Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 103

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Issue 103
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3
Let The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice take your business to 13,000 local homes. To advertise, call 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970.
L
ittle did we know that the December Voice
would be followed by yet another National
Lockdown due to the huge rise in
Coronavirus infections and deaths.
So, I have had to once again relaunch The
Voice colour magazine which has been the
toughest task of my working life – most of our
local businesses are shut down by Government
restrictions but I am humbled by the fantastic
support of our advertisers for this March issue,
the first of 2021.
I do believe we will never return to National
Lockdowns as the vaccines continue to do their
stuff. I am always proud to be British and I must
wholeheartedly congratulate the NHS, Scientists,
Armed Forces, Doctors, Nurses, Volunteers and
all people who are associated with the World-
beating roll-out of the vaccines – you are and
forever will be applauded by the nation. Thank
you.
I received my first jab the other week and the
feeling of happiness and relief is difficult to
describe. I thought of my wife, my family and
friends as I walked to my car at the vaccine centre
at JCB, Cheadle, and I am not ashamed to say, I
shed a tear.
So, Spring is here and the Prime Minister’s
Roadmap to get us out of this nightmare has
begun – let’s all look forward to better times – a
pint at my beloved Oldfields Club, watching my
rugby team and meeting old friends, going on
holiday, etc and enjoying quality time with my
family members.
As you can see by the photograph below, we
received very sad news recently that my dear
friend Les Humphries passed away suddenly.
It was a total shock which devastated me.
What a man, what a friend, what a family man.
I had known Les for over 40 years and he had
been a Voice Columnist for over 100 issues as
well as being a Co-Founder of Uttoxeter Rugby
Club. He was involved in many community
organisations such as the Royal British Legion,
Denstone Players and the local churches.
It was a privilege to have known Les, he
touched many peoples’ hearts and did a lot of
good for others. We all send our sincere best
wishes to wife Sandra and all of the family – you
were a very special person my old mate...
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
The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice is wholly independent and
is published at 3 Spode Close, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 1DT
13,000 copies are distributed free to homes and
businesses in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Rocester, Denstone,
Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower
Tean, Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh,
Combridge, Kingsley, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley Green
& Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury,
Kingstone, Marchington, Ellastone and Hollington.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES
AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970
Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
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The next Voice will be out 5th May
News Deadline: 18th April
Advertising Deadline: 22nd April
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R.I.P. MY
OLD FRIEND...
Sad death of Voice Columnist
and co-founder of
Uttoxeter Rugby Club
Les Humphries
Les Humphries on parade for
the Royal British Legion
during the Staffordshire Poppy
Appeal launch at the JCB
Academy in 2016.

4 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society • Reg Charity 1039350
Dottie and Gina
each need a friend
D
ottie is 18 years old, she is a black and white cat
with only one eye. For the past 5 years she has
had an elderly companion and they have been
like 2 peas in a pod. Enjoying one another’s company and
being the best of friends. Sadly Dottie’s elderly owner is
no longer able to care for her so Dottie has been returned
into our care. She is an absolutely delightful cat, loves to
sit under the heat lamp in the cattery and will shout for
attention if she thinks she’s being ignored. She’s loves cat
biscuits, but won’t eat wet cat food although she is partial
to a spoonful of tuna every now and then. When she
went to the vets recently for her vaccinations we were told that she was very healthy
for her age. We would like to find a home for Dottie where she is the only cat and
with people who will give her the best possible care. All of Dottie’s needs will be
paid for by Cheadle Animal Welfare Society.
If anyone can offer Dottie a lovely home with a cosy bed, a window for her to
sit in to watch the world go by and provide loads of TLC please ring 01335
390369.
G
ina is another needy cat. She is mainly white and
has come into care as her elderly owner is no
longer able to look after her. It’s a very sad time
for Gina as she is doesn’t understand why she is no longer
in her own home and she is not accepting being in the
cattery despite being given lots of fuss and attention. She
rarely comes out of her bed during the day and most of
the time sits with her head buried in the back of the igloo,
even Dreamies don’t tempt her out. At night she ventures
out to eat and use her litter tray and then goes back into
hiding. It is very sad to see and we desperately need to
find Gina either a foster or permanent home. We are hoping to find a quiet home
for Gina with someone who will give her lots of love and let her know that the world
hasn’t ended and that she can be happy once again.
If you can help Gina, and I hope someone can, please ring 01889 564045.

Everyone
lovesTheVoice
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Further Consultation on
Uttoxeter Masterplan
Brought Forward
E
ast Staffordshire Borough Council has announced that it will bring forward
the next round of consultation on the key sites identified in the recently
adopted Uttoxeter Masterplan.
An online question and answer session arranged by the Uttoxeter Online
Facebook group founder Phil Irons, generated many questions which clearly
demonstrates a strong desire from the community to influence future regeneration
in the town.
George Allen, Deputy Leader for Regeneration and Planning Policy commented
“Since participating in the Uttoxeter Online question and answer session, I have
received a number of emails from residents in Uttoxeter concerned about the priority
areas the plan highlights. Because of this direct contact from residents I have decided
to set out further consultation on those areas which residents are most concerned
about. Once restrictions are lifted, ESBC will open general consultation with
residents in Uttoxeter which will also include face to face open days hosted in the
town. Clearly this will need to be done once it is safe to do so but I hope residents
agree this is the right thing to do and I look forward to their views and opinions
about redevelopment of these key sites.”
Any active progression of the adopted Masterplan will not be pursued until this
next round of consultation is complete.
Duncan Goodfellow, Leader of the Council said: “We recognise that regeneration
is an area where people feel strongly, and we need to ensure that Uttoxeter is fit for
a post-Covid world, but also one where shopping habits and behaviours have
fundamentally changed. Our town centres need to be repopulated and re-fashioned
as community hubs, including housing, health and leisure, entertainment, education,
arts, business/office space and some shops. The key sites identified in the
masterplan all contribute to these individual areas and we want to hear residents
views on how each of these sites fit that vision in detail by bringing forward the next
stage of consultation.”
Public consultation cannot take place during the Pre-Election (Purdah) period
which starts on the 23rd March for the 6th May elections so dependent on the
lockdown restrictions in place at that time, the Council expects the consultation to
begin during May, but will only commence once face to face consultation is
practically achievable.

7

A
newly-published children’s author with a taste
for the high seas has scored a hit with her story
about a pirate with a secret and his fun-filled
adventures.
Retired primary school teacher Sue Brunt, who
writes under the name Nanny Sue, has brought her
love of teaching children to read to life, in the tale of
‘Jack, The Pirate with a Secret’.
Sue, who lives in Cheadle, topped the Amazon
charts prior to the book’s publication earlier this
month, and has been named author of the week by her
international publisher Austin Macauley.
Sue said: “It’s been thrilling to see the book come
into print and to already be enjoyed by so many
children. I’ve taught children to read and foster a love
of learning through books and stories for many years,
and I’ve always wanted to write for children.
“My tale of ‘Jack The Pirate with a Secret’ follows
my own thirst for adventure. I’ve experienced storms
at sea, just like Jack does in the story. I’ve taken part in
a pirate adventure on a galleon while on holiday in
Mexico, and I’ve swum alongside stingrays, barracuda
and nurse sharks as a scuba diver. I’m always eager to
do the extraordinary, just as Jack does in the story.”
In the book, Jack sails the seas in his ship the
‘Mucky Duck’ and faces many challenges on his
journey through a storm. But the book is a story with
a twist, as Jack has a secret and he doesn’t have the
opportunity to tell anyone. Children are encouraged
to suggest what his secret might be, as a starting point
for creative writing, as a discussion in class or at home
with the family, and as a way for children to speak out
if they have a worry or concern themselves so that they
may share it with an adult whom they know and trust.
The story is for 4-8 year olds, and can be used as
part of the PSHE curriculum in schools. It is bright
and colourful and illustrated throughout. It is aimed
at all reading abilities, with some more challenging
words to stimulate more able readers and repeated
phrases to encourage even the youngest listener to
contribute to the story.
As well as faring so well in the book charts, Nanny
Sue’s story is proving a smash hit at home with her four
grandchildren Toby, seven; Evie, seven; Archie, five;
and Isla, five.
Sue said: “The grandchildren think it’s wonderful,
their names are dedicated in the front of the book.
Toby has become a star on Facebook in reading the
book, Evie pretends she is a class teacher and reads the
book aloud, Archie just loves pirates and Isla enjoys
the book as a bedtime story.”
Sue taught at St Dominic’s Priory School in Stone
for 18 years, and has a degree in Early Years Education
with Science. She is also a qualified Nursery Nurse,
and more recently worked part-time as Assistant
Librarian at Leek Library.
She added: “I have always loved books and the
magic that they instil. We know that there are so many
restrictions on travel and being able to go off and
physically roam the seven seas at the moment, but the
great thing about Jack and his story is that it allows you
to go on an adventure wherever you may be.”
Right: Grandaughter Evie enjoys reading ‘Jack’.
Nanny Sue takes inspiration from
her own seafaring adventures for
children’s pirate book

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Knights help
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T
he pandemic has stopped some of the planned fund-raising by members of
the PTFA of a local first school and so the Knights 4 Uttoxeter have stepped
in with a donation of £250.
Jo Moult, headteacher of St Mary’s First School in Holly Road explained “We are
gradually installing fully interactive boards in our classrooms but they are very
expensive. The PTFA with the generous support of all our parents, is trying to raise
enough money for a board. The Coronavirus has, however, prevented some of our
fund-raising events taking place. We are, therefore, grateful to the Knights for their
generous donation.”
Presenting the cheque, Knight Denise Lea said, “We are committed to supporting
the local community as much as we can and we all know that it is vital to encourage
children in their learning. When we heard that the school’s fund-raising programme
had suffered a set-back we wanted to help. The money we are giving will help in a
small way to make up for the short-fall.”
Jo Moult, headteacher at St Mary’s First School (left) being presented with a cheque
by Knight Denise Lea.

11
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Fly tippers warned
Moorlands is watching
F
ly tippers are being warned that the Staffordshire Moorlands is not the place
to dump their rubbish - and the Community Safety Partnership has them in
its sights. There has been an increase in incidents in recent weeks and the
District Council and the Police want people to be aware that it will not be tolerated.
Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet member for Communities at the Council, said:
“Fly tipping at any time is thoroughly irresponsible and shows no regard for the
communities it spoils or the people who have to clear it up. But, at a time when our
public services are doing their utmost to support people through the Covid health
pandemic, it is simply unforgiveable.
“The incidences we have seen in recent weeks cannot be allowed to continue and,
through the Community Safety Partnership, we are sending out a very clear message
that this will not be tolerated and we are working together to combat it.
“We always seek to prosecute those responsible, where possible, and people
should be aware that fly tipping is a criminal offence which can result in unlimited
fines or a prison sentence. There is simply no excuse for it so please don’t do it!”
The warning comes after recent incidents in the Tean area including what has
been described as an ‘industrial-scale’ tip at Huntley Lane when around 100 tyres
were dumped in the area.
Local councillor and Deputy Leader of the District Council, Councillor Mark
Deaville, said: “This clearly cannot be allowed to continue and I welcome the
partnership focus on tackling it.
“The small minority who think they can blight our beautiful countryside in this
way should be under no illusion that their actions have consequences and the
Moorlands is absolutely not the place to abuse in this way.”
The County Council-operated tips at Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek remain open
to the public and are operating in a Covid secure way.
Sergeant Rob Peacock, from the Staffordshire Moorlands Neighbourhood
Policing Team, said: “There has been a recent rise in the amount of fly tipping going
on across our local area and we’re warning those responsible that we are looking into
a number of incidents alongside our local partners.
“Fly tipping is a criminal offence and is one that can have serious ramifications
for the local community and wildlife. We will look to punish those found to be
dumping their waste illegally.”

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S
taffordshire Moorlands District
Council has prioritised transforming
Cheadle as part of its commitment to
creating safer and healthier environments
for communities to live and work in and to
creating a strong economy by regenerating
towns and villages.
In the Autumn, the Council considered
a report prepared by consultants Cushman
and Wakefield setting out some of the
possible options for a masterplan and
investment strategy and agreed to establish
a Town Centre Delivery Board supported
by a Stakeholder Panel to oversee and
guide this significant project.
The Panel met for the first time in
January where it was agreed that, amongst
other things, it will be responsible for
overseeing the programme of public
consultation and a public survey seeking
views on all the regeneration issues and
opportunities for the town centre.
The next step is to appoint consultants
to carry it out – and also to work with the
Panel to identify further options for the
town centre.
Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the
District Council, said: “This was a very
positive and productive first meeting and
I’m pleased that the Panel can now move
another step forward by seeking
consultants to deliver the consultation and
engagement programme.
“I hope this provides reassurance to
local residents, businesses and all those
interested in the future development of
Cheadle that, true to our word, we will be
listening to voices from across the
community before any decisions are taken.
“We are committed to investing in
Cheadle by restoring vibrancy to the high
street and providing the new homes and
community health, leisure and wellbeing
facilities that meet the needs of current and
future residents and visitors. I look
forward to working closely with the Panel
and the Board to deliver our shared
ambitions.”
The Cushman and Wakefield options
appraisal report looked at the possible
future uses for sites in the town in public
ownership including the town centre car
parks, South Moorlands Leisure Centre
and Cheadle Community Hospital.
The consultants appointed for the
public engagement programme will look at
all the potential options for the town centre
and not just those identified in the report.
Councillor Ralphs added: “We have
always recognised the critical importance
of delivering this transformation project in
partnership. We know that people have
clear views about the town centre and I
welcome the role the consultants will play
in considering all options for the town’s
key sites and not just those identified in the
Cushman and Wakefield report.”
In December 2019 Cheadle was one of
the first 14 pilot towns to receive expert
advice and support to help revitalise the
high street from the Government’s High
Streets Task Force. A small team will visit
the town virtually next month to carry out
analysis before producing a report aimed
at helping Cheadle unlock its potential.
The Stakeholder Panel will also be
responsible for overseeing the work of the
Future High Street Fund Task Force and
any recommendations made following the
visit.
Councillor Ian Plant, Chair of the
Stakeholder Panel, said: “We are excited to
be starting in earnest on these regeneration
projects which are very much focussed on
delivering a town centre that is fit for the
future.
“This was a good, productive first
meeting of the Panel when a clear way
forward was agreed. We will now get on
with the job of appointing the consultants
who will engage the whole community at
the earliest opportunity so we can hear
your views, thoughts and suggestions.”
The minutes of this and future Panel
meetings will be made available on the
Town Council’s website:
www.cheadletowncouncil.org.uk
Panel agrees next steps in
Cheadle transformation project Book your
Advert Now
for the next
May 5th
Voice colour
magazine!
Let’s Bounce
Back
Together!!
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

15

?
D
uring the last two years UTTOXETER
LEARNING TRUST TEACHING SCHOOL,
has recruited and trained more than 30
primary and secondary school teachers.
One of those trainees is Julia Brophy (pictured
right), now a newly qualified English teacher at Thomas
Alleyne’s. Julia said: “I wanted to inspire others and
spend the final 10 years of my working life giving back
to the community.” Julia has trained to teach having
decided to embark upon a second career as a teacher,
after gaining much life experience in industry.
“We welcome applications from both recent
graduates and those with more experience in industry,”
said Karen Goodwin, Co-Director of UTTOXETER
LEARNING TRUST TEACHING SCHOOL. “We are
currently training 11 secondary and six primary
trainees, who are completing their placements in our
partner schools across the Uttoxeter and Stafford area.”
The Teaching School, which is based at Thomas
Alleyne’s High School, provides secondary training
programmes are in maths, English, biology, chemistry,
physics, French, history, geography and PE.
Bursaries of up to £24,000 are available for trainees
in some subjects. UTTOXETER LEARNING TRUST
TEACHING SCHOOL also works with Keele and
North Staffordshire Teacher Education to offer a range
of primary teacher training courses.
Julie Rudge, Headteacher of Thomas Alleyne’s High
School, said: “It’s been a challenging time in education
during the pandemic but also an incredibly rewarding
one seeing how much the school and wider community
have been pulling together as we continue to do
everything we can to support our young people to
realise their potential.”
She added: “It’s vital that we also continue to
support those new to our profession. AT UTTOXETER
LEARNING TRUST TEACHING SCHOOL, we have
the expertise, knowledge and skills to share with trainee
teachers as part of our commitment to inspired
teaching, inspiring children and excellence in
professional development.”
UTTOXETER LEARNING TRUST TEACHING
SCHOOL is currently recruiting trainees looking to
start their teacher training in September 2021. If you
are interesting in finding out more about becoming a
teacher, please email teachingschool@tahs.org.uk
Virtual open evenings are being held on Zoom on
27th April and 21st May from 4:15pm. Contact us to
find out more about these events. More information is
also available at www.ultteachingschool.org.uk
Can you
answer
the call
to join
the
teaching
profession

17

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U
ttoxeter’s Windsor Park School Eco Council team, along
with Mrs Clowes, Mrs Pearce and the rest of our pupils
have been very busy collecting crisp packets - 4,197 in
total. The aim is to make a survival blanket to give to a homeless
charity. The rest of the crisp packets will be sent to a group of
people who have been making these blankets already.
Some of our Eco have even suggested that we try and make
other things too. This has given us something to think about...
Our Jesse trees, which we had in each class were planted by the
Eco Council, Mrs Clowes and Mrs Pearce on the Thursday before
our Christmas break. Due to not being able to have assembly in
the hall and our normal huge Christmas tree, we felt that every
class should have one and at the start of advent we added a bauble
to decorate daily.
These trees are now planted and in years to come our pupils
will remember and talk of them to others.
Eco Council
team

Painsley Catholic College, in Cheadle has been
selected to become a teaching school hub.
Teachers across the country will benefit from vital
developmental support and expert advice, allowing
them to improve a broad range of vital teaching skills,
under plans announced by the Department for
Education today.
The teaching workforce will get best-practice and
expert advice on how best to engage with pupils, lesson
planning, and classroom management, as the teaching
school hubs programme is rolled out across the
country.
Painsley is one of the 81 schools in England selected
to be designated as a new teaching school hub.
Mrs Rachel Waugh, Principal at Painsley Catholic
College commented, “”We are delighted to have been
successfully designated as a teaching school hub. It is
an important development for the continued
professional development of teachers and leaders in
education. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of
training to ensure the highest quality of teaching and
leadership in schools for the benefit of the staff and
young people we serve.”
The teaching school programme was announced in
2019 and was followed by a procurement to
successfully appoint six test and learn hubs (appointed
in January 2020).
The 81 new hubs will be rolled out in addition to
those six existing test & learn TSH, meaning there will
be nationwide coverage for the first time, and that every
school in England will now have access to a local centre
of excellence for teacher training.
81 hubs will be added in all corners of the country
to provide high-quality professional development to
teachers and leaders at all stages of their career and play
a key role in helping to build up trainee teachers as they
enter the workforce. This will further level up the
quality of teaching, allowing every child to receive a
world-class start in life no matter where they are born.
Each hub, all of which will be operational and
helping schools from this September, will have its own
defined geographical patch and will be expected to be
accessible to all schools within that area, serving on
average around 250 schools each.
Painsley selected to provide high-quality
professional development to teachers and leaders
Principal Rachel Waugh

23
T
he Painsley Catholic Academy is delighted to
have received almost 1,000 positive parent
testimonials for its remote learning provision
across all 15 member schools. The two high schools
and thirteen primary schools were amongst the small
number of schools who were able to provide remote
learning in the first lock down in March. Following the
announcement of school closures this January, all the
schools were up and running with their remote
learning on the very next day.
In a recent survey from all schools to parents, the
combined results show that 88% of parents believe that
their child has settled into a good remote learning
routine.
• 96% believe that their school has clearly explained
how to access remote learning.
• 94% of parents feel that their school continues to
have high expectations for the children during
lockdown.
• 96% of parents believe that there is a good range of
subjects being covered through remote learning.
Five schools scored 100% with this, also.
• Finally, an impressive 84% would recommend their
school’s remote learning to other parents.
Chief Executive Office of the Painsley Catholic
Academy, Mr Steve Bell commented:
“We would also like to take this opportunity to
thank our parents. They are the very people who are
facilitating much of our remote learning, many of them
working from home at the same time. Education has
to be a partnership between school and parents, and
since lockdown we have never seen that so clearly. Our
parents are all doing a fantastic job and we are very
grateful for their support.”
Here are just a few of the comments received from
parents.
The Faber Catholic Primary School, Cotton
“Thank you, from day 1 of lockdown you have
demonstrated a massive commitment to ensuring our
children continue to get the best education in current
circumstances. Well done.”
“Thank you for the time and dedication you have all
put into planning and implementing home learning for
all of the children at Faber. I appreciate the technical
difficulties you must have faced and the lack of time
you have had to gain the resources and provisions for
this term of remote teaching, however, I am truly proud
of Faber and how you have continued to support all of
the children and ensured their well-being and
education. Thank you for all of your efforts, hard work
and support during such a challenging time in
education. It is truly appreciated.”
“An incredible effort yet again from all the Faber staff
to ensure our children access excellent live lessons and
super resources for independent tasks.”
St Giles’Catholic Primary School, Cheadle
“Communication from the teachers via class dojo has
been excellent, I cannot imagine how difficult it is to
teach both children in the classroom and online.
However, they make the time to respond. I appreciate
the pressure that all of the teaching staff are under and
just want to take the opportunity to say thank you. As
working parents, especially for myself working from
home too, I have found the live lessons an actual god
send as it’s meant I’ve been able to carry out my work
too with minimal disruption. So once again THANK
YOU, St Giles.”
“I have friends and colleagues with children in other
settings and this school sets the standard. They are
outstanding. Nothing is too much trouble and I am
certain that they are working to their limit physically
and mentally. They are compassionate and prioritise
wellbeing for both the children and the parents. They
should be highly commended.”
“Thank you as always for going above and beyond to
provide amazing resources and care for our daughter
when she is in school on the days I’m teaching. She is
loving school and live lessons at home and is self-
motivated and enthusiastic. I can’t thank you enough
for all the hard work and hours the dedicated teachers
and support staff must be putting in.”
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School,
Uttoxeter
“I feel that the school has been outstanding through
providing a great platform for home learning. The
teachers have been incredible. Thank you, St Joseph’s!”
“Thank you all for your amazing work on remote
school. We definitely appreciate your efforts!”
“I would like to say thank you to all school staff for
everything they are doing to support our children and
families at this very difficult time. The school has been
fantastic, thank you.”
St Thomas’s Catholic Primary School, Tean
“Such a fantastic job by St Thomas’ with virtually no
notice!! Well done and thank you!”
“Thank you so much to all the school for their amazing
job teaching online it has been fantastic. I feel very
lucky that my child goes to St Thomas’ especially as we
have been doing the online lessons from March....great
school, great staff ..thank you!”
“I think the school have been amazing in providing the
best possible online education.”
“I feel that all of the staff are doing a tremendous job
in these difficult times. To have all the home learning
and live lessons arranged for the Tuesday morning
following the announcement on Monday evening was
amazing. This just shows the level of dedication the
staff put in.”
Painsley Catholic College, Cheadle
“Very satisfied with the quality of the online learning.
In these difficult times you have risen to the challenge
and I feel able to focus on my job (working from home)
in the knowledge that my daughter’s learning and
progress is not suffering. Thank you”
“Under incredibly challenging circumstances, all the
teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure
teaching has continued to be delivered in a brilliant
way. Thank you.”
“It is with great sincerity that as parents we send our
gratitude to all involved at school. The dedication and
commitment is very much appreciated and we are so
grateful that our children can continue with a high
standard of education. Saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem
to fulfil what we would like to convey. You are all
working tirelessly for the next generation. Stay safe and
keep well. Thank you.”
St Filumena’s Catholic Primary School,
Caverswall
“Thank you, everyone, for your hard work in these
stressful times hone learning and routine is essential in
maintaining the children’s mental health.”
“I cannot thank the staff enough for how much they are
having to juggle through these difficult times and how
they still manage to stay positive. Any time we have had
any queries or issues with the technology they have
communicated with us effectively. The home school
work has been easy to navigate through for both
students and parents. The live lessons are constructed
very well. Thank you once again to all staff at St
Filumena’s you are doing a remarkable job!”
“Thank you for your continued support and hard work
during these difficult times.”
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Leek
“I think the staff have performed above expectations in
challenging times. A big thank you for the hard work
and dedication shown. It has made life much easier
having a structured system of learning and responsive
staff.”
“Thank you to all staff. I know how hard you are all
working with both the children in the classroom and
those at home. Thank you to all teaching staff and
support staff who do an excellent job.”
“Communication has been great! Any queries have
been answered promptly and effectively. The quality
and volume of work provided has been good. Thank
you!”
Parents praise remote learning from
The Painsley Catholic Academy
Chloe Williams, age 5, The Faber
Aimee Cowans, age 7, St Thomas’s Tean
Sara Gackowska, age 7, St Joseph’s

At St Joseph’s we believe in making sure
each student is happy at school, and as a
result, performs to their full potential.
As part of the Painsley Catholic Academy, we have
access to specialist teachers for languages, art,
humanities, design technology and science. This helps
our children to become familiar with many of the
teachers they will have at high school, making their
transition to high school much more comfortable.
“Parents are positive about the provision their children
receive and praise the welcoming approach…
vibrant, happy school where pupils are able to
thrive… Pupils are tolerant and respectful to adults and
peers... Pupils work cooperatively and value different
opinions. The harmonious atmosphere... allows pupils
confidence to grow and learning to flourish.” Ofsted
Remote Learning during Lockdown
We are really proud to say that classes from Y2 to Y6
have been receiving high-quality, live-streamed
teaching for a minimum of 3 (Y2) to 5 hours (Y5 and 6)
daily via the ‘Google Classroom’ platform and through
the use of wireless headsets, while lessons are also
delivered live to those in school. This has really helped
the children maintain a sense of normality and
routine, benefiting children’s mental health and well-
being hugely, while also supporting parents who are
working from home. Children are able to actively
participate in lessons, listening to the teaching input
and answering questions as well as questioning the
teacher and receiving support wherever needed.
After a recent parent survey on our remote learning
these are some of the positive results;
Parent Feedback
97% of parents feel that we have clearly explained
how to access remote learning.
97% feel that the school continues to have high
expectations for its students during this period.
100% of parents feel that there is a good range of
subjects covered by our remote learning.
90% of parents would recommend St Joseph’s remote
learning to other parents.
“I feel that the school has been outstanding through
providing a great platform for home learning. The
teachers have been incredible. Thank you St
Joseph’s!”
“Thank you all for your amazing work on remote
school. We definitely appreciate your efforts!”
“I would like to say thank you to all school staff for
everything they are doing to support our children and
families at this very difficult time. The school has been
fantastic, thank you.”
Students attain above the national average for
reading, writing and maths.
Daycare Available
Morning and afternoon sessions available (15 hours) +
30 hours provision available. Please contact the
school office re eligibility, etc. on daycare@st-josephs-
uttoxeter.staffs.sch.uk
Breakfast Club: 7.30am - 8.45am
Afterschool Club: 3.30pm - 6pm
Our Nursery Offers:
• Our Nursery is managed by a fully qualified
teacher who is also a trained Forest Schools Leader.
She is supported by a team of knowledgeable,
caring and experienced teaching assistants.
• A bright, modern and well resourced shared EYFS
area encompassing Nursery and Reception class
enabling fantastic transition from one to the other.
• Opportunities to develop skills promoting
individuality.
• The chance to light up imaginations and nurture
self-confidence.
• A safe environment creating a warm and friendly
atmosphere.
• Time to investigate, explore and have fun in our
indoor and outdoor play areas.
• A safe environment creating a warm and friendly
atmosphere.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery
Springfield Road, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England, ST14 7JX
www.st-josephs-uttoxeter.staffs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01889 562702
Email: office@st-josephs-uttoxeter.staffs.sch.uk
Where happy children learn more
(For all faiths and none)

25
• Medication
• Domiciliary Home Care
• Hospital Visits
• Companionship & Company
• Sitting Service
• Support in the Community
• Home Domestic Tasks
For more information contact Demi on 07724 118945.
Full DBS Disclosure with 10 years experience in care.
Finalist in Staﬀordshire County Council Dignity in Care Awards.
L I V E W E L L ,

W
ith the end of the tax year now approaching
fast it would be wise to think about what
steps you can take to reduce your tax bill
and make your money work harder for you and your
family.
RBA Wealth Management can offer a tax and
investment health check to help you to secure your
financial future. Please contact us by telephone on
01889 568444 or email rba@sjpp.co.uk.
There’s a number of actions you should consider
taking now to ‘spring clean’ your finances before the
start of the new tax year on 5 April, 2021.
The RBA Wealth Management checklist:
• Make use of your ISA allowance of £20,000.
• Check with your spouse or partner as to whether
they’ve fully utilised the combined allowance of
£40,000
• Make contributions of up to £9,000 per child into
Junior ISAs to help them get a head start. To
maximise pension savings you should utilise your
full annual allowance. Unused allowances can be
carried forward, but only from the previous three
tax years
• If you’ve utilised your 2020/21 allowance you
should review whether you have any unused
allowances from the 2017/18 tax year first
• High earners could take steps to bring their taxable
income down by making pension contributions or
charitable donations. These can help you to bring
your income below the additional rate tax band,
which starts at £150,000; regain their Personal
Allowance, which starts to be withdrawn for
incomes over £100,000; avoid losing Child Benefit,
which is gradually removed if one parent earns
more than £50,000.
• Take advantage of your annual Capital Gains Tax
(CGT) exemption by realising gains of £12,300 in
this tax year. It is thought that the government may
raise CGT soon, so make the most of this year’s
allowance
• Use your IHT gifting exemption of £3,000 for this
year. If you’re thinking of making a large pension
withdrawal, it could make sense to spread it over
two or more tax years to minimise your Income Tax
liability.
• If you own a business and depending on your
earnings, consider taking dividend income instead
of salary to avoid National Insurance contributions
(NICs). The first £20,000 of dividend income is tax-
free.
• Divert your company’s pre-tax profits into a
personal pension to reduce your company’s liability
to Corporation Tax, Income Tax (including on
dividends) and NICs. Contributions will need to be
paid before your company’s financial year-end in
order for the business to qualify for the deduction
in that accounting period.
RBA Wealth Management is a Senior Partner
Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.
Based in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, RBA Wealth
Management offers bespoke advice, with our
experienced team keen to support clients with holistic
solutions tailored to meet your business and family
needs.
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place
will be directly linked to the performance of the funds
you select and the value can therefore go down as well
as up. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from
taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax
relief generally depends on individual circumstances.
RBA Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed
Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place
Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the
purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth
management products and services, more details of
which are set out on the Group’s website
www.sjp.co.uk/products.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles
‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms
used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
A D V E R T O R I A L
Make the most of your tax-saving
opportunities before 5 April, 2021

Improving mental health
support for young people
A
s the Covid-19 pandemic continues, NHS organisations have been
developing innovative new ways of supporting the mental health needs of
young people and their families.
Staff working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have
been turning to digital solutions to ensure these needs are met, and have become
ever more collaborative in sharing learning and excellent practice for the benefit of
young people.
This spirit of partnership was underscored at a recent ‘CAMHS in the Time of
Covid’ online event, which brought together health and care professionals from
across the country, alongside parents, social care and education professionals and
commissioners to discuss the challenges they have experienced during the pandemic
and how they are being overcome.
The event was hosted by @CAMHSNetwork, and co-designed through a series
of Zoom meetings with some lived experience input, by staff from Midlands
Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), North Staffordshire Combined
Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT), Hampshire CAMHS & Sussex Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust and Pencil Me In.
The event was designed to provide a networking opportunity for people with an
interest of CAMHS from across the country to learn and share with one another.
The morning was highly interactive using breakout rooms to provide opportunities
to share and spread best practice. Discussions focussed on a number of areas,
including the growing use of digital technology, staff wellbeing, developing clinical
skills, working with schools to more effectively support young people, and
supporting parents and families to become experts by experience. The event
produced a ‘gallery of greatness’ to share some examples of best practice.
Event co-organiser Lyse Edwards, Head of Operations for Children and Families
services at MPFT said: “Covid has disrupted previous ways of working and how we
deliver services has radically changed in a very short period of time. This event
started with a tweet reaching out to find out how other CAMHS services were
managing with so much being digital and soon developed into what turned out to
be a really informative and affirming session.”
Ann Cox, Consultant Nurse & Clinical Lead at NSCHT, who also co-organised
the online event said: “It’s important, especially at this time to know we can turn to
each other to share what has worked well, alongside what’s maybe not worked as
well and the learning from that. Supporting the mental health needs of children and
young people is our collective priority, and I was delighted so many colleagues were
able to join us on the day to explore how we can improve this further.”

29
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Call us today for a free no obligation quotation
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Re-felt Batten Soffit Fascia Re-Roof New Builds
Knights donate
computer to
Eco Centre
V
olunteers at the Globe Eco Centre in Uttoxeter now have a desktop computer
for their exclusive use, thanks to the Knights 4 Uttoxeter. Centre founder
Kate Copeland explained, ‘We are fortunate to have a large team of volunteers
and we really needed a PC that they could use. The Knights have supported us in
the past and we are very grateful for their help once again.’
Rupert Hill, chairman of the Knights, said ‘The Globe Eco Centre plays a valuable
role in helping to educate and inform us all about the need to do what we can all do
in our own small way to help the environment. We are, therefore, pleased to support
the work that Kate and the team do as part of our own commitment to the local
community.’
The Centre is a non-profit organisation working to reduce the impact of modern
living on the environment. It recently moved to the former corn mill in Church
Street.
Globe Eco Centre founder Kate Copeland with volunteer Lewis Leadbetter of
Bramshall pictured with the PC presented by the Knights.

G
raduates who want to make a difference by
helping the next generation of children and
young people are being urged to consider a
career in teaching.
Thomas Alleyne’s High School on Dove Bank in
Uttoxeter is one of a group of schools in Uttoxeter
Learning Trust that trains primary and secondary
teachers.
Uttoxeter Learning Trust Teaching School has
organised virtual open events for people interested in
training to teach including recent graduates and those
wanting a career change.
During the online events, guests found out about
the teacher training programmes available for primary
and secondary school teachers starting in September
2021.
Julie Rudge, Headteacher of Thomas Alleyne’s
High School, said: “It’s been a challenging time in
education during the pandemic but also an incredibly
rewarding one seeing how much the school and wider
community have been pulling together as we continue
to do everything we can to support our young people
to realise their potential.”
She added: “It’s vital that we also continue to
support those new to our profession. At Uttoxeter
Learning Trust Teaching School, we have
the expertise, knowledge and skills to
share with trainee teachers as part of our
commitment to inspired teaching,
inspiring children and excellence in
professional development.”
The training programmes were for
secondary teachers who want to develop
classroom and teaching practice skills in
subjects such as maths, English, biology,
chemistry, physics, French, history,
geography and PE. Bursaries of upto
£24,000 are available for trainees in some
subjects.
Uttoxeter Learning Trust Teaching School also
works with Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher
Education to offer a range of primary teacher training
courses.
Trainees gain support from an experienced team
of staff and have the opportunity to
develop their skills across Uttoxeter
Learning Trust’s first, middle and
high schools.
To find out more, please visit the
Uttoxeter Learning Trust Teaching
School website or email
teachingschool@tahs.org.uk.
Julie Rudge is Headteacher of
Thomas Alleyne’s High School, which
is involved in the Train to Teach
programme organised by Uttoxeter
Learning Trust Teaching School.
Inspiring teachers of the future...
30 If you are responding to an advertisement in The Uttoxeter Cheadle Voice, please let the advertiser know. Thank you for your support.
A
new partnership has launched between Home-
Start, FareShare, John Lewis and Waitrose aims
to create an outpouring of kindness to help
Britain’s struggling families.
Parenthood is challenging enough in normal times
but the current pandemic has added additional layers
of anxiety, uncertainty and isolation.
Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands and
Newcastle Borough have been there for families when
they’ve needed support most. As part of a network of
180 Home-Starts across the country Home-Start
Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle Borough have
moved essential support services on-line to stay
connected with families through their team of
volunteers staying connected with families, providing
emotional and practical support, and linking families
into other community services such as their local
foodbanks. We have seen social distancing and
isolation placing enormous strain on families.
This exciting new campaign with the John Lewis
Partnership aims to raise £5m for the work of Home-
Start and FareShare through a nationwide effort to
encourage communities and customers to give what
they can.
Funds raised will enable Home-Start to support
families in communities across the country through
volunteer visits and friendship, and FareShare to
support essential food provision for families in low
income households. An additional £1m has been
allocated to local John Lewis and Waitrose stores to
work directly with local Home-Starts and FareShares
to help families hit hardest by the Covid-19.
Together, the partnership aims to support at least
100,000 families.
Peter Grigg, CEO, Home-Start UK said: “This
powerful campaign will ensure Home-Start is there for
families who need us most. We have seen first-hand
how the pandemic is pushing families to the edge,
especially those already facing significant challenges
in their lives. Working with John Lewis Partnership
colleagues, customers and communities, we can reach
more families and communities at this vital time. We
are so proud to partner in this exciting ambition to
transform the lives of thousands of families and
children. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness
shown in our communities during the pandemic. But
there is so much more to do.”
Louise Walker, Senior Organiser at Home-Start
Staffordshire Moorlands said: “We are so heartened by
this partnership and the legacy that will be created. We
have seen an increase in the length of time families
have needed our support as the impact of the virus has
had many knock-on consequences in terms of mental
health, financial worry and isolation from others.
Families who ordinarily would be managing are
finding the ongoing support of a volunteer or staff
member is vital in maintaining their wellbeing and
that of their children and building long term resilience.
We are committed to being there for the families that
need our services, both now in the midst of the
pandemic and beyond.”
Wendy Hocking, Scheme Manager Home-Start
Newcastle Borough said: “Since the summer when the
schools reopened their doors fully, the referrals for
families needing support has increased greatly. So
many parents have been needing help who ordinarily
would be coping well, but this year has been
particularly tough pushing them into difficulties. Our
staff and volunteers are here to give that helping hand,
and ear when it’s needed the most, providing advice,
guidance and the emotional support they need to cope
with their problems.”
Pippa Wicks, Executive Director of John Lewis
Partners, said: “In a year like no other, the world has
changed - we delivered a Christmas campaign like no
other. During 2020 we’ve seen some inspiring and
heart-warming acts of kindness throughout our
country and our communities.”
“Now we want to build on this spirit to create a
legacy that extends well beyond Christmas. Together
we can all make a big difference to the families who
need our help most.”
James Bailey, Executive Director of Waitrose
Partners, said: “This year has created even greater
inequality in society with a catastrophic effect on some
of the most vulnerable, and we are determined to play
our part in addressing this.
“Everyone has a right to nourishment and a safe,
warm home and we believe that as a Partnership, we
can be an enduring force for good and going forwards.
“We don’t just want to talk about it, we want every
customer, community and Partner to show their
kindness in supporting these causes.”
Capturing the spirit of generosity in
our communities
Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle Borough part of £5m national
partnership with John Lewis, Waitrose and Fareshare to support UK’s struggling families
Wendy Hocking, Manager Home-Start Newcastle Borough; Jill Whitaker, Volunteer Home-Start Staffordshire
Moorlands (and a Uttoxeter resident), Owain Edwards, Assistant Team Manager Waitrose Uttoxeter, John
Fitchett, Vice Chair Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands (also a Uttoxeter resident).

31
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13,000 homes

33
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 4
T
he 1950’s were for our age group, a memorable
decade. Post war rationing finally ended signs
of prosperity began to emerge. We entered our
teens life generally was good. Girlfriends became
part of our lives; schooldays were coming to an end
work was just around the corner. Jobs were plentiful
we knew that we would find work, it was just a
question as to where in what industry. For most of
us lads, we knew that soon after our 18th birthday, we
would be called up for National Service. I said that
prosperity was becoming evident in the 50’s, one sign
of this was Gerald’s Dad buying a new car, the first new
car I ever rode in its registration number was
URB710.
However, before the transition from schooldays to
working life happened, there were exams to take place.
Those who attended Secondary School took their
exams left school aged 15. For Grammar Girls
High School pupils it was GCE exams leaving school
at 16. So, it was in the summer of 1955, by which time
many of our friends had been working for a year or so,
that Gerald I sat our GCE’s. Although attending a
Grammar School often led to attending University, it
was by no means the expectation or desire of many of
us to do so. I estimate that from our class at Alleynes
only about 1/3 went to Uni, and from the B class it
would be far less. This was a time when
Apprenticeships were quite common. These allowed
young people to have a paid job, though the pay was
often very poor, be given practical training “on the job”
attend college, possibly on day release or sometimes
in evening classes, to study the theory of their chosen
trade.
By the end of the summer holidays, with exam
results to both our satisfaction, I started work Gerald
returned for two more years at Alleynes. From that
time, we saw far less of each other being 16,
girlfriends were taking up more of our time. However,
we were both still in the Youth Clubs Church Choir
so still met through that for a while longer. The final
parting of the ways came when Gerald headed off to
Uni, soon after I was “called up”.
Gerald I had chosen our different paths. He had
always had the desire to attend Uni after a further
two years at Alleynes, during which he became Head
Boy, that’s where he headed. As for me, I became a
Student Apprentice at English Electric in Stafford. That
didn’t last long, mainly due to the difficulty in getting
there for work even more difficult to attend College
for evening classes. I then moved to Thos Boltons at
Froghall, on £5-09d per week, as a trainee metallurgist.
It didn’t take long for me to realise that this wasn’t for
me, but I stayed on knowing that National Service was
imminent. I joined the RAF in February 1958, signed
on for four years and got a choice of Trade; Air Wireless
Fitter. Contentment at last, and training. This consisted
of nine months at RAF Yatesbury in Wiltshire, five a
half days a week theoretical practical lessons which
set me up for the rest of my career.
Gerald I did meet up briefly at the end of 1959
for a small gathering at our house, to celebrate my 21st.
I recently learned that soon after that meeting, Gerald’s
family moved to Uttoxeter of course I met my wife
to be.
I several others of our age group often wondered
what became of Gerald. The expectation was that he
had gone into teaching after Uni. When we spoke after
The Voice had helped put us back in touch, I
discovered that Gerald chose a career in Sales not
teaching now lives in Shrewsbury. It’s no surprise
that, when we do chat on the phone it’s mostly
reminiscing about our happy days of childhood in
Rocester at Alleynes.
It is with great sadness that I must add that Gerald
passed away in the presence of his family on Dec 18th
2020 this after a long battle with cancer. He had read
the complete article before his death; his wife assures
me that he had really enjoyed reading these memories
of an idyllic childhood.
School friends
Written by Bill Woodier in collaboration with Gerald Smith
St Michael’s Rocester choir 1954. Circled are Gerald to the left and me to right.
On my 21st, showing Gerald with his future wife on his lap, Dave Lowe centre, Betty Moss me.
You can also read The Voice on our
newly updated website
www.uttoxeterandcheadlevoice.co.uk
You can also contact us via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice search for Uttoxeter Voice
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ian.north@zerodrytime.com

35
B
ritish
digger
maker
JCB has unveiled a brand new
machine to tackle a national
scourge - potholes.
The company has launched
the PotholePro - a machine that
can repair a pothole in less than
eight minutes - four times
quicker than standard methods
and at half the cost of current
solutions.
It follows a vow from
Chancellor Rishi Sunak last
November to invest £1.6bn to
fix potholes in Britain and
‘level-up’ uneven roads. Shock
figures from the AA reveal
more than £11bn-worth of
potholes need repairing across
the UK.
The machine’s development
has been personally led by JCB
Chairman Lord Bamford. He
said: “Potholes really are the
scourge of our nation. Our
country is quite rightly fixated
on this dreadful problem and as
a British manufacturer I am
fixated on finding a solution.
We simply cannot allow our
road network to continue to be
blighted by potholes. JCB’s
solution is simple and cost
effective and fixes potholes
permanently, first time. Once
the machine has done its job all
the contractor then needs to do
is just add tar.”
Tests with local authorities
and contractors show the JCB
PotholePro can complete a
pothole repair in less than eight
minutes – equivalent to 700
potholes per month. With a
40km/h travel speed, the
machine can rapidly relocate
between sites without
additional transport costs.
The machine has been in
trials on roads in Stoke-on-
Trent for months and the city
council has worked with JCB
over the last 12 months as
innovation partners to develop
the PotholePro. In initial
testing, the machine completed
51 road repair jobs in 20 days,
which would have taken a team
of up to six operatives 63 days
to complete normally.
Councillor Daniel Jellyman,
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
cabinet member for
infrastructure, regeneration
and heritage, said he had seen a
700% increase in productivity.
He said: “Potholes are a
nuisance to motorists up and
down the country and we’ve
worked closely with JCB to
come up with a solution to
what is a national problem. In a
time when every penny and
pound counts for local
authorities, we’re delighted to
be at the forefront of
developing and trialling new
technologies and ways of
working, especially ones which
could save residents money.”
AA President Edmund
King OBE said: “The toll of
pothole damage on cars is
already breathtaking. However,
as more people take up cycling
due to avoiding public
transport in the pandemic and
if e-scooters are legalised, then
sorting our poor road surfaces
becomes more important than
ever. JCB has taken the
initiative to fix these problems,
and we’re excited to see its new
PotholePro take to the streets.”
The PotholePro allows the
contractor or local authority to
cut the defect, crop the edges
and clean the hole with one
machine – mechanising jobs
traditionally done by pothole
gangs and delivering up to a
50% cut in daily costs. It is
equipped with a 600mm wide
planer and integrated dust
suppression system, enabling
the operator to plane a full
carriageway from the kerb,
without repositioning. The
machine also comes with a
sweeper/bucket and hydraulic
cropping tool, allowing a
uniform hole to be prepared by
the operator from the comfort
their cab.
Councils get a request to fix
a pothole every 46 seconds and
more than £8.1 million was
paid out in compensation to
drivers last year for vehicle
damage caused by potholes.
JCB unveils new
solution to
tackle UK
pothole scourge
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Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
D
earest Readers, it seems ages since the last
issue, Christmas has been and gone, January
and February are over and we are now in
March 2021. Where has the time gone? For me it has
gone quickly, I work from home, have zoom calls with
my friends and a number of DIY projects have been
completed and of course the garden needed defrosting
during the short freeze we experienced. But when
thinking about this month’s article, I was made aware
that for some people the lockdown has dragged and has
felt oppressive and the sense of isolation has become
more intense. As I couldn’t go to any groups to
interview them, I looked back at an article that I wrote
in 2017 about Careline Calling, you may remember it,
but for those who don’t I thought I would submit it
again, as it seems their service would benefit so many
people right now.
April 2017 article
Have you ever sat in your home and wished the
phone would ring, cos you fancy a chat with someone
who cares about you? Has that sense of loneliness
become overwhelming so you don’t know how to either
make or receive a telephone call?
Loneliness is a silent issue in our modern high-tech
life, research tells us that loneliness and a lack of social
interaction can be as bad for your health as smoking 15
cigarettes a day; in addition, more than half (51%) of
all people aged 75+ live alone in the UK and nearly a
fifth of those people spend zero hours with other
people on a typical day, during the pandemic that
figure will have increased.
Years ago, people used to write letters and telephone
friends for a catch up, but now Facebook and
WhatsApp have taken over, so real communication of
chatting on the telephone has been lost.
Careline is a registered charity (No. 1068801) which
offers a free telephone befriending service to people
living in the Derbyshire Dales and East Staffordshire.
They can call you either weekly or fortnightly, how
often they call is set up in your first introductory
telephone call. It is such a simple solution to isolation,
but extremely effective one.
The service was set up 1st September 1997 and now
has a team of 60 volunteers who make the telephone
calls. Calls take place every day of the year including
weekends and bank holidays. Careline currently makes
around 420 calls a week, which equates to over 21,000
calls a year.
Do you want to receive a call from a friendly
volunteer from Careline? If so, all you have to do is call
them, 01335 210353, then join, no fee involved, you
then become a Member of the Careline community and
arrange with them the day you want to be called. Calls
offer friendship and greater social interaction.
Jane Fulham, Careline Manager explains that “The
calls also have another important role, in that they act
as a safety net for our members ensuring that all is well
and raising awareness of problems that may be
occurring before a situation reaches crisis point. Follow
up telephone calls are made to family members or other
contacts should we not be able to reach someone
during a calling session.”
The calls are made to members during three time
slots sessions; they can choose when to receive the call,
either in the morning between 10am and noon or at
mid-day between noon and 2pm or in the afternoon,
between 2pm-4pm. If you know someone who would
benefit from getting a weekly call, then you can refer
them via the Careline website
www.carelinecalling.org.uk or by calling 01335 210353
or just have a look at their Facebook page
www.facebook.com/CarelineCalling/
But what about volunteering for the charity, Jane
Fulham told me, “We are always looking for new people
of all ages to join our team of volunteers! We have a
loyal group of over 60 volunteers, many of whom have
been supporting Careline for years. The majority of
befriending calls were made from our office in St
Oswald’s Hospital, Ashbourne, but during the COVID-
19 19 pandemic, volunteers make calls from their own
homes. Volunteers involvement can be as little as 2
hours per month or on a weekly or fortnightly basis,
whatever best fits with their diary. Individual training
is provided and they will receive on-going support
from the Careline Manager.”
2021 update
Careline Calling asked me to include the following
due to COVID-19 19 – “because of COVID-19 19 and
the national restrictions, we’re not taking on any new
volunteers because we are unable to carry out our usual
face to face training in the office. However, if people
are interested in being a volunteer, they can still contact
us to go on a waiting list and we will contact them when
training resumes.”
As with all organisations, they are always looking
for funding too and have a special Virgin Money
Giving page where you can make a donation, using
either PayPal or your card details, it’s a great cause,
worth a donation. Just go to Virgin Money and in the
Search box, add Careline Calling and their donation
page will appear uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/
My telephone has just rung; a friend was just
checking up that I was ok. It was only a 5 min call, but
it made all the difference to my evening. So, if you want
to either receive a call from Careline or get involved as
a volunteer to make the calls, get in touch with Careline
on 01335 210353 and break free of the isolation, it will
change your life, I promise.
U
ttoxeter Lions Welfare Chair
Simon Smith had a busy day
recently! He presented a
cheque for £100 to Highfield Court
towards their Community garden and
presented 3 computing tablets to local
care homes so residents can keep in
touch with their families.
Mel Brian of Highfield Court said
‘Thank you so much for your support
in our efforts to build our community
garden’ here at Highfield, Your money
will be put to good use, at the present
moment it is being earmarked to go
towards benches within the garden
area for the clients to relax on after
their work or just to socialise in the
fresh air with friends and eventually
family again’.
The residents presented Uttoxeter
Lions with a handmade card of thanks.
Highfield Court is a 23 bungalow
village complex providing 59 Learning
Disability placements and set within 8
acres of rural grounds located on the Stafford Road 1
mile outside Uttoxeter and run by the Rushcliffe Care
Group.
He also presented tablets to Fauld Nursing Home,
Kirk House Care Home and the Uttoxeter Hermitage.
Fauld Nursing Home (pictured) said ‘a large tablet
like this will make it easier for their residents to keep
in touch with family and friends’. Stacey Smith of Kirk
House said ‘This is amazing news and
will help with our residents staying in
touch with their families.
Louise Hurst of Uttoxeter
Hermitage said ‘We would be grateful
for any kind of donations for our ladies.
We don’t have a tablet at the moment
we have my old I phone that we use for
Facetime with our residents and their
families. Thank you for thinking of us
and other care homes. We have all been
hit hard during the Covid Pandemic
with the restrictions imposed on us all
and any help would be gratefully
received’.
A spokesperson for Uttoxeter Lions
said ‘Lions have not been able to fund
raise much lately but with the limited
funds they have available they have still
been able to help their local community.
One of the main ways we fund raise is
delivering the Voice to Uttoxeter and
some of the surrounding villages for
which the Voice pays us generously.’
Anyone who wants to find out more about
Uttoxeter Lions can visit their website
uttoxeterlions.co.uk or visit their Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/uttoxeterlionsclub
Keep taking the Tablets

37
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“The trees are coming into leaf
Like something being said,
The recent buds relax and spread,
Their greenness is a kind of grief”
Philip Larkin
M
arch “comes in like a lion and goes out like a
lamb” - hopefully foretelling settled and
warm weather for spring. The days are
certainly longer (especially with the clocks going
forward) and, somehow, there seems just more time to
do things.
Which is just as well as there’s a lot more to do.
Turnout time is here for our cows, especially if the
weather is benevolent, but they have to pass the Btb test
first.
After the continual feeding/bedding routine, whilst
they’re inside, It’s a joy to watch them kicking their
heels up( the old ones too!) as they rush out to pastures
they know so well and in a couple of months the main
calving period begins.
Our ewes are being fed in preparation for lambing,
as the unborn lambs are growing most quickly now- so
that’s a tricky job, trying not to get bowled over in the
rush.
The longer daylight hours kickstart the new grass
growth and as it grows quickly, it is sequestrating
Carbon. Fertiliser will be applied soon to make sure it
has enough nutrients to help it grow, although our old
ridge and furrow won’t get any as it is in a conservation
scheme which forbids any improvement .
Any field work we have got to do needs doing as
soon as we can now and a check round of crops already
sown is in order.
I’ll be checking all our lambing equipment soon
and restocking on items like iodine/surgical spirit for
navel dips, adequate stocks of dried colostrum and milk
powder and making sure the less routine equipment is
still ok.
Dairy cattle will also be going out and making more
and more milk as the nutrition in the grass improves.
This spring flush does cause price to drop as there is
plenty of milk available and there is a new dairy code
of conduct being put into legislation, to set minimum
standards of business practise- milk buyers have
previously been able to change terms and introduce
price cuts without negotiation.
You might see secretive Bullfinches, with their
exquisite deep red breast, sitting singing in shrubs or
fruit trees and brimstone butterflies with their sulphur
yellow wings around the alder trees, after over
wintering in ivy. The alder trees themselves will be
flowering before the leaves appear.
March, a magnificent abundant month!
My love of Life, Lorries and Coaches
by John Willmore, of Cheadle
I
learned many practical skills at school including
woodwork metalwork and the 3R’s; on leaving
school I took the county school certificate which
showed how much knowledge had gone in.
So it was off to see the careers officer, who looking
at my results and discussing my future with me, said that
working with my hands and things mechanical would
perhaps suit best, this was just what I wanted to hear.
So what field would suit me! It was now time to look
around what was available for me to make a career of. I
visited the Careers Officer again and after sitting down
and talking to him, I realised I needed to literally get on
my bike and see what was available, this is quite a long
time before Norman Tebbit had said this!!
I cycled to Alton as I was told a position was
available as a plumber and painter at Forresters located
in Alton Village. You may think why a plumber and
painter?? My passion was lorries and I realised that
lorries needed painting and signwriting.
So if I could get the post of apprentice plumber and
painting it would encompass the skills to get close to
lorries possibly in time. But this was not to be as I had
been pipped at the post.
So back to the drawing board and look around. As
the grandson of a farmer I had a leaning towards
farming and on farms where they have tractors and
trailers which could be driven from a young age.
One of my school friends, Robin Callear, mentioned
he knew that a farmer in Draycott in the Moors needed
someone to join him on his farm. So the next available
Saturday morning I went on my cycle to see him.
After the interview, he asked if I could drive. I said I
could. He said where had I learned this, continuing the
conversation I informed him that my father had taught
me on private ground in a lorry…
After giving me breakfast with the family he said
follow me, leading me out into the yard and proceeded
to show me a Nuffield tractor and mounted plough. He
instructed me to get into the driving seat and start the
engine.
Then getting onto the tractor with me, he instructed
me to drive it to a field which was some distance away.
This field is now very close to the new A50 bypass at
Draycott, I often think of that day when travelling on
this road in 1964…
He then produced some empty seven pint beer cans,
this was to set out the ploughing furrow. He then showed
me how to plough, then allowing me to do so, after
ensuring I was competent, he went back to the farm and
left me to it - can you imagine, here I was driving and in
charge of a nearly new tractor. This was really something
for a 15 year old.
After finishing the field. I went back to the farm. Mr
Walker came out and met me saying” how have you got
on,” I said okay! I think but you need to be the judge. Mr
Walker asked me if I was available the next Saturday. I
said yes. He said, when you come back be early so you
can help to milk the cows.
So the week after, I arrived at 7am in the morning
and found Mr Walker up and about ready to get the
cows in to milk, he showed me how to fit the milking
machine onto the Cow.
After this he took me in for breakfast where I met
Mrs Walker and their two children. After this he took
me back to the tractor which now had a discing machine
mounted, he then went with me back to the ploughed
field and proceeded to instruct me how to break down
the ploughed furrows.
Then, after this, he then fitted a chainharrow onto
the tractor and showed me how to harrow the soil,
making it finer. It was now ready for sowing the seed,
which I was to use the empty beer cans as guides again
so as to ensure that the seed was evenly spaced.
I was taught how to use a chest mounted seed fiddle
drill, walking at a steady pace up and down the field. I
asked Mr Walker if I had done the task Okay, he said we
shall see in a few weeks time, this was so when the seeds
were sprouting, the evidence would be there to see if I
had done it correctly.
At the end of this day we milked the cows again, and
while doing this, Mr Walker asked if I would like to be
his employee, proceeding to tell me I would receive
union rate for my work, this worked out at £2.07.06. per
40 hours work each week, over time to be extra.
So, after leaving school in July 1964, I had a week’s
break on my grandfather’s farm before starting out on
my lifetime’s working adventure – I was so excited and
looked to the future with huge enthusiasm…
I was a 15 year old boy setting out on the journey of
life as an adult and my zest to see where my path led to
had begun…..
I’ll speak to you in the next issue of The Voice…
This is a coach that has been restored by myself and friends and is used for day trips. It was restored in 2016.

Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
W
ell Readers, welcome to the first ‘Uttoxeter
Cheadle Voice’ of 2021. Nigel’s done
wonders to get it out at all given the current
situation!
What a bizarre Christmas when we were unable to
visit all our loved ones, or them us.
Restrictions still apply as I am writing this on the
day that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to make
a Roadmap out of this Coronavirus announcement,
which we all hope will relax lockdown a little. The trick
will be not to allow too much too soon, we all know
what happened, last time.
I got my first inoculation against Covid at Uttoxeter
Racecourse back in January, but my wife Sandra has not
had hers yet as we go through a traumatic time for us
at the moment.
It began with a shock at shortly after 7 am on a
Monday morning. I was in the conservatory when
Sandra appeared, with her face twisted to one side,
unable to speak and tell me what was wrong. I dialled
999 and called for an ambulance which thankfully was
less than ten minutes arriving. The medics - one male,
one female, were great, putting us at our ease whilst
they did all manner of tests, confirming what we had
suspected, Sandra had suffered a stroke.
Although she had been struggling with her blood
pressure for some time, this came out of the blue. The
medics said she was lucky in so much that the stroke
was concentrated on the head, and her limbs were
unaffected, also it appeared her brain was fine as well.
They then rushed her off to A E at Stoke’s University
Hospital.
Of course, I was not allowed to go with her and the
medics told me to leave it a couple of hours and then
ring for any news. I must admit I was in panic mode
not knowing what was happening, Sandra took her
mobile so we could keep in touch, but I decided not to
text her until I had spoken to the hospital.
Understandably with what’s going on at present the
staff are at full stretch, and I had a heck of a job to get
through, but eventually I did get to speak to a doctor
who said they were waiting for the results of a CT Scan
and if he needed to give her a certain injection he
would need my permission so he would ring me back.
That never happened thankfully and Sandra was able
to text me that it was a minor stroke and there was no
clot on the brain, which took a load off my mind.
After giving Sandra a Covid test which was
negative, they were able to move her on to the Stroke
Ward where there were three other patients (thank
goodness for mobiles). I rang the ward after lunch to
find out what was happening as they had not told
Sandra anything (they didn’t tell me anything either)
but they asked me to take her a nightie and some
toiletries in as they would be keeping her overnight.
I put a bag up with a nightie, towel, my toothbrush
by mistake, no deodorant or hair brush, fixodent
instead of toothpaste (its for my plate, she doesn’t have
any false teeth) but I did remember some perfume and
foundation cream!! Totally useless. We had to break the
segregation rules as I don’t drive and had to get my son
Richard to take me. I wasn’t allowed on the ward which
was locked, I just had to speak into a box and a nurse
fetched the bag (It turned out the nightie I put in was
an old one which was too short, and showed all her
bum off) I was not too popular!
The following morning after chatting to Sandra by
text, and finding out she’d not had a good night because
they kept taking her blood pressure, I again rang the
ward. When someone finally answered the phone they
told me she was fine and sitting reading by her bed.
That was the last contact I had with the hospital, but
Sandra texted me that once they had sorted her
mountain of tablets out, they would probably let her
come home, which was indeed what happened, but it
was left to Sandra to sort everything out with me. They
really were at full stretch. My son in law Phil took me
this time and we picked her up at 6pm..
When I picked Sandra up from the ward I was
amazed that she was already able to get a few words out,
very slowly but understandable. She now has to do
speech therapy and the hospital are convinced her voice
will come back to normal, we just have to be patient.
Sandra was full of praise for everyone at the
hospital, especially the ward. They couldn’t have treated
her better, and she even enjoyed the food, nothing was
too much trouble, which was lovely to hear considering
the pressure our NHS is under at present.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of us
both to thank all the wonderful people, family,
neighbours, friends and colleagues for all their good
wishes, offers of help, cards and flowers we’ve received.
I didn’t realise we had so many friends. But Rocester is
like that, always a tight community spirit. Sandra’s
already doing well, helped by your good wishes, and
I’m sure it won’t be long before she’s nagging me again.
Thank you all !!!!
I would like just to finish on a positive note outside
of my own personal problems, with the news that you
will all no doubt be aware by now, on the gradual
relaxation of the lockdown regulations which will cheer
us all up.
Get together with our families again, get the kids
back to school and get all our shops and businesses
back on track, so that by July we can think about
holidays again, go for a drink with our mates etc. I’m
sure Nige will be covering this elsewhere in this edition
of ‘The Voice’ but let’s all be sensible and get our lives
back on track. Remember, our scientists are the best in
the world, the injection when it is offered to you.
Meantime, stay safe TTFN Les...
This is Les Humphries last article before he died and
I know he would want us to print it as he was that
kind of man. As you can read in the article, he was
always thinking of other people which reflects his
warm nature. R.I.P. Les...
A fond farewell to
a wonderful man...
I
was absolutely devastated to learn of the sudden death of my
old friend Les Humphries. We had known each other for over
40 years and we became close friends through Uttoxeter Rugby
Club and The Voice magazine.
Les had a marvellous personality, he always had time for a chat
which invariably led to his legendary storytelling of past years
experiences which would captivate you and make you laugh.
He would do absolutely anything for anyone and he would do
it without wanting gratitude – he just loved to be able to help all in
the community.
Les was a staunch Royal British Legion member, being as proud
as punch as a flagbearer. He loved to be a part of Denstone Players,
acting in many plays and he was so chuffed when a play he wrote
was performed by the group.
In 1982 Les was a Co-Founder of Uttoxeter Rugby Club and it
was an absolute pleasure to be in his company at Uttoxeter Rugby
Club matches. I am Chairman of the rugby club and Les taught me
a lot about the game and how it should be played.
The news of Les’s death has stunned our club and the
outpouring of wonderful comments from the players reflected how
much Les meant to them. He used to love to watch his Grandson
Owen play for our rugby club and he showed immense pride when
watching him play.
We would all like to send our sincere best wishes to Les’s wife
Sandra and all family and friends.
Les Humphries made a difference in my life and I know he did
in many other peoples’ too – he will be sorely missed.
So long old friend, it was great to have known you….
Nigel Titterton

39
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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 103

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice, Issue 103

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