Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 87

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Issue 87
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

2 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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C
hristmas is fast approaching so now is the time to get into the
festive spirit! But where has this year gone – it seems to have
flashed by, leaving us with memories of one of the hottest
Summers on record....
The sunshine seems to have changed the holiday habits of a lot of
British people as they booked hotels, B&B’s, caravans etc in this country again, shunning package
holidays abroad.
There is no better place on Earth than Great Britain with our history, architecture, amazing
countryside, wonderful seaside destinations, and combined with the hot weather, 2018 will go down
as a memorable bumper year for our tourism sector.
Once again I would like to congratulate organisers of local Christmas events which have been a
great success. We really do have a fantastic community spirit which I am so proud of.
As always at this time of year, I urge readers to think about others so please check on your
neighbours, especially the elderly in our community. Perhaps you could visit them and take a bottle
of whisky or sherry, a box of chocolates or something special? I guarantee the smiling faces of the
recipients will make your Christmas.
Of course at this time of year, we also remember the loved ones who are no longer here with us -
perhaps we could stay silent at 12 noon on Christmas Day, close our eyes and whisper ‘Merry
Christmas’ to those who have left us in 2018 and in previous years. The hurt will never, ever go, but
by acknowledging their memories during Christmas Day, it will make them a very special part of the
festivities...
To everyone, everywhere, I wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. I will
speak to you again in the first Voice colour magazine of 2019, out on February 7th.
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
15,000 copies are distributed free to homes and businesses
in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Ashbourne, Rocester, Denstone,
Bramshall, Stramshall, Alton, Oakamoor, Tean, Lower Tean,
Checkley, Leigh, Church Leigh, Crakemarsh, Combridge,
Kingsley, Mayfield, Draycott, Cresswell, Saverley Green &
Fulford, Doveridge and Abbots Bromley, Sudbury, Kingstone,
Marchington, Ellastone, Froghall, Hollington, Marston
Montgomery, Meir Park areas.
Clients are welcome to view the printing matrix.
ADVERTISEMENT SALES
AND EDITORIAL
Tel: 01538 751629 or 07733 466 970
Email: uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE
The next Voice will be out on February 7th 2019
News Deadline: January 27th
Advertising Deadline: January 29th
BOOK YOUR ADVERT NOW -
Email uttoxetervoice@hotmail.co.uk or
Call 01538 751629
You can also contact us via social media:
@uttoxeter_voice UttoxeterVoice
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Everyone at
wishes our Readers and Advertisers
A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle

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I
n the summer term of 2018, Thomas Alleyne’s
High School was delighted to receive news from
the Department for Education that we had been
successful in our bid to become a Teaching School. The
Uttoxeter Learning Trust Teaching School was formed,
driven by our ethos of Inspire, Lead, Transform, Grow,
our key aims are to recruit and train excellent teachers
and work with local schools to share best practice and
raise educational standards.
In November, the team visited Staffordshire
University and University of Derby to represent the
Teaching School at these recruitment events. It was
fantastic to meet so many people who are considering
entering the teaching profession and provide them with
career advice.
Training to teach in your local community
Whether a recent graduate, or a career changer, if you
have an honours degree and if you have ever thought
about becoming a teacher, we would love to hear from
you. Teaching is a rewarding career, where every day
you’ll get the chance to inspire young people and use
your skills to give something back – making sure every
pupil gets the same access to a quality education and
the opportunity to succeed.
We are offering primary and secondary teacher
training. Further details can be found on our web site
– www.ultteachingschool.org.uk or contact the
Teaching School on telephone 01889 561820
We will be holding our first open evening on Friday
11th January 2019 at Thomas Alleyne’s High School
from 3pm-5pm. We want to speak to anyone in the
local community who is interested in finding out more
about becoming a teacher. To find out more about
eligibility visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ or
our website.
New local Teaching School
providing advice for the future
Dawn Ainsworth, Teaching School Administrator and Karen Goodwin, Co-Director of the Teaching School (ITT &
NQT Induction) at our first Train to Teach Event which took place at Staffordshire University recently.

Serving Breakfasts and
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dog walkers and canal enthusiasts
Open Tuesday-Friday10am-4pm,
weekends 10am-4.30pm. Closed Mondays
Froghall Wharf, Foxt Road,
Churnet Valley ST10 2HJ
Situated 5 minutes from Cheadle &
15 minutes from Ashbourne on the A52
by the canal in Froghall Wharf.
Tel: 01538 266288
You can now stay over at Hetty’s
We now have holiday accommodation
available above the tea shop. It’s called
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Book through Airbnb
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Merry
Christmas
to all our customers,
from all staff at Ashbourne
Road Post office.
We offer a wide range of gifts,
greetings cards, and balloons,
and we are here to help with all
your Christmas posting needs.
50 Ashbourne Rd, Cheadle,
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Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
Uttoxeter
& Cheadle
All our Uttoxeter &
Cheadle Voice
advertisers wish all
their Customers

W
e would like to say a big thank you to the
residents of Cheadle, and surrounding
areas, for the huge turnout at the recent
Christmas lights switch-on event. It was wonderful
to see so many people in the town, enjoying
themselves and creating a lovely atmosphere.
The school choirs and solo artists did a sterling
job keeping everyone entertained and their hard
work and support is very much appreciated.
Thanks also goes to the shopkeepers for their
beautiful window displays and to everyone who
dressed up and added to the fun, and to the fair for
their sponsorship and commitment to the event.
We always try to make the event as accessible as
possible to everyone. This was particularly
challenging this year owing to the volume of
interest both from stallholders and customers, but
please rest assured that this is always a priority for
us, and please bear with us when we don’t always
meet your expectations.
The free car parking on the day was greatly
appreciated and our thanks go to Cllr Wain for
working with us and enabling this to happen.
Finally, thank you to Cheadle Town Council for
their financial support and for an exceptionally
beautiful display of Christmas lights.
We hope the people of Cheadle will continue to
support our events and to support our wonderful
High Street throughout the year.
Merry Christmas Everyone
Team Cheadle

Tallion Recruitment are delighted to announce that due to continued growth
and expansion we have moved to new larger, town centre premises in
Uttoxeter which is easily accessible from The Maltings car park.
We would like to extend a very warm welcome in our new office to both job
seekers and clients who may be looking for assistance with any staffing
requirements. Please feel free to pop in to see us between the hours of 9am –
5pm, we have new vacancies coming in every day.
Between us, the Tallion team have many years of recruitment experience in
most industries and use our knowledge and expertise to ensure that we find
the most suitable positions for our candidates and the best possible staff for
our clients.
We are passionate about providing excellent customer service and match
perfect candidate to each vacancy. Most of our vacancies will become
permanent positions for right candidates.
New vacancies
arriving daily
New candidates
registering with us
everyday
Permanent, temp
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01889 359675 | www.tallionrecruitment.co.uk | Tallion Recruitment, St Marys House, 25 Church Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8AG
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Just the
perfect day...
A
fter an amazing adventure travelling with
Virgin Atlantic from Manchester to
Barbados with 33 of our close friends and
family and a fun week in the Caribbean sun
together, it was finally our big day! When we
woke up, the sun was shining, it was a beautiful
day.
Myself, my mum and my two bridesmaids
had a Prosecco breakfast and spent the day slowly
getting ourselves ready. We were very lucky to
have our close friend, Charlie Lawton, with us,
who is a hair and make-up artist from Stoke-On-
Trent, so she was there to get us ready and make
us feel extra special on the big day.
Getting ready was so surreal, after months of
planning, the best day of our lives was finally
here! I felt like a true princess. Mike sent me a
beautiful engraved rose gold bracelet and a book
he had made of all of our memories together and
I sent him a Ted Baker watch and a box
containing ‘letters to my future husband’.
Whilst we spent hours getting ready, the men
lounged around the pool, playing games and
relaxing before getting themselves spruced up!
Just before 5pm, my dad came to my room. It
was very special when he saw us all dressed and
ready and when he looked at me in my dress, he
described it as ‘seeing your daughter there in
front of you, looking like the beautiful woman
she has become’.
Of course there were many happy tears! My
dress was from Beau Belles in Borrowash and was
a Morilee by Madeline Gardner design. It was the
first dress I saw in a wedding magazine and the
first dress I tried on- no other dress could
compete!
Shortly after my dad, my brother, who was
also our usher, came to the room to collect my
mum. He walked my mum down the pathway to
the outdoor gazebo, where the ceremony was
taking place. Everybody loved this moment,
seeing how proud my brother was to be beside
our stunning mum.
Our procession music started, which was ‘A
Thousand Years’ sung by Alfie Boe & Michael
Ball. This meant a lot to us because knowing my
passion for musical theatre and singing, Mike
proposed to me on the stage of the London
Coliseum with Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins
and the cast of ‘Carousel’, one of my all time
favourite musicals!
Having my dad give me away was so special
and it was amazing to walk alongside the
beautiful Barbados beach, seeing the white sand
and waves, it really was picture perfect. All of the
hotel guests and staff were gathered around to
watch us walk to the gazebo, a truly memorable
moment!
The ceremony was very relaxed and we chose
to write our own vows for each other, Mike’s
words of course linked to musicals! After the
ceremony, we had pictures on the beach and our
guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the beach deck.
Our wedding reception was in the ‘Aqua
Terra Restaurant’ which was also at the small,
friendly resort. The restaurant is in an ideal
Bride - Amy Eley
Groom - Mike Gardner
Brides Parent’s - Laura & Tim Eley, from Stramshall
Grooms Parent’s - Julie & Mark Gardner, from Stretton,
Burton-On-Trent
Best Man - Jak Machin
Usher - Toby Eley
Bridesmaids - Katy Eley & Philippa Lawton
Venue - Sea Breeze Beach House Hotel, Barbados

13
setting, right on the sea front and is beautiful and chic
inside, our dream venue!
We spent the night relaxing and enjoying the
company of our amazing family and friends, who had
travelled so far to share our special day with us! Each
of our guests enjoyed a three course meal whilst a steel
pianist entertained us with Caribbean music.
To finish the night, our friends had organised to
pay tribute to another of our favourite musicals,
Mamma Mia, by performing the iconic scene where
the stags dance along the deck and jump into the sea
(except they jumped into the pool!). It really was the
most perfect, memorable day.
After the wedding, some of our guests stayed on for
a few more days, before leaving us to finish the holiday
off as a newly married couple!
When we returned to the UK, we had organised a
blessing at our local church, St Michael’s Church in
Stramshall, followed by a huge celebration with 150
guests, in a stunning marquee from Dove Valley
Events, at our parent’s home in Stramshall. We were so
lucky to have not one, but two dream days!
At our home celebration, my very talented mum
designed and made her own Gin Bar, Sweetie Stand
and Rum Shak - to bring Barbados back home for those
who couldn’t make it! All of these are now available to
hire from Pingle Party Hire (Facebook). We also hired
a Caribbean themed street food van from 63 Islands,
the food was delicious and we can not recommend
them enough! We are very lucky to know lots of
professional performers, so we organised an hour of
live entertainment for our guests, from our favourite
musical songs to classics such as ‘She’ by Elvis Costello
for my dad and I to dance to.
The guests were provided with fantastic
entertainment- it was like going to the theatre for free!
Mike and I had also organised a little surprise. Mike
had been secretly learning to tap dance and we
performed our own rendition of ‘A Lovely Night’ from
‘La La Land’ as our first dance! To finish the night off,
a Robbie Williams tribute act performed. He was
absolutely incredible and got everyone up and having
fun! I have never seen so many guests up dancing at a
wedding- it was like the real Robbie was there and with
the help of the free bar, the partying went on to the
early hours of the morning!
Our whole wedding journey, from getting engaged
to the wedding and blessing day, was the best
experience of our lives and we can only thank our
family for organising and giving us the wedding of our
dreams!

Just the perfectday...

Have you been
married recently
or are you
getting married
soon?
Would you like to be part of
our Wedding feature?
Contact Nigel
Email: uttoxetervoice@ hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01538 751629
Just the perfectday...
THE IDEAL VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY
Uttoxeter Town Hall is an enchanting Grade II Listed Building providing the perfect setting for Weddings and Civil Partnerships.
The Ballroom situated on the ground floor and the Alan Dean Suite on the first floor are both licensed for Civil Ceremonies.
There is lift access to the first floor.
Please contact us to arrange a viewing and to find out how we can help you make your special occasion memorable.
Uttoxeter Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN
Tel: 01889 564085 Email: info@uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk Visit: www.uttoxetertowncouncil.org.uk

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C
headle and District Choral Society is getting into festive mood as they
practice for their annual Christmas concert, “Christmas is Coming” under
the baton of conductor Natalie Windsor, accompanied by pianist Rahna
Windsor.
This year the chorus will be supported by pupils from the Bishop Rawle School
and, for the first time, will be joined by “Fiddlers4”. This group consists of popular
violinist Sarah Ratcliffe along with Frank Burslem, also playing violin, Alison
Wainwright on the viola and Sally Walker on the cello.
With some seasonal numbers from the chorus and some popular carols for the
audience to join in with you can be sure of a great evening of musical entertainment
at Cheadle Methodist Church on Wednesday 12th December starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets priced at £6 for adults and £3 for children are available from Donald Cope
Estate agents or from society members. Don’t worry if there’s no time to buy a ticket,
you can pay at the door.
Cheadle Choral
Society’s exciting
Christmas Concert

L
ast month I reported on the breaking up of the
Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir which from the
20th of November ceased to exist after 25 years
of harmony. The choir decided to bow out with an
impromptu concert for their wives, and friends on
what was planned to be their final practise in the
Bishop Rawle School.
It proved to be a lovely evening as the choir sung
their way through some of their repertoire, dressed in
choir uniform, which was done as a surprise for their
conductor and musical director Janet Downing, who
was unable to attend their final official concert in
October due to ill health.
The Choir were joined on the night by three
members who had previously left the ranks, one being
Keith Watterson who travelled from Lichfield
accompanied by his wife Sue, to sing with the choir for
the first time in two years, highlighting the friendship
which exists throughout the choir and their partners
and will carry on beyond.
A Christmas drink at the Huntsman public house
later this month, which followed by a meal in the New
Year will be the last occasion that the whole choir will
get together as a group, but there is no doubt that the
odd drink together with a group of the lads will
continue in the future.
The Choir has performed many Concerts over the
years, giving their services free of charge for charity
events, and relying on donations for non-charity gigs,
never insisting on a set charge for performing.
Unfortunately Male Voice Choirs do not appeal to
the young in these days of X Factor and Pop Idol and
The Voice (not to be confused with this fine magazine),
but well done lads, you have performed admirably, and
given a lot of pleasure to a lot of people over the years,
and as we might say in the slightly changed words of
one of our songs “We did it our way !”
Pictured are the choir on the last night, including
John Clark their accompanist and Conductor and
Musical Director Janet Downing. The other picture
shows the lovely audience of wives and friends who
have supported us over the years.
Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir
bring down the curtainBy Les Humphries
Christmas Chocolate and Baileys Cake
N
obody in our family really likes the traditional
Christmas fruit cake, so we almost always have
a chocolate cake instead. This year we will be
having my chocolate sponge cake filled with a Baileys
& white chocolate custard and covered with a rich dark
chocolate frosting.
You will need
175g unsalted butter
100g golden caster sugar
300g light muscovado sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
275g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
50g cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
150ml strong coffee
150ml milk
5 egg whites
Custard filling
5 egg yolks
75g caster sugar
25g cornflour
225ml milk
75g white chocolate
25ml Baileys irish cream
Chocolate Frosting
100g unsalted butter
150g good quality 70% cocoa solids dark chocolate
1 tbsp honey
120ml double cream
Firstly, you will need to make the custard filling.
Place the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour into a bowl and
whisk until light and creamy. Next in a pan, heat the
milk until just coming to a simmering point, remove
from the heat and pour onto the egg mixture, whisking
to combine. Pour the custard back into the pan and
whisk constantly until it has thickened and has a
smooth consistency. Add the white chocolate finely
chopped and blend together. Finally stir in the Baileys.
Pour into a bowl and cover with clingfilm, then chill
for a couple of hours.
Grease and line 3 x 20 cm cake tins and heat your
oven to 160˚C fan. In a large bowl cream together the
sugar and butter until light and fluffy, then add the
vanilla. In a separate bowl, sieve together the flour,
cocoa, salt and baking powder. Pour together the coffee
and milk in a jug. Lightly beat together your egg whites
and add to the butter and sugar mixture a little at a time
until fully combined. Add the flour mixture to the cake
batter in three additions, alternating between the coffee
mixture. Divide the cake batter equally between the
three cake tins and bake for approximately 30-35 mins
until the cakes spring back to the touch. Allow to cool
in the tins for 10 mins before turning out onto a wire
rack.
To make the frosting, put the chocolate, butter and
honey into a heatproof bowl set over a pan of
simmering water, stirring until fully melted. Remove
from the heat and pour in the cream. Cool until the
mixture has thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Now it is time to assemble your cake. Use a serrated
knife to slice a thin layer of sponge from the top of each
cake, giving flat even layers. Crumble these offcuts into
fine crumbs. Place one cake onto your cake stand and
top with half of the custard, then repeat with the second
cake and custard, topping with the final cake layer. To
finish, spread the frosting over the top and sides of the
cake and then finally press the cake crumbs over the
whole cake, top and sides.
This chocolate cake does take a little more effort,
but well worth it and beautifully moist. Great for
Christmas sprinkled with some edible glitter.
Karen’s Cake Corner
by Karen Hill

T
ake a moment and think back to your misspent
youth, that first date with all the nerves and
excitement building, where you enjoyed
amazing parties celebrating NYE or a relations
birthday? For most of us, we would have experienced
one if not all if these in the local pub!
That’s why in part when concerned members of the
community in the village of Kingstone heard that their
only pub ‘The Shrew’ could be sold as a residential
development opportunity, the community decided to
act swiftly and decisively.
Their first action was to request the East
Staffordshire Borough Council for the pub to become
an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which was
subsequently agreed to, with this in place ‘The Shrew’
has to remain a pub for the next 5 years.
It didn’t stop there once the ACV was in place, a
number of villagers established the Kingstone
Community Society (KCS), with the intention of
canvassing support and opinion as to whether there
was a viable option going forward for the community
to purchase ‘The Shrew’. After our first KCS public
meeting held in Kingstone in mid-October, it was very
clear that there was huge support from the community
backed up by financial pledges totalling an amazing
£65,000 on the first night alone.
The KCS is now taking the next step to implement
a business plan, which will include future development
options for the pub to become far more for the
community, which could include hosting a Café during
the day and having facilities for a small shop or even a
post office, all of which would be decided by
community shareholders.
And that’s why we wish to Save Our Shrew, as its
‘more than a pub’.
For more information, to support our project or
become an equal community share holder by
financially investing as little as £250, please contact our
secretary Donna Timmis on 07484 765 970 - or visit
our website – www.KingstoneCommunitySociety.org.
And follow our journey by searching for Kingstone
Community Society on Facebook and liking our page.
The Shrewsbury Arms -
‘more than a pub’

Salon 14 Hair and Beauty, 34 Church Street,
Uttoxeter ST14 8AA • Call 01889 566334
Wherever your travels take you this festive season, go
there in style. Here at Salon14 we offer some wonderful
hair and beauty services to help you look and feel
fabulous from head to toe! So, let Santa come early and
treat yourself.
What do you buy for those who have everything? We
have that covered for you, with some amazing Christmas
gifts on offer. We have both hair and beauty gift
vouchers that can be personalised with any amount or
treatment along with a range of Christmas gift packs to
suit all budgets. If you would like some luxury stocking
fillers then pop into the salon as we have a range of top
well-known brands including Redken, Moroccanoil,
Leighton Denny, CND Vinylux Polish, St Tropez,
Dermalogica and Caci.
We would like to say a massive thank you to our
customers for helping us raise an impressive £329.26
after we held our annual cake sale on Friday 26th
October. This amount was donated to Breast Cancer
Care, which is a charity that is very close to our hearts.
We would like to thank all our lovely customers for
donating and purchasing cakes, it was very much
appreciated.
As a lot of you may well know we have a new
member of staff. Salon14 would like to take this
opportunity to welcome our new beauty therapist
Emma, who joins us with almost two years’ experience
working in the beauty industry. Throughout January
there will be 10% of all treatments booked with Emma.
(Terms and conditions apply)
Salon14 will be turning 10 on the 1st December and
would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal
customers for your continued support over the last 10
years. To celebrate and say a massive thank you, we will
be offering all customers £10.00 off colour and cut
services throughout January. (Terms and conditions
apply)
You can find us at 34 Church Street, Uttoxeter, or
contact us for an appointment on 01889 566334. If you
would like to find more information about the team,
checkout our website www.salon14.co.uk. Also find
special offers and salon updates on our Facebook page
Salon14hairand.beauty.
Kate, Claire and all the girls at Salon14 would like to
wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
See you soon.
We are
Celebrating
our 10th
Anniversary!
Lots of Amazing
Christmas Gifts
on Offer!
Merry Christmas
and A Happy
New Year to All
Our Valued
Customers!
U
ttoxeter Racecourse is celebrating after
receiving national recognition for its
outstanding work in the community.
It beat off stiff competition to win the Community
and Corporate Social Responsibility category in the
Racecourse Association’s (RCA) Showcase and Awards
– the marquee event for British racecourses.
Delighted officials also picked up an “excellence
accolade” from judges for visitor information and
signage at the Staffordshire venue.
The Community and Corporate Social
Responsibility was presented at the prestige RCA event
held at Aintree racecourse for Uttoxeter’s partnership
with the local Lions organisation on tackling prostate
cancer among men.
This is just one of a series of community
engagement activities the track is involved in.
They have:
• Just supported Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
in raising an impressive £4,500.
• Aim to collect around £15,000 this year for the
Douglas Macmillan Hospice through a variety of
initiatives including bucket collects at 20 meetings
as well as auction donations and more.
• Acting as a centre for blood donor sessions which
are run by the NHS.
• Work with charity Racing To School to deliver
education on the racecourse to local school
children.
• Sponsorship of the Scropton Riding for Disabled
Association competition team.
David MacDonald, Executive Director at Uttoxeter
Racecourse, said: “The Racecourse Association’s (RCA)
Showcase and Awards are the pinnacle for the industry
and to come away from the event at Aintree with an
award is a huge honour.
“We are delighted to work with partners in the
prostate cancer prevention project which is helping to
save men from falling victim to the UK’s third biggest
killer illness.
“This is just one of the many community ventures
we are delighted to get involved in. Uttoxeter
Racecourse plays a huge part in the lives of many, many
local people who either work here or come to our
events. It is very rewarding and satisfying for us to be
able to put something back into our local communities
by taking on a variety of activities. To receive national
recognition is really the icing on the cake.”
As well as its success in this category, Uttoxeter was
also on the short-list for two other coveted national
awards at the RCA event.
It was one of five courses that battled it out for the
Racing Post Readers’ Award and was also short-listed
for the Owners’ Experience Award.
Mr MacDonald added: “To be in the shake-up for
three awards at the industry’s premier event is a terrific
achievement and to win one of the categories caps a
fantastic year for us.”
The RCA successes are not the only accolade which
Uttoxeter is celebrating.
It revealed that it has achieved Gold Standard from
the Racehorse Owners’ Association for the first time in
the track’s history.
Mr MacDonald said: “This is another amazing
achievement and is testament to all of the hard work
which the team here put in to make the racecourse
such an excellent venue not only for visitors but also
owners and trainers.”
Riding high after national award

A
very nostalgic and patriotic afternoon was
spent at Uttoxeter Town Hall recently to
commemorate the World War I Centenary.
A Poppy Afternoon Tea was hosted by Uttoxeter
Town Council and sponsored by Uttoxeter Town
Council, Tesco’s, the Team of Uttoxeter Poppy Sellers,
Uttoxeter Rotary Club, The Vintage Tea Emporium,
Golfer’s Retreat, Lara’s Creative Cakes and so many more.
The event commenced with a welcome from the
Town Mayor, Councillor Alison Trenery and a minutes
silence remembering those who gave their today for
our tomorrow and also in memory of our dear friend,
and Poppy Seller, Cyril Leedham who sadly passed
away recently.
120 guests were entertained by the angelic voice of
Kate Copeland singing war time songs and there was
also a sing-a-long with The Goldies, all served up
alongside a traditional afternoon tea. The team from
Tesco’s kindly sponsored the raffle prizes and provided
delicious sandwiches and served this dressed as land
army girls to add a flavour of a bygone era.
A truly wonderful afternoon of singing and
dancing enjoyed by many including residents of nearby
nursing homes.
The afternoon ended with the Mayor, Councillor
Alison Trenery reciting the poem in Flanders Fields by
John McCrae.
Poppy Afternoon Tea at Uttoxeter
Town Hall a huge success

Merry Christmas and a
Healthy New Year from your
local Slimming World Groups
Monday
Call Steph 07751 116918
Renew Church, 67 High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ
5.30pm and 7.30pm
Tuesday
Call Steph 07751 116918
Renew Church, 67 High Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7JQ
10.00am and 12 noon
Wednesday
Call Gillian 07928 556552
Greatwood Hall, Hollington Road, Tean ST10 4JY
5.00pm and 7.00pm
Call Pam 07983 938240
The Catholic Guild Hall, Tape Street, Cheadle ST10 1BG
5.30pm and 7.30pm
Call Mandy on 07913 605162
Meir Heath Village Hall, Meir Heath
9.30am, 5.15pm and 7.15pm
Thursday
Call Gillian 07928 556552
NEW VENUE - Rocester Village Hall from 3rd January
Rocester Football Club, Mill Lane, Rocester
5.00pm and 7.00pm
Call Pam 07983 938240
The Catholic Guildhall, Cheadle
9.30am
Call Melissa 07901 880227
Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook Village Hall, Uttoxeter Road,
Blythe Bridge ST11 9NT
5.30pm and 7.30pm
Friday
Call Melissa 07901 880227
Blythe Bridge and Forsbrook Village Hall, Uttoxeter Road,
Blythe Bridge ST11 9NT
9.30am
Saturday
Call Sandra 07865 950774
New Life Centre, 37 Tape Street, Cheadle ST10 1BG
8.30am
Call Dolly 07971 761225
Wilfred House, Carter Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8EY
8.30am and 10.30am
Cheadle & District Animal Welfare Society
All we want for Christmas
is a home and lots of love
F
elix, Elton and Tommy are just like any other cat. They need daily meals, a
nice cosy bed, safe outside space for hunting and exploration and a family who
cares about them. For the past 12 months no one has cared enough about
them to offer them what they most desire - a home of their own. They watch other
cats being chosen to go off to start a new life and they are left behind again and again.
Here’s what Felix says: I am a handsome black and white cat. Before being
rescued I really struggled to survive. It was a hard life which I didn’t enjoy. Now I
have my own bed and a foster Mum to care for me, but I want a home of my own. If
someone would offer me a home I would be so happy.
Here’s what Tommy says: I once had a home but they got rid of me because they
didn’t like the presents I brought home for them, I thought they would be pleased
when I caught the mice, but apparently not. I want a home where I am the only cat
and where I can have lots of freedom. I don’t want lots of fuss just a nice family
Here’s what Elton says: No one is interested in me because I’m nearly all black
and I’m getting fed up of being ignored. I just want to get out and about and have
some cat-type fun. I could run around in the garden, chase leaves and climb trees
but at the moment that is only in my dreams. I would love my dreams to come true.
If you would like to give the best Christmas present ever to Felix, Tommy,
Elton or any of our other cats please ring 01335 390369 or 01889 564045. Visit
our website for more details - cheadleanimalwelfare.org.uk
Felix TommyElton
Playing for keeps
T
he Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) at St Peter’s Primary
School in Hixon have worked very hard fund-raising over the last two years
to purchase a new state-of-the-art play area for the Key Stage 1 children at
the school.
Members of the PTFA have raised money from summer fairs, the annual duck
race, Christmas quizzes and children’s discos. They have also worked closely with
several local businesses, including MeC Com, Steele Services, Selwood, Sandmaster,
Taylor Wimpey, Bri-Stor and ALE who have all donated money towards the project.
The school has also benefited from generous donations from the local Parish
Council and the County Council as well as funds from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’
scheme.
Pictured proudly showing off their new pirate ship themed play area are members of
St Peter’s School Council together with (adults from left to right): Mrs. Julie
Alexander (Headteacher), Mr. Peter Gomm (PTFA Chair), Mrs. Jane Pearce (PTFA
Secretary) and Mrs. Laura Evans (Teacher and School Sport Co-ordinator).

MILL OUTLETBEDS - FURNITURE - SOFAS - OAK - PINE
Mill Outlet is open
Monday-Saturday
9.00am-5.00pm
Find us at
Market Street, Uttoxeter,
ST14 8HL
Visit Mill Outlet to view
our wide furniture in a
variety of styles,
including:
• Beds
• Mattresses
• Sofas
• Chairs
• Recliners
• Tables
• Oak and Pine
• Painted
Visit our website
To find the ideal pieces
of furniture for your
home - from bedroom to
lounge, to dining - visit
www.mill-outlet.co.uk
Home Delivery
Our team can also
deliver your furniture to
your home across the
Uttoxeter, Cheadle,
Blythe Bridge,
Ashbourne, Stafford and
Tutbury areas, including
all surrounding villages.
Free delivery within 20
miles of our Uttoxeter
stores - conditions apply.
Mill Outlet have been
retailing for over 25
years. We’re a family
business who pride
ourselves on service.
All stock items can be
delivered locally, same
day, if required.
01889 569556
www.mill-outlet.co.uk
Stockists of a wide range of quality home furniture
Vat Exempt - Conditions Apply
Oak TV Units from
£179 30+ in stock
Ottoman Divan Bases
Now In-store
Oak Bedsides from
£99 each
New Range of Suites
Now In-store
£699
£299
Sofas from £399

Christmas Menu
available on
December 7th,
8th, 14th and 15th
Thursday and Friday 2 Main
Meals and a Bottle of Wine £25
Monday and Tuesday - closed
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - close
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 - close
Food Served:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Join us for our famous Sunday Roasts,
served 12pm - 4pm
The Star at Cotton, Star Bank, Cotton,
Near Oakamoor, Staffordshire ST10 3DW
Tel: 01538 703655
www.thestaratcotton.co.uk
BT Sports and Free wifi

Salon situated at the award winning Denstone
Hall Farm Shop, with free parking.
• In Salon Wella Master Colour Expert
• Ladies, men’s and children’s styling
• Christmas bookings now being taken
Contact through social media or
call 01889 591519
@rubyysabellehair
Airfawn Garage
Services Ltd
Tim, Emma and Jack
and all at Airfawn
would like to wish all
customers
A Merry Christmas
and
A Happy New Year
Cars, Vans, 4x4 & Light Commercial Vehicles
Unit E, Brookhouse Industrial Estate,
Cheadle, Staffs, ST10 1SR
Tel: 01538 755270
Servicing - Repairs - Diagnostics
Air Conditioning - Injector Max Service
FREE
COURTESY
CAR
AVAILABLE

Y
oungsters from a Tean
school recently visited JCB
for a poignant lesson
about a long-forgotten pupil who served his country
with distinction in the Great War.
JCB has given employees the opportunity to pay
tribute to their relatives who served in WW1 with the
unveiling of 40ft x 25ft high roll of honour bearing their
pictures and names.
Now it has come to light that among the 50 brave men
honoured on the montage was a former pupil of Great
Wood Primary School in Tean. Private Arthur Rowe
attended the school more than 120 years ago and died in
France in 1917 at the age of 34. He was injured on the
battlefield and lay there for three days before being
rescued and taken to a field hospital where he later died.
Pupils from the school visited JCB’s World HQ to see
the special commemoration of Private Rowe. During the
visit they heard the story of the brave soldier’s army
service from two of his descendants, his great grandson
Dave Atkinson and his great-great grandson Jack
Atkinson, who both work at JCB.
And Jack and Dave presented Head Teacher Ben
Adamson with a framed photo of Private Rowe to
ensure his memory lives on at the school. The
presentation came just days before the father and son
went to Ypres in Belgium where they spent Sunday,
November 11th – the actual Centenary of the signing of
the Armistice – paying tribute to their brave ancestor at
special Menin Gate commemorations.
Jack, said: “I am 27-years-old and it is essential that
the younger generation keeps these stories alive. I’m
delighted to have had the opportunity to tell Private
Rowe’s tale to pupils at his former school because it
means he is not forgotten.”
Dave Atkinson, of Fulford, near Blythe Bridge
added: “It was only when we were researching my great-
grandfather’s story that we discovered he had gone to
Great Wood Primary School. The stories of sacrifice by
the Great War generation are easily forgotten and I think
it’s wonderful that the school is so interested in Private
Rowe’s bravery and will now keep his memory alive.”
Great Wood Community Primary School Leader
Ben Adamson said: “We are amazed to hear that one of
our former pupils served his country with such
distinction in the First World War and are thrilled to be
presented with his picture. It’s really very poignant to
learn about Private Rowe as the Centenary of the
Armistice approaches. We will ensure that he is never
forgotten and his picture will hang in the school with
pride.”
Private Arthur Rowe, of Tean, died without ever
meeting his newly-born daughter, Helen, who is Dave’s
grandmother. He left a widow Gertrude and two other
children Marjorie and Cyril. He was working at Tean
Mills when he was called up to war in 1916 and joined
the Manchester Regiment. He was severely wounded by
German artillery during the battle of Poelcappelle at
Passchendaele in October 1917.
As the battle raged around him, he was wounded
and lay on the battlefield for three days in the cold and
rain, before he was eventually rescued and taken to a
field hospital. He had suffered devastating injuries and
died on October 16th 1917. A letter sent to his family
just after his death has recently been discovered and it
describes how he had been “horribly wounded” and had
his right leg amputated.
JCB supported the fundraising efforts of the Royal
British Legion in this special Centenary Year and they
donated a unique poppy-liveried mini excavator to the
charity’s appeal, which raised £25,500.
In addition, a specially commissioned art
installation, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the
Armistice, was unveiled. Designed and made by JCB
graduates and apprentices, it features 255 porcelain
poppies – one for each Uttoxeter, Rocester and Denstone
person who lost their lives in The Great War. The
poppies have been handcrafted by more than 30 JCB
employees who were former members of the Armed
Forces.
Tean school honours heroic former
pupil killed in The Great War

Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Dove Bank, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8DU
t: 01889 561820 | e: office@tahs.org.uk | w: www.thomasalleynes.uk
Exceptional attitude to work, generosity of spirt and
community leadership were celebrated recently at
Thomas Alleyne’s High School.
The award winners were announced at a special evening
on 15th November at Thomas Alleyne’s High School. Life
coach Liz Abram, who enjoyed a military career as a
resistance trainer and linguist, and is currently working
with the BBC and Channel 4, presented the awards.
These awards recognise exceptional effort and
attainment and were established to recognise the
contribution that young people make to the community
of Thomas Alleyne’s High School and to Uttoxeter.
In a year when Thomas Alleyne’s High School was listed
by the Department for Education as being within the top
10% of schools for student progress in Staffordshire,
and with students making more progress than in any
school in Derbyshire, these students’ attainment at
GCSE was truly outstanding.
Progress, Opportunity, Individuality

From all students and staff at The Uttoxeter Learning Trust
Happy Christmas
The Uttoxeter Learning Trust is a partnership between Thomas Alleyne’s,
Windsor Park, Picknalls, All Saints (Church Leigh), Hutchinson Memorial,
Oldfields Hall and Ryecroft Schools.

F
alling out of an airplane at 13,000ft is not a task for everyone. But Uttoxeter
residents and husband and wife Cambridge weight loss consultants David and
Claire Tsang helped raise over £30,000 (including gift aid) for Cancer Research
by doing exactly that! Claire, one of the organisers of a 50 strong team of skydivers
said “The inspiration for the jump came from us all wanting to raise awareness of
how Obesity is a major cause of Cancer and to support the fantastic work that Cancer
Research UK are doing”. David Tsang who made the 13,000ft free-fall jump added,
“It was an amazing experience
and all for a very worthy cause.
We help people everyday to
change their lives and hopefully
avoid illnesses due to their
weight; so supporting the
skydive seemed like a natural
thing for us to do.”
The 50 strong team of
Cambridge Consultants
nicknamed the Cambridge
Canaries took flight from
Sibson Airfield in
Cambridgeshire, with most of
the consultants each raising
between £500 and £1000.
Individually David and Claire
raised £1600.02 (£1940.02
including gift aid) from
slimmers and local people. The
whole team raised £26,593.04
(£31,878.58 including gift aid).
David in a tandem free-fall
from 13,000ft.
David with his skydiving
certificate.
Local Cambridge Weight Plan consultants
raise over £30,000 in big charity skydive!

Lank’s Lore
By Steve ‘Lank’ Lavin
Golden Memories from one of Uttoxeter’s Favourite Characters
Iwas thinking the other day about how technology
nowadays has gone stark raving mad.
It is frightening in some ways that almost everything
you do or buy has got an ‘App’ to use on your mobile
phone (that is if you have succumbed and purchased one,
which I suppose over the last few years most people have
unless your are a complete Luddite!) to purchase or
operate whatever you like.
These days everything is so much easier and labour
free compared to my younger days.
They talk in the media about people needing more
exercise to stop them becoming obese especially young
school children then what do they go and do? Encourage
them to get a mobile phone to enhance their education
and download various ‘Apps’ to make life easier for them.
I had to grin the other week when a mate of mine
who is technology crackers asked me if I fancied going
into Wetherspoons for a drink and something to eat. I
gladly agreed as for quality and value for money it isn’t
half bad.
We duly arrived in Wetherspoons, picked a table to
sit at with a number which is the requirement if you are
having food. We both chose an item off the menu and I
got up to order at the bar as I usually have done in the
past when my mate said to me no need to go to the bar
sit down I will organise it. He duly picked up his mobile
phone tapped in our requirements and said job done.
I replied, what, you have ordered both our drinks and
meals by phone. Yes he replied and paid for them and
they will bring them to our table shortly, I have got the
Wetherspoons ‘App’ on my phone, no more queueing
now. Good gracious I retorted know wonder there is
never hardly anybody behind the bar.
Talk about doing more excercise these gimmicks are
making people bone idle you don’t have to even walk the
few yards to the bar and back now!
A couple or more incidents that I have witnessed
recently was one where a lady who was in conversation
with us suddenly leaped up panicking and said “O my
goodness is that the time I have got to record ‘Corrie’!”
Where she duly got out her mobile phone and organised
her TV programme with it! Mind boggling!
The second one was the other week when the clocks
went back and the dark nights and cold weather finally
after such a good summer that we have had set in. I was
in conversation with a group of us when the subject of
cold weather and heating bills in winter came into the for
front of the discussion. How you could not afford to
waste any energy nowadays because of the expense of it,
etc.
One of our group spouted out I do not have any
problem with wasting energy in my house, I have an ‘App’
on my phone which sorts all that out for me.
How do you manage to do that then everyone
enquired. He simply produced his mobile phone showed
us his ‘App’ on it with a picture of a thermostat on it, set
it to the time and temperature he required it to come on,
pressed a couple of buttons and hey presto he had pre-
set his heating at home to come on ready for when he got
home without him being anywhere near the property.
Amazing so simple and effective not only money saving
but allowing you to go home at what ever time you
require without the heating come on at set hours
everyday when sometimes you are not in it is blazing
away when you do not need it to and of course saving
you a ruck of money on your utility bills!.
One of the best ones I heard about these so called
‘Apps’ as well was off a friend of mine who when he
travels abroad he leaves his car in the airport car park. I
do not know if you have had the same problem as I have
had in the past is locating your car when you return
home especially when it is pitch dark in the middle of the
night. Although they are usually well lit and signposted
to a degree. some airport car parks are absolutely massive
and it is very easy to lose your bearings.
This ‘App’ solves the problem of locating your car you
place a small device in your glove compartment of your
car when you park it up. When you return you switch on
your mobile phone ‘App’ and it instantly produces a map
of the car park showing where exactly you parked your
car and like Sat Nav guides you on foot to it! Magic hey
no more losing your cars location and your frustrations
solved!!
I could go on forever discussing the ins and outs of
all the many “Apps’ that are available nowadays but lets
be fair in the majority of cases they are really a God send
sometimes in this age that we live in.
Apart from mobile
phone having their uses
have you noticed
nowadays that the
presence of real people in
the larger stores are vastly
becoming extinct with the
onset of the self-service
boom.
Can you remember
going into a supermarket
not so many years ago and
the cashiers were standing
in the aisles memorising
the prices of all the
products on the shelves on
sale so that when you
went to the cashout they
just looked at the product
you had bought and
instantly new what price
to ring in the till. That is
what I call proper brain
training!
None of that caper
now in many cases now
there is no cashier at the
cashpoint and you scan
the product using the
printed bar code on the
packaging, the till tots it
up, you pay for it and walk
out of the store with your
shopping without even
contacting a living person,
frightening really.
I do not know what
happens if you
inadvertently or not miss
a few items off! They
probably have got
someone watching you like a hawk ready to pounce on
you and take down to the local slammer! I shudder to
think!
One of the cashouts I have come across which does
impress me though is the one in W. H. Smiths store in
Uttoxeter High Street. I regularly visit there to purchase
a daily newspaper if I am to late to get one from my usual
newsagent who generally have sold out by late morning.
On entering the store which is quite extensive the
presence of staff is extremely scarce but they are available
if you need assistance in any way.
After you have chosen your goods you advance to the
cashpoint where you are faced with another beast of
technology which speaks to you in a monotonous tone
giving you instructions on how to scan the product in, it
shows you what you owe and then tells you to insert your
money into a slot which it immediately recognises the
value of every note and coin that you put in and then
spews out your change for you to collect. Very, very
clever indeed. I do not know who thinks these ideas up
but when you think about it in a lot of cases they take
some believing that it is at all possible and some of the
machines thrust upon us now are as clever as a human
being almost.
Where is it all going to end I wonder? In a few years
time maybe the Sci Fi movies and the Dr. Who Dalek like
creatures will all become a reality and take over and
exterminate us, perish the thought!
May I wish all the readers of my column and all the
people who have assisted me in supplying photographs
both for my column and the Good Old Days page a very
happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I hope to
be offering my services again next year and again thank
you all for your support.
Till next time, Lank
High Technology, Friend or Foe?

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
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Cheadle Test Centre, Brookhouse Way, Brookhouse Ind. Est., Cheadle ST10 1SR
Independent M.O.T. Testing in Cheadle
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• No appointment necessary, or if you
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• Free courtesy cars
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• Friendly Staff - Waiting/
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• If unfortunately your vehicle fails, take
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Field Funeral Services
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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
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fieldfuneralservice@hotmail.co.uk
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Everyone
lovesTheVoice
Friday 18th
January 2019
A FAMILY
BEETLE DRIVE
Kingstone Village
Hall at 7pm.
Adults £9. Children
£5. Includes 2 course
supper. Bring your
own drinks.
For tickets ring
Fiona 01889 500274,
Elspeth 500315 or
Sue 500654.
Pat Wrathman, The
Inner Wheel Club of
Uttoxeter
CHRISTMAS
TREE
FESTIVAL
St. Werburgh’s Church
in Kingsley is holding
a Christmas Tree
Festival on Saturday
8th December and
Sunday 9th
December, from
12.30pm to 4.30pm
There will be Sales
Tables, Refreshments
and Raﬄe.
The church will be
decorated with 14
decorated fir trees
and a Memory Tree.
Come along and join
us for a chat and a
look around the
beautiful church..
Find us in Church
Street, Kingsley
ST10 2AA
Everyone welcome.
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
15,000 homes
Saturday Dance Classes in St Mary’s Church Hall,
Balance Street, Uttoxeter
Ballet &Tap Pre-School 9.30am
Ballet &Tap Prep/Primary 10.15am
Freestyle Disco/Street 12.15pm
28 Bank Street, Cheadle
Thursday Beginners Ballet &Tap 4pm Freestyle 5pm
Tuesday: Street Dance 4pm Beginners/Juniors
4.45 Pre-Teens
New Pupils are welcome to join our classes at any time
All classes work towards competitions and exams.
For more information phone
01538 754414 or 07779 078317
email info@vivienneshelleystudios.co.uk or call into
the studios in Uttoxeter or Cheadle
www.vivienneshelleystudios.co.uk
The Vivienne Shelley
Dance Studios
Would like to wish everyone A Merry Christmas
and A Happy NewYear
Whatever their age give the
gift of Dance this Christmas!
Classes from Beginner to Advanced

Uttoxeter
Lions Club
O
n Friday, September
28, 2018, a 7.5
magnitude earthquake
struck the Indonesian island of
Sulawesi and triggered a
tsunami. It caused immense
loss of life and destroyed
towns villages and local roads
and telecommunications.
Thomas Alleyne’s students
wanted to know how they
could help and approached to
support their local Lions club.
They collected £142 which
they have passed onto the
local Lions to add to the
money collected in Uttoxeter
town centre by Lions
members. This voluntary
action by the students will be
acknowledged as part of the
Young Leaders in Service
award (YLIS), which was
launched by Uttoxeter Lions in
the current school term. The
Lions Young Leaders in
Service Awards recognise
young people between the
ages of 11 and 18 for
community service: The award
scheme runs for a 12month
period and there are 3 levels of
attainment. The YLIS award is
recognised internationally and
when completed is placed in
the students’ folder of
achievement.
The Lions have
acknowledged the help of the
school by presenting a
certificate to the school in
recognition of their
fundraising efforts. Uttoxeter
Lions’ President Dave Scorer
said “It’s great to see young
people in Uttoxeter showing
they care by giving up their
time and money to help
people in dire need on the
other side of the world. All the
moneys donated will be
channelled through local
Lions Clubs in Indonesia and
as well as helping immediate
needs, such as food, water,
clothing and medicine it can
help with long-term
reconstruction projects to help
victims begin to return to
their lives and regain their
independence.”
Uttoxeter Lions set up a
collection with the resulting
funds collected being
channelled through Lions
Clubs International
Foundation (LCIF) who have
mobilised donations for this
disaster to provide additional
grant funds as Lions on the
ground assess and identify
needs. Thanks to the support
Lions provide to LCIF on an
ongoing basis, Emergency
Grants are available to provide
for basic immediate needs
including. We have learned
from experience that when a
disaster victim receives aid
quickly, it provides the
strength needed to survive the
shock and loss, and even a
little hope for the future.

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Dick Whittington
I
t’s that time of year again! During February half term C.A.T.S.
will be presenting their ever popular annual pantomime at
Cheadle Community Theatre, The Cheadle Academy.
This year’s production will be Dick Whittington, an original
script by Ian Wood, directed by Rebekah Snow.
We follow the adventures of Dick and his Cat as they journey
from Little Chaydul to Little London on Thames (and beyond),
meeting a fabulous cast of characters including the marvellous
Dame Beyonce Bun, played by the ever popular Ian Wood making
his triumphant return to the stage, the hilarious Crusty Bun and
Creamy, The Fitzwarrens, Captain Porthole and of course the evil
Prince Rat and his henchmen.
Rehearsals are already well under way. Performances will be
from Wednesday the 20th until Saturday the 23rd of February
2019.
If you would like to join C.A.T.S, More information is available
from www.cheadle-cats.org.uk or our Facebook page, Cheadle
CATS.
Directed by Rebekah Joy Snow
Written by Ian Wood
Wednesday 20th
February 2019 - Saturday
23rd
February 2019
At the Cheadle Community Theatre
7pm start doors open 6:30pm
Tickets available from the following retailers:
• Xtra Dry Cleaners
• Crafty Urchins
• The Cheadle and Tean Times offices
£10 adults (Age 12+ - 65)
£8 concessions
Tickets are also available online at our website www.cheadle-
cats.org.uk
ESTATE AGENCY INSURANCE
Partners: P.A. Cope BSc MRICS FNAEA and A.W. Stevenson
Donald Cope & Company
1, Cheadle Shopping Centre, Cheadle,
Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST10 1UY
T: 01538 755646
E: enquire@donaldcope.com
W: www.donaldcope.com
Donald Cope & Company
would like to wish all past,
present and future customers
A Very Mey
Christmas and a
Psperous
New Year
The
Alton
Handbell
Ringers
T
he Alton Handbell
Ringers are very
pleased to have the
Heath Belles joining them for
their annual fund raising
concert this year on Saturday
8th December at 7.15pm in
Alton Village Hall. The Heath
Belles feature voices from The
Heath Chorus, a choir from
Uttoxeter, who come together
to entertain with a nostalgic
take on the close harmony
singing style of decades gone
by. The event, in aid of the
Donna Louise Children’s and
Young People’s Hospice is a
popular event and the relaxed
evening of entertainment,
including supper, is a good
start to the Christmas season.
Tickets are available from
Wendy Walters 01538 702888
or via our website
www.altonhandbellringers.
org.uk
The Alton Handbell
Ringers have 15 members and
ring on 4 octaves of handbells
and handchimes. They have a
busy Christmas season ahead
ringing at Waitrose in
Uttoxeter on Saturday 15th
December, at Shugborough
Hall on Sunday 16th
December and at the
Chatsworth House Twilight
Evening on Thursday 20th
December as well as several
local nursing and residential
homes.
The Alton Handbell
Ringers would like to thank
Cheadle Arts Forum for the
grant they gave towards the
cost of some new straps on the
bigger bells and also thank
Staffordshire Moorlands
District Council for a
donation towards organising
their Christmas concert.

A
unique artwork created
by a Staffordshire
sculptor and funded by
JCB is ensuring Uttoxeter’s World War One Fallen are
remembered at the going down of the sun and in the
morning – literally.
The work of art features Captain Oswald Bamford
who died in a hail of German gunfire while serving
with the The North Staffordshire Regiment at the Battle
of Loos on October 13th, 1915. He was one of 15
Uttoxeter men who died in battle in the space of a few
hours – a day remembered as one of the blackest in the
town’s history.
Now the popular Captain has been immortalised
in an eight feet high silhouette cast in steel and
positioned in such a way in Market Square that when
the sun rises in the morning and when it sets in the
evening its rays shine through the structure.
Uttoxeter Town Mayor Councillor Alison Trenery
said: “The new artwork is stunning and has been
deliberately sited so that when the sun rises and sets its
rays catch the silhouette, bringing true meaning to the
phrase ‘at the going down of the sun and in the
morning, we will remember them.’
“Uttoxeter really has embraced the Centenary of
the Armistice and the commemorations across the
town, in the shops and in the streets are a really fitting
tribute to the sacrifice of the World War One
generation and have been made possible with the kind
support and assistance from Uttoxeter’s Poppy Sellers.”
The art installation was designed by well-known
Stoke-on-Trent sculptor Andy Edwards and created by
Staffordshire-based PM Training. Mr Edwards was
also instrumental in creating the bronze plaques
bearing the names of 45 soldiers missing from
Uttoxeter’s war memorial, which were installed earlier
this year and paid for by JCB.
Mr Edwards, aged 55, said: “I was very aware of
Captain Oswald Bamford’s story and the role he played
in the Battle of Loos. Accounts from the time highlight
what a popular and well-respected leader he was,
stirring fierce loyalty amongst the men under his
command.
“It is this story of brave leadership which inspired
me to create the artwork for Uttoxeter, not only to
honour Captain Bamford but all the soldiers of the
town who gave their lives in World War One. I’m
delighted that JCB has funded this unique project and
grateful for the wonderful support given to it by
Uttoxeter Town Council.”
A JCB spokesman said: “We are delighted to help
Uttoxeter to mark the Centenary of the Armistice with
the installation of this wonderful new artwork. It’s
important that we honour the First World War
generation and remember the immense sacrifice
everyone from that time made.”
Agricultural Engineer Oswald gave up his job at the
Uttoxeter family firm Bamfords Ltd to fight alongside
dozens of men who worked for him and his family.
Two months after he entered the war with the 1st/6th
Battalion The North Staffordshire Regiment he was
killed aged 38 as he advanced towards German
trenches. He left a wife and two young daughters Olga,
aged four and Gabrielle, aged three.
Lieutenant Colonel Ratcliff conveyed news of
Captain Bamford’s death to his father Samuel by letter,
part of which was published in the Uttoxeter Advertiser
and Ashbourne Times.
Lieutenant Colonel Ratcliff said: “Oswald was a
brave and plucky soldier and did his duty really well.
We had to advance against German trenches and were
met with a fearful rifle and machine gun fire, which
laid low so many of our local boys.”
At the time of his death the Lichfield Mercury
newspaper also reported: “He was immensely popular
with the employees and his death has cast quite a
gloom over the whole works. He was highly esteemed
throughout the town and district, and a wide circle of
friends will mourn the loss of one whose friendship
was sincere and highly valued.”
The Town Council, Uttoxeter Poppy Sellers and
Tesco jointly hosted a ‘Poppy Afternoon Tea’ at the
Town Hall on Friday, 9 November and the Uttoxeter
Town Brass Band organised a special Armed Forces
Charity Concert which was held at St Mary’s Parish
Church on Saturday 10 November. These events were
in addition to the Town’s annual Remembrance Parade
and Service on Sunday, 11 November.
Town remembers at the going down
of the sun and in the morning
Down on the Farm
by Angela Sargent
“If there are birds they must be waiting below
The threshold of the winds, and the rooks have gone
With the darkness of leaves unveiling the light.”
Kathleen Nott
W
ell, if this month carries on the same as
previously our cattle will still be outside as
the ground is so dry! Our ponds have very
little ( if any) water in and the clay soil has worked
down really well.
The ridge and furrow pasture land, having carried
livestock for hundreds of years, looks thirsty but has
provided many field mushrooms this Autumn.
The ewes will be moving around the available
grazing to make sure they have enough nutrition to
grow their lambs and the remaining last season lambs
will also be competing for the grass.
As I mentioned earlier, if the weather permits the
cattle will still stay outside and this will save us using
straw for bedding, as we didn’t make enough during
the drought, but offsetting that will be extra silage being
fed to keep them in condition.
The knock on effects from the summers drought is
that many farmers used up what would be their winter
stocks of forage and could well be running short during
winter, with less available, particularly in the uplands.
The Windfall apples still strew the orchard, with
tooth marks here and there and deep brown bruises
blemishing the yellows and reds of the skins. Providing
food for many a small mammal, bird or insect, they will
eventually rot down and feed the plants and trees
themselves.
December also once saw the festival of Saturnalia-
in honour of the Roman god of agriculture and also
giving us the ‘Lord of misrule’.
And, of course, it’s also the pagan winter solstice (
Yule), one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world,
held on the shortest day and longest night. It marks the
first day of winter and the Oak trees and Mistletoe that
grew on them, were considered sacred.
The Celts thought that the sun stood still for 12
days, so would burn a Yule log to banish spirits and
bring good luck for the coming year.
So you see, all our modern traditions are mixed up
with ancient ones, but agriculture has a link with most,
as it meant life or death to ancient man, as it still does
in many countries.
We will be repairing fences where our bull has
made several unintended visits to different groups of
cows and finding the odd Dandelion flower that risks
poking its head up or disturb a spider or several, but
everything settling down now in readiness for the next
season.
Merry Christmas

Ginny’s Community Corner
by Ginny Gibson of Uttoxeter
W
ith Christmas nearly upon us, I sat at my
desk and wondered what was appropriate
for the Christmas issue. Then it hit me,
singing, at Christmas everyone sings carols, even if you
have not sung at all during the year, you suddenly start
singing along to the carols in the supermarket or on the
radio.
There is a group in Uttoxeter, also Ashbourne and
Rugeley which means you can actually sing all year, its
NOT a choir, it’s a singing group, where you have a song
book and sing to a backing track and for an hour. Twice
a month in Uttoxeter, you can come together and just
sing.
The Goldies Sing and Smile Charity was set up by
the highly respected Bath-based musician Grenville
Jones who recognised how singing and music,
brightened the lives and well-being of the many people.
He set up the Charity in 2008 with the first group being
held in Bath, now there are 150 groups across the
country.
Locally, we have a group in Uttoxeter who meet on
First Monday at 2pm and Last Tuesday at 11.00 am,
each month at the Community Room, Methodist
Church, High Street, Uttoxeter. At present there are no
‘Goldies’ sessions in Cheadle.
Anna who runs the groups locally told me, “We try
to provide an hour of fun where you arrive, are given a
book with the words, up to 80 songs to choose from,
then the backing track comes on and we start singing”.
The beauty of the group is that it is NOT a choir, so you
don’t have to sing in tune, just join in, as much or as
little, as you want. At the end of the hour, everyone gets
a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. After singing you
are ready for a ‘brew’and a chance to chat to the rest of
the group.
The group decides which songs are sung
throughout the hour, on the day I joined them, they
started with Que Sera Sera by Doris Day, went on to
Walk on By by Cilla Black, then included Dancing
Queen by Abba, followed by Bring me Sunshine by
Morecombe and Wise and also included Summer
Holiday by Cliff Richard.
Sir Cliff Richard OBE songs are popular with the
group, not just because there are over 130
singles/albums, but also because he is patron of the
Charity. Cliff said recently, “In 10 short years our
charity has really made quite remarkable progress.” He
is of course referring to the remarkable success that
bringing people together to sing has had on the
individuals lives who attend.
Golden – Oldies (now Goldies, Sing and Smile) was
created because the founder watched two TV
programmes, firstly the Channel Four programme
Young@Heart and then later the BBC2 Television
programme The Zimmers in 2007, both programmes
highlighted social issues and loneliness facing older
people. More importantly, these two programmes
showed how singing “popular” music can take people
back to happy times and bring joy and friendship to
their lives.
The group in Uttoxeter, which I visited, confirmed
that by coming together, spending an hour having lots
of fun, they have forged some lasting friendship, that
would not have been created without the group and
they leave feeling uplifted and happy.
If you want to be part of this group, which is NOT
a choir, I know I have said that three times in the article,
but it has to be stressed, so that people
understand you can come along with any
ability.
As the group will confirm, my singing
voice is not in any sort of key at all and yet
I was welcomed and left feeling lighter as a
result.
The dates for the first 6 months 2019
are as follows: Mondays which begins at
2pm are: Jan 14th - Feb 11th - March 11th
- April 8th - May 13th - June 10th or
Tuesday’s which begins at 11am are : Jan
29th - Feb 26th - March 26th - April 30th - May 28th -
June 25th.
Please contact Anna on 01889 566796 for more
information, or go to the national website to find out
more - www.golden-oldies.org.uk/#
The formal stuff now is Golden-Oldies Ltd, a
company limited by guarantee. Company Number:
6369123 - Charity Registration Number: 1121600 and
they suggest a donation of £2 per session.
So, while you are singing those uplifting carols over
the coming weeks, why not make a new year’s
resolution to go along to the Goldies Sing and Smile in
2019 and make your whole year about singing, not just
at Christmas.

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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 £4.50, 3 Courses £8.00
Sunday Lunches served all day - take your pick
from Beef,Turkey, Lamb or Chicken
Traditional Cask Ales - Marstons Pedigree,
Reverend James, Hobgoblin and Lancaster Bomber.
Heated smoking area
Accommodation in superb Log Cabins available,
B&B and Self Catering.
See website for further details.
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Telephone: 01889 507278
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Enjoy a great meal atThe Raddle -
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Book now
for Christmas!Christmas Fayre Menu available throughout
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Entertainment licence until 2.00am.
Book a table now to celebrate the festivities
at The Raddle Inn.
Tables are decorated to add to the party atmosphere and we
also offer a minibus service to parties of 8 or more.
Christmas Fayre Menu
4 Courses:Adults £20.95, Childs £11.95
3 Courses:Adults £16.95, Childs £9.95
(Children Under 10 years of age)
3 Course Menu includes either:
Starter, Main and Coffee & Mince Pies
or Main, Dessert and Coffee & Mince Pies
(Pensioners Christmas Fayre - £12.95,
4 courses served Mon-Sat 12-2pm throughout Nov-Dec)
Call The Raddle now to reserve a
table on 01889 507 278
Visit our website www.logcabin.co.uk or
email peter@logcabin.co.uk
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Serving the community since 1976
MJ Barrett Constructions,Brookside Business Park,Brookside Road,
Uttoxeter,Staffordshire,ST14 8AT
www.mjbarrettconstructions.co.uk
Tel:01889 564 253 • Fax:01889 564 210
F
M J Barrett Constructions supply and erect all types of
agricultural and industrial buildings,including grain stores,
equestrian centres,storage buildings,milking parlours,and
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complexes all built to the highest standards.

St Michael’s Church Remembrance
By Les Humphries
S
t. Michael’s Church, Rocester had some poignant
reminders in place over the 10th and 11th of
November when the Church was open all day for
people to walk around and view some of the displays
on show, to tie in with the 100th Anniversary of the
1914 -1918 Armistice. Some of them are featured here
by courtesy of ‘Voice’ columnist Bill Woodier who as
always was on patrol with his camera to capture the
moment.
The displays included a war horse, a model of a
First World War Sopwith aeroplane, a Life size metal
cut out of a soldier with his dog, and a seated headless
figure made from tin cans.
Obviously due to space in the magazine it is
impossible to show everything, but here is a taster!
Bill has also made a DVD of the displays combined
on disc with the Memorial Service, which was filmed
at the St. Michael’s Lyche Gate Memorial on Sunday
morning of the 11th. It can be ordered from Pat
Garner, and is an excellent reminder of a special day,
whether or not you attended. Also available is a further
DVD of Rocester through the years which include
photo’s furnished by Roy Burnett and will really take
you back. I have seen a the pre-release discs and they
are as always brilliant!
Meanwhile enjoy these photographs, and hopefully
they will whet your appetite for more, all proceeds from
the discs, which will cost you £7, as usual will go to
charity.

Remembrance Day - Uttoxeter,

Cheadle & Kingsley

W
ell readers, what a fantastic response to the
Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal last
month. Not just from collections taken from
the great British public, but also from the amount of
effort put in by local people to mark the 100th
Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice to end the
1914 - 1918 conflict of the First World War, also known
as The Great War.
Digger giant JCB made a huge contribution to this
year’s poppy appeal by auctioning off a machine
painted with poppy designs, also selling boxed Ceramic
Poppies, all of which raised a total of £31, 875. Added
to this, contributions for poppies from the Headquarter
Offices at Rocester took another £1,121-76p, to which
the GMBATU added a further £500. This, plus a
factory collection of £750, making a magnificent total
of £34,246-76p. Trumpeter, 17 year old Josh Stevenson,
together with the Royal British Legion Standard
Bearers, are pictured at the the Rocester Headqurters
poppy launch recently.
On Remembrance Sunday Uttoxeter held their
usual Parade through the town, led by the Uttoxeter
Town Band, followed by a Service in St. Mary’s Church.
Local townfolk turned out in huge numbers, some as
spectators and others attending the Service, which was
followed by the Last Post at the War Memorial. For
British Legion members this Years event was tinged
with extra sadness, due to the death of Cyril Leadham
at the age of 77 earlier in the week following open heart
surgery. Cyril, being the husband of fundraiser and
longtime Poppy organiser, Judith Leadham, to whom I
am sure we all extend our deepest sympathies.
Meanwhile the villages of Denstone and Rocester
held more modest, but equally well attended Services
in All Saints, and St. Michael’s respectively. Both
Churches were packed for the morning services, and
Legion members along with local residents again
turned out in force in the Village Hall and at the War
Memorial in Denstone in the Evening for readings and
Memorial candle lighting. Later St. Michael’s in
Rocester was the venue for a Service for Peace, which
followed the lighting of a Beacon in the Church
grounds. At both venues the Last Post was sounded by
Rachel Hayes, who had a busy day along with myself,
travelling between the two venues.
Whilst we are on the theme of remembrance I
would like to share with you a poem, with his
permission of course, by my young friend Matthew
Chapman of Rocester, which like all his works come
from the heart, and I feel sums up the conflict.
‘It’s time to remember those who fell, 1914 - 1918
Soldiers who went through hell
Fighting for the freedom, that we have today, so if I
may I have something to say
So let’s have silence for a minute, and let’s bow our
heads in respect
For those who are dead, for the men who didn’t make it
home,
For the widows left all alone
For the mothers who lost their sons
Out fighting with their guns
I hope you hear these words, and they speak to you
Because War is something we never wanted to go
through
But we did, and it can’t be forgot
So remember those soldiers, and that’s the lot !
This is just a small sample of Matthew’s work, with
much of his heart felt poetry dealing with Mental
Health, which brings me on to my next subject which
is very much linked with Remembrance. Those who
did not pay the ultimate price but returned scarred
from conflict.’
Watching one of the many programmes on
television in the weeks around Remembrance Sunday
associated with the 1914-1918 war, there was a moving,
if somewhat frightening documentary on shellshock,
which we would now refer to as post traumatic stress
disorder, which was really only discovered as an illness
recently. Our lads came back from from not just the
two World Wars, we have also had Korea, the
Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, all producing battle
related mental illness for men, trained to kill, who were
released back into society like a ticking time bomb,
totally unprepared for civilian life, leaving a number of
them them unable to handle life in the outside world,
and now we send our women into conflict, how long
before they get affected?
Among those men who were interviewed, mentally
scarred from their experiences, one was still a serving
senior NCO awaiting discharge, whose mental state is
in turmoil, having had one tour too many. So sad to
see a smart, proud soldier in such a poor mental state.
My father, a former Desert Rat with 38 years service,
had overcome his problems, but rarely spoke about the
War. However when it came to light that some modern
day soldiers were given counselling, he very cynically
once said to me “When we came home, nobody gave a
big rats a*** about our mental state!”. Well dad, it seems
in a lot of cases, that’s still true.
The Denstone Players are hard at work rehearsing
for their Panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,
which will take place in Denstone Village Hall in
February, Sgt. Major Gill Brown is putting us all
through our paces (she’ll kill me when she reads this!),
but seriously, without director Gill’s enthusiasm and
drive we would never get through it.
Uttoxeter Rugby Club are having a mixed season,
although having some excellent results, victory over
promotion hopefuls Old Saltlians for the first team
being an excellent result, But their apparent inability
to keep a consistent team every week brings their
downfall in closely fought games which were there for
the taking. However, the seconds are really on fire this
term, taking some notable scalps so far with their
development side.
When after 25 Years the Churnet Valley Male Voice
Choir have sadly now ceased (reported elsewhere in
‘The Voice’) due to decreasing numbers, also it was a
bit of a shock when the Uttoxeter Advertiser, which
started printing the local news in 1892, ceased
circulation after 126 years of reporting on local issues,
not least covering Uttoxeter Rugby Club’s results every
week. It’s always very sad when local institutions close
down, and The Advertiser will be sadly missed as the
towns other ‘Voice’!
‘Voice’ columnist Bill Woodier has produced
another DVD of Rocester through the years, aided by
a wealth of information from my old chum Roy
Burnett, which will be out for Christmas. I’ve had a
preview, and it’s excellent. He has also captured on film
the Remembrance Service at St. Michael’s Lyche Gate
Memorial on the 11th of November, plus the evenings
outdoor dedications outside the Church both of which
had huge turnouts from residents. Photographs by Bill
of the the displays in the Church which are depicted
elsewhere in this editiion, are also caught on the film.
My regular readers are probably asking ‘what
happened to Les’s monthly moan about Brexit this
month?’ well nothing, because those idiots in
Westminster are too busy trying to gain some political
advantage to agree on what should happen, so we keep
going backwards and forwards over the same ground,
and what’s happened ? Bugger all!
TTFN Les...
Let The Voice Be With You
by Les Humphries of Rocester
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Voice
A Stoke-on-Trent couple
have praised a Uttoxeter
butcher who came to
their aid!
H
oward and Hazel
Williams, of Fenton,
are regular visitors to
Uttoxeter where they love to
do their shopping.
They are loyal customers at
Edmonston’s Butchers in The
Maltings.
A few weeks ago Howard
was taken ill outside the
butcher’s shop and
owner Dave Edmonston
rushed out to help him.
Hazel commented: “Dave
was brilliant. He gave water to
Howard and looked after him
before he called an ambulance
which took him to hospital. A
few days later Dave actually
telephoned us to ask how
Howard was which we were so
pleased with. He really went
the extra mile for one of his
customers! Thank you so
much Dave!”

Can you identify the faces and locations?
See Page 58 for some of the names to the faces.
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.
1
2
3
The good old days

Photo Credits - 1: Phil Stubbs, Uttoxeter. 2: Gwen Collins, Tean. 3 & 4: The Voice. 5: Bill Brisbourne, Uttoxeter. 6: Linda Hammond
5
6
4

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 87

Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 87

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Uttoxeter & Cheadle Voice Issue 87