Here’s your regular Friday subscriber-only NSN Main Edition, including the popular listing of Upcoming Events in North Staffordshire.
North Staffs News in Brief
⚽️ Port Vale Foundation’s adult pan-disability football team has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming league winners in their group in their first year! Congratulations to them! 17 players competed in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League. The initiative aims to provide disabled individuals in Stoke-on-Trent with opportunities for regular participation in competitive sport, promoting health, wellbeing, and social connections.
🦊 The winners of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's charity wildlife calendar competition have been announced. Twelve stunning photographs showcasing the beauty of local wildlife will be featured in the Trust’s 2024 calendar. The overall winner, to be chosen by wildlife photographer Kevin Morgans, will receive a camera bag and a signed book at a special event in August.
👉🏻 Staffordshire University engineering student Luke Cox has designed an affordable prosthetic hand inspired by his own disability. Born with missing fingers on his right hand, Luke aimed to create a hand that addressed his specific needs. His adjustable and modular design, utilising low-cost processes like 3D printing, ensures universality and affordability. Luke graduates with a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree this summer, and has already secured a job with a Derby based manufacturer.
💷 A £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) mark II is set to launch in 2024, supporting small and medium-sized businesses in our region. The fund, delivered by the British Business Bank, aims to drive economic growth and improve access to finance locally. “Since its inception, MEIF has invested more than £200m into the Midlands, supported the creation of more than 2,370 jobs across 595 Midlands businesses, and unlocked £301m of private sector co-investment”. Proposals from potential fund managers are now being sought for its operation.
🚘 Staffordshire Police has implemented state-of-the-art SmartWater forensic technology to combat vehicle crime. SmartWater vehicle kits allow residents and businesses in targeted areas to mark their vehicles with a unique forensic code, aiding in identifying stolen property and linking criminals to the crime scene. The initiative follows successful trials and proactive enforcement efforts, including arrests and charges related to vehicle theft. The technology can trace marked parts even if the vehicle is disassembled. Local officers have been handing out the kits to residents and businesses who are based in hotspot areas.
🚒 John Berrisford, a firefighter from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, has been nominated for the Uniformed Hero Award at the Your Heroes Awards. The awards celebrate local unsung heroes in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. With over 30 years of service, John supports start-up businesses, serves on the Board of Directors of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and is involved in community work. He expressed gratitude for the nomination and highlighted the importance of the fire service's role in the community.
👮 PC Claire Bond of Staffordshire Police has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her services to women's policing and communities in Staffordshire. PC Bond, who has also raised funds for charity and supported fellow officers, will receive the medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire on behalf of King Charles III at a later ceremony. She has previously been honored with a Pride of Britain Award in 2020 for her exceptional courage. Chief Constable Chris Noble commended PC Bond for her bravery and commitment to policing and community welfare.
👑 A couple of King’s Birthday Honours at Keele University too:
Dr Forrester-Soto, a virologist at Keele University, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her exceptional public communication during the Covid-19 pandemic. She became a prominent voice on radio and television, providing expert advice and answering questions from the public. With over 500 interviews conducted, she reached millions of people during the Covid-19 crisis.
Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham, Keele Professor of General Practice Research, has been awarded an OBE for her contributions to General Practice, Patient Care, and Primary Care Research, particularly in the field of Long Covid. Professor Chew-Graham holds significant positions within the field of primary care, including Chair of the Society Academic Primary Care and roles within the Royal College of General Practitioners.
🏥 A new £4.3 million respiratory ward has opened at Royal Stoke University Hospital, offering state-of-the-art facilities for patients requiring advanced respiratory care. The ward, funded by NHS England, features 26 beds including 14 single side rooms with enhanced infection prevention measures and improved patient confidentiality. The ward also includes a 10-bed Respiratory Support Unit for patients needing higher levels of monitoring and intervention. The new facility aims to provide a better patient experience and has been well-received by staff.
🏠 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has released the initial version of its Local Plan, outlining possible future locations for homes, businesses, community facilities and protected green spaces. The plan aims to ensure a sufficient housing supply and prevent unplanned development. A public consultation process has now started and will gather feedback, leading to revisions and inspections before final approval in 2024. Follow the link to details of the draft Local Plan, and face-to-face consultation opportunities.
📣 News to share? Get in touch anytime: editor@northstaffs.news
Get ready to ‘follow in Grandmothers’ footsteps’ at B arts Open Day
B arts in Stoke is hosting its monthly Climate Café AND a special Open Day on Saturday 1st July.
The Climate Café offers various family-friendly activities, while the Open Day allows visitors to explore behind-the-scenes at the B arts building.
Visitors can expect:
Artist demonstrations and workshops (spray painting, Ugly crafting and cardboard construction)
Craft stalls featuring fabulous hand made work by B arts associates
Live music from Good Habits
Walk about performers - the Artshill Performers Group,
Live well-being themed podcasting with the Social Agency
Tours of normally off-limits parts of the B arts building (Costumes at 11.00, 1.00 and 3.00, Archives and library at 12.00, 2.00 and 4.00)
Attendees are also encouraged to bring in their photos from past B arts events in Stoke, Newcastle, and the Moorlands to contribute to the newly started archive collection.
Refreshments will be available, including a 'pay as you feel' lunch, and a Tea Time Cabaret hosted by Eve Elle will complete the day.
Get it in your diary!
Upcoming Events
Ongoing to 31 July - Outside the Confines by Kate Jones, exhibition at Chapters cafe, Keele University. “Responding to paintings from the renaissance and Dutch golden age eras, which are ultimately displays of European power, wealth, and beauty, each work pays homage to a person that has played an important role in my personal life.” Free.
Ongoing to Saturday 24 June - A Play for The Living in a Time of Extinction, New Vic Theatre. “A life-changing journey to confront the urgent ecological disaster that is unfolding around us. Part ritual, part battle cry, and powered entirely by bicycles, this fiercely feminist off-grid production is a moving exploration of what it means to be human in an era of man-made extinction.” Ticketed.
Saturday 24 June - Stoke-on-Trent Pride, Hanley Park, “one of Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest and most vibrant annual community festivals welcoming everyone who values diversity in our City and wishes to celebrate equality.” Free.
Saturday 24 June, 10.45am to 3pm - Armed Forces Day, including “A Civic procession, military display and a host of family activities.” Procession starts at Castle House, Newcastle town centre. Free.
Saturday 24 June, 7.30pm - Concert with North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, Saint John Fisher Catholic College, Newcastle, ST5 2SJ. “Beethoven: Overture - The Consecration of the House; Chopin - Piano Concert No.2; Dvorak - Symphony No.8.” Ticketed.
Saturday 24 June, 7.30pm - Keele Bach Choir, Summer Concert, Keele University Chapel. “Join us for our summer concert which will showcase music inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. With songs old and new, there's something for everyone in this feast of mid-summer music.” Ticketed.
Sunday 25 June, 1pm to 4.30pm - Parade in the Park for Armed Forces Day, Queen’s Park Longton. “Army vehicles, armed forces displays, various stalls, Veterans charities, children’s entertainment.” Penkhull Brass Band too. Free.
Sunday 25 June, 1pm to 6pm - Open Day at The Bloc, Unit 6, Longton Exchange, next to Specsavers, “visit the new residents of Longton’s Cultural Quarter. Meet the artists and see live performances, hat making demonstration and workshop, and mini circus workshop!” Free.
Wednesday 28 June, 10.30am to 4pm - Traditional Spinning Taster Day at Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “Learn how to take sheep's wool and convert it into usable yarn using tools and techniques which have been available since before Newcastle-Under-Lyme got its first charter.” Ticketed.
Wednesday 28 June, 6.30pm - Edward Mackenzie: Assemblagist, “an evening with Edward Mackenzie and his presentation about his practice as an "assemblage artist." Lunar, World of Wedgwood, Barlaston, ST12 9ER. Presented by Lunar Art & Wine Society and Barewall Art Gallery. Ticketed.
Wednesday 28 June, 7pm - Quiz Night, presented by I-N Events and Let’s Cook! Ukraine, St Mark’s Church Hall, Broughton Road, Basford, “half time buffet with Ukrainian flair.” Ticketed. To book, contact Nicola on: 07901 832234.
Thursday 29 June and Friday 30 June - Around the World in 80 Days, The Rep Theatre, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke, “A cast of eight played over 125 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!” Ticketed.
Friday 30 June & Saturday 1 July, 7pm - Burnt Out in Biscuit Land by Touretteshero, Fenton Town Hall. “While the world outside is in chaos, three neurodiverse inhabitants of an apocalyptic bunker are doing their best to survive. Blending film, live performance and conversation, Touretteshero’s funny, surreal and moving show explores resistance and joy in the face of a crisis.” Ticketed.
Saturday 1 July - Climate Cafe and Open Day at B arts, Stoke. Family friendly arty activities, and a chance to take a sneaky peek behind-the-scenes at B arts venue - including the mega costume store! Free, with ‘pay as you feel’ lunch.
Saturday 1 July, 11am to 4pm - Gladstone Wakes, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Longton. “Take a Potters holiday and enjoy traditional 'Wakes' week activities with the sights and sounds of a Victorian funfair with a Carousel, Swing Boats, Coconut Shy and Hoopla stall.” Circus stuff too! Admission charges apply.
Saturday 1 July, 10am to 4pm - Art & Nature Workshops for National Meadows Day, at Stockton Brook Scout & Guide HQ, Moss Hill, ST9 9NW. “A day of Art & Nature in an old hay meadow set in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Paint, draw, sketch and discover the flora & fauna with us.” Free.
Saturday 1 July, 10am to 3pm - Summer Makers’ Fair, Dudson Museum, Hanley. “Enjoy a variety of market stalls filled with beautiful work created by local quality makers, complete with museum tours inside the bottle oven and activities for young children throughout the day.” Free.
Saturday 1 July, 11.30am - Knotty100: Exhibition opening and film show, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “Celebrate Newcastle's railway heritage with a special archive film show, costumed performances and book signing to launch the Museum's latest exhibition: Knotty 100.” Ticketed.
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 July - My Thousand Year Old Land (A song for BiH), New Vic Theatre, “A story of the search for truth, justice and hope through three generations of women.” Ticketed.
Saturday 8 July, 12.30pm to 10.30pm - Gin and Rum Festival, the King’s Hall, Stoke. “Discover new favourites with samples from our hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at our themed bars, and let your hair down with friends whilst enjoying music from our award-winning DJ and live entertainment.” Ticketed.
Sunday 9 July, 10am to 3pm - Summer Vegan Festival, “vast variety of 100% vegan goodies will be available, with local sanctuaries, rescues and groups to support.” Newcastle outdoor market.
Sunday 9 July, 11am to 7pm - Six Towns Reloaded Carnival, Hanley Park. Live performances, parade, funfair, food stalls, kids area, chill zone. Free.
Thursday 13 and Friday 14 July, 7.30pm - Seussical JR, Regent Theatre, Hanley. “This family show is the perfect opportunity to get lost in the wonderful world of Dr Seuss, where anything you can think of is possible!” Performed by The Regent Theatre Academy students. Ticketed.
Saturday 15 July, 1pm - The Railways of Newcastle-under-Lyme: Talk by Mike Fell OBE, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “The history of Newcastle station, the goods yard which paralleled Water Street and the Pool Dam branch which served the Brook Lane wharf, and the Gas Works in Goose Street. Also covered is the Liverpool Road Halt at Cross Heath and the Apedale branch railway.” Ticketed.
Sunday 16 July, from noon - RSPCA North Staffs Fun Dog Show, Bank Farm Pavilion, Church Bank, Oakamoor, ST10 3AN.
Tuesday 18 July, 10.30am - Closer to Home Nature Walk, Urban Wilderness CIC. “Meet at Fenton Park Methodist Church for a relaxed walk at Berry Hill Fields with expert ecologist Mark Ashby, to talk about plants and pollinators.” Free.
Sunday 23 July, 11am - Summer Craft Fair, Ford Green Hall, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NG.
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.
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Email: editor@northstaffs.news
thanks for now,
Jerome, the editor
Cheers JL