In both 2008 and 2011, inflation
climbed to over 5% – not good news for
savers. So always account for inflation. You
could use the ‘Rule of 72’ to determine, at a
given inflation rate, how long it will take for
your money to buy half of what it can buy
today. The ‘Rule of 72’ is a method used in
finance to quickly estimate the doubling or
halving time through compound interest or
inflation respectively. Simply divide 72 by
the number of years to get the approximate
interest rate you’d need to earn for your
money to double during that time.
RISK PROTECTION PLAYS A VITAL
ROLE
It’s best to discuss your goals with those
you’re closest to and make plans together so
that you are well aligned. An evaluation of
your assets, liabilities, incomings and
outgoings will provide you with a starting
point. You’ll be able to see clearly how
you’re doing and may find areas you can
improve on.
Risk protection plays a vital role in any
financial plan as it helps protect you and
your family from unexpected events.
CHECK YOU’RE USING ALL OF
YOUR TAX ALLOWANCES
With tax rules subject to constant change,
it’s essential that you regularly review your
own and your family’s tax affairs and plan
accordingly. Tax planning affects all facets
of your financial affairs. You may be
worried about the impact that rises in
property values are having on gifts or
Inheritance Tax, how best to dispose of
shares in a business, or the most efficient way to pass
on your estate.
Utilising your tax allowances and reliefs is an
effective way of reducing your tax liability and making
considerable savings over a lifetime. When it comes to
taxes, there’s one certainty – you’ll pay more tax than
you need to unless you plan. The UK tax system is
complex, and its legislation often changes. So it’s more
important than ever to be tax-efficient, particularly if
you are in the top tax bracket, making sure you don’t
pay any more tax than necessary.
CREATING YOUR COMPREHENSIVE
FINANCIAL PLAN
Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial
plan will help you develop a clear picture of your
current financial situation by reviewing your income,
assets and liabilities. Other elements to consider will
typically include putting in place a Will to protect your
family, thinking about how your family will manage
without your income should you fall ill or die
prematurely, or creating a more efficient tax strategy.
IDENTIFYING YOUR RETIREMENT
FREEDOMS OPTIONS
Retirement is a time that many look forward to, where
your hard-earned money should support you as you
transition to the next stage of life. The number of
options available at retirement has increased with
changes to legislation, which has brought about
pension freedoms over the years. The decisions you
make regarding how you take your benefits may
include tax-free cash, buying an annuity, drawing an
income from your savings rather than pension fund, or
a combination.
Beginning your retirement planning early gives you
the best chance of making sure you have adequate
funds to support your lifestyle. You may have several
pension pots with different employers, as well as your
own savings to withdraw from.
MONITORING AND REVIEWING YOUR
FINANCIAL PLAN
There is little point in setting goals and never returning
to them. You should expect to make alterations as life
changes. Set a formal yearly review at the very least to
check you are on track to meeting your goals.
We will help you to monitor your plan, making
adjustments as your goals, time frames or
circumstances change. Discussing your goals with us
will be highly beneficial, as we can provide an objective
third-party view, as well as the expertise to help advise
you with financial planning issues.
2020 Financial Resolutions
What does wealth look like to you?
Whether it’s stopping smoking, losing weight, eating more healthily or getting fitter, most of us have probably made at least one New
Year’s resolution, but how many of us will actually go on to achieve it?
ADVICE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Setting goals marks the beginning of financial
planning to help you achieve the objectives at
various life stages. Goal-setting gives meaning
and direction to the various financial decisions
you will take during your lifetime. The start of a
new year is the perfect time to review your
financial strength, pore over your budget and
make big plans for next year. To arrange a
meeting, or for further information, please
contact us.
Information is based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and
reliefs from, taxation are subject to change. tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to
change in the future. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, we cannot
guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.
No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a
thorough review of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions.

Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
W
ell Readers, Happy New Year and fresh
decade. As my column had to be in before
the end of January, at this point I can’t
answer the big question, “Are we still in, or are we out?”
I mean of course the dreaded Brexit. So much time has
already been wasted through our politicians playing
about, without making any decisions, let’s hope it will
now be sorted, sooner not later.
The Tories won the General Election with a huge
majority, with many former Labour voters, like myself,
being more anti-Corbyn than anti-Labour, whilst the
more I saw of Jo Swinson the more I disliked her, and
the fact she lost her seat, so did a lot of others
apparently! So come on Boris, I’ve lent you my vote,
now get the job done, and while you’re at it, give me
back my free television licence. It was one of the few
things the Conservatives have given me over the years,
then reneged by passing the cost on to the BBC who in
turn refused to honour it. Let’s see what happens next.
The Government haven’t cut the £350 DAILY
allowance plus travel allowance plus subsidised
restaurant facilities for Peers attending the House of
Lords. No doubt they are keeping that little pot warm
for their own retirement!
In Rocester - 2019 ended with a busy festive period
at St. Michael's Church, Rocester, the Christmas Eve
Donkey Walk through the Village was again extremely
well attended, culminating at the Church where the
congregation were treated to some fun entertainment,
before being served with mulled wine and mince pies.
Whilst later Midnight Communion took us in to
Christmas Day, with the usual 10:00 Service to follow
in our superb Christmas decorated Church.
Sadly the New Year started on a sad note for me
with the funeral of a very good friend and workmate
Joe Carpenter, who passed away just 11 days after his
brother Keith. Joe was the works joiner at JCB for many
years until his retirement, which was where I first met
him over 50 years ago. Born in 1930 he spent his
childhood in Rocester before settling in Tean with his
wife June. They always attended St. Michael's on
Remembrance Sunday as his elder brother Bert (who
played for Manchester United) was killed at Dunkirk,
and his name is etched on the Lychgate War Memorial
where the Last Post is played on Remembrance Sunday.
Joe himself, whilst in the RAF, played football for
Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as of course
Rocester when he returned home. He was also a keen
cricketer, and latterly Golfer until he became too poorly
to play. He leaves behind wife June, daughter Stephanie
and her family.
The Year ended on a high for Uttoxeter Rugby Club
who finished in top spot for the first time in Midlands
3 West North, having lost only one game in the League
since the start of the season in September, having
produced some superb rugby along the way. Coach
Nigel Hall was aiming for a top two spot this term, and
with an injury free settled team we can certainly do it.
It’s a fact our home games now draw the biggest crowd
in the League, with their support they have kept their
unbeaten home record. They then started the New Year
with an away win at Harborne and victory at home to
Linley & Kidsgrove to keep their top spot and well on
course for a top two finish.
February sees the Denstone Players Pantomime on
the 20th, 21st, and 22nd (Matinee’ on the 22nd also).
This Year the group are presenting ‘Cobblers’ about the
elves and the shoemakers, written by Gill and Dave
Brown, especially for the Denstone Players. It’s sure to
be a lot of fun, so if you’ve not got your tickets already,
get a move on, they have sold like hot cakes!
Things I wish for in 2020
• To see my grandson Owen again (He’s having fun
in the Antipodes).
• Uttoxeter Rugby Club to win the league.
• Wales to get another Grand Slam.
• Cardiff Blues to pull themselves together and win a
few more games!
• The Denstone Players to have another great year,
and recruit a few more young adult thespians,
speaking of which The Royal British Legion need
more young blood also ex-servicemen take note!
• Finally, I would love to see the loathsome Ant and
Dec being dropped into the jungle, tied down, and
forced to eat kangaroos private parts whilst being
covered in rotting fish guts, spiders, and
cockroaches whilst previous contestants stand
round and laugh at them. It will never happen, but
wouldn’t it be great...
Finally I’m going to finish with some factoids:- (if
you don’t believe me google them!)
Pythagoras’ Theorem 24 words
The Lord’s Prayer 66 words
Archimedes Principle 67 words
The Ten Commandments 179 words
The American Declaration
Of Independence 1,300 words
European Union Regulation
On the sale of cabbages 26,911 words
I rest my case on why the European Union is such
a complete waste of money!!!
TTFN LES...
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“And you each gentle animal
In confidence may bind,
And make them follow at your call,
If you are always kind.”
Sarah J Hale
S
hort though February is and half way to Spring,
it can still take us by surprise and there’s the old
saying- “as the days get longer, the cold gets
stronger”.
But after the wet of Autumn and Winter, the drier
January and hopefully February might mean that some
winter seed can still be sown, if ground conditions are
suitable. Oats should be ok and some varieties of Wheat
and Barley and that might help cash flow, as it’s not
wasted after all.
Hedge laying is in full swing and coppicing in some
cases - cutting off the shrub quite low and when the sap
starts to rise next month, the plant will be invigorated
and want to grow up towards the sun. This particularly
suits Hazel and makes a good, thick hedge. The black
berries of ivy are an insect and bird magnet this month.
We still have some lambs to send to market when
they are ready and continue to check and weigh them
regularly. Picking off the long bramble lashes is a
painful business, as they love ivy too and the two seem
to grow together!
Their mothers, which should be in lamb, are also
checked for condition as we don’t want them too fat or
too thin. This means a lot of work for Ted.
We’ve had a couple of new born calves and these
have been tagged, castrated if necessary and dehorned
before they are too old - they don’t like being separated
from their mum while we do it and she certainly
doesn’t want us to interfere with it! The cattle are still
inside and bedding is running short by now - we may
need to buy in.
The agricultural industry still has the worst record
for deaths and serious injury - falls, livestock and
machinary being the main causes. It’s still too easy to
be rushed and cut corners, or try to save a few pounds
and do it yourself and animals are unpredictable, large
and determined. If something happens to you, what
happens to your farm?
Let’s also bust a myth or two, this month - after
what seems like ‘let’s Bash farming’ season, maybe it’s
time to put some things right.
So first - in the UK, agriculture produces less
greenhouse gas emissions than transport or residential
- 10% as opposed to 27% and 15% respectively.
And second - British beef has a GHG footprint 2
1/2 times LOWER than the global average.
Next month, I’ll have a couple more myths to bust.

Part 6
F
rom the end of 1946 my Mother was a
widow with three children. My oldest
sister was working however this was
long before equal pay for women, so her
income, though welcome, was meagre. My
other sister & I will still in education. The
Garage was still open, but mother had to rely
on the sale of cycle spares such as tyres &
inner tubes also radio & torch batteries to
bring in a very small income.
Dad had been a keen gardener, I
remember going with him to a lecture which
extolled the virtues of “Growmore” to assist
in getting a healthy crop of vegetables. He
had a large vegetable garden at the rear of
our house & also one of the Allotments to
the rear of the Coach House. I mention this
because after dad died, several of his fellow
allotment holders used to leave all sorts of
veg on our garden wall.
There was no Welfare State until 1948 &
even after it was introduced, many including our
mother looked on Benefits as “charity” & there was no
way she was going to accept charity; that was for the
poor! This meant that mother had to find ways of
earning enough to keep us all fed & clothed. I
remember she worked at Denstone College & then at
the young offender’s site at Doveleys. Both were
reached by bicycle. Later she found a more suitable job
working at the Beehive shop in Uttoxeter, it used to sell
various items used in Dress making & similar pursuits.
In 1950 mother was diagnosed with
Diabetes, this eventually led to having to cease
full time working. In the same year I started at
Alleynes Grammar School. Despite her very
limited income, mother found the money to
buy the uniform required, I think it cost £24-00,
a lot of money at the time.
I remember mother used to darn socks for
pupils from Abbotsholme & Doveleys to raise a
bit of money. Both sisters were now working &
able to contribute to mother’s income as did my
“paper round” & temporary Christmas Postman
in 1954. Further income came from the taking
in of lodgers again. These came through my
younger sister working in the office at Rocester
Mill. They were men who came from the
Lancashire Mill area to carry out specialised
installation at Rocester Mill. This provided a
welcome but irregular source of income.
A more permanent solution came as it had
during the war, from RAF Marston
Montgomery & later after that closed, RAF
Cheadle. These were increasingly being manned
by civilians, mostly with a military or merchant navy
background. One gentleman named Walter Bunting, a
Geordie from Whitley Bay lodged with us for several
years & became a family friend. His brother Brian was
also an occasional lodger.
From Rocester Garage to
Air Ministry Cheadle...
by Bill Woodier, formerly of Rocester, now living in Cheadle
The Beehive
Story edited and prepared for ‘The Voice’ by Bill
Woodier 2020. I came across this while searching on-
line for information for another article & the Editor
agrees it is ideal for publication in The Voice.
Bill Woodier
Part 1
DORA FOWLES, NEE LEVEY (1912-2000)
I came to know Dora Fowles, nee Levey in the early
1990s when she was in her eighties and living at
Hawthornden Crescent, Uttoxeter. She was a regular
contributor of old postcards to the local Uttoxeter
newspapers. She was a keen photographer and during
the 1960s and 70s she regularly took slide photos of
Uttoxeter events and scenes. She was best known for
her shop The Beehive an art and needlework shop.
Dora gave me her slide collection Some I donated to
Staffordshire PastTrack the county council’s online
photographic record. The majority were given to John
Walton of Uttoxeteror for his Museum which now
operates at Beamhurst.
Jim Foley 2013
DORA FOWLES’STORY
I was born Dora May Levey on 30 July 1912 at The
Cottage, Hinchingbrooke Castle, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire where my father Arthur Levey was
head gardener for Lord Sandwich whose ancestor the
4th Earl of Sandwich gave his name to the common
sandwich. My mother Mabel Warren came from
Huntingdon and was a tailoress for the Ladies’ Court
in London. It was in Huntingdon that she met my
father who originally came from Orpington, Kent.
My father was a soldier in the Great War of 1914-
1918. When he returned home after the war he found
his job as a gardener with Lord Sandwich had gone and
he had lost his house which went with the job. He heard
about a position as gardener for Captain Henry John
Bamford of Oldfields Hall, Uttoxeter and applied for it.
He was successful and with the job came the tenancy
of Oldfields Cottage opposite the Hall. Captain
Bamford eventually married Miss Wood and they had
six children, John, Sue, Patricia, James and twins Robin
and Gillian who survived their mother’s tragic death
during childbirth. Tragically many years later James
and Robin were killed in an air crash while going on a
skiing holiday to Austria. George Orme’s son David was
also killed in the crash.
My home life was extremely happy. Although my
parents had very little money, we never went short and
they were a happy couple. Part of my father’s wages was
our accommodation at Oldfields Cottage and he was
also entitled to fruit and vegetables free. We had a
wonderful choice – peaches, nectarines, passion fruit,
cherries, strawberries, raspberries, grapes and all the
usual vegetables as well as asparagus and sea kale. Our
meals were substantial in those days. We had stews,
dumplings, bacon and eggs, boiled suet puddings, lots
of vegetables and potatoes, homemade bread and cakes,
rice pudding and porridge to name a few and all
cooked on the old iron range. My father’s hobby was
bee keeping. My sister and I helped him turn the
handle of the extractor to get the honey from the
combs. The honey was then transferred to a ripener
and when it was ready to put into jars we helped again.
If there was a swarm of bees my mother blew a whistle
and my father would come from the nearby gardens of
Oldfields Hall to deal with the swarm. If ever there were
any swarms of bees in Uttoxeter my father was always
the man they fetched to deal with them. While waiting
for my father to come to a swarm in our own garden
my mother used to syringe the bees with water to keep
them from flying off or flying too high.
Memories of Uttoxeter (1919-1990)
As told to Jim Foley
Oldfields Cottage opposite Oldfields Hall, Stone Road.
The home of the Levey family.
Oldfields Hall when it was the home of Captain Henry
John Bamford

Can you identify the faces and locations?
See Page 50 for some of the names to the faces.
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The good old days
URGENTLY
REQUIRED
If you have any photos that you think
may be of interest to our readers of this
page please feel free to drop them in to
Lavins printers in High Street, Uttoxeter
who will scan them while you wait and
let you have them straight back or email
them in jpg format to them at:
lavinprinters@btconnect.com
Please describe the people or event
featured and approx year when the
picture was taken along with your name
and location so that we can give you the
recognition for supplying them.
Thank you.
3

Photo Credits - 1 & 4 : Margaret Groves, Uttoxeter. 2 & 5: Neil Fowell, Uttoxeter. 6: The Voice.
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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 97

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 97

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 97