Here’s your regular Friday subscriber-only NSN Main Edition, including the popular listing of Upcoming Events in North Staffordshire.
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Jerome, the editor.
ps - I’ll be visiting B arts Open Day in Stoke on Saturday afternoon, grab me for a chat there.
North Staffs News in Brief
🎭 The New Vic theatre has announced details of its autumn season this week. It promises a diverse range of shows, including the return of Astley's Astounding Adventures and a magical adaptation of The Nutcracker for Christmas. The lineup also features Eric's Italian Job, Faith Healer, Constant Companions, and Eric's Pride and Prejudice. Expect thrilling performances, thought-provoking narratives, and festive twists - guaranteed entertainment for all ages.
🚴♀️ A dedicated cycling team has raised an impressive £90,000 for Dougie Mac hospice. The self-named “Fat Bottomed Boys & Girls” cycling team are made up of customers, suppliers and staff of the TIP Group. Over three days, nearly 50 participants of various ages and abilities cycled 300km along the Dalmatian Coast, conquering steep hills and scorching conditions. This achievement adds to the team's remarkable total of £500,000 raised for local causes over the past decade. The funds will greatly benefit Dougie Mac's support for local families.
👑 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has commissioned a new bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II as part of the town's 850th anniversary celebrations. To be created by renowned Staffordshire artist Andy Edwards, the statue will be based on photographs from the Queen's visit to the town in 1973. The sculpture will be placed in Queens Gardens. The statue aims to be a lasting tribute and local landmark, reflecting the Queen's connection to the community. It is expected to be unveiled to the public in 2024.
🎓 Keele University and The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust have formed a partnership to enhance student opportunities and research into industrialisation. The collaboration will involve joint projects and research, with Keele academics using the Trust's collections and archives to delve into the site's heritage and societal impact. Students and graduates will also have access to internships and placements within the Trust's museums and archives, providing real-world experience in the field. The partnership aims to explore the history and legacy of the Industrial Revolution and foster a deeper understanding of industrialisation's transformative effects.
🍏 A new, discreet, self-referral Digital Weight Management Programme has been launched by NHS in North Staffordshire, aiming to help individuals adopt healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and achieve weight loss. Residents aged 18 and above with an obese BMI can refer themselves and access free online 12-week weight management plans. These plans provide personalised advice, recipes, nutrition guidance, well-being support, and activity tips, with collaboration from various weight-management organisations. Participants can conveniently access the program content on smartphones, tablets, or computers, completing it at their own pace.
🏌️♀️ Golf-loving celebrities, businesses, and the public joined forces to raise over £13,000 for UHNM Charity, benefiting patient care at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. Eighteen teams participated in a fundraising golf day at Barlaston Golf Club on Friday 16 June, enjoying 18 holes of golf, a barbeque, and evening entertainment. The event, sponsored by LD Property and Tile Central UK, exceeded last year's amount, with the funds contributing to enhancing patient experiences and environments. Local sports figures, including boxer Nathan 'Hitman' Heaney and former Stoke City FC midfielder Liam Laurence, also attended the event.
🎓 Professor Liz Boath from Staffordshire University has received the prestigious Harvey Baker Award for Excellence in Research for her work on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as 'tapping'. Dr Boath, a leading researcher in the field, was honored for her significant contributions to EFT research and her recent book. She was recognised for documenting the effectiveness of EFT in various areas such as anxiety relief, PTSD treatment, and academic performance enhancement. The award was presented at the International Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) conference in the United States.
🤼♀️ Together Active introduces its new Senior Leadership Team. Together Active is the strategic lead for sport and physical activity across the county of Staffordshire. It’s a network of local agencies dedicated to increasing physical activity and sport participation, funded by Sport England, Local Authorities, and Universities. The new leadership team aims to support those facing economic challenges, long-term health conditions, and social exclusion.
🏘 The Crown Works site in Longton has received planning approval for redevelopment into town centre homes. The site's historical significance to ceramics production will be preserved, with the inclusion of original design features. The development is expected to bring new life to the area, attract investment, and support local businesses. Work on the transformation will begin this summer. OVI Homes, the developer, is keen to inform and involve the local community and is working with community organisation Urban Wilderness to identify opportunities.
📣 News to tell? Get in touch anytime: editor@northstaffs.news
Upcoming Events
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 4pm - Keele Pre-loved and Makers Market, “Browse up to 60 stalls selling pre-loved clothes, toys, household items, and hand-crafted, unique gifts at Keele University Student's Union. There are streetfood vendors, serving hot food including breakfast items.” Free
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.
Sunday 16 July, 11am to 3.30pm - Tudor and Stuart Day, Ford Green Hall, Smallthorne, ST6 1NG, “the fabulous Gloriana living history group will be throwing some Tudor shapes on the dance floor! Meet a town watchman and learn about crime and some of the grisly punishments inflicted 400 years ago.” Ticketed entry to Hall.
Sunday 16 July - Castle Artisan Market, on The Stones throughout the day in Newcastle town centre, “the best local makers, bakers and creators.” Free
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.
Thursday 20 July, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle Film Show: Sporting Legends, Brampton Museum, Newcastle. “A special archive film show from Ray Johnson looking back at the sporting legends of Newcastle under Lyme and Staffordshire.” Ticketed.
Sunday 23 July, 11am - Summer Craft Fair, Ford Green Hall, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NG.
Thursday 27 July, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle Talk: 'Newcastlians' at Play, Brampton Museum, Newcastle, “A special talk by Mervyn Edwards looking back at sport and games in Newcastle and North Staffordshire.” Ticketed.
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, 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.
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Get in touch anytime.
Email: editor@northstaffs.news
thanks for now,
Jerome, the editor
ps - I visited Silverdale Country Park again this week. Photos…