We’re making Friday at lunchtime our MAIN EDITION from this week - mostly so we can run with our timely ‘Upcoming Events’ listing that’s proving popular. Our main edition will also include summaries of any articles we’ve put on the NSN website during the week too.
But that’s not all, we also have some SPECIAL EDITION features in the editorial pipeline, including exclusive articles, podcasts, and photo stories. We’ll post these out as special editions for SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY (that’s you!) on occasional weekdays, once in a while.
You’ll might also have noticed that, as this NSN newsletter’s popularity is far outstripping social media - we’ve gone EMAIL-ONLY for engagement with our friends! Stuff those pesky algorithms! It feels a bit subversive, and we like that!
Don’t forget to let your friends in on it.
thanks for now,
Jerome - the editor.
Get in touch anytime: editor@northstaffs.news
VAST launches new Volunteering Quality Standards awards scheme
Voluntary sector support charity VAST has launched a new Volunteering Quality Standards awards scheme to improve volunteering experiences for organisations and volunteers locally.
With bronze, silver, and gold awards, the Volunteering Quality Standards set benchmarks for working with volunteers, and instil best practice across the local voluntary sector.
The Volunteering Quality Standards Awards scheme is free to access for organisations in North Staffordshire. There’s a useful range of templates for organisations to use to ensure they have clear and effective policies, procedures, and processes in place to recruit, train, and retain their valuable volunteers.
Sian Osborn, VAST Projects Officer said: “We’ve worked hard to get the Volunteering Quality Standards right, to make sure they’re as industry-led as possible. The best way to do that was to consult local volunteers and volunteer managers. By finding out what they think good volunteer management practices look like, we’ve been able to develop a set of standards that are realistic and achievable for voluntary sector organisations of all sizes. We don’t just look at an organisation and tell them what they can achieve, we find out what they want to achieve and why. We guide them through each stage of the assessment and actively work with them to create an action plan that is realistic and achievable.”
Domestic abuse support charity Glow has worked with VAST whilst relaunching their volunteering programme, and has been awarded GOLD status in the new awards scheme.
Sarah Heath, who leads Glow’s volunteer programme said: “To be recognised as gold standard is just incredible. It feels really special because we all work so hard every single day – including our volunteers – to make sure we’re providing the best volunteering offer possible. This kind of scheme can typically be quite expensive which is unrealistic for many organisations, especially small charities. The fact that VAST have launched this locally, free of charge, is just brilliant. It will have such an impact on organisations and individuals across the voluntary sector.”
For more information on VAST’s Volunteering Quality Standards, please email volunteering@vast.org.uk
Get ready to go 30 Days Wild!
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is calling all local nature enthusiasts and adventurers to reconnect with nature throughout the 30 days of June.
#30DaysWild is a national initiative funded by The People’s Postcode Lottery. It aims to inspire us to gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world right on our doorstep.
Alexis Johnson, Wild Wellbeing Lead at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, explained: “30 Days Wild is a chance for adventure, which allows us to rediscover the beauty and importance of the natural world. By taking part in this challenge, together we can make a real difference to our local wildlife while enjoying the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that nature brings us.
“Whether it’s planting wildflowers, recycling, or simply spending time in nature, every small action contributes to the larger mission of protecting and preserving our planet.”
There’s a free 30 Days Wild pack you can get when you register, it’s full of ideas about how you can get connected with nature every day. Register here: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) shared even more news with NSN this week too…
Hundreds more North Staffordshire school children are set to learn more about nature
SWT are set to run two exciting new projects at 17 schools around Staffordshire thanks to funding bid success.
Funding from The Ironmongers’ Company will assist the Trust to deliver six weekly Forest School sessions at 12 schools in Stoke-on-Trent.
Thanks to a grant from The Edward Cadbury Trust, Wilder Schools will be delivered at five further schools, including two in Stoke-on-Trent.
Aimee Burrows, SWT Wildchild and Engagement Lead, said: “Through the Wilder Schools and Forest School sessions we’ll help teachers and children make outside learning and connecting with nature part of their week.
“We’ll support them as they gain confidence and ideas of ways to improve their school for nature. By the end of the year those involved will be wildlife champions for their school and the wider community.
“This means in years to come many more children will benefit and understand how nature can help us, and the simple ways we can help it too.”
Full article on NSN website here.
Newcastle’s Jazz & Blues Festival line-up announced
Over 40 artists and bands are to perform in 15 of Newcastle’s town centre venues in this year’s Jazz & Blues Festival, its 16th anniversary!
The festival will take place on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May, and is organised by Newcastle BID.
The FULL LISTING is now on the NSN website.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 19 May, 7.30pm - An Evening with Terry Conroy and presenter Nigel Johnson, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley. “Stoke City legend Terry Conroy in conversation with 'Mr. Stoke City' , presenter and commentator Nigel Johnson. A night not to missed for all the Potters fans!” Ticketed.
Saturday 20 May - The Card opens at New Vic Theatre, Newcastle. “A revival of Claybody Theatre’s original production seen at Fenton Town Hall in 2022, this joyous stage adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s classic comic novel is set in a fictionalised Stoke-on-Trent known as The Five Towns.”
Saturday 20 May - exhibition Around the World in 80 Dolls opens at Potteries Museum and Gallery, Hanley. “Inspired by the 150th anniversary of the publication in 1873 of the adventure novel, this family-friendly summer exhibition, explores the museum’s wonderful doll collection.” Free.
Sunday 21 May, 10am to 3pm - Castle Artisan Market, “the best local makers, bakers, and creators”, on The Stones market place, Newcastle town centre.
Sunday 21 May, 10am to 1pm - Limes Allotments Plant Fair, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, “vegetable and flower seedlings, plus handicrafts and pre-loved items for sale.”
Wednesday 24 May to Saturday 27 May, 7.30pm - Sheila’s Island by Endon Dramatic Society, a comedy play written by Tim Firth, Endon Village Hall ST9 9DR. Ticketed.
Thursday 25 May, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle: Thomas Harrison, a talk at Brampton Museum, “He fought in many battles as a parliamentarian against the monarchy during The English Civil War. Harrison was one of fifty-nine commissioners who signed the King's death warrant.” Ticketed.
Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm - Comedy Kiln, Bottlecraft, Hanley, “a new material comedy night, fantastic acts from across the circuit.” Ticketed.
Friday 26 May, 7pm - Stoke Cult Film Club – The Abyss, Potteries Museum, Hanley. “Enjoy the 1989 classic film The Abyss (Cert 15) on the big screen.” Ticketed.
Friday 26 to Sunday 28 May - Jazz and Blues Festival, Newcastle. “40 artists from across the county will join the 3 day festival to perform in 15 most loved town-centre venues.” Organised by Newcastle BID. Full line-up listing on NSN website here.
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May - Your City Festival. “Taking over Stoke-on-Trent's City Centre's most prestigious grassroots venues and pop-up stages to bring you a selection of the hottest emerging talent the UK and beyond has to offer.” Ticketed.
Saturday 27 May to Monday 29 - Luminarium in Leek, with OUTSIDE Arts, “The Luminarium is an interactive walk-in sculpture by Architects of Air and designed by Alan Parkinson. A dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes.” Ticketed.
Sunday 28 May, 11am to 3.30pm - Spring Craft Fair, Ford Green Hall, Smallthorne ST6 1NG. Stalls inside and out, free admission, tea room open.
Tuesday 30 May, 10am - Zest For Life with Nick Degg Poet, Newcastle library. “Nick and friends present 2 hours of poetry about dyslexia, and why it needn’t be a hindrance to creativity.” Email newcastle.library@staffordshire.gov.uk to reserve a seat.
Wednesday 31 May, 10am to 4pm - Circus Fun, Skills and Surprises' with Andrew Van Buren, Brampton Museum, multiple ticketed sessions, “a fun interactive circus skills workshop and performance - learn juggling, spinning plates, diablo and more.”
Wednesday 31 May, 10.30am - Storytime with Mrs Potts, Dudson Museum, Hanley, “a morning of crafts for toddlers and little ones - well behaved parents, carers, and guardians are also welcome.” Free, but ticketed.
31 May & 1 June - Staffordshire County Show, at Staffordshire County Showground, the county’s big event, agricultural competitions, events and presentations. Ticketed.
Friday 2 June, 6.30pm - Degree Show opens at Staffordshire University. “We invite you to visit our campus and enjoy the creative work of our students graduating from BA (Hons) Art and Design and Media and Performance courses.” College Rd, Stoke.
Saturday 3 June, 11am to 4pm - Celebrate Newcastle at Brampton Museum, with Appetite and friends, “a day of medieval entertainment and fantastical fun to celebrate 850 years of Newcastle-under-Lyme becoming a borough!” Free.
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June, 11am to 5pm - Etruria Canals Festival, with B arts, historic narrowboat gathering, arts workshops, performances, craft stalls and exhibitors, beer tent and street food. Free.
Sunday 4 June, 10am to 4pm - Stoke Craft & Flea, King’s Hall, Stoke, £2.50 admission. “Shop LOCAL in an authentic twist on the traditional craft market with a huge selection of high-quality and on-trend products.”
Friday 9 June, 7.30pm - Potteries Folk present Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer, The Cafe, Fenton Town Hall. “A versatile miscellany of self-penned and imaginatively arranged songs with guitar, woodwind, and percussion.” Ticketed.
Saturday 10 June - Recast exhibition opens at Airspace Gallery, Hanley. “Celebrating the power of clay and creativity to support drug and alcohol addiction recovery. The exhibition brings together work by 20 individuals.” Free.
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thanks for now,
Jerome