North Staffs News & Events
Taekwondo world championship medals. More local Green Flag recognition. LoveNUL Business Awards open.
Here’s your regular Friday lunchtime subscriber-only NSN Main Edition, including the popular listing of Upcoming Events in North Staffordshire.
Blimey, this is our 50th edition! Go us!
This week’s events guide is a particularly ‘bumper’ listing, there’s so much going on locally.
Please share this newsletter with a friend on Facebook, in WhatsApp, and maybe even on X. (haha, X, what a daft new name for Twitter).
Stoke shines at Taekwondo World Championships
Stoke Taekwondo Club members have achieved remarkable success at this year’s Taekwondo World Championships.
The 3-day event at Coventry Sky Dome, spanning from the 14th to 16th of July, attracted over three thousand competitors from around the globe.
Neil Hinds, head instructor at Stoke Taekwondo Club, said: "The team is going from strength to strength, and we look forward to achieving more medal success in the coming tournaments ahead.”
Ladderedge Country Park recognised as one of country’s best
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Ladderedge Country Park, Leek.
Mark Preece, Senior Reserves Officer, at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said “Ladderedge is such a special place to many people, and importantly it is also very special for nature. It provides quality and varied habitat to lots of different wildlife. We’re thrilled to receive this national recognition, which is only possible thanks to the unwavering support from our passionate team of volunteers. They help me and my team week in, week out, whatever the weather and have dedicated hundreds of hours over the years.”
Which Newcastle business deserves your award nomination?
Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the launch of the first ever LoveNUL Business Awards.
The LoveNUL awards will recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Newcastle’s town centre shops, pubs, restaurants, and service providers, while fostering a sense of community, and providing networking opportunities for business owners and employees.
You can nominate your favourite town-centre business on the LoveNUL Business Awards website. Be quick, nominations close on 4th August!
North Staffs News in Brief
🏺 Twenty-Five Early Career Artists Chosen for British Ceramics Biennial's Flagship Exhibition - The British Ceramics Biennial, taking place in Stoke-on-Trent from 23 September to 5 November 2023, will feature the works of 25 selected early career artists in the Fresh exhibition. These talented artists, chosen from over 300 applicants, employ ceramics to address pressing contemporary issues. Among them are innovators like Martha Wiles, Erum Aamir, Hugo Hutchins, Caroline Chouler-Tissier, and Paul Anthony Griffin. Four of the artists will be awarded Fresh Talent Residencies, collaborating with Staffordshire University, Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Centre in Denmark, Grymsdyke Farm in Buckinghamshire, and the British Ceramics Biennial's BCB Studio in Stoke-on-Trent, with their works showcased in the next Biennial in 2025.
🎪 New Vic Theatre and Upswing Collaborate for Free Circus Performances - The New Vic Theatre is teaming up with Upswing, an award-winning circus company, to present Circus Flavours, a series of free circus performances and interactive workshops in Stoke-on-Trent this August. Aimed at anyone aged 7+, the high-energy experience offers an opportunity to witness breathtaking performances by Upswing's Associate Artists and then participate in an immersive and fun session to try out circus skills. The interactive showcase will take place at various locations in the city throughout August, featuring events at The Potteries Centre, Smithfield in Hanley, and The Big Feast. The New Vic's partnership with Upswing is part of their annual program funded by Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding. Links in the Upcoming Events listing, below.
🏔 Adecco Recruitment Team Triumphs on Scafell Pike Climb - The dedicated team from recruitment company Adecco battled adverse weather conditions to conquer Scafell Pike in the Lake District, raising almost £550 for Staffordshire Children's Hospital at Royal Stoke through UHNM Charity. The challenging climb proved rewarding as they successfully reached the summit, supporting UHNM's youngest patients and families.
📕 Staffordshire Libraries' Top 10 Summer Reads recommended - As we all put our feet up in the warm summer sunshine (eh?!), Staffordshire Libraries share their favourite books for sunny summer reading. The curated list includes gripping historical tales and haunting mysteries, catering to readers of all ages and interests. From dramas to chilling thrillers, these literary gems are sure to captivate book lovers throughout the season.
🏎 Staffordshire University Students Triumph with Second Place in Formula Student 2023 - Students from Staffordshire University showcased their talent by securing the second position in Formula Student 2023, beating racing teams from across the globe. The annual competition challenges participants to design, build, and race a miniature formula-style racing car. The university's racing team's success was achieved with support from local businesses like Alton Towers, KMF, and Rednal Carting. The team's remarkable achievement has made them the top UK team in the competition.
🛏 City Council Secures £460,000 to Aid Rough Sleepers - Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been granted £464,495 from the Rough Sleeping Initiative 2023-2025 to support the city's vulnerable rough sleepers. The funding will be used to hire specialist staff to work with rough sleepers, providing them with accommodation options and preventing homelessness after leaving institutions like hospitals or prisons. The money will also aid tailored solutions to individuals' needs and support accessing private rented accommodations.
Upcoming Events
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July, 10.30am to 5pm - Model Railway Exhibition, at St John’s Primary School, Wheatley Avenue, Trentvale, ST4 6SB. Ticketed for adults, free for accompanied children.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July, 10.30am to 4.30pm - Summer Steaming at Etruria Industrial Museum, experience the mill machinery in full steaming action. Ticketed.
Saturday 29 July & Sunday 30 July - Better World Festival, Hanley town centre, by Stoke BID, music stages and artisan market, “a fusion of art, music, and community engagement, all centred around creating a brighter future for our environment.” Free
Saturday 29 July, 11am to 4pm - Biddulph Family Fun Day, “Come along to the playing fields on Church Road for plenty of local business stalls, a funfair, games, dog show and competition plus so much more!” Free
Saturday 29 July, 1pm - The Leek and Manifold Light Railway- a talk by railway historian Phil Robinson, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “The Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway is the most iconic and much-missed railway in North Staffordshire, explore how the railway came into being in 1904, how it was designed and worked.” Ticketed.
Monday 31 July to 1 September - SPACE, “fun activities for 8-17 year-olds,” funded and co-ordinated by Staffordshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner’s Office. It’ll be worth checking the SPACE website and socials regularly over the summer for latest activity updates.
Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, and Thursday 3 August - Whatever The Weather, Summer School at B arts, Stoke. “Are you just starting your artist life? Want to meet people? Learn skills? Have fun? Workshop programme includes: lantern sculpture, music, costume characters, shadow puppets, story telling, construction, props and storytelling, shadow performance, making outdoor work, creating and devising an outdoor creative show and showcasing it in front of groups and an invited audience.” Booking essential.
Tuesday 1 August, 10am to noon - Portrait Pottery at Dudson Museum, Hanley, “In this session, you’ll be able to create a masterpiece portrait on a plate, which will be taken away at the end of the workshop to be fired in a kiln up to 1000 degrees!” Ticketed.
Wednesday 2 August - Wildchild Festival, Wolsley Centre, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. “Celebrate National Playday with wild adventures, laughter, and endless fun. The Wildchild Festival is the perfect opportunity for children and adults alike to reconnect with nature, let their imaginations run wild, and create memories that will last a lifetime.” Ticketed.
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 August, various times - Upswing Circus Flavours Workshops, partnered with New Vic Theatre, “a hands-on adventure that brings the excitement of circus to all… Try out professional circus equipment under the guidance of some of the UK's most talented circus artists.” Free, but ticketed.
Tuesday 8 August, 11am to 3.30pm - Pirate Day at Ford Green Hall, Smallthorne, ST6 1NG. “Come dressed as a Pirate, meet a pirate and learn about pirate life. Handle pirate weapons. Children's craft activity and pirate trail.” Ticketed.
Thursday 10 August, 10am & 1.30pm - Story Quest tour at Dudson Museum, “Pick up a free copy of ‘The Clinkers’ Story Quest and guide yourself around our wonderful magical trail. The Clinkers story has been created especially for the museum by the Stoke Reads team and by author and illustrator Kidda Kinsey.” Ticketed.
Friday 11 August, 10am - Summer Storytime with Mrs Potts, Dudson Museum, Hanley. “Come along to enjoy some exciting stories to accompany our new ceramics exhibition in the bottle oven called ‘Stories in Clay’.” Ticketed.
Saturday 12 August, 7pm - Punjab to The Potteries, New Vic Theatre, “a reading of two new short plays, commissioned by Appetite and New Vic, inspired by the journeys of local people whose families began their story in the Punjab region before settling in The Potteries.” Free.
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August, various times - Upswing Circus Flavours Workshops, partnered with New Vic Theatre, “a hands-on adventure that brings the excitement of circus to all… Try out professional circus equipment under the guidance of some of the UK's most talented circus artists.” Free, but ticketed.
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August - Teddy Bear Outing at Apedale Valley Light Railway. “Spot the bears on the journey, solve a puzzle and win a prize. Kids with bears (or other furry friends) travel for free! Steam trains 11.30 until 4pm every day.” Fares to ride.
Wednesday 16 August, 10am - Cool Ceramics workshop, Dudson Museum, Hanley. “Use real glazes on specially created pottery, made exclusively for the Dudson Museum. In this session, you’ll be able to create a plaque masterpiece to hang on your wall.” Ticketed.
Wednesday 16 August, 10.30am - 'Superworm' themed fun for 7 & under: Wild about Brampton, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “Wild bout Brampton is an indoor and outdoor parent/carer and children's group run by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.” Ticketed.
Thursday 17 August - Taster Day at The Potteries Centre, Upswing Circus Flavours, partnered with New Vic Theatre, “an open invitation for parents and carers to experience the magic of circus with their children aged 5+, and find out more about the New Vic’s circus partnership with Upswing.” Free.
Thursday 17 August, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle Film Show: Mining and Heroes, Brampton museum. “A special archive film show from Ray Johnson looking back at heroes and mining.” Ticketed.
Friday 18 August, 10am & 1.30pm - Story Quest tour at Dudson Museum, “Pick up a free copy of ‘The Clinkers’ Story Quest and guide yourself around our wonderful magical trail. The Clinkers story has been created especially for the museum by the Stoke Reads team and by author and illustrator Kidda Kinsey.” Ticketed.
Friday 18 to Sunday 20 August - Just So Festival, “step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits.” Rode Hall, ST7 3QT. Ticketed.
Sunday 20 August - Castle Artisan Market, The Stones, Newcastle. “The best local makers, bakers and creators.” Free.
Monday 21 August to Saturday 2 September - Eric’s Italian Job, New Vic Theatre. Ever popular character “Eric, having finally got a booking for his disco in Leighton Buzzard, witnesses the Great Train Robbery when his van breaks down as he’s starting for home.” Ticketed.
Wednesday 23 August - Weather? Whatever! B arts, Stoke, one day arts summer school for 16-17 year olds. “Come and get involved in a one day intensive workshop, to have a go at everything from making marks to making noise, culminating in a public exhibition on Friday 25th August in the Bread in Common Cafe.” Ticketed.
Thursday 24 August, 10am - Summer Storytime with Mrs Potts, Dudson Museum, Hanley. “Come along to enjoy some exciting stories to accompany our new ceramics exhibition in the bottle oven called ‘Stories in Clay’.” Ticketed.
Thursday 24 August, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle Talk: Azariah Clarke and mines rescue team, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “A special talk by Apedale mining museum about Azariah Clarke and mines rescue teams.” Ticketed.
Friday 25 & Saturday 26 August - The Big Feast, Appetite brings “performance, music and dance to the streets of the city centre.” More details very soon. Free, mark it in your diary now.
Saturday 26 August, 11am & 2.30pm - Punk Alley at The Big Feast, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley. An Appetite presentation, “a loud, wild, and unapologetic joyride of live original punk music and high energy dance. Don’t leave your adults at home – this is a punk show for everyone.” Free, but ticketed.
Monday 28 August, 11.30am to 4pm - Classic Cars and Steam Trains Day, at Apedale Valley Light Railway, Chesterton. “Chrome and old leather mixes with our gleaming steam engines!” Free to view, fares to ride.
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Email: editor@northstaffs.news
thanks for now,
Jerome, the editor