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Staffordshire Artists Society Hosts Springtime Meet-and-Greet at Barlaston Village Hall
The Society of Staffordshire Artists extends an open invitation for a delightful Springtime Get-Together at the Barlaston Village Hall, set to take place on Saturday, 6th April 2024, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. This event follows the success of their Summer 2023 gathering, aiming to connect art enthusiasts with local talent in a welcoming environment.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to preview a selection of works that hint at the exciting exhibitions planned for the year, including the highly anticipated showcase at Weston Hall this summer. The event is not just a display of artistic talent but also a chance for visitors to engage directly with the artists, gaining insights into their creative processes and inspirations.
In addition to exploring the art, guests can participate in prize draws, and purchase a variety of items such as art materials, books, handmade crafts, prints, and cards, all produced by the featured Staffordshire artists. The proceeds from these sales will support the Society in organising future events, fostering a vibrant local arts community.
An entrance fee of £2 will grant access to the event, covering an array of refreshments like tea, coffee, soft drinks, and cakes, ensuring a pleasant afternoon filled with art, conversation, and community spirit.
Connects Network Celebrates 10 Years of Building Business Connections
Connects Network, a pivotal community initiative steered by local business leaders, is commemorating its 10th anniversary by introducing new monthly meetings in Stoke-on-Trent designed to enrich the local business ecosystem.
In a significant move to enhance its reach and impact, Connects Network launched an additional monthly meeting on April 4, 2024, hosted at The Regent Theatre in Hanley. This initiative, supported by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District, aims to provide businesses and organisations with more opportunities to network, access vital resources, and explore new possibilities.
Originating in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the expansion into Stoke-on-Trent represents an effort to bridge communities and strengthen the support network for local enterprises. Monthly meetings feature inspiring guest speakers who share 'good news' stories and valuable information.
Co-founder Pete Herbert reflects on the journey: "It’s been an amazing experience running this meeting with a brilliant team of local business leaders, seeing connections made, supporting each other in their business ventures. The guest speaker section is a favourite with most, highlighting positive initiatives in our community."
Connects Network emphasises a no-pressure, informal networking atmosphere, without membership fees, thanks to the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID teams' support.
For more information about Connects and its guest speakers, visit www.connectsnetwork.co.uk/guest-speakers/
Newcastle-under-Lyme Set to Swing with 17th Jazz & Blues Festival This Summer
The Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival is making a much-anticipated return for its 17th year, set to take over the town center with a weekend filled with music and celebration from July 26th to 28th - save the date!
Over 40 artists are expected to perform across more than 15 venues, including the Castletown Distillery and Ten Green Bottles, promising a vibrant showcase of talent and entertainment.
Charl Pearce, BID Manager, expressed excitement about the festival's return.
Charl said: "We're thrilled to announce the return of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival. The Jazz Festival always makes for a great weekend and is popular amongst the public as well as the hospitality venues in the town.
“Making the decision to move the event from May to July means that event goers will be able to soak up the sun in one of the many beer gardens in the town alongside the sound of fantastic live music."
Sophie Wagstaff, General Manager at The Clubhouse, reminisced about last year's festival.
Sophie said: "It was great to be involved in the return of the Jazz & Blues Festival last year. We had five fantastic bands on across the weekend and the atmosphere was fantastic! We can't wait to be a venue again for this year's Jazz & Blues, it's going to be bigger and better!"
The festival, organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, not only celebrates the local music scene but also aims to boost foot traffic and support for local businesses.
For updates and line-up information, follow @jazzandbluesnewcastle on Facebook or visit www.newcastlejazzandblues.com
More North Staffs News - in brief:
Keele University Achieves Dual Excellence
Keele University ranks among the top 15 in England for both teaching and research excellence.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Keele stands in the prestigious "Golden Quadrangle," noted for achieving high standards in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework and Research Excellence Framework assessments.
Achieving Gold in teaching excellence again in 2023 and with 80% of its research rated as world-leading, Keele is committed to making a societal impact through education and research.
Stoke-on-Trent Council Partners with VAST
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has forged a five-year, £1.03 million partnership with VAST to bolster voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector support.
This strategic collaboration aligns with the council's "Our City Our Wellbeing" strategy, enhancing community development through leadership, partnerships, volunteering support, and capacity building.
The partnership, stemming from effective cooperation during the COVID-19 response and ongoing cost of living crisis, aims to empower communities, promote resilience, and reduce inequalities across the city.
Community Champion Supports Kids' Bed Campaign
Emmaus North Staffs has raised over £400 for its Beds for Kids campaign, thanks to Tesco Extra's Community Champion, Katie Higgins.
Through Higgins' efforts, a large Easter basket was raffled, contributing to the initiative that provides new beds, mattresses, and bedding to children in need.
This partnership exemplifies the power of community collaboration in addressing furniture poverty and supporting vulnerable families, with further support planned for the future.
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