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Staffordshire Freemasons’ grant to enable outdoor adventures for over 2,000 local children
A generous £57,000 grant from the Freemasons to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will facilitate Wildplay sessions, focusing on under-represented urban communities in Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent. This initiative encompasses children in care, refugees, and those with special educational needs.
The sessions, commencing in January 2024, will involve creative play, crafting, and exploration of nature reserves. From pond dipping to wildlife identification, the activities aim to foster a deep connection with nature.
The grant ensures personalised support, including free transportation to nature reserves, potentially transforming lives.
By promoting access to nature for all, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust anticipates positively impacting hundreds of children and young people through this Masonic Charitable Foundation-funded project.
Louise Taylor, Wildchild Officer, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re very grateful to Staffordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This funding will allow us to bring the benefits and joy of nature to so many children that may otherwise not get to spend time exploring our county’s wild spaces. Spending time outside can boost mental health - one study found that 95 per cent of those that took part in outdoor play saw improvements in just six weeks!”
John Lockley, head of the Staffordshire Freemasons, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with this vital project. It's a sad fact that many children grow up without regular access to nature and wild spaces. Outdoor activities, like those included in these Wildplay sessions, have many benefits. They will help children and young people to feel happier and healthier. It’s hugely important for these families that this essential project is supported.”
Website: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Ready for some Christmas magic? Visit The Lost Post Office
The Lost Post Office is B arts’ magical mid-winter experience using theatre, puppets, play, music, story-telling, and surprises. It is a family theatre show suitable for children of all ages, families and the young at heart.
Audiences are invited to take a tour of the fabled Lost Post Office, a mysterious place that only appears once a year at 72 Hartshill Road, B arts’ base on the borders of Stoke and Hartshill.
The Lost Post Office is where all the items that are impossible to send in the post are kept, waiting to be sorted, stamped, and even delivered.
The Post Master General says: “The Lost Post Office, as you know, is the place where we sort the post that has proved impossible to deliver. Undeliverable items recently catalogued in our Warehouse include; Christmas 1996, Last Night's Very Exhausting Dream and A Big Hug from Poppy's Nan.
”Each year we throw open the doors of The Lost Post Office and invite curious and playful visitors of all ages to join us for a tour into every corner of The Lost Post Office. I must say I have noticed over the years that there are surprises at every turn. I was amazed to discover that the most inner workings of our gigantic facility seem to be entirely made of cardboard. Not even our staff have been into some of our areas for a while. Just between you and me, we often rely on our visitors to help us find our way to the end of the tour, so everyone is important - we're in these tours together!
”This year there are several questions troubling me already that perhaps you can help with. Who knows what the Incredible Shrinking Machine does? Who put the bees in charge and why? Where’s Cynthia?”
Tour Guide Kath says: “Every year we update the themes and change the warehouse around, so even if you’ve been before come along this year and enjoy the new 2023 tour.”
Susan Clarke Artistic Director of B arts says: “The Lost Post Office is one hour of seasonal family fun where you can let your imagination run wild. We encourage all age groups to come along. It’s a relaxed and interactive performance where we walk from scene to scene. There’s always something new to join in with just around the corner.”
Thursday 14th December - Thursday 21st December 2023
More information and tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/b-arts
See photos/video of The Lost Post Office from previous years here: https://www.b-arts.org.uk/lostpostoffice
Newcastle’s Christmas lights switch on this Sunday
At noon, festivities will kick off in the heart of the town outside The Guildhall on High Street. The main stage, hosting a lineup from various dance and performing arts schools, including Shine Academy, NSCG Performing Arts students, and The Songloft, promises an afternoon of entertainment. Luking for Lucy, a pop duo, takes the spotlight, followed by a performance by over 50 singers from the renowned Rock Choir. At 5:15pm, Dan Budd as Robbie Williams will captivate the audience.
Appetite will have their typically fun offering welcoming people back to Newcastle Common in a new location, in The Lancaster Building (just opposite Boots), with activities to find out what you would like to see in the new space, a chance to visit their extraordinary library, and some badge making to celebrate anything you like, as well as a giant illuminated, moving snail just outside Café Nero. Newcastle Common will be open from 11am until the lights switch on in the town centre, with Luma, the beautiful illuminated snail by Air Giants from 1pm onwards.
Mayor Councillor Simon White, along with Your Heroes Awards nominees, will illuminate Newcastle-under-Lyme by switching on the Christmas lights. The event concludes with a set by local music scene favourite Levi Knapper at 6:30pm.
This year, an environmentally conscious decision replaces the traditional fireworks display with a spectacular laser show. The Business Improvement District (BID), collaborating with various organisations, ensures a full day of activities, including the Castle Artisan Market with over 40 traders, local food vendors, a lantern-making workshop with B arts (The Lantern Parade takes place on 2nd December), free craft activities for children, and festive attractions like Santa, fairground rides, and a visit from Elsa and Anna.
Free parking will be available on all Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council car parks.
Visitors are encouraged to check Newcastle under Lyme BID social media channels @newcastlebid for more information and a full list of stage performances and times.
Let’s get your news out there. Get in touch anytime!
Email: editor@northstaffs.news
thanks for now,
Jerome, the editor